JP5855556B2 - Separator joining method and joining apparatus - Google Patents

Separator joining method and joining apparatus Download PDF

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JP5855556B2
JP5855556B2 JP2012248109A JP2012248109A JP5855556B2 JP 5855556 B2 JP5855556 B2 JP 5855556B2 JP 2012248109 A JP2012248109 A JP 2012248109A JP 2012248109 A JP2012248109 A JP 2012248109A JP 5855556 B2 JP5855556 B2 JP 5855556B2
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信義 室本
信義 室本
宣 田尾
宣 田尾
康太 小林
康太 小林
吉田　昇平
昇平 吉田
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    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
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Description

本発明は、複数の燃料電池用セパレータの外周縁部同士を接合するセパレータの接合方法及びその接合装置に関する。   TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a separator joining method for joining outer peripheral edge portions of a plurality of fuel cell separators and a joining apparatus therefor.

燃料電池は、固体高分子膜や酸化物イオン伝導体等からなる電解質と、該電解質の一端面に設けられたアノード電極及び他端面に設けられたカソード電極とを備えた電解質・電極構造体を有する。この種の燃料電池は、電解質・電極構造体を一組のセパレータによって挟持することで単位セルを構成し、該単位セル同士を複数重畳することで構成される。この際、単位セル同士の間、すなわち、互いに隣接したセパレータ同士の間に、燃料電池の温度を保持するための冷却媒体（例えば、冷却水）を流す場合がある。この場合、重畳したセパレータの外周縁部同士を液密に接合して、冷却媒体が漏洩すること等を防止する必要がある。   A fuel cell includes an electrolyte / electrode structure including an electrolyte made of a solid polymer membrane, an oxide ion conductor, and the like, and an anode electrode provided on one end face of the electrolyte and a cathode electrode provided on the other end face. Have. This type of fuel cell is configured by forming a unit cell by sandwiching an electrolyte / electrode structure between a pair of separators, and superimposing a plurality of the unit cells. At this time, a cooling medium (for example, cooling water) for maintaining the temperature of the fuel cell may flow between the unit cells, that is, between the separators adjacent to each other. In this case, it is necessary to prevent the cooling medium from leaking by joining the outer peripheral edge portions of the superimposed separators in a liquid-tight manner.

例えば特許文献１には、重畳したセパレータの外周縁部をシーム加工することによって、前記外周縁部同士を接合する方法が提案されている。すなわち、この接合方法では、先ず、重畳したセパレータの外周縁部の一辺に対して、長手方向の一端側から他端側にかけてローラを押し当てつつ回転移動させることで、重畳したセパレータの前記一辺をともに該セパレータの内側に向かって折曲する。この折曲加工を複数回繰り返すことによって、セパレータの外周縁部同士の前記一辺が接合される。残余の外周縁部についても同様に折曲加工を施すことによって、セパレータの外周縁部同士が全て接合される。   For example, Patent Document 1 proposes a method of joining the outer peripheral edges by seam processing the outer peripheral edges of the superimposed separators. That is, in this joining method, first, the one side of the superimposed separator is moved by rotating while pressing the roller from one end side to the other end side in the longitudinal direction with respect to one side of the outer peripheral edge of the superimposed separator. Both are bent toward the inside of the separator. By repeating this bending process a plurality of times, the one side of the outer peripheral edge portions of the separator is joined. The remaining outer peripheral edge portions are similarly bent so that the outer peripheral edge portions of the separator are all joined together.

特開２００８−１４７１５５号公報JP 2008-147155 A

しかしながら、特許文献１記載の接合方法では、上記の通り、セパレータの外周縁部の一辺ごとに、且つ該一辺が接合されるまでに折曲する回数分、ローラを押し当てて折曲加工を施す必要がある。従って、セパレータの外周縁部全ての接合が完了するまでに煩雑な作業が必要となり、また、多大な時間を要してしまうという不具合がある。   However, in the joining method described in Patent Document 1, as described above, bending is performed by pressing the roller for each side of the outer peripheral edge of the separator and the number of times of folding until the side is joined. There is a need. Accordingly, there is a problem that a complicated operation is required until the joining of all the outer peripheral edge portions of the separator is completed, and a long time is required.

本発明はこの種の問題を解決するものであり、複数の燃料電池用セパレータの外周縁部同士を液密且つ効率的に接合することが可能なセパレータの接合方法及びその接合装置を提供することを目的とする。   The present invention solves this type of problem, and provides a separator joining method and a joining apparatus for joining the outer peripheral edge portions of a plurality of fuel cell separators in a liquid-tight and efficient manner. With the goal.

前記の目的を達成するために、本発明は、一端面が、反応ガスを流通するための反応ガス流路が形成された領域である反応ガス流路部を備え、且つ前記一端面の裏面である他端面が、冷却媒体を流通するための冷却媒体流路が形成された領域である冷却媒体流路部を備えた第１燃料電池用セパレータ及び第２燃料電池用セパレータを、それぞれの前記冷却媒体流路部同士を対向させて接合するセパレータの接合方法であって、
前記第１燃料電池用セパレータ及び前記第２燃料電池用セパレータは、前記反応ガス流路部及び前記冷却媒体流路部よりも外方の領域である外周縁部を備え、
前記第１燃料電池用セパレータの前記外周縁部の外周を、前記外周縁部に対して略垂直で前記他端面の前記冷却媒体流路部が囲繞される方向に折曲して第１折曲部を形成する一方、前記第２燃料電池用セパレータの前記外周縁部の外周を、前記外周縁部に対して略垂直で前記一端面の前記反応ガス流路部が囲繞される方向に折曲して第２折曲部を形成する工程と、
前記第１燃料電池用セパレータ及び前記第２燃料電池用セパレータの前記他端面同士を重畳し且つ前記第１折曲部に前記第２折曲部を重畳した状態で、前記一端面同士を第１挟持型及び第２挟持型で挟持するとともに、前記第１挟持型及び前記第２挟持型から露呈して略鉛直に沿って延在する前記第１折曲部及び前記第２折曲部を巻締め型及び第１プレス型の間に配置する工程と、
前記第１挟持型、前記第２挟持型及び前記第１プレス型に対して前記巻締め型を相対的に移動させ、前記第１折曲部の端部よりも前記巻締め型に近接する前記第２折曲部の端部を前記巻締め型のカール部形成部に導入して、該第２折曲部の端部を、前記第１折曲部の端部を巻き込みながら前記カール部形成部の形状に倣う形状に湾曲成形することで、前記第１折曲部及び前記第２折曲部を巻締めてカール部を設ける工程と、
前記巻締め型を、平坦部を有する第２プレス型に交換し、前記カール部を前記第２プレス型の前記平坦部と前記第１プレス型で圧潰する工程と、
を有することを特徴とする。
In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention comprises a reaction gas channel part, which is a region where one end surface is formed with a reaction gas channel for circulating a reaction gas, and on the back surface of the one end surface. The other end surface has a cooling medium flow path portion that is a region in which a cooling medium flow path for circulating the cooling medium is formed, and the first fuel cell separator and the second fuel cell separator are respectively cooled. A separator joining method for joining the medium flow path portions to face each other ,
The first fuel cell separator and the second fuel cell separator each include an outer peripheral edge that is an outer region than the reaction gas flow channel and the cooling medium flow channel.
Wherein the outer periphery of the outer peripheral edge portion, the first bent by bending in a direction in which the coolant flow field portion of the other end face substantially perpendicular is surrounded to the outer periphery of the first fuel cell separator while parts that form a, said outer periphery of said outer peripheral edge portion of the second fuel cell separator, folding in the direction of the reaction gas channel portion of the end face is surrounded by substantially perpendicular to the outer peripheral portion a step that form a second folded portion and songs,
While superimposing the superimposing the other end faces and said second bent portion to the first bent portion of the first fuel cell separator and the second fuel cell separator, the said end faces The first folding part and the second folding part are sandwiched between the first clamping type and the second clamping type, and are exposed from the first clamping type and the second clamping type and extend substantially vertically. Placing between the clamping mold and the first press mold;
The winding clamping mold is moved relative to the first clamping mold, the second clamping mold, and the first press mold, and is closer to the winding clamping mold than the end of the first bent portion. An end portion of the second bent portion is introduced into the curled portion forming portion of the winding mold, and the curled portion is formed while the end portion of the second bent portion is wound around the end portion of the first bent portion. A step of curling the first bent portion and the second bent portion to form a curled portion by bending the shape into a shape that follows the shape of the portion;
Replacing the clamping die with a second press die having a flat portion, and crushing the curled portion with the flat portion of the second press die and the first press die;
It is characterized by having.

このセパレータの接合方法では、先ず、第１燃料電池用セパレータの外周縁部を該外周縁部に対して略垂直に折曲することで第１折曲部を形成する。また、第２燃料電池用セパレータの外周縁部を該外周縁部に対して略垂直に折曲することで第２折曲部を形成する。これによって、第１燃料電池用セパレータ及び第２燃料電池用セパレータの冷却媒体流路部同士を対向させて重畳すると、第１折曲部の内側に第２折曲部が重畳される。
In this separator joining method, first, the first bent portion is formed by bending the outer peripheral edge of the first fuel cell separator substantially perpendicularly to the outer peripheral edge . Further, the second bent portion is formed by bending the outer peripheral edge of the second fuel cell separator substantially perpendicularly to the outer peripheral edge . Thus, when the coolant flow portions of the first fuel cell separator and a second fuel cell separator overlaps are opposed, the second bent portion is superimposed on the inner side of the first bent portion.

このように重畳された冷却媒体流路部同士の各裏面側、すなわち反応ガス流路部同士を第１挟持型及び第２挟持型で挟持する。この際、第１挟持型及び第２挟持型の外周には、巻締め型と第１プレス型とが配置されている。これによって、第１挟持型及び第２挟持型から露呈する第１折曲部及び第２折曲部は、巻締め型と第１プレス型との間に配置される。
Thus superimposed coolant flow portion each back surface side of each other, that is, hold the reaction gas channel portions in the first clamping type and the second clamping type. At this time, a winding die and a first press die are arranged on the outer periphery of the first clamping die and the second clamping die. Thereby, the 1st bending part and 2nd bending part which are exposed from the 1st clamping type | mold and the 2nd clamping type | mold are arrange | positioned between a clamping type | mold and a 1st press type | mold.

この巻締め型は、第１プレス型側臨むようにしてカール部形成部を有しているため、第１挟持型、第２挟持型及び第１プレス型を巻締め型に対して相対的に移動させることによって、第２折曲部の端部を前記カール部形成部に導入することができる。このようにカール部形成部に第２折曲部を導入していくにつれて、第２折曲部が内部に第１折曲部を巻き込みながら湾曲成形される。すなわち、第１折曲部及び第２折曲部を巻締めてカール部を形成することができる。   Since this winding die has the curl forming portion so as to face the first press die, the first clamping die, the second clamping die, and the first press die are moved relative to the clamping die. Thus, the end portion of the second bent portion can be introduced into the curled portion forming portion. Thus, as the second bent portion is introduced into the curl portion forming portion, the second bent portion is curved while the first bent portion is wound inside. That is, the curled portion can be formed by winding the first bent portion and the second bent portion.

そして、カール部を形成した後、巻締め型を第２プレス型に交換して、第１プレス型と第２プレス型とを相対的に接近させる。これによって、第２プレス型と第１プレス型との間で前記カール部を圧潰する。このようにしてカール部を圧潰することで、第１燃料電池用セパレータと第２燃料電池用セパレータの外周縁部全体を同時に且つ液密性を有するように接合することができる。   Then, after the curl portion is formed, the winding die is replaced with the second press die, and the first press die and the second press die are relatively approached. As a result, the curled portion is crushed between the second press die and the first press die. By crushing the curled portion in this manner, the entire outer peripheral edge portions of the first fuel cell separator and the second fuel cell separator can be joined at the same time so as to have liquid tightness.

すなわち、このセパレータの接合方法では、第１燃料電池用セパレータ及び第２燃料電池用セパレータの外周縁部全体を同時に巻締めてカール部を形成することができる。このため、例えば、第１燃料電池用セパレータ及び第２燃料電池用セパレータの外周縁部の一辺ごとに折曲加工を行うことによって前記外周縁部を接合するような場合に比して、容易に且つ短時間で効率的に前記外周縁部の全てを接合することができる。   That is, in this separator joining method, the entire outer peripheral edge portions of the first fuel cell separator and the second fuel cell separator can be simultaneously wound to form the curled portion. For this reason, for example, compared with the case where the outer peripheral edge is joined by bending each side of the outer peripheral edge of the first fuel cell separator and the second fuel cell separator. And all the said outer periphery parts can be joined efficiently in a short time.

また、上記の通り、巻締め型又は第２プレス型に対して、第１挟持型、第２挟持型及び第１プレス型を相対的に移動させる工程、いわゆるプレス加工と同様の工程によって前記外周縁部同士を接合することができる。このため、第１燃料電池用セパレータ及び第２燃料電池用セパレータの外周縁部の形状が比較的複雑であっても、簡便且つ効率的に接合することができる。   In addition, as described above, the outer portion is removed by a process similar to so-called press working, a process of moving the first clamping mold, the second clamping mold, and the first press mold relative to the winding mold or the second press mold. Peripherals can be joined together. For this reason, even if the shape of the outer peripheral edge part of the 1st fuel cell separator and the 2nd fuel cell separator is comparatively complicated, it can be simply and efficiently joined.

前記第１折曲部は、前記第２折曲部に比して短尺に設けられることが好ましい。この場合、巻締め型に対して、第１挟持型、第２挟持型及び第１プレス型を相対的に移動させることによって、第２折曲部を湾曲形成しつつ、その内部に第１折曲部を良好に巻き込むことができる。すなわち、第１折曲部及び第２折曲部を容易に且つ効率的に巻締めてカール部を形成することができる。このため、第１燃料電池用セパレータ及び第２燃料電池用セパレータの外周縁部同士を容易且つ効率的に接合することが可能となるとともに、接合の液密性を高めることができる。   It is preferable that the first bent portion is provided shorter than the second bent portion. In this case, the first folding mold, the second clamping mold, and the first press mold are moved relative to the winding mold, thereby forming the second bent portion in a curved manner, while the first folding mold is formed therein. The music part can be wound in well. That is, the curled portion can be formed by easily and efficiently winding the first bent portion and the second bent portion. For this reason, it is possible to easily and efficiently join the outer peripheral edge portions of the first fuel cell separator and the second fuel cell separator, and it is possible to improve the liquid tightness of the joining.

前記カール部を設ける前に、前記第１折曲部の端部及び前記第２折曲部の端部を予め湾曲させることが好ましい。この場合、第２折曲部の端部を巻締め型のカール部形成部に円滑に導入して湾曲成形することができる。さらに、第１折曲部についても、第２折曲部の内部に円滑に巻き込んで湾曲成形することができる。従って、第１折曲部及び第２折曲部を良好に巻締めて効率的にカール部を形成することができるため、該カール部を圧潰することによって、外周縁部同士の接合を容易且つ効率的に行うこと、及び接合の液密性を高めることが可能となる。   Before providing the curl portion, it is preferable that the end portion of the first bent portion and the end portion of the second bent portion are curved in advance. In this case, the end portion of the second bent portion can be smoothly introduced into the curled portion forming portion of the winding mold and curved. Further, the first bent portion can also be smoothly bent into the second bent portion and bent. Accordingly, the first bent portion and the second bent portion can be satisfactorily wound and the curled portion can be efficiently formed. Therefore, by crushing the curled portion, the outer peripheral edge portions can be easily joined together. It becomes possible to perform efficiently and to improve the liquid-tightness of joining.

また、本発明は、一端面が、反応ガスを流通するための反応ガス流路が形成された領域である反応ガス流路部を備え、且つ前記一端面の裏面である他端面が、冷却媒体を流通するための冷却媒体流路が形成された領域である冷却媒体流路部を備えた第１燃料電池用セパレータ及び第２燃料電池用セパレータを、それぞれの前記冷却媒体流路部同士を対向させて接合するセパレータの接合装置であって、
前記第１燃料電池用セパレータは、前記反応ガス流路部及び前記冷却媒体流路部よりも外方の領域である外周縁部を備え、さらに、前記第１燃料電池用セパレータの前記外周縁部の外周が、前記外周縁部に対して略垂直で前記他端面の前記冷却媒体流路部が囲繞される方向に折曲された第１折曲部が設けられ、
前記第２燃料電池用セパレータは、前記反応ガス流路部及び前記冷却媒体流路部よりも外方の領域である外周縁部を備え、さらに、前記第２燃料電池用セパレータの前記外周縁部の外周が、前記外周縁部に対して略垂直で前記一端面の前記反応ガス流路部が囲繞される方向に折曲された第２折曲部が設けられたものであり、
前記他端面同士が重畳され且つ前記第１折曲部に前記第２折曲部が重畳された状態の前記第１燃料電池用セパレータ及び前記第２燃料電池用セパレータ中、一方の前記反応ガス流路部が載置される第１挟持型と、
重畳された前記第１燃料電池用セパレータ及び前記第２燃料電池用セパレータを、前記第１挟持型とともに挟持する第２挟持型と、
前記第１挟持型及び前記第２挟持型から露呈して略鉛直方向に沿って延在する前記第１折曲部の端部及び前記第２折曲部の端部を巻締めてカール部を設けるためのカール部形成部が形成された巻締め型と、
前記第１折曲部及び前記第２折曲部を間に挟んで前記巻締め型に対向する第１プレス型と、
平坦部を有するとともに、前記カール部を圧潰する際に前記巻締め型に交換されて用いられ、前記カール部を前記第１プレス型とともに前記平坦部で圧潰する第２プレス型とを備えることを特徴とする。
Further, the present invention includes a reaction gas flow path portion in which one end surface is a region in which a reaction gas flow path for flowing a reaction gas is formed, and the other end surface that is the back surface of the one end surface is a cooling medium. The first fuel cell separator and the second fuel cell separator provided with a cooling medium flow path portion, which is a region in which a cooling medium flow path for circulating the refrigerant is formed , are opposed to each other. a bonding apparatus Rousset comparator be joined by,
The first fuel cell separator includes an outer peripheral edge that is an area outside the reactive gas flow path and the cooling medium flow path, and further includes the outer peripheral edge of the first fuel cell separator. A first bent portion that is substantially perpendicular to the outer peripheral edge portion and is bent in a direction in which the cooling medium flow path portion on the other end surface is surrounded ,
Before Stories second fuel cell separator, the includes a peripheral edge portion is a region outward from the reaction gas channel portion and the cooling medium flow passage portion, further, the outer periphery of the second fuel cell separator A second bent portion that is bent in a direction in which the outer periphery of the portion is substantially perpendicular to the outer peripheral edge portion and the reaction gas flow path portion of the one end face is surrounded ,
One of the reaction gases in the first fuel cell separator and the second fuel cell separator in a state where the other end surfaces are overlapped and the second bent portion is overlapped with the first bent portion. A first clamping type on which the flow path portion is placed;
A second clamping type for clamping the first fuel cell separator and the second fuel cell separator superimposed together with the first clamping type;
A curl portion is formed by winding an end portion of the first bent portion and an end portion of the second bent portion, which are exposed from the first and second holding molds and extend along a substantially vertical direction. A winding die in which a curl forming part for providing is formed;
A first press die facing the winding mold with the first bent portion and the second bent portion interposed therebetween;
And a second press die that has a flat portion and is used by being replaced with the winding mold when the curled portion is crushed, and crushes the curled portion together with the first press die at the flat portion. Features.

このような構成とすることにより、第１燃料電池用セパレータ及び第２燃料電池用セパレータの外周縁部同士を液密且つ効率的に接合することが可能になる。   With such a configuration, it is possible to join the outer peripheral edge portions of the first fuel cell separator and the second fuel cell separator to each other in a liquid-tight and efficient manner.

本発明においては、複数個の燃料電池用セパレータの外周縁部を略垂直に折曲することで折曲部を形成し、この折曲部同士を互いに重畳した状態で巻締め型内に導入して前記折曲部の端部同士を巻締めることでカール部を形成し、さらに、このカール部を圧潰することで前記外周縁部同士を接合するようにしている。以上により、複数のセパレータの外周縁部同士を液密且つ効率的に接合することができる。   In the present invention, the outer peripheral edge portions of the plurality of fuel cell separators are bent substantially vertically to form a bent portion, and the bent portions are introduced into the winding die in a state of overlapping each other. The curled portion is formed by winding the ends of the bent portion together, and the curled portion is crushed to join the outer peripheral edge portions. As described above, the outer peripheral edge portions of the plurality of separators can be joined in a liquid-tight and efficient manner.

本実施形態に係る接合方法によって接合した第１セパレータ及び第２セパレータを含む燃料電池の要部概略縦断面図である。It is a principal part schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of the fuel cell containing the 1st separator and the 2nd separator which were joined by the joining method concerning this embodiment. 本実施形態に係る接合装置の第１挟持型と第２挟持型とで反応ガス流路部同士を挟持した状態を示す要部概略縦断面図である。It is a principal part schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the state which clamped reaction gas flow path parts with the 1st clamping type | mold and 2nd clamping type | mold of the joining apparatus which concerns on this embodiment. 図２に示す接合装置のカール部形成部と第２折曲部の湾曲部とを接近させた状態を示す要部概略縦断面図である。It is a principal part schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the state which made the curl part formation part and curved part of the 2nd bending part of the joining apparatus shown in FIG. 2 approached. 図２に示す接合装置によってカール部を形成した状態を示す要部概略縦断面図である。It is a principal part schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the state which formed the curl part with the joining apparatus shown in FIG. 図２に示す接合装置の巻締め型を第２プレス型に交換して、第１プレス型と第２プレス型とでカール部を圧潰した状態を示す要部概略縦断面図である。It is a principal part schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the state which replaced | exchanged the clamping type | mold of the joining apparatus shown in FIG.

以下、本発明に係るセパレータの接合方法及びその接合装置につき好適な実施形態を挙げ、添付の図１〜図５を参照して詳細に説明する。   Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of a separator joining method and a joining apparatus thereof according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

図２〜図５に示すように、本実施形態に係るセパレータの接合装置１０は、第１セパレータ（第１燃料電池用セパレータ）１６及び第２セパレータ（第２燃料電池用セパレータ）１８の外周縁部同士を接合するものである。これら燃料電池用セパレータ１６、１８は、図１に示す燃料電池１２を構成する。   As shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, the separator joining apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment includes an outer peripheral edge of a first separator (first fuel cell separator) 16 and a second separator (second fuel cell separator) 18. The parts are joined together. These fuel cell separators 16 and 18 constitute the fuel cell 12 shown in FIG.

先ず、燃料電池１２につき図１を参照して説明する。   First, the fuel cell 12 will be described with reference to FIG.

この燃料電池１２においては、第１セパレータ１６、電解質・電極構造体２０ａ、中間セパレータ２２、電解質・電極構造体２０ｂ及び第２セパレータ１８によって、２組の単位セル１４ａ、１４ｂを含むユニット１５ａが構成される。すなわち、中間セパレータ２２は、単位セル１４ａの構成部材であると同時に、単位セル１４ｂの構成部材でもある。   In the fuel cell 12, the first separator 16, the electrolyte / electrode structure 20a, the intermediate separator 22, the electrolyte / electrode structure 20b, and the second separator 18 constitute a unit 15a including two sets of unit cells 14a and 14b. Is done. That is, the intermediate separator 22 is not only a constituent member of the unit cell 14a but also a constituent member of the unit cell 14b.

そして、ユニット１５ａに対してユニット１５ｂ、１５ｃ等がさらに積層されることにより、スタックとしての燃料電池１２が構成されている。従って、ユニット１５ａの第１セパレータ１６には、図１における下方に位置するユニット１５ｂの第２セパレータ１８が隣接し、一方、第２セパレータ１８には、上方に位置するユニット１５ｃの第１セパレータ１６が隣接する。なお、ユニット１５ａ〜１５ｃの構成は同一である。   The units 15b and 15c are further stacked on the unit 15a, whereby the fuel cell 12 as a stack is configured. Therefore, the first separator 16 of the unit 15a is adjacent to the second separator 18 of the unit 15b located in the lower part in FIG. 1, while the second separator 18 is adjacent to the first separator 16 of the unit 15c located in the upper part. Are adjacent. The units 15a to 15c have the same configuration.

ユニット１５ａにつき説明すると、第１セパレータ１６には、電解質２８を有する電解質・電極構造体２０ａのアノード電極３０に対して接近又は離間を繰り返す波形状部が形成される。第１セパレータ１６の一方の面１６ａにおいて、アノード電極３０から離間した部分は、水素等の燃料ガスが流通する燃料ガス流路２４（反応ガス流路）である。また、面１６ｂにおいて、アノード電極３０に接近した部分は、隣接する第２セパレータ１８の面１８ａにおいてアノード電極３０から離間した部分（ユニット１５ｂのカソード電極３１に接近した部分）とともに、冷却媒体流路２６を形成する。   The unit 15 a will be described. The first separator 16 is formed with a wave-shaped portion that repeatedly approaches or separates from the anode electrode 30 of the electrolyte / electrode structure 20 a having the electrolyte 28. A portion of the one surface 16a of the first separator 16 that is separated from the anode electrode 30 is a fuel gas passage 24 (reaction gas passage) through which a fuel gas such as hydrogen flows. Further, a portion of the surface 16b that is close to the anode electrode 30 is a cooling medium flow path together with a portion that is separated from the anode electrode 30 on the surface 18a of the adjacent second separator 18 (a portion that is close to the cathode electrode 31 of the unit 15b). 26 is formed.

すなわち、第１セパレータ１６の面１６ａ（一端面）は反応ガス流路が形成された反応ガス流路部を備え、一方、面１６ｂ（他端面）は、冷却媒体流路２６が形成された冷却媒体流路部を備える。
That is, the surface 16a (one end surface) of the first separator 16 is provided with a reaction gas channel portion in which a reaction gas channel is formed, while the surface 16b (other end surface) is cooled in which the cooling medium channel 26 is formed. Ru comprising a medium passage unit.

中間セパレータ２２にも同様に、電解質・電極構造体２０ａのカソード電極３１、電解質・電極構造体２０ｂのアノード電極３０に対して接近又は離間を繰り返す波形状部が形成される。中間セパレータ２２の一方の面２２ａにおいて、カソード電極３１から離間した部分は、空気等の酸化剤ガスが流通する酸化剤ガス流路２５（反応ガス流路）である。また、該中間セパレータ２２の他方の面２２ｂにおいて、アノード電極３０から離間した部分は燃料ガス流路２４（反応ガス流路）である。すなわち、中間セパレータ２２の面２２ａ、２２ｂは双方とも、反応ガス流路が形成された反応ガス流路部を備える。
Similarly, the intermediate separator 22 is also formed with a wave-shaped portion that repeatedly approaches or separates from the cathode electrode 31 of the electrolyte / electrode structure 20a and the anode electrode 30 of the electrolyte / electrode structure 20b. A portion of one surface 22a of the intermediate separator 22 that is separated from the cathode electrode 31 is an oxidant gas passage 25 (reaction gas passage) through which an oxidant gas such as air flows. In addition, a portion of the other surface 22b of the intermediate separator 22 that is separated from the anode electrode 30 is a fuel gas passage 24 (reactive gas passage). That is, the surface 22a of the intermediate separator 22, 22b are both, Ru with a reaction gas flow path portion of the reaction gas channel is formed.

さらに、第２セパレータ１８には、電解質・電極構造体２０ｂのカソード電極３１に対して接近又は離間を繰り返す波形状部が形成される。第２セパレータ１８の一方の面１８ａにおいて、カソード電極３１から離間した部分は、空気等の酸化剤ガスが流通する酸化剤ガス流路２５（反応ガス流路）である。また、面１６ｂにおいて、カソード電極３１に接近した部分は、隣接する第１セパレータ１６の面１６ａにおいてカソード電極３１から離間した部分（ユニット１５ｃのアノード電極３０に接近した部分）とともに、冷却媒体流路２６を形成する。   Further, the second separator 18 is formed with a wave-shaped portion that repeatedly approaches or separates from the cathode electrode 31 of the electrolyte / electrode structure 20b. On the one surface 18 a of the second separator 18, a portion separated from the cathode electrode 31 is an oxidant gas passage 25 (reaction gas passage) through which an oxidant gas such as air flows. Further, a portion of the surface 16b that is close to the cathode electrode 31 is a portion of the surface 16a of the adjacent first separator 16 that is separated from the cathode electrode 31 (a portion that is close to the anode electrode 30 of the unit 15c) and a cooling medium flow path. 26 is formed.

すなわち、第２セパレータ１８の面１８ａ（一端面）は反応ガス流路が形成された反応ガス流路部を備え、一方、面１８ｂ（他端面）は、冷却媒体流路２６が形成された冷却媒体流路部を備える。
That is, the surface 18a (one end surface) of the second separator 18 is provided with a reaction gas channel portion in which a reaction gas channel is formed, while the surface 18b (other end surface) is cooled in which the cooling medium channel 26 is formed. Ru comprising a medium passage unit.

以上の構成において、ユニット１５ａ中の第１セパレータ１６の外周縁部は、ユニット１５ｂの第２セパレータ１８の外周縁部とともに巻締められて締結部６０を形成している。同様に、ユニット１５ａ中の第２セパレータ１８の外周縁部は、ユニット１５ｃの第１セパレータ１６の外周縁部とともに巻締められて締結部６０を形成している。   In the above configuration, the outer peripheral edge portion of the first separator 16 in the unit 15a is wound together with the outer peripheral edge portion of the second separator 18 of the unit 15b to form a fastening portion 60. Similarly, the outer peripheral edge portion of the second separator 18 in the unit 15a is wound together with the outer peripheral edge portion of the first separator 16 of the unit 15c to form a fastening portion 60.

以上のように構成された燃料電池１２を運転する際、面１６ａ、２２ｂに形成された燃料ガス流路２４に対して水素含有ガス（例えば、水素）等の燃料ガスが供給されるとともに、面２２ａ、１８ａに形成された酸化剤ガス流路に対して酸素含有ガス等（例えば、空気）の酸化剤ガスが供給される。また、面１６ｂ、１８ｂに形成される冷却媒体流路２６に対し、純水やエチレングリコール等の冷却媒体が供給される。なお、図１においては、燃料ガス、酸化剤ガス及び冷却媒体の各々を、Ｈ2、Ｏ2、Ｃで表している。
When the fuel cell 12 configured as described above is operated , a fuel gas such as a hydrogen-containing gas (for example, hydrogen) is supplied to the fuel gas passage 24 formed in the surfaces 16a and 22b, and the surface An oxidant gas such as an oxygen-containing gas (for example, air) is supplied to the oxidant gas passage formed in 22a and 18a. A cooling medium such as pure water or ethylene glycol is supplied to the cooling medium flow path 26 formed on the surfaces 16b and 18b. In FIG. 1, each of the fuel gas, the oxidant gas, and the cooling medium is represented by H 2 , O 2 , and C.

燃料ガス流路２４に供給された燃料ガスは、電解質・電極構造体２０ａ、２０ｂの各アノード電極３０に接触し、且つ酸化剤ガス流路２５に供給された酸化剤ガスは、電解質・電極構造体２０ａ、２０ｂのカソード電極３１に接触する。この接触に伴い、各単位セル１４ａ、１４ｂ（ユニット１５ａ〜１５ｃ）において電気化学反応（発電反応）が生起され、その結果、発電が行われる。   The fuel gas supplied to the fuel gas flow path 24 is in contact with the anode electrodes 30 of the electrolyte / electrode structures 20a and 20b, and the oxidant gas supplied to the oxidant gas flow path 25 is the electrolyte / electrode structure. It contacts the cathode electrode 31 of the bodies 20a, 20b. With this contact, an electrochemical reaction (power generation reaction) occurs in each unit cell 14a, 14b (units 15a to 15c), and as a result, power generation is performed.

この間、冷却媒体流路２６に供給された冷却媒体は、電解質・電極構造体２０ａ、２０ｂ等を冷却して、上記の発電反応等によって燃料電池１２の温度が上昇することを抑制する。   During this time, the cooling medium supplied to the cooling medium flow path 26 cools the electrolyte / electrode structures 20a, 20b and the like, and suppresses the temperature of the fuel cell 12 from rising due to the power generation reaction or the like.

ここで、互いに隣接して冷却媒体流路２６を形成する第１セパレータ１６と第２セパレータ１８の外周縁部同士は、上記したように巻締められて締結部６０とされている。このため、第１セパレータ１６と第２セパレータ１８は、互いの間が液密ないし気密に保たれるように接合されている。従って、第１セパレータ１６と第２セパレータ１８の間から冷却媒体が漏洩することが防止される。   Here, the outer peripheral edge portions of the first separator 16 and the second separator 18 that form the cooling medium flow path 26 adjacent to each other are wound together as described above to form a fastening portion 60. For this reason, the 1st separator 16 and the 2nd separator 18 are joined so that between each may be kept liquidtight or airtight. Accordingly, the cooling medium is prevented from leaking from between the first separator 16 and the second separator 18.

図２に示す接合装置１０は、上記した締結部６０を設けることで第１セパレータ１６及び第２セパレータ１８の外周縁部同士を液密（ないし気密）に接合するものである。次に、この接合装置１０の構成につき説明する。   The joining apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 2 joins the outer peripheral edge portions of the first separator 16 and the second separator 18 in a liquid-tight (or air-tight) manner by providing the fastening portion 60 described above. Next, the configuration of the joining apparatus 10 will be described.

図２〜図５に示すように、接合装置１０は、第１挟持型３２と、第２挟持型３４と、巻締め型３６と、第１プレス型３８と、巻締め型３６（図２〜図４参照）に交換して用いられる第２プレス型４０（図５参照）とを有している。なお、図２中の４２、４４、４５、４６は、それぞれ、第１セパレータ１６の外周縁部を折曲して形成された第１折曲部、第２セパレータ１８の外周縁部を折曲して形成された第２折曲部、前記第１折曲部の端部を湾曲して形成された第１湾曲部、前記第２折曲部の端部を湾曲して形成された第２湾曲部を示すが、これらの詳細については後述する。   As shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, the joining apparatus 10 includes a first clamping die 32, a second clamping die 34, a winding clamp 36, a first press mold 38, and a winding clamp 36 (FIG. 2 to FIG. 2). 4) and a second press die 40 (see FIG. 5) that is used in exchange. Note that reference numerals 42, 44, 45, and 46 in FIG. 2 denote a first bent portion formed by bending the outer peripheral edge of the first separator 16, and a bent outer peripheral edge of the second separator 18, respectively. A second bent portion formed by bending the end portion of the first bent portion, and a second bent portion formed by bending the end portion of the second bent portion. A curved portion is shown, and details thereof will be described later.

第１挟持型３２は、互いに重畳された第１セパレータ１６及び第２セパレータ１８の中、第１折曲部４２及び第２折曲部４４（すなわち、外周縁部）以外の部位を載置するためのものであり、図示しない装置本体に対し、コイルスプリング等の弾性部材を介して設置されている。すなわち、第１挟持型３２は、いわゆるフローティング状態である。   The first clamping mold 32 places a portion other than the first bent portion 42 and the second bent portion 44 (that is, the outer peripheral edge portion) in the first separator 16 and the second separator 18 that are overlapped with each other. For this purpose, it is installed on an apparatus main body (not shown) via an elastic member such as a coil spring. That is, the first clamping mold 32 is in a so-called floating state.

第１挟持型３２の上方に対向配置された第２挟持型３４は、互いに重畳された第１セパレータ１６及び第２セパレータ１８の所定の部位（第１折曲部４２及び第２折曲部４４以外の部位）を、第１挟持型３２とともに挟持する。この第２挟持型３４は、図示しない昇降機構（例えば、油圧シリンダ）の作用下に、第１挟持型３２に対して接近又は離間する方向に変位することが可能である。換言すれば、第２挟持型３４は、下降又は上昇可能に設けられている。   The second sandwiching mold 34 disposed above the first sandwiching mold 32 is a predetermined portion of the first separator 16 and the second separator 18 (the first bent portion 42 and the second bent portion 44) that are overlapped with each other. Are clamped together with the first clamping mold 32. The second clamping mold 34 can be displaced in a direction approaching or separating from the first clamping mold 32 under the action of a lifting mechanism (for example, a hydraulic cylinder) (not shown). In other words, the 2nd clamping type | mold 34 is provided so that a fall or raising is possible.

これら第１挟持型３２及び第２挟持型３４の外周には、巻締め型３６と第１プレス型３８とが配置されている。具体的には、第１挟持型３２の側面に沿って延在する第１折曲部４２及び第２折曲部４４の湾曲部４５、４６に対向する位置に巻締め型３６が配置されている。さらに、湾曲部４５、４６を介して巻締め型３６と対向する上方に第１プレス型３８が配置されている。   On the outer periphery of the first clamping mold 32 and the second clamping mold 34, a winding clamping mold 36 and a first press mold 38 are arranged. Specifically, the winding die 36 is disposed at a position facing the curved portions 45 and 46 of the first bent portion 42 and the second bent portion 44 extending along the side surface of the first clamping die 32. Yes. Further, a first press die 38 is disposed above the winding die 36 via the curved portions 45 and 46.

従って、第１折曲部４２及び第２折曲部４４は、巻締め型３６と第１プレス型３８との間に配置されることとなる。   Accordingly, the first bent portion 42 and the second bent portion 44 are disposed between the winding die 36 and the first press die 38.

巻締め型３６には、湾曲部４６に当接することによって、第１折曲部４２及び第２折曲部４４を巻締めてカール部４８（図４参照）を形成するためのカール部形成部３７が設けられている。   A curling portion forming portion for forming a curled portion 48 (see FIG. 4) on the winding die 36 by winding the first bent portion 42 and the second bent portion 44 by contacting the curved portion 46. 37 is provided.

第１プレス型３８は、第２挟持型３４を昇降させる前記昇降機構とは別の図示しない昇降機構（例えば、油圧シリンダ）によって、巻締め型３６に対して接近又は離間する方向に変位することが可能である。すなわち、第１プレス型３８は、第２挟持型３４とは別個に下降又は上昇可能に設けられている。   The first press die 38 is displaced in a direction approaching or separating from the winding die 36 by an elevating mechanism (not shown) different from the elevating mechanism for elevating the second clamping die 34 (for example, a hydraulic cylinder). Is possible. That is, the first press die 38 is provided separately from the second clamping die 34 so as to be lowered or raised.

この第１プレス型３８は、カール部形成部３７及び第１挟持型３２の側面との間に、カール部形成室５０を形成する。すなわち、巻締め型３６とともに、第１折曲部４２及び第２折曲部４４を巻締めてカール部４８を形成する。   The first press die 38 forms a curl forming chamber 50 between the curl forming part 37 and the side surface of the first clamping mold 32. That is, the curled part 48 is formed by winding the first bent part 42 and the second bent part 44 together with the winding mold 36.

第２プレス型４０（図５参照）には、カール部４８を収容するための凹部５２が陥没形成される。この凹部５２の底面は、平坦面である。後述するように、該凹部５２の底面は、カール部４８を第１プレス型３８とともに圧潰して締結部６０を形成するための平坦部である。   In the second press die 40 (see FIG. 5), a recess 52 for accommodating the curled portion 48 is formed to be depressed. The bottom surface of the recess 52 is a flat surface. As will be described later, the bottom surface of the recess 52 is a flat portion for crushing the curled portion 48 together with the first press die 38 to form the fastening portion 60.

この第２プレス型４０は、上記したようにカール部４８が形成された後、巻締め型３６に交換されて配置される。   The second press die 40 is arranged after being replaced with the winding die 36 after the curled portion 48 is formed as described above.

本実施形態に係る接合装置１０は、基本的には以上のように構成されるものであり、次に、その作用効果につき、本実施形態に係るセパレータの接合方法との関係で説明する。   The joining apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment is basically configured as described above. Next, the function and effect will be described in relation to the separator joining method according to the present embodiment.

接合装置１０によって第１セパレータ１６及び第２セパレータ１８の外周縁部同士を接合するに先んじて、各々の外周縁部を折曲することにより、第１折曲部４２、第２折曲部４４を設ける。ここで、第１折曲部４２、第２折曲部４４には、反応ガス流路（燃料ガス流路２４又は酸化剤ガス流路２５）ないし冷却媒体流路２６は含まれない。   Prior to joining the outer peripheral edges of the first separator 16 and the second separator 18 by the joining device 10, the first and second bent parts 42 and 44 are bent by bending the outer peripheral edges. Is provided. Here, the first bent portion 42 and the second bent portion 44 do not include the reaction gas flow path (the fuel gas flow path 24 or the oxidant gas flow path 25) or the cooling medium flow path 26.

すなわち、第１折曲部４２は、第１セパレータ１６の反応ガス流路部及び冷却媒体流路部よりも外方を略垂直に折曲することで形成される。なお、折曲は、冷却媒体流路部が第１折曲部４２によって囲繞される方向に行う。
That is, the first bent portion 42 is formed by bending substantially vertically reactant gas channel portion及 beauty coolant flow portion by Rimosoto side of the first separator 16. The bending is performed in a direction in which the cooling medium flow path portion is surrounded by the first bending portion 42.

一方、第２折曲部４４は、第２セパレータ１８の反応ガス流路部及び冷却媒体流路部よりも外方を略垂直に折曲することで形成される。なお、折曲は、反応ガス流路部が第２折曲部４４によって囲繞される方向に行う。従って、冷却媒体流路部は露呈する。
On the other hand, the second bent portion 44 is formed by bending substantially vertically reactant gas channel portion及 beauty coolant flow portion by Rimosoto side of the second separator 18. The bending is performed in a direction in which the reaction gas flow path portion is surrounded by the second bending portion 44. Therefore, the cooling medium flow path portion is exposed.

第１湾曲部４５、第２湾曲部４６は、これら第１折曲部４２及び第２折曲部４４の端部をそれぞれ湾曲させることによって形成される。   The first bending portion 45 and the second bending portion 46 are formed by bending the end portions of the first bent portion 42 and the second bent portion 44, respectively.

そして、このように第１折曲部４２及び第２折曲部４４を設けた第１セパレータ１６及び第２セパレータ１８の冷却媒体流路部同士を重畳する。これによって、第１折曲部４２の内方に第２折曲部４４が配置される。
Then, superimposed in this way the cooling medium flow path portion the Judges of the first separator 16 and second separator 18 in which a first bent part 42 and the second bent portion 44. Accordingly, the second bent portion 44 is disposed inside the first bent portion 42.

この状態の第１セパレータ１６及び第２セパレータ１８を、反応ガス流路部が第１挟持型３２の上端面に臨み、且つ反応ガス流路部が第２挟持型３４に臨むようにして、第１挟持型３２に載置する。この際、互いに重畳された第１折曲部４２及び第２折曲部４４は、第１挟持型３２の側面を覆うようにして略垂下する。
The first separator 16 and second separator 18 in this state, the reaction gas channel portion faces the upper end surface of the first clamping die 32 and the reaction gas channel portion so as to reach the second clamping-type 34, the first sandwiching Place on the mold 32. At this time, the first bent portion 42 and the second bent portion 44 overlapped with each other substantially hang down so as to cover the side surface of the first clamping mold 32.

以上のようにして反応ガス流路部の所定部位が第１挟持型３２に載置されると、第１折曲部４２及び第２折曲部４４、特に、第１湾曲部４５及び第２湾曲部４６は、巻締め型３６及び第１プレス型３８の間に配置する。
As described above, when the predetermined portion of the reactive gas flow path portion is placed on the first sandwiching mold 32, the first bent portion 42 and the second bent portion 44, particularly, the first bent portion 45 and the second bent portion 45. The bending portion 46 is disposed between the winding die 36 and the first press die 38.

なお、第２セパレータ１８を第１挟持型３２に載置した後、この第２セパレータ１８を覆うようにして第１セパレータ１６を重畳するようにしてもよいことは勿論である。   Of course, after the second separator 18 is placed on the first clamping mold 32, the first separator 16 may be overlapped so as to cover the second separator 18.

ここで、図２から諒解されるように、第２湾曲部４６（第２折曲部４４の端部）は、第１湾曲部４５（第１折曲部４２の端部）から露呈して第２湾曲部４６（第２折曲部４４の端部）は、第１湾曲部４５（第１折曲部４２の端部）よりも巻締め型３６に近接する。このような状態は、第１折曲部４２を第２折曲部４４よりも短尺に設定することで容易に得られる。ただし、第１折曲部４２と第２折曲部４４が同一長さであっても、第２湾曲部４６が第１湾曲部４５よりも巻締め型３６に近接するようであれば特に差し支えはない。   Here, as can be understood from FIG. 2, the second bending portion 46 (the end portion of the second bending portion 44) is exposed from the first bending portion 45 (the end portion of the first bending portion 42). The second bending portion 46 (the end portion of the second bending portion 44) is closer to the winding die 36 than the first bending portion 45 (the end portion of the first bending portion 42). Such a state can be easily obtained by setting the first bent portion 42 to be shorter than the second bent portion 44. However, even if the first bent portion 42 and the second bent portion 44 have the same length, the second bent portion 46 is particularly safe as long as the second bent portion 46 is closer to the winding die 36 than the first bent portion 45. There is no.

次に、前記昇降機構の作用下に第２挟持型３４を下降する。その結果、第１セパレータ１６及び第２セパレータ１８の面１６ａ、１８ａは、第１折曲部４２及び第２折曲部４４以外の部位が、第１挟持型３２と第２挟持型３４で挟持される。この状態が、図２に示されている。
Next, the second clamping mold 34 is lowered under the action of the lifting mechanism. As a result, the surfaces 16 a and 18 a of the first separator 16 and the second separator 18 are sandwiched between the first sandwiching mold 32 and the second sandwiching mold 34 except for the first folded portion 42 and the second folded portion 44. Is done. This state is shown in FIG.

第２挟持型３４の下降を続行すると、第１挟持型３２がフローティング状態であるので、該第１挟持型３２が第２挟持型３４に追従して下降する。このため、第１湾曲部４５、第２湾曲部４６が巻締め型３６のカール部形成部３７に対して接近する。その一方で、前記別の昇降機構の作用下に第１プレス型３８を下降する。   If the lowering of the second clamping mold 34 is continued, the first clamping mold 32 is in a floating state, and therefore the first clamping mold 32 descends following the second clamping mold 34. For this reason, the first bending portion 45 and the second bending portion 46 approach the curl forming portion 37 of the winding die 36. On the other hand, the first press die 38 is lowered under the action of the separate lifting mechanism.

以上のような動作が営まれると、図３に示すように、先ず、カール部形成部３７に第２折曲部４４の第２湾曲部４６が導入される。これによって、第２湾曲部４６がカール部形成部３７の形状に倣ってさらに湾曲し始める。   When the operation as described above is performed, as shown in FIG. 3, first, the second bending portion 46 of the second bent portion 44 is introduced into the curl portion forming portion 37. As a result, the second bending portion 46 starts to bend further following the shape of the curl portion forming portion 37.

第２挟持型３４の下降がさらに継続されると、第２湾曲部４６が第１湾曲部４５を巻き込みながら湾曲する。この際、図４に示すように、第１プレス型３８がカール部形成部３７を閉塞し、カール部形成部３７及び第１挟持型３２の側面との間に、カール部形成室５０を形成する。   When the lowering of the second clamping mold 34 is further continued, the second bending portion 46 is bent while the first bending portion 45 is involved. At this time, as shown in FIG. 4, the first press die 38 closes the curled portion forming portion 37, and a curled portion forming chamber 50 is formed between the curled portion forming portion 37 and the side surface of the first clamping die 32. To do.

カール部形成室５０内において、カール部形成部３７に当接することで湾曲した第２湾曲部４６の先端が第１プレス型３８に接触する。これによって、第２湾曲部４６が第１湾曲部４５を巻き込みながらさらに湾曲方向の内側に向かうように成形される。その結果、第１折曲部４２及び第２折曲部４４の一部が巻締められてカール部４８が形成される。   In the curled part forming chamber 50, the tip of the second curved part 46 that is curved by contacting the curled part forming part 37 contacts the first press die 38. As a result, the second bending portion 46 is shaped so as to go further inward in the bending direction while winding the first bending portion 45. As a result, a part of the first bent part 42 and the second bent part 44 is wound and the curled part 48 is formed.

ここで、第１折曲部４２が第２折曲部４４に比して短尺に設けられる等して、第２湾曲部４６が第１湾曲部４５よりも巻締め型３６に近接している。このため、カール部形成部３７の形状に倣って第２湾曲部４６がさらに湾曲形成される際、その内部に第１湾曲部４５を良好に巻き込むことができる。   Here, the second bending portion 46 is closer to the winding die 36 than the first bending portion 45, for example, because the first bending portion 42 is provided shorter than the second bending portion 44. . For this reason, when the 2nd bending part 46 is further curvedly formed according to the shape of the curl part formation part 37, the 1st bending part 45 can be favorably wound in the inside.

また、第１折曲部４２の端部及び第２折曲部４４の端部には、予め第１湾曲部４５、第２湾曲部４６が設けられている。このため、特に第２湾曲部４６を巻締め型３６のカール部形成部３７に円滑に導入して湾曲成形することができる。第１湾曲部４５についても同様に、第２湾曲部４６の内部に円滑に巻き込んで湾曲成形することができる。従って、第１折曲部４２及び第２折曲部４４を良好に巻締めて効率的にカール部４８を形成することができる。   A first bending portion 45 and a second bending portion 46 are provided in advance at the end of the first bent portion 42 and the end of the second bent portion 44. For this reason, in particular, the second bending portion 46 can be smoothly introduced into the curled portion forming portion 37 of the winding die 36 to be bent. Similarly, the first bending portion 45 can be smoothly wound into the second bending portion 46 and bent. Accordingly, the curled portion 48 can be efficiently formed by winding the first bent portion 42 and the second bent portion 44 well.

以上のような理由から、第１折曲部４２及び第２折曲部４４を容易に且つ効率的に巻締めてカール部４８を形成することができる。   For the reasons described above, the curled portion 48 can be formed by easily and efficiently winding the first bent portion 42 and the second bent portion 44.

このようにしてカール部４８を形成した後、第１プレス型３８を一旦上昇させる。そして、次に、図５に示すように、巻締め型３６を第２プレス型４０に交換し、凹部５２にカール部４８を収容する。この状態で、第１プレス型３８を再度下降させる。   After the curl portion 48 is formed in this way, the first press die 38 is once raised. Next, as shown in FIG. 5, the winding die 36 is replaced with the second press die 40, and the curled portion 48 is accommodated in the recess 52. In this state, the first press die 38 is lowered again.

凹部５２の底面が平坦面であり、且つ第１プレス型３８の下端面も平坦面であるので、カール部４８が平坦となるように圧潰される。これにより、締結部６０が形成される。   Since the bottom surface of the recess 52 is a flat surface and the lower end surface of the first press die 38 is also a flat surface, the curled portion 48 is crushed so as to be flat. Thereby, the fastening part 60 is formed.

以上によって、第１セパレータ１６と第２セパレータ１８の外周縁部同士を接合することができる。すなわち、このセパレータの接合方法では、第１セパレータ１６及び第２セパレータ１８の外周縁部全体を同時に巻締めてカール部４８を形成し、該カール部４８を圧潰して締結部６０とすることで、前記外周縁部全体を同時に且つ液密性（気密性）を有するように接合することができる。   By the above, the outer peripheral edge parts of the 1st separator 16 and the 2nd separator 18 can be joined. That is, in this separator joining method, the entire outer peripheral edge portions of the first separator 16 and the second separator 18 are simultaneously wound to form the curled portion 48, and the curled portion 48 is crushed to form the fastening portion 60. The entire outer peripheral edge can be joined at the same time so as to have liquid tightness (air tightness).

このため、例えば、第１セパレータ１６及び第２セパレータ１８の外周縁部の一辺ごとに折曲加工を行うことによって前記外周縁部を接合するような場合に比して、容易に且つ短時間で効率的に前記外周縁部の全てを接合することができる。   For this reason, for example, compared with the case where the outer peripheral edge part is joined by bending each side of the outer peripheral edge part of the first separator 16 and the second separator 18, it is easier and shorter. All of the outer peripheral edge portions can be joined efficiently.

また、上記の通り、巻締め型３６又は第２プレス型４０に対して、第１挟持型３２、第２挟持型３４及び第１プレス型３８を相対的に移動させる工程、いわゆるプレス加工と同様の工程によって前記外周縁部同士を接合することができる。このため、第１燃料電池用セパレータ及び第２燃料電池用セパレータの外周縁部の形状が比較的複雑であっても、簡便且つ効率的に接合することができる。その上、接合装置１０を簡素な構成とすることができる。   Also, as described above, the process of moving the first clamping mold 32, the second clamping mold 34, and the first press mold 38 relative to the winding mold 36 or the second press mold 40, the same as the so-called press working. The outer peripheral edge portions can be joined to each other by the process. For this reason, even if the shape of the outer peripheral edge part of the 1st fuel cell separator and the 2nd fuel cell separator is comparatively complicated, it can be simply and efficiently joined. In addition, the joining device 10 can have a simple configuration.

なお、上記のようにして接合された第１セパレータ１６及び第２セパレータ１８の外周縁部では、例えば何れかの箇所を切断することで、冷却媒体流路２６に冷却媒体を供給するための供給口を設けることができる。又は、第１セパレータ１６及び第２セパレータ１８の外周縁部の一部を意図的に巻締めず、ここに供給口を設けるようにしてもよい。   In addition, in the outer peripheral edge part of the 1st separator 16 and the 2nd separator 18 joined as mentioned above, the supply for supplying a cooling medium to the cooling medium flow path 26 by cut | disconnecting any location, for example A mouth can be provided. Or you may make it provide a supply port here, without winding up part of the outer-periphery edge part of the 1st separator 16 and the 2nd separator 18 intentionally.

本発明は、上記した実施形態に特に限定されるものではなく、その要旨を逸脱しない範囲で種々の変形が可能である。   The present invention is not particularly limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

例えば、上記の実施形態に係る接合装置１０について、図２〜図５の例示では、第１挟持型３２、巻締め型３６及び第２プレス型４０を下方に配置するとともに、第２挟持型３４及び第１プレス型３８を上方に配置するようにしているが、その逆に配置するようにしてもよい。また、巻締め型３６を移動させる構成とすることも可能である。   For example, with respect to the joining apparatus 10 according to the above-described embodiment, in the illustration of FIGS. 2 to 5, the first clamping mold 32, the winding clamping mold 36, and the second pressing mold 40 are disposed below and the second clamping mold 34. Although the first press die 38 is arranged at the upper side, it may be arranged in the reverse manner. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the winding die 36 is moved.

さらに、電解質２８は、例えば、固体高分子からなるものであってもよいし、酸化物イオン伝導体からなるものであってもよい。   Furthermore, the electrolyte 28 may be made of, for example, a solid polymer or may be made of an oxide ion conductor.

１０…接合装置 １２…燃料電池
１４ａ、１４ｂ…単位セル １５ａ〜１５ｃ…ユニット
１６…第１セパレータ
１６ａ、１６ｂ、１８ａ、１８ｂ、２２ａ、２２ｂ…面
１８…第２セパレータ
２０ａ、２０ｂ…電解質・電極構造体 ２２…中間セパレータ
２４…燃料ガス流路 ２５…酸化剤ガス流路
２６…冷却媒体流路 ２８…電解質
３０…アノード電極 ３１…カソード電極
３２…第１挟持型 ３４…第２挟持型
３６…巻締め型 ３７…カール部形成部
３８…第１プレス型 ４０…第２プレス型
４２…第１折曲部 ４４…第２折曲部
４５…第１湾曲部 ４６…第２湾曲部
４８…カール部 ５０…カール部形成室
５２…凹部 ６０…締結部
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Joining device 12 ... Fuel cell 14a, 14b ... Unit cell 15a-15c ... Unit 16 ... 1st separator 16a, 16b , 18a, 18b , 22a, 22b ... surface
1 8 ... second separators 20a, 20b ... electrolyte electrode assembly 22 ... intermediate separator 24 ... fuel gas passage 25 ... oxidant gas channel 26 ... coolant flow 28 ... electrolyte 30 ... anode electrode 31 ... cathode electrode 32 First clamping die 34 Second clamping die 36 Clamping die 37 Curled portion forming portion 38 First press die 40 Second press die 42 First bent portion 44 Second bent portion 45 1st bending part 46 ... 2nd bending part 48 ... Curl part 50 ... Curl part formation chamber 52 ... Concave part 60 ... Fastening part

Claims (4)

一端面が、反応ガスを流通するための反応ガス流路が形成された領域である反応ガス流路部を備え、且つ前記一端面の裏面である他端面が、冷却媒体を流通するための冷却媒体流路が形成された領域である冷却媒体流路部を備えた第１燃料電池用セパレータ及び第２燃料電池用セパレータを、それぞれの前記冷却媒体流路部同士を対向させて接合するセパレータの接合方法であって、
前記第１燃料電池用セパレータ及び前記第２燃料電池用セパレータは、前記反応ガス流路部及び前記冷却媒体流路部よりも外方の領域である外周縁部を備え、
前記第１燃料電池用セパレータの前記外周縁部の外周を、前記外周縁部に対して略垂直で前記他端面の前記冷却媒体流路部が囲繞される方向に折曲して第１折曲部を形成する一方、前記第２燃料電池用セパレータの前記外周縁部の外周を、前記外周縁部に対して略垂直で前記一端面の前記反応ガス流路部が囲繞される方向に折曲して第２折曲部を形成する工程と、
前記第１燃料電池用セパレータ及び前記第２燃料電池用セパレータの前記他端面同士を重畳し且つ前記第１折曲部に前記第２折曲部を重畳した状態で、前記一端面同士を第１挟持型及び第２挟持型で挟持するとともに、前記第１挟持型及び前記第２挟持型から露呈して略鉛直に沿って延在する前記第１折曲部及び前記第２折曲部を巻締め型及び第１プレス型の間に配置する工程と、
前記第１挟持型、前記第２挟持型及び前記第１プレス型に対して前記巻締め型を相対的に移動させ、前記第１折曲部の端部よりも前記巻締め型に近接する前記第２折曲部の端部を前記巻締め型のカール部形成部に導入して、該第２折曲部の端部を、前記第１折曲部の端部を巻き込みながら前記カール部形成部の形状に倣う形状に湾曲成形することで、前記第１折曲部及び前記第２折曲部を巻締めてカール部を設ける工程と、
前記巻締め型を、平坦部を有する第２プレス型に交換し、前記カール部を前記第２プレス型の前記平坦部と前記第１プレス型で圧潰する工程と、
を有することを特徴とするセパレータの接合方法。 One end surface is provided with a reaction gas flow path portion that is a region in which a reaction gas flow path for flowing a reaction gas is formed, and the other end face that is the back surface of the one end face is cooled for flowing a cooling medium. A separator for joining a separator for a first fuel cell and a separator for a second fuel cell , each having a cooling medium flow path portion, which is a region where a medium flow path is formed , with the cooling medium flow path portions facing each other . A joining method,
The first fuel cell separator and the second fuel cell separator each include an outer peripheral edge that is an outer region than the reaction gas flow channel and the cooling medium flow channel.
Wherein the outer periphery of the outer peripheral edge portion, the first bent by bending in a direction in which the coolant flow field portion of the other end face substantially perpendicular is surrounded to the outer periphery of the first fuel cell separator while parts that form a, said outer periphery of said outer peripheral edge portion of the second fuel cell separator, folding in the direction of the reaction gas channel portion of the end face is surrounded by substantially perpendicular to the outer peripheral portion a step that form a second folded portion and songs,
While superimposing the superimposing the other end faces and said second bent portion to the first bent portion of the first fuel cell separator and the second fuel cell separator, the said end faces The first folding part and the second folding part are sandwiched between the first clamping type and the second clamping type, and are exposed from the first clamping type and the second clamping type and extend substantially vertically. Placing between the clamping mold and the first press mold;
The winding clamping mold is moved relative to the first clamping mold, the second clamping mold, and the first press mold, and is closer to the winding clamping mold than the end of the first bent portion. An end portion of the second bent portion is introduced into the curled portion forming portion of the winding mold, and the curled portion is formed while the end portion of the second bent portion is wound around the end portion of the first bent portion. A step of curling the first bent portion and the second bent portion to form a curled portion by bending the shape into a shape that follows the shape of the portion;
Replacing the clamping die with a second press die having a flat portion, and crushing the curled portion with the flat portion of the second press die and the first press die;
A separator joining method characterized by comprising: 請求項１記載の接合方法において、前記第１折曲部を、前記第２折曲部に比して短尺に設けることを特徴とするセパレータの接合方法。   The joining method according to claim 1, wherein the first bent portion is provided shorter than the second bent portion. 請求項１又は２記載の接合方法において、前記カール部を設ける前に、前記第１折曲部の端部及び前記第２折曲部の端部を予め湾曲させることを特徴とするセパレータの接合方法。   3. The joining method according to claim 1, wherein the end of the first bent portion and the end of the second bent portion are curved in advance before the curled portion is provided. Method. 一端面が、反応ガスを流通するための反応ガス流路が形成された領域である反応ガス流路部を備え、且つ前記一端面の裏面である他端面が、冷却媒体を流通するための冷却媒体流路が形成された領域である冷却媒体流路部を備えた第１燃料電池用セパレータ及び第２燃料電池用セパレータを、それぞれの前記冷却媒体流路部同士を対向させて接合するセパレータの接合装置であって、
前記第１燃料電池用セパレータは、前記反応ガス流路部及び前記冷却媒体流路部よりも外方の領域である外周縁部を備え、さらに、前記第１燃料電池用セパレータの前記外周縁部の外周が、前記外周縁部に対して略垂直で前記他端面の前記冷却媒体流路部が囲繞される方向に折曲された第１折曲部が設けられ、
前記第２燃料電池用セパレータは、前記反応ガス流路部及び前記冷却媒体流路部よりも外方の領域である外周縁部を備え、さらに、前記第２燃料電池用セパレータの前記外周縁部の外周が、前記外周縁部に対して略垂直で前記一端面の前記反応ガス流路部が囲繞される方向に折曲された第２折曲部が設けられたものであり、
前記他端面同士が重畳され且つ前記第１折曲部に前記第２折曲部が重畳された状態の前記第１燃料電池用セパレータ及び前記第２燃料電池用セパレータ中、一方の前記反応ガス流路部が載置される第１挟持型と、
重畳された前記第１燃料電池用セパレータ及び前記第２燃料電池用セパレータを、前記第１挟持型とともに挟持する第２挟持型と、
前記第１挟持型及び前記第２挟持型から露呈して略鉛直方向に沿って延在する前記第１折曲部の端部及び前記第２折曲部の端部を巻締めてカール部を設けるためのカール部形成部が形成された巻締め型と、
前記第１折曲部及び前記第２折曲部を間に挟んで前記巻締め型に対向する第１プレス型と、
平坦部を有するとともに、前記カール部を圧潰する際に前記巻締め型に交換されて用いられ、前記カール部を前記第１プレス型とともに前記平坦部で圧潰する第２プレス型と、
を備えることを特徴とするセパレータの接合装置。
One end surface is provided with a reaction gas flow path portion that is a region in which a reaction gas flow path for flowing a reaction gas is formed, and the other end face that is the back surface of the one end face is cooled for flowing a cooling medium. Rousset be joined by the first fuel cell separator and a second separator for a fuel cell with a cooling medium flow path portion is a region where the medium flow path is formed, to face each of the cooling medium flow path portions A connecting device for a pallet,
The first fuel cell separator includes an outer peripheral edge that is an area outside the reactive gas flow path and the cooling medium flow path, and further includes the outer peripheral edge of the first fuel cell separator. A first bent portion that is substantially perpendicular to the outer peripheral edge portion and is bent in a direction in which the cooling medium flow path portion on the other end surface is surrounded ,
Before Stories second fuel cell separator, the includes a peripheral edge portion is a region outward from the reaction gas channel portion and the cooling medium flow passage portion, further, the outer periphery of the second fuel cell separator A second bent portion that is bent in a direction in which the outer periphery of the portion is substantially perpendicular to the outer peripheral edge portion and the reaction gas flow path portion of the one end face is surrounded ,
One of the reaction gases in the first fuel cell separator and the second fuel cell separator in a state where the other end surfaces are overlapped and the second bent portion is overlapped with the first bent portion. A first clamping type on which the flow path portion is placed;
A second clamping type for clamping the first fuel cell separator and the second fuel cell separator superimposed together with the first clamping type;
A curl portion is formed by winding an end portion of the first bent portion and an end portion of the second bent portion, which are exposed from the first and second holding molds and extend along a substantially vertical direction. A winding die in which a curl forming part for providing is formed;
A first press die facing the winding mold with the first bent portion and the second bent portion interposed therebetween;
A second press die that has a flat portion and is used by being replaced with the winding mold when crushing the curled portion, and crushing the curled portion together with the first press die at the flat portion;
A separator joining apparatus comprising:
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