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NL2035853B1 - Conveyor system for a polar plate for a fuel cell or electrolyzer - Google Patents

Conveyor system for a polar plate for a fuel cell or electrolyzer Download PDF

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Publication number
NL2035853B1
NL2035853B1 NL2035853A NL2035853A NL2035853B1 NL 2035853 B1 NL2035853 B1 NL 2035853B1 NL 2035853 A NL2035853 A NL 2035853A NL 2035853 A NL2035853 A NL 2035853A NL 2035853 B1 NL2035853 B1 NL 2035853B1
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NL
Netherlands
Prior art keywords
polar plate
support frame
vertical plane
conveying
conveyor
Prior art date
Application number
NL2035853A
Other languages
Dutch (nl)
Inventor
Jochem Wiersma Meindert
Willem Van De Ridder Lubbert
Christiaan Janssen Erwin
Maarten Zweers Wouter
Best Merijn
Le Roy Robin
Original Assignee
Awl Techniek B V
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Awl Techniek B V filed Critical Awl Techniek B V
Priority to NL2035853A priority Critical patent/NL2035853B1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of NL2035853B1 publication Critical patent/NL2035853B1/en

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/24—Grouping of fuel cells, e.g. stacking of fuel cells
    • H01M8/2404—Processes or apparatus for grouping fuel cells
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25B—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES FOR THE PRODUCTION OF COMPOUNDS OR NON-METALS; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25B9/00—Cells or assemblies of cells; Constructional parts of cells; Assemblies of constructional parts, e.g. electrode-diaphragm assemblies; Process-related cell features
    • C25B9/60—Constructional parts of cells
    • C25B9/65—Means for supplying current; Electrode connections; Electric inter-cell connections
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25B—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES FOR THE PRODUCTION OF COMPOUNDS OR NON-METALS; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25B15/00—Operating or servicing cells
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25B—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES FOR THE PRODUCTION OF COMPOUNDS OR NON-METALS; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25B9/00—Cells or assemblies of cells; Constructional parts of cells; Assemblies of constructional parts, e.g. electrode-diaphragm assemblies; Process-related cell features
    • C25B9/70—Assemblies comprising two or more cells
    • C25B9/73—Assemblies comprising two or more cells of the filter-press type
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M4/00—Electrodes
    • H01M4/86—Inert electrodes with catalytic activity, e.g. for fuel cells
    • H01M2004/8678—Inert electrodes with catalytic activity, e.g. for fuel cells characterised by the polarity
    • H01M2004/8694—Bipolar electrodes
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
    • Y02E60/30—Hydrogen technology
    • Y02E60/50—Fuel cells

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  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Electrochemistry (AREA)
  • Materials Engineering (AREA)
  • Metallurgy (AREA)
  • Organic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Sustainable Development (AREA)
  • Sustainable Energy (AREA)
  • General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Intermediate Stations On Conveyors (AREA)

Abstract

Title: Conveyor system for a polar plate for a fuel cell or electrolyzer Abstract The disclosure relates to a conveyor system for conveying a polar plate for a fuel cell or electrolyzer. The conveyor system comprises a support frame configured for supporting the polar plate and a conveyor for conveying the support frame in a conveyance direction Within a horizontal plane. The support frame is configured for supporting the polar plate during conveyance With the polar plate extending in a vertical plane.

Description

P135587NL00
Title: Conveyor system for a polar plate for a fuel cell or electrolyzer
FIELD
The disclosure relates to manufacture and processing of bipolar plates or monopolar plate for the manufacture of fuel cells, particularly to conveyor systems for in-line processing systems therefor.
BACKGROUND
A fuel cell and a electrolyzer generally includes membrane electrode assembly including an electrolyte membrane arranged between an anode and a cathode. In a fuel cell, the anode is supplied with a fuel, such as hydrogen gas, and the cathode with an oxidant, such as oxygen gas.
Electrolyzers essentially operate in reverse mode, and produce the fuel, such as hydrogen gas, rather than consume it. Various types of fuel cells and electrolyzers are known, often characterized by the electrolyte and fuel used therein.
The membrane electrode assembly is typically sandwiched between two monopolar plates, one associated with the anode and another one associated with the cathode, to form a singular fuel cell. Monopolar plates are typically made of sheets of metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, and nickel), graphite, or graphite composites, and are designed for distributing the fuel and oxidant, evacuating reaction products, conducting electrical current, dissipate heat, and provide structural rigidity to the fuel cell. A fuel cell stack can be formed by interconnecting multiple singular fuel cells, so as to provide a desired power output. In an electrolyzer or fuel cell stack, two monopolar plates of adjacent cells are joined together to form a so-called bipolar plate, with the anode of one cell on one side and the cathode of the adjacent cell on the other.
In the manufacture of electrolyzers and fuel cells, bipolar plates and monopolar plates are subjected to various processing steps, such as inspection for contamination and defects, cleaning, coating, leak-testing,
joining such as welding, marking, sealing, etc.. Each of these processing steps are often performed by different processing stations at different locations, and require transportation of the monopolar and bipolar plates there between. As monopolar and bipolar plates are delicate components to handle, manipulation of the bipolar plates during manufacture of fuel cells can be challenging.
SUMMARY
It is an aim to provide a conveyor system for conveying polar plates, such as monopolar plates and/or bipolar plates for electrolyzers or fuel cells, particularly between different processing stations. It is a more particular aim to provide a conveyor system that facilities processing of the polar plates. In a more general sense, 1t 15 an object to overcome or reduce at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art. It is at the very least an object to propose a useful alternative.
According to an aspect, a conveyor system is provided for conveying a polar plate for a fuel cell or electrolyzer. The conveyor system comprises a support frame configured for supporting the polar plate and a conveyor for conveying the support frame in a conveyance direction within a horizontal plane. The support frame is configured for supporting the polar plate during conveyance with the polar plate extending in a vertical plane.
Transporting the polar plate in vertical orientation enables both faces of the polar plate to be accessible for processing. This moreover allows for processing of the polar plate even while the polar plate is conveyed by the conveyor. The polar plate need accordingly not be disconnected from and reconnected to the conveyor before and after each processing step, which reduces the risk of damaging the polar plate in the process. Further, the conveying of the polar plate in the standing orientation prevents accumulation of contaminants on the faces of the polar plates, such as dust and other airborne particles.
It will be appreciated that a polar plate can be monopolar plate as well as a bipolar plate, wherein a bipolar plate includes two monopolar 2 plates that are joined together. The support frame is accordingly configured for supporting a single polar plate, such as a single monopolar plate or a single bipolar plate, during conveyance. The support frame may also be configured for supporting more than one polar plate, such as two monopolar plates, during conveyance. Two monopolar plates supported by the support frame may be joined together, e.g. forming a bipolar plate, or be separate from each other. Two separate monopolar plates may for example be supported by the support frame and conveyed by the conveyor to a joining station where the two monopolar plates are joined, e.g. welded, to form a single bipolar plate.
Optionally, the support frame is configured for contacting the polar plate only at a periphery thereof. The support frame accordingly does not contact the polar plate at a central area, which is where the active area of the polar plate is generally located in use. The polar plate may for example be coated during processing, wherein physical contacting the polar plate at the central area may easily cause damage to the coating that can jeopardize the performance of the fuel cell or electrolyzer. The central area of the polar plate may constitute >90% of the polar plate exterior surface. The support frame may hence be configured to contact the polar plate only at a perimeter edge thereof.
Optionally, the vertical plane is substantially tangential to the conveyance direction. Hence, during conveyance, the faces of the polar plate are directed in opposite lateral direction from the path of conveyance, and are hence accessible for processing from lateral sides of the conveyor.
Optionally, the support frame is rotationally symmetric about to a vertical axis, particularly 180 degrees rotationally symmetric. Hence, the support frame may be joined with the conveyor in at least two angular orientations about the vertical axis, irrespective of the conveyance direction.
Optionally, the support frame is substantially symmetrical with respect to a symmetry plane that coincides with the vertical plane.
Optionally, the support frame is substantially symmetrical with respect to a vertical symmetry plane transverse to the vertical plane. 3
Optionally, the support frame includes a loading side configured for allowing reception of the polar plate by the support frame from a direction transverse to the vertical plane. The polar plate may for example be loaded and unloaded laterally into and from the support frame, i.e. in a substantially horizontal direction transverse to the conveyance direction.
Optionally, the support frame includes two opposing loading sides configured for allowing reception of the polar plate by the support frame from two respective opposing directions transverse to the vertical plane. The polar plate may for example be loaded and unloaded laterally on two sides into and from the support frame, i.e. in a substantially horizontal direction transverse to the conveyance direction.
Optionally, the support frame forms an opening that extends in the vertical plane, the opening being shaped to receive the polar plate therein and confine the polar plate in the vertical plane during conveyance. When received in the opening, movement of the polar plate in the vertical plane may hence be limited by the support frame.
Optionally, the support frame surrounds the polar plate in the vertical plane, in use.
Optionally, the opening has a shape complementary to the polar plate. A form-closed connection can hence be made between the support frame and the polar plate.
Optionally, the opening is shaped such that the polar plate is movable in the opening relative to the support frame in the vertical plane, by a predetermined amount. The polar plate may for example be processed while being held by the support frame, wherein a spatial margin between the support frame and the polar plate allows for fine adjustment of the polar plate, e.g. to align the polar plate relative to jig.
Optionally, the conveyor system comprises a plurality of support frames for supporting a plurality of respective polar plates, wherein the plurality of support frames include mutually complementary mating structures configured mate. Hence, a coupling can be provided between any two support frames of the plurality of support frames. For example, the 4 conveyor system further comprises a further support frame for supporting a further polar plate, the conveyor being arranged for conveying the further support frame in the conveyance direction within the horizontal plane, and the further support frame being configured for supporting the further polar plate during conveyance with the polar plate extending in the vertical plane, wherein the support frame and the further support frame include complementary mating structures configured to mate. A coupling can hence be made between the support frame and the further support frame to facilitate joining of polar plates supported by the respective support frames without having to contact any of the polar plates. The complementary mating structures may for example include mechanically and/or magnetically complementary connector members. In the mated state, the support frame and the further support frame may be substantially aligned with each other, and e.g. generally extend in parallel planes.
Optionally, the complementary mating structures are so arranged that, in a mated state, the opening of the support frame and the opening of the further support frame are aligned.
Optionally, each of the support frame and the further support frame includes a first mating structure at a first side and a second mating structure at a second side, wherein the first mating structure and the second mating structure are complementary to one another. Hence, the support frame and the further support frame can be mated in different relative orientations. For example, in one mated state, the first side of the support frame and the second side of the further support frame could face each other, and in another mating state the second side of the support frame and the first side of the further support frame could face each other. The first side may be opposite the second side. Optionally, the support frame includes a locking mechanism for locking the polar plate in the opening. The locking mechanism may keep the polar plate in place during conveyance. It will be appreciated that the locking mechanism may contact the polar plate during conveyance only at the periphery of the polar plate. 5
Optionally, the locking mechanism is movable relative to a remainder of the support frame between an open position for receiving the polar plate in the opening and a closed position for locking the polar plate in the opening.
Optionally, the locking mechanism is biased towards the locking position. Hence, the locking mechanism can be normally-closed, and may actively be opened to allow loading and unloading of the polar plate in and out of the support frame.
Optionally, the locking mechanism includes one or more locking members pivotable about a horizontal axis transverse to the conveyance direction, the locking members being configured for, in the closed position, restricting movement of the polar plate relative to the support frame transverse to the vertical plane and, in the open position, clearing the opening for the polar plate in the opening. The locking members may for example be spring-biased toward the closed position.
Optionally, the locking mechanism is actuatable between the closed position and the open position by movement of the support frame relative to an actuation device in the conveyance direction while the actuation device engages the locking mechanism, particularly the one or more locking members.
Optionally, the conveyor comprises a track extending along a path of conveyance, and a carrier for being moved along to the track, the carrier being coupled or couplable to the support frame.
Optionally, the support frame 1s releasably couplable to the carrier.
Hence, the support frame may be disconnected from the carrier for allowing processing of the polar plate while the polar plate is held by the support frame. After processing, the support frame holding the polar plate may be reconnected to the carrier for being conveyed, e.g. to another processing station.
Optionally, the conveyor system comprises a kinematic coupling mechanism for releasably coupling the support frame to the carrier in a predefined relative orientation. The kinematic coupling mechanism allows 6 for self-positioning and -alignment of the support frame relative to the carrier. The kinematic coupling mechanism may be formed by a first coupling member associated with the support frame, and a second, complementary, coupling member associated with the carrier.
Optionally, the support frame includes an engagement structure configured for being engageable by an external engaging device for disconnecting the support frame from the carrier. The first coupling member and the engagement structure may be formed by an integral body.
Optionally, the engagement structure is configured for being approachable by the external engaging device from a direction transverse to the vertical plane.
Optionally, the support frame includes two engagement structures at opposing sides of the support frame.
An aspect provides a support frame for a conveyor system in as described herein. The aspect hence provides a frame configured for supporting a polar plate during conveyance by a conveyor in a conveyance direction within a horizontal plane, with the polar plate extending in a vertical plane. It will be appreciated that any of the features and options described in view of the conveyor system apply equally to the support frame, and vice versa.
Another aspect provides a system for inline processing of a polar plate for a fuel cell or electrolyzer, comprising one or more processing stations for processing the polar plate, and a conveyor system as described herein for conveying the polar plate along the one or more processing stations. It will be appreciated that any of the features and options described herein in view of the conveyor system apply equally to the system according to the present aspect, and vice versa.
Optionally, the one or more processing stations include a processing station configured for processing the polar plate while the polar plate is supported by the support frame.
Optionally, the processing station is configured for processing the polar plate while the polar plate is conveyed extending in the vertical plane. 7
Optionally, the processing station is configured for processing the polar plate on opposite sides of the polar plate, e.g. simultaneously.
Optionally, the processing station is configured for processing the polar plate while the support frame is separated from the conveyor.
Optionally, the processing station comprising an engaging device for engaging the engagement structure of the support frame and separating the support frame from the carrier.
Optionally, the one or more processing stations include a processing station configured for processing the polar plate while the polar plate is separated from the support frame.
Optionally, the processing station comprises an actuation device such as described herein for actuating the locking mechanism.
Optionally, the processing station comprising a gripper device configured for gripping of the polar plate and separating the polar plate from the support frame.
Optionally, the gripper device comprises an adherence face provided with a gas outlet for discharging a gas and a gas deflector for laterally deflecting the discharged gas substantially along the adherence face for adhering the polar plate to the adherence face, and wherein the adherence face is provided with a contact element configured for contacting the polar plate only at a periphery thereof for preventing lateral displacement of the polar plate relative to the adherence face. The gripper device can hence grip the polar plate substantially contactless, particularly without contacting a central face portion of the polar plate.
Optionally, the contact element comprises a friction surface configured for contacting a face of the polar plate.
Optionally, the one or more processing stations include one or more of a joining station such as a welding station for, e.g. laser, welding the polar plate e.g. to another component such as another polar plate; a cleaning station for e.g. laser-assisted, cleaning of the polar plate; an inspection station for inspecting the polar plate; a coating station for coating the polar 8 plate; a testing station for testing the polar plate, a sealing station for sealing a polar plate; a marking station for marking a polar plate.
Optionally, the conveyor comprises a primary loop; one or more secondary loops, each secondary loop branching off from the primary loop and rejoining the primary loop, wherein the conveyor system is configured for selectively bypassing a secondary loop; and one or more tertiary loops, each tertiary loop branching off from a respective secondary loop and rejoining the respective secondary loop, wherein the conveyor system is configured for selectively bypassing a tertiary loop; wherein optionally each tertiary loop is associated with a processing station for processing the polar plate. With respect to the primary branch, a secondary loop may branch off from the primary loop upstream of where said secondary loop rejoins the primary loop. With respect to a secondary branch, a tertiary loop may branch off from said secondary loop downstream of where said tertiary loop rejoins said secondary loop.
An aspect provides a method for conveying a polar plate in a conveyance direction within a horizontal plane, comprising conveying the polar plate by a conveyor with the polar plate extending in a vertical plane.
The polar plate may for example be conveyed using a conveyor system as described herein. It will be appreciated that any of the features and options described herein in view of the conveyor system and the system, apply equally to the method, and vice versa.
Optionally, the vertical plane is substantially tangential to the conveyance direction.
Optionally, the polar plate is supported during conveyance by a support frame which only contacts the polar plate at a periphery thereof.
Optionally, the method comprises processing the polar plate while the polar plate is conveyed extending in the vertical direction. It will be appreciated that the conveyance speed of the polar plate during processing may be zero. 9
Optionally, the method comprises processing opposite sides of the polar plate, e.g. simultaneously, while the polar plate is conveyed extending in the vertical direction.
Optionally, the method comprises separating the polar plate from the conveyor, and processing the polar plate while the polar plate is separated from the conveyor.
Optionally, the method comprises, after the processing, returning the polar plate to the conveyor for further conveyance.
Optionally, the polar plate is separated from the conveyor along with the support frame, and the polar plate is processed while being connected to the support frame.
Optionally, the conveyor system comprises a plurality of support frames including mutually complementary mating structures, wherein the method comprises coupling two of the plurality of support frames to each other by having the complementary mating structures mate.
Optionally, the method comprises conveying the two joined support frames by the conveyor.
Optionally, the method comprises processing, such as joining, e.g. welding, the respective polar plates while being supported by the two coupled support frames.
Optionally, the support frame forms an opening that extends in the vertical plane, the opening being shaped to receive the polar plate therein and confine the polar plate in the vertical plane during conveyance, and wherein the support frame includes a locking mechanism for locking the polar plate in the opening, the locking mechanism being movable relative to a remainder of the support frame between an open position for receiving the polar plate in the opening and a closed position for locking the polar plate in the opening, wherein the method comprises actuating the locking mechanism between the closed position and the open position by moving the support frame along the path of conveyance relative to an actuation device while engaging the locking mechanism with the actuation device. 10
Optionally, the locking mechanism includes one or more locking members pivotable about a horizontal axis transverse to the conveyance direction, the locking members being configured for, in the closed position, restricting movement of the polar plate relative to the support frame transverse to the vertical plane and, in the open position, clearing the opening for the polar plate in the opening, and wherein the engaging of the locking mechanism comprises engaging the one or more locking members.
Another aspect provides a gripper device for gripping a polar plate, comprising an adherence face provided with a gas outlet for discharging a gas and a gas deflector for laterally deflecting the discharged gas substantially along the adherence face for adhering the polar plate to the adherence face, and wherein the adherence face is provided with a contact element configured for contacting the polar plate only at a periphery thereof for preventing lateral displacement of the polar plate relative to the adherence face.
Optionally, the contact element comprises a friction surface configured for contacting a face of the polar plate. The friction surface may be so arranged for contacting the polar plate only at a periphery thereof.
The friction surface may be formed by one or more contact elements that are for example arranged at periphery of the adherence face. The adherence face may hence be adapted to the polar plate such that a periphery of the adherence face overlaps with a periphery of the polar plate.
Optionally, the gripper device includes a monolithic body forming the adherence face, the gas outlet, the deflector, a gas inlet and a gas channel that extends from the gas inlet to a gas outlet. The monolithic body may also form a mounting structure for being mounted to an external component, such as a robotic arm. The gas inlet may be configured for connected to a gas conduit connector 68a, 68b, for connecting the gas inlet to a gas source. The monolithic body may for example be a 3D-printed structure.
A system can be provided comprising a support frame, such as described herein, defining an opening dimensioned for holding a polar frame 11 therein, and a gripper device, such as described herein, having an adherence face provided with contact elements at a periphery thereof and at opposing sides of the adherence face for contacting a periphery of the polar plate, wherein a dimension of the adherence face substantially corresponds to a dimension of the opening such that the contact elements contact the periphery of the polar plate in use.
It will be appreciated that any of the aspects, features and options described herein can be combined. It will particularly be appreciated that any of the aspects, features and options described in view of an aspect apply equally to any other aspect.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Figures 1, 2A-2B and 3A-3B show a schematic examples of a conveyor system for conveying a polar plate for a fuel cell or electrolyzer;
Figure 4 shows a schematic example of a processing system for processing a polar plate for a fuel cell or electrolyzer;
Figures 5A-5B and 6 show a schematic example of a gripper device for gripping a polar plate.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Figure 1 and figures 2A-2B show schematic examples of a conveyor system 500. The conveyor system 500 comprises a conveyor 400. The conveyor 400, here, includes a track 401 that extends along a path of conveyance within a horizontal plane x-y, and a carrier 402 for being moved along to the track 401. The carrier 402 is movably mounted to the track 401, and can be driven along the path of conveyance defined by the track 401.
The conveyor system 500 further comprises a support frame 20.
The support frame 20 is configured for holding a polar plate 10 for a fuel cell 12 or electrolyzer. The support frame 20 is hence configured for holding a monopolar plate 10 for a fuel cell or electrolyzer. The support frame 20 is, here, also configured for holding a bipolar plate 10 for a fuel cell or electrolyzer, which bipolar plate includes two monopolar plates, for example joined together or to be joined together. The term polar plate may hence refer to a monopolar plate or a bipolar plate.
The conveyor 400 is arranged to convey the support frame 20 along the path of conveyance. Hereto, in this example, the support frame 20 is couplable to the carrier 402, to be moved together with the carrier 402 along the path of conveyance.
The support frame 20 is particularly arranged to support the polar plate 10 during conveyance, such that the polar plate 10 extends during conveyance in a vertical plane. It will be appreciated that the vertical plane in which the polar plate extends during conveyance is transverse to the horizontal plane x-y in which the polar plate 10 is conveyed by the conveyor 400. The polar plate 10 is accordingly supported by the support frame 20 during conveyance in a standing orientation in the z-direction. In this example, the polar plate 10 is conveyed such that the polar plate extends in the vertical plane with the vertical plane being tangential to the conveyance direction. The plane in which the polar plate 10 extends is in this example accordingly aligned with the direction in which the polar plate 10 is conveyed by the conveyor 400. The faces of the polar plate 10 hence face laterally with respect to the conveyance direction, to facilitate access thereto.
The support frame 20 in this example defines a central opening 22 for receiving the polar plate 10 therein. The opening 22 extends in the vertical plane z. The support frame 20 is in this example configured for receiving the polar plate 10 from two opposing sides of the support frame 20.
With respect to the conveyance direction, the support frame 20 can in this example be loaded and unloaded laterally, from either the left lateral side or the right lateral side of the conveyor 400. Alternatively, the support frame 20 may be configured for single-sided loading and loading. 13
The opening 22 in is 1n this example shaped complementary to the shape of the polar plate 10. The support frame 20 in this example surrounds the polar plate 10, and extends around a perimeter of the polar plate 10. The support frame 20 in this example hence supports the polar plate 10 in a form-closed manner, to confine of the polar plate 10 in the vertical plane. The support frame 20 in this example is configured to support a specific polar plate which is substantially rectangularly shaped, but it will be appreciated that the support frame may be differently shaped depending on the polar plate to be conveyed. The support frame 20 may for example be configured for any specific contour of a polar plate 10.
In the example of figures 2A and 2B, the support frame 20 comprises a locking mechanism 30, configured for locking the polar plate 10 in the central opening 22. The locking mechanism 30 is actuatable between a first position for locking the polar plate 10 to the support frame 20 and a second position for receiving the polar plate 10 in the central opening 22 and unloading the polar plate 10. The locking mechanism 30 particularly includes, in this example four, locking members 314-344. The locking members 314-344 are individually pivotable about respective pivot axis that, here, extends transverse to the vertical plane. In the first position of the locking mechanism 30, the locking members 314-344 are pivoted such a that movement of the polar plate 10 is limited by the locking members 31-34 in the horizontal direction out of the vertical plane. In the second position of the locking mechanism 30, the locking members 31a-34a are pivoted such that the locking members 31a-34a are clear of the central opening 22, to enable loading and unloading of the polar plate 10 into and from the central opening 22 in the horizontal direction transverse to the vertical plane.
In this example, the locking mechanism 30 is configured for limiting movement of the polar plate 10 out of the vertical plane in two opposing directions. Hereto, similar locking members 31b-34b (not shown) are arranged on opposite lateral side of the support frame 20 accordingly.
The locking members 31b-34b are in this example pivotable about the same respective axis of locking members 31a-34a on the opposite side of the 14 support frame 20. The locking members 31a-34a are respectively pivotally coupled to 31b-34b. Hence, locking members 31a and 31b pivot together about a common pivot axis, wherein members 32a and 32b; 33a and 33b; and 34a 34b are similarly arranged. The locking mechanism 30 is, here, biased in the first, locking, position.
The locking mechanism 30 is actuatable by means of an external actuation device 40. Figures 3A and 3B show a schematic top view of the conveyor system 500, and an exemplary actuation device 40. Figure 3A shows the locking mechanism in the first, locked, position, and figure 3B shows the locking mechanism in the second, open, position. The locking mechanism 30 is particularly actuatable by having the actuation device 40 engage the locking members 31a-34a and simultaneously conveying the support frame 20 in the conveyance direction, here the x-direction, by a predetermined amount. The movement of the support frame 20 relative to the actuation device 40 while engaged by the actuation device 40 urges the locking members 31a-34a to pivot to the second, open, position, shown in figure 3B, hence enabling release of the polar plate 10 from the support frame 20 or allowing the polar plate 10 to be received by the support frame 20. Here, the locking members 31b-34b pivot together with the locking members 31a-34a, wherein the polar plate 10 can be be loaded or unloaded to or from the support frame 20 opposite to the side where the actuation device 40 1s provided.
The support frame 20 is in these examples releasably couplable to the carrier 402, for allowing separation of the support frame 20 from the conveyor 400. The carrier 402 may additionally be releasably couplable to the track 401, for allowing addition and separation of carriers 402 to and from the track 401. Here, a kinematic coupling is provided for releasably coupling the support frame 20 to the carrier 402. The support frame 20 may hence self-adjust itself relative to the carrier 402 into a predefined orientation relative to the carrier, to facilitate automated coupling and decoupling of the support frame 20 from the carrier 402. The kinematic coupling here includes a first coupling member 21 associated with the 15 support frame 20 and a second coupling member 421 associated with the carrier 402. The first coupling member 21 and/or the second coupling member 421 in this example include a magnetizable element for providing a clamping force to enhance the coupling.
Here, the first coupling member 21 includes an engagement structure 23, configured for being engaged by an external engaging device.
The engagement structure 23 is in this example formed by indentations in the first coupling member 21, adapted to cooperate with a grabbing organ of the external engaging device. The external engaging device may include a grabbing organ configured for grabbing the first coupling member 21 at the engagement structure 23 for a secure grip, so as to decouple the first coupling member 21 from the second coupling member 421. The engaging device may hence be arranged for separating the support frame 20 from the conveyor 400, for example for enabling a processing step to be performed on the polar plate 10 separate from the conveyor 400, while still being held by the support frame 20. After termination of the processing step, the support frame 20 may for example be rejoined with a carrier 402, here by recoupling the first and second coupling members 21, 421.
Figure 4 shows a schematic top view of an exemplary processing system 1000 for inline processing of polar plates 10. The processing system comprises one or more processing stations, in this schematic example eight processing stations 101-110. The processing stations 101-110 may perform different processing steps on the polar plates 10, but it will be appreciated that some processing stations may perform the same processing step.
The processing system 1000 comprises a conveyor system 500 including a conveyor 400. The conveyor 400 defines a path of conveyance within the horizontal plane x-y, here along the processing stations 101-110.
The conveyor 500 is configured for conveying support frames 20 along the path of conveyance. Each support frame 20 is configured for holding a polar plate 10, to be processed by the one or more processing stations 501-508.
In this example, the conveyor system 500 includes a primary loop 501 and multiple, here four, secondary loops 502-505. Each secondary loop 16
502-505 branches off from the primary loop 501 and rejoins the primary loop 501, here further downstream. Here, each of the processing stations 101-110 is arranged at one of the secondary loops 502-505. The conveyor system 500 is configured for selectively bypass a secondary loop 502-505. Also, here, each processing station 101-110 has associated therewith a respective tertiary loop 506-515. Each tertiary loop branches off from its respective secondary loop 502-505, and rejoins its respective secondary loop 502-505.
Here, each of the tertiary loops 506-515 branches off downstream of where the tertiary loop 506-515 rejoins the secondary loop 502-505. The conveyor 400 is so arranged that each of the processing stations 101-110 can be bypassed, here by passing the tertiary loops 505-516.
In particular, in this example, the conveyor system 500 includes a plurality of carriers 402, wherein each carrier 402 is controlled individually.
Hence, each carrier 402 may be individually directed along the path of conveyance, e.g. along the processing stations 101-110 in any desired order.
For example, if at an inspection station it is determined that a polar plate 10 carried by a particular carrier 402 is damaged, said carrier 402, and only said carrier 402, may be directed to a discarding station where the damaged polar plate 10 can be unloaded from its support frame 20 and discarded, while other carriers 402 that convey non-damaged polar plates continue to another processing station, e.g. in accordance with a predetermined order of processing stations. After the discarding, the now ‘empty’ carrier 402 may be directed to a loading station where a new polar plate 10 may be loaded into the support frame 20 carried by the carrier 402.
In this example, the processing system 100 includes welding stations 101-104 for performing laser welding steps on the polar plate 10, a cleaning station 105 for cleaning of the polar plate 10, an inspection station 106 for inspecting the polar plate 10, a coating station 107 for coating the polar plate, and a testing station 108 for testing the polar plate. One or more of the processing stations 101-110 may be arranged to perform processing steps on the polar plate 10 while the polar plate 10 is held by the support frame 20. Some processing stations 101-110 may be arranged to perform 17 processing steps on the polar plate 10 while the support frame 20 remains coupled to the carrier 402. For example, the inspection station 106 may perform an optical inspection step on both faces of the polar plate 10 while the polar plate 10 is held by the support frame 20 and carried by the carrier 402. Similarly, the cleaning station 105 may clean both faces of the polar plate 10, without having to decouple the support frame 20 from the carrier 402.
One or more processing stations 101-110 may be arranged to perform processing steps on the polar plate 10 separated from the conveyor 400, but while the polar plate 10 is still held by the support frame 20. For example, the welding station 101 may be arranged to decouple the support frame 20 from the carrier 402, and transfer the support frame 20 to a jig. A welding step may be performed on the polar plate 10 while being held by the support frame 20. The polar plate 10 and the support frame 20 may define a predetermined spatial margin between them for allowing the polar plate 10 to be accurately positioned relative to a welding fixture within the confinement of the support frame 20.
One or more processing stations 101-110 may be arranged to perform processing steps on the polar plate 10 while the polar plate is separated from the support frame 20. For example, welding station 102 is configured for grabbing the polar plate 10 and transferring the polar plate 10 to a welding fixture to be joined with another component. The welding station 102 may hence include a locking mechanism engaging device 40 for unlocking the locking mechanism 30, and a gripper device 60 for gripping the polar plate 10 and separating the polar plate 10 from the support frame 20.
Figures 5A and 5B show respective views of an exemplary gripper device 60, and figure 6 shows frontal view of a system including the gripper device 60 and the conveyor system as shown in figure 1. The gripper device 60 includes adherence face 61 provided with a gas outlet 62 for discharging a gas and a gas deflector 63 for radially deflecting the discharged gas substantially along the adherence face 61 for adhering the polar plate 10 to 18 the adherence face 61. Here, the gripper device includes four gas outlets 62a-62d and four associated deflectors 63a-63d. The radial deflection of the gas by the deflector 63 provides of a region of reduced pressure around the gas outlet 62, causing a net force on the polar plate 10 in the direction normal to the adherence face 61. The polar plate 10 can hence be gripped substantially contactless, reducing the risk of damaging the polar plate 10.
Here, the adherence face 61 is provided with a contact element 64a-64d configured for contacting the polar plate 10 only at a periphery thereof.
Here, gripper device 60 includes four contact elements 64a-64d, distributed along a periphery of the adherence face 61. The contact elements 64a-64b are accordingly positioned relative to each other and the relative to the adherence face 61 in accordance with the polar plate 10 dimensions.
The polar plate 10 is drawn towards the gripper face 61, and is consequently drawn against the contact elements 64a-64d at its peripheral contact zone. The contact elements 64a-64d in this example include a friction contact surface to prevent the polar plate 10 from laterally displacing while being adhered to the adherence face 61. The contact elements 64a-64d are particularly configured to leave no residue on the polar plates 10.
The contact elements 64a-64d are provided at a periphery of the adherence face 61, and at opposing sides of the adherence face 61 so as to contact a periphery of the polar plate 10. A dimension of the adherence face 61 in this example substantially corresponds to a dimension of the opening 22 defined by the support surface 20. Hence, in use, the gripper device 60 can approach the polar plate 10 held by the support frame 20, and align the contact elements 64a-64d with the periphery of the polar plate, such that the gripper device 60 can grip the polar plate 10 held by the support frame 20, while only contacting the polar plate 10 at its periphery. The central area of the polar plate 10 may hence be left untouched, reducing risk of damage.
The gripper device 60 in this example includes a monolithic, here 3D-printed, body 65 that forms the adherence face 61, gas outlets 62a-62d, 19 the deflectors 63a-63d. The monolithic body 65 further forms a mounting structure 66 e.g. for mounting to a robotic arm. The monolithic body 65 also forms internal gas channels that extend between the gas outlets 62a-62d and a gas inlet 67. Here, the monolithic body 65 forms two gas inlets 67a, 67b, each being fluidly connected to a respective subset of the gas outlets 62a-62d.
Herein, the invention is described with reference to specific examples of embodiments of the invention. It will, however, be evident that various modifications and changes may be made therein, without departing from the essence of the invention. For the purpose of clarity and a concise description features are described herein as part of the same or separate embodiments, however, alternative embodiments having combinations of all or some of the features described in these separate embodiments are also envisaged.
However, other modifications, variations, and alternatives are also possible. The specifications, drawings and examples are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative sense rather than in a restrictive sense.
In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. The word ‘comprising’ does not exclude the presence of other features or steps than those listed in a claim.
Furthermore, the words ‘a’ and ‘an’ shall not be construed as limited to ‘only one’, but instead are used to mean ‘at least one’, and do not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to an advantage. 20

Claims (47)

ConclusiesConclusions 1. Een transporteersysteem voor het transporteren van een polaire plaat voor een brandstofcel of elektrolyzer, omvattende een draagframe geconfigureerd voor het dragen van de polaire plaat, en een transporteur voor het transporteren van het draagframe in een transportrichting in een horizontaal vlak, waarbij het draagframe geconfigureerd is om de polaire plaat tijdens het transporteren te dragen met de polaire plaat uitstrekkend in een verticaal vlak.1. A conveying system for conveying a polar plate for a fuel cell or electrolyzer, comprising a support frame configured to carry the polar plate, and a conveyor for conveying the support frame in a conveying direction in a horizontal plane, the support frame configured to carry the polar plate during conveying with the polar plate extending in a vertical plane. 2. Het transporteersysteem volgens conclusie 1, waarbij het draagframe geconfigureerd om de polaire plaat slechts aan een omtrek ervan te contacteren.2. The transport system of claim 1, wherein the support frame is configured to contact the polar plate only at a periphery thereof. 3. Het transporteersysteem volgens conclusie 1 of 2, waarbij het verticale vlak in hoofdzaak tangentieel aan de transportrichting is.3. The conveying system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the vertical plane is substantially tangential to the conveying direction. 4. Het transporteersysteem volgens een der voorgaande conclusies, waarbij het draagframe rotatiesymmetrisch om een verticale as is, in het bijzonder 180 graden rotatiesymmetrisch, en/of waarbij het draagframe in hoodzaak symmetrisch is ten opzichte van een symmetrievlak dat met het verticale vlak samenvalt.4. The transport system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support frame is rotationally symmetrical about a vertical axis, in particular 180 degrees rotationally symmetrical, and/or wherein the support frame is essentially symmetrical with respect to a plane of symmetry that coincides with the vertical plane. 5. Het transporteersysteem volgens een der voorgaande conclusies, waarbij het draagframe een laadzijde heeft geconfigureerd voor het laten ontvangen van de polaire plaat door het draagframe vanuit een richting dwars op het verticale vlak. 215. The transport system of any preceding claim, wherein the support frame has a loading side configured to allow the polar plate to be received by the support frame from a direction transverse to the vertical plane. 21 6. Het transporteersysteem volgens een der voorgaande conclusies, waarbij het draagframe twee tegenover elkaar liggende laadzijden omvat voor het laten ontvangen van de polaire plaat door het draagframe vanuit twee tegengestelde richtingen dwars op het verticale vlak.6. The transport system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support frame comprises two opposite loading sides for allowing the polar plate to be received by the support frame from two opposite directions transverse to the vertical plane. 7. Het transporteersysteem volgens een der voorgaande conclusies, waarbij het draagframe een zich in het verticale vlak uitstrekkende opening vormt, waarbij de opening gevormd is om de polaire plaat erin op te nemen en de polaire plaat tijdens transport in het verticale vlak op te sluiten.7. The transport system of any preceding claim, wherein the support frame forms an opening extending in the vertical plane, the opening being shaped to receive the polar plate therein and to confine the polar plate in the vertical plane during transport. 8. Het transporteersysteem volgens conclusie 7, waarbij de opening een vorm heeft die complementair is aan de polaire plaat.8. The transport system of claim 7, wherein the opening has a shape complementary to the polar plate. 9. Het transporteersysteem volgens conclusie 7 of 8, waarbij de opening zo gevormd is dat de polaire plaat in het verticale vlak een vooraf bepaalde hoeveelheid in de opening kan bewegen ten opzichte van het draagframe.9. The conveying system of claim 7 or 8, wherein the opening is shaped such that the polar plate can move a predetermined amount in the vertical plane relative to the support frame in the opening. 10. Het transporteersysteem volgens een der conclusies 7-9, waarbij het draagframe een vergrendelingsmechanisme omvat om de polaire plaat in de opening te vergrendelen.10. The transport system of any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the support frame comprises a locking mechanism for locking the polar plate in the opening. 11. Het transporteersysteem volgens conclusie 10, waarbij het vergrendelingsmechanisme beweegbaar is ten opzichte van de rest van het draagframe tussen een open stand om de polaire plaat in de opening op te nemen en een gesloten stand om de polaire plaat in de opening te vergrendelen.11. The transport system of claim 10, wherein the locking mechanism is movable relative to the remainder of the support frame between an open position to receive the polar plate in the opening and a closed position to lock the polar plate in the opening. 12. Het transporteersysteem volgens conclusie 11, waarbij het vergrendelingsmechanisme naar de vergrendelstand wordt voorgespannen. 2212. The transport system of claim 11, wherein the locking mechanism is biased to the locking position. 13. Het transporteersysteem volgens een der conclusies 10-12, waarbij het vergrendelingsmechanisme een of meer vergrendelingsleden omvat die draaibaar zijn om een horizontale as dwars op de transportrichting, waarbij de vergrendelingsleden geconfigureerd zijn om in de gesloten stand de beweging van de polaire plaat ten opzichte van het draagframe dwars op het verticale vlak te begrenzen en in de open stand de opening vrij te geven voor de polaire plaat in de opening.13. The conveying system of any of claims 10 to 12, wherein the locking mechanism comprises one or more locking members rotatable about a horizontal axis transverse to the conveying direction, the locking members being configured to limit movement of the polar plate relative to the support frame transverse to the vertical plane in the closed position and to clear the opening for the polar plate in the opening in the open position. 14. Het transporteersysteem volgens een der conclusies 10-13, waarbij het vergrendelingsmechanisme actueerbaar is tussen de gesloten stand en de open stand door het draagframe ten opzichte van een actuatie-inrichting in de transportrichting te bewegen terwijl het actuatie-inrichting het vergrendelingsmechanisme, in het bijzonder de een of meer vergrendelingsleden, aangrijpt.14. The conveying system according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the locking mechanism is actuable between the closed position and the open position by moving the support frame relative to an actuating device in the conveying direction while the actuating device engages the locking mechanism, in particular the one or more locking members. 15. Het transporteersysteem volgens een der voorgaande conclusies, waarbij de transporteur een baan omvat die zich langs een transportpad uitstrekt, en een drager om langs de baan te worden bewogen, waarbij de drager is gekoppeld of koppelbaar is met het draagframe.15. The conveying system of any preceding claim, wherein the conveyor comprises a track extending along a conveying path and a carrier for being moved along the track, the carrier being coupled or coupleable to the carrier frame. 16. Het transporteersysteem volgens conclusie 15, waarbij het draagframe losneembaar koppelbaar is aan de drager.16. The transport system of claim 15, wherein the support frame is detachably coupled to the carrier. 17. Het transporteersysteem volgens conclusie 16, met een kinematisch koppelingsmechanisme om het draagframe in een vooraf gedefinieerde relatieve oriëntatie losneembaar met de drager te koppelen.17. The transport system of claim 16, including a kinematic coupling mechanism for releasably coupling the support frame to the carrier in a predefined relative orientation. 18. Het transporteersysteem volgens conclusie 16 of 17, waarbij het draagframe een aangrijpstructuur omvat om door een externe 23 aangrijpinrichting aangrepen te worden voor het ontkoppelen van het draagframe van de drager.18. The transport system according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the support frame comprises an engagement structure for being engaged by an external engagement device for disengaging the support frame from the carrier. 19. Het transporteersysteem volgens conclusie 18, waarbij de aangrijpstructuur geconfigureerd is om door de externe aanrijpinrichting vanuit een richting dwars op het verticale vlak benaderd te worden.19. The conveying system of claim 18, wherein the engagement structure is configured to be approached by the external engagement device from a direction transverse to the vertical plane. 20. Het transporteersysteem volgens conclusie 18 of 19, waarbij het draagframe twee aangrijpstructuren omvat aan tegenovergelegen zijden van het draagframe.20. The conveying system of claim 18 or 19, wherein the support frame comprises two engagement structures on opposite sides of the support frame. 21. Het transporteersysteem volgens een der voorgaande conclusies, verder omvattende een verder draagframe voor het dragen van een verdere polaire plaat, waarbij de transporteur ingericht is om het verdere draagframe in de transportrichting in het horizontale vlak te transporteren en het verdere draagframe geconfigureerd is om de verdere polaire plaat tijdens het transporteren te dragen met de polaire plaat uitstrekkend in het verticale vlak, waarbij het draagframe en het verdere draagframe complementaire paringsstructuren omvatten die geconfigureerd zijn om te paren.21. The conveying system of any preceding claim, further comprising a further support frame for supporting a further polar plate, the conveyor being configured to transport the further support frame in the horizontal plane in the conveying direction and the further support frame being configured to support the further polar plate during conveying with the polar plate extending in the vertical plane, the support frame and the further support frame comprising complementary mating structures configured to mate. 22. Het transporteersysteem volgens conclusie 21, waarbij elk van het draagframe en het verdere draagframe een eerste paringsstructuur aan een eerste zijde en een tweede paringsstructuur aan een tweede zijde omvat, waarbij de eerste paringsstructuur en de tweede paringsstructuur complementair zijn.22. The conveying system of claim 21, wherein each of the support frame and the further support frame comprises a first mating structure on a first side and a second mating structure on a second side, the first mating structure and the second mating structure being complementary. 23. Een draagframe voor een transporteersysteem volgens met een der conclusies 1-22. 2423. A support frame for a transport system according to any one of claims 1 to 22. 24 24. Een systeem voor inline bewerking van een polaire plaat voor een brandstofcel of electrolyzer, omvattende een of meer bewerkingsstations voor het bewerken van de polaire plaat, en een transporteersysteem volgens een der voorgaande conclusies voor het transporteren van de polaire plaat langs de een of meer bewerkingsstations.24. A system for inline processing of a polar plate for a fuel cell or electrolyzer, comprising one or more processing stations for processing the polar plate, and a transport system according to any one of the preceding claims for transporting the polar plate past the one or more processing stations. 25. Het systeem volgens conclusie 24, waarbij de een of meer bewerkingsstations een bewerkingsstation omvatten geconfigureerd voor het bewerken van de polaire plaat terwijl de polaire plaat door het draagframe gedragen wordt.25. The system of claim 24, wherein the one or more processing stations comprise a processing station configured to process the polar plate while the polar plate is supported by the support frame. 26. Het systeem volgens conclusie 25, waarbij het bewerkingsstation geconfigureerd is voor het bewerken van de polaire plaat terwijl de polaire plaat in het verticale vlak getransporteerd wordt.26. The system of claim 25, wherein the processing station is configured to process the polar plate while the polar plate is transported in the vertical plane. 27. Het systeem volgens conclusie 25 of 26, waarbij het bewerkingsstation geconfigureerd is om de polaire plaat aan tegenovergelegen zijden van de polaire plaat te bewerken, bijvoorbeeld simultaan.27. The system of claim 25 or 26, wherein the processing station is configured to process the polar plate on opposite sides of the polar plate, e.g. simultaneously. 28. Het systeem volgens een der conclusies 25-27, waarbij het bewerkingsstation geconfigureerd is voor het bewerken van de polaire plaat terwijl het draagframe van de transporteur gescheiden is.28. The system of any of claims 25-27, wherein the processing station is configured to process the polar plate while the carrier frame is separated from the conveyor. 29. Het systeem volgens conclusie 28, waarbij het bewerkingsstation een aangrijpinrichting omvat volgens conclusie 18 om de aangrijpstructuur van het draagframe aan te grijpen en het draagframe van de transporteur te scheiden. 2529. The system of claim 28, wherein the processing station comprises a gripping device according to claim 18 for gripping the gripping structure of the support frame and separating the support frame from the conveyor. 30. Het systeem volgens een der conclusies 24-29, waarbij de een of meer bewerkingsstations een bewerkingsstation omvatten geconfigureerd voor het bewerken van de polaire plaat terwijl de polaire plaat van het draagframe gescheiden is.30. The system of any of claims 24 to 29, wherein the one or more machining stations comprise a machining station configured to machine the polar plate while the polar plate is separated from the support frame. 31. Het systeem volgens een der conclusies 24-30, waarbij het bewerkingsstation een actuatie-inrichting omvat volgens conclusie 13 voor het actueren van het vergrendelingsmechanisme.31. The system of any of claims 24 to 30, wherein the processing station comprises an actuating device according to claim 13 for actuating the locking mechanism. 32. Het systeem volgens een der conclusies 24-31, omvattende een grijperinrichting omvattende een bindvlak voorzien van een gasuitlaat voor het aflaten van een gas en een gasdeflector voor het lateraal deflecteren van het afgelaten gas in hoofdzaak langs het bindvlak om de polaire plaat aan het bindvlak te binden, en waarbij het bindvlak voorzien is van een contactelement geconfigureerd om de polaire plaat slechts aan een omtrek ervan te contacteren om laterale verplaatsing van de polaire plaat ten opzichte van het bindvlak te voorkomen.32. The system of any one of claims 24 to 31, comprising a gripper device comprising a bonding surface provided with a gas outlet for releasing a gas and a gas deflector for laterally deflecting the released gas substantially along the bonding surface to bond the polar plate to the bonding surface, and wherein the bonding surface is provided with a contact element configured to contact the polar plate only at a periphery thereof to prevent lateral displacement of the polar plate relative to the bonding surface. 33. Het systeem volgens een der conclusies 24-32, waarbij de een of meer bewerkingsstations een of meer omvatten van een verbindingsstation, zoals een lasstation voor het, b.v. laser-, lassen van de de polaire plaat bijvoorbeeld een ander onderdeel; een reinigingsstation voor het, bijvoorbeeld laser-, reinigen van de polaire plaat; een inspectiestation voor het inspecteren van de polaire plaat; een coatingstation voor het coaten van de polaire plaat; een teststation voor het testen van de polaire plaat.33. The system of any one of claims 24 to 32, wherein the one or more processing stations comprise one or more of a joining station, such as a welding station for, e.g., laser welding the polar plate to, e.g., another component; a cleaning station for, e.g., laser cleaning the polar plate; an inspection station for inspecting the polar plate; a coating station for coating the polar plate; a testing station for testing the polar plate. 34. Het systeem volgens een der conclusies 24-33, de transporteur omvattende: een primaire lus; 26 een of meer secundaire lussen, waarbij elke secundaire lus van de primaire lus aftakt en weer aansluit op de primaire lus, waarbij het transporteersysteem geconfigureerd is voor het selectief passeren van een secundaire lus; en een of meer tertiaire lussen, waarbij elke tertiaire lus van een respectieve secundaire lus aftakt en weer aansluit op de respectieve secundaire lus, waarbij het transporteersysteem geconfigureerd is voor het selectief passeren een tertiaire lus; waarbij elke tertiaire lus geassocieerd is met een bewerkingsstation voor het bewerken van de polaire plaat.34. The system of any of claims 24 to 33, the conveyor comprising: a primary loop; one or more secondary loops, each secondary loop branching from the primary loop and rejoining the primary loop, the conveyor system being configured to selectively pass a secondary loop; and one or more tertiary loops, each tertiary loop branching from a respective secondary loop and rejoining the respective secondary loop, the conveyor system being configured to selectively pass a tertiary loop; each tertiary loop being associated with a processing station for processing the polar plate. 35. Het systeem volgens conclusie 34, waarin ten opzichte van de primaire tak, een secundaire lus zich van de primaire lus aftakt stroomopwaarts van waar de secundaire lus weer bij de primaire lus komt.35. The system of claim 34, wherein relative to the primary branch, a secondary loop branches off the primary loop upstream of where the secondary loop rejoins the primary loop. 36. Het systeem volgens conclusie 34 of 35, waarin ten opzichte van een secundaire tak, een tertiaire lus zich kan aftakken van de secundaire lus stroomafwaarts van waar de tertiaire lus weer aansluit op de secundaire lus.36. The system of claim 34 or 35, wherein relative to a secondary branch, a tertiary loop may branch off from the secondary loop downstream of where the tertiary loop rejoins the secondary loop. 37. Een werkwijze voor het transporteren van een polaire plaat in een transportrichting in een horizontaal vlak, omvattende transporteren van de polaire plaat door een transporteur met de polaire plaat zich in een verticaal vlak uitstrekkend.37. A method for conveying a polar plate in a conveying direction in a horizontal plane, comprising conveying the polar plate by a conveyor with the polar plate extending in a vertical plane. 38. De werkwijze volgens conclusie 37, waarbij de polaire plaat getransporteerd wordt met gebruik van een transporteersysteem volgens een der conclusies 1-20. 2738. The method of claim 37, wherein the polar plate is transported using a transport system according to any one of claims 1 to 20. 27 39. De werkwijze volgens conclusie 37 of 38, waarbij het verticale vlak in hoofdzaak tangentieel aan de transportrichting is.39. The method of claim 37 or 38, wherein the vertical plane is substantially tangential to the direction of transport. 40. De werkwijze volgens een der conclusies 37-39, waarbij de polaire plaat tijdens het transport gedragen wordt door een draagframe dat de polaire plaat slechts aan een omtrek contacteert.40. The method of any one of claims 37 to 39, wherein the polar plate is supported during transport by a support frame that contacts the polar plate only at a periphery. 41. De werkwijze volgens een der conclusies 37-40, omvattende bewerken van de polaire plaat terwijl de polaire plaat in het verticale vlak utstrekkend getransporteerd wordt.41. The method of any one of claims 37 to 40, comprising processing the polar plate while transporting the polar plate so as to extend in the vertical plane. 42. De werkwijze volgens conclusie 41, omvattende bewerken van tegenovergelegen zijden van de polaire plaat, bijvoorbeeld simultaan.42. The method of claim 41, comprising machining opposite sides of the polar plate, for example simultaneously. 43. De werkwijze volgens een der conclusies 37-42, omvattende scheiden van de polaire plaat van de transporteur, en bewerken van de polaire plaat terwijl de polaire plaat van de transporteur gescheiden is.43. The method of any one of claims 37 to 42, comprising separating the polar plate from the conveyor, and processing the polar plate while the polar plate is separated from the conveyor. 44. De werkwijze volgens conclusie 43, omvattende retourneren van de polaire plaat naar de transporteur voor verder transport.44. The method of claim 43, comprising returning the polar plate to the conveyor for further transportation. 45. De werkwijze volgens conclusie 43 of 44, wanneer afhankelijk van ten minste conclusie 35, waarbij de polaire plaat samen met het draagframe van de transporteur gescheiden wordt en de polaire plaat bewerkt wordt terwijl deze met het draagframe verbonden is.45. The method according to claim 43 or 44, when dependent on at least claim 35, wherein the polar plate is separated from the conveyor together with the support frame and the polar plate is processed while connected to the support frame. 46. De werkwijze volgens een der conclusies 37-45, waarbij het draagframe een opening vormt die in het verticale vlak uitstrekt, de opening gevormd is om de polaire plaat erin op te nemen en de polaire plaat tijdens 28 het transport in het verticale vlak wordt opgesloten, en waarbij het draagframe een vergrendelingsmechanisme omvat om de polaire plaat in de opening te vergrendelen, waarbij het vergrendelmechanisme beweegbaar is ten opzichte van een rest van het draagframe tussen een open stand om de polaire plaat in de opening op te nemen en een gesloten stand om de polaire plaat in de opening te vergrendelen, en waarbij de werkwijze omvat het actueren van het vergrendelmechanisme tussen de gesloten stand en de open stand door het draagframe langs het transportpad ten opzichte van een actuatie-inrichting te bewegen terwijl het vergrendelmechanisme door de actuatie-inrichting aangegrepen wordt verbonden.46. The method of any one of claims 37 to 45, wherein the support frame defines an opening extending in the vertical plane, the opening is shaped to receive the polar plate therein and the polar plate is retained in the vertical plane during transport, and wherein the support frame includes a locking mechanism for locking the polar plate in the opening, the locking mechanism being movable relative to a remainder of the support frame between an open position for receiving the polar plate in the opening and a closed position for locking the polar plate in the opening, and wherein the method comprises actuating the locking mechanism between the closed position and the open position by moving the support frame along the transport path relative to an actuating device while the locking mechanism is engaged by the actuating device. 47. De werkwijze volgens conclusie 46, waarbij het vergrendelingsmechanisme een of meer vergrendelingsleden omvat die draaibaar zijn om een horizontale as dwars op de transportrichting, waarbij de vergrendelingsleden geconfigureerd zijn om in de gesloten stand de beweging van de polaire plaat ten opzichte van het draagframe dwars op het verticale vlak te beperken en in de open stand de opening vrij te geven voor de polaire plaat in de opening, en waarbij het actueren van het vergrendelingsmechanisme het actueren van de een of meer vergrendelingsleden omvat. 2947. The method of claim 46, wherein the locking mechanism comprises one or more locking members rotatable about a horizontal axis transverse to the direction of transport, the locking members being configured to limit movement of the polar plate relative to the support frame transverse to the vertical plane in the closed position and to clear the opening for the polar plate in the opening in the open position, and wherein actuating the locking mechanism comprises actuating the one or more locking members.
NL2035853A 2023-09-21 2023-09-21 Conveyor system for a polar plate for a fuel cell or electrolyzer NL2035853B1 (en)

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Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8028609B2 (en) * 2007-04-25 2011-10-04 Murata Machinery, Ltd. Work sheet processing system
DE102015220399A1 (en) * 2015-06-09 2016-12-15 Hyundai Motor Company DEVICE FOR AUTOMATIC STACKING OF A FUEL CELL STACK
IT201900024012A1 (en) * 2019-12-13 2021-06-13 Carmec Srl Conveyor trolley of sheet-like elements and plant for the management of a warehouse of sheet-like elements including this transport trolley

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8028609B2 (en) * 2007-04-25 2011-10-04 Murata Machinery, Ltd. Work sheet processing system
DE102015220399A1 (en) * 2015-06-09 2016-12-15 Hyundai Motor Company DEVICE FOR AUTOMATIC STACKING OF A FUEL CELL STACK
IT201900024012A1 (en) * 2019-12-13 2021-06-13 Carmec Srl Conveyor trolley of sheet-like elements and plant for the management of a warehouse of sheet-like elements including this transport trolley

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