KR20240034998A - Fuel cell manufacturing system - Google Patents

Abstract

A fuel cell manufacturing system is disclosed. A fuel cell manufacturing system according to an embodiment of the present invention is used to manufacture an assembly formed as one body by cementing a first electrode layer including an electrolyte layer and a second electrode layer in contrast to the first electrode layer. A PRE Tack device disposed on one side of the process line where gaskets (sub gaskets) are supplied, aligns each of the first and second electrode layers, places them on the sub gasket, and pre-bonds them; and a flat type upper heat plate in contact with the upper part of the assembly and a flat type lower heat plate in contact with the lower part of the assembly, and in-line with the pre-tack device. It includes a flat-to-flat lamination device that laminated the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer through the interaction of the upper heat plate and the lower heat plate with an electrolyte layer interposed therebetween, The flat-to-flat lamination device includes an upper heat plate case that partially surrounds the upper heat plate and reduces thermal deformation of the upper heat plate; and a lower heat plate case disposed to partially surround the lower heat plate and reduce thermal deformation of the lower heat plate.

Description

Fuel cell manufacturing system

The present invention relates to a fuel cell manufacturing system, and more specifically, that the anode layer, electrolyte layer, and cathode layer can be laminated with excellent quality without damage. It is about a fuel cell manufacturing system.

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 the outside into electrical energy.

As shown in Figure 1, the fuel cell is a single cell (see (a) in Figure 1) having a structure in which a cathode layer, an electrolyte layer, an anode layer, and a separator layer are stacked. ) 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 properties, 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 a 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.

Meanwhile, when making the assembly 20, which is a single body structure, by placing and bonding the cathode layer, electrolyte layer, and anode layer in the hole 11 area of the sub gasket 10, a hot-press roller was conventionally used. ) method was applied. That is, after applying adhesive in advance to one side of the cathode layer, electrolyte layer, and anode layer, they are bonded into one body while passing through a hot press roller.

Although this method is commonly used, several problems arise in this conventional method as shown below.

First, during the operation of the hot press roller, the cathode layer, electrolyte layer, and anode layer may be damaged by the roller. That is, the cathode layer is weakly attached to the sub gasket 10 by the cathode layer transfer device, and the anode layer is weakly attached to the sub gasket 10 by the anode layer transfer device, so the corners of the cathode layer or anode layer may be lifted. It may be damaged when it comes in contact with a hot press roller.

Second, the cathode layer and the anode layer must be placed in precise positions according to their relative positions and then bonded to that position, but as the process is repeated, the positional deviation between bonding processes may increase. In reality, the cathode layer or anode layer transfer device can move according to the set value, but since the cathode layer and anode layer input into the transfer device may be input with a large positional deviation, the positional deviation between the cementing processes can increase, leading to an increase in the defect rate. It will happen.

Accordingly, in order to solve this problem, a method of lamination while pressing the cathode layer and the anode layer in a flat type may be considered. When this method is applied, a pair of flat-type heat plates can be applied and the cathode layer and the anode layer can be attached, that is, laminated, while applying strong temperature and pressure to the pair of heat plates.

However, in order to apply this structure, the heat plate must be mounted on the lamination device. When simply using fastening bolts for fastening, the fastening bolt can form a thermal expansion resistance position, so it is strong against the heat plate. When temperature and strong pressure are applied, thermal deformation due to heat and pressure may occur on the heat plate, which may prevent uniform temperature and pressure from being transmitted to the assembly. In this way, if thermal deformation occurs in the heat plate and uniform temperature and pressure are not transmitted to the assembly, the quality of the product is bound to deteriorate, which raises the need to develop technology to solve this problem.

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

Therefore, the technical problem to be achieved by the present invention is to provide a fuel cell manufacturing system in which the anode layer, electrolyte layer, and cathode layer can be laminated with excellent quality without damage. It is provided.

According to one aspect of the present invention, a sub gasket is used to manufacture an assembly formed as one body by cementing a first electrode layer including an electrolyte layer and a second electrode layer in contrast thereto. A PRE Tack device disposed on one side of the supplied process line, aligns each of the first and second electrode layers, places them on the sub gasket, and pre-bonds them; and a flat type upper heat plate in contact with the upper part of the assembly and a flat type lower heat plate in contact with the lower part of the assembly, and in-line with the pre-tack device. Flat-to-flat forming a line, with the electrolyte layer interposed between them, and lamination of the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer through the interaction of the upper heat plate and the lower heat plate. Flat) lamination device, wherein the flat to flat lamination device includes: an upper heat plate case disposed to partially surround the upper heat plate and reduce thermal deformation of the upper heat plate; and a lower heat plate case disposed to partially surround the lower heat plate and reduce thermal deformation of the lower heat plate.

The upper heat plate includes: an upper contact plate that contacts the upper part of the assembly; an upper heating element provided within the upper contact plate and heating the upper contact plate; and an upper insulating plate connected to the upper contact plate and providing an insulating function, wherein the upper heat plate case allows thermal expansion of the upper heat plate and surrounds the remaining area excluding the contact surface of the upper contact plate. It can be.

An upper step may be formed on the upper contact plate to which the upper locking portion of the upper heat plate case is caught.

The lower heat plate includes: a lower contact plate that contacts the lower part of the assembly; a lower heating element provided within the lower contact plate and heating the lower contact plate; and a lower insulating plate connected to the lower contact plate and providing an insulating function, wherein the lower heat plate case allows thermal expansion of the lower heat plate and surrounds the remaining area excluding the contact surface of the lower contact plate. It can be.

A lower step may be formed on the lower contact plate to allow thermal expansion of the lower heat plate and engage a lower locking portion of the upper heat plate case.

The flat-to-flat lamination device includes an upper device connection portion connected to the upper heat plate case; And it may further include a lower device connection part connected to the lower heat plate case.

The pre-tack device includes an alignment unit that aligns the first electrode layer or the second electrode layer; And it may include a turn turret unit that transfers the first electrode layer or the second electrode 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 first electrode layer or the second electrode layer; a first transfer unit disposed between the magazine unit and the alignment unit and transferring the first or second electrode layer on the magazine unit to the alignment unit; And it may further include a second transfer unit disposed between the align unit and the turn turret unit and transferring the first electrode layer or the second electrode layer on the align unit to the turn turret unit.

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

The turn turret unit includes a unit body; a heating loading portion forming a place where the first electrode layer or the second electrode layer is loaded and heated while being pressed toward the sub gasket; And it is connected to the unit body and the heating loading unit, and may include a loading pressurizing unit that pressurizes the heating loading unit.

The heating loading portion 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 plate supporter supporting the loading plate; and a pressing shaft connected to the cylinder and the plate support unit and pressing the plate support unit by the action of the cylinder.

The heating loading unit includes a stage plate on which the first electrode layer or the second electrode layer is loaded and a plurality of vacuum holes are formed; a heater provided within the stage plate and heating the stage plate; An insulating plate portion connected to the loading pressurization portion and providing an insulating function; And it may include a connecting plate part connecting the stage plate and the insulating plate part.

A plurality of protrusions may be further formed on the loading surface of the heating loading unit where the first electrode layer or the second electrode layer is loaded.

The pre-tack device may be arranged in a pair on both sides with the sub gasket in between.

It is disposed behind the process of the flat-to-flat lamination device and may further include an assembly separation device for separating the assembly formed after lamination is completed.

The assembly separation device may be a gasket cutter that cuts continuous sub gaskets into unit sizes.

It is disposed between the sub gasket supply device and the pre-tack device and may further include a gasket hole forming device that forms a hole on the sub gasket.

It may further include a sub gasket supply device that supplies the sub gasket, and the sub gasket supply device may be disposed in front of the process of the pre-tack device.

The upper heat plate includes: an upper contact plate that is in contact with the upper part of the assembly and is made of a cushion material; upper heating element; an upper heat dissipation plate disposed inside the upper heating element and dispersing heat from the upper heating element and transferring it to the upper contact plate; and an upper insulating plate connected to the upper heat dissipation plate and providing an insulating function, wherein the lower heat plate is in contact with the lower part of the assembly and is made of a cushion material. plate); lower heating element; a lower heat dissipation plate disposed inside the lower heating element and dispersing heat from the upper heating element and transferring it to the lower contact plate; And it may include a lower insulating plate connected to the lower heat dissipation plate and providing an insulating function.

The upper heat plate includes an upper rubber heater that is in contact with the upper part of the assembly and is made of a rubber material and generates heat; and an upper insulating plate connected to the upper rubber heater and providing an insulating function, wherein the lower heat plate is in contact with the lower part of the assembly and is made of a rubber material and generates heat. a lower rubber heater; And it may include a lower insulation plate connected to the lower rubber heater and providing an insulation function.

The first and second electrode layers may be selected from an anode layer or a cathode layer.

According to the present invention, the anode layer, electrolyte layer, and cathode layer can be laminated with excellent quality without damage.

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.
Figure 5 is a schematic side configuration diagram of a fuel cell manufacturing system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 is a schematic plan view of Figure 5.
Figure 7 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the gasket hole forming device.
Figures 8 to 12 are schematic configuration diagrams of the pre-tack device and are diagrams showing the operation step by step.
13 is a schematic partial structural diagram of the turn turret unit.
14 and 15 are perspective views of the arrangement of the turn turret unit.
16 to 20 are partial operational diagrams of the fuel cell manufacturing system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 21 is a schematic structural diagram of a flat-to-flat lamination device.
FIG. 22 is a detailed view of the upper heat plate area of FIG. 21.
FIG. 23 is a detailed view of the lower heat plate area of FIG. 21.
Figure 24 is a diagram illustrating step by step the down operation of the upper heat plate.
Figure 25 is a diagram showing step by step the up operation of the upper heat plate.
Figure 26 is a structural diagram of an upper heat plate area applied to a fuel cell manufacturing system according to another embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 27 is a structural diagram of a lower heat plate area applied to a fuel cell manufacturing system according to another embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 28 is a structural diagram of an upper heat plate area applied to a fuel cell manufacturing system according to another embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 29 is a structural diagram of a lower heat plate area applied to a fuel cell manufacturing system according to another embodiment of the present invention.

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.

FIG. 5 is a schematic side configuration diagram of a fuel cell manufacturing system according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 6 is a schematic plan configuration diagram of FIG. 5, and FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the gasket hole forming device. 8 to 12 are schematic configuration diagrams of the pre-tack device, showing the operation step by step, Figure 13 is a schematic partial structural diagram of the turn turret unit, and Figures 14 and 15 are the arrangement of the turn turret unit. It is a perspective view, Figures 16 to 20 are partial operation diagrams of the fuel cell manufacturing system according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 21 is a schematic structural diagram of a flat-to-flat lamination device, and Figure 22 is an upper heat plate of Figure 21. It is a detailed view of the area, Figure 23 is a detailed view of the lower heat plate area of Figure 21, Figure 24 is a diagram showing step by step the down operation of the upper heat plate, and Figure 25 is an up (up) operation of the upper heat plate. up) This is a drawing showing the operation step by step.

Referring to these drawings, the fuel cell manufacturing system according to this embodiment prevents the cathode layer and anode layer from being damaged during the cementation process between the anode layer, electrolyte layer, and cathode layer. Meanwhile, it reduces the positional difference between the cathode layer and the anode layer during the cementation process. For reference, the first and second electrode layers described in the claims below may be selected from the anode layer or the anode layer. For convenience of explanation, the first and second electrode layers are described below as the cathode layer and the anode layer. .

The fuel cell manufacturing system according to this embodiment that can provide such effects includes a sub-gasket supply device 500, a gasket hole forming device 100, a PRE Tack device 200, and a flat-to-flat lamination device ( 300) and an assembly separation device 500. These devices are sequentially placed on the line supplied to the process as the sub gasket (10) is released, that is, inline, and proceed with a continuous process, so that the above-described assembly (20) can be formed. do.

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 of the sub gasket 10 is called an assembly 20.

As shown in FIG. 6, the sub gasket supply device 500 processes the sub gasket 10 to manufacture the assembly 20, which is formed as one body by bonding the cathode layer, the electrolyte layer, and the anode layer. It plays a role in supplying.

This sub gasket supply device 500 includes an unwinder 510 that unwinds and supplies the web-shaped sub gasket 10 to the process, and a sub gasket disposed on the process line and unwinded from the unwinder 510. It includes a plurality of guide rollers 520 that guide (10).

Of course, in addition to the guide roller 520, 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 the loosening amount of the sub gasket 10. The sub gasket supply device 500 may be further equipped with a sensor (not shown) to detect the gasket, but details about this will be omitted.

Referring to FIGS. 5 to 7, the gasket hole forming device 100 is disposed between the sub gasket supply device 500 and the pre-tack device 200, and forms a hole 11 on the sub gasket 10. It plays a role. 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.

Before explaining the pre-tack device 200 and the flat-to-flat lamination device 300, let's first look at the assembly separation device 500. The assembly separation device 500 is a flat-to-flat device as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. It is placed behind the process of the lamination device 300 and serves to separate the assembly 20 formed after lamination is completed.

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 shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, 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. It serves to align each of the cathode 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 as described above.

Here, PRE cementation means lightly attaching the cathode layer and the anode layer using low temperature and low pressure. It is bound to take a lot of time to attach the cathode layer and anode layer to the correct position using sufficiently strong temperature and strong pressure. Therefore, a process of quickly positioning the cathode layer and the anode layer and gently attaching the cathode layer and the anode layer at low temperature and low pressure is required, and the pre-tack device 200 is responsible for this.

And, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the lamination device 300 is disposed behind the process of the pre-tack device 200 in the in-line process, and laminations the cathode layer and the anode layer with the electrolyte layer interposed therebetween. ) plays a role.

In other words, the flat-to-flat lamination device 300 is a process of attaching (lamination) the cathode layer and the anode layer at high temperature and high pressure after the pre-tack process. This process also requires a fast process time for high production volume. The pre-tack device 200 and the flat-to-flat lamination device 300 can be installed in inline type equipment to continuously process them. By shortening each process time and performing continuous processes, good quality can be produced in a short period of time.

In this embodiment, the flat-to-flat lamination device 300 is a flat type and uses a flat-to-flat lamination method in which the cathode layer and the anode layer are laminated while being pressed. The assembly 20 is finally completed by passing through the flat-to-flat lamination device 300.

In this way, the fuel cell manufacturing system according to this embodiment, unlike the prior art, uses a pre-tack device 200 and a flat-to-flat lamination device 300. Due to the application of these devices 200 and 300, the gap between the cathode layer, the electrolyte layer, and the anode layer is applied. It prevents the cathode layer and anode layer from being damaged during the cementing process and reduces the positional difference between the cathode layer and the anode layer between the cementation process.

First, let's take a closer look at the free tack device 200. 5 to 15, the pre-tack device 200 is disposed behind the process of the gasket hole forming device 100 in the in-line process, and aligns each of the cathode layer and the anode layer to form the sub gasket 10. It plays a role in oligomerization and cementation.

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 not only convenient, but there is no risk of 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 the 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. Then, turn it 180 degrees so that the cathode layer faces the sub gasket (10). The heating loading unit 250 allows the cathode layer and the sub gasket 10 to adhere to each other through the action of the loading pressurizing unit 260. At this time, as a heater 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 the free Make it PRE tack.

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 It is provided within the plate 251 and includes a heater 253 that heats the stage plate 251, an insulating plate portion 254 connected to the loading pressurization portion 260 and providing an insulating function, and a stage plate 251. And it may include a connecting plate portion 255 connecting the insulating plate portion 254.

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

The loading pressure unit 260 is connected to a cylinder 261 provided in the unit body 240, a plate support part 262 that supports the loading plate, and the cylinder 261 and the plate support part 262, and the cylinder 261 ) may include a pressing shaft 263 that pressurizes the plate support 262 by the action of.

For reference, in FIGS. 8 to 12, 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 disposed behind the process of the pre-tack device 200 in the in-line process, and serves to laminate the cathode layer and the anode layer while interposing the electrolyte layer. .

In this embodiment, the flat-to-flat lamination device 300 adopts a flat-to-flat lamination method in which the cathode layer and the anode layer are laminated while pressing, as described above. As described above, the flat-to-flat lamination device 300 is a flat type and serves to laminated 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.

The flat-to-flat lamination device 300 attaches the inner surface of each of the negative electrode layer and the positive electrode layer by applying heat and pressure to the outer surface of each of the negative electrode layer and the positive electrode layer attached on the sub gasket 10 through the free tack device 200, that is, The edge of the inner surface of the cathode layer and the upper surface of the sub gasket (10) are attached, while the edge of the inner surface of the anode layer and the lower surface of the sub gasket (10) are attached. 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 to 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, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 and FIGS. 16 to 25. 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.

Specifically, the flat-to-flat lamination device 300 includes a flat-type upper heat plate 310 in contact with the upper part of the assembly 20, and a flat type (310) in contact with the lower part of the assembly 20. It may include a flat) type lower heat plate 340.

However, if lamination is performed by applying only the upper heat plate 310 and the lower heat plate 340, when strong temperature and pressure are applied to the upper heat plate 310 and lower heat plate 340, as described above, the upper heat plate 310 and the lower heat plate 340 are applied. Thermal deformation due to heat and pressure may occur in the heat plate 310 and the lower heat plate 340, thereby preventing uniform temperature and pressure from being transmitted to the assembly 20. In this way, if thermal deformation occurs in the upper heat plate 310 and lower heat plate 340 and uniform temperature and pressure are not transmitted to the assembly 20, the quality of the product is bound to deteriorate. For reference, the assembly 20 referred to here refers to the pre-tapped assembly 20.

To solve this problem, an upper heat plate case 320 and a lower heat plate case 350 are applied to the flat-to-flat lamination device 300 according to this embodiment.

Looking first at the upper heat plate 310, the upper heat plate 310 includes an upper contact plate 311 that is in contact with the upper part of the pre-tacked assembly 20, and an upper contact plate 311 within the upper contact plate 311. It is provided and may include an upper heating element 312 that heats the upper contact plate 311, and an upper insulating plate 313 that is connected to the upper contact plate 311 and provides an insulating function.

In this structure, the upper heat plate case 320 is arranged to partially surround the upper heat plate 310 and serves to reduce thermal deformation of the upper heat plate 310. That is, the upper heat plate case 320 is arranged to allow thermal expansion of the upper heat plate 310 and surround the remaining area excluding the contact surface of the upper contact plate 311.

A gap is formed between the upper heat plate case 320 and the upper heat plate 310 for thermal expansion. In addition, an upper step 311a is formed on the upper contact plate 311, onto which the upper locking portion 320a of the upper heat plate case 320 rests. The upper heat plate 310 does not fall off due to the upper locking portion 320a and the upper step 311a.

Ultimately, the upper heat plate case 320 forms a case structure containing the upper heat plate 310. That is, the upper heat plate case 320 has a structure in which only the portion of the upper heat plate 310 that comes into contact with the assembly 20 is open and the rest is surrounded. At this time, their separation distance means a space sufficient to not interfere with the thermal expansion of the upper contact plate 311 and the upper insulation plate 313.

The upper device connection portion 330 is connected to the upper heat plate case 320 of this structure. The upper device connection portion 330 is a means connected to the main body of the flat-to-flat lamination device 300 and drives the upper heat plate 310 up/down. Here, the upper device connection part 330 may be a frame structure connected to devices that apply pressure, for example, a pneumatic cylinder or a motor.

The lower heat plate 340 has the same shape as the upper heat plate 310. That is, the lower heat plate 340 is provided in the lower contact plate 341 and the lower contact plate 341, which is in contact with the lower part of the pre-tacked assembly 20. It may include a lower heating element 342 that heats, and a lower insulating plate 343 that is connected to the lower contact plate 341 and provides an insulating function.

In this structure, the lower heat plate case 350 is arranged to partially surround the lower heat plate 340 and serves to reduce thermal deformation of the lower heat plate 340. That is, the lower heat plate case 350 is arranged to allow thermal expansion of the lower heat plate 340 and surround the remaining area excluding the contact surface of the lower contact plate 341.

A gap is formed between the lower heat plate case 350 and the lower heat plate 340 for thermal expansion. In addition, a lower step 341a is formed on the lower contact plate 341, allowing thermal expansion of the lower heat plate 340 and engaging the lower locking portion 350a of the upper heat plate case 320. There is no separation phenomenon due to the structure of the lower locking portion 350a and the lower step 341a.

The lower heat plate case 350 also forms a case structure containing the lower heat plate 340. That is, the lower heat plate case 350 has a structure in which only the portion of the lower heat plate 340 that comes into contact with the assembly 20 is open and the rest is surrounded. At this time, their separation distance means a space sufficient to not interfere with the thermal expansion of the lower contact plate 341 and the lower insulating plate 343.

A lower device connection portion 360 is connected to the lower heat plate case 350 of this structure. The lower device connection portion 360 is a means connected to the main body of the flat-to-flat lamination device 300 and drives the lower heat plate 340 up/down. Here, the lower device connection portion 360 may also be a frame structure connected to devices that apply pressure, for example, a pneumatic cylinder or a motor.

Accordingly, in a state where the cathode layer and the anode layer are pre-tacked by the action of the pre-tack device 200 as shown in FIG. 16, they are laminated through the flat-to-flat lamination device 300 as shown in FIGS. 17 to 19 to form the assembly 20 as shown in FIG. 20. It can be made, and then the separation process can be performed through the assembly separation device 400.

In this process, the operation of the upper heat plate 310, that is, the down operation and the up operation, will be further described with reference to FIGS. 24 and 25.

As described above, FIG. 24 shows an operation in which the upper heat plate 310 moves down to contact the pre-tacked assembly 20 and apply pressure.

Figure 24 (a) is the initial state before the down operation. Figure 24(b) is the first down operation. The contact surface of the upper heat plate 310 is in contact with the upper surface of the assembly 20. The upper locking portion 320a of the upper heat plate case 320 rests weakly on the upper step 311a of the upper contact plate 311. Figure 24(c) is the secondary down operation. In this state, the contact surface of the upper heat plate 310 is completely in contact with the upper surface of the assembly 20, the upper device connection portion 320 presses the upper heat plate case 320, and the upper heat plate case 320 is The assembly 20 is pressed and laminated by pressing the upper heat plate 310. Accordingly, the upper locking portion 320a of the upper heat plate case 320 is spaced apart from the upper step 311a of the upper contact plate 311.

Figure 25(a) is the initial state before the up operation. Figure 25(b) is the first up operation. The contact surface of the upper heat plate 310 is still in contact with the top surface of the assembly 20. The upper locking portion 320a of the upper heat plate case 320 rests weakly on the upper step 311a of the upper contact plate 311. Figure 25(c) is the second up operation. In this state, the devices can return to their initial positions.

According to this embodiment, which operates with the structure described above, the anode layer, electrolyte layer, and cathode layer can be laminated with excellent quality without damage. .

FIG. 26 is a structural diagram of an upper heat plate area applied to a fuel cell manufacturing system according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 27 is a structural diagram of a lower heat plate area applied to a fuel cell manufacturing system according to another embodiment of the present invention. am.

Referring to these drawings, in this embodiment, the structures of the upper heat plate 610 and the lower heat plate 640 are different from the above-described embodiment.

The upper heat plate 610 is in contact with the upper part of the assembly 20 and includes an upper contact plate 611 made of a cushion material, an upper heating element 612, and an upper heating element 612. The heating element 612 is disposed inside, and is connected to and insulated from the upper heat dissipation plate 613, which disperses the heat of the upper heating element 612 and transfers it to the upper contact plate 611. It may include an upper insulating plate 614 that provides a function. Application of the upper heat plate case 320 and the upper device connection portion 330 is the same as the above-described embodiment. Therefore, avoid duplicate explanations.

In addition, the lower heat plate 640 is in contact with the lower part of the assembly 20 and includes a lower contact plate 641 made of a cushion material, a lower heating element 642, and , the lower heating element 642 is disposed inside and connected to the lower heat dissipation plate 643, which disperses the heat of the heating element 642 and transfers it to the lower contact plate 641, and the lower heat dispersion plate 643. and may include a lower insulating plate 644 that provides an insulating function. Application of the lower heat plate case 350 and the lower device connection portion 360 is the same as the above-described embodiment. Therefore, avoid duplicate explanations.

In the case of this embodiment, the upper contact plate 611 and the lower contact plate 641 are made of cushion material, and the upper heat dissipation plate 613 and lower heat dissipation plate 643 are applied on top of them. It implements an upper heat plate 610 and a lower heat plate 640. Even if the upper heat plate 610 and lower heat plate 640 of this structure are applied, the anode layer and the electrolyte layer ), the cathode layer can be laminated with excellent quality without damage.

FIG. 28 is a structural diagram of an upper heat plate area applied to a fuel cell manufacturing system according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 29 is a structural diagram of a lower heat plate area applied to a fuel cell manufacturing system according to another embodiment of the present invention. This is the structure diagram.

Referring to these drawings, in this embodiment as well, the structures of the upper heat plate 710 and the lower heat plate 740 are different from the above-described embodiments.

The upper heat plate 710 is in contact with the upper part of the assembly 20 and is made of a rubber material and includes an upper rubber heater 711 that generates heat, and an upper rubber heater 711. ) and includes an upper insulating plate 712 that is connected to and provides an insulating function. Application of the upper heat plate case 320 and the upper device connection portion 330 is the same as the above-described embodiment. Therefore, avoid duplicate explanations.

In addition, the lower heat plate 740 is in contact with the lower part of the assembly 20 and is made of a rubber material and includes a lower rubber heater 741 that generates heat, and a lower rubber heater. It may include a lower insulating plate 742 that is connected to 741 and provides an insulating function. Application of the lower heat plate case 350 and the lower device connection portion 360 is the same as the above-described embodiment. Therefore, avoid duplicate explanations.

In the case of this embodiment, the upper rubber heater 711 and the lower rubber heater 741 are applied. In this case, the structure can be simplified and the anode layer, electrolyte layer, and anode layer ( The cathode layer can be laminated with excellent quality without damage.

Meanwhile, although not shown in the drawings, the upper heat plates 310, 610, and 710 and lower heat plates 340, 640, and 740 introduced in the above-described embodiments can be used interchangeably. That is, the lower heat plates 640 and 740 of the second and third embodiments may be applied as a set to the upper heat plate 310 of the first embodiment, and the first and third heat plates 640 and 740 of the second embodiment may be applied as a set to the upper heat plate 310 of the first embodiment. Any combination is possible, such as the lower heat plates 340 and 740 of the embodiment being applied as a set, and although not shown in the drawings, it should be said that all of these matters fall within the scope of the present invention.

In addition, in the above-described embodiment, both the upper heat plates 310,610,710 and the lower heat plates 340,640,740 were described as being driven up/down, but only the upper heat plates 310,610,710 and the lower heat plates 340,640,740 It may be possible to fix one and drive the other up/down. Although not shown in the drawings, it should be said that all of these matters fall within the scope of the present invention.

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 200: Free tack device
201: first transfer unit 202: second transfer unit
210: Magazine unit 220: Align unit
221: Align Stage 222: Camera
230: Turn turret unit 240: Unit body
250: Heating loading unit 251: Stage plate
252: Vacuum hole 253: Heater
254: insulation plate portion 255: connection plate portion
260: loading pressurization unit 261: cylinder
262: plate support 263: pressurizing shaft
300: Flat-to-flat lamination device 310: Upper heat plate
311: upper contact plate 311a: upper step
312: upper heating element 313: upper insulation plate
320: upper heat plate case 320a: upper engaging portion
330: upper device connection 340: lower heat plate
341: lower contact plate 341a: lower step
342: lower heating element 343: lower insulation plate
350: Lower heat plate case 350a: Lower engaging portion
360: lower device connection 400: assembly separation device
500: Sub gasket supply device

Claims (22)

On one side of the process line where sub gaskets are supplied for the manufacture of an assembly formed as one body by cementing a first electrode layer containing an electrolyte layer and a second electrode layer in contrast to it. A PRE Tack device is disposed to align each of the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer, place it on the sub gasket, and pre-bond it; and
It has a flat type upper heat plate in contact with the upper part of the assembly and a flat type lower heat plate in contact with the lower part of the assembly, and is in-line with the pre-tack device. ) to form a flat-to-flat (Flat-to-Flat) in which the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer are laminated through the interaction of the upper heat plate and the lower heat plate with the electrolyte layer interposed therebetween. ) includes a lamination device,
The flat-to-flat lamination device,
an upper heat plate case disposed to partially surround the upper heat plate and reduce thermal deformation of the upper heat plate; and
A fuel cell manufacturing system comprising a lower heat plate case that partially surrounds the lower heat plate and reduces thermal deformation of the lower heat plate. According to paragraph 1,
The upper heat plate is,
an upper contact plate in contact with the upper part of the assembly;
an upper heating element provided within the upper contact plate and heating the upper contact plate; and
It includes an upper insulating plate connected to the upper contact plate and providing an insulating function,
The upper heat plate case is arranged to surround the remaining area excluding the contact surface of the upper contact plate while allowing thermal expansion of the upper heat plate. According to paragraph 2,
A fuel cell manufacturing system, wherein an upper step is formed on the upper contact plate to which an upper locking portion of the upper heat plate case is caught. According to paragraph 1,
The lower heat plate is,
a lower contact plate in contact with the lower part of the assembly;
a lower heating element provided within the lower contact plate and heating the lower contact plate; and
It includes a lower insulating plate connected to the lower contact plate and providing an insulating function,
The lower heat plate case is arranged to surround the remaining area excluding the contact surface of the lower contact plate while allowing thermal expansion of the lower heat plate. According to clause 4,
A fuel cell manufacturing system, wherein a lower step is formed on the lower contact plate to allow thermal expansion of the lower heat plate and to engage a lower locking portion of the upper heat plate case. According to paragraph 1,
The flat-to-flat lamination device,
an upper device connection portion connected to the upper heat plate case; and
A fuel cell manufacturing system further comprising a lower device connection portion connected to the lower heat plate case. According to paragraph 1,
The free tack device,
An Align Unit that aligns the first electrode layer or the second electrode layer; and
A fuel cell manufacturing system comprising a turn turret unit that transfers the first electrode layer or the second electrode layer aligned by the alignment unit to the sub gasket and pre-tacks it. In clause 7,
The free tack device,
A magazine unit disposed in front of the alignment unit in which the first electrode layer or the second electrode layer is stacked and stored;
a first transfer unit disposed between the magazine unit and the alignment unit and transferring the first or second electrode layer on the magazine unit to the alignment unit; and
It is disposed between the align unit and the turn turret unit, and further comprises a second transfer unit that transfers the first electrode layer or the second electrode layer on the align unit to the turn turret unit. Fuel cell manufacturing system. In clause 7,
The alignment unit is,
An Align Stage in which the first electrode layer or the second electrode layer is loaded and aligned; and
A fuel cell manufacturing system comprising a camera that photographs the alignment position of the first or second electrode layer loaded on the alignment stage. In clause 7,
The turn turret unit is,
unit body;
a heating loading portion forming a place where the first electrode layer or the second electrode layer is loaded and heated while being pressed toward the sub gasket; and
A fuel cell manufacturing system connected to the unit body and the heating loading unit and comprising a loading pressurizing unit that pressurizes the heating loading unit. According to clause 10,
A fuel cell manufacturing system, characterized in that the heating loading portion is provided in a pair symmetrically on both sides of the unit body. According to clause 10,
The loading pressurization unit,
A cylinder provided within the unit body;
a plate supporter supporting the loading plate; and
A fuel cell manufacturing system comprising a press shaft connected to the cylinder and the plate support unit and pressurizing the plate support unit by the action of the cylinder. According to clause 10,
The heating loading unit,
a stage plate on which the first electrode layer or the second electrode layer is loaded and on which a plurality of vacuum holes are formed;
a heater provided within the stage plate and heating the stage plate;
An insulating plate portion connected to the loading pressure portion and providing an insulating function; and
A fuel cell manufacturing system comprising a connecting plate part connecting the stage plate and the insulating plate part. According to clause 13,
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 first electrode layer or the second electrode layer is loaded. According to paragraph 1,
A fuel cell manufacturing system, wherein the pre-tack devices are arranged in pairs on both sides with the sub gasket in between. According to paragraph 1,
The fuel cell manufacturing system is disposed behind the process of the flat-to-flat lamination device and further includes an assembly separation device that separates the assembly formed after lamination is completed. According to clause 16,
A fuel cell manufacturing system, wherein the assembly separation device is a gasket cutter that cuts continuous sub gaskets into unit sizes. According to paragraph 1,
The fuel cell manufacturing system is disposed between the sub-gasket supply device and the pre-tack device and further includes a gasket hole forming device that forms a hole on the sub-gasket. According to paragraph 1,
A fuel cell manufacturing system further comprising a sub-gasket supply device that supplies the sub-gasket, wherein the sub-gasket supply device is disposed in front of the process of the pre-tack device. According to paragraph 1,
The upper heat plate is,
An upper contact plate that contacts the upper part of the assembly and is made of a cushion material;
upper heating element;
an upper heat dissipation plate disposed inside the upper heating element and dispersing heat from the upper heating element and transferring it to the upper contact plate; and
It includes an upper insulating plate connected to the upper heat dissipation plate and providing an insulating function,
The lower heat plate is,
a lower contact plate that contacts the lower part of the assembly and is made of a cushion material;
lower heating element;
a lower heat dissipation plate disposed inside the lower heating element and dispersing heat from the upper heating element and transferring it to the lower contact plate; and
A fuel cell manufacturing system comprising a lower insulating plate connected to the lower heat dissipation plate and providing an insulating function. According to paragraph 1,
The upper heat plate is,
an upper rubber heater that is in contact with the upper part of the assembly and is made of rubber and generates heat; and
It includes an upper insulating plate connected to the upper rubber heater and providing an insulating function,
The lower heat plate is,
a lower rubber heater that is in contact with the lower part of the assembly and is made of a rubber material and generates heat; and
A fuel cell manufacturing system comprising a lower insulating plate connected to the lower rubber heater and providing an insulating function. According to paragraph 1,
A fuel cell manufacturing system, wherein the first and second electrode layers are selected from a cathode layer or an anode layer.

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