JP2008123819A - Method and device for manufacturing fuel cell - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method and device for manufacturing a fuel cell having an excellent output density. <P>SOLUTION: The method has a separator 100 having a plurality of manifold holes 112-117 for circulating a fuel gas, an oxidizer gas, and a coolant and a membrane electrode assembly, and has a positioning process to position the separator 100 by positioning pins 155, 156-158 inserted at least in two places of the manifold holes 112-117. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a fuel cell manufacturing method and a manufacturing apparatus.

A fuel cell is manufactured by sequentially laminating a separator and a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) (see, for example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2).
JP-A-2005-79024 JP 2005-116378 A

  However, in stacking, the separator is positioned by inserting the positioning pin into the pin hole formed in the separator. The portion where the pin hole is formed does not contribute to the battery output, but has a problem that it is difficult to improve the output density because the size of the separator is increased.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described problems associated with the prior art, and an object thereof is to provide a method and apparatus for manufacturing a fuel cell having a good power density.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention described in claim 1
A method of manufacturing a fuel cell having a separator having a plurality of manifold holes for circulating a fuel gas, an oxidant gas, and a refrigerant, and a membrane electrode assembly,
A method of manufacturing a fuel cell, comprising: a positioning step for positioning the separator with positioning pins inserted into at least two locations of the manifold hole.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 9 provides:
A fuel cell manufacturing apparatus having a separator having a plurality of manifold holes for circulating fuel gas, oxidant gas and refrigerant, and a membrane electrode assembly,
Positioning means for positioning the separator;
The positioning means is an apparatus for manufacturing a fuel cell, characterized by having positioning pins that are inserted into at least two locations of the manifold hole and for positioning the separator.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, since the manifold hole is used as the pin hole through which the positioning pin is inserted, the pin hole forming portion that does not contribute to the battery output becomes unnecessary. Therefore, the output density can be improved by downsizing the separator. Moreover, since positioning pins are inserted into at least two locations of the separator, good positioning is achieved. That is, it is possible to provide a method for manufacturing a fuel cell having a good power density.

  According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the use of the manifold hole as the pin hole through which the positioning pin is inserted eliminates the need for a pin hole forming portion that does not contribute to battery output. Therefore, the output density can be improved by downsizing the separator. Moreover, since positioning pins are inserted into at least two places of the separator, it is possible to achieve good positioning. That is, it is possible to provide a method and apparatus for manufacturing a fuel cell having a good power density.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view for explaining a fuel cell according to Embodiment 1. FIG.

  The fuel cell 10 has a stack unit 20 in which a plurality of cells are stacked, and is used as a power source. Applications of the power source include, for example, stationary devices, consumer portable devices such as mobile phones, emergency devices, outdoor devices such as leisure and construction power sources, and mobile objects such as automobiles with limited mounting space. In particular, the mobile power supply is preferably applied because a high output voltage is required after a relatively long period of shutdown.

  On both sides of the stack part 20, current collecting plates 30, 40, insulating plates 50, 60 and end plates 70, 80 are arranged. The current collecting plates 30 and 40 are formed of gas-impermeable conductive members such as dense carbon and copper plates, and output terminals 35 and 45 for outputting electromotive force generated in the stack portion 20 are provided. It has been. The insulating plates 50 and 60 are formed from an insulating member such as rubber or resin.

  The end plates 70 and 80 are made of a material having rigidity, for example, a metal material such as steel. The end plate 70 has a fuel gas introduction port 71, a fuel gas discharge port 72, an oxidant gas, in order to circulate a fuel gas (for example, hydrogen), an oxidant gas (for example, oxygen) and a refrigerant (for example, cooling water). It has an inlet 74, an oxidant gas outlet 75, a refrigerant inlet 77, and a refrigerant outlet 78.

  Through holes through which the tie rods 90 are inserted are arranged at the four corners of the stack unit 20, current collecting plates 30 and 40, insulating plates 50 and 60, and end plates 70 and 80. The tie rod 90 is fastened with the fuel cell 10 by a nut (not shown) being screwed into a male screw portion formed at the end thereof. The load for forming the stack acts in the cell stacking direction and holds the cell in a pressed state.

  The tie rod 90 is formed of a material having rigidity, for example, a metal material such as steel, and has an insulating surface portion to prevent an electrical short circuit between the cells. The number of tie rods 90 installed is not limited to four (four corners). The fastening mechanism of the tie rod 90 is not limited to screwing, and other means can be applied.

  The fastening mechanism of the fuel cell 10 is not limited to a form using the tie rod 90 extending the inside, and a tension rod extending the outside can also be used.

  2 and 3 are plan views for explaining a separator and a membrane electrode assembly included in the stack portion shown in FIG.

  The stack unit 20 includes a separator 100 and a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) 120 that are sequentially stacked, and a sealing material is disposed on the outer peripheral edge thereof.

  Separator 100 has a substantially rectangular shape having short sides 102 and 103 and long sides 104 and 105, and is formed by pressing a stainless steel plate. The stainless steel plate is preferable in that it can be easily subjected to complicated machining and has good conductivity, and can be coated with a corrosion-resistant coating as necessary. For the separator 100, a metal material other than the stainless steel plate, for example, an aluminum plate or a clad material can be applied.

  The separator 100 has substantially rectangular manifold holes 112 to 117 disposed in the vicinity of the short side portions 102 and 103 and a flow path portion 107 disposed in the center.

  The manifold holes 112 and 113 are for fuel gas, and are connected to a fuel gas inlet 71 and a fuel gas outlet 72 arranged in the end plate 70. The manifold holes 114 and 115 are for oxidant gas, and are connected to an oxidant gas inlet 74 and an oxidant gas outlet 75 arranged in the end plate 70. Manifold holes 116 and 117 are for the refrigerant and are connected to a refrigerant inlet 77 and a refrigerant outlet 78 arranged in the end plate 70.

  The flow path portion 107 is formed with an uneven groove and is connected to the manifold holes 112 and 113, the manifold holes 114 and 115, or the manifold holes 116 and 117 according to the position of the separator 100 in the stack portion 20. Used to circulate fuel gas, oxidant gas or refrigerant.

  The membrane electrode assembly 120 has substantially the same shape as the separator 100, and has an electrolyte membrane, a cathode catalyst layer, an anode catalyst layer, and a gas diffusion layer. The manifold holes 132 to 137 of the membrane electrode assembly 120 are aligned with the manifold holes 112 to 117, and the manifold holes 132 and 133, the manifold holes 134 and 135, and the manifold holes 136 and 137 are used for the fuel gas and the oxidizing agent. Applicable for gas and refrigerant. Reference numerals 122, 123 and 124, 125 denote a short side portion and a long side portion.

  The electrolyte membrane is a proton conductive ion exchange membrane formed of a solid polymer material, for example, a fluorine-based resin, and exhibits good electrical conductivity in a wet state.

  The cathode catalyst layer and the anode catalyst layer include an electrode catalyst in which a catalyst component is supported on a conductive support, and a polymer electrolyte. The conductive support of the electrode catalyst is not particularly limited as long as it has a specific surface area for supporting the catalyst component in a desired dispersed state and sufficient electronic conductivity as a current collector, but the main component is carbon. Particles are preferred.

  The catalyst component applied to the cathode catalyst layer is not particularly limited as long as it has a catalytic action for the oxygen reduction reaction. The catalyst component applied to the anode catalyst layer is not particularly limited as long as it has a catalytic action on the oxidation reaction of hydrogen.

  The catalyst component is, for example, platinum, ruthenium, iridium, rhodium, palladium, osmium, tungsten, lead, iron, chromium, cobalt, nickel, manganese, vanadium, molybdenum, gallium, aluminum and other alloys, and alloys thereof. Selected. In order to improve catalytic activity, poisoning resistance to carbon monoxide, heat resistance, etc., those containing at least platinum are preferable. The catalyst components applied to the cathode catalyst layer and the anode catalyst layer need not be the same, and can be selected as appropriate.

  The polymer electrolyte of the electrode catalyst is not particularly limited as long as it is a member having at least high proton conductivity. For example, a fluorine-based electrolyte containing fluorine atoms in all or part of the polymer skeleton, or fluorine atoms in the polymer skeleton. A hydrocarbon-based electrolyte not included is applicable.

  The gas diffusion layer is formed of a member having sufficient gas diffusibility and conductivity, for example, carbon cloth woven with yarn made of carbon fiber, carbon paper, or carbon felt.

  Next, the fuel cell manufacturing apparatus according to Embodiment 1 will be described.

  4 and 5 are a perspective view and a plan view for explaining the positioning means included in the fuel cell manufacturing apparatus, and FIG. 6 is a side view for explaining the pressing means included in the fuel cell manufacturing apparatus.

  The fuel cell manufacturing apparatus according to Embodiment 1 includes positioning means 150 and pressing means 170.

  The positioning means 150 also serves as a stacking means for forming a stacked body of the separator 100 and the membrane electrode assembly 120, and includes a support plate 152 and positioning pins 154.

  The positioning pins 154 are inserted into four positions of the manifold holes 112 to 117 and are used for positioning the separator 100. That is, the manifold holes 112 to 117 can be used as pin holes through which the positioning pins 154 are inserted. Therefore, a pin hole forming portion that does not contribute to battery output is not necessary, and the output density can be improved by reducing the size of the separator 100. Moreover, since positioning pins are inserted through the four locations of the separator, it is possible to achieve good positioning.

  The support plate 152 is disposed horizontally, has an opening through which the positioning pin 154 passes, and the positioning pin 154 is attached upright and replaceably. The outer shape of the support plate 152 substantially matches the outer shape of the separator 100 and the membrane electrode assembly 120, and the support plate 152 has a support surface 153 on which the separator 100 constituting the lowermost layer of the laminate is disposed. Have.

  The positioning pin 154 includes a reference pin 155 and movable pins 156 to 158 that are separable from the reference pin 155.

  The reference pin 155 is fixed and has a shape that is aligned with the manifold holes 116 and 136 of the separator 100 and the membrane electrode assembly 120 and can be inserted into the manifold holes 116 and 136.

The movable pin 156 is aligned with the manifold holes 117 and 137 of the separator 100 and the membrane electrode assembly 120 and has a shape that can be inserted into the manifold holes 117 and 137. Separating direction of the movable pin 156 relative to the reference pin 155 is parallel to the extending direction _{D 1} of the long side portion 105.

The movable pin 157 is aligned with the manifold holes 113 and 133 of the separator 100 and the membrane electrode assembly 120 and has a shape that can be inserted into the manifold holes 113 and 133. Separating direction of the movable pin 157 relative to the reference pin 155 is a diagonal _{D 2.}

The movable pin 158 is aligned with the manifold holes 112 and 132 of the separator 100 and the membrane electrode assembly 120 and has a shape that can be inserted into the manifold holes 112 and 132. Separating direction of the movable pin 158 relative to the reference pin 155 is parallel to the extension direction _{D 3} of the short side portion 102.

  When the movable pins 156 to 158 are in the initial position, the reference pin 155 and the movable pins 156 to 158 have a clearance between the manifold holes 116 and 136 and the manifold holes 117, 137, 113, 133, 112, and 132. Set to occur. The clearance allows smooth lamination of the separator 100 having warpage and undulation, and movement of the separator 100 and the membrane electrode assembly 120.

  The pressing means 170 is a horizontal type, has pressing dies 171 and 176 and driving means 174 and 179, and is used for pressing the laminate 140 of the separator and membrane electrode assembly from the horizontal direction. The laminate 140 is sandwiched between the support plate 152 and the presser plate 190, and the reference pin 155 and the movable pins 156 to 158 are inserted into the manifold holes of the separator and the membrane electrode assembly.

  The pressing dies 171 and 176 are arranged to face each other so as to be close to and away from each other, and have contact surfaces 172 and 177. The contact surfaces 172 and 177 are used to press the support plate 152 and the presser plate 190 that sandwich the laminate 140. The contact surfaces 172 and 177 have substantially the same shape as the support plate 152 and the presser plate 190, and have openings 173 and 178 aligned with the reference pin 155 and the movable pins 156 to 158. The reference pin 155 and the movable pins 156 to 158 do not interfere with each other.

  The driving means 174 and 179 are used to reciprocate the pressing dies 171 and 176 in the horizontal direction. The drive source of the drive means 174, 179 is, for example, a hydraulic (hydraulic and hydraulic) type cylinder, but is not particularly limited, and a mechanical type can also be applied.

  FIG. 7 is a process diagram for explaining the fuel cell manufacturing method according to the first embodiment.

  The fuel cell manufacturing method according to Embodiment 1 includes a stacking step, a temporary holding step, a direction changing step, a positioning step, a pressing step, a fixing step, and a separation step.

  In the positioning step, the separator is positioned by positioning pins that are inserted through the four manifold holes. That is, a manifold hole is used as a pin hole through which the positioning pin is inserted. Therefore, a pin hole forming portion that does not contribute to battery output is not required, and the output density can be improved by downsizing the separator. Further, since positioning pins are inserted into the four locations of the separator, good positioning is achieved.

  Next, the method for manufacturing the fuel cell according to Embodiment 1 will be described in detail.

  8 is a perspective view for explaining the stacking step shown in FIG. 7, FIG. 9 is a perspective view for explaining the temporary holding step following FIG. 8, and FIG. 10 is a direction change following FIG. FIG. 11 is a perspective view for explaining a positioning step and a pressing step subsequent to FIG. 10, FIG. 12 is a perspective view for explaining a fixing step following FIG. FIG. 13 is a perspective view for explaining the separation step following FIG.

  In the stacking step, the separator 100 and the membrane electrode assembly 120 are sequentially arranged on the support surface 153 of the support plate 152, and the reference pins 155 and the movable pins 156 to 158 standing upright from the support plate 152 are connected to the manifold holes 116, 136 and manifold holes 117, 137, 113, 133, 112, and 132 (see FIG. 8). Thereby, the laminated body 140 in the state in which the separator 100 and the membrane electrode assembly 120 are juxtaposed in the vertical direction is obtained.

  At this time, the movable pins 156 to 158 are in the initial positions, and between the reference pin 155 and the movable pins 156 to 158 and the manifold holes 116 and 136 and the manifold holes 117, 137, 113, 133, 112, and 132, There is a clearance that allows the separator 100 and the membrane electrode assembly 120 to move. Therefore, even when the separator 100 is warped or undulated, the separator 100 and the membrane electrode assembly 120 can be easily stacked, and the reference pin 155 and the movable pins 156 to 158 are interposed between the separator 100 and the separator 100. Does not cause galling.

  In the temporary holding step, a pressing plate 190 is disposed on the upper surface of the laminate 140 (see FIG. 9). The outer shape of the pressing plate 190 is substantially the same as the outer shape of the separator 100 and the membrane electrode assembly 120, and has an opening through which the reference pin 155 and the movable pins 156 to 158 are inserted.

  In the orientation changing step, the stacked body 140 is tilted in the horizontal direction, and the separator 100 and the membrane electrode assembly 120 are juxtaposed in the horizontal direction (see FIG. 10). Since the laminated body 140 is sandwiched between the support plate 152 and the presser plate 190, displacement and deformation of the separator 100 and the membrane electrode assembly 120 are suppressed.

In the positioning step, the movable pins 156, 157, 158 are separated from the reference pin 155 along the extension direction D ₁ , the diagonal direction D _{2 of} the long side portion 105, and the extension direction D ₃ of the short side portion 102. The separator 100 is pulled (see FIG. 11). Since the separator 100 is supported at four places (the reference pin 155 and the movable pins 156 to 158), the separator 100 is accurately positioned.

  At this time, since the separators 100 included in the laminate 140 are positioned together, workability and productivity are good.

  Further, since the separators 100 are juxtaposed in the horizontal direction, the load for positioning is substantially the same (uniform) regardless of the position in the stacked body 140. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the positioning failure of the separator 100 and deformation due to catching. The positioning failure is, for example, positioning in a state where the separator 100 is inclined.

Furthermore, since the separator 100 is pulled in three directions D ₁ , D ₂ , and D ₃ , it is possible to correct warpage and undulation over the entire surface.

  In the pressing step, the pressing dies 171 and 176 are close to each other, and the support plate 152 and the pressing plate 190 positioned outside the stacked body 140 are pressed by the contact surfaces 172 and 177.

  At this time, since the separators 100 included in the laminate 140 are pressed together, workability and productivity are good. In addition, since the separator 100 is prevented from being deformed due to poor positioning or catching, it is possible to avoid applying an excessive load to the separator 100.

  Note that the positioning step and the pressing step are alternately repeated until the laminate 140 has a predetermined shape.

  In the fixing step, the fastening means 192 is attached to the support plate 152 and the presser plate 190 while the pressurized state of the laminate 140 is maintained, and the separator 100 and the membrane electrode assembly 120 are fixed (see FIG. 12). ). The fastening means 192 is, for example, a band.

  In the separation step, the movable pins 156, 157, and 158 are brought close to the reference pin 155, contrary to the positioning step. As a result, a clearance is generated between the reference pin 155 and the movable pins 156 to 158 and the manifold holes 116 and 136 and the manifold holes 117, 137, 113, 133, 112, and 132, and the reference pin 155 and the movable pins 156 to 156 Contact between 158 and separator 100 is released. Then, the reference pin 155 and the movable pins 156 to 158 are removed (see FIG. 13).

  The laminated body 140 having the separator 100 and the membrane electrode assembly 120 that are positioned and fixed is conveyed to a post-process including an assembly process and the like, and finally assembled into a fuel cell.

  14 and 15 are plan views for explaining the first modification and the second modification according to the first embodiment.

  The number of manifold holes used for positioning is not limited to four, and good positioning can be achieved if there are at least two.

In the case of two places shown in FIG. 14, the reference pin 155 and the movable pin 156 are inserted through the manifold hole 114 and the manifold hole 115. In this case, the separator 100, since the pulled only in the extending direction D ₁ of the long side portion 105, also correction of warping and waviness, and only one direction.

  For example, the manifold holes 112 and 117 and the manifold holes 113 and 116 located on the diagonal line, the manifold holes 112 and 113 near the long side portion 104, and the manifold holes 116 and 117 near the long side portion 105 are used for positioning. It is also possible.

In the case of three places shown in FIG. 15, the reference pin 155 and the movable pins 156 and 157 are inserted through the manifold hole 116 and the manifold holes 112 and 117. In this case, since the separator 100 is pulled in two directions, ie, the extension direction D ₁ of the long side portion 105 and the extension direction D ₃ of the short side portion 102, it is possible to correct warpage and undulation over the entire surface. is there.

  For example, the manifold holes 113, 116, 117, the manifold holes 112, 113, 116, and the manifold holes 113, 114, 117 can be used for positioning.

  FIGS. 16 and 17 are plan views for explaining the third modification and the fourth modification according to the first embodiment.

  When positioning pins (reference pins and movable pins) and manifold holes are in point contact, it is easy to improve positioning accuracy, and parallel adjustment during positioning is greatly reduced, reducing work load and workability. It is possible to improve. It is also preferable in that the positioning force is dispersed independently in the direction necessary for positioning.

  Therefore, the positioning pins according to Modification 3 and Modification 4 have semicircular protrusions 161, 162, and 163 for making point contact with the manifold holes.

  In the third modification, the direction in which the positioning pin moves is a direction orthogonal to the linear portion 118 of the manifold hole. Therefore, the protruding portion 161 is disposed on a surface facing the straight portion 118. In the modified example 4, the direction in which the positioning pin moves is the corner of the manifold hole. Therefore, the protrusions 162 and 163 are disposed on the surfaces facing the straight portions 118 and 119 extending from the corners, respectively.

  As described above, the first embodiment can provide a method and apparatus for manufacturing a fuel cell having good power density.

  In addition, although the separator 100 is positioned collectively, it can also be comprised so that it may position for every sheet as needed.

  FIG. 18 is a perspective view for explaining the fuel cell manufacturing method and manufacturing apparatus according to the second embodiment. In the following, members having the same functions as those of the first embodiment are denoted by similar reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted to avoid duplication.

  The second embodiment is generally different from the first embodiment in that it does not have the configuration of the positioning means and the orientation changing step.

  The positioning means according to the second embodiment also serves as a stacking means for forming a stacked body of the separator 100 and the membrane electrode assembly 120, and includes a support plate 252 and positioning pins 254 (reference pins 255 and movable pins 256 to 258). ).

  The support plate 252 is arranged vertically, has an opening through which the positioning pin 254 passes, and the positioning pin 254 is attached in a parallel direction and interchangeably. Also. The support plate 252 has a support surface that comes into contact with the separator 100 constituting the outermost layer of the laminate of the separator 100 and the membrane electrode assembly 120.

  Therefore, in the stacking process, the separator 100 and the membrane electrode assembly 120 are sequentially arranged on the support surface of the support plate 252, and the positioning pins 254 extending from the support plate 252 in the horizontal direction are connected to the manifold holes 112, 113, 116, 117, 132, 133, 136, and 137 are inserted. Thereby, the laminated body of the state in which the separator 100 and the membrane electrode assembly 120 were juxtaposed in the horizontal direction is obtained.

  In Embodiment 1, since the separator 100 and the membrane electrode assembly 120 are juxtaposed in the vertical direction, the weight of the separator 100 located above is added to the separator 100 located below. Therefore, a non-uniform load is applied according to the position in the laminated body 140.

  However, in Embodiment 2, since the separators 100 are juxtaposed in the horizontal direction, the load for stacking is substantially the same (uniform) regardless of the position in the stacked body 140. That is, it is a case where the number of laminations of the separator 100 and the membrane electrode assembly 120 is increased, and the lamination can be performed with the same load.

  In the temporary holding step, the presser plate 190 is arranged from the horizontal direction according to the direction of the laminated body. In addition, since the laminated body is a state in which the separator 100 and the membrane electrode assembly 120 are juxtaposed in the horizontal direction, the orientation changing step is unnecessary.

  As described above, Embodiment 2 can easily form a stacked body having a larger number of stacks with better accuracy than Embodiment 1.

  FIG. 19 is a perspective view for explaining the fuel cell manufacturing apparatus according to the third embodiment, and FIG. 20 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the fuel cell manufacturing method according to the third embodiment.

  When the number of separators and membrane electrode assemblies increases, it is necessary to lengthen the positioning pins, and the positioning pins are likely to be deformed or damaged due to contact between the separator and the positioning pins. In addition, the deformed positioning pin reduces positioning accuracy. Therefore, the third embodiment has a detecting means and a detecting step for detecting deformation of the positioning pin.

  More specifically, the fuel cell manufacturing apparatus according to Embodiment 3 includes a detecting means 380 and a positioning pin 354 having a through hole extending in the axial direction.

  The detection means 380 is made of a reflection type laser sensor, and has a projector 381 and a reflection plate 382 disposed in the vicinity of one and the other of the positioning pins 354. The optical path between the projector 381 and the reflecting plate 382 is aligned with the through hole of the positioning pin 354.

  Accordingly, when the positioning pin 354 is deformed, the laser from the projector 381 is shielded, so that the detection unit 380 can detect the deformation of the positioning pin 354.

  The arrangement position of the detection process is not particularly limited. For example, the detection process may be arranged between the orientation changing process and the positioning process.

  In this case, when the deformation of the positioning pin 354 is detected, the positioning pin 354 is replaced and quickly returns to normal accuracy. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the generation of defective products having insufficient positioning accuracy. Further, the replacement frequency of the positioning pin 354 can be easily determined. Note that the laser sensor is not limited to a reflection type, and a transmission type can be applied.

  FIGS. 21 to 23 are perspective views for explaining modifications 1 to 3 according to the third embodiment.

  The detection means 380 is not limited to a laser sensor, and a continuity sensor or a strain gauge can also be used.

  The detection means 380 according to the modification 1 of FIG. The conducting wire 384 is connected to the voltage detection means 383 and extends through the through hole of the positioning pin 354 in a non-contact manner. The conducting wire 385 is connected to the voltage detection means 383 and the positioning pin 354. Therefore, the voltage detection means 383 can detect the presence or absence of conduction of the conducting wires 384 and 385 as a change in voltage.

  Therefore, when the positioning pin 354 is deformed and the inner peripheral surface of the through hole of the positioning pin 354 comes into contact with the conducting wire 384, the conducting wires 384 and 385 are electrically connected, and the voltage changes. It is possible to detect deformation.

  The detection means 380 according to the second modification shown in FIG. 22 includes a strain gauge, and includes a metal resistor 386, a conductive wire 387, and a resistance detection means 388. The metal resistor 386 is embedded in the positioning pin 354 via an electrical insulator. The conducting wire 387 is connected to the metal resistor 386 and the resistance detecting means 388. Therefore, the resistance detection unit 388 can detect the resistance value of the metal resistor 386.

  Therefore, when the positioning pin 354 is deformed, the resistance value of the metal resistor 386 is changed, so that the detection unit 380 can detect the deformation of the positioning pin 354.

  The metal resistor 386 is not limited to the form embedded in the positioning pin 354, and can be attached to the outer periphery of the positioning pin 354, for example, as shown in Modification 3 in FIG.

  As described above, Embodiment 3 can suppress the occurrence of defective products due to the deformed positioning pins.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the claims.

  For example, Modifications 1 to 4 according to Embodiment 1 can be applied to Embodiment 2, Embodiment 3, and Modifications 1 to 3.

1 is a perspective view for explaining a fuel cell according to Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a top view for demonstrating the separator contained in the stack part shown by FIG. It is a top view for demonstrating the membrane electrode assembly contained in the stack part shown by FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view for explaining positioning means included in the fuel cell manufacturing apparatus according to Embodiment 1; 3 is a plan view for explaining positioning means included in the fuel cell manufacturing apparatus according to Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 3 is a side view for explaining press means included in the fuel cell manufacturing apparatus according to Embodiment 1; FIG. 5 is a process diagram for explaining the method of manufacturing the fuel cell according to the first embodiment. It is a perspective view for demonstrating the lamination process shown by FIG. It is a perspective view for demonstrating the temporary holding process following FIG. FIG. 10 is a perspective view for explaining an orientation changing process following FIG. 9. It is a perspective view for demonstrating the positioning process and press process following FIG. FIG. 12 is a perspective view for explaining a fixing process following FIG. 11. It is a perspective view for demonstrating the isolation | separation process following FIG. FIG. 10 is a plan view for explaining the first modification according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a plan view for explaining a second modification according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a plan view for explaining the third modification according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a plan view for explaining the modification 4 according to the first embodiment. 6 is a perspective view for explaining a fuel cell manufacturing method and a manufacturing apparatus according to Embodiment 2. FIG. 6 is a perspective view for explaining a fuel cell manufacturing apparatus according to Embodiment 3. FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a method of manufacturing a fuel cell according to Embodiment 3. FIG. FIG. 10 is a perspective view for explaining a first modification according to the third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a perspective view for explaining a second modification according to the third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a perspective view for explaining a third modification according to the third embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

10. Fuel cell,
20. Stack part,
30, 40 ... current collector,
35, 45 ... Output terminal,
50, 60 ... insulation board,
70,80 ... End plate,
71. Fuel gas inlet,
72 .. Fuel gas outlet,
74 .. Oxidant gas inlet,
75 .. Oxidant gas outlet,
77 .. Refrigerant inlet,
78 .. Refrigerant outlet
90..Tie rod,
100 ... Separator
102,103 ..short side part,
104,105 ... long side,
107..
112-117 ... Manifold hole,
118, 119 .. Straight section,
120 .. Membrane electrode assembly,
122, 123 .. short side part,
124, 125 ... long side,
132 to 137 ・ ・ Manifold hole
140 .. Laminated body,
150..Positioning means,
152 .. Support plate,
153 .. support surface,
154 .. Positioning pins,
155 .. Reference pin,
156 to 158 .. movable pin,
161, 162, 163 .. Protruding part,
170 .. Press means,
171, 176 ..Pressing type,
172, 177 ... Contact surface,
173,178..Opening,
174, 179 .. Driving means,
190 .. Presser plate,
192 .. Fastening means,
252 .. Support plate,
254 .. Positioning pin,
255..Reference pin,
256 .. Movable pins,
354 .. Positioning pin,
380 .. detection means,
381 .. Floodlight,
382 ... Reflector,
383 .. Voltage detection means,
384, 385 .. Conductor,
386..Metal resistor,
387 .. Conductor,
388 .. Resistance detection means,
_{D 1, D 2, D 3} ·· direction.

Claims (16)

A method of manufacturing a fuel cell having a separator having a plurality of manifold holes for circulating a fuel gas, an oxidant gas, and a refrigerant, and a membrane electrode assembly,
A method for manufacturing a fuel cell, comprising: a positioning step for positioning the separator with positioning pins inserted into at least two locations of the manifold hole.   The positioning pin includes a reference pin and a movable pin that is separable from the reference pin. In the positioning step, the movable pin is separated from the reference pin, and an interval between the reference pin and the movable pin is widened. The method of claim 1, wherein the separator is stretched.   3. The method of manufacturing a fuel cell according to claim 2, wherein the movable pin includes a plurality of movable pins having different separation directions with respect to the reference pin, and the separator is extended in a plurality of directions.   Before the positioning step, the positioning pin is inserted into the manifold hole, and includes a stacking step for forming a stacked body of the separator and the membrane electrode assembly. In the positioning step, included in the stacked body The fuel cell manufacturing method according to claim 1, wherein the separator is positioned.   5. The method of manufacturing a fuel cell according to claim 4, further comprising a pressing step for pressing the stacked body in a state where the separator and the membrane electrode assembly are juxtaposed in a horizontal direction from the horizontal direction.   6. The method of manufacturing a fuel cell according to claim 5, wherein in the stacking step, the separator and the membrane electrode assembly are stacked in a state of being juxtaposed in a horizontal direction.   The fuel cell manufacturing method according to claim 1, wherein the positioning pin makes point contact with the manifold hole in the positioning step.   The fuel cell manufacturing method according to claim 1, further comprising a detecting step for detecting deformation of the positioning pin. A fuel cell manufacturing apparatus having a separator having a plurality of manifold holes for circulating fuel gas, oxidant gas and refrigerant, and a membrane electrode assembly,
Positioning means for positioning the separator;
The apparatus for manufacturing a fuel cell, wherein the positioning means includes positioning pins that are inserted into at least two locations of the manifold hole to position the separator.   The fuel cell manufacturing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the positioning pin includes a reference pin and a movable pin that is separable from the reference pin.   11. The fuel cell manufacturing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the movable pin includes a plurality of movable pins having different separation directions with respect to the reference pin.   The positioning hole is inserted into the manifold hole to form a laminated body of the separator and the membrane electrode assembly, and the positioning means positions the separator included in the laminated body. The fuel cell manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the apparatus is a fuel cell manufacturing apparatus.   13. The fuel cell manufacturing apparatus according to claim 12, further comprising pressing means for pressing the laminated body in a state in which the separator and the membrane electrode assembly are juxtaposed in the horizontal direction from the horizontal direction.   14. The fuel cell manufacturing apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the stacking unit stacks the separator and the membrane electrode assembly in a state of being juxtaposed in a horizontal direction.   The fuel cell manufacturing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the positioning pin has a protrusion for making point contact with the manifold hole.   The fuel cell manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 15, further comprising detection means for detecting deformation of the positioning pin.

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