An Apparatus for Inspecting a Fuel Cell Separator and a Method for Inspecting Using the Same

Abstract

The present invention relates to an external inspection device for a fuel cell separator plate and an inspection method using the same. The external inspection device for a fuel cell separator plate comprises: a linear guide (11a, 11b) for transporting a carrier (CA) loaded with fuel cell separator plates (S1, S2); first and second electrostatic generators (12, 14) arranged separately from each other on the linear guide (11a, 11b) to fix the separator plates (S1, S2) to the carrier (CA); and first and second laser scan sensor modules (13, 15) that scan the separator plates (S1, S2) fixed to the carrier (CA) to generate a 3D image, and when one side of the separator plates (S1, S2) is scanned by the first laser scan sensor module (13), the separator plates (S1, S2) are flipped over and transported to the second electrostatic generator (14) in an inverted state.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an appearance inspection device for a fuel cell separator plate and an inspection method using the same, and specifically to an appearance inspection device for a fuel cell separator plate and an inspection method using the same that inspects various types of defects that may occur on the surface of the separator plate by scanning the appearance using a laser scanner. Background Technology

[0002] The fuel cell separator is a core component that forms a stack along with the membrane-electrode assembly and the gas diffusion layer. It functions to separate hydrogen, oxygen, and coolant, respectively, and distribute them uniformly to the front surface of the membrane-electrode assembly. It also functions to collect the current generated by the cell chemical reaction at the anode and transmit it to the cathode. Separators having these functions can be manufactured from graphite or a graphite / resin composite, or from metal. Separators can be produced through processes such as press molding, gasket injection, and surface coating, and various appearance defects may occur during the manufacturing or handling process. For example, defects such as bending, dents, scratches, stains, foreign matter, tearing, misalignment, deterioration, or similar defects may occur on the separator. Separators with such defects need to be removed in advance during the manufacturing process of the fuel cell stack, and for this purpose, a separator appearance inspection may be performed. Regarding separator inspection, Patent Publication No. 10-2023-0045240 discloses a fuel cell separator appearance inspection system. In addition, Patent Publication No. 10-2024-0025189 discloses a fuel cell separator plate inspection system. An apparatus or system for inspecting fuel cell separator plates needs to have a structure capable of detecting various types of defects while the inspection process proceeds rapidly and efficiently. Furthermore, it needs to proceed in a way that allows defective separator plates to be classified based on defects according to the inspection results. However, prior art or known technology does not disclose such an inspection apparatus or inspection system.

[0003] The present invention aims to solve the problems of the prior art and has the following objectives. Prior art literature

[0004] Prior Art 1: Patent Publication No. 10-2023-0045240 (SFA Co., Ltd., published April 4, 2023) Fuel cell separator plate appearance inspection system Prior Art 2: Patent Publication No. 10-2024-0025189 (SFA Co., Ltd., published February 27, 2024) Fuel cell separator plate appearance inspection system The problem to be solved

[0005] The objective of the present invention is to provide an external inspection device for a fuel cell separator plate and an inspection method using the same, which allows for the detection of various types of defects while the inspection is performed with the separator plate stably fixed. means of solving the problem

[0006] According to a suitable embodiment of the present invention, an external inspection device for a fuel cell separator plate comprises: a linear guide for transporting a carrier loaded with a fuel cell separator plate; first and second electrostatic generators disposed separately from each other on the linear guide to fix the separator plate to the carrier; and first and second laser scan sensor modules that scan the separator plate fixed to the carrier to generate a 3D image, wherein when one side of the separator plate is scanned by the first laser scan sensor module, the separator plate is flipped over and transported to the second electrostatic generator in an inverted state.

[0007] According to another suitable embodiment of the present invention, the upper surface of the carrier is flat, and the upper surface of the carrier is electrostatically treated by the first and second electrostatic generators before the separator plate is loaded.

[0008] According to another suitable embodiment of the present invention, the first and second laser scan sensor modules are displacement sensors, and a 3D image is obtained by the first and second laser scan sensor modules (13, 15).

[0009] According to another suitable embodiment of the present invention, a sorting robot for separating a separating plate according to the cause of a defect occurring in the separating plate is further included.

[0010] According to another suitable embodiment of the present invention, a method for inspecting the appearance of a fuel cell separator plate comprises the steps of: loading an input tray into an input area and aligning the loaded separator plate; fixing the separator plate loaded in the input tray to the upper surface of a carrier charged by an electrostatic charge on the upper surface of the separator plate; laser scanning of a first surface of the separator plate to obtain a first inspection image; flipping the separator plate over and inverting it, and fixing the inverted separator plate to the upper surface of a carrier charged by an electrostatic charge; laser scanning of a second surface of the separator plate to obtain a second inspection image; and flipping the separator plate over and inverting it to discharge it into an output tray. Effects of the invention

[0011] The external inspection device for a fuel cell separator plate according to the present invention enables the external inspection to proceed while the separator plate moves efficiently. For example, the inspection device according to the present invention can achieve a yield of 99.8% or higher while inspecting the separator plate at a speed of 10 to 20 PPM. The inspection reliability of the inspection device according to the present invention can be improved as the inspection is performed while the separator plate is fixed by electrostatic force. Furthermore, the inspection device according to the present invention enables the detection of various types of defects by performing the inspection based on 3D images acquired from a 3D laser scan sensor module. For example, the inspection device according to the present invention can inspect for bending, V-bending, dents, scratches, flow path stains, incomplete filling, foreign matter, tearing, flow, misalignment, stains, warping, or similar defects of the separator plate. The external inspection method for a fuel cell separator plate according to the present invention enables the inspection to proceed rapidly and in an in-line manner through the efficient design of the inspection path. The inspection method according to the present invention can be applied to the inspection of separation plates of various structures or materials, and the present invention is not limited thereby. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0012] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a surface inspection device for a fuel cell separator plate according to the present invention. FIG. 2 illustrates an example of an electrostatic generator for an inspection device according to the present invention. FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a laser scan sensor module for an inspection device according to the present invention. FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a sorting robot for an inspection device according to the present invention. FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment to which an inspection device according to the present invention is applied. FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a method for inspecting the appearance of a fuel cell separator plate according to the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0013] The present invention is described in detail below with reference to embodiments shown in the attached drawings, but the embodiments are for a clear understanding of the invention and the invention is not limited thereto. In the description below, components having the same reference numeral in different drawings have similar functions and are not described repeatedly unless necessary for understanding the invention, and known components are described briefly or omitted, but should not be understood as being excluded from the embodiments of the present invention.

[0014] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a surface inspection device for a fuel cell separator plate according to the present invention.

[0015] Referring to FIG. 1, the external inspection device for a fuel cell separator plate according to the present invention comprises: a linear guide (11a, 11b) for transporting a carrier (CA) loaded with fuel cell separator plates (S1, S2); first and second electrostatic generators (12, 14) disposed separately from each other on the linear guide (11a, 11b) to fix the separator plates (S1, S2) to the carrier (CA); and first and second laser scan sensor modules (13, 15) that scan the separator plates (S1, S2) fixed to the carrier (CA) to generate a 3D image, and when one side of the separator plates (S1, S2) is scanned by the first laser scan sensor module (13), the separator plates (S1, S2) are flipped over and transported to the second electrostatic generator (14) in an inverted state.

[0016] The fuel cell separator plates (S1, S2) may have a square plate shape and may be made of a metal material, but are not limited thereto and may be made of various materials. For example, the separator plates (S1, S2) may have a thickness of 0.05 to 1.0 mm and may be made of a non-magnetic metal material. The separator plates (S1, S2) may be loaded onto a carrier (CA) and moved along linear guides (11a, 11b), and the carrier (CA) may have a structure in which the upper surface has a square plate shape and can move along the linear guides (11a, 11b). The linear guides (11a, 11b) may have a structure in which two linear rails (111, 112) extend in parallel, and two linear grooves may be formed on the lower side of the carrier (CA) where the two linear rails (111, 112) are joined. The upper surface of the carrier (CA) may be in the shape of a square plate where two separator plates (S1, S2) can be positioned side by side. The linear guides (11a, 11b) may consist of first and second linear guides (11a, 11b) that extend parallel to each other, and the carrier (CA) that moves along the first linear guide (11a) may return along the second linear guide (11b). Accordingly, the carrier (CA) may move in opposite directions along the first and second linear guides (11a, 11b). A first electrostatic generator (12) may be placed on the first linear guide (11a), and the upper surface of the carrier (CA) may be charged by the first electrostatic generator (12), and a pair of separator plates (S1, S2) may be loaded onto the carrier (CA) while in a charged state. In a state where such a carrier (CA) is charged, a pair of separator plates (S1, S2) can be stably fixed to the upper surface of the carrier (CA), and the carrier (CA) loaded with the separator plates (S1, S2) can be moved to the first laser scan sensor module (13).The first laser scan sensor module (13) may include a pair of laser scan sensors arranged in parallel with each other, and each of the separator plates (S1, S2) may be laser scanned by each of the laser scan sensors. A first inspection image of a first surface of each of the separator plates (S1, S2) may be obtained by the first laser scan sensor module (13), and the first inspection image may be a 3D image. A carrier (CA) may be moved to the end of the first linear guide (11a) by passing through the first laser scan sensor module (13), and a pair of separator plates (S1, S2) loaded on the carrier (CA) of the first linear guide (11a) may be moved to the second linear guide (11b). During the process of moving to the second linear guide (11b), a pair of separator plates (S1, S2) can be flipped over and inverted, thereby allowing the second surface of the pair of separator plates (S1, S2) to face upward on the carrier (CA). Before the pair of separator plates (S1, S2) are inverted and fixed on the carrier (CA), the upper surface of the carrier (CA) can be charged in advance by the second electrostatic generator (14), thereby allowing the separator plates (S1, S2) to be stably fixed on the upper surface of the carrier (CA). The carrier (CA) can be moved to the second laser scan sensor module (15), and the second laser scan sensor module (15) may include a pair of laser scan sensors. Each separator plate (S1, S2) loaded on the carrier (CA) is scanned by a laser scan sensor to obtain a second inspection image of the second surface of the separator plate (S1, S2), and the second inspection image may be a 3D image. From the first and second inspection images, it can be determined whether the separator plate (S1, S2) is defective, and the defect may be determined by applying, for example, an artificial intelligence learning algorithm. The separator plates (S1, S2) that are defective are discharged through a defective discharge path and can be sorted according to the type of defect.And the separator plates (S1, S2) determined to be normal can be discharged along a normal discharge path and introduced into a subsequent process. The separator plates (S1, S2) that have completed inspection can be unloaded from the carrier (CA) in various ways, and the present invention is not limited by this.

[0017] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of an electrostatic generator for an inspection device according to the present invention.

[0018] Referring to FIG. 2, the carrier (CA) may have an overall rectangular plate shape, and the upper surface may have a rectangular flat shape. The carrier (CA) may have a suitable structure that allows it to move along the first linear guide (11a), for example, the carrier (CA) may have a structure that allows it to move along first and second linear rails (111, 112) that extend linearly in parallel. A first electrostatic generator (12) may be placed in the path formed by the first linear guide (11a), and the first electrostatic generator (12) may be in the form of a bar. When the carrier (CA) passes under the first electrostatic generator (12), the first electrostatic generator (12) is activated so that the carrier (CA) can be charged. In this way, when the carrier (CA) is charged, a pair of separator plates (S1, S2) can be loaded onto the carrier (CA) and stably fixed, and in this state, the carrier (CA) can be moved to the first laser scan sensor module (13).

[0019] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a laser scan sensor module for an inspection device according to the present invention.

[0020] Referring to FIG. 3, the first laser scan sensor module (13) may be positioned above the movement path of a carrier (CA) formed by the first linear guide (11a). The first laser scan sensor module (13) may consist of a horizontal fixed plate (131) extending perpendicularly to the extension direction of the first linear guide (11a) and a plurality of laser scan sensors (132_1 to 132_K) fixed to the lower surface of the horizontal fixed plate (131). For example, four laser scan sensors (132_1 to 132_K) may be arranged in parallel along the width direction of the linear guide (11a), and two groups of laser scan sensors may be extended along the length direction of the linear guide (11a). A primary scan image of the first and second separating plates (S1, S2) may be obtained by the four laser scan sensors (131_1 to 131_K) of the first group. And, a second scan image of the first and second separator plates (S1, S2) can be obtained by four laser scan sensors (131_1 to 131_K) located at the rear of the second group. The first and second scan images can be 3D images, and defects can be determined independently of each. Scan images can be obtained as the carrier (CA) moves, and defects of the first and second separator plates (S1, S2) can be detected from the obtained 3D scan images.

[0021] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a sorting robot for an inspection device according to the present invention.

[0022] Referring to FIG. 4, the inspection device further includes a sorting robot that separates the separation plates (S1, S2) according to the cause of the defect that occurs on the separation plates (S1, S2). If the separation plates (S1, S2) have defects, they can be separated by the sorting robot and classified according to the type of defect. For example, a defect collection plate (41) may be divided into multiple sections to collect separation plates (S1, S2) having defects such as stains, scratches, dents, blemishes, bends, or similar possible defects. The sorting robot may consist of a base block (42); a first horizontal extension member (43) that extends horizontally with one end connected to the upper surface of the base block (42); a second horizontal extension member (44) with one end connected to the other end of the first horizontal extension member (43) by a rotation unit (45); and a suction unit (46) connected to the other end of the second horizontal extension member (44). The first horizontal extension member (43) is rotatable with respect to the base block (42), and the second horizontal extension member (44) is rotatable with respect to the second horizontal extension member (43). Additionally, the suction unit (46) may have a structure that allows it to move horizontally with respect to the second horizontal extension member (44). When the inspection is completed and it is determined that the separation plates (S1, S2) are defective, the control module can transmit the type of defect to the sorting robot. The suction unit (46) can adsorb the defective separation plates (S1, S2) loaded on the carrier (CA) to the sorting robot, for example, using a vacuum suction method. The defect collection plate (41) may be divided into multiple defect areas (A_1 to A_N) according to the type of defect, and the sorting robot can position the separation plates (S1, S2) in the appropriate defect areas (A_1 to A_N) according to the type of defect. The sorting robot may have various structures capable of moving the separation plates (S1, S2) from the carrier (CA) to the defect collection plate (41), and the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0023] FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment to which an inspection device according to the present invention is applied.

[0024] Referring to FIG. 5, the entire operation of the inspection device can be controlled by a control panel (CP), and an input tray (T_1) loaded with multiple separation plates (S1, S2) can be fed into an input area (51) along an input conveyor (511). The input tray (T_1) can be fed into the input area (51) along the Y-axis direction and then moved back in the X-axis direction to a waiting state. The separation plates (S1, S2) loaded in the input tray (T_1) in the waiting state can be loaded onto an inspection carrier (CA) located in the loading area (52), and the inspection carrier (CA) can be moved along the Y-axis direction to be located in the loading area. A first electrostatic generator is placed in the first charging area (53a) so that the loading surface of the inspection carrier (CA) can be pre-charged, and thereby the separation plates (S1, S2) can be stably fixed while being loaded onto the inspection carrier (CA). The first and second linear guides described above may be placed in the inspection area (54), and the first and second linear guides may be extended along the Y-axis direction. An input tray (T_1) that has become empty after all of the separation plates (S1, S2) have been moved to the inspection carrier (CA) may be moved along the carrier discharge conveyor (512) in the -Y-axis direction, and then loaded with separation plates (S1, S2) again and moved along the input conveyor (511) in the Y-axis direction to the input area (51). A first laser scan sensor module (13) may be placed on the first linear guide placed in the inspection area (54), and a second laser sensor module (15) may be placed on the second linear guide. An inspection carrier (CA) with the separation plates (S1, S2) fixed thereon may be moved along the first linear guide in the Y-axis direction and positioned below the first laser scan sensor module (13). A first inspection image of the separation plates (S1, S2) can be obtained by the first laser scan sensor module (13). Then, the inspection carrier (CA) can be moved in the Y-axis direction to reach the end of the first linear guide.Before the inspection carrier (CA) reaches the end of the first linear guide, the separation plates (S1, S2) can be separated from the inspection carrier (CA) and flipped over by the inversion robot. The empty inspection carrier (CA) can be moved along the second linear guide in the -Y axis direction to reach the second charging area (53b), and the upper surface of the inspection carrier (CA) can be charged. The inspection carrier (CA) with the separation plates (S1, S2) fixed can be moved along the -Y axis direction and positioned below the second laser scan sensor module (15). A second inspection image of the separation plates (S1, S2) can be acquired from the second laser scan sensor module (15), and then the inspection carrier (CA) can be moved along the second linear guide in the -Y axis direction and positioned in the discharge waiting area (55). The first and second inspection images can be inspected in real time, for example, based on the learning results of an artificial intelligence learning algorithm. The defect status of the separation plates (S1, S2) located in the discharge waiting area (55) can be determined, and the discharge direction of the separation plates (S1, S2) can be changed depending on whether they are defective. If a defect occurs in the separation plates (S1, S2), the separation plates (S1, S2) can be moved to the defect processing area (56). An NG processing shuttle can be placed in the defect processing area (56), and the separation plates (S1, S2) with defects can be inverted, loaded onto the NG processing shuttle, and moved to the NG processing area (57). A sorting robot (40) can be placed in the NG processing area (57), and the separation plates (S1, S2) with defects can be collected by the sorting robot (40) in a designated area of ​​the defect collection plate (41). Each area of ​​the defect collection plate (41) can be identified by a defect classification mark (571). The normal state separation plates (S1, S2) without defects can be inverted and loaded onto the discharge tray (T_2) located in the discharge area (58).Multiple separation plates (S1, S2) can be stacked on a discharge tray (T_2), and different separation plates (S1, S2) can be separated by interleaving paper. The discharge tray (T_2) loaded with multiple separation plates (S1, S2) can be discharged along a discharge conveyor and fed into a subsequent process. A carrier (CA) in an empty state, with the separation plates (S1, S2) moved to an NG processing shuttle or discharge tray (T_2), can be moved again to a first linear guide, and the separation plates (S1, S2) that need to be inspected by being loaded onto an input tray (T_1) in a waiting state can be loaded onto an inspection tray (CA). The inspection device may have various separation plate (S1, S2) movement structures, and the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0025] FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a method for inspecting the appearance of a fuel cell separator plate according to the present invention.

[0026] Referring to FIG. 6, the method for inspecting the appearance of a fuel cell separator plate comprises the steps of: loading an input tray into an input area (P61) and aligning the separator plate (P62); fixing the separator plate loaded on the input tray to the upper surface of a carrier charged by an electrostatic charge (P63); laser scanning the first surface of the separator plate to obtain a first inspection image (P64); flipping the separator plate over and inverting it (P65), and fixing the inverted separator plate to the upper surface of a carrier charged by an electrostatic charge (P66); laser scanning the second surface of the separator plate to obtain a second inspection image (P67); and flipping the separator plate over and inverting it to discharge it through an discharge tray (P691). Whether the separator plate is defective can be determined from the first and second inspection images, and the defective separator plate can be discharged separately through an NG discharge path (P692). The inspection of the appearance of the fuel cell separator plate can be performed in various ways and is not limited to the presented embodiments.

[0027] Although the present invention has been described in detail above with reference to the presented embodiments, those skilled in the art may make various modifications and variations without departing from the technical spirit of the invention by referring to the presented embodiments. The present invention is not limited by such modifications and variations, but is limited only by the claims appended below. Explanation of the symbols

[0028] 11a, 11b: Linear guide 12, 14: Electrostatic generator 13, 15: Laser scan sensor module S1, S2: Separator plate

Claims

Claim 1 An external inspection device for a fuel cell separator plate, comprising: a linear guide (11a, 11b) for transporting a carrier (CA) loaded with fuel cell separator plates (S1, S2); first and second electrostatic generators (12, 14) disposed separately from each other on the linear guide (11a, 11b) to fix the separator plates (S1, S2) to the carrier (CA); and first and second laser scan sensor modules (13, 15) that scan the separator plates (S1, S2) fixed to the carrier (CA) to generate a 3D image, wherein when one side of the separator plates (S1, S2) is scanned by the first laser scan sensor module (13), the separator plates (S1, S2) are flipped over and transported to the second electrostatic generator (14) in an inverted state. Claim 2 An external inspection device for a fuel cell separator plate according to claim 1, characterized in that the upper surface of the carrier (CA) has a flat shape, and the upper surface of the carrier (CA) is electrostatically treated by the first and second electrostatic generators (12, 14) before the separator plates (S1, S2) are loaded. Claim 3 An external inspection device for a fuel cell separator plate according to claim 1, wherein the first and second laser scan sensor modules (13, 15) are displacement sensors and a 3D image is obtained by the first and second laser scan sensor modules (13, 15). Claim 4 An appearance inspection device for a fuel cell separator plate according to claim 1, further comprising a sorting robot that separates the separator plates (S1, S2) according to the cause of the defect that occurred in the separator plates (S1, S2). Claim 5 A method for inspecting the appearance of a fuel cell separator plate, comprising: a step in which an input tray is loaded into an input area and the loaded separator plate is aligned; a step in which the separator plate loaded in the input tray is fixed by an electrostatic charge to the upper surface of a carrier on which the upper surface is charged; a step in which a first surface of the separator plate is laser-scanned to obtain a first inspection image; a step in which the separator plate is flipped over and inverted, and the inverted separator plate is fixed to the upper surface of a carrier charged by an electrostatic charge; a step in which a second surface of the separator plate is laser-scanned to obtain a second inspection image; and a step in which the separator plate is flipped over and inverted and discharged to an output tray.

Images