JP2006086041A - Manufacturing method and manufacturing facility of fuel battery cell - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a manufacturing method in which a fuel battery cell can be manufactured surely while suppressing the deformation of a member in a manufacturing process. <P>SOLUTION: This manufacturing method is for the fuel battery cell which is formed with a plate-shaped thin film electrode composition 10 and a pair of metal plates 4, 5 arranged on both sides of this thin film electrode composition 10, and which is sealed by caulking in a state that peripheral regions 4a, 5a of these metal plates 4, 5 have insulating layers 1a interposed between themselves. The peripheral region 4a of one metal plate 4 is inclined in the inside direction in a state that the thin film electrode composition 10 is set between the pair of the metal plates 4, 5, and when sealing by caulking is carried out, a first mold 31 which is positioned at center regions 4b, 5b of the metal plates 4, 5 and which regulates the deformation of the center regions 4b, 5b, and second molds 22, 32 which are positioned in the peripheral regions 4a, 5a and which carry out a process for sealing by caulking are used, and the deformation of the center regions 4b, 5b is regulated by the first mold 31 when the sealing by the caulking of the peripheral regions 4a, 5a by the second molds 22, 32 is carried out. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a manufacturing method and manufacturing equipment for manufacturing a thin fuel cell.

  Polymer fuel cells that use solid polymer electrolytes such as polymer electrolytes have high energy conversion efficiency, are thin, small, and lightweight, and are therefore being actively developed for household cogeneration systems and automobiles . As a conventional structure of such a fuel cell, one shown in FIG. 14 is known (for example, see Non-Patent Document 1).

  That is, as shown in FIG. 14, the anode 101 and the cathode 102 are disposed with the solid polymer electrolyte membrane 100 interposed therebetween. Further, the unit cell 105 is configured by being sandwiched by a pair of separators 104 via a gasket 103. Each separator 104 is formed with a gas flow path groove. A flow path for reducing gas (for example, hydrogen gas) is formed by contact with the anode 101, and an oxidizing gas (for example, for example, hydrogen gas) is contacted with the cathode 102. Oxygen gas) flow paths are formed. Each gas is supplied to the electrode reaction (chemical reaction at the electrode) by the action of the catalyst supported in the anode 101 or the cathode 102 while flowing through each flow path in the unit cell 105, and the generation of current and ions Conduction occurs.

  A large number of the unit cells 105 are stacked, and the unit cells 105 are electrically connected in series to constitute the fuel cell N, and the electrode 106 can be taken out from the unit cells 105 at both ends. Such a fuel cell N is attracting attention as a power source for electric vehicles and a distributed power source for home use in various applications because of its clean and high efficiency.

  On the other hand, with the recent activation of IT technology, mobile devices such as mobile phones, notebook computers, and digital cameras tend to be frequently used, but most of these power sources use lithium ion secondary batteries. However, as mobile devices become more sophisticated, power consumption has increased and clean and highly efficient fuel cells have been attracting attention as power sources.

  However, in the conventional structure as shown in FIG. 14, there is no degree of freedom in the structure. Therefore, there is a problem in that it is difficult to reduce the thickness and size and increase the degree of freedom of shape required as a power source for mobile devices, and the maintainability is poor. There was also. In addition, it is difficult to supply the redox gas so as not to mix with each other in the fuel cell and to seal it, and it is difficult to reduce the size and weight of the fuel cell while satisfying these conditions. Met. In other words, conventionally, cell parts are mutually coupled with fastening parts of bolts and nuts, and a certain pressure is applied to the cell parts. Therefore, it is necessary to increase the rigidity of each member in order to ensure sealing performance. Thinning, miniaturization, weight reduction, and free shape design were difficult.

In view of such problems, the inventors of the present invention have invented and filed an application for a fuel cell that can cope with a reduction in thickness and size (for example, Japanese Patent Application No. 2004-82882). The basic configuration of the fuel cell comprises a plate-like thin film electrode composition and a pair of metal plates (cathode side metal plate and anode side metal plate) disposed on both sides of the thin film electrode composition, The periphery of these metal plates is sealed with caulking with an insulating layer interposed therebetween. The thin film electrode composition is composed of a solid polymer electrolyte and a pair of electrode plates (anode side and cathode side) disposed on both sides thereof. Since the metal plate is sealed with caulking while being electrically insulated, the fuel cell can be reliably sealed without increasing the thickness while preventing a short circuit between them. As a result, maintenance is facilitated, and the rigidity of the cell member is not required as compared with the conventional structure shown in FIG. 14, so that each fuel cell can be significantly reduced in thickness. Furthermore, since a solid polymer electrolyte and a metal plate are used, a free planar shape and bending are possible, and a small, lightweight and free shape design is possible.
Nikkei Mechanical separate volume "Fuel Cell Development Frontline" Date of issue: June 29, 2001, Publisher: Nikkei BP, Chapter 3, PEFC, 3.1 Principles and Features p46

  Then, the subject of this invention is providing the manufacturing method and manufacturing equipment of a fuel cell which have this structure. In particular, when the thickness is reduced, the individual members constituting the fuel battery cell are formed in a flat plate shape, and thus are easily deformed. Therefore, there is a demand for a manufacturing method and manufacturing equipment that can reliably manufacture fuel cells while suppressing deformation of members in the manufacturing process.

In order to solve the above problems, a method for producing a fuel cell according to the present invention includes:
It comprises a plate-like thin film electrode composition and a pair of metal plates disposed on both sides of the thin film electrode composition, and the peripheral area of these metal plates is sealed with caulking with an insulating layer interposed therebetween In the method of manufacturing a fuel cell,
In the state where the thin film electrode composition is set between a pair of metal plates, the peripheral region of one metal plate is tilted inward to seal by caulking,
A restricting means for restricting deformation of the central area located in the central area of the metal plate and a caulking process means for performing a process for caulking sealing that are located in the peripheral area. When caulking sealing is performed, the deformation of the central region is regulated by the regulating means.

  The operation and effect of the method of manufacturing a fuel cell with such a configuration will be described. The fuel cell to be manufactured includes a plate-shaped thin film electrode composition and a pair of metal plates disposed on both sides thereof, and caulking is performed on the peripheral regions of the pair of metal plates with an insulating layer interposed therebetween. Thus, the peripheral region can be sealed. Moreover, since this fuel battery cell is comprised based on a plate-shaped thin film electrode composition, it can be formed thin as a whole.

  This fuel battery cell can be manufactured, for example, by press working, and for that purpose, restricting means and caulking work means are used. Specifically, it has a restricting means located in the central region of the metal plate and a crimping means located in the peripheral region. By the caulking processing means, the caulking sealing of the peripheral region can be performed. When processing is performed by the caulking processing means, deformation of the central region is restricted by the restriction means. If this restriction is not present, the flat plate member may be deformed, but such a problem can be eliminated by restricting it by the restricting means. Thereby, a fuel cell can be manufactured reliably, suppressing a deformation | transformation of a member in a manufacturing process.

  In addition, although it is caulking sealing processing, it is not restricted to 1 process, It can also carry out in multiple processes. In that case, the content of the press work is set according to each stage, and is not limited to a specific content. Moreover, when performing in multiple steps, a plurality of types of regulating means and caulking processing means may be prepared.

  In this invention, it is preferable to further have the process of press-pressing the inner area | region of the peripheral area | region sealed by crimping after the crimping process. Thereby, it can seal reliably and can prevent the leak of gas reliably.

  In this invention, it is preferable to have the process for forming the thickness of the metal plate of the peripheral area which crimps thinner than another part. By thinning the area to be caulked, caulking can be performed with a small load, and deformation of the members constituting the cell can be suppressed. Examples of the method for reducing the thickness include etching and press working.

The first mold as the regulating means according to the present invention includes at least a first upper mold positioned above the metal plate, and the second mold as the caulking processing means is a second mold positioned above the metal plate. An upper mold and a second lower mold located below the metal plate,
A step for moving the second upper mold from above and performing caulking sealing of the peripheral region with the second lower mold and the second upper mold;
At the same time or after this processing, it is preferable that the first upper mold that has moved from above reaches a position that restricts deformation of the central region.

  A first upper mold located at least above the metal plate is provided as the first mold, and deformation of the metal plate can be restricted by the lower surface of the first upper mold. Further, the second mold includes a second upper mold and a second lower mold, and the peripheral area of the metal plate is positioned between them to perform caulking sealing with the second mold. it can. When the second upper mold descends downward and comes into contact with the peripheral area of the metal plate, processing is started. When caulking sealing is performed in a plurality of processes, the number corresponding to the number of processes is prepared for the first and second upper molds and the first and second lower molds. Then, the peripheral region of the metal plate is restricted from being deformed by the first upper die moved from above simultaneously with the start of processing by the second mold or after the start of processing. Thereby, caulking sealing can be reliably performed while suppressing deformation of the member.

  In the present invention, it is preferable that the lower surface of the first upper mold is positioned above the upper surface of the second lower mold when the process for caulking sealing is performed.

  In order to restrict the deformation of the peripheral area of the metal plate, the lower surface of the first upper mold is set to be positioned above the upper surface of the second lower mold. Thereby, the minimum necessary contact force can be applied to the upper surface of the metal plate by the first upper mold, and deformation can be restricted without applying an excessive force.

Prior to caulking and sealing according to the present invention,
Forming a space for accommodating the thin film electrode composition by drawing each of the pair of metal plates; and
It is preferable to perform a step of punching a pair of metal plates into a predetermined shape.

  In the manufacturing process of the fuel cell, first, a pair of metal plates are drawn to form a space for accommodating the thin film electrode composition. Next, each of the pair of metal plates is punched into a predetermined shape. In the present invention, the order of punching and drawing may be changed. Then, the thin film electrode composition is accommodated between a pair of punched metal plates, and the peripheral area is caulked and sealed. Needless to say, the press working in the production process of the present invention includes at least these steps, and further steps may be added.

In order to solve the above problems, the fuel cell manufacturing equipment according to the present invention comprises:
It comprises a plate-like thin film electrode composition and a pair of metal plates disposed on both sides of the thin film electrode composition, and the peripheral area of these metal plates is sealed with caulking with an insulating layer interposed therebetween Fuel cell manufacturing equipment
As a mechanism used when crimping by crimping the peripheral area of one metal plate inward with the thin film electrode composition set between a pair of metal plates,
A first upper mold (corresponding to the restricting means, the same shall apply hereinafter) located in the central region of the metal plate;
A second lower mold and a second upper mold (corresponding to the lower and upper caulking processing means, the same shall apply hereinafter) for performing caulking sealing on the peripheral area of the metal plate;
A stopper that defines the entire stroke of the unit on which the first upper mold and the second upper mold are mounted when performing caulking sealing;
An urging mechanism provided for the second upper mold,
The total stroke is set to be longer than the stroke until the second upper die contacts the metal plate and starts machining, and after the machining starts, the urging force by the urging mechanism is applied to the peripheral area of the metal plate. And the deformation of the central region is restricted by the first upper mold.

  The operation and effect of the fuel cell manufacturing facility will be described. The fuel cell to be manufactured includes a plate-shaped thin film electrode composition and a pair of metal plates disposed on both sides thereof, and caulking is performed with the insulating layer interposed between the peripheral edges of the pair of metal plates. Can seal the peripheral region. Moreover, since this fuel battery cell is comprised based on a plate-shaped thin film electrode composition, it can be formed thin as a whole.

  This fuel cell can be manufactured by press working, and for this purpose, a mold mechanism is used. As this mold mechanism, a first upper mold located in the central region of the metal plate, and a second lower die and a second upper die for performing caulking sealing located in the peripheral region of the metal plate are provided. An urging mechanism is provided for the second upper mold. When processing for caulking sealing, the first upper mold and the second upper mold are lowered from above. First, the second upper mold comes into contact with the peripheral area of the metal plate, thereby starting processing. Even if the second upper mold is not lowered any further, it is not in contact with the stopper, and the upper mold unit attempts to lower further. Since the urging mechanism is provided in the second upper mold, the urging mechanism is compressed after the processing is started. On the other hand, the first upper mold in the central region continues to fall until it comes into contact with the stopper. And it stops in the state which fell for all strokes, and controls a deformation | transformation of a metal plate. Thereby, it is possible to manufacture a fuel cell in which the inside is reliably sealed while suppressing deformation of the member.

  In the present invention, it is preferable that the lower surface of the first upper mold is positioned above the upper surface of the second lower mold when performing the caulking sealing.

  In order to restrict the deformation of the peripheral area of the metal plate, the lower surface of the first upper mold is set to be positioned above the upper surface of the second lower mold. Thereby, the minimum necessary contact force can be applied to the upper surface of the metal plate by the first upper mold, and deformation can be restricted without applying an excessive force.

  In the present invention, it is preferable that the vertical distance between the lower surface of the first upper mold and the upper surface of the second lower mold is set to be substantially the same as the thickness of the fuel cell when performing the caulking sealing. Thereby, the deformation | transformation of a member can be controlled and cell sealing can be performed reliably, without applying an excessive force.

  In the present invention, it is preferable to provide an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the height of the first upper mold. Thereby, when restrict | deforming deformation | transformation of a metal plate, it can adjust beforehand so that suitable contact force may act.

As a mold mechanism according to the present invention, at least a mold used for forming a space for accommodating a thin film electrode composition by drawing a pair of metal plates, respectively,
It is preferable to have a metal mold used in a process of punching a pair of metal plates into a predetermined shape.

  In the manufacturing process of the fuel cell, first, a pair of metal plates are drawn to form a space for accommodating the thin film electrode composition. Next, each of the pair of metal plates is punched into a predetermined shape. In the present invention, the order of punching and drawing may be changed. And a thin film electrode composition can be accommodated between a pair of punched metal plates, and the peripheral area can be caulked and sealed.

  In this invention, it is preferable to provide further the metal mold | die used for the process of pressing the inner area | region of the peripheral area sealed by crimping after the crimping sealing process. Thereby, it can seal reliably and can prevent the leak of gas reliably.

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of a fuel cell manufacturing method and manufacturing equipment according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. First, the structure of the fuel cell to be manufactured will be described. FIG. 1 is an assembled perspective view showing an example of the fuel battery cell of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view showing an example of the fuel battery cell of the present invention.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the fuel cell of the present invention includes a plate-shaped solid polymer electrolyte 1, a cathode-side electrode plate 2 disposed on one side of the solid polymer electrolyte 1, and the other side. And an anode-side electrode plate 3 disposed on the substrate. In the present embodiment, a fuel flow channel 9 is formed in the anode-side metal plate 5 by etching, and the peripheral region 5a of the anode-side metal plate 5 and the peripheral region 4a of the cathode-side metal plate 4 are other parts by etching or the like. An example in which the thickness is made thinner is shown. By reducing the thickness of the peripheral regions 4a and 5a, it becomes easy to perform caulking. That is, the peripheral areas 4a and 5a correspond to areas where caulking is performed. For convenience of explanation, regions other than the peripheral regions 4a and 5a of the metal plates 4 and 5 are referred to as central regions 4b and 5b.

  The solid polymer electrolyte 1 may be any solid polymer membrane battery as long as it is used in conventional solid polymer membrane batteries. From the viewpoint of chemical stability and conductivity, a perfluorocarbon having a sulfonic acid group which is a super strong acid. A cation exchange membrane made of a polymer is preferably used. Nafion (registered trademark) is preferably used as such a cation exchange membrane. In addition, for example, a porous film made of a fluororesin such as polytetrafluoroethylene impregnated with the above Nafion or other ion conductive material, a porous film made of a polyolefin resin such as polyethylene or polypropylene, or a non-woven fabric. A material carrying Nafion or another ion conductive material may be used.

  The thinner the solid polymer electrolyte 1 is, the more effective it is to make the whole thinner. However, in consideration of ion conduction function, strength, handling property, etc., 10 to 300 μm can be used, but 25 to 50 μm is preferable. .

  The electrode plates 2 and 3 can function as a gas diffusion layer, and can supply and discharge fuel gas, oxidizing gas, and water vapor, and at the same time can exhibit a current collecting function. As the electrode plates 2 and 3, the same or different ones can be used, and it is preferable to support a catalyst having an electrode catalytic action on the base material. The catalyst is preferably supported at least on the inner surfaces 2 b and 3 b in contact with the solid polymer electrolyte 1.

  As the electrode base material, for example, conductive carbon materials such as carbon paper, fibrous carbon such as carbon fiber nonwoven fabric, and aggregates of conductive polymer fibers can be used. In general, the electrode plates 2 and 3 are prepared by adding a water-repellent substance such as a fluororesin to such a conductive porous material. When the catalyst is supported, a catalyst such as platinum fine particles and fluorine It is formed by mixing a water-repellent substance such as a resin, mixing it with a solvent to form a paste or ink, and then applying this to one side of an electrode substrate that should face the solid polymer electrolyte membrane. The

  In general, the electrode plates 2 and 3 and the solid polymer electrolyte 1 are designed according to the reducing gas and the oxidizing gas supplied to the fuel cell. In the present invention, it is preferable to use air as the oxidizing gas and hydrogen gas as the reducing gas. In addition, methanol, dimethyl ether, or the like can be used instead of the reducing gas.

  For example, when hydrogen gas and air are used, the cathode-side electrode plate 2 on the side where air is naturally supplied causes a reaction between oxygen and hydrogen ions, so that water is generated. Is preferred. In particular, under the operating conditions of low operating temperature, high current density, and high gas utilization rate, the electrode porous body is likely to be clogged (flooded) due to the condensation of water vapor, particularly at the air electrode where water is generated. Therefore, in order to obtain stable characteristics of the fuel cell over a long period of time, it is effective to ensure the water repellency of the electrode so that the flooding phenomenon does not occur.

  As the catalyst, at least one metal selected from platinum, palladium, ruthenium, rhodium, silver, nickel, iron, copper, cobalt and molybdenum, or an oxide thereof can be used. A supported one can also be used.

  The thickness of the electrode plates 2 and 3 is more effective for reducing the overall thickness as the thickness is reduced, but is preferably 50 to 500 μm in view of electrode reaction, strength, handling properties, and the like. The electrode plates 2 and 3 and the solid polymer electrolyte 1 may be laminated and integrated in advance by adhesion, fusion, or the like, or may simply be arranged in a stacked manner. Such a laminated body can also be obtained as the thin film electrode assembly 10 (Membrane Electrode Assembly: MEA), and may be used.

  A cathode side metal plate 4 is disposed on the surface of the cathode side electrode plate 2, and an anode side metal plate 5 is disposed on the surface of the anode side electrode plate 3. The anode side metal plate 5 is provided with a fuel inlet 5c and a discharge port 5d, and further, in the present embodiment, a flow channel 9 is provided in the anode side metal plate 5.

  The cathode-side metal plate 4 is provided with a number of openings 4c for supplying oxygen in the air. As long as the cathode side electrode plate 2 can be exposed, the number, shape, size, formation position, and the like of the opening 4c may be any. However, in consideration of the supply efficiency of oxygen in the air and the current collection effect from the cathode side electrode plate 2, the area of the opening 4c is preferably 10 to 50% of the area of the cathode side electrode plate 2, In particular, 20 to 40% is preferable. The opening 4c of the cathode side metal plate 4 may be provided with a plurality of circular holes, slits, or the like regularly or randomly, or may be provided with a metal mesh.

  As the metal plates 4 and 5, any metal can be used as long as it does not adversely affect the electrode reaction, and examples thereof include stainless steel plates, nickel, copper, and copper alloys. However, from the viewpoint of elongation, weight, elastic modulus, strength, corrosion resistance, press workability, etching workability and the like, a stainless steel plate, nickel and the like are preferable.

  The channel groove 9 provided in the anode side metal plate 5 may have any planar shape or cross-sectional shape as long as a channel for hydrogen gas or the like can be formed by contact with the electrode plate 3. In the present embodiment, the inlet 5 c and the outlet 5 d are connected by a single continuous channel groove 9, and the channel groove 9 is zigzag periodically folded back along the width direction of the metal plate 5. It is formed in a shape. In consideration of the flow path density, the stacking density at the time of fuel cell stacking, the flexibility, and the like, various forms of the flow path grooves 9 can be employed.

  A part of the channel groove 9 of the metal plate 5 may be formed on the outer surface of the electrode plate 3. As a method of forming the flow channel groove on the outer surface of the electrode plate 3, a mechanical method such as a hot press or cutting may be used. However, it is preferable to perform groove processing by laser irradiation in order to suitably perform fine processing. From the viewpoint of performing laser irradiation, the base material for the electrode plates 2 and 3 is preferably an aggregate of fibrous carbon.

  One or a plurality of inlets 5c and outlets 5d communicating with the channel groove 9 of the metal plate 5 can be formed. In addition, although the thickness of the metal plates 4 and 5 is more effective for reducing the overall thickness as the thickness is reduced, 0.1 to 1 mm is preferable in consideration of strength, elongation, weight, elastic modulus, handling property, and the like. Etching is preferable as a method of forming the flow channel 9 in the metal plate 5 in view of processing accuracy and ease. In the channel groove 9 by etching, a width of 0.1 to 10 mm and a depth of 0.05 to 1 mm are preferable. The cross-sectional shape of the channel groove 9 is preferably substantially square, substantially trapezoidal, substantially semicircular, V-shaped or the like.

  Etching is also preferably used for forming the opening 4c in the metal plate 4, thinning the peripheral regions 4a and 5a of the metal plates 4 and 5, and forming the inlet 5c and the outlet 5d in the metal plate 5. . Etching can be performed using, for example, a dry film resist or the like, after forming an etching resist having a predetermined shape on the metal surface, and then using an etching solution corresponding to the type of the metal plates 4 and 5. Moreover, the cross-sectional shape of the flow-path groove | channel 9 can be controlled more precisely by performing a selective etching for every metal using the laminated board of 2 or more types of metals.

  The embodiment shown in FIG. 2 is an example in which the caulking portions (peripheral regions 4a and 5a) of the metal plates 4 and 5 are thinned by etching. In this way, the caulking portion is etched to have an appropriate thickness, whereby sealing by caulking can be performed more easily. From this viewpoint, the thickness of the crimped portion is preferably 0.05 to 0.3 mm.

  In the present invention, the peripheral regions 4a and 5a of the metal plates 4 and 5 are sealed with caulking while being electrically insulated. Although electrical insulation can be performed using an insulating material, in the present embodiment, it can be performed by interposing the peripheral edge portion 1a of the solid polymer electrolyte 1.

  In the present invention, a structure in which the solid polymer electrolyte 1 is sandwiched between the peripheral regions 4a and 5a of the metal plates 4 and 5 as shown in FIG. That is, the solid polymer electrolyte 1 in the region outside the electrode plates 2 and 3 is held between the peripheral regions 4a and 5a. According to such a structure, inflow of gas or the like from one of the electrode plates 2 and 3 to the other can be effectively prevented.

  As the caulking structure, the structure shown in FIG. 2 is preferable from the viewpoint of sealing performance, ease of manufacture, thickness, and the like. That is, the peripheral region 4a of one cathode side metal plate 4 is made larger than the peripheral region 5a of the other anode side metal plate 5, and the peripheral region 4a of the cathode side metal plate 4 is interposed with the solid polymer electrolyte 1 interposed. A caulking structure is preferable in which the metal plate is folded so as to sandwich the peripheral region 5 a of the anode side metal plate 5. In this caulking structure, it is preferable to provide a step in the peripheral region 4a of the metal plate 4 by pressing or the like. A manufacturing facility for performing such a caulking structure will be described in detail later.

  When configuring a fuel cell, one or a plurality of fuel cells as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 can be used, but the solid polymer electrolyte 1, a pair of electrode plates 2, 3, and a pair of metal plates It is also possible to form unit cells with 4 and 5 and to stack a plurality of unit cells or to arrange them on the same surface. By doing so, it is possible to provide a high-power fuel cell without the need to apply a certain pressure to the cell parts by mutually coupling with the fastening parts of the bolts and nuts.

  When used as a fuel cell, it is possible to join a fuel supply pipe directly to the fuel inlet 5c and outlet 5d of the metal plate 5, but in making the fuel cell thinner, It is preferable to provide a joint mechanism having a small thickness and a pipe parallel to the surface of the metal plate 5. For example, a metal pin for a joint can be attached to the metal plate 5 at the inlet 5c. This attachment can be performed by caulking or press fitting. A pipe can be press-fitted and attached to this pin.

  The metal plates 4 and 5 and the solid polymer electrolyte 1 which are members constituting the fuel battery cell are formed in a rectangular shape, but four corners thereof are formed in an R shape. By attaching R to the four corners, it is easy to perform the caulking sealing process described later.

<About manufacturing method and manufacturing equipment>
Next, the manufacturing method and manufacturing equipment of the fuel cell shown in FIGS. FIG. 3 is an external perspective view showing a mold that is a main part of the manufacturing facility. FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing a cross-sectional configuration of the mold.

  The manufacturing facility includes a fixed unit 20 and a movable unit 30. The fixed side unit 20 includes a first lower mold 21 and a second lower mold 22 as molds. The first lower mold 21 is provided with a coil spring 23 as an urging mechanism, and acts to urge the first lower mold 21 upward. The first lower mold 21 presses the central region 4b of the cathode side metal plate 4 of the fuel cell. The second lower mold 22 is disposed so as to surround the first lower mold 21, and performs press working on the peripheral region 4 a of the metal plate 4. The second lower mold 22 is formed in a substantially rectangular annular shape in plan view. The second lower mold 22 includes a mechanism (corresponding to the first adjustment mechanism 24) that can be adjusted in the vertical direction. For example, the adjustment mechanism 24 can be configured by a mechanism using bolts and nuts. The first adjustment mechanism 24 can adjust the relative height relationship between the upper surface of the first lower mold 21 and the upper surface of the second lower mold 22. Specifically, the first lower mold 21 located in the central area is in a position recessed from the second lower mold 22 located in the peripheral area, and the protrusion amount h1 of the second lower mold 22 relative to the first lower mold 21 is set. Can be adjusted.

  The second lower mold 22 is formed with a hole 22a for inserting a guide shaft for guiding the second upper mold in the vertical direction. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 3, the hole for planting the two positioning pins 25 is also formed. The member to be processed can be positioned by the positioning pin 25. Positioning holes are formed in the member to be processed, and by inserting the holes into the positioning pins 25, the workpiece W can be positioned during processing.

  The movable unit 30 includes a first upper mold 31 and a second upper mold 32 as molds. The second upper mold 32 is provided with a coil spring 33 as an urging mechanism, and acts to urge the second upper mold 32 downward. The first upper mold 31 presses the central region 5b of the anode side metal plate 5 of the fuel cell. The second upper mold 32 is disposed so as to surround the first upper mold 31, and presses the peripheral area 5 a of the metal plate 5. The second upper mold 32 is formed in a substantially rectangular annular shape in plan view. The second upper mold 32 includes a mechanism (corresponding to the second adjustment mechanism 34) that can be adjusted in the vertical direction. As the adjustment mechanism 34, it can be comprised by the mechanism using a volt | bolt nut, for example. The relative height relationship between the lower surface of the first upper mold 31 and the lower surface of the second upper mold 32 can be adjusted by the second adjustment mechanism 34. Specifically, the protrusion amount h2 of the second upper mold 32 relative to the first upper mold 31 can be adjusted. By providing the adjusting mechanisms 24 and 34 as described above, an appropriate pressing force can be applied in press working.

  The first lower mold 21 and the first upper mold (corresponding to the regulating means) correspond to the first mold, and the second lower mold 22 and the second upper mold 32 are the second mold (lower caulking processing means and This corresponds to the upper caulking processing means).

  The second upper mold 32 is formed with a hole 32a for inserting a guide shaft for guiding the second upper mold 32 in the vertical direction. A hole 32b into which the positioning pin 25 is inserted is also formed.

  As shown in FIG. 4, pressing can be performed by operating the operation unit 40. In other words, the movable unit 30 is moved downward by operating the operation unit 40. The contact portion 26 provided on the fixed side unit 20 side and the contact portion 36 provided on the movable side unit 30 side are in contact with each other, and the distance Y between them is the movement of the movable side unit 30. Corresponds to the stroke.

  As will be described later, the number of steps of press working using the manufacturing facility is roughly divided into eight steps (six steps in terms of machining). For the lower molds 21 and 22 and the upper molds 31 and 32, molds suitable for each process are used, but if there are those that can be used in common, they are used in common. Although the size and shape of the mold are different in each process, the basic configuration is as shown in FIG.

  In addition, although it is a kind of press work, a punching process, a drawing process, etc. are included, and it is not limited to a specific kind of process as this invention.

  FIG. 4 schematically shows the workpiece W as a subject of press working, but the form of the workpiece W differs depending on the press working process. For example, there may be a single member or a plurality of members may be set.

<Manufacturing process>
Next, a specific manufacturing process will be described. FIG. 5 is a process diagram showing the order of the manufacturing process. As a process before processing using the manufacturing equipment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the metal plates 4 and 5 are etched (S1). As shown in FIG. 6 (a), the anode-side metal plate 5 is formed by etching a metal plate having a constant thickness to reduce the thickness of the peripheral region 5a, and the channel groove 9, the inlet 5c, and the outlet 5d. Similarly, it is formed by etching. For example, a metal plate having a thickness of 0.3 mm is etched to form the peripheral region 5a with a thickness of 0.1 mm and a flow path groove 9 with a depth of about 0.2 mm.

  Similarly, as shown in FIG. 6 (b), the cathode-side metal plate 4 is also etched by etching a metal plate having a constant thickness to reduce the thickness of the peripheral region 4a. Form. For example, a metal plate having a thickness of 0.3 mm is etched, and the thickness of the peripheral region 4a is set to about 0.1 mm.

  After performing the pre-process as described above, processing using a manufacturing facility is performed. First, drawing of the cathode side metal plate 4 and drawing of the anode side metal plate 5 are performed (S2, S3). This drawing process is a process for forming a 150 μm step on the metal plates 4 and 5. FIGS. 7A and 7B show how each metal plate is drawn. By this drawing process, steps 4f and 5f are formed at locations near the boundaries between the peripheral areas 4a and 5a of the metal plates 4 and 5 and the central areas 4b and 5b. As a result, spaces 4g and 5g are formed inside the metal plates 4 and 5, respectively. The space portions 4g and 5g function as space portions for accommodating the electrode plates 2 and 3 of the thin film electrode composition 10. The metal plate 4 and the metal plate 5 are drawn separately.

  As the mold configuration for performing the drawing process, the shape shown in FIG. 4 can be used. Also, dies for drawing the cathode side metal plate 4 (first and second lower dies 21 and 22 and first and second upper dies 31 and 32) and drawing the anode side metal plate 5 are drawn. The same mold can be used as the mold. In FIG. 7, it is shown in accordance with the posture when assembled, but the posture (vertical direction) when actually set in the manufacturing facility is the posture of the metal plate 5 shown in FIG. Will be set.

  When performing the drawing process, when the second lower mold 22 descends from above, it first comes into contact with the peripheral regions 4a and 5a of the metal plates 4 and 5. At that time, since the stoppers (contact portions 26 and 36) are not yet in contact with each other, the second upper mold 32 tries to further lower, but the second lower mold 22 is in a fixed state. Therefore, the spring 33 is compressed.

  On the other hand, the first upper mold 31 located in the central regions 4b and 5b is continuously lowered and stopped with the stopper coming into contact with the lower surface of the first upper mold 31 further lower than the lower surface of the second upper mold 32. To do. The stroke until the stopper stops is set for each process. Thereby, drawing processing is performed on the metal plates 4 and 5 to form steps (space portions 4g and 5g). The step size at this time is, for example, about 0.15 mm, and the space portions 4g and 5g corresponding to the thickness of the electrode plates 2 and 3 to be accommodated are formed.

  Next, the metal plates 4 and 5 are punched (S4 and S5). The state of this punching process is shown in FIG. In the punching dimension L1 of the anode side metal plate 5 and the punching dimension L2 of the cathode side metal plate 4, L2 is larger, so the mold used in the punching process is the anode side metal plate 5 and the cathode side. It differs from the metal plate 4. As will be described later, since the caulking cost is required for caulking and sealing the peripheral area 4a of the cathode side metal plate 4 in the caulking process, the dimensions are increased. The movement of the die in this punching is basically the same as the drawing in S2 and S3, although the amount of stroke Y is set differently.

  Next, the outer side 90 ° drawing process of the cathode side metal plate 4 is performed (S6). The state of this drawing process is shown in FIG. 9A, and the shape of the drawn metal plate 4 is shown in FIG. 9B. In this drawing process, the entire circumference of the peripheral region 4a of the metal plate 4 is bent 90 °. The movement of the mold in this drawing process is basically the same as described in S2 and S3.

  Next, the metal plates 4 and 5 and the thin film electrode composition 10 are set (S7). This state is shown in FIG. A thin-film electrode composition 10 (in which the electrode plates 2 and 3 are assembled on both surfaces of the solid polymer electrolyte 1) is set in the metal plate 4 drawn by 90 °. The electrode plate 2 of the thin film electrode composition 10 is accommodated in the space portion 4 g of the metal plate 4, and the electrode plate 3 is accommodated in the space portion 5 g of the metal plate 5. A metal plate 5 is set on the top. The peripheral portion 1a of the solid polymer electrolyte 1 has a shape along the peripheral region 5a bent 90 °, and is similarly set to be bent 90 °. The peripheral portion 1a of the solid polymer electrolyte 1 is slightly protruded from the peripheral region 5a.

  After setting in this state, the cathode side metal plate 4 is subjected to a drawing process of 45 ° (S8). The second upper mold 32 used at this time has an inclined surface 32c of 45 ° with respect to the horizontal plane as shown in FIG. By operating this inclined surface 32c, the peripheral region 5a bent at 90 ° is once drawn to 45 °. The state at this time is shown in FIG.

  By operating the operation unit 40, the first and second upper molds 31 and 32 descend. When the second lower mold 22 and the second upper mold 32 come into contact with each other, the peripheral area 5a is bent inward by 45 °. When the second upper mold 32 comes into contact with the second lower mold 22, the stoppers (contact parts 26, 36) are not yet in contact (see FIG. 4). The compression process of the coil spring 33 proceeds until the stopper comes into contact. On the other hand, the first upper die 31 is above the metal plate 5 of the fuel cell and is in contact with the metal plate 5 when the second upper die 32 and the second lower die 22 come into contact with each other. Absent. Then, when the stopper comes into contact, the first upper mold 31 is not lowered further and stops in the state shown in FIG. At this time, the lower surface 31 a of the first upper mold 31 presses (contacts) the upper surface of the metal plate 5. Thereby, it can suppress that the center area | regions 4b and 5b of a fuel battery cell deform | transform.

  Note that the lower surface of the metal plate 4 and the upper surface of the first lower mold 21 are not in contact with each other, but are in a state where a gap is formed. In the pressed state, the vertical gap dimension Δh between the upper surface of the second lower mold 22 and the first upper mold 31 is set to about 0.5 mm. Moreover, the thickness of the metal plates 4 and 5 in this case is 0.3 mm. The thickness of the solid polymer electrolyte 1 is 0.025 mm. Therefore, the gap dimension Δh is substantially the same as the thickness of the fuel cell to be caulked and sealed. Thereby, the deformation of the member can be effectively regulated without applying an excessive force to the fuel cell.

  The setting of the angle of 45 ° is preferably 45 ° ± 5 °, more preferably 45 ° ± 1 °. If it exceeds 50 °, there is a possibility that the bent part will not fall down well when performing 0 ° drawing. For example, a phenomenon such as buckling may occur, and it may not be crushed well, the quality of caulking sealing will deteriorate, and problems such as gas leakage will occur. On the other hand, if the angle is smaller than 40 °, it is not preferable because the bent portion does not easily fall down when it is smaller than 40 ° at a time.

  After the 45 ° drawing process is performed as described above, the outer 0 ° drawing process of the cathode side metal plate 4 is performed (S9). Thereby, the crimping process is completed. The die used for the 0 ° external drawing is a different die from the 45 ° drawing, and the press surface 32d is formed in a horizontal plane as shown in FIG. The peripheral region 5a bent at 45 ° in the previous process is further pressed down and tilted inward. At this time, the peripheral edge 1a of the solid polymer electrolyte 1 is also brought down inside. As a result, the peripheral region 5a is bent 180 ° in a horizontal state. As a result, the peripheral regions 4a and 5a are sealed with caulking. In addition, the solid polymer electrolyte 1 is interposed as an insulating layer between the peripheral region 4a and the peripheral region 5a, and is sealed in a state in which a short circuit between the metal plates 4 and 5 is prevented.

  In the same manner as shown in FIG. 11, after the second lower mold 22 and the second upper mold 32 abut, the compression process of the coil spring 33 is continued until the stoppers (abutment portions 26 and 36) abut. Persisted. Further, the position of the lower surface of the first upper mold 31 is the same as that in FIG. In addition, there is a gap between the first lower mold 21 and the lower surface of the metal plate 4.

  In step S9, the caulking sealing is completed, but a ring pressing process is performed for further safety (S10). This processing is a step of pressing the crimping-sealed peripheral regions 4a and 5a slightly inside the region with a press, whereby the sealed state can be made more reliable. The state at this time is shown in FIG. Moreover, FIG.13 (b) shows the shape of the 1st lower mold | type 21 used. The first upper mold 31 has a similar mold shape. Each mold is provided with projections 21t and 31t formed in a ring shape. Using these protrusions 21t and 31t, as shown in FIG. 13A, the inner sides of the peripheral regions 4a and 5a are pressed in a ring shape. Thereby, crimping sealing can be ensured more. Thus, the fuel battery cell as shown in FIG. 2 is completed.

  In the above steps, the steps for performing caulking sealing are S7 to S10 in FIG. In particular, when the 90 ° standing bent part formed in the step S6 is laid down and crushed, it is drawn at 45 ° and then drawn at 0 ° instead of tilting at once. Caulking sealing is performed in stages. If this is done in one stage, there is no guarantee that the bent part will fall down well, and the sealing state will deteriorate. However, as described above, the drawing process is performed in two stages to ensure sealing. Can do.

  Further, in steps S8 and S9, the central region 5b of the metal plate 5 is brought into contact with the first upper mold 31 to restrict deformation of the central region 5b when performing press working. Further, since a gap is formed between the central region 4a of the metal plate 4 and the first lower mold 21, no pressing force or regulation force acts. Accordingly, it is possible to effectively prevent deformation of the central regions 4b and 5b while preventing an excessive force from acting on the central regions 4a and 5a.

  In the present invention, the caulking sealing step refers to S7 to S10 in FIG.

<Another embodiment>
The configuration of the fuel cell is not limited to the structure shown in FIGS. For example, the cathode side metal plate 4 has a shape having many openings 4 c for taking in air, but the cathode side metal plate 4 may be formed in the same shape as the anode side metal plate 5.

  In this embodiment, the step of forming the flow channel groove and the step of reducing the thickness of the peripheral region and the step of forming the inlet / discharge port / opening are performed by etching, but these may also be performed by pressing.

  In the present embodiment, the configuration in which the solid polymer electrolyte 1 is interposed as an insulating layer is described. However, caulking sealing may be performed by separately using an insulating member. The thickness of the insulating material is preferably 0.1 mm or less from the viewpoint of thinning. In addition, further thinning is possible by coating an insulating material (for example, the thickness of an insulating material is also 1 micrometer is possible). As the insulating material, sheet-like resin, rubber, thermoplastic elastomer, ceramics and the like can be used, but resin, rubber, thermoplastic elastomer and the like are preferable for improving the sealing performance, and in particular, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyester, fluorine resin. Polyimide is preferred. The insulating material can be integrated with the metal plates 4 and 5 in advance by sticking or coating the periphery of the metal plates 4 and 5 directly or via an adhesive.

  In the processes of S8 and S9, since a gap is provided between the first lower mold 21 and the lower surface of the metal plate 5, the first lower mold 21 is not necessarily provided.

  In this embodiment, when shifting to the next press process, an example in which the molds are replaced in order has been described. However, a configuration that allows continuous press processes using a progressive mold may be employed.

Assembly perspective view showing an example of the fuel battery cell of the present invention The longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows an example of the fuel battery cell of this invention External perspective view showing the configuration of the mold Conceptual diagram showing the cross-sectional structure of the mold Process chart showing processing steps Conceptual diagram showing the etching process Conceptual diagram showing drawing Conceptual diagram showing the punching process Conceptual diagram showing the external 90 ° drawing of the cathode side metal plate Sectional drawing which shows the state which set the metal plate and the thin film electrode composition to the metal mold | die Conceptual drawing showing 45 ° drawing of the metal plate on the cathode side Conceptual diagram showing the 0 ° drawing of the cathode side metal plate Conceptual diagram showing ring presser processing The figure which shows the structure of the fuel cell which concerns on a prior art

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Solid polymer electrolyte 1a Peripheral part 2 Cathode side electrode plate 3 Anode side electrode plate 4 Cathode side metal plate 4a Peripheral region 4b Central region 5 Anode side metal plate 5a Peripheral region 5b Central region 10 Thin film electrode composition 20 Fixed side unit 21 First lower mold 22 Second lower mold 23 Coil spring 26 Contact part (stopper)
30 Movable unit 31 First upper mold 32 Second upper mold 33 Coil spring 36 Contact portion (stopper)

Claims (6)

It comprises a plate-like thin film electrode composition and a pair of metal plates disposed on both sides of the thin film electrode composition, and the peripheral area of these metal plates is sealed with caulking with an insulating layer interposed therebetween In the method of manufacturing a fuel cell,
In the state where the thin film electrode composition is set between a pair of metal plates, the peripheral region of one metal plate is tilted inward to seal by caulking,
A restricting means for restricting deformation of the central area located in the central area of the metal plate and a caulking process means for performing a process for caulking sealing that are located in the peripheral area. A fuel cell manufacturing method characterized by restricting deformation of a central region by a restricting means when performing caulking sealing.   The method for producing a fuel cell according to claim 1, further comprising a step of pressing and pressing the inner region of the peripheral region sealed by crimping after crimping.   3. The method of manufacturing a fuel cell according to claim 1, further comprising a step of previously forming a thickness of the metal plate in the peripheral region to be caulked thinner than other portions. It comprises a plate-like thin film electrode composition and a pair of metal plates disposed on both sides of the thin film electrode composition, and the peripheral area of these metal plates is sealed with caulking with an insulating layer interposed therebetween Fuel cell manufacturing equipment
As a mechanism used when crimping by crimping the peripheral area of one metal plate inward with the thin film electrode composition set between a pair of metal plates,
Restricting means located in the central region of the metal plate;
Lower caulking processing means and upper caulking processing means for applying caulking sealing to the peripheral area of the metal plate,
A stopper that defines the entire stroke of the unit on which the restricting means and the upper caulking processing means when performing caulking sealing are mounted;
An urging mechanism provided for the upper caulking processing means,
The total stroke is set to be longer than the stroke until the upper caulking processing means comes into contact with the metal plate and starts machining, and after the machining starts, the urging force by the urging mechanism is applied to the peripheral area of the metal plate. And a fuel cell manufacturing facility characterized in that the deformation of the central region is regulated by the regulating means.   5. The fuel cell manufacturing equipment according to claim 4, wherein when the crimping is performed, the lower surface of the restricting means is positioned above the upper surface of the lower caulking processing means. 6. The fuel cell manufacturing equipment according to claim 4 or 5, further comprising means used for a step of pressing and pressing the inner region of the crimped peripheral region after the caulking sealing step. .

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