Pre-assembly tool for assembling a stack and method for assembling a stack

Abstract

This invention belongs to the field of electrical component technology, specifically relating to equipment for combined dye-coated batteries, and particularly to pre-assembly fixtures and assembly methods for battery stack assembly. One type of pre-assembly fixture for battery stack assembly includes: a support platform with a matrix of negative pressure holes in its central region; a cathode gasket horizontally disposed on the support platform and having a plurality of negative pressure cavities circumferentially formed therefrom, the negative pressure cavities being connected to the central region of the support platform via capillary channels; a clamping adjustment member rotatably disposed on the outer wall of the cathode gasket, including a limiting part and a lifting part, the plurality of clamping adjustment members being arranged circumferentially along the cathode gasket; an electrode frame horizontally placed on the surface of the cathode gasket, the clamping adjustment member rotating to the limiting part inserting into the cathode gasket, drawing negative pressure through the negative pressure holes to adsorb the electrode frame; after pre-assembly, the negative pressure holes are rapidly depressurized through a pressure relief valve, the clamping adjustment member rotating to the lifting part inserting between the cathode gasket and the support platform to rapidly release the negative pressure in the negative pressure cavities.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of electrical component technology, specifically relating to equipment for combined dye-coated batteries, and more particularly to pre-assembly fixtures for battery stack assembly and their assembly methods. Background Technology

[0002] The fuel cell stack is the core functional unit of a hydrogen fuel cell power system. The basic structure of the stack consists of multiple stack plates stacked together. Each stack plate includes an anode plate, a cathode plate, and a proton exchange membrane sandwiched between them, along with a sealing structure. To ensure the alignment accuracy and assembly efficiency of subsequent stacking, the industry commonly employs a pre-assembly process. The electrode frames, cathode plates, membrane electrode assemblies, anode plates, and bipolar plates are sequentially aligned and assembled on a pre-assembly platform to form a single stack unit. These units are then transported in batches to the stacking station by a robotic arm using negative pressure suction cups.

[0003] Currently, fuel cell stack pre-assembly mainly relies on negative pressure holes (main negative pressure zone) in the middle of the pre-assembly platform for adsorption and fixation, and negative pressure cavities (secondary negative pressure zone) in the circumference of the cathode gasket for auxiliary adsorption. The negative pressure holes in the main negative pressure zone of the pre-assembly platform are directly connected to the pressure relief valve through internal flow channels, enabling rapid pressure relief. However, the negative pressure cavities in the secondary negative pressure zone of the cathode gasket need to be indirectly connected to the negative pressure system through capillary channels. The high flow resistance and slow exhaust speed of the capillary channels cause the pressure relief in the secondary negative pressure zone at the ends to lag significantly behind that in the main negative pressure zone in the middle. When the robotic arm starts handling, the main negative pressure zone of the fuel cell stack has already detached from the negative pressure adsorption, while the secondary negative pressure zone remains firmly adsorbed by the negative pressure cavity, resulting in an uneven stress state where the main negative pressure zone is under tension while the secondary negative pressure zone is fixed. This problem can lead to minor issues such as membrane electrode wrinkling, seal misalignment, or slight deformation of the cathode edge; or more serious issues such as membrane electrode damage, short circuits between the anode and cathode, or seal failure, severely affecting the performance and service life of the fuel cell stack.

[0004] To mitigate the aforementioned deformation issues, existing processes often employ extended negative pressure release time, allowing the negative pressure zones at both ends of the cathode pad to be completely depressurized before handling. However, this method directly increases the pre-assembly time of a single fuel cell stack, reducing the overall production efficiency of the assembly line. Furthermore, the excessively long waiting time increases the risk of oxidation of the anode and cathode plates and moisture absorption of the membrane electrode assembly, potentially impacting the long-term performance stability of the fuel cell stack.

[0005] Therefore, how to achieve synchronous and rapid pressure relief between the main negative pressure zone and the secondary negative pressure zone of the cathode gasket without changing the existing adsorption structure, and eliminate the pressure relief time difference between the main negative pressure zone and the secondary negative pressure zone, is a technical problem that urgently needs to be solved in this field.

[0006] It should be noted that the information disclosed in this background section is only for understanding the background technology of this application concept, and therefore, the above description is not considered to constitute information related to the technology. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This disclosure provides at least one pre-assembly fixture for fuel cell stack assembly and its assembly method.

[0008] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a pre-assembly fixture for fuel cell stack assembly, comprising: The support platform has several negative pressure holes arranged in a matrix in its central area; A cathode pad is horizontally positioned on a support platform and has several negative pressure cavities formed along its circumference. The negative pressure cavities are connected to the central region of the support platform through capillary channels. A clamping adjustment component is rotatably disposed on the outer side wall of the cathode pad, including a limiting part and a lifting part, and a plurality of the clamping adjustment components are arranged along the circumference of the cathode pad; The electrode frame is placed horizontally on the surface of the cathode pad. The clamping adjustment component is rotated to the limit part and inserted into the cathode pad. Negative pressure is drawn through the negative pressure hole to adsorb the electrode frame. After pre-installation, the negative pressure hole is quickly depressurized through the pressure relief valve. The clamping adjustment component is rotated until the lifting part is inserted between the cathode gasket and the support platform to quickly release the negative pressure in the negative pressure chamber.

[0009] In one optional embodiment, the clamping adjustment component includes a micro motor and a positioning column, wherein the micro motor is fixed on a support seat on the outer wall of the support platform and is vertically arranged; The positioning post is fixed to the end of the shaft of the micro motor, and the limiting part and the lifting part are symmetrically arranged on the outer wall of the positioning post.

[0010] In one alternative embodiment, the limiting portion is arc-shaped with a triangular cross-section.

[0011] In one alternative embodiment, the lifting portion is arc-shaped, and its radial width is greater than that of the limiting portion.

[0012] In one alternative embodiment, the axial height of the lifting portion is less than the axial height of the limiting portion.

[0013] In one optional embodiment, the outer wall of the cathode pad is provided with a plurality of positioning grooves that match the positioning posts, and the positioning posts are rotatably disposed in the positioning grooves.

[0014] In one optional embodiment, a limiting groove is formed circumferentially on the inner wall of the positioning groove, and the limiting groove matches the limiting part; When the positioning column rotates to the point where the limiting part is inserted into the limiting groove, the limiting part is suitable for axially limiting the cathode pad.

[0015] In one alternative embodiment, each end of the lifting portion is provided with an inclined surface, which is adapted to push the cathode pad upward.

[0016] In one optional embodiment, a plurality of limiting blocks are circumferentially arranged on the surface of the cathode pad, and the limiting blocks abut against the outer wall of the electrode frame.

[0017] In one alternative embodiment, the negative pressure cavities located at both ends of the cathode pad along its length are interconnected.

[0018] Secondly, embodiments of this disclosure also provide an assembly method for a pre-assembly fixture used for fuel cell stack assembly, the assembly method comprising: The electrode frame is placed horizontally on the surface of the cathode pad. The clamping adjustment component is rotated until the limiting part is inserted into the cathode pad. The limiting part is suitable for axially limiting the cathode pad so that it is tightly attached to the support platform. Negative pressure is drawn through the negative pressure hole to adsorb the electrode frame. After pre-installation, the negative pressure hole is quickly depressurized through the pressure relief valve. The clamping adjustment component is rotated until the lifting part is inserted between the cathode gasket and the support platform. The lifting part pushes the negative pressure gasket upward to move away from the surface of the support platform, so as to quickly release the negative pressure in the negative pressure chamber.

[0019] The beneficial effect of this invention is that it provides a pre-assembly fixture for fuel cell stack assembly and an assembly method thereof. By cooperating with the clamping adjustment component and the cathode gasket, the limiting part can effectively limit the cathode gasket when inserted into it, while the lifting part can quickly release the negative pressure in the negative pressure chamber when inserted into the bottom wall of the cathode gasket. This achieves synchronous release of negative pressure at the middle and end, avoiding problems such as membrane electrode wrinkling caused by uneven force on the electrode frame and membrane electrode, deformation of the anode and cathode plates caused by the electrode frame, and even short circuits and seal failures in the fuel cell stack. The rotation of the clamping adjustment component enables rapid pressure relief without extending the pressure relief waiting time. After pre-assembly, it can be transported immediately, significantly shortening the pre-assembly cycle of a single fuel cell stack and improving the production efficiency of the entire assembly line.

[0020] Other features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the following description, and will be apparent in part from the description, or may be learned by practicing the invention. The objects and other advantages of the invention are realized and obtained through the structures particularly pointed out in the description and the drawings.

[0021] To make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, preferred embodiments are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0022] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the specific embodiments or related technologies of the present invention, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or related technologies will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0023] Figure 1 A perspective view of a pre-assembly fixture for fuel cell stack assembly provided in an embodiment of this disclosure; Figure 2 A perspective view of the cathode gasket and clamping adjustment member provided in the embodiments of this disclosure; Figure 3 A perspective view of the clamping adjustment member provided in the embodiments of this disclosure; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the limiting cathode pad state provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the state of the jacking section pushing the cathode pad according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the cathode pad with its bottom surface facing upwards, provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 7 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the cathode pad, support platform, and clamping adjustment member provided in an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0024] In the picture: 1. Support platform; 10. Negative pressure hole; 2. Cathode gasket; 20. Negative pressure chamber; 21. Capillary channel; 22. Positioning groove; 23. Limiting groove; 24. Limiting block; 3. Clamping adjustment component; 31. Limiting part; 32. Lifting part; 33. Micro motor; 34. Positioning column; 35. Inclined surface; A. Edge pressure relief zone; B. Detachment zone. Detailed Implementation

[0025] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0026] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing specific exemplary configurations only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular articles “a,” “an,” and “the” may also be intended to include plural forms unless explicitly stated otherwise. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are inclusive, and the method steps, processes, and operations described herein should not be construed as requiring them to be performed in the specific order discussed or shown, unless specifically identified as such. Additional or alternative steps may be employed.

[0027] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0028] The following detailed description of some embodiments of the present invention is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise specified, the following embodiments and features can be combined with each other.

[0029] like Figures 1 to 7 As shown, at least one embodiment provides a pre-assembly fixture for fuel cell stack assembly, including: a support platform 1, which is the basic load-bearing component of the fixture and is made of hard aluminum alloy. A plurality of negative pressure holes 10 are uniformly arranged in a matrix in the central region, forming a main negative pressure zone for the electrode sheets to be assembled; the negative pressure holes 10 are connected to an external negative pressure generator and a pressure relief valve to achieve rapid negative pressure extraction and rapid pressure release in the central region (main negative pressure zone).

[0030] like Figure 6 As shown, the cathode pad 2 is horizontally attached to the upper surface of the support platform 1, and its outer dimensions are slightly larger than the electrode to be assembled. Several limiting blocks 24 are arranged circumferentially on the upper surface of the cathode pad 2. The limiting blocks 24 perform preliminary positioning of the outer wall of the electrode, realizing rapid radial positioning of the electrode. Several negative pressure cavities 20 are opened circumferentially along the cathode pad 2. The negative pressure cavities 20 at both ends of the length direction are interconnected and connected to the middle area of ​​the support platform 1 through capillary channels 21, realizing the adsorption of the secondary negative pressure area at the end of the cathode pad 2 and ensuring uniform adsorption force in the secondary negative pressure area. Several positioning grooves 22 are opened circumferentially on the outer wall of the cathode pad 2, and limiting grooves 23 are opened circumferentially on the inner wall of the positioning grooves 22, which are used to cooperate with the clamping adjustment component 3 to achieve limiting and lifting. During the assembly of the electrode stack, the bottom wall of the cathode pad 2 is tightly fitted to the support platform 1, and the negative pressure is drawn through the negative pressure hole 10 to form the main negative pressure zone, so as to achieve adsorption and fixation of the electrode frame; after the electrode stack is assembled, the cathode pad 2 is pushed upward by the lifting part 32 of the pressing adjustment part 3 to achieve rapid discharge of the negative pressure in the negative pressure chamber 20 (secondary negative pressure zone), realizing the synchronous release of negative pressure in the main negative pressure zone and the secondary negative pressure zone.

[0031] like Figure 3As shown, the clamping adjustment components 3 are evenly arranged around the cathode pad 2, and their number matches the positioning groove 22. The clamping adjustment components 3 include: a micro motor 33, a positioning column 34, a limiting part 31, and a lifting part 32. The micro motor 33 is fixed on the support seat on the outer wall of the support platform 1, arranged vertically, and rotates upward. The micro motor 33 is used to drive the positioning column 34 to rotate, and the rotation angle of the positioning column 34 is controllable. The positioning column 34 is fixed at the end of the rotating shaft of the micro motor 33, and is rotatably arranged in the positioning groove 22, driven to rotate by the micro motor 33. The limiting part 31 and the lifting part 32 are symmetrically arranged on the outer wall of the positioning column 34. Furthermore, the arc angle between the limiting part 31 and the lifting part 32 on the outer wall of the positioning column 34 does not exceed 100°, so that when the limiting part 31 is completely disengaged from the limiting groove 23, the inclined surface 35 of the side wall of the lifting part 32 has not yet contacted the bottom wall of the cathode pad 2. The limiting part 31 is arc-shaped with a triangular cross-section, matching the limiting groove 23, and is used to axially lock the cathode pad 2; the lifting part 32 is arc-shaped with a radial width greater than the limiting part 31 and an axial height less than the limiting part 31, and has inclined surfaces 35 at both ends, which are used to push the cathode pad 2 upward; the micro motor 33 can be connected to the production line PLC system to achieve precise control of the rotation angle and complete the automatic switching between the limiting and lifting states.

[0032] like Figure 4 The limiting part 31 is embedded in the limiting groove 23 on the side wall of the cathode pad 2 so that the cathode pad 2 and the support platform 1 are tightly fitted, the capillary channel 21 is open, and the negative pressure can be stably transmitted to the end negative pressure chamber 20. At this time, the electrode frame is adsorbed and fixed on the cathode pad 2 by the negative pressure to avoid displacement during the assembly process.

[0033] like Figure 5 , 7 After the fuel cell stack is assembled, the negative pressure hole 10 quickly empties the adsorption negative pressure in the main negative pressure area at the bottom of the fuel cell stack through the pressure relief valve; several micro motors synchronously drive the corresponding positioning columns 34 to rotate, so that each limiting part 31 synchronously disengages from the limiting groove 23, and then several lifting parts 32 are synchronously inserted from the bottom between the cathode pad 2 and the support platform 1. The insertion point of the lifting part 32 here refers to the edge of the cathode pad 2. The synchronous insertion of several lifting parts 32 causes the edge of the cathode pad 2 to be raised, thus placing the cathode pad 2... An edge pressure relief zone A is formed between the lower edge of the cathode pad 2 and the support platform 1. External air quickly enters the negative pressure chamber 20, realizing instantaneous vacuum breaking in the secondary negative pressure zone. This achieves synchronous release of negative pressure between the main negative pressure zone and the secondary negative pressure zone, avoiding membrane electrode wrinkling and deformation of the cathode plate and anode plate caused by the delayed pressure relief in the secondary negative pressure zone. In severe cases, this can lead to problems such as short circuits and sealing failures in the fuel cell stack. After the edge of the cathode pad 2 is raised, the upper edge of the cathode pad 2 and the electrode frame ( Figure 7Between the dotted frame (above), the surface contact changes to edge line contact, forming a separation zone B. This assists in the separation of the cathode pad 2 from the electrode frame, preventing adhesion between the electrode frame and the cathode pad 2. After the material is removed, several micro motors 33 synchronously drive the corresponding positioning posts 34 to rotate, so that each limiting part 31 synchronously inserts into the corresponding limiting groove 23, thereby restoring the limiting of the cathode pad 2 and restoring the deformation of the cathode pad 2 with raised edges, ensuring the accuracy of subsequent pre-assembly.

[0034] At least one embodiment provides an assembly method for a pre-assembly fixture for fuel cell stack assembly, the assembly method comprising: The electrode frame is placed horizontally on the surface of the cathode pad 2. The pressing adjustment component 3 is rotated until the limiting part 31 is inserted into the cathode pad 2. The limiting part 31 is suitable for axially limiting the cathode pad 2 so that it is tightly attached to the support platform 1. Negative pressure is drawn through the negative pressure hole 10 to adsorb the electrode frame. After pre-installation, the negative pressure hole 10 is quickly depressurized through the pressure relief valve. The clamping adjustment component 3 is rotated until the lifting part 32 is inserted between the cathode pad 2 and the support platform 1. The lifting part 32 pushes the negative pressure pad upward to move away from the surface of the support platform 1, so as to quickly discharge the negative pressure chamber 20, realize the instantaneous vacuum breaking of the secondary negative pressure zone, and realize the synchronous release of negative pressure in the main negative pressure zone and the secondary negative pressure zone.

[0035] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the present invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0036] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, are only for the convenience of describing the invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of the invention. Furthermore, terms such as "first," "second," and other numerical terms used herein do not imply order or sequence unless expressly indicated herein. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments, the first element, component, region, layer, or segment discussed above may be referred to as a second element, component, region, layer, or segment.

[0037] Based on the above-described preferred embodiments of the present invention, and through the foregoing description, those skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications without departing from the inventive concept. The technical scope of this invention is not limited to the contents of the specification, but must be determined according to the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A pre-assembly tooling for fuel cell stack assembly, characterized in that, include: Support platform (1), with several negative pressure holes (10) matrixed in the middle area. A cathode pad (2) is horizontally positioned on a support platform (1) and has several negative pressure cavities (20) opened along the circumference. The negative pressure cavities (20) are connected to the central region of the support platform (1) through capillary channels (21). A clamping adjustment member (3) is rotatably disposed on the outer side wall of the cathode pad (2), including a limiting part (31) and a lifting part (32), and a plurality of the clamping adjustment members (3) are arranged circumferentially along the cathode pad (2); The electrode frame is placed horizontally on the surface of the cathode pad (2), and the pressing adjustment part (3) is rotated to the limit part (31) and inserted into the cathode pad (2). The negative pressure is drawn through the negative pressure hole (10) to adsorb the electrode frame. After pre-installation, the negative pressure hole (10) is quickly depressurized through the pressure relief valve, and the tightening adjustment part (3) is rotated to the top part (32) and inserted between the cathode gasket (2) and the support platform (1) to quickly release the negative pressure in the negative pressure chamber (20).

2. The pre-assembly tooling for fuel cell stack assembly as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The clamping adjustment component (3) includes a micro motor (33) and a positioning column (34). The micro motor (33) is fixed on the support seat on the outer wall of the support platform (1) and is vertically arranged. The positioning post (34) is fixed to the end of the shaft of the micro motor (33), and the limiting part (31) and the lifting part (32) are symmetrically arranged on the outer wall of the positioning post (34).

3. The pre-assembly tooling for fuel cell stack assembly as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The limiting part (31) is arc-shaped and its cross-section is triangular.

4. The pre-assembly fixture for fuel cell stack assembly as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The lifting part (32) is arc-shaped and its radial width is greater than that of the limiting part (31).

5. The pre-assembly tooling for fuel cell stack assembly as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The axial height of the lifting part (32) is less than the axial height of the limiting part (31).

6. The pre-assembly tooling for fuel cell stack assembly as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The outer wall of the cathode pad (2) is provided with a plurality of positioning grooves (22) that match the positioning post (34), and the positioning post (34) is rotatably disposed in the positioning groove (22).

7. The pre-assembly tooling for fuel cell stack assembly as described in claim 6, characterized in that, A limiting groove (23) is provided on the inner wall of the positioning groove (22) along the circumferential direction, and the limiting groove (23) matches the limiting part (31); When the positioning post (34) rotates to the point where the limiting part (31) is inserted into the limiting groove (23), the limiting part (31) is suitable for axially limiting the cathode pad.

8. The pre-assembly fixture for fuel cell stack assembly as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The lifting part (32) has an inclined surface (35) at each end, which is suitable for pushing the cathode pad (2) upward.

9. The pre-assembly tooling for fuel cell stack assembly as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The cathode pad is provided with a plurality of limiting blocks (24) circumferentially arranged on its surface, and the limiting blocks (24) abut against the outer wall of the electrode frame.

10. The pre-assembly tooling for fuel cell stack assembly as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The negative pressure cavities (20) located at both ends of the cathode pad along its length are interconnected.

11. An assembly method for a pre-assembly fixture used in fuel cell stack assembly, characterized in that, The assembly method employs the pre-assembly fixture for fuel cell stack assembly as described in any one of claims 1-10, comprising: The electrode frame is placed horizontally on the surface of the cathode pad (2). The pressing adjustment part (3) is rotated to the limit part (31) and inserted into the cathode pad (2). The limit part (31) is suitable for axially limiting the cathode pad (2) so that it is tightly attached to the support platform (1). Negative pressure is drawn through the negative pressure hole (10) to adsorb the electrode frame. After pre-installation, the negative pressure hole (10) is quickly depressurized through the pressure relief valve. The clamping adjustment component (3) is rotated to the position where the lifting part (32) is inserted between the cathode pad (2) and the support platform (1). The lifting part (32) pushes the negative pressure pad upward to move away from the surface of the support platform (1) in order to quickly release the negative pressure in the negative pressure chamber (20).

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