Assembly jig, and assembly method for cell or stack using the same

Abstract

To provide an assembly jig for suppressing as further as possible displacement of a position of a separator between cells when assembling a stack, and an assembly method for a cell or a stack using the same.SOLUTION: An assembly jig X for alternately stacking and assembling a rectangular frame body M, in which a membrane electrode assembly (m) is provided, and a separator S in a different shape from an outline dimension of the frame body M comprises: a first jig 1 which extends in a stacking direction (d) and positions stacking locations of separators S; a second jig 2 which regulates movement of the frame body M in a length direction and a width direction; and a third jig 3 which fixes relative positions of the first jig 1 and the second jig 2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an assembly jig used for assembling cells or stacks constituting a fuel cell, and an assembly method of a cell or a stack using the same.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, against the background of the active global efforts to reduce environmental impact, the advantages of fuel cells have attracted attention.

[0003] A fuel cell can generate electricity as long as hydrogen and oxygen are available, and emits only water during power generation, thus imposing little burden on the environment. In addition, fuel cells have many advantages, such as generating no noise because they generate electricity only through chemical reactions, having little power transmission loss, and being easily accessible for fuel.

[0004] By the way, a fuel cell is formed into a stack, which is a laminate, by stacking a plurality of substantially plate-shaped components called cells that can generate electricity by reacting hydrogen and oxygen alone in a laminated direction, and the overall structure is roughly configured. Conventionally, cells and stacks have been assembled by different methods.

[0005] For example, as shown in Patent Document 1, cells are stacked and assembled by inserting positioning holes provided in separators and frames constituting the cells into a pair of positioning pins extending in the stacking direction.

[0006] For example, as shown in Patent Document 2, a stack is assembled by stacking the end faces of each cell in contact with this positioning guide with the side plates in the cell stacking placement part having a U-shaped side view as positioning guides (guide plates), and pressing from above with a pressing plate.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0007]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0008] By the way, when assembling a stack, in the case of using a method of stacking cells while bringing the end face of the cell into contact with a positioning guide as shown in Patent Document 2, for a cell in which the outer dimension of the separator is larger than that of the frame body, the end face of the separator comes into contact with the positioning guide. In such a case, there is a risk of short circuit between the separators due to contamination or condensed water existing between the separator and the positioning guide, and the safety during manufacturing and the quality of the manufactured fuel cell cannot be appropriately ensured.

[0009] In order to suppress the occurrence of the above problems, it is desirable to make the outer dimension of the frame body larger than that of the separator for each cell in common, bring the end face of the frame body into contact with the guide plate, and stack each cell while ensuring a certain distance or more between the guide plate and the separator.

[0010] On the premise of this, when assembling cells and stacks by the methods shown in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, problems as described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 16 to 18 occur due to differences in the outer dimensions of the frame bodies between the cells. In FIGS. 16 to 18, as a simplified example, an example of assembling three cells C1' to C3' and stacking them to assemble a stack P' will be described.

[0011] FIG. 16 shows a plan view of the configuration for explaining the above example. That is, each of the cells C1' to C3' is composed of (a) frame bodies M1' to M3' used respectively, and (b) a pair of separators S' (only one is shown) sandwiched therebetween.

[0012] The separator S´ is configured to have substantially the same diameter as the positioning pins L described later, and is provided with a pair of positioning holes hs through which each positioning pin L can be inserted. The frame bodies M1´ to M3´ are provided with a pair of communication holes hm that communicate with the positioning holes hs. Regarding the frame bodies M1´ to M3´, based on the outer dimensions of the frame body M2´ of the cell C2´, the outer dimension tolerance in the short side direction of each frame body M1´ to M3´ is ±b. Also, the diameter of the communication hole hm is d + 2a with respect to the diameter d of the positioning hole hs.

[0013] In FIGS. 16 to 18, the outer shape of the separator is indicated by a dashed line, and the outer shape of the frame body is indicated by a double-dashed line. Also, regarding the outer shapes of the respective frame bodies M1´ to M3´, the reference frame body M2´ is shown in thick line, the frame body M1´ smaller than the frame body M2´ is shown in thin line, and the frame body M3´ smaller than the frame body M2´ is shown in extra-thick line. Also, regarding the outer dimension of the separator S and the arrangement position of the positioning holes hs in each cell C1´ to C3´, the tolerance thereof is made sufficiently smaller than the outer dimension tolerance of each frame body M1´ to M3´.

[0014] On this premise, when each cell C1´ to C3´ is assembled using the positioning pins L by the method shown in Patent Document 1, an assembly mode as shown in FIG. 17 is assumed as an example. That is, for the cell C1´, the frame body M1´ is displaced downward by a along the short side direction with respect to the separator S and laminated. For the cell C3´, the frame body M1´ is displaced upward by a along the short side direction with respect to the separator S and laminated. For the cell C2´, it is laminated without displacement (the centers of the positioning hole hs and the communication hole hm are aligned).

[0015] And when the stack P´ is assembled using the frame guide G by the method shown in Patent Document 2, an assembly mode as shown in FIG. 18 is assumed as an example. That is, in order to stack the end faces of the frame bodies M1' to M3' in each cell C1' to C3' while bringing them into contact with the frame guide G, a displacement of 2(a + b) occurs in the short side direction with respect to the stacking positions of the separator S in cell C1' and the separator S in cell C3'.

[0016] Thus, when the assembly of the cells and the assembly of the stack are completely independent processes using different jigs in a state where there are tolerances in the outer dimensions of the frame body and tolerances in the hole diameters between the frame body and the separator, the displacement between each cell (between the separators) increases. As a result, an increase in surface pressure and contact resistance due to a decrease in the separator contact area occurs, which has an adverse effect on the power generation efficiency of the fuel cell.

[0017] The present invention has been made in view of the above actual situation, and an object thereof is to provide an assembly jig for suppressing as much as possible the displacement of the positions of the separators between each cell during the assembly of the stack, and an assembly method of a cell or a stack using the same.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0018] The present invention for solving the above problems is an assembly jig for alternately stacking and assembling a rectangular frame body provided with a membrane electrode assembly and a separator having a shape different from the outer dimensions of the frame body, a first jig that extends along the stacking direction and positions the stacking positions of the separators; a second jig that restricts the movement of the frame body in the long side direction and the short side direction; and a third jig that fixes the relative positions of the first jig and the second jig.

[0019] According to the present invention, in one assembly jig, the cells can be assembled, and during the assembly of the stack, the displacement of the positions of the separators included in each cell can be suppressed as much as possible.

[0020] Specifically, when using this assembly jig, in the assembly of the cell, for the frame, while restricting the movement of the frame with the second jig, the first jig positions the stacking positions of the separators so as to stack them on this frame. At this time, since the relative positions of the first jig and the second jig are fixed by the third jig, even if there are variations in the outer dimensions of the frame when assembling according to the above process, for each cell, the relative positions of the frame and the separator with reference to the second jig become substantially constant. Therefore, even when stacking each cell to assemble a stack, similar to the assembly of the cell, while positioning the frame of each cell with the second jig and stacking, it is possible to suppress as much as possible the deviation in the positions of the separators included in each cell.

[0021] In a preferred form of the present invention, the first jig is a positioning pin that can be inserted into a hole provided in the separator. The second jig is a frame guide that can abut against the long-side end face and the short-side end face of the frame. The third jig is a base on which the base ends of the positioning pin and the frame guide are fixed.

[0022] With such a configuration, the above-described assembly work can be performed with a simple configuration.

[0023] In a preferred form of the present invention, the first jig is a positioning pin that can be inserted into a hole provided in the separator. The second jig is a frame pin that can be inserted only into a hole provided in the frame. The third jig is a base on which the base ends of the positioning pin and the frame pin are fixed.

[0024] With such a configuration, the above-described assembly work can be performed with a simple configuration.

[0025] Further, the present invention is a method for assembling a cell or a stack using an assembly jig, A step of positioning the stacking positions of the separators using the first jig, a step of restricting the movement of the frame body in the long side direction and the short side direction using the second jig, and a step of fixing the relative positions of the first jig and the second jig using the third jig are performed.

[0026] With such a configuration, as described above, a stack in which the displacement of the positions of the separators included in each cell is suppressed as much as possible, or a cell constituting the same can be assembled.

[0027] In a preferred form of the present invention, the first jig is a positioning pin that can be inserted into a positioning hole provided in the separator. The second jig is a guide for the frame body that can abut against the long side end face and the short side end face of the frame body. In the step of using the first jig, the positioning pin is inserted into the positioning hole. In the step of using the second jig, while inserting the positioning pin into a communication hole provided in the frame body, communicating with each positioning hole and having a larger diameter than each positioning hole, the long side and the short side of the frame body are simultaneously abutted against the guide for the frame body, thereby laminating the frame body on the separator.

[0028] With such a configuration, the above-described assembly work can be performed with a simple configuration.

[0029] In a preferred form of the present invention, the first jig is a positioning pin that can be inserted into a first positioning hole provided in the separator. The second jig is a pin for the frame body that can be inserted only into a second positioning hole provided in the frame body. In the step of using the first jig, the positioning pin is inserted into the first positioning hole. The step of using the second jig is to insert the positioning pin into the communication hole provided in the frame body and communicating with each of the first positioning holes, and at the same time, insert the frame body pin into the second positioning hole provided in the frame body at a position that does not overlap with each separator, thereby laminating the frame body on the separator.

[0030] With such a configuration, the above-mentioned assembly work can be carried out with a simple configuration.

[0031] In a preferred form of the present invention, a boss portion protruding upward is formed at the periphery of the positioning hole in the separator laminated above the frame body.

[0032] With such a configuration, in each cell, the distance between the separators around the positioning hole becomes larger. Therefore, when an external force is applied, such as when the stack is compressed in the stacking direction, the situation where the separators come into contact through the holes provided in the frame body is suppressed as much as possible, and the short circuit of the cell based on this situation can be suppressed.

[0033] In a preferred form of the present invention, the step of using the first jig and the step of using the second jig are performed with the relative positions of the first jig and the second jig fixed by the third jig.

[0034] With such a configuration, it is possible to assemble a cell or a stack with higher positioning accuracy.

Advantages of the Invention

[0035] According to the present invention, there can be provided an assembly jig for suppressing as much as possible the deviation in the position of the separator between each cell during the assembly of the stack, and an assembly method of a cell or a stack using the same.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0036]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15

Figure 16

Figure 17

Figure 18

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0037] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 15, an assembling jig according to each embodiment of the present invention and a method of assembling a cell or a stack using the same will be described. Note that each of the embodiments described below is an example of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments. In these figures, reference numerals X, C, and P denote the assembling jig, the cell, and the stack according to the present embodiment.

[0038] <Embodiment 1> Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8, an assembling jig X according to Embodiment 1 and a method of assembling a cell C or a stack P using the same will be described.

[0039] <<Assembling Jig>> The assembling jig X alternately stacks and assembles a rectangular frame M (see FIG. 2 etc.) provided with a membrane electrode assembly m and a separator S (see FIG. 2 etc.) having a shape different from the outer dimensions of the frame M. Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the assembling jig X includes a first jig 1 that extends along the stacking direction D (see FIG. 2 etc.) and positions the stacking positions of the separators S, a second jig 2 that restricts the movement of the frame M in the long side direction and the short side direction, and a third jig 3 that fixes the relative positions of the first jig 1 and the second jig 2.

[0040] The first jig 1 is a positioning pin L that can be inserted into the positioning holes hs (see FIG. 2) provided in the separator S, and a pair of them are provided as substantially columnar bodies extending along the stacking direction D.

[0041] The second jig 2 is a guide G for the frame body that can abut against the long-side end face and the short-side end face of the frame body M, and is configured as a plurality of block bodies having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. Further, in this embodiment, the second jig 2 is composed of three guides G for the frame body that abut against the long-side end face of the frame body M and one guide G for the frame body that abuts against the short-side end face, and they are respectively arranged on the periphery of the base B that is the third jig 3. Furthermore, the three guides G for the frame body arranged along the long-side direction are arranged such that the side surfaces that abut against the long-side end face of the frame body M are arranged in substantially the same plane.

[0042] The third jig 3 is a substantially rectangular plate-shaped base B to which the base ends of the positioning pin L and the guide G for the frame body are fixed.

[0043] With the above-described assembly jig X, a pair of separators S (anode separator and cathode separator) and the frame body M shown in FIG. 2 are stacked as shown in FIG. 3, and one cell C is assembled.

[0044] Here, each separator S is provided with positioning holes hs that are configured to have substantially the same diameter as each positioning pin L and through which each positioning pin L can be inserted. In addition, the frame body M is provided with a pair of communication holes hm that communicate with the respective positioning holes hs and are configured to have a larger diameter than the respective positioning holes hs. Furthermore, as described above, in order to prevent a short circuit between the separators S, the outer dimensions of the frame body M are configured to be larger than each separator S in both the long-side direction and the short-side direction.

[0045] <<Assembly Method>> Based on the configuration of the above-described assembly jig X and the configurations of the separator S and the frame body M, the following method for assembling the cell C is implemented. In the assembly method according to this embodiment, the step of fixing the relative positions of the first jig 1 (positioning pin L) and the second jig 2 (frame guide G) by the third jig 3 (base B) has already been performed by manufacturing the assembly jig X.

[0046] First, as shown in Fig. 3(a), the operator inserts each positioning hole hs of one separator S through each positioning pin L and places this separator S on the base B (step of using the first jig 1). At this time, neither the long-side end face nor the short-side end face of one separator S contacts any of the frame guides G.

[0047] Next, as shown in Fig. 3(b), with respect to the frame M, while inserting each positioning pin L through each communication hole hm, the operator simultaneously brings the long-side end face and the short-side end face of the frame M into contact with each frame guide G to stack the frame M on one separator S (step of using the second jig 2).

[0048] Next, as shown in Fig. 3(c), the operator inserts each positioning hole hs of the other separator S through each positioning pin L and stacks this separator S on the frame M (step of using the first jig 1). At this time, neither the long-side end face nor the short-side end face of the other separator S contacts any of the frame guides G.

[0049] Then, the operator assembles one cell C by thermocompression bonding each separator and an adhesive member (not shown).

[0050] Here, the assembly method of the cell C and the stack P using the assembly jig X according to Embodiment 1 will be described more geometrically with reference to Figs. 4 to 7. Note that Fig. 4 is a perspective view schematically showing the assembly jig X, each separator S, and the frame M shown in Fig. 2 for the description using Figs. 5 to 7.

[0051] In the description of the assembly method according to this embodiment, as in the description of the prior art with reference to FIGS. 16 to 18, as a simplified example, an example of assembling three cells C1 to C3 and stacking them to assemble a stack P will be described.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 5, each of the cells C1 to C3 used in this assembly method is composed of (a) frame bodies M1 to M3 respectively used therefor, and (b) a pair of separators S (only one is shown in the figure) that sandwich the frame bodies. Regarding the frame bodies M1 to M3, as in the description of the prior art, with the outer dimensions of the frame body M2 of the cell C2 as a reference, the outer dimension tolerance in the short side direction of each of the frame bodies M1 to M3 is ±b.

[0053] Here, the diameter of the communication hole hm is configured to be larger than that of the frame bodies M1 to M3 so that it can contact the guides G for the frame bodies while being inserted through the positioning pins L. For example, it is set to d + 2√2b.

[0054] Note that the rules for drawing the line type and thickness of the outer contour lines of the separators S and the frame bodies M1 to M3 are the same as those in the description of the prior art. Also, regarding the outer dimensions of the separators S and the locations of the positioning holes hs between the cells C1 to C3, the tolerances are made sufficiently smaller than the outer dimension tolerances of the frame bodies M1 to M3.

[0055] On this premise, when each of the cells C1 to C3 is assembled using the assembly jig X, an assembly mode as shown in FIG. 6 is assumed as an example. Note that in FIG. 6 (and FIG. 7(a)), the illustration of the base B is omitted.

[0056] Here, regarding the assembly mode of each of the cells C1 to C3, since the relative positions of the positioning pins L and the guides G for the frame bodies are fixed by the base B, the relative positions of the frame body M and the separators S with respect to the guides G for the frame bodies are substantially constant regardless of the cells C. Specifically, in a plan view, the distance d1 from the long-side end face of the frame body M that abuts on the frame guide G to the long-side end face of the separator S adjacent thereto, and the distance d2 from the short-side end face of the frame body M that abuts on the frame guide G to the short-side end face of the separator S adjacent thereto are substantially constant regardless of the cell C.

[0057] When the stack P is assembled using the same assembly jig X, the assembly mode as shown in FIG. 7 is obtained. That is, as shown in FIG. 7(a), since the distances d1 and d2 are substantially constant regardless of the cell, even when there are variations in the outer shapes of the frame bodies M1 to M3, the deviation of the stacking positions of the respective separators S in a plan view is suppressed as much as possible. Note that FIG. 7(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line QQ' of FIG. 7(a), and the thicknesses of the respective frame bodies M1 to M3 and the separator S that constitute the respective cells C1 to C3 are exaggeratedly shown. Further, at the time of stack assembly, even if the positioning pin L is omitted and the assembly is performed only with the frame guide G, substantially the same effect can be obtained, and the workability at the time of cell stacking can be made easier.

[0058] Here, as shown in FIG. 8, a boss portion j protruding upward may be formed at the periphery of the positioning hole hs in the separator S (referred to as separator S1) stacked above the frame body M. In FIG. 8(a), as an example, a view similar to FIG. 5(b) (a plan view of the cell C2) is shown, and in FIG. 8(b), an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along the line aa' of FIG. 8(a) is shown.

[0059] The boss portion j is formed by subjecting the periphery of the positioning hole hs in the above-described separator S to a drawing process. Thereby, the distance k from the upper inner surface of the boss portion j to the inner surface of the separator S (referred to as separator S2) stacked below the frame body M is configured to be larger than the distance k' from the inner surface of the portion where the boss portion j is not formed in the separator S1 to the inner surface of the separator S2. Note that the protruding height of the boss portion j is preferably set lower than the protruding height of members such as the sealing material provided on the surface of the separator S1, whereby an increase in the thickness when the stack P is assembled can be suppressed.

[0060] <<Effect>> According to the present embodiment, in a single assembly jig X having a simple configuration, the cells C can be assembled, and the stack P in which the displacement of the positions of the separators S included in each cell C is suppressed as much as possible, or the cells C constituting the same can be assembled.

[0061] Further, due to the boss portion j, the distance k between the separators S at the periphery of the positioning hole hs becomes large, and a short circuit of the cell C due to the contact of the separators S1 and S2 can be suppressed.

[0062] Further, with the relative positions of the positioning pin L and the frame guide G fixed by the base B, by performing the step of using the first jig and the step of using the second jig, the cells C or the stack P with improved positioning accuracy can be assembled.

[0063] <Embodiment 2> Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 9 to 15, the assembly jig X according to Embodiment 2 and the method for assembling the cells C or the stack P using the same will be described. Note that, in the same embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the substantially same components as those in Embodiment 1, and the description thereof is simplified.

[0064] <<Assembly jig>> As shown in FIG. 9, the assembly jig X includes a first jig 1 that extends along the stacking direction D and positions the stacking positions of the separators S, a second jig 2 that restricts the movement of the frame M in the long side direction and the short side direction, and a third jig 3 that fixes the relative positions of the first jig 1 and the second jig 2.

[0065] The first jig 1 is a positioning pin L that can be inserted into a first positioning hole h1 (see FIG. 10) provided in the separator S, and is provided in a pair as a substantially cylindrical body extending along the stacking direction D.

[0066] The second jig 2 is a frame pin W that can be inserted only into a second positioning hole h2 (see FIG. 10) provided in the frame body, and is provided in a pair as a substantially cylindrical body extending along the stacking direction D, similar to the positioning pin L. Note that the frame pin W is configured to have substantially the same diameter as the positioning pin L in the present embodiment, but may have a smaller or larger diameter than the positioning pin L, and accordingly, the diameter of the second positioning hole h2 described later can also be changed.

[0067] The third jig 3 is a substantially rectangular plate-shaped base B to which the base ends of the positioning pin L and the frame pin W are fixed.

[0068] With the above-described assembly jig X, a pair of separators S (anode separator and cathode separator) and the frame body M shown in FIG. 10 are stacked as shown in FIG. 11, and a single cell C is assembled.

[0069] Here, each separator S is provided with a first positioning hole h1 that is configured to have substantially the same diameter as each positioning pin L and into which each positioning pin L can be inserted. Further, the frame body M is provided with a pair of communication holes hm that communicate with each first positioning hole h1 and are configured to have substantially the same diameter as each first positioning hole h1.

[0070] Furthermore, as described above, in order to prevent a short circuit between the separators S, the outer dimensions of the frame body M are configured to be larger than those of each separator S in both the long side direction and the short side direction. In the present embodiment, in particular, the outer dimensions in the short side direction are configured to be larger than those in Embodiment 1. Thereby, a pair of second positioning holes h2 are provided in the frame bodies M1 to M3 at positions where the separators S do not overlap (the portions protruding to the short side) when each first positioning hole h1 and each communication hole hm are communicated.

[0071] <<Assembly Method>> Based on the configurations of the above-described assembly jig X, and the configurations of the separator S and the frame M, the following method for assembling the cell C is implemented. Note that in the assembly method according to this embodiment, the step of fixing the relative positions of the first jig 1 (positioning pin L) and the second jig 2 (frame pin W) by the third jig 3 (base B) has already been performed by manufacturing the assembly jig X.

[0072] First, as shown in Fig. 11(a), the operator inserts each first positioning hole h1 of one separator S through each positioning pin L, and places this separator S on the base B (step of using the first jig 1).

[0073] Next, as shown in Fig. 11(b), with respect to the frame M, while inserting each positioning pin L through each communication hole hm thereof, and inserting the frame pin W through each second positioning hole h2, the operator stacks the frame M on one separator S (step of using the second jig 2).

[0074] Next, as shown in Fig. 11(c), the operator inserts each first positioning hole h1 of the other separator S through each positioning pin L, and stacks this separator S on the frame M (step of using the first jig 1).

[0075] Then, the operator assembles one cell C by thermocompression bonding each separator and an adhesive member (not shown).

[0076] Here, regarding the method for assembling the cell C and the stack P using the assembly jig X according to Embodiment 2, a more geometric explanation will be given with reference to Figs. 12 to 15. Note that Fig. 12 is a perspective view schematically showing the assembly jig X, each separator S, and the frame M shown in Fig. 10 for the explanation using Figs. 13 to 15.

[0077] In the description of the assembly method according to this embodiment as well, similar to the description of the prior art with reference to FIGS. 16 to 18, as a simplified example, an example of assembling three cells C1 to C3 and stacking them to assemble a stack P will be described.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 13, each of the cells C1 to C3 used in this assembly method is composed of (a) corresponding frames M1 to M3 and (b) a pair of separators S (only one shown) that sandwich them. Regarding the frames M1 to M3, based on the outer dimensions of the frame M2 of the cell C2, the outer dimension tolerance in the short side direction of each of the frames M1 to M3 is ±c.

[0079] Note that, similar to Embodiment 1, the drawing rules for the line type and thickness of the outer contour lines of the separator S and the frames M1 to M3 are the same as those in the description of the prior art. Also, regarding the outer dimensions of the separator S and the locations of the positioning holes hs between each of the cells C1 to C3, the tolerance shall be sufficiently smaller than the outer dimension tolerance of each of the frames M1 to M3.

[0080] Also, regarding the relative positions of each of the second positioning holes h2 and each of the communication holes hm between each of the frames M1 to M3, the tolerance shall be sufficiently smaller than the outer dimension tolerance of each of the frames M1 to M3. Also, the diameters of each of the second positioning holes h2 and the communication holes hm are substantially the same as the diameter of each of the first positioning holes h1.

[0081] On this premise, when each of the cells C1 to C3 is assembled using the assembly jig X, an assembly mode as shown in FIG. 14 is assumed as an example. Note that in FIG. 14 (and FIG. 15(a)), the illustration of the base B is omitted.

[0082] Here, regarding the assembly mode of each of the cells C1 to C3, since the relative positions of the positioning pin L and the frame pin W are fixed by the base B, the relative positions of the frame M and the separator S with respect to the frame pin W are substantially constant regardless of the cell C. Specifically, in a plan view, the distances d3 and d4 from the center of the frame pin W to the long-side end faces of the adjacent separator S are substantially constant regardless of the cell C.

[0083] When each of the cells C1 to C3 assembled in the above manner is assembled as a stack P using the same assembly jig X, the assembly mode as shown in FIG. 15 is obtained. That is, as shown in FIG. 15(a), since the distances d3 and d4 are substantially constant regardless of the cell, even when there are variations in the outer shapes of the frames M1 to M3, the deviation in the stacking positions of the respective separators S in a plan view is suppressed as much as possible. Note that FIG. 15(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line RR' of FIG. 15(a), and the thicknesses of the respective frames M1 to M3 and the separators S constituting each of the cells C1 to C3 are exaggeratedly shown. Further, at the time of stack assembly, even if the positioning pin L is omitted and assembly is performed only with the frame pin W, substantially the same effect can be obtained, and the workability at the time of cell stacking becomes easier.

[0084] <<Effect>> According to the present embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, in a single assembly jig X having a simple configuration, the cell C can be assembled, and the deviation in the position of the separator S included in each cell C is suppressed as much as possible in the stack P, or the cell C constituting the same can be assembled.

[0085] Further, particularly in the present embodiment, since the first positioning hole h1 and the communication hole hm are configured to have substantially the same diameter and assembly is possible, unlike the first embodiment, even without forming the boss portion j, the short circuit of the cell C due to the contact of the separators S1 and S2 is suppressed. Incidentally, the hole diameter of the communication hole hm may be set to be larger than the diameter of the positioning pin L. In that case, the effect that the insertion operation of the positioning pin L of the frame M shown in FIG. 11(b) becomes easier is obtained.

[0086] <Modification Example> In addition, the term "approximate" in the application documents means that chamfering or rounding is applied to the subsequent shape, and that the elements constituting the shape are deformed or the length is changed within a range that does not impede the purpose of the shape. Moreover, the various shapes, dimensions, etc. of each component member shown in the above-described embodiments are merely examples, and can be variously changed based on design requirements and the like.

[0087] For example, in each of the embodiments, the steps of using the positioning pin L and the guide G for the frame (or the pin W for the frame) are shown in a state where the relative positions of the positioning pin L and the guide G for the frame (or the pin W for the frame) are fixed in advance by the base B. Here, in Embodiment 1, by adopting a configuration in which the base B is divided, this order may be reversed.

[0088] That is, the base B may have a configuration divided into a component provided with the positioning pin L and a component provided with the guide G for the frame. Thereby, the operator can first perform the step of using the positioning pin L with one of the components. Then, the operator may combine the components and fix the relative positions of the positioning pin L and the guide G for the frame, and then perform the step of bringing the guide G for the frame into contact with the frame M and using the guide G for the frame.

[0089] In addition, regarding the outer dimensions of the frame M, compared with the separator S, only the short side direction may be larger and the long side direction may be substantially the same, or only the long side direction may be larger and the short side direction may be substantially the same. Also, the guide G for the frame does not necessarily need to be a plurality of block bodies. For example, it may be an elongated prismatic body or the like, or a wall surface standing substantially vertically from the base B may be formed by one or a plurality of plate-like bodies, and this may be used as the guide G for the frame.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0090] X Assembly jig 1 First jig P Positioning pin 2 Second jig G Positioning guide W Pin for frame 3 Third jig B Base S Separator M, M1 to M3 Frames C, C1 to C3 Cells P Stack

Claims

1. An assembly jig for alternately laminating and assembling a rectangular frame body provided with a membrane electrode assembly and a separator having a shape different from the outer dimensions of the frame body, comprising a first jig that extends along the lamination direction and positions the lamination positions of the separators, a second jig that restricts movement of the frame body in the long side direction and the short side direction, and a third jig that fixes the relative positions of the first jig and the second jig.

2. The first jig is a positioning pin that can be inserted into a hole provided in the separator, The second jig is a guide for the frame body that can abut against the long side end surface and the short side end surface of the frame body, The third jig is a base on which the base ends of the positioning pin and the guide for the frame body are fixed. The assembly jig according to claim 1.

3. The first jig is a positioning pin that can be inserted into a hole provided in the separator, The second jig is a pin for the frame body that can be inserted only into a hole provided in the frame body, The third jig is a base on which the base ends of the positioning pin and the pin for the frame body are fixed. The assembly jig according to claim 1.

4. An assembly method for a cell or a stack using the assembly jig according to claim 1, comprising a step of positioning the lamination positions of the separators using the first jig, a step of restricting movement of the frame body in the long side direction and the short side direction using the second jig, and a step of fixing the relative positions of the first jig and the second jig by the third jig. An assembly method for a cell or a stack.

5. The assembly method for a cell or a stack according to claim 4, The first jig is a positioning pin that can be inserted into a positioning hole provided in the separator, The second jig is a guide for the frame body that can abut against the long side end surface and the short side end surface of the frame body, The step of using the first jig is to insert the positioning pin into the positioning hole. The step of using the second jig is to insert the positioning pin into a communication hole provided in the frame body, communicating with each of the positioning holes and having a larger diameter than each of the positioning holes, while simultaneously abutting the long-side end surface and the short-side end surface of the frame body against the frame guide, thereby laminating the frame body on the separator, a method for assembling a cell or a stack.

6. A method for assembling a cell or a stack according to claim 4, wherein the first jig is a positioning pin that can be inserted into a first positioning hole provided in the separator, the second jig is a frame body pin that can be inserted only into a second positioning hole provided in the frame body, the step of using the first jig is to insert the positioning pin into the first positioning hole, the step of using the second jig is to insert the positioning pin into a communication hole provided in the frame body and communicating with each of the first positioning holes, while inserting the frame body pin into the second positioning hole provided at a position in the frame body that does not overlap with each separator, thereby laminating the frame body on the separator, a method for assembling a cell or a stack.

7. In the separator laminated above the frame body, a boss portion protruding upward is formed at the periphery of the positioning hole, the method for assembling a cell or a stack according to claim 5 or 6.

8. The step of using the first jig and the step of using the second jig are performed in a state where the relative positions of the first jig and the second jig are fixed by the third jig, the method for assembling a cell or a stack according to claim 4.

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