JP2015207490A - Manufacturing method of fuel cell and manufacturing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a manufacturing method of a fuel cell for manufacturing a fuel cell with which adhesive properties between a support part and a separator is improved under a clean environment with a simple method.SOLUTION: The manufacturing method of a fuel cell includes: a surface modification process S041 for changing properties of a surface itself by modifying the surface 57 of the support part 50 for supporting a membrane electrode assembly 20; a coating process S042 for coating an adhesive S to the surface of the support part modified in the surface modification process; and a bonding process S043 for bonding a separator 30 to the support part through the adhesive coated in the coating process.

Description

  The present invention relates to a fuel cell manufacturing method and a manufacturing apparatus.

  In recent years, fuel cells have attracted attention as a power source with a low environmental load. A fuel cell is a clean power generation system in which the product of an electrode reaction is water in principle and has almost no adverse effect on the global environment. In particular, a polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC) is expected as a power source for electric vehicles because it operates at a relatively low temperature.

  Such a fuel cell manufacturing method includes, for example, a step of press-molding the separator, a step of welding (joining) the separator, and a step of surface-treating the separator. The fuel cell manufacturing method further includes a step of assembling a module incorporating the separator and the membrane electrode assembly, and a step of assembling a stack from the module. In relation to this, for example, Patent Document 1 below discloses a method of manufacturing a fuel cell in which the process from the formation of the separator to the assembly of the module is continuously performed.

  On the other hand, the step of assembling the module includes a step of bonding the separator to the support portion that supports the membrane electrode assembly using an adhesive. In general, the adhesion between the support and the adhesive is not good. Therefore, in order to improve the adhesion between the support part and the adhesive, for example, a styrene primer treatment may be applied to the support part. When this primer treatment is applied, the adhesion between the surface coated with the primer and the adhesive is improved, thereby improving the adhesion between the support part and the adhesive, and as a result, the adhesion between the support part and the separator is improved. improves. At this time, a support part and an adhesive agent are joined via a primer. It is generally known that the adhesion mechanism includes mechanical bonds that depend on the surface shape, etc., physical interactions due to the bonding force between the molecules of the material, and chemical interactions due to chemical treatment, etc. . However, it cannot be specified which binding force is improved by the primer treatment, and the primer is selected from information obtained experimentally from experience.

JP-A-2005-190946

  However, when applying the above-described primer treatment to the support portion, a step of applying the primer to the support portion and a step of drying the applied primer are required, resulting in a long lead time and an improvement in productivity. Is difficult. In addition, since a large amount of volatile organic compound (VOC) is accompanied when applying and drying the primer, there is a problem that an exhaust facility is required as a countermeasure and the manufacturing cost increases.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and a fuel cell manufacturing method for manufacturing a fuel cell with improved adhesion between a support portion and a separator by a simple method under a clean environment. And it aims at providing a manufacturing apparatus.

  A fuel cell manufacturing method according to the present invention that achieves the above object is a fuel cell manufacturing method for manufacturing a fuel cell having a membrane electrode assembly including anode and cathode electrode layers on both surfaces of an electrolyte membrane, and a separator. It is. The method of manufacturing a fuel cell includes a surface reforming step of modifying the surface of the support portion supporting the membrane electrode assembly on the side where the separator is laminated to change the property of the surface itself, and the surface modification. And an application step of applying an adhesive to the surface modified in the quality step. The fuel cell manufacturing method further includes a joining step of joining the separator to the support portion via the adhesive applied in the applying step.

  A fuel cell manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention that achieves the above object is a fuel cell manufacturing device that includes a membrane electrode assembly having anode and cathode electrode layers on both sides of an electrolyte membrane, and a separator. It is a manufacturing device. An apparatus for manufacturing a fuel cell includes a surface modifying means for modifying a surface of the support portion supporting the membrane electrode assembly on the side where the separator is laminated to change the property of the surface itself, and the surface modification. Coating means for applying an adhesive to the surface modified by the quality means. The fuel cell manufacturing apparatus further includes a joining unit that joins the separator to the support portion via the adhesive applied by the applying unit.

  If it is the manufacturing method of said fuel cell, an adhesive agent will be apply | coated to the surface of the support part modified | reformed in the surface modification process in an application | coating process. For this reason, the adhesiveness between the surface of a support part and an adhesive agent can be improved, without performing a primer process. Therefore, it is possible to provide a fuel cell manufacturing method for manufacturing a fuel cell with improved adhesion between the support portion and the separator in a clean environment by a simple method.

  Further, in the case of the fuel cell manufacturing apparatus described above, an adhesive is applied to the surface of the support portion modified by the surface modifying means by the applying means. For this reason, the adhesiveness between the surface of a support part and an adhesive agent can be improved, without performing a primer process. Therefore, it is possible to provide a fuel cell manufacturing apparatus that manufactures a fuel cell with improved adhesion between the support portion and the separator in a clean environment by a simple method.

1 is a perspective view showing a fuel cell according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a principal part expanded sectional view which shows a part of laminated structure of a fuel cell. It is a figure which shows a mode that a support part supports a membrane electrode assembly. It is a perspective view which shows a surface modification means. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the manufacturing method of a fuel cell. It is a flowchart for demonstrating a modularization process. It is a figure which shows a mode that an adhesive agent is apply | coated to the surface of a support part by an application | coating means. It is a figure which shows a mode that a separator is joined to a support part by a joining means. It is a figure which shows typically the state in the surface of the support part before plasma irradiation. It is a figure which shows typically the state in the surface of the support part after plasma is irradiated. It is a figure which shows a mode that the functional group in an adhesive agent couple | bonds with the activated surface.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted. The dimensional ratios in the drawings are exaggerated for convenience of explanation, and may differ from actual ratios.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a fuel cell 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a main part of a part of the laminated structure of the fuel cell 1. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the support unit 50 supports the membrane electrode assembly 20.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the fuel cell 1 has a laminate 3 in which a predetermined number of single cells 2 that generate an electromotive force by a reaction between a fuel gas (hydrogen) and an oxidant gas (oxygen) are laminated. A current collector plate 4, an insulating plate 5, and an end plate 6 are disposed at both ends of the laminate 3, and these are fastened by tie rod bolts 7 to constitute the fuel cell 1. In order to distribute the fuel gas, the oxidant gas, and the cooling water inside the fuel cell 1, six through holes are formed in one end plate 6. The six through holes constitute a fuel gas inlet 8, a fuel gas outlet 9, an oxidant gas inlet 10, an oxidant gas outlet 11, a cooling water inlet 12, and a cooling water outlet 13.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the unit cell 2 includes a membrane electrode assembly 20 including anode and cathode electrode layers (anode side electrode 23 and cathode side electrode 22) on both surfaces of an electrolyte membrane 21, and a membrane electrode assembly. The support part 50 which supports 20 is provided. The unit cell 2 further includes a fuel cell metal separator 30 (hereinafter simply referred to as a separator 30) disposed on each of both surfaces of the membrane electrode assembly 20.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the membrane electrode assembly 20 includes an electrolyte membrane 21, a cathode side electrode 22, and an anode side electrode 23. Moreover, the membrane electrode assembly 20 is configured in a rectangular shape as shown in FIG.

  The cathode side electrode 22 includes a cathode side catalyst layer 221 and a cathode side gas diffusion layer 222.

  The cathode-side catalyst layer 221 includes a catalyst component, a conductive catalyst carrier that supports the catalyst component, and an electrolyte. The cathode-side catalyst layer 221 is a catalyst layer in which an oxygen reduction reaction proceeds, and is disposed on one side of the electrolyte membrane 21. .

  The cathode side gas diffusion layer 222 has sufficient gas diffusibility and conductivity to supply an oxidant gas to the cathode side catalyst layer 221. The cathode side gas diffusion layer 222 is disposed on the surface of the cathode side catalyst layer 221 opposite to the surface on which the electrolyte membrane 21 is disposed.

  The anode side electrode 23 includes an anode side catalyst layer 231 and an anode side gas diffusion layer 232.

  The anode-side catalyst layer 231 includes a catalyst component, a conductive catalyst carrier that supports the catalyst component, and an electrolyte. The anode-side catalyst layer 231 is a catalyst layer in which an oxidation reaction of hydrogen proceeds, and is disposed on the other side of the electrolyte membrane 21. .

  The anode side gas diffusion layer 232 has sufficient gas diffusibility and conductivity to supply the fuel gas to the anode side catalyst layer 231. The anode side gas diffusion layer 232 is disposed on the surface of the anode side catalyst layer 231 opposite to the surface on which the electrolyte membrane 21 is disposed.

  The electrolyte membrane 21 selectively permeates protons generated in the anode side catalyst layer 231 to the cathode side catalyst layer 221 and does not mix the fuel gas supplied to the anode side and the oxidant gas supplied to the cathode side. Function as a partition wall.

  The separator 30 has a function of electrically connecting the single cells 2 in series and a function of a partition that blocks fuel gas, oxidant gas, and cooling water from each other. The separator 30 is formed by, for example, pressing a stainless steel plate, and has a concavo-convex shape for forming a flow channel as shown in FIG. The stainless steel plate is preferable in that it can be easily subjected to complicated machining and has good conductivity, and can be coated with a corrosion-resistant coating as necessary. The separator 30 is disposed on each of both surfaces of the membrane electrode assembly 20 so that the fuel gas flow path 31 for flowing the fuel gas, the oxidant gas flow path 32 for flowing the oxidant gas, and the cooling. A cooling water flow path 33 for circulating water is formed.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the support unit 50 is provided on the outer periphery of the membrane electrode assembly 20 and supports the membrane electrode assembly 20. The support portion 50 is formed by injection molding of a thermoplastic resin. When the support portion 50 is molded by injection molding, the outer periphery of the gas diffusion layers 222 and 232 is impregnated with the thermoplastic resin, so that the support portion 50 and the membrane electrode assembly 20 are integrated, and the support portion 50 becomes a membrane electrode. The joined body 20 is supported. Therefore, the handleability of the membrane electrode assembly 20 is improved. As shown in FIG. 3, the support unit 50 corresponds to the end plate 6, and includes a fuel gas inlet 51, a fuel gas outlet 52, an oxidant gas inlet 53, an oxidant gas outlet 54, and a cooling water inlet. 55 and a cooling water discharge port 56.

  The separator 30 and the support part 50 are joined via the adhesive S, as shown in FIG. The surface 57 of the support portion 50 on the side where the separator 30 is laminated is modified by being irradiated with plasma as will be described later. For this reason, the adhesiveness between the surface 57 of the support part 50 and the adhesive agent S improves.

  The fuel gas is introduced from the fuel gas inlet 8, flows through the fuel gas passage 31 of the separator 30, and is discharged from the fuel gas outlet 9. The oxidant gas is introduced from the oxidant gas introduction port 10, flows through the oxidant gas flow path 32 of the separator 30, and is discharged from the oxidant gas discharge port 11. The cooling water is introduced from the cooling water introduction port 12, flows through the cooling water flow path 33 of the separator 30, and is discharged from the cooling water discharge port 13.

  Next, the material and size of each component will be described.

  The electrolyte membrane 21 is a fluorine membrane made of a perfluorocarbon sulfonic acid polymer, a hydrocarbon resin membrane having a sulfonic acid group, or a porous membrane impregnated with an electrolyte component such as phosphoric acid or ionic liquid. It is possible to apply. The perfluorocarbon sulfonic acid polymer is, for example, Nafion (registered trademark, manufactured by DuPont), Aciplex (registered trademark, manufactured by Asahi Kasei Co., Ltd.), and Flemion (registered trademark, manufactured by Asahi Glass Co., Ltd.). The porous film is formed from, for example, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF).

  Although the electrolyte membrane 21 is not specifically limited, 5-30 micrometers is preferable from a viewpoint of intensity | strength, durability, and an output characteristic, More preferably, it is 10-200 micrometers.

  The catalyst component used for the cathode-side catalyst layer 221 in the catalyst layers 221 and 231 is not particularly limited as long as it has a catalytic action for the oxygen reduction reaction. The catalyst component used for the anode side catalyst layer 231 among the catalyst layers 221 and 231 is not particularly limited as long as it has a catalytic action in the oxidation reaction of hydrogen.

  The catalyst component is, for example, platinum, ruthenium, iridium, rhodium, palladium, osmium, tungsten, lead, iron, chromium, cobalt, nickel, manganese, vanadium, molybdenum, gallium, aluminum and other alloys, and alloys thereof. Selected. In order to improve catalytic activity, poisoning resistance to carbon monoxide, heat resistance, etc., those containing at least platinum are preferable. The catalyst components applied to the cathode side catalyst layer 221 and the anode side catalyst layer 231 do not have to be the same, and can be changed as appropriate.

  The conductive carrier of the catalyst used for the catalyst layers 221 and 231 is not particularly limited as long as it has a specific surface area for supporting the catalyst component in a desired dispersed state and sufficient electronic conductivity as a current collector. However, the main component is preferably carbon particles. The carbon particles are composed of, for example, carbon black, activated carbon, coke, natural graphite, and artificial graphite.

  The electrolyte used for the catalyst layers 221 and 231 is not particularly limited as long as it is a member having at least high proton conductivity. Specifically, for example, a fluorine-based electrolyte containing fluorine atoms in the whole or a part of the polymer skeleton, or a hydrocarbon-based electrolyte not containing fluorine atoms in the polymer skeleton can be applied. The electrolyte used for the catalyst layers 221 and 231 may be the same as or different from the electrolyte used for the electrolyte membrane 21, but from the viewpoint of improving the adhesion of the catalyst layers 221 and 231 to the electrolyte membrane 21. It is preferable that

  The thicknesses of the catalyst layers 221 and 231 are not particularly limited as long as they can sufficiently exhibit the catalytic action of the hydrogen oxidation reaction (anode side) and the oxygen reduction reaction (cathode side). it can. Specifically, the thickness of each catalyst layer is preferably 1 to 10 μm.

  The gas diffusion layers 222 and 232 are formed from, for example, carbon cloth woven with yarns made of carbon fibers, carbon paper, or carbon felt. It is preferable that the gas diffusion layers 222 and 232 contain a water repellent to further improve water repellency and prevent a flooding phenomenon or the like. Although the water repellent is not particularly limited, for example, a fluorine-based polymer such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polyhexafluoropropylene, and tetrafluoroethylene-hexafluoropropylene copolymer (FEP). High polymer materials, polypropylene and polyethylene.

  The thickness of the gas diffusion layers 222 and 232 is preferably about 30 to 500 μm in consideration of mechanical strength and a permeation distance such as gas or water. The water repellency can be improved by forming an independent layer.

  The separator 30 is made of a stainless steel plate as described above. However, the present invention is not limited to the stainless steel plate, and other metal materials (for example, an aluminum plate or a clad material), carbon such as dense carbon graphite or a carbon plate can be applied. When carbon is applied, the fuel gas channel 31 and the oxidant gas channel 32 can be formed by cutting or screen printing.

  The plate thickness of the separator 30 is, for example, 0.2 mm or less. By forming the separator 30 into a thin wall in this way, the electrical resistance can be made as small as possible, and the output density (defined as “electromotive force / unit volume”), which is one index for evaluating the performance of the fuel cell, can be increased. it can.

  The resin constituting the support part 50 is a thermoplastic resin. Examples of the thermoplastic resin include vinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), acrylic (PMMA), polyamide (PA), polyacetal (POM), polycarbonate (PC), and polybutylene. Tephthalate (PBT), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polysulfone (PSF), polyethersulfone (PES), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyimide (PI), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) ), A liquid crystal polymer (LCP), a plastic such as polyolefin, or an elastomer. Further, two or more of these thermoplastic resins can be used together (blended), or a filler can be mixed appropriately.

  The adhesive S is, for example, an epoxy resin thermosetting adhesive, and is cured by heating.

  Next, the manufacturing apparatus 100 of the fuel cell 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  The fuel cell 1 manufacturing apparatus 100 according to this embodiment manufactures a fuel cell 1 having a separator 30 and a membrane electrode assembly 20 including an anode side electrode 23 and a cathode side electrode 22 on both surfaces of an electrolyte membrane 21. This is a manufacturing apparatus 100 of the fuel cell 1. The manufacturing apparatus 100 of the fuel cell 1 includes a surface reforming unit 110 that modifies the surface 57 of the support unit 50 that supports the membrane electrode assembly 20 on the side where the separator 30 is laminated to change the property of the surface 57 itself. Have The fuel cell manufacturing apparatus 100 includes an application unit 120 that applies the adhesive S to the surface 57 modified by the surface modification unit 110. The fuel cell manufacturing apparatus 100 includes a joining unit 130 that joins the separator 30 to the support 50 via the adhesive S applied by the applying unit 120. Hereinafter, the surface modification unit 110 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 4, and the coating unit 120 and the bonding unit 130 will be described together with a manufacturing method described later.

  In this specification, “surface modification” means that the property of the surface 57 itself changes chemically, mechanically, and physically, and other types of members such as primer treatment are formed on the surface 57. Is not included.

  The surface modifying means 110 modifies the surface 57 of the support part 50. As shown in FIG. 4, the surface modifying unit 110 includes a placement unit 111, a plasma device 112, an X direction moving unit 113, and a Y direction moving unit 114.

  On the placement portion 111, a support portion 50 (see FIG. 3) that supports the membrane electrode assembly 20 is placed. Further, the support portion 50 is fixed to the placement portion 111 by a fixing portion (not shown). The fixing portion is, for example, a leaf spring, but is not limited thereto.

  The plasma device 112 irradiates the surface 57 of the support portion 50 with plasma (see arrow P in FIG. 4) to modify the surface 57 of the support portion 50. The plasma device 112 is, for example, PS-601SW (manufactured by Wedge Corporation), and the distance from the plasma irradiation port of the plasma device 112 to the surface is, for example, 10 mm.

  The X direction moving means 113 moves the plasma device 112 in the X direction. Although not shown in the drawings, the X direction moving means 113 includes an X fixed portion fixed to the mounting portion 111, an X movable portion movable in the X direction with respect to the X fixed portion, and an X drive for driving the X movable portion. Part. By driving the X driving unit, the plasma device 112 is moved in the X direction.

  The Y direction moving means 114 moves the plasma device 112 in the Y direction. Although not shown, the Y-direction moving unit 114 is not shown, but a Y-fixed portion fixed to the X-direction moving unit 113, a Y-movable portion that is movable in the Y-direction with respect to the Y-fixed portion, and Y that drives the Y-movable portion And a drive unit. By driving the Y driving unit, the plasma device 112 is moved in the Y direction.

  Next, a method for manufacturing the fuel cell 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

  The manufacturing method of the fuel cell 1 according to the present embodiment can be outlined as follows: a surface reforming step S041 for modifying the surface 57 of the support portion 50 to change the properties of the surface 57 itself, and a reforming in the surface reforming step S041. An application step S042 for applying the adhesive S to the surface 57 is provided. The manufacturing method of the fuel cell 1 further includes a joining step S043 for joining the separator 30 to the support portion 50 via the adhesive S applied in the applying step S042. Hereinafter, the manufacturing method of the fuel cell 1 according to the present embodiment will be described in detail.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining a method of manufacturing the fuel cell 1 according to this embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the manufacturing method of the fuel cell 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a press molding step S01, a welding step S02, an anticorrosion treatment step S03, a modularization step S04, a stacking step S05, an assembly step S06, and It has a performance inspection step S07.

  In the press molding step S01, the separator material is pressed by a molding die in which an uneven portion corresponding to the outer shape of the separator 30 is formed, and the separator 30 is press molded.

  In the welding step S02, adjacent separators 30 between adjacent single cells 2 are welded together and integrated.

  The anticorrosion treatment step S03 includes a cleaning step, an oxide film removal step, and a hard carbon film formation step.

  In the cleaning step, the separator 30 is degreased and cleaned by irradiating the surface of the separator 30 with a laser beam. The degreasing and cleaning of the separator 30 is not limited to dry laser cleaning, for example, and wet cleaning can also be applied. Further, for example, the surface of the separator 30 can be degreased and washed using an appropriate solvent. Examples of the solvent include ethanol, ether, acetone, isopropyl alcohol, trichloroethylene, and the like.

  In the oxide film removal step, for example, the oxide film formed on the surface of the separator 30 is removed by ion bombardment.

  In the hard carbon film forming step, for example, a hard carbon film layer made of diamond-like carbon (DLC) is formed by sputtering.

  In the modularization step S04, the separator 30 is integrated with the membrane electrode assembly 20 using the adhesive S, and then the adhesive S is heated and cured to form a module. The module is appropriately configured to have a plurality of single cells 2.

  In the stacking step S05, for example, several hundred modules are stacked in series, and the stacked body 3 is assembled. At this time, the thickness in the mounting posture is measured, and a load adjusting spacer is selected.

  In the assembling step S06, the current collector plate 4, the insulating plate 5 and the end plate 6 are arranged at both ends of the laminate 3, and these are fastened by tie rod bolts 7, whereby the fuel cell 1 is assembled.

  In the performance inspection step S07, the power generation performance is inspected by performing the aging operation (break-in operation) of the fuel cell 1 and measuring the saturation value of the battery voltage.

  Next, the modularization step S04 will be described in detail.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the modularization step S04. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the adhesive S is applied to the surface 57 of the support portion 50 by the applying unit 120. FIG. 8 is a view showing a state in which the separator 30 is joined to the support portion 50 by the joining means 130. FIG. 9 is a diagram schematically showing a state on the surface 57 of the support portion 50 before being irradiated with plasma. FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically showing a state on the surface 57 of the support portion 50 after being irradiated with plasma. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing how the functional groups in the adhesive S are bonded to the activated surface 57.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the modularization step S04 has a surface modification step S041, a coating step S042, and a joining step S043.

  In the surface modification step S041, the surface 57 of the support unit 50 is modified by changing the properties of the surface 57 itself by irradiating the surface 57 of the support unit 50 with plasma. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, first, the support portion 50 that supports the membrane electrode assembly 20 is placed on the placement portion 111. Next, the plasma device 112 is set at a predetermined position. Next, the plasma device 112 is moved in the X and Y directions by the X direction moving means 113 and the Y direction moving means 114 while irradiating the surface 57 of the support portion 50 with plasma, and a predetermined range on the surface 57 (in FIG. 3). Plasma is irradiated on the two-dot chain line.

  In the application step S042, the adhesive S is applied to the surface 57 of the support portion 50 modified in the surface modification step S041. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, the adhesive S is applied to the area irradiated with plasma by the applying means 120. The application unit 120 is, for example, a nozzle, but is not limited thereto. Although not shown, the coating unit 120 is configured to be movable in the XY directions, like the plasma device 112.

  In the joining step S043, the separator 30 is joined to the support unit 50 via the adhesive S applied to the surface 57 of the support unit 50. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, the separator 30 is joined to the support portion 50 by the joining means 130. In FIG. 8, for the sake of clarity, the adhesive S is omitted, and the separator 30 is shown in a simplified manner. The joining means 130 includes a base part 131 on which the support part 50 is placed, and guide means 132 that guides the separator 30 when approaching the support part 50. A module is formed by the above steps.

  Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 9 to 11, a mechanism for improving the adhesion between the support portion 50 and the separator 30 by irradiating the surface 57 of the support portion 50 with plasma will be described.

  For example, when an interatomic bond in a stable state such as a C—H bond (see FIG. 9) is irradiated with plasma (see an arrow P in FIG. 10), the interatomic bond is cut to generate a radical (see FIG. 10). That is, the surface 57 of the support part 50 is activated (radical state). By applying the adhesive S to the activated surface 57, functional groups in the adhesive S (for example, those containing oxygen atoms) can be easily bonded (see FIG. 11). The bond between the surface 57 of the 50 and the adhesive S is strengthened. Therefore, the adhesiveness between the support part 50 and the separator 30 improves.

  As described above, the method for manufacturing the fuel cell 1 according to this embodiment includes a fuel having the membrane electrode assembly 20 including the anode side electrode 23 and the cathode side electrode 22 on both surfaces of the electrolyte membrane 21 and the separator 30. This is a method for manufacturing the fuel cell 1 for manufacturing the battery 1. The manufacturing method of the fuel cell 1 includes a surface modification step S041 that modifies the surface 57 of the support portion 50 that supports the membrane electrode assembly 20 on the side where the separator 30 is laminated to change the property of the surface 57 itself. Have. The manufacturing method of the fuel cell 1 includes an application step S042 in which the adhesive S is applied to the surface 57 of the support portion 50 that has been modified in the surface modification step S041. The manufacturing method of the fuel cell 1 includes a joining step S043 for joining the separator 30 to the support portion 50 via the adhesive S applied in the applying step S042. According to this manufacturing method, the adhesive S is applied to the surface 57 of the support portion 50 modified in the surface modification step S041 in the coating step S042. For this reason, the adhesiveness between the surface 57 of the support part 50 and the adhesive agent S can be improved without performing primer treatment. Therefore, a manufacturing method for manufacturing the fuel cell 1 with improved adhesion between the support portion 50 and the separator 30 can be provided by a simple method in a clean environment.

  In the surface modification step S041, the surface 57 of the support unit 50 is modified by irradiating the surface 57 of the support unit 50 with plasma. For this reason, compared with the primer process which has the process of apply | coating and drying, the fuel cell 1 which the adhesiveness between the support part 50 and the separator 30 improved can be manufactured with shorter lead time.

  Moreover, the support part 50 is shape | molded with a thermoplastic resin, and a thermoplastic resin is a vinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene (PE), a polypropylene (PP), a polystyrene (PS), an acryl (PMMA), a polyamide (PA), a polycarbonate. (PC), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyether ether ketone (PEEK), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polysulfone (PSF), polyether sulfone (PES), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyimide (PI), At least one of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), liquid crystal polymer (LCP), polyolefin plastic and elastomer. If such a thermoplastic resin is used, by irradiating the surface 57 of the support part 50 with plasma, the interatomic bond in a stable state is cut and the surface 57 is activated. Then, by applying the adhesive S to the activated surface, the adhesion between the surface 57 of the support portion 50 and the adhesive S is improved, and as a result, the adhesion between the support portion 50 and the separator 30 is improved. The fuel cell 1 can be provided.

  In addition, the fuel cell 1 manufacturing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment includes a fuel cell 1 having a membrane electrode assembly 20 including an anode side electrode 23 and a cathode side electrode 22 on both surfaces of an electrolyte membrane 21 and a separator 30. This is a manufacturing apparatus 100 of the fuel cell 1 to be manufactured. The manufacturing apparatus 100 of the fuel cell 1 includes a surface reforming unit 110 that modifies the surface 57 of the support unit 50 that supports the membrane electrode assembly 20 on the side where the separator 30 is laminated to change the property of the surface 57 itself. Have The manufacturing apparatus 100 of the fuel cell 1 includes an application unit 120 that applies the adhesive S to the surface 57 of the support 50 modified by the surface modification unit 110. The manufacturing apparatus 100 of the fuel cell 1 includes a joining unit 130 that joins the separator 30 to the support 50 via the adhesive S applied by the applying unit 120. According to this manufacturing apparatus, the adhesive S is applied to the surface 57 of the support portion 50 modified by the surface modifying means 110 by the applying means 120. For this reason, the adhesiveness between the surface 57 of the support part 50 and the adhesive S can be improved without performing the primer treatment. Therefore, it is possible to provide the manufacturing apparatus 100 that manufactures the fuel cell 1 with improved adhesion between the support portion 50 and the separator 30 in a clean environment by a simple method.

  The surface modifying means 110 includes a plasma device 112 that generates plasma, and the plasma device 112 irradiates the surface 57 of the support unit 50 with plasma, thereby modifying the surface 57 of the support unit 50. For this reason, compared with the primer process which has the process of apply | coating and drying, the fuel cell 1 which the adhesiveness between the support part 50 and the separator 30 improved can be manufactured with shorter lead time.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the claims.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the adhesion between the surface 57 of the support part 50 and the adhesive S is improved by modifying the surface 57 of the support part 50 by irradiating plasma. However, the method for improving the adhesion between the surface 57 of the support portion 50 and the adhesive S is not limited to these, and the support portion is used by using a mechanical process such as abrasive paper, polishing cloth, sandblasting, shot peening, or the like. A method of roughening and modifying the surface 57 of 50 may be used. Furthermore, a method of modifying the surface 57 of the support portion 50 using a physical process such as an ultraviolet irradiation process or a corona discharge process may be used.

  In the above-described embodiment, the surface 57 of the support portion 50 is modified while the support portion 50 supports the membrane electrode assembly 20. However, the support unit 50 may support the membrane electrode assembly 20 after modifying the surface 57 of the support unit 50 in a state where the support unit 50 does not support the membrane electrode assembly 20.

  In the above-described embodiment, the plasma device 112 is scanned in the XY directions, and plasma is irradiated to a predetermined position on the surface 57 of the support portion 50. However, the mounting unit 111 may be scanned to irradiate plasma to a predetermined position on the surface 57 of the support unit 50.

1 Fuel cell,
20 Membrane electrode assembly,
21 electrolyte membrane,
22 Cathode side electrode,
23 Anode side electrode,
30 separator,
50 support,
57 surface,
100 Fuel cell manufacturing equipment,
110 Surface modification means,
112 plasma device,
120 application means,
130 joining means,
S041 surface modification step,
S042 coating process,
S043 joining process,
S Adhesive.

Claims (5)

A fuel cell manufacturing method for manufacturing a fuel cell having a membrane electrode assembly including anode and cathode electrode layers on both surfaces of an electrolyte membrane, and a separator,
A surface modification step of modifying the surface of the support part for supporting the membrane electrode assembly on the side where the separator is laminated to change the property of the surface itself;
An application step of applying an adhesive to the surface modified in the surface modification step;
A joining step of joining the separator to the support portion via the adhesive applied in the applying step.   The method for manufacturing a fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein in the surface modification step, the surface is modified by irradiating the surface with plasma.   The support part is formed of a thermoplastic resin, and the thermoplastic resin is vinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), acrylic (PMMA), polyamide (PA), polycarbonate. (PC), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyether ether ketone (PEEK), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polysulfone (PSF), polyether sulfone (PES), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyimide (PI), The method for producing a fuel cell according to claim 2, wherein the method is at least one of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), liquid crystal polymer (LCP), polyolefin plastic, and elastomer. A fuel cell manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing a fuel cell having a membrane electrode assembly including anode and cathode electrode layers on both surfaces of an electrolyte membrane, and a separator,
A surface modifying means for modifying the surface of the support portion supporting the membrane electrode assembly on the side where the separator is laminated to change the properties of the surface itself;
Application means for applying an adhesive to the surface modified by the surface modification means;
A fuel cell manufacturing apparatus comprising: a joining unit that joins the separator to the support portion via the adhesive applied by the applying unit. The surface modification means has a plasma device for generating plasma,
The fuel cell manufacturing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the plasma device irradiates the surface with plasma to modify the surface.