JP2005268146A - Fuel cell - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a fuel cell in which its miniaturization is achieved by jointing a pair of separators and a polymer membrane without using a mechanical jointing means such as a pin by applying a jointing technique of synthetic resin layer materials of different kinds to the fuel cell, and the drying of a PEM (Proton Exchange Membrane) is prevented to achieve an excellent resistivity of the PEM. <P>SOLUTION: A thermoplastic resin layer constituting one separator from among adjacent separators is a laser transmissive resin layer; and a thermoplastic resin layer constituting the other separator is a laser absorbing resin layer. With the pair of separators laminated, a laser is radiated from the laser transmissive resin layer, and melts the laser absorbing resin layer, whereby the adjacent resin layers are jointed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a fuel cell, and more particularly to a fuel cell that achieves an excellent resistivity of a proton exchange membrane (hereinafter simply referred to as “PEM”) while reducing the size of the fuel cell. It relates to manufacturing technology.

  In general, in a fuel cell, a single cell in which separators are stacked on both sides of a flat electrode structure (hereinafter simply referred to as “MEA”) is one unit, and a plurality of units are stacked. Configured as a fuel cell stack. The MEA has a three-layer structure in which an electrolyte membrane composed of an ion exchange resin layer or the like is sandwiched between a pair of gas diffusion electrodes constituting a positive electrode (cathode) and a negative electrode (anode). In the gas diffusion electrode, a gas diffusion layer is formed on the outside of the electrode catalyst layer in contact with the electrolyte membrane. The separator is laminated so as to be in contact with the gas diffusion electrode of the MEA, and a gas flow path and a refrigerant flow path for allowing gas to flow between the gas diffusion electrode and the separator are formed. According to the fuel cell having the above configuration, for example, hydrogen gas as a fuel is caused to flow in the gas flow channel facing the negative electrode side gas diffusion electrode, and oxygen, air, or the like is oxidized in the gas flow channel facing the gas diffusion electrode on the positive electrode side. When a sex gas is flowed, an electrochemical reaction occurs and electricity is generated.

  Such a fuel cell realizes excellent alignment or the like when forming a single cell composed of an MEA and a separator or stacking the single cells to improve durability and airtightness. Various techniques have been proposed in order to obtain a high level of accuracy such as alignment.

  That is, for example, in the technique related to the alignment, the tip pin of the holding pin that holds the unit cell in combination with the retaining ring inserted into the retaining pin insertion side holding hole and the retaining ring insertion side holding hole protrudes from the outer surface of the separator. In addition, a fuel cell is disclosed in which unit cells are stacked by fitting into a pin tip insertion hole provided at one end of a holding pin of an adjacent unit cell (see Patent Document 1). Further, in the technology for improving the corrosion resistance and air tightness of the fuel cell, the metal plate has each flow path of fuel gas, oxidizing gas, or refrigerant of the fuel cell, and the resin layer portion has fuel gas, oxidizing gas, Alternatively, there is disclosed a separator manufactured as a fuel cell metal separator configured to have each communication port for circulating a refrigerant, and formed integrally with a metal plate and a resin layer portion by injection molding ( Patent Document 2). Furthermore, in the resin layer bonding technology for the purpose of facilitating the bonding between members and improving the design effect, etc., when overlapping different types of synthetic resin layer materials and bonding them together, A method for joining different types of synthetic resin layer materials is disclosed in which the other resin layer material is made to be laser-absorbing while being made to be transparent, and these are superposed and then irradiated with laser from the laser-permeable resin layer side (patent) Reference 3).

JP 2000-12067 A (Claims) JP 2003-223903 A (Claims) Japanese Examined Patent Publication No. 62-49850 (Claims)

  In the technique described in Patent Document 1, a PEM having a low resistivity is formed by allowing a polymer resin layer to saturately contain water in assembling a solid polymer fuel cell. However, this excellent resistivity has the problem that its effect dilutes upon drying of the film. Also, in this technique, a single cell is formed by sandwiching the MEA by a separator having a seal, and after the PEM is prevented from drying at this stage, the single cell is stacked to form a fuel cell assembly. . In this case, when a single cell is formed, a structure is employed in which holes are formed in a pair of separators and a polymer membrane and these are fastened with pins or the like, so this pin fastening portion occupies a large area. There is also a problem that it is difficult to reduce the size of the fuel cell.

  Further, the technique described in Patent Document 2 is to manufacture a single cell by connecting a metal to an electrode-corresponding portion and a communication port portion for communicating a fluid from a resin layer in the structure of a separator that forms a single cell. Therefore, the pin fastening portion is omitted. For this reason, it can be said that this technique simplifies the manufacturing process as compared with the technique described in Patent Document 1. However, since the sealing material is used for drying the film, it is difficult to completely prevent the film from drying.

  Furthermore, the technique described in Patent Document 3 is a method of easily joining different types of synthetic resin layer materials by laser without reducing the strength of both synthetic resin layer materials. However, there is no description that can be applied to fuel cells, and no investigation has been made.

  In view of such circumstances, in recent years, a technology for realizing a miniaturization of a fuel cell by joining a pair of separators and a polymer membrane without using a hole and using a mechanical fastening means such as a pin. Development is required. In addition, in order to realize an excellent resistivity of PEM, development of a technique for preventing PEM from drying is also required. Furthermore, if the joining technique of different types of synthetic resin layer materials described in Patent Document 3 can be applied to a fuel cell, remarkable technical progress can be expected in the future fuel cell field.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above various demands, and in particular, by applying a joining technique of different types of synthetic resin layer materials to a fuel cell, the fuel cell is composed of a pair of separators and a polymer membrane is composed of pins or the like. It aims at providing the fuel cell which prevented drying of PEM, in order to implement | achieve size reduction by joining without using a mechanical fastening means, and to implement | achieve the outstanding resistivity of PEM.

  That is, the fuel cell of the present invention (first invention) is formed by laminating a plurality of single cells each configured by sandwiching an MEA having a catalyst layer and a diffusion layer on both sides of an electrolyte membrane with a pair of separators, The separator includes a metal inner member and a thermoplastic resin layer provided on an outer peripheral portion of the metal inner member, and among the adjacent separators, the thermoplastic resin layer constituting one separator is a laser transmissive resin. The thermoplastic resin layer constituting the other separator is a laser-absorbing resin layer, and the laser absorption is performed by irradiating a laser from the laser-transmitting resin layer side in a state where the pair of separators are laminated. It is characterized in that adjacent resin layers are joined together by melting the conductive resin layer.

  In the first invention, it is desirable that the laser irradiation part forms an annular body and the MEA is positioned inside the annular body (second invention) in a plan view of adjacent separators.

  In the first and second aspects of the invention, when the separator having the laser transmissive resin layer is joined to the separator having the laser absorbing resin layer, the laser is irradiated while the MEA is sandwiched between the adjacent separators. (3rd invention) is desirable.

  Furthermore, in the first to third inventions, the laser-absorbing resin layers constituting the separators adjacent to both of these separators are sandwiched by each of the laser-permeable resin layers constituting the two non-adjacent separators, The two interfaces formed by these three resin layers are simultaneously bonded (fourth invention), and each laser-transmissible resin layer constituting the two separators has a protrusion, and these two lasers are transmitted. The laser-absorbing resin layers adjacent to each other, the laser-absorbing resin layers constituting the separators adjacent to both of the two separators are sandwiched by these laser-transmitting resin layers, and 3 formed by these three resin layers When two interfaces are joined simultaneously (fifth invention), and two adjacent separators each have a laser-absorbing resin layer. To, with the laser-transparent resin layer on their outer periphery, and laminating the two separators, it has joined four interface formed by these four resin layers simultaneously (sixth invention) is preferable. In the sixth invention, a plurality of single cells formed by simultaneously bonding the four interfaces are stacked, and the four interfaces formed in the vicinity of the contact points between the single cells are simultaneously bonded by laser irradiation. (Seventh invention) is desirable.

  In addition, in the above first to seventh inventions, when two laser transmissive resin layers constituting two adjacent separators are laminated, a laser absorbing resin layer is disposed between the two laser transmissive resin layers. Then, it is desirable that two interfaces are formed by these three resin layers, and the two interfaces are simultaneously bonded by irradiating a laser while sandwiching the MEA between the two separators (the eighth invention). In the eighth invention, a plurality of single cells formed by simultaneously bonding the two interfaces are stacked, and a laser-absorbing resin layer is disposed between the single cells to form two interfaces. It is desirable that the two interfaces be simultaneously irradiated with a laser (the ninth invention).

  Finally, in the first to ninth inventions, the laser transmissive resin layer constituting the separator and the MEA having the laser absorbing member are laminated, and the laser is irradiated from the laser transmissive resin layer side, By melting the MEA laser-absorbing member, the separator and the MEA are joined (tenth invention), and the heat-absorbing material is sandwiched between the laser-permeable resin layer and the MEA constituting the separator. It is desirable that the two interfaces be formed simultaneously by forming two interfaces and irradiating a laser from the laser-transmitting resin layer side to melt the heat absorbing material (the eleventh invention).

The first to eleventh inventions described above are the fundamental part of the present invention relating to the joining mode of each component of the fuel cell. In the following, further preferred embodiments of the present invention relating to the material selection of each component of the fuel cell will be described.
In the first to eleventh inventions, as the laser transmissive resin layer, a thermoplastic resin layer (PPS, LCP, PEEK, or PC) or a thermoplastic resin layer (PPS, LCP, PEEK, coated with silicone rubber) is used. Or PC) (the twelfth invention) is desirable, and a thermoplastic resin layer (PPS, LCP, PEEK, or PC) impregnated with carbon or a dye is used as the laser-absorbing resin layer. (13th invention) is desirable.

  In the tenth aspect of the invention, it is desirable that a gas permeable metal material (foam metal or fine wire metal felt) or a carbon material (fourteenth aspect) is used as the laser absorbing member of the MEA. In the invention, as the heat absorbing material, a thermoplastic resin layer (PPS, LCP, PEEK, or PC) or a thermoplastic resin layer impregnated with carbon or a dye (PPS, LCP, PEEK, or PC) is used. (15th invention) is desirable.

  Further, in the eighth invention, it is desirable that the laser-absorbing resin layer is integrated with the laser-transmitting resin layer by injection molding or bonding after the laser-transmitting resin layer is formed (the sixteenth invention). In the sixth invention, it is desirable that the laser-transmitting resin layer is integrated with the laser-absorbing resin layer by injection molding or bonding after the laser-absorbing resin layer is formed (17th invention).

  In addition, in the tenth aspect of the invention, the MEA laser-absorbing member is located on one side of the PEM, the PEM, the large diffusion layer having a relatively large surface area, and the other side of the PEM. And a small diffusion layer having a smaller surface area than the large diffusion layer, the large diffusion layer is made of a gas-permeable metal material or carbon material, and the large diffusion layer is integrated with a resin layer of an adjacent separator. Preferably, the reinforcing ribs are provided on at least one of the outer peripheral portion of the laser absorbing member of the MEA and the inner peripheral portion of the communication port in the tenth and eighteenth inventions (the nineteenth invention). Invention) is desirable.

  Finally, in the tenth, eighteenth, or nineteenth invention, it is desirable that an assembly guide hole is provided in the outer periphery of the MEA laser absorbing member (twentieth invention). In the sixth or eighth invention, It is desirable that a seal be formed by applying an adhesive to the exposed part interface of the PEM of the MEA (21st invention).

  According to the various inventions described above (the first to 21st inventions) described above, the joining technique of different kinds of synthetic resin layer materials is applied, and a pair of separators and a polymer film are used as mechanical fastening means such as pins. Therefore, it is possible to provide a fuel cell in which the PEM is prevented from being dried in order to achieve miniaturization by bonding without reducing the PEM and to realize the excellent resistivity of the PEM. Specifically, in the first invention, by applying a joining technique of different types of synthetic resin layer materials, a pair of separators and a polymer film are joined without using mechanical fastening means such as pins to achieve miniaturization. In the second aspect of the invention, the PEM can be prevented from drying, and an excellent resistivity of the PEM can be realized. The third to twenty-first inventions are various variations of the invention based on the first and second inventions.

  Other effects in comparison with the prior art of the present invention are listed below. In other words, in cell stack structures that require a high level of seal reliability, conventionally, the height accuracy of the silicone rib seal part, the surface roughness of the seal surface, the surface pressure during stacking, and thermal degradation There were problems such as a decrease in sealing performance due to pressure, a decrease in burst pressure resistance when pressure was abnormal, and gas permeation. However, according to the present invention, all of these problems are eliminated by the various configurations described above. In addition, since the present invention employs bonding by laser irradiation, a conventionally used seal is not necessary. For this reason, the lamination load of the resin frame surface becomes unnecessary, and the balance management between the seal surface pressure and the electrode surface pressure, which has been conventionally required, is also unnecessary. Moreover, from such a thing, the surface pressure management by the load only of an electrode part can be made easy by the variation (at least 1 of the suitable embodiment shown below) of invention.

  Furthermore, conventionally, a thin-walled resin frame and a press separator for an electrode part are liable to be warped or undulated after molding, and application of a liquid seal or the like is very low in productivity, and it is difficult to form cells. However, in the present invention, even if there is warping or waviness in the separator during the joining process, laser joining can be easily performed by using a transparent pressing jig such as glass, acrylic or PC that can be corrected during laser joining. Therefore, high productivity can be realized.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of a fuel cell of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
(Embodiment 1-1: corresponding to claims 1-3, 5, 12, 13)
FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a preferred embodiment of the fuel cell of the present invention. Fig.1 (a) shows about each structural member in the case of pinching MEA3 when laminating | stacking two separators 1 and 2, and integrating these. As shown in FIG. 1 (a), the two separators 1 and 2 are respectively made of metal members 1a and 2a, a laser-transmitting resin layer 1b, a laser-absorbing resin layer 2b, and metal members 1a and 2a. The connecting portions 1c and 2c connect the resin layers 1b and 2b. The resin layers 1b and 2b are respectively formed with communication ports 1d and 2d through which various fluids flow. The MEA 3 is located on one side of the PEM 3a and the PEM 3a, and the large diffusion layer 3b having a relatively large surface area, and the small diffusion layer 3c located on the other side of the PEM 3a and having a smaller surface area than the large diffusion layer 3b. It consists of.

  When these two separators 1 and 2 are joined, the MEA 3 is sandwiched and laminated between the separators 1 and 2 as shown in FIG. Next, with the target at predetermined locations 4 to 7 at the interface between the resin layers 1b and 2b, a laser is irradiated in the direction of the arrow 8 from the laser transmissive resin layer 1b side, and heat is generated by absorption of the laser into the resin layer 2b. The interface is melted and bonded to form a single cell. At the time of the laser irradiation, it is preferable to apply an appropriate surface pressure to the two separators 1 and 2 using a pressure jig that transmits laser so that there is no gap at the melt interface. In addition, while aligning the focal point of the laser to the interface and performing irradiation melting, the irradiation position is moved in the surface direction of the separator 1 to draw an arbitrary line to form a desired bonding line, thereby realizing excellent melt bonding properties. be able to. In addition, when the conventional sealing means is further employed, a single cell having both melt-bonding properties and sealing properties can be formed.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 1 (c), a plurality of single cells shown in FIG. 1 (b) are stacked, and in FIG. 1 (c), two single cells 9 and 10 are stacked, and a separator is further provided at the bottom. 11 is laminated and the interface is melted by heat generated by irradiating the laser in the direction of the arrow 14 from the right side of the figure with the target 12 and 13 of each interface and absorbing the laser into the resin layer 2b. To obtain a fuel cell.

(Embodiment 1-2: corresponding to claims 1-4, 12, 13)
FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view showing another preferred embodiment of the fuel cell of the present invention. 2A shows the separators 21 and 22 and MEA 23 constituting the single cell, and FIG. 2B shows the single cell obtained by joining the constituent members shown in FIG. 2 (c) shows a fuel cell obtained by stacking single cells shown in FIG. 2 (b). The embodiment shown in these drawings (a) to (c) is basically the same as the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 (a) to (c), but as shown in FIG. The shape of the laser-transmitting resin layer 21b and the laser-absorbing resin layer 22b of the separator 22 is the same as that of the laser-transmitting resin layer 1b of the separator 1 and the laser-absorbing resin layer 2b of the separator 2 shown in FIG. Different from shape. Due to these differences, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the stacking and joining modes of the single cells in FIG. 2C are different from the stacking and joining modes of the single cells in FIG. That is, in FIG. 1 (c), the three interfaces formed by the laser-transmitting resin layer 1b and the laser-absorbing resin layer 2b are joined by simultaneously irradiating a laser from the right direction of FIG. 1 (c). ing. On the other hand, in FIG. 2C, the predetermined portions 24 and 25 formed by two interfaces formed by the laser-transmitting resin layer 21b and the laser-absorbing resin layer 22b are simultaneously viewed from the laser-transmitting resin layer 21b side. By irradiating in the direction of arrow 26, bonding is realized. In the example shown in FIG. 2 (c), a laser is irradiated from the upper side of the figure to join the two interfaces at the same time. It is preferable to form a fuel cell by irradiating a laser from the above, and then laminating other single cells and irradiating the laser from above in the same figure, and repeating these operations. It is also possible to stack a number of single cells in advance and then irradiate the laser from the top of the figure at the same time. In this case, the laser reaches the lowest irradiation position. Therefore, it is preferable to reduce the outermost thickness of the laser-absorbing resin layer 22b.

(Embodiment 1-3: corresponding to claims 1-4 and 12-14)
FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view showing another preferred embodiment of the fuel cell of the present invention. Embodiment 1-3 shown in FIG. 3 is an example different from Embodiments 1-1 and 1-2 in that the MEA is preliminarily assembled in a separator. That is, as shown in FIG. 3A, the separator 31 includes a metal member 31a and a laser transmissive resin layer 31b, and the MEA 32 is located on one side of the PEM 32a and the PEM 32a, and has a relatively large surface area. It consists of a large large diffusion layer 32b and a small diffusion layer 32c located on the other side of the PEM 32a and having a smaller surface area than the large diffusion layer 32b. When the separator 31 and the MEA 32 are temporarily assembled, as shown in FIG. 3B, the large diffusion layer 32b of the MEA 32 is in close contact with the laser-permeable resin layer 31b of the separator 31 and then, With the target 33 at the interface as a target, laser irradiation is performed in the direction of the arrow 34 from the laser transmissive resin layer 31b side, and the molten resin layer is melted in the pores of the large diffusion layer 32b that generates heat, thereby realizing bonding. The separator 31 and the MEA 32 are temporarily assembled. As described above, after the temporary assembly, the single cells can be formed by the same method as in Embodiments 1-1 and 1-2, and the single cells can be further joined to form the fuel cell. .

The above is a series of fuel cell manufacturing processes. When a fuel cell is manufactured in this way, joints appear at various locations in the fuel cell.
4 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the state of adhesion of each part of the fuel cell formed by performing the temporary assembly process shown in FIG. 3 in which each part of the fuel cell shown in FIG. 1 is formed. FIG. 4B shows the vicinity of the oxidizing gas flow path, and FIG. 4C shows the vicinity of the fuel gas flow path. 4A to 4C, reference numeral 41 is an MEA, 42 is a refrigerant flow path, 43 is a refrigerant communication port, 44 is an oxidizing gas flow channel, 45 is an oxidizing gas communication port, and 46 is a fuel gas flow channel. 47 are fuel gas communication ports. As shown in FIGS. 4 (a) to 4 (c), in the partial cross section in the vicinity of each flow path, the bonding portions are well provided at the predetermined portions 48 to 77 at the interface between the resin layers. Thereby, an excellent joining mode can be realized.

  5 is a plan view of each component of the fuel cell partially shown in FIG. 4, FIG. 5 (a) is an MEA cathode surface, FIG. 5 (b) is an MEA anode surface provided with a seal portion frame, and FIG. 5C shows the cooling surface of the cathode separator, FIG. 5D shows the power generation surface of the cathode separator, FIG. 5E shows the cooling surface of the anode separator, and FIG. 5F shows the power generation surface of the anode separator. Here, the cathode (anode) separator refers to a separator facing the cathode (anode) surface of the MEA. The cooling surface (power generation surface) refers to a surface that does not face (oppose) the MEA. 5A to 5F, reference numeral 81 is an MEA, 82 is a refrigerant flow path, 83 is a refrigerant communication port, 84 is an oxidizing gas flow channel, 85 is an oxidizing gas communication port, and 86 is a fuel gas flow channel. , 87 are fuel gas communication ports. As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5C to 5F, there are adhesion portions at predetermined locations 90 and 92 such as an interface between the resin layers or an interface between the resin layer and the MEA, as indicated by dotted lines. It is provided satisfactorily, whereby an excellent joining mode can be realized.

(Embodiment 1-4: corresponding to claims 1-3, 5, 12, 13)
FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the outer periphery of the fuel cell in another preferred embodiment of the fuel cell of the present invention. The fuel cell shown in FIG. 6 is obtained by laminating five separators 101 to 105 with a MEA (not shown) sandwiched at a predetermined position. In contrast to the embodiment 1-1 (see FIG. 1C), The shapes of the laser transmissive resin layers 101a, 103a, and 105a at the outermost peripheral portions of the separators 101, 103, and 105 are different. Even if the laser-transmitting resin layers 101a, 103a, and 105a have such a shape, the laser transmitting resin layers 101a, 103a, and 105a and the laser-absorbing resin layers 102a and 104a have 3 Two interfaces are formed. Even in this case, with these predetermined locations 106 and 107 as targets, a laser beam is irradiated from the right side of the figure in the direction of arrow 108, and the laser is absorbed by the laser-absorbing resin layers 102a and 104a. The fuel cell can be obtained by melting and joining the interfaces.

(Embodiment 2-1: corresponding to claims 1-3, 5, 12, 13)
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing another preferred embodiment of the fuel cell of the present invention. FIG. 7A shows two separators 111 and 112 which are constituent members of the fuel cell. As shown in the figure, the two separators 111 and 112 are made of metal members 111a and 112a, a laser-absorbing resin layer 111b or a laser-permeable resin layer 112b, metal members 111a and 112a, and a resin layer, respectively. The resin layers 111b and 112b are respectively formed with communication ports 111d and 112d through which various fluids circulate.

  In order to obtain a fuel cell using these separators 111 and 112, first, as shown in FIG. 7B, two separators 111 and 112 are laminated together, and a predetermined interface at the interface between the resin layers 111b and 112b is obtained. A single cell is formed by irradiating a laser beam in the direction of arrow 117 from the laser-transmitting resin layer 112b side with the target of locations 114 to 116, and melting and bonding the interface by heat generated by absorption of the laser beam into the resin layer 111b. Form. At the time of the laser irradiation, as in the case of the embodiment 1-1, an appropriate surface pressure is applied to the two separators 111 and 112, and the separator 111 Draw an arbitrary line by moving the irradiation position in the surface direction. Also according to this example, a desired joining line can be formed, and a single cell having excellent melt joining properties can be formed.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 7 (c), a plurality of single cells shown in FIG. 7 (b) are stacked, and in FIG. 7 (c), two single cells 118, 119 are stacked, The separators 123 and 124 joined at the predetermined positions 120 to 122 are stacked, and the laser is irradiated in the direction of the arrow 127 from the right side of the figure, targeting the predetermined positions 125 and 126 of each interface, and the laser is the resin layer 111b. The fuel cell is obtained by simultaneously melting and joining the three interfaces of the predetermined portions 125 and 126 by the heat generated by being absorbed into the fuel.

The above is a series of fuel cell manufacturing processes. When a fuel cell is manufactured in this way, joints appear at various locations in the fuel cell.
8 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the adhesion state of each part of the fuel cell shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 8 (a) shows the vicinity of the refrigerant flow path, FIG. 8 (b) shows the vicinity of the oxidizing gas flow path, and FIG. (C) shows the vicinity of the fuel gas flow path. 8A to 8C, reference numeral 131 is an MEA, 132 is a refrigerant flow path, 133 is a refrigerant communication port, 134 is an oxidizing gas flow path, 135 is an oxidizing gas communication port, and 136 is a fuel gas flow path. Reference numeral 137 denotes a fuel gas communication port. As shown in FIGS. 8A to 8C, in each of the partial cross-sections in the vicinity of each flow path, the adhesion portions are satisfactorily provided at the predetermined locations 138 to 152 at the interface between the resin layers. Thereby, an excellent joining mode can be realized.

  9 is a plan view of each component of the fuel cell partially shown in FIG. 8, FIG. 9 (a) is an MEA cathode surface, FIG. 9 (b) is an MEA anode surface provided with a seal portion frame, FIG. 9C shows a cooling surface of the cathode separator, FIG. 9D shows a power generation surface of the cathode separator, FIG. 9E shows a cooling surface of the anode separator, and FIG. 9F shows a power generation surface of the anode separator. 9A to 9F, reference numeral 161 denotes an MEA, 162 denotes a refrigerant flow path, 163 denotes a refrigerant communication port, 164 denotes an oxidizing gas flow path, 165 denotes an oxidizing gas communication port, and 166 denotes a fuel gas flow path. , 167 is a fuel gas communication port. As shown in FIGS. 9A and 9C to 9F, the bonding location is good as indicated by the dotted line at the predetermined locations 169 to 171 at the interface between the resin layers or at the interface between the resin layer and the MEA. Thus, an excellent bonding mode can be realized.

(Embodiment 2-2: corresponding to claims 1-4, 12, 13)
FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view showing another preferred embodiment of the fuel cell of the present invention. The embodiment 2-2 shown in FIGS. 10 (a) to 10 (c) is basically the same as the embodiment 2-1 shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, but shown in FIGS. 10 (a) and 10 (b). As described above, the shapes of the laser-absorbing resin layer 181a and the laser-transmitting resin layer 182a of the two separators 181 and 182 are different from those of the embodiment 2-1. When a fuel cell is obtained by stacking single cells under such a configuration, as shown in FIG. 10C, predetermined portions 183 and 184 composed of two interfaces formed by the resin layers 181a and 182a. In order to achieve the above, bonding is realized by irradiating a laser in the direction of the arrow 185 in the figure and melting the interface due to heat generation of the laser-absorbing resin layer 181a. In this case as well, as in the case shown in FIG. 2, it is preferable to alternately stack the single cells and irradiate the laser. However, after stacking a large number of single cells in advance, Laser irradiation can also be performed from above. In addition, when performing laser irradiation at once, in order to make a laser reach the lowest irradiation position, it is preferable to make the outermost thickness of the laser absorptive resin layer 181a small.

(Embodiment 3-1: corresponding to claims 1-4, 12, 13)
FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional view showing another preferred embodiment of the fuel cell of the present invention. The embodiment 3-1 shown in FIGS. 11A to 11C is basically the same as the embodiment 1-2 shown in FIGS. 2A to 2C, but the embodiment 3-1 shown in FIG. As shown, the shape of the laser transmissive resin layer 191a of the separator 191 and the laser absorptive resin layer 192a of the separator 192 are the same as the laser transmissive resin layer 21b of the separator 21 and the laser of the separator 22 shown in FIG. Different from the shape of the absorbent resin layer 22b. Due to such a difference, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 11, the joining mode of the single cells in FIG. 11C is different from the stacking and joining modes of the single cells in FIG. That is, in FIG. 2 (c), predetermined locations 24 and 25 each having two interfaces formed by the laser-transmitting resin layer 21b and the laser-absorbing resin layer 22b are provided on the outermost peripheral portion of the fuel cell. On the other hand, in FIG. 11C, predetermined portions 193 to 196 each having two interfaces formed by the laser-transmitting resin layer 191a and the laser-absorbing resin layer 192a are provided around the communication port 197 of the fuel cell. It has been.

(Embodiment 3-2: corresponding to claims 1-4 and 11-15)
FIG. 12 is a partial cross-sectional view showing another preferred embodiment of the fuel cell of the present invention. The embodiment 3-2 shown in FIGS. 12A to 12C is basically the same as the embodiment 3-1 shown in FIGS. 11A to 11C, but the embodiment 3-2 shown in FIG. As shown, the structure of the MEA 203 sandwiched between the separators 201 and 202 is different from the structure of the MEA 198 shown in FIGS. That is, the MEA 198 shown in FIG. 11 (a) is located on one side of the PEM 198a and the PEM 198a, is located on the other side of the PEM 198a with the same surface area as the PEM, and is located on the other side of the PEM 198a. The small diffusion layer 198c has a small surface area. On the other hand, the MEA 203 shown in FIG. 12A is located on one side of the PEM 203a and the PEM 203a, is located on the other side of the large diffusion layer 203b having a larger surface area than the PEM, and on the other side of the PEM 203a. The small diffusion layer 203c having a small surface area. Due to such differences, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 12, the single cell formation mode of FIG. 12B is different from the single cell formation mode of FIG. 11B. That is, in FIG. 11B, the laser beam is irradiated from the direction of the arrow 200 in FIG. 11 with the target at a predetermined location 199 formed by the interface formed by the laser transmissive resin layer 191a and the laser absorbing resin layer 192a. A single cell is formed. On the other hand, in FIG. 12B, the laser is irradiated from the direction of the arrow 205 in FIG. 12 with the target being a predetermined portion 204 formed by the interface formed by the laser-transmitting resin layer 201a and the laser-absorbing resin layer 202a. In addition, a laser beam is irradiated in the direction of the arrow 205 from above in the figure, targeting a predetermined portion 206 composed of two interfaces formed by the resin layers 201a and 202a and the large diffusion layer 203b of the MEA 203. Thus, a single cell is formed. According to such a single cell formation mode, a stronger single cell junction can be realized as compared with the embodiment 3-1 shown in FIG. FIG. 12 (c) is an enlarged view of each part of the MEA 203 shown in FIGS. 12 (a) and 12 (b).

The above is a series of fuel cell manufacturing processes. When a fuel cell is manufactured in this way, joints appear at various locations in the fuel cell.
13 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the adhesion state of each part of the fuel cell shown in FIG. 12, FIG. 13 (a) is in the vicinity of the refrigerant flow path, FIG. 13 (b) is in the vicinity of the oxidizing gas flow path, and FIG. (C) shows the vicinity of the fuel gas flow path. 13A to 13C, reference numeral 211 denotes an MEA, 212 denotes a refrigerant flow path, 213 denotes a refrigerant communication port, 214 denotes an oxidizing gas flow path, 215 denotes an oxidizing gas communication port, and 216 denotes a fuel gas flow path. Reference numeral 217 denotes a fuel gas communication port. As shown in FIGS. 13A to 13C, in each of the partial cross sections in the vicinity of each flow path, the predetermined portions 218 to 247 formed of the interface between the resin layers or the interface between the resin layer and the MEA are used. And the adhesion | attachment location is provided favorably, Thereby, the outstanding joining aspect is realizable.

  14 is a plan view of each component of the fuel cell partially shown in FIG. 13, where FIG. 14 (a) is an MEA cathode surface, FIG. 14 (b) is an MEA anode surface provided with a seal part frame, 14C shows the cooling surface of the cathode separator, FIG. 14D shows the power generation surface of the cathode separator, FIG. 14E shows the cooling surface of the anode separator, and FIG. 14F shows the power generation surface of the anode separator. . 14A to 14F, reference numeral 251 is an MEA, 252 is a refrigerant flow path, 253 is a refrigerant communication port, 254 is an oxidizing gas flow channel, 255 is an oxidizing gas communication port, and 256 is a fuel gas flow channel. Reference numeral 257 denotes a fuel gas communication port. As shown in FIGS. 14 (a), (c) to (f), the adhesion location is good as shown by the dotted line at the predetermined location 259-262 of the interface between the resin layers or the interface between the resin layer and the MEA. Thus, an excellent bonding mode can be realized.

(Embodiment 4-1: corresponding to claims 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 13, 16, 21)
FIG. 15 is a partial cross-sectional view showing another preferred embodiment of the fuel cell of the present invention. The embodiment 4-1 shown in FIGS. 15 (a) to 15 (c) is basically the same as the embodiment 1-3 shown in FIGS. 3 (a) and 3 (b), but FIG. As shown in (b), the mode of temporarily assembling the MEA 272 to the separator 271 is different from the temporarily assembled mode shown in FIGS. 3 (a) and 3 (b). That is, in the temporary assembly mode shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the large diffusion layer 32b of the MEA 32 is in close contact with the laser permeable resin layer 31b of the separator 31 as shown in FIG. 3B. In this state, aiming at a predetermined portion 33 of those interfaces, a laser is irradiated in the direction of the arrow 34 from the laser transmissive resin layer 31b side, and the molten resin layer is melted in the pores of the large diffusion layer 32b that generates heat. , To achieve bonding. On the other hand, in the temporary assembly mode shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B, as shown in FIG. 15B, the MEA 272 is sandwiched between the separator 271 and the frame 273, and the laser transmissive resin layers 271a and 273a. The laser absorptive resin layer 271b generates heat by, for example, irradiating a laser in a direction indicated by an arrow 276 in the figure with a target at predetermined locations 274 and 275 formed by two interfaces formed by the laser absorptive resin layer 271b. Bonding is realized by melting of the interface due to. Also in such a temporary assembly mode, as shown in FIG. 15B, a single cell can be formed by further laminating a separator 277 from below. Next, as shown in FIG. 15 (c), the single cell shown in FIG. 15 (b) is laminated in a plurality of layers, and in the same figure, three layers of single cells 278 to 280 are laminated, and a predetermined location 281 consisting of the interface therebetween. The fuel cell of the present invention can be formed by irradiating a laser in the direction of arrow 285 with a target of ˜284. In joining the single cells, a method of alternately stacking the single cells and irradiating the laser can be employed.

The above is a series of fuel cell manufacturing processes. When a fuel cell is manufactured in this way, joints appear at various locations in the fuel cell.
16 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the adhesion state of each part of the fuel cell shown in FIG. 15. FIG. 16 (a) is in the vicinity of the refrigerant flow path, FIG. 16 (b) is in the vicinity of the oxidizing gas flow path, and FIG. (C) shows the vicinity of the fuel gas flow path. 16A to 16C, reference numeral 291 is an MEA, 292 is a refrigerant flow path, 293 is a refrigerant communication port, 294 is an oxidizing gas flow channel, 295 is an oxidizing gas communication port, and 296 is a fuel gas flow channel. Reference numeral 297 denotes a fuel gas communication port. As shown in FIGS. 16 (a) to 16 (c), in the partial cross section in the vicinity of each flow path, the adhesion locations are well provided at the predetermined locations 298 to 324 at the interface between the resin layers. An excellent bonding mode can be realized.

  FIG. 17 is a plan view of each component when the separator 271, the MEA 272, and the frame 273 shown in FIG. 15A are temporarily assembled. FIG. 17A is a side view of the separator, and FIG. ) Is the MEA side surface of the separator, FIG. 17 (c) is the MEA cathode surface, FIG. 17 (d) is the MEA anode surface provided with the seal part frame, FIG. 17 (e) is the MEA side surface of the frame, and FIG. The separator side surfaces of the frame are shown. 17A to 17F, reference numeral 331 is an MEA, 332 is a refrigerant channel, 333 is a refrigerant communication port, 334 is an oxidizing gas channel, 335 is an oxidizing gas communication port, and 336 is a fuel gas channel. Reference numeral 337 denotes a fuel gas communication port. As shown in FIGS. 17 (a), (b), and (e), the predetermined portion 339 at the interface between the resin layers is well provided with an adhesive portion as shown by a dotted line, which is excellent. A joining mode can be realized.

  18 is a plan view of each separator of the fuel cell partially shown in FIG. 16. FIG. 18 (a) is a cooling surface of the cathode separator, FIG. 18 (b) is a power generation surface of the cathode separator, and FIG. ) Shows the cooling surface of the anode separator, and FIG. 18D shows the power generation surface of the anode separator. 18A to 18D, reference numeral 341 is a refrigerant flow path, 342 is a refrigerant communication port, 343 is an oxidizing gas communication port, 344 is a fuel gas flow channel, and 345 is a fuel gas communication port. As shown in FIGS. 18 (a) to 18 (d), adhesion portions are satisfactorily provided at predetermined locations 348 and 349 at the interface between the resin layers, as shown by dotted lines. Can be realized.

(Embodiment 4-2: corresponding to claims 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 13, 15, 17, 18)
FIG. 19 is a partial cross-sectional view showing another preferred embodiment of the fuel cell of the present invention. The embodiment 4-2 shown in FIGS. 19 (a) to 19 (c) is basically the same as the embodiment 3-1 shown in FIGS. 15 to 18, but shown in FIGS. 19 (a) and 19 (b). As described above, the mode of temporarily assembling the MEA 352 on the separator 351 is different from the temporarily assembled mode shown in FIGS. That is, in the temporary assembling mode shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B, as shown in FIG. 15B, the MEA 272 is sandwiched between the separator 271 and the frame 273, and the laser transmissive resin layers 271a and 273a and the laser are assembled. Aiming at predetermined locations 274 and 275 comprising two interfaces formed by the absorbent resin layer 271b, laser irradiation is performed in the direction of arrow 276 in the figure, and melting of the interface due to heat generation of the laser absorbent resin layer 271b. Thus, joining is realized. On the other hand, in the temporary assembly mode shown in FIGS. 19A and 19B, as shown in FIG. 19B, the large diffusion layer 352a of the MEA 352 is a laser-absorbing resin layer, and the laser transmittance of the separator 351 is obtained. An arrow from the laser-transmitting resin layer 351a side targets a predetermined location 354, 355 consisting of two interfaces formed by the resin layer 351a, the large diffusion layer 352a of the MEA 352, and the laser-transmitting resin layer 353a of the frame 353. The laser beam is irradiated in the direction of 356, and the molten resin layer is melted and entangled in the pores of the large diffusion layer 352a that generates heat, thereby realizing bonding. Also in such a temporary assembly mode, the fuel cell of the present invention can be suitably obtained by laminating a plurality of single cells shown in FIG. Note that FIG. 19C is a plan view of the separator 351 shown in FIGS. 19A and 19B on the MEA 352 side, and as shown by a dotted line 357 in FIG. Can be realized.

(Embodiment 5-1: corresponding to claims 1, 2, 6, 7, 12, 13, 16)
FIG. 20 is a partial cross-sectional view showing another preferred embodiment of the fuel cell of the present invention. In the embodiment 5-1 shown in FIGS. 20A and 20B, first, when forming a single cell, two separators 361 and 362 are stacked with the MEA 363 sandwiched therebetween. Next, a predetermined portion 364 composed of four interfaces formed on the outermost peripheral portion of the single cell is joined by the laser absorbing resin layers 361a and 362a constituting the separators 361 and 362 and the laser transmitting resin layers 361b and 362b. In this case, as shown in FIG. 20B, a laser is irradiated in the direction of arrow 365 from the laser-transmitting resin layers 361b and 362b of the laminated separators 361 and 362, and the laser is irradiated with the resin layers 361a and 361a. Due to the heat generated by being absorbed by 362a, the four interfaces of the predetermined portion 364 are simultaneously melted to realize bonding and form a single cell.

  Further, although not shown in the drawing, a plurality of single cells obtained in this way are stacked, and a predetermined portion consisting of four interfaces generated in the same manner as described above is bonded to the bonding surface between the single cells by laser irradiation. By doing so, the fuel cell of the present invention can be formed.

The above is a series of fuel cell manufacturing processes. When a fuel cell is manufactured in this way, joints appear at various locations in the fuel cell.
21 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the adhesion state of each part of the fuel cell shown in FIG. 20, FIG. 21 (a) is in the vicinity of the refrigerant flow path, FIG. 21 (b) is in the vicinity of the oxidizing gas flow path, and FIG. (C) shows the vicinity of the fuel gas flow path. 21A to 21C, reference numeral 371 is an MEA, 372 is a refrigerant channel, 373 is a refrigerant communication port, 374 is an oxidizing gas channel, 375 is an oxidizing gas communication port, and 376 is a fuel gas channel. Reference numeral 377 denotes a fuel gas communication port. As shown in FIGS. 21 (a) to 21 (c), in the partial cross section in the vicinity of each flow path, the adhesion places are preferably provided at the predetermined places 378 to 388 at the interface between the resin layers. An excellent bonding mode can be realized.

  22 is a plan view of each separator of the fuel cell partially shown in FIG. 21, FIG. 22 (a) is a cooling surface of the cathode separator, FIG. 22 (b) is a power generation surface of the cathode separator, and FIG. ) Shows the cooling surface of the anode separator, and FIG. 22D shows the power generation surface of the anode separator. 22A to 22D, reference numeral 391 is a refrigerant flow path, 392 is a refrigerant communication port, 393 is an oxidizing gas flow path, 394 is an oxidizing gas communication port, 395 is a fuel gas flow path, and 396 is a fuel. Gas communication port. As shown in FIGS. 22 (a) to 22 (d), as shown by the dotted lines, the adhesion locations are well provided at the predetermined locations 397 to 400 at the interface between the resin layers, thereby providing an excellent bonding mode. Can be realized.

(Embodiment 6-1: corresponding to claims 1, 2, 8, 9, 12, 13, 21)
FIG. 23 is a partial cross-sectional view showing another preferred embodiment of the fuel cell of the present invention. In Embodiment 6-1 shown in FIGS. 23A to 23D, a laser-transmitting resin layer and a laser-absorbing resin layer are arranged on the outer peripheral portions of both separators forming a single cell. This is an embodiment in which a frame is attached to one separator in advance, and an anode tunnel passage is formed between the separator and the frame.
That is, FIG. 23A shows each constituent member constituting a single cell. In FIG. 23, reference numeral 401 denotes a frame, 402 denotes a separator that is preliminarily joined to the frame 401, and 403 forms a pair with the separator 401. Another separator 404 constituting the single cell is an MEA. As shown in the figure, the frame 401 is composed of a laser transmissive resin layer 401a, and a communication port 401b through which various fluids flow is formed in the resin layer 401a. The separator 402 includes a metal member 402a, a laser-transmitting resin layer 402b, a laser-absorbing resin layer 402c, and a connecting portion 402d that connects the metal member 402a and the resin layer 402b. The resin layers 402b and 402c include A communication port 402e through which various fluids flow is formed. The separator 403 includes a metal member 403a, a laser-transmitting resin layer 403b, a laser-absorbing resin layer 403c, and a connecting portion 403d that connects the metal member 403a and the resin layer 403b. A communication port 403e through which a fluid flows is formed. The MEA 404 includes a PEM 404a, a large diffusion layer 404b having the same surface area as the PEM 404a, and a small diffusion layer 404c having a surface area smaller than that of the large diffusion layer 404b. Become.

  In the case of forming a single cell under such a configuration, as shown in FIG. 23B, a frame 401 and a separator 402 are laminated, and in this state, formed by resin layers 401a, 402b, and 402c. Targeting the predetermined locations 405 and 406 consisting of the two interfaces, the laser is irradiated in the direction of the arrow 407 from the laser transmissive resin 401a side, and the interface is melted by heat generated by absorption of the laser into the resin layer 402c. The frame 401 and the separator 402 are bonded in advance. Next, as shown in FIG. 23 (c), the MEA 404 and the separator 403 are stacked on the frame 401 and the separator 402 that are bonded in advance, and are formed of two interfaces formed by the resin layers 401a, 403b, and 403c. A single cell is formed by irradiating a laser beam in the direction of arrow 410 from the laser-transmitting resin 403b side with the target at predetermined locations 408 and 409, and melting and bonding the interface by heat generated by absorption of the laser beam into the resin layer 403c. Form.

  Finally, as shown in FIG. 23 (d), a plurality of the single cells formed in FIG. 23 (c) are stacked, and in FIG. 23 (d), two single cells 411 and 412 are stacked, and further on the bottom. By laminating the separator 413 and irradiating a laser in the direction of the arrow 424 from the resin layer 403b side with the target at predetermined locations 414 to 423 of each interface, the interface is formed by heat generated by absorption of the laser into the resin layer 402c. Melt and join to form a fuel cell.

The above is a series of fuel cell manufacturing processes. When a fuel cell is manufactured in this way, joints appear at various locations in the fuel cell.
24 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the adhesion state of each part of the fuel cell shown in FIG. 23. FIG. 24 (a) is in the vicinity of the refrigerant flow path, FIG. 24 (b) is in the vicinity of the oxidizing gas flow path, and FIG. (C) shows the vicinity of the fuel gas flow path. 24A to 24C, reference numeral 431 is an MEA, 432 is a refrigerant channel, 433 is a refrigerant communication port, 434 is an oxidizing gas channel, 435 is an oxidizing gas communication port, and 436 is a fuel gas channel. Reference numeral 437 denotes a fuel gas communication port. As shown in FIGS. 24 (a) to 24 (c), in the partial cross section in the vicinity of each flow path, the adhesion portions are well provided at the predetermined portions 438 to 470 at the interface between the resin layers. An excellent bonding mode can be realized.

  25 (a) to 25 (e) are plan views of constituent members excluding the MEA 404 in the single cell shown in FIG. 23 (c). 25A is the cooling surface of the separator 403 shown in FIG. 23A, FIG. 25B is the power generation surface of the separator 403, FIG. 25C is the power generation surface of the frame 401, and FIG. FIG. 25E shows the cooling surface of the separator 402, and FIG. In FIGS. 25A to 25E, reference numeral 471 is a refrigerant flow path, 472 is a refrigerant communication port, 473 is an oxidizing gas flow path, 474 is an oxidizing gas communication port, 475 is a fuel gas flow path, and 476 is a fuel. Gas communication port. As shown in FIGS. 25 (a) to 25 (e), a predetermined portion 47.480, 481 at the interface between the resin layers is provided with a good adhesion portion as shown by a dotted line. A joining mode can be realized.

(Embodiment 6-2: corresponding to claims 1, 2, 8, 9, 12, 13, 15, 18 to 21)
FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view showing another preferred embodiment of the fuel cell of the present invention. The embodiment 6-2 shown in FIGS. 26A and 26B is basically the same as the embodiment 6-1 shown in FIGS. 23 to 25, but the MEA and the separator previously joined to the MEA are the same. The shape is different. That is, as shown in FIGS. 26A and 26B, the shape of the MEA of the embodiment 6-2 is similar to the shape of the MEA shown in the embodiment 4-2.

  As shown in FIG. 26A, the resin layer 491a of the separator 491 is entirely made of a laser transmissive resin. On the other hand, the large diffusion layer 492a of the MEA 492 includes a heat generating member that is bonded to the resin layer 491a of the separator 491. The resin layer 491a has a concave portion, the large diffusion layer 492a has a convex portion (rib reinforcing portion), and when the separator 491 and the MEA 492 are laminated, these 491a and 492a are designed to be fitted. Yes. Also, rib reinforcing guide holes 491b and 492b are formed in the resin layers 491a and 492a, respectively, so that the separator 491 and the MEA 492 can be easily stacked.

  Under such a configuration, as shown in FIG. 26 (b), after the MEA 492 and the separator 491 are stacked above the frame 493 and the separator 494 bonded in advance, and the rib reinforcing guide holes 491 b and 492 b are aligned, Laser is irradiated in the direction of the arrow 497 from the laser transmissive resin layer 491a side with a target of a predetermined location 495.496 consisting of two interfaces formed by the resin layers 491a and 492a and the laser transmissive resin layer 493a. Then, the interface is melted and joined by heat generated by absorption of the laser into the heat generating member 492a to form a single cell. Finally, although not shown in the drawing, such single cells can be sequentially stacked and irradiated with a laser in the same manner as described above to suitably form the fuel cell of the present invention.

  As mentioned above, although various embodiment (1-1 to 6-2) of this invention was shown, in any of these embodiment, as a laser permeable resin layer, a thermoplastic resin layer (PPS, LCP, PEEK, Alternatively, a thermoplastic resin layer (PPS, LCP, PEEK, or PC) coated with silicone rubber can be used, and a thermoplastic resin layer impregnated with carbon or a pigment as a laser absorbing resin layer ( PPS, LCP, PEEK, or PC) can be used.

  Of these embodiments, in Embodiments 1-3 and 3-2, as a large diffusion layer that is a laser-absorbing component of MEA, a gas-permeable metal material (foam metal or fine wire metal felt), Alternatively, a carbon material can be used, and in the embodiments 3-2, 4-2, and 6-2, as the heat absorbing material, a thermoplastic resin layer (PPS, LCP, PEEK, or PC), or carbon or a pigment is used. An impregnated thermoplastic resin layer (PPS, LCP, PEEK, or PC) can be used.

  Furthermore, among these embodiments, in Embodiments 4-1 and 5, the laser-absorbing resin layer may be integrated with the laser-transmitting resin layer by injection molding or bonding after the laser-transmitting resin layer is formed. Preferably, in Embodiment 4-2, it is preferable that the laser-transmitting resin layer is integrated with the laser-absorbing resin layer by injection molding or bonding after forming the laser-absorbing resin layer.

  In addition, in Embodiments 4-2 and 6-2, among these embodiments, the MEA laser-absorbing member is located on one side of the PEM and the PEM, and has a relatively large surface area. And a small diffusion layer located on the other side of the PEM and having a smaller surface area than the large diffusion layer, the large diffusion layer is made of a gas-permeable metal material or carbon material, and the large diffusion layer is adjacent to the large diffusion layer. It is preferable to be integrally formed with the resin layer of the separator. In the embodiment 6-2, as described above, reinforcing ribs are provided on at least one of the outer peripheral portion of the MEA laser absorbing member and the inner peripheral portion of the communication port. Is preferred.

  Finally, among these embodiments, in Embodiment 6-2, it is preferable to provide an assembly guide hole on the outer peripheral portion of the MEA laser absorbing member. Embodiments 4-1, 2 and 6-6 In 1 and 2, it is preferable to form a seal by applying an adhesive to the exposed part interface of the PEM of the MEA.

  As described above, according to the present invention, in particular, the fuel cell can be miniaturized and the excellent resistivity of the PEM can be realized. Therefore, the fuel cell of the present invention is useful in various technical fields using the fuel cell, such as the automobile industry, which has recently been demanded for further downsizing of the battery.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a preferred embodiment of a fuel cell according to the present invention, wherein (a) is a single cell component, (b) is a single cell, and (c) is a single cell stacked. FIG. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a modification of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, where (a) is a component of a single cell, (b) is a single cell, and (c) is a fuel cell obtained by stacking single cells. Indicates. It is a fragmentary sectional view which shows the modification of embodiment shown in FIG.1, 2, (a) is a part of each structural member of a single cell, (b) shows the temporary assembly aspect of a separator and MEA. FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view showing an adhesion state of each part of the fuel cell formed by performing the temporary assembly process shown in FIG. 3 in which each part of the fuel cell shown in FIG. 1 is formed. FIG. The vicinity of the gas flow path and (c) indicate the vicinity of the fuel gas flow path. FIG. 5 is a plan view of each component of the fuel cell partially shown in FIG. 4, where (a) is a MEA cathode surface, (b) is an MEA anode surface provided with a seal portion frame, and (c) is a cooling surface of a cathode separator. (D) shows the power generation surface of the cathode separator, (e) shows the cooling surface of the anode separator, and (f) shows the power generation surface of the anode separator. It is a fragmentary sectional view which shows the outer peripheral part of each structural member among other suitable embodiment of the fuel cell of this invention. It is a fragmentary sectional view which shows other suitable embodiment of the fuel cell of this invention, (a) is a part of structural member of a single cell, (b) is a joining aspect of a single cell, and (c) is a single cell. The fuel cell obtained by laminating | stacking is shown. It is a fragmentary sectional view which shows the adhesion condition of each part of the fuel cell shown in FIG. 7, (a) is refrigerant flow path vicinity, (b) is oxidizing gas flow path vicinity, (c) is fuel gas flow path vicinity. Each is shown. FIG. 9 is a plan view of each component of the fuel cell partially shown in FIG. 8, wherein (a) is an MEA cathode surface, (b) is an MEA anode surface provided with a seal portion frame, and (c) is a cooling surface of a cathode separator. (D) shows the power generation surface of the cathode separator, (e) shows the cooling surface of the anode separator, and (f) shows the power generation surface of the anode separator. It is a fragmentary sectional view which shows other suitable embodiment of the fuel cell of this invention, (a) is a part of structural member of a single cell, (b) is a joining aspect of a single cell, and (c) is a single cell. Each of the fuel cells in which is stacked is shown. It is a fragmentary sectional view showing other suitable embodiments of the fuel cell of the present invention, (a) is each component of a single cell, (b) is a joining mode of a single cell, and (c) is a lamination of a single cell. Each fuel cell is shown. It is a fragmentary sectional view which shows other suitable embodiment of the fuel cell of this invention, (a) shows each structural member of a single cell, (b) shows the joining aspect of a single cell, (c) shows MEA, respectively. . It is a fragmentary sectional view which shows the adhesion condition of each part of the fuel cell shown in FIG. 12, (a) is refrigerant flow path vicinity, (b) is oxidizing gas flow path vicinity, (c) is fuel gas flow path vicinity. Each is shown. FIG. 14 is a plan view of each component of the fuel cell partially shown in FIG. 13, where (a) is an MEA cathode surface, (b) is an MEA anode surface provided with a seal portion frame, and (c) is a cooling surface of a cathode separator. (D) shows the power generation surface of the cathode separator, (e) shows the cooling surface of the anode separator, and (f) shows the power generation surface of the anode separator. It is a fragmentary sectional view showing other suitable embodiments of the fuel cell of the present invention, (a) is each component of a single cell, (b) is a joining mode of a single cell, and (c) is a lamination of a single cell. Each fuel cell is shown. FIG. 16 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the adhesion state of each part of the fuel cell shown in FIG. 15, (a) near the refrigerant flow path, (b) near the oxidizing gas flow path, and (c) near the fuel gas flow path. Each is shown. FIG. 17 is a plan view of each component when the separator 271, MEA 272, and frame 273 shown in FIG. 16A are temporarily assembled, (a) is the frame side surface of the separator, (b) is the MEA side surface of the separator, c) shows the MEA cathode surface, (d) shows the MEA anode surface provided with the seal part frame, (e) shows the MEA side surface of the frame, and (f) shows the separator side surface of the frame. FIG. 17 is a plan view of each separator of the fuel cell partially shown in FIG. 16, where (a) is a cooling surface of the cathode separator, (b) is a power generation surface of the cathode separator, (c) is a cooling surface of the anode separator, and ( d) shows the power generation surface of the anode separator. It is a fragmentary sectional view which shows other suitable embodiment of the fuel cell of this invention, (a) is each structural member of a single cell, (b) is a joining aspect of a single cell, (c) is (a), It is a top view of the separator 351 shown to (b). It is a fragmentary sectional view which shows other suitable embodiment of the fuel cell of this invention, (a) shows each structural member of a single cell, (b) shows the joining aspect of a single cell, respectively. FIG. 21 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the state of adhesion of each part of the fuel cell shown in FIG. 20, where (a) is near the refrigerant flow path, (b) is near the oxidizing gas flow path, and (c) is near the fuel gas flow path. Each is shown. FIG. 22 is a plan view of each separator of the fuel cell partially shown in FIG. 21, where (a) is a cooling surface of the cathode separator, (b) is a power generation surface of the cathode separator, (c) is a cooling surface of the anode separator, and ( d) shows the power generation surface of the anode separator. It is a fragmentary sectional view which shows other suitable embodiment of the fuel cell of this invention, (a) is each structural member of a single cell, (b) is the joining aspect of a flame | frame and a separator, (c) is a single cell. A joining mode and (d) show fuel cells in which single cells are stacked. It is a fragmentary sectional view which shows the adhesion condition of each part of the fuel cell shown in FIG. 23, (a) is refrigerant flow path vicinity, (b) is oxidizing gas flow path vicinity, (c) is fuel gas flow path vicinity. Each is shown. It is a top view of each structural member except MEA among the single cells shown in Drawing 23 (c), (a) is a cooling surface of separator 403 shown in Drawing 23 (a), and (b) is power generation of separator 403. (C) shows the power generation surface of the frame 401, (d) shows the cooling surface of the separator 402, and (e) shows the power generation surface of the separator 402, respectively. It is a fragmentary sectional view which shows other suitable embodiment of the fuel cell of this invention, (a) shows a part of structural member of a single cell, (b) shows the joining aspect of a single cell, respectively.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 2, 11 ... Separator 1a, 2a ... Metal member 1b ... Laser-permeable resin layer 2b ... Laser-absorbing resin layer 1c, 2c ... Connection part 1d, 2d ... Communication port 3 ... MEA
3a ... PEM
3b ... Large diffusion layer 3c ... Small diffusion layer 4-7,12,13 ... Predetermined location 8,14 ... Arrow 9,10 ... Single cell

Claims (21)

In a fuel cell in which a single cell constituted by sandwiching an electrode structure including a catalyst layer and a diffusion layer on both surfaces of an electrolyte membrane with a pair of separators, a plurality of layers are laminated.
The separator includes a metal inner member and a thermoplastic resin layer provided on an outer peripheral portion of the metal inner member,
Among the adjacent separators, the thermoplastic resin layer constituting one separator is a laser-transmitting resin layer, the thermoplastic resin layer constituting the other separator is a laser-absorbing resin layer, and the pair of separators are laminated. In this state, a laser is irradiated from the laser-transmitting resin layer side to melt the laser-absorbing resin layer, thereby joining adjacent resin layers together.   2. The fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein the laser irradiation unit forms an annular body and the electrode structure is positioned inside the annular body in a plan view of the adjacent separators.   The laser is irradiated while sandwiching the electrode structure between the separators having the laser-permeable resin layer and the separator having the laser-absorbing resin layer while sandwiching the electrode structure. Or the fuel cell of 2.   A laser-absorbing resin layer constituting a separator adjacent to both of these separators is sandwiched by each of the laser permeable resin layers constituting two non-adjacent separators, and the two resin layers formed by these three resin layers are sandwiched. The fuel cell according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the interfaces are joined simultaneously.   Each of the laser transmissive resin layers constituting the two separators has a protruding portion, and these two laser transmissive resin layers are adjacent to each other, and both of the two separators are separated by these laser transmissive resin layers. A fuel cell according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a laser-absorbing resin layer constituting a separator adjacent to is sandwiched and three interfaces formed by these three resin layers are bonded simultaneously. .   Two adjacent separators were each provided with a laser-absorbing resin layer, a laser-transmitting resin layer on the outer periphery thereof, and the two separators were laminated to form these four resin layers. The fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein four interfaces are joined at the same time.   The single cell formed by simultaneously bonding the four interfaces is laminated in a plurality of layers, and the four interfaces formed in the vicinity of the contact points between the single cells are simultaneously bonded by laser irradiation. Fuel cell.   When two laser permeable resin layers constituting two adjacent separators are laminated, a laser absorbing resin layer is disposed between these two laser transmissive resin layers, and two interfaces are formed by these three resin layers. The fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein the two interfaces are simultaneously bonded by irradiating a laser while sandwiching the electrode structure between the two separators. .   A plurality of single cells formed by simultaneously bonding the two interfaces are stacked, and a laser-absorbing resin layer is disposed between the single cells to form two interfaces. The fuel cell according to claim 8, wherein the fuel cell is irradiated and simultaneously joined.   A laser permeable resin layer constituting the separator and an electrode structure having a laser absorbing member are laminated, and a laser is irradiated from the laser permeable resin layer side to thereby remove the laser absorbing member of the electrode structure. The fuel cell according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the separator and the electrode structure are joined by melting.   The heat-absorbing material is sandwiched between the laser-permeable resin layer and the electrode structure constituting the separator to form two interfaces, and laser is irradiated from the laser-permeable resin layer side to melt the heat-absorbing material. The fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein the two interfaces are joined at the same time.   As the laser transmissive resin layer, a thermoplastic resin layer (PPS, LCP, PEEK, or PC) or a thermoplastic resin layer (PPS, LCP, PEEK, or PC) coated with silicone rubber is used. The fuel cell according to claim 3, 6, 8, or 10.   9. The fuel cell according to claim 3, 6, or 8, wherein a thermoplastic resin layer (PPS, LCP, PEEK, or PC) impregnated with carbon or a pigment is used as the laser absorbing resin layer. .   11. The fuel cell according to claim 10, wherein a gas permeable metal material (foam metal or fine wire metal felt) or a carbon material is used as the laser absorbing member of the electrode structure.   A thermoplastic resin layer (PPS, LCP, PEEK, or PC) or a thermoplastic resin layer impregnated with carbon or a dye (PPS, LCP, PEEK, or PC) is used as the heat absorbing material. The fuel cell according to claim 11.   9. The fuel cell according to claim 8, wherein the laser-absorbing resin layer is integrated with the laser-transmitting resin layer by injection molding or bonding after the laser-transmitting resin layer is formed.   7. The fuel cell according to claim 6, wherein the laser permeable resin layer is integrated with the laser absorptive resin layer by injection molding or bonding after the laser absorptive resin layer is formed.   The laser-absorbing member of the electrode structure is located on one side of the proton exchange membrane and the proton exchange membrane, a large diffusion layer having a relatively large surface area, and located on the other side of the proton exchange membrane, The large diffusion layer has a smaller surface area than the large diffusion layer, the large diffusion layer is made of a gas-permeable metal material or carbon material, and the large diffusion layer is integrally formed with the resin layer of the adjacent separator. The fuel cell according to claim 10.   The fuel cell according to claim 10 or 18, wherein a reinforcing rib is provided on at least one of an outer peripheral portion of the laser-absorbing member of the electrode structure and an inner peripheral portion of the communication port.   The fuel cell according to claim 10, 18 or 19, wherein an assembly guide hole is provided in an outer peripheral portion of the laser-absorbing member of the electrode structure.   9. The fuel cell according to claim 6, wherein a seal is formed by applying an adhesive to an exposed portion interface of the proton exchange membrane of the electrode structure.

Images