Method and device for producing a layer composite

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for producing a composite for an electrochemical cell, which composite comprises a first component (31) and a first adhesive material and / or curing material (32), the method having the following steps: providing an assembly (30) comprising the first component and the first adhesive material and / or curing material on a tray (10); and applying energy, in particular heat and / or electromagnetic radiation, within an area in order to at least partially activate and / or solidify the first adhesive material and / or curing material of the assembly provided on the tray, wherein an assembly-facing surface (11) of the tray comprises a placement region (11A) for supporting the assembly when energy is applied and comprises a recess (12) which is at least partly covered by the first adhesive material and / or curing material and / or by the area when energy is applied. The invention also relates to a device and use.

Description

[0001] METHOD AND DEVICE FOR PRODUCING A LAYERED COMPOSITE

[0002] The present invention relates to a method for producing a composite, in particular for an electrochemical cell, which has at least one component and at least one adhesive and / or curing material, as well as to a device for carrying out the method and its use for producing the composite.

[0003] It may be an object of the invention to improve the production of an adhesive-based composite of several components, in particular the production of such a composite in the context of the production of electrochemical cells, in particular fuel cells or electrolysis cells.

[0004] This object is achieved according to the teaching of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0005] In some embodiments of the invention, a method for producing a composite, in particular for an electrochemical cell, - wherein the (produced) composite comprises at least one component and at least one adhesive and / or curing material, which are referred to herein without restriction of generality as the first component or first adhesive and / or curing material - comprises the steps:

[0006] Providing, preferably arranging or gradually or successively providing, in particular forming, an assembly comprising the first component and the first adhesive and / or curing material on a support, in particular on a support belonging to a device for producing the composite; and

[0007] - applying energy within a region that at least partially activates and / or solidifies the first adhesive and / or curing material of the assembly provided on the tray.

[0008] Before energy is applied within the region, the first adhesive and / or curing material of the assembly provided on the shelf is preferably arranged on, in some embodiments at least partially on and / or at least partially in, the first component. In particular, the first component can be at least partially wetted, in particular impregnated, with the first adhesive and / or curing material. Additionally or alternatively, before energy is applied within the region, the first adhesive and / or curing material of the assembly provided on the shelf is preferably not yet cured or fully solidified; in some embodiments, it is at least partially (still) liquid or pasty.

[0009] In some embodiments, a region mentioned here, within which energy is applied to at least partially activate and / or solidify the first adhesive and / or curing material, is a region, preferably a surface, in particular a surface, of the assembly provided on the tray and / or a region, preferably a surface, directly above a surface of the tray facing the assembly, for example 1 mm above this surface.

[0010] In some embodiments, the energy applied to at least partially activate and / or solidify the first adhesive and / or curing material comprises heat, preferably thermal or infrared radiation, in particular with a wavelength in the range ]780 nm, 1 mm], and / or (other) electromagnetic radiation, preferably UV light, in some embodiments with a wavelength in the range [200 nm, 400 nm], particularly preferably about 365 nm, and / or visible light, in some embodiments with a wavelength in the range ]400 nm, 780 nm] (]a, b] denotes the range a < x < b in the usual way in the art).The activation and / or solidification can take place in particular by irradiating the first adhesive and / or curing material and / or by irradiating the first component, thereby heating the first component and thereby activating and / or solidifying the first adhesive and / or curing material. In particular, the first component can act in the manner of a blackbody when energy is applied. It is also conceivable for the material of the first component to be selected such that, upon irradiation with UV light, it causes a wavelength shift in which the UV light is at least partially converted into longer-wave light, for example in the visible or infrared range of the electromagnetic spectrum, and this longer-wave light contributes to heating the first component and thereby activating and / or solidifying the first adhesive and / or curing material.Activation can in particular comprise activating an adhesive, solidification can in particular comprise increasing a tensile and / or compressive and / or shear strength and / or partial or complete curing. Accordingly, the first adhesive and / or curing material can in particular comprise, in particular be, an adhesive and / or a seal. The first component of the assembly provided on the shelf can in particular comprise a membrane, preferably a gas diffusion layer or membrane (“Gas Diffusion Layer”, GDL) or a catalytic membrane (“Catalyst Coated Membrane”, CCM), in particular consist thereof. The first adhesive and / or curing material can in particular comprise a coating of this membrane and / or an adhesive bond of this membrane and / or a seal, in particular an edge seal, of a membrane electrode assembly (“Membrane Electrode Assembly”, MEA), in particular this - at least after activation orSolidify - form. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the first adhesive and / or curing material can be the coating and / or bonding of a GDL or CCM and / or a seal of an MEA, preferably a frameless or framed (“Membrane Electrode Framed Assembly” (MEFA) MEA or the like. The present invention is particularly advantageous for this purpose due to the material properties and manufacturing and application constraints.

[0011] In some embodiments, a surface of the shelf facing the assembly, preferably the upper or upwardly facing surface, has a support region which supports the assembly during the application of energy, preferably at least partially during the application of energy, preferably from below, or is designed or used to do so; and a recess which is preferably at least temporarily empty, particularly preferably at least temporarily empty during the application of energy and / or at least temporarily empty during the solidification of the first adhesive and / or curing material and / or at least temporarily empty following the application of energy, which recess is or is at least partially covered by the first adhesive and / or curing material and / or by the area during the application of energy, preferably so orsuch that a region of a shelf-facing (under)side of the assembly opposite the recess is not in direct heat-conducting contact with the shelf at least temporarily during the application of energy, particularly preferably at least temporarily during the application of energy and / or at least temporarily during the solidification of the first adhesive and / or curing material and / or following the application of energy; on.

[0012] In some embodiments, the recess is or is completely covered by the region, in particular the region can cover the entire recess and at least one adjacent section of the support area. In other embodiments, only a part of the recess is or is covered by the region. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the recess is or is covered (completely or partially) by the region during the entire application of energy for at least partially activating and / or solidifying the first adhesive and / or curing material. In other embodiments, the recess is or isthe recess is only covered (fully or partially) by the region during one or more partial periods of this application of energy, in particular energy for at least partially activating and / or solidifying the first adhesive and / or curing material can also be applied to the assembly provided on the storage before the recess is or is (fully or partially) covered by the region, and / or can also be applied to the assembly provided on the storage after the recess is or is no longer (fully or partially) covered by the region.is, in particular a segment explained below for forming the recess can be adjusted after energy has already been applied to the assembly provided on the shelf for at least partially activating and / or solidifying the first adhesive and / or curing material, and / or after the recess has been re-formed or closed again by correspondingly (opposite) resetting the segment. Both are referred to here as "at least partially covered during the application of energy"; this can accordingly include, in particular be, "spatially at least partially covered during the application of energy" and / or "at least temporarily covered during the application of energy".

[0013] The same applies analogously to the first adhesive and / or curing material. Accordingly, in some embodiments the recess is or is completely covered by the first adhesive and / or curing material; in particular, the first adhesive and / or curing material can cover the entire recess and, in some embodiments, also at least one adjacent section of the support area. In other embodiments, only a part of the recess is or is covered by the first adhesive and / or curing material. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments the recess is or is covered (completely or partially) by the first adhesive and / or curing material during the entire application of energy for at least partially activating and / or solidifying the first adhesive and / or curing material. In other embodimentsthe recess is only covered (fully or partially) by the first adhesive and / or curing material during one or more partial periods of this application of energy; in particular, energy for at least partially activating and / or solidifying the first adhesive and / or curing material can also be applied to the assembly provided on the storage area before the recess is or is (fully or partially) covered by the first adhesive and / or curing material, and / or can also be applied to the assembly provided on the storage area after the recess is or is no longer (fully or partially) covered by the first adhesive and / or curing material.is, in particular a segment explained below for forming the recess can be adjusted after energy has already been applied to the assembly provided on the shelf for at least partially activating and / or solidifying the first adhesive and / or curing material, and / or after the recess has been re-formed or closed again by correspondingly (opposite) resetting the segment. Both are, as already explained, referred to here as "at least partially covered when energy is applied"; this can accordingly include, in particular be, "spatially at least partially covered when energy is applied" and / or "at least temporarily covered when energy is applied".

[0014] This reduces, in some embodiments, heat leakage from the assembly into the tray, thereby improving, in some embodiments, the activation and / or solidification of the first adhesive and / or curing material and / or reducing or avoiding undesired heating of the tray, which would adversely affect a further assembly subsequently provided thereon and / or would require time-consuming, energy-intensive, and device-intensive cooling of the tray.In this case, covering the recess by the region can particularly advantageously reduce the outflow of heat introduced by the application of energy within this region for at least partially activating and / or solidifying the first adhesive and / or curing material. Covering the recess by the first adhesive and / or curing material can particularly advantageously reduce the outflow of heat from the first adhesive and / or curing material and / or heat generated by its activation and / or solidification. In some embodiments, the electrochemical cell to be produced or produced is a fuel cell or electrolysis cell.

[0015] In some embodiments, before applying energy to at least partially activate and / or solidify the first adhesive and / or curing material, a pressing tool is pressed onto the assembly, preferably with a defined or predetermined, in some embodiments adjustable and / or regulated, (contact) pressure.

[0016] As a result, in some embodiments, the composite produced can be improved, in some embodiments, the first adhesive and / or curing material can be better distributed, preferably wetting of the first component with the first adhesive and / or curing material can be improved.

[0017] In some embodiments, the shelf has a single-part or multi-part adjustable, preferably extendable or lowerable and / or pivotable, segment which is adjusted to form or deepen the recess, in some embodiments to reduce or re-form or close the recess is adjusted back or adjusted accordingly (in the opposite direction), preferably by means of a corresponding, preferably electric and / or hydraulic and / or pneumatic, drive.

[0018] In some embodiments, the single-part or multi-part adjustable segment is lowered relative to or opposite the support area to form or deepen the recess, in some embodiments linearly and / or by pivoting, or the recess is formed or deepened by lowering the segment. In some embodiments, the single-part or multi-part adjustable segment is extended or raised to form or deepen the recess, in particular relative to or opposite another part of the shelf, in some embodiments linearly and / or by pivoting, or the recess is formed or deepened by extending or raising the segment, in particular the single-part or multi-part adjustable segment can form at least part of the support area or have this.A segment that can be lowered relative to the support area can improve the fixation of the assembly to the support area, in particular improving precision and / or reliability and / or simplifying actuation. A liftable segment or support area can, in particular, simplify adjustment. An adjustable segment allows the recess to be particularly advantageously expanded or reshaped, deepened, or closed again as needed, so that in some embodiments, heat dissipation can be regulated and / or, if necessary, particularly during the pressing process explained above, additional support for the assembly can be realized.

[0019] Accordingly, in some embodiments, the assembly is provided on the assembly-facing surface of the tray during pressing, and the segment is adjusted (only) after a start and preferably even after an end of the pressing to form or deepen the recess.

[0020] In other embodiments, the recess is permanently formed or present.

[0021] This can reduce the structural effort, especially the actuator effort.

[0022] In combination with the pressing process explained above, it can be particularly advantageous to place the assembly on the support with the permanently formed recess (only) after pressing, in order to apply energy there to at least partially activate and / or solidify the first adhesive and / or curing material. In this way, the assembly can be supported over a large area during pressing, preferably on a separate press abutment, from which it is then transported to the support.

[0023] In some embodiments, the assembly is secured to the tray, in some embodiments using vacuum, clamps, and / or magnetically. This can improve the application of energy or activation and / or solidification of the first adhesive and / or curing material and, if appropriate, the pressing using the pressing tool.

[0024] Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the recess is a preferably blind-hole-like depression or a through-opening, in particular open toward the (bottom) side of the shelf facing away from the assembly. A through-opening can, in particular, improve the adjustment of a segment and / or the application of energy (also) from a side of the assembly facing away from the shelf, and a recess can improve the stability of the shelf. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the support region supports the assembly on at least two opposing edges of the recess, or the recess is arranged on a side edge of the shelf.In some embodiments, the support of the assembly can be improved by providing support on both sides of the recess, and a first adhesive and / or curing material arranged on the edge can be particularly advantageously activated and / or solidified by providing a recess on the edge of the shelf.

[0025] Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, when energy is applied to at least partially activate and / or solidify the first adhesive and / or curing material, the first adhesive and / or curing material also at least temporarily covers a section of the support region adjacent to the recess. Preferably, the area in which energy is applied for activation and / or solidification also at least temporarily covers a section of the support region adjacent to the recess during this application of energy, particularly preferably at least the first adhesive and / or curing material. In some embodiments, when energy is applied, the first adhesive and / or curing material is applied by a surface, preferably one facing the assembly or-soapy, edge of the recess; in some embodiments, the edge of the recess additionally encompasses the area in which energy is applied for activation and / or solidification. By means of a first adhesive and / or curing material or area extending (in the horizontal direction) beyond the edge of the recess or a correspondingly smaller(er) recess, in some embodiments heat at the edge of the adhesive and / or curing material or area can advantageously flow away directly into the support area and thus improve activation and / or solidification; by means of a correspondingly large or larger recess extending (in the horizontal direction) beyond the edge of the first adhesive and / or curing material or area, in some embodiments an (undesired) heat outflow into the storage area can be further reduced and / or heat dissipation into the recess can be increased.It can be particularly advantageous if a contour of the recess corresponds to a contour of the first adhesive and / or curing material.

[0026] In some embodiments, the energy for at least partially activating and / or solidifying the first adhesive and / or curing material is applied without contact. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the energy for at least partially activating and / or solidifying the first adhesive and / or curing material is applied from a side of the assembly facing away from the storage unit, preferably from above, and / or, preferably by means of a correspondingly adjustable and / or multi-part energy source, from a side of the assembly facing the storage unit, preferably from below and / or through the recess. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the energy for at least partially activating and / or solidifying the first adhesive and / or curing material is applied through one or more, in some embodiments funnel-shaped, apertures of the device, wherein the storage unit orIn some embodiments, the recess itself can form one of the panels. One or more of the aforementioned features can improve the activation and / or solidification of the first adhesive and / or curing material in some embodiments.

[0027] In some embodiments, the assembly comprises one or more components, which are referred to herein without restriction of generality (each) as a second component and are connected to at least one component of the assembly different from the (respective) second component by activating and / or solidifying the first adhesive and / or curing material and / or other adhesive and / or curing material of the assembly by means of the application of energy within the region. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the assembly comprises one or more adhesive and / or curing materials, which are referred to herein without restriction of generality (each) as a second adhesive and / or curing material and are activated and / or solidified by means of the application of energy within the region. One or more features belonging to or with reference to the first component(s) or to the other adhesive and / or curing material of the assemblyExplained with reference to the first adhesive and / or curing material(s) may additionally or alternatively be implemented in the or one or more of the second component(s) and / or adhesive and / or curing material(s). For example, in some embodiments, the or at least one second adhesive and / or curing material may not yet be cured or fully solidified before the application of energy, preferably at least partially (still) liquid or pasty.

[0028] The or at least one of the second component(s) can in particular (each) comprise a membrane, preferably a gas diffusion layer or membrane (“Gas Diffusion Layer”) or a catalytic membrane (“Catalyst Coated Membrane”), in particular consist thereof. The or at least one of the second adhesive and / or curing material(s) can in particular comprise a coating of a membrane of the assembly and / or an adhesive bond of components of the assembly and / or a seal, in particular an edge seal, of a membrane electrode assembly, in particular form this—at least after activation or solidification. Accordingly, the or at least one of the second adhesive and / or curing material(s) can in some embodiments be the coating and / or adhesive bond of a GDL or CCM and / or a seal of an MEA, preferably a frameless or framed (“Membrane Electrode Framed Assembly”) MEA.The present invention is particularly advantageous for this purpose due to the material properties and manufacturing and usage constraints. In some embodiments, energy, in particular heat and / or electromagnetic radiation, can also be applied to at least partially activate and / or solidify the adhesive and / or curing material of the assembly before and / or after it has been provided on the shelf and / or before the recess is at least partially covered, in some embodiments formed, by the first adhesive and / or curing material and / or by the region.

[0029] To produce an MEA, in some embodiments, a first GDL is coated, preferably on the edge. In some embodiments, this coating is already partially activated and / or solidified, preferably by UV exposure or the like. A CCM is formed or arranged on the first GDL. In some embodiments, this is at least partially solidified, preferably by UV exposure or the like. A further GDL is provided on the CCM, preferably on the edge coating of the first GDL, which is preferably only partially solidified and in which the CCM is embedded in some embodiments, or on a further edge coating of the CCM. Wetting of the edge coating of the first GDL or the further edge coating of the CCM with the adhesive and / or curing material is then preferably improved by pressing.Subsequently, after the recess has been formed or transported from a press abutment to the support with the recess, adhesive and / or curing material is optionally further activated and / or solidified, preferably by means of UV exposure or the like, wherein a direct heat-conducting contact between the MEA and the support in the area of ​​the UV exposure and / or this adhesive and / or curing material is advantageously reduced by the recess or is eliminated in the area of ​​the recess.

[0030] In some embodiments of the invention, a device for producing the composite is or is used to carry out a method described here. Accordingly, explanations of the method also apply to the device or its use, and conversely, explanations of the device or its use also apply to the method.

[0031] In some embodiments of the invention, the device comprises a or the shelf on which an assembly comprising the first component and the first adhesive and / or curing material is provided, in some embodiments, or which is configured or used for this purpose.

[0032] In some embodiments of the invention, the device comprises an energy source, in particular heat and / or electromagnetic radiation, with which energy, in particular heat and / or electromagnetic radiation, is applied within a region for at least partially activating and / or solidifying the first adhesive and / or curing material of the assembly provided on the shelf, or which is configured or used for this purpose. The energy source can, in particular, be multi-part and / or adjustable. In some embodiments, the energy source comprises at least one radiation source, in particular a light source, in some embodiments at least one LED and / or for UV and / or IR and / or visible light.

[0033] In some embodiments of the invention, a surface of the tray facing the assembly has a support area for supporting the assembly during the application of energy and a recess that is at least partially covered by the area and / or during the application of energy or is configured or used for this purpose.

[0034] In some embodiments, the tray has an adjustable segment and a drive for adjusting the segment to form the recess. In some embodiments, the recess is permanent.

[0035] In some embodiments, the device comprises a pressing tool and a drive for pressing the pressing tool onto the assembly.

[0036] In some embodiments, the device comprises a fixing device that fixes the assembly on the tray, in particular by means of pressure, clamps and / or magnetically, or that is configured or used for this purpose.

[0037] In some embodiments, the recess is a depression or through-opening. In some embodiments, the support area is arranged on at least two opposing edges of the recess, or the recess is arranged on a side edge of the shelf.

[0038] In some embodiments, the energy source is configured for contactless application of energy for at least partially activating and / or solidifying the first adhesive and / or curing material; and / or for applying energy for at least partially activating and / or solidifying the first adhesive and / or curing material from a side of the assembly facing away from the storage unit and / or from a side of the assembly facing the storage unit.

[0039] Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the device comprises at least one, in particular funnel-like, aperture for applying energy for at least partially activating and / or solidifying the first adhesive and / or curing material.

[0040] In some embodiments, the device comprises a cooling device for actively cooling the tray, or the tray is actively cooled using a cooling device before, during, and / or after pressing and / or before, during, and / or after applying energy to activate and / or solidify the first adhesive and / or curing material. This can improve activation and / or solidification and / or shorten processing time.

[0041] In some embodiments, one or more, in particular all, steps of a method described here are carried out partially or completely automatically, preferably with the aid of or by a device described here.

[0042] Exemplary embodiments described herein, in particular their respective features, can be combined with one another as desired, in particular to form new embodiments, unless this is expressly excluded or is technically impossible.

[0043] Further advantages, features and possible applications of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description in conjunction with the figures. These show, partly schematically,

[0044] Figures 1A, 1B show a device in two steps of producing a composite for an electrochemical cell according to an embodiment of the invention in a vertical section;

[0045] Figures 2A, 2B show a device in two steps of producing a composite for an electrochemical cell according to a further embodiment of the invention in a representation corresponding to Figures 1A, 1B;

[0046] Figures 3A, 3B show a device in two steps of producing a composite for an electrochemical cell according to a further embodiment of the invention in a representation corresponding to Figures 1A, 1B;

[0047] Figures 4A, 4B show a device in two steps of producing a composite for an electrochemical cell according to a further embodiment of the invention in vertical sections;

[0048] Figure 5 shows a device for producing a composite for an electrochemical cell according to a further embodiment of the invention in a representation corresponding to Figure 1B;

[0049] Figure 6 shows a device during the production of a composite for an electrochemical cell according to a further embodiment of the invention in a representation corresponding to Figure 1B; and

[0050] Figure 7 shows a device for producing a composite for an electrochemical cell according to a further embodiment of the invention.

[0051] In the figures, like reference numerals designate like, similar, or corresponding elements. Elements depicted in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. Rather, the various elements depicted in the figures are depicted in such a way that their function and general purpose will be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0052] Figure 1A shows a device during a step of producing a composite for an electrochemical cell according to one embodiment of the invention in a vertical section, while Figure 1B shows the device during a further production step, corresponding to Figure 1A. The device has a shelf 10 for providing an assembly 30, which has a first component 31 and a first adhesive and / or curing material 32, on this shelf. The assembly 30 can have one or more second components 33, 35 and / or at least one second adhesive and / or curing material 34, as indicated by dashed lines in Figures 1A, 1B.

[0053] The device further comprises an energy source 20 for the contactless application of energy, in some embodiments visible light and / or thermal radiation (i.e. IR radiation, i.e. radiation in the infrared range (IR) of the electromagnetic spectrum) and / or UV light, within a region G for at least partially activating and / or solidifying the first and optionally second adhesive and / or curing material of the assembly provided on the shelf. The edges of the region G, of the area 13 and of the first adhesive and / or curing material 32 and / or of the second first adhesive and / or curing material 34 can have the same or different positions and can therefore be arranged so as to completely or partially overlap. However, the first and second adhesive and / or curing materials 32 and 34 do not necessarily have to be arranged so as to overlap.

[0054] A surface 11 of the support 10 facing the assembly (upper in Figures 1A, 1B) has a support region 11A for supporting the assembly during the application of energy and temporarily a recess in the form of a depression 12, which is temporarily or partially (or alternatively completely) covered by the region G and the first adhesive and / or curing material 32 during the application of energy (cf. Figure 1B).

[0055] In the embodiment of Figures 1A, 1B, the shelf 10 has an adjustable segment 13 and a drive 14 for adjusting the segment to form the recess.

[0056] The device further comprises a pressing tool 40 and a drive 41 for pressing the pressing tool onto the assembly.

[0057] In the embodiment of Figures 1A, 1B, the device further comprises a fixing device 50 for securing the assembly to the support using clamps. In the embodiment of Figures 1A, 1B, the support area 11A is arranged on at least two opposite edges of the recess 12.

[0058] In the embodiment of Figures 1A, 1B, the energy source 20 is configured to apply energy for at least partially activating and / or solidifying the first and optionally second adhesive and / or curing material from a side of the assembly facing away from the storage unit or from above.

[0059] To produce the composite for an electrochemical cell, which comprises the first and optionally second component(s) and the first and optionally second adhesive and / or curing material, the assembly 30 is provided on the support 10, for which purpose it can be built up thereon in particular in several process steps or can already be deposited as a whole.

[0060] The pressing tool 40 is pressed onto the assembly 30, which is provided on the assembly-facing surface 11 of the tray 10 during the pressing process (see Figure 1A).

[0061] After the end of the pressing, the segment 13 is adjusted to form the recess 12 (see Figure 1A — > Figure 1B).

[0062] Then, using the energy source 20, energy is applied within the region G to at least partially activate and / or solidify the first and optionally second adhesive and / or curing material 32, 34 of the assembly 30 provided on the support 10. The surface 11 of the support 10 facing the assembly has the support region 11A for supporting the assembly during the application of energy and the recess 12—formed by lowering the segment 13—which is at least partially covered by the region G and the first and optionally second adhesive and / or curing material 32, 34 during the application of energy.

[0063] In this way, a larger-area support of the assembly 30 (see Figure 1A) can be provided during pressing, and during the (application of energy for) at least partial activation and / or solidification of the adhesive and / or curing material, heat transfer into the support 10 can be reduced, or air or convection cooling can be realized through the recess 12. This can improve activation and / or solidification and / or reduce undesirable heating of the support 10, which could impair a subsequent assembly.

[0064] In a modification, the drive 14 can additionally or alternatively raise the support area 11A; in particular, the element 13 shown in Figures 1A, 1B can then be an environmentally fixed bearing or the like.

[0065] Additionally or alternatively, in a modification, energy, in particular heat and / or electromagnetic radiation, can already be or have been applied to partially activate and / or solidify the first adhesive and / or curing material 32 and / or the second adhesive and / or curing material 34 before the pressing shown in Figure 1A and / or later but before the realization of the recess 12 shown in Figure 1B.

[0066] Figure 2A shows a device in a step of producing a composite for an electrochemical cell according to a further embodiment of the invention in a vertical section, Figure 2B shows this device in a further step of this production in a representation corresponding to Figure 2A.

[0067] In the embodiment of Figures 2A, 2B, the assembly 30 exemplarily comprises only the first component 31 and the first adhesive and / or curing material 32.

[0068] In the embodiment of Figures 2A, 2B, the device has, by way of example, a fixing device 50 for fixing the assembly on the shelf by means of negative pressure.

[0069] In the embodiment of Figures 2A, 2B, the energy for at least partially activating and / or solidifying the first adhesive and / or curing material is applied by the multi-part energy source 20 in a contactless manner both from a side of the assembly facing away from the shelf or from above, and from a side of the assembly facing the shelf or from below, each through a panel 15 or 51. The shelf 10 or its recess 12 itself forms a funnel-shaped panel 15.

[0070] In particular, in the embodiment of Figures 2A, 2B, the recess is a through-opening 12. The segment 13 could also be transparent to the electromagnetic radiation in one embodiment, and after opening the free-standing through-opening 12, the energy could be introduced at least partially through the segment 13 into the first adhesive and / or curing material.

[0071] Figure 3A shows a device in a step of producing a composite for an electrochemical cell according to a further embodiment of the invention in a vertical section, Figure 3B shows this device in a further step of this production in a representation corresponding to Figure 3A.

[0072] In the embodiment of Figures 3A, 3B, the recess 12 is arranged on a side edge of the shelf 10.

[0073] Figure 4A shows a region of a device in a step of producing a composite for an electrochemical cell according to a further embodiment of the invention in a vertical section, Figure 4B shows another region of this device in a further step of this production in another vertical section.

[0074] In this embodiment, the recess in the area shown in Figure 4B is permanently formed in the form of a depression 12.

[0075] In particular, therefore, the pressing takes place on a press abutment 60 (see Figure 4A).

[0076] After pressing, the assembly 30 is then provided on the support 10 with the permanent recess 12 in order to then apply energy to at least partially activate and / or solidify the first adhesive and / or curing material.

[0077] Figures 5, 6 each show a device during the production of a composite for an electrochemical cell according to a further embodiment of the invention in a representation corresponding to Figure 1 B.

[0078] By way of example, in the embodiment of Figure 6, the first adhesive and / or curing material 32 also covers a section 11B of the support area 11A adjacent to the recess 12 when energy is applied; in the embodiment of Figure 5, the first adhesive and / or curing material 32 is encompassed by an edge of the recess 12 when energy is applied.

[0079] The adhesive and / or curing material 32 and / or 34 can in particular form a coating of a membrane, an adhesive bond of a membrane to one or more other membranes and / or a frame, and / or a seal, in particular at the edge; the component 31, 33 and / or 35 can in particular be a membrane, preferably a GDL, CCM, a frame or the like.

[0080] The activation and / or solidification can in particular comprise, in particular be, an activation, preferably by means of UV light, and / or a preferably subsequent solidification, preferably by means of thermal radiation.

[0081] Figure 7 shows an apparatus for manufacturing an MEA for an electrochemical cell according to another embodiment of the invention. The rows of Figure 7 show successive process steps a) - e), while the two columns of Figure 7 each show a top view (left in Figure 7) and a side view (right in Figure 7).

[0082] In step a), a first GDL 100 is provided.

[0083] In a step b), the first GDL 100 is coated on the edge side; this edge coating 110 can be partially activated and / or solidified by means of exposure 200, in particular in order to form a shape for a subsequent formation of a CCM.

[0084] In a step c), a CCM 120 is formed or arranged on the first GDL. For example, a complete CCM, i.e., one equipped with the already coated membrane, can be embedded in the edge coating 110 or arranged on it. In the illustration for step c), the CCM 120 is completely embedded in the edge coating 110 and is therefore not visible in the side view. Similarly, a membrane can also be coated in situ to form the CCM, wherein this coating can advantageously be at least partially activated and / or solidified by means of exposure.

[0085] In a step d), a further GDL 130 is provided on the CCM 120, preferably on the edge-side coating 110 of the first GDL 100, in which the CCM is embedded in some embodiments, or on a further edge-side coating of the CCM 120 (not shown). The GDL 100, the coating 110, the CCM 120, the GDL 130, and optionally a further coating can, in particular, have identical or different dimensions, in particular lateral dimensions, from one another. Then, in step d), wetting with the adhesive and / or curing material of the coating 110 of the first GDL or the further edge-side coating of the CCM 120 is improved by pressing with a pressing tool 40.

[0086] Then, in a step e), after the recess 12 has been formed or transported from a press abutment to the deposit with the recess 12, the adhesive and / or curing material of the coating 110 of the first GDL or of the further edge-side coating of the COM 120 is optionally further activated and / or solidified by means of exposure 210, wherein a direct heat-conducting contact between the MEA and the deposit in the area of ​​this exposure and / or this adhesive and / or curing material is advantageously reduced by the recess 12 or is eliminated in the area of ​​the recess 12.

[0087] LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

[0088] 10 filing

[0089] 11 Surface of the shelf facing the assembly

[0090] 11A Support area

[0091] 11 B Section of the support area adjacent to the recess

[0092] 12 recess

[0093] 13 segments

[0094] 14 Segment drive

[0095] 15 funnel-shaped aperture

[0096] 20 Energy source

[0097] 30 assembly

[0098] 31 first component

[0099] 32 first adhesive and / or curing material

[0100] 33, 35 second component

[0101] 34 second adhesive and / or curing material

[0102] 40 pressing tool

[0103] 41 Press tool drive

[0104] 50 Fixing device

[0105] 51 aperture

[0106] 60 press abutments

[0107] 100 first GDL

[0108] 110 edge coating

[0109] 120 cc

[0110] 130 more GDL

[0111] 200 exposure

[0112] 210 exposure

[0113] G Area

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A method for producing a composite, in particular for an electrochemical cell, comprising a first component (31) and a first adhesive and / or curing material (32), the method comprising the steps of: Providing an assembly (30) comprising the first component and the first adhesive and / or curing material on a tray (10); and - applying energy, in particular heat and / or electromagnetic radiation, within a region for at least partially activating and / or solidifying the first adhesive and / or curing material of the assembly provided on the tray; wherein a surface (11) of the tray facing the assembly has a support area (11A) for supporting the assembly during the application of energy; and a recess (12) which - from the first adhesive and / or curing material and / or - is at least partially covered by the area during the application of energy; 2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the shelf has an adjustable segment (13) which is adjusted to form or deepen the recess.

3. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the recess is permanent.

4. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a pressing tool (40) is pressed onto the assembly before the application of energy.

5. Method according to claim 2 and 4, characterized in that the assembly is provided on the surface of the tray facing the assembly during the pressing and the segment for forming or deepening the recess is adjusted after a start, in particular after an end, of the pressing for forming or deepening the recess.

6. Method according to claim 3 and 4, characterized in that the assembly is provided on the support after pressing in order to apply energy for at least partially activating and / or solidifying the first adhesive and / or curing material.

7. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the assembly is fixed to the support, in particular by means of vacuum, clamps and / or magnetically; and / or the recess is a depression or through-opening; and / or the support area supports the assembly on at least two opposite edges of the recess or the recess is arranged on a side edge of the support; and / or the first adhesive and / or curing material also covers a section (11B) of the support area adjacent to the recess when energy is applied; or - is encompassed by an edge of the recess.

8. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the energy for at least partially activating and / or solidifying the first adhesive and / or curing material is applied contactlessly; and / or - from a side of the assembly facing away from the shelves; and / or - from a side of the assembly facing the storage area; and / or through at least one, in particular funnel-shaped, aperture; is applied.

9. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the assembly - at least one second component (33; 35) which is connected to at least one component of the assembly different from this second component by activating and / or solidifying adhesive and / or curing material of the assembly by means of the application of energy within the region; and / or - at least one second adhesive and / or curing material (34) which is activated and / or solidified by applying energy within the region.

10. A device for producing a composite for an electrochemical cell, which has a first component and a first adhesive and / or curing material, wherein the device is configured to carry out a method according to one of the preceding claims and / or comprises: a shelf (10) for providing an assembly comprising the first component and the first adhesive and / or curing material on this shelf; and an energy source (20) for applying energy, in particular heat and / or electromagnetic radiation, within a region for at least partially activating and / or solidifying the first adhesive and / or curing material of the assembly provided on the shelf; wherein a surface (11) of the shelf facing the assembly has a support region (11A) for supporting the assembly during the application of energy;and a recess (12) which is at least partially covered by the first adhesive and / or curing material and / or by the area upon application of energy; 11. Device according to claim 10, characterized in that the shelf has an adjustable segment (13) and a drive (14) for adjusting the segment to form the recess.

12. Device according to claim 10, characterized in that the recess is permanent.

13. Device according to one of claims 10 - 12, characterized by a pressing tool (40) and a drive (41) for pressing the pressing tool onto the assembly.

14. Device according to one of claims 10 - 13, characterized in that the device has a fixing device (50) for fixing the assembly on the support, in particular by means of vacuum, clamps and / or magnetically; and / or the recess is a depression or through-opening; and / or the support area is arranged on at least two opposite edges of the recess or the recess is arranged on a side edge of the support; and / or the energy source - for the contactless application of energy for at least partially activating and / or solidifying the first adhesive and / or curing material; and / or - is designed to apply energy for at least partially activating and / or solidifying the first adhesive and / or curing material from a side of the assembly facing away from the storage unit and / or from a side of the assembly facing the storage unit; and / or the device comprises at least one, in particular funnel-shaped, aperture (15, 51) for applying energy for at least partially activating and / or Solidification of the first adhesive and / or curing material.

15. Use of a device according to one of claims 10-14 for producing a composite for an electrochemical cell, which has a first component and a first adhesive and / or curing material, according to a method according to one of claims 1-9.

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