Apparatus for producing electrolyte membrane with catalyst layer

Abstract

To provide a manufacturing device capable of improving appearance quality of an electrolyte membrane with a catalyst layer.SOLUTION: A manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing a catalyst layer-attached electrolyte membrane by applying a catalyst ink to a surface of a polymer electrolyte membrane includes a conveying unit configured to convey the polymer electrolyte membrane in a conveying direction along a longitudinal direction orthogonal to a width direction, a catalyst ink ejection unit configured to eject the catalyst ink onto the surface of the polymer electrolyte membrane, a solvent ejection unit disposed around the catalyst ink ejection unit and configured to eject a solvent containing at least water around an ejection region of the catalyst ink ejection unit, and a control unit configured to control the catalyst ink ejection unit and the solvent ejection unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for manufacturing a catalyst-coated electrolyte membrane. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, there has been known a manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing an electrolyte membrane with a catalyst layer by applying a catalyst ink to the surface of a polymer electrolyte membrane (for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] The manufacturing apparatus of Patent Document 1 includes a liquid application process in which a liquid is applied to the bonding surface of the catalyst layer with the electrolyte membrane before bonding, and a thermocompression bonding process in which the catalyst layer with the liquid applied and the electrolyte membrane are bonded by thermocompression bonding. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7234928 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The manufacturing apparatus of Patent Document 1 has room for improvement in terms of improving the appearance quality of the catalyst layer-equipped electrolyte membrane.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to solve the above-mentioned problems and to provide a manufacturing apparatus for a catalyst coated electrolyte membrane that can improve the appearance quality of the catalyst coated electrolyte membrane. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The manufacturing apparatus for a catalyst-coated electrolyte membrane according to the present disclosure is a manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing a catalyst-coated electrolyte membrane by applying a catalyst ink to the surface of a polymer electrolyte membrane, and includes a transport unit that transports the polymer electrolyte membrane in a transport direction along a longitudinal direction perpendicular to the width direction, a catalyst ink ejection unit that ejects catalyst ink onto the surface of the polymer electrolyte membrane, a solvent ejection unit that is arranged around the catalyst ink ejection unit and ejects a solvent containing at least water around an ejection area by the catalyst ink ejection unit, and a control unit that controls the catalyst ink ejection unit and the solvent ejection unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to improve the appearance quality of a catalyst-coated electrolyte membrane. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic perspective view of a manufacturing apparatus for a catalyst-coated electrolyte membrane according to an embodiment; [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic plan view of a manufacturing apparatus for a catalyst-coated electrolyte membrane according to an embodiment; [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view showing an enlarged view of a catalyst ink ejection region and a solvent ejection region; [Figure 4] 10 is a timing chart showing the timing of ejection by the catalyst ink ejection unit and the solvent ejection unit; [Figure 5A] FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view showing the process of forming the catalyst ink ejection region and the solvent ejection region based on the timing chart of FIG. 4. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view showing the process of forming the catalyst ink ejection region and the solvent ejection region based on the timing chart of FIG. 4. [Figure 5C] FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view showing the process of forming the catalyst ink ejection region and the solvent ejection region based on the timing chart of FIG. 4. [Figure 5D] FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view showing the process of forming the catalyst ink ejection region and the solvent ejection region based on the timing chart of FIG. 4. [Figure 5E] FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view showing the process of forming the catalyst ink ejection region and the solvent ejection region based on the timing chart of FIG. 4. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view showing an example of a solvent ejection region formed to overlap a catalyst ink ejection region; [Figure 7] Schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the ejection direction of the second solvent ejection section. [Figure 8] Schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the ejection direction of the second solvent ejection section. [Figure 9] 10 is a schematic plan view showing the arrangement of a solvent ejection unit in a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Ion-conductive polymer electrolyte membranes are used as solid electrolytes in electrochemical devices such as fuel cells, electrolysis cells, sensors, etc. In recent years, there has been a remarkable trend toward thinner polymer electrolyte membranes and increased ion exchange capacity (IEC value) in order to improve the power generation performance and ionic conductivity of electrochemical devices.

[0011] Conventionally, electrode catalysts for fuel cells, electrolysis cells, sensors, etc., that use solid electrolyte membranes can be formed by applying a catalyst ink to at least one surface of a polymer electrolyte membrane and drying the ink. Coating methods include spraying and die coating, but the direct application method using die coating is industrially preferred because it has the advantages of easily achieving adhesion between the electrolyte membrane and the catalyst layer and is economical.

[0012] Polymer electrolyte membranes, which are the substrates to be coated, are highly water-absorbent, and it is known that the moisture content in the membrane varies greatly depending on the environmental atmosphere, such as humidity. For example, if catalyst ink is directly applied in a dry, low-humidity atmosphere, the resulting catalyst-layered polymer electrolyte membrane will swell and shrink, deforming, and impairing its appearance quality. Furthermore, the solvent from the catalyst ink that has permeated the polymer electrolyte membrane may remain, adversely affecting the durability and electrochemical properties of the coating.

[0013] For example, Japanese Patent No. 5813257 discloses an electrode catalyst ink composition that optimizes the SP value and evaporation rate of the additive solvent as a method for forming a polymer electrolyte membrane with a catalyst layer without impairing the appearance quality.

[0014] However, it is difficult to completely suppress fluctuations in the water content of highly hygroscopic polymer electrolyte membranes by optimizing the catalyst ink alone. Furthermore, while rare precious metal catalysts (PGMs) such as platinum have traditionally been used as electrode catalysts, in recent years, inexpensive non-precious metal catalysts such as Ni, Fe, and Co have been investigated. It is known that the use of these non-precious metal catalysts increases the amount of catalyst ink applied, making it essential to take measures other than optimizing the catalyst ink.

[0015] For example, Japanese Patent No. 7234928 discloses a manufacturing apparatus and method for a method in which a catalyst ink is applied to a temporary substrate as a catalyst layer and then transferred to an electrolyte membrane, in which a process is performed in which thin droplets are applied in advance to the surface of the catalyst layer that comes into contact with the electrolyte membrane, thereby suppressing deformation of the electrolyte membrane due to thermocompression bonding during transfer.

[0016] However, in the case of the method of directly coating the catalyst ink, even if thin droplets are applied to the electrolyte membrane beforehand, the water content of the area where the catalyst ink is directly coated is relatively higher than that of the surrounding areas where the catalyst ink is not coated, and distortion is likely to occur due to differences in the deformation speed of swelling and shrinkage at the boundary between the coated and uncoated areas and their surrounding areas.

[0017] In view of the above circumstances, the inventors of the present disclosure have discovered that by providing a solvent ejection section that ejects a solvent containing at least water around the ejection area of ​​the catalyst ink ejection section, it is possible to suppress deformation of the polymer electrolyte membrane around the boundary between the catalyst ink ejection area and non-ejection area, thereby improving the appearance quality of the polymer electrolyte membrane.

[0018] (Embodiment)

[0019] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0020] A manufacturing apparatus for a catalyst-coated electrolyte membrane according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0021] 1 and 2 are schematic diagrams of a manufacturing apparatus 2 for a catalyst-coated electrolyte membrane according to an embodiment. Hereinafter, this will be simply referred to as the manufacturing apparatus 2.

[0022] The manufacturing apparatus 2 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is a manufacturing apparatus for applying a catalyst ink to the surface of a polymer electrolyte membrane M to manufacture an electrolyte membrane with a catalyst layer.

[0023] The manufacturing apparatus 2 includes a transport unit 3, a catalyst ink ejection unit 4, a plurality of solvent ejection units 6, 8A, 8B, and a control unit 11.

[0024] The transport unit 3 is a member for transporting the polymer electrolyte membrane M in the transport direction A1. The transport unit 3 transports the polymer electrolyte membrane M in the transport direction A1 along a longitudinal direction L perpendicular to the width direction W of the polymer electrolyte membrane M. The transport unit 3 of this embodiment is a conveyor that transports the polymer electrolyte membrane M in the transport direction A1 by engaging a plurality of pulleys with the back surface of the polymer electrolyte membrane M. The transport unit 3 is not limited to this configuration, and any configuration may be adopted as long as it is capable of transporting the polymer electrolyte membrane M in the transport direction A1.

[0025] The catalyst ink ejection unit 4 is a member that ejects catalyst ink onto the surface of the polymer electrolyte membrane M. The catalyst ink ejection unit 4 is disposed so as to eject catalyst ink at a predetermined ejection position P1 (FIG. 2) onto the surface of the polymer electrolyte membrane M being transported in the transport direction A1. The catalyst ink ejection unit 4 may eject the catalyst ink by any method, such as a die coating method or a spray method.

[0026] 1 and 2, a catalyst ink-discharged region 10 is shown as an example of a region where catalyst ink is discharged on the surface of the polymer electrolyte membrane M. The catalyst ink-discharged region 10 of this embodiment has a substantially rectangular shape in plan view.

[0027] Each of the solvent ejection units 6, 8A, and 8B is a member that ejects a solvent containing at least water onto the surface of the polymer electrolyte membrane M. Each of the solvent ejection units 6, 8A, and 8B is provided around the catalyst ink ejection unit 4, and is arranged so as to eject the solvent into the area surrounding the catalyst ink ejection region 10. The solvent ejection units 6, 8A, and 8B may eject the solvent by any method, such as a spray method or an inkjet method.

[0028] 1 and 2, a solvent ejection region 12 is shown as an example of the region where solvent is ejected around the catalyst ink ejection region 10. The solvent ejection region 12 in this embodiment has an annular shape that surrounds the entire periphery of the catalyst ink ejection region 10 in a plan view.

[0029] By ejecting a solvent containing at least water in the solvent ejection regions 12 surrounding the catalyst ink ejection region 10, it is possible to suppress deformation of the polymer electrolyte membrane M due to swelling and shrinkage caused by differences in water content at the outer edge of the catalyst ink ejection region 10. This leads to an improvement in the appearance quality of the polymer electrolyte membrane M.

[0030] The solvent may contain at least water, and may be water alone or a mixture of water and other liquids. The liquid to be mixed with water may be alcohols such as methanol, glycol ethers such as 3-methoxy-3-methyl-1-butanol, ketones such as acetone, or esters such as ethyl acetate, and a liquid having a high dissolution rate and high miscibility with water is preferred.

[0031] The first solvent ejection unit 6 is provided at a position overlapping the catalyst ink ejection unit 4 in the width direction W. The second solvent ejection units 8A and 8B are provided at positions shifted to one side and the other side in the width direction W with respect to the catalyst ink ejection unit 4, respectively.

[0032] 2, the ejection position P2 of the first solvent ejection unit 6 and the ejection positions P3 and P4 of the second solvent ejection units 8A and 8B are all located upstream of the ejection position P1 of the catalyst ink in the transport direction A1. This arrangement makes it easier to eject the solvent before ejecting the catalyst ink, and more effectively suppresses deformation of the polymer electrolyte membrane M.

[0033] In this embodiment, the ejection positions P2, P3, and P4 overlap each other in the transport direction A1.

[0034] The control unit 11 is a component that controls the catalyst ink ejection unit 4 and the solvent ejection units 6, 8A, and 8B. In this embodiment, the control unit 11 controls the catalyst ink ejection unit 4 and the solvent ejection units 6, 8A, and 8B to operate at predetermined timings. Specific control methods will be described later.

[0035] The control unit 11 can be configured with, for example, a CPU, an MPU, a DSP, an FPGA, an ASIC, a PLC, etc. The functions of the control unit 11 may be configured with hardware alone, or may be realized by combining hardware and software. The control unit 11 realizes predetermined functions by reading data and programs stored in a storage area (not shown) within the control unit 11 and performing various arithmetic processing.

[0036] In this embodiment, the control unit 11 independently controls the catalyst ink ejection unit 4, the first solvent ejection unit 6, and the second solvent ejection units 8A and 8B. Solvent ejection by the catalyst ink ejection unit 4, solvent ejection by the first solvent ejection unit 6, and solvent ejection by the second solvent ejection units 8A and 8B are each performed independently.

[0037] The control unit 11 controls the pair of second solvent ejection units 8A and 8B to operate in synchronization with each other, and the solvent ejection by the second solvent ejection units 8A and 8B is carried out simultaneously.

[0038] FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view showing an enlarged view of the catalyst ink ejection region 10 and the solvent ejection region 12. As shown in FIG.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 3, the solvent ejection region 12 has four regions: a first region 30, a second region 32, and a pair of third regions 34A and 34B.

[0040] The first region 30 is a region that continues downstream in the transport direction A1 from the catalyst ink ejection region 10, and the second region 32 is a region that continues upstream in the transport direction A1 from the catalyst ink ejection region 10. Solvent is ejected into each of the first region 30 and the second region 32 by the first solvent ejection unit 6.

[0041] The third regions 34A and 34B are each regions that are continuous in the width direction W with the catalyst ink ejection region 10. The third region 34A is continuous on one side in the width direction W, and the third region 34B is continuous on the other side in the width direction W. Solvent is ejected into the third region 34A by the second solvent ejection unit 8A, and solvent is ejected into the third region 34B by the second solvent ejection unit 8B.

[0042] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, by providing multiple solvent ejection sections 6, 8A, and 8B around the catalyst ink ejection section 4, solvent can be ejected into the solvent ejection area 12, which is the area surrounding the catalyst ink ejection area 10.

[0043] A method for ejecting the catalyst ink and the solvent into each of the regions shown in FIG. 3 using the manufacturing apparatus 2 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 will be described with reference to FIG. 4 and subsequent figures.

[0044] 4 is a timing chart showing the timing of ejection by the catalyst ink ejection unit 4 and the solvent ejection units 6, 8A, and 8B. The control unit 11 controls each of the catalyst ink ejection unit 4 and the solvent ejection units 6, 8A, and 8B so that the catalyst ink / solvent is ejected at the timing shown in FIG.

[0045] 4, first, solvent ejection by the first solvent ejection unit 6 and the second solvent ejection units 8A and 8B begins (time T0). At this time, the catalyst ink ejection unit 4 is stopped. As the first solvent ejection unit 6 and the second solvent ejection units 8A and 8B eject the solvent, as shown in FIG. 5A, the solvent is ejected from the first solvent ejection unit 6 to the first region 30, and from the second solvent ejection units 8A and 8B to the third regions 34A and 34B. As the solvent is ejected and the polymer electrolyte membrane M moves, the first region 30 and the third regions 34A and 34B extend in the direction opposite to the transport direction A1 of the polymer electrolyte membrane M.

[0046] Thereafter, at time T1, solvent ejection by the first solvent ejection unit 6 is stopped. As shown in Fig. 5B, the solvent is ejected into a predetermined first region 30. The operation time and stop timing of the first solvent ejection unit 6 are set so that the first region 30 is continuous in the longitudinal direction L with a catalyst ink ejection region 10, which will be described later.

[0047] Even after the first solvent discharger 6 stops discharging the solvent, the second solvent dischargers 8A and 8B continue discharging the solvent, and the third regions 34A and 34B extend in the direction opposite to the transport direction A1.

[0048] Thereafter, at time T2, the catalyst ink ejection unit 4 begins ejecting the catalyst ink. As shown in FIG. 5C , a catalyst ink ejection region 10 is formed at a position continuous with the first region 30 on the upstream side in the transport direction A1. The timing for starting operation of the catalyst ink ejection unit 4 is set taking into consideration the ejection position P1 of the catalyst ink ejection unit 4 and the ejection position P2 of the first solvent ejection unit 6 so that the catalyst ink ejection region 10 begins at a position continuous with the first region 30. The catalyst ink ejection region 10, together with the third regions 34A and 34B, extends in the opposite direction to the transport direction A1.

[0049] Thereafter, at time T3, the first solvent ejection unit 6 starts ejecting solvent. As shown in FIG. 5D, a second region 32 is formed upstream of the catalyst ink ejection region 10 in the transport direction A1. The timing for starting the operation of the first solvent ejection unit 6 is set taking into consideration the ejection position P1 of the catalyst ink ejection unit 4 and the ejection position P2 of the first solvent ejection unit 6 so that the second region 32 starts at a position continuous with the terminal end of the catalyst ink ejection region 10 (FIG. 5E).

[0050] Thereafter, at time T4, the first solvent ejection unit 6 and the second solvent ejection units 8A and 8B are stopped, and further thereafter, at time T5, the catalyst ink ejection unit 4 is stopped.

[0051] 5E, the second region 32 is formed at a position continuous with the catalyst ink ejection region 10 on the upstream side in the transport direction A1. The pair of third regions 34A, 34 are formed at positions continuous with the catalyst ink ejection region 10, the first region 30, and the second region 32 in the width direction W.

[0052] According to the above control method, a solvent ejection region 12 can be formed to surround the periphery of the catalyst ink ejection region 10, using multiple solvent ejection units 6, 8A, and 8B provided around the catalyst ink ejection unit 4. This makes it possible to control with high precision the variation in water content at the outer edge of the catalyst ink ejection region 10, suppress deformation of the polymer electrolyte membrane M, and improve the appearance quality of the polymer electrolyte membrane M.

[0053] Since the solvent ejection sections 6, 8A, and 8B are each located upstream of the catalyst ink ejection section 4 in the transport direction A1, the solvent can be ejected and applied before the catalyst ink, thereby more effectively suppressing deformation of the polymer electrolyte membrane M.

[0054] 5B and 5C, in the above control method, the solvent is already applied to the first region 30 on the downstream side in the transport direction A1 when the formation of the catalyst ink ejection region 10 starts. By ejecting the solvent before the ejection of the catalyst ink starts, deformation of the polymer electrolyte membrane M at the start point of the catalyst ink ejection region 10 can be more effectively suppressed.

[0055] 5E, when the formation of the catalyst ink ejection region 10 is completed, the solvent has already been applied to the second region 32 on the upstream side in the transport direction A1. By ejecting the solvent beforehand before the ejection of the catalyst ink is completed, deformation of the polymer electrolyte membrane M at the end of the catalyst ink ejection region 10 can be more effectively suppressed.

[0056] 5B and 5C, in the above control method, the third regions 34A, 34B are coated before the catalyst ink ejection region 10. By coating the third regions 34A, 34B before the catalyst ink, deformation of the polymer electrolyte membrane M at the ends of the catalyst ink ejection region 10 in the width direction W can be more effectively suppressed.

[0057] [Effects, etc.] As described above, the manufacturing apparatus 2 of the embodiment is an apparatus for manufacturing a catalyst layer-equipped electrolyte membrane by applying a catalyst ink to the surface of a polymer electrolyte membrane M, and includes a transport unit 3 that transports the polymer electrolyte membrane M in a transport direction A1 along a longitudinal direction L perpendicular to the width direction W, a catalyst ink ejection unit 4 that ejects the catalyst ink onto the surface of the polymer electrolyte membrane M, solvent ejection units 6, 8A, and 8B that are arranged around the catalyst ink ejection unit 4 and eject a solvent containing at least water around a catalyst ink ejection area 10 formed by the catalyst ink ejection unit 4, and a control unit 11 that controls the catalyst ink ejection unit 4 and the solvent ejection units 6, 8A, and 8B.

[0058] According to this configuration, by ejecting a solvent containing water around the catalyst ink ejection area 10, it is possible to prevent the polymer electrolyte membrane M from being deformed due to a sudden change in water content caused by the application of the catalyst ink, thereby improving the appearance quality of the polymer electrolyte membrane M.

[0059] Furthermore, in the catalyst-coated polymer electrolyte membrane manufacturing apparatus 2 of this embodiment, the solvent dischargers 6, 8A, 8B include a first solvent discharger 6 that is arranged upstream of the catalyst ink discharger 4 in the transport direction A1 and at a position that overlaps with the catalyst ink discharger 4 in the width direction W, and a pair of second solvent dischargers 8A, 8B that are arranged at positions shifted to one side and the other side in the width direction W with respect to the first solvent discharger 6. With this configuration, the solvent can be discharged so as to surround the periphery of the catalyst ink discharge region 10.

[0060] Furthermore, in the catalyst-coated polymer electrolyte membrane manufacturing apparatus 2 of the embodiment, the control unit 11 independently controls the solvent discharge by the first solvent discharge unit 6 and the solvent discharge by the second solvent discharge units 8A and 8B. With this configuration, the first solvent discharge unit 6 and the second solvent discharge units 8A and 8B can be started and stopped at desired timings.

[0061] Furthermore, in the catalyst-coated polymer electrolyte membrane manufacturing apparatus 2 of this embodiment, the second solvent ejection units 8A and 8B are arranged to eject the solvent at a position upstream in the transport direction A1 from the catalyst ink ejection unit 4. With this configuration, the catalyst ink can be ejected in a state where the periphery of the catalyst ink ejection region 10 has been pre-wetted with the solvent by the second solvent ejection units 8A and 8B, thereby further suppressing deformation of the polymer electrolyte membrane M.

[0062] Furthermore, in the catalyst-coated polymer electrolyte membrane manufacturing apparatus 2 of this embodiment, the second solvent ejection units 8A, 8B eject solvent onto third regions 34A, 34B that are continuous with the outer edge of the catalyst ink ejection region 10 on one side and the other side in the width direction W. With this configuration, by making the catalyst ink ejection region 10 and the third regions 34A, 34B continuous in the width direction W, deformation of the polymer electrolyte membrane M at the ends of the catalyst ink ejection region 10 in the width direction W can be further suppressed.

[0063] Furthermore, in the catalyst-coated polymer electrolyte membrane manufacturing apparatus 2 of this embodiment, the first solvent ejection unit 6 ejects solvent onto a first region 30 and a second region 32 that are continuous with the outer edge of the catalyst ink ejection region 10 on one side and the other side in the longitudinal direction L. With this configuration, by making the catalyst ink ejection region 10, the first region 30, and the second region 32 continuous with each other in the longitudinal direction L, deformation of the polymer electrolyte membrane M at the end of the catalyst ink ejection region 10 in the longitudinal direction L can be further suppressed.

[0064] Furthermore, in the catalyst-coated polymer electrolyte membrane manufacturing apparatus 2 of this embodiment, the control unit 11 causes the catalyst ink discharge unit 4 to discharge catalyst ink onto a predetermined catalyst ink discharge region 10 on the surface of the polymer electrolyte membrane M, and before the catalyst ink discharge unit 4 starts discharging, causes the first solvent discharge unit 6 to discharge solvent onto a first region 30 that is continuous with the predetermined catalyst ink discharge region 10 on the downstream side in the transport direction A1. With this configuration, by first discharging solvent onto the first region 30 and then starting to discharge catalyst ink onto the catalyst ink discharge region 10, deformation of the polymer electrolyte membrane M at the location where formation of the catalyst ink discharge region 10 starts can be further suppressed.

[0065] Furthermore, in the catalyst-coated polymer electrolyte membrane manufacturing apparatus 2 of this embodiment, the control unit 11 causes the catalyst ink discharge unit 4 to discharge catalyst ink onto a predetermined catalyst ink discharge region 10 on the surface of the polymer electrolyte membrane M, and then, before discharge by the catalyst ink discharge unit 4 is completed, causes the first solvent discharge unit 6 to discharge solvent onto a second region 32 that is continuous with the predetermined catalyst ink discharge region 10 on the upstream side in the transport direction A1. With this configuration, by first discharging solvent onto the second region 32 and then completing discharge of catalyst ink onto the catalyst ink discharge region 10, deformation of the polymer electrolyte membrane M at the point where formation of the catalyst ink discharge region 10 is completed can be further suppressed.

[0066] Furthermore, in the catalyst-coated polymer electrolyte membrane manufacturing apparatus 2 of this embodiment, the control unit 11 causes the catalyst ink discharge unit 4 to discharge catalyst ink onto a predetermined catalyst ink discharge region 10 on the surface of the polymer electrolyte membrane M, and before the catalyst ink discharge unit 4 starts discharging, causes the second solvent discharge units 8A, 8B to discharge solvent onto third regions 34A, 34B that are continuous with the predetermined catalyst ink discharge region 10 in the width direction W. With this configuration, by first discharging solvent onto the third regions 34A, 34B and then starting discharging catalyst ink onto the catalyst ink discharge region 10, deformation of the polymer electrolyte membrane M at the ends of the catalyst ink discharge region 10 in the width direction W can be further suppressed.

[0067] [Overlap between catalyst ink ejection area and solvent ejection area] 5A to 5E schematically illustrate a state in which the catalyst ink ejection region 10 and the solvent ejection region 12 (regions 30, 32, 34A, 34B) are formed continuously, but the catalyst ink ejection region 10 and the solvent ejection region 12 may be formed so as to overlap each other. An example of this will be described using FIG. 6.

[0068] FIG. 6 is a schematic plan view showing an example of a solvent ejection region 120 formed so as to overlap the catalyst ink ejection region 10. As shown in FIG.

[0069] In the example shown in FIG. 6, the solvent ejection region 120 has a first region 130, a second region 132, and a pair of third regions 134A and 134B.

[0070] The first region 130 is a region continuous with the catalyst ink ejection region 10 on the downstream side in the transport direction A1, and the second region 132 is a region continuous with the catalyst ink ejection region 10 on the upstream side in the transport direction A1. The first region 130 has an overlapping region 140 that overlaps with the catalyst ink ejection region 10 in the longitudinal direction L, and the second region 132 has an overlapping region 142 that overlaps with the catalyst ink ejection region 10 in the longitudinal direction L.

[0071] The third region 134A is a region continuous with the catalyst ink ejection region 10 on one side in the width direction W, and the third region 134B is a region continuous with the catalyst ink ejection region 10 on the other side in the width direction W. The third region 134A has an overlapping region 144A that overlaps with the catalyst ink ejection region 10 in the width direction W, and the third region 134B has an overlapping region 144B that overlaps with the catalyst ink ejection region 10 in the width direction W.

[0072] By providing overlapping regions 140, 142, 144A, 144B where the catalyst ink ejection region 10 and the solvent ejection region 12 overlap each other, deformation of the polymer electrolyte membrane M around the outer edge of the catalyst ink ejection region 10 can be more effectively suppressed.

[0073] 6, the overlapping regions 140 and 142 have lengths D1 and D2 in the longitudinal direction L, respectively. The overlapping regions 144A and 144B have lengths D3 and D4 in the width direction W, respectively.

[0074] For example, the lengths D1, D2, D3, and D4 may each be set to a length greater than 0 mm and equal to or less than 10 mm, which can suppress the deformation of the polymer electrolyte membrane M while reducing the consumption of the solvent.

[0075] As described above, in the manufacturing apparatus 2 of this embodiment, the first region 130 and the second region 132, which are the discharge regions of the first solvent discharger 6, overlap with the catalyst ink discharge region 10 in the longitudinal direction L. Similarly, the third regions 134A and 134B, which are the discharge regions of the second solvent dischargers 8A and 8B, overlap with the catalyst ink discharge region 10 in the width direction W.

[0076] With this configuration, deformation of the polymer electrolyte membrane M around the outer edge of the catalyst ink ejection region 10 can be more effectively suppressed.

[0077] In the manufacturing apparatus 2 of the embodiment, each of the lengths D1, D2, D3, and D4 is 10 mm or less. With this configuration, it is possible to suppress the deformation of the polymer electrolyte membrane M while suppressing the consumption of the solvent.

[0078] [Direction of solvent ejection from the second solvent ejection unit] Next, the ejection directions of the second solvent ejection parts 8A and 8B will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0079] 7 and 8 are schematic cross-sectional views showing examples of the ejection directions of the second solvent ejection parts 8A and 8B.

[0080] 7, the center line 108A in the ejection direction of the second solvent ejection section 8A is set to pass through a position shifted outward from the outer edge 10A in the width direction W of the catalyst ink ejection region 10. Similarly, the center line 108B in the ejection direction of the second solvent ejection section 8B is set to pass through a position shifted outward from the outer edge 10B in the width direction W of the catalyst ink ejection region 10.

[0081] Because the second solvent ejection units 8A and 8B both apply the solvent in a wide range in the width direction W, even if the center lines 108A and 108B pass outside the catalyst ink ejection region 10, the solvent can be ejected to a region that is continuous with the catalyst ink ejection region 10 in the width direction W. This forms third regions 34A and 34B.

[0082] 8, the center line 208A in the ejection direction of the second solvent ejection section 8A is set so as to pass through the outer edge 10A in the width direction W of the catalyst ink ejection region 10. Similarly, the center line 208B in the ejection direction of the second solvent ejection section 8B is set so as to pass through the outer edge 10B in the width direction W of the catalyst ink ejection region 10.

[0083] Since both second solvent ejection sections 8A and 8B apply solvent with a wide spread in the width direction W, even if the center lines 208A and 208B pass through the outer edges 10A and 10B of the catalyst ink ejection region 10, the third regions 134A and 134B from which the solvent is ejected have overlapping regions 144A and 144B with the catalyst ink ejection region 10, respectively.

[0084] (Modification of the embodiment) In the embodiment, the solvent ejecting units 6, 8A, and 8B are all located upstream of the catalyst ink ejecting unit 4, but this is not the only possible case. As long as the first solvent ejecting unit 6 is located upstream of the catalyst ink ejecting unit 4, the second solvent ejecting units 8A and 8B do not necessarily have to be located upstream of the catalyst ink ejecting unit 4. For example, as shown in the modified example of FIG. 9 , the second solvent ejecting units 308A and 308B may be located downstream of the first solvent ejecting unit 6 in the transport direction A1 and arranged side by side on both sides of the catalyst ink ejecting unit 4.

[0085] On the other hand, as in the embodiment, arranging the second solvent ejection units 8A and 8B, together with the first solvent ejection unit 6, upstream of the catalyst ink ejection unit 4 in the transport direction A1 makes it easier to control the ejection of the solvent before the catalyst ink, and also makes it possible to make the manufacturing apparatus 2 more compact by integrally configuring the solvent ejection units 6, 8A, and 8B.

[0086] Any of the various embodiments or modifications described above can be combined appropriately to achieve the effects of each. In addition, combinations of embodiments, combinations of examples, or combinations of embodiments and examples are possible, and combinations of features from different embodiments or examples are also possible.

[0087] Although the present disclosure has been fully described in connection with the preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, various changes and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and such changes and modifications are to be understood as being included within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims unless they depart therefrom.

[0088] (Addendum) According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing a catalyst-layered electrolyte membrane by applying a catalyst ink to the surface of a polymer electrolyte membrane, the manufacturing apparatus for a catalyst-layered electrolyte membrane comprising: a transport unit that transports the polymer electrolyte membrane in a transport direction along a longitudinal direction perpendicular to a width direction; a catalyst ink ejection unit that ejects the catalyst ink onto the surface of the polymer electrolyte membrane; a solvent ejection unit that is arranged around the catalyst ink ejection unit and ejects a solvent containing at least water around a region ejected by the catalyst ink ejection unit; and a control unit that controls the catalyst ink ejection unit and the solvent ejection unit.

[0089] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided the apparatus for manufacturing a catalyst-layered electrolytic membrane according to the first aspect, wherein the solvent discharge unit comprises: a first solvent discharge unit arranged upstream of the catalyst ink discharge unit in the transport direction and at a position overlapping the catalyst ink discharge unit in the width direction; and a pair of second solvent discharge units arranged at positions shifted to one side and the other side in the width direction relative to the first solvent discharge unit.

[0090] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided the apparatus for manufacturing an electrolytic membrane with a catalyst layer according to the second aspect, wherein the control unit independently controls solvent discharge by the first solvent discharge unit and solvent discharge by the second solvent discharge unit.

[0091] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided the apparatus for manufacturing a catalyst layer-equipped electrolytic membrane according to the second or third aspect, wherein the second solvent ejection unit is arranged to eject the solvent at a position upstream of the catalyst ink ejection unit in the transport direction.

[0092] According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an apparatus for manufacturing an electrolytic membrane with a catalyst layer according to any one of the second to fourth aspects, wherein the second solvent ejection unit ejects the solvent into areas that are continuous on one side and the other side in the width direction with respect to the outer edge of the ejection area by the catalyst ink ejection unit.

[0093] According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided the apparatus for manufacturing a catalyst layer-equipped electrolytic membrane according to the fifth aspect, wherein the discharge area of ​​the second solvent discharge unit overlaps the discharge area of ​​the catalyst ink discharge unit in the width direction.

[0094] According to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided the apparatus for manufacturing a catalyst layer-equipped electrolytic membrane according to the sixth aspect, wherein the overlap width between the discharge regions is 10 mm or less on each of one side and the other side in the width direction.

[0095] According to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an apparatus for manufacturing an electrolytic membrane with a catalyst layer according to any one of the second to seventh aspects, wherein the first solvent ejection unit ejects the solvent into areas that are continuous on one side and the other side in the longitudinal direction with respect to the outer edge of the ejection area by the catalyst ink ejection unit.

[0096] According to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided the apparatus for manufacturing a catalyst layer-equipped electrolytic membrane according to the eighth aspect, wherein the ejection area by the first solvent ejection unit overlaps with the ejection area by the catalyst ink ejection unit in the longitudinal direction.

[0097] According to a tenth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided the apparatus for manufacturing a catalyst layer-equipped electrolytic membrane according to the ninth aspect, wherein the overlap width between the discharge regions is 10 mm or less on each of the one side and the other side in the longitudinal direction.

[0098] According to an eleventh aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided the apparatus for manufacturing a catalyst-layered electrolytic membrane according to any one of the second to tenth aspects, wherein the control unit causes the catalyst ink ejection unit to eject the catalyst ink onto a predetermined region on the surface of the polymer electrolyte membrane, and causes the first solvent ejection unit to eject the solvent onto a first region continuous with the predetermined region on the downstream side in the transport direction before the catalyst ink ejection unit starts ejecting.

[0099] A twelfth aspect of the present disclosure provides the apparatus for manufacturing a catalyst-layered electrolytic membrane according to any one of the second to eleventh aspects, wherein the control unit causes the catalyst ink ejection unit to eject the catalyst ink onto a predetermined region on the surface of the polymer electrolyte membrane, and, before ejection by the catalyst ink ejection unit is completed, causes the first solvent ejection unit to eject the solvent onto a second region continuous with the predetermined region on the upstream side in the transport direction.

[0100] A thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure provides the apparatus for manufacturing a catalyst-layered electrolytic membrane according to any one of the second to twelfth aspects, wherein the control unit causes the catalyst ink ejection unit to eject the catalyst ink onto a predetermined region on the surface of the polymer electrolyte membrane, and, before ejection by the catalyst ink ejection unit begins, causes the second solvent ejection unit to eject the solvent onto a third region that is continuous with the predetermined region in the width direction. [Industrial Applicability]

[0101] The present disclosure is applicable to an apparatus for manufacturing an electrolyte membrane with a catalyst layer. [Explanation of symbols]

[0102] 2. Manufacturing equipment (for electrolyte membranes with catalyst layers) 3. Conveyor 4. Catalyst ink ejection section 6 First solvent discharge section 8A, 8B Second solvent outlet 10 Catalyst ink ejection area 11 Control section 12 Solvent ejection area 30 1st area 32 Second area 34A, 34B 3rd area A1 Conveying direction L Longitudinal direction M Polymer electrolyte membrane W width direction

Claims

1. A manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing a catalyst-coated electrolyte membrane by applying a catalyst ink to a surface of a polymer electrolyte membrane, comprising: a conveying section that conveys the polymer electrolyte membrane in a conveying direction along a longitudinal direction perpendicular to the width direction; a catalyst ink ejection unit that ejects catalyst ink onto the surface of the polymer electrolyte membrane; a solvent ejection unit disposed around the catalyst ink ejection unit and configured to eject a solvent containing at least water around an ejection area of ​​the catalyst ink ejection unit; a control unit that controls the catalyst ink ejection unit and the solvent ejection unit.

2. 2. The manufacturing apparatus for a catalyst-coated electrolyte membrane according to claim 1, wherein the solvent discharging unit comprises: a first solvent discharging unit arranged upstream of the catalyst ink discharging unit in the transport direction and at a position overlapping the first solvent discharging unit in the width direction; and a pair of second solvent discharging units arranged at positions shifted to one side and the other side in the width direction relative to the first solvent discharging unit.

3. 3. The apparatus for manufacturing a catalyst-coated electrolyte membrane according to claim 2, wherein the control unit controls solvent discharge by the first solvent discharge unit and solvent discharge by the second solvent discharge unit independently of each other.

4. 3. The apparatus for manufacturing a catalyst-coated electrolyte membrane according to claim 2, wherein the second solvent ejection unit is disposed so as to eject the solvent at a position upstream of the catalyst ink ejection unit in the transport direction.

5. 3. The manufacturing apparatus for a catalyst-coated electrolyte membrane according to claim 2, wherein the second solvent ejection unit ejects the solvent into regions that are continuous with one side and the other side in the width direction from an outer edge of the ejection region ejected by the catalyst ink ejection unit.

6. 6. The apparatus for manufacturing a catalyst-coated electrolyte membrane according to claim 5, wherein a discharge area by the second solvent discharge unit overlaps with a discharge area by the catalyst ink discharge unit in the width direction.

7. 7. The apparatus for manufacturing a catalyst-coated electrolyte membrane according to claim 6, wherein the overlap width between the discharge regions is 10 mm or less on each of the one and other sides in the width direction.

8. 3. The manufacturing apparatus for a catalyst-coated electrolyte membrane according to claim 2, wherein the first solvent ejection unit ejects the solvent into regions that are continuous with one side and the other side in the longitudinal direction from an outer edge of the ejection region ejected by the catalyst ink ejection unit.

9. 9. The apparatus for manufacturing a catalyst-coated electrolyte membrane according to claim 8, wherein a discharge area of ​​the first solvent discharger overlaps with a discharge area of ​​the catalyst ink discharger in the longitudinal direction.

10. 10. The apparatus for manufacturing a catalyst-coated electrolyte membrane according to claim 9, wherein an overlap width between the discharge regions is 10 mm or less on each of the one and other sides in the longitudinal direction.

11. The control unit the catalyst ink is ejected onto a predetermined area on the surface of the polymer electrolyte membrane by the catalyst ink ejection unit; 3. The manufacturing apparatus for a catalyst-coated electrolyte membrane according to claim 2, wherein, before the catalyst ink ejection unit starts ejecting, the first solvent ejection unit ejects the solvent onto a first region that is continuous with the predetermined region on the downstream side in the transport direction.

12. The control unit the catalyst ink is ejected onto a predetermined area on the surface of the polymer electrolyte membrane by the catalyst ink ejection unit; 3. The apparatus for manufacturing a catalyst-coated electrolyte membrane according to claim 2, wherein, before the catalyst ink ejection unit finishes ejecting the solvent, the first solvent ejection unit ejects the solvent onto a second region that is continuous with the predetermined region on the upstream side in the transport direction.

13. The control unit the catalyst ink is ejected onto a predetermined area on the surface of the polymer electrolyte membrane by the catalyst ink ejection unit; 3. The apparatus for manufacturing a catalyst-coated electrolyte membrane according to claim 2, wherein before the catalyst ink ejection unit starts ejecting, the second solvent ejection unit ejects the solvent onto a third region that is continuous with the predetermined region in the width direction.

Images