JP3816382B2

JP3816382B2 - Manufacturing method and apparatus for separator for fuel cell

Info

Publication number: JP3816382B2
Application number: JP2001385216A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 修石上; 哲也近藤
Original assignee: Honda Motor Co Ltd
Current assignee: Honda Motor Co Ltd
Priority date: 2001-12-18
Filing date: 2001-12-18
Publication date: 2006-08-30
Anticipated expiration: 2021-12-18
Also published as: JP2003187819A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、セパレータの生産性を高め、セパレータのコストを低減するのに好適な燃料電池用セパレータの製造方法及び同製造装置に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
固体高分子電解質型燃料電池は、各燃料電池セルを複数積層することで所望の出力を得る構造であるため、各燃料電池セルを仕切るセパレータとしては、樹脂材料に比較して積層時の加圧力に対する強度や積層後の小型化が有利な金属材料が有力視されている。
【０００３】
このような金属製セパレータの製造方法を以下に説明する。
図８は従来の金属製セパレータを製造する際の表面の処理を説明する説明図であり、処理槽１０１に処理液１０２を満たし、この処理液１０２に、枠状部材１０３で保持した金属材料１０４（最終的にセパレータとなる材料である。）を浸した状態を示す。なお、１０５は枠状部材１０３を吊すワイヤである。
【０００４】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
燃料電池では、そのコストの多くの部分をセパレータが占める。セパレータは燃料ガスや酸化剤ガス、冷却水の流路を細かく形成した構造や、電解質による腐食を防止する表面処理を要するからである。従って、セパレータの生産性を高め、コストを低減すれば、燃料電池のコストを大幅に低減し、燃料電池車両の普及にも寄与する。
【０００５】
例えば、上記した処理槽１０１の処理液１０２で金属材料１０４を処理する場合、（１）金属材料１０４について処理を促進させ、且つ均一に行わせるために、処理液１０２を撹拌装置で撹拌するのが効果的であるが、処理槽１０１が複数ある場合には、それぞれに撹拌装置を設置することになり、コストアップを招き、（２）各処理槽１０１への金属材料１０４の搬送と、搬送した金属材料１０４を処理液１０２に浸すための金属材料１０４の保持とがうまく連携していなければ、生産工程の流れをスムーズにできず、製造時間が増え、（３）一度に処理する金属材料が少なければ、単位時間当たりの生産数が少なくなり、これらを改善することができれば、セパレータの生産性向上、コスト低減が図れる。
【０００６】
そこで、本発明の目的は、燃料電池用セパレータの製造方法及び同製造装置を改良することで、セパレータの生産性を高め、セパレータのコストを低減することにある。
【０００７】
【課題を解決するための手段】
上記目的を達成するために請求項１は、セパレータ用金属材料をプレス成形して所定形状に成形する工程と、成形した金属材料を複数の筒状保持治具の外周面に設けた枠状部材に嵌めるようにして保持する工程と、保持した金属材料をエッチング処理槽に満たしたエッチング処理液及び不動態化処理槽に満たした不動態化処理液にそれぞれ浸すとともに筒状保持治具を駆動手段で駆動させることにより金属材料でエッチング処理液及び不動態化処理液をそれぞれ撹拌する工程と、エッチング処理槽及び不動態化処理槽からそれぞれ金属材料を取出して乾燥させる工程と、エッチング処理、不動態化処理、乾燥の各工程間では筒状保持治具でセパレータを保持した状態で搬送する搬送工程とからセパレータを製造する。
【０００８】
筒状保持治具を駆動することにより金属材料で処理液を撹拌することで、金属材料の処理を促進することができるとともに処理を均一に行うことができる。従って、品質の優れたセパレータを効率良く生産することができる。
【０００９】
また、筒状保持治具で金属材料を処理槽まで搬送することができ、金属材料の保持、搬送及び撹拌を製造工程の途中で金属材料を取外さずに一貫して行うことができるため、セパレータの製造時間を短縮することができる。
更に、筒状保持治具に保持した複数の金属材料を一度に処理することができ、生産数を増やすことができる。
従って、以上の改良によりセパレータの生産性を高め、セパレータのコストを低減することができる。
また更に、枠状部材に金属材料を嵌めるようにして保持するため、金属材料の表面のより広い範囲を処理することができ、金属材料を効果的に処理することができる。
【００１０】
請求項２は、金属材料を所定形状にプレス成形し、この金属材料のプレス成形前の圧延時に発生した異常表層部をエッチング処理にて除去するとともに金属材料自体の表層部に含む導電物の一部を突出させる頭出しを行い、金属材料自体の表面に不動態化処理を施すことでセパレータを製造する燃料電池用セパレータの製造装置において、この製造装置を、エッチング処理を行うエッチング処理槽と、不動態化処理を施す不動態化処理槽と、これらのエッチング処理槽及び不動態化処理槽で処理する複数の金属材料を保持するために外周面に枠状部材を設けた筒状保持治具と、この筒状保持治具に保持した金属材料でエッチング処理槽及び不動態化処理槽の各処理液を撹拌するために筒状保持治具を駆動する駆動手段と、筒状保持治具をエッチング処理槽及び不動態化処理槽へ搬送する搬送手段とから構成する。
【００１１】
金属材料を保持する筒状保持治具で、金属材料の搬送具及び処理液の撹拌具を兼用することができ、それぞれの機能を別々の装置で行うのに比べて部品数を減らすことができ、セパレータ製造装置に係るコストを低減することができる。また、複数の金属材料を一度に保持、搬送、撹拌することができるから、セパレータの生産性を高めることができ、セパレータのコストを下げることができる。
【００１２】
【発明の実施の形態】
本発明の実施の形態を添付図に基づいて以下に説明する。なお、図面は符号の向きに見るものとする。
図１は本発明に係る燃料電池用セパレータの製造装置を示す説明図であり、セパレータ製造装置１０は、後述する各処理を行うためにその処理液を貯めた第１処理槽１１〜第６処理槽１６及び乾燥を行う乾燥機１７と、これらの第１処理槽１１〜第６処理槽１６及び乾燥機１７の位置へ複数のセパレータ素材２０・・・（・・・は複数個を示す。以下同様。）を搬送する搬送手段としての搬送装置２１と、この搬送装置２１で移動させるセパレータ素材２０を上下動させる電動モータ用の駆動部２２と、セパレータ素材２０を第１処理槽１１〜第６処理槽１６の各処理液に浸けるために第１処理槽１１〜第６処理槽１６をそれぞれ上下動させる第１昇降装置３１〜第６昇降装置３６と、第１処理槽１１〜第６処理槽１６内の各処理液の温度を調整する液温調整装置４１・・・（この液温調整装置４１は第１処理槽１１〜第６処理槽１６のそれぞれに備えるが、図では第１処理槽１１にのみ描いた。）と、これらの乾燥機１７、搬送装置２１、駆動部２２、第１昇降装置３１〜第６昇降装置３６、液温調整装置４１を制御する制御装置４２とからなる。なお、３１ｄ〜３６ｄは第１昇降装置３１〜第６昇降装置３６のそれぞれを駆動する昇降駆動部である。
【００１３】
第３処理槽１３は、紙面の表裏方向に並べた３つの槽、即ち、Ａ槽１３ａ、Ｂ槽１３ｂ及びＣ槽１３ｃからなり、第３昇降装置３３も、これらのＡ槽１３ａ、Ｂ槽１３ｂ及びＣ槽１３ｃに対応する図示せぬＡ昇降装置、Ｂ昇降装置及びＣ昇降装置からなる。
【００１４】
セパレータ素材２０は、上記のセパレータ製造装置１０によって最終的にセパレータとなるものであり、金属材料、例えば、ステンレス鋼（特に、オーステナイト系ステンレス鋼）を薄板に圧延し、この後に燃料電池における燃料ガス、酸化剤ガス、冷却水を通す各溝、穴等をプレス成形したものである。
【００１５】
乾燥機１７は、制御装置４２からのオンオフ信号により作動又は停止する装置であり、セパレータ素材２０に、例えば送風又は放熱することでセパレータ素材２０を乾燥させる。
【００１６】
搬送装置２１は、第１処理槽１１〜第６処理槽１６及び乾燥機１７の上方に配置したものであり、第１電動モータ４３で駆動する第１ドラム４４と、第２電動モータ４５で駆動する第２ドラム４６と、これらの第１ドラム４４及び第２ドラム４６のそれぞれに渡したケーブル４７と、このケーブル４７の途中に取付けたセパレータ搬送部４８とからなる。
【００１７】
セパレータ素材２０を搬送するには、制御装置４２で第１電動モータ４３及び第２電動モータ４５を同期するように回転させ、第１ドラム４４及び第２ドラム４６を回転させてセパレータ素材２０を吊るしたセパレータ搬送部４８を移動させる。
【００１８】
第３昇降装置３３は、Ａ槽１３ａ、Ｂ槽１３ｂ及びＣ槽１３ｃを一体的に紙面の表裏方向に移動させる水平移動機構（不図示）をも備え、Ａ槽１３ａ、Ｂ槽１３ｂ又はＣ槽１３ｃをセパレータ素材２０の真下に移動させ、上昇させることで、セパレータ素材２０をＡ槽１３ａ、Ｂ槽１３ｂ又はＣ槽１３ｃに選択的に浸けることを可能にする。
５０は、セパレータ製造装置１０の搬送装置２１を構成するとともに、複数のセパレータ素材２０を保持する本発明に係る筒状保持治具である。
【００１９】
図２は本発明に係る筒状保持治具の側面図であり、筒状保持治具５０は、電動モータ５１の出力軸にジョイント５２を介してシャフト５３を取付け、このシャフト５３に設けたおねじ部５３ａにナット５４をねじ込んで取付けた部材であり、筒状保持治具５０の外周面にセパレータ２０・・・を保持する。なお、５３ｂはシャフト５３の途中に一体成形したフランジ部、５５はワッシャである。
【００２０】
上記した筒状保持治具５０、ジョイント５２、シャフト５３及びナット５４は、処理液に反応しない材質の部材、又は処理液に反応しない表面処理を施した部材である。
セパレータ２０を保持する構造については次図で詳細に説明する。
【００２１】
図３は本発明に係る筒状保持治具の斜視図であり、筒状保持治具５０は、円筒部５７と、セパレータ素材２０を保持するために円筒部５７の外周面５７ａに且つ周方向に等間隔に取付けた枠状部材５８・・・とからなる。なお、５７ｂはシャフト５３（図２参照）を通すために円筒部５７に開けた貫通穴である。
枠状部材５８は、コ字状の枠本体６１と、この枠本体６１の上部に嵌める上部嵌合部材６２とからなる。
【００２２】
枠本体６１は、円筒部５７に取付けた円筒部取付部６４と、この円筒部取付部６４の下端から側方へ延ばした枠下部６５と、この枠下部６５から立上げるとともに円筒部取付部６４に平行にした平行部６６とからなる。
【００２３】
図４（ａ），（ｂ）は本発明に係る筒状保持治具の細部を説明する斜視図であり、（ａ）において、枠状部材５８の枠本体６１は、セパレータ素材２０の縁部を挿入するために円筒部取付部６４、枠下部６５（図３参照）及び平行部６６に亘って形成したセパレータ挿入溝６１ａと、円筒部取付部６４及び平行部６６の上端部にそれぞれ形成した切欠き部６１ｂ，６１ｂとを備える。
【００２４】
上部嵌合部材６２は、枠本体６１のセパレータ挿入溝６１ａに挿入するために板状に形成するとともに板厚を周囲よりも小さくした板状挿入部６２ａ，６２ａと、枠本体６１の切欠き部６１ｂ，６１ｂに嵌合させるために板状挿入部６２ａから突出させた嵌合部６２ｂ，６２ｂとを備える。
【００２５】
このように、枠本体６１に切欠き部６１ｂ，６１ｂを設け、上部嵌合部材６２に嵌合部６２ｂ，６２ｂを設けたことで、円筒部取付部６４と上部嵌合部材６２、平行部６６と上部嵌合部材６２をそれぞれ確実に嵌合させることができる。
【００２６】
枠状部材５８の枠本体６１のセパレータ挿入溝６１ａにセパレータ素材２０を嵌め、枠本体６１の上部に上部嵌合部材６２を嵌合させた状態を（ｂ）に示す。
この状態では、例えば、枠本体６１の平行部６６に矢印の向きに外力Ｆが作用しても、枠本体６１の円筒部取付部６４及び平行部６６は上部嵌合部材６２に嵌合した状態にあるため、枠本体６１は強固になり、変形することを防止することができる。
【００２７】
図５は本発明に係るセパレータの処理状態を示す説明図であり、筒状保持治具５０で保持したセパレータ素材２０・・・に対して、例えば、第１処理槽１１の下部に設けた第１昇降装置３１を駆動させて第１処理槽１１を上昇させ、セパレータ素材２０・・・を第１処理槽１１に満たした処理液７１に浸けた状態を示す。なお、７２，７２は第１処理槽１１内に配置したヒータ、７３はヒータ７２，７２用の電源、７４は処理液７１の温度を検知する温度センサであり、この温度センサ７４からの温度信号を液温調整装置４１に送ることにより、液温調整装置４１は電源７３からヒータ７２，７２への通電を制御し、処理液７１の温度を所定温度に調整する。
上記した電動モータ５１及び駆動部２２は、筒状保持治具５０を駆動する、即ち回転させる駆動手段としての筒状保持治具駆動装置７５を構成する。
【００２８】
第１昇降装置３１は、ベース部７６と、このベース部７６に一端をスイング可能に取付けるとともに第１処理槽１１の下部に設けた処理槽受け部７７に他端をスライド可能に取付けた第１バー７８，７８（奥側の第１バー７８は不図示）と、ベース部７６に一端をスライド可能に取付けるとともに処理槽受け部７７にスイング可能に取付けた第２バー７９，７９（奥側の第２バー７９は不図示）と、第１バー７８，７８又は第２バー７９，７９を駆動する図示せぬシリンダ装置とからなるパンタグラフ型昇降装置である。
【００２９】
例えば、セパレータ素材２０を処理液７１に浸けた状態で、電動モータ５１の出力軸を一定の方向に回転させる、あるいは、正転・逆転を繰り返せば、筒状保持治具５０とともにセパレータ素材２０・・・が回転し、処理液７１を撹拌させる。この結果、処理液７１によるセパレータ素材２０の処理を促進することができ、また、処理液７１の撹拌によって、処理液７１が第１処理槽１１内で均一になり、セパレータ素材２０の処理を均一に行うことができる。
【００３０】
図６は本発明に係るセパレータの製造方法を説明するフロー図である。なお、ＳＴ××はステップ番号を示す。
ＳＴ０１…セパレータ素材を脱脂する。処理液は界面活性剤水溶液、処理液の温度は３０℃、処理時間は１分である。
ＳＴ０２…セパレータ素材を水洗する。処理時間は１分である。
【００３１】
ＳＴ０３…セパレータ素材に圧延時に形成されていた異常表層部の除去とセパレータ素材の表層部に含む導電物の頭出しとを行うためにエッチングを実施する。
処理液は１０％硝酸と４％フッ化水素酸のと溶液、処理液の温度は６０℃、処理時間は４０分である。
ＳＴ０４…セパレータ素材を水洗する。処理時間は１分である。
【００３２】
ＳＴ０５…セパレータ素材の表面の不動態化処理を実施し、不動態皮膜を形成する。処理液は５０％硝酸、処理液の温度は５０℃、処理時間は３０分である。
ＳＴ０６…セパレータ素材を水洗する。処理時間は１分である。
ＳＴ０７…セパレータ素材を乾燥させる。所要時間は１分である。
これで、セパレータの製造が完了する。製造に要した時間は合計で７５分である。
【００３３】
上記した各処理工程は、セパレータ素材を各処理槽及び乾燥機の位置に移動させて行う。
即ち、ＳＴ０１の脱脂は第１処理槽、ＳＴ０２の水洗は第２処理槽、ＳＴ０３のエッチング処理は第３処理槽、ＳＴ０４の水洗は第４処理槽、ＳＴ０５の不動態化処理は第５処理槽、ＳＴ０６の水洗は第６処理槽、ＳＴ０７の乾燥は乾燥機の位置で実施する。
【００３４】
図７（ａ）〜（ｃ）は本発明に係るセパレータの製造方法を説明する作用図であり、図６に示したセパレータ素材の異常表層部除去（ＳＴ０３）、導電物頭出し（ＳＴ０３）及び不動態化処理（ＳＴ０５）について説明する。（ａ）〜（ｃ）はセパレータ素材の断面図である。
（ａ）は、セパレータ素材２０に異常表層部９１が形成されている状態を示す。なお、９２・・・はセパレータ素材２０自体に含む良導体である粒状の導電物（例えば、金属間化合物であるＣｒ₂Ｂ）である。なお、導電物９２の形状はそれぞれ異なるが便宜上同一符号を用いる。
【００３５】
異常表層部９１は、圧延によって、セパレータ素材２０に含まれていた粒状物質（金属間化合物等）が砕かれて粒径が小さくなったり、酸化物等を含むことで導電性が低下した層であり、セパレータを積層した際に電気的な接触抵抗を高め、燃料電池の出力を低下させる原因になる。
【００３６】
そこで、この異常表層部９１を除去するためにエッチング処理（図６のＳＴ０３参照）を実施する。この結果、（ｂ）に示すように、異常表層部９１が消失するとともに、セパレータ素材２０自体の表層を除去し、導電物９２・・・を突出させる、即ち導電物９２・・・の頭出しを行う。
【００３７】
そして、導電物９２・・・以外のセパレータ素材２０自体の表面の腐食を防ぐために不動態化処理（図６のＳＴ０５参照）を施し、（ｃ）に示すように、セパレータ２０自体の表面に不動態皮膜９３を形成する。このとき、導電物９２・・・の表面には不動態被膜９３は形成されず、導電物９２・・・は大きな表面積を有し且つ不動態被膜９３より突出しているため、セパレータを積層した場合に隣接するセパレータや電極との接触抵抗を小さくすることができる。
【００３８】
以上の図１、図５及び図６で説明したように、本発明は第１に、セパレータ素材２０をプレス成形して所定形状に成形する工程と、成形したセパレータ素材２０を複数筒状保持治具５０に保持する工程と、保持したセパレータ素材２０を第１処理槽１１〜第６処理槽１６に満たした処理液７１に浸すとともに筒状保持治具５０を筒状保持治具駆動装置７５で駆動させることによりセパレータ素材２０で処理液７１を撹拌する工程と、第１処理槽１１〜第６処理槽１６からセパレータ素材２０を取出して乾燥させる工程とからセパレータを製造する。
【００３９】
筒状保持治具５０を駆動することによりセパレータ素材２０で処理液７１を撹拌することで、セパレータ素材２０の処理を促進することができるとともに処理を均一に行うことができる。従って、品質の優れたセパレータを効率良く生産することができる。
【００４０】
また、筒状保持治具５０でセパレータ素材２０を第１処理槽１１〜第６処理槽１６まで搬送することができ、セパレータ素材２０の保持、搬送及び撹拌を製造工程の途中でセパレータ素材２０を取外さずに一貫して行うことができるため、セパレータの製造時間を短縮することができる。
更に、筒状保持治具５０に保持した複数のセパレータ素材２０を一度に処理することができ、生産数を増やすことができる。
【００４１】
従って、以上の改良によりセパレータの生産性を高め、セパレータのコストを低減することができる。
【００４２】
本発明は第２に、図３で説明したように、筒状保持治具５０の円筒部５７の外周面５７ａに設けた枠状部材５８にセパレータ素材２０を嵌めるようにして保持することを特徴とする。
枠状部材５８にセパレータ素材２０を嵌めるようにして保持するため、セパレータ素材２０の表面のより広い範囲を処理することができ、セパレータ素材２０を効果的に処理することができる。
【００４３】
本発明は第３に、図１、図３、図５及び図７で説明したように、セパレータ素材２０を所定形状にプレス成形し、このセパレータ素材２０のプレス成形前の圧延時に発生した異常表層部９１をエッチング処理にて除去するとともにセパレータ素材２０自体の表層部に含む導電物９２の一部を突出させる頭出しを行い、セパレータ素材２０自体の表面に不動態化処理を施すことでセパレータを製造するセパレータ製造装置１０において、このセパレータ製造装置１０を、エッチング処理を行うエッチング処理槽である第３処理槽１３と、不動態化処理を施す不動態化処理槽である第５処理槽１５と、これらの第３処理槽１３及び第５処理槽１５で処理する複数のセパレータ素材２０を保持するために外周面５７ａに枠状部材５８を設けた筒状保持治具５０と、この筒状保持治具５０に保持したセパレータ素材２０で第３処理槽１３及び第５処理槽１５の各処理液７１，７１を撹拌するために筒状保持治具５０を駆動する筒状保持治具駆動装置７５と、筒状保持治具５０を第３処理槽１３及び第５処理槽１５へ搬送する搬送装置２１とから構成する。
【００４４】
セパレータ素材２０を保持する筒状保持治具５０で、セパレータ素材２０の搬送具及び処理液の撹拌具を兼用することができ、それぞれの機能を別々の装置で行うのに比べて部品数を減らすことができ、セパレータ製造装置１０に係るコストを低減することができる。また、複数のセパレータ素材２０を一度に保持、搬送、撹拌することができるから、セパレータの生産性を高めることができ、セパレータのコストを下げることができる。
【００４５】
また、筒状保持治具５０は、それ自体で撹拌するから、各処理槽１１〜１６にそれぞれ撹拌装置を準備する必要がないため、このことからもセパレータ製造装置１０のコストを下げることができる。
【００４６】
尚、本実施の形態では、図３において、枠状部材５８を、円筒部取付部６４と枠下部６５と平行部６６とから構成したが、これに限らず、枠状部材を、円筒部５７から側方へ延ばした枠下部６５と、平行部６６とから構成するとともに円筒部５７の外周面５７ａにセパレータの縁部を挿入させる溝を形成し、上部嵌合部材６２を円筒部５７と平行部６６との上端部にそれぞれ嵌合させてもよい。
【００４７】
【発明の効果】
本発明は上記構成により次の効果を発揮する。
請求項１の燃料電池用セパレータの製造方法は、セパレータ用金属材料をプレス成形して所定形状に成形する工程と、成形した金属材料を複数の筒状保持治具の外周面に設けた枠状部材に嵌めるようにして保持する工程と、保持した金属材料をエッチング処理槽に満たしたエッチング処理液及び不動態化処理槽に満たした不動態化処理液にそれぞれ浸すとともに筒状保持治具を駆動手段で駆動させることにより金属材料でエッチング処理液及び不動態化処理液をそれぞれ撹拌する工程と、エッチング処理槽及び不動態化処理槽からそれぞれ金属材料を取出して乾燥させる工程と、エッチング処理、不動態化処理、乾燥の各工程間では筒状保持治具でセパレータを保持した状態で搬送する搬送工程とからセパレータを製造するので、筒状保持治具を駆動することにより金属材料で各処理液を撹拌することで、金属材料の処理を促進することができるとともに処理を均一に行うことができる。従って、品質の優れたセパレータを効率良く生産することができる。
【００４８】
また、筒状保持治具で金属材料を処理槽まで搬送することができ、金属材料の保持、搬送及び撹拌を製造工程の途中で金属材料を取外さずに一貫して行うことができるため、セパレータの製造時間を短縮することができる。
【００４９】
更に、筒状保持治具に保持した複数の金属材料を一度に処理することができ、生産数を増やすことができる。
従って、以上の改良によりセパレータの生産性を高め、セパレータのコストを低減することができる。
【００５０】
また更に、筒状保持治具の外周面に設けた枠状部材に金属材料を嵌めるようにして保持するので、金属材料の表面のより広い範囲を処理することができ、金属材料を効果的に処理することができる。
【００５１】
請求項２の燃料電池用セパレータの製造装置は、エッチング処理を行うエッチング処理槽と、不動態化処理を施す不動態化処理槽と、これらのエッチング処理槽及び不動態化処理槽で処理する複数の金属材料を保持するために外周面に枠状部材を設けた筒状保持治具と、この筒状保持治具に保持した金属材料でエッチング処理槽及び不動態化処理槽の各処理液を撹拌するために筒状保持治具を駆動する駆動手段と、筒状保持治具をエッチング処理槽及び不動態化処理槽へ搬送する搬送手段とから構成するので、金属材料を保持する筒状保持治具で、金属材料の搬送具及び処理液の撹拌具を兼用することができ、それぞれの機能を別々の装置で行うのに比べて部品数を減らすことができ、セパレータ製造装置に係るコストを低減することができる。また、複数の金属材料を一度に保持、搬送、撹拌することができるから、セパレータの生産性を高めることができ、セパレータのコストを下げることができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明に係る燃料電池用セパレータの製造装置を示す説明図
【図２】本発明に係る筒状保持治具の側面図
【図３】本発明に係る筒状保持治具の斜視図
【図４】本発明に係る筒状保持治具の細部を説明する斜視図
【図５】本発明に係るセパレータの処理状態を示す説明図
【図６】本発明に係るセパレータの製造方法を説明するフロー図
【図７】本発明に係るセパレータの製造方法を説明する作用図
【図８】従来の金属製セパレータを製造する際の表面の処理を説明する説明図
【符号の説明】
１０…セパレータ製造装置、１３…エッチング処理槽（第３処理槽）、１５…不動態化処理槽（第５処理槽）、２０…金属材料（セパレータ素材）、２１…搬送手段（搬送装置）、５０…筒状保持治具、５８…枠状部材、７１…処理液、７５…駆動手段（筒状保持治具駆動装置）、９１…異常表層部、９２…導電物。[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a manufacturing method and a manufacturing apparatus for a fuel cell separator suitable for increasing the productivity of a separator and reducing the cost of the separator.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Since the solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell has a structure in which a desired output is obtained by stacking a plurality of each fuel cell, a separator for partitioning each fuel cell is a pressure applied at the time of stacking compared to a resin material. Metallic materials that are advantageous in terms of strength against strength and downsizing after lamination are considered promising.
[0003]
A method for producing such a metal separator will be described below.
FIG. 8 is an explanatory view for explaining the surface treatment when manufacturing a conventional metal separator. The treatment tank 101 is filled with the treatment liquid 102, and the metal material 104 held by the frame-like member 103 in the treatment liquid 102. A state in which (a material that finally becomes a separator) is immersed is shown. Reference numeral 105 denotes a wire for suspending the frame member 103.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In a fuel cell, a separator accounts for a large part of its cost. This is because the separator requires a structure in which the flow paths of fuel gas, oxidant gas, and cooling water are formed finely, and surface treatment that prevents corrosion by the electrolyte. Therefore, if the productivity of the separator is increased and the cost is reduced, the cost of the fuel cell is greatly reduced, which contributes to the spread of fuel cell vehicles.
[0005]
For example, when the metal material 104 is treated with the treatment liquid 102 in the treatment tank 101 described above, (1) the treatment liquid 102 is agitated by a stirrer in order to promote and uniformly treat the metal material 104. However, when there are a plurality of treatment tanks 101, a stirrer is installed in each of the treatment tanks, resulting in an increase in cost. (2) Transporting the metal material 104 to each treatment tank 101 and transporting If the holding of the metal material 104 for immersing the processed metal material 104 in the processing liquid 102 is not well coordinated, the flow of the production process cannot be made smooth and the manufacturing time increases, and (3) the metal material to be processed at one time If there is little, the number of production per unit time will decrease, and if these can be improved, productivity of a separator and cost reduction can be aimed at.
[0006]
Therefore, an object of the present invention is to improve the productivity of the separator and reduce the cost of the separator by improving the manufacturing method and the manufacturing apparatus of the fuel cell separator.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, claim 1 includes a step of press-molding a separator metal material into a predetermined shape, and a frame-shaped member in which the molded metal material is provided on the outer peripheral surfaces of a plurality of cylindrical holding jigs. held as fitted to the process and, holding the drive means of the cylindrical holding jig with immersing each metallic material passivation treatment solution filled in the etching treatment liquid and the passivation treatment tank filled to etching bath The step of stirring the etching treatment liquid and the passivation treatment liquid with the metal material by driving each other, the step of removing the metal material from the etching treatment tank and the passivation treatment tank and drying, respectively , the etching treatment, the passivation A separator is manufactured from a transporting process in which the separator is transported in a state where the separator is held by a cylindrical holding jig between the steps of the chemical conversion treatment and the drying .
[0008]
By agitating the treatment liquid with the metal material by driving the cylindrical holding jig, the treatment of the metal material can be promoted and the treatment can be performed uniformly. Therefore, a separator having excellent quality can be efficiently produced.
[0009]
In addition, the metal material can be transported to the treatment tank with a cylindrical holding jig, and the metal material can be held, transported and stirred consistently without removing the metal material during the manufacturing process. The manufacturing time of the separator can be shortened.
Furthermore, a plurality of metal materials held in the cylindrical holding jig can be processed at a time, and the number of production can be increased.
Therefore, the productivity of the separator can be increased by the above improvement, and the cost of the separator can be reduced.
Still further, since the metal material is fitted and held on the frame-like member, a wider range of the surface of the metal material can be processed, and the metal material can be processed effectively.
[0010]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, a metal material is press-molded into a predetermined shape, an abnormal surface layer portion generated during rolling before the metal material is press-molded is removed by an etching process, and a conductor contained in the surface layer portion of the metal material itself is included. In the manufacturing apparatus for a fuel cell separator that manufactures a separator by performing cueing to project the part and performing passivation treatment on the surface of the metal material itself, this manufacturing apparatus includes an etching processing tank that performs etching processing, and Passivation treatment tank for performing passivation treatment, and cylindrical holding jig provided with a frame-like member on the outer peripheral surface in order to hold a plurality of metal materials processed in these etching treatment tank and passivation treatment tank Driving means for driving the cylindrical holding jig to stir the processing liquid in the etching treatment tank and the passivation treatment tank with the metal material held in the cylindrical holding jig, and the cylindrical holding jig Oh It consists a conveying means for transporting the packaging process vessel and passivation treatment tank.
[0011]
The cylindrical holding jig that holds the metal material can be used as both a metal material transport tool and a processing liquid agitation tool, and the number of parts can be reduced compared to performing each function with separate devices. The cost relating to the separator manufacturing apparatus can be reduced. Further, since a plurality of metal materials can be held, transported, and stirred at a time, the productivity of the separator can be increased and the cost of the separator can be reduced.
[0012]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings are viewed in the direction of the reference numerals.
FIG. 1 is an explanatory view showing a fuel cell separator manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention. A separator manufacturing apparatus 10 stores first to sixth processing tanks 11 to 6 in which processing liquids are stored in order to perform each processing described later. The tank 16 and the dryer 17 that performs drying, and a plurality of separator materials 20 to the positions of the first processing tank 11 to the sixth processing tank 16 and the dryer 17 are indicated. Similarly, a transport device 21 as a transport means for transporting), a drive unit 22 for an electric motor that moves the separator material 20 moved by the transport device 21 up and down, and the separator material 20 in the first treatment tanks 11 to 6. The first elevating device 31 to the sixth elevating device 36 for moving the first processing tank 11 to the sixth processing tank 16 up and down in order to immerse in each processing solution of the processing tank 16, and the first processing tank 11 to the sixth processing tank. The temperature of each processing solution in 16 Liquid temperature adjusting device 41 to be adjusted (this liquid temperature adjusting device 41 is provided in each of the first processing tank 11 to the sixth processing tank 16, but is drawn only in the first processing tank 11 in the figure). The dryer 17, the transport device 21, the drive unit 22, the first lifting device 31 to the sixth lifting device 36, and a control device 42 that controls the liquid temperature adjusting device 41 are included. In addition, 31d-36d is the raising / lowering drive part which drives each of the 1st raising / lowering apparatus 31-the 6th raising / lowering apparatus 36. FIG.
[0013]
The third treatment tank 13 is composed of three tanks arranged in the front and back direction of the paper, that is, the A tank 13a, the B tank 13b, and the C tank 13c, and the third elevating device 33 also includes the A tank 13a and the B tank 13b. And A lifting device (not shown), B lifting device and C lifting device corresponding to the C tank 13c.
[0014]
The separator material 20 is finally a separator by the separator manufacturing apparatus 10 described above, and a metal material, for example, stainless steel (particularly austenitic stainless steel) is rolled into a thin plate, and then a fuel gas in the fuel cell. Each groove, hole, etc. through which oxidant gas and cooling water pass are press-molded.
[0015]
The dryer 17 is a device that is activated or stopped by an on / off signal from the control device 42, and dries the separator material 20 by, for example, blowing or radiating heat to the separator material 20.
[0016]
The conveying device 21 is disposed above the first processing tank 11 to the sixth processing tank 16 and the dryer 17, and is driven by a first drum 44 driven by a first electric motor 43 and a second electric motor 45. The second drum 46, a cable 47 passed to each of the first drum 44 and the second drum 46, and a separator transport unit 48 attached in the middle of the cable 47.
[0017]
In order to convey the separator material 20, the control device 42 rotates the first electric motor 43 and the second electric motor 45 so as to synchronize, and rotates the first drum 44 and the second drum 46 to suspend the separator material 20. The separator transport unit 48 is moved.
[0018]
The third elevating device 33 also includes a horizontal movement mechanism (not shown) that integrally moves the A tank 13a, the B tank 13b, and the C tank 13c in the front and back direction of the paper surface, and the A tank 13a, the B tank 13b, or the C tank. The separator material 20 can be selectively immersed in the A tank 13a, the B tank 13b, or the C tank 13c by moving 13c directly below the separator material 20 and raising it.
Reference numeral 50 denotes a cylindrical holding jig according to the present invention that constitutes the conveying device 21 of the separator manufacturing apparatus 10 and holds a plurality of separator materials 20.
[0019]
FIG. 2 is a side view of the cylindrical holding jig according to the present invention. The cylindrical holding jig 50 has a shaft 53 attached to the output shaft of the electric motor 51 via a joint 52 and is provided on the shaft 53. This is a member in which a nut 54 is screwed into the threaded portion 53 a and holds the separators 20 on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical holding jig 50. In addition, 53b is a flange part integrally formed in the middle of the shaft 53, and 55 is a washer.
[0020]
The cylindrical holding jig 50, the joint 52, the shaft 53, and the nut 54 described above are members made of a material that does not react with the treatment liquid or a member that has been subjected to a surface treatment that does not react with the treatment liquid.
The structure for holding the separator 20 will be described in detail in the next figure.
[0021]
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the cylindrical holding jig according to the present invention. The cylindrical holding jig 50 is formed on the cylindrical portion 57 and the outer peripheral surface 57a of the cylindrical portion 57 in order to hold the separator material 20 and in the circumferential direction. Frame-shaped members 58 attached at equal intervals. In addition, 57b is a through-hole opened in the cylindrical part 57 in order to let the shaft 53 (refer FIG. 2) pass.
The frame-shaped member 58 includes a U-shaped frame main body 61 and an upper fitting member 62 that fits on the upper portion of the frame main body 61.
[0022]
The frame main body 61 includes a cylindrical portion attaching portion 64 attached to the cylindrical portion 57, a frame lower portion 65 extending laterally from the lower end of the cylindrical portion attaching portion 64, and rising from the frame lower portion 65 and the cylindrical portion attaching portion 64. And a parallel portion 66 which is parallel to the.
[0023]
4A and 4B are perspective views for explaining details of the cylindrical holding jig according to the present invention. In FIG. 4A, the frame main body 61 of the frame-shaped member 58 is an edge of the separator material 20. Are formed in the cylindrical portion mounting portion 64, the frame lower portion 65 (see FIG. 3), and the separator insertion groove 61a formed over the parallel portion 66, and the cylindrical portion mounting portion 64 and the parallel portion 66, respectively. Notched portions 61b and 61b are provided.
[0024]
The upper fitting member 62 is formed in a plate shape to be inserted into the separator insertion groove 61a of the frame body 61 and has a plate-like insertion portion 62a, 62a having a plate thickness smaller than the surroundings, and a notch portion of the frame body 61 There are provided fitting portions 62b and 62b protruding from the plate-like insertion portion 62a for fitting with 61b and 61b.
[0025]
Thus, the notch portions 61b and 61b are provided in the frame main body 61, and the fitting portions 62b and 62b are provided in the upper fitting member 62, so that the cylindrical portion mounting portion 64, the upper fitting member 62, and the parallel portion 66 are provided. And the upper fitting member 62 can be reliably fitted to each other.
[0026]
A state in which the separator material 20 is fitted in the separator insertion groove 61 a of the frame main body 61 of the frame-shaped member 58 and the upper fitting member 62 is fitted to the upper portion of the frame main body 61 is shown in FIG.
In this state, for example, even if an external force F acts on the parallel portion 66 of the frame body 61 in the direction of the arrow, the cylindrical portion mounting portion 64 and the parallel portion 66 of the frame body 61 are fitted to the upper fitting member 62. Therefore, the frame body 61 becomes strong and can be prevented from being deformed.
[0027]
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the processing state of the separator according to the present invention. For example, the separator material 20... Held by the cylindrical holding jig 50 is provided in a lower portion of the first processing tank 11. 1 shows a state where the lifting device 31 is driven to raise the first processing tank 11 and the separator material 20... Is immersed in the processing liquid 71 filled in the first processing tank 11. In addition, 72 and 72 are heaters arranged in the first processing tank 11, 73 is a power source for the heaters 72 and 72, and 74 is a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the processing liquid 71, and a temperature signal from the temperature sensor 74 Is sent to the liquid temperature adjusting device 41, the liquid temperature adjusting device 41 controls energization from the power source 73 to the heaters 72, 72 and adjusts the temperature of the processing liquid 71 to a predetermined temperature.
The electric motor 51 and the drive unit 22 described above constitute a cylindrical holding jig driving device 75 as driving means for driving, that is, rotating, the cylindrical holding jig 50.
[0028]
The first lifting / lowering device 31 has a base portion 76 and a first end attached to the base portion 76 so as to be swingable, and a second end slidably attached to a treatment tank receiving portion 77 provided at a lower portion of the first treatment tank 11. Bars 78 and 78 (the first bar 78 on the back side is not shown) and second bars 79 and 79 (on the back side) attached to the base portion 76 so as to be slidable and swingably attached to the treatment tank receiving portion 77 The second bar 79 is a pantograph type lifting device including a first bar 78, 78 or a cylinder device (not shown) that drives the second bar 79, 79.
[0029]
For example, if the output shaft of the electric motor 51 is rotated in a certain direction while the separator material 20 is immersed in the processing liquid 71 or if the forward rotation and the reverse rotation are repeated, the separator material 20. .. rotates and causes the treatment liquid 71 to stir. As a result, the treatment of the separator material 20 with the treatment liquid 71 can be promoted, and the treatment liquid 71 becomes uniform in the first treatment tank 11 due to the stirring of the treatment liquid 71, thereby uniformly treating the separator material 20. Can be done.
[0030]
FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a method of manufacturing a separator according to the present invention. STXX indicates a step number.
ST01 ... The separator material is degreased. The treatment liquid is an aqueous surfactant solution, the treatment liquid temperature is 30 ° C., and the treatment time is 1 minute.
ST02 ... The separator material is washed with water. The processing time is 1 minute.
[0031]
ST03 ... Etching is performed to remove the abnormal surface layer portion formed in the separator material during rolling and cue the conductive material contained in the surface layer portion of the separator material.
The treatment liquid is a solution of 10% nitric acid and 4% hydrofluoric acid, the temperature of the treatment liquid is 60 ° C., and the treatment time is 40 minutes.
ST04 ... The separator material is washed with water. The processing time is 1 minute.
[0032]
ST05 ... A passivation treatment is performed on the surface of the separator material to form a passive film. The treatment solution is 50% nitric acid, the treatment solution temperature is 50 ° C., and the treatment time is 30 minutes.
ST06 ... The separator material is washed with water. The processing time is 1 minute.
ST07 ... The separator material is dried. The time required is 1 minute.
This completes the manufacture of the separator. The total production time is 75 minutes.
[0033]
Each processing step described above is performed by moving the separator material to the position of each processing tank and dryer.
That is, ST01 degreasing is the first treatment tank, ST02 water washing is the second treatment tank, ST03 etching treatment is the third treatment tank, ST04 water washing is the fourth treatment tank, and ST05 passivation treatment is the fifth treatment tank. The washing of ST06 is performed at the sixth treatment tank, and the drying of ST07 is performed at the position of the dryer.
[0034]
7 (a) to 7 (c) are operation diagrams for explaining the separator manufacturing method according to the present invention, in which the abnormal surface layer removal (ST03), conductive cueing (ST03) of the separator material shown in FIG. The passivation process (ST05) will be described. (A)-(c) is sectional drawing of a separator raw material.
(A) shows the state in which the abnormal surface layer portion 91 is formed on the separator material 20. In addition, 92 ... is a granular conductive material (for example, Cr ₂ B which is an intermetallic compound) which is a good conductor contained in the separator material 20 itself. Note that the shapes of the conductors 92 are different, but the same reference numerals are used for convenience.
[0035]
The abnormal surface layer portion 91 is a layer in which the granular material (intermetallic compound or the like) contained in the separator material 20 is crushed by rolling to reduce the particle size, or the conductivity is reduced by including an oxide or the like. Yes, when the separators are stacked, the electrical contact resistance is increased and the output of the fuel cell is reduced.
[0036]
Therefore, an etching process (see ST03 in FIG. 6) is performed to remove the abnormal surface layer portion 91. As a result, as shown in (b), the abnormal surface layer portion 91 disappears, the surface layer of the separator material 20 itself is removed, and the conductors 92... Are projected. I do.
[0037]
Then, a passivation treatment (see ST05 in FIG. 6) is applied to prevent the corrosion of the surface of the separator material 20 itself other than the conductive material 92... As shown in (c). A dynamic film 93 is formed. At this time, the passive film 93 is not formed on the surface of the conductive material 92... And the conductive material 92... Has a large surface area and protrudes from the passive film 93. The contact resistance with the separator or electrode adjacent to the electrode can be reduced.
[0038]
As described above with reference to FIGS. 1, 5 and 6, the present invention firstly includes a step of press-molding the separator material 20 into a predetermined shape, and a plurality of cylindrical holding treatments for the formed separator material 20. The step of holding the tool 50 and the separator material 20 held in the processing solution 71 filled in the first processing tank 11 to the sixth processing tank 16 and the cylindrical holding jig 50 with the cylindrical holding jig driving device 75 The separator is manufactured from the step of stirring the treatment liquid 71 with the separator material 20 by driving and the step of removing the separator material 20 from the first treatment tank 11 to the sixth treatment tank 16 and drying.
[0039]
By agitating the treatment liquid 71 with the separator material 20 by driving the cylindrical holding jig 50, the treatment of the separator material 20 can be promoted and the treatment can be performed uniformly. Therefore, a separator having excellent quality can be efficiently produced.
[0040]
Further, the separator material 20 can be conveyed from the first treatment tank 11 to the sixth treatment tank 16 by the cylindrical holding jig 50, and the separator material 20 is held, conveyed and stirred in the course of the manufacturing process. Since it can carry out consistently without removing, the manufacturing time of a separator can be shortened.
Furthermore, a plurality of separator materials 20 held by the cylindrical holding jig 50 can be processed at a time, and the number of production can be increased.
[0041]
Therefore, the productivity of the separator can be increased by the above improvement, and the cost of the separator can be reduced.
[0042]
Secondly, as described with reference to FIG. 3, the present invention is characterized in that the separator material 20 is held by being fitted to the frame-shaped member 58 provided on the outer peripheral surface 57a of the cylindrical portion 57 of the cylindrical holding jig 50. And
Since the separator material 20 is held by being fitted to the frame-shaped member 58, a wider range of the surface of the separator material 20 can be processed, and the separator material 20 can be processed effectively.
[0043]
Thirdly, as described in FIGS. 1, 3, 5 and 7, the present invention thirdly press-separates the separator material 20 into a predetermined shape, and the abnormal surface layer generated during rolling before the separator material 20 is press-formed. The portion 91 is removed by an etching process, and a portion of the conductive material 92 included in the surface layer portion of the separator material 20 itself is projected, and the surface of the separator material 20 itself is subjected to a passivation treatment to thereby remove the separator. In the separator manufacturing apparatus 10 to be manufactured, the separator manufacturing apparatus 10 includes a third processing tank 13 that is an etching processing tank that performs an etching process, and a fifth processing tank 15 that is a passivation processing tank that performs a passivation process. In order to hold a plurality of separator materials 20 to be processed in the third processing tank 13 and the fifth processing tank 15, a cylindrical holding member provided with a frame-shaped member 58 on the outer peripheral surface 57a. The cylindrical holding jig 50 is driven to agitate the treatment liquids 71 and 71 in the third treatment tank 13 and the fifth treatment tank 15 with the jig 50 and the separator material 20 held in the cylindrical holding jig 50. The cylindrical holding jig driving device 75 and the transfer device 21 for transferring the cylindrical holding jig 50 to the third processing tank 13 and the fifth processing tank 15 are configured.
[0044]
The cylindrical holding jig 50 for holding the separator material 20 can also be used as a conveying tool for the separator material 20 and a stirring tool for the processing liquid, and the number of parts is reduced as compared with the case where each function is performed by separate devices. The cost related to the separator manufacturing apparatus 10 can be reduced. In addition, since a plurality of separator materials 20 can be held, transported, and stirred at a time, the productivity of the separator can be increased and the cost of the separator can be reduced.
[0045]
In addition, since the cylindrical holding jig 50 is agitated by itself, it is not necessary to prepare a stirrer for each of the treatment tanks 11 to 16, so that the cost of the separator manufacturing apparatus 10 can be reduced also from this. .
[0046]
In the present embodiment, in FIG. 3, the frame-shaped member 58 is composed of the cylindrical portion mounting portion 64, the frame lower portion 65, and the parallel portion 66. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the frame-shaped member is the cylindrical portion 57. A groove lower portion 65 extending from the side to the side and a parallel portion 66 and a groove for inserting the edge of the separator are formed on the outer peripheral surface 57 a of the cylindrical portion 57, and the upper fitting member 62 is parallel to the cylindrical portion 57. You may make it fit to the upper end part with the part 66, respectively.
[0047]
【The invention's effect】
The present invention exhibits the following effects by the above configuration.
The method of manufacturing a separator for a fuel cell according to claim 1 includes a step of press-molding a metal material for the separator to form a predetermined shape, and a frame shape in which the formed metal material is provided on the outer peripheral surface of a plurality of cylindrical holding jigs. driving a step of holding as fitted to a member, the tubular holding jig with immersing each metallic material held in passivation treatment solution filled in the etching treatment liquid and the passivation treatment tank filled to etching bath and drying taking out a metal material comprising the steps of stirring the etching solution and passivation treatment solution respectively, each metal material from the etching bath and passivation treatment tank by driving in means, an etching process, not passivation treatment, since in between each step of drying to produce a separator and a conveying step of conveying while holding the separator in a cylindrical holding jig, tubular holding jig By stirring the processing solution of a metal material, it is possible to uniformly perform together with the processing can be promoted treatment of metal material by driving the. Therefore, a separator having excellent quality can be efficiently produced.
[0048]
In addition, the metal material can be transported to the treatment tank with a cylindrical holding jig, and the metal material can be held, transported and stirred consistently without removing the metal material during the manufacturing process. The manufacturing time of the separator can be shortened.
[0049]
Furthermore, a plurality of metal materials held in the cylindrical holding jig can be processed at a time, and the number of production can be increased.
Therefore, the productivity of the separator can be increased by the above improvement, and the cost of the separator can be reduced.
[0050]
Furthermore, since the metal material is fitted and held on the frame-like member provided on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical holding jig, a wider range of the surface of the metal material can be processed, and the metal material can be effectively used. Can be processed.
[0051]
An apparatus for manufacturing a separator for a fuel cell according to claim 2 comprises: an etching treatment tank for performing an etching treatment; a passivation treatment tank for carrying out a passivation treatment; and a plurality of treatments performed in these etching treatment tank and passivation treatment tank. In order to hold the metal material, the cylindrical holding jig provided with a frame-like member on the outer peripheral surface, and each processing solution in the etching treatment tank and the passivation treatment tank with the metal material held in the cylindrical holding jig. Since it comprises driving means for driving the cylindrical holding jig to stir and a conveying means for transferring the cylindrical holding jig to the etching treatment tank and the passivation treatment tank, the cylindrical holding for holding the metal material The jig can also be used as a metal material conveying tool and a processing liquid stirring tool, and the number of parts can be reduced as compared with the case where each function is performed by separate devices. Can be reduced . Further, since a plurality of metal materials can be held, transported, and stirred at a time, the productivity of the separator can be increased and the cost of the separator can be reduced.
[Brief description of the drawings]
1 is an explanatory view showing a fuel cell separator manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a side view of a cylindrical holding jig according to the present invention. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the cylindrical holding jig according to the present invention. FIG. 4 is a perspective view for explaining details of the cylindrical holding jig according to the present invention. FIG. 5 is an explanatory view showing a processing state of the separator according to the present invention. FIG. 6 shows a method for manufacturing the separator according to the present invention. FIG. 7 is an operation diagram for explaining a method for manufacturing a separator according to the present invention. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a surface treatment when manufacturing a conventional metal separator.
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Separator manufacturing apparatus , 13 ... Etching processing tank (3rd processing tank), 15 ... Passivation processing tank (5th processing tank) , 20 ... Metal material (separator raw material), 21 ... Conveying means (conveying apparatus), DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 50 ... Cylindrical holding jig, 58 ... Frame-shaped member, 71 ... Processing liquid, 75 ... Drive means (cylindrical holding jig drive device), 91 ... Abnormal surface layer part, 92 ... Conductive material.

Claims

A step of press-molding the metal material for the separator to form it into a predetermined shape, a step of holding the molded metal material so as to fit on a frame-shaped member provided on the outer peripheral surface of a plurality of cylindrical holding jigs, and holding wherein in the metallic material by driving a driving means the tubular holding jig with immersing each said metallic material passivation treatment solution filled in the etching treatment liquid and the passivation treatment tank filled to etching bath a step of stirring the etching solution and the passivation treatment liquid respectively, and drying by taking out the metallic material from each of the etching bath and the passivation treatment tank, the etching process, the passivation treatment the fuel cell above between each step of drying to produce a separator and a conveying step of conveying while holding the separator in the tubular holding jig Method of manufacturing a separator.

The metal material was press-molded into a predetermined shape, to protrude the part of the conductive material comprising a surface portion of the metallic material itself to remove the abnormal surface layer portion occurring during rolling before press-forming of the metal material by an etching process performs cue, the apparatus for manufacturing a fuel cell separator of producing a separator by applying a passivation treatment on the surface of the metallic material itself,
This manufacturing apparatus, the holding and the etching treatment tank to perform the etching process, the a passivation treatment tank to perform a passivation treatment, a plurality of the metallic material to be processed by these etching bath and passivation treatment tank stirring the tubular holding jig provided with the frame member, the respective processing solutions of the cylindrical holding the by the metallic material held in a jig etching bath and the passivation treatment tank on the outer circumferential surface in order to the cylindrical holding and driving means for driving the tool, the tubular holding jig the etching bath and the manufacturing apparatus of the fuel cell separator comprising a conveying means for transporting the passivation bath for.