KR102688261B1 - Fuel cell manufacturing system - Google Patents

Abstract

A fuel cell manufacturing system is disclosed. The fuel cell manufacturing system according to an embodiment of the present invention serves for the manufacture of an assembly formed as one body by cementing a cathode layer, an electrolyte layer, and an anode layer. A sub gasket supply device that supplies gaskets to the process; An assembly manufacturing device disposed on one side of the process line where the sub gasket is supplied and performing an assembly manufacturing process to manufacture the assembly via the sub gasket; and a step-type film transfer device disposed on the process line and clamping or moving the film in stages as the film forming the sub gasket progresses through the process.

Description

Fuel cell manufacturing system

The present invention relates to a fuel cell manufacturing system, and more specifically, to prevent warpage of the film forming the sub gasket as before, even if a continuous process for automatically manufacturing a fuel cell is performed. It relates to a fuel cell manufacturing system that can effectively prevent and thereby improve the quality of fuel cells by performing a normal process.

A chemical cell is a device that converts the energy change when a chemical change occurs into electrical energy. Generally, in a chemical cell, the materials that make up the electrode and the electrolyte are placed in a container and undergo a chemical reaction.

However, a fuel cell continuously supplies hydrogen and oxygen from the outside to continuously produce electrical energy. This is similar to supplying a mixture of fuel and air into an engine for combustion.

A chemical cell that resembles the combustion of fuel is called a fuel cell. In other words, a fuel cell refers to a device that directly converts the chemical reaction energy of hydrogen contained in hydrocarbon-based materials such as methanol, ethanol, and natural gas and oxygen supplied from outside into electrical energy.

As shown in Figure 1, the fuel cell is a cell (see (a) in Figure 1) with a structure in which a cathode layer, an electrolyte layer, an anode layer, and a separator layer are stacked. With is as the basic unit, a structure is formed by stacking a plurality of cells as shown in (b) of FIG. 1 to obtain the required amount of current.

The cathode layer, electrolyte layer, and anode layer must be bonded on the surface between each layer, but the cathode layer, electrolyte layer, and anode layer are easily broken due to their material characteristics, that is, due to their thickness and material characteristics.

Therefore, a sub gasket (10) made of polymer film as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 is used. That is, a state or structure (this is called an assembly 20) in which the cathode layer, electrolyte layer, and anode layer are bonded is created in the hole 11 area of the sub gasket 10, and this assembly 20 is formed. During handling, a separator and stack structure are created.

The sub gasket 10 has a structure with a hole 11 in the center of the film as shown in FIG. 4. In other words, the sub gasket 10 is provided in a frame-like structure with the film on the edge.

After parts of the cathode layer, electrolyte layer, and anode layer are placed on the edge film portion of the sub gasket 10 based on the hole 11, the cathode layer and electrolyte layer are placed on the hole 11 of the sub gasket 10. and the anode layer is bonded. For reference, the electrolyte layer may be already bonded to the cathode layer or the anode layer, then handled as one body and placed on the sub gasket 10.

Ultimately, after supplying the sub gasket 10 to the process line, a hole 11 is formed in the sub gasket 10, and the cathode layer, electrolyte layer, and anode layer are bonded through the hole 11 to form an assembly (20). ), then the fuel cell can be automatically manufactured through a continuous process of separating the assembly 20 area.

However, in a system that automatically manufactures fuel cells through a continuous process, the above processes, namely, the process of forming the hole 11, the process of manufacturing the assembly 20, and the process of separating the assembly 20, are performed. In the process, the film forming the sub gasket 10 must repeat movement and stop, and during this process, the film may move in a warpage state, and this warpage may cause damage to the film. The process of manufacturing or separating the assembly 20 may not be performed properly. In other words, considering that various problems may occur, such as the film being distorted, such as being distorted, or the film being caught in the device, there is a need for technological development to solve these problems.

Korea Intellectual Property Office Application No. 10-2010-0137284

Therefore, the technical problem to be achieved by the present invention is to effectively prevent warpage of the film forming the sub gasket, as in the past, even if a continuous process for automatically manufacturing a fuel cell is carried out. The goal is to provide a fuel cell manufacturing system that can perform normal processes and improve the quality of fuel cells.

According to one aspect of the present invention, a sub gasket is used to manufacture an assembly formed as one body by cementing a cathode layer, an electrolyte layer, and an anode layer. A sub gasket supply device that supplies to the process; an assembly manufacturing device disposed on one side of a process line to which the sub gasket is supplied, and performing an assembly manufacturing process to manufacture the assembly via the sub gasket; And a step-type film transfer device disposed on the process line and clamping or moving the film in stages as the film forming the sub gasket progresses the process. A fuel cell manufacturing system can be provided.

It may further include a gasket hole forming device that is disposed between the sub gasket supply device and the assembly manufacturing device and performs a hole forming process to form a hole on the sub gasket.

It may further include an assembly separation device that is disposed behind the process of the assembly manufacturing device on the process line and performs an assembly separation process to separate the assembly that has been manufactured.

The sub gasket supply device prevents the film forming the sub gasket from being deformed and allows the hole forming process, the assembly manufacturing process, and the assembly separation process to proceed continuously through the film on the process line. , It may further include a system controller that controls the operations of the gasket hole forming device, the assembly manufacturing device, the assembly separating device, and the step-type film transfer device through an organic mechanism.

The step-type film transfer device includes a film clamp unit that clamps the edge of the film; And it may include a film feeding unit that clamps and transfers the edge of the film.

When the film forming the sub gasket proceeds through the process, the film clamp unit is controlled to repeatedly perform clamp, wait, unclamp, wait, and clamp operations, and the film feeding unit Can be controlled so that the Clamp, Wait, Forward, Wait, Unclamp, Wait, Reverse, Wait, Clamp operations are performed repeatedly.

The film clamp unit includes a first clamp hand that clamps one edge of the film; a first clamp hand driving unit connected to the first clamp hand and driving the first clamp hand; a second clamp hand that is spaced apart from the first clamp hand and is relatively accessible or spaced apart from the first clamp hand, and clamps the other edge of the film; a second clamp hand driving unit connected to the second clamp hand and driving the first clamp hand; And it may include a hand mover that is connected to at least one of the first clamp hand and the second clamp hand and approaches or separates the first clamp hand and the second clamp hand.

The film clamp unit may further include a film tensioner that provides tension to the film before the first clamp hand and the second clamp hand operate to clamp the film.

The film tensioner may include a coil spring.

The film feeding unit includes a plurality of first feeder hands clamping one edge of the film; a first feeder hand driving unit connected to the first feeder hand and driving the first feeder hand; a plurality of second feeder hands that are spaced apart from the first feeder hand, are relatively accessible or spaced apart from the first feeder hand, and clamp the other edge of the film; and a second feeder hand driving unit connected to the second feeder hand and driving the second feeder hand.

The film feeding unit further includes a feeder hand up/down driving unit that is connected to the first feeder hand and the second feeder hand and drives the first feeder hand and the second feeder hand up/down. It can be included.

The film feeding unit includes a feeder hand transport driving unit that is connected to the first feeder hand and the second feeder hand and transports the first feeder hand and the second feeder hand in the direction in which the film is transported on the process line. More may be included.

The assembly manufacturing device is disposed on one side of the process line where the sub gasket is supplied, and aligns each of the cathode layer and the anode layer, places it on the sub gasket, and pre-bonds it. ) Device; and a lamination device disposed behind the process of the pre-tack device and laminating the cathode layer and the anode layer with the electrolyte layer interposed therebetween.

The pre-tack device includes an alignment unit that aligns the cathode layer or the anode layer; And it may include a turn turret unit that transfers the cathode layer or anode layer aligned by the alignment unit to the sub gasket and pre-tacks it.

The pre-tack device includes: a magazine unit disposed in front of the process of the align unit and storing the negative electrode layer or the positive electrode layer; a first transfer unit disposed between the magazine unit and the alignment unit and transferring the cathode layer or anode layer on the magazine unit to the alignment unit; and a second transfer unit disposed between the align unit and the turn turret unit and transferring the cathode layer or the anode layer on the align unit to the turn turret unit.

The alignment unit includes an alignment stage on which the cathode layer or the anode layer is loaded and aligned; And it may include a camera that photographs the alignment position of the cathode layer or anode layer loaded on the alignment stage.

The turn turret unit includes a unit body; a heating loading portion forming a place where the cathode layer or the anode layer is loaded and heated while being pressed toward the sub gasket; And it is connected to the unit body and the heating loading part, and may include a loading pressing part that presses the heating loading part, and the heating loading part may be provided in a pair symmetrically on both sides of the unit body.

The loading pressurization unit includes a cylinder provided within the unit body; a loading support unit supporting the heating loading unit; and a pressing shaft connected to the cylinder and the loading support unit and pressing the loading support unit by the action of the cylinder.

The heating loading unit includes a stage plate on which the cathode layer or the anode layer is loaded and where a plurality of vacuum holes are formed; a first heating element provided within the stage plate and heating the stage plate; A first insulating plate connected to the loading pressurization unit and providing an insulating function; And it may include a first connection plate connecting the stage plate and the first insulation plate.

A plurality of protrusions may be further formed on the loading surface of the heating loading part where the cathode layer or the anode layer is loaded.

The lamination device may be a flat type flat-to-flat lamination device that laminates the cathode layer and the anode layer while pressing them.

The flat-to-flat lamination device includes a heating plate that pressurizes the cathode layer or the anode layer with heat; a second heating element provided within the heating plate and heating the heating plate; a second insulating plate providing an insulating function; a second connection plate connecting the heating plate and the second insulation plate; And it is connected to the second insulating plate and may include a plate pressing part that pressurizes the heating plate.

The flat-to-flat lamination device may further include a cushion layer provided on the exposed surface of the heating plate.

According to the present invention, even if a continuous process for automatically manufacturing a fuel cell is carried out, it is possible to effectively prevent warpage of the film forming the sub gasket as in the past, and this allows the normal process to be performed. This can help improve the quality of fuel cells.

1 is a diagram for explaining the structure of a fuel cell.
Figure 2 is a plan view of the sub-gasket, cathode layer, electrolyte layer, and anode layer.
Figure 3 is a structural cross-sectional view of the assembly.
Figure 4 is a perspective view of a sub gasket in which a hole is formed.
Figures 5 (a) and (b) are schematic side and plan views of a fuel cell manufacturing system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 is a perspective view of the film clamp unit of the stepped film transport device.
Figure 7 is a front view of Figure 6.
Figures 8 to 10 are operational diagrams for area A of Figure 7.
Figure 11 is a perspective view of the film feeding unit of the step-type film transport device.
Figure 12 is a front view of Figure 11.
13 to 20 are schematic process diagrams for the operation of the step-type film transfer device.
Figure 21 is a control block diagram of a fuel cell manufacturing system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 22 is a configuration diagram of the assembly manufacturing device area in the fuel cell manufacturing system according to another embodiment of the present invention.
Figures 23 to 27 are schematic configuration diagrams of the pre-tack device and are diagrams showing the operation step by step.
28 is a schematic partial structural diagram of the turn turret unit.
29 and 30 are perspective views of the arrangement of the turn turret unit.
31 is a schematic structural diagram of a flat-to-flat lamination device.
Figures 32 to 36 are partial operation diagrams of the fuel cell manufacturing system.
Figure 37 is a modified embodiment of a turn turret unit.
Figure 38 is a modified embodiment of a flat-to-flat lamination device.

In order to fully understand the present invention, its operational advantages, and the objectives achieved by practicing the present invention, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings illustrating preferred embodiments of the present invention and the contents described in the accompanying drawings.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail by explaining preferred embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in each drawing indicate the same member.

Figures 5 (a) and (b) are a schematic side and plan view of a fuel cell manufacturing system according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 6 is a perspective view of the film clamp unit of the step-type film transfer device. FIG. 7 is a front view of FIG. 6, FIGS. 8 to 10 are operating diagrams of area A of FIG. 7, FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the film feeding unit of the step-type film transfer device, and FIG. 12 is a front view of FIG. 11. 13 to 20 are schematic process diagrams for the operation of the step-type film transfer device, and Figure 21 is a control block diagram of the fuel cell manufacturing system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to these drawings, the fuel cell manufacturing system according to this embodiment does not cause warpage of the film forming the sub gasket (10) as before, even if the continuous process of automatically manufacturing the fuel cell is performed. This can effectively prevent this, and this allows normal processes to be performed, thereby improving the quality of the fuel cell.

As schematically shown in FIG. 5, the fuel cell manufacturing system according to the present embodiment that can provide such effects includes a sub-gasket supply device 500, a gasket hole forming device 100, an assembly manufacturing device 600, and an assembly separation device. It may include a device 500 and a step-type film transfer device 700. These devices are sequentially placed on the line supplied to the process when the sub gasket (10) is released, that is, inline, and are controlled by an organic mechanism by the system controller 800 to proceed with the continuous process, This allows the above-described assembly 20 to be formed.

As briefly mentioned earlier, the cathode layer, electrolyte layer, and anode layer must be bonded on the surface between each layer, but the cathode layer, electrolyte layer, and anode layer are fragile due to their material characteristics, that is, due to their thickness and material characteristics. , taking this into consideration, a sub gasket (10) made of polymer film is used. At this time, the state or structure in which the cathode layer, electrolyte layer, and anode layer are bonded to the hole 11 area of the sub gasket 10 is called an assembly 20.

The sub gasket supply device 500 serves to supply a sub gasket (10) to the process for manufacturing an assembly (10) formed as one body by cementing the electrolyte layer and the anode layer.

This sub gasket supply device 500 includes an unwinder (0, not shown) that unwinds and supplies the web-shaped sub gasket 10 to the process, and a sub gasket (not shown) disposed on the process line and released from the unwinder. 10) may include a plurality of guide rollers (not shown) that guide. Of course, in addition to the guide roller, there is a drive roller (not shown) that holds and pulls the sub gasket (10), a meander stopper (not shown) that prevents the meandering of the sub gasket (10), and a sensor that detects the amount of loosening of the sub gasket (10). (not shown) may be further equipped in the sub gasket supply device 500, but for convenience, these are omitted from the illustration.

The gasket hole forming device 100 is disposed between the sub gasket supply device 500 and the assembly manufacturing device 600, and performs a hole forming process to form a hole 11 on the sub gasket 10.

The gasket hole forming device 100 may be a type of punch structure. The cathode layer, electrolyte layer, and anode layer can be bonded through the hole 11 formed on the sub gasket 10 to form one assembly 20.

The assembly manufacturing device 600 is disposed on one side of the process line where the sub gasket 10 is supplied, that is, behind the process of the gasket hole forming device 100, and manufactures the assembly 20 through the sub gasket 10. ) proceeds with the assembly manufacturing process. In other words, the assembly manufacturing apparatus 600 manufactures the assembly 20 in a state or structure in which the cathode layer, electrolyte layer, and anode layer are bonded to the hole 11 area of the sub gasket 10. This assembly manufacturing device 600 may be of a roller type or a plate type, and specific embodiments will be introduced in the examples below.

The assembly separation device 500 is disposed behind the process of the assembly manufacturing device 600 on the process line, and performs an assembly separation process to separate the manufactured assembly 20.

In this embodiment, the assembly separation device 400 is applied as a gasket cutter 400 to cut the continuous sub gasket 10 into unit sizes. By the gasket cutter 400, continuous sub gaskets 10 on a web can be cut into unit sizes together with one assembly 20.

Of course, it is possible to remove only the assembly 20 from the sub gasket 10 without using the gasket cutter 400, that is, without cutting the entire continuous sub gasket 10 on the web. This structure Again, it may be included in the assembly separation device 400.

Meanwhile, as mentioned earlier, during the hole forming process for forming the hole 11, the assembly manufacturing process for manufacturing the assembly 20, and the assembly separation process for separating the assembly 20, the sub gasket 10 is removed. The forming film must repeat movement and stop (Move/Stop), and during this process, the film may move in a deformed state, and this deformation of the film causes the hole forming process, assembly manufacturing process, or assembly process. The separation process may not proceed normally.

Accordingly, in this embodiment, the step-type film transfer device 700 is applied to prevent such problems from occurring, that is, to effectively prevent warpage of the film and enable normal processing.

The step-type film transfer device 700 is disposed on the process line as shown in FIGS. 5 to 20, and clamps the film step by step and selectively when the film forming the sub gasket 10 progresses through the process. ) or plays a role in transporting (moving).

This step-type film transfer device 700 includes a film clamp unit (710) that clamps the edge of the film, and a film feeding unit (730) that clamps and transfers the edge of the film. , Film Feeding Unit).

When the film forming the sub gasket 10 undergoes a hole forming process, assembly manufacturing process, or assembly separation process, the film clamp unit 710 performs Clamp, Standby, Unclamp, Standby, Clamp. The operation is controlled to be performed repeatedly, and the film feeding unit 730 is controlled to perform the clamp, standby, forward, standby, unclamp, standby, backward, standby, and clamp operations repeatedly. do.

The film clamp unit 710 includes a first clamp hand 711 that clamps one edge of the film as shown in FIGS. 6 to 10, and is connected to the first clamp hand 711 and uses the first clamp hand 711. A first clamp hand driving unit 712 that drives, and a second clamp hand that is spaced apart from the first clamp hand 711 and can be relatively approached or spaced apart from the first clamp hand 711, and clamps the other edge of the film. (713), a second clamp hand driver 714 connected to the second clamp hand 713 and driving the second clamp hand 713, the first clamp hand 711 and the second clamp hand 713 It may include a hand mover (715) that is connected to at least one of the hand movers (715) and moves the first clamp hand (711) and the second clamp hand (713) closer to or apart from each other.

The first clamp hand 711 and the second clamp hand 713 are provided in the form of a vertically moving clamp, and are operated by the first clamp hand driver 712 and the second clamp hand driver 714, respectively. The first clamp hand drive unit 712 and the second clamp hand drive unit 714 may have a cylindrical structure. The first clamp hand 711 and the second clamp hand 713 clamp the edge area so that the film is not damaged.

In this structure, the film clamp unit 710 is further equipped with a film tensioner 716 including a coil spring 717. The film tensioner 716 provides tension to the film before the first clamp hand 711 and the second clamp hand 713 operate to clamp the film as shown in FIGS. 8 to 10. In addition, the film tensioner 716 forms a reference point for the film.

To elaborate, as shown in FIG. 8, before the second clamp hand 713 is opened and clamps the film, the coil spring 717 is pulled and fixed with the cylinder 718 to fix the planar position of the second clamp hand 713, such as the Y axis. The position can be fixed. Then, after passing through FIG. 9 and acting as in FIG. 10 to clamp the film, the restraint of the coil spring 717 is released to maintain the Y-axis position of the second clamp hand 713 in a released state. Therefore, these springs can exert tension on the film.

The film feeding unit 730 includes a plurality of first feeder hands 731 that clamp one edge of the film, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, and is connected to the first feeder hand 731 and includes a first feeder hand 731. ), a first feeder hand driving unit 732 that drives the first feeder hand 731, and a plurality of devices that are spaced apart from the first feeder hand 731 and can be relatively approached or spaced apart from the first feeder hand 731, and clamp the other edge of the film. It may include a second feeder hand 733 and a second feeder hand driver 734 that is connected to the second feeder hand 733 and drives the second feeder hand 733.

In addition, the film feeding unit 730 is connected to the first feeder hand 731 and the second feeder hand 733 and moves the first feeder hand 731 and the second feeder hand 733 up/down. down) is connected to the feeder hand up/down driving unit 735, which drives the first feeder hand 731 and the second feeder hand 733, and operates the first feeder hand 731 and the second feeder hand 733 It may further include a feeder hand transfer driver 736 that transfers the film in the direction in which it is transferred on the line.

The structures of the first feeder hand 731 and the second feeder hand 733, and the driving structure for operating them, are the same as those of the first clamp hand 711 and the second clamp hand 713 described above. Therefore, redundant description is omitted.

Meanwhile, the system controller 800 prevents the film forming the sub gasket 10 from being warped and ensures that the film-mediated hole forming process, assembly manufacturing process, and assembly separation process can proceed continuously on the process line. The operations of the sub-gasket 10 supply device, gasket hole forming device 100, assembly manufacturing device 600, assembly separation device 400, and step-type film transfer device 700 are controlled by an organic mechanism.

In other words, when the film forming the sub gasket 10 undergoes a hole forming process, an assembly manufacturing process, or an assembly separation process, the film clamp unit 710 is used to clamp, wait, and unclamp ( So that the Unclamp, Wait, Clamp operations are performed repeatedly, the film feeding unit 730 performs Clamp, Wait, Forward, Wait, Unclamp, Wait, Reverse, Wait, Clamp. The system controller 800 controls the operation to be performed repeatedly.

The system controller 800 that performs this role may include a central processing unit (810, CPU), memory (820, MEMORY), and support circuit (830, SUPPORT CIRCUIT).

In this embodiment, the central processing unit 810 prevents the film forming the sub gasket 10 from being warped and continuously performs the hole forming process, assembly manufacturing process, and assembly separation process using the film on the process line. Controlling the operations of the sub-gasket (10) supply device, gasket hole forming device (100), assembly manufacturing device (600), assembly separation device (400), and step-type film transfer device (700) with an organic mechanism so that progress can be made. It may be one of a variety of computer processors that can be applied industrially.

Memory 820 (MEMORY) is connected to the central processing unit 810. Memory 820 is a computer-readable recording medium that can be installed locally or remotely, for example, in a readily available storage medium such as random access memory (RAM), ROM, floppy disk, hard disk, or any other digital storage form. It may be at least one memory.

The support circuit 830 (SUPPORT CIRCUIT) is combined with the central processing unit 810 to support typical operations of the processor. This support circuit 830 may include a cache, power supply, clock circuit, input/output circuit, subsystem, etc.

In this embodiment, the system controller 800 prevents the film forming the sub gasket 10 from being warped, and the hole forming process, assembly manufacturing process, and assembly separation process proceed continuously on the process line using the film. The operations of the sub-gasket (10) supply device, gasket hole forming device (100), assembly manufacturing device (600), assembly separating device (400), and step-type film transfer device (700) are controlled by an organic mechanism, This series of control processes, etc. may be stored in the memory 820. Typically, software routines may be stored in memory 820. Software routines may also be stored or executed by other central processing units (not shown).

Although the process according to the present invention has been described as being executed by software routines, it is also possible that at least some of the processes according to the present invention are performed by hardware. As such, the processes of the present invention may be implemented as software running on a computer system, as hardware such as an integrated circuit, or as a combination of software and hardware.

According to the present embodiment, which operates with the structure described above, it is possible to effectively prevent the film forming the sub gasket 10 from being deformed as before, even if a continuous process for automatically manufacturing a fuel cell is carried out, thereby preventing normal operation. By performing the process, it is possible to improve the quality of the fuel cell.

Figure 22 is a configuration diagram of the assembly manufacturing device area in the fuel cell manufacturing system according to another embodiment of the present invention, and Figures 23 to 27 are schematic diagrams of the pretack device and are diagrams showing the operation step by step. 28 is a schematic partial structural diagram of the turn turret unit, Figures 29 and 30 are a perspective view of the arrangement of the turn turret unit, Figure 31 is a schematic structural diagram of a flat-to-flat lamination device, and Figures 32 to 36 are a fuel cell manufacturing system. is a partial operation diagram, Figure 37 is a modified embodiment of the turn turret unit, and Figure 38 is a modified embodiment of the flat-to-flat lamination device.

Referring to these drawings, the assembly manufacturing device 600a is also applied to this system. The assembly manufacturing device 600a applied to this system is also disposed on one side of the process line where the sub gasket 10 is supplied, that is, disposed behind the process of the gasket hole forming device 100 (see FIG. 5), and produces the sub gasket 10. An assembly manufacturing process for manufacturing the assembly 20 is performed through (10). In other words, the assembly manufacturing apparatus 600 manufactures the assembly 20 in a state or structure in which the cathode layer, electrolyte layer, and anode layer are bonded to the hole 11 area of the sub gasket 10.

Meanwhile, the assembly manufacturing device 600a applied to this embodiment may be composed of a combination of a pre-tack device 200 and a lamination device 300.

As shown in FIGS. 22 to 27, the pre-tack device 200 is disposed on one side of the process line where the sub gasket 10 is supplied, that is, disposed behind the process of the gasket hole forming device 100 in the in-line process, and is located on the cathode layer. It serves to align each of the and anode layers, place them on the sub gasket 10, and pre-bond them. At this time, the electrolyte layer is considered to have been previously bonded to one of the cathode layer and the anode layer.

In addition, the lamination device 300 is disposed behind the process of the pre-tack device 200 in the in-line process as shown in FIGS. 22 and 31 to 36, and forms the cathode layer and the anode layer with the electrolyte layer interposed therebetween. It plays a role in lamination.

In this embodiment, the lamination device 300 is a flat type flat-to-flat lamination device 300 that laminates the cathode layer and the anode layer while pressing them. The assembly 20 is finally completed by passing through the flat-to-flat lamination device 300.

In this way, the assembly manufacturing device 600a including the pre-tack device 200 and the lamination device 300 is applied to the fuel cell manufacturing system according to this embodiment. Due to the application of this assembly manufacturing device 600a, the cathode layer, electrolyte It prevents the cathode layer and anode layer from being damaged during the cementing process between the anode layer and the anode layer, while reducing the positional difference between the cathode layer and the anode layer during the cementation process.

First, let's take a closer look at the free tack device 200. The pre-tack device 200 is placed behind the process of the gasket hole forming device 100 in the in-line process, and serves to align each of the cathode and anode layers, place them on the sub gasket 10, and pre-bond them. Do it.

The pre-tack device 200 is arranged in a pair on both sides with the sub gasket 10 in between. In that one of the pair of pre-tack devices 200 pre-tacks the negative plate and the other pre-tacks the positive plate, only the object is different, but the structure and function are all the same. Therefore, the same reference numerals were assigned.

The pre-tack device 200 includes a magazine unit (210, Magazine Unit) in which the cathode layer or anode layer is laminated and stored, an alignment unit (220, Align Unit) that aligns the cathode layer or anode layer, and an alignment unit. It may include a turn turret unit (230) that transfers the cathode layer or anode layer aligned by 220 to the sub gasket 10 and pre-tacks it.

Additionally, in this embodiment, the pre-tack device 200 is disposed between the magazine unit 210 and the alignment unit 220, and transfers the cathode layer or anode layer on the magazine unit 210 to the alignment unit 220. It is disposed between the first transfer unit 201 (Transfer Unit), the alignment unit 220, and the turn turret unit 230, and turns the cathode layer or anode layer on the align unit 220 into the turn turret unit 230. It further includes a second transfer unit (202, Transfer Unit) that transfers to.

The first transfer unit 201 is a unit that pulls the cathode layer or anode layer using a vacuum chuck, etc. to separate it from the magazine unit 210, and aligns the cathode layer or anode layer by moving upward and to the left. It is placed on the align stage 221 of (220), and the cathode layer or anode layer can be loaded on the align stage 221 through an unchucking process. The second transfer unit 202 also operates in the same manner as the first transfer unit 201.

Looking at the configurations in more detail, the magazine unit 210 forms a place where the cathode layer or the anode layer is stacked and stored. Ultimately, in the case of this embodiment, a single sheet of cathode or anode layer is applied, but unlike the drawing, the cathode or anode layer may be provided in the form of a web rather than a sheet and then cut.

The alignment unit 220 is a means for aligning the cathode layer or anode layer transferred from the magazine unit 210 through the first transfer unit 201.

This alignment unit 220 controls the alignment stage 221 (Align Stage) on which the cathode layer or anode layer is loaded and aligned, and the alignment position of the cathode layer or anode layer loaded on the align stage 221. Includes a camera that takes pictures (222, Camera).

The alignment stage 221 includes a device capable of alignment in plane coordinates. Accordingly, when the first transfer unit 201 loads the cathode layer or the anode layer from the magazine unit 210 onto the align stage 221, the camera 222 photographs the alignment mark, and based on this information, the align stage By driving 221, the correct position of the cathode layer or the anode layer is determined. Then, since the second transfer unit 202 simply picks up the aligned cathode layer or anode layer and transfers it to the turn turret unit 230, the process is convenient and there is no concern about misalignment.

The turn turret unit 230 transfers the cathode layer or anode layer transferred from the alignment unit 220 through the second transfer unit 202 to the sub gasket 10 and serves to pre-tack.

The turn turret unit 230 includes a unit body 240, a heating loading part 250 that forms a place where the cathode layer or anode layer is loaded and heated while being pressed toward the sub gasket 10, the unit body 240, and a heating unit 230. It is connected to the loading unit 250 and may include a loading pressing unit 260 that pressurizes the heating loading unit 250.

This turn turret unit 230 is a type of transfer unit, and serves to transfer the cathode layer or anode layer, for example, the cathode layer placed on the heating loading unit 250, to the sub gasket 10 and pre-tick it. . That is, when the cathode layer is placed on the heating loading part 250, the cathode layer is chucking using the vacuum hole (252, vacuum hole, or vacuum chuck) in the stage plate 251 of the heating loading part 250. Afterwards, turn (Trun) 180 degrees so that the cathode layer faces the sub gasket (10). The heating loading part 250 allows the cathode layer and the sub gasket 10 to adhere to each other through the action of the loading pressurizing part 260. At this time, as the first heating element 253, for example, a sheath type heater, is built into the heating loading unit 250, heat is transferred to the cathode layer and the sub gasket 10, and this pressing force It causes pre-tack by overheating.

In this embodiment, a pair of heating loading units 250 are provided symmetrically on both sides of the unit body 240. Accordingly, while the cathode layer or anode layer is transferred to the sub gasket 10 from one heating loading unit 250 and pre-tapped, the cathode layer or anode layer to be worked on can be newly transferred to the other heating loading unit 250. . Therefore, productivity can be increased by reducing the tact time.

Looking at the heating loading unit 250 in more detail, the heating loading unit 250 includes a stage plate 251 on which a cathode layer or an anode layer is loaded and a plurality of vacuum holes 252 are formed, and a stage A first heating element 253 is provided in the plate 251 and heats the stage plate 251, and a first insulating plate 254 connected to the loading pressurization unit 260 and providing an insulating function. , It may include a first connection plate 255 connecting the stage plate 251 and the first insulation plate 254.

Since the vacuum hole 252 is formed in the stage plate 251, the cathode layer or the anode layer can be loaded on the loading surface of the stage plate 251 without shaking.

The loading pressurizing unit 260 is connected to a cylinder 261 provided in the unit body 240, a loading support unit 262 supporting the heating loading unit 250, and the cylinder 261 and the loading support unit 262. , It may include a pressing shaft 263 that pressurizes the loading supporter 262 by the action of the cylinder 261.

For reference, in FIGS. 23 to 27, the pre-tack device 200 is shown as moving the cathode layer or the anode layer sequentially, but operations for each unit may be performed simultaneously. In this case, the takt time can be further shortened, contributing to improved productivity.

Next, the flat-to-flat lamination device 300 is a flat type, as described above, and serves to laminate the cathode layer and the anode layer by pressing them. The assembly 20 is finally completed by passing through the flat-to-flat lamination device 300.

This flat-to-flat lamination device 300 applies heat and pressure to the outer surfaces of each of the cathode and anode layers attached on the sub gasket 10 through the free tack device 200 to attach the inner surfaces of each of the cathode and anode layers, That is, the edge side of the inner surface of the cathode layer and the upper surface of the sub gasket (10) are attached, while the edge side and the lower surface of the sub gasket (10) are attached to the inner surface of the anode layer. Of course, the arrangement positions of the cathode layer and the anode layer based on the sub gasket 10 may be opposite to those shown in the drawing.

Since the flat-to-flat lamination device 300 applied in this embodiment is a hot press plate type rather than the conventional roller type, damage to the cathode layer and anode layer during the cementation process is possible. Not only can it prevent this, but it can also reduce the positional difference between the cathode layer and the anode layer during the cementation process.

These flat-to-flat lamination devices 300 may be arranged as a pair on both sides with the sub gasket 10 in between. A pair of flat-to-flat lamination devices 300 have the same structure, function, and role, except that the working objects are a cathode layer and an anode layer.

This flat-to-flat lamination device 300 includes a heating plate 310 that pressurizes the cathode layer or the anode layer with heat, a second heating element 320 provided in the heating plate 310, and a second heating element 320 that heats the heating plate 310. a heating element), a second insulation plate 330 that provides an insulation function, a second connection plate 340 connecting the heating plate 310 and the second insulation plate 330, and a second insulation plate 330 ) and may include a plate pressing unit 350 that pressurizes the heating plate 310. The plate pressing unit 350 may be applied as a cylinder or the like.

Accordingly, in a state in which the cathode layer and the anode layer are pre-tacked by the action of the pre-tack device 200 as shown in FIG. 32, they are laminated through the flat-to-flat lamination device 300 as shown in FIGS. 33 to 35 to form the assembly 20 as shown in FIG. 36. It can be made, and then the separation process can be performed through the assembly separation device 400.

Even if the assembly manufacturing device 600a of this embodiment is applied and a continuous process for automatically manufacturing a fuel cell is performed, it is possible to effectively prevent the film forming the sub gasket 10 from being deformed as before, thereby allowing a normal process to be performed. This can help improve the quality of fuel cells. In particular, in the case of this embodiment, since the assembly manufacturing device 600a including the pre-tack device 200 and the lamination device 300 is applied, the cathode layer and the anode layer are It prevents damage and reduces the positional difference between the cathode and anode layers during the cementation process.

Figure 37 is a modified embodiment of a turn turret unit.

Referring to this drawing, the turn turret unit 230a applied to this embodiment also has a heating loading unit that forms a place where the unit body 240 and the cathode layer or anode layer are loaded and heated while being pressed toward the sub gasket 10. It is connected to the unit 250, the unit body 240, and the heating loading unit 250, and may include a loading pressurizing unit 260 that pressurizes the heating loading unit 250. Their structure, function, and role are the same as the above-described embodiment. Therefore, avoid duplicate explanations.

Meanwhile, in this embodiment, a plurality of protrusions 251a are further formed on the loading surface of the heating loading part 250 where the cathode layer or the anode layer is loaded.

The protrusion 251a is a structure that efficiently increases the pressure transmitted to the cathode layer or the anode layer. Since pressure is inversely proportional to the contact area, the structure of the protrusion 251a is designed to increase the local pressure by reducing the contact area. The pressure can be increased locally, but the important part, that is, the border part, can be bonded.

Figure 38 is a modified embodiment of a flat-to-flat lamination device.

Referring to this drawing, the flat-to-flat lamination device 300a applied to this embodiment is also provided within the heating plate 310, a heating plate 310 that pressurizes the cathode layer or the anode layer with heat, and a heating plate ( A second heating element 320 that heats the 310), a second insulating plate 330 that provides an insulating function, and a second connection connecting the heating plate 310 and the second insulating plate 330. It may include a plate 340 and a plate pressing part 350 that is connected to the second insulating plate 330 and presses the heating plate 310. Their structure, function, and role are the same as the above-described embodiment. Therefore, avoid duplicate explanations.

Meanwhile, in this embodiment, a cushion layer 360 is provided on the exposed surface of the heating plate 310. The cushion layer 360 on the upper surface of the heating plate 310 is a means to apply even pressure to the cathode layer or the anode layer.

As such, the present invention is not limited to the described embodiments, and it is obvious to those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, it should be said that such modifications or variations fall within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

10: sub gasket 11: hole
100: Gasket hole forming device 400: Assembly separation device
500: Sub gasket supply device 600: Assembly manufacturing device
700: Stepped film transfer device 710: Film clamp unit
711: first clamp hand 712: first clamp hand driving unit
713: second clamp hand 714: second clamp hand driving unit
715: Hand mover 716: Film tensioner
717: Coil spring 730: Film feeding unit
731: first feeder hand 732: first feeder hand driving unit
733: Second feeder hand 734: Second feeder hand driving unit
735: Feeder hand up/down driving unit 736: Feeder hand transfer driving unit
800: System Controller

Claims (23)

Sub gasket supply that supplies sub gaskets to the process for manufacturing an assembly that is formed as one body by cementing the anode layer, electrolyte layer, and cathode layer. Device;
an assembly manufacturing device disposed on one side of a process line to which the sub gasket is supplied, and performing an assembly manufacturing process to manufacture the assembly via the sub gasket; and
It is disposed on the process line and includes a step-type film transfer device that gradually clamps or moves the film forming the sub gasket,
The assembly manufacturing device,
An alignment unit that aligns the cathode layer or the anode layer, and a turn turret that delivers the aligned cathode layer or anode layer by the align unit to the sub gasket and pre-tacks it. It is equipped with a trun turret unit and is placed on one side of the process line where the sub gasket is supplied. The pre-gasket is placed on the sub gasket by aligning each of the cathode layer and the anode layer and bonding them in advance (PRE). PRE Tack device; and
It is disposed behind the process of the pre-tack device and includes a lamination device for lamination of the cathode layer and the anode layer with the electrolyte layer interposed therebetween,
The turn turret unit,
unit body;
a heating loading portion forming a place where the cathode layer or the anode layer is loaded and heated while being pressed toward the sub gasket; and
A fuel cell manufacturing system that is connected to the unit body and the heating loading unit and includes a loading pressurizing unit that pressurizes the heating loading unit. According to paragraph 1,
The fuel cell manufacturing system further includes a gasket hole forming device disposed between the sub gasket supply device and the assembly manufacturing device and performing a hole forming process to form a hole on the sub gasket. According to paragraph 2,
The fuel cell manufacturing system further comprises an assembly separation device disposed behind the process of the assembly manufacturing device on the process line and performing an assembly separation process to separate the manufactured assembly. According to paragraph 3,
The sub gasket supply device prevents the film forming the sub gasket from being deformed and allows the hole forming process, the assembly manufacturing process, and the assembly separation process to proceed continuously through the film on the process line. , The fuel cell manufacturing system further comprises a system controller that controls the operations of the gasket hole forming device, the assembly manufacturing device, the assembly separating device, and the step-type film transfer device through an organic mechanism. According to paragraph 1,
The step-type film transfer device,
A film clamp unit that clamps the edge of the film; and
A fuel cell manufacturing system comprising a film feeding unit that clamps and transfers the edge of the film. According to clause 5,
When the film forming the sub gasket proceeds with the process, the film clamp unit is controlled to repeatedly perform clamp, wait, unclamp, wait, and clamp operations, and the film feeding unit A fuel cell manufacturing system characterized in that Clamp, standby, forward, standby, unclamp, standby, backward, standby, and clamp operations are controlled to be performed repeatedly. According to clause 5,
The film clamp unit is,
a first clamp hand that clamps one edge of the film;
a first clamp hand driving unit connected to the first clamp hand and driving the first clamp hand;
a second clamp hand that is spaced apart from the first clamp hand and is relatively accessible or spaced apart from the first clamp hand, and clamps the other edge of the film;
a second clamp hand driving unit connected to the second clamp hand and driving the first clamp hand; and
Fuel cell manufacturing, comprising a hand mover that is connected to at least one of the first clamp hand and the second clamp hand and moves the first clamp hand and the second clamp hand closer to or apart from each other. system. In clause 7,
The film clamp unit is,
The fuel cell manufacturing system further includes a film tensioner that provides tension to the film before the first clamp hand and the second clamp hand operate to clamp the film. According to clause 8,
A fuel cell manufacturing system, wherein the film tensioner includes a coil spring. According to clause 5,
The film feeding unit,
a plurality of first feeder hands clamping one edge of the film;
a first feeder hand driving unit connected to the first feeder hand and driving the first feeder hand;
a plurality of second feeder hands that are spaced apart from the first feeder hand, are relatively accessible or spaced apart from the first feeder hand, and clamp the other edge of the film; and
A fuel cell manufacturing system comprising a second feeder hand driving unit connected to the second feeder hand and driving the second feeder hand. According to clause 10,
The film feeding unit,
Characterized in that it further comprises a feeder hand up/down driving unit that is connected to the first feeder hand and the second feeder hand and drives the first feeder hand and the second feeder hand up/down. Fuel cell manufacturing system. According to clause 10,
The film feeding unit,
Characterized by further comprising a feeder hand transport drive unit connected to the first feeder hand and the second feeder hand and transporting the first feeder hand and the second feeder hand in the direction in which the film is transported on the process line. fuel cell manufacturing system. delete delete According to paragraph 1,
The free tack device,
A magazine unit disposed in front of the alignment unit in which the cathode layer or the anode layer is stacked and stored;
a first transfer unit disposed between the magazine unit and the alignment unit and transferring the cathode layer or anode layer on the magazine unit to the alignment unit; and
A fuel cell disposed between the align unit and the turn turret unit and further comprising a second transfer unit that transfers the cathode layer or the anode layer on the align unit to the turn turret unit. Manufacturing system. According to paragraph 1,
The alignment unit is,
An Align Stage where the cathode layer or the anode layer is loaded and aligned; and
A fuel cell manufacturing system comprising a camera that photographs the alignment position of the cathode layer or anode layer loaded on the alignment stage. delete According to paragraph 1,
The loading pressurization unit,
A cylinder provided within the unit body;
a loading support unit supporting the heating loading unit; and
A fuel cell manufacturing system comprising a pressurizing shaft connected to the cylinder and the loading support unit and pressurizing the loading support unit by the action of the cylinder. According to paragraph 1,
The heating loading unit,
a stage plate on which the cathode layer or the anode layer is loaded and on which a plurality of vacuum holes are formed;
a first heating element provided within the stage plate and heating the stage plate;
A first insulating plate connected to the loading pressurization unit and providing an insulating function; and
A fuel cell manufacturing system comprising a first connection plate connecting the stage plate and the first insulation plate. According to clause 19,
A fuel cell manufacturing system, characterized in that a plurality of protrusions are further formed on the loading surface of the heating loading part where the cathode layer or the anode layer is loaded. According to paragraph 1,
The fuel cell manufacturing system is characterized in that the lamination device is a flat type flat-to-flat lamination device that laminates the cathode layer and the anode layer while pressing them. According to clause 21,
The flat-to-flat lamination device,
a heating plate that pressurizes the cathode layer or the anode layer with heat;
a second heating element provided within the heating plate and heating the heating plate;
a second insulating plate providing an insulating function;
a second connection plate connecting the heating plate and the second insulation plate; and
A fuel cell manufacturing system connected to the second insulating plate and comprising a plate pressurizing unit that pressurizes the heating plate. According to clause 22,
The flat-to-flat lamination device,
A fuel cell manufacturing system further comprising a cushion layer provided on an exposed surface of the heating plate.

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