WO2006030830A1 - Methode et moyens pour la fabrication d'une pile a combustible - Google Patents

Methode et moyens pour la fabrication d'une pile a combustible Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2006030830A1
WO2006030830A1 PCT/JP2005/016949 JP2005016949W WO2006030830A1 WO 2006030830 A1 WO2006030830 A1 WO 2006030830A1 JP 2005016949 W JP2005016949 W JP 2005016949W WO 2006030830 A1 WO2006030830 A1 WO 2006030830A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
metal plate
mold
fuel cell
film electrode
manufacturing
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/JP2005/016949
Other languages
English (en)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
Masakazu Sugimoto
Masaya Yano
Taiichi Sugita
Original Assignee
Nitto Denko Corporation
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from JP2004270208A external-priority patent/JP4630029B2/ja
Priority claimed from JP2004270199A external-priority patent/JP3847311B2/ja
Priority claimed from JP2005007212A external-priority patent/JP2006196328A/ja
Priority claimed from JP2005153924A external-priority patent/JP2006331861A/ja
Application filed by Nitto Denko Corporation filed Critical Nitto Denko Corporation
Publication of WO2006030830A1 publication Critical patent/WO2006030830A1/fr

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/02—Details
    • H01M8/0271—Sealing or supporting means around electrodes, matrices or membranes
    • H01M8/0286—Processes for forming seals
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/02—Details
    • H01M8/0271—Sealing or supporting means around electrodes, matrices or membranes
    • H01M8/028—Sealing means characterised by their material
    • H01M8/0282—Inorganic material
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/02—Details
    • H01M8/0271—Sealing or supporting means around electrodes, matrices or membranes
    • H01M8/028—Sealing means characterised by their material
    • H01M8/0284—Organic resins; Organic polymers
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/10—Fuel cells with solid electrolytes
    • H01M8/1016—Fuel cells with solid electrolytes characterised by the electrolyte material
    • H01M8/1018—Polymeric electrolyte materials
    • H01M8/102—Polymeric electrolyte materials characterised by the chemical structure of the main chain of the ion-conducting polymer
    • H01M8/1023—Polymeric electrolyte materials characterised by the chemical structure of the main chain of the ion-conducting polymer having only carbon, e.g. polyarylenes, polystyrenes or polybutadiene-styrenes
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/10—Fuel cells with solid electrolytes
    • H01M8/1016—Fuel cells with solid electrolytes characterised by the electrolyte material
    • H01M8/1018—Polymeric electrolyte materials
    • H01M8/1039—Polymeric electrolyte materials halogenated, e.g. sulfonated polyvinylidene fluorides
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/10—Fuel cells with solid electrolytes
    • H01M8/1016—Fuel cells with solid electrolytes characterised by the electrolyte material
    • H01M8/1018—Polymeric electrolyte materials
    • H01M8/1058—Polymeric electrolyte materials characterised by a porous support having no ion-conducting properties
    • H01M8/106—Polymeric electrolyte materials characterised by a porous support having no ion-conducting properties characterised by the chemical composition of the porous support
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/02—Details
    • H01M8/0202—Collectors; Separators, e.g. bipolar separators; Interconnectors
    • H01M8/0247—Collectors; Separators, e.g. bipolar separators; Interconnectors characterised by the form
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/02—Details
    • H01M8/0202—Collectors; Separators, e.g. bipolar separators; Interconnectors
    • H01M8/0258—Collectors; Separators, e.g. bipolar separators; Interconnectors characterised by the configuration of channels, e.g. by the flow field of the reactant or coolant
    • H01M8/0263—Collectors; Separators, e.g. bipolar separators; Interconnectors characterised by the configuration of channels, e.g. by the flow field of the reactant or coolant having meandering or serpentine paths
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
    • Y02E60/30—Hydrogen technology
    • Y02E60/50—Fuel cells
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02P—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES IN THE PRODUCTION OR PROCESSING OF GOODS
    • Y02P70/00—Climate change mitigation technologies in the production process for final industrial or consumer products
    • Y02P70/50—Manufacturing or production processes characterised by the final manufactured product

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a manufacturing method and manufacturing equipment for manufacturing a thin fuel cell.
  • an anode 101 and a cathode 102 are disposed with a solid polymer electrolyte membrane 100 interposed therebetween.
  • the unit cell 105 is configured by being sandwiched by a pair of separators 104 via a gasket 103.
  • Each separator 104 is formed with a gas flow channel, and a flow path of a reducing gas (for example, hydrogen gas) is formed by contact with the anode 101, and an oxygen gas is formed by contact with the force sword 102.
  • a flow path (for example, oxygen gas) is formed.
  • Each gas is supplied to the electrode reaction (chemical reaction at the electrode) by the action of the catalyst supported in the anode 101 or the power sword 102 while flowing through each flow path in the unit cell 105, and the current of Generation and ionic conduction occur.
  • a large number of unit cells 105 are stacked and the unit cells 105 are electrically connected in series to form a fuel cell N, and the electrode 106 can be taken out from the unit cells 105 at both ends.
  • a fuel cell N is attracting attention as a power source for electric vehicles and a distributed power source for home use due to its clean and high efficiency.
  • the basic configuration of the fuel cell includes a plate-like thin film electrode composition and a pair of metal plates (force sword side metal plate and anode side metal plate) arranged on both sides of the thin film electrode composition.
  • the peripheral edges of these metal plates are sealed with caulking with an insulating layer interposed therebetween.
  • the thin film electrode composition is composed of a solid polymer electrolyte and a pair of electrode plates (anode side and force sword side) disposed on both sides thereof.
  • the metal plate is electrically insulated and sealed with caulking, the fuel cell can be reliably sealed without increasing the thickness while preventing short circuit between the two.
  • a solid polymer electrolyte and a metal plate are used, a free planar shape and bending are possible, and a compact, lightweight and free shape design is possible.
  • Non-patent document 1 Nikkei Mechanical separate volume “Fuel Cell Development Frontline” date of issue June 29, 2001, Nikkei BP, Chapter 3, PEFC, 3.1 Principles and Features p46
  • an object of the present invention is to provide a manufacturing method and manufacturing equipment for a fuel cell having such a configuration.
  • each member constituting the fuel battery cell is formed in a flat plate shape, and thus is easily deformed. Therefore, manufacture A manufacturing method and manufacturing equipment that can reliably manufacture fuel cells while suppressing deformation of members in the process are required.
  • a method for producing a fuel cell according to the present invention includes:
  • a plate-shaped thin film electrode composition, and a first metal plate and a second metal plate disposed on both sides of the thin film electrode composition, and a peripheral region of these metal plates interposing an insulating layer therebetween In the manufacturing method of a fuel cell that is mechanically sealed by a bending press,
  • the peripheral region of one metal plate is tilted inward and mechanically sealed by a bending press.
  • a bending press working means which is located in the central area of the metal plate and uses a regulating means for regulating the deformation of the central area and a bending press working means located in the peripheral area and performing processing for mechanical sealing.
  • the deformation of the central region is regulated by the regulating means.
  • a fuel battery cell to be manufactured includes a plate-shaped thin film electrode composition and a pair of metal plates disposed on both sides thereof, and the peripheral region of the pair of metal plates is bent with an insulating layer interposed therebetween. The peripheral region can be sealed by performing such mechanical sealing.
  • this fuel cell cell is configured based on a plate-shaped thin film electrode composition, it can be formed thin as a whole.
  • the fuel battery cell can be manufactured by a bending press carriage such as a cashew mechanism, and for this purpose, a regulating means and a bending press working means are used. Specifically, it has a restricting means located in the central region of the metal plate and a bending press working means located in the peripheral region. The peripheral region can be mechanically sealed by the bending press working means. When processing by the bending press processing means, the deformation of the central region is controlled by the control means. If this restriction is not present, the flat plate member may be deformed, but it is possible to eliminate a problem that would be exerted by restriction by the restriction means. As a result, the fuel cell can be reliably manufactured while suppressing deformation of the member in the manufacturing process.
  • the bending press working is not limited to one step, and can be performed in a plurality of steps. So In this case, the content of the press work is set according to each stage, and is not limited to a specific content. In addition, when it is performed in multiple steps, there are multiple types of regulation means and bending press working means.
  • the method further includes a step of pressing and pressing the inner region of the sealed peripheral region after the mechanical sealing.
  • sealing can be performed reliably and gas leakage can be reliably prevented.
  • the present invention it is preferable to include a step for forming the metal plate in the peripheral region where bending pressing is performed thinner than other portions.
  • a step for forming the metal plate in the peripheral region where bending pressing is performed thinner than other portions By thinning the region where the bending press is performed, mechanical sealing can be performed with a small load, and deformation of the members constituting the cell can be suppressed.
  • Examples of the method for reducing the thickness include etching and pressing.
  • the first mold as the regulating means includes at least a first upper mold positioned above the metal plate, and the second mold as the bending press working means is located above the metal plate.
  • the first upper mold that has moved from above reaches a position that restricts deformation of the central region.
  • the first mold includes a first upper mold positioned at least above the metal plate, and deformation of the metal plate can be restricted by the lower surface of the first upper mold.
  • the second mold includes a second upper mold and a second lower mold, and the peripheral region of the metal plate is positioned between them to perform mechanical sealing with the second mold. Can do. When the second upper die comes down and comes into contact with the peripheral area of the metal plate, the machining starts. If mechanical sealing is performed in multiple steps, the number of first and second upper molds and the number of first and second lower molds corresponding to the number of processes are prepared. In addition, the peripheral area of the metal plate is restricted from being deformed by the first upper mold moved from above at the same time as or after the start of machining by the second mold. Thereby, mechanical sealing can be reliably performed while suppressing deformation of the member.
  • the lower surface of the first upper mold is the first 2. It is preferable to be located above the upper surface of the lower mold.
  • the lower surface of the first upper mold is set to be positioned above the upper surface of the second lower mold.
  • the first upper mold allows a minimum necessary contact force to act on the upper surface of the metal plate, and it is possible to restrict deformation without applying an excessive force.
  • a pair of metal plates are drawn to form a space for accommodating the thin film electrode composition.
  • each of the pair of metal plates is punched into a predetermined shape.
  • the order of the punching process and the drawing process may be switched.
  • the thin film electrode composition is accommodated between a pair of punched metal plates, and the peripheral region is mechanically sealed by a bending press.
  • the press carriage in the manufacturing process of the present invention includes at least these processes, and it is needless to say that another process is added. /.
  • the peripheral area of the first metal plate is drawn, and the bent portion is formed around the entire peripheral area.
  • the thin film electrode composition and the second metal plate are placed in this order (corresponding to the central region of the metal plate).
  • the insulating layer is located on the inner wall side of the part.
  • the standing bent portion can be reliably brought down. If you try to do this in one step, it may not fall well and the quality of the sealed state will deteriorate, but if you do it step by step, you can seal reliably and prevent gas leaks, etc. be able to. As a result, the inside of the cell can be reliably sealed by reliably performing mechanical sealing by a bending press.
  • the drawing process for inclining at a predetermined angle is performed at least once, and may be performed not only once but also twice or more.
  • the predetermined angle is 45. Can be set.
  • the predetermined angle can be set stepwise, for example, 60 ° ⁇ 30 °. The same applies to three or more times, and various modifications can be considered.
  • the predetermined angle is preferably 40 ° or more and 50 ° or less with respect to a horizontal plane.
  • the clearance between the inner wall of the standing bent portion and the peripheral end surface of the second metal plate is preferably 0.05 to 0.15 mm.
  • the clearance between the standing bent portion and the peripheral end surface of the second metal plate is less than 0.05 mm, the clearance is too narrow. And the peripheral edge surface may come into contact with each other, and as a result, the force that causes the central region of the metal plate to protrude outwardly is large. Such a possibility can be suppressed. If the clearance exceeds 0.15mm, the possibility of gas leakage inside the cell increases. Therefore, it is preferable to set the clearance as described above.
  • the protruding amount of the curved shape is preferably 0.05 to 0.15 mm. If it is less than 0.05 mm, it is difficult to exert the effect of suppressing the outward protrusion of the central region of the metal plate. When the thickness exceeds 0.1 mm, there is a problem that the sealing pressure at the time of mechanical sealing becomes too large and the force acting on the thin film electrode composition becomes too large. By setting the protruding amount as described above, an appropriate sealing process can be achieved.
  • a transporting step of transporting a long metal plate having a predetermined width toward the progressive mold equipment in order to produce the first metal plate or the second metal plate, a transporting step of transporting a long metal plate having a predetermined width toward the progressive mold equipment,
  • a predetermined material is used as a material for processing the first metal plate and the second metal plate.
  • a long metal plate having a width (for example, provided in a rolled state by a roll) is used to convey the long metal plate toward the progressive mold equipment.
  • various molds are arranged along the conveying path of the long metal plate, and predetermined processing is performed while being conveyed.
  • the process of processing the first metal plate is controlled. First, a flow path for flowing fuel gas is formed. Next, a recess for accommodating the thin film electrode composition is formed. Note that the step of forming the flow path and the step of forming the recess may be reversed. Finally, the first metal plate is formed by punching the outer shape. In this way, a predetermined treatment can be continuously applied to the first metal plate, and the first metal plate can be efficiently manufactured. In the present invention, a further additional process may be added in addition to the process of processing the first metal plate limited to the above process. As described above, the metal plate constituting the fuel battery cell can be processed efficiently.
  • a process of processing the second metal plate according to this configuration will be described. First, a hole for taking in air is formed. Next, a recess for accommodating the thin film electrode composition is formed. Note that the step of forming the hole and the step of forming the recess may be reversed. Finally, the second metal plate is formed by punching out the outer shape. In this way, predetermined processing can be continuously performed on the second metal plate, and the second metal plate can be efficiently manufactured. In the present invention, a further processing step may be added in addition to the processing step of the second metal plate limited to the above-described step. As described above, it is possible to provide a manufacturing method capable of efficiently processing the metal plate constituting the fuel battery cell.
  • the metal mold used in the step of forming a recess for accommodating a thin film electrode composition in a long metal plate is composed of a first metal plate and a second metal plate. It is preferred that a common mold is used.
  • the concave portion for accommodating the thin film electrode composition is a function necessary for any metal plate, and is common. The cost can be reduced by using the mold.
  • step of forming the flow channel according to the present invention is performed in multiple steps.
  • the width of the force flow path that needs to be processed to a predetermined depth may be reduced. Therefore, since it is difficult to perform a desired shape in a single pressing step, it is possible to form a flow path having a desired shape by performing processing in multiple steps.
  • holes for processing positioning are formed in advance at predetermined intervals corresponding to the mold arrangement intervals of the progressive mold equipment, and the insulating layer is formed. It is preferable that the insulating sheet to be formed is attached in advance at the same predetermined intervals.
  • a positioning hole as a processing reference is required. These holes are formed in advance according to the mold arrangement interval.
  • an insulating sheet is previously attached to the long metal plate at the predetermined interval.
  • the insulating sheet can be attached by an appropriate method such as adhesion.
  • the insulating sheet according to the present invention is formed in a ring shape corresponding to the peripheral region, and is attached on the basis of the positioning hole.
  • the shape of the sealing portion can be accommodated.
  • the insulating sheet can be accurately attached at predetermined intervals, and the position of the shape formed by die processing and the ring-shaped insulating sheet can be determined. Accurate association is possible.
  • an insulating sheet is previously attached to both the long metal plate for forming the first metal plate and the long metal plate for forming the second metal plate, and the thin film electrode accommodated therein It is preferable that the insulating sheet is preliminarily attached at a position where the peripheral region of the composition is sandwiched between the insulating sheet on the first metal plate side and the insulating sheet on the second metal plate side.
  • the insulating sheet is attached to both the first metal plate and the second metal plate, and is insulated when the peripheral regions of the first metal plate and the second metal plate are sealed by press bending. Can be ensured. Further, the peripheral region of the thin film electrode composition is sandwiched between the insulating sheets, so that the thin film electrode composition can be securely held and fuel gas leakage or the like can be prevented.
  • a fuel cell manufacturing facility includes:
  • the peripheral region of one metal plate is tilted inward with the thin-film electrode composition set between the pair of metal plates.
  • a first upper mold (corresponding to a regulating means, the same shall apply hereinafter) located in the central area of the metal plate, and a second lower mold and a second upper mold for mechanically sealing the peripheral area of the metal plate (Corresponding to the lower side and upper side bending press working means, the same shall apply hereinafter)
  • the total stroke is set so as to be longer than the stroke until the second upper mold comes into contact with the metal plate and starts machining, and after the machining starts, the urging force of the urging mechanism is applied to the peripheral area of the metal plate. In addition to acting on the area, the deformation of the central area is restricted by the first upper mold.
  • a fuel cell to be manufactured includes a plate-shaped thin film electrode composition and a pair of metal plates disposed on both sides thereof, and the peripheral edges of the pair of metal plates are subjected to bending press with an insulating layer interposed therebetween. By doing so, the peripheral region can be sealed.
  • the fuel battery cell is configured based on a plate-like thin film electrode composition, it can be formed thin as a whole.
  • This fuel battery cell can be manufactured by a bending press carriage, and a mold mechanism is used for this purpose.
  • the mold mechanism includes a first upper mold located in the central region of the metal plate, and a second lower die and a second upper die located in the peripheral region of the metal plate for performing force shim sealing. .
  • An urging mechanism is provided for the second upper mold.
  • the second upper die Since the second upper die is provided with an urging mechanism, the urging mechanism is compressed after the machining is started. On the other hand, the first upper mold in the central area continues to fall until it comes into contact with the stopper. Then, it stops when the entire stroke is lowered, and the deformation of the metal plate is restricted. As a result, it is possible to manufacture a fuel cell in which the inside is reliably sealed while suppressing deformation of the member.
  • the lower surface of the first upper mold is preferably positioned above the upper surface of the second lower mold! /.
  • the lower surface of the first upper mold is set to be positioned above the upper surface of the second lower mold.
  • the first upper mold allows a minimum necessary contact force to act on the upper surface of the metal plate, and it is possible to restrict deformation without applying an excessive force.
  • the vertical distance between the lower surface of the first upper mold and the upper surface of the second lower mold is set to be substantially the same as the thickness of the fuel cell. It is preferable. As a result, the deformation of the member without applying an excessive force is restricted, and the Can be sealed.
  • an adjusting mechanism for adjusting the height of the first upper mold it is preferable to provide an adjusting mechanism for adjusting the height of the first upper mold.
  • a mold mechanism As a mold mechanism according to the present invention, at least a mold used in a step of forming a space for accommodating a thin film electrode composition by drawing a pair of metal plates, respectively,
  • a pair of metal plates are drawn to form a space for accommodating the thin film electrode composition.
  • each of the pair of metal plates is punched into a predetermined shape.
  • the order of the punching process and the drawing process may be switched.
  • the thin film electrode composition can be accommodated between a pair of punched metal plates, and the peripheral region can be mechanically sealed.
  • the present invention it is preferable to further include a mold used in the step of pressing the inner region of the sealed peripheral region after the mechanical sealing step. As a result, it is possible to reliably seal and prevent gas leakage.
  • a mold used in the step of forming the bent portion around the entire periphery of the peripheral region by drawing the peripheral region of the first metal plate;
  • the thin film electrode composition and the second metal plate are placed in this order on the first metal plate with the standing bent portion facing upward, and an insulating layer is set on the inner wall side of the standing bent portion.
  • an angle of the mold inclined at the predetermined angle is set to 40 ° or more and 50 ° or less with respect to a horizontal plane.
  • the battery cell can be reliably manufactured while suppressing deformation of the member in the manufacturing process.
  • a progressive metal mold facility in order to produce the first metal plate or the second metal plate, a progressive metal mold facility is provided that sequentially performs a predetermined process while conveying a long metal plate having a predetermined width.
  • the remit die equipment is
  • the effects and effects of the powerful configuration are as described above, and the first metal plate can be continuously processed in a predetermined manner, and the first metal plate can be manufactured efficiently. it can.
  • the processing steps of the first metal plate are not limited to the above steps, and other processing steps may be added.
  • the metal plate constituting the fuel battery cell can be processed efficiently.
  • a mold for forming a hole for taking air into the long metal plate a mold for forming a recess for accommodating the thin film electrode composition in the long metal plate, A die that forms the second metal plate by punching the outer shape of the metal plate is preferred.
  • the second metal plate can be continuously processed in a predetermined manner, and the second metal plate can be efficiently manufactured.
  • the processing step of the second metal plate is not limited to the above step, and another processing step may be added.
  • the metal plate constituting the fuel cell can be processed efficiently.
  • the metal mold used in the step of forming a recess for accommodating the thin film electrode composition in the long metal plate includes a first metal plate and a second metal plate. It is preferred that a common mold is used.
  • a mold control unit that controls the operation of each mold constituting the progressive mold facility is provided, and this mold control unit is provided with a first metal plate when processing the first metal plate. It is preferable to deactivate a mold that is used only for processing the second metal plate and to deactivate a mold that is used only for processing the first metal plate when processing the second metal plate.
  • FIG. 1 is an assembled perspective view showing an example of a fuel cell according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view showing an example of a fuel cell according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 3 is an external perspective view showing the configuration of the mold.
  • FIG. 17 Cross-sectional view showing a state in which a metal plate and a thin film electrode composition are set in a mold
  • FIG. 22 External perspective view showing the configuration of another embodiment of the fuel cell according to the present invention (anode ⁇ rule)
  • FIG. 23 External perspective view showing the configuration of another embodiment of the fuel battery cell according to the present invention (Force Sword)
  • FIG. 24 Assembly perspective view showing an example of the fuel cell shown in Figs.
  • FIG. 25 A longitudinal sectional view showing an example of the fuel cell shown in Figs.
  • FIG. 26 Diagram showing the flow channel of the fuel cell in Fig. 24
  • FIG. 34 is a sectional view showing a state in which a metal plate and a thin film electrode composition are set in a mold.
  • FIG. 1 is an assembled perspective view showing an example of the fuel battery cell of the present invention
  • FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view showing an example of the fuel battery cell of the present invention.
  • the fuel cell of the present invention comprises a plate-shaped solid polymer electrolyte 1 and a force sword side electrode plate 2 disposed on one side of the solid polymer electrolyte 1. And an anode side electrode plate 3 arranged on the other side.
  • a fuel flow channel 9 is formed in the anode side metal plate 5 by etching, and the peripheral region 5a of the anode side metal plate 5 and the peripheral region 4a of the force sword side metal plate 4 are etched.
  • An example in which the thickness is thinner than other parts is shown.
  • regions other than the peripheral regions 4a and 5a of the metal plates 4 and 5 are referred to as central regions 4b and 5b.
  • a so-called caulking process is performed! /.
  • the solid polymer electrolyte 1 may be any as long as it is used in a conventional solid polymer membrane type battery. From the viewpoint of chemical stability and conductivity, a sulfonic acid group that is a super strong acid is used. A cation-exchange membrane having a perfluorocarbon polymer strength having a suitable property is preferably used. As such a cation exchange membrane, naphth ion (registered trademark) is preferably used. In addition, for example, a porous membrane made of fluorine resin such as polytetrafluoroethylene impregnated with the above naphth ion or other ion conductive material, or a porous film made of polyolefin resin such as polyethylene or polypropylene. The membrane may be a non-woven fabric carrying the above naphth ion or other ion conductive material.
  • the electrode plates 2 and 3 can function as a gas diffusion layer, and can supply and discharge fuel gas, oxidizing gas, and water vapor, and at the same time have a function of collecting current. .
  • the same or different electrode plates 2 and 3 can be used, and the base material has an electrocatalytic action. It is preferable to carry the catalyst which carries out.
  • the catalyst is preferably supported at least on the inner surfaces 2b and 3b in contact with the solid polymer electrolyte 1.
  • the electrode base material for example, a conductive porous material such as an aggregate of fibrous carbon and conductive polymer fibers such as carbon paper and carbon fiber nonwoven fabric can be used.
  • the electrode plates 2 and 3 are prepared by adding a water-repellent material such as fluorine resin to such a conductive porous material.
  • a catalyst and a water-repellent substance such as fluorine resin are mixed and mixed with a solvent to form a paste or ink, and then this is applied to one side of an electrode substrate that should face the solid polymer electrolyte membrane. It is formed by applying.
  • the electrode plates 2 and 3 and the solid polymer electrolyte 1 are designed according to the reducing gas and the oxygen gas supplied to the fuel cell.
  • the oxygen gas supplied to the fuel cell it is preferable to use air as the oxidizing gas and hydrogen gas as the reducing gas.
  • methanol or dimethyl ether can be used in place of the reducing gas.
  • the force sword side electrode plate 2 on the side where the air is naturally supplied causes a reaction between oxygen and hydrogen ions to generate water, so that a strong electrode reaction
  • a strong electrode reaction It is preferable to design according to.
  • the phenomenon that the porous electrode body is clogged (flooding) due to the condensation of water vapor tends to occur especially at the air electrode where water is generated. Therefore, in order to obtain stable characteristics of the fuel cell over a long period of time, it is effective to ensure the water repellency of the electrode so that the flooding phenomenon does not occur.
  • platinum, palladium, ruthenium, rhodium, silver, nickel, iron, copper, cobalt and molybdenum force at least one metal force selected or an oxide thereof can be used.
  • the thickness of the electrode plates 2 and 3 is preferably 50 to 500 m in consideration of the electrode reaction, strength, handling properties, etc., which are effective for reducing the overall thickness as the thickness is reduced.
  • the electrode plates 2 and 3 and the solid polymer electrolyte 1 may be laminated and integrated in advance by bonding, fusing, or the like, but they may be simply laminated and arranged. Such a laminate is also available as a thin film electrode assembly (MEA) 10 A little.
  • a force sword side metal plate 4 is disposed on the surface of the force sword side electrode plate 2, and an anode side metal plate 5 is disposed on the surface of the anode side electrode plate 3.
  • the anode side metal plate 5 is provided with a fuel inlet 5c and a discharge port 5d, and further, in the present embodiment, a flow channel 9 is provided in the anode side metal plate 5.
  • the force sword side metal plate 4 is provided with a large number of openings 4c for supplying oxygen in the air. As long as the force sword side electrode plate 2 can be exposed, the opening 4c may have any number, shape, size, formation position, and the like. However, considering the supply efficiency of oxygen in the air and the current collection effect from the force sword side electrode plate 2, the area of the opening 4c is 10 to 50% of the area of the force sword side electrode plate 2. Particularly preferred is 20 to 40%.
  • the opening 4c of the cathode side metal plate 4 may be provided with a plurality of circular holes or slits regularly or randomly, or may be provided with a metal mesh.
  • any metal can be used as long as it does not adversely affect the electrode reaction.
  • examples thereof include stainless steel plates, nickel, copper, and copper alloys.
  • weight, elastic modulus, strength, corrosion resistance, press cache property, etching cache property, stainless steel plate, nickel, etc. are preferable.
  • the channel groove 9 provided in the anode side metal plate 5 may have any planar shape or cross-sectional shape as long as a channel of hydrogen gas or the like can be formed by contact with the electrode plate 3.
  • the inlet 5 c and the outlet 5 d are connected by a single continuous channel groove 9, and the channel groove 9 is zigzag periodically folded back along the width direction of the metal plate 5. It is formed into a shape.
  • various forms of the flow path grooves 9 can be employed.
  • a part of the channel groove 9 of the metal plate 5 may be formed on the outer surface of the electrode plate 3.
  • a mechanical method such as a hot press or cutting may be used, but it is preferable to perform groove processing by laser irradiation in order to perform fine processing suitably.
  • an aggregate of fibrous carbon is preferable as the base material of the electrode plates 2 and 3.
  • Each of the inlet 5c and the outlet 5d communicating with the channel groove 9 of the metal plate 5 has one or more than one. Numbers can be formed.
  • the thickness of the metal plates 4 and 5 is effective for reducing the overall thickness as the thickness is reduced. However, in consideration of strength, elongation, weight, elastic modulus, handling property, etc., 0.1 to 1 mm is preferable. Etching is preferred as a method of forming the flow channel 9 in the metal plate 5 from the viewpoint of ease of processing accuracy.
  • a width of 0.1 to: LOmm and a depth of 0.05 to lmm are preferable.
  • the cross-sectional shape of the channel groove 9 is preferably substantially square, substantially trapezoidal, substantially semicircular, V-shaped or the like.
  • Etching is also used to form the opening 4c in the metal plate 4, the thin walls of the peripheral regions 4a and 5a of the metal plates 4 and 5, and the formation of the inlet 5c and the outlet 5d into the metal plate 5. It is preferable to do. Etching can be performed using, for example, a dry film resist or the like and forming an etching resist having a predetermined shape on the metal surface, and then using an etching solution corresponding to the type of the metal plates 4 and 5. In addition, the cross-sectional shape of the channel groove 9 can be controlled with higher accuracy by selectively etching each metal using a laminate of two or more kinds of metals.
  • the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 is an example in which the thickness of the force squeeze portions (peripheral regions 4a and 5a) of the metal plates 4 and 5 is reduced by etching. In this way, by etching the force crimping portion to an appropriate thickness, sealing with caulking can be performed more easily. From this viewpoint, the thickness of the caulking portion is preferably 0.05 to 0.3 mm.
  • the peripheral regions 4a and 5a of the metal plates 4 and 5 are sealed by force shimming while being electrically insulated. Electrical insulation can be performed using an insulating material, but in the present embodiment, it can be performed by interposing the peripheral portion la of the solid polymer electrolyte 1.
  • a structure in which the solid polymer electrolyte 1 is sandwiched between the peripheral regions 4a and 5a of the metal plates 4 and 5 as shown in FIG. 2 is preferable. That is, the solid polymer electrolyte 1 in the region outside the electrode plates 2 and 3 is sandwiched between the peripheral regions 4a and 5a. According to such a structure, it is possible to effectively prevent inflow of gas or the like to one force or the other of the electrode plates 2 and 3.
  • the caulking structure shown in FIG. 2 is preferable from the viewpoint of sealing performance, ease of manufacture, thickness, and the like. That is, the peripheral region 4a of one force sword side metal plate 4 is made larger than the peripheral region 5a of the other anode side metal plate 5, and the cathode is placed with the solid polymer electrolyte 1 interposed.
  • a caulking structure in which the peripheral region 4a of the cathode side metal plate 4 is folded back so as to sandwich the peripheral region 5a of the anode side metal plate 5 is preferable.
  • a fuel cell When a fuel cell is configured, one or a plurality of fuel cells as shown in Figs. 1 and 2 can be used.
  • the solid polymer electrolyte 1, a pair of electrode plates 2, 3, and A unit cell can be constituted by a pair of metal plates 4 and 5, and a plurality of the unit cells can be laminated or arranged on the same surface. By doing so, it is possible to provide a high-power fuel cell by connecting the bolts and nuts to each other and applying a constant pressure to the cell parts.
  • a fuel supply pipe can be directly joined to the fuel inlet 5c and outlet 5d of the metal plate 5, but the fuel cell is made thinner.
  • a joint mechanism having a pipe parallel to the surface of the metal plate 5 having a small thickness.
  • a metal pin for a joint can be attached to the metal plate 5 at the inlet 5c. This attachment can be performed by force fitting.
  • a pipe can be press-fitted and attached to this pin.
  • the metal plates 4, 5 and the solid polymer electrolyte 1 which are members constituting the fuel battery cell are formed in a rectangular shape, but their four corners are formed in an R shape. By applying R to the four corners, the force squeeze sealing process described later is performed to make the shape easy.
  • FIG. 3 is an external perspective view showing a mold that is a main part of the manufacturing facility.
  • Fig. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing the cross-sectional configuration of the mold.
  • the manufacturing facility includes a fixed unit 20 and a movable unit 30.
  • the stationary unit 20 includes a first lower mold 21 and a second lower mold 22 as molds.
  • the first lower mold 21 is provided with a coil spring 23 as an urging mechanism, and acts to urge the first lower mold 21 upward.
  • the first lower mold 21 presses the central region 4b of the power sword side metal plate 4 of the fuel cell.
  • the second lower mold 22 is arranged so as to surround the first lower mold 21, and the peripheral edge of the metal plate 4 Press the area 4a.
  • the second lower mold 22 is formed in a substantially rectangular annular shape in plan view.
  • the second lower mold 22 includes a mechanism (corresponding to the first adjustment mechanism 24) that can be adjusted in the vertical direction.
  • the adjustment mechanism 24 can be configured by a mechanism using a bolt and a nut, for example.
  • the first adjustment mechanism 24 can adjust the relative height relationship between the upper surface of the first lower mold 21 and the upper surface of the second lower mold 22. Specifically, the first lower mold 21 located in the central area is in a position recessed from the second lower mold 22 located in the peripheral area, and the protruding amount hi of the second lower mold 22 relative to the first lower mold 21 is hi. Can be adjusted.
  • the second lower mold 22 is formed with a hole 22a for inserting a guide shaft for guiding the second upper mold in the vertical direction. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, holes for planting the two positioning pins 25 are also formed. With this positioning pin 25, the member to be processed can be positioned. Positioning holes are formed in the member to be processed, and the workpiece W can be positioned at the time of processing by inserting the hole into the positioning pin 25.
  • the movable unit 30 includes a first upper mold 31 and a second upper mold 3 as molds.
  • the second upper die 32 is provided with a coil spring 33 as an urging mechanism, and acts to urge the second upper die 32 downward.
  • the first upper mold 31 presses the central region 5b of the anode side metal plate 5 of the fuel cell.
  • the second upper die 32 is disposed so as to surround the first upper die 31 and performs press working on the peripheral region 5a of the metal plate 5.
  • the second upper mold 32 is formed in a substantially rectangular annular shape in plan view.
  • the second upper mold 32 includes a mechanism that can be adjusted in the vertical direction (equivalent to the second adjusting mechanism 34).
  • As the adjustment mechanism 34 for example, a mechanism using bolts and nuts can be used.
  • the second adjustment mechanism 34 can adjust the relative height relationship between the lower surface of the first upper mold 31 and the lower surface of the second upper mold 3 2. Specifically, the protrusion amount h2 of the second upper mold 32 relative to the first upper mold 31 can be adjusted. By providing the adjusting mechanisms 24 and 34 as described above, an appropriate pressing force can be applied in the press carriage.
  • the first lower mold 21 and the first upper mold correspond to the first mold, and the second lower mold 22 and the second upper mold 32 are the second mold (lower bending). Equivalent to press working means and upper bending press working means).
  • the second upper mold 32 is inserted with a guide shaft for guiding the second upper mold 32 in the vertical direction.
  • a hole 32a is formed.
  • a hole 32b into which the positioning pin 25 is inserted is also formed.
  • a pressing force can be applied by operating the operation unit 40.
  • the movable unit 30 is moved downward by operating the operation unit 40.
  • the abutting portion 26 provided on the fixed side unit 20 side and the abutting portion 36 provided on the movable side unit 30 side are configured to abut, and the distance Y between them is determined by the movable side unit 30. Corresponds to the travel stroke.
  • the form of the force workpiece W schematically showing the workpiece W as an object of press working is different depending on the process of the press force.
  • FIG. 5 is a process diagram showing the order of the manufacturing process. Etching is performed on the metal plates 4 and 5 as a process prior to processing using the manufacturing equipment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 (Sl). As shown in FIG. 6 (a), the anode-side metal plate 5 is formed by etching a metal plate having a constant thickness to reduce the thickness of the peripheral region 5a, and the channel groove 9, the inlet 5c, and the outlet. 5d is also formed by etching. For example, a metal plate with a thickness of 0.3 mm is etched to form the peripheral region 5a with a thickness of 0.1 mm and a flow channel groove 9 with a depth of about 0.2 mm.
  • the metal plate 4 of the force sword side 4 is etched with a constant thickness to reduce the thickness of the peripheral region 4a and to increase the number of openings.
  • Part 4c is also formed by etching.
  • a metal plate having a thickness of 0.3 mm is etched, and the thickness of the peripheral region 4a is set to about 0.1 mm.
  • drawing of the power sword side metal plate 4 and drawing of the anode side metal plate 5 are performed (S2, S3). This drawing process is a process for forming a 150 m step on the metal plates 4 and 5.
  • Figures 7 (a) and 7 (b) show how each metal plate is drawn.
  • steps 4f and 5f are formed at locations near the boundaries between the peripheral regions 4a and 5a and the central regions 4b and 5b of the metal plates 4 and 5.
  • spaces 4g and 5g are formed inside the metal plates 4 and 5, respectively.
  • the space portions 4g and 5g function as space portions for accommodating the electrode plates 2 and 3 of the thin film electrode composition 10.
  • the metal plate 4 and the metal plate 5 are drawn separately.
  • FIG. 7 As the mold configuration for drawing, the shape shown in FIG. 4 can be used.
  • the metal molds first and second lower molds 21 and 22 and first and second upper molds 31 and 32
  • the same mold can be used for the mold.
  • FIG. 7 it is shown in accordance with the posture when assembled, but the posture (vertical direction) when actually set in the manufacturing equipment is the posture of the metal plate 5 shown in FIG. 7 (b). Will be set.
  • the first upper mold 31 located in the central regions 4b and 5b is continuously lowered downward, and the stopper is applied while the lower surface of the first upper mold 31 is further lowered than the lower surface of the second upper mold 32. Stop in contact. The stroke until the stopper stops is set for each process. As a result, the metal plates 4 and 5 are drawn to form steps (space portions 4g and 5g). The step size at this time is, for example, about 0.15 mm, and the space portions 4g and 5g corresponding to the thickness of the electrode plates 2 and 3 to be accommodated are formed.
  • a thin-film electrode composition 10 (the electrode plates 2 and 3 are assembled on both sides of the solid polymer electrolyte 1) is set in the metal plate 4 drawn by 90 °.
  • the electrode plate 2 of the thin film electrode composition 10 is accommodated in the space portion 4 g of the metal plate 4, and the electrode plate 3 is accommodated in the space portion 5 g of the metal plate 5.
  • a metal plate 5 is set on the top.
  • the peripheral portion la of the solid polymer electrolyte 1 has a shape along the peripheral region 5a bent 90 °, and is similarly set to be bent 90 °.
  • the peripheral portion la of the solid polymer electrolyte 1 is slightly protruded from the peripheral region 5a.
  • the first and second upper molds 31 and 32 descend downward.
  • the peripheral region 5a is bent 45 ° inward.
  • the stoppers contact portions 26, 36
  • the compression process of the coil spring 33 proceeds until the stopper comes into contact.
  • the first upper die 31 is above the metal plate 5 of the fuel cell and is in contact with the metal plate 5 when the second upper die 32 and the second lower die 22 come into contact with each other. Absent .
  • the stopper comes into contact, the first upper mold 31 will not go down any further. Stop in the state shown in Fig. 11. At this time, the lower surface 31 a of the first upper mold 31 presses (contacts) the upper surface of the metal plate 5. Thereby, it can suppress that the center area
  • the vertical gap dimension A h between the upper surface of the second lower mold 22 and the first upper mold 31 is set to about 0.5 mm.
  • the thickness of the metal plates 4 and 5 is 0.3 mm.
  • the thickness of the solid polymer electrolyte 1 is 0.025 mm. Therefore, the gap dimension A h is substantially the same as the thickness of the fuel cell that is force-sealed. As a result, deformation of the member can be effectively regulated without applying an excessive force to the fuel cell.
  • the 45 ° angle setting is preferably 45 ° ⁇ 5 °, more preferably 45 ° ⁇ 1 °. If it exceeds 50 °, there is a possibility that the bent part will not fall down well when performing 0 ° drawing. For example, a phenomenon such as buckling may occur, and it may not be crushed well, the quality of force shim sealing will deteriorate, and problems such as gas leakage will occur. Also, if the angle is smaller than 40 °, it is not preferable because the bent portion falls well inside when the angle is smaller than 40 ° at a time.
  • the outer shape of the force sword side metal plate 4 is drawn by 0 ° (S9).
  • the mold used in the 0 ° drawing process is a different mold from the 45 ° drawing process, and the press surface 32d is formed on a horizontal plane as shown in FIG.
  • the peripheral area 5a bent at 45 ° in the previous process is further pressed down and tilted inward.
  • the peripheral portion la of the solid polymer electrolyte 1 is also brought down inside.
  • the peripheral region 5a is bent 180 ° in a horizontal state.
  • the peripheral regions 4a and 5a are sealed by caulking.
  • the solid polymer electrolyte 1 is interposed as an insulating layer between the peripheral region 4a and the peripheral region 5a, and is sealed in a state in which a short circuit between the metal plates 4 and 5 is prevented.
  • FIG. 13 (b) shows the shape of the first lower mold 21 used.
  • the first upper mold 31 has a similar mold shape.
  • Each mold is provided with projections 21t and 31t formed in a ring shape.
  • the inner side of the peripheral regions 4a and 5a is pressed in a ring shape.
  • the steps for performing force shim sealing are S7 to S10 in FIG.
  • the 90 ° standing bent part formed in the S6 process is laid down and crushed, it does not fall down at once, and after drawing to 45 °, it is drawn to 0 °.
  • Force squeeze sealing is performed in stages. If you try to do this in one step, the sealing state will not be assured if the standing bend will fall down well, but as described above, it can be reliably sealed by drawing in two steps. it can.
  • the central region 5b of the metal plate 5 is brought into contact with the first upper die 31, so that the deformation of the central region 5b is restricted when the pressing force is applied.
  • a gap is formed between the central region 4a of the metal plate 4 and the first lower mold 21, no pressing force or regulating force acts. Thereby, deformation of the central regions 4b and 5b can be effectively prevented while preventing an excessive force from acting on the central regions 4a and 5a.
  • the force squeeze sealing step refers to S7 to S10 in FIG.
  • FIG. 14 is a process diagram showing the order of the manufacturing process when bending is performed.
  • S16 and S17 are calendered with the bending process of the force sword side metal plate 4 and the bending process of the anode side metal plate 5.
  • S11 to S15 are the same as described above, and S18 to S22 in FIG. 14 are the same as S6 to S10 in FIG. Therefore, the description will focus on the differences from the above description.
  • the metal plates 4, 5 and the thin film electrode composition 10 are set (S19).
  • Figure 17 shows this state.
  • a thin film electrode composition 10 (the electrode plates 2 and 3 are assembled on both sides of the solid polymer electrolyte 1) is set in the metal plate 4 drawn by 90 °.
  • the metal plates 4 and 5 have curved concave portions 4k and 5k, and the central portions of the curved concave portions 4k and 5k come into contact with the thin film electrode composition 10.
  • the central regions 4b and 5b of the metal plates 4 and 5 formed in the curved shape are pressed by the first lower mold 21 and the first upper mold 31 to deform the curved shape into a planar shape. It is done.
  • the peripheral regions 4a and 5a are force-sealed, the central regions 4b and 5b tend to float up, and the contact state with the thin film electrode composition 10 is deteriorated. Therefore, even if the above-described force acts on the central regions 4b and 5b, the contact between the thin film electrode composition 10 and the metal plates 4 and 5 can be reliably maintained, and the electric output can be efficiently performed. Can be taken out.
  • the dimensions kl and k2 of the curved concave portions are preferably 0.05 to 0.15 mm. The reason is that if it is less than 0.05 mm, it is difficult to exert the effect of suppressing the outward protrusion of the central region of the metal plate. If it exceeds 0.15 mm, it is difficult to perform force shim sealing. Another problem is that the sealing pressure becomes too large and the force acting on the thin film electrode composition 10 becomes too large. By setting the protruding amount as described above, it is possible to perform appropriate force sealing.
  • the gap dimension j (see Fig. 17) between the inner wall surface of the bent portion of the metal plate 4 and the end surface of the peripheral region 5a of the metal plate 5 shall be 0.05 to 0.15 mm. Is preferred. The reason is that if the thickness is less than 0.05 mm, the clearance is too narrow, so that the standing bent portion and the peripheral edge surface may come into contact with each other in the force shim sealing process. Therefore, this possibility can be suppressed if the force at which the central region of the metal plate protrudes outward due to this force is 0.05 mm or more. If the clearance exceeds 0.15 mm, the possibility of gas leakage inside the cell increases. Therefore, it is preferable to set the clearance as described above.
  • the metal plates 4, 5 are processed to have a curved shape, and then force squeeze sealing is performed. Therefore, the completed fuel battery cell has a good contact state between the metal plates 4, 5 and the thin film electrode composition 10, and the electric output can be taken out efficiently.
  • FIG. 20 (a) is a graph showing the relationship between the current density (mAZcm 2 ) and the output density (mWZcm 2 ), clearly showing that the direction force output processed into a curved shape is large.
  • FIG. 20 (b) is a graph showing the relationship between the current density (mAZcm 2 ) and the cell resistance ( ⁇ ⁇ ), and it can be seen that the output is larger when processed into a curved shape.
  • FIG. 21 is a graph showing the degree of variation in the cell thickness of the manufactured fuel cells. The measurement was performed with a micrometer.
  • the flow grooves 9 formed on the anode side metal plate 5 will be described with respect to the force that has been described for the method of forming by etching, and the process of forming this by press casing. In addition, the process of manufacturing the metal plates 4 and 5 by the progressive die equipment will be described.
  • Fig. 22 is an external perspective view of the fuel cell of the present invention as viewed from the anode side cover
  • Fig. 23 is an external perspective view of the force sword side force as well.
  • 24 is an assembled perspective view showing an example of the fuel cell shown in FIGS. 22 and 23
  • FIG. 25 is a longitudinal sectional view of the fuel cell shown in FIGS.
  • FIG. 26 is a diagram showing the shape of the flow channel. The explanation will focus on the differences from the fuel cell described in Figs.
  • the channel groove 9 provided in the anode side metal plate 5 may have any planar shape or cross-sectional shape as long as a channel such as hydrogen gas can be formed by contact with the electrode plate 3.
  • the inlet 5c and the outlet 5d are connected by the channel groove 9, and the channel groove 9 is formed in a zigzag shape that is periodically folded along the width direction of the metal plate 5.
  • the channel groove 9 is composed of a wide horizontal groove 9a and a narrow vertical groove 9b, and the horizontal groove 9a and the horizontal groove 9a on both sides of the width direction are connected by three vertical grooves 9b. Therefore, even if one of the vertical grooves 9b is blocked for some reason, the remaining vertical grooves 9b prevent the flow path grooves 9 from being completely blocked.
  • various forms of the channel grooves 9 can be adopted, and the present invention is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG.
  • the flow path groove 9 in the metal plate 5 it can be formed by performing press working (stamping) on the metal plate. That is, by punching from the back surface side of the metal plate 5 shown in FIG. 24, the flow path is formed on the back surface side of the metal plate 5 as shown in FIGS. A groove 9 can be formed. Further, since the flow channel 9 is formed by stamping, the same shape as the flow channel 9 appears on the surface side of the metal plate 5 as shown in FIG.
  • the cross-sectional shape of the channel groove 9 is preferably substantially square, substantially trapezoidal, substantially semicircular, or V-shaped.
  • the formation of the opening hole 4c in the metal plate 4 and the formation of the injection port 5c and the discharge port 5d in the metal plate 5 are also performed using a pressing force. Furthermore, concave portions are formed in the central regions 4b and 5b in the metal plates 4 and 5 using the same press caloe (punching process). This recessed portion is a recessed portion for accommodating the electrode plates 2 and 3 constituting the thin film electrode composition 10 as shown in FIG. Therefore, the area of the recess is processed according to the size of the electrode plates 2 and 3 to be accommodated.
  • a ring-shaped (frame-shaped) insulating sheet 11 is disposed in the peripheral region 4a as shown in FIG.
  • the outer edge of the insulating sheet 11 is set to be approximately the same size as the edge of the metal plate 4, and the inner edge is a region where a large number of opening holes 4c are formed (or a size slightly larger than the size of the electrode plate 2). Is set to a slightly larger size.
  • ring-shaped (frame-shaped) insulating sheets 12 are arranged on both the front and back surfaces of the peripheral region 5a as shown in FIG.
  • the sizes of the insulating sheets 12 on both the front and back sides are the same.
  • the outer edge of the insulating sheet 12 is set to be approximately the same size as the edge of the metal plate 5, and the inner edge is set to be slightly larger than the electrode plate 3.
  • the solid polymer electrolyte 1 is slightly larger than the size of the electrode plates 2 and 3, and the peripheral region la exposed from the electrode plates 2 and 3 is insulated as shown in FIG. It is assembled so as to be sandwiched between the sheets 11 and 12.
  • the peripheral region la of the solid polymer electrolyte 1 in the region outside the electrode plates 2 and 3 is connected to the peripheral region 4a, via the insulating sheets 11 and 12. It is in the state of being clamped by 5a. According to such a structure, inflow of gas or the like from one of the electrode plates 2 and 3 to the other can be effectively prevented.
  • an insulating sheet 12 is also provided on the surface side of the metal plate 5, and when sealing with force squeeze, it is possible to seal in a state in which insulation performance is ensured.
  • the insulating sheets 11 and 12 sheet-like resin, rubber, thermoplastic elastomer, ceramics, etc. can be used.
  • the insulating sheets 11 and 12 are attached to the metal plates 4 and 5 in advance by being attached or applied directly or via an adhesive. Can be kept. This point will be described later.
  • the caulking structure shown in FIG. 25 is preferable from the viewpoints of sealing performance, ease of manufacture, thickness, and the like. That is, the peripheral region 4a of one of the force-sword-side metal plates 4 is made larger than the peripheral region 5a of the other anode-side metal plate 5, and the cathode-side metal plate 4 A caulking structure in which the peripheral region 4a is folded back so as to sandwich the peripheral region 5a of the anode side metal plate 5 is preferable. A manufacturing method and manufacturing equipment for performing such force squeeze sealing will be described in detail later.
  • a joint booth (metal pin) 5e is attached to the metal plate 5 at the inlet 5c. This attachment can be performed by force fitting.
  • a metal pipe 13 can be press-fitted and attached to the pin 5 e.
  • a gas supply flow path can be formed by inserting the oil-repellent pipe 14 into the metal pipe 13 (see FIG. 25). The same configuration is adopted for the outlet 5d.
  • FIG. 27 is a diagram showing an outline of a manufacturing process of a fuel cell. As shown in FIG. 27, the process is divided into the process of manufacturing the force sword side metal plate 4, the process of manufacturing the anode side metal plate 5, and the process of manufacturing the thin film electrode composition 10. After the electrode composition 1 is manufactured, a process of assembling a fuel cell using these is performed.
  • FIG. 28 is a conceptual diagram showing the configuration of the progressive die equipment.
  • This progressive mold equipment can process both the power sword side metal plate 4 and the anode side metal plate 5, and therefore, seven molds are arranged along the transfer path.
  • a metal roll having a long metal plate having a predetermined width attached to the mouth is used as a raw material for processing each of the metal plates 4 and 5. Pull this metal roll force long metal plate Take it out and send it to the progressive die equipment, and the necessary processing is done.
  • long metal plates having the same width are used, but the metal plate 4 is one having an insulating sheet 11 attached on one side in advance, and the metal plate 5 is Use one that has insulating sheets 12 on both sides in advance.
  • the seven molds shown in Fig. 28 are arranged at predetermined intervals, and molds (first, second, third and sixth molds) used only when the anode side metal plate 5 is manufactured, A metal mold (4th and 7th mold) that is used only when manufacturing the power sword side metal plate 4 and a metal mold that can be used in common for both metal plates 4 and 5 (5th mold) Have. Therefore, when the force sword side metal plate 4 is manufactured, the first, second, third, and sixth molds are controlled to be inoperative, and when the anode side metal plate 5 is manufactured, the fourth, seventh metal plate is manufactured.
  • a mold control unit is provided for controlling the mold to be inactive.
  • Fig. 29 is a plan view showing how the power sword side metal plate 4 is processed by the progressive die equipment
  • Fig. 30 shows how the anode side metal plate 5 is processed by the progressive die equipment. It is a top view.
  • Fig. 31 is a cross-sectional view showing how the power sword side metal plate 4 is processed by the progressive die equipment
  • Fig. 32 is a cross sectional view showing how the anode side metal plate 5 is processed by the progressive die equipment. It is.
  • the process of manufacturing the force sword side metal plate 4 will be specifically described.
  • the long metal plate 50 from which the metal roll force is also drawn has a predetermined width, and positioning holes 50a are formed in advance on both sides in the width direction at predetermined intervals.
  • the insulating sheet 11 is also attached in advance at predetermined intervals. When the insulating sheet 11 is pasted, it can be pasted on the basis of the positioning hole 50a.
  • the long metal plate 50 is conveyed from the left side to the right side in FIG.
  • a large number of holes 4c are formed by press drilling (Sl).
  • the cross-sectional shape at this stage is shown in Fig. 31 (b). This is done with the 4th mold.
  • a recess 4g punching process for accommodating the electrode plate 2 is performed (S2).
  • the cross-sectional shape at this stage is shown in Fig. 31 (c). This is done with the fifth mold.
  • processing for punching the outer shape of the metal plate 4 is performed (S3).
  • the cross-sectional shape at this stage is shown in Fig. 31 (d). It is. This is done with the 7th mold.
  • the length after punching is indicated by L2.
  • the movement of the long metal plate 50 is intermittently moved in the conveyance direction, and when a predetermined process is performed by the mold, the long metal plate 50 is conveyed by a predetermined interval where the mold is arranged.
  • the As the operation of the mold, SI, S2, and S3 shown in Fig. 29 are processed at the same time. In other words, the force is increasing toward the downstream side in the transport direction. This is the same when the anode-side metal plate 5 is processed.
  • a long metal plate 51 drawn out from a metal roll has a predetermined width, and positioning holes 51a are formed in advance on both sides in the width direction at predetermined intervals. Insulating sheets 12 are also attached to both the front and back surfaces at predetermined intervals in advance. When the insulating sheet 12 is pasted, it can be pasted on the basis of the positioning hole 51a.
  • the punching process (first stage) of the flow channel 9 is performed (Sl l).
  • the channel groove 9 is not completely formed, and the groove depth is shallow.
  • a second stage punching process is performed for the channel groove 9 (S12). Thereby, the processing of the channel groove 9 is completed.
  • the cross-sectional shape at this stage is shown in Fig. 32 (b).
  • a press drilling force is formed to form holes (injection port 5c and discharge port 5d) for mounting the booth (S13). This is done with a third mold.
  • a recess 5g launching force for accommodating the electrode plate 3 is performed (S14).
  • the cross-sectional shape at this stage is shown in Fig. 32 (c). This is done with the fifth mold.
  • processing for punching the outer shape of the metal plate 5 is performed (S15).
  • the cross-sectional shape at this stage is shown in FIG. 32 (d). This is done with the 6th mold. The length after punching is indicated by L1.
  • Booth 5e can be connected to inlet 5c and outlet 5d by caulking.
  • FIG. 33 (b) shows a perspective view after drawing, and standing bent portions are formed on the entire circumference of the peripheral region 4a. By forming such a standing bent portion, it is possible to facilitate force squeeze sealing.
  • the mold equipment used in the assembly process of the fuel cell using the metal plates 4 and 5 manufactured as described above those having the configurations shown in Figs. 3 and 4 can be used. .
  • the basic structure of this mold can be applied to the case where the mold used in the fuel cell assembly process described below is misaligned.
  • the shape of the mold may differ depending on the type of processing, but the basic mold configuration can be the structure shown in Figs.
  • the metal plates 4 and 5 are used for punching (drawing) to form the recesses 4g and 5g for accommodating the electrode plates 2 and 3 of the thin film electrode composition 10 and the punching of the outer shape, As explained.
  • the metal plate 4 is drawn on the force sword side metal plate 4 (see Fig. 33), and the fuel cell is assembled.
  • This assembly process is the same as described in FIGS.
  • the mold configuration and the like in each process are shown in FIGS. 34 to 37, they are basically the same as those described in FIGS.
  • the channel groove 9 is formed by pressing force, a difference is that a mold is formed in accordance with the shape of the channel groove 9.
  • Fig. 34 shows a state in which the metal plates 4, 5 and the thin-film electrode composition 10 manufactured by the progressive die equipment are set.
  • a thin-film electrode composition 10 (in which the electrode plates 2 and 3 are assembled on both sides of the solid polymer electrolyte 1) is set in the metal plate 4 drawn by 90 °.
  • the first upper mold 31 has a recess 31a for escaping the booth 5e that is caulked to the metal plate 5, and a recess 31b for escaping the protrusion on the surface of the metal plate 5 due to the formation of the flow channel groove 9. Is provided.
  • insulating sheets 11 and 12 are interposed as insulating layers between the peripheral region 4a and the peripheral region 5a.
  • the metal plates 4 and 5 are sealed in a state that prevents short-circuiting.
  • the configuration of the fuel cell is not limited to the structure shown in FIGS.
  • the force sword side metal plate 4 has many openings 4c for taking in air.
  • the power sword side metal plate 4 is formed in the same shape as the anode side metal plate 5.
  • the configuration in which the solid polymer electrolyte 1 is interposed as an insulating layer is described.
  • force squeeze sealing is performed by using an insulating member separately. May be.
  • the thickness of the insulating material is preferably 0.1 mm or less from the viewpoint of thinning. It is possible to further reduce the thickness by coating an insulating material (for example, an insulating material having a thickness of 1 ⁇ m is possible).
  • insulating materials sheet-like resin, rubber, thermoplastic elastomer, ceramics, etc. can be used. In order to improve the sealing performance, resin, rubber, thermoplastic elastomer, etc.
  • the insulating material can be attached to the metal plates 4 and 5 in advance by attaching or applying the insulating material directly or via an adhesive to the periphery of the metal plates 4 and 5.
  • the flow groove 9 formed in the anode side metal plate 5 is divided into two times, and the force is applied to press carriage by one or three or more stepwise processing. It may be formed.
  • the force obtained by bending and crimping the peripheral region 4a of the force-sword side metal plate 4 may be bent and force-sealing sealed by bending the peripheral region 5a of the anode-side metal plate 5.

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  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Sustainable Development (AREA)
  • Sustainable Energy (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Electrochemistry (AREA)
  • Crystallography & Structural Chemistry (AREA)
  • Inorganic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Fuel Cell (AREA)

Abstract

Méthode et moyens permettant de fabriquer en toute sécurité une pile à combustible tout en supprimant la déformation des éléments dans les phases de fabrication. La pile à combustible comprend un ensemble électrode en couches minces sous forme de plaque (10) et une paire de tôles métalliques (4) et (5) disposées des deux côtés de l'ensemble électrode en couches minces (10). Les zones de bordure périphérique (4a) et (5a) des tôles métalliques (4) et (5) sont étanchées par sertissage avec une couche d'isolation (1a) intercalée entre elles. Lorsque la zone de bordure périphérique (4a) d'une tôle métallique (4) est inclinée vers l'intérieur pour réaliser l'étanchéité par sertissage avec l'ensemble électrode en couches minces (10) installé entre la paire de tôles métalliques (4) et (5), un premier moule (31) positionné sur les zones centrales (4b) et (5b) des tôles métalliques (4) et (5) est utilisé pour restreindre la déformation des zones centrales (4b) et (5b) et deux autres moules (22) et (32) positionnés sur les zones de bordure périphérique (4a) et (5a) sont utilisés pour réaliser l'étanchéité par sertissage. Lorsque les zones de bordure périphérique (4a) et (5a) sont serties étanches par les seconds moules (22) et (32), la déformation des zones centrales (4b) et (5b) est restreinte par le premier moule (31).
PCT/JP2005/016949 2004-09-16 2005-09-14 Methode et moyens pour la fabrication d'une pile a combustible WO2006030830A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (8)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP2004270208A JP4630029B2 (ja) 2004-09-16 2004-09-16 燃料電池セルの製造方法及び製造設備
JP2004270199A JP3847311B2 (ja) 2004-09-16 2004-09-16 燃料電池セルの製造方法及び製造設備
JP2004-270199 2004-09-16
JP2004-270208 2004-09-16
JP2005007212A JP2006196328A (ja) 2005-01-14 2005-01-14 電池セルの製造方法及び製造設備
JP2005-007212 2005-01-14
JP2005-153924 2005-05-26
JP2005153924A JP2006331861A (ja) 2005-05-26 2005-05-26 燃料電池セルの製造方法及び燃料電池セルの製造設備

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Cited By (1)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2006075792A2 (fr) * 2005-01-14 2006-07-20 Honda Motor Co., Ltd. Pile a combustible

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JP2002298874A (ja) * 2001-04-02 2002-10-11 Kemitsukusu:Kk 平面型燃料電池用セパレータ及び平面型燃料電池
JP2003282131A (ja) * 2002-03-20 2003-10-03 Samsung Sdi Co Ltd 通気型直接メタノール燃料電池セルパック
JP2004200064A (ja) * 2002-12-19 2004-07-15 Fujitsu Component Ltd 燃料電池および燃料電池スタック
JP2005150008A (ja) * 2003-11-19 2005-06-09 Nitto Denko Corp 燃料電池
JP2005268176A (ja) * 2004-03-22 2005-09-29 Nitto Denko Corp 燃料電池

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2002298874A (ja) * 2001-04-02 2002-10-11 Kemitsukusu:Kk 平面型燃料電池用セパレータ及び平面型燃料電池
JP2003282131A (ja) * 2002-03-20 2003-10-03 Samsung Sdi Co Ltd 通気型直接メタノール燃料電池セルパック
JP2004200064A (ja) * 2002-12-19 2004-07-15 Fujitsu Component Ltd 燃料電池および燃料電池スタック
JP2005150008A (ja) * 2003-11-19 2005-06-09 Nitto Denko Corp 燃料電池
JP2005268176A (ja) * 2004-03-22 2005-09-29 Nitto Denko Corp 燃料電池

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2006075792A2 (fr) * 2005-01-14 2006-07-20 Honda Motor Co., Ltd. Pile a combustible
WO2006075792A3 (fr) * 2005-01-14 2006-10-26 Honda Motor Co Ltd Pile a combustible
US8192894B2 (en) 2005-01-14 2012-06-05 Honda Motor Co., Ltd. Plate-laminating type fuel cell

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