Gasket

Abstract

To provide a gasket capable of suppressing deterioration of an adhesion layer.SOLUTION: A gasket 1 is compressed so as to seal a space between a pair of members facing each other. The gasket 1 includes an annular adhesion portion 10, and an annular seal portion 20. The seal portion 20 prevents the adhesion portion 10 from being exposed to the sealed space.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a gasket, and more particularly to a gasket used in a water electrolysis device or a fuel cell. [Background technology]

[0002] Each cell of a hydrogen generator or fuel cell is provided with a gasket. The gasket is compressed between the anode separator, the cathode separator, and the electrolyte membrane to seal the space between each separator and the electrolyte membrane, preventing leakage of the electrolyte solution and products in the spaces inside the cell and preventing mixing of the electrolyte solution and products in the respective spaces (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-117140 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] To improve the efficiency of the cell, some separators have a narrow gap between the separator and the electrolyte membrane. For example, some cells have a gap of 2 mm or less between the separator and the electrolyte membrane. In such cells, a seal is used that reduces the reaction force generated when sandwiched between the separator and the electrolyte membrane to prevent deformation or damage of the separator due to the increased reaction force of the seal. Such a seal is adhered and fixed to the separator or the electrolyte membrane via an adhesive layer.

[0005] On the other hand, gaskets used in water electrolysis devices and fuel cell cells are also required to be durable against the electrolyte solution and its products. Specifically, they are required to have durability capable of maintaining water resistance, acid resistance, or alkali resistance depending on the type of electrolyte solution. In particular, the adhesive layer deteriorates rapidly against the electrolyte solution, and there are cases where the gasket is no longer able to maintain its fixed state to the separator or electrolyte membrane after long-term use.

[0006] Thus, conventional gaskets for hydrogen generators and fuel cell units are required to have a structure that can prevent deterioration of the adhesive layer.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gasket that can suppress deterioration of the adhesive layer. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, the gasket of the present invention is a gasket for being compressed to seal a space between a pair of opposing members, and comprises an annular adhesive portion and an annular sealing portion, and the sealing portion prevents the adhesive portion from being exposed to the sealed space.

[0009] In a gasket according to one aspect of the present invention, the sealing portion is provided on the inner circumferential side of the adhesive portion, and the width of the sealing portion in the direction of compression is larger than the width of the adhesive portion in the direction of compression.

[0010] In a gasket according to one embodiment of the present invention, the sealing portion has a first sealing surface which is an annular surface that contacts one of the pair of members, and a second sealing surface which is an annular surface that contacts the other of the pair of members.

[0011] In a gasket according to one aspect of the present invention, the adhesive portion has an adhesive surface that is an annular surface, and the adhesive surface is a surface that is adhered to the other of the pair of components via an adhesive layer.

[0012] In one embodiment of the gasket of the present invention, the adhesive portion has a rear surface which is an annular surface facing away from the adhesive surface in the direction of compression, and in the direction of compression, the rear surface is closer to the second seal surface than the first seal surface.

[0013] In one embodiment of the gasket of the present invention, a first relief portion, which is an annular groove, is formed between the second sealing surface and the adhesive portion, and the first relief portion forms an annular space between the sealing portion and the adhesive portion.

[0014] In one embodiment of the gasket of the present invention, the sealing portion has a side surface between the first sealing surface and the second sealing surface, which is an annular surface facing the sealed space, and the side surface protrudes toward the sealed space.

[0015] In one embodiment of the gasket of the present invention, the sealing portion has a side surface between the first sealing surface and the second sealing surface that is an annular surface facing the space to be sealed, and the side surface is a cylindrical surface extending along a straight line.

[0016] In one embodiment of the gasket of the present invention, the sealing portion has a side surface between the first sealing surface and the second sealing surface, which is an annular surface facing the sealed space, and the side surface is recessed on the side opposite to the sealed space.

[0017] A gasket according to one aspect of the present invention further includes a collapse prevention portion between the sealing portion and the adhesive portion, and the collapse prevention portion is configured to prevent the sealing portion from collapsing.

[0018] In one aspect of the gasket of the present invention, the fall-prevention portion is capable of coming into contact with one of the pair of members.

[0019] A gasket according to one embodiment of the present invention further includes a fall prevention portion between the sealing portion and the adhesive portion, the fall prevention portion being a protruding annular portion between the first sealing surface and the adhesive portion, and the fall prevention portion having a contact surface which is an annular surface that can come into contact with one of the pair of members.

[0020] In a gasket according to one aspect of the present invention, the contact surface is located at the same position as the first seal surface or closer to the second seal surface than the first seal surface in the direction of compression.

[0021] In one embodiment of the gasket of the present invention, a second relief portion, which is an annular groove, is formed between the first sealing surface and the contact surface, and the second relief portion forms an annular space between the sealing portion and the anti-collapse portion.

[0022] In a gasket according to one aspect of the present invention, the adhesive portion has an annular shape, and the sealing portion has an annular shape.

[0023] In a gasket according to one aspect of the present invention, the adhesive portion has a polygonal ring shape, and the sealing portion has a polygonal ring shape. [Effects of the Invention]

[0024] According to the gasket of the present invention, deterioration of the adhesive layer can be suppressed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] 1 is a partial cross-sectional view showing an outline of the configuration of a cell of a water electrolysis apparatus to which a gasket according to a first embodiment of the present invention is applied. [Figure 2] FIG. [Figure 3] 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the cross section of the gasket taken along line AA in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a gasket during the cell assembly process. [Figure 5]FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the assembled gasket in an assembled cell. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a gasket according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a gasket according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the gasket according to the embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0027] The gasket according to the present invention is a gasket that is compressed to seal a space between a pair of opposing components. These opposing components are, for example, a separator and an electrolyte membrane used in a cell of a hydrogen generator, a fuel cell, or the like. As an example, the gasket according to the embodiment of the present invention is intended to seal the space between a pair of opposing separators and an electrolyte membrane in a cell of a water electrolysis device of a hydrogen generator. However, the application of the gasket according to the present invention is not limited to this, and other application targets are also included.

[0028] Fig. 1 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the outline of the configuration of a cell of a water electrolysis apparatus to which a gasket 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention is applied. As shown in Fig. 1, the gasket 1 is provided in a cell 100 between one separator 101 of a pair of separators and an electrolyte membrane 104 of a membrane assembly 103, which is an intermediate member, and between the other separator 102 of the pair of separators and the electrolyte membrane 104, to seal a space S1 between the separator 101 and the electrolyte membrane 104 and a space S2 between the separator 102 and the electrolyte membrane 104.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 1, in the cell 100, the membrane assembly 103 includes an electrolyte membrane 104 and a pair of catalyst layers, namely, an anode catalyst layer 105 serving as an anode side electrode and a cathode catalyst layer 106 serving as a cathode side electrode, which are provided on both sides of the electrolyte membrane 104. The electrolyte membrane 104 is, for example, an ion exchange membrane, specifically, a solid polymer electrolyte membrane. Gas diffusion layers 107 and 108 are provided on the surfaces of the anode catalyst layer 105 and the cathode catalyst layer 106, respectively. As shown in FIG. 1, in the cell 100, the internal space of the cell 100 is divided into two spaces S1 and S2 by the electrolyte membrane 104, with an anode chamber S1 being formed between the separator 101 and the electrolyte membrane 104 and a cathode chamber S2 being formed between the separator 102 and the electrolyte membrane 104. The anode chamber S1 and the cathode chamber S2 are spaces to be sealed by the gaskets 1, and as shown in Fig. 1, the anode chamber S1 is sealed by one gasket 1, and the cathode chamber S2 is sealed by another gasket 1. The anode catalyst layer 105 and the gas diffusion layer 107 are located in the anode chamber S1, and the cathode catalyst layer 106 and the gas diffusion layer 108 are located in the cathode chamber S2.

[0030] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the gasket 1, and FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the gasket 1. Note that FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section along line AA in FIG. 2, and shows a cross section along a plane perpendicular to the extension direction of the gasket 1. The opposite of the rear side is the front side. Note that for convenience of explanation, the side shown in FIG. 2 is referred to as the rear side, but this description of the direction is intended to make the explanation of the gasket 1 easier to understand and does not specify the configuration of the gasket 1, such as the installation posture of the gasket 1 or the posture during use. The drawings also show the gasket 1 in an undeformed state, for example, the state of the gasket 1 at the time of design, such as the state in the design drawings.

[0031] 2 and 3, the gasket 1 includes an annular adhesive portion 10 and an annular sealing portion 20. The sealing portion 20 prevents the adhesive portion 10 from being exposed to the sealed space. The configuration of the gasket 1 will be described in detail below.

[0032] As shown in Fig. 2, the gasket 1 is annular and made of an elastic material. The gasket 1 has, for example, a planar annular shape, such as a circular or approximately circular annular shape as shown in Fig. 2. The annular shape of the gasket 1 is not limited to a circular annular shape, and may be other shapes such as a circular annular shape without corners, a polygonal annular shape with corners, or a rectangular annular shape. The annular shape of the gasket 1 corresponds to, for example, the shapes of the anode chamber S1 and the cathode chamber S2 of the cell 100 to which the gasket 1 is applied.

[0033] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, for example, the seal portion 20 is provided on the inner circumferential side of the adhesive portion 10, and the adhesive portion 10 is connected to the seal portion 20 from the outer circumferential side. Furthermore, the width W1 of the seal portion 20 in the compression direction is greater than the width W2 of the adhesive portion 10 in the compression direction. As shown in Figure 1, the compression direction is the direction in which the gasket 1 is compressed in the cell 100, and is the direction from the rear side to the front side and from the front side to the rear side, as indicated by arrow a in Figures 1 and 3. Furthermore, the inner circumferential side is the side of the space to be sealed (hereinafter also referred to as the "sealed space") in the direction perpendicular to the compression direction. Furthermore, the opposite side of the inner circumferential side is the outer circumferential side.

[0034] 2 and 3, the seal portion 20 has a first seal surface 21, which is an annular surface that contacts one of the pair of components, the separator 101 or the separator 102 and the electrolyte membrane 104, and a second seal surface 22, which is an annular surface that contacts the other of the pair of components, the separator 101 or the separator 102 and the electrolyte membrane 104. As shown in FIG. 1, for example, between the separator 101 and the electrolyte membrane 104, the first seal surface 21 contacts the separator 101, and the second seal surface 22 contacts the electrolyte membrane 104. Also, between the separator 102 and the electrolyte membrane 104, the first seal surface 21 contacts the separator 102, and the second seal surface 22 contacts the electrolyte membrane 104. 2, the seal portion 20 has, between the first seal surface 21 and the second seal surface 22, a side surface 23 which is an annular surface facing the space to be sealed.

[0035] The adhesive portion 10 also has an annular adhesive surface 11, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 . The adhesive surface 11 is a surface that contacts the other of the pair of components, the separator 101 or the separator 102 and the electrolyte membrane 104, via an adhesive layer in the cell 100. As shown in FIG. 1 , for example, the contact surface 11 contacts the electrolyte membrane 104 between the separator 101 and the electrolyte membrane 104, and the contact surface 11 contacts the electrolyte membrane 104 between the separator 102 and the electrolyte membrane 104. The adhesive portion 10 also has a rear surface 12, as shown in FIG. 3 , which is an annular surface facing away from the adhesive surface 11 in the compression direction. In the compression direction, the rear surface 12 is closer to the second seal surface 22 than the first seal surface 21 of the seal portion 20. In other words, the first seal surface 21 protrudes more toward the front side than the adhesive portion 10 in the compression direction.

[0036] 3, a first relief portion 41, which is an annular groove, is formed between the second seal surface 22 and the adhesive portion 10. The first relief portion 41 forms an annular space between the seal portion 20 and the adhesive portion 10, as shown in FIG.

[0037] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the seal portion 20 has a first lip 24 that protrudes toward the front side and a second lip 25 that protrudes toward the rear side. As shown in FIG. 2, the first lip 24 and the second lip 25 extend annularly. A first seal surface 21 is formed on the first lip 24, and a second seal surface 22 is formed on the second lip 25. Specifically, the front-side tip and nearby portion of the surface of the first lip 24 form the first seal surface 21, and the rear-side tip and nearby portion of the surface of the second lip 25 form the second seal surface 22. As shown in FIG. 3, the first lip 24 and the second lip 25 are opposed to each other in the direction of compression, and the first seal surface 21 and the second seal surface 22 are opposed to each other in the direction of compression, as shown in FIG. 3.

[0038] The first lip 24 and the second lip 25 have the same or substantially the same shape. That is, the first lip 24 and the second lip 25 are symmetrical or substantially symmetrical with respect to a plane perpendicular to the compression direction. The first lip 24 and the second lip 25 do not necessarily have to have the same shape. As shown in FIG. 3, the first lip 24 has a tip angle α. The tip angle of the first lip 24 is the angle of the tip of the first lip 24 in a cross section, as shown in FIG. 3, and is the angle formed by the inner and outer peripheral surfaces of the first lip 24. As shown in FIG. 3, the first seal surface 21 of the first lip 24 is, for example, a curved surface. Specifically, for example, the first seal surface 21 describes a circle with a diameter R1 or substantially a circle with a diameter R1 in a cross section.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 3, the second lip 25 also has a tip angle β corresponding to the tip angle α of the first lip 24. Similarly to the first seal surface 21 of the first lip 24, the second lip 25 has, for example, a curved surface, and specifically, for example, a cross section that describes a circle with a diameter R2 or approximately a circle with a diameter R2. The tip angle α of the first lip 24 is, for example, 40° or more, and the diameter R1 of the first seal surface 21 of the first lip 24 is, for example, 0.1 mm or more. The tip angle β of the second lip 25 is, for example, the same as or approximately the same as the tip angle α of the first lip 24, and the diameter R2 of the second seal surface 22 of the second lip 25 is, for example, the same as or approximately the same as the diameter R1 of the first seal surface 21 of the first lip 24. The tip angle α of the first lip 24 and the diameter R1 of the first seal surface 21 of the first lip 24 are not limited to these values. Similarly, the values ​​of the tip angle β of the second lip 25 and the diameter R2 of the second seal surface 22 of the second lip 25 are not limited to these. Furthermore, the tip angle β of the second lip 25 and the diameter R2 of the second seal surface 22 of the second lip 25 may be different from the tip angle α of the first lip 24 and the diameter R1 of the first seal surface 21 of the first lip 24, respectively.

[0040] 3, the side surface 23 is formed in a portion between the first lip 24 and the second lip 25 of the seal portion 20, and is, for example, a cylindrical surface extending along a straight line parallel to the compression direction (the direction of arrow a in FIG. 3). Specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 3, in cross section, the side surface 23 extends linearly or approximately linearly in the compression direction.

[0041] 3, the first relief portion 41 is provided between the second lip 25 and the adhesive portion 10, and is defined by an outer peripheral portion of the second lip 25 and a rear portion of the inner peripheral end of the adhesive portion 10. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the cross-sectional shape of the first relief portion 41 is a shape that is convex toward the front side.

[0042] 3, the gasket 1 includes a collapse prevention portion 30, for example, between the sealing portion 20 and the adhesive portion 10. The collapse prevention portion 30 is configured to prevent the sealing portion 20 from collapsing. Specifically, the collapse prevention portion 30 prevents the sealing portion 20 from collapsing toward the inner periphery so that the first lip 24 moves toward the inner periphery and the second lip 25 moves toward the outer periphery, and also prevents the sealing portion 20 from collapsing toward the outer periphery so that the first lip 24 moves toward the outer periphery and the second lip 25 moves toward the inner periphery.

[0043] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3 , the anti-fall portion 30 is a portion that protrudes toward the front side and extends annularly along the first lip 24. As shown in FIG. 3 , the anti-fall portion 30 protrudes toward the front side from the rear surface 12 of the adhesive portion 10. The anti-fall portion 30 is formed to be able to contact one of the pair of components, the separator 101 or the separator 102 and the electrolyte membrane 104, and has a contact surface 31. The contact surface 31 is an annular surface formed to be able to contact one of the separator 101 or the separator 102 and the electrolyte membrane 104, and is formed, for example, at the tip of the surface of the anti-fall portion 30 and a portion nearby. As an example, the contact surface 31 is formed between the separator 101 and the electrolyte membrane 104 so as to be able to contact the separator 101, and the contact surface 31 is formed between the separator 102 and the electrolyte membrane 104 so as to be able to contact the separator 102. Also, for example, the contact surface 31 does not protrude further forward than the first seal surface 21 in the direction of compression.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 3, the tip angle γ of the fall prevention portion 30 corresponds to the tip angle α of the first lip 24. Similarly to the first seal surface 21 of the first lip 24, the fall prevention portion 30 has, for example, a curved surface, and more specifically, in cross section, describes a circle with a diameter R3 or an approximate circle with a diameter R3. The tip angle γ of the fall prevention portion 30 is, for example, 40° or more, and the diameter R3 of the contact surface 31 of the fall prevention portion 30 is, for example, 0.1 mm or more. The values ​​of the tip angle γ of the fall prevention portion 30 and the diameter R3 of the contact surface 31 of the fall prevention portion 30 are not limited to these values.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 3, for example, the gasket 1 has a second recess 42, which is an annular groove, between the collapse prevention portion 30 and the first lip 24. As shown in FIG. 3, the second recess 42 forms an annular space between the first lip 24 and the collapse prevention portion 30. The second recess 42 is defined by an outer peripheral portion of the first lip 24 and an inner peripheral portion of the collapse prevention portion 30. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the cross-sectional shape of the second recess 42 is convex on the back side. As shown in FIG. 3, the second recess 42 faces away from the first recess 41 in the compression direction, for example.

[0046] The gasket 1 has the above-described configuration and is integrally formed from an elastic material. The elastic material of the gasket 1 is, for example, rubber. Specific examples of the elastic material of the gasket 1 include acrylic rubber (ACM), silicone rubber (VMQ), ethylene propylene diene rubber (EPDM), butyl rubber (IIR), and fluororubber (FKM).

[0047] Next, the function of the gasket 1 having the above-described configuration will be described. As shown in FIG. 1 , two gaskets 1 are used in one cell 100. In the cell 100, one gasket 1 is provided between the separator 101 and the electrolyte membrane 104 of the membrane assembly 103 and is compressed between the separator 101 and the electrolyte membrane 104 to seal the anode chamber S1. In the cell 100, one gasket 1 is provided between the separator 102 and the electrolyte membrane 104 and is compressed between the separator 102 and the electrolyte membrane 104 to seal the cathode chamber S2. In the cell 100, the gasket 1 is attached and functions in the same way between the separator 101 and the electrolyte membrane 104 and between the separator 102 and the electrolyte membrane 104. Therefore, the following description will only focus on the gasket 1 between the separator 101 and the electrolyte membrane 104. 1, in the cell 100, the two gaskets 1 face each other in the compression direction, for example, via the electrolyte membrane 104. Specifically, the second lip surface 22 of the second lip 25 of one gasket 1 faces the second lip surface 22 of the second lip 25 of the other gasket 1, via the electrolyte membrane 104.

[0048] 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the gasket 1 during the assembly process of the cell 100, in which the gasket 1 is placed between the separator 101 and the electrolyte membrane 104 to assemble the cell 100. Note that the gasket 1 during the assembly process shown in FIG. 4 is in a free state, and the gasket 1 is not pressed in the compression direction between the separator 101 and the electrolyte membrane 104.

[0049] In the assembly process of the cell 100, the gasket 1 is adhered and fixed to the electrolyte membrane 104. Specifically, the adhesive is used to adhere and fix the adhesive surface 11 of the adhesive portion 10 to the electrolyte membrane 104. As shown in FIG. 4, the adhesive solidifies to form an adhesive layer 109 between the adhesive surface 11 of the adhesive portion 10 of the fixed gasket 1 and the electrolyte membrane 104, and the adhesive surface 11 is fixed to the electrolyte membrane 104 via the adhesive layer 109. In this state, as shown in FIG. 4, the second sealing surface 22 is in contact with the electrolyte membrane 104. Note that, when the adhesive portion 10 is fixed to the electrolyte membrane 104, the second sealing surface 22 does not necessarily have to be in contact with the electrolyte membrane 104.

[0050] 4, a cell 100 in the process of assembly, in which a gasket 1 is fixed to an electrolyte membrane 104, is stacked on top of other cells 100 in the process of assembly, and the stacked cells 100 in the process of assembly are fastened and fixed in the stacking direction. In this way, a water electrolysis device is assembled in which the multiple cells 100 are stacked. The stacked cells 100 are fastened and fixed in the stacking direction, for example, by bolts or the like.

[0051] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the gasket 1 in an assembled state in an assembled cell 100. As shown in FIG. 5, in the cell 100, the seal portion 20 is compressed between the separator 101 and the electrolyte membrane 104, with the first seal surface 21 contacting the separator 101 and the second seal surface 22 contacting the electrolyte membrane 104. This seals the anode chamber S1. This also prevents the electrolyte solution and products in the anode chamber S1 from leaking out to the outside of the cell 100. Also, as shown in FIG. 5, in the assembled gasket 1, the contact surface 31 of the fall prevention portion 30 contacts the separator 101. Note that in the assembled gasket 1, the contact surface 31 of the fall prevention portion 30 does not have to contact the separator 101. However, the gap between the contact surface 31 and the separator 101 is large enough for the fall prevention portion 30 to prevent the seal portion 20 from falling, as described below.

[0052] 5, in the assembled cell 100, the adhesive portion 10 is adjacent to the anode chamber S1 via the seal portion 20 that seals the anode chamber S1. Therefore, the adhesive portion 10 is not exposed to the anode S1.

[0053] In the assembled gasket 1, the seal portion 20 is compressed in the compression direction, and as shown in FIG. 5 , the first lip 24 and the second lip 25 are deformed. As a result, for example, the side surface 23 is recessed toward the outer periphery. In this manner, the seal portion 20 of the assembled gasket 1 seals the anode chamber S1. In the gasket 1, a second recess 42 is formed between the first lip 24 and the collapse prevention portion 30, and a first recess 41 is formed between the second lip 25 and the adhesive portion 10. Therefore, during the assembly process of the cell 100, the cell 100 is tightened in the stacking direction, which compresses the first lip 24, but the first lip 24 can deform into the second recess 42. Similarly, the compressed second lip 25 can deform into the first recess 41. Therefore, in the assembled state, the seal portion 20 is prevented from being significantly compressed, preventing excessive sealing reaction force from being generated in the seal 20. The sealing reaction force is the force with which the first sealing surface 21 and the second sealing surface 22 press against the separator 101 and the electrolyte membrane 104, respectively, in the gasket 1 in an assembled state.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 5 , in the cell 100 in use, the pressure of the electrolyte and the product in the anode chamber S1 acts on the seal portion 20. This pressure causes the seal portion 20 to collapse. That is, the pressure applied to the seal portion 20 causes the first lip 24 to move inward and the second lip 25 to move outward, causing the seal portion 20 to collapse inward. The pressure applied to the seal portion 20 also causes the first lip 24 to move outward and the second lip 25 to move inward, causing the seal portion 20 to collapse outward. In response to this, the gasket 1 has a collapse prevention portion 30 that prevents the seal portion 20 from collapsing on both the inner and outer sides. Specifically, in the assembled gasket 1, the collapse prevention portion 30 is compressed in the compression direction, causing the seal portion 20 to generate a force that resists the collapse of the seal portion 20 on both the inner and outer sides. In this way, the gasket 1 is prevented from collapsing the sealing portion 20, and the first sealing surface 21 and the second sealing surface 22 are prevented from separating from the separator 101 and the electrolyte membrane 104, thereby preventing a decrease in the sealing performance of the gasket 1.

[0055] In the assembled gasket 1, even if the collapse suppression portion 30 is not in contact with the separator 101, the collapse suppression portion 30 can suppress collapse of the seal portion 20. In other words, the collapse suppression portion 30 increases the rigidity between the seal portion 20 and the adhesive portion 10, thereby suppressing collapse of the inner circumferential side and collapse of the outer circumferential side of the seal portion 20. Furthermore, when the seal portion 20 begins to collapse toward the inner circumferential side, the collapse suppression portion 30 comes into contact with the separator 101, thereby suppressing collapse of the inner circumferential side of the seal portion 20.

[0056] Furthermore, when the cell 100 is in use, pressure from the electrolyte and products in the anode chamber S1 is applied to the seal portion 20, resulting in a so-called self-sealing effect in the seal portion 20. That is, as shown in FIG. 5 , pressure F applied to the side surface 23, first lip 24, and second lip 25 of the seal portion 20 presses the seal portion 20 toward the outer periphery. However, because the adhesive portion 10 is fixed, a force that deforms the seal portion 20 toward the front and back sides is generated. This force further presses the first seal surface 21 and the second seal surface 22 against the separator 101 and the electrolyte membrane 104. This improves the sealing performance of the seal portion 20.

[0057] As described above, in the assembled gasket 1, the adhesive portion 10 is not exposed to the anode chamber S1, and the adhesive layer 109 is not exposed to the anode chamber S1. This prevents the adhesive layer 109 from being exposed to the electrolyte and products in the anode chamber S1. This reduces the rate at which the adhesive layer 109 deteriorates with use of the gasket 1, and improves the durability of the adhesive layer 109. Furthermore, the adhesive layer 109 does not need to be liquid-resistant, acid-resistant, alkali-resistant, or the like depending on the electrolyte and products, which increases the flexibility in selecting an adhesive for forming the adhesive layer 109.

[0058] Furthermore, in the gasket 1 in use, the collapse prevention portion 30 prevents the seal portion 20 from collapsing. The seal portion 20 also exhibits a self-sealing effect. Therefore, the gasket 1 in use has high sealing performance. This further prevents the adhesive layer 109 from being exposed to the electrolyte and products in the anode chamber S1.

[0059] Furthermore, as described above, the gasket 1 has high sealing performance, and therefore, the sealing reaction force of the seal portion 20 can be reduced while providing a gasket with desired sealing performance.

[0060] As described above, according to the gasket 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, deterioration of the adhesive layer 109 can be suppressed.

[0061] In the above example, between the separator 101 and the electrolyte membrane 104, the adhesive portion 10 of the gasket 1 is adhered to the electrolyte membrane 104, the first sealing surface 21 is in contact with the separator 101, and the second sealing surface 22 is in contact with the electrolyte membrane 104, and between the separator 102 and the electrolyte membrane 104, the adhesive portion 10 of the gasket 1 is adhered to the electrolyte membrane 104, the first sealing surface 21 is in contact with the separator 102, and the second sealing surface 22 is in contact with the electrolyte membrane 104. However, the mounting position of the gasket 1 is not limited to this. In other words, between the separator 101 and the electrolyte membrane 104, the adhesive portion 10 of the gasket 1 may be adhered to the separator 101, the first sealing surface 21 may be in contact with the electrolyte membrane 104, and the second sealing surface 22 may be in contact with the separator 101. Furthermore, between the separator 102 and the electrolyte membrane 104, the adhesive portion 10 of the gasket 1 may be adhered to the separator 102, the first sealing surface 21 may be in contact with the electrolyte membrane 104, and the second sealing surface 22 may be in contact with the separator 102. The gasket 1 may be provided in the same orientation between the separator 101 and the electrolyte membrane 104 and between the separator 102 and the electrolyte membrane 104.

[0062] Next, a gasket 2 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the gasket 2 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 6, the gasket 2 according to the second embodiment differs from the gasket 1 according to the first embodiment described above in that the configuration of the sealing portion is different and the gasket 2 does not have the collapse prevention portion 30. Hereinafter, regarding the gasket 2, the same configurations as those of the gasket 1 or configurations having similar functions will be assigned the same reference numerals and explanations will be omitted, and only different configurations will be described.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 6, the seal portion 20A of the gasket 2 does not have lips (first lip 24 and second lip 25), unlike the seal portion 20 of the gasket 1. As shown in FIG. 6, the cross-sectional shape of the seal portion 20A is approximately circular, like the cross-sectional shape of an O-ring. Unlike the side surface 23 of the seal portion 20, the side surface 23A of the seal portion 20A protrudes toward the space to be sealed. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, the cross-sectional shape of the side surface 23A is an arc that protrudes toward the space to be sealed. The gasket 2 does not have a collapse prevention portion 30, and therefore does not have a second relief portion 42. Furthermore, in the gasket 2, a surface 43 extending between the first seal surface 21 and the rear surface 12 of the adhesive portion 10 does not protrude toward the front side.

[0064] The gasket 2 is applied to the cell 100 in the same manner as the above-described gasket 1, and functions in the same manner as the gasket 1. However, since the gasket 2 does not have the collapse prevention portion 30, the gasket 2 does not exhibit the same effect as the collapse prevention portion 30 of the gasket 1.

[0065] As described above, according to the gasket 2 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, deterioration of the adhesive layer 109 can be suppressed.

[0066] Next, a gasket 3 according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the gasket 3 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 7, the gasket 3 according to the third embodiment differs from the gasket 1 according to the first embodiment described above in that it does not have a collapse prevention portion 30. Hereinafter, regarding the gasket 3, components that are the same as or have the same functions as the gasket 1 will be assigned the same reference numerals and their description will be omitted, and only different components will be described.

[0067] 7, no collapse prevention portion 30 is provided between the first lip 24 of the seal portion 20 of the gasket 3 and the adhesive portion 10, and therefore the gasket 3 does not have a second relief portion 42. Furthermore, in the gasket 3, a surface 44 extending between the first seal surface 21 and the rear surface 12 of the adhesive portion 10 does not protrude toward the front side.

[0068] The gasket 3 is applied to the cell 100 in the same manner as the above-described gasket 1, and functions in the same manner as the gasket 1. However, since the gasket 3 is not provided with the collapse prevention portion 30, the gasket 3 does not exhibit the same effect as the collapse prevention portion 30 of the gasket 1.

[0069] As described above, according to the gasket 3 according to the third embodiment of the present invention, deterioration of the adhesive layer 109 can be suppressed.

[0070] Although the present invention has been described above through the above embodiments, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiments. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and improvements can be made to the above embodiments. It is clear from the claims that such modifications and improvements can also be included within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0071] The above-described embodiments are intended to facilitate understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments do not limit the scope of the present invention, and the present invention may include any and all applications. The components of the above-described embodiments, as well as their arrangement, materials, conditions, shape, size, etc., are not limited to those illustrated and may be modified as appropriate. For example, the present invention includes differences that arise during implementation due to manufacturing tolerances, etc. Furthermore, components illustrated in different embodiments may be partially substituted or combined within the scope of technical inconsistency. Furthermore, the various configurations may be selectively combined as appropriate to achieve at least some of the above-described problems and effects.

[0072] For example, the side surface 23 of the gasket 1 may be recessed toward the outer periphery opposite the space to be sealed, as shown in Fig. 8. In other words, the side surface 23 may be a cylindrical surface recessed toward the outer periphery so as to form an annular groove recessed toward the outer periphery, as shown in Fig. 8. Similarly, the side surface 23 of the gasket 3 may be recessed toward the outer periphery opposite the space to be sealed, as shown in Fig. 8.

[0073] In the above description, the gaskets 1 to 3 have been described as being applied to a water electrolysis apparatus as an example, but the application of the gaskets 1 to 3 is not limited to a water electrolysis apparatus. For example, the gaskets 1 to 3 can also be used in a fuel cell. [Explanation of symbols]

[0074] 1, 2, 3 gasket, 10 adhesive part, 11 adhesive surface, 12 back surface, 20, 20A sealing part, 21 first sealing surface, 22 second sealing surface, 23, 23A side, 24 first lip, 25 second lip, 30 fall prevention part, 31 contact surface, 41 first relief part, 42 second relief part, 43, 44 surface, 100 cell, 101, 102 separator, 103 membrane assembly, 104 electrolyte membrane, 104a end, 104b outer peripheral edge, 105 anode catalyst layer, 106 cathode catalyst layer, 107, 108 diffusion layer, 109 adhesive layer, R1, R2, R3 diameter, S1 anode chamber, S2 cathode chamber, W1, W2 width, α, β tip angle

Claims

1. A gasket for sealing a space between a pair of opposing members when compressed, comprising: an annular adhesive portion; an annular seal portion; The sealing portion prevents the adhesive portion from being exposed to the sealed space. gasket.

2. the sealing portion is provided on the inner circumferential side of the adhesive portion, a width of the sealing portion in the direction of compression being greater than a width of the adhesive portion in the direction of compression; The gasket of claim 1.

3. The seal portion has a first seal surface which is an annular surface that contacts one of the pair of members, and a second seal surface which is an annular surface that contacts the other of the pair of members. The gasket of claim 1.

4. The adhesive portion has an adhesive surface that is an annular surface, The adhesive surface is a surface that is adhered to the other of the pair of members via an adhesive layer. The gasket of claim 3.

5. the adhesive portion has a rear surface that is an annular surface facing rearwardly from the adhesive surface in the direction of compression, In the direction of compression, the rear surface is closer to the second seal surface than the first seal surface.

5. The gasket of claim 4.

6. a first relief portion, which is an annular groove, is formed between the second seal surface and the adhesive portion; The first relief portion forms an annular space between the sealing portion and the adhesive portion. The gasket of claim 3.

7. the sealing portion has a side surface, which is an annular surface facing the space to be sealed, between the first sealing surface and the second sealing surface, The side surface protrudes toward the sealed space. The gasket of claim 3.

8. the sealing portion has a side surface, which is an annular surface facing the space to be sealed, between the first sealing surface and the second sealing surface, The side surface is a cylindrical surface extending along a straight line. The gasket of claim 3.

9. the sealing portion has a side surface, which is an annular surface facing the space to be sealed, between the first sealing surface and the second sealing surface, The side surface is recessed toward the side opposite to the sealed space. The gasket of claim 3.

10. A fall prevention part is further provided between the sealing part and the adhesive part, The collapse prevention portion is configured to prevent the seal portion from collapsing. The gasket of claim 1.

11. The fall prevention portion is capable of contacting one of the pair of members. The gasket of claim 10.

12. A fall prevention part is further provided between the sealing part and the adhesive part, the fall prevention portion is a protruding annular portion between the first seal surface and the adhesive portion, The fall prevention portion has a contact surface that is an annular surface that can come into contact with one of the pair of members. The gasket of claim 3.

13. The contact surface is located at the same position as the first seal surface or at a position closer to the second seal surface than the first seal surface in the direction of compression.

13. The gasket of claim 12.

14. a second relief portion, which is an annular groove, is formed between the first seal surface and the contact surface; The second relief portion forms an annular space between the seal portion and the fall prevention portion.

14. The gasket of claim 13.

15. The adhesive portion has an annular shape, The sealing portion is annular. The gasket of claim 1.

16. The adhesive portion is a polygonal ring, The sealing portion is a polygonal ring. The gasket of claim 1.

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