Apparatus for manufacturing membrane electrode assembly with changed shape

Abstract

A system for manufacturing a shape-changed membrane electrode assembly includes: a first transport unit configured to transport a first electrode membrane; a second transport unit configured to transport the second electrode film; and a third transport unit configured to transport the electrolyte membrane. By a roller press including a main reaction section pattern and an auxiliary reaction section pattern, a transfer pressure, shape-changed membrane electrode assembly can be kept uniform during a transfer pressure process, which is one of the processes of manufacturing the membrane electrode assembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to shape-changing membrane electrode assemblies. Background Art

[0002] In fuel cell vehicles, a membrane electrode assembly (EMA) for a fuel cell is used to generate electrical energy. In the membrane electrode assembly, the cathode is located on the top of the electrolyte membrane, and the anode is located at the bottom of the electrolyte membrane. When air (oxygen) is supplied to the cathode and hydrogen is supplied to the anode, a voltage of about 1V is generated. The gas diffusion layer (GDL) and the separator plate forming the flow path for electronic conduction and material transport are sequentially stacked on the membrane electrode assembly (which makes a battery). Hundreds of battery cells are connected in series to generate the energy required to drive the vehicle.

[0003] The voltage generated in the membrane electrode assembly tends to depend on the required output. The greater the current required, the higher the resistance and material transfer resistance become. Therefore, the graph formed by current and voltage shows an IV curve that tends to be inversely proportional. At this time, the cell efficiency is proportional to the cell voltage (voltage / open circuit voltage (OCV)), while the loss is proportional to the voltage drop value (1-voltage / open circuit voltage).

[0004] In order to install hydrogen fuel cells in vehicles, the size of the membrane electrode assembly for the fuel cell has to be limited. That is, various BOP components and stacks must be installed together in the engine room space of the vehicle, and the membrane electrode assembly for the fuel cell is located in the space in the stack that is not occupied by the manifold, various supporting components, housings, etc. Due to this situation, while meeting the layout requirements of the arrangement in a limited space, it is necessary to ensure the reaction section to the greatest extent. That is, the membrane electrode assembly can be installed when the layout requirements of the arrangement in a limited space are met. However, in order to improve the operating efficiency, it is necessary to reduce the current density by maximizing the reaction section.

[0005] The decal method is used as one of the main technologies for mass production of membrane electrode assemblies. The decal method refers to a process in which a release paper sheet is coated with an electrode using a coating device, and then the electrode is transferred to an electrolyte membrane by hot pressing. During the coating process, the electrode is formed on the release paper sheet in a rectangular shape, and when hot pressed, the electrode is subjected to pressure while being heated. The pressure is proportional to the load (= the load generated by the extrusion itself + the additional load applied by the equipment) and the length applied by the extrusion. That is, even if the same size of load is applied, when the length of the electrode changes, the area to which the load is applied changes, and therefore the force applied to the electrolyte particles changes.

[0006] Generally, when using a flat press or roller press for heat transfer, it is difficult to apply pressure to the entire area of ​​the electrode. Due to this situation, it is difficult to ensure the uniformity of the product, which leads to reduced quality and performance of the fuel cell. For example, the smaller the pressure applied to the electrode, the more disadvantageous the processing capacity becomes (transfer productivity decreases). The higher the pressure applied to the electrode, the smaller the gap between the electrolyte particles becomes, which leads to disadvantages in drainage (reduced durability of MEA). Due to this situation, transfer pressure is a key factor that needs to be continuously managed during transfer processing. Summary of the invention

[0007] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a system for manufacturing a membrane electrode assembly having electrodes with changed shapes to improve the durability and performance of the membrane electrode assembly.

[0008] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a method of manufacturing a membrane electrode assembly, which is performed using a system for manufacturing a membrane electrode assembly.

[0009] The present disclosure is not limited to the above objects. The objects of the present disclosure will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description and can be achieved by the external and internal limitations recited in the claims and their combinations.

[0010] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a system for manufacturing a membrane electrode assembly is provided, the system comprising: a first conveying unit configured to convey a first electrode membrane; a second conveying unit configured to convey a second electrode membrane; a third conveying unit configured to convey an electrolyte membrane having a predetermined width so that the electrolyte membrane is interposed between the first electrode membrane and the second electrode membrane; and a pair of roller presses configured to squeeze the first electrode membrane, the electrolyte membrane, and the second electrode membrane pulled between the pair of roller presses from a lateral direction from top to bottom and from bottom to top.

[0011] In this system, one of a pair of roller presses includes: a main reaction segment pattern formed in a manner protruding from a surface of the roller press; and auxiliary reaction segment patterns formed in a manner extending from both sides of the main reaction segment pattern along the width direction of the electrolyte membrane.

[0012] In the system, the main reaction segment pattern may have at least one of a polygonal shape and a curved shape, and the main reaction segment pattern includes a plurality of main reaction segment patterns arranged to be spaced apart from each other.

[0013] In this system, the main reaction segment pattern may have at least one polygonal shape portion, the main reaction segment patterns may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other, and the main reaction segment pattern may include an embossed body and protruding portions respectively extending from both ends of the embossed body along the length direction of the rotating shaft of the roller press.

[0014] In this system, the main reaction section pattern may have a polygonal shape having n (n is an even number equal to or greater than 6) sides and n corners.

[0015] In the system, the auxiliary reaction segment pattern may have at least one of a polygonal shape and a curved shape, and may correspond in shape to the primary reaction segment pattern.

[0016] In this system, at any point on the main reaction segment pattern, the width of the main reaction segment pattern along the length direction of the rotating axis of the roller press is a first width, the width of each of the first auxiliary reaction segment pattern and the second auxiliary reaction segment pattern when it is on the same line as the arbitrary point along the length direction of the rotating axis of the roller press is a second width, and the sum of the first width and the second width remains constant.

[0017] In this system, the thickness of the auxiliary reaction segment pattern may be greater than the thickness of the main reaction segment pattern.

[0018] In this system, the thickness of the auxiliary reaction segment pattern may be smaller than the sum of the thickness of the main reaction segment pattern and the respective thicknesses of the first electrode film, the electrolyte membrane, and the second electrode film pulled between the roller presses from a lateral direction.

[0019] In this system, the thickness of the auxiliary reaction segment pattern may be equal to the thickness of the main reaction segment pattern and the sum of the respective thicknesses of the first electrode film, the electrolyte membrane, and the second electrode film pushed out in the other lateral direction.

[0020] The system may further include an elastic body disposed at least one of a position between the roller press and the first electrode film and a position between the roller press and the second electrode film.

[0021] In the system, the elastomer may be formed of at least one selected from the group consisting of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate (PC), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyimide (PI), and polyethersulfone (PES).

[0022] In this system, the elastomer may structurally comprise a film having a thickness between 200 μm and 500 μm.

[0023] In this system, the main reaction segment patterns may respectively have a plurality of hexagonal shape portions, the plurality of hexagonal shape portions of the main reaction segment patterns may be alternately arranged to be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance, and the auxiliary reaction segment patterns may respectively have a plurality of triangular shape portions corresponding to the shape portions of the main reaction segment patterns.

[0024] In this system, the main reaction segment patterns may respectively have a plurality of octagonal shape portions, the main reaction segment patterns may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other at a predetermined distance, the auxiliary reaction segment patterns may respectively have a plurality of triangular shape portions corresponding to the octagonal shape portions of the main reaction segment patterns, and the auxiliary reaction segment patterns respectively having the plurality of triangular shape portions may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other.

[0025] In this system, the roller press may include n (n is a natural number equal to or greater than 2) columns of main reaction segment patterns, the main reaction segment patterns may respectively include multiple hexagonal shape portions, the main reaction segment patterns may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other at a predetermined distance, and the auxiliary reaction segment patterns may correspond to the main reaction segment patterns in shape, at any point on each of the multiple main reaction segment patterns, the width of the main reaction segment pattern along the width direction of the electrolyte membrane is a first width, the width of the first auxiliary reaction segment pattern and the second auxiliary reaction segment pattern when they are on the same line as any point along the width direction of the electrolyte membrane is a second width, and the sum of the first width and the second width remains constant.

[0026] In this system, the roller press may include a primary reaction zone pattern of three or more rows.

[0027] The system for manufacturing a membrane electrode assembly according to the present disclosure (the system includes a roller press having a main reaction segment pattern and an auxiliary reaction segment pattern) makes it possible to uniformly maintain the transfer pressure during the transfer of the electrolyte membrane. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the problem of reduced durability caused by the reduction in the gap between the electrolyte particles and the resulting disadvantages in drainage when a high transfer pressure is applied. In addition, it is possible to prevent the problem of reduced yield caused by incomplete transfer of the electrolyte membrane when a low transfer pressure is applied.

[0028] In the related art, the electrode is applied to the electrolyte membrane in a rectangular shape. In contrast, the electrode according to the present disclosure is formed by extending a predetermined distance from the central area of ​​the two end portions in the longitudinal direction of the rectangular electrode in the related art. Thus, the electrode can be applied to the unused area of ​​the electrolyte membrane to prevent the unused space from being idle. In addition, the size of the two edge portions in the longitudinal direction of the electrode is reduced by a predetermined depth. This can provide the advantage of preventing low durability caused by ineffective or excessive supply of gas to the edge portions.

[0029] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned advantageous effects. The present disclosure should be understood to provide other advantageous effects that can be derived from the following detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] The above-mentioned and other features of the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to certain exemplary examples shown in the accompanying drawings, which are given hereinafter by way of illustration only and therefore do not limit the present disclosure, and in which:

[0031] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a system for manufacturing a membrane electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0032] Figure 2 is a view showing one surface of a first electrode film included in the system according to the present disclosure;

[0033] Figure 3 is a view showing one surface of a second electrode film included in the system according to the present disclosure;

[0034] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) manufactured using a system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0035] Figure 5 is a view showing the surface of a roller press in a first implementation example according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0036] Figure 6 is a view showing the surface of a roller press in a first implementation example according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0037] Figure 7 It is along Figure 6 A cross-sectional view taken along line AA′ on the surface of the roller press in the first implementation example of the embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0038] Figure 8 is a view showing the surface of a roller press in a second implementation example according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0039] Fig. 9 is a view showing the surface of a roller press in a third implementation example according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0040] Fig.10 : is a view showing the surface of a roller press in a fourth implementation example according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] The above-mentioned purpose, other purposes, features and advantages of the present disclosure will be easily understood by the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described below and can be implemented in other forms. A sufficiently detailed description of these embodiments will be provided so that the disclosed content is sufficient and a person of ordinary skill in the art can fully understand the technical ideas of the present disclosure.

[0042] In the drawings referred to for description, the same constituent elements are given the same reference numerals. The constituent elements in the drawings appear larger than they actually are because they are enlarged by increasing their size to clearly describe the embodiments of the present disclosure. The terms first, second, etc. can be used to describe various constituent elements, but no restrictions should be imposed on the meaning of the constituent elements. These terms are only used to distinguish one constituent element from another constituent element. For example, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, the first constituent element can be referred to as the second constituent element. In the same way, the second constituent element can also be referred to as the first constituent element. Unless the noun has a different meaning in the context, the noun in the singular form has the same meaning as when used in the plural form.

[0043] It should be understood that when used in this specification, the terms "including", "having", etc. all indicate the presence of features, quantities, steps, operations, constituent elements, parts and / or combinations thereof, but do not exclude the possibility of the presence of one or more other features, quantities, steps, operations, constituent elements, parts and / or combinations thereof. In addition, when a component (such as a layer, film, region or plate) is described as being located on the "top" of another component, it means that the component is located on the other component in the vertical direction, and when described as being located "on" or "above" another component, it can be represented as being "on" or "above" another component, with a third component being located therebetween. Conversely, when a component (such as a layer, film, region or plate) is described as being located "below" another component, it means that the component is located "below" another component in the vertical direction, and when described as being located "below" or "below" another component, it can be represented as being located "below" or "below" another component, with a third component being therebetween.

[0044] Unless otherwise specified, all numerals, values ​​and / or expressions of the amount of the indicating parts, reaction conditions, polymer compositions and mixtures used in this specification are approximately. This is because when related to substantially different objects, they reflect various measurement uncertainties that may occur when obtaining them. For this reason, in all cases, they should be understood to be modified by the term "approximately". In addition, unless otherwise specified, when numerical ranges are used in this specification, these numerical ranges continuously change from minimum to maximum and include maximum. In addition, unless otherwise specified, when this scope refers to integers, the numerical values ​​in the range (and including maximum) that continuously changes from minimum to maximum are all integers.

[0045] When the range of variables is used in the present disclosure, this range is understood to be composed of sub-ranges, each sub-range including values ​​ranging from a minimum value to a maximum value and including the maximum value. For example, the range of "5 to 10" refers not only to integers 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10, but also to any sub-range. This range may include a sub-range from integers 6 to 10, a sub-range from integers 7 to 10, a sub-range from integers 6 to 9, and a sub-range from integers 7 to 9. In addition, the range of "5 to 10" is composed of any sub-range, which may include any value between integers and valid integers within the range of the described range, such as 5.5, 6.5 and 7.5, a sub-range of decimals 5.5 to 8.5, and a sub-range of real numbers 6.5 to 9. In addition, for example, the range of "10% to 30%" refers not only to integer percentages of 10%, 11%, 12%, etc. up to 30%, but also to any sub-range. The range may include a subrange of integer percentages of 10% to 15%, a subrange of integer percentages of 12% to 18%, and a subrange of integer percentages of 20% to 30%. In addition, the range of "10% to 30%" is composed of any subranges that may include both integer percentages and fractional percentages. The range may include subranges of fractional percentages of 10.5%, 15.5%, and 25.5%.

[0046] Figure 1 1 is a perspective view showing a system 1 for manufacturing a membrane electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The system 1 for manufacturing a membrane electrode assembly can be used to manufacture a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) 500 using an apparatus 100 for manufacturing a membrane electrode assembly, a first electrode film 200, a second electrode film 300, and an electrolyte membrane 400. The apparatus 100 includes a first conveying unit 110, a second conveying unit 120, a third conveying unit 130, and a pair of roller presses 140.

[0047] The first transfer unit 110 may include a first supply unit 111 and a first retrieving unit 112. The first supply unit 111 may supply the first electrode film 200 to a nip between the pair of roller presses 140 by unwinding the rolled first electrode film 200.

[0048] Figure 2 2 is a view showing a first electrode film 200 used according to the present disclosure. The first electrode film 200 may be formed by coating a first release paper sheet 210 with a first electrode material 220 .

[0049] The first release paper sheet 210 may be formed of at least one selected from the group consisting of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyimide (PI), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), silicon, and combinations thereof, but is not limited thereto.

[0050] The first electrode material 220 may include an electrode active material slurry obtained by mixing an active material, a conductive additive, a binder, and a solvent, but is not limited thereto.

[0051] The first retrieving unit 112 may retrieve the first release paper sheet 210 from which the first electrode material 220 is transferred to the main surface of one side of the electrolyte membrane 400 by winding.

[0052] The second transfer unit 120 may include a second supply unit 121 and a second retracting unit 122. The second supply unit 121 may supply the second electrode film 300 to the nip between the pair of roller presses 140 by being unrolled.

[0053] from Figure 3 It can be seen that the second electrode film 300 may be formed by coating the second release paper sheet 310 with the second electrode material 320 in the same manner as the first electrode film 200 , but is not limited thereto.

[0054] The second release paper sheet 310 may be formed of at least one selected from the group consisting of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyimide (PI), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), silicon, and combinations thereof, but is not limited thereto.

[0055] The second electrode material 320 may include an electrode active material slurry obtained by mixing an active material, a conductive additive, a binder, and a solvent.

[0056] By winding, the second retrieving unit 122 may retrieve the second release paper sheet 310 from which the second electrode material 320 is transferred to the other main surface of the electrolyte membrane 400 .

[0057] The third transfer unit 130 may include a third supply unit 131 and a third retrieving unit 132. The third supply unit 131 may transfer the electrolyte membrane in such a manner that the wound electrolyte membrane 400 is introduced into the nip between the roller presses 140 by unwinding.

[0058] The electrolyte membrane 400 may have a sheet-like shape. The sheet-like shape refers to a three-dimensional shape having two main surfaces facing away from each other. Both main surfaces may be not only geometrically flat but also partially curved. Both main surfaces may have a concave-convex surface formed when the electrolyte membrane 400 is manufactured. In this sense, the sheet-like shape is not limited to a relatively thin cube.

[0059] The electrolyte membrane 400 that can be used according to the present disclosure can be formed of, for example, a material having a thickness of 20 μm or less and a tensile strength of 300 MPa or less, expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) impregnated with an ionomer, etc. There is no particular limitation on the selection of the electrolyte membrane material forming the electrolyte membrane 400 as long as a fuel cell can be formed.

[0060] The third transfer unit 130 transfers the electrolyte membrane in such a manner that the electrolyte membrane 400 is interposed between the first electrode membrane 200 and the second electrode membrane 300. Therefore, the third transfer unit 130 may be disposed between the first transfer unit 110 and the second transfer unit 120.

[0061] The third retrieving unit 132 may wind a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) 500 formed by attaching the first electrode material 220 and the second electrode material 320 on both main surfaces of the electrolyte membrane 400 , respectively.

[0062] The paired roller presses 140 can form a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) 500 by respectively pressing the first electrode film 200, the electrolyte film 400, and the second electrode film 300 pulled into the roller presses 140 from the lateral direction from top to bottom and from bottom to top. The paired roller presses 140 may include a first roller press and a second roller press. The first roller press presses the first electrode film 200, the electrolyte film 400, and the second electrode film 300 from top to bottom. The second roller press presses the first electrode film, the electrolyte film, and the second electrode film from bottom to top. The first roller press and the second roller press 140 can rotate around their respective independent rotation axes.

[0063] The pair of roller presses 140 applies a pressure of 1 MPa to 500 MPa to the first electrode film 200, the electrolyte film 400, and the second electrode film 300, but is not limited to this pressure. In addition, the roller press 140 may apply a temperature of 10° C. to 300° C. to the first electrode film 200, the electrolyte film 400, and the second electrode film 300 while squeezing them, but is not limited to this temperature range.

[0064] Through the extrusion and heating process, one of the roller presses 140 can transfer the first electrode material 220 on the first electrode film 200 to the main surface on one side of the electrolyte membrane 400, and another roller press in the roller press 140 can transfer the second electrode material 320 on the second electrode film 300 to the main surface on the other side of the electrolyte membrane 400, thereby forming a membrane electrode assembly 500.

[0065] The membrane electrode assembly 500 may be formed by stacking the first electrode material 220, the electrolyte membrane 400, and the second electrode material 320 on top of each other. Figure 4 2 shows a cross section of the membrane electrode assembly 500. The membrane electrode assembly 500 may be formed by sequentially stacking the first electrode material 220 and the second electrode material 320 on a major surface of one side of the electrolyte membrane 400 and a major surface of the other side of the electrolyte membrane, respectively.

[0066] Figure 5 1 is a view showing one of the roller presses 140 in a pair in a first implementation example according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. One of the roller presses 140 in a pair may include a main reaction segment pattern 142 formed in a manner protruding from its surface and an auxiliary reaction segment pattern 145 formed in a manner protruding from its surface. The main reaction segment pattern 142 may be arranged on a central portion of the roller press 140. The auxiliary reaction segment patterns 145 may be arranged on both sides of the main reaction segment pattern 142 along the length direction of the rotation shaft 149 of the roller press 140, respectively.

[0067] The reaction section may be provided with at least one main reaction section pattern 142 on the surface of one of the roller presses 140. In addition, correspondingly, the reaction section may be provided with at least one auxiliary reaction section pattern 145 on the surface of one of the roller presses 140. The auxiliary reaction section pattern 145 may be arranged to be spaced apart from the main reaction section pattern 142.

[0068] The main reaction segment pattern 142 may have at least one of a polygonal shape and a curved shape. The main reaction segment pattern 142 may have a polygonal shape including n sides and n angles, where n is an even number equal to or greater than 6. The main reaction segment pattern 142 in the first implementation example may have a hexagonal shape. The main reaction segment pattern 142 may include an embossed body 143 and a protruding portion 144 having a triangular shape. The protruding portion 144 protrudes from the embossed body 143 along the length direction of the rotating shaft 149, that is, protrudes from both ends of the embossed body 143 along the width direction of the electrolyte membrane 400.

[0069] The extension 144 extends from the embossed body 143 by a distance corresponding to a predetermined width. The distance can be adjusted by considering the position of the sub-gasket for manufacturing the membrane electrode assembly 500. Therefore, the corresponding overlapping area of ​​the sub-gasket and the electrode can be reduced. Therefore, problems such as increased non-uniformity, the occurrence of bubbles, and an increase in the number of unused electrodes during the fuel cell assembly connection can be avoided. In addition, compared with the case where the main reaction zone pattern 142 has a rectangular shape, the electrode material can be applied more to the area where the electrode material is not applied through the extension 144. This can prevent the unused space from remaining idle. In addition, unlike the case where the main reaction zone pattern 142 is a rectangular shape, the edge portion of the extension 144 is appropriately recessed. This can provide the advantage of improved durability.

[0070] The auxiliary reaction segment pattern 145 may have at least one of a polygonal shape and a curved shape. The auxiliary reaction segment pattern 145 may correspond in shape to the protrusion 144 of the main reaction segment pattern 142. Therefore, this helps to uniformly apply the transfer pressure to the electrode material and the electrolyte membrane 400 to which the electrode material is attached on the same line. In the case where the protrusion 144 in the first implementation example has a triangular shape, the auxiliary reaction segment pattern 145 may have a corresponding triangular shape consistent with the protrusion 144. In the case where the protrusion 144 in the first implementation example has a triangular shape, four auxiliary reaction segment patterns 145 may be formed in a triangular shape, which corresponds to one main reaction segment pattern 142. However, the four auxiliary reaction segment patterns 145 are not limited to the triangular shape.

[0071] The main reaction segment pattern 142 has a maximum width x in the width direction of the electrolyte membrane 400. The main reaction segment pattern 142 has a width y (indicated as a point where the width of the main reaction segment pattern 142 is the smallest) at any point thereon in the width direction of the electrolyte membrane 400. The auxiliary reaction segment pattern 145 has a width z at a position on the same line as the above-mentioned arbitrary point in the width direction of the electrolyte membrane 400. The widths x, y, and z may satisfy the following equation 1.

[0072] Equation 1: x = y + 2z

[0073] That is, the sum of the width y at any point on the main reaction segment pattern 142 and the width z of the auxiliary reaction segment pattern 145 when it is on the same line as the above arbitrary point can be kept constant. Therefore, the roller press 140 can keep the transfer pressure uniformly applied to the first electrode film 200, the electrolyte membrane 400, and the second electrode film 300 from top to bottom and from bottom to top.

[0074] Figure 7 It is along Figure 62 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA′ on the surface of the roller press 140 in the first implementation example.

[0075] refer to Figure 7 The main reaction segment pattern 142 and the auxiliary reaction segment pattern 145 may be formed to have a predetermined thickness in a manner of protruding from the surface 141 of the roller press 140 . The thickness of the auxiliary reaction segment pattern 145 may be greater than that of the main reaction segment pattern 142 .

[0076] In this case, the thickness of the auxiliary reaction segment pattern 145 may be smaller than the sum of the thickness of the main reaction segment pattern 142 and the respective thicknesses of the first electrode film 200 , the electrolyte membrane 400 , and the second electrode film 300 pulled in the lateral direction of the roller press 140 .

[0077] For example, in the case where the thickness of the main reaction segment pattern 142 is 100 μm and the sum of the respective thicknesses of the first electrode film 200, the electrolyte membrane 400, and the second electrode film 300 (which is the material pulled between the roller press 140) is 55 μm, the thickness of the auxiliary reaction segment pattern 145 may be less than 100 μm + 55 μm = 155 μm, and is 150 μm. In this case, when the materials pulled between the roller press 140 are attached to the two main surfaces of the electrolyte membrane 400 to form a membrane electrode assembly, the sum of the thicknesses of the first electrode film, the electrolyte membrane, and the second electrode film may be reduced from 55 μm to 50 μm. The thickness of each of the main reaction segment pattern 142 and the auxiliary reaction segment pattern 145 is not limited to the above values. The thickness can be appropriately determined by considering the sum of the thicknesses of the materials pulled between the roller press 140 and the thickness of the membrane electrode assembly formed by attaching the materials to the two main surfaces of the electrolyte membrane 400, respectively.

[0078] In order to use a material whose thickness varies greatly after being respectively attached to the two main surfaces of the electrolyte membrane 400, the system 1 for manufacturing a membrane electrode assembly may include an elastomer (not shown) arranged between the roller press 140 and the first electrode membrane 200 and / or between the roller press 140 and the second electrode membrane 300.

[0079] The elastomer may be formed of at least one selected from the group consisting of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate (PC), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyimide (PI), and polyethersulfone (PES), but is not limited thereto.

[0080] Specifically, the elastomer may be a ductile elastic film, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the elastomer may be formed of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), or polyimide coated with rubber, silicon, or a combination thereof, but is not limited thereto. The elastomer may have durability against an environment squeezed and heated by the roller press 140, but is not limited thereto.

[0081] The thickness of the elastomer may be between 200 μm and 500 μm. When the thickness of the elastomer is less than 200 μm, the elastomer may not have sufficient ductility to provide a buffer between the roller press 140 and the first electrode film 200 and between the roller press and the second electrode film 300. When the thickness of the elastomer is greater than 500 μm, it may hinder the heat transfer of the roller press 140.

[0082] Figure 8 1 is a view showing a roller press 140a in a second implementation example according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The main reaction segment pattern 142a in the second implementation example may have an octahedral shape. In the case where the protrusion 144a in the second implementation example has a trapezoidal shape, the auxiliary reaction segment pattern 145a having a small triangular shape may be formed in a manner that they are spaced apart from each other corresponding to the protrusion 144a. However, these auxiliary reaction segment patterns 145a are not limited to the shape of small triangles.

[0083] Fig. 9 1 is a view showing a roller press 140b in a third implementation example according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the third implementation example, the primary reaction segment patterns 142b each having a hexagonal shape may be arranged in four rows spaced apart from each other on the surface 141 of the roller press 140. Fig. 9 , starting from the left side, the four columns of the main reaction segment pattern 142b are respectively referred to as the first column C1, the second column C2, the third column C3, and the fourth column C4. The leading main reaction segment pattern M1 in the second column C2 may be spaced apart from the trailing main reaction segment pattern M2 by a predetermined distance. The predetermined distance forms a first separation area D1. The main reaction segment pattern 142b in one of the columns C1 to C4 may be spaced apart from the main reaction segment pattern 142b in the adjacent column by a predetermined distance, but is not limited to this interval.

[0084] In the case where the first separation region D1 is formed on the second column C2, the second separation region D2 may be formed in a fourth column C4 that is not adjacent to the second column C2 in the length direction of the rotation axis 149. The auxiliary reaction segment patterns 145b may be arranged on both sides of the main reaction segment pattern 142b along the length direction of the rotation axis 149 of the roller press 140 and aligned with the first separation region D1 and the second separation region D2. Similarly, the auxiliary reaction segment patterns 145b may be arranged on both sides of the main reaction segment pattern 142b along the length direction of the rotation axis 149 of the roller press 140 and aligned with the first separation region D1 between the leading main reaction segment pattern M1 and the trailing main reaction segment pattern M2.

[0085] At any point in the main reaction section pattern 142 b , the sum of the width of the main reaction section pattern 142 b in the width direction of the electrolyte membrane 400 and the width of the region where the auxiliary reaction section pattern 145 b is formed may be expressed as a constant C in Equation 2.

[0086] Equation 2:

[0087] ((x+y) / 2)*4=C (C is a real number greater than 0)

[0088] Where x represents the maximum width of the main reaction zone pattern, and y represents the width at any point on the main reaction zone pattern.

[0089] Fig.10 1 is a view showing a roller press 140c in a fourth implementation example according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the fourth implementation example, the primary reaction segment patterns 142c each having a hexagonal shape may be arranged in three rows spaced apart from each other on the surface 141 of the roller press 140. Fig.10 , starting from the left, the three columns of main reaction segment patterns 142c are respectively referred to as the first column C5, the second column C6 and the third column C7. The leading main reaction segment pattern M3 in the first column C5 may be spaced apart from the trailing main reaction segment pattern M4 by a predetermined distance. The predetermined distance forms a third separation region D3.

[0090] When the third separation area D3 is formed in the first column C1, the fourth separation area D4 may be formed in the third column C7, which is not adjacent to the first column C1 in the length direction of the rotation shaft 149. In this case, the leading main reaction segment pattern M5 in the second column C6 may be spaced apart from the trailing main reaction segment pattern M6 by a predetermined distance. The predetermined distance forms the fifth separation area D5. The auxiliary reaction segment patterns 145c may be arranged on both sides of the main reaction segment pattern 142c along the length direction of the rotation shaft 149 of the roller press 140, respectively, and aligned with the third separation area D3 and the fourth separation area D4.

[0091] The auxiliary reaction section pattern 145c in the fourth implementation example may include a long pattern N1 having a large width z1 and a short pattern N2 having a small width z2. The long pattern N1 may be arranged to align with two separation regions formed on the same line along the length direction of the rotating shaft 149 of the roller press 140. The short pattern N2 may align with one separation region formed on the same line along the length direction of the rotating shaft 149 of the roller press 140.

[0092] At any point on the main reaction section pattern 142c, the sum of the width of the region where the main reaction section pattern 142c is formed in the width direction of the electrolyte membrane 400 and the width of the region where the auxiliary reaction section pattern 145c is formed can be expressed as the constant C in Equation 3.

[0093] Equation 3:

[0094] ((x+y) / 2)*3=C (C is a real number greater than 0)

[0095] Where x represents the maximum width of the main reaction zone pattern, and y represents the width at any point on the main reaction zone pattern.

[0096] That is, at any point on the main reaction segment pattern 142, the sum of the width of the main reaction segment pattern 142 along the length direction of the rotating shaft 149 of the roller press 140 and the width of the auxiliary reaction segment pattern 145 along the length direction of the rotating shaft 149 of the roller press 140 when it is on the same line with the above-mentioned arbitrary point can be kept constant. Therefore, using the system 1 for manufacturing a membrane electrode assembly according to the present disclosure, a uniform transfer pressure can be applied to the electrode material and the electrolyte membrane 400 to which the electrode material is attached on the same line. Therefore, factors causing quality degradation of the fuel cell, such as porosity, density difference, and changes in electrode area within the membrane electrode assembly 500, can be solved and processed.

[0097] Unlike the case where the electrode material is applied in a rectangular shape, the use of the roller press 140 including the main reaction section pattern 142 with a changed shape according to the present disclosure can reduce the unused area of ​​the electrolyte membrane. In addition, the use of the roller press 140 can effectively supply gas to the membrane electrode assembly 500.

[0098] In addition, the roller press 140' including a plurality of main reaction segment patterns 142 can further improve productivity. The auxiliary reaction segment patterns 145 can compensate for the separation area between the main reaction segment patterns 142 to which the electrode material is not applied. Therefore, the transfer pressure can be kept uniformly applied to the electrode material and the electrolyte membrane to which the electrode material is attached on the same line along the length direction of the rotating shaft 149 of the roller press 140. Thus, quality deviations such as porosity in the electrode can be prevented.

[0099] While the present disclosure has been described in conjunction with what are presently considered to be practical embodiments, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Instead, the present disclosure is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A system for manufacturing a membrane electrode assembly, the system include: a first transmission unit configured to transmit a first electrode film; a second transmission unit configured to transmit a second electrode film; a third transport unit configured to transport an electrolyte membrane having a predetermined width so that the electrolyte membrane is interposed between the first electrode membrane and the second electrode membrane; as well as a pair of roller presses configured to press the first electrode membrane, the electrolyte membrane, and the second electrode membrane drawn between the pair of roller presses from a lateral direction from top to bottom and from bottom to top; Wherein, at least one of the pair of roller presses comprises: a primary reaction zone pattern protruding from a surface of at least one of the pair of rollers; and a first auxiliary reaction segment pattern extending from a first side of the main reaction segment pattern in a width direction of the electrolyte membrane; and a second auxiliary reaction segment pattern extending from a second side of the main reaction segment pattern in the width direction of the electrolyte membrane.

2. The system according to claim 1, in, The primary reaction zone pattern has at least one of a polygonal shape and a curved shape, and The main reaction section pattern includes a plurality of main reaction section patterns arranged to be spaced apart from each other.

3. The system according to claim 1, in, The primary reaction zone pattern comprises at least one polygonal shape, wherein the main reaction segment pattern comprises a plurality of main reaction segment patterns arranged to be spaced apart from each other, and Wherein, each of the plurality of main reaction section patterns comprises: an embossed body; and A first protruding portion and a second protruding portion, wherein the first protruding portion protrudes from a first end of the embossing body along a length direction of a rotating shaft of the roller press, and the second protruding portion protrudes from a second end of the embossing body along the length direction of the rotating shaft of the roller press.

4. The system according to claim 1, in, The primary reaction zone pattern has a polygonal shape including n sides and n corners, where n is an even number equal to or greater than 6.

5. The system according to claim 1, in, The first auxiliary reaction segment pattern and the second auxiliary reaction segment pattern each have at least one of a polygonal shape and a curved shape, and wherein the first auxiliary reaction segment pattern and the second auxiliary reaction segment pattern each correspond in shape to the main reaction segment pattern.

6. The system according to claim 1, in, At any point on the main reaction segment pattern, the width of the main reaction segment pattern along the length direction of the rotating shaft of the roller press is a first width, the width of each of the first auxiliary reaction segment pattern and the second auxiliary reaction segment pattern when being on the same line as the arbitrary point along the length direction of the rotating shaft of the roller press is a second width, and the sum of the first width and the second width remains constant.

7. The system according to claim 1, in, A thickness of each of the first auxiliary reaction segment pattern and the second auxiliary reaction segment pattern is greater than a thickness of the main reaction segment pattern.

8. The system according to claim 1, in, The thickness of each of the first auxiliary reaction segment pattern and the second auxiliary reaction segment pattern is smaller than the sum of the thickness of the main reaction segment pattern and the respective thicknesses of the first electrode film, the electrolyte membrane and the second electrode film pulled between the roller presses from a lateral direction.

9. The system according to claim 1, in, The thickness of each of the first and second auxiliary reaction segment patterns is equal to the sum of the thickness of the main reaction segment pattern and the respective thicknesses of the first electrode film, the electrolyte membrane, and the second electrode film pushed out in the other lateral direction.

10. The system according to claim 1, further comprising: include: An elastic body is arranged at least one of a position between the roller press and the first electrode film and a position between the roller press and the second electrode film.

11. The system according to claim 10, in, The elastomer is formed of at least one selected from the group consisting of: Polyethylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, polymethyl methacrylate, polyethylene naphthalate, polyimide and polyether sulfone.

12. The system according to claim 10, in, The thickness of the elastomer is between 200 μm and 500 μm.

13. The system according to claim 1, in, The primary reaction segment pattern includes a plurality of primary reaction segment patterns, each of the plurality of primary reaction segment patterns including a hexagonal shaped portion; wherein the hexagonal shaped portions of the plurality of primary reaction section patterns are alternately arranged to be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance; and The first auxiliary reaction segment pattern and the second auxiliary reaction segment pattern include triangular shape portions corresponding to the hexagonal shape portions of the plurality of main reaction segment patterns.

14. The system according to claim 1, in, The primary reaction segment pattern includes a plurality of primary reaction segment patterns having octagonal shaped portions; wherein the octagonal shaped portions of the plurality of main reaction section patterns are alternately arranged to be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance; wherein the first auxiliary reaction segment pattern and the second auxiliary reaction segment pattern include triangular shape portions corresponding to the octagonal shape portions of the plurality of main reaction segment patterns; and The first auxiliary reaction section pattern and the second auxiliary reaction section pattern including the triangular shape portion are arranged to be spaced apart from each other.

15. The system according to claim 1, in, The roller press includes a plurality of primary reaction zone patterns in n columns, wherein n is a natural number equal to or greater than 2; wherein the plurality of primary reaction zone patterns include hexagonal shaped portions; wherein the hexagonal shaped portions of the plurality of primary reaction section patterns are alternately arranged to be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance; and Among them, the first auxiliary reaction segment pattern and the second auxiliary reaction segment pattern correspond to the multiple main reaction segment patterns in shape, and at any point on each main reaction segment pattern among the multiple main reaction segment patterns, the width of the main reaction segment pattern along the width direction of the electrolyte membrane is a first width, and the width of the first auxiliary reaction segment pattern and the second auxiliary reaction segment pattern when they are on the same line as the arbitrary point along the width direction of the electrolyte membrane is a second width, and the sum of the first width and the second width remains constant.

16. The system according to claim 1, in, The roller press includes three or more rows of a plurality of the primary reaction zone patterns.

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