KR20200078902A - Manufacturing device of membrane electrode assembly restraining deformation of both membrane electrode assembly and electrolyte membrane, and manufacturing method of membrane electrode assembly using the same - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus for manufacturing a membrane-electrode assembly, which suppresses deformation of an electrolyte membrane and the membrane-electrode assembly, and a method for manufacturing a membrane-electrode assembly using the same, wherein the membrane-electrode assembly is continuously manufactured without deformation of the electrolyte membrane and the membrane-electrode assembly by using a fixing unit in a roll-to-roll process.

Description

An apparatus for manufacturing a membrane-electrode assembly that suppresses deformation of an electrolyte membrane and a membrane-electrode assembly, and a method for manufacturing a membrane-electrode assembly using the same, the manufacturing apparatus of membrane electrode assembly restraining deformation of both membrane electrode assembly and electrolyte membrane, and manufacturing method of membrane electrode assembly using the same}

The present invention relates to an apparatus for continuously manufacturing a membrane-electrode assembly without deformation of an electrolyte membrane and a membrane-electrode assembly in a roll to roll process, and a method for manufacturing a membrane-electrode assembly using the apparatus.

Fuel cells produce electricity by the electrochemical reaction of hydrogen and oxygen. Such a fuel cell can continuously generate power by receiving a chemical reactant from outside without a separate charging process.

The fuel cell may be configured by disposing separators (separating plates) on both sides of the membrane-electrode assembly. These fuel cells are continuously arranged and may be composed of a fuel electric stack.

The membrane-electrode assembly, which is a core component of the fuel cell, forms a hydrogen electrode and an air electrode as electrode layers on both sides around an electrolyte membrane through which hydrogen ions move. In addition, the membrane-electrode assembly is provided with a sub-gasket to protect the electrode layer and the electrolyte membrane, and to assemble the fuel cell.

The membrane-electrode assembly prepared an electrode sheet in a decal manner by releasing the electrolyte membrane wound in a roll form and transferring the electrode layers on both sides of the electrolyte membrane.

In addition, a membrane-electrode assembly and a gas diffusion layer (GDL) are bonded to each other at a high temperature, and the bonded body is alternately stacked with a separator to manufacture a fuel cell.

1 shows a method of manufacturing a membrane-electrode assembly through a pair of pressure rollers in a roll-to-roll method. Referring to FIG. 1, the first release paper 2 coated with the positive electrode and the second release paper 2′ coated with the negative electrode are coated on the upper and lower surfaces of the electrolyte membrane 1 supplied through the electrolyte membrane supply roller 10. Is stacked and the electrodes stacked on both sides of the electrolyte membrane 1 are joined through a pair of pressure rollers 20 to form a membrane-electrode assembly 3 and recovered by the recovery roller 30.

Due to the characteristics of the electrolyte membrane having low tensile strength, the above method cannot increase the process speed, and has a disadvantage in that it has limitations in forming the thickness of the electrolyte membrane into a thin film.

Alternatively, electrodes may be formed on both sides of the electrolyte membrane and thermally compressed onto a hot press plate. In this case, an additional process time of 150 to 600 seconds is required due to the hot press, and the continuous process, mass production, and automated process are difficult. there is a problem.

In addition, in general, it is important to produce a membrane-electrode assembly while maintaining the same feed rate for the electrolyte membrane while generating a difference in tension between the recovery roller and the electrolyte membrane supply roller. As the process progresses, the electrolyte membrane supply roller and the recovery roller Due to the change in the thickness of the wound electrolyte membrane, a change occurs in the feed rate of the electrolyte membrane, and as a result, it is difficult to obtain a membrane-electrode assembly of uniform thickness, width and quality.

Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2017-0133715 relates to an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode membrane assembly for a fuel cell and a method of manufacturing the electrode membrane on both sides of the electrolyte membrane supplied through the electrolyte membrane supply roller and manufactured by laminating by a thermocompression roller Method is disclosed. However, the difference between the transfer speed of the electrolyte membrane supplied from the electrolyte membrane supply roller and the transfer speed of the membrane-electrode assembly recovered by the winding roller, and the change in thickness due to partial elongation of the membrane and electrode assembly by the thermocompression roller It does not provide a way to block the source.

Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2017-0133715

The present invention is to solve the above problems, the specific purpose is as follows.

The present invention aims to secure dimensional stability of the electrolyte membrane by minimizing deformation of the electrolyte membrane of weak strength when manufacturing the membrane-electrode assembly.

The present invention aims to produce a high-quality membrane-electrode assembly even when a thin film or a low tensile strength electrolyte membrane is used.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a manufacturing method capable of continuously producing a membrane-electrode assembly.

The present invention aims to improve the speed of the process of manufacturing a membrane-electrode assembly.

According to the present invention, a supply unit, a pressing unit, a recovery unit and a fixing unit, the supply unit supplies an electrolyte membrane, a first release paper coated with a positive electrode and a second release paper coated with a negative electrode, and the pressing unit is supplied from the supply unit. It includes a pair of pressure rollers for producing a membrane-electrode assembly by pressing the transferred electrolyte membrane, the first release paper coated with the positive electrode and the second release paper coated with the negative electrode, and the recovery part comprises the prepared membrane-electrode assembly. A recovery roller for winding, a first release paper recovery roller for winding the first release paper from which the positive electrode is removed, and a second release paper recovery roller for winding the second release paper from which the negative electrode is removed, wherein the fixing part is provided with the electrolyte membrane at the front and rear ends of the pressing part And it provides a tension-breaking membrane-electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus, characterized in that provided on both sides of the membrane-electrode assembly.

The fixing portion includes a clip portion including forceps for fixing by applying pressure to the upper and lower surfaces of both sides of the electrolyte membrane and the membrane-electrode assembly to be transferred; And a body part with which the clip part is fastened.

Tongs are mounted on the front surface of the clip portion, the rear side of the clip portion is fastened to the body portion, and a plurality of clip portions are fastened at regular intervals along the outer surface of the body portion, and the clip portion is the body. It can move along the outer surface of the wealth.

A plurality of clip portions fastened to the body portion move at a constant speed along the body portion, and the clip portion is the electrolyte membrane at the starting point where the transfer direction (MD direction) of the electrolyte membrane or the membrane-electrode assembly is horizontal. The membrane-electrode assembly is picked up with forceps to pull the electrolyte membrane or the membrane-electrode assembly, and the electrolyte membrane or the membrane-electrode assembly is picked up at the end point where the transfer direction (MD direction) of the electrolyte membrane or the membrane-electrode assembly ends horizontally. The tongs can be dismantled.

The moving speed and the traction speed of the clip part may be the same.

The supply unit may include an electrolyte membrane supply roller that supplies an electrolyte membrane.

The electrolyte membrane may be expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) as a support, and a fluorine-based ionomer may be impregnated.

A first region between a fixing portion provided at both sides of the electrolyte membrane at a front end of the pressing portion and a fixing portion provided at both sides of the membrane-electrode assembly at a rear end of the pressing portion, wherein the first region includes the pressing portion. At the rear end of the pressing roller and the pressing portion, a second region between fixing portions provided at both sides of the membrane-electrode assembly may be included.

The first region may not receive the tension transmitted from the recovery roller.

The second region is not stretched in the MD direction and the TD direction, and can maintain a constant tension in the MD direction and the TD direction.

The pair of pressurizing rollers of the pressurizing portion may apply heat and pressure.

According to the present invention, a supply step of supplying an electrolyte membrane, a first release paper coated with an anode and a second release paper coated with a cathode; A transfer step of transferring the electrolyte membrane, the first release paper and the second release paper; The recovery step of winding the membrane-electrode assembly with a recovery roller, winding the first release paper with the positive electrode removed with a first release paper recovery roller, and winding the second release paper with the negative electrode removed with a second release paper recovery roller; The step includes a first transfer step of transferring the electrolyte membrane under the tension of the fixing part; A second transfer step of pulling the electrolyte membrane and the membrane-electrode assembly through the fixing portion; And a third transfer step of transferring the membrane-electrode assembly with the tension of the recovery roller; and in the second transfer step, the fixing portion is pressurized on the upper and lower surfaces of both sides of the electrolyte membrane and the membrane-electrode assembly being transferred. A clip portion including forceps for fixing the electrolyte membrane and the membrane-electrode assembly to a fixed portion, respectively; And a body portion with which the clip portion is fastened, and the clip portion of the fixing portion is fixed and towed by fixing the electrolyte membrane and the membrane-electrode assembly, respectively. It provides a method of manufacturing a tension-blocking membrane-electrode assembly further comprising a pressing step of pressing the coated first release paper and the cathode-coated second release paper to prepare a membrane-electrode assembly.

The traction speed (w4) of the fixing part fixing the electrolyte membrane and the membrane-electrode assembly in the second transport step may be the same as the transport speed of the electrolyte membrane in the first transport step and the transport speed of the membrane-electrode assembly in the third transport step. .

In the second transfer step, the fixing part may be provided at both sides of the electrolyte membrane at the front end of the pressure roller and at both sides of the membrane-electrode assembly at the rear end of the pressure roller.

The fixing parts provided on both sides of the membrane-electrode assembly at the rear end of the pressure roller may be positioned at a point where deformation of the towed membrane-electrode assembly is minimized.

A first region between a fixing portion provided at both sides of the electrolyte membrane at a front end of the pressing portion and a fixing portion provided at both sides of the membrane-electrode assembly at a rear end of the pressing portion, wherein the first region presses the pressing portion At the rear end of the roller and the pressing portion, a second region between the fixing portions provided at both sides of the membrane-electrode assembly may be included.

The first region may not receive the tension transmitted from the recovery roller.

The electrolyte membrane and the membrane-electrode assembly included in the second region are not stretched in the MD direction and the TD direction, and can maintain a constant tension in the MD direction and the TD direction.

In the first transfer step, the second transfer step, and the third transfer step, the transfer speeds of the electrolyte membrane and the membrane-electrode assembly are all the same, and there is no change in the transfer speed of the electrolyte membrane and the membrane-electrode assembly over time. have.

In the pressing step, the pair of pressurized rollers may apply heat and pressure to the supplied electrolyte membrane, the first release paper coated with the positive electrode, and the second release paper coated with the negative electrode.

According to the present invention, deformation of the electrolyte membrane and the membrane-electrode assembly can be minimized when manufacturing the membrane-electrode assembly.

According to the present invention, a high-quality membrane-electrode assembly can be produced even when a thin film or a low tensile strength electrolyte membrane is used.

According to the present invention, a membrane-electrode assembly can be made in a continuous process using a thin film and an electrolyte membrane having low tensile strength.

According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the speed of the process for manufacturing the membrane-electrode assembly.

The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above. It should be understood that the effects of the present invention include all effects that can be deduced from the following description.

1 shows a method of manufacturing a membrane-electrode assembly using a conventional roll-to-roll method.
Figure 2 schematically shows the process diagram of the membrane-electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 3 briefly shows a process of forming a membrane-electrode assembly formed at regular intervals.
Figure 4 schematically shows the fixing part of the present invention.
Figure 5 shows the driving method of the fixing portion and the clip portion to pull the electrolyte membrane.
6 shows the region of the electrolyte membrane to be pulled by the fixing portion.
7 shows the electrolyte membrane transport step by region.
8 is a photograph observing the electrolyte membrane prepared in Comparative Example 1 and Example 1.

The above objects, other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be readily understood through the following preferred embodiments associated with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein and may be embodied in other forms. Rather, the embodiments introduced herein are provided to ensure that the disclosed contents are thorough and complete and that the spirit of the present invention is sufficiently conveyed to those skilled in the art.

In describing each drawing, similar reference numerals are used for similar components. In the accompanying drawings, the dimensions of the structures are shown to be enlarged than actual for clarity of the invention. Terms such as first and second may be used to describe various components, but the components should not be limited by the terms. The terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from other components. For example, the first component may be referred to as a second component without departing from the scope of the present invention, and similarly, the second component may be referred to as a first component. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

In this specification, terms such as “include” or “have” are intended to indicate that a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described on the specification exists, and that one or more other features are present. It should be understood that the existence or addition possibilities of fields or numbers, steps, actions, components, parts or combinations thereof are not excluded in advance. In addition, when a part such as a layer, film, region, plate, etc. is said to be "on" another part, this includes not only the case where the other part is "directly above" but also another part in the middle. Conversely, when a portion of a layer, film, region, plate, or the like is said to be “under” another portion, this includes not only the case “underneath” another portion, but also another portion in the middle.

Unless otherwise specified, all numbers, values, and/or expressions expressing the amounts of ingredients, reaction conditions, polymer compositions and blends used herein are those numbers that occur in obtaining these values, among other things. As these are approximations that reflect the various uncertainties of the measurement, it should be understood that in all cases they are modified by the term "about". In addition, when numerical ranges are disclosed in this description, these ranges are continuous, and include all values from the minimum value in this range to the maximum value including the maximum value, unless otherwise indicated. Further, when such a range refers to an integer, all integers including the minimum value to the maximum value including the maximum value are included unless otherwise indicated.

In the present specification, when a range is described for a variable, it will be understood that the variable includes all values within the stated range including the described endpoints of the range. For example, a range of “5 to 10” includes values of 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10, as well as any subrange of 6 to 10, 7 to 10, 6 to 9, 7 to 9, and the like. It will be understood to include, and include any value between integers pertinent to the stated range of ranges such as 5.5, 6.5, 7.5, 5.5 to 8.5 and 6.5 to 9, and the like. Also, for example, the range of “10% to 30%” is 10% to 15%, 12% to 10%, 11%, 12%, 13%, etc., and all integers including up to 30%. It will be understood that it includes any subranges such as 18%, 20% to 30%, etc., and also includes any value between valid integers within the scope of the stated range, such as 10.5%, 15.5%, 25.5%, and the like.

The present invention relates to an apparatus for manufacturing a membrane-electrode assembly in which deformation of the electrolyte membrane 1 is suppressed and a method for manufacturing a membrane-electrode assembly using the same, the electrolyte using a fixing portion (A4) in a roll to roll process It is a feature to provide an apparatus and a method for manufacturing a membrane-electrode assembly continuously without deformation of the membrane 1 and the membrane-electrode assembly 3. Hereinafter, a membrane-electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus and a manufacturing method will be described with reference to the drawings of the present invention.

Membrane-electrode assembly manufacturing equipment

According to the present invention, the supply unit (A1), the pressing unit (A2), the recovery unit (A3) and the fixing unit (A4), the supply unit (A1) is an electrolyte membrane (1), the first release paper coated with an anode (2) and a negative electrode coated second release paper (2') is supplied, and the pressing part (A2) is an electrolyte membrane (1) transferred from the supply part (A1), and a positive electrode coated first release paper (2) And a pair of press rollers 20 for manufacturing the membrane-electrode assembly 3 by pressing the second release paper 2'coated with the cathode, wherein the recovery part A3 is the membrane-electrode prepared above. Includes a recovery roller 30 for winding the bonding body 3, a first release paper recovery roller for winding the first release paper 4 with the anode removed, and a second release paper recovery roller for winding the second release paper 4'with the cathode removed And, the fixing portion (A4) is provided on both sides of the electrolyte membrane (1) and the membrane-electrode assembly (3) at the front and rear ends of the pressing portion (A2) tension-breaking membrane-electrode assembly Provide a manufacturing apparatus.

2 is a simplified plan view showing the configuration and driving method for the membrane-electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus of the present invention. With reference to FIG. 1 as the basic base, each part and components of the membrane-electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus of the present invention will be described.

The membrane-electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus of the present invention largely includes a supply portion (A1), a pressing portion (A2), and a recovery portion (A3). It is characterized in that it further comprises a fixing portion (A4), wherein the fixing portion (A4) is the amount of the electrolyte membrane (1) and the membrane-electrode assembly (3) at the front and rear ends of the pressing portion (A2) It will be provided on the side. Specifically, the fixing part (A4) located at the front end is provided between the supply part (A1) and the pressing part (A2), and the fixing part (A4) located at the rear end includes the pressing part (A2) and the recovery part ( A3).

The supply unit A1 includes an electrolyte membrane supply roller 10 for supplying the electrolyte membrane 1. Typically, the electrolyte membrane supply roller 10 generates a tension difference with the recovery roller 30 of the recovery unit A3, so that the electrolyte membrane 1 is completely transferred and wound around the recovery roller 30. Normally, when the fixing part A4 is excluded, the tension between the supply part A1 and the pressing part A2 is usually 10 N or more, and the tension between the pressing part A2 and the recovery part A3 is 12 N or more, and the tension is The difference is transmitted through the electrolyte membrane (1). However, in the present invention, the tension of the recovery roller 30 is transmitted to the electrolyte membrane 1 passing through the fixing part A4 located at the rear end of the pressure roller 20, and the tension of the electrolyte membrane supply roller 10 is sheared. It is transmitted only to the fixed portion A4 located at, and the tension of the electrolyte membrane 1 is not transmitted from the fixed portion front end A4 and the pressing portion A2, and the membrane at the pressing portion A2 and the rear end portion A4 -The tension of the electrode assembly 3 is not transmitted. The electrolyte membrane supply roller 10 supplies and transports the electrolyte membrane 1 due to a tension difference from a fixing portion A4 located at the front end of the pressure roller 20. The feed rate of the electrolyte membrane 1 can be controlled while maintaining a constant difference in tension.

The electrolyte membrane 1 that can be used in the present invention is not particularly limited as long as it is an electrolyte membrane material that can be used in fuel cells. Due to the characteristics of the present invention, a material having a thickness of 20 μm or less and a tensile strength of 100 MPa or less can be used. In the present invention, an electrolyte membrane impregnated with a fluorine-based ionomer using expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) as a support was used as the electrolyte membrane 1. Typically, the electrolyte membrane 1 is supplied in a state of room temperature.

The supply part (A1) is an anode supply roller (not shown in the drawing) and a second release paper coated with a cathode to supply a first release paper 2 coated with an anode so as to supply electrodes to the upper and lower portions of the electrolyte membrane 1 (2') further comprising a cathode supply roller (not shown) for supplying. It is common to interpose the electrolyte membrane supply roller 10 between the anode supply roller and the cathode supply roller. At this time, the positive electrode supply roller and the negative electrode supply roller can change the upper and lower positions as necessary. Therefore, the positive electrode may be attached to the upper portion or the lower portion of the electrolyte membrane 1, and the negative electrode is the same.

In the description and drawings of the present invention, for convenience, the positive electrode and the negative electrode are continuously formed on the first release paper 2 and the second release paper 2', and the upper and lower portions of the electrolyte membrane 1 are continuously like this. It is described as an attached shape, but is not limited thereto. For example, FIG. 3 shows a membrane-electrode assembly in which the positive electrode and the negative electrode are formed while maintaining a discontinuous constant interval.

Since the positive electrode supply roller and the negative electrode supply roller are driven for the purpose of attaching the positive electrode and the negative electrode to the upper and lower portions of the electrolyte membrane 1, it is common to operate at the same rotational speed as the electrolyte membrane supply roller 10.

The positive electrode material of the positive electrode coated release paper 2 supplied from the positive electrode supply roller is formed on a surface facing the electrolyte membrane 1 on the positive electrode coated release paper 2 and supplied from the negative electrode supply roller. The negative electrode material of the negative electrode coated release paper 2'is formed on a surface facing the electrolyte membrane 1 in the negative electrode coated release paper 2'.

The pressing part (A2) is located between the supply part (A1) and the recovery part (A3), the electrolyte membrane (1), the first release paper coated with the positive electrode (2) and the second release paper coated with the negative electrode (2) ') includes a pressure roller 20 capable of applying heat and pressure. Specifically, the positive and negative electrodes and the electrolyte membrane 1 stacked through release paper on the upper and lower surfaces of the electrolyte membrane 1 supplied from the supply unit A1 may be rotated and pressed under heat and constant pressure. At this time, the heat and pressure depend on the material of the electrolyte membrane 1 used and the lamination environment, and a temperature of 80 to 200°C and a pressure of 5 to 100 MPa are usually applied. It is possible to continuously produce the membrane-electrode assembly 3 by the rotation of the pressure roller 20. (Selecting the lamination method of the anode and cathode is out of the characteristics of the present invention. However, this does not exclude that the positive electrode, the electrolyte membrane 1 and the negative electrode are pressed and joined through a pair of pressure rollers 20.)

The recovery part (A3) is a recovery roller (30) for winding and recovering the membrane-electrode assembly (3) manufactured in the pressing part (A2), a first release paper recovery roller for winding the first release paper (4) from which the positive electrode has been removed And a second release paper recovery roller for winding the second release paper 4'from which the negative electrode has been removed (not shown).

The recovery roller 30 transmits a constant tension to the membrane-electrode assembly 3 through a rotational movement, and pressurizing roller 20 by the tension of the recovery roller 30 transmitted through the membrane-electrode assembly 3 ) The membrane-electrode assembly 3 that has passed through the fixing portion A4 at the rear end is completely transferred to undergo a process. The difference in tension is generally 2N or more.

The first release paper recovery roller and the second release paper recovery roller are provided above and below the recovery roller 30 for recovering the membrane-electrode assembly 3. The first release paper recovery roller and the second release paper recovery roller attach the electrode material to the electrolyte membrane 1 by the pressure roller 20 and wind the first release paper and the second release paper from which the positive electrode and the negative electrode are removed.

4, the structure of the fixing part A4 of the present invention is briefly shown. The fixing portion (A4) is a clip portion 41 including forceps for fixing by applying pressure to the upper and lower surfaces of both side portions (only one side portion is shown in FIG. 4 for convenience) of the transferred electrolyte membrane 1; And a body part to which the clip part 41 is fastened (a detailed drawing of the body part is omitted, and only the rail 42 which is a part of the body part is shown in FIG. 4 ). At this time, the tongs are opened or closed by using a rotating pin (not shown) serving as a rotation axis at the end of the tongs as a central starting point. However, the shape of the tongs is not particularly limited by this.

The tongs of the present invention include a pair of pressurizing members capable of applying pressure at the top and bottom of the sheet to the extent that it is possible to fix the general flat sheet at a desired time. This is the shape of a conventional tongs, or a shape capable of performing the role of a tongs is sufficient. In addition, the pair of pressing members are spaced at regular intervals to release the seat or release the sheet at a desired time. It is enough to be able to dismantle.

The body part is fixed without movement in a position provided basically.

The forceps are mounted on the front of the clip portion 41, and the clip portion 41 with the forceps is fastened to the body portion. The side of the body portion may be equipped with a belt-shaped or a belt-shaped rail 42. A bearing mounted on the rear surface of the clip portion 41 is contacted on the rail 42, and the clip portion 41 is rotated by the rotation of the bearing. ) Can move along the side of the body. If necessary, the rail 42 may be selected in a chain shape, but is not particularly limited as long as the clip portion 41 is a shape that can move along the side surface of the body portion.

A plurality of clip portions 41 are fastened at regular intervals along the outer surface of the body portion, and the plurality of clip portions 41 are sequentially moved along the outer surface of the body portion, that is, the side surface. At this time, the plurality of clip parts 41 can move while maintaining a constant speed w4, and a power source for moving the clip parts 41 is supplied from a separate external power source.

5, the driving method of the fixing part A4 is schematically shown. Referring to this, the clip portion 41 is the electrolyte membrane 1 and the membrane-electrode assembly 3 in the transport direction (machine direction, MD direction) and the electrolyte membrane (1) at the starting point (B1) is formed horizontally ) And the membrane-electrode assembly 3 are picked up with forceps to pull the electrolyte membrane 1 and the membrane-electrode assembly 3, and the transfer direction of the electrolyte membrane 1 and the membrane-electrode assembly 3 MD direction) and at the end point (B2) where the horizontal ends, the forceps holding the electrolyte membrane 1 and the membrane-electrode assembly 3 are disassembled and placed. At this time, the moving speed w4 of the clip portion 41 not holding the electrolyte membrane 1 and the membrane-electrode assembly 3 or the clip portion 41 holding the electrolyte membrane 1 and the membrane-electrode assembly 3 ) The traction speed w4 is the same as the transport speed of the electrolyte membrane 1 or the membrane-electrode assembly 3 in all sections.

The plurality of clip portions 41 fastened to the body portion is the left portion of the electrolyte membrane 1 (which will be described mainly on the electrolyte membrane for convenience of understanding) when the body portion is directed from the supply portion A1 toward the recovery portion A3. If it is provided in the counterclockwise direction, it moves along the outer surface of the body part.

The starting point (B1) and the end point (B2) of both sides of the electrolyte membrane (1) are fixed with forceps of the plurality of clip parts (41), and the forceps of the clip part (41) are electrolytes included in the section The film 1 also serves to continuously suppress the contraction in the MD and TD directions.

6 shows the region of the electrolyte membrane 1 to be pulled by the fixing portion A4. Referring to this, the electrolyte membrane 1 is provided at both ends of the electrolyte membrane 1 at the front end of the pressing portion A2, and the membrane-electrode assembly at the rear end of the pressing portion A2 and the fixing portion A4 provided on both sides of the electrolyte membrane 1 ( 3) (Fixed portion (A4) provided on both sides of the membrane-electrode assembly (3) in which the positive electrode and the negative electrode (2) are bonded or the subgasket is additionally bonded by exactly a pair of pressure rollers (20)) It includes a first region (P1) between, the first region (P1) is a pressure roller (20) of the pressing portion (A2) and the membrane-electrode assembly (3) at the rear end of the pressing portion (A2) It includes a second area (P2) between the fixing portion (A4) provided on both sides of. At this time, the position of the fixing portion (A4) located in front of the pressing roller (20) of the pressing portion (A2), which is the reference of the first region (P1), can be adjusted according to the purpose and convenience of the process, but the pressing roller (20) The position of the fixing portion A4 located at the rear end should be located at a point where deformation of the membrane-electrode assembly 3 is minimized. Specifically, even if the membrane-electrode assembly 3 having a reduced tensile strength under heat and pressure from the pressure roller 20 passes through the fixing portion A4 and directly receives the tension of the recovery roller 30, the membrane-electrode assembly ( It is preferable that the last fixing portion A4 is provided in a range where deformation of 3) is not made. This is to give a time to recover as the lowered tensile strength of the membrane-electrode assembly 3 is transferred, through the type of the electrolyte membrane 1 material included in the membrane-electrode assembly 3, the pressure roller 20 The heat, pressure and the transfer rate of the electrolyte membrane 1 and the membrane-electrode assembly 3 may be varied.

The first region P1 is characterized by not receiving the tension transmitted from the recovery roller 30. Specifically, the electrolyte membrane 1 and the membrane-electrode assembly 3 are fixed through forceps included in the fixing portion A4, which is a standard for forming a partition of the first region P1, wherein the electrolyte membrane (1) and the membrane-electrode assembly 3 are fixed with forceps attached to the clip portion 41, so that the first region P1 is not affected by external force. The transfer of the electrolyte membrane 1 fixed with the forceps is performed based on the movement of the clip portion 41.

The first region P1 includes the pressing roller 20 of the pressing portion A2, and the electrolyte membrane 1 moving the first region P1 is heated and pressurized by the pressing roller 20. It is in a state where the tensile strength is lowered, but is not affected by the tension from the outside, so that it is not stretched in the MD direction and the TD direction, and maintains the shape of the electrolyte membrane 1 before entering the pressure roller 20. do. In FIG. 6, the membrane-electrode assembly 3 passing through the second region P2 maintains a constant tension and is towed by the clip portion 41.

Method for manufacturing membrane-electrode assembly

According to the present invention, the supply step of supplying the electrolyte membrane 1, the first release paper 2 coated with the positive electrode and the second release paper 2'coated with the negative electrode; A transfer step of transferring the electrolyte membrane 1, a first release paper 2 coated with an anode, a second release paper 2'with a negative electrode coated, and a membrane-electrode assembly 3; It includes; a recovery step of winding the membrane-electrode assembly with a recovery roller, winding a first release paper with the anode removed with a first release paper recovery roller, and winding a second release paper with the negative electrode removed with a second release paper recovery roller; The transfer step includes a first transfer step of transferring the electrolyte membrane 1 under the tension of the fixing portion A4; A second transfer step (S2) of pulling the electrolyte membrane 1 and the membrane-electrode assembly 3 through the fixing portion A4; And a third transfer step (S3) of transferring the membrane-electrode assembly 3 under the tension of the recovery roller 30; and the fixing part A4 in the second transfer step (S2) is the electrolyte membrane to be transferred (1) and tongs for fixing the electrolyte membrane 1 and the membrane-electrode assembly 3 to the fixing portions A4 by applying pressure to the upper and lower surfaces of both sides of the membrane-electrode assembly 3, respectively. Included clip portion 41; And a body part to which the clip part 41 is fastened; and the clip part 41 of the fixing part A4 secures the electrolyte membrane 1 and the membrane-electrode assembly 3, respectively, and pulls them. , The second transfer step (S2) presses the electrolyte membrane 1, the first release paper 2 coated with the positive electrode and the second release paper 2'coated with the negative electrode with a pair of pressure rollers 20 It provides a method of manufacturing a tension-blocking membrane-electrode assembly further comprising a pressing step.

In the method for manufacturing the membrane-electrode assembly, portions overlapping with features of the present invention described in the apparatus for manufacturing the membrane-electrode assembly will be omitted.

The transfer step of the present invention includes a first transfer step (S1) of transferring the electrolyte membrane 1 under the tension of the fixing portion A4; A second transfer step (S2) of pulling the electrolyte membrane 1 and the membrane-electrode assembly 3 through the fixing portion A4; And a third transfer step (S3) of transferring the membrane-electrode assembly 3 under the tension of the recovery roller 30. The step of transferring the electrolyte membrane 1 and the membrane-electrode assembly 3 as described above is divided into three stages due to the change of the main body for transferring the electrolyte membrane 1 and the membrane-electrode assembly 3. .

In FIG. 7, the transport stage of the electrolyte membrane 1 is shown for each compartment. The first transfer step (S1) is a step in which the electrolyte membrane 1 is transferred with tension transmitted through the electrolyte membrane 1 which is fixed and towed by the forceps of the fixing portion A4. The second transfer step (S2) is a step in which the electrolyte membrane 1 and the membrane-electrode assembly 3 are transferred by traction of the clip portion 41 operating through an external power source. The third transfer step (S3) is a step in which the tension generated from the recovery roller 30 is transferred to the membrane-electrode assembly 3 passing through the clip portion 41 and the membrane-electrode assembly 3 is transferred.

In general, as the process progresses, the amount of the electrolyte membrane wound on the electrolyte membrane supply roller (exactly the total thickness of the electrolyte membrane wound on the supply roller) decreases and the amount of membrane wound on the recovery roller-the amount of the electrode assembly (the membrane wound on the recovery roller precisely- The total thickness of the electrode assembly) is increased, but a difference in rotational speed between the electrolyte membrane supply roller and the recovery roller occurs due to the change in thickness as described above. Due to the minute difference as described above, in the first transfer step (S1), the second transfer step (S2), and the third transfer step (S3), non-uniform tension occurs in the electrolyte membrane or the membrane-electrode assembly or the transfer speed is different. This occurs, thereby adversely affecting the quality (specifically, the effect of wrinkles or elongation of the electrolyte membrane or the membrane-electrode assembly) in manufacturing the membrane-electrode assembly continuously. However, in the case of the present invention, the velocity (v1) of the electrolyte membrane 1 in the first transfer step (S1), the electrolyte membrane 1 and the membrane-electrode assembly 3 pulled in the second transfer step (S2) It is characterized in that both the velocity v2 and the velocity v3 of the membrane-electrode assembly 3 transferred in the third transfer step S3 are the same.

That is, as the process progresses, the electrolyte membrane 1 is changed by changing the thickness of the membrane-electrode assembly 3 wound on the recovery roller 30 and the thickness of the electrolyte membrane 1 wound on the electrolyte membrane supply roller 10. ) And the feed rate of the membrane-electrode assembly 3 may vary, but in the present invention, the electrolyte membrane 1 and the membrane-electrode assembly 3 are disposed between the recovery roller 30 and the electrolyte membrane supply roller 10. The presence of the towing fixing part A4 can control the change in the transport speed of the electrolyte membrane 1 and the membrane-electrode assembly 3.

When the above contents are further described through FIG. 7, typically, in the beginning of the process, the rotational speed w2 of the recovery roller 30 is greater than the rotational speed w1 of the electrolyte membrane supply roller 10, but the recovery roller 30 ), after the thickness of the membrane-electrode assembly 3 wound around the thickness of the electrolyte membrane 1 wound on the electrolyte membrane supply roller 10, the rotational speed w2 of the recovery roller 30 is increased. It is smaller than the rotational speed w1 of the electrolyte membrane supply roller 10.

However, according to the present invention, in the second transfer step (S2), the electrolyte membrane 1 and the membrane-electrode assembly 3 are fixed to the fixing portion A4 (exactly the fixing portion A4 clip portion 41) ) The traction speed (w4) is the same as the transport speed (V1) of the electrolyte membrane 1 in the first transport step (S1), and the transport speed of the membrane-electrode assembly 3 in the third transport step (S3). It is characterized by the same as (V3). That is, the process of manufacturing the membrane-electrode assembly can be performed while maintaining a constant speed.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail through specific examples. The following examples are only examples for helping the understanding of the present invention, and the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto.

Comparative Example 1

The pair of pressurized rollers rotated at a speed of 0.1 m/min, and the electrolyte membrane transferred was pressurized at a temperature of 100°C and a pressure of 13 MPa. At this time, the electrolyte membrane used was a PFSA system having a thickness of 20 μm and a width of 160 mm. The electrolyte membrane was transferred while controlling the tension to be 10N at the electrolyte roller supply roller region and 12N at the recovery roller region.

The electrolyte membrane on the left in FIG. 8 is the electrolyte membrane of Comparative Example 1. Looking at this, it can be seen that a lot of wrinkles occurred in the non-joined portion. Overall, the electrolyte membrane width was reduced from 160 mm to 157 mm. This can be seen as a result of the contraction of the TD direction due to the stretching in the MD direction due to the tension of the recovery roller and the non-bonding portion of the electrolyte membrane in which the tensile strength was lowered due to heat and pressure by the pressure roller. In addition, it is expected that the uneven tensile strength of the joint portion joined by the pressure roller and the non-joint portion not joined by the pressure roller may cause deformation of the entire electrolyte membrane, resulting in substantial deterioration of the membrane-electrode assembly. That is, the change in wrinkles and dimensions of the electrolyte membrane of Comparative Example 1 as described above seems to be due to the fact that some of the tension generated from the recovery roller was used for the energy of stretching the electrolyte membrane whose tensile strength was lowered by the pressure roller.

Example 1

The electrolyte membrane was transferred under the same conditions as in Comparative Example 1, and the electrolyte membrane to be transferred was fixed and towed by providing the fixing portions of the present invention on both sides of the electrolyte membrane before and after the pressure roller. At this time, the traction speed (w4) of the fixing part is 0.1m/min.

The right side of FIG. 8 is the electrolyte membrane of Example 1. Compared to Comparative Example 1, it can be visually confirmed that wrinkles of the non-joined portion hardly occurred. The width of the electrolyte membrane of Example 1 is 159.5 mm. Looking at the width strain, Comparative Example 1 is about 6%, while Example 1 is expected to be able to manufacture a very high quality membrane-electrode assembly even at a process of 0.1 m/min at about 0.3%. The reason why the electrolyte membrane was stably produced without changing the dimensions as compared with Comparative Example 1 is because the transfer of tension generated from the recovery roller to the electrolyte membrane having a lower tensile strength by the pressure roller was effectively excluded.

1: electrolyte membrane w1: rotational speed of the electrolyte membrane supply roller
2: First release paper coated with anode w2: Rotational speed of recovery roller
2': 2nd release paper coated with a negative electrode w3: rotational speed of a pressure roller
3: Membrane-electrode assembly w4: Clip part moving speed (= electrolyte membrane traction speed)
4: First release paper with anode removed v1: Electrolyte membrane moving speed in the first transfer step
4': 2nd release paper with negative electrode removed v2: electrolyte membrane moving speed in 2nd transfer step
10: electrolyte membrane supply roller v3: electrolyte membrane movement speed in the third transfer step
20: pressure roller P1: first area
30: recovery roller P2: second zone
40: clip, body
41: clip part
42: body rail
A1: Supply section
A2: Pressing part
A3: Recovery section
A4: Fixing part
B1: starting point
B2: endpoint

Claims (20)

It includes a supply section, a pressurization section, a recovery section and a fixing section,
The supply unit supplies an electrolyte membrane, a first release paper coated with an anode and a second release paper coated with a cathode,
The pressing portion includes a pair of pressing rollers for preparing a membrane-electrode assembly by pressing the electrolyte membrane transferred from the supply portion, a first release paper coated with an anode, and a second release paper coated with a cathode,
The recovery unit is a recovery roller for winding the prepared membrane-electrode assembly,
A first release paper recovery roller for winding the first release paper with the anode removed, and
And a second release paper recovery roller for winding the second release paper from which the cathode is removed,
The fixing part is provided on both sides of the electrolyte membrane and the membrane-electrode assembly at the front end and the rear end of the pressurizing portion tension-breaking membrane-electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus. According to claim 1,
The fixing portion includes a clip portion including forceps for fixing by applying pressure to the upper and lower surfaces of both sides of the electrolyte membrane and the membrane-electrode assembly to be transferred; And
Tension blocking membrane-electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus comprising a; body portion with the clip portion fastened. According to claim 2,
Tongs are mounted on the front of the clip portion,
The rear surface of the clip portion is fastened to the body portion,
The body portion has a plurality of clip portions are fastened at regular intervals along the outer surface of the body portion,
The clip portion can be moved along the outer surface of the body portion tension barrier membrane-electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus. According to claim 3,
The plurality of clip portions fastened to the body portion move along the body portion at a constant speed,
The clip portion pulls the electrolyte membrane or the membrane-electrode assembly with forceps at a starting point where the transfer direction (MD direction) of the electrolyte membrane or the membrane-electrode assembly is formed to pull the electrolyte membrane or the membrane-electrode assembly,
Tension-breaking membrane-electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus characterized in that for disassembling the forceps holding the electrolyte membrane or membrane-electrode assembly at an end point where the transfer direction (MD direction) of the electrolyte membrane or the membrane-electrode assembly ends horizontally. According to claim 4,
The moving speed and the traction speed of the clip part are the same as each other. According to claim 1,
The supply unit comprises an electrolyte membrane supply roller for supplying the electrolyte membrane tension blocking membrane-electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus. According to claim 1,
The electrolyte membrane is a tension-blocking membrane-electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus characterized in that the expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) is supported and the fluorine-based ionomer is impregnated. According to claim 1,
A first region between a fixing portion provided at both sides of the electrolyte membrane at a front end of the pressing portion and a fixing portion provided at both sides of the membrane-electrode assembly at a rear end of the pressing portion,
The first region comprises a second region between the pressing roller of the pressing portion and the fixing portions provided at both sides of the membrane-electrode assembly at the rear end of the pressing portion. The method of claim 8,
The first region is a tension blocking membrane-electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus, characterized in that it does not receive the tension transmitted from the recovery roller. The method of claim 8,
The second region is not stretched in the MD direction and the TD direction, the tension blocking membrane-electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus, characterized in that maintaining a constant tension in the MD direction and the TD direction. According to claim 1,
A tension blocking membrane-electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus, characterized in that the pair of pressurizing rollers of the pressing portion applies heat and pressure. A supply step of supplying an electrolyte membrane, a first release paper coated with an anode and a second release paper coated with a cathode;
A transfer step of transferring the electrolyte membrane, a first release paper coated with an anode, a second release paper coated with a cathode, and a membrane-electrode assembly;
It includes; a recovery step of winding the membrane-electrode assembly with a recovery roller, winding the first release paper with the anode removed with a first release paper recovery roller, and winding the second release paper with the negative electrode removed with a second release paper recovery roller;
The transfer step includes a first transfer step of transferring the electrolyte membrane under the tension of the fixing part;
A second transfer step of pulling the electrolyte membrane and the membrane-electrode assembly through the fixing portion; And
It includes; a third transfer step of transferring the membrane-electrode assembly with the tension of the recovery roller;
In the second transfer step, the fixing part includes clips for clamping the electrolyte membrane and the membrane-electrode assembly, respectively, by applying pressure to upper and lower surfaces of both sides of the electrolyte membrane and the membrane-electrode assembly being transferred. part; And
Includes; body portion with which the clip portion is fastened,
The clip portion of the fixing portion is towed by fixing the electrolyte membrane and the membrane-electrode assembly, respectively,
The second transfer step further comprises a pressing step of manufacturing a membrane-electrode assembly by pressing the electrolyte membrane, the first release paper coated with the positive electrode, and the second release paper coated with the negative electrode with a pair of pressure rollers. Method for manufacturing a tension-breaking membrane-electrode assembly. The method of claim 12,
The traction speed (w4) of the fixing part fixing the electrolyte membrane and the membrane-electrode assembly in the second transfer step is the same as that of the electrolyte membrane transfer speed in the first transfer step and the membrane-electrode assembly transfer speed in the third transfer step. Method for manufacturing a tension-blocking membrane-electrode assembly. The method of claim 12,
In the second transfer step, the fixing parts are provided at both sides of the electrolyte membrane at the front end of the pressurizing roller.
A method of manufacturing a tension blocking membrane-electrode assembly, characterized in that it is provided at both sides of the membrane-electrode assembly at the rear end of the pressure roller. The method of claim 14,
A method of manufacturing a tension-breaking membrane-electrode assembly, characterized in that the fixing portions provided at both sides of the membrane-electrode assembly at the rear end of the pressure roller are positioned at a point where deformation of the towed membrane-electrode assembly is minimized. The method of claim 14,
A first region between a fixing portion provided at both sides of the electrolyte membrane at a front end of the pressing portion and a fixing portion provided at both side portions of the membrane-electrode assembly at a rear end of the pressing portion,
The first region comprises a second region between the pressing roller of the pressing portion and the fixing portions provided at both sides of the membrane-electrode assembly at the rear end of the pressing portion. The method of claim 14,
The first region is a tension blocking membrane-electrode assembly manufacturing method, characterized in that it does not receive the tension transmitted from the recovery roller. The method of claim 14,
The electrolyte membrane and the membrane-electrode assembly included in the second region are not stretched in the MD direction and the TD direction, and the tension blocking membrane-electrode assembly manufacturing method is characterized by maintaining a constant tension in the MD direction and the TD direction. The method of claim 12,
In the first transfer step, the second transfer step, and the third transfer step, the transfer rates of the electrolyte membrane and the membrane-electrode assembly are all the same,
A method of manufacturing a tension-blocking membrane-electrode assembly, wherein the transport speed of the electrolyte membrane and the membrane-electrode assembly does not change over time. The method of claim 12,
In the pressing step, the pair of pressurized rollers is a method for manufacturing a tension blocking membrane-electrode assembly, characterized in that heat and pressure are applied to the supplied electrolyte membrane, the first release paper coated with the positive electrode, and the second release paper coated with the negative electrode.

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