A fuel cell stack tooling

Abstract

The utility model relates to a fuel cell stacking tool. The device comprises a stacking bottom plate, a positioning assembly, an air tightness test plate, an adjusting knob, an adjusting platform and a crossbeam; the positioning assembly is composed of a positioning embracing column and a positioning rod; the stacking bottom plate is provided with the positioning embracing column, the positioning embracing column is connected with the positioning rod, and the positioning rod is connected with the crossbeam; the air tightness test plate is fixed on the stacking bottom plate through the positioning embracing column; one side of the positioning embracing column is provided with the adjusting platform, the adjusting platform is provided with the adjusting knob for adjusting the backward or forward movement of the positioning embracing column; the positioning embracing column and the stacking bottom plate are provided with the adjusting knob for adjusting the inclination direction of the positioning embracing column. In the utility model, each component is modularly designed, convenient to disassemble and assemble, and can be compatible with the size change of the small range of the electric pile and the stacking requirement of different numbers of sheets, thereby achieving the effect of saving time and labor in the research and development stage.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of fuel cells, and specifically relates to a fuel cell stacking fixture. Background Technology

[0002] Fuel cell stacking fixtures are mostly fixed-size stacking, suitable for mass production and standardized assembly line stacking, but not suitable for manual assembly with variable dimensions and high stacking precision requirements in the early R&D stage. The fuel cell stack needs to be pressed and stabilized before being fastened by various fastening methods. This process requires high process requirements and strong universality.

[0003] The core components of a fuel cell stack include front and rear end plates, current collectors, electrode plates, membrane electrode assemblies, etc. There are many components and long sealing dimensions. After assembly, it is necessary to ensure that there is no air leakage. This requires accurate positioning of each component to achieve a reasonable sealing effect. Traditional positioning methods have a certain positioning capability, but they are mostly one tooling per electrode plate and have fixed design requirements for the number of stacked plates. They are only applicable to specific fuel cell stacks, and most tooling components are not interchangeable.

[0004] During the R&D phase, the stacking process mainly involves verifying various performance indicators of the electrode plates, membrane electrodes, and sealing strips. Therefore, the number of plates is not fixed. Using highly automated stacking tooling is not suitable. Instead, modular manual stacking tooling with adjustable values ​​and easy disassembly of components is more convenient and feasible. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a stacking positioning mechanism suitable for the fuel cell R&D stage, solving the problems of existing stacking tooling in the R&D stage being difficult to adapt to variations in electrode plate size, number of electrode sections, verticality of positioning rods, and real-time adjustment of positioning clamping. This positioning mechanism allows for modular design of each component, facilitating disassembly and assembly, and is compatible with small-range dimensional variations in the fuel cell stack and different stacking requirements, thus making it suitable for use in the R&D stage and achieving time and labor savings.

[0006] The technical solution of this utility model is as follows: A fuel cell stacking fixture includes a stack base plate, a positioning assembly, an airtightness test plate, an adjustment knob, an adjustment platform, and a crossbeam. The positioning assembly consists of a positioning column and a positioning rod. The stack base plate is provided with a positioning column, which is connected to the positioning rod, and the positioning rod is connected to the crossbeam. The airtightness test plate is fixed to the stack base plate by the positioning column. An adjustment platform is provided on one side of the positioning column, and the adjustment platform is provided with an adjustment knob for adjusting the backward or forward movement of the positioning column. An adjustment knob for adjusting the tilt direction of the positioning column is provided between the positioning column and the stack base plate.

[0007] Furthermore, the crossbeam is composed of a first crossbeam and a second crossbeam, which are assembled and connected to form a rectangular frame structure and installed on the front end of the positioning rod in the positioning assembly after assembly.

[0008] Furthermore, four threaded through holes are provided symmetrically at the bottom of the positioning column, and the positioning column is used in conjunction with adjusting knobs, adjusting knobs, adjusting knobs and adjusting knobs whose length is deeper than the threaded through holes of the positioning column base.

[0009] Furthermore, the upper end of the positioning column is designed vertically, and an elongated groove is provided at the upper end of the positioning column. The elongated groove is matched and connected with the positioning column. An oblong hole is provided at the rear end of the elongated groove, which is matched with the threaded hole at the rear of the positioning rod and locked and fixed by screws.

[0010] Furthermore, the adjusting knob for adjusting the tilt direction of the positioning column includes adjusting knob, adjusting knob, adjusting knob, and adjusting knob; the adjusting knob, adjusting knob, adjusting knob, and adjusting knob are disposed in the threaded through hole of the base of the positioning column.

[0011] Furthermore, there are 6 sets of the positioning components, one set at the front and one set at the back of the stacked base plate, and two sets on each side.

[0012] Furthermore, the air tightness test plate is provided with a circular positioning through hole at its center. The through hole can be matched with the positioning post of the stack base plate. After matching and combination, the air tightness test plate can be relatively fixed on the stack base plate to determine the compatibility with the front end plate of the entire stack to be tested.

[0013] Furthermore, positioning holes are provided on the surface of the stacked base plate.

[0014] Compared with existing technologies, this utility model relates to a tooling fixture for fuel cell stacking during the research and development stage. After assembly, this device can meet the requirements for positioning and pressing fuel cell stacks on a press, offering advantages such as precise positioning, convenient assembly and disassembly, simple structure, high replaceability, and flexible operation. It is suitable for high-requirement fuel cell stacking during the research and development stage. The main features are as follows: 1) By installing six positioning components and adjusting the position using the oblong holes, the clamping end plates of the fuel cell stack can be controlled to achieve compatibility with different sizes of the electrode plates, thus enhancing versatility; 2) After each positioning rod is pre-fixed, its size can be finely adjusted. By turning the four screws on the outside of the positioning assembly, the verticality of the positioning rod can be adjusted to achieve the high verticality requirement of the fuel cell stack positioning rod during the research and development stage.

[0015] 3) The positioning component is a modular split design. To meet the positioning requirements of different numbers of pieces, the size can be finely adjusted by tightening at different positions of the oblong holes during installation. If the number of stacked sections deviates significantly, the appropriate positioning rod module can be replaced to meet the requirements.

[0016] 4) The uppermost end of the positioning rod is designed with a fixing ring (first crossbeam and second crossbeam assembly) to prevent the fuel cell stack from being compressed and causing large lateral displacement during the stacking process.

[0017] The continuous adjustability of each component makes it particularly suitable for electrode plates with small variations in design size during the R&D stage, providing high-precision positioning for the assembly process of fuel cell stacks of various design sizes.

[0018] Through the above design, the positioning device provided by this utility model patent has multiple features, including modular disassembly and assembly, improved electrode plate size, matching of different number of sections, design size compatibility, stability, and real-time leveling. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a fuel cell stacking fixture according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the positioning component structure of a fuel cell stack; Figure 3 Exploded view showing the installation details of the positioning components; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a test plate for stacking airtightness.

[0020] The components in the diagram are as follows: 1. Stacking base plate, 2. Positioning column, 3. Positioning rod, 4. Air tightness test plate, 5. Adjustment knob, 6. Adjustment platform, 7. First crossbeam, 8. Second crossbeam, 51. First adjustment knob, 52. Second adjustment knob, 53. Third adjustment knob, 54. Fourth adjustment knob, 55. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The technical solutions described below, in conjunction with specific illustrations, are presented to provide a full understanding of this utility model application. However, this application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and similar extended embodiments made by those skilled in the art without inventive effort are all within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0022] like Figure 1As shown, this utility model embodiment provides a fuel cell stack tooling structure. The stack tooling includes a stack base plate 1, positioning posts 2, positioning rods 3, an airtightness test plate 4, adjusting knobs 5, adjusting platforms 6, a first crossbeam 7, and a second crossbeam 8. The positioning posts 2 and positioning rods 3 are connected to form a positioning assembly; the adjusting knobs 5 and adjusting platforms 6 are connected to form an adjusting assembly; the first crossbeam 7 and the second crossbeam 8 are combined and connected; there are a total of 6 sets of positioning assemblies, which are installed in 6 sets of threaded holes on the stack base plate 1 in the front, back, left, and right directions. The adjusting assemblies are installed in the threaded holes on the positioning posts, and together they are installed in the corresponding holes on the stack base plate 1; the first crossbeam 7 and the second crossbeam 8 are fastened with reference to the screw holes reserved at the upper end of the positioning rods.

[0023] As a preferred implementation scheme, such as Figure 4 As shown, the airtightness test plate 4 has a circular positioning through hole 41 and a circular positioning through hole 42 at its center. These through holes can be matched with the positioning posts of the stack base plate 1. After matching and assembly, the airtightness test plate 4 can be relatively fixed on the stack base plate 1, confirming its compatibility with the front end plate of the entire stack to be tested. The stack base plate 1 has eight positioning holes, numbered 101 to 108. The purpose of these positioning holes is to provide initial positioning of the front end plate of the fuel cell stack after it is placed on the stack base plate 1, preventing severe misalignment of the end plates from causing difficulties in controlling dimensional adjustments and insufficient stacking accuracy.

[0024] In this embodiment, the positioning post 2 not only serves as a fixed positioning rod 3, but also adapts to different sized plate designs by adjusting the fixed position of the positioning post 2. The bottom of the positioning post 2 is symmetrically provided with four oblong holes 21~24. The length of the oblong holes can be designed as needed according to the required adjustment distance. They are fixed at different positions at the front and back by screws to achieve the effect of adapting to different sized electrode plates.

[0025] The positioning column 2 has four threaded through holes symmetrically located at its bottom. Adjusting knobs 51, 52, 53, and 54, which are deeper than the threaded through holes in the base of the positioning column 2, need to be used in conjunction. The adjustment knobs are in different positions, but have the same structure and operating principle.

[0026] As a preferred embodiment, no tapping is required on the press base plate corresponding to the hole position of the stacking tooling adjustment knob. After the positioning column 2 is matched and screwed, the screw protrudes from the base plate of the positioning column 2 at different heights, thereby adjusting the height of the positioning component in all directions. With the help of the leveling equipment, the verticality of the positioning component can be adjusted.

[0027] For example Figure 2The installation positions of the adjusting knobs 51, 52, 53, and 54 are shown. Adjusting the height of adjusting knobs 51 and 52 together will tilt the positioning component backward; adjusting the height of adjusting knobs 53 and 54 together will tilt the positioning component forward; adjusting the height of adjusting knobs 51 and 53 together will tilt the positioning component to the right; adjusting the height of adjusting knobs 52 and 54 together will tilt the positioning component to the left; other positioning rods operate on the same principle.

[0028] enter Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the adjusting knob 55 is shaped like a large-shoulder positioning post, with an external thread on one side that screws into the tail end of the positioning post 2, and the other side fitting onto the adjusting platform. The adjusting platform 6 is designed to match the adjusting knob 55 and is fixed to the stack base plate 1 with screws. In use, by screwing the external thread of the adjusting knob 55 into or out of the threaded hole, the positioning post 2 can be moved backward or forward, thereby adjusting the degree to which the positioning assembly clamps or loosens the positioning stack.

[0029] In this embodiment, the upper end of the positioning column 2 is designed vertically, and the elongated groove matches the positioning column 3. A waist-shaped hole is provided at the rear of the elongated groove, which matches the threaded hole at the rear of the positioning rod 3. Screws are used to lock and fix the assembly into a positioning component, providing positioning functionality. The waist-shaped hole of the positioning column 2 allows for a small range of adjustable positioning height of the positioning rod 3 by adjusting the position of the locking screw at different heights on the positioning rod 3, enabling the positioning fixture to adapt to more fuel cell stack heights. The positioning column 2 is designed to protrude forward, leaving a space at the front bottom. This is because in the fuel cell stack assembly, the front plate of the fuel cell stack often also functions as the end plate of the housing, and its size is larger than the electrode plates to be stacked. Therefore, the positioning column 2 leaves some space at the front bottom. This clearance space at the bottom of the positioning column 2 also better adapts to different sizes of fuel cell stack front plates, improving the versatility of the stacking fixture.

[0030] In this embodiment, the positioning post 3 is a rectangular rod structure. Compared with round bars, the rectangular rod structure has better structural stability and higher positioning accuracy. A threaded hole is provided at the lower width of the positioning post 3 to match the corresponding oblong hole of the positioning post 2, and to tighten the fastening screws to form the aforementioned positioning assembly. A notch is provided at the upper end of the positioning rod 3, and a threaded hole is provided in the width of the notch to match the installation of the first crossbeam 7 and the second crossbeam 8.

[0031] like Figure 4As shown, in this embodiment, the airtightness test plate 4 is centrally positioned and fixed, and can be rotatably placed at the center of the stack base plate 1. The airtightness test plate 4 has a positioning through hole in the center, screw holes for matching the front end plate on both sides, airtightness test holes corresponding to the three cavity openings, and sealing grooves on the outer side of the three cavity openings to ensure airtightness matching the front end plate of the fuel cell stack.

[0032] In this embodiment, the front-end plate to be stacked needs to be placed on the airtightness test plate 4 to ensure that the entire stack has space for normal handling after stacking, and to ensure that the airtightness of the entire stack can be tested online on the press. The airtightness test plate 4 needs to be roughly bolted to the front-end plate of the required stack to ensure the reliability of positioning and prevent the airtightness test plate 4 from failing to seal.

[0033] In this embodiment, the first crossbeam 7 and the second crossbeam 8 can be assembled into a rectangular frame structure, which is installed on the front end of the positioning rod 3 in the assembled positioning assembly. The tightness can be adjusted by tightening the screws fastened to the first crossbeam 7 on the second crossbeam 8; the tightness of the overall fixture securing the electrode plates can be adjusted by tightening the screw threads. Fasteners for the first crossbeam 7 and the second crossbeam 8 are provided on the top of the stacking fixture, ensuring the integrity of the stacking fixture and effectively preventing excessive lateral deformation of the fuel cell stack during the stacking stress process.

[0034] In this embodiment, the airtightness test plate 4 is matched with the three-chamber air inlet of the front end plate of the fuel cell stack in a sealed manner. After the fuel cell stack is press-fitted, the sealing is completed. The airtightness performance is tested externally through airtightness devices such as quick connectors. After the fuel cell stack is press-fitted, the airtightness compliance test can be carried out in time. Each chamber can be designed with an airtightness interface.

[0035] In this embodiment, while meeting the requirements for electrode plate positioning, all components can be disassembled and replaced as modules. After the overall installation, the entire tooling can also be lifted and moved by setting lifting rings on the mounting stack base plate, saving assembly time and better avoiding the lack of precision caused by frequent tooling disassembly.

Claims

1. A fuel cell stacking fixture, characterized in that, The system includes a stacking base plate (1), a positioning component, an airtightness test plate (4), an adjustment knob (5), an adjustment platform (6), and a crossbeam. The positioning component consists of a positioning column (2) and a positioning rod (3). The stacking base plate (1) is provided with a positioning column (2), which is connected to the positioning rod (3). The positioning rod (3) is connected to the crossbeam. The airtightness test plate (4) is fixed to the stacking base plate (1) by the positioning column (2). An adjustment platform (6) is provided on one side of the positioning column (2), and an adjustment knob (5) is provided on the adjustment platform (6) for adjusting the positioning column (2) to move backward or forward. An adjustment knob (5) for adjusting the tilt direction of the positioning column (2) is provided between the positioning column (2) and the stacking base plate (1).

2. The fuel cell stacking fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that, The crossbeam consists of a first crossbeam (7) and a second crossbeam (8). The first crossbeam (7) and the second crossbeam (8) are assembled and connected to form a rectangular frame structure, which is installed on the front end of the positioning rod (3) in the positioning assembly after assembly.

3. The fuel cell stacking fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that, The positioning column (2) has four threaded through holes at symmetrical positions at its bottom. The positioning column (2) is used in conjunction with adjusting knobs (51), (52), (53) and (54) whose length is deeper than the threaded through holes in the base of the positioning column (2).

4. The fuel cell stacking fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that, The upper end of the positioning column (2) is designed vertically, and the upper end of the positioning column (2) is provided with an elongated groove. The elongated groove is matched and connected with the positioning column (3). The rear section of the elongated groove is provided with a waist-shaped elongated hole, which is matched with the threaded hole on the back of the positioning rod (3) and locked and fixed by screws.

5. The fuel cell stacking fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that, The adjustment knob (5) for adjusting the tilt direction of the positioning column (2) includes adjustment knob (51), adjustment knob (52), adjustment knob (53) and adjustment knob (54); the adjustment knob (51), adjustment knob (52), adjustment knob (53) and adjustment knob (54) are disposed in the threaded through hole of the base of the positioning column (2).

6. The fuel cell stacking fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that, The positioning components consist of 6 sets, one set each on the front and back, and two sets on the left and right sides, installed on the stacked base plate (1).

7. The fuel cell stacking fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air tightness test plate (4) is provided with a circular positioning through hole (41) and a circular positioning through hole (42) in the center. The through holes can be matched with the positioning posts of the stack base plate (1). After matching and combination, the air tightness test plate (4) can be relatively fixed on the stack base plate (1) to determine the compatibility with the front end plate of the whole stack to be tested.

8. The fuel cell stacking fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that, Positioning holes are provided on the surface of the stacked base plate (1).

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