A leak detection device and detection method for a fuel cell bipolar plate

Abstract

The present invention relates to the field of fuel cells, and specifically to a leak detection device and method for bipolar plates of fuel cells, comprising a workbench, an upper mold and a lower mold, wherein the workbench is provided with a placement detection component and a buffer mechanism for connecting with the upper mold and the lower mold, and the placement detection component comprises a base, a placement frame and a lifting mechanism. The technical solution sets a plurality of placement detection components, and then the time consumed by the robot arm to transfer the bipolar plate is S1 and the time required for the placement detection component to be adjusted between the placement detection components is S2. The time used for the work of S1 and S2 is used to digest the leak detection time of the placement detection component, so as to ensure that at any time on the workbench, at least one placement detection component is not in the leak detection process, so that the conveyor and the robot arm can keep the structure of transferring the bipolar plate without waiting for the leak detection, thereby enhancing the leak detection efficiency of the bipolar plate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of fuel cells, and in particular to a leakage detection device and a detection method for a bipolar plate of a fuel cell. Background Art

[0002] At present, the failure of bipolar plates is mainly caused by bipolar plate leakage. The main reasons for leakage are: leakage points on the plates, problems in the bonding or welding process of the monopolar plates leading to leakage, and failure of the sealing structure between the bipolar plate and the membrane electrode. The traditional method for leak detection of bipolar plates is mainly gas leak detection, that is, the bipolar plates are sealed through a mold, and then a detection gas is introduced into the cavity of the bipolar plate. Leak detection is performed by observing whether there is bubble seepage or using the pressure change of the gas. The biggest problem with this detection method is that it takes a long time and cannot achieve rapid leak detection of multiple plates.

[0003] In the prior art, in order to improve the detection efficiency during the air tightness detection of bipolar plates, multiple bipolar plates are generally stacked and then placed in a leak detection device for batch air tightness detection. During the process of mold fixing and clamping, the surfaces of the stacked bipolar plates are easily damaged by mutual friction. Once a problem is found in the stacked bipolar plates during the leak detection process, the stacked bipolar plates still need to be disassembled and leak detected one by one, which affects the leak detection efficiency of multiple bipolar plates. Summary of the invention

[0004] In view of the problems existing in the prior art, a leakage detection device and a detection method for a bipolar plate of a fuel cell are provided.

[0005] In order to achieve the above purpose, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is:

[0006] A leak detection device for a bipolar plate of a fuel cell; comprising a workbench, an upper die and a lower die, the lower die being provided with an input channel and an output channel communicating with a bipolar plate chamber, the workbench being provided with a placement detection assembly connected to the upper die and the lower die, at least four placement detection assemblies being provided and being arranged on the workbench in sequence from top to bottom, a buffer mechanism abutting against the placement detection assembly being also provided on the top of the workbench, the buffer mechanism being used to make the four placement detection assemblies abut against each other, the placement detection assembly comprising a base, a placement frame and a lifting mechanism, the base being provided on the workbench and being used to connect with the upper die, the placement frame being slidably provided on the base, and the placement frame being used to abut against the lower die The placement detection assembly is connected, and an input port and an output port connected to the input channel and the output channel respectively are provided on the placement detection frame. The lifting mechanism is used to adjust the distance between two adjacent placement detection assemblies. When two adjacent placement detection assemblies are in the leak detection state, the lower mold on the same placement detection assembly is located directly above the upper mold. The upper and lower molds on the two adjacent placement detection assemblies are connected to each other to form a closed cavity for placing the bipolar plate. When a placement detection assembly completes the leak detection, the lifting mechanism on the placement detection assembly will lift the placement detection assembly and the buffer mechanism at its top, and the lower mold on the placement detection assembly will be separated from the upper mold on the placement detection assembly at its top.

[0007] Preferably, the buffer mechanism includes a lower pressure plate, a top plate and a first elastic member, the lower pressure plate is used to connect with the lower mold, the lower pressure plate is used to abut against the placement detection component located at the top, a guide column is provided at the top of the lower pressure plate, the top plate is provided at the top of the workbench and is connected to the linear drive, a guide port corresponding to the guide column is provided on the top plate, and the first elastic member is sleeved on the guide column and used to connect the top plate and the lower pressure plate.

[0008] Preferably, a pre-stressing mechanism is also provided between the two adjacent placement detection assemblies, the pre-stressing mechanism includes a sliding rod, a slider, an opening and a transmission rod, a plurality of sliding rods are provided and are evenly distributed at the bottom end of the base, the slider is provided on the upper mold and is slidably connected to the sliding rod, a second elastic member for connecting the base and the slider is sleeved on the sliding rod, the opening is provided at the bottom end of the base and is located between the two adjacent sliding rods, an abutment shaft is provided on the opening, the transmission rod is arc-shaped, one end of the transmission rod is hinged to the upper mold, a guide groove slidably connected to the abutment shaft is provided in the middle part of the transmission rod, and the other end of the transmission rod is located below the base for abutting against the adjacent placement detection assembly.

[0009] Preferably, the mounting frame is provided with a first screw and a connecting groove, and the base is provided with a first sleeve rotatably connected to the base, the first sleeve is used to be rotatably connected to the first screw, and the surface of the first sleeve is provided with a first tooth surface for connecting to the lifting mechanism, and the base is also provided with a guide rod connected to the connecting groove.

[0010] Preferably, the lifting mechanism includes a supporting plate, a second sleeve and a driving block. The supporting plate is arranged on the base. A second screw for rotatably connecting with the second sleeve is arranged at the bottom end of the supporting plate. A cavity for installing the second sleeve is formed between the supporting plate and the base. A second tooth surface is also arranged on the outer side of the second sleeve. The driving block is slidably arranged on the base. The driving block is respectively provided with a first meshing end and a second meshing end meshing with the first tooth surface and the second tooth surface.

[0011] Preferably, when the second meshing end is meshed with the second tooth surface, the first meshing end is not meshed with the first tooth surface, and when the first meshing end is meshed with the first tooth surface, the second meshing end is disengaged from the second tooth surface.

[0012] Preferably, when the first meshing end meshes with the first tooth surface, the support plate is at the highest point, and the top end of the support plate is not lower than the placement frame on the placement detection component and the top end of the lower mold.

[0013] Preferably, a limiting mechanism is also provided on the base, the limiting mechanism includes a support block, a limiting slide groove and a rack, the support block is rotatably arranged on the base and located on one side of the second sleeve, the support block is provided with a support end for engaging with the second tooth surface, the rotating end of the support block is provided with a third tooth surface engaging with the rack, the limiting slide groove is arranged on the base and located on one side of the rotating end, the rack is arranged on the limiting slide groove, and when the second meshing end is disengaged from the second tooth surface, the support end will engage with the second tooth surface.

[0014] The present invention also relates to a detection method for a fuel cell bipolar plate leak detection device, characterized in that it comprises the following steps:

[0015] Step 1: The operator transfers the bipolar plate through a conveyor:

[0016] Step 2: The operator sets up a mechanical arm for transferring bipolar plates on one side of the conveyor:

[0017] Step 3: The operator sets the leak detection device on one side of the robotic arm:

[0018] Step 4: The operator controls a lifting mechanism on the detection assembly to work, and moves the lower mold on the detection assembly out of the workbench, so that the robot arm places the bipolar plate:

[0019] Step 5: The operator resets the lower mold on the placement detection assembly on which the bipolar plate has been installed, and uses a buffer mechanism to make the multiple placement detection assemblies abut against each other, so that the lower mold on the placement detection assembly on which the bipolar plate has been installed cooperates with the upper mold on the placement detection assembly at its top;

[0020] Step 6: The operator transmits gas or liquid from the input port of the placement and detection assembly on which the bipolar plate has been installed, and detects the pressure difference from the output port on the placement and detection assembly to determine whether the bipolar plate has leakage;

[0021] Step 7. Determine whether there is a placement and detection component that has completed the leak detection process. If not, control the placement and detection component that has not undergone the leak detection process to repeat steps 2 to 6. If yes, first control the lower mold on the placement and detection component that has completed the leak detection process to move out of the workbench, so that the robot arm takes out the bipolar plate and places a bipolar plate that has not undergone leak detection, and then repeat steps 3 to 6.

[0022] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0023] 1. The present invention sets a plurality of placement detection components. After that, the time consumed by the robot arm to transfer the bipolar plate is S1, and the time S2 required for the placement detection components to be adjusted is used to absorb the leak detection time of the placement detection components through the working time of S1 and S2, so as to ensure that at any time, at least one placement detection component on the workbench is not in the leak detection process, so that the conveyor and the robot arm can keep the structure of transferring the bipolar plate without waiting for the leak detection, thereby enhancing the leak detection efficiency of the bipolar plate.

[0024] 2. The present invention uses the elastic force of the first elastic member to make the lower pressure plate press against the topmost placement detection component, and subject the placement detection component to downward pressure, so that multiple placement detection components press against each other, preventing a gap from occurring between the upper and lower molds on two adjacent placement detection components to affect the leakage detection effect.

[0025] 3. The present invention uses a buffer mechanism to make multiple placement detection components abut against each other. During this process, the bottom end of the transmission rod will abut against the adjacent placement detection component, causing the transmission rod to move along the abutment axis through the guide groove, so that the upper mold on the base overcomes the elastic force of the second elastic member and moves downward, thereby strengthening the connection effect between the lower mold and the upper mold.

[0026] 4. The present invention first enables the second meshing end to mechanically mesh with the second tooth surface, thereby ensuring that the second sleeve rotates first, so that the top plate first pushes up the placement detection component and the buffer mechanism located above the placement detection component, to ensure that the subsequent placement frame can move stably. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Figure 1 A perspective view of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A partial enlarged view of

[0029] Figure 3The three-dimensional structure for placing the detection component of the present invention Figure 1 ;

[0030] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A local enlarged view of point B;

[0031] Figure 5 A top view of the placement detection assembly of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 6 for Figure 5 A partial three-dimensional cross-sectional view at the CC section;

[0033] Figure 7 for Figure 6 A local enlarged view of D;

[0034] Figure 8 A side view of the placement detection assembly of the present invention

[0035] Fig. 9 for Figure 8 A partial cross-sectional view at the EE section;

[0036] Fig.10 for Figure 8 Partial cross-sectional view at the FF section.

[0037] The numbers in the figure are:

[0038] 1-working table; 2-upper die; 3-lower die; 31-input channel; 32-output channel; 4-placement of detection components; 41-base; 411-first sleeve; 4111-first tooth surface; 412-guide rod; 42-placement frame; 421-input port; 422-output port; 423-first screw rod; 424-connecting slide; 43-lifting mechanism; 431-support plate; 4311-second screw rod; 432-second sleeve; 4321-second tooth surface; 433-driving block; 4331-first meshing end; 4332-second meshing end; 44-rest block; 441-rest end; 442-third tooth surface; 45-limiting slide groove; 46-rack; 5-buffer mechanism; 51-lower pressure plate; 511-guide column; 52-top plate; 521-guide port; 53-first elastic member; 6-pre-pressing mechanism; 61-sliding rod; 62-sliding block; 63-opening; 631-rest shaft; 64-transmission rod; 641-guide groove. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] The following description is used to disclose the present invention so that those skilled in the art can implement the present invention. The preferred embodiments described below are only examples, and those skilled in the art may think of other obvious variations.

[0040] like Figures 1 to 10As shown; a leak detection device for a bipolar plate of a fuel cell; comprises a workbench 1, an upper die 2 and a lower die 3, the lower die 3 is provided with an input channel 31 and an output channel 32 connected to the bipolar plate chamber, the workbench 1 is provided with a placement detection assembly 4 for connecting with the upper die 2 and the lower die 3, at least four placement detection assemblies 4 are provided and are arranged on the workbench 1 from top to bottom, a buffer mechanism 5 abutting against the placement detection assembly 4 is also provided on the top of the workbench 1, the buffer mechanism 5 is used to make the four placement detection assemblies 4 abut against each other, the placement detection assembly 4 comprises a base 41, a placement frame 42 and a lifting mechanism 43, the base 41 is arranged on the workbench 1 and is used to connect with the upper die 2, the placement frame 42 is slidably arranged on the base 41, and the placement frame 42 is used Connected to the lower mold 3, the placement frame 42 is provided with an input port 421 and an output port 422 which are respectively connected to the input channel 31 and the output channel 32. The lifting mechanism 43 is used to adjust the distance between two adjacent placement detection components 4. When two adjacent placement detection components 4 are in the leak detection state, the lower mold 3 on the same placement detection component 4 is located directly above the upper mold 2. The upper mold 2 and the lower mold 3 on the two adjacent placement detection components 4 are interconnected to form a closed cavity for placing the bipolar plate. When a placement detection component 4 completes the leak detection, the lifting mechanism 43 on the placement detection component 4 will lift the placement detection component 4 and the buffer mechanism 5 at its top, and the lower mold 3 on the placement detection component 4 will be separated from the upper mold 2 on the placement detection component 4 at its top.

[0041] It should be noted that a robotic arm and a conveyor are also provided. The conveyor is used to transport the bipolar plates, and the robotic arm is used to transfer the bipolar plates to the lower mold 3. The robotic arm and the conveyor are both existing technologies, so they are not drawn in detail in the figure. The buffer mechanism 5 is provided with a lower mold 3 to facilitate the connection between the buffer mechanism 5 and the top placement detection component 4. The input port 421 and the output port 422 on the placement rack 42 are both provided with valves and pressure sensors. A card block for clamping the pipeline is also provided below the input port 421 and the output port 422 on the placement rack 42. First, the lifting mechanism 43 on the bottommost placement detection component 4 is operated to adjust the distance between adjacent placement detection components 4, so that the placement frame 42 on the placement detection component 4 can move with the lower mold 3 to the outside of the workbench 1, so as to facilitate receiving the bipolar plate on the robot arm, and then the placement frame 42 and the lifting device are reset in turn, and the buffer mechanism 5 can make the lower mold 3 on the placement detection component 4 close to the lower mold 3 on the top adjacent placement detection component 4, and at this time, gas or Liquid, and detect the pressure difference from the output port 422 on the placement rack 42, so as to judge whether the bipolar plate is leaking by the pressure difference, and then control other placement detection components 4 that have not undergone the leak detection process to repeat the above work, so that multiple placement detection components 4 are subjected to the leak detection process in turn. When the leak detection of a certain placement detection component 4 is completed, the lifting mechanism 43 on the placement detection component 4 that has completed the leak detection will work and lift the placement detection component 4 at the top of its bottom end, so that the placement table can be transferred out of the workbench 1 with the lower mold 3, so that the robot arm can take out the bipolar plate on the placement table. The leak detection device is provided with a plurality of placement detection components 4, and since the time consumed by the robot arm to transfer the bipolar plate is S1 and the time S2 required for the placement detection component 4 to be adjusted, the leak detection time of the placement detection component 4 is absorbed by the working time of S1 and S2 to ensure that at any time there is at least one placement detection component 4 on the workbench 1 that is not in the leak detection process, so that the conveyor and the robot arm can keep transferring the bipolar plate without waiting for leak detection, thereby enhancing the leak detection efficiency of the bipolar plate.

[0042] The buffer mechanism 5 includes a lower pressure plate 51, a top plate 52 and a first elastic member 53. The lower pressure plate 51 is used to connect with the lower mold 3. The lower pressure plate 51 is used to abut against the placement detection component 4 located at the top. A guide column 511 is provided at the top of the lower pressure plate 51. The top plate 52 is arranged at the top of the workbench 1 and is connected to the linear drive. A guide port 521 corresponding to the guide column 511 is provided on the top plate 52. The first elastic member 53 is sleeved on the guide column 511 and is used to connect the top plate 52 and the lower pressure plate 51.

[0043] like Figures 1 to 3As shown; the lower pressure plate 51 will press against the topmost placement detection component 4 through the elastic force of the first elastic member 53, and make the placement detection component 4 subject to downward pressure, so that multiple placement detection components 4 press against each other, to prevent the gap between the upper mold 2 and the lower mold 3 on two adjacent placement detection components 4 from affecting the leakage detection effect; at the same time, the position of the top plate 52 can be adjusted by the linear drive to compress the first elastic member 53, thereby increasing the elastic force of the first elastic member 53; the guide column 511 and the guide sleeve are convenient for the top plate 52 and the lower pressure plate 51 to move stably.

[0044] A pre-stressing mechanism 6 is also provided between two adjacent placement detection components 4, and the pre-stressing mechanism 6 includes a sliding rod 61, a slider 62, an opening 63 and a transmission rod 64. A plurality of sliding rods 61 are provided and are evenly distributed at the bottom end of the base 41. The slider 62 is provided on the upper mold 2 and is slidably connected to the sliding rod 61. A second elastic member for connecting the base 41 and the slider 62 is sleeved on the sliding rod 61. The opening 63 is provided at the bottom end of the base 41 and is located between two adjacent sliding rods 61. A supporting shaft 631 is provided on the opening 63. The transmission rod 64 is arc-shaped, and one end of the transmission rod 64 is hinged to the upper mold 2. A guide groove 641 slidably connected to the supporting shaft 631 is provided in the middle part of the transmission rod 64. The other end of the transmission rod 64 is located below the base 41 for abutting against the adjacent placement detection component 4.

[0045] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Fig.10 As shown; when the lifting mechanism 43 is not in operation, the placement detection components 4 will abut against each other through the buffer mechanism 5. During this process, the bottom end of the transmission rod 64 will abut against the adjacent placement detection component 4, causing the transmission rod 64 to move along the abutment shaft 631 through the guide groove 641, so that the upper mold 2 on the base 41 overcomes the elastic force of the second elastic member and moves downward, strengthening the connection effect between the lower mold 3 and the upper mold 2. The sliding rod 61 is used for the lower mold 3 to move stably. It should be noted that the hinge between the transmission rod 64 and the lower mold 3 can be moved laterally, thereby preventing the transmission rod 64 from affecting during the movement.

[0046] A first screw 423 and a connecting groove 424 are provided on the mounting frame 42, and a first sleeve 411 rotatably connected to the base 41 is provided on the base 41. The first sleeve 411 is used to be rotatably connected to the first screw 423. A first tooth surface 4111 for connecting to the lifting mechanism 43 is provided on the surface of the first sleeve 411. A guide rod 412 connected to the connecting groove 424 is also provided on the base 41.

[0047] like Figure 1 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 ,and Fig. 9 As shown; the mounting rack 42 rotates the first sleeve 411 through the lifting mechanism 43, thereby causing the first screw 423 rotatably connected to the first sleeve 411 to move, so that the first screw 423 pushes the mounting rack 42 to move on the base 41, and the mounting rack 42 moves stably through the guide groove 641 and the guide rod 412, while keeping the mounting rack 42 always connected to the base 41. It should be noted that the mounting rack 42 is provided with a slot connected to the lower mold 3, so that when the leak detection device detects different bipolar plates, it only needs to replace the lower mold 3.

[0048] The lifting mechanism 43 includes a supporting plate 431, a second sleeve 432 and a driving block 433. The supporting plate 431 is arranged on the base 41. The bottom end of the supporting plate 431 is provided with a second screw 4311 for rotatably connecting with the second sleeve 432. A cavity for installing the second sleeve 432 is formed between the supporting plate 431 and the base 41. A second tooth surface 4321 is also provided on the outer side of the second sleeve 432. The driving block 433 is slidably arranged on the base 41. The driving block 433 is respectively provided with a first meshing end 4331 and a second meshing end 4332 which mesh with the first tooth surface 4111 and the second tooth surface 4321.

[0049] like Figure 1 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Fig. 9 As shown; the present application moves the driving block 433 to make the first meshing end 4331 and the second meshing end 4332 contact the first tooth surface 4111 and the second tooth surface 4321 respectively, thereby causing the first screw 423 and the second screw 4311 to rotate, and then the supporting plate 431 pushes up the placement detection component 4 and the buffer mechanism 5 located above the placement detection component 4, so that the placement frame 42 can be easily moved on the base 41, and the upper mold 2 on the placement frame 42 is located on the outside of the workbench 1, so as to facilitate the installation and removal of the bipolar plate by the robot arm. It should be noted that a linear drive connected to the driving block 433 is arranged inside the strong grass. The linear drive is a prior art so it is not drawn in the figure.

[0050] When the second meshing end 4332 meshes with the second tooth surface 4321 , the first meshing end 4331 does not mesh with the first tooth surface 4111 ; when the first meshing end 4331 meshes with the first tooth surface 4111 , the second meshing end 4332 is disengaged from the second tooth surface 4321 .

[0051] like Figure 1 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 8 and Fig. 9As shown; the present application first enables the second meshing end 4332 to mechanically mesh with the second tooth surface 4321, thereby ensuring that the second sleeve 432 rotates first, so that the support plate 431 first pushes up the placement detection component 4 and the buffer mechanism 5 located above the placement detection component 4, to ensure that the subsequent placement frame 42 can move stably.

[0052] When the first meshing end 4331 meshes with the first tooth surface 4111 , the support plate 431 is at the highest point, and the top of the support plate 431 is not lower than the placement frame 42 on the placement detection component 4 and the top of the lower mold 3 .

[0053] like Figure 1 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 8 and Fig. 9 As shown; it should be noted that when the first meshing end 4331 is meshed with the first tooth surface 4111, the second meshing end 4332 is in a state of being disengaged from the second tooth surface 4321, and the support plate 431 will move to the highest point. At this time, the support plate 431 of the support plate 431 is equal to the bottom end of the placement detection component 4 located above the placement detection component 4. In order to keep the placement frame 42 able to move stably during this process, it is necessary to make the top of the support plate 431 not lower than the top of the placement frame 42 or the lower mold 3. It should be noted that if the friction phenomenon is not considered, the top of the support plate 431 can be made equal to the top of the placement frame 42, ensuring that the placement frame 42 is respectively against the two bases 41 during the movement, ensuring that the placement frame 42 can be in a stable moving state.

[0054] A limiting mechanism is also provided on the base 41, and the limiting mechanism includes a supporting block 44, a limiting groove 45 and a rack 46. The supporting block 44 is rotatably arranged on the base 41 and is located on one side of the second sleeve 432. The supporting block 44 is provided with a supporting end 441 for engaging with the second tooth surface 4321, and a third tooth surface 442 engaging with the rack 46 is provided on the rotating end of the supporting block 44. The limiting groove 45 is arranged on the base 41 and is located on one side of the rotating end. The rack 46 is arranged on the limiting groove 45. When the second engaging end 4332 is disengaged from the second tooth surface 4321, the supporting end 441 will engage with the second tooth surface 4321.

[0055] like Figure 1 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Fig. 9As shown; when the second meshing end 4332 is disengaged from the second tooth surface 4321, in order to prevent the support plate 431 from resetting, the rack 46 and the driving block 433 will move synchronously in the process, so that the rack 46 rotates with the abutment block 44. Once the second meshing end 4332 is disengaged from the second tooth surface 4321, the rack 46 will move to one end of the limiting slide groove 45, and the abutment end 441 on the abutment block 44 will engage with the second tooth surface 4321 to prevent the second sleeve 432 from resetting due to gravity, affecting the supporting effect of the support plate 431. After that, the rack 46 will not move, and the driving block 433 will continue to move, so that the mounting frame 42 moves on the base 41.

[0056] A leak detection device and a detection method for a fuel cell bipolar plate, characterized in that it comprises the following steps:

[0057] Step 1: The operator transfers the bipolar plate through a conveyor:

[0058] Step 2: The operator sets up a mechanical arm for transferring bipolar plates on one side of the conveyor:

[0059] Step 3: The operator sets the leak detection device on one side of the robotic arm:

[0060] Step 4: The operator controls a lifting mechanism 43 on a placement and detection assembly 4 to work, and moves the lower mold 3 on the placement and detection assembly 4 out of the workbench 1, so that the robot arm places the bipolar plate:

[0061] Step 5: The operator resets the lower mold 3 on the placement detection assembly 4 on which the bipolar plate has been installed, and uses the buffer mechanism 5 to make the multiple placement detection assemblies 4 abut against each other, so that the lower mold 3 on the placement detection assembly 4 on which the bipolar plate has been installed cooperates with the upper mold 2 on the top placement detection assembly 4;

[0062] Step 6: The operator transmits gas or liquid from the input port 421 of the placement detection assembly 4 on which the bipolar plate has been installed, and detects the pressure difference from the output port 422 on the placement detection assembly 4 to determine whether the bipolar plate has leakage or the like;

[0063] Step 7, determine whether there is a placement detection component 4 that has completed the leak detection process. If not, control the placement detection component 4 that has not undergone the leak detection process to repeat steps 2 to 6; if yes, first control the lower mold 3 on the placement detection component 4 that has completed the leak detection process to move out of the workbench 1, so that the robot arm takes out the bipolar plate and places a bipolar plate that has not undergone leak detection, and then repeat steps 3 to 6.

[0064] The above shows and describes the basic principles, main features and advantages of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. The above embodiments and descriptions only describe the principles of the present invention. The present invention may be subject to various changes and improvements without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. These changes and improvements fall within the scope of the present invention. The scope of protection claimed by the present invention is defined by the attached claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A leak detection device for a bipolar plate of a fuel cell; comprising a workbench (1), an upper mold (2) and a lower mold (3), wherein the lower mold (3) is provided with an input channel (31) and an output channel (32) communicating with a bipolar plate chamber, characterized in that: The workbench (1) is provided with a placement detection assembly (4) for connecting with the upper mold (2) and the lower mold (3). At least four placement detection assemblies (4) are provided and are arranged on the workbench (1) in order from top to bottom. The top of the workbench (1) is also provided with a buffer mechanism (5) abutting against the placement detection assembly (4). The buffer mechanism (5) is used to make the four placement detection assemblies (4) abut against each other. The placement detection assembly (4) comprises a base (41), a placement frame (42) and a lifting mechanism (43). The base (41) is provided on the workbench (1) and is used to connect with the upper mold (2). The placement frame (42) is slidably provided on the base (41). The placement frame (42) is used to connect with the lower mold (3). The placement frame (42) is provided with a plurality of components respectively connected to the input channel (31) and the output channel (31). The invention relates to an input port (421) and an output port (422) connected to the channel (32); the lifting mechanism (43) is used to adjust the distance between two adjacent placement detection components (4); when the two adjacent placement detection components (4) are in a leak detection state, the lower mold (3) on the same placement detection component (4) is located directly above the upper mold (2); the upper mold (2) and the lower mold (3) on the two adjacent placement detection components (4) are connected to each other and form a closed cavity for placing the bipolar plate; when a placement detection component (4) completes the leak detection, the lifting mechanism (43) on the placement detection component (4) lifts the placement detection component (4) and the buffer mechanism (5) at the top thereof, and the lower mold (3) on the placement detection component (4) is separated from the upper mold (2) on the placement detection component (4) at the top thereof.

2. A leak detection device for a bipolar plate of a fuel cell according to claim 1, characterized in that: The buffer mechanism (5) comprises a lower pressing plate (51), a top plate (52) and a first elastic member (53); the lower pressing plate (51) is used to connect with the lower mold (3); the lower pressing plate (51) is used to abut against a placement detection assembly (4) located at the top; a guide column (511) is provided at the top of the lower pressing plate (51); the top plate (52) is provided at the top of the workbench (1) and is connected to the linear drive; a guide opening (521) corresponding to the guide column (511) is provided on the top plate (52); and the first elastic member (53) is sleeved on the guide column (511) and is used to connect the top plate (52) and the lower pressing plate (51).

3. A leak detection device for a bipolar plate of a fuel cell according to claim 2, characterized in that: A pre-pressing mechanism (6) is also provided between the two adjacent placement detection assemblies (4), the pre-pressing mechanism (6) comprising a sliding rod (61), a slider (62), an opening (63) and a transmission rod (64), a plurality of sliding rods (61) being provided and evenly distributed at the bottom end of the base (41), the slider (62) being provided on the upper mold (2) and slidably connected to the sliding rod (61), a second elastic member for connecting the base (41) and the slider (62) being sleeved on the sliding rod (61), and the opening (63) and the transmission rod (64) being provided. The opening (63) is arranged at the bottom end of the base (41) and is located between two adjacent sliding rods (61); abutment shaft (631) is arranged on the opening (63); the transmission rod (64) is arc-shaped; one end of the transmission rod (64) is hinged to the upper mold (2); a guide groove (641) slidably connected to the abutment shaft (631) is arranged in the middle part of the transmission rod (64); the other end of the transmission rod (64) is located below the base (41) and is used for abutting against an adjacent placement detection component (4).

4. A leak detection device for a bipolar plate of a fuel cell according to claim 1, characterized in that: The mounting frame (42) is provided with a first screw rod (423) and a connecting groove (424); the base (41) is provided with a first sleeve (411) rotatably connected to the base (41); the first sleeve (411) is used to be rotatably connected to the first screw rod (423); a first tooth surface (4111) for connecting to the lifting mechanism (43) is provided on the surface of the first sleeve (411); and the base (41) is also provided with a guide rod (412) connected to the connecting groove (424).

5. A leak detection device for a bipolar plate of a fuel cell according to claim 4, characterized in that: The lifting mechanism (43) comprises a supporting plate (431), a second sleeve (432) and a driving block (433); the supporting plate (431) is arranged on the base (41); a second screw (4311) for rotationally connecting with the second sleeve (432) is arranged at the bottom end of the supporting plate (431); a cavity for mounting the second sleeve (432) is formed between the supporting plate (431) and the base (41); a second tooth surface (4321) is also arranged on the outer side of the second sleeve (432); the driving block (433) is slidably arranged on the base (41); and a first meshing end (4331) and a second meshing end (4332) for meshing with the first tooth surface (4111) and the second tooth surface (4321) are respectively arranged on the driving block (433).

6. A leak detection device for a bipolar plate of a fuel cell according to claim 5, characterized in that: When the second meshing end (4332) meshes with the second tooth surface (4321), the first meshing end (4331) does not mesh with the first tooth surface (4111); when the first meshing end (4331) meshes with the first tooth surface (4111), the second meshing end (4332) is disengaged from the second tooth surface (4321).

7. A leak detection device for a bipolar plate of a fuel cell according to claim 6, characterized in that: When the first meshing end (4331) meshes with the first tooth surface (4111), the support plate (431) is at the highest point, and the top of the support plate (431) is not lower than the placement frame (42) on the placement detection component (4) and the top of the lower mold (3).

8. A leak detection device for a bipolar plate of a fuel cell according to claim 6, characterized in that: The base (41) is also provided with a limiting mechanism, which includes a supporting block (44), a limiting slide groove (45) and a rack (46). The supporting block (44) is rotatably arranged on the base (41) and is located on one side of the second sleeve (432). The supporting block (44) is provided with a supporting end (441) for engaging with the second tooth surface (4321). The rotating end of the supporting block (44) is provided with a third tooth surface (442) for engaging with the rack (46). The limiting slide groove (45) is arranged on the base (41) and is located on one side of the rotating end. The rack (46) is arranged on the limiting slide groove (45). When the second engaging end (4332) is disengaged from the second tooth surface (4321), the supporting end (441) will engage with the second tooth surface (4321).

9. A detection method for a fuel cell bipolar plate leak detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The following steps are included: Step 1: The operator transfers the bipolar plate through a conveyor: Step 2: The operator sets up a mechanical arm for transferring bipolar plates on one side of the conveyor: Step 3: The operator sets the leak detection device on one side of the robotic arm: Step 4: The operator controls a lifting mechanism (43) on a placement and detection component (4) to work, and moves the lower mold (3) on the placement and detection component (4) out of the workbench (1), so that the robot arm places the bipolar plate: Step 5: The operator resets the lower mold (3) on the placement detection assembly (4) on which the bipolar plate has been installed, and uses the buffer mechanism (5) to make the multiple placement detection assemblies (4) abut against each other, so that the lower mold (3) on the placement detection assembly (4) on which the bipolar plate has been installed cooperates with the upper mold (2) on the top placement detection assembly (4); Step 6: The operator transmits gas or liquid from the input port (421) of the placement detection assembly (4) on which the bipolar plate has been installed, and detects the pressure difference from the output port (422) on the placement detection assembly (4) to determine whether the bipolar plate has leakage; Step 7: Determine whether there is a placement detection component (4) that has completed the leak detection process. If not, control the placement detection component (4) that has not undergone the leak detection process to repeat steps 2 to 6. If yes, first control the lower mold (3) on the placement detection component (4) that has completed the leak detection process to move out of the workbench (1), so that the robot arm takes out the bipolar plate and places a bipolar plate that has not undergone the leak detection, and then repeat steps 3 to 6.

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