JP2006173058A - Method of molding separator for fuel cell, molding apparatus and suction type take-out apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a suction type ejector capable of suppressing molding failures of a separator for a fuel cell and easily taking out the separator for the fuel cell without exerting an influence on performance. <P>SOLUTION: This suction type ejector has a suction pad 162 having an elastic member 163 disposed so as to cover a surface 51 exposed to the outside of the separator 50, and a negative pressure transmitting means 168 connected to the suction pad 162 to transmit negative pressure to exhibit a suction force to the suction pad 162. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a method for forming a separator for a fuel cell, a forming apparatus, and a suction type take-out apparatus.

A single cell of a fuel cell has a separator for separating fuel gas from oxidant gas and the like. The separator is manufactured by compression-molding a powdered molding material at a high temperature, peeled off from the molding die by blowing gas, and then adsorbed and taken out (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 2001-143722 A

  However, since the separator has a channel groove for circulating fuel gas, oxidant gas, etc., and the channel groove has a minute and complicated uneven shape, there is a problem in releasability from the molding die. Have. Therefore, when the gas spray pressure is low, it is difficult to take out the separator. On the other hand, when the gas blowing pressure is increased, there is a risk of forming defects such as cracks in the separator.

  In addition, when ribs or knobs are provided in advance in the separator in order to facilitate removal, there is a problem that the effective area of the separator is reduced due to an increase in wasted space and the output density is lowered.

  The present invention has been made to solve the problems associated with the above-described prior art, and can easily remove the fuel cell separator without suppressing molding defects of the fuel cell separator and affecting the performance. It is an object of the present invention to provide a molding method, a molding apparatus, and a suction type take-out apparatus that are possible.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention described in claim 1
A molding method for producing a separator having a flow channel applied to a single cell of a fuel cell,
A molding material containing graphite and a binder resin is placed in a molding die, and a separator is molded by compression molding in a heated state,
After opening the mold, the elastic member of the suction pad portion is arranged so as to cover the surface exposed to the outside of the separator,
Via the negative pressure transmission means connected to the suction pad part, the negative pressure that exerts the suction force is transmitted to the suction pad part,
In the molding method, the separator is adsorbed by the elastic member and is taken out from the molding die.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 18 provides:
A suction type take-out device for taking out a fuel cell separator formed by placing a molding material containing graphite and a binder resin in a molding die and compressing the molding material in a heated state. There,
A suction pad portion having an elastic member arranged to cover the surface exposed to the outside of the separator, and
A suction type take-out device comprising negative pressure transmitting means connected to the suction pad portion for transmitting a negative pressure for exerting a suction force to the suction pad portion.

The invention according to claim 31 for achieving the above object is as follows.
A molding die for compression molding a molding material containing graphite and a binder resin, and a heating means for holding the molding material in a heated state during compression molding by the molding die A molding apparatus for producing a separator having a flow channel applied to a single cell of a fuel cell,
It has a suction type extraction device given in any 1 paragraph of Claims 18-30. It is a forming device characterized by things.

  The present invention configured as described above has the following effects.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the separator is adsorbed by the elastic member and taken out from the molding die. Since the elastic member supports the separator non-locally and elastically, it does not exert an excessive load on the separator even when a large adsorption force is exerted. Therefore, the separator can be easily taken out while suppressing molding defects such as cracking of the separator. In addition, since no part, rib, or knob for facilitating removal is provided in the separator, useless space does not increase and output density does not decrease. Therefore, it is possible to provide a molding method capable of easily removing the fuel cell separator without suppressing the molding defect of the fuel cell separator and affecting the performance.

  According to invention of Claim 18, it is possible to adsorb | suck a separator with an elastic member and to take out from a shaping die. In this case, since the elastic member supports the separator non-locally and elastically, it does not exert an excessive load on the separator even when a large adsorption force is exerted. Therefore, the separator can be easily taken out while suppressing molding defects such as cracking of the separator. In addition, since no part, rib, or knob for facilitating removal is provided in the separator, useless space does not increase and output density does not decrease. Therefore, it is possible to provide a suction type take-out device that can easily take out the fuel cell separator without suppressing molding defects of the fuel cell separator and affecting the performance.

  According to the invention described in claim 31, the fuel cell separator can be easily taken out by the suction type take-out device of the molding device without suppressing molding failure of the fuel cell separator and affecting the performance. Is possible. That is, it is possible to provide a molding apparatus that can easily remove the fuel cell separator without suppressing the molding defect of the fuel cell separator and affecting the performance.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is an exploded view for explaining a fuel cell and a separator according to Embodiment 1. FIG.

  The fuel cell 10 according to Embodiment 1 is in the form of a stacked body formed by stacking a large number of single cells, and is used as, for example, a drive source for an automobile. A single cell is a battery that uses the reverse principle of water electrolysis and can obtain electricity in the process of obtaining water by reacting hydrogen and oxygen, and includes a solid polymer electrolyte membrane 20 and a gas diffusion layer 30. , 40 and separators 50, 60. The size of one side of the separators 50 and 60 is about 100 to 200 mm.

  The gas diffusion layers 30 and 40 are supported by the frames 35 and 45 and are disposed on both surfaces of the solid polymer electrolyte membrane 20. The separators 50 and 60 are molded bodies formed by compressing and compressing a powdery molding material, and are disposed on the outer surfaces of the gas diffusion layers 30 and 40.

  The molding material is a powdery mixture having conductive graphite (for example, 70 to 90 wt%) and a binder resin (for example, 10 to 30 wt%). As the graphite, for example, natural graphite, artificial graphite, and expanded graphite can be applied.

  The binder resin is made of a thermosetting resin, and the binder resin contained in the separators 50 and 60 is thermoset. The thermosetting resin is preferably a phenol resin excellent in economic efficiency, workability, moldability, physical properties (acid resistance, heat resistance, fluid impermeability), etc., but other thermosetting such as melamine resin and polyamide resin. It is also possible to apply a functional resin. The thermosetting resin preferably has a small diameter, which increases the reaction rate and reduces the space between the graphite, thereby improving the strength of the resulting separator.

  The separator 50 has an upper surface 51 and a lower surface 56 that are electrically conductive surfaces through which the generated electricity flows. The upper surface 51 is formed with a channel groove 52 for circulating cooling water, and is opposed to the separator 60 of the adjacent single cell via the sealing member 70. The lower surface 56 is formed with a channel groove 57 for allowing the oxidant gas (air) to flow therethrough, and is opposed to the gas diffusion layer 30 via the sealing member 72.

  The separator 60 has an upper surface 61 and a lower surface 66 that are electrically conductive surfaces through which the generated electricity flows. The upper surface 61 is formed with a flow channel 62 for circulating the fuel gas (hydrogen), and is opposed to the gas diffusion layer 40 via the sealing member 74. The lower surface 66 is substantially flat and faces the separator 50 of the adjacent single cell via the sealing member 70.

  The shape and arrangement of the channel grooves 52, 57, and 62 are appropriately set in consideration of gas diffusibility, pressure loss, discharge of generated water, cooling performance, and the like. The sealing members 70, 72, and 74 are arranged to suppress leakage of the oxidant gas and the fuel gas, and can be constituted by, for example, a gasket or an adhesive seal.

  2 is a schematic diagram for explaining the molding apparatus according to Embodiment 1, FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view for explaining an upper mold and a lower mold of the molding apparatus shown in FIG. 2, and FIG. It is sectional drawing for demonstrating the suction type taking-out apparatus shown by 2. FIG.

  The molding apparatus 100 is applied to manufacture of the separator 50, and includes an upper mold (molding mold) 110, a lower mold (molding mold) 120, a pressing apparatus 130, a heating apparatus (heating means) 140, a cooling apparatus 150, and a suction type take-out. It has a device 160.

  The upper mold 110 is disposed so as to be able to approach and separate from the lower mold 120 and has a cavity surface 115 corresponding to the upper surface 51 of the separator 50. The cavity surface 115 has a convex portion 118 corresponding to the flow channel groove 52 of the separator 50 and a concave portion 116 positioned between the convex portions 118. The lower mold 120 is arranged in a fixed manner, has a cavity surface 125 corresponding to the lower surface 56 of the separator 50, cooperates with the upper mold 110, and compresses the molding material PM containing graphite and binder resin. Used for. The cavity surface 125 has a convex portion 128 corresponding to the flow channel groove 57 of the separator 50 and a concave portion 126 located between the convex portions 128.

  The pressing device 130 is used to drive the upper die 110 and perform clamping and compression molding in cooperation with the lower die 120, and has a driving device such as a hydraulic cylinder. The pressure at the time of compression molding is about 50 to 60 MPa.

  The heating device 140 is composed of a resistance heating element disposed inside the lower mold 120 and is used to keep the molding material PM in a heated state during compression molding by the upper mold 110 and the lower mold 120. . Since the molding material PM has a binder resin made of a thermosetting resin, the heating device 140 raises the temperature of the molding material PM to a temperature equal to or higher than the thermosetting temperature of the binder resin, thereby thermosetting the binder resin. The heating device 140, the upper mold 110, and the lower mold 120 are used to warm-mold the molding material PM.

  The heating device 140 can be disposed on both the upper mold 110 and the lower mold 120 or on the upper mold 110. The heating device 140 is not limited to a form using resistance heating, and a heating fluid (heat medium), electromagnetic induction heating, ultrasonic heating, or the like can be appropriately applied.

  The cooling device 150 is a refrigerant supply unit including a blower such as an axial fan. The cooling device 150 rapidly cools the separator 50 by blowing air as a cooling medium toward the molded separator 50 after the mold is opened. Therefore, it is possible to shorten the time cycle between the completion of the molding of the separator 50 and the removal. The cooling device 150 may be another air machine such as a compressor. The cooling medium is not limited to air.

  The suction-type take-out device 160 includes a suction pad portion 162 having an elastic member 163 and a frame portion 166, a pipe (piping system) 168 connected to the suction pad portion 162, and a positioning mechanism (not shown) of the suction pad portion 162. Have.

  The pipe 168 is made of a flexible tube and is connected to a vacuum pump 170 which is a negative pressure generating means. The pipe 168 is a negative pressure transmitting means for transmitting a negative pressure for exerting the suction force to the suction pad portion 162. Constitute. The negative pressure is about 1 to 10 Pa. The pipe 168 is appropriately provided with a leak valve (not shown) for eliminating the negative pressure. As the negative pressure generating means, another air machine, for example, a suction fan can be applied.

  The elastic member 163 is disposed so as to cover the surface (upper surface 51) exposed to the outside of the separator 50 disposed on the cavity surface 125 of the lower mold 120 after the mold is opened. The frame portion 166 is used for holding the elastic member 163. The positioning mechanism is used to move the suction pad portion 162 between a suction position for covering the upper surface 51 and a standby position for removing the suctioned separator 50.

  The suction-type take-out device 160 can take out the molded separator 50 by the elastic member 163 after the mold is opened and take it out from the lower mold 120. In this case, since the elastic member 163 supports the separator 50 non-locally and elastically, it does not exert an excessive load on the separator 50 even when a large adsorption force is exerted. Therefore, it is possible to easily take out the separator 50 while suppressing molding defects such as cracking of the separator 50. In addition, since no part, rib, or knob for facilitating removal is provided in the separator 50, the useless space does not increase and the output density does not decrease.

  The outer peripheral shape of the suction pad portion 162 is substantially the same as the outer peripheral shape of the separator 50, and the entire upper surface 51 of the separator 50 is supported to improve the suction efficiency. The elastic member 163 is made of urethane resin or sponge (sponge-like rubber) and is porous. Therefore, the elastic member 163 easily deforms when adsorbing the separator 50 and exhibits good adhesion. External air is sucked through the hole of the elastic member 163. As the elastic member 163, a non-porous elastic member in which an opening is formed can be applied.

  The elastic member 163 has a surface shape corresponding to the shape of the upper surface 51 of the separator 50, and has a convex portion 164 corresponding to the flow channel 52 of the separator 50 and a concave portion 165 positioned between the convex portions 164. . Therefore, the adhesion between the elastic member 163 and the separator 50 is further improved, and the adsorption is more efficient.

  As described above, since the molding apparatus 100 includes the suction-type extraction device 160, it is possible to easily remove the fuel cell separator without suppressing molding defects of the fuel cell separator and affecting the performance. is there.

  The molding apparatus applied to manufacture of the separator 60 is substantially the same as the molding apparatus 100 except that the upper cavity surface is substantially flat and corresponds to the upper surface 61 of the separator 60. In order to avoid this, the description is omitted.

  Next, the molding method according to Embodiment 1 will be described. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view for explaining filling of the molding material, FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view for explaining mold clamping following FIG. 5, and FIG. 7 is for explaining warm compression molding following FIG. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view for explaining mold opening and cooling following FIG. 7, and FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view for explaining suction extraction following FIG.

  An amount of the molding material PM required for molding the separator 50 is placed on the cavity surface 125 of the lower mold 120 that has been preliminarily heated by the heating device 140 (see FIG. 5). This is because, for example, the molding material PM is moved while being discharged from a nozzle connected to a container holding the molding material PM, and when the required filling amount is reached, the molding material PM is discharged from the nozzle. Is stopped, and the surface of the non-uniform molding material PM is scraped and flattened. Preliminary temperature rise can be omitted as appropriate.

  The pressing device 130 lowers the upper mold 110 and clamps it, thereby compressing and compressing the molding material PM located on the cavity surfaces 115 and 125 of the upper mold 110 and the lower mold 120 (see FIG. 6).

  Since the upper mold 110 includes the cavity surface 115 corresponding to the upper surface 51 of the separator 50, the upper surface of the molding material PM is formed into an uneven shape corresponding to the upper surface 51 of the separator 50. On the other hand, since the lower mold 120 includes the cavity surface 125 corresponding to the lower surface 56 of the separator 50, the lower surface of the molding material PM is formed into an uneven shape corresponding to the lower surface 56 of the separator 50.

  On the other hand, the heating device 140 adjusts the temperature of the lower mold 120 and raises the temperature, thereby raising the temperature of the molding material PM to be equal to or higher than the thermosetting temperature of the binder resin and thermosetting the binder resin. When the thermosetting of the binder resin is completed and the warm compression molding is completed, the separator 50 is obtained (see FIG. 7).

  When the pressing device 130 raises the upper die 110 and opens the die, the cooling device 150 blows air toward the separator 50 to rapidly cool the separator 50 (see FIG. 8).

  When the temperature of the separator 50 decreases, the suction pad portion 162 is moved from the standby position to the suction position by a positioning mechanism (not shown) of the suction type take-out device 160 and is disposed on the cavity surface 125 of the lower mold 120. It arrange | positions so that 50 upper surface 51 may be covered (refer FIG. 9).

  The negative pressure generated by the vacuum pump 170 is transmitted to the suction pad portion 162 via the pipe 168 to exert the suction force. Then, the separator 50 sucked by the elastic member 163 is taken out from the lower mold 120 by moving the suction pad 162 from the suction position to the standby position by the positioning mechanism of the suction type take-out device 160.

  Since the elastic member 163 supports the separator 50 non-locally and elastically, it does not exert an excessive load on the separator 50 even when a large adsorption force is exerted. Therefore, the separator 50 is easily taken out while suppressing molding defects such as cracking of the separator 50. Moreover, since the part, the rib, or the knob for facilitating the removal is not provided in the separator 50, the useless space is not increased and the output density is not lowered.

  Thereafter, when the suction pad portion 162 returns to the standby position, the negative pressure is eliminated by a leak valve (not shown) disposed in the middle of the pipe 168, and the separator 50 is separated from the elastic member 163.

  As described above, in the first embodiment, the molding method, the molding apparatus, and the suction that can easily remove the fuel cell separator without suppressing the molding defect of the fuel cell separator and without affecting the performance. A formula take-out device can be provided.

  FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the lower mold of the molding apparatus according to the second embodiment.

  The molding apparatus according to the second embodiment is generally different from the molding apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment regarding the structure of the lower mold. For members having the same functions as those in the first embodiment, similar symbols are used, and description thereof is omitted to avoid duplication.

  The molding apparatus according to Embodiment 2 has a protruding device 222 and an actuator device 224. The protruding device 222 is formed of a protruding pin (ejector pin) member, and is disposed on the cavity surface 225 of the lower mold 220 that is a molding die in which the separator 50 is disposed after the mold is opened, and the lower surface (rear surface) 56 of the separator 50. It is positioned so as to correspond to the vicinity of the four corners. The arrangement position and the arrangement number of the protruding devices 222 are not particularly limited, and can be appropriately set according to the size and shape of the separator 50. The protruding device 222 can also apply a stripper or air protruding.

  The actuator device 224 has a piezoelectric element, is connected to a lower mold 220 fixed so as to be freely movable, and is used to vibrate the lower mold 220. Actuator device 224 is not limited to being constituted by a piezoelectric element, and other elements that can generate vibrations such as magnets and magnetostrictive materials, and mechanical mechanisms that utilize the rotation of a motor are applied. Is also possible.

  When the separator 50 is adsorbed by the elastic member 263 and taken out from the lower mold 220, the protruding device 222 protrudes the lower surface 56 of the separator 50, while the actuator device 224 vibrates the lower mold 220. The protrusion of the protruding device 222 and the vibration of the lower mold 220 facilitate the removal of the separator 50 from the lower mold 220.

  As described above, the second embodiment can further improve the ease of taking out the separator 50 from the lower mold 220.

  The protruding device 222 supports the lower surface 56 of the separator 50 locally and rigidly. However, since the protruding device 222 is an auxiliary use, it is possible to reduce the load on the separator 50 as compared with a case where the protruding device 222 is used alone, and does not cause molding defects such as cracks. Further, if necessary, one of the protruding device 222 and the actuator device 224 can be omitted.

  FIG. 11 is a schematic view for explaining the molding apparatus according to Embodiment 3, and FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a case where air is discharged.

  The molding apparatus 300 according to the third embodiment is generally different from the molding apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment with respect to the configuration of the negative pressure generating means. In addition, about the member which has the function similar to Embodiment 1, the same code | symbol is used and in order to avoid duplication, the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  The molding apparatus 300 includes an upper mold 310, a lower mold 320, a pressing apparatus 330, a heating apparatus 340, and a suction type extraction apparatus 360. The suction type take-out device 360 includes a suction pad part 362 having an elastic member 363 and a frame part 366, a pipe 368 connected to the suction pad part 362, and a positioning mechanism (not shown) of the suction pad part 362. The positioning mechanism is used to move the suction pad portion 162 between an upper position of the upper surface 51, a suction position for covering the upper surface 51, and a standby position for removing the sucked separator 50. .

  The negative pressure generating means according to the third embodiment is a compressor 370 having a rotating body that can freely rotate in the forward and reverse directions, and is connected to the suction pad portion 362 of the suction type take-out device 360 via a pipe 368. The compressor 370 is an air machine that is adapted to discharge or suck air in accordance with the rotation direction of the rotating body and is capable of reversing the air flow direction.

  The air machine is not limited to the compressor 370. For example, the air machine is adapted to discharge or suck air according to the rotation direction of the fan, and combines a blower, a device for discharging air, and a device for sucking air. It is also possible to apply a configuration.

  The compressor 370 generates a negative pressure when sucking air, and the negative pressure is transmitted to the suction pad portion 362 of the suction-type take-out device 360 via the pipe 368 to exert the suction force (see FIG. 10). ). On the other hand, when the compressor 370 discharges air, the air is transmitted to the suction pad portion 362 of the suction type extraction device 360 via the pipe 368 and flows out from the suction pad portion 362.

  When the elastic member 363 of the suction pad portion 362 is disposed above the surface (upper surface 51) exposed to the outside of the separator 50 disposed on the cavity surface 325 of the lower mold 320 after the mold is opened, the air that has flowed out Advances toward the separator 50, rapidly cools the separator 50, lowers its temperature, and functions as a cooling medium (see FIG. 12).

  In other words, the pipe 368 introduces negative pressure transmitting means for transmitting a negative pressure that exerts the suction force to the suction pad portion 362 and air (cooling medium) for cooling the separator 50 to the suction pad portion 362. The compressor 370 also serves as a negative pressure generating means and a refrigerant supplying means.

  As described above, unlike Embodiment 1, Embodiment 3 does not require dedicated equipment for cooling separator 50 (cooling device 150). Moreover, since cooling and taking out of the separator 50 is a continuous series of operations using one apparatus (suction type taking out apparatus 360), productivity can be improved.

  The negative pressure transmitting means and the negative pressure generating means for exerting the suction force by the suction pad portion 362, and the refrigerant introduction means and the refrigerant supply means for allowing the cooling medium to flow out from the suction pad portion 362 are independent facilities. Or only the negative pressure transmission means and the refrigerant introduction means can be integrated.

  FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram for explaining the molding apparatus according to the fourth embodiment, and FIGS. 14 and 15 are sectional views for explaining the flow path switching mechanism shown in FIG. And the case of discharging air.

  The molding apparatus 400 according to the fourth embodiment is generally different from the molding apparatus according to the third embodiment with respect to a negative pressure generating mechanism. In addition, about the member which has the function similar to Embodiment 1, the same code | symbol is used and in order to avoid duplication, the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  The molding device 400 includes an upper die 410, a lower die 420, a pressing device 430, a heating device 440, and a suction type take-out device 460. The suction type take-out device 460 includes a suction pad part 462 having an elastic member 463 and a frame part 466, a pipe 468 connected to the suction pad part 462, and a positioning mechanism (not shown) of the suction pad part 462.

  The negative pressure generating means according to the fourth embodiment is configured by a flow path switching mechanism 480 disposed between a pipe 468 connected to the suction pad portion 462 and the compressor 470. The compressor 470 is an independent refrigerant supply means, and unlike the compressor 370 according to Embodiment 3, does not have a function of sucking air.

  The flow path switching mechanism 480 includes first to third ports 482 to 484 and a flow path control means 486. The first port 482 has an inner wall tapered toward the inside, and is connected to a pipe 468 connected to the suction pad portion 362. The second port 483 has an inner wall tapered toward the inside, communicates with the first port 482 and is released to the outside. The third port 484 is connected to the compressor 470.

  The flow path control means 486 is used to supply the air supplied to the third port 484 to the first port 482 or the second port 483 in a switching manner. The flow path control means 486 is a hollow nozzle disposed in the passage between the first port 482 and the second port 483, has a tapered inner wall at one end 487, and a third port on the side. An opening 489 communicating with 484 is provided.

  As shown in FIG. 14, when one end 487 of the flow path control means 486 is disposed so as to face the second port 483, the air discharged from the compressor 470 and introduced into the third port 484 is second It flows out through the port 483.

  At this time, the outflowing air generates a negative pressure and sucks air through the first port 482. Since the first port 482 is connected to the suction pad portion 462 via the pipe 468, a negative pressure for exerting the suction force is transmitted by the suction pad portion 462 (see FIG. 10).

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 15, when one end 487 of the flow path control means 486 is disposed in the reverse direction so as to face the first port 482, it is discharged from the compressor 470 and introduced into the third port 484. The air to be supplied is introduced into the pipe 468 via the first port 482. At this time, the introduced air generates a negative pressure and sucks outside air via the second port 483.

  Since the first port 482 is connected to the suction pad portion 462 via the pipe 468, the mixture of air discharged from the compressor 470 and the sucked air flows out of the suction pad portion 462 and is cooled. It functions as a medium (see FIG. 12).

  As described above, in the fourth embodiment, the flow control means 486 supplies the air supplied to the third port 484 to the second port 483 and causes it to flow out to generate negative pressure. ing. That is, the negative pressure generating means is constituted by the flow path switching mechanism 480 that generates negative pressure using the air from the compressor 470, and has a simple structure.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the claims.

  For example, the molding material is not limited to being directly used in the form of a powder, but can be applied in the form of a sheet-like preform or an assembly of billet-like preforms. In this case, it is necessary that the preform is not firmly agglomerated but dispersed by pressing of the mold (upper mold) and exhibits fluidity.

  In addition, the binder resin is not limited to the thermosetting resin, and a thermoplastic resin such as polypropylene can also be applied. However, when a thermoplastic resin is applied, it is necessary to raise the temperature of the molding material to a suitable melting temperature above the softening point of the resin.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view for explaining the fuel cell and the separator according to the first embodiment. 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining a molding apparatus according to Embodiment 1. FIG. It is sectional drawing for demonstrating the upper mold | type and lower mold | type of the shaping | molding apparatus shown by FIG. It is sectional drawing for demonstrating the suction type taking-out apparatus shown by FIG. It is sectional drawing for demonstrating the shaping | molding method which concerns on Embodiment 1, and has shown filling with the molding material. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view for explaining mold clamping following FIG. 5. It is sectional drawing for demonstrating warm compression molding following FIG. It is sectional drawing for demonstrating mold opening and cooling following FIG. It is sectional drawing for demonstrating adsorption | suction extraction following FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view for explaining a lower mold of a molding apparatus according to Embodiment 2. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram for explaining a molding apparatus according to Embodiment 3. FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows the case where air is discharged. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining a molding apparatus according to a fourth embodiment. It is sectional drawing for demonstrating the flow-path switching mechanism shown by FIG. 13, and has shown the case where air is attracted | sucked. It is sectional drawing for demonstrating the flow-path switching mechanism shown by FIG. 13, and has shown the case where air is discharged.

Explanation of symbols

10. Fuel cell,
20 .. Solid polymer electrolyte membrane,
30, 40 ... Gas diffusion layer,
35, 45 ... frame
50. ・ Separator,
51 .. upper surface,
52 .. Channel groove,
56 .. Lower side,
57 .. Channel groove,
60 .. Separator,
61 .. upper surface,
62 .. Channel groove,
66 .. Lower side,
70, 72, 74 .. Sealing member,
100. ・ Molding equipment,
110 .. Upper mold,
115 .. cavity surface,
116 .. Recess,
118 .. convex part,
120 ... lower mold,
125 .. cavity surface,
126 .. recess,
128 .. convex part,
130..Pressing device,
140 .. Heating device,
150 ... Cooling device,
160..Suction type take-out device,
162 ..Suction pad part,
163 .. Elastic member,
164 .. convex part,
165 .. Recess,
166 .. Frame part,
168 ... Piping
170 ... Vacuum pump
220 .. Lower mold,
222 .. Projecting device,
224 .. Actuator device
225 .. cavity surface,
263 .. Elastic member,
300. ・ Molding equipment,
310 .. Upper mold,
320 ... lower mold,
325 .. cavity surface,
330..Pressing device,
340 .. heating device,
360..Suction type take-out device,
362 ..Suction pad part,
363 .. Elastic member,
366 .. Frame part,
368 ... Piping,
370 ・ Compressor,
400..Molding equipment,
410 .. Upper mold,
420 .. Lower mold,
430..Pressing device,
440 .. heating device,
460..Suction type take-out device,
462..Suction pad part,
463 .. Elastic member,
466 .. Frame part,
468 ... Piping,
470 ・ Compressor,
480 .. Mechanism,
482 .. First port,
483 ... second port,
484 ... second port,
486 .. Channel control means,
487 ... one end,
489 .. opening,
PM ·· Molding material.

Claims (35)

A molding method for producing a separator having a flow channel applied to a single cell of a fuel cell,
A molding material containing graphite and a binder resin is placed in a molding die, and a separator is molded by compression molding in a heated state,
After opening the mold, the elastic member of the suction pad portion is arranged so as to cover the surface exposed to the outside of the separator,
Via the negative pressure transmission means connected to the suction pad part, the negative pressure that exerts the suction force is transmitted to the suction pad part,
A molding method comprising: adsorbing the separator by the elastic member and taking out the separator from a molding die.   2. The molding method according to claim 1, wherein an outer peripheral shape of the suction pad portion substantially coincides with an outer peripheral shape of the separator.   The molding method according to claim 1, wherein the elastic member has a surface shape corresponding to a shape of a surface exposed to the outside of the separator.   The molding method according to claim 1, wherein the negative pressure transmission means includes a piping system connected to the negative pressure generation means.   The molding method according to claim 1, wherein the elastic member is porous.   The molding method according to claim 5, wherein the suction force is exerted by sucking outside air through the hole of the elastic member.   The cooling medium is introduced into the adsorption pad portion by the refrigerant introduction means, and the temperature of the separator is lowered by the cooling medium flowing out from the adsorption pad portion. The forming method as described.   The molding method according to claim 7, wherein the cooling medium is air.   The molding method according to claim 8, wherein the piping system is connected to a refrigerant supply unit and serves also as the refrigerant introduction unit.   The piping system is connected to an air machine capable of reversing the air flow direction, and the air machine serves as the negative pressure generating means and the refrigerant supply means. The forming method as described.   The molding method according to claim 10, wherein air is discharged or sucked in accordance with a rotation direction by rotating a rotating body of the air machine.   The negative pressure generating means is disposed between the piping system and the refrigerant supply means, and generates negative pressure using air from the refrigerant supply means. The forming method as described. The negative pressure generating means includes a first port connected to the piping system, a second port communicating with the first port and released to the outside, a third port connected to the refrigerant supply means, and the Having flow path control means for switchingly supplying the air supplied to the third port to the first port or the second port,
13. The molding method according to claim 12, wherein negative pressure is generated by supplying air supplied to the third port to the second port and causing the air to flow outside.   The binder resin is a thermosetting resin, and the temperature of the molding material is raised to a temperature equal to or higher than a thermosetting temperature of the binder resin by the heating means to thermoset the binder resin. The molding method according to any one of 1 to 13.   15. The method according to claim 1, wherein when the separator is adsorbed by the elastic member and taken out from the molding die, the molding die in which the separator is disposed is vibrated by an actuator device. The forming method as described.   The molding method according to claim 15, wherein the actuator device includes a piezoelectric element.   The back surface of the separator is protruded by a protruding device arranged in the molding die when the separator is adsorbed by the elastic member and taken out from the molding die. The forming method according to item. A suction type take-out device for taking out a fuel cell separator formed by placing a molding material containing graphite and a binder resin in a molding die and compressing the molding material in a heated state. There,
A suction pad portion having an elastic member arranged to cover the surface exposed to the outside of the separator, and
A suction type take-out device comprising: a negative pressure transmitting means connected to the suction pad portion for transmitting a negative pressure that exerts a suction force to the suction pad portion.   The suction type take-out device according to claim 18, wherein an outer peripheral shape of the suction pad portion substantially matches an outer peripheral shape of the separator.   The suction type take-out device according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the elastic member has a surface shape corresponding to a shape of a surface exposed to the outside of the separator.   The suction type take-out device according to any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein the negative pressure transmission means has a piping system connected to the negative pressure generation means.   The suction type take-out device according to any one of claims 18 to 21, wherein the elastic member is porous.   The suction type take-out device according to claim 22, wherein the elastic member sucks external air through the hole.   The suction type takeout device according to any one of claims 21 to 23, further comprising a refrigerant introduction unit for introducing a cooling medium into the suction pad portion.   The suction type take-out device according to claim 24, wherein the cooling medium is air.   26. The suction type take-out device according to claim 25, wherein the piping system is connected to a refrigerant supply means and serves also as the refrigerant introduction means.   27. The piping system is connected to an air machine capable of reversing an air flow direction, and the air machine serves as the negative pressure generation unit and the refrigerant supply unit. The suction type take-out device as described.   The suction type take-out device according to claim 27, wherein the pneumatic machine has a rotating body that discharges or sucks air in accordance with a rotation direction.   27. The negative pressure generating means is disposed between the piping system and the refrigerant supply means, and generates negative pressure using air from the refrigerant supply means. The suction type take-out device as described.   The negative pressure generating means includes a first port connected to the piping system, a second port communicating with the first port and released to the outside, a third port connected to the refrigerant supply means, and the 30. The suction type take-out according to claim 29, further comprising flow path control means for switchingly supplying air supplied to the third port to the first port or the second port. apparatus. A molding die for compression molding a molding material containing graphite and a binder resin, and a heating means for holding the molding material in a heated state during compression molding by the molding die A molding apparatus for producing a separator having a flow channel applied to a single cell of a fuel cell,
A molding apparatus comprising the suction-type take-out device according to any one of claims 18 to 30.   32. The molding apparatus according to claim 31, wherein the binder resin is a thermosetting resin, and the heating unit raises the temperature of the molding material to a temperature equal to or higher than a thermosetting temperature of the binder resin.   The molding apparatus according to claim 31 or 32, further comprising an actuator device for vibrating the molding die in which the separator is disposed after the mold is opened.   The molding apparatus according to claim 33, wherein the actuator device includes a piezoelectric element.   The molding apparatus according to any one of claims 31 to 34, further comprising a protruding device provided in a molding die in which the separator is disposed after the mold is opened.

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