Device for manufacturing a membrane electrode assembly for a fuel cell

Abstract

Device (100) for manufacturing a membrane electrode assembly (10) for a fuel cell, comprising: an auxiliary sealing feed unit (30) which is configured to successively form first electrode windows (17c) such that the first windows (17c) are spaced apart from each other at predetermined intervals, to unwind a first auxiliary sealing flat material (17a) wound in a roll form and to feed the first auxiliary sealing flat material (17a) to a transfer line (20); an electrode membrane laying unit (40) which is installed above the transfer line (20) and is configured to form electrode catalyst layers (15) on both sides of an electrolyte membrane (13), to collect the electrode membrane flat material (16) which is cut to a uniform shape and to lay the electrode membrane flat materials (16) on the first electrode window (17c) of the first auxiliary sealing flat material (17a); an auxiliary sealing laying unit (50) which is installed above the transfer line (20) and is configured to form second electrode windows (17d), to receive a second auxiliary sealing flat material (17b) cut to a uniform shape and to lay the second auxiliary sealing flat materials (17b) on the electrode membrane flat material (16); Membrane electrode assembly connecting units (60) (MEA connecting units) installed at the top and bottom of the transfer line (20) and configured to connect the first auxiliary sealing flat material (17a), the electrode membrane flat material (16), and the second auxiliary sealing flat material (17b), stacked one above the other, while the first auxiliary sealing flat material (17a), the electrode membrane flat material (16), and the second auxiliary sealing flat material (17b) are passed between a pair of hot rollers (61) along the transfer line (20); and an electrostatic generator (81) which is installed above the transfer line (20) and is configured to generate static electricity at the first auxiliary sealing flat material (17a) in order to attach the second auxiliary sealing flat material (17b) placed on the electrode membrane flat material (16) to the first auxiliary sealing flat material (17a) using the static electricity.

Description

BACKGROUND(a) Field of invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for manufacturing parts of a fuel cell stack and in particular to a device for manufacturing a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) which is used to manufacture an MEA for a fuel cell. (b) Description of the relevant prior art

[0002] A fuel cell produces electricity through electrochemical reactions between hydrogen and oxygen, generating electricity using external materials for a chemical reaction without a separate charging process. The fuel cell can have separator plates or bipolar plates with a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) sandwiched between them. Multiple fuel cells can be connected together to form a fuel cell stack.

[0003] Fig. Figure 1 is a sectional view that schematically illustrates an example of a known membrane electrode arrangement in accordance with the related prior art. Referring to Fig. Figure 1 shows an exemplary membrane electrode assembly 1, i.e., a core element of the fuel cell, an anode and a cathode, i.e., electrode catalyst layers 5, on both sides of an electrolyte membrane 3 through which hydrogen ions move. Furthermore, the membrane electrode assembly 1 has auxiliary seals 7 which protect the electrode catalyst layers 5 and the electrolyte membrane 3 and secure the fuel cell assembly.

[0004] In a method for manufacturing the membrane electrode assembly 1, an electrode membrane flat material 6 is first produced using a decal method, involving the unwinding of the electrolyte membrane 3, which is wound in a roll die, and the subsequent transfer of the electrode catalyst layers 5 to both sides of the electrolyte membrane 3 at a predetermined distance, such as approximately 150 mm. Then, a membrane electrode assembly flat material is produced using a roll-to-roll process, involving the unwinding and transfer of the electrode membrane flat material 6, the unwinding of the auxiliary seals 7, which are also wound in a roll die, and the placement of the unwound auxiliary seals on both sides of the electrode membrane flat material 6. These are then hot-rolled and bonded to both sides of the electrode membrane flat material.

[0005] In particular, the auxiliary seals 7 are in a state where electrode windows and distributor windows are cut to open the electrode catalyst layers 5. The auxiliary seals 7 can come into contact with or enter both sides of the electrode membrane flat material and can be connected to both sides of the electrode membrane flat material. After the process described above is completed, the membrane electrode assembly flat material, wound as a roll, is unwound and cut to a uniform shape, including the electrode catalyst layers 5, to form the membrane electrode assembly 1. Fig. 1 to produce.

[0006] In the membrane electrode assembly 1 of the related prior art, which is manufactured as described above, the electrode membrane flat material 6 encloses the electrode catalyst layers 5, which are formed successively on both sides of the electrolyte membrane 3, and the auxiliary seals 7 are connected to both sides of the electrode membrane flat material. Consequently, the electrolyte membrane 3 is located in the entire area between the auxiliary seals 7. The design direction of the auxiliary seals 7 used in the membrane electrode assembly 1 is related to leakage protection for a reaction gas or the cell output power. An effect of the auxiliary seals 7 with respect to the mechanical strength of the membrane electrode assembly 1 and the electrolyte membrane 3 has not been confirmed or is unknown.

[0007] Accordingly, in the prior art, the electrolyte membrane 3 is present in sections where no electricity is generated, i.e., in the outer regions of the electrode catalyst layers 5, which do generate electricity. This is because the auxiliary seals 7, which are only related to preventing leakage of reaction gas and cell output power, are connected to the electrolyte membrane 3 in this section. Therefore, relatively expensive electrolyte membrane materials are wasted, as the electrolyte membrane 3, which supports the auxiliary seals 7, is present in the section of the membrane electrode assembly 1 where no electricity is generated. Consequently, the manufacturing costs for the membrane electrode assembly 1 increase accordingly.

[0008] German patent application DE 10 2011 088 101 A1 discloses a method for manufacturing a fuel cell membrane electrode assembly by ultrasonic vibration bonding. Further methods relating to such assemblies are described in patent applications US 2008 / 0 142 152 A1, US 2011 / 0 151 350 A1 and US 2009 / 0 255 632 A1.

[0009] The information disclosed above in this section serves only to improve the understanding of the background of the invention and may therefore contain information that is not prior art for the person skilled in the art. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The present invention provides a device for manufacturing a membrane electrode assembly for a fuel cell, which can produce a membrane electrode assembly using a partial flow process in a roll-to-roll process and a flat material laying process in order to minimize the electrolyte membrane materials present between auxiliary seals, i.e., sections in which no electricity is generated.

[0011] Furthermore, exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide a membrane electrode arrangement for a fuel cell, which is produced using a partial flow process in a roll-to-roll process and a flat material laying process, and in which a minimum of electrolyte membrane protrudes between auxiliary seals, i.e. sections in which no electricity is generated.

[0012] A device for producing a membrane electrode assembly for a fuel cell in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention can comprise an auxiliary seal feed unit configured to successively form first electrode windows such that the first windows are spaced apart from one another at predetermined intervals, to unwind a first auxiliary seal flat material wound in a roll form and to feed the first auxiliary seal flat material to a transfer line, an electrode membrane laying unit installed above the transfer line and configured to form electrode catalyst layers on both sides of an electrolyte membrane, to collect the electrode membrane flat material cut to a uniform shape and to lay the electrode membrane flat materials on first electrode windows of the first auxiliary seal flat material, and an auxiliary seal laying unit.which is installed above the transfer line and is configured to form second electrode windows, to collect a second auxiliary sealing flat material cut to a uniform shape and to place the second auxiliary sealing flat materials on the electrode membrane flat material, and has MEA joining units installed on an upper and lower side of the transfer line and configured to join the first auxiliary sealing flat material, the electrode membrane flat material and the second auxiliary sealing flat material stacked on top of each other, while the first auxiliary sealing flat material, the electrode membrane flat material and the second auxiliary sealing flat material pass between a pair of hot rollers along the transfer line.

[0013] The device for manufacturing a membrane electrode assembly for a fuel cell, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, can further comprise a membrane electrode assembly winder (MEA winder) installed downstream of the MEA connection unit and configured to wind an MEA flat material into a roll, wherein the electrode membrane flat material and the second auxiliary sealing flat material can be connected to the first auxiliary sealing flat material by the MEA connection unit. The device can further comprise a film winder installed on part of the auxiliary sealing feed unit and configured to recover a protective film of the first auxiliary sealing flat material and wind the protective film into a roll.A film unwinder can be installed on part of the MEA rewinder and can be set up to unwind the protective film in a roll form and feed the unwound protective film to the MEA flat material.

[0014] Furthermore, the device can have a first, second, and third position sensor installed outside the transition line. The first position sensor can be configured to detect the edge location of the first electrode window on the first auxiliary sealing material. The second position sensor can be configured to detect the edge location of the electrode membrane on the flat material, and the third position sensor can be configured to detect the edge location of the second electrode window on the second auxiliary sealing material.

[0015] The device may further include a vacuum suction unit which is installed at or in the transfer line and is configured to draw in the first auxiliary sealing flat material and the electrode membrane flat material with a vacuum.

[0016] An electrostatic generator is installed and set up above the transfer line to generate static electricity at or in the first auxiliary sealing flat material in order to attach the second auxiliary sealing flat material, which is placed on the electrode membrane flat material, to the first auxiliary sealing flat material using the static electricity.

[0017] In the device for manufacturing a membrane electrode arrangement for a fuel cell in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the electrode membrane laying unit can also have a pair of first grippers which are configured to draw in the electrode membrane flat material with a vacuum.

[0018] The first pair of grippers can be installed to tilt both ends of the electrode membrane flat material upwards in opposite directions and can be configured to apply a vacuum to both ends of the electrode membrane flat material and exert tension on the electrode membrane flat material. The auxiliary seal laying unit can have a second pair of grippers configured to apply a vacuum to the second auxiliary seal flat material. The second pair of grippers can be installed to tilt both ends of the second auxiliary seal flat material upwards in opposite directions and can be configured to apply a vacuum to both ends of the second auxiliary seal flat material and exert tension on the second auxiliary seal flat material.

[0019] A device for producing a membrane electrode assembly for a fuel cell in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention can comprise a first auxiliary seal feed unit configured to unwind a first auxiliary seal flat material wound in a roll form and to feed the first auxiliary seal flat material to a transfer line; a first cutting unit installed on a part of the first auxiliary seal feed unit and configured to successively form first electrode windows in the first auxiliary seal flat material fed via the first auxiliary seal feed unit such that the first electrode windows are spaced apart from each other at predetermined intervals; and an electrode membrane laying unit installed above the transfer line and configured to form electrode catalyst layers on both sides of an electrolyte membrane.to collect an electrode membrane flat material cut to a uniform shape and to place the electrode membrane flat materials onto the first electrode windows of the first auxiliary sealing flat material, and to have a second auxiliary sealing feed unit which is installed outside the transfer line and is configured to unwind a second auxiliary sealing flat material wound in a roll form and to feed the second auxiliary sealing flat material to the electrode membrane flat material.

[0020] Furthermore, the device can have a second cutting unit, installed on part of the second auxiliary seal feeder, and configured to successively form second electrode windows in the second auxiliary seal flat material fed by the second auxiliary seal feeder, such that the second electrode windows are spaced apart at a predetermined distance from each other, and have MEA connection units installed outside the transfer line that connect the first auxiliary seal flat material, the electrode membrane flat material and the second auxiliary seal flat material stacked on top of each other, while the first auxiliary seal flat material, the electrode membrane flat material and the second auxiliary seal flat material are guided between a pair of hot rollers.

[0021] The device also includes an MEA winder, installed downstream of the MEA connection units, configured to wind an MEA flat material into a roll. The electrode membrane flat material and the second auxiliary seal flat material are connected to the first auxiliary seal flat material by the MEA connection units. A film winder is installed on part of the auxiliary seal feed unit and is configured to recover a protective film from the first auxiliary seal flat material and wind the protective film into a roll.

[0022] The device further comprises a second film rewinder, which is installed on part of the second auxiliary seal feeder and is configured to recover a protective film from the second auxiliary seal flat material and wind the protective film into a roll. A film unwinder is installed on part of the MEA rewinder and is configured to unwind the protective film into a roll and feed the unwound protective film to the MEA flat material.

[0023] In addition, the electrode membrane laying unit may have a pair of first grippers designed to suction the electrode membrane flat material using a vacuum.

[0024] A membrane electrode arrangement for a fuel cell in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention can be produced by the device for producing a membrane electrode arrangement using a roll-to-roll process and a flat material laying process, wherein electrode catalyst layers can be formed on both sides of an electrolyte membrane, auxiliary seals can be formed on the edge sides of the electrode catalyst layers, and the end of the electrolyte membrane can protrude into a first area between the auxiliary seals.

[0025] In the membrane electrode assembly for a fuel cell according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a connecting or adhesive unit, configured to fasten or fix the electrolyte membrane and the electrode catalyst layers, can be formed in the remaining areas, for example, areas excluding the first area, between the auxiliary seals. The end of the electrolyte membrane can protrude into a partial area of ​​the total area between the auxiliary seals, which may comprise approximately 33% of the total area; for example, the first area may comprise approximately 33% of the total area.

[0026] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention can produce the membrane electrode assembly in which a minimum of electrolyte membrane protrudes between the auxiliary seals. This membrane is joined to the auxiliary seals, together with the electrode catalyst layers, using a partial flow process in a roll-to-roll process and a flat material lay-up process. Accordingly, the electrolyte membrane located between the auxiliary seals—i.e., the sections where no electricity is generated in the membrane electrode assembly—can be minimized. Consequently, the manufacturing costs of a membrane electrode assembly can be reduced because less of the relatively expensive electrolyte membrane material is used. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Reference is now made to the following drawings to describe exemplary embodiments of the present invention, and consequently the technical scope of the present invention should not be considered as limited to the accompanying drawings. Fig. Figure 1 is a sectional view that schematically illustrates an example of a known membrane electrode arrangement in accordance with the related prior art; Fig. Figure 2 is a diagram that schematically illustrates a device for manufacturing a membrane electrode arrangement for a fuel cell in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Fig. Figure 3 is a diagram schematically illustrating an electrode membrane laying unit and an auxiliary seal laying unit used in the device for manufacturing a membrane electrode assembly for a fuel cell in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Fig. Figure 4 is a diagram schematically illustrating an electrostatic generator used in the apparatus for manufacturing a membrane electrode assembly for a fuel cell in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Fig. Figure 5 is a diagram schematically illustrating position sensors used in the apparatus for manufacturing a membrane electrode assembly for a fuel cell in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Fig. Figure 6 is a sectional view schematically illustrating a membrane electrode assembly produced by the device for manufacturing a membrane electrode assembly for a fuel cell in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and Fig. Figure 7 is a diagram that schematically illustrates a device for manufacturing a membrane electrode arrangement for a fuel cell in accordance with a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] The invention is now described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention. As those skilled in the art will recognize, the described exemplary embodiments can be modified in various different ways without departing from the scope or protection of the present invention.

[0029] It is understood that the term "vehicle" or "vehicle-" or other similar terms as used herein include motor vehicles in general, such as passenger cars including sport utility vehicles (SUVs), buses, trucks, various commercial vehicles, watercraft including a variety of boats and ships, aircraft and the like, as well as hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, hydrogen-powered vehicles and other vehicles powered by alternative fuels (for example, fuels produced from resources other than oil). Hereinafter, a hybrid vehicle is defined as a vehicle that has two or more power sources, such as a vehicle that is both fuel-powered and electrically powered.

[0030] Although one exemplary embodiment is described as using a plurality of units to execute the exemplary process, it is understood that the exemplary processes can also be executed by one or a plurality of modules. Furthermore, it is understood that the term controller / control unit refers to a hardware device that includes memory and a processor. The memory is configured to store the modules, and the processor is specifically configured to execute the modules to perform one or more processes, which are described below.

[0031] The terminology used herein serves only to describe certain embodiments and is not intended to limit the invention. As used herein, the singular "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It is further understood that the terms "comprise" and / or "comprehensive," when used in this description, specify the presence of indicated features, integers, steps, functions or modes of operation, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, functions or modes of operation, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.The term “and / or”, as used herein, includes any and all combinations of one or more of the related items listed.

[0032] Unless specifically stated or evident from the context, the term "approximately," as used herein, is to be understood as a range of normal tolerance in the prior art, such as within two standard deviations from the mean. "Approximately" may be understood as within 10%, 9%, 8%, 7%, 6%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, 1%, 0.5%, 0.1%, 0.05%, or 0.01% of the stated value. Unless otherwise clearly indicated by the context, all numerical values ​​provided herein may be modified by the term "approximately."

[0033] To clearly and concisely describe the present invention, descriptions of parts not related to the description are omitted, and the same reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to refer to identical or similar parts. Furthermore, for the sake of simplicity, the size and thickness of each element illustrated in the drawings are arbitrarily depicted without limiting the present invention. For clarity, the thicknesses of parts and areas are shown enlarged in the drawings.

[0034] Furthermore, in the following detailed description, terms such as "first" and "second" are used to distinguish between elements when the first and second elements have the same structure, without restricting the elements in the following description to this order. Moreover, each term, such as "...unit," "...means," "...part," and "...element," used in the description represents a unit of a coherent element that performs at least one function or operation.

[0035] Fig. Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating a device for manufacturing a membrane electrode assembly for a fuel cell in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Fig. 2. The device 100 for manufacturing a membrane electrode assembly for a fuel cell, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, can be used in an automation system or automated system for the automatic and sequential manufacturing of the parts of fuel cells that form a fuel cell stack. For example, the device 100 for manufacturing a membrane electrode assembly for a fuel cell, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, can be used to manufacture a membrane electrode assembly 10, i.e., a core part of a fuel cell, in which electrode catalyst layers 15 can be formed on both sides, an electrolyte membrane 13, and auxiliary seals 17 can be formed on the edge faces of the electrode catalyst layers 15 (see Figure 1). Fig. 6).

[0036] In particular, hydrogen ions move through the electrolyte membrane 13, and the auxiliary seals 17 serve to protect the electrode catalyst layers 15 and the electrolyte membrane 13, as well as to secure the fuel cell assembly. The device 100 for manufacturing a membrane electrode assembly for a fuel cell in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention can be configured to produce the membrane electrode assembly 10 using a mixed flow method, a roll-to-roll method, and a flat material lay-up method in order to minimize the electrolyte membrane 13 material located between the auxiliary seals 17, i.e., sections where no electricity is generated.

[0037] In other words, an exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides the device 100 for manufacturing the membrane electrode assembly, which is capable of reducing the materials of the electrolyte membrane 13, since the electrolyte membrane 13 is not present in the entire area between the auxiliary seals 17, i.e., sections where no electricity is generated. Accordingly, the device 100 for manufacturing a membrane electrode assembly for a fuel cell, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, may comprise an auxiliary seal feed unit 30, an electrode membrane deposit unit 40, an auxiliary seal deposit unit 50, and an MEA connection unit 60.

[0038] The components described below can be formed in one frame or two or more sub-frames (not illustrated). The frame can have a variety of attached element types for supporting the components, such as clamps, strips, rods, plates, housings, sleeves or casings, blocks, barrier ribs, ribs, rails, and collars. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the auxiliary sealing feed unit 30 can be configured to unwind a first auxiliary sealing flat material 17a wound in a roll form and feed the first auxiliary sealing flat material 17a to a transfer line 20. In other words, the auxiliary sealing feed unit 30 can be configured to feed the first auxiliary sealing flat material 17a to the transfer line 20 using a roll-to-roll process.

[0039] In particular, the transfer line 20 can be configured to transfer various parts for the manufacture of the membrane electrode assembly 10 and can include a main conveying device 21 installed in a frame not illustrated. The main conveying device 21 can include a conveyor belt 25 that moves along a continuous path over conveying rollers 23. The main conveying device 21 is a typical conveying device known in the industry, so a detailed description of its construction is omitted here.

[0040] The auxiliary sealing feed unit 30 can be installed in the frame on an inlet side of the transfer line 20. Furthermore, the auxiliary sealing feed unit 30 can have an auxiliary sealing roller 31, which is configured to unwind the first auxiliary sealing material 17a wound in a roll and feed the unwound first auxiliary sealing material 17a to the transfer line 20. In particular, first electrode windows 17c for opening an electrode membrane flat material 16 in the first auxiliary sealing material 17a can be formed sequentially such that they are spaced apart from each other at predetermined intervals. The first electrode windows 17c can be formed in the first auxiliary sealing material 17a in a separate cutting process.

[0041] Furthermore, distributor windows (not illustrated) corresponding to an inlet distributor and an outlet distributor (for example, output distributor) of a separating device can also be formed in the first auxiliary sealing flat material 17a. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a film winder 73, configured to recover and wind up a first protective film 71, usually referred to as a "heterofilm" or "sheet," which is attached to the first auxiliary sealing flat material 17a, can be installed on a part of the auxiliary sealing feed unit 30.The film winder 73 can have a first winding roller 75, which is configured to wind the first protective film 71 in a roll form, and a first guide roller 77, which is configured to guide the first protective film 71, which has been peeled off the first auxiliary sealing flat material 17a, to the first winding roller 75.

[0042] In a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a vacuum suction unit 72, configured to draw in the first auxiliary sealing material 17a using a vacuum, can be installed at or in the transfer line 20. The vacuum suction unit 72 can be configured to draw in the first auxiliary sealing material 17a using a vacuum towards the conveyor belt 25 of the main conveying device 21. In particular, a plurality of suction openings through which air can be drawn in can be formed in the vacuum suction unit 72 to draw in the first auxiliary sealing material 17a using a vacuum. A plurality of connecting openings, which are connected to suction openings of the vacuum suction unit 72, can be formed in the conveyor belt 25.

[0043] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the electrode membrane laying unit 40 can deposit the electrode catalyst layers 15 on both sides (i.e., the upper and lower surfaces in Fig. 6) Form the electrolyte membrane 13, collect or pick up (e.g., grab, grasp, etc.) the electrode membrane flat material 16 cut to a uniform shape, and place the electrode membrane flat materials 16 onto the first electrode windows 17c of the first auxiliary sealing flat material 17a. The electrode membrane flat material 16 can be formed by cutting the electrode membrane flat material 16 between the electrode catalyst layers 15, provided that the electrode catalyst layers 15 are formed successively on both sides of the electrolyte membrane flat material 16 at predetermined intervals (e.g., a spacing of approximately 50 mm) while the electrolyte membrane flat material, which is rolled up in a form, is unwound.

[0044] In particular, the electrode membrane flat material 16 can be cut out with a border of predetermined distance on the outside of the edges of the electrode catalyst layers 15. In other words, the electrode membrane flat material 16 can have the electrolyte membrane 13 with a border of predetermined distance or predetermined size on the outside of the edges of the electrode catalyst layers 15. The electrode membrane laying unit 40 can be installed above the transfer line 20, can receive the electrode membrane flat material 16, and can lay the electrode membrane flat materials 16 on the first electrode windows 17c of the first auxiliary sealing flat material 17a. Accordingly, the electrode membrane laying unit 40 can have a gripping robot. As shown in the Fig. 2 and Fig. As illustrated in Figure 3, the electrode membrane laying unit 40 can have a pair of first grippers 41 configured to suction the electrode membrane flat material 16 with a vacuum. The pair of first grippers 41 can be configured to suction both ends of the electrode membrane flat material 16 with a vacuum.

[0045] To apply tension to the electrode membrane flat material 16, the pair of first grippers 41 can be installed to pivot both ends of the electrode membrane flat material 16 upwards in opposite directions when both ends of the electrode membrane flat material 16 are suctioned under vacuum. In other words, the pair of first grippers 41 can be configured to place the electrode membrane flat material 16 onto the first electrode windows 17c of the first auxiliary sealing flat material 17a when both ends of the electrode membrane flat material 16, suctioned under vacuum, are bent at a predetermined angle and tension is applied to the electrode membrane flat material 16. The predetermined angle can be 10° or less. It should be noted that a predetermined angle is determined based on a preferred tension, taking into account the materials of the electrode membrane flat material 16.The inclination of the first grippers 41 can be achieved using a known actuating cylinder (not illustrated). Furthermore, the electrode membrane flat material 16 can be deposited by the first grippers 41 onto the first electrode window 17c of the first auxiliary sealing flat material 17a and can be drawn by the vacuum suction unit 72 to the conveyor belt 25 of the main conveying device 21.

[0046] Referring to Fig. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the auxiliary sealing laying unit 50 can form a second electrode window 17d, receive the second auxiliary sealing flat material 17b cut to a uniform shape, and lay the second auxiliary sealing flat material 17b onto the electrode membrane flat material 16. The second auxiliary sealing flat material 17b can be configured to unwind a sealing flat material wound in a roll form and to cut the sealing flat material between the second electrode windows 17d, if the second electrode windows 17d are formed in the sealing flat material such that they are spaced apart from each other at predetermined intervals.

[0047] The second electrode window 17d of the second auxiliary sealing material 17b opens the electrode membrane flat material. A distributor window can be formed in the second auxiliary sealing material 17b in addition to the second electrode window 17d. The auxiliary sealing depositing unit 50 can be installed above the transfer line 20, collect the second auxiliary sealing material 17b, and deposit it onto the electrode membrane flat material 16. Accordingly, the auxiliary sealing feeder unit 50 can include a gripper robot. As shown in the Fig. 2 and Fig. As illustrated in Figure 3, the auxiliary seal depositing unit 50 can have a pair of second grippers 51 configured to draw in the second auxiliary seal flat material 17b under vacuum. The pair of second grippers 51 can be configured to draw in both ends of the second auxiliary seal flat material 17b under vacuum.

[0048] To apply tension to the second auxiliary sealing material 17b, the pair of second grippers 51 can be installed such that they tilt both ends of the second auxiliary sealing material 17b upwards in opposite directions when both ends of the second auxiliary sealing material 17b are drawn in by a vacuum. In other words, the pair of second grippers 51 can bend both ends of the second auxiliary sealing material 17b, which is drawn in by a vacuum, at a predetermined angle, apply tension to the second auxiliary sealing material 17b, and place the second auxiliary sealing material 17b onto the electrode membrane flat material 16. The tilting of the second grippers 51 can be carried out using a known actuating cylinder (not illustrated).

[0049] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, as described in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 4, the device 100 can include an electrostatic generator 81 configured to attach or connect the second auxiliary sealing material 17b, which is placed on the electrode membrane material 16 via the auxiliary sealing depositing unit 50, to the first auxiliary sealing material 17a under static electricity. The electrostatic generator 81 can be installed above the transfer line 20 and can be configured to generate static electricity in the first auxiliary sealing material 17a. The electrostatic generator 81 incorporates a known electrostatic generator for generating a predetermined voltage with an electrostatic generating potential, so a detailed description of its construction is omitted here.

[0050] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the second auxiliary sealing material 17b can be deposited onto the electrode membrane material 16 using the auxiliary sealing depositing unit 50 when static electricity is generated in the first auxiliary sealing material 17a by the electrostatic generator 81. Accordingly, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the second auxiliary sealing material 17b can be attached to the first auxiliary sealing material 17a using static electricity generated in the first auxiliary sealing material 17a, and the initial position (for example, a starting position) of the second auxiliary sealing material 17b with respect to the electrode membrane material 16 can be maintained.

[0051] Referring to Fig. 2 In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the MEA connection unit 60 can join the first auxiliary sealing flat material 17a, the electrode membrane flat material 16, and the second auxiliary sealing flat material 17b, which are stacked one above the other on the transfer line 20, using a thermocompression process. The MEA connection unit 60 can have a pair of hot rollers 61 rotatably mounted on the upper and lower sides of the transfer line 20. The hot rollers 61 can be mounted on the side opposite the inlet side of the transfer line 20, and each hot roller 61 has a known heat source, such as a heat conductor or a heat lamp, for generating heat.

[0052] The MEA joining unit 60 can join the first auxiliary sealing flat material 17a, the electrode membrane flat material 16 and the second auxiliary sealing flat material 17b, which are stacked one after the other over the transfer line 20, while the first auxiliary sealing flat material 17a, the electrode membrane flat material 16 and the second auxiliary sealing flat material 17b are guided between the pair of hot rollers 61 along the transfer line 20. In other words, the MEA connection unit 60 can be configured to guide the first auxiliary sealing flat material 17a, the electrode membrane flat material 16 and the second auxiliary sealing flat material 17b through the pair of hot rollers 61, stacked one on top of the other, thereby enabling it to form an MEA flat material 63 in which the first auxiliary sealing flat material 17a, the electrode membrane flat material 16 and the second auxiliary sealing flat material 17b can be integrated and joined together.

[0053] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an MEA winder 65, configured to wind the MEA flat material 63, in which the electrode membrane flat material 16 and the second auxiliary sealing flat material 17b are attached to the first auxiliary sealing flat material 17a by the MEA connecting unit 60, can be installed downstream of the MEA connecting unit 60. In particular, the MEA winder 65 can be installed in the extension line of the transfer line 20, outside the transfer line 20. The MEA winder 65 can have a second winding roller 67 configured to wind the MEA flat material 63 into a roll.

[0054] In a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a film unwinder 85, configured to unwind a second protective film 83 in a roll form and feed the second protective film 83 to the MEA flat material 63, can be installed above the MEA rewinder 65. In other words, the unwinder 85 can be configured to attach the second protective film 83 to the MEA flat material 63, for example, by bonding it. The film unwinder 85 can have a disengagement roller 87, configured to unwind the second protective film 83, which is previously wound in a roll form, and a second guide roller 89, configured to guide the second protective film 83 onto the MEA flat material 63 and apply pressure to it.

[0055] Reference numeral 82 designates an auxiliary conveying device installed above the transfer line 20, corresponding to the main conveying device 21. The auxiliary conveying device 82 can be configured to guide the first auxiliary sealing flat material 17a, the electrode membrane flat material 16, and the second auxiliary sealing flat material 17b, stacked one on top of the other, between the pair of hot rollers 61, and to guide the MEA flat material 63, which passes through the hot rollers 61, to the MEA winder 65. The auxiliary conveying device 82 can include conveying rollers 84 and a conveyor belt 86 similar to that of the main conveying device 21.

[0056] In a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, which is described in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 5, the device 100 can have a first, second, and third position sensor 91, 92, and 93 to more accurately position the electrode membrane flat material 16 on the first electrode window 17c of the first auxiliary sealing flat material 17a and to more accurately position the second auxiliary sealing flat material 17b on the electrode membrane flat material 16. The first, second, and third position sensors 91, 92, and 93 can be installed outside the transition line 20 (see Figure 5). Fig. 2).

[0057] The first position sensor 91 can be configured to detect an edge location of the first electrode window 17c with respect to the first auxiliary sealing flat material 17a, which is fed to the transfer line 20 by the auxiliary sealing feed unit 30 (see Fig. 2) and output a corresponding detection signal to a controller 90. The second position sensor 92 can be configured to detect an edge position of the electrode membrane flat material 16, which is placed via the electrode membrane placement unit 40 onto the first electrode window 17c of the first auxiliary sealing flat material 17a, and to output a corresponding detection signal to the controller 90.

[0058] Furthermore, the third position sensor 93 can be configured to detect the edge position of the second electrode window 17d with respect to the second auxiliary sealing material 17b, which is placed onto the electrode membrane flat material 16 by the auxiliary sealing placement unit 50, and to output a corresponding detection signal to the control unit 90. The first, second, and third position sensors 91, 92, and 93 are known from the prior art to which the present invention relates, and a detailed description of their construction is omitted in this description.

[0059] Furthermore, the control unit 90 can be configured to perform overall operation of the device 100. For example, the control unit 90 can be configured to set or adjust the initial loading position of the electrode membrane flat material 16 based on the measured value of the edge location of the electrode membrane flat material 16, which is detected by the second position sensor 92, based on the measured value of the edge location of the first electrode window 17c of the first auxiliary sealing flat material 17a, which is detected by the first position sensor 91.In addition, the control unit 90 can be configured to set the initial loading position of the second auxiliary sealing flat material 17b based on the measured value of the edge location of the second electrode window 17d of the second auxiliary sealing flat material 17b, which is detected by the third position sensor 93, based on the measured value of the edge location of the first electrode window 17c, which is detected by the first position sensor 91.

[0060] When an encoder 95 determines that the first electrode window 17c of the first auxiliary sealing flat material 17a has reached a predetermined execution location, the controller 90 can be configured to output a control signal to the electrode membrane laying unit 40. In response to receiving the control signal, the electrode membrane laying unit 40 can be configured to follow the transfer line 20 and lay the electrode membrane flat materials 16 onto the first electrode windows 17c of the first auxiliary sealing flat material 17a. When the encoder 95 determines that the electrode membrane flat material 16 has reached a predetermined execution location and the laying of the electrode membrane flat material 16 has been completed, the controller 90 can be configured to output a control signal to the auxiliary sealing laying unit 50.In response to the receipt of the control signal, the auxiliary sealing laying unit 50 can be set up to follow along the transfer line 20 and lay the second auxiliary sealing flat material 17b onto the electrode membrane flat material 16.

[0061] Hereinafter, a method for manufacturing the membrane electrode assembly using the device for manufacturing a membrane electrode assembly for a fuel cell in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is described in detail with reference to the aforementioned drawings.

[0062] First, the first auxiliary sealing material 17a, which is wound in a roll form onto the auxiliary sealing roller 31 of the auxiliary sealing feed unit 30, can be unwound and fed to the transfer line 20. The first electrode windows 17c for opening the electromembrane flat material 16 can be formed successively in the first auxiliary sealing material 17a, so that they are spaced apart from each other at predetermined intervals.

[0063] In particular, the first auxiliary sealing material 17a can be fed to and transferred along the transfer line 20 if the first auxiliary sealing material 17a is drawn into a surface of the conveyor belt 25 of the main conveying device 21 by the vacuum suction unit 72. The first winding roller 75 of the film winder 73 can be configured to wind the first protective film 71, which is attached to the first auxiliary sealing material 17a, into a roll while the first protective film 71 is being unwound. The first guide roller 77 of the film winder 73 can be configured to guide the first protective film 71, which has been unwound from the first auxiliary sealing material 17a, to the first winding roller 75.

[0064] Furthermore, the electrode membrane laying unit 40 can form the electrode catalyst layers 15 on both sides of the electrolyte membrane 13 and can be configured to pick up both ends of the electrode membrane flat material 16, which are cut to a uniform shape, using the first grippers 41 by suctioning the electrode membrane flat material 16 under vacuum. Furthermore, the auxiliary seal laying unit 50 can form the second electrode window 17d and can be configured to pick up both ends of the second auxiliary seal flat material 17b, which are cut to a uniform shape, using the second grippers 51 by suctioning the second auxiliary seal flat material 17b under vacuum.In particular, the first grippers 41 of the electrode membrane laying unit 40 can have both curved ends of the electrode membrane flat material 16 suctioned with a vacuum at a predetermined angle and can be configured to apply a tension to the electrode membrane flat material 16.

[0065] Furthermore, the second grippers 51 of the auxiliary seal laying unit 50 can bend both ends of the second auxiliary seal flat material 17b, which is drawn in by a vacuum, at a predetermined angle and can be configured to apply tension to the second auxiliary seal flat material 17b. In this state, the first position sensor 91 can be configured to detect an edge position of the first electrode windows 17c with respect to the first auxiliary seal flat material 17a and output a corresponding detection signal to the controller 90. The second position sensor 92 can be configured to detect an edge position of the electrode membrane flat material 16 using the electrode membrane laying unit 40 and output a corresponding detection signal to the controller 90.In addition, a third position sensor 93 can be set up to detect an edge position of the second electrode window 17d in relation to the second auxiliary sealing flat material 17b using the auxiliary sealing laying unit 50 and to output a corresponding detection signal to the control unit 90.

[0066] The controller 90 can then be configured to set the initial loading position (for example, an output starting position) of the electrode membrane flat material 16 based on the measured edge location of the electrode membrane flat material 16, detected by the second position sensor 92, which in turn is based on the measured edge location of the first electrode window 17c of the first auxiliary sealing flat material 17a, detected by the first position sensor 91. The controller 90 can also be configured to set the initial loading position of the second auxiliary sealing flat material 17b based on the measured edge location of the second electrode window 17d of the second auxiliary sealing flat material 17b, detected by the third position sensor 93, which in turn is based on the measured edge location of the first electrode window 17c, detected by the first position sensor 91.

[0067] When the encoder 95 determines that the first electrode window 17c of the first flat gasket material 17a has reached a predetermined execution location, the control unit 90 can be configured to output a control signal to the electrode membrane laying unit 40. In response to receiving the control signal, the electrode membrane laying unit 40 can be configured to follow the transfer line 20 and lay the electrode membrane flat material 16 onto the first electrode window 17c of the first auxiliary gasket flat material 17a. Specifically, when the electrode membrane laying unit 40 lays the electrode membrane flat material 16 onto the first electrode window 17c of the first auxiliary gasket flat material 17a, the vacuum suction unit 72 can be configured to draw the electrode membrane flat material 16 under vacuum onto the conveyor belt 25 of the main conveying device 21.

[0068] If the encoder 95 then determines that the electrode membrane flat material 16 has reached a predetermined execution location and the loading of the electrode membrane flat material 16 is complete, the controller 90 can be configured to output a control signal to the auxiliary seal depositing unit 50. In response to receiving the control signal, the auxiliary seal depositing unit 50 can be configured to follow the transfer line 20 and deposit the second auxiliary seal flat material 17b onto the electrode membrane flat material 16.

[0069] During this process, the electrostatic generator 81 can be configured to generate static electricity in the first auxiliary sealing material 17a. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the second auxiliary sealing material 17b can be attached to the first auxiliary sealing material 17a by the static electricity generated by the first auxiliary sealing material 17a, in order to maintain the initial position of the second auxiliary sealing material 17b with respect to the electrode membrane material 16.

[0070] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when the first auxiliary sealing flat material 17a, the electrode membrane flat material 16 and the second auxiliary sealing flat material 17b are stacked successively over the transfer line 20 as described above, the first auxiliary sealing flat material 17a, the electrode membrane flat material 16 and the second auxiliary sealing flat material 17b can be forced to pass through the hot rollers 61 of the MEA connection unit 60 along the transfer line 20.

[0071] Thus, the first auxiliary sealing flat material 17a, the electrode membrane flat material 16, and the second auxiliary sealing flat material 17b, stacked on top of each other, can enter the pair of hot rollers 61 located between the main conveying device 21 of the transfer line 20 and the auxiliary conveying device 82, which corresponds to the main conveying device 21. Accordingly, the first auxiliary sealing flat material 17a, the electrode membrane flat material 16, and the second auxiliary sealing flat material 17b, stacked on top of each other, can be forced (for example, pressed) to pass through the pair of hot rollers 61 to form the MEA flat material 63, in which the first auxiliary sealing flat material 17a, the electrode membrane flat material 16, and the second auxiliary sealing flat material 17b are integrated and connected to each other.The MEA flat material 63 can then be transferred to the MEA winder 65 via the main conveying device 21 and the auxiliary conveying device 82. The second winding roller 67 of the MEA winder 65 can be configured to wind the MEA flat material 63 into a roll.

[0072] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, during the process of winding the MEA flat material 63 into a roll using the second winding roller 67 of the MEA winder 65, as described above, the second protective film 83, which is wound into a roll, can be unwound to the unwinding roller 87 of the film winder 85. Furthermore, the second guide roller 89 of the film unwinder 85 can be configured to guide the second protective film 83 to the MEA flat material 63 and to press the second protective film 83 onto the MEA flat material 63, thus attaching the second protective film 83 to the MEA flat material 63.

[0073] When the MEA flat material 63 has been produced using the process described above, and the MEA flat material 63, which is wound in a roll form, is unwound and cut to a uniform shape by a separate cutting process including the electrode catalyst layers 15, the membrane electrode assembly 10 for a fuel cell can be produced in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Fig. 6 illustrated, to be produced.

[0074] Fig. Figure 6 is a sectional view schematically illustrating the membrane electrode assembly produced by the device for manufacturing a membrane electrode assembly for a fuel cell in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Fig. 6. The membrane electrode assembly 10, which is produced by the device 100 for manufacturing a membrane electrode assembly for a fuel cell in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, can have the electrode catalyst layers 15 formed on both sides of the electrolyte membrane 13 and the auxiliary seals 17, respectively, on the edge faces of the electrode catalyst layers 15. In particular, the auxiliary seals 17 can be inserted on the electrode membrane flat material 16 with the electrode flat material 16 in between on the upper and lower sides of the Fig. 6 are connected and can fix the electrolyte membrane 13 and the electrode catalyst layers 15 of the electrode membrane flat material 16.

[0075] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the electrode membrane flat material 16 can comprise the electrolyte membrane 13, which extends outside the edges of the electrode catalyst layers 15 with a border of predetermined width or distance. An end corresponding to the border section of the electrolyte membrane 13 can project into a partial region between the auxiliary seals 17. In other words, the end of the electrolyte membrane 13 can project into a partial region of the total area between the auxiliary seals 17, and this partial region (for example, a first region) comprises approximately 33% of the total area (for example, a second region).

[0076] Compared to a conventional electrolyte membrane, which has an area of ​​0.07-0.09 m² 2The electrolyte membrane 13, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, can, for example, have an area of ​​about 0.04-0.06 m². 2 Furthermore, a connecting unit 19, which is configured to support the electrolyte membrane 13 and the electrode catalyst layers 15, can be formed in the remaining area of ​​the overall area between the auxiliary seals 17 and outside the sub-area.

[0077] In accordance with the aforementioned device 100 for manufacturing a membrane electrode assembly for a fuel cell in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the membrane electrode assembly 10 can be manufactured using a partial flow process in a roll-to-roll process and a flat material laying process through the auxiliary seal feed unit 30, the electrode membrane laying unit 40 and the auxiliary seal laying unit 50.

[0078] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a minimal portion of the electrolyte membrane 13 can protrude between the auxiliary seals 17, and the membrane electrode assembly 10, which is connected to the auxiliary seals 17 together with the electrode catalyst layers 15, can be manufactured. Thus, the electrolyte membrane 13 present between the auxiliary seals 17, i.e., the sections in which no electricity is generated in the membrane electrode assembly 10, can be minimized. Accordingly, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the manufacturing costs of the membrane electrode assembly 10 can be reduced because less of the relatively expensive electrolyte membrane material is used.

[0079] Fig. Figure 7 is a diagram schematically illustrating a device for manufacturing a membrane electrode assembly for a fuel cell in accordance with a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Fig. 7 The device 200 for producing a membrane electrode assembly for a fuel cell in accordance with a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention essentially produces the membrane electrode assembly using a partial flow process in a roll-to-roll process and a flat material laying process and can comprise a first auxiliary seal feed unit 130, a first cutting unit 140, an electrode membrane laying unit 150, a second auxiliary seal laying unit 160, a second cutting unit 170 and an MEA connection unit 180.

[0080] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first auxiliary sealing feed unit 130 can be configured to unwind a first auxiliary sealing flat material 117a, which is wound in a roll form, and to feed the first auxiliary sealing flat material 117a to a transfer line 120. The first auxiliary sealing flat material 117a is a flat material before it is processed. The first auxiliary sealing feed unit 130 can be installed on an inlet side of the transfer line 120 and can have a first auxiliary sealing roller 131, which is configured to unwind the first auxiliary sealing flat material 117a, which is wound in a roll form, and to feed the first auxiliary sealing flat material 117a to the transfer line 120.

[0081] The first cutting unit 140 can successively form first electrode windows 117c in the first auxiliary sealing material 117a, which is supplied by the first auxiliary sealing feed unit 130, such that the first electrode windows 117c are spaced apart from each other at predetermined intervals. The first cutting unit 140 can also form distributor windows (not illustrated) in the first auxiliary sealing material 117a, corresponding to the inlet distributor and the outlet distributor, for example, an output distributor or a separating device.

[0082] Furthermore, the first cutting unit 140 can be installed on part of the first auxiliary seal feed unit 130 and can have a first cutting roller 141 and a first support roller 143 arranged on the upper and lower sides of the transfer path of the first auxiliary seal flat material 117a. The first cutting roller 141 can have a cutter or knife configured to successively form the first electrode windows 117c in the first auxiliary seal flat material 117a, such that the first electrode windows 117c are spaced apart at predetermined intervals. The first support roller 143 can support the first auxiliary seal flat material 117a and the first cutting roller 141.

[0083] Furthermore, the device 200 can also include a first film winder 210 configured to recover a first protective film 211 attached to the first auxiliary sealing flat material 117a and to wind the first protective film 211 into a roll. The first film winder 210 can be installed downstream of the first cutting unit 140 on part of the first auxiliary sealing feed unit 130. The first film winder can include a first winding roller 213 configured to wind the first protective film 211 into a roll, and a first guide roller 215 configured to guide the first protective film 211 to the first winding roller 213, which is drawn off from the first auxiliary sealing flat material 117a. In addition, a vacuum suction unit 220 can be installed in or as part of the transfer line 120, which is designed to draw in the first auxiliary sealing flat material 117a with a vacuum.The vacuum suction unit 220 has the same design as the embodiment mentioned above, so its detailed description is omitted here.

[0084] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the electrode membrane laying unit 150 can deposit the electrode catalyst layers 15 on both sides of the electrolyte membrane 13, i.e., the upper and lower surfaces. Fig. 7, form, can be set up to receive electrode membrane flat material 16, which is cut to a uniform shape, and to place the electrode membrane flat materials or arcs 16 on the first electrode windows 117c of the first auxiliary sealing flat material 117a.

[0085] The electrode membrane laying unit 150 can include a gripper robot installed above the transfer line 120 and can include a pair of grippers 151 configured to draw in the electrode membrane flat material 16 using a vacuum. To apply tension to the electrode membrane flat material 16, the pair of grippers 151 can be configured, in particular, to tilt both ends of the electrode membrane flat material 16 upwards in opposite directions when both ends are drawn in using a vacuum. The electrode membrane laying unit 150 has the same design as the aforementioned exemplary embodiment, so its detailed description is omitted.

[0086] Furthermore, the second auxiliary seal feed unit 160 can be configured to unwind the second auxiliary seal flat material 117b, which is wound in a roll form, and feed the second auxiliary seal flat material 117b to the electrode membrane flat material 16. In particular, the second auxiliary seal flat material 117b is a flat material before it is processed. The second auxiliary seal feed unit 160 can include a second auxiliary seal roller 161, which is installed outside the transfer line 120 and configured to unwind the second auxiliary seal flat material 117b, which is wound in a roll form.

[0087] Furthermore, the second cutting unit 170 can successively form second electrode windows 117d in a second auxiliary sealing flat material 117b, which is supplied by the second auxiliary sealing feed unit 160, so that the second electrode windows 117d are spaced apart from each other at predetermined intervals. In addition, the second cutting unit 170 can form distributor windows (not illustrated) in the second auxiliary sealing flat material 117b, which correspond to the inlet distributor and outlet distributor of a separating device.

[0088] The second cutting unit 170 can be installed on part of the second auxiliary seal feed unit 160 and can include a second cutting roller 171 and a second support roller 173, which are arranged on both sides of the transfer path of the second auxiliary seal flat material 117b. The second cutting roller 171 can have a blade configured to sequentially form the second electrode windows 117d in the second auxiliary seal flat material 117b such that the second electrode windows 117d are spaced apart from each other at predetermined intervals. The second support roller 173 can support the second auxiliary seal flat material 117b and the second cutting roller 171.

[0089] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the device 200 can further comprise a second film winder 230, which is configured to recover a second protective film 231 attached to the second auxiliary sealing flat material 117b and to wind the second protective film 231 into a roll. The second film winder 230 can be installed downstream of the second cutting unit 170 on a part of the second auxiliary sealing feed unit 160. The second film winder 230 can comprise a second winding roller 233, which is configured to wind the second protective film 231 into a roll, and a second guide roller 235, which is configured to guide the second protective film 231, which is peeled off the second auxiliary sealing flat material 117b, to the second winding roller 233.

[0090] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the MEA joining unit 180 can be configured to join the first auxiliary sealing flat material 117a, the electrode membrane flat material 16, and the second auxiliary sealing flat material 117b, which are stacked on top of each other, using a thermocompression process as they are passed through a pair of hot rollers 181. The MEA joining unit 180 can be installed along the extension line of the transfer line 120 outside the transfer line 120. The MEA joining unit 180 can also pass the first auxiliary sealing flat material 117a, the electrode membrane flat material 16, and the second auxiliary sealing flat material 117b, which are stacked on top of each other, between the pair of hot rollers 181 to form an MEA flat material 183.

[0091] Furthermore, an MEA winder 240 can be installed downstream of the MEA connection unit 180 and can be configured to wind up the MEA flat material 183, in which the electrode membrane flat material 16 and the second auxiliary sealing flat material 117b, together with the first auxiliary sealing flat material 117a, have been joined by the MEA connection unit 180 as described above. The MEA winder 240 can also have a winding roller 241 configured to wind the MEA flat material 183 into a roll.

[0092] In a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a film unwinder 250, configured to unwind a third protective film 253 in roll form and feed the third protective film 253 to the MEA flat material 183, can be installed on a part of the MEA rewinder 240. In other words, the film unwinder 250 can be configured to apply the third protective film 253 to the MEA flat material 183. The film unwinder 250 can have a winding roller 251, configured to unwind the third protective film 253, which is wound in roll form, and a third guide roller 252, configured to apply pressure to the third protective film 253 while guiding it to the MEA flat material 183.

[0093] The device 200 can further comprise a plurality of position sensors (not illustrated) for more precise placement of the electrode membrane flat material 16 on the first electrode window 117c of the first auxiliary sealing flat material 117a and for more precise feeding of the second auxiliary sealing flat material 117b to the electrode membrane flat material 16. The position sensors have the same structure as those of the aforementioned exemplary embodiments, so their detailed description is omitted in the present exemplary embodiment.

[0094] A method for manufacturing the membrane electrode assembly using the device for manufacturing a membrane electrode assembly for a fuel cell in accordance with a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention is described in detail below with reference to the aforementioned drawings.

[0095] First, the first auxiliary sealing material 117a, which is wound in a roll form on the first auxiliary sealing roller 131 of the first auxiliary sealing feed unit 130, can be unwound and fed to the transfer line 120. During this process, the first cutting unit 140 can be set up to successively form the first electrode windows 117c in the first auxiliary sealing material 117a using the first cutting roller 141 and the first backup roller 143, so that the first electrode windows 117c are spaced apart from each other at predetermined intervals.

[0096] The first winding roller 213 of the first film winder 210 can be configured to wind the first protective film or foil 211, which is attached to the first auxiliary sealing flat material 117a, into a roll while the first protective film 211 is being peeled off. The first guide roller 215 of the first film winder 210 can be configured to guide the first protective film 211, which is peeled off the first auxiliary sealing flat material 117a, to the first winding roller 213. The first auxiliary sealing flat material 117a, in which the first electrode windows 117c are formed by the cutting unit 140, can be transferred along the transfer line 120 as described above. In particular, the first auxiliary sealing flat material 117a can be transferred along the transfer line 120 when it is drawn in by the vacuum suction unit 72 under vacuum.

[0097] The electrode membrane laying unit 150 can then form the electrode catalyst layers 15 on both sides of the electrolyte membrane 13 and can be configured to collect both ends of the electrode membrane flat material 16, which is cut to a uniform shape, using the gripper pair 151 by suction via negative pressure. In particular, the gripper pair 151 can be configured to hold both curved ends of the electrode membrane flat material 16, which is drawn in by negative pressure, at a predetermined angle and to apply tension to the electrode membrane flat material 16.

[0098] The electrode membrane laying unit 150 can then be set up to follow the transfer line 120 and lay the electrode membrane flat material 16 onto the first electrode window 117c of the first auxiliary sealing flat material 117a. The electrode membrane flat material 16 can be laid onto the first electrode window 117c of the first auxiliary sealing flat material 117a by the electrode membrane laying unit 150 and can be transferred along the transfer line 120 together with the first auxiliary sealing flat material 117a if the electrode membrane flat material 16 has been drawn in by the vacuum suction unit 220 under vacuum.

[0099] Once the electrode membrane flat material 16 has been placed onto the first electrode window 117c of the first auxiliary sealing flat material 117a, as described above, the second auxiliary sealing flat material 117b, which is wound in a roll on the second auxiliary sealing roller 161 of the second auxiliary sealing feed unit 160, can be unwound and fed to the electrode membrane flat material 16. During this process, the second cutting unit 170 can be set up to sequentially form the second electrode windows 117d in the second auxiliary sealing flat material 117b using the second cutting roller 171 and the second backup roller 173, in order to provide the second electrode windows 117d spaced apart from each other at predetermined intervals.

[0100] In particular, the second winding roller 233 of the second film winder 230 can be configured to wind the second protective film 231, which is attached to the second auxiliary sealing flat material 117b, into a roll while the second protective film 231 is being unwound. The second guide roller 235 of the second film winder 230 can be configured to guide the second protective film 231, which is unwound from the second auxiliary sealing flat material 117b, to the second winding roller 233. If, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first auxiliary sealing flat material 117a, the electrode membrane flat material 16, and the second auxiliary sealing flat material 117b are subsequently stacked one on top of the other as described above, they can be forced to pass between the hot rollers 181 of the MEA connection unit 180.

[0101] Accordingly, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the MEA flat material 183, in which the first auxiliary sealing flat material 117a, the electrode membrane flat material 16, and the second auxiliary sealing flat material 117b are integrated and connected to one another, can be formed by passing the first auxiliary sealing flat material 117a, the electrode membrane flat material 16, and the second auxiliary sealing flat material 117b, stacked on top of each other, between the pair of hot rollers 181. The MEA flat material 183 can be transferred to the MEA winder 240, and the winding roller 241 of the MEA winder 240 can be configured to wind the MEA flat material 183 into a roll.

[0102] During the process of winding the MEA flat material 183 over the winding roller 241 of the MEA rewinder 240, as described above, the third protective film 253, which is wound in a roll form, can be unwound and fed to the unwinding roller 251 of the film unwinder 250. The third guide roller 253 of the MEA rewinder 240 can be configured to guide the third protective film 253 to the MEA flat material 183 and apply pressure to the third protective film 253, thus attaching the third protective film 253 to the MEA flat material 183.

[0103] If the MEA flat material 183 is produced using a series of the aforementioned operations or processes, and if the MEA flat material 183 is unwound and the MEA flat material 183, including the electrode catalyst layers 15, is cut to a uniform shape, the membrane electrode assembly 10 for a fuel cell, such as that of the aforementioned exemplary embodiment, can accordingly be produced.

[0104] The remaining structure and other effects of the device 200 for producing a membrane electrode arrangement for a fuel cell in accordance with the current exemplary embodiment of the present invention are the same as those of the aforementioned exemplary embodiment, so that its detailed description is omitted.

[0105] Although exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments proposed in this description. A person skilled in the art, who understands the technical scope of the present invention, can easily propose other exemplary embodiments by adding, modifying, removing, and replacing components that fall within the same technical scope. These additions, modifications, removals, and replacements are to be considered as falling within the scope of the present invention. REFERENCE MARK 10 Membrane electrode arrangement 13 Electrolyte membrane 15 electrode catalyst layers 16 Electrode membrane flat material 17 Auxiliary seal or auxiliary sleeve 17a first auxiliary sealing or auxiliary sleeve flat material 17b second auxiliary sealing or auxiliary cuff flat material 17c first electrode window 17d second electrode window 20 Overpass line or overpass road 21 Main funding facility 23, 84 Conveyor roller or roller 25, 86 Conveyor belt 30 Auxiliary sealing or auxiliary sleeve feeding unit 31 Auxiliary sealing roller or cylinder 40 Electrode membrane laying unit 41 first grabber 50 Auxiliary sealing storage unit 51 second grabber 60 MEA connection unit 61 Hot roll or roller 63 MEA flat material 65 MEA winders 67 second winding roller or reel 71 first protective film or foil 72 Vacuum suction unit 73 Film or foil winders 75 first winding roller or cylinder 77 first guide roller or roller 81 electrostatic generator 82 Aid Funding Institution 83 second protective film 85 film unwinders 87 Unwinding roller or cylinder 89 second guide roller or roller 90 Control 91 first location sensor 92 second location sensor 93 third location sensor 95 encoders

Claims

[1] Device (100) for manufacturing a membrane electrode assembly (10) for a fuel cell, comprising: an auxiliary sealing feed unit (30) which is configured to successively form first electrode windows (17c) such that the first windows (17c) are spaced apart from each other at predetermined intervals, to unwind a first auxiliary sealing flat material (17a) wound in a roll form and to feed the first auxiliary sealing flat material (17a) to a transfer line (20); an electrode membrane laying unit (40) which is installed above the transfer line (20) and is configured to form electrode catalyst layers (15) on both sides of an electrolyte membrane (13), to collect the electrode membrane flat material (16) which is cut to a uniform shape and to lay the electrode membrane flat materials (16) on the first electrode window (17c) of the first auxiliary sealing flat material (17a); an auxiliary sealing laying unit (50) which is installed above the transfer line (20) and is configured to form second electrode windows (17d), to receive a second auxiliary sealing flat material (17b) cut to a uniform shape and to lay the second auxiliary sealing flat materials (17b) on the electrode membrane flat material (16); Membrane electrode assembly connecting units (60) (MEA connecting units) installed at the top and bottom of the transfer line (20) and configured to connect the first auxiliary sealing flat material (17a), the electrode membrane flat material (16), and the second auxiliary sealing flat material (17b), stacked one above the other, while the first auxiliary sealing flat material (17a), the electrode membrane flat material (16), and the second auxiliary sealing flat material (17b) are passed between a pair of hot rollers (61) along the transfer line (20); and an electrostatic generator (81) which is installed above the transfer line (20) and is configured to generate static electricity at the first auxiliary sealing flat material (17a) in order to attach the second auxiliary sealing flat material (17b) placed on the electrode membrane flat material (16) to the first auxiliary sealing flat material (17a) using the static electricity. [2] Device (100) according to claim 1, further comprising: a MEA winder (65) which is installed behind the MEA connection units (60) and is configured to wind an MEA flat material (63) in a roll form, wherein the electrode membrane flat material (16) and the second auxiliary sealing flat material (17b) are connected to the first auxiliary sealing flat material (17a) by the MEA connection units (60). [3] Device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: a film winder (73) installed on part of the auxiliary seal feed unit (30) and configured to recover a protective film (71) of the first auxiliary seal flat material (17a) and to wind the protective film (71) into a roll form; and a film unwinder (85) which is installed on a part of the MEA rewinder (65) and is configured to unwind the protective film (83) in roll form and to feed the unwound protective film (83) to the MEA flat material (63). [4] Device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising: a first location sensor (91), a second location sensor (92) and a third location sensor (93) which are installed outside the overpass line (20). [5] Device (100) according to claim 4, in which the first position sensor (91) is configured to detect an edge location of the first electrode window (17c) of the first auxiliary sealing flat material (17a), the second position sensor (92) is configured to detect an edge location of the electrode membrane flat material (16), and the third position sensor (93) is configured to detect an edge location of the second electrode window (17d) of the second auxiliary sealing flat material (17b). [6] Device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: a vacuum suction unit (72) which is installed at the transfer line (20) and is set up to draw in the first auxiliary sealing flat material (17a) and the electrode membrane flat material (16) with a vacuum. [7] Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrode membrane laying unit (40) has a pair of first grippers (41) which is configured to draw in the electrode membrane flat material (16) with a vacuum. [8] Device (100) according to claim 7, wherein the pair of first grippers (41) is installed to tilt both ends of the electrode membrane flat material (16) upwards in opposite directions, and is configured to draw in both ends of the electrode membrane flat material (16) with a vacuum and to exert a tension on the electrode membrane flat material (16). [9] Device (100) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the auxiliary sealing depositing unit (50) has a pair of second grippers (51) configured to draw in the second auxiliary sealing flat material (17b) with a vacuum. [10] Device (100) according to claim 9, wherein the pair of second grippers (51) is installed to tilt both ends of the second auxiliary sealing flat material (17b) upwards in opposite directions, and is configured to draw in both ends of the second auxiliary sealing flat material (17b) with a vacuum and to apply tension to the second auxiliary sealing flat material (17b). [11] Device (100) for manufacturing a membrane electrode assembly (10) for a fuel cell, comprising: a first auxiliary sealing feed unit (130) which is configured to unwind a first auxiliary sealing flat material (117a) which is wound in a roll form and to feed the first auxiliary sealing flat material (117a) to a transfer line (120); a first cutting unit (140) which is installed on a part of the first auxiliary sealing feed unit (130) and is configured to successively form first electrode windows (117c) in the first auxiliary sealing flat material (117a) which is fed via the first auxiliary sealing feed unit (130) in order to provide the first electrode windows (117c) spaced apart from each other at predetermined intervals; an electrode membrane laying unit (150) which is installed above the transfer line (120) and is configured to form electrode catalyst layers (15) on both sides of an electrolyte membrane (13), to receive an electrode membrane flat material (16) cut to a uniform shape and to lay the electrode membrane flat materials (16) on the first electrode windows (117c) of the first auxiliary sealing flat material (117a); a second auxiliary sealing feed unit (160) which is installed outside the transfer line (120) and is configured to unwind a second auxiliary sealing flat material (117b) wound in a roll form and to feed the second auxiliary sealing flat material (117b) to the electrode membrane flat material (16); a second cutting unit (170) which is installed on a part of the second auxiliary sealing feed unit (160) and is configured to successively form second electrode windows (117d) in the second auxiliary sealing flat material (117b) which is fed via the second auxiliary sealing feed unit (160) in order to provide the second electrode windows (117d) spaced apart from each other at predetermined distances; Membrane electrode assembly connecting units (180) (MEA connecting units), which are installed and set up outside the transfer line (120), to connect the first auxiliary sealing flat material (117a), the electrode membrane flat material (16) and the second auxiliary sealing flat material (117b), which are stacked on top of each other, while the first auxiliary sealing flat material (117a), the electrode membrane flat material (16) and the second auxiliary sealing flat material (117b) is guided between a pair of hot rollers (181); a MEA winder (240) installed behind the MEA connection units (180) and configured to wind an MEA flat material (183) into a roll form, wherein the electrode membrane flat material (16) and the second auxiliary sealing flat material (117b) are connected to the first auxiliary sealing flat material (117a) by the MEA connection units (180); and a film winder (210) which is installed on the part of the first auxiliary seal feed unit (130) and is configured to recover a protective film (211) of the first auxiliary seal flat material (117a) and to wind the protective film (211) into a roll form; a second film winder (230) which is installed on the part of the second auxiliary seal feed unit (160) and is configured to recover a protective film (231) of the second auxiliary seal flat material (117b) and to wind the protective film (231) into a roll form; and a film unwinder (250) which is installed on a part of the MEA rewinder (240) and is set up to unwind the protective film (253) in a roll form and to feed the unwound protective film (253) to the MEA flat material (183). [12] Device (200) according to claim 11, wherein the electrode membrane laying unit (150) has a pair of first grippers (151) which is configured to draw in the electrode membrane flat material (16) with a vacuum.

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