JP5949645B2 - Joining device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for continuously joining a plurality of members to a strip-shaped member.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a technique for efficiently producing a large number of products, a technique is known in which a plurality of members are continuously joined to a strip member so as to be arranged in the longitudinal direction of the strip member. For example, in the manufacturing process of a fuel cell, a plurality of membrane electrode assemblies are continuously formed by repeatedly joining electrode components such as a catalyst layer and a gas diffusion layer to a strip-shaped electrolyte membrane conveyed in the longitudinal direction. Manufacturing techniques have been proposed. In Patent Document 1, a step of forming a membrane electrode assembly by bonding a diffusion layer with a bonding roller onto a catalyst layer continuously arranged at a predetermined interval on a web-like electrolyte membrane, and a formed membrane An apparatus that executes the process of cutting out the electrode assembly in synchronization is disclosed. Patent Document 2 discloses a membrane electrode bonding method in which two strip-shaped electrolyte membranes are transported in parallel, a catalyst electrode is disposed on one surface of each electrolyte membrane, and then the two electrolyte membranes are joined together. An apparatus for manufacturing a body is disclosed.

JP 2005-129292 A JP 2011-142011 A

  By the way, in general, since the catalyst layer constituting the membrane electrode assembly is low in strength, in the manufacturing process in which the belt-shaped electrolyte membrane in which the catalyst layer is arranged as described above is transported, Are easily damaged or deteriorated. In addition, electrolyte membranes used in fuel cells tend to expand and contract due to external force applied and changes in wet conditions, so as the electrolyte membrane expands and contracts during transportation, the catalyst layer on the electrolyte membrane deteriorates in size and cracks. May occur. Therefore, in the process of continuously manufacturing the membrane electrode assembly by transporting the belt-shaped electrolyte membrane on which the catalyst layers are arranged, in order to suppress the occurrence of manufacturing defects and increase in production costs, It is desirable to reliably detect and deal with the occurrence of

  Here, in the technique of Patent Document 1, the alignment of the gas diffusion layer is controlled based on the output value of the line sensor that detects the position of the catalyst layer in consideration of the error in the arrangement position of the catalyst layer on the electrolyte membrane. Is going. Further, in the technique of Patent Document 2, in consideration of an error in the arrangement position of the catalyst layer on the electrolyte membrane, a process for shortening or extending the electrolyte film is performed to adjust the arrangement position of the catalyst layer on the two electrolyte membranes. doing. As described above, both Patent Documents 1 and 2 aim to suppress the production failure of the membrane electrode assembly due to the displacement of the arrangement position of the catalyst layer, but the occurrence of the failure of the catalyst layer is detected. No consideration has been given to dealing with it.

  As described above, in the technology of continuously manufacturing a membrane electrode assembly by transporting the belt-shaped electrolyte membrane in which the catalyst layers are arranged, detecting the occurrence of a failure in the catalyst layer and appropriately dealing with it, Not enough ingenuity has been made. Further, not only in the manufacturing process of the fuel cell, in the technique of continuously joining the members to the belt-like member being transported, sufficient contrivances are made to detect and appropriately deal with defects in the belt-like member being transported. I did not come. In addition, the technology has been required to simplify the process, reduce costs, conserve resources, reduce the size and simplification of the apparatus, facilitate and simplify control, and improve usability.

SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is to solve at least a part of the problems described above, and the invention can be implemented as the following forms. 1st form of this invention is a joining apparatus which joins a some joining member continuously with respect to a strip | belt-shaped member, Comprising: The 1st conveyance part which conveys the said strip | belt-shaped member to the longitudinal direction of the said strip | belt-shaped member, A second transport unit that transports the joining member so as to be disposed at a predetermined site on the strip-shaped member, a first pressure roller that pressurizes and joins the strip-shaped member and the joining member, and the first The second pressure roller that further pressurizes the band-shaped member and the bonding member that are bonded in one pressure roller, and before the second conveyance unit starts conveying the bonding member, An arrangement part state determination unit that determines whether or not a predetermined part is in a defective state, and a joining member conveyance control unit that controls conveyance of the bonding member by the second conveyance unit, wherein the arrangement part state determination Depending on the part, the predetermined part is not in a defective state. In the case where it is determined that the predetermined part is in a defective state by the arrangement part state determination part, the second transport part transports the joining member to the predetermined part. A joining member transport control unit that causes the second transport unit to stop transporting the joining member to the predetermined site, and the joining member transport control unit to the second transport unit. A tension adjusting unit that adjusts the tension generated in the predetermined part that has reached between the first and second pressure rollers when the conveyance to the part is stopped. Provided. In the joining apparatus according to the aspect described above, the tension adjusting unit is the second pressure roller configured to have a variable width by including first and second main body units that can be separated from each other. The tension adjusting unit may increase the width when the joining member transport control unit causes the second transport unit to stop transporting the joining member to the predetermined part. You may give the tension | tensile_strength of the width direction of the said strip | belt-shaped member with respect to this site | part.

[1] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a joining apparatus that joins a plurality of joining members to a strip-like member continuously. The joining apparatus includes: a first transport unit that transports the belt-shaped member in a longitudinal direction of the belt-shaped member; and a second transport unit that transports the joint member so as to be disposed at a predetermined portion on the belt-shaped member. A first pressure roller that pressurizes and joins the belt-shaped member and the joining member; and a first pressure roller that further pressurizes the belt-shaped member and the joint member joined by the first pressure roller. Two pressure rollers; an arrangement site state determining unit that determines whether or not the predetermined site is in a defective state before the second transport unit starts transporting the joining member; and the second A joining member transport control unit that controls the transport of the joining member by the transport unit, and when the predetermined part is not in a defective state by the arrangement part state determination unit, the second transport The joining member is connected to the predetermined part And when the arrangement part state determination unit determines that the predetermined part is in a defective state, the second transfer part stops the transfer of the joining member to the predetermined part. A member conveyance control unit; between the first and second pressure rollers when the bonding member conveyance control unit causes the second conveyance unit to stop conveying the bonding member to the predetermined part. And a tension adjusting unit that adjusts the tension of the predetermined part. According to the bonding apparatus of this aspect, when a defect in a portion to which the bonding member is bonded is detected, the bonding member is not bonded to the portion, so that the generation of defective products can be avoided and wasted. An increase in production cost due to the use of the joining member can be suppressed. Moreover, when joining of a joining member is stopped, the tension | tensile_strength adjustment part adjusts the tension | tensile_strength of the strip | belt-shaped member between the 1st and 2nd pressure roller, and between 1st and 2nd pressure roller. Occurrence of manufacturing defects due to changes in the tension of the belt-like member is suppressed.

[2] In the joining device according to the above aspect, the tension adjusting unit includes an auxiliary roller that is displaceable toward one surface of the belt-shaped member between the first and second pressure rollers; When the conveyance control unit causes the second conveyance unit to stop conveyance of the joining member to the predetermined part, the adjustment unit pushes the belt-like member by the displacement of the auxiliary roller to the predetermined part. On the other hand, tension may be applied. According to the joining device of this form, when joining of the joining member to the predetermined part is stopped, the belt-like member is displaced by the displacement of the auxiliary roller disposed between the first and second pressure rollers. The tension can be easily adjusted.

[3] In the joining device according to the above aspect, the second pressure roller is configured to have a variable width by having first and second main body portions whose separation distance is variable; The second pressure roller serves as the tension adjustment unit by widening the width when the transport control unit causes the second transport unit to stop transporting the joining member to the predetermined part. The tension in the width direction of the belt-shaped member may be applied to the predetermined portion. According to the bonding apparatus of this aspect, when the bonding of the bonding member to the predetermined part is stopped, the tension of the predetermined part can be easily adjusted by changing the width of the second pressure roller. .

[4] In the joining device of the above aspect, the belt-shaped member is an electrolyte membrane for a fuel cell; a plurality of catalyst layers are arranged at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction on at least one surface of the belt-shaped member. The joining member is a porous base material that constitutes a gas diffusion layer disposed on the belt-shaped member in accordance with an arrangement position of the catalyst layer; Based on the state, it may be determined whether or not the predetermined part is in a defective state. According to the bonding apparatus of this embodiment, an increase in production cost due to a defective catalyst layer can be suppressed in a bonding apparatus that continuously manufactures a membrane electrode assembly by conveying a belt-shaped electrolyte membrane.

[5] The joining device according to the above aspect further includes a catalyst layer position detection unit that detects the position of the end of the catalyst layer in the longitudinal direction of the strip-shaped member; The size of the catalyst layer is acquired based on the position of the end detected by the detection unit, and when the size is out of a preset allowable range, it is determined that the predetermined part is in a defective state. May be. According to this form of the joining apparatus, it is possible to suppress an increase in production cost due to a manufacturing defect caused by a variation in the size of the catalyst layer.

[6] In the joining device according to the above aspect, the joining member transport control unit transports the joining member by the second transport unit based on a timing at which the catalyst layer position detection unit detects an end of the catalyst layer. Timing may be determined. According to the bonding apparatus of this embodiment, the detection of the position of the catalyst layer for determining the conveyance timing of the porous substrate and the variation in the size of the catalyst layer for avoiding the production failure of the membrane electrode assembly are detected. It can be detected and is efficient.

[7] In the joining apparatus according to the above aspect, the belt-like member has a film covering the catalyst layer attached to the one surface side before being conveyed by the first conveying unit; The transport unit includes a film peeling unit that peels the film from the belt-shaped member; the arrangement site state determination unit determines whether the predetermined site is based on the state of the catalyst layer after the film is peeled off. You may determine whether it is in a bad state. According to the bonding apparatus of this aspect, it is possible to suppress the production failure due to the peeling of the film from the belt-shaped member.

[8] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a joining device for joining a plurality of joining members to a strip-like member continuously. The joining apparatus includes: a first transport unit that transports the strip-shaped member to which the film is attached in a longitudinal direction of the strip-shaped member; a film peeling unit that strips the film from the strip-shaped member; A second transport unit for transporting the joining member so as to be disposed at a predetermined site on the strip-shaped member after the film is peeled; and pressurizing and joining the strip-shaped member and the joining member. A pressure roller; and when the film peeled from the predetermined portion in the film peeling portion is detected to adhere to a predetermined amount of the residue of the band-shaped member, the predetermined after the film is peeled An arrangement part-like body determination unit that determines that the part is in a defective state; a joining member conveyance control unit that controls conveyance of the joining member by the second conveyance unit; If it is not determined that the predetermined part is in a defective state, the second conveying unit executes the transfer of the joining member to the predetermined part, and the arrangement part-like body determining unit performs the predetermined part. A joining member transport control unit that causes the second transport unit to stop transporting the joining member to the predetermined part when it is determined that the part is in a defective state. According to the bonding device of this aspect, it is possible to easily detect a failure of the catalyst layer due to the peeling of the film from the belt-like member, and it is possible to suppress the production failure due to the peeling of the film.

  A plurality of constituent elements of each aspect of the present invention described above are not indispensable, and some or all of the effects described in the present specification are to be solved to solve part or all of the above-described problems. In order to achieve the above, it is possible to appropriately change, delete, replace with another new component, and partially delete the limited contents of some of the plurality of components. In order to solve part or all of the above-described problems or to achieve part or all of the effects described in this specification, technical features included in one embodiment of the present invention described above. A part or all of the technical features included in the other aspects of the present invention described above may be combined to form an independent form of the present invention.

  The present invention can also be realized in various forms other than the joining device. For example, the present invention can be realized in the form of a joining method, a joining device control method, a computer program for realizing the joining method or the joining device control method, a non-temporary recording medium on which the computer program is recorded, and the like.

Schematic which shows the structure of the joining apparatus of 1st Embodiment. Schematic for demonstrating the structure of a strip | belt-shaped body. Schematic for demonstrating the structure of a strip | belt-shaped body. The schematic sectional drawing which shows the structure of the membrane electrode assembly with a gas diffusion layer after being cut out from the strip. Explanatory drawing which shows the process sequence of the joining process of the gas diffusion layer based on the state determination of a 2nd catalyst electrode layer. Explanatory drawing for demonstrating the detection of the state of the 2nd catalyst electrode layer based on the output signal of a 1st catalyst layer detection part. Explanatory drawing for demonstrating suppression of a production defect of the membrane electrode assembly with a gas diffusion layer in the joining apparatus of 1st Embodiment. Explanatory drawing for demonstrating suppression of a production defect of the membrane electrode assembly with a gas diffusion layer in the joining apparatus of 1st Embodiment. Schematic which shows the structure of the joining apparatus of 2nd Embodiment. Explanatory drawing which shows the process sequence of the joining process of the gas diffusion layer based on the state determination of the 2nd catalyst electrode layer in 2nd Embodiment. Explanatory drawing for demonstrating generation | occurrence | production of the conveyance defect of a strip shaped body between the 1st and 2nd joining roller parts. Explanatory drawing for demonstrating generation | occurrence | production of the conveyance defect of a strip shaped body between the 1st and 2nd joining roller parts. Explanatory drawing for demonstrating operation | movement of a tension adjustment part. Explanatory drawing for demonstrating operation | movement of a tension adjustment part. Schematic which shows the structure of the joining apparatus of 3rd Embodiment. Explanatory drawing for demonstrating operation | movement of the 2nd joining roller in the joining apparatus of 3rd Embodiment. Explanatory drawing for demonstrating operation | movement of the 2nd joining roller in the joining apparatus of 3rd Embodiment.

A. First embodiment:
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a bonding apparatus 100 as a first embodiment of the present invention. The joining device 100 is used in a manufacturing process of a polymer electrolyte fuel cell (hereinafter simply referred to as “fuel cell”). The bonding apparatus 100 transports the band-like body 5r, in which the membrane electrode assemblies 5 that are power generators constituting the fuel cell are continuous in a band shape, in the longitudinal direction, and the gas diffusion layer 7 with respect to each membrane-electrode assembly 5. Are joined continuously. Hereinafter, the membrane electrode assembly 5 to which the gas diffusion layer 7 is bonded is also referred to as “a membrane electrode assembly 5G with a gas diffusion layer”.

  2A and 2B are schematic diagrams for explaining the configuration of the belt-like body 5r. FIG. 2A is a front view showing a surface of the belt-like body 5r on the second catalyst electrode layer 3 side, and FIG. 2B is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a cross section in the thickness direction of the belt-like body 5r. In FIG. 2A, an arrow PD indicating the conveyance direction of the band 5r in the bonding apparatus 100 is illustrated. 2A and 2B, a region GA where the gas diffusion layer 7 is disposed is indicated by a broken line, and a cutting line CL when the membrane electrode assembly 5G with the gas diffusion layer is cut out from the strip 5r is shown. It is shown by a one-dot chain line.

  The main body portion of the belt-like body 5r is constituted by the belt-like electrolyte membrane 1. The electrolyte membrane 1 is a solid polymer thin film showing good proton conductivity in a wet state, and is made of, for example, a fluorine ion exchange resin such as Nafion (registered trademark). In the band-shaped body 5r, the first catalyst electrode layer 2 is disposed on one surface of the band-shaped electrolyte membrane 1 so as to cover the entire surface, and the plurality of second catalyst electrode layers 3 are disposed in the longitudinal direction on the other surface. They are arranged at a predetermined interval along (transport direction PD).

  The first and second catalyst electrode layers 2 and 3 are gas diffusible electrodes that function as anodes (fuel electrodes) or cathodes (oxidant electrodes) when supplied with a reaction gas. The first and second catalyst electrode layers 2 and 3 disperse conductive particles (for example, platinum-supported carbon) supporting a catalyst that promotes a fuel cell reaction and an electrolyte that is the same as or similar to the electrolyte membrane 1. It is formed as a dry coating film of the catalyst ink which is a dispersed solution.

  In the joining apparatus 100 of this embodiment, the gas diffusion layer 7 is joined to the first catalyst electrode layer 2 in accordance with the arrangement position of the second catalyst electrode layer 3 in the strip 5r. The gas diffusion layer 7 is composed of a porous base material having gas diffusibility and conductivity. More specifically, the gas diffusion layer 7 is configured by a fiber base material such as carbon paper or carbon cloth.

  Here, in the present specification, of the end portions of the second catalyst electrode layer 3, the end portion on the downstream side (front end side) in the transport direction PD of the strip 5r is referred to as “front end portion 3e” and is referred to as the transport direction PD. The upstream end portion (rear end side) of FIG. 5 is referred to as “rear end portion 3t”. In the joining apparatus 100 of this embodiment, when joining the gas diffusion layer 7, the position of the tip 3e of the second catalyst electrode layer 3 is used as a reference for the joining position (details will be described later).

  FIG. 2C is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a configuration of the membrane electrode assembly 5G with a gas diffusion layer after being cut out from the belt-like body 5r. In the membrane electrode assembly 5G with a gas diffusion layer of the present embodiment, the position of the outer peripheral end of the first catalyst electrode layer 2 is substantially aligned with the position of the outer peripheral end of the electrolyte membrane 1, whereas the second The position of the outer peripheral end of the catalyst electrode layer 3 is located inside the outer peripheral end of the electrolyte membrane 1. That is, in the membrane electrode assembly with gas diffusion layer 5G of the present embodiment, the outer peripheral ends of the first and second catalyst electrode layers 2 and 3 are separated from each other via the outer peripheral edge of the electrolyte membrane 1. When the membrane electrode assembly 5G with a gas diffusion layer is assembled to a fuel cell, the outer peripheral end portion is sealed with a seal member or the like, so that the end portions of the two catalyst electrode layers 2 and 3 are separated during power generation. Thus, the so-called cross leak, in which unreacted reaction gas flows back and forth, is suppressed.

  Here, in the membrane electrode assembly 5G with the gas diffusion layer of the present embodiment, the outer peripheral end portion of the gas diffusion layer 7 is located between the outer peripheral end portions of the first and second catalyst electrode layers 2 and 3. And not in direct contact with the electrolyte membrane 1. With this configuration, the fluff and burrs of the fibers existing at the outer peripheral end of the gas diffusion layer 7 are suppressed from piercing the surface of the electrolyte membrane 1.

  Further, with this configuration, even when hydrogen peroxide radicals are generated in the gas diffusion layer 7 during power generation of the fuel cell, the hydrogen peroxide radicals must be first before the electrolyte membrane 1 is reached. The catalyst electrode layer 2 is passed through. Therefore, the hydrogen peroxide radical generated in the gas diffusion layer 7 can be eliminated by the catalytic action of the first catalyst electrode layer 2, and the deterioration of the electrolyte membrane 1 due to the hydrogen peroxide radical can be suppressed.

  If it is the joining apparatus 100 (FIG. 1) of this embodiment, the several membrane electrode assembly 5G with a gas diffusion layer can be manufactured efficiently continuously. The bonding apparatus 100 includes a control unit 101, a first catalyst layer detection unit 105, a film peeling unit 110, a tension correction unit 120, a conveyance information detection unit 130, a gas diffusion layer conveyance unit 140, and a bonding unit 150. And comprising.

  The control unit 101 is configured by a microcomputer including a central processing unit and a main storage device. The control unit 101 controls the transport of the strip 5r based on the output signals from the first catalyst layer detection unit 105 and the transport information detection unit 130, and transports the gas diffusion layer 7 by the gas diffusion layer transport unit 140. (Details will be described later).

  Here, in the bonding apparatus 100 of the present embodiment, a transparent protective film 6 is attached to the surface on the second catalyst electrode layer 3 side from the membrane electrode assembly supply unit (illustration and detailed description are omitted). The strip 5r is supplied. The belt-like body 5r to which the protective film 6 is attached is conveyed in the longitudinal direction toward the film peeling unit 110 at a predetermined conveyance speed.

  The 1st catalyst layer detection part 105 is comprised by the optical sensor, and is provided in front (upstream) of the film peeling part 110. FIG. The first catalyst layer detection unit 105 detects the second catalyst electrode layer 3 arranged in the strip 5r through the protective film 6, and controls the signal indicating the passage of the second catalyst electrode layer 3 to the control unit. 101. The control unit 101 verifies the state of the second catalyst electrode layer 3 before the protective film 6 is peeled based on the output signal of the first catalyst layer detection unit 105 (details will be described later).

  The film peeling part 110 peels the protective film 6 from the strip | belt-shaped body 5r. The film peeling unit 110 includes an inlet roller 112, a driving roller 113, a pressure roller 114, a film peeling roller 115, a film transport roller 116, and a film state detection unit 117. The entrance roller 112 adjusts the angle of the transport path of the belt-like body 5r before the drive roller 113 and the pressure roller 114.

  The driving roller 113 and the pressure roller 114 are arranged next to each other. The drive roller 113 is connected to a motor (not shown), and is driven to rotate at a substantially constant speed under the control of the control unit 101. The pressure roller 114 rotates following the drive roller 113 while generating a pressing force toward the drive roller 113. The belt-like body 5r is fed between the driving roller 113 and the pressure roller 114 so that the surface on which the protective film 6 is attached faces the pressure roller 114, and is applied with pressure from the pressure roller 114. It is conveyed by the rotational drive of the drive roller 113.

  The film peeling roller 115 is disposed at a position adjacent to the driving roller 113 on the downstream side of the pressure roller 114, and rotates following the driving roller 113. The belt-like body 5 r fed out between the driving roller 113 and the pressure roller 114 is conveyed along the side surface of the driving roller 113 and is fed between the driving roller 113 and the film peeling roller 115.

  The protective film 6 is peeled from the belt-like body 5 when the belt-like body 5r is drawn out between the driving roller 113 and the film peeling roller 115. The protective film 6 is conveyed along the side surface of the film peeling roller 115, and is wound and collected by a winding roller (not shown) while being guided by the film conveying roller 116 at the subsequent stage.

  The film state detection unit 117 is disposed between the film peeling roller 115 and the film transport roller 116. The film state detection part 117 is comprised by an optical sensor, for example, and detects the presence of the residue of the 2nd catalyst electrode layer 3 adhering to the protective film 6 peeled from the strip | belt-shaped body 5r. The control unit 101 receives the output signal of the film state detection unit 117, and verifies the state of the second catalyst electrode layer 3 in the strip 5r after the protective film 6 is peeled based on the output signal ( Details will be described later). The strip 5r from which the protective film 6 has been peeled off is conveyed to the tension correction unit 120.

  The tension correction unit 120 adjusts the tension of the belt-like body 5r in accordance with a command from the control unit 101 while conveying the belt-like body 5r. The tension correction unit 120 includes a drive roller 121 and a pressure roller 122. The drive roller 121 is connected to a motor (not shown) and is driven to rotate at a rotation speed according to a command from the control unit 101. The pressure roller 122 is disposed at a position adjacent to the driving roller 121, and rotates following the driving roller 121 while generating a pressing force toward the driving roller 121.

  The band-shaped body 5r is formed by the driving roller 121 and the pressure roller 122 so that the first catalyst electrode layer 2 faces the side surface of the driving roller 121 and the second catalyst electrode layer 3 faces the side surface of the pressure roller 122. In between. The belt-like body 5r is conveyed by the rotational driving force of the driving roller 121 while being applied with pressure from the pressure roller 122.

  Here, the control unit 101 holds the tension of the band-shaped body 5r substantially constant based on the tension of the band-shaped body 5r detected by the conveyance information detection unit 130 provided on the downstream side of the tension correction unit 120. Thus, the rotational speed of the drive roller 121 is controlled. Specifically, the control unit 101 increases the rotation speed of the driving roller 121 when the tension of the band-shaped body 5r detected by the conveyance information detection unit 130 is higher than the target value. Reduce tension. On the other hand, when the tension of the strip 5r detected by the transport information detector 130 is lower than the target value, the rotational speed of the drive roller 121 is decreased to increase the tension of the strip 5r.

  The conveyance information detection unit 130 outputs a signal indicating information regarding the conveyance of the band 5r downstream of the tension correction unit 120 to the control unit 101. More specifically, the conveyance information detection unit 130 outputs a signal indicating the tension of the strip 5r, a signal indicating the conveyance speed of the strip 5r, and a signal indicating the passage of the second catalyst electrode layer 3. To do. The conveyance information detection unit 130 includes a rotation roller 131, a tension sensor 132, a rotary encoder 133, and a second catalyst layer detection unit 135.

  The rotation roller 131 is supported by a support shaft, and rotates by conveying the band 5r while applying tension to the band 5r. The tension sensor 132 outputs a signal corresponding to the reaction force received from the belt-like body 5r by the support shaft that supports the rotating roller 131 to the control unit 101 as a signal indicating the tension of the belt-like body 5r. The control unit 101 acquires the tension of the band 5r based on the output signal from the tension sensor 132, and controls the rotation speed of the drive roller 121 of the tension correction unit 120 as described above.

  The rotary encoder 133 outputs a signal corresponding to the number of rotations of the rotating roller 131 to the control unit 101 as a signal indicating the conveyance speed of the strip 5r. The control unit 101 acquires the transport speed of the band 5r based on the output signal from the rotary encoder 133. The control unit 101 uses the acquired transport speed of the strip 5r to synchronize the transport of the gas diffusion layer 7 by the gas diffusion layer transport 140 with the transport of the strip 5r.

  The second catalyst layer detection unit 135 is configured by an optical sensor in the same manner as the first catalyst layer detection unit 105 described above, and passes through the second catalyst electrode layer 3 downstream of the transport information detection unit 130. Is output to the control unit 101. The control unit 101 verifies the state of the second catalyst electrode layer 3 after the protective film 6 is peeled based on the output signal of the second catalyst layer detection unit 135 (details will be described later). Further, the control unit 101 determines the transfer start timing of the gas diffusion layer 7 by the gas diffusion layer transfer unit 140 based on the output signal of the second catalyst layer detection unit 135.

  In response to a command from the control unit 101, the gas diffusion layer transport unit 140 is arranged so that the gas diffusion layer 7 is disposed at a predetermined position on the surface of the first catalyst electrode layer 2 of the strip 5r. Transport. The gas diffusion layer transport unit 140 includes a transfer 141, a drive unit 142, and a drive shaft 143. The drive shaft 143 is connected to the drive unit 142 and is rotated by the rotational driving force of the drive unit 142. The transfer 141 is attached to the drive shaft 143, and in a predetermined section (between the base position SP and the end position EP) along the axial direction of the drive shaft 143 according to the rotation of the drive shaft 143. Move back and forth.

  The transfer 141 is supplied with the gas diffusion layers 7 one by one from the storage (not shown) of the gas diffusion layers 7 at the base end position SP. The transfer 141 moves linearly from the base end position SP to the end position EP near the joint 150 by holding the gas diffusion layer 7 parallel to the moving direction by vacuum suction. As a result, the transfer 141 causes the gas diffusion layer 7 to join the belt-like body 5r at the pressure point PP of the first joining roller portion 152 of the joining portion 150.

  Here, in the joining apparatus 100 of this embodiment, the transfer 141 moves in a predetermined speed pattern. Therefore, the transfer time required for the transfer 141 to reach the gas diffusion layer 7 from the base end position SP to the pressure point PP of the first joining roller portion 152 of the joining portion 150 is known.

  Based on the transport speed of the strip 5r acquired based on the signal from the transport information detection unit 130 and the time when passage of the second catalyst electrode layer 3 is detected, the control unit 101 performs the second control. The predicted time at which the tip 3e of the catalyst electrode layer 3 reaches the pressurization point PP is acquired. Based on the predicted time, the control unit 101 determines the time at which the gas diffusion layer 7 should reach the pressurization point PP, and determines the transfer start timing of the gas diffusion layer 7 by the transfer 141. As a result, the gas diffusion layer 7 is disposed at a predetermined portion of the belt-like body 5 r that is aligned with the position of the second catalyst electrode layer 3.

  The joint 150 joins the gas diffusion layer 7 to the first catalyst electrode layer 2 of the strip 5r by pressure pressing. The joining unit 150 includes an entrance roller 151, a first joining roller unit 152, and a second joining roller unit 153. The inlet roller 151 applies a predetermined tension to the band 5r to change the conveyance angle of the band 5r so that the conveyance angle of the band 5r makes an acute angle with respect to the conveyance angle of the gas diffusion layer 7. The belt-like body 5r is guided to the pressing point PP of the first joining roller unit 152.

  Each of the first and second joining roller portions 152 and 153 includes two pressure rollers that are installed next to each other in parallel and rotate in opposite directions. The two pressure rollers of the first and second joining roller portions 152 and 153 rotate at a substantially constant speed by feedback control by the control unit 101.

  The belt-like body 5r and the gas diffusion layer 7 are joined by being pressed between the two pressure rollers in each of the first and second joining roller portions 152 and 153 so as to be pressurized in the thickness direction. . In the first and second joining roller portions 152 and 153, hot pressing may be performed in which the two pressure rollers are heated to a high temperature (for example, a temperature of 100 ° C. or higher) and then pressure-bonded. .

  Thus, in the joining apparatus 100 of this embodiment, the strip | belt-shaped body 5r and the gas diffusion layer 7 are joined by the two-stage pressurization by the 1st and 2nd joining roller part 152,153. Therefore, high bondability between the strip 5r and the gas diffusion layer 7 is ensured. In the bonding apparatus 100 of the present embodiment, the first and second bonding roller portions 152 and 153 are spaced apart by a distance longer than the length of the gas diffusion layer 7 in the transport direction. In other words, the first and second bonding roller portions 152 and 153 are spaced apart from each other so that one gas diffusion layer-attached membrane electrode assembly 5G can be disposed therebetween. The reason is as follows.

  In the joining apparatus 100 of the present embodiment, when the stop command is issued, the control unit 101 completely stops the transport of the belt-like body 5r after the gas diffusion layer 7 is drawn out from the first joining roller unit 152. . If the first and second joining roller portions 152 and 153 are spaced apart from each other as described above, the gas diffusion layer 7 fed out from the first joining roller portion 152 is second when the apparatus is stopped. The conveyance of the belt-like body 5r is stopped before being fed into the joining roller portion 153. Therefore, the occurrence of defects such as defective manufacturing due to the apparatus stopping while the gas diffusion layer 7 is sandwiched between the second joining roller portions 153 is suppressed.

  The belt-like body 5r to which the gas diffusion layer 7 is joined by the first and second joining roller parts 152 and 153 is sent out to a cutting part (illustration and detailed description are omitted). In the cutting part, each membrane electrode assembly 5G with a gas diffusion layer is cut out from the strip 5r. As described above, according to the bonding apparatus 100 of the present embodiment, the plurality of membrane electrode assemblies with gas diffusion layers 5G are continuously and efficiently manufactured.

  Incidentally, as described above, the second catalyst electrode layer 3 is intermittently arranged in the longitudinal direction of the strip-shaped electrolyte membrane 1 in the strip-shaped body 5r. Since the second catalyst electrode layer 3 is a dried coating film of catalyst ink, its strength is low. For this reason, damage or deformation may occur in the middle of conveyance in the bonding apparatus 100.

  Therefore, in the joining apparatus 100 of the present embodiment, the control unit 101 uses the second catalyst electrode being conveyed based on the output signals of the first and second catalyst layer detection units 105 and 135 and the film state detection unit 117. Verify the state of layer 3. Then, by determining whether or not the gas diffusion layer 7 can be bonded in accordance with the state of the second catalyst electrode layer 3, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of manufacturing defects in the membrane electrode assembly with gas diffusion layer 5G.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the bonding process of the gas diffusion layer 7 based on the state determination of the second catalyst electrode layer 3 executed by the control unit 101 in the bonding apparatus 100 of the present embodiment. In the bonding apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, the gas diffusion layer 7 is bonded to the belt-like body 5r after verifying the state of the second catalyst electrode layer 3 in multiple stages as follows. In step S10, the control unit 101 verifies the initial state of the second catalyst electrode layer 3 before the protective film 6 is peeled, based on the output signal of the first catalyst layer detection unit 105.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining detection of the state of the second catalyst electrode layer 3 based on the output signal of the first catalyst layer detection unit 105 by the control unit 101. In the upper part of FIG. 4, the second catalyst electrode layer 3 disposed in the belt-like body 5 r is illustrated together with an arrow PD indicating the transport direction in the bonding apparatus 100. In addition, in the upper stage of FIG. 4, illustration of the protective film 6 stuck on the strip | belt-shaped body 5r is abbreviate | omitted for convenience. In the lower part of FIG. 4, an example of signals output from the first and second catalyst layer detection units 105 and 135 is shown corresponding to the second catalyst electrode layer 3 shown in the upper part.

The first catalyst layer detection unit 105 (FIG. 1) includes a light emitting element that emits light toward the surface of the band 5r on the second catalyst electrode layer 3 side, and a light receiving element that receives reflected light from the band 5r. Is provided. The first catalyst layer detection unit 105 outputs a Low signal when the second catalyst electrode layer 3 does not pass the detection point based on the light amount of the reflection element received by the light receiving element, and the second catalyst electrode While the layer 3 passes the detection point, a Hi signal is output. The control unit 101 detects the passage of the tip 3e of the second catalytic electrode layer 3 at time t _a when the rising edge of the signal is detected, and the second time at time t _b when the falling edge of the signal is detected. The passage of the rear end portion 3t of the catalyst electrode layer 3 is detected.

The control unit 101 determines the second catalyst electrode based on the time Δt from time t _a to time t _b and the predetermined transport speed of the strip 5r at the detection point of the first catalyst layer detection unit 105. The length L in the transport direction of the layer 3 is acquired. When the length L is extremely large or extremely small, such as when the length L is outside a predetermined allowable range set in advance, the state of the second catalyst electrode layer 3 is determined as “defective”. If it is within the allowable range, it is determined as “good”.

  Here, when a crack such as a crack has occurred in the second catalyst electrode layer 3, the falling edge and the rising edge in the output signal of the first catalyst layer detector 105 are not significantly separated at a very short time interval. It may be detected continuously. Therefore, in step S10, the control unit 101 performs the second operation when the falling edge and the rising edge are detected discontinuously at a significantly short time interval in the output signal of the first catalyst layer detection unit 105. The state of the catalyst electrode layer 3 may be determined as “defective”.

  In step S <b> 20 (FIG. 3), the control unit 101 verifies whether or not the second catalyst electrode layer 3 is defective due to the peeling of the protective film 6. More specifically, the control unit 101 detects the residue when the residual amount of the second catalyst electrode layer 3 of a predetermined amount or more is detected on the protective film 6 from the output signal of the film state detection unit 117. It is determined that a defect due to peeling of the protective film 6 has occurred in the second catalyst electrode layer 3 to which the applied portion has been attached.

  In step S30, the control unit 101 verifies the state of the second catalyst electrode layer 3 after the protective film 6 is peeled off. Here, in the joining apparatus 100 of this embodiment, when peeling the protective film 6 in the film peeling part 110, the strip | belt-shaped body 5r may expand | extend in a conveyance direction with the adhesive force of the protective film 6. FIG. Further, the belt-like body 5r may be extended in the transport direction due to the adjustment of the tension of the belt-like body 5r in the tension correction unit 120. In addition, there is a possibility that the electrolyte membrane 1 expands and contracts due to a change in the wet state during the conveyance of the belt-shaped body 5r.

  The expansion and contraction of the belt-like body 5r causes a variation in the size of the second catalyst electrode layer 3, a crack in the second catalyst electrode layer 3, and the like. Therefore, the control unit 101 determines the state of the second catalyst electrode layer 3 in the belt-like body 5r after the protective film 6 is peeled off and the tension is adjusted, as the second catalyst layer detection unit 135 of the transport information detection unit 130. It verifies based on the output signal.

  The second catalyst layer detector 135 (FIG. 1) includes a light emitting element that emits light toward the surface on the second catalyst electrode layer 3 side of the strip 5r and a light receiving element that receives the transmitted light. Similarly to the first catalyst layer detection unit 105, the second catalyst layer detection unit 135 outputs a Low signal when the second catalyst electrode layer 3 does not pass the detection point, and the second catalyst electrode layer 3 A Hi signal is output while 3 passes the detection point (FIG. 4).

  Based on the time during which the passage of the second catalyst electrode layer 3 is detected and the transport speed of the strip 5r acquired based on the output signal of the rotary encoder 133, the control unit 101 The length L of the catalyst electrode layer 3 in the transport direction is obtained. When the length L is outside the predetermined allowable range set in advance, the control unit 101 determines that the state of the second catalyst electrode layer 3 is “bad” and is within the allowable range. Is judged as “good”. When the falling edge and the rising edge are detected discontinuously at an extremely short time interval in the output signal of the first catalyst layer detector 105, the controller 101 detects the second catalyst electrode layer 3 The state may be determined as “defective”.

  When the defect of the second catalyst electrode layer 3 is not detected in any of steps S10 to S30, the control unit 101 corresponds to the second catalyst electrode layer 3 in the gas diffusion layer transport unit 140. The conveyance of the gas diffusion layer 7 to the position is executed (steps S40 and S50 in FIG. 3). On the other hand, if a failure of the second catalyst electrode layer 3 is detected in any of steps S10 to S30, the gas diffusion layer transport unit 140 is supplied with a gas to a position corresponding to the second catalyst electrode layer 3. The conveyance of the diffusion layer 7 is stopped.

  FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B are explanatory diagrams for explaining the suppression of the production failure of the membrane electrode assembly with gas diffusion layer 5G in the bonding apparatus 100 of the present embodiment. FIGS. 5A and 5B each show a part of a band 5r in which three membrane electrode assemblies 5 are arranged after the gas diffusion layer 7 is bonded in the bonding apparatus 100 of the present embodiment.

  FIG. 5A is a schematic front view of the strip 5r as viewed from the second catalyst electrode layer 3 side, and FIG. 5B is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a cross section in the thickness direction. 5A and 5B, the length L in the transport direction of the second catalyst electrode layer 3 is out of the allowable range only for the central membrane electrode assembly 5 of the three membrane electrode assemblies 5 shown in the figure. The gas diffusion layer 7 is not joined. In FIG. 5B, the position where the gas diffusion layer 7 should have been bonded to the central membrane electrode assembly 5 is indicated by a broken line.

  In the joining apparatus 100 of the present embodiment, when a defect in the second catalyst electrode layer 3 is detected during the transport of the strip 5r by the processing procedure described in FIG. 3, the second catalyst electrode layer is detected. The joining of the gas diffusion layer 7 to the membrane electrode assembly 5 having 3 is stopped (skipped). Therefore, the production failure of the membrane electrode assembly with gas diffusion layer 5G due to the failure of the second catalyst electrode layer 3 is suppressed. Moreover, it is possible to prevent the gas diffusion layer 7 from being wasted, and an increase in production cost due to waste of the gas diffusion layer 7 is suppressed.

  As described above, according to the bonding apparatus 100 of the present embodiment, the membrane electrode assembly with gas diffusion layer 5G can be efficiently manufactured, and an increase in production cost due to occurrence of manufacturing defects can be suppressed. .

B. Second embodiment:
FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing a configuration of a joining apparatus 100A as the second embodiment of the present invention. The configuration of the joining device 100A of the second embodiment is substantially the same as the configuration of the joining device 100 of the first embodiment (FIG. 1) except that a tension adjusting unit 155 is added to the joining portion 150. The tension adjusting unit 155 is disposed on the first catalyst electrode layer 2 side of the strip 5r between the first and second bonding roller units 152 and 153 of the bonding unit 150.

  The tension adjusting unit 155 includes a conveyance auxiliary roller 155r, a support shaft 155a that supports the conveyance auxiliary roller 155r, and an expansion / contraction mechanism 155d that expands and contracts the support shaft 155a. The tension adjusting unit 155 applies a tension along the transport direction to the strip 5r in accordance with a command from the control unit 101, whereby the tension of the strip 5r between the first and second joining roller units 152 and 153 is determined. Adjust. Details of the operation of the tension adjusting unit 155 will be described later.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of the bonding process of the gas diffusion layer 7 based on the state determination of the second catalyst electrode layer 3 executed by the control unit 101 in the bonding apparatus 100A of the second embodiment. The processing procedure of the joining process in the second embodiment is substantially the same as the processing procedure (FIG. 3) of the joining process described in the first embodiment, except that the step S45 is added.

  When the controller 101 detects a defective state of the second catalyst electrode layer 3 in any of steps S10 to S30, the gas diffusion layer to the membrane electrode assembly 5 having the second catalyst electrode layer 3 is detected. 7 is stopped (step S40). And the control part 101 performs the tension adjustment process which provides the tension | tensile_strength along a conveyance direction to the strip | belt-shaped body 5r by the conveyance auxiliary | assistant roller 155r of the tension adjustment part 155 in step S45. The reason for this will be described below.

  8A and 8B are explanatory diagrams for explaining the occurrence of conveyance failure of the belt-like body 5r between the first and second joining roller portions 152 and 153. FIG. FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B are schematic views when the belt-like body 5r when the gas diffusion layer 7 is joined in the first and second joining roller portions 152 and 153 is viewed from the first catalyst electrode layer 2 side. FIG. 8A and 8B, among the three membrane electrode assemblies 5 shown in the figure, the central membrane electrode assembly 5 located between the first and second bonding roller portions 152 and 153 The joining of the gas diffusion layer 7 is skipped.

  8A and 8B, the pressure roller on the first catalyst electrode layer 2 side included in the first and second joining roller portions 152 and 153 is not shown for convenience. Moreover, in FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B, the site | part which the gas diffusion layer 7 should have been joined is illustrated with the broken line. In FIG. 8A, an arrow schematically showing the direction of the tension of the belt-like body 5r generated at the portion where the joining of the gas diffusion layer 7 is stopped between the first and second joining roller portions 152 and 153 is indicated on the belt-like body 5r. They are shown again. FIG. 8B shows a state where wrinkles W are generated in the belt-like body 5r due to the tension.

  Between the first and second joining rollers 152, 153, tension is generated in the strip 5r in a direction in which the strip 5r contracts in the width direction (direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction) (FIG. 8A). If the gas diffusion layer 7 is bonded to the band 5r in the first bonding roller 152, the band 5r is supported by the gas diffusion layer 7, and therefore, between the first and second bonding rollers 152, 153. It is suppressed that the belt-like body 5r contracts in the width direction in FIG.

  However, when the bonding of the gas diffusion layer 7 to the band 5r is stopped, the band 5r is not supported by the gas diffusion layer 7, so between the first and second bonding roller portions 152, 153, The belt-like body 5r is likely to contract in the width direction. Therefore, in this case, a large number of wrinkles W may be generated in the portion where the gas diffusion layer 7 should have been joined (FIG. 8B).

  Such wrinkles W reach the membrane electrode assembly 5G with the gas diffusion layer adjacent to the membrane electrode assembly 5 where the joining of the gas diffusion layer 7 is skipped, and the membrane electrode assembly 5G with the gas diffusion layer passes through the membrane electrode assembly 5G. It causes deterioration. The probability of occurrence of the ridge W increases as the distance between the first and second joining roller portions 152 and 153 increases. Further, even when hot pressing is performed on the first and second joining roller portions 152 and 153, the occurrence probability is increased due to the thermal contraction of the electrolyte membrane 1.

  Therefore, in the joining apparatus 100A of the second embodiment, when joining of the gas diffusion layer 7 is skipped, the tension adjusting unit 155 applies tension along the transport direction to the strip 5r (step of FIG. 7). S45). By applying this tension, the tension component in the width direction generated in the belt-like body 5r between the first and second joining roller portions 152 and 153 can be reduced, and the generation of wrinkles W can be suppressed. .

  9A and 9B are explanatory diagrams for explaining the operation of the tension adjusting unit 155. FIG. FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B show the joint 150 extracted from the joining apparatus 100A of the second embodiment described in FIG. FIG. 9A shows a state where the bonding of the gas diffusion layer 7 is normally performed without being skipped, and FIG. 9B shows a state when the bonding of the gas diffusion layer 7 is skipped.

  In a normal state, the tension adjusting unit 155 does not bring the auxiliary conveyance roller 155r into contact with the belt-like body 5r but separates it from the belt-like body 5r (FIG. 9A). When the joining of the gas diffusion layer 7 is skipped (step S45 in FIG. 7), the tension adjusting unit 155 extends the support shaft 155a to the expansion / contraction mechanism 155d, and the belt-like body 5r is moved upward by the conveyance auxiliary roller 155r. It pushes up (2nd catalyst electrode layer 3 side) (FIG. 9B). Thereby, the tension in the direction along the transport direction can be applied to the belt-like body 5r, and the tension component in the width direction of the belt-like body 5r can be reduced. Accordingly, the generation of wrinkles W is suppressed.

  As described above, according to the joining apparatus 100A of the second embodiment, even when the joining of the gas diffusion layer 7 is stopped, the generation of wrinkles W in the belt-like body 5r due to the joining is suppressed. Accordingly, the production failure of the membrane electrode assembly 5G with the gas diffusion layer is suppressed.

C. Third embodiment:
FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a joining apparatus 100B as the third embodiment of the present invention. In addition, in FIG. 10, the schematic which shows operation | movement of each pressurization roller 153Ba and 153Bb of the 2nd joining roller part 153B is illustrated in the balloon. More specifically, the blowout in the drawing shows the normal state of the pressure rollers 153Ba and 153Bb of the second joining roller portion 153B in the upper stage, and shows the state in which the width is expanded from the normal state in the lower stage. It is.

  The configuration of the joining device 100B of the third embodiment is substantially the same as the configuration of the joining device 100A of the second embodiment (FIG. 6) except for the following points. The joining apparatus 100 </ b> B of the third embodiment does not include the tension adjusting unit 155 of the joining unit 150. Further, in the bonding apparatus 100B of the third embodiment, the bonding unit 150 includes a second bonding roller unit 153B instead of the second bonding roller unit 153. The 2nd joining roller part 153B of 3rd Embodiment has two pressurization rollers 153Ba and 153Bb whose width | variety is variable. The pressure rollers 153Ba and 153Bb of the second joining roller portion 153B are widened by separating at the center as illustrated in the blowout in the drawing.

  Here, in the joining apparatus 100B of the third embodiment, the joining process of the gas diffusion layer 7 based on the state determination of the second catalyst electrode layer 3 is executed by the same procedure as the joining apparatus 100A of the second embodiment. (FIG. 7). However, in the bonding apparatus 100B of the third embodiment, when the bonding of the gas diffusion layer 7 is stopped, the band-shaped body is formed by widening the pressure rollers 153Ba and 153Bb in the second bonding roller portion 153B. The tension of 5r is adjusted (step S45).

  11A and 11B are explanatory diagrams for explaining the operation of the second joining roller portion 153B in the joining apparatus 100B of the third embodiment. FIG. 11A and FIG. 11B respectively show the second joining roller portion 153B when viewed along the conveying direction of the belt-like body 5r. FIG. 11A shows the second bonding roller unit 153B when the bonding of the gas diffusion layer 7 is normally performed without being stopped, and FIG. 11B shows the case when the bonding of the gas diffusion layer 7 is stopped. It is the 2nd joining roller part 153B.

  In the normal state, the second bonding roller portion 153B performs bonding of the gas diffusion layer 7 in a normal state where the pressure rollers 153Ba and 153Bb are not separated at the center (FIG. 11A). When the joining of the gas diffusion layer 7 is stopped, the second joining roller portion 153B separates each of the pressure rollers 153Ba and 153Bb into two at the center and widens the width of the belt-like body 5r. A tension in the width direction is applied to (Fig. 11B). As a result, the tension component in the direction of contracting the belt-like body 5r in the width direction, which occurs between the first and second joining roller portions 152 and 153B, is reduced, and thus the generation of wrinkles W is suppressed.

  In addition, when the second joining roller portion 153B returns from the state in which the pressure rollers 153Ba and 153Bb are separated at the center to the normal state, the pressure rollers 153Ba and 153Bb and the belt-like body 5r are temporarily provided. It is desirable to release the contact state with. Thereby, it can suppress that the strip | belt-shaped body 5r is pinched | interposed into the center cut | interval of each pressurization roller 153Ba, 153Bb.

  As described above, according to the bonding apparatus 100B of the third embodiment, the flaws in the belt-shaped body 5r caused by the bonding of the gas diffusion layer 7 being skipped by a method different from the bonding apparatus 100A of the second embodiment. Generation of W can be suppressed.

D. Variations:
D1. Modification 1:
In each of the above-described embodiments, the joining devices 100, 100A, and 100B are used in the manufacturing process of the fuel cell, and the membrane electrode assemblies 5 are conveyed while transporting the strips 5r in which the membrane electrode assemblies 5 are connected in a strip shape. The gas diffusion layer 7 was bonded to the substrate. However, the joining devices 100, 100A, and 100B may not be used in the manufacturing process of the fuel cell, and other than the gas diffusion layer 7 with respect to the belt-like member other than the belt-like body 5r in which the membrane electrode assembly 5 is continuous in a belt shape These joining members may be joined. In this case, it is only necessary to determine whether or not the joining member can be arranged / joined based on the state of a predetermined portion where the joining member is to be placed, instead of the state of the second catalyst electrode layer 3.

D2. Modification 2:
In the joining apparatuses 100, 100 </ b> A, and 100 </ b> B of each of the above embodiments, the control unit 101 determines the failure of the second catalyst electrode layer 3 by using the first and second catalyst layer detection units 105 and 135, and the film state detection unit. 117 output signals were used. However, the controller 101 does not have to use all of the output signals of the first and second catalyst layer detectors 105 and 135 and the film state detector 117 when determining the failure of the second catalyst electrode layer 3. . The control unit 101 may use only the output signal of the second catalyst layer detection unit 135 or the output signal of the film state detection unit 117 for determining the failure of the second catalyst electrode layer 3. The defect of the second catalyst electrode layer 3 may be detected by means other than the first and second catalyst layer detection units 105 and 135 and the film state detection unit 117. For example, the defect of the second catalyst electrode layer 3 may be detected by a sensor that detects the surface property of the second catalyst electrode layer 3.

D3. Modification 3:
The joining devices 100, 100 </ b> A, and 100 </ b> B of the above embodiments include the film peeling unit 110 and the tension correction unit 120. However, the bonding apparatuses 100, 100 </ b> A, and 100 </ b> B may not include the film peeling unit 110 and the tension correction unit 120. In addition, the bonding apparatuses 100, 100 </ b> A, and 100 </ b> B of the above embodiments include the gas diffusion layer transport unit 140 that transports the gas diffusion layer 7 by the transfer 141 that moves linearly. However, the bonding apparatuses 100, 100 </ b> A, and 100 </ b> B may include a gas diffusion layer transport unit that transports the gas diffusion layer 7 by a method other than the transfer 141.

D4. Modification 4:
In the joining apparatuses 100, 100A, and 100B of the above-described embodiments, the joining unit 150 performs the two-stage joining process using the first and second joining roller units 152 and 153 (153B). However, the second bonding roller 153 (153B) of the bonding portion 150 may not contribute to the bonding between the belt-shaped body 5r and the gas diffusion layer 7, and is simply the band-shaped body 5r bonded by the first bonding roller 152. And the gas diffusion layer 7 may be simply pressurized in the stacking direction.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, examples, and modifications, and can be realized with various configurations without departing from the spirit thereof. For example, the technical features in the embodiments, examples, and modifications corresponding to the technical features in each embodiment described in the summary section of the invention are to solve some or all of the above-described problems, or In order to achieve part or all of the above effects, replacement or combination can be performed as appropriate. Further, if the technical feature is not described as essential in the present specification, it can be deleted as appropriate.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Electrolyte membrane 2 ... 1st catalyst electrode layer 3 ... 2nd catalyst electrode layer 3e ... Front-end | tip part 3t ... Rear-end part 5 ... Membrane electrode assembly 5G ... Membrane electrode assembly with a gas diffusion layer 5r ... Strip | belt-shaped body 6 Protective film 7 Gas diffusion layer 100, 100A, 100B Joining device 101 Control unit 105 First catalyst layer detection unit 110 Film peeling unit 112 Inlet roller 113 Drive roller 114 Pressure roller 115 Film Peeling roller 116 ... Film transport roller 117 ... Film state detection unit 120 ... Tension adjustment unit 121 ... Driving roller 122 ... Pressure roller 130 ... Transport information detection unit 131 ... Rotating roller 132 ... Tension sensor 133 ... Rotary encoder 135 ... Second Catalyst layer detection unit 140 ... gas diffusion layer transport unit 141 ... transfer 142 ... drive unit 143 ... Drive shaft 150 ... Jointing part 151 ... Inlet roller 152 ... First joining roller part 153 ... Second joining roller part 153B ... Second joining roller part 153Ba, 153Bb ... Pressure roller 155 ... Tension adjusting part 155a ... Support Shaft 155d ... telescopic mechanism 155r ... conveyance auxiliary roller W ... Ｗ

Claims (8)

A joining device that continuously joins a plurality of joining members to a band-shaped member,
A first transport unit for transporting the strip member in the longitudinal direction of the strip member;
A second transport unit that transports the joining member so as to be disposed at a predetermined site on the belt-shaped member;
A first pressure roller that pressurizes and joins the belt-shaped member and the joining member;
A second pressure roller that further pressurizes the band-like member and the joining member joined in the first pressure roller;
An arrangement site state determination unit that determines whether or not the predetermined site is in a defective state before the second transport unit starts transporting the joining member;
A bonding member conveyance control unit for controlling conveyance of the bonding member by the second conveyance unit;
When it is determined by the arrangement part state determination unit that the predetermined part is not in a defective state, the second transport part transports the joining member to the predetermined part,
A joining member transport control unit that causes the second transport unit to stop transporting the joining member to the predetermined part when the predetermined part is judged to be in a defective state by the arrangement part state judging unit. When,
When the joining member transport control unit causes the second transport unit to stop transporting the joining member to the predetermined part, the predetermined member reached between the first and second pressure rollers. A tension adjusting unit for adjusting the tension generated in the part;
A joining apparatus comprising: The joining device according to claim 1,
The tension adjusting unit includes an auxiliary roller that is displaceable toward one surface of the belt-shaped member between the first and second pressure rollers,
When the joining member conveyance control unit causes the second conveying unit to stop conveying the joining member to the predetermined part, the tension adjusting unit pushes the belt-like member by displacement of the auxiliary roller, and A joining device that applies tension to a predetermined part. The joining device according to claim 1,
The tension adjusting unit is the second pressure roller configured to have a variable width by having first and second main body units whose distance from each other is variable,
The tension adjusting unit, when the joining member conveyance control unit was discontinued transported to the predetermined site of the joining member to the second conveying unit, by widening the width, before Symbol predetermined portion On the other hand, the joining apparatus which provides the tension | tensile_strength of the width direction of the said strip | belt-shaped member. It is a joining device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The strip member is an electrolyte membrane for a fuel cell,
A plurality of catalyst layers are arranged at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction on at least one surface of the belt-shaped member,
The joining member is a porous base material that constitutes a gas diffusion layer disposed on the belt-shaped member in accordance with the arrangement position of the catalyst layer,
The arrangement part state determination unit is a joining apparatus that determines whether the predetermined part is in a defective state based on a state of the catalyst layer. The joining apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising:
A catalyst layer position detector for detecting the position of the end of the catalyst layer in the longitudinal direction of the strip member;
The arrangement site state determination unit acquires the size of the catalyst layer based on the position of the end portion detected by the catalyst layer position detection unit, and when the size is out of a preset allowable range, A joining apparatus that determines that a predetermined part is in a defective state. The joining device according to claim 5,
The joining member transport control unit is configured to determine a transport timing of the joining member by the second transport unit based on a timing at which the catalyst layer position detection unit detects an end of the catalyst layer. The bonding apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 6,
Before the belt-shaped member is transported by the first transport unit, a film covering the catalyst layer is attached to the one surface side,
The first transport unit includes a film peeling unit for peeling the film from the belt-shaped member,
The said arrangement | positioning site | part state determination part is a joining apparatus which determines whether the said predetermined | prescribed site | part is a defect state based on the state of the said catalyst layer after the said film peeled. A joining device that continuously joins a plurality of joining members to a band-shaped member,
A first transport unit that transports the strip-shaped member to which the film is attached in the longitudinal direction of the strip-shaped member;
A film peeling portion for peeling the film from the belt-shaped member;
A second transport unit that transports the joining member so that the joining member is disposed at a predetermined position on the strip-shaped member after the film is peeled;
A pressure roller that pressurizes and bonds the belt-shaped member and the bonding member;
The predetermined portion after the film is peeled when the film peeled from the predetermined portion at the film peeling portion is detected to adhere to a predetermined amount of the residue of the band-shaped member. An arrangement site-like body determination unit that determines that
A bonding member conveyance control unit for controlling conveyance of the bonding member by the second conveyance unit;
When the predetermined part is not determined to be in a defective state by the arrangement part-like body determination unit, the second transport unit performs the transport of the joining member to the predetermined part,
When the arrangement part-like body determination unit determines that the predetermined part is in a defective state, the joining member transport control causes the second transport unit to stop transporting the joining member to the predetermined part. And
A joining apparatus comprising:

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