JP5256779B2 - Fuel cell manufacturing method and manufacturing apparatus - Google Patents

Description

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

A fuel cell is manufactured by sequentially laminating a separator and an electrode assembly that form a cell. At the time of lamination, a positioning bar is inserted into an opening formed in the separator, and tension is applied to the separator. The positioning of the separator is carried out by extending the warpage and following the positioning bar (see, for example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2).
JP-A-2005-79024 JP 2005-116378 A

  However, since the stacking is in units of several tens to several hundreds, the tension applied for positioning the separator is large, and the positioning bar itself is bent by the tension, and from the both ends of the positioning bar to the vicinity of the center Since the reaction force received from each separator is accumulated and the deflection increases as it goes to, it is difficult to ensure positioning accuracy. Therefore, when setting the size with a margin so that the product (fuel cell) does not malfunction even if a deviation occurs, the area used for power generation becomes relatively small, which is good. It is difficult to obtain battery output.

  On the other hand, when the rigidity is ensured by increasing the cross-sectional area of the positioning bar and the bending is suppressed, it is necessary to increase the size of the opening through which the positioning bar is inserted. However, the portion where the opening is formed does not contribute to the battery output, but the increase in size causes an increase in the size of the separator, so that the area used for power generation becomes relatively small. It is difficult to obtain.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described problems associated with the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide a fuel cell manufacturing method and manufacturing apparatus that can improve battery output.

In order to achieve the above object, a uniform phase of the present invention is a method of manufacturing a fuel cell having a separator and an electrode assembly, wherein a vertical direction is provided by positioning bars inserted into a plurality of openings formed in the separator. A positioning step of positioning while applying tension to the separators in a plurality of layers that are stacked in parallel . In the positioning step, the positioning bar in which bending occurs is straightened by applying the tension .

Another uniform phase of the present invention for achieving the above object is a fuel cell manufacturing apparatus having a separator and an electrode assembly, and a positioning bar inserted into a plurality of openings formed in the separator, Positioning means for positioning while applying tension to the separators in a plurality of layers that are stacked in parallel in the vertical direction is provided. The positioning bar is set so as to straighten the positioning bar in which bending occurs by applying the tension .

  According to the method of manufacturing a fuel cell according to the uniform phase of the present invention, the positioning bar is bent due to the application of the tension, but the positioning bar is straightened. Therefore, it is possible to substantially suppress bending and ensure positioning accuracy without increasing the cross-sectional area of the positioning bar. Therefore, it is possible to ensure a sufficient area used for power generation and obtain a good battery output.

  According to the fuel cell manufacturing apparatus according to another uniform phase of the present invention, the positioning bar is set to be straightened, although the positioning bar is bent by the application of the tension. Therefore, it is possible to substantially suppress bending and ensure positioning accuracy without increasing the cross-sectional area of the positioning bar. Therefore, it is possible to ensure a sufficient area used for power generation and obtain a good battery output.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view for explaining a fuel cell according to Embodiment 1. FIG.

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

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

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

  Through holes through which the tie rods 90 are inserted are arranged at the four corners of the stack unit 20, current collecting plates 30 and 40, insulating plates 50 and 60, and end plates 70 and 80. The tie rod 90 is fastened with the fuel cell 10 by screwing a nut into a male screw portion formed at an end thereof. The load for forming the stack acts in the cell stacking direction and holds the cell in a pressed state.

  The tie rod 90 is formed of a material having rigidity, for example, a metal material such as steel, and has an insulating surface portion to prevent an electrical short circuit between the cells. The number of tie rods 90 installed is not limited to four (four corners). The fastening mechanism of the tie rod 90 is not limited to screwing, and other means can be applied. Further, the fastening mechanism of the fuel cell 10 is not limited to a form using the tie rod 90 extending inside, and a tension rod extending outside can also be used.

  2 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the stack portion shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 3 is a plan view for explaining the electrode assembly shown in FIG. 2, and FIG. 4 shows the separator shown in FIG. It is a top view for demonstrating.

  The stack unit 20 is configured by sequentially stacking electrode assemblies 100 and separators 130 (130A and 130B) that form cells. A sealing material is disposed on the outer peripheral edge between the electrode assembly 100 and the separators 130A and 130B.

  The electrode assembly 100 is a substantially rectangular unit assembly (assembly) in which a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) 110, gas diffusion layers 120 and 125, and a gasket are integrated, and has substantially the same shape as the separator 130. It is.

  The electrode assembly 100 has an opening 102 and manifold portions 104A to 106A, 104B to 106B. The inner region of the opening 102 is a part used for power generation. The manifold portions 104A and 104B, the manifold portions 105A and 105B, and the manifold portions 106A and 106B are applied for fuel gas, oxidant gas, and refrigerant.

  The membrane electrode assembly 110 includes an electrolyte membrane, and a cathode catalyst layer and an anode catalyst layer disposed with the electrolyte membrane interposed therebetween. The electrolyte membrane is a proton conductive ion exchange membrane formed of a solid polymer material, for example, a fluorine-based resin, and exhibits good electrical conductivity in a wet state.

  The cathode catalyst layer is adjacent to the gas diffusion layer 120. The anode catalyst layer is adjacent to the gas diffusion layer 125. The cathode catalyst layer and the anode catalyst layer include an electrode catalyst in which a catalyst component is supported on a conductive support, and a polymer electrolyte. The conductive support of the electrode catalyst is not particularly limited as long as it has a specific surface area for supporting the catalyst component in a desired dispersed state and sufficient electronic conductivity as a current collector, but the main component is carbon. Particles are preferred.

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

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

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

  The gas diffusion layers 120 and 125 are formed of a member having sufficient gas diffusibility and conductivity, for example, carbon cloth woven with yarn made of carbon fiber, carbon paper, or carbon felt.

  Next, the separator 130 (130A, 130B) will be described.

  Separator 130 has a substantially rectangular shape, and has uneven portion 132 and manifold portions 134A to 136A, 134B to 136B. The manifold portions 134A and 134B, the manifold portions 135A and 135B, and the manifold portions 136A and 136B are applied for fuel gas, oxidant gas, and refrigerant.

  The separator 130A is adjacent to the separator 130B of another cell, and the space S1 formed by the uneven portion 132 and the surface of the gas diffusion layer 120 on the cathode side is a flow path for circulating the oxidant gas. Are connected to an oxidant gas introduction port 74 and an oxidant gas discharge port 75 disposed in the end plate 70 via the manifold portions 135A and 135B.

  The separator 130B is adjacent to the separator 130A of another cell, and the uneven portion 132 and the space S2 formed by the surface of the gas diffusion layer 125 on the anode side constitute a flow path for circulating fuel gas. The fuel gas inlet port 71 and the fuel gas outlet port 72 are connected to the end plate 70 via the manifold portions 134A and 134B.

  A space S3 formed by the outer surface of the concavo-convex portion 132 of the separator 130B and the outer surface of the separator 130A of another adjacent cell constitutes a flow path for circulating the refrigerant, passes through the manifold portions 136A and 136B, and ends. The refrigerant is connected to a refrigerant inlet 77 and a refrigerant outlet 78 arranged in the plate 70. That is, the outer surface of the concavo-convex portion 132 of the separator 130B constitutes a channel groove for circulating the refrigerant. Note that the shape and arrangement of the concavo-convex portion 132 are appropriately set in consideration of gas diffusivity, pressure loss, generated water discharge, cooling performance, and the like.

  The separator 130 has appropriate conductivity, strength, and corrosion resistance, and is formed from a molding material having a powdery carbon material or a metal material.

  The molding material is a powdery mixture having a carbon material (for example, 70 to 90 WT%) and a binder resin (for example, 10 to 30 WT%). The carbon material is, for example, natural graphite, artificial graphite, or expanded graphite. The binder resin is, for example, a thermosetting resin such as a phenol resin, a melamine resin, or a polyamide resin, or a thermoplastic resin such as polypropylene. Phenol resins are preferred because they are excellent in economic efficiency, workability, moldability, physical properties (acid resistance, heat resistance, fluid impermeability) and the like. The molding material is not limited to being directly used in the form of a powder, but can be applied in the form of a sheet-like preform or an assembly of billet-like preforms.

  The metal material is, for example, a stainless steel plate. Stainless steel plates are preferred because they are easy to perform complex machining and have good electrical conductivity. The stainless steel plate can be coated with a corrosion-resistant coating as necessary. An aluminum plate or a clad material can also be applied.

  Next, the manufacturing apparatus according to the first embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 5 is a side view for explaining the manufacturing apparatus according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the positioning bar shown in FIG.

  The manufacturing apparatus according to Embodiment 1 has a positioning device (positioning means) 140 for sequentially laminating the separator 130 and the electrode assembly 100 and positioning them together.

The positioning device 140 includes a main body base 150, a fixed unit (fixed bracket portion) 160, a movable unit (movable bracket portion) 180, and a positioning bar 152, and is inserted into a manifold portion (opening portion) formed in the separator 130. The positioning bar 152 is used to position a plurality of separators 130 in a vertically stacked state (a state where they are stacked side by side in the vertical direction) while applying tension. The positioning device 140 is set to correct the linear positioning bar 152 deflection is generated by the application of tension by the application of the tension. Therefore, without increasing the cross-sectional area of the positioning bar 152, it is possible to substantially suppress bending and ensure positioning accuracy. Therefore, it is possible to ensure a sufficient area used for power generation and obtain a good battery output.

  More specifically, the main body base 150 is integrated with the fixed unit 160 and has a guide rail 152 for the movable unit 180.

  The fixed unit 160 includes a vertical column 161 that extends upward from the main body base 150, and a horizontal protrusion 170 that extends in the horizontal direction from the top of the vertical column 161 toward the movable unit 180. The upright column portion 161 includes a bracket portion 162 that is disposed below and fixed, and a guide rail 163 that is disposed above. One end of the positioning bars 152A and 152B is fixed to the bracket portion 162, and is supported in a cantilever manner. The guide rail 163 extends in the vertical direction, and a bracket portion 165 is slidably connected via a slider 164. Positioning bars 152C and 152D are fixed to the bracket portion 165.

  The horizontal protrusion 170 has reciprocating drive means 171. The reciprocating drive means 171 has, for example, a hydraulic cylinder or an actuator, is disposed below the horizontal protrusion 170, and is connected to the bracket portion 165. Therefore, the bracket portion 165 is movable in the vertical direction along the guide rail 163 by being driven by the reciprocating drive means 171, and the distance between the bracket portion 162 and the bracket portion 162 that is disposed and fixed below is set. It is possible to adjust.

  The movable unit 180 includes a unit base 181, a vertical column 183 that extends upward from the unit base 181, and a horizontal protrusion 190 that extends in the horizontal direction from the top of the vertical column 183 toward the fixed unit 160.

  The unit base 181 is slidably connected to the guide rail 152 of the main body base 150 via a slider 182. The guide rail 152 extends toward the fixed unit 160, and the movable unit base 181 can be moved close to and away from the fixed unit 160.

  The upright column portion 183 includes a bracket portion 184 disposed below and fixed, and a guide rail 185 disposed above. The bracket portion 184 is aligned with the bracket portion 162 of the fixed unit 160, and has a fitting hole through which the other end (free end) of the positioning bars 152A and 152B can be inserted. The guide rail 185 extends in the vertical direction, and a bracket portion 187 is slidably connected via a slider 186. The bracket portion 187 is aligned with the bracket portion 165 of the fixed unit 160, and has a fitting hole through which the positioning bars 152C and 152D can be inserted.

  The horizontal protrusion 190 has reciprocating drive means 191. The reciprocating drive means 191 includes, for example, a hydraulic cylinder or an actuator, is disposed below the horizontal protrusion 190 and is connected to the bracket portion 187. Therefore, the bracket portion 187 is movable in the vertical direction along the guide rail 185 by being driven by the reciprocating drive means 191, and adjusts the distance from the bracket portion 184 disposed below. Is possible.

When the movable unit 180 approaches the fixed unit 160, the other ends of the positioning bars 152A to 152D are inserted into the fitting holes, and the other ends of the positioning bars 152A to 152D are supported. On the other hand, the movable unit 180 by separating from the fixed unit 160 is withdrawn the other end of the positioning bar from the fitting hole, connecting the other end the movable unit 180 of the positioning bar 152A~152D is Ru is released. That is, the separator 130 can be inserted or removed by one action of the separation operation of the movable unit 180, and the separator 130 can be positioned by one action of the proximity operation of the movable unit 180. Therefore, work costs can be reduced and workability can be improved.

  Further, when the reciprocating drive means 171 and the movable unit 180 reciprocating drive means 191 of the fixed unit 160 are driven while the positioning bars 152A to 152D are supported by the fixed unit 160 and the movable unit 180, the positioning bars 152C and 152D are raised. To do. As a result, the positioning bars 152A to 152D abut against the inner surface of the manifold portion of the separator 130 and apply tension to the separator 130, thereby positioning the separator 130.

  Note that the positioning bars 152A to 152D are formed by, for example, machining so as to have a curved shape that is bent in a direction opposite to the direction in which the tension is applied in the unloaded state. The curved shapes of the positioning bars 152A to 152D are set so as to be straightened by applying the tension based on the structural analysis.

  That is, since the positioning bars 152A to 152D have a predetermined curved shape in advance, the curved shape is corrected to a linear shape by the application of tension by the positioning device 140, and between the separator 130 and the positioning bars 152A to 152D. It is possible to suppress the occurrence of gaps. Therefore, it is possible to substantially suppress bending and ensure positioning accuracy without increasing the cross-sectional areas of the positioning bars 152A to 152D. Therefore, it is possible to ensure a sufficient area used for power generation and obtain a good battery output.

  Next, the manufacturing method according to Embodiment 1 will be described.

  7 is a perspective view for explaining the insertion of the separator, FIG. 8 is a side view for explaining the positioning of the separator following FIG. 7, and FIG. 9 is for explaining the positioning of the separator following FIG. FIG.

This manufacturing method has a positioning step of positioning while applying tension to the separators 130 in a vertically stacked state by the positioning bars 152A to 152D inserted through the manifold portion of the separator 130. In the positioning step , The positioning bars 152 </ b> A to 152 </ b> D in which bending occurs are straightened by applying the tension . Therefore, it is possible to substantially suppress bending and ensure positioning accuracy without increasing the cross-sectional areas of the positioning bars 152A to 152D. Therefore, it is possible to ensure a sufficient area used for power generation and obtain a good battery output.

More specifically, the movable unit 180 of the positioning device 140 is disposed at the retracted position shown in FIG. In the retracted position, the positioning bars 152A to 152D are not inserted through the bracket portions 184 and 187 of the movable unit 180, but are cantilevered by the bracket portions 162 and 165 of the fixed unit 160.

  Thereafter, the separator 130 and the electrode assembly 100 are sequentially inserted into the positioning bar 152 from the movable unit side. At this time, positioning bars 152A, 152B, 152C, and 152D are inserted through the manifold portions 134A, 136A, 134B, and 136B of the separator 130 and the manifold portions 104A, 106A, 104B, and 106B of the electrode assembly 100, respectively (FIG. 7). reference).

  Then, when the arrangement of a predetermined number (for example, several tens to several hundreds) is completed, the movable unit 180 moves toward the fixed unit 160. This is implemented by the unit base 181 moving along the guide rail 152 of the main body base 150 via the slider 182.

  The bracket portions 184 and 187 of the movable unit 180 are aligned with the bracket portions 162 and 165 of the fixed unit 160. In addition, a positioning bar 152 extending in the horizontal direction toward the movable unit 180 is fixed to the bracket portions 162 and 165. Therefore, when the movable unit 180 approaches the fixed unit 160, the free end of the positioning bar 152 is inserted into the fitting holes of the bracket portions 184 and 187 of the movable unit 180. That is, the separator 130 can be positioned by one action of the proximity operation of the movable unit 180. Work cost can be reduced and workability can be improved.

  Next, the reciprocating drive means 171 disposed on the horizontal protrusion 170 of the fixed unit 160 and the reciprocating drive means 191 disposed on the horizontal protrusion 190 of the movable unit 180 are driven in synchronization. The reciprocating drive means 171 and 191 move the bracket portions 165 and 187 upward along the guide rails 163 and 185. Accordingly, the positioning bars 152C and 152D connected to the bracket portions 165 and 187 are separated from the positioning bars 152A and 152B connected to the bracket portions 162 and 184.

  The positioning bars 152C and 152D are inserted through the manifold portions 134B and 136B of the separator 130, and the positioning bars 152A and 152B are inserted through the manifold portions 134A and 136A of the separator 130. Therefore, when the positioning bars 152A, 152B, 152C, and 152D and the inner surfaces of the manifold portions 134A, 136A, 134B, and 136B of the separator 130 come into contact with each other, a tension is generated between the positioning bar 152 and the separator 130.

  On the other hand, the positioning bar 152 has a curved shape that is bent in a direction opposite to the direction in which the bending occurs due to the application of tension in a no-load state and is corrected to a straight line by applying the tension. Is set to That is, since the positioning bar 152 becomes linear with the occurrence of tension, the positioning accuracy of the separator 130 can be ensured (see FIGS. 8 and 9).

  Thereafter, the laminated body 20A after the positioning of the separator 130 is formed into a predetermined shape by using, for example, a press. Then, in a state where the pressurized state is maintained, for example, a fastening means such as a band is attached, transported to a subsequent process including an assembly process, and finally assembled into a fuel cell.

  When removing the stacked body 20 </ b> A from the positioning bar 152, the movable unit 180 is separated from the fixed unit 160. As a result, the positioning bar 152 is pulled out from the fitting hole of the movable unit 180, so that the connection between the end of the positioning bar 152 and the movable unit 180 is released. That is, the separator 130 can be inserted or removed by one action of the separation operation of the movable unit 180. Therefore, work costs can be reduced and workability can be improved.

  In addition, it is also preferable that a support plate and a presser plate having a shape substantially coinciding with the separator 130 be disposed in the outermost layer of the stacked body 20A of the electrode assembly 100 and the separator 130. In this case, for example, the support plate is inserted in advance into the positioning bars 152A, 152B, 152C, and 152D before the first separator 130 is inserted, and the presser plate is inserted into the positioning bars 152A, 152B, and 152C after the last separator 130 is inserted. , 152D.

  Further, the positioning bar 152 is not limited to the form using the manifold portions positioned at the four corners of the separator 130, and good positioning can be achieved if there are at least two positions.

  10 and 11 are a side view and a rear view for explaining the first modification according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining the stacking process of the separator in the first modification according to the first embodiment. FIG. 13 is a side view for explaining the positioning of the separator in the first modification according to the first embodiment.

  The manufacturing apparatus according to the first modification further includes a reversing mechanism 142 for reversing the positioning device 140 (changing the attitude by 90 degrees). The reversing mechanism 142 includes a mounting table 143 to which the positioning device 140 is fixed, a mechanism base 144 that rotatably supports the mounting table 143 via a shaft support 145, and a motor (driving means) that rotationally drives the mounting table 143. ) 145. Reference numeral 146 indicates a stopper for limiting the reversal of the positioning device 140 to 90 degrees.

  In the first modification, when the separator 130 and the electrode assembly 100 are sequentially inserted, the posture of the positioning device 140 is adjusted, and the positioning bar 152 is disposed at the first position (see FIG. 12). The first position is a position where the positioning bar 152 extends in the vertical direction and the separator 130 and the electrode assembly 100 can be sequentially inserted in a horizontal state. Therefore, the separator 130 and the electrode assembly 100 are inserted into the positioning bar 152 by their own weight and stacked flat, and therefore have good workability.

On the other hand, the obtained stacked body 20A is in a stacked state (a state in which the stacked body 20A is juxtaposed in the horizontal direction). When positioning the separator 130, a large frictional force is generated between the separator 130 and the electrode assembly 100 due to its own weight. Will occur. Therefore, even if tension is applied to the separator 130 by the positioning bar 152, sufficient positioning is difficult.

Therefore, in the modification 1, before positioning the separator 130, the attitude | position of the positioning device 140 is adjusted and the positioning bar 152 is arrange | positioned in a 2nd position (refer FIG. 13). The second position is a position where the positioning bar 152 extends in the horizontal direction and the separators 130 can be positioned in a vertically stacked state ( a state in which they are stacked side by side in the vertical direction). In this case, since the friction which arises between the separator 130 and the electrode assembly 100 is suppressed, it is possible to ensure positioning accuracy.

  FIG. 14 is a plan view for explaining the second modification according to the first embodiment.

  The positioning bars 152A, 152B, 152C, 152D are not limited to a form inserted through the manifold portions 134A, 136A, 134B, 136B of the separator 130 and the manifold portions 104A, 106A, 104B, 106B of the electrode assembly 100. It is also possible to use through holes (openings) 138A, 139A, 138B, 139B.

  Even in this case, since it is not necessary to increase the cross-sectional area of the positioning bar to ensure rigidity in order to suppress bending, the separator is formed by the portion where the through holes (openings) 138A, 139A, 138B, 139B are formed. It is possible to suppress an increase in size of 130.

As described above, the fuel cell manufacturing apparatus according to Embodiment 1 applies tension to a plurality of separators in a vertically stacked state by the positioning bars inserted into the plurality of manifold portions formed in the separator. A positioning device for positioning; The positioning device is set so as to straighten the positioning bar where the bending occurs by applying the tension . In particular, in the first embodiment, the positioning bar has a curved shape that is bent in the opposite direction to the direction of occurrence of bending due to the application of tension in an unloaded state. The curved shape of the positioning bar is corrected to a straight line. Therefore, it is possible to substantially suppress bending and ensure positioning accuracy without increasing the cross-sectional area of the positioning bar. Therefore, it is possible to ensure a sufficient area used for power generation and obtain a good battery output.

The fuel cell manufacturing method according to Embodiment 1 includes a positioning step in which positioning is performed while applying tension to a plurality of separators in a vertically stacked state by positioning bars inserted into a plurality of manifold portions formed in the separator. Have. In the positioning step, the positioning bar in which the bending occurs is straightened by applying the tension . Therefore, it is possible to substantially suppress bending and ensure positioning accuracy without increasing the cross-sectional area of the positioning bar. Therefore, it is possible to ensure a sufficient area used for power generation and obtain a good battery output.

  In addition, the separator can be inserted or removed by one action of the separation operation of the movable unit, and the separator can be positioned by one action of the proximity operation of the movable unit. Therefore, work costs can be reduced and workability can be improved.

  When the positioning device is reversible, the separator and the electrode assembly can be inserted into the positioning bar by its own weight and stacked flat, and the workability is excellent. On the other hand, in positioning, the separators can be vertically stacked, and friction generated between the separator and the electrode assembly is suppressed, so that positioning accuracy can be ensured.

  Next, a second embodiment will be described.

  15 is a side view for explaining the manufacturing apparatus according to the second embodiment, FIG. 16 is a side view for explaining an upper bracket portion shown in FIG. 15, and FIG. It is a side view for demonstrating the bracket part located in the downward direction shown.

  The positioning device 200 according to the second embodiment is generally different from the positioning device 140 according to the first embodiment in that a positioning bar shape and a deflection correcting mechanism are provided. The positioning bar 252 is linear in an unloaded state, and the bending correction mechanism further applies a tension that bends in a direction opposite to the direction in which the bending occurs to the positioning bar that is bent by applying the tension. To straighten (maintain positioning bar shape). Therefore, it is possible to substantially suppress bending and ensure positioning accuracy without increasing the cross-sectional area of the positioning bar. Therefore, it is possible to ensure a sufficient area used for power generation and obtain a good battery output.

  More specifically, the positioning device 200 includes a main body base 210, a fixed unit 220, a movable unit 260, and positioning bars 252 (252A to 252D). The main body base 250 is integrated with the fixed unit 220 and has a guide rail 212 for the movable unit 260. The positioning bar 252 is straight in an unloaded state, and its shape is simpler than that of the first embodiment. Therefore, the positioning bar procurement cost and the procurement period can be shortened.

  The fixed unit 220 includes a vertical column 221 that extends upward from the main body base 210 and a horizontal protrusion 230 that extends in the horizontal direction from the top of the vertical column 221 toward the movable unit 260. The upright column portion 221 has a guide rail 223 extending in the vertical direction. Bracket portions 225 and 222 are connected to the guide rail 223 via sliders 224 and 228.

  The bracket portion 225 located above is used to apply tension to the positioning bars 252C and 252D, and has a deflection correcting mechanism. In the second embodiment, the deflection correction mechanism includes a link bar 231, a side support portion 232, an upper support portion 233, reciprocating drive means 234, and a connection bar 235.

  The link bar 231 is substantially U-shaped, and has a base portion that extends in the vertical direction and a protruding portion that extends from both ends of the base portion toward the movable unit 260. Positioning bars 252C and 252D are fixed to the protruding portion below the link bar 231. A through hole is formed on the lower side of the base portion of the link bar 231. An elliptical through hole 231A extending in the horizontal direction is formed in the protruding portion above the link bar 231.

  The side support portion 232 is slidably connected to the guide rail 223 of the upright column portion 221 via the slider 224, and further, a pivot portion 232 </ b> A inserted through the lower through hole of the base portion of the link bar 231. Have. The upper support portion 233 is fixed to the lower surface of the horizontal protrusion 230, and has an oval through hole 233A extending in the horizontal direction.

  The reciprocating drive means 234 has an upper portion where the adjustable pivot portion 234A inserted through the oval through hole 233A of the upper support portion 233 is disposed and a lower portion connected to the connecting bar 235. The connecting bar 235 has a lower portion in which an adjustable pivot portion 235A inserted through the oval through hole 231A of the link bar 231 is disposed.

  Therefore, when the connecting bar 235 is pulled upward by the reciprocating drive means 234, the slider 224 is driven via the link bar 231 and the side support portion 232. Since the slider 224 is slidable, it moves upward. That is, the link bar 231 to which the positioning bars 252C and 252D are fixed can be moved upward by the reciprocating drive means 234.

  In addition, the lower side of the base portion of the link bar 231 can be swung by the pivot portion 232 </ b> A of the side support portion 232. Therefore, when the link bar 231 is driven by the reciprocating drive means 234, it is possible to apply a rotational moment.

  Further, the adjustable pivot portion 234A at the upper part of the reciprocating drive means 234 is movable along the oval through hole 233A of the upper support portion 233. The adjustable pivot portion 235A at the lower portion of the connecting bar 235 to which the lower portion of the reciprocating drive means 234 is connected is movable along the elliptical through hole 231A of the link bar 231. Therefore, it is possible to adjust the rotational moment value by appropriately setting the positions of the adjustable pivot portions 234A and 235A.

  The bracket portion 222 located below is used to apply tension to the positioning bars 252A and 252B, and includes a link bar 241, a side support portion 242, a lower support portion 243, and a connecting bar 245.

  The link bar 241 is substantially U-shaped and has a base portion extending in the vertical direction and a protruding portion extending from both ends of the base portion toward the movable unit 260. Positioning bars 252A and 252B are fixed to the protrusions above the link bar 241. A through hole is formed on the upper side of the base portion of the link bar 241. An oval through hole 241A extending in the horizontal direction is formed in the projecting portion below the link bar 241.

  The side support portion 242 is slidably connected to the guide rail 223 of the upright column portion 221 via a slider 228, and also has a pivot portion 234A inserted through a through hole on the upper side of the base portion of the link bar 231. Have. The lower support portion 243 is fixed to the main body base 210, and an oval through hole 243A extending in the horizontal direction is formed. The connection bar 245 is used to connect the link bar 241 and the lower support part 243, and the upper part where the adjustable pivot part 245A inserted into the oval through hole 241A of the link bar 241 is disposed, and the lower part It has a lower part in which the adjustable pivot part 245B inserted through the oval through hole 243A of the support part 243 is disposed.

  When the connecting bar 235 is pulled upward by the reciprocating drive means 234 while the positioning bar 252 (252A to 252D) is inserted through the manifold portion of the separator, the link bar 231 moves upward and is fixed to the link bar 231. The positioning bars 252C and 252D thus made contact with the inner surface of the manifold portion above the separator, thereby applying tension to the separator. Since the positioning bars 252A and 252B fixed to the link bar 241 are inserted through the manifold portion below the separator, a tension is applied to the link bar 241.

  On the other hand, the upper side of the base portion of the link bar 241 can be swung by the pivot portion 242A of the side support portion 242. Therefore, the link bar 241 generates a rotational moment due to the applied tension. That is, the bracket portion 222 has a configuration corresponding to the bracket portion 225 positioned above except that the bracket portion 222 does not have the reciprocating drive means 234, and the reciprocating drive means of the bracket portion 225 is provided. When 234 is driven, it follows.

  Further, the adjustable pivot portion 245A on the upper portion of the connecting bar 245 is movable along the oval through hole 241A of the link bar 241. The adjustable pivot portion 245B below the connecting bar 245 is movable along the oval through hole 243A of the lower support portion 243. Therefore, the rotational moment value can be adjusted by appropriately setting the positions of the adjustable pivot portions 245A and 245B.

  Next, the movable unit 260 will be described.

  The movable unit 260 includes a unit base 261, a vertical pillar 263 extending upward from the unit base 261, and a horizontal protrusion 270 extending horizontally from the upper part of the vertical pillar 263 toward the fixed unit 220.

  The unit base 261 is slidably connected to the guide rail 212 of the main body base 210 via a slider 262. The guide rail 212 extends toward the fixed unit 220, and the unit base 261 can be moved close to and away from the fixed unit 220. The upright column part 263 has a guide rail 265 extending in the vertical direction. Bracket portions 267 and 264 are connected to the guide rail 265 via sliders 266 and 268.

  The upper bracket portion 267 is used to apply tension to the positioning bars 252C and 252D in cooperation with the bracket portion 225 of the fixing unit 220. The link bar 271, the side support portion 272, the upper support portion 273, A reciprocating drive means 274 and a connecting bar 275 are provided.

  The link bar 271 is substantially U-shaped and has a base portion extending in the vertical direction and a protruding portion extending from both ends of the base portion toward the fixed unit 220. The protrusion part below the link bar 271 is aligned with the protrusion part below the link bar 231 of the bracket part 225 of the fixed unit 220, and has a fitting hole into which the positioning bars 252C and 252D can be inserted. A through hole is formed below the base portion of the link bar 271. An elliptical through hole 271A extending in the horizontal direction is formed in the protruding portion above the link bar 271.

  The side support portion 272 is slidably connected to the guide rail 265 of the upright column portion 263 via the slider 266, and further, a pivot portion 272A inserted through a through hole on the lower side of the base portion of the link bar 271. Have. The upper support portion 273 is fixed to the lower surface of the horizontal protrusion 270, and an oval through hole 273A extending in the horizontal direction is formed.

  The reciprocating drive means 274 has an upper portion where the adjustable pivot portion 274A inserted through the oval through hole 273A of the upper support portion 273 is disposed and a lower portion connected to the connecting bar 275. The connecting bar 275 has a lower portion in which the adjustable pivot portion 275A inserted through the oval through hole 271A of the link bar 271 is disposed.

  Therefore, when the connecting bar 275 is pulled upward by the reciprocating drive means 274, the slider 266 is driven via the link bar 271 and the side support portion 272. Since the slider 266 is slidable, it moves upward. In other words, the reciprocating drive means 274 can move the link bar 271 in which the positioning bars 252C and 252D are inserted into the fitting holes upward.

  Further, the lower side of the base portion of the link bar 271 can be swung by the pivot portion 272A of the side support portion 272. Therefore, when the link bar 271 is driven by the reciprocating drive means 274, a rotational moment can be applied.

  Further, the adjustable pivot portion 274A at the upper portion of the reciprocating drive means 274 is movable along the oval through hole 273A of the upper support portion 273. An adjustable pivot portion 275A at the lower portion of the connecting bar 275 to which the lower portion of the reciprocating drive means 274 is connected is movable along the oval through hole 271A of the link bar 271. Accordingly, it is possible to adjust the rotational moment value by appropriately setting the positions of the adjustable pivot portions 274A and 275A.

  The lower bracket portion 264 is used to apply tension to the positioning bars 252A and 252B in cooperation with the bracket portion 222 of the fixing unit 220. The link bar 281, the side support portion 282, the lower support portion 283, and the like. It has a connecting bar 285.

  The link bar 281 is substantially U-shaped, and has a base portion that extends in the vertical direction and a protruding portion that extends from both ends of the base portion toward the fixed unit 220. The protruding portion above the link bar 281 is aligned with the protruding portion below the link bar 241 of the bracket portion 222 of the fixed unit 220, and has fitting holes through which the positioning bars 252A and 252B can be inserted. A through hole is formed on the upper side of the base portion of the link bar 281. An oval through-hole 281A extending in the horizontal direction is formed in the projecting portion below the link bar 281.

  The side support portion 282 is slidably connected to the guide rail 265 of the upright column portion 263 via the slider 268, and further, a pivot portion 282A inserted through the through hole on the upper side of the base portion of the link bar 281. Have. The lower support portion 283 is fixed to the unit base portion 261, and an oval through hole 283A extending in the horizontal direction is formed. The connection bar 285 is used to connect the link bar 281 and the lower support part 283, and an upper part where the adjustable pivot part 285A inserted into the oval through hole 281A of the link bar 281 is disposed, and a lower part It has a lower part in which the adjustable pivot part 285B inserted through the oval through hole 283A of the support part 283 is disposed.

  When the connecting bar 275 is pulled upward by the reciprocating drive means 274 with the positioning bar 252 (252A to 252D) inserted through the manifold portion of the separator, the link bar 271 moves upward and is connected to the link bar 271. When the positioning bars 252C and 252D thus brought into contact with the inner surface of the manifold portion above the separator, a tension is applied to the separator. Since the positioning bars 252A and 252B connected to the link bar 281 are inserted into the manifold portion below the separator, the positioning bars 252A and 252B come into contact with the inner surface of the manifold portion below the separator. A tension is applied to 281.

  On the other hand, the upper side of the base portion of the link bar 281 can be swung by the pivot portion 282A of the side support portion 282. Therefore, a rotational moment is generated in the link bar 281 due to the applied tension. That is, the bracket portion 264 has a configuration corresponding to the bracket portion 267 located above except that the bracket portion 267 does not have the reciprocating drive means 274, and the bracket portion 267 has a reciprocating drive means. When 2274 is driven, it follows.

  Further, the adjustable pivot portion 285A on the upper portion of the connection bar 285 is movable along the oval through hole 281A of the link bar 281. The adjustable pivot portion 285B below the connecting bar 285 is movable along the oval through hole 283A of the lower support portion 283. Therefore, it is possible to adjust the generated rotational moment value by appropriately setting the positions of the adjustable pivot portions 285A and 285B.

  In the fixed unit 220 as well, the rotational moment value generated can be adjusted by appropriately setting the positions of the adjustable pivot portions 245A and 245B as described above. In other words, the deflection correcting mechanism has a tension adjusting means for adjusting the tension to be deflected in the direction opposite to the direction in which the deflection occurs.

  Therefore, it is possible to adjust the tension for bending in the direction opposite to the direction of occurrence of bending due to the positioning of the separator. Therefore, it is possible to cope with the case where the material or thickness of the separator is changed and the amount of bending is changed, without changing the positioning bar. Therefore, the versatility of the positioning bar is improved and sharing becomes easy, so that the procurement cost of the positioning bar can be further reduced.

  Next, the adjustment of the rotational moment (the tension to bend in the direction opposite to the direction in which the bending occurs) by setting the position of the adjustable pivot portion will be described.

  18 and 19 are side views for explaining the minimum setting and the maximum setting of the lever ratio according to the second embodiment.

Maximum deflection X when subjected weighted W ₁ with a uniform distribution across the supported rod is expressed by the following equation (1).

In the bar, the resultant force W _N at the center when the rotational moment N is applied from both ends is expressed by the following formula (2).

The maximum deflection Y when approximated by multiplying the center of the bar by a weight W _N at one point is expressed by the following equation (3).

When Expression (2) is applied to W _N of Expression (3), it is represented by the following Expression (4).

  The rotational moment N at which the deflection amount X by the separator and the deflection amount Y by the deflection correction mechanism are the same (X = Y) is obtained by applying the formulas (1) and (4) to X and Y as follows: (5).

The bar supported at both ends corresponds to the positioning bar, the pitch of the both ends support corresponds to the distance between the pivot portions, and the weight W ₁ is the total of the separator 130 and the electrode assembly 100 inserted through the positioning bar. Corresponds to weight. Therefore, the lever ratio (L1 / L2) of the link bar is set so as to generate the rotational moment of the formula (5) with respect to the weight W ₁ applied to the positioning bar, the amount of deflection due to the positioning of the separator, and the deflection correction. By making the amount of bending in the reverse direction by the mechanism coincide, it is possible to suppress the bending that occurs in the separator.

  For example, when the amount of bending due to the positioning of the separator is small, the lever ratio (L1 / L2) is reduced in order to reduce the amount of bending in the reverse direction by the bending correction mechanism. FIG. 18 shows a lever ratio (L1 / L2) for minimizing the amount of bending in the reverse direction by the bending correction mechanism. In this case, in the bracket portion 225 of the fixed unit 220, the adjustable pivot portion 234A at the upper portion of the reciprocating drive means 234 is positioned on the end surface of the upper support portion 233 on the fixed unit standing column portion side in the oval through hole 233A. In addition, the adjustable pivot portion 235A at the lower portion of the connecting bar 235 is positioned on the end surface of the link bar 231 on the fixed unit standing column portion side in the oval through hole 231A. And the bracket part 222 of the fixed unit 220 and the bracket parts 264 and 267 of the movable unit 260 are set similarly.

  On the other hand, when the amount of bending due to the positioning of the separator is large, the lever ratio (L1 / L2) is increased in order to increase the amount of bending in the reverse direction by the bending correction mechanism. FIG. 19 shows the lever ratio (L1 / L2) for setting the maximum amount of bending in the reverse direction by the bending correction mechanism. In this case, in the bracket portion 225 of the fixed unit 220, the adjustable pivot portion 234A on the upper portion of the reciprocating drive means 234 is positioned on the end surface on the movable unit side in the oval through hole 233A of the upper support portion 233, In addition, the adjustable pivot portion 235A below the connecting bar 235 is positioned on the end surface of the link bar 231 on the movable unit side in the oval through hole 231A. And the bracket part 222 of the fixed unit 220 and the bracket parts 264 and 267 of the movable unit 260 are set similarly.

Next, a manufacturing method according to the second embodiment will be described .
20 is a side view for explaining the movement of the positioning bar, FIG. 21 is a side view for explaining the deflection of the positioning bar due to the positioning of the separator, and FIG. 22 explains the deflection of the positioning bar by the deflection correcting mechanism. FIG. 23 is a side view for explaining a correction result by the deflection correcting mechanism.

  In the manufacturing method according to the second embodiment, in the positioning step, a tension that is bent in a direction opposite to the direction in which the bending occurs is further applied to the positioning bar (in a straight line in a no-load state) in which the bending is generated by applying the tension. By applying it, it is straightened. Therefore, in this manufacturing method as well, it is possible to substantially suppress bending and ensure positioning accuracy without increasing the cross-sectional area of the positioning bar. Good battery output can be obtained.

  The manufacturing method will be described in detail. Based on the total weight of the separator 130 and the electrode assembly 100 inserted through the positioning bar, the amount of deflection due to the positioning of the separator and the amount of deflection in the reverse direction due to the deflection correcting mechanism are matched. The lever ratio (L1 / L2) of the link bar in the bracket portions 225 and 222 of the fixed unit 220 and the bracket portions 267 and 264 of the movable unit 260 is set.

The movable unit 260 is positioned at the retracted position shown in Figure 15. In the retracted position, the positioning bars 252A to 252D are not connected to the bracket portions 267 and 264 of the movable unit 260, but are cantilevered by the bracket portions 225 and 222 of the fixed unit 220.

  Thereafter, the separator 130 and the electrode assembly 100 are sequentially inserted into the positioning bars 252A to 252D from the movable unit side.

  Then, when the arrangement of a predetermined number (for example, several tens to several hundreds) is completed, the movable unit 260 moves toward the fixed unit 220. This is implemented by the unit base 261 moving along the guide rail 212 of the main body base 210 via the slider 262.

  The bracket portions 264 and 267 of the movable unit 260 are aligned with the bracket portions 222 and 225 of the fixed unit 220. Further, positioning bars 252A, 252B, 252C, and 252D extending in the horizontal direction toward the movable unit 260 are fixed to the link bars 231 and 241 of the bracket portions 162 and 165, respectively. Therefore, when the movable unit 260 comes close to the fixed unit 220, the free ends of the positioning bars 252A, 252B, 252C, and 252D are inserted into the fitting holes of the link bars 271 and 281 of the bracket portions 264 and 267 of the movable unit 260. (See FIG. 20).

  Next, the reciprocating drive means 234 of the bracket portion 225 of the fixed unit 220 and the reciprocating drive means 274 of the bracket portion 267 of the movable unit 260 are driven in synchronization. The reciprocating drive means 234 and 274 move the link bars 231 and 271 upward by pulling the connecting bars 235 and 275 upward. When the positioning bars 252C and 252D connected to the link bars 231 and 271 come into contact with the inner surface of the manifold portion above the separator 130, a tension is applied to the separator 130.

  Since the positioning bars 252A and 252B connected to the link bars 241 and 281 are inserted into the manifold portion below the separator, the positioning bars 252A and 252B come into contact with the inner surface of the manifold portion below the separator 130. A tension is applied to the link bar 281.

  As a result, the separator 130 is positioned, but the reaction force received from each separator 130 is accumulated and the deflection increases as it goes from the both ends of the positioning bars 252A to 252D to the vicinity of the center (see FIG. 21).

  However, the bracket portions 222 and 225 of the fixed unit 220 and the bracket portions 264 and 267 of the movable unit 260 have a deflection correction mechanism. Based on the lever ratio (L1 / L2) of the link bar, the deflection correction mechanism causes the positioning bars 252A to 252D to generate a deflection in the opposite direction corresponding to the deflection amount due to the positioning of the separator (see FIG. 22).

  As a result, the deflection due to the positioning of the separator is corrected, and the positioning bars 252A to 252D have a straight shape, so that the positioning accuracy of the separator 130 can be ensured (see FIG. 23).

  As described above, the fuel cell manufacturing apparatus according to Embodiment 2 bends in the direction opposite to the direction in which the bending occurs with respect to the positioning bar (in a straight line in the no-load state) where the bending occurs due to the application of tension. It has a deflection correction mechanism that corrects it straightly by further applying tension. Therefore, it is possible to substantially suppress bending and ensure positioning accuracy without increasing the cross-sectional area of the positioning bar. Therefore, it is possible to ensure a sufficient area used for power generation and obtain a good battery output.

  In the fuel cell manufacturing method according to the second embodiment, in the positioning step, the positioning bar that is bent by the application of tension is bent in a direction opposite to the direction in which the bending occurs. Straighten it by applying additional tension. Therefore, in this manufacturing method as well, it is possible to substantially suppress bending and ensure positioning accuracy without increasing the cross-sectional area of the positioning bar. Good battery output can be obtained.

  In addition, since the bending correction mechanism has tension adjusting means for adjusting the tension to be bent in the direction opposite to the direction in which the bending occurs, the material and thickness of the separator are changed, and the amount of bending is changed. Even if it exists, it is possible to cope without changing the positioning bar. Therefore, the versatility of the positioning bar is improved and sharing becomes easy, so that the procurement cost of the positioning bar can be reduced.

  In addition, compared with Embodiment 1, since the shape of a positioning bar is simple and a positioning bar can be shared, it is possible to reduce the procurement cost and the procurement period of the positioning bar. .

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the claims. For example, the modifications 1 and 2 according to the first embodiment can be applied to the second embodiment.

1 is a perspective view for explaining a fuel cell according to Embodiment 1. FIG. It is sectional drawing for demonstrating the stack part shown by FIG. It is a top view for demonstrating the electrode assembly shown by FIG. It is a top view for demonstrating the separator shown by FIG. FIG. 3 is a side view for explaining the manufacturing apparatus according to the first embodiment. It is sectional drawing for demonstrating the positioning bar shown by FIG. It is a perspective view for demonstrating the manufacturing method which concerns on Embodiment 1, and has shown insertion of the separator. It is a side view for demonstrating positioning of the separator following FIG. FIG. 9 is a perspective view for explaining positioning of the separator, following FIG. 8. FIG. 10 is a side view for explaining the first modification according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a rear view for explaining the first modification according to the first embodiment. 10 is a side view for explaining a separator stacking step in Modification 1 according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 10 is a side view for explaining the positioning of the separator in Modification 1 according to Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 10 is a plan view for explaining a second modification according to the first embodiment. Special hole FIG. 10 is a side view for explaining the manufacturing apparatus according to the second embodiment. It is a side view for demonstrating the bracket part located in the upper direction shown by FIG. It is a side view for demonstrating the bracket part located in the downward direction shown by FIG. 6 is a side view for explaining a minimum setting of a lever ratio according to Embodiment 2. FIG. 6 is a side view for explaining maximum setting of a lever ratio according to Embodiment 2. FIG. It is a side view for demonstrating the manufacturing method which concerns on Embodiment 2, and has shown the movement of the positioning bar. It is a side view for demonstrating the manufacturing method which concerns on Embodiment 2, and has shown the bending of the positioning bar by positioning of a separator. It is a side view for demonstrating the manufacturing method which concerns on Embodiment 2, and has shown the bending of the positioning bar by a bending correction mechanism. It is a side view for demonstrating the manufacturing method which concerns on Embodiment 2, and has shown the correction result by a bending correction mechanism.

Explanation of symbols

10 Fuel cell,
20 stacks,
20A laminate,
30, 40 current collector plate,
35, 45 output terminals,
50, 60 insulation plate,
70,80 end plate,
71 Fuel gas inlet,
72 Fuel gas outlet,
74 Oxidant gas inlet,
75 Oxidant gas outlet,
77 Refrigerant inlet,
78 refrigerant outlet,
90 tie rods,
100 electrode assembly,
102 opening,
104A, 104B, 105A, 105B, 106A, 106B Manifold part,
110 Membrane electrode assembly,
120, 125 gas diffusion layer,
130 (130A, 130B) separator,
132 Concavity and convexity,
134A, 134B, 135A, 135B, 136A, 136B Manifold (opening),
138A, 138B, 139A, 139B Through hole (opening),
140 positioning device (positioning means),
142 reversing mechanism,
143 mounting table,
144 mechanism base,
145 shaft support,
146 stopper,
150 body base,
152 guide rail,
152 (152A to 152D) positioning bar,
160 fixing unit (fixing bracket part),
161 Standing pillar,
162,165 bracket part,
163 guide rail,
164 slider,
170 horizontal protrusions,
171 reciprocating drive means;
180 movable unit (movable bracket part),
181 unit base,
181 movable unit base,
182 slider,
183 Standing pillar,
184, 187 bracket part,
185 guide rail,
186 slider,
190 horizontal protrusions,
191 reciprocating drive means;
200 positioning device (positioning means),
210 body base,
212 guide rails,
220 fixing unit (fixing bracket part),
221 Standing pillar,
222 Bracket part,
223 guide rail,
224 slider,
225 bracket part,
228 slider,
230 horizontal protrusion,
231 link bar,
231A Oval through hole,
232A pivot part,
232 lateral support,
233 upper support,
233A oval through hole,
234 reciprocating drive means,
234A Adjustable pivot part,
235 connecting bar,
235A Adjustable pivot part,
235 connecting bar,
241 Link bar,
241A Oval through hole,
242A pivot part,
242 lateral support,
243 downward support,
243A oval through-hole,
245 connecting bar,
245A, 245B Adjustable pivot part,
250 body base,
252 (252A to 252D) positioning bar,
260 movable unit (movable bracket part),
261 unit base,
262 slider,
263 Standing pillar,
H.264 bracket part,
265 guide rail,
266 slider,
267 Bracket part,
268 slider,
270 horizontal protrusion,
271 link bar,
271A Oval through hole,
272A pivot part,
272 lateral support,
273 upper support,
273A oval through-hole,
274 reciprocating drive means;
274A Adjustable pivot part,
275 connecting bar,
275A Adjustable pivot part,
281 Link bar,
281A oval through hole,
282A pivot part,
282 lateral support,
283 downward support,
283A oval through-hole,
285 connecting bar,
285A, 285B Adjustable pivot part,
S1, S2, S3 space.

Claims (11)

A method for producing a fuel cell having a separator and an electrode assembly,
A positioning step of positioning while applying tension to the separators in a plurality of layers in a state of being stacked side by side in the vertical direction by positioning bars inserted into the plurality of openings formed in the separator;
The method of manufacturing a fuel cell, wherein, in the positioning step, the positioning bar that is bent is straightened by applying the tension . The positioning bar is linear in an unloaded state,
In the positioning step, the positioning bar that is bent by the application of the tension is further straightened by further applying a tension that is bent in a direction opposite to the direction in which the bending occurs. The method for producing a fuel cell according to claim 1. The positioning bar has a curved shape that is bent in the opposite direction to the direction of occurrence of bending due to application of the tension in an unloaded state,
The method of manufacturing a fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein, in the positioning step, the curved shape of the positioning bar is straightened by applying the tension. An insertion step of sequentially inserting the separator and the electrode assembly in a horizontal state into the positioning bar extending in the vertical direction; and
Before the positioning step, the reversing step of reversing the positioning bar through which the separator and the electrode assembly are inserted so as to extend in the horizontal direction,
In the positioning step,
The method of manufacturing a fuel cell according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the separator is positioned in a state where the separators are juxtaposed in a vertical direction and stacked . By moving the movable bracket portion close to the fixed bracket portion that cantilever-supports one end of the positioning bar, the other end of the positioning bar is inserted into the fitting hole of the movable bracket portion, and the movable bracket A proximity process supported by the part, and
A separation step of drawing the other end of the positioning bar from the fitting hole by separating the movable bracket portion from the fixed bracket portion, and releasing the connection between the other end of the positioning bar and the movable bracket portion. The method for producing a fuel cell according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: An apparatus for manufacturing a fuel cell having a separator and an electrode assembly,
The positioning bar is inserted through a plurality of openings formed in the separator, and has a positioning means for positioning while applying tension to the separators in a plurality of layers arranged side by side in the vertical direction ,
The apparatus for manufacturing a fuel cell, wherein the positioning means is set so as to straighten the positioning bar where the bending occurs by applying the tension . The positioning bar is linear in an unloaded state,
The positioning means has a bending correction mechanism that corrects the positioning bar that is bent by applying the tension, by further applying a tension that causes the positioning bar to be bent in a direction opposite to the direction in which the bending occurs. The fuel cell manufacturing apparatus according to claim 6.   The fuel cell manufacturing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the deflection correcting mechanism includes a tension adjusting unit that adjusts a tension to be deflected in a direction opposite to the direction in which the deflection is generated. The positioning bar has a curved shape that is bent in the opposite direction to the direction of occurrence of bending due to application of the tension in an unloaded state,
The fuel cell manufacturing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the curved shape of the positioning bar is straightened by applying the tension by the positioning means. A reversing mechanism for reversing the positioning means and moving the positioning bar between a first position and a second position;
The first position is a position where the positioning bar extends in the vertical direction, and the separator and the electrode assembly can be sequentially inserted in a horizontal state,
The said 2nd position is a position which can be positioned in the state which the said positioning bar extended in the horizontal direction and the said separator was juxtaposed in the perpendicular direction, and was laminated | stacked. The any one of Claims 6-9 characterized by the above-mentioned. The fuel cell manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1. A fixing bracket portion that cantilever-supports one end of the positioning bar; and
The other end of the positioning bar has a fitting hole through which it can be inserted, and a movable bracket part that is freely accessible to the fixed bracket part,
The movable bracket portion is
By approaching the fixed bracket portion, the other end of the positioning bar is inserted into the fitting hole, and supports the other end of the positioning bar.
7. The other end of the positioning bar is pulled out from the fitting hole by being separated from the fixed bracket portion, and the connection between the other end of the positioning bar and the movable bracket portion is released. The manufacturing apparatus of the fuel cell of any one of 10-10.

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