JP2011060665A - Method and apparatus for manufacturing member for polymer electrolyte fuel cell - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method and apparatus for manufacturing a member for a polymer electrolyte fuel cell, capable of stably transporting an edge seal. <P>SOLUTION: The method includes a first step of supplying a lengthy first edge seal 13 which is supported by a lengthy first supporting film 11 and in which a plurality of openings 131 are formed at an interval in a length direction, a second step of filling a catalyst layer 151 in the openings 131 of the first edge seal 13 at downstream of the first process, a third step of supplying a lengthy electrolyte membrane 16, and a fourth step of adhering the first edge seal 13 and the catalyst layer 151 on one face of the electrolyte membrane 16. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for producing a member for a polymer electrolyte fuel cell.

  A fuel cell is a cell in which electrodes are arranged on both sides of an electrolyte and generates electricity by an electrochemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, and only water is generated during power generation. Thus, unlike the conventional internal combustion engine, it is expected to spread as a next-generation clean energy system because it does not generate environmental load gas such as carbon dioxide. In particular, the polymer electrolyte fuel cell has a low operating temperature and low electrolyte resistance. In addition, it uses a highly active catalyst, so it can obtain high output even in a small size. Is expected to be put to practical use.

  This polymer electrolyte fuel cell includes a catalyst layer-electrolyte membrane laminate (so-called CCM) in which a catalyst layer is bonded to both surfaces of a proton-conducting solid polymer electrolyte membrane, and further each catalyst layer-electrolyte membrane. A membrane-electrode assembly (so-called MEA) in which a conductive porous substrate is laminated on a catalyst layer is the main configuration, and a gasket and a separator are installed on the membrane-electrode assembly. However, since the polymer electrolyte fuel cell configured as described above may cause the electrolyte membrane to swell and contract when operated, the electrolyte membrane may be damaged. There has been proposed a technique in which a frame-shaped edge seal is adhered to a membrane-electrode assembly to suppress swelling and shrinkage of an electrolyte membrane (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In addition, in order to effectively use the electrolyte membrane, a frame-shaped edge seal is bonded to the catalyst layer-electrolyte membrane laminate or the membrane-electrode assembly, and a gasket is disposed on the edge seal. It has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

  As a method for attaching an edge seal to the catalyst layer-electrolyte membrane laminate or the membrane-electrode assembly as described above, for example, Patent Document 3 proposes a so-called roll-to-roll method. In this method, first, a rolled catalyst layer-electrolyte membrane laminate in which a plurality of catalyst layers are formed on a long electrolyte membrane with a predetermined interval is prepared, and openings are provided at intervals in the longitudinal direction. A plurality of roll-shaped edge seals are prepared. Then, the catalyst layer-electrolyte membrane laminate is unwound, and edge seals are unrolled above and below the catalyst layer-electrolyte membrane laminate, respectively, and bonded to each other to form edges on both sides of the catalyst layer-electrolyte membrane. The seal is adhered.

Japanese Patent No. 3052536 JP 2004-47230 A JP 2007-180031 A

  By the way, in the above-described method, when the long catalyst layer-electrolyte membrane laminate or the edge seal is transported, tension is applied to the catalyst layer-electrolyte membrane laminate or the edge seal so that wrinkles are not generated when these are adhered. It is necessary to carry while transporting. However, since the edge seal has a plurality of openings, the edge seal may be twisted when transported with tension, and it is difficult to stably transport the edge seal. there were.

  Then, this invention makes it a subject to provide the manufacturing method of the member for polymer electrolyte fuel cells which can convey an edge seal stably.

  The method for producing a member for a polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to the present invention includes a long first edge seal that is supported by a long first support film and that has a plurality of openings formed at intervals in the longitudinal direction. A first step of supplying, a second step of filling the catalyst layer in the opening of the first edge seal downstream of the first step, a third step of supplying a long electrolyte membrane, and the second step And downstream of the third step, a fourth step of bonding the first edge seal and the catalyst layer to one surface of the electrolyte membrane.

  According to this manufacturing method, since the first edge seal having the opening is supported by the first support film, the first edge seal is stable even if it is conveyed by applying tension by a so-called roll-to-roll method. Can be transported. Further, in the conventional manufacturing method, since the edge seal is adhered to the long catalyst layer-electrolyte membrane laminate, it is necessary to align the opening of the edge seal and the catalyst layer of the catalyst layer-electrolyte membrane laminate. There is a need for high positional accuracy when adhering edge seals. On the other hand, the manufacturing method according to the present invention employs a method in which the first edge seal whose opening is previously filled with the catalyst layer is adhered to the electrolyte membrane, and therefore the first edge seal is adhered to the electrolyte membrane. There is no problem even if the positional accuracy is not as high as in the prior art, and as a result, productivity can be improved and the defect rate can be reduced.

  The manufacturing method includes a fifth step of supplying a long second edge seal supported by a long second support film and having a plurality of openings formed at intervals in the longitudinal direction, and the fifth step. Downstream of the sixth step of filling the catalyst layer in the opening of the second edge seal downstream and the downstream of the third and sixth steps, the second edge seal and catalyst layer are bonded to the other surface of the electrolyte membrane. It is preferable to further include a seventh step. According to this, the edge seal can be adhered to both surfaces of the electrolyte membrane.

  Moreover, it is preferable from a viewpoint of productivity to perform a 4th process and a 7th process simultaneously.

  Further, downstream of the fourth and seventh steps, it may further include a step of cutting the polymer electrolyte fuel cell member between the catalyst layers.

  Moreover, it is preferable that at least one of the first edge seal and the second edge seal is formed with an opening only in the edge seal while being supported by the support film.

  Further, the method for producing a catalyst layer-electrolyte membrane laminate with an edge seal according to the present invention comprises the method for producing a polymer electrolyte fuel cell member according to any one of the above, and at least downstream of the fourth and seventh steps. And an eighth step of peeling the first and second support films. Since the manufacturing method of the catalyst layer-electrolyte membrane laminate with an edge seal includes the above-described method for manufacturing the polymer electrolyte fuel cell member, the edge seal can be easily handled, and the position accuracy of the edge seal can be improved. Can also be improved.

  The method for producing a membrane-electrode assembly with an edge seal according to the present invention comprises the above-described method for producing a catalyst layer-electrolyte membrane laminate with an edge seal, and a conductive layer on each catalyst layer downstream of the eighth step. And a ninth step of laminating the porous porous substrate. Since the manufacturing method of the membrane-electrode assembly with an edge seal also includes the above-described manufacturing method of the polymer electrolyte fuel cell member, the handling of the edge seal is facilitated, and the positional accuracy of the edge seal is improved. Can be improved.

  The method for producing a polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to the present invention includes the above-described method for producing a membrane-electrode assembly with an edge seal, and a frame-like gasket disposed on each edge seal downstream of the ninth step. And a step of installing a separator so that the membrane-electrode assembly with an edge seal on which the gasket is disposed is sandwiched from both sides downstream of the tenth step. This solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell manufacturing method also includes the above-described solid polymer fuel cell member manufacturing method, which facilitates handling of edge seals and improves edge seal positional accuracy. Can be made.

  The apparatus for producing a polymer electrolyte fuel cell member according to the present invention includes a long first edge seal supported by a long first support film and formed with a plurality of openings at intervals in the longitudinal direction. A first edge seal supply unit to be supplied, and a catalyst layer forming unit that is installed on the downstream side of the first edge seal supply unit and fills the catalyst layer in the opening of the first edge seal supplied from the first supply unit. An electrolyte membrane supply unit for supplying a long electrolyte membrane; and downstream of the electrolyte membrane supply unit and the catalyst layer forming unit, and adhering the first edge seal and the catalyst layer to one surface of the electrolyte membrane And a pressurizing unit.

  According to this manufacturing apparatus, since the first edge seal is supported by the first support film instead of handling the first edge seal having a plurality of openings alone, the first edge seal can be easily handled. Can be. Moreover, since the catalyst layer is filled in advance with the catalyst layer in the opening portion of the first edge seal, high positional accuracy is not required when the first edge seal is adhered to the electrolyte membrane, which in turn improves productivity. Or the defective rate can be reduced.

  The manufacturing apparatus can take various configurations. For example, a long second edge seal that is supported by a long second support film and has a plurality of openings spaced in the longitudinal direction is supplied. A second edge seal supply unit, and the pressurizing unit may be configured to adhere the second edge seal and the catalyst layer to the other surface of the electrolyte membrane. According to this, the edge seal can be adhered to both surfaces of the electrolyte membrane.

  According to the present invention,

FIG. 1 is a schematic side view showing an apparatus for producing a polymer electrolyte fuel cell member according to this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a side sectional view showing the edge seal supported by the support film according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the edge seal supported by the support film according to the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a schematic side view showing details of the catalyst layer forming portion according to the present embodiment. FIG. 5 is a schematic side view showing details of the pressurizing unit according to the present embodiment. FIG. 6 is an explanatory view showing a method for producing a polymer electrolyte fuel cell from the polymer electrolyte fuel cell member according to this embodiment.

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of an apparatus for producing a polymer electrolyte fuel cell member according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the solid polymer fuel cell member manufacturing apparatus 1 includes edge seal supply units 2, 3 that supply long edge seals 13, 14 supported by support films 11, 12; Catalyst layer forming portions 4 and 5 for forming the catalyst layer 151 in the openings 131 and 141 of the edge seals 13 and 14, an electrolyte membrane supply portion 6 for supplying the long electrolyte membrane 16, and a catalyst for the electrolyte membrane 16 A pressure unit 7 for bonding the layer 15 and the edge seals 13 and 14 and a polymer electrolyte fuel cell member take-up unit 8 for winding the polymer electrolyte fuel cell member 17 are provided.

The first edge seal supply unit 2 includes a first rotation shaft 21 on which a roll-shaped first edge seal 13 supported by the first support film 11 is set, and a first drive mechanism that rotates the first rotation shaft 21. (Not shown). Similarly, the second edge seal supply unit 3 includes a second rotating shaft 31 on which the roll-shaped second edge seal 14 is set, and a second drive mechanism (not shown) that rotates the second rotating shaft 31. Have. Incidentally, these edge seals 13 and 14, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, supported on its lower surface so that the opening 131, 141 is formed with a plurality, for supporting the at intervals _{d 1} film 11 , 12 are bonded.

  The first catalyst layer forming unit 4 is for forming the catalyst layer 151 in each opening 131 of the edge seal 13 sent from the first edge seal supply unit 2. As shown in detail in FIG. 4, the first catalyst layer forming unit 4 includes a catalyst layer transfer film supply unit 41 that supplies a roll-shaped catalyst layer transfer film 15 and a support exposed from the opening 131 of the edge seal 13. The transfer portion 42 for transferring the catalyst layer 151 of the catalyst layer transfer film 15 onto the film 11 and the base film take-up portion 43 for winding the base film 152 after transferring the catalyst layer are mainly configured.

  The catalyst layer transfer film supply unit 41 includes a third rotation shaft 411 on which the roll-shaped catalyst layer transfer film 15 is set, and a third drive mechanism (not shown) that rotates the third rotation shaft 411. Yes. The transfer part 42 presses the catalyst layer transfer film 15 against the first edge seal 13 from the base film 152 side, thereby exposing the catalyst layer on the first support film 11 exposed from the opening 131 of the first edge seal 13. 151 is transferred. The base film winding unit 43 includes a fourth rotating shaft 431 that winds up the base film 152 after transferring the catalyst layer, and a fourth drive mechanism (not shown) that rotates the fourth rotating shaft 431. is doing. The catalyst layer forming unit 4 is configured to intermittently send the catalyst layer transfer film. Specifically, the catalyst layer transfer film 15 is sent each time the catalyst layer 151 is transferred to the first support film 11. It is configured as follows.

  The second catalyst layer forming unit 5 has the same configuration as the first catalyst layer forming unit 4, and includes a catalyst layer supply unit 51 having a fifth rotating shaft 511 and a fifth drive mechanism (not shown), a transfer unit 52, and the like. The base film take-up portion 53 having a sixth rotating shaft 531 and a sixth drive mechanism (not shown) is mainly configured. The catalyst layer transfer film 15 is formed by forming the catalyst layer 151 on the base film 152. In order to improve the peelability of the catalyst layer 151 from the base film 152, the structure is such that the release layer is interposed. It can also be.

  The electrolyte membrane supply unit 6 includes a seventh rotating shaft 61 on which the roll-shaped electrolyte membrane 16 is set, and a seventh drive mechanism (not shown) that rotates the seventh rotating shaft 61.

  The pressure unit 7 includes a pair of pressure rollers 71. As shown in detail in FIG. 5, the first support film 11 / first edge seal 13 or catalyst layer 151 / electrolyte membrane 16 / second edge seal 14 or catalyst layer 151 / second support is supported between the pair of rollers 71. By passing the laminated films 12 in order, these are pressurized and heated. As a result, the first edge seal 13 and the catalyst layer 151 are adhered to the upper surface of the electrolyte membrane 16, and the second edge seal 14 and the catalyst layer 151 are adhered to the lower surface, thereby completing the solid polymer fuel cell member 17. . The pressure by the pair of pressure rollers 71 is preferably about 0.05 MPa to 5 MPa, and the surface temperature of the pressure roller 71 is preferably about 100 to 140 ° C. In addition, it is comprised so that what pressurized by flowing a heat medium in a pair of pressurization rollers 71 can also be heated.

  The polymer electrolyte fuel cell member winding unit 8 includes an eighth rotating shaft 81 for winding the long polymer electrolyte fuel cell member 17 produced by the pressurizing unit 7, and the eighth rotation. And an eighth drive mechanism (not shown) for rotating the shaft 81.

  Next, a method for producing a polymer electrolyte fuel cell member using the above polymer electrolyte fuel cell member production apparatus will be described.

  First, as shown in FIG. 1, the roll-shaped edge seals 13 and 14 supported by the support films 11 and 12 are disposed on the rotation shafts 21 and 31, and the roll-shaped catalyst layer transfer film 15 is disposed on the rotation shafts 411 and 511. The roll-shaped electrolyte membrane 16 is set on the rotating shaft 61.

  Subsequently, by rotating the first rotating shaft 21 by the first driving mechanism, the first edge seal 13 supported by the first support film 11 is transferred from the first edge seal supply unit 2 to the first catalyst layer forming unit 4. And supply. In the first catalyst layer forming unit 4, as shown in FIG. 4, the catalyst layer transfer film 15 intermittently supplied from the catalyst layer transfer film supply unit 41 is arranged so that the catalyst layer 151 faces the edge seal 13. It is conveyed along the first edge seal 13. And when the transfer part 42 comes to the position where the opening part 131 opposes, the catalyst layer transfer film 15 is pressed from the base film 151 side, and the catalyst layer 151 is passed through each opening part 131 of the first edge seal 13. Transfer from the substrate film 151 to the first support film 11. As a result, the first edge seal 13 is in a state in which the catalyst layer 151 is filled in each opening 131. Further, in the same process, the second edge seal 14 supplied from the second edge seal supply unit 3 to the catalyst layer forming unit 5 is also in a state in which the catalyst layer 151 is filled in each opening 141. Note that the size relationship between the catalyst layer 151 and the openings 131 and 141 at this time is preferably such that the area of the openings 131 and 141 is about 90 to 99% of the area of the catalyst layer 151. Further, the length of the catalyst layer 151 in the longitudinal direction is preferably smaller than the distance d1 between the openings 131 and 141.

  Thus, the first and second edge seals 13 and 14 in which the catalyst layers 151 are filled in the openings 131 and 141 are conveyed to the pressurizing unit 7 while being supported by the support films 11 and 12. In addition, an electrolyte membrane 16 supplied from the electrolyte membrane supply unit 6 is conveyed to the pressurizing unit 7. As shown in FIG. 5, in the pressure unit 7 in which each member has been conveyed in this way, the first edge seal is formed on the upper surface of the electrolyte membrane 16 by pressurizing and heating them with a pair of pressure rollers 71. 13 and the catalyst layer 151 are adhered, and the second edge seal 14 and the catalyst layer 151 are adhered to the lower surface of the electrolyte membrane 16. The polymer electrolyte fuel cell member 17 thus produced is wound up in a roll shape by the winding unit 8.

  A method for producing a polymer electrolyte fuel cell from the polymer electrolyte fuel cell member 17 produced as described above will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the roll-shaped polymer electrolyte fuel cell member 17 is cut between the catalyst layers 151 (FIG. 6A), and the support film 11 is cut from the cut sheet-shaped polymer electrolyte fuel cell member 17 after cutting. 12 are peeled off (FIG. 6B). In addition, the thing in which this support films 11 and 12 peeled is called the catalyst layer-electrolyte membrane laminated body 20 with an edge seal.

  Next, the conductive porous substrate 181 is laminated on each catalyst layer 151 of the catalyst layer-electrolyte membrane laminate 20 with edge seal to produce the membrane-electrode assembly 30 with edge seal (FIG. 6C). ). In addition, what formed the electroconductive porous base material 181 on the catalyst layer 151 is called an electrode.

  Then, a frame-shaped gasket 182 is arranged on each edge seal 11, 12 so as to surround each electrode, and a gas flow path is formed from both sides of the membrane-electrode assembly 30 with edge seal in which this gasket 182 is arranged. The separator 183 is held. Thus, the polymer electrolyte fuel cell 40 is completed (FIG. 6D).

  Next, the material of each member used for producing the polymer electrolyte fuel cell will be described.

  The electrolyte membrane 16 is formed, for example, by applying a solution containing a hydrogen ion conductive polymer electrolyte on a substrate and drying it. Examples of the hydrogen ion conductive polymer electrolyte include a perfluorosulfonic acid-based fluorine ion exchange resin, more specifically, a perfluorocarbonsulfonic acid-based resin in which the C—H bond of a hydrocarbon ion-exchange membrane is substituted with fluorine. Examples include polymers (PFS polymers). By introducing a fluorine atom having high electronegativity, it is chemically very stable, the dissociation degree of the sulfonic acid group is high, and high ion conductivity can be realized. Specific examples of such a hydrogen ion conductive polymer electrolyte include “Nafion” (registered trademark) manufactured by DuPont, “Flemion” (registered trademark) manufactured by Asahi Glass Co., Ltd., and “Aciplex” manufactured by Asahi Kasei Corporation. ”(Registered trademark),“ Gore Select ”(registered trademark) manufactured by Gore, and the like. The concentration of the hydrogen ion conductive polymer electrolyte contained in the hydrogen ion conductive polymer electrolyte-containing solution is usually about 5 to 60% by weight, preferably about 20 to 40% by weight. In addition, the film thickness of the electrolyte membrane 16 is about 20-250 micrometers normally, Preferably it is about 20-80 micrometers. The glass transition temperature (Tg) of the electrolyte membrane 16, that is, the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the perfluorosulfonic acid-based fluorine ion exchange resin is about 110 to 130 ° C. The glass transition temperature can be measured by differential scanning calorimetry or dynamic viscoelasticity measurement.

  The catalyst layer transfer film 15 is obtained by forming the catalyst layer 151 on the base film 152. Examples of the material of the base film 152 include polyimide, polyethylene terephthalate, polyparabanic acid aramid, polyamide (nylon), Examples thereof include polymer films such as polysulfone, polyethersulfone, polyphenylene sulfide, polyether ether ketone, polyetherimide, polyarylate, polyethylene naphthalate, polypropylene, and polyolefin. Further, heat resistance of ethylene tetrafluoroethylene copolymer (ETFE), tetrafluoroethylene-hexafluoropropylene copolymer (FEP), tetrafluoroperfluoroalkyl vinyl ether copolymer (PFA), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), etc. Fluorine resin can also be used. Further, in addition to the polymer film, coated paper such as art paper, coated paper, and lightweight coated paper, and non-coated paper such as notebook paper and copy paper may be used. The thickness of the base film 152 is usually about 6 to 100 μm, preferably about 10 to 30 μm, from the viewpoints of handleability and economy. Therefore, as a base material sheet, an inexpensive and easily available polymer film is preferable, and polyethylene terephthalate or the like is more preferable. Further, a release layer may be formed on the base film 152. The release layer can be produced by a known method such as chemical vapor deposition or physical vapor deposition. From the viewpoint of releasability, those made of silicon oxide and formed by chemical vapor deposition are preferred.

  The material of the catalyst layer 151 is a known platinum-containing catalyst layer (cathode catalyst and anode catalyst). Specifically, the catalyst layer 151 contains carbon particles supporting catalyst particles and a hydrogen ion conductive polymer electrolyte. Examples of the catalyst particles include platinum and platinum compounds. Examples of the platinum compound include an alloy of platinum and at least one metal selected from the group consisting of ruthenium, palladium, nickel, molybdenum, iridium, iron and the like. In general, the catalyst particles contained in the cathode catalyst layer are platinum, and the catalyst particles contained in the anode catalyst layer are an alloy of the metal and platinum. Moreover, as a hydrogen ion conductive polymer electrolyte, the same material as what is used for the electrolyte membrane 16 mentioned above can be used. The thickness of the catalyst layer 151 is preferably 20 to 100 μm in the case of a direct methanol fuel cell, and preferably 15 to 30 μm in the case of a solid polymer fuel cell.

  In the manufacturing method of the catalyst layer transfer film 15, first, a base film 152 made of the above-described material is prepared. Next, the carbon particles carrying the catalyst particles and the hydrogen ion conductive polymer electrolyte are mixed and dispersed in a suitable solvent to prepare a catalyst paste. Then, the catalyst paste is applied onto the base film 152 through a release layer as necessary according to a known method so that the formed catalyst layer 151 has a desired film thickness. Examples of the method for applying the catalyst paste include known coating methods such as screen printing, spray coating, die coating, and knife coating. After applying the catalyst paste, the catalyst layer 151 is formed on the base film 152 by drying at a predetermined temperature and time. A drying temperature is about 40-100 degreeC normally, Preferably it is about 60-80 degreeC. Although depending on the drying temperature, the drying time is usually about 5 minutes to 2 hours, preferably about 10 minutes to 1 hour. Examples of the solvent used in preparing the catalyst paste include various alcohols, various ethers, various dialkyl sulfoxides, water, or a mixture thereof. Of these, alcohols are preferable. Examples of alcohols include monohydric alcohols having 1 to 4 carbon atoms such as methanol, ethanol, n-propanol, isopropanol, n-butanol, and tert-butanol, and various polyhydric alcohols.

  The edge seals 13 and 14 preferably have a two-layer structure of a gas barrier layer having gas barrier properties and an adhesive layer having adhesive properties to the electrolyte membrane 16. For the gas barrier layer, polyester, polyamide, polyimide, polymethyl pentene, polyphenylene oxide, polysulfone, polyether ether ketone, polyphenylene sulfide, etc. having barrier properties against water vapor, water, fuel gas and oxidant gas can be preferably used. Specific examples of the polyester include polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, and polybutylene naphthalate.

  The adhesive layer is preferably made of a material that adheres to the electrolyte membrane due to its own stickiness or is welded to the electrolyte membrane 16 when heated. As such a material, polyolefin resin is preferable, for example, medium density polyethylene, high density polyethylene, linear low density polyethylene, ethylene-α-olefin copolymer, polypropylene, polybutene, polyisobutene, poisoisobutylene, polybutadiene, polybutadiene, and the like. Copolymer of ethylene and unsaturated carboxylic acid such as isoprene, ethylene-methacrylic acid copolymer, or ethylene-acrylic acid copolymer, or acid-modified polyolefin resin, silane-modified polyolefin resin obtained by modifying them, An ethylene-ethyl acrylate copolymer, an ionomer resin, an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, or the like can be used.

  The support films 11 and 12 that support the edge seals 13 and 14 are preferably made of a material having good dimensional stability so that the support films 11 and 12 do not deform due to a tension applied during conveyance by a roll-to-roll method. Examples of the material of the support films 11 and 12 include polyimide, polyethylene terephthalate, polyparabanic acid aramid, polyamide (nylon), polyphenylene sulfide, polyether ether ketone, polyether imide, polyarylate, and polyethylene naphthalate. A polymer film can be mentioned. In addition, fluorine-based films such as tetrafluoroethylene-hexafluoropropylene copolymer (FEP) and tetrafluoroperfluoroalkyl vinyl ether copolymer (PFA) are also used. The support film may be a single layer film or a multilayer film. Moreover, it is preferable that it has adhesiveness for adhesion | attachment with the edge seals 13 and 14, for example, an adhesion layer can be formed in the side which the edge seals 13 and 14 adhere | attach. As such an adhesive layer, an acrylic adhesive material, a styrene adhesive material, a silicon adhesive material, or the like can be used. Alternatively, a high-tack film such as silicon rubber may be laminated to a highly dimensionally stable film. Tack high films include natural rubber, styrene rubber, butyl rubber, chloroprene rubber, silicon rubber, urethane rubber, fluorine rubber, acrylic rubber, nitrile rubber, and styrene butadiene rubber.

  The conductive porous substrate 181 is well known, and various conductive porous substrates constituting an anode (fuel electrode) and a cathode can be used, and a fuel layer and an oxidant gas which are fuels can be efficiently used as a catalyst layer. In order to supply to, it consists of a porous electroconductive base material. Examples of the porous conductive substrate include carbon paper and carbon cloth.

  As the gasket 182, it is possible to use a gasket that has a strength sufficient to withstand hot pressing and has a gas barrier property that does not leak fuel and oxidant to the outside. For example, a polyethylene terephthalate sheet or Teflon ( (Registered trademark) sheet, silicon rubber sheet, and the like.

  The separator 183 may be any known conductive plate that is known and stable even in the environment inside the fuel cell. In general, a carbon plate in which a gas flow path is formed is used. In addition, the separator is made of a metal such as stainless steel, and the surface of the metal is formed with a coating made of a conductive material such as chromium, a platinum group metal or oxide thereof, or a conductive polymer, and the separator is also made of a metal. In addition, it is also possible to use a metal surface plated with a material such as silver, a platinum group composite oxide, or chromium nitride.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, since the edge seals 13 and 14 are conveyed while being supported by the support films 11 and 12, it is possible to suppress twisting even when tension is applied to the edge seals 13 and 14. As a result, the edge seals 13 and 14 can be stably conveyed. The catalyst layer 151 of the polymer electrolyte fuel cell member 17 is blocked from the outside air by the support films 11 and 12 until the conductive porous substrate 181 is laminated. For this reason, it can suppress that the catalyst layer 151 touches external air and oxidizes.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to these, A various change is possible unless it deviates from the meaning of this invention.

  For example, in the above embodiment, the edge seals 13 and 14 are adhered to both surfaces of the electrolyte membrane 16, but the edge seals can be adhered to only one surface of the electrolyte membrane 16. In this case, for example, only the second support film 12 can be supplied without supplying the second edge seal 14 from the second edge seal supply unit 3.

  In the above embodiment, the catalyst layer forming units 4 and 5 form the catalyst layer 151 on the support films 11 and 12 by the transfer method using the catalyst layer transfer film 15. The catalyst layer is not limited to transfer, and the catalyst layer can be formed on the support films 11 and 12 by screen printing, spray coating, gravure coating, direct coating by ink jet, or the like.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the cutting | disconnection and peeling process are performed after winding up the member 17 for polymer electrolyte fuel cells in the winding part 8, the winding part 8 is abbreviate | omitted and solid high A polymer electrolyte fuel cell can also be produced from the molecular fuel cell member 17.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the elongate edge seals 13 and 14 supported by the support films 11 and 12 are used, the process of forming the opening parts 131 and 141 in this edge seals 13 and 14 is a support film. 11 and 12 are preferably performed after the long edge seals 13 and 14 are adhered.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, after cutting the elongate polymer electrolyte fuel cell member 17, the order which produces the polymer electrolyte fuel cell 40 from the polymer polymer fuel cell member 17 cuts each support film 11 and 12 are peeled off and the conductive porous substrate 181 is laminated on the catalyst layer 151, but the order of these is not particularly limited. For example, the support films 11 and 12 can be peeled off in a long state, and then the conductive porous substrate 181 can be laminated on the catalyst layer 151 and then cut.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Manufacturing apparatus of polymer electrolyte fuel cell member 2 1st edge seal supply part 3 2nd edge seal supply part 4 1st catalyst layer formation part 5 2nd catalyst layer formation part 6 Electrolyte membrane supply part 7 Pressurization part 11 1st support film 12 2nd support film 13 1st edge seal 131 Opening part 14 2nd edge seal 141 Opening part 151 Catalyst layer 16 Electrolyte membrane 17 Member for polymer electrolyte fuel cells

Claims (10)

A first step of supplying a long first edge seal supported by a long first support film and having a plurality of openings spaced in the longitudinal direction;
Downstream of the first step, a second step of filling the catalyst layer into the opening of the first edge seal;
A third step of supplying a long electrolyte membrane;
A fourth step of bonding the first edge seal and the catalyst layer to one surface of the electrolyte membrane downstream of the second and third steps;
A method for producing a member for a polymer electrolyte fuel cell, comprising: A fifth step of supplying a long second edge seal supported by a long second support film and having a plurality of openings formed at intervals in the longitudinal direction;
A sixth step of filling the catalyst layer in the opening of the second edge seal downstream of the fifth step;
A seventh step of adhering the second edge seal and the catalyst layer to the other surface of the electrolyte membrane downstream of the third and sixth steps;
The method for producing a member for a polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to claim 1, further comprising:   The method for producing a member for a polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to claim 2, wherein the fourth step and the seventh step are performed simultaneously.   4. The production of a polymer electrolyte fuel cell member according to claim 2, further comprising a step of cutting the polymer electrolyte fuel cell member between the catalyst layers downstream of the fourth and seventh steps. 5. Method.   5. The polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to claim 2, wherein the opening is formed in a state where at least one of the first edge seal and the second edge seal is supported by the support film. 6. Manufacturing method of member. A method for producing a polymer electrolyte fuel cell member according to any one of claims 2 to 5,
An eighth step of peeling off the first and second support films at least downstream of the fourth and seventh steps;
The manufacturing method of the catalyst layer-electrolyte membrane laminated body with an edge seal | sticker containing this. A method for producing a catalyst layer-electrolyte membrane laminate with an edge seal according to claim 6,
A ninth step of laminating a conductive porous substrate on each catalyst layer downstream of the eighth step;
A method for producing a membrane-electrode assembly with an edge seal, comprising: A method for producing a membrane-electrode assembly with an edge seal according to claim 7,
A tenth step of disposing a frame-shaped gasket on each of the edge seals downstream of the ninth step;
Downstream of the tenth step, a step of installing a separator so as to sandwich the membrane-electrode assembly with an edge seal on which the gasket is disposed from both sides;
A method for producing a polymer electrolyte fuel cell, comprising: A first edge seal supply unit that is supported by a long first support film and that supplies a long first edge seal having a plurality of openings spaced in the longitudinal direction;
A first catalyst layer forming unit that is installed on the downstream side of the first edge seal supply unit, and fills the catalyst layer in the opening of the first edge seal supplied from the first edge seal supply unit;
An electrolyte membrane supply section for supplying a long electrolyte membrane;
A pressure unit that is installed downstream of the electrolyte membrane supply unit and the first catalyst layer forming unit, and adheres the first edge seal and the catalyst layer to one surface of the electrolyte membrane;
An apparatus for producing a polymer electrolyte fuel cell member, comprising: A second edge seal supply unit that is supported by the long second support film and supplies a long second edge seal having a plurality of openings spaced in the longitudinal direction;
A second catalyst layer forming unit that is installed on the downstream side of the second edge seal supply unit and that fills the catalyst layer in the opening of the second edge seal supplied from the second edge seal supply unit;
The apparatus for producing a polymer electrolyte fuel cell member according to claim 9, wherein the pressurizing unit adheres the second edge seal and the catalyst layer to the other surface of the electrolyte membrane.

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