JP2014086324A - Bonding device and bonding method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To suppress wrinkling of an electrolytic membrane when bonding a catalyst electrode to the electrolytic membrane.SOLUTION: A manufacturing apparatus 100 of a membrane electrode assembly includes first and second bonding sections 20, 40. In the first bonding section 20, a first catalyst layer 2 is bonded to the entire part of one side of a strip electrolytic membrane 1 by means of first and second hot rollers 23, 24. In the second bonding section 40, a second catalyst layer 3 is bonded to the other side of the electrolytic membrane 1 by means of first and second hot rollers 42, 43. In the second bonding section 40, the electrolytic membrane 1 is fed between the first and second hot rollers 42, 43 from below the gravity direction.

Description

  The present invention relates to a fuel cell.

  A polymer electrolyte fuel cell (hereinafter simply referred to as “fuel cell”) includes a membrane electrode assembly as a power generator. The membrane electrode assembly includes an electrolyte membrane and catalyst electrodes disposed on both sides thereof. The electrolyte membrane is composed of a thin film of ion exchange resin. The catalyst electrode is formed as a coating film of a dispersion of catalyst-carrying particles (so-called catalyst ink).

  Conventionally, as a manufacturing process of a membrane electrode assembly, a flow process of continuously joining (transferring) electrode members constituting a catalyst electrode by hot pressing while transporting a belt-shaped electrolyte membrane along the longitudinal direction. It has been adopted. Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for transferring a first catalyst electrode and a second catalyst electrode to a polymer electrolyte membrane being transported in order in a first roll place and a second roll place, respectively. It is disclosed. Patent Document 2 discloses a technique in which a catalyst layer is simultaneously transferred onto both surfaces of an electrolyte membrane being conveyed by a two-stage hot pressing process using a two-stage first and second hot press sections.

JP 2010-73639 A JP 2010-182563 A

  By the way, the electrolyte membrane has the property of being easily swelled and shrunk in accordance with the wet state, and is usually in a state where wrinkles are likely to occur due to thinning. Therefore, in the manufacturing process of the membrane electrode assembly, when the catalyst electrode is joined to the electrolyte membrane by hot pressing, wrinkles may occur in the electrolyte membrane. Such wrinkles of the electrolyte membrane may cause the electrolyte membrane to shake when a fuel cell is configured, and may cause leakage of the reaction gas.

  However, Patent Document 1 has a problem of forming a first catalyst electrode and a second catalyst electrode having different characteristics from each other, and suppressing wrinkles of the electrolyte membrane in the transfer process of each catalyst electrode. Is not disclosed. Further, in Patent Document 2, it is an object to suppress a peeling failure in which a part of the catalyst layer is peeled off together with the base material sheet for transferring the catalyst layer after the transfer of the catalyst layer. However, there is no disclosure of suppressing wrinkling of the electrolyte membrane.

  Thus, in the manufacturing process of a membrane electrode assembly, when joining a catalyst electrode to an electrolyte membrane, sufficient device was not made about suppressing that a wrinkle generate | occur | produces in an electrolyte membrane. In addition, in the manufacturing process of the conventional membrane electrode assembly, in addition to this, the improvement of the bonding property between the electrolyte membrane and the catalyst electrode, the downsizing of the membrane electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus, the usability of the membrane electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus There has been a demand for improvement of the manufacturing process, cost reduction of the manufacturing process of the membrane electrode assembly, resource saving, simplification, and the like. However, until now, sufficient measures have not been made to meet these requirements. In addition, the subject mentioned above was a subject common in the technique which joins not only the manufacturing process of the membrane electrode assembly of a fuel cell but the film-like members which are easy to produce a thermal deformation by hot press.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is to solve at least a part of the problems described above, and the invention can be implemented as the following forms.

(1) According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a joining device that joins an electrolyte membrane for a fuel cell and a membrane electrode member that constitutes an electrode for the fuel cell. The bonding apparatus includes a pair of rollers that sandwich the electrolyte membrane and the electrode member in contact with each other, heat and pressurize and feed the electrolyte membrane to the pair of rollers, A first transport path that feeds between the pair of rollers from below in the direction of gravity; and a second transport path that transports the electrode member to the pair of rollers and feeds it between the pair of rollers. According to the joining device of this embodiment, it is possible to suppress the end portion of the electrolyte membrane from being warped between the pair of rollers due to the influence of the rising airflow heated by the heat of the pair of rollers. Therefore, when joining an electrode member to an electrolyte membrane, it can control that a wrinkle will occur in an electrolyte membrane.

(2) In the bonding apparatus according to the above aspect, the electrolyte membrane is a band-shaped member; the electrode member has a size that fits in a plane of the electrolyte membrane; and the first transport path includes the electrolyte Transporting the film along the longitudinal direction; the second transport path transports a strip-shaped transport film in which a plurality of the electrode members are arranged apart from each other along the longitudinal direction of the transport film; A plurality of the electrode members may be transferred between the pair of rollers together with the transport film. According to the bonding apparatus of this embodiment, the electrode member can be continuously bonded to the belt-shaped electrolyte membrane being conveyed, and wrinkles are generated in the outer peripheral region of the electrode member of the electrolyte membrane. Can be suppressed.

(3) In the bonding apparatus according to the above aspect, the pair of rollers includes a first roller that pressurizes the electrolyte membrane and the electrode member from the electrolyte membrane side, and a second roller that pressurizes the electrode member from the electrode member side. The first transport path is an angle between a pressing direction of the first roller and a direction in which the electrolyte membrane is retracted with respect to the pair of rollers, and the first transport path The electrolyte membrane may be transported so that the angle on the roller side is 90 degrees or less. With this type of joining device, the electrolyte membrane can be transferred between the pair of rollers after the temperature of the electrolyte membrane has been raised to an appropriate temperature while suppressing the influence of the rising airflow caused by the heat of the pair of rollers. The bondability of the electrode member can be improved.

(4) In the joining device according to the above aspect, the first transport path is arranged between the first roller and the second roller so that the electrolyte membrane is along a side surface of the first roller. May be. According to this form of the joining apparatus, the electrolyte membrane in a state extending along the side surface of the first roller is heated to an appropriate temperature by the heat of the first roller, and then fed between the pair of rollers. be able to. Therefore, the temperature of the electrolyte membrane can be raised in a state where the deformation of the electrolyte membrane is suppressed before joining, and the joining property of the electrode member can be improved.

(5) In the bonding apparatus according to the above aspect, the second transport path causes the electrode member to move between the first roller and the second roller while bringing the transport film into surface contact with a side surface of the second roller. You may bring it in between. According to this form of the bonding apparatus, the electrode member and the electrolyte membrane on the transport film are suppressed from contacting each other before being pressed by the pair of rollers. Therefore, air enters between the electrode member and the electrolyte membrane before being pressed by the pair of rollers, and when the pressure is applied, the air moves to the outside of the electrode member to cause wrinkles in the electrolyte membrane. Can be suppressed.

(6) According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for joining an electrolyte membrane for a fuel cell and a membrane electrode member constituting an electrode for a fuel cell. The method includes (a) a step of feeding the electrolyte membrane from below in the direction of gravity between a pair of rollers arranged opposite to each other and rotating in opposite directions; and (b) between the one roller. A step of feeding the electrode material together with the electrolyte membrane; and (c) a step of heating and pressurizing with the pair of rollers while the electrolyte membrane and the electrode member are in contact with each other.

  The present invention can be realized in various forms other than the joining device and the joining method. For example, the present invention can be realized in the form of a control method for the joining device, a computer program for realizing the control method, a non-temporary recording medium on which the computer program is recorded, and the like. Moreover, the manufacturing apparatus and manufacturing method of the membrane electrode assembly using the bonding apparatus and the bonding method, the membrane electrode assembly manufactured by the manufacturing apparatus and the manufacturing method, the control method of the manufacturing apparatus of the membrane electrode assembly, and the control The present invention can be realized in the form of a computer program for realizing the method, a non-temporary recording medium on which the computer program is recorded, and the like.

Schematic which shows the structure of the manufacturing apparatus of a membrane electrode assembly. The schematic perspective view which shows the 2nd catalyst layer formed on the 3rd sheet | seat base material. The schematic perspective view which shows the structure of a cutting device, and the schematic diagram for demonstrating the cutting position by a cutting device. Schematic which shows the structure of the membrane electrode assembly cut out by the cutting device. Schematic which shows the structure of the manufacturing apparatus as a comparative example. The schematic diagram which extracted the vicinity of the 1st and 2nd hot roller in the manufacturing apparatus of a comparative example. The schematic diagram for demonstrating the influence with respect to the electrolyte membrane of the upward airflow produced with the heat | fever of the 2nd hot roller. The schematic diagram for demonstrating generation | occurrence | production of the wrinkle of the electrolyte membrane by the air which entered between the electrolyte membrane and the 2nd catalyst layer. The schematic diagram for demonstrating provision of the tension | tensile_strength with respect to the electrolyte membrane by the 1st entrance roller in a comparative example. The schematic diagram for demonstrating suppression of generation | occurrence | production of the wrinkle of the electrolyte membrane in the manufacturing apparatus of this embodiment. The schematic diagram for demonstrating the structure of the manufacturing apparatus of the membrane electrode assembly as 2nd Embodiment. The schematic diagram for demonstrating the structure of the manufacturing apparatus of the membrane electrode assembly as 3rd Embodiment. The schematic diagram for demonstrating the structure of the manufacturing apparatus of the membrane electrode assembly as 4th Embodiment.

A. First embodiment:
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a membrane electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus as a first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, a schematic cross section of a workpiece conveyed by the manufacturing apparatus 100 is appropriately illustrated for each conveyance position. Further, in FIG. 1, the conveyance direction of the workpiece is illustrated by arrows arranged in parallel with the conveyance path, and the rotation direction of each hot roller 23, 24, 42, 43 is illustrated by a dashed-dotted arrow. is there. Further, FIG. 1 shows an arrow G indicating the direction of gravity at the left corner of the drawing.

  The manufacturing apparatus 100 continuously manufactures a plurality of membrane electrode assemblies 5 in a continuous state by a flow process. In addition, although the membrane electrode assembly 5 connected with the strip | belt shape manufactured with the manufacturing apparatus 100 is cut | disconnected and isolate | separated in a post process, the detail is mentioned later. The manufacturing apparatus 100 includes a first bonding unit 20, a sheet peeling unit 30, and a second bonding unit 40. In addition, although the manufacturing apparatus 100 is further provided with the some conveyance roller 50 which comprises the conveyance path between each structure parts 20-30, detailed description about the conveyance roller 50 is abbreviate | omitted.

  The first bonding portion 20 transfers and bonds the band-shaped first catalyst layer 2 to one surface of the band-shaped electrolyte membrane 1 that is conveyed in the longitudinal direction. The first joining unit 20 includes an electrolyte membrane feeding unit 21, a first catalyst layer feeding unit 22, and two hot rollers 23 and 24. The electrolyte membrane feeding unit 21 includes a roll (not shown) around which the strip-shaped electrolyte membrane 1 attached to the first sheet base 1s is wound, and the strip attached to the first sheet base 1s. The electrolyte membrane 1 is fed between the two hot rollers 23 and 24.

  Here, the electrolyte membrane 1 is made of, for example, a fluorine-based ion exchange resin that exhibits good proton conductivity in a wet state. The electrolyte membrane 1 is drawn out from the electrolyte membrane feeding portion 21 in a predetermined wet state. The first sheet base 1s is made of, for example, a resin film. The first sheet base 1 s has substantially the same width as the electrolyte membrane 1, and the entire one surface is covered with the electrolyte membrane 1.

  The first catalyst layer feeding portion 22 is wound with the first catalyst layer 2 in the form of a thin film that covers the entire one surface of the second sheet substrate 2s having substantially the same width as the first sheet substrate 1s. Provided with a roll (not shown). The first catalyst layer feeding unit 22 feeds the first catalyst layer 2 to the two hot rollers 23 and 24 while being arranged on the second sheet base 2s. The first catalyst layer 2 is formed by applying a catalyst ink to one surface of the second sheet substrate 2s and drying it.

  Here, the “catalyst ink” means a dispersion solution in which conductive particles supporting a catalyst that promotes a fuel cell reaction and an electrolyte that is the same as or similar to the electrolyte membrane 1 are dispersed in an organic solvent or an inorganic solvent. To do. The second sheet base 2 s is made of a resin film, and the entire one surface is covered with the first catalyst layer 2.

  The first and second hot rollers 23 and 24 are arranged next to each other in parallel, and rotate in opposite directions while being heated to a high temperature (for example, about 140 to 160 degrees). The first and second hot rollers 23 and 24 can adjust the pressure applied to the work piece fed between them by adjusting the distance between them.

  The electrolyte membrane 1 and the first catalyst layer 2 are fed between the first and second hot rollers 23 and 24 with the side ends in the width direction aligned and in surface contact with each other. The electrolyte membrane 1 and the first catalyst layer 2 are heated and pressurized by the first and second hot rollers 23 and 24 via the sheet bases 1s and 2s, and are joined to each other. The joined body of the electrolyte membrane 1 and the first catalyst layer 2 drawn out between the first and second hot rollers 23 and 24 is sandwiched between the first and second sheet base materials 1s and 2s. Is conveyed to the sheet peeling unit 30.

  The sheet peeling unit 30 peels the first and second sheet base materials 1 s and 2 s from the joined body of the electrolyte membrane 1 and the first catalyst layer 2. The sheet peeling unit 30 includes first and second sheet collection units 31 and 32 and two peeling rollers 33a and 33b. The first sheet collection unit 31 is disposed at the subsequent stage of the first joint unit 20. A first peeling roller 33 a is disposed at the entrance of the first sheet collection unit 31. The first peeling roller 33 a peels the second sheet base material 2 s from the surface of the first catalyst layer 2 and conveys it to the first sheet collecting unit 31. The first sheet collecting unit 31 collects the second sheet substrate 2s that has been peeled off by a take-up roller (not shown).

  The second sheet collection unit 32 is disposed at the subsequent stage of the first sheet collection unit 31. A second peeling roller 33 b is disposed at the entrance of the second sheet collection unit 32. The second peeling roller 33 b peels the first sheet base material 1 s from the surface of the electrolyte membrane 1 and conveys it to the second sheet collection unit 32. The second sheet collection unit 32 collects the first sheet substrate 1s that has been peeled off by a take-up roller (not shown).

  The second joining portion 40 corresponds to a “joining device” in the claims, and joins the second catalyst layer 3 to the electrolyte membrane 1 to which the first catalyst layer 2 is joined. The second joint portion 40 includes a second catalyst layer feeding portion 41, first and second hot rollers 42 and 43, and first and second inlet rollers 44 and 45. The second catalyst layer feeding unit 41 feeds the plurality of second catalyst layers 3 arranged on the belt-like third sheet base material 3s.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing a plurality of second catalyst layers 3 formed on the third sheet base material 3s. The third sheet base 3s is a band-shaped member made of a resin film having substantially the same width as the electrolyte membrane 1. The plurality of second catalyst layers 3 are formed by applying a catalyst ink to one surface of the third sheet base 3s and drying it. The second catalyst layer 3 is formed so that the entire outer peripheral end portion thereof is within the plane of the third sheet base 3s, and is aligned in a line in the longitudinal direction of the third sheet base 3s. Arranged at intervals.

  The first and second hot rollers 42 and 43 (FIG. 1) are adjacent to each other and arranged in parallel in the horizontal direction. The first and second hot rollers 42 and 43 rotate in opposite directions while being heated to a high temperature (for example, about 140 to 160 degrees). Moreover, the 1st and 2nd hot rollers 42 and 43 can adjust the pressurization force with respect to the workpiece laid in between each other by adjusting a mutual separation distance.

  The electrolyte membrane 1 to which the first catalyst layer 2 is bonded is fed between the first and second hot rollers 42 and 43 from below in the direction of gravity. More specifically, the first and second hot layers are in a state where the first catalyst layer 2 is in surface contact with the side surface of the first hot roller 42 and the electrolyte membrane 1 is along the side surface of the one hot roller 42. The rollers 42 and 43 are moved between the first and second hot rollers 42 and 43 by the rotation of the rollers 42 and 43. The electrolyte membrane 1 is applied with tension (tension) by a first inlet roller 44 provided in front of the first and second hot rollers 42 and 43, and the first and second hot rollers. The angle of the feeding direction with respect to 42 and 43 is adjusted.

  The second catalyst layer 3 on the third sheet base material 3s fed out from the second catalyst layer feed-out part 41 is located between the first and second hot rollers 42 and 43 together with the electrolyte membrane 1 from below in the direction of gravity. It is carried in. More specifically, the first and second hot rollers 42 and 43 are rotated by the first and second hot rollers 42 and 43 while the third sheet base 3 s is in surface contact with the side surface of the second hot roller 43. It is fed between the rollers 42 and 43. The third sheet base material 3 s is tensioned by a second inlet roller 45 provided in front of the first and second hot rollers 42 and 43. The second catalyst layer 3 on the third sheet base material 3s is brought into contact with the electrolyte membrane 1 between the first and second hot rollers 42, 43, and is heated and pressurized to form the electrolyte membrane 1. Be joined.

  By the way, in the manufacturing apparatus 100 of the present embodiment, as described above, the electrolyte membrane 1 to which the first catalyst layer 2 is bonded is positioned between the first and second hot rollers 42 and 43 in the direction of gravity. It is carried over from. With this configuration, in the manufacturing apparatus 100 of this embodiment, wrinkles are suppressed from occurring in the electrolyte membrane 1, and details thereof will be described later.

  Thus, in the manufacturing apparatus 100 of the present embodiment, a plurality of membrane electrode assemblies 5 connected in a strip shape by the electrolyte membrane 1 are formed. Note that the third sheet base material 3s that is still attached to the surface of the second catalyst layer 3 is peeled off and collected by the sheet peeling portion provided at the subsequent stage of the second bonding portion 40. Illustration and detailed description are omitted.

  FIG. 3A is a schematic perspective view showing a configuration of a cutting apparatus 200 that cuts out a plurality of membrane electrode assemblies 5 manufactured in the manufacturing apparatus 100 and separates them from each other. The cutting device 200 cuts the membrane electrode assembly 5 together with the gas diffusion layer 6 by punching after joining the gas diffusion layer 6 to the first catalyst layer 2 of the membrane electrode assembly 5. The cutting device 200 includes a joining portion 210 and a punching portion 220.

  The joining part 210 includes first and second hot rollers 211 and 212. The first and second hot rollers 211 and 212 are arranged next to each other in parallel, and rotate in opposite directions while being heated to a high temperature (for example, about 140 to 160 degrees). In addition, the 1st and 2nd hot rollers 211 and 212 can adjust the pressurization force with respect to the workpiece put in between each other by adjusting the mutual separation distance.

  The plurality of membrane electrode assemblies 5 connected in a strip shape are transferred between the first and second hot rollers 211 and 212 in a state where the gas diffusion layer 6 is disposed on the surface of each first catalyst layer 2. It is done. In addition, the gas diffusion layer 6 is comprised by the flat member which has gas diffusibility and electroconductivity, such as carbon fiber, for example. The gas diffusion layer 6 is larger in size in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction than the second catalyst layer 3, and the first catalyst layer is positioned so that the second catalyst layer 3 is located in the center of the gas diffusion layer 6. 2 on the surface. The membrane electrode assembly 5 in which the gas diffusion layer 6 is joined to the first catalyst layer 2 at the joining portion 210 is conveyed as it is to the punching portion 220 provided in the subsequent stage.

  The punching part 220 includes an upper mold part 221 that functions as a punch and a lower mold part 222 that functions as a die. The membrane electrode assembly 5 to which the gas diffusion layer 6 is bonded is transported between the upper mold part 221 and the lower mold part 222. The upper mold part 221 punches out the membrane electrode assembly 5 and the gas diffusion layer 6 placed on the lower mold part 222 from the second catalyst layer 3 side, and the membrane electrode assembly 5 and the gas diffusion layer 6 are punched out. Punch out and cut out.

  FIG. 3B is a schematic diagram for explaining a cut-out position by the punching unit 220. FIG. 3B illustrates the surface on the second catalyst layer 3 side of the plurality of membrane electrode assemblies 5 connected in a strip shape. FIG. 3B also shows a one-dot chain line indicating the arrangement region of the gas diffusion layer 6 and a broken line indicating a cutting line CL by the punched portion 220 with respect to the central membrane electrode assembly 5. It is. The punching unit 220 punches out a region in the plane of the gas diffusion layer 6 outside the second catalyst layer 3 and cuts out the membrane electrode assembly 5.

  4A and 4B are schematic views showing the configuration of the membrane electrode assembly 5 cut out by the cutting device 200. FIG. 4A is a schematic cross-sectional view of the membrane electrode assembly 5, and FIG. 4B is a schematic front view of the membrane electrode assembly 5 as viewed from the second catalyst layer 3 side. A gas diffusion layer 6 is bonded to the first catalyst layer 2 of the membrane electrode assembly 5.

  In the membrane electrode assembly 5 manufactured by the manufacturing apparatus 100 (FIG. 1) of the present embodiment and cut by the cutting apparatus 200 (FIG. 3), the outer peripheral end of the second catalyst layer 3 is the surface of the electrolyte membrane 1. It has an inner peripheral portion of the electrolyte membrane 1 that is disposed inside and exposed from the second catalyst layer 3. That is, in the membrane electrode assembly 5, the outer peripheral end of the first catalyst layer 2 and the outer peripheral end of the second catalyst layer 3 are separated from each other. Therefore, when a fuel cell is configured using the membrane electrode assembly 5, the two catalyst layers 2, 3 are interposed via the end portion of the electrolyte membrane 1 by forming a seal portion that covers the outer peripheral end portion. So-called cross leak, in which unreacted reaction gas flows back and forth between, is suppressed.

  Further, in the membrane electrode assembly 5, the position of the outer peripheral end of the first catalyst layer 2 and the position of the outer peripheral end of the gas diffusion layer 6 are aligned, so that they exist at the outer peripheral end of the gas diffusion layer 6. It can suppress that the fluff of a fiber pierces the surface of the electrolyte membrane 1. Furthermore, according to the membrane / electrode assembly 5, even when hydrogen peroxide radicals are generated in the gas diffusion layer 6 during power generation of the fuel cell, before the hydrogen peroxide radicals reach the electrolyte membrane 1, It can be eliminated by the action of the catalyst in the first catalyst layer 2. Therefore, deterioration of the electrolyte membrane 1 due to hydrogen peroxide radicals can be suppressed.

  When configuring the fuel cell, a gas diffusion layer may be laminated also on the second catalyst layer 3 of the membrane electrode assembly 5. In this case, it is desirable that the outer peripheral end portion of the gas diffusion layer is disposed inside the outer peripheral end portion of the second catalyst layer 3. Thereby, also on the second catalyst layer 3 side, the above-described fluff sticking of the gas diffusion layer to the electrolyte membrane 1 and deterioration of the electrolyte membrane 1 due to hydrogen peroxide radicals can be suppressed.

  By the way, when the catalyst layer is transferred and joined to the electrolyte membrane by hot pressing, wrinkles may occur in the electrolyte membrane in the outer peripheral region of the catalyst layer. The wrinkles of the electrolyte membrane cause damage such as tearing of the electrolyte membrane when the membrane electrode assembly is assembled to the fuel cell. In addition, when the wrinkles of the electrolyte membrane extend to the outer peripheral end portion of the electrolyte membrane, the wrinkles may become a reaction gas path and cause a cross leak. The inventors of the present invention have found that such wrinkles of the electrolyte membrane are likely to occur in a configuration such as a manufacturing apparatus 100a of a comparative example described below.

  FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a manufacturing apparatus 100a as a comparative example of the present invention. In FIG. 5, as in FIG. 1, a schematic cross section of the workpiece, an arrow indicating the conveyance direction, an arrow indicating the rotation direction of each hot roller 23, 24, 42, 43, and an arrow G indicating the direction of gravity are illustrated. It is shown. In FIG. 5, the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 1 are assigned to the components corresponding to the components described in FIG. 1.

  In the second joining portion 40 of the manufacturing apparatus 100a of the comparative example, the electrolyte membrane 1 to which the first catalyst layer 2 is joined and the second catalyst layer 3 disposed on the third sheet base material 3s are: Between the first and second hot rollers 42 and 43 that are horizontally arranged, it is fed from above in the direction of gravity. More specifically, the electrolyte membrane 1 and the second catalyst layer 3 are superposed so as to be in surface contact with each other on the side surface of the second hot roller, and as it is, as the second hot roller 43 rotates, It is fed between the first and second hot rollers 42 and 43 and joined.

  FIG. 6 is a schematic view of the vicinity of the first and second hot rollers 42 and 43 in the manufacturing apparatus 100a of the comparative example. In FIG. 6, a broken line arrow indicating the flow of the air flow generated by the heat of the second hot roller 43 is illustrated. In the vicinity of the first and second hot rollers 42 and 43 that are being driven, the air is heated by the heat of the first and second hot rollers 42 and 43 and an ascending air current is generated.

  Due to this updraft, the area above the first and second hot rollers 42 and 43 is in a higher temperature than the area below. In the manufacturing apparatus 100a of the comparative example, the electrolyte membrane 1 is transported in such a high temperature region. The electrolyte membrane 1 is directly heated by the rising air current from the second hot roller 43 above the second hot roller 43.

  FIGS. 7A and 7B are schematic diagrams for explaining the influence of the rising airflow generated by the heat of the second hot roller 43 on the electrolyte membrane 1. FIG. 7A is a schematic front view of the electrolyte membrane 1 that has been conveyed above the second hot roller 43. FIG. 7A shows an arrow indicating the transport direction of the electrolyte membrane 1 and an arrow indicating the direction of shrinkage deformation of the electrolyte membrane 1.

  FIG. 7B shows the electrolyte membrane 1 to which the first catalyst layer 2 is bonded above the second hot roller 43, and the second catalyst layer 3 disposed on the third sheet base 3s. It is a schematic sectional drawing. In FIG. 7B, a broken line arrow indicating the flow of the updraft and a solid line arrow indicating the deformation direction of the electrolyte membrane 1 are illustrated.

  In the manufacturing apparatus 100a of the comparative example, since the electrolyte membrane 1 is heated by the heat of the second hot roller 43 and dried, it shrinks as it approaches the second hot roller 43, and its width is reduced (FIG. 7). (A)). Further, since the contraction amount of the electrolyte membrane 1 is larger than the contraction amount of the first catalyst layer 2 that is joined, the end portion of the electrolyte membrane 1 warps inward due to the difference in the contraction amount ( FIG. 7 (B)). In particular, in the manufacturing apparatus 100a of the comparative example, since the electrolyte membrane 1 is transported in regions above the first and second hot rollers 42 and 43 having a high temperature, the end portion of the electrolyte membrane 1 is significantly deformed.

  Furthermore, in the manufacturing apparatus 100a of the comparative example, the rising air flow generated by the heat of the second hot roller 43 enters between the second catalyst layer 3 and the electrolyte membrane 1 on the third sheet base material 3s. Since the end portion of the electrolyte membrane 1 is warped downward, the hot air that has entered as an ascending air current tends to stay below the electrolyte membrane 1 as it is. Due to the hot air that remains, the temperature of the electrolyte membrane 1 is further increased, and the shrinkage deformation is promoted.

  Such remarkable deformation due to the contraction of the electrolyte membrane 1 causes wrinkles in the electrolyte membrane 1 at the end of the second catalyst layer 3 when the second catalyst layer 3 is joined. Furthermore, the inventors of the present invention have found that the air that has entered between the electrolyte membrane 1 and the second catalyst layer 3 causes wrinkles in the electrolyte membrane 1.

  8A and 8B are schematic diagrams for explaining the generation of wrinkles in the electrolyte membrane 1 due to the air that has entered between the electrolyte membrane 1 and the second catalyst layer 3. FIG. 8A shows that the electrolyte membrane 1 to which the first catalyst layer 2 is bonded and the second catalyst layer 3 disposed on the third sheet base material 3s in the manufacturing apparatus 100a of the comparative example are the first. It is a schematic diagram which shows a mode that it introduces between 2nd and 2nd hot rollers 42 and 43. FIG. FIG. 8B is a schematic front view schematically showing the electrolyte membrane 1 in a state where the second catalyst layer 3 is joined and wrinkles are generated. In FIGS. 8A and 8B, broken line arrows indicating movement of air that has entered between the electrolyte membrane 1 and the second catalyst layer 3 are illustrated.

  The distance between the electrolyte membrane 1 and the second catalyst layer 3 decreases as the distance from the second hot roller 43 decreases, and the electrolyte membrane 1 and the second catalyst layer 3 come into contact with each other on the side surface of the second hot roller 43. At this time, a part of the hot air staying between the electrolyte membrane 1 and the second catalyst layer 3 cannot escape and the electrolyte membrane 1 and the second catalyst layer 3 come into contact with each other. 1 and the second catalyst layer 3 remain (FIG. 8A).

  The remaining air moves in the width direction of the second catalyst layer 3 as it approaches the position where the electrolyte membrane 1 and the second catalyst layer 3 are pressurized by the first and second hot rollers 42 and 43. Escape toward the side end at (Fig. 8B). When the electrolyte membrane 1 and the second catalyst layer 3 are joined by the first and second hot rollers 42 and 43, the air escaping from the side end portion in the width direction of the second catalyst layer 3 becomes the electrolyte membrane. Wrinkles are generated in the exposed portion of 1.

  FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram for explaining the application of tension to the electrolyte membrane 1 by the first inlet roller 44 in the manufacturing apparatus 100a of the comparative example. In FIG. 9, in the manufacturing apparatus 100a of the comparative example, the electrolyte membrane 1 in which the first catalyst layer 2 is joined by the first inlet roller 44 provided in front of the first and second hot rollers 42 and 43. A state in which a tension is applied is shown.

  If tension is applied to the electrolyte membrane 1 by the first inlet roller 44 provided in front of the first and second hot rollers 42 and 43, the end portion of the electrolyte membrane 1 described with reference to FIG. Warpage can be reduced. However, even with such a configuration, it is not possible to completely eliminate the warp of the electrolyte membrane 1 that significantly contracts due to the rising air flow generated by the heat of the first hot roller 42. In addition, when the electrolyte membrane 1 and the second catalyst layer 3 are joined, it is not possible to suppress the entry of air between the two, so that the generation of wrinkles in the electrolyte membrane 1 due to the air is suppressed. It is difficult.

  In addition, in the manufacturing apparatus 100a of the comparative example, if the temperature of the first and second hot rollers 42 and 43 is reduced to, for example, about 120 to 130 °, the temperature rise of the electrolyte membrane 1 due to the rising air current can be suppressed. Is possible. However, in this case, the temperature for joining the electrolyte membrane 1 and the second catalyst layer 3 is insufficient, and the joining property between the two may be lowered.

  FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining suppression of wrinkling of the electrolyte membrane 1 in the manufacturing apparatus 100 of the present embodiment. FIG. 10 illustrates the vicinity of the first and second hot rollers 42 and 43 in the second joint portion 40 of the manufacturing apparatus 100 of the present embodiment. Further, in FIG. 10, for the sake of convenience, an arrow indicating the pressing direction by the first hot roller 42 and an arrow indicating the feeding direction of the electrolyte membrane 1 with respect to the first and second hot rollers 42 and 43 are illustrated. is there.

  In the manufacturing apparatus 100 of the present embodiment, the electrolyte membrane 1 to which the first catalyst layer 2 is bonded is fed between the first and second hot rollers 42 and 43 from below in the gravity direction. More specifically, the electrolyte membrane 1 has an angle α smaller than 90 ° with respect to the pressurizing direction of the first hot roller 42, and the first and second hot rollers 42, 43 from below in the direction of gravity. In between. Therefore, in the manufacturing apparatus 100 of the present embodiment, the electrolyte membrane 1 is heated by the rising airflow generated by the heat of the first and second hot rollers 42 and 43 before the first and second hot rollers 42 and 43. It is never done.

  In addition, in the manufacturing apparatus 100 of the present embodiment, the electrolyte membrane 1 to which the first catalyst layer 2 is bonded has the first catalyst layer 2 in surface contact with the side surface of the first hot roller 42 and the first catalyst layer 2. It is fed between the second hot rollers 42 and 43. On the other hand, the second catalyst layer 3 disposed on the third sheet base material 3 s has the first and second hot surfaces in a state where the third sheet base material 3 s is in surface contact with the side surface of the first hot roller 42. It is fed between the rollers 42 and 43.

  Therefore, in the manufacturing apparatus 100 of the present embodiment, the position where the electrolyte membrane 1 and the second catalyst layer 3 are in contact with each other substantially coincides with the position pressed by the first and second hot rollers 42 and 43. Become. Therefore, air is prevented from entering between the electrolyte membrane 1 and the second catalyst layer 3 before being pressurized by the first and second hot rollers 42 and 43.

  Furthermore, in the manufacturing apparatus 100 of the present embodiment, before the electrolyte membrane 1 and the second catalyst layer 3 are fed between the first and second hot rollers 42 and 43, the electrolyte membrane 1 is the first. The hot roller 42 is heated while being extended along the side surface. That is, in the manufacturing apparatus 100 of the present embodiment, the electrolyte membrane 1 is preliminarily heated in a state where deformation is suppressed before the bonding step. Therefore, the deterioration of the bonding property of the second catalyst layer 3 due to the electrolyte membrane 1 not being sufficiently heated is suppressed, the internal resistance in the membrane electrode assembly 5 can be reduced, and the membrane electrode bonding The power generation performance of the body 5 can be improved.

  Further, in the manufacturing apparatus 100 of the present embodiment, the electrolyte membrane 1 is not exposed to the rising airflow generated by the heat of the first and second hot rollers 42 and 43, so that the thermal contraction of the electrolyte membrane 1 can be prevented. There is no need to lower the temperature of the first and second hot rollers 42 and 43 for suppression. Therefore, it is possible to ensure the bonding property between the electrolyte membrane 1 and the second catalyst layer 3.

  As described above, in the manufacturing apparatus 100 of the present embodiment, the electrolyte membrane 1 is drawn between the first and second hot rollers 42 and 43 from below in the direction of gravity and joined to the second catalyst layer 3. This suppresses wrinkles from being generated in the electrolyte membrane 1 during the joining. Moreover, since the 2nd catalyst layer 3 can be joined after heating the electrolyte membrane 1 appropriately, the joining property of the 2nd catalyst layer 3 can be improved.

B. Second embodiment:
FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram for explaining a configuration of a membrane electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus as a second embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 11, the vicinity of the first and second hot rollers 42 and 43 in the second joint portion 40 of the manufacturing apparatus 100A of the second embodiment is extracted and illustrated. Further, FIG. 11 shows an arrow G indicating the direction of gravity and a broken-line arrow indicating heat propagation. The configuration of the manufacturing apparatus 100A of the second embodiment is the same as that of the manufacturing apparatus 100 of the first embodiment except that the angle at which the electrolyte membrane 1 is retracted with respect to the first and second hot rollers 42 and 43 is different. It is almost the same.

  In the second joining portion 40 of the manufacturing apparatus 100A of the second embodiment, by adjusting the position of the first hot roller 42, the pressing direction of the first and second hot rollers 42, 43 (that is, horizontal) The angle at which the electrolyte membrane 1 is retracted is substantially perpendicular to the direction). That is, in the manufacturing apparatus 100 </ b> A of the second embodiment, the electrolyte membrane 1 is retracted at an angle parallel to the direction of gravity with respect to the first and second hot rollers 42 and 43.

  Even in such a configuration, the position where the electrolyte membrane 1 and the second catalyst layer 3 are in contact with the position where the applied pressure is applied by the first and second hot rollers 42 and 43 is substantially the same. To do. Therefore, it can suppress that air enters between the electrolyte membrane 1 and the 2nd catalyst layer 3, and it suppresses that wrinkles generate | occur | produce in the electrolyte membrane 1 by air in the joining process of the 2nd catalyst layer 3. it can.

  Further, in the case of the manufacturing apparatus 100A of the second embodiment, the electrolyte membrane 1 is transported under the first and second hot rollers 42 and 43 having a relatively low temperature, so that thermal contraction during transport is suppressed. Is done. Further, in the case of the manufacturing apparatus 100A of the second embodiment, the electrolyte membrane 1 is placed between the first and second hot rollers 42 and 43 before the electrolyte membrane 1 is transferred between the first and second hot rollers 42 and 43. The temperature can be raised to an appropriate temperature by radiant heat. Here, “appropriate temperature” means a temperature at which the electrolyte membrane 1 does not shrink excessively and does not have excess or deficiency for bonding. Therefore, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the bonding property of the second catalyst layer 3 while suppressing the generation of wrinkles in the electrolyte membrane 1.

  In addition, in the manufacturing apparatus 100A of the second embodiment, the first catalyst layer 2 bonded to the electrolyte membrane 1 is not the first catalyst layer 2 before being fed between the first and second hot rollers 42 and 43. The surface of the hot roller 42 is not in surface contact. On the other hand, in the manufacturing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment, the first catalyst layer 2 has a side surface of the first hot roller 42 before it is fed between the first and second hot rollers 42 and 43. Is in surface contact. That is, in the manufacturing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment, the temperature of the electrolyte membrane 1 can be reliably raised in a state where deformation of the electrolyte membrane 1 is suppressed before the bonding step. Therefore, in this respect, the configuration of the manufacturing apparatus 100 of the first embodiment is more preferable than the configuration of the manufacturing apparatus 100A of the second embodiment.

C. Third embodiment:
FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram for explaining a configuration of a manufacturing apparatus of a membrane electrode assembly as a third embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 12, the vicinity of the first and second hot rollers 42 and 43 in the second joint portion 40 of the manufacturing apparatus 100B of the third embodiment is extracted and illustrated. Also, in FIG. 12, similarly to FIG. 11, an arrow G indicating the direction of gravity and a broken-line arrow indicating heat propagation are shown. Further, in FIG. 12, as in FIG. 10, an arrow indicating the pressing direction by the first hot roller 42, and an arrow indicating the feeding direction of the electrolyte membrane 1 with respect to the first and second hot rollers 42, 43 Is shown. The configuration of the manufacturing apparatus 100B of the third embodiment is substantially the same as that of the manufacturing apparatus 100 of the first embodiment, except that the angle α at which the electrolyte membrane 1 is transferred relative to the first and second hot rollers 42 and 43 is different. The same.

  In the second joint portion 40 of the manufacturing apparatus 100 </ b> B of the third embodiment, the direction in which the electrolyte membrane 1 is transferred is slanted toward the first hot roller 42 by adjusting the position of the first inlet roller 44. It is upward. That is, the angle between the direction in which the electrolyte membrane 1 is transferred and the pressing direction of the first hot roller 42, and the angle on the first hot roller 42 side is larger than 90 ° (α> 90 °). As a result, the electrolyte membrane 1 overlaps with the second catalyst layer 3 on the side surface of the second hot roller 43 and is fed between the first and second hot rollers 42 and 43.

  Even with such a configuration, the electrolyte membrane 1 is not heated by the rising airflow generated by the heat of the first and second hot rollers 42 and 43 as in the manufacturing apparatus 100a of the comparative example. Accordingly, the occurrence of wrinkles in the electrolyte membrane 1 in the bonding step of the second catalyst layer 3 is suppressed. Further, since the temperature of the electrolyte membrane 1 can be raised by the heat of the first and second hot rollers 42 and 43 and then transferred between the first and second hot rollers 42 and 43, the electrolyte membrane 1 And the second catalyst layer 3 can be improved.

  However, in the manufacturing apparatus 100 </ b> B of the third embodiment, the electrolyte membrane 1 and the second catalyst layer 3 are positioned at a position before the electrolyte membrane 1 and the second catalyst layer 3 are pressurized by the first and second hot rollers 42 and 43. The two catalyst layers 3 are in surface contact. Therefore, a shear force is generated between the electrolyte membrane 1 and the second catalyst layer 3 due to thermal contraction of the electrolyte membrane 1 before the electrolyte membrane 1 and the second catalyst layer 3 are joined, and the electrolyte membrane 1 Wrinkles may occur. Therefore, in this respect, the configuration of the manufacturing apparatus 100 of the first embodiment and the configuration of the manufacturing apparatus 100A of the second embodiment are more preferable than the configuration of the manufacturing apparatus 100B of the third embodiment.

D. Fourth embodiment:
FIG. 13: is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the structure of the manufacturing apparatus of the membrane electrode assembly as 4th Embodiment of this invention. In FIG. 13, the vicinity of the first and second hot rollers 42 and 43 in the second joint portion 40 of the manufacturing apparatus 100 </ b> C of the fourth embodiment is extracted and illustrated. FIG. 13 shows an arrow G indicating the direction of gravity, as in FIG. The configuration of the manufacturing apparatus 100 </ b> C according to the fourth embodiment is different from that of the first and second hot rollers 42 and 43 in the arrangement direction of the first and second hot rollers 42 and 43 and the electrolyte membrane 1 with respect to the first and second hot rollers 42 and 43. The manufacturing apparatus 100 is substantially the same as the manufacturing apparatus 100 of the first embodiment except that the angle at which the second catalyst layer 3 is introduced is different.

  In the second joint portion 40 of the manufacturing apparatus 100C of the fourth embodiment, the first and second hot rollers 42 and 43 are arranged in parallel along the direction of gravity with the first hot roller 42 on the lower side. ing. Further, the electrolyte membrane 1 to which the first catalyst layer 2 is bonded is fed between the first and second hot rollers 42 and 43 from below in the direction of gravity by the rotation of the first hot roller 42. On the other hand, the second catalyst layer 3 disposed on the third sheet base material 3 s moves between the first and second hot rollers 42 and 43 from above in the direction of gravity by the rotation of the second hot roller 43. It has been put in. Even with such a configuration, the electrolyte membrane 1 before coming into contact with the second catalyst layer 3 is not exposed to the rising airflow generated by the heat of the first and second hot rollers 42 and 43. Therefore, the occurrence of wrinkles in the electrolyte membrane 1 in the bonding step of the second catalyst layer 3 is suppressed.

E. Variations:
E1. Modification 1:
In the above embodiment, the membrane electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus 100, 100 </ b> A to 100 </ b> C includes the first joint 20 that joins the first catalyst layer 2 to the electrolyte membrane 1. However, the first joint 20 that joins the first catalyst layer 2 to the electrolyte membrane 1 may be omitted. That is, the membrane electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus 100, 100 </ b> A to 100 </ b> C in the above embodiment may be configured as a bonding apparatus between the electrolyte membrane 1 and the second catalyst layer 3.

E2. Modification 2:
In the above embodiment, the membrane electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus 100, 100 </ b> A to 100 </ b> C continuously bonds the plurality of second catalyst layers 3 to the strip-shaped electrolyte membrane 1. However, the membrane electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus 100, 100 </ b> A to 100 </ b> C may not continuously join the plurality of second catalyst layers 3 to the strip-shaped electrolyte membrane 1. The membrane electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus 100, 100 </ b> A to 100 </ b> C may be configured as an apparatus that joins one second catalyst layer 3 to one electrolyte membrane 1.

E3. Modification 3:
In the above-described embodiment, the second catalyst layer 3 is fed between the first and second hot rollers 42 and 43 while the third sheet base 3 s is in surface contact with the side surface of the second hot roller 43. It was. However, when the second catalyst layer 3 is fed between the first and second hot rollers 42 and 43, the third sheet base 3 s does not have to be in surface contact with the side surface of the second hot roller 43. good. For example, in the second embodiment, the third sheet base 3s is placed between the first and second hot rollers 42 and 43 along the direction of gravity in a state where the second catalyst layer 3 is overlapped with the electrolyte membrane. It may be carried over.

E4. Modification 4:
In the said embodiment, the 1st and 2nd hot rollers 42 and 43 of the 2nd junction part 40 were arranged in parallel along the horizontal direction or the gravity direction. However, the first and second hot rollers 42 and 43 may be arranged in parallel at other angles.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, examples, and modifications, and can be realized with various configurations without departing from the spirit thereof. For example, the technical features in the embodiments, examples, and modifications corresponding to the technical features in each embodiment described in the summary section of the invention are to solve some or all of the above-described problems, or In order to achieve part or all of the above effects, replacement or combination can be performed as appropriate. Further, if the technical feature is not described as essential in the present specification, it can be deleted as appropriate.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Electrolyte membrane 1s ... 1st sheet base material 2 ... 1st catalyst layer 2s ... 2nd sheet base material 3 ... 2nd catalyst layer 3s ... 3rd sheet base material 5 ... Membrane electrode assembly 6 ... Gas diffusion layer 20 ... 1st junction part 21 ... Electrolyte membrane delivery part 22 ... 1st catalyst layer delivery part 23 ... 1st hot roller 24 ... 2nd hot roller 30 ... Sheet peeling part 31 ... 1st sheet | seat Collection unit 32 ... second sheet collection unit 33a ... first peeling roller 33b ... second peeling roller 40 ... second joint 41 ... second catalyst layer feeding unit 42 ... first hot roller 43 ... first Two hot rollers 44 ... first inlet roller 45 ... second inlet roller 50 ... conveying rollers 100, 100A to 100C, 100a ... manufacturing device 200 ... cutting device 210 ... joining portion 211 ... first hot roller 212 ... First Hot roller 220 ... punch section 221 ... upper die part 222 ... lower die CL ... cutting line

Claims (6)

A joining device for joining an electrolyte membrane for a fuel cell and a membrane electrode member constituting an electrode for a fuel cell,
A pair of rollers sandwiching the electrolyte membrane and the electrode member in contact with each other, heating and pressurizing and feeding,
A first conveying path that conveys the electrolyte membrane to the pair of rollers and feeds the electrolyte membrane from below in the direction of gravity between the pair of rollers;
A second transport path for transporting the electrode member to the pair of rollers and feeding between the pair of rollers;
A joining apparatus comprising: The joining device according to claim 1,
The electrolyte membrane is a band-shaped member,
The electrode member has a size that fits in the plane of the electrolyte membrane,
The first transport path transports the electrolyte membrane along a longitudinal direction,
The second transport path transports a belt-shaped transport film in which a plurality of the electrode members are arranged apart from each other along the longitudinal direction of the transport film, and the plurality of electrode members together with the transport film A joining device that is fed between a pair of rollers. The joining device according to claim 2,
The pair of rollers includes a first roller that pressurizes the electrolyte membrane and the electrode member from the electrolyte membrane side, and a second roller that pressurizes from the electrode member side,
The first transport path is an angle between a pressing direction of the first roller and a direction in which the electrolyte membrane is retracted with respect to the pair of rollers, and an angle on the first roller side is 90. A joining device that conveys the electrolyte membrane so that it is less than or equal to the degree. The joining device according to claim 3,
The first transport path is a joining apparatus in which the electrolyte membrane is fed between the first roller and the second roller along a side surface of the first roller. The joining device according to claim 3 or 4,
The second transport path is a joining apparatus in which the electrode member is fed between the first roller and the second roller while bringing the transport film into surface contact with a side surface of the second roller. A method of joining an electrolyte membrane for a fuel cell and a membrane electrode member constituting an electrode for a fuel cell,
(A) a step of feeding the electrolyte membrane from below in the direction of gravity between a pair of rollers arranged opposite to each other and rotating in opposite directions;
(B) a step of feeding the electrode material together with the electrolyte membrane between the one roller;
(C) heating and pressurizing with the pair of rollers in a state where the electrolyte membrane and the electrode member are in contact with each other;
A method comprising:

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