Forming device and fuel cell bipolar plate sealing structure forming system

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of fuel cell bipolar plate preparation, and provides a forming device and a fuel cell bipolar plate sealing structure forming system. The forming device disclosed by the utility model is used for forming the sealing rubber strip on the bipolar plate for the fuel cell, and comprises a rubber injection machine, a cold runner module and a forming mold which are connected in sequence, wherein a rubber runner and a cooling liquid channel for cooling the cold runner module are arranged in the cold runner module, one end of the rubber runner is connected with a rubber injection machine, the other end of the rubber runner is connected with an injection nozzle, and the cooling liquid channel is connected with a mold temperature controller; the forming mold can define a cavity for forming the sealing rubber strip together with the bipolar plate during mold closing, and the cavity is communicated with the injection nozzle. According to the utility model, the glue material can be prevented from being solidified in the runner, the continuous injection operation can be realized, and the production efficiency can be improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of fuel cell bipolar plate preparation technology, and in particular to a molding device and a fuel cell bipolar plate sealing structure molding system. Background Technology

[0002] Bipolar plates are one of the core components of fuel cells. Their main functions include supporting the membrane electrode assembly, providing fluid channels for hydrogen, oxygen, and coolant, separating hydrogen and oxygen, collecting electrons, and conducting heat. In fuel cells, bipolar plates generally include an anode plate and a cathode plate, and a sealed structure is usually formed on the bipolar plates to seal various fluid channels.

[0003] Currently, the sealing structure on bipolar plates mainly uses sealing strips formed on them. In terms of forming methods, some involve applying glue to the bipolar plate after the sealing strip is prepared, and then bonding the sealing strip to the bipolar plate. Others involve forming the sealing strip on the bipolar plate through rubber injection.

[0004] Taking rubber injection molding as an example, in the existing rubber injection molding process, the use of a hot runner structure between the injection machine and the mold makes it easy for the rubber material to solidify in the runner due to high temperature during the bipolar plate switching interval. When molding the sealing strip on the next bipolar plate, the rubber material that has solidified in the runner needs to be removed first, which affects the production efficiency of the sealing strip molding on the bipolar plate. Utility Model Content

[0005] In view of this, the present invention aims to provide a molding device to help improve the production efficiency of molding sealing strips on bipolar plates.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of this utility model is implemented as follows:

[0007] A molding apparatus for molding a sealing strip on a bipolar plate for a fuel cell, comprising a rubber injection machine, a cold runner module and a molding die connected in sequence.

[0008] The cold runner module is provided with a rubber material flow channel and a coolant channel for cooling the cold runner module. One end of the rubber material flow channel is connected to the rubber injection machine and the other end is connected to the injection nozzle. The coolant channel is connected to the mold temperature controller.

[0009] When the mold is closed, it can, together with the bipolar plate, define the cavity for forming the sealing strip, and the cavity is connected to the injection nozzle.

[0010] Furthermore, the injection nozzles are multiple ones distributed at different positions corresponding to the cavity, and the rubber flow channel includes branch flow channels connected to each of the multiple injection nozzles in a one-to-one correspondence, and connecting flow channels connected in parallel with each of the branch flow channels, and the connecting flow channels are connected to the rubber injection molding machine.

[0011] Furthermore, the cold runner module is equipped with a control mechanism for controlling the opening and closing of the injection nozzle;

[0012] The control mechanism includes a controllable lifting needle valve, which can block and close the injection nozzle when it descends and open the injection nozzle when it rises.

[0013] Furthermore, the molding die adopts a die structure with a sealing strip and an exhaust channel;

[0014] The sealing strip is used to seal the cavity when the mold is closed. One end of the exhaust channel is connected to the cavity, and the other end is connected to the vacuum pump.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, this utility model has the following advantages:

[0016] (1) The molding device described in this utility model sets a cold runner module between the injection machine and the mold, and the cold runner module can cool itself by using the coolant channel connected to the mold temperature controller. Thus, by using the cooling of the cold runner module, the rubber material in the rubber runner is kept at a lower temperature, which can prevent the rubber material from solidifying due to high temperature during the bipolar plate switching gap. This eliminates the trouble of removing the rubber material solidified in the runner, thereby helping to improve the production efficiency of the sealing strip molding on the bipolar plate.

[0017] (2) The injection nozzles are distributed in multiple locations corresponding to different positions of the cavity, which can be used to inject glue at multiple points, improve the injection efficiency, and at the same time ensure the injection molding effect of the sealing strips at each position.

[0018] (3) By using a controllable lifting needle valve to control the opening and closing of the injection nozzle, it is beneficial to avoid the dripping of adhesive material and reduce the impact of adhesive material on the opening and closing control mechanism.

[0019] (4) The molding die adopts a mold structure that can be sealed and vacuumed. Compared with the traditional external venting method, it can avoid the presence of glue edges on the sealing strip after molding due to glue overflow, which is conducive to achieving glue-free edge.

[0020] This utility model also proposes a fuel cell bipolar plate sealing structure molding system, which includes a base adhesive spraying device, a top adhesive spraying device, a molding device as described above, and a vulcanization device.

[0021] The primer spraying device is used to spray primer onto the bipolar plate, the top coat spraying device is used to spray top coat onto the primer, the sealing strip formed by the molding device is located on the top coat, and the vulcanizing device is used to vulcanize the formed sealing strip.

[0022] Furthermore, it also includes a feeding device and a discharging device;

[0023] The feeding device is used to feed the bipolar plate to be coated with the base adhesive, and the unloading device is used to unload the bipolar plate coated with the top adhesive.

[0024] Furthermore, at least one of the following is provided between the feeding device and the base coat spraying device: a flatness detection mechanism, a cleaning mechanism, and a preheating mechanism;

[0025] The flatness detection mechanism is used to detect the flatness of the bipolar plate, the cleaning mechanism is used to clean the surface of the bipolar plate, and the preheating mechanism is used to preheat the bipolar plate.

[0026] Furthermore, both the primer spraying device and the topcoat spraying device include a positioning mechanism and a spraying mechanism;

[0027] The positioning mechanism is used to position the bipolar plate to be coated with adhesive at a preset position;

[0028] The spraying mechanism includes a spray gun connected to the glue supply unit, and the spray gun is operated by a multi-axis manipulator or robot for spraying.

[0029] Furthermore, both the primer spraying device and the topcoat spraying device are equipped with a detection mechanism and / or a drying mechanism;

[0030] The testing mechanism is used to test the spraying quality of the base coat and the top coat, and the drying mechanism is used to dry the base coat and the top coat.

[0031] Furthermore, it also includes an airtightness testing device;

[0032] The airtightness testing device is used to test the airtightness of the sealing structure formed on the bipolar plate.

[0033] The fuel cell bipolar plate sealing structure molding system of this utility model, by adopting the above-mentioned molding device and by setting up a base adhesive spraying device, a top adhesive spraying device and a vulcanization device, can realize the injection molding of the sealing structure on the bipolar plate, and can improve production efficiency, thus having good practicality.

[0034] Furthermore, the installation of feeding and unloading devices can reduce the labor intensity of workers, lower labor costs, and improve production efficiency. The inclusion of flatness detection, cleaning, and preheating mechanisms allows for the separate detection, cleaning, and preheating of bipolar plates, facilitating the identification of defective bipolar plates and pretreatment before adhesive application.

[0035] In addition, the primer and topcoat spraying equipment is equipped with a positioning mechanism, and the spray gun is operated by a multi-axis robotic arm or robot to ensure the spraying accuracy and effect of the primer and topcoat. By incorporating detection and drying mechanisms into the primer and topcoat spraying equipment, substandard bipolar plates can be identified, saving drying time and improving production efficiency. The airtightness detection device allows for on-site inspection of the formed sealing structure, helping to prevent the outflow of defective products. Attached Figure Description

[0036] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this utility model, are used to provide a further understanding of the utility model. The illustrative embodiments of the utility model and their descriptions are used to explain the utility model and do not constitute an undue limitation of the utility model. In the drawings:

[0037] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the bipolar plate and its sealing strip as described in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a portion of the structure of the molding device described in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0039] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the internal material flow channels and coolant channels of the cold runner module described in this embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the injection nozzle and its cooperation with the needle valve according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 5 This is an exemplary schematic diagram showing the distribution of multiple injection nozzles according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the overall composition of the fuel cell bipolar plate sealing structure molding system described in this embodiment of the utility model;

[0043] Figure 7 This is a production flow chart of the fuel cell bipolar plate sealing structure molding system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 8 This is an exemplary schematic diagram of the flatness detection position according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0045] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the glue supply unit and the spray gun according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the adhesive spraying path described in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 11 This is an exemplary structural diagram of the positioning mechanism described in an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0048] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the airtightness testing fixture described in an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0049] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0050] 10. Bipolar plate; 20. Sealing strip;

[0051] 1. Cold runner module; 2. Mold temperature controller; 3. Chiller; 4. Injection nozzle; 5. Needle valve; 6. Glue supply unit; 7. Control valve; 8. Spray gun; 9. Cover plate; 11. Carrier plate; 12. Pneumatic suction cup; 13. Baffle; 14. Positioning cylinder;

[0052] 101. Module upper plate; 102. Module lower plate; 103. Module body; 104. Injection molding machine connection port; 105. Adhesive flow channel; 1051. Connecting flow channel; 1052. Branch flow channel; 106. Coolant channel; 401. Injection flow channel; 601. Adhesive tank; 602. Diluent tank; 603. Feed pump; 901. Connecting pipe;

[0053] 100. Feeding device; 200. Base coat spraying device; 300. Top coat spraying device; 400. Unloading device; 500. Molding device; 600. Vulcanizing device; 700. Air tightness testing device;

[0054] 1000, Clean space; 2000, Temperature-controlled room; 3000, Exhaust ventilation system;

[0055] a) Location for checking the flatness of the middle section; b) Location for checking the flatness of the corners; m) Location for injecting the adhesive. Detailed Implementation

[0056] To make the technical solution and advantages of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present utility model and are not intended to limit the present utility model.

[0057] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in these embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0058] Furthermore, in the description of this utility model, it should be noted that if terms such as "upper," "lower," "inner," or "outer" appear, indicating orientation or positional relationship, they are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model. In addition, if terms such as "first" or "second" appear, they are also used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0059] Furthermore, in the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly defined, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "connector" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model in light of the specific circumstances.

[0060] In this utility model, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example, which is included in at least one embodiment or example of this utility model. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0061] The present invention will now be described in detail through exemplary embodiments. However, it should be understood that, without further description, elements, structures, and features in one embodiment may be advantageously incorporated into other embodiments.

[0062] An embodiment of the first aspect of this utility model provides a molding apparatus for molding a sealing strip 20 on a bipolar plate 10 for a fuel cell, and the molding apparatus, through its innovative design, helps to improve the production efficiency of molding the sealing strip 20 on the bipolar plate 10.

[0063] Among them, combined Figure 1 As shown, the bipolar plate 10 in this utility model can be, for example, a cathode plate. An exemplary structural form of the sealing strip 20 on the bipolar plate 10 can also be found in [reference needed]. Figure 1 As shown in the image.

[0064] Furthermore, in the prior art, when the sealing strip 20 on the bipolar plate 10 is formed, taking rubber injection molding as an example, the rubber material is injected into the mold by a rubber injection machine. The high temperature and high pressure inside the mold are used to solidify the injected rubber material, thereby forming the sealing strip 20 on the bipolar plate 10.

[0065] However, current rubber injection molding methods utilize a hot runner structure located within a hot plate between the injection molding machine and the mold. Because the hot plate operates at high temperatures, the rubber compound can easily solidify within the hot runner during the switching intervals of the bipolar plates 10. Consequently, when molding the sealing strip 20 on the next bipolar plate 10, the solidified rubber compound must be removed from the hot runner, thus affecting the production efficiency of molding the sealing strip 20 on the bipolar plate 10.

[0066] In view of this, in order to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art, the molding apparatus of this embodiment combines... Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the overall design includes a rubber injection machine, a cold runner module 1, and a molding die connected in sequence.

[0067] The aforementioned cold runner module 1 includes a rubber material flow channel 105 and a coolant channel 106 for cooling the cold runner module 1. One end of the rubber material flow channel 105 is connected to a rubber injection molding machine, and the other end is connected to the injection nozzle 4. The coolant channel 106 is connected to a mold temperature controller 2. Simultaneously, when the molding die is closed, it, together with the bipolar plate 10, defines the cavity for molding the sealing strip 20, and the cavity is connected to the injection nozzle 4.

[0068] Therefore, by setting a cold runner module 1 between the rubber injection machine and the molding die of the sealing strip 20, and by using the coolant channel 106 connected to the mold temperature controller 2 to cool itself, this embodiment can utilize the cooling of the cold runner module 1 to keep the rubber material in the rubber material flow channel 105 at a lower temperature, which can prevent the rubber material from solidifying due to high temperature during the switching gap of the bipolar plate 10, and can save the trouble of removing the rubber material solidified in the flow channel, thereby achieving the purpose of improving the production efficiency of the sealing strip 20 on the bipolar plate 10 during molding.

[0069] Based on the above overview, specifically, let's continue to combine... Figure 2As shown in the illustration, in specific implementation, the mold temperature controller 2 can be a commonly used product in the industry. The mold temperature controller 2 is connected to a chiller 3. The chiller 3 lowers the water temperature through its own cooling function and transmits the chilled water to the mold temperature controller 2. The mold temperature controller 2 uses the chilled water from the chiller 3 to cool the coolant flowing through it. The cooled coolant in the mold temperature controller 2 circulates into the coolant channel 106 within the cold runner module 1, thus enabling the cooling of the cold runner module 1 using the coolant circulating between the mold temperature controller 2 and the cold runner module 1.

[0070] In practical implementation, the aforementioned chiller 3 can also be a commonly used product in the industry. As an exemplary structural form, it remains as follows... Figure 3 As shown, the above-mentioned cold runner module 1 may include, for example, an upper module plate 101, a lower module plate 102, and a module body 103 located between the upper module plate 101 and the lower module plate 102.

[0071] The upper plate 101, lower plate 102, and main body 103 of the above modules generally adopt a steel structure with good heat transfer properties.

[0072] Specifically, coolant channels 106 are provided in the upper plate 101 and the lower plate 102 of the module, and the coolant channels 106 in the upper plate 101 and the lower plate 102 of the module are respectively connected to the mold temperature controller 2 to form coolant circulation loops.

[0073] At this time, by utilizing the cooling effect of the coolant in the upper plate 101 and lower plate 102 of the module, and by utilizing the heat transfer between the upper plate 101 and lower plate 102 of the module and the main body 103 of the module, the overall cooling of the cold runner module 1 can be achieved, so that the cold runner module 1 is maintained at a suitable temperature.

[0074] The aforementioned rubber flow channels 105 are distributed in the upper module plate 101, lower module plate 102, and module body 103, and are mainly located in the module body 103. Meanwhile, an injection machine connection port 104 is provided at the top of the upper module plate 101 for connecting to the outlet of a rubber injection molding machine. An injection nozzle 4 is connected to the bottom of the lower module plate 102, and the injection nozzle 4 is specifically connected to the end of the rubber flow channel 105 located within the lower module plate 102.

[0075] It is understandable that by arranging the coolant channel 106 in the upper plate 101 and the lower plate 102 of the module, and making the adhesive flow channel 105 mainly located in the module body 103, it is possible to facilitate the separate arrangement of the adhesive flow channel 105 and the coolant channel 106 in the cold runner module 1, thereby reducing the design and manufacturing difficulty of the cold runner module 1 and thus reducing costs.

[0076] In this embodiment, in some exemplary implementations, the injection nozzle 4 may be configured as a plurality of nozzles distributed at different positions in the cavity, and correspondingly, the adhesive flow channel 105 also includes branch flow channels 1052 connected one-to-one with the plurality of injection nozzles 4, and connecting flow channels 1051 connected in parallel with each branch flow channel 1052.

[0077] The connecting channel 1051 is connected to the rubber injection machine via the injection machine connection port 104. By distributing multiple injection nozzles 4 at different positions corresponding to the cavity, it can be understood that compared to using only a single injection nozzle 4 for injection, it can utilize multiple injection points to improve injection efficiency, while also ensuring the injection molding effect of the sealing strips 20 at each position.

[0078] In specific implementation, it will still be based on Figure 1 The bipolar plate 10 shown, and the sealing strip 20 thereon, are used as an example to further illustrate this. Figure 5 As shown, the multiple injection nozzles 4 correspond to different positions within the cavity, for example, they could be... Figure 5 The positions indicated by each 'm' in the diagram. At this point, a 10-point gluing pattern is formed. Of course, in addition to using 10-point gluing, based on the shape of the sealing strip 20 on the bipolar plate 10, patterns such as 8-point gluing, 9-point gluing, 11-point gluing, or 12-point gluing can also be used. There are no restrictions here, as long as it can ensure the gluing effect in the cavity and help ensure the quality of the formed sealing strip 20.

[0079] In this embodiment, after the glue is injected into the cavity, the injection nozzle 4 can generally be closed by the control mechanism set in the cold runner module 1. Of course, when glue injection is required, the control mechanism will open the injection nozzle 4.

[0080] In some of the exemplary implementations, it is still combined with Figure 4 As shown, the aforementioned control mechanism includes, for example, a controllable lifting needle valve 5, which can, for example, […]. Figure 3 The reference numeral L indicates the axis arrangement within the cold runner module 1. Depending on the arrangement, the needle valve 5 can traverse the lower plate 102, the main body 103, and even the upper plate 101 of the module. Furthermore, linear drive devices such as cylinders, hydraulic cylinders, push-pull electromagnets, or linear motors can be installed on the cold runner module 1 to drive the needle valve 5. These linear drive devices can be located inside the cold runner module 1 or outside it (e.g., on the upper plate 101), without limitation, as long as they can be installed within the cold runner module 1 and can achieve the lifting and lowering drive of the needle valve 5.

[0081] By driving the needle valve 5, and in combination with Figure 4As shown, when the needle valve 5 descends, it can block and close the injection nozzle 4, that is, block the end of the injection channel 401 in the injection nozzle 4. When the needle valve 5 rises, it can release the blockage of the end of the injection channel 401 and open the injection nozzle 4.

[0082] It is understandable that by using a controllable lifting needle valve 5 to control the opening and closing of the injection nozzle 4, the end of the needle valve 5 can block the end of the injection channel 401, which helps to prevent the glue from dripping. Furthermore, since the needle valve 5 moves linearly up and down relative to the glue in the injection channel 401, the influence of the glue on the opening and closing control mechanism can also be reduced.

[0083] It is worth noting that, in specific implementations, the control mechanism for opening and closing the injection nozzle 4 can, in addition to using the needle valve 5 driven by a linear drive device, also employ other feasible implementations. For example, a shut-off valve or similar opening and closing control structure can be installed at the injection nozzle 4 or between the injection nozzle 4 and the cold runner module 1. Specifically, the shut-off valve can be an electrically controlled valve to achieve the same opening and closing control of the injection nozzle 4.

[0084] In this embodiment, the molding die used in actual implementation is still an existing injection mold, specifically a mold structure for injection molding the sealing strip 20 on the bipolar plate 10. As an example, in this molding die, a platform can be formed in the fixed mold for placing the bipolar plate 10, and a molding groove can be provided on the surface of the moving mold. This molding groove allows the moving mold and the bipolar plate 10 to form the aforementioned cavity after the mold is closed, and the cavity defines the shape and size of the sealing strip 20.

[0085] Furthermore, in some exemplary embodiments, it is preferred that the molding die adopts a mold structure with a sealing strip and an exhaust channel. The sealing strip is generally disposed on the moving or fixed mold within the mold and is used to seal the cavity when the mold is closed. One end of the exhaust channel is connected to the cavity, and the other end is connected to a vacuum pump to extract air from the cavity.

[0086] By using a mold structure that allows for sealing and vacuuming, it is understood that compared to the traditional external venting method (that is, opening a gap in the mold after injecting the rubber material to allow the gas to escape), it can avoid the presence of rubber edges on the molded sealing strip due to the rubber material overflowing from the open gap, which is conducive to achieving rubber-edge-free production.

[0087] It should be noted that when using a molding die capable of vacuuming, the vacuum pump should generally be started when the die is about to close and continue to work until the rubber injection is complete, in order to ensure the injection effect of the rubber.

[0088] In this embodiment, the molding apparatus places the bipolar plate 10 of the sealing strip 20 to be molded into the molding mold and closes the mold to form a cavity. Then, the outlet of the rubber injection machine is connected to the injection machine connection port 104 on the cold runner module 1, and each injection nozzle 4 located at the bottom of the cold runner module 1 is connected to the corresponding inlet on the molding module, thereby establishing a material feeding channel between the rubber injection machine and the cavity of the molding mold. Finally, the chiller 3 and the mold temperature controller 2 are turned on first, and then the rubber injection machine is turned on to inject the material. The injected material in the cavity solidifies under high temperature and high pressure inside the molding mold, thus realizing the preparation of the sealing strip 20 on the bipolar plate 10.

[0089] A second aspect of this utility model provides a fuel cell bipolar plate sealing structure molding system (hereinafter referred to as the "molding system"), combined with Figure 6 As shown, it includes a base coat spraying device 200, a top coat spraying device 300, a molding device 500 as described above, and a vulcanizing device 600.

[0090] The primer spraying device 200 is used to spray primer onto the bipolar plate 10, the top coat spraying device 300 is used to spray top coat onto the primer, the sealing strip 20 formed by the molding device 500 is located on the top coat, and the vulcanizing device 600 is used to vulcanize the formed sealing strip 20.

[0091] Specifically, continue as follows Figure 6 As shown, in some exemplary embodiments, the molding system of this embodiment may further include a feeding device 100 and a discharging device 400. The feeding device 100 is used to feed the bipolar plate 10 to be coated with primer, and the discharging device 400 is used to discharge the bipolar plate 10 coated with topcoat. Thus, by providing the feeding device 100 and the discharging device 400, the labor intensity of workers can be reduced, labor costs can be lowered, and production efficiency can be improved.

[0092] In practical implementation, it is worth noting that both the feeding device 100 and the unloading device 400 can be equipped with robotic arms, robots, or other automated equipment capable of gripping and moving the bipolar plate 10. Furthermore, generally, the aforementioned robotic arms, robots, or other automated equipment utilize negative pressure suction cups to grip the bipolar plate 10.

[0093] Furthermore, in some exemplary embodiments, one or more of the following may be provided between the feeding device 100 and the primer spraying device 200: a flatness detection mechanism, a cleaning mechanism, and a preheating mechanism.

[0094] The flatness detection mechanism is used to detect the flatness of the bipolar plate 10, the cleaning mechanism is used to clean the surface of the bipolar plate 10, and the preheating mechanism is used to preheat the bipolar plate 10. Preferably, the flatness detection mechanism, the cleaning mechanism, and the preheating mechanism can be set simultaneously between the feeding device 100 and the primer spraying device 200.

[0095] Understandably, by setting up a flatness detection mechanism, a cleaning mechanism, and a preheating mechanism, the flatness of the bipolar plate 10 can be detected, cleaned, and preheated respectively, which helps to identify bipolar plates 10 with unqualified flatness and to perform pretreatment on the bipolar plate 10 before applying adhesive.

[0096] In practical implementation, as an example, the aforementioned flatness detection mechanism can use a laser rangefinder sensor for detection.

[0097] In terms of specific operations, combined with Figure 8 As shown, for example, multiple laser rangefinders can be set. After the feeding device 100 feeds the bipolar plate 10 onto the conveyor line, each laser rangefinder corresponds to the middle part of the bipolar plate 10 (e.g., ...). Figure 8 (as indicated by the numeral a) and each corner (such as Figure 8 The distance between each laser rangefinder and the surface of the bipolar plate 10 is obtained by referring to the numbers b in the diagram. If the obtained distance does not meet the preset requirements (for example, the difference between the obtained distance and the preset value is greater than 5 mm), the bipolar plate 10 is determined to be warped and is considered a defective product.

[0098] For bipolar plates 10 that fail the flatness test, they can generally be removed by the feeding device 100, or by other further-set devices such as robotic arms or robots, so as to separate the defective products and prevent them from entering the subsequent processes.

[0099] In practical implementation, as an example, the cleaning mechanism described above can generally be a plasma cleaning device for cleaning the surface of the bipolar plate 10, and the plasma cleaning device can be an existing device. The preheating mechanism described above can, for example, use existing hot air heating methods, and for the bipolar plate 10, the preheating temperature before applying adhesive can generally be between 90℃ and 100℃.

[0100] In this embodiment, both the primer spraying device 200 and the topcoat spraying device 300 include a positioning mechanism and a spraying mechanism.

[0101] Among them, combined Figures 9 to 11 As shown, the positioning mechanism is used to position the bipolar plate 10 to be coated with adhesive in a preset position, and the spraying mechanism includes a spray gun 8 connected to the adhesive supply unit 6, and the spray gun 8 is specifically operated by a multi-axis manipulator or robot for spraying.

[0102] At this time, the base adhesive spraying device 200 and the top adhesive spraying device 300 are equipped with positioning mechanisms, and the spray gun 8 is operated by a multi-axis manipulator or robot to spray adhesive. It can be understood that by positioning the bipolar plate 10 and utilizing the precise motion trajectory of the multi-axis manipulator or robot, the spraying accuracy and spraying effect of the base adhesive and top adhesive on the bipolar plate 10 can be guaranteed.

[0103] In practical implementation, for the above-mentioned spraying mechanism, as an example, the glue supply unit 6 in the spraying mechanism generally includes a glue tank 601, a thinner tank 602, and a feed pump 603 respectively connected to the glue tank 601 and the thinner tank 602. Each feed pump 603 is connected in parallel with the control valve 7, and the spray gun 8 is also connected to the control valve 7.

[0104] Specifically, for the primer spraying device 200, the glue tank 601 in the glue supply unit 6 is filled with primer, while for the topcoat spraying device 300, the glue tank 601 in the glue supply unit 6 is filled with topcoat. Both primer and topcoat are generally rubber adhesives, but their types may differ. In practice, the specific types of primer and topcoat are determined based on the type of sealing strip 20.

[0105] The thinner container 602 is filled with thinner, which is mainly used to clean the spray gun 8 and the corresponding pipeline when no glue is being applied. In practice, the waste liquid from pipeline cleaning can be collected in the waste liquid collection device through the spray gun 8.

[0106] The aforementioned control valve 7 is a multi-way electrically controlled valve, and according to the control signal, it can connect the glue tank 601 to the spray gun 8, or connect the thinner tank 602 to the spray gun 8, or simultaneously close the connection between the glue tank 601 and the thinner tank 602 and the spray gun 8.

[0107] When the base coat spraying device 200 or the top coat spraying device 300 applies adhesive, the adhesive tank 601 is connected to the spray gun 8. Then, driven by a multi-axis manipulator or robot, the spray gun 8 moves along a preset trajectory on the bipolar plate 10. In specific implementation, an exemplary adhesive spraying path for the spray gun 8 is as follows: Figure 10 As shown, at this time, the multi-axis manipulator or robot can operate the spray gun 8 to complete the spraying of the entire preset trajectory at the set speed. Based on the shape of the preset trajectory, the connection between the glue tank 601 and the spray gun 8 can be temporarily closed in the middle to avoid repeated spraying.

[0108] In practical implementation, the aforementioned positioning mechanism, as an example, will continue to be combined with... Figure 11 As shown, the positioning mechanism may include, for example, a carrier plate 11, a baffle 13 located on one side of the carrier plate 11, and positioning cylinders 14 disposed at two opposite ends of the carrier plate 11.

[0109] Multiple pneumatic suction cups 12 are provided on the carrier plate 11. When the bipolar plate 10 enters the station of the base adhesive spraying device 200 or the top adhesive spraying device 300, the bipolar plate 10 is transferred to the carrier plate 11 by the robot or conveyor belt, and one side of the bipolar plate 10 abuts against the baffle 13 to achieve positioning of the bipolar plate 10 in one direction (which can be called the X direction).

[0110] Then, the positioning cylinders 14 located at the two opposite ends of the carrier plate 11 are activated respectively. Each positioning cylinder 14 can push the bipolar plate 10 through the soft pad located at the end of the cylinder rod, and finally move the bipolar plate 10 to the set position in another direction (which can be called the Y direction), thus realizing the positioning of the bipolar plate 10. After positioning, the bipolar plate 10 is attracted to the carrier plate 11 by the pneumatic suction cup 12, which allows the spray gun 8 to move along the preset trajectory to spray the primer or topcoat.

[0111] In some exemplary embodiments of this example, the primer spraying device 200 and the topcoat spraying device 300 may be equipped with a detection mechanism and a drying mechanism, or only one of the two.

[0112] At this time, in the primer spraying device 200, the detection mechanism is used to detect the spraying quality of the primer sprayed by the primer spraying device 200, and the drying mechanism is used to dry the sprayed primer. In the topcoat spraying device 300, the detection mechanism is used to detect the spraying quality of the topcoat sprayed by the topcoat spraying device 300, and the drying mechanism is used to dry the sprayed topcoat.

[0113] It is understandable that by setting the above detection mechanism and drying mechanism in the primer spraying device 200 and the topcoat spraying device 300, it is possible to identify unqualified bipolar plates 10 and to use drying to make the sprayed primer or topcoat dry faster, thereby saving drying waiting time and improving production efficiency.

[0114] In practical implementation, as an example, the aforementioned testing agency may use the commonly used image recognition technology, that is, after the base coat or top coat is sprayed, take a picture of the sprayed bipolar plate 10 with a camera, and then process the captured image to identify whether there is any missed spraying (i.e., there are breakpoints) or spraying of the area beyond the designated area.

[0115] Specifically, for missed spraying, a gap greater than 1 mm can be considered as a missed spraying. As for spraying over-area, since the bipolar plate 10 is usually formed with a shallow groove along the pre-designed arrangement trajectory of the sealing strip 20 on its surface during manufacturing, the presence of sprayed over-area can be determined by whether the sprayed adhesive extends beyond the shallow groove during image recognition.

[0116] However, in addition to using whether the adhesive exceeds the shallow groove to determine the spraying area, when the shallow groove is not formed on the bipolar plate 10, the regularity of the adhesive trajectory edge can also be used for identification and judgment. There are no restrictions on this, as long as it can achieve the identification and judgment of the spraying quality.

[0117] In practical implementation, as an example, the above-mentioned drying mechanism can generally adopt an existing hot air dryer, and the drying temperature is generally between 100℃ and 110℃ when drying the base adhesive and the top adhesive.

[0118] It is worth noting that in the molding system of this embodiment, the detection and drying mechanisms located in the primer spraying device 200, and the detection and drying mechanisms located in the topcoat spraying device 300, can all be set up using conventional installation arrangements known to those skilled in the art. Similarly, the flatness detection mechanism, cleaning mechanism, and preheating mechanism located between the feeding device 100 and the primer spraying device 200, as well as the positioning mechanism and spraying mechanism located in the primer spraying device 200, and the positioning mechanism and spraying mechanism located in the topcoat spraying device 300, can also be set up using conventional installation arrangements known to those skilled in the art, and will not be described in detail in this embodiment.

[0119] In addition, continue to combine Figure 7 As shown, in some exemplary embodiments, this embodiment may further include, for example, a coding device provided before the base coat spraying device 200 and adjacent to the coding device, and a coding device provided before entering the base coat spraying device 200, before entering the top coat spraying device, and at the unloading device 400.

[0120] The aforementioned coding device can generally be a laser coding device to engrave QR codes or other types of identification codes on the bipolar plate 10. The aforementioned scanning devices can all be relevant scanning devices that can recognize the identification codes engraved by the coding device.

[0121] It is understandable that by setting up a coding device and multiple scanning devices, each bipolar plate 10 can be assigned a unique identification code, which can effectively identify each bipolar plate 10, help with product statistics, and in particular, help identify unqualified products to ensure that unqualified products are separated out.

[0122] In this embodiment, in some exemplary implementations, the vulcanizing device 600 can generally be an existing industrial oven, and the vulcanizing temperature can be set according to the specific rubber grade used in the sealing strip 20. By vulcanizing the molded sealing strip 20 with the vulcanizing device 600, gases and impurities in the sealing strip 20 can be released, which helps to improve the quality of the sealing strip 20.

[0123] It is worth noting that, in some of the exemplary embodiments, preferably, the molding system of this embodiment may further be provided with an airtightness detection device 700.

[0124] The air tightness testing device 700 is located downstream of the vulcanizing device 600 and is used to test the air tightness of the sealing structure formed on the bipolar plate 10, i.e. the sealing strip 20, after vulcanization by the vulcanizing device 600.

[0125] At this point, it is understandable that by setting up the airtightness testing device 700, the airtightness of the sealing strip 20 formed on the bipolar plate 10 can be tested on-site, which helps to prevent unqualified products from flowing out.

[0126] In specific implementation, for the aforementioned airtightness testing device 700, combined with Figure 12 As shown, suitable tooling can be used to mount the bipolar plate 10, with the side of the bipolar plate 10 having the sealing strip 20 facing upwards. Then, a cover plate 9 is fastened onto the bipolar plate 10, such that the cover plate 9, the sealing strip 20, and the bipolar plate 10 together form a sealed cavity. Next, a connecting pipe 901 provided on the cover plate 9 can be used to connect to an air source such as an air pump or air tank, as well as inspection components such as a pressure gauge or pressure sensor, thereby detecting the airtightness by monitoring changes in pressure within the sealed cavity.

[0127] It is worth noting that, for the molding system of this embodiment, further, it is still as follows: Figure 6 As shown, in practical implementation, the above devices can generally be installed in a clean space 1000, which is usually a cleanroom. Meanwhile, to facilitate the storage and use of the adhesive, a constant temperature room 2000 can be installed in the clean space 1000, for example. Furthermore, to meet environmental protection requirements, an exhaust system 3000 is usually installed in the clean space 1000. This exhaust system 3000 generally consists of an exhaust hood, exhaust ducts, and an exhaust fan.

[0128] The aforementioned constant temperature room 2000 can be constructed by referring to the structure of existing common industrial constant temperature rooms. The exhaust gas discharged from the aforementioned emission facility 3000 should also be purified by adsorption and other methods in order to be discharged into the atmosphere after meeting relevant environmental protection requirements.

[0129] In this embodiment, as an example, the molding system can use EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) as the rubber compound for molding the sealing strip 20, which can give the sealing strip 20 better durability and reduce the manufacturing cost of the sealing strip 20.

[0130] At the same time, still refer to Figure 7 As shown, in the specific working process, the feeding device 100 feeds bipolar plates 10 one by one. After feeding, the bipolar plates 10 are moved by a robot or conveyed by a conveyor line. First, they undergo flatness testing. Those that fail the flatness test are directly rejected. The bipolar plates 10 that pass the flatness test undergo surface cleaning, coding, and scanning in sequence, and then enter the primer spraying process after preheating.

[0131] In the primer coating process, the bipolar plate 10 is first positioned. After positioning, the primer is coated, followed by quality inspection and drying. If the primer coating quality fails inspection, it can be directly removed using a robotic arm or robot. Plates with acceptable primer coating quality proceed to the topcoat coating stage after barcode scanning. In the topcoat coating stage, positioning is performed first, followed by topcoat coating. After coating, quality inspection and drying are conducted again. If the topcoat coating quality fails inspection, it can be directly removed at the unloading device 400. Plates with acceptable topcoat coating quality are then unloaded normally.

[0132] After normal feeding, the bipolar plate 10 enters the injection molding process, where the sealing strip 20 is formed by the molding device 500, and then enters the vulcanization device 600 for vulcanization treatment of the sealing strip 20. After vulcanization, it undergoes an airtightness test. Those that pass the airtightness test can be packaged as the final product, while those that fail the airtightness test are rejected and separated.

[0133] The molding system of this embodiment, by employing the molding device 500 as described above, and by setting up the feeding device 100, the base adhesive spraying device 200, the top adhesive spraying device 300, the unloading device 400, the vulcanizing device 600, the airtightness testing device 700, etc., can realize the injection molding of the sealing structure on the bipolar plate 10, and can improve production efficiency and ensure the quality of the final product, thus having good practicality.

[0134] The above descriptions are merely some embodiments of this utility model and are not intended to limit the utility model. The technical features or structures in the foregoing different embodiments can be arbitrarily combined to form other specific technical solutions as needed. For those skilled in the art, this utility model can have various modifications and variations. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principle of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. A molding apparatus for molding a sealing strip (20) on a bipolar plate (10) for a fuel cell, characterized in that: It includes a rubber injection machine, a cold runner module (1) and a molding die connected in sequence; The cold runner module (1) is provided with a rubber flow channel (105) and a coolant channel (106) for cooling the cold runner module (1). One end of the rubber flow channel (105) is connected to the rubber injection machine, and the other end is connected to the injection nozzle (4). The coolant channel (106) is connected to the mold temperature controller (2). When the mold is closed, the molding die can together with the bipolar plate (10) define the cavity for forming the sealing strip (20), and the cavity is connected to the injection nozzle (4).

2. The molding apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that: The injection nozzles (4) are distributed in multiple locations corresponding to different positions of the cavity. The rubber flow channel (105) includes branch flow channels (1052) that are connected one-to-one with the multiple injection nozzles (4), and connecting flow channels (1051) that are connected in parallel with each of the branch flow channels (1052). The connecting flow channels (1051) are connected to the rubber injection machine.

3. The molding apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cold runner module (1) is provided with a control mechanism for controlling the opening and closing of the injection nozzle (4); The control mechanism includes a controllable lifting needle valve (5), which can block and close the injection nozzle (4) when it descends and open the injection nozzle (4) when it rises.

4. The molding apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The molding die adopts a die structure with a sealing strip and an exhaust channel; The sealing strip is used to seal the cavity when the mold is closed. One end of the exhaust channel is connected to the cavity, and the other end is connected to the vacuum pump.

5. A fuel cell bipolar plate sealing structure molding system, characterized in that: It includes a base coat spraying device (200), a top coat spraying device (300), a molding device (500) as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, and a vulcanizing device (600); The primer spraying device (200) is used to spray primer onto the bipolar plate (10), the top coat spraying device (300) is used to spray top coat onto the primer, the sealing strip (20) formed by the molding device (500) is located on the top coat, and the vulcanizing device (600) is used to vulcanize the formed sealing strip (20).

6. The fuel cell bipolar plate sealing structure forming system according to claim 5, characterized in that: It also includes a feeding device (100) and a discharging device (400); The feeding device (100) is used to feed the bipolar plate (10) to be sprayed with the base adhesive, and the unloading device (400) is used to unload the bipolar plate (10) sprayed with the top adhesive.

7. The fuel cell bipolar plate sealing structure forming system according to claim 6, characterized in that: At least one of a flatness detection mechanism, a cleaning mechanism, and a preheating mechanism is provided between the feeding device (100) and the primer spraying device (200); The flatness detection mechanism is used to detect the flatness of the bipolar plate (10), the cleaning mechanism is used to clean the surface of the bipolar plate (10), and the preheating mechanism is used to preheat the bipolar plate (10).

8. The fuel cell bipolar plate sealing structure forming system according to claim 6, characterized in that: Both the primer spraying device (200) and the topcoat spraying device (300) include a positioning mechanism and a spraying mechanism; The positioning mechanism is used to position the bipolar plate (10) to be coated with glue at a preset position; The spraying mechanism includes a spray gun (8) connected to the glue supply unit (6), and the spray gun (8) is operated by a multi-axis manipulator or robot for spraying.

9. The fuel cell bipolar plate sealing structure forming system according to claim 8, characterized in that: Both the primer spraying device (200) and the topcoat spraying device (300) are equipped with a detection mechanism and / or a drying mechanism; The testing mechanism is used to test the spraying quality of the base coat and the top coat, and the drying mechanism is used to dry the base coat and the top coat.

10. The fuel cell bipolar plate sealing structure molding system according to any one of claims 5 to 9, characterized in that: It also includes an airtightness testing device (700); The airtightness testing device (700) is used to test the airtightness of the sealing structure formed on the bipolar plate (10).

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