Lamination jig for fuel cell and lamination method for fuel cell

Abstract

To facilitate lamination of two films in an intermediate layer with high accuracy at correct relative positions, during a manufacturing stage of a fuel cell.SOLUTION: A lamination jig for a fuel cell includes an upper jig and a lower jig. The lamination jig for a fuel cell is configured to be settable to a first state that corresponds to a state in which a first film is arranged on a lower surface of the upper jig, a second film is arranged on an upper surface of the lower jig, and an adhesive is applied to at least one of a lower surface of the first film and an upper surface of the second film. When the upper jig is attached onto the lower jig in the first state, the lamination jig for a fuel cell enters a second state in which the first film and the second film face each other across an interval in a vertical direction. The lamination jig for a fuel cell is configured to be able to, from the second state, press the first film against the second film.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a jig and a method for bonding members of a fuel cell to each other.

Background Art

[0002] Some fuel cells include, in order from one side, a gas diffusion layer on the anode side, an intermediate layer, and a gas diffusion layer on the cathode side. When a fuel gas as a gas containing hydrogen is supplied to the gas diffusion layer on the anode side and an oxidizing gas as a gas containing oxygen is supplied to the gas diffusion layer on the cathode side, this fuel cell generates electricity.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The inventors of the present invention are developing a structure in which the edges of an electrolyte membrane are protected from both sides by two films in order to improve the durability of the intermediate layer of a fuel cell. These two films constitute a sub gasket.

[0005] However, the inventors of the present invention have noticed the following problems in such a configuration. It is preferable that these two films be bonded to each other at the correct relative position with high accuracy as much as possible. This is because if they are bonded at a relative position deviated from the correct relative position, the sub gasket made of these two films may be warped.

[0006] However, when bonding these two films, due to unintentional contact between the films, these two films may be bonded at a relative position deviated from the correct relative position.

[0007] As a countermeasure, when laminating two films, a method of temporarily interposing a PTFE sheet between the films can be considered. Specifically, in this method, on both sides of the PTFE sheet, the two films are positioned with the same positioning pins. The surface of the film on the adhesive side contacts the PTFE sheet. Then, while pulling out the PTFE sheet, the two films are brought into contact with each other, and the two films are laminated with an adhesive.

[0008] With this countermeasure, the PTFE sheet can avoid unintended contact between the films. However, when pulling out the PTFE sheet, the film may be deformed following the PTFE sheet. Therefore, there is a risk that the two films will be laminated at a relative position deviated from the correct relative position.

[0009] In the above, the problem has been described by taking the case where the edge of the electrolyte membrane is protected from both sides by two films as an example. However, the same problem can occur even when the intermediate layer of the fuel cell includes two films in other modes.

[0010] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to make it easy to laminate two films in an intermediate layer at a correct relative position with high accuracy in the manufacturing stage of a fuel cell.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0011] The inventors of the present invention have found that the above object can be achieved by using a predetermined jig, and thus have arrived at the present invention. The present invention is the following fuel cell laminating jig of (1) to (9) and the fuel cell laminating method of (10) to (12).

[0012] (1) A fuel cell laminating jig for laminating a first film to a second film in a manufacturing stage of a fuel cell including an intermediate layer including the first film and the second film, An upper jig configured to be able to dispose the first film below, and a lower jig configured to be able to dispose the second film on the upper surface, are provided. The first film is disposed on the lower surface of the upper jig, and the second film is disposed on the upper surface of the lower jig, and is configured to be set in a first state in which an adhesive is applied to at least one of the lower surface of the first film and the upper surface of the second film. In the first state, when the upper jig is attached onto the lower jig, it becomes a second state in which the first film and the second film face each other with a gap in the vertical direction. From the second state, the first film is configured to be able to be pressed against the second film. Bonding jig for fuel cell.

[0013] According to this configuration, by making the first film and the second film face each other with a gap in the vertical direction, an unintended bonding of the two films can be avoided. From that state, by pressing the first film against the second film, the two films can be bonded together. Therefore, it becomes easier to bond the two films at the correct relative position with high accuracy.

[0014] Moreover, there is no need to dispose the above-mentioned PTFE sheet between the first film and the second film. Therefore, when pulling out the PTFE sheet, there is no worry that the first film or the second film follows the PTFE sheet and the two films are bonded at a relative position deviated from the correct relative position.

[0015] As described above, according to this configuration, in the manufacturing stage of the fuel cell, it becomes easier to bond the two films in the intermediate layer at the correct relative position with high accuracy.

[0016] (2) A collar for adjusting the clearance between the upper jig and the lower jig is provided so as to be replaceable. The bonding jig for fuel cell according to (1) above.

[0017] According to this configuration, by changing the color, it becomes easier to oppose the first film and the second film vertically at an appropriate interval. Therefore, it becomes easier to bond these two films at a more accurate relative position.

[0018] (3) Equipped with a pressing tool A jig window into which the pressing tool can be inserted is formed in the upper jig. From the second state, the pressing tool can be inserted into the jig window to press a predetermined portion of the first film against a predetermined portion of the second film. The bonding jig for a fuel cell according to (1) or (2) above.

[0019] According to this configuration, by inserting the pressing tool into the jig window, a predetermined portion of the first film can be pressed against a predetermined portion of the second film. Thereby, it becomes easier to bond a predetermined portion of the first film to a predetermined portion of the second film at a more accurate relative position. Furthermore, thereafter, based on the bonded predetermined portions of the first film and the second film, portions other than the predetermined portions can be bonded. Therefore, it becomes easier to bond the first film and the second film as a whole at a more accurate relative position.

[0020] (4) The upper jig is provided with an upper suction mechanism configured to be able to adsorb the first film, and by the suction of the upper suction mechanism, the first film can be arranged on the lower surface of the upper jig. The bonding jig for a fuel cell according to any one of (1) to (3) above.

[0021] According to this configuration, by the suction of the upper suction mechanism, the first film can be arranged on the lower surface of the upper jig against gravity. Moreover, by this suction, it becomes easier to stretch the first film along the lower surface of the upper jig without bending. Therefore, it becomes easier to bond the two films at a more accurate relative position.

[0022] (5) A positioning portion capable of positioning the first film is provided on the upper surface of the lower jig, The upper suction mechanism is configured to be able to suck the first film positioned by the positioning portion to the lower surface of the upper jig. The bonding jig for fuel cells according to (4) above.

[0023] According to this configuration, after positioning the first film on the lower jig with the positioning portion, the first film can be arranged at a fixed position on the lower surface of the upper jig simply by sucking the first film to the lower surface of the upper jig. Therefore, it becomes easier to bond the two films at the correct relative positions with higher accuracy.

[0024] (6) A positioning portion capable of positioning the second film is provided on the upper surface of the lower jig. The bonding jig for fuel cells according to any one of (1) to (5) above.

[0025] According to this configuration, it becomes easier to arrange the second film at a fixed position on the lower surface of the upper jig with the positioning pin. Therefore, it becomes easier to bond the two films at the correct relative positions with higher accuracy.

[0026] (7) The lower jig includes a lower suction mechanism configured to be able to suck the second film. The bonding jig for fuel cells according to any one of (1) to (6) above.

[0027] According to this configuration, due to the suction by the lower suction mechanism, it becomes easier to extend the second film along the lower jig without bending. Therefore, it becomes easier to bond the two films at the correct relative positions with higher accuracy.

[0028] (8) The lower jig includes a positioning shaft protruding upward, The upper jig is horizontally positioned with respect to the lower jig by the positioning shaft. The bonding jig for fuel cells according to any one of (1) to (7) above.

[0029] According to this configuration, the positioning shaft makes it easier to correctly align the upper jig with respect to the lower jig. As a result, it becomes easier to bond the two films at the correct relative positions with higher accuracy.

[0030] (9) Each of the first film and the second film includes a protective film that protects the edge of the electrolyte membrane. One of the first film and the second film further includes the electrolyte membrane. The bonding jig for fuel cells according to any one of (1) to (8) above.

[0031] According to this configuration, the edge of the electrolyte membrane can be protected by the protective film of the first film and the protective film of the second film.

[0032] (10) A bonding method for fuel cells in the manufacturing stage of a fuel cell including an intermediate layer including a first film and a second film, the method comprising bonding the first film to the second film. Prepare a jig including an upper jig configured to be able to dispose the first film on its lower surface and a lower jig configured to be able to dispose the second film on its upper surface. Set it to a first state in which the first film is disposed on the lower surface of the upper jig and the second film is disposed on the upper surface of the lower jig, and an adhesive is applied to at least one of the lower surface of the first film and the upper surface of the second film. In the first state, by attaching the upper jig onto the lower jig, set it to a second state in which the first film and the second film face each other with a gap in the vertical direction. From the second state, press the first film against the second film to bond the first film to the second film. A bonding method for fuel cells.

[0033] According to this method, similar to the case of the jig in (1) above, it becomes easier to bond two films at the correct relative position with high precision.

[0034] (11) The jig includes a pressing tool, A jig window into which the pressing tool can be inserted is formed in the upper jig, From the second state, by inserting the pressing tool into the jig window and pressing a first predetermined portion as a predetermined portion of the first film against a second predetermined portion as a predetermined portion of the second film, the first predetermined portion is bonded to the second predetermined portion with the adhesive. The bonding method for a fuel cell according to (10) above.

[0035] According to this method, similar to the case of (3) above, it becomes easier to bond two films at a more accurate correct relative position.

[0036] (12) After removing the bonded body of the first film and the second film from the jig, by pressing the bonded body with a roller, a portion other than the first predetermined portion in the first film and a portion other than the second predetermined portion in the second film are bonded with the adhesive. The bonding method for a fuel cell according to (11) above.

[0037] According to this configuration, by pressing the bonded body with a roller, it becomes easier to bond a portion other than the first predetermined portion in the first film and a portion other than the second predetermined portion in the second film at a more accurate correct relative position.

Advantages of the Invention

[0038] As described above, according to the jig in (1) and the method in (10) above, it becomes easier to bond two films at the correct relative position with high precision. Further, according to the jigs in (2) to (9) that cite (1), and the methods in (11) and (12) that cite (10), respective additional effects can be obtained.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0039]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0040] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments and can be appropriately modified and implemented without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0041] [First Embodiment] The bonding jig 100 for a fuel cell shown in FIG. 1 is a jig for manufacturing the fuel cell 50 shown in FIG. 12. Note that the bonding jig 100 for a fuel cell may be simply read as "jig".

[0042] As shown in FIG. 12, the fuel cell 50 includes, in order from one side, a first gas diffusion layer 20, an intermediate layer 30, and a second gas diffusion layer 40. The first gas diffusion layer 20 is a gas diffusion layer on the anode side. The second gas diffusion layer 40 is a gas diffusion layer on the cathode side. Note that the intermediate layer 30 may be read as "UEA" or "unitized electrode assembly".

[0043] The intermediate layer 30 includes, in order from one side, a first protective film 32, an electrolyte membrane 35, and a second protective film 38. The first protective film 32 is a film for protecting the edge portion of the electrolyte membrane 35 from one side. The second protective film 38 is a film for protecting the edge portion of the electrolyte membrane 35 from the other side.

[0044] The first protective film 32 and the second protective film 38 are made of resin. These two protective films 32 and 38 constitute a sub gasket. A film window 32w for exposing a portion of the electrolyte membrane 35 other than the edge portion to one side is formed in the central portion of the first protective film 32. A film window 38w for exposing a portion of the electrolyte membrane 35 other than the edge portion to the other side is formed in the central portion of the second protective film 38.

[0045] Viewed from another perspective, the above intermediate layer 30 includes a first film f1 and a second film f2 shown below.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 2, the first film f1 includes the first protective film 32. The second film f2 includes the electrolyte membrane 35 and the second protective film 38. The electrolyte membrane 35 is attached to the second protective film 38 in a manner that closes the film window 38w in the second protective film 38 from one side. Specifically, the edge portion of the electrolyte membrane 35 is attached to the peripheral portion of the film window 38w in the second protective film 38 with an adhesive A.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 11, an intermediate layer 30 is formed by bonding a first film f1 to a second film f2 with an adhesive A. At this time, the edge portions of the electrolyte membrane 35 are protected from both sides by the first protective film and the second protective film 38.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 12, a first gas diffusion layer 20 is attached to one side of the first film f1, and a second gas diffusion layer 40 is attached to the other side of the second film f2. An anode electrode 20e is formed on the surface of the first gas diffusion layer 20 on the side of the intermediate layer 30. Further, a cathode electrode 35e is provided on the surface of the electrolyte membrane 35 on the side of the second protective film 38.

[0049] Hereinafter, a gas containing hydrogen is referred to as a "fuel gas", and a gas containing oxygen is referred to as an "oxidizing gas". When the fuel cell 50 is in use, the anode electrode 20e and the cathode electrode 35e are electrically connected via a circuit including a power supply target. In this state, when a fuel gas is supplied to the first gas diffusion layer 20 and an oxidizing gas is supplied to the second gas diffusion layer 40, power generation is performed.

[0050] The bonding jig 100 for a fuel cell shown in FIG. 1 is a jig for bonding the first film f1 to the second film f2 in the manufacturing stage of the fuel cell 50 shown above. This bonding jig 100 for a fuel cell includes an upper jig 70, a lower jig 80, and a pressing tool 60.

[0051] The lower jig 80 includes a positioning shaft 88 that protrudes upward from the upper surface of the lower jig 80. The positioning shaft 88 horizontally positions the upper jig 70 with respect to the lower jig 80 by passing through an insertion hole 78 provided in the upper jig 70.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 2, the lower jig 80 further includes a lower suction mechanism 82, a positioning pin 83, and a collar 86. Note that the positioning pin 83 may be read as a "positioning portion".

[0053] The lower suction mechanism 82 includes a porous body 82a and a suction system 82b shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the porous body 82a is provided on the upper surface of the lower jig 80. When the lower suction mechanism 82 is turned on, the suction system 82b sucks the air inside the porous body 82a. Thereby, the second film f2 is adsorbed to the upper surface of the lower jig 80.

[0054] The positioning pin 83 is a pin for positioning the first film f1 and the second film f2 with respect to the lower jig 80. Specifically, the first film f1 and the second film f2 are provided with insertion holes h. The positioning pin 83 positions the first film f1 and the second film f2 with respect to the lower jig 80 by inserting through the insertion holes h. Note that this positioning pin 83 may be read as a "positioning portion".

[0055] The collar 86 is a member for adjusting the clearance between the upper jig 70 and the lower jig 80. This collar 86 is detachably attached to the lower jig 80.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 1, a jig window 75 is provided at the central portion of the upper jig 70. As shown in FIG. 2, this jig window 75 is slightly larger than the film windows 32w, 38w. This jig window 75 is configured to allow the pusher 60 to be inserted. Handles 74 are provided on both sides of the jig window 75 in the upper jig 70.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 2, the upper jig 70 includes an upper suction mechanism 72. The upper suction mechanism 72 includes a porous body 72a and a suction system 72b shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the porous body 72a is provided on the upper surface of the upper jig 70. When the upper suction mechanism 72 is turned on, the suction system 72b sucks the air inside the porous body 72a. Thereby, the first film f1 is adsorbed to the lower surface of the upper jig 70.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 6 below, a first film f1 is disposed on the lower surface of the upper jig 70, and as shown in FIG. 7, a second film f2 is disposed on the upper surface of the lower jig 80. A state in which an adhesive A is applied to the lower surface of the first film f1 and the upper surface of the second film f2 is referred to as a "first state St1". However, the "lower surface" referred to here is the "lower surface" in a state where the upper jig 70 is attached to the lower jig 80. Therefore, in this first state St1, the upper jig 70 may be temporarily placed with the lower surface facing upward. The bonding jig 100 for fuel cells is configured to be set in this first state St1.

[0059] In this first state St1, when the upper jig 70 is attached onto the lower jig 80 as shown in FIG. 8, the bonding jig 100 for fuel cells enters a second state St2 in which the first film f1 and the second film f2 face each other with a gap in the vertical direction. The bonding jig 100 for fuel cells is configured such that, from this second state St2, as shown in FIG. 9, the pusher 60 is inserted into the jig window 75 to press the first film f1 against the second film f2.

[0060] Next, a bonding method for fuel cells performed using the bonding jig 100 for fuel cells shown above will be described.

[0061] First, an operator prepares the bonding jig 100 for fuel cells shown in FIG. 2 and also prepares the first film f1 and the second film f2. An adhesive A is applied to the lower surface of the first film f1. A first cover C1 is attached below the adhesive A. An adhesive A is applied to a portion of the upper surface of the second film f2 that faces the first film f1. A second cover C2 is attached above the adhesive A.

[0062] Next, as shown in FIG. 3, the operator places the first film f1 on the upper surface of the lower jig 80. At this time, the positioning pin 83 is inserted through the insertion hole h of the first film f1. Thereby, the first film f1 is correctly positioned with respect to the lower jig 80. At this time, since there is the first cover C1, the adhesive A on the lower surface of the first film f1 does not stick to the upper surface of the lower jig 80.

[0063] Next, from that state, as shown in FIG. 4, the operator attaches the upper jig 70 to the lower jig 80. At this time, the positioning shaft 88 of the lower jig 80 shown in FIG. 1 is inserted through the insertion hole 78 of the upper jig 70. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 4, the upper jig 70 is correctly positioned with respect to the lower jig 80.

[0064] Next, from that state, as shown in FIG. 5, the operator turns on the upper suction mechanism 72. As a result, the first film f1 disposed on the upper surface of the lower jig 80 is adsorbed to the lower surface of the upper jig 70 and is disposed on the lower surface. While in that state, as shown in FIG. 6, the operator removes the upper jig 70 from the lower jig 80.

[0065] Next, from that state, as shown in FIG. 7, the operator places the second film f2 on the upper surface of the lower jig 80. At this time, the positioning pin 83 is inserted through the insertion hole h of the second film f2. Thereby, the second film f2 is correctly positioned with respect to the lower jig 80. Next, the operator turns on the lower suction mechanism 82. As a result, the second film f2 is adsorbed to the upper surface of the lower jig 80.

[0066] Next, from that state, the operator removes the first cover C1 shown in FIG. 6 and also removes the second cover C2 shown in FIG. 7. As a result, the aforementioned first state St1 is obtained. That is, the first film f1 is disposed on the lower surface of the upper jig 70, and the second film f2 is disposed on the upper surface of the lower jig 80, and the adhesive A is applied to the lower surface of the first film f1 and the upper surface of the second film f2.

[0067] Next, from that state, the operator attaches the upper jig 70 to the lower jig 80 as shown in FIG. 8. At this time, the positioning shaft 88 of the lower jig 80 shown in FIG. 1 is inserted into the insertion hole 78 of the upper jig 70. As a result, as shown in FIG. 8, the upper jig 70 is correctly positioned with respect to the lower jig 80. Thereby, the aforementioned second state St2 is achieved. That is, the first film f1 and the second film f2 face each other with a gap in the vertical direction.

[0068] Hereinafter, a predetermined portion of the first film f1 is referred to as "first predetermined portion f1p", and a predetermined portion of the second film f2 is referred to as "second predetermined portion f2p". Specifically, the first predetermined portion f1p is a peripheral portion of the film window 32w in the first film f1, and the second predetermined portion f2p is a portion of the second film f2 that faces the first predetermined portion f1p.

[0069] Next, from the second state St2, the operator inserts the pusher 60 into the jig window 75 as shown in FIG. 9. By the pusher 60, the first predetermined portion f1p is pressed against the second predetermined portion f2p, and the first predetermined portion f1p is bonded to the second predetermined portion f2p with the adhesive A. As a result, a joined body F of the first film f1 and the second film f2 is formed.

[0070] Next, the operator turns off the upper suction mechanism 72 and the lower suction mechanism 82 and removes the upper jig 70 from the lower jig 80. Next, the operator removes the joined body F from the fuel cell bonding jig 100 as shown in FIG. 10. After that, the operator presses the joined body F with the roller 200 to bond the portion other than the first predetermined portion f1p in the first film f1 and the portion other than the second predetermined portion f2p in the second film f2 with the adhesive A. Specifically, the portion outside the first predetermined portion f1p in the first film f1 and the portion outside the second predetermined portion f2p in the second film f2 are bonded with the adhesive A.

[0071] As a result, the intermediate layer 30 shown in FIG. 11 is completed. This is the fuel cell bonding method up to this point.

[0072] Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 12, a first gas diffusion layer 20 is attached to the anode side of the intermediate layer 30, and a second gas diffusion layer 40 is attached to the cathode side of the intermediate layer 30.

[0073] The configuration and effects of the present embodiment are summarized below.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 8, by opposing the first film f1 and the second film f2 with a vertical gap therebetween, unintended adhesion of the two films f1 and f2 can be avoided. From that state, as shown in FIG. 9, by pressing the first film f1 against the second film f2, the two films f1 and f2 can be bonded together. As a result, it becomes easier to bond the two films f1 and f2 at the correct relative position with high accuracy. Thereby, warping of the sub gasket composed of the two protective films 32 and 38 can be suppressed.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 8, the fuel cell bonding jig 100 is provided with a color 86 for adjusting the clearance between the upper jig 70 and the lower jig 80 in a replaceable manner. Therefore, by replacing the color 86, it becomes easier to oppose the first film f1 and the second film f2 in the vertical direction at an appropriate interval. As a result, it becomes easier to bond the two films f1 and f2 at the correct relative position with higher accuracy.

[0076] The upper jig 70 is formed with a jig window 75. The fuel cell bonding jig 100 is configured such that, from the second state shown in FIG. 8, as shown in FIG. 9, the pusher 60 can be inserted into the jig window 75 to press the first predetermined portion f1p against the second predetermined portion f2p. By inserting the pusher 60 from the jig window 75, it becomes easier to bond the first predetermined portion f1p to the second predetermined portion f2p at a more accurate and correct relative position. Further thereafter, as shown in FIG. 10, based on the bonded first predetermined portion f1p and second predetermined portion f2p, portions other than the first predetermined portion f1p and the second predetermined portion f2p can be bonded. Therefore, it becomes easier to bond the first film f1 and the second film f2 as a whole at a more accurate and correct relative position.

[0077] As shown in FIG. 5, the upper jig 70 includes an upper suction mechanism 72 configured to be able to adsorb the first film f1. Therefore, the upper jig 70 can place the first film f1 on the lower surface of the upper jig 70 against gravity by suction by the upper suction mechanism 72. Moreover, due to this suction, it becomes easier to stretch the first film f1 along the lower surface of the upper jig 70 without bending. Therefore, it also becomes easier to accurately bond the two films f1 and f2 at an accurate and correct relative position.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 3, the lower jig 80 is provided with positioning pins 83 for positioning the first film f1. The upper jig 70 shown in FIG. 5 is configured to be able to adsorb the first film f1 positioned on the upper surface of the lower jig 80 by the positioning pins 83. Therefore, it becomes easier to place the first film f1 at a fixed position on the lower surface of the upper jig 70. Therefore, it also becomes easier to accurately bond the two films f1 and f2 at a correct relative position.

[0079] As shown in FIG. 7, the lower jig 80 is provided with positioning pins 83 capable of positioning the second film f2. By means of the positioning pins 83, it becomes easier to arrange the second film f2 at a fixed position on the lower surface of the upper jig 70. From this, it also becomes easier to bond the two films f1 and f2 at the correct relative positions with high accuracy.

[0080] As shown in FIG. 7, the lower jig 80 includes a lower suction mechanism 82 configured to be able to suck the second film f2. By suction by the lower suction mechanism 82, it becomes easier to stretch the second film f2 along the lower jig 80 without bending. From this, it also becomes easier to bond the two films f1 and f2 at the correct relative positions with high accuracy.

[0081] As shown in FIG. 1, the lower jig 80 includes a positioning shaft 88 protruding upward. The upper jig 70 is positioned horizontally with respect to the lower jig 80 by the positioning shaft 88. Therefore, by the positioning shaft 88, it becomes easier to correctly align the upper jig 70 with respect to the lower jig 80. From this, it also becomes easier to bond the two films f1 and f2 at the correct relative positions with high accuracy.

[0082] As shown in FIG. 11, each of the first film f1 and the second film f2 includes protective films 32 and 38 that protect the edge of the electrolyte membrane 35. Therefore, the edge of the electrolyte membrane 35 can be protected by these protective films 32 and 38.

[0083] Remove the bonded body F of the first film f1 and the second film f2 from the fuel cell bonding jig 100 shown in Fig. 9. Then, as shown in Fig. 10, by pressing the bonded body F with the roller 200, the portion of the first film f1 other than the first predetermined portion f1p and the portion of the second film f2 other than the second predetermined portion f2p are bonded together with the adhesive A. Thereby, the portion of the first film f1 other than the first predetermined portion f1p and the portion of the second film f2 other than the second predetermined portion f2p can be more accurately bonded at the correct relative position. Further, by pressing with the roller 200 in this way, the warpage of the sub-gasket composed of the two protective films 32 and 38 shown in Fig. 11 can be more suppressed.

[0084] [Other Embodiments] The embodiments shown above can be modified as follows, for example.

[0085] The first film f1 shown in Fig. 11 may include the first protective film 32 and the electrolyte membrane 35, and the second film f2 may include the second protective film 38. The first film f1 shown in Fig. 2 may be placed on the upper surface of the lower jig 80, and the second film f2 may be placed on the lower surface of the upper jig 70.

[0086] In the first state St1 shown in Figs. 6 and 7 and the second state St2 shown in Fig. 8, the adhesive A may be applied only to one of the lower surface of the upper jig 70 and the upper surface of the lower jig 80. The positioning pin 83 may be a positioning portion other than a pin such as a groove or a locking portion.

[0087] When the upper adsorption mechanism 72 shown in Fig. 5 is not present and the first film f1 can be sufficiently extended along the lower surface of the upper jig 70, for example, instead of the upper adsorption mechanism 72, a fixture for fixing the first film f1 to the lower surface of the upper jig 70 may be provided. The operator may press the first film f1 against the second film f2 by hand or the like instead of the pressing tool 60 shown in Fig. 9.

[0088] The upper jig 70 shown in FIG. 8 is not formed with a jig window 75. Instead, it may be configured such that the upper jig 70 can be further lowered from the second state St2 shown in FIG. 8. That is, in this case, by further lowering the upper jig 70 from the second state St2, the first film f1 can be bonded to the second film f2.

Explanation of Signs

[0089] 30 Intermediate layer 32 First protective film (protective film) 35 Electrolyte membrane 38 Second protective film (protective film) 50 Fuel cell 60 Pusher 70 Upper jig 72 Upper adsorption mechanism 80 Lower jig 82 Lower adsorption mechanism 83 Positioning pin (positioning portion) 86 Color 88 Positioning shaft 100 Bonding jig for fuel cell 200 Roller A Adhesive f1 First film f1p First predetermined portion f2 Second film f2p Second predetermined portion St1 First state St2 Second state

Claims

1. In a manufacturing stage of a fuel cell including an intermediate layer including a first film and a second film, a bonding jig for fuel cells for bonding the first film to the second film, comprising an upper jig configured to be able to dispose the first film on a lower surface thereof, and a lower jig configured to be able to dispose the second film on an upper surface thereof, configured to be set in a first state in which the first film is disposed on the lower surface of the upper jig and the second film is disposed on the upper surface of the lower jig, and an adhesive is applied to at least one of the lower surface of the first film and the upper surface of the second film, in the first state, when the upper jig is attached onto the lower jig, a second state is formed in which the first film and the second film face each other with a gap in the vertical direction, configured to be able to press the first film against the second film from the second state, A bonding jig for fuel cells.

2. Comprising a color for adjusting a clearance between the upper jig and the lower jig, which can be replaced, The bonding jig for fuel cells according to Claim 1.

3. Comprising a pressing tool, a jig window into which the pressing tool can be inserted is formed in the upper jig, configured to be able to insert the pressing tool into the jig window from the second state and press a predetermined portion of the first film against a predetermined portion of the second film, The bonding jig for fuel cells according to Claim 1 or 2.

4. The upper jig includes an upper adsorption mechanism configured to be able to adsorb the first film, and by adsorption by the upper adsorption mechanism, the first film is configured to be able to be disposed on the lower surface of the upper jig, The bonding jig for fuel cells according to Claim 1 or 2.

5. A positioning portion for positioning the first film is provided on the upper surface of the lower jig, the upper adsorption mechanism is configured to be able to adsorb the first film positioned by the positioning portion on the lower surface of the upper jig, The bonding jig for fuel cells according to Claim 4.

6. A positioning portion for positioning the second film is provided on the upper surface of the lower jig, The bonding jig for fuel cells according to Claim 1 or 2.

7. The lower jig includes a lower adsorption mechanism configured to be able to adsorb the second film, The bonding jig for fuel cells according to Claim 1 or 2.

8. The lower jig includes a positioning shaft protruding upward. The upper jig is horizontally positioned relative to the lower jig by the positioning shaft. The fuel cell laminating jig according to claim 1 or 2.

9. Each of the first film and the second film includes a protective film that protects an edge portion of the electrolyte membrane. One of the first film and the second film further includes the electrolyte membrane. The fuel cell laminating jig according to claim 1 or 2.

10. A fuel cell laminating method for laminating a first film to a second film in a manufacturing stage of a fuel cell including an intermediate layer including the first film and the second film, the method comprising: preparing a jig including an upper jig configured to be able to dispose the first film on a lower surface thereof and a lower jig configured to be able to dispose the second film on an upper surface thereof; setting the first film on the lower surface of the upper jig and the second film on the upper surface of the lower jig, and setting it in a first state in which an adhesive is applied to at least one of the lower surface of the first film and the upper surface of the second film; in the first state, setting it in a second state in which the first film and the second film face each other with a vertical gap by attaching the upper jig onto the lower jig; pressing the first film against the second film from the second state to laminate the first film to the second film. A fuel cell laminating method.

11. The jig includes a pressing tool. A jig window into which the pressing tool can be inserted is formed in the upper jig. from the second state, inserting the pressing tool into the jig window and pressing a first predetermined portion as a predetermined portion of the first film against a second predetermined portion as a predetermined portion of the second film to laminate the first predetermined portion to the second predetermined portion with the adhesive. The fuel cell laminating method according to claim 10.

12. After removing the laminate of the first film and the second film from the jig, pressing the laminate with a roller to laminate a portion of the first film other than the first predetermined portion and a portion of the second film other than the second predetermined portion with the adhesive. The fuel cell laminating method according to claim 11.

Images