JP2016106035A - Positioning method and positioning device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a positioning method by which a separator and MEA can accurately be positioned even if the shapes of them are different from each other due to specification and fabrication tolerance.SOLUTION: In a positioning method, at least a separator 100 and an MEA 200, which are respectively formed in a shape of a plate and which are stacked in layers, are positioned to each other in a plane crossing a stacking direction. The positioning method has a positioning step. In the positioning step, the separator 100 and the MEA 200 are independently moved in a direction crossing the stacking direction. Thereby, they are independently brought into contact with positioning members 21 to 23 disposed in the stacking direction. Accordingly, the separator 100 and MEA 200 are positioned to each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

  The present invention relates to a positioning method and a positioning device that embodies the positioning method.

  Conventionally, for example, a fuel cell has been configured by alternately laminating separators and membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs). Since the fuel cell can obtain a high output according to the number of stacks of separators and MEAs, it is desirable to increase the number of stacks. On the other hand, if the positions of the separator and MEA to be laminated are relatively shifted, for example, the reference positions of the through holes for anode gas, cathode gas, and cooling water provided in the separator and MEA respectively do not match, The original battery performance cannot be achieved.

  When manufacturing a fuel cell, for example, there is a configuration in which separators are stacked with high accuracy by bringing positioning positioning pins inserted into the manifold holes of the separator into contact with the inner surfaces of the manifold holes (for example, patents). Reference 1).

JP 2008-123819 A

  Here, even if the shapes of the first laminated member (for example, the separator) and the second laminated member (for example, MEA) that are alternately laminated are different from each other due to specifications and manufacturing tolerances, they are accurately obtained. A technique capable of positioning has been demanded.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and can position each of the first laminated member and the second laminated member with high accuracy even when the shapes of the first laminated member and the second laminated member are different from each other due to specifications and manufacturing tolerances. An object is to provide a positioning method and a positioning device that embodies the positioning method.

  In the positioning method according to the present invention that achieves the above object, at least a first laminated member and a second laminated member, which are each formed in a plate shape and are laminated, are positioned with respect to each other in a plane intersecting the lamination direction. The positioning method has a positioning step. In the positioning step, the first laminated member and the second laminated member are independently moved in the direction intersecting the laminating direction, so that they are independently brought into contact with positioning positioning members arranged along the laminating direction. Thus, the first laminated member and the second laminated member are positioned relative to each other.

  The positioning device according to the present invention that achieves the above object positions at least a first laminated member and a second laminated member that are each formed in a plate shape and laminated in a plane that intersects the lamination direction. The positioning device includes a positioning member, a moving member, and a control unit. The positioning member is disposed in a direction intersecting with the stacking direction of the first stacked member and the second stacked member to be stacked. The moving member moves the first laminated member and the second laminated member, which are plurally laminated, independently. The control unit controls the operation of the moving member, moves the first laminated member and the second laminated member by the moving member, and abuts the positioning member independently.

  According to the positioning method and positioning apparatus of the present invention configured as described above, positioning is performed by independently moving the first laminated member, the first laminated member, and the second laminated member through the moving members. Each member is brought into contact with each other and positioned with respect to each other. According to such a positioning method and positioning apparatus, even when the shapes of the first laminated member and the second laminated member are different from each other due to specifications and manufacturing tolerances, they can be positioned with high accuracy.

It is a perspective view which shows typically the state which laminates | stacks several separator and MEA alternately with respect to the positioning apparatus which actualized the positioning method which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the state which mutually positioned the separator and MEA independently using the positioning device which concerns on 1st Embodiment. FIG. 3 is a top view showing the configuration shown in FIG. 2 from above in the first embodiment. It is a figure which shows the principal part of the state before positioning a separator and MEA mutually independently using the positioning device which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the principal part of the state after positioning a separator and MEA mutually independently using the positioning device which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the state which positions several MEA with respect to the longitudinal direction using the positioning device which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the state which positions the some separator with respect to the longitudinal direction using the positioning device which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the principal part of the state after positioning a separator and MEA mutually independently using the positioning device which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the principal part of the state after positioning a separator and MEA mutually independently using the positioning device which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the principal part of the state after positioning a separator and MEA mutually independently using the positioning device which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the principal part of the state after each positioning a separator and MEA mutually independently using the positioning device which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the principal part of the state after positioning a separator and MEA mutually independently using the positioning device which concerns on 4th Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the control which positions a separator and MEA mutually independently using the positioning device which concerns on 4th Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the principal part of the state after each positioning a separator and MEA using the positioning device which concerns on comparison. It is sectional drawing which shows the principal part of the state after each positioning a separator and MEA using the positioning device which concerns on proportionality.

  Hereinafter, each embodiment 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 sizes and ratios of the members in the drawings are exaggerated for convenience of explanation and may be different from the actual sizes and ratios.

(First embodiment)
Regarding the positioning method according to the first embodiment and the positioning devices 1 to 3 that embody the positioning method, in addition to FIGS. 1 to 9 corresponding to the first embodiment, refer to FIG. 14 and FIG. While explaining.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a state in which a plurality of separators 100 and MEAs 200 are alternately stacked on a positioning device 1 that embodies the positioning method. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which the separator 100 and the MEA 200 are positioned independently of each other using the positioning device 1. FIG. 3 is a top view showing the configuration shown in FIG. 2 from above.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a main part in a state before the separator 100 and the MEA 200 are independently positioned with each other using the positioning device 1. FIG. 4A is a perspective view showing the main part, and FIG. 4B is a top view showing the main part. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a main part in a state after the separator 100 and the MEA 200 are positioned independently of each other using the positioning device 1. FIG. 5A is a perspective view showing the main part, and FIG. 5B is a top view showing the main part. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the MEA 200 is positioned with respect to the longitudinal direction using the positioning device 1. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the plurality of separators 100 are positioned with respect to the longitudinal direction using the positioning device 1.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a main part in a state after the separator 100 and the MEA 200 are positioned independently of each other using the positioning device 2. FIG. 8A is a perspective view showing the main part, and FIG. 8B is a top view showing the main part. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a main part in a state after the separator 100 and the MEA 200 are positioned independently of each other using the positioning device 3. FIG. 9A is a perspective view showing the main part, and FIG. 9B is a top view showing the main part.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a main part in a state after the separator 100 and the MEA 200 are respectively positioned using the positioning device 1000 according to the comparative example. FIG. 14A is a perspective view showing the main part, and FIG. 14B is a top view showing the main part. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing a main part in a state after the separator 100 and the MEA 200 are positioned using the positioning device 1000 according to the proportionality. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 15-15 in FIG.

  In addition to FIGS. 1 to 9, the number of separators 100 and MEAs 200 shown in FIGS. Actually, the separator 100 and the MEA 200 are positioned with respect to the positioning device 1 in a state where the separator 100 and the MEA 200 are alternately stacked over several tens to several thousand layers, for example. Here, in FIG. 2, as an example, a state in which a total of ten separators 100 are alternately arranged with a total of nine MEAs 200 is illustrated. On the other hand, in FIG. 4 to FIG. 9, FIG. 14, and FIG. Specifically, in FIGS. 4, 5, 8, 9, and 14, one MEA 200 is disposed between the two separators 100. Similarly, FIGS. 6, 7, and 15 show a configuration in which a total of four separators 100 are alternately arranged with a total of three MEAs 200.

  In addition to FIGS. 1 to 9, in FIGS. 14 and 15 corresponding to the comparison, in order to clarify the positioning state of the separator 100 and the MEA 200, the sizes of the manifold hole and the outer shape are changed to the separator 100 and the MEA 200. It is very different. In the separator 100 and the MEA 200, the positioning method according to the first embodiment can be applied even when the design dimensions of the manifold hole and the outer shape are the same.

  First, the first laminated member (separator 100) and the second laminated member (MEA 200) that perform positioning using the positioning device 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The first laminated member corresponds to, for example, a separator 100 used for a fuel cell. The separator 100 is formed in a long plate shape. The separator 100 includes a through hole corresponding to a cathode gas supply port 100d, a cooling fluid supply port 100e, and an anode gas supply port 100f at one end in the longitudinal direction. Similarly, the separator 100 includes through holes corresponding to the anode gas discharge port 100g, the cooling fluid discharge port 100h, and the cathode gas discharge port 100i at the other end in the longitudinal direction.

  Positioning members 21 and 22, which will be described later, are inserted through, for example, the cathode gas supply port 100d of the separator 100. Similarly, a positioning member 23 to be described later is inserted into, for example, the anode gas discharge port 100g of the separator 100. The separator 100 has rectangular cutouts 100a, 100b, and 100c formed on the outer peripheral edge thereof. Specifically, the notch 100a is formed from the outer peripheral edge of the separator 100 in the short direction toward the cathode gas supply port 100d. The notch 100a is for avoiding interference with the second moving member 31 described later. The notch 100b is formed from the outer peripheral edge in the longitudinal direction of the separator 100 toward the cathode gas supply port 100d. The notch 100b is for avoiding interference with the second moving member 32 described later. The notch 100c is formed from the outer peripheral edge of the separator 100 in the longitudinal direction toward the anode gas discharge port 100g. The notch 100c is for avoiding interference with the second moving member 33 described later.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the second laminated member corresponds to, for example, a membrane electrode assembly (MEA 200) used for a fuel cell. The MEA 200 is formed in a long plate shape. The MEA 200 includes a through hole corresponding to a cathode gas supply port 200d, a cooling fluid supply port 200e, and an anode gas supply port 200f at one end in the longitudinal direction. Similarly, the MEA 200 is provided with through holes corresponding to the anode gas discharge port 200g, the cooling fluid discharge port 200h, and the cathode gas discharge port 200i at the other end in the longitudinal direction.

  The MEA 200 allows positioning members 21 and 22 to be described later to be inserted into the cathode gas supply port 200d. Similarly, a positioning member 23 described later is inserted through the anode gas discharge port 200g of the MEA 200.

  Next, the configuration of the positioning device 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  The positioning device 1 includes, for example, a controller 10, a support base 11, a mounting base 12, positioning members 21 to 23, second moving members 31 to 33, and first moving members 41 to 43. Each component of the positioning device 1 will be described in order.

  The controller 10 corresponds to a control unit. The controller 10 temporarily stores a ROM (Read Only Memory) storing a control program for the positioning device 1, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) for controlling the operation of the positioning device 1 based on the control program, and various data under control. RAM (Random Access Memory). The controller 10 moves the separator 100 and the MEA 200 by the moving members (the second moving members 31 to 33 and the first moving members 41 to 43) and makes them contact with the positioning members 21 to 23 independently.

  The support table 11 is a table on which the mounting table 12, the second moving members 31 to 33, and the first moving members 41 to 43 are arranged. The support base 11 is made of metal, for example, and is formed in a long shape. The mounting table 12 is a table for mounting the separator 100 and the MEA 200 in an alternately stacked state. The mounting table 12 is disposed on the upper side of the support table 11. The mounting table 12 is made of metal, for example, and is formed in a long shape smaller than the support table 11. Positioning members 21 to 23, which will be described later, are disposed on the mounting table 12.

  The positioning members 21 to 23 contact the separator 100 and the MEA 200 to position the separator 100 and the MEA 200. The positioning members 21 to 23 are made of metal and are formed in a cylindrical shape. The positioning members 21 to 23 are disposed on the mounting table 12. Specifically, the positioning member 21 is disposed inside the cathode gas supply port 100d provided in the separator 100 mounted on the mounting table 12 so as to face the notch 100a. The positioning member 22 is disposed inside the cathode gas supply port 100d provided in the separator 100 mounted on the mounting table 12 so as to face the notch 100b. The positioning member 23 is disposed inside the anode gas discharge port 100g provided in the separator 100 mounted on the mounting table 12 so as to face the notch 100c. Here, the positioning members 22 and 23 position the separator 100 and the MEA 200 along the short direction. Furthermore, the positioning member 21 positions the separator 100 and the MEA 200 along the longitudinal direction.

  The second moving members 31, 32, and 33 press the MEA 200 while avoiding interference with the separator 100 by the notches 100a, 100b, and 100c, respectively. The second moving members 31, 32, and 33 have a configuration in which a protruding portion is linearly expanded and contracted using a uniaxial electric stage or compressed gas supplied from the outside. The second moving member 31 is disposed on the support table 11 in a state of being adjacent to the mounting table 12 along the short direction of the separator 100 and the MEA 200 so as to face the positioning member 21. The second moving member 32 is disposed on the support table 11 in a state of being adjacent to the mounting table 12 along the longitudinal direction of the separator 100 and the MEA 200 so as to face the positioning member 22. The second moving member 33 is disposed on the support table 11 in a state of being adjacent to the mounting table 12 along the longitudinal direction of the separator 100 and the MEA 200 so as to face the positioning member 23.

  The first moving members 41, 42, and 43 press the separator 100. The first moving members 41, 42, and 43 have a configuration in which the protruding portion is linearly expanded and contracted using a uniaxial electric stage or compressed gas supplied from the outside, like the second moving member 31 and the like. The first moving member 41 is disposed on the support base 11 adjacent to the second moving member 31 along the short direction of the separator 100 and the MEA 200 so as to face the positioning member 21. The first moving member 42 is disposed on the support 11 adjacent to the second moving member 32 along the longitudinal direction of the separator 100 and the MEA 200 so as to face the positioning member 22. The first moving member 43 is disposed on the support base 11 adjacent to the second moving member 33 along the longitudinal direction of the separator 100 and the MEA 200 so as to face the positioning member 23.

  Here, a pair of handling hands 301 and 302 are used for transporting the separator 100 and the MEA 200. As shown in FIG. 1, the longitudinal end of the separator 100 is grasped by the handling hand 302 while the longitudinal end of the separator 100 is grasped by the handling hand 301. The pair of handling hands 301 and 302 can be moved to arbitrary positions in the horizontal and vertical directions by a three-axis moving stage (not shown).

  Next, a method for positioning the separator 100 and the MEA 200 using the positioning device 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  Using the positioning device 1, the separator 100 and the MEA 200 are brought into a state in which, for example, the positional deviation shown in FIG. 4 is corrected and the positional deviation shown in FIG. FIG. 5 corresponds to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 and shows a state in which the positioning of the separator 100 and the MEA 200 is completed. In positioning the separator 100 and the MEA 200, first, the positioning members 22 and 23 are simultaneously operated to position the separator 100 and the MEA 200 along the short direction. That is, the positioning members 22 and 23 are pressed against the outer peripheral edges of the separator 100 and the MEA 200 in the longitudinal direction. Next, the positioning member 21 is operated to position the separator 100 and the MEA 200 along the longitudinal direction. That is, the positioning member 21 is pressed against the outer peripheral edge of the separator 100 and the MEA 200 in the short direction.

  Here, the method for positioning the MEA 200 will be described more specifically with reference to FIG. In FIG. 6, the separator 100 is indicated by a dotted line on the assumption that the separator 100 is already in contact with the positioning member 22 and has been positioned. FIG. 6A shows a state before starting positioning of the plurality of MEAs 200, corresponding to a cross section taken along line 6 (a) -6 (a) in FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows a state typically. In FIG. 6A, the positions of the three MEAs 200 are shifted from each other. FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the way in which a plurality of MEAs 200 are being positioned. In FIG. 6B, the relative displacement is corrected in the three MEAs 200 by being pressed by the second moving member 32. FIG. 6C shows a state in which the positioning of the plurality of MEAs 200 has been completed, and corresponds to the cross section along line 6 (c) -6 (c) in FIG. It is sectional drawing shown typically. In FIG. 6C, the three MEAs 200 are positioned at the reference positions by contacting the positioning member 22.

  Similarly, the method for positioning the separator 100 will be described more specifically with reference to FIG. In FIG. 7, the MEA 200 is indicated by a dotted line on the assumption that the positioning has already been completed by contacting the positioning member 22. FIG. 7A shows a state before starting the positioning of the plurality of separators 100, corresponding to the cross section taken along line 7 (a) -7 (a) in FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows the state in in. In FIG. 7A, the positions of the four separators 100 are shifted. However, of the four separators 100, the lowermost separator 100 is in contact with the positioning member 22 and already positioned. FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the way in which the plurality of separators 100 are being positioned. In FIG. 7B, the three separators 100 excluding the lowermost one separator 100 are pressed against the first moving member 42, so that the relative displacement is corrected. FIG. 7C shows a state in which the positioning of the plurality of separators 100 is completed, and corresponds to a cross section taken along line 7 (c) -7 (c) in FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows this typically. In FIG. 7C, the three separators 100 are brought into contact with the positioning member 22, so that the four separators 100 including the lowermost one separator 100 that has been in contact with the positioning member 22 from the beginning. Each is positioned at a reference position.

  Here, in the first embodiment, a positioning device 2 as shown in FIG. 8 may be configured.

  The positioning device 2 newly uses long positioning members 51 and 52 instead of the columnar positioning members 21 and 22 used in the above-described positioning device 1 shown in FIG. The positioning member 51 has its surface along the longitudinal direction opposed to the second moving member 31 and the first moving member 41 in a state orthogonal thereto. The positioning member 52 has its surface along the longitudinal direction opposed to the second moving member 32 and the first moving member 42 in a state of being orthogonal. Although omitted in FIG. 8A, the configuration corresponding to the positioning member 52 is arranged at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the separator 100 as in FIG. 3. According to the positioning device 2 having such a configuration, the positioning member 51 and the second moving member 31 that presses the MEA 200 are respectively arranged on the same straight line along the moving direction of the second moving member 31. Can do. Further, the positioning member 51 and the first moving member 41 that presses the separator 100 can be arranged on the same straight line along the moving direction of the first moving member 41.

  Similarly, in the first embodiment, a positioning device 3 as shown in FIG. 9 may be configured.

  The positioning device 3 uses a rectangular parallelepiped positioning member 61 in place of the columnar positioning members 21 and 22 used in the above-described positioning device 1 shown in FIG. The positioning member 51 has one side surface opposed to the second moving member 31 and the first moving member 41 in a state of being orthogonal. The positioning member 52 is opposed to the second moving member 32 and the first moving member 42 in the state where the other surface orthogonal to one surface of the positioning member 52 is orthogonal. Although omitted in FIG. 9A, the configuration corresponding to the positioning member 61 is disposed at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the separator 100 as in FIG. The corners of the positioning member 61 are chamfered to avoid interference with the separator 100 and the MEA 200.

  On the other hand, the positioning apparatus 1000 according to the proportional configuration has a configuration as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15.

  The positioning device 1000 according to the comparative example does not always contact all the separators 100 and the MEAs 200 with the positioning members 21 and 22 after positioning the separators 100 and the MEAs 200 that are alternately stacked. Unlike the positioning devices 1 to 3 described above, the positioning device 1000 according to the comparative example moves the separator 100 and the MEA 200 together using moving members 1011 and 1012 as shown in FIG. 22 respectively. Here, as shown in FIG. 15, for example, due to manufacturing tolerances, when the size of the separator 100 is larger than the size of the MEA 200, when all the separators 100 come into contact with the positioning members 22, some of the MEA 200. Is not in contact with the positioning member 22.

  That is, when the positioning apparatus 1000 according to the proportionality is used, a part of the MEA 200 positioned between the positioning member 22 and the moving member 1012 is blocked by the separator 100 having a size larger than that of the MEA 200, so that the positioning member 22 Cannot touch. Thus, when the positioning apparatus 1000 according to the proportionality is used, the positioning operation may be completed in a state where some of the MEAs 200 are not in contact with the positioning member 22.

  According to the positioning method according to the first embodiment described above and the positioning devices 1 to 3 that embody the positioning method, the following operational effects are obtained.

  In the positioning method, at least the separator 100 and the MEA 200, which are each formed in a plate shape and are stacked, are positioned with respect to each other in a plane intersecting the stacking direction. The positioning method has a positioning step. In the positioning step, the separator 100 and the MEA 200 are moved independently in the direction intersecting the stacking direction, respectively, so that they are independently brought into contact with positioning positioning members 21 to 23 arranged along the stacking direction. The separator 100 and the MEA 200 are positioned relative to each other.

  Each of the positioning devices 1 to 3 positions at least the separator 100 and the MEA 200 that are each formed in a plate shape and stacked in a plane that intersects the stacking direction. The positioning devices 1 to 3 have positioning members 21 to 23, a moving member, and a control unit 10. The positioning members 21 to 23 are arranged in a direction crossing the stacking direction of the separators 100 and MEAs 200 to be stacked. The moving member moves a plurality of stacked separators 100 and MEAs 200 independently of each other. The control unit 10 controls the operation of the moving member, and moves the separator 100 and the MEA 200 by the moving member so as to contact each of the positioning members 21 to 23 independently.

  According to the positioning method and the positioning devices 1 to 3 configured as described above, the separator 100 and the MEA 200 are moved independently of each other, thereby being brought into contact with the positioning members 21 to 23 and positioned relative to each other. For this reason, for example, even when the shapes of the separator 100 and the MEA 200 are different from each other due to specifications and manufacturing tolerances, the separator 100 and the MEA 200 can be accurately positioned with respect to the positioning members 21 to 23, respectively.

  That is, according to the positioning method and the positioning devices 1 to 3, when the separator 100 and the MEA 200 having different shapes are stacked, it is possible to minimize mutual positional deviation. The positioning method and the positioning devices 1 to 3 can prevent the stack from being enlarged and the battery performance from being lowered due to the stacking variation between the separator 100 and the MEA 200.

  Further, in this positioning method, the separator 100 having the first through hole (for example, the cathode gas supply port 100d) in the plane intersecting the stacking direction, and the second through hole (for example, in the plane intersecting the stacking direction) The MEA 200 including the cathode gas supply port 200d) may be used. For example, in the positioning device 2, the inner surfaces of the first through hole and the second through hole are brought into contact with the positioning members 51 and the like inserted through the first through hole and the second through hole, respectively. In the positioning device 3, the inner surfaces of the first through hole and the second through hole are brought into contact with the positioning members 61 inserted through the first through hole and the second through hole, respectively.

  According to such a configuration, the separator 100 and the MEA 200 can be positioned in at least one of the longitudinal direction and the short direction with reference to the inner surface of the existing manifold. That is, in order to perform positioning, it is not necessary to provide a special positioning region for the separator 100 and the MEA 200, and an increase in volume of the separator 100 and the MEA 200 can be prevented.

  Further, in this positioning method, as shown in the positioning device 2 or 3, for example, the positioning member 52 and the moving member (the first moving member 42 and the second moving member 32) are moved to the moving member (the first moving member 42 and the moving member 42). You may arrange | position and use on the same straight line along the moving direction of the 2nd moving member 32).

  According to such a configuration, for example, when the separator 100 and the MEA 200 pressed by the moving members (the first moving member 42 and the second moving member 32) contact the positioning member 52, a moment is applied to the separator 100 and the MEA 200. Can be prevented from working and rotating.

  Furthermore, in this positioning method, as shown in the positioning devices 1 to 3, a plurality of positioning members 21 to 23 and a plurality of moving members (first moving members 41 to 43 and second moving members 31 to 33) may be used. Good. Using a plurality of positioning members 21 to 23 and moving members (first moving members 41 to 43 and second moving members 31 to 33), the separator 100 and the MEA 200 are aligned with one direction in a plane intersecting the stacking direction. They are positioned with respect to each other in two directions perpendicular to the direction.

  According to such a configuration, the separator 100 and the MEA 200 can be positioned with respect to each other in two directions within a plane intersecting the stacking direction.

  Furthermore, in this positioning method, as shown in the positioning device 1, the first moving members 41 to 43 that move the separator 100 independently, and the second moving members 31 to 33 that move the MEA 200 independently, You may use the separator 100 provided with the notch parts 100a-100c which notched a part of outer periphery. The first moving members 41 to 43 press or pull portions other than the notches 100a to 100c in the outer periphery of the separator 100. By the 2nd moving members 31-33, the area | region which overlaps with the notch parts 100a-100c of the separator 100 among the outer periphery of MEA200 is pressed or pulled.

  According to such a configuration, the second moving members 31 to 33 are positioned when the separator 100 and the MEA 200 are positioned by a very simple configuration using the cutout portions 100a to 100c in which a part of the outer periphery of the separator 100 is cut. Does not interfere with the separator 100. This is particularly suitable when the laminated member is made of a thin material such as the separator 100 or the MEA 200.

(Second Embodiment)
A positioning device 4 that embodies the positioning method according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a main part in a state after the separator 100 and the MEA 200 are positioned independently of each other using the positioning device 4. FIG. 10A is a top view showing the main part. FIG.10 (b) is sectional drawing which shows a principal part along the 10 (b) -10 (b) line | wire in Fig.10 (a).

  In FIG. 10, in order to clarify the positioning state of the separator 100 and the MEA 200, the size of the manifold hole and the outer shape are greatly different between the separator 100 and the MEA 200. In the separator 100 and the MEA 200, the positioning method according to the second embodiment can be applied even when the design dimensions of the manifold hole and the outer shape are the same.

  The positioning device 4 according to the second embodiment uses a configuration in which a moving member 72 having a first protrusion 72a and a second protrusion 72b arranged in steps in a direction along the stacking direction of the separator 100 and the MEA 200 is used. This is different from the configuration of the positioning devices 1 to 3 according to the first embodiment described above.

  In the second embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for components having the same configuration as in the first embodiment described above, and the above description is omitted.

  In the positioning device 4, the moving members 71 and 72 have the same configuration. Although omitted in FIG. 10A, the configuration corresponding to the moving member 72 is disposed at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the separator 100 as in FIG. As shown in FIG. 10 (b), for example, the moving member 72 is made of, for example, hard plastics, and is formed in a rectangular shape having uneven projections on the contact surface with the separator 100 and the MEA 200. ing. Specifically, the moving member 72 includes a first protrusion 72a and a second protrusion 72b that have different protrusion lengths along the moving direction.

  As shown in FIG. 10B, the moving member 72 presses the separator 100 with the first protrusion 72 a and presses the MEA 200 with the second protrusion 72 b, thereby separating the separator 100 against the positioning member 22. And MEA 200 are brought into contact with each other. Since the moving member 72 sets the protrusion lengths of the first protrusions 72a and the second protrusions 72b individually according to the dimensions of the separator 100 and the separator 100, respectively, Even if the lengths of the MEAs 200 are different, they can be pressed and brought into contact with the positioning member 22.

  According to the positioning device 4 that embodies the positioning method according to the second embodiment described above, in addition to the functions and effects according to the first embodiment described above, the following functions and effects are further exhibited.

  The positioning device 4 uses a moving member 72 provided with a first protrusion 72a and a second protrusion 72b having different protrusion lengths along the stacking direction of the separator 100 and the MEA 200, respectively. The separator 100 is pressed by the first protrusion 72a, and the MEA 200 is pressed by the second protrusion 72b.

  According to the positioning device 4 configured as described above, the separator 100 and the MEA 200 are accurately positioned with respect to the positioning member with a very simple configuration using the first protrusion and the second protrusion disposed in different steps. be able to. The laminated member is not limited to the separator 100 and the MEA 200, and is particularly suitable when the layer thickness is sufficiently thick. Furthermore, it is suitable when the design dimensions of the separator 100 and the MEA 200 are different.

(Third embodiment)
A positioning device 5 that embodies the positioning method according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a main part in a state after the separator 100 and the MEA 200 are independently positioned with respect to each other using the positioning device 5. FIG. 11A is a top view showing the main part. FIG.11 (b) is sectional drawing which shows a principal part along the 11 (b) -10 (b) line | wire in Fig.11 (a).

  In FIG. 11, in order to clarify the positioning state of the separator 100 and the MEA 200, the size of the manifold hole and the outer shape are greatly different between the separator 100 and the MEA 200. In the separator 100 and the MEA 200, the positioning method according to the third embodiment can be applied even when the design dimensions of the manifold hole and the outer shape are the same.

  The positioning device 5 according to the third embodiment is different from the configurations of the positioning devices 1 to 4 according to the first and second embodiments described above in that the moving member 81 and the like provided with an elastically deformable elastic body are used.

  In the third embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for components having the same configuration as in the first or second embodiment described above, and the above description is omitted.

  In the positioning device 5, the moving members 81 and 83 have the same configuration and are mounted on the holding members 82 and 84, respectively. Although omitted in FIG. 11A, the configuration corresponding to the moving member 83, the holding member 84, and the like are arranged at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the separator 100 as in FIG. 3. The moving members 81 and 83 correspond to elastic bodies that can be elastically deformed. The moving members 81 and 83 are made of a rubber material, for example, and are formed in a rectangular shape. The holding members 82 and 84 are made of, for example, hard plastics and are formed in a rectangular shape.

  As shown in FIG. 11B, the moving member 83 is contracted in a state where the separator 100 and the MEA 200 are in contact with the positioning member 22 respectively. The first contact portion 83 a of the moving member 83 that contacts the separator 100 is more contracted than the second contact portion 83 b of the moving member 83 that contacts the MEA 200. When the positioning member 22 is used as a reference, since the separator 100 is longer than the MEA 200 in FIG. 11, the first contact portion 83a is relatively contracted relative to the second contact portion 83b.

  Since the movable member 83 is elastically deformable, even if the separators 100 and the MEAs 200 alternately stacked are different in length, they can be pressed and brought into contact with the positioning member 22. Furthermore, since the moving member 83 can be elastically deformed, for example, even if the lengths of the plurality of separators 100 are different from each other, each separator 100 can be pressed and brought into contact with the positioning member 22.

  According to the positioning device 5 that embodies the positioning method according to the third embodiment described above, in addition to the functions and effects according to the first and second embodiments described above, the following functions and effects are further exhibited.

  The positioning device 5 uses a moving member 81 or the like provided with an elastic body that can be elastically deformed at least in a portion that presses the separator 100 and the MEA 200.

  According to the positioning device 5 configured as described above, the separator 100 and the MEA 200 can be accurately positioned with respect to the positioning member with a very simple configuration using an elastic body that is easily stretchable, such as rubber. The laminated member is not limited to the separator 100 and the MEA 200, and is particularly suitable when the layer thickness is sufficiently thick and is made of a hard material that does not adhere to the elastic body.

  Here, for example, the elastic body may be configured to be provided at the tip of each of the moving members 72 including the first protrusions 72a and the second protrusions 72b disposed in the above-described steps.

(Fourth embodiment)
A positioning device 6 that embodies the positioning method according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a main part in a state after the separator 100 and the MEA 200 are positioned independently of each other using the positioning device 6. FIG. 12A is a top view showing the main part. FIG.12 (b) is sectional drawing which shows a principal part along 12 (b) -12 (b) line | wire in Fig.12 (a). FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a control for positioning the separator 100 and the MEA 200 independently of each other using the positioning device 6.

  In FIG. 12, in order to clarify the positioning state of the separator 100 and the MEA 200, the size of the manifold hole and the outer shape are greatly different between the separator 100 and the MEA 200. In the separator 100 and the MEA 200, the positioning method according to the fourth embodiment can be applied even when the design dimensions of the manifold hole and the outer shape are the same.

  The positioning device 6 according to the fourth embodiment is different from the configuration of the positioning devices 1 to 5 according to the first to third embodiments described above in that the positioning device 6 is moved while detecting the states of the separator 100 and the MEA 200.

  In the fourth embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for components having the same configuration as in any of the first to third embodiments described above, and the above description is omitted.

  The configuration of the positioning device 6 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The positioning device 6 corresponds to a configuration in which a detection member is added to the positioning device 5 described above. The detection member is controlled by the controller 10. The positioning device 6 has first detection members 91 and 92 embedded in holding members 82 and 84, respectively. The first detection members 91 and 92 may be disposed adjacent to the holding members 82 and 84. The first detection members 91 and 92 correspond to pressure sensors. The first detection members 91 and 92 detect the reaction force applied to the moving members 81 and 83 that pressed the separator 100 or the MEA 200.

  Further, the positioning device 6 has second detection members 93 and 94 embedded in the positioning members 21 and 22, respectively. The second detection members 93 and 94 may be disposed adjacent to the positioning members 21 and 22. The second detection members 93 and 94 correspond to pressure sensors. The second detection members 93 and 94 detect the pressure applied to the positioning members 21 and 22 pressed from the separator 100 or the MEA 200. Although omitted in FIG. 12A, the structures corresponding to the first detection member 92 and the second detection member 94 are respectively disposed at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the separator 100 as in FIG.

  The positioning of the separator 100 and the MEA 200 using the positioning device 6 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  First, a plurality of separators 100 and MEAs 200 are alternately stacked on the positioning device 6 (S101 in FIG. 13). Next, the moving member 83 and the like are moved so as to approach the separator 100 and the MEA 200 in the longitudinal direction (S102 in FIG. 13). Next, using the first detection member 92 or the like embedded in the holding member 84 or the like, the pressure generated when the moving member 83 or the like comes into contact with the separator 100 and the MEA 200 is detected (S103 in FIG. 13). Next, using a control circuit (not shown) connected to the first detection member 92 or the like, it is determined whether or not the pressure applied to the first detection member 92 or the like is within a predetermined range. If the pressure is below the specified range (low pressure), the process returns to S102. If the pressure is above the specified range (high pressure), the process proceeds to S105. If the pressure is within the specified range, the process returns to S106. move on. For example, when the separator 100 or the like is in contact with and interferes with some member, the pressure exceeds the specified pressure (S104 in FIG. 13). Here, when it progresses to S105 from S104, the separator 100 and MEA200 are replaced | exchanged with respect to the positioning apparatus 6, for example, and it laminates | stacks again (S105 of FIG. 13).

  Next, when it progresses to S106 from S104, the separator 100 and MEA200 are pressed using the moving member 83 grade | etc., And the separator 100 and MEA200 are moved so that it may approach the positioning member 22 grade | etc., (S106 of FIG. 13). Next, using the second detection member 94 or the like embedded in the positioning member 22 or the like, the pressure generated when the separator 100 and the MEA 200 contact the positioning member 22 or the like is detected (S107 in FIG. 13). Next, using a control circuit (not shown) connected to the second detection member 94 or the like, it is determined whether or not the pressure applied to the second detection member 94 or the like is equal to or higher than a predetermined value. If the pressure does not reach the predetermined value, the process returns to S106, and if it is equal to or higher than the predetermined value, it is determined that the user is seated and the process proceeds to S109 (S108 in FIG. 13). Separator 100 and MEA 200 were positioned in the direction along the short direction by S102-S108 mentioned above.

  Here, S109 to S114 correspond to S102 to S108, and the separator 100 and the MEA 200 are positioned in the direction along the longitudinal direction (S109 to S114 in FIG. 13). Next, when the process proceeds from S114 to S115, the separator 100 and the MEA 200 that have been positioned are held by a holding member (not shown) (S115 in FIG. 13).

  According to the positioning device 6 that embodies the positioning method according to the fourth embodiment described above, in addition to the functions and effects according to the first to third embodiments described above, the following functions and effects are further exhibited.

  The positioning device 6 uses, for example, a first detection member 92 that is embedded or adjacent to the holding member 84 connected to the moving member 83 and detects the pressure applied to the moving member 83. For example, the first detection member 92 detects the pressure applied to the moving member 83 when the moving member comes into contact with the separator 100 or the MEA 200.

  According to the positioning device 6 configured in this way, for example, in a state where the separator 100 or the MEA 200 interferes with other members and the movement is hindered, the separator 100 or the MEA 200 is excessively pressed by the moving member and deformed. Can be prevented. Thus, even if a defect occurs during positioning of the separator 100 and the MEA 200, it can be appropriately handled.

  Furthermore, the positioning device 6 may be configured to use, for example, a second detection member 94 that is embedded or adjacent to the positioning member 22 and detects the pressure applied to the positioning member 22. For example, the second detection member 94 detects the pressure applied to the positioning member 22 when the positioning member 22 contacts the separator 100 or the MEA 200.

  According to the positioning device 6 configured as described above, it is possible to confirm whether or not the positioning of the separator 100 or the MEA 200 is completed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the separator 100 and the MEA 200 that are not yet positioned from being conveyed to the next manufacturing process.

  In addition, the present invention can be variously modified based on the configurations described in the claims, and these are also within the scope of the present invention.

  For example, in the first to fourth embodiments, the description has been given of the configuration in which the separator 100 and the MEA 200 corresponding to two types of laminated bodies are positioned with respect to each other. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration, and a configuration in which three or more kinds of laminated members are laminated and the laminated members are positioned with respect to each other may be employed.

  Moreover, in 1st-4th embodiment, it demonstrated as a structure which presses the separator 100 and MEA200 which were laminated | stacked, and positions them mutually. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration, and a configuration may be adopted in which positioning is performed by holding the plurality of stacked separators 100 and MEAs 200 and pulling them.

  Moreover, in 1st Embodiment, it demonstrated as a structure provided with the notch part in the separator 100 laminated | stacked two or more. However, the configuration is not limited to such a configuration, and the MEA 200 may have a notch.

  Moreover, in 4th Embodiment, the 1st detection member and the 2nd detection member demonstrated as what comprises a contact type sensor. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration, and the first detection member and the second detection member may be configured by a non-contact sensor such as a CCD camera.

1,2,3,4,5,6,1000 positioning device,
10 Controller (corresponding to the control unit),
11 Support base,
12 mounting table,
21, 22, 23, 51, 52, 61 positioning member,
31, 32, 33 second moving member,
41, 42, 43 first moving member,
71, 72, 81, 83, 1011 and 1012 moving members,
72a first protrusion,
72b second protrusion,
83a first contact portion,
83b second contact portion,
82, 84 holding member,
91, 92 first detection member,
93, 94 second detection member,
100 separator (corresponding to the first laminated member),
200 MEA (corresponding to the second laminated member),
100a, 100b, 100c notch,
100d, 200d cathode gas supply port,
100e, 200e Cooling fluid supply port,
100f, 200f anode gas supply port,
100g, 200g anode gas outlet,
100h, 200h Cooling fluid outlet,
100i, 200i cathode gas outlet,
301,302 Hand for handling.

Claims (10)

A positioning method of positioning at least a first laminated member and a second laminated member, each formed in a plate shape and laminated in a plane, in a plane intersecting the lamination direction,
By independently moving the first laminated member and the second laminated member in a direction crossing the laminating direction, the first laminated member and the second laminated member are independently brought into contact with positioning positioning members arranged along the laminating direction. A positioning method comprising a positioning step of positioning the first laminated member and the second laminated member relative to each other. Using the first laminated member having the first through hole in the plane intersecting the laminating direction and the second laminated member having the second through hole in the plane intersecting the laminating direction,
The positioning method according to claim 1, wherein inner surfaces of the first through hole and the second through hole are brought into contact with the positioning members respectively inserted into the first through hole and the second through hole.   The positioning method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the positioning member and the moving member are arranged and used on the same straight line along a moving direction of the moving member.   A plurality of the positioning members and a plurality of the moving members are used, and the first laminated member and the second laminated member are arranged in one direction in a plane intersecting the lamination direction and 2 in the other direction orthogonal to the one direction. The positioning method according to claim 1, wherein the positioning is performed with respect to each other in the direction. The moving member includes a first moving member that moves the first laminated member independently, and a second moving member that moves the second laminated member independently,
Using the first laminated member provided with a cutout part in which a part of the outer periphery is cut out,
The first moving member presses or pulls a portion other than the notch in the outer periphery of the first laminated member,
The positioning method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the second moving member presses or pulls an area of the outer periphery of the second laminated member that overlaps the notched portion of the first laminated member. A positioning device that positions each other at least a first laminated member and a second laminated member that are each formed in a plate shape and are laminated in a plane intersecting the lamination direction,
A positioning member disposed in a direction intersecting with the stacking direction of the first stacked member and the second stacked member to be stacked;
A moving member that independently moves the first laminated member and the second laminated member that are laminated;
A control unit for controlling the operation of the moving member,
The control unit is a positioning device in which the first laminated member and the second laminated member are moved by the moving member and abut against the positioning member independently. Using the moving member provided with a first protrusion and a second protrusion, each having a different protrusion length along the stacking direction of the first and second stacked members,
The first laminated member is pressed by the first protrusion,
The positioning device according to claim 6, wherein the second laminated member is pressed by the second protrusion.   The positioning device according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the moving member including an elastic body that is elastically deformable at least in a portion that presses the first laminated member and the second laminated member.   When a first detection member that is embedded or adjacent to a holding member connected to the moving member and detects a pressure applied to the moving member is used, and the moving member comes into contact with the first laminated member or the second laminated member The positioning device according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein each pressure detected by the moving member is detected.   Using a second detection member that is embedded in or adjacent to the positioning member and detects the pressure applied to the positioning member, when the positioning member comes into contact with the first laminated member or the second laminated member, The positioning device according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein each of the pressures is detected.