JP2013051036A - Fuel cell and method for manufacturing the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a low-cost fuel cell that allows terminals to be reliably held by separators and that is easy to be manufactured, and to provide a method for manufacturing the same.SOLUTION: A fuel cell 1 includes: a membrane electrode assembly 2; a pair of a first separator 3a and a second separator 3b that are arranged so as to face each other and sandwich the membrane electrode assembly 2 therebetween; and a detection terminal 5 that is elastically deformable in a facing direction of the separators 3a and 3b. In a surface thereof facing the first separator 3a, the second separator 3b has an insertion groove 6 that is formed so as to face an end surface of the second separator 3b in a direction perpendicular to the facing direction. In the fuel cell 1, the detection terminal 5 as deformed elastically in the facing direction is inserted in the insertion groove 6. The fuel cell 1 is manufactured in the following manner. First, the membrane electrode assembly 2, the separators 3a and 3b, and the detection terminal 5 are prepared. Next, the separators 3a and 3b are arranged so as to face each other and sandwich the membrane electrode assembly 2 therebetween. Then, the detection terminal 5 is inserted into the insertion groove 6 in the separator 3b, and the separators 3a and 3b are fastened together.

Description

  The present invention relates to a fuel cell and a method for manufacturing the same, and more particularly to a polymer electrolyte fuel cell and a method for manufacturing the same.

  Conventionally, as a polymer electrolyte fuel cell, a fuel cell using a gas such as hydrogen as a fuel, and a fuel cell using a liquid such as methanol, dimethyl ether or hydrazine as a fuel are known.

  Generally, in a polymer electrolyte fuel cell, a membrane / electrode assembly (MEA) including an electrolyte layer made of a polymer electrolyte membrane, a fuel-side electrode and an oxygen-side electrode opposed to each other across the electrolyte layer A gas diffusion layer (GDL) disposed outside the fuel side electrode and the oxygen side electrode, a fuel side separator disposed opposite to the fuel side electrode with the gas diffusion layer interposed therebetween, and a gas diffusion layer disposed on the oxygen side electrode A plurality of unit cells each having an oxygen separator disposed opposite to each other are stacked.

  And in such a fuel cell, each unit cell is required to function normally, for example, when an abnormality occurs in a specific unit cell and its power generation voltage decreases, The entire fuel cell may be damaged significantly.

  For this reason, it is required to detect an abnormality in the unit cell by measuring the voltage, current, etc. of each unit cell every several cells or in all the unit cells.

  As such a method, for example, a method of detecting an abnormality of a unit cell by providing a hole in a separator, inserting a terminal for inspection into the hole, and inspecting a voltage of the unit cell is known. Yes.

  Specifically, for example, a terminal mounting hole (concave portion) formed in the separator of the fuel cell and a cell voltage detection terminal inserted into the terminal mounting hole to detect voltage from the separator are provided in the terminal mounting hole. Has a narrow part narrower than the inlet part by projecting a convex part (jaw part) on its inner wall, while the cell voltage detection terminal has a barbed part that can cross the narrow part during elastic deformation. A cell voltage detection terminal device for a fuel cell has been proposed (for example, a patent) which is formed such that the barbed portion elastically deforms after passing over a narrow portion and engages with a convex portion to be prevented from coming off. Reference 1).

JP 2001-256991 A

  However, in the cell voltage detection terminal device for a fuel cell described in Patent Document 1, the terminal mounting hole formed in the separator has a complicated shape including a convex portion and a narrow portion, and the cell voltage detection terminal also has Since it is a complicated shape that fits into the terminal mounting hole, it is difficult to process them and costs.

  Furthermore, in such a cell voltage detection terminal device for a fuel cell, due to tolerances of the terminal mounting hole and the cell voltage detection terminal, they cannot be reliably fitted, and the terminal falls off the separator due to vibration or the like. In some cases, when the fitting force is increased in order to prevent the dropout, the insertion force of the terminal is increased and the assembling property is deteriorated.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a fuel cell that can reliably hold a terminal on a separator, can be easily manufactured, and can be reduced in cost, and a method for manufacturing the fuel cell.

  In order to achieve the above object, the fuel cell of the present invention comprises a membrane / electrode assembly, a pair of separators arranged so as to sandwich the membrane / electrode assembly, and elastically deformable in the opposing direction of the separator. An insertion groove facing an end surface in a direction orthogonal to the facing direction is formed on the facing surface of at least one of the separators facing the other separator, and the detecting terminal is The insertion groove is inserted into the insertion groove while being elastically deformed in the facing direction.

  Further, the fuel cell manufacturing method of the present invention includes a membrane / electrode assembly, a pair of separators arranged so as to sandwich the membrane / electrode assembly, and a detection terminal elastically deformable in the opposing direction of the separator. An insertion groove facing an end surface in a direction orthogonal to the facing direction is formed on the facing surface of at least one of the separators facing the other separator, and the detection terminal is in the facing direction A method of manufacturing a fuel cell inserted into the insertion groove in an elastically deformed state, comprising the steps of preparing the membrane / electrode assembly, the separator and the detection terminal, and sandwiching the membrane / electrode assembly The step of making the separator face each other, the step of inserting the detection terminal into the insertion groove of the separator, and the step of fastening a pair of the separators It is.

  In the fuel cell and the manufacturing method thereof according to the present invention, the insertion groove is formed on the opposing surfaces of the pair of separators, and the detection terminals elastically deformable in the opposing direction are elastically deformed between the separators facing each other. Since it is inserted in the insertion groove, the detection terminal can be reliably held between the separators.

  Further, in the fuel cell and the manufacturing method thereof according to the present invention, the detection terminal can be held between the separators by a simple configuration in which the insertion groove is formed in the separator, so that the fuel cell can be easily manufactured. In addition, a plurality of detection terminals can be efficiently attached in a short time, thereby reducing the cost.

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a fuel cell according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a unit cell in the fuel cell shown in FIG. It is process drawing which shows one Embodiment of the manufacturing method of the fuel cell shown in FIG. 1, Comprising: (a) is a process which prepares a membrane electrode assembly, a fuel side separator, an air side separator, and a detection terminal, (b) These show the process of making a fuel side separator and an air side separator oppose so that a membrane electrode assembly may be pinched | interposed. FIG. 4 is a process diagram showing an embodiment of the manufacturing method of the fuel cell shown in FIG. 1 following FIG. 3, wherein (c) is a process of inserting a detection terminal into the insertion groove of the air-side separator; These show the process of fastening a fuel side separator and an air side separator. It is a principal part expanded sectional view which shows other embodiment of the fuel cell of this invention. It is the schematic which shows other embodiment (form provided with a barb part) of the detection terminal employ | adopted as one Embodiment of the fuel cell of this invention. It is the schematic which shows other embodiment (form by which the corner | angular part along a opposing direction is alternately formed with two or more) employ | adopted as one Embodiment of the fuel cell of this invention. It is the schematic which shows other embodiment (form which a front part is formed in a side view substantially C shape) employ | adopted as one Embodiment of the fuel cell of this invention.

1. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a fuel cell according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an enlarged sectional view of a unit cell in the fuel cell shown in FIG. .

  1 and 2, the fuel cell 1 is a solid polymer fuel cell to which, for example, a gaseous or liquid fuel component is supplied. A fuel component is supplied to the fuel cell 1 for power generation, and air (oxygen) is supplied. Further, the fuel cell 1 is supplied with cooling water for cooling the fuel component and air.

  Examples of the fuel component supplied to the fuel cell 1 include a gas (gas) such as hydrogen, for example, a liquid such as methanol, dimethyl ether, and hydrazine (including hydrated hydrazine and anhydrous hydrazine).

  The fuel cell 1 includes a membrane / electrode assembly 2 and a pair of separators 3 disposed so as to sandwich the membrane / electrode assembly 2 (hereinafter, for the sake of convenience, the first separator 3a And a second separator 3b.) Are formed as a fuel cell stack in which a plurality of unit cells 10 are stacked.

  Specifically, the unit cell 10 includes a membrane-electrode assembly 2, an anode-side GDL integrated seal 8, and an anode-side GDL integrated seal 8 that are stacked on one side (anode side) of the membrane-electrode assembly 2. The first separator 3a laminated on the other side of the membrane / electrode assembly 2, the cathode side GDL integrated seal 9 and the cathode side GDL integrated seal 9 laminated on the other side (cathode side) of the membrane / electrode assembly 2. The second separator 3b is provided on the other side of the membrane / electrode assembly 2 in FIG.

  In FIG. 1, only one of the plurality of unit cells 10 is taken out and disassembled, and the other unit cells 10 are shown in a stacked state.

  The membrane / electrode assembly 2 may have a known configuration, and although not shown in detail, as a fuel-side electrode laminated on the surface of one side in the thickness direction of the electrolyte layer (not shown) and the electrolyte layer (not shown) Anode electrode (not shown) and a cathode electrode (not shown) as an oxygen side electrode laminated on the surface of the electrolyte layer (not shown) on the other side in the thickness direction.

  The electrolyte layer (not shown) is formed of a polymer electrolyte membrane such as anion exchange type or cation exchange type. The film thickness of the electrolyte layer (not shown) is, for example, 10 to 100 μm.

  The anode electrode (not shown) is formed of, for example, a catalyst carrier that supports a catalyst. Further, the catalyst can be directly formed as an anode electrode (not shown) without using a catalyst carrier. The thickness of the anode electrode (not shown) is, for example, 10 to 200 μm, preferably 20 to 100 μm.

  The cathode electrode (not shown) is formed of a catalyst carrier carrying a catalyst, for example, like the anode electrode (not shown). The thickness of the cathode electrode (not shown) is, for example, 10 to 300 μm, preferably 20 to 150 μm.

  The anode-side GDL integrated seal 8 is integrally provided with an anode-side diffusion layer 11 and an anode-side seal portion 12.

  The anode-side diffusion layer 11 is formed in a substantially rectangular flat plate shape from, for example, a hard gas permeable material in which carbon paper or carbon cloth is fluorine-treated if necessary. The anode side diffusion layer 11 also functions as a current collector.

  The thickness of the anode side diffusion layer 11 is, for example, 50 to 500 μm, or preferably 100 to 300 μm.

  The anode-side seal portion 12 is bonded to a circumferential end portion in a direction orthogonal to the stacking direction of the anode-side diffusion layer 11 and is described later on both sides of the circumferential end portion (both sides in the longitudinal direction of the separator 3). It is formed in a lattice shape so as to surround each of the six openings 20 formed in one separator 3a.

  The anode side seal portion 12 is made of an elastic material such as rubber, for example, and bulges on both sides in the stacking direction of the anode side diffusion layer 11 so as to be thicker than the anode side diffusion layer 11. Yes.

  The anode-side seal portion 12 has a thickness of, for example, 100 to 1000 μm, or preferably 200 to 700 μm.

  The cathode-side GDL integrated seal 9 is integrally provided with a cathode-side diffusion layer 15 and a cathode-side seal portion 16.

  The cathode side diffusion layer 15 is formed in a substantially rectangular flat plate shape from a hard gas permeable material exemplified as the anode side diffusion layer 11. Similar to the anode side diffusion layer 11, the cathode side diffusion layer 15 also functions as a current collector. The thickness of the cathode side diffusion layer 15 is, for example, 50 to 500 μm, or preferably 150 to 350 μm.

  The cathode-side seal portion 16 is joined to a circumferential end portion in a direction orthogonal to the stacking direction of the cathode-side diffusion layer 15 and is formed on the second separator 3b described later on both sides in the longitudinal direction of the circumferential end portion. It is formed in a lattice shape so as to surround each of the six openings 20.

  The cathode side sealing portion 16 is formed of an elastic material such as rubber, for example, and bulges on both sides of the cathode side diffusion layer 15 in the stacking direction so as to be thicker than the cathode side diffusion layer 15 in the stacking direction. Yes. The thickness of the cathode side sealing part 16 is 100-1000 micrometers, for example, Preferably, it is 250-750 micrometers.

  The pair of separators 3 (first separator 3a and second separator 3b) are made of a gas-impermeable conductive member, and are also used as a fuel supply member and an air supply member.

  A plurality of flow channel grooves 19 recessed from the front and back surfaces are formed in parallel on both the front and back surfaces of the separator 3.

  As will be described in detail later, the flow channel 19 is formed when the membrane / electrode assembly 2, the anode-side GDL integrated seal 8, the cathode-side GDL integrated seal 9 and the separator 3 are laminated. A fuel supply path (not shown) is formed between the surface of the diffusion layer 11 and an air supply path (not shown) is formed between the channel groove 19 and the surface of the cathode side diffusion layer 15. To do.

  That is, each separator 3 is formed with a fuel supply path (not shown) on one side and an air supply path (not shown) on the other side. As will be described in detail later, a fuel supply path (not shown) supplies liquid fuel to an anode electrode (not shown) via the anode side diffusion layer 11 and an air supply path (not shown). However, air is supplied to the cathode electrode (not shown) through the cathode side diffusion layer 15.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the separator 3 is formed with six openings 20 penetrating the fuel cell 1 in the stacking direction in a state where a fuel cell stack in which a plurality of unit cells 10 are stacked is formed. Yes. The six openings 20 are formed on both sides of the channel groove 19 (both sides in the longitudinal direction of the separator 3), supply or discharge of fuel to a fuel supply path (not shown), and air to an air supply path (not shown). Are used for supplying or discharging the cooling water and for supplying or discharging cooling water to a water supply passage (not shown).

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, at least one separator 3 (first separator 3a in FIGS. 1 and 2) and the other separator 3 (second separator 3b in FIGS. 1 and 2) and Opposing opposing surfaces (ie, the first separator 3a and the second separator 3b face each other directly without the membrane-electrode assembly 2, the anode-side GDL integrated seal 8 and the cathode-side GDL integrated seal 9 being interposed) Surface, specifically, one end portion in the longitudinal direction of the first separator 3a and the second separator 3b) on the end surface in the direction orthogonal to the facing direction, specifically, on the end surface on one side in the longitudinal direction of the separator 3 An insertion groove 6 is formed.

  The insertion groove 6 is substantially L-shaped when viewed from the side, which is cut out from the surface of the first separator 3a, specifically, from the facing surface facing the second separator 3b to the middle of the thickness direction of the first separator 3a (see FIG. 2). ).

  Such an insertion groove 6 is formed on the outer side in the circumferential direction from the opening 20, more specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the membrane / electrode assembly 2, the anode-side GDL integrated seal 8, and the cathode-side GDL integrated type. When the seal 9 and the separator 3 are laminated, the seal 9 and the separator 3 are formed so as to be on the outer side in the circumferential direction than the anode-side seal portion 12 and the cathode-side seal portion 16.

  Further, the insertion groove 6 has a projection surface when projected in the facing direction of the pair of separators 3, more specifically, so as to face a recess 7 (described later) when the pair of separators 3 face each other. Is formed so as to contain the projection surface of the recess 7 (described later).

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the insertion groove 6 is formed so as to be shifted from each other in the stacking direction in a state where a fuel cell stack in which a plurality of unit cells 10 are stacked is formed, that is, in each unit cell 10. The grooves 6 are sequentially formed so as to be shifted in the width direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the first separator 3a in the surface direction.

  On the other hand, in the second separator 3b, a recess 7 is formed on the facing surface facing the first separator 3a (see the broken line in FIG. 1).

  The concave portion 7 is substantially U-shaped in a side view (see FIG. 2) that sinks from the surface of the second separator 3b, specifically, from the facing surface facing the first separator 3a to the middle of the second separator 3b in the thickness direction. The depression is formed so as not to face an end face in a direction orthogonal to the facing direction of the pair of separators 3, specifically, an end face on one side in the longitudinal direction of the separator 3.

  Such a recess 7 is formed on the outer side in the circumferential direction from the opening 20, more specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the membrane / electrode assembly 2, the anode-side GDL integrated seal 8, and the cathode-side GDL integrated seal. 9 and the separator 3 are formed so as to be on the outer side in the circumferential direction than the anode side seal portion 12 and the cathode side seal portion 16.

  Further, when the concave portion 7 is projected in the facing direction of the pair of separators 3 so as to face the insertion groove 6 when the pair of separators 3 are opposed to each other, the projection surface thereof is the insertion groove 6. Are formed so as to be within the projection plane.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the recesses 7 are shifted from each other in the stacking direction in a state where a fuel cell stack in which a plurality of unit cells 10 are stacked is formed, that is, the recesses 7 in the unit cells 10 Are sequentially formed so as to be shifted in the width direction of the second separator 3b.

  The unit cell 10 further includes a detection terminal 5 that can be elastically deformed in the opposing direction of the first separator 3a and the second separator 3b.

  The detection terminal 5 is formed in a flat band shape extending along the surface direction of the separator 3 as indicated by a virtual line in FIG. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the detection terminal 5 is bent in a substantially square shape when viewed from the side along the opposing direction of the first separator 3a and the second separator 3b. 21 is formed. Moreover, it forms so that it may extend along the said surface direction in the front side rather than the corner | angular part 21 of the detection terminal 5 again.

Such a detection terminal 5 is inserted into the insertion groove 6 in a state of being elastically deformed in the opposing direction of the first separator 3a and the second separator 3b. Thereby, the tip of the detection terminal 5 and the second separator 3b are in contact with each other, and the corner 21 and the first separator 3a are in contact with each other in the recess 7 facing the insertion groove 6.
(1-2) Manufacturing Method of Fuel Cell FIG. 3 is a process diagram showing an embodiment of the manufacturing method of the fuel cell shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 4 is a manufacturing process of the fuel cell shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a process diagram illustrating one embodiment of a method.

  Next, a method for manufacturing the fuel cell according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

  In this method, although not shown in detail, first, an electrolyte layer (not shown), an anode electrode (not shown) and a cathode electrode (not shown) stacked so as to sandwich the electrolyte layer (not shown) are interposed. As shown in FIG. 3 (a), a membrane / electrode assembly 2, an anode side GDL integrated seal 8 and a cathode side GDL integrated seal 9, and a pair of A separator 3 (first separator 3a and second separator 3b) and a detection terminal 5 are prepared.

  Next, in this method, as shown in FIG. 3B, the anode-side GDL integrated seal 8 and the cathode-side GDL integrated seal 9 are laminated so as to come into contact with the membrane-electrode assembly 2, and these membranes are laminated. The pair of separators 3 (the first separator 3a and the second separator 3b) are opposed so as to sandwich the electrode assembly 2, the anode-side GDL integrated seal 8, and the cathode-side GDL integrated seal 9.

  Specifically, first, the anode side GDL integrated seal 8 covers the surface of the anode electrode (not shown) on both sides of the membrane-electrode assembly 2, and the cathode side GDL integrated seal 9 is the cathode electrode (see FIG. The anode-side GDL integrated seal 8 and the cathode-side GDL integrated seal 9 are arranged so as to cover the surface (not shown).

  Thereafter, the channel groove 19 of the first separator 3a is opposed to the anode side diffusion layer 11 in the anode side GDL integrated seal 8, and the channel groove 19 of the second separator 3b is the cathode side GDL integrated seal 9. A pair of separators 3 is arranged so as to face and face the cathode side diffusion layer 15.

  Thereby, the first separator 3a and the anode side diffusion layer 11 are in contact with each other, and the fuel component is brought into contact with the entire anode electrode (not shown) between the flow channel 19 and the surface of the anode side diffusion layer 11. A fuel supply path (not shown) is formed.

  Further, the second separator 3b and the cathode side diffusion layer 15 are in contact with each other, and the air for contacting the entire cathode electrode (not shown) between the flow channel 19 and the surface of the cathode side diffusion layer 15 is used. A supply path (not shown) is formed.

  Next, in this method, as shown in FIG. 4C, the detection terminal 5 is inserted into the insertion groove 6 of the second separator 3b.

  In addition, although mentioned later in detail, since a pair of separator 3 is not fastened so that it may mention later at this time, the comparatively wide gap | interval is formed in the separator 3, Therefore, the detection terminal 5 is inserted in the insertion groove | channel 6. Can be inserted easily. Further, the shape of the detection terminal 5 is maintained without elastic deformation.

  Next, in this method, as shown in FIG. 4 (d), the pair of separators 3 are pressurized in their facing directions and fastened together.

  At this time, between the first separator 3a and the second separator 3b, the anode-side seal portion 12 in the anode-side GDL integrated seal 8 and the cathode-side seal portion 16 in the cathode-side GDL integrated seal 9 are stacked in the stacking direction. The first separator 3a and the second separator 3b come close to each other.

  Thereby, the detection terminal 5 is elastically deformed in the opposing direction of the separator 3 in a state where the detection terminal 5 is inserted into the insertion groove 6 by the pressing of the first separator 3a and the second separator 3b. And while making the front-end | tip part of the detection terminal 5 and the 2nd separator 3b contact, the corner | angular part 21 is latched by the recessed part 7, and the corner | angular part 21 and the 1st separator 3a are made to contact in the recessed part 7. FIG.

  Thereby, the unit cell 10 can be obtained.

In this method, the fuel cell 1 shown in FIG. 1 can be manufactured by stacking a plurality of unit cells 10. The method for stacking the unit cells 10 is not particularly limited, and can conform to a known method.
2. Operational Effect In such a fuel cell 1 and its manufacturing method, the insertion groove 6 is formed on the opposing surfaces of the pair of separators 3 (the first separator 3a and the second separator 3b), and is elastically deformable in the opposing direction. Since the detection terminal 5 is inserted into the insertion groove 6 in an elastically deformed state between the first separator 3a and the second separator 3b facing each other, the detection terminal 5 is securely inserted into the first separator 3a and the second separator 3b. Can be held between.

  Moreover, in such a fuel cell 1 and the manufacturing method thereof, the detection terminal 5 is held between the first separator 3a and the second separator 3b by a simple configuration in which the insertion groove 6 is formed in the first separator 3a. Therefore, the fuel cell 1 can be easily manufactured, and the plurality of detection terminals 5 can be efficiently attached in a short time, and the cost can be reduced.

  Moreover, in such a fuel cell 1 and its manufacturing method, when inserting the detection terminal 5 in the insertion groove 6, since the separator 3 is not fastened, it is between the 1st separator 3a and the 2nd separator 3b. A relatively wide gap is formed by the anode side seal portion 12 in the anode side GDL integrated seal 8 and the cathode side seal portion 16 in the cathode side GDL integrated seal 9. Therefore, the detection terminal 5 can be easily inserted into the insertion groove 6.

  In the fuel cell 1 and the manufacturing method thereof, when the first separator 3a and the second separator 3b are fastened, the anode side seal portion 12 in the anode side GDL integrated seal 8 and the cathode side GDL The cathode side seal portion 16 in the body seal 9 is compressed, and the first separator 3a and the second separator 3b are brought close to each other.

  Thereby, since the gap between the first separator 3a and the second separator 3b can be narrowed, the dropout of the detection terminal 5 from the insertion groove 6 can be suppressed.

  Moreover, in such a fuel cell 1 and its manufacturing method, since the detection terminal 5 is bent in a substantially square shape when viewed from the side and the corner portion 21 is formed, the first separator 3a and the second separator 2 are formed as described above. When the separator 3b is fastened, the corner portion 21 can be locked to the concave portion 7, and the dropping of the detection terminal 5 from the insertion groove 6 can be further suppressed.

  Furthermore, in such a fuel cell 1 and its manufacturing method, since there are few exposed surfaces of the detection terminal 5, the short circuit between the detection terminals 5 can be suppressed.

  In addition, in such a fuel cell 1, the insertion groove 6 and the recess 7 are arranged so as to be displaced from each other in the stacking direction in a state where a fuel cell stack in which a plurality of unit cells 10 are stacked is formed. The detection terminals 5 inserted into the grooves 6 are also arranged so as to be shifted from each other in the stacking direction.

  Therefore, compared with the case where each detection terminal 5 is arrange | positioned so that it may mutually overlap in the lamination direction, the short circuit between each detection terminal 5 can be prevented.

  In such a fuel cell 1, the detection terminal 5 detects, for example, the generated voltage, current, generated power, etc. in each unit cell 10, and determines, for example, a failure of the unit cell 10 by a CPU (not shown). To do.

  Usually, in the fuel cell 1 obtained by stacking unit cells 10, each unit cell 10 is required to function normally. For example, an abnormality occurs in a specific unit cell 10, and the generated voltage decreases. In this case, if the power generation is continued, the fuel cell 1 as a whole may be damaged greatly.

  On the other hand, with such a fuel cell 1, each unit cell 10 is measured every few cells, or in all the unit cells 10, by measuring the voltage or the like and detecting an abnormality in the unit cell 10. The unit cell 10 can be specified. As a result, damage to the fuel cell 1 can be suppressed.

  In the above description, the insertion groove 6 is formed in the first separator 3a and the recess 7 is formed in the second separator 3b. However, the insertion groove 6 is not particularly limited as long as it is formed in at least one separator. For example, it can form in the 2nd separator 3b. In such a case, the recess 7 can be formed in the first separator 3a.

  Furthermore, the recess 7 may not be formed in either the first separator 3a or the second separator 3b, and the insertion groove 6 may be formed in both the first separator 3a and the second separator 3b. .

  In the above description, the insertion groove 6 is formed so as to be on the outer side in the circumferential direction with respect to the anode-side seal portion 12 and the cathode-side seal portion 16, but the formation position of the insertion groove 6 is orthogonal to the facing direction of the separator. As long as it is formed so as to face the end face in the direction to be formed, it is not particularly limited and can be formed so as to be on the inner side in the circumferential direction from the cathode side seal portion 16 although not shown.

  In the above description, the insertion groove 6 is formed so as to face the end surface on one side in the longitudinal direction of the first separator 3a. However, as indicated by a virtual line in FIG. 1, for example, the width direction of the first separator 3a It can also be formed so as to face one end face. In such a case, when forming the recessed part 7, the recessed part 7 can also be formed in the width direction one side of the 2nd separator 3b.

  FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part showing another embodiment of the fuel cell of the present invention.

  In the above description, the insertion groove 6 is formed as a substantially L-shaped cutout when viewed from the side, but the shape of the insertion groove is not particularly limited. For example, as shown in FIG. Facing the end surface in the direction orthogonal to the opposing direction of the separator 3, specifically, the end surface on one side in the longitudinal direction of the separator 3 and having a convex portion 23 on one side in the longitudinal direction. It can be formed as a notch.

  In such an embodiment, the insertion groove 6 and the recess 7 are not formed in the first separator 3a, and the insertion groove 6 is formed only in the second separator 3b.

  The insertion groove 6 is formed as a substantially L-shaped cutout when viewed from the side, and includes a convex portion 23 at one end portion in the longitudinal direction of the second separator 3b.

  The convex portion 23 is formed lower than the height of the substantially L-shaped notch in a side view, whereby the insertion groove 6 faces the end surface on one side in the longitudinal direction in the direction orthogonal to the opposing direction of the separator 3. It is out.

  Also in such an embodiment, when the detection terminal 5 is inserted into the insertion groove 6 in the same manner as described above, the first separator 3a and the second separator 3b are not fastened because the first separator 3a and the second separator 3b are not fastened. A relatively wide gap is formed between the anode side GDL 3b and the anode side seal part 12 in the anode side GDL integrated seal 8 and the cathode side seal part 16 in the cathode side GDL integrated seal 9. Therefore, the detection terminal 5 can be easily inserted into the insertion groove 6.

When the first separator 3a and the second separator 3b are fastened, the anode side seal portion 12 in the anode side GDL integrated seal 8 and the cathode side seal portion 16 in the cathode side GDL integrated seal 9 are compressed, Since the first separator 3a and the second separator 3b are close to each other and the gap between the first separator 3a and the second separator 3b is relatively narrow, the insertion groove of the detection terminal 5 inserted in the insertion groove 6 Omission from 6 can be suppressed.

  FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing another embodiment of the detection terminal employed in one embodiment of the fuel cell of the present invention (a mode having a barb portion), and FIG. 7 shows one embodiment of the fuel cell of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing another embodiment of the detection terminal employed (a configuration in which a plurality of corner portions along the opposing direction are alternately formed), and FIG. 8 is a detection terminal employed in an embodiment of the fuel cell of the present invention. It is the schematic which shows other embodiment (form which a front part is formed in a side view substantially C-shape).

  In the above description, the detection terminal 5 is formed in a flat band shape extending along the surface direction of the first separator 3a and the second separator 3b, and the front portion is a facing direction of the first separator 3a and the second separator 3b. Are bent in a substantially square shape in side view to form a corner portion 21 and further formed to extend along the surface direction on the front side thereof. There is no particular limitation as long as it can be elastically deformed in the opposing direction of the first separator 3a and the second separator 3b. For example, as shown in FIG. Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 7, a plurality of (for example, two) corner portions 21 that are bent in a substantially square shape when viewed from the side along the opposing direction are alternately formed. Form Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the tip portion can be formed in a substantially C shape in a side view, and further, although not shown, a corner portion 21 that is bent in a substantially square shape in a side view is provided. In addition, although not shown, the detection terminal 5 can also be formed using a lump of conductive rubber or the like.

  Also in such an embodiment, since the detection terminal is elastically deformed between the first separator 3a and the second separator 3b and is inserted into the insertion groove 6, the detection terminal 5 is engaged in the insertion groove 6. It can be stopped and securely held between the first separator 3a and the second separator 3b.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Fuel cell 2 Membrane electrode assembly 3 Fuel side separator 4 Air side separator 5 Detection terminal 6 Insertion groove 7 Recess

Claims (2)

A membrane-electrode assembly,
A pair of separators arranged to face each other so as to sandwich the membrane-electrode assembly;
A detection terminal elastically deformable in the opposing direction of the separator,
An insertion groove facing an end surface in a direction orthogonal to the facing direction is formed on the facing surface of at least one of the separators facing the other separator,
The fuel cell, wherein the detection terminal is inserted into the insertion groove in a state of being elastically deformed in the facing direction. A membrane-electrode assembly,
A pair of separators arranged to face each other so as to sandwich the membrane-electrode assembly;
A detection terminal elastically deformable in the opposing direction of the separator,
An insertion groove facing an end surface in a direction orthogonal to the facing direction is formed on the facing surface of at least one of the separators facing the other separator,
The method of manufacturing a fuel cell, wherein the detection terminal is inserted into the insertion groove in a state of being elastically deformed in the facing direction,
Preparing the membrane-electrode assembly, the separator and the detection terminal;
A step of facing the separator so as to sandwich the membrane-electrode assembly;
Inserting the detection terminal into the insertion groove of the separator;
And a step of fastening the pair of separators. A method for manufacturing a fuel cell.

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