JP6857812B2 - Method for manufacturing electrolyte membrane-electrode-frame joint - Google Patents

Description

The present invention is an electrolyte membrane-electrode-frame assembly in which the outer peripheral portion of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly in which electrodes are arranged on both main surfaces of the electrolyte membrane used in a polymer electrolyte fuel cell is sandwiched between frames. It relates to a manufacturing method.

In recent years, fuel cells are expected as a clean and efficient energy source. A solid polymer fuel cell is a single cell module in which electrodes are arranged on both main surfaces of an electrolyte membrane made of a solid polymer and an electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly that causes a power generation reaction is sandwiched between separators. It is configured by stacking the required number of modules.

The electrolyte membrane is usually fixed to a resin frame. With this frame, it is possible to improve the handleability when sandwiching and assembling with a separator, and to reduce the amount of electrolyte material used in the non-power generation part.

In order to operate the fuel cell, it is necessary to supply fuel gas (hydrogen gas) to one of the electrodes formed on both sides of the electrolyte membrane and supply oxidant gas (air containing oxygen) to the other. When one gas flows into the other, a normal electrochemical reaction does not occur and sufficient power generation characteristics cannot be obtained. Therefore, the fixed portion of the electrolyte membrane with the frame must have a gas-sealing property.

As a conventional method for fixing the electrolyte membrane to the frame, there is a method in which the electrolyte membrane is welded to the resin frame using ultrasonic waves (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Hereinafter, the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly of the conventional fuel cell disclosed in Patent Document 1 will be described.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a single cell module in which an electrolyte membrane-electrode-frame joint of a conventional fuel cell disclosed in Patent Document 1 is sandwiched between separators. FIG. 6 is a plan view of the electrolyte membrane-electrode-frame joint of the conventional fuel cell.

As shown in FIG. 5, the electrolyte membrane-electrode-frame joint 11 of a conventional fuel cell has a peripheral portion of a rectangular electrolyte membrane 2 in which a rectangular catalyst layer 3 is arranged substantially at the center of both main surfaces. It is sandwiched between the first frame 51 and the second frame 52.

The first frame 51 is made of a frame-shaped resin having an inner diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the catalyst layer 3 and an outer diameter larger than the outer diameter of the electrolyte membrane-electrode-frame joint 11, and the second frame 52. Is made of a frame-shaped resin whose inner diameter is smaller than the outer diameter of the catalyst layer 3 and whose outer diameter is larger than the outer diameter of the electrolyte membrane-electrode-frame joint 11 and smaller than the outer diameter of the first frame 51. is there.

Further, the surface of the first frame 51 sandwiching the electrolyte membrane 2 with the second frame 52 is thicker than the portion of the first frame 51 located on the outer peripheral side of the second frame 52. The thickness of the frame 52 and the thickness of the electrolyte membrane 2 are reduced by the total thickness.

Then, after joining the first frame 51 and the second frame 52 with the welding portion 8 by the ultrasonic welding method from the second frame 52 side via the electrolyte membrane 2, the first frame 51 and the first frame 51 are joined. The boundary portion with the second frame 52 and the welded portion 8 are covered with a third frame 53 from the outside of the second frame 52.

When the first frame 51 and the second frame 52 are joined by the welding portion 8 by the ultrasonic welding method from the second frame 52 side via the electrolyte membrane 2, the first frame 51 is formed. The first frame 51 and the second frame 52 so that the surface covered by the third frame 53 and the surface covered by the third frame 53 in the second frame 52 are located on substantially the same surface. And constitutes.

From the openings (inner diameters) of the first frame 51 and the second frame 52 for uniformly distributing the fuel gas and the oxidant gas to the catalyst layer 3 on both sides of the electrolyte membrane-electrode-frame joint 11. A large rectangular gas diffusion layer 4 is arranged so as to cover the catalyst layer 3 exposed from the openings of the first frame 51 and the second frame 52 from the outside.

Then, the fuel gas or the oxidant gas flows on the surface facing the electrolyte membrane-electrode-frame joint 11, and the groove-shaped gas flow path 61 facing the gas diffusion layer 4 and the gas diffusion layer 4 are surrounded by the first. The single cell module 1 is formed by sandwiching the electrolyte membrane-electrode-frame joint 11 with a pair of separators 6 having an annular sealing member 7 that comes into contact with the frame 51 or the second frame 52.

The peripheral edge of the gas diffusion layer 4 rides on the openings of the first frame 51 and the second frame 52, and fills the space between the separator 6 and the electrolyte membrane-electrode-frame joint 11.

When there is a space (gap) between the first frame 51 and the second frame 52 and the separator 6, the fuel gas and the oxidant gas do not pass through the gas flow path 61, and the first frame The fuel gas and the oxidant gas do not spread to the power generation region 12 which has the catalyst layer 3 and contributes to power generation after passing through the space between the 51 and the second frame 52 and the separator 6, and has sufficient power generation performance. Cannot be obtained.

By filling the gas diffusion layer 4 so that no gap is formed between the first frame 51 and the second frame 52 and the separator 6, the fuel gas and the oxidant gas pass through the gas flow path 61. Therefore, a predetermined power generation performance can be obtained.

Further, the thickness of the region of the gas diffusion layer 4 located between the first frame 51 and the second frame 52 and the separator 6 is adjusted from the distance between the first frame 51 and the second frame 52 and the separator 6. By making the thickness thicker, the gas diffusion layer 4 is compressed when the electrolyte membrane-electrode-frame junction 11 is sandwiched between the separators 6, and the first frame 51 and the second frame 52 are formed into the electrolyte membrane 2. Can be brought into close contact.

Further, by bringing the first frame 51 and the second frame 52 into close contact with the electrolyte membrane 2, fuel gas and oxidation are formed between the electrolyte membrane 2 and the first frame 51 and between the electrolyte membrane 2 and the second frame 52. The possibility of the agent gas invading can be reduced, the gas barrier property can be improved, the deterioration of the electrolyte membrane 2 by the fuel gas and the oxidant gas can be suppressed, and the performance of the fuel cell can be ensured for a long period of time.

The catalyst layer 3 is uniformly formed on both main surfaces of the electrolyte membrane 2 except for the peripheral portion. The peripheral edge of the catalyst layer 3 is covered with the edges of the openings of the first frame 51 and the second frame 52. By doing so, it is possible to reduce the exposure of the oxidant gas to the region where the catalyst layer 3 of the electrolyte membrane 2 is not formed, and it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the electrolyte membrane 2 due to the oxidant gas. Become.

When the single cell module 1 is formed, the seal member 7 provided on the separator 6 is arranged on the power generation region side (inner circumference side) of the welded portion 8 formed on the electrolyte membrane-electrode-frame joint 11. Moreover, it is arranged on the outer peripheral side of the region of the catalyst layer 3.

When the single cell module 1 is used, the seal member 7 provided on the separator 6 comes into contact with the first frame 51 and the second frame 52 and is compressed. The reaction force of the seal member 7 is generated by the compression,
The degree of adhesion between the seal member 7, the first frame 51 and the second frame 52, the first frame 51 and the second frame 52, and the electrolyte membrane 2 is improved, and gas barrier properties can be ensured.

The catalyst layer 3 has a porous structure in order for the fuel gas and the oxidant gas to diffuse and cause a power generation reaction. Therefore, when the contact portion 71 of the seal member, which is a portion of the first frame 51 and the second frame 52 that comes into contact with the seal member 7, and the catalyst layer 3 overlap, the reaction force of the seal member 7 alone is enough to catalyze the catalyst. The porous portion of the layer 3 cannot be shielded, which causes a gas leak.

The seal member 7 that comes into contact with the first frame 51 and the seal member 7 that comes into contact with the second frame 52 are arranged at positions facing each other with the electrolyte membrane-electrode-frame joint 11 interposed therebetween, and seals provided on both poles. Both members 7 are arranged so as not to overlap with the catalyst layer 3, but if at least one of the sealing members 7 does not cover the catalyst layer 3, sufficient gas barrier properties are ensured on the sealing member 7 side that does not cover the catalyst layer 3. it can.

When the sealing members 7 on both sides are arranged at positions facing each other, the reaction forces of the sealing members 7 applied to the electrolyte membrane-electrode-frame joint 11 face each other, and stress is applied to the electrolyte membrane-electrode-frame joint 11. If the sealing member 7 does not cover the catalyst layer 3 at both electrodes, the gas barrier property may be more ensured.

When forming the welded portion 8 by arranging the seal member contact portion 71 that comes into contact with the seal member 7 on the power generation region 12 side (the inner peripheral side of the electrolyte film-electrode-frame joint 11) with respect to the welded portion 8. It is possible to prevent the deformed portion of the electrolyte membrane 2 from being exposed to fuel gas, oxidant gas and moisture due to heat and vibration during ultrasonic welding, reduce gas leakage, and improve the power generation performance of the fuel cell. Can be maintained.

In addition, it is possible to reduce swelling and shrinkage due to absorption of water, prevent concentration of mechanical stress, prevent breakage of the electrolyte membrane structure, and maintain fuel cell performance for a long period of time.

As shown in FIG. 6, the electrolyte membrane-electrode-frame joint 11 includes a first frame 51, a second frame 52, and a third frame 53 so as to surround the four sides of the rectangular electrolyte membrane 2. A welded portion 8 is provided in the vicinity of the electrolyte membrane end portion 21 of the electrolyte membrane 2 at a predetermined welded portion interval 82.

The first frame 51 is provided with an opening that serves as a power generation region 12 in the center. Since the openings provided in the first frame 51 and the second frame 52 have the same size, the area that can be used for the power generation region 12 becomes large, and the utilization rate of the electrolyte membrane 2 is good.

The electrolyte membrane 2 is larger than the power generation region 12 and has a size that does not protrude to the outer peripheral side of the first frame 51 and the second frame 52 when sandwiched between the first frame 51 and the second frame 52. Is.

The first frame 51 to the third frame 53 include a manifold 9 which is a through hole for supplying a fuel gas or an oxidant gas necessary for a power generation reaction of a fuel cell.

Seal member The seal member 7 is arranged on the surface of the separator 6 facing the electrolyte membrane-electrode-frame joint 11 so that the contact portion 71 surrounds the entire region of the power generation region 12 and the manifold 9.

The electrolyte membrane-electrode-frame joint 11 forms the welded portion 8 of the first frame 51 and the second frame 52 via the electrolyte membrane 2 by ultrasonic welding. The second frame 52 is also provided with an opening serving as a power generation region 12 in the central portion.

In the formation of the welded portion 8 of the first frame 51 and the second frame 52 via the electrolyte membrane 2 using ultrasonic welding, the material of the first frame 51, the material of the second frame 52, and the electrolyte membrane A welded portion 8 in which the materials of 2 are mixed can be formed.

By forming the welded portion 8 in which the material of the first frame 51, the material of the second frame 52, and the material of the electrolyte membrane 2 are mixed, the first frame 51, the second frame 52, and the electrolyte membrane 2 are formed. Fixability can be further improved, stress concentration on the electrolyte membrane 2 due to changes in wet and dry dimensions can be avoided, and long-term durability of the electrolyte membrane 2 can be improved.

The third frame 53 covers the boundary between the first frame 51 and the second frame 52 and the processing marks of the welded portion 8.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an assembly process of the electrolyte membrane-electrode-frame joint 11 of the conventional fuel cell.

First, the first frame 51 and the second frame 52 are manufactured by injection molding, and the electrolyte membrane 2 formed by applying the catalyst layer 3 to the substantially central portions of both main surfaces is formed on the opening of the first frame 51. After being placed on top, the second frame 52 is placed on the peripheral edge of the electrolyte membrane 2.

Next, the ultrasonic horn 81 is brought into contact with a predetermined position from the outside of the second frame 52 to form the welded portion 8. Next, the electrolyte membrane 2 integrated with the first frame 51 and the second frame 52 is placed in the mold of the injection molding machine, and the third frame 53 is formed by injection molding.

The welded portion 8 is formed in a spot shape by using ultrasonic bonding. When the spot-shaped welded portion 8 is formed, the assembly time of the electrolyte membrane-electrode-frame joint 11 is shortened, and the productivity can be improved.

As the ultrasonic processing tool to be brought into contact with the second frame 52, a tool having a tip of φ0.5 mm was used. When ultrasonically bonding the first frame 51 and the second frame 52, the bonding processing conditions are an ultrasonic bonding machine (ΣG620S) manufactured by Seidensha Kogyo Co., Ltd., with a frequency of 28.5 kHz and an amplitude. Is 40 μm, a pressing force of 30 N, and a processing time of 0.25 seconds.

The distance between the welded portion 8 and the sealing member 7 was set to about 2 mm. By narrowing the distance between the welded portion 8 and the sealing member 7, the amount of the electrolyte membrane in the region that does not contribute to power generation can be reduced, but the electrolyte membrane 2 around the processed portion is formed by heat and vibration during ultrasonic bonding. In order to deform the electrolyte membrane 2, the deformed region of the electrolyte membrane 2 is arranged so as not to come inward from the sealing member 7 with respect to the power generation surface.

The third frame 53 is formed so as to cover the interface between the first frame 51 and the second frame 52 and also to cover the processing marks of the welded portion 8. When formed in this way, the rigidity of the electrolyte membrane-electrode-frame joint 11 is further improved, and the handleability and the like are improved.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the effect of shrinkage of the electrolyte membrane 2 due to heating and drying in the assembly process of the electrolyte membrane-electrode-frame joint 11 of the conventional fuel cell.

FIG. 8A is a plan view of the electrolyte membrane-electrode-frame assembly 11 of a conventional fuel cell before heating and drying, and FIG. 8B is a catalyst layer on both main surfaces of the electrolyte membrane 2. The central portion of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13 formed by coating 3 is fixed to a suction jig 10 having an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the openings of the first frame 51 and the second frame 52 by suction. The AA line cross section of (a) and the B of (a) in a state where the peripheral portion of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13 is sandwiched between the first frame 51 and the second frame 52. It is a schematic cross-sectional view which shows the-B line cross section.

In FIG. 8C, after the holding step, the first frame 51 and the second frame 52 are welded from the second frame 52 side by an ultrasonic welding method via the electrolyte membrane 2. The outer peripheral portion (peripheral portion) of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13 is joined with the first frame 51 and the second frame so that the fixed portions are scattered in the circumferential direction of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13 by joining at the portion 8. It is a schematic cross-sectional view which shows the AA line cross section of (a) in the state which the fixing step of fixing to a frame 52 is completed.

FIG. 8D is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a cross section taken along line AA of FIG. 8A in a state where the electrolyte membrane-electrode-frame joint 11 temporarily fixed in the fixing step is separated from the adsorption jig 10. ..

FIG. 8E is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a cross section taken along line AA of FIG. 8A in a state where the electrolyte membrane-electrode-frame joint 11 temporarily fixed in the welding step is heated and dried. is there. Further, FIG. 8 (f) is a schematic cross section showing a BB line cross section of (a) in a state where the heating step of heating and drying the electrolyte membrane-electrode-frame joint 11 temporarily fixed in the fixing step is completed. It is a figure.

Japanese Patent No. 5575345

In the conventional method for producing an electrolyte membrane-electrode-frame assembly, the catalyst layer 3 is applied to both main surfaces of the electrolyte membrane 2 having a thin film thickness and easy proton transfer in order to improve efficiency. When the formed electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13 is used, the peripheral edge of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13 is sandwiched between the first frame 51 and the second frame 52 ((b) in FIG. 8), and the electrolyte membrane is used. -The peripheral edge of the electrode assembly 13 is temporarily fixed to the first frame 51 and the second frame 52 by the welding portion 8 ((c) in FIG. 8), and then placed on the mold of the injection molding machine to seal. When the boundary between the first frame 51 and the second frame 52 and the third frame 53 covering the processing marks of the welded portion 8 are formed by injection molding in order to improve the properties, the electrolyte membrane-electrode-frame is formed by the heat of the mold. The assembly 11 (particularly, the electrolyte membrane 2) shrinks due to drying.

At this time, where the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13 is not temporarily fixed by the welded portion 8, the first frame 51 and the second frame 52 are left as they are, and are shown by the arrow c in FIG. 8 (f). Only the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13 shrinks by the size.

Then, at the location where the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13 is temporarily fixed by the welded portion 8, the dimension in which the welded portion 8 acts as a resistance and the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13 contracts is indicated by the arrow in FIG. 8 (e). Although it is suppressed to only the dimensions shown in a, when the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13 contracts, a force that pulls the first frame 51 and the second frame 52 toward the inner circumference is applied via the welded portion 8, and FIG. The electrolyte membrane-electrode-frame assembly 11 is deformed by the dimension shown by the arrow b in (e) of 8.

The deformed electrolyte membrane-electrode-frame assembly 11 is displaced in the mold, and the displaced portion of the electrolyte membrane-electrode-frame junction 11 is crushed by the mold, so that one of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13 An excessive load may be applied to the portion, and the life of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13 may be shortened.

The present invention is a manufacturing method in which the outer peripheral portion of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly is fixed to a frame and then heat is applied to at least one of the frame and the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly in view of the problems of the prior art. Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing an electrolyte membrane-electrode-frame assembly in which the electrolyte membrane-electrode-frame assembly is not easily deformed.

In order to achieve this object, the method for producing an electrolyte membrane-electrode-frame assembly of the present invention comprises an electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly having an electrolyte membrane and electrodes arranged on both main surfaces with the electrolyte membrane interposed therebetween. A frame shape in which the inner diameter is smaller than the outer diameter of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly and the outer diameter is larger than the outer diameter of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly so that the electrodes of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly are exposed on the outer periphery. This is a method for manufacturing an electrolyte membrane-electrode-frame assembly for a fuel cell sandwiched between the first frame and the second frame, wherein the outer peripheral portion of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly is the first frame and the second frame. The electrode of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly exposed in the opening of the first frame after the sandwiching step is sandwiched between the frames, and the electrode of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly is pressed from the first frame side to the second with a pressing surface substantially parallel to the electrode. The outer peripheral portion of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly is placed in the first frame and the second frame so that the fixed portions are scattered in the circumferential direction of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly after the pressing step of pressing the frame side. It has a fixing step of fixing to and, and a heating step of applying heat to at least one of a first frame, a second frame, and an electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly after the fixing step. The portion sandwiched between the first frame and the second frame and not fixed to the first frame and the second frame is not displaced toward the center of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly, and after the heating step. In the pressing step, the pressing surface in contact with the electrode is moved to the second frame side in the thickness direction of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly by a predetermined distance so that no slack remains in the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly.

Further, another method of manufacturing the electrolyte membrane-electrode-frame joint of the present invention is to provide an outer peripheral portion of the electrolyte membrane-electrode joint having an electrolyte membrane and electrodes arranged on both main surfaces with the electrolyte membrane interposed therebetween. The first frame-shaped first having an inner diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the electrolyte membrane-electrode joint and an outer diameter larger than the outer diameter of the electrolyte membrane-electrode joint so that the electrodes of the electrolyte membrane-electrode joint are exposed. A method for manufacturing an electrolyte membrane-electrode-frame joint for a fuel cell sandwiched between a frame and a second frame, the first is a suction jig that sucks the electrodes of the electrolyte membrane-electrode joint on a flat suction surface. An arrangement step of arranging the first frame around the suction jig so that the first frame fits in the opening of the frame 1 and the upper surface of the first frame is substantially parallel to the suction surface at a position lower than the suction surface. Later, a mounting step of placing the electrolyte film-electrode joint on the suction surface of the suction jig and the upper surface of the first frame, and the electrode of the electrolyte film-electrode joint on the suction surface of the suction jig. A second frame is placed on the outer peripheral portion of the electrolyte membrane-electrode joint so that the outer peripheral portion of the electrolyte film-electrode joint is sandwiched between the first frame and the second frame during the adsorption step and the adsorption step. After the laminating step and the laminating step, the outer peripheral portion of the electrolyte film-electrode joint is divided into the first frame and the second frame so that the fixed portions are scattered in the circumferential direction of the electrolyte film-electrode joint. It has a fixing step of fixing and a heating step of applying heat to at least one of a first frame, a second frame, and an electrolyte membrane-electrode joint after the fixing step. The portion sandwiched between the frame and the second frame and not fixed to the first frame and the second frame is not displaced toward the center of the electrolyte membrane-electrode joint, and the electrolyte membrane is formed after the heating step. -The height of the suction surface was set to be higher than the upper surface of the first frame after placement in the placement process by a predetermined height so that no slack was left in the electrode joint.

According to the above manufacturing method, in the heating step, the portion sandwiched between the first frame and the second frame and not fixed to the first frame and the second frame is located on the central side of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly. It is possible to obtain an electrolyte membrane-electrode-frame assembly that does not displace and does not leave slack in the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly after the heating step.

Then, since the deformation of the electrolyte film-electrode-frame joint can be suppressed, the electrolyte film-electrode-frame joint is displaced in the mold, and the electrolyte film-electrode-frame joint is crushed by the mold. Therefore, it is possible to manufacture an electrolyte film-electrode-frame joint in which the life of the electrolyte film-electrode joint is not shortened.

According to the method for producing an electrolyte film-electrode-frame joint of the present invention, deformation of the electrolyte film-electrode-frame joint can be suppressed, the electrolyte film-electrode-frame joint is displaced in the mold, and the gold Since the mold does not crush the electrolyte film-electrode-frame joint, it is possible to manufacture the electrolyte film-electrode-frame joint without shortening the life of the electrolyte film-electrode joint.

Explanatory drawing for demonstrating that deformation of an electrolyte membrane-electrode-frame joint can be suppressed by the method of manufacturing the electrolyte membrane-electrode-frame joint of Embodiment 1 of this invention. A flowchart showing a method for manufacturing an electrolyte membrane-electrode-frame joint according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Explanatory drawing for demonstrating that deformation of an electrolyte membrane-electrode-frame joint can be suppressed by the method of manufacturing the electrolyte membrane-electrode-frame joint of Embodiment 2 of this invention. A flowchart showing a method for manufacturing an electrolyte membrane-electrode-frame joint according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Cross-sectional view of a single cell module in which a membrane electrode assembly of a conventional fuel cell disclosed in Patent Document 1 is sandwiched between separators. Plan view of the membrane electrode assembly of the conventional fuel cell Explanatory drawing which shows the assembly process of the membrane electrode assembly of the conventional fuel cell Explanatory drawing for explaining the influence of shrinkage due to heating and drying of an electrolyte membrane in the process of assembling an electrolyte membrane-electrode-frame joint of a conventional fuel cell.

In the first invention, the outer peripheral portion of the electrolyte membrane-electrode joint having the electrolyte membrane and the electrodes arranged on both main surfaces sandwiching the electrolyte membrane is exposed so that the electrodes of the electrolyte membrane-electrode joint are exposed. For a fuel cell sandwiched between a frame-shaped first frame and a second frame whose inner diameter is smaller than the outer diameter of the electrolyte membrane-electrode joint and whose outer diameter is larger than the outer diameter of the electrolyte membrane-electrode joint. A method for manufacturing an electrolyte membrane-electrode-frame joint, wherein the outer peripheral portion of the electrolyte film-electrode joint is sandwiched between the first frame and the second frame, and after the narrowing step, the first The electrolyte film exposed in the opening of the frame-The pressing step of pushing the electrode of the electrode junction from the first frame side to the second frame side with a pressing surface substantially parallel to the electrode, and after the pressing step, the fixed part is the electrolyte film. -Electrolyte film so as to be scattered in the circumferential direction of the electrode joint-A fixing step of fixing the outer peripheral portion of the electrode joint to the first frame and the second frame, and after the fixing step, the first frame and the first It has a heating step of applying heat to at least one of the frame 2 and the electrolyte membrane-electrode joint, and in the heating step, the first frame is sandwiched between the first frame and the second frame. In the pressing step, the portion not fixed to the second frame is not displaced toward the center of the electrolyte membrane-electrode junction, and the electrolyte membrane-electrode junction is not loosened after the heating step. This is a method for manufacturing an electrolyte membrane-electrode-frame joint, characterized in that the pressing surface in contact with the electrode is moved to the second frame side in the thickness direction of the electrolyte membrane-electrode joint by a predetermined distance.

In the above manufacturing method, after the sandwiching step of sandwiching the outer peripheral portion of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly between the first frame and the second frame, the outer peripheral portion of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly is sandwiched between the first frame and the first frame. Before the fixing step of fixing to the second frame, the electrode of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly exposed in the opening of the first frame is pressed from the first frame side to the second frame with a pressing surface substantially parallel to the electrode. It has a pressing step of pushing to the side, and in the pressing step, the pressing surface in contact with the electrode is moved to the second frame side in the thickness direction of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly by a predetermined distance. In the heating process, the portion sandwiched between the first frame and the second frame and not fixed to the first frame and the second frame is prevented from being displaced toward the center side of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly. Moreover, the distance is set so that no slack remains in the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly after the heating step.

That is, in order to fix the outer peripheral portion of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly to the first frame and the second frame in a state of being loosened in advance by the size of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly that shrinks later due to the heating step. In the heating step, the portion sandwiched between the first frame and the second frame and not fixed to the first frame and the second frame does not displace toward the center side of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly. Moreover, it is possible to obtain an electrolyte membrane-electrode-frame assembly in which no slack remains in the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly after the heating step.

Then, since it is possible to prevent the first frame and the second frame from being pulled toward the inner peripheral side of the opening by the electrolyte film-electrode joint that shrinks due to heating and drying, the electrolyte film-electrode-frame joint is deformed. The electrolyte film-electrode-frame joint is not displaced in the mold, and the electrolyte film-electrode-frame joint is not crushed by the mold, and the life of the electrolyte film-electrode joint is shortened. It is possible to fabricate an electrolyte membrane-electrode-frame joint that does not.

In the second invention, the outer peripheral portion of the electrolyte membrane-electrode joint having the electrolyte membrane and the electrodes arranged on both main surfaces sandwiching the electrolyte membrane is exposed so that the electrodes of the electrolyte membrane-electrode joint are exposed. For a fuel cell sandwiched between a frame-shaped first frame and a second frame whose inner diameter is smaller than the outer diameter of the electrolyte membrane-electrode joint and whose outer diameter is larger than the outer diameter of the electrolyte membrane-electrode joint. A method for manufacturing an electrolyte film-electrode-frame joint, in which a suction jig that sucks the electrodes of the electrolyte film-electrode joint on a flat suction surface fits in the opening of the first frame and is the upper surface of the first frame. The first frame is arranged around the suction jig so that is substantially parallel to the suction surface at a position lower than the suction surface, and after the placement step, the suction surface of the suction jig and the first frame During the mounting step of placing the electrolyte membrane-electrode junction on the upper surface, the adsorption step of adsorbing the electrodes of the electrolyte membrane-electrode junction on the adsorption surface of the adsorption jig, and the adsorption step, the electrolyte membrane-electrode A laminating step of laminating a second frame on the outer peripheral portion of the electrolyte film-electrode joint so that the outer peripheral portion of the joint is sandwiched between the first frame and the second frame, and after the laminating step, the fixed portion is an electrolyte. A fixing step of fixing the outer peripheral portion of the electrolyte film-electrode joint to the first frame and the second frame so as to be scattered in the circumferential direction of the film-electrode joint, and a first frame after the fixing step. It has a second frame and a heating step of applying heat to at least one of the electrolyte membrane-electrode joint, and in the heating step, the first frame is sandwiched between the first frame and the second frame. The suction surface so that the portion not fixed to the second frame and the second frame does not shift to the center side of the electrolyte film-electrode joint and no slack remains in the electrolyte film-electrode joint after the heating step. This is a method for producing an electrolyte film-electrode-frame joint, characterized in that the height of the electrode is set to be higher than the upper surface of the first frame after placement by a predetermined height in the placement step.

In the above manufacturing method, the first frame is set so that the suction jig fits in the opening of the first frame and the upper surface of the first frame is lower than the suction surface and is substantially parallel to the suction surface of the suction jig. After arranging it around the suction jig, the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly is placed on the suction surface of the suction jig and the upper surface of the first frame, and the outer peripheral portion of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly is the first. The second frame is laminated on the outer peripheral portion of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly so as to be sandwiched between the frame and the second frame, and the outer peripheral portion of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly is formed between the first frame and the second frame. Although it is fixed to the frame, the height of the suction surface with respect to the upper surface of the first frame is sandwiched between the first frame and the second frame in the heating process, and the first frame and the second frame. The height is set so that the portion not fixed to the frame is not displaced toward the center of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly and no slack remains in the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly after the heating step. ..

That is, in order to fix the outer peripheral portion of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly to the first frame and the second frame in a state of being loosened in advance by the size of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly that shrinks later due to the heating step. In the heating step, the portion sandwiched between the first frame and the second frame and not fixed to the first frame and the second frame does not displace toward the center side of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly. Moreover, it is possible to obtain an electrolyte membrane-electrode-frame assembly in which no slack remains in the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly after the heating step.

Then, since it is possible to prevent the first frame and the second frame from being pulled toward the inner peripheral side of the opening by the electrolyte film-electrode joint that shrinks due to heating and drying, the electrolyte film-electrode-frame joint is deformed. The electrolyte film-electrode-frame joint is not displaced in the mold, and the electrolyte film-electrode-frame joint is not crushed by the mold, and the life of the electrolyte film-electrode joint is shortened. It is possible to fabricate an electrolyte membrane-electrode-frame joint that does not.

The third invention is characterized in that, in particular, in the first or second invention, the materials of the first frame and the second frame are thermoplastic resins, and the first frame and the second frame The outer peripheral portion of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly can be fixed to the first frame and the second frame by welding the frames of, for example, ultrasonic welding.

In the third invention, in particular, in the third invention, in the fixing step, an ultrasonic horn is pressed from the outside of the first frame or the second frame to press the outer peripheral portion of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly into the first frame. It is characterized by being fixed to the frame and the second frame, and only the melt bonding interface by the ultrasonic horn is heated and melt welding can be performed, the thermal influence on the surroundings can be minimized, and the electrolyte. The reliability (durability) of the membrane-electrode-frame assembly can be improved.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the method for producing an electrolyte membrane-electrode-frame junction of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, but the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.

(Embodiment 1)
Hereinafter, Embodiment 1 of the method for producing an electrolyte membrane-electrode-frame joint of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings with reference to a portion different from the conventional example. In the present embodiment, the same components as those of the conventional example are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate description will be omitted.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining that deformation of the electrolyte membrane-electrode-frame joint can be suppressed by the method for producing an electrolyte membrane-electrode-frame joint according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

In the electrolyte membrane-electrode-frame assembly 14 manufactured by the method for producing an electrolyte membrane-electrode-frame assembly of the present embodiment, the peripheral edge of the rectangular electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13 is formed into a frame shape. Electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly at the welded portion 8 by the ultrasonic welding method in which the ultrasonic horn is pressed from the outside of the second frame 55, sandwiched between the first frame 54 and the second frame 55 made of the thermoplastic resin. The outer peripheral portion of the body 13 is fixed to the first frame 54 and the second frame 55.

The electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13 is formed by arranging a rectangular catalyst layer 3 smaller than the electrolyte membrane 2 at substantially the center of both main surfaces of the electrolyte membrane 2 made of a rectangular solid polymer.

The first frame 54 and the second frame 55 have an inner diameter of the opening of the catalyst layer 3 of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13 so that most of the catalyst layer 3 of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13 is exposed. The frame shape is smaller than the outer diameter and the outer diameter is larger than the outer diameter of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13.

FIG. 1A is a plan view of the electrolyte membrane-electrode-frame joint 14 of the present embodiment. In FIG. 1B, the adsorption jig 10 for adsorbing the catalyst layer 3 of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13 on a flat adsorption surface (pressing surface) fits in the opening of the first frame 54 and is in the first frame. The first frame 54 is arranged around the suction jig 10 so that the upper surface of the 54 is located on substantially the same plane as the suction surface (pressing surface), and the suction surface (pressing surface) of the suction jig 10 and the first frame 54 are arranged. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the CC line cross section of (a) and the DD line cross section of (a) in a state where the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13 is to be placed on the upper surface of the frame 54 of 1. ..

In FIG. 1C, the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13 is placed on the suction surface (pressing surface) of the suction jig 10 and the upper surface of the first frame 54, and the suction surface of the suction jig 10 (c). 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the CC line cross section of (a) and the DD line cross section of (a) in a state where the pressing surface) is adsorbing the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13.

In FIG. 1D, the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13 is shown so that the peripheral edge of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13 is sandwiched between the first frame 54 and the second frame 55 made of thermoplastic resin. It is schematic cross-sectional view which shows the CC line cross section of (a) and DD line cross section of (a) in the state which the 2nd frame 55 is placed (stacked) on the peripheral edge part.

In FIG. 1 (e), the catalyst layer 3 of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13 exposed in the opening of the first frame 54 is the adsorption surface (pressing surface) of the adsorption jig 10 substantially parallel to the catalyst layer 3. Then, the adsorption surface (pressing surface) of the adsorption jig 10 that is pushed from the first frame 54 side to the second frame 55 side and is in contact with the catalyst layer 3 of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13 is bonded to the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly. It is a schematic cross-sectional view which shows the CC line cross section of (a) and the DD line cross section of (a) in the state which moved to the 2nd frame 55 side of the body 13 in the thickness direction by a predetermined distance.

FIG. 1 (f) shows a welding portion 8 by an ultrasonic welding method in which an ultrasonic horn is pressed from the outside of the second frame 55, and a plurality of locations on the outer peripheral portion of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13 are formed in the first frame 54. In the schematic cross-sectional view showing the CC line cross section of (a) in a state where the adsorption jig 10 is lowered after the electrolyte membrane-electrode-frame assembly 14 is fixed to the second frame 55. is there.

In FIG. 1 (g), the suction surface (pressing surface) of the suction jig 10 is separated from the catalyst layer 3 of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13, so that the first frame 54 in the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13 is shown. The outline showing the CC line cross section of (a) in the state where the portion not sandwiched between the first frame 54 and the second frame 55 (the portion exposed to the opening of the first frame 54 and the second frame 55) is loosened. It is a sectional view.

FIG. 1H is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the CC line cross section of FIG. 1A in a state where the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13 is contracted by heating and drying. FIG. 1 (i) is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a cross section taken along line DD of (a) in a state in which the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13 is contracted by heating and drying.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a method for manufacturing an electrolyte membrane-electrode-frame joint according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, the method for producing the electrolyte membrane-electrode-frame joint 14 of the first embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

In STEP 1, as shown in FIG. 1B, the suction jig 10 fits in the opening of the first frame 54 (the first frame 54 is around the suction jig 10). (Enclose), and the upper surface of the first frame 54 is arranged (set) so as to be located on substantially the same plane as the suction surface (pressing surface) constituting the upper surface of the suction jig 10.

Further, in the electrolyte membrane 2, the catalyst layer 3 is formed by coating on both main surfaces of the electrolyte membrane 2, and is cut into a rectangle having a predetermined size and size to form an electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13 and adsorbed. It is conveyed above the jig 10.

In STEP 2, as shown in FIG. 1 (c), the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13 is placed on the suction surface (pressing surface) of the suction jig 10 and the upper surface of the first frame 54.

At this time, the peripheral edge of the catalyst layer 3 of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13 is aligned so as not to enter the inner peripheral side of the edge of the opening of the first frame 54, and the suction surface of the suction jig 10 ( The pressing surface) and the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13 are prevented from accumulating air, and the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13 is prevented from being wrinkled.

At this time, the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13 is adsorbed on the adsorption jig 10 so that air does not collect between the adsorption surface (pressing surface) of the adsorption jig 10 and the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13. Before contacting the surface, a suction operation of sucking air on the suction surface side from a large number of holes opened in the suction surface may be started.

In STEP 3, a suction operation is performed to suck air on the suction surface side from a large number of holes opened in the suction surface, and the electrode portion (third) of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13 is performed on the suction surface (pressing surface) of the suction jig 10. After fixing the catalyst layer 3) exposed to the opening of the frame 54 of No. 1 by adsorption, the peripheral portion of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13 is the first in STEP 4, as shown in FIG. 1 (d). The second frame 55 is placed (laminated) in the correct position on the peripheral edge of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13 so as to be sandwiched between the frame 54 and the second frame 55.

When the second frame 55 is placed (laminated) in the correct position, the peripheral edge of the catalyst layer 3 of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13 enters the inner peripheral side of the edge of the opening of the second frame 55. Absent.

Further, since the second frame 55 is placed (laminated) on the peripheral edge of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13 in a state where the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13 is adsorbed and fixed to the adsorption jig 10, the second frame-electrode assembly 13 is placed (laminated) on the peripheral portion. In the work of placing (laminating) the frame 55 of the above, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of the phenomenon that the position of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13 is displaced and the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13 is turned over.

Then, after the second frame 55 is placed (laminated) in the correct position, the peripheral edge portion of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13 is formed by the first frame 54 and the second frame 55 with a predetermined force. The first frame 54 and the second frame 55 are clamped so as to be sandwiched.

Next, in STEP 5, as shown in FIG. 1 (e), the electrode of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13 exposed in the opening of the first frame 54 (catalyst exposed in the opening of the first frame 54). The layer 3) is pushed from the first frame 54 side to the second frame 55 side by the suction surface (pressing surface) of the suction jig 10 substantially parallel to the electrode (catalyst layer 3) (the suction jig 10 is pushed to the first frame 55 side). Move the frame 54 side toward the second frame 55 side by a predetermined distance).

At this time, due to the movement of the suction jig 10 (pressing the suction surface (pressing surface) of the suction jig 10 against the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13), the peripheral edge of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13 is only the distance indicated by the black arrow. It moves to the inner peripheral side of the opening of the first frame 54.

Next, in STEP 6, the ultrasonic horn 81 is brought into contact with a predetermined position from the outside of the second frame 55, and the first frame 54 and the second frame 55 are brought into contact with the second frame 55 via the electrolyte membrane 2. The outer peripheral portion (periphery) of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13 is bonded by the welding portion 8 by the ultrasonic welding method from the frame 55 side of the frame 55 so that the fixed portions are scattered in the circumferential direction of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13. Part) is fixed to the first frame 54 and the second frame 55.

Next, in STEP 7, as shown in FIG. 1 (f), the electrode portion of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13 on the adsorption surface (pressing surface) of the adsorption jig 10 (in the opening of the first frame 54). The adsorption of the exposed catalyst layer 3) is released, and the adsorption jig 10 is returned to its original position.

Next, in STEP 8, the clamp is released, and in the next STEP 9, the electrolyte membrane-electrode-frame joint 14 is taken out from the adsorption jig 10.

As shown in FIG. 1 (g), the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 14 at this time is an electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly in a portion exposed to the openings of the first frame 54 and the second frame 55. Although there is slack in 13, the electrolyte membrane of the portion exposed to the openings of the first frame 54 and the second frame 55 due to shrinkage due to heating and drying, as shown in FIGS. 1 (h) and 1 (i). -The slack of the electrode assembly 13 is eliminated.

Further, even after heating and drying, as shown in FIG. 1 (i), the first frame is sandwiched between the first frame 54 and the second frame 55 on the outer peripheral portion of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13. The portion not fixed to the 54 and the second frame 55 is not displaced toward the center of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13.

In STEP 5, when the suction jig 10 is moved from the first frame 54 side to the second frame 55 side by a predetermined distance, the predetermined distance is determined by the first frame 54 and the second frame 54 in the heating and drying step. The portion (a part of the outer peripheral portion of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13) sandwiched between the frames 55 and not fixed to the first frame 54 and the second frame 55 is the center of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13. It is set so that it does not shift to the side and no slack remains in the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13 after the heating and drying step.

This predetermined distance can be derived by repeating trial and error, but it may be calculated based on the swelling rate and dimensions of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13 (electrolyte membrane 2).

In the present embodiment, the welding portion 8 for fixing the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13 (electrolyte membrane 2) to the first frame 54 and the second frame 55 is formed by ultrasonic welding.

By forming the welded portion 8 in which the materials of the first frame 54, the second frame 55, and the electrolyte membrane 2 are mixed, the fixing property of the first frame 54, the second frame 55, and the electrolyte membrane 2 can be improved. It can be further improved, stress concentration on the electrolyte membrane 2 due to a change in wet and dry dimensions can be avoided, and the long-term durability of the electrolyte membrane 2 can be improved.

The first frame 54 and the second frame 55 have the same shape as the first frame 51 and the second frame 52 of the conventional example, and the boundary portion between the first frame 54 and the second frame 55. And the welded portion 8 may be covered from the outside of the second frame 55 with a third frame having the same shape as the third frame 53 of the conventional example.

In this case, the third frame is formed of the same resin material as the first frame 54 and the second frame 55, and the third frame is directly attached to the first frame 54 and the second frame 55. When injection molding is performed, the bonding force is increased, the integrity of the electrolyte membrane-electrode-frame bonded body 14 is improved, and the handleability is improved.

In forming the welded portion 8, a melt joining method using a laser may be used. When a laser is used, the welded portion 8 can be formed in a non-contact manner, and the electrolyte membrane is formed on the welded portion 8 in which the materials of the first frame 54, the second frame 55, and the electrolyte membrane 2 are mixed. It is possible to prevent contamination that causes deterioration of 2 and guarantee the performance for a long period of time.

In this case, it is desirable to select a laser beam having a wavelength that is absorbed by the electrolyte membrane 2, and a laser having a wavelength that passes through the first frame 54 or the second frame 55 and is absorbed by the electrolyte membrane 2. It is more desirable to use light. As a result, the laser light transmitted through the first frame 54 or the second frame 55 is absorbed by the electrolyte membrane 2, the temperature of the laser light irradiation portion becomes high, and the two portions of the electrolyte membrane irradiated with the laser light by the heat are sandwiched. The first frame 54 and the second frame 55 are melted to enable fusion bonding.

In the present embodiment, since the electrolyte membrane 2 having isotropic characteristics in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction is used, the electrolyte membrane 2 is dried and contracted or wet-expanded with the welded portions 8 at equal intervals over the entire circumference of the power generation region. When the electrolyte membrane 2 having anisotropy in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction is used, the characteristics of the electrolyte membrane 2 in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction are equalized. The interval may be adjusted according to.

In the present embodiment, the amount of the electrolyte membrane 2 that does not contribute to power generation is reduced by bringing the end portions of the seal member 7 and the electrolyte membrane 2 as close as possible. The distance between the end portion of the seal member 7 and the electrolyte membrane 2 may be such that the electrolyte membrane 2 contracted by drying does not reach the inside of the seal member 7.

When the distance between the welded portions 8 is wide, the displacement of the electrolyte membrane 2 at the portion where the welding portion 8 is not welded becomes large, so that the distance between the sealing member 7 and the end portion of the electrolyte membrane 2 may be increased. When the distance between the sealing member 7 and the end of the electrolyte membrane 2 is increased, the leak path length when one gas leaks to the other electrode can be lengthened by bypassing the end of the electrolyte membrane 2. Therefore, the gas leak may be reduced.

In the present embodiment, the outer peripheral portion of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13 in which the catalyst layer 3 is coated on both main surfaces of the electrolyte membrane 2 is sandwiched between the first frame 54 and the second frame 55. The electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 14 was used as the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly, but the one in which the gas diffusion layer was laminated on the outside of the catalyst layer 3 was used as the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly, and the outer peripheral portion of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly was designated as the first. What is sandwiched between the first frame and the second frame may be an electrolyte membrane-electrode-frame assembly.

Further, in the present embodiment, the size of the catalyst layer 3 is made larger than the inner diameter of the openings of the first frame 54 and the second frame 55, but the entire surface of the catalyst layer 3 is the first frame 54 and the first frame 54 and the first. The size of the catalyst layer 3 may be smaller than the inner diameter of the openings of the first frame 54 and the second frame 55 so as to be exposed to the opening of the frame 55 of 2.

As described above, in the method for manufacturing the electrolyte membrane-electrode-frame junction 14 of the present embodiment, the electrolyte membrane 2 and the electrodes (catalyst layer 3) arranged on both main surfaces with the electrolyte membrane 2 sandwiched between the electrolyte membrane 2 and the electrodes (catalyst layer 3) are arranged. The inner diameter of the outer peripheral portion of the electrolyte membrane-electrode junction 13 is smaller than the outer diameter of the electrolyte membrane-electrode junction 13 so that the electrode (catalyst layer 3) of the electrolyte membrane-electrode junction 13 is exposed. A method for manufacturing an electrolyte membrane-electrode-frame joint 14 for a fuel cell sandwiched between a first frame 54 and a second frame 55 having a frame shape having a diameter larger than the outer diameter of the electrolyte membrane-electrode joint 13. is there.

The method for manufacturing the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 14 of the present embodiment is a narrowing step (holding step) in which the outer peripheral portion of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13 is sandwiched between the first frame 54 and the second frame 55. (D) in FIG. 1 and STEP 4 in FIG. 2) and the electrode (catalyst layer 3) of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13 exposed to the opening of the first frame 54 after the holding step are electrode (catalyst layer 3). ) With a pressing surface (adsorption surface of the adsorption jig 10) substantially parallel to the pressing step ((e) in FIG. 1 and STEP 5 in FIG. 2) of pressing from the first frame 54 side to the second frame 55 side. After the step, the fixing step of fixing the outer peripheral portion of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13 to the first frame 54 and the second frame 55 so that the fixing portions are scattered in the circumferential direction of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13. ((F) of FIG. 1, STEP 6 of FIG. 2) and a heating step of applying heat to at least one of the first frame 54, the second frame 55, and the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13 after the fixing step. (A step of directly injection-molding the third frame into the first frame 54 and the second frame 55, or a step of drying the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13 by heating, etc.).

Then, in the method for manufacturing the electrolyte membrane-electrode-frame assembly 14 of the present embodiment, the first frame 54 and the second frame are sandwiched between the first frame 54 and the second frame 55 in the heating step. The portion not fixed to 55 (a part of the outer peripheral portion of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13) is not displaced toward the center side of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13, and the electrolyte membrane-electrode is not displaced after the heating step. In the pressing step, the pressing surface (adsorption surface of the adsorption jig 10) in contact with the electrode (catalyst layer 3) is the second in the thickness direction of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13 so that no slack remains in the assembly 13. This is a method for manufacturing an electrolyte membrane-electrode-frame assembly 14, characterized in that it is moved to the frame 55 side by a predetermined distance.

The method for manufacturing the electrolyte membrane-electrode-frame assembly 14 of the present embodiment is after a sandwiching step in which the outer peripheral portion of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13 is sandwiched between the first frame 54 and the second frame 55. The electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly exposed at the opening of the first frame 54 before the fixing step of fixing the outer peripheral portion of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13 to the first frame 54 and the second frame 55. There is a pressing step of pressing the electrode (catalyst layer 3) of 13 from the first frame 54 side to the second frame 55 side with a pressing surface (adsorption surface of the adsorption jig 10) substantially parallel to the electrode (catalyst layer 3). Then, in the pressing step, the pressing surface (adsorption surface of the adsorption jig 10) in contact with the electrode (catalyst layer 3) is moved to the second frame 55 side in the thickness direction of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13 by a predetermined distance. However, this predetermined distance is a portion (electrolyte membrane-) that is sandwiched between the first frame 54 and the second frame 55 and is not fixed to the first frame 54 and the second frame 55 in the heating process. A part of the outer peripheral portion of the electrode assembly 13) is set so as not to be displaced toward the center side of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13 and so that no slack remains in the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13 after the heating step. The distance.

That is, in the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13, the outer peripheral portion of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13 is combined with the first frame 54 and the second frame 55 in a state where the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13 is loosened in advance by the size that shrinks later due to the heating step. In the heating step, a portion sandwiched between the first frame 54 and the second frame 55 and not fixed to the first frame 54 and the second frame 55 (electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly). The outer peripheral portion of 13) is not displaced toward the center of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13, and no slack remains in the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13 after the heating step. Electrolyte membrane-electrode-frame assembly 14 Can be obtained.

Then, since it is possible to prevent the first frame 54 and the second frame 55 from being pulled toward the inner peripheral side of the opening by the electrolyte film-electrode joint 13 that shrinks due to heating and drying, the electrolyte film-electrode-frame joint Deformation of the body 14 can be suppressed, the electrolyte membrane-electrode-frame junction 14 does not shift in the mold, and the electrolyte membrane-electrode-frame junction 14 is not crushed by the mold, and the electrolyte membrane-electrode It is possible to fabricate the electrolyte membrane-electrode-frame joint 14 in which the life of the joint 13 is not shortened.

In the present embodiment, since the thermoplastic resin is used as the material of the first frame 54 and the second frame 55, the electrolyte is welded by welding the first frame 54 and the second frame 55, for example, ultrasonic welding. The outer peripheral portion of the membrane-electrode assembly 13 can be fixed to the first frame 54 and the second frame 55.

In the fixing step of the present embodiment, the ultrasonic horn is pressed from the outside of the second frame 55 to fix the outer peripheral portion of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13 to the first frame 54 and the second frame 55. However, only the melt-bonded interface by the ultrasonic horn is heated and melt-welded can be performed, the heat effect on the surroundings can be minimized, and the reliability (durability) of the electrolyte membrane-electrode-frame joint 14 is achieved. Can be improved.

(Embodiment 2)
Hereinafter, Embodiment 2 of the method for producing an electrolyte membrane-electrode-frame joint of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings with reference to a portion different from the conventional example. In the present embodiment, the same components as those of the conventional example or the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description overlapping with the conventional example will be omitted.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining that the deformation of the electrolyte membrane-electrode-frame joint can be suppressed by the method for producing the electrolyte membrane-electrode-frame joint according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

In the electrolyte membrane-electrode-frame assembly 14 manufactured by the method for producing an electrolyte membrane-electrode-frame assembly of the present embodiment, the peripheral edge of the rectangular electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13 is formed into a frame shape. Electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly at the welded portion 8 by the ultrasonic welding method in which the ultrasonic horn is pressed from the outside of the second frame 55, sandwiched between the first frame 54 and the second frame 55 made of the thermoplastic resin. The outer peripheral portion of the body 13 is fixed to the first frame 54 and the second frame 55.

The electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13 is formed by arranging a rectangular catalyst layer 3 smaller than the electrolyte membrane 2 at substantially the center of both main surfaces of the electrolyte membrane 2 made of a rectangular solid polymer.

The first frame 54 and the second frame 55 have an inner diameter of the opening of the catalyst layer 3 of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13 so that most of the catalyst layer 3 of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13 is exposed. The frame shape is smaller than the outer diameter and the outer diameter is larger than the outer diameter of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13.

FIG. 3A is a plan view of the electrolyte membrane-electrode-frame joint 14 of the present embodiment. In FIG. 3B, the adsorption jig 10 for adsorbing the catalyst layer 3 of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13 on a flat adsorption surface (pressing surface) fits in the opening of the first frame 54 and is in the first frame. The upper surface of 54 is the suction surface (pressing surface)
The first frame 54 is arranged around the suction jig 10 so as to be substantially parallel to the suction surface (pressing surface) at a lower position than the suction surface (pressing surface) of the suction jig 10. It is a schematic cross-sectional view which shows the EE line cross section of (a) and the FF line cross section of (a) in a state where the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13 is to be placed on the upper surface of the frame 54.

In FIG. 3C, the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13 is placed on the suction surface (pressing surface) of the suction jig 10 and the upper surface of the first frame 54, and the suction surface of the suction jig 10 (c). 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the EE line cross section of (a) and the FF line cross section of (a) in a state where the pressing surface) is adsorbing the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13.

In FIG. 3D, the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13 is shown so that the peripheral edge of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13 is sandwiched between the first frame 54 and the second frame 55 made of thermoplastic resin. It is a schematic cross-sectional view which shows the EE line cross section of (a) and the FF line cross section of (a) in the state where the 2nd frame 55 is placed (stacked) on the peripheral edge part.

In FIG. 3 (e), a welding portion 8 is formed by an ultrasonic welding method in which an ultrasonic horn is pressed from the outside of the second frame 55, and a plurality of locations on the outer peripheral portion of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13 are formed on the first frame 54. C in the state of (a) in a state where the electrolyte membrane-electrode-frame assembly 14 is fixed to the second frame 55 and the electrolyte membrane-electrode-frame assembly 14 and then the electrolyte membrane-electrode-frame assembly 14 is separated from the adsorption jig 10. It is a schematic cross-sectional view which shows the-C line cross section.

In FIG. 3 (f), the suction surface (pressing surface) of the suction jig 10 is separated from the catalyst layer 3 of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13, so that the first frame 54 in the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13 is shown. The outline showing the EE line cross section of (a) in a state where the portion not sandwiched between the first frame 54 and the second frame 55 (the portion exposed to the opening of the first frame 54 and the second frame 55) is loosened. It is a sectional view.

FIG. 3 (g) is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the EE line cross section of (a) in a state where the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13 is contracted by heating and drying. FIG. 3H is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the FF line cross section of FIG. 3A in a state where the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13 is contracted by heating and drying.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a method for manufacturing the electrolyte membrane-electrode-frame joint according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, the method for producing the electrolyte membrane-electrode-frame joint 14 of the second embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.

In STEP 1, as shown in FIG. 3B, the suction jig 10 fits in the opening of the first frame 54 (the first frame 54 is around the suction jig 10). (Enclose) and so that the upper surface of the first frame 54 is substantially parallel to the suction surface (pressing surface) at a position lower than the suction surface (pressing surface) constituting the upper surface of the suction jig 10. Place (set).

Further, in the electrolyte membrane 2, the catalyst layer 3 is formed by coating on both main surfaces of the electrolyte membrane 2, and is cut into a rectangle having a predetermined size and size to form an electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13 and adsorbed. It is conveyed above the jig 10.

In STEP 2, as shown in FIG. 3C, the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13 is placed on the suction surface (pressing surface) of the suction jig 10 and the upper surface of the first frame 54.

At this time, the peripheral edge of the catalyst layer 3 of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13 is aligned so as not to enter the inner peripheral side of the edge of the opening of the first frame 54, and the suction surface of the suction jig 10 ( The pressing surface) and the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13 should be prevented from accumulating air, and the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13 should be prevented from wrinkling as much as possible.

At this time, the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13 is adsorbed on the adsorption jig 10 so that air does not collect between the adsorption surface (pressing surface) of the adsorption jig 10 and the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13. Before contacting the surface, a suction operation of sucking air on the suction surface side from a large number of holes opened in the suction surface may be started.

In STEP 3, a suction operation is performed to suck air on the suction surface side from a large number of holes opened in the suction surface, and the electrode portion (third) of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13 is performed on the suction surface (pressing surface) of the suction jig 10. After fixing the catalyst layer 3) exposed to the opening of the frame 54 of No. 1 by adsorption, the peripheral portion of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13 is the first in STEP 4, as shown in FIG. 3 (d). The second frame 55 is placed (laminated) in the correct position on the peripheral edge of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13 so as to be sandwiched between the frame 54 and the second frame 55.

When the second frame 55 is placed (laminated) in the correct position, the peripheral edge of the catalyst layer 3 of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13 enters the inner peripheral side of the edge of the opening of the second frame 55. Absent.

Further, since the second frame 55 is placed (laminated) on the peripheral edge of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13 in a state where the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13 is adsorbed and fixed to the adsorption jig 10, the second frame-electrode assembly 13 is placed (laminated) on the peripheral portion. In the work of placing (laminating) the frame 55 of the above, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of the phenomenon that the position of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13 is displaced and the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13 is turned over.

Then, after the second frame 55 is placed (laminated) in the correct position, the peripheral edge portion of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13 is formed by the first frame 54 and the second frame 55 with a predetermined force. The first frame 54 and the second frame 55 are clamped so as to be sandwiched.

Next, in STEP 6, the ultrasonic horn 81 is brought into contact with a predetermined position from the outside of the second frame 55, and the first frame 54 and the second frame 55 are brought into contact with the second frame 55 via the electrolyte membrane 2. The outer peripheral portion (periphery) of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13 is bonded by the welding portion 8 by the ultrasonic welding method from the frame 55 side of the frame 55 so that the fixed portions are scattered in the circumferential direction of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13. Part) is fixed to the first frame 54 and the second frame 55.

Next, in STEP 7, as shown in FIG. 3 (e), the electrode portion of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13 on the adsorption surface (pressing surface) of the adsorption jig 10 (in the opening of the first frame 54). The adsorption of the exposed catalyst layer 3) is released, the clamp is released in STEP8, and the electrolyte membrane-electrode-frame assembly 14 is taken out from the adsorption jig 10 in the next STEP9.

As shown in FIG. 3 (f), the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 14 at this time is an electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly in a portion exposed to the openings of the first frame 54 and the second frame 55. Although there is slack in 13, the electrolyte membrane of the portion exposed to the openings of the first frame 54 and the second frame 55 due to shrinkage due to heating and drying, as shown in (g) and (h) of FIG. -The slack of the electrode assembly 13 is eliminated.

Further, even after heating and drying, as shown in FIG. 3H, the first frame is sandwiched between the first frame 54 and the second frame 55 on the outer peripheral portion of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13. The portion not fixed to the 54 and the second frame 55 is not displaced toward the center of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13.

In STEP 1, the first frame 54 is placed so that the suction jig 10 fits in the opening of the first frame 54 (the first frame 54 surrounds the suction jig 10), and the first frame 54 is first. First, when the upper surface of the frame 54 is arranged (set) so as to be substantially parallel to the suction surface (pressing surface) at a position lower than the suction surface (pressing surface) constituting the upper surface of the suction jig 10. The height difference between the upper surface of the frame 54 and the suction surface (pressing surface) of the suction jig 10 is sandwiched between the first frame 54 and the second frame 55 in the heating and drying step, and the first frame 54 and the second frame 54 and the second frame 55 are sandwiched between the first frame 54 and the second frame 55. The portion not fixed to the frame 55 (electrolyte membrane-a part of the outer peripheral portion of the electrode assembly 13) is not displaced toward the center side of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13, and the electrolyte membrane- after the heating and drying step. The electrode assembly 13 is set so that no slack remains.

This height difference (the height of the suction surface (pressing surface) of the suction jig 10 with respect to the upper surface of the first frame 54) can be derived by repeating trial and error, but the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly It may be calculated based on the swelling rate and dimensions of 13 (electrolyte membrane 2).

In the present embodiment, the welding portion 8 for fixing the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13 (electrolyte membrane 2) to the first frame 54 and the second frame 55 is formed by ultrasonic welding.

By forming the welded portion 8 in which the materials of the first frame 54, the second frame 55, and the electrolyte membrane 2 are mixed, the fixing property of the first frame 54, the second frame 55, and the electrolyte membrane 2 can be improved. It can be further improved, stress concentration on the electrolyte membrane 2 due to a change in wet and dry dimensions can be avoided, and the long-term durability of the electrolyte membrane 2 can be improved.

The first frame 54 and the second frame 55 have the same shape as the first frame 51 and the second frame 52 of the conventional example, and the boundary portion between the first frame 54 and the second frame 55. And the welded portion 8 may be covered from the outside of the second frame 55 with a third frame having the same shape as the third frame 53 of the conventional example.

In this case, the third frame is formed of the same resin material as the first frame 54 and the second frame 55, and the third frame is directly attached to the first frame 54 and the second frame 55. When injection molding is performed, the bonding force is increased, the integrity of the electrolyte membrane-electrode-frame bonded body 14 is improved, and the handleability is improved.

In forming the welded portion 8, a melt joining method using a laser may be used. When a laser is used, the welded portion 8 can be formed in a non-contact manner, and the electrolyte membrane is formed on the welded portion 8 in which the materials of the first frame 54, the second frame 55, and the electrolyte membrane 2 are mixed. It is possible to prevent contamination that causes deterioration of 2 and guarantee the performance for a long period of time.

In this case, it is desirable to select a laser beam having a wavelength that is absorbed by the electrolyte membrane 2, and a laser having a wavelength that passes through the first frame 54 or the second frame 55 and is absorbed by the electrolyte membrane 2. It is more desirable to use light. As a result, the laser light transmitted through the first frame 54 or the second frame 55 is absorbed by the electrolyte membrane 2, the temperature of the laser light irradiation portion becomes high, and the two portions of the electrolyte membrane irradiated with the laser light by the heat are sandwiched. The first frame 54 and the second frame 55 are melted to enable fusion bonding.

In the present embodiment, since the electrolyte membrane 2 having isotropic characteristics in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction is used, the electrolyte membrane 2 is dried and contracted or wet-expanded with the welded portions 8 at equal intervals over the entire circumference of the power generation region. When the electrolyte membrane 2 having anisotropy in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction is used, the characteristics of the electrolyte membrane 2 in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction are equalized. The interval may be adjusted according to.

In the present embodiment, the amount of the electrolyte membrane 2 that does not contribute to power generation is reduced by bringing the end portions of the seal member 7 and the electrolyte membrane 2 as close as possible. The distance between the end portion of the seal member 7 and the electrolyte membrane 2 may be such that the electrolyte membrane 2 contracted by drying does not reach the inside of the seal member 7.

When the distance between the welded portions 8 is wide, the displacement of the electrolyte membrane 2 at the portion where the welding portion 8 is not welded becomes large, so that the distance between the sealing member 7 and the end portion of the electrolyte membrane 2 may be increased. When the distance between the sealing member 7 and the end of the electrolyte membrane 2 is increased, the leak path length when one gas leaks to the other electrode can be lengthened by bypassing the end of the electrolyte membrane 2. Therefore, the gas leak may be reduced.

In the present embodiment, the outer peripheral portion of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13 in which the catalyst layer 3 is coated on both main surfaces of the electrolyte membrane 2 is sandwiched between the first frame 54 and the second frame 55. The electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 14 was used as the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly, but the one in which the gas diffusion layer was laminated on the outside of the catalyst layer 3 was used as the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly, and the outer peripheral portion of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly was designated as the first. What is sandwiched between the first frame and the second frame may be an electrolyte membrane-electrode-frame assembly.

Further, in the present embodiment, the size of the catalyst layer 3 is made larger than the inner diameter of the openings of the first frame 54 and the second frame 55, but the entire surface of the catalyst layer 3 is the first frame 54 and the first frame 54 and the first. The size of the catalyst layer 3 may be smaller than the inner diameter of the openings of the first frame 54 and the second frame 55 so as to be exposed to the opening of the frame 55 of 2.

As described above, in the method for manufacturing the electrolyte membrane-electrode-frame junction 14 of the present embodiment, the electrolyte membrane 2 and the electrodes (catalyst layer 3) arranged on both main surfaces with the electrolyte membrane 2 sandwiched between the electrolyte membrane 2 and the electrodes (catalyst layer 3) are arranged. The inner diameter of the outer peripheral portion of the electrolyte membrane-electrode junction 13 is smaller than the outer diameter of the electrolyte membrane-electrode junction 13 so that the electrode (catalyst layer 3) of the electrolyte membrane-electrode junction 13 is exposed. A method for manufacturing an electrolyte membrane-electrode-frame joint 14 for a fuel cell sandwiched between a first frame 54 and a second frame 55 having a frame shape having a diameter larger than the outer diameter of the electrolyte membrane-electrode joint 13. is there.

Then, in the method for manufacturing the electrolyte membrane-electrode-frame joint 14 of the present embodiment, the suction jig 10 that sucks the electrode (catalyst layer 3) of the electrolyte membrane-electrode joint 13 on a flat suction surface is the first. The first frame 54 is arranged around the suction jig 10 so as to fit in the opening of the frame 54 and the upper surface of the first frame 54 is substantially parallel to the suction surface at a position lower than the suction surface. (B) of FIG. 3 and STEP1) of FIG. 4, and the placement step of placing the electrolyte film-electrode joint 13 on the suction surface of the suction jig 10 and the upper surface of the first frame 54 after the placement step. ((C) of FIG. 3, STEP 2 of FIG. 4) and the adsorption step of adsorbing the electrode (catalyst layer 3) of the electrolyte film-electrode joint 13 on the adsorption surface of the adsorption jig 10 ((c) of FIG. 3 STEP3) of FIG. 4 and the outer peripheral portion of the electrolyte membrane-electrode junction 13 so that the outer peripheral portion of the electrolyte membrane-electrode junction 13 is sandwiched between the first frame 54 and the second frame 55 during the adsorption step. After the laminating step ((d) of FIG. 3 and STEP 4 of FIG. 4) in which the second frame 55 is laminated on the surface, and after the laminating step, the electrolyte is scattered so that the fixed portions are scattered in the circumferential direction of the electrolyte film-electrode junction 13. A fixing step ((e) of FIG. 3 and STEP 6 of FIG. 4) for fixing the outer peripheral portion of the film-electrode joint 13 to the first frame 54 and the second frame 55, and a first frame after the fixing step. Heating step of applying heat to at least one of 54, the second frame 55, and the electrolyte membrane-electrode joint 13 (the third frame is injection-molded directly into the first frame 54 and the second frame 55). Or a step of drying the electrolyte membrane-electrode junction 13 by heating, etc.).

Then, in the method for manufacturing the electrolyte membrane-electrode-frame assembly 14 of the present embodiment, the first frame 54 and the second frame are sandwiched between the first frame 54 and the second frame 55 in the heating step. The portion not fixed to 55 (a part of the outer peripheral portion of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13) is not displaced toward the center side of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13, and the electrolyte membrane-electrode is not displaced after the heating step. The feature is that the height of the suction surface of the suction jig 10 is set to be higher than the upper surface of the first frame 54 after placement in the placement step by a predetermined height so that no slack remains in the joint body 13. This is a method for manufacturing the electrolyte membrane-electrode-frame assembly 14.

In the method for manufacturing the electrolyte membrane-electrode-frame assembly 14 of the present embodiment, the suction jig 10 is housed in the opening of the first frame 54, and the upper surface of the first frame 54 is from the suction surface of the suction jig 10. After arranging the first frame 54 around the suction jig 10 so as to be substantially parallel to the suction surface of the suction jig 10 at a low position, the suction surface of the suction jig 10 and the first frame 54 The electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13 is placed on the upper surface, and the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13 is sandwiched between the first frame 54 and the second frame 55 so that the outer peripheral portion of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13 is sandwiched between the first frame 54 and the second frame 55. A second frame 55 is laminated on the outer peripheral portion of 13, and the outer peripheral portion of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13 is fixed to the first frame 54 and the second frame 55. The first frame 54 The height of the suction surface of the suction jig 10 with respect to the upper surface of the first frame 54 and the second frame 55 is sandwiched between the first frame 54 and the second frame 55 in the subsequent heating step. The part that is not fixed to and (a part of the outer peripheral portion of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13) is not displaced toward the center side of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13, and the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly is joined after the heating step. The height is set so that no slack remains in the body 13.

That is, in the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13, the outer peripheral portion of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13 is combined with the first frame 54 and the second frame 55 in a state where the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13 is loosened in advance by the size that shrinks later due to the heating step. In the heating step, a portion sandwiched between the first frame 54 and the second frame 55 and not fixed to the first frame 54 and the second frame 55 (electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13). The electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 14 is not displaced toward the center of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13 and no slack remains in the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13 after the heating step. Obtainable.

Then, since it is possible to prevent the first frame 54 and the second frame 55 from being pulled toward the inner peripheral side of the opening by the electrolyte film-electrode joint 13 that shrinks due to heating and drying, the electrolyte film-electrode-frame joint Deformation of the body 14 can be suppressed, the electrolyte membrane-electrode-frame junction 14 does not shift in the mold, and the electrolyte membrane-electrode-frame junction 14 is not crushed by the mold, and the electrolyte membrane-electrode It is possible to fabricate the electrolyte membrane-electrode-frame joint 14 in which the life of the joint 13 is not shortened.

In the present embodiment, since the thermoplastic resin is used as the material of the first frame 54 and the second frame 55, the electrolyte is welded by welding the first frame 54 and the second frame 55, for example, ultrasonic welding. The outer peripheral portion of the membrane-electrode assembly 13 can be fixed to the first frame 54 and the second frame 55.

In the fixing step of the present embodiment, the ultrasonic horn is pressed from the outside of the second frame 55 to fix the outer peripheral portion of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 13 to the first frame 54 and the second frame 55. However, only the melt-bonded interface by the ultrasonic horn is heated and melt-welded can be performed, the heat effect on the surroundings can be minimized, and the reliability (durability) of the electrolyte membrane-electrode-frame joint 14 is achieved. Can be improved.

The electrolyte membrane-electrode-frame junction produced by the method for producing an electrolyte membrane-electrode-frame junction of the present invention can suppress deformation of the electrolyte membrane-electrode-frame junction due to heating and drying, and thus can suppress deformation of the electrolyte membrane-electrode-frame junction. -It is possible to prevent the life of the electrode assembly from being shortened. Therefore, it can be suitably used as a household cogeneration system or an in-vehicle fuel cell.

2 Electrolyte film 3 Catalyst layer 8 Welding part 10 Adsorption jig 13 Electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly 14 Electrolyte membrane-electrode-frame assembly 54 First frame 55 Second frame 81 Ultrasonic horn

Claims (4)

The inner diameter is such that the outer peripheral portion of the electrolyte membrane-electrode joint having the electrolyte membrane and the electrodes arranged on both main surfaces sandwiching the electrolyte membrane is exposed so that the electrodes of the electrolyte membrane-electrode joint are exposed. An electrolyte for a fuel cell sandwiched between a frame-shaped first frame and a second frame having an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the electrolyte membrane-electrode joint and larger than the outer diameter of the electrolyte membrane-electrode joint. A method for manufacturing a film-electrode-frame joint, which is a method for manufacturing a film-electrode-frame joint.
The electrolyte membrane-the electrolyte membrane exposed to the opening of the first frame after the holding step of sandwiching the outer peripheral portion of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly between the first frame and the second frame, and the holding step. -The pressing step of pushing the electrode of the electrode assembly from the first frame side to the second frame side with a pressing surface substantially parallel to the electrode, and after the pressing step, the fixed portion is the electrolyte membrane-electrode joining. A fixing step of fixing the outer peripheral portion of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly to the first frame and the second frame so as to be scattered in the circumferential direction of the body, and after the fixing step, the first frame. And a heating step of applying heat to at least one of the second frame and the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly.
In the heating step, the portion sandwiched between the first frame and the second frame and not fixed to the first frame and the second frame is the central side of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly. In the pressing step, the pressing surface in contact with the electrode is in the thickness direction of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly so as not to be displaced to the surface and to prevent slack from remaining in the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly after the heating step. Move to the second frame side by a predetermined distance,
A method for producing an electrolyte membrane-electrode-frame joint. The inner diameter is such that the outer peripheral portion of the electrolyte membrane-electrode joint having the electrolyte membrane and the electrodes arranged on both main surfaces sandwiching the electrolyte membrane is exposed so that the electrodes of the electrolyte membrane-electrode joint are exposed. An electrolyte for a fuel cell sandwiched between a frame-shaped first frame and a second frame having an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the electrolyte membrane-electrode joint and larger than the outer diameter of the electrolyte membrane-electrode joint. A method for manufacturing a film-electrode-frame joint, which is a method for manufacturing a film-electrode-frame joint.
The adsorption jig that adsorbs the electrode of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly on a flat adsorption surface fits in the opening of the first frame, and the upper surface of the first frame is lower than the adsorption surface. An arrangement step of arranging the first frame around the suction jig so as to be substantially parallel to the surface, and
After the placement step, a mounting step of placing the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly on the suction surface of the suction jig and the upper surface of the first frame, and
A adsorption step of adsorbing the electrode of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly on the adsorption surface of the adsorption jig.
During the adsorption step, the second frame is placed on the outer peripheral portion of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly so that the outer peripheral portion of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly is sandwiched between the first frame and the second frame. And the laminating process of laminating
After the laminating step, the outer peripheral portion of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly is fixed to the first frame and the second frame so that the fixing portions are scattered in the circumferential direction of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly. It has a fixing step and a heating step of applying heat to at least one of the first frame, the second frame, and the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly after the fixing step.
In the heating step, the portion sandwiched between the first frame and the second frame and not fixed to the first frame and the second frame is the central side of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly. The height of the adsorption surface is set from the upper surface of the first frame after the arrangement in the arrangement step so as not to be displaced to the surface and no slack remains in the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly after the heating step. I made it higher by the specified height,
A method for producing an electrolyte membrane-electrode-frame joint. The method for producing an electrolyte membrane-electrode-frame joint according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the material of the first frame and the second frame is a thermoplastic resin. In the fixing step, an ultrasonic horn is pressed from the outside of the first frame or the second frame to form the outer peripheral portion of the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly into the first frame and the second frame. The method for producing an electrolyte membrane-electrode-frame assembly according to claim 3, wherein the electrolyte membrane-electrode-frame assembly is fixed.

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