Graphite bipolar plate bonding and curing device

Abstract

The utility model provides a kind of graphite bipolar plate laminating bonding solidification device, including upper heat insulation plate, upper die, high temperature resistant film, lower die, lower heat insulation plate;Upper die side is provided with upper heat insulation plate, and the other side of upper die is provided with high temperature resistant film, and high temperature resistant film is provided with lower die away from the side of upper die, and the side surface of lower die close to high temperature resistant film is provided with mounting cavity, and bipolar plate is set in mounting cavity, and the side of lower die away from high temperature resistant film is provided with lower heat insulation plate.The utility model discloses a kind of graphite bipolar plate laminating bonding solidification device, using high temperature resistant and certain tensile characteristics high temperature resistant film to ensure that bipolar plate is uniformly stressed and pressure consistency during pressure maintaining process;Upper die and high temperature resistant film contact surface are provided with high temperature resistant sealing ring, to ensure internal airtightness and pressure uniformity;By optimizing heating rod and thermocouple distribution, improve heating base temperature consistency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of fuel cell technology, specifically relating to a graphite bipolar plate bonding and curing device. Background Technology

[0002] In the manufacturing process of graphite bipolar plates for fuel cells, the bonding and sealing of the cooling water channels between the graphite bipolar plates is achieved by bonding the cathode and anode plates together with a thermosetting epoxy adhesive to form a bipolar plate assembly. The adhesive is applied to the adhesive groove of the single plate through dispensing or screen printing processes. Then, the anode and cathode plates are placed in a bonding fixture for product positioning and pressure holding. Finally, a hot press or other pressure curing device is used to cure the adhesive to form the bipolar plate assembly.

[0003] Due to the large size of the male and female electrode plates, the corresponding tooling and molds for hot pressing and bonding are also large, resulting in poor processing accuracy and high processing costs. Furthermore, due to limitations in the materials and molding processes of the male and female electrode plates, the thickness tolerance of the single electrode plates is large, leading to a significant cumulative thickness tolerance in the bonded bipolar plates. Additionally, there are issues such as poor contact and gaps / suspended areas at the adhesive bonding points. To address these problems, most companies use a thermally conductive, elastically deformable transition material on the tooling and molds during the bonding and curing process. This thermally conductive transition material is placed between the tooling / mold and the electrode plate contact surface. The elastic deformation of the thermally conductive transition material compensates for the thickness and pressure uniformity. However, this thermally conductive transition material undergoes lateral expansion during the pressure-holding bonding and curing process. This lateral expansion can cause the graphite electrode plate to crack under stress. The above bonding and curing method has problems such as poor contact and gaps at the bonding adhesive line of the bipolar plate, poor thickness uniformity, and electrode plate cracking. In subsequent manufacturing processes such as sealing, stacking, and performance testing, the bipolar plate will have problems such as high rework rate, electrode plate cracking, high manufacturing cost of mating components such as sealing film electrodes, and low stack robustness. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the existing technology and provide a graphite bipolar plate bonding and curing device. This device can eliminate the problems of large thickness tolerance and suspended bonding area caused by the bonding process, improve the thickness distribution consistency of the bipolar plate in the bonding area, and ensure that there are no gaps in the adhesive bonding area of ​​the bipolar plate. This ensures that the bipolar plate will not crack under shear stress in subsequent processes and reduces the thickness tolerance of the bipolar plate. At the same time, this device completes the pre-curing of bipolar plate bonding, improves the utilization rate of the device, and reduces the curing cycle through contact heat conduction.

[0005] To achieve the above technical objectives, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is as follows: A graphite bipolar plate bonding and curing device, comprising an upper heat insulation plate, an upper mold, a high-temperature resistant film, a lower mold, and a lower heat insulation plate; An upper heat insulation plate is provided on one side of the upper mold, and a high-temperature resistant film is provided on the other side of the upper mold. A lower mold is provided on the side of the high-temperature resistant film away from the upper mold. An installation cavity is provided on the side of the lower mold close to the high-temperature resistant film, and a bipolar plate is provided in the installation cavity. A lower heat insulation plate is provided on the side of the lower mold away from the high-temperature resistant film.

[0006] Preferably, in the graphite bipolar plate bonding and curing device, a sealing ring is provided between the upper mold and the high-temperature resistant film.

[0007] Preferably, in the graphite bipolar plate bonding and curing device, the upper mold is in the shape of a cuboid box without a lid, and one side of the upper mold faces the high-temperature resistant film.

[0008] Preferably, in the graphite bipolar plate bonding and curing device, a receiving cavity is formed inside the upper mold, and an air source interface is provided on the outer side wall of the upper mold.

[0009] Preferably, in the graphite bipolar plate bonding and curing device, the shape of the mounting cavity matches the bipolar plate.

[0010] Preferably, in the graphite bipolar plate bonding and curing device, the mounting cavity and the lower mold on the outer periphery of the mounting cavity are provided with a plurality of vent holes, and the lower mold is provided with a plurality of heating rod holes, thermocouple holes and vent grooves on both sides along the length direction.

[0011] Preferably, in the graphite bipolar plate bonding and curing device, heating rods are installed in the heating rod holes corresponding to the two sides, thermocouples are installed in the thermocouple holes corresponding to the two sides, the exhaust groove is a through groove, and the exhaust groove and the exhaust hole are interconnected.

[0012] Preferably, in the graphite bipolar plate bonding and curing device, the heating rod holes and thermocouple holes are arranged on the upper side of both sides of the lower mold along the length direction and are staggered, and the venting grooves are arranged on the lower side of both sides of the lower mold along the length direction.

[0013] Preferably, the graphite bipolar plate bonding and curing device further includes a controller, which is electrically connected to a heating rod and a thermocouple.

[0014] The beneficial effects of this utility model are: (1) The graphite bipolar plate bonding and curing device of this utility model uses a high-temperature resistant film with high temperature resistance and certain tensile properties to ensure that the bipolar plate is uniformly stressed at different positions during the pressure holding process; a high-temperature resistant sealing ring is set on the contact surface between the upper mold and the high-temperature resistant film to ensure the sealing of the cavity; and the temperature consistency of the heating base is improved by optimizing the distribution of heating rods and thermocouples.

[0015] (2) The graphite bipolar plate bonding and curing device of this utility model is simple, reliable, easy to maintain, compatible with presses and other equipment, and ensures that the graphite plate bonding area is uniformly stressed and pressurized, and the pressure is adjustable and controllable.

[0016] (3) The graphite bipolar plate bonding and curing device of this utility model uses compressed air as a medium to ensure that the bipolar plate is uniformly stressed in all positions during the bonding process through an airbag, thereby reducing the tolerance requirements of tooling molds and monopolar plate processing and manufacturing.

[0017] (4) The graphite bipolar plate bonding and curing device of this utility model can be made into a mold with multiple cavities and product stacking to improve efficiency; the fast pre-curing process of bonding improves the efficiency of the traditional oven bonding and locking device process. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 3 This is the upper mold of this utility model.

[0021] Figure 4 This is the lower mold of this utility model.

[0022] Figure 5 A schematic diagram showing the structure of a bipolar plate, after being coated with adhesive, placed in the lower mold.

[0023] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a high-temperature resistant thin film.

[0024] Figure 7 A schematic diagram showing the structure of the bipolar plate after the adhesive has been applied. Detailed Implementation

[0025] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by directional terms such as "inner" and "outer", "upper" and "lower", "front" and "back" is usually based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. It is only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description. Unless otherwise stated, these directional terms 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. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0026] To make the objectives, technical solutions, 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 only used to explain this utility model and are not intended to limit this utility model. Example

[0027] like Figures 1-7 A graphite bipolar plate bonding and curing device includes an upper heat insulation plate 1, an upper mold 2, a high-temperature resistant film 3, a lower mold 4, a lower heat insulation plate 5, and a bipolar plate 7. An upper heat insulation plate 1 is provided on one side of the upper mold 2, and a high-temperature resistant film 3 is provided on the other side of the upper mold 2. A lower mold 4 is provided on the side of the high-temperature resistant film 3 away from the upper mold 2. An installation cavity 4-1 is provided on the side of the lower mold 4 close to the high-temperature resistant film 3. The bipolar plate 7 is provided in the installation cavity 4-1. A lower heat insulation plate 5 is provided on the side of the lower mold 4 away from the high-temperature resistant film 3.

[0028] A sealing ring 6 is provided between the upper mold 2 and the high-temperature resistant film 3; the upper mold 2 is a rectangular box without a lid, with one side of the upper mold 2 facing the high-temperature resistant film 3; a receiving cavity 2-2 is formed inside the upper mold 2, and an air source interface 2-1 is provided on the outer wall of the upper mold 2; the shape of the mounting cavity 4-1 is compatible with the bipolar plate 7; a plurality of exhaust holes 4-5 are provided on the mounting cavity 4-1 and on the lower mold 4 around the mounting cavity 4-1; a plurality of heating rod holes 4-2, thermocouple holes 4-3, and exhaust grooves are provided on both sides of the lower mold 4 along its length. 4-4; Heating rods are installed in the heating rod holes 4-2 corresponding to the two sides, and thermocouples are installed in the thermocouple holes 4-3 corresponding to the two sides. The exhaust groove 4-4 is a through groove, and the exhaust groove 4-4 and the exhaust hole 4-5 are interconnected. The heating rod holes 4-2 and thermocouple holes 4-3 are located on the upper side of the two sides along the length direction of the lower mold 4 and are staggered. The exhaust groove 4-4 is located on the lower side of the two sides along the length direction of the lower mold 4. The graphite bipolar plate bonding and curing device also includes a controller, which is electrically connected to the heating rods and thermocouples.

[0029] The upper mold is equipped with a receiving cavity 2-2, which is responsible for maintaining consistent air pressure at all contact points with the film during the curing process. The gas source interface 2-1 is responsible for inputting gas, and the gas pressure is adjustable. The sealing ring 6 seals the upper mold and the high-temperature resistant film 3, ensuring that a certain pressure is maintained and balanced within the receiving cavity 2-2. The high-temperature resistant film 3 is a film with high temperature resistance and certain tensile properties, which can be reused. The material can be high-molecular plastics such as PEEK or TPU, which can ensure close contact with the electrode plate under pressure.

[0030] The lower mold 4 mainly provides a mounting cavity 4-1 for heating and bonding of the bipolar plate 7. The mounting cavity 4-1 is designed to fit the shape and size of the bipolar plate 7 and to prevent mistakes. It is equipped with an exhaust hole 4-5 and an exhaust groove 4-4. The main function is to exhaust the air below the high-temperature resistant film 3, the bipolar plate 7 and the interior of the lower mold 4, so as to ensure that the bonding position of the high-temperature resistant film 3 and the bipolar plate is uniform and the pressure is consistent during the curing process.

[0031] Working principle: Figure 3 Upper heat insulation plate 1, upper mold 2 and the middle and upper molds Figure 4 The lower mold 4 and the lower heat insulation plate 5 are fixed on the upper and lower fixing plates of the press, respectively. Heating rods and thermocouples are connected and installed. The air source interface 2-1 is connected to the air source. Appropriate curing temperature and air inlet pressure, and other process parameters are set for the lower mold 4. The uncured bipolar plate 7, which has been glued to the surface, is placed in the mounting cavity 4-1 of the lower mold 4. Then, the high-temperature resistant film 3 is placed above the sealing ring 6 of the upper mold 2 and above the bipolar plate 7 in the mounting cavity 4-1 of the lower mold 4. The press is then started. Figure 3 The upper mold and Figure 5 After the bipolar plate with adhesive is applied is placed in the lower mold and closed, the press automatically performs air intake, pressure holding and heating curing. After the process is completed, the bonded bipolar plate 7 is removed, and the operation is finished.

[0032] Finally, it should be noted that the above specific embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solution of this utility model and not to limit it. Although this utility model has been described in detail with reference to examples, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can be made to the technical solution of this utility model without departing from the spirit and scope of the technical solution of this utility model, and all such modifications and substitutions should be covered within the scope of the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. A graphite bipolar plate bonding and curing device, characterized in that, Includes upper heat insulation plate (1), upper mold (2), high temperature resistant film (3), lower mold (4), lower heat insulation plate (5); An upper heat insulation plate (1) is provided on one side of the upper mold (2), and a high temperature resistant film (3) is provided on the other side of the upper mold (2). A lower mold (4) is provided on the side of the high temperature resistant film (3) away from the upper mold (2). An installation cavity (4-1) is provided on the side of the lower mold (4) close to the high temperature resistant film (3). A graphite bipolar plate (7) is provided in the installation cavity (4-1). A lower heat insulation plate (5) is provided on the side of the lower mold (4) away from the high temperature resistant film (3).

2. The graphite bipolar plate bonding and curing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, A sealing ring (6) is provided between the upper mold (2) and the high-temperature resistant film (3).

3. The graphite bipolar plate bonding and curing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The upper mold (2) is a rectangular box without a lid, with one side of the upper mold (2) facing the high-temperature resistant film (3).

4. The graphite bipolar plate bonding and curing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The upper mold (2) forms a receiving cavity (2-2), and the outer side wall of the upper mold (2) is provided with an air source interface (2-1).

5. The graphite bipolar plate bonding and curing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The shape of the mounting cavity (4-1) and the bipolar plate (7) are matched.

6. The graphite bipolar plate bonding and curing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, A number of vent holes (4-5) are provided on the mounting cavity (4-1) and the lower mold (4) on the outer periphery of the mounting cavity (4-1). A number of heating rod holes (4-2), thermocouple holes (4-3), and vent grooves (4-4) are provided on both sides of the lower mold (4) along the length direction.

7. The graphite bipolar plate bonding and curing device according to claim 6, characterized in that, Heating rods are installed in the heating rod holes (4-2) on both sides, and thermocouples are installed in the thermocouple holes (4-3) on both sides. The exhaust groove (4-4) is a through groove, and the exhaust groove (4-4) and the exhaust hole (4-5) are interconnected.

8. The graphite bipolar plate bonding and curing device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The heating rod hole (4-2) and thermocouple hole (4-3) are located on the upper side of both sides of the lower mold (4) along the length direction and are staggered. The exhaust groove (4-4) is located on the lower side of both sides of the lower mold (4) along the length direction.

9. The graphite bipolar plate bonding and curing device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The graphite bipolar plate bonding and curing device also includes a controller, which is electrically connected to a heating rod and a thermocouple.

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