A method for fabricating a five-in-one membrane electrode assembly

Abstract

This invention discloses a processing method for a five-in-one membrane electrode assembly, relating to the field of fuel cell technology. It solves the problems of cutting deviations and difficulty in removing the frame and cover film during the manufacturing process of membrane electrode assemblies in the prior art, and has the beneficial effects of fewer steps and improved processing efficiency. The specific solution is as follows: A processing method for a five-in-one membrane electrode assembly includes preparing a cathode protection membrane assembly and an anode protection membrane assembly; cutting the sides of the cathode protection membrane assembly and removing the cathode mask material after cutting; assembling the cathode frame assembly with the cut cathode protection membrane assembly; cutting the active area portion of the cathode frame assembly and removing the cathode active area frame film; cutting the sides of the anode protection membrane assembly and removing the anode mask material after cutting; assembling the anode frame assembly with the anode protection membrane; cutting the active area portion of the anode frame assembly and removing the anode active area frame film; and encapsulating it with a catalyst coating membrane.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of mass packaging technology for five-in-one membrane electrodes, and in particular to a method for processing a five-in-one membrane electrode assembly. Background Technology

[0002] The statements in this section are merely background information related to the present invention and do not necessarily constitute prior art.

[0003] Catalyst Coating Membrane (CCM): A structure formed by coating both sides of a proton exchange membrane with a cathode catalytic layer and an anode catalytic layer, also known as a three-in-one membrane electrode.

[0004] Five-in-one membrane electrode: A membrane electrode assembly formed by a catalyst-coated membrane and a frame encapsulation. The area of ​​the five-in-one membrane electrode that is not covered by the frame membrane is the active region.

[0005] Five-in-one membrane electrode with protective film: A membrane electrode assembly with protective film structures on both sides, such as... Figure 1 As shown, it consists of a cathode protective film a, a cathode mask b, a cathode frame c, an anode protective film d, an anode mask e, an anode frame f, and a catalyst coating film g. The cathode protective film a and the anode protective film d provide support and sealing, protecting the catalyst coating film g and the five-in-one membrane electrode from damage in subsequent processes. One application of the five-in-one membrane electrode with protective films is as raw material for frame coating.

[0006] refer to Figure 2 As shown, the incoming materials for the first structure include catalyst coating membrane raw material 1, cathode protection membrane assembly, cathode frame assembly, anode protection membrane assembly, and anode frame assembly. The cathode protection membrane assembly includes cathode protection membrane raw material 2 and cathode mask raw material 3; the anode protection membrane assembly includes anode protection membrane raw material 4 and anode mask raw material 5; the membranes are bonded together by electrostatic adsorption or adhesive bonding; the cathode frame assembly includes cathode frame raw material 6 and cathode frame cover film raw material 8; and the anode frame assembly includes anode frame raw material 7 and anode frame cover film raw material 9. All of the above incoming materials are continuous rolls.

[0007] The fabrication of the first structure includes step I, cathode frame assembly fabrication; step II, anode frame assembly fabrication; step III, five-in-one assembly encapsulation; and step IV, protective film half-cutting. The problem with this approach is that during the half-cutting of the cathode and anode protective films, the protective films on both sides of the five-in-one membrane electrode assembly sheet prepared in the previous step need to be cut separately, forming cathode active area protective film, cathode active area protective film waste 2-1, anode active area protective film, and anode active area protective film waste 2-2. During the cutting process, deviations in cutting depth occur; cutting too deep damages the frame, while cutting too shallow makes subsequent waste removal difficult. This deviation is difficult to avoid, reducing the yield rate. Furthermore, the alignment accuracy requirements for the cutting of the cathode and anode protective films are high.

[0008] refer to Figure 5 As shown, the incoming materials for the second structure include a catalyst coating film, a cathode protection film assembly, a cathode frame assembly, an anode protection film assembly, and an anode frame assembly. The cathode protection film assembly includes cathode protection film raw materials and cathode mask raw materials; the anode protection film assembly includes anode protection film raw materials and anode mask raw materials; the films are bonded together by electrostatic adsorption or adhesive bonding; the cathode frame assembly includes a cathode frame; and the anode frame assembly includes anode frame raw materials. All of the above incoming materials are continuous rolls.

[0009] The second method for fabricating the structure includes step I, cathode frame assembly fabrication; step II, anode frame assembly fabrication; step III, five-in-one assembly encapsulation; and step IV, protective film half-cutting. In step II, the anode protective film assembly is first cut by trimming the anode mask without cutting the anode protective film, forming an anode active area mask and anode mask waste 5-1. Then, the anode mask waste 5-1 is removed to expose the anode protective film. The anode frame assembly is then combined with the anode protective film assembly. The active area portion of the anode frame assembly is cut without cutting the anode protective film and anode mask, forming an anode active area frame film, an anode active area frame cover film, an anode inactive area frame film, and an anode inactive area frame cover film. The anode active area frame film and the anode active area frame cover film are then removed to obtain the anode frame assembly. The problem is that the frame cover film serves as an intermediate layer to protect the frame from damage during the cutting of the protective film. However, there is an overlapping area between the protective film and the frame cover film (e.g., Figure 7 As shown in the figure, the removal of the frame cover film is difficult and cannot be automated; moreover, the frame cover film can easily cause the protective film to slip, reducing the positional accuracy of the protective film; in addition, the removal of the frame cover film will damage the adhesive layer of the protective film, resulting in a decrease in the adhesion between the protective film and the frame, reducing the protection of the catalyst coating film. Summary of the Invention

[0010] In view of the shortcomings of the existing technology, the purpose of this invention is to provide a processing method for a five-in-one film electrode assembly, which avoids damage to the frame film, reduces the number of processes, and improves production efficiency.

[0011] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention is implemented through the following technical solution: A method for fabricating a five-in-one membrane electrode assembly includes the following: Prepare a cathode protection film assembly and an anode protection film assembly. The cathode protection film assembly includes a cathode support film, a cathode protection film material, and a cathode mask material arranged in sequence. The anode protection film assembly includes an anode support film, an anode protection film material, and an anode mask material arranged in sequence. Preparation of a cathode protection film assembly with a cathode frame assembly: the sides of the cathode protection film assembly are cut and the cathode mask material on the cut sides is removed. The cathode frame assembly and the cut cathode protection film assembly are combined. The active area of ​​the cathode frame assembly is cut and the cathode active area frame film is removed. Preparation of an anode protective film assembly with an anode frame assembly: the sides of the anode protective film assembly are cut and the anode mask material on the cut sides is removed; the anode frame assembly and the cut anode protective film assembly are combined; the active area of ​​the anode frame assembly is cut and the anode active area frame film is removed. The prepared cathode protection film assembly with cathode border component and the anode protection film assembly with anode border component are encapsulated with a catalyst coating film.

[0012] The fabrication method of the five-in-one membrane electrode assembly described above, wherein the preparation of the cathode protection film assembly with cathode frame assembly includes the following steps: The cathode protection film material and cathode mask material of the cathode protection film assembly are cut. The cutting position of the cathode mask material is closer to the side of the cathode protection film assembly than the cutting position of the cathode protection film material, forming a cathode active area mask, a cathode inactive area mask, a cathode active area protection film and a cathode inactive area protection film. Remove the mask from the inactive area of ​​the cathode; Composite the cathode frame assembly with the cut cathode protective film assembly; The active area portion of the cathode frame assembly is cut to form a cathode active area frame film and a cathode inactive area frame film; Remove the border film of the cathode active region to obtain a cathode protection film assembly with a cathode border component.

[0013] In the processing method of the five-in-one membrane electrode assembly described above, the cathode inactive region mask is located on both sides of the cathode active region mask. The cathode inactive region mask includes two sections, one section located on the side of the cathode active region protective film and the other section located at the bottom of the cathode inactive region protective film.

[0014] In the processing method of the five-in-one membrane electrode assembly described above, the preparation order of the cathode protection film assembly with cathode frame assembly and the anode protection film assembly with anode frame assembly can be interchanged.

[0015] The fabrication method of the five-in-one membrane electrode assembly described above, wherein the preparation of the anode protective film assembly with the anode frame assembly includes the following steps: The anode protective film material and anode mask material of the anode protective film assembly are cut. The cutting position of the anode mask material is closer to the side of the anode protective film assembly than the cutting position of the anode protective film material, forming an anode active area mask, an anode inactive area mask, an anode active area protective film, and an anode inactive area protective film. Remove the mask from the inactive anode region; Composite the anode frame assembly with the anode protective film assembly; The active area of ​​the anode frame assembly is cut off without cutting the anode protective film and anode mask to form an anode active area frame film and an anode inactive area frame film. The cut-out anode active area border film is removed to obtain an anode protective film assembly with an anode border component.

[0016] The processing method of the five-in-one membrane electrode assembly described above, wherein the prepared cathode protection film assembly with cathode frame assembly and anode protection film assembly with anode frame assembly are encapsulated with a catalyst coating film, includes one of the following: The cathode protection film assembly with cathode frame assembly is combined with the catalyst coating film, and the anode protection film assembly with anode frame assembly is combined to the catalyst coating film side. The anode protection film assembly with an anode frame assembly is combined with the catalyst coating film, and the cathode protection film assembly with a cathode frame assembly is combined to the side of the catalyst coating film. The cathode frame assembly and the anode frame assembly are simultaneously composited onto both sides of the catalyst coating film.

[0017] The processing method of the five-in-one membrane electrode assembly described above uses a first batch preparation device to prepare the cathode protection film assembly. The first batch preparation device processes two sets of anode protection film assemblies at the same time. The first batch preparation device includes a high-low blade cutting mechanism, which is used to cut the cathode protection film assembly with a cathode frame assembly. An adhesive tape is provided on the output side of the high-low blade cutting mechanism. A frame-protective film composite mechanism is provided on the output side of the adhesive tape. A frame active area cutting mechanism is provided at the output end of the frame-protective film composite mechanism. A frame waste discharge mechanism is provided at the output end of the frame active area cutting mechanism. The first waste material winding mechanism is located between the adhesive tape and the frame-protective film composite mechanism, and the frame assembly feeds the roll to the frame-protective film composite mechanism.

[0018] As described above, in a method for processing a five-in-one membrane electrode assembly, the unwinding drum of the cathode protective film assembly with cathode frame assembly is placed in front of the high and low blade cutting mechanism. The cathode protective film assembly unwound from the unwinding drum of the cathode protective film assembly with cathode frame assembly passes through the high and low blade cutting mechanism, adhesive tape, the frame-protective film composite mechanism, the frame active area cutting mechanism, and the frame waste discharge mechanism, and is finally wound onto the take-up drum. The waste discharge mechanism for the frame includes a first roll, a second roll, and a third roll arranged in a V-shape. The second roll is positioned lower than the first roll and the third roll, and is positioned close to the take-up roll.

[0019] As described above, in a method for processing a five-in-one membrane electrode assembly, a second batch preparation apparatus prepares an anode protective film assembly with an anode frame assembly. The structure of the second batch preparation apparatus is the same as that of the first batch preparation apparatus.

[0020] The processing method of the five-in-one membrane electrode assembly described above uses a third batch preparation device to encapsulate the cathode protection film assembly with cathode frame assembly, the anode protection film assembly with anode frame assembly, and the catalyst coating film. The third batch preparation device includes a CCM-frame assembly composite mechanism, a second waste winding mechanism, and a shape cutting mechanism arranged in sequence. The unwinding drum of the cathode protection film assembly with cathode frame assembly, the unwinding drum of the CCM, and the unwinding drum of the anode protection film assembly with anode frame assembly are placed on the input side of the CCM-frame assembly composite mechanism. The CCM-frame assembly composite mechanism is first composited with an anode protective film assembly with an anode frame assembly or a cathode protective film assembly with a cathode frame assembly, and then composited with the other side, or simultaneously composited with an anode protective film assembly with an anode frame assembly or a cathode protective film assembly with a cathode frame assembly.

[0021] In the processing method of the five-in-one membrane electrode assembly described above, the adhesive tape can be adhered to the position between the two sides of the cathode inactive area mask after being cut, and the adhesive tape is placed on both sides or around the cathode active area mask.

[0022] The beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: 1) The cathode protection film assembly and anode protection film assembly provided by this invention each have a corresponding support film. The support film is beneficial to protect the corresponding protection film assembly. This allows for the cutting of the corresponding mask material first, followed by lamination with the corresponding frame assembly. After lamination, the corresponding frame assembly can be cut again. Finally, it is encapsulated with the catalyst coating film. The method is reasonable, with the corresponding support film supporting the corresponding protection film assembly. Cutting first effectively avoids problems such as inaccurate cutting and deviations caused by cutting after encapsulating the five-in-one assembly. It also avoids problems such as low positional accuracy of the protection film and damage to the protective film adhesive layer caused by setting the frame cover film.

[0023] 2) In this invention, the cathode protection film assembly and the anode protection film assembly are first cut and then combined with the corresponding frame assembly, which avoids the damage to the frame film during the cutting process of the cathode and anode protection film assemblies in the prior art. Moreover, the corresponding protective film material and the corresponding mask material are cut at the same time, which effectively ensures the positioning accuracy and improves the alignment accuracy of the cathode and anode.

[0024] 3) In this invention, the corresponding protective film material is cut and the mask material is cut at the same time. Moreover, the waste material of the relevant mask can be quickly removed after cutting. At the same time, the cathode and anode protective film materials do not need to be isolated by the frame cover film, avoiding the slippage of the protective film. There is no frame cover film removal process, which reduces the number of processes and improves production efficiency.

[0025] 4) The frameless cover film removal step in this invention avoids the damage to the adhesive layer of the anode and cathode protective film caused by the removal of the frame cover film, ensures the bonding strength between the anode and cathode protective film and the frame, improves the airtightness, and effectively prevents the catalyst coating film from being contaminated, swollen or excessively dehydrated.

[0026] 5) The invention includes a first batch preparation device, a second batch preparation device, and a third batch preparation device, which enables the mass production of five-in-one film electrodes. The overall process is simple, and the entire process can be carried out by roll-to-roll method, resulting in high production efficiency, high precision, high controllability, and high automation. Attached Figure Description

[0027] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this invention, are used to provide a further understanding of the invention. The illustrative embodiments of the invention and their descriptions are used to explain the invention and do not constitute an improper limitation of the invention.

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a five-in-one membrane electrode assembly in the prior art.

[0029] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the raw material composition of the first structure in the prior art.

[0030] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the cathode protection film material and the anode protection film material after being cut in the first structural processing method in the prior art.

[0031] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating how the cutting depth is easily caused after cutting the cathode protection film material and the anode protection film material in the first structural processing method in the prior art.

[0032] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the raw material composition of the second structure in the prior art.

[0033] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the anode mask material after being cut in the second structural processing method in the prior art.

[0034] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the overlapping area caused by the second structural processing method in the prior art.

[0035] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the raw material composition in a processing method of a five-in-one membrane electrode assembly according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 9(a) is a diagram showing the preparation steps of a cathode protection film assembly with a cathode frame assembly in a processing method of a five-in-one film electrode assembly according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 9(b) is a diagram showing the preparation steps of an anode protective film assembly with an anode frame assembly in a processing method of a five-in-one film electrode assembly according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 9(c) is a diagram of the final encapsulation step in a processing method of a five-in-one membrane electrode assembly according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram showing the process of cutting the cathode protection film material and the cathode mask material in a processing method of a five-in-one membrane electrode assembly according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram showing the cutting of the anode protective film material and the anode mask material in a processing method of a five-in-one membrane electrode assembly according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the cathode frame assembly after being cut in a processing method of a five-in-one film electrode assembly according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the shape of the frame being cut out in a processing method of a five-in-one film electrode assembly according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of a first batch preparation apparatus or a second batch preparation apparatus in a processing method for a five-in-one membrane electrode assembly according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the third batch preparation apparatus in a processing method of a five-in-one membrane electrode assembly according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the simultaneous processing of two sets of cathode protection film assemblies in a processing method for a five-in-one membrane electrode assembly according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 17 This is a front view of the adhesive tape placement position in a processing method of a five-in-one membrane electrode assembly according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 18 This is a top view of the adhesive tape placement position in a processing method of a five-in-one membrane electrode assembly according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0048] Figure 19 This is a top view of the adhesive tape placement position in a processing method of a five-in-one membrane electrode assembly in another example of the present invention.

[0049] Figure 20 This is a top view of the adhesive tape placement position in a processing method of a five-in-one membrane electrode assembly in another example of the present invention.

[0050] Figure 21 This is a top view of the adhesive tape placement position in a processing method of a five-in-one membrane electrode assembly in another example of the present invention.

[0051] Figure 22 This is a top view of the adhesive tape placement position in a processing method of a five-in-one membrane electrode assembly in another example of the present invention.

[0052] Figure 23 This is a top view of the adhesive tape placement position in a processing method of a five-in-one membrane electrode assembly in another example of the present invention.

[0053] The diagram exaggerates the spacing or dimensions between parts to show their positions; the diagram is for illustrative purposes only.

[0054] Wherein: a, cathode protection film, b, cathode mask, c, cathode frame, d, anode protection film, e, anode mask, f, anode frame, g, catalyst coating film; 1. Catalyst coating membrane raw material; 2. Cathode protection membrane raw material; 3. Cathode mask raw material; 4. Anode protection membrane raw material; 5. Anode mask raw material; 6. Cathode frame raw material; 7. Anode frame raw material; 8. Cathode frame cover film raw material; 9. Anode frame cover film raw material; 10. Cathode support film; 11. Anode support film; 12. Cathode frame assembly; 13. Anode frame assembly; 14. Unwinding drum of cathode protection membrane assembly; 15. High and low blade cutting mechanism; 16. Adhesive tape; 17. First waste 18. Frame assembly unwinding drum; 19. Frame-protective film composite mechanism; 20. Frame active area cutting mechanism; 21. Frame waste material discharge mechanism; 22. Rewinding drum; 23. Unwinding drum of cathode protective film assembly with cathode frame assembly; 24. Unwinding drum of CCM; 25. Unwinding drum of anode protective film assembly with anode frame assembly; 26. CCM-frame assembly composite mechanism; 27. Second waste material rewinding mechanism; 28. Shape cutting mechanism; 29. ​​Collection frame. 151. First roller; 152. Second roller; 171. Third roller; 172. Fourth roller; 191. Fifth roller; 192. Sixth roller; 201. Seventh roller; 202. Eighth roller; 211. First drum; 212. Second drum; 213. Third drum; 261. Ninth roller; 262. Tenth roller; 271. Eleventh roller; 272. Twelfth roller; 273. Thirteenth roller; 274. Fourteenth roller; 281. Fourth cutter; 282. Pad. 2-1. Waste of protective film in cathode active area; 2-2. Waste of protective film in anode active area; 3-1. Protective film for the active area of ​​the cathode; 3-2. Protective film for the inactive area of ​​the cathode; 4-1. Cathode active region mask; 4-2. Cathode inactive region mask; 5-1. Anode mask waste; 6-1. Protective film for the active anode region; 6-2. Protective film for the inactive anode region; 7-1. Mask for the active anode region; 7-2. Mask for the inactive anode region; 8-2-1 Cathode frame components; 8-2-2 Cathode frame scrap; 9-1. Anode active area border film; 9-2. Anode inactive area border film; 9-2-1. Anode border component; 9-2-2. Anode border waste. Detailed Implementation

[0055] It should be noted that the following detailed description is illustrative and intended to provide further explanation of the invention. Unless otherwise specified, all technical and scientific terms used in this invention have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains.

[0056] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of exemplary embodiments according to the invention. As used herein, unless otherwise expressly indicated by the invention, the singular form is also intended to include the plural form. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components, and / or combinations thereof. As described in the background section, the existing membrane electrode assembly manufacturing process suffers from problems such as easy deviation during cutting and difficulty in removing the frame cover film. In order to solve the above technical problems, this invention proposes a processing method for a five-in-one membrane electrode assembly.

[0057] Example 1 In a typical embodiment of the present invention, a method for processing a five-in-one membrane electrode assembly includes the following: refer to Figure 8 As shown, a cathode protection film assembly and an anode protection film assembly are prepared. The cathode protection film assembly includes a cathode support film 10, a cathode protection film material 2, and a cathode mask material 3 arranged in sequence. The anode protection film assembly includes an anode support film 11, an anode protection film material 4, and an anode mask material 5 arranged in sequence. Referring to Figure 9(a), the sides of the cathode protection film assembly are cut and the cathode mask material on the cut sides is removed. The cathode frame assembly and the cut cathode protection film assembly are combined. The active area of ​​the cathode frame assembly 12 is cut and the cathode active area frame film is removed. Referring to Figure 9(b), the sides of the anode protective film assembly are cut and the anode mask material on the cut sides is removed. The composite anode frame assembly and the cut anode protective film assembly are then combined. The active area portion of the anode frame assembly 13 is cut and the anode active area frame film is removed. Referring to Figure 9(c), the prepared cathode protection film assembly with cathode frame assembly and the anode protection film assembly with anode frame assembly are encapsulated with the catalyst coating film g.

[0058] It should be noted that the cathode frame assembly 12 and the anode frame assembly 13 are composed of single-layer or multi-layer film composites, such as frames or frames combined with release films. The films are bonded together by electrostatic adsorption or adhesive bonding, and the incoming material is a continuous roll.

[0059] It is easy to understand that steps I and II can be interchanged or performed simultaneously. The cutting involved in the steps can be done using methods such as circular knives, flat knives, or lasers.

[0060] Step II: Cut the cathode mask material 3 and cathode protection film material 2 in the cathode protection film assembly. The cutting position of the cathode mask material 3 is closer to the side of the cathode protection film assembly than the cutting position of the cathode protection film material 2. The cutting depth of the cathode mask material 3 is less than the cutting position of the cathode protection film material 2. (Refer to...) Figure 10 As shown, a cathode active region mask 4-1, a cathode inactive region mask 4-2, a cathode active region protective film 3-1, and a cathode inactive region protective film 3-2 are formed. The cathode inactive region mask 4-2 is placed on both sides of the cathode active region mask 4-1. The cathode inactive region mask 4-2 includes two sections, one section located on the side of the cathode active region protective film 3-1, and the other section located at the bottom of the cathode inactive region protective film 3-2. Step I.II: Remove the cathode inactive area mask 4-2 using adhesive tape 16; Step I.III: Composite the cathode frame assembly 12 with the cut cathode protection film assembly; Step I.IV: Cut the active area portion of the cathode frame assembly without cutting the cathode protective film and cathode mask to form the cathode active area frame film and the cathode inactive area frame film; Step IV: Remove the cathode active area border film cut out in Step I.IV to obtain a cathode protection film assembly with a cathode border component.

[0061] The processing of the anodic protective film assembly includes the following: Step II.I: Cut the anode protective film assembly, and simultaneously cut the anode protective film material 4 and the anode mask material 5. The cutting position of the anode mask material 5 is closer to the side of the anode protective film assembly than the cutting position of the anode protective film material 4. (Refer to...) Figure 11 As shown, an anode active region mask 7-1, an anode inactive region mask 7-2, an anode active region protective film 6-1, and an anode inactive region protective film 6-2 are formed. The anode inactive region mask 7-2 has two sections, one on the side of the anode active region protective film 6-1 and the other on the side of the anode inactive region protective film 6-2. Step II.II: Remove the mask 7-2 from the non-active area of ​​the anode; Step II.III: Composite the anode frame assembly with the cut anode protective film assembly; Step II.IV: Cut the active area of ​​the anode frame assembly without cutting the anode protective film and anode mask, refer to... Figure 12 As shown, a border film 9-1 for the anode active region and a border film 9-2 for the anode inactive region are formed; Step II.V: Remove the anodic active area border film 9-1 cut out in Step II.IV to obtain the anodic protective film assembly.

[0062] It is easy to understand that setting a corresponding backing film for the corresponding protective film component is beneficial for cutting the corresponding mask material and protective film material first, avoiding damage to the frame film during the cutting process of the cathode and anode protective film components in the prior art. Moreover, the corresponding protective film material and the corresponding mask material are cut at the same time, which effectively ensures the positioning accuracy, improves the alignment accuracy of the cathode and anode, and eliminates the step of removing the frame cover film, thus reducing the number of steps.

[0063] The five-in-one component is encapsulated, including the following: Step III.I: Combine the cathode protection film assembly, catalyst coating film, and anode protection film assembly to form a five-in-one membrane electrode assembly, using one of the following three methods: (1) The cathode protection film assembly with cathode frame assembly is composited with one side of the catalyst coating film g, and then the anode protection film assembly with anode frame assembly is composited to the other side of the catalyst coating film g. (2) The anode protection film assembly with the anode frame assembly is composited with one side of the catalyst coating film g, and then the cathode protection film assembly with the cathode frame assembly is composited to the other side of the catalyst coating film g. (3) The cathode protection film assembly with cathode frame assembly and the anode protection film assembly with anode frame assembly are simultaneously composited onto both sides of the catalyst coating film g.

[0064] Step III.II: Remove the cathode inactive area protective film 3-2, anode inactive area protective film 6-2, cathode support film 10 and anode support film 11 from the five-in-one membrane electrode assembly with protective film prepared in Step III.I; Step III.III: Cut out the outline of the frame. During the cutting process, the frame films of the cathode active area and the anode active area are cut simultaneously. Refer to... Figure 13 As shown, cathode frame component 8-2-1 and cathode frame scrap 8-2-2 and anode frame component 9-2-1 and anode frame scrap 9-2-2 are formed; Step III.IV: Remove the cathode frame waste 8-2-2 and anode frame waste 9-2-2 to obtain a five-in-one membrane electrode with a protective film.

[0065] refer to Figure 14 As shown, the cathode protection film assembly is prepared using a first-batch preparation device, referencing... Figure 16As shown, the first batch preparation device processes two sets of anode protective film assemblies at the same time to improve work efficiency. The first batch preparation device includes a high-low blade cutting mechanism 15, which is used to cut the cathode protective film assembly. The output side of the high-low blade cutting mechanism 15 is provided with adhesive tape 16, the output side of the adhesive tape 16 is provided with a frame-protective film composite mechanism 19, the output end of the frame-protective film composite mechanism 19 is provided with a frame active area cutting mechanism 20, and the output end of the frame active area cutting mechanism 20 is provided with a frame waste discharge mechanism 21. In this embodiment, the high-low blade cutting mechanism 15 is an existing cutting mechanism. To facilitate the bonding operation, the cathode mask of the cathode protection film assembly is set upwards. The high-low blade cutting mechanism 15 includes a first roller 151 and a second roller 152. The first roller 151 and the second roller 152 are arranged opposite to each other, with the second roller 152 located below. The first roller 151 is provided with a first cutter and a second cutter. The first cutter protrudes above the second cutter, that is, the position of the first cutter is lower than the position of the second cutter. The first cutter is located inside the second cutter. Both the first cutter and the second cutter are provided in two places. The first cutter is used to cut the cathode protection film material, and the second cutter is used to cut the cathode mask material. The first cutter and the second cutter are used to cut both sides of the cathode protection film assembly at the same time. In order to process the two sets of cathode protection film assemblies at the same time, the first roller is provided with 4 first cutters and 4 second cutters.

[0066] The adhesive tape 16 is used to adhere the cathode inactive area mask 4-2 to remove the cathode inactive area mask 4-2. The adhesive tape 16 adheres the cathode inactive area mask 4-2 from the upper side of the cathode protective film assembly. The adhered cathode inactive area mask 4-2, i.e., waste material, is removed by the first waste material winding mechanism 17. The first waste material winding mechanism 17 is placed between the adhesive tape 16 and the frame-protective film composite mechanism 19. The first waste material winding mechanism 17 includes a rotatable third roller 171 and a fourth roller 172. The third roller 171 is set lower than the fourth roller 172 and is placed between the fourth roller 172 and the adhesive tape 16. The cathode inactive area mask 4-2 is recycled through the third roller 171 and the fourth roller 172.

[0067] In addition, the frame assembly unwinds the roll 18 to feed the frame-protective film composite mechanism 19, which includes a fifth roller 191 and a sixth roller 192 that are rotatably arranged. The fifth roller 191 and the sixth roller 192 are arranged vertically, and the fourth roller 172 is arranged higher than the fifth roller 191.

[0068] It should be explained that the active area cutting mechanism 20 includes a seventh roller 201 and an eighth roller 202 arranged vertically. The seventh roller 201 and the eighth roller 202 are arranged vertically. A third cutter is provided at the seventh roller 201. The active area of ​​the cathode frame assembly 12 is cut by the third cutter.

[0069] The unwinding drum 14 of the cathode protection film assembly is positioned in front of the high and low blade cutting mechanism 15. The cathode protection film assembly unwound from the unwinding drum 14 passes between the first roller 151 and the second roller 152 of the high and low blade cutting mechanism 15, the adhesive tape 16, between the fifth roller 191 and the sixth roller 192 of the frame-protective film composite mechanism 19, between the seventh roller 201 and the eighth roller 202 of the frame active area cutting mechanism 20, and the frame waste discharge mechanism 21. Finally, it passes through the rotating roller and winds around the take-up drum 22, which is positioned lower than the rotating roller. Specifically, the waste discharge mechanism 21 for the frame includes a first roll 211, a second roll 212, and a third roll 213 arranged in a V-shape. The first roll 211, the second roll 212, and the third roll 213 are all rotatable. The second roll 212 is arranged below the first roll 211 and the third roll 213. The second roll is arranged close to the cathode protection film assembly with the frame assembly, and the second roll 212 is positioned between the seventh roller 201 and the take-up drum 22.

[0070] It should be noted that the adhesive tape 16 can be applied between the two sides of the cut cathode inactive area mask. The adhesive tape 16 can be placed on one side, two sides, or all four sides of the cathode active area mask, and can simultaneously bond and remove the two sections of cathode inactive area mask 4-2.

[0071] refer to Figure 17 and Figure 18 As shown, adhesive tape 16 is placed on both sides of the cathode active area mask 4-1, and the length of adhesive tape 16 is less than the width of the cathode active area mask 4-1. refer to Figure 19 As shown, since the cathode inactive area mask 4-2 is a ring structure, the adhesive tape 16 is placed on one side of the cathode active area mask 4-1 to bond the one side of the cathode active area mask 4-1, thus enabling the rapid removal of the cathode inactive area mask 4-2.

[0072] refer to Figure 20 As shown, adhesive tape 16 is placed around the cathode active area mask 4-1, that is, adhesive tape 16 is provided on each side of the cathode active area mask 4-1 to quickly remove the cathode inactive area mask 4-2. refer to Figure 21As shown, the adhesive tape 16 is placed on both sides of the cathode active area mask 4-1. Since two sets are processed at the same time, the middle adhesive tape 16 covers the cathode inactive area mask 4-2 in the middle area of ​​the two sets of anode protection film assemblies. That is, the width of the middle adhesive tape 16 is greater than the width of the side adhesive tape 16.

[0073] refer to Figure 22 As shown, adhesive tape 16 is placed around the cathode active area mask 4-1 to quickly remove the cathode inactive area mask 4-2. The adhesive tape on the longer side of the cathode active area mask 4-1 can be divided into multiple segments, such as three segments. refer to Figure 23 As shown, adhesive tape 16 is placed around the perimeter of the cathode active area mask, but the adhesive tape is a complete circle without interruption.

[0074] It is easy to understand that the anode protective film assembly with the anode frame component is prepared using a second batch preparation device, and the structure of the second batch preparation device is the same as that of the first batch preparation device.

[0075] refer to Figure 15 As shown, a third batch preparation device is used to encapsulate a cathode protection film assembly with a cathode frame assembly, an anode frame assembly with an anode frame assembly, and a catalyst coating film. The third batch preparation device includes a CCM-frame assembly composite mechanism 26, a second waste winding mechanism 27, and a shape cutting mechanism 28 arranged sequentially. The unwinding drum 23 of the cathode protection film assembly with a cathode frame assembly, the unwinding drum 24 of the CCM, and the unwinding drum 25 of the anode protection film assembly with an anode frame assembly are placed on the input side of the CCM-frame assembly composite mechanism 26. The unwinding drum 24 of the CCM is located between the unwinding drum 23 of the cathode protection film assembly with a cathode frame assembly and the unwinding drum 25 of the anode protection film assembly with an anode frame assembly.

[0076] The CCM-frame assembly composite mechanism is first composited with an anode protective film assembly with an anode frame assembly or a cathode protective film assembly with a cathode frame assembly, and then composited with the other side, or simultaneously composited with an anode protective film assembly with an anode frame assembly or a cathode protective film assembly with a cathode frame assembly.

[0077] In addition, the second waste winding mechanism 27 includes an eleventh roller 271 and a twelfth roller 272 arranged vertically. The eleventh roller 271 is positioned below the thirteenth roller 273, and the twelfth roller 272 is positioned above the fourteenth roller 274. The eleventh roller 271 and the thirteenth roller 273 remove the cathode inactive area protective film 3-2 and the cathode support film 10 from the top, while the twelfth roller 272 and the fourteenth roller 274 remove the anode inactive area protective film 6-2 and the anode support film 11. The shape cutting mechanism 28 includes a fourth cutter 281, which is a rectangular ring structure. The fourth cutter 281 and the pad 282 work together to cut the overall shape. The pad 282 is placed below the fourth cutter 281. After cutting, the material is unloaded and enters the collection frame 29.

[0078] In this embodiment, the CCM-frame component composite mechanism 26 includes a ninth roller 261 and a tenth roller 262 arranged vertically. The material from the three sets of unwinding drums passes between the ninth roller 261 and the tenth roller 262, then passes through the second waste material winding mechanism 27, and finally passes through the shape cutting mechanism 28 for overall shape cutting.

[0079] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention. Various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for fabricating a five-in-one membrane electrode assembly, characterized in that, Includes the following: Prepare a cathode protection film assembly and an anode protection film assembly. The cathode protection film assembly includes a cathode support film, a cathode protection film material, and a cathode mask material arranged in sequence. The anode protection film assembly includes an anode support film, an anode protection film material, and an anode mask material arranged in sequence. Preparation of a cathode protection film assembly with a cathode frame assembly: the sides of the cathode protection film assembly are cut and the cathode mask material on the cut sides is removed. The cathode frame assembly and the cut cathode protection film assembly are combined. The active area of ​​the cathode frame assembly is cut and the cathode active area frame film is removed. Step II: Cut the cathode mask material and cathode protection film material in the cathode protection film assembly. The cutting position of the cathode mask material is closer to the side of the cathode protection film assembly than the cutting position of the cathode protection film material. The cutting depth of the cathode mask material is less than the cutting position of the cathode protection film material, forming a cathode active area mask, a cathode inactive area mask, a cathode active area protection film, and a cathode inactive area protection film. The cathode inactive area mask is placed on both sides of the cathode active area mask. The cathode inactive area mask includes two sections, one located on the side of the cathode active area protection film and the other located at the bottom of the cathode inactive area protection film. Steps I and II: Remove the mask from the inactive area of ​​the cathode using adhesive tape; Step I.III: Composite the cathode frame assembly with the cut cathode protection film assembly; Step I.IV: Cut the active area portion of the cathode frame assembly without cutting the cathode protective film and cathode mask to form the cathode active area frame film and the cathode inactive area frame film; Step IV: Remove the cathode active area border film cut out in Step I.IV to obtain a cathode protection film assembly with a cathode border assembly; Preparation of an anode protective film assembly with an anode frame assembly: the sides of the anode protective film assembly are cut and the anode mask material on the cut sides is removed; the anode frame assembly and the cut anode protective film assembly are combined; the active area of ​​the anode frame assembly is cut and the anode active area frame film is removed. Step II.I: Cut the anode protective film assembly, and simultaneously cut the anode protective film material and the anode mask material. The cutting position of the anode mask material is closer to the side of the anode protective film assembly than the cutting position of the anode protective film material, forming an anode active area mask, an anode inactive area mask, an anode active area protective film, and an anode inactive area protective film. The anode inactive area mask has two sections, one on the side of the anode active area protective film and the other on the side of the anode inactive area protective film. Step II.II: Remove the mask from the inactive area of ​​the anode; Step II.III: Composite the anode frame assembly with the cut anode protective film assembly; Step II.IV: Cut the active area portion of the anode frame assembly without cutting the anode protective film and anode mask to form the anode active area frame film and the anode inactive area frame film; Step II.V: Remove the border film of the anode active area cut out in Step II.IV to obtain the anode protection film assembly; The prepared cathode protection film assembly with cathode frame component and the anode protection film assembly with anode frame component are encapsulated with a catalyst coating film. The five-in-one component is encapsulated, including the following: Step III.I: Combine the cathode protection film assembly, catalyst coating film, and anode protection film assembly to form a five-in-one membrane electrode assembly, using one of the following three methods: (1) The cathode protection film assembly with cathode frame assembly is composited with one side of the catalyst coating film g, and then the anode protection film assembly with anode frame assembly is composited to the other side of the catalyst coating film g. (2) The anode protection film assembly with the anode frame assembly is composited with one side of the catalyst coating film g, and then the cathode protection film assembly with the cathode frame assembly is composited to the other side of the catalyst coating film g. (3) The cathode protection film assembly with cathode frame assembly and the anode protection film assembly with anode frame assembly are simultaneously composited onto both sides of the catalyst coating film g.

2. The processing method of a five-in-one membrane electrode assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cathode inactive region mask is located on both sides of the cathode active region mask. The cathode inactive region mask includes two sections, one section located on the side of the cathode active region protective film and the other section located at the bottom of the cathode inactive region protective film.

3. The processing method of a five-in-one membrane electrode assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The order of preparation of the cathode protection film assembly with cathode frame assembly and the anode protection film assembly with anode frame assembly can be interchanged.

4. The processing method of a five-in-one membrane electrode assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, A first batch preparation device is used to prepare cathode protection film assemblies. The first batch preparation device processes two sets of anode protection film assemblies at the same time. The first batch preparation device includes a high-low blade cutting mechanism, which is used to cut the cathode protection film assembly with cathode frame assembly. Adhesive tape is provided on the output side of the high-low blade cutting mechanism. A frame-protective film composite mechanism is provided on the output side of the adhesive tape. A frame active area cutting mechanism is provided at the output end of the frame-protective film composite mechanism. A frame waste discharge mechanism is provided at the output end of the frame active area cutting mechanism. The first waste material winding mechanism is located between the adhesive tape and the frame-protective film composite mechanism, and the frame assembly feeds the roll to the frame-protective film composite mechanism.

5. The processing method of a five-in-one membrane electrode assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that, The unwinding drum of the cathode protective film assembly with cathode frame assembly is placed in front of the high and low blade cutting mechanism. The cathode protective film assembly unwound from the unwinding drum of the cathode protective film assembly with cathode frame assembly passes through the high and low blade cutting mechanism, adhesive tape, the frame-protective film composite mechanism, the frame active area cutting mechanism and the frame waste discharge mechanism, and finally winds onto the take-up drum. The waste discharge mechanism for the frame includes a first roll, a second roll, and a third roll arranged in a V-shape. The second roll is positioned lower than the first roll and the third roll, and is positioned close to the take-up roll.

6. A method for processing a five-in-one membrane electrode assembly according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, An anode protective film assembly with an anode frame component is prepared using a second batch preparation apparatus, the structure of which is the same as that of the first batch preparation apparatus.

7. The processing method of a five-in-one membrane electrode assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that, The cathode protection film assembly with cathode frame assembly, the anode protection film assembly with anode frame assembly, and the catalyst coating film are packaged using a third batch preparation device. The third batch preparation device includes a CCM-frame assembly composite mechanism, a second waste winding mechanism, and a shape cutting mechanism arranged in sequence. The unwinding drum of the cathode protection film assembly with cathode frame assembly, the unwinding drum of the CCM, and the unwinding drum of the anode protection film assembly with anode frame assembly are placed on the input side of the CCM-frame assembly composite mechanism.

8. The processing method of a five-in-one membrane electrode assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that, The adhesive tape can be adhered to the position between the two sides of the cathode inactive area mask after it has been cut, and the adhesive tape is placed on both sides or around the cathode active area mask.

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