Electrochemical machining apparatus for fuel cell components

Abstract

The application relates to the field of electrochemical processing of fuel cell components, and particularly relates to an electrochemical processing device for fuel cell components, which comprises: a conductive support which comprises a support structure for supporting and electrically connecting with the fuel cell components; a bearing structure which has an inclined surface extending from the support structure in a direction away from the fuel cell components on a side facing the fuel cell components; and a fixing structure; the electrochemical processing device further comprises: a power supply device which has a positive electrode end and a negative electrode end, the positive electrode end is electrically connected with the fixing structure, and the negative electrode end is electrochemically connected with a region to be electrochemically processed of the fuel cell components; and an electrolyte supply device which provides electrolyte to the region to be electrochemically processed of the fuel cell components. By arranging the inclined surface on the bearing structure, the natural flow and discharge of the electrolyte can be effectively promoted, the physical distance between the surface of the bearing structure and the bottom surface of the fuel cell components is increased, the electric field intensity is reduced, and thus the unintended electrochemical reaction is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of electrochemical processing of fuel cell components, and more specifically to an electrochemical processing device for fuel cell components. Background Technology

[0002] With the transformation of the global energy structure and increasingly stringent environmental requirements, hydrogen energy, as a clean and efficient energy carrier, is being used more and more widely in transportation, energy storage, and other fields. As one of the core technologies for hydrogen energy utilization, the manufacturing precision and quality of key components of fuel cells directly affect the performance and reliability of the entire fuel cell system.

[0003] Electrochemical machining (ECM) has become an ideal choice for processing critical components of fuel cell systems, such as hydrogen tank valves, which have complex internal structures, high material hardness, and stringent surface quality requirements. In typical ECM equipment, the workpiece is usually connected to the positive terminal (anode) of a DC power supply, while a specially designed tool electrode is connected to the negative terminal (cathode). During machining, the tool electrode extends into a specific location on the workpiece (e.g., an area requiring deburring), maintaining a small machining gap between them. When a high-speed flowing electrolyte (usually an aqueous solution of sodium nitrate or sodium chloride) flows through this gap, the metal material on the anode workpiece surface dissolves in ionic form under the influence of current, thus achieving targeted and quantitative material removal from specific areas of the workpiece (e.g., the sharp edges of intersecting holes). To achieve this process, a precision fixture is typically required to position the workpiece and provide a stable anolyte current. This tooling fixture typically includes a conductive support, which serves two purposes: firstly, as a mechanical support to ensure the workpiece's accuracy in the machining position; and secondly, as a critical path for current transmission, it must maintain extremely low contact resistance with the workpiece to carry machining currents of hundreds of amperes or even higher. Existing conductive supports for electrochemical machining generally consist of three main parts: the uppermost part is a support structure for contacting and conducting electricity with the bottom surface of the workpiece; the middle part is a load-bearing structure for supporting the weight of the workpiece; and the lower part is a fixing structure or connecting handle for mounting on the machine tool base and connecting to the positive terminal cable of the power supply.

[0004] In existing technologies, for ease of manufacturing and to provide sufficient mechanical support area, the intermediate support structure of the conductive support is typically designed as a flat-topped block, forming a planar shoulder roughly parallel to the bottom surface of the workpiece around the support structure (contact point). When the workpiece is placed on the support structure, a narrow gap is formed between the bottom surface of the workpiece and this planar shoulder. During electrochemical machining, electrolyte inevitably flows out from various pores in the workpiece and flows down the outer wall of the workpiece. Because the existing conductive support uses a planar shoulder design, and this plane is very close to the bottom surface of the workpiece, the flowing electrolyte easily accumulates in this narrow gap, thus turning this narrow gap into an active electrochemical reaction zone. In this environment, unintended anodic dissolution occurs on both the planar shoulder of the conductive support and the bottom surface of the workpiece. For the workpiece, this manifests as discoloration, pitting, or even significant material removal on the bottom surface. This is an absolutely unacceptable quality defect for fuel cell components with extremely high appearance requirements, directly leading to product scrapping. For conductive supports, this corrosion can cause their surfaces to become rough and lose their original dimensional accuracy.

[0005] Therefore, there is still a real need for continued structural improvements to electrochemical processing equipment used in fuel cell components. Utility Model Content

[0006] In view of this, the purpose of this application is to provide an improved electrochemical processing apparatus for fuel cell components, so as to at least solve some of the problems in the prior art and / or overcome other possible disadvantages not mentioned herein.

[0007] According to this application, an electrochemical processing apparatus for a fuel cell component is provided. The electrochemical processing apparatus includes: a conductive support, the conductive support comprising: a support structure configured to support and electrically connect to the fuel cell component; and a load-bearing structure connected to the support structure, the load-bearing structure having an inclined surface extending from the support structure away from the fuel cell component on a side facing the fuel cell component; and a fixing structure connected to the load-bearing structure; the electrochemical processing apparatus further includes: a power supply device having a positive terminal and a negative terminal, the positive terminal being electrically connected to the fixing structure, and the negative terminal being electrochemically connected to an area of ​​the fuel cell component to be electrochemically processed; and an electrolyte supply device configured to provide electrolyte to the area of ​​the fuel cell component to be electrochemically processed.

[0008] According to an optional embodiment of this application, at least a first conductive anti-corrosion portion is provided in the area of ​​the support structure that is electrically connected to the fuel cell component.

[0009] According to an optional embodiment of this application, at least a portion of the inclined surface is provided with an electrical isolation portion.

[0010] According to an optional embodiment of this application, at least a second conductive anti-corrosion portion is provided in the region of the fixed structure that is electrically connected to the positive terminal.

[0011] According to an optional embodiment of this application, the first conductive anti-corrosion part and / or the second conductive anti-corrosion part are constructed as an inert conductive coating.

[0012] According to an alternative embodiment of this application, the electrical isolation portion is constructed as an insulating coating.

[0013] According to an optional embodiment of this application, the inert conductive coating comprises at least one layer selected from a platinum coating, a titanium coating, and a metal-doped tetrahedral amorphous carbon coating.

[0014] According to an alternative embodiment of this application, the insulating coating comprises a polytetrafluoroethylene coating.

[0015] According to an optional embodiment of this application, in the transition region between the support structure and the load-bearing structure, the inert conductive coating and the insulating coating partially overlap, and the insulating coating covers the inert conductive coating in this region.

[0016] According to an alternative embodiment of this application, the support structure is configured as a protrusion located at the center of the load-bearing structure.

[0017] According to an alternative embodiment of this application, the side of the support structure facing the fuel cell component is entirely configured as an inclined surface surrounding the support structure.

[0018] According to an optional embodiment of this application, the fixing structure is constructed as a cylinder.

[0019] According to an alternative embodiment of this application, the protrusion is a cone-shaped apex.

[0020] According to an alternative embodiment of this application, the inclined surface is constructed as a conical surface that slopes continuously from the support structure toward the outer peripheral edge.

[0021] According to an alternative embodiment of this application, the cylinder is located at the center of the bottom surface of the load-bearing structure.

[0022] According to an optional embodiment of this application, the outer surface of the protrusion is completely coated with the inert conductive coating.

[0023] According to an alternative embodiment of this application, the inclined surface is completely coated with the insulating coating.

[0024] According to an optional embodiment of this application, the outer circumferential surface of the cylinder is completely coated with the inert conductive coating.

[0025] According to an optional embodiment of this application, the electrochemical processing equipment further includes a tooling box configured to accommodate the fuel cell component and position it in conjunction with the conductive support during the electrochemical processing.

[0026] According to an alternative embodiment of this application, the tooling box is made of insulating material.

[0027] According to an alternative embodiment of this application, the tooling box has a perforation at the bottom, and the fixing structure extends from inside the tooling box through the perforation to the outside of the tooling box to allow the bottom surface of the load-bearing structure to be supported on the inner side of the bottom of the tooling box.

[0028] According to an optional embodiment of this application, the electrolyte supply device has a reflux line, and the tooling box has an electrolyte collection hole on its side wall and / or bottom. The reflux line is connected to the electrolyte collection hole to recover the electrolyte in the tooling box.

[0029] According to an optional embodiment of this application, the tooling box includes a box body and a cover detachably and fixedly connected to the box body. The cover has a positioning structure that presses the fuel cell component against the support structure when the tooling box is closed.

[0030] According to an alternative embodiment of this application, the positive end includes a movable metal connector, which is driven by a cylinder to selectively contact or separate from the fixed structure.

[0031] According to an optional embodiment of this application, the conductive support is an integral stainless steel component.

[0032] According to an optional embodiment of this application, the fuel cell component is a hydrogen tank valve of a fuel cell hydrogen supply system.

[0033] According to an optional embodiment of this application, the electrochemical processing equipment is configured to deburr the intersecting channels inside the fuel cell component.

[0034] According to certain exemplary embodiments of this application, by designing the conductive support as a combination of a support structure, a load-bearing structure, and a fixing structure, and providing an inclined surface on the load-bearing structure, the natural flow and drainage of the electrolyte can be effectively promoted, preventing the accumulation of electrolyte near the contact area between the support structure and the fuel cell component, thereby reducing electrochemical reactions in unintended areas. Furthermore, the inclined surface increases the physical distance between the surface of the load-bearing structure and the bottom surface of the fuel cell component, reducing the electric field strength in that area. Even if a small amount of electrolyte seeps into this gap, it can effectively suppress the occurrence of electrochemical reactions. This structural design significantly extends the service life of the tooling support, reduces the frequency of equipment replacement due to corrosion, thereby reducing production costs and improving production efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0035] The principles, features, and advantages of this application will be better understood below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings include: Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an electrochemical processing apparatus for a fuel cell component according to an exemplary embodiment of this application is shown; Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a tooling box for an electrochemical processing apparatus for a fuel cell component is shown according to an exemplary embodiment of this application; Figure 3 A partial schematic cross-sectional view of an electrochemical processing apparatus for a fuel cell component according to an exemplary embodiment of this application is shown; and Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a conductive support for an electrochemical processing apparatus for a fuel cell component is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment of this application.

[0036] Figure label: 2000: Fuel cell component; 2001: Area to be electrochemically processed; 1000: Electrochemical processing equipment; 1100: Conductive support; 1110: Support structure; 1120: Bearing structure; 1121: Inclined surface; 1122: Bottom surface; 1130: Fixing structure; 1200: Power supply device; 1210: Positive terminal; 1211: Movable metal connector; 1220: Negative terminal; 1300: Electrolyte supply device; 1310: Return pipeline; 1400: Tooling box; 1401: Bottom; 1402: Perforation; 1403: Side wall; 1404: Electrolyte collection hole; 1410: Box body; 1420: Cover; 1421: Positioning structure; 10: First conductive anti-corrosion part; 20: Second conductive anti-corrosion part; 30: Electrical isolation part. Detailed Implementation

[0037] To make the technical problems to be solved, the technical solutions, and the beneficial technical effects of this application clearer, the application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and several exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only for explaining this application and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Various embodiments may share the same view or multiple views for description, but not all features appearing in the same view should be interpreted as features that must be present in an embodiment.

[0038] First, for ease of understanding, one can recall the description made in the background section of this application. One object of this application is to provide an electrochemical processing apparatus for a fuel cell component, the electrochemical processing apparatus comprising: a conductive support, the conductive support comprising: a support structure configured to support and electrically connect to the fuel cell component; and a load-bearing structure connected to the support structure, the load-bearing structure having an inclined surface extending from the support structure away from the fuel cell component on a side facing the fuel cell component; and a fixing structure connected to the load-bearing structure; the electrochemical processing apparatus further comprising: a power supply device having a positive terminal and a negative terminal, the positive terminal being electrically connected to the fixing structure, and the negative terminal being electrochemically connected to the area of ​​the fuel cell component to be electrochemically processed; and an electrolyte supply device configured to provide electrolyte to the area of ​​the fuel cell component to be electrochemically processed. Therefore, by designing the conductive support as a combination of a support structure, a load-bearing structure, and a fixing structure, and by incorporating an inclined surface on the load-bearing structure, the natural flow and drainage of the electrolyte can be effectively promoted, preventing electrolyte accumulation near the contact area between the support structure and the fuel cell components, thereby reducing electrochemical reactions in unintended areas. Furthermore, the inclined surface increases the physical distance between the surface of the load-bearing structure and the bottom surface of the fuel cell components, reducing the electric field strength in that area. Even if a small amount of electrolyte seeps into this gap, it can effectively suppress electrochemical reactions. This structural design significantly extends the service life of the tooling support, reduces the frequency of equipment replacement due to corrosion, thereby lowering production costs and improving production efficiency.

[0039] Exemplary embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0040] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an electrochemical processing apparatus 1000 for a fuel cell component 2000 according to an exemplary embodiment of this application is shown; Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a tooling box 1400 for an electrochemical processing apparatus 1000 for a fuel cell component 2000 according to an exemplary embodiment of this application is shown; Figure 3A partial schematic cross-sectional view of an electrochemical processing apparatus 1000 for a fuel cell component 2000 according to an exemplary embodiment of this application is shown; Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a conductive support 1100 for an electrochemical processing apparatus 1000 for a fuel cell component 2000, according to an exemplary embodiment of this application, is shown.

[0041] like Figure 1 Combination Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the electrochemical processing equipment 1000 for fuel cell component 2000 includes a conductive support 1100, which comprises a support structure 1110, a load-bearing structure 1120, and a fixing structure 1130. Figure 4 As shown, the support structure 1110 is located at the top of the conductive support 1100, and its shape is preferably designed to form a stable and precise point contact or small-area contact with a specific area on the bottom of the fuel cell component 2000 to be processed. This contact is not only a mechanical support, but more importantly, it forms the main path for current to flow from the conductive support 1100 into the fuel cell component 2000. The load-bearing structure 1120 is connected below the support structure 1110, and is characterized by an inclined surface 1121 on the side facing the fuel cell component 2000. This inclined surface 1121 starts from the root of the support structure 1110 and extends outward and downward. This design increases the distance between the load-bearing structure 1120 and the bottom surface of the fuel cell component 2000. Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, a wedge-shaped gap is formed, which effectively weakens the electric field strength in this region and facilitates electrolyte drainage. The fixing structure 1130 is located at the lowermost part of the conductive support 1100 and is connected to the supporting structure 1120. The fixing structure 1130 is preferably designed as a cylinder or other shape that facilitates installation and fixing, for mounting the entire conductive support 1100 on the worktable of the electrochemical processing equipment 1000 or, for example... Figure 2 The exemplary fixture 1400 serves as an interface for connection to an external power source. Figure 1 As shown, the electrochemical processing apparatus 1000 also includes a power supply device 1200, such as a DC pulse power supply, having a positive terminal 1210 and a negative terminal 1220. The negative terminal 1220 is connected to a tool electrode (here, the cathode) of the electrochemical processing apparatus 1000, which extends into the region 2001 of the fuel cell component 2000 to be electrochemically processed (e.g., the intersecting channel region inside it to be deburred) to achieve an electrochemical connection. The positive terminal 1210 is electrically connected to the fixing structure 1130 of the conductive support 1100, thereby making the entire conductive support 1100 and the fuel cell component 2000 supported thereon the anode. Figure 1It can be seen that the electrochemical processing equipment 1000 also includes an electrolyte supply device 1300, which is used to pump electrolyte (such as sodium nitrate solution) into the processing gap between the tool electrode and the electrochemical processing area 2001 of the fuel cell component 2000. Figure 1 (The associated pumps and filters used for electrolyte pumping are not specifically shown.) The electrolyte acts as a conductive medium in this processing gap, carrying away electrolysis products and reaction heat. During operation of the electrochemical processing equipment 1000, the fuel cell component 2000 is placed on the conductive support 1100 and positively charged through the support structure 1110. The tool electrode (cathode) is close to the region 2001 to be electrochemically processed, and the electrolyte flows in the gap between them, forming a complete electrochemical reaction circuit to achieve the purpose of electrochemical processing.

[0042] To avoid unintended corrosion, and also Figure 3 As schematically shown in the shaded area, an electrical isolation portion 30, such as an insulating element or insulating coating, is at least partially (preferably completely) provided on the inclined surface 1121 of the supporting structure 1120. In actual industrial production, electrolyte may splash or remain on the inclined surface 1121 due to reasons such as electrolyte spraying. Under high-voltage processing modes, the remaining electric field strength may still exceed the passivation breakdown potential of the base metal of the conductive support 1100, leading to slow corrosion. The electrical isolation portion 30 directly cuts off the path of current flowing from the conductive support 1100 to the electrolyte at this location. Regardless of how much electrolyte accumulates in this area, and regardless of the electric field distribution in this area, the presence of the electrical isolation portion 30 prevents metal atoms on the surface of the conductive support 1100 from losing electrons and entering the solution, thereby reducing the possibility of electrochemical reactions. The electrical isolation portion 30 preferably includes a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) coating, which has a lower surface energy than the metal substrate of the conductive support 1100, giving the inclined surface 1121 better hydrophobicity. This alteration of surface properties, combined with the tilted geometry, creates a synergistic effect, making it more difficult for electrolyte droplets to adhere and causing them to roll off easily. This not only prevents corrosion but also reduces electrolyte buildup on the surface of the supporting structure 1120, simplifying cleaning and maintenance.

[0043] like Figure 4 As shown, the top of the conductive support 1100, serving as the support structure 1110, is a protrusion located at the center of the load-bearing structure 1120 (preferably constructed as a cone-shaped apex with a small flat surface at the top, as shown). Surrounding this protrusion, the entire upper surface of the load-bearing structure 1120 is a cone-shaped surface that slopes continuously downwards from the root of the protrusion to the outer peripheral edge, forming an inclined surface 1121. The bottom of the conductive support 1100 is a cylinder coaxial with the load-bearing structure 1120, serving as the fixing structure 1130. The conductive support 1100 is preferably a single piece of stainless steel.

[0044] like Figures 1 to 3As shown, the electrochemical machining equipment 1000 also includes a tooling box 1400, which is used to house the fuel cell component 2000 and position it in conjunction with the conductive support 1100 during the electrochemical machining process. This tooling box 1400 not only serves to position the workpiece and contain the electrolyte at a single electrochemical machining station, but also allows the fuel cell component 2000 to be processed between multiple stations in different processes without having to remove it from the box. The tooling box 1400 is preferably made of an insulating material (such as engineering plastics like PEEK or POM) to meet the safety requirements of electrochemical machining. Figure 2 As can be seen, a through hole 1402 is provided at the bottom 1401 of the tooling box 1400. The diameter of the through hole 1402 matches the outer diameter of the cylindrical fixing structure 1130 of the conductive bracket 1100. When assembling the conductive bracket 1100 with the tooling box 1400, the fixing structure 1130 passes through the through hole 1402 from inside the tooling box 1400 and extends to the outside of the tooling box 1400. In this way, the fixing structure 1130 is exposed below the tooling box 1400, which facilitates connection with the positive terminal 1210 of the external power supply device 1200. At the same time, the bottom surface 1122 of the supporting structure 1120 of the conductive bracket 1100 is blocked inside the tooling box 1400 because its diameter is larger than the diameter of the through hole 1402, and is stably supported on the inner surface of the bottom 1401 of the tooling box 1400.

[0045] In order to reliably fix the fuel cell component 2000 onto the conductive support 1100 and enclose the processing space during the manufacturing process, such as Figure 2 Combination Figure 1 As shown, the tooling box 1400 preferably includes a box body 1410 and a cover 1420, the cover 1420 being detachably fixed to the box body 1410 (e.g., via a pressure buckle or other quick-locking mechanism). The cover 1420 has an opening through which a tool electrode (cathode) passes. During processing, the tool electrode of the electrochemical machining equipment 1000 extends through this opening into the electrochemical machining area 2001 of the fuel cell component 2000 (e.g., its internal intersecting channel area) to perform electrochemical machining. A positioning structure 1421 is located below the cover 1420 (in... Figure 1(Schematally shown with dashed lines) This positioning structure 1421 applies a downward pressure to the fuel cell component 2000 when the tooling box 1400 is closed, pressing it against the support structure 1110 below. The positioning structure 1421 can take the form of, for example, an elastic pressure block or an adjustable clamping screw. This active clamping mechanism ensures stable and reliable electrical contact, maintaining a constant contact pressure even during processing when vibrations or disturbances caused by electrolyte flow occur. Furthermore, appropriate clamping force not only guarantees the reliability of the electrical contact but also helps seal the contact interface, reducing the possibility of electrolyte seepage into the contact area.

[0046] like Figure 2 Combination Figure 1 As shown, the electrolyte supply device 1300 has a return pipe 1310, and the tooling box 1400 has an electrolyte collection hole 1404 on its side wall 1403 and / or bottom 1401. The return pipe 1310 is connected to the electrolyte collection hole 1404 for recovering the electrolyte in the tooling box 1400. During the electrochemical processing, the electrolyte supply device 1300 continuously pumps electrolyte to the electrochemical processing area 2001 of the fuel cell component 2000. This electrolyte carries metal ions, hydrogen, and other products, which disperse around the fuel cell component 2000 and collect in the tooling box 1400. Due to gravity, the electrolyte level gradually rises. When it reaches or exceeds the position of the electrolyte collection hole 1404, the electrolyte can flow through the electrolyte collection hole 1404 into the connected return pipe 1310, and then be guided back to the storage tank of the electrolyte supply device 1300. In the storage tank, the electrolyte can be filtered, cooled and its composition adjusted before being pumped back to the electrochemical processing area 2001 of the fuel cell component 2000, forming a closed loop.

[0047] like Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the positive terminal 1210 of the power supply device 1200 includes a movable metal connector 1211 driven by a cylinder. Specifically, the movable metal connector 1211 can be a horizontally mounted copper contact rod. For example, when the tooling box 1400, containing the fuel cell component 2000 and conductive support 1100 to be processed, moves to this processing station and is accurately positioned, the cylinder pushes the movable metal connector 1211 horizontally, causing its end face to make close contact with the cylindrical outer surface of the fixed structure 1130 extending outside the tooling box 1400. At this time, the anode circuit is turned on. After processing is completed, the cylinder retracts, the movable metal connector 1211 separates from the fixed structure 1130, the anode circuit is disconnected, and the tooling box 1400 can be safely moved to the next station. This cylinder-driven automated contact and separation method achieves fast and reliable electrical connection control.

[0048] like Figure 3 As shown, the support structure 1110 of the conductive support 1100 is a critical part that has direct physical contact and electrical connection with the fuel cell component 2000. The contact resistance in this area must be as small and stable as possible to ensure uniform and efficient current transmission to the fuel cell component 2000. However, this is also one of the areas most prone to electrochemical corrosion. Once corrosion occurs, a poorly conductive oxide layer is generated, leading to a sharp increase in contact resistance, causing local overheating, and severely affecting the stability of processing and product quality. For the processed workpiece, this manifests as discoloration, pitting, or even significant material removal on the bottom surface, which is an absolutely unacceptable quality defect for the fuel cell component 2000, which has extremely high appearance requirements, directly leading to product scrapping. For the conductive support 1110, this corrosion causes its surface to become rough and lose its original dimensional accuracy. Once the support structure 1110 is corroded, the above situation will become increasingly serious. To solve this problem, as... Figure 3As schematically shown by the shaded lines, at least partially (preferably completely) a first conductive anti-corrosion portion 10 is provided on the surface of the support structure 1110, particularly in the area where it is electrically connected to the fuel cell component 2000. This portion may be a conductive and anti-corrosion inert metal component or one or more layers of inert conductive coating. The material of this inert conductive coating itself possesses extremely high chemical stability and excellent conductivity. When the electrolyte wets this area, the inert conductive coating effectively resists corrosion, maintaining its smooth, clean conductive surface. This ensures that the conductive support 1100 and the fuel cell component 2000 maintain a low and stable contact resistance throughout the entire processing cycle or even multiple processing cycles. This not only protects the conductive support 1100 itself and extends its service life, but more importantly, it ensures the stability of the electrochemical parameters applied to the fuel cell component 2000, thereby ensuring the consistency of the final product quality. Similar to the reasons mentioned above, the area where the positive terminal 1210 of the power supply device 1200 is electrically connected to the fixing structure 1130 of the conductive support 1100 is also in an environment filled with electrolyte fluid or potentially contaminated by splashed or dripped electrolyte. Similar to the problems faced by the support structure 1110, this contact interface, composed of two independent metal parts (the movable metal connector 1211 and the fixing structure 1130), is also at risk of poor contact due to corrosion. If corrosion occurs on the contact surface of the fixing structure 1130, it will also increase the resistance of the entire anode circuit, affecting the stability of the current, and even causing the connection point to overheat and be damaged. To solve this problem, at least partially (preferably completely) a second conductive anti-corrosion part 20 is provided on the surface of the fixing structure 1130, especially in the area where it is electrically connected to the positive terminal 1210. This could be, for example, a conductive and anti-corrosion inert metal part or one or more layers of inert conductive coating. This is preferably achieved by coating the entire outer peripheral surface of the fixing structure 1130 with an inert conductive material. In this way, when the movable metal connector 1211, which is the positive end 1210, is pressed against the surface of the fixed structure 1130, the contact occurs between two chemically stable and electrically conductive surfaces, which can effectively resist corrosion caused by electrolytes in the environment and maintain a low and stable contact resistance for a long time.

[0049] Specifically, inert conductive coatings can include at least one layer selected from platinum coatings, titanium coatings, and metal-doped tetrahedral amorphous carbon coatings. Platinum (Pt) is a typical noble metal, exhibiting extremely high chemical inertness in most electrolyte environments and being very difficult to anodize. Simultaneously, platinum is an excellent electrical conductor. Therefore, electroplating or sputtering a platinum coating on the contact surface between the support structure 1110 and the fixed structure 1130 is one of the ideal choices for achieving conductive corrosion protection. Titanium (Ti) is an active metal, but its surface readily forms an extremely dense, stable, and strongly adherent passivation film (mainly TiO2) in oxidizing environments. Although this passivation film is semiconductor, it can still allow electrons to conduct electricity through mechanisms such as the tunneling effect when sufficiently thin, while effectively preventing contact between the base metal and the electrolyte, thus exhibiting excellent corrosion resistance, especially in chloride-containing environments. Titanium coatings are significantly less expensive than platinum, making them a cost-effective option. Tetrahedral amorphous carbon (ta-C), also known as diamond-like carbon coating, is a metastable amorphous carbon material renowned for its extremely high hardness, extremely low coefficient of friction, and excellent chemical inertness. Ta-C coatings doped with metals (such as titanium, tungsten, and chromium) exhibit excellent electrical conductivity, providing not only superior corrosion resistance but also significantly improved wear resistance at contact points. This makes them ideal for harsh applications requiring resistance to both chemical corrosion and physical wear. Therefore, for applications where wear is the primary concern, metal-doped tetrahedral amorphous carbon coatings are preferred; for applications with extremely severe corrosion but cost sensitivity, titanium coatings are preferred; and for applications where cost is not a concern and ultimate performance is paramount, platinum coatings are the preferred choice.

[0050] In an optional embodiment, in the transition region between the support structure 1110 and the load-bearing structure 1120, the inert conductive coating and the insulating coating partially overlap, with the insulating coating covering the inert conductive coating. This overlapping structure solves the interface problem between the two functional coatings, ensuring the continuity and integrity of the protection. The process sequence of applying the conductive coating first and then covering it with the insulating coating ensures that even if there is a certain positional deviation during the coating application process, the critical conductive areas are still adequately protected.

[0051] In an exemplary embodiment, the fuel cell component 2000 to be processed is specifically a hydrogen tank valve in a fuel cell hydrogen supply system. The hydrogen tank valve (HTV) is a core component of the hydrogen storage system in a fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV), and it has extremely stringent requirements for processing quality and precision. Any processing defects can affect the sealing performance and reliability of the hydrogen tank valve, thereby threatening the safety of the entire fuel cell system. To achieve the complex fluid control functions in the fuel cell hydrogen supply system, the valve body of the hydrogen tank valve is typically machined with numerous intersecting, complex-shaped fine channels. These channels are the flow paths for high-pressure hydrogen. Any tiny burrs generated during machining (such as drilling and milling), if they break off, can clog the valve orifice, scratch the seals, or be carried into the downstream fuel cell stack, causing catastrophic failures. Therefore, all burrs (especially those difficult to reach within the intersecting channels) must be thoroughly removed. By using the aforementioned electrochemical processing equipment 1000, the quality stability and yield of the deburring process for hydrogen tank valves can be significantly improved, avoiding defects such as workpiece surface corrosion and discoloration caused by anode support issues.

[0052] Other advantages and alternative embodiments of this application will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, this application is not, in its broader sense, limited to the specific details, representative structures, and exemplary embodiments shown and described. Various modifications and substitutions can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the basic spirit and scope of this application.

Claims

1. An electrochemical processing apparatus for fuel cell components, characterized in that, The electrochemical processing equipment (1000) includes: Conductive support (1100), the conductive support (1100) comprising: The structure is configured as a support structure (1110) to support and electrically connect the fuel cell component (2000); and A load-bearing structure (1120) connected to the support structure (1110), the load-bearing structure (1120) having an inclined surface (1121) on the side facing the fuel cell component (2000) extending from the support structure (1110) away from the fuel cell component (2000); and A fixed structure (1130) connected to the supporting structure (1120). The electrochemical processing equipment (1000) also includes: A power supply device (1200) having a positive terminal (1210) and a negative terminal (1220), the positive terminal (1210) being electrically connected to the fixed structure (1130), and the negative terminal (1220) being electrochemically connected to the electrochemical processing area (2001) of the fuel cell component (2000); and An electrolyte supply device (1300) is configured to supply electrolyte to the electrochemical processing area (2001) of the fuel cell component (2000).

2. The electrochemical processing equipment for fuel cell components according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least a first conductive anti-corrosion portion (10) is provided in at least a portion of the area of ​​the support structure (1110) that is electrically connected to the fuel cell component (2000); and / or An electrical isolation portion (30) is provided at least partially on the inclined surface (1121); and / or At least a second conductive anti-corrosion part (20) is provided in the area of ​​the fixed structure (1130) that is electrically connected to the positive terminal (1210).

3. The electrochemical processing equipment for fuel cell components according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first conductive anti-corrosion part (10) and / or the second conductive anti-corrosion part (20) are constructed as an inert conductive coating; and / or The electrical isolation part (30) is constructed as an insulating coating.

4. The electrochemical processing equipment for fuel cell components according to claim 3, characterized in that, The inert conductive coating comprises at least one layer selected from platinum coating, titanium coating, and metal-doped tetrahedral amorphous carbon coating; and / or The insulating coating includes a polytetrafluoroethylene coating; and / or In the transition area between the support structure (1110) and the load-bearing structure (1120), the inert conductive coating and the insulating coating partially overlap, and the insulating coating covers the inert conductive coating.

5. The electrochemical processing equipment for fuel cell components according to claim 3, characterized in that, The support structure (1110) is constructed as a protrusion located at the center of the load-bearing structure (1120); and / or The side of the supporting structure (1120) facing the fuel cell component (2000) is entirely constructed as an inclined surface (1121) surrounding the supporting structure (1110); and / or The fixed structure (1130) is constructed as a cylinder.

6. The electrochemical processing equipment for fuel cell components according to claim 5, characterized in that, The protrusion is a conical apex; and / or The inclined surface (1121) is constructed as a conical surface that slopes continuously from the support structure (1110) toward the outer peripheral edge; and / or The cylinder is located at the center of the bottom surface (1122) of the supporting structure (1120).

7. The electrochemical processing equipment for fuel cell components according to claim 6, characterized in that, The outer surface of the protrusion is completely coated with the inert conductive coating; and / or The inclined surface (1121) is completely coated with the insulating coating; and / or The outer circumferential surface of the cylinder is completely coated with the inert conductive coating.

8. The electrochemical processing equipment for fuel cell components according to claim 5, characterized in that, The electrochemical processing equipment (1000) also includes a tooling box (1400) configured to accommodate the fuel cell component (2000) during electrochemical processing and to cooperate with the conductive support (1100) for positioning.

9. The electrochemical processing equipment for fuel cell components according to claim 8, characterized in that, The tooling box (1400) is made of insulating material; and / or The tooling box (1400) has a perforation (1402) at the bottom (1401), and the fixing structure (1130) extends from inside the tooling box (1400) through the perforation (1402) to the outside of the tooling box (1400) to allow the bottom surface (1122) of the support structure (1120) to be supported on the inside of the bottom (1401) of the tooling box (1400).

10. The electrochemical processing equipment for fuel cell components according to claim 9, characterized in that, The electrolyte supply device (1300) has a return line (1310), and the tooling box (1400) has an electrolyte collection hole (1404) on its side wall (1403) and / or bottom (1401). The return line (1310) is connected to the electrolyte collection hole (1404) to recover the electrolyte in the tooling box (1400).

11. The electrochemical processing equipment for fuel cell components according to claim 9, characterized in that, The tooling box (1400) includes a box body (1410) and a cover (1420) detachably fixedly connected to the box body (1410). The cover (1420) has a positioning structure (1421) that presses the fuel cell component (2000) against the support structure (1110) when the tooling box (1400) is closed.

12. The electrochemical processing apparatus for fuel cell components according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, The positive terminal (1210) includes a movable metal connector (1211) driven by a cylinder to selectively contact or separate from the fixed structure (1130); and / or The conductive support (1100) is an integral stainless steel component.

13. The electrochemical processing apparatus for fuel cell components according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, The fuel cell component (2000) is a hydrogen tank valve in a fuel cell hydrogen supply system; and / or The electrochemical processing equipment (1000) is configured to deburr the intersecting channels inside the fuel cell component (2000).

Images