JP2014207218A - Apparatus and method for manufacturing membrane catalyst layer assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent swelling of an electrolyte membrane by improving a suction force of a suction roller surface in a technology for manufacturing a membrane catalyst assembly for forming a catalyst layer by applying a catalyst ink containing a catalyst and a dispersant on the electrolyte membrane.SOLUTION: An apparatus for manufacturing a membrane catalyst assembly comprises: a suction roller 1; a first roller 4 disposed at an opposite side with a sheet member interposed therebetween; a second roller 5 similarly disposed at the opposite side with the sheet member interposed therebetween; a third roller 6 disposed at a side opposite to the first roller 4 with a sheet member interposed therebetween and opposite to the second roller 5 with a sheet member interposed therebetween; a pair of end plates 7 disposed in contact with the first roller 4, the second roller 5 and the third roller 6 so as to cover a space among the suction roller 1, the first roller 4, the second roller 5 and the third roller 6 from both sides of the suction roller 1 in a rotation axis direction; and a suction device 8 for sucking the inside of the suction roller 1 and the inside of the space.

Description

  The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for manufacturing a membrane / catalyst layer assembly in which a catalyst ink containing a catalyst and a dispersion medium is applied on an electrolyte membrane to form a catalyst layer.

  A polymer electrolyte fuel cell is an electrochemical reaction that occurs on both catalyst layers by supplying an oxidant gas and a fuel gas to a membrane catalyst layer assembly in which a cathode catalyst layer and an anode catalyst layer are formed on an electrolyte membrane. To generate electricity.

  As a method for producing a membrane-catalyst layer assembly, there is a method in which a catalyst ink containing a catalyst is applied to an electrolyte membrane and dried to form a catalyst layer on the electrolyte membrane. It is known that an electrolyte membrane generally deforms such as swelling and shrinkage when it comes into contact with water, an organic solvent, or moisture in the atmosphere, or changes in atmospheric temperature.

  Therefore, in some cases, the catalyst ink is applied to the electrolyte membrane and dried on the suction roller. This is because the deformation of the electrolyte membrane can be prevented by applying the catalyst layer ink while rotating the suction roller in a state where the electrolyte membrane is sucked onto the surface of the suction roller and the electrolyte membrane is fixed.

  Here, a long electrolyte membrane was unwound and supplied from the electrolyte membrane supply machine, the supplied electrolyte membrane was sucked onto the surface of the suction roller, and the sucked electrolyte membrane was conveyed according to the rotation of the suction roller, and was conveyed. In the manufacturing process in which catalyst ink is applied to the electrolyte membrane and the electrolyte membrane coated with the catalyst ink is wound up and collected by the electrolyte membrane recovery machine, the location where the electrolyte membrane starts to be sucked on the surface of the suction roller and the surface of the suction roller The part of the surface of the suction roller is exposed to the atmosphere while it is detached from the air.

  Since the suction roller suction surface at the exposed portion has a clearly small pressure loss with respect to the suction roller suction surface covered with the electrolyte membrane, the air flow of suction from the atmosphere to the suction roller is concentrated at the exposed portion. For this reason, the suction pressure of the suction surface of the suction roller is significantly reduced, and the electrolyte membrane cannot be sucked with an appropriate suction pressure by the suction surface of the suction roller.

  Therefore, in order to prevent the suction air flow from the location of the suction roller exposed to the atmosphere, the gap between the suction roller and the suction roller is sucked with a suction force larger than the suction force of the suction roller. Patent Document 1 proposes a technique for reducing the exposed area by conveying a film covering an exposed portion.

  In addition, the internal space of the suction roller is covered with two radial partition plates, the vacuum chamber corresponding to the section where the suction surface of the suction roller is covered with the object to be coated, and the suction surface of the suction roller with the object to be coated. Patent Document 3 proposes a method of dividing an air communication chamber corresponding to a section that is not broken and a method of allowing a breathable base material to exist between the suction roller and the object to be coated.

JP 2008-27738 A JP 2012-104405 A JP 2004-351413 A

  However, the technique proposed in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1 requires a cover that covers the suction roller, requires a large device for adjusting the gap with the suction roller, and is larger than the suction roller. Requires suction. Further, in the technique proposed in Patent Document 2, the area of the suction surface of the suction roller exposed to the atmosphere can be reduced, but the entire suction surface cannot be covered with a film. In either method, a part of the suction surface of the suction roller is exposed to the atmosphere.

  If the suction surface of the suction roller is exposed to the atmosphere, the suction from that portion is concentrated, and the sheet member to be originally sucked cannot be sucked. Therefore, it is necessary to reduce the places where the suction surface of the suction roller is exposed to the atmosphere.

  In the above-mentioned Patent Document 3, the internal space of the suction roller is divided into two radial partition plates, the vacuum chamber corresponding to the section where the suction surface of the suction roller is covered with the object to be coated, and the suction surface of the suction roller. Although the reduction of the suction force is suppressed by dividing it into an air communication chamber corresponding to the section not covered with the object to be coated, the internal space of the suction roller is separated from the vacuum chamber by two radial partition plates. Since the structure is divided into the atmosphere communication chambers, the structure of the suction roller becomes complicated, the force for rotating the suction roller becomes large, and there is a problem that maintenance of the suction roller becomes difficult.

  Therefore, in view of the above-described conventional problems, the present invention improves the suction force for sucking the electrolyte membrane of the suction roller without making the suction roller complicated, thereby swelling and shrinking the membrane catalyst layer assembly. It aims at providing the manufacturing apparatus and manufacturing method of the membrane catalyst layer assembly which block | prevent.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, an apparatus for manufacturing a membrane catalyst layer assembly according to the present invention applies a catalyst ink containing a catalyst and a dispersion medium on an electrolyte membrane to form a catalyst layer. A suction surface for sucking the sheet member including the electrolyte membrane, rotating while sucking the sheet member, and conveying the sheet member; and the sheet member with respect to the suction roller A first roller disposed on the opposite side of the sheet; a coating unit that applies the catalyst ink to a surface opposite to the suction surface of the sheet member that is sucked and conveyed by the suction roller; and the suction roller In contrast, a second roller disposed on the opposite side of the sheet member coated with the catalyst ink, and a second roller disposed on the opposite side of the first roller with respect to the sheet member. And a space between the third roller disposed opposite to the second roller with the sheet member interposed therebetween, and the suction roller, the first roller, the second roller, and the third roller A pair of end plates disposed in contact with the first roller, the second roller and the third roller so as to cover both sides of the suction roller in the rotation axis direction, the suction roller and the space And a suction device for sucking.

  The suction roller may be configured to rotate while sucking the sheet member through a porous sheet and to convey the sheet member.

Another membrane catalyst layer assembly manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention is a membrane catalyst layer assembly manufacturing apparatus for applying a catalyst ink containing a catalyst and a dispersion medium on an electrolyte membrane to form a catalyst layer. A suction surface for sucking the sheet member including the electrolyte membrane through a porous sheet; a suction roller that rotates while sucking the sheet member; and transports the sheet member; and the porous member with respect to the suction roller A first roller disposed on the opposite side of the porous sheet, and the catalyst ink on the surface opposite to the suction surface of the sheet member that is sucked and conveyed by the suction roller through the porous sheet. A coating part to be applied; a second roller disposed on the opposite side of the porous sheet conveyed by the suction roller with respect to the suction roller; and the first roller A third roller disposed on the opposite side of the porous sheet with respect to the second roller, and disposed on the opposite side of the porous sheet with respect to the second roller, the suction roller, the first A space between the roller, the second roller, and the third roller is disposed in contact with the first roller, the second roller, and the third roller so as to cover the space from both sides in the rotation axis direction of the suction roller. A pair of end plates, and a suction device for sucking the inside of the suction roller and the space.

  The opposite side of the suction roller with respect to the porous sheet, the sheet member coated with the catalyst ink, and a support member disposed on the surface of the sheet member coated with the catalyst ink You may further provide the 4th roller arrange | positioned.

  Further, the sheet member and the porous sheet may be disposed between the first roller and the suction roller.

  Moreover, you may further provide the 5th roller arrange | positioned on the opposite side on both sides of the said porous sheet and the said sheet member conveyed with respect to the said suction roller from the said 1st roller side.

  In addition, at least one of the first roller, the second roller, and the third roller may be made of a material whose surface has elasticity.

  Moreover, you may provide the heating part which heats the said suction roller inside the said suction roller.

  Moreover, you may provide the heating part which heats the said suction roller in the outer side of the said suction roller.

  Moreover, you may provide the pressure detector which detects the pressure in the said suction roller, the said suction surface, or the said space.

Another membrane catalyst layer assembly manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention is a membrane catalyst layer assembly manufacturing apparatus for applying a catalyst ink containing a catalyst and a dispersion medium on an electrolyte membrane to form a catalyst layer. A suction roller having a hollow portion for sucking air therein, a plurality of suction holes communicating with the hollow portion on a cylindrical roller surface, and configured to be rotatable while adsorbing a sheet member to the roller surface And a first roller having a rotation axis parallel to the rotation axis of the suction roller and configured to sandwich the sheet member supplied to the suction roller between a cylindrical outer peripheral surface and the roller surface of the suction roller A coating portion for applying the catalyst ink on a surface of the sheet member adsorbed on the roller surface opposite to the surface facing the roller surface, and a rotating shaft and a flat surface of the suction roller. And a second outer peripheral surface arranged between the first roller and the first roller so that the sheet member recovered from the suction roller can be sandwiched between a cylindrical outer peripheral surface and the roller surface of the suction roller. A cylindrical outer peripheral surface having a roller and a rotation axis parallel to the rotation axis of the suction roller presses the first roller with the sheet member supplied to the suction roller interposed therebetween, and is recovered from the suction roller The third roller configured to be able to press the second roller with the sheet member interposed therebetween, and the rotational axis directions of the first roller, the second roller, the third roller, and the suction roller The first roller, the second roller, and the third roller are disposed to sandwich the first roller, the second roller, and the third roller from both sides of the first roller, the second roller, and the third roller, The first roller, the second roller, the second roller, the third roller, and the suction roller are sealed from both sides in the rotational axis direction of the first roller, the second roller, the third roller, and the suction roller. A pair of end plates in contact with both end surfaces perpendicular to the respective rotation axes of the roller and the third roller and the roller surface of the suction roller; the first roller; the second roller; the third roller; And a suction device for sucking air in a space surrounded by the suction roller and the pair of end plates and air in the hollow portion of the suction roller.

  Another membrane catalyst layer assembly manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention is a membrane catalyst layer assembly manufacturing apparatus for applying a catalyst ink containing a catalyst and a dispersion medium on an electrolyte membrane to form a catalyst layer. A sheet member supply machine for supplying the belt-shaped electrolyte membrane, and a hollow portion through which air is sucked are provided, and a plurality of suction holes communicating with the hollow portion are formed on a cylindrical roller surface. A suction roller that rotates while adsorbing the electrolyte membrane supplied from the machine to the roller surface, and the catalyst ink on a surface opposite to the surface facing the roller surface of the electrolyte membrane adsorbed on the roller surface And a sheet member circuit for collecting the membrane-catalyst layer assembly transported by the suction roller after the catalyst layer is formed by the catalyst ink applied on the electrolyte membrane. And a first roller that rotates the electrolyte membrane supplied from the sheet member supply machine between the roller surface of the suction roller and guides it to the suction roller, and the suction roller The transported membrane-catalyst layer assembly is rotated in a state of being sandwiched between the roller surfaces of the suction roller, and is supplied from the sheet member feeder and a second roller that leads to the sheet member collecting machine. The membrane-catalyst layer assembly is rotated in a state where the electrolyte membrane guided to the suction roller is sandwiched between the first roller and conveyed to the sheet member collecting machine by the suction roller. A third roller that rotates in a state of being sandwiched between the rollers, a rotation axis direction of the first roller, the second roller, the third roller, and the suction roller A portion that is disposed so as to sandwich the first roller, the second roller, and the third roller from both sides, and that is surrounded by the first roller, the second roller, the third roller, and the suction roller, The respective rotation shafts of the first roller, the second roller, and the third roller so as to be substantially sealed from both sides in the rotation shaft direction of the first roller, the second roller, the third roller, and the suction roller. A pair of end plates that are in contact with both end surfaces perpendicular to the roller surface and the roller surface of the suction roller, the first roller, the second roller, the third roller, the suction roller, and the pair of end plates. A suction device for sucking air in the space and air in the hollow portion of the suction roller.

Another membrane catalyst layer assembly manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention is a membrane catalyst layer assembly manufacturing apparatus for applying a catalyst ink containing a catalyst and a dispersion medium on an electrolyte membrane to form a catalyst layer. A sheet member supply machine that supplies the belt-shaped electrolyte membrane, a porous sheet supply machine that supplies a belt-shaped porous sheet having a width equal to or greater than the width of the electrolyte membrane, and a hollow portion into which air is sucked A plurality of suction holes communicating with the hollow portion are formed on a cylindrical roller surface, and the sheet member supply machine supplies the porous sheet supplied from the porous sheet supply machine. A suction roller that rotates while adsorbing the electrolyte membrane to the roller surface, and a coating that applies the catalyst ink to a surface of the electrolyte membrane adsorbed on the roller surface opposite to the surface facing the porous sheet. A sheet member collecting machine that collects the membrane-catalyst layer assembly that is formed by the catalyst ink coated on the electrolyte membrane and transported by the suction roller, and the transported by the suction roller A porous sheet collecting machine for collecting a porous sheet, the electrolyte membrane supplied from the sheet member supply machine, and the porous sheet supplied from the porous sheet supply machine, the roller surface of the suction roller Between the first roller for rotating the porous sheet on the roller surface side of the suction roller and rotating the porous sheet so as to be sandwiched between the porous sheet and the film conveyed by the suction roller Between the catalyst layer assembly and the porous sheet between the roller surface of the suction roller, the porous sheet Rotating the suction roller on the roller surface side in an overlapped manner, the membrane / catalyst layer assembly is guided to the sheet member collecting machine and the porous sheet is guided to the porous sheet collecting machine. Between the first roller, a roller, the electrolyte membrane supplied from the sheet member supply machine and guided to the suction roller, and the porous sheet supplied from the porous sheet supply machine and guided to the suction roller, The electrolyte membrane rotates in a state of being sandwiched on the first roller side, and is transported by the membrane-catalyst layer assembly and the suction roller, which is transported by the suction roller and guided to the sheet member collecting machine. The porous sheet guided to the carbon sheet collecting machine is placed between the second roller and the membrane catalyst layer assembly on the second roller side. The third roller, the first roller, the second roller, the third roller, and the suction roller from both sides of the rotation axis direction of the first roller, the second roller, and the third roller. And a portion surrounded by the first roller, the second roller, the third roller, and the suction roller, the first roller, the second roller, and the third roller. The first roller, the second roller, and the third roller have both end surfaces perpendicular to the rotation shaft and the roller surface of the suction roller so as to be substantially sealed from both sides in the rotation shaft direction of the suction roller. A pair of contacting end plates, air in a space surrounded by the first roller, the second roller, the third roller, the suction roller, and the pair of end plates; A suction device for sucking air of the hollow portion of La, characterized in that it comprises a.

  Further, another method for producing a membrane catalyst layer assembly according to the present invention is a method for producing a membrane catalyst layer assembly in which a catalyst ink containing a catalyst and a dispersion medium is applied onto an electrolyte membrane to form a catalyst layer, A conveying step of conveying the sheet member using a suction roller that has a suction surface for sucking the sheet member including the electrolyte membrane and rotates while sucking the sheet member, and opposite to the suction surface of the sheet member An application step of applying the catalyst ink to the surface on the side, the suction roller, a first roller disposed on the opposite side of the sheet roller with respect to the suction roller, and the suction roller A second roller disposed on the opposite side across the sheet member coated with the catalyst ink, and disposed on the opposite side across the sheet member relative to the first roller, and The third roller disposed on the opposite side of the sheet member with respect to the second roller, and the first roller, the second roller, and the second roller so as to cover from both sides in the rotation axis direction of the suction roller. A pair of end plates disposed in contact with the three rollers, and a suction step for sucking the space surrounded by the rollers.

  Further, another method for producing a membrane catalyst layer assembly according to the present invention is a method for producing a membrane catalyst layer assembly in which a catalyst ink containing a catalyst and a dispersion medium is applied onto an electrolyte membrane to form a catalyst layer, A conveying step of conveying the sheet member using a suction roller that has a suction surface for sucking the sheet member including the electrolyte membrane through a porous sheet and rotates while sucking the sheet member; and the sheet member An application step of applying the catalyst ink to the surface opposite to the suction surface, the suction roller, a first roller disposed on the opposite side of the porous sheet with respect to the suction roller, A second roller disposed on the opposite side of the porous sheet conveyed by the suction roller with respect to the suction roller; and the porous roller with respect to the first roller. A third roller disposed on the opposite side of the second roller and disposed on the opposite side of the porous sheet with respect to the second roller, and so as to cover from both sides in the rotation axis direction of the suction roller A suction step of sucking the space surrounded by the pair of end plates disposed in contact with the first roller, the second roller, and the third roller.

Further, in another method for producing a membrane catalyst layer assembly according to the present invention, a hollow portion through which air is sucked is provided, a number of suction holes communicating with the hollow portion are formed on a cylindrical roller surface, and a belt-like shape is formed. The suction roller is configured to be rotatable while adsorbing the electrolyte membrane to the roller surface, and the suction roller having a rotation axis parallel to the rotation axis of the suction roller and capable of adjusting the distance between the suction roller and the suction roller A first roller for suspending the electrolyte membrane to be supplied to the surface, and a coating for applying a catalyst ink containing a catalyst and a dispersion medium on a surface opposite to the surface on the roller surface side of the electrolyte membrane adsorbed on the roller surface. The catalyst ink having a rotation axis parallel to the rotation axis of the working part and the suction roller, the distance between the suction roller being adjustable and the catalyst ink applied on the electrolyte membrane And a second roller that suspends the membrane-catalyst layer assembly conveyed by the suction roller, and the membrane-catalyst layer assembly in which the catalyst layer is formed on the belt-shaped electrolyte membrane. A method of manufacturing, having a rotation axis parallel to the rotation axis of the suction roller, and a cylindrical outer peripheral surface pressing the first roller with the electrolyte membrane supplied to the suction roller interposed therebetween And a third roller configured to be able to press the second roller with the membrane-catalyst layer assembly recovered from the suction roller interposed therebetween, the first roller, the second roller, and the third roller The first roller, the second roller, and the third roller are arranged to sandwich the first roller, the second roller, and the third roller from both sides of the rotation axis direction of the roller and the suction roller, and the first roller, the second roller, and the third row And the suction roller so that the first roller, the second roller, the third roller, and the suction roller are substantially sealed from both sides in the rotational axis direction. A pair of end plates contacting the roller surfaces of the suction roller and the opposite end surfaces of the two rollers and the third roller perpendicular to the respective rotation axes, and sucking air in the hollow portion of the suction roller Sometimes, the space between the suction roller and the first roller is sucked by sucking air in a space surrounded by the first roller, the second roller, the third roller, the suction roller, and the pair of end plates. A distance between the suction roller and the second roller, a distance between the first roller and the third roller, and a distance between the second roller and the third roller. The space surrounded by the first roller, the second roller, the third roller, the suction roller, and the pair of end plates is made to be a substantially reduced pressure sealed space.

Further, in another method for producing a membrane catalyst layer assembly according to the present invention, a hollow portion through which air is sucked is provided, a number of suction holes communicating with the hollow portion are formed on a cylindrical roller surface, and a belt-like shape is formed. The distance between the suction roller configured to rotate while adsorbing the belt-shaped electrolyte membrane to the roller surface via the porous sheet, and the suction roller having a rotation axis parallel to the rotation axis of the suction roller A first roller that suspends the electrolyte membrane supplied to the suction roller and the porous sheet, and the porous membrane in the electrolyte membrane adsorbed on the roller surface via the porous sheet A coating portion for applying a catalyst ink containing a catalyst and a dispersion medium on a surface opposite to the surface facing the sheet; and a rotation axis parallel to the rotation axis of the suction roller. A second roller that is provided with an adjustable distance from the roller and that suspends the porous sheet and the membrane-catalyst layer assembly formed by the catalyst ink coated on the electrolyte membrane and conveyed by the suction roller And a manufacturing method of the membrane-catalyst layer assembly in which the catalyst layer is formed on the belt-shaped electrolyte membrane, the cylinder having a rotation axis parallel to the rotation axis of the suction roller, and a cylinder The membrane-catalyst layer assembly and the porous body whose outer peripheral surface presses the first roller with the electrolyte membrane supplied to the suction roller and the porous sheet interposed therebetween and collects from the suction roller A third roller configured to be able to press the second roller with a sheet interposed therebetween, the first roller, the second roller, the third roller, and the suction The first roller, the second roller, and the third roller are arranged so as to sandwich the first roller, the second roller, and the third roller from both sides in the rotation axis direction of the roller, and the first roller, the second roller, the third roller, and the suction roller, The first roller, the second roller, and the second roller are sealed so as to be substantially sealed from both sides of the first roller, the second roller, the third roller, and the suction roller in the rotation axis direction. A pair of end plates in contact with both end surfaces perpendicular to the respective rotation axes of the three rollers and the roller surface of the suction roller, and when the air in the hollow portion of the suction roller is sucked, the first By sucking the air in the space surrounded by the roller, the second roller, the third roller, the suction roller, and the pair of end plates, the suction roller and the first row And the distance between the suction roller and the second roller, the distance between the first roller and the third roller, and the distance between the second roller and the third roller, respectively, The space surrounded by the first roller, the second roller, the third roller, the suction roller, and the pair of end plates is a substantially reduced pressure sealed space.

  According to the membrane catalyst layer assembly manufacturing apparatus and manufacturing method of the present invention described above, when the suction roller sucks the sheet member including the electrolyte membrane, the first roller, the second roller, and the third roller, By sucking air in a space surrounded by the suction roller and the pair of end plates, the air is surrounded by the first roller, the second roller, the third roller, the suction roller, and the pair of end plates. Since the space is made into a substantially reduced pressure sealed space, unnecessary suction from the area where the sheet member is not sucked on the suction surface of the suction roller is suppressed, and the suction force for sucking the sheet member such as the electrolyte film of the suction roller is improved. The sheet member such as the electrolyte membrane can be moved from the portion sandwiched between the first roller and the suction roller to the second roller and the suction roller. Until sandwiched portion, because it is sucked to the suction surface of the suction roller, it is possible to produce a membrane-catalyst layer assembly which prevented the swelling and shrinkage of the membrane catalyst layer assembly.

  According to the apparatus and method for manufacturing a membrane catalyst layer assembly of the present invention, unnecessary suction from a region where the sheet member is not sucked on the suction surface of the suction roller is suppressed without making the suction roller complicated. Thus, the suction force for sucking the sheet member such as the electrolyte membrane of the suction roller can be improved, and the sheet member such as the electrolyte membrane is separated from the portion between the first roller and the suction roller from the second roller and the suction roller. Since the suction surface of the suction roller is sucked up to the portion sandwiched by the rollers, the swelling and shrinkage of the electrolyte membrane that occurs when applying the catalyst ink on the electrolyte membrane is prevented, and the amount of catalyst ink applied and the electrolyte membrane It is possible to manufacture a membrane catalyst layer assembly in which variations in thickness of the catalyst are suppressed.

The side view which shows typically the structure of the manufacturing apparatus of the membrane catalyst layer assembly which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. The bottom view which shows typically the structure which looked at the manufacturing apparatus of the membrane catalyst layer assembly which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention from the bottom. The perspective view of one side of the end plate used for the manufacturing apparatus of the membrane catalyst layer assembly according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention Sectional drawing which shows typically a mode that the membrane catalyst layer assembly is manufactured using the manufacturing apparatus of the membrane catalyst layer assembly which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. The front view which shows typically the structure which looked at the modification of the manufacturing apparatus of the membrane catalyst layer assembly which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention from the bottom. Sectional drawing which shows typically a mode that the membrane catalyst layer assembly is manufactured using the manufacturing apparatus of the membrane catalyst layer assembly which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. Sectional drawing which shows typically a mode that the membrane catalyst layer assembly is manufactured using the modification of the manufacturing apparatus of the membrane catalyst layer assembly which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. Sectional drawing which shows typically a mode that the membrane catalyst layer assembly is manufactured using another modification of the manufacturing apparatus of the membrane catalyst layer assembly which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, but the present invention is not limited to the embodiments.
(Embodiment 1)
1 and 2 are schematic diagrams showing the configuration of the membrane-catalyst-layer assembly manufacturing apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a side view of the membrane catalyst layer assembly manufacturing apparatus 100. FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the membrane catalyst layer assembly manufacturing apparatus 100 as viewed from the side of the three rollers at the bottom.

  The membrane / catalyst layer assembly manufacturing apparatus 100 is provided with a hollow portion through which air is sucked, rotates around a rotation shaft, and has a plurality of suction holes communicating with the hollow portion on a cylindrical roller surface. A suction roller 1 having a surface 21 for rotating and feeding the sheet member while sucking the sheet member, and oil heated in a pipe provided on the inner peripheral side of the roller surface of the suction roller 1 as a heat medium The sheet member conveyed by the suction roller 1 by the inner heater 9 for heating the sheet member conveyed by the suction roller 1 from the inside of the roller surface by flowing and the electric heater arranged on the outer peripheral side of the suction roller 1 The outside heating unit 10 for heating the outside of the suction roller 1 and the portion serving as the rotation shaft of the suction roller 1 to the inside of the suction roller 1 A sheet supplied to the suction roller 1, which is provided with a rotation axis parallel to the rotation axis of the suction roller 1 and the piping 16 for sucking the air in the empty space, and is arranged so that the distance between the suction roller 1 and the suction roller 1 can be adjusted. A first roller 4 for suspending the member and a rotation axis parallel to the rotation axis of the suction roller 1 are arranged so that the distance between the first roller 4 and the suction roller 1 can be adjusted at a predetermined interval. The second roller 5 for suspending the sheet member conveyed by the suction roller and a rotation shaft parallel to the suction roller 1 are provided, and the distance between the first roller 4 and the second roller 5 can be adjusted. The second roller is disposed between the sheet member that is disposed and presses the first roller 4 with the sheet member to be supplied to the suction roller 1 interposed therebetween, and sandwiches the sheet member that is collected from the suction roller 1 therebetween. The first roller 4 and the second roller from both sides of the third roller 6, the suction roller 1, the first roller 4, the second roller 5, and the third roller 6 in the rotation axis direction. 5 and the third roller 6 are sandwiched between the first roller 4, the second roller 5, the third roller 6, and the suction roller 1. Both end surfaces perpendicular to the respective rotation axes of the first roller 4, the second roller 5 and the third roller 6 so as to be sealed substantially from both sides in the rotation axis direction of the second roller 5, the third roller 6 and the suction roller 1. And a pair of end plates 7 (7A, 7B) that contact the roller surface of the suction roller 1, a pressure gauge 11 as a pressure detector for detecting the pressure in the pipe 16, the first roller 4 and the second roller 5 And the third roller 6 and the suction roller 1 A pipe 17 passing through the end plate 7 (7A, 7B) for sucking air in a space surrounded by the roller and the pair of end plates 7 (7A, 7B), and a pressure for detecting the pressure in the pipe 17 The pressure gauge 12 as a detector, the air in the hollow portion of the suction roller 1, the first roller 4, the second roller 5, the third roller 6, and the suction roller 1 through the pipe 16 and the pipe 17. And a suction device 8 for sucking air in a space surrounded by the pair of end plates 7 (7A, 7B).

  Here, the first roller 4, the second roller 5, and the third roller 6 are configured to be rotatable so as to be rotated in accordance with the conveyance of the sheet member, but are fixed so as not to rotate, and the sheet member is a roller. It may be configured to slide on.

  The heat medium that flows through the pipe of the inner heating unit 9 is not limited to oil, but may be a liquid such as water. Instead of flowing the heat medium into the pipe, an electric heater may be provided inside the suction roller 1. Moreover, the outer side heating part 10 may be provided with an infrared heater, a warm air machine, etc. instead of an electric heater.

  In addition, the roller surfaces of the first roller 4, the second roller 5, and the third roller 6 are preferably made of an elastic rubber material such as polyurethane in order to improve adhesion to other rollers. 4, all of the second roller 5 and the third roller 6 do not have to have elastic roller surfaces. For example, only the roller surfaces of the first roller 4 and the second roller 5 may be made of an elastic material. Absent.

  In FIGS. 1 and 2, pressure gauges as pressure detectors are installed in the pipe 16 and the pipe 17, respectively. However, a space for sucking air through the pipe 16 (hollow portion of the suction roller 1) and the pipe 17. A space for sucking air (a space surrounded by four rollers of the first roller 4, the second roller 5, the third roller 6, and the suction roller 1 and a pair of end plates 7 (7A, 7B)). Since the sheet member on the suction surface 21 (roller surface) of the suction roller 1 communicates with the suction hole in the region where the suction is not performed, only one of them may be used.

  The first roller 4, the second roller 5, and the third roller 6 have both end faces perpendicular to the rotation axis in contact with the end plate 7 (7A, 7B) and the second end plate 7 (7A, 7B). In order to suppress friction, the surface in contact with each roller of the first roller 4, the second roller 5, and the third roller 6 may be configured with a friction suppressing member such as silicon, for example, Further, the end plates 7 (7A, 7B) themselves that are perpendicular to the rotation axis of the first roller 4, the second roller 5, and the third roller 6 that are in contact with the end plates 7 (7A, 7B) are made of silicon. You may comprise by members, such as.

  FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the end plate 7A through which the pipe 17 of the membrane catalyst layer assembly manufacturing apparatus according to the present embodiment passes. In the end plate 7A, the first surface 27 contacting the roller surface of the suction roller 1 is an arc concave curved surface shape having a radius of curvature equivalent to the radius (of the roller surface) of the suction roller 1, and the first roller 4, The second surface 28 that contacts the second roller 5 and the third roller 6 is the suction roller 1, the first roller 4, the second roller 5, and the third roller as viewed from the direction parallel to the rotation axis of the suction roller 1. 6 has a shape covering a cross section of a space surrounded by four rollers, and is characterized in that a pipe 17 connected to the suction device 8 can be connected by opening a hole in the cross section of the space. The end plate 7B connected to the pipe 17 of the air flow 18D has the same characteristics.

  FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a membrane / catalyst layer assembly manufacturing apparatus when a catalyst layer is applied to a membrane / catalyst layer assembly manufacturing apparatus according to the present embodiment while a sheet member including a sheet-like electrolyte membrane 3 is conveyed. FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 2.

  In addition to the configuration shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a sheet member supply machine 19 that unwinds and supplies the sheet-like (strip-shaped) electrolyte membrane 3 and a catalyst ink is applied to the sheet-like (strip-shaped) electrolyte membrane 3 and dried. And a sheet member collecting machine 20 that winds and collects the membrane-catalyst layer assembly having the catalyst layer 13 formed thereon.

  The sheet member supply machine 19 shown in FIG. 4 rotates counterclockwise and sends out (unwinds) the sheet member (electrolyte membrane 3) from the lower side of the sheet member supply machine 19, but conversely, The sheet member (electrolyte membrane 3) may be rotated from the upper side of the sheet member feeder 19 by rotating clockwise.

  Similarly, the sheet member collecting machine 20 shown in FIG. 4 rotates counterclockwise and winds up the sheet member (membrane catalyst layer assembly) from the lower side of the sheet member collecting machine 20. Alternatively, the sheet member (membrane catalyst layer assembly) may be wound clockwise from the upper side of the sheet member collecting machine 20.

  The electrolyte membrane 3 is supplied from the sheet member supply machine 19, first the paper is passed between the first roller 4 and the third roller 6, and then the paper is passed between the first roller 4 and the suction roller 1, After the roller surface (suction surface 21) of the suction roller 1 is wound almost once in a clockwise direction, the paper is passed between the second roller 5 and the suction roller 1, and finally, the second roller 5 and the third roller 6 The sheet is collected by the sheet member collecting machine 20 after passing through the sheet.

  Further, since the electrolyte membrane 3 is sucked by the suction surface 21 of the suction roller 1, it is supplied from the sheet member feeder 19 in accordance with the rotation of the suction roller 1, and the platinum-based carbon is converted into alcohol by the coating unit 2. The catalyst ink 13 dispersed in the system solvent is applied to the surface opposite to the suction surface 21 (roller surface) side of the suction roller 1, and the catalyst ink 13 is dried by the heating of the inner heating unit 9 or the outer heating unit 10. And is collected by the sheet member collecting machine 20.

  The catalyst ink is not limited to an alcohol solvent, and may be dispersed in an organic solvent such as an aqueous solvent, a ketone solvent, and an ester solvent, or a mixed solvent thereof. In addition, it is preferable that the width | variety of a sheet | seat member is comprised so that it may become wider than the width | variety of the part in which the suction hole of the suction surface 21 of a suction roller is provided.

  The membrane catalyst layer assembly manufacturing apparatus 100 of the present embodiment is an apparatus for manufacturing a membrane catalyst layer assembly in which a catalyst ink containing a catalyst and a dispersion medium is applied on the electrolyte membrane 3 to form the catalyst layer 13. The suction surface 21 for sucking the electrolyte membrane 3 is rotated while sucking the electrolyte membrane 3, and disposed on the opposite side of the suction roller 1 with the electrolyte membrane 3 sandwiched between the suction roller 1 and the suction roller 1. The first roller 4 that is applied, the coating portion 2 that applies catalyst ink to the surface opposite to the suction surface 21 of the electrolyte membrane 3 that is sucked and conveyed by the suction roller 1, and the suction roller 1, the electrolyte A membrane roller layer assembly formed by applying catalyst ink to the membrane 3 and drying to form a catalyst layer 13 is sandwiched between the second roller 5 disposed on the opposite side, and the electrolyte membrane 3 is sandwiched with respect to the first roller 4. Arranged on the opposite side and the second b The third roller 6 disposed on the opposite side of the membrane-catalyst layer assembly formed with the catalyst layer 13 with respect to the roller 5, the suction roller 1, the first roller 4, the second roller 5, and the third roller 6 A pair of end plates 7 (7A, 7B) disposed in contact with the first roller 4, the second roller 5 and the third roller 6 so as to cover the space between both sides of the suction roller 1 in the rotation axis direction; And a suction device 8 for sucking the suction roller 1 and the space between the suction roller 1, the first roller 4, the second roller 5, and the third roller 6.

  In the present embodiment, at least one of the first roller 4, the second roller 5, and the third roller 6 used in the membrane catalyst layer assembly manufacturing apparatus 100 has a surface made of an elastic material. ing.

  Further, in the present embodiment, in addition to the above configuration, an inner heating unit 9 that heats the suction roller 1 is provided inside the suction roller 1, and an outer heating unit 10 that heats the suction roller 1 is provided outside the suction roller 1. I have.

  In this embodiment, in addition to the above configuration, a pressure gauge 11 as a pressure detector for detecting the pressure in the suction roller 1, the suction roller 1, the first roller 4, the second roller 5, and the third roller 6 is provided with a pressure gauge 12 as a pressure detector for detecting the pressure in the space between 6.

The membrane catalyst layer assembly manufacturing apparatus 100 of the present embodiment is an apparatus for manufacturing a membrane catalyst layer assembly that forms a catalyst layer 13 by applying a catalyst ink containing a catalyst and a dispersion medium on the electrolyte membrane 3. And a hollow portion through which air is sucked, a cylindrical roller surface having a suction surface 21 formed with a number of suction holes communicating with the hollow portion, and adsorbing the belt-shaped electrolyte membrane 3 to the roller surface A suction roller 1 configured to be rotatable, and an electrolyte membrane 3 having a rotation axis parallel to the rotation axis of the suction roller 1 and supplying the suction roller 1 with a cylindrical outer peripheral surface and a roller surface of the suction roller 1. A coating roller 2 for applying a catalyst ink on a surface of the electrolyte membrane 3 adsorbed on the roller surface opposite to the surface facing the roller surface, and a suction roller 1. Parallel to the rotation axis A membrane-catalyst layer assembly formed by applying a catalyst ink to the electrolyte membrane 3 and drying the electrolyte membrane 3 and recovering it from the suction roller 1 with a cylindrical outer peripheral surface having a rotating shaft and the roller surface of the suction roller 1. A second roller 5 configured to be sandwiched and disposed at a predetermined interval from the first roller 4, and an electrolyte having a rotation axis parallel to the rotation axis of the suction roller 1 and supplied to the suction roller 1 by a cylindrical outer peripheral surface The first roller 4 is pressed with the membrane 3 interposed therebetween, and the second roller 5 is pressed with the membrane-catalyst layer assembly formed with the catalyst layer 13 recovered from the suction roller 1 interposed therebetween. The first roller 4, the second roller 5, the third roller 6, and the suction roller 1 are sandwiched between the first roller 4, the second roller 5, and the third roller 6 from both sides in the rotation axis direction of the third roller 6. Placed in the first Rotation of the first roller 4, the second roller 5, the third roller 6, and the suction roller 1 in the portion surrounded by the four rollers of the roller 4, the second roller 5, the third roller 6, and the suction roller 1 A pair of end plates that come into contact with both end surfaces of the first roller 4, the second roller 5, and the third roller 6 that are perpendicular to the respective rotation axes and the roller surface of the suction roller 1 so as to be sealed substantially from both sides in the axial direction. 7 (7A, 7B), four rollers of the first roller 4, the second roller 5, the third roller 6, and the suction roller 1, and the air in the space surrounded by the pair of end plates 7 (7A, 7B) And a suction device 8 for sucking the air in the hollow portion of the suction roller 1.

  The membrane catalyst layer assembly manufacturing apparatus 100 of the present embodiment is an apparatus for manufacturing a membrane catalyst layer assembly that forms a catalyst layer 13 by applying a catalyst ink containing a catalyst and a dispersion medium on the electrolyte membrane 3. A sheet member supply machine 19 for supplying the belt-shaped electrolyte membrane 3, and a suction surface in which a hollow portion for sucking air is provided, and a plurality of suction holes communicating with the hollow portion are formed on the cylindrical roller surface 21, a suction roller 1 that rotates while adsorbing the electrolyte membrane 3 supplied from the sheet member supply machine 19 to the roller surface (suction surface 21), and an electrolyte membrane adsorbed to the roller surface (suction surface 21) A catalyst layer 13 is formed on the surface opposite to the surface facing the roller surface (suction surface 21) by applying the catalyst ink, and the catalyst ink applied on the electrolyte membrane 3, and the catalyst layer 13 is conveyed by the suction roller 1. Touched The sheet member collecting machine 20 for collecting the membrane catalyst layer assembly formed with the layer 13 and the electrolyte membrane 3 supplied from the sheet member supplying machine 19 are sandwiched between the roller surface (suction surface 21) of the suction roller 1. The first roller 4 that rotates in a slanted state and is guided to the suction roller 1 and the membrane-catalyst layer assembly formed with the catalyst layer 13 conveyed by the suction roller 1 are connected to the roller surface (suction surface 21) of the suction roller 1. Between the first roller 4 and the second roller 5 that is rotated between the first roller 4 and the electrolyte membrane 3 that is supplied from the sheet member feeder 19 and that is guided to the suction roller 1. And the membrane-catalyst layer assembly formed with the catalyst layer 13 conveyed by the suction roller 1 and guided to the sheet member recovery machine 20 is rotated between the second roller 5 and the second roller 5. The three rollers 6, the first roller 4, the second roller 5, the third roller 6, and the suction roller 1 are arranged so as to sandwich the first roller 4, the second roller 5, and the third roller 6 from both sides in the rotation axis direction. The portion surrounded by the four rollers of the first roller 4, the second roller 5, the third roller 6, and the suction roller 1 is the first roller 4, the second roller 5, the third roller 6, and the suction roller. A pair of the first roller 4, the second roller 5, and the third roller 6 that are in contact with the roller surfaces of the suction roller 1 and both end surfaces of the first roller 4, the second roller 5, and the third roller 6. The end plate 7 (7A, 7B), four rollers of the first roller 4, the second roller 5, the third roller 6, and the suction roller 1 and a pair of end plates 7 (7A, 7B) The air in the space and the empty space in the suction roller 1 And an aspirator 8 for sucking air.

  Further, in the present embodiment, in addition to the above configuration, the inner heating unit 9 or the outer heating that dries the catalyst ink applied on the electrolyte membrane 3 by heating on the inner peripheral side or the outer peripheral side of the roller surface of the suction roller 1. The unit 10 is provided.

  Moreover, in this Embodiment, the roller surface of the 1st roller 4 and the 2nd roller 5 is comprised with the elastic material.

The method for producing a membrane catalyst layer assembly according to the present embodiment is a method for producing a membrane catalyst layer assembly in which a catalyst ink containing a catalyst and a dispersion medium is applied on the electrolyte membrane 3 to form the catalyst layer 13. And a suction step 21 that sucks the electrolyte membrane 3 and uses the suction roller 1 that rotates while sucking the electrolyte membrane 3 to convey the electrolyte membrane 3, and is opposite to the suction surface 21 of the electrolyte membrane 3. Application process for applying catalyst ink to the surface on the side, a suction roller 1, a first roller 4 disposed on the opposite side of the suction roller 1 with the electrolyte membrane 3 interposed therebetween, and an electrolyte for the suction roller 1 A membrane roller layer assembly formed by applying catalyst ink to the membrane 3 and drying to form a catalyst layer 13 is sandwiched between the second roller 5 disposed on the opposite side, and the electrolyte membrane 3 is sandwiched with respect to the first roller 4. Located on the opposite side, and A third roller 6 disposed on the opposite side of the membrane-catalyst layer assembly in which the catalyst layer 13 is formed with respect to the second roller 5, and the first roller so as to cover from both sides in the rotational axis direction of the suction roller 1. 4, a pair of end plates 7 (7A, 7B) disposed in contact with the second roller 5 and the third roller 6, and a suction step for sucking the space surrounded by the two.

  In addition, the manufacturing method of the membrane catalyst layer assembly according to the present embodiment includes a suction surface in which a hollow portion through which air is sucked is provided, and a plurality of suction holes communicating with the hollow portion are formed on a cylindrical roller surface. 21, a suction roller 1 configured to be rotatable while adsorbing the belt-shaped electrolyte membrane 3 to the roller surface (suction surface 21), and a suction roller 1 having a rotation axis parallel to the rotation axis of the suction roller 1. The roller surface (suction surface 21) side of the electrolyte film 3 adsorbed on the roller surface (suction surface 21) and the first roller 4 that suspends the electrolyte film 3 supplied to the suction roller 1 and that is adjustable A coating portion 2 for applying a catalyst ink containing a catalyst and a dispersion medium on a surface opposite to the surface (surface facing the roller surface (suction surface 21) in the electrolyte membrane 3), and a rotation shaft of the suction roller 1; It has a parallel rotation axis and A second roller 5 provided so that the distance from the suction roller 1 is adjustable and a catalyst layer 13 is formed by a catalyst ink applied on the electrolyte membrane 3 and the membrane-catalyst layer assembly transported by the suction roller 1 is suspended. And a method for producing a membrane-catalyst layer assembly in which a catalyst layer 13 is formed on a strip-shaped electrolyte membrane 3, which has a rotation axis parallel to the rotation axis of the suction roller 1 and has a cylindrical outer peripheral surface However, it is possible to press the first roller 4 with the electrolyte membrane 3 supplied to the suction roller 1 interposed therebetween and press the second roller 5 with the membrane catalyst layer assembly recovered from the suction roller 1 interposed therebetween. The first roller 4, the second roller 5, and the third roller 6 from both sides in the rotation axis direction of the third roller 6, the first roller 4, the second roller 5, the third roller 6, and the suction roller 1. To sandwich The portion surrounded by the four rollers of the first roller 4, the second roller 5, the third roller 6, and the suction roller 1, the first roller 4, the second roller 5, the third roller 6, and the suction The first roller 4, the second roller 5, and the third roller 6 are in contact with both end surfaces of the first roller 4, the second roller 5, and the third roller 6 and the roller surface of the suction roller 1 so as to be substantially sealed from both sides in the rotation axis direction of the roller 1. A pair of end plates 7 (7A, 7B) are provided, and when the air in the hollow portion of the suction roller 1 is sucked, four of the first roller 4, the second roller 5, the third roller 6, and the suction roller 1 are provided. By sucking the air in the space surrounded by the roller and the pair of end plates 7 (7A, 7B), the distance between the suction roller 1 and the first roller 4, the distance between the suction roller 1 and the second roller 5, 1 roller 4 and 3rd roller The distance between the first roller 4, the second roller 5, the third roller 6, and the suction roller 1 and a pair are reduced. The space surrounded by the end plates 7 (7A, 7B) is made into a substantially reduced pressure sealed space.

According to the membrane catalyst layer assembly manufacturing apparatus 100 and the method of manufacturing a membrane catalyst layer assembly of the present embodiment described above, when the suction roller 1 sucks the electrolyte membrane 3 with the roller surface (suction surface 21), the first By sucking the air in the space surrounded by the four rollers of the roller 4, the second roller 5, the third roller 6, and the suction roller 1 and the pair of end plates 7 (7A, 7B), the first roller 4 Since the space surrounded by the four rollers, the second roller 5, the third roller 6, and the suction roller 1 and the pair of end plates 7 (7A, 7B) is a substantially reduced pressure sealed space, the suction of the suction roller 1 The suction force for sucking the electrolyte membrane 3 of the suction roller 1 can be improved by suppressing unnecessary suction from the area where the electrolyte membrane 3 is not sucked on the surface. Suction Since the portion sandwiched between the rollers 1 and the portion sandwiched between the second roller 5 and the suction roller 1 is sucked to the suction surface of the suction roller 1, the coating portion 2 does not swell without causing the electrolyte membrane 3 to swell. A catalyst catalyst is applied onto the electrolyte membrane 3 to produce a membrane catalyst assembly with small variations in the thickness of the electrolyte membrane 3 and the catalyst layer 13, and a membrane catalyst layer that prevents swelling and shrinkage of the membrane catalyst layer assembly. A joined body can be manufactured.
(Modification 1)
A membrane catalyst layer assembly manufacturing apparatus 101 according to a modified example (modification example 1) of the membrane catalyst layer assembly manufacturing apparatus according to Embodiment 1 is an aspirator of the membrane catalyst layer assembly manufacturing apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 1. 8 and a suction plate 8A for sucking air (in the hollow portion) in the suction roller 1 through pipes 16 passing through the centers of the circular end faces at both ends in the rotation axis direction of the suction roller 1, and an end plate 7 (7A , 7B) and surrounded by four rollers of the first roller 4, the second roller 5, the third roller 6, and the suction roller 1 and a pair of end plates 7 (7A, 7B) through a pipe 17 penetrating through the pipe 17. It differs from the membrane catalyst layer assembly manufacturing apparatus 100 of Embodiment 1 only in that the configuration is divided into the suction device 8B that sucks air in the space.

  In addition, in the membrane catalyst layer assembly manufacturing apparatus 101 of the present modification, the same components as those in the membrane catalyst layer assembly manufacturing apparatus 100 of Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted. .

  FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a membrane catalyst layer assembly manufacturing apparatus in a modified example (Modification Example 1) of the membrane catalyst layer assembly manufacturing apparatus according to Embodiment 1.

  As shown in FIG. 5, in the membrane catalyst layer assembly manufacturing apparatus 101 of the present modification, the inside of the suction roller 1 is connected via pipes 16 that pass through the centers of the circular end faces at both ends in the rotation axis direction of the suction roller 1. The first roller 4, the second roller 5, the third roller 6, and the suction roller 1 are connected via a suction device 8 </ b> A that sucks air (in the hollow portion) and a pipe 17 that penetrates the end plate 7 (7 </ b> A, 7 </ b> B). A suction device 8B that sucks air in a space surrounded by four rollers and a pair of end plates 7 (7A, 7B) is provided.

  By making the total suction performance (suction capability) of the suction device 8A and the suction device 8B larger than the suction performance (suction capability) of the suction device 8 of the membrane catalyst layer assembly manufacturing apparatus 100 of the first embodiment, suction is performed. The suction force of the suction surface 21 of the roller 1 becomes a larger suction force.

In such a configuration, in order to suck in air at two locations, two independent suction devices 8A and 8B are used without using one common suction device 8 as in the first embodiment, The total suction performance (suction capability) of the suction device 8A and the suction device 8B is made larger than the suction performance (suction capability) of the suction device 8 of the membrane catalyst layer assembly manufacturing apparatus 100 of the first embodiment. The suction force of the suction surface 21 of the suction roller 1 that sucks the electrolyte membrane 3 can be improved as compared with the first embodiment, and the electrolyte membrane 3 is moved from the portion sandwiched between the first roller 4 and the suction roller 1 to the second roller. The portion between the suction roller 1 and the suction roller 1 is sucked by the suction surface of the suction roller 1, so that the catalyst ink is applied onto the electrolyte membrane 3 by the coating portion 2 without swelling the electrolyte membrane 3, and the electrolyte Of the membrane 3 and the catalyst layer 13 It is possible to manufacture a small membrane catalyst assembly of look variations, it is possible to produce a membrane-catalyst layer assembly which prevented the swelling and shrinkage of the membrane catalyst layer assembly.
(Embodiment 2)
The membrane catalyst layer assembly manufacturing apparatus 102 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention is different from the configuration of the membrane catalyst layer assembly manufacturing apparatus 100 of Embodiment 1 in that the suction roller 1 is interposed via the porous sheet 23. The electrolyte membrane 3 is rotated while being sucked, and is transported in a state in which the electrolyte membrane 3 is laminated (stacked) on the porous sheet 23. The porous sheet 23 is unwound and the first roller 4 and the first roller 4 A porous sheet feeder 22 for feeding to the suction roller 1 between the electrolyte membrane 3 and the third roller 6 between the three rollers 6 and a membrane-catalyst layer assembly formed with the catalyst layer 13 are laminated on the surface. The porous sheet 23 conveyed by the suction roller 1 is wound up between the second roller 5 and the third roller 6 between the membrane-catalyst layer assembly formed with the catalyst layer 13 and the third roller 6. Collect And a porous sheet collecting device 26.

  In the membrane catalyst layer assembly manufacturing apparatus 102 of the present embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the same components as those of the membrane catalyst layer assembly manufacturing apparatus 100 of Embodiment 1, and the detailed description thereof is omitted. To do.

  FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a state where the membrane catalyst layer assembly is manufactured using the membrane catalyst layer assembly manufacturing apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 6, in the membrane / catalyst layer assembly manufacturing apparatus 102 according to the second embodiment, the suction roller 1 rotates while sucking the electrolyte membrane 3 through the porous sheet 23 to form the porous sheet 23. The electrolyte membrane 3 is configured to be transported in a stacked (stacked) state.

  As the porous sheet, for example, breathable paper, nonwoven fabric, film (for example, resinous film), metal mesh, and the like can be used.

  The porous sheet 23 is unwound from the porous sheet feeder 22, and first passes between the electrolyte membrane 3 unwound from the sheet member feeder 19 and the third roller 6, and then the electrolyte membrane 3. The electrolyte membrane 3 and the third roller wound around the sheet member collecting machine 20 are wound around the roller surface (suction surface 21) of the suction roller 1 in a clockwise direction for almost one turn. 6 is passed through and is wound up by the porous sheet collecting machine 26.

  In the present embodiment, by sandwiching the porous sheet 23 between the electrolyte membrane 3 and the suction surface 21 of the suction roller 1, it is possible to prevent the impression of the suction surface 21 of the suction roller 1 from appearing on the electrolyte membrane 3. .

  The porous sheet supply machine 22 shown in FIG. 6 rotates counterclockwise and feeds (unwinds) the porous sheet 23 from the lower side of the porous sheet supply machine 22. You may rotate around and send out the porous sheet 23 from the upper side of the porous sheet supply machine 22.

  Similarly, the porous sheet collecting machine 26 shown in FIG. 6 rotates counterclockwise to wind up the porous sheet 23 from the lower side of the porous sheet collecting machine 26. You may rotate around and wind up the porous sheet 23 from the upper side of the porous sheet collection | recovery machine 26. FIG.

The membrane / catalyst layer assembly manufacturing apparatus 102 according to the present embodiment is an apparatus for manufacturing a membrane / catalyst layer assembly in which a catalyst ink containing a catalyst and a dispersion medium is applied onto the electrolyte membrane 3 to form the catalyst layer 13. A suction roller having a suction surface 21 for sucking the electrolyte membrane 3 through the porous sheet 23, rotating while sucking the electrolyte membrane 3 through the porous sheet 23, and transporting the electrolyte membrane 3 together with the porous sheet 23 1, a first roller 4 disposed on the opposite side of the suction roller 1 with the porous sheet 23 and the electrolyte membrane 3 interposed therebetween, and an electrolyte that is sucked and conveyed by the suction roller 1 through the porous sheet 23 The film 3 is conveyed by the suction roller 1 to the coating roller 2 for applying the catalyst ink to the surface opposite to the suction surface 21 (the surface facing the porous sheet 23) and the suction roller 1. A second roller 5 disposed on the opposite side of the porous sheet 23 and the electrolyte membrane 3; a second roller 5 disposed on the opposite side of the first roller 4 with the porous sheet 23 and the electrolyte membrane 3 interposed therebetween; Between the third roller 6 disposed on the opposite side of the two rollers 5 with the porous sheet 23 and the electrolyte membrane 3 interposed therebetween, and between the suction roller 1, the first roller 4, the second roller 5, and the third roller 6. A pair of end plates 7 (7A, 7B) disposed in contact with the first roller 4, the second roller 5 and the third roller 6 so as to cover the space from both sides of the suction roller 1 in the rotation axis direction; And a suction device 8 for sucking air in (a hollow portion of) the roller 1 and air in the space between the suction roller 1, the first roller 4, the second roller 5, and the third roller 6.

  In the present embodiment, the electrolyte membrane 3 and the porous sheet 23 are sandwiched between the first roller 4 and the suction roller 1.

  In the present embodiment, at least one of the first roller 4, the second roller 5, and the third roller 6 used in the membrane catalyst layer assembly manufacturing apparatus 102 has a surface made of an elastic material. ing.

  Further, in the present embodiment, in addition to the above configuration, an inner heating unit 9 that heats the suction roller 1 is provided inside the suction roller 1, and an outer heating unit 10 that heats the suction roller 1 is provided outside the suction roller 1. I have.

  In this embodiment, in addition to the above configuration, a pressure gauge 11 as a pressure detector for detecting the pressure in the suction roller 1, the suction roller 1, the first roller 4, the second roller 5, and the third roller 6 is provided with a pressure gauge 12 as a pressure detector for detecting the pressure in the space between 6.

  The membrane / catalyst layer assembly manufacturing apparatus 102 of the present embodiment is an apparatus for manufacturing a membrane / catalyst layer assembly in which a catalyst ink containing a catalyst and a dispersion medium is applied to the electrolyte membrane 3 to form the catalyst layer 13. And a hollow portion through which air is sucked, a cylindrical roller surface having a suction surface 21 formed with a number of suction holes communicating with the hollow portion, and adsorbing the belt-shaped electrolyte membrane 3 to the roller surface A suction roller 1 configured to be rotatable, and an electrolyte membrane 3 having a rotation axis parallel to the rotation axis of the suction roller 1 and supplying the suction roller 1 with a cylindrical outer peripheral surface and a roller surface of the suction roller 1. A first roller 4 configured to be able to sandwich the coating film, a coating unit 2 that applies catalyst ink to a surface opposite to the surface of the electrolyte membrane 3 adsorbed on the roller surface, and a suction roller 1 A rotation axis parallel to the rotation axis The membrane-catalyst layer assembly formed by applying the catalyst ink to the electrolyte membrane 3 and drying it, which is recovered from the suction roller 1 between the cylindrical outer peripheral surface and the roller surface of the suction roller 1, can be sandwiched. A second roller 5 configured and arranged at a predetermined interval from the first roller 4, and an electrolyte membrane 3 having a rotation axis parallel to the rotation axis of the suction roller 1 and having a cylindrical outer peripheral surface supplied to the suction roller 1. The third roller is configured to be able to press the first roller 4 sandwiched therebetween and to press the second roller 5 sandwiched between the membrane catalyst layer assembly formed with the catalyst layer 13 recovered from the suction roller 1. The roller 6, the first roller 4, the second roller 5, the third roller 6, and the suction roller 1 are arranged so as to sandwich the first roller 4, the second roller 5, and the third roller 6 from both sides in the rotation axis direction. , 1st roller , The second roller 5, the third roller 6, and the suction roller 1 are surrounded by four rollers in the rotational axis direction of the first roller 4, the second roller 5, the third roller 6, and the suction roller 1. A pair of end plates 7 (7A) in contact with both end surfaces perpendicular to the respective rotation axes of the first roller 4, the second roller 5 and the third roller 6 and the roller surface of the suction roller 1 so as to be sealed substantially from both sides. , 7B), the air in the space surrounded by the four rollers of the first roller 4, the second roller 5, the third roller 6, and the suction roller 1 and the pair of end plates 7 (7A, 7B), and the suction roller And an aspirator 8 for sucking air in one hollow portion.

The membrane / catalyst layer assembly manufacturing apparatus 102 of the present embodiment is an apparatus for manufacturing a membrane / catalyst layer assembly in which a catalyst ink containing a catalyst and a dispersion medium is applied to the electrolyte membrane 3 to form the catalyst layer 13. The sheet member supplier 19 for supplying the belt-shaped electrolyte membrane 3, the porous sheet supplier 22 for supplying the belt-shaped porous sheet 23 having a width equal to or greater than the width of the electrolyte membrane 3, and air inside A hollow portion to be sucked is provided, and has a suction surface 21 in which a number of suction holes communicating with the hollow portion are formed on a cylindrical roller surface, and a porous sheet 23 supplied from a porous sheet feeder 22 is interposed therebetween. The suction roller 1 that rotates while adsorbing the electrolyte membrane 3 supplied from the sheet member feeder 19 to the roller surface (suction surface 21), and the porous sheet in the electrolyte membrane 3 adsorbed to the roller surface (suction surface 21) Opposite to 23 The coating portion 2 for applying the catalyst ink on the surface opposite to the surface, and the catalyst layer 13 formed by the catalyst ink applied on the electrolyte membrane 3 and the membrane catalyst layer assembly conveyed by the suction roller 1 are collected. Supplied from the sheet member collecting machine 20, the porous sheet collecting machine 26 collecting the porous sheet 23 conveyed by the suction roller 1, the electrolyte membrane 3 supplied from the sheet member supplying machine 19, and the porous sheet supplying machine 22 The porous sheet 23 is sandwiched between the roller surface (suction surface 21) of the suction roller 1 with the porous sheet 23 facing the roller surface (suction surface 21) of the suction roller 1 , And the membrane-catalyst layer assembly and the porous sheet 2 on which the catalyst layer 13 conveyed by the suction roller 1 is formed. Is rotated between the roller surface (suction surface 21) of the suction roller 1 and the porous sheet 23 on the roller surface (suction surface 21) side of the suction roller 1, and the catalyst layer is rotated. The membrane catalyst layer assembly having formed 13 is guided to the sheet member collecting machine 20 and the second roller is used to guide the porous sheet 23 to the porous sheet collecting machine 26, and the electrolyte is supplied from the sheet member supplying machine 19 to the suction roller 1. The membrane 3 and the porous sheet 23 supplied from the porous sheet feeder 22 and guided to the suction roller 1 are sandwiched between the first roller 4 and the electrolyte membrane 3 on the first roller 4 side. The membrane / catalyst layer assembly formed with the catalyst layer 13 that rotates and is conveyed by the suction roller 1 and guided to the sheet member collecting machine 20 and the porous sheet collecting machine 2 conveyed by the suction roller 1. A third sheet rotating in a state of being sandwiched between the porous sheet 23 led to 6 and the second roller 5 with the membrane-catalyst layer assembly formed with the catalyst layer 13 on the second roller 5 side. 6, the first roller 4, the second roller 5, the third roller 6, and the suction roller 1 are arranged so as to sandwich the first roller 4, the second roller 5, and the third roller 6 from both sides in the rotation axis direction, A portion surrounded by the four rollers of the first roller 4, the second roller 5, the third roller 6, and the suction roller 1 is the portion of the first roller 4, the second roller 5, the third roller 6, and the suction roller 1. A pair of ends in contact with both end surfaces perpendicular to the respective rotation shafts of the first roller 4, the second roller 5 and the third roller 6 and the roller surface of the suction roller 1 so as to be substantially sealed from both sides in the rotation shaft direction. Plate 7 (7A, 7B), first roller 4 and second roller And a suction device 8 for sucking the air in the space surrounded by the four rollers of the third roller 6 and the suction roller 1 and the pair of end plates 7 (7A, 7B) and the air in the hollow portion of the suction roller 1; .

  Further, in the present embodiment, in addition to the above configuration, the inner heating unit 9 or the outer heating that dries the catalyst ink applied on the electrolyte membrane 3 by heating on the inner peripheral side or the outer peripheral side of the roller surface of the suction roller 1. The unit 10 is provided.

  Moreover, in this Embodiment, the roller surface of the 1st roller 4 and the 2nd roller 5 is comprised with the elastic material.

The method for producing a membrane catalyst layer assembly according to the present embodiment is a method for producing a membrane catalyst layer assembly in which a catalyst ink containing a catalyst and a dispersion medium is applied on the electrolyte membrane 3 to form the catalyst layer 13. The suction membrane 21 having the suction surface 21 for sucking the electrolyte membrane 3 through the porous sheet 23 and rotating while sucking the electrolyte membrane 3 through the porous sheet 23 is used to make the electrolyte membrane 3 porous. A transporting process for transporting together with the porous sheet 23, a coating process for applying the catalyst ink to the surface of the electrolyte membrane 3 opposite to the suction surface 21 (a surface facing the porous sheet 23), a suction roller 1, and a suction roller 1 The first roller 4 disposed on the opposite side of the porous sheet 23 and the electrolyte membrane 3 with respect to the suction roller 1 and the porous sheet 23 conveyed by the suction roller 1 and A second roller 5 disposed on the opposite side of the membrane-catalyst layer assembly formed with the medium layer 13, and disposed on the opposite side of the first roller 4 with the porous sheet 23 and the electrolyte membrane 3 interposed therebetween, And from the both sides of the 3rd roller 6 arrange | positioned on the opposite side on both sides of the membrane catalyst layer assembly which formed the porous sheet 23 and the catalyst layer 13 with respect to the 2nd roller 5, and the rotation axis direction of the suction roller 1 A space surrounded by a pair of end plates 7 (7A, 7B) disposed in contact with the three rollers of the first roller 4, the second roller 5, and the third roller 6 so as to cover is sucked A suction step.

  In addition, the manufacturing method of the membrane catalyst layer assembly according to the present embodiment includes a suction surface in which a hollow portion through which air is sucked is provided, and a plurality of suction holes communicating with the hollow portion are formed on a cylindrical roller surface. 21, a suction roller 1 configured to be rotatable while adsorbing the belt-like electrolyte membrane 3 to the roller surface via a belt-like porous sheet 23, and a rotation axis parallel to the rotation axis of the suction roller 1. A first roller 4 that suspends the electrolyte membrane 3 supplied to the suction roller 1 and the porous sheet 23, and a roller surface (suction surface) through the porous sheet 23. 21) a coating portion for applying a catalyst ink containing a catalyst and a dispersion medium on a surface opposite to the surface facing the porous sheet 23 in the electrolyte membrane 3 adsorbed by 21), and a rotation axis of the suction roller 1 Has rotation axis Membrane / catalyst layer assembly and porous sheet in which the catalyst layer 13 is formed by the catalyst ink coated on the electrolyte membrane 3 and the distance between the suction roller 1 and the catalyst layer 13 is conveyed. 23 is a method of manufacturing a membrane-catalyst layer assembly in which the catalyst layer 13 is formed on the strip-shaped electrolyte membrane 3 using the second roller 5 suspended from the belt 23, and is parallel to the rotation axis of the suction roller 1. The catalyst layer has a rotating shaft and a cylindrical outer peripheral surface that presses the first roller 4 with the electrolyte membrane 3 and the porous sheet 23 supplied to the suction roller 1 interposed therebetween and collects the suction roller 1 from the suction roller 1. 13, a third roller 6 configured to be able to press the second roller 5 with the membrane-catalyst layer assembly and the porous sheet 23 sandwiched therebetween, Third The first roller 4, the second roller 5, and the third roller 6 are arranged so as to sandwich the first roller 4, the second roller 5, and the third roller 6 from both sides of the roller 6 and the suction roller 1 in the rotation axis direction. The first roller 4, the second roller 5, the third roller 6, and the suction roller 1 are substantially sealed from both sides in the direction of the rotation axis. A pair of end plates 7 (7A, 7B) that come into contact with both end surfaces of the roller 4, the second roller 5, and the third roller 6 perpendicular to the respective rotation axes and the roller surface of the suction roller 1 are provided. When the air in one hollow portion is sucked, it is surrounded by four rollers of the first roller 4, the second roller 5, the third roller 6, and the suction roller 1 and a pair of end plates 7 (7A, 7B). By sucking air in the space, The distance between the suction roller 1 and the first roller 4, the distance between the suction roller 1 and the second roller 5, the distance between the first roller 4 and the third roller 6, and the distance between the second roller 5 and the third roller 6. The space surrounded by the four rollers of the first roller 4, the second roller 5, the third roller 6, and the suction roller 1 and the pair of end plates 7 (7A, 7B) is made to be substantially reduced in pressure. Make space.

According to the membrane catalyst layer assembly manufacturing apparatus 100 and the method of manufacturing a membrane catalyst layer assembly of the present embodiment described above, the suction roller 1 is on the roller surface (suction surface 21) and the electrolyte membrane 3 via the porous sheet 23. When sucking the air, the air in the space surrounded by the four rollers of the first roller 4, the second roller 5, the third roller 6, and the suction roller 1 and the pair of end plates 7 (7A, 7B) is sucked. As a result, the space surrounded by the four rollers of the first roller 4, the second roller 5, the third roller 6, and the suction roller 1 and the pair of end plates 7 (7A, 7B) is made a substantially reduced pressure sealed space. Therefore, unnecessary suction from the region where the electrolyte membrane 3 is not sucked on the suction surface 21 of the suction roller 1 can be suppressed, and the suction force for sucking the electrolyte membrane 3 of the suction roller 1 can be improved. 3 is Since the portion sandwiched between the first roller 4 and the suction roller 1 to the portion sandwiched between the second roller 5 and the suction roller 1 is sucked to the suction surface of the suction roller 1 through the porous sheet 23, the electrolyte There is no indentation of the suction surface 21 of the suction roller 1 on the surface of the film 3, and the catalyst ink is applied onto the electrolyte film 3 by the coating unit 2 without causing the electrolyte film 3 to swell. Thus, it is possible to manufacture a membrane catalyst assembly having a small thickness variation, and it is possible to manufacture a membrane catalyst layer assembly in which swelling and shrinkage of the membrane catalyst layer assembly are prevented.
(Modification 2)
The membrane catalyst layer assembly manufacturing apparatus 103 according to the modification (Modification 2) of the membrane catalyst layer assembly production apparatus according to Embodiment 2 is different from the membrane catalyst layer assembly production apparatus 102 of Embodiment 2. The membrane / catalyst layer assembly is peeled off (separated) from the porous sheet 23 by being adhered to the membrane / catalyst layer assembly formed on the surface of the porous sheet 23 and conveyed by the suction roller 1 and having the catalyst layer 13 formed thereon. A support member supply unit 34 that unwinds and supplies the support member 38 and a support member 38 supplied from the support member supply unit 34 are suspended, and a second upstream side of the second roller 30 in the conveying direction of the suction roller 1 is suspended. A supporting member 38 is adhered to the membrane / catalyst layer assembly near the roller 30, and a fourth roller 32 is provided to peel (separate) the membrane / catalyst layer assembly from the porous sheet 23, and is laminated on the surface of the porous sheet 23. Being The membrane-catalyst layer assembly formed with the catalyst layer 13 conveyed by the motion roller 1 is wound around the sheet member collecting machine 37 together with the support member 38 without passing between the second roller 30 and the third roller 31. It is intended to be collected.

  The fourth roller 32 is a membrane-catalyst layer assembly in which a catalyst layer 13 obtained by applying and drying catalyst ink on the porous sheet 23 and the electrolyte membrane 3 with respect to the suction roller 1, and a membrane catalyst layer. A fourth roller 32 is further provided on the opposite side of the support member 38 disposed on the surface of the joined body.

  In addition, in the membrane catalyst layer assembly manufacturing apparatus 103 of the present modification, the same components as those in the membrane catalyst layer assembly manufacturing apparatus 102 of Embodiment 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted. .

  FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a state where a membrane catalyst layer assembly is manufactured using a modified example (modified example 2) of the membrane catalyst layer assembly manufacturing apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. It is.

  As shown in FIG. 7, in the membrane catalyst layer assembly manufacturing apparatus 103 of this modification, the support member 38 disposed on the surface of the catalyst layer 13 (membrane catalyst layer assembly) applied on the electrolyte membrane 3 is sandwiched. And the fourth roller 32 disposed on the opposite side, and a support member supply machine 34 for supplying the support member 38.

  As the support member 38, for example, a resinous film with glue can be used. By adhering the support member 38 to the membrane catalyst layer assembly in which the catalyst layer 13 is formed, the membrane catalyst layer assembly in which the catalyst layer 13 is formed is peeled off (separated) from the porous sheet 23, and the catalyst layer 13. The membrane-catalyst layer assembly formed with can be easily conveyed (guided and recovered) to the sheet member recovery machine 37. The distance between the suction roller 1 and the fourth roller 32 can be adjusted.

  The support member supply machine 34 shown in FIG. 7 rotates counterclockwise and feeds (unwinds) the support member 38 from the upper side of the support member supply machine 34, but conversely rotates clockwise. The support member 38 may be sent out from the lower side of the support member feeder 34.

  Similarly, the sheet member collecting machine 37 shown in FIG. 7 rotates counterclockwise to wind up the membrane / catalyst layer assembly formed with the support member 38 and the catalyst layer 13 from the lower side of the sheet member collecting machine 37. However, conversely, the membrane / catalyst layer assembly in which the support member 38 and the catalyst layer 13 are formed may be wound around the sheet member collecting machine 37 by rotating clockwise.

A membrane / catalyst layer assembly manufacturing apparatus 103 according to the present modification is an apparatus for manufacturing a membrane / catalyst layer assembly that forms a catalyst layer 13 by applying a catalyst ink containing a catalyst and a dispersion medium onto an electrolyte membrane 3. The sheet member supplier 19 for supplying the electrolyte membrane 3, the porous sheet supplier 22 for supplying the belt-like porous sheet 23 having a width equal to or greater than the width of the electrolyte membrane 3, and air is sucked into the interior. A hollow member is provided, and a sheet member is provided via a porous sheet 23 supplied from a porous sheet feeder 22 having a suction surface 21 in which a number of suction holes communicating with the hollow portion are formed on a cylindrical roller surface. The suction roller 1 that rotates while adsorbing the electrolyte membrane 3 supplied from the supply device 19 to the roller surface (suction surface 21) and the porous sheet 23 in the electrolyte membrane 3 adsorbed to the roller surface (suction surface 21) are opposed to each other. Surface (low The coating portion 2 for applying the catalyst ink on the surface opposite to the surface side), and the membrane catalyst layer bonding formed by the catalyst ink 13 coated on the electrolyte membrane 3 and transported by the suction roller 1 A support member supplier 34 that supplies a belt-like support member 38 that can be adhered to the body, and a film in which the catalyst layer 13 is formed by the catalyst ink applied on the electrolyte film 3 and is transported by the suction roller 1. A sheet member collecting machine 37 for collecting the catalyst layer assembly together with the support member 38, a porous sheet collecting machine 26 for collecting the porous sheet 23 conveyed by the suction roller 1, and an electrolyte supplied from the sheet member supplying machine 19. Between the membrane 3 and the porous sheet 23 supplied from the porous sheet feeder 22 between the roller surface (suction surface 21) of the suction roller 1, The first roller 29 that is guided to the suction roller 1 and rotated by the suction roller 1 on the roller surface (suction surface 21) side of the suction roller 1 and the porous sheet 23 conveyed by the suction roller 1 Is rotated between the roller surface (suction surface 21) of the suction roller 1 and the second roller 30 that is guided to the porous sheet collecting machine 26 and the suction roller 1 that is supplied from the sheet member supply machine 19 And the porous sheet 23 supplied from the porous sheet feeder 22 and guided to the suction roller 1 are sandwiched between the first roller 29 with the electrolyte film 3 facing the first roller 29. And the porous sheet 23 conveyed by the suction roller 1 and guided to the porous sheet collecting machine 26 is rotated between the second roller 30 and the porous sheet 23. Membrane / catalyst layer assembly, porous sheet 23, and supporting member feeder, formed with catalyst layer 13 obtained by applying and drying catalyst ink on electrolyte membrane 3 conveyed by third roller 31 and suction roller 1 Between the support member 38 supplied from 34 and the roller surface (suction surface 21) of the suction roller 1, the intermediate is a membrane catalyst layer assembly, and the porous sheet 23 is the roller surface (suction surface 21) of the suction roller 1. ) Side and rotating in a state of being sandwiched, the support member 38 is adhered to the membrane catalyst layer assembly, the membrane catalyst layer assembly is separated from the porous sheet 23, and the membrane catalyst layer assembly is The fourth roller 32 guided to the sheet member collecting machine 37 in a state of being bonded to the support member 38, the first roller 29, the second roller 30, the third roller 31, and the first roller from both sides in the rotation axis direction of the suction roller 1 29 and number The first roller 29 is disposed so that the four rollers of the first roller 29, the second roller 30, the third roller 31, and the suction roller 1 are disposed so as to sandwich the roller 30 and the third roller 31. Both ends perpendicular to the respective rotation axes of the first roller 29, the second roller 30, and the third roller 31 so as to be sealed substantially from both sides in the rotation axis direction of the second roller 30, the third roller 31, and the suction roller 1. A pair of end plates 7 (7A, 7B) that contact the surface and the roller surface of the suction roller 1, a pair of four rollers, a first roller 29, a second roller 30, a third roller 31, and a suction roller 1. A suction device 8 that sucks air in a space surrounded by the end plates 7 (7A, 7B) and air in the hollow portion of the suction roller 1.

  In such a configuration, as compared with the membrane / catalyst layer assembly manufacturing apparatus 102 of the second embodiment, between the second roller 30 and the fourth roller 32 where the electrolyte membrane 3 on the suction surface 21 of the suction roller 1 is not sucked. The air outside the suction roller 1 is sucked from the region through the porous sheet 23, but the distance between the suction roller 1 and the fourth roller 32 can be adjusted, so that the film on which the catalyst layer 13 is formed The adhesive strength between the catalyst layer assembly and the support member 38 was controlled (adjusted), and the membrane catalyst layer assembly on which the catalyst layer 13 was formed was peeled off (separated) from the porous sheet 23 to form the catalyst layer 13. The membrane / catalyst layer assembly can be easily conveyed (guided and collected) to the sheet member collecting machine 37.

Note that suction of the air outside the suction roller 1 through the porous sheet 23 from the region between the second roller 30 and the fourth roller 32 where the electrolyte membrane 3 is not sucked on the suction surface 21 of the suction roller 1. For example, the membrane catalyst layer assembly bonded to the support member 38 is rotated between the fourth roller 32 and the support member 38 facing the fourth roller 32. In addition, an auxiliary roller that rotates in contact with the second roller 30 is provided, and the pair of end plates 7 (7A, 7B) are supplemented with the first roller 29, the second roller 30, the third roller 31, and the fourth roller 32. The first roller 29, the second roller 30, the third roller 31, the fourth roller 32, and the auxiliary roller are disposed so as to sandwich the first roller 29, the second roller 30, the third roller 31, and the auxiliary roller from both sides in the rotation axis direction of the roller and the suction roller 1. 30 A portion surrounded by the four rollers of the third roller 31 and the suction roller 1 and a portion surrounded by the four rollers of the second roller 30, the fourth roller 32, the auxiliary roller, and the suction roller 1. The first roller 29, the second roller 30, the third roller 31, the fourth roller 32, the auxiliary roller, and the suction roller 1 are sealed substantially from both sides in the rotation axis direction. The suction device 8 is changed so as to come into contact with both end surfaces of the third roller 31, the fourth roller 32, and the auxiliary roller that are perpendicular to the rotation axis and the roller surface of the suction roller 1. The air in the space surrounded by the four rollers of the roller 30, the third roller 31, and the suction roller 1 and the modified version of the pair of end plates 7 (7A, 7B), the second roller 30 and the fourth roller 32 Correction is made so that the air in the space surrounded by the four rollers of the auxiliary roller and the suction roller 1 and the modified version of the pair of end plates 7 (7A, 7B) and the air in the hollow portion of the suction roller 1 are sucked. It is possible to do.
(Modification 3)
The membrane catalyst layer assembly manufacturing apparatus 104 according to another modification (Modification 3) of the membrane catalyst layer assembly manufacturing apparatus according to Embodiment 2 is the same as the membrane catalyst layer assembly according to Modification 3. In the production apparatus 104, in the configuration of the membrane catalyst layer assembly production apparatus 103 according to the second modification, the strip-shaped electrolyte membrane 3 unwound and supplied from the sheet member supply machine 19 is not suspended on the first roller 29 (first (Not passing between the roller 29 and the third roller 31) and suspended by a newly provided fifth roller 33 near the first roller 29 on the downstream side of the first roller 29 in the conveying direction of the suction roller 1 These are laminated on the surface of the porous sheet 23 conveyed by the suction roller 1.

  The fifth roller 33 is disposed on the opposite side of the suction roller 1 with the porous sheet 23 and the electrolyte membrane 3 interposed therebetween.

  In addition, in the membrane catalyst layer assembly manufacturing apparatus 104 of this modification, the same reference numerals are given to the same components as those of the membrane catalyst layer assembly manufacturing apparatus 103 of Modification 2, and the detailed description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 8 is a schematic view of a state where a membrane catalyst layer assembly is manufactured using another modified example (modified example 3) of the apparatus for manufacturing a membrane catalyst layer assembly according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 8, in the membrane / catalyst layer assembly manufacturing apparatus 104 of this modification, the electrolyte membrane 3 is different from the porous sheet 23 in the conveyance path until it is sucked by the suction roller 1, and the porous sheet 23 is suctioned. The operability when the electrolyte membrane 3 is supplied to the suction roller 1 in the state of being sucked by the roller 1 is improved.

For example, the electrolyte membrane 3 can be replaced while the porous sheet 23 is sucked by the suction roller 1. The distance between the suction roller 1 and the fifth roller 33 can be adjusted. Here, the first roller 29 and the second roller 30, the third roller 31, the fourth roller 32, and the fifth roller 33 may be configured to rotate in accordance with the conveyance of the sheet member, and can be rotated or The sheet member may be fixed so that the sheet member slides on the roller.

  A membrane / catalyst layer assembly manufacturing apparatus 103 according to the present modification is an apparatus for manufacturing a membrane / catalyst layer assembly that forms a catalyst layer 13 by applying a catalyst ink containing a catalyst and a dispersion medium onto an electrolyte membrane 3. The sheet member supplier 19 for supplying the electrolyte membrane 3, the porous sheet supplier 22 for supplying the belt-like porous sheet 23 having a width equal to or greater than the width of the electrolyte membrane 3, and air is sucked into the interior. A hollow member is provided, and a sheet member is provided via a porous sheet 23 supplied from a porous sheet feeder 22 having a suction surface 21 in which a number of suction holes communicating with the hollow portion are formed on a cylindrical roller surface. The suction roller 1 that rotates while adsorbing the electrolyte membrane 3 supplied from the supply device 19 to the roller surface (suction surface 21) and the porous sheet 23 in the electrolyte membrane 3 adsorbed to the roller surface (suction surface 21) are opposed to each other. Surface (low The catalyst layer 13 is formed by a coating portion 2 for applying a catalyst ink on a surface opposite to the surface) and a catalyst layer 13 formed by the catalyst ink applied on the electrolyte membrane 3 and conveyed by the suction roller 1. The catalyst layer 13 was formed by the support member feeder 34 for supplying the band-shaped support member 38 that can be bonded to the membrane-catalyst layer assembly formed with the catalyst and the catalyst ink applied on the electrolyte membrane 3, and conveyed by the suction roller 1. Supplied from a sheet member collecting machine 37 that collects the membrane catalyst layer assembly together with the support member 38, a porous sheet collecting machine 26 that collects the porous sheet 23 conveyed by the suction roller 1, and a porous sheet supply machine 22. The first roller that rotates the porous sheet 23 while being sandwiched between the suction roller 21 and the suction roller 21 (suction surface 21) and guides it to the suction roller 1 9 and the second roller which rotates the porous sheet 23 conveyed by the suction roller 1 between the roller surface (suction surface 21) of the suction roller 1 and guides it to the porous sheet collecting machine 26 30 and the porous sheet 23 supplied from the porous sheet feeder 22 and guided to the suction roller 1 are rotated between the first roller 29 and the porous sheet is conveyed by the suction roller 1 and recovered. A porous sheet 23 guided to the machine 26 and a third roller 31 rotating between the second roller 30 and the membrane / catalyst layer assembly and porous sheet 23 conveyed by the suction roller 1 and a supporting member. Between the support member 38 supplied from the supply unit 34 and the roller surface (suction surface 21) of the suction roller 1, the intermediate is a membrane catalyst layer assembly, and the porous sheet 23 is crushed. On the roller surface (suction surface 21) side of the rotation roller 1, the support member 38 is adhered to the membrane catalyst layer assembly by rotating in an overlapped state, and the membrane catalyst layer assembly is removed from the porous sheet 23. The fourth roller 32 guided to the sheet member collecting machine 37 in a state where the membrane catalyst layer assembly is bonded to the support member 38 and the electrolyte membrane 3 supplied from the sheet member supply machine 19 are conveyed by the suction roller 1. The first roller 29, the second roller 30, and the first roller 29, the second roller 30, the third roller 31, the suction roller 1 and the first roller 29, the second roller 30, and the second roller 30 are stacked on the porous sheet 23. The portion surrounded by the first roller 29, the second roller 30, the third roller 31, and the suction roller 1 is arranged so as to sandwich the three rollers 31, and the first roller 29, the second roller 30, and the third roller 31 Both end surfaces perpendicular to the respective rotation axes of the first roller 29, the second roller 30, and the third roller 31 and the rollers of the suction roller 1 so as to be sealed substantially from both sides in the rotation axis direction of the roller 31 and the suction roller 1. Surrounded by a pair of end plates 7 (7A, 7B) in contact with the surface, a first roller 29, a second roller 30, a third roller 31, a suction roller 1, and a pair of end plates 7 (7A, 7B) And an aspirator 8 for sucking the air in the space and the air in the hollow portion of the suction roller 1.

  In such a configuration, as compared with the membrane catalyst layer assembly manufacturing apparatus 102 of the second embodiment, between the first roller 29 and the fifth roller 33 where the electrolyte membrane 3 on the suction surface 21 of the suction roller 1 is not sucked. The air outside the suction roller 1 is sucked through the porous sheet 23 from the region between the second roller 30 and the fourth roller 32, and the suction roller 1 sucks in the suction state. A simple operation such as replacement of the electrolyte membrane 3 supplied to the roller 1 can be performed.

  In addition, from the area | region between the 1st roller 29 and the 5th roller 33 in which the electrolyte membrane 3 is not attracted | sucked in the suction surface 21 of the suction roller 1, and the area | region between the 2nd roller 30 and the 4th roller 32 As a method for suppressing the suction of air outside the suction roller 1 through the porous sheet 23, for example, the membrane catalyst layer assembly bonded to the support member 38 is interposed between the fourth roller 32 and the support member. The first auxiliary roller that rotates in a state where it is sandwiched with the 38 facing the fourth roller 32 and rotates in contact with the second roller 30, and the electrolyte membrane 3 supplied from the sheet member feeder 19 is the fifth roller. And a second auxiliary roller that rotates in contact with the first roller 29, and the pair of end plates 7 (7 A and 7 B) are connected to the first roller 29 and the first roller 29. Two rollers 30 and a third roller 31 The first roller 29, the second roller 30, the third roller 31, the fourth roller 32, and the second roller 32, the fifth roller 33, the first auxiliary roller, the second auxiliary roller, and the suction roller 1 from both sides in the rotation axis direction. A portion disposed between the five rollers 33, the first auxiliary roller, and the second auxiliary roller, and surrounded by the four rollers of the first roller 29, the second roller 30, the third roller 31, and the suction roller 1. A portion surrounded by four rollers of the second roller 30, the fourth roller 32, the first auxiliary roller and the suction roller 1, the first roller 29, the fifth roller 33, the second auxiliary roller and the suction roller. 1 and the portion surrounded by the four rollers, the first roller 29, the second roller 30, the third roller 31, the fourth roller 32, the fifth roller 33, the first auxiliary roller, and the second auxiliary row. The first roller 29, the second roller 30, the third roller 31, the fourth roller 32, the fifth roller, the first auxiliary roller, and the second auxiliary roller so as to be sealed substantially from both sides in the rotation axis direction of the suction roller 1. The suction device 8 is changed so as to come into contact with both end surfaces perpendicular to the respective rotation shafts and the roller surface of the suction roller 1, and the suction device 8 includes a first roller 29, a second roller 30, a third roller 31, The four rollers, the air in the space surrounded by the modified version of the pair of end plates 7 (7A, 7B), the second roller 30, the fourth roller 32, the first auxiliary roller, and the suction roller 1 Air in a space surrounded by a modified version of the roller and the pair of end plates 7 (7A, 7B), four rollers of the first roller 29, the fifth roller 33, the second auxiliary roller, and the suction roller 1, A pair of end plates 7 (7A, It can be considered that the air in the space surrounded by the modified version 7B) and the air in the hollow part of the suction roller 1 are sucked.

  INDUSTRIAL APPLICATION This invention is useful for the manufacturing apparatus and manufacturing method of a membrane electrode assembly by apply | coating the ink containing the said solvent to the electrolyte membrane swollen with solvents, such as water and ethanol.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Suction roller 2 Coating part 3 Electrolyte membrane 4 1st roller 5 2nd roller 6 3rd roller 7, 7A, 7B End plate 8, 8A, 8B Suction device 9 Inner heating part 10 Outer heating part 11 Pressure gauge 12 Pressure gauge DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 13 Catalyst layer 19 Sheet member supply machine 20 Sheet member collection | recovery machine 21 Suction surface 22 Porous sheet supply machine 23 Porous sheet 26 Porous sheet collection | recovery machine 29 1st roller 30 2nd roller 31 3rd roller 32 4th roller 33 1st 5-roller 34 Support member supply machine 37 Sheet member recovery machine 38 Support member 100 Membrane catalyst layer assembly production apparatus 101 Membrane catalyst layer assembly production apparatus 102 Membrane catalyst layer assembly production apparatus 103 Membrane catalyst layer assembly production apparatus 104 Membrane catalyst Layer assembly manufacturing equipment

Claims (21)

An apparatus for manufacturing a membrane / catalyst layer assembly in which a catalyst ink containing a catalyst and a dispersion medium is applied onto an electrolyte membrane to form a catalyst layer,
A suction surface for sucking the sheet member including the electrolyte membrane, rotating while sucking the sheet member, and conveying the sheet member;
A first roller disposed on the opposite side of the sheet roller with respect to the suction roller;
A coating portion that applies the catalyst ink to a surface opposite to the suction surface of the sheet member that is sucked and conveyed by the suction roller;
A second roller disposed on the opposite side of the suction roller with the sheet member coated with the catalyst ink interposed therebetween;
A third roller disposed on the opposite side of the first roller with respect to the sheet member, and disposed on the opposite side of the second roller with respect to the sheet member;
The first roller, the second roller, and the third roller so as to cover the space between the suction roller, the first roller, the second roller, and the third roller from both sides in the rotation axis direction of the suction roller. A pair of end plates arranged in contact with the rollers;
A suction device for sucking the suction roller and the space;
An apparatus for producing a membrane catalyst layer assembly comprising:   2. The apparatus for manufacturing a membrane / catalyst layer assembly according to claim 1, wherein the suction roller is configured to rotate while sucking the sheet member through a porous sheet and convey the sheet member. An apparatus for manufacturing a membrane / catalyst layer assembly in which a catalyst ink containing a catalyst and a dispersion medium is applied onto an electrolyte membrane to form a catalyst layer,
A suction roller that sucks the sheet member including the electrolyte membrane through a porous sheet, rotates while sucking the sheet member, and conveys the sheet member;
A first roller disposed on an opposite side of the porous sheet with respect to the suction roller;
A coating unit that applies the catalyst ink to a surface opposite to the suction surface of the sheet member that is sucked and conveyed by the suction roller through the porous sheet;
A second roller disposed on the opposite side of the porous sheet conveyed by the suction roller with respect to the suction roller;
A third roller disposed on the opposite side of the porous sheet with respect to the first roller, and disposed on the opposite side of the porous sheet with respect to the second roller;
The first roller, the second roller, and the third roller so as to cover the space between the suction roller, the first roller, the second roller, and the third roller from both sides in the rotation axis direction of the suction roller. A pair of end plates arranged in contact with the rollers;
A suction device for sucking the suction roller and the space;
An apparatus for producing a membrane catalyst layer assembly comprising:   Arranged on the opposite side of the suction roller across the porous sheet, the sheet member coated with the catalyst ink, and a support member disposed on the surface of the sheet member coated with the catalyst ink The apparatus for manufacturing a membrane catalyst layer assembly according to claim 3, further comprising a fourth roller.   The apparatus for producing a membrane / catalyst layer assembly according to claim 4, wherein the sheet member and the porous sheet are disposed between the first roller and the suction roller.   The membrane catalyst layer bonding according to claim 4, further comprising a fifth roller disposed on the opposite side of the suction roller with the porous sheet and the sheet member conveyed from the first roller side. Body manufacturing equipment.   The membrane catalyst according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein at least one of the first roller, the second roller, and the third roller is made of a material having an elastic surface. Layer assembly manufacturing equipment. The apparatus for manufacturing a membrane catalyst layer assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a heating unit that heats the suction roller, inside the suction roller.   The apparatus for manufacturing a membrane catalyst layer assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a heating unit that heats the suction roller outside the suction roller. The apparatus for manufacturing a membrane catalyst layer assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising a pressure detector that detects a pressure in the suction roller, the suction surface, or the space. An apparatus for manufacturing a membrane / catalyst layer assembly in which a catalyst ink containing a catalyst and a dispersion medium is applied onto an electrolyte membrane to form a catalyst layer,
A suction roller having a hollow portion for sucking air therein, a plurality of suction holes communicating with the hollow portion on a cylindrical roller surface, and configured to be rotatable while adsorbing a sheet member to the roller surface When,
A first roller having a rotational axis parallel to the rotational axis of the suction roller and configured to sandwich the sheet member supplied to the suction roller between a cylindrical outer peripheral surface and the roller surface of the suction roller;
A coating portion that applies the catalyst ink to a surface opposite to the surface facing the roller surface in the sheet member adsorbed to the roller surface;
The sheet member that has a rotation axis parallel to the rotation axis of the suction roller and that has a cylindrical outer peripheral surface and the roller surface of the suction roller can be held between the first roller and the first roller. A second roller spaced apart;
The sheet having a rotation axis parallel to the rotation axis of the suction roller and having a cylindrical outer peripheral surface sandwiching the sheet member supplied to the suction roller and pressing the first roller and recovering from the suction roller A third roller configured to be able to press the second roller with a member interposed therebetween;
The first roller, the second roller, the third roller, and the suction roller are disposed so as to sandwich the first roller, the second roller, and the third roller from both sides in the rotation axis direction, and the first roller The portion surrounded by the roller, the second roller, the third roller, and the suction roller is substantially sealed from both sides in the rotational axis direction of the first roller, the second roller, the third roller, and the suction roller. A pair of end plates in contact with both end surfaces perpendicular to the respective rotation axes of the first roller, the second roller, and the third roller, and the roller surface of the suction roller;
A suction device for sucking air in a space surrounded by the first roller, the second roller, the third roller, the suction roller, and the pair of end plates, and air in the hollow portion of the suction roller;
An apparatus for producing a membrane catalyst layer assembly comprising: An apparatus for manufacturing a membrane / catalyst layer assembly in which a catalyst ink containing a catalyst and a dispersion medium is applied onto an electrolyte membrane to form a catalyst layer,
A sheet member feeder for supplying the belt-shaped electrolyte membrane;
A hollow portion is provided inside for air to be sucked, a plurality of suction holes communicating with the hollow portion are formed on the cylindrical roller surface, and the electrolyte membrane supplied from the sheet member feeder is adsorbed to the roller surface. A suction roller that rotates while
A coating portion for applying the catalyst ink to a surface opposite to the surface facing the roller surface in the electrolyte membrane adsorbed on the roller surface;
A sheet member collecting machine that collects the membrane-catalyst layer assembly that is formed by the catalyst ink coated on the electrolyte membrane and transported by the suction roller;
A first roller for rotating the electrolyte membrane supplied from the sheet member supply machine between the roller surface of the suction roller and guiding it to the suction roller;
A second roller for rotating the membrane-catalyst layer assembly conveyed by the suction roller between the roller surfaces of the suction roller and guiding it to the sheet member collecting machine;
The membrane catalyst that rotates from a state where the electrolyte membrane supplied from the sheet member feeder and guided to the suction roller is sandwiched between the first roller and that is transported by the suction roller and guided to the sheet member recovery device A third roller that rotates while sandwiching the layered assembly between the second roller,
The first roller, the second roller, the third roller, and the suction roller are disposed so as to sandwich the first roller, the second roller, and the third roller from both sides in the rotation axis direction, and the first roller The portion surrounded by the roller, the second roller, the third roller, and the suction roller is substantially sealed from both sides in the rotational axis direction of the first roller, the second roller, the third roller, and the suction roller. A pair of end plates in contact with both end surfaces perpendicular to the respective rotation axes of the first roller, the second roller, and the third roller, and the roller surface of the suction roller;
A suction device for sucking air in a space surrounded by the first roller, the second roller, the third roller, the suction roller, and the pair of end plates, and air in the hollow portion of the suction roller;
An apparatus for producing a membrane catalyst layer assembly comprising: An apparatus for manufacturing a membrane / catalyst layer assembly in which a catalyst ink containing a catalyst and a dispersion medium is applied onto an electrolyte membrane to form a catalyst layer,
A sheet member feeder for supplying the belt-shaped electrolyte membrane;
A porous sheet feeder for supplying a strip-shaped porous sheet having a width equal to or greater than the width of the electrolyte membrane;
A hollow portion is provided in which air is sucked, and a plurality of suction holes communicating with the hollow portion are formed on a cylindrical roller surface, and the porous sheet supplied from the porous sheet feeder is used to pass through the porous sheet. A suction roller that rotates while adsorbing the electrolyte membrane supplied from the sheet member feeder to the roller surface;
A coating portion for applying the catalyst ink on a surface opposite to the surface facing the porous sheet in the electrolyte membrane adsorbed on the roller surface;
A sheet member collecting machine that collects the membrane-catalyst layer assembly that is formed by the catalyst ink coated on the electrolyte membrane and transported by the suction roller;
A porous sheet collecting machine for collecting the porous sheet conveyed by the suction roller;
The porous sheet is placed between the electrolyte sheet supplied from the sheet member supply machine and the porous sheet supplied from the porous sheet supply machine between the roller surface of the suction roller and the suction roller. A first roller that rotates in a state of being sandwiched between the roller surfaces of the first roller and guides it to the suction roller;
The membrane-catalyst layer assembly and the porous sheet conveyed by the suction roller are overlapped with the roller surface of the suction roller, with the porous sheet facing the roller surface of the suction roller. A second roller that rotates in a sandwiched manner and guides the membrane-catalyst layer assembly to the sheet member recovery machine and guides the porous sheet to the porous sheet recovery machine;
The electrolyte membrane between the first roller and the electrolyte membrane supplied from the sheet member feeder and guided to the suction roller and the porous sheet supplied from the porous sheet feeder and guided to the suction roller Is rotated in a state of being stacked on the first roller side, and transported by the suction roller and guided to the sheet member recovery machine and transported by the suction roller and the porous sheet recovery A third roller that rotates in a state where the porous sheet guided to the machine is sandwiched between the second roller and the membrane catalyst layer assembly on the second roller side, and
The first roller, the second roller, the third roller, and the suction roller are disposed so as to sandwich the first roller, the second roller, and the third roller from both sides in the rotation axis direction, and the first roller The portion surrounded by the roller, the second roller, the third roller, and the suction roller is substantially sealed from both sides in the rotational axis direction of the first roller, the second roller, the third roller, and the suction roller. A pair of end plates in contact with both end surfaces perpendicular to the respective rotation axes of the first roller, the second roller, and the third roller, and the roller surface of the suction roller;
A suction device for sucking air in a space surrounded by the first roller, the second roller, the third roller, the suction roller, and the pair of end plates, and air in the hollow portion of the suction roller;
An apparatus for producing a membrane catalyst layer assembly comprising: An apparatus for manufacturing a membrane / catalyst layer assembly in which a catalyst ink containing a catalyst and a dispersion medium is applied onto an electrolyte membrane to form a catalyst layer,
A sheet member feeder for supplying the belt-shaped electrolyte membrane;
A porous sheet feeder for supplying a strip-shaped porous sheet having a width equal to or greater than the width of the electrolyte membrane;
A hollow portion is provided in which air is sucked, and a plurality of suction holes communicating with the hollow portion are formed on a cylindrical roller surface, and the porous sheet supplied from the porous sheet feeder is used to pass through the porous sheet. A suction roller that rotates while adsorbing the electrolyte membrane supplied from the sheet member feeder to the roller surface;
A coating portion for applying the catalyst ink on a surface opposite to the surface facing the porous sheet in the electrolyte membrane adsorbed on the roller surface;
A support member feeder for supplying a belt-like support member that can be bonded to the membrane-catalyst layer assembly formed by the catalyst ink coated on the electrolyte membrane and transported by the suction roller;
A sheet member collecting machine that collects the membrane-catalyst layer assembly that is formed by the catalyst ink coated on the electrolyte membrane and transported by the suction roller;
A porous sheet collecting machine for collecting the porous sheet conveyed by the suction roller;
The porous sheet is placed between the electrolyte sheet supplied from the sheet member supply machine and the porous sheet supplied from the porous sheet supply machine between the roller surface of the suction roller and the suction roller. A first roller that rotates in a state of being sandwiched between the roller surfaces of the first roller and guides it to the suction roller;
A second roller for rotating the porous sheet conveyed by the suction roller between the roller surfaces of the suction roller and guiding the porous sheet to a porous sheet collecting machine;
The electrolyte membrane between the first roller and the electrolyte membrane supplied from the sheet member feeder and guided to the suction roller and the porous sheet supplied from the porous sheet feeder and guided to the suction roller In a state of being sandwiched between the first roller and the porous sheet, and the porous sheet conveyed by the suction roller and guided to the porous sheet collecting machine is sandwiched between the second roller and the second roller. A third roller rotating at
The membrane-catalyst layer assembly and the porous sheet conveyed by the suction roller and the support member supplied from the support member feeder are interposed between the roller surface of the suction roller and the membrane in the middle. The porous sheet is rotated on the roller surface side of the suction roller with the catalyst layer assembly, and the support member is adhered to the membrane catalyst layer assembly to rotate the membrane catalyst layer. The fourth roller for separating the joined body from the porous sheet and guiding the membrane catalyst layer joined body to the support member in a state of being adhered to the support member;
The first roller, the second roller, the third roller, and the suction roller are disposed so as to sandwich the first roller, the second roller, and the third roller from both sides in the rotation axis direction, and the first roller The portion surrounded by the roller, the second roller, the third roller, and the suction roller is substantially sealed from both sides in the rotational axis direction of the first roller, the second roller, the third roller, and the suction roller. A pair of end plates in contact with both end surfaces perpendicular to the respective rotation axes of the first roller, the second roller, and the third roller, and the roller surface of the suction roller;
A suction device for sucking air in a space surrounded by the first roller, the second roller, the third roller, the suction roller, and the pair of end plates, and air in the hollow portion of the suction roller;
An apparatus for producing a membrane catalyst layer assembly comprising: An apparatus for manufacturing a membrane / catalyst layer assembly in which a catalyst ink containing a catalyst and a dispersion medium is applied onto an electrolyte membrane to form a catalyst layer,
A sheet member feeder for supplying the belt-shaped electrolyte membrane;
A porous sheet feeder for supplying a strip-shaped porous sheet having a width equal to or greater than the width of the electrolyte membrane;
A hollow portion is provided in which air is sucked, and a plurality of suction holes communicating with the hollow portion are formed on a cylindrical roller surface, and the porous sheet supplied from the porous sheet feeder is used to pass through the porous sheet. A suction roller that rotates while adsorbing the electrolyte membrane supplied from the sheet member feeder to the roller surface;
A coating portion for applying the catalyst ink on a surface opposite to the surface facing the porous sheet in the electrolyte membrane adsorbed on the roller surface;
A support member feeder for supplying a belt-like support member that can be bonded to the membrane-catalyst layer assembly formed by the catalyst ink coated on the electrolyte membrane and transported by the suction roller;
A sheet member recovery machine for recovering the membrane-catalyst layer assembly, which is formed by the catalyst ink applied on the electrolyte membrane and transported by the suction roller, together with the support member;
A porous sheet collecting machine for collecting the porous sheet conveyed by the suction roller;
A first roller for rotating the porous sheet supplied from the porous sheet supply machine between the roller surface of the suction roller and guiding it to the suction roller;
A second roller for rotating the porous sheet conveyed by the suction roller between the roller surfaces of the suction roller and guiding the porous sheet to a porous sheet collecting machine;
The porous sheet supplied from the porous sheet feeder and guided to the suction roller is rotated in a state of being sandwiched between the first roller and conveyed to the porous sheet collecting machine by the suction roller. A third roller that rotates while guiding the porous sheet sandwiched between the second roller;
The membrane-catalyst layer assembly and the porous sheet conveyed by the suction roller and the support member supplied from the support member feeder are interposed between the roller surface of the suction roller and the membrane in the middle. The porous sheet is rotated on the roller surface side of the suction roller with the catalyst layer assembly, and the support member is adhered to the membrane catalyst layer assembly to rotate the membrane catalyst layer. The fourth roller for separating the joined body from the porous sheet and guiding the membrane catalyst layer joined body to the support member in a state of being adhered to the support member;
A fifth roller for superimposing the electrolyte membrane supplied from the sheet member feeder on the porous sheet conveyed by the suction roller;
The first roller, the second roller, the third roller, and the suction roller are disposed so as to sandwich the first roller, the second roller, and the third roller from both sides in the rotation axis direction, and the first roller The portion surrounded by the roller, the second roller, the third roller, and the suction roller is substantially sealed from both sides in the rotational axis direction of the first roller, the second roller, the third roller, and the suction roller. A pair of end plates in contact with both end surfaces perpendicular to the respective rotation axes of the first roller, the second roller, and the third roller, and the roller surface of the suction roller;
A suction device for sucking air in a space surrounded by the first roller, the second roller, the third roller, the suction roller, and the pair of end plates, and air in the hollow portion of the suction roller;
An apparatus for producing a membrane catalyst layer assembly comprising:   The film according to any one of claims 11 to 15, further comprising a heating unit that dries the catalyst ink applied on the electrolyte film by heating on an inner peripheral side or an outer peripheral side of the roller surface of the suction roller. A device for producing a catalyst layer assembly.   The apparatus for producing a membrane catalyst layer assembly according to any one of claims 11 to 16, wherein roller surfaces of the first roller and the second roller are made of an elastic material. A method for producing a membrane / catalyst layer assembly comprising applying a catalyst ink containing a catalyst and a dispersion medium on an electrolyte membrane to form a catalyst layer,
A conveying step of conveying the sheet member using a suction roller that has a suction surface for sucking the sheet member including the electrolyte membrane and rotates while sucking the sheet member;
An application step of applying the catalyst ink to a surface opposite to the suction surface of the sheet member;
The suction roller, the first roller disposed on the opposite side of the sheet roller with respect to the suction roller, and the opposite side of the suction roller with respect to the sheet member coated with the catalyst ink A second roller disposed on the opposite side of the first roller with the sheet member interposed therebetween, and a second roller disposed on the opposite side of the second roller with the sheet member interposed therebetween. A space surrounded by three rollers and a pair of end plates arranged in contact with the first roller, the second roller, and the third roller so as to cover from both sides of the suction roller in the rotation axis direction A suction process for sucking the interior;
A method for producing a membrane catalyst layer assembly comprising: A method for producing a membrane / catalyst layer assembly comprising applying a catalyst ink containing a catalyst and a dispersion medium on an electrolyte membrane to form a catalyst layer,
A conveying step of conveying the sheet member using a suction roller that has a suction surface that sucks the sheet member including the electrolyte membrane through a porous sheet and rotates while sucking the sheet member;
An application step of applying the catalyst ink to a surface opposite to the suction surface of the sheet member;
The suction roller, a first roller disposed on the opposite side of the porous sheet with respect to the suction roller, and the porous sheet conveyed by the suction roller with respect to the suction roller A second roller disposed on the opposite side, and disposed on the opposite side of the porous sheet with respect to the first roller, and on the opposite side of the porous sheet with respect to the second roller. A third roller disposed and a pair of end plates disposed in contact with the first roller, the second roller, and the third roller so as to cover from both sides in the rotation axis direction of the suction roller. A suction step for sucking the enclosed space;
A method for producing a membrane catalyst layer assembly comprising: A hollow part for air to be sucked in is provided, a number of suction holes communicating with the hollow part are formed on the cylindrical roller surface, and the belt-shaped electrolyte membrane is configured to be rotatable while adsorbing to the roller surface. A suction roller,
A first roller having a rotation axis parallel to the rotation axis of the suction roller and capable of adjusting a distance from the suction roller and suspending the electrolyte membrane supplied to the suction roller;
A coating portion for applying a catalyst ink containing a catalyst and a dispersion medium on a surface opposite to the surface on the roller surface side of the electrolyte membrane adsorbed on the roller surface;
A film which has a rotation axis parallel to the rotation axis of the suction roller and is provided so that the distance from the suction roller can be adjusted, and a catalyst layer is formed by the catalyst ink coated on the electrolyte film and is conveyed by the suction roller A second roller for suspending the catalyst layer assembly;
A method for producing the membrane / catalyst layer assembly in which the catalyst layer is formed on the belt-shaped electrolyte membrane,
A cylindrical outer peripheral surface having a rotation axis parallel to the rotation axis of the suction roller presses the first roller with the electrolyte membrane supplied to the suction roller interposed therebetween, and collects from the suction roller A third roller configured to be able to press the second roller with the membrane catalyst layer assembly interposed therebetween;
The first roller, the second roller, the third roller, and the suction roller are disposed so as to sandwich the first roller, the second roller, and the third roller from both sides in the rotation axis direction, and the first roller The portion surrounded by the roller, the second roller, the third roller, and the suction roller is substantially sealed from both sides in the rotational axis direction of the first roller, the second roller, the third roller, and the suction roller. A pair of end plates in contact with both end surfaces perpendicular to the respective rotation axes of the first roller, the second roller, and the third roller, and the roller surface of the suction roller;
When the air in the hollow portion of the suction roller is sucked, the air in the space surrounded by the first roller, the second roller, the third roller, the suction roller, and the pair of end plates is sucked By doing so, an interval between the suction roller and the first roller, an interval between the suction roller and the second roller, an interval between the first roller and the third roller, the second roller and the third roller And the space surrounded by the first roller, the second roller, the third roller, the suction roller, and the pair of end plates is a substantially reduced pressure sealed space. A method for producing a membrane catalyst layer assembly. A hollow portion is provided in which air is sucked, and a plurality of suction holes communicating with the hollow portion are formed on the cylindrical roller surface, and a belt-shaped electrolyte membrane is formed on the roller surface via a belt-shaped porous sheet. A suction roller configured to rotate while adsorbing,
A first roller having a rotation axis parallel to the rotation axis of the suction roller and capable of adjusting a distance from the suction roller and suspending the electrolyte membrane and the porous sheet supplied to the suction roller;
A coating part for applying a catalyst ink containing a catalyst and a dispersion medium on a surface opposite to the surface facing the porous sheet in the electrolyte membrane adsorbed on the roller surface through the porous sheet;
A film which has a rotation axis parallel to the rotation axis of the suction roller and is provided so that the distance from the suction roller can be adjusted, and a catalyst layer is formed by the catalyst ink coated on the electrolyte film and is conveyed by the suction roller A second roller for suspending the catalyst layer assembly and the porous sheet;
A method for producing the membrane / catalyst layer assembly in which the catalyst layer is formed on the belt-shaped electrolyte membrane,
A rotation axis parallel to the rotation axis of the suction roller, and a cylindrical outer peripheral surface presses the first roller with the electrolyte membrane supplied to the suction roller and the porous sheet interposed therebetween A third roller configured to be able to press the second roller with the membrane sheet assembly and the porous sheet recovered from the suction roller interposed therebetween,
The first roller, the second roller, the third roller, and the suction roller are disposed so as to sandwich the first roller, the second roller, and the third roller from both sides in the rotation axis direction, and the first roller The portion surrounded by the roller, the second roller, the third roller, and the suction roller is substantially sealed from both sides in the rotational axis direction of the first roller, the second roller, the third roller, and the suction roller. A pair of end plates in contact with both end surfaces perpendicular to the respective rotation axes of the first roller, the second roller, and the third roller, and the roller surface of the suction roller;
When the air in the hollow portion of the suction roller is sucked, the air in the space surrounded by the first roller, the second roller, the third roller, the suction roller, and the pair of end plates is sucked By doing so, an interval between the suction roller and the first roller, an interval between the suction roller and the second roller, an interval between the first roller and the third roller, the second roller and the third roller And the space surrounded by the first roller, the second roller, the third roller, the suction roller, and the pair of end plates is a substantially reduced pressure sealed space. A method for producing a membrane catalyst layer assembly.

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