JP2018147789A - Fuel cell manufacturing method, fuel cell, and fuel cell manufacturing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a fuel cell manufacturing method which suppresses deterioration of a membrane electrode assembly when surface modification of a support member supporting a membrane electrode assembly by ultraviolet irradiation is performed.SOLUTION: The fuel cell manufacturing method includes, in a surface modification step (S2) using a support member containing a resin to which a material that generates heat by ultraviolet irradiation is added, the steps of: setting a support member to which the membrane electrode assembly is joined to an apparatus (S201); moving the support member so that ultraviolet rays impinge on a predetermined region of the resin portion (S203); applying ultraviolet rays of two wavelengths (S204); and stopping (S205) an ultraviolet ray after a predetermined time has elapsed for all predetermined regions (S205).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

  The present invention relates to a fuel cell manufacturing method, a fuel cell, and a fuel cell 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 a separator, a step of welding (joining) the separator, and a step of surface-treating the separator. The method for producing a fuel cell further includes a step of assembling a module in which a separator and a membrane electrode assembly are incorporated, and a step of assembling a stack from the module (Patent Document 1).

  The step of assembling the module includes a step of bonding a separator to the support member that supports the membrane electrode assembly using an adhesive.

  By the way, in the process of adhering the resin, a surface modification treatment is performed in order to improve the adhesiveness. For example, in a method of manufacturing a molded body made of a material containing a cyclic olefin resin, the surface of the molded body is irradiated with vacuum ultraviolet light to cause surface roughness of the molded body without causing surface roughness of the molded body. An organized monolayer is formed (Patent Document 2).

JP-A-2005-190946 Patent 5733392

  However, if ultraviolet irradiation is used for surface modification before bonding the support member and the separator as in Patent Document 2, the membrane electrode assembly supported by the support member will inevitably receive ultraviolet light. If it does so, there exists a possibility that a membrane electrode assembly may deteriorate with an ultraviolet-ray.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a method of manufacturing a fuel cell, a fuel cell, and a fuel capable of suppressing deterioration of the membrane electrode assembly when the support member supporting the membrane electrode assembly is surface-modified by ultraviolet irradiation. It is to provide a battery manufacturing apparatus.

  The fuel cell manufacturing method of the present invention that achieves the above object provides a support member in which membrane electrode assemblies having anode and cathode electrode layers are bonded to both surfaces of an electrolyte membrane. The support member to which the membrane / electrode assembly is bonded includes a resin to which a material that generates heat by ultraviolet irradiation is added. The predetermined region of the resin portion of the prepared support member is irradiated with ultraviolet rays. An adhesive is applied to a predetermined area. The separator is bonded to the support member via an adhesive.

  Further, the fuel cell of the present invention that achieves the above object includes a membrane electrode assembly comprising anode and cathode electrode layers on both surfaces of an electrolyte membrane, a support member that supports the membrane electrode assembly, and a predetermined region of the support member. And a separator joined via an adhesive. The support member includes a cyclic olefin resin and a carbon black contained in the cyclic olefin resin, and a molecule in which the molecular bond of the cyclic olefin resin is dissociated on the surface of at least a predetermined region of the support member. Adhesive component molecules are bound.

  In addition, the fuel cell manufacturing apparatus of the present invention that achieves the above object includes a light source composed of at least two wavelengths of UV-LED that irradiates at least two wavelengths of ultraviolet light including a wavelength of at least 300 nm, and ultraviolet light from the light source. A focusing lens; and a moving unit that moves the ultraviolet rays collected by the lens relative to the workpiece.

  According to the present invention, by using a support member including a resin to which a material that generates heat when irradiated with ultraviolet rays is applied, the surface modification is performed by emitting ultraviolet rays to a predetermined region of the resin portion. As a result, since the resin generates heat and molecular bonds are easily dissociated by UV irradiation, the UV irradiation time can be shortened, and even if the membrane electrode assembly supported by the support member is exposed to UV light, the time is Deterioration can be suppressed because it becomes shorter.

It is a perspective view which shows a fuel cell. 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 supporting member supports a membrane electrode assembly. It is the schematic for demonstrating a manufacturing apparatus. It is a perspective view which shows the adhesion | attachment area | region on a supporting member. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | work procedure which joins a supporting member and a separator. It is explanatory drawing explaining the ultraviolet irradiation to a supporting member. It is explanatory drawing explaining the ultraviolet irradiation for adhesive agent hardening. It is a schematic diagram which shows the model of a molecular structure in order to demonstrate the effect | action of surface modification.

  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.

  First, an example of a fuel cell manufactured by the fuel cell manufacturing method according to the present embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a fuel cell. FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a main part of a part of the laminated structure of the fuel cell. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the support member supports the membrane electrode assembly.

  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. This laminate 3 is called a stack. 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 the die rod bolt 7, thereby configuring 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. And a support member 50 that supports 20. The single 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 the 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 that undergoes a hydrogen oxidation reaction, and is disposed on the other side of the electrolyte membrane 21. .

  Since the anode side gas diffusion layer 232 supplies fuel gas to the anode side catalyst layer 231, the anode side gas diffusion layer 232 has sufficient gas diffusibility and conductivity. 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 the fuel gas, the oxidant gas, and the 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 are provided. A cooling water flow path 33 for circulating water is formed.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the support member 50 is provided on the outer periphery of the membrane electrode assembly 20 and supports the membrane electrode assembly 20. The support member 50 is formed by injection molding a cyclic olefin-based resin that is a polymer material. When the support member 50 is formed by injection molding, the support member 50 and the membrane electrode assembly 20 are integrated by impregnating the outer periphery of the gas diffusion layers 222 and 232 with the cyclic olefin resin, so that the support member 50 is a membrane. The electrode assembly 20 is supported. Therefore, the handleability of the membrane electrode assembly 20 is improved. As shown in FIG. 3, the support member 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 member 50 are joined via the adhesive S as shown in FIG.

  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 Corporation), and Flemion (registered trademark, manufactured by Asahi Glass Co., Ltd.). The porous film is formed from, for example, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF).

  The electrolyte membrane 21 is not particularly limited, but is preferably 5 to 30 μm, more preferably 10 to 200 μm from the viewpoint of strength, durability, and output characteristics.

  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 metals, 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 need 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 all or 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 is the same 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, carbon paper, or carbon felt woven with carbon fiber yarns. 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, tetrafluoroethylene-hexafluoropropylene copolymer (FEP), etc. 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.

  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, aluminum plate or clad material), carbon such as dense carbon graphite or 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. In this way, by forming the separator 30 into a thin wall, the electric resistance is made as small as possible, and the output density (defined as “electromotive force / unit volume”), which is one index for performance evaluation of the fuel cell 1, is increased. Can do.

  The support member 50 is made of, for example, a cyclic olefin resin. Examples of the cyclic olefin-based resin include unsaturated polyester, polyvinylidene chloride, polycarbonate, and epoxy.

  In addition, the support member 50 has an ultraviolet absorber added to the resin. The ultraviolet absorber is preferably carbon black. The carbon black content in the resin is preferably 5 to 30% by mass. By setting the content in this range, the ultraviolet irradiation portion generates heat during the ultraviolet irradiation described later, and the surface modification is performed quickly. And if it is in this range, the whole resin material will not become brittle by adding carbon black. Although the calorific value varies depending on the amount of carbon black added and the amount of ultraviolet rays, for example, by adding 30% by mass of carbon black, the maximum increases from room temperature (20 ° C.) to about 35 ° C.

  For example, it is preferable that the carbon black is finely dispersed in the resin. The method of dispersing carbon black in the resin may be a well-known method. For example, the resin material is put into a mixer or the like and the fine particles (powder) of carbon black are mixed while being heated.

  In addition to carbon black, the ultraviolet absorber may be a compound such as benzotriazole, benzophenone, or triazine. As is well known, these ultraviolet absorbers also absorb ultraviolet rays and release the energy as thermal energy. In addition, the compatibility with the resin material is good, and there is no problem even if it is added to the resin to be the support member 50. Therefore, when the resin to which these are added is irradiated with ultraviolet rays, heat is generated from the inside. This heat generation facilitates dissociation of some of the molecular bonds constituting the resin (details will be described later).

  The adhesive S is, for example, an epoxy resin thermosetting adhesive S 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. FIG. 4 is a schematic view for explaining the manufacturing apparatus.

  The manufacturing apparatus 100 of the fuel cell 1 according to the present embodiment is set on the surface of the XY stage 170 on which the work is placed and moved, and the support member 50 that is the work on the side where the separator 30 is laminated. And an irradiation unit 110 that irradiates ultraviolet rays UV to the bonding region 57 (predetermined region).

  The XY stage 170 is a moving unit, and the support member 50 is placed and moved so that the ultraviolet ray UV is irradiated to the adhesion region 57.

  FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an adhesion region on the support member. As shown in the drawing, the adhesion region 57 on the support member 50 includes a peripheral portion of the support member 50, a fuel gas inlet 51, a fuel gas outlet 52, an oxidant gas inlet 53, an oxidant gas outlet 54, and cooling water. The inlets 55 and the cooling water outlets 56 are provided around the periphery. Here, the adhesive regions 57 are provided in stripes at regular intervals, but the present invention is not limited to such a form. In order to irradiate the adhesion region 57 with ultraviolet rays UV, the XY stage 170 is moved.

  In place of the XY stage 170, the irradiation unit 110 may be moved, or ultraviolet rays may be scanned using a reflecting mirror.

  The irradiation unit 110 performs surface modification by irradiating the adhesion region 57 with ultraviolet rays UV. The irradiation unit 110 includes light sources 151 and 152 that emit two ultraviolet rays UV having different wavelengths.

  In front of the light sources 151 and 152, collimator lens groups 161 and 162 for collimating the light emitted from the light sources 151 and 152, and condensing lenses 165 and 166 for condensing the parallel light on the work surface, respectively. Yes. The ultraviolet rays UV from the light sources 151 and 152 are condensed by the lens groups 161 and 162 and the condensing lenses 165 and 166 on the adhesion area 57 which is a work surface, and the surface of the adhesion area 57 is modified.

  The wavelength of the light source 151 that is one of the light sources is, for example, 300 nm. The wavelength of 300 nm dissociates the C—C bond on the resin surface constituting the support member 50 and acts on carbon black (carbon) in the cyclic olefin resin to cause the resin to generate heat from the inside.

  As is well known, the energy required for dissociation of the molecular bond of the polymer material is based on the bond energy of the molecular bond. Although the CC bond varies depending on the type of the polymer material, it can be dissociated as long as it is 300 nm in terms of the wavelength of light.

  Further, the heat generation effect of ultraviolet irradiation on a resin containing carbon black is well known, and heat is generated because it is released as thermal energy when absorbing ultraviolet UV irradiated with carbon black. As a well-known literature, for example, "PREPARATION AND PROPERTIES OF POLYURETHANE - CARBON BLACK - GRAPHITE HYBRID COMPOSITES FOR ELECTRICALLY CONDUCTIVE APPLICATIONS" UMI Number: the first 14 pages of 1,459,675, "Getting The Most Of Polypropylene, Polyethlene and TPO" Section 34 of Additives for Polyolefins Page, "HANDBOOK OF VINYL FORMULATING SECOND EDITION" RICHARD F. GROSSMAN WILEY, page 124, etc.

  The wavelength of the light source 152, which is another one of the light sources, may be the same as, for example, the center wavelength of an excimer lamp that has been used conventionally. With this wavelength, many molecular bonds can be dissociated. Incidentally, the main structural formula of the cyclic olefin-based resin is shown in the following (formula 1) formula.

  As shown in (Chemical Formula 1), the cyclic olefin-based resin includes C—O bonds, C═O bonds, and C—H bonds as well as C—C bonds. In order to dissociate these bonds, it is necessary to irradiate light having a wavelength having energy higher than the binding energy of these molecules. Incidentally, the conversion wavelength of the binding energy of C—C is 339 nm, the conversion wavelength of the binding energy of C—O is 374 nm, and the conversion wavelength of the binding energy of C—H is 262 nm. The converted wavelength of the binding energy of C = O is 151 nm. Therefore, many molecular bonds of the cyclic olefin resin can be dissociated with a center wavelength of 172 nm. Further, by using a wavelength shorter than 151 nm, the C═O bond can also be dissociated. However, this embodiment is ultraviolet irradiation for the purpose of surface modification. Therefore, it is sufficient to dissociate the C—C bond, C—O bond, and C—H bond, and it is not always necessary to perform ultraviolet irradiation with such high energy that dissociates the C═O bond.

  The wavelength used as the light source 152 may be other than 172 nm, for example, a wavelength such as 185 nm or 254 nm as in the existing UV lamp. Further, a plurality of light sources may be provided so that ultraviolet rays UV having a plurality of wavelengths can be irradiated at once. In addition, the wavelength of the light source to be used can be appropriately changed according to the resin material constituting the support member 50. However, any one of the plurality of light sources is preferably 300 nm in order to promote the heat generation of the carbon black.

  As these light sources 151 and 152, for example, UV-LED is preferable because it is small and light. In the present embodiment, by using the condensing lenses 165 and 166, the energy density of light can be increased even if a UV-LED is used. Of course, a UV lamp may be used as in the prior art.

  Next, the work procedure in this embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure for joining the support member and the separator.

  The manufacturing method of the fuel cell 1 according to the present embodiment can be summarized as a step (S1) of irradiating the surface including the adhesion region 57 of the support member 50 with ultraviolet UV to clean the surface, and the adhesion region 57 of the support member 50 with ultraviolet light. It comprises a step (S2) for surface modification by irradiating UV, and a step (S3) for bonding the support member 50 and the separator 30. This will be described in order below.

  The surface cleaning step (S1) will be described.

  First, the support member 50, which is a workpiece, is set on the XY stage 170 of the fuel cell manufacturing apparatus 100 (hereinafter simply referred to as the apparatus 100) (S101). At this time, the support member 50 as a workpiece is in a state where the membrane electrode assembly 20 is already joined. Therefore, a work in a state where the membrane electrode assembly 20 is bonded to the support member 50 is prepared before entering this step.

  Subsequently, irradiation with two wavelengths of ultraviolet light is started (S102). The region to be irradiated at this time irradiates the entire surface of the support member 50 including the adhesion region 57 with two wavelengths of ultraviolet rays UV.

  Subsequently, the ultraviolet irradiation is stopped after a lapse of a certain time (S103). Here, the fixed time may be the same as that of normal light cleaning, and is, for example, about 5 to 60 seconds.

  Subsequently, it is confirmed whether impurities have been removed (S104). This is, for example, confirmation by visual observation (including the case of using a microscope). If it has not been removed, UV irradiation is again performed in S102 to S103. If impurity removal is confirmed by this, it will continue to a surface modification process next. This confirmation (S104) may not be performed.

  The surface modification step (S2) will be described.

  First, the support member 50 which is a workpiece is set on the XY stage 170 of the apparatus 100 (S201). If the confirmation of impurity removal (S104) is not performed, the support member 50 remains set on the XY stage 170, so the next S202 is performed as it is.

  Subsequently, the support member 50 on the XY stage 170 is auxiliary heated (S202). As the auxiliary heating, for example, infrared rays, induction heating (IH), high temperature gas, microwave, ultrasonic wave, laser, or the like can be used. By this auxiliary heating, the support member 50 is heated from the outside together with the heat generated from the inside of the resin by the carbon black when irradiated with ultraviolet rays, and the molecular bonds are more easily dissociated. The temperature of auxiliary heating is about 30 to 50 ° C., and is set to a temperature at which the resin constituting the support member 50 is not denatured. Since this auxiliary heating is from the outside, it does not readily warm up to the inside of the resin. In the present embodiment, as already described, since carbon black is added to the resin, heat is also generated from the inside of the resin by ultraviolet irradiation. There is no need for auxiliary heating.

  Subsequently, the support member 50 is moved by the XY stage 170 so that the adhesive regions 57 scattered on the support member 50 can be irradiated with ultraviolet rays of two wavelengths (S203). At this time, only the adhesion region 57 is irradiated. In this embodiment, since the ultraviolet rays UV from the UV-LED are concentrated and irradiated by the condensing lenses 165 and 166, the tact time can be shortened compared with the case where the entire support member 50 is irradiated with the ultraviolet rays UV.

  Subsequently, irradiation with two wavelengths of ultraviolet rays is started (S204).

  Subsequently, the ultraviolet irradiation is stopped after a lapse of a certain time (S205). Here, the fixed time is a time required for the surface modification and is, for example, about several seconds to several minutes. Although the time required for this surface modification is not limited, in this embodiment, since carbon black is added to the resin, it may be shorter than when carbon black is not added.

  FIG. 7 is an explanatory view for explaining ultraviolet irradiation to the support member. As shown in the figure, the membrane electrode assembly 20 comes close to the adhesion region 57 of the support member 50. For this reason, the membrane electrode assembly 20 may also be irradiated with ultraviolet rays UV. In the present embodiment, by adding carbon black to the resin of the support member 50, heat is generated by ultraviolet irradiation, and molecular bonds on the resin surface of the support member 50 are easily dissociated. For this reason, ultraviolet irradiation time can be shortened compared with the case where carbon black is not added. Therefore, even if the ultraviolet ray UV hits the membrane electrode assembly 20, it is possible to prevent the membrane electrode assembly 20 from deteriorating.

  Subsequently, it is confirmed whether or not all the bonding regions 57 have been irradiated with ultraviolet UV. If all the bonding regions 57 have not been irradiated with ultraviolet UV (S206: NO), the process returns to S203, and the next bonding region The XY stage 170 is moved so that 57 can be irradiated with ultraviolet rays UV. Thereafter, S204 to S206 are executed. On the other hand, when the ultraviolet irradiation to all the bonding regions 57 is completed, the surface modification step (S2) is ended and the next bonding step (S3) is performed.

  The bonding step (S2) will be described.

  The support member 50, which is a workpiece, is set on the XY stage 170 of the apparatus 100 (S301).

  Subsequently, the adhesive S is applied to the adhesive region 57 (S302). At this time, the adhesive S is applied by, for example, feeding the adhesive S from a nozzle provided on a robot arm or the like and relatively moving the nozzle and the support member 50.

  Subsequently, the separator 30 is placed on the support member 50 (S303).

  Subsequently, the adhesive S portion is heated or irradiated with ultraviolet rays (S304). As a result, the adhesive S is cured. Whether to heat or irradiate with ultraviolet rays at this stage depends on the adhesive S used. If a thermosetting adhesive S is used, heating is performed at this stage. If an ultraviolet curable adhesive S is used, ultraviolet rays UV having a wavelength for curing the adhesive S are irradiated at this stage.

  Here, an example in the case of ultraviolet irradiation will be described. FIG. 8 is an explanatory view illustrating ultraviolet irradiation for curing the adhesive. As shown in the drawing, the ultraviolet rays UV are emitted from the support member 50. The irradiation position is the adhesion region 57. And it is preferable to provide the reflective material 301 in the surface which adhere | attaches the support member 50 of the separator 30. FIG. In addition, since the separator 30 is a metal, when reflecting an ultraviolet-ray, it is not necessary to provide a reflecting material. The region where the reflective material 301 is provided is a portion including the adhesion region 57. As a result, the ultraviolet ray UV passes through the support member 50 and is reflected by the reflecting material 301 of the separator 30 so as to be applied more to the adhesive S. Therefore, the adhesive S can be cured in a shorter time. Therefore, the ultraviolet irradiation time can be shortened.

  In addition, the irradiation direction of ultraviolet-ray UV is not limited to such an example. The adhesive S may be irradiated from anywhere as long as the ultraviolet rays UV can be irradiated.

  After heating or ultraviolet irradiation for a certain period of time, the heating or ultraviolet irradiation is stopped (S305), and the process is terminated. Thus, the separator 30 is bonded to the support member 50.

  The effect | action of the surface modification by this embodiment is demonstrated. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a model of molecular structure in order to explain the action of surface modification.

  In the state (a) before irradiation with ultraviolet rays, the molecules constituting the resin of the support member 50 are all bonded. Carbon black BC is added to the resin. When this is irradiated with ultraviolet rays UV, the state of (b) ultraviolet irradiation shown in the figure is reached, and some molecular bonds are dissociated. At this time, ultraviolet rays UV hit the carbon black BC and generate heat. Thereafter, in the state (c) after the adhesive is cured, the molecules of the adhesive S component are bonded to the molecules in the support member 50 in which the bond is dissociated.

  As described above, after the surface modification by ultraviolet irradiation, the adhesive S is applied and cured, so that it is possible to firmly bond the support member 50 via the adhesive S.

  According to this embodiment described above, the following effects are obtained.

  In this embodiment, since a material that generates heat when irradiated with ultraviolet UV is added to the resin constituting the support member 50, heat is generated by irradiation with ultraviolet. This heat generation can increase the temperature from room temperature (20 ° C.) to about 35 ° C. When heat is applied to the resin, the molecular bond is easily dissociated. For this reason, this heat generation makes it possible to dissociate molecular bonds in a shorter time compared to the case where no material that generates heat when irradiated with ultraviolet rays UV is used. As a result, the time during which the membrane electrode assembly 20 supported by the support member 50 is exposed to the ultraviolet rays UV can be shortened, and direct deterioration due to the ultraviolet rays UV can be suppressed.

  Further, ozone is generated depending on the ultraviolet ray UV used. In particular, ozone is generated when the wavelength is 200 nm or less. In the present embodiment, since the ultraviolet irradiation time can be shortened as described above, such ozone generation can be suppressed, the time during which the membrane electrode assembly 20 is exposed to ozone can be shortened, and deterioration due to ozone. Is also suppressed.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, since cyclic olefin resin is used as resin which comprises the supporting member 50, and carbon black is added to this, it generates heat at the time of ultraviolet irradiation.

  In the present embodiment, since ultraviolet rays UV having at least two wavelengths are used at the same time, necessary dissociation of molecular bonds can be caused simultaneously with heat generation. In particular, by using ultraviolet UV having a wavelength of 300 nm, heat generation due to carbon black can easily occur. Furthermore, by selecting and using another wavelength according to the resin material, it is possible to dissociate molecular bonds effective for adhesion, efficiently form functional groups, and enhance the adhesion effect. Moreover, after the adhesive S is applied and cured, the adhesive S is firmly bonded to the molecules dissociated by the ultraviolet irradiation of the support member 50.

  Moreover, the manufacturing apparatus 100 of this embodiment can irradiate high energy locally by using the condensing lenses 165 and 166. For this reason, since enormous energy can be irradiated only to the adhesion | attachment area | region 57 in a short time, cycle time can be shortened.

  In addition, the wavelength can be properly used depending on the portion to be irradiated, so that the processes that have been processed separately so far can be integrated into one, and the cycle time can be further reduced.

  In addition, the manufacturing apparatus 100 of the present embodiment may prepare a plurality of irradiation units 110 that irradiate ultraviolet rays UV, and change the irradiation position. By having a plurality of irradiation portions 110, not only the adhesion region 57 on the support member 50 but also the portion where the membrane electrode assembly 20 is connected to the support member 50 is simultaneously irradiated with ultraviolet rays UV for surface modification. be able to. For this reason, cycle time can be shortened. In particular, since the configuration of the irradiation unit 110 can be made smaller and lighter than using an excimer lamp by using a UV-LED, a plurality of irradiation units 110 (particularly, a plurality of light sources) can be easily obtained.

  Although the embodiment to which the present invention is applied has been described above, the present invention may have a configuration other than the embodiment described herein, and the present invention is various modifications defined by matters defined by the claims. Is possible.

1 Fuel cell,
20 Membrane electrode assembly,
21 electrolyte membrane,
22 Cathode side electrode,
23 Anode side electrode,
30 separator,
50 support members,
57 bonding area,
100 manufacturing equipment,
110 Irradiation part,
151, 152 Light source (UV-LED),
165, 166 condenser lens 170 XY stage,
301 reflector,
BC carbon black,
S adhesive,
UV UV.

Claims (7)

Providing a support member in which membrane electrode assemblies having anode and cathode electrode layers on both sides of an electrolyte membrane are joined;
The support member includes a resin to which a material that generates heat by ultraviolet irradiation is added, and irradiates the predetermined region of the resin portion with ultraviolet rays;
Applying an adhesive to the predetermined area;
Bonding a separator to the support member via the adhesive;
A method for producing a fuel cell, comprising:   The method for producing a fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein the resin is a cyclic olefin-based resin containing carbon black as a material that generates heat when irradiated with the ultraviolet rays.   The method for producing a fuel cell according to claim 2, wherein the carbon black is contained in the resin in an amount of 5 to 30% by mass.   The method of manufacturing a fuel cell according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein in the step of irradiating the ultraviolet rays, at least two wavelengths including a wavelength of at least 300 nm are simultaneously irradiated. A membrane electrode assembly comprising anode and cathode electrode layers on both sides of the electrolyte membrane;
A support member for supporting the membrane electrode assembly;
Having a separator joined via an adhesive in a predetermined region of the support member,
The support member is
A cyclic olefin resin;
Carbon black contained in the cyclic olefin-based resin,
A fuel cell, wherein a molecule in which a molecular bond of the cyclic olefin resin is dissociated and a molecule of a component of the adhesive are bonded at least on a surface of the predetermined region of the support member.   The fuel cell according to claim 5, wherein the carbon black is contained in the cyclic olefin-based resin in an amount of 5 to 30% by mass. A light source composed of at least two wavelengths of UV-LEDs that emit at least two wavelengths of ultraviolet light including a wavelength of at least 300 nm;
A lens that collects the ultraviolet light from the light source;
A moving unit that moves the ultraviolet light collected by the lens relative to the workpiece;
An apparatus for manufacturing a fuel cell.