JP5417816B2 - Press molding apparatus and press molding method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a press molding apparatus and a press molding method.

  A metal separator used in a fuel cell is manufactured by forming a channel groove for allowing a fluid to flow through a blank made of a thin plate metal and punching the blank (see Patent Document 1).

Generally, the process of punching a workpiece from a blank material is performed by a press forming apparatus including a die on which the blank material is placed and a punch that moves toward and away from the die. When a workpiece is punched with a punch, wrinkles or deflection may occur in the punched workpiece depending on the type of workpiece. In order to prevent the punched workpiece from being wrinkled or bent, there is a press forming apparatus in which a die is provided with a knockout member for applying a back pressure in a direction toward the punch with respect to the blank material. The punched workpiece returns to the die with the knockout member supported. For this reason, the blank material after the punching process collect | recovered as a scrap material and a workpiece | work exist on a die | dye.
JP2003-151571

  When manufacturing a metal separator by punching a blank material formed with a channel groove, when applying a press forming device with a knockout member, it is possible to prevent the punched metal separator from wrinkling or bending. it can. On the other hand, as described above, the blank material after punching and the metal separator exist on the die. The metal separator needs to be unloaded from the blank material after punching and performed manually by a robot hand or an operator. For this reason, the work of carrying out the metal separator becomes complicated, and it is difficult to perform the work quickly. As the carry-out work becomes complicated, the work efficiency of the metal separator manufacturing work may be reduced.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to perform press molding that can improve the work efficiency of the metal separator manufacturing work by quickly carrying out the work of removing the metal separator while preventing the metal separator for the fuel cell from being wrinkled or bent. An apparatus and a press molding method are provided.

The present invention relates to a molding apparatus for molding a metal separator by punching a blank material in which flow channel grooves of a metal separator for a fuel cell are formed, and a die on which the blank material is placed, and an approaching / separating movement with respect to the die Has a press die provided with a punch for punching blank material. Further, the knockout member is arranged on the die by applying an urging force in the direction toward the punch by the urging means, and supports the blank material and moves against the urging force by the pressure accompanying the movement of the punch in the press molding direction. And holding means for restricting the movement of the knockout member by the urging force and holding the knockout member at a stop position where a gap is formed between the punch and the knockout member. And a carry-out path communicating from the gap to the outside of the press die, and a conveying means for carrying the metal separator formed by punching blank material from the knock-out member to the carry-out path while holding the knock-out member at the stop position; ,have. The transport means has a blower passage that is provided in the knockout member and blows gas in a direction of transporting the metal separator to the carry-out passage.

The present invention also relates to a molding method for forming a metal separator by punching a blank material in which a flow channel groove of a metal separator for a fuel cell is formed, and placing the blank material on a die provided in a press die. The blank material is supported by a knockout member disposed on the die by applying an urging force in a direction toward a punch provided so as to be movable toward and away from the die. Next, the blank is punched while the knockout member is pressed against the die and moved against the urging force by moving the punch close to the die to form a metal separator. Furthermore, the movement of the knockout member due to the urging force is restricted, the knockout member is held at a stop position where a gap is formed between the punch and the knockout member, and the knockout member is supported in a state where the knockout member is held at the stop position. By blowing the gas blown to the metal separator via the air passage provided in the knockout member, the metal separator is conveyed from the gap portion to the carry-out passage communicating with the outside of the press die.

  The blank material is punched while applying back pressure by the knockout member, and the metal separator is transported from the knockout member in a state where the knockout member is held at a stop position where a gap is formed between the punch and the knockout member. It is possible to prevent the metal separator for the battery from being wrinkled and bent, and to improve the work efficiency of the metal separator manufacturing operation by quickly carrying out the metal separator.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a fuel cell stack 10, FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a single cell 50 constituting the fuel cell stack 10, and FIG. 3A shows a manufacturing apparatus 500 for a fuel cell metal separator. FIG. 3 (B) is a plan view showing a fuel cell metal separator manufacturing apparatus 500, FIG. 4 (A) is a cross-sectional view showing a press molding apparatus 570 according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 4 (B). ) Is a cross-sectional view as viewed from the direction 4A-4A in FIG. 4A, FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of the channel groove 110 for explaining the conveying method by the conveying means 660, and FIGS. It is sectional drawing of the press molding apparatus 600 with which it uses for description of a method.

  1 and 2 show a fuel cell stack 10 and a single cell 50 to which a fuel cell metal separator 100 (hereinafter also referred to as a metal separator) punched by a press molding apparatus 570 according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied. Show. FIG. 3 shows an embodiment in which a press molding apparatus 570 is incorporated into a fuel cell metal separator manufacturing apparatus 500.

  Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, press forming apparatus 570 is generally described as a die 620 on which blank material 670 in which flow channel groove 110 of fuel cell metal separator 100 is formed is placed. , And a punching press die 600 (corresponding to a press die) provided with a punch 610 for punching the blank material 670 by approaching and moving away from the die 620, and a direction toward the punch 610 by the urging means 622 (arrow in the figure) A) is applied to the die 620 with an urging force, and supports the blank material 670 and moves against the urging force by the press accompanying the movement of the punch 610 in the press molding direction (in FIG. 4A). (Downward) The knockout member 621 and the punch 610 and the knockout member 621 are restricted by the movement of the knockout member 621 due to the urging force. A holding means 640 for holding the knockout member 621 at a stop position p that forms a gap g therebetween (see also FIG. 6B), and a carry-out path communicating from the gap g to the outside of the punching press 600 650 and conveying means 660 for conveying the metal separator 100 formed by punching the blank material 670 from the knockout member 621 to the unloading path 650 while holding the knockout member 621 at the stop position p. Yes.

  The transport unit 660 includes a gas supply unit 661 (corresponding to a blower) that transports the metal separator 100 by spraying gases a1 and a2 (corresponding to gas) toward the flow channel 110. The holding means 640 engages with the die 620 to hold the knockout member 621 at the stop position p (see also FIG. 6B), and between the die 620 and the engaging member 641. An engagement release member 643 for releasing the engagement (see also FIG. 8A). The carry-out path 650 is provided with an elastic member 651 that prevents the metal separator 100 from being damaged.

  The fuel cell stack 10, the single cell 50, and the metal separator 100 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  Referring to FIG. 1, a fuel cell stack 10 is formed by stacking a plurality of single cells 50 as unit cells that generate an electromotive force by a reaction between a fuel gas and an oxidant gas. At both ends of the fuel cell stack 10, there are a current collector plate 11, an insulating plate 12, and an end plate 13 that are terminal members for taking out the electric power generated in the fuel cell stack 10.

  A tie rod 14 is inserted into a through hole (not shown) penetrating the inside of the fuel cell stack 10, and an end of the tie rod 14 is fastened by a fastening member (not shown). A pressure applied by fastening is applied to the fuel cell stack 10.

  In each end plate 13 provided at both ends of the fuel cell stack 10, introduction ports 15a, 16a, and 17a for allowing fluid to flow into the fuel cell stack 10 and discharge ports 15b for discharging the circulated fluid are provided. , 16b, 17b are provided. The fuel gas flows from the fuel gas inlet 15a and is discharged from the fuel gas outlet 15b. The oxidant gas flows from the oxidant gas inlet 16a and is discharged from the oxidant gas outlet 16b. The cooling water is introduced from the cooling water inlet 17a and discharged from the cooling water outlet 17b.

  With reference to FIG. 2, the single cell 50 includes a membrane electrode assembly 60 and a metal separator 100 that sandwiches the membrane electrode assembly 60.

  The membrane electrode assembly 60 includes a fuel electrode 70, an air electrode 80, and an electrolyte membrane 90. The fuel electrode 70 includes a catalyst layer 71 and a gas diffusion layer 72. Similarly, the air electrode 80 includes a catalyst layer 81 and a gas diffusion layer 82.

  The metal separator 100 is manufactured by punching the blank material 670 after forming the uneven channel groove 110 in a thin plate-like blank material 670 such as stainless steel or aluminum. The uneven channel groove 110 is formed by dedicated molding dies 531 and 532 (see also FIGS. 3A and 3B).

  A fuel gas channel H for circulating hydrogen is formed between the fuel electrode 70 and the channel groove 110 of the metal separator 100. Between the air electrode 80 and the metal separator 100, an oxidant gas flow path O for allowing the oxidant gas to flow is formed. A cooling water flow path W through which the cooling water flows is formed between the flow path grooves 110 of the metal separator 100 arranged to face each other.

  Next, a chemical reaction performed to generate electricity in the single cell 50 will be described.

  Hydrogen contained in the fuel gas supplied to the fuel electrode 70 is oxidized by the catalyst particles to become protons and electrons. The generated protons reach the catalyst layer 81 of the air electrode 80 through the electrolyte membrane 90 in contact with the electrolyte contained in the catalyst layer 71 of the fuel electrode 70 and the catalyst layer 71 of the fuel electrode 70. Electrons generated in the catalyst layer 71 of the fuel electrode 70 are the catalyst layer 71 of the fuel electrode 70, the gas diffusion layer 72 of the fuel electrode 70, the metal separator 100 disposed on the fuel electrode 70 side, and an external circuit (not shown). It passes through and reaches the catalyst layer 81 of the air electrode 80. The protons and electrons that have reached the catalyst layer 81 of the air electrode 80 react with oxygen contained in the oxidant gas supplied to the air electrode 80 to generate water. The single cell 50 generates electricity through the above chemical reaction.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 3 (A) and FIG. 3 (B), the fuel cell metal separator manufacturing apparatus 500 includes an uncoiler 510 that supplies a blank material 670 wound around a roll member, and an uncoiler 510. Deflection prevention jig 520 for preventing deflection of blank material 670 supplied from, a molding machine 530 for molding blank material 670, and a direction from uncoiler 510 to recoiler 550 with respect to blank material 670 (the direction of the arrow in the figure) ), A feeder 540 for applying a pulling force, a recoiler 550 for taking up a blank material 680 after punching (hereinafter also referred to as scrap material), and a control for controlling the operation of each part of the fuel cell metal separator manufacturing apparatus 500. Part 560. The manufacturing process of the metal separator 100 proceeds in the arrow direction in the figure.

  As the blank material 670, stainless steel, which is known as a material for a metal separator for a fuel cell, is used. Stainless steel is formed into a thin plate having a thickness of about 0.1 mm, and is wound around a roll member for preparation. The blank material 670 may be made of aluminum or the like which is known as a material for a metal separator for a fuel cell.

  The deflection preventing jig 520 is disposed between the uncoiler 510 and the molding machine 530. The blank material 670 is prevented from being bent by sandwiching the blank material 670 between the support portion 521 and the correction roller 522.

  The molding machine 530 includes a first molding die 531 for preforming the flow channel groove 110 in the blank material 670 placed on the die 620, a second molding die 532 for main molding the preformed flow channel groove 110, A press forming device 570 (see also FIG. 4A) having a punch 610 for punching blank material 670 in which the flow channel 110 is formed by the first forming die 531 and the second forming die 532. doing. The die 620 on which the blank material 670 is placed is shared as the lower mold of each of the first mold 531, the second mold 532, and the punch 610.

  The feeder 540 applies a tensile force (in the direction of the arrow in the figure) to the blank material 670. The blank material 670 is prevented from being bent, and the winding operation by the recoiler 550 can be performed smoothly.

  The control unit 560 transmits a control signal to control the operation of the molding machine 530, the operation of the blower 661, the operation of the disengagement member 643, and the like (see also FIG. 4A).

  4 (A) and 4 (B), the knockout member 621 is biased by a biasing means 622 provided at the bottom of the die 620 in the direction toward the punch 610 (in the direction of arrow A in the figure). Is granted. The urging means 622 is constituted by a spring member that imparts a resilient force to the knockout member 621. As the urging means, for example, a structure that applies an urging force by hydraulic pressure or the like can be used.

  The press die 600 for punching further includes a guide die 625 for sandwiching a portion 672 that becomes a scrap material in the blank material 670 with the die 620.

  The knockout member 621 supports the blank material 670 so as to surround a portion where the flow channel 110 is formed. The guide die 625 sandwiches a portion 672 that becomes a scrap material in the blank material 670 with the die 620.

  When punching, the punch 610 punches the peripheral portion 671 of the flow channel 110 in the blank material 670. The peripheral portion 671 of the channel groove 110 is pressed in the press molding direction by the punch 610 and back pressure in the direction toward the punch 610 by the biasing means 622.

  Of the blank material 670 that has been punched, the channel groove 110 and its peripheral portion 671 constitute the metal separator 100. The metal separator 100 is carried out from the carry-out path 650. The scrap material 680 is collected by the recoiler 550 from the die 620.

  The gas supply unit 661 provided in the transport unit 660 sprays the gases a1 and a2 to the metal separator 100 through the air passage 662 provided in the punch 610 and the knockout member 621. The control unit 560 transmits a control signal s1 to the gas supply unit 661 in a state where the knockout member 621 is held at the stop position p. The gas supply unit 661 supplies the gases a1 and a2 to the air supply path 662 in accordance with the control signal s1 from the control unit 560 (see also FIG. 7A). The control unit 560 controls the gas supply amount and the gas supply timing.

  In the illustrated example, an air passage 662 is provided in the punch 610 and the knockout member 621. The amount of gas spray can be increased, and the metal separator 100 can be efficiently conveyed.

  Referring to FIG. 5, when conveying metal separator 100, gases a <b> 1 and a <b> 2 are blown in a direction toward flow channel 110. Since the metal separator 100 is easily subjected to wind pressure, the metal separator 100 can be efficiently conveyed to the carry-out path 650. In the example of illustration, in order to increase the wind pressure which the metal separator 100 receives, gas a1, a2 is sprayed in the direction which goes to the vertical wall part of the flow-path groove | channel 110. FIG.

  Air is used for the gases a1 and a2, but the type of gas is not limited to this. For example, nitrogen gas or the like can be used.

  The position where the air passage 662 is provided, the shape of the air passage 662, the direction in which the gases a1 and a2 are blown, and the like are not limited to those shown in the drawing, and can be changed as appropriate. For example, it is possible to provide a blower passage in the die 620 to increase the amount of gas sprayed.

  Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, carry-out path 650 is provided in communication with storage box 652 provided outside press die 600 for punching. The metal separator 100 is stored in the storage box 652 via a carry-out path 650 provided through the die 620. The storage box 652 in which the metal separator 100 is stored is transported to the outside of the fuel cell metal separator manufacturing apparatus 500 by a robot hand or the like.

  The elastic member 651 provided in the carry-out path 650 functions as a cushioning material and prevents the metal separator 100 passing through the carry-out path 650 from being damaged. A hard urethane material is used for the elastic member 651. The material of the elastic member 651 is not particularly limited, and for example, a low-resilience urethane material or the like can be used.

  The engagement member 641 is disposed in the knockout member 621, and the engagement release member 643 is disposed in the die 620.

  By engaging the pin-shaped engagement member 641 with the concave engagement portion 645 provided on the die 620, the knockout member 621 is held at the stop position p. A gap g is formed between the knockout member 621 held at the stop position p and the punch 610 (see also FIG. 7A).

  A resilient force is applied to the engaging member 641 in the direction toward the engaging portion 645 by the spring member 642. The engagement member 641 protrudes and engages with the engagement portion 645 as the knockout member 621 moves in the press molding direction (see also FIG. 6A). The knockout member 621 is held at the stop position p by maintaining the engagement of the engagement member 641 with the engagement portion 645.

  The disengagement member 643 is configured by a rod that can expand and contract toward the engagement portion 645. The expansion / contraction operation of the disengagement member 643 is driven by operating the drive unit 644. As the drive unit 644, for example, a fluid pressure cylinder that operates by air pressure or hydraulic pressure can be used.

  After the metal separator 100 is conveyed to the carry-out path 650, a control signal s2 is transmitted from the control unit 560 to operate the drive unit 644. The drive unit 644 extends the disengagement member 643 toward the engagement member 641. The engagement of the engagement member 641 is released by pressing the engagement release member 643 against the engagement member 641 (see also FIG. 8A). The movement of the knockout member 621 by the urging means 622 is started by releasing the engagement (see also FIG. 8B). By controlling the operation of the disengagement member 643, the knockout member 621 can be held at the stop position p until the metal separator 100 is conveyed to the carry-out path 650.

  By using the engagement member 641 that engages with the die 620 and the engagement release member 643 that releases the engagement of the engagement member 641, the knockout member 621 can be held and released at a stop position p by a simple operation. It can be carried out. For this reason, even if it is a case where the operation | work which hold | maintains and cancel | releases the knockout member 621 in the stop position p is performed, it can prevent that the working efficiency of a punching process falls.

  Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.

  Referring to FIG. 6A, knockout member 621 urged by urging means 622 in the direction toward arrow 610 (the direction of arrow A in the figure) surrounds the portion where flow channel groove 110 is formed. The blank material 670 is supported (see also FIG. 4B).

  Referring to FIG. 6B, the punch 610 is moved in the press molding direction (the direction of arrow B in the figure). The knockout member 621 moves against the urging force of the urging means 622 by the pressure accompanying the movement of the punch 610 (indicated by an arrow B ′ in the figure). The punch 610 moves with the peripheral part 671 of the flow channel 110 sandwiched between the knockout member 621 and punches the peripheral part 671 of the flow channel 110. The guide die 625 sandwiches a portion 672 that becomes the scrap material 680 with the die 620 (see also FIG. 4B). The peripheral portion 671 of the channel groove 110 is pressed in the press molding direction by the punch 610 and back pressure in the direction toward the punch 610 by the biasing means 622.

  After the punching process, the channel groove 110 and its peripheral part 671 constitute the metal separator 100. A portion 672 sandwiched between the guide die 625 and the die 620 becomes a scrap material 680. The metal separator 100 is placed on the knockout member 621 and the scrap material 680 is left on the die 620.

  Since blank material 670 is punched in a state where back pressure is applied, it is possible to prevent the metal separator 100 from being wrinkled or bent.

  The spring member 642 causes the engaging member 641 to protrude toward the engaging portion 645 when the knockout member 621 is lowered to a predetermined position. The engaging member 641 is engaged with the engaging portion 645. By engaging the engaging member 641, the movement of the knockout member 621 due to the urging force of the urging means 622 is restricted, and the knockout member 621 is held at the stop position p.

  Referring to FIG. 7 (A), punch 610 is moved in a direction away from metal separator 100 (in the direction of arrow C in the figure) while knockout member 621 is held at stop position p. A gap g is formed between the knockout member 621 and the punch 610.

  In accordance with the control signal s1 from the control unit 560, the gases a1 and a2 are supplied to the air blowing path 662. In a state where the knockout member 621 is held at the stop position p, the gases a1 and a2 are blown onto the metal separator 100 and conveyed to the carry-out path 650.

  As described above, the metal separator 100 is made of a metal thin plate having a thickness dimension of about 0.1 mm. When the metal separator 100 and the scrap material 680 are separated by the robot hand or the like and conveyed, the metal separator 100 may be wrinkled or deformed by the grip of the robot hand.

  On the other hand, in this embodiment, the metal separator 100 is conveyed by spraying the gases a1 and a2. For this reason, it can prevent that a wrinkle, a deformation | transformation, etc. arise in the metal separator 100 by conveyance work.

  With reference to FIG. 7B, the metal separator 100 is stored in the storage box 652 via the carry-out path 650. The elastic member 651 provided in the carry-out path 650 functions as a cushioning material and prevents the metal separator 100 passing through the carry-out path 650 from being damaged.

  In a press forming apparatus having a conventional punching press die, a punched metal separator is placed on a knockout member and returned onto a die. For this reason, when the metal separator is carried out between the punch and the knockout member, the metal separator returned to the die and the scrap material left on the die are separated by an operator's manual work or robot hand. It is necessary to carry it out separately. For this reason, the work of carrying out the metal separator from the press molding apparatus becomes complicated, and it is difficult to perform the work quickly. With the complexity of the carry-out work, the work efficiency of the metal separator manufacturing work is reduced.

  On the other hand, in this embodiment, the gap part g is formed between the punch 610 and the knockout member 621 by holding the knockout member 621 at the stop position p. The metal separator 100 is conveyed from the knockout member 621 held at the stop position p using the gap portion g. Without returning the metal separator 100 onto the die 620, the metal separator 100 can be unloaded from the punching press die 600. The work of separating the metal separator 100 and the scrap material 680 can be omitted, and the work of carrying out the metal separator 100 can be performed quickly. For this reason, the work efficiency of the manufacturing operation of the metal separator 100 can be improved.

  Referring to FIG. 8A, after the metal separator 100 is transported to the carry-out path 650, the disengagement member 643 is extended according to the control signal s2 from the control unit 560. The engagement release member 643 is pressed against the engagement member 641 to release the engagement. By holding the knockout member 621 at the stop position p until the metal separator 100 is conveyed to the carry-out path 650, the metal separator 100 is prevented from returning onto the die 620.

  With reference to FIG. 8B, the engagement of the engagement member 641 is released to release the holding of the knockout member 621, and the movement of the knockout member 621 by the urging force of the urging means 622 is started.

  The recoiler 550 winds and moves the blank material 670 (indicated by an arrow D in the figure), and places the blank material 670 before punching on the die 620 and the knockout member 621. Since the metal separator 100 is not returned on the die 620, the blanking material in which the channel grooves are formed can be continuously punched.

  As described above, according to this embodiment, the knockout member 621 disposed on the die 620 provided in the punching press die 600 is held at the stop position p, and the metal separator 100 is transported from the knockout member 621. Without returning the metal separator 100 onto the die 620, the metal separator 100 is unloaded from the punching press die 600. The work of separating the metal separator 100 and the scrap material 680 can be omitted, and the work of carrying out the metal separator 100 can be performed quickly. For this reason, the work efficiency of the manufacturing operation of the metal separator 100 can be improved. Since blank material 670 is punched in a state where back pressure is applied, it is possible to prevent the metal separator 100 from being wrinkled or bent.

  The transport means 660 transports the metal separator 100 by spraying the gases a1 and a2. For this reason, it can prevent that a wrinkle, a deformation | transformation, etc. arise in the metal separator 100 by conveyance work. By blowing the gases a1 and a2 in the direction toward the flow channel 110, the metal separator 100 is easily subjected to wind pressure. For this reason, the metal separator 100 can be efficiently conveyed to the carry-out path 650.

  By using the engagement member 641 that engages with the die 620 and the engagement release member 643 that releases the engagement of the engagement member 641, the knockout member 621 can be held and released at a stop position p by a simple operation. It can be carried out. Therefore, even when the operation of holding and releasing the knockout member 621 at the stop position p is performed, it is possible to prevent the work efficiency of the punching process from being lowered.

  The elastic member 651 provided in the carry-out path 650 functions as a buffer material and can prevent the metal separator 100 passing through the carry-out path 650 from being damaged.

  A conveyance means is not limited to the structure which conveys a metal separator by spraying gas. For example, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which a metal separator is pushed out and conveyed by a rod or the like provided so as to be freely extendable.

  The engaging member and the disengaging member are not limited to the illustrated shape and configuration. When the engaging member is engaged with the die, the knockout member can be held at the stop position, and when the holding release member releases the engagement of the engaging member, the knocking out by the biasing force of the biasing means is performed. Any shape or configuration that allows movement of the member may be used.

  The stop position for holding the knockout member and the width of the gap are not particularly limited. Any form that can transport the metal separator to the carry-out path in a state in which the movement of the knockout member by the urging means is restricted may be used.

  The elastic member provided in the carry-out path is not particularly limited as long as it is provided at a position where it can function as a cushioning material when carrying out the metal separator.

  The press molding apparatus of the present invention exerts its function for the purpose of manufacturing a metal separator by stamping a blank material in which a flow channel groove for a fuel cell is molded. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment that is incorporated in the fuel cell metal separator manufacturing apparatus 500 in which the flow channel grooves are continuously formed and punched.

It is a schematic perspective view which shows a fuel cell stack. It is sectional drawing which shows the single cell which comprises a fuel cell stack. FIG. 3A is a front view showing an apparatus for manufacturing a fuel cell metal separator, and FIG. 3B is a plan view showing an apparatus for manufacturing a fuel cell metal separator. 4A is a cross-sectional view showing the press molding apparatus according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view seen from the 4A-4A direction of FIG. 4A. It is an enlarged view of a channel groove for explanation of a conveyance method by a conveyance means. 6 (A) and 6 (B) are cross-sectional views of a press molding apparatus for explaining the press molding method. FIGS. 7A and 7B are cross-sectional views of a press molding apparatus for explaining the press molding method. FIGS. 8A and 8B are cross-sectional views of a press molding apparatus for explaining the press molding method.

Explanation of symbols

10 Fuel cell stack,
50 single cells,
60 membrane electrode assembly,
70 Fuel electrode,
80 air electrode,
90 electrolyte membrane,
100 metal separator,
110 channel groove,
500 Manufacturing apparatus for metal separator for fuel cell,
510 uncoiler,
520 deflection prevention jig,
521 support,
522 Straightening roller,
530 molding machine,
531 First mold,
532 second mold,
540 feeder,
550 Recoiler,
560 control unit,
570 press molding equipment,
600 Press die for stamping (press die),
610 punch,
620 die,
621 knockout member,
622 biasing means,
625 guide type,
640 holding means,
641 engaging member,
642 spring member,
643 disengagement member,
644 drive unit,
645 engaging portion,
650 carry-out path,
651 elastic member,
652 storage box,
660 conveying means,
661 gas supply unit (blower),
662 air duct,
670 blank material (blank material in which a channel groove is formed),
671, the periphery of the channel groove,
672 parts to be scrap material,
680 scrap material,
s1, s2 control signals,
a1, a2 gas (gas),
g Gap,
p Stop position,
H fuel gas flow path,
O oxidant gas flow path,
W Cooling water flow path.

Claims (5)

A die for placing a blank material in which a flow channel groove of a metal separator for fuel cells is formed, and a press die provided with a punch for punching the blank material by approaching and moving away from the die; and
A biasing force is applied to the punch by a biasing means and is arranged on the die to support the blank material and to move against the biasing force by pressing the punch in the press molding direction. A knockout member to
Holding means for holding the knockout member at a stop position that regulates movement of the knockout member by the biasing force and forms a gap between the punch and the knockout member;
A carry-out path communicating from the gap to the outside of the press die;
The metal separator which is molded by punching the blank, have a, conveying means for conveying to said output path from said knockout member while holding the knock-out member to the stop position,
The said conveyance means is a press molding apparatus which has a ventilation path which ventilates in the direction which is provided in the said knockout member and conveys the said metal separator to the said carrying-out path .   The press forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the transporting unit includes a blower that transports the metal separator by spraying a gas toward the channel groove.   The holding means engages with the die to hold the knockout member at the stop position, and an engagement release member releases the engagement between the die and the engagement member. The press molding apparatus of Claim 1 or Claim 2 which has these.   The press molding apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an elastic member that is provided in the carry-out path and prevents the metal separator from being damaged. A blank material in which a flow channel groove of a fuel cell metal separator is formed is placed on a die provided in a press die, and an urging force is applied in a direction toward a punch provided to be movable toward and away from the die. Supporting the blank with a knockout member disposed on the die; and
A step of punching the blank material while pressing the knockout member by moving the punch close to the die and moving the punch against the urging force to form a metal separator;
Holding the knockout member at a stop position that restricts movement of the knockout member by the biasing force and forms a gap between the punch and the knockout member;
By blowing the gas blown through the air passage provided in the knockout member to the metal separator supported by the knockout member in a state where the knockout member is held at the stop position, the metal separator is separated from the gap. And a step of conveying to a carry-out path communicating with the outside of the press mold from the section.

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