KR100989972B1 - A manufacturing method of membrane electrode assembly, membrane electrode assembly and manufacturing device thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

The problem of this invention is providing the manufacturing method of a membrane electrode assembly, a membrane electrode assembly, and its manufacturing apparatus which can apply a gasket of optimal thickness easily, without providing a plurality of types of gaskets, and is excellent in power generation efficiency.

It is a manufacturing method of the membrane electrode assembly 1 in which the catalyst layers 5A and 5B and the gas diffusion layers 6A and 6B were formed in each of both surfaces of the electrolyte membrane 2, It is at least one side of the said electrolyte membrane 2, Further, the molding thickness is controlled in accordance with the thicknesses of the catalyst layer and the gas diffusion layer with respect to the edge portions around the catalyst layers 5A and 5B and the gas diffusion layers 6A and 6B to integrate the resin gasket portions 8A and 8B. Molding with

Electrolyte membrane, catalyst layer, gas diffusion layer, membrane electrode assembly, gasket portion

Description

The manufacturing method of a membrane electrode assembly, a membrane electrode assembly, and its manufacturing apparatus {A MANUFACTURING METHOD OF MEMBRANE ELECTRODE ASSEMBLY, MEMBRANE ELECTRODE ASSEMBLY AND MANUFACTURING DEVICE THEREOF}

TECHNICAL FIELD This invention relates to the manufacturing method of the membrane electrode assembly which comprises a fuel cell, a membrane electrode assembly, and its manufacturing apparatus.

In general, a fuel cell is formed by stacking a membrane electrode assembly in which a catalyst layer and a gas diffusion layer are formed on each of both surfaces of an electrolyte membrane via a separator. The outer periphery of the membrane electrode assembly is not formed with the catalyst layer and the gas diffusion layer, and the electrolyte membrane is exposed, and a resin gasket for sealing the separator is applied thereto (see Patent Document 1, for example). The optimum thickness of this gasket is determined from the relationship with the thickness of the gas diffusion layer. Therefore, when there are variations in the dimensions of the gas diffusion layer, in order to change the thickness of the gasket, it is necessary to prepare plural kinds of gaskets having different thicknesses. By the way, even when preparing many types of these gaskets, since there are limits in the kind, there may be a case where a gasket having an optimal thickness cannot necessarily be applied. For example, when the gasket thickness is small, the gas diffusion layer is excessively pressed and crushed, thereby deteriorating gas diffusion performance and drainage performance. When the gasket thickness is large, the electrical resistance of the gas diffusion layer is large, and in any case, power generation efficiency is deteriorated. do.

[Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 01/017048 Pamphlet

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the problems associated with the above-described prior art, and can be easily applied to a gasket having an optimum thickness without preparing a plurality of types of gaskets, and also has a high efficiency in producing a membrane electrode assembly. It is an object to provide a membrane electrode assembly and a manufacturing apparatus thereof.

The manufacturing method of the membrane electrode assembly which concerns on this invention which achieves the said objective is a manufacturing method of the membrane electrode assembly which provided the catalyst layer and the gas diffusion layer in each of both surfaces of the electrolyte membrane, is at least one side of the said electrolyte membrane, and the said catalyst layer and The molding thickness is controlled in accordance with the thicknesses of the catalyst layer and the gas diffusion layer with respect to the corners around the gas diffusion layer, and the resin gasket portion is integrally formed.

The membrane electrode assembly according to the present invention, which achieves the above object, is a membrane electrode assembly in which a catalyst layer and a gas diffusion layer are formed on each of both surfaces of an electrolyte membrane, and are at least one side of the electrolyte membrane, and around the edges of the catalyst layer and the gas diffusion layer. Regarding the portion, the resin gasket portion having a different molding thickness according to the thickness of the catalyst layer and the gas diffusion layer is integrally molded.

An apparatus for producing a membrane electrode assembly according to the present invention which achieves the above object is an apparatus for producing a membrane electrode assembly in which a catalyst layer and a gas diffusion layer are formed on each of both surfaces of an electrolyte membrane, and edge portions around the catalyst layer and the gas diffusion layer of the electrolyte membrane are provided. A gripping portion gripping from both sides is formed, a molding die provided with a gate for injecting a resin material, a measuring portion for measuring the thickness of the gas diffusion layer, and moving forward and backward with respect to the electrolyte membrane along the inner surface of the gripping portion, An opposing surface facing the electrolyte membrane is formed, the movable block having a side opposite to the gripping portion of the opposing surface facing the outer peripheral end of the gas diffusion layer, and the movable block according to the thicknesses of the catalyst layer and the gas diffusion layer measured by the measurement unit. It characterized by having a control unit for controlling the forward and backward movement of.

In the method of manufacturing the membrane electrode assembly according to the present invention configured as described above, since the molding thickness is controlled in accordance with the thicknesses of the catalyst layer and the gas diffusion layer with respect to the edge portions of the electrolyte membrane, the resin gasket portion is integrally molded, and thus the thickness is different. The gasket part of an optimal thickness can be shape | molded without preparing several types of gaskets beforehand. Therefore, when the fuel cell is constructed using the manufactured membrane electrode assembly, the gas diffusion layer is pressed and crushed to an optimum thickness so that the gas diffusion performance, drainage performance, and electrical resistance are maintained satisfactorily, thereby improving the power generation efficiency of the fuel cell. .

The membrane electrode assembly according to the present invention configured as described above has a plurality of types having different thicknesses because the resin gasket portion is integrally molded by controlling the molding thickness with respect to the edge portions of the electrolyte membrane in accordance with the thicknesses of the catalyst layer and the gas diffusion layer. It is possible to realize a gasket portion having an optimum thickness without having to prepare a gasket in advance. Therefore, when the fuel cell is constructed using this membrane electrode assembly, the gas diffusion layer is pressed and crushed to an optimum thickness, so that the gas diffusion performance, drainage performance and electrical resistance are maintained satisfactorily, thereby improving the power generation efficiency of the fuel cell. .

Since the manufacturing apparatus of the membrane electrode assembly which concerns on this invention comprised as mentioned above is equipped with the movable block which can move forward and backward with respect to an electrolyte membrane, the gasket part of optimal thickness can be shape | molded by changing the position of a movable block by a control part. Can be. Therefore, when the fuel cell is constructed using the membrane electrode assembly manufactured by this manufacturing apparatus, the gas diffusion layer is pressed and crushed to an optimum thickness so that the gas diffusion performance, drainage performance and electrical resistance are maintained satisfactorily. Power generation efficiency is improved.

EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiment of this invention is described with reference to drawings.

1 is a plan view of a membrane electrode assembly according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a partial sectional view taken along line II-II of FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a partial sectional view of a fuel cell.

In the membrane electrode assembly 1 according to the present embodiment, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the solid polymer electrolyte membrane 2 is laminated by sandwiching the fuel electrode 3 and the air electrode 4 from both sides thereof. It has a structure. As the solid polymer electrolyte membrane 2, a perfluorocarbon polymer membrane having a sulfonic acid group [trade name; Napion 1128 (registered trademark), DuPont Corporation, and the like. The anode 3 includes a first catalyst layer 5A and a first gas diffusion layer 6A, and the cathode 4 includes a second catalyst layer 5B and a second gas diffusion layer 6B. On both surfaces of the membrane electrode assembly 1, a first gasket portion 8A and a resin made of resin are integrally formed with the electrolyte membrane 2 around the catalyst layers 5A and 5B and the gas diffusion layers 6A and 6B. 2 gasket portions 8B are provided. The thicknesses H1 and H2 of the first and second gasket portions 8A and 8B are formed lower than the surfaces of the first and second gas diffusion layers 6A and 6B, and the first and second gas diffusion layers 6A are formed. And 6B are higher than the first and second gasket portions 8A and 8B by the step heights H3 and H4. At the corners of the outer periphery of the surfaces of the gasket portions 8A, 8B, inclined surfaces 10A, 10B inclined with respect to the surface are formed.

Next, the manufacturing apparatus 20 of the membrane electrode assembly which concerns on this embodiment is demonstrated. The manufacturing method described here first measures the thickness of the catalyst layer and the gas diffusion layer. And according to the thickness of a catalyst layer and a gas diffusion layer, shaping | molding thickness is determined with respect to the edge part of the periphery of a catalyst layer and a gas diffusion layer. The resin gasket portion having the determined thickness is integrally formed on the electrolyte membrane.

Resin materials used for the gasket portions 8A and 8B include PEN (polyethylene naphthalate), PET (polyethylene terephthalate), PBT (polybutylene terephthalate), PA (polyamide), PP (polypropylene), POM (Polyacetal), PC (polycarbonate), PE (polyethylene), PS (polystyrene), ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), PMMA (acrylic), PPS (polyphenylene sulfide), epoxy, phenol, unsaturated polyester And thermoplastic elastomers and the like are applied.

As shown in FIG. 3, the membrane electrode assembly 1 overlaps with the separator 9 when the fuel cell is configured. At this time, the gasket portions 8A and 8B are in close contact with the separator 9 and serve to prevent leakage of fuel gas or cooling water. Since the gas diffusion layers 6A and 6B are formed higher than the gasket portions 8A and 8B, they are compressed. If the gas diffusion layers 6A and 6B are excessively crushed, the gas diffusion performance and drainage performance deteriorate, and if the amount of crushing is too small, the electrical resistance becomes large. Therefore, the thicknesses H1 and H2 of the gasket portions 8A and 8B are preferably determined to be optimal values in consideration of gas diffusion performance, drainage performance and electrical resistance. In the present embodiment, the thicknesses H1 and H2 of the gasket portions 8A and 8B are set such that the step heights H3 and H4 are, for example, within a range of 30 to 200 µm, but the values within the ranges described above. It is not limited to.

4 is a plan view showing a preliminary assembly before the gasket portion is molded, FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along the line VV of FIG. 4, FIG. 6 is a side view showing a manufacturing apparatus of a membrane electrode assembly according to the present invention, and FIG. 6 is a plan view of the first shaping mold along the X-ray line of FIG. 6, FIG. 8 is a plan view of the second shaping mold along the X-ray line of FIG. 6, and FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view along the IV-IV line of FIG. 6. .

In the apparatus 20 for manufacturing a membrane electrode assembly according to the present embodiment, the preliminary assembly 21 in which the catalyst layers 5A and 5B and the gas diffusion layers 6A and 6B are formed on both surfaces of the electrolyte membrane 2 (FIG. 4, 5) and an injection molding or injection thermocompression molding of the gasket portions 8A and 8B integrally by injecting a resin material into the electrolyte membrane 2, respectively. The preliminary bonded body 21 has a plurality of through holes 22 along the edges of the electrolyte membrane 2.

As shown in Figs. 6 to 9, the apparatus 20 for manufacturing a membrane electrode assembly includes a first molded type paired by including a first movable block 24A and a second movable block 24B, respectively. 25A and 2nd shaping | molding die 25B, the pressing means (not shown) which presses the 1st, 2nd shaping | molding die 25A, 25B, and the 1st, 2nd movable block 24A, 24B The first control unit 26A and the second drive unit 26B to drive, the first control unit 28A and the second control unit 28B to control the first and second drive units 26A and 26B, and the first and second units It is arrange | positioned at 2 shaping | molding die 25A, 25B, and measures the thickness of the sum total of the 1st catalyst layer 5A and the 1st gas diffusion layer 6A, The 1st measuring part 29A, the 2nd catalyst layer 5B, and the 1st It has the 2nd measuring part 29B which measures the thickness of the sum total of 2 gas diffusion layer 6B.

The 1st shaping | molding die 25A and the 2nd shaping | molding die 25B can be relatively spaced apart by the pressing means not shown, and the edge part of the electrolyte membrane 2 is provided between the outer periphery of each opposing surface. The first gripping portion 31A and the second gripping portion 31B, which are held and held, are formed. On the surface of the second gripping portion 31B that faces the first gripping portion 31A, a plurality of protrusions 32 are formed in the circumferential direction, and the second gripping portion 31B of the first gripping portion 31A is formed. On the opposite surface, a fitting portion 33 into which the concave protrusions 32 are fitted is formed. The inner corners of the first and second grippers 31A and 31B are inclined with respect to the surface on which the electrolyte membrane 2 is sandwiched, and the gripper inclined surfaces 35A and 35B are formed, and the gripper inclined surfaces 35A and 35B. ), At least one gate 36A, 36B for injecting the resin material is provided.

The gates 36A and 36B are formed of a fin gate or a film gate having a film-shaped width. The gates 36A and 36B communicate with supply pipes 37A and 37B connected to the molds 25A and 25B from the outside, and the resin material is supplied from the supply pipes 37A and 37B.

Groove-shaped first block accommodating portions 39A recessed along the inner surfaces of the grip portions 31A and 31B on the opposing surfaces of the first molding die 25A and the second molding die 25B. The second block accommodating part 39B is formed. As shown in Figs. 7 and 8, the first movable block 24A is accommodated in the first block accommodating portion 39A, and the second movable block 24B is accommodated in the second block accommodating portion 39B. . The first movable block 24A and the second movable block 24B are divided into four blocks in the circumferential direction, respectively, corresponding to the shapes of the first block accommodating portion 39A and the second block accommodating portion 39B. Is installed. The number of divisions is not limited and may not be divided.

The first movable block 24A is capable of moving forward and backward in the direction of the preliminary bonded body 21 provided by the first drive unit 26A having a servo motor, a cylinder, and the like. In addition, the second movable block 24B is capable of moving forward and backward in the direction of the preliminary bonded body 21 provided by the second drive unit 26B having a servo motor, a cylinder, and the like. In the 1st movable block 24A and the 2nd movable block 24B, the 1st opposing surface and the 2nd opposing surface which face the preliminary joined body 21 are formed, and the holding parts 31A and 31B of each opposing surface are provided. Opposite side inner parts 41A, 41B on the opposite side (inner side) are located facing the outer peripheral ends of the gas diffusion layers 6A, 6B. The advance movement of the first and second movable blocks 24A and 24B is controlled by the first and second control units 28A and 28B, respectively.

At least 1 which measures the thickness of the 1st catalyst layer 5A and the 1st gas diffusion layer 6A in the 1st shaping | molding die 25A in the position which opposes the 1st gas diffusion layer 6A of the preliminary bonding body 21. FIG. The first measuring unit 29A is provided. The first measuring unit 29A is, for example, a pressure gauge, and the thicknesses of the first catalyst layer 5A and the first gas diffusion layer 6A differ from the pressure when the first gas diffusion layer 6A is in contact with the first gas diffusion layer 6A at a predetermined protrusion amount. Is converted. As the first measuring unit 29A, for example, a displacement meter or the like can be used. Each of the first measurement units 29A is connected to the first control unit 28A, and a measurement signal from the first measurement unit 29A is input to the first control unit 28A. The first control unit 28A calculates an average value of the thicknesses of the first catalyst layer 5A and the first gas diffusion layer 6A based on the signals from the plurality of first measurement units 29A, and in accordance with this measurement result. The first movable block 24A can be moved forward and backward.

In addition, also in the 2nd shaping | molding die 25B, the thickness of the 2nd catalyst layer 5B and the 2nd gas diffusion layer 6B is measured in the position which opposes the 2nd gas diffusion layer 6B of the preliminary bonding body 21 similarly. At least one second measuring unit 29B is provided. The 2nd measuring part 29B is a pressure gauge, for example, and the thickness of the 2nd catalyst layer 5B and the 2nd gas diffusion layer 6B differs from the pressure when it touches the 2nd gas diffusion layer 6B by a predetermined protrusion amount. Is converted. As the second measurement unit 29B, for example, a displacement meter or the like can be used. Each of the second measurement units 29B is connected to the second control unit 28B, and the measurement signal from the second measurement unit 29B is input to the second control unit 28B. The 2nd control part 28B calculates the average value of the thickness of the 2nd catalyst layer 5B and the 2nd gas diffusion layer 6B based on the signal from the some 2nd measuring part 29B, and according to this measurement result The second movable block 24B can be moved forward and backward.

Next, the manufacturing method of the membrane electrode assembly 1 which concerns on this embodiment is demonstrated.

Fig. 10 is a partial sectional view showing when a preliminary bonded body is loaded into the manufacturing apparatus according to the present embodiment, Fig. 11 is a partial sectional view showing when the molding die of the manufacturing apparatus is fastened. It is a partial sectional drawing which shows the time of injecting a resin material into a shaping | molding die.

First, as shown in FIG. 10, the preliminary joined body 21 is provided in the 2nd shaping | molding die 25B. At this time, the projection part 32 of the 2nd shaping | molding die 25B is penetrated into the through-hole 22 of the preliminary joined body 21. FIG. Thereby, the preliminary joined body 21 can be reliably hold | maintained at the time of injection molding.

Next, as shown in FIG. 11, the 1st shaping | molding die 25A and the 2nd shaping | molding die 25B are brought into close proximity by a press means, and a mold clamping is carried out. As a result, the electrolyte membrane 2 of the preliminary assembly 21 is sandwiched between the first gripping portion 31A and the second gripping portion 31B to be gripped. The projection 32 of the second gripping portion 31B is fitted to the fitting portion 33 of the first gripping portion 31A. The first movable block 24A and the second movable block 24B are in contact with the opposing surface inner portions 41A and 41B while pressing the first and second gas diffusion layers 6A and 6B. As a result, the first injection space 42A and the second injection space 42B as the molding space are formed outside the gas diffusion layers 6A and 6B and the catalyst layers 5A and 5B of the electrolyte membrane 2.

Next, the first catalyst layer 5A and the first gas diffusion layer based on the signals of the pressure gauge input to the first control unit 28A from the plurality of first measurement units 29A in contact with the first gas diffusion layer 6A. The average value of the thickness of 6A is calculated, and the 1st movable block 24A is moved forward and backward by controlling the 1st drive part 26A by the predetermined amount according to this result. Here, the average value of the pressure value measured by the first measuring unit 29A and the thicknesses of the first catalyst layer 5A and the first gas diffusion layer 6A is measured and stored in advance by experimenting the relationship between the pressure value and the thickness. It is preferable to calculate. In addition, it is also possible to measure using a displacement meter, a laser measuring instrument, etc. instead of measuring a pressure value, but in that case, it does not need to experiment in advance and convert from thickness to thickness. As mentioned above, since a well-known technique can be used suitably about thickness measurement, the detail is abbreviate | omitted.

Similarly, the second catalyst layer 5B and the second gas diffusion layer 6B are based on the signals input to the second control unit 28B from the plurality of second measurement units 29B in contact with the second gas diffusion layer 6B. ), The average value of the thicknesses is calculated and the second movable block 24B is moved forward and backward by controlling the second drive unit 26B by a predetermined amount according to the result. Further, the thicknesses of the catalyst layers 5A and 5B are very small, 3 to 20 m, and the fluctuations are small, whereas the thicknesses of the gas diffusion layers 6A and 6B are about 200 to 600 m and large. Therefore, the preliminary assembly 21 is formed by measuring only the thickness of the gas diffusion layers 6A and 6B in advance and attaching it to the solid polymer electrolyte membrane 2, and the thickness of the catalyst layer (about 3 to 20 µm or very small) is 0. It is also possible to measure the thickness of the catalyst layer and the gas diffusion layer. In this case, however, the measurement cannot be performed in the molding die, which results in deterioration from the embodiment in view of workability.

Thereafter, as shown in Fig. 12, a resin material is injected from the supply pipes 37A and 37B through the gates 36A and 36B into the first injection space 42A and the second injection space 42B.

In the case where the resin material is a thermoplastic resin, the resin material is injected in the molten state, and after the temperature is lowered and the resin material is cured, the first molding die 25A and the second molding mold 25B are released to release the first gasket. The membrane electrode assembly 1 in which the portion 8A and the second gasket portion 8B are formed is taken out.

In the case where the resin material is a thermosetting resin, a liquid resin material is injected, and the resin material is kept above the curing temperature by a heater (not shown) provided in the first molding die 25A and the second molding die 25B. After hardening by heating, the 1st shaping | molding die 25A and the 2nd shaping | molding die 25B are released, and the membrane electrode assembly 1 in which the 1st gasket part 8A and the 2nd gasket part 8B were shape | molded is It is taken out.

Since the resin material is injected from the inclined surfaces 10A and 10B, the membrane electrode assembly 1 thus produced is projected from the surface in contact with the separator 9 of the ablation residues of the gates 36A and 36B and in the circumferential direction. Protrusion can be prevented and the adhesiveness with the separator 9 can be kept favorable when a fuel cell is comprised.

In addition, since the movable blocks 24A and 24B are moved in accordance with the thicknesses of the catalyst layer 5A, the gas diffusion layer 6A, the catalyst layer 5B, and the gas diffusion layer 6B, the catalyst layers 5A and 5B and the gasket portion, respectively. The 8A and 8B can be molded to an optimum thickness corresponding to the gas diffusion layers 6A and 6B. This optimum thickness means that the thicknesses of the gaskets H1 and H2 are 80% of the thickness of the catalyst layer 5A, the gas diffusion layer 6A, the catalyst layer 5B, and the gas diffusion layer 6B, respectively. It is a ratio. In addition, this ratio is changed suitably according to the kind of gas diffusion layer.

In addition, at the time of injection molding, since the movable blocks 24A and 24B contact while compressing the gas diffusion layers 6A and 6B, penetration of the resin material into the gas diffusion layers 6A and 6B can be suppressed, so that the gas diffusion layers ( Deterioration of the gas diffusion performance and the drainage performance of 6A and 6B can be suppressed.

In addition, the thicknesses of the catalyst layer 5A, the gas diffusion layer 6A, the catalyst layer 5B, and the gas diffusion layer 6B are measured by the measuring units 29A and 29B, and the thicknesses H1 and H2 of the gasket portions 8A and 8B. Therefore, even when a variation occurs in the thickness of the gas diffusion layers 6A and 6B, the step heights H3 and H4 can be maintained at an optimum value, and the gas of the gas diffusion layers 6A and 6B can be set. The fall of the diffusion performance and the drainage performance can be suppressed, and the fall of the power generation efficiency of a fuel cell can be suppressed.

In addition, since the step heights H3 and H4 can be set separately, even if the anode side and the cathode side of the gas diffusion layers 6A and 6B are different materials, each can be maintained at the optimum step heights H3 and H4. .

In addition, since the gasket portions 8A and 8B can be integrally molded to an optimal dimension, it is not necessary to prepare a plurality of kinds of gaskets in advance, and the cost can be reduced.

In the membrane electrode assembly 1 according to the present embodiment, since the gasket portions 8A and 8B are integrally molded, the number of parts can be reduced, and the gasket portions 8A and 8B are integrated beforehand. Because of the molding, the positional accuracy is improved. In the case where the gasket is provided as a separate member, bubbles or foreign matter may be mixed between the gasket and the electrolyte membrane. However, in the method for manufacturing the membrane electrode assembly according to the present embodiment, the gasket portions 8A and 8B are previously formed. Since it is integrally molded, it is difficult to mix bubbles and foreign substances. In addition, since it is not necessary to join the gasket of a separate member when assembling the fuel cell, the number of steps can be reduced.

<2nd embodiment>

In the manufacturing apparatus 60 and the manufacturing method of the membrane electrode assembly which concerns on 2nd Embodiment, since the gasket parts 8A and 8B are compression-molded, the gasket parts 8A and 8B are injection-molded or injection thermocompression-molded. It differs from the manufacturing apparatus 20 which concerns on 1st Embodiment, and a manufacturing method. Moreover, about the membrane electrode assembly 1 manufactured in 2nd Embodiment, it has the same structure as the membrane electrode assembly 1 which concerns on 1st Embodiment.

13 is a partial cross-sectional view showing an apparatus for manufacturing a membrane electrode assembly according to a second embodiment. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the site | part which has a function similar to 1st Embodiment, and the description is abbreviate | omitted in order to avoid duplication.

In the apparatus 60 for manufacturing a membrane electrode assembly according to the second embodiment, the preliminary assembly 21 in which the catalyst layers 5A and 5B and the gas diffusion layers 6A and 6B are formed on both surfaces of the electrolyte membrane 2 (Fig. 4). 5), and an apparatus for integrally compressing the gasket portions 8A and 8B with respect to the electrolyte membrane 2 is included.

As shown in FIG. 13, this manufacturing apparatus 60 includes the 1st movable block 51A and the 2nd movable block 51B, respectively, and paired 1st shaping | molding die 52A and 2nd inside, respectively. It has the shaping | molding die 52B.

51 A of 1st movable blocks are equipped with the 1st heating part 53 for heating 51 A of 1st movable blocks. The 1st heating part 53 has an elongate shape extended along the longitudinal direction of 51 A of 1st movable blocks, In this embodiment, an electrothermal_heater unit is preferable, but it can also be set as another structure, for example, high frequency It is good also as a structure which uses a heater or flows a high temperature fluid. In addition, since an electrothermal_heater unit is a well-known technique, the detail is abbreviate | omitted. The 1st heating part 53 is connected to the external power supply unit (not shown), and can control the power supply unit, and can set the temperature of the 1st heating part 53 arbitrarily.

The second movable block 51B includes a second heating unit 54 for heating the second movable block 51B, and a block cooling unit 55 for cooling the second movable block 51B. . The second heating part 54 has an elongated shape extending along the longitudinal direction of the second movable block 51B, and in this embodiment, a high frequency heater unit capable of rapid heating is preferable, but may be of another structure, For example, a heat transfer heater may be used or a high temperature fluid may be flowed. In addition, since a high frequency heater unit is a well-known technique, the detail is abbreviate | omitted. The 2nd heating part 54 is connected to the external power supply unit (not shown), and can control the power supply unit, and can set the temperature of the 2nd heating part 54 arbitrarily.

The block cooling unit 55 has an elongated shape extending along the longitudinal direction of the second movable block 51B. In the present embodiment, the block cooling unit 55 may be a Peltier system cooling element, but may have another structure, for example, a structure in which a low temperature fluid flows. You may make it. The block cooling unit 55 is connected to an external power supply unit (not shown), and the temperature of the block cooling unit 55 can be arbitrarily set by controlling the power supply unit.

The first shaping cooling part 57A is provided in the first central portion 56A of the first shaping die 52A, which is surrounded by the first movable block 51A and close to or comes into contact with the gas diffusion layer 6A of the preliminary bonded body 21. Is installed. Moreover, the 2nd shaping | molding-type cooling part 57B is formed in the 2nd center part 56B of the 2nd shaping | molding die 52B which is surrounded by the 2nd movable block 51B, and is adjacent or in contact with the gas-diffusion layer 6B of the preliminary bonding body 21. Moreover, as shown in FIG. ) Is installed.

The first shaping type cooling section 57A and the second shaping type cooling section 57B each have a first cooling channel 58A and a second cooling channel 58B, respectively, and the first cooling channel 58A. The cooling medium (for example, cooling water) can be supplied to the second cooling flow path 58B from the external cooling fluid supply source (not shown) through the cooling fluid supply pipes 59A and 59B. The first cooling flow path 58A is formed of a plurality of flow paths along the longitudinal direction of each of the first movable blocks 51A so as to surround all sides in the first center portion 56A. Moreover, the 2nd cooling flow path 58B is also formed in the 2nd center part 56B by the some flow path along the longitudinal direction of each 2nd movable block 51B so that it may surround all directions. In addition, the shape of the flow path is not particularly limited, and is not formed of a plurality of flow paths, for example, but is formed in a single path bent in a rectangular shape along the longitudinal direction of the first and second movable blocks 51A and 51B. It is also possible.

Next, the manufacturing method of the membrane electrode assembly which concerns on 2nd Embodiment is demonstrated.

FIG. 14 is a partial sectional view showing when a part of the filling material and a preliminary bonded body are loaded in the manufacturing apparatus according to the second embodiment, FIG. 15 is a partial sectional view showing immediately before the mold clamping of the manufacturing apparatus; Fig. 16 is a partial cross-sectional view showing when the molding die of the manufacturing apparatus is clamped and compression molded.

First, a cooling medium is supplied to the first and second cooling flow paths 58A, 58B from a cooling fluid supply source, so that the first central part 56A and the second of the first shaping mold 52A and the second shaping mold 52B are provided. While cooling the central portion 56B, the first heating portion 53 is operated to heat the first movable block 51A. In addition, the state which heated the 1st movable block 51A while cooling this 1st center part 56A and the 2nd center part 56B is always maintained in a subsequent process cycle.

Next, the block cooling unit 55 is operated to cool the second movable block 51B.

Next, as shown in FIG. 14, after loading the 2nd filling material 60B (resin material) on the 2nd movable block 51B of the 2nd shaping | molding die 52B, the 2nd shaping | molding die 52B is carried out. The preliminary joined body 21 is installed in the installation. At this time, the protrusion 32 of the second molding die 52B is inserted through the through hole 22 of the preliminary assembly 21, whereby the preliminary assembly 21 can be reliably held at the time of compression molding described later. have. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 15, the first filling material 60A (resin material) is loaded at a position corresponding to the first movable block 51A of the preliminary bonded body 21.

The above-mentioned first and second filling materials 60A and 60B are all sheet-like materials mainly composed of a thermosetting resin, and can be introduced at arbitrary positions by sucking and handling, for example, with a sponge-like suction pad. have. In addition, the 1st, 2nd filling material 60A, 60B can also be made into the powder shape, the material which semi-hardened powder shape material by the preheating, or a gel shape (slurry shape), and is powder shape or gel shape In this case, it can be put in an arbitrary position by discharging from a nozzle. In addition, although the 1st, 2nd filling material 60A, 60B is formed in the annular shape surrounding the outer periphery of the gas diffusion layers 6A, 6B, you may divide and install in multiple numbers.

Next, as shown in FIG. 16, the first shaping die 52A and the second shaping die 52B are brought into close proximity by the pressing means, and the block cooling section (of the second movable block 51B) The operation of 55 is stopped, and the high frequency heater unit, which is the second heating unit 54, is operated to rapidly heat up. At this time, the electrolyte membrane 2 of the preliminary bonded body 21 is sandwiched and gripped between the first gripping portion 31A and the second gripping portion 31B, and the protrusion 32 of the second gripping portion 31B is held. It is fitted to the fitting part 33 of the 1st holding part 31A. The first movable block 51A and the second movable block 51B are in contact with each other while the opposing surface inner portions 41A and 41B press the first and second gas diffusion layers 6A and 6B.

The first and second filling materials 60A and 60B are formed by the first movable block 51A and the second movable block 51B heated by the first heating unit 53 and the second heating unit 54. Melts. While the 1st, 2nd filling material 60A, 60B is in a molten state, the average value of the thickness of the 1st catalyst layer 5A and the 1st gas diffusion layer 6A is computed by the some 1st measuring part 29A. . The first drive unit 26A is controlled to move forward and backward by the predetermined amount corresponding to the average value of the calculated thicknesses of the first catalyst layer 5A and the first gas diffusion layer 6A.

Similarly, while the first and second filling materials 60A and 60B are in a molten state, the average values of the thicknesses of the second catalyst layer 5B and the second gas diffusion layer 6B are provided by the plurality of second measuring units 29B. The second drive unit 26B is controlled to advance and move the second movable block 51B by a predetermined amount according to the result.

Thereafter, the positions and heating temperatures of the first and second movable blocks 51A and 51B are maintained until the first and second filling materials 60A and 60B are cured, and the first and second filling materials are released even if they are released. The 1st shaping | molding die 52A and the 2nd shaping | molding die 52B are mold-released when the hardening reaction is complete | finished to the extent that the shape of 60A, 60B can be maintained. Thereby, the membrane electrode assembly 1 in which the first gasket portion 8A and the second gasket portion 8B are formed is taken out. Next, the operation of the second heating unit 54 is stopped to complete the heating.

Thereafter, the block cooling unit 55 is operated to cool the second movable block 51B. After the 2nd movable block 51B falls to predetermined | prescribed temperature, manufacture of the next membrane electrode assembly 1 is started.

Like the manufacturing apparatus 60 and the manufacturing method which concern on 2nd Embodiment mentioned above, even if it uses compression molding instead of injection molding or injection thermocompression molding, similarly to 1st Embodiment, the gasket part 8A, 8B is a catalyst layer. 5A and the gas diffusion layer 6A, the catalyst layer 5B and the gas diffusion layer 6B can be molded to an optimal thickness.

Moreover, as an effect different from 1st Embodiment, the 1st, 2nd shaping | molding cooling part is provided in the 1st, 2nd center part 56A, 56B which adjoins or contacts the gas diffusion layers 6A, 6B of the preliminary bonding body 21. Moreover, as shown in FIG. Since 57A and 57B are provided, the site | part which does not need heating of the preliminary joined body 21 can be protected from excessive temperature rise.

In addition, since the 2nd filling material 60B is arrange | positioned under the preliminary joined body 21 before the mold clamping of the 1st shaping | molding die 52A and the 2nd shaping | molding die 52B, the deflection of the preliminary joined body 21 is prevented. It is prevented by the 2nd filling material 60B, and can hold | maintain the preliminary joined body 21 in a more suitable position.

Moreover, since the 1st, 2nd heating parts 53 and 54 are provided in the 1st, 2nd movable block 51A, 51B, the site | part which needs heating can be heated intensively.

Moreover, since the block cooling part 55 is provided in the 2nd movable block 51B, the 2nd movable block 51B in which the 2nd filling material 60B is arrange | positioned can be concentrated-cooled. Therefore, when manufacturing the membrane electrode assembly 1 sequentially, the 2nd movable block 51B can be cooled in a short time, and working time can be shortened.

In addition, the 1st, 2nd shaping | molding cooling part 57A, 57B, the 1st, 2nd heating part 53, 54 and the block cooling part 55 of the manufacturing apparatus 60 which concerns on 2nd Embodiment are It is also applicable to the first embodiment.

Third Embodiment

The manufacturing apparatus 70 and the manufacturing method of the membrane electrode assembly which concern on 3rd Embodiment are the point which injection-molding or injection thermocompression molding one gasket part 8A, and compression-molding the other gasket part 8B. Is different from the manufacturing apparatuses 20 and 60 and the manufacturing method according to the first and second embodiments. Moreover, about the membrane electrode assembly 1 manufactured in 3rd Embodiment, it has the same structure as the membrane electrode assembly 1 which concerns on 1st, 2nd Embodiment.

17 is a partial cross-sectional view showing an apparatus for manufacturing a membrane electrode assembly according to a third embodiment. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the site | part which has a function similar to 1st, 2nd embodiment, and the description is abbreviate | omitted in order to avoid duplication.

In the apparatus 70 for manufacturing a membrane electrode assembly according to the third embodiment, the preliminary assembly 21 in which the catalyst layers 5A and 5B and the gas diffusion layers 6A and 6B are formed on both surfaces of the electrolyte membrane 2 (Fig. 4). 5), an apparatus for injection molding or injection thermocompression molding one gasket portion 8A with respect to the electrolyte membrane 2, and compression molding the other gasket portion 8B. .

This film electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus 70 is the same as the manufacturing apparatus 60 which concerns on 2nd Embodiment except a part, namely, the gate 72 is formed in 71 A of 1st shaping | molding dies, and the gate It differs only in that the supply pipe 73 which supplies resin material to 72 is connected. The gate 72 is formed of a pin gate or a film gate having a film-like width, similar to the gate 36A in the first embodiment.

Next, the manufacturing method of the membrane electrode assembly which concerns on 3rd Embodiment is demonstrated.

FIG. 18 is a partial sectional view showing when a part of the filling material and a preliminary bonded body are loaded into the manufacturing apparatus according to the third embodiment, FIG. 19 is a partial sectional view showing when the molding die of the manufacturing apparatus is fastened; Fig. 20 is a partial sectional view showing when compression molding and injection molding are finished after the mold is fastened in the manufacturing apparatus.

First, a cooling medium is supplied to the first and second cooling flow paths 58A, 58B from a cooling fluid supply source, so that the first central portion 56A and the second of the first shaping die 71A and the second shaping die 71B are provided. While cooling the central portion 56B, the first heating portion 53 is operated to heat the first movable block 51A. In addition, the state which heated the 1st movable block 51A while cooling this 1st center part 56A and the 2nd center part 56B is always maintained in a subsequent process cycle.

Next, the block cooling unit 55 is operated to cool the second movable block 51B.

Next, as shown in FIG. 18, after loading the 2nd filling material 74 (resin material) on the 2nd movable block 51B of the 2nd shaping | molding die 71B, the 2nd shaping | molding die 71B is carried out. The preliminary joined body 21 is installed in the installation. At this time, the protrusion part 32 of the 2nd shaping | molding die 71B is inserted through the through-hole 22 of the preliminary joined body 21, and can hold | maintain the preliminary joined body 21 at the time of compression molding mentioned later. have.

The second filling material 74 described above is a sheet-like material containing thermosetting resin as a main component, similarly to the second embodiment, and is introduced into an arbitrary position by, for example, sucking and handling with a sponge-like suction pad. Can be. In addition, the 2nd filling material 74 can also be made into the powder form, the material which semi-hardened the powder form by preheating, or a gel form (slurry form), and when it is powder form or gel form, By discharging, it can put in arbitrary positions. In addition, although the 2nd filling material 74 is formed in the annular shape surrounding the outer periphery of the gas diffusion layer 6B, it may be divided and provided in multiple numbers.

Next, as shown in FIG. 19, the first shaping die 71A and the second shaping die 71B are brought into close proximity by the pressing means, and the block cooling section (of the second movable block 51B) The operation of 55 is stopped, and the high frequency heater unit, which is the second heating unit 54, is operated to rapidly heat up. At this time, the electrolyte membrane 2 of the preliminary bonded body 21 is sandwiched and gripped between the first gripping portion 31A and the second gripping portion 31B, and the protrusion 32 of the second gripping portion 31B is held. It is fitted to the fitting part 33 of the 1st holding part 31A. The first movable block 51A and the second movable block 51B are in contact with each other while the opposing surface inner portions 41A and 41B press the first and second gas diffusion layers 6A and 6B. As a result, the first injection space 75 is formed outside the gas diffusion layer 6A and the catalyst layer 5A of the electrolyte membrane 2.

The second filling material 74 is melted by the second movable block 51B heated by the second heating unit 54. While the second filling material 74 is in the molten state, an average value of the thicknesses of the first catalyst layer 5A and the first gas diffusion layer 6A is calculated by the plurality of first measuring units 29A, and the small value according to the result is obtained. By the fixed amount, the first drive unit 26A is controlled to move the first movable block 51A forward and backward.

Similarly, the average value of the thicknesses of the second catalyst layer 5B and the second gas diffusion layer 6B is calculated by the plurality of second measuring units 29B, and the second driving unit 26B is moved by a predetermined amount according to the result. By controlling, the second movable block 51B is moved forward and backward.

Next, as shown in FIG. 20, a resin material is injected from the supply pipe 73 into the first injection space 75 through the gate 72. Next, as shown in FIG. In addition, although the same material as the 2nd filling material 74 is used for a resin material, it is not necessarily limited.

Next, the positions and heating temperatures of the first and second movable blocks 51A and 51B are maintained until the second filling material 74 and the injected resin material are cured, and the second filling material 74 and The 1st shaping | molding die 71A and the 2nd shaping | molding die 71B are mold-released when the hardening reaction is complete | finished so that the shape of a resin material can be maintained. Thereby, the membrane electrode assembly 1 in which the first gasket portion 8A and the second gasket portion 8B are formed is taken out. Next, the operation of the second heating unit 54 is stopped to complete the heating.

Thereafter, the block cooling unit 55 is operated to cool the second movable block 51B. After the 2nd movable block 51B falls to predetermined | prescribed temperature, manufacture of the next membrane electrode assembly 1 is started.

Like the manufacturing apparatus 70 and the manufacturing method which concern on 3rd Embodiment mentioned above, even if it uses injection molding or injection thermocompression molding, and compression molding, the gasket part ( 8A and 8B can be molded to an optimum thickness corresponding to the thicknesses of the catalyst layer 5A and the gas diffusion layer 6A, the catalyst layer 5B and the gas diffusion layer 6B.

In addition, this invention is not limited to embodiment mentioned above, It can variously change within the scope of a claim. For example, as long as the protrusion part 32 may be formed in 25 A of 1st shaping | molding dies, and can hold | maintain the preliminary joined body 21 at the time of injection molding, a protrusion may not necessarily be formed.

1 is a plan view of a membrane electrode assembly according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a partial sectional view taken along the line II-II of FIG. 1; FIG.

3 is a partial cross-sectional view of a fuel cell.

4 is a plan view showing a preliminary bonded body before the gasket portion is molded;

FIG. 5 is a partial sectional view along the line V-V in FIG. 4; FIG.

6 is a side view showing an apparatus for producing a membrane electrode assembly according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a plan view of the first shaping die taken along the line VII-VII of FIG. 6; FIG.

8 is a plan view of a second shaping die taken along the line VII-VII of FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV of FIG. 6;

Fig. 10 is a partial sectional view showing the case where the preliminary bonded body is loaded into the manufacturing apparatus according to the present embodiment.

Fig. 11 is a partial cross sectional view showing a case where the molding die of the manufacturing apparatus is fastened.

Fig. 12 is a partial sectional view showing when a resin material is injected into a molding die of the manufacturing apparatus.

FIG. 13 is a partial cross-sectional view showing an apparatus for manufacturing a membrane electrode assembly according to a second embodiment. FIG.

FIG. 14 is a partial cross-sectional view showing when a part of the filling material and a preliminary bonded body are stacked in the manufacturing apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG.

Fig. 15 is a partial sectional view showing immediately before forming a molding die of the apparatus for manufacturing a membrane electrode assembly according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a case in which the molding die of the apparatus for manufacturing a membrane electrode assembly according to the second embodiment is subjected to die-fastening and compression molding. FIG.

17 is a partial cross-sectional view showing an apparatus for manufacturing a membrane electrode assembly according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a partial sectional view showing a part of the filling material and a preliminary bonded body in the manufacturing apparatus according to the third embodiment; FIG.

Fig. 19 is a partial cross sectional view showing a case in which the molding die of the apparatus for manufacturing a membrane electrode assembly according to the third embodiment is clamped.

Fig. 20 is a partial sectional view showing a time when compression molding and injection molding are ended after the mold is fastened in the apparatus for manufacturing a membrane electrode assembly according to the third embodiment.

 <Explanation of symbols for the main parts of the drawings>

1: membrane electrode assembly

2: electrolyte membrane

3: fuel electrode

4 air cathode

5A, 5B: first catalyst layer and second catalyst layer

6A, 6B: 1st gas diffusion layer, 2nd gas diffusion layer

8A, 8B: first gasket portion, second gasket portion

10A, 10B: slope

20: manufacturing apparatus of membrane electrode assembly

21: preliminary conjugate

24A, 24B: first movable block, second movable block

25A, 25B: first molding type, second molding type

28A, 28B: first control unit, second control unit

29A, 29B: first measuring unit, second measuring unit

31A, 31B: 1st holding part, 2nd holding part

35A, 35B: Holding part slope

36A, 36B: Gate

37A, 37B: Supply pipe

39A, 39B: first block accommodating part, second block accommodating part

40A, 40B: 1st opposing surface, 2nd opposing surface

41A, 41B: Inner side of opposite surface

42A, 42B: first injection space, second injection space

53: first heating part

54 second heating part

55 block cooling unit

56A: first center portion

56B: second center portion

57A: first molded cooling part

57B: second molded cooling part

60A, 60B, 74: Filling material (resin material)

Claims (18)

It is a manufacturing method of the membrane electrode assembly in which the catalyst layer and the gas diffusion layer were formed in each of both surfaces of the electrolyte membrane, At least one side of the electrolyte membrane, and the molding thickness is controlled in accordance with the thicknesses of the catalyst layer and the gas diffusion layer with respect to the edge portions around the catalyst layer and the gas diffusion layer, thereby integrally molding the resin gasket portion, The thickness of the gasket portion is smaller than the thickness of the catalyst layer and the gas diffusion layer manufacturing method of the membrane electrode assembly. The method of manufacturing a membrane electrode assembly according to claim 1, wherein a gasket portion is integrally formed on each surface of both surfaces of the electrolyte membrane. The method for producing a membrane electrode assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the thickness of the catalyst layer and the gas diffusion layer is measured, and the gasket portion is molded by controlling the molding thickness according to the thickness of the catalyst layer and the gas diffusion layer. The method for producing a membrane electrode assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the gasket portion is molded by injection molding or injection compression molding. The molding space is formed by forming a mold so that the corner portion of the outer circumference of the gasket portion becomes an inclined surface, and a resin material is injected into the molding space from a gate of the molding die provided in a portion corresponding to the inclined surface. The manufacturing method of the membrane electrode assembly characterized by the above-mentioned. The method of manufacturing a membrane electrode assembly according to claim 5, wherein the gate is a pin gate or a film gate. The method for producing a membrane electrode assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the gasket portion is molded by compression molding. A membrane electrode assembly in which a catalyst layer and a gas diffusion layer are formed on each of both surfaces of an electrolyte membrane, A resin gasket portion formed integrally with at least one side of the electrolyte membrane and having different molding thicknesses according to the thicknesses of the catalyst layer and the gas diffusion layer with respect to edge portions around the catalyst layer and the gas diffusion layer, The thickness of the gasket portion is smaller than the thickness of the catalyst layer and the gas diffusion layer membrane electrode assembly. The membrane electrode assembly according to claim 8, wherein a gasket portion is integrally formed on each surface of both surfaces of the electrolyte membrane. The membrane electrode assembly according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the gasket portion is molded by injection molding or injection compression molding. The membrane electrode assembly according to claim 10, wherein the gasket portion is molded by injecting a resin material from an inclined surface formed at a corner portion of the outer circumference of the gasket portion. The membrane electrode assembly according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the gasket portion is molded by compression molding. It is a manufacturing apparatus of the membrane electrode assembly in which the catalyst layer and the gas diffusion layer were formed in each of both surfaces of the electrolyte membrane, A gripping portion for gripping the edge portions around the catalyst layer and the gas diffusion layer of the electrolyte membrane from both sides, and a molding die for molding the resin material; A measurement unit for measuring the thickness of the gas diffusion layer, A movable block capable of moving forward and backward with respect to the electrolyte membrane along the inner side of the gripping portion, the opposing surface facing the electrolyte membrane being formed, and the side opposite to the gripping portion of the opposing surface facing the outer peripheral end of the gas diffusion layer; And a control unit for controlling the movement of the movable block in accordance with the thicknesses of the catalyst layer and the gas diffusion layer measured by the measuring unit. The gripping portion has a gripping portion inclined surface formed to be inclined with respect to the surface of the electrolyte membrane at an inner corner of the gripping portion, and a gate for injecting a resin material is provided on the gripping portion inclined surface. An apparatus for producing a membrane electrode assembly. The said electrode is a fin gate or a film gate, The manufacturing apparatus of the membrane electrode assembly of Claim 14 characterized by the above-mentioned. The said movable block has a heating part for heating the said movable block, The manufacturing apparatus of the membrane electrode assembly of any one of Claims 13-15 characterized by the above-mentioned. The said movable block has a block cooling part for cooling the said movable block, The manufacturing apparatus of the membrane electrode assembly of any one of Claims 13-15 characterized by the above-mentioned. The membrane electrode assembly according to any one of claims 13, 14, and 15, wherein the shaping die has a shaping cooling unit for cooling a portion proximate or in contact with the gas diffusion layer of the shaping die. Manufacturing apparatus.

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