JP5005214B2 - Fuel cell manufacturing method and fuel cell manufacturing apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a fuel cell manufacturing method and a manufacturing apparatus therefor, and more particularly, to a method for manufacturing an electrolyte membrane / catalyst layer assembly in which an electrode catalyst layer is bonded to both surfaces of an electrolyte membrane and an apparatus therefor.

  In a fuel cell, a catalyst layer is disposed on both surfaces of an electrolyte layer, and fuel and an oxidant are supplied to the catalyst layer to generate electricity by an electrochemical reaction. For example, in a general polymer electrolyte fuel cell, a catalyst layer made of platinum or a platinum compound and an electrode base material made of porous carbon paper or the like are bonded or adhered to both surfaces of an electrolyte membrane formed of an ion exchange membrane. Furthermore, it has a structure provided with gas supply passages on both sides thereof.

  In addition, in a typical fuel cell electrolyte membrane and catalyst layer assembly, in order to maintain an electrically insulating state between the catalyst layers joined to both surfaces of the electrolyte membrane, the periphery of the range where the catalyst layer is joined to the electrolyte membrane. A range of the electrolyte membrane to which the catalyst layer is not transferred is provided.

Here, as a method for producing a joined body of an electrolyte membrane and a catalyst layer, a method of transferring the catalyst layer to the electrolyte membrane from a transfer sheet in which the catalyst layer is formed on a base material is known (for example, see Patent Document 1). ). In addition, as a method of making the area of the catalyst layer bonded to the electrolyte membrane smaller than the area of the electrolyte membrane, a method of previously forming a catalyst layer having a smaller area than the electrolyte membrane on the substrate and then bonding to the electrolyte membrane, A method is known in which a catalyst layer is cut smaller than the electrolyte membrane and then joined to the electrolyte membrane (see, for example, Patent Documents 2, 3, and 4).
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-64574 JP 2004-165073 A Japanese Patent Publication No. 3-295171 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-214001

  The method according to Patent Document 2 has a problem that a step of removing a part of the catalyst from the substrate in advance is necessary before forming the catalyst layer on the substrate. Further, in any of the methods of Patent Documents 2, 3, and 4, when transferring the catalyst layer to the electrolyte membrane, there is a problem that it is difficult to reduce the displacement of the catalyst layer transferred to both surfaces of the electrolyte membrane. there were. That is, in the method according to Patent Document 2, if the position of the catalyst layer on the base material is not formed with high accuracy, the position of the catalyst layer after bonding is shifted.

  The method according to Patent Document 4 is a method of pressurizing the catalyst layer installed in the frame while pressing a portion other than the catalyst layer transfer range using a frame of an elastic material along the outer periphery of the catalyst layer. In addition, it is necessary to provide a slight gap between the elastic material frame and the outer periphery of the catalyst layer, and the position of the catalyst layer transferred to both surfaces of the electrolyte membrane may be shifted within the gap dimension, and the catalyst layer Since the member containing is thin, the member easily enters between the frame of the elastic material and the electrolyte membrane, and may be joined in a shifted state.

  The present invention solves the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide an electrolyte membrane / catalyst layer assembly having a catalyst layer having a smaller area than the electrolyte membrane with little displacement of the catalyst layer. The present invention provides a fuel cell manufacturing method and a fuel cell manufacturing apparatus for easily manufacturing a fuel cell.

In order to achieve the above object, a method for producing a fuel cell according to the present invention includes a method for producing a fuel cell having an electrolyte membrane / catalyst layer assembly in which electrode catalyst layers are joined to both surfaces of an electrolyte membrane. Prepared two sheets with a catalyst layer formed on one side of a film-like substrate, and a masking sheet having openings smaller in size than the catalyst layer of the film with the catalyst layer on each side of the electrolyte membrane. The film with the catalyst layer is arranged so that the masking sheet is sandwiched between the film with the catalyst layer so that the catalyst layer faces the masking sheet. With an electrolyte membrane, masking sheet, and catalyst layer that is pressed and heated to join the catalyst layer and the electrolyte membrane only at the opening of the masking sheet A film assembly is formed, the base material of the film with the catalyst layer is peeled off from the membrane assembly with the electrolyte membrane / masking sheet / catalyst layer, and the masking sheet is removed to form the electrolyte membrane / catalyst layer assembly. step only contains, the shape of the opening of the masking sheet disposed on both surfaces of the electrolyte membrane is different from each other.

The fuel cell manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention includes two masking sheets having openings in a fuel cell manufacturing apparatus having an electrolyte membrane / catalyst layer assembly in which an electrode catalyst layer is bonded to both surfaces of an electrolyte membrane. Further, the masking sheet is formed by sandwiching two electrolyte membranes with a catalyst layer larger than the opening formed on the surface of the film-like base material so that the catalyst layer faces inward. Means for sandwiching the film with the film with the catalyst layer, and pressurizing and heating from the outside of the two films with the catalyst layer superimposed by the superposition means through an elastic member, so that only the opening of the masking sheet A pressure heating means for forming an electrolyte membrane, a masking sheet, and a catalyst layer-attached film assembly obtained by joining the catalyst layer and the electrolyte membrane, and the electrolyte - wherein the masking sheet with catalyst layers film assembly was peeled off the base material of the catalyst layer with a film, have a, a peeling removal means for forming the membrane-catalyst layer assembly by removing the masking sheet, the The opening portions of the masking sheets disposed on both surfaces of the electrolyte membrane are different from each other .

  According to the present invention, a film with a catalyst layer having a shape in which a part of the catalyst is previously removed from the substrate is formed, or the catalyst layer that has been cut into a predetermined shape at the time of bonding is placed near the center of the electrolyte membrane. By aligning the masking sheets installed on both sides of the electrolyte membrane without the trouble of positioning and installing, there is no problem of displacement of the catalyst layer, and the catalyst has a smaller area than the electrolyte membrane. An electrolyte membrane / catalyst layer assembly having a layer can be easily produced.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Here, the same or similar components are denoted by common reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted.

[First Embodiment]
A fuel cell manufacturing method and manufacturing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a schematic exploded perspective view showing a manufacturing process of an electrolyte membrane / catalyst layer assembly in a first embodiment of a fuel cell manufacturing method according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a completed state of the electrolyte membrane / catalyst layer assembly of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the 1st jig | tool 1 has the rectangular plate-shaped member 1a arrange | positioned horizontally, and the positioning jig 10 protrudes from the upper surface of this plate-shaped member 1a. For example, the positioning jig 10 is a columnar member fixed to the plate-like member 1a, and two pieces are arranged near the outer periphery of two adjacent sides of the plate-like member 1a.

  On the plate-like member 1a, the first elastic member 2, the first catalyst-attached film 3, the first masking sheet 4, the electrolyte membrane 5, the second masking sheet 6, and the second catalyst-attached film 7 are sequentially provided. The second elastic member 8 and the second jig 9 are laminated. In this stacking, alignment can be performed by bringing the side of each stacked layer into contact with the positioning jig 10.

  Each of the first and second films 3 and 7 with a catalyst is formed by previously forming catalyst layers 3b and 7b on one side of a base material 3a or 7a made of, for example, polyethylene terephthalate, and each of the catalyst layers 3b and 7b is an electrolyte. They are stacked in a direction facing the film 5. The first and second masking sheets 4 and 6 are provided with openings 4a and 6a having shapes corresponding to the shapes of the catalyst layers in the electrolyte membrane / catalyst layer assembly to be created, respectively.

  Next, a method for producing an electrolyte membrane / catalyst layer assembly will be described. The catalyst layers are transferred to the electrolyte membrane 5 by heating and pressurizing the laminated body of FIG. 1 at a temperature of 80 ° C. to 200 ° C. and a pressure of 0.5 to 20 MPa by hot pressing (not shown). Is done. Then, the laminated part which consists of the 1st, 2nd films 3 and 7, with a catalyst, the 1st and 2nd masking sheets 4 and 6, and the electrolyte membrane 5 is taken out from the laminated body of FIG. The base films 3a and 7a of the first and second catalyst-attached films 3 and 7 are peeled from the joined body, and the first and second masking sheets 4 and 6 are further removed from the electrolyte film 5 to thereby provide an electrolyte membrane / catalyst layer. A joined body is obtained.

  FIG. 2 is an elevational sectional view of the electrolyte membrane / catalyst layer assembly obtained by the present embodiment. Here, in the range of the catalyst layer facing the electrolyte membrane 5 through the first and second masking sheets 4 and 6, the catalyst layer is not transferred to the electrolyte membrane 5, and therefore the joined catalyst layer 3c. 7c has an area smaller than that of the electrolyte membrane 5, and an electrolyte membrane range 5a having no catalyst layer in the periphery is obtained. Further, by using the first and second masking sheets 4 and 6 as a fluororesin or a material having a fluororesin layer on the surface, the electrolyte membrane 5 and the masking sheets 4 and 6 can be easily separated, and the masking sheet 4 The electrolyte layer is not transferred to the surface of 6 and 6, and the masking sheets 4 and 6 can be repeatedly used for production. For example, Teflon (trademark) is suitable as the fluororesin.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the first and second elastic members 2 and 8 have thicknesses of portions corresponding to the openings 4a and 6a of the first and second masking sheets 4 and 6 when the members are laminated, as shown in FIG. By making it thicker than the thickness of the portions facing the portions 4b, 6b other than the openings of the first and second masking sheets 4, 6, the thickness in the stacking direction depending on the presence or absence of the first, second masking sheets 4, 6 The step is absorbed, and a uniform surface pressure can be applied to the entire surface. However, if the shape has no step in the thickness direction, fine positioning with respect to the masking sheets 4 and 6 becomes unnecessary. It is desirable to have a shape with sufficient thickness and no step in the thickness direction.

That is, the thickness of the masking sheet 4 (6) on one side is t1, the thickness and the longitudinal elastic modulus of the elastic member 2 (8) on one side close to the masking sheet 4 (6) are t2, E, and the catalyst layers 3b and 7b, respectively. When the surface pressure for transferring the pressure to the electrolyte membrane 5 is P1, the surface pressure P2 applied to the range of the electrolyte membrane 5 facing the masking sheets 4 and 6 during the heating press is the masking sheets 4 and 6 and the electrolyte membrane. 5 and ignoring compressive deformation in the thickness direction due to the surface pressure of the films 3 and 7 with a catalyst layer,
P2 = P1 + E * t1 / t2 (1)
It is expressed.

Here, if the maximum allowable value of the surface pressure P2 applied to the range of the electrolyte membrane 5 facing the masking sheets 4 and 6 during the heating press is Pmax, P2 <Pmax may be satisfied. ,
Pmax> P2 = P1 + E * t1 / t2 (2)
Thus, the following equation (3) is obtained from the equation (2).

t2> t1 * E / (Pmax−P1) (3)
Therefore, by determining the thickness of the elastic members 2 and 8 within the range of the expression (3), the elastic members 2 and 8 can be formed into a shape having no step in the thickness direction.

For example, an expanded graphite sheet having a constant thickness, a relatively high heat transfer coefficient and a longitudinal elastic modulus E of 100 MPa is used as the elastic members 2 and 8, and a fluorine resin is coated on both sides of the polyimide film as the masking sheets 4 and 6. The sheet having a thickness t1 of 0.025 mm is used, the surface pressure P1 for transferring the catalyst layers 3b and 7b to the electrolyte membrane 5 is 3 MPa, and the electrolyte membrane 5 facing the masking sheets 4 and 6 during the heating press. The maximum allowable value of the surface pressure P2 applied to the range is 4 MPa. At this time, from equation (3),
t2> t1 * E / (Pmax−P1) = 0.025 * 100 / (4-3) = 2.5
Under the above conditions, if the thickness t2 of the elastic members 2 and 8 is 2.5 mm or more, the surface pressure P2 applied to the range of the electrolyte membrane 5 facing the masking sheets 4 and 6 during the heating press. Therefore, it can be said that there is no need to provide a step or the like in the elastic members 2 and 8 in advance.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, a catalyst layer-attached film having a shape in which a part of the catalyst has been removed from the substrate in advance is formed, or the catalyst layer that has been cut into a predetermined shape at the time of bonding is used as the electrolyte. Easily manufacture an electrolyte membrane / catalyst layer assembly that has a catalyst layer with a smaller area than the electrolyte membrane, without the need for troublesome work such as positioning it near the center of the membrane. can do. In addition, since the entire surface of the electrolyte is pressurized in the joining process of the electrolyte membrane / catalyst layer assembly, thermal deformation of the electrolyte membrane due to heating is limited, and there is no generation of wrinkles or dimensional changes. A catalyst layer assembly is obtained.

[Second Embodiment]
The configuration of the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The fuel cell manufacturing method and manufacturing apparatus according to the second embodiment is a modification of the first embodiment, and the openings 4a and 6a of the first and second masking sheets 4 and 6 have different shapes. . Other configurations and the manufacturing method of the electrolyte membrane / catalyst layer assembly are the same as those in the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the electrolyte membrane / catalyst layer assembly obtained by the present embodiment.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained, and an electrolyte membrane / catalyst layer assembly having catalyst layers having different shapes on both sides of the electrolyte membrane can be easily manufactured. . In general, when the anode is smaller than the cathode, the corrosion of the electrode tends to be accelerated. Therefore, the corrosion can be suppressed by making the anode larger than the cathode according to this embodiment.

[Third Embodiment]
The configuration of the third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 5 is a view for explaining the positional relationship between an apparatus for joining the electrolyte membrane and the catalyst layer and each member in the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the first and second elastic members 2 and 8 are fixed to the heating press 11 composed of a pair of hot plates 11a and 11b, respectively. The second masking sheets 4 and 6 are supported so as to be movable in parallel to the opening and closing direction of the heating press 11 at intervals. The first and second masking sheets 4 and 6 have openings corresponding to the shape of the catalyst layer in the electrolyte membrane / catalyst layer assembly to be formed, as in the masking sheet of the first embodiment. Is provided.

  In the present embodiment, the electrolyte membrane 5 and the first and second masking sheets 4 and 6 are supplied intermittently one by one in sequence, respectively. In this way, a plurality of portions that are continuous in the surface direction are tape-shaped. In addition, the electrolyte membrane / catalyst layer assembly produced in this way is formed in a tape shape so that a plurality of the electrolyte membrane / catalyst layer assemblies are arranged side by side in the plane direction.

  The electrolyte membrane 5 is continuously supplied from the electrolyte membrane supply device 12 between the first and second masking sheets 4 and 6, and the joined electrolyte membrane / catalyst layer assembly is supplied to the assembly housing device 13. Stored. The first and second catalyst-attached films 3 and 7 are respectively provided between the first elastic member 2 and the first masking sheet 4 and the second from the first and second catalyst layer-attached film supply devices 14 and 15, respectively. The elastic member 8 and the second masking sheet 6 are continuously supplied. In addition, the base material after the catalyst layers 3b and 7b are transferred to the electrolyte membrane 5 and the catalyst layer 5 that is not transferred to the electrolyte membrane 5 and remains on the base material are recovered as the first and second catalyst layer-attached films. Collected in the devices 16 and 17.

  Since a plurality of electrolyte membrane / catalyst layer assemblies housed in the assembly housing device 13 are continuously arranged in the plane direction, the individual electrolyte membrane / catalyst layer assemblies are then cut into As a result, an electrolyte membrane / catalyst layer assembly as shown in FIG. 2 or 4 can be obtained.

  Next, a method for producing an electrolyte membrane / catalyst layer assembly will be described. As shown in FIG. 5, both or one of the hot plates 11 a and 11 b of the hot press move in a direction in which they are close to each other with each member being supplied to the hot press machine 11. At the same time, as shown in FIG. 6, the first and second masking sheets 4 and 6 supported with a gap between them are brought close to each other while being aligned with each other. The films 3 and 7 with a catalyst also move in the direction close to the electrolyte membrane 5, and are heated and pressurized in that state. Thereby, the catalyst layers 3c and 7c corresponding to the range of the openings 4a and 6a of the masking sheet are transferred to the electrolyte membrane 5 on the same principle as in the first embodiment.

  Thereafter, the hot plates 11a and 11b of the hot press 11 return to the state shown in FIG. 5, and the first and second macking sheets 4 and 6, the electrolyte membrane 5, and the first and second films with catalyst 3, 7 Are separated from each other. In addition, after the transfer process of the catalyst layer is completed, the electrolyte membrane 5 to which the catalyst layers 3c and 7c are transferred is stored in the assembly storage device 13 as an electrolyte membrane / catalyst layer assembly, and a new electrolyte membrane is formed. The portion is supplied from the electrolyte membrane supply device 12 to the heating press 11. Similarly, the catalyst layers 3 c, 7 c are transferred to the electrolyte membrane 5, and are not transferred to the electrolyte membrane 5. The catalyst layers 3c and 7c remaining in the catalyst are recovered by the first and second film recovery devices 16 and 17 with a catalyst layer, and the portions of the new films 3 and 7 with a catalyst layer are the first and second catalysts. It is supplied to the heating press 11 from the film supply devices 14 and 15 with layers. Furthermore, a plurality of electrolyte membrane / catalyst layer assemblies are continuously obtained in a tape shape in the surface direction by continuously performing the above-described joining step and member supply step.

  FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the electrolyte membrane / catalyst layer assembly obtained by the present embodiment. Here, in the range of the catalyst layer facing the electrolyte membrane 5 through the first and second masking sheets 4 and 6, the catalyst layer is not transferred to the electrolyte membrane 5, and therefore the joined catalyst layer 3c. 7c has an area smaller than that of the electrolyte membrane 5, and an electrolyte membrane range 5a having no catalyst layer is obtained around the catalyst layer. Furthermore, in the transfer process of the catalyst layer, the first and second marking sheets 4 and 6 are brought close to each other while being aligned with each other, so that the films 3 and 7 with the catalyst layer are supplied to the heating press 11. In this case, an electrolyte membrane / catalyst layer assembly can be obtained in which the catalyst layers 3c and 7c transferred to both surfaces of the electrolyte membrane 5 are not displaced without fine alignment.

  In addition, by using the first and second masking sheets 4 and 6 as a fluororesin or a material having a fluororesin layer on the surface, the electrolyte membrane 5 and the masking sheets 4 and 6 can be easily peeled off, and the masking sheet. The electrolyte layer is not transferred to the surfaces of 4 and 6, and the masking sheets 4 and 6 can be used repeatedly for production.

  The first and second elastic members 2 and 8 have a sufficient thickness with respect to the thickness of the masking sheets 4 and 6 as in the first embodiment, and have no step in the thickness direction. Is desirable.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, a catalyst layer-attached film having a shape in which a part of the catalyst has been removed from the substrate in advance is formed, or the catalyst layer that has been cut into a predetermined shape at the time of bonding is used as the electrolyte. There is no need for troublesome work such as positioning it near the center of the membrane, there is no displacement of the catalyst layer, and an electrolyte membrane / catalyst layer assembly that has a catalyst layer with a smaller area than the electrolyte membrane is easily continuous. Can be manufactured automatically.

[Fourth Embodiment]
A fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The fourth embodiment is a modification of the third embodiment, and is a method of manufacturing a fuel cell for reducing the amount of the catalyst layer-attached film used.

  In the method of manufacturing the fuel cell according to the third embodiment, when the electrolyte membrane / catalyst layer assembly is manufactured with the apparatus of FIG. 5, the base material and the electrolyte membrane after the catalyst layer is transferred to the electrolyte membrane The catalyst layer remaining on the substrate without being transferred to the substrate is recovered by the first and second film recovery devices 16 and 17 with the catalyst layer, and the new films 3 and 7 with the catalyst layer are first and first. 2 are supplied to the heating press 11 from the film supply devices 14 and 15 with a catalyst layer. At this time, the purpose is not to use the range of the films 3 and 7 with the catalyst layer sandwiched between the first and second elastic members 2 and 8 and heated and pressurized in one joining step for the next joining. As a film feed with the catalyst layer of the first elastic member 2, the entire length of the films 3 and 7 with the catalyst layer supplied from the first film supply device 14 with the catalyst layer 14 to the heating press 11 after the end of one joining step The length is almost the same as the total length in the direction.

  In the case of the third embodiment, the first catalyst layer-attached film 3 recovered by the first catalyst layer-attached film recovery device 16 includes a range 3d where the catalyst layer is not transferred, as shown in FIG. ing. However, in general, the catalyst layer contains an expensive noble metal, and therefore it is preferable to reduce the amount of the film with the catalyst layer used in order to reduce the manufacturing cost of the fuel cell.

  Therefore, in the fourth embodiment, the entire length of the film 3 with the catalyst layer supplied from the first film supply device 14 with the catalyst layer 14 to the heating press 11 after the end of one joining step is determined by the catalyst layer to be transferred. The size is slightly longer than the total length in the film feeding direction with the catalyst layer. FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of the first catalyst layer-attached film 3 recovered by the first catalyst layer-attached film recovery device 16 in this case. As shown in FIG. 9, the film 3 with a catalyst layer includes a range 3e where the catalyst layer is not transferred, but the area is smaller than the range 3d where the catalyst layer is not transferred in FIG. Therefore, the total length of the catalyst layer transfer film used in the same number of electrolyte membrane / catalyst layer joining steps is shorter than that in the case of FIG. In addition, also about the 2nd film 7 with a catalyst layer, the full length of the catalyst layer transfer film used by the same method can be shortened.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the same effect as in the third embodiment can be obtained, and the amount of the catalyst layer-attached film can be reduced.

[Fifth Embodiment]
The configuration of the fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The fuel cell manufacturing method and manufacturing apparatus of the fifth embodiment is a modification of the third embodiment, but differs from the fourth embodiment in that the masking sheets 4 and 6 are continuously supplied. That is, in FIG. 5, the first and second masking sheets 4 and 6 are supported so as to be movable perpendicular to the opening and closing direction of the heating press 11, whereas in the fifth embodiment shown in FIG. The first and second masking sheets 4 and 6 are continuously supplied from the first and second masking sheet supply devices 18 and 19 to the heating press 11, respectively, and the first and second masking sheets are collected. Collected by the devices 20 and 21.

  Next, a method for producing an electrolyte membrane / catalyst layer assembly will be described. As shown in FIG. 10, the electrolyte membrane 5 is sandwiched between the first and second masking sheets 4, 6, and is sandwiched between the first and second films 3, 7 with the catalyst layer. To a position sandwiched between the hot plates 11a and 11b. At this time, the first and second elastic members 2 and 8 are attached in advance to the hot plates 11a and 11b. From this state, both or one of the hot plates 11a and 11b moves in a direction approaching each other. Thereby, the first and second catalyst-attached films 3 and 7 are brought close to the electrolyte membrane 5 and heated and pressurized in this state, whereby the same principle as in the first embodiment is obtained. The portions of the catalyst layers 3c and 7c facing the range of the openings 4a and 6a of the masking sheet are transferred to the electrolyte membrane 5.

  Thereafter, the hot plates 11a and 11b of the hot press 11 are returned to the state shown in FIG. Then, the first and second Machining sheets 4 and 6, the electrolyte membrane 5, the first and second catalyst-attached films 3 and 7 are peeled off, and the first and second Machining sheets 4 and 6 are the first. The first and second catalyst layer-attached films 3 and 7 are recovered by the first and second catalyst layer-attached film recovery devices 16 and 17, respectively, and the electrolyte film is recovered. The catalyst layer assembly is stored in the assembly storage device 13. Furthermore, an electrolyte membrane / catalyst layer assembly can be continuously obtained by continuously performing the above-described joining step and member supply step.

  When the first and second masking sheets 4 and 6 are supplied to the heating press 11, the openings 4a and 6a are aligned at predetermined positions by the alignment device 22, so that the catalyst layer 3c. , 7c can be produced, and an electrolyte membrane / catalyst layer assembly can be produced. FIG. 11 is a simulation diagram for explaining a method of aligning the masking sheets 4 and 6. As an alignment apparatus, for example, as shown in FIG. 11, positioning through holes 4c and 6c are previously installed on both sides of the first and second masking sheets 4 and 6 positioned outside the electrolyte membrane 5. In addition, it is conceivable to use an alignment device 22 having a pin 22a penetrating each positioning through hole 4c, 6c. That is, the first and second masking sheets 4 and 6 can be conveyed by rotating the pin 22a while the pin 22a passes through the positioning through holes 4c and 6c. The electrolyte membrane 5 sandwiched between the two masking sheets 4 and 6 can be conveyed together with the first and second masking sheets 4 and 6 by friction.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, a catalyst layer-attached film having a shape in which a part of the catalyst has been removed from the substrate in advance is formed, or the catalyst layer that has been cut into a predetermined shape at the time of bonding is used as the electrolyte. There is no need for troublesome work such as positioning it near the center of the membrane, there is no displacement of the catalyst layer, and an electrolyte membrane / catalyst layer assembly that has a catalyst layer with a smaller area than the electrolyte membrane is easily continuous. Can be manufactured automatically.

[Sixth Embodiment]
The configuration of the sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The fuel cell manufacturing method and manufacturing apparatus of the sixth embodiment is a modification of the fifth embodiment, and uses a hot roller 23 instead of a heating press. As shown in FIG. 12, the pair of heating rotators 23a and 23b of the hot roller 23 is provided with elastic members 2 and 8 on the outer peripheral portion thereof, and is held so as to have a constant pressure in a direction in which they are close to each other. Has been.

  The masking sheets 4 and 6, the films 3 and 7 with the catalyst layer 3, and the electrolyte membrane 5 pass between the heating rotators 23a and 23b at a constant speed, so that the first and second films 3 and 7 with the catalyst are electrolytes. Heating and pressing are performed in a state of being close to the membrane 5, and portions of the catalyst layers 3 c and 7 c facing the range of the openings 4 a and 6 a of the masking sheet are transferred to the electrolyte membrane 5. Here, when the first and second masking sheets 4 and 6 are supplied to the hot roller 23, the respective openings 4 a and 6 a are predetermined in the alignment device 22 similar to the fifth embodiment. Since it is aligned with the position, there is no displacement of the catalyst layer 5 and an electrolyte membrane / catalyst layer assembly can be manufactured.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the same effect as that of the fifth embodiment can be obtained.

[Other Embodiments]
Although various embodiments have been described above, these are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited thereto.

  For example, in FIG. 10, the supply device for each member shows a feed device for a roll-formed member, and the recovery device for each member also shows a roll-shaped take-up device, but the members are continuously supplied and recovered. If this is done, the method is not limited to this figure. For example, a combination of a transporting device that transports cut members one by one and a recovery device may be used. The storage device for the electrolyte membrane / catalyst layer assembly may be a device for storing the cutting device and the cut electrolyte membrane / catalyst layer assembly instead of the winding device having the shape shown in the figure.

  In addition, the masking sheet, the elastic member, the electrolyte membrane, and the film with the catalyst layer in the description of the above embodiment are not limited to the above shapes and members as long as the object of the present invention can be achieved.

1 is a schematic exploded perspective view showing a manufacturing process of an electrolyte membrane / catalyst layer assembly in a first embodiment of a fuel cell manufacturing method according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is an elevational sectional view showing a completed state of the electrolyte membrane / catalyst layer assembly of FIG. 1. It is a typical expansion perspective view showing a manufacturing process of an electrolyte membrane / catalyst layer assembly in a 2nd embodiment of a manufacturing method of a fuel cell concerning the present invention. FIG. 4 is an elevational sectional view showing a completed state of the electrolyte membrane / catalyst layer assembly of FIG. 3. It is a typical elevation sectional view showing a manufacturing process of an electrolyte membrane / catalyst layer assembly in a 3rd embodiment of a manufacturing method of a fuel cell concerning the present invention, and is a figure showing a state before performing pressing heating. FIG. 10 is a schematic sectional view showing a manufacturing process of an electrolyte membrane / catalyst layer assembly in a third embodiment of a method for manufacturing a fuel cell according to the present invention, and shows a state where pressing heating is performed. It is a perspective view which shows the electrolyte membrane and catalyst layer assembly in the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the film with a catalyst layer collect | recovered in the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the film with a catalyst layer collect | recovered in the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a typical elevation sectional view showing a manufacturing process of an electrolyte membrane / catalyst layer assembly in a 5th embodiment of a manufacturing method of a fuel cell concerning the present invention, and is a figure showing a state before performing pressing heating. FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view showing a state in which an electrolyte membrane is sandwiched and transported between two masking sheets in a fifth embodiment of a method for producing a fuel cell according to the present invention. It is typical sectional drawing which shows the manufacturing process of the electrolyte membrane and catalyst layer assembly in 6th Embodiment of the manufacturing method of the fuel cell concerning this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... 1st jig | tool, 1a ... Plate-shaped member, 2 ... 1st elastic member, 3 ... Film with 1st catalyst layer, 3a ... Base material of film with 1st catalyst layer, 3b ... 1st Catalyst layer of the film with the catalyst layer, 3c ... Transferred catalyst layer of the film with the first catalyst layer, 3d ... Catalyst layer without transfer of the film with the first catalyst layer, 3e ... Film with the first catalyst layer Catalyst layer 4 not transferred, 4 ... first masking sheet, 4a ... first masking sheet opening, 4b ... other than first masking sheet opening, 4c ... first masking sheet position Through hole for alignment, 5 ... electrolyte membrane, 5a ... range where catalyst layer of electrolyte membrane is not transferred, 6 ... second masking sheet, 6a ... opening of second masking sheet, 6b ... second masking sheet 6c, other than the opening of 2 through holes for alignment of the masking sheet, 7... Second film with catalyst layer, 7 a... Base material of film with second catalyst layer, 7 b... Catalyst layer of film with second catalyst layer, 7 c. 2 transferred catalyst layer of the film with the catalyst layer, 8 ... second elastic member, 9 ... second jig, 10 ... positioning jig, 11 ... heating press machine, 11a ... hot plate of heating press machine, DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11b ... Hot plate of a heating press machine, 12 ... Electrolyte membrane supply apparatus, 13 ... Assembly accommodation apparatus, 14 ... Film supply apparatus with 1st catalyst layer, 15 ... Film supply apparatus with 2nd catalyst layer, 16 ... 1st DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Film recovery apparatus with a catalyst layer, 17 ... 2nd film recovery apparatus with a catalyst layer, 18 ... 1st masking sheet supply apparatus, 19 ... 2nd masking sheet supply apparatus, 20 ... 1st masking sheet collection apparatus , 21 ... second Scan King sheet collecting device, 22 ... positioning device, 22a ... pin, 23 ... hot rollers, 23a ... heating rotator of hot rollers, the heating rotating body 23b ... hot rollers

Claims (12)

In a method for producing a fuel cell having an electrolyte membrane / catalyst layer assembly in which electrode catalyst layers are joined to both surfaces of an electrolyte membrane,
Prepare two sheets of catalyst layered film in which the catalyst layer is formed on one side of a film-like substrate,
A masking sheet having openings smaller in size than the catalyst layer of the catalyst layer-attached film is disposed on each of both surfaces of the electrolyte membrane, and the catalyst layer-attached film is placed in the catalyst so as to sandwich these masking sheets. Place the layer facing the masking sheet,
Furthermore, the outer side of the film with the catalyst layer is pressed against each other through an elastic member and heated to join the catalyst layer and the electrolyte membrane only with the opening of the masking sheet. With a film assembly,
Wherein the membrane masking sheet with catalyst layers film assembly was peeled off the base material of the catalyst layer with the film, it looks including the step of forming the membrane-catalyst layer assembly by removing the masking sheet,
The method of manufacturing a fuel cell , wherein the shapes of the openings of the masking sheets disposed on both surfaces of the electrolyte membrane are different from each other .   2. The fuel cell manufacturing method according to claim 1, wherein the elastic member is a member having no step at a position where the elastic member is at least in contact with the boundary of the opening of the masking sheet. 3. The fuel cell manufacturing method according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the masking sheet in contact with the electrolyte membrane is made of a material having a fluororesin . A plurality of each of the electrolyte membrane and the film with the catalyst layer are continuously arranged in the plane direction so that a plurality of the electrolyte membrane / catalyst layer assemblies are continuously arranged in the plane direction. 4. The fuel cell manufacturing method according to claim 1, wherein the fuel cells are sequentially processed . In a fuel cell manufacturing apparatus having an electrolyte membrane / catalyst layer assembly in which an electrode catalyst layer is bonded to both surfaces of an electrolyte membrane,
The electrolyte membrane is sandwiched between two masking sheets having openings, and two catalyst-coated films in which a catalyst layer larger than the openings is formed on the surface of the film-like substrate are arranged on the inside. An overlapping means that is arranged so as to face and sandwich the masking sheet with the film with the catalyst layer;
An electrolyte in which the catalyst layer and the electrolyte membrane are joined only by an opening of the masking sheet by applying pressure and heat from the outside of the two films with the catalyst layer superimposed by the superimposing means through an elastic member. A pressure heating means for forming a membrane, masking sheet, film assembly with a catalyst layer,
Peeling and removing means for peeling the substrate of the film with the catalyst layer from the membrane assembly with the electrolyte membrane / masking sheet / catalyst layer, removing the masking sheet to form the electrolyte membrane / catalyst layer assembly,
Have
The fuel cell manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the shapes of the openings of the masking sheets disposed on both surfaces of the electrolyte membrane are different from each other. An electrolyte membrane supply means for sequentially supplying a plurality of the electrolyte membranes continuously arranged in the plane direction;
A first film supply means for sequentially supplying a plurality of the catalyst layer-equipped films sequentially arranged in the plane direction;
A second film supply means for sequentially supplying a plurality of the catalyst layer-attached films sequentially arranged in the plane direction;
The overlapping means and the pressurizing / heating means are configured such that a plurality of the electrolyte membrane / catalyst layer assemblies are continuously arranged in the plane direction. The fuel cell manufacturing apparatus according to claim 5 . The electrolyte membrane supply means is for intermittently supplying one by one a plurality of electrolyte membranes continuously arranged in the plane direction one by one,
The first and second film supply means are configured to intermittently and sequentially supply a plurality of the catalyst layer-attached films that are continuously arranged in the surface direction one by one. The fuel cell manufacturing apparatus according to claim 6 . The supply length of the film with a catalyst layer supplied by the first and second film supply means is shorter than the supply length of the electrolyte membrane supplied by the electrolyte membrane supply means. Fuel cell manufacturing equipment. The masking sheet is formed of a plurality of the electrolyte membrane / catalyst layer assemblies continuously arranged in the plane direction, and further includes a masking sheet supply means for sequentially supplying the masking sheets. The fuel cell manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 6 to 8, The said pressure heating means contains a hot roller, The said pressure heating means joins the said catalyst layer and the said electrolyte membrane only in the range of the opening part of the said masking sheet, It is characterized by the above-mentioned. fuel cell manufacturing device. 11. The fuel cell manufacturing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the elastic member is a member having no step at a position where the elastic member is at least in contact with a boundary of the opening of the masking sheet . 12. The fuel cell manufacturing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein at least a portion of the masking sheet that contacts the electrolyte membrane is made of a material having a fluororesin .

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