JP2014229515A - Device and method for manufacturing separator assembly for fuel cell, and fuel cell - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a device and method for manufacturing a separator assembly for a fuel cell, in which the separator assembly can be formed without occurrence of welding failure.SOLUTION: A manufacturing device 50 includes: a close contact means 70 in which an anode separator 31 and a cathode separator 32 are brought into close contact with each other by a pressing force generated by fluid F; and a welding means 80 in which a separator assembly 30 is formed by welding and joining the anode separator and the cathode separate while the anode separator and the cathode separator are kept in close contact with each other by the close contact means 70.

Description

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

  In recent years, fuel cells have attracted attention as a power source with a low environmental load. A fuel cell is a clean power generation system in which the product of an electrode reaction is water in principle and has almost no adverse effect on the global environment. In particular, a polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC) is expected as a power source for electric vehicles because it operates at a relatively low temperature. A polymer electrolyte fuel cell has a structure in which a plurality of fuel cells that exhibit a power generation function are stacked. The polymer electrolyte fuel cell comprises a separator assembly in which an anode separator on the anode side and a cathode separator on the cathode side are joined by welding, and a membrane electrode assembly in which the anode side electrode and the cathode side electrode are joined to both sides of the electrolyte membrane. Manufactured by stacking alternately.

  When the anode separator and the cathode separator are joined by welding, it is necessary to clamp the anode separator and the cathode separator so as to adhere to each other. In relation to this, for example, Patent Document 1 described below describes a method of welding and joining an anode separator and a cathode separator in a state where a plurality of jigs are used to clamp other than the welding line.

JP 2011-161450 A

  However, in the method described in Patent Document 1, the clearance between the separators cannot be completely eliminated due to variations in the flatness of the jig and the flatness of the separators, and there is a possibility that poor welding occurs and the yield decreases.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a fuel cell separator assembly manufacturing apparatus and a manufacturing method capable of forming a separator assembly without causing poor welding. And

  A fuel cell separator assembly manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention that achieves the above object is a fuel cell separator assembly manufacturing apparatus in which an anode separator on an anode side and a cathode separator on a cathode side are joined by welding. An apparatus for manufacturing a separator assembly for a fuel cell has a close contact means for bringing the anode separator and the cathode separator into close contact with each other by a pressing force generated by a fluid, and the anode separator and the cathode separator are kept in close contact with each other by the close contact means. And welding means for welding and joining the anode separator and the cathode separator to form a separator assembly.

  The method for producing a fuel cell separator assembly according to the present invention that achieves the above object is a method for producing a fuel cell separator assembly in which an anode-side anode separator and a cathode-side cathode separator are joined together by welding. The manufacturing method of a fuel cell separator assembly includes a contact process in which the anode separator and the cathode separator are in close contact with each other by a pressing force generated by a fluid, and the anode separator and the cathode separator are in close contact with each other in the contact process. And a welding step of welding the anode separator and the cathode separator to form a separator assembly.

  With the manufacturing apparatus and method for a fuel cell separator assembly configured as described above, the separators are welded together without any clearance between the separators in order to bring the separators into close contact with each other by the pressing force generated by the fluid. Can be joined. Therefore, it is possible to form the separator assembly without causing poor welding.

It is a perspective view which shows a fuel cell typically. It is a principal part expanded sectional view which shows a part of laminated structure of a fuel cell. 3A is a view showing a separator assembly, and FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3B-3B in FIG. 3A. It is a figure which shows a manufacturing apparatus typically. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the accommodating part and contact | adherence means of a manufacturing apparatus. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows an accommodating part and a contact | adherence means when an anode separator and a cathode separator are mounted on a mounting part. FIG. 7A is a side cross-sectional view showing the housing portion and the anode separator and the cathode separator housed in the housing portion, and FIG. 7B shows the anode separator and the cathode housed in the housing portion and the housing portion. It is front sectional drawing which shows a separator. It is a figure which shows a mode that pressing force generate | occur | produces with the fluid. It is a flowchart of the manufacturing method of the separator assembly which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the manufacturing apparatus which concerns on the modification 1. It is a figure which shows the manufacturing apparatus which concerns on the modification 2. It is a figure which shows the manufacturing apparatus which concerns on the modification 3. It is a figure which shows the manufacturing apparatus which concerns on the modification 4.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted. The dimensional ratios in the drawings are exaggerated for convenience of explanation, and may differ from actual ratios.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing the fuel cell 1. FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a main part of a part of the laminated structure of the fuel cell 1. 3A is a view showing the separator assembly 30, and FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3B-3B in FIG. 3A.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the fuel cell 1 includes a stacked body 7 in which a predetermined number of fuel cells 2 that generate an electromotive force by a reaction between a fuel gas (hydrogen) and an oxidant gas (oxygen) are stacked. The current collector plate 3, the insulating plate 4, and the end plate 5 are disposed at both ends of the laminate 7, and the end plates 5 at both ends are fastened by the die rod 6, thereby configuring the fuel cell 1. In the fuel cell 1, six through holes are formed in one end plate 5 in order to distribute the fuel gas, the oxidant gas, and the cooling water. The six through holes constitute a fuel gas inlet 8, a fuel gas outlet 9, an oxidant gas inlet 10, an oxidant gas outlet 11, a cooling water inlet 12, and a cooling water outlet 13.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the fuel cell 2 is configured such that the membrane electrode assembly 20 is sandwiched between an anode separator 31 on the anode side and a cathode separator 32 on the cathode side. As shown in FIG. 2, the fuel cell 1 according to this embodiment includes a separator assembly (fuel cell separator assembly) 30 and a membrane electrode junction in which an anode side electrode 22 and a cathode side electrode 23 are joined to both ends of an electrolyte membrane 21. It is manufactured by alternately laminating the bodies 20.

  As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the separator assembly 30 is welded to the anode separator 31 of one fuel cell 2 and the cathode separator 32 of the fuel cell 2 adjacent to the one fuel cell 2 as shown in FIGS. It is formed integrally by joining. A welding line W that is scanned when the anode separator 31 and the cathode separator 32 are welded is indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG.

  The anode separator 31 and the cathode separator 32 have conductivity, and function to electrically connect each fuel cell 2 when the fuel cell 1 is configured by connecting a plurality of fuel cells 2 in series. Have. The anode separator 31 is provided on the surface of the anode side electrode 22 opposite to the surface where the electrolyte membrane 21 is disposed, and the cathode separator 32 is the surface of the cathode side electrode 23 opposite to the surface where the electrolyte membrane 21 is disposed. Is provided. The anode separator 31 and the cathode separator 32 have a concavo-convex shape, and function as a partition that blocks the fuel gas, the oxidant gas, and the cooling water from each other. Specifically, the cooling water is circulated through the cooling water passage 33 surrounded by the anode separator 31 and the cathode separator 32. Further, the fuel gas is circulated through the fuel gas flow path 34 provided on the opposite surface of the cooling water flow path 33 on both surfaces of the anode separator 31. Further, the oxidant gas is circulated through the oxidant gas flow path 35 provided on the opposite surface of the cooling water flow path 33 on both surfaces of the cathode separator 32.

  As shown in FIG. 3A, the anode separator 31 and the cathode separator 32 include a fuel gas inlet 8, a fuel gas outlet 9, an oxidant gas inlet 10, an oxidant gas outlet 11, and a cooling water inlet. 12 and the cooling water discharge port 13 are provided with a plurality of introduction manifolds 36 and discharge manifolds 37. The introduction manifold 36 and the discharge manifold 37 communicate with the cooling water passage 33, the fuel gas passage 34, or the oxidant gas passage 35. Further, the anode separator 31 and the cathode separator 32 are provided in the manifolds 36 and 37 other than the specific manifold in order to allow a specific medium to flow into and out of the flow paths 33, 34 and 35 from the introduction manifold 36 and the discharge manifold 37. The periphery is sealed with a sealing material (not shown).

  The membrane electrode assembly 20 is formed by joining the anode side electrode 22 and the cathode side electrode 23 to both sides of the electrolyte membrane 21.

  The anode side electrode 22 includes an anode side catalyst layer 221 and an anode side gas diffusion layer 222.

  The anode-side catalyst layer 221 includes a catalyst component, a conductive catalyst carrier that supports the catalyst component, and an electrolyte. The anode-side catalyst layer 221 is a catalyst layer in which a hydrogen oxidation reaction proceeds, and is on one side of the electrolyte membrane 21 (in FIG. 2). (Upper side).

  The anode side gas diffusion layer 222 has sufficient gas diffusibility and conductivity to supply fuel gas to the anode side catalyst layer 221. The anode side gas diffusion layer 222 is disposed on the surface of the anode side catalyst layer 221 opposite to the surface on which the electrolyte membrane 21 is disposed.

  The cathode side electrode 23 includes a cathode side catalyst layer 231 and a cathode side gas diffusion layer 232.

  The cathode-side catalyst layer 231 includes a catalyst component, a conductive catalyst carrier that supports the catalyst component, and an electrolyte. The cathode-side catalyst layer 231 is a catalyst layer in which an oxygen reduction reaction proceeds, and the other side of the electrolyte membrane 21 (in FIG. 2). (Lower side).

  The cathode gas diffusion layer 232 has sufficient gas diffusibility and conductivity to supply the oxidant gas to the cathode catalyst layer 231. The cathode side gas diffusion layer 232 is disposed on the surface of the cathode side catalyst layer 231 opposite to the surface on which the electrolyte membrane 21 is disposed.

  The electrolyte membrane 21 selectively permeates protons generated in the anode side catalyst layer 221 to the cathode side catalyst layer 231 and does not mix the fuel gas supplied to the anode side and the oxidant gas supplied to the cathode side. Function as a partition wall.

  The fuel gas is introduced from the fuel gas inlet 8, flows through the fuel gas passage 34, and is discharged from the fuel gas outlet 9. The oxidant gas is introduced from the oxidant gas introduction port 10, flows through the oxidant gas flow path 35, and is discharged from the oxidant gas discharge port 11. The cooling water is introduced from the cooling water introduction port 12, flows through the cooling water passage 33, and is discharged from the cooling water discharge port 13.

  Next, the material and size of each component will be described.

  The anode separator 31 and the cathode separator 32 are formed by, for example, 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. However, the present invention is not limited to the stainless steel plate, and other metal materials (for example, an aluminum plate or a clad material), carbon such as dense carbon graphite or a carbon plate can be applied. When carbon is applied, the fuel gas channel 34 and the oxidant gas channel 35 can be formed by cutting or screen printing.

  The plate thickness of the anode separator 31 and the cathode separator 32 is 0.2 mm or less, for example. By forming the thin film in this way, the electric resistance can be made as small as possible, and the output density (defined as “electromotive force / unit volume”), which is one index for evaluating the performance of the fuel cell, can be increased.

  The electrolyte membrane 21 is a fluorine membrane made of a perfluorocarbon sulfonic acid polymer, a hydrocarbon resin membrane having a sulfonic acid group, or a porous membrane impregnated with an electrolyte component such as phosphoric acid or ionic liquid. It is possible to apply. The perfluorocarbon sulfonic acid polymer is, for example, Nafion (registered trademark, manufactured by DuPont), Aciplex (registered trademark, manufactured by Asahi Kasei Co., Ltd.), and Flemion (registered trademark, manufactured by Asahi Glass Co., Ltd.). The porous film is formed from, for example, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF).

  The electrolyte membrane 21 is not particularly limited, but is preferably 5 to 300 μm, more preferably 10 to 200 μm from the viewpoint of strength, durability, and output characteristics.

  The catalyst component used for the anode side catalyst layer 221 is not particularly limited as long as it has a catalytic action in the oxidation reaction of hydrogen. The catalyst component used for the cathode-side catalyst layer 231 is not particularly limited as long as it has a catalytic action on the oxygen reduction reaction.

  The catalyst component is, for example, platinum, ruthenium, iridium, rhodium, palladium, osmium, tungsten, lead, iron, chromium, cobalt, nickel, manganese, vanadium, molybdenum, gallium, aluminum, or an alloy 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 anode side catalyst layer 221 and the cathode side catalyst layer 231 do not have to be the same, and can be changed as appropriate.

  The conductive carrier of the catalyst used for the catalyst layers 221 and 231 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. However, the main component is preferably carbon particles. The carbon particles are composed of, for example, carbon black, activated carbon, coke, natural graphite, and artificial graphite.

  The electrolyte used for the catalyst layers 221 and 231 is not particularly limited as long as it is a member having at least high proton conductivity. Specifically, for example, a fluorine-based electrolyte containing fluorine atoms in the whole or a part of the polymer skeleton, or a hydrocarbon-based electrolyte not containing fluorine atoms in the polymer skeleton can be applied. The electrolyte used for the catalyst layers 221 and 231 may be the same as or different from the electrolyte used for the electrolyte membrane 21, but from the viewpoint of improving the adhesion of the catalyst layers 221 and 231 to the electrolyte membrane 21. It is preferable that

  The thicknesses of the catalyst layers 221 and 231 are not particularly limited as long as they can sufficiently exhibit the catalytic action of the hydrogen oxidation reaction (anode side) and the oxygen reduction reaction (cathode side), and the same thickness as the conventional one can be used. . Specifically, the thickness of each of the catalyst layers 221 and 231 is preferably 1 to 10 μm.

  The gas diffusion layers 222 and 232 are formed from, for example, carbon cloth woven with yarns made of carbon fibers, carbon paper, or carbon felt. It is preferable that the gas diffusion layers 222 and 232 contain a water repellent to further improve water repellency and prevent a flooding phenomenon or the like. Although the water repellent is not particularly limited, for example, a fluorine-based polymer such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polyhexafluoropropylene, and tetrafluoroethylene-hexafluoropropylene copolymer (FEP). High polymer materials, polypropylene and polyethylene.

  The thickness of the gas diffusion layers 222 and 232 is preferably about 30 to 500 μm in consideration of mechanical strength and a permeation distance of gas or water. The water repellency can be improved by forming an independent layer.

  Next, with reference to FIGS. 4-8, the manufacturing apparatus 50 of the separator assembly 30 which manufactures the separator assembly 30 by welding the anode separator 31 and the cathode separator 32 is demonstrated.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing the manufacturing apparatus 50. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing the housing portion 60 and the close contact means 70 of the manufacturing apparatus 50. FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view showing the accommodating portion 60 and the close contact means 70 when the anode separator 31 and the cathode separator 32 are placed on the placement portion 61. FIG. 7A is a side cross-sectional view showing the accommodating portion 60 and the anode separator 31 and the cathode separator 32 accommodated in the accommodating portion 60. FIG. 7B is a front cross-sectional view showing the accommodating portion 60 and the anode separator 31 and the cathode separator 32 accommodated in the accommodating portion 60. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a pressing force is generated by the fluid F. FIG.

  In summary, the manufacturing apparatus 50 includes a close-contact means 70 that closely contacts the anode separator 31 and the cathode separator 32 with a pressing force generated by the fluid F. The manufacturing apparatus 50 also has a welding means 80 for forming the separator assembly 30 by welding the anode separator 31 and the cathode separator 32 while the anode separator 31 and the cathode separator 32 are kept in close contact by the contact means 70. . Hereinafter, the welding apparatus 50 according to the present embodiment will be described in detail.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the manufacturing apparatus 50 includes a housing portion 60, a close contact means 70, and a welding means 80.

  The accommodating part 60 accommodates the anode separator 31 and the cathode separator 32. As shown in FIG. 5, the accommodating portion 60 includes a placement portion (first plate member) 61, a leg portion 62, a transmission plate (second plate member) 63, and a fixing portion 64. The anode separator 31 and the cathode separator 32 are sandwiched between the placement portion 61 and the transmission plate 63.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7A, the anode separator 31 and the cathode separator 32 are placed on the placement portion 61. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the mounting portion 61 is provided with a groove 61 </ b> A along the direction in which the anode separator 31 and the cathode separator 32 extend. As shown in FIG. 7A, the groove 61 </ b> A is provided corresponding to the concave and convex portions of the anode separator 31. That is, the anode separator 31 is placed on the upper surface 61 b at both ends of the placement unit 61 and the upper surface 61 a at a position corresponding to the groove 61 </ b> A of the placement unit 61. According to this configuration, the space of the manufacturing apparatus 50 can be saved.

  As shown in FIG. 5, fluid leakage is prevented around the place where the central manifold of the introduction manifold 36 and the discharge manifold 37 is placed on the upper surface 61a at the position corresponding to the groove 61A of the placement portion 61. A sealing member 61E is provided.

  As shown in FIG. 7B, the mounting portion 61 is further provided with through holes 61C and 61D. A fluid F supplied from a fluid pump 71, which will be described later, is supplied into the accommodating portion 60 through the through hole 61C. In addition, the fluid F that has circulated in the storage unit 60 is discharged out of the storage unit 60 through the through hole 61 </ b> D and returned to the fluid pump 71.

  A second space 92 that is a closed space is formed between the mounting portion 61 and the anode separator 31.

  The leg portion 62 is fixed to the placement portion 61 and supports the transmission plate 63. As shown in FIG. 5, two leg portions 62 are provided at both ends in a direction orthogonal to the flow direction in which the fluid F on the placement portion 61 flows. The fixing method of the leg part 62 and the mounting part 61 is fastening, for example, but may be welding or the like. Moreover, although the fixing method of the leg part 62 and the permeation | transmission board 63 is fastening, for example, you may fix by a toggle clamp etc. A seal member 65 is provided between the leg portion 62 and the transmission plate 63 to prevent fluid leakage.

  The transmission plate 63 is provided above the cathode separator 32 and has a property of transmitting the laser light L emitted from the laser irradiation unit 81 of the welding means 80. Although the material which comprises the permeation | transmission board 63 is quartz glass, for example, it is not restricted to this. The mounting portion 61 described above may have the property of transmitting the laser light L, like the transmission plate 63.

  A third space 93 that is a closed space is provided between the transmission plate 63 and the cathode separator 32.

  The fixing part 64 fixes the anode separator 31 and the cathode separator 32 placed on the placing part 61. The fixing portion 64 includes a first fixing portion 64A and a second fixing portion 64B, respectively, upstream and downstream in the flow direction of the fluid F. As shown in FIG. 6, a seal member 66 for preventing fluid leakage is provided on the upper surface of the cathode separator 32 where the fixing portion 64 is placed.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the first fixed portion 64 </ b> A includes a convex portion 641 extending downward and two through holes 642 formed in the vertical direction. The convex portion 641 is inserted into the concave portion 61 </ b> F provided in the placement portion 61. Positioning pins P <b> 1 and P <b> 2 that are press-fitted into a recess 61 </ b> G provided in the placement portion 61 are inserted into the through hole 642.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the second fixing portion 64 </ b> B includes a convex portion 643 extending downward and a through hole 644 formed in the vertical direction. The convex portion 643 is inserted into the concave portion 61 </ b> H provided in the placement portion 61. A positioning pin P3 press-fitted into a recess 61J provided in the placement portion 61 is inserted into the through hole 644.

  The close contact means 70 is a means for generating a pressing force by circulating the fluid F in the first space 91 (corresponding to the cooling water flow path 33) surrounded by the anode separator 31 and the cathode separator 32. The close contact means 70 includes a fluid pump 71 and a tube 72. The fluid pump 71 supplies the fluid F to the storage unit 60 via the tube 72. The flow path in the accommodating part 60 of the fluid F is demonstrated in detail with reference to FIG.7 (B).

  The fluid F flowing through the through hole 61C flows through the first manifold 91 via the introduction manifold 36, passes through the discharge manifold 37, and then flows through the through hole 61D to be discharged out of the accommodating portion 60. The Since the seal members 61E and 66 are provided, the flow of the fluid F to the second space 92 and the third space 93 is prevented. The fluid F is, for example, an inert gas such as Ar or He, but is not limited thereto.

  By circulating the fluid F only in the first space 91 in this way, the pressure in the first space 91 is lower than the pressure in the second space 92 and the third space 93 from Bernoulli's theorem. Here, Bernoulli's theorem is a phenomenon in which the pressure decreases as the flow velocity increases, as shown in the following equation (1).

  Here, v represents a flow velocity, p represents pressure, and ρ represents viscosity.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8, a force R1 from the third space 93 to the first space 91 acts on the cathode separator 32, and a force R2 from the second space 92 to the first space 91 acts on the anode separator 31. To do. Therefore, a pressing force acts on the anode separator 31 and the cathode separator 32, and the anode separator 31 and the cathode separator 32 can be brought into close contact with no clearance.

  The welding means 80 welds and joins the anode separator 31 and the cathode separator 32. The welding means 80 includes a laser irradiation unit 81 that irradiates a laser beam L for welding, and an adjustment unit 82 that adjusts the inclination and position of the laser irradiation unit 81. Specifically, the adjusting unit 82 is a multi-axis robot. Laser beam L is scanned on welding line W by adjustment unit 82.

  The configuration of the manufacturing apparatus 50 has been described above. Next, a method for manufacturing the separator assembly 30 according to the present embodiment will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.

  The manufacturing method of the separator assembly 30 according to the present embodiment can be outlined as follows: an adhesion step S02 in which the anode separator 31 and the cathode separator 32 are brought into close contact with each other by a pressing force generated by the fluid F; And a welding step S03 in which the anode separator 31 and the cathode separator 32 are welded and joined to form the separator assembly 30 in a state where they are kept in close contact with each other. Details will be described below.

  The attachment step S01 is a step of attaching the anode separator 31, the cathode separator 32, the fixing portion 64, and the transmission plate 63. In the attachment step S01, the anode separator 31 and the cathode separator 32 are sandwiched between the mounting portion 61 and the transmission plate 63 when outlined. Hereinafter, the attachment step S01 will be described in detail. In the attachment step S01, first, the anode separator 31 and the cathode separator 32 are attached to the mounting portion 61 as shown in FIG. At this time, as shown in FIG. 7A, the anode separator 31 is placed on the upper surface 61b at both ends of the placement portion 61 and the upper surface 61a at a position corresponding to the groove 61A of the placement portion 61. Then, the convex portions 641 and 643 of the fixing portion 64 are inserted into the concave portions 61F and 61H of the mounting portion 61, and the positioning pins P1, P2 and P3 are inserted into the through holes 642 and 644 of the fixing portion 64. As a result, the fixing portion 64 is attached to the placement portion 61, and the anode separator 31 and the cathode separator 32 are fixed. And the permeation | transmission board 63 is attached to the leg part 62 from the upper direction of the anode separator 31 and the cathode separator 32, and is fixed with a fastening bolt (not shown).

  The close contact step S02 is a step of causing the fluid F to flow through the first space 91 to generate a pressing force on the anode separator 31 and the cathode separator 32, thereby bringing the anode separator 31 and the cathode separator 32 into close contact. In the adhesion step S02, first, the fluid F is supplied from the fluid pump 71 through the tube 72 into the accommodating portion 60. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7B, the fluid F flows through the first space 91 through the through hole 61C, and then is discharged out of the accommodating portion 60 through the through hole 61D. At this time, since the fluid F flows through the first space 91, the pressure in the first space 91 is lower than the pressure in the second space 92 and the third space 93 from the Bernoulli theorem described above, and the anode separator 31 and The cathode separator 32 is in close contact with no clearance.

  The welding step S03 is a step in which the anode separator 31 and the cathode separator 32 are welded and joined by the laser beam L while the anode separator 31 and the cathode separator 32 are kept in close contact in the contact step S02. In the welding step S03, the laser light L emitted from the laser irradiation unit 81 is scanned on the welding line W by the adjustment unit 82, and the anode separator 31 and the cathode separator 32 are welded to form the separator assembly 30.

  The removal step S04 is a step of removing the transmission plate 63, the fixing portion 64, and the separator assembly 30 in order. In the removal step S04, first, the transmission plate 63 is removed from the leg portion 62. And the fixing | fixed part 64 is removed from the mounting part 61. FIG. Further, the separator assembly 30 is removed from the placing portion 61.

  As described above, the separator assembly 30 manufacturing apparatus 50 according to this embodiment is the separator assembly 30 manufacturing apparatus 50 in which the anode-side anode separator 31 and the cathode-side cathode separator 32 are joined by welding. The separator assembly 30 manufacturing apparatus 50 has an adhesion means 70 for bringing the anode separator 31 and the cathode separator 32 into close contact with each other by the pressing force generated by the fluid F, and the anode separator 31 and the cathode separator 32 are kept in close contact with each other. And welding means 80 for forming the separator assembly 30 by welding the anode separator 31 and the cathode separator 32 together. Therefore, since the separators 31 and 32 are brought into close contact with each other by the pressing force generated by the fluid F, it is possible to weld the separators 31 and 32 with the clearance between the separators 31 and 32 eliminated. Therefore, the separator assembly 30 can be formed without causing poor welding.

  The close contact means 70 is a means for generating a pressing force by circulating the fluid F in the first space 91 surrounded by the anode separator 31 and the cathode separator 32. For this reason, the anode separator 31 and the cathode separator 32 can be contact | adhered easily without clearance, and the separator assembly 30 without a welding defect can be formed easily.

  Moreover, it further has a mounting part 61 and a transmission plate 63 for sandwiching the anode separator 31 and the cathode separator 32, and the welding means 80 has a laser irradiation part 81 for irradiating a laser beam L for welding. 63 transmits the laser beam L. For this reason, the anode separator 31 and the cathode separator 32 can be reliably fixed by the mounting portion 61 and the transmission plate 63, and welding joining of the anode separator 31 and the cathode separator 32 becomes easy.

  As described above, the method for manufacturing the separator assembly 30 according to this embodiment is a method for manufacturing the separator assembly 30 in which the anode separator 31 on the anode side and the cathode separator 32 on the cathode side are joined by welding. The manufacturing method of the separator assembly 30 includes an adhesion step S02 in which the anode separator 31 and the cathode separator 32 are brought into close contact with each other by a pressing force generated by the fluid F, and the anode separator 31 and the cathode separator 32 are kept in close contact in the contact step S02. A welding step S03 in which the separator assembly 30 is formed by welding the anode separator 31 and the cathode separator 32 in a state. Therefore, since the separators 31 and 32 are brought into close contact with each other by the pressing force generated by the fluid F, it is possible to weld the separators 31 and 32 with the clearance between the separators 31 and 32 eliminated. Therefore, the separator assembly 30 can be formed without causing poor welding.

  The contact step S02 is a step of generating a pressing force by circulating the fluid F in the first space 91 surrounded by the anode separator 31 and the cathode separator 32. For this reason, the anode separator 31 and the cathode separator 32 can be brought into close contact with each other by a simple method, and the separator assembly 30 free from welding defects can be easily formed.

  Further, before the adhesion step S02, the anode separator 31 and the cathode separator 32 are sandwiched between the mounting portion 61 and the transmission plate 63. In the welding step S03, the anode separator 31 and the cathode separator 32 are welded and joined by the laser beam L, The transmission plate 63 transmits the laser light L. For this reason, the anode separator 31 and the cathode separator 32 can be reliably fixed by the mounting portion 61 and the transmission plate 63, and welding joining of the anode separator 31 and the cathode separator 32 becomes easy.

  In addition, if the fuel cell 1 includes the separator assembly 30 manufactured by the above-described manufacturing method and the membrane electrode assembly 20 in which the anode side electrode 22 and the cathode side electrode 23 are bonded to both sides of the electrolyte membrane 21, the separator Since there is no welding defect in the assembly 30, the highly reliable fuel cell 1 can be provided.

  Hereinafter, modifications of the above-described embodiment will be exemplified.

(Modification 1)
In the embodiment described above, the fluid F is circulated only in the first space 91. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and as shown in FIG. 10, the fluids F <b> 1 and F <b> 2 may be circulated through the second space 92 and the third space 93 at a flow velocity smaller than the flow velocity of the fluid F circulated in the first space 91. The manufacturing apparatus 150 according to Modification Example 1 includes a storage unit 160, a close contact unit 70, and two distribution units 170. The accommodating portion 160 includes a transmission plate 163 having two through holes 163A and a placement portion 161 having two through holes 161A. The two distribution means 170 have the same configuration as the close contact means 70. In this configuration, the close contact means 70 causes the fluid F to flow through the first space 91 as in the above-described embodiment. One of the two circulation means 170 circulates the fluid F1 in the third space 93 through the through-hole 163A at a flow velocity smaller than the flow velocity of the fluid F circulated in the first space 91, and others. The circulation means 170 causes the fluid F2 to flow through the second space 92 through the through-hole 161A at a flow velocity lower than the flow velocity of the fluid F flowing through the first space 91. As a result, since the flow velocity of the fluid F flowing through the first space 91 is faster than the flow velocity of the fluids F2 and F1 flowing through the second space 92 and the third space 93, the pressure in the first space 91 is determined from Bernoulli's theorem. Becomes smaller than the pressure in the second space 92 and the third space 93. Therefore, similarly to the embodiment described above, the anode separator 31 and the cathode separator 32 can be brought into close contact without any clearance. Furthermore, according to the manufacturing apparatus 150 according to the modified example 1, since the fluids F2 and F1 are circulated also in the second space 92 and the third space 93, a welding fume that is metal dust generated when welding is joined is preferably used. Can be removed. Therefore, the adhesion of the surface treatment performed on the surfaces of the separators 31 and 32 after welding can be improved, and further damage to the health of the operator can be prevented. Note that the fluids F <b> 1 and F <b> 2 may be circulated in one of the second space 92 and the third space 93.

(Modification 2)
In the above-described embodiment, the fluid F is circulated through the first space 91 to generate a pressing force so that the anode separator 31 and the cathode separator 32 are brought into close contact with each other without a clearance. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and as shown in FIG. 11, the first space (first closed space) 91, the second space (second closed space) 92, and the third space (third closed space) 93 Of these, by filling the second space 92 and the third space 93 with the fluids F2 and F1, the pressure in the first space 91 is made smaller than the pressure in the second space 92 and the third space 93 to generate a pressing force. You may let them. The manufacturing apparatus 250 according to the modified example 2 includes the accommodating portion 260 and the close contact means 270. The accommodating portion 260 includes a transmission plate 263 having one through hole 263A and a placement portion 261 having one through hole 261A. The close contact means 270 fills the second space 92 and the third space 93 with the fluid F, thereby reducing the pressure in the first space 91 to be lower than the pressure in the second space 92 and the third space 93. It is a means to generate. The close contact means 270 includes one close contact means 270A and another close contact means 270B. Each of the contact means 270A and 270B includes a fluid pump 271 and a tube 272, similarly to the contact means 70 of the above-described embodiment. In this configuration, one contact means 270A fills the second space 92 with the fluid F2 through the through hole 261A, and the other contact means 270B fills the third space 93 with the fluid F1 through the through hole 263A. Let As a result, the pressure in the first space 91 is smaller than the pressure in the second space 92 and the third space 93. Therefore, the anode separator 31 and the cathode separator 32 can be adhered without clearance. According to the manufacturing apparatus 250 according to Modification Example 2, the anode separator 31 and the cathode separator 32 can be brought into close contact with each other by a simple method, and the separator assembly 30 with no poor welding can be easily formed.

(Modification 3)
In the above-described embodiment, the anode separator 31 and the cathode separator 32 are sandwiched between the placing portion 61 and the transmission plate 63. However, as shown in FIG. 12, the transmission plate 63 may not be provided. According to this configuration, the separator assembly 30 can be formed by the manufacturing apparatus 350 having a smaller number of parts, and the cost of the manufacturing apparatus 350 can be reduced. In addition, since the transmission plate 63 is not provided, welding joining of the anode separator 31 and the cathode separator 32 is not limited to laser welding by the laser beam L, and may be spot welding or the like.

(Modification 4)
In the above-described embodiment, the anode separator 31 and the cathode separator 32 are sandwiched between the placing portion 61 and the transmission plate 63. However, as shown in FIG. 13, the anode separator 31 and the cathode separator 32 may be mounted on the mounting portion 461. The manufacturing apparatus 450 according to the modification example 4 includes the accommodating portion 460 and the close contact means 470. The accommodating portion 460 includes a placement portion 461 on which the anode separator 31 and the cathode separator 32 are placed, and a cap 467 inserted into the introduction manifold 36 and the discharge manifold 37 of the cathode separator 32. The contact means 470 includes a fluid pump 471, a tube 472, and a nozzle 473. In this configuration, the fluid F supplied from the fluid pump 471 is supplied to the nozzle 473 via the tube 472, and the fluid F is circulated through the first space 91 by the nozzle 473. At this time, since the cap 467 is provided, leakage of the fluid F can be prevented. According to this configuration, the separator assembly 30 can be formed by the manufacturing apparatus 450 having a smaller number of parts, and the cost of the manufacturing apparatus 450 can be reduced.

1 Fuel cell,
2 fuel cells,
20 Membrane electrode assembly,
21 electrolyte membrane,
22 anode side electrode,
23 Cathode side electrode,
30 Separator assembly (separator assembly for fuel cell),
31 anode separator,
32 cathode separator,
50, 150, 250, 350, 450 production equipment,
60, 160, 260, 460 housing,
61, 161, 261, 461 placement portion (first plate member),
63, 163, 263 transmission plate (second plate material),
64 fixing part,
70, 270, 470 contact means,
170 distribution means,
270A one contact means,
270B Other contact means,
80 welding means,
81 laser irradiation part,
91 1st space (1st closed space),
92 2nd space (2nd closed space),
93 3rd space (3rd closed space),
F, F1, F2 fluid,
L Laser light,
S02 adhesion process,
S03 Welding process,
W Welding line.

Claims (11)

An apparatus for producing a separator assembly for a fuel cell in which an anode separator on an anode side and a cathode separator on a cathode side are joined by welding,
A contact means for bringing the anode separator and the cathode separator into close contact with each other by a pressing force generated by a fluid;
Welding means for welding the anode separator and the cathode separator to form a separator assembly in a state where the anode separator and the cathode separator are kept in close contact with each other by the contact means. manufacturing device. The contact means is
The apparatus for producing a separator assembly for a fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein the fluid is passed through a first space surrounded by the anode separator and the cathode separator to generate the pressing force. A first plate member and a second plate member sandwiching the anode separator and the cathode separator;
The welding means has a laser irradiation unit for irradiating laser light for welding,
The apparatus for manufacturing a separator assembly for a fuel cell according to claim 2, wherein at least one of the first plate member and the second plate member is constituted by a transmission plate that transmits the laser beam. A second space that is a closed space is formed between the first plate member and the anode separator,
A third space that is a closed space is formed between the second plate member and the cathode separator,
4. The fuel cell separator assembly according to claim 3, further comprising a circulation unit configured to circulate the fluid in at least one of the second space and the third space at a flow rate smaller than a flow rate of the fluid circulated in the first space. Manufacturing equipment. The contact means is
The first closed space surrounded by the anode separator and the cathode separator, the second closed space provided on the opposite surface of the first separator among both surfaces of the anode separator, and the both surfaces of the cathode separator Of the third closed space provided on the opposite surface of the first closed space, the fluid in the second closed space and the third closed space is filled with the fluid, whereby the pressure in the first closed space is increased. 2. The fuel cell separator assembly manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the pressing force is generated by making the pressure smaller than the pressure in the second closed space and the third closed space. 3. A method for producing a fuel cell separator assembly in which an anode separator on an anode side and a cathode separator on a cathode side are joined by welding,
An adhesion step of bringing the anode separator and the cathode separator into close contact with each other by a pressing force generated by a fluid;
A welding step of forming a separator assembly by welding the anode separator and the cathode separator in a state where the anode separator and the cathode separator are kept in close contact with each other in the contact step. Production method. The adhesion step includes
The method for manufacturing a fuel cell separator assembly according to claim 6, wherein the pressing force is generated by circulating the fluid in a first space surrounded by the anode separator and the cathode separator. Before the adhesion step, the anode separator and the cathode separator are sandwiched between the first plate and the second plate,
In the welding process, the anode separator and the cathode separator are welded and joined by laser light,
The method for producing a separator assembly for a fuel cell according to claim 7, wherein at least one of the first plate member and the second plate member is constituted by a transmission plate that transmits the laser beam. A second space that is a closed space is formed between the first plate member and the anode separator,
A third space that is a closed space is formed between the second plate member and the cathode separator,
9. The method of manufacturing a fuel cell separator assembly according to claim 8, wherein the fluid is circulated in at least one of the second space and the third space at a flow velocity smaller than a flow velocity of the fluid circulated in the first space. The adhesion step includes
The first closed space surrounded by the anode separator and the cathode separator, the second closed space provided on the opposite surface of the first separator among both surfaces of the anode separator, and the both surfaces of the cathode separator Of the third closed space provided on the opposite surface of the first closed space, the fluid in the second closed space and the third closed space is filled with the fluid, whereby the pressure in the first closed space is increased. The method of manufacturing a separator assembly for a fuel cell according to claim 6, wherein the pressing force is generated by making the pressure smaller than the pressure in the second closed space and the third closed space. The fuel cell separator assembly manufactured by the manufacturing method according to claims 6 to 10,
And a membrane electrode assembly in which an anode side electrode and a cathode side electrode are joined to both sides of an electrolyte membrane.

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