阅读说明：本技术 连续输送冲压方法及装置、燃料电池用隔板的制造方法及制造装置 (Continuous feed press method and device, and method and device for manufacturing separator for fuel cell ) 是由 堀裕一 高桥友次 松本庆 中村清太郎 于 2021-03-29 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明的问题在于,提供一种连续输送冲压方法,其以高效的工序连续地成型用于提高长条状金属板的刚度的成型部。为了解决上述问题,连续输送冲压方法是在长条状金属板(100)上成型多个产品部,其具有以下工序：第一凸缘成型工序,在长条状金属板(100)的成为第一产品部的区域(191)的侧部成型第一凸缘(101A),所述第一凸缘(101A)具有在长条状金属板(100)的长度方向上延伸的第二特定距离(L2)的长度；第一搬送工序,在长度方向上以第一特定距离(L1)的进给量搬送长条状金属板(100)；及,第二凸缘成型工序,在长条状金属板(100)的成为第二产品部的区域(192)的侧部以与在第一凸缘成型工序中成型的第一凸缘(101A)相连的方式成型第二凸缘(101B),所述第二凸缘(101B)具有在长条状金属板(100)的长度方向上延伸的第二特定距离(L2)的长度；并且,第二特定距离(L2)比第一特定距离(L1)长。(The present invention addresses the problem of providing a continuous conveyance press method for continuously forming a forming portion for improving the rigidity of a long metal plate in an efficient process. In order to solve the above problem, a continuous feed press method for forming a plurality of product portions in a long metal plate (100) includes the steps of: a first flange forming step of forming a first flange (101A) on a side portion of a region (191) of the elongated metal plate (100) to be a first product portion, the first flange (101A) having a length of a second specific distance (L2) extending in the longitudinal direction of the elongated metal plate (100); a first conveying step of conveying the long metal plate (100) in the longitudinal direction by a feed amount of a first specific distance (L1); and a second flange forming step of forming a second flange (101B) on a side portion of a region (192) of the elongated metal plate (100) to be a second product portion so as to be continuous with the first flange (101A) formed in the first flange forming step, the second flange (101B) having a length of a second specific distance (L2) extending in the longitudinal direction of the elongated metal plate (100); and, the second specific distance (L2) is longer than the first specific distance (L1).)

1. A continuous transfer press method for forming a plurality of product portions in a long metal plate, comprising the steps of:

a first flange forming step of forming a first flange having a length of a second specific distance extending in a longitudinal direction of the elongated metal plate on a side portion of a region of the elongated metal plate to be a first product portion;

a first conveying step of conveying the long metal plate by a first specific distance in the longitudinal direction; and a process for the preparation of a coating,

a second flange forming step of forming a second flange having a length of the second specific distance extending in the longitudinal direction of the elongated metal plate at a side portion of a region of the elongated metal plate to be a second product portion so as to be continuous with the first flange formed in the first flange forming step; and the number of the first and second electrodes,

the second specific distance is longer than the first specific distance.

2. The continuous feed press method according to claim 1, further comprising a slit forming step of forming a slit extending in a short-side direction of the elongated metal plate between the region to be the first product portion and the region to be the second product portion.

3. The continuous feed stamping method as recited in claim 2,

the gap forming step includes:

a first slit forming step of forming a first slit between the region to be the first product portion and the region to be the second product portion simultaneously with the first flange forming step; and a process for the preparation of a coating,

a second slit forming step of forming a second slit between the region to be the first product portion and the region to be the second product portion simultaneously with the second flange forming step; and the number of the first and second electrodes,

the second slit formed after the second slit forming step and the first slit formed in the first slit forming step are formed in parallel in the short side direction.

4. The continuous feed stamping method as defined in claim 3,

in the second slit forming step, the second slit is formed at a position not overlapping with the first slit.

5. The continuous feed stamping method as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 4,

in the first flange forming step, the first flange is formed on both sides of the region to be the first product portion on both sides in the short-side direction of the elongated metal plate,

after the second flange molding step, the method further includes the steps of:

a second conveying step of conveying the long metal plate by the first specific distance in the longitudinal direction; and a process for the preparation of a coating,

and a third flange forming step of forming a third flange so as to surround the area to be the first product portion of the elongated metal plate conveyed in the second conveying step, and so as to be surrounded by the first flange, the slit, and a slit formed on the downstream side in the conveying direction of the area to be the first product portion.

6. The continuous feed stamping method as recited in claim 5,

a part of the slit formed on the downstream side in the conveying direction of the region to be the first product portion is formed simultaneously with the first flange forming step.

7. A method for producing a separator for a fuel cell, comprising the continuous feed pressing method according to any one of claims 1 to 6,

the regions to be the first and second product portions are regions to be separators for fuel cells.

8. A continuous feed press device for forming a plurality of product portions in a long metal plate, comprising:

a flange forming portion that forms a flange having a length of a second specific distance extending in a longitudinal direction of the elongated metal plate, at a side portion of a region of the elongated metal plate to be a product portion; and a process for the preparation of a coating,

a conveying section for conveying the long metal plate by a first specific distance in the longitudinal direction; and the number of the first and second electrodes,

the second specific distance is longer than the first specific distance.

9. The continuous feed press according to claim 8, further comprising a slit forming portion that forms slits extending in a short side direction of the elongated metal plate on an upstream side in the conveying direction and a downstream side in the conveying direction of the region to be the product portion in the elongated metal plate.

10. The continuous feed punching apparatus according to claim 9,

the gap forming part includes:

a first gap forming section for forming a first gap on an upstream side in a conveying direction of the region to be the product section; and a process for the preparation of a coating,

a second gap forming section for forming a second gap on a downstream side in the conveying direction of the region to be the product section; and the number of the first and second electrodes,

the first slit forming part and the second slit forming part are arranged at a first specific distance.

11. The continuous feed punching apparatus according to claim 10,

the second slit forming portion forms the second slit, and the second slit is formed at a position which is parallel to the first slit in the short side direction and does not overlap with the first slit formed by the first slit forming portion.

12. The continuous feed punching apparatus according to claim 11,

the first slit forming portion and the second slit forming portion form the first slit and the second slit so that a remaining portion of the elongated metal plate existing between the first slit formed by the first slit forming portion and the second slit formed by the second slit forming portion has a bent portion.

13. The continuous feed punching apparatus according to claim 12,

the first slit forming portion and the second slit forming portion form the first slit and the second slit in such a manner that a remaining portion of the elongated metal plate includes: a first drawing section connected to a region to be a first product section and extending upstream in the conveying direction; an intermediate portion having one end side connected to an upstream side of the first drawing portion in the conveying direction and extending in the short-side direction; and a second pulling-out portion connected to the other end side of the intermediate portion, extending toward the upstream side in the conveying direction, and connected to the region to become the second product portion.

14. The continuous feed punching apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 13,

the flanges formed by the flange forming portion are formed on both sides of the region to be the product portion on both sides in the short side direction of the elongated metal plate,

and a third flange forming portion that forms a third flange having a shape that surrounds the periphery of the region to be a product portion and is surrounded by the flange formed by the flange forming portion and the gap formed by the gap forming portion is disposed on a downstream side in the conveying direction of the gap forming portion.

15. A manufacturing apparatus comprising the continuous feed punching apparatus according to any one of claims 8 to 14,

the region to be the product portion is a region to be a fuel cell separator.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a continuous feed pressing method, a continuous feed pressing apparatus, a method for manufacturing a fuel cell separator, and an apparatus for manufacturing a fuel cell separator.

Background

Conventionally, a continuous feed press apparatus is known in which a plurality of product portions are formed on a long metal plate. For example, patent document 1 discloses a continuous feed press apparatus for forming a fuel cell separator into a long metal plate material.

[ Prior Art document ]

(patent document)

Patent document 1: japanese patent laid-open publication No. 2014-78336

Disclosure of Invention

[ problems to be solved by the invention ]

Since the material metal plate of the fuel cell separator is thin, the material metal plate is likely to be bent when conveyed at high speed. In addition, the raw material metal sheet is liable to generate vibration and deflection due to continuous conveyance punching and lifting action and the like. Therefore, it is difficult to improve productivity.

Patent document 1 discloses that a forming portion for improving the rigidity of a long raw material metal plate is formed on the raw material metal plate. However, patent document 1 does not describe a continuous conveyance press method for continuously forming a forming portion for improving the rigidity of a long metal plate in an efficient process.

The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object thereof is to provide a continuous feed press method for continuously forming a forming portion for improving the rigidity of a long metal plate in an efficient process.

[ means for solving problems ]

(1) The continuous feed press method of the present invention is a method of forming a plurality of product portions in a long metal plate (for example, a long metal plate 100), and includes the steps of: a first flange forming step of forming a first flange (for example, a first flange 101A) having a length of a second specific distance (for example, a second specific distance L2) extending in the longitudinal direction of the elongated metal plate, at a side portion of a region (for example, a region 191) to be a first product portion of the elongated metal plate; a first conveying step of conveying the elongated metal plate by a feeding amount of a first specific distance (for example, a first specific distance L1) in the longitudinal direction; and a second flange forming step of forming a second flange (for example, a second flange 101B) having a length of the second specific distance extending in the longitudinal direction of the elongated metal plate, on a side portion of a region (for example, a region 192 to be a second product portion) of the elongated metal plate to be a second product portion, so as to be continuous with the first flange formed in the first flange forming step; the second specific distance is longer than the first specific distance.

Thus, the forming portion for improving the rigidity of the elongated metal plate can be continuously formed in an efficient process.

(2) The continuous feed pressing method according to (1) may further include a slit forming step of forming a slit (for example, a slit 105) extending in the short-side direction of the elongated metal plate between the region to be the first product portion and the region to be the second product portion.

Thereby, during the press working, the stress generated in the long metal plate can be effectively absorbed.

(3) Alternatively, the gap forming step of the continuous feed press method of (2) may include: a first slit forming step of forming a first slit (for example, a first slit 106) between the region to be the first product portion and the region to be the second product portion at the same time as the first flange forming step; and a second gap forming step of forming a second gap (for example, a second gap 107) between the region to be the first product portion and the region to be the second product portion simultaneously with the second flange molding step; the second slit formed after the second slit forming step and the first slit formed in the first slit forming step are formed in parallel in the short side direction.

This makes it less likely to cause problems such as bending of the long metal plate, as compared with the case where the slit is formed at one time.

(4) Alternatively, in the second slit forming step of the continuous feed press method of (3), the second slit may be formed at a position not overlapping with the first slit.

Thus, the long metal plate is not easily deformed in the second slit forming step.

(5) Preferably, in the continuous feed pressing method according to any one of (2) to (4), the first flange is formed on both sides of the region to be the first product portion on both sides of the long metal plate in the short direction in the first flange forming step, and the method further includes, after the second flange forming step: a second conveying step of conveying the long metal plate by the first specific distance in the longitudinal direction; and a third flange forming step of forming a third flange (for example, a third flange 104) so as to surround the periphery of the region to be the first product portion of the elongated metal plate conveyed in the second conveying step, and so as to be surrounded by the first flange, the slit, and a slit formed on the downstream side in the conveying direction of the region to be the first product portion.

This can improve the effect of suppressing the occurrence of deflection in the region to be the product portion during press working.

(6) Alternatively, in the continuous feed press method of (5), a part of the slit formed on the downstream side in the conveying direction of the region to be the first product portion is formed simultaneously with the first flange forming step.

In this way, by implementing a plurality of steps simultaneously, the processing time can be shortened and the device can be miniaturized.

(7) Alternatively, the method for manufacturing a fuel cell separator of the present invention includes the continuous feed press method of (1) to (6), and the region to be the first and second product portions is a region to be a fuel cell separator (for example, a fuel cell separator 500).

In the case of manufacturing a separator for a fuel cell, a molding portion for improving the rigidity of a long metal plate can be continuously molded in an efficient process.

(8) A continuous feed press device (for example, a continuous feed press device 1) according to the present invention is a device for forming a plurality of product portions in a long metal plate, and includes: a flange forming portion (e.g., a flange forming portion 11) that forms a flange having a length extending in a longitudinal direction of the elongated metal plate by a second specific distance at a side portion of a region (e.g., a region 190) to be a product portion of the elongated metal plate; and a conveying section (e.g., conveying section 2) for conveying the elongated metal sheet in the longitudinal direction by a feeding amount of a first specific distance; the second specific distance is longer than the first specific distance.

Thus, the forming portion for improving the rigidity of the elongated metal plate can be continuously formed in an efficient process.

(9) The continuous feed press device according to (8) above may further include a slit forming section (for example, a slit forming section 15) that forms slits extending in the short side direction of the elongated metal plate on the upstream side in the conveying direction and the downstream side in the conveying direction of the region to be the product section in the elongated metal plate.

Thereby, during the press working, the stress generated in the long metal plate can be effectively absorbed.

(10) Alternatively, the gap forming section of the continuous feed press apparatus according to (9) may include: a first gap forming section (for example, a first gap forming section 16) that forms a first gap on the upstream side in the conveying direction of the region 190 to be the product section; and a second gap forming section (for example, a second gap forming section 17) for forming a second gap on a downstream side in the conveying direction of the region to be the product section; the first slit forming part and the second slit forming part are arranged at a distance of the first specific distance.

This makes it less likely to cause problems such as bending of the long metal plate, as compared with the case where the slit is formed at one time.

(11) Alternatively, the second slit may be formed by the second slit forming portion of the continuous feed press device according to (10), and the second slit may be formed at a position which is juxtaposed in the short side direction with the first slit and does not overlap with the first slit formed by the first slit forming portion.

Thus, the long metal plate is not easily deformed in the second slit forming step.

(12) Alternatively, the first slit forming part and the second slit forming part of the continuous feed press device in (11) may form the first slit and the second slit so that a remaining part (for example, the remaining part 108) of the elongated metal plate existing between the first slit formed by the first slit forming part and the second slit formed by the second slit forming part has a bent part (for example, the bent part 108A).

Thus, the bent portion can more effectively absorb the stress generated in the elongated metal plate 100 during the press working process of the subsequent press portions.

(13) Alternatively, the first slit forming section and the second slit forming section of the continuous feed press apparatus according to (12) may form the first slit and the second slit such that the remaining portion of the elongated metal plate includes: a first drawing section (e.g., a first drawing section 108B) connected to a region to be a first product section and extending upstream in the conveying direction; an intermediate portion (for example, an intermediate portion 108C) having one end side connected to the upstream side of the first drawing portion in the conveying direction and extending in the short-side direction; and a second drawing portion (for example, a second drawing portion 108D) connected to the other end side of the intermediate portion, extending toward the upstream side in the conveying direction, and connected to the region to be the second product portion.

Thus, the first slit and the second slit can more effectively absorb the stress generated in the elongated metal plate 100 during the press working process of the subsequent press portions.

(14) Alternatively, the flanges formed by the flange forming portions of the continuous feed press apparatus of (9) to (13) may be formed on both sides of the elongated metal plate in the short-side direction of the elongated metal plate in both sides of the region to be the product portion, and a third flange forming portion (for example, a third flange forming portion 30) that forms a third flange having a shape that surrounds the periphery of the region to be the product portion and is surrounded by the flange formed by the flange forming portion and the slit formed by the slit forming portion may be disposed on the downstream side in the conveying direction of the slit forming portion.

This can improve the effect of suppressing the occurrence of deflection in the region to be the product portion during press working.

(15) The apparatus for manufacturing a fuel cell separator of the continuous feed pressing apparatus of the present invention (for example, the apparatus 1 for manufacturing a fuel cell separator) includes the continuous feed pressing apparatuses of (8) to (14), and the region to be the product portion is a region to be the fuel cell separator.

In the case of manufacturing a separator for a fuel cell, a molding portion for improving the rigidity of a long metal plate can be continuously molded in an efficient process.

(Effect of the invention)

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a continuous feed press method for continuously forming a forming portion for improving the rigidity of a long metal plate in an efficient process.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a fuel cell separator manufactured by a continuous feed press according to an embodiment.

Fig. 2 is a diagram schematically showing the continuous feed press device of the present embodiment.

Fig. 3 is a view showing a long metal plate which is punched out by a continuous conveyance punching device to form a plurality of separator shape portions.

Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing the steps performed by each punching section for one product section.

Fig. 5 is a flowchart of the flange and slit forming process of the present embodiment.

Fig. 6A is a view showing a state of an elongated metal plate molded by the first flange molding step.

Fig. 6B is a view showing a state of the elongated metal plate molded by the second flange molding step.

Fig. 6C is a view showing a state of the elongated metal plate molded by the third flange molding step.

Fig. 7 is a sectional view taken along line E-E of fig. 6A.

Fig. 8 is an enlarged view of a portion F of fig. 6B.

Fig. 9 is a flowchart of the pressing step of the present embodiment.

Fig. 10 is a view showing a cross-sectional shape after the first pressing step, in a region where a seal portion of the separator is formed.

Fig. 11 is a view showing a cross-sectional shape after the second pressing step, in a region where a seal portion of the separator is formed.

Fig. 12 is a diagram showing a comparative example, that is, a diagram showing a cross-sectional shape of a final seal portion when the shape of the seal portion is formed only by one pressing step.

Fig. 13A is a diagram showing the shape of the first gas flow passage after the first pressing process.

Fig. 13B is a diagram showing the shape of the second gas flow passage after the second pressing step.

Fig. 13C is a diagram showing the shape of the second gas flow path after the second pressing step.

Fig. 14 is a flowchart of the punching step of the present embodiment.

Fig. 15 is a flowchart of the trimming and carrying-out process of the present embodiment.

Fig. 16 is a plan view of the elongated metal plate that has been conveyed by the conveying section.

Fig. 17A is a schematic diagram for explaining the flow of the trimming and carrying-out process.

Fig. 17B is a schematic diagram for explaining the flow of the trimming and carrying-out process.

Fig. 17C is a schematic diagram for explaining the flow of the trimming and carrying-out process.

Fig. 17D is a schematic diagram for explaining the flow of the trimming and carrying-out process.

Fig. 18 is a schematic view when a claw portion is provided on an upper die of the trimming portion.

Fig. 19A schematically shows a diagram of a trimming process.

Fig. 19B is a comparative example, and is a diagram schematically illustrating a trimming process.

Fig. 20A is a view when the separator and the gasket are assembled.

Fig. 20B is a comparative example, and is a diagram when the separator and the gasket are assembled.

Fig. 21 is a plan view of the lifting portion disposed on the first punch portion.

Fig. 22 is a schematic diagram for explaining the structure of the elevating unit and the operation contents thereof.

Detailed Description

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

Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a fuel cell separator 500 manufactured by a continuous feed press apparatus 1 (a manufacturing apparatus 1 for a fuel cell separator) according to the present embodiment.

A power generation cell constituting a fuel cell is configured by sandwiching a Membrane Electrode Assembly (MEA) between a pair of separators. Here, an outline of the structure of the separator will be described using one separator 500 of the pair of separators.

The separator 500 has: a gas channel 510 through which an oxidant gas or a fuel gas flows; a convex sealing part 520 for sealing the gas flow path part 510 and the communication hole part, which is pressed while overlapping the other separator of a pair; a gas communication hole 530 through which oxidant gas or fuel gas passes; and coolant communication holes 540 through which coolant passes. The gas communication hole 530 has a first gas communication hole 531 through which one of the oxidant gas and the fuel gas passes, and a second gas communication hole 532, the second gas communication hole 532 being through which the other of the oxidant gas and the fuel gas passes. The first gas communication hole 531, the second gas communication hole 532, and the coolant communication hole 540 are collectively referred to as communication hole portions. The sealing portion may be provided to seal the other portion of the gas flow path portion and the communication hole portion, regardless of whether the other portion is provided at one or both of the gas flow path portion and the communication hole portion.

The separator 500 is made of a metal plate such as a steel plate, a stainless steel plate, an aluminum steel plate, or a titanium steel plate. Preferably, stainless steel plates are used. The thickness of the metal plate constituting separator 500 is small, for example, about 0.1 mm.

Fig. 2 is a diagram schematically showing the continuous feed press device 1 of the present embodiment. Fig. 3 is a view showing the elongated metal plate 100 in a stage where the continuous feed pressing device 1 presses the plurality of separator shape portions 600 to form the product portions according to the present embodiment.

The continuous feed press device 1 of the present embodiment is a device for forming the separator shape portion 600, which is the shape portion of the fuel cell separator 500, on the elongated metal plate 100, and constitutes a fuel cell separator manufacturing device.

As shown in fig. 2, the continuous transport press apparatus 1 (fuel cell separator manufacturing apparatus 1) includes a conveying unit 2, an elevating unit 3 (not shown in fig. 2), a plurality of press units 4, and a control unit 5. The control unit 5 controls the conveying unit 2, the lifting unit 3, and the plurality of pressing units 4.

The continuous feed press apparatus 1 carries the long metal plate 100 by the carrier section 2 by a first specific distance L1 (a predetermined feed amount) at a time, and performs press working by the plurality of press sections 4 arranged at intervals of the first specific distance L1. After the elongated metal plate 100 is conveyed by the conveying section 2 by a predetermined feed amount, the plurality of press sections 4 perform press working at the same timing. The conveyance by the conveyance section 2 by the first specific distance L1 and the press working by the plurality of press sections 4 are alternately repeated, whereby product sections are formed on the long metal plate 100. The portion formed on the long metal plate 100 approaches the shape of the separator shape portion 600, which is a finished product portion, toward the downstream side in the conveyance direction D.

The conveying section 2 conveys the long metal plate 100 by a predetermined feed amount in the longitudinal direction. In the present embodiment, the predetermined feed amount is the first specific distance L1. The long metal plate 100 conveyed by the conveyor section 2 is a metal plate that is a material of the separator 500, and is a long metal plate having a thickness of about 0.1mm and a width (distance in the short-side direction) of about 500 mm.

The conveying unit 2 includes an unwinder 210, a flexure preventing unit 220, a feeder 230, and a carrying-out unit 240.

The uncoiler 210 holds the long metal plate 100 wound in a roll shape so as to be drawable. The deflection preventing portion 220 includes a pair of straightening rollers 221 to correct deflection of the elongated metal plate 100. The feeder 230 includes a pair of conveying rollers 231, and the pair of conveying rollers 231 rotates to convey the long metal plate 100 in the conveying direction D. The carrying-out section 240 carries the separator-shaped section 600 (product section) or the like cut from the long metal plate 100. The details of the carrying-out section 240 are described below.

The lifting and lowering section 3 is a mechanism for lifting and lowering the long metal plate 100 so as to smoothly and appropriately convey the long metal plate 100 and press-process the long metal plate 100. Details of the construction and operation of the lifting section 3 are described below.

As shown in fig. 2, the plurality of punch portions 4 includes, in order from the upstream side toward the downstream side in the conveying direction, a flange and slit forming portion 10 (hereinafter also referred to as a forming portion 10), a first punch portion 30 (also serving as a third flange forming portion 30), a second punch portion 40, a first punch portion 50, a second punch portion 60, a trimming portion 70, and a scrap cutting portion 80.

The length of the punching region of each punching section in the conveyance direction is substantially shorter than the first specific distance L1. Only the length of the press area of the molding section 10 in the conveyance direction is longer than the first specific distance L1.

The respective punching portions 4 on the downstream side in the conveying direction from the first punching portion 30 are arranged at a pitch of a first specific distance L1. The distance between the molding portion 10 and the first stamped portion 30 is longer than the distance between the other stamped portions 4 by a first specific distance L1. That is, the first punch 30 is disposed on the conveyance direction downstream side from the forming section 10 by two pitches (twice the first specific distance L1).

Each press portion 4 has a die for performing press working such as forming or punching.

The plurality of press portions 4 are press-worked at substantially the same time. Therefore, the load P may be applied to a plurality of or all of the upper dies of the press section 4 by using one load applying device.

The portions indicated by reference numerals 110, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, and 180 shown in the elongated metal plate 100 of fig. 3 are portions of the elongated metal plate 100 after being processed by the forming portion 10, the first punching portion 30 (third flange forming portion 30), the second punching portion 40, the first punching portion 50, the second punching portion 60, the trimming portion 70, and the scrap cutting portion 80, respectively. As shown in fig. 3, the number of pressing steps performed by each pressing portion 4 increases toward the downstream side in the conveyance direction D, and therefore, the pressed portion approaches the finished separator shape portion 600. A finished diaphragm shape portion 600 is formed at a portion indicated by reference numeral 170. The portion indicated by reference numeral 120 is a portion which is conveyed by the conveying unit 2 by the first specific distance L1 after being processed by the forming unit 10, and is not subjected to press working at this position.

The molding portion 10 has a flange molding portion 11 and a slit forming portion 15. The slit forming part 15 includes a first slit forming part 16 and a second slit forming part 17. The flange forming portion 11, the first slit forming portion 16, and the second slit forming portion 17 may be formed by an integral mold, or may be formed by separate molds.

The flange forming portion 11 forms a flange (a flange 101A, a flange 101B in fig. 6A, 6B in chronological order) having a length of a second specific distance L2 extending in the longitudinal direction of the elongated metal plate 100, at a side portion of the region 190 that becomes the product portion of the elongated metal plate 100. The second specific distance L2 is longer than the first specific distance L1. That is, the second specific distance L2 is longer than the specific feeding amount by the conveying section 2. The flange forming part 11 repeats the operation to form the continuously connected flange 101. In the present embodiment, as shown in fig. 3, flanges 101 are formed on both sides of a region 190 to be a product portion on both sides in the short-side direction (both sides in the width direction) of the elongated metal plate 100. The flange 101 is a molded portion that improves the rigidity of the elongated metal plate 100 in the longitudinal direction.

The first slit forming section 16 forms a first slit 106 (106A and 106B in chronological order in fig. 6A to 6C) extending in the short side direction of the elongated metal plate 100 on the upstream side in the conveying direction of the region 190 of the elongated metal plate 100 to be the product portion. In the present embodiment, the first slit forming portion 16 forms two slits separated in the short side direction of the elongated metal plate 100 as the first slit 106.

The second slit forming section 17 forms a second slit 107 (107A, 107B in the time series in fig. 6A to 6C) extending in the short side direction of the elongated metal plate 100 on the downstream side in the conveying direction of the region 190 of the elongated metal plate 100 to be the product portion. In the present embodiment, the second slit forming portions 17 form three slits as the second slits 107, which are separated in the short side direction of the elongated metal plate 100. The second gap forming section 17 is disposed at a position distant from the first specific distance L1 on the downstream side in the conveying direction of the first gap forming section 16. That is, the mold position of the first gap forming section 16 forming the first gap 106 and the mold position of the second gap forming section 17 forming the second gap 107 are separated by the same distance as the specific feeding amount of the conveying section 2.

The slits 105 extending in the short-side direction of the elongated metal plate 100 are formed by the first slits 106 formed by the first slit forming section 16 and the second slits 107 formed by the second slit forming section 17 after the elongated metal plate 100 is conveyed by the first specific distance L1.

The first punch 30 is punch-formed so that the region of the gas flow path portion 510 of the separator 500 is the first gas flow path shape 511, and the first seal portion shape 521 is formed as the region of the convex seal portion 520 for sealing the gas flow path portion and the communication hole portion.

In the present embodiment, the first stamped part 30 also functions as a third flange molding part. Therefore, the first stamped part 30 is also referred to as the third flange molding part 30. The third flange molding portion 30 surrounds the periphery of the region 190 to be the product portion, and molds the third flange 104 having a shape surrounded by the flange 101 and the slit 105 to the elongated metal plate 100.

In this way, the first press section 30 (third flange forming section 30) is disposed on the conveyance direction downstream side of the forming section 10, and simultaneously performs press forming of the region 190 to be the product section and press forming of the third flange 104 surrounding the periphery of the region 190 to be the product section. In the first press part 30, press forming is performed so that the first gas flow path shape 511 and the first seal part shape 521 are formed in the region 190 to be the product part.

The second punch 40 is punch-formed so that the first gas flow path shape 511 formed in the first punch 30 becomes the second gas flow path shape 512, and the second punch is punch-formed so that the first seal portion shape 521 formed in the first punch 30 becomes the second seal portion shape 522.

The first punching portion 50 punches a part of the hole portions of the separator 500. Here, portions as four coolant communication holes 540 are punched.

The second punching portion 60 punches the remaining hole portions, which are not punched by the first punching portion 50, among the hole portions of the separator 500. Here, portions as the six gas communication holes 530 are punched.

The finishing portion 70 punches the outer peripheral portion 610 of the separator shaped portion 600 formed on the elongated metal plate 100, thereby separating the separator shaped portion 600 from the elongated metal plate 100.

The scrap cutting-out portion 80 cuts out the portion 100B of the scrap forming the long metal plate 100 from which the separator shape portion 600 has been cut out.

Next, the continuous feed press method of the present embodiment will be described in detail. Here, the continuous feed press method of the present embodiment is used as a method for manufacturing the fuel cell separator 500, and constitutes a method for manufacturing the fuel cell separator.

Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing steps performed by each press section 4 on the area 190 to become one product section in the process of conveying the area 190 to become one product section by the conveying section 2 at a specific feed amount.

First, in the first step S1, the molding section 10 performs a flange and slit forming step. The second step S2 is a piercing step in which press working is not particularly performed. In the third step S3, the first press part 30 (third flange forming part 30) performs the third flange forming step and the first press step for the region 190 to be the product part. In the fourth step S4, the second press part 40 performs the second press process for the region 190 to be the product part. In the fifth step S5, the first punching portion 50 performs a first punching step of punching a part of the hole portion. In the sixth step, the second punching portion 60 performs a second punching step of punching the remaining hole portions. In the seventh step S7, the dressing section 70 performs a dressing step of punching the outer peripheral portion of the separator shape section 600. In the eighth step S8, the scrap cutting section 80 performs a scrap cutting step of cutting out a portion that is a scrap of the long metal plate 100.

These processes are simultaneously performed for a plurality of regions 190 to be product portions. However, if attention is paid to a region that becomes one product section (for example, a region 191 that becomes a first product section described later), the press working in the first step S1 to the eighth step S8 is sequentially performed while being conveyed by the conveying section 2 in this region.

Hereinafter, a part of the steps will be summarized and described in detail.

(Flange and gap Forming Process S10)

The flange and slit forming step S10 will be described with reference to fig. 5 to 8. This step is performed across the first step S1 to the third step S3. Hereinafter, the description will be given focusing on the region 191 serving as the first product portion and the region 192 serving as the second product portion in the region 190 serving as the product portion of the elongated metal plate 100. In the flange and slit forming step S10, the molding portion 10 and the first punch portion 30 (third flange molding portion 30) are used as the punch portion 4.

Fig. 5 shows a flowchart of the flange and slit forming process S10.

The flange and slit forming process S10 includes a first flange forming process S11, a first conveying process S12, and a second flange forming process S13. In addition, the flange and slit forming process includes a first slit forming process S11 performed simultaneously with the first flange forming process S11 and a second slit forming process S13 performed simultaneously with the second flange forming process S13. Further, the flange and slit forming process includes a second conveying process S14 and a third flange forming process S15, which are performed after the second flange forming process S13 and the second slit forming process S13.

Fig. 6A is a view showing a state of the elongated metal plate 100 in which the first flange 101A, the first slit 106A, and the second slit 107A are formed by the forming section 10 in the first flange forming step S11 and the first slit forming step S11.

Fig. 6B is a view showing a state of the long metal plate 100 after the long metal plate 100 is conveyed in the longitudinal direction by the first specific distance L1, and then the second flange 101B, the first slit 106B, and the second slit 107B are formed by the forming section 10 in the second flange forming step S13 and the second slit forming step S13.

Fig. 6C is a view showing a state of the long metal plate 100, after which the long metal plate 100 is conveyed in the longitudinal direction by a feed amount of the first specific distance L1, and then the third flange 104 is formed by the third flange forming section 30 in the third flange forming step S15.

In fig. 6A to 6C, the flange and the slit formed in the step before the first flange forming step S11 (first slit forming step S11) are also indicated by broken lines.

First, the description will be given focusing on the flange forming step.

First, in the first flange forming step S11, the flange forming portion 11 forms the first flange 101A having a length of the second specific distance L2 extending in the longitudinal direction of the elongated metal plate 100 at the side of the region 191 of the elongated metal plate 100 that becomes the first product portion. This step corresponds to the execution of the first step S1, with respect to the region 191 serving as the first product portion.

The state of the elongated metal plate 100 at this time is shown in fig. 6A. Here, the second specific distance L2 is longer than the first specific distance L1. That is, the second specific distance L2 is longer than the specific feeding amount of the conveying member 2.

Next, in the first conveying step S12, the conveying section 2 conveys the elongated metal plate 100 in the longitudinal direction by a feeding amount of the first specific distance L1.

Next, in the second flange forming step S13, the flange forming portion 11 forms a second flange 101B having a length of a second specific distance L2 extending in the longitudinal direction of the elongated metal plate 100 so as to be continuous with the first flange 101A formed in the first flange forming step S11 at the side of the region 192 of the elongated metal plate 100 to be the second product portion. This step corresponds to the execution of the first step S1, with respect to the region 192 to be the second product portion.

The state of the elongated metal plate 100 at this time is shown in fig. 6B. Here, since the second specific distance L2 is longer than the first specific distance L1, which is a specific feed amount of the conveying member 2, the position where the first flange 101A is formed and the position where the second flange 101B is formed have an overlap 101C.

Thereafter, similarly, since the conveyance and the flange molding are repeatedly performed, the flange 101 is formed to be continuously connected without a gap.

In this way, the second specific distance L2, which is the length of the first flange 101A and the second flange 101B, is longer than the first specific distance L1, which is the feed amount of the conveyance by the conveyance unit 2, and therefore, the flange 101, which is a forming unit for improving the rigidity of the elongated metal plate, can be formed in a continuous and efficient process. Further, by performing such processing, the elongated metal plate 100 can be reinforced during continuous conveyance, and the occurrence of bending of the elongated metal plate 100 during press processing can be suppressed.

Fig. 7 is a sectional view taken along line E-E of fig. 6A. From the viewpoint of ensuring rigidity and workability, the shape of the flange 101 is preferably set to be convex in section as shown in fig. 7. The flange molding portion 11 has a mold for molding such a flange 101 having a convex shape in section. The shape of the flange 101 is not limited to this, and may be any structure that increases the rigidity of the elongated metal plate 100 in the longitudinal direction.

In the flange and slit forming step S10 of the present embodiment, the first slit forming step S11 is performed simultaneously with the first flange forming step S11. The second slit forming step S13 is performed simultaneously with the second flange forming step S13.

Thus, the description will be given focusing on the slit forming step.

First, in the first slit forming step S11, the first slit forming section 16 forms the first slit 106A on the upstream side in the conveying direction of the region 191 that becomes the first product portion of the elongated metal plate 100 (between the region 191 that becomes the first product portion and the region 192 that becomes the second product portion). The second slit forming section 17 forms a second slit 107A on the downstream side in the conveyance direction of the region 191 of the elongated metal plate 100 that becomes the first product portion. This step corresponds to the execution of the first step S1, with respect to the region 191 serving as the first product portion. The state of the elongated metal plate 100 at this time is shown in fig. 6A.

Next, in the first conveying step S12, the conveying section 2 conveys the elongated metal plate 100 in the longitudinal direction by a feeding amount of the first specific distance L1. At this time, the first slit 106A on the upstream side in the conveying direction of the region 191 serving as the first product portion reaches a position overlapping with the position where the second slit 107 is formed by the second slit forming section 17 in the longitudinal direction.

Next, in the second slit forming step S13, the first slit forming section 16 forms the first slit 106B on the upstream side in the conveying direction of the region 192 of the elongated metal plate 100 to be the second product portion. The second slit forming section 17 forms the second slit 107B on the downstream side in the conveying direction of the region 192 to be the second product portion of the elongated metal plate 100, that is, on the upstream side in the conveying direction of the region 191 to be the first product portion (between the region 191 to be the first product portion and the region 192 to be the second product portion). This step corresponds to the execution of the first step S1, with respect to the region 192 to be the second product portion. The state of the elongated metal plate 100 at this time is shown in fig. 6B.

In this way, the gap 105 disposed between the region 191 serving as the first product portion and the region 192 serving as the second product portion is formed by a combination of the first gap 106A formed in the first gap forming step S11 and the second gap 107B formed in the second gap forming step S13. Here, the first slit 106A and the second slit 107B are formed in parallel with a gap in the short-side direction of the elongated metal plate 100. In addition, the first slit 106A and the second slit 107B are formed at non-overlapping positions.

After that, similarly, since the conveyance and the slit formation are repeatedly performed, slits 105 extending in the short-side direction of the long metal plate 100 are sequentially formed in the regions between the adjacent regions 190 as the product portions.

This allows stress generated in the elongated metal plate 100 to be effectively absorbed during the subsequent pressing step performed by each of the pressing portions 4. Further, by providing the slit 105 in the region between the adjacent regions 190 to be product portions, the regions 190 to be product portions are less susceptible to the influence of other press working performed on the upstream side or the downstream side in the conveying direction. In particular, the slits 105 are arranged in the short side direction of the long metal plate 100 with a gap, and therefore, the effect is relatively remarkable.

In addition, in addition to the flanges 101 continuously connected to each other being formed on both side portions of the region 190 to be a product portion of the elongated metal plate 100, since the slit 105 is formed on the inner side in the short-side direction of the overlap 101C of the first flange 101A and the second flange 101B on the flanges 101 of both side portions thereof, that is, in the region between the adjacent regions 190 to be product portions of the elongated metal plate 100, the effect of suppressing the deflection generated by the region 190 to be a product portion during the press working can be synergistically enhanced.

Further, since the first slits 106 and the second slits 107 aligned in a row in the short-side direction are not provided as a single punching step, problems such as bending of the long metal plate 100 are less likely to occur. In addition, since the flange forming step and the slit forming step are performed simultaneously, the processing time can be reduced. Further, since the flange forming portion 11, the first slit forming portion 16, and the second slit forming portion 17 are formed by one forming portion 10, the apparatus can be prevented from being enlarged. Therefore, the floor space of the apparatus is also reduced.

Fig. 8 is an enlarged view of a portion F of fig. 6B.

As shown in fig. 8, the remaining portion 108 of the elongated metal plate 100 existing between the first slit 106 and the second slit 107 has a bent portion 108A. More specifically, the residue 108 includes: a first drawing section 108B connected to a region 191 to be a first product section and extending toward the upstream side in the conveying direction; an intermediate portion 108C having one end side connected to the upstream side of the first drawing portion 108B in the conveyance direction and extending in the short-side direction; and a second pulling-out portion 108D connected to the other end side of the intermediate portion 108C, extending toward the upstream side in the conveying direction, and connected to a region 192 that becomes a second product portion. One end side and the other end side of the intermediate portion 108C form a bent portion 108A.

With this configuration, the bent portion 108A can more effectively absorb the stress generated in the elongated metal plate 100 during the subsequent press working process performed by each of the press portions 4. The shape of the first slit 106 and the second slit 107 is not limited to this, and may be, for example, a rectangular shape.

Next, in the second conveying step S14, the conveying section 2 conveys the elongated metal plate 100 along the longitudinal direction by a feeding amount of the first specific distance L1 shorter than the second specific distance L2.

Next, in the third flange forming step S15, the third flange-formed portion 30 surrounds the region 191 to be the first product portion, and the third flange 104 having a shape surrounded by the flange 101 and the slit 105 is formed on the elongated metal plate 100. This step corresponds to the execution of the third step S3, with respect to the region 191 serving as the first product portion.

The state of the elongated metal plate 100 at this time is shown in fig. 6C. Fig. 6C also shows the second slit 107A formed simultaneously with the first slit forming step S11 and the first slit 106Z formed in a step before the first slit forming step S11. Here, a part of the slit 105 (the second slit 107A) formed on the downstream side in the conveying direction of the region 191 which becomes the first product portion is formed at the same time as the first flange forming step S11 (the first slit forming step S11).

In this way, in addition to the flanges 101 continuously connected to each other being formed on both side portions of the region 190 to be a product portion of the elongated metal plate 100, the slit 105 is formed in the region between the adjacent regions 190 to be product portions of the elongated metal plate 100, and the third annular flange 104 having a shape surrounded by the flanges 101 and the slit 105 is formed so as to surround the region 190 to be a product portion, whereby the effect of suppressing the flexure of the region 190 to be a product portion during the press working can be further synergistically enhanced. Then, the region 190 to be the product portion is less susceptible to the influence of other press working performed on the upstream side or the downstream side in the conveying direction. The cross-sectional shape of the third flange 104 is the same as that of the flange 101, and may be a convex cross-sectional shape as shown in fig. 7.

In addition, as described above, the respective stamped-out portions 4 are used separately and in combination, and the first flange forming process S11, the second flange forming process S13, the third flange forming process S15, the first slit forming process S11, and the second slit forming process S13 are performed separately and simultaneously in time, whereby an effect of effectively suppressing the occurrence of flexure in the region 190 to be a product portion can be obtained, and reduction in processing time and reduction in device size can be achieved.

In the present embodiment, as shown in fig. 6A, the position of the conveyance direction upstream end 101D of the first flange 101A molded by the flange molding portion 11 is closer to the conveyance direction upstream side than the position of the first slit 106A formed by the first slit forming portion 16. Further, the position of the conveyance direction downstream side end 101E of the first flange 101A formed by the flange forming section 11 is located further downstream in the conveyance direction than the position of the second slit 107A formed by the second slit forming section 17. This enables the press working of the forming section 10 to be performed in a balanced manner.

In addition, in the third flange forming step S15, the first press step, which is the first step of the two-step press process to be described later, is performed on the region 190 to be the product portion simultaneously with the press forming of the third flange 104 surrounding the periphery of the region 190 to be the product portion. Therefore, an effect of suppressing the flexure generated by the region 190 which becomes the product portion can be obtained, and reduction in processing time and reduction in device size can be achieved.

In addition, the forming portion 10 is formed with a flange and a slit, and a positioning hole 109 may be formed by press working. In the present embodiment, four positioning holes 109 are formed at four corners by the molding portion 10. By forming the positioning holes 109, the long metal plate 100 after being conveyed is positioned at an accurate position during the press working in the subsequent step on the downstream side in the conveying direction.

(pressing step S20)

The punching step S20 will be described with reference to fig. 9 to 13. In the pressing step S20, the region 190 to be the product portion of the long metal plate 100 is subjected to two-stage pressing. The pressing process S20 includes the third process S3 and the fourth process S4 described above. In the pressing step S20, the first pressed portion 30 and the second pressed portion 40 are used as the pressed portion 4.

Fig. 9 is a flowchart illustrating the pressing process S20.

The pressing step S20 includes a first pressing step S21, a conveying step S22, and a second pressing step S23.

First, in the first pressing step S21, the first pressing portion 30 performs the first pressing step on the region 190 to be the product portion. This step is a first stage pressing step, and corresponds to the third step S3 described above. More specifically, in the first pressing step S21, the first pressed part 30 is press-formed so that the region serving as the gas flow path part 510 of the separator 500 is the first gas flow path shape 511, and so that the region serving as the convex seal part 520 for sealing the gas flow path part and the communication hole part is the first seal part shape 521. The first pressing step is performed simultaneously with the third flange forming step, and the third flange is press-formed into a third flange shape.

Next, in the conveying step S22, the conveying section 2 conveys the elongated metal plate 100 in the longitudinal direction by the feeding amount of the first specific distance L1.

Next, in the second pressing step S23, the second pressing portion 40 performs the second pressing step on the region 190 to be the product portion. This step is a second stage pressing step, and corresponds to the fourth step S4 described above. More specifically, in the second pressing step S23, the second pressed portion 40 is press-formed such that the first gas flow path shape 511 formed in the first pressed portion 30 becomes the second gas flow path shape 512, and the second sealed portion shape 522 is formed in the first sealed portion shape 521 formed in the first pressed portion 30.

Here, the following description will focus on the two-stage press working performed on the region where the seal portion 520 (see fig. 1) of the separator 500 is formed. The seal portion 520 of the separator 500 is a portion that is pressed when overlapping the other separator that forms a pair. Therefore, the strength of this portion is required to be higher than that of other molded portions such as the gas flow path portion 510.

In the first pressing step S21, the first pressed part 30 is press-formed so that the first seal part shape 521 is formed as a region of the seal part 520. In the first pressing step S21, the entire convex region constituting the seal 520 is subjected to work hardening. Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the separator 500 shown in fig. 1 during the processing corresponding to the cross-section taken along line G-G, that is, a cross-sectional view showing the cross-sectional shape (first seal shape 521) after the first pressing step S21. Fig. 10 also shows the shape of the lower die 31 and the upper die 32 of the first stamped part 30 with respect to the region as the seal part 520. In addition, the distribution of strain on the first seal portion shape 521 obtained by the simulation is shown in fig. 10 with hatching.

In the second pressing step S23, the second pressed part 40 is press-formed so that the region that has been worked and solidified in the first pressing step S21 has a convex shape corresponding to the final seal part 520. Fig. 11 is a sectional view corresponding to a section along line G-G of the seal portion 520 of the separator 500 shown in fig. 1, that is, a sectional view showing a sectional shape (second seal portion shape 522) after the second pressing step S23. Fig. 11 also shows the shape of the lower die 41 and the upper die 42 of the second stamped part 40 with respect to the region as the seal part 520. In addition, the distribution of strain on the second seal portion shape 522 obtained by the simulation is shown in fig. 11 with hatching.

Fig. 12 is a diagram showing a comparative example, and is a cross-sectional view showing a cross-sectional shape (seal portion shape 523) of a portion in which a final shape of the seal portion 520 is formed only by one pressing step. Fig. 12 also shows the shapes of the lower die 41 and the upper die 42 of the punch in the comparative example. Which is the same shape as the lower mold 41 and the upper mold 42 shown in fig. 11. In addition, the distribution of strain on the seal part shape 523 obtained by the simulation is shown in fig. 12 with hatching. Here, the portion having a higher density of hatching has a larger strain.

As shown in fig. 12, in the comparative example, the strain distribution in the seal portion shape 523 is not uniform, and portions H1, H2, and H3 in which the strain is high are locally present. Although these portions are also cured by working, the sheet thickness is thin and the overall strength is low. That is, in this comparative example, the plate thickness of the press-formed seal portion shape 523 is not uniform, and uniform work hardening is not applied to the seal portion shape 523.

On the other hand, the present embodiment includes the steps of: a first pressing step S21 of applying work curing to the entire convex region constituting the seal 520; and a second pressing step S23 of pressing the solidified area in the first pressing step so as to form a convex shape. In this way, in the first pressing step S21, since the entire convex region constituting the seal 520 is worked and cured, the strength of the completed seal 520 can be improved.

In the present embodiment, since the press working is performed in the first press step S21 for the purpose of applying work hardening to the entire convex region constituting the seal 520, the uniformity of the strain distribution in the first seal shape 521 after the first press step S21 is high as shown in fig. 10. In addition, the first seal portion shape 521 after the first pressing step S21 has high uniformity of plate thickness.

Then, in the first pressing step S21, since work hardening is applied to the entire convex region constituting the seal 520, the uniformity of the strain distribution in the second seal shape 522 after the second pressing step S23 is relatively high as shown in fig. 11. In addition, the uniformity of the plate thickness of the second seal portion shape 522 after the second pressing step S23 is also relatively high.

In the first pressing step S21, the upper surface portion of the first seal portion shape 521 is formed into an upwardly convex arc shape by press forming. In the first pressing process S21, the lower die 31 having the convex portion 31A whose section is substantially semicircular as shown in fig. 10 is used. In this way, in the first pressing step S21, press forming is performed so that the work hardening is substantially uniformly applied to the upper surface portion of the first seal portion shape.

On the other hand, in the second pressing process S23, the lower die 41 having the portion 41A in the shape of an arc connected in an upwardly convex shape as shown in fig. 11 is used.

The arc shape of the upper surface of the lower die 31 of the first pressing step S21 has a radius of 0.5mm to 2.0 mm. The arc shape of the upper surface RT of the lower die 41 of the second pressing process S23 has a radius of 0.5mm to 10.0mm, and its length in the width direction is 1.0mm to 2.0mm, which is longer than the lower die 31 of the first pressing process S21 in the width direction. In addition, the radius of the two corner portions RE of the lower die 41 in the second pressing step S23 is 0.1mm to 0.5 mm. The size of these molds can be set appropriately.

In the first pressing step S21 and the second pressing step S23, the region of the gas flow path portion 510 (see fig. 1) which is the separator 500 is also pressed in two stages. That is, as described above, in the first pressing step S21, the first pressed portion 30 is press-formed so that the region of the gas flow path portion 510 of the separator 500 becomes the first gas flow path shape 511. In the second pressing step S23, the second pressed portion 40 is press-formed so that the first gas flow passage shape 511 formed by the first pressed portion 30 becomes the second gas flow passage shape 512.

Fig. 13A is a cross-sectional view during the process corresponding to a cross-section along line J-J of the gas flow channel portion 510 of the separator 500 shown in fig. 1, that is, a cross-sectional view showing a cross-sectional shape (first gas flow channel shape 511) after the first pressing step S21. Fig. 13A shows the shape of the lower die 31 and the upper die 32 of the first pressed portion 30 used in the first pressing step S21 with respect to the region serving as the gas flow path portion 510.

Fig. 13B is a cross-sectional view corresponding to a cross-section taken along line J-J of the gas flow channel portion 510 of the separator 500 shown in fig. 1, that is, a cross-sectional view showing a cross-sectional shape (first gas flow channel shape 511) after the first pressing step S21. Fig. 13B shows the shape of the lower die 41 and the upper die 42 of the second pressed portion 40 used in the second pressing step S23 with respect to the region serving as the gas flow path portion 510. Fig. 13C shows the second gas flow path shape 512 after the second pressing step S23, that is, after the die is removed. The gas flow path portion 510 does not require as high strength as the sealing portion 520. Therefore, the purpose of applying uniform processing and curing is not to form the first gas flow path shape 511.

As shown in fig. 13A and 13B, the radius RA of the convex portion 31B of the lower die 31 used in the first pressing step S21 is larger than the radius RB of the convex portion 41B of the lower die 41 used in the second pressing step. The radius RC of the concave portion 32B of the upper die 32 used in the first pressing step S21 is larger than the radius RD of the concave portion 42B of the upper die 42 used in the second pressing step. This can suppress the recovery of the shape of the metal plate after press forming, and also suppress the occurrence of an unexpected swell in the second gas flow path shape 512. On the other hand, when the first gas flow path shape 511 is formed, uniform processing and solidification are not performed.

As described above, the gas flow path portion 510 does not require as high strength as the seal portion 520. Therefore, in the first press step S21, the press forming is performed so that the work hardening is more uniformly applied to the region press-formed into the first seal portion shape 521 than to the region press-formed into the first gas flow passage shape 511. In the first pressing step S21, the first seal portion shape 521 is press-formed so that the uniformity of the plate thickness in the region is higher than the uniformity of the plate thickness in the region is press-formed to be the first gas flow passage shape 511.

In the first pressing step, the third flange is press-formed into the third flange shape before the first seal portion shape 521 and the first gas flow path shape 511 are press-formed by a first lock flange forming die, not shown, formed on the upper die 32 and the lower die 31. Since the first seal portion shape and the first gas flow path shape 511 are press-formed in a state where the metal plate material in the region to be the product portion is stretched in the outer circumferential direction by the third flange, the first product portion shape can be formed with high accuracy. Such a locking flange forming die may also be provided in the second punching process.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the two-stage press working is performed on the region where the seal portion 520 of the separator 500 is formed, and the entire convex region constituting the seal portion 520 is subjected to the work hardening in the first press step S21 in the first stage, so that the strength of the completed seal portion 520 can be improved.

The means of the present embodiment is effective means for performing a first pressing step of applying work and solidification to the entire convex region constituting the seal portion 520 and a second pressing step of performing press forming so that the region that is work and solidified in the first pressing step is formed into a convex shape, and can be effectively performed by a continuous conveyance pressing method. Even if the metal plate is extremely thin, this means is particularly effective in forming the seal portion 520 of the fuel cell separator 500, which requires high strength.

(punching step S30)

The punching step will be described with reference to fig. 14. In the punching step S30, the hole portions are punched in two steps with respect to the long metal plate 100. The punching process S30 includes the above-described fifth process S5 and sixth process S6. In the punching step S30, the first punching portion 50 and the second punching portion 60 are used as the punching portion 4.

Fig. 14 shows a flowchart of the punching step S30.

The punching step S30 includes a first punching step S31, a conveying step S32, and a second punching step S33.

First, in the first punching step S31, the first punching portion 50 punches a partial hole portion of the portion to be the hole portion of the separator 500. Here, portions as four coolant communication holes 540 are punched. This step corresponds to the fifth step S5 described above.

Next, in the conveying step S32, the conveying section 2 conveys the elongated metal plate 100 in the longitudinal direction by the feeding amount of the first specific distance L1.

Next, in the second punching step S33, the second punched part 60 punches the remaining holes that are not punched by the first punched part 50 among the holes of the separator 500. Here, portions as the six gas communication holes 530 are punched.

The punching step is a step of applying the maximum stress to the long metal plate 100. In the present embodiment, the punching step is performed in a plurality of times for the hole portions, thereby preventing the long metal plate 100 from being warped by punching.

(dressing and carrying-out Process S40)

The trimming and carrying-out step S40 will be described with reference to fig. 15 to 20. In the trimming and carrying-out step S40, the separator-shaped portion 600 is cut off from the elongated metal plate 100, and the cut separator-shaped portion 600 and the portion 100B forming the scrap of the elongated metal plate 100 are carried out. The dressing and carrying-out process S40 includes the seventh process S7 and the eighth process S8 described above. In the trimming and carrying-out step S40, the trimming portion 70 and the discard cut portion 80 are used as the punch portion 4.

Fig. 15 shows a flowchart of the trimming and carrying-out step S40. The dressing and carrying-out step S40 includes a conveying step S41, a dressing step S42 (scrap cutting step S42), and a lifting step S43 (carrying-out step S43).

Fig. 16 is a plan view of the elongated metal plate 100 conveyed by the conveying section 2. The portions indicated by reference numerals 150, 160, 170, and 180 are the portions of the elongated metal plate 100 processed by the first punched portion 50, the second punched portion 60, the trimmed portion 70, and the scrap cut-off portion 80, respectively. The portion designated by reference numeral 170 becomes a finished separator shape portion 600 (product portion). Fig. 17 also shows the positions of the parts constituting the carrying-out section 240, and the carrying-out section 240 includes a conveyor belt 260 disposed below the elongated metal plate 100.

Fig. 17A to 17D are diagrams for explaining the flow of the trimming and carrying-out step S40. Fig. 17A to 17D schematically show the lower die 71 and the upper die 72 (outer periphery punch 72) constituting the trimming portion 70, the upper die 82 (scrap cutter 82) of the scrap cutting portion 80, the lifting portion 3, and the carrying-out portion 240. The carrying-out section 240 includes a movable carrying-out section 250 and a conveyor belt 260. The movable carrying-out section 250 includes a cylinder 251, a base section 252 fixed to the cylinder 251, and a roller 253 provided on the base section. The carrying-out section 240 functions as a separator-shaped section conveying section 240.

As shown in fig. 17A, in the conveying step S41, the elongated metal plate 100 press-formed in the region 190 to be the product portion by the press step of each press unit 4 is conveyed to the finisher unit 70. During conveyance, the elongated metal plate 100 is lifted by the lifting unit 3. As described above, the region 190 to be the product portion, which is conveyed to the finisher portion 70, is cut off from the elongated metal plate 100, and is thereby processed until the separator shape portion 600 is formed.

Next, as shown in fig. 17B, in the trimming step S42, the lifting and lowering section 3 is lowered, and the trimming section 70 punches the outer peripheral portion 610 of the separator shaped portion 600 formed in the elongated metal plate 100. Thereby, the separator shape portion 600 is cut away from the elongated metal plate 100. As shown in fig. 16, the outer peripheral portion 610 of the separator-shaped portion 600 may be partially punched in a step prior to the trimming step S42, and the outer peripheral portion 610 of the entire separator-shaped portion 600 may be punched in the trimming step S42.

At this time, the scrap cutting step S42 is also performed simultaneously, and the scrap cutting portion 80 cuts out the scrap portion 100B forming the elongated metal plate 100 from which the separator shape portion 600 has been cut at the scrap cutting line 197.

Subsequently, the lifting step S43 and the carrying-out step S43 are performed. In this step, as shown in fig. 17C, the lifting and lowering section 3 lifts the elongated metal plate 100 from which the separator shape section 600 has been cut. Then, in the process of being lifted, first, the portion 100B separated by the scrap cut-off portion 80 as the scrap is carried out by the conveyor belt 260.

Then, as shown in fig. 17C and 17D, the separator-shaped portion 600 separated by the finisher 70 is carried out in the conveying direction D by the roller 253 and the conveyor belt 260. Further, the roller 253 disposed on the lower die 71 of the finisher unit 70 is driven by the air cylinder 251 and is lifted in the carrying-out step S43 as shown in fig. 17C. As a result, as shown in fig. 17D, the separator-shaped portion 600 conveyed by the roller 253 in the conveying direction D is conveyed to the conveyor belt 260. The roller 253 is disposed at another position that can be disposed around the lower die 71.

The conveyor belt 260 carries out the separator shaped portion 600. The lifting unit 3 continues to be lifted until the state is reached. That is, while the elongated metal plate 100 is being lifted in the lifting step S43, the conveying section 2 conveys the cut separator shape member 600 to the downstream side in the conveying direction D. In the process of performing the carrying-out step S43, the conveyor section 2 conveys the elongated metal plate 100 by a predetermined feed amount in preparation for the next step.

Thus, the separator shape portion 600 (product portion) can be carried out in the conveyance direction D without being pressed down. Therefore, the product sections can be easily managed at the front end in the conveying direction D.

As shown in fig. 18, a claw portion 73 may be provided on the upper die 72 of the finishing portion 70, the claw portion 73 being used to lift the elongated metal plate 100 from which the separator shape portion 600 has been cut.

Since the elongated metal plate 100 is very thin, bending may occur when lifted only by the lifting portion 3. Therefore, the elongated metal plate 100 from which the separator shape portion 600 has been cut off is hooked with the claw portions 73, whereby the elongated metal plate 100 can be assisted in lifting.

Instead of the lifting unit 3 disposed on the downstream side in the conveying direction of the finisher unit 70, the claw portion 73 may be used.

Further, the claw portions 73 preferably hook the elongated metal plate 100 and are movable. For example, an actuator, not shown, may be connected to the claw portion 73, and the claw portion 73 may be moved by controlling the actuator by the control portion 5.

In the present embodiment, with this configuration, in the trimming step S42, the trimming portion 70 punches the outer peripheral portion of the separator-shaped portion 600 formed in the elongated metal plate 100 in the same punching direction as the punching step for forming the front portion of the separator-shaped portion 600, and cuts the separator-shaped portion 600 from the elongated metal plate 100.

The separator 600 has holes such as a gas passage 530 and a coolant passage 540. These hole portions punched in the aforementioned punching step and the outer peripheral portion of the separator-shaped portion 600 punched in the trimming step S42 are punched in the same punching direction.

This makes the directions of burrs generated on the outer peripheral portion of the separator shape portion 600 and the hole portion the same, thereby facilitating the subsequent burr removal work and the like.

The separator shape portion 600 has a convex portion such as the gas flow path portion 510 and the seal portion 520. The gas flow path portion 510 and the sealing portion 520 are formed in the aforementioned press process in such a manner that the upper side is convex. Then, the outer peripheral portion of the separator-shaped portion 600 punched in the trimming step S42 is punched in the same punching direction as the aforementioned punching step.

This situation will be described with reference to fig. 19A. In the present embodiment, the protruding direction of the convex portion 198 constituting the gas flow path portion 510 and the sealing portion 520 is opposite to the direction in which the burr 199 is directed. Thus, as shown in fig. 20A, when the separator 500 is assembled with the gasket 700, the burr 199 is directed in the direction opposite to the gasket 700. Therefore, it is possible to suppress a situation in which the burr 199 and the gasket interfere with each other, without considering the burr 199. Therefore, the gasket can be prevented from being damaged.

Fig. 19B is a comparative example. As described in this comparative example, if the separator-shaped portion 600 is punched from above using the lower die 71B and the upper die 72B, the direction of the protruding molding of the convex portion 198 constituting the gas flow path portion 510 and the seal portion 520 is the same as the direction of the burr 199. At this time, as shown in fig. 20B, when the upper separator 500 is assembled with the gasket 700, the burr 199 is directed toward the gasket. Therefore, a situation in which the spacer 500 interferes with the gasket 700 may occur.

(construction and operation of lifting part 3)

Next, the structure of the elevating unit 3 and the operation thereof will be described with reference to fig. 21 and 22.

The lifting and lowering section 3 is a mechanism for lifting and lowering the elongated metal plate 100 conveyed by the conveying section 2, so as to smoothly and appropriately convey the elongated metal plate 100 and press-work the elongated metal plate 100.

The elevating portion 3 is disposed in the vicinity of each punched portion 4, for example, between the punched portions 4, and the like, but here, the structure of the elevating portion 3 in the vicinity of the second punched portion 60 will be described, as typified by these. The lifting unit 3 disposed at another position may have this structure. The lifting unit 3 of the present embodiment is particularly effective in a punching process, which is a process requiring high positioning accuracy and applying a strong stress to the long metal plate 100. A high effect is exhibited also in the press step of pressing the region 190 to be the product portion.

Fig. 21 is a plan view of the elevating unit 3 disposed in the first punching unit 50. Fig. 22 is a schematic diagram for explaining the structure and the operation of the elevating unit 3. Fig. 22 is a sectional view of the elevating part 3 taken along the line K-K in fig. 21 and a sectional view of the periphery of the positioning pin 350 taken along the line L-L in fig. 21.

The lifting unit 3 includes at least two lifting pins 310, a lifting plate 320, and an upper plate 330.

The lift pins 310 are provided on both sides of the long metal plate in the short side direction. The lift pin 310 has a tip 311 abutting against the upper plate 330 and a step 312 on which the lift plate is placed. Further, a first elastic body 313 is provided below the lift pin 310, and the first elastic body 313 biases the lift pin 310 upward. The lift pin 310 and the like are provided on the base members 341 and 342 as the base of the lifting unit 3. The base members 341, 342 may be integrated with the lower die of the punch 4, or may be integral therewith.

The lift plate 320 places the elongated metal plate 100 conveyed by the conveyor section 2. The lift plate 320 is provided so as to cross the short side direction of the elongated metal plate 100. The lift plate 320 is placed on the step 312 of the lift pin 310 and moves together with the vertical movement of the lift pin 310. A second elastic body 321 and a push-up member 322 that urge the lift plate 320 upward are provided below the lift plate 320. Here, the upward force of the second elastic body 321 is greater than the upward force of the first elastic body 313.

The upper plate 330 sandwiches the elongated metal plate 100 with the lift plate 320. The bottom surface of the upper plate 330 abuts the top end 311 of the lift pin 310 and pushes the lift pin 310 downward. The upper plate 330 may be integrated with the upper die of the punch 4, or may be formed integrally therewith.

Here, the present apparatus is provided with positioning pins 350, and the positioning pins 350 engage with positioning holes 109 provided in the elongated metal plate 100. The positioning pin 350 may be a part of the elevating portion 3, or may be provided on a lower die or the like of the press portion 4. As shown in fig. 3, the positioning holes 109 are provided at intervals of a first specific distance L1. By having the positioning hole 109, the carrier 2 can be accurately carried by the first specific distance L1. The conveyed elongated metal plate 100 is positioned at the correct position.

As shown in fig. 22, the elevating unit 3 is configured to be changeable in state to a first state a, a second state B, and a third state C (states C1 and C2).

In the first state a, the lift plate 320 and the upper plate 330 are separated by the distance t so that the elongated metal plate 100 is not sandwiched between the lift plate 320 and the upper plate 330 in a state where the positioning pins 350 are not engaged with the positioning holes 109.

In the second state B, the lift plate 320 and the upper plate 330 are separated by the distance t so that the elongated metal plate 100 is not sandwiched between the lift plate 320 and the upper plate 330 in a state where the positioning pins 350 are engaged with the positioning holes 109.

In the third state C (state C1, state C2), the distance t between the lift plate 320 and the upper plate 330 is reduced so that the elongated metal plate 100 is sandwiched between the lift plate 320 and the upper plate 330 in a state where the positioning pins 350 are engaged with the positioning holes 109.

The lifting unit 3 is configured to shift from the first state to the third state after passing through the second state, and the conveying unit 2 conveys the elongated metal plate 100 when the lifting unit 3 is in the first state a, and the press unit presses the elongated metal plate 100 when the lifting unit 3 is in the third state C.

Next, the operation of the elevating unit 3 will be described in detail with reference to fig. 22.

The first state a includes a state in which the upper plate 330 abuts against the tip 311 of the lift pin 310. This state is a state of top dead center. When the lifting unit 3 is in this state, the conveying unit 2 conveys the elongated metal plate 100.

The second state B includes a state in which the upper plate 330 pushes down the lift pin 310 against the urging force of the first elastic body 313, and the lift plate 320 is lowered while maintaining a state of being placed on the step portion 312 of the lift pin 310.

The third state C includes a state in which the upper plate 330 pushes down the lift pin 310 against the elastic force of the first elastic body, and a state in which the stepped portion of the lift pin 310 is separated from the lift plate 320.

Further, the third state includes: in state C1, the upper plate 330 pushes down the lift pin 310 against only the force of the first elastic body 313; and, in the state C2 of the bottom dead center, the upper plate 330 pushes down the lift pin 310 and the lift plate 320 against the urging force of the first elastic body 313 and the elastic force of the second elastic body 321. When the lifting unit 3 has the structure including the second elastic body 321, it is preferable that each punching unit 4 punch the elongated metal plate 100 when the lifting unit 3 is in the state C2 of the bottom dead center.

As shown in the lower diagram of fig. 22, the feeder 230 of the conveying unit 2 may be interlocked with the operation of the lifting unit 3. For example, the feeder 230 is configured to be capable of changing the state to a feed-out preparation state in which the free movement of the elongated metal plate 100 is restricted and a release state in which the elongated metal plate 100 is free to move, in addition to the supply state in which the elongated metal plate 100 is fed out.

When the lifting unit 3 is in the first state a, the conveying unit 2 brings the feeder 230 into the supply state. Next, the conveyance of the feeder 230 is stopped, and the feeder 230 is set to the release state and the raising and lowering unit 3 is set to the second state B. Next, it is preferable that the feeder 230 is maintained in the release state until the elevating part 3 is in the third state C and the upper plate 330 is in a state C1 where the lift pin 310 is pushed down against the urging force of the first elastic body 313. When the lifting unit 3 is in the bottom dead center state C2, a ready state for feeding is formed in which the free movement of the elongated metal plate 100 is restricted.

In this way, in the first state a, the long metal plate 100 is smoothly conveyed. In the second state B, the positioning pins 350 can be engaged with the positioning holes 109 without applying tension to the elongated metal plate 100, and therefore, highly accurate positioning can be performed. In the third state C2, the press working can be performed with the elongated metal plate 100 accurately positioned and held. Therefore, the press working can be performed in a state where the sagging of the long metal plate 100 is very small.

Further, the lift plate 320 and the upper plate 330 are disposed so as to cross the short side direction of the elongated metal plate 100. This allows the long metal plate 100 to be accurately positioned and held, and the press working to be performed. Therefore, the press working can be performed in a state where the sagging of the long metal plate 100 is very small.

The portion of the lift plate 320 and the upper plate 330 that sandwiches the elongated metal plate 100 may be frame-shaped, and the elongated metal plate 100 may be sandwiched so as to surround the region 190 of the elongated metal plate 100 that becomes the product portion. Therefore, the press working can be performed in a state where the long metal plate 100 is accurately positioned and held. Therefore, the press working can be performed in a state where the sagging of the long metal plate 100 is very small.

According to the present embodiment, the following effects are obtained.

(1) The continuous feed press method of the present embodiment is a method of forming a plurality of product portions in a long metal plate 100, and includes the steps of: a first flange forming step of forming a first flange 101A on a side portion of a region 191 of the elongated metal plate 100 to be a first product portion, the first flange 101A having a length of a second specific distance L2 extending in the longitudinal direction of the elongated metal plate 100; a first conveyance step of conveying the long metal plate 100 in the longitudinal direction by a feed amount of a first specific distance L1; and a second flange forming step of forming a second flange 101B on a side portion of the region 192 of the elongated metal plate 100 to be a second product portion so as to be continuous with the first flange 101A formed in the first flange forming step, the second flange 101B having a length of a second specific distance L2 extending in the longitudinal direction of the elongated metal plate 100; also, the second specific distance L2 is longer than the first specific distance L1.

This enables the flange 101, which is a forming portion for improving the rigidity of the elongated metal plate 100, to be continuously formed in an efficient process.

(2) The continuous feed pressing method according to (1) further includes a slit forming step of forming a slit 105 extending in the short-side direction of the long metal plate 100 between the region 191 serving as the first product portion and the region 192 serving as the second product portion.

Thereby, during the press working, the stress generated in the long metal plate 100 can be effectively absorbed.

(3) The gap forming step of the continuous feed press method according to (1) and (2) includes: a first slit forming step of forming a first slit 106 between a region 191 to be a first product portion and a region 192 to be a second product portion at the same time as the first flange forming step; and a second slit forming step of forming a second slit 107 between a region 191 to be a first product portion and a region 192 to be a second product portion simultaneously with the second flange forming step, wherein the second slit 107 formed after the second slit forming step and the first slit 106 formed in the first slit forming step are formed in parallel in the short-side direction.

This makes it less likely to cause problems such as bending of the long metal plate 100, as compared with the case where the slit 105 is formed at one time.

(4) In the second slit forming step of the continuous feed press method of (3), the second slit 107 is formed at a position not overlapping the first slit 106.

Thus, the elongated metal plate 100 is not easily deformed in the second slit forming step.

(5) In the continuous feed press method according to (2) to (4), the first flange 101A is formed on both sides of the region 191 to be the first product portion in the first flange forming step on both sides in the short side direction of the long metal plate 100, and the method further includes the following steps after the second flange forming step: a second conveyance step of further conveying the long metal plate 100 in the longitudinal direction by a feed amount of a first specific distance L1; and a third flange forming step of forming the third flange 104 so as to surround the area 191, which is the first product portion, of the elongated metal plate 100 conveyed in the second conveying step, and so as to be surrounded by the first flange 101A, the slit 105, and the slit 105 formed downstream in the conveying direction of the area 191, which is the first product portion.

This can improve the effect of suppressing the deflection of the region 191 to be the product portion at the time of press working.

(6) In the continuous feed press method of (5), a part of the slit 105 formed on the downstream side in the conveyance direction of the region 191 to be the first product portion is formed simultaneously with the first flange forming step.

In this way, by implementing a plurality of steps simultaneously, the processing time can be shortened and the device can be miniaturized.

(7) The method for manufacturing a fuel cell separator of the present invention includes the continuous feed pressing methods (1) to (6), and the regions to be the first and second product portions are regions to be the fuel cell separator 500.

In the case of manufacturing a fuel cell separator, a molding portion for improving the rigidity of the elongated metal plate 100 can be continuously molded in an efficient process.

(8) The continuous feed press apparatus 1 according to the present invention is a continuous feed press apparatus 1 for forming a plurality of product portions in a long metal plate 100, the continuous feed press apparatus 1 including: a flange forming portion 11 that forms a flange 101 at a side portion of a region 190 that becomes a product portion of the elongated metal plate 100, the flange 101 having a length of a second specific distance L2 extending in the longitudinal direction of the elongated metal plate 100; and a conveying section 2 for conveying the long metal plate 100 by a feeding amount of a first specific distance L1 along the longitudinal direction; also, the second specific distance L2 is longer than the first specific distance L1.

This enables the forming portion for improving the rigidity of the elongated metal plate 100 to be continuously formed in an efficient process.

(9) The continuous feed press device 1 according to (1) or (8) further includes a slit forming section 15, and the slit forming section 15 forms slits 105 extending in the short side direction of the long metal plate 100 on the upstream side in the conveying direction and the downstream side in the conveying direction of the region 190 to be the product portion in the long metal plate 100.

Thereby, during the press working, the stress generated in the long metal plate 100 can be effectively absorbed.

(10) The gap forming section 15 of the continuous feed press device 1 according to (9) above includes: a first slit forming section 16 for forming a first slit 106 on the upstream side in the conveying direction of the region 190 to be a product section; and a second gap forming section 17 for forming a second gap 107 on the downstream side in the conveying direction of the region 190 to be a product section; the first slit forming part 16 and the second slit forming part 17 are arranged at a first specific distance L1.

This makes it less likely to cause problems such as bending of the long metal plate 100, as compared with the case where the slit 105 is formed at one time.

(11) The second slit forming section 17 of the continuous feed pressing device 1 according to (10) forms the second slit 107, and the second slit 107 is formed at a position which is juxtaposed in the short-side direction with the first slit 106 and does not overlap with the first slit 106 formed by the first slit forming section 16.

Thus, the elongated metal plate 100 is not easily deformed in the second slit forming step.

(12) The first slit forming portion 16 and the second slit forming portion 17 of the continuous feed pressing device 1 of (11) form the first slit 106 and the second slit 107 in such a manner that the bent portion 108A is provided in the remaining portion 108 of the elongated metal plate 100 existing between the first slit 106 formed by the first slit forming portion 16 and the second slit 107 formed by the second slit forming portion 17.

This allows the bent portion 108A to more effectively absorb the stress generated in the elongated metal plate 100 in the subsequent pressing step performed by each of the pressing portions 4.

(13) The first slit forming section 16 and the second slit forming section 17 of the continuous feed pressing apparatus 1 according to (12) form the first slit 106 and the second slit 107, and the remaining section 108 of the long metal plate 100 includes: a first drawing section 108B connected to a region 191 to be a first product section and extending toward the upstream side in the conveying direction; an intermediate portion 108C having one end side connected to the upstream side of the first drawing portion 108B in the conveyance direction and extending in the short-side direction; and a second pulling-out portion 108D connected to the other end side of the intermediate portion 108C, extending toward the upstream side in the conveying direction, and connected to a region 192 that becomes a second product portion.

Thus, the first slit 106 and the second slit 107 can more effectively absorb the stress generated in the elongated metal plate 100 in the subsequent pressing process performed by each of the pressing portions 4.

(14) The flanges 101 formed by the flange forming portion 11 of the continuous feed press device 1 of (9) to (13) are formed on both sides of the region 190 to be the product portion on both sides in the short side direction of the elongated metal plate 100, the third flange forming portion 30 is disposed on the downstream side in the conveying direction of the slit forming portion, the third flange forming portion 30 forms the third flange 104, and the third flange 104 surrounds the region 190 to be the product portion and has a shape surrounded by the flange 101 formed by the flange forming portion 11 and the slit 105 formed by the slit forming portion.

This can improve the effect of suppressing the deflection generated in the region 190 to be the product portion at the time of press working.

(15) The manufacturing apparatus 1 of the fuel cell separator of the present invention is a manufacturing apparatus including the continuous feed press apparatus of (8) to (14), and the region 190 to be a product portion is a region to be the fuel cell separator 500.

In the case of manufacturing the fuel cell separator 500, the forming portion for improving the rigidity of the elongated metal plate 100 can be continuously formed in an efficient process.

In addition, according to the present embodiment, the following effects are obtained.

(1) The method for manufacturing the fuel cell separator 500 according to the present embodiment includes the steps of: a first press step of applying work curing to the entire convex region constituting the seal portion 520; and a second pressing step of press-forming the region that is cured by the first pressing step so as to form a convex shape.

This can improve the strength of the convex seal portion 520.

(2) The method for manufacturing the fuel cell separator 500 according to the present embodiment includes the steps of: a first pressing step of press-forming a region to be the gas flow path portion 510 into a first gas flow path shape 511 and a region to be the sealing portion 520 into a first sealing portion shape 521; a second pressing step of press-forming the first gas flow path shape 511 into a second gas flow path shape 512 and press-forming the first sealing portion shape 521 into a second sealing portion shape 522; in the first pressing step, the first seal portion shape 521 is formed by press forming so that the region is more uniformly worked and solidified than the region formed by press forming the first gas flow path shape 511.

Thus, by performing two-stage pressing on the gas flow path portion 510 and the seal portion 520, the gas flow path portion 510 and the seal portion 520 can be simultaneously molded, and high strength can be secured to the completed seal portion 520.

(3) In the method for manufacturing the fuel cell separator 500 according to (2), in the first pressing step, the press forming is performed so that the upper surface portion of the first seal portion shape 521 has an arc shape that protrudes upward.

Thus, in the first pressing step, the entire convex region constituting the seal portion 520 can be worked and cured.

(4) In the method for manufacturing the fuel cell separator 500 according to (2), (3), the first press step is performed by press forming so that the upper surface portion of the first seal portion shape 521 is substantially uniformly worked and cured.

This can improve the strength of the convex seal portion 520.

(5) The apparatus 1 for manufacturing a fuel cell separator according to the present invention manufactures a fuel cell separator 500, the fuel cell separator 500 having a convex seal portion 520 that is pressed when the separator is overlapped with another separator, the apparatus including: a first punch 30 for applying work curing to the entire convex region constituting the seal 520; and a second press part 40 press-formed so that the region worked and solidified by the first press part 30 is convex.

Accordingly, in the first pressing step, the entire convex region constituting the seal 520 can be stably processed and cured, and in the second pressing step, the shape of the seal 520 can be adjusted so that the strength of the completed seal 520 can be ensured.

In addition, according to the present embodiment, the following effects are obtained.

(1) The method for manufacturing a fuel cell separator according to the present embodiment is performed by a continuous feed press method for molding a plurality of separator shape portions 600 in a long metal plate 100, and includes the steps of: a pressing step of forming the separator shape portion 600 on the long metal plate 100 by pressing; a trimming step of punching an outer peripheral portion 610 of the separator shape portion 600 formed in the elongated metal plate 100 in the same pressing direction as the pressing step, thereby cutting the separator shape portion 600 from the elongated metal plate 100; a lifting step of lifting the long metal plate 100 from which the separator shape portion 600 has been cut; and a separator shape part conveying step of conveying the separated separator shape parts 600 to the downstream side in the conveying direction while the elongated metal plate 100 is being lifted by the lifting step.

Thus, it is possible to provide a method for manufacturing a fuel cell separator, which is molded by a continuous conveyance press method capable of appropriately carrying out the separator shape portion 600 to be a product portion in consideration of the generation of the burr 199 due to punching.

(2) In the method of manufacturing the fuel cell separator according to (1), the separator-shaped portion 600 has the holes 530 and 540, and the holes 530 and 540 and the outer peripheral portion 610 of the separator-shaped portion 600 are punched in the same punching direction in the punching step and the dressing step.

This enables the separator shape portion 600 to be efficiently manufactured by the continuous feed press method, and the burr 199 in the subsequent step can be easily processed.

(3) In the method of manufacturing the fuel cell separator according to (1) or (2), the separator shape portion 600 has the convex portion 198, and the convex portion 198 is formed so that the upper side thereof is convex in the pressing step.

Thus, the separator shape portion 600 can be efficiently manufactured by the continuous feed press method, and when the convex portion 198 of the separator shape portion 600 is assembled to another member, the burr 199 generated by punching the separator shape portion 600 can be prevented from interfering with another member.

(4) In the above-described lifting step of the method for manufacturing a fuel cell separator of (1) to (3), the long metal plate 100 after being cut out is lifted up using the claw portions 73 provided in the upper die for cutting out the separator shape portions 600 in the trimming step.

The elongated metal plate 100 from which the separator shape portion 600 has been cut out is hooked with the claw portions 73, whereby the elongated metal plate 100 can be easily lifted.

(5) The manufacturing apparatus 1 for a fuel cell separator of the present invention is an apparatus for forming a plurality of separator shape portions 600 on a long metal plate 100 by using a continuous feed press method, the manufacturing apparatus including: a punching part 30-60 for forming a separator shape part 600 on the long metal plate 100 by punching; a trimming portion 70 that punches an outer peripheral portion 610 of the separator shape portion 600 formed in the elongated metal plate 100 in the same punching direction as the punching direction of the punching portions 30 to 60, thereby cutting the separator shape portion 600 from the elongated metal plate 100; an elevating unit 3 that elevates the elongated metal plate 100 from which the separator shape unit 600 has been cut; and a separator-shaped-portion conveying unit 240 that conveys the separated separator-shaped portions 600 to the downstream side in the conveying direction while the elongated metal plate 100 is being lifted by the lifting unit 3.

Thus, the manufacturing apparatus of the fuel cell separator can be provided, which uses the continuous conveyance pressing method 1 that can appropriately carry out the removal of the separator shape portion 600 to be the product portion in consideration of the generation of the burr 199 due to the punching.

(6) In the apparatus 1 for manufacturing a separator for a fuel cell of (5), the separator-shaped portion 600 has the holes 530 and 540, and the punching directions of the punched holes 530 and 540 by the punching portions 50 and 60 are the same as the punching directions of the outer peripheral portion 610 of the separator-shaped portion 600 by the dressing portion 70.

This enables the separator shape portion 600 to be efficiently manufactured by the continuous feed press method, and the burr 199 in the subsequent step can be easily processed.

(7) In the apparatus 1 for manufacturing a separator for a fuel cell of (5) or (6), the separator shape portion 600 has the convex portion 198, and the convex portion 198 is formed so that the upper side is convex by the punching of the punching portions 30, 40.

Thus, the separator shape portion 600 can be efficiently manufactured by the continuous feed press method, and when the convex portion 198 of the separator 500 is assembled to another member, the burr 199 generated by punching the separator shape portion 600 can be prevented from interfering with another member.

(8) In the manufacturing apparatus 1 for a fuel cell separator according to (5) to (7), the upper die 72 of the trimming portion 70 is provided with the claw portion 73 for lifting the elongated metal plate 400 from which the separator shape portion 600 has been cut.

The elongated metal plate 100 from which the separator shape portion 600 has been cut out is hooked with the claw portions 73, whereby the elongated metal plate 100 can be easily lifted.

In addition, according to the present embodiment, the following effects are obtained.

(1) The continuous feed press device 1 of the present embodiment forms a plurality of product portions in a long metal plate 100, and includes: a punching section 4 that punches the long metal plate 100; a conveying unit 2 that conveys the long metal plate 100 in the longitudinal direction thereof; positioning pins 350 that engage with positioning holes 109 provided in the elongated metal plate 100; and a lifting unit 3 for lifting the elongated metal plate 100 conveyed by the conveying unit 2; the elevating unit 3 further includes: a lift plate 320 on which the long metal plate 100 is placed; an upper plate 330 that sandwiches the elongated metal plate 100 with the lift plate 320, the lifting unit 3 being configured so that the states thereof can be changed to a first state a in which the lift plate 320 and the upper plate 330 are separated by a predetermined distance so that the elongated metal plate 100 is not sandwiched between the lift plate 320 and the upper plate 330 in a state in which the positioning pins 350 are not engaged with the positioning holes 109, a second state B, and a third state C; the second state B is a state in which the positioning pins 350 are engaged with the positioning holes 109, and the lift plate 320 and the upper plate 330 are spaced apart by a predetermined distance so that the long metal plate 100 is not sandwiched between the lift plate 320 and the upper plate 330; in the third state C, the distance between the lift plate 320 and the upper plate 330 is reduced so that the elongated metal plate 100 is sandwiched between the lift plate 320 and the upper plate 330 in a state where the positioning pins 350 are engaged with the positioning holes 109; the lifting unit 3 is configured to shift from the first state a to the third state C via the second state B, and when the lifting unit 3 is in the first state a, the conveying unit 2 conveys the elongated metal plate 100, and when the lifting unit 3 is in the third state C, the pressing unit 4 presses the elongated metal plate 100.

Thus, it is possible to provide a continuous conveyance press apparatus capable of smoothly and appropriately carrying out conveyance of the long metal plate 100 and press working of the long metal plate 100.

(2) The conveying unit 2 of the continuous feed press device 1 according to (1) includes a feeder 230 that feeds out the elongated metal plate 100, the feeder 230 has a feed-out state in which the elongated metal plate 100 is fed out, and is configured so that the state can be changed to a feed-out ready state in which the free movement of the elongated metal plate 100 is restricted and a release state in which the elongated metal plate 100 is free to move, and the conveying unit 2 stops the conveyance of the feeder 230, sets the feeder 230 in the release state, and sets the lifting unit in the second state.

Thus, in the second state B, the positioning pins 350 can be engaged with the positioning holes 109 without applying tension to the elongated metal plate 100, and therefore, highly accurate positioning can be performed.

(3) The continuous feed press device 1 according to (1) or (2) further includes: at least two lift pins 310 having a tip 311 abutting on the upper plate 330 and a step 312 on which the lift plate 320 is placed; a first elastic body 313 for applying force to the lift pin 310 in an upward direction; the first state a includes a state in which the upper plate 330 abuts against the tip 311 of the lift pin 310, the second state B includes a state in which the upper plate 330 pushes down the lift pin 310 against the urging force of the first elastic body 313 and the lift plate 320 is lowered while maintaining the state in which the lift plate 320 is placed on the step portion 312 of the lift pin 310, and the third state C includes a state in which the upper plate 330 pushes down the lift pin 310 against the elastic force of the first elastic body and the step portion of the lift pin 310 is separated from the lift plate 320.

With this configuration, it is possible to provide a continuous conveyance pressing method that can smoothly and appropriately perform conveyance of the long metal plate 100 and press working of the long metal plate 100.

(4) The continuous feed press device 1 according to (3) above further includes a second elastic body 321 that biases the lift plate 320 upward, and the upward biasing force of the second elastic body 321 is larger than the upward biasing force of the first elastic body 313.

This makes it possible to configure the mechanism of the lifting unit 3 to perform an appropriate operation.

(5) In the continuous feed press device 1 of (4), the third state includes: in state C1, the upper plate 330 pushes down the lift pin 310 against only the force of the first elastic body 313; and, in the state C2 of the bottom dead center, the upper plate 330 pushes down the lift pin 310 and the lift plate 320 against the urging force of the first elastic body 313 and the elastic force of the second elastic body 321; when the lifting unit 3 is in the bottom dead center state C2, each punching unit 4 punches the elongated metal plate 100.

This makes it possible to press the long metal plate 100 with very little sagging.

(6) The at least two lift pins 310 of the continuous feed press 1 according to (3) to (5) are provided on both sides of the long metal plate 100 in the short direction.

This allows the long metal plate 100 to be accurately positioned and held, and the press working to be performed. Therefore, the press working can be performed in a state where the sagging of the long metal plate 100 is very small.

(7) The lift plate 320 and the upper plate 330 of the continuous feed press device 1 of (1) to (6) are provided so as to cross the short side direction of the long metal plate 100.

This allows the long metal plate 100 to be accurately positioned and held, and the press working to be performed. Therefore, the press working can be performed in a state where the sagging of the long metal plate 100 is very small.

(8) The lift plate 320 and the upper plate 330 of the continuous feed press device 1 of (1) to (6) are formed in a shape in which a portion that sandwiches the long metal plate 100 surrounds the region 190 that becomes the product portion of the long metal plate 100.

This allows the long metal plate 100 to be accurately positioned and held, and the press working to be performed. Therefore, the press working can be performed in a state where the sagging of the long metal plate 100 is very small.

(9) The upper plate 330 of the continuous feed press device 1 according to (1) to (8) is integrated or monolithically formed with the upper die of the press section 4.

Thereby, the number of parts can be reduced. Further, since the operation of the punch portion 4 is interlocked, the operation of the apparatus can be easily controlled.

(10) The manufacturing apparatus 1 of the fuel cell separator of the present invention includes the continuous feed press apparatuses of (1) to (9), and the region 190 to be the product portion is a region to be the fuel cell separator 500.

In manufacturing the fuel cell separator 500, it is possible to smoothly and appropriately carry out the conveyance of the elongated metal plate 100 and the press working of the elongated metal plate 100.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and variations, improvements, and the like may be made within the scope of the present invention as long as the object of the present invention can be achieved.

Reference numerals

1 continuous feed ram (separator manufacturing apparatus for fuel cell)

2 conveying part

3 lifting part

4 stamping part

5 control part

10 Flange and gap Forming section (Forming section)

11 flange forming part

15 gap forming part

16 first gap forming part

17 second gap forming part

30 first punch part (third flange forming part)

31 lower die

32 upper die

40 second punch

41 lower die

42 upper die

50 first punched hole part

60 second punched hole part

70 finishing part

71 lower die

72 upper die

73 claw part

80 scrap cutting part

81 lower die

82 upper die

100 long strip metal plate

100B as part of a waste material

101 flange

101A first flange

101B second flange

104 third flange

105 gap

106 first gap

107 second gap

108 stump

108A bend

108B first pull-out part

108C intermediate section

108D second drawer part

109 positioning hole

190 becomes the area of the product portion

191 become the area of the first product portion

192 to become the area of the second product portion

210 uncoiler

220 bending prevention part

221 straightening roller

230 feeder

231 transfer roller

240 carry-out part (partition plate shaped part conveying part)

250 movable carry-out part

260 conveyor belt

310 lift pin

311 top end

312 step part

313 first elastic body

320 lifting plate

321 second elastic body

322 push-up component

330 upper board

350 positioning pin

500 separator (separator for fuel cell)

510 gas flow path part

511 first gas flow passage shape

512 second gas flow path shape

520 sealing part

521 first seal shape

522 second seal shape

530 gas communication hole

540 Coolant communication hole

600 partition shape part (product part)

610 peripheral portion