JP2010113995A - Fuel cell gasket molding die, manufacturing method of fuel cell, and the fuel cell - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a fuel cell gasket molding die, capable of molding a gasket which is not affected by the allowable tolerance of constituting parts that constitute each cells and a separator, and which does not generate undesired parts, causing blocking of a manifold and pressure loss and with which mutual short circuits caused by the deformation of the separator due to lamination displacement, or the like, are prevented, using a simple structure. <P>SOLUTION: The fuel cell gasket molding die 1, is for mold-forming a gasket 6 constituting a manifold 5 communicating between manifold holes 3h formed on a separator 3 of each of cells 4 and an upper die 11, is constituted of an inner-side portion molding part 11a and an outer-side portion molding part 11b, and there is provided a deformable cushion material 7 for sealing the material of the gasket 6, which is interposed in between the part 11b and a lower die 12. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a fuel cell gasket molding die, a fuel cell manufacturing method, and a fuel cell, and more specifically, in a cell constituting a fuel cell by stacking a plurality of reactant gases and a cooling medium in each cell. The present invention relates to a gasket molding die for molding a gasket that constitutes a manifold for supplying gas, a method of manufacturing a fuel cell for molding a gasket of each cell, and a fuel cell in which a gasket is molded in each cell.

  In general, a fuel cell is configured by stacking a plurality of cells. The stacked cells are sandwiched with a load applied between the end plates. As fuel cell components of each cell, as shown in FIG. 2, MEA (Membrane Electrode Assembly) 21a in which electrode layers are provided on both surfaces of the electrolyte membrane, and both sides of MEA 21a are arranged. The gas diffusion layer 21b and the porous body 22 through which the gas flows to the gas diffusion layer 21b are included. These fuel cell components are sandwiched by the separator 3. A member constituted by the MEA 21a and the gas diffusion layers 21b arranged on both sides thereof is generally called MEGA21. In a fuel cell, for example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, each cell is configured by stacking separators on one surface of a fuel cell component, and by stacking a plurality of cells, Some fuel cell components are configured to be sandwiched between the separator of the cell and the separator of another adjacent cell.

  Each cell has a manifold for distributing and supplying a reaction gas (hydrogen, air, etc.) and a cooling medium. As shown in FIG. 1, a manifold hole 3h is formed around a region of the separator 3 where the fuel cell components 2 are stacked. As shown in FIG. 2, the separator 3 has a three-layer structure in which an intermediate plate 33 in which a groove or hole having a predetermined shape is formed is sandwiched between a cathode plate 31 and an anode plate 32, thereby reacting in the inside. A flow path 34 for flowing gas and cooling medium is formed. Each flow path 34 in the separator 3 is opened to a predetermined manifold hole 3h, and a predetermined gas or cooling medium is supplied from the predetermined manifold hole 3h and discharged to another corresponding predetermined manifold hole 3h. . An inlet or discharge port of a predetermined flow path 34 is opened on the inner peripheral wall of a portion of the manifold hole 3h in the separator 3 where the fuel cell component 2 is stacked (hereinafter referred to as a separator inner portion). ing.

  Each cell 104 is integrally molded with a gasket 106 so as to surround the manifold hole 3 h and to seal the periphery of the fuel cell component 2. As shown in FIG. 2, the gasket 106 is formed so as to rise around the manifold hole 3 h of the separator 3, and projects from the surface of the base 161 upward in FIG. 2 to the surface of the fuel cell component 2. Thus, when the cells 104 are stacked, the lip portion 162 is integrally formed so as to be brought into contact with the separator 3 of another adjacent cell 104 to constitute a manifold 105.

  As shown in FIG. 12 (b), the metal mold for molding the gasket in Patent Document 1 has a protruding part that fits into the manifold hole when a separator is inserted in the lower mold. In addition, the upper mold is formed with a protrusion corresponding to the protrusion of the lower mold and an inlet for the molding material of the gasket. A passage for introducing the gasket material into the cavity from the inlet is formed by closing the mold in the projecting portions of the lower mold and the upper mold. In order to open this passage into the cavity, in Patent Document 1, the protruding portion is formed so as to penetrate the manifold hole of the separator. As shown in FIG. 5 of Patent Document 1, the gasket formed by the mold configured as described above has a manifold having the same diameter as the manifold hole of the separator.

  By the way, in the fuel cell, in order to obtain the set power generation performance, it is necessary to reliably distribute and supply the reaction gas and the cooling medium to each cell at a predetermined flow rate. For this reason, the gasket is not only molded so as to block the inlet or outlet of the flow path that opens into the manifold hole of the separator of each cell, but also the flow of the reaction gas or the cooling medium is hindered and the pressure loss is increased. It is not permissible to mold the gasket. Therefore, a conventional mold 101 for molding a gasket generally includes an upper mold 111 and a lower mold 112 as shown in FIG. 2, and a protruding portion 117 that molds the inner peripheral wall of the gasket 106 of the upper mold 112. Is in contact with the entire periphery of the manifold hole 3h on the upper surface of the separator 3 inserted in the mold 101, and seals so that the material of the gasket 106 injected and filled in the cavity 113 does not flow into the manifold hole 3h. It was a structure to do. The gasket 106 formed by the mold 101 having such a structure has an inner peripheral wall larger than the manifold hole 3h, that is, the inner peripheral wall is separated so as to retreat from the manifold 3h hole over the entire circumference. It was molded. Further, in the conventional mold 101, a cavity surface 116 for forming the gasket 106 is formed on the upper mold 111, and the outer peripheral side surface of the gasket 106 is smaller than the outer edge 3c of the separator 3 by the cavity surface 116. The outer edge 3c of the separator 3 was molded so as to be exposed.

JP 2008-123883 A

  However, the component parts and separators that make up each cell have molding tolerances with respect to their thickness, and therefore the thicknesses differ between component parts and separators. When such a component and separator are inserted into a mold as shown in FIG. 12B of Patent Document 1 and a gasket is to be molded, mold closing is insufficient and burrs occur, There is a possibility that the material of the gasket enters between the components or the surface of the separator, and unnecessary portions are formed.

  Furthermore, there is a molding tolerance with respect to the position and size of the manifold hole formed in the separator, and the separator manifold is formed on the protrusion of the lower mold as shown in FIG. When the holes are inserted together with the component parts, a gap is formed between the inner peripheral surface of the separator manifold hole and the outer peripheral surface of the protrusion of the lower mold, and the gasket material enters into this gap, and unnecessary portions are formed. There is a possibility of molding.

  If these unnecessary portions are formed in the manifold hole 3h, particularly near the inlet or outlet of the flow path 34, the flow of the reaction gas or the cooling medium flowing from the manifold hole 3h to the flow path 34 of the separator 3 is hindered. There have been problems such as an increase in pressure loss, and blocking the inlet or outlet of the flow path 34 of the manifold hole 3h, affecting the power generation performance. In the conventional technique as disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to remove the molded unnecessary portion, and problems such as an increase in the number of processes for that purpose arise.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, in the conventional cell 104 formed such that the inner wall of the gasket 106 is larger than the manifold hole 3 h and retracted over the entire circumference, the manifold hole 3 h is formed in the separator 3. For this reason, the periphery of the manifold hole 3h, particularly the outer edge (separator outer side) 3b of the separator 3 is fragile, and when there is a deviation during stacking as shown in FIG. The separator outer portion 3b may be deformed, in particular, from the manifold hole 3h of the separator 3 due to the moment generated when the lip 162 of the gasket 106 is brought into contact with and a load is applied as shown by an arrow in FIG. When the separator 3 is deformed in this way, as shown in FIG. 4, the separator 3 of the separator 3 of the cell 104 adjacent to each other and the outer edge 3c of the separator 3 are in contact with each other and the outer edge 3c of the separator 3 is short-circuited. A problem will occur.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and has a simple configuration and is not affected by the tolerances between the constituent parts constituting each cell and the separator, and causes the blockage of the separator flow path or the increase in pressure loss. Forming a gasket that does not cause a short circuit between the outer peripheral edge of the separator and the manifold hole due to deformation of the separator outer hole of the separator manifold hole due to misalignment or the like. An object of the present invention is to provide a mold for molding a gasket for a fuel cell.
In addition, the present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems. With a simple configuration, the present invention is not affected by the tolerance between the component parts constituting each cell and the separator, and blocks the flow path of the separator and increases the pressure loss. Without causing unnecessary parts to cause, and when the cells are stacked, the separator outer portion of the manifold of the separator is deformed due to the deviation or the like, so that the outer peripheral edge of the separator and the manifold hole do not short-circuit each other. An object of the present invention is to provide a method of manufacturing a fuel cell capable of forming such a gasket.
Furthermore, the present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems. With a simple configuration, the present invention is not affected by the tolerances between the constituent parts constituting each cell and the separator, and blocks the flow path of the separator and has a high pressure loss. In particular, when the cells are stacked, the separator outer portion of the separator manifold hole is deformed due to stacking deviation or the like when the cells are stacked. An object of the present invention is to provide a fuel cell having a gasket formed so as not to short-circuit each other.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention relating to a fuel cell gasket molding die according to claim 1 includes a first die and a second die, and sandwiches the fuel cell components by being laminated. A molding die for a gasket constituting a manifold for communicating the manifold holes formed in the separator with each other, wherein when the first die is closed with respect to the second die, By contacting the inside of the separator on the surface around the manifold hole of the separator, the material of the gasket is prevented from entering the manifold hole, and the inner part of the separator on the inner peripheral wall of the gasket is separated from the manifold hole toward the inner side of the separator. An inner part molding part to be molded at a position and a short-circuit prevention part formed in the manifold outer part by entering the manifold hole. And an outer part molding part that is interposed between the outer part molding part of the first mold and the second mold when the mold is closed to seal the gasket material therebetween It is characterized by comprising a possible cushioning material.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fuel cell manufacturing method in which a separator formed with a manifold hole and a fuel cell component are stacked and a gasket is provided around the manifold hole of the separator. A fuel cell in which a cell is formed by stacking the cells so that the fuel cell components are sandwiched between separators, and manifold holes of separators of adjacent cells are communicated with each other by a gasket to form a manifold. The inner partial molding portion that contacts the inner side of the separator on the surface around the manifold hole of the separator when the first die is closed with respect to the second die, Preliminarily formed with an outer part molding part that enters the manifold hole and molds a short-circuit prevention part on the outer part of the gasket separator The fuel cell component and the separator are stacked and inserted into the first or second mold, and the outer part molding portion of the first mold and the second mold are inserted around the insert. A deformable cushioning material is interposed between the mold and the first and second molds, and then the first mold is placed inside the separator on the surface around the manifold hole of the separator. The inner part molding portion of the first mold is brought into contact with and sealed, and the outer part molding portion of the first mold is inserted into the manifold hole, and the gap between the second mold and the second mold is sealed by the cushion material. A cavity is formed, and a gasket material is injected and filled in the cavity. The inner portion molding portion forms the separator inner portion at a position away from the manifold hole toward the inner side of the separator, and the front portion. It is characterized in that for molding the gasket short-circuit preventing portion to the separator outer portion by the outer portion forming portion and the cushion material is formed.
Furthermore, in order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 5 is formed by stacking a plurality of cells, and each cell is adjacent when stacked, a fuel cell component and a separator. A fuel cell comprising a gasket molded to form a manifold that communicates manifold manifold holes of a cell with each other, wherein the gasket has a separator inner portion on its inner peripheral wall extending from the manifold hole toward the separator inner side. It is formed in a distant position, and a short-circuit prevention part is formed in the outer part of the separator.

According to the invention relating to the fuel cell gasket molding die of claim 1, the fuel cell component and the separator are stacked and inserted into the first or second die, and the first die and the second die are inserted. When the mold of 2 is closed, the inner part molding part of the first mold abuts on the inner side of the separator on the surface around the manifold hole of the separator, and the outer part molding part enters the manifold hole of the separator. Then, the cushion material is interposed between the outer partial molding portion and the second mold in a state of being deformed according to the interval therebetween. In this state, when the gasket material is injected and filled into the cavities formed in the first mold and the second mold, the inner portion molding portion of the first mold has the gasket material in the manifold hole. The separator inner portion of the inner peripheral wall of the gasket is formed at a position away from the manifold hole in the separator inner direction. Therefore, it is possible to reliably and easily prevent the flow of the reaction gas or the cooling medium from being blocked by the gasket closing the manifold hole of the separator, and to secure the power generation performance of the fuel cell. On the other hand, the outer part molding part of the first mold is interposed between the outer part molding part of the first mold and the second mold, and the cushion is sealed so that the gasket material does not leak from there. In cooperation with the material, the short-circuit prevention portion is reliably and easily formed on the outer portion of the gasket separator. Therefore, even when the separator outer portion of the manifold hole of the separator is deformed by applying a load in a state where a shift occurs when each cell is stacked, the outer peripheral edge of the separator of the adjacent cell and the manifold hole It is possible to reliably prevent a short circuit due to contact between each other. In addition, since the cushion material can be deformed even when the thickness of the fuel cell component and the separator inserted into the first or second mold is changed due to a molding error or the like, the separator Corresponding to the change in the thickness of the first mold, the seal is securely sealed so that the gasket material does not leak from between the outer mold part of the first mold and the second mold. It will not be molded.
According to the invention relating to the fuel cell manufacturing method of claim 4, when the first mold is closed with respect to the second mold, the inner side of the separator on the surface around the manifold hole of the separator The fuel cell components and the separator are formed in advance by forming an inner part molding part that contacts the inner hole and an outer part molding part that enters the manifold hole and molds the short-circuit prevention part in the outer part of the separator of the gasket. Stacked and inserted into the first or second mold, and a deformable cushion material is interposed between the outer mold part of the first mold and the second mold before and after the insert. Thereafter, the first and second molds are closed to form a cavity, and a gasket material is injected and filled into the cavity to form a gasket. The cavity is sealed by contacting the inner part molding portion of the first mold on the inner surface of the separator around the manifold hole of the separator, and the outer side molding portion of the first mold on the outer side of the separator. Is inserted into the manifold hole and a cushioning material is interposed between the second mold and the second mold so as to be sealed. Therefore, the gasket is formed at a position where the separator inner portion is separated from the manifold hole in the separator inner direction, and a short-circuit prevention portion is formed at the separator outer portion. Therefore, it is possible to reliably and easily prevent the reaction gas or the cooling medium from being blocked by the gasket closing the manifold hole of the separator, and the power generation performance of the fuel cell can be ensured. Even when the outer part of the separator manifold hole is deformed by applying a load in a state where there is a displacement, the outer peripheral edge of the separator of the adjacent cell and the manifold hole are in contact with each other and short-circuited. Can be surely prevented. Furthermore, even if the fuel cell component inserted into the first or second mold and the separator, particularly when the thickness of the separator changes due to molding error, etc., the cushion material can be deformed. Corresponding to the change in the thickness of the first mold, the seal is securely sealed so that the gasket material does not leak from between the outer mold part of the first mold and the second mold. It will not be molded.
Furthermore, according to the invention of the fuel cell of claim 5, the separator inner portion of the inner peripheral wall of the gasket is formed at a position away from the manifold hole in the separator inner direction, so that an unnecessary portion is formed and the separator is formed. It is possible to reliably and easily prevent the flow of the reaction gas or the cooling medium from being blocked by, for example, a gasket closing the manifold hole, and thus to have a structure capable of ensuring the power generation performance of the fuel cell. . In addition, because the short-circuit prevention part is formed in the separator outer part of the gasket, when the separator outer part of the manifold hole of the separator is deformed by applying a load in a state where a shift occurs when the cells are stacked, Even if it exists, it can be set as the structure which can prevent reliably between the outer periphery of the separator of an adjacent cell, and a manifold hole mutually contacting and short-circuiting.

(Aspect of the Invention)
In the following, the invention that is claimed to be claimable in the present application (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “claimable invention”. The claimable invention is at least the “present invention” to the invention described in the claims. Some aspects of the present invention, including subordinate concept inventions of the present invention, superordinate concepts of the present invention, and inventions of other concepts) will be exemplified and described. As with the claims, each aspect is divided into sections, each section is numbered, and is described in a form that cites the numbers of other sections as necessary. This is for the purpose of facilitating the understanding of the claimable invention, and is not intended to limit the combinations of the constituent elements constituting the claimable invention to those described in the following sections. In other words, the claimable invention should be construed in consideration of the description accompanying each section, the description of the embodiments, etc., and as long as the interpretation is followed, another aspect is added to the form of each section. In addition, an aspect in which constituent elements are deleted from the aspect of each item can be an aspect of the claimable invention. In each of the following terms, (1) corresponds to claim 1, (2) corresponds to claim 2, (3) corresponds to claim 3, and (5) claims. This corresponds to item 4, and item (7) corresponds to claim 5.

(1) Molding of a gasket comprising a first die and a second die and constituting a manifold for communicating manifold holes formed in a separator that sandwiches fuel cell components by being laminated. Mold,
When the first mold is closed with respect to the second mold, the material of the gasket enters the manifold hole by contacting the inner side of the separator on the surface around the manifold hole of the separator. And an inner portion molding portion that molds the inner portion of the separator on the inner peripheral wall of the gasket at a position away from the manifold hole toward the inner side of the separator, and a short-circuit prevention portion that enters the manifold hole and enters the outer portion of the separator of the gasket. An outer part molding part to be molded,
A deformable cushioning material is provided between the outer part molding portion of the first mold and the second mold when the mold is closed, and seals the material of the gasket therebetween. Mold for molding gaskets for fuel cells.

  In the invention of (1), when the fuel cell component and the separator are stacked and inserted into the first or second mold and the first mold and the second mold are closed, An inner partial molding portion of one mold abuts on the inner side of the separator on the surface around the manifold hole of the separator, and an outer partial molding portion enters the manifold hole of the separator. The cushion material is deformed and interposed in accordance with the interval between the two molds. In this state, when the gasket material is injected and filled into the cavities formed in the first mold and the second mold, the inner portion molding portion of the first mold has the gasket material in the manifold hole. The separator inner portion (the portion located inside the separator from the center of the manifold hole of the separator) on the inner peripheral wall of the gasket is formed at a position away from the manifold hole toward the inside of the separator. Therefore, it is possible to reliably and easily prevent the flow of the reaction gas or the cooling medium from being blocked by the gasket closing the manifold hole of the separator, and to secure the power generation performance of the fuel cell. On the other hand, the outer part molding part of the first mold is interposed between the outer part molding part of the first mold and the second mold, and the cushion is sealed so that the gasket material does not leak from there. In cooperation with the material, a short-circuit prevention portion is formed by positioning the separator outer portion of the gasket (the portion located on the separator outer side from the center of the manifold hole of the separator) at least the same as the manifold hole or on the inner side of the separator from the manifold hole. Molding reliably and easily. Therefore, even when the separator outer portion of the manifold hole of the separator is deformed by applying a load in a state where a deviation occurs when each cell is stacked, the outer peripheral edge of the separator of the adjacent cell and the manifold hole It is possible to reliably prevent a short circuit due to contact between each other. In addition, even when the thickness of the fuel cell component and the separator, particularly the separator, inserted into the first or second mold is changed due to a molding error or the like, a cushion corresponding to the change in the thickness of the separator In order to ensure that the gasket material does not leak from between the outer mold part of the first mold and the second mold due to deformation of the material, unnecessary parts of the gasket are molded into the manifold holes. There is nothing to do.

  (2) The fuel cell gasket molding die according to (1), further comprising a buffer tank formed inside the separator of the outer partial molding portion when the die is closed.

  In the invention of item (2), in the invention of item (1), the buffer layer is formed inside the separator of the outer partial molding portion when the mold is closed, so that the cushion material and the outer side of the first mold are formed. Even if the gasket material leaks from between the partially molded part or the second mold, the leaked gasket material is stored in the buffer layer. It will not be molded.

  (3) The gasket molding die for a fuel cell according to (1) or (2), further comprising a positioning portion for positioning the separator by fitting a manifold hole of a separator to be inserted.

  In the invention described in the item (3), in the invention described in the item (1) or (2), by further having a positioning portion, when the separator is inserted, when the manifold hole is fitted, the separator is easy. And accurately positioned.

  (4) The fuel cell gasket according to any one of (1) to (3), further comprising an outer edge molding portion for molding a short-circuit prevention portion on the gasket so as to cover the outer edge of the separator. Mold for molding.

  In the invention of the item (4), in the invention described in any one of the items (1) to (3), since the outer edge forming part is provided, a short-circuit preventing part that covers the outer edge of the separator is formed on the gasket. Even when the separator outer portion around the manifold hole is deformed by applying a load in a state where a deviation occurs when the cells are stacked, the separators of adjacent cells are further in contact with each other and short-circuited. It can be surely prevented.

(5) The fuel cell is configured by stacking the separator having the manifold hole and the fuel cell component, forming a gasket around the manifold hole of the separator to form a cell, and stacking the cell. A method of manufacturing a fuel cell in which component parts are sandwiched between separators, and manifold holes of separators of adjacent cells are communicated with each other by a gasket to form a manifold,
When the mold is closed with respect to the second mold, the inner part molding portion that contacts the inner side of the separator on the surface around the manifold hole of the separator, and enters the manifold hole The outer part molding part for molding the short-circuit prevention part on the separator outer part of the gasket is formed in advance,
The fuel cell component and separator are stacked and inserted into the first or second mold,
Before and after this insert, a deformable cushion material is interposed between the outer mold part of the first mold and the second mold,
Thereafter, the first and second molds are closed, and the inner part molding portion of the first mold is brought into contact with and sealed inside the separator on the surface around the manifold hole of the separator, and Forming a cavity formed by allowing the outer mold part of the first mold to enter the manifold hole and sealing the second mold with the cushion material;
Gasket material is injected and filled into the cavity, and the inner portion forming portion forms the inner portion of the separator away from the manifold hole toward the inner side of the separator, and the outer portion forming portion and the cushion material separate the outer portion of the separator. A method of manufacturing a fuel cell, comprising forming a gasket having a short-circuit preventing portion formed thereon.

  In the invention of the item (5), the inner mold part that contacts the inner side of the separator on the surface around the manifold hole of the separator when the mold is closed with respect to the second mold, and the manifold An outer part molding part that enters the hole and molds the short-circuit prevention part in the outer part of the separator of the gasket is formed in advance. The fuel cell component and the separator are stacked and inserted into the first or second mold, and before and after the insert, between the outer mold part of the first mold and the second mold. When a deformable cushioning material is interposed, and then the first and second molds are closed to form a cavity, the cavity is located on the inner surface of the separator around the manifold hole of the first mold. Sealed by abutting the inner part molding part, and the outer side of the separator enters the outer part molding part of the first mold into the manifold hole, and the cushion material is interposed between the second mold and the outer part molding part. It is sealed by letting. When the gasket material is injection-filled into this cavity and the gasket is molded, the gasket inner part (the part located inside the separator from the center of the manifold hole of the separator) is located at a position away from the manifold hole toward the inner side of the separator. A short-circuit prevention portion formed by positioning the separator outer portion (the portion located from the center of the manifold hole of the separator to the outside of the separator) at least the same as the manifold hole or from the manifold hole toward the inside of the separator is reliably and easily formed. The Therefore, it is possible to reliably and easily prevent the reaction gas or the cooling medium from being blocked by the gasket closing the manifold hole of the separator, and the power generation performance of the fuel cell can be ensured. Even when the outer part of the separator manifold hole is deformed by applying a load in a state where there is a displacement, the outer peripheral edge of the separator of the adjacent cell and the manifold hole are in contact with each other and short-circuited. Can be surely prevented. Furthermore, even if the fuel cell component inserted into the first or second mold and the separator, particularly when the thickness of the separator changes due to molding error, etc., the cushion material can be deformed. Corresponding to the change in the thickness of the first mold, the seal is securely sealed so that the gasket material does not leak from between the outer mold part of the first mold and the second mold. It will not be molded.

  (6) Furthermore, the outer edge molding part which shape | molds a short circuit prevention part in a gasket so that the outer edge of a separator may be covered in the 1st or 2nd metal mold | die beforehand is formed. Fuel cell manufacturing method.

  In the invention of item (6), in the invention of item (5), an outer edge molding part for molding a short-circuit prevention part on the gasket so as to cover the outer edge of the separator is formed in advance in the first or second mold. Since the short-circuit prevention part that covers the outer edge of the separator is further formed on the gasket, the outer part of the separator in the vicinity of the manifold hole is deformed by applying a load in a state where a shift occurs when the cells are stacked. Even if it is a case, it can prevent more reliably that the separator of an adjacent cell contacts mutually and short-circuits.

(7) A plurality of cells are stacked,
Each cell is a fuel cell comprising a fuel cell component, a separator, and a gasket molded to form a manifold that communicates the manifold holes of separators of adjacent cells when stacked. ,
The fuel cell is characterized in that a separator inner portion of the inner peripheral wall of the gasket is formed at a position away from the manifold hole in the separator inner direction, and a short-circuit prevention portion is formed on the separator outer portion.

  In the invention of item (7), the separator inner portion of the inner peripheral wall of the gasket is formed at a position away from the manifold hole in the separator inner direction, so that the gasket seals the manifold hole of the separator, etc. It is possible to reliably and easily prevent the flow of the medium from being disturbed, thereby ensuring the power generation performance of the fuel cell. Also, the separator outer portion of the inner peripheral wall of the gasket is at least the same as the manifold hole or located in the separator inner direction from the manifold hole, so that a short circuit prevention part is formed, so that deviation occurs when the cells are stacked. Even if the separator outer part of the separator manifold hole is deformed by applying a load in the state of contact, it is ensured that the outer peripheral edge of the separator of the adjacent cell and the manifold hole contact each other and short-circuit each other. Can be prevented.

  (8) The fuel cell as set forth in (7), wherein an outer edge short-circuit prevention portion is formed on the gasket so as to cover the outer edge of the separator.

  In the invention of the item (8), in the invention of the item (7), the gasket is further provided with an outer edge short-circuit prevention portion formed so as to cover the outer edge of the separator, whereby each cell is laminated. Even when the outer part of the separator manifold hole is deformed by applying a load in a state where there is a displacement, the outer peripheral edge of the separator of the adjacent cell and the manifold hole are in contact with each other and short-circuited. This can be prevented more reliably.

  First, before explaining the present invention, the progress technique up to the present invention will be described based on FIGS. 5 to 12 while comparing with the conventional techniques shown in FIGS. 5 is a partial enlarged cross-sectional view showing a mold 1 ′ and a gasket 6 molded therein, and FIG. 6 is a plan view of the molded gasket 6, up to the present invention. FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the upper die 11 ′, and FIG. 8 is an explanatory view showing a state in which a plurality of cells 4 including the gasket 6 according to the present invention are laminated, which is compared with FIG. 3 shown in the prior art. FIG. 9 is an explanatory view showing a state in which a load is applied to the plurality of cells 4 shown in FIG. 8 in the stacking direction, and is compared with FIG. 4 shown in the prior art. 11 is an explanatory view showing a case where the thickness of the separator 3 inserted into the die 1 ′ of the progress technology is thick, and FIG. 12 shows a case where the thickness of the separator 3 inserted into the die 1 ′ of the progress technology is thin. It is explanatory drawing shown.

  As described above, in the conventional general mold for molding a fuel cell gasket 101, as shown in FIG. 2, the protrusion 117 that molds the inner peripheral wall of the gasket 106 of the upper mold 111 is formed on the lower mold 112. The surface of the inserted separator 3 is in contact with the entire periphery of the manifold hole 3h, and is configured to seal so as to prevent the material of the gasket 106 injected and filled into the cavity 113 from flowing into the manifold hole 3h. . Therefore, the gasket 106 formed by the mold 101 configured as described above has its inner peripheral wall extending over the entire circumference, that is, both the separator inner portion 106a and the separator outer portion 106b of the inner peripheral wall are retracted from the manifold hole 3h. Had been molded away. In the cell 104 in which the gasket 106 is formed as described above, the separator outer portion 3b of the manifold hole 3h of the separator 3 may be deformed particularly when a deviation occurs during lamination as shown in FIG. When the separator 3 is deformed in this manner, the separators 3 of the adjacent cells 4 come into contact with each other and short-circuit as shown in FIG.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5, the inner portion molding portion 11a ′ of the protruding portion 17 ′ of the upper die 11 ′ is formed on the separator inner portion 3a of the separator 3 manifold hole 3h in the same manner as the conventional upper die 111 shown in FIG. The outer part molding portion 11b ′ of the projecting portion 17 ′ is configured to enter the manifold hole 3h of the separator 3 so that the tip surface thereof contacts the lower die 12 ′. It is possible. As shown in the plan view of FIG. 6, the gasket 6 molded by the mold 1 ′ configured as described above is formed at a position where the separator inner portion 6a on the inner peripheral wall is away from the manifold hole 3h in the separator inner direction. Then, the separator outer portion 6b is positioned in the separator inner direction from the manifold hole 3h so as to cover the manifold hole 3h, and the short-circuit preventing portion 6p is formed. As described later, the cell 4 in which the gasket 6 of the present invention is molded is formed. Can be configured.

  In the cell 4 in which the gasket 6 is formed in this manner, when a shift occurs during lamination as shown in FIG. 8, the lip portion 62 of the gasket 6 is brought into contact with the separator 3 of the adjacent cell 4 and a load is applied. 9, even when the outer portion 3b of the manifold hole 3h of the separator 3 is deformed, the separators 3 of the adjacent cells 4 are brought into contact with each other by the short-circuit prevention portion 6p, as shown in FIG. A short circuit can be prevented.

  However, the separator 3 for forming the gasket 6 and the fuel cell component 2 vary in thickness within a tolerance range. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5, the outer part molding portion 11b ′ of the protruding portion 17 ′ of the upper mold 11 ′ enters the manifold hole 3h of the separator 3 when the mold is closed and contacts the lower mold 12 ′. Then, particularly when the separator 3 is thick, as shown in FIG. 10, when the mold is closed, the inner part molding portion 11 a ′ of the protruding portion 17 ′ of the upper mold 11 ′ is separated from the separator inner portion of the manifold hole 3 h on the surface of the separator 3. In the state of being in contact with 3a, even if the outer part molding part 11b 'of the projecting part 17' enters the manifold hole 3h of the separator 3, the tip surface thereof does not contact the lower mold 12 ', and the outer part A gap is formed between the front end surface of the molded part 11b ′ and the lower mold 12 ′, and the material of the gasket 6 injected and filled in the cavity 13 ′ leaks into the manifold hole 3h, and an unnecessary part is left. Made is, so that the possibility of interfering with the flow of the reaction gas and cooling medium flowing through the manifold 5 is caused. In order to solve this, a process of removing unnecessary portions after the molding of the gasket 6 is required.

  Further, particularly when the separator 3 is thick, as shown in FIG. 11, when the mold is closed, the front end surface of the outer part molded portion 11b ′ of the protruding portion 17 ′ of the upper mold 11 ′ is brought into contact with the lower mold 12 ′. In the state, there is a possibility that the inner portion molding portion 11a ′ of the projecting portion 17 ′ excessively presses the separator inner portion 6a from the manifold hole 3h of the separator 3, and the separator 3 may be bent or crushed. It becomes.

  Furthermore, particularly when the separator 3 is thin, as shown in FIG. 12, when the mold is closed, the tip surface of the outer part molded portion 11b ′ of the protruding portion 17 ′ of the upper mold 11 ′ is brought into contact with the lower mold 12 ′. Even in this state, the inner portion molding portion 11a ′ of the protrusion 17 ′ of the upper mold 11 ′ cannot be brought into contact with the separator inner portion 3a of the manifold hole 3h on the surface of the separator 3, and the inner portion molding is performed. A gap is formed between the tip surface of the portion 11a ′ and the surface of the separator 3, and the material of the gasket 6 injected and filled in the cavity 13 ′ leaks into the manifold hole 3h and opens into the manifold hole 3h. The possibility of blocking each flow path 34 occurs.

  Therefore, in the fuel cell gasket molding die 1 of the present invention, in the fuel cell constituted by laminating a plurality of cells 4 including the fuel cell component 2 and the separator 3, the separator of each cell 4. 3 is a mold 1 for molding a gasket 6 that constitutes a manifold 5 that communicates with a manifold hole 3h that is formed in 3 and includes a first mold 11 and a second mold 12. When the first mold 11 is closed with respect to the second mold 12, the material of the gasket 6 is brought into contact with the separator inner side 3a on the surface around the manifold hole 3h of the separator 3 so that the material of the gasket 6 becomes the manifold hole 3h. The separator inner portion 6a on the inner peripheral wall of the gasket 6 is formed at a position away from the manifold hole 3h in the separator inner direction. An inner part molding part 11a that enters the manifold hole 3h and an outer part molding part 11b that molds the short-circuit prevention part 6p in the separator outer part 6b of the gasket 6, and the first metal mold is closed when the mold is closed. A deformable cushion material 7 is provided between the outer part molding portion 11b of the mold 11 and the second mold 12 so as to seal the material of the gasket 6 between the both 11b and 12.

  Below, one Embodiment of the metal mold | die for gasket formation for fuel cells of this invention is described in detail based on FIGS. In the drawings, the same reference numerals denote the same or corresponding parts.

  In this embodiment, the porous body 22 is laminated on both surfaces of the MEGA 21 as the fuel cell component 2, and the cell 4 is configured by stacking the separator 3 on one surface of the fuel cell component 2. ing. The MEGA 21 is formed by arranging gas diffusion layers 21b on both surfaces of the MEA 21a. The outer edge of the MEA 21a is formed so as to protrude from the outer edges of the gas diffusion layer 21b and the porous body 22, and the gasket 6 is integrally formed later. It is molded to be. Then, by stacking a plurality of cells 4, the fuel cell component 2 is sandwiched between the separator 3 of this cell 4 and the separator 3 of another cell 4 adjacent to this cell 4. . As shown in FIG. 1, the fuel cell component 2 is disposed approximately at the center of the separator 3. As shown in FIG. 13, the separator 3 has a three-layer structure in which an intermediate plate 33 is sandwiched between a cathode plate 31 and an anode plate 32, and the fuel cell component 2 of the separator 3 is disposed. In the surrounding area, a manifold hole 3h is formed, and a flow path 34 for flowing a reaction gas and a cooling medium to each cell 4 is provided inside thereof. That is, a hole constituting the manifold hole 3h is formed on at least one peripheral edge of the cathode plate 31 and the anode plate 32. The intermediate plate 33 is provided with a groove or a hole for forming a flow path 34 for allowing the reaction gas and the cooling medium to flow through each cell 4 inside the separator 3. The end of the groove or hole of the intermediate plate 33 is provided corresponding to each hole constituting the manifold hole 3h of the cathode plate 31 and the anode plate 32. Therefore, the reaction gas or the cooling medium is provided in each cell 4. The flow path 34 for circulating the gas is opened in the separator inner portion of the inner peripheral surface of the predetermined manifold hole 3h. The separator 3 is not limited to the embodiment in which the cathode plate 31 is in contact with the porous body 22 as shown in FIG. 13 and the like, and the anode plate 32 is in contact with the porous body 22. The case where it is configured is also included in the present invention.

  The gasket 6 is composed of a base 61 formed on the peripheral surface of the fuel cell component 2 and the surface of the separator 3, and a lip 62 projecting continuously from the base 61. Is set so as to protrude upward in FIG. 13 from the surface of the fuel cell component 2, and the height of the surface of the base 61 is set to be lower in FIG. 13 than the surface of the fuel cell component 21. As shown in FIG. 9, when each cell 4 is stacked and a predetermined load is applied in the stacking direction, the lip portion 62 pressed against the separator 3 of another adjacent cell 4 is pressed. The base 61 is configured to absorb the above.

  In the embodiment shown in FIG. 13, the first mold 11 is constituted by an upper mold, and the second mold 12 is constituted by a lower mold. The upper mold 11 and the lower mold 12 are opened and closed by relatively approaching and moving away from each other, and are supported so as to be clamped with a predetermined force when the mold is closed. In this embodiment, a gate 14 for introducing the material of the gasket 6 into the cavity 13 is formed in the upper mold 11.

  As shown in FIG. 13, an accommodating portion 15 is formed at substantially the center of the upper mold 11 corresponding to the arrangement of the fuel cell component 2 in which the porous body 22 is laminated on both surfaces of the MEGA 21. . A cavity surface 16 is formed continuously around the accommodating portion 15 according to the shape of the gasket 6 that is molded so as to surround each manifold hole 3 h of the separator 3. A projecting portion 17 for forming the inner peripheral wall surface of the gasket 6 is formed substantially at the center of the cavity surface 16. The protruding portion 17 is formed with an inner partial molded portion 11a and an outer partial molded portion 11b. The position of the lower surface (tip surface) of the inner partial molding portion 11a is the center of the manifold hole 3h on the surface of the separator 3 inserted into the lower die 12 as will be described later when the upper die 11 and the lower die 12 are closed. It is set so as to come into contact with the portion 3a on the fuel cell component side (inside the separator) from the chain line C shown in FIGS. Further, the position of the lower surface (tip surface) of the outer part molding portion 11b is entered into the manifold hole 3h of the separator 3 inserted in the lower die 12 when the upper die 11 and the lower die 12 are closed, and It is set so as not to collide with the surface of the lower mold 12. Then, in order to allow the outer part molding portion 11b to enter the manifold hole 3h of the separator 3 when the mold is closed, the side surface of the outer part molding part 11b is closer to the inner side of the separator than the inner peripheral surface of the manifold hole 3h outside the separator (in FIG. 13). It is set to be located on the left.

  The lower mold 12 is formed with an accommodating portion 18 that accommodates the separator 3 inserted in a state where the fuel cell components 2 are stacked. The accommodating portion 18 is formed so that its inner peripheral wall is located outside the outer edge 3 c of the separator 3, in other words, the size of the accommodating portion 18 is slightly larger than that of the separator 3. The inner peripheral wall of the accommodating portion 18 constitutes an outer edge molding portion for molding the outer peripheral side wall of the gasket 6 in cooperation with the inner peripheral wall of the cavity surface 16 of the upper mold 11. The outer peripheral side wall of the gasket 6 formed by the outer edge forming portion is formed so as to cover the outer edge 3c of the separator 3, and the manifold 4 is formed by stacking the cells 4 and applying a load in the stacking direction in a state where a deviation occurs. Even when the outer side of the separator of the hole 3h is deformed, the outer edge short-circuit prevention portion 6pa is configured to prevent the outer edge 3c of the separator 3 of another adjacent cell 4 from being short-circuited.

  A groove for accommodating the seal member 19 is formed on the peripheral edges of the surfaces of the upper mold 11 and the lower mold 12 facing each other. Furthermore, in the fuel cell gasket molding die 1 of the present invention, the fuel cell component 2 is stacked in the approximate center of the separator 3 and inserted into the lower die 12 to close the upper die 11 and the lower die 12. Sometimes, the cushion member 7 is interposed between the front end surface of the outer part molding portion 11 b of the protruding portion 17 of the upper die 11 and the lower die 12. The cushion material 7 is crushed and elastically deformed between the front end surface of the outer part molding portion 11b of the upper mold 11 and the lower mold 12 by closing the mold, and is made of, for example, a tetrafluoroethylene resin or a foamed resin. be able to. The cushion material 7 can be affixed at a position corresponding to the front end surface of the outer partial molding portion 11b of the upper mold 11 or the inside of the manifold hole 3h of the inserted separator 3 of the lower mold 12.

  Next, a second embodiment of the fuel cell gasket molding die 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In this embodiment, parts that are the same as or correspond to those in the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, description thereof is omitted, and only different parts are described.

  In addition to the configuration of the above-described embodiment, the fuel cell gasket molding die 1 of the present invention further includes a buffer tank 20 formed inside the separator of the outer partial molding portion 11b when the mold is closed. A partition wall 21 is formed between the inner partial molding portion 11a and the outer partial molding portion 11b of the upper mold 11. The leading end of the partition wall 21 is located at substantially the same height as the leading end of the outer partial molding portion 11b. The fuel cell component 2 and the separator 3 are stacked between the partition wall 21 and the lower mold 12 and inserted into the lower mold 12 in the same manner as the outer part molding portion 11b. A cushioning material 22 is provided to be interposed when the mold is closed.

  When the upper mold 11 and the lower mold 12 are closed, cushion members 7 and 22 are interposed between the partition wall 21 and the outer partial molded portion 11b and the lower mold 12 as shown in FIG. The buffer tank 20 is formed between the portion 11b and the inner partial molding portion 11a, that is, inside the separator of the outer partial molding portion 11b. Sealing by the cushion material 7 interposed between the outer partial molded portion 11b and the lower mold 12 is not sufficient, and the material of the gasket 6 is between the outer partial molded portion 11b and the cushion material 7 or between the lower mold 12 and the cushion material 7. Even when leaking from between the two, the leaked material of the gasket 6 is stored in the buffer layer 20. Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent unnecessary portions of the gasket 6 from being formed in the manifold hole 3h.

  Next, a third embodiment of the fuel cell gasket molding die 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In this embodiment, parts that are the same as or correspond to those in the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, description thereof is omitted, and only different parts are described.

  In addition to the configuration of the fuel cell gasket molding die 1 of the present invention and any of the above-described embodiments, a positioning portion 23 for positioning the separator 3 by fitting the manifold hole 3h of the separator 3 to be inserted. Is formed in the lower mold 12. The positioning portion 23 corresponds to each manifold hole 3h of the separator 3 or corresponds to a predetermined manifold hole 3h among the manifold holes 3h of the separator 3, and is positioned from the surface of the accommodating portion 18 of the lower die 12 to the upper die. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 17, a plurality are integrally formed with the lower mold 12. And the positioning part 23 is set so that the side surface outside the separator coincides with the inner peripheral wall outside the separator of the manifold hole 3 h of the separator 3 at the position where the lower die 12 is to be inserted. Since each positioning portion 23 is fitted into the corresponding manifold hole 3h of the separator 3, the side surface outside the separator of the positioning portion 23 engages with the inner peripheral wall of the separator 3 outside the separator hole 3h. 3 can be inserted in a state of being positioned at an appropriate position in the accommodating portion 18 of the lower mold 12.

Next, the fuel cell manufacturing method of the present invention will be described together with its operation depending on the case where the fuel cell gasket molding die 1 (see FIG. 13) in the first embodiment described above is used.
The fuel cell manufacturing method of the present invention generally includes the separator 3 having the manifold hole 3h and the fuel cell component 2 stacked, and the gasket 6 is formed around the manifold hole 3h of the separator 3 to form the cell 4. By stacking the cells 4, the fuel cell component 2 is sandwiched between the separators 3 and 3, and the manifold holes 3 h of the separators 3 of the cells 4 adjacent to each other are communicated by the gasket 6. When the upper mold 11 which is the first mold is closed with respect to the lower mold 12 which is the second mold, the separator inner side 3a on the surface around the manifold hole 3h of the separator 3 is configured. The inner portion molding portion 11a that comes into contact with the inner surface of the manifold hole 3h and the short circuit prevention portion 6p is molded into the separator outer portion 6b of the gasket 6 The outer portion molding portion 11b is formed in advance, and the fuel cell component 2 and the separator 3 are stacked and inserted into the upper die 11 or the lower die 12, and the outer portion of the upper die 11 before and after the insert. The deformable cushion material 7 is interposed between the molding part 11b and the lower mold 12, and then the upper mold 11 and the lower mold 12 are closed, and the separator inner side 3a on the surface around the manifold hole 3h of the separator 3 is closed. The inner part molding portion 11a of the upper mold 11 is brought into contact with and sealed, and the outer part molding part 11b of the upper mold 11 is inserted into the manifold hole 3h to seal between the lower mold 12 and the cushion material 7. The cavity 13 is formed, the material of the gasket 6 is injected and filled in the cavity 13, and the separator inner portion 6a of the gasket 6 is formed by the inner portion molding portion 11a. The gasket 6 is formed at a position distant from the nihold hole 3h toward the inner side of the separator and formed by forming the short-circuit prevention portion 6p on the separator outer portion 6b of the gasket 6 with the outer portion molding portion 11b and the cushion material 7. .

  As described above, the upper mold 11 of the fuel cell gasket molding mold 1 is formed with the protruding portion 17 having the inner partial molded portion 11a and the outer partial molded portion 11b. The lower mold 12 is formed with an accommodating portion 18 that is slightly larger than the inserted separator 3. When the gasket 6 is formed, the upper die 11 and the lower die 12 that are configured in this manner are relatively spaced apart and opened, and the separator 3 and the fuel cell component 2 are stacked and temporarily assembled. Then, the lower mold 12 is positioned and placed (inserted) at a predetermined position in the accommodating portion 18, and then the upper mold 11 and the lower mold 12 are relatively brought close to each other to close the mold, thereby forming the cavity 13.

  By closing the upper die 11 and the lower die 12, as shown in FIG. 13, the inner part molding portion 11 a of the protruding portion 17 of the upper die 11 has a tip surface around the manifold hole 3 h of the separator 3. Abutting on the separator inner side 3a on the surface, sealing is performed so that the material of the gasket 6 does not leak from this portion. On the other hand, the outer part molding part 11b of the protrusion part 17 of the upper mold 11 enters the inside of the manifold hole 3h by closing the mold, and is interposed between the front end surface of the lower mold 12 and the cushion material 7. Is pressed so that the material of the gasket 6 does not leak from this portion.

  Here, the correspondence in the thickness of the inserted separator 3 is different due to variations in the thickness of the inserted separator 3 according to the present invention, and FIG. 10 to FIG.

  In the case of the progress technique shown in FIG. 10, when the separator 3 inserted into the lower mold 12 ′ is particularly thick, the leading end surface of the projecting portion 17 ′ does not contact the lower mold 12 ′, and a gap is formed. There is a possibility that the material of the gasket 6 injected and filled inside leaks into the manifold hole 3h and an unnecessary portion is formed, and as shown in FIG. 11, the separator inner molded portion 11a ′ of the projecting portion 17 ′. May excessively press the inner part of the separator 3h from the manifold hole 3h of the separator 3 to break the separator 3. In contrast, in the fuel cell gasket molding die 1 according to the present invention, the outer partial molding portion 11b of the projection 17 of the upper mold 11 is shorter than the projection 17 ′ in the transitional technique shown in FIG. Since the elastically deformable cushion material 7 is interposed between the partially molded portion 11b and the lower mold 12, as shown in FIG. 14, the separator 3 inserted into the lower mold 12 is particularly thick. However, only the elastic deformation of the cushion material 7 is reduced, and the space between the outer part molding portion 11b and the lower mold 12 is surely sealed by the cushion material 7, so that the material of the gasket 6 leaks from the gap. The unnecessary portion is not molded, and the separator 3 is not damaged by controlling the clamping force between the upper mold 11 and the lower mold 12 by monitoring.

  Further, when the separator 3 inserted into the lower mold 12 is particularly thin, in the progress technique, as shown in FIG. 12, when the mold is closed, the front end surface of the inner part molding portion 11a of the protruding portion 17 of the upper mold 11 A gap is generated between the surface of the separator 3 and the material of the gasket 6 injected and filled in the cavity 13 may leak into the manifold hole 3h and block the respective flow paths 34 opened in the manifold hole 3h. there is a possibility. On the other hand, in the fuel cell gasket molding die 1 according to the present invention, as shown in FIG. 15, even when the separator 3 inserted into the lower die 12 is thin, the elastic deformation of the cushion material 7 is achieved. Since the inner partial molding portion 11a is surely brought into contact with the separator 3 and sealed, the material of the gasket 6 injected and filled in the cavity 13 in a melted state from this time is used for the manifold hole. It does not leak into 3h and block each flow path 34 opened in the manifold hole 3h.

  As described above, the gasket 6 formed by the method of the present invention has the short-circuit prevention portion 6p formed on the separator outer portion 6b of the gasket 6, and the outer edge short-circuit prevention portion 6pa covers the outer edge of the separator 3. Since the gasket 6 is molded, even when a load is applied in a state of delamination, the separator outer portion 6b of the gasket 6 is deformed to ensure that adjacent separators 3 are in contact with each other and short-circuit. Can be prevented.

Next, the fuel cell of the present invention is manufactured according to the fuel cell manufacturing method of the present invention using the fuel cell gasket molding die 1 of the present invention configured as described above. Will be described in detail.
The fuel cell of the present invention is generally formed by laminating a plurality of cells 4. Each cell 4 is composed of a fuel cell component 2, a separator 3, and a separator 3 of another cell 4 adjacent when the cells 4 are laminated. The gasket 6 is provided to form a manifold 5 that communicates the manifold holes 3h with each other. The gasket 6 has a separator inner portion 6a on its inner peripheral wall extending from the manifold hole 3h toward the separator inner side. A short-circuit prevention portion 6p is formed at a position away from the separator, and the separator outer portion 6b is at least the same as the manifold hole 3h or located in the separator inner direction from the manifold hole 3h.

  In the gasket 6 molded by the mold 1 configured as described above, the separator inner portion 6a on the inner peripheral wall of the upper mold 11 protrudes from the manifold hole 3h toward the inside of the separator. The gasket 6 has a structure that can be surely formed at a distant position. Therefore, the gasket 6 is reliably formed so as not to obstruct the flow of the reaction gas and the cooling medium in the manifold 5 such as blocking the manifold hole 3h. can do.

  Further, the outer portion molding portion 11b of the protruding portion 17 of the upper mold 11 is positioned so that the separator outer portion 6b on the inner peripheral wall covers the manifold hole 3h from the manifold hole 3h toward the inner side of the separator. Is formed. Further, an outer edge short-circuit prevention portion 6pa is formed on the outer peripheral side wall of the gasket 6. Therefore, in the cell 4 in which the gasket 6 is molded in this way, as shown in FIG. 8, a deviation occurs during lamination, and the lip portion 62 of the gasket 6 is brought into contact with the separator 3 of another adjacent cell 4 so that a load is applied. As shown in FIG. 9, the separators 3 of adjacent cells 4 are brought into contact with each other by the short-circuit prevention portion 6p, even when the portion 3b outside the separator around the manifold hole 3h is deformed by the moment generated by this. It is possible to reliably prevent a short circuit.

It is a top view of a cell. It is a partial expanded sectional view which shows the general metal mold | die in a prior art, and the gasket shape | molded in the inside. It is explanatory drawing which showed the state which laminated | stacked the several cell containing the gasket by a prior art. It is explanatory drawing which showed the state which applied the load to the lamination direction to the some cell shown in FIG. It is a partial expanded sectional view which shows the metal mold | die of the progress technology until it reaches this invention, and the gasket shape | molded in the inside. It is a top view of the gasket shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the upper mold shown in FIG. 5. It is explanatory drawing which showed the state which laminated | stacked the several cell containing the gasket by this invention. It is explanatory drawing which showed the state which applied the load to the lamination direction to the some cell shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view for explaining a state in which a separator inserted into the mold according to the progress technique shown in FIG. 5 is thick and a gap is generated between the tip surface of the outer part molding portion of the protruding portion and the lower die. It is. The part shown in order to explain the state where the separator inserted into the metal mold by the progress technique shown in FIG. 5 is thick and the inner part molding part excessively pressed the separator inner part from the manifold hole of the separator, and the separator was damaged. It is sectional drawing. FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view for explaining a state in which the separator inserted into the mold by the progress technique shown in FIG. 5 is thin and a gap is formed between the inner portion molding portion and the separator inner hole and the separator inner portion. It is. It is a fragmentary sectional view which shows one Embodiment of the metal mold | die for gasket formation for fuel cells of this invention, and the gasket shape | molded in the inside. It is the fragmentary sectional view which showed the case where the separator inserted in the metal mold | die for gasket formation for fuel cells of this invention shown in FIG. 13 is thick. It is the fragmentary sectional view which showed the case where the separator inserted in the metal mold | die for gasket formation for fuel cells of this invention shown in FIG. 13 is thin. It is a fragmentary sectional view which shows one Embodiment of 2nd Embodiment of the metal mold | die for gasket formation for fuel cells of this invention. It is a fragmentary sectional view which shows one Embodiment of the metal mold | die for gasket formation for fuel cells of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

  1: Mold for molding a fuel cell gasket, 2: Fuel cell component, 3: Separator, 3h: Manifold hole, 3a: Separator inner part, 3b: Separator outer part, 4: Cell, 5: Manifold, 6: Gasket 6a: separator inner part, 6b: separator outer part, 6p: short-circuit prevention part, 6pa: outer edge short-circuit prevention part, 7: cushion material, 11: upper mold (first mold), 11a: inner part molding part, 11b: outer part molding part, 12: lower mold (second mold), 13: cavity, 17: protruding part, 20: buffer tank, 23: positioning part

Claims (5)

A molding die for a gasket that includes a first die and a second die and forms a manifold for communicating with each other manifold holes formed in a separator that sandwiches fuel cell components by stacking Because
When the first mold is closed with respect to the second mold, the material of the gasket enters the manifold hole by contacting the inner side of the separator on the surface around the manifold hole of the separator. And an inner portion molding portion that molds the inner portion of the separator on the inner peripheral wall of the gasket at a position away from the manifold hole toward the inner side of the separator, and a short-circuit prevention portion that enters the manifold hole and enters the outer portion of the separator of the gasket. An outer part molding part to be molded,
A deformable cushioning material is provided between the outer part molding portion of the first mold and the second mold when the mold is closed, and seals the material of the gasket therebetween. Mold for molding gaskets for fuel cells.   The mold for molding a fuel cell gasket according to claim 1, further comprising a buffer tank formed inside the separator of the outer partial molding portion when the mold is closed.   The mold for molding a fuel cell gasket according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a positioning portion for positioning a separator by fitting a manifold hole of a separator to be inserted. The separator having the manifold hole formed thereon and the fuel cell component are stacked, and a gasket is formed around the manifold hole of the separator to form a cell, and the cell is laminated to thereby form the fuel cell component. A method of manufacturing a fuel cell that sandwiches between separators and communicates manifold holes of separators of adjacent cells with a gasket to form a manifold,
When the mold is closed with respect to the second mold, the inner part molding portion that contacts the inner side of the separator on the surface around the manifold hole of the separator, and enters the manifold hole The outer part molding part for molding the short-circuit prevention part on the separator outer part of the gasket is formed in advance,
The fuel cell component and separator are stacked and inserted into the first or second mold,
Before and after this insert, a deformable cushion material is interposed between the outer mold part of the first mold and the second mold,
Thereafter, the first and second molds are closed, and the inner part molding portion of the first mold is brought into contact with and sealed inside the separator on the surface around the manifold hole of the separator, and Forming a cavity formed by allowing the outer mold part of the first mold to enter the manifold hole and sealing the second mold with the cushion material;
Gasket material is injected and filled into the cavity, and the inner portion forming portion forms the inner portion of the separator away from the manifold hole toward the inner side of the separator, and the outer portion forming portion and the cushion material separate the outer portion of the separator. A method of manufacturing a fuel cell, comprising forming a gasket having a short-circuit preventing portion formed thereon. A stack of multiple cells,
Each cell is a fuel cell comprising a fuel cell component, a separator, and a gasket molded to form a manifold that communicates the manifold holes of separators of adjacent cells when stacked. ,
The fuel cell is characterized in that a separator inner portion of the inner peripheral wall of the gasket is formed at a position away from the manifold hole in the separator inner direction, and a short-circuit prevention portion is formed on the separator outer portion.

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