JP6237271B2 - Manufacturing apparatus for metal separator for fuel cell and manufacturing method for metal separator for fuel cell - Google Patents

Description

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

  In recent years, fuel cells have attracted attention as a power source with a low environmental load. A fuel cell causes a chemical reaction with fuel gas (hydrogen) and oxidant gas (air or pure oxygen) supplied from the outside, and converts the generated chemical energy into electric energy. In a fuel cell, since the substance produced by the chemical reaction is water in principle, there is almost no adverse effect on the global environment.

  The fuel cell is configured by alternately laminating metal separators and membrane electrode assemblies. In order to reduce the height in the stacking direction of the fuel cell, the metal separator is formed in a thin plate shape. A thin metal separator is manufactured by press-molding a thin base material, and warping and bending remain.

  Therefore, when the metal separator and the membrane electrode assembly are alternately laminated, there is a possibility that the position is relatively shifted. On the other hand, whether or not the position of the metal separator can be accurately detected greatly affects the yield related to the production of fuel cells. In particular, in order to obtain a high-output fuel cell, the number of stacked metal separators and membrane electrode assemblies is increased. Therefore, the position of the metal separator is detected and processed with high accuracy to constitute the fuel cell. This greatly contributes to the unit yield.

  For this reason, the position of the metal separator is detected by detecting the outer shape of the metal separator using a laser method or an image sensing method. However, since the metal separator is held by a suction chuck that does not necessarily have a sufficient gripping force, it is difficult to sufficiently remove warping and bending, and the position of the metal separator cannot be accurately detected and processed. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).

JP 2006-164881 A

  Therefore, even in the case of a thin plate-like metal separator, it is possible to improve the yield related to the production of the units constituting the fuel cell by sufficiently removing warping and bending, and detecting and processing the position with high accuracy. Technology is required.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and is a fuel capable of accurately detecting the position of a metal separator even when it is a thin metal separator that is susceptible to warping and bending. An object of the present invention is to provide a manufacturing apparatus for a metal separator for a battery and a manufacturing method for a metal separator for a fuel cell.

An apparatus for manufacturing a metal separator for a fuel cell according to the present invention that achieves the above object includes a mark forming portion, a tension portion, a positioning portion, and a processing portion. The mark forming part forms a mark serving as a reference for position detection on at least one of gripping parts provided at opposite ends of each metal separator for a fuel cell before being cut from a thin plate-like substrate. To do. The tension portion grips a portion of the gripping portion of each of the metal separators that is not formed with the mark by the gripping member after being cut together with the mark from the base material on which the mark is formed. The metal separator is pulled outward with the parts separated from each other. The positioning unit detects the position of the metal separator based on the mark of each of the metal separators in a state of being pulled by the tension unit, and corrects the position by individually moving each of the metal separators. The said process part processes each said metal separator by which the position was correct | amended.

The manufacturing method of the metal separator for fuel cells of this invention has a mark formation process and a process process. In the mark forming step, a mark serving as a reference for position detection is formed on at least one of gripping portions provided at opposite ends of each metal separator for a fuel cell before being cut from a thin plate-like base material. To do. In the processing step, the part where the mark is not formed of the grip part of each of the metal separators after being cut together with the mark from the base material on which the mark is formed , and pulling outward, After detecting the position of each of the metal separators based on the mark and correcting the position by individually moving the metal separators, each metal separator is processed.

  In the manufacturing apparatus and manufacturing method of a metal separator for a fuel cell, since a mark is formed on the gripping portion of the metal separator before being cut from the thin plate-like substrate, the metal separator is free from warping or bending. Marks can be formed with high accuracy. Furthermore, by pulling the grips provided at both ends of the metal separator, the position of the metal separator can be accurately detected based on the marks formed on the grips without being affected by warping or bending. Processing can be performed after individually moving and correcting the position. Therefore, even a thin plate-like metal separator that easily warps and bends can be processed by accurately detecting the position of the metal separator, so that the yield for producing the fuel cell can be improved.

It is a perspective view which shows the manufacturing apparatus of the metal separator for fuel cells which concerns on embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the state which forms the mark in the metal separator by the mark formation part, forming the metal separator from the elongate base material by the shape process part of the manufacturing apparatus of FIG. It is a side view which shows the structure of FIG. 2 along a conveyance direction. It is a perspective view which shows the state which has processed the metal separator by the assembly process part, after positioning a metal separator by the positioning part of the manufacturing apparatus of FIG. It is a side view which shows the structure which concerns on the positioning part among FIG. 4 along the direction which cross | intersected the conveyance direction. It is a side view which shows the structure which concerns on an assembly process part among FIG. 4 along the direction which cross | intersected the conveyance direction. It is a perspective view which shows the state which has pulled the metal separator with the tension | pulling part of the manufacturing apparatus of FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows typically the tension | pulling part of FIG. 7 from 8-8 line. It is a side view which shows the structure of FIG. 7 along the direction which cross | intersected the conveyance direction. It is a disassembled perspective view which decomposes | disassembles and shows the structure of FIG. 7 for every principal part. It is a perspective view which shows the manufacturing apparatus of the metal separator for fuel cells which concerns on the modification of embodiment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted. The dimensional ratios in the drawings are exaggerated for convenience of explanation, and are different from the actual ratios. 1 to 11, the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction are indicated by arrows, respectively. The X direction indicates the conveyance direction of the metal separator 10. The Y direction indicates a direction intersecting with the conveying direction of the metal separator 10. The Z direction indicates the stacking direction of the metal separator 10.

(Embodiment)
An apparatus 100 for manufacturing a metal separator 10 for a fuel cell is used in the manufacture of a fuel cell. The metal separator 10 is an area that becomes a molded product after an unevenness serving as a flow path 10g and a through-hole serving as a manifold hole (for example, an anode gas supply port 10a) are formed on a long thin plate-like substrate 1. Is stamped and molded. The conveyance part 140 conveys each metal separator 10 after shaping | molding separately to the lamination process stage laminated | stacked alternately with a membrane electrode assembly. Metal separators 10 are alternately stacked with membrane electrode assemblies to form a fuel cell.

  The manufacturing apparatus 100 includes a mark forming unit 130, a tension unit 110, a positioning unit 150, and a processing unit (for example, an assembly processing unit 160). The mark forming part 130 forms a mark 10p for position detection on at least one of the gripping parts 10h provided at opposite ends of the metal separator 10 for the fuel cell before being cut from the thin plate-like substrate 1. To do. The tension part 110 grips the grip part 10h with a grip member (clamp 111), separates the grip parts 10h from each other, and pulls the metal separator 10 outward. The positioning unit 150 detects the position of the metal separator 10 based on the mark 10p of the metal separator 10 that is pulled by the pulling unit 110, and corrects the position corresponding to each metal separator 10 individually. The processing unit (for example, the assembly processing unit 160) processes the metal separator 10 whose position has been corrected.

  Furthermore, the manufacturing apparatus 100 includes a shape processing unit 120, a transport unit 140, and a control unit 170. The shape processing unit 120 forms the metal separator 10 by processing the long base material 1 into a predetermined shape. The transport unit 140 transports the metal separator 10 via the tension unit 110. The control unit 170 controls each of the shape processing unit 120, the mark forming unit 130, the transport unit 140, the positioning unit 150, and the assembly processing unit 160.

  First, with reference to FIG. 10, the metal separator 10 processed after position detection using the manufacturing apparatus 100 is demonstrated.

  FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view showing a state in which the metal separator 10 is being pulled by the pulling portion 110 of the manufacturing apparatus 100 of FIG.

  The metal separator 10 energizes the electric power generated in the membrane electrode assembly while isolating adjacent membrane electrode assemblies, and further circulates the medium and the cooling water. The metal separator 10 has a thin plate shape and has a conductive material. The metal separator 10 includes gripping portions 10h that are gripped by the pulling portions 110 and pulled outward at opposite ends. The metal separator 10 in the illustrated example includes gripping portions 10h at both ends in the longitudinal direction. A cross-shaped mark 10p is formed on the grip portion 10h.

  The metal separator 10 is formed by, for example, pressing a stainless steel plate. 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. When the metal separator 10 is an anode separator, the metal separator 10 is laminated in contact with the anode of the membrane electrode assembly. When the metal separator 10 is a cathode side separator, the metal separator 10 is laminated in contact with the cathode of the membrane electrode assembly.

  In the center of the metal separator 10, a flow path 10g is formed to flow the medium and the cooling water apart. The flow path 10g is configured by providing a plurality of concave and convex shapes at regular intervals. When the metal separator 10 is an anode side separator, fuel gas (hydrogen) is used as a medium. When the metal separator 10 is a cathode side separator, an oxidant gas (air or pure oxygen) is used as a medium.

  The metal separator 10 has a rectangular shape, and has a through-hole corresponding to the anode gas supply port 10a, the cooling fluid supply port 10b, and the cathode gas supply port 10c at one end in the longitudinal direction. Similarly, the metal separator 10 has through holes corresponding to the cathode gas discharge port 10d, the cooling fluid discharge port 10e, and the anode gas discharge port 10f at the other end in the longitudinal direction.

  Next, with reference to FIGS. 1-10, the structure of the manufacturing apparatus 100 which actualized the manufacturing method of the metal separator 10, and its manufacturing method is demonstrated.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an apparatus 100 for manufacturing a metal separator 10 for a fuel cell. FIG. 2 shows a state in which the mark 10p is formed on the metal separator 10 by the mark forming unit 130 while the metal separator 10 is formed from the long base material 1 by the shape processing unit 120 of the manufacturing apparatus 100 of FIG. It is a perspective view. FIG. 3 is a side view showing the configuration of FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a state in which the metal separator 10 is processed by the assembly processing unit 160 after the metal separator 10 is positioned by the positioning unit 150 of the manufacturing apparatus 100 of FIG. FIG. 5 is a side view showing the configuration related to the positioning unit 150 in FIG. 4 along the direction Y intersecting the transport direction X. FIG. 6 is a side view showing the configuration related to the assembly processing unit 160 in FIG. 4 along the direction Y intersecting the transport direction X. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a state in which the metal separator 10 is being pulled by the pulling portion 110 of the manufacturing apparatus 100 of FIG. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the tension portion of FIG. 7 from line 8-8. FIG. 9 is a side view showing the configuration of FIG. 7 along a direction Y intersecting the transport direction X. FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of FIG.

  The configuration of the shape processing unit 120 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  The shape processing unit 120 includes a fixed mold 121 and a movable mold 122. The fixed mold 121 and the movable mold 122 are attached so that a plurality of sets of molds 121 a to 121 f and 122 a to 122 f forming the metal separator 10 from the long base 1 are opposed to each other. The elongated base material 1 is disposed between the fixed mold 121 and the movable mold 122 so as to be movable along the transport direction X. Each time the movable mold 122 is brought into contact with and separated from the fixed mold 121, the base material 1 is moved from one mold to another adjacent mold. As the molds 121a to 121f and 122a to 122f, those generally used for forming irregularities and through holes with respect to the substrate 1 are used. The molds 121a to 121f and 122a to 122f are located at regular intervals along the downstream side from the upstream side in the transport direction X of the base material 1.

  First, the shape processing unit 120 forms a locating hole 1m for positioning on the base material 1 using the molds 121a and 122a. Next, the uneven flow path 10g in the active area of the metal separator 10 is formed by the molds 121b and 122b. Next, manifold holes (anode gas supply port 10a to anode gas discharge port 10f) for supplying and discharging gas and cooling water are formed by the molds 121c and 122c. Thereafter, the outer peripheral edge of the portion that becomes the metal separator 10 is punched by the molds 121d and 122d to open the punching hole 1n. The metal separator 10 punched out from the substrate 1 is attached to the tension part 110.

  The structure of the mark formation part 130 is demonstrated referring FIGS. 1-3.

  The laser marking unit 131 of the mark forming unit 130 is constituted by a carbon dioxide laser, for example. One laser marking unit 131 is located above the shape processing unit 120 (corresponding to the stacking direction Z) and on both sides of the metal separator 10 in the longitudinal direction (direction Y intersecting the transport direction X). They are arranged one by one. More specifically, the laser marking unit 131 is located downstream of the molds 121c and 122c forming the manifold holes (the anode gas supply port 10a to the anode gas discharge port 10f) in the shape processing unit 120 along the transport direction X. In addition, it is disposed upstream of the molds 121d and 122d that open the punching hole 1n along the transport direction X. That is, the laser marking unit 131 has a mark 10p on the holding portion 10h of the metal separator 10 immediately before the outer peripheral edge of the portion that becomes the metal separator 10 is punched from the base material 1 by the shape processing portion 120 and the punching hole 1n is opened. Form.

  The laser marking unit 131 irradiates the grasped portion 10h of the metal separator 10 with the derived laser beam L1, and dissolves the irradiated portion to form the mark 10p. The laser marking unit 131 guides the laser light L1 to the metal separator 10 through the notch 122e of the moving mold 122 in order to avoid interference with the moving mold 122. The laser marking unit 131 scans the grasping part 10h with the laser light L1 to form, for example, a cross-shaped mark 10p.

  The laser marking unit 131 may form one mark 10p at the center of the holding part 10h of the metal separator 10, or may form a plurality of marks 10p along the short direction of the holding part 10h of the metal separator 10. Also good. The shape and position of the mark formed by the laser marking unit 131 is determined by the mark detection accuracy in the positioning unit 150 and the like. For example, the mark may be formed in an L shape, and four marks may be formed so as to be close to the contact members 111a of the four clamps 111, respectively.

  The mark 10p can also be formed on the base material 1 before being processed by the shape processing unit 120 using the laser marking unit 132. In this case, as shown in FIG. 1, the laser marking unit 132 is adjacent to the downstream side along the conveyance direction X of the molds 121 a and 122 a that form the positioning locate holes 1 m in the base material 1. Arrange. The specifications of the laser marking unit 132 are the same as the specifications of the laser marking unit 131.

  The structure of the tension | pulling part 110 is demonstrated referring FIG. 1 and FIGS.

  The clamp 111 of the pulling unit 110 holds the holding part 10h of the metal separator 10 with the first fixed base 112 or the first moving base 113. The clamps 111 are disposed on the upper surfaces of the first fixed base 112 and the first moving base 113, respectively. The clamp 111 includes, for example, a contact member 111a, a rotation support member 111b, and a compression spring 111c. The abutting member 111a is formed in a plate shape, one end abuts on the gripping portion 10h of the metal separator 10, and the other end opposed to the one end is urged by a compression spring 111c. The rotation support member 111b is disposed at the center of one end and the other end of the contact member 111a, and supports the contact member 111a so as to be rotatable within a predetermined range. The rotation support member 111 b is bonded to the upper surface of the first fixed base 112 or the first moving base 113. The compression spring 111c corresponds to a so-called push spring. The compression spring 111c is formed in a spiral shape and can be expanded and contracted. The compression spring 111 c extends between the other end of the contact member 111 a and the upper surface of the first fixed base 112 or the first moving base 113. As a result, one end of the contact member 111 a presses against the upper surface of the first fixed base 112 or the first moving base 113.

  The first fixing base 112 is a pair, and is disposed at both ends in the direction along the longitudinal direction of the metal separator 10 and on the downstream side in the transport direction X of the metal separator 10. On the other hand, the first moving table 113 is a pair and is disposed at both ends in the direction along the longitudinal direction of the metal separator 10 and upstream of the transport direction X of the metal separator 10. That is, the first fixed base 112 is disposed to face the first moving base 113 along the short direction of the metal separator 10. As shown in FIG. 8, the pair of first fixing bases 112 has fixing pins 112 b protruding from the lower part thereof, and fixing holes 115 a opened on the upper surface of the second fixing base 115, or opened on the upper surface of the second moving base 116. The fixing member is inserted into the fixing hole 116a and fixed by fastening the screw member 181 from below.

  The pair of first moving tables 113 are in contact with the second fixed table 115 or the second moving table 116 so as to be movable along the X direction. Specifically, a long parallel key 113d that protrudes from the lower part of the pair of first moving bases 113 is provided with a long hole-like key groove 115c opened on the upper surface of the second fixed base 115, or the second moving base. A long hole-like key groove 116 c opened on the upper surface of 116 is movably inserted along the transport direction X. However, in order to prevent floating in the Z direction, it is fastened and fixed to the second fixed base 115 or the second movable base 116 by a screw member 181 from below as shown in FIG. The pair of first moving bases 113 is moved in a direction away from the first fixed base 112 by the pair of first extending members 114.

  The first extending member 114 moves the first moving table 113 away from the first fixed table 112. As shown in FIG. 4, the first elongating member 114 includes, for example, a compression spring 114a and a support member 114b. The pair of first extending members 114 is disposed between the first moving base 113 and the first fixed base 112. The compression spring 114a corresponds to a so-called push spring. The compression spring 114a is formed in a spiral shape and can be expanded and contracted. The support member 114b is formed in a columnar shape, and holds the compression spring 114a in the expansion / contraction direction (corresponding to the conveyance direction X). The support member 114b is joined to the side surface of the first fixed base 112, and the compression spring 114a is inserted therethrough.

  The second fixed table 115 and the second moving table 116 support the first fixed table 112 and the first moving table 113, respectively. The second fixed table 115 and the second moving table 116 each have a rectangular shape, and are arranged to face both ends in the direction Y along the longitudinal direction of the metal separator 10. The second fixing base 115 is fixed by inserting a fixing pin 115 b protruding from the lower part thereof into a fixing hole 118 a opened at one end in the longitudinal direction of the support base 118. The second moving table 116 is in contact with the other end in the longitudinal direction of the support table 118 so as to be movable. Specifically, the long parallel key 116d protruding from the lower portion of the second moving table 116 is moved in the transport direction with respect to the long hole-shaped key groove 118c opened at the other end in the longitudinal direction of the support table 118. It is movably inserted along a direction Y crossing X. However, in order to prevent floating in the Z direction, as shown in FIG. 8, the screw member 181 is fastened and fixed to the support base 118 from below. The pair of second moving bases 116 are moved in a direction away from the second fixed base 115 by the pair of second extending members 117. The pair of second extending members 117 is disposed between the second moving base 116 and the second fixed base 115.

  The second extending member 117 moves the second moving table 116 away from the second fixed table 115. As shown in FIG. 4, the second extending member 117 includes, for example, a compression spring 117a, a supporting member 117b, and an extending member 117c. The compression spring 117a corresponds to a so-called push spring. The compression spring 117a is formed in a spiral shape and can be expanded and contracted. The support member 117b is formed in a columnar shape, and holds the compression spring 117a in the expansion / contraction direction (corresponding to the direction Y intersecting the transport direction X). The support member 117b is joined to one end of the extension member 117c, and the compression spring 117a is inserted therethrough. The extension member 117c is formed in a columnar shape having a diameter larger than that of the support member 117b, and is joined to the support member 117b along the expansion / contraction direction (corresponding to the direction Y intersecting the transport direction X). The extension member 117 c has one end joined to the support member 117 b and the other end joined to the side surface of the second fixing base 115. The extension member 117c is for suppressing an increase in the overall length of the compression spring 117a to be used.

  The support table 118 supports the second fixed table 115 and the second moving table 116. The support base 118 has a long plate shape, and has an opening at the center. The second fixing base 115 is fixed by inserting a fixing pin 115 b protruding from the lower part of the second fixing base 115 into the fixing hole 118 a opened at one end in the longitudinal direction of the support base 118. By inserting a long parallel key 116d projecting from the lower part of the second moving table 116 into a long hole-like key groove 118c opened at the other end in the longitudinal direction of the support table, the second moving table 116 is moved. It is movably inserted along a direction Y intersecting the transport direction X.

  The configuration of the transport unit 140 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The carry 141 of the transport unit 140 is formed in a bowl shape and grips the lower part of the support base 118 of the tension unit 110. The four carriers 141 hold the single support stand 118 shown in detail in FIG. 7 and raise it while carrying it and lower it after carrying it. The rails 142 and 143 have the same configuration, and reciprocate the carry 141 along the transport direction X. The rails 142 and 143 are formed in a long shape and are arranged in parallel along the transport direction X. Each of the rails 142 and 143 has a recess for movably mooring the carry 141. The holding table 144 is formed in a rectangular shape and holds the positioning unit 150 and the assembly processing unit 160. In the manufacturing apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1, for example, two holding tables 144 are provided, and the positioning unit 150 and the assembly processing unit 160 are held, respectively.

  The assembly processing unit 160 provided in the second holding table 144 positioned on the downstream side in the transport direction X is similar to the assembly processing unit 160 provided in the first holding table 144 positioned on the relatively upstream side. Different processing can be performed. That is, the metal separator 10 that has been positioned and processed by the positioning unit 150 and the assembly processing unit 160 provided in the first holding table 144 remains in the state of being supported by the support table 118 conveyed by the carry 141. The positioning unit 150 and the assembly processing unit 160 provided in the second holding table 144 can be newly positioned to perform other processing.

  The configuration of the positioning unit 150 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 4, and 5.

  The imaging unit 151 of the positioning unit 150 is constituted by, for example, a CCD camera. One image pickup unit 151 is disposed above the transport unit 140 (corresponding to the stacking direction Z) and is positioned on both sides of the metal separator 10 in the longitudinal direction. The imaging unit 151 detects the mark 10p of the metal separator 10 by receiving the reflected light R1 reflected from the vicinity of the grip 10h of the metal separator 10. The marks 10p are each formed in a cross shape with respect to the pair of gripping portions 10h of the metal separator 10.

  The imaging unit 151 detects the in-plane inclination of the metal separator 10 (the transport direction X of the metal separator 10 and the direction Y intersecting the transport direction X) by straight lines passing through the centers of the pair of marks 10p. That is, the imaging unit 151 detects the skew state of the metal separator 10 with respect to the transport direction X. Further, the absolute position of the metal separator 10 is detected based on the center position of one of the pair of marks 10p. The operation related to the detection of the absolute position of the metal separator 10 may be performed by the imaging unit 151 or the controller 171 of the control unit 170.

  The rotary stage 152 detachably mounts the tension unit 110 and rotates in the plane of the metal separator 10 in the transport direction X and the direction Y intersecting the transport direction X. The rectilinear stage 153 mounts the rotary stage 152 so as to be rotatable, and moves along the direction Y. The rotary stage 152 and the rectilinear stage 153 individually move each metal separator 10 whose position is detected by the imaging unit 151 so as to eliminate the positional deviation based on the detection result of the position. Specifically, first, the rotation stage 152 corrects the in-plane inclination of the metal separator 10 in the transport direction X and the direction Y. Next, the deviation in the direction Y of the metal separator 10 is corrected by the linear stage 153. The deviation in the transport direction X of the metal separator 10 is corrected by increasing or decreasing the travel distance transported to the assembly processing unit 160 by the transport unit 140, for example. As described above, the metal separator 10 is transported to the assembly processing unit 160 by the transport unit 140 after the positional deviation is corrected by the positioning unit 150.

  The configuration of the assembly processing unit 160 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 4, and 6.

  The assembly processing unit 160 is disposed downstream of the positioning unit 150 in the transport direction X of the metal separator 10 and adjacent to the positioning unit 150. The assembly processing unit 160 performs predetermined processing on the metal separator 10 positioned by the positioning unit 150 and sequentially transported by the transport unit 140. For example, the assembly processing unit 160 is configured to apply an adhesive to the outer peripheral edge of the metal separator 10 in order to join the adjacent metal separators 10 after alternately laminating the metal separators 10 and the membrane electrode assemblies. It is.

  The application unit 161 of the assembly processing unit 160 applies a predetermined amount of the filled adhesive to the metal separator 10. The Y-axis stage 162 moves along a direction Y that intersects the transport direction X in a state where the coating unit 161 is suspended. The X-axis stage 163 is provided at one end in the longitudinal direction of the Y-axis stage 162 and moves the Y-axis stage 162 along the transport direction X. The X-axis auxiliary rail 164 is provided at the other end in the longitudinal direction of the Y-axis stage 162 and assists the movement of the Y-axis stage 162 by the X-axis stage 163. The X-axis stage 163 and the X-axis auxiliary rail 164 support the Y-axis stage 162 in a state where both ends are supported. The coating unit 161 applies an adhesive to the outer peripheral edge of the metal separator 10 while moving along the locus K1 indicated by the long dashed line arrow in FIGS. 4 and 6 by the X-axis stage 163 and the Y-axis stage 162. .

  The configuration of the control unit 170 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The controller 171 of the control unit 170 includes a ROM, a CPU, and a RAM. ROM (Read Only Memory) includes a movable mold 122 of the shape processing unit 120, a laser marking unit 131 of the mark forming unit 130, a carry 141 of the transport unit 140, an imaging unit 151, a linear stage 153, and a rotary stage 152 of the positioning unit 150, Control programs relating to the coating unit 161, the Y-axis stage 162, and the X-axis stage 163 of the assembly processing unit 160 are stored. A CPU (Central Processing Unit) controls the operation of the manufacturing apparatus 100 based on a control program. A RAM (Random Access Memory) temporarily stores data relating to each component being controlled. The data is, for example, image data captured by the imaging unit 151. The communication line 172 is a cable for performing communication between the controller 171 and each component.

  Next, the operation of the manufacturing apparatus 100 according to the embodiment will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the shape processing unit 120 forms the metal separator 10 by processing the long and thin base material 1 into a predetermined shape by using a fixed mold 121 and a movable mold 122. After the positioning locate holes 1m are formed in the substrate 1 by the molds 121a and 122a, the uneven flow path 10g in the active area of the metal separator 10 is formed by the molds 121b and 122b. Next, manifold holes (anode gas supply port 10a to anode gas discharge port 10f) are formed by the molds 121c and 122c.

  Next, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the mark forming unit 130 scans the pair of gripping units 10 h formed at both ends of the metal separator 10 with the laser beam L <b> 1 by the pair of laser marking units 131. For example, a cross-shaped mark 10p is formed by the laser light L1.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 2, the shape processing portion 120 punches the outer peripheral edge of the portion that becomes the metal separator 10 with the molds 121d and 122d to open the punching hole 1n.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 4 and the like, the pulling portion 110 holds the holding portion 10h of the metal separator 10 with the clamp 111, and separates the clamps 111 from each other to pull the metal separator 10 outward. When the metal separator 10 is set on the pulling portion 110, first, the first moving table 113 is pressed toward the first fixed table 112, whereby the distance between the first moving table 113 and the first fixed table 112 is set. Narrow. Similarly, the space between the second moving table 116 and the second fixed table 115 is narrowed by pressing the second moving table 116 toward the second fixed table 115. One end of the contact member 111a in the clamp 111 is separated from the upper surfaces of the first fixed base 112 and the first moving base 113 against the elastic force of the compression spring 111c, and the clamp 111 is opened.

  In this state, the metal separator 10 is placed on the upper surfaces of the first fixed base 112 and the first moving base 113. After placing the metal separator 10, the clamp 111 is released and the gripping portion 10h is gripped by the elastic force of the compression spring 111c. Thereafter, the pressing of the first moving table 113 and the pressing of the second moving table 116 are released. Then, the first moving base 113 moves away from the first fixed base 112 by the elastic force of the first extending member 114, and the second moving base 116 is moved by the elastic force of the second extending member 117. 2 Moves away from the fixed base 115. Accordingly, warping and bending can be removed over the entire surface of the metal separator 10.

  Next, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the positioning unit 150 receives the reflected light R <b> 1 reflected from the vicinity of the holding part 10 h of the metal separator 10 by the imaging unit 151 and detects the mark 10 p. The imaging unit 151 detects the absolute position of the metal separator 10 based on the pair of marks 10p of the metal separator 10. Here, the conveyance part 140 conveys the tension | pulling part 110 currently hold | gripped in the state which pulled the metal separator 10 via the positioning part 150 at a fixed space | interval.

  Next, the transport unit 140 transports each tension unit 110 to the assembly processing unit 160 via the positioning unit 150. The application unit 161 of the assembly processing unit 160 applies an adhesive to the metal separator 10 as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6. The coating unit 161 accurately applies the adhesive along the outer peripheral edge of the metal separator 10 that is corrected in position by the positioning unit 150 and sequentially transported by the transport unit 140.

  Thereafter, the metal separator 10 transported to the lamination processing stage by the transport unit 140 is removed from the tension unit 110 with the clamp 111 opened. And the metal separator 10 is laminated | stacked alternately with a membrane electrode assembly, and forms a fuel cell.

  In this way, the manufacturing apparatus 100 detects the position of the metal separator 10 based on the mark 10p formed on the gripping portion 10h while pulling the gripping portions 10h at the opposite ends of the metal separator 10, and each detected The position of the metal separator 10 is corrected individually and then processed. Therefore, the position can be accurately detected and processed without being affected by the warping or bending of the metal separator at the time of position detection.

  Further, since the manufacturing apparatus 100 does not use a part of the outer shape of the metal separator 10 as a mark, it is possible to avoid the complexity of the recognition algorithm due to the reflection of the jig on the outer shape of the metal separator 10. it can. In addition, the manufacturing apparatus 100 can avoid the complexity of the recognition algorithm due to the variation in the cut surface that forms the outer shape of the metal separator 10.

  Furthermore, since the manufacturing apparatus 100 holds the metal separator 10 by the pulling portion 110, the assembly processing unit without detecting the position of the metal separator 10 by the positioning unit 150 and then replacing the metal separator 10 with another unit. 160 can be processed. Therefore, the manufacturing apparatus 100 can reduce the lead time and labor in the processes from detecting the position of the metal separator 10 and correcting the position to assembling.

  Furthermore, since the manufacturing apparatus 100 detects the position of each metal separator 10 by the positioning part 150, it can detect the position shift of the metal separator 10 resulting from the failure of the apparatus at an early stage.

  As described above, the manufacturing apparatus 100 for the fuel cell metal separator 10 includes the mark forming portion 130, the tension portion 110, the positioning portion 150, and the processing portion (for example, the assembly processing portion 160). The mark forming part 130 forms a mark 10p for position detection on at least one of the gripping parts 10h provided at opposite ends of the metal separator 10 for the fuel cell before being cut from the thin plate-like substrate 1. To do. The tension part 110 grips the grip part 10h with a grip member (clamp 111), separates the grip parts 10h from each other, and pulls the metal separator 10 outward. The positioning unit 150 detects the position of the metal separator 10 based on the mark 10p of the metal separator 10 that is pulled by the pulling unit 110, and corrects the position corresponding to each metal separator 10 individually. The processing unit (for example, the assembly processing unit 160) processes the metal separator 10 whose position has been corrected.

  Moreover, in the manufacturing method of the metal separator 10 for fuel cells, it has a mark formation process and a processing process. In the mark forming step, a mark 10p serving as a reference for position detection is provided for at least one of the gripping portions 10h provided at both opposing ends of the metal separator 10 for the fuel cell before being cut from the thin plate-like substrate 1. Form. After the gripping part 10h of the metal separator 10 is gripped and pulled outward, the processing step detects the position of the metal separator 10 based on the mark 10p, and corrects the position individually corresponding to each metal separator 10 The metal separator 10 is processed.

  According to such a manufacturing apparatus 100 and a manufacturing method, since the mark 10p is formed in the holding part 10h of the metal separator 10 before being cut from the thin plate-like substrate 1, the metal separator in a state in which there is no warping or bending. The mark 10p can be accurately formed with respect to 10. Furthermore, by pulling the gripping portion 10h provided at both ends of the metal separator 10, the position of the metal separator 10 is accurately detected based on the mark 10p formed on the gripping portion 10h without being affected by warping or bending. Each metal separator 10 can be moved individually to correct the position and then processed. Therefore, even a thin metal separator 10 that is likely to be warped or bent can be processed by accurately detecting the position of the metal separator 10, thereby improving the yield of fuel cell production. it can.

  In the manufacturing apparatus 100 for the metal separator 10, the mark forming unit 130 can be configured to form the mark 10p in a non-contact manner with respect to the grip 10h. With this configuration, when the mark forming part 130 forms the mark 10p on the gripping part 10h, no mechanical stress is generated on the gripping part 10h, so the gripping part 10h is displaced from the gripping member (clamp 111). There is no losing or coming off. Therefore, when the mark 10p is formed on the holding part 10h, the metal separator 10 is not warped or bent, and the position of the metal separator 10 can be accurately detected and processed.

  In the manufacturing apparatus 100 for the metal separator 10, the mark forming unit 130 can be configured to form the mark 10 p on the basis of the processed shape processed into the base material 1. The processed shape processed into the base material 1 is detected based on, for example, image data captured by a CCD camera provided on the lower surface of the laser marking unit 131. More specifically, for example, a predetermined edge shape of the processed shape is extracted from the image data, and is offset from the edge shape by a predetermined distance in the transport direction X and the direction Y intersecting the transport direction X. A mark 10p is formed. If comprised in this way, formation of the mark 10p with respect to the metal separator 10 can be performed according to the processing precision of the metal separator 10. FIG.

  In the manufacturing apparatus 100 of the metal separator 10, the processing shape of the metal separator 10 can be a manifold hole (corresponding to the anode gas supply port 10a to the anode gas discharge port 10f) through which the medium flows. If comprised in this way, since the manifold hole is formed in the both ends of the metal separator 10, it is easy to avoid interference with the mark formation part 130 and the shape process part 120. FIG. Therefore, it is possible to improve work efficiency when maintaining the mark forming unit 130 or the shape processing unit 120. Further, the manifold holes (corresponding to the anode gas supply port 10a to the anode gas discharge port 10f) are formed by stacking a plurality of metal separators 10 with a fuel gas (hydrogen), an oxidant gas (air or pure oxygen), and a cooling medium ( In order to circulate (cooling water), the metal separator 10 is formed with high positional accuracy. Therefore, the mark 10p can be formed on the metal separator 10 in accordance with the manifold hole whose position is detected with high accuracy in the metal separator 10.

  In the manufacturing apparatus 100 for the metal separator 10, the mark forming unit 130 forms the mark 10p on the base material 1 before being processed by the shape processing unit 120 using the laser marking unit 132, as shown in FIG. It can be set as the structure to do. The shape processing unit 120 processes the base material 1 to form the metal separator 10. If comprised in this way, mutual interference can be easily avoided by arrange | positioning the mark formation part 130 and the shape process part 120 mutually completely apart. Therefore, it is possible to improve work efficiency when maintaining the mark forming unit 130 or the shape processing unit 120.

  In the method for manufacturing the metal separator 10, the mark forming step can be configured to form the mark 10 p when the base material 1 is processed to form the metal separator 10. If comprised in this way, formation of the mark 10p with respect to the metal separator 10 is carried out by using a mold for forming the shape of the metal separator 10 (for example, molds 121a and 122a for forming the positioning hole 1m for positioning the base material 1). Etc.) can be performed according to the positioning accuracy. Therefore, the mark 10p can be formed on the metal separator 10 with very high positional accuracy.

(Modification of the embodiment)
A manufacturing apparatus 200 according to a modification of the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 4 in addition to FIG.

  FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a manufacturing apparatus 200 for the metal separator 10 for a fuel cell.

  In the manufacturing apparatus 200 according to the modification of the embodiment, the configuration in which the linear movement stage 153 of the positioning unit 150 is transported by the transport unit 240 provided with the endless belt 241 is the same as the configuration of the manufacturing apparatus 100 according to the above-described embodiment. Different.

  In the modified example of the embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for components having the same configuration as that of the above-described embodiment, and the above description is omitted.

  The configuration of the transport unit 240 will be described.

  The belt 241 of the transport unit 240 transports the linearly moving stages 153 of the plurality of positioning units 150 placed at regular intervals. The belt 241 is made of a chain or a rubber material and is formed in an endless shape. The belts 241 are formed as a pair and are spaced apart from each other along a direction Y that intersects the transport direction X of the metal separator 10. The pair of belts 241 mounts and conveys both ends in the longitudinal direction of the rectilinear stage 153 of each positioning unit 150. The anchoring member 242 anchors the rectilinear stage 153 of each positioning unit 150, and prevents the displacement of the rectilinear stage 153 of the positioning unit 150 during conveyance. The anchoring member 242 is formed in a rectangular shape, and is disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the pair of belts 241 at regular intervals. The linearly moving stage 153 of the positioning unit 150 is held by the adjacent mooring member 242.

  The drive roll 243 rotates the endless belt 241 together with a follower roll (not shown). The drive roll 243 is formed in a cylindrical shape and is connected to a motor (not shown). The driving roll 243 is disposed so as to face both ends of the inner peripheral surfaces of the pair of belts 241 together with the driven roll. The guide roll 244 guides the belt 241 from the inner peripheral surface side. The guide roll 244 is configured by inserting a gear through a cylindrical shaft. A plurality of guide rolls 244 are disposed between the drive roll 243 and the driven rolls so as to be rotatable at a constant interval, and are in contact with the inner peripheral surfaces of the pair of belts.

  The assembly processing unit 160 is disposed on the downstream side of the positioning unit 150 in the transport direction X of the metal separator 10 and adjacent to the positioning unit 150. The assembly processing unit 160 performs predetermined processing on the metal separator 10 positioned by the positioning unit 150 and sequentially transported by the transport unit 140.

  The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be modified as appropriate.

  For example, in the embodiment, after the positional deviation of the metal separator 10 is corrected by the positioning unit 150, the metal separator 10 is transported to the assembly processing unit 160 disposed on the downstream side in the transport direction X by the transport unit 140. The configuration for processing the metal separator 10 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. In the present invention, after the position shift of the metal separator 10 is corrected by the positioning unit 150, the assembly processing unit 160 is moved to the upstream side in the transport direction X while the metal separator 10 is stopped, and the metal separator 10 is moved. The present invention can be applied to a configuration to be processed.

  In the embodiment, the laser marking unit 131 provided in the mark forming unit 130 is used to describe the structure in which the metal separator 10 is irradiated with laser light and partially dissolved to form the mark 10p. The configuration is not limited. The present invention can also be applied to a configuration in which a mark is formed by irradiating the metal separator 10 with ink and coloring it partially.

  In the embodiment, the structure in which the mark forming part 130 forms the mark 10p on the metal separator 10 in a non-contact manner has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this structure. The present invention can also be applied to a configuration in which a mark is formed by a contact method by marking the metal separator 10 with a scratch or attaching a cross-shaped seal.

  In the embodiment, the configuration has been described in which the imaging unit 151 provided in the positioning unit 150 images the mark 10p of the metal separator 10 and detects the position of the metal separator 10 based on the imaging data. It is not limited to this configuration. The present invention is also applicable to a configuration in which the unevenness of the mark 10p is detected by scanning the probe while contacting the probe with the metal separator 10, and the position of the metal separator 10 is detected based on the detected data. Further, the present invention detects scattered light generated from the unevenness of the mark 10p by scanning a sufficiently condensed laser beam with respect to the mark 10p of the metal separator 10, and the metal separator is based on the detection data. The present invention is also applicable to a configuration that detects ten positions. According to the surface reflectance of the metal separator 10 and the state of the oil film resulting from the processing oil, a method for detecting the mark 10p by the positioning unit 150 is appropriately selected.

  Moreover, although embodiment demonstrated the structure which conveys the rectangular-shaped metal separator 10 provided with a long side and a short side along a transversal direction, this invention is not limited to this structure. The present invention can also be applied to a configuration in which the metal separator 10 is transported along the longitudinal direction.

  Further, in the embodiment, the description has been given of the configuration in which the compression spring (pressing spring) that is freely expandable is disposed between the opposing clamps 111, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. That is, the present invention can be applied to a configuration in which each clamp 111 is disposed outside the metal separator 10 and the clamps 111 are separately pulled outward by a tension spring. The force pulling the metal separator 10 outward is not limited to the case where the elastic force of the spring is used. The tensile force may be applied using a fluid pressure cylinder such as a hydraulic pressure or a pneumatic pressure, or an electric device such as a solenoid or a motor.

  Further, the force with which the clamp 111 grips the metal separator 10 is not limited to the case where the elastic force of the spring is used. A gripping force may be applied to the clamp 111 using a fluid pressure cylinder or an electric device.

1 base material,
1m locate hole,
1n punching hole,
10 Metal separator,
10a Anode gas supply port,
10b Cooling fluid supply port,
10c cathode gas supply port,
10d cathode gas outlet,
10e Cooling fluid outlet,
10f Anode gas outlet,
10g flow path,
10h gripping part,
10p landmark,
100, 200 production equipment,
110 Tensile part,
111 Clamp (gripping member),
111a contact member,
111b rotation support member,
111c compression spring,
112 first fixed base,
112b fixing pin,
113 1st moving stand,
113d parallel key,
114 first elongate member,
114a compression spring,
114b support member,
115 second fixed base,
115a fixing hole,
115b fixing pin,
115c keyway,
116 second moving table,
116a fixing hole,
116c keyway,
116d parallel keys,
117 second extension member,
117a compression spring,
117b support member,
117c extension member,
118 support base,
118a fixing hole,
118c keyway,
120 shape processing part,
121 fixed type,
122 mobile,
121a, 121b, 121c, 121d, 122a, 122b, 122c, 122d mold,
122e notch,
130 Mark formation part,
131, 132 Laser marking unit,
140 transport section,
141 Carrie,
142, 143 rail,
144 holding stand,
150 positioning part,
151 imaging unit;
152 rotating stage,
153 Straight stage,
160 Assembly processing section (processing section),
161 coating unit,
162 Y-axis stage,
163 X-axis stage,
164 X-axis auxiliary rail,
170 control unit,
171 controller,
172 communication line,
181 screw member,
240 transport section,
241 belt,
242 mooring members,
243 drive roll,
244 guide roll,
L1 laser light,
R1 reflected light,
K1 trajectory,
X transport direction (of metal separator 10),
Y direction (crossing the transport direction X),
Z (stacking direction of metal separator 10).

Claims (7)

A mark forming portion for forming a mark serving as a reference for position detection on at least one of gripping portions provided at opposite ends of each metal separator for a fuel cell before being cut from a thin plate-shaped substrate;
A portion of each of the metal separators after being cut from the base material on which the mark is formed together with the mark is gripped by a grip member, and the grip portions are separated from each other. And pulling the metal separator outward, and
A positioning unit for detecting the position of the metal separator based on the mark of each of the metal separators in a state of being pulled by the tension unit, and correcting the position by individually moving each of the metal separators;
An apparatus for manufacturing a metal separator for a fuel cell, comprising: a processing unit that processes each of the metal separators whose positions have been corrected.   The said mark formation part is a manufacturing apparatus of the metal separator for fuel cells of Claim 1 which forms the said mark by the non-contact with respect to the said holding part.   The said mark formation part is a manufacturing apparatus of the metal separator for fuel cells of Claim 1 or 2 which forms the said mark on the basis of the process shape processed into the said base material.   4. The apparatus for manufacturing a metal separator for a fuel cell according to claim 3, wherein the processed shape is a shape of a manifold hole through which a medium flows. It further has a shape processing part that forms the metal separator by processing the base material,
The said mark formation part is a manufacturing apparatus of the metal separator for fuel cells of any one of Claims 1-4 which forms the said mark with respect to the said base material before processed by the said shape process part. A mark forming step of forming a mark serving as a reference for position detection on at least one of gripping portions provided at opposite ends of each metal separator for a fuel cell before being cut from a thin plate-shaped substrate;
While pulling outward to grip the mark is not formed part of the grip portion of the metal separator of each after the mark has been cut together with the mark from the base material formed, each based on the mark wherein detecting the position of the metal separator, after correcting the position of each of the metal separators are moved individually, the synthesis of the metal separator for a fuel cell having a processing step of performing processing on the metal separator, respectively, the Method.   The said mark formation process is a manufacturing method of the metal separator for fuel cells of Claim 6 which forms the said mark, when the said base material is processed and the said metal separator is formed.