Method for assembling a thin-film unit, and system

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for assembling a thin-film unit (DE), preferably a membrane electrode unit, having a plurality of layer plies (10, 10', 10") stacked one on top of the other, comprising the steps of a) providing a layer ply (10, 10', 10") having a defined length, b) winding the layer ply (10, 10', 10") onto a gripping roller (2, 2', 2"), wherein the layer ply (10, 10', 10") is fixed to the circumference of the gripping roller (2, 2', 2") at least in some sections, c) unwinding the layer ply (10, 10', 10") from the gripping roller (2, 2', 2") onto a further layer ply (10, 10', 10"), d) fixing the layer plies (10, 10', 10") deposited one after the other and / or one on top of the other, e) repeating steps a) to d) until a predetermined number of layer plies (10, 10', 10") is reached, and, optionally, making at least one opening in an edge region of the layer plies (10, 10', 10"). The invention further relates to a system (1, 1', 1") for assembling a thin-film unit (DE).

Description

[0001] Method for the assembler of a thin-film unit and system

[0002] The invention relates to a method for assembling a thin-film unit, preferably a membrane electrode unit, comprising a plurality of stacked layers. The invention further relates to a system for assembling a thin-film unit.

[0003] Membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) are components of fuel cells and electrolyzers and typically feature one or more thin-film units. Therefore, with the increasing practical use of hydrogen, there is a growing need to supply thin-film units, or MEAs. Currently, there is no cost-effective and efficient method for producing MEAs in high volumes. Even an assembly line for prototypes, typically producing fewer than 10 MEAs per minute, costs several million euros. Roll-to-roll lines can be scaled up in terms of output, but not in terms of investment costs.

[0004] The invention is based on the objective of providing a method and a system for the cost-effective and reliable assembly or production of thin-film units, preferably membrane electrode units.

[0005] The problem is solved by the features of the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are specified in the dependent claims and in the description, each of which, individually or in combination, can represent an aspect of the invention.

[0006] A method for assembling a thin-film unit, preferably a membrane electrode unit, with a plurality of stacked layers is proposed, comprising the steps a) providing a first layer of defined length, b) winding the first layer onto a gripping roller, wherein the first layer is fixed at least partially to the circumference of the gripping roller, c) unwinding the first layer from the gripping roller onto a second layer, d) fixing the stacked layers, e) repeating steps a) to d) until a predetermined number of stacked layers is reached.

[0007] A thin-film unit is understood to be a plurality of stacked layers, comprising self-supporting layers, preferably with a thickness of up to 0.5 mm, and potentially including non-self-supporting layers with a thickness in the thin-film range of up to 10 pm. Non-self-supporting layers are generally applied to a self-supporting layer and processed together with it as a single layer.

[0008] The thin-film unit is preferably a membrane electrode assembly (MEA), which constitutes the electrochemical center or central component of electrochemical cells such as fuel cells or electrolyzers and where electrochemical reactions take place. In an electrolyzer for hydrogen production, water is split into oxygen and hydrogen using electricity. In a fuel cell, hydrogen can be used as a fuel gas, generating electricity, heat, and product water. The ramp-up of the fuel cell and electrolyzer industries requires a comprehensive understanding of the optimal, efficient, and sustainable production and handling of MEAs, which is addressed by the present invention.

[0009] A MEA comprises a self-supporting polymer electrolyte membrane or ionomer membrane with a thickness of up to 20 pm, in particular a "catalyst-coated membrane" (CCM), in which the membrane is coated on both sides with a thin catalytically active layer with a thickness of up to 30 pm. One of the catalytically active layers takes the form of an electrode, here an anode for the oxidation of hydrogen, and a second catalytically active layer also takes the form of an electrode, here a cathode for the reduction of oxygen. Thus, the CCM consists of three layers: the anode, the membrane, and the cathode.

[0010] The CCM can be enclosed on both of its flat sides by a sub-gasket, which is usually firmly connected to each other, resulting in a five-layer MEA. The sub-gaskets are typically formed by self-supporting plastic frames with a thickness of up to 0.5 mm.

[0011] A further self-supporting layer can be provided by an open-porous gas diffusion layer (GDL), sometimes referred to as a gas diffusion substrate or gas diffusion electrode (GDE). In a fuel cell, a GDL is typically used with a thickness of up to 300 pm.

[0012] In an electrolyzer for the electrolysis of water, such open-porous layer layers are also used and employed as transport layers (“PTL” - porous transport layers) with usually significantly higher layer thicknesses, especially up to 3 mm.

[0013] One or more GDLs or PTLs are placed on the anode and cathode of the CCM or on or within the frame-shaped subgaskets of the five-layer MEA to supply the reaction media in an electrochemical cell to these catalytically active layers and simultaneously establish an electrical contact with them. Therefore, the GDLs and PTLs must, of course, be electrically conductive. After the GDLs or PTLs are attached, the resulting MEA consists of at least seven layers.

[0014] GDLs in fuel cells are typically carbon-based substrates, such as carbon fiber paper or carbon fabric, which are highly porous and allow good access to the electrodes for the reaction media. They should also generally be hydrophobic to facilitate, for example, the removal of water from a fuel cell.

[0015] In contrast, PTLs in electrolyzers for the electrolysis of water are often made of titanium.

[0016] GDLs and PTLs can be coated on their side facing the CCM with a microporous layer with a thickness of up to 50 pm to improve contact with the electrodes.

[0017] Alternatively, a GDL or PTL can be coated on its side facing the polymer electrolyte membrane or ionomer membrane with one of the catalytically active layers for subsequent lamination with the uncoated polymer electrolyte membrane or ionomer membrane, i.e., without catalytically active layers. Catalyst-coated GDLs are often referred to as catalyst-coated supports (CCBs).

[0018] Thus, an MEA consists of multiple layers, each highly fragile, which complicates handling, especially during MEA assembly. A thin-film unit can therefore also be understood as an intermediate product for the production of an MEA.

[0019] The predetermined number of layer levels can be at least three or at least five.

[0020] In particular, handling an uncoated polymer electrolyte membrane or a CCM, which is comparable in thickness to cling film, is very challenging. The polymer electrolyte membrane or the CCM must be applied flat to a substrate or layer such as a subgasket without wrinkling. In the prior art, the layers of MEAs are typically assembled using a roll-to-roll process. The advantage of these systems is the ease with which output can be scaled up by increasing the rotational speed of the rolls. However, roll-to-roll systems are extremely expensive. The method according to the invention provides a solution here. The special feature of the present invention lies in the use of a gripper roller for the precise application of the individual layers of the thin-film unit or membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs).For this purpose, the individual layers of the thin-film unit, preferably the MEA, are gripped one after the other by the gripping roller, and the individual layers of the MEA are precisely positioned and stacked on top of each other. By designing the gripper as a roller, i.e., as a gripping roller, the film-like layers can be wrapped around the gripping roller. This allows for reliable and precise handling, even with the fragile layers used to form the thin-film unit, as the layer to be stacked is held securely and precisely on the gripping roller.

[0021] Compared to known methods, the concept according to the invention can be implemented more cost-effectively based on the gripper roller, since the individual layer layers are assembled layer by layer via the gripper roller to form the thin-film unit or the MEA. At the same time, precise and reliable process control is ensured, even at high output or quantities, since the movement of the gripper roller can be adjusted as needed depending on the desired output or quantity.

[0022] Furthermore, the first film-like layer can be precisely fixed onto another film-like layer via the gripping roller, with wrinkle-free application ensured by the roller-like application or the roller-like design of the gripping roller. In this respect, the application of the first layer to the subsequent layer occurs as a line contact and ensures a virtually wrinkle-free fixation or bonding, which is essentially comparable to the quality achieved in roll-to-roll processes. Advantageously, the gripping roller can be loaded or prepared at a suitable station, preferably a loading station.

[0023] The process may involve the creation of at least one opening in a region of the stacked layers, particularly the thin-film unit and / or the MEA. Specifically, multiple openings may be formed in an edge region of the thin-film unit, with these openings later forming so-called ports for the passage of reaction media or reaction products in an electrochemical cell. Several openings may be provided, particularly on opposite sides of the stacked layers, especially the thin-film unit or MEA. For example, an opening may be created or cut into the stacked layers.

[0024] Preferably, a layer is cut to a defined length by a pair of rollers before being wound over or on the gripper roller and then, preferably immediately, fed to the gripper roller. The material to be cut, for example, a polymer electrolyte membrane supplied on a roll or a CCM, is continuously fed to the pair of rollers designated for cutting. This results in a preferably continuous, or at an arbitrarily scalable, feed of precisely cut layers to the gripper roller. The cut layer is fed to the gripper roller with absolute precision. The position of the cut layer relative to the gripper roller and / or the control of the roller pair can be implemented or regulated by a suitable control device.

[0025] Advantageously, at least one free end section of the layer is fixed to the gripper roller. This is particularly advantageous if, at the beginning of the winding process, a free end section is fixed to the gripper roller ahead of the winding process, and at the end, a free end section is fixed to the gripper roller behind the winding process. In this context, end sections define the boundaries of the layer to be picked up in the feed direction to the gripper roller and / or are to be understood as ends with respect to the circumference or circumferential direction of the gripper roller. This type of fixation in the area of ​​at least one end section ensures gentle yet precise positioning of the layer on the gripper roller. In particular, the layer outside the end section(s) can essentially rest loosely or unfixed on the gripper roller.For this purpose, the gripping roller is preferably equipped with corresponding adhesive sections assigned to the respective end sections. The adhesive sections can be designed as vacuum sections, which is easy to implement in terms of construction. In this case, the film is drawn into openings in the gripping roller by suction. However, other technical solutions are also possible.

[0026] According to a preferred embodiment, the surface of the gripping roller has, at least in sections, preferably in the area of ​​an associated end section of the layer, a vacuum section and / or an adhesive section and / or a mechanical holding section for fixing the layer. This enables section-by-section or defined fixing of the layer on the gripping roller. The fixing methods in question can be implemented cost-effectively and efficiently, requiring comparatively minor modifications to the gripping roller.

[0027] Generally, sensors can be integrated into the gripper roller to ensure the required quality of each layer. These sensors can be designed as light barriers, roughness sensors, and / or thickness sensors.

[0028] Alternatively, weighing devices can be provided so that the weight or the total weights of the assembled layers can be used to verify that the correct number of components or layers have been assembled.

[0029] It is advantageous to choose the circumference of the gripping roller such that the gripping roller is not completely wrapped by the corresponding layer and / or that there is no overlap of the corresponding layer with itself on the gripping roller. This prevents any potential damage to the layer.

[0030] In particular, the materials for the layered components to be assembled are provided at unwinding stations in front of the cutting roller pairs. The unwinding stations can be loaded manually, semi-automatically, or automatically, whereas the handling, i.e., winding and unwinding, is carried out automatically by the gripper roller, preferably using the control and / or regulating device. It should be noted that the bottom layer of the MEA, particularly in the form of a GDL (glass-coated layer), can be applied from below to an already assembled layered structure. This is done particularly at the end of the assembly process.

[0031] According to a particularly preferred method, the gripping roller, loaded with a layer of material, is transported to a further layer of material and / or to a fixing station loaded with another layer of material. In this respect, the unwinding of the layer onto the further layer is locally decoupled from the winding of a layer onto the gripping roller.

[0032] In particular, the gripper roller is provided as a rotating and movable end effector of a manipulation device, preferably a robot. This allows the gripper roller to be controlled arbitrarily or robotically, with rotary control during winding and unwinding and movement of the gripper roller, bearing a layer of material, to a storage location or to another layer of material between winding and unwinding. This allows the layer of material bearing the gripper roller to be moved to any desired location for assembly with another layer of material. Simultaneously, precise handling of the gripper roller bearing the layer of material and ultimately efficient assembly are ensured. The speed of handling or assembly based on the manipulation device can be controlled arbitrarily via the control and / or regulation device.

[0033] Preferably, the unwinding of a layer occurs during a rotary movement of the gripper roller relative to another layer, preferably with the latter being stationary. In particular, the latter is arranged in a stationary processing station, where the layer-by-layer build-up or assembly takes place, with each layer being individually assembled in the processing station. Preferably, a layer is provided as a subgasket or under-sealing frame to receive further layers. This allows for easy handling and a solid and stable base for the subsequent layers assembled upon it. Furthermore, the assembled layer can be handled and transported safely and robustly through the individual stations of the system via the subgasket layer.

[0034] It is generally preferred that the gripping roller for fixing one layer to another is heated, at least in sections. For this purpose, a heating device is provided in the gripping roller, which is configured to heat the surface of the gripping roller, at least partially.

[0035] Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that an adhesive layer is applied to the layer at least in sections before it is unwound. The application of an adhesive surface, preferably in the form of adhesive beads or, in particular, as a continuous adhesive layer, for example, via the use of a transfer film comprising a carrier layer and an adhesive layer that can be removed from it, can be carried out using an additional pair of rollers for adhesive application.

[0036] According to a preferred method, the gripper roller is replaced after unwinding a layer and before rewinding a subsequent layer, preferably via a quick-change system of the handling device. This allows a different gripper roller to be used for each layer to be assembled, enabling efficient and rapid assembly.

[0037] For assembly, each layer can be assembled using the quick-change system with its own dedicated gripper roller. The individual gripper rollers can be customized with regard to their material and surface properties, sensor capabilities, heating options, layer suction, etc., depending on the nature and / or design of the layers to be assembled. This further reduces the investment costs for the system and the process itself.

[0038] Preferably, several manipulation devices or robots can be provided, each implementing the process. The various manipulation devices or robots can work together in the assembly of a thin-film unit. It is understood that appropriate cutting devices, such as cutting roller pairs, and unwinding or fixing stations are also provided to implement independent or self-contained processes. This allows for an increase in the output of the number of thin-film units or MEAs.

[0039] Furthermore, a system for assembling a thin-film unit, preferably a membrane electrode unit, with a plurality of stacked layer layers is proposed, the system comprising a cutting device comprising a pair of rollers for providing a first layer layer of a defined length, a gripping roller downstream of the cutting device for circumferential winding and fixing of the first layer layer and a control and regulation device for controlling and / or regulating the gripping roller.

[0040] The facility is specifically designed and equipped to carry out the procedure described here.

[0041] Preferably, the system further comprises a manipulation device, preferably a robot, wherein the gripper roller is rotatably held as the end effector on the manipulation device and can be moved to a fixing station or further layer layer, preferably wherein the gripper roller is held on the manipulation device via a quick-change system. This allows the corresponding or previously described advantages to be realized. Preferably, several of the systems can be provided, which are combined to form an assembly line. The individual systems can carry out the assembly in accordance with the invention autonomously and / or independently of one another. It is understood that corresponding cutting devices and unwinding stations or fixing stations are also provided for this purpose in order to implement independent or autonomous assembly processes in accordance with the invention. This allows the output of the number of thin-film units orMEAs will be increased.

[0042] The invention is explained below by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments, wherein the features shown below can represent an aspect of the invention, either individually or in combination. The drawings show:

[0043] Fig. 1 a first plant in a schematic view, Fig. 2 a second plant in a schematic view, Fig. 3 a third plant in a schematic view, Fig. 4 a first process step in a schematic view of the first plant, Fig. 5 a second process step in a schematic view of the first plant.

[0044] Fig. 6 shows a third process step in a schematic view of the first plant, Fig. 7 shows a fourth process step in a schematic view of the first

[0045] Attachment,

[0046] Fig. 8 shows a thin-film unit in the form of an MEA on a fixing station, and Fig. 9 shows a schematic representation of a system comprising several gripping rollers with a common manipulation device.

[0047] If the same reference symbols are used in the figures, the following description applies accordingly to the figures among themselves.

[0048] Fig. 1 shows a first system 1 for assembling a thin-film unit DE, compare Fig. 8, preferably a membrane electrode assembly (MEA). In the assembled state, the thin-film unit DE or MEA has a plurality of stacked layer layers 10, 10', 10" on top of each other. The first system 1 comprises a unwinding station 40 with a material roll 10a on which the material of layer 10 is wound. The material is fed to a cutting device in the form of a pair of rollers 4, 6 that cuts to length, which provides a layer 10 in the form of a gas diffusion layer GDL of a defined length. Furthermore, the first system 1 comprises a gripping roller 2 downstream of the cutting device in the form of the roller pair 4, 6 for winding and fixing the layer 10 circumferentially. Via the cutting device orThe elongated layer 10, with its end sections 12, 14 (see Figure 6), is precisely fed to the gripper roller 2 via the roller pair 4, 6. The first system 1 further comprises a manipulation device 30, preferably a robot, wherein the gripper roller 2, as the end effector, is rotatably held on the manipulation device 30 and can be moved to a fixing station 50 (illustrated and shown in cross-sectional view in Figure 7) with a further layer 10' already arranged thereon, and can be unrolled on this station. The gripper roller 2 can preferably be held on the manipulation device 30 via a quick-change system. In particular, the manipulation device 30 is designed as an articulated robot arm. A vacuum section 3 is provided within the gripper roller 2 for suctioning the end section 12 of the layer 10.

[0049] Fig. 2 shows a second apparatus 1 ' for assembling a thin-film unit DE, compare Figure 8, preferably a membrane electrode assembly (MEA). In its assembled state, the thin-film unit DE or MEA comprises a plurality of stacked layers 10, 10', 10" on top of each other. The second unit 1' also includes a unwinding station 40 with a material roll 10b on which the material of layer 10' is wound. The material is also fed to a cutting device in the form of a pair of rollers 4, 6 that cuts the layer 10' to a defined length. The layer 10' is, in particular, a catalyst-coated membrane or film, i.e., a CCM. Furthermore, the second unit 1' also includes a gripping roller 2' downstream of the cutting device in the form of the roller pairs 4, 6 for winding and fixing the layer 10' around its circumference. Via the cutting device orThe cut layer 10' is precisely fed to the gripper roller 2' via the roller pair 4, 6. Within the gripper roller 2', there is also a vacuum section 3 for drawing in the end section 12 of the layer 10', as well as a heating device 7 for warming the surface of the gripper roller 2'. This improves the adhesion of the layer 10' along its length to the gripper roller 2'. The second system 1' further comprises a manipulation device 30, preferably a robot, wherein the gripper roller 2' is held rotatorily as the end effector on the manipulation device 30 and can be moved to a fixing station 50, illustrated in Fig. 5, for placement on another layer 10 already arranged there. The gripper roller 2' can preferably be held on the manipulation device 30 via a quick-change system. In particular, the manipulation device 30 is designed as an articulated robot arm.

[0050] Fig. 3 shows a third unit 1" for assembling a thin-film unit DE, compare Fig. 8, preferably a membrane electrode assembly (MEA). In the assembled state, the thin-film unit DE or MEA has a plurality of stacked layer layers 10, 10', 10" on top of each other. The third unit 1" also includes a unwinding station 40 with a material roll 10c on which the material of layer 10" is wound. The material is also fed to a cutting device in the form of a pair of rollers 4, 6 that cuts to length, which provides the layer 10" of a defined length. The layer 10" is a plastic film for forming a subgasket. Furthermore, the third unit 1" also includes a gripping roller 2" downstream of the cutting device in the form of the roller pairs 4, 6 for winding and fixing the layer 10" circumferentially. Via the cutting device, orThe cut-to-length layer 10" is precisely fed to the gripper roller 2" via the roller pair 4, 6. Within the gripper roller 2" is a vacuum section 3 for suctioning the end section 12 of the layer 10". Furthermore, another unwinding station 40a for an adhesive film 11 is provided, which is fed to the gripper roller 2" via another roller pair 4a, 6a and can be connected to the layer 10", as shown here only schematically. The third system 1" also includes a manipulation device 30, preferably a robot, wherein the gripper roller 2" is rotatably held as the end effector on the manipulation device 30 and can be moved to a fixing station 50, illustrated in Fig. 5, for placement on another layer 10' already arranged there. The gripper roller 2" can preferably be held on the manipulation device 30 via a quick-change system.In particular, the manipulation device 30 is designed as an articulated arm robot.

[0051] A control and regulating device 31 for unwinding the layer layers 10, 10', 10" from the respective gripper roller 2, 2', 2" onto a fixing station 50 or a further layer layer 10, 10' already arranged there, and / or for moving the manipulation device 30 with the gripper roller 2, 2', 2" connected to it, is shown in Figure 9. In this respect, preferably at least the cutting device in the form of the roller pairs 4, 6 or 4a, 6a, as well as the manipulation device 30 and / or the gripper roller(s) 2, 2', 2" are controllable or regulating via the control and / or regulating device 31.

[0052] The process steps according to the invention are described below with reference to Figures 4 to 7, using the first system 1. At the beginning of the process, the layer 10 of a defined length is provided, as shown in Figure 4. For this purpose, the layer 10 is unwound from the unwinding device 40 and fed to the roller pair 4, 6 of the cutting device. This can preferably be done as part of a continuous unwinding process.

[0053] Immediately following the roller pair 4, 6, the cut-to-length layer 10 is wound onto the gripper roller 2, whereby the layer 10 is fixed at least partially to the circumference of the gripper roller 2. The layer 10 is fed precisely and in a defined manner to the gripper roller 2 via the roller pairs 4, 6.

[0054] To fix the layer 10 to the gripper roller 2, a free end section 12 of the layer 10, positioned upstream in the process direction, is fixed to the gripper roller 2 at the beginning of the winding process, and a free end section 14, positioned downstream in the process direction, is fixed to the gripper roller 2 at the end of the winding process, as can be seen from the sequence of figures from Fig. 2 to Fig. 3. For fixing the layer 10, the surface of the gripper roller 2 is provided, at least partially, preferably in the area of ​​the associated end sections 12 and 14, with the vacuum sections 3 (see also Fig. 6). By means of suction via vacuum, the layer 10 is securely and gently fixed to the gripper roller 2. Alternatively or additionally, the layer 10, in particular its end sections 12, 14, can also be held by adhesive sections to be provided on the gripping roller 2, for example adhesion and / or adhesive sections and / or mechanical holding sections, for example clamping sections.

[0055] As also indicated in Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, the gripping roller 2 covered with the layer 10 is transported after winding by means of the manipulation device 30 to a fixing station 50 or to the fixing station 50 already equipped with another layer 10'.

[0056] For the operation of the gripping roller 2, it is provided or designed as a rotating and movable end effector of the manipulation device 30, preferably of the robot. This allows the gripping roller 2 to be moved freely in all spatial directions. In particular, for detection or quality control purposes, the weight and / or temperature and / or surface quality of the layer layers 10 held on the gripping roller 2 can be detected by at least one sensor device S. This also allows the weight of all assembled layers or films to be summed within a computing unit in the control and / or regulation device 31.

[0057] Following the process of the gripping roller 2 bearing layer 10, layer 10 is then unwound from the gripping roller 2 onto the next layer 10', as indicated in Fig. 7. Subsequently or simultaneously with the unwinding, the stacked layers 10 and 10' can be fixed in place. Optionally, layer 10' can be provided with an adhesive surface or layer before the first layer 10 is wound onto it. To implement and / or strengthen the fixing or bonding, the gripping roller 2 can be heated, at least in sections.

[0058] The previously described process steps are repeated, at least partially, until a predetermined number of stacked layers 10, 10' are reached to form a thin-film unit DE. According to Figure 8, a layer 10" in the form of a frame-shaped subgasket is applied to a fixing station 50, which is shown in the cross-sectional view. Then, a layer 10 in the form of a GDL is inserted into the frame-shaped subgasket. A layer 10' in the form of a CCM is then applied. Subsequently, another layer 10" in the form of a frame-shaped subgasket is applied, followed by a layer 10 in the form of a GDL being inserted into the frame-shaped subgasket. The thin-film unit DE according to Figure 8 can be laminated using a heated gripper roller 2', and any existing adhesive layers can be cured. The predetermined number of layers is five in this case.A total of five layer layers of 10, 10', 10" have been assembled to form a thin-film unit DE or MEA.

[0059] To complete the MEA, cutouts or openings are to be created in the edge regions of the stacked layer layers 10, 10', 10" to form ports. This can be achieved, particularly in the area of ​​the frame-shaped subgaskets, by means of a separating process, for example, by a cutting and / or punching process. The openings can be arranged opposite each other along one direction of extension of the MEA or at the opposing end sections 12, 14.

[0060] Figure 9 shows a schematic representation of a system 1 comprising several gripper rollers 2, 2', 2" with a common manipulation unit 30, which includes a control unit 21 and three robot arms for handling the three gripper rollers 2, 2', 2". For clarity, the depiction of cutting devices between the unwinding stations 40 and the gripper rollers 2, 2', 2" has been omitted. The three robot arms are configured to move the gripper rollers 2, 2', 2" loaded with layers 10, 10', 10" to the fixing stations 50 (indicated by the double arrows) and there to stack the layers 10, 10', 10" on top of each other or to place them side by side on the same level.

[0061] List of reference signs

[0062] 1, r, 1" system

[0063] 2, 2', 2" gripper roller

[0064] 3 Vacuum section 4, 4a Roller

[0065] 6, 6a roller

[0066] 7 Heating system

[0067] 10, 10', 10" layer position

[0068] 10a, 10b, 10c Material of one layer 11 Adhesive film

[0069] 12 Final section

[0070] 14 Final section

[0071] 30 Manipulation device

[0072] 31 Control and regulating device 40, 40a Roll-off station

[0073] 50 Fixing stations

[0074] Sensor device

Claims

Patent claims 1. Method for assembling a thin-film unit (DE), preferably a membrane electrode unit, with a plurality of stacked layer layers (10, 10', 10"), comprising the steps a) providing a layer layer (10, 10', 10") of a defined length, b) winding the layer layer (10, 10', 10") onto a gripping roller (2, 2', 2"), wherein the layer layer (10, 10', 10") is fixed at least section by section to the circumference of the gripping roller (2, 2', 2"), c) unwinding the layer layer (10, 10', 10") from the gripping roller (2, 2', 2") onto another layer layer (10, 10', 10"), d) fixing the layer layers (10, 10', 10") placed successively and / or on top of each other, e) repeating steps a) to d) d) until a predetermined number of layers (10, 10', 10") are reached, and, optionally, the introduction of at least one opening in an edge region of the layers (10, 10', 10").

2. Method according to claim 1, wherein the layer (10, 10', 10") is cut to the defined length via a pair of rollers (4, 6) and subsequently, preferably immediately afterwards, fed to the gripping roller (2, 2', 2").

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein in step d) at least one free end section (12, 14) of the layer (10, 10', 10") is fixed to the gripping roller (2, 2', 2"), preferably wherein at the beginning of the winding a preceding free end section (12) and at the end of the winding a subsequent free end section (14) are fixed to the gripping roller (2, 2', 2").

4. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a surface of the gripping roller (2, 2', 2") is used to fix the layer layer (10, 10', 10") at least sectionally, preferably in the area of ​​an associated end section (12, 14), is provided with a vacuum section (3) and / or an adhesive section and / or a mechanical holding section.

5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the gripping roller (2, 2', 2") covered with the layer layer (10, 10', 10") is transported to a fixing station (50) or to a fixing station (50) equipped with a further layer layer (10, 10', 10"), and wherein the gripping roller (2, 2', 2") is provided as a rotating and movable end effector of a manipulation device (30), preferably a robot.

6. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the unwinding of the layer layer (10, 10', 10") takes place during a rotary movement of the gripper roller (2, 2', 2") relative to the preferably stationary further layer layer (10, 10', 10").

7. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the gripping roller (2, 2', 2") is heated at least section by section to fix the layer layer (10, 10', 10") to the further layer layer (10, 10', 10") and / or wherein, prior to unwinding the layer layer (10, 10', 10"), an adhesive layer is applied at least section by section to one of the two layer layers (10, 10', 10").

8. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the gripping roller (2, 2', 2") is replaced after unwinding the layer (10, 10', 10") and before winding up a subsequent layer (10, 10', 10"), preferably wherein the gripping roller (2, 2', 2") is replaced via a quick-change system of the manipulation device (30).

9. Apparatus (1 , 1 ', 1 ") for assembling a thin-film unit (DE), preferably a membrane electrode unit, with a plurality of successively arranged layer layers (10, 10', 10"), in particular for carrying out the method according to one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one optional unwinding station (40, 40a), at least one cutting device comprising a pair of rollers (4, 6) for providing a layer (10, 10', 10") of defined length, a gripping roller (2, 2', 2") downstream of each pair of rollers (4, 6) for circumferential winding and fixing the layer (10, 10', 10"), at least one fixing station (50) for receiving layers (10, 10', 10") provided by the gripping roller(s), and at least one manipulation device (30), preferably a robot, comprising a control and regulation device (31) for controlling and / or regulating the gripping roller (2, 2', 2") and / or the cutting device.

10. System (1 , 1 ', 1 ") according to claim 9, wherein the gripping roller (2, 2', 2") is rotatably held as an end effector on the manipulation device (30) and is movable to the at least one fixing station (50).

11. System (1 , 1 ', 1 ") according to one of claims 9 or 10, wherein the gripping roller (2, 2', 2") is held on the manipulation device (30) via a quick-change system.

12. System (1 , 1 ', 1 ") according to one of claims 9 to 11 , wherein the gripping roller (2, 2', 2") is equipped with a sensor device (S) which is connected to the control and / or regulating device (31) via the manipulation device (30) using signal technology.

13. System (1 , 1 ', 1 ") according to one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the gripping roller (2, 2', 2") has at least one suction section (3) for sucking in the layer (10, 10', 10"), in particular the end sections 12, 14 of the layer (10, 10', 10").

14. System (1 , 1 ', 1 ") according to one of claims 9 to 13, wherein the gripping roller (2, 2', 2") has a heating device (7) for heating at least a section of the surface of the gripping roller (2, 2', 2").

15. System (1 , 1 ', 1") according to one of claims 9 to 14, wherein a further unwinding station (40a) is provided for supplying an adhesive layer, in particular an adhesive film (11) to the gripping roller (2, 2', 2").

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