JP2017142890A - Membrane-electrode assembly manufacturing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce the streak formation in a catalyst ink-coated face of a membrane-electrode assembly and basis weight defectives.SOLUTION: A membrane-electrode assembly manufacturing device comprises: an electrolyte membrane supplying unit for supplying a belt-shaped electrolyte membrane; a transport unit for transporting the electrolyte membrane supplied from the electrolyte membrane supplying unit; a defect-detecting unit for detecting a defective portion of the electrolyte membrane; a coating unit disposed on a forward direction side of a transporting direction of the electrolyte membrane with respect to the defect-detecting unit, for uninterruptedly coating a catalyst ink for forming an electrode catalyst layer on one face of the electrolyte membrane; a dry unit for drying the catalyst ink coated on the electrolyte membrane; a coating-avoiding unit for putting at least part of the electrolyte membrane in a state of being uncoated with the catalyst ink; and a control unit for controlling the respective units. The control unit controls the coating-avoiding unit so that at least part of a defective portion detected by the defect-detecting unit is put in the state of being uncoated with the catalyst ink.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an apparatus for manufacturing a membrane electrode assembly.

  As a manufacturing apparatus for a membrane electrode assembly, a manufacturing apparatus for continuously manufacturing a membrane electrode assembly into a strip shape is known. In Patent Document 1, a portion (hereinafter referred to as a defective portion) having a defect (dirt, scratch, hole, tear, etc.) on an electrolyte membrane is detected, and catalyst ink is intermittently avoided while avoiding the detected defective portion. An apparatus for manufacturing a membrane electrode assembly to be coated is disclosed.

JP2015-149201A

However, if the catalyst ink is applied intermittently while transporting the electrolyte membrane, when the catalyst ink coating is stopped or when coating is restarted, streaks may occur on the coated surface due to the electrolyte membrane transport, or the weight of the coating may be poor (variation in weight). (G / m ² )) may occur.

  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 an apparatus for producing a membrane electrode assembly in which an electrode catalyst layer is formed on at least one surface of an electrolyte membrane. The manufacturing apparatus includes an electrolyte membrane supply unit that supplies the belt-shaped electrolyte membrane, a transport unit that transports the electrolyte membrane supplied from the electrolyte membrane supply unit, and a defect detection unit that detects a defective portion of the electrolyte membrane. And a catalyst that is disposed on the forward side in the transport direction of the electrolyte membrane with respect to the defect detection unit, and continuously applies the catalyst ink that forms the electrode catalyst layer on the one surface of the electrolyte membrane. An ink coating unit, a drying unit for drying the catalyst ink coated on the electrolyte membrane by the catalyst ink coating unit, and between the defect detection unit and the catalyst ink coating unit, or the catalyst ink An uncoated portion that is disposed between the coating portion and the drying portion and that at least part of the electrolyte membrane is not covered with the catalyst ink; and a control portion that controls the respective portions. , The control unit Controlling the non-coating portion so that at least a portion of said defective portion detected by the defect detector is in a state not covered with the catalyst ink.

  According to the membrane electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus of this aspect, since the catalyst ink coating unit continuously coats the catalyst ink, compared with the case where the catalyst ink is intermittently applied while avoiding the defective portion. The occurrence of streaks on the coated surface and poor basis weight can be suppressed.

  Further, since at least a part of the defective part of the electrolyte membrane is transported to the drying unit in a state where it is not covered with the catalyst ink, a catalyst layer is not formed on at least a part of the defective part of the electrolyte membrane. Therefore, after completion of the membrane electrode assembly, a defective portion of the electrolyte membrane can be easily detected by visual observation, image analysis, or the like.

(2) According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a manufacturing apparatus for a membrane electrode assembly in which an electrode catalyst layer is formed on at least one surface of an electrolyte membrane. The manufacturing apparatus includes an electrolyte membrane supply unit that supplies the belt-shaped electrolyte membrane, a transport unit that transports the electrolyte membrane supplied from the electrolyte membrane supply unit, and a defect detection unit that detects a defective portion of the electrolyte membrane. And a water repellent coating portion that is disposed on the forward side of the electrolyte membrane in the transport direction with respect to the defect detection portion, and that coats a water repellent on at least a part of the one surface of the electrolyte membrane. And a catalyst ink coating which is disposed in front of the transport direction with respect to the water repellent coating portion and continuously applies the catalyst ink for forming the electrode catalyst layer on the one surface of the electrolyte membrane. A processing unit, a drying unit that dries the catalyst ink applied to the electrolyte membrane by the catalyst ink coating unit, and a control unit that controls each unit, and the control unit includes the defect detection unit. The water repellent on the defect site detected by Controlling the water repellent coating portion so as to be coated.

  According to the membrane electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus of this aspect, since the catalyst ink coating unit continuously coats the catalyst ink, compared with the case where the catalyst ink is intermittently applied while avoiding the defective portion. The occurrence of streaks on the coated surface and poor basis weight can be suppressed.

  In addition, since the water repellent agent is applied on the defective part of the electrolyte membrane, the catalyst ink applied on the defective part is repelled and is scattered or not placed at all. As a result, at least a part of the defective portion of the electrolyte membrane is not covered with the catalyst ink, and the defective portion of the electrolyte membrane can be easily detected by visual observation, image analysis or the like after the membrane electrode assembly is completed. .

(3) According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for manufacturing a membrane electrode assembly in which an electrode catalyst layer is formed on at least one surface of an electrolyte membrane. The manufacturing apparatus includes: an electrolyte membrane supply unit that supplies a belt-shaped electrolyte membrane; a transport unit that transports the electrolyte membrane supplied from the electrolyte membrane supply unit; and a defect detection unit that detects a defective portion of the electrolyte membrane; The catalyst ink is disposed on the forward side of the electrolyte membrane in the transport direction with respect to the defect detection unit, and continuously applies the catalyst ink for forming the electrode catalyst layer on the one surface of the electrolyte membrane. A coating unit, a catalyst ink removing unit that removes the catalyst ink coated on the electrolyte membrane by the catalyst ink coating unit, and a front side in the transport direction with respect to the catalyst ink removing unit, A drying unit that dries the catalyst ink applied to the electrolyte membrane; and a control unit that controls each unit. The control unit includes at least a part of the defect site detected by the defect detection unit. To expose As described above, to control the catalytic ink removing unit.

  According to the membrane electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus of this aspect, since the catalyst ink coating unit continuously coats the catalyst ink, compared with the case where the catalyst ink is intermittently applied while avoiding the defective portion. The occurrence of streaks on the coated surface and poor basis weight can be suppressed.

  Further, since the catalyst ink is removed so that at least a part of the defective portion of the electrolyte membrane is exposed, the defective portion of the electrolyte membrane can be easily detected by visual inspection, image analysis, etc. after the membrane electrode assembly is completed. Can do.

  Note that the present invention can be realized in various modes. For example, it can be realized in various forms such as a manufacturing method of a membrane electrode assembly, a manufacturing method of a fuel cell, and a manufacturing apparatus of a fuel cell.

It is explanatory drawing which shows schematic structure of the membrane electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus of 1st Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows schematic structure of the membrane electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus of 2nd Embodiment.

A. First embodiment:
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a membrane electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment. The membrane electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus 100 is an apparatus for manufacturing a membrane electrode assembly in which the electrode catalyst layer M is formed on one surface of the electrolyte membrane EM, and includes an operation unit 10, a defect detection unit 40, A water repellent coating unit 50, a catalyst ink coating unit 60, a drying unit 70, an inspection unit 80, a winding unit 30, transport rollers 21 to 25, and a control unit 99 are provided.

  The operation unit 10 feeds the strip-shaped first composite sheet W1 (enlarged sectional view [1] in FIG. 1) in which the electrolyte membrane EM is formed on the back sheet S. The back sheet S is an auxiliary sheet used for maintaining the strength of the first composite sheet W1, and is made of a polyester film such as PET (polyethylene terephthalate) or PEN (polyethylene naphthalate), or a polymer film such as polystyrene. Can be formed. The back sheet S is peeled on both sides. The operation part 10 in this embodiment is also called an electrolyte membrane supply part.

  The electrolyte membrane EM can be formed of a solid polymer electrolyte material having good proton conductivity in a wet state. As the solid polymer electrolyte material, for example, a fluorine-based resin (for example, Nafion, manufactured by DuPont) provided with perfluorocarbon sulfonic acid can be used.

  The transport rollers 21 to 25 are configured to transfer the first composite sheet W1 fed from the feeding unit 10 to the defect detection unit 40, the water repellent coating unit 50, the catalyst ink coating unit 60, the drying unit 70, and the inspection unit 80. Then, the sheet is conveyed to the winding unit 30. In the membrane / electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus 100, the first composite sheet W <b> 1 is continuously processed in each unit while being conveyed by the conveyance rollers 21 to 25. The feeding unit 10, the conveyance rollers 21 to 25, and the winding unit 30 form a conveyance path through which the electrolyte membrane EM is conveyed. The conveyance rollers 21 to 25 of this embodiment are also referred to as a conveyance unit.

  The defect detection unit 40 includes a CCD line sensor camera, LED illumination, and a detection circuit. The detection circuit detects a defect by analyzing an image captured by the CCD line sensor camera. The defect detection unit 40 detects a defect site NP (a site having a defect such as a tear, a dirt, a scratch, a hole, or a foreign object) of the electrolyte membrane EM fed from the operation unit 10 and transmits the detection result to the control unit 99. To do. The configuration of the defect detection unit 40 is not limited to this embodiment, as long as it can detect defects in the electrolyte membrane EM. For example, a fluorescent lamp, a halogen lamp, a metal hydrolamp, or the like may be used as the light source.

  The water repellent coating unit 50 is controlled by the control unit 99 to apply a colorless and transparent water repellent WR to a predetermined region including the defect site NP on the electrolyte membrane EM of the first composite sheet W1. (Enlarged sectional view [2] of FIG. 1). Examples of the water repellent WR include fluorine-based polymer materials such as PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride), polyhexafluoropropylene, and FEP (tetrafluoroethylene-hexafluoropropylene copolymer). Polypropylene, polyethylene, etc. can be used. The water repellent coating part 50 in this embodiment is also referred to as an uncoated part.

  The catalyst ink coating unit 60 includes a die head and a catalyst ink tank in which the catalyst ink MI is stored. The catalyst ink MI is obtained by dispersing carbon particles carrying a catalyst (for example, platinum, platinum alloy, etc.) in a binder together with an electrolyte resin (for example, fluorine resin) and adjusting the viscosity to a desired level. In the present embodiment, the catalyst ink is a concept including a so-called catalyst paste.

  The catalyst ink application unit 60 is fed from the die unit to the electrolyte film EM of the first composite sheet W1 that has been fed from the operation unit 10 and has passed through the defect detection unit 40 and the water repellent coating unit 50. The catalyst ink MI is continuously applied by spraying.

  The catalyst ink MI is continuously applied on the electrolyte membrane EM. However, the catalyst ink MI is repelled at the portion where the water repellent WR is applied, and therefore the catalyst ink MI is placed on the water repellent WR. Either MI is not placed or catalyst ink MI is scattered. An enlarged view [3-1] of FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view, and an enlarged view [3-2] shows a top view. As shown in the enlarged view [3-2] of FIG. 1, the water repellent WR includes a defect site NP in the length direction of the electrolyte membrane EM and is applied over the entire film width FW.

  The drying unit 70 includes a heater, and the catalyst ink MI coated on the electrolyte membrane EM by the catalyst ink coating unit 60 is heated by the heater and dried. Thereby, the 2nd composite sheet W2 (enlarged view [4] of FIG. 1) in which the electrode catalyst layer M was formed on the 1st composite sheet W1 is formed. In the second composite sheet W2, the layer of the water repellent WR is formed on the defect site NP of the electrolyte membrane EM, and the electrode catalyst layer M is not formed.

  Similar to the defect detection unit 40, the inspection unit 80 includes a CCD line sensor camera, LED illumination, and a detection circuit. The inspection unit 80 detects defects in the electrolyte membrane EM and the electrode catalyst layer M of the second composite sheet W2 completed in the drying unit 70, and transmits the detection result to the control unit 99. As described above, the electrode catalyst layer M is not formed on the defect site NP of the electrolyte membrane EM, and the layer of the water repellent WR is formed. Since the water repellent WR is colorless and transparent, the defect site NP of the electrolyte membrane EM can be detected by analyzing the captured image.

  The winding unit 30 winds up the second composite sheet W2 that has passed through the inspection unit 80 in a roll shape. In other words, the second composite sheet W2 includes the membrane electrode assembly ME1 and the back sheet S in which the electrode catalyst layer M is formed on one surface of the electrolyte membrane EM. That is, in the winding unit 30, the back sheet S is wound together as a spacer sheet on the membrane electrode assembly ME1.

  The control unit 99 includes an operation unit 10, conveyance rollers 21 to 25, a winding unit 30, a defect detection unit 40, a water repellent coating unit 50, a catalyst ink coating unit 60, a drying unit 70, and an inspection unit 80. The main body 110 is controlled. The control unit 99 controls the rotation of the feeding unit 10, the transport rollers 21 to 25, and the winding unit 30 so as to appropriately perform from the feeding of the first composite sheet W <b> 1 to the winding of the second composite sheet W <b> 2. Let it be done.

  In addition, the control unit 99 controls the application timing of the water repellent WR by the water repellent application unit 50. When the defect detection unit 40 detects a defect site NP of the electrolyte membrane EM and the control unit 99 receives a detection signal from the defect detection unit 40, the control unit 99 performs a predetermined region including the defect site NP of the electrolyte membrane EM. The water repellent coating part 50 is controlled so that the water repellent WR is coated on the surface.

  As described above, according to the membrane electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus 100 of the first embodiment, the electrode catalyst layer M is not formed on the defect site NP of the electrolyte membrane EM, and the layer of the water repellent WR. Is formed. Since the electrode catalyst layer M is opaque, when the electrode catalyst layer M is formed on the defect site NP of the electrolyte membrane EM, the inspection unit 80 can detect the defect site NP of the electrolyte membrane EM by analyzing the captured image. Although it is impossible, since the water repellent WR is colorless and transparent, the defect site NP of the electrolyte membrane EM can be detected by analyzing the captured image in the inspection unit 80.

  In addition, when the membrane electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus does not include the water repellent coating unit 50 and the electrode catalyst layer M is formed on the defect site NP of the electrolyte membrane EM, the inspection unit 80 can perform other than image analysis. Although detection is possible by using a detection device (for example, X-rays, ultrasonic waves, etc.) that detects a defective part NP in the process, these detection devices are often expensive. Therefore, according to the membrane electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus 100 of the present embodiment, a relatively inexpensive apparatus can be used as the inspection unit 80.

  Further, in order to detect the defect site NP of the electrolyte membrane EM of the second composite sheet W2 by the inspection unit 80, the water repellent agent coating unit 50 is not provided, and the catalyst ink MI is dried in the drying unit 70 to be the electrode. After the catalyst layer M is completed, it can be considered that the electrode catalyst layer M on the defect site NP of the electrolyte membrane EM is removed to expose the defect site NP. However, when removing the dried electrode catalyst layer M, the electrode catalyst layer M becomes powdery, and the electrolyte membrane EM may be damaged by the remaining powder. On the other hand, according to the membrane / electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus 100 of the present embodiment, the electrode catalyst layer M is not formed on the defect site NP of the electrolyte membrane EM, and therefore compared with the case of removing the dried electrode catalyst layer M. Thus, damage to the electrolyte membrane EM can be suppressed.

  Further, in the membrane electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus 100, since the catalyst ink application unit 60 continuously applies the catalyst ink MI, the catalyst ink MI is intermittently applied avoiding the defective portion NP of the electrolyte membrane EM. Compared to the case, streaks on the coated surface and occurrence of poor basis weight can be suppressed.

B. Second embodiment:
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a membrane electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus 100A of the second embodiment. 100 A of membrane electrode assembly manufacturing apparatuses of 2nd Embodiment differ from the membrane electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus 100 of 1st Embodiment in the point which is not provided with the water repellent coating part 50, and is provided with the catalyst ink removal part 90. Since the other configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment, the same reference numeral is given to the same configuration, and the description thereof is omitted.

  The catalyst ink removing unit 90 includes an air blowing device. Since the membrane / electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus 100A does not include the water repellent coating unit 50, the catalyst ink MI is also applied onto the defective portion NP of the electrolyte membrane EM (enlarged cross-sectional view [2] in FIG. 2). . The catalyst ink removing unit 90 is controlled by the control unit 99 and removes the catalyst ink MI in a predetermined region including the defect site NP of the electrolyte membrane EM. An enlarged view [3-1] of FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view, and an enlarged view [3-2] shows a top view. As shown in the enlarged view [3-2] in FIG. 2, the region where the catalyst ink MI is removed by the catalyst ink removing unit 90 includes the defect site NP in the length direction of the electrolyte membrane EM, and the entire membrane width FW. It is over. The catalyst ink removing unit 90 in the present embodiment is also referred to as an uncoated portion.

  The control unit 99 according to the present embodiment includes an operation unit 10, conveyance rollers 21 to 25, a winding unit 30, a defect detection unit 40, a catalyst ink coating unit 60, a catalyst ink removal unit 90, a drying unit 70, and an inspection unit 80. 110A is controlled.

  Further, the control unit 99 controls the removal timing of the catalyst ink MI by the catalyst ink removal unit 90. When the defect detection unit 40 detects a defect site NP of the electrolyte membrane EM and the control unit 99 receives a detection signal from the defect detection unit 40, the control unit 99 performs a predetermined region including the defect site NP of the electrolyte membrane EM. The catalyst ink removing unit 90 is controlled so as to remove the catalyst ink MI coated on the catalyst.

  In the present embodiment, the second composite sheet W2A (enlarged view [4] in FIG. 2) is formed. In the second composite sheet W2A, the electrode catalyst layer M is not formed on the defect site NP of the electrolyte membrane EM, and the electrolyte membrane EM is exposed.

  According to the membrane electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus 100A of the present embodiment, since the catalyst ink MI applied on the defective portion NP of the electrolyte membrane EM is removed by the catalyst ink removing unit 90, in the second composite sheet W2A. The defect site NP of the electrolyte membrane EM is exposed. Therefore, the defect site NP of the electrolyte membrane EM can be detected by analyzing the captured image in the inspection unit 80.

  Further, in the membrane / electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus 100A, the catalyst ink MI applied on the defective part NP is removed before being dried, and therefore the electrode catalyst layer M formed by drying is removed. In comparison, damage to the electrolyte membrane EM can be suppressed.

  Further, similarly to the first embodiment, compared to the case where the catalyst ink MI is intermittently applied while avoiding the defective portion NP of the electrolyte membrane EM, the occurrence of streaks on the coated surface and poor fabric weight is suppressed. Can do.

C. Variations:
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and embodiments, and can be implemented in various modes without departing from the gist thereof. For example, the following modifications are possible.

(1) In the above embodiment, processing (coating the water repellent WR and removing the catalyst ink MI) is performed so that the entire defect site NP is not covered with the catalyst ink MI. What is necessary is just to process so that a part may not be coat | covered with the catalyst ink MI. If even part of the defective part NP is not covered with the catalyst ink MI, the defective part NP can be detected by visual observation or image processing. However, it is preferable that the entire defect site NP is not covered with the catalyst ink MI because it is easy to detect.

(2) In the above-described embodiment, the membrane electrode assembly ME1 in which the electrode catalyst layer M is formed on one surface of the electrolyte membrane EM is wound up by the winding portion 30. Furthermore, the other surface of the electrolyte membrane EM The electrode electrode layer may be formed (coating, transfer, etc.), and the membrane electrode assembly in which the electrode catalyst layer is formed on both surfaces of the electrolyte membrane EM may be wound by the winding unit 30. .

(3) In the above embodiment, the membrane electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus 100, 100A includes the inspection unit 80, but may be configured not to include the inspection unit 80. Even if it does in this way, when forming an electrode catalyst layer in the other surface of electrolyte membrane EM using the 2nd composite sheet W2 wound up by winding part 30, for example, inspection of the above-mentioned embodiment. The defect part NP of the electrolyte membrane EM can be detected by the same inspection part as the part 80, and the electrode catalyst layer can be prevented from being formed in the part corresponding to the defect part NP on the other surface. Further, using the second composite sheet W2 wound up by the winding unit 30, an electrode catalyst layer is formed on the other surface of the electrolyte membrane EM, and the electrode catalyst layer is formed on both surfaces of the electrolyte membrane EM. When the membrane electrode assembly is manufactured, the defect part NP of the electrolyte membrane EM is detected by the inspection unit similar to the inspection unit 80 of the above embodiment, and the defect part NP is cut so as not to be included. You can also.

(4) Although the colorless and transparent water repellent WR is used in the first embodiment, a colored transparent, colored translucent, and opaque water repellent may be used. In the case of using an opaque water repellent, the defect portion NP of the electrolyte membrane EM is covered with the water repellent and cannot be seen. However, in the second composite sheet W2, the electrode catalyst layer M and the water repellent layer are formed. From the difference or the like, it is possible to detect that the electrolyte membrane EM is defective by visual observation or image analysis.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Feeding-out part 21-25 ... Conveyance roller 30 ... Winding-up part 40 ... Defect detection part 50 ... Water repellent coating part 60 ... Catalyst ink coating part 70 ... Drying part 80 ... Inspection part 90 ... Catalyst ink removal part 99 ... Control unit 100, 100A ... Membrane / electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus 110 ... Main body EM ... Electrolyte membrane M ... Electrode catalyst layer ME1 ... Membrane / electrode assembly MI ... Catalyst ink NP ... Defect site S ... Back sheet W1 ... First composite Sheet W2, W2A ... Second composite sheet WR ... Water repellent

Claims (1)

An apparatus for producing a membrane electrode assembly in which an electrode catalyst layer is formed on at least one surface of an electrolyte membrane,
An electrolyte membrane supply section for supplying the belt-shaped electrolyte membrane;
A transport unit for transporting the electrolyte membrane supplied from the electrolyte membrane supply unit;
A defect detection unit for detecting a defect site of the electrolyte membrane;
A catalyst ink coating which is disposed on the forward side of the electrolyte membrane transport direction with respect to the defect detection unit and continuously applies the catalyst ink for forming the electrode catalyst layer on the one surface of the electrolyte membrane. Engineering Department,
A drying section for drying the catalyst ink applied to the electrolyte membrane by the catalyst ink coating section;
A state in which at least a part of the electrolyte membrane is not covered with the catalyst ink, between the defect detection unit and the catalyst ink coating unit or between the catalyst ink coating unit and the drying unit. An uncovered processed part,
A control unit for controlling each unit;
With
The control unit controls the non-covered processing unit so that at least a part of the defect portion detected by the defect detection unit is not covered with the catalyst ink.
Membrane electrode assembly manufacturing equipment.

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