JP2018037345A - Conjugate of electrolyte membrane and frame - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a conjugate capable of suppressing interference of an electrolyte membrane deforming with swelling or contraction, and the opening of a frame supporting the electrolyte membrane.SOLUTION: An electrolyte membrane 111 of a conjugate 110N is used for the membrane electrode assembly of a fuel cell. A first frame 112 includes a first opening 112j and supports the outer edge 111c of the electrolyte membrane from one side 111a. A second frame 113 includes a second opening 113j and supports the outer edge of the electrolyte membrane from the other side 111b. First inner edge 112k of the first opening inclines toward the outer edge side of the electrolyte membrane, and includes a first proximal end 112p close to the one side, and a first distal end 112q separated therefrom. The second inner edge 113k of the second opening includes a second proximal end 113p inclining in the same direction as the inner edge of the first opening and close to the other side, and a second distal end 113q separated therefrom. First proximal end of the first frame is located on the side toward the side end face of the electrolyte membrane, with the second proximal end of the second frame as a boundary.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

  The present invention relates to a joined body of an electrolyte membrane and a frame.

  Conventionally, a fuel cell is mounted on a vehicle such as an electric vehicle and used as a power source for driving a vehicle motor.

  In a fuel cell, a plurality of membrane electrode assemblies that generate power using fuel gas and oxidant gas and separators that energize the generated power while isolating adjacent membrane electrode assemblies are alternately stacked. The membrane electrode assembly is configured by sandwiching an electrolyte membrane supported by a frame between an anode and a cathode.

  A technique for supporting an outer edge (outer peripheral edge) of an electrolyte membrane (polymer electrolyte membrane) by an edge portion of an opening of a frame (resin frame) is disclosed (for example, refer to Patent Document 1). In addition, the technique described in Unexamined-Japanese-Patent No. 2013-98155 is mentioned regarding a fuel cell.

  By the way, the electrolyte membrane absorbs the supplied medium and swells, discharges the medium, and contracts. That is, the electrolyte membrane deforms so as to expand and contract during operation of the fuel cell.

JP 2009-181951 A

  Therefore, in the configuration described in Patent Document 1, when the electrolyte membrane is deformed, there is a possibility of interfering with the opening of the frame that supports the outer edge of the electrolyte membrane.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problem, and provides a joined body capable of suppressing interference between an electrolyte membrane that deforms as it swells or shrinks and an opening of a frame that supports the outer edge of the electrolyte membrane. With the goal.

  A joined body of an electrolyte membrane and a frame according to the present invention that achieves the above object includes an electrolyte membrane, a first frame, and a second frame. The electrolyte membrane is used for a membrane electrode assembly of a fuel cell. The first frame includes a first opening and supports an outer edge of the electrolyte membrane from one side. The second frame has a second opening and supports the outer edge of the electrolyte membrane from the other side. The inner edge of the first opening includes a first base end portion that is inclined toward the outer edge side of the electrolyte membrane and is closest to the one surface, and a first tip portion that is the farthest from the one surface. An inner edge of the second opening is inclined along the same direction as the inner edge of the first opening, and a second proximal end portion closest to the other surface and a second distal end portion furthest from the other surface And comprising. Here, the first base end portion of the first frame is located on a side toward the side end face of the electrolyte membrane with the second base end portion of the second frame as a boundary.

  According to the joined body of the electrolyte membrane and the frame, it is possible to suppress interference between the electrolyte membrane deformed as it swells or contracts and the opening of the frame that supports the outer edge of the electrolyte membrane.

1 is a perspective view showing a fuel cell according to an embodiment. It is a perspective view which decomposes | disassembles and shows the fuel cell of FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the membrane electrode assembly of FIG. 2 disassembled into an assembly, an anode, and a cathode, and the separator is disassembled into an anode side separator and a cathode side separator. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a region 4 of a joined body of the electrolyte membrane of FIG. 3 and a frame (a first frame and a second frame). It is an end view which shows the area | region 5 of the conjugate | zygote of FIG. FIG. 6 is an end view schematically showing a state in which the electrolyte membrane of the joined body of FIG. 5 is refracted with respect to one side in the stacking direction. FIG. 6 is an end view schematically showing a state in which the electrolyte membrane of the joined body of FIG. 5 is refracted with respect to the other in the stacking direction. It is a flowchart which shows the manufacturing method of a conjugate | zygote. A method for manufacturing a joined body, in which a lower release paper coated with an adhesive on the upper surface, a second frame, and an upper release paper coated with a second adhesive on the lower surface are laminated in this order from the bottom to the top. It is a schematic diagram which shows a part. Continuing from the state of FIG. 8A, the laminated member excluding the lower release paper located at the lowermost portion is cut from the upper side to the lower side according to the shape of the second opening of the second frame with a cutting blade having a tapered shape. It is a schematic diagram which shows the state which compressed the cut part, however. It is a schematic diagram which shows the state which separated the cutting blade from the laminated member continuously from the state of FIG. 8B. It is a schematic diagram which shows the state which removed the part (core) located in the 2nd opening of a 2nd flame | frame among the 2nd flame | frame and upper peeling paper from the state of FIG. 8C. It is a schematic diagram which shows the state which peeled the upper peeling paper from the 2nd frame, transferring the 2nd adhesive agent with respect to the 2nd frame from the upper peeling paper continuously from the state of FIG. 8D. 8E is a schematic view showing a state in which the outer edge of the electrolyte membrane is bonded to the second inner edge of the second opening of the second frame having the second adhesive transferred to the upper surface, continuously from the state of FIG. 8E. It is a schematic diagram which shows the state which adhere | attached the 1st inner edge of 1st opening of the 1st flame | frame with which the 1st adhesive agent was transcribe | transferred to the lower surface with respect to the outer edge of an electrolyte membrane continuously from the state of FIG. 8F. It is a schematic diagram which shows the state which removed the lower peeling paper from the 2nd frame after crimping | bonding the 1st frame and the 2nd frame continuously from the state of FIG. 8G. It is an end elevation which shows the principal part of the conjugate | zygote of the electrolyte membrane and flame | frame (1st flame | frame and 2nd flame | frame) which concern on the modification of embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the manufacturing method of a conjugate | zygote. A method of manufacturing a joined body, comprising a lower release paper coated with an adhesive on the upper surface, a second frame, an upper release paper coated with a first adhesive on the upper surface and a second adhesive on the lower surface, and the first frame in this order. It is a schematic diagram which shows a part of the state laminated | stacked toward the upper direction from the downward direction. Continuing from the state of FIG. 11A, the laminated member excluding the lower release paper located at the lowermost portion is cut from the upper side to the lower side according to the shape of the second opening of the second frame with a cutting blade having a tapered blade edge. It is a schematic diagram which shows the state which compressed the cut part, however. It is a schematic diagram which shows the state which continued from the state of FIG. 11B, and the cutting blade was spaced apart from the laminated member. FIG. 11D is a schematic diagram illustrating a state in which a portion located in the second opening of the second frame is removed from the second frame, the upper release paper, and the first frame continuously from the state of FIG. 11C. FIG. 11D is a schematic diagram illustrating a state where the upper release paper and the first frame are peeled from the second frame while the second adhesive is transferred from the upper release paper to the second frame continuously from the state of FIG. 11D. 11E, the outer edge of the electrolyte membrane is adhered to the second inner edge of the second opening of the second frame having the second adhesive transferred to the upper surface, and the first adhesion from the upper release paper to the first frame is continued. It is a schematic diagram which shows the state which removed the upper peeling paper from the 1st flame | frame, transferring an agent. FIG. 11D is a schematic diagram illustrating a state in which the first inner edge of the first opening of the first frame having the first adhesive transferred to the lower surface is bonded to the outer edge of the electrolyte membrane continuously from the state of FIG. 11F. FIG. 11B is a schematic diagram showing a state where the lower release paper is removed from the second frame after the first frame and the second frame are pressure-bonded from the state of FIG. 11G.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same members are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted. In the drawings, the size and ratio of each member are exaggerated to facilitate understanding of the embodiment, and may be different from the actual size and ratio.

  In each drawing excluding FIG. 7 and FIG. 10, the direction of the fuel cell 100 is indicated by using arrows represented by X, Y, and Z. The direction of the arrow represented by X indicates the stacking direction X (thickness) of the plurality of fuel cells 110 constituting the fuel cell 100. The direction of the arrow represented by Y indicates the longitudinal direction Y (lateral width) of each fuel cell 110. The direction of the arrow represented by Z indicates the short direction Z (height) of each fuel cell 110.

(Embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a fuel cell 100 according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the fuel cell 100 of FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the membrane electrode assembly 110M of FIG. 2 disassembled into the assembly 110N, the anode 116, and the cathode 117, and the separator 110S exploded into the anode side separator 118 and the cathode side separator 119. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the region 4 of the joined body 110N of the electrolyte membrane 111 and the frame (the first frame 112 and the second frame 113) of FIG. FIG. 5 is an end view showing the region 5 of the joined body 110N of FIG. 6A is an end view schematically showing a state in which the electrolyte membrane 111 of the joined body 110N of FIG. 5 is refracted with respect to one side in the stacking direction X. FIG. 6B is an end view schematically showing a state in which the electrolyte membrane 111 of the joined body 110N of FIG. 5 is refracted with respect to the other in the stacking direction X. FIG.

  Referring to FIG. 5, the joined body 110N of the electrolyte membrane 111 and the frame (the first frame 112 and the second frame 113) according to the embodiment can be summarized as follows: the electrolyte membrane 111, the first frame 112, 2 frames 113. The electrolyte membrane 111 is used for the membrane electrode assembly 110M of the fuel cell 100. The first frame 112 includes a first opening 112j and supports the outer edge 111c of the electrolyte membrane 111 from the one surface 111a side. The second frame 113 includes a second opening 113j and supports the outer edge 111c of the electrolyte membrane 111 from the other surface 111b side. The first inner edge 112k of the first opening 112j is inclined toward the outer edge 111c side of the electrolyte membrane 111, and the first base end 112p closest to the one surface 111a and the first distal end 112q farthest from the one surface 111a. And comprising. The second inner edge 113k of the second opening 113j is inclined along the same direction as the first inner edge 112k of the first opening 112j, and the second base end 113p closest to the other surface 111b and the second inner edge 113k are the most from the other surface 111b. A second tip portion 113q that is spaced apart. Here, the first base end portion 112p of the first frame 112 is located on the side toward the side end face 111d of the electrolyte membrane 111 with the second base end portion 113p of the second frame 113 as a boundary. Hereinafter, each configuration of the fuel cell 100 including the joined body 110N will be described.

  The fuel cell 100 is mounted on a vehicle such as an electric vehicle, for example, and is used as a power source for driving a vehicle motor. The fuel cell 100 is configured such that a plurality of fuel cells 110 that generate electric power are sandwiched by a current collecting unit 120 that extracts electric power to the outside and pressurized by a casing unit 130. Hereinafter, each configuration of the fuel cell 100 will be described.

  The configuration of the fuel cell 110 will be described in detail.

  The fuel battery cell 110 generates electric power from the fuel gas and the oxidant gas.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the fuel battery cell 110 generates electric power generated while isolating the membrane electrode assembly 110 </ b> M that generates electric power using the fuel gas and the oxidant gas, and the adjacent membrane electrode assembly 110 </ b> M. It includes a separator 110S that is energized. Adjacent fuel cells 110 have their outer periphery sealed with a thermosetting resin.

  The membrane electrode assembly 110M generates electric power by causing a chemical reaction between a fuel gas (hydrogen) supplied from the outside and an oxidant gas (air containing oxygen or pure oxygen).

  As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the membrane electrode assembly 110 </ b> M includes an electrolyte membrane 111 made of an insulator, a joined body 110 </ b> N having a first frame 112 and a second frame 113 that hold the electrolyte membrane 111, an anode 116, and a cathode 117.

  The membrane electrode assembly 110M is configured by sandwiching the electrolyte membrane 111 of the assembly 110N between an anode 116 and a cathode 117. The membrane electrode assembly 110M is generally referred to as MEA (membrane electrode assembly).

(Structure of joined body 110N)
As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the joined body 110 </ b> N is formed by laminating the electrolyte film 111 made of an insulator, the first frame 112 that holds the electrolyte film 111 from the side of the one surface 111 a along the stacking direction X, and the electrolyte film 111. A second frame 113 held from the other surface 111b side in the direction X, a first adhesive 114 that joins the electrolyte membrane 111 and the first frame 112, and a first joint that joins the electrolyte membrane 111 and the second frame 113. 2 adhesives 115 are provided.

  The electrolyte membrane 111 is used for the membrane electrode assembly 110M of the fuel cell 100.

  The electrolyte membrane 111 is made of an insulator and inhibits the movement of electrons while allowing ions to pass therethrough. The electrolyte membrane 111 is formed in a long plate shape. The electrolyte membrane 111 is made of a solid polymer material. The solid polymer material is made of a fluorine-based resin that conducts hydrogen ions and has good electrical conductivity in a wet state.

  The first frame 112 includes a first opening 112j and supports the outer edge 111c of the electrolyte membrane 111 from the one surface 111a side.

  The first frame 112 is formed in a long plate shape larger than the electrolyte membrane 111. The first frame 112 includes a rectangular first opening 112j that is slightly smaller than the shape of the electrolyte membrane 111 at the center thereof. In the first frame 112, the outer edge 111c of one surface of the electrolyte membrane 111 is arranged adjacent to the first inner edge 112k of the first opening 112j. The first frame 112 is made of an electrically insulating resin. For the first frame 112, PET (polyethylene terephthalate), PEN (polyethylene naphthalate), SPS (syndiotactic polystyrene), and PI (polyimide) can be used.

  Here, in the first frame 112, the first inner edge 112k of the first opening 112j is inclined toward the outer edge 111c of the electrolyte membrane 111 as shown in FIG. The first inner edge 112k includes a first base end portion 112p that is closest to the one surface 111a of the electrolyte membrane 111, and a first tip portion 112q that is the farthest from the one surface 111a.

  The first frame 112 includes a cathode gas supply port 112a, a cooling fluid supply port 112b, and an anode gas supply port 112c along the short direction Z on one end side in the longitudinal direction Y. Similarly, the first frame 112 includes an anode gas discharge port 112d, a cooling fluid discharge port 112e, and a cathode gas discharge port 112f along the short direction Z on the other end side in the longitudinal direction Y.

  The second frame 113 includes a second opening 113j and supports the outer edge 111c of the electrolyte membrane 111 from the other surface 111b side.

  The second frame 113 has the same outer shape as the first frame 112. In the second frame 113, the outer edge 111c on the other surface of the electrolyte membrane 111 is arranged adjacent to the second inner edge 113k of the second opening 113j. Similar to the first frame 112, the second frame 113 is made of an electrically insulating resin.

  Here, in the second frame 113, the second inner edge 113k of the second opening 113j is inclined along the same direction as the first inner edge 112k of the first opening 112j of the first frame 112, as shown in FIG. ing. The second inner edge 113k includes a second base end portion 113p closest to the other surface 111b of the electrolyte membrane 111 and a second tip end portion 113q farthest from the other surface 111b.

  In particular, the first base end 112p of the first frame 112 is positioned on the side facing the side end face 111d of the electrolyte membrane 111 with the second base end 113p of the second frame 113 as a boundary. As one form, it arrange | positions so that the position of the 2nd base end part 113p of the 2nd flame | frame 113 and the position of the 1st base end part 112p of the 1st flame | frame 112 may become the same along the thickness direction of the electrolyte membrane 111. ing. The configuration is not limited to this, and the first base end portion 112p of the first frame 112 may be offset to the left side in FIG. 5 with respect to the second base end portion 113p of the second frame 113. .

  The second inner edge 113k of the second opening 113j of the second frame 113, together with the first inner edge 112k of the first opening 112j of the first frame 112, faces the electrolyte membrane 111 from the second frame 113 toward the first frame 112. It is inclined toward the end face 111d. Therefore, the first opening 112j of the first frame 112 is larger than the second opening 113j of the second frame 113. That is, the joined body 110N has a shape that spreads from the second opening 113j of the second frame 113 to the first opening 112j of the first frame 112.

  Similar to the first frame 112, the second frame 113 includes a cathode gas supply port, a cooling fluid supply port, an anode gas supply port, an anode gas discharge port, a cooling fluid discharge port, and a cathode gas discharge port.

  The first adhesive 114 adheres at least a portion where the electrolyte membrane 111 and the first frame 112 are in contact with each other.

  The first adhesive 114 is applied to the entire surface of the first frame 112. The first adhesive 114 may be annularly applied to the first inner edge 112k of the first opening 112j of the first frame 112. The first adhesive 114 is made of an adhesive having electrical insulation.

  The second adhesive 115 bonds at least a portion where the electrolyte membrane 111 and the second frame 113 are in contact with each other.

  The second adhesive 115 is applied to the entire surface of the second frame 113. The second adhesive 115 may be annularly applied to the second inner edge 113k of the second opening 113j of the second frame 113. The second adhesive 115 is made of the same material as the first adhesive 114.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 6A, in the joined body 110N, the first inner edge 112k of the first frame 112 does not face the one surface 111a of the electrolyte membrane 111, and the first proximal end portion 112p to the first distal end portion 112q. A slope is formed over the Further, the first base end portion 112p of the first frame 112 does not protrude from the second base end portion 113p of the second frame 113 toward the center side on the electrolyte membrane 111 side. Therefore, even if the electrolyte membrane 111 swells or contracts and deforms toward the first frame 112, the electrolyte membrane 111 is very difficult to come into contact with the slope of the first inner edge 112k, and the electrolyte membrane 111 does not contact the first inner edge 112k. Can be prevented from biting into. For this reason, the bonded body 110N can suppress interference between the electrolyte membrane 111 that deforms as it swells or contracts and the first opening 112j of the first frame 112 that supports the outer edge 111c of the electrolyte membrane 111. That is, when the electrolyte membrane 111 is deformed as it swells or contracts, the stress concentration at the portion where the electrolyte membrane 111 and the first frame 112 are in contact can be alleviated. As a result, the mechanical durability of the electrolyte membrane 111 is improved.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6B, in the joined body 110N, the second inner edge 113k of the second frame 113 faces the other surface 111b of the electrolyte membrane 111 and extends from the second base end portion 113p to the second tip end portion 113q. An obtuse slope is formed. Therefore, even if the electrolyte membrane 111 swells or contracts and deforms toward the second frame 113, the electrolyte membrane 111 comes into surface contact with the inclined surface of the second inner edge 113k, and the electrolyte membrane 111 bites into the second inner edge 113k. Can be prevented. For this reason, the joined body 110N can suppress interference between the electrolyte membrane 111 that deforms as it swells or contracts and the second opening 113j of the second frame 113 that supports the outer edge 111c of the electrolyte membrane 111. That is, when the electrolyte membrane 111 is deformed as it swells or contracts, the stress concentration at the portion where the electrolyte membrane 111 and the second frame 113 are in contact can be alleviated. As a result, the mechanical durability of the electrolyte membrane 111 is improved.

  The anode 116 is in contact with one surface 111 a of the electrolyte membrane 111.

  The anode 116 is formed in a thin plate shape and is slightly smaller than the electrolyte membrane 111. The anode 116 is formed by laminating an electrode catalyst layer, a water repellent layer, and a gas diffusion layer. The electrode catalyst layer of the anode 116 includes an electrode catalyst in which a catalyst component is supported on a conductive carrier and a polymer electrolyte. The gas diffusion layer of the anode 116 is made of carbon cloth, carbon paper, or carbon felt woven with yarns made of carbon fibers having sufficient gas diffusibility and conductivity.

  The cathode 117 is in contact with the other surface 111b of the electrolyte membrane 111.

  The cathode 117 has the same shape and structure as the anode 116. The cathode 117 is made of a material different from that of the anode 116.

  The separator 110S energizes the electric power generated by each membrane electrode assembly 110M while isolating adjacent membrane electrode assemblies 110M.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the separator 110 </ b> S includes an anode side separator 118 and a cathode side separator 119 and is configured by joining them.

  The anode-side separator 118 is in contact with the anode 116 of the membrane electrode assembly 110M.

  The anode separator 118 is formed in a long plate shape. The anode separator 118 has a length along the longitudinal direction Y and the short direction Z equal to the length of the first frame 112. The anode separator 118 is made of a metal having a conductive material.

  The anode separator 118 includes a flow path portion 118g that allows hydrogen and cooling water to flow apart from each other. The flow path part 118g is provided with a concavo-convex shape extending along the longitudinal direction Y at regular intervals along the short direction Z. The flow path portion 118g faces the anode 116 along the stacking direction X. A gap between the flow path portion 118 g of the anode side separator 118 and the anode 116 is configured as a flow path for supplying hydrogen to the anode 116.

  The anode separator 118 includes a cathode gas supply port 118a, a cooling fluid supply port 118b, and an anode gas supply port 118c along the short direction Z on one end side in the longitudinal direction Y. Similarly, the anode-side separator 118 includes an anode gas discharge port 118d, a cooling fluid discharge port 118e, and a cathode gas discharge port 118f along the short-side direction Z on the other end side in the longitudinal direction Y.

  The cathode separator 119 is in contact with the cathode 117 of the membrane electrode assembly 110M.

  The cathode side separator 119 has a long plate shape and is made of a metal having a conductive material, like the anode side separator 118.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the cathode separator 119 includes a flow path portion 119 g that allows air and cooling water to flow apart from each other. The flow path part 119g has the same shape as the flow path part 118g. The channel portion 119g faces the cathode 117 along the stacking direction X. A gap between the channel portion 119g of the cathode side separator 119 and the cathode 117 is configured as a channel for supplying air to the cathode 117. Further, a gap between the channel portion 119g of the cathode side separator 119 and the channel portion 118g of the anode side separator 118 is configured as a channel for supplying cooling water.

  Similarly to the anode-side separator 118, the cathode-side separator 119 has a cathode gas supply port 119a, a cooling fluid supply port 119b, an anode gas supply port 119c, an anode gas discharge port 119d, a cooling fluid discharge port 119e, and a cathode gas discharge port 119f. It has.

  The configuration of the current collecting unit 120 will be described in detail.

  The power collection unit 120 takes out the electric power generated by the plurality of fuel cells 110 to the outside.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the current collecting unit 120 includes a pair of first current collecting plates 121 and a second current collecting plate 122 that sandwich a plurality of fuel cells 110 along the stacking direction X and collect current. Contains.

  The first current collecting plate 121 collects current from one side (left side in FIG. 2) of the stacked fuel battery cells 110.

  The first current collecting plate 121 is formed in a long plate shape. The length of the first current collecting plate 121 along the longitudinal direction Y and the short direction Z is equal to the length of the membrane electrode assembly 110M, and the thickness along the stacking direction X is the thickness of the membrane electrode assembly 110M. Is equivalent to

  The first current collecting plate 121 includes a rectangular current collecting part 121h at the center thereof. The current collector 121h is made of a conductive material such as dense carbon that does not allow gas to pass therethrough, and is formed in a thin plate shape slightly smaller than the outer shape of the anode 116. The current collector 121h is in contact with the anode 116 of the membrane electrode assembly 110M located in one outermost layer (left side in FIG. 2) of the stacked fuel battery cells 110. The current collector 121h includes a cylindrical power transmission part 121i protruding from the center thereof.

  The first current collecting plate 121 includes a cathode gas supply port 121a, a cooling fluid supply port 121b, and an anode gas supply port 121c along the short direction Z on one end side in the longitudinal direction Y. Similarly, the first current collecting plate 121 includes an anode gas discharge port 121d, a cooling fluid discharge port 121e, and a cathode gas discharge port 121f along the short direction Z on the other end side in the longitudinal direction Y. Yes.

  The second current collecting plate 122 collects current from the other (right side in FIG. 2) side of the stacked fuel battery cells 110.

  The second current collector plate 122 includes a current collector 122 h having the same configuration as the current collector 121 h of the first current collector 121. The current collector 122h is in contact with the cathode 117 of the membrane electrode assembly 110M located on the other outermost layer (the right side in FIG. 2) of the plurality of stacked fuel cells 110. The second current collecting plate 122 includes a power transmission unit having the same configuration as the power transmission unit 121 i of the first current collecting plate 121.

  The second current collecting plate 122 has the same outer shape as the first current collecting plate 121. Unlike the first current collector plate 121, the second current collector plate 122 includes a cathode gas supply port, a cooling fluid supply port, an anode gas supply port, an anode gas discharge port, a cooling fluid discharge port, and a cathode gas discharge port. Absent.

  The configuration of the housing unit 130 will be described in detail.

  The housing unit 130 protects the plurality of fuel cells 110 in a state of being sandwiched by the current collecting unit 120 while applying pressure.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the housing unit 130 includes a pair of end plates 131 and 132 that pressurize the plurality of fuel cells 110 via the current collecting unit 120, and a pair of end plates 131 and end plates. A pair of fastening plates 133 that fasten 132, a pair of end plates 131, a reinforcing plate 134 that reinforces the end plate 132, and a screw that screws each component are included.

  The end plate 131 pressurizes the plurality of fuel cells 110 from the side of the first current collecting plate 121 (left side in FIG. 2).

  The end plate 131 is formed in a long plate shape. The end plate 131 has a length along the longitudinal direction Y and the lateral direction Z equal to the length of the first current collector plate 121, and the thickness along the stacking direction X is greater than the thickness of the first current collector plate 121. Also thick enough. The end plate 131 is made of metal and includes an insulating layer at a portion in contact with the first current collector plate 121.

  The end plate 131 includes a cathode gas supply port 131a, a cooling fluid supply port 131b, and an anode gas supply port 131c along the short direction Z on one end side in the longitudinal direction Y. Similarly, the end plate 131 includes an anode gas discharge port 131d, a cooling fluid discharge port 131e, and a cathode gas discharge port 131f along the short direction Z on the other end side in the longitudinal direction Y. The end plate 131 includes a through hole 131n through which the power transmission part 121i of the first current collecting plate 121 is inserted.

  The end plate 132 pressurizes the plurality of fuel cells 110 from the side of the second current collecting plate 122 (right side in FIG. 2).

  The end plate 132 has the same outer shape as the end plate 131. Unlike the end plate 131, the end plate 132 does not include a cathode gas supply port, a cooling fluid supply port, an anode gas supply port, an anode gas discharge port, a cooling fluid discharge port, and a cathode gas discharge port. Similar to the end plate 131, the end plate 132 includes a through hole 132 n through which the power transmission unit of the second current collector plate 122 is inserted.

  The pair of fastening plates 133 protect the upper surface and the lower surface of the fuel cell 110 while maintaining a constant distance between the pair of end plates 131 and the end plate 132.

  The pair of fastening plates 133 are formed in a flat plate shape. The pair of fastening plates 133 is made of a metal having sufficient strength. The pair of fastening plates 133 are provided with a plurality of screws for the pair of end plates 131 and end plates 132 that pressurize the plurality of fuel cells 110 in a state where the pair of fastening plates 133 are horizontally extended so as to face up and down. It is fixed using. The pair of fastening plates 133 cover and protect the fuel cell 110 and the current collecting unit 120 from above and below.

  The pair of reinforcing plates 134 protects both side surfaces of the fuel cell 110 while maintaining a constant distance between the pair of end plates 131 and 132.

  The reinforcing plate 134 is formed in a long plate shape. The reinforcing plate 134 is made of a metal having sufficient strength. The pair of reinforcing plates 134 are opposed to the pair of end plates 131 and 132 that pressurize the plurality of fuel cells 110 in a state where the pair of reinforcing plates 134 are raised along the short direction Z so as to face the left and right. It is fixed using multiple screws. The pair of reinforcing plates 134 cover and protect the fuel cell 110 and the current collecting unit 120 from the side.

(Manufacturing method of joined body 110N)
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a method for manufacturing the joined body 110N. 8A to 8H are schematic views showing a method for manufacturing the joined body 110N.

  First, as shown in FIG. 8A, the lower release paper 201, the second frame 113, and the upper release paper 202 are laminated in this order from the bottom to the top. An adhesive 201a is applied to the upper surface of the lower release paper 201. A second adhesive 115 is applied to the lower surface of the upper release paper 202 (S11 in FIG. 7).

  Next, as shown in FIG. 8B, the laminated member excluding the lower release paper 201 located at the lowermost portion is cut from the upper side to the lower side by the second frame 113 by the cutting blade 203 having a taper shape (right triangle shape). While cutting in accordance with the shape of the second opening 113j, the cut portion is compressed and formed into a tapered shape. The angle of the cutting blade 203 is, for example, 30 ° to 45 °. Since the lower release paper 201 is not cut (half-cut) until the end of the manufacturing process, the rigidity of the lower release paper 201 is maintained and the long laminated member is continuously conveyed while maintaining mass productivity. Cutting or stacking can be performed (S12 in FIG. 7).

  Next, as shown in FIG. 8C, the cutting blade 203 is separated from the laminated member (S13 in FIG. 7).

  Next, as shown in FIG. 8D, a portion (core) located in the second opening 113j of the second frame 113 is removed from the second frame 113 and the upper release paper 202 (S14 in FIG. 7).

  Next, as shown in FIG. 8E, the upper release paper 202 is released from the second frame 113. At that time, the second adhesive 115 is transferred from the upper release paper 202 to the second frame 113 (S15 in FIG. 7).

  Next, as shown in FIG. 8F, the outer edge 111c of the electrolyte membrane 111 is bonded to the second opening 113j of the second frame 113 having the second adhesive 115 transferred to the upper surface (S16 in FIG. 7).

  Next, the first frame 112 having the first adhesive 114 transferred to the lower surface is separately manufactured according to the method of manufacturing the second frame 113 having the second adhesive 115 transferred to the upper surface. Then, as shown in FIG. 8G, the first opening 112j of the first frame 112 having the first adhesive 114 transferred to the lower surface is bonded to the outer edge 111c of the electrolyte membrane 111 (S17 in FIG. 7). .

  Next, as shown in FIG. 8H, the first frame 112 and the second frame 113 are pressure-bonded. Further, the lower release paper 201 is removed from the second frame 113. The adhesive 201a applied to the lower release paper 201 is not transferred to the second frame 113 (S18 in FIG. 7).

  The operational effects of the described embodiment will be described above.

  The joined body 110N of the electrolyte membrane 111 and the frame (the first frame 112 and the second frame 113) includes the electrolyte membrane 111, the first frame 112, and the second frame 113. The electrolyte membrane 111 is used for the membrane electrode assembly 110M of the fuel cell 100. The first frame 112 includes a first opening 112j and supports the outer edge 111c of the electrolyte membrane 111 from the one surface 111a side. The second frame 113 includes a second opening 113j and supports the outer edge 111c of the electrolyte membrane 111 from the other surface 111b side. The first inner edge 112k of the first opening 112j is inclined toward the outer edge 111c side of the electrolyte membrane 111, and the first base end 112p closest to the one surface 111a and the first distal end 112q farthest from the one surface 111a. And comprising. The second inner edge 113k of the second opening 113j is inclined along the same direction as the first inner edge 112k of the first opening 112j, and the second base end 113p closest to the other surface 111b and the second inner edge 113k are the most from the other surface 111b. A second tip portion 113q that is spaced apart. Here, the first base end portion 112p of the first frame 112 is located on the side toward the side end face 111d of the electrolyte membrane 111 with the second base end portion 113p of the second frame 113 as a boundary.

  According to the joined body 110N, the first inner edge 112k of the first opening 112j forms a slope from the first base end portion 112p to the first tip end portion 112q without facing the one surface 111a of the electrolyte membrane 111. . Further, the first base end portion 112p of the first frame 112 does not protrude from the second base end portion 113p of the second frame 113 toward the center side on the electrolyte membrane 111 side. Therefore, even if the electrolyte membrane 111 swells or contracts and deforms toward the first frame 112, the electrolyte membrane 111 is very difficult to come into contact with the slope of the first inner edge 112k, and the electrolyte membrane 111 does not contact the first inner edge 112k. Can be prevented from biting into.

  On the other hand, in the joined body 110N, the second inner edge 113k of the second opening 113j faces the other surface 111b of the electrolyte membrane 111 and forms a slope from the second base end portion 113p to the second tip end portion 113q. Therefore, even if the electrolyte membrane 111 swells or contracts and deforms toward the second frame 113, the electrolyte membrane 111 comes into surface contact with the inclined surface of the second inner edge 113k, and the electrolyte membrane 111 bites into the second inner edge 113k. Can be prevented.

  For this reason, the bonded body 110N has an electrolyte membrane 111 that deforms as it swells or contracts and an opening (first frame 112 and second frame 113) that supports the outer edge 111c of the electrolyte membrane 111 (first frame 112 and second frame 113). Interference with the opening 112j and the second opening 113j) can be suppressed.

  In the joined body 110N, the first inner edge 112k is inclined from the first base end 112p toward the outer edge 111c of the electrolyte membrane 111. The first opening 112j of the first frame 112 is larger than the second opening 113j of the second frame 113. Here, it is preferable that the anode 116 used for the membrane electrode assembly 110 </ b> M be opposed to the one surface 111 a side of the electrolyte membrane 111.

  According to the joined body 110N, even when the electrolyte membrane 111 receives stress from the cathode 117 side and deforms toward the anode 116 side during operation of the fuel cell 100, the second opening 113j larger than the first opening 112j. It is possible to avoid excessive interference with the anode 116 facing the surface. Note that, when the fuel cell 100 is in operation, a pressure difference is generated between the cathode 117 and the anode 116, and the cathode 117 has a relatively high pressure.

  The joined body 110N joins at least a portion where the electrolyte membrane 111 and the first frame 112 are in contact with each other by the first adhesive 114, and joins at least a portion where the electrolyte membrane 111 and the second frame 113 are in contact with each other by the second adhesive 115. It is preferable.

  According to the joined body 110N, the electrolyte membrane 111 can be sufficiently fixed and supported by the first frame 112 and the second frame 113 via the first adhesive 114 and the second adhesive 115.

  In the manufacturing method of the joined body 110N of the electrolyte membrane 111 and the frame (the first frame 112 and the second frame 113), the outer edge 111c of the electrolyte membrane 111 used for the membrane electrode assembly 110M of the fuel cell 100 is supported from the one surface 111a side. The first inner edge 112k of the first opening 112j in the first frame 112 to be cut is formed so as to be inclined toward the outer edge 111c side of the electrolyte membrane 111, and the outer edge 111c of the electrolyte membrane 111 is formed on the other surface 111b side. The second inner edge 113k of the second opening 113j in the second frame 113 supported from the first frame 113 is cut and formed so as to be inclined along the same direction as the first inner edge 112k, and the formed first inner edge 112k has one surface 111a. And a first base end portion 112p closest to the first surface 112a and a first tip end portion 112q farthest from the one surface 111a. The second inner edge 113k includes a second base end portion 113p closest to the other surface 111b and a second tip end portion 113q farthest from the other surface 111b, and the first base end portion 112p of the first frame 112 is provided. However, the membrane electrode assembly 110M is positioned between the first frame 112 and the second frame 113 so as to be located on the side toward the side end surface 111d of the electrolyte membrane 111 with the second base end portion 113p of the second frame 113 as a boundary. Is sandwiched and stacked.

  According to the method of manufacturing the joined body 110N, the frame (the first frame 112 and the second frame) that supports the electrolyte membrane 111 that deforms with swelling or shrinkage and the outer edge 111c of the electrolyte membrane 111 by a very simple method. 113), the joined body 110N that can suppress interference with the openings (the first opening 112j and the second opening 113j) can be manufactured.

  In the manufacturing method of the joined body 110N, it is preferable that the electrolyte membrane 111 and the first frame 112 are joined by the first adhesive 114, and the electrolyte membrane 111 and the second frame 113 are joined by the second adhesive 115.

  According to the method of manufacturing the bonded body 110N, the electrolyte membrane 111, the first frame 112, and the second frame 113 can be sufficiently fixed using the first adhesive 114 and the second adhesive 115.

(Modification of the embodiment)
FIG. 9 is an end view showing a main part of a joined body 310N of the electrolyte membrane 111 and the frame (the first frame 312 and the second frame 313) according to a modification of the embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a manufacturing method of the joined body 310N. FIG. 11A to FIG. 11H are schematic views showing a manufacturing method of the joined body 310N.

  The joined body 310N of the electrolyte membrane 111 and the frame (the first frame 312 and the second frame 313) according to the modification of the embodiment includes the first inner edge 312k of the first frame 312 and the second inner edge 313k of the second frame 313. The embodiment differs from the above-described embodiment in that it is inclined in a straight line with respect to the electrolyte membrane 111.

  In the modification of the embodiment, a configuration and a manufacturing method of the joined body 310N different from the above-described embodiment will be described.

(Structure of joined body 310N)
The joined body 310N includes a first inner edge 312k of the first frame 312, a first end 114a of the cured first adhesive 114, a second end 115a of the cured second adhesive 115, and a second end of the second frame 313. The two inner edges 313k are inclined in a straight line with respect to the electrolyte membrane 111. That is, one continuous slope is formed by the first inner edge 312k of the first frame 312 and the first end 114a of the cured first adhesive 114. Similarly, one continuous slope is formed by the second end portion 115 a of the cured second adhesive 115 and the second inner edge 313 k of the second frame 313.

  In the joined body 310N, the slope formed by the first inner edge 312k and the first end 114a, and the slope formed by the second end 115a and the second inner edge 313k constitute one slope through the electrolyte membrane 111. . That is, the joined body 310N has a shape that spreads from the second opening 313j of the second frame 313 to the first opening 312j of the first frame 312.

(Manufacturing method of joined body 310N)
First, as shown in FIG. 11A, the lower release paper 201, the second frame 313, the upper release paper 202, and the first frame 312 are laminated in this order from the bottom to the top. An adhesive 201a is applied to the upper surface of the lower release paper 201. The upper release paper 202 is coated with the first adhesive 114 on the upper surface and the second adhesive 115 on the lower surface (S21 in FIG. 10).

  Next, as shown in FIG. 11B, the laminated member excluding the lower release paper 201 located at the lowermost portion is cut from the upper side toward the lower side by the second frame 313 by the cutting blade 203 having a taper shape (right triangle shape). While cutting in accordance with the shape of the second opening 313j, the cut portion is compressed and formed into a tapered shape. The thickness of the upper release paper 202 that is replaced with the electrolyte membrane 111 in a later process is equal to the thickness of the electrolyte membrane 111.

  In this way, the first inner edge 312k of the first frame 312, the first end 114a of the first adhesive 114, the second end 115a of the second adhesive 115, and the second inner edge 313k of the second frame 313 are formed. , Tilt in a straight line by the same angle. In particular, the relative alignment between the first inner edge 312k of the first frame 312 and the second inner edge 313k of the second frame 313 can be performed while being cut by the cutting blade 203. Therefore, it is excellent in mass productivity. Since the lower release paper 201 is not cut (half-cut) until the end of the manufacturing process, the rigidity of the lower release paper 201 is maintained and the long laminated member is continuously conveyed while maintaining mass productivity. Cutting or stacking can be performed (S22 in FIG. 10).

  Next, as shown in FIG. 11C, the cutting blade 203 is separated from the laminated member (S23 in FIG. 10).

  Next, as shown in FIG. 11D, the portion (core) located in the second opening 313j of the second frame 313 is removed from the second frame 313, the upper release paper 202, and the first frame 312 (FIG. 11D). 10 S24).

  Next, as shown in FIG. 11E, the upper release paper 202 and the first frame 312 are peeled from the second frame 313. At that time, the second adhesive 115 is transferred from the upper release paper 202 to the second frame 313 (S25 in FIG. 10).

  Next, as shown in FIG. 11F, the outer edge 111c of the electrolyte membrane 111 is bonded to the second opening 313j of the second frame 313 having the second adhesive 115 transferred to the upper surface. Further, the upper release paper 202 in the manufacturing process shown in FIG. 11E is removed from the first frame 312. At that time, the first adhesive 114 is transferred from the upper release paper 202 to the first frame 312 (S26 in FIG. 10).

  Next, as shown in FIG. 11G, the first opening 312j of the first frame 312 with the first adhesive 114 transferred to the lower surface is bonded to the outer edge 111c of the electrolyte membrane 111 (S27 in FIG. 10).

  Next, as shown in FIG. 11H, the first frame 312 and the second frame 313 are pressure-bonded. Further, the lower release paper 201 is removed from the second frame 313. The adhesive 201a applied to the lower release paper 201 is not transferred to the second frame 313 (S28 in FIG. 10).

  The operational effects of the modified example of the embodiment described above will be described.

  The joined body 310N of the electrolyte membrane 111 and the frame (the first frame 312 and the second frame 313) includes a first inner edge 312k of the first frame 312, a first end 114a of the first adhesive 114, and a second adhesive 115. The second end portion 115 a and the second inner edge 313 k of the second frame 313 are inclined in a straight line with respect to the electrolyte membrane 111.

  According to the joined body 310N, the first inner edge 312k of the first opening 312j does not face the one surface 111a of the electrolyte membrane 111 together with the first end portion 114a of the cured first adhesive 114, and the first base end. A slope is formed from the portion 312p to the first tip portion 312q. Further, the first base end portion 312p of the first frame 312 and the first end portion 114a of the cured first adhesive 114 are directed from the second base end portion 313p of the second frame 313 toward the center side on the electrolyte membrane 111 side. It does not protrude. Therefore, even if the electrolyte membrane 111 swells or contracts and deforms toward the first frame 312, the electrolyte membrane 111 is very difficult to contact the slope formed by the first inner edge 312 k and the first end portion 114 a, and the electrolyte It is possible to prevent the film 111 from biting into the first inner edge 312k.

  On the other hand, in the joined body 310N, the second inner edge 313k of the second opening 313j faces the other surface 111b of the electrolyte membrane 111 together with the second end portion 115a of the cured second adhesive 115, and the second base end portion. A slope is formed from 313p to the second tip 313q. Therefore, even if the electrolyte membrane 111 swells or contracts and deforms to the second frame 313 side, the electrolyte membrane 111 comes into surface contact with the slope formed by the second inner edge 313k and the second end portion 115a, so that the electrolyte membrane 111 is Biting into the second inner edge 313k can be prevented.

  For this reason, the joined body 310N has an electrolyte membrane 111 that deforms as it swells or contracts and an opening (first frame 312 and second frame 313) that supports the outer edge 111c of the electrolyte membrane 111 (first frame 312 and second frame 313). Interference with the opening 312j and the second opening 313j) can be suppressed.

  In the manufacturing method of the joined body 310N, the first frame 312 and the second frame 313 are cut in one line so that the first inner edge 312k and the second inner edge 313k are aligned in a straight line with respect to the electrolyte membrane 111. It is preferable that the first inner edge 312k and the second inner edge 313k are formed by continuous cutting with the blade 203.

  According to the method of manufacturing the joined body 310N, the first opening 312j and the second opening 313j can be relatively positioned by a very simple method, and the first frame 312 and the second frame 313 are attached to each other. It can be molded continuously. Therefore, according to the manufacturing method of the joined body 310N, the positioning accuracy in the opening portions of the first frame 312 and the second frame 313 constituting the joined body 310N can be kept constant, and is required for manufacturing the joined body 310N. Tact can be shortened.

  In addition, the present invention can be variously modified based on the configurations described in the claims, and these are also within the scope of the present invention.

100 fuel cells,
110 Fuel cell,
110M membrane electrode assembly,
110N, 310N joined body,
111 electrolyte membrane,
111a,
111b The other side,
111c outer edge,
111d side end surface,
112, 312 first frame,
112j, 312j 1st opening,
112k, 312k first inner edge,
112p, 312p first base end,
112q, 312q first tip,
113,313 second frame,
113j, 313j second opening,
113k, 313k second inner edge,
113p, 313p second base end,
113q, 313q second tip,
114 first adhesive,
114a first end,
115 second adhesive,
115a second end,
116 anode,
117 cathode,
110S separator,
118 anode separator,
119 cathode side separator,
120 current collecting unit,
121 first current collector plate,
122 second current collector plate,
130 housing unit,
131, 132 end plate,
133 fastening plate,
134 reinforcing plate,
201 Lower release paper,
201a adhesive,
202 Top release paper,
203 cutting blade,
X (stacking direction of a plurality of fuel cells 110 constituting the fuel cell 100),
Y longitudinal direction (of each fuel cell 110),
Z (short direction of each fuel cell 110).

Claims (4)

An electrolyte membrane used in a fuel cell membrane electrode assembly;
A first frame having a first opening and supporting an outer edge of the electrolyte membrane from one side;
A second frame having a second opening and supporting the outer edge of the electrolyte membrane from the other surface side,
The first inner edge of the first opening is inclined toward the outer edge side of the electrolyte membrane, and includes a first base end portion closest to the one surface and a first tip portion furthest from the one surface. Prepared,
The second inner edge of the second opening is inclined along the same direction as the first inner edge of the first opening, and the second base end closest to the other surface and the farthest from the other surface A second tip,
The first base end portion of the first frame is located on the side toward the side end surface of the electrolyte membrane with the second base end portion of the second frame as a boundary, and the joined body of the electrolyte membrane and the frame . The first inner edge is inclined from the first base end portion toward the outer edge side of the electrolyte membrane,
The first opening is larger than the second opening;
The joined body of the electrolyte membrane and the frame according to claim 1, wherein an anode used for the membrane electrode assembly is allowed to face the one surface side of the electrolyte membrane.   3. At least a portion where the electrolyte membrane and the first frame are in contact with each other is bonded with a first adhesive, and at least a portion where the electrolyte membrane and the second frame are in contact with each other is bonded with a second adhesive. A joined body of the electrolyte membrane according to the description and a frame. The first inner edge of the first frame, the first end of the first adhesive, the second end of the second adhesive, and the second inner edge of the second frame are in relation to the electrolyte membrane. The joined body of the electrolyte membrane and the frame according to claim 3, which is inclined in a straight line.