Ion membrane pick-and-place device and method for flow battery manufacturing

Abstract

The application provides an ion membrane taking and placing device and method in a flow battery manufacturing process, which comprises a Bernoulli chuck assembly capable of taking a single ion membrane in the air, the Bernoulli chuck assembly comprising: a lifting mounting plate connected to the output end of a Z-direction driving unit through a floating joint; the mounting plate, the lifting mounting plate and a special chuck assembly are sequentially arranged from top to bottom along the Z-direction; the output end of an external mechanism is connected to the mounting plate to drive the composite chuck to move to a rubber coating station; a column is used for connecting the mounting plate and the upper surface of the special chuck assembly; a gas pipe joint II, a Bernoulli chuck connecting rod and a Bernoulli chuck are sequentially communicated; the Bernoulli chuck connecting rod penetrates through the lifting mounting plate and the special chuck assembly; the Bernoulli chuck connecting rod is threadedly connected with the lifting mounting plate; and the special chuck assembly is used for completely ironing, pressing and adsorbing the ion membrane on the surface of the special chuck assembly, and the outer surface of the lower cavity of the chuck is provided with an elastic pressing pad. The application has the advantages of ion membrane taking and pressing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of new energy flow battery equipment technology, and particularly relates to an ion membrane handling device and method in the manufacturing process of flow batteries. Background Technology

[0002] As a key material in vanadium redox flow batteries, the handling and pressing processes of ion-exchange membranes directly affect the battery's performance and lifespan. During flow battery manufacturing, the efficiency of handling stacked ion-exchange membranes and the efficiency of pressing and bonding them at the adhesive coating point directly impact the production cycle and output of subsequent flow batteries. Therefore, automating the handling of stacked ion-exchange membranes without material residue and the pressing and bonding at the adhesive coating point is crucial. Ion-exchange membranes are characterized by their thinness, inconsistent dimensions, and slight permeability. In actual production assembly, the handling of thin sheet materials similar to stacked ion-exchange membranes is typically done using vacuum suction cups. However, ordinary vacuum suction cups are prone to resulting in material residue without separation when handling thin sheet materials. While there are relatively mature solutions to address the difficulty of material residue on thin sheet materials, a mature solution that simultaneously satisfies the requirements for handling and pressing and bonding thin sheet materials is currently lacking.

[0003] The current assembly process for ion-exchange membranes and similar sheet materials in flow battery production requires the handling of stacked ion-exchange membranes. This necessitates both the ability to pick up the membranes (while avoiding material carry-over during vacuum suction) and the subsequent pressing and flattening of the membranes at the adhesive application point. The challenge lies in achieving both the membrane separation without material carry-over and the pressing and fitting of the membranes on the same device. Therefore, the structural design of the suction cup becomes crucial. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide an ion-exchange membrane handling device and method in the manufacturing process of flow batteries, which combines the advantages of ion-exchange membrane handling (avoiding material carryover) and press-fitting (withstanding external force). To achieve the above objective, the technical solution adopted is as follows:

[0005] An ion membrane handling device for flow battery manufacturing process, comprising:

[0006] Bernoulli suction cup assembly, which can move up and down along the Z-axis under the action of the Z-axis drive unit, does not contact the ion membrane, and realizes the air-assisted suction of a single ion membrane, comprising:

[0007] The lifting mounting plate 2-7 is connected to the output end of the Z-axis drive unit via the floating connector 2-6;

[0008] The Z-axis drive unit is mounted on mounting plate 2-2;

[0009] Along the Z-direction, mounting plate 2-2, lifting mounting plate 2-7, and special suction cup assembly are arranged sequentially from top to bottom; the output end of the external mechanism is connected to mounting plate 2-2 to drive the composite suction cup to the glued station;

[0010] Column 2-3 is used to connect the upper surface of mounting plate 2-2 and the special suction cup assembly;

[0011] The endotracheal connector 2-10, Bernoulli suction cup connecting rod 2-9, and Bernoulli suction cup 2-8 are connected in sequence;

[0012] Bernoulli suction cup link 2-9 passes through lifting mounting plate 2-7 and special suction cup assembly; Bernoulli suction cup link 2-9 is threadedly connected to lifting mounting plate 2-7;

[0013] Before the ion exchange membrane is drawn in air, Bernoulli suction cups 2-8 are located below the dedicated suction cup assembly;

[0014] After the Bernoulli suction cup 2-8 picks up the ion membrane in the air, the Z-axis drive unit rises, and the Bernoulli suction cup 2-8 drives the ion membrane to rise until the ion membrane is attached to the special suction cup assembly.

[0015] And a special suction cup assembly, used to completely press and adhere the ion membrane adsorbed on its surface, and the outer surface of the suction cup lower cavity 1-3 is provided with an elastic pressure pad 1-4.

[0016] Preferably, the dedicated suction cup assembly further includes:

[0017] The upper suction cup cavity 1-1, the elastic pad 1-2, and the lower suction cup cavity 1-3 are connected in sequence, forming a sealed area.

[0018] Clearance holes are provided on the upper cavity 1-1 of the suction cup, the lower cavity 1-3 of the suction cup, and the elastic pressure pad 1-4;

[0019] Tracheal connector 1-5 connects to the upper cavity of the suction cup 1-1.

[0020] Preferably, the Bernoulli suction cup assembly further includes:

[0021] Guide shaft 2-4, the lower end of which is fixed to lifting mounting plate 2-7, and the upper end passes through mounting plate 2-2 and linear bearing 2-5 in sequence;

[0022] Linear bearing 2-5 is fixed to mounting plate 2-2.

[0023] Preferably, the Z-axis drive unit is a cylinder 2-1.

[0024] A method for handling ion-exchange membranes during the manufacturing process of a flow battery includes the following steps:

[0025] After the Bernoulli suction cup assembly picks up the stacked single ion exchange membranes in the air, the special suction cup assembly completely flattens and tightens the ion exchange membranes, preventing the edges of the ion exchange membranes from sagging. In subsequent processes, it is used in conjunction with external force to press the ion exchange membranes firmly onto the adhesive-coated areas, so as to achieve the ironing of the ion exchange membranes at the adhesive-coated areas.

[0026] Preferably, the procedure specifically includes the following steps:

[0027] Step 1: Move the ion membrane handling device from the flow battery manufacturing process to the top of the stacked ion membranes;

[0028] Step 2: The external mechanism descends to the set height based on the height direction detected by the distance sensor;

[0029] Step 3: When the cylinder drives the Bernoulli suction cup to descend to the adsorption distance, the Bernoulli suction cup picks up the ion membrane in the air, and finally the ion membrane is attached to the Bernoulli suction cup.

[0030] Step 4: The cylinder rises, and the lifting mounting plate 2-7 and Bernoulli suction cup 2-8 rise accordingly. The Bernoulli suction cup 2-8 drives the ion membrane to rise until the ion membrane is tightly and flat against the elastic pressure pad 1-4 on the lower cavity 1-3 of the suction cup, at which point the cylinder stops rising.

[0031] Step 5: The special suction cup assembly is activated to firmly and flatten the ion exchange membrane; at the same time, the Bernoulli suction cup breaks the vacuum to release its suction force on the ion exchange membrane.

[0032] Step 6: An external mechanism moves the ion membrane handling device during the flow battery manufacturing process to a stacked position above the coated station.

[0033] Step 7: The external mechanism descends and applies elastic pressure pads 1-4 to the glued station, pressing the ion exchange membrane to adhere to the glued station.

[0034] Step 8: The special suction cup assembly breaks the vacuum to release its adsorption force on the ion exchange membrane.

[0035] Step 9: During the flow battery manufacturing process, the ion membrane handling device returns to the top of the stacked ion membranes to await the next material handling.

[0036] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of the present invention are:

[0037] 1. It can flatten and press the ion exchange membrane onto the glued work station, overcoming the difficulty of ordinary suction cups not being able to press and press the ion exchange membrane firmly.

[0038] (1) The Bernoulli suction cup assembly and the special suction cup assembly work together to flatly adsorb the ion membrane onto the elastic pressure pad of the special suction cup assembly.

[0039] In other words, after the Bernoulli suction cup assembly picks up a stacked single ion exchange membrane from a distance, the dedicated suction cup assembly completely flattens and firmly holds the ion exchange membrane, preventing the edges from sagging. In subsequent processes, external force is used to press the ion exchange membrane firmly onto the adhesive-coated area, thus achieving the ironing process of the ion exchange membrane at the adhesive-coated area. Specifically:

[0040] First, the Bernoulli suction cup picks up the ion exchange membrane without contact with it; that is, the membrane is not in contact with the Bernoulli suction cup before suction. The cylinder descends, and the Bernoulli suction cup descends to the lower surface of the dedicated suction cup, creating a gap between it and the ion exchange membrane. The Bernoulli suction cup then operates to draw in the ion exchange membrane, causing it to adhere to the suction cup.

[0041] Then, the cylinder rises, and the lifting mounting plate and Bernoulli suction cup rise accordingly. The Bernoulli suction cup drives the ion membrane to rise until the ion membrane is tightly and flat against the elastic pad on the lower cavity of the suction cup, at which point the cylinder stops rising.

[0042] Finally, the special suction cup assembly activates, firmly adhering to and leveling the ion exchange membrane; simultaneously, the Bernoulli suction cup breaks the vacuum to release its suction force on the ion exchange membrane.

[0043] (2) The elastic pressure pad of the special suction cup assembly can be deformed to withstand pressure, thus ensuring that the external force can evenly press the ion membrane, making it completely ironed and pressed, and avoiding the ion membrane being under pressure.

[0044] 2. It can realize the individual feeding of stacked ion exchange membranes, avoiding the excessive vacuum negative pressure of ordinary suction cups that would lift the second or even the third ion exchange membrane below the topmost ion exchange membrane.

[0045] Bernoulli suction cups pick up ion exchange membranes without contact, allowing the membranes to float in mid-air. In contrast, ordinary suction cups press the ion exchange membranes together, creating a vacuum between the membranes and causing material to be carried along.

[0046] 3. It combines the advantages of ion-exchange membrane material handling (avoiding material carryover) and pressure fitting (withstanding external forces).

[0047] 4. It can pick up thin sheet materials such as ion exchange membranes separately, press out thin sheet materials such as ion exchange membranes separately, or use both functions simultaneously.

[0048] 5. The size of the dedicated suction cup can be changed according to the size of the ion exchange membrane, which enhances the adaptability of the composite suction cup. Attached Figure Description

[0049] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the operation of the ion membrane handling device during the manufacturing process of a flow battery.

[0050] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the ion membrane handling device during the manufacturing process of a flow battery;

[0051] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a height-adjustable Bernoulli suction cup assembly.

[0052] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a dedicated suction cup assembly.

[0053] Among them, 1-1. Upper cavity of suction cup; 1-2. Elastic rubber pad; 1-3. Lower cavity of suction cup; 1-4. Elastic pressure pad; 1-5. Air tube connector one;

[0054] 2-1. Cylinder; 2-2. Mounting plate; 2-3. Column;

[0055] 2-4. Guide shaft; 2-5. Linear bearing;

[0056] 2-6. Floating joint; 2-7. Lifting mounting plate;

[0057] 2-8. Bernoulli suction cup; 2-9. Bernoulli suction cup linkage;

[0058] 2-10. Tracheal tube connector two;

[0059] 2-11. Sensor bracket; 2-12. Distance sensor. Detailed Implementation

[0060] The ion membrane handling device and method for manufacturing a flow battery according to the present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the schematic diagrams, which illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention. It should be understood that those skilled in the art can modify the invention described herein while still achieving its advantageous effects. Therefore, the following description should be understood as being of general knowledge to those skilled in the art and is not intended to limit the invention.

[0061] like Figures 1-4 In the manufacturing process of flow batteries, the ion membrane handling device is a composite suction cup that can be moved as a whole to the glue-coated station under the drive of an external mechanism.

[0062] The overall function of this device is twofold: firstly, it helps solve the problem of material transport by ordinary suction cups when stacking ion exchange membranes; secondly, it enables the pressing and ironing of ion exchange membranes at the adhesive coating area. A schematic diagram of the ion exchange membrane assembly process is shown below. Figure 1 As shown.

[0063] The ion membrane handling device in the flow battery manufacturing process specifically includes:

[0064] The Bernoulli suction cup assembly, driven by the Z-axis drive unit, can move up and down along the Z-axis without contacting the ion exchange membrane, thus enabling the suction of a single ion exchange membrane without contact. The Z-axis drive unit is a cylinder 2.1.

[0065] The Bernoulli suction cup assembly specifically includes:

[0066] The lifting mounting plate 2-7 is connected to the output end of the Z-axis drive unit via the floating connector 2-6. The Z-axis drive unit is mounted on the mounting plate 2-2. Along the Z-axis, the mounting plate 2-2, the lifting mounting plate 2-7, and the special suction cup assembly are arranged sequentially from top to bottom. The output end of the external mechanism is connected to the mounting plate 2-2 to move the composite suction cup to the glued station.

[0067] Column 2-3 is used to connect the upper surface of mounting plate 2-2 and the special suction cup assembly.

[0068] The endotracheal connector 2-10, the Bernoulli suction cup connecting rod 2-9, and the Bernoulli suction cup 2-8 are connected in sequence.

[0069] Bernoulli suction cup link 2-9 passes through lifting mounting plate 2-7 and special suction cup assembly, and Bernoulli suction cup link 2-9 is threadedly connected to lifting mounting plate 2-7.

[0070] Before the ion exchange membrane is drawn in the air, the Bernoulli suction cup 2-8 is located below the dedicated suction cup assembly; when the ion exchange membrane is adsorbed onto the dedicated suction cup assembly, the Bernoulli suction cup 2-8 is located inside the sealed cavity of the dedicated suction cup assembly.

[0071] After the Bernoulli suction cup 2-8 picks up the ion exchange membrane in the air, the cylinder 2.1 rises, and the Bernoulli suction cup 2-8 drives the ion exchange membrane to rise.

[0072] When the ion exchange membrane is attached to the dedicated suction cup assembly, cylinder 2.1 stops rising.

[0073] Guide shaft 2-4 and linear bearing 2-5 are used to maintain the smooth operation of lifting mounting plate 2-7. The lower end of guide shaft 2-4 is fixed to lifting mounting plate 2-7, and the upper end passes through mounting plate 2-2 and linear bearing 2-5 in sequence. Linear bearing 2-5 is fixed to mounting plate 2-2.

[0074] Distance sensor 2-12 is mounted on sensor bracket 2-11, and sensor bracket 2-11 is fixed to lifting mounting plate 2-7.

[0075] As the ion exchange membrane is removed, its height changes. Therefore, distance sensor 2-12 is used to monitor the descent height of the Bernoulli suction cup assembly each time, thereby adjusting the subsequent descent height of the Bernoulli suction cup assembly so that the distance between the Bernoulli suction cup 2-8 and the ion exchange membrane is always kept within the adsorption distance, thus achieving adsorption of the ion exchange membrane without air contact.

[0076] As known from existing technology, the Bernoulli suction cup 2-8 is a suction cup that uses compressed air to generate a high-speed jet through a small diameter (orifice). This high-speed jet carries away the surrounding gas, thereby creating negative pressure to pick up objects. The Bernoulli suction cup 2-8 does not require direct contact or compression of the ion exchange membrane; it can adsorb the ion exchange membrane within the adsorption distance.

[0077] The principle of Bernoulli suction cups is to create a negative pressure effect through high-speed airflow, where the pressure is low in a space with high airflow, and use the pressure difference to achieve adsorption of objects.

[0078] A specialized suction cup assembly is used to completely and firmly press and adhere the ion exchange membrane adsorbed onto its surface; its working principle is based on existing technology. Specifically, it includes:

[0079] The upper suction cup cavity 1-1, the elastic pad 1-2, and the lower suction cup cavity 1-3 are connected in sequence, forming a sealed area. Several suction holes are formed on the lower suction cup cavity 1-3.

[0080] The elastic rubber gasket 1-2 is easily deformable, ensuring a sealed area between the upper suction cup cavity 1-1 and the lower suction cup cavity 1-3 to prevent air leakage. Uneven contact surfaces between the upper and lower suction cup cavities due to manufacturing errors can cause air leakage in the sealed area. Adding an elastic rubber gasket between them, utilizing its deformable nature, effectively plugs the leaks caused by uneven contact surfaces during manufacturing. Alternatively, the elastic rubber gasket can be further made into a sealing O-ring, and grooves can be cut into the surfaces of the upper and lower suction cup cavities.

[0081] Elastic pressure pads 1-4 are installed on the lower surface of the suction cup cavity 1-3 and have several adsorption holes. Elastic pressure pads 1-4 are easily deformable, so in the subsequent pressing process of the glued station, it can ensure that the external force can evenly press the ion membrane, so that it is completely pressed and sealed, and avoids the ion membrane being compressed.

[0082] Tracheal connector 1-5 connects to the upper cavity of the suction cup 1-1.

[0083] As can be seen from the above, clearance holes are provided on the upper cavity 1-1, the lower cavity 1-3, and the elastic pressure pad 1-4 of the suction cup to allow the Bernoulli suction cup connecting rod 2-9 to pass through.

[0084] The clearance holes on the lower cavity 1-3 of the suction cup and the elastic pressure pad 1-4 allow the Bernoulli suction cup 2-8 to pass through.

[0085] Working principle of the ion membrane handling device in the manufacturing process of flow batteries:

[0086] Step 1: Move the ion membrane handling device from the flow battery manufacturing process to the top of the stacked ion membranes.

[0087] Step 2: The external mechanism descends to a certain height based on the height direction detected by the distance sensor.

[0088] Step 3: When the cylinder drives the Bernoulli suction cup to descend to the adsorption distance, the Bernoulli suction cup picks up the ion membrane in the air, and the ion membrane adheres to the Bernoulli suction cup.

[0089] Step 4: The cylinder rises, and the lifting mounting plate 2-7 and Bernoulli suction cup 2-8 rise accordingly. The Bernoulli suction cup 2-8 drives the ion membrane to rise until the ion membrane is tightly and flat against the elastic pressure pad 1-4 on the lower cavity 1-3 of the suction cup, at which point the cylinder stops rising.

[0090] Step 5: The special suction cup assembly is activated to firmly and flatten the ion exchange membrane; at the same time, the Bernoulli suction cup breaks the vacuum to release its suction force on the ion exchange membrane.

[0091] Among them, the relevant operation for breaking the vacuum is as follows: inflate the air pipe connector 2-10 to the Bernoulli suction cup 2-8.

[0092] Step 6: An external mechanism moves the ion membrane handling device during the flow battery manufacturing process to a stacked position above the coated station.

[0093] Step 7: The external mechanism descends and applies elastic pressure pads 1-4 to the glued station, pressing the ion exchange membrane to adhere to the glued station.

[0094] Step 8: The special suction cup assembly breaks the vacuum to release its adsorption force on the ion exchange membrane.

[0095] Step 9: During the flow battery manufacturing process, the ion membrane handling device returns to the top of the stacked ion membranes to await the next material handling.

[0096] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not constitute any limitation on the present invention. Any equivalent substitutions or modifications made by those skilled in the art to the technical solutions and content disclosed in the present invention without departing from the scope of the present invention shall be deemed to have remained within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A device for handling ion-exchange membranes during the manufacturing process of a flow battery, characterized in that, include: Bernoulli suction cup assembly, which can move up and down along the Z-axis under the action of the Z-axis drive unit, does not contact the ion membrane, and realizes the air-assisted suction of a single ion membrane, comprising: The lifting mounting plate (2-7) is connected to the output end of the Z-axis drive unit via a floating connector (2-6); The Z-axis drive unit is mounted on the mounting plate (2-2); Along the Z-direction, the mounting plate (2-2), the lifting mounting plate (2-7), and the special suction cup assembly are arranged sequentially from top to bottom; the output end of the external mechanism is connected to the mounting plate (2-2) to drive the composite suction cup to the glued station; among them, the ion membrane handling device in the flow battery manufacturing process is a set of composite suction cups; The column (2-3) is used to connect the mounting plate (2-2) and the upper surface of the special suction cup assembly; The endotracheal connector 2 (2-10), the Bernoulli suction cup connecting rod (2-9), and the Bernoulli suction cup (2-8) are connected in sequence; The Bernoulli suction cup link (2-9) passes through the lifting mounting plate (2-7) and the special suction cup assembly; the Bernoulli suction cup link (2-9) is threadedly connected to the lifting mounting plate (2-7); Before the ion exchange membrane is drawn in air, the Bernoulli chuck (2-8) is positioned below the dedicated chuck assembly; After the Bernoulli suction cup (2-8) picks up the ion membrane in the air, the Z-axis drive unit rises, and the Bernoulli suction cup (2-8) drives the ion membrane to rise until the ion membrane is attached to the special suction cup assembly. And a special suction cup assembly, used to completely press and adhere the ion membrane adsorbed on its surface, and the outer surface of the lower cavity (1-3) of the suction cup is provided with an elastic pressure pad (1-4).

2. The ion membrane handling device in the flow battery manufacturing process according to claim 1, characterized in that, The dedicated suction cup assembly also includes: The upper suction cup cavity (1-1), the elastic pad (1-2), and the lower suction cup cavity (1-3) are connected in sequence to form a sealed area; Clearance holes are provided on the upper cavity (1-1), lower cavity (1-3), and elastic pressure pad (1-4) of the suction cup; Tracheal connector 1 (1-5) connects to the upper cavity of the suction cup (1-1).

3. The ion membrane handling device in the manufacturing process of a flow battery according to claim 1, characterized in that, Bernoulli suction cup components also include: The guide shaft (2-4) has its lower end fixed to the lifting mounting plate (2-7) and its upper end passing through the mounting plate (2-2) and the linear bearing (2-5) in sequence. The linear bearing (2-5) is fixed to the mounting plate (2-2).

4. The ion membrane handling device in the flow battery manufacturing process according to claim 1, characterized in that, The Z-axis drive unit is a cylinder (2-1).

5. A method for handling ion-exchange membranes during the manufacturing process of a flow battery, based on the ion-exchange membrane handling device described in any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that... Includes the following steps: After the Bernoulli suction cup assembly picks up the stacked single ion exchange membranes in the air, the special suction cup assembly completely flattens and tightens the ion exchange membranes, preventing the edges of the ion exchange membranes from sagging. In subsequent processes, it is used in conjunction with external force to press the ion exchange membranes firmly onto the adhesive-coated areas, so as to achieve the ironing of the ion exchange membranes at the adhesive-coated areas.

6. The method for handling the ion-exchange membrane during the manufacturing process of a flow battery according to claim 5, characterized in that, Specifically, the following steps are included: Step 1: Move the ion membrane handling device from the flow battery manufacturing process to the top of the stacked ion membranes; Step 2: The external mechanism descends to the set height based on the descent height of the Bernoulli suction cup assembly detected by the distance sensor each time; Step 3: When the cylinder drives the Bernoulli suction cup to descend to the adsorption distance, the Bernoulli suction cup picks up the ion membrane in the air, and finally the ion membrane is attached to the Bernoulli suction cup. Step 4: The cylinder rises, and the lifting mounting plate (2-7) and Bernoulli suction cup (2-8) rise accordingly. The Bernoulli suction cup (2-8) drives the ion membrane to rise until the ion membrane is tightly and flat against the elastic pressure pad (1-4) on the lower cavity (1-3) of the suction cup, at which point the cylinder stops rising. Step 5: The special suction cup assembly is activated to firmly and flatten the ion exchange membrane; at the same time, the Bernoulli suction cup breaks the vacuum to release its suction force on the ion exchange membrane. Step 6: An external mechanism moves the ion membrane handling device during the flow battery manufacturing process to above the coated station where the stacked ion membranes are placed. Step 7: The external mechanism descends and applies elastic pressure pads (1-4) to the glued station, pressing the ion exchange membrane to adhere to the glued station. Step 8: The special suction cup assembly breaks the vacuum to release its adsorption force on the ion exchange membrane; Step 9: During the flow battery manufacturing process, the ion membrane handling device returns to the top of the stacked ion membranes to await the next material handling.

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