Laminate structure and packaging apparatus

Abstract

To provide a laminate structure and a packaging apparatus, capable of suppressing a failure generated in a film electrode assembly at the time of a transportation and a shipping of the film electrode assembly.SOLUTION: A laminate structure 11 is constructed by laminating a plurality of cases for packing 10 that are used when packing a sheet-like film electrode assembly 2 formed by forming electrode catalyst layers 4 and 5 to both surfaces of a solid polymer type electrolyte film 3. The plurality of cases for packing 10 are opened to an upper surface 10a of each case for packing 10, and include a concave-like housing part 13 that houses the film electrode assembly 2. In each of the cases for packing 10 in an upper stage and a lower stage that are adjacent each other, a distance S between an uppermost part of a bottom surface 13a of the concave-like housing part 13 of each of the cases for packing 10 in the lower stage and a lowest part of a lower surface 10b that is opposite to the bottom surface 13a of the concave-like housing part 13 of each of the cases for packing 10 in the lower stage in the cases for packing 10 in the upper stage is larger than a thickness of the film electrode assembly 2, and is 0.5 mm to 5.0 mm.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a laminated structure and a packaging device.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, in the effort to achieve carbon neutrality, the movement to use hydrogen as a major energy source that can be generated from various resources has been accelerating. For this reason, initiatives for "producing", "transporting", "storing", and "using" hydrogen are being carried out. For example, it has become possible to use a membrane electrode assembly of a polymer electrolyte fuel cell. 2 As methods for manufacturing a membrane electrode assembly, for example, a method of applying a catalyst ink to a transfer substrate and laminating it on a polymer electrolyte membrane, or a method of applying a catalyst ink to a polymer electrolyte membrane for manufacturing can be mentioned. In either method, it is possible to manufacture by a Roll to Roll method, or to manufacture by applying a catalyst ink to a sheet-shaped cut material one by one.

[0003] When manufacturing a membrane electrode assembly by Roll to Roll, a method of winding a continuous membrane electrode assembly around a core such as plastic with an appropriate tension and packaging it in a sealed container for shipment can be considered. Also, after cutting the membrane electrode assembly into appropriate sizes to form individual sheets, it is also possible to package and ship it in the same manner as the membrane electrode assembly manufactured by sheet coating.

[0004] When transporting or storing a sheet-shaped membrane electrode assembly manufactured by sheet coating or the like by truck or airplane, the following problems may be considered.

[0005]

[0006] ​That is, one of the problems is that the membrane electrode assembly is bent. When a bend occurs in the electrode portion of the membrane electrode assembly, it may cause the membrane to rupture during the operation of the fuel cell, and the durability of the membrane electrode assembly may decrease. On the other hand, for example, when a bend occurs in a non-electrode portion such as a sub-gasket portion, it may cause a sealing failure during stacking, and there is a possibility that fuel gas or the like may leak. Since the materials generally used for the membrane electrode assembly are thin plastic films or the like, bends in the electrode portion and the non-electrode portion are likely to occur.

[0007] Another problem is scratches or dents such as rubbing of the electrode portion due to shaking during transportation. When scratches or dents occur in the electrode portion, there is concern about a decrease in the initial characteristics of the membrane electrode assembly. In addition, when the electrode portion is damaged, it may cause the membrane to rupture and be a cause of a decrease in durability.

[0008] In response to the above problems, for example, Patent Document 1 describes a technique in which a plurality of sheet bodies having an electrode catalyst layer coated on one surface of a base film and a protective sheet covering the electrode catalyst layer are stacked on a shaping plate and placed in a storage bag and packed.

[0009] Further, Patent Document 2 describes a technique in which a fuel cell electrode (membrane electrode assembly) having a structure in which an anode catalyst layer and a cathode catalyst layer are respectively laminated on both surfaces of a solid polymer electrolyte membrane and protective films are respectively attached to the anode catalyst layer and the cathode catalyst layer is stored in a sealed container in a state where a plurality of them are stacked.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0010]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0011] However, the following problems exist in the above prior art. That is, in Patent Document 1, during the transportation of the sheet body, the weight of the sheet body and the shape-retaining plate may apply a load to the lowermost sheet body. In this case, the electrode catalyst layer may be crushed, which may reduce the initial characteristics and durability of the fuel cell. In Patent Document 2, during the transportation of the membrane electrode assembly, the membrane electrode assembly may move within the sealed container, and the membrane electrode assembly may be bent and become defective.

[0012] An object of the present invention is to provide a laminated structure and a packing device capable of suppressing defects generated in a membrane electrode assembly during the transportation of the membrane electrode assembly.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0013] (1) One aspect of the present invention is a laminated structure in which a plurality of packing cases used when packing a sheet-like membrane electrode assembly in which an electrode catalyst layer is formed on one or both sides of a solid polymer electrolyte membrane are laminated. The packing case has an opening on the upper surface of the packing case and has a concave accommodating portion for accommodating the membrane electrode assembly. In the upper and lower packing cases adjacent to each other, the distance between the uppermost part of the bottom surface of the concave accommodating portion of the lower packing case and the lowermost part of the surface facing the bottom surface of the concave accommodating portion of the lower packing case in the upper packing case is larger than the thickness of the membrane electrode assembly and is 0.5 mm to 5.0 mm.

[0014] In such a laminated structure, a plurality of packaging cases in a state where a membrane electrode assembly is accommodated in a concave accommodating portion are laminated. At this time, in the upper and lower packaging cases adjacent to each other, the distance between the uppermost part of the bottom surface of the concave accommodating portion of the lower packaging case and the lowermost part of the surface facing the bottom surface of the concave accommodating portion of the lower packaging case in the upper packaging case is set to 0.5 mm to 5.0 mm. As a result, during the transportation of the membrane electrode assembly, it becomes difficult for pressure to be applied to the membrane electrode assembly, so the membrane electrode assembly is less likely to be crushed, and the membrane electrode assembly is less likely to move, and the membrane electrode assembly is less likely to break. Thereby, it is possible to suppress defects generated in the membrane electrode assembly during the transportation of the membrane electrode assembly.

[0015] (2) In the above (1), a protective material for protecting the membrane electrode assembly may be disposed on the membrane electrode assembly. In such a configuration, during the transportation of the membrane electrode assembly, the membrane electrode assembly becomes even less likely to move, so the membrane electrode assembly becomes even less likely to break.

[0016] (3) In the above (1) or (2), the packaging case may have a fitting portion for fitting the lower packaging case and the upper packaging case. In such a configuration, when stacking a plurality of packaging cases, the alignment between the lower packaging case and the upper packaging case can be easily performed. Therefore, the labor required for stacking the packaging cases can be reduced.

[0017] (4) Another aspect of the present invention is a laminated structure in which a plurality of packaging cases used when packaging a sheet-like membrane electrode assembly in which an electrode catalyst layer is formed on one or both sides of a solid polymer electrolyte membrane are laminated. The membrane electrode assembly has an electrode portion including an electrode catalyst layer and a non-electrode portion disposed outside the electrode portion and not including the electrode catalyst layer. The packaging case has an electrode accommodating portion that opens at least one of the upper and lower surfaces of the packaging case and accommodates the electrode catalyst layer. The non-electrode portion contacts the packaging case, and the electrode portion does not contact the packaging case.

[0018] In such a laminated structure, a plurality of packaging cases are laminated so that the electrode catalyst layer of the membrane electrode assembly is accommodated in the electrode accommodation portion. At this time, the non-electrode portion of the membrane electrode assembly contacts the packaging case, but the electrode portion of the membrane electrode assembly does not contact the packaging case. Therefore, during the transportation of the membrane electrode assembly, the electrode portion of the membrane electrode assembly is less likely to be rubbed, so that the electrode portion is less likely to be damaged, and since the membrane electrode assembly does not move, bending of the membrane electrode assembly is suppressed. Thereby, it is possible to suppress defects generated in the membrane electrode assembly during the transportation of the membrane electrode assembly.

[0019] (5) In (4) above, at least a part of the portion of the packaging case that contacts the non-electrode portion may be formed of an adhesive material. In such a configuration, the non-electrode portion of the membrane electrode assembly adheres sufficiently to the packaging case by the adhesive material, so that the non-electrode portion is less likely to shift with respect to the packaging case.

[0020] (6) Still another aspect of the present invention is a packaging device for packaging a sheet-like membrane electrode assembly in which an electrode catalyst layer is formed on one or both sides of a solid polymer electrolyte membrane, comprising any one of the laminated structures of (1) to (5) above and a container for accommodating the laminated structure, wherein the water vapor permeability in the container is 10 g / (m 2 ·day) or less, and the humidity in the container is 30%RH to 90%RH.

[0021] In such a packaging device, by providing any one of the laminated structures of (1) to (5) above, it is possible to suppress defects generated in the membrane electrode assembly during the transportation of the membrane electrode assembly. Further, by setting the humidity in the container for accommodating the laminated structure to 30%RH to 90%RH, the humidity in the container becomes equal to or close to the humidity of the environment in which the membrane electrode assembly is manufactured and stacked, so that dimensional changes in the membrane electrode assembly are less likely to occur. Thereby, it is possible to further suppress defects generated in the membrane electrode assembly.

Advantages of the Invention

[0022] According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress defects generated in the membrane electrode assembly during the transportation of the membrane electrode assembly.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0024] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or equivalent elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted. Further, the embodiments are examples of configurations for embodying the technical idea of the present invention and are not limited to the features described below. Various modifications can be made to the embodiments within the technical scope defined by the claims described in the claims. In addition, the drawings are schematically shown, and the dimensions and the like of each part are different from the actual ones.

[0025] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a packaging apparatus including a laminated structure according to a first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, a packaging apparatus 1 of the present embodiment is an apparatus for packaging a sheet-like membrane electrode assembly 2 used in a solid polymer fuel cell (not shown).

[0026] As shown in FIG. 2, the membrane electrode assembly 2 has a solid polymer electrolyte membrane 3 and electrode catalyst layers 4 and 5 formed on both surfaces of the solid polymer electrolyte membrane 3, respectively. The thickness of the membrane electrode assembly 2 is 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm. The solid polymer electrolyte membrane 3 and the electrode catalyst layers 4 and 5 are all rectangular in plan view.

[0027] The solid polymer electrolyte membrane 3 may be a proton exchange membrane or an anion exchange membrane. As the proton exchange membrane, for example, a fluorine-based polymer electrolyte or a hydrocarbon-based polymer electrolyte can be used. As the fluorine-based polymer electrolyte, for example, a polymer electrolyte having a tetrafluoroethylene skeleton can be used. In addition, Nafion (registered trademark) manufactured by DuPont can be exemplified as the polymer electrolyte having a tetrafluoroethylene skeleton. As the hydrocarbon-based polymer electrolyte, for example, sulfonated polyether ketone, sulfonated polyether sulfone, sulfonated polyether ether sulfone, sulfonated polysulfide, or sulfonated polyphenylene can be used. As the anion exchange membrane, for example, a block copolymer type aromatic polyether having a trimethylammonium group can be used.

[0028] The electrode catalyst layer 4 is an anode catalyst layer formed on one main surface 3a of the solid polymer electrolyte membrane 3. The electrode catalyst layer 5 is a cathode catalyst layer formed on the other main surface 3b of the solid polymer electrolyte membrane 3.

[0029] Further, the membrane electrode assembly 2 has an electrode portion 6 including electrode catalyst layers 4 and 5, and a non-electrode portion 7 not including the electrode catalyst layers 4 and 5. The electrode portion 6 is a rectangular region in plan view. The electrode portion 6 is composed of a solid polymer electrolyte membrane 3 and the electrode catalyst layers 4 and 5. The non-electrode portion 7 is disposed outside the electrode portion 6. The non-electrode portion 7 is a rectangular tubular region in plan view. The non-electrode portion 7 is composed of only the solid polymer electrolyte membrane 3.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 3, the membrane electrode assembly 2 may further include a sub-gasket 8 and a gas diffusion layer 9 in addition to the solid polymer electrolyte membrane 3 and the electrode catalyst layers 4 and 5. The sub-gaskets 8 are respectively formed outside the electrode catalyst layers 4 and 5 on the main surfaces 3a and 3b of the solid polymer electrolyte membrane 3. The gas diffusion layers 9 are respectively formed on the electrode catalyst layers 4 and 5.

[0031] As the sub-gasket 8, a resin film is preferable. Examples of the resin film include polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), or polyimide (PI). From the viewpoints of heat resistance and low moisture absorption properties, PEN is more preferable as the resin film. As the resin film, an adhesive film coated with an adhesive may be used and adhered to the solid polymer electrolyte membrane 3. Examples of the adhesive include acrylic and rubber adhesives, but any adhesive may be used as long as it does not easily peel off from the solid polymer electrolyte membrane 3 and the sub-gasket 8.

[0032] The thickness of the sub-gasket 8 is preferably 10 μm to 200 μm. If the thickness of the sub-gasket 8 is less than 10 μm, handling of the membrane electrode assembly 2 becomes difficult, and the performance of the fuel cell may deteriorate due to stack defects. Further, if the thickness of the sub-gasket 8 is greater than 200 μm, it is necessary to thin the sealing material used on the sub-gasket 8 during stacking, which makes handling of the sealing material difficult, and the performance of the fuel cell may deteriorate due to stack defects.

[0033] As the gas diffusion layer 9, it is preferable that it has electrical conductivity and porosity. Examples of the gas diffusion layer 9 include carbon paper. On one main surface of the carbon paper, water repellency may be imparted by polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or the like. The thickness of the gas diffusion layer 9 is preferably 50 μm to 600 μm. If the thickness of the gas diffusion layer 9 is less than 50 μm, the gas may not be sufficiently diffused. If the thickness of the gas diffusion layer 9 is greater than 600 μm, the electrical resistance increases, and the performance of the fuel cell may deteriorate.

[0034] The electrode part 6 is composed of a solid polymer electrolyte membrane 3, electrode catalyst layers 4 and 5, and a gas diffusion layer 9. The non-electrode part 7 is composed of a solid polymer electrolyte membrane 3 and a sub-gasket 8.

[0035] Note that the membrane electrode assembly 2 shown in FIG. 3 has both a sub-gasket 8 and a gas diffusion layer 9, but is not particularly limited to its form, and may have only one of the sub-gasket 8 and the gas diffusion layer 9.

[0036] Returning to FIG. 1, the packaging device 1 includes a stacked structure 11 in which a plurality of packaging cases 10 are stacked, and a container 12 that houses this stacked structure 11. The packaging case 10 is used when packaging the membrane electrode assembly 2. In FIG. 1, the packaging device 1 packages the membrane electrode assembly 2 shown in FIG. 2, but may also package the membrane electrode assembly 2 shown in FIG. 3.

[0037] The packaging case 10 is composed of, for example, resin, light metals such as aluminum, pulp, or cellulose. As shown in FIG. 4, the packaging case 10 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The packaging case 10 has an upper surface 10a, a lower surface 10b, and four side surfaces 10c. The packaging case 10 has a concave accommodating portion 13 having a square shape in plan view for accommodating the membrane electrode assembly 2. The concave accommodating portion 13 opens to the upper surface 10a of the packaging case 10.

[0038] The concave accommodating portion 13 has a rectangular bottom surface 13a on which the membrane electrode assembly 2 is placed, and four inner wall surfaces 13b that connect the bottom surface 13a and the upper surface 10a of the packaging case 10. The length dimension of the concave accommodating portion 13 is larger than the length dimension of the membrane electrode assembly 2. The depth of the concave accommodating portion 13 is larger than the thickness of the membrane electrode assembly 2. Note that the length dimension of the concave accommodating portion 13 is a dimension in a direction perpendicular to the depth direction of the concave accommodating portion 13. The length dimension of the membrane electrode assembly 2 is a dimension in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the membrane electrode assembly 2.

[0039] In a state where the membrane electrode assembly 2 is accommodated in the concave accommodating portion 13 such that the central position of the membrane electrode assembly 2 coincides with the central position of the concave accommodating portion 13, the distance from the outer peripheral surface of the membrane electrode assembly 2 (corresponding to the side edge surface of the solid polymer electrolyte membrane 3) to the inner wall surface 13b of the concave accommodating portion 13 is preferably 1 mm to 20 mm in all four directions. If the distance from the outer peripheral surface of the membrane electrode assembly 2 to the inner wall surface 13b of the concave accommodating portion 13 is shorter than 1 mm, the membrane electrode assembly 2 may be bent and become a defective product due to a slight deviation during the accommodation of the membrane electrode assembly 2. If the distance from the outer peripheral surface of the membrane electrode assembly 2 to the inner wall surface 13b of the concave accommodating portion 13 is longer than 20 mm, the movement of the membrane electrode assembly 2 along the direction perpendicular to the depth direction in the concave accommodating portion 13 becomes intense during transportation, and the membrane electrode assembly 2 may become defective due to breakage or the like of the membrane electrode assembly 2.

[0040] The laminated structure 11 has a structure in which a plurality of packaging cases 10 are laminated in a state where the membrane electrode assembly 2 is accommodated in the concave accommodating portion 13 of the packaging case 10. At this time, the packaging cases 10 are sealed with, for example, tape in a state of being aligned with each other. A protective material 14 for protecting the membrane electrode assembly 2 is disposed on the membrane electrode assembly 2. The protective material 14 is accommodated in the concave accommodating portion 13 together with the membrane electrode assembly 2.

[0041] The protective material 14 may be a thin and bend-resistant material. As the protective material 14, a resin film, plastic corrugated cardboard, air cushioning material, etc. are preferable. Examples of the resin film include a PET film having a thickness of 0.05 mm to 0.5 mm. The thickness of the plastic corrugated cardboard or air cushioning material is preferably 3 mm or less, and more preferably 2 mm or less.

[0042] In the packaging cases 10 of the upper and lower stages adjacent to each other, the distance S between the uppermost part of the bottom surface 13a of the concave accommodating portion 13 of the lower packaging case 10 and the lowermost part of the lower surface 10b of the upper packaging case 10 is larger than the thickness of the membrane electrode assembly 2 and is 0.5 mm to 5.0 mm. The lower surface 10b of the upper packaging case 10 corresponds to the surface facing the bottom surface 13a of the concave accommodating portion 13 of the lower packaging case 10 in the upper packaging case 10.

[0043] When the distance S is shorter than 0.5 mm, when the packaging cases 10 are stacked with the membrane electrode assembly 2 accommodated in the concave accommodating portion 13 of the packaging case 10, a pressure in the stacking direction is likely to be applied to the membrane electrode assembly 2 during transportation. When pressure is applied to the membrane electrode assembly 2, the electrode portion 6 of the membrane electrode assembly 2 may be crushed, and the performance of the fuel cell may deteriorate. On the other hand, when the distance S is longer than 5.0 mm, the membrane electrode assembly 2 is likely to move in the stacking direction within the concave accommodating portion 13 during transportation. When the membrane electrode assembly 2 moves within the concave accommodating portion 13, the membrane electrode assembly 2 may be folded and the membrane electrode assembly 2 may become a defective product.

[0044] In addition, when both the bottom surface 13a of the concave accommodating portion 13 of the lower packaging case 10 and the lower surface 10b of the upper packaging case 10 are flat surfaces and the bottom surface 13a of the concave accommodating portion 13 of the lower packaging case 10 and the lower surface 10b of the upper packaging case 10 are parallel, the distance S is equal to the depth of the concave accommodating portion 13.

[0045] The protective material 14 accommodated in the concave accommodating portion 13 of the lower packaging case 10 may be in contact with the lower surface 10b of the upper packaging case 10. A slight gap may be provided between the protective material 14 accommodated in the concave accommodating portion 13 of the lower packaging case 10 and the lower surface 10b of the upper packaging case 10.

[0046] Such a laminated structure 11 is accommodated in the container 12 in a sealed state. Examples of the container 12 include a bag made of a resin film, an attaché case, or a plastic case. Examples of the bag made of a resin film include a bag made of polypropylene or the like or a bag made of a barrier film. Examples of the bag made of a barrier film include a vapor-deposited aluminum bag or GL FILM (registered trademark) manufactured by Toppan.

[0047] Since the membrane electrode assembly 2 may undergo dimensional changes due to humidity changes, it is preferable to use a container 12 with a low water vapor permeability. Therefore, the water vapor permeability inside the container 12 in which the laminated structure 11 is accommodated is preferably 10 g / (m 2 ·day) or less. Also, the humidity inside the container 12 in which the laminated structure 11 is accommodated is preferably 30%RH to 90%RH, and more preferably 45%RH to 80%RH. If the humidity inside the container 12 is outside the range of 30%RH to 90%RH, the difference from the humidity of the environment in which the membrane electrode assembly 2 is manufactured or stacked becomes large, resulting in significant dimensional changes in the membrane electrode assembly 2, and the membrane electrode assembly 2 may become a defective product.

[0048] As described above, in the present embodiment, a plurality of packaging cases 10 in a state where the membrane electrode assembly 2 is housed in the concave housing portion 13 are stacked. At this time, in the upper and lower packaging cases 10 adjacent to each other, the distance S between the uppermost part of the bottom surface 13a of the concave housing portion 13 of the lower packaging case 10 and the lowermost part of the lower surface 10b of the upper packaging case 10 is set to 0.5 mm to 5.0 mm. As a result, during the transportation of the membrane electrode assembly 2, it becomes difficult for pressure to be applied to the membrane electrode assembly 2, so that the membrane electrode assembly 2 is less likely to be crushed, and the membrane electrode assembly 2 is less likely to move, and the membrane electrode assembly 2 is less likely to break. Thereby, it is possible to suppress defects generated in the membrane electrode assembly 2 during transportation.

[0049] Further, in the present embodiment, a protective material 14 is disposed on the membrane electrode assembly 2. Therefore, during the transportation of the membrane electrode assembly 2, it becomes more difficult for the membrane electrode assembly 2 to move, so that the membrane electrode assembly 2 is less likely to break.

[0050] Further, in the present embodiment, by setting the humidity in the housing 12 that houses the stacked structure 11 to 30% RH to 90% RH, the humidity in the housing 12 becomes equal to or close to the humidity of the environment in which the membrane electrode assembly 2 is manufactured and stacked. Therefore, dimensional changes in the membrane electrode assembly 2 are less likely to occur. Thereby, it is possible to further suppress defects generated in the membrane electrode assembly 2.

[0051] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the packaging device 1 shown in FIG. 1. In FIG. 5, the packaging device 1A of this modified example includes a stacked structure 11A in which a plurality of packaging cases 10A are stacked, and the above-described housing 12 that houses this stacked structure 11A.

[0052] The packaging case 10A has the above-described concave housing portion 13. Further, a square annular notch 21 is provided at the upper edge portion of the packaging case 10A. A square annular protrusion 22 is provided at the lower edge portion of the packaging case 10A. The inner region of the protrusion 22 is a fitting concave portion 23 that opens to the lower surface 10b of the packaging case 10A. The fitting concave portion 23 has a bottom surface 23a.

[0053] In the upper and lower packaging cases 10A adjacent to each other, the protrusion 22 of the upper packaging case 10A is fitted into the notch 21 of the lower packaging case 10A. At this time, the upper part of the lower packaging case 10A is engaged with the edge of the fitting recess 23 of the upper packaging case 10A. The notch 21 and the protrusion 22 of the packaging case 10A constitute a fitting portion for fitting the lower packaging case 10A and the upper packaging case 10A together.

[0054] Also, in the upper and lower packaging cases 10A adjacent to each other, the distance S between the uppermost part of the bottom surface 13a of the concave accommodating portion 13 of the lower packaging case 10A and the lowermost part of the bottom surface 23a of the fitting recess 23 of the upper packaging case 10A is larger than the thickness of the membrane electrode assembly 2 and is 0.5 mm to 5.0 mm. The bottom surface 23a of the fitting recess 23 of the upper packaging case 10A corresponds to the surface facing the bottom surface 13a of the concave accommodating portion 13 of the lower packaging case 10A in the upper packaging case 10A.

[0055] In such a present modification example, the lower packaging case 10A and the upper packaging case 10A are fitted together by the notch 21 and the protrusion 22 of the packaging case 10A. Therefore, when stacking a plurality of packaging cases 10A, the alignment between the lower packaging case 10A and the upper packaging case 10A can be easily performed. Therefore, the labor required for stacking the packaging cases 10A can be reduced.

[0056] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing another modification example of the packaging device 1 shown in FIG. 1. In FIG. 6, the packaging device 1B of this modification example includes a stacked structure body 11B in which a plurality of packaging cases 10B are stacked, and the above-described container 12 that houses this stacked structure body 11B.

[0057] The packaging case 10B has a frustum of a square pyramid shape and has four trapezoidal side faces 10c. The packaging case 10B has the above-described concave accommodating portion 13. The upper portion of the packaging case 10B forms a fitting convex portion 25 having a frustum of a square pyramid shape (trapezoidal in side cross-sectional view). The packaging case 10B has a fitting concave portion 26 that opens to the lower surface 10b of the packaging case 10B. The shape of the fitting concave portion 26 is trapezoidal in side cross-sectional view. The fitting concave portion 26 has a bottom surface 26a.

[0058] In the upper and lower packaging cases 10B adjacent to each other, the fitting convex portion 25 of the lower packaging case 10B is fitted into the fitting concave portion 26 of the upper packaging case 10B. The fitting convex portion 25 and the fitting concave portion 26 of the packaging case 10B constitute a fitting portion for fitting the lower packaging case 10B and the upper packaging case 10B together.

[0059] Also, in the upper and lower packaging cases 10B adjacent to each other, the distance S between the uppermost part of the bottom surface 13a of the concave accommodating portion 13 of the lower packaging case 10B and the lowermost part of the bottom surface 26a of the fitting concave portion 26 of the upper packaging case 10B is larger than the thickness of the membrane electrode assembly 2 and is 0.5 mm to 5.0 mm. The bottom surface 26a of the fitting concave portion 26 of the upper packaging case 10B corresponds to the surface facing the bottom surface 13a of the concave accommodating portion 13 of the lower packaging case 10B in the upper packaging case 10B.

[0060] In such a present modification example, the lower packaging case 10B and the upper packaging case 10B are fitted together by the fitting convex portion 25 and the fitting concave portion 26 of the packaging case 10B. Therefore, when stacking a plurality of packaging cases 10B, the alignment between the lower packaging case 10B and the upper packaging case 10B can be easily performed. Therefore, the labor required for stacking the packaging cases 10B can be reduced.

[0061] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a packaging apparatus including a laminated structure according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 7, the packaging apparatus 30 of the present embodiment includes a laminated structure 32 in which a plurality of packaging cases 31 are laminated, and the above-described container 12 that houses the laminated structure 32. The packaging case 31 is used when packaging the membrane electrode assembly 2. In FIG. 7, the packaging apparatus 30 is packaging the membrane electrode assembly 2 shown in FIG. 2, but may also package the membrane electrode assembly 2 shown in FIG. 3.

[0062] The packaging case 31 is made of, for example, resin, light metals such as aluminum, pulp, or cellulose. The packaging case 31 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The packaging case 31 has an upper surface 31a, a lower surface 31b, and four side surfaces 31c. The packaging case 31 has concave electrode accommodating portions 33 and 34 having a square shape in plan view.

[0063] The concave electrode accommodating portion 33 opens to the lower surface 31b of the packaging case 31. In the concave electrode accommodating portion 33, the electrode catalyst layer 4 of the membrane electrode assembly 2 is accommodated in a non-contact state with the packaging case 31. The length dimension of the concave electrode accommodating portion 33 is larger than the length dimension of the electrode catalyst layer 4. The depth of the concave electrode accommodating portion 33 is larger than the thickness of the electrode catalyst layer 4. Note that the length dimension of the concave electrode accommodating portion 33 is a dimension in a direction perpendicular to the depth direction of the concave electrode accommodating portion 33. The length dimension of the electrode catalyst layer 4 is a dimension in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the electrode catalyst layer 4. The electrode catalyst layer 4 is not accommodated in the concave electrode accommodating portion 33 of the lowermost packaging case 31 in the laminated structure 32.

[0064] The concave electrode accommodating portion 34 opens to the upper surface 31a of the packaging case 31. In the concave electrode accommodating portion 34, the electrode catalyst layer 5 of the membrane electrode assembly 2 is accommodated in a non-contact state with the packaging case 31. The length dimension of the concave electrode accommodating portion 34 is larger than the length dimension of the electrode catalyst layer 5. The depth of the concave electrode accommodating portion 34 is larger than the thickness of the electrode catalyst layer 5. Note that the length dimension of the concave electrode accommodating portion 34 is a dimension in a direction perpendicular to the depth direction of the concave electrode accommodating portion 34. The length dimension of the electrode catalyst layer 5 is a dimension in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the electrode catalyst layer 5. In the concave electrode accommodating portion 34 of the packaging case 31 disposed most upward in the laminated structure 32, the electrode catalyst layer 5 is not accommodated.

[0065] The non-electrode portion 7 of the membrane electrode assembly 2 is in contact with the packaging case 31. The electrode portion 6 of the membrane electrode assembly 2 is not in contact with the packaging case 31. That is, in the membrane electrode assembly 2, only the non-electrode portion 7 is in contact with the packaging case 31. In the upper and lower packaging cases 31 adjacent to each other, the lower packaging case 31 and the upper packaging case 31 sandwich the non-electrode portion 7 of the membrane electrode assembly 2.

[0066] The portion of the packaging case 31 where the non-electrode portion 7 of the membrane electrode assembly 2 contacts may be formed of an adhesive material. At this time, the portion of the packaging case 31 where the non-electrode portion 7 contacts may be entirely formed of an adhesive material, or only a part of the portion of the packaging case 31 where the non-electrode portion 7 contacts may be formed of an adhesive material. Examples of the adhesive material include ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer resin or special polyolefin.

[0067] In this case, the peel strength between the non-electrode portion 7 of the membrane electrode assembly 2 and the packaging case 31 is preferably 0.02 N / 25 mm to 0.5 N / 25 mm. If the peel strength is lower than 0.02 N / 25 mm, the membrane electrode assembly 2 is likely to detach from the packaging case 31, and there is a risk that the membrane electrode assembly 2 may become a defective product during transportation. If the peel strength is higher than 0.5 N / 25 mm, it becomes difficult to peel the membrane electrode assembly 2 from the packaging case 31. Therefore, when peeling the membrane electrode assembly 2 from the packaging case 31, the membrane electrode assembly 2 may break, and the membrane electrode assembly 2 may become a defective product.

[0068] As a method for measuring the peel strength, a non-electrode portion 7 of the membrane electrode assembly 2 is cut out to an appropriate length with a width of 25 mm. After the non-electrode portion 7 is attached to the packaging case 31, the peel strength is calculated by measuring the tensile strength with a tensile testing machine or the like. Note that the peel strength in this embodiment means the peel strength calculated by a 180-degree peel test unless otherwise specified.

[0069] When the portion of the packaging case 31 that contacts the non-electrode portion 7 of the membrane electrode assembly 2 has adhesiveness, it becomes possible to package the membrane electrode assembly 2 with a tension applied to the membrane electrode assembly 2. In this case, the tension applied to the membrane electrode assembly 2 is 2 ~400 mN / cm 2 which is preferably the case. If the tension is lower than 2 mN / cm 2 , the membrane electrode assembly 2 may bend, and the electrode portion 6 of the membrane electrode assembly 2 may rub due to contact or the like, resulting in a decrease in the performance of the fuel cell. If the tension is higher than 400 mN / cm 2 , the membrane electrode assembly 2 may stretch and become a defective product. Note that the tension can be measured with a force gauge or the like.

[0070] As described above, in the present embodiment, a plurality of packaging cases 31 are stacked such that the electrode catalyst layers 4 and 5 of the membrane electrode assembly 2 are respectively accommodated in the concave electrode accommodating portions 33 and 34. At this time, the non-electrode portion 7 of the membrane electrode assembly 2 contacts the packaging case 31, but the electrode portion 6 of the membrane electrode assembly 2 does not contact the packaging case 31. Therefore, during the transportation of the membrane electrode assembly 2, the electrode portion 6 of the membrane electrode assembly 2 is not easily rubbed, so that the electrode portion 6 is not easily damaged, and since the membrane electrode assembly 2 does not move, breakage of the membrane electrode assembly 2 can be suppressed. Thereby, defects generated in the membrane electrode assembly 2 during transportation can be suppressed.

[0071] Further, in the present embodiment, at least a part of the portion of the packaging case 31 that contacts the non-electrode portion 7 is formed of an adhesive material. Therefore, the non-electrode portion 7 of the membrane electrode assembly 2 adheres sufficiently to the packaging case 31 by the adhesive material, so that the non-electrode portion 7 is less likely to shift with respect to the packaging case 31.

[0072] Note that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, in the above embodiment, the membrane electrode assembly 2 in which the electrode catalyst layers 4 and 5 are respectively formed on the main surfaces 3a and 3b (both surfaces) of the solid polymer electrolyte membrane 3 is packaged, but it is not particularly limited to that form. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, an electrode catalyst layer may be formed only on one side of the solid polymer electrolyte membrane 3. In this case, in the second embodiment described above, the packaging case 31 only needs to have a concave electrode accommodating portion that opens in either the upper surface 31a or the lower surface 31b of the packaging case 31.

[0073] In the membrane electrode assembly 2 shown in FIG. 8(a), the electrode catalyst layer 4 is formed on the main surface 3a of the solid polymer electrolyte membrane 3. In this case, the electrode portion 6 of the membrane electrode assembly 2 is composed of the solid polymer electrolyte membrane 3 and the electrode catalyst layer 4.

[0074] In the membrane electrode assembly 2 shown in FIG. 8(b), an electrode catalyst layer 4 and a sub gasket 8 are formed on the main surface 3a of the solid polymer electrolyte membrane 3, and a gas diffusion layer 9 is formed on the electrode catalyst layer 4. In this case, the electrode portion 6 of the membrane electrode assembly 2 is composed of the solid polymer electrolyte membrane 3, the electrode catalyst layer 4, and the gas diffusion layer 9.

[0075] Further, in the above-described second embodiment, the packaging case 31 has concave electrode accommodating portions 33 and 34 that respectively accommodate the electrode catalyst layers 4 and 5 of the membrane electrode assembly 2, but is not particularly limited to such a form. The packaging case 31 may have a hole portion penetrating from the upper surface 31a to the lower surface 31b of the packaging case 31 as an electrode accommodating portion that accommodates the electrode catalyst layer of the membrane electrode assembly 2.

Example

[0076] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to examples, but the present invention is not limited to the following examples.

[0077] [Example 1] First, a membrane electrode assembly having a solid polymer electrolyte membrane, an anode electrode catalyst layer, a cathode electrode catalyst layer, and a sub gasket was prepared. The overall length dimension of the membrane electrode assembly is 10 cm square, and the length dimension of the electrode portion of the membrane electrode assembly is 5 cm square. The thickness of the electrode portion of the membrane electrode assembly is 40 μm, and the thickness of the non-electrode portion of the membrane electrode assembly is 100 μm. Then, the membrane electrode assembly was accommodated in the concave accommodating portion of the packaging case. The length dimension of the concave accommodating portion is 12 cm square. Further, as a conformal plate that is a protective material, a PET film having a thickness of 200 μm was disposed on the membrane electrode assembly (see FIG. 9).

[0078] Another packaging case was laminated on this packaging case to produce a two-stage laminated structure. At this time, each packaging case was sealed with tape so that the packaging cases would not come apart. The distance S between the uppermost part of the bottom surface of the concave accommodating portion of the lower packaging case and the lowermost part of the lower surface of the upper packaging case is 0.5 mm (see FIG. 9).

[0079] Then, in an environment where the room temperature is 25 °C and the humidity is 30% - 90%, a packaging device was fabricated by housing the laminated structure in a container. At this time, the water vapor permeability inside the container was 10 g / (m 2 ·day) or less, and the humidity inside the container was 30% - 90%. As the container, a film bag made of polypropylene (PP) was used, and the container was sealed with a heat sealer.

[0080] Then, a transportation test was conducted in which the packaging device was shaken 100 times at a speed of about 2 times per second. Thereafter, the appearance of the membrane electrode assembly was judged. Specifically, by visual inspection, the presence or absence of scratches and abrasions on the electrode part of the membrane electrode assembly and the presence or absence of breaks in the non-electrode part of the membrane electrode assembly were confirmed. As a result, as shown in Fig. 9, no scratches and abrasions on the electrode part and no breaks in the non-electrode part were observed.

[0081] [Example 2] Similar to Example 1, a laminated structure was fabricated. The distance S between the uppermost part of the bottom surface of the concave accommodating part of the lower packaging case and the lowermost part of the lower surface of the upper packaging case was 5 mm (see Fig. 9). Then, similar to Example 1, a packaging device was fabricated by housing the laminated structure in a container.

[0082] Thereafter, a transportation test was conducted under the same conditions as in Example 1, and the appearance of the membrane electrode assembly was judged. As a result, as shown in Fig. 9, no scratches and abrasions on the electrode part and no breaks in the non-electrode part were observed.

[0083] [Comparative Example 1] Similar to Example 1, a laminated structure was fabricated. The distance S between the uppermost part of the bottom surface of the concave accommodating part of the lower packaging case and the lowermost part of the lower surface of the upper packaging case was 0.15 mm (see Fig. 9). At this time, no conforming plate was used (see Fig. 9). Then, similar to Example 1, a packaging device was fabricated by housing the laminated structure in a container.

[0084] Thereafter, a transportation test was conducted under the same conditions as in Example 1, and the appearance of the membrane electrode assembly was judged. As a result, as shown in Fig. 9, scratches and abrasions on the electrode part or breaks in the non-electrode part were observed.

[0085] [Comparative Example 2] Similar to Example 1, a laminated structure was fabricated. The distance S between the uppermost part of the bottom surface of the concave accommodating portion of the lower packaging case and the lowermost part of the lower surface of the upper packaging case was 20 mm (see Fig. 9). Then, similar to Example 1, a packaging device was fabricated by accommodating the laminated structure in a container.

[0086] Thereafter, a transportation test was conducted under the same conditions as in Example 1, and the appearance of the membrane electrode assembly was judged. As a result, as shown in Fig. 9, scratches and abrasions on the electrode part or breaks in the non-electrode part were observed.

[0087] [Example 3] A laminated structure having the same structure as in Example 1 was fabricated. Then, in an environment where the room temperature was 25 °C and the humidity was 30%, a packaging device was fabricated by accommodating the laminated structure in a container. At this time, the water vapor permeability in the container was 10 g / (m 2 ·day), and the humidity in the container was 30% (see Fig. 10). As the container, a polypropylene (PP) film bag was used, and the container was sealed with a heat sealer.

[0088] Then, a transportation test was conducted in an environment where the room temperature was 25 °C and the humidity was 50%, and the packaging device was left in an environmental test chamber where the room temperature was 25 °C and the humidity was 95% for 2 days. Thereafter, the container was opened in an environment where the room temperature was 25 °C and the humidity was 50%, and the state of the membrane electrode assembly was observed in the same manner as in Example 1. As a result, as shown in Fig. 10, scratches and abrasions on the electrode part and breaks in the non-electrode part were not observed.

[0089] [Example 4] Similar to Example 3, a laminated structure was fabricated. Then, in an environment where the room temperature was 25 °C and the humidity was 90%, the laminated structure was accommodated in a container. At this time, the water vapor permeability in the container was 10 g / (m 2 ·day), and the humidity in the container was 90% (see Fig. 10). As the container, a PP film bag was used in the same manner as in Example 3.

[0090] Then, under the same conditions as in Example 3, a transportation test and an appearance determination were performed. As a result, as shown in Fig. 10, no damage or abrasion of the electrode part, or breakage of the non-electrode part was observed.

[0091] [Comparative Example 3] Similar to Example 3, a laminated structure was fabricated. Then, the laminated structure was placed in a container under an environment where the room temperature was 40 °C and the humidity was 90%. At this time, the water vapor permeability inside the container was 10 g / (m 2 ·day), and the humidity inside the container was higher than 99% (see Fig. 10). As the container, a PP film bag was used as in Example 3.

[0092] Then, under the same conditions as in Example 3, a transportation test and an appearance determination were performed. As a result, as shown in Fig. 10, damage or abrasion of the electrode part, or breakage of the non-electrode part was observed.

[0093] [Comparative Example 4] Similar to Example 3, a laminated structure was fabricated. Then, dry nitrogen was enclosed, and the laminated structure was placed in a container. At this time, the water vapor permeability inside the container was 10 g / (m 2 ·day), and the humidity inside the container was lower than 1% (see Fig. 10). As the container, a PP film bag was used as in Example 3.

[0094] Then, under the same conditions as in Example 3, a transportation test and an appearance determination were performed. As a result, as shown in Fig. 10, damage or abrasion of the electrode part, or breakage of the non-electrode part was observed.

[0095] [Comparative Example 5] Similar to Example 3, a laminated structure was fabricated. Then, the laminated structure was placed in a container under an environment where the room temperature was 25 °C and the humidity was 30%. At this time, the water vapor permeability inside the container was 50 g / (m 2 ·day), and the humidity inside the container was 30% (see Fig. 10). As the container, a film bag of nylon, which is a polyamide synthetic resin, was used. A sealant layer was provided on the inside of the film bag.

[0096] Then, under the same conditions as in Example 3, a transportation test and an appearance determination were conducted. As a result, as shown in FIG. 10, scratches and abrasions on the electrode part or breaks in the non-electrode part were observed.

[0097] [Evaluation] As described above, in the upper and lower packaging cases adjacent to each other, by setting the distance S between the uppermost part of the bottom surface of the concave accommodating part of the lower packaging case and the lowermost part of the lower surface of the upper packaging case to be 0.5 mm to 5.0 mm, it was demonstrated that defects such as crushing, scratches, abrasions, and breaks generated in the membrane electrode assembly during transportation and conveyance of the membrane electrode assembly were suppressed.

[0098] Also, with the laminate structure accommodated in the container, by setting the water vapor permeability inside the container to 10 g / (m 2 ·day) or less and the humidity inside the container to 30%RH to 90%RH, it was demonstrated that the dimensional change of the membrane electrode assembly was suppressed, and as a result, defects generated in the membrane electrode assembly were further suppressed.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0099] 1, 1A, 1B... Packaging device, 2... Membrane electrode assembly, 3... Solid polymer electrolyte membrane, 4, 5... Electrode catalyst layer, 6... Electrode part, 7... Non-electrode part, 10, 10A, 10B... Packaging case, 10a... Upper surface, 10b... Lower surface (plane), 11, 11A, 11B... Laminate structure, 12... Container, 13... Concave accommodating part, 13a... Bottom surface, 14... Protective material, 21... Notch (fitting part), 22... Protrusion (fitting part), 23... Fitting concave part, 23a... Bottom surface (plane), 25... Fitting convex part (fitting part), 26... Fitting concave part (fitting part), 26a... Bottom surface (plane), 30... Packaging device, 31... Packaging case, 31a... Upper surface, 31b... Lower surface, 32... Laminate structure, 33, 34... Concave electrode accommodating part (electrode accommodating part), S... Distance.

Claims

1. A laminated structure formed by laminating a plurality of packaging cases used when packaging a sheet-like membrane electrode assembly in which an electrode catalyst layer is formed on one or both sides of a solid polymer electrolyte membrane, wherein the packaging case has a concave accommodating portion that opens on the upper surface of the packaging case and accommodates the membrane electrode assembly, and in the upper and lower packaging cases adjacent to each other, the distance between the uppermost part of the bottom surface of the concave accommodating portion of the lower packaging case and the lowermost part of the surface facing the bottom surface of the concave accommodating portion of the lower packaging case in the upper packaging case is larger than the thickness of the membrane electrode assembly and is 0.5 mm to 5.0 mm.

2. The laminated structure according to Claim 1, wherein a protective material for protecting the membrane electrode assembly is disposed on the membrane electrode assembly.

3. The laminated structure according to Claim 1, wherein the packaging case has a fitting portion for fitting the lower packaging case and the upper packaging case.

4. A laminated structure formed by laminating a plurality of packaging cases used when packaging a sheet-like membrane electrode assembly in which an electrode catalyst layer is formed on one or both sides of a solid polymer electrolyte membrane, wherein the membrane electrode assembly has an electrode portion including the electrode catalyst layer and a non-electrode portion disposed outside the electrode portion and not including the electrode catalyst layer, the packaging case has an electrode accommodating portion that opens on at least one of the upper surface and the lower surface of the packaging case and accommodates the electrode catalyst layer, and the non-electrode portion contacts the packaging case and the electrode portion does not contact the packaging case.

5. The laminated structure according to Claim 4, wherein at least a part of the portion of the packaging case that contacts the non-electrode portion is formed of an adhesive material.

6. A packaging device for packaging a sheet-like membrane electrode assembly in which an electrode catalyst layer is formed on one or both sides of a solid polymer electrolyte membrane, comprising the laminated structure according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, and a container for accommodating the laminated structure, The water vapor permeability inside the container is 10 g / (m ２ ·day) or less, wherein the humidity in the container is 30% RH to 90% RH.

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