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US 8,283,087 B2Granted
Seal structure adopted in membrane electrode assembly for fuel cell
AssigneeNissan Motor Co., Ltd.
InventorMotoharu Obika
Life of this patent
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Abstract
First reinforcing members, having a low modulus of elasticity, are disposed between an electrolyte membrane and second reinforcing members having a high modulus of elasticity, so as not to allow the electrolyte membrane to readily rub against the first reinforcing members as the electrolyte membrane expands and shrinks and to ultimately prevent degradation of the electrolyte membrane.
Claims15
A fuel cell membrane electrode assembly, comprising:
- an electrolyte membrane;
- electrodes, one disposed at one surface and another disposed at another surface of the electrolyte membrane so as to leave an electrolyte membrane outer edge area exposed;
- at least one first reinforcing member arranged over the electrolyte membrane outer edge area having a higher modulus of elasticity than the electrolyte membrane and a smaller coefficient of thermal expansion than the electrolyte membrane;
- at least one second reinforcing member disposed at a surface of a first reinforcing member, having a higher modulus of elasticity than the first reinforcing member;
- and
- a gasket disposed at a surface of the second reinforcing member.
3 more elements
A fuel cell, comprising:
- an electrolyte membrane;
- electrodes, one disposed at a front surface and another disposed at a rear surface of the electrolyte membrane so as to leave an electrolyte membrane outer edge area exposed;
- first reinforcing members, one disposed at the front surface and another disposed at the rear surface of the electrolyte membrane over the electrolyte membrane outer edge area having a higher modulus of elasticity than the electrolyte membrane and a smaller coefficient of thermal expansion than the electrolyte membrane;
- second reinforcing members disposed at front surfaces of the first reinforcing members, having a higher modulus of elasticity than the first reinforcing members;
- a separator;
- and
- a gasket disposed at a surface of the second reinforcing members.
4 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.