JP2006266672A - Humidifying device, membrane assembly for humidifying device, installing method of humidifying device, and installing method of membrane assembly for humidifying device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a humidifying device, a membrane assembly for the humidifying device, an installing method of the humidifying device, and an installing method of the membrane assembly for the humidifying device advantageous in improving membrane handling property. <P>SOLUTION: The humidifying device 1 comprises separators 2 provided on both sides in the thickness direction of a membrane 3 to form a first gas passage 4 facing a surface 3a of the membrane 3, and a second gas passage 5 facing a surface 3c of the membrane 3; first seal parts 7F provided between the membrane 3 and the separator 2 forming the first gas passage 4; and second seal parts 7S provided between the membrane 3 and the separator 2 forming a second gas passage 5. At least one of the first seal part 7F and second seal part 7S is mounted to the membrane 3. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a humidifier having a membrane, a membrane assembly for a humidifier, a method for assembling a humidifier, and a method for assembling a membrane assembly for a humidifier.

  The prior art related to the humidifier will be described by taking a humidifier used for a fuel cell as an example. If the electrolyte provided in the fuel cell is excessively dried, the power generation performance cannot be achieved as intended. Therefore, a humidifier for the fuel cell for humidifying the oxidant gas supplied to the fuel cell is provided. Conventionally, a humidifier for a fuel cell includes a first gas flow path for passing a wet oxidant off-gas after reaction, a second gas flow path for passing an oxidant gas before reaction, and a water-containing membrane. Have.

Patent Document 1 discloses a humidifier for a fuel cell. This humidifier forms a moisture permeable membrane and a first gas channel provided on both sides in the thickness direction of the membrane and facing one surface of the membrane, and a second gas facing the other surface of the membrane A flow path forming member that forms the flow path, a first seal portion that is provided between the flow path forming member that forms the first gas flow path and the membrane, and seals the first gas flow path; and a second gas flow path And a second seal portion that seals the second gas flow path is provided between the flow path forming member that forms the film and the membrane.
JP 2004-139784 A

  According to the prior art according to Patent Document 1 described above, the membrane, the flow path forming member, the first seal portion, and the second seal portion are formed as separate parts. Here, since the membrane is in the form of a thin sheet, it is rich in flexibility, and the handling property of the membrane is not always sufficient, and the operation of assembling the membrane to the humidifier is not always easy. When the thickness of the membrane is reduced due to cost, downsizing, etc., the handling property of the membrane tends to decrease more and more.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and is provided with a humidifier and a membrane assembly for a humidifier that are advantageous for improving the handling of the membrane and the assembly of the membrane by attaching the seal portion to the membrane. It is an object to provide an attachment, a method for assembling a humidifier, and a method for assembling a membrane assembly for a humidifier.

(1) A humidifier according to the present invention of aspect 1 includes a film, a flow path forming member that is provided on both sides in the thickness direction of the film and that forms a first gas flow path facing one surface of the film, A flow path forming member that forms a second gas flow path facing the other surface, a first seal portion interposed between the flow path forming member that forms the first gas flow path and the membrane, and a second gas flow In a humidifying device comprising a flow path forming member that forms a path and a second seal portion interposed between the films,
At least one of the first seal portion and the second seal portion is attached to the membrane.

  In this case, at least one of the first seal portion and the second seal portion is attached to the membrane. For this reason, the flexible membrane is reinforced by the one, and the handling property of the membrane is improved. Furthermore, since the membrane assembly in which at least one of the first seal portion and the second seal portion and the membrane are integrated and the handling property of the membrane is improved, the assembling property of the humidifying device is improved. The assembly time can be shortened.

  (2) The humidifier according to the present invention of aspect 2 is that in aspect 1, the membrane is permeable to moisture, and a high-humidity gas having relatively high humidity is included in the first gas channel and the second gas channel. A low-humidity gas whose relative humidity is lower than that of the high-humidity gas flows to the other of the first gas channel and the second gas channel, and the moisture of the high-humidity gas is absorbed by the membrane. The low-humidity gas is humidified by a film. In this case, at least one of the first seal portion and the second seal portion is attached to the membrane. For this reason, the membrane is reinforced and the handling properties of the membrane are improved. Furthermore, since the membrane assembly in which at least one of the first seal portion and the second seal portion and the membrane are integrated and the handling property of the membrane is improved, the assembling property of the humidifying device is improved. The assembly time can be shortened.

  (3) The humidifier according to the present invention of aspect 3 is that in aspect 1, the flow path forming member has a fitting groove for fitting the one, and the groove width of the fitting groove is the fitting groove. It is characterized in that it is set to be larger than the width of the seal part fitted to the. In this case, the groove width of the fitting groove is set to be larger than the width of the seal portion fitted in the fitting groove. For this reason, the degree of freedom of alignment of the membrane assembly is increased, the alignment operation is simplified, and the assembly time is shortened.

  (4) A membrane assembly for a humidifier according to the present invention of aspect 4 includes a membrane that is permeable to moisture and a seal portion that is attached to at least one surface in the thickness direction of the membrane. To do. In this case, the seal part is attached to the membrane. For this reason, the membrane is reinforced and the handling properties of the membrane are improved.

  (5) The method for assembling the humidifying device according to the present invention of aspect 5 is to prepare a membrane, and then attach the seal portion to at least one surface in the thickness direction of the membrane so that the membrane and the seal portion are integrated. Then, the humidifying device is assembled by forming the membrane assembly and then sandwiching the membrane assembly with the flow path forming member. In this case, the seal portion is attached to the membrane. For this reason, the flexible membrane is reinforced and the handling of the membrane is improved. Furthermore, since the membrane assembly in which the membrane and the seal part are integrated is formed, the assembling property of the humidifier can be improved and the assembling time can be shortened.

  (6) The method of assembling the membrane assembly for the humidifier according to the present invention of aspect 6 is to maintain moisture in an atmosphere of 10% to 90% humidity, so that the membrane is moistened. The membrane assembly is formed by attaching a seal portion to at least one surface in the thickness direction. Humidity means relative humidity. In this case, the seal portion is attached to the membrane. For this reason, the flexible membrane is reinforced and the handling of the membrane is improved. Furthermore, since the membrane assembly in which the membrane and the seal portion are integrated is formed, the membrane assembly property is improved, and the assembly property is improved when the humidifier is assembled.

  The membrane may increase in shrinkage due to excessive drying or increase in expansion due to excessive wetting. Therefore, if the film is held in an atmosphere having a humidity of 10 to 90%, excessive drying and excessive wetting of the film are suppressed, and the size of the film is stabilized. Since the membrane is reinforced by attaching the seal portion to the membrane in such a state that the size of the membrane is stabilized, a good membrane assembly is formed.

  (7) The method of assembling the membrane assembly for the humidifier according to the present invention in aspect 7 is to hold the membrane in a dry state than the use conditions used in the humidifier, and then the thickness of the membrane The membrane assembly is formed by attaching a seal portion to at least one surface in the direction. In this case, the seal portion is attached to the membrane. For this reason, the flexible membrane is reinforced and the handling of the membrane is improved. Furthermore, since the membrane assembly in which the membrane and the seal portion are integrated is formed, the assembling property is improved when the humidifier is assembled, and the assembling time can be shortened.

  The method of assembling the membrane assembly according to the present invention in aspect 7 is suitable when a membrane that tends to shrink due to excessive drying is used. That is, the humidifier may be maintained in unexpected drying conditions during use. In this case, the film mounted on the humidifier may be excessively dried. When the film is excessively dried in this way, the amount of film shrinkage in the surface direction (two-dimensional direction of the film) becomes excessive, and there is a possibility that film damage may occur due to the tensile force acting on the film. Therefore, before attaching the seal part to the membrane, the membrane is held in a state that is drier than the usage conditions used in the humidifier, and the membrane is contracted in the surface direction in advance in a wet state (the usage state of the humidifier). Let me. Thus, in the state which contracted the film | membrane primarily, a film | membrane assembly body is formed by attaching a seal part to a film | membrane, and is assembled | attached to a humidifier. In this way, even if the humidifier is maintained under unexpectedly severe drying conditions, film damage due to the tensile force at the time of excessive drying is suppressed in the film. Note that, under normal use conditions, the membrane may be kept in a moderately moist state and may swell.

  (8) The method of assembling the membrane assembly for the humidifier according to the present invention in aspect 8 is to bring the membrane into contact with the aqueous solution, and then attach the seal portion to at least one surface in the thickness direction of the membrane. The membrane assembly is formed by the above. In this case, the seal portion is attached to the membrane. For this reason, the flexible membrane is reinforced and the handling of the membrane is improved. Furthermore, since the membrane assembly in which the membrane and the seal portion are integrated is formed, the membrane assembly property is improved, and the assembly property is improved when the humidifier is assembled.

  The method for assembling the membrane assembly according to the present invention in aspect 8 is suitable for the case of using a membrane that expands due to wetting and tends to shrink due to drying. Here, there is a case where it is desired to secure the tension (tension) of the membrane. The degree of film tension refers to the degree of film tension in the film surface direction (two-dimensional direction). If the film is excessively wet, the film expands in the surface direction, which may reduce the degree of tension of the film. Therefore, before the seal portion is attached to the membrane, the membrane is expanded in advance by bringing the membrane into contact with the aqueous solution. In this manner, the membrane assembly is formed by attaching the seal portion to the membrane in a state where the membrane is previously expanded in the surface direction. In this way, the film can be contracted by removing moisture thereafter, so that the degree of tension of the film can be increased, the slackness of the film is suppressed, and the handling property of the film is improved.

  According to the present invention, it is advantageous to improve the handling property and assembly property of the membrane.

  The membrane has a function of blocking gas permeation. As the membrane, a membrane that does not shrink or expand even when the membrane is dried or wet may be employed, and when the membrane is dried or wet, it may contract or expand. Examples of the membrane include those that can permeate moisture and those that can retain moisture. Examples of such a membrane include an ion exchange membrane, and examples thereof include a fluorine-based resin and a hydrocarbon-based resin. The thickness of the film can be appropriately selected and is not limited.

  At least one of the first seal portion and the second seal portion is integrally attached to the membrane. In this case, a mode in which one or both of the first seal portion and the second seal portion are attached to the film can be exemplified. Adhesion may be performed using an adhesive layer, or may be performed by welding such as ultrasonic welding so as to be welded to each other without using the adhesive layer. In addition, one or both of the first seal portion and the second seal portion can be exemplified by attaching or attaching the first seal portion and the second seal portion in close contact with the film using a water film. . It utilizes the surface tension of water and the pressurization by atmospheric pressure. The first seal part and the second seal part are formed of a seal material. Examples of the sealing material include rubber materials, soft resins, soft metals, and the like, and those having durability against moisture are preferable.

  Further, at least one of the first seal portion and the second seal portion is integrated with at least one of the first seal portion and the second seal portion by a coupling element that penetrates the membrane and mechanically couples them. The form which is attached automatically can be illustrated. This is advantageous when it is difficult to bond with an adhesive or the like. Examples of the coupling element include a member having a needle-like part and a member having a thread-like part.

  The flow path forming member can be formed of a plate-like separator. The first gas channel may be formed on one surface of one channel forming member, and the second gas channel may be formed on the other surface.

  Formed in the first fitting groove for fitting the first seal portion formed in the flow path forming member forming the first gas flow path and / or the flow path forming member forming the second gas flow path. A mode in which a second fitting groove for fitting the second seal portion is provided can be exemplified.

  The flow path forming member can exemplify a form having a fitting groove for fitting at least one of the first seal part and the second seal part. Since the seal portion is fitted in the fitting groove, the retainability of the seal portion, and thus the membrane retainability can be improved. Moreover, while the flow path formation member has the 1st fitting groove which fits a 1st seal part, the form which has a 2nd fitting groove which fits a 2nd seal part can be illustrated. Since the 1st seal part fits in the 1st fitting slot, the maintenance nature of the 1st seal part can be improved. Since the 2nd seal part fits into the 2nd fitting slot, the maintenance nature of the 2nd seal part can be improved. As a result, the retention of the film can be enhanced.

  The flow path forming member is exemplified by a form having a fitting groove for fitting at least one of the first seal part and the second seal part. In this case, a form in which the groove width of the fitting groove is set larger than the width of the seal portion fitted in the fitting groove is exemplified. In this case, the degree of freedom of alignment of the membrane assembly is increased, the alignment operation is simplified, and the assembly time is shortened.

  Furthermore, in the flow path forming member, a form in which an outer seal portion that seals a portion located outside the first seal portion and the second seal portion is provided is exemplified. The outer seal portion is preferably ring-shaped. The sealing function is further improved by the sealing function of the outer seal portion. In this case, the first seal part and the second seal part are exemplified as being harder than the outer seal part. In other words, the outer seal part is relatively softer than the first seal part and the second seal part. In this case, since the outer seal portion is relatively soft, the sealing performance by the outer seal portion is ensured satisfactorily. As described above, since the first seal portion and the second seal portion are harder than the outer seal portion and more rigid than the outer seal portion, the handling property of the film is improved.

  The form with which the 1st seal part and / or the 2nd seal part are provided with the 1st layer which reinforces a film, and the 2nd layer which faces a separator is illustrated. In this case, the 1st layer is harder than the 2nd layer, and improves reinforcement nature and handling nature to a membrane. The second layer is softer than the first layer and improves the sealing performance.

  Hereinafter, Example 1 of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. This embodiment is applied to the humidifying device 1 used for the fuel cell 100. The humidifier 1 for a fuel cell is formed by laminating a separator 2 that functions as a flow path forming member between a first end plate 11 and a second end plate 12 in the thickness direction. As shown in FIG. 2, a membrane 3 made of an ion exchange membrane that can permeate moisture is interposed between the two separators 2. Here, a first gas flow path 4 facing one surface of the membrane 3 is formed by the separator 2. A second gas channel 5 facing the other surface of the membrane 3 is formed by the separator 2. The first gas channel 4 and the second gas channel 5 are partitioned by the membrane 3.

  The first gas flow path 4 is for flowing air off-gas (high-humidity gas) after power generation discharged from the oxidant electrode 101 of the fuel cell 100 with relatively high humidity. The second gas channel 5 is for flowing air (low humidity gas) before power generation with a relatively low humidity toward the oxidant electrode 101 of the fuel cell 100.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the first end plate 11 has a first inlet 61 that communicates with the first gas flow path 4, and the second end plate 12 has a first outlet 62 that communicates with the first gas flow path 4. . The air off gas having a relatively high humidity discharged from the oxidant electrode 101 of the fuel cell 100 flows in the order of the first inlet 61, the first gas flow path 4, and the first outlet 62. At this time, the air off-gas having a relatively high humidity comes into contact with the membrane 3, so moisture is applied to the membrane 3 to absorb the membrane 3.

  The second end plate 12 of the humidifier 1 has a second inlet 63 that communicates with the second gas flow path 5, and the first end plate 11 has a second outlet 64 that communicates with the second gas flow path 5. Air having a relatively low humidity toward the oxidant electrode 101 of the fuel cell 100 flows in the order of the second inlet 63, the second gas flow path 5, and the second outlet 64, toward the oxidant electrode 101 of the fuel cell 100, and generates power. Used for reaction. At this time, since the air having a relatively low humidity comes into contact with the wet film 3, moisture is given from the film 3 and is humidified by the film 3.

  FIG. 3 shows one surface which is one side of the separator 2 having sides 2r and 2s. A main element of the first gas flow path 4 is formed on one surface of the separator 2. As shown in FIG. 3, the first gas flow path 4 connects the manifold opening 41 penetrating in the thickness direction of the separator 2, the manifold opening 42 penetrating in the thickness direction of the separator 2, and the manifold opening 41 and the manifold opening 42. As described above, the first gas communication channel 43 formed by the guide protrusion 43r is provided on one surface side of the separator 2.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the main element of the second gas flow path 5 is formed on the other side of the separator 2. The second gas flow path 5 has a manifold opening 51 penetrating in the thickness direction of the separator 2, a manifold opening 52 penetrating in the thickness direction of the separator 2, and the surface of the separator 2 so as to connect the manifold opening 51 and the manifold opening 52. And a second gas communication channel 53 formed by a guide projection 53r on the side.

  FIG. 6 shows the membrane 3. As shown in FIG. 6, in the corner region of the membrane 3, a manifold opening 41 m that communicates with the manifold opening 41 of the separator 2, a manifold opening 42 m that communicates with the manifold opening 42 of the separator 2, and a separator A manifold opening 51m communicating with the two manifold openings 51 and a manifold opening 52m communicating with the manifold openings 52 of the separator 2 are formed.

  FIG. 7 shows the first seal portion 7F. As shown in FIG. 7, the first seal portion 7F includes a seal portion 70F having a square frame shape, a seal portion 71F having a triangular frame shape, and a seal portion 72F having a triangular frame shape. As shown in FIG. 7, the seal portion 70F has side portions 70a, 70b, 70c, and 70d, and a space 70e. FIG. 8 shows a plan view in which the first seal portion 7F is attached to one surface 3a of the membrane 3 by being integrally attached with an adhesive. In FIG. 8, the gas flows from the manifold opening 51m toward the manifold opening 52m along the arrow direction.

FIG. 9 shows the second seal portion 7S. As shown in FIG. 9, the second seal portion 7S includes a seal portion 70S having a quadrangular frame shape, a seal portion 71S having a triangular frame shape, and a seal portion 72S having a triangular frame shape. As shown in FIG. 9, the seal portion 70 </ b> S has side portions 70 a ₂ , 70 b ₂ , 70 c ₂ , 70 d ₂ and a space 70 e ₂ . FIG. 10 shows a plan view in which the second seal portion 7S is attached to the surface 3c of the membrane 3 by being integrally attached with an adhesive. In FIG. 10, the gas flows from the manifold opening 41m toward the manifold opening 42m along the arrow direction.

  The first seal portion 7F and the second seal portion 7S described above have the function of preventing the first gas flow path 4 and the second gas flow path 5 formed in the separator 2 from communicating with each other, and the first gas flow The channel 4 and the second gas channel 5 have a function of preventing communication with outside air.

  FIG. 5 schematically shows an assembling form of the humidifying device 1. As shown in FIG. 5, a concave first fitting groove 21 for fitting the first seal portion 7 </ b> F is formed on one surface of the separator 2. A concave second fitting groove 22 for fitting the second seal portion 7S is formed on the other surface of the separator 2. If it fits in this way, the retainability of the 1st seal part 7F and the 2nd seal part 7S can be improved.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the first seal portion 7 </ b> F is attached to the one surface 3 a of the film 3 by being bonded integrally with the adhesive layer 78. Further, the second seal portion 7S is attached to the other surface 3c of the film 3 by being integrally bonded by an adhesive layer 78. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 5, a membrane assembly 8 is formed in which the membrane 3, the first seal portion 7 </ b> F, and the second seal portion 7 </ b> S are integrated on the front and back of the membrane 3. As a result, even when the membrane 3 is thin and flexible, the membrane 3 is reinforced by the first seal portion 7F and the second seal portion 7S, and the rigidity of the membrane 3 is improved. Such a membrane assembly 8 is handled during storage, transportation, assembly, and the like. Therefore, even when the thickness of the membrane 3 is thin, the handling properties of the membrane 3 during storage, transportation, assembly, etc. are improved.

  According to the present embodiment, after the membrane assembly 8 is formed as described above, the separator 2, the membrane assembly 8, and the separator 2 are arranged in this order as shown in FIG. The humidifier 1 is assembled by sandwiching both sides in the thickness direction with the separator 2. The separator 2 has a function of partitioning the high-humidity gas and the low-humidity gas while forming a flow path through which the gas flows. In this case, since the handleability of the membrane 3 is improved, the assembly time of the humidifying device 1 can be shortened. At the time of assembly, as shown in FIG. 5, the first fitting groove 21 formed on one surface of the separator 2 is fitted to face the first seal portion 7F. Further, the second fitting groove 22 formed on the other surface of the separator 2 is fitted to face the second seal portion 7S. According to this embodiment, the first fitting groove 21, the second fitting groove 22, the first seal portion 7F, and the second seal portion 7S have the same cross-sectional shape as each other or approximate cross-sectional shapes. Are easy to assemble.

  About the adhesive bond layer 78, you may apply | coat to the whole region facing the film | membrane 3 among the 1st seal | sticker part 7F and the 2nd seal | sticker part 7S. In this case, the bonding property between the first seal portion 7F and the second seal portion 7S and the membrane 3 is improved, and the reinforcing effect can be enhanced. Alternatively, the adhesive layer 78 may be partially dispersed and applied at a predetermined interval instead of the entire area of the first seal portion 7F and the second seal portion 7S facing the film 3. In this case, the joint portion between the first seal portion 7F and the membrane 3 is dispersed with an interval, and the joint portion between the second seal portion 7S and the membrane 3 is dispersed with an interval. Therefore, the bonding strength is not excessive, and the absorbency for absorbing the relative deformation between the first seal portion 7F and the film 3 is ensured, and the absorbency for absorbing the relative deformation between the second seal portion 7S and the film 3 is ensured. Is done. Therefore, even when the size in the surface direction of the membrane 3 contracts or expands depending on the moisture condition impregnated in the membrane 3, deformation absorbability is easily secured.

  FIG. 11 shows a second embodiment. The present embodiment basically has the same configuration and operational effects as the first embodiment. Hereinafter, a description will be given centering on portions different from the first embodiment. The cross-sectional shape of the first seal portion 7 </ b> F has a base portion 7 a that faces the membrane 3 and a tip protrusion 7 c that faces the separator 2. When projecting from the direction perpendicular to the surface of the separator 2, the base portion 7a has a larger projection area than the tip protrusion 7c. For this reason, the adhesion area of the 1st seal | sticker part 7F is ensured, and the attachment property which attaches the 1st seal | sticker part 7F to the film | membrane 3 integrally can be improved. Since the second seal portion 7S has the same shape as the first seal portion 7F, the same effect can be obtained.

  Also in this embodiment, the first seal portion 7F is attached to be attached to one surface 3a of the membrane 3, and the second seal portion 7S is attached to be attached to the other surface 3c of the membrane 3. . Therefore, even when the film 3 is thin and flexible, the film 3 is reinforced and the handling property of the film 3 is improved. Further, since the membrane assembly 8 in which the membrane 3, the first seal portion 7F, and the second seal portion 7S are integrated is formed, the assemblability is improved when the humidifier such as the humidifier 1 is assembled. .

  FIG. 12 shows a third embodiment. The present embodiment basically has the same configuration and operational effects as the second embodiment. Hereinafter, a description will be given centering on portions different from the first embodiment. The cross-sectional shape of the first seal portion 7F has a base portion 7a and a tip protrusion 7c. Water W exists between the joint surface 7t of the base portion 7a of the first seal portion 7F and the separator 2, and the first seal portion 7F is brought into close contact with the separator 2 using the surface tension of the water W. It is attached. In this case, since the atmospheric pressure PA acts on the first seal portion 7F, the first seal portion 7F is in good contact with the separator 2. The second seal portion 7S has the same shape as the first seal portion 7F, and the same function and effect can be obtained.

  FIG. 13 shows a fourth embodiment. The present embodiment basically has the same configuration and operational effects as the first embodiment. Hereinafter, a description will be given centering on portions different from the first embodiment. The cross-sectional shape of the first seal portion 7F has a base portion 7a and a tip protrusion 7c. A coupling element 9 having a needle-like portion 90 that penetrates through the first seal portion 7F, the membrane 3 and the second seal portion 7S and mechanically couples them together is provided. The coupling element 9 is covered and sealed with a covering portion 9x. When joining the first seal portion 7F, the membrane 3 and the second seal portion 7S with an adhesive, it is advantageous when it is difficult to ensure the bondability. A plurality of coupling elements 9 can be provided at predetermined intervals.

  FIG. 14 shows a fifth embodiment. The present embodiment basically has the same configuration and operational effects as the first embodiment. A coupling element 9B having a thread-like portion 92 that penetrates through the first seal portion 7F, the membrane 3, and the second seal portion 7S and mechanically couples them together is sewn. Sewing in this manner is advantageous when it is difficult to secure the bonding property when the first seal portion 7F, the membrane 3 and the second seal portion 7S are bonded with an adhesive. A plurality of coupling elements 9B can be provided at a predetermined interval. The coupling element 9B is covered and sealed with a covering portion 9x having a sealing property.

  FIG. 15 shows a sixth embodiment. The present embodiment basically has the same configuration and operational effects as the first embodiment. A magnetic material 7k such as magnet powder is embedded in the first seal portion 7F and the second seal portion 7S. The first seal portion 7F and the second seal portion 7S are detachably joined to and attached to the separator 2 based on the magnetic attractive force. The first seal portion 7F and the second seal portion 7S can be removed from the membrane 3 and reused.

  FIG. 16 shows a seventh embodiment. The present embodiment basically has the same configuration and operational effects as the first embodiment. Since the cross-sectional shapes of the first seal portion 7F and the second seal portion 7S are different from each other, it is advantageous when performing a marking function and clarifying the front and back of the membrane 3. The first fitting groove 21 formed on one surface of the separator 2 has a shape that matches the first seal portion 7F. The second fitting groove 22 formed on the other surface of the separator 2 has a shape that matches the second seal portion 7S. Matching shapes mean the same shape or an approximate shape in cross section.

  FIG. 17 shows an eighth embodiment. Since the present embodiment basically has the same configuration and operational effects as the first embodiment, FIGS. 1 to 10 can be applied mutatis mutandis. According to the present embodiment, the roll 3 is wound around the roll 3 in a roll shape, and the roll 3 is unwound from the roll 200. The film 3 immediately after unwinding from the roll body 200 is not necessarily stable in terms of humidity. For this reason, the film 3 unrolled from the roll body 200 may increase in shrinkage due to excessive drying or increase in expansion due to excessive wetting, and the length of the film 3 may vary. There is.

  Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the film 3 is placed in the atmosphere of a room having an appropriate humidity maintained at a humidity of 10 to 90%, particularly 20 to 80% (depending on the material of the film 3, For example, 5 minutes to 10 hours), and the membrane 3 is allowed to get moisture. Thereafter, the first seal portion 7F is attached to one surface 3a in the thickness direction of the membrane 3 using an adhesive or water, and the second seal portion 7S is attached to the other surface 3c in the thickness direction of the membrane 3; Install using water or mechanical coupling elements. Thereby, the membrane assembly 8 is formed.

  If the film 3 unrolled from the roll body 200 is held for a set time in an appropriate humidity atmosphere as described above and moisture is applied, the excessive drying and excessive wetting in the film 3 is suppressed, and the moisture of the film 3 is Stabilize. If the moisture of the film 3 is stabilized in this way, the size variation in the surface direction of the film 3 during operation is suppressed. If the first seal portion 7F and the second seal portion 7S are attached to the membrane 3 after the size of the membrane 3 has been stabilized in this way, a good membrane assembly 8 is stably formed. .

  FIG. 18 shows a ninth embodiment. Since the present embodiment basically has the same configuration and operational effects as the first embodiment, FIGS. 1 to 10 can be applied mutatis mutandis. According to the present embodiment, before assembling the membrane 3 to the humidifier 1, the membrane 3 is held for a set time (for example, 5 minutes to 10 hours) in an atmosphere 300 that is drier than the use conditions used in the humidifier 11. To do. Thereafter, the first seal portion 7F is attached to one surface 3a of the film 3 by using an adhesive or water. Further, the second seal portion 7S is attached to the other surface 3c of the film 3 by being attached using an adhesive or water. Thereby, the membrane assembly 8 is formed. In this case, since the first seal portion 7F and the second seal portion 7S are attached to the membrane 3, the thin membrane 3 is reinforced, and the handleability of the membrane 3 is improved. Furthermore, since the membrane assembly 8 in which the membrane 3, the first seal portion 7F, and the second seal portion 7S are integrated is formed, the assemblability is improved when the humidifier 1 is assembled.

  This embodiment is suitable when the film 3 that tends to shrink due to excessive drying is used. That is, in actual use, the humidifier 1 may be maintained in unexpected drying conditions. In this case, the film 3 mounted on the humidifying device 1 may be excessively dried. If the film 3 is excessively dried in this manner, the contraction amount of the film 3 becomes excessive depending on the material of the film 3 and the like, and there is a possibility that the film is damaged due to the tensile force acting on the film 3.

  Therefore, before assembling the membrane 3 to the humidifying device 1, the membrane 3 is previously held in an atmosphere 300 that is dryer than the use conditions used in the humidifying device 1, and the membrane 3 is excessively contracted in advance than the wet state. Let me. In the state in which the membrane 3 is thus contracted, the membrane assembly 8 is formed by attaching the first seal portion 7F and the second seal portion 7S to the membrane 3, and then the membrane assembly 8 is attached to the humidifier 1 Assemble to. In this way, in actual use, the membrane 3 is moistened and tends to expand in the surface direction, so that excessive tensile force may act on the membrane 3 in the surface direction (two-dimensional direction) of the membrane 3. It is suppressed and damage to the film 3 is suppressed. Further, even when the humidifier 1 is maintained in an environment of unexpectedly severe dry conditions such as when not in use, or even when the material of the film 3 tends to shrink, the film 3 Even when the film is dried, the film 3 is prevented from being damaged by the tensile force at the time of excessive drying.

  FIG. 19 shows a tenth embodiment. Since the present embodiment basically has the same configuration and operational effects as the first embodiment, FIGS. 1 to 10 can be applied mutatis mutandis. According to the present embodiment, the membrane 3 and the water 350 (aqueous solution) are positively brought into contact with each other by immersing the membrane 3 in the water 350 or by spray coating. Thereafter, the first seal portion 7F is attached to the surface 3a of the film 3 taken out from the water 350 or finished with the spray application by using an adhesive or water. The second seal portion 7S is attached and attached to the surface 3c of the film 3 using an adhesive or water. Thereby, the membrane assembly 8 is formed. Even in this case, since the first seal portion 7F and the second seal portion 7S are attached to the membrane 3, the thin membrane 3 is reinforced, and the handling property of the membrane 3 is improved. Furthermore, since the membrane assembly 8 in which the membrane 3, the first seal portion 7F, and the second seal portion 7S are integrated is formed, the assemblability is improved when the humidifier is assembled.

  This embodiment is suitable for the case where a film 3 that expands when wet and tends to shrink in the surface direction when dried is used. That is, there is a case where it is desired to secure the degree of tension of the film 3 while suppressing the slackness of the film 3 in the humidifier 1. Here, depending on the material or the like of the membrane 3, if the membrane 3 is excessively wetted, the membrane 3 expands, and there is a possibility that the degree of tension of the membrane 3 equipped in the humidifying device 1 is lowered. Therefore, before the membrane assembly 8 is formed, the membrane 3 is expanded in advance by bringing the membrane 3 into contact with the water 350. Thus, the membrane assembly 8 is formed by attaching the first seal portion 7F and the second seal portion 7S to the membrane 3 in a state where the membrane 3 is expanded in advance. In this way, even when the material of the film 3 is easy to loosen, the film 3 can be contracted by the subsequent removal of moisture (drying). Sag can be suppressed.

  20 and 21 show Example 11. FIG. Since the present embodiment has basically the same configuration and effect as the first embodiment, FIGS. 1 to 4 and the like can be applied mutatis mutandis. FIG. 20 schematically shows an assembling mode of the humidifier. In the present embodiment, importance is attached to the simplification of the operation of aligning the membrane assembly 8 with respect to the separator 2.

  As shown in FIG. 20, a concave first fitting groove 21 is formed in a ring shape on one surface of the separator 2. The first fitting groove 21 fits the first seal portion 7 </ b> F having a frame shape having the first seal surface 701. A concave second fitting groove 22 having a second seal surface 702 is formed in a ring shape on the other surface of the separator 2. The second fitting groove 22 fits the second seal portion 7S having a frame shape.

  As shown in FIG. 21, the transverse groove width W1 of the first fitting groove 21 is set to be larger than the transverse width X1 of the first seal portion 7F fitted into the first fitting groove 21. Yes. The transverse width W2 of the second fitting groove 22 is set larger than the transverse width X2 of the second seal portion 7S fitted in the second fitting groove 22. In this case, since the groove widths W1 and W2 have a margin, the degree of freedom in aligning the membrane assembly 8 with respect to the separator 2 is increased. Therefore, the operation of aligning the membrane assembly 8 with respect to the separator 2 becomes simple, and the assembly time can be shortened.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, in the separator 2, the outer seal portion 25 that seals the portion outside the first seal portion 7F and the second seal portion 7S in the two-dimensional direction of the membrane 3 is formed by the adhesive 25m. Is retained. The outer seal portion 25 is formed in a ring shape that makes one round along the periphery of the separator 2. Due to the sealing function of the outer seal portion 25, the sealing performance between the adjacent separators 2 is further improved. The material of the outer seal portion 25 is preferably a seal material having heat resistance and hot water resistance that can withstand the temperature of the humidifier, and examples thereof include 4EPDM (ethylene-propylene-diene rubber).

  According to this embodiment, emphasis is placed on the reinforcement of the membrane 3 and the improvement of the handling properties of the membrane 3. For this reason, the first seal portion 7F and the second seal portion 7S are set to be harder than the outer seal portion 25. Therefore, the reinforcing effect that the first seal portion 7F and the second seal portion 7S reinforce the membrane 3 is enhanced, and the handling property of the membrane 3 is improved. As shown in FIG. 20, since the hardened first seal portion 7F and the second seal portion 7S face each other in a front-back relationship through the membrane 3, the reinforcing effect is enhanced.

  The outer seal portion 25 is relatively softer than the first seal portion 7F and the second seal portion 7S. Thus, since the outer seal part 25 is relatively soft, the sealing property by the outer seal part 25 is ensured satisfactorily. According to the present embodiment, the improvement of the handling property of the membrane 3 is achieved by the first seal portion 7F and the second seal portion 7S having higher hardness than the outer seal portion 25. In order to compensate for the sealing performance associated with the hardness of the first seal portion 7F and the second seal portion 7S, a relatively soft outer seal portion 25 is provided outside the first seal portion 7F and the second seal portion 7S. It has been.

  FIG. 22 shows a twelfth embodiment. Since the present embodiment basically has the same configuration and effect as those of the eleventh embodiment, FIGS. 1 to 4 and the like can be applied mutatis mutandis. Also in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 22, the transverse groove width W1 of the first fitting groove 21 is the transverse width X1 of the first seal portion 7F fitted into the first fitting groove 21. Is set larger than. The transverse width W2 of the second fitting groove 22 is set larger than the transverse width X2 of the second seal portion 7S fitted in the second fitting groove 22. Thus, since groove width W1, W2 has allowance, the freedom degree which aligns the film | membrane assembly body 8 with respect to the separator 2 becomes high. Therefore, the operation of aligning the membrane assembly 8 with respect to the separator 2 becomes simple, and the assembly time can be shortened.

  Further, a description will be added with a focus on differences from the eleventh embodiment. As shown in FIG. 22, the first seal portion 7 </ b> F has a multilayer structure, and the first layer 71 held by the film 3 and the second layer laminated on the first layer 71 so as to face the separator 2. Layer 72. Similarly, the second seal portion 7 </ b> S has a first layer 71 and a second layer 72. The first layer 71 is formed of a material harder than the second layer 72, and enhances the reinforcing property with respect to the membrane 3 and ensures the handling property of the membrane 3. As shown in FIG. 22, the hard first layer 71 of the first seal portion 7F and the hard first layer 71 of the second seal portion 7S face each other back and forth through the membrane 3, The reinforcing effect is enhanced.

  The second layer 72 is made of a softer material than the first layer 71 and improves the sealing performance with respect to the separator 2. In this way, it is advantageous to achieve both the handling property of the membrane 3 and the improvement of the sealing property. The outer seal portion 25 is fitted and held in the concave ring-shaped seal groove 200 of the separator 2.

  The first layer 71 and the second layer 72 may be formed by bonding different members. Alternatively, with one of the first layer 71 and the second layer 72 coated with an adhesive, one of the first layer 71 and the second layer 72 is placed in the cavity of the mold, and then the fluid material forming the other is cavityd. The first layer 71 and the second layer 72 may be integrally formed via an adhesive, by forming the other by being loaded and solidified. In some cases, the adhesive may be eliminated.

  FIG. 23 shows a thirteenth embodiment. Since the present embodiment basically has the same configuration and effect as those of the eleventh embodiment, FIGS. 1 to 4 and the like can be applied mutatis mutandis. A description will be given centering on differences from the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 23, the first seal portion 7F and the second seal portion 7S have a multilayer structure, and the first layer 71 held by the film 3 and the second layer 72 facing the separator 2 are provided. Have. Since the second layer 72 is made of a softer material than the first layer 71 and has a high sealing property, the outer seal portion 25 is not provided in the separator 2, and the size of the separator 2 is probably small. Can be realized.

  FIG. 24 shows a fourteenth embodiment. Since the present embodiment basically has the same configuration and effect as those of the eleventh embodiment, FIGS. 1 to 4 and the like can be applied mutatis mutandis. As shown in FIG. 24, the first seal portion 7F and the second seal portion 7S have a multi-layer structure, and a ring-shaped first layer 71 and a ring-shaped first layer 71 covered with the first layer 71 are formed. And two layers 72. The first layer 71 is formed of a hard material wire and has a function of reinforcing the film 3. The hard material may be a metal such as hardened steel or hard steel, or may be a hard resin. The second layer 72 is softer than the first layer 71 and has a sealing function. Since the first layer 71 is entirely covered with the second layer 72, the corrosion resistance of the first layer 71 is ensured. The separator 2 may be provided with an outer seal portion 25 in order to further improve the sealing performance, or the outer sealing portion 25 may not be provided if the sealing performance is sufficient.

(Other examples)
In each of the above-described embodiments, both the first seal portion 7F and the second seal portion 7S are integrally attached to the membrane 3, but only one of them is integrally attached to the membrane 3. Also good. In the first embodiment, the first seal portion 7F includes a square frame-shaped seal portion 70F, a triangular frame-shaped seal portion 71F, a triangular frame-shaped seal portion 72F, a triangular frame-shaped seal portion 73F, and a triangular shape. Although it has the frame-shaped seal portion 74F, it is not limited to this, and other shapes may be used. The same applies to the second seal portion 7S. For each embodiment, a coupling element 9 having a needle-like portion 90 and a coupling element 9B having a thread-like portion 92 may be used. The first fitting groove 21 and the second fitting groove 22 are formed in the separator 2, but may not be formed depending on circumstances. In the first embodiment, the manifold opening 41m, the manifold opening 42m, the manifold opening 51m, and the manifold opening 52m are formed in the corner region of the membrane 3, but the present invention is not limited to this, and may not be formed. In short, it is only necessary that the sealing portions 7F and 7S having a sealing function are attached to the film 3 by means such as adhesion, welding, adsorption, sewing, mechanical elements, and the like. In the first embodiment, the first gas flow path 4 is for flowing high-humidity gas and the second gas flow path 5 is for flowing low-humidity gas, but may be reversed. In addition, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and shown in the drawings, and can be implemented with appropriate modifications within a range not departing from the gist.

The following technical idea can be understood from the above description.
(Additional Item 1) A flexible film and a first gas channel provided on both sides in the thickness direction of the film and facing one surface of the film and facing the other surface of the film A humidifying device comprising a flow path forming member that forms a second gas flow path, wherein the film includes a reinforcing member that reinforces the film. The flexible film is reinforced by the reinforcing member.
(Additional Item 2) The humidifier according to Additional Item 1, wherein in the flow path forming member, the reinforcing member is a seal portion. Since the reinforcing member also serves as a seal portion, the number of parts is reduced.
(Additional Item 3) The humidifying device according to Additional Item 1 or 2, wherein an outer seal portion is provided outside the reinforcing member. Sealing performance is improved by the outer seal portion.
(Additional Item 4) A first gas flow path that is provided on both sides of the film in the thickness direction and that faces one surface of the film and that faces the other surface of the film. A flow path forming member for forming the first gas flow path, a first seal portion interposed between the flow path forming member for forming the first gas flow path and the membrane, and the flow path for forming the second gas flow path In the humidifying device including the second seal portion interposed between the forming member and the membrane, at least one of the first seal portion and the second seal portion is attached to the membrane. Humidifying device characterized.

  The present invention can be used for a humidifier having a film. In particular, it can be used for a humidifier used in a fuel cell power generation system for vehicles, stationary, portable, electric equipment, electronic equipment and the like.

It is a perspective view which shows the structure of a humidification apparatus typically. It is a block diagram which shows typically the state which has partitioned off the 1st gas flow path and the 2nd gas flow path with the film | membrane. It is a top view which shows the single side | surface side of a separator. It is a top view which shows the other single side | surface side of a separator. It is sectional drawing which shows the assembly | attachment form of a humidification apparatus typically. It is a top view of a film | membrane. It is a top view of a 1st seal part. It is a top view which shows the state which attached the 1st seal | sticker part to the film | membrane. It is a top view of the 2nd seal part. It is a top view which shows the state which attached the 2nd seal part to the film | membrane. It is sectional drawing which shows the principal part vicinity which concerns on Example 2 and has a 1st seal part and a 2nd seal part. It is sectional drawing which concerns on Example 3 and shows the principal part of the film | membrane which has a 1st seal part and a 2nd seal part. It is sectional drawing which concerns on Example 4 and shows the principal part of the film | membrane which has a 1st seal part and a 2nd seal part. It is sectional drawing which concerns on Example 5 and shows the principal part of the film | membrane which has a 1st seal part and a 2nd seal part. It is sectional drawing which concerns on Example 6 and shows the principal part of the film | membrane which has a 1st seal part and a 2nd seal part. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a main part of a film having a first seal part and a second seal part according to Example 7. FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram schematically showing a manufacturing process of a membrane assembly according to Example 8. FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram schematically showing a manufacturing process of a membrane assembly according to Example 9. It is a block diagram which concerns on Example 10 and shows the manufacturing process of a film | membrane assembly typically. It is sectional drawing which concerns on Example 11 and shows the assembly | attachment form of a humidification apparatus typically. It is sectional drawing which expands and shows the principal part of the assembly | attachment form of a humidification apparatus concerning Example 11. FIG. It is sectional drawing which concerns on Example 12 and expands and shows typically the principal part of the assembly | attachment form of a humidifier. It is sectional drawing which expands and shows the principal part of the assembly | attachment form of a humidification apparatus concerning Example 13. FIG. It is sectional drawing which expands and shows the principal part of the assembly | attachment form of a humidification apparatus concerning Example 14. FIG.

Explanation of symbols

  In the figure, 1 is a humidifier (humidifier), 2 is a separator (flow path forming member), 21 is a first fitting groove, 22 is a second fitting groove, 25 is an outer seal portion, 3 is a membrane, 4 is 1st gas flow path, 5 is a 2nd gas flow path, 7 is a seal part, 7F is a 1st seal part, 7S is a 2nd seal part, 8 is a membrane assembly | attachment, 100 shows a fuel cell.

Claims (14)

A film, a flow path forming member that is provided on both sides in the thickness direction of the film and forms a first gas flow path facing one surface of the film, and a second gas flow path facing the other surface of the film A flow path forming member for forming the first gas flow path, a first seal portion interposed between the flow path forming member for forming the first gas flow path and the membrane, and the flow path for forming the second gas flow path In a humidifier comprising a second seal portion interposed between the forming member and the film,
At least one of the first seal part and the second seal part is attached to the membrane. In Claim 1, the said film | membrane is permeable to a water | moisture content, High humidity gas with relatively high humidity flows into one of the said 1st gas flow path and the said 2nd gas flow path, and is higher than high humidity gas. A low-humidity gas having relatively low humidity flows to the other of the first gas channel and the second gas channel;
A humidifier that absorbs moisture of high-humidity gas into the film and humidifies low-humidity gas with the film.   3. The method according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first seal portion and the second seal portion is at least one of adhesion, welding, sewing, surface tension of water, and a mechanical coupling element. A humidifier attached to the membrane.   In any 1 paragraph of Claims 1-3, The 1st fitting slot which fits the 1st seal part formed in the channel formation member which forms the 1st gas channel, and / or A humidifying device, wherein a second fitting groove for fitting the second seal portion formed in a flow path forming member that forms the second gas flow path is provided.   5. The device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first seal portion and the second seal portion is at least one of the first seal portion and the second seal portion. A humidifier characterized by being integrally attached by a coupling element that penetrates the membrane and mechanically couples them.   The flow path forming member according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the flow path forming member includes a fitting groove that fits at least one of the first seal portion and the second seal portion, A humidifying device, wherein a groove width of the fitting groove is set to be larger than a width of the seal portion fitted into the fitting groove.   In any 1 item | term of the Claims 1-6, the said flow-path formation member is provided with the outer side seal part which seals the site | part outside the said 1st seal part and the said 2nd seal part. Humidifying device characterized.   8. The humidifier according to claim 7, wherein the first seal part and / or the second seal part is harder than the outer seal part.   9. The first seal portion and / or the second seal portion according to claim 1, wherein the first seal portion and / or the second seal portion is a second layer that faces the first layer held by the film and the flow path forming member. A humidifying apparatus, wherein the first layer is set to be harder than the second layer.   A membrane assembly for a humidifier comprising a membrane and a seal portion attached to at least one surface in the thickness direction of the membrane. Prepare a membrane, and then attach a seal portion to at least one surface in the thickness direction of the membrane to form a membrane assembly in which the membrane and the seal portion are integrated,
A humidifying device assembling method comprising assembling a humidifying device by sandwiching the membrane assembly with a flow path forming member.   A film assembly is formed by attaching moisture to the film by holding the film in an atmosphere having a humidity of 10 to 90%, and then attaching a seal portion to at least one surface in the thickness direction of the film. A method for assembling a membrane assembly for a humidifying device.   Humidification characterized in that the membrane assembly is formed by holding the membrane in a state that is drier than the use conditions of the humidifier, and then attaching a seal portion to at least one surface in the thickness direction of the membrane. A method for assembling a membrane assembly for an apparatus.   A membrane assembly for a humidifying device, wherein the membrane assembly is formed by bringing a membrane into contact with an aqueous solution and then attaching a seal portion to at least one surface in the thickness direction of the membrane. How to attach.

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