Fuel cell manufacturing method

Abstract

To provide a method for manufacturing a fuel cell in which a separator and a seal member are strongly attached to each other, and the fuel cell.SOLUTION: The method for manufacturing a fuel cell according to the present disclosure is a method for manufacturing a battery cell including a laminate body and a seal part, the laminate body including a film electrode joint body and a pair of separators for holding the film electrode joint body and the seal part being provided to form a sealed space for a gap formed between laminate bodies adjacent to each other in the direction of lamination by laminating a plurality of laminate layers at predetermined intervals. The seal part 12 is formed by melting a resin layer 30 between a separator 14 and a seal member 31 and attaching the separator 14 and the seal member 31 to each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method for manufacturing a fuel cell and a fuel cell.

Background Art

[0002] For a fuel cell, a fuel gas is supplied for power generation, and cooling water is supplied to remove heat generated by power generation. Development of a sealing member for preventing the fuel gas and the cooling water from leaking outside the fuel cell has been carried out.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a sealing member for preventing fuel gas from leaking outside the fuel cell. The sealing member disclosed in Patent Document 1 has an adhesive layer laminated and integrated on the surface of a sealing member main body made of foamed rubber. The sealing member disclosed in Patent Document 1 is provided on a separator so as to adhere to the separator.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the sealing member disclosed in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, the sealing member is only crosslinked and adhered to the separator, and the adhesive strength between the separator and the sealing member is insufficient.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made in view of such circumstances, and provides a method for manufacturing a fuel cell and a fuel cell having a high adhesive strength between a separator and a sealing member.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The method for manufacturing a fuel cell according to the present disclosure is A laminate comprising a membrane electrode assembly and a pair of separators that sandwich the membrane electrode assembly, A sealing portion is provided to form a sealed space in the gaps formed between adjacent laminates in the stacking direction by stacking multiple laminates at predetermined intervals, A method for manufacturing a fuel cell, comprising: The sealing portion is formed by melting the resin layer provided between the separator and the sealing member and bonding the separator and the sealing member together.

[0008] In the fuel cell manufacturing method described herein, the resin layer melts and solidifies, causing the separator and sealing member to adhere and form a seal. Therefore, a fuel cell with high adhesive strength between the separator and sealing member can be manufactured.

[0009] Furthermore, with the resin layer positioned between the separator and the sealing member, by heating at least both the sealing member and the resin layer, The resin layer may be melted while crosslinking the sealing member to bond the separator and the sealing member together. With this configuration, the sealing member is heated and crosslinked, causing it to solidify. Additionally, the resin layer is heated, melted, and then cooled and solidified, causing the separator and sealing member to adhere and form a seal. Therefore, it is possible to manufacture fuel cells with high adhesive strength between the separator and the sealing member.

[0010] Furthermore, after crosslinking the sealing member, the resin layer may be placed in contact with the sealing member, and the resin layer may be heated to melt it and bond the separator and the sealing member. With this configuration, the cross-linked and solidified sealing member and the resin layer are placed in contact with each other. As the resin layer is heated, melted, and then cooled and solidified, the separator and the sealing member adhere to each other, forming a seal. Therefore, it is possible to manufacture fuel cells with high adhesive strength between the separator and the sealing member.

[0011] The separator, with the resin layer temporarily bonded to its surface, is placed in the mold for forming the sealing portion. The resin layer may be provided between the separator and the sealing member by injecting and filling the sealing member into the mold. With this configuration, the sealing member is filled so as to cover the separator on which the resin layer is temporarily bonded to the surface, allowing the resin layer to be placed between the separator and the sealing member.

[0012] The fuel cell relating to this disclosure is A fuel cell comprising a plurality of stacked laminates, each containing a membrane electrode assembly and a pair of separators that sandwich the membrane electrode assembly, stacked at predetermined intervals, A sealing portion is provided to form a sealed space in the gap formed between adjacent laminates in the stacking direction of the laminates, A resin layer is provided between the separator and the sealing member of the laminate.

[0013] The fuel cell according to this disclosure has a resin layer provided between the separator and the sealing member of the laminate. Therefore, variations in adhesive strength at the interface between the separator and the sealing member can be suppressed, resulting in a fuel cell with high adhesive strength between the separator and the sealing member. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] This disclosure provides a method for manufacturing a fuel cell with high adhesive strength between the separator and the sealing member, and a fuel cell itself. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of the fuel cell according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional view (xz plan view) of the fuel cell according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view (yz-plane view) of the fuel cell according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view of the seal portion of the fuel cell according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 5] It is a schematic diagram showing an example of a method for manufacturing a fuel cell according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 6] It is a schematic diagram showing an example of a method for manufacturing a fuel cell according to Embodiment 1.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described through embodiments of the invention, but the invention according to the claims is not limited to the following embodiments. Also, not all of the configurations described in the embodiments are necessarily essential as means for solving the problems. For the sake of clarity of explanation, the following description and drawings have been appropriately omitted and simplified. In each drawing, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same elements, and duplicate explanations are omitted as necessary. Of course, the right-handed xyz orthogonal coordinates shown in the drawings are for convenience in explaining the positional relationship of the components. Usually, the positive direction of the z-axis is vertically upward, and the xy plane is the horizontal plane.

[0017] (Embodiment 1) <Configuration of Fuel Cell> First, the configuration of the fuel cell will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a fuel cell according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view (xz plane view) of the fuel cell according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view (yz plane view) of the fuel cell according to Embodiment 1. FIGS. 1 to 3 illustrate only the parts related to the power generation of the fuel cell, and members such as restraint plates are omitted.

[0018] In the upper part of FIG. 2, a cross-sectional view passing through the manifold hole 20 in FIG. 1 is shown. In the middle part of FIG. 2, a cross-sectional view passing through the manifold hole 21 in FIG. 1 is shown. In the lower part of FIG. 2, a cross-sectional view passing through the manifold hole 22 is shown. In FIG. 3, a cross-sectional part between adjacent laminates is shown, and the configurations other than the separator of the laminate are omitted and represented by dotted lines.

[0019] As shown in Figure 1, the fuel cell 10 consists of multiple stacked units 11 stacked at predetermined intervals. In the example shown in Figure 1, the fuel cell 10 has three stacked units 11 stacked in the z-axis direction. Hereafter, the z-axis direction in the drawings will be referred to as the stacking direction. Figures 2 and 3 show a state in which two stacked units 11 are stacked.

[0020] The laminate 11 will be described with reference to Figures 2 and 3. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the laminate 11 consists of a membrane electrode assembly 13 and a pair of separators 14 that sandwich the membrane electrode assembly 13. The membrane electrode assembly 13 has a polymer electrolyte membrane (not shown) and a cathode electrode (not shown) and an anode electrode (not shown) arranged on both sides of this polymer electrolyte membrane. The separators 14 are members formed from conductive materials, such as metal, carbon material, or conductive resin material.

[0021] As shown in the upper part of Figure 2, a space SP1 is provided in the laminate 11 between the film electrode assembly 13 and one separator 14. Also, as shown in the lower part of Figure 2, a space SP3 is provided in the laminate 11 between the film electrode assembly 13 and the other separator 14. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, a gap is formed between adjacent laminates 11 in the stacking direction. A sealing portion 12 is provided in this gap. That is, the sealing portion 12 is provided to form a sealed space CS in the gap formed between adjacent laminates 11 in the stacking direction.

[0022] Next, the flow paths of hydrogen, oxygen, and cooling water supplied to the fuel cell will be explained with reference to Figures 1 to 3. Figures 2 and 3 show the directions of flow of hydrogen, oxygen, and cooling water using arrows. The arrow in Figure 3 indicates that the cooling water flows from the front direction of the drawing (negative x-axis direction) to the depth direction of the drawing (positive x-axis direction). Hydrogen is supplied through one manifold port 20 from the positive z-axis direction to the negative z-axis direction. The hydrogen passes through space SP1 from the negative x-axis direction to the positive x-axis direction. The hydrogen is recovered by passing through the other manifold port 20 from the negative z-axis direction to the positive z-axis direction.

[0023] Oxygen is supplied through one manifold port 22 from the negative z-axis direction to the positive z-axis direction. The oxygen passes through space SP3 from the positive x-axis direction to the negative x-axis direction. The oxygen is recovered by passing through the other manifold port 22 from the positive z-axis direction to the negative z-axis direction.

[0024] Cooling water is supplied through one manifold hole 21 from the positive z-axis direction to the negative z-axis direction. The cooling water passes through the sealed space CS from the negative x-axis direction to the positive x-axis direction. The cooling water is recovered by passing through the other manifold hole 21 from the negative z-axis direction to the positive z-axis direction. In other words, in the fuel cell 10, a sealed space CS is formed by providing a seal portion 12 to prevent cooling water from leaking out of the fuel cell 10, and the cooling water passes through the sealed space CS.

[0025] <Structure of the sealing part> Next, the configuration of the seal portion of the fuel cell will be described with reference to Figure 4. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the seal portion of the fuel cell according to Embodiment 1. Figure 4 shows a yz plan view of one separator 14 of the laminate 11 and the seal portion 12, and the other separator 14 of the laminate 11 and the membrane electrode assembly 13 are omitted.

[0026] As shown in Figure 4, the seal portion 12 is composed of a sealing member 31 and a resin layer 30. The resin layer 30 is provided between the separator 14 and the sealing member 31 in the seal portion 12. In the example shown in Figure 4, the seal portion 12 is formed such that the sealing member 31 covers the surface and sides of the resin layer 30 placed on the separator 14. However, the seal portion 12 is not limited to the example shown in Figure 4, and the sealing member 31 may be formed so as to be laminated over all or part of the surface of the resin layer 30 on the separator 14.

[0027] The sealing member 31 is made of rubber material, for example, ethylene propylene diene rubber. The resin layer 30 is a thermoplastic resin, which is a solid in sheet form. Examples of thermoplastic resins include polyethylene, a crystalline resin, and polyvinyl chloride, an amorphous resin.

[0028] As described above, in the fuel cell according to Embodiment 1, a resin layer 30 is provided between the laminated separator 14 and the sealing member 31. The resin layer 30 is in sheet form and is in close contact with the separator 14, so there are few defects such as voids at the interface between the separator 14 and the sealing member 31. As a result, variations in adhesive strength at the interface between the separator 14 and the sealing member 31 can be suppressed. Therefore, delamination at the interface between the separator 14 and the sealing member 31 is suppressed, resulting in a fuel cell with high adhesive strength between the separator 14 and the sealing member 31.

[0029] <Method of manufacturing a fuel cell> Next, the method for manufacturing a fuel cell will be explained with reference to Figures 5 and 6. Figures 5 and 6 are schematic diagrams showing an example of a fuel cell manufacturing method according to Embodiment 1. Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the separator and resin layer in the fuel cell manufacturing process. Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the separator, resin layer and sealing member in the fuel cell manufacturing process. Steps ST1 to ST3 in the fuel cell manufacturing process are shown in Figure 5. Steps ST4 to ST7 in the fuel cell manufacturing process are shown in Figure 6.

[0030] Figures 5 and 6 show a fuel cell manufacturing method using injection molding of the sealing member 31. In the example fuel cell manufacturing method shown in Figures 5 and 6, steps ST1 to ST7 are performed in order.

[0031] Steps ST1 to ST3 will be explained with reference to Figure 5. First, prepare the separator 14 (step ST1). As shown in Figure 5, the separator 14 is equipped with manifold holes 20, 21, and 22.

[0032] Next, a sheet-shaped resin layer 30 is placed on the separator 14 (step ST2). More specifically, the resin layer 30 is placed on the surface of the separator 14 and temporarily adhered to the separator 14. This is to prevent the resin layer 30 from peeling off the separator 14 when the sealing member is injected in step ST5. It is also to prevent the position of the resin layer 30 from shifting away from the separator 14 when the separator 14 with the resin layer 30 on its surface is placed in the mold in step ST4. The temporary adhesion of the resin layer 30 to the separator 14 is performed, for example, by laser irradiation, thermocompression bonding, ultrasonic bonding, or vibration bonding.

[0033] Next, the excess portion of the resin layer 30 is removed (step ST3). More specifically, the excess portion of the resin layer 30 is removed so that the resin layer 30 is positioned around the periphery of the separator 14 and the periphery of the manifold holes 20 and 22. The excess portion of the resin layer 30 is removed, for example, by laser irradiation or by a cutting tool.

[0034] Steps ST4 to ST7 will be explained with reference to Figure 6. Following step ST3, a separator 14 with the resin layer 30 temporarily bonded to its surface is placed on the mold (step ST4). The mold comprises a pair of movable molds 50 and 51 that can be opened and closed. The movable molds 50 and 51 are opened, and the separator 14 with the resin layer 30 temporarily bonded to its surface is placed between the movable molds 50 and 51. Then, the pair of movable molds 50 and 51 are closed. This creates a space SP4 between the mold and the separator 14 with the resin layer 30 temporarily bonded to its surface. Note that one of the movable molds 50 and 51 may be a fixed mold.

[0035] Next, the sealing member 31 is injected and filled into the space SP4 inside the mold (step ST5). As a result, the sealing member 31 is filled so as to cover the separator 14 on which the resin layer 30 has been temporarily bonded to the surface, and the resin layer 30 can be positioned between the separator 14 and the sealing member 31.

[0036] Next, the inside of the mold is heated to heat at least both the sealing member 31 and the resin layer 30 (step ST6). More specifically, the sealing member 31 is heated by heating the inside of the mold. As a result, the sealing member 31 crosslinks and solidifies. Also, the resin layer 30 is heated and melted by heating the inside of the mold. After that, the resin layer 30 cools and solidifies, so the separator 14 and the sealing member 31 adhere to each other, forming the seal portion 12. In this way, in step ST6, the sealing member 31 is crosslinked and the resin layer 30 is melted in a single heating treatment, allowing the separator 14 and the sealing member 31 to adhere. Note that any method that can cool the resin layer 30 is acceptable, such as natural cooling, water cooling, or air cooling.

[0037] Next, the separator 14 is removed by opening the movable types 50 and 51 (step ST7). The removed separator 14 has a resin layer 30 between the sealing member 31 and the separator 14. In other words, in step ST7, the separator 14 and the sealing portion 12, which is formed such that the sealing member 31 covers the surface and sides of the resin layer 30 placed on the separator 14, are integrated together.

[0038] As described above, in the fuel cell manufacturing method shown in Figures 5 and 6, the sealing member 31 is filled so as to cover the separator 14 on which the resin layer 30 has been temporarily bonded to the surface, so that the resin layer 30 can be placed between the separator 14 and the sealing member 31. Subsequently, the sealing member 31 is crosslinked and solidified when heated. Also, as the resin layer 30 is heated and melted and then cooled and solidified, the separator 14 and the sealing member 31 adhere to each other, forming a seal portion 12. Thus, in the fuel cell manufacturing method according to Embodiment 1, a fuel cell with high adhesive strength between the separator 14 and the sealing member 31 can be manufactured.

[0039] <Variation> Here, Figures 5 and 6 show a method for manufacturing a fuel cell using injection molding of the seal member 31. However, the method for manufacturing a fuel cell according to Embodiment 1 is not limited to this method, and a method for manufacturing a fuel cell in which steps ST4 and ST5 are reversed and the seal member 31 is transferred may also be used. The method for manufacturing a fuel cell in which the seal member 31 is transferred will be described in more detail. In the method for manufacturing a fuel cell in which the seal member 31 is transferred, steps ST1 to ST3, step ST6, and step 7 are the same as those shown in Figures 5 and 6, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0040] In the fuel cell manufacturing method for transferring the sealing member 31, the steps corresponding to steps ST4 and ST5 shown in Figure 6 will be described as step ST4 (transfer) and step 5 (transfer), respectively. Furthermore, the explanation will refer to Figure 6 as appropriate.

[0041] In step ST4 (transfer), the seal member 31 is injected and filled into the space SP4 inside the mold formed by closing the mold. In step ST5 (transfer), following step ST4 (transfer), the mold is opened and a separator 14 with a resin layer 30 temporarily bonded to its surface is placed on the mold. This allows the resin layer 30 to be placed between the separator 14 and the seal member 31. Therefore, in step ST6, by heating the inside of the mold, at least both the seal member 31 and the resin layer 30 can be heated.

[0042] In this fuel cell manufacturing method, in which the sealing member 31 is injection molded and the sealing member 31 is transferred, the resin layer 30 is melted while the sealing member 31 is crosslinked, causing the separator 14 and the sealing member 31 to adhere and form the sealing portion 12. Therefore, in this fuel cell manufacturing method, in which the sealing member 31 is injection molded and the sealing member 31 is transferred, a fuel cell with high adhesive strength between the separator and the sealing member can be manufactured.

[0043] Furthermore, the fuel cell manufacturing method according to Embodiment 1 is not limited to melting the resin layer 30 while crosslinking the sealing member 31, but may also involve melting the resin layer 30 after crosslinking the sealing member 31. In other words, the fuel cell manufacturing method according to Embodiment 1 may also be a fuel cell manufacturing method in which the resin layer 30 is bonded to the sealing member 31 after the crosslinking is completed.

[0044] A more detailed explanation will be given regarding the manufacturing method of a fuel cell in which a resin layer 30 is bonded to a crosslinked sealing member 31. In the manufacturing method of a fuel cell in which a resin layer 30 is bonded to a crosslinked sealing member 31, steps ST1 to ST3 and step 7 are the same as those shown in Figures 5 and 6, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0045] In the fuel cell manufacturing method, in which a resin layer 30 is bonded to a crosslinked sealing member 31, the steps corresponding to steps ST4 to ST6 in Figure 6 will be described as steps ST4 (bonding) to ST6 (bonding), respectively. Furthermore, the explanation will refer to Figure 6 as appropriate.

[0046] In step ST4 (bonding), the sealing member 31 is crosslinked. More specifically, the sealing member 31 is injected and filled into the space SP4 inside the mold shown in Figure 6, and then heated to crosslink the sealing member 31. In step ST4 (bonding), the crosslinked sealing member 31 may be placed on the mold. That is, in step ST4 (bonding), the crosslinking of the sealing member 31 should be completed before the placement of the resin layer 30 in step ST5.

[0047] In step ST5 (bonding), a resin layer 30 is placed at a position in contact with the sealing member 31, which was crosslinked in step ST4. More specifically, the mold is opened, and the resin layer 30 is placed between the separator 14 and the crosslinked sealing member 31. This results in a state equivalent to step ST5 shown in Figure 6. However, it differs from step ST5 shown in Figure 6 in that the crosslinking of the sealing member 31 is complete.

[0048] In step ST6 (bonding), the resin layer 30 is heated and melted to bond the separator 14 and the sealing member 31, forming the seal portion 12. More specifically, the resin layer 30 is heated and melted by heating the inside of the mold. Subsequently, as the resin layer 30 cools and solidifies, the separator 14 and the crosslinked sealing member 31 bond together, forming the seal portion 12.

[0049] In this fuel cell manufacturing method, in which a resin layer 30 is bonded to a crosslinked sealing member 31, the crosslinked and solidified sealing member and the resin layer are positioned in contact with each other. By heating the mold, the resin layer is heated, melted, and then cooled and solidified, forming a sealed portion where the separator and the sealing member are bonded together. Therefore, in this fuel cell manufacturing method, in which a resin layer 30 is bonded to a crosslinked sealing member 31, it is possible to manufacture a fuel cell with high adhesive strength between the separator and the sealing member.

[0050] <Adhesive strength> Next, the adhesive strength of the seal portion of the fuel cell according to Embodiment 1 will be explained with reference to Table 1. Table 1 is a table showing the results corresponding to each evaluation item in Embodiments 1 to 11, each with a different configuration of the fuel cell seal portion.

[0051] [Table 1]

[0052] As shown in Table 1, each component of the fuel cell seal section includes conditions such as the separator material, resin layer material, temporary bonding method between the resin layer and the separator, seal member material, seal section molding method, and mold heating temperature. The separator is a substrate mainly made of stainless steel or resin. In Table 1, the main material is listed in the separator material column, with stainless steel being abbreviated as SUS (Steel Use Stainless). The resin layer is a sheet mainly made of thermoplastic nylon resin or polypropylene resin. In Table 1, the main material is listed in the resin layer material column, with polypropylene being abbreviated as PP (polypropylene).

[0053] The temporary bonding method for the resin layer and separator is laser bonding or thermocompression bonding. The sealing material is ethylene propylene diene rubber. In Table 1, ethylene propylene diene rubber is abbreviated as EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Methylene Linkage) in the material column for the sealing material. As mentioned above, the molding method for the sealing portion is one of the following: transfer molding, injection molding, or lamination molding. The mold heating temperature is one of 190°C, 170°C, or 160°C.

[0054] Table 1 lists three evaluation items: the presence or absence of separator contamination, the degree of peeling of the temporary adhesive between the resin layer and the separator, and the results of the peel test. The results for each evaluation item in Examples 1 to 11 are shown. The presence or absence of separator contamination is determined by visual inspection. The degree of peeling of the temporary adhesive between the resin layer and the separator is evaluated in three stages: no peeling of the temporary adhesive, a part of the temporary adhesive surface peeling but the position of the resin layer not shifting relative to the separator, and peeling of the temporary adhesive.

[0055] The peel test results shown in Table 1 indicate the state of the fractured area and the proportion of cohesive fracture in the resin layer within the fractured area. Cohesive fracture of the resin layer refers to a state where cracks have formed and fractured within the resin layer. Interfacial fracture refers to a state where cracks have formed and fractured at the interface between the resin layer and the separator. Therefore, a high proportion of cohesive fracture in the resin layer within the fractured area indicates that the proportion of fracture within the resin layer is higher than the proportion of fracture at the interface between the sealing member and the separator. In other words, the higher the proportion of cohesive fracture in the resin layer within the fractured area, the higher the adhesive strength of the seal, which is a desirable result.

[0056] Examples 1, 6, and 7 shown in Table 1 will be described below. In Examples 1, 6, and 7, the molding method of the seal portion differs, but the other components are the same. No separator contamination was observed in any of Examples 1, 6, and 7. Furthermore, in any of Examples 1, 6, and 7, there was no peeling of the temporary adhesion between the separator and the resin layer. Moreover, in all of Examples 1, 6, and 7, the state of the fracture area is a mixture of cohesive fracture and interfacial fracture with respect to the resin layer.

[0057] In Examples 1 and 6, the proportion of cohesive failure in the resin layer at the fracture site was greater than 90%, whereas in Example 7, the proportion of cohesive failure in the resin layer at the fracture site was 51% to 70%. In other words, the fuel cell manufacturing method according to Embodiment 1 shows that the adhesive strength between the separator and the sealing member is higher when the sealing part is formed by transfer molding or injection molding than when it is formed by lamination molding.

[0058] Furthermore, although the resin layer material differs in Examples 1 and 2, the other components are the same. In both Examples 1 and 2, the proportion of cohesive failure in the resin layer at the failure site was greater than 90%. In other words, the fuel cell manufacturing method according to Embodiment 1 can produce fuel cells with high adhesive strength between the separator and the sealing member, regardless of the resin layer material.

[0059] Furthermore, although the separator material differs in Examples 1 and 5, the other components are the same. In both Examples 1 and 5, the proportion of the resin layer cohesive failure area in the fractured portion was greater than 90%. In other words, the fuel cell manufacturing method according to Embodiment 1 can produce fuel cells with high adhesive strength between the separator and the sealing member, regardless of the separator material.

[0060] Here, the melting point of the resin layer is approximately 170°C in the case of nylon-based resin. In Examples 1, 8, and 10, the resin layer material is nylon-based resin, and the peel test results are more favorable in the order of Examples 1, 8, and 10, where the mold heating temperature is higher. In other words, by heating the mold above the melting point of the resin layer, the proportion of cohesive failure in the resin layer at the failure point can be increased, making it possible to manufacture fuel cells with high adhesive strength between the separator and the sealing member. Note that the melting point of the resin layer is approximately 115°C in the case of polypropylene-based resin shown in Table 1.

[0061] Thus, the fuel cell manufacturing method according to Embodiment 1 makes it possible to manufacture a fuel cell with high adhesive strength between the separator and the sealing member.

[0062] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and may be modified as appropriate without departing from its intent. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0063] 10 fuel cell 11 Laminate 12. Seal part 13 Membrane electrode assembly 14 Separator 20, 21, 22 Manifold holes 30 resin layer 31 sealing member 50, 51 Movable type CS closed space SP1, SP3, SP4 space

Claims

1. A laminate comprising a film electrode assembly and a pair of separators that sandwich the film electrode assembly, A sealing portion is provided to form a sealed space in the gaps formed between adjacent laminates in the stacking direction by stacking multiple laminates at predetermined intervals, A method for manufacturing a fuel cell, comprising: The resin layer provided between the separator and the sealing member is melted, and the separator and the sealing member are bonded together to form the sealing portion. With the resin layer positioned between the separator and the sealing member, by heating at least both the sealing member and the resin layer, The resin layer is melted while the sealing member is crosslinked to bond the separator and the sealing member. A method for manufacturing fuel cells.

2. The separator, with the resin layer temporarily bonded to its surface, is placed in the mold for forming the sealing portion. By injecting and filling the sealing member into the mold, the resin layer is provided between the separator and the sealing member. A method for manufacturing a fuel cell according to claim 1.

3. A laminate comprising a film electrode assembly and a pair of separators that sandwich the film electrode assembly, A sealing portion is provided to form a sealed space in the gaps formed between adjacent laminates in the stacking direction by stacking multiple laminates at predetermined intervals, A method for manufacturing a fuel cell, comprising: The resin layer provided between the separator and the sealing member is melted, and the separator and the sealing member are bonded together to form the sealing portion. The separator, with the resin layer temporarily bonded to its surface, is placed in the mold for forming the sealing portion. By injecting and filling the sealing member into the mold, the resin layer is provided between the separator and the sealing member. A method for manufacturing fuel cells.

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