U.S. patent application number 11/892848 was filed with the patent office on 2008-01-03 for integrated piping plate, machining method for same, machining apparatus for same, and machining equipment for same.
This patent application is currently assigned to MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.. Invention is credited to Haretaro Hidaka, Michio Tsukamoto.
Application Number | 20080000945 11/892848 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27482020 |
Filed Date | 2008-01-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080000945 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hidaka; Haretaro ; et
al. |
January 3, 2008 |
Integrated piping plate, machining method for same, machining
apparatus for same, and machining equipment for same
Abstract
A machining method for an integrated piping plate, for example,
composed of a plurality of plates joined together, and in which an
instrument and a component constituting an apparatus, or the
instrument, or the component are or is disposed on one surface or
both surfaces of the integrated piping plate, and the instrument
and the component, or the instrument, or the component are or is
connected by fluid channel grooves formed in joining surfaces of
the plates, and communication holes formed in the plates. The
machining method welds the joining surfaces of the plates around
the entire periphery of the fluid channel grooves, for example, by
an FSW welding machine, to join the plates. Compared with joining
of the plates by an adhesive, the machining method can increase the
durability of the plate joining portion and increase pressure
resistance. Also, the method can increase work efficiency and
further downsize the integrated piping plate.
Inventors: |
Hidaka; Haretaro;
(Hiroshima, JP) ; Tsukamoto; Michio; (Hiroshima,
JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KRATZ, QUINTOS & HANSON, LLP
1420 K Street, N.W.
Suite 400
WASHINGTON
DC
20005
US
|
Assignee: |
MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES,
LTD.
Tokyo
JP
|
Family ID: |
27482020 |
Appl. No.: |
11/892848 |
Filed: |
August 28, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10883760 |
Jul 6, 2004 |
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11892848 |
Aug 28, 2007 |
|
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10058223 |
Jan 29, 2002 |
7017792 |
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10883760 |
Jul 6, 2004 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
228/2.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F28F 9/0202 20130101;
B23K 37/047 20130101; B23K 20/1265 20130101; F28F 3/12 20130101;
Y02P 70/50 20151101; B23K 31/02 20130101; H01M 8/2465 20130101;
H01M 8/0297 20130101; H01M 8/04007 20130101; H01M 8/2485 20130101;
Y10T 137/87885 20150401; Y10T 137/85938 20150401; F28F 9/26
20130101; Y02E 60/50 20130101; Y10T 137/877 20150401; H01M 8/04082
20130101; B23K 26/364 20151001; H01M 8/04067 20130101; H01M 8/0258
20130101; F15B 13/0807 20130101; H01M 8/0269 20130101; H01M 8/04074
20130101; F16L 9/22 20130101; F15B 13/0846 20130101; H01M 8/0267
20130101; H01M 8/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
228/002.1 |
International
Class: |
B23K 20/12 20060101
B23K020/12 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 2, 2001 |
JP |
2001-26881 |
Jun 12, 2001 |
JP |
2001-176898 |
Jul 6, 2001 |
JP |
2001-205831 |
Sep 4, 2001 |
JP |
2001-267095 |
Claims
1. An integrated piping plate composed of two or more plates joined
together, and in which an instrument and a component constituting
an apparatus are disposed, or the instrument is disposed, or the
component is disposed, on one of or both of surfaces of the
integrated piping plate, grooves for serving as channels for fluids
are formed in joining surfaces of the plates, and the instrument
and the component are connected, or the instrument is connected, or
the component is connected, by the grooves, and wherein the
integrated piping plate is provided singly, or a plurality of the
integrated piping plates are provided, each of the plates is welded
at a position of a weld line surrounding a periphery of each of the
grooves, and each of the fluids flowing through the groove is
sealed up at a site of the weld line.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a division of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 10/883,760, filed Jul. 6, 2004, which application is a
division of U.S. Pat. No. 7,017,792 filed on Jan. 29, 2002 and
issued on Mar. 28, 2006, which application claims priority under 35
U.S.C. .sctn. 119 of Japanese Patent Application No. 2001-026881,
filed on Feb. 2, 2001, Japanese Patent Application No. 2001-176898,
filed on Jun. 12, 2001, Japanese Patent Application No.
2001-205831, filed on Jul. 6, 2001, and Japanese Patent Application
No. 2001-267095, filed on Sep. 4, 2001, all of which are
incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] This invention relates to an integrated piping plate for use
in a fixed unit incorporating piping, wiring, etc. into an
apparatus, or a unit integrated so as to be transportable, and a
machining method for the integrated piping plate, a machining
apparatus for the integrated piping plate, and machining equipment
for the integrated piping plate.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] An integrated piping plate is used as a subsystem for a
fixed unit incorporating piping, wiring, etc. into an apparatus, or
a transportable integrated unit, and is mainly responsible for
controlling the supply, discharge, etc. of a fluid used in the
above units.
[0006] The above units are composed of various instruments,
components, piping, wiring, and so on. Large and small piping lines
are provided complicatedly everywhere in order that liquids or
gases with various properties, temperatures and pressures
continuously flow among these instruments, etc. Sensors and control
instruments for control of the apparatus are also provided, and
many necessary interconnections for them are laid. With devices of
which downsizing including weight reduction, in particular, is
required, efforts are made to arrange numerous instruments,
components, piping, etc. highly densely in a narrow space. An
integrated piping plate is applied as means for constructing a
fixed unit incorporating piping, wiring, etc. into an apparatus, or
a transportable integrated unit.
[0007] FIGS. 50A and 50B show an example of a configurational
drawing of a conventional integrated piping plate.
[0008] As shown in FIGS. 50A and 50B, the conventional integrated
piping plate is composed of plates 521, 524 having grooves 531 and
communication holes 534 machined therein, and complicated channels
such as the grooves 531 are formed by casting. The grooves 531 may
be formed by other methods, including cutting with an end mill, a
milling machine, or a drilling machine. In a surface of the plate
521 in contact with the plate 524, the grooves 531 having
predetermined sectional areas suitable for the velocities of the
corresponding fluids and having suitable directions and lengths
corresponding to the locations of the communication holes 534 are
formed as channels connecting instruments 525 and components 525a
arranged on the plate 524. Thus, the instruments 525 and the
components 525a are brought into communication by the communication
holes 534. The grooves 531 and the communication holes 534 are in
charge of the function of piping through which fluids or gases
flow.
[0009] The plate 521 and plate 524 machined by the above method are
joined by an adhesive so as to seal the grooves 531. Concretely,
joining surfaces of the plates 521 and 524 are coated with the
adhesive, and then bolts 526 are screwed into tapped holes 528 of
the plate 521 through bolt holes 527 of the plate 524. Pressure is
imposed on the plates 521 and 524 thereby in a direction in which
they are joined together. Further, the plates are heated for
bonding so that the grooves 531 are sealed.
[0010] The instruments 525 and components 525a arranged on the
plate 524 are mounted by screwing bolts (not shown) into tapped
holes 529 of the plate 524 via a sealing material. These
instruments 525 and components 525a control the fluid flowing into
the grooves 531 through the communication holes 534. Pipe
connectors 522 for supplying and discharging the fluid are mounted
on the plate 521 to supply and discharge the fluid to and from the
instruments 525 and components 525a through the grooves 531 and
communication holes 534.
[0011] Such an integrated piping plate is disclosed, for example,
in Japanese Patent Publication No. 1974-13651.
[0012] With the above-described conventional integrated piping
plate, the plates constituting the integrated piping plate are cast
into shape by simple molds, or shaped by cutting. Thus, portions
which will give excess weight remain, posing problems about weight
reduction and downsizing of the integrated piping plate. In order
for the grooves to function as channels for fluids, there is need
for the step of performing surface treatment of the groove
portions, but this is not a method suitable for mass
production.
[0013] Also, the adhesive is used for joining of the plates. This
results in a low work efficiency, and is not very suitable for mass
production. The bolts for fixing of the plates impede the
downsizing of the integrated piping plate.
[0014] The excess wall thickness of the plate is present around the
grooves having the function of piping. Thus, even when the fluid
flowing through the grooves is to be cooled via the plate, it is
difficult to raise the cooling efficiency.
[0015] In addition to the above problem, the integrated piping
plate according to the present invention constitutes, for example,
part of a fuel cell power generation system. Technical requirements
for the integrated piping plate are volume production and low cost
as in the case of the fuel cell power generation system. Further,
downsizing including weight reduction, and a good response in
controlling are demanded. Prompt volume production and cost
reduction are demanded of the system by the market. There are not a
few problems in fulfilling the requirements associated with future
demand, such as actual volume production and cost reduction.
[0016] Thus, in view of the above circumstances, the present
invention has as an object the provision of an integrated piping
plate for apparatuses such as a fuel cell power generation system,
the integrated piping plate whose assembly is facilitated by
incorporating complicated piping and some components and wiring
into the plate, and which is safe and permits downsizing of the
apparatus.
[0017] It is another object of the invention to provide a machining
method, a machining apparatus, and machining equipment for an
integrated piping plate capable of improving the durability and
pressure resistance of a plate joining portion, increasing work
efficiency, and achieving further downsizing.
[0018] The invention also provides an integrated piping plate and a
machining method for it, which can realize volume production and
cost reduction, and achieve downsizing including weight
reduction.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0019] A first invention for solving the above-mentioned problems
is an integrated piping plate composed of two or more plates joined
together, and in which an instrument and a component constituting
an apparatus are disposed, or the instrument is disposed, or the
component is disposed, on one of or both of surfaces of the
integrated piping plate, grooves for serving as channels for fluids
are formed in joining surfaces of the plates, and the instrument
and the component are connected, or the instrument is connected, or
the component is connected, by the grooves, and wherein the
integrated piping plate is provided singly, or a plurality of the
integrated piping plates are provided, and a corrosion-proof layer
is formed on a surface of each of the grooves.
[0020] According to the integrated piping plate of the first
invention, the channels corresponding to the conventional piping
are present in the integrated piping plate, and the entire
apparatus such as the fuel cell power generation system can be
easily modularized, and downsized. Moreover, it suffices to
assemble the respective constituent instruments and components to
predetermined positions, and there is no need for a complicated
pipe laying operation in a narrow space. Thus, the assembly work is
easy and the work efficiency is increased. Furthermore, there are
few seams, reducing the risk of fluid leakage. Since the
corrosion-proof layer is formed on the surface of the groove,
moreover, corrosion by the fluid flowing through the groove is
prevented by the corrosion-proof layer, so that the life of the
integrated piping plate can be prolonged.
[0021] The integrated piping plate of a second invention is the
integrated piping plate of the first invention, wherein the
corrosion-proof layer is also formed on the joining surface of each
of the plates.
[0022] According to the integrated piping plate of the second
invention, the corrosion-proof layer is also formed on the joining
surface of the plate. Thus, corrosion by the ingredient in the
adhesive for joining the plate is prevented by the corrosion-proof
layer, so that the life of the integrated piping plate can be
prolonged.
[0023] The integrated piping plate of a third invention is the
integrated piping plate of the first or second invention, wherein
the corrosion-proof layer is formed by coating with or lining with
fluorocarbon resin.
[0024] The integrated piping plate of a fourth invention is the
integrated piping plate of the first or second invention, wherein
the corrosion-proof layer is formed by application of an aluminum
oxide film.
[0025] In the integrated piping plate of the third or fourth
invention as well, the corrosion-proof layer is formed by coating
with or lining with fluorocarbon resin, or by application of an
aluminum oxide film. Thus, corrosion by the fluid flowing through
the groove, or the ingredient in the adhesive is prevented by the
corrosion-proof layer, so that the life of the integrated piping
plate can be prolonged.
[0026] The integrated piping plate of a fifth invention is an
integrated piping plate composed of two or more plates joined
together, and in which an instrument and a component constituting
an apparatus are disposed, or the instrument is disposed, or the
component is disposed, on one of or both of surfaces of the
integrated piping plate, grooves for serving as channels for fluids
are formed in joining surfaces of the plates, and the instrument
and the component are connected, or the instrument is connected, or
the component is connected, by the grooves, and wherein the
integrated piping plate is provided singly, or a plurality of the
integrated piping plates are provided, each of the plates is welded
at a position of a weld line surrounding a periphery of each of the
grooves, and each of the fluids flowing through the groove is
sealed up at a site of the weld line.
[0027] According to the integrated piping plate of the fifth
invention, the plate is welded at a position of a weld line
surrounding the periphery of the groove, and the fluid flowing
through the groove is sealed up at the site of the weld line. Thus,
sealing of the fluid can be performed reliably.
[0028] The integrated piping plate of a sixth invention is an
integrated piping plate composed of two or more plates joined
together, and in which an instrument and a component constituting
an apparatus are disposed, or the instrument is disposed, or the
component is disposed, on one of surfaces of the integrated piping
plate, grooves for serving as channels for fluids are formed in
joining surfaces of the plates, and the instrument and the
component are connected, or the instrument is connected, or the
component is connected, by the grooves, and wherein a plurality of
the integrated piping plates are provided, and the plurality of the
integrated piping plates are integrally fixed, with back surfaces
of the plurality of the integrated piping plates being superposed,
to constitute a three-dimensional module.
[0029] According to the integrated piping plate of the sixth
invention, the plurality of the integrated piping plates are
integrally fixed, with back surfaces of the plurality of the
integrated piping plates being superposed, to constitute a
three-dimensional module. Thus, further downsizing of the apparatus
can be achieved, the channels and control system for fluids can be
shortened, response can be quickened, and control can be
facilitated.
[0030] The integrated piping plate of a seventh invention is the
integrated piping plate of the sixth invention, wherein a heat
insulator is interposed between the back surfaces of the plurality
of the integrated piping plates to constitute a heat insulating
three-dimensional module.
[0031] According to the integrated piping plate of the seventh
invention, a heat insulator is interposed between the back surfaces
of the plurality of the integrated piping plates to constitute a
heat insulating three-dimensional module. Thus, low temperature
instruments, such as a control instrument, can be disposed on the
other integrated piping plate in proximity to high temperature
instruments disposed on one of the integrated piping plates.
[0032] The integrated piping plate of an eighth invention is the
integrated piping plate of the sixth invention, wherein a separator
is interposed between the back surfaces of the plurality of the
integrated piping plates to constitute a heat insulating
three-dimensional module.
[0033] According to the integrated piping plate of the eighth
invention, a separator is interposed between the back surfaces of
the plurality of the integrated piping plates to constitute a heat
insulating three-dimensional module. Since the high temperature
side integrated piping plate having the high temperature
instruments disposed thereon, and the low temperature side
integrated piping plate having the low temperature instruments
disposed thereon can be separated by the separator, thermal
influence from each other can be avoided.
[0034] The integrated piping plate of a ninth invention is the
integrated piping plate of the eighth invention, wherein a heat
insulator is interposed between the separator and one or all of the
back surfaces of the plurality of the integrated piping plates.
[0035] According to the integrated piping plate of the ninth
invention, a heat insulator is interposed between the back surfaces
of the plurality of the integrated piping plates and the separator.
Thus, a heat insulating effect is further enhanced.
[0036] The integrated piping plate of a tenth invention is the
integrated piping plate of the sixth invention, wherein the
instrument and the component constituting the apparatus are
interposed, or the instrument is interposed, or the component is
interposed, between the back surfaces of the plurality of the
integrated piping plates.
[0037] According to the integrated piping plate of the tenth
invention, the instrument and the component constituting the
apparatus are interposed, or the instrument is interposed, or the
component is interposed, between the back surfaces of the plurality
of the integrated piping plates. Thus, the spacing between the
integrated piping plates is effectively utilized, and the apparatus
can be further downsized. Further, the constituent instrument
and/or component separate(s) the integrated piping plates, and can
be expected to show a heat insulating effect.
[0038] The integrated piping plate of an eleventh invention is the
integrated piping plate of the tenth invention, wherein a heat
insulator is interposed between the back surfaces of the plurality
of the integrated piping plates and the instrument and the
component, or the instrument, or the component interposed between
the back surfaces.
[0039] According to the integrated piping plate of the eleventh
invention, a heat insulator is interposed between the back surfaces
of the plurality of the integrated piping plates and the instrument
and the component, or the instrument, or the component interposed
between the back surfaces. Thus, a heat insulating effect becomes
marked.
[0040] The integrated piping plate of a twelfth invention is an
integrated piping plate composed of two or more plates joined
together, and in which an instrument and a component constituting
an apparatus are disposed, or the instrument is disposed, or the
component is disposed, on one of surfaces of the integrated piping
plate, grooves for serving as channels for fluids are formed in
joining surfaces of the plates, and the instrument and the
component are connected, or the instrument is connected, or the
component is connected, by the grooves, and wherein a plurality of
the integrated piping plates are provided, and the plurality of the
integrated piping plates are disposed on a same rest, with heat
insulating intervals being kept between each other.
[0041] According to the integrated piping plate of the twelfth
invention, the plurality of the integrated piping plates are
disposed on the same rest, with heat insulating intervals being
kept between each other. Thus, these integrated piping plates can
ignore (prevent) thermal influence from each other.
[0042] The integrated piping plate of a thirteenth invention is the
integrated piping plate of the twelfth invention, wherein a heat
insulator is interposed between the plurality of the integrated
piping plates and the rest.
[0043] According to the integrated piping plate of the thirteenth
invention, a heat insulator is interposed between the plurality of
the integrated piping plates and the rest. Thus, a heat insulating
effect is further improved.
[0044] The integrated piping plate of a fourteenth invention is an
integrated piping plate composed of two or more plates joined
together, and in which an instrument and a component constituting
an apparatus are disposed, or the instrument is disposed, or the
component is disposed, on one of or both of surfaces of the
integrated piping plate, grooves for serving as channels for fluids
are formed in joining surfaces of the plates, and the instrument
and the component are connected, or the instrument is connected, or
the component is connected, by the grooves, and wherein the
integrated piping plate is provided singly, or a plurality of the
integrated piping plates are provided, and a heat shutoff groove is
provided between a high temperature zone where the instrument and
the component at a high temperature are disposed, or the instrument
at a high temperature is disposed, or the component at a high
temperature is disposed, and a low temperature zone where the
instrument and the component at a low temperature are disposed, or
the instrument at a low temperature is disposed, or the component
at a low temperature is disposed.
[0045] According to the integrated piping plate of the fourteenth
invention, a heat shutoff groove is provided between a high
temperature zone where the instrument and the component, or the
instrument, or the component at a high temperature are or is
disposed, and a low temperature zone where the instrument and the
component, or the instrument, or the component at a low temperature
are or is disposed. Thus, heat from the high temperature zone is
shut off, whereby the influence of heat on the low temperature zone
cannot be exerted.
[0046] The integrated piping plate of a fifteenth invention is the
integrated piping plate of the fourteenth invention, wherein a heat
insulator is filled into the heat shutoff groove.
[0047] According to the integrated piping plate of the fifteenth
invention, a heat insulator is filled into the heat shutoff groove.
Thus, the effect of heat shut off between the high temperature zone
and the low temperature zone can be further increased.
[0048] The integrated piping plate of a sixteenth invention is the
integrated piping plate of the fourteenth invention, wherein a
refrigerant is flowed through the heat shutoff groove.
[0049] According to the integrated piping plate of the sixteenth
invention, a refrigerant is flowed through the heat shutoff groove.
Thus, the effect of heat shut off between the high temperature zone
and the low temperature zone can be further increased.
[0050] The integrated piping plate of a seventeenth invention is an
integrated piping plate composed of two or more plates joined
together, and in which an instrument and a component constituting
an apparatus are disposed, or the instrument is disposed, or the
component is disposed, on one of or both of surfaces of the
integrated piping plate, grooves for serving as channels for fluids
are formed in joining surfaces of the plates, and the instrument
and the component are connected, or the instrument is connected, or
the component is connected, by the grooves, and wherein the
integrated piping plate is provided singly, or a plurality of the
integrated piping plates are provided, and the instrument or
component constituting the apparatus, a control instrument, or
electrical wiring is incorporated into one of or all of the
plates.
[0051] According to the integrated piping plate of the seventeenth
invention, the instrument or component constituting the apparatus,
a control instrument, or electrical wiring is incorporated into one
of or all of the plates. Thus, the entire apparatus such as a fuel
cell power generation system can be further downsized.
[0052] The integrated piping plate of an eighteenth invention is an
integrated piping plate composed of two or more plates joined
together, and in which an instrument and a component constituting
an apparatus are disposed, or the instrument is disposed, or the
component is disposed, on one of or both of surfaces of the
integrated piping plate, grooves for serving as channels for fluids
are formed in joining surfaces of the plates, and the instrument
and the component are connected, or the instrument is connected, or
the component is connected, by the grooves, and wherein the
integrated piping plate is provided singly, or a plurality of the
integrated piping plates are provided, corrosion resistant piping
is accommodated in some of or all of the grooves, and a corrosive
fluid is flowed through the corrosion resistant piping.
[0053] According to the integrated piping plate of the eighteenth
invention, corrosion resistant piping is accommodated in some of or
all of the grooves, and a corrosive fluid is flowed through the
corrosion resistant piping. Thus, even if the grooves (channels)
are numerous and complicated, corrosion resistance to the corrosive
fluid can be easily ensured, without need for an advanced machining
technology. Moreover, it is possible to select and use the
corrosion resistant piping of a material adapted for the properties
of the corrosive fluid, so that the reliability of corrosion
resisting performance is increased. Furthermore, treatment for
corrosion resistance (channel formation using corrosion resistant
piping) can be restricted to the channels for the corrosive fluid.
Thus, machining man-hours are reduced, and the integrated piping
plate can be provided for a low price. Besides, when corrosion
resisting performance declines because of secular changes,
corrosion resisting performance can be resumed simply by replacing
the corrosion resistant piping accommodated in the integrated
piping plate, rather than replacing the integrated piping plate.
Thus, the cost of maintenance can be reduced.
[0054] The integrated piping plate of a nineteenth invention is the
integrated piping plate of the eighteenth invention, wherein a
flexible material is used as a material for the corrosion resistant
piping.
[0055] According to the integrated piping plate of the nineteenth
invention, a flexible material is used as a material for the
corrosion resistant piping. Thus, after integration of the
integrated piping plate, the corrosion resistant piping can be
inserted into the groove, or the corrosion resistant piping can be
replaced. Hence, workability can be increased.
[0056] The integrated piping plate of a twentieth invention is the
integrated piping plate of the eighteenth or nineteenth invention,
wherein each of end portions of the corrosion resistant piping is
joined by use of a first joining member having a through-hole
having a conical surfaced formed in an inner peripheral surface
thereof, and a second joining member having a conical surface
formed in an outer peripheral surface thereof, in such a manner
that an outer diameter side of the end portion is supported by the
conical surface of the first joining member, and an inner diameter
side of the end portion is supported by the conical surface of the
second joining member.
[0057] According to the integrated piping plate of the twentieth
invention, a joining operation for the corrosion resistant piping
can be performed easily, and leakage of the fluid can be prevented
reliably.
[0058] The integrated piping plate of a twenty-first invention is
the integrated piping plate of the twentieth invention, wherein the
first joining member is formed integrally with the plate.
[0059] The integrated piping plate of a twenty-second invention is
the integrated piping plate of the twentieth invention, wherein the
second joining member is formed integrally with the instrument and
the component, or the instrument, or the component.
[0060] The integrated piping plate of a twenty-third invention is
the integrated piping plate of the twentieth invention, wherein the
first joining member is formed integrally with the plate, and the
second joining member is formed integrally with the instrument and
the component, or the instrument, or the component.
[0061] According to the integrated piping plate of the
twenty-first, twenty-second or twenty-third invention, the first
joining member is formed integrally with the plate, or the second
joining member is formed integrally with the instrument and the
component, or the instrument, or the component, or the first
joining member is formed integrally with the plate, and the second
joining member is formed integrally with the instrument and the
component, or the instrument, or the component. Thus, the number of
the components is decreased, and the joining operation is
facilitated.
[0062] The integrated piping plate of a twenty-fourth invention is
the integrated piping plate of the twentieth invention, wherein the
first joining member is divided into a plurality of portions.
[0063] The integrated piping plate of a twenty-fifth invention is
the integrated piping plate of the twenty-second invention, wherein
the first joining member is divided into a plurality of
portions.
[0064] According to the integrated piping plate of the
twenty-fourth or twenty-fifth invention, the first joining member
is divided into a plurality of portions. Thus, the efficiency of
the joining operation can be increased, particularly if the
corrosion resistant piping of a highly rigid material is used, or
if the path of the piping is complicated.
[0065] The integrated piping plate of a twenty-sixth invention is
an integrated piping plate composed of three or more plates joined
together, and in which an instrument and a component constituting
an apparatus are disposed, or the instrument is disposed, or the
component is disposed, on one of or both of surfaces of the
integrated piping plate, grooves for serving as channels for fluids
are formed in joining surfaces of the plates, and the instrument
and the component are connected, or the instrument is connected, or
the component is connected, by the grooves, and wherein the
integrated piping plate is provided singly, or a plurality of the
integrated piping plates are provided.
[0066] According to the integrated piping plate of the twenty-sixth
invention, even when many grooves are provided in agreement with
many instruments and components, the layout of the grooves is
simplified, and the instruments and components can be arranged
compactly.
[0067] The integrated piping plate of a twenty-seventh invention is
the integrated piping plate of the twenty-sixth invention, wherein
the grooves in a plurality of stages formed in the joining surfaces
of the respective plates are allocated to a high temperature zone
and a low temperature zone.
[0068] According to the integrated piping plate of the
twenty-seventh invention, the grooves in a plurality of stages are
allocated to a high temperature zone and a low temperature zone.
Consequently, thermal influence from each other can be
eliminated.
[0069] The integrated piping plate of a twenty-eighth invention is
an integrated piping plate for use in a fuel cell power generation
system, the integrated piping plate being composed of two or more
plates joined together, and in which an instrument and a component
constituting the fuel cell power generation system are disposed, or
the instrument is disposed, or the component is disposed, on one of
or both of surfaces of the integrated piping plate, grooves for
serving as channels for fluids are formed in joining surfaces of
the plates, and the instrument and the component are connected, or
the instrument is connected, or the component is connected, by the
grooves, and wherein the integrated piping plate is provided
singly, or a plurality of the integrated piping plates are
provided.
[0070] According to the integrated piping plate for use in a fuel
cell power generation system recited in the twenty-eighth
invention, downsizing of the fuel cell power generation system can
be achieved.
[0071] Embodiments of the first to twenty-eighth inventions will be
described, mainly, in Embodiment 1 to be indicated later.
[0072] The machining method for an integrated piping plate of a
twenty-ninth invention is a machining method for an integrated
piping plate composed of a plurality of plates joined together, and
in which an instrument and a component constituting an apparatus
are disposed, or the instrument is disposed, or the component is
disposed, on one of or both of surfaces of the integrated piping
plate, and the instrument and the component are connected, or the
instrument is connected, or the component is connected, by fluid
channel grooves formed in joining surfaces of the plates, and
communication holes formed in the plates, and comprising welding
the joining surfaces of the plates around entire periphery of the
fluid channel grooves, thereby joining the plates.
[0073] The machining method for an integrated piping plate of a
thirtieth invention is the machining method for an integrated
piping plate of the twenty-ninth invention, further comprising the
steps of forming grooves for weld grooves in the plates so as to
extend along entire periphery of the fluid channel grooves, and
successively welding the grooves for the weld grooves to weld the
joining surfaces of the plates around the entire periphery of the
fluid channel grooves, thereby joining the plates.
[0074] The machining apparatus for an integrated piping plate of a
thirty-first invention is a machining apparatus for an integrated
piping plate composed of a plurality of plates joined together, and
in which an instrument and a component constituting an apparatus
are disposed, or the instrument is disposed, or the component is
disposed, on one of or both of surfaces of the integrated piping
plate, and the instrument and the component are connected, or the
instrument is connected, or the component is connected, by fluid
channel grooves formed in joining surfaces of the plates, and
communication holes formed in the plates, and comprising weld
groove machining means for forming grooves for weld grooves in the
plates so as to extend along entire periphery of the fluid channel
grooves, and welding means which, in succession to machining of the
grooves for the weld grooves by the weld groove machining means,
welds the grooves for the weld grooves to weld the joining surfaces
of the plates around the entire periphery of the fluid channel
grooves, thereby joining the plates.
[0075] According to the machining methods and machining apparatus
of the twenty-ninth, thirtieth and thirty-first inventions, the
joining surfaces of the plates are welded around the entire
periphery of the fluid channel grooves, thereby joining the plates.
Thus, this type of welding, compared with joining of the plates by
an adhesive, increases the durability of the plate joining portion,
and constructs a firm weld structure, thus increasing pressure
resistance. Also, the coupling bolts for the plates become
unnecessary, so that the entire integrated piping plate can be
further downsized. Furthermore, the machining methods facilitate
the line operation of joining procedure, and thus can increase the
work efficiency, contributing to a low cost.
[0076] The machining equipment for an integrated piping plate of a
thirty-second invention is machining equipment for an integrated
piping plate composed of a plurality of plates joined together, and
in which an instrument and a component constituting an apparatus
are disposed, or the instrument is disposed, or the component is
disposed, on one of or both of surfaces of the integrated piping
plate, and the instrument and the component are connected, or the
instrument is connected, or the component is connected, by fluid
channel grooves formed in joining surfaces of the plates, and
communication holes formed in the plates, and comprising plate
supply means for supplying the plates having the fluid channel
grooves, or the communication holes, or the fluid channel grooves
and the communication holes, formed therein beforehand, weld groove
machining means for forming grooves for weld grooves in the plates,
which have been supplied by the plate supply means, so as to extend
along entire periphery of the fluid channel grooves, and welding
means which, in succession to machining of the grooves for the weld
grooves by the weld groove machining means, welds the grooves for
the weld grooves to weld the joining surfaces of the plates around
the entire periphery of the fluid channel grooves, thereby joining
the plates.
[0077] The machining equipment for an integrated piping plate of a
thirty-third invention is machining equipment for an integrated
piping plate composed of a plurality of plates joined together, and
in which an instrument and a component constituting an apparatus
are disposed, or the instrument is disposed, or the component is
disposed, on one of or both of surfaces of the integrated piping
plate, and the instrument and the component are connected, or the
instrument is connected, or the component is connected, by fluid
channel grooves formed in joining surfaces of the plates, and
communication holes formed in the plates, and comprising plate
supply means for supplying the plates, machining means for forming
the fluid channel grooves, or the communication holes, or the fluid
channel grooves and the communication holes, in the plates supplied
by the plate supply means, weld groove machining means for forming
grooves for weld grooves in the plates, which have been machined by
the machining means, so as to extend along entire periphery of the
fluid channel grooves, and welding means which, in succession to
machining of the grooves for the weld grooves by the weld groove
machining means, welds the grooves for the weld grooves to weld the
joining surfaces of the plates around the entire periphery of the
fluid channel grooves, thereby joining the plates.
[0078] According to the machining equipments of the thirty-second
and thirty-third inventions, the plate supply means, weld groove
machining means, and welding means are provided, or the plate
supply means, machining means for fluid channel grooves and
communication holes, weld groove machining means, and welding means
are provided. Thus, coherent machining of the plates constituting
the integrated piping plate can be easily performed, thus
increasing the work efficiency and contributing to further cost
reduction.
[0079] The machining method for an integrated piping plate of a
thirty-fourth invention is the machining method for an integrated
piping plate of the twenty-ninth invention, further comprising
welding the joining surfaces of the plates, by friction stir
welding, around entire periphery of the fluid channel grooves,
thereby joining the plates.
[0080] The machining apparatus for an integrated piping plate of a
thirty-fifth invention is a machining apparatus for an integrated
piping plate composed of a plurality of plates joined together, and
in which an instrument and a component constituting an apparatus
are disposed, or the instrument is disposed, or the component is
disposed, on one of or both of surfaces of the integrated piping
plate, and the instrument and the component are connected, or the
instrument is connected, or the component is connected, by fluid
channel grooves formed in joining surfaces of the plates, and
communication holes formed in the plates, and comprising friction
stir welding means for welding the joining surfaces of the plates
around entire periphery of the fluid channel grooves, thereby
joining the plates.
[0081] According to the machining method and machining apparatus of
the thirty-fourth and thirty-fifth inventions, the joining surfaces
of the plates are welded around the entire periphery of the fluid
channel grooves, thereby joining the plates. Thus, this type of
welding, compared with joining of the plates by an adhesive,
increases the durability of the plate joining portion, and
constructs a firm weld structure, thus increasing pressure
resistance. Also, the coupling bolts for the plates become
unnecessary, so that the entire integrated piping plate can be
further downsized. Furthermore, the machining method facilitates
the line operation of joining procedure, and thus can increase the
work efficiency, contributing to a low cost. Furthermore, the
adoption of friction stir welding obviates the need for machining
of the grooves for weld grooves, thus achieving further cost
reduction.
[0082] The machining equipment for an integrated piping plate of a
thirty-sixth invention is machining equipment for an integrated
piping plate composed of a plurality of plates joined together, and
in which an instrument and a component constituting an apparatus
are disposed, or the instrument is disposed, or the component is
disposed, on one of or both of surfaces of the integrated piping
plate, and the instrument and the component are connected, or the
instrument is connected, or the component is connected, by fluid
channel grooves formed in joining surfaces of the plates, and
communication holes formed in the plates, and comprising plate
supply means for supplying the plates having the fluid channel
grooves, or the communication holes, or the fluid channel grooves
and the communication holes, formed therein beforehand, and
friction stir welding means for welding the joining surfaces of the
plates, which have been supplied by the plate supply means, around
entire periphery of the fluid channel grooves, thereby joining the
plates.
[0083] The machining equipment for an integrated piping plate of a
thirty-seventh invention is machining equipment for an integrated
piping plate composed of a plurality of plates joined together, and
in which an instrument and a component constituting an apparatus
are disposed, or the instrument is disposed, or the component is
disposed, on one of or both of surfaces of the integrated piping
plate, and the instrument and the component are connected, or the
instrument is connected, or the component is connected, by fluid
channel grooves formed in joining surfaces of the plates, and
communication holes formed in the plates, and comprising plate
supply means for supplying the plates, machining means for forming
the fluid channel grooves, or the communication holes, or the fluid
channel grooves and the communication holes, in the plates supplied
by the plate supply means, and friction stir welding means for
welding the joining surfaces of the plates, which have been
machined by the machining means, around entire periphery of the
fluid channel grooves, thereby joining the plates.
[0084] According to the machining equipments of the thirty-sixth
and thirty-seventh inventions, coherent machining of the plates
constituting the integrated piping plate can be easily performed,
thus increasing the work efficiency and contributing to further
cost reduction. Furthermore, the adoption of friction stir welding
obviates the need for machining of the grooves for weld grooves,
thus achieving further cost reduction.
[0085] The machining method for an integrated piping plate of a
thirty-eighth invention is the machining method for the integrated
piping plate of the twenty-ninth, thirtieth or thirty-fourth
invention, further comprising performing numerical control as
tracer means for machining.
[0086] The machining apparatus for an integrated piping plate of a
thirty-ninth invention is the machining apparatus for the
integrated piping plate of the thirty-first or thirty-fifth
invention, further comprising control means for performing
numerical control as tracer means for machining.
[0087] The machining equipment for an integrated piping plate of a
fortieth invention is the machining equipment for the integrated
piping plate of the thirty-second, thirty-third, thirty-sixth or
thirty-seventh invention, further comprising control means for
performing numerical control as tracer means for machining.
[0088] According to the machining method, machining apparatus and
machining equipment of the thirty-eighth, thirty-ninth and fortieth
inventions, coherent machining of the plates constituting the
integrated piping plate can be easily performed by tracer control
relying on numerical control.
[0089] Embodiments of the twenty-ninth to fortieth inventions will
be described, mainly, in Embodiment 2 to be indicated later.
[0090] The integrated piping plate of a forth-first invention is an
integrated piping plate comprising a first plate having grooves,
which serves as channels for fluids, formed therein by press
working, and a second plate having an instrument and a component,
or the instrument, or the component mounted thereon, and having
communication holes formed therein, the communication holes
communicating with the instrument and the component, or the
instrument, or the component, and wherein the first plate and the
second plate are joined such that the instrument and the component
are connected, or the instrument is connected, or the component is
connected, by the grooves and the communication holes.
[0091] The integrated piping plate of a forty-second invention is
an integrated piping plate comprising a first plate having grooves,
which serves as channels for fluids, formed therein by precision
casting, and a second plate having an instrument and a component,
or the instrument, or the component mounted thereon, and having
communication holes formed therein, the communication holes
communicating with the instrument and the component, or the
instrument, or the component, and wherein the first plate and the
second plate are joined such that the instrument and the component
are connected, or the instrument is connected, or the component is
connected, by the grooves and the communication holes.
[0092] According to the integrated piping plate of the forty-first
or forty-second invention, the integrated piping plate can be
constituted from plates with thin walls formed by press working or
precision casting, so that marked weight reduction of the
integrated piping plate becomes possible.
[0093] In detail, the plates having fluid channel grooves are
shaped by press working or precision casting, whereby the wall
thicknesses of the plates can be decreased compared with the
conventional integrated piping plate, and marked weight reduction
is realized. Thus, downsizing of the integrated piping plate,
including weight reduction, can be achieved. Moreover, press
working or precision casting is suitable for mass production, and
the machining steps can be simplified in comparison with the
conventional integrated piping plate, thereby contributing to a
marked cost decrease. Hence, the work efficiency for machining of
the integrated piping plate increases, actualizing volume
production and cost reduction.
[0094] The machining method for an integrated piping plate of a
forty-third invention comprises the steps of forming grooves, which
serve as channels for fluids, in a first plate by press working,
mounting an instrument and a component, or the instrument, or the
component on a second plate, and forming communication holes in the
second plate, the communication holes communicating with the
instrument and the component, or the instrument, or the component,
and joining the first plate and the second plate, which have been
so machined, by welding such that the instrument and the component
are connected, or the instrument is connected, or the component is
connected, by the grooves and the communication holes.
[0095] The machining method for an integrated piping plate of a
forty-fourth invention comprises the steps of forming grooves,
which serve as channels for fluids, in a first plate by precision
casting, mounting an instrument and a component, or the instrument,
or the component on a second plate, and forming communication holes
in the second plate, the communication holes communicating with the
instrument and the component, or the instrument, or the component,
and joining the first plate and the second plate, which have been
so machined, by welding such that the instrument and the component
are connected, or the instrument is connected, or the component is
connected, by the grooves and the communication holes.
[0096] According to the machining method of the forty-third or
forty-fourth invention, the use of press working or precision
casting as a method for machining grooves of the plates themselves
can result in the steps capable of markedly reducing the weight of
the plates. Consequently, downsizing including weight reduction of
the integrated piping plate becomes possible.
[0097] Furthermore, the method of joining the plates uses welding,
rather than the use of an adhesive. Thus, coupling bolts for the
plates of the integrated piping plate are unnecessary, and the
entire integrated piping plate can be downsized. Moreover, excess
steps, such as heating and pressurization during bonding, as with
the use of an adhesive, are not necessary. Thus, the machining step
can be simplified in comparison with the machining method for the
conventional integrated piping plate, thereby contributing to a
marked cost decrease. Press working, precision casting and welding
are suitable for mass production, thus increasing the work
efficiency of machining of the integrated piping plate, achieving
volume production and cost reduction. Furthermore, bonding by
welding is adopted. Hence, there is no concern for leakage due to
deterioration of the adhesive, and durability increases, imparting
resistance to high temperatures and high pressures.
[0098] The machining method for an integrated piping plate of a
forty-fifth invention is the machining method of the forty-third or
forty-fourth invention, further comprising joining the first plate
and the second plate by friction stir welding.
[0099] According to the machining method of the forty-fifth
invention, the use of press working or precision casting as a
method for machining grooves of the plates themselves can result in
the steps capable of markedly reducing the weight of the plates.
Consequently, downsizing including weight reduction of the
integrated piping plate becomes possible.
[0100] Furthermore, the method of joining the plates uses friction
stir welding, rather than the use of an adhesive. Thus, coupling
bolts for the plates of the integrated piping plate are
unnecessary, and the grooves for weld grooves are also unnecessary,
so that the entire integrated piping plate can be downsized.
Moreover, excess steps, such as heating and pressurization during
bonding, as with the use of an adhesive, are not necessary. Nor is
weld groove machining means, such as other welding method, needed.
Thus, the machining step can be simplified in comparison with the
machining method for the conventional integrated piping plate,
thereby contributing to a marked cost decrease. Press working,
precision casting and friction stir welding are suitable for mass
production, thus increasing the work efficiency of machining of the
integrated piping plate, achieving volume production and cost
reduction. Furthermore, bonding by welding is adopted. Hence, there
is no concern for leakage due to deterioration of the adhesive, and
durability increases, imparting resistance to high temperatures and
high pressures.
[0101] The integrated piping plate of a forty-sixth invention is
the integrated piping plate of the forty-first or forty-second
invention, wherein a plurality of the first plates having the
grooves, which serve as the channels for the fluids, machined
therein are fixed so as to be opposed to each other, and
peripheries of the plates in contact with each other are sealed to
constitute a three-dimensional configuration.
[0102] According to the integrated piping plate of the forty-sixth
invention, the plates are joined into a three-dimensional
configuration such that their face side and back side become
integral. Instruments and components are arranged on the face side
and back side of the integrated piping plate. Thus, a system
comprising complicated lines can be constituted compactly,
downsizing including weight reduction of the integrated piping
plate can be realized, and a satisfactory response can be
obtained.
[0103] The integrated piping plate of a forty-seventh invention is
the integrated piping plate of the forty-sixth invention, wherein
the plurality of the first plates having the grooves, which serve
as the channels for the fluids, machined therein are brought into
contact with each other so as to be opposed to each other, whereby
a space portion is created, and the space portion is used as a
channel for flow of a refrigerant.
[0104] According to the integrated piping plate of the
forty-seventh invention, the portions exposed to high temperatures
can be appropriately cooled, a system comprising complicated lines
can be constituted compactly, and downsizing including weight
reduction of the integrated piping plate can be realized.
[0105] Particularly in this invention, the plates subjected to
press working or precision casting are used. Thus, the plates
themselves have no excess volume acting as a heat storage portion,
and a wide surface area for the refrigerant can be secured. Hence,
a high temperature fluid can be cooled with high efficiency.
Because of such advantages, an excess space for cooling is
unnecessary, and a system comprising complicated lines can be
constituted compactly.
[0106] Embodiments of the forty-first to forty-seventh inventions
will be described, mainly, in Embodiment 3 to be indicated
later.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0107] The present invention will become more fully understood from
the detailed description given herein below and the accompanying
drawings which are given by way of illustration only, and thus are
not limitative of the present invention, and wherein:
[0108] FIG. 1 is a configurational drawing of an integrated piping
plate according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0109] FIG. 2A is a sectional structural drawing of the integrated
piping plate according to the embodiment of the present
invention;
[0110] FIG. 2B is a sectional view taken on line E-E of FIG.
2A;
[0111] FIG. 3 is a configurational drawing of the integrated piping
plate having instruments arranged on both of its face side and back
side;
[0112] FIG. 4A is a configurational drawing of the integrated
piping plate subjected to surface treatment;
[0113] FIG. 4B is a sectional view taken on line F-F of FIG.
4A;
[0114] FIG. 5 is a configurational drawing of the integrated piping
plate with a weld structure;
[0115] FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken on line A-A of FIG. 5;
[0116] FIG. 7 is a configurational drawing of a three-dimensional
module;
[0117] FIG. 8 is a configurational drawing of a three-dimensional
module composed of four of the integrated piping plates;
[0118] FIG. 9 is a configurational drawing of a three-dimensional
module composed of five of the integrated piping plates;
[0119] FIG. 10 is a configurational drawing of a heat insulating
three-dimensional module having a heat insulating layer;
[0120] FIG. 11 is a configurational drawing of a heat insulating
three-dimensional module having the integrated piping plate on a
high temperature side and the integrated piping plate on a low
temperature side separated from each other;
[0121] FIG. 12 is a configurational drawing of a heat insulating
three-dimensional module composed of three of the integrated piping
plates;
[0122] FIG. 13 is a configurational drawing of a three-dimensional
module having instruments interposed between the integrated piping
plates;
[0123] FIG. 14 is a configurational drawing of an integrated piping
plate having a high temperature portion and a low temperature
portion separated on the same rest;
[0124] FIG. 15 is a configurational drawing of four of the
integrated piping plates disposed on the same rest;
[0125] FIG. 16 is a configurational drawing of the integrated
piping plate having heat shutoff grooves;
[0126] FIG. 17 is a sectional view taken on line B-B of FIG.
16;
[0127] FIG. 18 is a configurational drawing of the integrated
piping plate incorporating control instruments;
[0128] FIG. 19 is a sectional view taken on line C-C of FIG.
18;
[0129] FIG. 20 is a sectional view taken on line D-D of FIG.
18;
[0130] FIG. 21 is a plan view showing an example of the integrated
piping plate having many grooves;
[0131] FIG. 22 is a configurational drawing of the integrated
piping plate provided with corrosion resistant piping;
[0132] FIG. 23A is an enlarged plan view of a G portion in FIG.
22;
[0133] FIG. 23B is a sectional view taken on line H-H of FIG.
23A;
[0134] FIG. 24A is an enlarged plan view of an I portion in FIG.
22;
[0135] FIG. 24B is a sectional view taken on line J-J of FIG.
24A;
[0136] FIG. 25 is a sectional structural drawing of the above
integrated piping plate;
[0137] FIG. 26 is an enlarged sectional view taken on line K-K of
FIG. 25;
[0138] FIG. 27 is an explanation drawing of the use of corrosion
resistant piping made of a high rigidity material;
[0139] FIG. 28 is a sectional view showing another example of
joining at an end portion of the corrosion resistant piping;
[0140] FIG. 29 is a sectional view showing still another example of
joining at an end portion of the corrosion resistant piping;
[0141] FIG. 30 is a configurational drawing of a three-dimensional
integrated piping plate;
[0142] FIG. 31 is a sectional view taken on line M-M of FIG.
30;
[0143] FIG. 32 is a sectional view taken on line N-N of FIG.
30;
[0144] FIG. 33 is a configurational drawing of another
three-dimensional integrated piping plate;
[0145] FIG. 34 is a sectional view taken on line 0-0 of FIG.
33;
[0146] FIG. 35 is a sectional view taken on line P-P of FIG.
33;
[0147] FIG. 36 is an explanation drawing in which the instruments
and components shown in FIG. 30 are connected by grooves formed in
one plane;
[0148] FIG. 37 is an explanation drawing in which the instruments
and components shown in FIG. 33 are connected by grooves formed in
one plane;
[0149] FIG. 38 is a configurational drawing showing a high
temperature zone and a low temperature zone divided using the
three-dimensional integrated piping plate;
[0150] FIG. 39 is another configurational drawing showing a high
temperature zone and a low temperature zone divided using the
three-dimensional integrated piping plate;
[0151] FIG. 40A is a sectional view (a sectional view taken on line
C1-C1 of FIG. 40B) showing a machining method for the integrated
piping plate according to the embodiment of the present
invention;
[0152] FIG. 40B is a view (plan view) taken in a direction of D1 in
FIG. 40A;
[0153] FIG. 40C is a sectional view taken on line E1-E1 of FIG.
40B;
[0154] FIG. 41A is an explanation drawing of welding performed in
grooves for weld grooves such that the weld surrounds the entire
perimeter of each groove;
[0155] FIG. 41B is an explanation drawing in which a weld line is
shared between the adjacent grooves for weld grooves;
[0156] FIG. 41C is a sectional view taken on line N1-N1 of FIG.
41B;
[0157] FIG. 42A is a sectional view (a sectional view taken on line
F1-F1 of FIG. 42B) showing another machining method for the
integrated piping plate according to the embodiment of the present
invention;
[0158] FIG. 42B is a view (plan view) taken in a direction of GI in
FIG. 42A;
[0159] FIG. 42C is a sectional view taken on line H1-H1 of FIG.
42B;
[0160] FIG. 43A is a constitution drawing (plan view) of a
machining line for the integrated piping plate which actualizes the
machining method shown in FIGS. 40A, 40B and 40C;
[0161] FIG. 43B is a view (side view) taken in a direction of J1 in
FIG. 43A;
[0162] FIG. 44A is a constitution drawing (plan view) of a
machining line for the integrated piping plate which actualizes the
machining method shown in FIGS. 42A, 42B and 42C;
[0163] FIG. 44B is a view (side view) taken in a direction of M1 in
FIG. 44A;
[0164] FIG. 45A is a plan view of a plate representing an
embodiment of the integrated piping plate according to the present
invention;
[0165] FIG. 45B is a sectional view taken on line A1-A1 of FIG.
45A;
[0166] FIG. 45C is a sectional view taken on line A1-A1 of FIG.
45A;
[0167] FIG. 46A is a plan view of the integrated piping plate
showing a joining method for an embodiment of the integrated piping
plate according to the present invention;
[0168] FIG. 46B is a sectional view taken on line B1-B1 of FIG.
46A;
[0169] FIG. 46C is a sectional view taken on line C2-C2 of FIG.
46A;
[0170] FIG. 47A is a side view of the integrated piping plate
representing an embodiment of the integrated piping plate according
to the present invention;
[0171] FIG. 47B is a sectional view taken on line D2-D2 of FIG.
47A;
[0172] FIG. 47C is a sectional view taken on line D2-D2 of FIG.
47A;
[0173] FIG. 47D is a view taken on line E2-E2 of FIG. 47A;
[0174] FIG. 48A is a side view of the integrated piping plate
representing an embodiment in which the integrated piping plate
according to the present invention is constituted
three-dimensionally;
[0175] FIG. 48B is an enlarged view of an F2 portion in FIG.
48A;
[0176] FIG. 49 is a system diagram of a general fuel cell power
generation system; and
[0177] FIGS. 50(A) and 50(B) are configurational drawings of a
conventional integrated piping plate.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0178] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in
detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Embodiment 1
[0179] Details of the configuration of an integrated piping plate
according to an embodiment of the present invention will be
described based on FIG. 1, with a fuel cell power generation system
taken as an example.
[0180] As shown in FIG. 1, an integrated piping plate 1 comprises a
plate 2 and a plate 3 joined by a suitable adhesive 4. The
integrated piping plate 1 is constituted by fixing constituent
instruments and components of a fuel cell power generation system
(indicated by one-dot chain lines in FIG. 1), which are disposed on
a surface (upper surface in FIG. 1) 3a of the plate 3 and include a
constituent instrument 5, by stud bolts 6 and nuts 7 integrally
with the plates 2, 3.
[0181] In a joining surface (an upper surface in FIG. 1) of the
plate 2 to be joined to the plate 3, grooves 8 are formed, the
grooves 8 having predetermined sectional area suitable for the
velocities of corresponding fluids and having suitable lengths and
directions adapted for the positions of piping ports of the
constituent instruments and components, such as the instrument 5
arranged on the surface 3a of the plate 3. The grooves 8 have the
function of piping through which liquids or gases necessary for the
fuel cell power generation system flow. Thus, the sectional areas
of the grooves 8 are determined by the properties, flow velocities
and pressure losses of flowing fluids, while the lengths and
directions of the grooves 8 are determined by the arrangement of
the respective constituent instruments and components, including
the instrument 5, arranged on the plate 3.
[0182] In FIG. 1, the grooves 8 are provided in the plate 2, but
the grooves 8 may be provided in the plate 3. That is, the grooves
8 may be provided in a joining surface (lower surface in FIG. 1) 3b
of the plate 3 joined to the plate 2. The constituent instruments
and components of the fuel cell power generation system may be
disposed on a surface (lower surface in FIG. 1) 2b of the plate 2,
as well as on the surface 3a of the plate 3, although a concrete
example will be described later on (see FIG. 3). That is, the
constituent instruments and components may be disposed on one of,
or both of the surface 2b of the plate 2 and the surface 3a of the
plate 3.
[0183] The materials for the plates 2, 3 are not restricted, but an
aluminum plate and an aluminum alloy plate are the most effective
materials for the purpose of decreasing the weight for
transportation, and for ease of machining of the grooves 8.
Castings are also effective because of high resistance to heat and
for ease of formation of the grooves 8. Moreover, further weight
reduction can be achieved by using synthetic resin or the like as
the material for the plates 2, 3.
[0184] According to the present embodiment, the constituent
instruments and components, such as the instrument 5, are mounted
on the plate 3, and the stud bolts 6 are provided for clamping the
plates 2 and 3 to prevent leakage of the fluid flowing through the
grooves 8. However, this method of fixing is not limitative, and
the fixing of the constituent instruments and components onto the
plate 3, and the fixing of the plates 2 and 3 can be performed by
through bolts, which pierce through the plates 2, 3, or other
fixing means.
[0185] The plate 3 is a flat plate with a thickness of a suitable
magnitude, and bolt holes 9 for insertion of the stud bolts 6 at
predetermined positions are bored in the plate thickness direction.
Through-holes 37 for insertion of the stud bolts 6 are formed in
the respective constituent instruments and components, including
the instrument 5. In the plate 3, communication holes 10 are also
disposed for establishing communication between the respective
constituent instruments and components, including the instrument 5,
to be mounted on the surface 3a and the grooves 8 of the plate 2 to
permit the flow of the fluid.
[0186] To assemble such an integrated piping plate 1, the first
step is to bond the plate 2 and the plate 3 via the adhesive 4.
Usually, a commercially available thermosetting adhesive is used as
the adhesive 4, but the method of joining the plates 2 and 3 by
joining means, such as fusing, brazing or welding, is also
effective depending on the type of fuel used for the fuel cell, or
the material for the plates 2, 3.
[0187] Then, the stud bolts 6 are inserted through the bolt holes 9
of the plate 3, and implanted into the plate 2. The stud bolts 6
are inserted through the through-holes 37 of the instrument 5, and
then the nuts 7 are screwed to the end portions of the stud bolts
6, whereby the instrument 5 is fastened to the integrated piping
plate 1. The other constituent instruments and components are also
sequentially subjected to the same procedure to complete
assembly.
[0188] FIGS. 2A and 2B generally explain the configuration of the
integrated piping plate based on its sectional structure. An
integrated piping plate 1 shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B is assembled,
for example, by integrally fixing an A instrument 11, a B
instrument 12, a plate 2 and a plate 3 by stud bolts 6 and nuts 7
fastened to them.
[0189] Between the A instrument 11 and the B instrument 12, a fluid
can flow by a groove 8 formed in the plate 2 and communication
holes 10 machined in the plate 3. That is, the A instrument 11 and
the B instrument 12 are connected together by the groove 8. The
plate 2 and the plat 3 are adhered by the adhesive 4, so that the
fluid flowing through the groove 8 is sealed up. An O ring 13 or
the like is used to seal spacing between the instruments 11, 12 and
the plate 3.
[0190] FIG. 3 shows an example in which instruments are arranged on
both surfaces of an integrated piping plate. In an integrated
piping plate 1 shown in FIG. 3, instruments 105, 106 are disposed
on a surface 3a of a plate 3, and instruments 107, 108 are disposed
on a surface 2b of a plate 2. Grooves 8A, 8B, 8C, which serve as
channels for fluids, are formed in a joining surface 2a of the
plate 2. Communication holes 10 for communication between these
grooves 8A, 8B, 8C and the instruments 105, 106, 107, 108 are
formed in the plate 2 and the plate 3. That is, the instrument 105
on the plate 3 and the instrument 107 on the plate 2 are connected
by the groove 8A, the instruments 107, 108 on the plate 2 are
connected by the groove 8B, and the instrument 106 on the plate 3
and the instrument 108 on the plate 2 are connected by the groove
8C.
[0191] It is also possible to dispose instruments and components
only on the surface 2b of the plate 2, without providing
instruments and components on the surface 3a of the plate 3,
although they are not shown.
[0192] FIGS. 4A and 4B show an example of an integrated piping
plate having a corrosion-proof layer formed by surface treatment.
In an integrated piping plate 1 shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, joining
surfaces (adhesion surfaces) 2a and 3b of a plate 2 and a plate 3,
and the surfaces of a groove 8 to serve as a channel for a fluid,
and communication holes 10 are coated with or lined with
fluorocarbon resin, such as polytetrafluoroethylene, or covered
with an aluminum oxide film to form corrosion-proof layers 29. By
so forming the corrosion-proof layers 29, corrosion by the fluid
flowing through the groove 8 and the communication holes 10, or by
ingredients contained in the adhesive 4 can be prevented, and a
long life of the integrated piping plate 1 can be ensured.
[0193] FIGS. 5 and 6 show an example of welding a plate 2 and a
plate 3. As indicated by solid lines in FIG. 5, welding is
performed on weld lines 30, which surround the peripheries of
grooves 8 formed in the plate 2 while keeping suitable distances
from the grooves 8, by electromagnetic force-controlled hybrid
welding or the like, with the plates 2 and 3 being sequentially
gripped at a strong pressure. As a result, the plate 2 and the
plate 3 are welded at the positions of the weld lines 30, as shown
in FIG. 6. At the sites of the weld lines 30, the fluids flowing
through the grooves 8 can be sealed up reliably.
[0194] FIG. 7 shows an example of a three-dimensional module as an
application of the above integrated piping plate. A
three-dimensional module 15 shown in FIG. 7 is formed in a
three-dimensional configuration by integrally fixing two integrated
piping plates 1A and 1B in the following manner: Through bolts 14
are inserted through through-holes 101 piercing through the two
integrated piping plates 1A and 1B (all of plates 2 and 3), and
nuts 102 are screwed to opposite end portions of the through bolts
14, with the back surfaces of the two integrated piping plates 1A
and 1B being superposed, namely, with a surface 2b of the plate 2
in the integrated piping plate 1A and a surface 2b of the plate 2
in the integrated piping plate 1B being superposed.
[0195] In FIG. 7, auxiliary components or auxiliary instruments
26a, 26b are disposed on the lower integrated piping plate 1B so as
to be located behind instruments 11, 12 provided on the upper
integrated piping plate 1A, whereby the three-dimensional structure
is constructed. This makes marked downsizing possible.
[0196] In the integrated piping plate 1, if the instruments or
components are arranged on the surface 2b of the plate 2, rather
than on the surface 3a of the plate 3, it goes without saying that
the surface 3a of the plate 3 becomes the back surface of the
integrated piping plate 1, and this surface becomes a joining
surface to be joined to the other integrated piping plate 1.
[0197] In FIG. 7, the two integrated piping plates 1A and 1B are
integrated, but this manner is not restrictive. An arbitrary
plurality of integrated piping plates, such as three or four
integrated piping plates, may be integrated (made
three-dimensional), with their back surfaces being superposed.
[0198] In a three-dimensional module 15A shown in FIG. 8, for
example, a relatively large integrated piping plate 1A having
instruments 109, 110, 111, 112 disposed thereon is placed on an
upper side in the drawing, while relatively small integrated piping
plates 1B, 1C, 1D having instruments 113, 114, instruments 115, 116
and instruments 117, 118 disposed thereon are arranged on a lower
side in the drawing. These four integrated piping plates 1A, 1B, 1C
and 1D are integrally fixed, with back surfaces 2b's of the four
integrated piping plates 1A, 1B, 1C and 1D being superposed,
whereby the three-dimensional configuration is constituted.
[0199] In the case of a three-dimensional module 15B shown in FIG.
9, large and small integrated piping plates 1A, 1B and 1C having
instruments 119, 120, instruments 121, 122, and instruments 123,
124 disposed thereon are placed on an upper side in the drawing,
while large and small integrated piping plates 1D and 1E having
instruments 125, 126, and instruments 127, 128, 129 disposed
thereon are arranged on a lower side in the drawing. These five
integrated piping plates 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D and 1E are integrally
fixed, with back surfaces 2b's of the five integrated piping plates
1A, 1B, 1C, 1D and 1E being superposed, whereby the
three-dimensional configuration is constituted.
[0200] FIG. 10 shows an example of a heat insulating
three-dimensional module as an application of the above integrated
piping plate. An heat insulating three-dimensional module 18A shown
in FIG. 10 is formed in a three-dimensional configuration by
integrally fixing two integrated piping plates 1A and 1B in the
following manner: Through bolts 17 are inserted through
through-holes 103 piercing through the two integrated piping plates
1A and 1B (all of plates 2 and 3), and nuts 104 are screwed to
opposite end portions of the through bolts 17 via heat insulators
16b's, with the back surfaces 2b's of the two integrated piping
plates 1A and 1B (the surfaces of the plates 2 in the integrated
piping plates 1A and 1B) being superposed, and with a suitable heat
insulator 16a or the like being interposed between these back
surfaces 2b's.
[0201] In this heat insulating three-dimensional module 18A, the
two integrated piping plates 1A and 1B are bound together via the
heat insulators 16a, 16b. Since there are such heat insulating
layers, heats of high temperature instruments 27a, 27b disposed on
the integrated piping plate 1A on the upper side in the drawing can
be prevented from being transferred to the integrated piping plate
1B on the lower side in the drawing. Thus, other low temperature
instruments 28a, 28b can be disposed on the integrated piping plate
1B in proximity to the high temperature instruments 27a, 27b
disposed on the integrated piping plate 1A.
[0202] In this case as well, the two integrated piping plates 1A
and 1B are not restrictive, but an arbitrary plurality of
integrated piping plates can be integrated. For example, a heat
insulator may be interposed between the back surfaces 2b's of the
integrated piping plate 1A and the integrated piping plates 1B, 1C,
1D shown in FIG. 8, or a heat insulator may be interposed between
the back surfaces 2b's of the integrated piping plates 1A, 1B, 1C
and the integrated piping plates 1D, 1E shown in FIG. 9, although
these modes are not shown.
[0203] FIG. 11 shows an example of another heat insulating
three-dimensional module as an application of the above integrated
piping plate 1. An heat insulating three-dimensional module 18B
shown in FIG. 11 is formed in a three-dimensional configuration by
integrally connecting and fixing two integrated piping plates 1A
and 1B by means of separators 31 of a suitable length, with the
back surfaces 2b's of the two integrated piping plates 1A and 1B
(the surfaces of the plates 2 in the integrated piping plates 1A
and 1B) being superposed, and with the separators 31 being
interposed between these back surfaces 2b's. Also, heat insulators
130 are interposed between the separator 31 and the integrated
piping plates 1A, 1B.
[0204] In this heat insulating three-dimensional module 18B, a
suitable spacing is maintained between the two integrated piping
plates 1A and 1B by the separators 31, whereby a high temperature
portion (high temperature instruments 27a, 27b) and a low
temperature portion (low temperature instruments 28a, 28b) are
thermally shut off from each other, and the apparatus can be
downsized in a three-dimensional configuration. Moreover, a heat
insulating effect can be further enhanced by interposing the heat
insulators 130 between the integrated piping plates 1A, 1B and the
separators 31.
[0205] That is, if a sufficient heat insulating effect is obtained
by mere interposition of the separators 31, it is not absolutely
necessary to provide the heat insulators 130. However, if it is
necessary to cut off heat transmitted through the separators 31,
the heat insulators 130 are interposed between the separators 31
and the integrated piping plates 1A, 1B. Alternatively, the heat
insulators 130 may be provided either between the separators 31 and
the integrated piping plate 1A or between the separators 31 and the
integrated piping plate 1B.
[0206] In this case as well, the two integrated piping plates 1A
and 1B are not restrictive, but an arbitrary plurality of
integrated piping plates can be integrated. For example, in the
case of a heat insulating three-dimensional module 18B shown in
FIG. 12, a relatively large integrated piping plate 1A having high
temperature instruments 131a, 131b, 132a, 132b disposed thereon is
placed on an upper side in the drawing, while relatively small
integrated piping plates 1B and 1C having low temperature
instruments 133a, 133b and low temperature instruments 134a, 134b
disposed thereon are placed on a lower side in the drawing. The
three integrated piping plates 1A, 1B and 1C are formed into a
three-dimensional configuration by integrally connecting and fixing
these integrated piping plates by separators 31, with the back
surfaces 2b's of the three integrated piping plates 1A, 1B and 1C
being superposed, and with the separators 31 being interposed
between the back surfaces 2b's.
[0207] FIG. 13 shows an example in which instruments, instead of
the separators, are interposed between integrated piping plates. In
a three-dimensional module 18C shown in FIG. 13, instruments 139,
140 are interposed, instead of the separators 31 in the
three-dimensional module 18B shown in FIG. 11, between the back
surfaces 2b's of the integrated piping plates 1A and 1B. These
instruments 139 and 140 may also be connected together by a groove
provided in the integrated piping plate 1A or integrated piping
plate 1B, although this mode is not shown.
[0208] In this case as well, the integrated piping plates 1A and 1B
are separated from each other by the instruments 139 and 140, as in
the case of interposition of the separators 31. Thus, a heat
insulating effect can be expected. A marked heat insulating effect
is obtained, particularly by interposing heat insulators 130
between the instruments 139, 140 and the integrated piping plates
1A, 1B, as shown in the drawing. In this case, moreover, the
spacing between the integrated piping plates 1A and 1B is
effectively utilized by arranging the instruments 139, 140 between
the integrated piping plates 1A and 1B. Thus, the apparatus can be
further downsized.
[0209] In this case as well, the two integrated piping plates 1A
and 1B are not restrictive, but an arbitrary plurality of
integrated piping plates can be integrated. For example, in the
heat insulating three-dimensional module 18B shown in FIG. 12,
constituent instruments or components may be interposed in place of
the separators 31.
[0210] FIG. 14 shows an example of a plurality of integrated piping
plates disposed on the same rest, as an application of the
integrated piping plate. In FIG. 14, an integrated piping plate 1A
having high temperature instruments 27a, 27b disposed thereon, and
an integrated piping plate 1B having low temperature instruments
28a, 28b disposed thereon are disposed on the same rest 32 with a
suitable heat insulating spacing L. Fixing of the integrated piping
plates 1A, 1B to the rest 32 is performed by suitable fixing means,
such as bolts or welding (not shown). A heat insulator 145 is
interposed between the integrated piping plates 1A, 1B and the rest
32.
[0211] By so disposing the two integrated piping plates 1A and 1B
with the heat insulating spacing L maintained, these integrated
piping plates 1 can ignore (prevent) thermal influence from each
other. By interposing the heat insulator 145 between the integrated
piping plates 1A, 1B and the rest 32, a heat insulating effect can
be further enhanced.
[0212] In this case as well, the two integrated piping plates 1A
and 1B are not restrictive, but an arbitrary plurality of
integrated piping plates can be disposed on the same rest. For
instance, in an example shown in FIG. 15, four integrated piping
plates 1A, 1B, 1C and 1D, namely, the integrated piping plate 1A
having high temperature instruments 141a, 141b disposed thereon,
the integrated piping plate 1B having low temperature instruments
142a, 142b disposed thereon, the integrated piping plate 1C having
high temperature instruments 143a, 143b disposed thereon, and the
integrated piping plate 1D having low temperature instruments 144a,
144b disposed thereon are arranged on the same rest 32 at heat
insulating intervals of L.
[0213] FIGS. 16 and 17 show an example in which high temperature
instruments and low temperature instruments are disposed on the
same integrated piping plate. With an integrated piping plate 1
shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, a heat shutoff groove 35 is provided
between a high temperature zone where high temperature instruments
or components, such as high temperature instruments 33a, 33b, 33c,
are disposed, and a low temperature zone where low temperature
instruments or components, such as low temperature instruments 34a,
34b, are disposed, on the same integrated piping plate 1. The heat
shutoff groove 35 is formed in a plate 2, and communication holes
36 communicating with opposite end portions of the heat shutoff
groove 35 are formed in a plate 3.
[0214] According to this integrated piping plate 1, the heat
shutoff groove 35 forms a heat barrier by air, presenting a high
resistance to heat conduction from the high temperature zone to the
low temperature zone. Thus, even when the low temperature
instruments 34a, 34b are disposed in proximity to the high
temperature instruments 33a, 33b, 33c on the same integrated piping
plate 1, no thermal influence is exerted.
[0215] Filling of a suitable heat insulator into the heat shutoff
groove 35 is also effective means for preventing thermal
influence.
[0216] To heighten the effect of the heat shutoff groove 35, there
may be a configuration in which a refrigerant, such as cooling air
or cooling water, is flowed into the heat shutoff groove 35 by
refrigerant reflux means (not shown) from one of the communication
holes 36 toward the other communication hole 36 among the
communication holes 36 provided in the opposite end portions of the
heat shutoff groove 35 to cool the heat shutoff groove 35.
[0217] FIGS. 18, 19 and 20 show an example in which components,
such as electromagnetic valves 19, a control instrument 20, such as
a printed chip, and electrical wiring 21 are built into an
integrated piping plate to achieve a saving in space.
[0218] As shown in these drawings, a C instrument 22 and a D
instrument 23 disposed on the integrated piping plate 1 are
connected by a groove 8 provided in a plate 2. A fluid flowing
through the groove 8 is detected by a pressure sensor 25a buried in
a plate 3, detection signals from the pressure sensor 25a are
transferred to the control instrument 20 embedded in the plate 3,
and control signals from the control instrument 20 are transmitted
to the electromagnetic valves 19 buried in the plate 3 via the
electrical wiring 21 buried in the plate 3, thereby actuating the
electromagnetic valves 19. Similarly, a flow sensor 25b for
detecting the flow rate of the fluid flowing through the groove 8,
and a temperature sensor 25c for detecting the temperature of the
fluid are also buried in the plate 3, and detection signals from
these sensors 25b and 25c are also taken into the control
instrument 20.
[0219] In this manner, the electromagnetic valves 19, control
instrument 20 and electrical wiring 21 are built into the
integrated piping plate 1, whereby a further saving in space can be
achieved. Electrical components, such as switches, may also be
incorporated into the integrated piping plate 1. As the control
device 20, a printed chip (printed circuit board), which can be
buried in the plate 3, may be used. Some components can be
incorporated into the plate 2. In this case, the plate 3 should
have an opening for the purpose of assembly, inspection, etc. of
the components. That is, the instruments, components, control
instrument, or electrical wiring constituting the apparatus may be
built into one of or both of the plates 2 and 3.
[0220] In the fuel cell power generation system or the like, as
stated earlier, fluids flowing the grooves 8 as channels come in
wide varieties of types, such as a high temperature fluid, a low
temperature fluid, and a fluid containing a corrosive substance. Of
them, the fluid containing a corrosive substance (hereinafter
referred to as "a corrosive fluid") requires extra care for the
channels. Thus, as explained based on FIGS. 4A and 4B, the surfaces
of the grooves 8 are coated with or lined with fluorocarbon resin,
such as polytetrafluoroethylene, or covered with an aluminum oxide
film to form a corrosion-proof layer 29, thereby making the grooves
8 corrosion resistant to the corrosive fluid.
[0221] However, this technique for providing the corrosion-proof
layer may be difficult to apply, if the arrangement of the grooves
8 (channels) is complicated. That is, in a unit of the fuel cell
power generation system composed of many instruments and components
as shown in FIG. 49, these numerous instruments and components are
connected by the grooves 8, or small instruments, such as valves,
electrical components, such as sensors or switches, and electrical
wiring are assembled into the plate. Thus, as shown in FIG. 21, the
number of the grooves 8 is very large, and some grooves 8
(channels) need to be bypassed in order to prevent interference of
the grooves 8 with each other. Hence, many grooves 8 (channels)
often have to run complicatedly like a maze.
[0222] The work of applying fluorocarbon resin coating,
fluorocarbon resin lining, or aluminum oxide film covering to such
grooves 8 requires advanced machining techniques, and huge
man-hours for machining. Furthermore, if the grooves 8 (channels)
are in a complicated shape, the accuracy and reliability of the
product may be questioned. In such cases, it is effective to
provide corrosion resistant piping, instead of forming the
corrosion-proof layer 29, in the grooves 8.
[0223] An integrated piping plate 1 shown in FIG. 22 is constituted
by joining a plate 2 and a plate 3 by an adhesive 4 or the like.
Grooves 8 are machined in a joining surface between the plate 2 and
the plate 3 (an upper surface 2a of the plate 2 in the illustrated
example). Various constituent instruments 191 and components 192
(also indicated by one-dot chain lines in FIG. 22) constituting a
fuel cell power generation system are arranged on an upper surface
3a of the plate 3. These instruments 191 and components 192 are
connected to the grooves 8 by communication holes 10 formed in the
plate 3. By so doing, the instruments 191 and components 192 are
tied by the grooves 8. The spacing between the instruments 191,
components 192 and the plate 3 is sealed with a sealing material
such as an O ring (not shown). These features are the same as for
the integrated piping plate 1 shown in FIG. 1.
[0224] In the integrated piping plate 1 shown in FIG. 22, the
sectional areas of the grooves 8 for flowing corrosive fluids are
larger than the required sectional areas for direct flowing of the
fluid through the grooves 8, and corrosion resistant piping 151,
such as a fluorocarbon resin pipe of polytetrafluoroethylene or the
like, is accommodated in the grooves 8 to use the corrosion
resistant piping 151 as a channel for the corrosive fluid. The
corrosion resistant piping 151 may be not only a fluorocarbon resin
pipe, but piping made of other corrosion resistant material (such
as polyvinyl chloride, synthetic rubber, or other synthetic resin)
compatible with the properties of the corrosive fluid. However, the
corrosion resistant piping 151 may be inserted into predetermined
grooves 8 after integration of the integrated piping plate 1, or
the corrosion resistant piping 151 may be replaced. Thus, it is
preferred to select a flexible material as the material for the
corrosion resistant piping 151.
[0225] Opposite end portions of the corrosion resistant piping 151
accommodated in the groove 8 are joined to a bearer 152 as a first
joining member, and a top-shaped component 153 as a second joining
member. The top-shaped component 153 has a truncated cone-shaped
body portion (joining portion) 153b having a conical surface 153a
formed on an outer peripheral surface thereof, and has a head
portion 153c on the body portion 153b. The entire shape of the
top-shaped component 153 is like a top.
[0226] As shown in FIGS. 23A, 23B, 24A and 24B, there are a case in
which one bearer 152 is used on one corrosion resistant piping 151
(FIGS. 23A, 23B), and a case in which one bearer 152 is used on a
plurality of (two in the illustrated example) lines of corrosion
resistant piping 151 (FIGS. 24A, 24B). These bearers 152 are each
fitted into a fitting hole 3f provided in a plate 3, and fixed to a
plate 2 by screws 155. A stepped portion 152a is formed on the
outer peripheral surface of the bearer 152, and this stepped
portion 152a contacts a stepped portion 3g formed in the inner
peripheral surface of the fitting hole 3f. A through-hole 152b is
formed at the center of the bearer 152, and a conical surface 152c
is formed in part of the inner peripheral surface of the
through-hole 152b. Further, a stepped portion 152d is formed above
the conical surface 152c by further widening the inner peripheral
surface of the through-hole 152b. The bearer 152 is halved at a
position of a parting line.
[0227] The opposite end portions of the corrosion resistant piping
151 are each joined (fixed) by the bearer 152 and the top-shaped
component 153, as shown in FIGS. 25 and 26. That is, the end
portion of the corrosion resistant piping 151 is inserted into the
through-hole 152b of the bearer 152, and the body portion 153b of
the top-shaped component 153 is inserted, under pressure, into the
end portion of the corrosion resistant piping 151. By so doing, the
end portion of the corrosion resistant piping 151 is broadened by
the conical surface 153a of the body portion 153b, and the conical
surface 153a of the body portion 153b is fitted to the conical
surface 152c of the bearer 152. As a result, the end portion of the
corrosion resistant piping 151 is joined (fixed), with its outer
diameter side being supported by the conical surface 152c of the
bearer 152, and its inner diameter side being supported by the
conical surface 153a of the top-shaped component 153. On this
occasion, the head portion 153c of the top-shaped component 153 is
fitted onto the stepped portion 152d of the bearer 152. Thus, the
corrosive fluid flows through the corrosion resistant piping 151
between the instrument 191 and the component 192. At this time, the
corrosive fluid can be prevented from leaking from the end of the
corrosion resistant piping 151.
[0228] It is normally preferred for the bearer 152 to be integrally
shaped. If the corrosion resistant piping 151 of a highly rigid
material is used, however, the end portion of the corrosion
resistant piping 151 is in a toppled state as shown in FIG. 27. If
a plurality of lines of the corrosion resistant piping 151 are
joined to one bearer 152, the end portions of the lines of the
corrosion resistant piping 151 are in disorderly directions. Thus,
the integral bearer 152 poses difficulty in an operation for
joining the ends of the lines of the corrosion resistant piping 151
(it is conceivable to lengthen the corrosion resistant piping 151,
and cut the end of the corrosion resistant piping 151 after its
insertion into the bearer 152, but this is a difficult operation,
because the position of cutting is inside the bearer 152). In this
case, the bearer 152 is halved as in the present embodiment, and
one half of the bearer 152 is inserted into the fitting hole 3f,
where after the other half of the bearer 152 is inserted into the
fitting hole 3f, whereby the efficiency of the joining operation is
improved. In this case, the number of divisions of the bearer 152
is not restricted to two, but may be three or more.
[0229] FIGS. 28 and 29 show other examples of joining of the end of
the corrosion resistant piping 151. They are useful for application
to cases in which the piping paths (grooves 8) are simple, or in
which the corrosion resistant piping 151 of a low rigidity material
is used.
[0230] With an integrated piping plate 1 shown in FIG. 28, the
bearer 152 and plate 3 shown in FIG. 26 are integrally shaped. That
is, a through-hole 3c is formed in the plate 3, and a conical
surface 3d is formed in part of the inner peripheral surface of the
through-hole 3c. A stepped portion 3e is formed above the conical
surface 3d by further widening the inner peripheral surface of the
through-hole 3c.
[0231] In this case, the end portion of the corrosion resistant
piping 151 is inserted into the through-hole 3c of the plate 3, and
the body portion 153b of the top-shaped component 153 is inserted,
under pressure, into the end portion of the corrosion resistant
piping 151. By so doing, the end portion of the corrosion resistant
piping 151 is broadened by the conical surface 153a of the body
portion 153b, and the conical surface 153a of the body portion 153b
is fitted to the conical surface 3d of the plate 3. At this time,
the head portion 153c of the top-shaped component 153 is fitted to
the stepped portion 3e of the plate 3. As a result, the end portion
of the corrosion resistant piping 151 is joined firmly without
leakage of the fluid, with its outer diameter side being supported
by the conical surface 3d of the plate 3, and its inner diameter
side being supported by the conical surface 153a of the top-shaped
component 153.
[0232] With an integrated piping plate 1 shown in FIG. 29, the
bearer 152 and plate 3 shown in FIG. 26 are integrally shaped, and
the top-shaped component 153 and instrument 191 or component 192
are integrally shaped. That is, a through-hole 3c is formed in the
plate 3, and a conical surface 3d is formed in part of the inner
peripheral surface of the through-hole 3c. Also, a truncated
cone-shaped joining portion 154 having a conical surface 154a
formed on an outer peripheral surface thereof is shaped integrally
with the instrument 191 or component 192 on the lower surface of
the instrument 191 or component 192.
[0233] In this case, the end portion of the corrosion resistant
piping 151 is inserted into the through-hole 3c of the plate 3, and
the joining portion 154 of the instrument 191 or component 192 is
inserted, under pressure, into the end portion of the corrosion
resistant piping 151. By so doing, the end portion of the corrosion
resistant piping 151 is broadened by the conical surface 154a of
the joining portion 154, and the conical surface 154a of the
joining portion 154 is fitted to the conical surface 3d of the
plate 3. Thus, the end portion of the corrosion resistant piping
151 is joined firmly so as not leak the fluid, with its outer
diameter side being supported by the conical surface 3d of the
plate 3, and its inner diameter side being supported by the conical
surface 154a of the joining portion 154.
[0234] As stated earlier, in a unit of the fuel cell power
generation system composed of many instruments and components as
shown in FIG. 49, these numerous instruments and components are
connected by the grooves 8. Thus, as shown in FIG. 21, the number
of the grooves 8 is very large, and some grooves 8 need to be
bypassed greatly in order to prevent crossing or interference of
the grooves 8 with each other. Furthermore, these grooves 8
(channels) are designed, with their sectional areas being
calculated, so as to ensure proper flow rates adapted for their
uses. Thus, the grooves 8 with large widths may be needed. In this
case, a sufficient space for forming the wide grooves 8 needs to be
secured. Besides, some of the fluids flowing through these grooves
8 (channels) are different in temperature, so that proper
dimensions for separation need to be secured to avoid thermal
influences on each other.
[0235] Hence, the grooves 8 (channels) often have to run
complicatedly like a maze. In this case, designing and
manufacturing of the integrated piping plate (machining of grooves)
become tiresome. Moreover, the size of the plate, i.e., the size of
the integrated piping plate, may be made very large in order to
bypass the grooves 8 or increase the widths of the grooves 8. In
this view, the configurations of three-dimensional integrated
piping plates capable of making the layout of the grooves 8
(channels) simple and compact even in such cases will be described
based on FIGS. 30 to 35.
[0236] In FIG. 30, an intermediate plate 161 is provided between a
plate 2 and a plate 3, and these three plates 2, 3 and 161 are
joined by an adhesive 4 or the like for integration, thereby
constituting a three-dimensional integrated piping plate 1. A
component 162A, an instrument 162B and an instrument 162C of a fuel
cell power generation system are arranged on one surface of the
three-dimensional integrated piping plate 1 (an outer surface of
the plate 3), and fixed by fixing means such as stud bolts and nuts
(not shown). A component 162D, a component 162E and an instrument
162F of a fuel cell power generation system are arranged on the
other surface of the three-dimensional integrated piping plate 1
(an outer surface of the plate 2), and fixed by fixing means such
as stud bolts and nuts (not shown).
[0237] Grooves 8, which serve as channels for fluids, are formed in
joining surfaces of the plate 3 and the intermediate plate 161 (in
the illustrated example, the joining surface of the plate 3) and in
joining surfaces of the plate 2 and the intermediate plate 161 (in
the illustrated example, the joining surface of the plate 2),
respectively. These grooves 8 and the component 162A, instrument
162B, instrument 162C, component 162D, component 162E and
instrument 162F are connected by communication holes 10 formed in
the plates 2, 3, 161. That is, the component 162A, instrument 162B,
instrument 162C, component 162D, component 162E and instrument 162F
are connected three-dimensionally by the grooves 8 provided at
upper and lower stages in plate joining surfaces at two locations.
The sectional areas of the grooves 8 are properly calculated for
respective fluids, and determined.
[0238] FIGS. 30, 31 and 32 illustrate the layout relationship among
the grooves 8, communication holes 10, component 162A, instrument
162B, instrument 162C, component 162D, component 162E and
instrument 162F which define a path, like fluid supply port
164.fwdarw.component 162A.fwdarw.instrument 162F.fwdarw.instrument
162B.fwdarw.instrument 162C.fwdarw.component 162E.fwdarw.component
162D.fwdarw.fluid discharge port 165. If described in detail based
on FIGS. 31 and 32, this path follows fluid supply port
164.fwdarw.groove 8A.fwdarw.communication hole 10A.fwdarw.component
162A.fwdarw.communication hole 10B.fwdarw.groove
8B.fwdarw.communication hole 10C.fwdarw.groove
8C.fwdarw.communication hole 10D.fwdarw.instrument
162F.fwdarw.communication hole 10E.fwdarw.groove
8D.fwdarw.communication hole 10F.fwdarw.instrument
162B.fwdarw.communication hole 10G.fwdarw.groove
8E.fwdarw.communication hole 10H.fwdarw.instrument
16C.fwdarw.communication hole 10I.fwdarw.groove
8F.fwdarw.communication hole 10J.fwdarw.groove
8G.fwdarw.communication hole 10K.fwdarw.component
162E.fwdarw.communication hole 10L.fwdarw.groove
8H.fwdarw.communication hole 10M.fwdarw.component
162D.fwdarw.communication hole 10N.fwdarw.groove 8I.fwdarw.fluid
discharge port 165.
[0239] In FIG. 33, an intermediate plate 161 is provided between a
plate 2 and a plate 3, and these three plates 2, 3 and 161 are
joined by an adhesive 4 or the like for integration, thereby
constituting a three-dimensional integrated piping plate 1. A
component 166A, an instrument 166B, an instrument 166C, a component
166D, a component 166E, and an instrument 166F of a fuel cell power
generation system are arranged on only one surface of the
three-dimensional integrated piping plate 1 (an outer surface of
the plate 3), and fixed by fixing means such as stud bolts and nuts
(not shown).
[0240] Grooves 8, which serve as channels for fluids, are formed in
joining surfaces of the plate 3 and the intermediate plate 161 (in
the illustrated example, the joining surface of the plate 3) and in
joining surfaces of the plate 2 and the intermediate plate 161 (in
the illustrated example, the joining surface of the plate 2),
respectively. These grooves 8 and the component 166A, instrument
166B, instrument 166C, component 166D, component 166E and
instrument 166F are connected by communication holes 10 formed in
the plates 2, 3, 161. That is, the component 166A, instrument 166B,
instrument 166C, component 166D, component 166E and instrument 166F
are connected three-dimensionally by the grooves 8 provided at two
stages in plate joining surfaces at two locations. The sectional
areas of the grooves 8 are properly calculated for respective
fluids, and determined.
[0241] FIGS. 33, 34 and 35 illustrate the layout relationship among
the grooves 8, communication holes 10, component 166A, instrument
166B, instrument 166C, component 166D, component 166E and
instrument 166F which define a path, like fluid supply port
167.fwdarw.component 166A.fwdarw.instrument 166F.fwdarw.instrument
166B.fwdarw.instrument 166C.fwdarw.component 166E.fwdarw.component
166D.fwdarw.fluid discharge port 168. If described in detail based
on FIGS. 34 and 35, this path follows fluid supply port
167.fwdarw.groove 8A.fwdarw.communication hole 10A.fwdarw.component
166A.fwdarw.communication hole 10B .fwdarw.groove
8B.fwdarw.communication hole 10C.fwdarw.instrument
166F.fwdarw.communication hole 10D.fwdarw.groove
8C.fwdarw.communication hole 10E.fwdarw.instrument
166B.fwdarw.communication hole 10F.fwdarw.groove
8D.fwdarw.communication hole 10G instrument
166C.fwdarw.communication hole 10H.fwdarw.groove
8E.fwdarw.communication hole 10I.fwdarw.component
166E.fwdarw.communication hole 10J.fwdarw.groove
8F.fwdarw.communication hole 10K.fwdarw.component
166D.fwdarw.communication hole 10L.fwdarw.groove 8G.fwdarw.fluid
discharge port 168.
[0242] For comparison, FIG. 36 illustrates an example in which the
component 162A, instrument 162B, instrument 162C, component 162D,
component 162E and instrument 162F shown in FIG. 30 are arranged on
an integrated piping plate 1 comprising two plates joined together.
FIG. 37 illustrates an example in which the component 166A,
instrument 166B, instrument 166C, component 166D, component 166E
and instrument 166F shown in FIG. 33 are arranged on an integrated
piping plate 1 comprising two plates joined together.
[0243] FIG. 36 shows a path following fluid supply port
169.fwdarw.groove 8A.fwdarw.communication hole 10A.fwdarw.component
162A.fwdarw.communication hole 10B.fwdarw.groove
8B.fwdarw.communication hole 10C.fwdarw.instrument
162F.fwdarw.communication hole 10D.fwdarw.groove
8C.fwdarw.communication hole 10E.fwdarw.instrument
162B.fwdarw.communication hole 10F.fwdarw.groove
8D.fwdarw.communication hole 10G.fwdarw.instrument
162C.fwdarw.communication hole 10H.fwdarw.groove
8E.fwdarw.communication hole 10I.fwdarw.component
162E.fwdarw.communication hole 10J.fwdarw.groove
8F.fwdarw.communication hole 10K.fwdarw.component
162D.fwdarw.communication hole 10L.fwdarw.groove 8G.fwdarw.fluid
discharge port 170.
[0244] FIG. 37 shows a path following fluid supply port
171.fwdarw.groove 8A.fwdarw.communication hole 10A.fwdarw.component
166A.fwdarw.communication hole 10B.fwdarw.groove
8B.fwdarw.communication hole 10C.fwdarw.instrument
166F.fwdarw.communication hole 10D.fwdarw.groove
8C.fwdarw.communication hole 10E.fwdarw.instrument
166B.fwdarw.communication hole 10F.fwdarw.groove
8D.fwdarw.communication hole 10G.fwdarw.instrument
166C.fwdarw.communication hole 10H.fwdarw.groove
8E.fwdarw.communication hole 10I.fwdarw.component
166E.fwdarw.communication hole 10J.fwdarw.groove
8F.fwdarw.communication hole 10K.fwdarw.component
166D.fwdarw.communication hole 10L.fwdarw.groove 8G.fwdarw.fluid
discharge port 172.
[0245] In the integrated piping plate 1 having the two plates thus
joined together, all the grooves 8 (channels) are formed in one
plane, and the grooves 8 (channels) may have to be bypassed. To
bypass the grooves 8, the size of the integrated piping plate 1 may
have to be increased.
[0246] In FIGS. 36 and 37, the number of the instruments and
components is small, and the number of the grooves 8 (channels) is
also small, so that their differences are not very marked.
Actually, however, many instruments and components as shown in FIG.
49 are connected together. Thus, as shown in FIG. 21, the grooves 8
(channels) are also so many as to make a maze. As a result, it is
often difficult to secure the necessary channel sectional areas, or
to accommodate the instruments and components in a compact manner
while securing dimensions for separation among the fluids with
different temperatures. In the three-dimensional integrated piping
plates of FIGS. 30 to 35, the instruments and components are
connected three-dimensionally by the two-stage grooves 8
(channels), so that the layout of the grooves 8 can be simplified,
and the instruments and components can be disposed in a compact
state. In FIGS. 30 to 35, the grooves 8 are provided in the joining
surface of the plate 2 and the joining surface of the plate 3, but
the grooves 8 may be formed in the joining surfaces of the
intermediate plate 161.
[0247] FIGS. 38 and 39 show configuration examples in which a high
temperature zone and a low temperature zone are separated using a
three-dimensional integrated piping plate.
[0248] In FIG. 38, a low temperature/high temperature mixed
instrument 181, a low temperature instrument 182, a low
temperature/high temperature mixed instrument 183, and a high
temperature instrument 184 are disposed on one surface of a
three-dimensional integrated piping plate 1 (a surface of a plate
3). Grooves 8 connecting these instruments are formed in two
stages, i.e., in joining surfaces of the plate 3 and an
intermediate plate (in the illustrated example, the joining surface
of an intermediate plate 161) and joining surfaces of a plate 2 and
the intermediate plate 161 (in the illustrated example, the joining
surface of the plate 2), and the upper-stage grooves 8 define a low
temperature zone where a low temperature fluid flows, while the
lower-stage grooves 8 define a high temperature zone where a high
temperature fluid flows.
[0249] In FIG. 39, a low temperature/high temperature mixed
instrument 185, a low temperature instrument 186, and a low
temperature/high temperature mixed instrument 187 are disposed on
one surface of a three-dimensional integrated piping plate 1 (a
surface of a plate 3), while a high temperature instrument 188 and
a high temperature instrument 189 are disposed on the other surface
of the three-dimensional integrated piping plate 1 (a surface of a
plate 2). Grooves 8 connecting these instruments are formed in two
stages, i.e., in joining surfaces of the plate 3 and an
intermediate plate 161 (in the illustrated example, the joining
surface of the intermediate plate 161) and joining surfaces of the
plate 2 and the intermediate plate 161 (in the illustrated example,
the joining surface of the plate 2), and the upper-stage grooves 8
define a low temperature zone where a low temperature fluid flows,
while the lower-stage grooves 8 define a high temperature zone
where a high temperature fluid flows.
[0250] In this case, it is effective to provide a heat insulator
between the plate 2 and the intermediate plate 161, although this
is not shown.
[0251] In the foregoing description, the provision of one
intermediate plate 161 between the plates 2 and 3 is described.
However, this is not limitative, and two or more intermediate
plates may be provided between the plate 2 and the plate 3. That
is, four or more plates may be joined to constitute the
three-dimensional integrated piping plate. When two or more
intermediate plates are provided, the grooves 8 (channels) are also
formed in joining surfaces between the intermediate plates, whereby
even more grooves 8 (channels) can be provided.
[0252] As described above, according to the integrated piping plate
of the present embodiment, the constituent instruments and
components are connected by the grooves 8 provided in the plate 2
or plate 3. Thus, the channels corresponding to the conventional
piping are present in the integrated piping plate, and small
instruments, such as valves, electrical components, such as sensors
or switches, and electrical wiring can also be assembled into the
plate 2, or plate 3, or plate 2 and plate 3. Thus, the entire
apparatus such as the fuel cell power generation system, etc. can
be easily modularized, and downsized. Moreover, it suffices to
assemble the respective constituent instruments and components to
predetermined positions, and there is no need for a complicated
pipe laying operation in a narrow space. Thus, the assembly work is
easy and the work efficiency is increased. Furthermore, there are
few seams, reducing the risk of fluid leakage.
[0253] In addition, joining surfaces 2a and 3b of the plate 2 and
the plate 3, and the grooves 8 are coated with or lined with
fluorocarbon resin, such as polytetrafluoroethylene, or covered
with an aluminum oxide film to form a corrosion-proof layer 29. By
so doing, corrosion of the grooves 8 by a corrosive fluid flowing
through the grooves 8, or corrosion of the plate joining surface by
ingredients contained in the adhesive 4 can be prevented to ensure
the long life of the integrated piping plate 1. This technique of
providing the corrosion-proof layer can, of course, be applied not
only to one integrated piping plate, but a plurality of integrated
piping plates. For example, the corrosion-proof layer may be
provided on the grooves or plate joining surface in the
three-dimensional modules of FIGS. 7 to 13, or the corrosion-proof
layer may be provided on the grooves or plate joining surface in
the rest module of FIG. 14, although these modes are not shown.
Further, the corrosion-proof layer can be provided on the grooves
or plate joining surface in three-dimensional integrated piping
plates having an intermediate plate as shown in FIGS. 30 to 35 or
FIGS. 38 and 39.
[0254] Besides, the plate 2 and the plate 3 are welded at the
position of the weld line 30 surrounding the periphery of the
groove 8, whereby a fluid flowing through the groove 8 can be
sealed up reliably at the site of the weld line 30. This weld
sealing technique is, of course, not restricted to the integrated
piping plate in a configuration as shown in FIG. 5, and can be
applied, for example, to integrated piping plates in any
configurations, such as the three-dimensional modules shown in
FIGS. 7 to 13, the rest module shown in FIG. 14, and the
three-dimensional integrated piping plate shown in FIG. 30,
although these applications are not shown.
[0255] In addition, a plurality of integrated piping plates 1 (1A,
1B, etc.) having respective components and instruments assembled
thereto are three-dimensionally modularized, with their back
surfaces being superposed. By so doing, further downsizing can be
achieved, the channels and control system for fluids can be
shortened, response can be quickened, and control can be
facilitated.
[0256] Also, a plurality of integrated piping plates 1 (1A, 1B,
etc.) are integrally fixed via a heat insulator 16a to constitute a
heat insulating three-dimensional module 18A. This measure makes it
possible, for example, to dispose low temperature instruments 28a,
28b, such as control instruments, in the integrated piping plate 1B
in proximity to high temperature instruments 27a, 27b disposed in
the integrated piping plate 1A.
[0257] Also, a heat insulating three-dimensional module 18B is
constituted by integrally connecting and fixing a plurality of
integrated piping plates 1 (1A, 1B, etc.) via separators 31. By so
doing, it is possible, for example, to separate the high
temperature integrated piping plate 1A having high temperature
instruments 27a, 27b disposed there on, and the low temperature
integrated piping plate 1 having low temperature instruments 28a,
28b disposed thereon by the separators 31. Thus, thermal influence
from each other can be avoided. Moreover, a heat insulating effect
can be further enhanced by interposing heat insulators 130 between
the back surfaces 2b of the plural integrated piping plates 1 (1A,
1B, etc.) and the separators 31.
[0258] Also, constituent instruments 139, 140 of the apparatus are
interposed between the back surfaces 2b's of a plurality of
integrated piping plates 1 (1A, 1B, etc.), whereby the spacing
between the integrated piping plates can be effectively used, and
the apparatus can be further downsized. Furthermore, the integrated
piping plates are separated from each other by the constituent
instruments 139, 140, so that a heat insulating effect can be
expected. Particularly when the heat insulators 130 are interposed
between the instruments 139, 140 and the integrated piping plates
1A, 1B, the heat insulating effect becomes marked.
[0259] Also, a plurality of integrated piping plates 1 (1A, 1B,
etc.) are disposed on the same rest 32 with a heat insulating
spacing L, so that these integrated piping plates 1 (1A, 1B, etc.)
can ignore (prevent) thermal influence from each other. If a heat
insulator 145 is interposed between the integrated piping plates 1
(1A, 1B, etc.) and the rest 32, a heat insulating effect is further
enhanced.
[0260] Also, a heat shutoff groove 35 is provided between a high
temperature zone where high temperature instruments 33a, 33b, 33c
are disposed, and a low temperature zone where low temperature
instruments 34a, 34b are disposed, on the same integrated piping
plate 1. Thus, heat from the high temperature zone can be shut off
to avoid thermal influence on the low temperature zone.
Furthermore, a heat insulator is filled into the heat shutoff
groove 35, or a refrigerant, such as air or water, is flowed into
the heat shutoff groove 35, whereby the heat shutoff effect becomes
very high.
[0261] Also, instead of forming the corrosion-proof layer in the
groove 8, corrosion resistant piping 151 is accommodated in the
groove 8, and a corrosive fluid is flowed through the corrosion
resistant piping 151. By so doing, even if the grooves 8 (channels)
are numerous and complicated, corrosion resistance to the corrosive
fluid can be easily ensured, without need for an advanced machining
technology. Moreover, it is possible to select and use the
corrosion resistant piping 151 of a material adapted for the
properties of the corrosive fluid, so that the reliability of
corrosion resisting performance is increased. Furthermore,
treatment for corrosion resistance (channel formation using
corrosion resistant piping) can be restricted to the channels for
the corrosive fluid. Thus, machining man-hours are reduced, and the
integrated piping plate 1 can be provided for a low price. Besides,
when corrosion resisting performance declines because of secular
changes, corrosion resisting performance can be resumed simply by
replacing the corrosion resistant piping 151 accommodated in the
integrated piping plate 1, rather than replacing the integrated
piping plate 1. Thus, the cost of maintenance can be reduced.
[0262] Also, when a flexible material is used as the material for
the corrosion resistant piping 151, the corrosion resistant piping
151 can be inserted into the groove 8 after integration of the
integrated piping plate 1, or the corrosion resistant piping 151
can be replaced. Thus, operationability can be improved.
[0263] Also, the end portion of the corrosion resistant piping 151
is joined with the use of a bearer 152 having a through-hole 152b
having a conical surface 152c formed in an inner peripheral surface
thereof, and a top-shaped component 153 having a conical surface
153a formed in an outer peripheral surface thereof. By this
measure, an operation for joining the corrosion resistant piping
151 can be performed easily, and leakage of fluid can be prevented
reliably. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 28, a bearer 152 and a
plate 3 are integrally formed, or as shown in FIG. 29, an
instrument 191 or a component 192 and the top-shaped component 153
are integrally formed. By this measure, the number of components is
decreased, and the joining operation is facilitated. If the
corrosion resistant piping 151 of a highly rigid material is used,
or the path of piping is complicated, the efficiency of the joining
operating can be improved by dividing the bearer 152 into a
plurality of portions.
[0264] Also, there may be a case in which three or more plates 2,
3, 161 are joined to constitute a three-dimensional integrated
piping plate 1, and grooves 8 are formed in joining surfaces
between the plate 2 and the intermediate plate 161, in joining
surfaces between the plate 3 and the intermediate plate 161, and if
two or more of the intermediate plates 161 are provided, in joining
surfaces between the intermediate plate 161 and the intermediate
plate 161, whereby many grooves 8 are provided in agreement with
many instruments and components. Even in this case, the layout of
the grooves 8 is simplified, and the instruments and components can
be arranged compactly. In this three-dimensional integrated piping
plate 1, moreover, grooves 8 in a plurality of stages are allocated
to a high temperature zone and a low temperature zone, as
illustrated in FIGS. 38 and 39. Consequently, thermal influence
from each other can be eliminated.
[0265] In the above descriptions, stud bolts 6 are used as the
fixing bolts for the instrument and the component, but they are not
limitative, and ordinary bolts or through bolts may be used. In the
above examples, an O ring 13 is used to seal the instrument or
component, but it is not limitative, and a gasket or the like may
be used.
[0266] In the above descriptions, the fuel cell power generation
system is described, but it is not limitative. The present
invention is effective for various types of apparatus, such as a
fixed unit having piping and wiring built into the apparatus, e.g.,
pneumatic or hydraulic control device or combustion device for the
general industry, and for a unit integrated so as to be capable of
assembly and transportation.
[0267] In the above examples, integrated piping plates in various
configurations are described. These configurations may be combined,
where necessary. This is true of the integrated piping plates to be
described later on.
Embodiment 2
[0268] A machining method for an integrated piping plate 201
according to the present embodiment will be described based on
FIGS. 40A, 40B and 40C. As shown in FIGS. 40A, 40B and 40C, when a
plate 202 and a plate 203 are to be joined for integration, the
first step is to superpose the plate 202 and the plate 203. In the
plate 202, a groove 208 to serve as a channel for a fluid (liquid
or gas) has been machined. In the plate 203, communication holes
210 as a communication between the fluid channel groove 208 and
instruments or components constituting an apparatus, such as a fuel
cell power generation system, have been machined. In this
superposed state, a groove 221 to serve as a weld groove is
machined in the plate 203 so as to extend along the entire
periphery of the fluid channel groove 208. Then, this groove 221
for the weld groove is welded.
[0269] The fluid channel groove 208 is not restricted to a joining
surface 202a of the plate 202, but may be formed in a joining
surface 203b of the plate 203, and the communication holes 210 are
not restricted to the plate 203, but may be formed in the plate
202. The instrument and component are not restricted to a surface
203a of the plate 203, but may be formed on a surface 202b of the
plate 202, or may be formed on the surfaces 202b, 203a of both
plates 202, 203. That is, the instrument and component can be
provided on one of or both of the surfaces of the integrated piping
plate 201. Nor is the groove 221 for the weld groove restricted to
the plate 203, but the groove 221 may be formed in the plate
202.
[0270] FIGS. 40A, 40B and 40C show the state in course of
machining. In these drawings, (I) portion shows a portion in which
the groove 221 as the weld groove has been machined and welded,
whereby the plates 202 and 203 have been integrated. (II) portion
shows a portion in which the groove 221 as the weld groove has been
machined and is scheduled to be welded to integrate the plates 202
and 203. (III) portion shows a portion in which the groove 221 as
the weld groove is scheduled to be machined and welded to integrate
the plates 202 and 203. Actually, the shape of the fluid channel
groove 208 formed in the plate 202 is complicated, for example, as
shown in FIG. 21, but in FIGS. 40 to 44, is shown in a simplified
manner for convenience of explanation.
[0271] This machining method will be described in further detail.
The plate 203 having the communication holes 210 machined therein
is superposed on the plate 202 having the fluid channel groove 208
machined therein. Then, a weld groove machining tool 222 is moved
while tracing the outer periphery of the fluid channel groove 208,
as indicated by an arrow X in FIG. 40A, in accordance with
numerical control (tracer control) based on machining data
(numerical control data) on the fluid channel groove 208. By this
measure, the groove 221 for a weld groove is formed in the plate
202. That is, when the surroundings of the fluid channel groove 208
shown in FIG. 40B are to be welded, a weld line for extending along
the entire periphery of the fluid channel groove 208 is formed at a
suitable distance e from the fluid channel groove 208, as shown in
FIG. 40C, based on the machining data obtained when machining the
fluid channel groove 208 in the plate 202. The weld groove
machining tool 222 is run along this weld line to machine the
groove 221 for the weld groove.
[0272] After the groove 221 for the weld groove is formed, a
welding machine 223 is caused to move while tracing the outer
periphery of the fluid channel groove 208 (along the weld line), as
indicated by the arrow X in FIG. 40A, to weld the groove 221 for
the weld groove, thereby integrating the plate 202 and the plate
203. At this time, travel control of the welding machine 223
(control of the welding position) is performed in accordance with
numerical control (tracer control) based on machining data on the
fluid channel groove 208 (numerical control data), as in the case
of the weld groove machining tool 222, or based on machining data
on the weld groove machining tool 222 (numerical control data).
Weld groove machining and welding are performed continuously on one
station, as shown in FIGS. 40A and 40B. That is, welding is started
in succession to weld groove machining.
[0273] The reason for the initiation of welding in succession to
weld groove machining (the reason for start of welding before
completion of weld groove machining) is as follows: If weld groove
machining is completed before start of welding, an island-like
portion surrounded with the weld 221 for the weld groove, which has
been formed by the weld groove machining, becomes free, and this
portion cannot be held at a fixed position. The timing of starting
welding may be immediately after start of weld groove machining, or
may be a predetermined time after start of weld groove machining.
This timing can be set as desired.
[0274] FIGS. 40A, 40B and 40C show the state in which the groove
221 for the weld groove has been welded up to the surface 203a of
the plate 203. However, this mode is not limitative, but welding
may be kept within the leg length which enables the joining of the
plates 202 and 203 to be maintained. As the method of welding for
the groove 221 for weld groove, MIG welding (metal inert gas sealed
welding) or TIG welding (tungsten inert gas sealed welding) is
suitable, but other welding method may be used.
[0275] According to the machining method of the present embodiment,
joining surfaces 202a, 203b of the plates 202, 203 are welded so as
to extend along the entire periphery of the fluid channel groove
208, whereby the plates 202 and 203 are welded. This type of
welding, compared with joining of the plates 202 and 203 by an
adhesive, increases the durability of the plate joining portion,
and constructs a firm weld structure, thus increasing pressure
resistance. Also, the coupling bolts for the plates 202, 203 become
unnecessary, so that the entire integrated piping plate can be
further downsized. Furthermore, this machining method facilitates
the line operation of joining procedure, and thus increases the
work efficiency, contributing to a low cost.
[0276] The welding of the joining surfaces 202a, 203a of the plates
202, 203 so as to extend along the entire periphery of the fluid
channel groove 208 is not restricted to welding so as to extend
along the entire periphery of each fluid channel groove 208 as
shown in FIG. 41A, but includes sharing of one weld line 250 (weld
line sharing portion 250a) between the adjacent grooves 208 for
weld grooves as shown in FIGS. 41B and 41C. In FIGS. 41B and 41C,
the adjacent fluid channel grooves 208 are close to each other with
a narrow gap d. For these fluid channel grooves 208, therefore,
only one weld line 250 (weld line sharing portion 250a) extending
along the entire periphery of one of the fluid channel grooves 208
is formed, and this weld line sharing portion 250a is shared with
the weld line 250 extending along the entire periphery of the other
fluid channel groove 208. Of course, the formation of the groove
221 for weld groove so as to extend along the entire periphery of
the fluid channel groove 208 is not restricted to forming the
groove 221 for weld groove so as to extend along the entire
periphery of each fluid channel groove 208 as shown in FIG. 41A,
but includes sharing of one groove 221 for weld groove (portion
221a which shares the groove for weld groove) between the adjacent
fluid channel grooves 208 as shown in FIGS. 41B and 41C.
[0277] Other machining method for an integrated piping plate 201
will be described based on FIGS. 42A, 42B and 42C. FIGS. 42A, 42B
and 42C show a method for integrating a plate 202 and a plate 203
by use of friction stir welding (hereinafter referred to as FSW), a
welding technique rendered publicly known by patent gazettes
(Japanese Patent Nos. 2792233 and 2712838).
[0278] As shown in FIG. 42A, the plate 203 having communication
holes 210 machined therein is superposed on the plate 202 having a
fluid channel groove 208 machined therein. Then, as shown in FIG.
42B, the surroundings of the fluid channel groove 208 of the plate
202 are welded. That is, as shown in FIG. 42C, joining surfaces
202a, 203b of the plates 202, 203 are welded so as to extend along
the entire periphery of the fluid channel groove 208 at a suitable
distance f from the fluid channel groove 208 to weld the plate 202
and the plate 203. This mode is the same as in the machining method
shown in FIGS. 40A, 40B and 40C, and so detailed explanations for
it are omitted. The differences from the machining method shown in
FIGS. 40A, 40B and 40C will be described in detail below.
[0279] With the machining method shown in FIGS. 42A, 42B and 42C,
machining of the groove for weld groove is not performed. First, a
tip tool 225a of an FSW welding machine 225 for FSW welding is
located at a start point at which the welding is started. Its
rotation is started, and an axial pressure is applied to it to
insert the tip tool 225a into the plate 203 up to a position in a
height direction which is suitable for integration. By starting the
rotation of the tip tool 225a, frictional heat is generated. Also,
the tip tool 225a is moved while tracing the outer periphery of the
fluid channel groove 208 as shown by an arrow Y in FIG. 42A to weld
the joining surfaces 202a, 203b of the plates 202, 203 so as to
extend along the entire periphery of the fluid channel groove 208.
At this time, travel control of the FSW welding machine 225
(control of the welding position) is performed in accordance with
numerical control (tracer control) based on machining data on the
fluid channel groove 208 (numerical control data), like travel
control of the welding machine 223.
[0280] FIGS. 42A, 42B and 42C show the state in course of
machining. In these drawings, (I) portion shows a portion in which
the plates 202 and 203 have been integrated by welding. (II)
portion shows a portion in which welding is scheduled to be
performed to integrate the plates 202 and 203.
[0281] The insertion of the tip tool 225a into the plate 203 can be
facilitated by machining beforehand a hole for insertion of the tip
tool 225a at the position of the start point of FSW welding.
However, this hole is not a prerequisite. The insertion is not
restricted to the plate 203, but the tip tool 225a may be inserted
into the plate 202, and welding may be performed at the plate
202.
[0282] According to the machining method of the present embodiment,
the joining surfaces 202a, 203b of the plates 202, 203 are welded
so as to extend along the entire periphery of the fluid channel
groove 208 (of course, the welding is not restricted to welding so
as to extend along the entire periphery of each fluid channel
groove 208, but includes sharing of one weld line (weld line
sharing portion) between the adjacent grooves 208 for weld
grooves), whereby the plates 202 and 203 are joined. This type of
welding, compared with joining of the plates by an adhesive,
increases the durability of the plate joining portion, and
constructs a firm weld structure, thus increasing pressure
resistance. Also, the coupling bolts for the plates 202, 203 become
unnecessary, so that the entire integrated piping plate can be
further downsized. Furthermore, this machining method facilitates
the line operation of joining procedure, and thus increases the
work efficiency, contributing to a low cost. Besides, the adoption
of FSW welding makes it unnecessary to machine a groove for a weld
groove, and thus can achieve an even lower cost.
[0283] A description is given of a machining line for implementing
the machining method for an integrated piping plate shown in FIGS.
40A, 40B and 40C. As shown in FIGS. 43A and 43B, the machining line
(machining equipment) for an integrated piping plate comprises a
plate supply device 231, a groove machining device 232, a weld
groove machining tool 222, and a welding machine 223 arranged in a
row in the direction of an arrow K1 in the drawing, and also has a
plate supply device 234 placed laterally of the weld groove
machining tool 222 in a direction (direction of an arrow L1)
perpendicular to the direction of the arrow K1. The weld groove
machining tool 222 and the welding machine 223 are provided in the
same step.
[0284] A plurality of plates 202 piled on the plate supply device
231 are in a wait state. These plates 202 are fed, one by one, in
the direction of arrow K1 by the plate supply device 231, as
desired, and transported to the groove machining device 232 in the
following step. The plate 202 on standby in the plate supply device
231 is provided beforehand with a machining reference surface 235,
or a machining reference point 236, or the machining reference
surface 235 and the machining reference point 236, any of which has
been machined in the plate 202.
[0285] In the groove machining device 232, the fluid channel groove
208 is machined in the plate 202, which has been fed from the plate
supply device 231, by numerical control based on the machining
reference surface 235, or machining reference point 236, or
machining reference surface 235 and machining reference point 236.
In providing the communication holes 210 as well in the plate 202,
the communication holes 210 may be machined in the plate 202 by the
groove machining device 232. As the groove machining device 232, a
milling device, a laser cutting device, or an end mill device is
used. In FIGS. 43A and 43B, one groove machining device 232
machines the fluid channel groove 208 and/or communication holes
210 in one step. Depending on the volume of machining, however, it
is preferred that a plurality of the groove machining devices 232
are provided, and the fluid channel grooves 208 and communication
holes 210 are machined in a plurality of steps.
[0286] The plate 202 having the fluid channel groove 208 and/or
communication holes 210 machined therein is fed from the groove
machining device 232 in the direction of arrow K1, and supplied to
a subsequent step where the weld groove machining tool 222 and the
welding machine 223 are disposed. The plate 202, in which the fluid
channel groove 208 and communication holes 210 have been machined
by the groove machining device provided at a site other than that
on the machining line shown in FIGS. 43A and 43B, may be fed from
the plate supply device 231 to the step where the weld groove
machining tool 222 and the welding machine 223 are disposed. In
this manner, the groove machining device 232 may be omitted from
the machining line shown in FIGS. 43A and 43B.
[0287] A plurality of plates 203 are piled in a wait state in the
plate supply device 234. These plates 203 on standby in the plate
supply device 234 are also provided beforehand with a machining
reference surface 237, or a machining reference point 238, or the
machining reference surface 237 and the machining reference point
238 which has or have been machined. In the plate 203,
communication holes 210 are machined beforehand. When the plate 202
is supplied from the groove machining device 232 (plate supply
device 231 if the groove machining device 232 is omitted) to the
step where the weld groove machining tool 222 and the welding
machine 223 are disposed, the plate supply device 234 also feeds
the plate 203 in the direction of arrow L1 into this step.
[0288] In forming the fluid channel groove 208 in the joining
surface 203b of the plate 203, the groove machining device for
forming the fluid channel groove 208 may be provided between the
step where the plate supply device 234 is disposed, and the step
where the weld groove machining tool 222 and the welding machine
223 are disposed. Moreover, the communication holes 210 may also be
formed by this groove machining device.
[0289] In the step where the weld groove machining tool 222 and the
welding machine 223 are disposed, the plate 203 supplied from one
direction is superposed on the plate 202 supplied from another
direction, with the machining reference surfaces 235 and 237 in
alignment, to fix the positional relationship between the plates
202 and 203. Then, the joining method explained based on FIGS. 40A,
40B and 40C is performed. That is, machining of the groove 221 for
weld groove is started by the weld groove machining tool 222.
Successively, welding of the groove 221 for weld groove is started
by the welding machine 223 to weld the joining surfaces 202a, 203b
of the plates 202, 203 so as to extend along the entire periphery
of the fluid channel groove 208. As the weld groove machining
device 222, a milling device, a laser cutting device, or an end
mill device is used. As the welding machine 223, an MIG welding
machine or a TIG welding machine is used.
[0290] The plate supply device 231, groove machining device 232,
weld groove machining tool 222, welding machine 223, and plate
supply device 234 are adapted to be controlled by control panels,
i.e., a plate supply device control panel 242, a groove machining
device control panel 243, a weld groove machining tool control
panel 244, a welding machine control panel 245, and a plate supply
device control panel 246, in accordance with instructions from a
central control panel 241. That is, these control panels 242, 243,
244, 245 and 246 perform machining of the plate 202 or plate 203
and tracer control for position, by commands from the central
control panel 241, based on the machining reference surface 235 or
machining reference point 236 or machining reference surface 235
and machining reference point 236 provided in the plate 202, or
based on the machining reference surface 237 or machining reference
point 238 or machining reference surface 237 and machining
reference point 238 provided in the plate 203.
[0291] According to the machining line of the present embodiment,
coherent machining of the plates 202, 203 constituting the
integrated piping plate 1 can be easily performed, thus
contributing to low-cost equipment.
[0292] Next, a machining line for implementing the machining method
for an integrated piping plate shown in FIGS. 42A, 42B and 42C will
be explained based on FIGS. 44A and 44B.
[0293] The difference of the machining line in FIGS. 44A and 44B
from the machining line in FIGS. 43A and 43B is that an FSW welding
machine 225 and an FSW welding machine control panel 246 shown in
FIGS. 44A and 44B are installed instead of the weld groove
machining tool 222, welding machine 223, weld groove machining tool
control panel 244 and welding machine control panel 245 shown in
FIGS. 43A and 43B. Thus, this difference is described, and other
features are not described.
[0294] As shown in FIGS. 44A and 44B, when the plate 202 is
supplied from the groove machining device 232 (plate supply device
231 if the groove machining device 232 is omitted) to the FSW
welding machine 225, the plate supply device 234 also feeds the
plate 203 to the FSW welding machine 225.
[0295] In the FSW welding machine 225, the plate 203 supplied from
one direction is superposed on the plate 202 supplied from another
direction, with the machining reference surfaces 235 and 237 in
alignment, to fix the positional relationship between the plates
202 and 203. Then, the joining method explained based on FIGS. 42A,
42B and 42C is performed. That is, the joining surfaces 202a, 203b
of the plates 202, 203 are welded by the tip tool 225a of the FSW
welding machine 225 so as to extend along the entire periphery of
the fluid channel groove 208.
[0296] The plate supply device 231, groove machining device 232,
FSW welding machine 225, and plate supply device 234 are adapted to
be controlled by control panels, i.e., a plate supply device
control panel 242, a groove machining device control panel 243, an
FSW welding machine control panel 247, and a plate supply device
control panel 246, in accordance with instructions from a central
control panel 248. That is, these control panels 242, 243, 247 and
246 perform machining of the plate 202 or plate 203 and tracer
control for position, by commands from the central control panel
248, based on the machining reference surface 235 or machining
reference point 236 or machining reference surface 235 and
machining reference point 236 provided in the plate 202, or based
on the machining reference surface 237 or machining reference point
238 or machining reference surface 237 and machining reference
point 238 provided in the plate 203.
[0297] According to the machining line of the present embodiment,
coherent machining of the plates 202, 203 constituting the
integrated piping plate 201 can be easily performed, thus
contributing to the cost reduction of the equipment. Furthermore,
the adoption of the FSW welding machine 225 makes machining of the
groove for weld groove unnecessary, and thus can achieve a further
cost reduction.
[0298] The machining method (joining method) of the present
invention is not necessarily restricted to joining of the two
plates 202 and 203, but is applicable to joining of three or more
plates. To join three plates, for example, the first plate and the
second plate may be joined by the machining method (joining method)
of the present invention, and then the second plate and the third
plate may be joined thereby.
[0299] Also, the present invention can be applied not only to
machining of the integrated piping plate for use in a fuel cell
power generation system, but also to machining of the integrated
piping plate for use in various devices.
Embodiment 3
[0300] FIG. 45A shows a plate 302 produced by forming depressions
(hereinafter referred to as grooves 301) of predetermined shapes,
which serve as fluid channels, as a result of press working of an
aluminum plate or an aluminum alloy plate.
[0301] Press working is performed by plastic working a metal plate
of a highly plastic metallic material under pressure with the use
of a mold having an arbitrary shape. This is a machining technique
with dimensional accuracy and excellent volume productivity. This
technique can select a corrosion resistant material as an object to
be machined.
[0302] FIG. 45B is a cross sectional view taken on line A1-A1 of
the plate 302 in FIG. 45A.
[0303] As shown in FIG. 45B, the cross sectional shape of the
groove 301 is a rectangular depression having a suitable width L2
and a suitable depth H2. For easy press working, a corner 301a has
suitable roundness R, and a side wall portion 301b of the groove
301 is suitably inclined.
[0304] To maintain the flow velocity of a fluid, flowing through
the groove 301, at a predetermined value, it is necessary to vary
the sectional area of the groove 301 according to each groove 301.
In doing so, it is advantageous in terms of assembly to keep the
depth H2 of the groove 301 constant and vary its width L2, where
necessary, thereby ensuring a predetermined sectional area.
[0305] Since a corner 301c at the bottom of the groove 301 has
suitable roundness R, it is possible to minimize the difference in
flow velocity between the center of the fluid and the periphery of
the fluid in contact with the corner 301c of the groove 301, thus
decreasing stagnation of the fluid.
[0306] FIG. 45C is a cross sectional view taken on line A1-A1 of
the plate 302 in FIG. 45A, which represents another example. As
shown in FIG. 45C, the cross sectional shape of the groove 301 is
an arc-shaped groove in which the bottom of the groove 301 has a
suitable radius R1.
[0307] The features and functions of this arced groove are the same
as the rectangular groove 301 explained in FIG. 45B. For easy press
working, a corner 301d of the arcuate groove has suitable roundness
R, and the sectional area of the groove 301 is varied according to
each groove 301 so that the flow velocity of a fluid, flowing
through the groove 301, is kept at a predetermined value.
[0308] Since the groove 301 is an arcuate groove having the radius
R1 at the bottom, it is possible to minimize the difference in flow
velocity between the center of the fluid and the periphery of the
fluid in contact with the groove 301, thus decreasing stagnation of
the fluid.
[0309] FIGS. 45A, 45B and 45C show the examples produced by press
working. However, the manufacturing method for the plate 302 having
the grooves for fluid channels is not restricted to press working,
but may be shaping by precision casting. This machining method can
prepare a casting with material uniformity and high dimensional
accuracy, i.e., a plate having grooves for fluid channels, by
forming a mold and pouring an arbitrary alloy or the like into the
mold. With precision casting, unlike press working, a material
other than a highly plastic material, such as aluminum, can be
selected as a material for the plate, and like press working, a
corrosion resistant material can also be selected. Also, a plate of
a complicated shape can be formed using a mold, and its surface can
be smoothed as in press working. Thus, it is possible to form
grooves, without increasing excess resistance (conductance) in the
grooves for flow of fluids. Even according to this method, grooves
as in FIGS. 45B and 45C can be formed.
[0310] Welding of the plates is performed by superposing the plate
303 having communication holes 311 machined therein onto the plate
302 having fluid channel grooves 301 formed therein, machining
grooves for weld grooves in the plate 303 at suitable distances
from the fluid channel grooves 301 so as to extend along the entire
peripheries of the fluid channel grooves 301, and then welding the
grooves for weld grooves by electromagnetic force-controlled hybrid
welding or the like, with the plates being gripped at a strong
pressure. As a result, the plates are welded, and the fluids
flowing through the fluid channel grooves can be sealed up reliably
at the sites of the grooves for weld grooves. The welding method
for the grooves as weld grooves may be MIG welding, TIG welding, or
other welding method.
[0311] FIGS. 46A, 46B and 46C show another example of the joining
method for an integrated piping plate according to the present
invention. A method for joining a plate 302 and a plate 303 by
friction stir welding to integrate them is shown below.
[0312] As stated earlier, friction stir welding (FSW method) is a
welding method rendered publicly known by Japanese Patent No.
2792233 and so on. The FSW method uses a material, which is harder
than a base material to be joined, as a probe (tip tool 308a in
FIG. 46B), presses the probe against the base material to be
joined, periodically moves the probe in circular motions, etc.
relative to the base material to generate frictional heat. As a
result, the base material is fused to create a plastic region. The
plastic region is fused and solidified together with another base
material to be joined, whereby both base materials are welded.
[0313] The FSW method, unlike other welding method, can weld base
materials, without necessarily requiring a groove for weld groove
during welding. Thus, the FSW method is suitable for an efficient
machining operation. Apparatus involved in the FSW method does not
need a great input power, but is capable of welding with a high
efficiency. Thus, this method is economical, and can contribute to
cost reduction. The method is also easy to control, and has high
positional accuracy, so that it is suitable for automation and
volume production.
[0314] According to the FSW method, as shown in FIGS. 46A and 46B,
the plate 303 having communication holes 311 machined therein is
superposed on the plate 302 having a groove 301 machined therein.
Then, as shown in FIG. 46C, the surroundings of the groove 301 of
the plate 302 are welded at a position separated by a suitable
distance f so as to extend along the entire periphery of the groove
301 to perform welding.
[0315] Concretely, a tip tool 308a of a welding machine 308 for the
FSW method is set at a start point at which the welding is started.
Starting at this point, the tip tool 308a is rotated to generate
frictional heat, and fuse the plate 303. During this course, the
tip tool 308a is inserted under pressure to a predetermined depth.
A fusion zone of the plate 303 undergoes fusion and solidification
together with the plate 302, whereby the plate 302 and the plate
303 are welded and integrated.
[0316] In FIG. 46A, a region indicated by arrows in {circle around
(1)} shows a portion of the plate 303 integrated by the FSW
welding, and a region indicated by arrows in {circle around (2)}
shows a portion of the plate 303 before being integrated by
welding. {circle around (3)} shows a portion of the plates 302 and
303 fused and solidified as a result of the FSW method.
[0317] As shown in FIG. 47C to be described later on, joining may
be performed by the FSW method applied in the plate 302.
[0318] FIGS. 47A, 47B, 47C and 47D show an example of an integrated
piping plate according to the present invention.
[0319] FIG. 47A shows a side view of an integrated piping plate
304, which comprises a plate 302 and a plate 303 joined by FSW
welding. A bracket of an instrument 305 and a component 305a itself
located on the plate 303 are fixed by stud bolts 306 implanted in
the plate 303 and nuts 307 via sealing materials 310, such as O
rings. The instrument 305 and component 305a fixed on the plate 303
communicate with each other by a groove 301 having a suitable
sectional area through communication holes 311, thus being capable
of flowing a high temperature, high pressure fluid.
[0320] FIG. 47B shows joining by FSW welding to the plate 302
applied from the plate 303, while FIG. 47C shows joining by FSW
welding to the plate 303 applied from the plate 302. Since FSW
welding does not require a groove for a weld groove, the degree of
freedom during machining is high as shown in these drawings. FIG.
47D shows, in a plan view, that the instrument 305 and the
component 305a are connected by the groove 301 through the
communication holes 311.
[0321] FIGS. 48A and 48B show an example of an integrated piping
plate in a three-dimensional configuration.
[0322] FIG. 48A is a side view of an example of the integrated
piping plate according to the present invention constituted in a
three-dimensional configuration. Two integrated piping plates 304
and 304' are mounted to each other in a vertically opposed manner,
and end portions of plates 302 and 302' are sealed by bolts 312 and
nuts 313 via sealing materials to constitute the three-dimensional
integrated piping plate. Not only are the integrated piping plates
made three-dimensional in a vertically opposed manner as in the
present structure, but can the integrated piping plates be located,
for example, in a perpendicular relationship to form the
three-dimensional integrated piping plate. By so doing, the space
can be used without waste, thus resulting in a very compact
configuration. Furthermore, a refrigerant, such as air, is flowed
through a space Q formed by the plates 302 and 302' of the upper
and lower integrated piping plates 304 and 304', whereby a high
temperature fluid flowing through a groove 301 can be cooled. In
this case, the plates 302, 302' do not have an excess portion
acting as a heat storage portion, because the plates 302, 302' are
shaped by press working or precision casting. Moreover, the surface
area for the refrigerant is so wide that cooling can take plate
with high efficiency.
[0323] Joining of the opposed plates 302 and 302' of the integrated
piping plates 304 and 304' may be performed by the FSW method as
shown in FIG. 48B, as well as by the use of the bolts 312 and nuts
313.
[0324] Next, a fuel cell power generation system will be described
as an example of application of the integrated piping plate for use
in a fixed unit incorporating piping and wiring into an apparatus,
and a transportable integrated unit.
[0325] FIG. 49 shows an example of a system diagram of an ordinary
fuel cell power generation system. As shown in FIG. 49, a liquid
fuel 441a, such as methanol, is vaporized by a carburetor 442 with
the use of waste heat or the like of a reformer 449, and heated by
a heat exchanger 443. Then, the vapor is introduced into a
desulfurization device 444 together with part of a hydrogen-rich
gas from a CO converter 446 to have its sulfur content removed. A
gaseous fuel 441b, such as natural gas, on the other hand, bypasses
the carburetor 442, and is directly supplied to the heat exchanger
443. If a fuel with a low sulfur content is used, the
desulfurization device 444 may be omitted.
[0326] The fuel gas, which has been desulfurized, is heated by a
heat exchanger 448 together with steam 447 generated by a steam
separator 445, and is then fed to the reformer 449. In the reformer
449, the fuel gas is reformed to generate a reformed gas rich in
hydrogen. The reformed gas from the reformer 449 is cooled by a
heat exchanger 450, and then carbon monoxide in the reformed gas is
converted to carbon dioxide in the CO converter 446.
[0327] The reformed gas from the CO converter 446 is further cooled
by a heat exchanger 451, and then introduced into a condenser 452,
where unreacted steam is removed by condensation. Condensate
separated from the condenser 452 is sent to the steam separator
445, and fed again as steam 447 to the reformer 449. The reformed
gas departing from the condenser 452 is heated by a heat exchanger
453, and then fed to a fuel cell body 454, where hydrogen in the
reformed gas is used for a cell reaction.
[0328] Air 458 supplied as an oxidizing agent is heated in a heat
exchanger 459, and introduced into the fuel cell body 454, where
oxygen in the air 458 is used in the cell reaction.
[0329] An exhaust gas from the fuel cell body 454 is heated in a
heat exchanger 460, and brought into a condenser 461, where water
formed is removed upon condensation, and discharged to the outside
of the system. The resulting water is also fed to the steam
separator 445, where it is used as steam 447. Since the cell
reaction in the fuel cell body 454 is an exothermic reaction, the
fuel cell body 454 and peripheral devices are generally provided
with a cooling device 462 using water or air as a refrigerant.
[0330] Another exhaust gas containing unreacted hydrogen from the
fuel cell body 454 passes through a splitting machine 472, and is
used, together with external air 468, as a heating fuel 467 for the
reformer 449 performing an endothermic reaction. The remaining
exhaust gas is treated with a burner 473, and then discharged. If
the heating fuel 467 is insufficient at this time, part of an
outlet gas from the desulfurization device 444 is used as an
auxiliary fuel 476. A combustion exhaust gas from the reformer 449
is partly used as a heat source for the carburetor 442. The
remainder is cooled in a heat exchanger 474, then fed to a
condenser 475, and released into the atmosphere after separation of
the resulting water. The resulting water is returned to the steam
separator 445.
[0331] Next, an outline of control in the fuel cell power
generation system will be described. First, the flow rate of the
reformed gas to be fed to the fuel cell body 454 is controlled by
detecting a load current to a load 466 by an ammeter I, sending its
signals to a control device 469, and opening or closing a flow
control valve 470a or 470b based on signals from the control device
469. The amount of supply of steam 447 necessary for reforming of
the fuel gas is controlled by detecting the flow rate of the fuel
gas by a flow meter 477, and opening or closing a steam flow
control valve 471 based on signals from the control device 469. The
temperature inside the reformer 449 is constantly monitored by a
temperature sensor T, and controlled by flow control valves 470a,
470b for fuels 441a, 441b.
[0332] As described above, various instruments, components, wiring
and control instruments are disposed in the fuel cell power
generation system. Large piping and small piping are provided
complicatedly so that fluids or gases with various properties,
temperatures and pressures flow among these devices. Particularly
in a transportable, integrated system for loading on a vehicle,
efforts have been made to arrange numerous instruments and pipe
lines at a high density in a narrow space for downsizing. The
integrated piping plate is applied as means for this purpose. In
fuel supply facilities of the fuel cell power generation system
shown in FIG. 49, piping for fuel supply is the groove 301 in the
plate 302, and the flow control valves 470a, 470b and flow meter
477 for flow rate control are disposed on the plate 303. These
measures can result in an integrated piping plate for controlling
the flow rate of fuel flowing through the groove 301.
[0333] In the above examples, the fuel cell power generation system
has been illustrated. However, the present invention can be applied
not only to an integrated piping plate for use in the fuel cell
power generation system, but also to an integrated piping plate for
use in various apparatuses.
[0334] While the present invention has been described by the
present embodiment, it is to be understood that the invention is
not limited thereto, but may be varied in many other ways. Such
variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit
and scope of the invention, and all such modifications as would be
obvious to one skilled in the art are intended to be included
within the scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *