JP6690471B2 - Fuel cell manufacturing method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a fuel cell.

  In Patent Document 1, as a fuel cell, in order to improve vibration resistance and impact resistance, an intervening layer such as silicone or urethane rubber is arranged between a fuel cell stack (fuel cell stack) and a case. An example is disclosed in which the gap between the fuel cell stack and the case is filled. This fuel cell is configured by disposing an intervening layer on the outer peripheral surface of the fuel cell stack and inserting the fuel cell stack into the case while crushing the intervening layer.

JP, 2016-12408, A

  However, in order to insert the fuel cell stack into the case while crushing the intervening layer as described above, it is required to apply a large insertion pressure to the fuel cell stack, and the insertability of the fuel cell stack into the case is poor. , There is a problem. Therefore, when the fuel cell stack is inserted into the case, it is possible to easily insert the fuel cell stack into the case without requiring a large insertion pressure, and at the same time, between the fuel cell stack and the case. It is desired to dispose an intervening member so as to fill the gap of (1) to improve vibration resistance and impact resistance.

  The present invention has been made to solve at least a part of the problems described above, and can be realized as the following modes.

(1) According to one aspect of the present invention, a method for manufacturing a fuel cell is provided. This fuel cell manufacturing method includes (a) a fuel cell stack including a plurality of unit cells stacked along the stacking direction, a case for accommodating the fuel cell stack inside, and openings at both ends. And (b) disposing the spacer forming member on the inner surface of the case, and (c) placing the fuel cell stack along the stacking direction. And (d) placing the bag body between the case and the fuel cell stack by inserting the bag body into the inside of the case, and (d) from the one opening of the bag body of the spacer forming member. A step of injecting a liquid resin member into the bag body to fill a gap between the fuel cell stack and the case, sealing the openings at both ends, and hardening the liquid resin member; , Is provided.
According to this aspect, when the fuel cell stack is inserted into the case, since the liquid resin member is not injected into the bag of the spacer forming member, the spacers arranged on the inner surface of the case Insertion resistance generated between the forming member and the fuel cell stack can be reduced. As a result, the fuel cell stack can be easily inserted into the case without requiring a large insertion pressure. Then, the liquid resin member is injected into the bag of the spacer forming member to fill the gap between the fuel cell stack and the case, and then the openings at both ends are sealed to cure the liquid resin member. As a result, it is possible to improve vibration resistance and impact resistance.
The present invention can also be realized as the following modes.

(2) According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for manufacturing a fuel cell is provided. This fuel cell manufacturing method includes (a) a fuel cell stack including a plurality of unit cells stacked along the stacking direction, a case that houses the fuel cell stack inside, and a tubular shape. And a spacer forming member having a bag body having openings provided at both ends thereof, and the bag body has the spacer forming member and the fuel cell stack housed inside the case. Of the first stack surface and the second stack surface forming one corner of the fuel cell stack along the stacking direction, the stack facing the corner on the side of the first stack surface, A first portion arranged along the stacking direction, a second portion arranged along the stacking direction facing the corner on the side of the second stacked body surface, and one end of the first portion Part that folds back and connects the end part and one end of the two parts A portion, and the first portion, the second portion, and the third portion have the first laminated body surface when the spacer forming member and the fuel cell laminated body are housed inside the case. Or a notch portion having notches formed at symmetrical portions on both sides of the cylindrical outer peripheral surface parallel to the second laminated body surface, and the bent portion of the third portion further has a bellows shape. And (b) a spacer forming member arranging step of arranging the spacer forming member inside the case in a state where the tubular shape is bent at the cut portion and is flat, (c) the fuel cell stack Is inserted into the case along the stacking direction to dispose the first portion between the first stack surface and the first case inner surface of the case facing the first stack surface. In both, a fuel cell stack inserting step of disposing the second portion between the second stack surface and a second case inner surface of the case facing the second stack surface, and (d) the spacer forming member. After injecting a liquid resin member into the inside of the bag from one of the openings of the bag to fill the gap between the fuel cell stack and the case, the openings at both ends are sealed. And a spacer forming step of hardening the liquid resin member.
According to this aspect, since the cylindrical bag body of the spacer forming member has a structure in which it is bent at the cut portion and easily flattened, when the fuel cell stack is inserted into the case, By bending the bag-shaped body in a flat shape by bending it at the notch, it is possible to reduce the insertion resistance generated between the spacer forming member arranged on the inner surface of the case and the fuel cell stack. . As a result, the fuel cell stack can be easily inserted into the case without requiring a large insertion pressure. Then, a liquid resin member is injected into the bag body of the spacer forming member to fill the gap between the fuel cell stack and the case, and then the openings at both ends are sealed to remove the liquid resin member. By hardening, it is possible to improve vibration resistance and impact resistance. Further, since the bag of the spacer forming member is formed into a tubular shape, the other parts except the cut portion have a structure that easily returns from the flat state to the original tubular state. By injecting the liquid resin member, the liquid resin member easily expands and returns to the original cylindrical shape, so that the pressure applied to the bag body when the liquid resin member is injected into the bag body can be reduced. Further, since the bent portion of the third portion has a bellows shape, the bent portion is bent and crushed, which makes it difficult for the liquid resin member to be injected and the injection pressure of the liquid resin member becomes high. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the increase in the pressure applied to the bag body.

  The present invention can be realized not only in the fuel cell manufacturing method but also in various aspects such as a fuel cell manufacturing apparatus that executes this manufacturing method.

It is a front view showing the composition of the fuel cell manufactured by the manufacturing method of the fuel cell of one embodiment. It is a right view of the fuel cell shown in FIG. It is sectional drawing which expands and shows the cross section of the 1st part of a 1st spacer formation member. It is explanatory drawing which expands and shows the 3rd part of a 1st spacer formation member. It is a flow chart which shows a manufacturing method of a fuel cell. It is explanatory drawing which expands and shows the prepared 1st spacer formation member. It is explanatory drawing which expands and shows the state in which the 1st spacer formation member was arrange | positioned inside the case main-body part. It is explanatory drawing which expands and shows the part corresponding to a 1st spacer formation member in the state which the fuel cell laminated body was inserted in the inside of a case main-body part. It is explanatory drawing which expands and shows the 1st spacer formation member and the part of a fuel cell laminated body in the state which the liquid resin member was inject | poured. It is sectional drawing which expands and shows the 1st part of another spacer formation member. It is sectional drawing which expands and shows the 1st part of another spacer formation member.

A. Fuel cell configuration:
FIG. 1 is a front view showing a configuration of a fuel cell 100 manufactured by a method for manufacturing a fuel cell according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a right side view of the fuel cell 100 shown in FIG. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the fuel cell 100 includes a fuel cell stack 10, four insulating members 30A, 30B, 30C and 30D, four spacer forming members 40A, 40B, 40C and 40D, and And a case 20 for accommodating the. 1 and 2, for convenience of illustration, the case 20 is shown by a chain line and the inside of the case 20 is seen through. In addition, of the invisible portions that are actually hidden, the portions that are particularly desired to be shown are indicated by broken lines.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a fuel cell stack 10 includes a battery stack in which a plurality of single cells (single cells) 11 are stacked, two current collector plates 12, two insulating plates 13, and two sheets. End plate 14 of. The two current collector plates 12 are arranged at both ends in the stacking direction (x direction) of the battery stack so as to sandwich the battery stack. The two insulating plates 13 are arranged outside the current collector plate 12, respectively. The insulating plate 13 is made of an insulating material such as resin. The collector plate 12 is made of a gas impermeable conductive material such as dense carbon or a copper plate. The two end plates 14 are sandwiching members that are respectively disposed outside the insulating plates 13 and that sandwich the stacked battery stacks, the current collector plates 12, and the insulating plates 13 in the stacking direction. The end plate 14 is formed of a metal or alloy such as steel, titanium, aluminum or magnesium, or ceramics.

  Although not shown, the unit cell 11 includes a membrane electrode assembly (also referred to as “MEA”) as a power generator and a separator that holds the MEA. The MEA is composed of an electrolyte membrane, catalyst electrodes arranged on both sides of the electrolyte membrane, and diffusion layers respectively arranged between the catalyst electrode and the separator. The electrolyte membrane is an ion exchange membrane formed of a solid polymer material such as a fluororesin. The catalyst electrode includes a catalyst (for example, platinum or a platinum alloy), and is formed by supporting these catalysts on a carrier having conductivity (for example, carbon particles). The diffusion layer functions as a flow path for a reaction gas (oxidizing gas or fuel gas), and is a porous body made of, for example, metal or carbon.

  As shown in FIG. 2, four side surfaces of the fuel cell stack 10 along the stacking direction (x direction) are covered with four insulating members 30A to 30D. Specifically, the first insulating member 30A covers the upper side surface and the left side surface, the second insulating member 30B covers the left side surface and the lower side surface, and the third insulating member 30C covers the lower side surface and the right side surface. And the fourth insulating member 30D covers the right side surface and the upper side surface. The first insulating member 30A and the fourth insulating member 30D overlap on the upper side surface, the first insulating member 30A and the second insulating member 30B overlap on the left side surface, and the second insulating member 30B and the third insulating member 30C. Are arranged so that the lower side surface overlaps with each other, and the third insulating member 30C and the fourth insulating member 30D overlap each other on the right side surface. The insulating members 30A to 30D are formed of various members that ensure rigidity and insulation, for example, an insulating resin, an insulating ceramics, a metal that is insulated by coating an insulating material, or the like. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the fuel cell stack 10 covered with the four insulating members 30A to 30D will be simply referred to as the “fuel cell stack 10”. In addition, among the four side surfaces of the fuel cell stack 10 covered with the insulating members 30A to 30D, the surfaces of the insulating members 30A and 30D are referred to as "first side surface 10A of the fuel cell stack 10", the insulating member 30A, The surface of 30B is "the second side surface 10B of the fuel cell stack 10," the surfaces of the insulating members 30B and 30C are "the third side surface 10C of the fuel cell stack 10," and the surfaces of the insulating members 30C and 30D are "fuel cell stacks." This is referred to as the fourth side surface 10D of the body 10. "

  As shown in FIG. 1, the case 20 includes a case main body portion 21 and a case front side surface portion 25. The case main body 21 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped external shape having a space for accommodating the fuel cell stack 10. A case opening 23 is provided on one of the surfaces forming the case body 21. The case front side surface portion 25 functions as a lid that covers the case opening portion 23, and is fixed to the case main body portion 21 by a fastening member (not shown). The case 20 is formed of steel, a metal or alloy such as titanium, aluminum, or magnesium, or ceramics in order to ensure rigidity.

  The fuel cell stack 10 is fixed in the case 20 while being pressed toward the case front side surface portion 25 by a fastening member (not shown) attached through a hole (not shown) in the case rear side surface portion 22. Has been done.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first spacer forming member 40A has a gap between the case body 21 and the fuel cell stack 10 at a corner between the first side surface 10A and the second side surface 10B. It is arranged to fill. 40 A of 1st spacer formation members are the 1st part 42 and 2nd part 44 long along a lamination direction (x direction), and one end part of the 1st part 42 (end part on the -x direction side of FIG. 1). And a third portion 43 that folds back and connects between one end of the second portion 44 (end on the −x direction side in FIG. 1).

  The first portion 42 is disposed in contact with the first side surface 10A corresponding to the first stack surface of the first stack surface and the second stack surface forming one corner of the fuel cell stack 10, and The portion 44 is arranged in contact with the second side surface 10B corresponding to the surface of the second stacked body. The other end of the first portion 42 (the end on the + x direction side in FIG. 1) is provided with a resin injection port 41 whose tip is open. The tip of the resin injection port 41 is arranged outside the case 20 via a communication hole 26 provided in the case rear side surface portion 22 of the case body portion 21. Further, at the other end of the second portion 44 (the end on the + x direction side in FIG. 1), a resin discharge port 45 having an open tip is provided. Similarly to the resin injection port 41, the tip of the resin discharge port 45 is also arranged outside the case 20 via the communication hole 27 provided in the case rear side surface portion 22. The openings at the tips of the resin injection port 41 and the resin discharge port 45 are sealed by the sealing portions 46 and 47 after the liquid resin member is injected into the bag body as described later. The sealing portions 46 and 47 are configured by closing the opening at the tip with a sealing plug or an adhesive. Alternatively, the tip ends of the resin inlet 41 and the resin outlet 45 may be crimped.

  FIG. 3 is an enlarged sectional view showing a section of the first portion 42 of the first spacer forming member 40A. The first portion 42 is a bag body that is long in the stacking direction (x direction), and the inside thereof includes the first side surface 10A of the fuel cell stack 10 (first insulating member 30A (FIG. 2)) and the inner surface of the case body 21. It is filled with the hardened liquid resin member 50 so as to fill the gap between and. Further, the bag body of the first portion 42 is a bag body formed in a tubular shape, and the cut portion 48 is formed with cuts on both sides (symmetrical portions) of the outer peripheral surface parallel to the first side surface 10A. have. Although illustration is omitted, the second portion 44 is also a bag body formed in a tubular shape similarly to the first portion 42, and the cut portions 48 are provided on both sides of the outer peripheral surface which is parallel to the second side surface 10B. Have Further, the inside of the bag body of the second portion 44 is also hardened so as to fill the gap between the second side surface 10B (first insulating member 30A (FIG. 2)) of the fuel cell stack 10 and the case body 21. It is filled with the liquid resin member 50.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory view showing an enlarged third portion 43 of the first spacer forming member 40A. The third portion 43 is a cylindrical bag body similar to the first portion 42 and the second portion 44, and the bent portion has a bellows shape. Similarly to the first and second portions 42 and 44, the third portion 43 also has cut portions 48 on both sides of the outer peripheral surface which is parallel to the first side surface 10A or the second side surface 10B. There is. The inside of the bag body of the third portion 43 is also filled with the cured liquid resin member 50.

  The other spacer forming members 40B to 40D (FIGS. 1 and 2) also have a structure similar to that of the first spacer forming member 40A, and the gap between the fuel cell stack 10 and the case main body 21 is respectively formed. Are arranged at the corners of the corresponding fuel cell stack 10 so as to fill the area. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the second spacer forming member 40B is an end portion between the third side surface 10C corresponding to the first stacked body surface and the second side surface 10B corresponding to the second stacked body surface. It is located at the corner. The third spacer forming member 40C is arranged at a corner portion which is an end portion between the third side surface 10C corresponding to the first stacked body surface and the fourth side surface 10D corresponding to the second stacked body surface. The fourth spacer forming member 40D is arranged at a corner portion which is an end portion between the first side surface 10A corresponding to the first stacked body surface and the fourth side surface 10D corresponding to the second stacked body surface.

  In this fuel cell 100, four spacer forming members 40A to 40A arranged at four corners along the stacking direction (x direction) so as to fill the gap between the fuel cell stack 10 and the inner surface of the case body 21. By 40D, the fuel cell stack 10 housed in the case 20 is fixed, and vibration resistance and impact resistance are improved.

B. Fuel cell manufacturing method:
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a method for manufacturing the fuel cell 100. First, in step S10, the case 20, the fuel cell stack 10, and the spacer forming members 40A to 40D in a state where the liquid resin member 50 is not injected are prepared. Step S10 corresponds to a “preparation process”.

  As described above, the fuel cell stack 10 (FIG. 1) includes the end plate 14, the insulating plate 13, the current collector plate 12, the plurality of unit cells 11, the current collector plate 12, the insulating plate 13, and the end plate 14. It is prepared by stacking and arranging in this order along the stacking direction (+ x direction).

  The spacer forming members 40A to 40D (FIGS. 1 to 4) to which the liquid resin member 50 has not been injected can be manufactured using an extrusion molding device, for example, as follows. A liquid raw material is extruded from a tubular die having a notch to form a tubular bag having a notch 48. Further, the resin injection port 41 is produced by extending the open end portion of the produced bag body on the side corresponding to the first portion 42. In addition, the resin discharge port 45 is manufactured by extending the open end portion on the side corresponding to the second portion 44 of the manufactured bag body. Further, a bellows process is performed on a portion of the manufactured bag body corresponding to the bent portion of the third portion 43 between the first portion 42 and the second portion 44. In this way, the spacer forming members 40A to 40D can be manufactured. As the raw material, for example, PP (polypropylene) is used. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and various other plastic raw materials such as PE (polyethylene) that can be molded into a tubular shape may be used.

  FIG. 6 is an explanatory view showing the prepared first spacer forming member 40A in an enlarged manner. FIG. 6 shows the first portion 42 and the second portion 44 in cross section. As described above, the first portion 42, the second portion 44, and the third portion 43 of the first spacer forming member 40A are tubular shaped bag bodies, and the cut portions 48 are formed in symmetrical portions on both sides of the outer peripheral surface. have. As shown in the lower part of FIG. 6, the first spacer forming member 40A can be easily flattened into a flattened shape by crushing the first spacer forming member 40A from a direction perpendicular to a surface connecting the cutout portions 48 on both sides. Is possible. However, since the parts other than the cut portion 48 are formed into a tubular shape, the curved shape is maintained even in a flat and crushed state. Therefore, by applying a pressure to the inside of the bag body, the flat state shown in FIG. It can be easily expanded to the original cylindrical state shown in the upper row. Further, since the third portion 43 has a bellows shape in which the bent portion is hard to be crushed as described above, it is possible to easily secure a space for injecting the liquid resin member 50 from the first portion 42 to the second portion 44. it can. The same applies to the other spacer forming members 40B to 40D.

  Here, the diameter φL of the bag body of the spacer forming members 40A to 40D is set according to the distance between the case body portion 21 and the fuel cell stack 10, and is set in the range of 10 mm to 14 mm, for example. In this example, it is 12.5 mm. Further, the thickness of the bag body is set so as to obtain a pressure resistance equal to or higher than the pressure for injecting the liquid resin member 50 described later. For example, when the injection pressure is set in the range of 0.4 MPa to 0.5 MPa to 0.6 MPa, the pressure resistance is required to be set to 0.4 MPa to 0.5 MPa to 0.6 MPa or more according to the injection pressure. To be done. For example, when the injection pressure is 0.5 MPa, the pressure resistance is set to be 0.5 MPa or higher, for example, 0.5 MPa to 0.55 MPa. Further, the thickness Dk of the bag body of the cutout portion 48 is required to be a thickness capable of ensuring the set pressure resistance. For example, as described above, PP is used as a raw material, and Dk ≧ 0.1 mm. Further, the thickness Dt of the bag other than the cut portion 48 is required to be as thin as possible so that the tubular molded state can be maintained. For example, the thickness Dt is in the range of 0.2 mm to 1 mm. Further, since it is required to be bendable at a portion with a cut, the thickness Dk of the cut portion 48 is within a range of 4/10 to 5/10 to 6/10 of the thickness Dt other than the cut portion 48. Is required. In this example, Dt = 0.1 mm and Dk = 0.23 mm.

  Next, in step S20 of FIG. 5, the flattened and crushed spacer forming members 40A to 40D are arranged inside the case body 21 of the case 20. Note that step S20 corresponds to the "spacer forming member placement step".

  FIG. 7 is an enlarged explanatory view showing a state in which the first spacer forming member 40A is arranged inside the case main body portion 21. FIG. 7 shows the first portion 42 and the second portion 44 in cross section. As shown in FIG. 7, the first spacer forming member 40A faces the first side surface 10A of the fuel cell stack 10 when the fuel cell stack 10 is inserted and housed in the case body 21. The first portion 42 is arranged on the case inner surface 21A of the portion 21, and the second portion 44 is arranged on the case inner surface 21B of the case body portion 21 facing the second side surface 10B. Further, the first spacer forming member 40A is arranged such that the cutout portion 48 of the first portion 42 is parallel to the direction (z direction) along the case inner surface 21A, and the second portion 44 is arranged along the case inner surface 21B. It is arranged in a direction parallel to the direction (y direction). Furthermore, the first spacer forming member 40A is arranged in a flat and crushed state. The case inner surface 21A corresponds to the "first case inner surface facing the first stacked body surface", and the case inner surface 21B corresponds to the "second case inner surface facing the second stacked body surface".

  Although not shown in the drawings, the other spacer forming members 40B to 40D each have the first portion 42 located on the inner surface of the first case facing the corresponding first stacked body surface, similarly to the first spacer forming member 40A. , The second portion 44 is arranged on the inner surface of the second case facing the surface of the corresponding second laminate.

  The spacer forming members 40A to 40D are temporarily fixed by a temporary fixing pin (not shown) provided on the inner surface of the case. However, the temporary fixing arrangement is not limited to the temporary fixing pin, and the temporary fixing arrangement may be performed with an adhesive or the like, and if the spacer forming members 40A to 40D can be temporarily arranged on the inner surface of the case, the method is as follows. It is optional.

  Next, in step S30 of FIG. 5, the fuel cell stack 10 is inserted into the case body 21 from the case opening 23 (FIG. 1) of the case body 21 along the stacking direction (x direction). At this time, the fuel cell stack 10 is pressed against the case front side surface part 25 by a pressure mechanism (not shown) arranged through an opening part (not shown) of the case rear side part 22 opposite to the case opening part 23. While being kept in this state, it is inserted from the case opening 23 into the case main body 21 along the stacking direction (x direction). As a result, for each of the four spacer forming members 40A to 40D, the first portion 42 is arranged between the first stack surface of the fuel cell stack 10 and the inner surface of the first case facing the first stack surface. The second portion 44 is disposed between the second laminated body surface and the second case inner surface facing the second laminated body surface. Then, the case front side surface portion 25 is fixed to the case main body portion 21 by a fastening member (not shown). Further, the fuel cell stack 10 is attached to a hole (not shown) of the case rear side surface portion 22 so as to maintain a state of being pressed against the case front side surface portion 25 side after being inserted into the case main body portion 21. It is fixed inside the case 20 by a fastening member (not shown). Note that step S30 corresponds to the “fuel cell stack insertion step”.

  FIG. 8 is an explanatory view showing, in an enlarged manner, a portion corresponding to the first spacer forming member 40A in a state where the fuel cell stack 10 is inserted inside the case main body portion 21. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the first portion 42 and the second portion 44 of the first spacer forming member 40A, the unit cell 11 of the fuel cell stack 10 and the insulating member 30A.

  As described in step S20 (FIG. 7), the first spacer forming member 40A is arranged on the case inner surfaces 21A and 21B of the case body 21 in a flat and crushed state. Between the first portion 42 and the third portion 43 and the first side surface 10A which is the first laminated body surface, and between the second portion 44 and the third portion 43 and the second side surface 10B which is the second laminated body surface. There is a gap between them. Although not shown, the other spacer forming members 40 </ b> B to 40 </ b> D each have a gap between the spacer forming members 40 </ b> B to 40 </ b> D and the corresponding first laminate surface of the fuel cell laminate 10, and the gap between the spacer forming members 40 </ b> B and 40 </ b> D and the corresponding second laminate surface. There is a gap in. Accordingly, when the fuel cell stack 10 is inserted into the case body 21, the spacer forming members 40A to 40D do not come into contact with the fuel cell stack 10, so that the spacer forming members 40A to 40D are connected to each other. Therefore, the fuel cell stack 10 can be easily inserted into the case main body 21 without requiring a large insertion pressure.

  Next, in step S40 of FIG. 5, the uncured liquid resin member 50 is injected into the spacer forming members 40A to 40D so as to fill the gap between the case body 21 and the fuel cell stack 10, and the resin injection is performed. The inlet 41 and the resin discharge port 45 (FIGS. 1 and 2) are sealed with the sealing portion 46 and the sealing portion 47, and the uncured liquid resin member 50 is cured. As the uncured liquid resin member to be injected, for example, an epoxy resin mixed with a curing agent is used. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and various curable resin members such as a moisture-curable liquid resin member can be used. The injection is carried out at a pressure of 0.5 MPa, as described above. Note that step S40 corresponds to the “spacer forming step”.

  FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing, in an enlarged manner, the first spacer forming member 40A and the fuel cell stack 10 in a state where the liquid resin member 50 is injected. Similar to FIG. 8, FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the first portion 42 and the second portion 44 of the first spacer forming member 40A, the unit cell 11 of the fuel cell stack 10, and the insulating member 30A.

  As described with reference to FIG. 6, the first spacer forming member 40A can be easily expanded from the flattened and crushed state by the pressure applied to the inside of the bag body to return to the original tubular state. The injection pressure of the member 50 can be suppressed. Further, since the third portion 43 has a bellows shape in which the bent portion is hard to be crushed as described above, it is possible to easily secure a space for injecting the liquid resin member 50 from the first portion 42 to the second portion 44. Therefore, the injection pressure of the liquid resin member 50 can be suppressed. As a result, the injection pressure of the liquid resin member 50 can be suppressed, and as shown in FIG. 9, the gap between the case body 21 and the fuel cell stack 10 can be easily filled. Although not shown, the other spacer forming members 40B to 40D are similar to the first spacer forming member 40A.

  The fuel cell stack 10 can be fixed in the case 20 by injecting the liquid resin member 50 into the spacer forming members 40A to 40D and curing the sealed uncured liquid resin member 50.

  The following effects can be obtained by the fuel cell manufacturing method described above. That is, as described with reference to FIG. 6, the cylindrically shaped bag body of the spacer forming members 40A to 40D has a structure in which it is bent at the cut portion 48 and easily flattened. Therefore, as described with reference to FIG. 8, the spacer forming members 40A to 40D are arranged in the case main body 21 in a flat and crushed state in advance, so that the fuel cell stack 10 is placed in the case main body 21. A gap may be provided between the spacer forming members 40 </ b> A to 40 </ b> D and the fuel cell stack 10 when the spacer is inserted into the interior of the fuel cell stack 21. As a result, the fuel cell stack 10 can be easily inserted into the case body 21 without requiring a large insertion pressure. Further, as described with reference to FIG. 6, the spacer forming members 40A to 40D have a structure in which they are easily expanded from the flat and crushed state to the original cylindrical state by the pressure applied to the inside of the bag body. There is. Therefore, the pressure required to inject the liquid resin member 50 into the bag body can be reduced, the pressure applied to the bag body can be reduced, and, as shown in FIG. 9, the case body. The gap between the portion 21 and the fuel cell stack 10 can be easily filled. Further, as described above, the bent portion of the third portion 43 has a bellows shape so that it is difficult to be crushed. Therefore, the pressure required to inject the liquid resin member 50 into the bag body can be reduced, the pressure applied to the bag body can be reduced, and the case body 21 and the fuel cell stack 10 can be The gap between can be easily filled.

C. Other structure of spacer forming member:
The spacer forming members 40A to 40D according to the above-described embodiments are formed into a tubular shape and are bags having openings at both ends, and maintain a tubular state when pressure is not applied to crush them. The explanation has been given by taking a bag body as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and as shown below, various types of spacer forming members having a bag body having openings at both ends can be used.

  FIG. 10 is an enlarged sectional view showing a first portion 42M1 of another spacer forming member 40M1. Although illustration is omitted, the cross-sectional shapes of the second portion and the third portion, the resin injection port, and the resin discharge port are similar to the cross-sectional shape of the first portion 42M1. The spacer forming member 40M1 is formed by stacking two sheet-like members having a shape corresponding to a state in which the first portion, the second portion, the third portion, the resin injection port, and the resin discharge port (FIG. 1) are viewed in plan. It is formed by welding. No notch or bellows shape is provided. The sheet-shaped member can be manufactured using various plastic raw materials such as PP and PE.

  In this spacer forming member 40M1, when pressure is applied to the inside of the bag, the bag has a tubular shape as shown in the upper part of FIG. 10, but no pressure is applied to the inside of the bag. In the case of the state, the bag body is likely to be crushed as shown in the lower part of FIG. Therefore, even when this spacer forming member 40M1 is used, the spacer forming member 40M1 can be arranged inside the case body 21 in a crushed state in advance (FIG. 7), and the fuel cell stack 10 can be obtained. A space can be provided between the spacer forming member 40M1 and the fuel cell stack 10 (FIG. 8) when the is inserted into the case main body 21 and the insertion resistance can be reduced. As a result, the fuel cell stack 10 can be easily inserted into the case body 21 without requiring a large insertion pressure.

  However, in a normal state where no pressure is applied to the inside of the bag body, the bag body tends to be in a crushed state (the lower stage of FIG. 10). There is a high possibility that a higher pressure than the injection pressure of the liquid resin member 50 into the spacer forming members 40A to 40D is required. In addition, since the bent portion of the third portion is bent and crushed, it is difficult to expand the internal space, and there is a high possibility that a higher injection pressure is required to inject the liquid resin member 50 into this portion. . Further, as the injection pressure increases, the required pressure resistance also increases. Therefore, it is required to increase the thickness of the bag body and the welded portion in accordance with the pressure resistance. Therefore, the spacer forming members 40A to 40D of the embodiment are preferable in terms of suppressing the injection pressure of the liquid resin member 50 and the pressure resistance of the bag body.

  FIG. 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the first portion 42M2 of another spacer forming member 40M2. Although illustration is omitted, the cross-sectional shapes of the second portion and the third portion, the resin injection port, and the resin discharge port are similar to the cross-sectional shape of the first portion 42M1. Similar to the spacer forming members 40A to 40D of the embodiment, the spacer forming member 40M2 is formed by extruding a liquid material and forming resin injection ports and resin discharge ports by stretching the ends on both sides. To be done. No notch or bellows shape is provided.

  In the spacer forming member 40M2, unlike the spacer forming members 40A to 40D of the embodiment, when pressure is applied to the inside of the bag body, the bag body has a tubular shape as shown in the upper stage of FIG. However, in the normal state where no pressure is applied to the inside of the bag, the bag is likely to be crushed as shown in the lower part of FIG. This state can be achieved by reducing the thickness of the bag or using a soft resin material such as PE as a raw material. Therefore, even when the spacer forming member 40M2 is used, the spacer forming member 40M2 can be arranged inside the case body 21 of the case 20 in a crushed state in advance (FIG. 7). When the laminated body 10 is inserted into the case body 21, a gap can be provided between the spacer forming member 40M2 and the fuel cell laminated body 10 (FIG. 8), and the insertion resistance can be reduced. As a result, the fuel cell stack 10 can be easily inserted into the case body 21 without requiring a large insertion pressure.

  However, in a normal state where no pressure is applied to the inside of the bag body, the bag body is likely to be crushed (lower part of FIG. 11). Therefore, like the spacer forming member 40M1, the liquid resin member 50 to the spacer forming member 40M2 is applied. It is highly possible that the injection pressure is required to be higher than the injection pressure of the liquid resin member 50 into the spacer forming members 40A to 40D of the embodiment. In addition, since the bent portion of the third portion is bent and crushed, it is difficult to expand the internal space, and there is a high possibility that a higher injection pressure is required to inject the liquid resin member 50 into this portion. . Further, as the injection pressure increases, the required pressure resistance also increases, so that it is necessary to increase the thickness of the bag according to the pressure resistance. Therefore, the spacer forming members 40A to 40D of the embodiment are preferable in terms of suppressing the injection pressure of the liquid resin member 50 and the pressure resistance of the bag body.

  As described above, the spacer forming member is not limited to the one having a bag body formed in a tubular shape and having openings at both ends, but is also tubular when the liquid resin member 50 is injected into the bag body. However, when the liquid resin member 50 is not injected, the tubular state is not maintained and the liquid resin member 50 is likely to be in a crushed state or the like, and may have a bag body having openings at both ends. Further, the spacer forming member has a bag body in which the liquid resin member 50 is not injected and the tubular state is maintained by the pressure of the gas remaining inside and the opening is provided at both ends. Good. That is, the spacer forming member may have a bag body having openings at both ends.

D. Modification:
The present invention is not limited to the above-described examples and embodiments, and can be implemented in various forms without departing from the scope of the invention, and the following modifications are possible, for example.

(1) Although the spacer forming member described in the above-described embodiments and other structures is arranged in a crushed state when it is arranged in the case body 21, it is not limited to this. You may make it arrange | position in the state which has not been crushed. In this case, when the fuel cell stack 10 is inserted into the case body 21, the fuel cell stack 10 may come into contact with the spacer forming member. However, due to the insertion pressure, the gas remaining inside the bag moves or escapes from the opening and is easily deformed, so that the insertion resistance is reduced. As a result, the fuel cell stack 10 can be easily inserted into the case body 21 without requiring a large insertion pressure.

(2) In the spacer forming members 40A to 40D (FIGS. 1 and 2) of the above embodiment, the resin inlet 41 is provided at the end of the first portion 42, and the resin outlet 45 is provided at the end of the second portion 44. Although provided, it may be reversed. In addition, the spacer forming members 40A and 40D arranged at the corners on the upper side (the + y direction side in FIG. 2) of the fuel cell stack 10 remain unchanged, and the lower side (the −y direction side in FIG. 2) of the fuel cell stack 10 is left. The spacer forming members 40B and 40C arranged at the corners of) may be configured such that the resin discharge port 45 is provided at the end of the first portion 42 and the resin injection port 41 is provided at the end of the second portion 44. Good.

(3) The first portion 42 and the second portion 44 of the spacer forming members 40A to 40D (FIGS. 1 and 2) of the above embodiment are separate bodies, and the resin inlet 41 and the resin outlet are provided at both ends of the first portion 42. It may be divided into a spacer forming member having a bag body provided with 45 and a spacer forming member having a bag body provided with the resin injection port 41 and the resin discharge port 45 at both ends of the second portion 44.

(4) In the above embodiment, the structure in which the spacer forming members are arranged at the four corners of the fuel cell stack 10 has been described as an example. However, the structure in which the spacer forming members are arranged at the two diagonal corners, respectively. Alternatively, a spacer forming member may be arranged at each of the three corners. Further, the spacer forming member may be arranged at any one of the corners. In this case, at least the spacers made of silicon rubber or the like may be arranged at the corners located diagonally with respect to the corners at which the spacer forming member is arranged.

(5) In the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which one spacer forming member is arranged across two surfaces forming one corner is described as an example, but the two spacers are formed on each of the two surfaces forming one corner. The spacer forming member may be arranged.

(6) In the above embodiment, the case where the insulating members 30A to 30D are inserted into the case main body 21 with the side surfaces of the fuel cell stack 10 covered has been described as an example. However, the spacer forming members 40A to 40D are described. Similarly, the structure may be arranged in advance in the case body 21, and the side surface of the fuel cell stack 10 may be covered by injecting the liquid resin member 50 into the spacer forming members 40A to 40D.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, examples, and modified examples, and can be realized with various configurations without departing from the spirit thereof. For example, technical features in the embodiments, examples, and modifications corresponding to the technical features in each mode described in the section of the outline of the invention are to solve some or all of the above problems, or In order to achieve some or all of the above-mentioned effects, it is possible to appropriately replace or combine them. If the technical features are not described as essential in this specification, they can be deleted as appropriate.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Fuel cell laminated body 10A-10D ... Side surface 11 ... Unit cell 12 ... Current collecting plate 13 ... Insulating plate 14 ... End plate 20 ... Case 21 ... Case main body 21A, 21B ... Case inner surface 22 ... Case rear side 23 ... Case opening 25 ... Case front side surface 26, 27 ... Communication holes 30A to 30D ... Insulating members 40A to 40D ... Spacer forming member 40M1 ... Spacer forming member 40M2 ... Spacer forming member 41 ... Resin injection port 42 ... First portion 42M1 ... 1st part 42M2 ... 1st part 43 ... 3rd part 44 ... 2nd part 45 ... Resin discharge port 46, 47 ... Sealing part 48 ... Notch part 50 ... Liquid resin member 100 ... Fuel cell

Claims (1)

A method of manufacturing a fuel cell, comprising:
(A) Forming a spacer having a fuel cell stack including a plurality of unit cells stacked along the stacking direction, a case for accommodating the fuel cell stack inside, and a bag body having openings at both ends A step of preparing a member,
(B) disposing the spacer forming member on the inner surface of the case,
(C) placing the bag body between the case and the fuel cell stack by inserting the fuel cell stack into the case along the stacking direction;
(D) After filling the gap between the fuel cell stack and the case by injecting a liquid resin member into the inside of the bag body from one opening of the bag body of the spacer forming member, both ends Sealing the opening, and curing the liquid resin member,
A method of manufacturing a fuel cell, comprising:

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