Patents by Inventor Teruyuki Ohtani

Teruyuki Ohtani has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 9647278
    Abstract: To provide a metal separator for fuel cells that can equalize the wet environment of a membrane electrode assembly and a manufacturing method thereof. A metal separator for fuel cells and a manufacturing method thereof are characterized in that, a first separator (14) made of metal, which is layered in a membrane electrode assembly (12) to which a pair of electrodes is provided on both sides of a solid polymer electrolyte membrane (120), is formed into a corrugated sheet shape having convex parts and concaved parts, a noble metal thin film (147) is formed on a convex part (145) of the first separator (14), and holes (148) through which the first separator (14) is exposed are formed in the noble metal thin film (147).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Teruyuki Ohtani, Masao Utsunomiya, Natsuki Anzai
  • Patent number: 9559376
    Abstract: Disclosed is a fuel cell in which an electrolyte membrane-electrode structure is held between the first separator and a second separator. The electrolyte membrane-electrode structure comprises a solid polymer electrolyte membrane, a cathode-side electrode and an anode-side electrode. An end portion of the solid polymer electrolyte membrane projects outwardly beyond end portions of gas diffusion layers, and the both surfaces of the end portion of the solid polymer electrolyte membrane are held between the first protective film and a second protective film. The thickness of the first protective film is set to be thinner than the thickness of the second protective film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaru Oda, Teruyuki Ohtani, Seiji Sugiura, Kenichi Tanaka, Hiroshi Sohma
  • Patent number: 8980501
    Abstract: A first metal separator and an electrolyte electrode assembly are stacked in a fuel cell. The first metal separator comprises a convex portion that abuts against the electrolyte electrode assembly, and a concave portion forming an oxygen-containing gas flow channel between the electrolyte electrode assembly and the concave portion. A gold coating layer is formed on the convex portion. The gold coating layer includes a main gold coating portion and a reticulate gold coating portion that extends around the main gold coating portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masao Utsunomiya, Teruyuki Ohtani, Toshiki Kawamura
  • Publication number: 20130288161
    Abstract: To provide a metal separator for fuel cells that can equalize the wet environment of a membrane electrode assembly and a manufacturing method thereof. A metal separator for fuel cells and a manufacturing method thereof are characterized in that, a first separator (14) made of metal, which is layered in a membrane electrode assembly (12) to which a pair of electrodes is provided on both sides of a solid polymer electrolyte membrane (120), is formed into a corrugated sheet shape having convex parts and concaved parts, a noble metal thin film (147) is formed on a convex part (145) of the first separator (14), and holes (148) through which the first separator (14) is exposed are formed in the noble metal thin film (147).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Inventors: Teruyuki OHTANI, Masao UTSUNOMIYA, Natsuki ANZAI
  • Patent number: 8313680
    Abstract: A first separator to which a resin film is joined beforehand is set in a cavity formed between a lower die and an upper die of an injection molding machine. At the time of die locking by moving the upper die toward the lower die, in the case where the total thickness of the resin film and the first separator is larger than a predetermined dimension, the resin film is pressed by the lower die or the upper die, and thus, the resin film is deformed by compression within its elastic deformation range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takaaki Mitsuoka, Akihiro Nonogaki, Tetsuhiro Takehara, Masaru Oda, Seiji Sugiura, Teruyuki Ohtani, Keisuke Ando
  • Publication number: 20120282539
    Abstract: Disclosed is a fuel cell in which an electrolyte membrane-electrode structure is held between the first separator and a second separator. The electrolyte membrane-electrode structure comprises a solid polymer electrolyte membrane, a cathode-side electrode and an anode-side electrode. An end portion of the solid polymer electrolyte membrane projects outwardly beyond end portions of gas diffusion layers, and the both surfaces of the end portion of the solid polymer electrolyte membrane are held between the first protective film and a second protective film. The thickness of the first protective film is set to be thinner than the thickness of the second protective film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2011
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masaru Oda, Teruyuki Ohtani, Seiji Sugiura, Kenichi Tanaka, Hiroshi Sohma
  • Publication number: 20120258383
    Abstract: A first metal separator and an electrolyte electrode assembly are stacked in a fuel cell. The first metal separator comprises a convex portion that abuts against the electrolyte electrode assembly, and a concave portion forming an oxygen-containing gas flow channel between the electrolyte electrode assembly and the concave portion. A gold coating layer is formed on the convex portion. The gold coating layer includes a main gold coating portion and a reticulate gold coating portion that extends around the main gold coating portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2012
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masao UTSUNOMIYA, Teruyuki OHTANI, Toshiki KAWAMURA
  • Patent number: 8197984
    Abstract: A fuel cell stack includes a box-shaped casing and a stack body in the box-shaped casing. The stack body is formed by stacking a plurality of unit cells. The casing includes end plates, a plurality of side plates, angle members, and coupling pins. The angle members couple adjacent ends of the side plates. The coupling pins couple the end plates and the side plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Narutoshi Sugita, Takashi Kosaka, Ayumu Ishizuka, Ken Takahashi, Hiroshi Morikawa, Teruyuki Ohtani
  • Patent number: 8153288
    Abstract: A fuel cell is formed by stacking a membrane electrode assembly and separators alternately. Each of the separators includes first and second metal plates. A coolant flow field is formed between the first metal plate of the fuel cell and the second metal plate of the adjacent fuel cell. A folded section is provided around a coolant supply passage by folding the second metal plate. The folded section forms an inlet which enlarges the sectional area of an opening as a fluid passage between the coolant supply passage and the coolant flow field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Narutoshi Sugita, Teruyuki Ohtani, Shuhei Goto, Yosuke Fujii
  • Patent number: 8110316
    Abstract: A first metal separator of one of adjacent power generation cells and a second metal separator of the other of the adjacent power generation cells are directly stacked together to form a coolant flow field. The first metal separator has a press line protruding toward the coolant flow field, between a fuel gas flow field and an inlet buffer. The second metal separator has a press line protruding toward the coolant flow field, between an oxygen-containing gas flow field and an inlet buffer. The press lines contact each other to limit flow of the coolant into a back surface buffer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaru Oda, Takashi Kosaka, Norimasa Kawagoe, Teruyuki Ohtani, Narutoshi Sugita, Masaaki Sakano, Masahiro Mohri
  • Publication number: 20110033783
    Abstract: The present invention provides a metallic separator for fuel cells capable of suppressing dropping out of conductive inclusions due to gaps formed at the interface of a base material and the conductive inclusions due to press-forming, thereby decreasing the contact resistance and enhancing the power generation performance, and also provides a method for producing the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2010
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Applicant: HONDA GIKEN KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Teruyuki OHTANI, Makoto Tsuji, Masao Utsunomiya
  • Patent number: 7883814
    Abstract: A first metal separator of a fuel cell comprises a metal plate, and a first seal member is formed integrally on both surfaces of an outer edge of the metal plate. A first rib having a frame shape is provided around an oxygen-containing gas supply passage or the like of the metal plate. The first rib has a rib surface spaced away from an inner end surface of the metal plate around the oxygen-containing gas supply passage or the like, toward the oxygen-containing gas supply passage or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Watanabe, Masaaki Sakano, Shuji Sato, Shigeru Inai, Teruyuki Ohtani, Ken Takahashi
  • Patent number: 7838171
    Abstract: The present invention provides a metallic separator for fuel cells capable of suppressing dropping out of conductive inclusions due to gaps formed at the interface of a base material and the conductive inclusions due to press-forming, thereby decreasing the contact resistance and enhancing the power generation performance, and also provides a method for producing the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Teruyuki Ohtani, Makoto Tsuji, Masao Utsunomiya
  • Publication number: 20100203425
    Abstract: A first separator to which a resin film is joined beforehand is set in a cavity formed between a lower die and an upper die of an injection molding machine. At the time of die locking by moving the upper die toward the lower die, in the case where the total thickness of the resin film and the first separator is larger than a predetermined dimension, the resin film is pressed by the lower die or the upper die, and thus, the resin film is deformed by compression within its elastic deformation range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takaaki Mitsuoka, Akihiro Nonogaki, Tetsuhiro Takehara, Masaru Oda, Seiji Sugiura, Teruyuki Ohtani, Keisuke Ando
  • Patent number: 7507490
    Abstract: A metallic separator in which falling off of the conductive inclusions projecting from a matrix surface is prevented, whereby the contact resistance is decreased, resulting in increasing the characteristics for generation of electrical energy. A metallic separator for a fuel cell comprises conductive inclusions in a metal structure, and the conductive inclusions project from a surface of a matrix to a height of 1 to 3 micrometers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Teruyuki Ohtani, Makoto Tsuji, Masao Utsunomiya, Koji Kotani
  • Publication number: 20080292937
    Abstract: A metallic separator according to a first embodiment is formed by obtaining a blank by rolling a metallic material having conductive inclusions, and removing a surface of the blank by 2% or more of the thickness of the blank. A metallic separator according to a second embodiment is formed by pressing a metallic plate so as to have a cross section including ridges and grooves alternatively, and removing parts of the ridged portions so as to make flattened surfaces. A metallic separator having conductive inclusions in its metal texture according to a third embodiment is formed by blasting a liquid containing two or more kinds of abrasives having different particle diameters to a blank after it has been rolled. A metallic separator having conductive inclusion in its metal texture according to a fourth embodiment is formed by blasting a passivation treatment liquid mixed with abrasives to the separator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2007
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Applicants: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Teruyuki OHTANI, Makoto Tsuji, Masao Utsunomiya, Koji Kotani
  • Publication number: 20080292930
    Abstract: A first metal separator of one of adjacent power generation cells and a second metal separator of the other of the adjacent power generation cells are directly stacked together to form a coolant flow field. The first metal separator has a press line protruding toward the coolant flow field, between a fuel gas flow field and an inlet buffer. The second metal separator has a press line protruding toward the coolant flow field, between an oxygen-containing gas flow field and an inlet buffer. The press lines contact each other to limit flow of the coolant into a back surface buffer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2008
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Applicant: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaru Oda, Takashi Kosaka, Norimasa Kawagoe, Teruyuki Ohtani, Narutoshi Sugita, Masaaki Sakano, Masahiro Mohri
  • Publication number: 20080187812
    Abstract: A first metal separator of a fuel cell comprises a metal plate, and a first seal member is formed integrally on both surfaces of an outer edge of the metal plate. A first rib having a frame shape is provided around an oxygen-containing gas supply passage or the like of the metal plate. The first rib has a rib surface spaced away from an inner end surface of the metal plate around the oxygen-containing gas supply passage or the like, toward the oxygen-containing gas supply passage or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2008
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Applicant: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Watanabe, Masaaki Sakano, Shuji Sato, Shigeru Inai, Teruyuki Ohtani, Ken Takahashi
  • Publication number: 20080108282
    Abstract: A metallic separator according to a first embodiment is formed by obtaining a blank by rolling a metallic material having conductive inclusions, and removing a surface of the blank by 2% or more of the thickness of the blank. A metallic separator according to a second embodiment is formed by pressing a metallic plate so as to have a cross section including ridges and grooves alternatively, and removing parts of the ridged portions so as to make flattened surfaces. A metallic separator having conductive inclusions in its metal texture according to a third embodiment is formed by blasting a liquid containing two or more kinds of abrasives having different particle diameters to a blank after it has been rolled. A metallic separator having conductive inclusion in its metal texture according to a fourth embodiment is formed by blasting a passivation treatment liquid mixed with abrasives to the separator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2007
    Publication date: May 8, 2008
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Teruyuki Ohtani, Makoto Tsuji, Masao Utsunomiya, Koji Kotani
  • Patent number: 7325432
    Abstract: A metallic separator according to a first embodiment is formed by obtaining a blank by rolling a metallic material having conductive inclusions, and removing a surface of the blank by 2% or more of the thickness of the blank. A metallic separator according to a second embodiment is formed by pressing a metallic plate so as to have a cross section including ridges and grooves alternatively, and removing parts of the ridged portions so as to make flattened surfaces. A metallic separator having conductive inclusions in its metal texture according to a third embodiment is formed by blasting a liquid containing two or more kinds of abrasives having different particle diameters to a blank after it has been rolled. A metallic separator having conductive inclusion in its metal texture according to a fourth embodiment is formed by blasting a passivation treatment liquid mixed with abrasives to the separator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Teruyuki Ohtani, Makoto Tsuji, Masao Utsunomiya, Koji Kotani