Half-cell processing tool

Abstract

The utility model relates to a half-cell processing tool, which is used for pressing a membrane electrode and a bipolar plate of a half-cell, and comprises a first tool, a second tool, a third tool and a fourth tool, the first tool comprises a first substrate, a first avoiding area and a first positioning assembly, the first avoiding area and the first positioning assembly are arranged on the first substrate, the membrane electrode makes contact with the first substrate, the first avoiding area is used for containing a reaction area of the membrane electrode, and the first positioning assembly is matched with a membrane electrode positioning part of the membrane electrode; the first positioning assembly is also matched with a bipolar plate positioning part of the bipolar plate; and the second tool is used for crimping the bipolar plate, the second tool comprises a second substrate and a second avoiding area arranged on the second substrate, and the second avoiding area is arranged opposite to the first avoiding area. According to the utility model, the assembled half cells have better consistency, the production quality of the half cells is improved, and the yield of products is further improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of fuel cells, in particular to a half-cell processing tool. Background Art

[0002] A proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack is a device that can convert the chemical energy of hydrogen into electrical energy. The stack consists of a core 13, a current collecting plate assembly, an insulating plate assembly, and an end plate assembly. Figure 1 As shown, the current collecting plate assembly includes an upper current collecting plate 12 and a lower current collecting plate 14, the insulating plate assembly includes an upper insulating plate 11 and a lower insulating plate 15, and the end plate assembly includes an upper end plate 10 and a lower end plate 16. The core 13 is where the electrochemical reaction occurs. The core 13 is composed of a certain number of bipolar plates and membrane electrode stacks. The bipolar plates are composed of cathode plates and anode plates. The cathode plates provide a flow path for air, and the anode plates provide a flow path for hydrogen. The back of the cathode plate is a cathode water cavity, and the back of the anode plate is an anode water cavity. The cathode water cavity and the anode water cavity communicate with each other to form the bipolar plate cooling cavity. The bipolar plates provide rigid support and electrical conductivity for the core, separate hydrogen, air, and cooling water, and ensure uniform fluid distribution in the three different areas. The gas side of the bipolar plate has a sealing strip that compresses with the membrane electrode frame to achieve a seal. The membrane electrode consists of a gas diffusion layer for the anode and cathode, a catalyst layer, and a proton exchange membrane in the middle. The gas diffusion layer allows the reactant gases to enter and the reaction water to escape. The catalyst layer decomposes the gases, and the proton exchange membrane allows hydrogen ions to travel from the anode catalyst layer to the cathode catalyst layer for further reaction. In addition to the coordinated bipolar plate and membrane electrode stack, the core also features a half-cell structure. Half-cells offer several advantages over separate bipolar plates and membrane electrodes, such as improved hydrogen-side sealing through bonding, longer stack life, higher stack consistency, and higher stack efficiency.

[0003] In the existing technology, the process of half-cell bonding is relatively complicated, especially the requirements for tooling design are high. Problems such as uneven glue thickness and width, bubbles, etc. will lead to sealing problems. Currently, there is no relevant design in this regard in the industry. Therefore, there is an urgent need to design a tooling for half-cell bonding to solve the above-mentioned problems. Utility Model Content

[0004] To this end, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the deficiencies in the prior art and provide a half-cell processing tooling that can make the assembled half-cells have better consistency, improve the production quality of the half-cells, and thereby improve the product yield.

[0005] In order to solve the above technical problems, the utility model provides a half-cell processing tool for pressing the membrane electrode and bipolar plate of the half-cell. The half-cell processing tool includes:

[0006] a first fixture for carrying the membrane electrode and the bipolar plate, the first fixture comprising a first substrate, a first avoidance area provided on the first substrate, and a first positioning assembly, the membrane electrode being in contact with the first substrate, the first avoidance area being used to accommodate a reaction zone of the membrane electrode, the first positioning assembly being matched with a membrane electrode positioning portion of the membrane electrode, and the first positioning assembly being matched with a bipolar plate positioning portion of the bipolar plate;

[0007] a second tooling for crimping the bipolar plate, the second tooling comprising a second substrate and a second avoidance area provided on the second substrate, the second avoidance area being provided opposite to the first avoidance area;

[0008] The first tooling and the second tooling are arranged opposite to each other and are driven to press the membrane electrode and the bipolar plate respectively along the thickness direction so as to compress the membrane electrode and the bipolar plate.

[0009] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first tool further includes a pressing limit assembly, which includes at least two pressing limit members, and the at least two pressing limit members are respectively arranged on both sides of the first avoidance area along the length direction of the first substrate.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present invention, the compression limiter includes a limit block, which is assembled on the first substrate, and the thickness of the limit block is consistent with the sum of the thicknesses of the membrane electrode, the bipolar plate, and the adhesive.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first avoidance area includes a first avoidance groove, the shape of the first avoidance groove matches the edge shape of the reaction zone of the membrane electrode, and the thickness of the first avoidance groove is 0.15 mm-0.5 mm.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present invention, the second avoidance area includes a second avoidance groove, the second avoidance groove is consistent with the projection of the first avoidance groove along the thickness direction, and the thickness of the second avoidance groove is 0.15mm-0.5mm.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first positioning assembly includes a first positioning column and a second positioning column, the membrane electrode positioning portion includes a first positioning groove arranged along the long side of the membrane electrode, and a second positioning groove arranged along the short side of the membrane electrode, the first positioning column is abutted against the first positioning groove, and the second positioning column is abutted against the second positioning groove; the bipolar plate positioning portion includes a third positioning groove arranged along the long side of the bipolar plate, and a fourth positioning groove arranged along the short side of the bipolar plate, the first positioning column is abutted against the third positioning groove, and the second positioning column is abutted against the fourth positioning groove.

[0014] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first tooling further includes an edge limiting structure, which includes at least two first limiting members, at least two first limiting members are arranged opposite to each other along the length direction of the first substrate, and the first limiting members are respectively located on both sides of the first avoidance area.

[0015] In one embodiment of the present invention, the distance between the first limiting member and the first avoidance area is 10-20 mm.

[0016] In one embodiment of the present invention, the second tooling is provided with a position limiting avoidance groove structure, and the position limiting avoidance groove structure includes at least two position limiting avoidance grooves, and the position limiting avoidance grooves match the first position limiting member and correspond to each other in position.

[0017] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first tool is further provided with a guide column assembly, and the second tool is provided with a guide groove assembly matching the guide column assembly.

[0018] The above technical solution of the utility model has the following advantages compared with the prior art:

[0019] The utility model discloses a half-cell processing tool, which is provided with a first tool and a second tool. The first tool includes a first substrate, a first avoidance area provided on the first substrate, and a first positioning component. The second tool includes a second substrate and a second avoidance area provided on the second substrate. The first positioning component can facilitate smoother placement of the membrane electrode and the bipolar plate and ensure the accuracy of the placement position, avoid positional deviation, and can quickly and accurately position the membrane electrode and the bipolar plate, thereby improving assembly efficiency. The presence of the first avoidance area and the second avoidance area ensures a good bonding effect at the bonding position and can ensure that the thickness and width of the glue remain uniform during the bonding process, avoiding the generation of bubbles, thereby ensuring that the assembled half-cell has good consistency, improving the production quality of the half-cell, and further improving the product yield. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] In order to make the content of the utility model easier to understand, the utility model is further described in detail below based on the specific embodiments of the utility model in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0021] Figure 1 It is an exploded diagram of the overall structure of the fuel cell stack.

[0022] Figure 2 This is an exploded diagram of the half-cell structure.

[0023] Figure 3 It is an exploded view of the overall structure of a preferred embodiment of the present utility model.

[0024] Figure 4 It is a partial structural diagram of the first tooling of the preferred embodiment of the present utility model.

[0025] Figure 5 It is a partial structural diagram of the second tooling of the preferred embodiment of the present utility model.

[0026] Figure 6 It is a structural schematic diagram of the cooperation between the bipolar plate and the first positioning assembly in a preferred embodiment of the present utility model.

[0027] Figure 7 It is a schematic diagram of the overall cross-sectional structure of the preferred embodiment of the utility model when pressed.

[0028] Explanation of the reference numerals in the specification: 10. upper end plate; 11. upper insulating plate; 12. upper current collecting plate; 13. core; 14. lower current collecting plate; 15. lower insulating plate; 16. lower end plate; 20. membrane electrode; 21. adhesive layer; 22. bipolar plate; 220. third positioning groove; 221. fourth positioning groove; 23. adhesive; 3. first tooling; 30. first substrate; 31. pressing limiter; 32. first positioning column; 33. second positioning column; 34. first limiter; 35. first guide column; 36. second guide column; 301. first avoidance area; 4. second tooling; 40. second substrate; 401. second avoidance area; 41. second positioning avoidance hole; 42. first positioning avoidance hole; 43. limiting avoidance groove; 44. first guide groove; 45. second guide groove. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments so that those skilled in the art can better understand the present invention and implement it. However, the embodiments are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0030] Combine Figure 2 The structure of a half-cell is as follows: a half-cell comprises a membrane electrode 20, an adhesive layer 21, a bipolar plate 22, and adhesives 23, which include but are not limited to sealing strips. By bonding the membrane electrode 20 to the anode side of the bipolar plate 22, the sealing strip on the anode side is replaced by adhesive, while the sealing strip on the cathode side remains. The bonded bipolar plate 23 and membrane electrode 20 form a single assembly, i.e., a half-cell.

[0031] Reference Figures 3 to 7 As shown, the present invention discloses a half-cell processing tool for pressing the membrane electrode 20 and the bipolar plate 22 of the half-cell to achieve bonding between the membrane electrode 20 and the bipolar plate 22.

[0032] The half-cell processing tooling includes a first tooling 3 . During the bonding process, the first tooling 3 is used to support the membrane electrode 20 and the bipolar plate 22 .

[0033] Specifically, the first tooling includes a first substrate 30, a first avoidance area 301 provided on the first substrate 30, and a first positioning assembly. During lamination, the membrane electrode 20 is placed on the first substrate 30. The first avoidance area 301 is used to accommodate the reaction zone of the membrane electrode 20. The first positioning assembly is configured to mate with the membrane electrode positioning portion of the membrane electrode 20. The first positioning assembly also mates with the bipolar plate positioning portion of the bipolar plate. Therefore, when the membrane electrode 20 and the bipolar plate 22 are placed on the first substrate 30, the first positioning assembly cooperates to ensure rapid placement and precise alignment, preventing deviations in the placement of the membrane electrode 20 and the bipolar plate 22 that could affect subsequent lamination.

[0034] The half-cell processing tooling also includes a second tooling 4, which is used to press the bipolar plate 22. The second tooling 4 includes a second substrate 40 and a second avoidance area 401 arranged on the second substrate. The second avoidance area 401 is arranged opposite to the first avoidance area 301.

[0035] Since the bonding area between the membrane electrode 20 and the bipolar plate 22 is the frame position of the membrane electrode 20, which is relatively thin, and the reaction area of ​​the membrane electrode 20 is relatively thick, in order to avoid the reaction area of ​​the membrane electrode 20 being subjected to force during the pressing process, resulting in poor pressing effect at the bonding position and inadequate pressing, a first avoidance area 301 and a second avoidance area 401 are set, so that the reaction area of ​​the membrane electrode 20 can be protected from pressing force during pressing.

[0036] During the pressing process, the first tooling 3 and the second tooling 4 are arranged opposite to each other, and are driven to press the membrane electrode 20 and the bipolar plate 22 along the thickness direction respectively, so that the membrane electrode 20 and the bipolar plate 22 are pressed tightly. Specifically, along the thickness direction of the half-cell processing tooling, there are the first tooling 3, the membrane electrode 20, the bipolar plate 22 and the second tooling 4 in sequence.

[0037] It can be seen from this that the half-cell processing tooling to be protected by the present invention is provided with a first tooling and a second tooling, wherein the first tooling includes a first substrate and a first avoidance area and a first positioning component provided on the first substrate, and the second tooling includes a second substrate and a second avoidance area provided on the second substrate. Among them, the first positioning component can facilitate smoother placement of the membrane electrode and the bipolar plate and can ensure the accuracy of the placement position, avoid positional deviation, and can quickly and accurately achieve the positioning of the membrane electrode and the bipolar plate, thereby improving the efficiency of assembly; the presence of the first avoidance area and the second avoidance area makes the bonding effect of the bonding position good, and can ensure that the thickness and width of the glue remain uniform during the bonding process, avoiding the generation of bubbles, so that the assembled half-cell has better consistency, improves the production quality of the half-cell, and further improves the yield rate of the product.

[0038] Because insufficient press-fitting force can lead to uneven glue thickness and insufficient width, while excessive press-fitting force can cause deformation of the metal plate, cracking, or even crushing of the graphite plate. Therefore, to prevent this, the first tooling also includes a press-fitting limiter assembly, which includes at least two press-fitting limiters 31, one located on either side of the first avoidance area 301 along the length of the first substrate 30. Preferably, the two press-fitting limiters 31 are symmetrically arranged.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment, the press-fit stopper 31 includes a stopper block mounted on the first substrate 30. The stopper block has a thickness equal to the sum of the thicknesses of the membrane electrode 20, the bipolar plate 22, and the adhesive 23. This arrangement ensures the structural integrity of the bipolar plate 22 and the bonding quality at the bonding point under high pressure, thereby improving the yield rate of the half-cell.

[0040] As a preferred embodiment, the first avoidance area 301 includes a first avoidance groove, the shape of the first avoidance groove 301 matches the edge shape of the reaction zone of the membrane electrode 20. In detail, the thickness of the first avoidance groove is set to 0.15mm-0.5mm.

[0041] As a preferred embodiment, the second avoidance area 401 includes a second avoidance groove, and the projection of the second avoidance groove along the depth direction is consistent with the projection of the first avoidance groove along the depth direction, and can overlap with each other, so that the first avoidance groove and the second avoidance groove cooperate with each other to provide sufficient avoidance space, and avoid the reaction area of ​​the membrane electrode 20 from being subjected to force during the pressing process, resulting in poor pressing effect at the bonding position, avoiding inadequate pressing, and enabling the reaction area of ​​the membrane electrode 20 to be free from pressing force during pressing, and ensuring that the bonding effect of the adhesive layer 21 is good, the thickness and width of the glue are uniform, and no bubbles are generated, thereby improving the consistency of the half-cell.

[0042] In detail, the thickness of the second avoidance groove is set to 0.15mm-0.5mm.

[0043] As a preferred embodiment, the first positioning assembly includes a first positioning post 32 and a second positioning post 33 assembled on the first substrate 30. The membrane electrode positioning portion includes at least one first positioning groove provided along the long side of the membrane electrode 20, and a second positioning groove provided along the short side of the membrane electrode 20. The first positioning post 32 abuts against the first positioning groove, and the second positioning post 33 abuts against the second positioning groove.

[0044] Accordingly, combined Figure 6 From a perspective, the bipolar plate positioning portion includes a third positioning groove 220 provided along the long side of the bipolar plate 22, and a fourth positioning groove 221 provided along the short side of the bipolar plate 22. Prior to lamination, the bipolar plate 22 is placed thereon, with the first positioning post 32 abutting against the third positioning groove 220, and the second positioning post 33 abutting against the fourth positioning groove 221. Consequently, when the membrane electrode 20 and the bipolar plate 22 are sequentially placed on the first substrate 30, the first positioning posts 32 and the second positioning posts 33 provide alignment and positioning, facilitating smooth placement of the membrane electrode 20 and the bipolar plate 22, while ensuring accurate placement.

[0045] In detail, in order to avoid structural interference, the second tooling 4 is further provided with a first positioning avoidance hole 42 for accommodating the first positioning column 32 , and a second positioning avoidance hole 41 for accommodating the second positioning column 33 .

[0046] As a preferred embodiment, the first tooling 3 further includes an edge limiting structure comprising at least two first limiting members 34. The at least two first limiting members 34 are arranged opposite each other along the length of the first substrate 30, and the two first limiting members 34 are respectively located on either side of the first avoidance area 301. The edge limiting structure is used to limit the edge position of the membrane electrode 20 and the bipolar plate 22. Thus, the edge limiting structure, in conjunction with the first positioning assembly, can more accurately position the membrane electrode 20 and the bipolar plate 22.

[0047] Specifically, to facilitate adjustment of the spacing between the membrane electrode 20 and bipolar plate 22 and the first stopper 34, the first stopper 34 is movably connected to the first substrate 30. Once the position of the first stopper 34 is adjusted and determined, it is secured to the first substrate 30 using bolts. Specifically, the distance between the first stopper 34 and the first avoidance area 301 is 10-20 mm.

[0048] As a preferred embodiment, there are 6 first limit members 34, which are respectively arranged around the first avoidance area 301. Specifically, there is one limit member near each short side of the first substrate 30, and two limit members are respectively provided near each long side of the first substrate 30.

[0049] In order to ensure smooth pressing and avoid structural interference, the second tooling 4 is also provided with a limit avoidance groove structure, which includes at least two limit avoidance grooves 43. The limit avoidance grooves 43 match the first limit member 34 and their positions correspond to each other.

[0050] The number of the limiting avoidance grooves 43 is set to match the number of the first limiting members 34 , and the positions correspond one to one, so as to achieve precise alignment during the pressing process.

[0051] Furthermore, the first tooling 3 is also provided with a guide column assembly, which includes a first guide column 35 and a second guide column 36 arranged on the first substrate 30, and the first guide column 35 and the second guide column 36 are arranged at both ends of the diagonal direction of the first substrate 30.

[0052] Furthermore, the second tooling 4 is provided with a guide groove assembly that matches the guide column assembly. Specifically, the guide groove assembly includes a first guide groove 44 and a second guide groove 45. When the first tooling 3 and the second tooling 4 are pressed together, the first guide column 35 can be positioned in the first guide groove 44, and the second guide column 36 can be positioned in the second guide groove 45.

[0053] The first tooling 3 and the second tooling 4 can be machined and formed, and their materials include but are not limited to aluminum alloy, steel, and cast iron.

[0054] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms "disposed" and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; mechanical connections, electrical connections; direct connections, indirect connections through an intermediate medium, or internal connections between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0055] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of the technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature specified as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of such features. In the description of this utility model, "plurality" means two or more, unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0056] In this utility model, unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms "installed," "connected," "connect," "fixed," etc. should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they can refer to fixed connection, detachable connection, or integration; mechanical connection, electrical connection; direct connection, or indirect connection through an intermediate medium; internal communication between two components, or interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in this utility model based on specific circumstances.

[0057] Obviously, the above embodiments are merely examples for clarity of explanation and are not intended to limit the implementation methods. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other variations or modifications based on the above descriptions are possible. It is not necessary and impossible to enumerate all implementation methods here. Obvious variations or modifications arising therefrom remain within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A half-cell processing tool, characterized by: Used to press the membrane electrode and bipolar plate of a half-cell, the half-cell processing tooling includes: a first fixture for carrying the membrane electrode and the bipolar plate, the first fixture comprising a first substrate, a first avoidance area provided on the first substrate, and a first positioning assembly, the membrane electrode being in contact with the first substrate, the first avoidance area being used to accommodate a reaction zone of the membrane electrode, the first positioning assembly being matched with a membrane electrode positioning portion of the membrane electrode, and the first positioning assembly being matched with a bipolar plate positioning portion of the bipolar plate; a second tooling for crimping the bipolar plate, the second tooling comprising a second substrate and a second avoidance area provided on the second substrate, the second avoidance area being provided opposite to the first avoidance area; The first tooling and the second tooling are arranged opposite to each other and are driven to press the membrane electrode and the bipolar plate respectively along the thickness direction so as to compress the membrane electrode and the bipolar plate.

2. A half-cell processing tool according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first tool further includes a pressing and limiting assembly, which includes at least two pressing and limiting parts. The at least two pressing and limiting parts are respectively arranged on both sides of the first avoidance area along the length direction of the first substrate.

3. A half-cell processing tool according to claim 2, characterized in that: The press-fitting limiter includes a limit block, which is assembled on the first substrate. The thickness of the limit block is consistent with the sum of the thicknesses of the membrane electrode, the bipolar plate, and the adhesive.

4. The half-cell processing tool according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first avoidance area includes a first avoidance groove, the shape of the first avoidance groove matches the edge shape of the reaction zone of the membrane electrode, and the thickness of the first avoidance groove is 0.15 mm-0.5 mm.

5. A half-cell processing tool according to claim 4, characterized in that: The second avoidance area includes a second avoidance groove, the second avoidance groove is consistent with the projection of the first avoidance groove along the thickness direction, and the thickness of the second avoidance groove is 0.15mm-0.5mm.

6. The half-cell processing tool according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first positioning assembly includes a first positioning column and a second positioning column. The membrane electrode positioning portion includes a first positioning groove arranged along the long side of the membrane electrode and a second positioning groove arranged along the short side of the membrane electrode. The first positioning column is against the first positioning groove, and the second positioning column is against the second positioning groove. The bipolar plate positioning portion includes a third positioning groove arranged along the long side of the bipolar plate and a fourth positioning groove arranged along the short side of the bipolar plate. The first positioning column is against the third positioning groove, and the second positioning column is against the fourth positioning groove.

7. The half-cell processing tool according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first tooling further includes an edge limiting structure, which includes at least two first limiting members. The at least two first limiting members are arranged opposite to each other along the length direction of the first substrate, and the first limiting members are respectively located on both sides of the first avoidance area.

8. The half-cell processing tool according to claim 7, characterized in that: The distance between the first limiting member and the first avoidance area is 10-20 mm.

9. The half-cell processing tool according to claim 7, characterized in that: The second tooling is provided with a position limiting avoidance groove structure, and the position limiting avoidance groove structure includes at least two position limiting avoidance grooves, and the position limiting avoidance grooves match the first position limiting member and correspond to each other.

10. The half-cell processing tool according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first tool is further provided with a guide column assembly, and the second tool is provided with a guide groove assembly matching the guide column assembly.

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