System for testing the quality of a membrane electrode assembly of a fuel cell and quality testing method thereof

Abstract

System (100) for testing the quality of a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) of a fuel cell, the system (100) comprising: a connecting device (105) that connects the MEA and a gas diffusion layer (GDL) to produce a composite unit (310) of the MEA and the GDL; a transfer device (110) that sucks a surface of the composite unit (310) to transfer the composite unit (310); an inspection device (115) arranged on a side of the composite unit (310) transferred by the transfer device (110), the inspection device (115) checking an external appearance of the composite unit (310); a turning device (120) which places the composite unit on the turning device (120) by the transfer device (110) and vertically turns the composite unit (310); and a loading and lifting device (125) which loads the composite unit (310) thereon after it has been transferred by the transfer device (110) and adjusts a loading height.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for inspecting the quality of a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) of a fuel cell, which connects the MEA to a gas diffusion layer of the fuel cell and inspects / examines the connected unit, and a quality inspection method thereof. BACKGROUND

[0002] As is well known, a fuel cell generates electricity through an electrochemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen. The fuel cell can continuously generate electrical energy upon receiving a chemical reactant from the outside, without a separate charging process.

[0003] A fuel cell may comprise separators (or bipolar plates) arranged on either side of a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) disposed therebetween. A plurality of fuel cells may be arranged to form a fuel cell stack.

[0004] In the MEA, a core part of the fuel cell and an anode and a cathode as electrode catalyst layers are formed on both sides of an electrolyte membrane to transfer hydrogen ions. The MEA further includes a sub-gasket to protect the electrode catalyst layers and the electrolyte membrane and to ensure the assembly properties of the fuel cell.

[0005] In manufacturing the foregoing MEA, an electrode membrane film unwinds / reels the electrolyte membrane wound in the form of a roll and continuously transfers electrode catalyst layers such that they are spaced at a pitch of approximately 150 mm on both surfaces of the electrolyte membrane.

[0006] In a downstream process, the electrode membrane film wound in the form of a roll is unwound and transferred, and sub-gaskets in the form of a roll are unwound and unwound so that they are arranged on both surfaces of the electrode membrane film. The sub-gaskets and the electrode membrane film pass between hot rollers so that the sub-gaskets are bonded to both surfaces of the electrode membrane film, thereby producing an MEA sheet in a roll-to-roll manner.

[0007] Furthermore, the MEA and a gas diffusion layer (GDL) are bonded at a high temperature, with bonded / joined assemblies / assemblies and separators being alternately stacked to produce a fuel cell.

[0008] Research has been conducted on a quality inspection system for checking the quality of assemblies / assemblies and preventing a defective product from being applied to a fuel cell.

[0009] From KR 10 2009 0 108 767 A there is disclosed a system for testing the quality of a membrane electrode assembly of a fuel cell, the system comprising: a connecting device that connects the MEA and a gas diffusion layer to produce a composite unit from the MEA and the GDL; a transfer device that sucks a surface of the composite unit to transfer the composite unit; an inspection device that is arranged on a side of the composite unit that is transferred by the transfer device, the inspection device checking an external appearance of the composite unit.

[0010] US 2009 / 0 271 023 A1 also discloses an automated system that automatically performs all processes, including an input process, a bonding process, and a punching process, using a robot in the manufacture of an integrated part of an MBA and GDL. Accordingly, the automated system makes it possible to improve productivity and ensure consistent product quality.

[0011] The above information disclosed in this Background section is provided only to enhance the understanding of the background of the invention and may accordingly contain information that does not constitute prior art already known to a person of ordinary skill in the art in this country. OVERVIEW

[0012] It is the object of the present invention to provide a system for inspecting the quality of a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) of a fuel cell having the advantages of improving the quality of a fuel cell by simply inspecting the quality of a composite unit (bonded unit) obtained by bonding / adhering the MEA and a gas diffusion layer (GDL) and using only the composite unit.

[0013] The object is achieved by a system for testing the quality of a membrane electrode assembly of a fuel cell having the features of claim 1 and a method for testing the quality of a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) of a fuel cell having the features of claim 11. Advantageous further developments can be found in subclaims.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present inventive concept, a system for inspecting the quality of a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) of a fuel cell may include: a connecting device configured to connect the MEA and a gas diffusion layer (GDL) to form a bonded unit (composite unit) thereof. A transfer device sucks a surface of the composite unit to transfer the composite unit. An inspection device / test device is arranged on one side of the composite unit transferred by the transfer device and inspects an external appearance (external shape) of the composite unit. A turning device places the composite unit thereon by the transfer device and turns the composite unit vertically. A loading and lifting device loads the composite unit thereon after it is transferred by the transfer device and adjusts a loading height.

[0015] The joining device can join / bond the MEA and the GDL at a preset pressure and at a preset temperature and transfer the joined MEA and GDL through a conveyor belt (conveyor device).

[0016] The system may further comprise an alignment device (alignment device) that corrects a position of the composite unit on the conveyor belt.

[0017] The transfer device can suck an upper surface of the composite unit by means of vacuum and transfer the composite unit through a three-dimensional path.

[0018] The inspection device can inspect a deformation / displacement of the external appearance of the composite unit using a laser and determine a joining state of the composite unit according to a displacement value.

[0019] The turning device may include clamps arranged on both sides thereof for clamping both end portions of the composite unit, and may vertically turn / invert the composite unit in a state where the clamps clamp both end portions of the composite unit.

[0020] The loading and lifting device can vary the loading height of the loaded composite unit by turning / rotating a screw.

[0021] The transfer device may vacuum an upper surface / top of the composite unit and the inspection device may be arranged below the composite unit.

[0022] If the composite unit inspected by the inspection device meets the external appearance requirements, the composite unit can be loaded into the loading and lifting device. If the composite unit does not meet the requirements, the composite unit can be removed externally.

[0023] The inspection device may comprise an inspection vision device that captures / scans the external appearance of the composite unit or displays it on a screen.

[0024] According to another embodiment of the present inventive concept, a method for inspecting the quality of a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) of a fuel cell comprises bonding / adhering the MEA to a gas diffusion layer (GDL). One surface of the composite unit is vacuum-suspended, and the composite unit is transferred. An external appearance (external shape) of another surface of the composite unit is detected / scanned while the one vacuum-suspended surface of the composite unit is transferred. The composite unit is vertically inverted. The other surface of the vertically inverted composite unit is vacuum-suspended, and the composite unit is transferred. An external appearance of one surface of the composite unit is detected / scanned while the other vacuum-suspended surface of the composite unit is transferred.If the composite unit, one surface of which and the other surface have been inspected, meets the external appearance conditions, the composite unit is loaded.

[0025] The method may further comprise removing the composite unit if the composite unit, the external appearance of one surface or the other surface of which has been inspected, does not meet the external appearance conditions.

[0026] The method may further comprise correcting a position of the composite unit in a width direction of a conveyor belt when the composite unit is manufactured and transferred on the conveyor belt.

[0027] The step of turning the composite unit over may include clamping both end portions of the composite unit using clamps and turning an upper and lower surface of the composite unit over by turning the clamps.

[0028] The external appearance detecting / sensing step may include detecting a deformation / displacement of the external appearance (external shape) of the composite unit by irradiating a laser and determining a joining state of the composite unit according to an amount of the deformation / displacement.

[0029] If the displacement is within a preset range, the composite unit can be loaded into a loading and lifting device. If the displacement is not within the preset range, the composite unit can be removed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] The drawings are provided for reference in describing embodiments of the present inventive concept, and therefore a technical concept of the present disclosure should not imply that the invention is limited to the accompanying drawings. Fig. 1 is a schematic view illustrating a configuration / arrangement of a system for inspecting the quality of a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) of a fuel cell according to an embodiment of the present inventive concept. Fig. 2 shows a flowchart illustrating a method for testing the quality of a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) of a fuel cell according to an embodiment of the present inventive concept. Fig. 3A-3C are schematic views illustrating a configuration / arrangement of parts / portions of a connecting device, a transfer device, and an inspection device of the system for inspecting the quality of a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) of a fuel cell according to an embodiment of the present inventive concept. Fig. 4A-4C are perspective views illustrating parts / portions of a turning device, a transfer device, and a loading and lifting device of the system for inspecting the quality of a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) of a fuel cell according to an embodiment of the present inventive concept. Fig. 5A and Fig. 5B shows a perspective view and a graph illustrating an inspection method using a laser displacement sensor of the system inspecting the quality of an MEA of a fuel cell according to an embodiment of the present inventive concept and a result thereof. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0031] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the invention are illustrated. As one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate, the described embodiments may be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention.

[0032] In order to clearly describe the present disclosure, a part / section not relevant to the description of the present disclosure will be omitted, and like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.

[0033] In the drawings, sizes and thicknesses of components are shown arbitrarily for descriptive purposes, so that the present disclosure is not limited to the illustrations of the drawings, and the thicknesses are exaggerated to clarify various parts / portions and areas.

[0034] In the following description, terms such as "first", "second", etc. may only be used to distinguish one component from another, since relevant components are referred to the same, and an order thereof is not restricted.

[0035] Throughout this specification, unless expressly stated otherwise, the word "comprise" and variations such as "comprises" or "having / comprising" are understood to mean the inclusion of the stated elements but not the exclusion of any other elements.

[0036] Fig. 1 is a schematic view illustrating a configuration / arrangement of a system for inspecting the quality of a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) of a fuel cell according to an embodiment of the present inventive concept.

[0037] With reference to Fig. 1, a quality inspection system 100 comprises a connecting device 105, a transfer device 110, an inspection device 115, a turning device 120, and a loading and lifting device 125.

[0038] The bonding device 105 compresses a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) and a gas diffusion layer (GDL) at a preset temperature and pressure using two hot rollers, and here, the MEA and the GDL are stacked on a conveyor 300, and the stacked unit is pressed together by the hot rollers to produce a bonded unit 310 (see Fig. 3A-3C). A detailed structure of the connecting device 105 can be considered known.

[0039] The transfer device 110 vacuum-suctions a top surface of the composite unit 310 and unloads the composite unit 310 from the connecting device 105 along a preset route in a three-dimensional space, and transfers the composite unit 310 to the inspection device 115, the vertical turning device 120, and the loading and lifting device 125.

[0040] The inspection device 115 may inspect an external appearance of a bottom surface of the composite unit 310 and display a corresponding result or transmit the result to a controller (not shown) having a separate calculation unit.

[0041] The inspection device 115 may include an inspection vision device 340 or a laser displacement sensor 350. The inspection vision device 340 may store or display the external appearance of the composite unit 310 on a screen, and the laser displacement sensor 350 irradiates a laser onto the composite unit 310 to detect a shift in the external appearance of the composite unit 310.

[0042] The vertical turning device 120 turns over a top and a bottom of the composite unit 310. That is, the vertical turning device 120 clamps both end portions of the composite unit 310 and turns the composite unit 310 180 degrees with respect to a central axis in a longitudinal direction.

[0043] The composite unit 310 turned by the vertical turning device 120 is again sucked by the transfer device 110 by means of vacuum and inspected by the inspection device 115, and the inspected composite unit 310 is loaded onto or removed from the loading and lifting device 125.

[0044] Fig. 3A-3C are schematic views illustrating a configuration / arrangement of parts / portions of a connecting device, a transfer device, and an inspection device of the system for inspecting the quality of a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) of a fuel cell according to an embodiment of the present inventive concept.

[0045] With reference to Fig. 3A-3C, the joining device 105 includes a conveyor 300 that moves by a drive roller, and the bonding unit 310 is transferred onto the conveyor 300 by a heat roller. An alignment device 320 that adjusts a position of the bonding unit 310 is provided on both sides of the conveyor 300, and an alignment error can be within 0.5 mm.

[0046] The transfer device 110 may include a linear guide 360 ​​and a vacuum suction unit 332 arranged in a horizontal direction. The vacuum suction unit 332 may move in a horizontal direction along the linear guide 360 ​​or move up and down simultaneously. Furthermore, the vacuum suction unit 332 may vacuum-adhere to an upper surface of the composite unit 310 using negative pressure and transfer the composite unit 310.

[0047] When the composite unit 310 is transferred by the vacuum suction unit 332 and the linear guide 360, the inspection vision device 340 and the laser displacement sensor 350 arranged below the vacuum suction unit 332 sequentially detect an external appearance of the bottom of the composite unit 310.

[0048] Fig. 4A-4C are perspective views illustrating parts / portions of a turning device, a transfer device, and a loading and lifting device of the system for inspecting the quality of a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) of a fuel cell according to an embodiment of the present inventive concept.

[0049] With reference to Fig. 4A-4C, the turning device 120 includes clamps 410 that clamp / tighten both end portions of the composite unit 310 and a rotating unit 440 that rotates the clamps 410.

[0050] The transfer device 110 transfers the composite unit 310 to the turning device 120, the clamps 410 clamp both end portions of the composite unit 310 and rotate the composite unit 310 by 180 degrees by means of the turning unit 440.

[0051] Thereafter, while the transfer device 110 transfers the composite unit 310, which is again rotated by 180 degrees, the inspection vision device 340 and the laser displacement sensor 350 inspect a bottom surface of the composite unit 310.

[0052] Finally, if the composite unit 310, which has been inspected by the inspection vision device 340 and the laser displacement sensor 350, is free of defects, the composite unit 310 is loaded into the loading and lifting device 125. If the composite unit 310 fails the inspection, the composite unit 310 is removed. At this time, the loading and lifting device 125 can be raised or lowered by the screw 430 and the rotating unit 440 (with the loaded composite units 310).

[0053] Fig. 5A and Fig. 5B shows a perspective view and a graph illustrating an inspection method using a laser displacement sensor of the system inspecting the quality of an MEA of a fuel cell according to an embodiment of the present inventive concept and a result thereof.

[0054] With reference to Fig. 5A, the laser displacement sensor 350 irradiates a laser onto a bottom surface of the composite unit 310 and detects a reflected laser, thereby detecting a displacement of an external appearance of a sub-seal and a displacement of an external appearance of the GDL of the composite unit 310.

[0055] With reference to Fig. 5B, the horizontal axis represents an inspection width and the vertical axis represents a shift of an external appearance.

[0056] The displacements include a displacement of the GDL and a displacement of the sub-seal, and when the displacement of the GDL is outside a preset range, it can be determined that the GDL is in a disconnected (disconnected) state.

[0057] When the displacement of the sub-seal is outside a preset range, it can be determined that the sub-seal is in a non-connected (disconnected) state, and a partially non-connected state or a completely non-connected state can be determined according to a size of a disconnected area.

[0058] In the present disclosure, the connecting device 105, the transfer device 110, the inspection device 115, the turning device 120, and the loading and lifting device 125 may be controlled by a control unit (not shown), and a pass / failure of the connecting device 105 checked by the inspection device 115 may also be determined by the controller.

[0059] The controller may be implemented as one or more microprocessors operating according to a predetermined program, and the predetermined program may comprise a series of instructions for performing the method according to an embodiment of the present inventive concept described below.

[0060] Fig. 2 shows a flowchart illustrating a method for testing the quality of a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) of a fuel cell according to an embodiment of the present inventive concept.

[0061] With reference to Fig. 2, the MEA and the GDL are bonded / adhered in step S210. The transfer device 110 vacuum-suctions a top surface of the composite unit 310 to lift the composite unit 310 and transfers the composite unit 310 along a predetermined route in step S220.

[0062] The inspection device 115 inspects an external appearance of a surface of the composite unit 310 using the inspection vision device 340 and the laser displacement sensor 350 in step S230.

[0063] The composite unit 310 is loaded onto the turning device 120 and secured by the clamps 410 in step S240. The composite unit 310 rotates 180 degrees in step S250.

[0064] An external appearance of the other surface of the composite unit 310 is inspected using the inspection device 115 in step S260. The inspected composite unit 310 is transferred by the transfer device 110 in step S270, and in step S280, if no defects, the composite unit 310 is loaded into the loading and lifting device 125, and if defective, the composite unit 310 is taken out.

Claims

[1] System (100) for testing the quality of a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) of a fuel cell, the system (100) comprising: a connecting device (105) that connects the MEA and a gas diffusion layer (GDL) to produce a composite unit (310) of the MEA and the GDL; a transfer device (110) that sucks a surface of the composite unit (310) to transfer the composite unit (310); an inspection device (115) arranged on a side of the composite unit (310) transferred by the transfer device (110), the inspection device (115) checking an external appearance of the composite unit (310); a turning device (120) which places the composite unit on the turning device (120) by the transfer device (110) and vertically turns the composite unit (310); and a loading and lifting device (125) which loads the composite unit (310) thereon after it has been transferred by the transfer device (110) and adjusts a loading height. [2] The system of claim 1, wherein: the connecting device (105) connects the MEA and the GDL at a preset pressure and at a preset temperature and transfers the composite unit (310) through a conveying device (300). [3] The system of claim 2, further comprising: an alignment device (320) that corrects a position of the composite unit (310) on the conveyor device (300). [4] The system of claim 1, wherein: the transfer device (110) sucks an upper side of the composite unit by means of a vacuum and transfers the composite unit (310) through a three-dimensional path. [5] The system of claim 1, wherein: the inspection device (115) checks a displacement of the external appearance of the composite unit (310) using a laser and determines a connection state of the MEA and the GDL according to a displacement value. [6] The system of claim 1, wherein: the turning device (120) comprises clamps (410) arranged on both sides thereof for clamping both end portions of the composite unit (310), and vertically turns the composite unit (310) in a state in which the clamps (410) clamp both end portions of the composite unit (310). [7] The system of claim 1, wherein: the loading and lifting device (125) changes the loading height of the composite unit (310) by turning a screw. [8] The system of claim 1, wherein: the transfer device (110) sucks an upper side of the composite unit (310) by means of vacuum and the inspection device (115) is arranged below the composite unit (310). [9] The system of claim 1, wherein: if the composite unit (310) inspected by the inspection device (115) meets conditions for the external appearance, the composite unit (310) is loaded into the loading and lifting device (125), and if the composite unit (310) does not meet the conditions for the external appearance, the composite unit (310) is removed to the outside. [10] The system of claim 1, wherein: the inspection device (115) comprises an inspection viewing device (340) which is configured to capture the external appearance of the composite unit (310) or to display it on a screen. [11] A method for testing the quality of a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) of a fuel cell, the method comprising: bonding the MEA and a gas diffusion layer (GDL); Sucking a surface of the composite unit (310) by means of a vacuum and transferring the composite unit (310); detecting an external appearance of another surface of the composite unit (310) while transferring the one vacuum-suctioned surface of the composite unit (310); vertical turning of the composite unit (310); Sucking the other surface of the vertically inverted composite unit by means of a vacuum and transferring the composite unit (310); detecting an external appearance of one surface of the composite unit while the other vacuum-suctioned surface of the composite unit (310) is transferred; and Loading the composite unit (310) when the composite unit (310) having one surface and the other surface thereof inspected satisfies external appearance conditions. [12] The method of claim 11, further comprising: Removing the composite unit (310) when the composite unit (310), the external appearance of one surface or the other surface thereof having been inspected, does not meet the external appearance conditions. [13] The method of claim 11, further comprising: Correcting a position of the composite unit (310) in a width direction of a conveyor (300) when the composite unit (310) is manufactured and transferred on the conveyor (300). [14] The method of claim 11, wherein the step of turning the composite unit (310) comprises: clamping both end portions of the composite unit (310) using clamps (410); and Turning an upper and lower surface of the composite unit (310) by rotating the clamps (410). [15] The method of claim 11, wherein the step of detecting the external appearance comprises: detecting a shift in the external appearance of the composite unit (310) by irradiating a laser; and Determining a connection state of the composite unit (310) according to a magnitude of the displacement. [16] The method of claim 15, wherein: if the size of the displacement is within a preset range, the composite unit (310) is loaded into a loading and lifting device (125), and if the amount of displacement is not within the preset range, the composite unit (310) is removed.

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