DEVICE FOR QUICKLY STACKING A STACK OF FUEL CELLS

Abstract

Device for rapidly stacking a fuel cell stack (1), comprising a fuel cell stack (1) by stacking and pressurizing separator plate components (4) in which a negative electrode metal separator plate (4a) and a positive electrode metal separator plate (4b) are connected to each other, and membrane electrode assembly (MEA) arc components (5) in which gas diffusion layers (5b) are connected to both surfaces of an MEA (5a), the device comprising: a component alignment unit (310) connected to a completion end of a component transfer path (131) of a conveying device (130) to align the separating plate components (4) and the MEA arc components (5) transferred by the conveying device (130) to predetermined positions; a component stacking unit (350) attached to the side of the component alignment unit (310) and configured to grip the separating plate components (4) and the MEA arc components (5) and stack the components on a stacking guide (30); and a component pressurization unit (410) which is attached to an upper side of a transfer path through which the stack guide (30) is transferred, and is configured to pressurize the separator plate components (4) and MEA arc components (5) stacked on the stack guide (30), the component alignment unit (310) comprises: a base plate (311) designed to support the separating plate components (4) and the MEA arc components (5); and a plurality of contact elements (321, 322, 323) which are attached to the base plate (311) and are configured to contact edge sections of the separating plate components (4) and the MEA arc components (5), wherein the base plate (311) comprises a plurality of air outlet openings (312) through which air is discharged to lift the separating plate components (4) and the MEA arc components (5) with air pressure.

Description

BACKGROUND(a) Field of invention

[0001] The present invention relates to an automatic fuel cell stacking assembly system and in particular to a device for rapidly stacking a fuel cell stack, which stacks fuel cell components at high speed. (b) Description of the state of the art

[0002] As is generally known in the field, a fuel cell stack is a type of power generation device that produces electrical energy through an electrochemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen via fuel cells, and is used, for example, in fuel cell vehicles. The fuel cell stack is formed by a power-generating arrangement in which several hundred fuel cells (unit cells / element cells) are continuously arranged. The fuel cell has a configuration in which separate plates are arranged on both sides of a membrane electrode assembly (MEA). The fuel cells can be joined together under pressure by an end plate and a fastening device.

[0003] The aforementioned fuel cell stack can be manufactured by a process of stacking fuel cells one after the other, pressurizing the stacked fuel cells with a force while the fuel cells are positioned between upper and lower end plates, and securing the end plate using the fastening device. In the prior art, a fuel cell stack is manufactured by manually and collectively stacking fuel cells using a predetermined guide mechanism, or by splitting / separating and stacking the fuel cells within a small module unit and manually stacking the fuel cells within the small module unit. Consequently, according to the prior art, a general cycle time based on stacking, pressurizing, and fastening the fuel cells can be disadvantageous, and the reliability of the fuel cells can deteriorate.

[0004] Furthermore, to manufacture a fuel cell stack, it is not necessary to perform a stacking procedure that accommodates handling and securing the stack of components and maintaining airtightness (e.g., an air seal), nor a stack fixing process involving pressurizing the fuel cells, when feeding and testing the individual components that make up the fuel cells. However, in the prior art, the aforementioned processes are performed manually, which causes a decrease in productivity due to increased operating hours for assembling the fuel cell stack, and the quality of the fuel cell stack can deteriorate because a consistent stack quality of the fuel cells cannot be guaranteed.

[0005] From DE 11 2004 002 237 B4, a device for the rapid stacking of a fuel cell stack is known, which assembles a fuel cell stack by stacking and pressurizing separator plate components in which a negative electrode metal separator plate and a positive electrode metal separator plate are connected to each other, and membrane electrode assembly (MEA) arc components in which gas diffusion layers are connected to both surfaces of an MEA, the device comprising: a component alignment unit which is connected to a finishing end of a component transfer path of a conveying device in order to align the separator plate components and the MEA arc components, which are transferred by the conveying device, to predetermined positions;a component stacking unit mounted on the side of the component alignment unit and configured to grip the partition plate components and the MEA arc components and stack the components on a stacking guide; and a component pressurizing unit mounted on the upper side of a transfer path through which the stacking guide is transferred, and configured to pressurize the partition plate components and MEA arc components stacked on the stacking guide.

[0006] To automatically manufacture a fuel cell stack, KR 10 2009 0 062 411 A specifies a separator and a MEA, which are components of a stack and are automatically stacked by an orthogonal robot. A rotary table unit for a fuel cell stack assembly is provided, which can improve the efficiency of assembly work by implementing an automation system capable of automatically performing an airtightness test of the stacked unit.

[0007] The above information disclosed in this section is intended only to improve the understanding of the background of the invention and may therefore contain information that does not constitute the prior art already known to a person skilled in the art in this country. OVERVIEW

[0008] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a device for the rapid stacking of a fuel cell stack, which is capable of automatically stacking and pressurizing fuel cell components and assembling the fuel cell stack.

[0009] The problem is solved by a device for quickly stacking a fuel cell stack with the features of claims 1, 10 or 17. Advantageous further developments are found in the dependent claims.

[0010] An embodiment of the present invention provides a device for the rapid stacking of a fuel cell stack, which assembles a fuel cell stack by stacking and pressurizing separator plate components in which a negative electrode metal separator plate and a positive electrode metal separator plate are connected / bonded, and membrane electrode assembly (MEA) sheet / arc component components in which gas diffusion layers are connected / bonded on both surfaces of an MEA.In particular, the device comprises a component alignment unit, which is attached such that it is connected to a finishing end of a component transfer path of a conveying device in order to align the separator plate components and the MEA arc components being transferred by the conveying device to predetermined positions; a component stacking unit, which is attached to the component alignment unit and is configured to grip the separator plate components and the MEA arc components and stack the components on a stacking guide; and a component pressurizing unit, which is attached to an upper side of a transfer path through which the stacking guide is transferred and is configured to pressurize the separator plate components and MEA arc components stacked on the stacking guide.The component alignment unit comprises a base plate configured to support the separating plate component and the MEA arc component, and a plurality of contact elements attached to the base plate and configured to contact the edge sections of the separating plate components and the MEA arc components. The base plate includes a plurality of air outlet openings through which air is discharged to lift the separating plate components and the MEA arc components using compressed air.

[0011] The component stacking unit may include a pair of stacking grippers arranged on an upper side of a starting end of a transfer path of the stacking guide, which is attached to move back and forth in a transfer direction of the separating plate components and the MEA arc components, which is attached to move back and forth in a vertical direction, and which is set up to suction the separating plate components and the MEA arc components by means of a vacuum.

[0012] In particular, the stacking gripper can be configured to vacuum-pick any component located between the separating plate components and the MEA arc components, which are arranged at a finishing end of the conveying device, and to load the vacuum-picked components onto the component alignment unit. The stacking gripper can further be configured to vacuum-pick the other component located in the component alignment unit and to load the vacuum-picked component onto the stacking guide. The component alignment unit can comprise: a base plate configured to support the separating plate components and the MEA arc components; and contact elements attached to / on the base plate and configured to contact edge sections of the separating plate components and the MEA arc components.

[0013] The contact elements may include: a pair of first contact elements fixed to a rear outer surface of the base plate, attached to a rear edge section of the base plate and configured to contact rear edge sections of the partition plate components and the MEA arc components; a pair of second contact elements mounted to be movable forwards and backwards on a front outer surface of the base plate, attached to a front end section of the base plate and configured to contact front edge sections of the partition plate components and the MEA arc components; and a pair of third contact elements passing through both sides of the base plate, mounted to be movable in one direction along the side, and configured to contact both side edge sections of the partition plate components and the MEA arc components.

[0014] The second contact elements can be arranged to move back and forth in the forward and reverse direction by means of a first contact cylinder attached to the underside of the base plate. The third contact elements can be arranged to move back and forth in a lateral direction by means of a second contact cylinder attached to the underside of the base plate. The component pressure unit can include a pressure element / pressing element arranged to move back and forth vertically by means of a press cylinder / pressure cylinder and configured to rotate by means of a motor. A pair of fixing rods, which secure a stacking body with the divider plate components and the MEA arc components stacked separately from the stack guide, can be incorporated into the pressure element.

[0015] The device may further include an airtightness testing unit connected to the component pressurization unit and configured to supply a fluid to a stacking body, wherein the partition plate components and the MEA arc components are stacked by the component pressurization unit, and may be configured to detect the airtightness of the stacking body. In addition, the device may include a stacking testing unit attached to the side of the component stacking unit and configured to monitor (e.g., test) the partition plate components and the MEA arc components stacked on the stacking guide.

[0016] Another embodiment of the present invention provides a device for the rapid stacking of a fuel cell stack, which assembles a fuel cell stack by stacking and pressurizing separator plate components, in which a negative electrode metal separator plate and a positive electrode metal separator plate are joined / bonded, and membrane electrode assembly (MEA) arc / sheet components, in which gas diffusion layers are joined / bonded to / on both surfaces of an MEA. The device can include a component stacking unit mounted in a frame and configured to grip the separator plate components and the MEA arc components, which are conveyed by a conveyor device, and to stack the components on the stacking guide.

[0017] Furthermore, the device may include a component pressurization unit mounted on the upper side of a transfer path through which the stack guide can be transferred, and configured to pressurize the separator plate components and the MEA arc components stacked on / at the stack guide; an end plate loading unit mounted on the outside of a transfer path of the stack guide between the component stacking unit and the component pressurization unit, and configured to grip each of the upper and lower end plates and to load the gripped end plate onto the stack guide;and a transfer unit configured to transfer the stack guide, on which the separator plate components and the MEA sheet components are stacked by the component stacking unit, from a starting end of the transfer path of the stack guide to the component pressurization unit, and to transfer a stack body, in which the separator plate components and the MEA sheet components are stacked by the component pressurization unit, from the component pressurization unit to a completion end of the transfer path of the stack guide separately from the stack guide.

[0018] The device may further include a stack unloading unit which is mounted in such a way that it is movable from the component pressurization unit to the completion end of the transfer path of the stack guide, and is configured to unload the stack body to an outer side of the transfer path of the stack guide.The transfer unit may comprise: a first transfer rail configured to connect a start end and a finish end of the transfer path of the stack guide in a direction intersecting a component transfer path of the conveyor; a second transfer rail connected to the first transfer rail while intersecting the first transfer rail in a direction away from the end plate loading unit between the component stacking unit and the component pressurizing unit; and a pair of first transfer stages corresponding to the component stacking unit and the component pressurizing unit, respectively, which may be mounted to be movable along the first and second transfer rails when storing / carrying the stack guide between the component stacking unit and the component pressurizing unit.

[0019] The component pressurization unit can separate the stack body from the stack guide and can be configured to load the stack body onto the stack unloading unit. The end plate loading unit can be configured to load a lower end plate onto the stack guide in an unloaded state, from which the stack body is separated, onto the first transfer rail between the component stacking unit and the component pressurization unit, and to load an upper end plate onto the stack guide on which the separator plate components and the MEA arc components are stacked by the component stacking unit.

[0020] The second transfer rail can be configured to bypass the stack guide onto which the bottom end plate can be loaded, from the first transfer rail via the first transfer stage. The stack unloading unit can include: a second transfer stage positioned to move along a section from the component pressurization unit to the finishing end of the first transfer rail between a start end and a finishing end of the first transfer rail; and a tilting unloading unit positioned in the second transfer stage and configured to tilt / tilt the stack body to an outside of the first transfer rail and unload it.In particular, the tipping unloading unit may comprise: a tipping bracket designed to support the stacked body and mounted to be rotatable in the second transfer stage; and a tipping actuating cylinder mounted to be connected to the tipping bracket and designed to operate in a vertical forward and backward direction.

[0021] Another embodiment of the present invention provides a device for the rapid stacking of a fuel cell stack, which assembles a fuel cell stack by stacking and pressurizing separator plate components in which a negative electrode metal separator plate and a positive electrode metal separator plate are joined / bonded, and membrane electrode assembly (MEA) arc / sheet components in which gas diffusion layers are joined / bonded on both surfaces of an MEA.

[0022] In particular, the device may comprise a component alignment unit connected to a finishing end of a component transfer path of a conveyor device to align the separator plate components and the MEA arc components being transferred by the conveyor device to predetermined positions; a component stacking unit attached to an upper side of the component alignment unit and configured to grip the separator plate components and the MEA arc components and to stack the components on a stacking guide; a component pressurizing unit attached to an upper side of a transfer path through which the stacking guide can be transferred and configured to pressurize the separator plate components and the MEA arc components stacked on the stacking guide;an end plate loading unit which is attached to an outer side (outside) of a transfer path of the stack guide between the component stacking unit and the component pressurizing unit and is configured to grip each of the upper and lower end plates and load the gripped end plates onto the stack guide;and a transfer unit configured to transfer the stack guide, on which the separator plate components and the MEA arc components are stacked by the component stacking unit, from a starting end (start end) of the transfer path of the stack guide to the component pressurization unit, and configured to transfer a stack body, in which the separator plate components and the MEA arc components are stacked by the component pressurization unit, from the component pressurization unit to a finishing end (completion end) of the transfer path of the stack guide separately from the stack guide.

[0023] The device may further include a stack unloading unit which is mounted in such a way as to be movable from the component pressurization unit to the completion end of the transfer path of the stack guide, and is configured to unload the stack body onto an outer side (outside) of the transfer path of the stack guide. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The tasks, features, and advantages of the present invention will become clearer from the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The figures show: Fig. 1 to 4 perspective views showing a device for quickly stacking a fuel cell stack according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. Figures 5 to 7 show a top view, a rear view and a side view of the device for quickly stacking a fuel cell stack according to the embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 8 a diagram schematically representing a fuel cell stack used in the device for rapid stacking of a fuel cell stack according to the embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 9A-9B Diagrams representing a fuel cell component of the fuel cell stack used in the device for rapid stacking of a fuel cell stack according to the embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 10 a diagram representing a lift unit used in the device for quickly stacking a fuel cell stack according to the embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 11 and Fig. 12 diagrams representing a component receiving unit used in the device for the rapid stacking of a fuel cell stack according to the embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 13 a diagram representing a paper collection arrangement used in the device for rapidly stacking a fuel cell stack according to the embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 14 a diagram representing a component testing unit used in the device for the rapid stacking of a fuel cell stack according to the embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 15 a diagram representing a defect component extraction unit used in the device for rapid stacking of a fuel cell stack according to the embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 16 and Fig. 17 diagrams representing a component alignment unit used in the device for the rapid stacking of a fuel cell stack according to the embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 18 and Fig. 19 diagrams representing a component stacking unit used in the device for quickly stacking a fuel cell stack according to the embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 20 and Fig. 21 diagrams representing a component pressurization unit used in the device for the rapid stacking of a fuel cell stack according to the embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 22 a diagram representing an end-plate charging unit used in the device for rapid stacking of a fuel cell stack according to the embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 23 a diagram representing a transfer unit used in the device for the rapid stacking of a fuel cell stack according to the embodiment of the present invention; and Fig. 24 and Fig. 25 diagrams representing a stack discharge unit used in the device for quickly stacking a fuel cell stack according to the embodiment of the present invention. Description of the reference symbols 1 fuel cell stack 3 Fuel cell component 4 Separation plate component 4a, 4b: Negative / positive electrode metal separator plate 4c Distributor opening 5 MEA arc component 5a Membrane electrode arrangement, MEA 5b Gas diffusion layer 6 stacked bodies 7 End plate 8 Insulation board 9 Mounting rail 10 frames 30 Stack guide 110 lift unit 111 First Magazine 112 Second Magazine 113 Lift plate 115 support frames 117 Lift motor 119 Lead screw 121 Lifting plate 123 Guide rail 124 Mother 125 Lift drive device 130 Conveyor device 131 Component transfer path 150-component recording unit 151 First gripper handles 152 Second gripper bracket 153 First component gripper 155 Second component gripper 157 Connecting brackets 161 paper grippers 169 sheets of paper 171 Paper separator 175 paper collection containers 190 First drive device 191 First guide rail 193 First slide 195 First drive motor 197 First drive cylinder 210-component test unit 211 Position sensor 213 First position adjustment rail 215 Movable block 217 Second position adjustment rail 250 Defect Component Extraction Unit 251 Defective Component Extraction Grippers 253 Mounting brackets 255 Connecting element 271 Filing 290 Second drive device 291 Second guide rail 293 Second slide 295 Second drive motor 297 Second drive cylinder 310 Component Alignment Unit 311 Base plate 312 Air outlet opening 319 Passage opening 321 First contact element 322 Second touch element 323 Third contact element 325 Fixed rail 331 First contact cylinder 332 Second contact cylinder 350-component stacking unit 351 Stacking grippers 353 Mounting brackets 355 Connecting plate 370 Stack test unit 371 Vision Sensor 390 Third drive device 391 Third guide rail 393 Third drive motor 397 Third drive cylinder 410-component pressurization unit 411 Press element 413 Press cylinders 415 Mounting rod 417 Press motor 430 Air tightness test unit 450 End plate charging unit 451 End plate gripper 490 Fourth drive device 491 Fourth guide rail 493 Fourth slide 495 Fourth drive motor 497 Fourth drive cylinder 510 Transfer unit 511 First transfer rail 513 Second transfer rail 515 First transfer stage 550 stack unloading unit 551 Second transfer stage 553 Tipping discharge unit 561 Tilt bracket 563 Mounting plate 565 carriers 571 Tilt cylinder 573 Working bar 575 Connecting rod 801 cars 802 Second Car 803 third car 900 control DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] It is understood that the term "vehicle" or "vehicle-" or other equivalent expressions as used herein include motor vehicles in general, such as passenger cars including sports utility vehicles (SUVs), buses, trucks, various utility vehicles, watercraft including a variety of boats and ships, aircraft and the like, and include hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, hydrogen-powered vehicles and other vehicles using alternative fuels (for example, fuel derived from sources other than petroleum). As referenced herein, a hybrid vehicle is a vehicle that has two or more sources of propulsion, such as both gasoline-powered and electric-powered vehicles.

[0026] Although the exemplary embodiment is described as using a plurality of units to perform the exemplary process, it is understood that the exemplary processes can also be performed by one or more modules. Furthermore, it is understood that the term "controller" refers to a hardware device comprising a memory and a processor. The memory is configured to store the modules, and the processor is specifically configured to execute said modules to perform one or more processes, which are described below.

[0027] Furthermore, the control logic of the present invention can be implemented as non-volatile, computer-readable media on a computer-readable medium comprising executable program instructions that are executed by a processor, a controller / control unit, or the like. Examples of computer-readable storage media include, but are not limited to, ROM, RAM, compact disc (CD)-ROMs, magnetic tapes, floppy disks, flash drives, smart cards, and optical data storage devices. The computer-readable recording medium can also be decentralized in networked computer systems, such that the computer-readable medium is stored and executed in a distributed manner, e.g., by a telematics server or a controller area network (CAN).

[0028] The terminology used herein is intended for the purpose of describing certain embodiments and is not intended to limit the invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It is further understood that the expressions "possess" and / or "possessing," when used in this description, describe the presence of the specified features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. As used herein, the expression "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed elements.

[0029] The present invention is described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention. As a person skilled in the art would recognize, the described exemplary embodiments can be modified in various ways without departing from the teaching or scope of the present invention.

[0030] Fig. Figures 1 to 4 show perspective views illustrating a device for rapidly stacking a fuel cell stack according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. Figures 5 to 7 show a top view, a rear view, and a side view of the device for rapidly stacking a fuel cell stack according to the embodiment of the present invention. In particular, the various processes / methods, as described below, can be executed by a controller (e.g., a master controller, a higher-level controller, etc.) with a processor and memory.

[0031] With reference to Fig. 1 to 7 a device 100 for quickly stacking a fuel cell stack according to an embodiment of the present invention a fuel cell stack 1 (see Fig. 8) by a process for sequentially stacking a plurality of arcs of fuel cells, pressurizing the stacked fuel cells, and securing the fuel cells together with upper and lower end plates. For example, the fuel cell stack 1 assembled by the device 100 for rapidly stacking a fuel cell stack can consist of continuously stacked fuel cell components 3, end plates 7 arranged on the upper and lower sides of the fuel cell components 3, and a mounting rail 9 configured to secure the upper and lower end plates to the fuel cell components 3 inserted between the end plates 7, as shown in Fig. 8 are shown.

[0032] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 9, the fuel cell components 3 can comprise a separator plate component 4, in which a negative electrode metal separator plate 4a and a positive electrode metal separator plate 4b can be connected, and a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) arc component 5, in which gas diffusion layers (GDL) 5b can be connected to both surfaces of an MEA 5a. The fuel cell components 3 can be formed into a stack body 6 of the fuel cell stack 1, in which the majority of arcs of the separator plate components 4 and the MEA arc component 5 are stacked sequentially and continuously. The reference numeral 8, which is shown in Fig. 8, which is not described, denotes an insulating plate arranged on a side surface of the stacking body 6.

[0033] The following describes the components of the device 100 for the rapid stacking of a fuel cell stack according to the embodiment of the present invention, based on the fact that the separating plate component 4 and the MEA arc component 5 are stacked vertically. Accordingly, a part facing an upper side of the component can be defined as an upper end part, an upper part, and an upper surface / top, and a part facing a lower side of the component can be defined as a lower end part, a lower part, and a lower surface / bottom.

[0034] The device 100 for rapidly stacking a fuel cell stack according to the embodiment of the present invention has a structure capable of reducing the required working hours / operating hours for assembling the fuel cell stack 1, thereby improving productivity and ensuring a stacking quality of the fuel cell components 3 by automatically stacking and pressurizing the fuel cell components 3. Accordingly, the device 100 can comprise a lifting unit 110, a component receiving unit 150, a component testing unit 210, a defective component extraction unit 250, a component alignment unit 310, a component stacking unit 350, a component pressurization unit 410, an end plate loading unit 450, a transfer unit 510, and a stack unloading unit 550.The units can be operated by a controller with a processor and memory.

[0035] The various components can be formed on a frame 10, and the frame 10 can support / carry the components and can be formed from one frame or two or more divided frames. The frame 10 can include various accessory elements, such as different brackets / hooks / beams / angles, rails, rods, plates, covers, housings, blocks, partitions, ribs, cuffs / collars, and a height adjustment device for supporting the components. However, the various accessories for attaching the respective components, which are described below, are provided in the frame 10, so that in the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the accessories as a whole can be referred to as the frame 10, except in special cases.

[0036] In the embodiment of the present invention, the lift unit 110 can be configured to store a first magazine 111, in which the separator plate components 4 can be received, and a second magazine 111, in which the MEA arc components 5 can be received, and can be configured to lift the components when the components are unloaded (see Fig. 10) In particular, the first and second magazines 111 and 112 can accommodate / house the separating plate components 4 and the MEA arc component 5, which are stacked vertically, and have a shape in which an upper and lower end and a front and rear face / surface are formed as in Fig. 10 are shown open.

[0037] Additionally, lift plates 113 can be attached to the lower open ends of the first and second magazines 111 and 112 to allow vertical movement. The lift plates 113 can store the separator plate components 4 and the MEA arc components 5 in the first and second magazines 111 and 112 and can be configured to lift the components when they are unloaded. Specifically, the lift unit 110 can comprise a lift support frame 115 mounted in the frame 10 and a lift drive device 125 mounted in the lift support frame 115. The lift support frame 115 can store the first and second magazines 111 and 112. In addition to the first and second magazines 111 and 112, further pairs of first and second magazines 111 and 112 can be arranged on / in the lift support frame 115.In particular, the further pairs of first and second magazines 111 and 112 can be buffer magazines for inserting a new magazine based on an automation process.

[0038] The lift drive device 125 can be configured to move the lift plate 113 of the first and second magazines 111 and 112 vertically. Specifically, the lift drive device 125 can comprise a lift motor 117 fixedly mounted on the lift support frame 115, a leadscrew 119 configured to rotate while connected to the lift motor 117, a lifting plate 121 threaded with the leadscrew 119, and a pair of guide rails 123 coupled to the lifting plate 121 and connected to the lift plate 113. The leadscrew 119 can be arranged vertically to rotatably connect an upper end of the leadscrew 119 to the support frame 115 and to connect a lower end of the leadscrew 119 to the frame 10.The leadscrew 119 can be connected to the lift motor 117 by a belt and a pulley (not shown) and can be rotated in forward and reverse directions by driving the lift motor 117.

[0039] Furthermore, the lifting plate 121 can be threaded into the leadscrew 119 by means of a nut 124, and the leadscrew 119 can be rotated in the reverse direction by driving the lift motor 117 to guide the lifting plate 121 through the guide rail 123, thus enabling movement in the vertical direction. Additionally, the guide rails 123 can be coupled to both sides of the lifting plate 121 and can be arranged vertically parallel to the leadscrew 119. A lower end of the guide rail 123 can be connected to the lifting plate 121, and its upper end can be connected to the lift plate 113. Accordingly, in the embodiment of the present invention, the lead screw 110 can be rotated in the reverse direction by the lift motor 117 and the lifting plate 121 can move vertically to move the lift plates 113 of the first and second magazine in the vertical direction.

[0040] In the embodiment of the present invention, the component receiving unit 150 can be configured to simultaneously receive (e.g., collect, grip, or unload) one of the separator plate components 4, which are held in the first magazine 111, and one of the MEA arc components 5, which are held in the second magazine 112, and to load the components 4 and 5 onto a starting end (e.g., a starting end) of a component transfer path 131 of a conveying device 130. In particular, the conveying device 130 can be configured to transfer the separator plate components 4 and the MEA arc components 5 and can be mounted in the frame 10. The conveying device 130 can, for example, comprise a conveyor belt / transport belt configured to run in an endless path along a conveyor roller (e.g., move along it).Since the conveying device 130 can be formed from a conveying device that represents a well-known technology in the prior art, a more detailed description of its configuration is omitted in the present description. Furthermore, the conveying device 130 can form the component transfer path 131, which is connected from the lift unit 110 to a component stacking unit 350, which is described in more detail below, in an arrangement direction of the first and second magazines.

[0041] The side of the lift unit 110 in the component transfer path 131 can be referred to as a start end, the side of the component stacking unit 350 can be referred to as a finish end, the side of the start end is referred to as a front, and the side of the finish end can be referred to as a back. The component receiving unit 150 can include a pair of first and second gripper arms 151 and 152, a first component gripper 153 mounted in the first gripper arm 151, and a second component gripper 155 mounted in the second gripper arm 152, as shown in Fig. 11 and Fig. 12 are shown, comprising.

[0042] In particular, the first and second gripper arms 151 and 152 can be integrally connected by a connecting arm 157 and can be mounted to move back and forth in the same direction as the component transfer path 131 of the conveyor 130 and to move back and forth vertically by means of a first drive device 190. The first drive device 190 can comprise a first guide rail 191 arranged in the same direction as the component transfer path 131 of the conveyor 130, a first slide 193 slidably coupled to the first guide rail 191, a first drive motor 195 configured to provide a drive force to the first slide 193, and a first drive cylinder coupled to the first slide 193 and connected to the connecting arm 157.

[0043] Accordingly, the first and second gripper arms 151 and 152 can move back and forth in the same direction as the component transfer path 131 of the conveyor device 130, based on a straight movement of the first slide 193 along the first guide rail 191, by driving the first drive motor 195. Furthermore, the first and second gripper arms 151 and 152 can move vertically back and forth by driving the first drive cylinder 197.

[0044] Furthermore, the first component gripper 153 can be attached to a first gripper arm. The first component gripper 153 can be equipped with a vacuum suction cup configured to apply a vacuum suction force and to use this vacuum suction force to pick up the separator plate components 4 held in the first magazine 111. The second component gripper 155 can be attached to the second gripper arm 152. The second component gripper 155 can be equipped with a vacuum suction cup configured to apply a vacuum suction force and to use this vacuum suction force to pick up the MEA sheet components 5 held in the second magazine 112.

[0045] The first and second component grippers 153 and 155 can be configured to move straight ahead towards the first and second magazines 111 and 112, respectively, and to move downwards through the first drive device 190, thereby suctioning the separating plate components 4 and the MEA arc components 5, which are held in the first and second magazines 111 and 112 respectively, by means of a vacuum. Furthermore, the first and second component grippers 153 and 155 can be configured to move upwards through the first drive device (e.g., moving upwards) while the separating plate components 4 and the MEA arc components 5, respectively, are suctioned by means of a vacuum, and to move straight ahead towards the beginning end of the conveyor device 130.

[0046] Additionally, when the vacuum suction force is released, when the first and second component grippers 153 and 155 move in the downward direction (e.g. downwards) through the first drive device 190, the first and second component grippers 153 and 155 can be set up to load the separating plate component 4 and the MEA arc component 5 respectively to the beginning end of the component transfer path 131 of the conveying device 130.

[0047] Meanwhile, according to the embodiment of the present invention, the component receiving unit 150 can further comprise paper grippers 161 and paper separating devices 171. When the separating plate component 4 is drawn into the first magazine 111 by the first component gripper 153 by means of a vacuum, the paper gripper 161 can be configured to simultaneously grip a piece of paper 169 inserted between the separating plate components 4 (see figure). Fig. 13) to be suctioned by means of a vacuum. The paper gripper 161 can be fixedly mounted in the first gripper arm 151 and may be provided with a vacuum suction cup designed to apply or release a vacuum suction force. The paper grippers 161 can be mounted at corners of the first gripper arm and may be configured to suction the paper 169 by means of a vacuum through a distributor opening 4c of the separator plate component 4.

[0048] The paper separating device 171 can be configured to separate the paper 169 from the separating plate component 4 and the paper gripper 161 when the vacuum suction force of the paper gripper 161 is no longer applied. The paper separating device 171 can be fixedly mounted in the first gripper arm 151 and can be an actuating rod configured to move forward and backward in the vertical direction by the drive cylinder. The paper separating device 171 can be mounted at the respective corners of the first gripper arm 151 and can be configured to move forward and backward through the distributor opening 4c of the separating plate component 4 or to be actuated, thereby separating the paper 169 from the separating plate component 4 and the paper gripper 161.

[0049] In particular, the paper 169 can be separated from the separating plate component 4 and the paper gripper 161 by the paper separating device 171 during a process in which the paper 169 moves towards the beginning end of the component transfer path 131 of the conveying device 130, while being drawn in by vacuum by the paper gripper 161, together with the separating plate component 4, which is drawn in by vacuum to the component gripper 153. The paper 169, separated from the separating plate component 4 and the paper gripper 161, can fall freely into and be collected in a paper collection container 175, which is located between the first and second magazines 111 and 112 and the beginning end of the component transfer path 131 of the conveying device 130, as shown in Fig. Figure 13 is shown. As described above, the paper collected in the paper collection container 75 can be reused later.

[0050] In the embodiment of the present invention, the component testing unit 210 can be configured to test the separating plate component 4 and the MEA arc component 5 as they are conveyed along the component transfer path 131 of the conveyor device 130. In other words, the component testing unit 210 can be configured to detect edge positions of the separating plate component 4 and the MEA arc components 5 and to detect whether the separating plate component 4 and the MEA arc components 5 are defective. The component testing unit 210 can be mounted on an upper side of the component transfer path 131 of the conveyor device 130.The component test unit 210 can include a pair of position sensors 211 configured to detect edge positions of the distributor openings 4c located on both sides of the separator plate component 4 and the MEA arc component 5, and can be configured to transmit the detection signal to a controller 900 (see . Fig. 5) as in Fig. 4 to be displayed.

[0051] The pair of position sensors 211 can correspond to both sides of the separating plate component 4 and the MEA arc component 5 in a lateral direction of the conveyor 130 and can be movably mounted in a lateral direction of the conveyor 130. The position sensors 211 can be slidably mounted in a first position adjustment rail 213, which is arranged in the lateral direction of the conveyor 130, so that they are slidable in the lateral direction of the conveyor 130. The position sensors 211 can be mounted in the first position adjustment rail 213 by means of a movable block 215 so that they are slidable in the lateral direction of the conveyor 130.

[0052] Furthermore, the position sensors 211 can be mounted to be movable in the vertical direction relative to the first position adjustment rail 213. Accordingly, a second position adjustment rail 217 can be mounted in the movable block 215 in the vertical direction. The position sensor 211 can be coupled to the second position adjustment rail 217 to be vertically displaceable. As a result, the position sensor 211 can move laterally along the first position adjustment rail 213 of the conveyor device 130 and vertically along the second position adjustment rail 217 to adjust a position in accordance with the distributor openings 4c of the separating plate component 4 and the MEA arc component 5.

[0053] Since the position sensor 211 can be configured as a vision sensor, which is well known in the prior art, a more detailed description of its configuration is omitted from this description. Reference numeral 218, which is not described in the drawing, represents a lighting device configured to emit light to the distribution openings 4c of the separating plate component 4 and the MEA arc component 5.

[0054] In the above, the controller 900 can be configured to perform general operation of the device 100, and in particular, the controller 900 can be configured to receive a detection signal from the position sensor 211 and to determine, based on predefined position information (e.g., position information of the edges / corners / edges of the distributor openings) of the separating plate component 4 and the MEA arc component 5, whether the separating plate component 4 and the MEA arc component 5 are defective.In the embodiment of the present invention, the defect component extraction unit 250 can be configured to grasp or grip each of the separating plate component 4 and the MEA arc component 5, which constitute a single set, which is determined by the component testing unit 210 and the control unit 900 to have a defect, on the conveyor device 130, and can be configured to unload (e.g. remove from the conveyor device) the gripped separating plate component 4 and MEA arc component 5 to the outside of the conveyor device 130.

[0055] The defective component extraction unit 250 can be mounted on an upper side of the conveyor device 130 or on a rear side of the component inspection unit 210 and can comprise a plurality of defective component extraction grippers 251, as shown in Fig. Figure 15 illustrates this. The defective component extraction gripper 251 can be configured to simultaneously vacuum-seal the separating plate component 4 and the MEA arc component 5 as a single unit, which is determined to have a defect, and to load the components onto a tray provided on an outer side of the conveyor 130. The defective component extraction grippers 251 can be attached to a pair of retaining brackets 253, which are designed to accommodate the separating plate component 4 and the MEA arc component 5 as a single unit. The pair of retaining brackets 253 can be integrally connected via a connecting element 255. Additionally, the pair of retaining brackets can be mounted to move back and forth in a direction intersecting the component transfer path 131 of the conveyor 130, and to move back and forth vertically by means of a second drive device 290.

[0056] The second drive device 290 can comprise a second guide rail 291 arranged in a direction intersecting the component transfer path 131 of the conveyor 130, a second slide 293 slidably coupled to the second guide rail 291, a second drive motor 295 configured to output a drive force to the second slide 293, and a second drive cylinder 297 coupled to the second slide 293 and connected to the connecting element 255. Accordingly, the second slide 293 can be configured to move linearly along the second guide rail 291 by the drive force of the second drive motor 295, causing the retaining angle 253 to move back and forth in the direction intersecting the component transfer path 131 of the conveyor 130 (e.g., to move in a reciprocating motion).Furthermore, the holding angle 253 can move back and forth in the vertical direction by driving the second drive cylinder 297.

[0057] In the above, the defective component extraction grippers 251 can be fixedly mounted at the corners of each support bracket 253. The defective component extraction grippers 251 can be provided with vacuum suction cups configured to apply a vacuum suction force and to suction the separating plate component 4 and the MEA arc component 5 as the single set determined to be defective. The defective component extraction grippers 251 can be configured to move downwards from the top of the conveyor 130 through the second drive device 290 and to suction the separating plate component 4 and the MEA arc component 5 as a single set determined by the component testing unit 210 and the control unit 900 to be defective by means of a vacuum.

[0058] Furthermore, the defect component extraction grippers 251 can be configured to move upwards through the second drive device 290 while vacuum-assisting the separation plate component 4 or the MEA arc component 5, and to move linearly towards the storage tray 271 on the outer side of the conveyor 130 in the direction intersecting the component transfer path 131 of the conveyor 130. When the vacuum suction is released as the defect component extraction grippers 251 move downwards through the second drive device 290, the defect component extraction grippers 251 can be configured to load the separation plate component 4 and the MEA arc component 5 onto the storage tray 271.The storage unit 271 can accommodate the separating plate component 4 and the MEA arc component 5 as a single set which is determined to have a defect and can be firmly mounted in the frame 10 on the outer side of the conveyor device 130.

[0059] In the embodiment of the present invention, the component alignment unit 310 can be configured to align the separating plate component 4 and the MEA arc component 5, which are transferred via the conveyor 130, to predetermined positions. In other words, the component alignment unit 310 can be configured to align the separating plate component 4 and the MEA arc component 5, which are transferred from the rear, to predetermined positions on the side of the completion end of the component transfer path 131 of the conveyor 130. In particular, the separating plate component 4 and the MEA arc component 5, which are transferred to the completion end of the component transfer path 131 of the conveyor 130, can each be gripped / held by a component stacking unit 350, which will be described in more detail below, and loaded onto the side of the component alignment unit 310.

[0060] The component alignment unit 310 can be mounted in the frame 10 to be connected to the completion end of the component transfer path 131 of the conveyor device 130, and can include a single base plate 311 and a plurality of contact elements 321, 322 and 323 mounted in the base plate 311, as shown in Fig. 16 and Fig. The base plate 311 can be configured to support both the separating plate component 4 and the MEA arc component 5, and can be mounted in the frame 10 at approximately the same height as that of the conveyor 130 on the side of the finished end of the component transfer path 131 of the conveyor 130. The base plate 311 can be formed / shaped in a rectangular form.

[0061] Furthermore, a plurality of air outlet openings 312 can be formed in the base plate 311 to discharge / drain air and to raise the separating plate component 4 and the MEA arc component 5 to a predetermined height using the air pressure. The air outlet openings 312 can be connected to a compressed air supply device (not shown) configured to supply compressed air. The contact elements 321, 322, and 323 contact edge sections of the separating plate component 4 and the MEA arc component 5 and align the components to predetermined positions when the separating plate component 4 and the MEA arc component 5 are raised while the compressed air is discharged through the air outlet openings 312 of the base plate 311.In the embodiment of the present invention, the contact elements 321, 322 and 323 can be divided into a first contact element 321, a second contact element 322 and a third contact element 323.

[0062] The first contact element 321 can be fixedly mounted to the rear outer surface of the base plate 311, attached to an edge section of the rear / back surface of the base plate 311, and can be configured to contact (e.g., come into contact with, abut / aft, etc.) the edge sections of the back surfaces of the partition plate component 4 and the MEA arc component 5. The first contact element 321 can be attached to a pair of fixed rails 325 arranged vertically on the rear outer surface of the base plate 311 and fastened to the frame 10. In other words, the first contact element 321 can be fixedly mounted to each of the fixed rails 325 on the rear outer surface of the base plate 311.

[0063] The second contact element 322 can be movably mounted on a front outer surface of the base plate 311 in a forward and backward direction, being attached to edge sections of the front surface of the base plate 311, and can be configured to contact edge sections of the front surfaces of the separating plate component 4 and the MEA arc component 5. The second contact element 322 can be configured to move the separating plate component 4 and the MEA arc component 5 from the front to the rear surface of the base plate 311 while contacting the front edge section of the separating plate component 4 and the MEA arc component 5. Accordingly, the second contact element 322 can be mounted to move back and forth in the forward and backward direction by means of a first contact cylinder 331, which is fixedly arranged on a lower surface / underside of the base plate 311.

[0064] The third contact element 323 can be movably mounted on both sides of the base plate 311 in the lateral direction and can be configured to contact edge sections of both sides of the separating plate component 4 and the MEA arc component 5 while passing through both sides of the base plate 311. The third contact element 323 can be configured to push / slide the separating plate component 4 and the MEA arc component 5 in the lateral direction of both sides of the base plate 311 while contacting the edge sections of both sides of the separating plate component 4 and the MEA arc component 5. Consequently, the third contact element 323 can be mounted to move back and forth in the lateral direction through a second contact cylinder 332, which is fixed to the lower surface / underside of the base plate 311.In particular, the third contact element 323 can protrude upwards from an upper surface / top of the base plate 311 through an opening formed on both sides of the base plate 311 and can be connected to the second contact cylinder 332.

[0065] In the embodiment of the present invention, the component stacking unit 350 can be configured to grasp the separating plate component 4 and the MEA arc component 5, which are aligned by the component alignment unit 310, and to stack the components on a stacking guide 30, which is arranged to be transferred in the direction intersecting the component transfer path 131 of the conveyor 130. Furthermore, the component stacking unit 350 can be configured to grasp the separating plate component 4 and the MEA arc component 5, which are arranged at the end of the conveyor 130, and to transfer the grasped separating plate component 4 and the MEA arc component 5 to the component alignment unit 310.

[0066] In particular, the stacking guide 30 can be a guide mechanism configured to stack the separating plate component 4 and the MEA arc component 5 sequentially, and can be configured to guide the edge sections of components 4 and 5 in the vertical direction. The component stacking unit 350 can be formed / configured on an upper side of the component alignment unit 310 at the end-of-completion side of the component transfer path 131 of the conveyor 130. As shown in Fig. 18 and Fig. As shown in Figure 19, the component stacking unit 350 can be arranged on an upper side of an initial end of a transfer path of the stacking guide 30, being mounted to move back and forth in the transfer direction of the separating plate component 4 and the MEA arc component 5, and can comprise a pair of stacking grippers 351 mounted to move back and forth in the vertical direction. In particular, the stacking guide 30 and the components stacked on the stacking guide 30 can be transferred along the transfer path of the stacking guide, and this transfer path can be in a direction intersecting the component transfer path 131 of the conveying device 130.

[0067] The pair of stack grippers 351 can be configured to vacuum-pick up the separating plate component 4 and the MEA arc component 5. In particular, the pair of stack grippers 352 can be configured to vacuum-pick one component of the separating plate component 4 and the MEA arc component 5, which are located at the end of the conveyor 130, and to load the component picked up by the vacuum onto the component alignment unit 310. Furthermore, the pair of stack grippers 351 can be configured to vacuum-pick up the other component, which is located in the component alignment unit 310, and to load the component picked up by the vacuum onto the stack guide 30.

[0068] The stack grippers 351 can be attached to a pair of mounting brackets 353 to correspond to the upper side of the finishing end of the component transfer path 131 of the conveyor 130 and the upper side of the component alignment unit 310. The pair of mounting brackets 353 can be integrally connected via a connecting plate 355. Furthermore, the pair of mounting brackets 353 can be mounted to move back and forth in the same direction as the component transfer path 131 of the conveyor 130, and can also be mounted to move back and forth vertically by means of a third drive device 390.

[0069] In particular, the third drive device 390 can comprise a third guide rail 391, arranged in the same direction as the component transfer path 131 of the conveyor device 130, a third slide 393, which is slidably coupled to the third guide rail 391, a third drive motor 395, which is configured to provide a drive force to the third slide 393, and a third drive cylinder 397, which is coupled to the third slide 393 and connected to the connecting plate 355. Accordingly, the mounting bracket 353 can move back and forth in the same direction as the component transfer path 131 of the conveyor device 130 based on a linear movement of the third slide 393 along the third guide rail 391 by the drive force of the third drive motor.Furthermore, the mounting bracket 353 can move back and forth in the vertical direction by driving the third drive cylinder 397.

[0070] In the above, the stacking gripper 351 can be fixedly mounted to each of the mounting brackets 353. The stacking gripper can be equipped with a vacuum suction cup configured to apply a vacuum suction force. Additionally, the stacking grippers 351 can be configured to vacuum-pick up one component of the separating plate component 4 and the MEA arc component 5, which are located at the end of the conveyor 130, and the other component located in the component alignment unit 310. The stacking grippers 351 can be configured to move downwards by the third drive device 390 from the top of the end of the component transfer path 131 of the conveyor 130 and from the top of the component alignment unit 310.The stack grippers 351 can further be configured to move downwards and to suction, by means of a vacuum, one component of the separating plate component 4 and the MEA arc component 5, which are arranged on the side of the finishing end of the conveyor device 130, and the other component, which is arranged in the component alignment unit 310.

[0071] Additionally, the stack grippers 351 can be configured to move upwards through the third drive device 390 while the component is suctioned by a vacuum, and to move linearly towards the aforementioned stack guide 30 in the same direction as the component transfer path 131 of the conveyor device 130. Furthermore, when the vacuum suction is released while the stack grippers 351 are moving downwards through the third drive device 390, the stack grippers 351 can be configured to load one component of the separating plate component 4 and the MEA arc component 5 onto the component alignment unit 310 and to load the other component onto the stack guide 30.

[0072] In the embodiment of the present invention, the component stacking unit 350 can further comprise a lifting device configured to move the separating plate component 4 and the MEA arc component 5 from the upper side to the lower side of the stacking guide 30 when the separating plate component 4 and the MEA arc component 5 are stacked on the stacking guide 30 by the stacking grippers 351. The lifting device (not shown) can be configured to move a mechanism that supports the components of the separating plate component 4 and the MEA arc component 5 from the upper side to the lower side or from the lower side to the upper side by driving a motor or an actuating cylinder within the stacking guide.

[0073] Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a stack inspection unit 370 can be configured to inspect the separator plate component 4 and the MEA arc component 5 stacked on the stacking guide 30, and can be mounted on the side of the component stacking unit 350. The stack inspection unit 370 can also comprise a plurality of vision sensors 371 fixedly mounted in the frame 10 to correspond to a component stacking area of ​​the stacking guide 30. The vision sensors 371 can be configured to detect the stacking quality of the separator plate component 4 and the MEA arc component 5 stacked on the stacking guide 30. The vision sensors can be fixedly mounted in the frame 10 to correspond to both distributor openings 4c of the separator plate component 4 and the MEA arc component 5 stacked on the stacking guide.In particular, a pair of vision sensors 371 can be arranged to correspond to both distributor openings 4c of both the separator plate component 4 and the MEA arc component 5, which are stacked on the stack guide 30.

[0074] Additionally, each vision sensor 371 can be configured to capture (e.g. photograph) an image of the two distributor openings 4c of the separator plate component 4 and the MEA arc component 5, which are stacked on the stack guide 30, and to transmit the vision data to the controller 900 (see Fig. 5) to output. Accordingly, the controller 90 can be configured to receive the vision data from the vision sensor 371 and, based on a predefined stacking quality level of the separating plate component 4 and the MEA arc component 5, to determine whether the stacking quality of the components is insufficient. In particular, if the controller 900 determines that the stacking quality of the separating plate component 4 and the MEA arc component 5 is insufficient, the aforementioned component stacking unit 350 can be operated by the controller 900 and can be configured to extract / remove the separating plate component 4 and the MEA arc component 5 from the stacking guide 30 (e.g., remove / dispose of the components from the stacking guide).

[0075] In the embodiment of the present invention, the component pressurization unit 410 can be configured to pressurize the separator plate component 4 and the MEA arc component 5, which are continuously stacked on the stacking guide 30 by the component stacking unit 350. In other words, when the separator plate component 4 and the MEA arc component 5 are continuously stacked on the stacking guide 30 and the stacking guide 30 is moved along the transfer path (e.g., the transfer path of the stacking guide), the component pressurization unit 410 can be configured to pressurize the separator plate component 4 and the MEA arc component 5, which are stacked on the stacking guide 30, by means of a pressing process.

[0076] The component pressure application unit 410 can be arranged on the upper side of the transfer path of the stack guide 30 and can include a pressure element / pressing element 411 which is mounted to move back and forth in the vertical direction, as shown in Fig. 20 and Fig. Figure 21 shows the pressing element 411. The pressing element 411 can be mounted in the frame 10, on the upper side of the transfer path of the stack guide 30, and positioned to move back and forth in the vertical direction towards an inner side of the stack guide. In particular, the pressing element 411 can move back and forth in the vertical direction by means of a pressing cylinder 413, which is fixedly mounted in the frame 10. Specifically, the pressing cylinder 413 can be configured to cause (e.g., provide / supply) the pressing element 411 to move back and forth in the vertical direction by means of a forward / reverse operation.

[0077] Furthermore, a pair of fastening rods 415 can be mounted in the pressing element 411 and can secure the stacking body 6, in which the separator plate components 4 and the MEA arc components 5 are stacked, separately from the stacking guide 30. An upper end of the fastening rod 415 can be attached to the pressing element 411, and a lower end of the fastening rod 415 can be coupled to a part within the stacking guide 30 that supports the lowest part of the stacking body 6. Therefore, in the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the part supporting the lowest part of the stacking body 6 can be coupled to the lower end of the fastening rod 415 when the separator plate components 4 and the MEA arc components 5, which are stacked on the stacking guide 30, are subjected to pressure by the pressing element 411.When the pressing element 411 moves upwards through a pressing cylinder 413, the stack body 6 can be separated on the outside (top side) of the stack guide 30.

[0078] In the embodiment of the present invention, the pressing element 411 can be mounted by the pressing cylinder 413 and can be rotatable by a press motor 417. In other words, the pressing element 411 can be rotated 360° by the press motor 417 as it moves upwards through the pressing cylinder 413. The pressing element 411 can be rotated by the press motor 417 to mount the aforementioned insulating plate 8 and the mounting rail 9 in the stacking body when the stacking body is rotated, as the stacking body 6 is separated from the stacking guide 30 from the outside (top side) as described above.

[0079] An airtightness testing unit 430 can be attached according to an embodiment of the present invention to be connected to the pressing element 411. The airtightness testing unit 430 can be configured to detect the airtightness (e.g., a seal, an airtight seal, etc.) of the stacking body 6 while a fluid is supplied to the stacking body 6, the separating plate components 4, and the MEA arc components 5, which are pressurized by the pressing element. The airtightness testing unit 430 can further be configured to supply hydrogen gas, air, and a cooling medium to the separating plate component 4 and the MEA arc component 5 of the stacking body 6, to measure the pressure of the hydrogen gas, air, and cooling medium of the separating plate component 4 and the MEA arc component 5, and to detect the airtightness of the stacking body.In other words, the supply of the cooling component can enable / facilitate the detection of a seal.

[0080] In the embodiment of the present invention, the end-plate loading unit 450 can be configured to grasp the upper and lower end plates 7 of the fuel cell stack 1 and load the grasped end plates 7 onto the stack guide 30. In particular, the end-plate loading unit 450 can be configured to grasp the end plates 7, which are separately held in the frame 10, one after the other (e.g., individually), and load the grasped end plates 7 onto the stack guide 30 in an unloaded state. The end plate 7 loaded onto the stack guide 30 in the unloaded state can be provided as a lower end plate. Furthermore, the end-plate loading unit 450 can be configured to load the end plate onto the stack guide 30 in which the separator plate components 4 and the MEA arc components 5 are stacked by the component stacking unit 350.The end plate 7, which is loaded onto the stacking guide 30 on which the separating plate components 4 and the MEA arc components 5 are stacked, can be provided as an upper end plate. Furthermore, the upper and lower end plates 7 can be fastened by the aforementioned mounting rail 9.

[0081] The end plate loading unit 450 can be arranged on the outer side of the transfer path of the stacking guide 30 between the component stacking unit 350 and the component pressurizing unit 410. Additionally, the end plate loading unit 450 can include end plate grippers 415 for suctioning the end plate by means of a vacuum, as described in Fig. The end plate gripper 415 can be configured to grip the end plate 7, which is separately mounted on the outside of the transfer path of the stack guide 30, and to load the end plate 7 onto the stack guide 30 on the transfer path of the stack guide 30. The end plate gripper 451 can be provided by a vacuum suction cup to apply a vacuum suction force and to suction the end plate 7 with the vacuum suction force.

[0082] The end plate gripper 451 can move back and forth in the direction crossing the transfer path of the stack guide 30 by means of a fourth drive device and can move back and forth in the vertical direction. In particular, the fourth drive device 490 can comprise a fourth guide rail 491 arranged in the direction crossing the transfer path of the stack guide 30, a fourth slide 493 slidably coupled to the fourth guide rail, a fourth drive motor 495 configured to provide a drive force to the fourth slide, and a fourth drive cylinder 497 coupled to the fourth slide 493 and connected to the end plate gripper 451.

[0083] Accordingly, the end plate gripper 451 can move back and forth in the direction crossing the transfer path of the stack guide 30 based on a linear movement of the fourth slide 493 along the fourth guide rail 491 by driving the fourth drive motor 495. Furthermore, the end plate gripper 451 can move back and forth in the vertical direction by driving the fourth drive cylinder 497. The end plate gripper 451 can be configured to move downwards by the fourth drive device 490 from the upper sides of the end plates 7, which are separately mounted on the outside of the transfer path of the stack guide, and to suction the end plate 7 by means of a vacuum.

[0084] The end plate gripper 451 can further be configured to move upwards through the fourth drive device 490 while the end plate 7 is being vacuum-suspended, and to move linearly in the direction intersecting the transfer path of the stacking guide 30. In other words, the end plate gripper 451 can be configured to move linearly towards the stacking guide 30 along the transfer path from the outside of the transfer path of the stacking guide. When the vacuum suction is released while the end plate gripper 451 is moving downwards through the fourth drive device 490, the end plate gripper 451 can be configured to load the end plate 7 onto the stacking guide 30.

[0085] In the embodiment of the present invention, the transfer unit 510 can be configured to transfer the stacking guide 30, on which the separating plate component 4 and the MEA sheet component 5 are stacked by the component stacking unit 350, from the beginning end of the transfer path of the stacking guide 30 to the side of the component pressurization unit 410. Furthermore, the transfer unit 510 can be configured to transfer the stacking body 6, in which the separating plate components 4 and the MEA sheet components 5 are stacked by the component pressurization unit 410, from the component pressurization unit 410 to the end of the transfer path of the stacking guide 30, separately from the stacking guide 30.

[0086] The transfer unit 510 can include a first transfer rail 511, a second transfer rail 513, and first transfer stages 515 as shown in Fig. The first transfer rail 511 can be mounted in the frame 10 on the sides of the component stacking unit 350 and the component pressurizing unit 410. The first transfer rail 511 can connect the start and end of the transfer path of the stacking guide 30 and can be arranged in the direction crossing the component transfer path 131 of the conveyor 130. The second transfer rail 513 can be connected to the first transfer rail 511 while crossing the first transfer rail 511 in a direction away from the end plate loading unit 450, between the component stacking unit 350 and the component pressurizing unit 410.

[0087] Furthermore, a pair of first transfer stages 515 can be arranged to correspond to the component stacking unit 350 and the component pressurization unit 410, respectively. The first transfer stages can be configured to support the stacking guide 30 between the component stacking unit 350 and the component pressurization unit 410 and to move along the first and second transfer rails 511 and 513. The first transfer stage 515 can be slidably coupled to the first and second transfer rails 511 and 513 via a separate drive device (not shown). Since the drive device can be formed from a rail-sliding motion device, as is well known in the prior art, a more detailed description of its configuration is omitted in this description.

[0088] Accordingly, in the embodiment of the present invention, the stacking guide 30 can be configured to move along the first and second transfer rails 511 and 513 between the component stacking unit 350 and the component pressurization unit 410 while being supported by the first transfer stage 515. Furthermore, the aforementioned end plate loading unit 450 can be configured to load the lower end plate 7 onto the stacking guide 30 in the unloaded state, when the stacking body 6 is being separated, onto the first transfer rail 511 between the component stacking unit 350 and the component pressurization unit 410. The end plate loading unit 450 can be configured to load the upper end plate 7 onto the stacking guide 30, onto which the separating plate component 4 and the MEA arc component 5 are stacked by the component stacking unit 350.

[0089] In particular, the second transfer rail 513 can be provided as a bypass section to bypass the stacking guide 30, onto which the lower end plate 7 is loaded, from the first transfer rail 511 through the first transfer stage 515. Specifically, the component pressure unit 410 can be configured to apply pressure to the separating plate component 4 and the MEA arc component 5, which are stacked on the stacking guide 30 by the pressing element 411, and to lift (e.g., raise) the stack body 6 of the components and separate the stack body 6 from the stacking guide 30, while the separating plate component 4 and the MEA arc component 5 are stacked on the stacking guide 30 by the component stacking unit 350.

[0090] The component pressurization unit 410 can then be configured to load the stack body 6 onto the stack unloading unit 550, which is described below, while the stack body 6 is rotated by the component pressurization unit 410 and the insulating plate 8 and the mounting rail 9 are mounted onto the stack body 6. The stack guide 30, from which the stack body 6 is separated, can be configured to move towards the end plate loading unit 450 along the first transfer rail 511 through the first transfer stage 515, and the end plate loading unit 450 can be configured to load the lower end plate 7 onto the stack guide in the unloaded state.

[0091] Furthermore, the stacking guide onto which the lower end plate 7 is loaded can be configured to move along the first transfer rail 511 through the first transfer stage 515 and enter / transition into the second transfer rail 513 of the bypass section. Then, the stacking guide 30, on which the separating plate component 4 and the MEA arc component 5 are stacked by the component stacking unit 350, can be configured to move towards the end plate loading unit 450 along the first transfer rail 511 through the first transfer stage 515. The end plate loading unit 450 can be configured to load the upper end plate 7 onto the stacking guide 30, on which the separating plate component 4 and the MEA arc component 5 are stacked.Accordingly, the stack guide 30, onto which the end plate 7 is loaded, can be configured to move towards the component pressure unit 410 along the first transfer rail 511 through the first transfer stage 515, and the stack guide 30, which is bypassed at the second transfer rail 513, can be configured to move towards the component stacking unit 350 along the first transfer rail 511 through the first transfer stage 515.

[0092] As described above, the component pressurization unit 410 can be set up to separate the stack body 6, on which the separating plate component 4 and the MEA arc component 5 are stacked, from the stack guide 30, and to mount the insulating plate 8 and the mounting rail 9 onto the stack body 6 and to load the stack body 6 as the fuel cell stack 1 onto the stack unloading unit 550, which is described below.

[0093] In the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the stack discharge unit 550 can be configured to discharge the stack body 6, assembled as the fuel cell stack, from the component pressurization unit 410 to the outside of the transfer path of the stack guide 30 (e.g., to remove the stack body 6 from the transfer path of the stack guide 30). The stack discharge unit 550 can be movable from the side of the component pressurization unit 410 to the end of the transfer path of the stack guide 30 and can include a second transfer stage 511 and a tilting discharge unit 553 as shown in Fig. 24 and Fig. 25 are shown.

[0094] The second transfer stage 551 can be movable in a section between the start end and the end of the first transfer rail 511, from the component pressurization unit 410 to the completion end of the first transfer rail 511. The second transfer stage 551 can be configured to support the stacked body 6 unloaded by the component pressurization unit 410 and to move along the section from the component pressurization unit 410 to the completion end of the first transfer rail 511. The second transfer stage 551 can be slidably coupled to the first transfer rail 511 by a separate drive device (not shown).Since the drive device can be formed from a rail sliding motion device, as is well known in the prior art, a more detailed description of a configuration thereof is omitted in the present description.

[0095] The tilting unloading unit 553 can be configured to unload the stack body 6, as the fuel cell stack 1, onto the outside of the first transfer rail 511 when the stack body 6 is tilted, and can be mounted in the second transfer stage 551. The tilting unloading unit 553 can include a tilting bracket 561 and a tilting actuator 571. The tilting bracket 561 can be configured to support the stack body 6 and can be rotatably mounted in the second transfer stage 551. The tilting bracket 561 can include a retaining plate that holds (e.g., grips, supports, etc.) a lower side / bottom of the stack body 6, and a pair of supports 565 configured to support a side face of an unloaded stack body 6. The pair of supports 565 can be rigidly coupled to the retaining plate 563 and rotatably connected / articulated to / at the second transfer stage 551.

[0096] The tilting cylinder 571 can be fixedly mounted in the second transfer stage 551 and can include a working rod 573 configured to operate forwards and backwards in the vertical direction (e.g., up and down movements). The working rod 573 can be connected to the retaining plate 563 of the tilting bracket 561 by a connecting rod 575. Opposite ends of the connecting rod 575 can be pivotally connected to a front end of the working rod 573 or the retaining plate 563, respectively.

[0097] Furthermore, the operation of the device 100 for the rapid stacking of a fuel cell stack according to the embodiment of the present invention as described above will now be described in detail with reference to the previously disclosed drawings.

[0098] In the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first magazine 111, in which the separator plate components 4 are held, and the second magazine 112, in which the MEA arc components 5 are held, can first be loaded onto the support frame 115 of the lift unit 110. Specifically, the first magazine 111 and the second magazine 112 can be transferred to the lift unit 110 by a first carriage 801 and loaded onto the support frame 115. In addition to the pair of first and second magazines 111 and 112, another pair of first and second magazines 111 and 112, and yet another pair of first and second magazines 111 and 112, can be loaded successively / serially onto the lift support frame 115. In other words, pairs of magazines can be continuously loaded onto the lift support frame.

[0099] In the embodiment of the present invention, one of the separating plate components 4 of the first magazine 111 and one of the MEA arc components 5 of the second magazine 112 can be simultaneously picked up (e.g., collected, grasped, gripped, etc.) by the first and second component grippers 153 and 155 of the component receiving unit 150, and the components 4 and 5 can be loaded onto the beginning end of the component transfer path 131 of the conveying device 130. In particular, the first and second component grippers 153 and 155 can be configured to move linearly towards the first and second magazines 111 and 112 and to move downwards through the first drive device 190, and to suction the separating plate component 4 and the MEA arc component 5, which are held in the first and second magazines 111 and 112 respectively, by means of a vacuum.

[0100] Then the first and second component grippers 153 and 155 can be configured to move upwards through the first drive device 190, while the separating plate component 4 and the MEA arc component 5 are each suctioned by vacuum and move linearly towards the starting end of the conveyor device 130. When the vacuum suction is released, while the first and second component grippers 153 and 155 move downwards through the first drive device 190, the first and second component grippers 153 and 155 can be configured to load the separating plate component 4 and the MEA arc component 5 onto the starting end of the component transfer path 131 of the conveyor device 130.

[0101] In the process of continuously loading the separating plate component 4 and the MEA arc component 5 of the first and second magazines 112 and 112 onto the conveying device 130 using the component receiving unit 150, in the embodiment of the present invention the lift plate 113 can be arranged within the first and second magazines to move upwards through the lift drive device 125 of the lift unit 110.

[0102] The separating plate component 4 and the MEA arc component 5, which are held in the first and second magazines 111 and 112 respectively, can be configured to move upwards through the lift plate 113 while being unloaded by the first and second component grippers 153 and 155. Consequently, the first and second component grippers 153 and 155 can be configured to move along a predetermined path through the first drive device 190 and to grip the separating plate component 4 and the MEA arc component 5 from the first and second magazines 111 and 112, and to load the gripped separating plate component 4 and MEA arc component 5 onto the conveyor device 130.

[0103] If the separating plate component 4 is drawn into the first magazine 111 by the first component gripper 153 by means of vacuum as described above, the paper inserted between the separating plate components 4 can be drawn into the paper gripper simultaneously by means of vacuum. In particular, the paper gripper 161 can be configured to draw the paper 169 into the separating plate component 4 by means of vacuum through the distributor openings 4c of the separating plate component 4. Then the separating plate component 4 can be drawn into the first component gripper 153 by means of vacuum while the paper 169 is simultaneously drawn into the paper gripper 161 by means of vacuum, and the separating plate component 4 can be configured to move towards the beginning end of the component transfer path 131 of the conveying device 130.

[0104] In this process, when the vacuum suction of the paper gripper 161 is released, the paper 169 can be separated from the separating plate component 4 and the paper gripper 161 by the paper separating device 171. The paper separating device 171 can be configured to operate forwards and backwards through the distributor openings 4c of the separating plate component and to separate the separating plate component 4 and the paper 169 from the paper gripper 161.

[0105] The paper 169, separated by the separating plate component 4 and the paper gripper 161, can fall as described above and can be collected in the paper collection container 175 between the first and second magazines 111 and 112 and the beginning end of the component transfer path 131 of the conveyor 130. Additionally, the separating plate component 4 and MEA sheet component 5, loaded onto the side of the beginning end of the component transfer path 131 of the conveyor 130 by the first and second component grippers 153 and 155 of the component receiving unit 150, can be transferred along the component transfer path 131 by the conveyor 130.

[0106] In the embodiment of the present invention, in the process by which the separating plate component 4 and the MEA arc component 5 are transferred along the component transfer path 131 of the conveying device 130, damage, bearing conditions, and the like of the separating plate component 4 and the MEA arc component 5 can be detected by the component inspection unit 210. In particular, the component inspection unit 210 can be configured to detect edge positions of the distributor openings 4c of the separating plate component 4 and the MEA arc component 5 using two position sensors 211, and can be configured to output the detection signal to the controller 900. Then, in response to receiving the detection signal from the position sensors 211, the controller 900 can be configured to, based on the specified position information (e.g.,Edge / edge position information of the distributor opening) of the separating plate component 4 and the MEA arc component 5 to determine whether the separating plate component 4 and the MEA arc component have defects.

[0107] Each position sensor 211 can be configured to move laterally along the first position adjustment rail 213 of the conveyor 130 and vertically along the second position adjustment rail 217 to adjust the position of the position sensor 211 based on the distributor openings 4c of the separating plate component 4 and the MEA arc component 5. If the controller 900 determines that at least one of the separating plate component 4 and the MEA arc component 5 is defective, the separating plate component 4 and the MEA arc component 5, which constitute a single set determined to be defective, can be vacuum-picked onto the conveyor 130 by the defective component extraction grippers 251 of the defective component extraction unit 250 and loaded onto the tray 271 on the outside of the conveyor 130.The defect component extraction grippers 251 can then be set up to move downwards through the second drive device 290 from the top side / top of the conveyor device 130 and to vacuum up the separating plate component 4 and the MEA arc component 5, which constitute the single set in which the defect is determined.

[0108] Furthermore, the defect component extraction grippers 251 can be configured to move upwards through the second drive device 290 while the separating plate component 4 and the MEA arc component 5 are each suctioned by vacuum, and move linearly towards the storage tray 271 on the outside of the conveyor 130 along the direction intersecting the component transfer path 131 of the conveyor 130. When the vacuum suction is released, the defect component extraction grippers 251 can be configured to load the separating plate component 4 and the MEA arc component 5 onto the storage tray 271 while moving downwards through the second drive device 290.

[0109] According to the process described above, in the embodiment of the present invention, the separating plate component 4 and the MEA arc component 5, which are transferred to the end of the component transfer path 131 of the conveying device 130, can be loaded onto the base plate 311 of the component alignment unit 310 by the stacking gripper 351 of the component stacking unit 350. The operation of the stacking gripper 351 is described in more detail below. The base plate 311 of the component alignment unit 310 can then be configured to discharge compressed air through the air outlet openings 312 and to lift the separating plate component 4 and the MEA arc component 5 to a predetermined height.

[0110] In the embodiment of the present invention, when the separating plate component 4 and the MEA arc component 5 are raised above the base plate 311, the contact elements 321, 322 and 323 of the component alignment unit 310 can be configured to align the separating plate component 4 and the MEA arc component 5 to predetermined positions when touching (e.g. contacting, bumping) edge positions of the separating plate component 4 and the MEA arc component 5.

[0111] The first contact element 321 can touch a rear edge portion of the separating plate component 4 or the MEA arc component 5 while attached to a rear outer surface of the base plate 311. The second contact element 322 can be configured to move forward and backward through the first contact cylinder 331. The second contact element 322 can then be configured to push / shove the separating plate component 4 or the MEA arc component 5 from the front / front side to the rear / back side of the base plate while touching the front end portion of the separating plate component 4 or the MEA arc component 5. The third contact element 323 can be configured to move back and forth laterally through the second contact cylinder 332.The third contact element 323 can then be configured to push / shove the separating plate component 4 or the MEA arc component 5 in both lateral directions of the base plate 311 while touching both side edge sections of the separating plate component 4 or the MEA arc component 5.

[0112] In the embodiment of the present invention, the separating plate component 4 and the MEA arc component 5 can be stacked on the stacking guide 30 by the stacking gripper 351 of the component stacking unit 350 when the positions of the separating plate component 4 and the MEA arc component 5 are aligned by the component alignment unit 310. The stacking gripper 351 of the component stacking unit 350 can be configured to grip one component of the separating plate component 4 and the MEA arc component 5, which are aligned as a pair by the component alignment unit 310 (e.g., gripping both together), and simultaneously to grip the other component of the separating plate component 4 and the MEA arc component 5, which are arranged at the end of the conveyor device 130.In other words, the stack gripper can be configured to grasp any component and stack the grasped component onto the stack guide 30 so that it can be moved in the direction crossing the component transfer path 131 of the conveyor 130. Then the stack gripper 351 can be configured to grasp the other component and transfer the grasped component to the component alignment unit 310.

[0113] In particular, the pair of stacking guides 30 can be configured to guide and stack the separating plate component 4 and the MEA arc component 5, which are loaded by the stacking grippers 351. One of the pair of stacking guides 30 can be positioned at the initial end of the first transfer rail 511 by the first transfer stage 515 of the transfer unit 510. The lower end plate 7 can be loaded onto one of the stacking guides 30 by the end plate loading unit 450. Consequently, the pair of stacking grippers 351 can be configured to move downwards by the third drive device 390 from the top of the finishing end of the component transfer path 131 of the conveyor 130 and the top of the component alignment unit 310.Then the stack grippers 351 can be set up to vacuum-suck one component of the separating plate component 4 and the MEA arc component 5, which are arranged on the side of the finishing end of the conveyor device 130, and the other component, which is arranged in the component alignment unit 310.

[0114] Subsequently, the stack grippers 351 can be configured to move upwards through the third drive device 390 while the separating plate component 4 and the MEA arc component 5 are suctioned by vacuum, and to move linearly towards one of the aforementioned stack guides 30 in the same direction as the component transfer path 131 of the conveyor device 130. When the vacuum suction is released while the stack grippers 351 are moving downwards through the third drive device 390, the stack grippers 351 can be configured to load one component of the separating plate component 4 and the MEA arc component 5 onto the component alignment unit 310 and to load the other component onto one of the stack guides 30.

[0115] In the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, during the process of stacking the separator plate component 4 and the MEA arc component 5 on one of the stacking guides 30, the stacking inspection unit 370 can be configured to detect the stacking quality of the separator plate component 4 and the MEA arc component 5 stacked on the stacking guide 30. The stacking inspection unit 370 can be configured to detect or capture both distributor openings 4 of the separator plate component 4 and the MEA arc component 5 stacked on the stacking guide 30 using the vision sensor 371 (e.g., take an image) and to output the vision / image data to the controller 900.

[0116] Upon receiving image data from the vision sensor 371, the controller 900 can be configured to determine, based on predefined stacking quality levels of the separating plate component 4 and the MEA arc component 5, whether a stacking quality level of the components is insufficient. If the controller 900 determines that the stacking quality level of the separating plate component 4 and the MEA arc component 5 is insufficient, the stacking grippers 351 of the component stacking unit 350 can be operated by the controller 900 to extract / remove the separating plate component 4 and the MEA arc component 5 from the stack guide where the stacking quality level is determined to be insufficient. The stacking grippers 351 of the component stacking unit 350 can then be operated by the control 900 to reinsert another / different separating plate component 4 and another / different MEA arc component 5 into the stacking guide 30.

[0117] In the process described above for stacking the separating plate component 4 and the MEA arc component 5 into a stacking guide 30, the other stacking guide 30, in its unloaded state, can be transferred to the end plate loading unit 450 between the component stacking unit 350 and the component pressure application unit 410 via the first transfer stage. Specifically, the first transfer stage 515 can be transferred to the end plate loading unit 450 along the first transfer rail 511. Then, the end plate grippers 451 of the end plate loading unit 450 can be configured to grip the end plates 7, which are held separately in the frame 10, one after the other (e.g., individually), and load the lower end plate 7 onto the other stacking guide 30.

[0118] In the embodiment of the present invention, after the lower end plate 7 has been loaded onto the other stacking guide 30 by the end plate gripper 451, dummy cells (not shown), which are separately held in the frame 10, can be manually stacked on the lower end plate 7. The dummy cells can be provided as buffer cells, which do not serve as fuel cells at all, but serve to increase the strength and durability of the entire fuel cell stack.

[0119] In the embodiment of the present invention, the other stack guide 30, onto which the lower end plate 7 is loaded, can then be transferred to the second transfer rail 513 in a direction crossing the first transfer rail 511 through the first transfer stage 515. In other words, in the embodiment of the present invention, the other stack guide 30, onto which the lower end plate 7 is loaded, can move to the bypass section of the second transfer rail 513, away from that of the first transfer rail 511.

[0120] Furthermore, when the separating plate component 4 and the MEA arc component 5 are stacked on a stacking guide 30 by the stacking grippers 351, the stacking guide 30, on which the separating plate component 4 and the MEA arc component 5 are stacked, can be transferred to the end plate loading unit 450 between the component stacking unit 350 and the component pressure application unit 410 by the first transfer stage 515. In particular, the first transfer stage 515 can be transferred to the end plate loading unit 450 along the first transfer rail 511. Then the end plate grippers 451 of the end plate loading unit 450 can be set up to grip the end plates 7, which are separately held in the frame 10, one after the other (e.g. individually), and to load the upper end plate 7 onto the stack guide 30, on which the separating plate component 4 and the MEA arc component 5 are stacked.

[0121] The aforementioned end plate gripper 451 can be configured to move downwards through the fourth drive device 490 from the upper sides / tops of the end plates 7, which are separately mounted on the outside of the transfer path of the stack guide 30, and to suction the end plate 7 by means of a vacuum. The end plate gripper 451 can then be configured to move upwards through the fourth drive device 490 while the end plate 7 is being suctioned by means of a vacuum, and to move in the direction crossing the transfer path of the stack guide 30.When the vacuum suction force is released while the end plate gripper 451 moves downwards through the fourth drive device 490, the end plate gripper 451 can be configured to load the lower end plate 7 onto the stack guide 30 in the unloaded state or to load the upper end plate 7 onto the stack guide 30 on which the separator plate component 4 and the MEA arc component 5 are stacked.

[0122] As described above, once the upper and lower end plates 7 have been loaded onto the stacking guide 30 by the end plate gripper 451, and thus the end plates 7 previously held separately in the frame 10 have been removed, the end plates 7 can be inserted into the frame 10 by a second carriage 802 in the embodiment of the present invention. Before the upper end plate 7 is loaded onto the stacking guide 30 by the end plate gripper 451, the aforementioned dummy cells (not shown) can also be manually stacked onto the stacking guide 30.

[0123] Furthermore, when the upper and lower end plates 7, the separating plate component 4, and the MEA arc component 5 are stacked on the stacking guide 30, the stacking guide 30 can be transferred towards the component pressure unit 410 along the first transfer rail 511 through the first transfer stage 515. In this process, the stacking guide 30, in its unloaded state, which deflects to the bypass section of the second transfer rail 513 while loaded with the lower end plate 7, can be transferred towards the component stacking unit 350 along the first transfer rail 511 through the first transfer stage 515.

[0124] In the embodiment of the present invention, when the stacking guide 30, on which the upper and lower end plates 7, the separating plate component 4, and the MEA arc component 5 are stacked, is moved towards the component pressure application unit 410, the upper and lower end plates 7, the separating plate component 4, and the MEA arc component 5 can be pressurized within the stacking guide 30 by the pressing element 411 of the component pressure application unit 410. In particular, the pressing element 411 can be configured to move downwards through the pressing cylinder 413 and to pressurize the upper and lower end plates 7, the separating plate component 4, and the MEA arc component 5 within the stacking guide 30.

[0125] Subsequently, in the embodiment of the present invention, the stacking body 6, as the fuel cell stack 1, in which the upper and lower end plates 7, the separating plate component 4, and the MEA arc component 5 are pressurized and stacked by the pressing element 411, can be attached to the pressing element 411 separately from the stacking guide by the pair of fastening rods 415. The lower end of the fastening rod 415 can be coupled to the part that supports the lowest part of the stacking body 6 within the stacking guide 30 when the upper end of the fastening rod 415 is attached to the pressing element 411.

[0126] The pressing element 411 can be configured to move upwards through the pressing cylinder 413, and the stacking body 6 can be separated from the outside (top side) of the stacking guide 30. An accessory, such as the insulating plate 8 and the mounting rail 9, can be installed in the stacking body 6 while the stacking body 6, together with the pressing element 411, rotates 360° by the press motor 417. Additionally, the airtightness (e.g., sealing) of the stacking body 6, lifted by the pressing element 411, can be detected by the airtightness testing unit 430.In particular, the air tightness test unit 430 can be set up to supply hydrogen gas, air and a cooling medium to the separating plate component 4 and the MEA arc component 5 of the stacking body 6, to measure the pressure of the hydrogen gas, air and cooling medium of the separating plate component 4 and the MEA arc component 5 and to determine the air tightness of the stacking body 6.

[0127] In this process, the stack guide 30, in its unloaded state after the stack body 6 is separated, can be moved towards the end plate loading unit 450 between the component stacking unit 350 and the component pressure unit 410 along the first transfer rail 511 through the first transfer stage 515. The end plate gripper 451 of the end plate loading unit 450 can then be configured to grip the end plates 7, which are held separately in the frame 10, one after the other (e.g., individually), and load the lower end plate 7 onto the stack guide in its unloaded state.

[0128] In the embodiment of the present invention, the stack guide 30, onto which the lower end plate 7 is loaded, can then be transferred to the second transfer rail 513 of the bypass section of the first transfer rail 511. Simultaneously, the second transfer stage 551 of the stack unloading unit 550 can be transferred to a lower side of the stack body 6 along the first transfer rail 511. The pressing element 411, which lifts the stack body 6, can then be positioned to move downwards through the pressing cylinder 413 and to load the pressing element 411 onto the second transfer stage 551 of the stack unloading unit 550.

[0129] The lower end of the fastening rod 415 can be separated from the part that supports the lowest part of the stacking body 6 when the stacking body 6 is placed (e.g., positioned, attached, etc.) onto the second transfer stage 551 of the stacking unloading unit 550 by the pressing element 411, and the pressing element 411 can be re-set up to move upwards through the pressing cylinder 413. Specifically, the stacking body 6 can be supported on the second transfer stage 551 by the tilting bracket 561 of the tilting unloading unit 553. In other words, the tilting bracket 561 can support the lower side of the stacking body 6 using the retaining plate 563 and the lateral side of the stacking body 6 using the support 565. Then the second transfer stage 551 can be transferred to the completion end of the first transfer rail 511 from the side of the press element 411 of the component pressure application unit 410.

[0130] In the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the working rod 573 of the tilting cylinder 571 can be driven forward, and the tilting bracket 561 can be tilted and rotated towards the outside of the first transfer rail 511. The working rod 573 of the tilting cylinder 571 and the retaining plate 563 of the tilting bracket 561 can be pivotally connected to each other by the connecting rod 575 to allow the tilting bracket 561 to be tilted and rotated towards the outside of the first transfer rail 511 by the forward movement of the working rod 573 during the storage of the stacked body 6. The tilting bracket 561, which stores the stacked body 6, can then be tilted and rotated towards the outside of the first transfer rail 511 to load the stacked body 6 onto a third carriage 803.

[0131] Accordingly, the device 100 for rapidly stacking a fuel cell stack according to the embodiment of the present invention can continuously assemble the fuel cell stack 1 through the series of aforementioned automation processes. As described above, the device 100 for rapidly stacking a fuel cell stack according to the embodiment of the present invention can automatically stack and pressurize the fuel cell components 3 and assemble the fuel cell stack 1. Therefore, it may be possible to improve productivity by reducing the operating time for assembling the fuel cell stack 1, to ensure a stacking quality of the fuel cell components 3, and to improve the quality of the fuel cell stack 1.

Claims

[1] Device for rapidly stacking a fuel cell stack (1), comprising a fuel cell stack (1) by stacking and pressurizing separator plate components (4) in which a negative electrode metal separator plate (4a) and a positive electrode metal separator plate (4b) are connected to each other, and membrane electrode assembly (MEA) arc components (5) in which gas diffusion layers (5b) are connected to both surfaces of an MEA (5a), the device comprising: a component alignment unit (310) connected to a completion end of a component transfer path (131) of a conveying device (130) to align the separating plate components (4) and the MEA arc components (5) transferred by the conveying device (130) to predetermined positions; a component stacking unit (350) attached to the side of the component alignment unit (310) and configured to grip the separating plate components (4) and the MEA arc components (5) and stack the components on a stacking guide (30); and a component pressurization unit (410) which is attached to an upper side of a transfer path through which the stack guide (30) is transferred, and is configured to pressurize the separator plate components (4) and MEA arc components (5) stacked on the stack guide (30), the component alignment unit (310) comprises: a base plate (311) designed to support the separating plate components (4) and the MEA arc components (5); and a plurality of contact elements (321, 322, 323) which are attached to the base plate (311) and are configured to contact edge sections of the separating plate components (4) and the MEA arc components (5), wherein the base plate (311) comprises a plurality of air outlet openings (312) through which air is discharged to lift the separating plate components (4) and the MEA arc components (5) with air pressure. [2] Device according to claim 1, wherein the component stacking unit (350) comprises: a pair of stack grippers (351) arranged on an upper side of a starting end of a transfer path of the stack guide (30), are attached to move back and forth in a transfer direction of the separating plate components (4) and the MEA arc components (5), are attached to move back and forth in a vertical direction, and are set up to suction the separating plate components (4) and the MEA arc components (5) by means of a vacuum. [3] Device according to claim 2, wherein the pair of stack grippers (351) is configured to suction one component between the separating plate components (4) and the MEA arc components (5), which are arranged at a finishing end side of the conveying device (130), by means of a vacuum and to load the component suctioned by means of a vacuum onto the component alignment unit (310), and is configured to suction the other component, which is arranged in the component alignment unit (310), by means of a vacuum and to load the component suctioned by means of a vacuum onto the stack guide (30). [4] Device according to claim 1, wherein the contact elements (321, 322, 323) comprise: a pair of first contact elements (321) fixedly attached to a rear outer surface of the base plate (311), attached to a rear edge section of the base plate (311) and configured to contact rear edge sections of the separating plate components (4) and the MEA arc components (5); a pair of second contact elements (322) which are attached to be movable in a forward and backward direction on a front outer surface of the base plate (311), are attached to a front end section of the base plate (311) and are configured to contact front edge sections of the separating plate components (4) and the MEA arc components (5); and a pair of third contact elements (323) passing through both sides of the base plate (311), arranged to be movable in one direction of the side, and configured to contact both side edge sections of the separating plate components (4) and the MEA arc components (5). [5] Device according to claim 4, wherein the second contact elements (322) are arranged to move back and forth in the forward and backward direction through a first contact cylinder (331) which is fixedly mounted on an underside of the base plate (311), and the third contact elements (323) are arranged to move back and forth in a side direction through a second contact cylinder (332) which is fixedly mounted on the underside of the base plate (311). [6] Device according to claim 1, wherein the component pressurization unit (410) comprises a press element (411) which is arranged to move back and forth in the vertical direction by means of a press cylinder (413) and is arranged to rotate by means of a motor. [7] Device according to claim 8, wherein a pair of fastening rods (415) for fastening a stacking body (6) in which the separating plate components (4) and the MEA arc components (5) are stacked separately from the stacking guide (30) are attached in the pressing element (411). [8] Device according to claim 1, further comprising: an air tightness test unit (430) which is connected to the component pressurization unit (410) and is set up to supply a fluid to a stacking body (6) in which the separating plate components (4) and the MEA arc components (5) are stacked by the component pressurization unit (410) and to detect the air tightness of the stacking body (6). [9] Device according to claim 8, further comprising: a stack inspection unit (370) which is attached to the side of the component stacking unit (350) and is set up to monitor the separating plate components (4) and the MEA arc components (5) which are stacked on the stack guide (30). [10] Device for rapidly stacking a fuel cell stack (1), which assembles a fuel cell stack (1) by stacking and pressurizing separator plate components (4), in which a negative electrode metal separator plate (4s) and a positive electrode metal separator plate (4b) are connected, and of membrane electrode assembly (MEA) arc components (5), in which gas diffusion layers (5b) are connected to both surfaces of an MEA (5a), comprising the device: a component stacking unit (350) which is mounted in a frame (10) and is set up to grip the separating plate components (4) and the MEA arc components (5) which are transferred by a conveying device (130) and to stack the component on the stacking guide (30); a component pressurization unit (410) which is attached to an upper side of a transfer path through which the stack guide (30) can be transferred, and is configured to pressurize the separating plate components (4) and the MEA sheet components (5) which are stacked on the stack guide (30); an end-plate loading unit (450) which is attached to an outside of a transfer path of the stack guide (30) between the component stacking unit (350) and the component pressurizing unit (410) and is configured to grip each of the upper and lower end plates (7) and to load the gripped end plate (7) onto the stack guide (30); and a transfer unit (510) configured to transfer the stack guide (30), on which the separating plate components (4) and the MEA sheet components (5) are stacked by the component stacking unit (350), from a starting end of the transfer path of the stack guide (30) to the component pressurization unit (410), and to transfer a stack body (6), in which the separating plate components (4) and the MEA sheet components (5) are stacked by the component pressurization unit (410), from the component pressurization unit (410) to a completion end of the transfer path of the stack guide (30) separately from the stack guide (30). [11] Device according to claim 10, further comprising: a stack unloading unit (550) which is attached such that it is movable from the component pressurization unit (410) to the completion end of the transfer path of the stack guide (30) and is configured to unload the stack body (6) to an outer side of the transfer path of the stack guide (30). [12] Device according to claim 11, wherein the transfer unit (510) comprises: a first transfer rail (511) which is set up to connect a start end and a finish end of the transfer path of the stack guide (30) in a direction crossing a component transfer path (131) of the conveying device (130); a second transfer rail (513) connected to the first transfer rail (511) as it crosses the first transfer rail (511) in a direction away from the end plate loading unit (450) between the component stacking unit (350) and the component pressurizing unit (410); and a pair of first transfer stages (515) corresponding to the component stacking unit (350) and the component pressurization unit (410), respectively, and are arranged to be movable along the first and second transfer rails (511, 513) when storing the stacking guide (30) between the component stacking unit (350) and the component pressurization unit (410). [13] Device according to claim 12, wherein: the component pressurization unit (410) is set up to separate the stack body (6) from the stack guide (30) and to load the stack body (6) onto the stack unloading unit (550), and the end plate loading unit (450) is configured to load a lower end plate (7) onto the stack guide (30) in an unloaded state, from which the stack body (6) is separated, onto the first transfer rail (511) between the component stacking unit (350) and the component pressure unit (410), and to load an upper end plate (7) onto the stack guide (30) on which the separator plate components (4) and the MEA arc components (5) are stacked by the component stacking unit (350). [14] Device according to claim 13, wherein the second transfer rail (513) is provided as a bypass section to bypass the stack guide (30) onto which the lower end plate (7) is loaded, from the first transfer rail (511) through the first transfer stage (515). [15] Device according to claim 13, wherein the stack unloading unit (550) may comprise: a second transfer stage (551) which is arranged to be movable along a section from the component pressurization unit (410) to the completion end of the first transfer rail (511) between a start end and a completion end of the first transfer rail (511); and a tipping unloading unit (553) which is attached in the second transfer stage (551) and is configured to tip and unload the stack body (6) onto an outside of the first transfer rail (511). [16] Device according to claim 15, wherein the tilting discharge unit (553) comprises: a tilting support (561) designed to support the stacking body (6) and mounted in such a way as to be rotatable in the second transfer stage (551); and a tilting cylinder (571) which is connected to the tilting bracket (561) and is configured to operate in a vertical direction forwards and backwards. [17] Device for rapid stacking of a fuel cell stack (1) comprising a fuel cell stack (1) assembled by stacking and pressurizing separator plate components (4) in which a negative electrode metal separator plate (4a) and a positive electrode metal separator plate (4b) are connected, and membrane electrode assembly (MEA) arc components (5) in which gas diffusion layers (5b) are connected to both surfaces of an MEA (5a), comprising the device: a component alignment unit (310) connected to a completion end of a component transfer path (131) of a conveying device (130) to align the separating plate components (4) and the MEA arc components (5) transferred by the conveying device (130) to predetermined positions; a component stacking unit (350) which is attached to an upper side of the component alignment unit (310) and is configured to grip the separating plate components (4) and the MEA arc components (5) and to stack the components on a stacking guide (30); a component pressurization unit (410) which is attached to an upper side of a transfer path through which the stack guide (30) is transferred and is configured to pressurize the separating plate components (4) and the MEA sheet components (5) which are stacked on the stack guide (30); an end-plate loading unit (450) which is attached to an outer side of a transfer path of the stack guide (30) between the component stacking unit (350) and the component pressurizing unit (410) and is configured to grip each of the upper and lower end plates (7) and load the gripped end plate (7) onto the stack guide (30); and a transfer unit (510) configured to transfer the stack guide (30), on which the separating plate components (4) and the MEA sheet components (5) are stacked by the component stacking unit (350), from a starting end of the transfer path of the stack guide (30) to the component pressurization unit (410), and to transfer a stack body (6), in which the separating plate components (4) and the MEA sheet components (5) are stacked by the component pressurization unit (410), from the component pressurization unit (410) to a finishing end of the transfer path of the stack guide separately from the stack guide (30). [18] Device according to claim 17, further comprising: a stack unloading unit (550) which is attached in such a way as to be movable from the component pressurization unit (410) to the completion end of the transfer path of the stack guide (30) and is configured to unload the stack body (6) to an outer side of the transfer path of the stack guide (30).

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