Fuel cell lamination jig and fuel cell lamination method

Abstract

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

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a jig and method for bonding fuel cell components together. [Background technology]

[0002] Some fuel cells include, in order from one side, an anode-side gas diffusion layer, an intermediate layer, and a cathode-side gas diffusion layer. These fuel cells generate electricity when a fuel gas containing hydrogen is supplied to the anode-side gas diffusion layer and an oxidizing gas containing oxygen is supplied to the cathode-side gas diffusion layer. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-161181 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] To improve the durability of the intermediate layer of a fuel cell, the inventors are currently developing a structure in which the edges of the electrolyte membrane are protected from both sides by two films, which form a subgasket.

[0005] However, the inventors have noticed that such a configuration has the following problem: It is preferable that these two films be bonded together in the correct relative positions with as much precision as possible. If the films are bonded together in positions that are displaced from the correct relative positions, warping may occur in the subgasket made up of these two films.

[0006] However, when the two films are bonded together, unintentional contact between the films may cause the two films to be bonded together in a position that is different from the correct relative position.

[0007] One possible solution to this problem is to temporarily insert a PTFE sheet between the two films when bonding them together. Specifically, with this method, the two films are positioned on both sides of the PTFE sheet using the same positioning pins. The adhesive side of the film comes into contact with the PTFE sheet. Then, while pulling out the PTFE sheet, the two films are brought into contact with each other, bonding the two films together with the adhesive.

[0008] This measure uses the PTFE sheet to prevent unintended contact between the films. However, when the PTFE sheet is pulled out, the film may deform to follow the PTFE sheet. This may result in the two films being stuck together in a position that is different from the correct relative position.

[0009] Although the above describes the problem using the example of protecting the edge of the electrolyte membrane from both sides with two films, similar problems can occur when the intermediate layer of a fuel cell includes two films in other ways.

[0010] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has an object to make it easier to bond two films in an intermediate layer in the correct relative positions with high precision during the manufacturing process of a fuel cell. [Means for solving the problem]

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

[0012] (1) A fuel cell lamination jig for laminating a first film to a second film in a manufacturing stage of a fuel cell having an intermediate layer including the first film and the second film, an upper jig configured so that the first film can be placed on its lower surface, and a lower jig configured so that the second film can be placed on its upper surface; the first film is disposed on a lower surface of the upper jig, the second film is disposed on an upper surface of the lower jig, and an adhesive is applied to at least one of the lower surface of the first film and the upper surface of the second film, and the first film is configured to be settable in a first state; In the first state, when the upper jig is attached on the lower jig, a second state is created in which the first film and the second film face each other with a gap in the vertical direction, The first film is configured to be able to be pressed against the second film from the second state. Lamination jig for fuel cells.

[0013] According to this configuration, by arranging the first film and the second film facing each other with a gap in the vertical direction, it is possible to prevent the two films from being unintentionally bonded together. From this state, the two films can be bonded together by pressing the first film against the second film. This makes it easier to bond the two films together accurately in the correct relative positions.

[0014] Furthermore, there is no need to place the aforementioned PTFE sheet between the first and second films, so there is no need to worry about the first or second film following the PTFE sheet when the PTFE sheet is pulled out, resulting in the two films being stuck together in positions that are different from the correct relative positions.

[0015] As described above, according to this configuration, it becomes easier to bond the two films in the intermediate layer in the correct relative positions with high precision during the manufacturing process of the fuel cell.

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

[0017] With this configuration, by changing the color, it becomes easier to vertically face the first film and the second film at an appropriate distance, which makes it easier to bond the two films together in the correct relative positions with greater precision.

[0018] (3) Equipped with a pusher; a jig window into which the pressing tool can be inserted is formed in the upper jig; The pressing tool is configured to be able to press a predetermined portion of the first film against a predetermined portion of the second film by inserting the pressing tool into the jig window from the second state. The fuel cell lamination jig according to (1) or (2) above.

[0019] According to this configuration, by inserting the pressing tool into the jig window, a predetermined portion of the first film can be pressed against a predetermined portion of the second film. This makes it easier to bond the predetermined portion of the first film to the predetermined portion of the second film with greater precision and in the correct relative position. Furthermore, thereafter, the portions other than the predetermined portions can be bonded based on the bonded predetermined portions of the first film and the second film. This makes it easier to bond the first film and the second film overall with greater precision and in the correct relative position.

[0020] (4) The upper jig includes an upper suction mechanism configured to be able to suction the first film, and is configured so that the first film can be placed on the lower surface of the upper jig by suction by the upper suction mechanism. The lamination jig for a fuel cell according to any one of (1) to (3) above.

[0021] According to this configuration, the first film can be placed on the underside of the upper jig against gravity by suction from the upper suction mechanism. Moreover, this suction makes it easier to stretch the first film along the underside of the upper jig without bending. This makes it easier to bond the two films together in the correct relative positions with greater precision.

[0022] (5) a positioning portion capable of positioning the first film is provided on an upper surface of the lower jig; the upper suction mechanism is configured to be able to suction the first film positioned by the positioning unit onto a lower surface of the upper jig. The fuel cell lamination jig according to (4) above.

[0023] According to this configuration, the first film can be positioned in a predetermined position on the underside of the upper jig simply by positioning the first film relative to the lower jig using the positioning unit and then adsorbing the first film onto the underside of the upper jig, which makes it easier to bond the two films together in the correct relative positions with greater precision.

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

[0025] According to this configuration, the positioning pins make it easier to position the second film at a predetermined position on the lower surface of the upper jig, which makes it easier to bond the two films together with greater precision in the correct relative positions.

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

[0027] According to this configuration, the second film can be easily stretched along the lower jig without sagging due to suction by the lower suction mechanism, which makes it easier to bond the two films together in the correct relative positions with greater precision.

[0028] (8) The lower jig has a positioning shaft that protrudes upward, The upper jig is positioned horizontally relative to the lower jig by the positioning shaft. The fuel cell lamination jig according to any one of (1) to (7) above.

[0029] According to this configuration, the positioning shaft makes it easier to correctly align the upper jig with the lower jig, which makes it easier to bond the two films together in the correct relative positions with greater precision.

[0030] (9) Each of the first film and the second film includes a protective film that protects an edge of the electrolyte membrane, one of the first film and the second film further includes the electrolyte membrane; The fuel cell lamination jig according to any one of (1) to (8) above.

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

[0032] (10) A method for laminating a fuel cell, comprising laminating a first film to a second film in a manufacturing process of the fuel cell, the method comprising: preparing a jig including an upper jig configured so that the first film can be placed on its lower surface and a lower jig configured so that the second film can be placed on its upper surface; a first state in which the first film is placed on the lower surface of the upper jig, the second film is placed on the upper surface of the lower jig, and an adhesive is applied to at least one of the lower surface of the first film and the upper surface of the second film; In the first state, the upper jig is attached on top of the lower jig to set the first film and the second film in a second state in which they face each other with a gap in the vertical direction; From the second state, the first film is pressed against the second film to bond the first film to the second film. Lamination method for fuel cells.

[0033] According to this method, as with the jig (1) above, it becomes easy to bond two films together with high precision in the correct relative positions.

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

[0035] According to this method, as in the case of (3) above, it becomes easier to bond two films together with greater precision and in the correct relative positions.

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

[0037] According to this configuration, by pressing the bonded body with a roller, it becomes easier to bond the portion of the first film other than the first specified portion and the portion of the second film other than the second specified portion in the correct relative positions with greater precision. [Effects of the Invention]

[0038] As described above, the jig (1) and the method (10) make it easy to bond two films together accurately and in the correct relative positions. Furthermore, the jigs (2) to (9) that cite the jig (1) and the methods (11) and (12) that cite the method (10) each provide additional effects. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0039] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a lamination jig for a fuel cell according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded cross-sectional view showing a lamination jig for a fuel cell. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a first film is placed on the upper surface of a lower jig. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which an upper jig is placed on a lower jig. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the first film is sucked onto the lower surface of the upper jig. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the upper jig is removed from the lower jig. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a second film is placed on a lower jig. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which an upper jig is placed on a lower jig. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a first predetermined portion is pressed against a second predetermined portion by a pressing tool. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the joined body is pressed by a roller. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing an intermediate layer of a fuel cell. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which gas diffusion layers are attached to both sides of an intermediate layer. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0040] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments and can be appropriately modified and implemented within the scope of the present invention.

[0041] [First embodiment] The fuel cell lamination jig 100 shown in Fig. 1 is a jig for manufacturing the fuel cell 50 shown in Fig. 12. The fuel cell lamination jig 100 may also be read simply as "jig."

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

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

[0044] The first protective film 32 and the second protective film 38 are made of resin. These two protective films 32, 38 form a subgasket. A film window 32w is formed in the center of the first protective film 32 to expose the electrolyte membrane 35 other than its edges to one side. A film window 38w is formed in the center of the second protective film 38 to expose the electrolyte membrane 35 other than its edges to the other side.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0051] The lower jig 80 includes a positioning shaft 88 that protrudes upward from the top surface of the lower jig 80. The positioning shaft 88 is inserted into an insertion hole 78 provided in the upper jig 70, thereby positioning the upper jig 70 relative to the lower jig 80 in the horizontal direction.

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

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

[0054] The positioning pins 83 are pins for positioning the first film f1 and the second film f2 relative to the lower jig 80. Specifically, the first film f1 and the second film f2 have insertion holes h. The positioning pins 83 position the first film f1 and the second film f2 relative to the lower jig 80 by being inserted through the insertion holes h. Note that the positioning pins 83 may also be read as "positioning portions."

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

[0056] As shown in Fig. 1, a jig window 75 is provided in the center of the upper jig 70. As shown in Fig. 2, this jig window 75 is slightly larger than the film windows 32w and 38w. This jig window 75 is configured so that the pressing tool 60 can be inserted into it. Handles 74 are provided on both sides of the jig window 75 in the upper jig 70.

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

[0058] Hereinafter, a state in which the first film f1 is placed on the lower surface of the upper jig 70 as shown in FIG. 6, the second film f2 is placed on the upper surface of the lower jig 80 as shown in FIG. 7, and adhesive A is applied to the lower surface of the first film f1 and the upper surface of the second film f2 will be referred to as a "first state St1." However, the "lower surface" here refers to the "lower surface" in a state in which the upper jig 70 is attached to the lower jig 80. Therefore, in this first state St1, the upper jig 70 may be temporarily placed with the lower surface facing up. The fuel cell lamination jig 100 is configured to be settable in this first state St1.

[0059] When the upper jig 70 is attached onto the lower jig 80 in this first state St1, the fuel cell lamination jig 100 enters a second state St2 in which the first film f1 and the second film f2 face each other with a gap in the vertical direction, as shown in Fig. 8. The fuel cell lamination jig 100 is configured so that, from this second state St2, the pressing tool 60 can be inserted into the jig window 75 to press the first film f1 against the second film f2, as shown in Fig. 9.

[0060] Next, a fuel cell laminating method performed using the fuel cell laminating jig 100 shown above will be described.

[0061] First, an operator prepares the fuel cell lamination jig 100 shown in Fig. 2, as well as the first film f1 and the second film f2. An adhesive A is applied to the underside of the first film f1. A first cover C1 is attached to the underside of the adhesive A. An adhesive A is applied to the upper surface of the second film f2 in a portion facing the first film f1. A second cover C2 is attached to the upper side of the adhesive A.

[0062] Next, as shown in Fig. 3, the worker places the first film f1 on the upper surface of the lower jig 80. At this time, the positioning pins 83 are inserted into the insertion holes h of the first film f1. This ensures that the first film f1 is correctly positioned relative to the lower jig 80. At this time, the presence of the first cover C1 prevents the adhesive A on the lower surface of the first film f1 from sticking to the upper surface of the lower jig 80.

[0063] Next, from this state, the worker attaches the upper jig 70 to the lower jig 80, as shown in Fig. 4. At this time, the positioning shaft 88 of the lower jig 80 shown in Fig. 1 is inserted into the insertion hole 78 of the upper jig 70. This allows the upper jig 70 to be correctly positioned relative to the lower jig 80, as shown in Fig. 4.

[0064] Next, in this state, the worker turns on the upper suction mechanism 72, as shown in Fig. 5. As a result, the first film f1, which was placed on the upper surface of the lower jig 80, is sucked onto the lower surface of the upper jig 70 and placed thereon. In this state, the worker removes the upper jig 70 from the lower jig 80, as shown in Fig. 6.

[0065] Next, from this state, the worker places the second film f2 on the upper surface of the lower jig 80, as shown in FIG. 7. At this time, the positioning pins 83 are inserted into the insertion holes h of the second film f2. This ensures that the second film f2 is correctly positioned relative to the lower jig 80. Next, the worker turns on the lower suction mechanism 82. This causes the second film f2 to be sucked onto the upper surface of the lower jig 80.

[0066] Next, from this state, the worker removes the first cover C1 shown in Fig. 6 and the second cover C2 shown in Fig. 7. This results in the first state St1 described above. That is, the first film f1 is placed on the lower surface of the upper jig 70, the second film f2 is placed on the upper surface of the lower jig 80, and adhesive A is applied to the lower surface of the first film f1 and the upper surface of the second film f2.

[0067] Next, from this state, the worker attaches the upper jig 70 to the lower jig 80, as shown in Fig. 8. At this time, the positioning shaft 88 of the lower jig 80 shown in Fig. 1 is inserted into the insertion hole 78 of the upper jig 70. This correctly positions the upper jig 70 relative to the lower jig 80, as shown in Fig. 8. This results in the second state St2 described above. In other words, the first film f1 and the second film f2 face each other with a gap between them in the vertical direction.

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

[0069] Next, from the second state St2, the worker inserts a pressing tool 60 into the jig window 75, as shown in Fig. 9. The pressing tool 60 presses the first predetermined portion f1p against the second predetermined portion f2p, and the first predetermined portion f1p is bonded to the second predetermined portion f2p with the adhesive A. This forms a bonded body F of the first film f1 and the second film f2.

[0070] Next, the worker turns off the upper suction mechanism 72 and the lower suction mechanism 82, and removes the upper jig 70 from the lower jig 80. Next, the worker removes the assembly F from the fuel cell lamination jig 100, as shown in FIG. 10 . Thereafter, the worker presses the assembly F with the roller 200, thereby bonding together with the adhesive A the portion of the first film f1 other than the first predetermined portion f1p and the portion of the second film f2 other than the second predetermined portion f2p. Specifically, the portion of the first film f1 outside the first predetermined portion f1p and the portion of the second film f2 outside the second predetermined portion f2p are bonded together with the adhesive A.

[0071] This completes the intermediate layer 30 shown in Fig. 11. Up to this point, the lamination method for a fuel cell is completed.

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

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

[0074] As shown in Figure 8, by arranging the first film f1 and the second film f2 facing each other with a gap between them in the vertical direction, unintentional bonding of the two films f1 and f2 can be prevented. From this state, as shown in Figure 9, the first film f1 can be pressed against the second film f2, thereby bonding the two films f1 and f2 together. This makes it easier to bond the two films f1 and f2 together accurately and in the correct relative positions. This also helps prevent warping of the subgasket consisting of the two protective films 32 and 38.

[0075] 8, the fuel cell lamination jig 100 is provided with a replaceable collar 86 for adjusting the clearance between the upper jig 70 and the lower jig 80. Therefore, by replacing the collar 86, it becomes easier to vertically face the first film f1 and the second film f2 at an appropriate distance. This makes it easier to laminate the two films f1 and f2 in the correct relative positions with greater precision.

[0076] A jig window 75 is formed in the upper jig 70. The fuel cell lamination jig 100 is configured such that, from the second state shown in FIG. 8, a pressing tool 60 can be inserted into the jig window 75 to press the first predetermined portion f1p against the second predetermined portion f2p, as shown in FIG. 9. Inserting the pressing tool 60 through the jig window 75 makes it easier to laminate the first predetermined portion f1p to the second predetermined portion f2p with greater precision and in the correct relative position. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 10, the portions other than the first predetermined portion f1p and the second predetermined portion f2p can be laminated based on the lamination of the first predetermined portion f1p and the second predetermined portion f2p. This makes it easier to laminate the first film f1 and the second film f2 with greater precision and in the correct relative position overall.

[0077] 5, the upper jig 70 includes an upper suction mechanism 72 configured to be able to suction the first film f1. Therefore, the upper jig 70 can position the first film f1 on the lower surface of the upper jig 70 against gravity by suction with the upper suction mechanism 72. Moreover, this suction makes it easy to stretch the first film f1 along the lower surface of the upper jig 70 without bending. This also makes it easy to precisely bond the two films f1 and f2 in the correct relative positions.

[0078] As shown in Fig. 3, the lower jig 80 is provided with positioning pins 83 for positioning the first film f1. The upper jig 70 shown in Fig. 5 is configured to be able to adsorb the first film f1, which has been positioned on the upper surface of the lower jig 80 by the positioning pins 83. This makes it easy to arrange the first film f1 in a specific position on the lower surface of the upper jig 70. This also makes it easy to precisely bond the two films f1 and f2 in the correct relative positions.

[0079] 7, the lower jig 80 is provided with positioning pins 83 that can position the second film f2. The positioning pins 83 make it easy to place the second film f2 in a predetermined position on the lower surface of the upper jig 70. This also makes it easy to bond the two films f1 and f2 together with good precision in the correct relative positions.

[0080] 7, the lower jig 80 is equipped with a lower suction mechanism 82 configured to be able to suction the second film f2. The suction by the lower suction mechanism 82 makes it easy to stretch the second film f2 along the lower jig 80 without bending. This also makes it easy to bond the two films f1 and f2 together in the correct relative positions with high precision.

[0081] 1, the lower jig 80 has a positioning shaft 88 that protrudes upward. The upper jig 70 is positioned horizontally relative to the lower jig 80 by the positioning shaft 88. Therefore, the positioning shaft 88 makes it easy to correctly align the upper jig 70 with the lower jig 80. This also makes it easy to accurately bond the two films f1 and f2 in the correct relative positions.

[0082] 11, the first film f1 and the second film f2 each include protective films 32, 38 that protect the edges of the electrolyte membrane 35. Therefore, the edges of the electrolyte membrane 35 can be protected by these protective films 32, 38.

[0083] The assembly F of the first film f1 and the second film f2 is removed from the fuel cell lamination jig 100 shown in FIG. 9. Then, as shown in FIG. 10, the assembly F is pressed with a roller 200, so that the portions of the first film f1 other than the first predetermined portion f1p and the portions of the second film f2 other than the second predetermined portion f2p are bonded together with adhesive A. This makes it easier to bond the portions of the first film f1 other than the first predetermined portion f1p and the portions of the second film f2 other than the second predetermined portion f2p together with greater precision and in the correct relative positions. Furthermore, pressing with the roller 200 in this manner can further suppress warping of the subgasket made up of the two protective films 32 and 38 shown in FIG. 11.

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

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

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

[0087] 5, in cases where the first film f1 can be sufficiently stretched along the underside of the upper jig 70, a fastener for fixing the first film f1 to the underside of the upper jig 70 may be provided instead of the upper suction mechanism 72. Instead of using the pressing tool 60 shown in FIG. 9, an operator may press the first film f1 against the second film f2 with a hand or the like.

[0088] The upper jig 70 shown in Fig. 8 may not be formed with the jig window 75, and instead may be configured to be able to further lower the upper jig 70 from the second state St2 shown in Fig. 8. That is, in this case, the first film f1 can be bonded to the second film f2 by further lowering the upper jig 70 from the second state St2. [Explanation of symbols]

[0089] 30 Middle Class 32 First protective film (protective film) 35 Electrolyte membrane 38 Second protective film (protective film) 50 Fuel Cell 60 Pusher 70 Upper jig 72 Upper suction mechanism 80 Lower jig 82 Lower suction mechanism 83 Locating pin (locating part) 86 Color 88 Positioning shaft 100 Fuel cell lamination jig 200 Laura A adhesive f1 1st film f1p 1st predetermined part f2 2nd film f2p second predetermined part St1 First state St2 Second state

Claims

1. A fuel cell lamination jig for laminating a first film to a second film in a manufacturing stage of a fuel cell including an intermediate layer including a first film and a second film, the jig comprising: an upper jig configured so that the first film can be placed on a lower surface thereof, and a lower jig configured so that the second film can be placed on an upper surface thereof; the first film is disposed on a lower surface of the upper jig, the second film is disposed on an upper surface of the lower jig, and an adhesive is applied to at least one of the lower surface of the first film and the upper surface of the second film; In the first state, when the upper jig is attached on the lower jig, a second state is established in which the first film and the second film face each other with a gap in the up-down direction, The first film is configured to be able to be pressed against the second film from the second state. Lamination jig for fuel cells.

2. a replaceable collar for adjusting the clearance between the upper jig and the lower jig; The fuel cell lamination jig according to claim 1 .

3. Equipped with a pusher, a jig window into which the pressing tool can be inserted is formed in the upper jig; The pressing tool is configured to be able to press a predetermined portion of the first film against a predetermined portion of the second film by inserting the pressing tool into the jig window from the second state. The fuel cell lamination jig according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the upper jig includes an upper suction mechanism configured to be able to suction the first film, and is configured so that the first film can be placed on a lower surface of the upper jig by suction by the upper suction mechanism. The fuel cell lamination jig according to claim 1 or 2.

5. a positioning portion capable of positioning the first film is provided on an upper surface of the lower jig; the upper suction mechanism is configured to be able to suction the first film positioned by the positioning unit onto a lower surface of the upper jig. The fuel cell lamination jig according to claim 4 .

6. a positioning portion capable of positioning the second film is provided on an upper surface of the lower jig; The fuel cell lamination jig according to claim 1 or 2.

7. the lower jig includes a lower suction mechanism configured to be able to suction the second film. The fuel cell lamination jig according to claim 1 or 2.

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

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

10. 1. A method for laminating a first film to a second film in a manufacturing stage of a fuel cell including an intermediate layer including a first film and a second film, the method comprising: preparing a jig including an upper jig configured so that the first film can be placed on a lower surface thereof, and a lower jig configured so that the second film can be placed on an upper surface thereof; a first state in which the first film is placed on a lower surface of the upper jig, the second film is placed on an upper surface of the lower jig, and an adhesive is applied to at least one of the lower surface of the first film and the upper surface of the second film; In the first state, the upper jig is attached on top of the lower jig to set the first film and the second film in a second state in which they face each other with a gap in the vertical direction; From the second state, the first film is pressed against the second film to bond the first film to the second film. Lamination method for fuel cells.

11. The jig includes a pressing tool, a jig window into which the pressing tool can be inserted is formed in the upper jig; From the second state, the pressing tool is inserted into the jig window to press a first predetermined portion as a predetermined portion of the first film against a second predetermined portion as a predetermined portion of the second film, thereby bonding the first predetermined portion to the second predetermined portion with the adhesive. The method for laminating a fuel cell according to claim 10.

12. the bonded body of the first film and the second film is removed from the jig, and then the bonded body is pressed with a roller, thereby bonding a portion of the first film other than the first predetermined portion and a portion of the second film other than the second predetermined portion with the adhesive. The method for laminating a fuel cell according to claim 11 .

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