Production method for separator integrated gasket for fuel cells

Abstract

In order to provide a separator integrated gasket for fuel cells, having no separator deformation during the gasket molding process and having high reliability: a pair of separators (1, 2), having adjacent sections that approach each other and separation sections that separate from each other when the pair of separators (1, 2) are in a stacked state and having manifold holes (1a, 2a) opened in theseparation sections, are stacked such that the manifold holes (1a, 2a) and an inner circumferential hole (3a) continue on from each other, same being stacked via a spacer (3) having the inner circumferential hole (3a) opened therein and capable of having fluid flow therethrough in a direction orthogonal to the stacking direction; a stacked product of the separators (1, 2) and the spacer (3) is arranged inside a mold (30); and a rubber molding material is filled into, and cured in, gasket-molding cavities (33, 34) defined between the spacer (3), the opposite side surface, and the mold (30), inthe separator (1).

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a separator-integrated gasket for sealing a flow path formed by each unit of a fuel cell. Background technique [0002] Such as Figure 28 In the illustrated fuel cell, the minimum unit of power generation is constituted by separators 101, 102 and an MEA (Membrane Electrode Assembly: membrane-electrode assembly) 200 composed of an electrolyte membrane and unillustrated catalyst electrode layers provided on both sides thereof. , that is, fuel cell units, and a plurality of them are laminated and electrically connected in series to form a fuel cell stack, thereby obtaining a required electromotive force. [0003] Manifold holes 101a, 102a, 200a are respectively opened at positions corresponding to each other on the separators 101, 102 and MEA200. Figure 28 In the stacked state shown, these manifold holes 101a, 102a, and 200a overlap each other, thereby forming a plurality of manifolds through wh...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Moreover, in the case where such a deformation occurs, in the case of Figure 28 In the state where the fuel cell stack is stacked as shown, the surface pressure of the gaskets 104, 106 is insufficient, and the sealing performance is lowered, and the separation parts 101c, 102c of the separators 101, 102 are close to each other due to bending deformation, thereby clogging. Figure 28 Between the shown refrigerant manifold 110 and the refrigerant flow path 111, the flow of refrigerant may be obstructed

[0013] In addition, even if the gaskets 104, 106 are formed into regular shapes without the above-mentioned deformation occurring in the separation parts 101c, 102c of the separators 101, 102, the Figure 28 In the stacked state shown, if the separation parts 101c, 102c of the separators 101, 102 are deformed by the compression reaction force of the gaskets 104, 106, there may be the same risk as above.

Images