Fuel cell automatic detection device and control method thereof

Abstract

The present invention discloses an automated detection device for a battery stack and a control method thereof. The battery stack includes a plurality of bipolar plates and a plurality of membrane electrodes. The battery stack has an inspection position for performance testing. The detection device includes a mounting mechanism, a testing mechanism, and a gripping mechanism. The mounting mechanism has a battery stack mounting position and a connector storage position. The connector storage position is detachably mounted with a test connector. The testing mechanism is electrically connected to the test connector. The gripping mechanism alternately grips the bipolar plates and the membrane electrodes in sequence and places them on the battery stack mounting position for stacking to form the battery stack. The gripping mechanism also grips the test connector to electrically connect the test connector to the inspection position. The detection device is conducive to improving the efficiency of battery stack installation and testing, and is conducive to realizing large-scale batch testing. On the other hand, it is conducive to increasing the detection accuracy of battery stack testing. In addition, it can also avoid safety problems during manual operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of fuel cells, and in particular to an automatic detection device for a fuel cell stack and a control method thereof. Background Art

[0002] Proton exchange membrane fuel cells, with their advantages of short startup time, low operating temperatures, and high energy density, have become a mainstream technology for fuel cell application and promotion worldwide. As fuel cell performance continues to improve, the requirements for detection technology are also increasing: shorter detection times, higher detection accuracy, and greater detection volume are required.

[0003] The fuel cell performance testing process primarily involves stack installation, stack performance testing, stack disassembly and replacement, and re-performance testing. Prior art fuel cell performance testing typically requires extensive manual repetitive operations, which not only inefficiencies but also reduces test accuracy due to uncontrollable factors. Furthermore, manual operations also pose safety risks. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the defects of low efficiency and low test accuracy in the fuel cell performance detection process in the prior art, and to provide an automatic detection device for a fuel cell stack and a control method thereof.

[0005] The present invention solves the above technical problems through the following technical solutions:

[0006] An automated testing device for a battery stack, the battery stack comprising a plurality of bipolar plates and a plurality of membrane electrodes, the battery stack having an inspection position for performance testing, the automated testing device for the battery stack comprising:

[0007] A conveying mechanism for conveying bipolar plates and membrane electrodes;

[0008] The installation mechanism has a stack installation position and a connector storage position, and the connector storage position can be detachably installed with a test connector;

[0009] The testing mechanism includes a patroller electrically connected to the test connector;

[0010] The grabbing mechanism alternately grabs the bipolar plates and the membrane electrodes in turn and places them on the stack installation position for stacking to form the stack. The grabbing mechanism also grabs the test connector to electrically connect the test connector to the inspection position.

[0011] In this solution, the automatic stacking of bipolar plates and membrane electrodes, as well as the automatic installation of test connectors, are achieved through the automatic detection device for the battery stack. In this way, the installation of the battery stack, the preliminary preparations for the battery stack test, the subsequent battery stack testing, and the final disassembly of the battery stack can all be achieved through the automatic detection device for the battery stack. Compared with manual operation, a large number of repetitive actions in the battery stack testing process are achieved through the automatic device. On the one hand, it is conducive to improving the efficiency of battery stack installation and battery stack testing, and thus is conducive to large-scale batch testing. On the other hand, it is conducive to avoiding uncontrollable factors of human beings, and thus is conducive to increasing the detection accuracy of the battery stack test. In addition, the automatic detection device for the battery stack can also avoid safety problems during manual operation.

[0012] Preferably, the fuel cell stack automated detection device also includes a mounting seat, and the grasping mechanism includes a first grasping part, a second grasping part and an intermediate connecting assembly, the first grasping part is used to grasp the bipolar plate and the membrane electrode, and the second grasping part is used to grasp the test joint, the first grasping part and the second grasping part are arranged at one end of the intermediate connecting assembly, and the other end of the intermediate connecting assembly is connected to the mounting seat, and the intermediate connecting assembly uses the connection position with the mounting seat as a support point to drive the first grasping part and the second grasping part to move and / or rotate in three-dimensional space.

[0013] In this solution, the above-mentioned structural form is adopted. After the first grasping part grasps the bipolar plate and membrane electrode, it can move and / or rotate to move the bipolar plate and membrane electrode and install them to the fuel cell stack installation position. Similarly, after the second grasping part grasps the test connector, it can move and / or rotate to move the test connector and install it to the inspection position of the fuel cell stack.

[0014] Preferably, the intermediate connection assembly comprises at least two connecting rods connected in series, wherein the connecting rods are connected to each other, or / and the connecting rod and the mounting seat are connected via a universal joint;

[0015] And / or, the gripping mechanism includes two first gripping parts, the two first gripping parts are arranged side by side, and the two first gripping parts respectively cooperate with the bipolar plate and the membrane electrode;

[0016] and / or, the first gripping portion acts on the bipolar plate or the membrane electrode by suction;

[0017] And / or, the first gripping portion acts on the bipolar plate or the membrane electrode through a magnetic force.

[0018] In this solution, adjacent connecting rods can achieve relative rotation through universal joints, and non-adjacent connecting rods can achieve relative movement, thereby achieving movement and rotation of the first grasping part and the second grasping part. The universal ball head is beneficial to increase the rotation range, thereby improving the flexibility of the first grasping part and the second grasping part.

[0019] Preferably, the second gripping portion includes a clamping piece, the clamping piece is parallel to the plane where the first gripping portion is located, and is arranged to point in the forward direction of the intermediate connecting assembly, and the front end of the clamping piece is provided with a groove, the size of the groove is adapted to the size of the test connector;

[0020] And / or, the grasping mechanism also includes an information collection part, which is arranged on the side of the first grasping part facing the conveying mechanism, including collecting position information of the bipolar plates and the membrane electrode on the conveying mechanism before stacking, height information and numbering information of the bipolar plates and the membrane electrode during the stacking process, and position information of the test connector.

[0021] In this solution, the intermediate connecting component can be moved or rotated so that the groove of the clamping member is directed toward the test connector at the connector storage position, and the groove of the clamping member is clamped on the test connector to remove the test connector from the connector storage position. The size of the groove is adapted to the size of the test connector, which helps to ensure that the test connector can be removed without damaging the test connector.

[0022] Preferably, the mounting mechanism includes a first mounting portion and a second mounting portion.

[0023] The first mounting portion has the stack mounting position, and the first mounting portion is provided with a positioning mechanism at the stack mounting position. The positioning mechanism is arranged diagonally, corresponding to the positions of the through holes provided on the bipolar plate and the membrane electrode, and the positioning mechanism is raised and lowered along the stacking direction of the stack;

[0024] The second mounting portion is arranged above the first mounting portion, and the first mounting portion is arranged to be moved closer to or away from the second mounting portion by lifting, or the second mounting portion is arranged to be moved closer to or away from the first mounting portion by lifting.

[0025] In this solution, the positioning mechanism rises to a certain height each time a bipolar plate or membrane electrode is placed. In this way, while achieving the positioning of the bipolar plate and membrane electrode, the positioning mechanism will not extend too much out of the battery stack. Compared with the positioning mechanism that cannot be raised or lowered and has a certain height in the initial state, the positioning mechanism rises to a certain height each time a bipolar plate or membrane electrode is placed, which is conducive to ensuring the movement space and range of the grasping mechanism; when the first mounting part and the second mounting part are relatively close, the battery stack can be pressed to facilitate subsequent inspection.

[0026] Preferably, the first mounting portion includes a first hydrogen channel, a first air channel and a first water channel, and the testing mechanism includes a second hydrogen channel, a second air channel and a second water channel respectively connected to the first hydrogen channel, the first air channel and the first water channel;

[0027] The second mounting portion includes a third hydrogen channel, a third air channel, and a third water channel, and the testing mechanism includes a fourth hydrogen channel, a fourth air channel, and a fourth water channel respectively connected to the third hydrogen channel, the third air channel, and the third water channel.

[0028] The fuel cell stack is provided with flow passages, and the first hydrogen channel and the third hydrogen channel, the first air channel and the third air channel, and the first water channel and the third water channel are communicated through the flow passages.

[0029] Preferably, the second hydrogen channel, the second air channel and the second water channel are each provided with a control valve, and the control valve is used to control the flow between the first hydrogen channel and the second hydrogen channel, between the first air channel and the second air channel, and between the first water channel and the second water channel;

[0030] And / or, the fuel cell stack automatic detection device further includes a hydrogen probe, and the first hydrogen channel, the second hydrogen channel, the third hydrogen channel and the fourth hydrogen channel are all provided with the hydrogen probe to detect the hydrogen concentration.

[0031] In this solution, if hydrogen overflows from the hydrogen channel, the hydrogen probe will be able to identify and detect it, thereby ensuring the reliability and safety of the device operation process.

[0032] Preferably, the conveying mechanism comprises at least two conveyor belts, and the two conveyor belts respectively convey the bipolar plate and the membrane electrode to the gripping range of the first gripping portion;

[0033] And / or, the battery stack automated detection device further includes a control system, and the mounting mechanism, the gripping mechanism, and the testing mechanism are all electrically connected to the control system;

[0034] And / or, the battery stack automatic detection device further includes a waste box, which is used to place unqualified bipolar plates and membrane electrodes.

[0035] A control method for a battery stack automatic detection device is used to control the battery stack automatic detection device as described above, the control method comprising:

[0036] S1: The conveying mechanism conveys the bipolar plates and the membrane electrode, and the information acquisition unit obtains the position information of the bipolar plates and the membrane electrode, and conveys the bipolar plates and the membrane electrode to the grasping range of the first grasping unit of the grasping mechanism. The grasping unit controls the first grasping unit to alternately move the bipolar plates and the membrane electrode to the stack installation position until the stack is formed;

[0037] S2, controlling the second grasping part of the grasping mechanism to insert the test connector into the inspection position;

[0038] S3, controlling the testing mechanism to perform a performance test on the fuel cell stack;

[0039] S4. After the test is completed, control the second gripping portion to pull the test connector out of the fuel cell stack and move the test connector to a connector storage position of the mounting mechanism;

[0040] S5. Control the first grasping part to dismantle the fuel cell stack.

[0041] In this solution, the installation of the fuel cell stack, the connection of the test connectors, the subsequent testing of the fuel cell stack, and the final disassembly of the fuel cell stack can all be achieved through the fuel cell stack automated detection device. Compared with manual operation, a large number of repetitive actions in the fuel cell stack testing process are achieved through automated devices. On the one hand, it is beneficial to improve the efficiency of fuel cell stack installation and fuel cell stack testing, and thus is conducive to large-scale batch testing. On the other hand, it is beneficial to avoid human uncontrollable factors, and thus is conducive to increasing the detection accuracy of fuel cell stack testing.

[0042] Preferably, the method further comprises any of the following steps:

[0043] During the stacking process of step S1, the stacked bipolar plates or membrane electrodes are numbered, and the information acquisition unit obtains the numbering information; in step S6, the stack is reversely dismantled according to the numbering information;

[0044] Before step S2, the following steps are also included:

[0045] S100, cutting off the connection between the first hydrogen channel and the second hydrogen channel, between the first air channel and the second air channel, and between the first water channel and the second water channel, and passing air into the third hydrogen channel, the third air channel, and the third water channel through the fourth hydrogen channel, the fourth air channel, and the fourth water channel to perform an air tightness test;

[0046] S101: If the air tightness test fails, directly execute steps S4 and S5 to dismantle the stack, and then execute step S1 to install and test a single set of the bipolar plates and the membrane electrode;

[0047] and / or,

[0048] The installation mechanism includes a plurality of the test connectors; the step S2 includes:

[0049] S21, photographing the test connector at the connector storage position by the information acquisition unit to locate the test connector to be clamped, and numbering the test connector;

[0050] S22, photographing the inspection position by the information collection unit to locate the position, and numbering the inspection position at the same time;

[0051] S23. Insert the test connectors into the inspection positions corresponding to the numbers in sequence through the second grabbing portion.

[0052] In this solution, the height information of each bipolar plate and membrane electrode is obtained and numbered when the stack is installed. When the stack is subsequently disassembled, the movement process of the first gripper can be reversed by reading the height information and numbering during the stacking.

[0053] Before conducting the performance test, the stack can be tested for air tightness. If the air tightness test fails, the bipolar plates and membrane electrodes with unqualified air tightness can be found through individual inspections.

[0054] The test connectors and inspection positions of the connector storage position are numbered. On the one hand, it can be ensured that each inspection position is installed during installation. On the other hand, when the test connector needs to be removed later, the movement process can be reversed according to the information during installation, and the test connector can be removed from the inspection position and then installed back into the connector storage position.

[0055] The positive progress effect of the present invention is:

[0056] The present invention realizes the automatic stacking of bipolar plates and membrane electrodes, as well as the automatic installation of test connectors, through the stack automation detection device. In this way, the installation of the stack, the preliminary preparation work for the stack test, the subsequent stack test work, and the final stack disassembly work can all be achieved through the stack automation detection device. Compared with manual operation, a large number of repetitive actions in the stack test process are achieved through the automation device. On the one hand, it is conducive to improving the efficiency of stack installation and stack test, and thus is conducive to large-scale batch detection. On the other hand, it is conducive to avoiding uncontrollable factors of human beings, and thus is conducive to increasing the detection accuracy of the stack test. In addition, the stack automation detection device can also avoid safety problems during manual operation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0057] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of a fuel cell stack automatic detection device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] Figure 2This is a structural schematic diagram from another perspective of the automatic detection device for fuel cell stacks according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] Figure 3 This is a partial enlarged view of the mounting mechanism of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A partial enlarged view of .

[0061] Figure 5 This is a flow chart of a control method for a fuel cell stack automatic detection device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] Description of Reference Numerals

[0063] Fuel cell automated detection device 100, fuel cell 200, inspection position 201, flow channel port 202, mounting mechanism 1, fuel cell mounting position 11, connector storage position 12, test connector 121, first mounting portion 13, first hydrogen channel 131, first air channel 132, first water channel 133, lower pressure plate 134, lower end plate 135, lower current collecting plate 136, lower connector 1361, positioning mechanism 14, second mounting portion 15, third hydrogen channel 151, third air channel 152, third water channel 153, upper clamping plate 154, Upper end plate 155, upper collecting plate 156, upper joint 1561, testing mechanism 2, second hydrogen channel 21, second air channel 22, second water channel 23, fourth hydrogen channel 24, fourth air channel 25, fourth water channel 26, inspection device 27, grasping mechanism 3, first grasping part 31, second grasping part 32, clamping member 321, groove 3211, intermediate connecting assembly 33, information collection part 34, connecting rod 331, connecting member 332, mounting seat 4, conveying mechanism 5, conveyor belt 51, control system 6, waste box 7 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0064] The present invention is further described below by way of examples, but the present invention is not limited to the scope of the examples.

[0065] like Figure 1-Figure 3As shown, this embodiment discloses an automatic detection device 100 for a battery stack, wherein the battery stack 200 includes multiple bipolar plates and multiple membrane electrodes, and the battery stack 200 has an inspection position 201 for performance testing. The automatic detection device 100 for the battery stack includes a conveying mechanism 5, an installation mechanism 1, a testing mechanism 2 and a grasping mechanism 3. The conveying mechanism 5 is used to convey the bipolar plates and the membrane electrodes, the installation mechanism 1 has a battery stack installation position 11 and a connector storage position 12, and the connector storage position 12 can detachably install a test connector 121; the testing mechanism 2 includes an inspector 27, and the inspector 27 is electrically connected to the test connector 121; the grasping mechanism 3 alternately grasps the bipolar plates and the membrane electrodes in turn and places them on the battery stack installation position 11 for stacking to form the battery stack 200, and the grasping mechanism 3 also grasps the test connector 121 to electrically connect the test connector 121 to the inspection position 201.

[0066] The automatic stacking of bipolar plates and membrane electrodes, as well as the automatic installation of the test connector 121, are achieved through the automatic stack detection device 100. In this way, the installation of the stack, the preliminary preparations for the stack test, the subsequent stack test, and the final disassembly of the stack can all be achieved through the automatic stack detection device 100. Compared with manual operation, a large number of repetitive actions in the stack test process are achieved through the automatic device. On the one hand, it is conducive to improving the efficiency of the stack installation and stack test, and thus is conducive to large-scale batch testing. On the other hand, it is conducive to avoiding uncontrollable factors of human beings, and thus is conducive to increasing the detection accuracy of the stack test. In addition, the automatic stack detection device 100 can also avoid safety problems during manual operation.

[0067] Specifically, the battery stack automated detection device 100 includes a plurality of test connectors 121 , and the battery stack 200 includes a plurality of inspection positions 201 , with each test connector 121 being connected to a inspection position 201 .

[0068] like Figure 2As shown, the stack automation detection device 100 also includes a mounting base 4, and the grasping mechanism 3 includes a first grasping part 31, a second grasping part 32 and an intermediate connecting component 33. The first grasping part 31 is used to grasp the bipolar plate and the membrane electrode, and the second grasping part 32 is used to grasp the test connector 121. The first grasping part 31 and the second grasping part 32 are arranged at one end of the intermediate connecting component 33, and the other end of the intermediate connecting component 33 is connected to the mounting base 4. The intermediate connecting component 33 uses the connection position with the mounting base 4 as a support point to drive the first grasping part 31 and the second grasping part 32 to move and / or rotate in three-dimensional space. In this embodiment, the intermediate connection assembly 33 is configured to be movable and rotatable in three-dimensional space. The first gripping portion 31 and the second gripping portion 32 connected to the ends of the intermediate connection assembly 33 are also movable and rotatable in three-dimensional space. Thus, after the first gripping portion 31 grasps the bipolar plate and the membrane electrode, it can move and rotate to move and install the bipolar plate and / or the membrane electrode to the stack installation position 11. Similarly, after the second gripping portion 32 grasps the test connector 121, it can move and / or rotate to move and install the test connector 121 to the inspection position 201 of the stack 200. In other embodiments, the intermediate connection assembly 33 is configured to be only movable or only rotatable in three-dimensional space.

[0069] Specifically, in this embodiment, the intermediate connecting assembly 33 includes at least two serially connected connecting rods 331. Universal joints connect the connecting rods 331, and / or connect the connecting rods 331 and the mounting base 4. This allows adjacent connecting rods 331 to rotate relative to each other via the universal joints, and allows non-adjacent connecting rods 331 to move relative to each other, thereby enabling movement and rotation of the first gripping portion 31 and the second gripping portion 32. The universal joints help increase the range of rotation, thereby enhancing the flexibility of the first gripping portion 31 and the second gripping portion 32. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the connecting rods 331 and the mounting base 4 are also connected by a connector 332, which further increases the range of motion of the first gripping portion 31 and the second gripping portion 32. Of course, the specific structure of the intermediate connecting assembly 33 is not limited to this. In other embodiments, the intermediate connecting assembly 33 may also have other structures to enable movement and rotation within three dimensions.

[0070] The grabbing mechanism 3 includes two first grabbing parts 31, which are arranged side by side. The two first grabbing parts 31 cooperate with the bipolar plate and the membrane electrode respectively, so that the bipolar plate and the membrane electrode can be grabbed at the same time, thereby realizing the simultaneous movement of the bipolar plate and the membrane electrode; of course, the grabbing mechanism 3 can also be used to move and install the bipolar plate and the membrane electrode in batches. When the bipolar plate and the membrane electrode are installed in batches, the two first grabbing parts 31 are used to cooperate with the bipolar plate and the membrane electrode respectively, so that after the grabbing mechanism 3 grabs the bipolar plate or membrane electrode, the bipolar plate will be located at a position different from the membrane electrode, so that during installation, it is convenient to place the bipolar plate and the membrane electrode in a state of crossing one after another.

[0071] In this embodiment, the first gripping portion 31 acts on the bipolar plates and membrane electrode through suction or magnetic force. This prevents damage to the bipolar plates and membrane electrode, thus ensuring the integrity of the bipolar plates and membrane electrode. Specifically, the first gripping portion 31 may be a suction cup or a magnet.

[0072] like Figure 2 As shown, the second gripping portion 32 includes a clamping member 321. The clamping member 321 is parallel to the plane of the first gripping portion 31 and is arranged to point in the forward direction of the intermediate connecting assembly 33. The front end of the clamping member 321 is provided with a groove 3211. The size of the groove 3211 is adapted to the size of the test connector 121. The clamping member 321 protrudes outward from the first gripping portion 31 and can be moved or rotated by the intermediate connecting assembly 33 so that the groove 3211 of the clamping member 321 is directed toward the test connector 121 in the connector storage position 12. The groove 3211 of the clamping member 321 is then engaged with the test connector 121 to remove the test connector 121 from the connector storage position 12. Specifically, the clamping member 321 can be made of plastic or other elastic materials so that the test connector 121 will not be damaged when the clamping member 321 is clamped on the test connector 121, or the clamping member 321 can also be configured to be able to retract back and forth so that the size of the groove 3211 is adapted to the size of the test connector 121.

[0073] like Figure 1 As shown, the conveying mechanism 5 includes at least two conveyor belts 51, which respectively convey the bipolar plates and membrane electrode groups to the grasping range of the first grasping portion 31, thereby facilitating grasping of the bipolar plates and membrane electrode groups by the first grasping portion 31. The automated stack inspection device 100 also includes a waste bin 7, located downstream of the conveying mechanism 5 along its conveying direction. Waste bin 7 is used to store unqualified bipolar plates and membrane electrode groups.

[0074] Further, if Figure 2As shown, the gripping mechanism 3 further includes an information collection unit 34, which is disposed on the side of the first gripping unit 31 facing the conveying mechanism 5. The information collection unit 34 is configured to collect image information of the bipolar plates, membrane electrode, and test connector 121. Specifically, the information collection unit 34 can collect positional information of the bipolar plates and membrane electrode on the conveying mechanism 5, and cooperate with the first gripping unit 31 to enable the first gripping unit 31 to accurately grasp the bipolar plates and membrane electrode. The information collection unit 34 can also obtain line profile information of the bipolar plates and membrane electrode, and use this line profile information to determine whether the bipolar plates and membrane electrode are qualified. If they are unqualified, they are not gripped and naturally enter the waste bin 7 along the conveying direction of the conveying mechanism 5. The information collection unit 34 can also collect positional information of the test connector 121 in the connector storage position 12, and cooperate with the second gripping unit 32 to enable the second gripping unit 32 to accurately grasp the test connector 121. When the first grasping unit 31 grasps the bipolar plate and membrane electrode and places them around the stack mounting position 11, the information acquisition unit 34 can also be used to obtain height information for positioning. In this embodiment, the information acquisition unit 34 is a smart camera. In other embodiments, the information acquisition unit 34 can also be other components capable of acquiring image information.

[0075] like Figure 4 As shown, the mounting mechanism 1 includes a first mounting portion 13, the first mounting portion 13 has a battery stack mounting position 11, and the first mounting portion 13 is provided with a positioning mechanism 14 at the battery stack mounting position 11. The positioning mechanism 14 is diagonally arranged, corresponding to the position of the through-holes arranged on the bipolar plates and the membrane electrode. The positioning mechanism 14 is raised and lowered along the stacking direction of the battery stack 200, so that the positioning mechanism 14 can rise to a certain height every time a bipolar plate or membrane electrode is placed. In this way, while realizing the positioning of the bipolar plates and membrane electrodes, the positioning mechanism 14 will not extend too much out of the battery stack 200. Compared with the positioning mechanism 14 that cannot be raised and lowered and has a certain height in the initial state, the positioning mechanism 14 rises to a certain height every time a bipolar plate or membrane electrode is placed, which is conducive to ensuring the movement space and range of the grasping mechanism 3.

[0076] In this embodiment, the first mounting portion 13 is provided with two positioning mechanisms 14. The two positioning mechanisms 14 respectively pass through the through-holes of the bipolar plates and the membrane electrode to achieve positioning. The two positioning mechanisms 14 are respectively arranged at diagonal positions of the fuel cell stack 200. Placing the positioning mechanisms 14 inside the fuel cell stack 200 helps improve the positioning effect of the positioning mechanisms 14. In other embodiments, the positioning mechanisms 14 can also be arranged outside the fuel cell stack 200, and the positioning mechanisms 14 achieve positioning by abutting against the outer walls of the bipolar plates and the membrane electrode.

[0077] In this embodiment, the positioning mechanism 14 is rod-shaped, and the outer wall of the positioning mechanism 14 is provided with threads. The first mounting portion 13 also includes a motor that cooperates with the positioning mechanism 14, and the lifting is achieved through the cooperation between the motor and the threads of the positioning mechanism 14.

[0078] Furthermore, the positioning mechanism 14 has an extended state and a retracted state. When the positioning mechanism 14 is in the retracted state, the positioning mechanism 14 withdraws from the battery stack 200 and retracts into the first mounting portion 13. When the positioning mechanism 14 is in the extended state, the positioning mechanism 14 extends from the first mounting portion 13 and enters the battery stack 200. When the battery stack 200 is stacked, the positioning mechanism 14 retracts into the first mounting portion 13, so that there will be no more contact between the positioning mechanism 14 and the battery stack 200, which is conducive to the smooth progress of subsequent battery stack detection.

[0079] The mounting mechanism 1 also includes a second mounting portion 15. In this embodiment, the second mounting portion 15 is disposed above the first mounting portion 13. The first mounting portion 13 is configured to be able to be moved closer to or further away from the second mounting portion 15 by being raised or lowered. When the first mounting portion 13 is moved closer to the second mounting portion 15, the fuel cell stack 200 located between the first and second mounting portions 13, 15, is compressed. Specifically, the first mounting portion 13 is moved upward by a drive motor and a lead screw connected thereto. The lead screw is fixedly mounted to the first mounting portion 13. Therefore, as the first mounting portion 13 rises, the lead screw rises with the first mounting portion 13. Therefore, in this embodiment, the first mounting portion 13, located below, is configured as the movable portion, which helps increase the relative movement range between the first and second mounting portions 13, 15. If the second mounting portion 15, located above, is configured as the movable portion, in which case the lead screw is fixedly mounted to the second mounting portion 15, the lead screw will contact the ground or the bottom surface of the mounting mechanism 1 after the second mounting portion 15 moves downward a certain distance, resulting in a smaller relative movement range between the first and second mounting portions 13, 15. Of course, the lead screw can also be fixed to the non-moving side.

[0080] In other embodiments, the second mounting portion 15 may be configured to be able to move closer to or farther away from the first mounting portion 13 by being raised or lowered.

[0081] like Figure 1 、 Figure 3As shown, the first mounting portion 13 includes a first hydrogen channel 131, a first air channel 132 and a first water channel 133, and the test mechanism 2 includes a second hydrogen channel 21, a second air channel 22 and a second water channel 23 respectively connected to the first hydrogen channel 131, the first air channel 132 and the first water channel 133; the second mounting portion 15 includes a third hydrogen channel 151, a third air channel 152 and a third water channel 153, and the test mechanism 2 includes a fourth hydrogen channel 24, a fourth air channel 25 and a fourth water channel 26 respectively connected to the third hydrogen channel 151, the third air channel 152 and the third water channel 153, and the fuel cell stack 200 is provided with a flow channel opening 202, through which the first hydrogen channel 131 and the third hydrogen channel 151, the first air channel 132 and the third air channel 152, and the first water channel 133 and the third water channel 153 are connected. The aforementioned channels can be used to perform airtightness testing, performance testing, and purging of water and hydrogen after the testing is completed on the fuel cell stack 200 .

[0082] When the purge operation for draining water and hydrogen is performed, air is passed into the fourth hydrogen channel 24, the fourth air channel 25 and the fourth water channel 26, so that the air enters the third hydrogen channel 151, the third air channel 152 and the third water channel 153. The air then returns to the second hydrogen channel 21, the second air channel 22 and the second water channel 23 of the test mechanism 2 through the first hydrogen channel 131, the first air channel 132 and the first water channel 133. The air supply is stopped until the hydrogen concentration in the test mechanism 2 drops to the required range.

[0083] Furthermore, the second hydrogen channel 21, the second air channel 22, and the second water channel 23 are each equipped with a control valve, which is used to control the flow between the first hydrogen channel 131 and the second hydrogen channel 21, between the first air channel 132 and the second air channel 22, and between the first water channel 133 and the second water channel 23. When performing an airtightness test, the control valves cut off the flow between the first hydrogen channel 131 and the second hydrogen channel 21, between the first air channel 132 and the second air channel 22, and between the first water channel 133 and the second water channel 23, and allow air to enter the third hydrogen channel 151, the third air channel 152, and the third water channel 153 through the fourth hydrogen channel 24, the fourth air channel 25, and the fourth water channel 26, thereby increasing the pressure in the fuel cell stack 200 for the airtightness test.

[0084] Specifically, such as Figure 3As shown, the first mounting portion 13 includes a lower pressure plate 134, a lower end plate 135 and a lower collecting plate 136 fixed by screws. The lower pressure plate 134, the lower end plate 135 and the lower collecting plate 136 are stacked in sequence from the first mounting portion 13 to the second mounting portion 15. The first hydrogen channel 131, the first air channel 132 and the first water channel 133 are arranged in the lower end plate 135, and the lower collecting plate 136 is provided with a lower connector 1361 for electrical connection to the test mechanism 2. The second mounting portion 15 includes an upper clamping plate 154, an upper end plate 155 and an upper current collecting plate 156 fixed by screws. The upper clamping plate 154, the upper end plate 155 and the upper current collecting plate 156 are stacked in sequence from the second mounting portion 15 to the first mounting portion 13. The third hydrogen channel 151, the third air channel 152 and the third water channel 153 are arranged in the upper end plate 155. The upper current collecting plate 156 is provided with an upper connector 1561 for electrical connection to the testing mechanism 2.

[0085] The stack automated testing device 100 also includes hydrogen probes. The first hydrogen channel 131, the second hydrogen channel 21, the third hydrogen channel 151, and the fourth hydrogen channel 24 are each equipped with hydrogen probes to detect hydrogen concentration. If hydrogen overflows from a hydrogen channel, the hydrogen probes will be able to identify and detect it. The device is configured to shut down and issue an alarm if the hydrogen concentration exceeds the standard, thereby ensuring the reliability and safety of the device's operation. In this embodiment, the hydrogen probes are located at the top of the mounting mechanism 1 and the testing mechanism 2. In other embodiments, the hydrogen probes can be located at any location higher than the hydrogen channel.

[0086] The automatic detection device for the battery stack 100 also includes a control system 6. The installation mechanism 1, the gripping mechanism 3 and the testing mechanism 2 are all electrically connected to the control system 6. The user can realize automatic stacking and automatic detection of the battery stack 200 by manipulating the control system 6.

[0087] The inspector 27 is electrically connected to the test connector 121. When the test connector 121 is inserted into the inspection position 201 of the battery stack 200, the inspector 27 can detect the voltage of the battery stack 200 and send the measured voltage to the control system 6 for the user to view.

[0088] This embodiment combines the three processes of material transportation, stack installation, and stack testing to achieve automated testing through the installation mechanism 1, testing mechanism 2, gripping mechanism 3, conveying mechanism 5, and control system 6. The modular design of each mechanism in this embodiment allows for pipeline expansion as needed, enabling larger-scale applications.

[0089] like Figure 5As shown, this embodiment also discloses a control method for a fuel cell stack automatic detection device 100, which is used to control the fuel cell stack automatic detection device 100 as described above, and the control method includes: S1, the conveying mechanism 5 conveys the bipolar plate and the membrane electrode, the information acquisition part 34 obtains the position information of the bipolar plate and the membrane electrode, and conveys the bipolar plate and the membrane electrode to the grasping range of the first grasping part 31 of the grasping mechanism 3, and controls the first grasping part 31 to move the bipolar plate and the membrane electrode to the fuel cell stack installation position 11 alternately in sequence until the fuel cell stack 200 is formed; S2, controls the second grasping part 32 of the grasping mechanism 3 to insert the test connector 121 into the inspection position 201; S3, controls the testing mechanism 2 to perform a performance test on the fuel cell stack 200; S4, after the test is completed, controls the second grasping part 32 to pull out the test connector 121 from the fuel cell stack 200, and moves the test connector 121 to the connector storage position 12 of the installation mechanism 1; S5, controls the first grasping part 31 to dismantle the fuel cell stack 200. The installation of the battery stack, the connection of the test connector 121, the subsequent testing of the battery stack, and the final disassembly of the battery stack 200 can all be accomplished through the battery stack automated detection device 100. Compared with manual operation, a large number of repetitive actions during the testing of the battery stack 200 are accomplished through automated devices. On the one hand, this is beneficial to improving the efficiency of battery stack installation and battery stack testing, thereby facilitating large-scale batch testing. On the other hand, it is beneficial to avoiding uncontrollable human factors, thereby increasing the detection accuracy of the battery stack test.

[0090] In step S2 , the second gripping portion 32 is first controlled to move the test connector 121 at the connector storage position 12 to the inspection position 201 of the fuel cell stack 200 , and then the second gripping portion 32 is controlled to insert the test connector 121 into the inspection position 201 .

[0091] In step S1, the first grasping part 31 is first controlled to move and install the bipolar plate to the stack installation position 11, and then the first grasping part 31 is controlled to move and install the membrane electrode to the stack installation position 11, and the bipolar plate and the membrane electrode are placed crosswise, and the top layer of the stack 200 ends with the bipolar plate, and the bottom and top layers of the stack 200 are both bipolar plates.

[0092] Step S1 includes: S11, after each time the first gripping part 31 grabs the bipolar plate and membrane electrode, the information acquisition part 34 obtains the height information of each bipolar plate and membrane electrode, and numbers each bipolar plate and membrane electrode; S12, moves the first gripping part 31 to the vicinity of the stack installation position 11; S13, obtains the distance between the first gripping part 31 and the stack installation position 11 or the stacked stack 200 through the information acquisition part 34; S14, controls the first gripping part 31 to move to the target position above the stack installation position 11 or the stacked stack 200 based on the distance obtained in step S23, and then controls the first gripping part 31 to release the bipolar plate and membrane electrode, and press the bipolar plate and membrane electrode downward. The pressing distance can be modified according to specific test requirements. When installing the stack, the height information of each bipolar plate and membrane electrode is obtained and numbered. When the stack 200 is subsequently disassembled, the movement process of the first gripping part 31 can be reversed by reading the height information and number during the stacking.

[0093] In step S1 , each time the bipolar plates and membrane electrodes are placed, the positioning mechanism 14 rises to a preset height; after the stack 200 is stacked, the positioning mechanism 14 descends until it exits the stack 200 .

[0094] Prior to step S2, the process also includes the following step: S10, controlling the first mounting portion 13 to move toward the second mounting portion 15 until the first mounting portion 13 and the second mounting portion 15 compress the fuel cell stack 200. Prior to step S4, controlling the first mounting portion 13 to move downward to release the compression on the fuel cell stack 200. Controlling the lower first mounting portion 13 to move toward the second mounting portion 15 helps increase the relative movement range between the first mounting portion 13 and the second mounting portion 15.

[0095] After step S10 and before step S2, the following steps are further included: S100, cutting off the connections between the first hydrogen channel 131 and the second hydrogen channel 21, between the first air channel 132 and the second air channel 22, and between the first water channel 133 and the second water channel 23, and passing air into the third hydrogen channel 151, the third air channel 152, and the third water channel 153 through the fourth hydrogen channel 24, the fourth air channel 25, and the fourth water channel 26 to perform an airtightness test; S101, if the airtightness test fails, directly executing steps S4 and S5 to dismantle the stack 200, and then executing step S1 to install and test a single set of bipolar plates and membrane electrodes to identify bipolar plates and membrane electrodes that fail the airtightness test. In other embodiments, two, three, or more sets of bipolar plates and membrane electrodes may also be installed and tested.

[0096] Step S2 includes: S21, photographing the test connector 121 at the connector storage position 12 by the information acquisition unit 34 to locate the test connector 121 to be clamped, and numbering the test connector 121; S22, photographing the inspection position 201 by the information acquisition unit 34 to locate it, and numbering the inspection position 201; S23, inserting the test connector 121 into the inspection position 201 corresponding to the number by the second grasping unit 32. Numbering both the test connector 121 and the inspection position 201 in the connector storage position 12 ensures that each inspection position 201 is installed during installation. Furthermore, if the test connector 121 needs to be removed later, the movement process can be reversed based on the information obtained during installation, and the test connector 121 can be removed from the inspection position 201 and then installed back into the connector storage position 12.

[0097] The numbering of the bipolar plates and the membrane electrodes in step S1 and the numbering of the test connectors 121 in step S2 may correspond to each other, which is beneficial for accurate recording of data.

[0098] Although specific embodiments of the present invention have been described above, those skilled in the art will appreciate that these are merely illustrative and that the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims. Those skilled in the art may make various changes or modifications to these embodiments without departing from the principles and essence of the present invention, and such changes and modifications are intended to fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A stack automatic detection device, characterized in that: The stack includes a plurality of bipolar plates and a plurality of membrane electrodes. The stack has an inspection position for performance testing. The stack automatic detection device includes: A conveying mechanism for conveying bipolar plates and membrane electrodes; The installation mechanism has a stack installation position and a connector storage position, and the connector storage position can be detachably installed with a test connector; The testing mechanism includes a patroller electrically connected to the test connector; a gripping mechanism, alternately gripping the bipolar plates and the membrane electrode in sequence and placing them on the stack mounting position for stacking to form the stack; the gripping mechanism also gripping the test connector to electrically connect the test connector to the inspection position; The control method of the battery stack automatic detection device includes: S1. The conveying mechanism conveys bipolar plates and membrane electrodes, and the information acquisition unit obtains position information of the bipolar plates and membrane electrodes, conveys the bipolar plates and membrane electrodes to the grasping range of the first grasping unit of the grasping mechanism, and controls the first grasping unit to alternately move the bipolar plates and membrane electrodes to the stack installation position until the stack is formed. S2, controlling the second grasping part of the grasping mechanism to insert the test connector into the inspection position; S3. Controlling the testing organization to perform a performance test on the fuel cell stack; S4. After the test is completed, control the second gripping portion to pull the test connector out of the fuel cell stack and move the test connector to a connector storage position of the mounting mechanism; S5, controlling the first grasping part to remove the battery stack; The control method of the battery stack automatic detection device also includes: During the stacking process of step S1 , the stacked bipolar plates or membrane electrodes are numbered, and the information acquisition unit obtains the numbering information; in step S5 , the stack is reversely dismantled according to the numbering information.

2. The automatic detection device for battery stack according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fuel cell stack automated detection device also includes a mounting seat, and the grasping mechanism includes a first grasping part, a second grasping part and an intermediate connecting assembly. The first grasping part is used to grasp the bipolar plate and the membrane electrode, and the second grasping part is used to grasp the test joint. The first grasping part and the second grasping part are arranged at one end of the intermediate connecting assembly, and the other end of the intermediate connecting assembly is connected to the mounting seat. The intermediate connecting assembly uses the connection position with the mounting seat as a support point to drive the first grasping part and the second grasping part to move and / or rotate in three-dimensional space.

3. The automatic detection device for battery stack according to claim 2, characterized in that: The intermediate connection assembly comprises at least two connecting rods connected in series, wherein the connecting rods are connected to each other, or / and the connecting rod and the mounting seat are connected via a universal joint; And / or, the gripping mechanism includes two first gripping parts, the two first gripping parts are arranged side by side, and the two first gripping parts respectively cooperate with the bipolar plate and the membrane electrode; and / or, the first gripping portion acts on the bipolar plate or the membrane electrode by suction; And / or, the first gripping portion acts on the bipolar plate or the membrane electrode through a magnetic force.

4. The automatic detection device for a fuel cell stack according to claim 2, characterized in that: The second gripping portion includes a clamping member, the clamping member is parallel to the plane where the first gripping portion is located, and is arranged to point in the forward direction of the intermediate connecting assembly, and a groove is provided at the front end of the clamping member, and the size of the groove is adapted to the size of the test connector; And / or, the grasping mechanism also includes an information collection part, which is arranged on the side of the first grasping part facing the conveying mechanism, including collecting position information of the bipolar plates and the membrane electrode on the conveying mechanism before stacking, height information and numbering information of the bipolar plates and the membrane electrode during the stacking process, and position information of the test connector.

5. The automatic detection device for battery stack according to claim 1, characterized in that: The mounting mechanism includes a first mounting portion and a second mounting portion, The first mounting portion has the stack mounting position, and the first mounting portion is provided with a positioning mechanism at the stack mounting position. The positioning mechanism is arranged diagonally, corresponding to the positions of the through holes provided on the bipolar plate and the membrane electrode, and the positioning mechanism is raised and lowered along the stacking direction of the stack; The second mounting portion is arranged above the first mounting portion, and the first mounting portion is arranged to be moved closer to or away from the second mounting portion by lifting, or the second mounting portion is arranged to be moved closer to or away from the first mounting portion by lifting.

6. The automatic detection device for battery stack according to claim 5, characterized in that: The first mounting portion includes a first hydrogen channel, a first air channel, and a first water channel, and the testing mechanism includes a second hydrogen channel, a second air channel, and a second water channel respectively connected to the first hydrogen channel, the first air channel, and the first water channel; The second mounting portion includes a third hydrogen channel, a third air channel, and a third water channel, and the testing mechanism includes a fourth hydrogen channel, a fourth air channel, and a fourth water channel respectively connected to the third hydrogen channel, the third air channel, and the third water channel. The fuel cell stack is provided with flow passages, and the first hydrogen channel and the third hydrogen channel, the first air channel and the third air channel, and the first water channel and the third water channel are communicated through the flow passages.

7. The automatic detection device for a fuel cell stack according to claim 6, characterized in that: The second hydrogen channel, the second air channel, and the second water channel are each provided with a control valve, and the control valve is used to control the opening and closing between the first hydrogen channel and the second hydrogen channel, between the first air channel and the second air channel, and between the first water channel and the second water channel; And / or, the fuel cell stack automatic detection device further includes a hydrogen probe, and the first hydrogen channel, the second hydrogen channel, the third hydrogen channel and the fourth hydrogen channel are all provided with the hydrogen probe to detect the hydrogen concentration.

8. The automatic detection device for battery stack according to claim 1, characterized in that: The conveying mechanism includes at least two conveyor belts, and the two conveyor belts respectively convey the bipolar plate and the membrane electrode to the grasping range of the grasping mechanism; And / or, the battery stack automated detection device further includes a control system, and the mounting mechanism, the gripping mechanism, and the testing mechanism are all electrically connected to the control system; And / or, the battery stack automatic detection device further includes a waste box, which is used to place unqualified bipolar plates and membrane electrodes.

9. A control method for a stack automatic detection device, characterized in that: Used to control the battery stack automatic detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, the control method comprising: S1. The conveying mechanism conveys bipolar plates and membrane electrodes, and the information acquisition unit obtains position information of the bipolar plates and membrane electrodes, conveys the bipolar plates and membrane electrodes to the grasping range of the first grasping unit of the grasping mechanism, and controls the first grasping unit to alternately move the bipolar plates and membrane electrodes to the stack installation position until the stack is formed. S2, controlling the second grasping part of the grasping mechanism to insert the test connector into the inspection position; S3. Controlling the testing organization to perform a performance test on the fuel cell stack; S4. After the test is completed, control the second gripping portion to pull the test connector out of the fuel cell stack and move the test connector to a connector storage position of the mounting mechanism; S5. Control the first grasping part to dismantle the fuel cell stack.

10. The control method of the stack automatic detection device according to claim 9, characterized in that: Also include any of the following steps: During the stacking process of step S1, the stacked bipolar plates or membrane electrodes are numbered, and the information acquisition unit acquires numbering information; In step S5, the battery stack is dismantled in reverse according to the numbering information; Before step S2, the following steps are also included: S100, cutting off the connection between the first hydrogen channel and the second hydrogen channel, between the first air channel and the second air channel, and between the first water channel and the second water channel, and passing air into the third hydrogen channel, the third air channel, and the third water channel through the fourth hydrogen channel, the fourth air channel, and the fourth water channel to perform an air tightness test; S101: If the air tightness test fails, directly execute steps S4 and S5 to dismantle the stack, and then execute step S1 to install and test a single set of the bipolar plates and the membrane electrode; and / or, The installation mechanism includes a plurality of the test connectors; the step S2 includes: S21, photographing the test connector at the connector storage position by the information acquisition unit to locate the test connector to be clamped, and numbering the test connector; S22, photographing the inspection position by the information collection unit to locate the position, and numbering the inspection position at the same time; S23. Insert the test connectors into the inspection positions corresponding to the numbers in sequence through the second grabbing portion.

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