JP5262149B2 - Manufacturing method and manufacturing apparatus for metal separator for fuel cell - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for manufacturing a metal separator for a fuel cell.

The fuel cell has a separator for separating the fuel gas and the oxidant gas. Even if the metal material is thin, excellent strength can be obtained, so that a concave and convex portion corresponding to the outer surface shape of the separator can be continuously formed by one set of forming rolls and applied to the separator. Attempts have been made (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).
JP 2002-190305 A JP 2006-75900 A

  The formation of the concavo-convex portion is basically an overhang molding (molding in which the material is stretched), and deformation (warping or undulation) occurs. Therefore, in the subsequent process, the deformation is corrected and a problem occurs when the separators are stacked. It is necessary to avoid. However, when the above roll formation is applied to the deformation correction, since the correction direction is only one, the degree of freedom of correction is low, and the feed accuracy is not sufficient, so there is a problem in positioning accuracy during correction. Therefore, it is difficult to ensure the product accuracy of the separator.

  The present invention has been made to solve the problems associated with the above-described prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus for manufacturing a fuel cell metal separator capable of ensuring good product accuracy.

In order to achieve the above object, a uniform phase of the present invention is a method for manufacturing a fuel cell separator, wherein a metal base plate on which irregularities corresponding to the outer surface shape of the fuel cell separator are formed is disposed in a correction mold. Then, it is positioned and straightened by a straightening roll. Further, the correction die has a recessed portion that is carved and recessed, the metal base plate is fitted into the recessed portion, and the recessed portion corresponds to one surface of the outer surface shape of the fuel cell separator. The fuel cell separator has a flow path for circulating a fuel gas, an oxidant gas or a refrigerant, and the metal base plate has an uneven portion corresponding to the flow path. And the said correction | amendment roll is giving the correction process of the direction along the uneven | corrugated | grooved part corresponding to the said flow path, and the correction process of the direction orthogonal to the said direction to the said metal base plate.

Another uniform phase of the present invention for achieving the above object is for a fuel cell having a correcting means for correcting the metal base plate on which the concavo-convex portion corresponding to the outer shape of the fuel cell separator is formed. It is a manufacturing apparatus of a separator. Then, the correction means is positioned and positioned in the correction mold in which the metal base plate is disposed, positioning means for positioning the metal base plate disposed in the correction mold, and the correction mold. The metal base plate has a straightening roll for performing straightening processing. In addition, the correction die has a recessed portion that is carved and recessed, and the recessed portion can be fitted with the metal base plate, and the recessed portion corresponds to one surface of the outer surface shape of the fuel cell separator. The fuel cell separator has a flow path for circulating a fuel gas, an oxidant gas, or a refrigerant, and the metal base plate has an uneven part corresponding to the flow path. Have. And the said correction means further has a drive means for driving the said correction | amendment roll in the direction along the uneven | corrugated | grooved part corresponding to the said flow path, and the direction orthogonal to the said direction.

According to the uniform phase of the present invention, since the metal base plate is arranged and positioned in the correction mold, the positioning accuracy during correction is ensured . Since the correction roll is independent of the correction mold, the degree of freedom is high, and a deformed portion that needs correction can be corrected freely. The straightening mold has a concave portion that is carved and recessed, and the metal base plate is fitted into the concave portion. Therefore, the metal base plate can be positioned in the straightening mold with a simple configuration. Since the concave and convex portions corresponding to one surface of the outer shape of the fuel cell separator are formed in the concave portion, the stress (force to shrink) remaining on the metal base plate is efficiently removed. can do. The metal base plate has a concavo-convex portion corresponding to the flow path of the fuel cell separator, and the straightening roll is orthogonal to the direction of the straightening process along the concavo-convex portion corresponding to the flow path and the direction. By applying the direction correction processing to the metal base plate, the deformation of the metal base plate can be efficiently corrected. Therefore, it is possible to ensure the product accuracy of the separator. That is, the manufacturing method of the metal separator for fuel cells which can ensure favorable product precision can be provided.

According to another uniform aspect of the present invention, the correction means can secure the positioning accuracy during correction by positioning the metal base plate arranged in the correction mold by the positioning means . Since the correction roll is independent of the correction mold and has a high degree of freedom, the correction means can freely correct a deformed portion that needs correction by the correction roll. The correction die has a concave portion that is carved and recessed, and since the metal base plate can be freely fitted into the concave portion, the metal base plate can be positioned in the correction die with a simple configuration. Since the concave and convex portions corresponding to one surface of the outer shape of the fuel cell separator are formed in the concave portion, the stress (force to shrink) remaining on the metal base plate is efficiently removed. can do. The metal base plate has a concavo-convex portion corresponding to the flow path of the fuel cell separator, and the correction means has a straightening roll in a direction along the concavo-convex portion corresponding to the flow path and perpendicular to the direction. Drive means for driving in the direction to be performed, and the deformation of the metal base plate can be efficiently corrected by performing correction processing in the two orthogonal directions. Therefore, it is possible to ensure the product accuracy of the separator. That is, it is possible to provide an apparatus for manufacturing a metal separator for a fuel cell that can ensure good product accuracy.

  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 an embodiment of the present invention.

  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 is for the anode shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a plan view for explaining the cathode separator shown in FIG. 2.

  The stack unit 20 is configured by sequentially stacking electrode assemblies 100 and separators 150 and 170 forming cells. A sealing material (not shown) is disposed on the outer peripheral edge between the electrode assembly 100, the separator 150, and the separator 170.

  The electrode assembly 100 is a substantially rectangular unit assembly in which the membrane electrode assembly 110 and the gas diffusion layers 120 and 130 are integrated, and has substantially the same shape as the separators 150 and 170. The electrode assembly 100 has manifold portions 141, 142, 144, 145, 147, and 148. The manifold portions 141 and 142, the manifold portions 144 and 145, and the manifold portions 147 and 148 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 disposed on one surface of the electrolyte membrane and is adjacent to the gas diffusion layer 120. The anode catalyst layer is disposed on the other surface of the electrolyte membrane and is adjacent to the gas diffusion layer 130.

  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 130 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 separators 150 and 170 will be described.

  The separators 150 and 170 are made of a substantially rectangular stainless steel plate (for example, SUS316L), and are disposed on the outer surfaces of the gas diffusion layers 120 and 130 in the form of a separator assembly welded to each other. The stainless steel plate is preferable in that it can be easily subjected to complicated machining and has good conductivity, and can be coated with a corrosion-resistant coating as necessary. As a material of the separators 150 and 170, a metal material other than the stainless steel plate, for example, an aluminum plate or a clad material can be applied.

  Separator 150 is adjacent to separator 170 of another cell, has manifold portions 161, 162, 164, 165, 167, 168, and uneven portion 169, and is disposed relative to gas diffusion layer 120. The manifold portions 161 and 162, the manifold portions 164 and 165, and the manifold portions 167 and 168 are applied for fuel gas, oxidant gas, and refrigerant.

  The space S1 formed by the inner surface of the concavo-convex portion 169 facing the gas diffusion layer 120 and the surface of the gas diffusion layer 120 constitutes a flow path for circulating the oxidant gas, and passes through the manifold portions 164 and 165. The oxidant gas introduction port 74 and the oxidant gas discharge port 75 arranged in the end plate 70 are connected. That is, the inner surface of the concavo-convex portion 169 constitutes a flow channel for allowing the oxidizing gas to flow.

  The separator 170 is substantially the same as the separator 150 with respect to the basic shape, and is adjacent to the separator 150 of another cell, and has manifold portions 181, 182, 184, 185, 187, 188, and an uneven portion 189. And disposed relative to the gas diffusion layer 130. The manifold portions 181 and 182, the manifold portions 184 and 185, and the manifold portions 187 and 188 are applied for fuel gas, oxidant gas, and refrigerant.

  A space S2 formed by the inner surface of the concavo-convex portion 189 facing the gas diffusion layer 130 and the surface of the gas diffusion layer 130 constitutes a flow path for circulating the fuel gas, passes through the manifold portions 181 and 182, The fuel gas inlet 71 and the fuel gas outlet 72 arranged in the end plate 70 are connected. That is, the inner surface of the concavo-convex portion 169 constitutes a flow channel for allowing the fuel gas to flow.

  A space S3 formed by the outer surface of the concavo-convex portion 189 and the outer surface of the separator 150 of another adjacent cell constitutes a flow path for circulating the refrigerant and passes through the manifold portions 187 and 188 to the end plate 70. The refrigerant inlet 77 and the refrigerant outlet 78 are connected to each other. That is, the outer surface of the concavo-convex portion 169 constitutes a channel groove for circulating the refrigerant.

  The shapes and arrangements of the uneven portions 169 and 189 are appropriately set in consideration of gas diffusibility, pressure loss, discharged water of generated water, cooling performance, and the like. Reference numerals 152 and 172 are monitor tabs used for detecting the voltage, and the voltage is detected for charge / discharge management of the fuel cell 10 (single cell).

  FIG. 6 is a process diagram for explaining a separator manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  The manufacturing method includes a cutting process, a forming process, a correcting process, a trimming process, and a welding process. The cathode line is for the separator 150, the anode line is for the separator 170, and is related to the cutting process, the molding process, the straightening process, and the trimming process. I will explain.

  In the cutting step, the coil material is unwound from the outer periphery of the coil, wound, and flattened, and then introduced into a cutting machine at a predetermined speed and continuously cut to separate the separator 150. A substantially rectangular sheet material (metal base plate) to be formed is obtained.

  In the forming step, the sheet material is subjected to a forming process by a press device, and an uneven portion corresponding to the outer surface shape of the separator 150 is formed. The surface shape and the back surface shape of the separator 150 are not symmetrical, and the molding for forming the surface shape of the separator 150 is basically stretch molding (molding in which the material is stretched). For this reason, the sheet material taken out from the press device has a shape that is slightly collapsed from the normal shape by causing a spring back, and warpage is generated either upward or downward. Moreover, since the size of the separator 150 is large, there is a possibility that the press load becomes uneven and warpage occurs.

  In the correction process, the sheet material is subjected to correction processing by a correction device (correction means), and the warp of the sheet material is corrected.

  In the trimming step, for example, an unnecessary portion of the outer peripheral portion of the sheet material is cut by a shear type cutting machine to obtain a final shape (product shape of the separator 150). In the anode line as well, the same processing is applied to the sheet material constituting the separator 170.

  In the welding process, the sheet material from the cathode line and the coil material from the anode line are overlapped, and resistance welding is performed by, for example, a seam welder to form a welded sheet material. That is, a welded body (separator assembly) of the separators 150 and 170 is obtained.

  Next, the molding process and the press apparatus will be described in detail.

  FIG. 7 is a side view for explaining the pressing apparatus according to the molding step shown in FIG. 6, and FIG. 8 is a plan view for explaining the molding die shown in FIG.

  The press device has a lower die 222, an upper die 232, and a driving device 236. The lower mold 222 has a pressing surface 223 on which a concavo-convex portion corresponding to the back surface shape (one of the outer surface shapes) of the separator 150 is formed. The upper mold 232 has a pressing surface 233 on which a concavo-convex portion corresponding to the surface shape (the other of the outer surface shapes) of the separator 150 is formed. The drive device 236 has a drive device such as a hydraulic cylinder, and is used to drive the upper mold 232, mold clamping in cooperation with the lower mold 222, and molding the sheet material 202.

  In the molding process to which the press device is applied, first, the sheet material 202 cut into a predetermined shape in the cutting process is disposed on the pressing surface 223 of the lower mold 222. The driving device 236 drives the upper mold 232 to approach the lower mold 222 and clamps the mold. The upper mold 232 transfers the shape of the pressing surface 233 and the shape of the pressing surface 223 to the sheet material 20 by pressing (press molding) the sheet material 202. As a result, uneven portions corresponding to the outer surface shape (surface shape and back surface shape) of the separator 150 are formed on the front surface and the back surface of the sheet material 202. Thereafter, the driving device 236 drives the upper mold 232, separates it from the lower mold 222, opens the mold, and takes out the sheet material 202.

  The press molding in the molding process can be divided into a plurality of stages, for example, divided into preliminary molding, main molding, finish molding, and the like.

  Next, the correction process and the correction device will be described in detail.

  9 is a perspective view for explaining the straightening device according to the straightening process shown in FIG. 6, FIG. 10 is a sectional view for explaining the straightening device shown in FIG. 9, and FIGS. 10 is a plan view for explaining correction in the direction parallel to the flow path and correction in the direction orthogonal to the flow path by the correction device shown in FIG.

  The straightening device is used to correct the lower mold (correction mold) 262 used for arranging the sheet material 202, and to correct the warp and eliminate the warp on the sheet material 202 arranged and positioned on the lower mold 262. And a drive mechanism 280 for the correction roll 272.

  The lower mold 262 has a recess (positioning means) 264 that is carved and recessed. The recess 264 can be fitted into the sheet material 202 and is used for positioning the sheet material 202 disposed in the lower mold 262. Further, the concave and convex portion 265 corresponding to the shape of the back surface of the separator 150 is formed in the concave portion 264.

  The correction roll 272 is rotatably supported by the shaft support portion 276 and is disposed on the support structure portion 275. The support structure 275 is provided with a control mechanism 278 for controlling the rotation of the correction roll 272. The control mechanism 278 includes, for example, a speed reduction mechanism and a motor.

  The drive mechanism 280 is attached to the apparatus frame 290 and is used to drive the support structure 275 in the flow path parallel direction and the flow path orthogonal direction. The flow path parallel direction is a direction along the uneven portion 226 corresponding to the flow path 169 of the separator 150. The channel orthogonal direction is a direction orthogonal to the direction along the concavo-convex portion 226 corresponding to the channel 169. The drive mechanism 280 includes, for example, a speed reduction mechanism, a motor, a guide rail extending in the flow path parallel direction, a guide rail extending in the flow path orthogonal direction, and the like.

  Therefore, the correction device can improve the positioning accuracy and processing accuracy during correction by positioning the sheet material 202 arranged in the lower mold 262 with the concave portion 264 as compared with the case where the correction roll set is used. Can do. Further, since the correction roll 272 is independent of the lower mold 262 and has a high degree of freedom, the correction apparatus can freely correct a deformed portion that needs correction by the correction roll 272. Therefore, the product accuracy of the separator 150 can be ensured.

  For example, unlike the case where the press device is used for correction, it is possible to separately correct (control each) the warpage in the direction parallel to the flow path and the direction orthogonal to the flow path, and efficiently deform the sheet material 202. Can be corrected. Further, since the correction by the correction roll 272 is the same as the rolling, there is less possibility of forming scratches on the sheet material 202 than when the press device is used for correction, and the equipment scale can be easily reduced. It is preferable at this point. Unlike correction by rhombus (providing fine cuts), it is also preferable in that it can be applied to the sheet material 202 that has been subjected to treatment such as surface modification.

  Next, the correction process to which the correction device is applied will be described in detail.

  In the correction process, first, the sheet material 202 that has been warped in the molding process is placed in the lower mold 262. At this time, the sheet material 202 is positioned by being fitted into the recess 264 of the lower mold 262. That is, the sheet material 202 is positioned with a simple configuration, and positioning accuracy during correction is ensured.

  Then, the correction roll 272 is driven by the drive mechanism 280 and sequentially moves in the flow path parallel direction and the flow path orthogonal direction while pressing the surface of the sheet material 202 (giving compressive stress) at a predetermined speed. At this time, the rotation of the correction roll 272 is controlled to a predetermined value by the control mechanism 278. In the movement in the flow path parallel direction, the correction process in the width direction of the separator 150 is continuously performed by the correction roll 272 (see FIG. 11). In the movement in the direction perpendicular to the flow path, the straightening process in the longitudinal direction of the separator 150 is continuously performed by the straightening roll 272 (see FIG. 12).

  Since the correction roll 272 is independent of the lower mold 262, the degree of freedom is high, and it is possible to freely correct a deformed portion that requires correction, and to ensure the product accuracy of the separator 150. is there. Further, as described above, the deformation of the sheet material 202 can be efficiently corrected by performing correction processing in two orthogonal directions. In addition, since the uneven portion 226 corresponding to the back surface shape of the separator 150 is located on the back surface of the sheet material 202, the stress (reducing the shrinkage) that causes deformation remaining in the sheet material 202 in cooperation with the pressing surface of the correction roll 272. Can be efficiently removed.

  The anode line is for the separator 170, and is substantially the same as the configuration of the cathode line except that the pressing surface of the pressing device and the shape of the concave portion of the lower die of the correction device are slightly different. The description is omitted to avoid it.

  FIG. 13 is a perspective view for explaining a first modification according to the embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 14 is a perspective view for explaining a second modification according to the embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. It is sectional drawing for demonstrating the modification 3 which concerns on embodiment of this invention.

  The outer peripheral surface 273 of the correction roll 272 is not limited to being applied in a smooth (innocent) state, and it is possible to form an uneven portion 274 corresponding to the surface shape of the separator (see FIG. 13). Further, the concave portion 264 of the lower mold 262 can be applied in a flat state without forming the concave and convex portion 226 corresponding to the back surface shape of the separator 150 (see FIG. 14).

  The correction of the sheet material 202 by the correction roll 272 can be performed locally. For example, when the shape of the corners of the concavo-convex part formed by the molding process by the press device is rounded, the shape of the corners of the concavo-convex part 274 arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the correction roll 272 has a sharp outline. (See FIG. 15). Thereby, since a force can be locally applied to a site that needs correction, a good correction effect is exhibited and the correction efficiency is excellent.

  In addition, the uneven | corrugated | grooved part formed in the outer peripheral surface 273 of the correction | amendment roll 272 and / or the recessed part 264 of the lower mold | type 262 is not limited to the form (product shape) matched with the shape of the separator 150, For example, the springback after correction | amendment It is also possible to dig a prospective shape that becomes the shape of the separator 150. In addition, the outer peripheral surface 273 of the correction roll 272 and / or the concave portion 264 of the lower mold 262 may be divided into a plurality of regions, and a product shape, a prospective shape, or a smooth shape may be selected for each region. Is possible.

  16 and 17 are a cross-sectional view and a perspective view for explaining the fourth modification according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  In order to improve the corrosion resistance, the coil material that is the material of the sheet material 202 is applied with a base material (for example, SUS316L) 203 provided with a coating (corrosion resistant coating having conductivity) 204 made of a noble metal such as gold. It is possible.

  The film 205 is formed by, for example, plating, and the thickness thereof is set to be extremely thin (for example, 40 nm) so as not to affect the moldability. Further, in order to improve the adhesion between the base material 204 and the coating 205 and reduce defects (for example, porous) existing in the coating 205, the sheet material 202 after the coating 205 is formed is lightly rolled ( For example, a reduction ratio of about 6 percent) is applied.

  Therefore, when the sheet material 202 is put into the press apparatus, since the work hardening by rolling has already been caused, there is a possibility that the coating 205 may be cracked by the press work. Therefore, in the modification 4, a rolling device (rolling process) is arrange | positioned between a press apparatus (forming process) and a correction apparatus (correction process).

  The rolling device is, for example, a rolling means having a set of rolling rolls (rolling roll set) 322 and 332 and shaft support portions 326 and 336.

  The rolling rolls 322 and 332 are rotatably supported by shaft support portions 326 and 336, and are arranged in a support structure portion (not shown) so as to have a certain clearance. For example, a drive mechanism including a speed reduction mechanism and a motor is disposed in the support structure unit, and the drive mechanism synchronizes with the charging speed of the sheet material 202 to move the rolling rolls 322 and 332 in the opposite direction at the same speed. Used to rotate. In addition, it is also possible to drive the rolling rolls 322 and 332 with separate motors.

  Therefore, by passing the sheet material 202 formed by the press device between the rolling rolls 322 and 332, defects (for example, cracks in the coating film 205) of the sheet material 202 are crushed and disappeared, and the corrosion resistance is improved. Is possible. In addition, since the correction process by the correction | amendment roll 272 has a rolling effect, it is also possible to make a rolling apparatus serve as a correction apparatus.

  Furthermore, the sheet material 202 on which the coating 205 is disposed can be put into a press apparatus without performing light rolling. In this case, since the work hardening by rolling is not caused in the sheet material 202, the formability in the press apparatus is not adversely affected, cracking of the coating film 205 is suppressed, and improvement in corrosion resistance is maintained. Moreover, since the adhesiveness between the base material 204 and the coating film 205 is improved by the straightening process using the straightening roll 272, a decrease in the adhesiveness due to not rolling is suppressed.

  FIG. 18 is a perspective view for explaining the modified example 5 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  The forming step is not limited to the form in which the press device is applied, and a roll forming device can also be used. The roll forming apparatus includes, for example, a set of forming rolls (forming roll sets) 422 and 432 and shaft support portions 426 and 436.

  The forming rolls 422 and 432 are rotatably supported by shaft support portions 426 and 436, and are disposed in a support structure portion (not shown) so as to have a certain clearance. For example, a drive mechanism including a speed reduction mechanism and a motor is disposed in the support structure unit, and the drive mechanism synchronizes with the charging speed of the sheet material 202 to move the forming rolls 422 and 432 in the opposite direction at the same speed. Used to rotate. The forming rolls 422 and 432 can be driven by separate motors.

  The forming roll 422 has an outer peripheral surface 433 on which an uneven portion corresponding to the back surface shape (one of the outer surface shapes) of the separator is formed. The forming roll 432 has an outer peripheral surface 423 on which an uneven portion corresponding to the surface shape of the separator (the other of the outer surface shapes) is formed.

  Therefore, when the sheet material 202 is passed between the forming rolls 422 and 432, the uneven portions of the forming rolls 422 and 432 continuously form the sheet material 202 in the width direction to form a separate outer surface shape (transfer) ) Is possible.

  As described above, the manufacturing apparatus according to the present embodiment includes the lower mold in which the sheet material is disposed, the concave portion for positioning the sheet material, and the correction device including the correction roll. Therefore, the positioning accuracy at the time of correction is securable by positioning the sheet material arrange | positioned at a lower mold | type by the recessed part of a lower mold | type. Further, since the correction roll is independent of the lower mold and has a high degree of freedom, the correction apparatus can freely correct a deformed portion that needs correction with the correction roll. Therefore, it is possible to ensure the product accuracy of the separator. That is, it is possible to provide an apparatus for manufacturing a metal separator for a fuel cell that can ensure good product accuracy.

  In the manufacturing method according to the present embodiment, the sheet material is placed and positioned in the lower mold, and correction processing is performed by the correction roll. Since the sheet material is disposed and positioned in the lower mold, positioning accuracy during correction is ensured. Moreover, since the correction | amendment roll is independent with respect to the lower mold | type, a freedom degree is high and can deform | transform the deformation | transformation site | part which needs correction freely. Therefore, it is possible to ensure the product accuracy of the separator. That is, the manufacturing method of the metal separator for fuel cells which can ensure favorable product precision can be provided.

  Moreover, the recessed part of a lower mold | type is formed by carving and pressing the pressing surface of a lower mold | type, and a sheet | seat material is positioned by being fitted in a recessed part. That is, the sheet material can be positioned on the lower mold with a simple configuration. Further, the concave portion of the lower mold is formed with an uneven portion corresponding to one surface of the outer shape of the separator, and efficiently removes stress (force to shrink) remaining on the sheet material. be able to.

  It is possible to apply straightening processing in the direction parallel to the flow path and straightening processing in the direction perpendicular to the flow path to the sheet material, and by correcting the warpage in the flow direction parallel direction and the warpage in the direction perpendicular to the flow path separately, the sheet The deformation of the material can be corrected efficiently.

  Furthermore, when a sheet material having a noble metal coating (a coating made of noble metal) and not causing work hardening by rolling is applied, cracking of the noble metal coating is suppressed without adversely affecting the formability of the press device. be able to. Since the adhesion between the base material of the sheet material and the noble metal coating is improved by the forming process using the straightening roll, a decrease in the adhesion due to not rolling is suppressed. Therefore, corrosion resistance can be improved.

  When applying a sheet material in which the adhesion between the base material and the noble metal coating is improved by rolling, the coil material is caused by work hardening by rolling. May cause cracking. However, corrosion resistance can be improved by crushing and eliminating the cracks by rolling with a rolling roll.

  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 fuel cell is not limited to a solid polymer type, and can be applied to an alkaline fuel cell, an acid electrolyte fuel cell typified by a phosphoric acid fuel cell, a direct methanol fuel cell, and a micro fuel cell. .

It is a perspective view for demonstrating the fuel cell which concerns on embodiment of this invention. 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 for anodes shown by FIG. It is a top view for demonstrating the separator for cathodes shown by FIG. It is process drawing for demonstrating the manufacturing method of the separator which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a side view for demonstrating the press apparatus which concerns on the shaping | molding process shown by FIG. It is a top view for demonstrating the shaping | molding die shown by FIG. It is a perspective view for demonstrating the correction apparatus which concerns on the correction process shown by FIG. It is sectional drawing for demonstrating the correction apparatus which concerns on the correction process shown by FIG. It is a top view for demonstrating the correction of the flow path parallel direction by the correction apparatus shown by FIG. It is a top view for demonstrating the correction of the flow path orthogonal direction by the correction apparatus shown by FIG. It is a perspective view for demonstrating the modification 1 which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view for demonstrating the modification 2 which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing for demonstrating the modification 3 which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing for demonstrating the modification 4 which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view for demonstrating the modification 4 which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view for demonstrating the modification 5 which concerns on embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

10 Fuel cell,
20 stacks,
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,
110 Membrane electrode assembly,
120, 130 gas diffusion layer,
141, 142, 144, 145, 147, 148 Manifold part,
150 separator,
152 Monitor tab,
161, 162, 164, 165, 167, 168 Manifold part,
169 irregularities,
170 separator,
172 Monitor tab,
181, 182, 184, 185, 187, 188 Manifold part,
189 uneven part,
202 sheet material (metal base plate),
204 Base material,
205 coating,
222 Lower mold,
223 pressing surface,
232 Upper mold,
233 pressing surface,
236 drive,
262 Lower mold (correction mold),
H.264 recess (positioning means),
265 irregularities,
266 uneven part,
272 Straightening roll,
273 outer peripheral surface,
274 Uneven part 275 Support structure part,
276 shaft support,
278 control mechanism,
280 drive mechanism,
290 device frame,
322, 332 rolling rolls,
326,336 shaft support,
422, 432 forming rolls,
423,433 outer peripheral surface,
426, 436 shaft support,
S1, S2, S3 space.

Claims (6)

The metal base plate on which the concavo-convex portion corresponding to the outer surface shape of the fuel cell separator is formed is placed and positioned in a correction mold, and correction processing is performed by a correction roll.
The straightening mold has a recessed portion that is carved and recessed, and the metal base plate is fitted into the recessed portion,
The concave portion is formed with an uneven portion corresponding to one surface of the outer shape of the fuel cell separator,
The fuel cell separator has a flow path for circulating fuel gas, oxidant gas or refrigerant,
The metal base plate has an uneven portion corresponding to the flow path,
In the fuel cell separator, the correction roll performs correction processing in a direction along the uneven portion corresponding to the flow path and correction processing in a direction orthogonal to the direction. Production method. The metal base plate is provided with a corrugated portion corresponding to the outer surface shape of the fuel cell separator without being rolled after the conductive corrosion-resistant coating is disposed, and is disposed in the correction die. the method of manufacturing a fuel cell separator according to claim 1. The metal base plate is provided with a corrosion-resistant coating film having conductivity, and is rolled to form an uneven portion corresponding to the outer surface shape of the fuel cell separator. the method of manufacturing a fuel cell separator according to claim 1, wherein. The metal base plate on which the concavo-convex portion corresponding to the outer surface shape of the fuel cell separator is formed has a correction means for performing correction processing,
The correction means includes
Straightening mold in which the metal base plate is disposed,
Positioning means for positioning the metal base plate disposed in the correction mold; and
The metal base plate positioned and positioned in the straightening mold has a straightening roll for performing straightening processing,
The straightening mold has a recessed portion that is carved and recessed, and the recessed portion can be fitted with the metal base plate,
The concave portion is formed with an uneven portion corresponding to one surface of the outer shape of the fuel cell separator,
The fuel cell separator has a flow path for circulating fuel gas, oxidant gas or refrigerant,
The metal base plate has an uneven portion corresponding to the flow path,
Said correcting means, said straightening rolls, for a fuel cell characterized by having a drive means for driving in a direction orthogonal to the direction and the direction along the uneven part corresponding to the flow path further Separator manufacturing equipment. The metal base plate disposed in the straightening mold is provided with a concavo-convex portion corresponding to the outer surface shape of the fuel cell separator without being rolled after the conductive corrosion-resistant film is disposed. The fuel cell separator manufacturing apparatus according to claim 4 . A rolling means for rolling the metal base plate;
The metal base plate is
A conductive corrosion-resistant film is disposed, rolled, formed with an uneven portion corresponding to the outer surface shape of the fuel cell separator, and after being rolled by the rolling means, is disposed on the correction die. The apparatus for manufacturing a fuel cell separator according to claim 4 .

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