Separator-integrated gasket and laminated structure including same

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a separator-integrated gasket and a laminate structure including the same. [Background technology]

[0002] In a fuel cell, a gasket is provided to suppress leakage of fluids such as fuel gas. Conventionally, a separator-integrated gasket is known in which the separator constituting the fuel cell has a gasket function in order to improve assembly. Fig. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a part of a fuel cell having a separator-integrated gasket according to the prior art.

[0003] The fuel cell has a structure in which separators 500 and membrane units 600 having electrolyte membranes are alternately stacked. The illustrated separator 500 includes a first separator part 510 and a second separator part 520 joined to the first separator part 510 so as to be superimposed thereon. The first separator part 510 includes a bead part 511 provided so as to surround the sealed region, and an elastic body 530 fixed along the apex of the bead part 511. Similarly, the second separator part 520 includes a bead part 521 provided so as to surround the sealed region, and an elastic body 540 fixed along the apex of the bead part 521.

[0004] In the fuel cell configured as above, the membrane unit 600 is pressed by the elastic body 530 fixed to the apex of the bead portion 511 of the first separator part 510 and the elastic body 540 fixed to the apex of the bead portion 521 of the second separator part 520. Therefore, the surface pressure peak becomes high, and the sealing performance can be improved.

[0005] Here, Fig. 9(a) shows a state where the separator 500 and the membrane unit 600 are stacked with high positioning accuracy. In this case, high sealing performance is obtained as described above. However, as shown in Fig. 9(b), if the positioning accuracy of the separator 500 and the membrane unit 600 is low and their positions are misaligned, the membrane unit 600 will not be sandwiched between the apex of the bead portion 511 and the apex of the bead portion 521. In this case, the surface pressure peak will be low, and the sealing performance will be reduced.

[0006] The structure in which separators and membrane units having electrolyte membranes are alternately stacked as described above can be used not only in fuel cells but also in hydrogen generating devices. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-198200 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] The present invention provides a separator-integrated gasket capable of stably exerting a sealing function, and a laminate structure including the same. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The present invention employs the following means to solve the above problems.

[0010] That is, the separator-integrated gasket of the present invention has the following features: A separator-integrated gasket is provided in a laminated structure in which a membrane unit having an electrolyte membrane and a separator are alternately laminated, and has a gasket function by being provided with an elastic body capable of contacting the membrane unit, A first separator component; a second separator part joined to the first separator part so as to overlap the first separator part; With the above in mind, The first separator component is provided with a first elastic body provided within a planar region of the first separator component; The second separator component is characterized by being provided with a main bead portion and a second elastic body fixed along the top of the main bead portion.

[0011] When viewed perpendicularly to the plane of the planar region, the peak of the main bead portion may be provided within a range in which the first elastic body is provided.

[0012] The laminate structure of the present invention is In a laminate structure in which membrane units having an electrolyte membrane and separators are alternately laminated, the separator is a separator-integrated gasket having a gasket function by being provided with an elastic body capable of coming into contact with the membrane unit, The separator-integrated gasket is A first separator component; a second separator part joined to the first separator part so as to overlap the first separator part; With the above in mind, The first separator component is provided with a first elastic body provided within a planar region of the first separator component; the second separator component is provided with a main bead portion and a second elastic body fixed along a peak of the main bead portion; When viewed perpendicular to the plane of the planar area, the peak of the main bead portion of the separator-integrated gasket arranged on one side of the membrane unit is located within the range where the first elastic body of the separator-integrated gasket arranged on the other side of the membrane unit is located.

[0013] According to these inventions, the membrane unit is pressed so as to be sandwiched between a first elastic body provided within the planar region of the first separator component and a second elastic body fixed along the crest of the main bead portion of the second separator component. Therefore, the surface pressure peak by the second elastic body can be increased. In addition, since the first elastic body is provided within the planar region of the first separator component, even if the positioning accuracy of each component is low, the membrane unit is more reliably sandwiched between the first elastic body and the second elastic body.

[0014] The first separator component may be provided with a first reinforcing bead portion on either or both short sides of the first elastic body.

[0015] By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to suppress deformation of the first separator component.

[0016] It is also preferable that the first separator component is provided with a sub-bead portion, and that a first elastic body is provided within the flat area provided on the surface of the sub-bead portion.

[0017] Even when such a configuration is adopted, deformation of the first separator component can be suppressed.

[0018] The second separator component may be provided with a second reinforcing bead portion protruding in a direction opposite to the protruding direction of the main bead portion on either or both short sides of the second elastic body.

[0019] By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to further suppress deformation of the second separator component.

[0020] The first separator component is provided with a sub-bead portion, and a first elastic body is provided within the flat area provided on the surface of the sub-bead portion. It is also preferable that the second reinforcing bead portion is disposed so as to extend into the sub-bead portion.

[0021] By adopting such a configuration, deformation of the first separator component and the second separator component can be suppressed.

[0022] The above configurations may be combined as much as possible. Effect of the Invention

[0023] As described above, according to the present invention, the sealing function can be stably exhibited. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of components constituting a fuel cell according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the fuel cell according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of a separator-integrated gasket according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of a separator-integrated gasket according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of a separator-integrated gasket according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of a separator-integrated gasket according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of a separator-integrated gasket according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a part of a fuel cell according to Example 7 of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a part of a fuel cell having a separator-integrated gasket according to the prior art. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0025] Hereinafter, the embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative positions, and the like of the components described in the embodiment are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention unless otherwise specified.

[0026] Example 1 A separator-integrated gasket and a fuel cell according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of components constituting a fuel cell according to a first embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 1(a) is a plan view showing an outline of a separator-integrated gasket, and Fig. 1(b) is a plan view showing an outline of a membrane unit. Fig. 2 is a part of a schematic cross-sectional view of a fuel cell according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The schematic cross-sectional view of a separator-integrated gasket 100 in Fig. 2 corresponds to the A1-A1 cross section in Fig. 1(a), and the schematic cross-sectional view of a membrane unit 200 in Fig. 2 corresponds to the A2-A2 cross section in Fig. 1(b).

[0027] Generally, a fuel cell is configured as a cell stack consisting of a plurality of unit cells. FIG. 2 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion (a portion of a unit cell) of a cell stack consisting of a plurality of unit cells. The cell stack is configured such that separators and MEAs (Membrane Electrode Assembly) are alternately stacked. A unit cell is configured by an MEA and a pair of separators provided on both sides of the MEA. Note that in the cell stack, there may be some locations where separators are provided adjacent to each other without an MEA in between, where a coolant flows.

[0028] The MEA includes an electrolyte membrane 210 and a pair of gas diffusion layers 220 provided on both sides of the electrolyte membrane 210. In this embodiment, a reinforcing film 230 that reinforces the electrolyte membrane 210 is provided so as to surround the electrolyte membrane 210. In this embodiment, the MEA and the reinforcing film 230 constitute a membrane unit 200. However, the membrane unit in the present invention also includes the case of an MEA that does not have a reinforcing film.

[0029] Moreover, the separator according to this embodiment has a gasket function by being provided with an elastic body that can come into contact (adhere closely) with the membrane unit 200, and is hereinafter referred to as a separator-integrated gasket 100. The fuel cell according to this embodiment has a laminated structure in which the separator-integrated gasket 100 and the membrane unit 200 are alternately laminated, and a single cell is composed of the membrane unit 200 and a pair of separator-integrated gaskets 100 provided on both sides of the membrane unit 200.

[0030] The separator-integrated gasket 100 and the membrane unit 200 are provided with a plurality of manifolds 101, 201 in order to supply fluids (fuel gas, oxidant gas, coolant, etc.) to each unit cell. Furthermore, on both sides of the separator-integrated gasket 100, irregularities 111, 121 are formed to be used as flow paths through which the fluid flows.

[0031] In order to prevent leakage of fluid between the separator-integrated gasket 100 and the membrane unit 200, the separator-integrated gasket 100 is provided with a gasket function.

[0032] <Separator integrated gasket> The separator-integrated gasket 100 will be described in more detail. The separator-integrated gasket 100 is composed of a first separator part 110 and a second separator part 120. The second separator part 120 is joined so as to be superimposed on the first separator part 110. In the case of this embodiment, the first separator part 110 and the second separator part 120 are joined by a joint part 130 formed by laser welding. The first separator part 110 and the second separator part 120 can be obtained by sheet metal processing of a metal plate material such as a SUS plate or a titanium plate.

[0033] As described above, the separator-integrated gasket 100 has a gasket function. In a fuel cell, it is necessary to suppress leakage of various fluids (fuel gas, oxidant gas, coolant, etc.) flowing through the manifolds 101, 201 and fluids flowing through the flow paths formed by the irregularities 111, 121 provided on both sides of the separator-integrated gasket 100. Therefore, it is necessary to provide seal parts surrounding the areas where the manifolds 101, 201 are provided and the areas where the flow paths formed by the irregularities 111, 121 are provided, so that these areas become sealed areas. The sealing structure (structure having a gasket function) will be described in detail below.

[0034] The first separator part 110 is provided with a first elastic body 140 that is provided within the flat area of ​​the first separator part 110 so as to surround each of the plurality of sealing areas. The first elastic body 140 is provided only within the flat area. This is the same in all of the following embodiments. The second separator part 120 is provided with a main bead portion 122 that is provided so as to surround each of the plurality of sealing areas, and a second elastic body 150 that is fixed along the top of the main bead portion 122. In this embodiment, the protruding height of the main bead portion 122 is set to about 1 mm. When the separator-integrated gasket 100 and the membrane unit 200 are alternately stacked to form a fuel cell, the first elastic body 140 and the second elastic body 150 come into contact (close contact) with the membrane unit 200 as shown in FIG. 2.

[0035] 1(a), the second elastic body 150 is provided so as to surround the area where the manifold 101 is provided and the area where the flow path formed by the unevenness 121 is provided. Although a plan view of the first elastic body 140 is not particularly shown, the first elastic body 140 is also arranged in a similar manner. Hereinafter, the direction in which the first elastic body 140 and the second elastic body 150 extend so as to surround the sealed area is referred to as the longitudinal direction, and the direction perpendicular to that direction (width direction) is referred to as the transverse direction.

[0036] When viewed in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the planar region in which the first elastic body 140 is provided, the peak of the main bead portion 122 is provided in the range in which the first elastic body 140 is provided. In this embodiment, when viewed in the same direction, the first elastic body 140 and the second elastic body 150 are provided at positions where they overlap over the entire area in the longitudinal direction. When viewed in the same direction, the first elastic body 140 and the second elastic body 150 are provided at positions where at least a part of their short sides overlap. In this embodiment, when viewed in the same direction, the first elastic body 140 and the second elastic body 150 are provided at positions where almost the entire short sides overlap. However, it is not necessary to make the widths in the short side direction of the first elastic body 140 and the second elastic body 150 the same. It is preferable to set the width H in the short side direction of the first elastic body 140 in the range of 0.3 mm to 5 mm. As the material for the first elastic body 140 and the second elastic body 150, EPDM, silicone rubber, fluororubber, and the like can be suitably used.

[0037] The separator-integrated gasket 100 configured as above is disposed on both sides of the membrane unit 200, so that the membrane unit 200 is pressed from both sides so as to be sandwiched between the first elastic body 140 and the second elastic body 150. In this embodiment, the reinforcing film 230 in the membrane unit 200 is pressed from both sides so as to be sandwiched between the first elastic body 140 and the second elastic body 150. However, although not shown in particular, when a membrane film without a reinforcing film is adopted, the electrolyte membrane in the MEA is pressed from both sides so as to be sandwiched between the first elastic body 140 and the second elastic body 150. With the above configuration, sealed areas are formed on the inside of the first elastic body 140 and the inside of the second elastic body 150, respectively, and leakage of various fluids is suppressed.

[0038] <Advantages of the separator-integrated gasket according to this embodiment> According to the separator-integrated gasket 100 of this embodiment, the membrane unit 200 is pressed from both sides so as to be sandwiched between the first elastic body 140 and the second elastic body 150. Since the second elastic body 150 is fixed along the crest of the main bead portion 122 of the second separator part 120, the surface pressure peak by the second elastic body 150 can be increased. Therefore, the sealing performance can be improved.

[0039] The first elastic body 140 is provided within the planar region of the first separator part 110. Therefore, even if the positioning accuracy is low and the position is shifted when the separator-integrated gasket 100 and the membrane unit 200 are alternately stacked, the membrane unit 200 is more reliably sandwiched between the first elastic body 140 and the second elastic body 150. That is, if the second elastic body 150 is in contact with the membrane unit 200 at a position directly behind the planar first elastic body 140 within the range where the planar first elastic body 140 is provided, the surface pressure peak of the first elastic body 140 can be set to a desired surface pressure peak regardless of the position, and the surface pressure peak of the second elastic body 150 can also be set to a desired surface pressure peak. Therefore, the sealing function can be stably exhibited.

[0040] 2, in this embodiment, the first separator part 110 and the second separator part 120 are joined by joint parts 130 in the vicinity of both sides of the main bead part 122. Therefore, since the first separator part 110 and the second separator part 120 are joined in the vicinity of the sealing structure, the sealing function can be further stabilized.

[0041] Example 2 3 shows a second embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, a reinforcing bead portion is provided on the first separator component. The other configurations and functions are the same as those of the first embodiment, so the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0042] FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of a separator-integrated gasket according to Example 2 of the present invention, and is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the vicinity of where the separator-integrated gasket exerts its gasket function.

[0043] The separator-integrated gasket 100A according to this embodiment is also composed of a first separator part 110A and a second separator part 120A. The configuration of the second separator part 120A is the same as that of the second separator part 120 in the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. Also, the first separator part 110A and the second separator part 120A are joined by joint parts 130 in the vicinity of both sides of the main bead portion 122, which is also the same as in the first embodiment.

[0044] Also, the first separator component 110A has a first elastic body 140 provided within a planar region thereof, which is the same as in Example 1. The present embodiment differs from Example 1 in that the first separator component 110A has first reinforcing bead portions 112 provided on both sides in the short direction of the first elastic body 140. The positional relationship between the first elastic body 140 and the second elastic body 150 is as described in Example 1.

[0045] As shown in two types of plan views seen in the direction of the arrow P in the figure, the first reinforcing bead portion 112 may be provided continuously or intermittently along the first elastic body 140. In the figure, the first reinforcing bead portion 112a shown in a circle on the left side shows the case where the first reinforcing bead portion 112a is provided continuously, and the first reinforcing bead portion 112b shown in a circle on the right side shows the case where the first reinforcing bead portion 112b is provided intermittently.

[0046] The separator-integrated gasket 100A according to this embodiment configured as described above can also provide the same effect as in the above-mentioned embodiment 1. In addition, in this embodiment, by providing the first reinforcing bead portion 112, the vicinity of the region in which the first elastic body 140 is provided in the first separator part 110A is less likely to deform. Therefore, even if the pressing force of the main bead portion 122 acts on the first separator part 110A via the second elastic body 150, the membrane unit 200, and the first elastic body 140, the deformation of the first separator part 110A can be suppressed. In this embodiment, the configuration in which the first reinforcing bead portion 112 is provided on both sides of the first elastic body 140 in the short direction has been shown, but a configuration in which the first reinforcing bead portion 112 is provided only on one side of the first elastic body 140 in the short direction can also be adopted.

[0047] Example 3 Example 3 of the present invention is shown in Fig. 4. In this example, a configuration is shown in which a sub-bead portion is provided in a first separator component and a reinforcing bead portion is provided in a second separator component. The other configurations and functions are the same as those in Example 1, so the same components are given the same reference numerals and their explanations are omitted as appropriate.

[0048] FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of a separator-integrated gasket according to Example 3 of the present invention, and is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the vicinity of where the separator-integrated gasket exhibits its gasket function.

[0049] The separator-integrated gasket 100B according to this embodiment is also composed of a first separator part 110B and a second separator part 120B. The first separator part 110B is provided with a sub-bead portion 113 that is provided so as to surround the sealed area, and a first elastic body 140 is provided in a flat area provided on the surface of the sub-bead portion. The second separator part 120B is provided with second reinforcing bead portions 123 that protrude in the opposite direction to the protruding direction of the main bead portion 122 on both sides of the second elastic body 150 in the short direction. The second reinforcing bead portions 123 are arranged so as to enter the sub-bead portions 113.

[0050] The first separator component 110B and the second separator component 120B are joined by joints 130 near both sides of the sub-bead portion 113. The positional relationship between the first elastic body 140 and the second elastic body 150 is as described in the first embodiment.

[0051] The separator-integrated gasket 100B according to this embodiment configured as described above can also provide the same effects as those of the above-mentioned embodiment 1. Furthermore, in this embodiment, even if the pressing force of the main bead portion 122 acts on the first separator part 110B via the second elastic body 150, the membrane unit 200, and the first elastic body 140, deformation of the first separator part 110B can be suppressed. In this embodiment, not only is it difficult for the first separator part 110B to deform due to the sub-bead portion 113, but when the sub-bead portion 113 tries to deform, it hits the second reinforcing bead portion 123 of the second separator part 120B, so deformation of the first separator part 110B can be further suppressed. In this embodiment, a configuration is shown in which the second reinforcing bead portion 123 is provided on both short sides of the second elastic body 150, but it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the second reinforcing bead portion 123 is provided on only one short side of the second elastic body 150.

[0052] Example 4 Fig. 5 shows a fourth embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, a configuration in which a sub-bead portion is provided in the first separator component is shown. The other configurations and functions are the same as those in the first embodiment, so the same components are given the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted as appropriate.

[0053] FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of a separator-integrated gasket according to Example 4 of the present invention, and is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the vicinity of where the separator-integrated gasket exerts its gasket function.

[0054] The separator-integrated gasket 100C according to this embodiment is also composed of a first separator part 110C and a second separator part 120C. The configuration of the second separator part 120C is the same as that of the second separator part 120 in the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. Also, the first separator part 110C and the second separator part 120C are joined by joint parts 130 in the vicinity of both sides of the main bead portion 122, which is also the same as in the first embodiment.

[0055] In this embodiment, the first separator component 110C is provided with a sub-bead portion 113 that is provided so as to surround the sealed region, and a first elastic body 140 is provided within a flat region provided on the surface of the sub-bead portion. The sub-bead portion 113 is configured to protrude on the opposite side to the second separator component 120C. The positional relationship between the first elastic body 140 and the second elastic body 150 is as described in the first embodiment.

[0056] The separator-integrated gasket 100C according to this embodiment configured as described above can also provide the same effects as those of the above-mentioned embodiment 1. In addition, in this embodiment, the provision of the secondary bead portion 113 makes it difficult for the first separator part 110A to deform in the vicinity of the region where the first elastic body 140 is provided. Therefore, even if the pressing force of the primary bead portion 122 acts on the first separator part 110C via the second elastic body 150, the membrane unit 200, and the first elastic body 140, deformation of the first separator part 110C can be suppressed.

[0057] Example 5 Fig. 6 shows a fifth embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, a configuration in which a sub-bead portion is provided in the first separator component is shown. The other configurations and functions are the same as those in the first embodiment, so the same components are given the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted as appropriate.

[0058] FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of a separator-integrated gasket according to Example 5 of the present invention, and is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the vicinity of where the separator-integrated gasket exerts its gasket function.

[0059] The separator-integrated gasket 100D according to this embodiment is also composed of a first separator part 110D and a second separator part 120D. The configuration of the second separator part 120D is the same as that of the second separator part 120 in the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. Also, the first separator part 110D and the second separator part 120D are joined by joint parts 130 in the vicinity of both sides of the main bead portion 122, which is also the same as in the first embodiment.

[0060] In this embodiment, the first separator component 110D is provided with a sub-bead portion 114 that is provided so as to surround the sealed region, and a first elastic body 140 is provided within a flat region provided on the surface of the sub-bead portion. The sub-bead portion 114 is configured to protrude toward the side where the second separator component 120D is provided and to enter the main bead portion 122. The positional relationship between the first elastic body 140 and the second elastic body 150 is as described in the first embodiment.

[0061] The separator-integrated gasket 100D according to this embodiment configured as described above can also provide the same effects as those of the above-mentioned embodiment 1. In addition, in this embodiment, the provision of the secondary bead portion 114 makes it difficult for the first separator part 110D to deform in the vicinity of the region where the first elastic body 140 is provided. Therefore, even if the pressing force of the primary bead portion 122 acts on the first separator part 110D via the second elastic body 150, the membrane unit 200, and the first elastic body 140, deformation of the first separator part 110D can be suppressed.

[0062] Example 6 7 shows a sixth embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, a secondary bead portion is provided on the first separator component, and a reinforcing bead portion is provided on the first separator component. The other configurations and functions are the same as those of the first embodiment, so the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and their explanations are omitted as appropriate.

[0063] FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of a separator-integrated gasket according to Example 6 of the present invention, and is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the vicinity of where the separator-integrated gasket exerts its gasket function.

[0064] The separator-integrated gasket 100E according to this embodiment is also composed of a first separator part 110E and a second separator part 120E. The configuration of the second separator part 120E is the same as that of the second separator part 120 in the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. Also, the first separator part 110E and the second separator part 120E are joined by joint parts 130 in the vicinity of both sides of the main bead portion 122, which is also the same as in the first embodiment.

[0065] In this embodiment, the first separator part 110E is provided with a sub-bead portion 113 that is provided so as to surround the sealed region, and a first elastic body 140 is provided within a flat region provided on the surface of the sub-bead portion. The sub-bead portion 113 is configured to protrude on the opposite side to the second separator part 120E. The positional relationship between the first elastic body 140 and the second elastic body 150 is as described in the first embodiment. This embodiment differs from the fourth embodiment in that first reinforcing bead portions 112 are provided on both sides of the first elastic body 140 in the short direction.

[0066] The separator-integrated gasket 100E according to this embodiment configured as described above can also provide the same effects as those of the above-mentioned embodiment 1. In addition, in this embodiment, by providing the sub-bead portion 113 and the first reinforcing bead portion 112, the first separator part 110E is less likely to deform near the area where the first elastic body 140 is provided. Therefore, even if the pressing force of the main bead portion 122 acts on the first separator part 110E via the second elastic body 150, the membrane unit 200, and the first elastic body 140, deformation of the first separator part 110E can be suppressed.

[0067] Example 7 Example 7 of the present invention is shown in Fig. 8. In this example, a configuration in which a stopper portion is provided on the second separator part is shown. The other configurations and functions are the same as those of Example 1, so the same components are given the same reference numerals and their explanations are omitted as appropriate.

[0068] FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a part of a fuel cell including a separator-integrated gasket according to Example 7 of the present invention, and is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the separator-integrated gasket where the gasket function is exerted.

[0069] The separator-integrated gasket 100F according to this embodiment is also composed of a first separator part 110F and a second separator part 120F. The configuration of the first separator part 110F is the same as that of the first separator part 110 in the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. Also, the first separator part 110F and the second separator part 120F are joined by joint parts 130 in the vicinity of both sides of the main bead portion 122, which is also the same as in the first embodiment.

[0070] In this embodiment, the second separator part 120F is provided with a stopper part 124 that abuts against the membrane unit 200 near the joint part 130, on the inner side of the main bead part 122 (the side where the irregularities 121 that become the flow path are provided). Only in this respect is the configuration of the second separator part 120F different from the configuration of the second separator part 120 in the first embodiment.

[0071] The separator-integrated gasket 100F according to this embodiment configured as described above can also provide the same effects as those of the above-mentioned embodiment 1. In addition, in this embodiment, since the stopper portion 124 is provided, deformation of the separator-integrated gasket 100F can be suppressed. The configuration of the stopper portion 124 shown in this embodiment can be applied to any of the configurations of embodiments 2 to 6.

[0072] (others) In the above embodiment, the laminated structure having the separator-integrated gasket is used as a fuel cell, but the laminated structure can also be used as a hydrogen generating device. That is, when the laminated structure is used as a fuel cell, a chemical reaction occurs in the electrolyte membrane by flowing oxygen on one side of the electrolyte membrane and hydrogen on the other side, and electricity can be generated. On the other hand, when water and oxygen are flowed on one side of the electrolyte membrane, electrolysis occurs in the electrolyte membrane, and water and hydrogen flow on the other side of the electrolyte membrane. This allows hydrogen to be extracted, so the laminated structure can be used as a hydrogen generating device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0073] 100, 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100E, 100F Separator integrated gasket 101 Manifold 110, 110A, 110B, 110C, 110D, 110E, 110F First separator part 111 Unevenness 112, 112a, 112b First reinforcing bead portion 113,114 Sub-bead section 120, 120A, 120B, 120C, 120D, 120E, 120F Second separator part 121 Unevenness 122 Main bead part 123 Second reinforcing bead 124 Stopper part 130 Joint 140 First Elastic Body 150 Second Elastic Body 200 membrane units 201 Manifold 210 Electrolyte membrane 220 Gas diffusion layer 230 Reinforcement film

Claims

1. A separator-integrated gasket is provided in a laminated structure in which a membrane unit having an electrolyte membrane and a separator are alternately laminated, and has a gasket function by being provided with an elastic body capable of contacting the membrane unit, A first separator component; a second separator part joined to the first separator part so as to overlap the first separator part; With the above in mind, The first separator component is provided with a first elastic body provided within a planar region of the first separator component; A separator-integrated gasket, wherein the second separator part is provided with a main bead portion and a second elastic body fixed along a crest of the main bead portion.

2. 2. The separator-integrated gasket according to claim 1, wherein, when viewed perpendicularly to the plane of the flat area, the peak of the main bead portion is provided within the range in which the first elastic body is provided.

3. 3. The separator-integrated gasket according to claim 1, wherein the first separator part is provided with a first reinforcing bead portion on either one or both sides in the short direction of the first elastic body.

4. 3. The separator-integrated gasket according to claim 1, wherein the first separator component is provided with a secondary bead portion, and a first elastic body is provided within the flat area provided on the surface of the secondary bead portion.

5. 3. The separator-integrated gasket according to claim 1, characterized in that the second separator part has a second reinforcing bead portion on both or one side of the second elastic body in the short direction, the second reinforcing bead portion protruding in a direction opposite to the protruding direction of the main bead portion.

6. The first separator component is provided with a sub-bead portion, and a first elastic body is provided within the flat area provided on the surface of the sub-bead portion.

6. The separator-integrated gasket according to claim 5, wherein the second reinforcing bead portion is disposed so as to extend into the sub-bead portion.

7. In a laminate structure in which membrane units having an electrolyte membrane and separators are alternately laminated, the separator is a separator-integrated gasket having a gasket function by being provided with an elastic body capable of coming into contact with the membrane unit, The separator-integrated gasket is A first separator component; a second separator part joined to the first separator part so as to overlap the first separator part; With the above in mind, The first separator component is provided with a first elastic body provided within a planar region of the first separator component; the second separator component is provided with a main bead portion and a second elastic body fixed along a peak of the main bead portion; A laminated structure characterized in that, when viewed perpendicular to the plane of the planar area, the peak of the main bead portion of the separator-integrated gasket arranged on one side of the membrane unit is located in the range where the first elastic body of the separator-integrated gasket arranged on the other side of the membrane unit is located.

8. 8. The laminate structure according to claim 7, wherein the first separator component is provided with a first reinforcing bead portion on either or both sides in the short direction of the first elastic body.

9. 9. The laminated structure according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the first separator component is provided with a sub-bead portion, and a first elastic body is provided within the planar region provided on the surface of the sub-bead portion.

10. The laminated structure according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the second separator component is provided with a second reinforcing bead portion on both or one side of the second elastic body in the short direction, the second reinforcing bead portion protruding in a direction opposite to the protruding direction of the main bead portion.

11. The first separator component is provided with a sub-bead portion, and a first elastic body is provided within the flat area provided on the surface of the sub-bead portion.

11. The laminate structure according to claim 10, wherein the second reinforcing bead portion is disposed so as to extend into the sub-bead portion.

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