Abstract

An apparatus for manufacturing a membrane electrode assembly includes a suction roller, a porous base material supply roller, a porous base material collection roller, a laminated base material supply roller, an assembly collection roller, an application part disposed around the suction roller and a maintenance space for the maintenance of the application part. The porous base material supply roller and the porous base material collection roller are disposed on the opposite side of the suction roller from the maintenance space as seen in a horizontal direction. The porous base material supply roller and the porous base material collection roller are collectively disposed on one side of the suction roller. This configuration ensures the maintenance space on the opposite side of the suction roller, and lowers the height dimension of the manufacturing apparatus.

IPC Classes  ?

• H01M 8/1004 - Fuel cells with solid electrolytes characterised by membrane-electrode assemblies [MEA]
• H01M 8/1069 - Polymeric electrolyte materials characterised by the manufacturing processes

Abstract

An electrolyte membrane with a backsheet is sent out from an electrolyte membrane unwinding roller, and is separated with its second side sucked on a suction roller by a first press roller. While the electrolyte membrane from which the backsheet has been separated is transported with the electrolyte membrane sucked and supported on the suction roller, an electrode ink is applied to a first side of the electrolyte membrane to form an electrode ink layer, which is dried by blowing hot air thereto to form a catalyst layer. Thereafter, in a state in which the outer surface of a second press roller disposed close to the suction roller is in contact with and supported on the first side of the electrolyte membrane, a support film is pressed against the second side of the electrolyte membrane by a third press roller and attached thereto to manufacture a catalyst-coated membrane.

IPC Classes  ?

• H01M 8/1069 - Polymeric electrolyte materials characterised by the manufacturing processes
• H01M 8/1004 - Fuel cells with solid electrolytes characterised by membrane-electrode assemblies [MEA]

Abstract

An apparatus for manufacturing a catalyst-coated membrane for a fuel cell, including a suction roller, an unwinding roller, a first press roller that separates a backsheet with an electrolyte membrane that has been sent out from the unwinding roller being sucked onto a suction roller; a coating part that applies a coating liquid to the electrolyte membrane while being sucked and supported on the suction roller; a drying part that dries the coating liquid to form a catalyst layer, and a second press roller that separates the electrolyte membrane having the catalyst layer from the suction roller and causes a support film to be attached to the electrolyte membrane. The electrolyte membrane is always supported by at least any one of the backsheet, the suction roller, the second press roller, and the support film during manufacture of the catalyst-coated membrane.

IPC Classes  ?

• H01M 8/1086 - After-treatment of the membrane other than by polymerisation
• H01M 8/1004 - Fuel cells with solid electrolytes characterised by membrane-electrode assemblies [MEA]