Metal bipolar plate progressive die and production equipment

Abstract

The utility model discloses a metal bipolar plate progressive die and production equipment. The metal bipolar plate progressive die comprises a first mounting plate, a second mounting plate, and a punching mechanism, a die pressing mechanism, a blanking mechanism and an edge pressing mechanism which are mounted on the first mounting plate and the second mounting plate. Wherein a first station, a second station and a third station are sequentially arranged on the first mounting plate and the second mounting plate in the conveying direction of plates, and the centers of the first station, the second station and the third station are arranged at equal intervals. The punching mechanism is arranged on the first station and used for punching a plate. And the mold pressing mechanism is arranged at the second station and is used for carrying out mold pressing forming on the plate to form the bipolar plate. And the blanking mechanism is arranged at the third station and is used for separating the bipolar plate formed by die pressing on the plate from the plate. The plate pressing mechanisms are arranged on the first station, the second station and the third station correspondingly and used for pressing the plate and clamping and fixing the plate when the punching mechanism, the mold pressing mechanism and the discharging mechanism machine the plate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of metal processing technology, and in particular to a progressive die and production equipment for metal bipolar plates. Background Technology

[0002] Hydrogen fuel cells are power generation devices that convert chemical energy into electrical energy through the electrochemical reaction of hydrogen and oxygen. They offer numerous advantages, including zero carbon emissions, high efficiency, low noise, and resistance to low temperatures. Bipolar plates are one of the core components of hydrogen fuel cells, responsible for functions such as current conduction, gas distribution, heat management, and mechanical support. Their performance directly affects the power density, durability, and cost of the fuel cell stack. Metal bipolar plates, due to their high conductivity, lightweight, and ease of processing, have become the mainstream choice for on-board fuel cells. Common materials for metal bipolar plates include aluminum, titanium, and stainless steel.

[0003] The bipolar plate consists of four functional zones: a piping zone, a distribution zone, a flow field zone, and a sealing zone. The piping zone primarily forms the supply channels for hydrogen, air, and coolant. The distribution zone is a transition area where reactant gases enter the flow field zone from the common piping zone, ensuring uniform flow of coolant into each channel of the cooling flow field to achieve uniform heat dissipation. The flow field zone corresponds to the active zone of the fuel cell and is a crucial area participating in the reaction, determining the flow state of hydrogen, oxygen, and water within the flow field. The sealing zone primarily uses sealing components to achieve a seal between the bipolar plate and the proton exchange membrane assembly after the fuel cell stack is assembled, in conjunction with the battery module.

[0004] The application of metal bipolar plates requires the use of stamping processes to create high-precision flow channels with large-area flow fields, and the surface must have high corrosion resistance and low interfacial contact resistance. Therefore, the manufacturing process for metal bipolar plates is complex, significantly impacting production efficiency. Utility Model Content

[0005] In view of the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, this application provides a progressive die and production equipment for metal bipolar plates, which can improve the production efficiency of metal bipolar plates.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the first aspect of this application provides a progressive die for pressing metal bipolar plates into bipolar plates, wherein the thickness t of the plate is 0.03-0.1 mm; comprising:

[0007] A first mounting plate is horizontally fixed. A first station, a second station, and a third station are arranged on the upper surface of the first mounting plate along the conveying direction of the sheet material. The center distance between the first station, the second station, and the third station is equal. A second mounting plate is disposed above the first mounting plate and moves up and down vertically under the drive of the press.

[0008] A punching die is fixedly mounted on the first work station; a punching punch is fixedly mounted on the lower surface of the second mounting plate, located at a corresponding position above the punching die.

[0009] The first forming mold is fixedly installed on the second station; the second forming mold is fixedly installed on the lower surface of the second mounting plate, located at the corresponding position above the first forming mold, and closes with the first forming mold after the second mounting plate moves downward.

[0010] A blanking die is fixedly mounted on a third station and has a receiving hole with an opening on its upper surface. A first shaping die is disposed within the receiving hole and slidably connected to the blanking die in a vertical direction. A first spring is mounted on a first mounting plate below the first shaping die and drives the upper surface of the first shaping die to rise to the opening position of the receiving hole. A second shaping die is fixedly mounted on the lower surface of a second mounting plate and is positioned above the first shaping die at a corresponding position.

[0011] In this process, the second mounting plate moves downward under the drive of the press, so that when the first forming mold and the second forming mold are closed, the punching punch abuts against the punching die, and the second shaping mold extends into the receiving hole through the opening of the receiving hole and closes with the first shaping mold.

[0012] As described above, the sheet metal can be punched using the punching die and punch at the first station; the sheet metal can be molded to form flow channels by closing the first forming die and the second forming die; and the bipolar plate can be separated from the sheet metal by closing the second forming die into the receiving hole. By mounting the punching punch, the second forming die, and the second forming die on the second mounting plate, punching, molding, and blanking of the sheet metal can be achieved simultaneously when the press drives the second mounting plate downward. Therefore, multiple processing steps can be completed in a single press operation, thereby improving the production efficiency of metal bipolar plates.

[0013] Furthermore, by arranging the first, second, and third workstations along the sheet material conveying direction, with equal center-to-center spacing between them, the material processed at the first and second workstations can be moved equidistantly to the second and third workstations for the next processing step after a step of equal distance. This allows for smoother bipolar plate processing, thereby improving bipolar plate production efficiency.

[0014] As one possible implementation of the first aspect, the metal bipolar plate progressive die further includes: a pressure ring, which is sleeved on the punching punch, the second forming die, and / or the second shaping die; and a second spring, which is mounted on the second mounting plate and drives the lower edge of the pressure ring to protrude from the lower end of the punching punch, the second forming die, and / or the second shaping die.

[0015] As described above, the edge of the sheet material can be pressed and fixed by the edge clamping ring, thereby improving the stability of the sheet material during punching, molding, and blanking operations, and thus improving the processing effect of bipolar plates.

[0016] As one possible implementation of the first aspect, the second spring is an adjustable pressure spring.

[0017] As mentioned above, by adjusting the elastic force of the second spring, the pressure applied to the sheet by the pressure ring can be adjusted, thereby allowing the sheet to obtain a suitable bearing force, thus improving the stability and firmness of the sheet and improving the processing effect of the bipolar plate.

[0018] As one possible implementation of the first aspect, the cavity formed by the first forming mold and the second forming mold is the same as the cavity formed by the second shaping mold and the first shaping mold.

[0019] As described above, by making the cavity formed by the first forming mold and the second forming mold the same as the cavity formed by the second shaping mold and the first shaping mold, the sheet metal can maintain its shape after being formed by the first forming mold and the second forming mold, and avoid warping and springback of the sheet metal during blanking at the third station, which would affect the processing effect of the bipolar plate.

[0020] As one possible implementation of the first aspect, the metal bipolar plate progressive die further includes: a guide plate extending along the conveying direction, two guide plates arranged in parallel, respectively located on both sides of the first station, the second station and the third station, and the distance between the two guide plates being adapted to the width of the plate.

[0021] As mentioned above, the guide plate can limit and guide the sheet material, thereby improving the stability of the sheet material during transportation, improving the positional accuracy of the sheet material, and thus improving the processing effect of the sheet material.

[0022] As one possible implementation of the first aspect, the metal bipolar plate progressive die further includes: a blower, the air outlet of which is located at the corresponding position of the third station, and blows the bipolar plates separated from the plate away from the third station by high-pressure air.

[0023] As described above, the bipolar plates left after being unloaded at the third station can be blown away from the third station by the blower, so that the first and second forming dies at the third station can unload the next bipolar plate. This makes the bipolar plate production process more streamlined, thereby improving the processing efficiency of bipolar plates.

[0024] As one possible implementation of the first aspect, the upper surfaces of the punching die, the first forming die, and the first shaping die are at the same height.

[0025] As described above, by making the upper surfaces of the punching die, the first forming die, and the first shaping die of the same height, it is possible to facilitate the conveying of the sheet metal on the upper surfaces of the punching die, the first forming die, and the first shaping die, thereby improving the processing effect and efficiency of the bipolar plate.

[0026] A second aspect of this application provides a metal bipolar plate production apparatus, comprising: a metal bipolar plate progressive die, wherein the metal bipolar plate progressive die is the same as described in any one of the first aspects of this application; a sheet uncoiling device for providing sheet material; and a sheet rewinding device for winding up the remaining portion of the sheet material after it has passed through the metal bipolar plate progressive die to produce bipolar plates.

[0027] As described above, the sheet metal can be punched using the punching die and punch at the first station; the sheet metal can be molded to form flow channels by closing the first forming die and the second forming die; and the bipolar plate can be separated from the sheet metal by closing the second forming die into the receiving hole. By mounting the punching punch, the second forming die, and the second forming die on the second mounting plate, punching, molding, and blanking of the sheet metal can be achieved simultaneously when the press drives the second mounting plate downward. Therefore, multiple processing steps can be completed in a single press operation, thereby improving the production efficiency of metal bipolar plates.

[0028] Furthermore, by arranging the first, second, and third workstations along the sheet material conveying direction, with equal center-to-center spacing between them, the material processed at the first and second workstations can be moved equidistantly to the second and third workstations for the next processing step after a step of equal distance. This allows for smoother bipolar plate processing, thereby improving bipolar plate production efficiency.

[0029] As a possible implementation of the second aspect, the metal bipolar plate production equipment further includes a first feeding roller and a second feeding roller. The first feeding roller is disposed between the sheet uncoiling device and the metal bipolar plate progressive die, and the second feeding roller is disposed between the metal bipolar plate progressive die and the sheet winding device. The first feeding roller, the second feeding roller, and the sheet material between the sheet uncoiling device and the sheet winding device abut against each other, changing the conveying direction of the sheet material, so that the height of the sheet material between the first feeding roller and the second feeding roller is consistent with the height of the upper surface of the punching die, the first forming die, and the first shaping die.

[0030] As described above, the first feeding roller and the second feeding roller make the plate material and the upper surface of the punching die, the first forming die and the first shaping die have the same height, which facilitates the conveying of the plate material on the upper surface of the punching die, the first forming die and the first shaping die, thereby improving the processing effect and processing efficiency of the bipolar plate.

[0031] As a possible implementation of the second aspect, the first feeding roller and the second feeding roller intermittently feed the sheet material, and the length of the sheet material fed each time is equal to the distance between the center positions of the first station, the second station, and the third station.

[0032] As described above, by making the conveying length of the sheet metal equal to the center distance between the first, second, and third workstations, the material can be moved to the second or third workstation for the next processing step after the material at the first and second workstations has been processed, following a step distance equal to this distance. This makes the processing of bipolar plates smoother, thereby improving the production efficiency of bipolar plates.

[0033] These and other aspects of this invention will become more readily apparent in the following description of several embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0034] The various features of this utility model and the relationships between them are further explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings are exemplary; some features are not shown to scale, and some drawings may omit conventional features in the field of this application that are not essential to this application, or additional features that are not essential to this application may be shown. The combination of features shown in the drawings is not intended to limit this application. Furthermore, throughout this specification, the same reference numerals refer to the same things. Specific descriptions of the drawings are as follows:

[0035] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the metal bipolar plate production equipment in this application;

[0036] Figure 2for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a progressive die for a medium-sized metal bipolar plate.

[0037] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the corresponding area of ​​the medium plate material in the progressive die for metal bipolar plates;

[0038] Figure 4 for Figure 2 Top view of the component mounted on the first mounting plate;

[0039] Figure 5 for Figure 2 A partial enlarged view of the first cavity between the first forming mold and the second forming mold;

[0040] Figure 6 For use Figure 1 The flowchart for processing bipolar plates using metal bipolar plate production equipment.

[0041] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0042] 10 Metal bipolar plate production equipment; 100 Metal bipolar plate progressive die; 110 First mounting plate; 120 Second mounting plate; 130 Punching mechanism; 131 Punching die; 132 Punching punch; 140 Molding mechanism; 141 First forming die; 142 Second forming die; 143 First guide pin; 150 Blanking mechanism; 151 Blanking die; 152 First forming die; 153 Second forming die; 154 First spring; 155 Second guide pin; 160 Edge clamping mechanism; 161 Edge clamping ring; 162 Second spring; 200 Uncoiling device; 300 Sheet metal winding device; 400 First feeding roller; 500 Second feeding roller; 20 Sheet metal; 21 Positioning pin hole. Detailed Implementation

[0043] The terms "first, second, third, etc." or similar terms such as module A, module B, module C, etc., used in the specification and claims are only used to distinguish similar objects and do not represent a specific ordering of objects. It is understood that a specific order or sequence may be interchanged where permitted so that the embodiments of this application described herein can be implemented in an order other than that illustrated or described herein.

[0044] In the following description, the labels of the steps, such as S110, S120, etc., do not necessarily mean that the steps will be executed in this way. The order of the steps can be interchanged or executed simultaneously if permitted.

[0045] The term "comprising" as used in the specification and claims should not be construed as limiting itself to what follows; it does not exclude other elements or steps. Therefore, it should be interpreted as specifying the presence of the mentioned feature, integral, step, or component, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, or components, or groups thereof. Thus, the statement "device comprising means A and B" should not be limited to a device consisting solely of components A and B.

[0046] The terms "an embodiment" or "an embodiment" as used in this specification mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in conjunction with that embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Therefore, the terms "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" appearing throughout this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, but may refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, in one or more embodiments, the particular features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure.

[0047] Below, with reference to the accompanying drawings, possible embodiments of the metal bipolar plate progressive die 100 of this application will be described by way of example.

[0048] This application provides a progressive die 100 for metal bipolar plates, used to press metal sheet 20 into bipolar plates, wherein the thickness t of the sheet 20 is 0.03-0.1 mm; comprising:

[0049] The first mounting plate 110 is horizontally fixed. The upper surface of the first mounting plate 110 has a first station S1, a second station S2 and a third station S3 arranged along the conveying direction of the sheet material 20. The center distance between the first station S1, the second station S2 and the third station S3 is equal. The second mounting plate 120 is set above the first mounting plate 110 and moves up and down in the vertical direction under the drive of the press.

[0050] A punching die 131 is fixedly mounted on the first station S1; a punching punch 132 is fixedly mounted on the lower surface of the second mounting plate 120, located above the punching die 131 at the corresponding position.

[0051] The first forming mold 141 is fixedly mounted on the second station S2; the second forming mold 142 is fixedly mounted on the lower surface of the second mounting plate 120, located at the corresponding position above the first forming mold 141, and closes with the first forming mold 141 after the second mounting plate 120 moves downward.

[0052] A blanking die 151 is fixedly mounted on the third station S3. The blanking die 151 has a receiving hole with an opening on its upper surface. A first shaping die 152 is disposed in the receiving hole and is slidably connected to the blanking die 151 in the vertical direction. A first spring 154 is mounted on the first mounting plate 110 and is located below the first shaping die 152, driving the upper surface of the first shaping die 152 to rise to the opening position of the receiving hole. A second shaping die 153 is fixedly mounted on the lower surface of the second mounting plate 120 and is located above the first shaping die 152 at a corresponding position.

[0053] When the second mounting plate 120 moves downward under the drive of the press, the punching punch 132 abuts against the punching die 131 when the first forming die 141 and the second forming die are closed, and the second shaping die 153 extends into the receiving hole through the opening of the receiving hole and closes with the first shaping die 152.

[0054] As described above, the sheet metal 20 can be punched using the punching die 131 and punching punch 132 at the first station S1. The sheet metal 20 can be molded by closing the first forming die 141 and the second forming die 142 to form flow channels. The second shaping die 153 can be inserted into the receiving hole and closed with the first shaping die 152, thereby separating the processed bipolar plate from the sheet metal 20. By mounting the punching punch 132, the second forming die 142, and the second shaping die 153 on the second mounting plate 120, punching, molding, and blanking of the sheet metal 20 can be simultaneously achieved when the press drives the second mounting plate 120 downwards. Therefore, multiple processing steps can be completed in a single pressing action of the press, thereby improving the production efficiency of metal bipolar plates.

[0055] Furthermore, by arranging the first station S1, the second station S2, and the third station S3 along the conveying direction of the sheet material 20, and ensuring that the center distances of the first station S1, the second station S2, and the third station S3 are equal, the material processed at the first station S1 and the second station S2 can be moved a distance equal to this distance to reach the second station S2 and the third station S3 for the next processing step. This makes the bipolar plate processing smoother, thereby improving the production efficiency of bipolar plates.

[0056] In some embodiments, the progressive die 100 for metal bipolar plates further includes: a pressure ring 161, which is sleeved on the punching punch 132, the second forming die 142, and / or the second shaping die 153; and a second spring 162, which is mounted on the second mounting plate 120 and drives the lower edge of the pressure ring 161 to protrude from the lower end of the punching punch 132, the second forming die 142, and / or the second shaping die 153. Thus, the pressure ring 161 can press and fix the edge of the sheet metal 20, thereby improving the stability of the sheet metal 20 during punching, molding, and blanking operations, and consequently improving the processing effect of the bipolar plate.

[0057] In some embodiments, the second spring 162 is an adjustable pressure spring. Therefore, by adjusting the elastic force of the second spring 162, the pressure applied to the sheet 20 by the pressure ring 161 can be adjusted, thereby allowing the sheet 20 to obtain a suitable holding force, thus improving the stability and firmness of the sheet 20 and enhancing the processing effect of the bipolar plate.

[0058] In some embodiments, the cavity formed by the first forming mold 141 and the second forming mold is the same as the cavity formed by the second shaping mold 153 and the first shaping mold 152. Therefore, by making the cavity formed by the first forming mold 141 and the second forming mold the same as the cavity formed by the second shaping mold 153 and the first shaping mold 152, the sheet metal 20, after being formed under the compression of the first forming mold 141 and the second forming mold 142, can maintain its molded shape during blanking at the third station S3 under the clamping of the first shaping mold 152 and the second shaping mold 153. This prevents the sheet metal 20 from warping and springing back during blanking, which would affect the processing effect of the bipolar plate.

[0059] In some embodiments, the metal bipolar plate progressive die 100 further includes: guide plates extending along the conveying direction, with two guide plates arranged in parallel, respectively positioned on both sides of the first station S1, the second station S2, and the third station S3, and the distance between the two guide plates being adapted to the width of the sheet metal 20. Thus, the guide plates can limit and guide the sheet metal 20, thereby improving the stability of the sheet metal 20 during conveying, increasing the positional accuracy of the sheet metal 20, and ultimately improving the processing effect of the sheet metal 20.

[0060] In some embodiments, the progressive die 100 for metal bipolar plates further includes a blower, the air outlet of which is located at the corresponding position of the third station S3. High-pressure air is used to blow the bipolar plates separated from the sheet 20 away from the third station S3. Thus, the blower can blow away the bipolar plates remaining after unloading at the third station S3, allowing the first forming die 152 and the second forming die 153 of the third station S3 to unload the next bipolar plate. This makes the bipolar plate production process more streamlined, thereby improving the processing efficiency of the bipolar plates.

[0061] In some embodiments, the upper surfaces of the punching die 131, the first forming die 141, and the first shaping die 152 are at the same height. Therefore, by making the upper surfaces of the punching die 131, the first forming die 141, and the first shaping die 152 at the same height, it is easier to transport the sheet metal 20 across the upper surfaces of the punching die 131, the first forming die 141, and the first shaping die 152, thereby improving the processing effect and efficiency of the bipolar plate.

[0062] The above description provides an exemplary description of possible embodiments of the progressive die 100 for metal bipolar plates in this application. Below, with reference to the accompanying drawings, an exemplary description of possible embodiments of the metal bipolar plate production equipment 10 in this application will be provided.

[0063] This application also provides a metal bipolar plate production apparatus 10, including any possible implementation of the aforementioned metal bipolar plate progressive die 100, a sheet uncoiling device 200, and a sheet winding device 300. The sheet uncoiling device 200 provides sheet material 20. After the sheet material 20 provided by the sheet uncoiling device 200 passes through the metal bipolar plate progressive die 100 to produce bipolar plates, the sheet winding device 300 winds up the remaining portion of the sheet material 20.

[0064] In some embodiments, the metal bipolar plate production equipment 10 further includes a first feeding roller 400 and a second feeding roller 500. The first feeding roller 400 is disposed between the sheet uncoiling device 200 and the metal bipolar plate progressive die 100, and the second feeding roller 500 is disposed between the metal bipolar plate progressive die 100 and the sheet winding device 300. The first feeding roller 400 and the second feeding roller 500 abut against the sheet 20 between the sheet uncoiling device 200 and the sheet winding device 300, changing the conveying direction of the sheet 20, so that the height of the sheet 20 between the first feeding roller 400 and the second feeding roller 500 is consistent with the height of the upper surface of the punching die 131, the first forming die 141, and the first shaping die 152. Therefore, by using the first feeding roller 400 and the second feeding roller 500, the upper surface of the sheet metal 20 is made to be at the same height as the upper surface of the punching die 131, the first forming die 141, and the first shaping die 152, which facilitates the conveying of the sheet metal 20 on the upper surface of the punching die 131, the first forming die 141, and the first shaping die 152, thereby improving the processing effect and efficiency of the bipolar plate.

[0065] In some embodiments, the first feeding roller 400 and the second feeding roller 500 intermittently convey the sheet material 20, with the length of the sheet material 20 conveyed each time being equal to the distance between the center positions of the first station S1, the second station S2, and the third station S3. Therefore, by making the conveying length of the sheet material 20 equal to the distance between the center positions of the first station S1, the second station S2, and the third station S3, after the material is processed at the first station S1 and the second station S2, it can step a distance equal to this distance to reach the second station S2 and the third station S3 for the next processing step. This makes the processing of bipolar plates smoother, thereby improving the production efficiency of bipolar plates.

[0066] The above description provides an exemplary description of possible embodiments of the metal bipolar plate production equipment 10 in this application. Below, with reference to the accompanying drawings, a specific embodiment is described in detail, taking the processing of bipolar plates using a sheet material 20 with a thickness of t = 0.1 mm as an example.

[0067] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the metal bipolar plate production equipment 10 in this application. Figure 1As shown, the metal bipolar plate production equipment 10 of this application includes a metal bipolar plate progressive die 100, a sheet uncoiling device 200, a sheet winding device 300, a first feeding roller 400, and a second feeding roller 500. The sheet uncoiling device 200 provides sheet material 20, which, guided by the first feeding roller 400, is fed into the metal bipolar plate progressive die 100 for processing to separate and obtain bipolar plates. The remaining sheet material 20, guided by the second feeding roller 500, is conveyed to the sheet winding device 300, where it is coiled and collected.

[0068] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of the progressive die 100 for a medium-sized metal bipolar plate; Figure 3 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the corresponding area of ​​the medium plate material 20 in the metal bipolar plate progressive die 100; Figure 4 for Figure 2 A top view of the components mounted on the first mounting plate 110. (See figure) Figures 1-4 As shown, the progressive die 100 for metal bipolar plates includes a first mounting plate 110, a second mounting plate 120, and a punching mechanism 130, a molding mechanism 140, a blanking mechanism 150, and a pressing mechanism 160 mounted on the first mounting plate 110 and the second mounting plate 120. The first mounting plate 110 is horizontally fixed, and the second mounting plate 120 is horizontally positioned above the first mounting plate 110, for connection to a press with a pressure-holding function, and can move vertically up and down under the drive of the press. A first station S1, a second station S2, and a third station S3 are sequentially arranged on the first mounting plate 110 and the second mounting plate 120 along the conveying direction of the sheet metal 20, with the centers of the first station S1, second station S2, and third station S3 equidistant. The punching mechanism 130 is located at the first station S1 for punching holes in the sheet metal 20. The molding mechanism 140 is located at the second station S2 for molding the sheet metal 20 to form a bipolar plate. The blanking mechanism 150 is located at the third station S3 and is used to separate the bipolar plate molded on the sheet 20 from the sheet 20. A pressure plate mechanism is provided at each of the first station S1, the second station S2, and the third station S3, and is used to press the sheet 20 and clamp and fix it during the processing of the sheet 20 by the punching mechanism 130, the molding mechanism 140, and the blanking mechanism 150.

[0069] like Figures 1-4As shown, the punching mechanism 130 includes a punching die 131 and punching punches 132. The punching die 131 is fixedly mounted on the first mounting plate 110, located at the first station S1. The punching punches 132 are fixedly mounted on the lower surface of the second mounting plate 120. Eight punches 132 are vertically arranged above the punching die 131 and are fixedly connected to the second mounting plate 120 by punch pads, punch fixing plates, and bolts, located at the corresponding positions of the hydrogen, air (oxygen), and cooling water inlet / outlet areas and the positioning pin holes 21 at both ends of the bipolar plate. The punching die 131 is a square block shape and is fixedly mounted on the first mounting plate 110, located at the first station S1. The punching die 131 has a cutting edge at the corresponding position of the punching punch 132. The shape of the cutting edge is adapted to the shape of the corresponding punching punch 132. The punching punch 132 and the cutting edge on the punching die 131 cooperate to cut through holes of the corresponding shape on the sheet metal 20.

[0070] Because the bipolar plate flow channel is a microchannel, the precision requirements for the two locating pin holes 21 are very high to ensure accurate positioning of the sheet metal 20 during its movement between processes. Therefore, the clearance between the punch 132, which is responsible for machining the locating pin holes 21, and the locating pin holes 21 is 1 / 100 of the sheet metal 20 thickness on one side, with a clearance of 0.001 to 0.002 mm on one side. The clearance between the punches for other hydrogen, air (oxygen), and cooling water inlets / outlets and the die is 1 / 10 of the sheet metal 20 thickness on one side. Taking a 0.1 mm sheet metal 20 as an example, the clearance on one side is 0.01 mm. The cutting edge height of the punch die 131 is 10 times the sheet metal 20 thickness. For a 0.1 mm sheet metal 20, the cutting edge height of the die is 1 mm to ensure complete separation of the cut-off portion from the sheet metal 20. The depth to which the punch 132 enters the punch die 131 is greater than the cutting edge height; in this embodiment, it is 1.2 mm.

[0071] like Figures 1-4 As shown, the molding mechanism 140 includes a first forming mold 141 and a second forming mold 142, both of which are square block-shaped components. The first forming mold 141 is fixedly mounted on the first mounting plate 110 at the second station S2 position by bolts, and the second forming mold 142 is fixedly mounted on the second mounting plate 120 at the second station S2 position by a pad and bolts. The first forming mold 141 is located directly below the second forming mold 142. The upper surface of the first forming mold 141 is the first forming part, and the lower surface of the second forming mold 142 is the second forming part. After the first forming mold 141 and the second forming mold 142 are closed in the vertical direction (mold closing direction), a first cavity is formed between the first forming part and the second forming part, and the sheet material 20 between the first forming mold 141 and the second forming mold 142 is stamped and formed, completing the precision forming of the bipolar plate distribution area, flow field area, and sealing area.

[0072] like Figure 4 As shown, the first forming mold 141 is also provided with a first guide pin 143. The first guide pin 143 is set at the position corresponding to the two positioning pin holes 21. The plate material 20 is positioned by the cooperation between the first guide pin 143 and the positioning pin holes 21, thereby improving the accuracy of the compression molding.

[0073] Figure 5 for Figure 2 A partially enlarged view of the first cavity between the first forming mold 141 and the second forming mold 142. (See attached image.) Figure 5 As shown, the thickness of the first cavity (the gap between the first forming mold 141 and the second forming mold 142 after mold closing) is equal to the thickness of the sheet metal 20. The first cavity is bent to form multiple alternating hydrogen-oxygen flow channels and cooling water flow channels. The hydrogen-oxygen flow channels are recessed towards the second forming mold 142, and the cooling water flow channels are recessed towards the first forming mold 141. Thus, after the first forming mold 141 and the second forming mold 142 are closed to form the first cavity, the sheet metal 20 is bent along with the first cavity, forming hydrogen-oxygen flow channels and cooling water flow channels on both sides of the sheet metal 20.

[0074] like Figure 5 As shown, the included angle between the two walls of the hydrogen-oxygen flow channel is α, and the corresponding angles of the first forming mold 141 and the second forming mold 142 are also α, with a value of α = 15°. Figure 5 In the first forming mold 141, dimension b is the bottom width of the hydrogen-oxygen flow channel, and b = 6t. Figure 5 The dimension B of the second forming die 142 is the width of the ridge of the hydrogen-oxygen flow channel, where B = b + 2 × t × tan((90-α) / 2). The thickness of this bipolar plate is t = 0.1 mm, b = 0.6 mm, therefore B = 0.778 mm. The dimension H of the first forming die 141 is the depth of the hydrogen-oxygen flow channel, which is three times the thickness of the sheet 20, so H = 0.3 mm. Figure 5 In the second forming mold 142, dimension a is the bottom width of the cooling water flow channel, and A is the ridge width of the cooling water flow channel. A = a + 2 × t × tan((90-α) / 2). a = 15t, that is, a = 1.5mm, A = 1.668mm. Figure 5 The outer radius of the second forming die 142 is r = t, and the inner radius of the first forming die 141 is R = r + t, i.e., r = 0.1 mm and R = 0.2 mm. The distance between two adjacent hydrogen-oxygen flow channels or cooling water flow channels is C = a + B + 2 × H × tan(α / 2), i.e., C = 2.384 mm. After all the plates 20 are pressed into bipolar plates, all the flow channels are parallel straight flow channels, with a total of 85 flow channels. The dimensions of each hydrogen-oxygen flow channel or cooling water flow channel are the same.

[0075] like Figures 1-4As shown, the blanking mechanism 150 includes a blanking die 151, a first forming die 152, and a second forming die 153. The blanking die 151 is a square block-shaped component, fixed to the first mounting plate 110 by bolts, and located at the third station S3. The blanking die 151 has a vertical through-hole-shaped receiving hole. The first forming die 152 is disposed within the receiving hole, and the size and shape of the receiving hole are adapted to the first forming die 152, allowing the first forming die 152 to slide vertically up and down within the receiving hole. A first spring 154 is located at the bottom of the first forming die 152, mounted on the second mounting plate 120, and pushes the first forming die 152 upwards.

[0076] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, the inner circumferential surface of the receiving hole is stepped and has a first abutment surface facing downward. The shape of the first shaping mold 152 is adapted to the receiving hole, and the outer circumferential surface of the first shaping mold 152 is also stepped and has a second abutment surface facing upward. The second abutment surface is located below the first abutment surface. The first shaping mold 152 moves vertically upward under the push of the first spring 154. When the upper end surface of the first shaping mold 152 is flush with the upper opening of the receiving hole, the first abutment surface and the second abutment surface abut.

[0077] The second shaping mold 153 is fixedly mounted on the second mounting plate 120 by a gasket and bolts, and is located at the third station S3. The lower end size and shape of the second shaping mold 153 are adapted to the shape and size of the first shaping mold 152 and the receiving hole. The second shaping mold 153 can move downward under the drive of the second mounting plate 120 and extend into the receiving hole through the upper opening of the receiving hole, thereby compressing the first spring 154 and causing the lower end of the first shaping mold 152 to abut against the first mounting plate 110.

[0078] When the second forming die 153 presses the sheet metal 20 into the receiving hole, it cooperates with the receiving hole to shear the sheet metal 20, cutting off the punched and molded portions to form bipolar plates. The single-sided clearance between the second forming die 153 and the blanking die 151 is 1 / 10 of the thickness of the sheet metal 20. Taking a 0.1mm sheet metal 20 as an example, the single-sided clearance is 0.01mm. The cutting edge height of the blanking die 151 is 10 times the thickness of the sheet metal 20. For a 0.1mm sheet metal 20, the cutting edge height of the die is 1mm to ensure complete separation of the sheet metal 20. The depth to which the second forming die 153 enters the blanking die 151 is greater than the cutting edge height; in this embodiment, it is 1.2mm.

[0079] The upper end face of the first forming mold 152 is provided with a third forming part, and the lower end face of the second forming mold 153 is provided with a fourth forming part. The third forming part is the same as the first forming part, and the fourth forming part is the same as the second forming part. After the first forming mold 152 and the second forming mold 153 are closed, a second cavity is formed between the third forming part and the fourth forming part. The second cavity is the same as the first cavity. Thus, shaping can be completed and warping and springback of the bipolar plate can be prevented during the blanking process.

[0080] like Figure 4 As shown, the first forming mold 152 is also provided with a second guide pin 155. The second guide pin 155 is set at the position corresponding to the two positioning pin holes 21. The plate material 20 is positioned by the cooperation between the second guide pin 155 and the positioning pin holes 21, thereby improving the accuracy of bipolar plate blanking.

[0081] The blanking mechanism 150 also includes a blower, the air outlet of which is located at the corresponding position of the third station S3. High-pressure air is used to blow the bipolar plates separated from the sheet 20 away from the third station S3. This allows the first forming mold 152 and the second forming mold 153 of the third station S3 to blank the next bipolar plate, thus making the bipolar plate production process more streamlined and improving processing efficiency.

[0082] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, three pressing mechanisms 160 are provided, respectively located at the positions corresponding to the first station S1, the second station S2, and the third station S3, situated on the outer edge of the bipolar plate pressing area on the sheet metal 20 at each station. Each pressing mechanism 160 includes a pressing ring 161 and a second spring 162. The pressing ring 161 is sleeved on the punching punch 132, the second forming die 142, and the second shaping die 153, pressing and fixing the sheet metal 20 at the first station S1, the second station S2, and the third station S3. One end of the second spring 162 is fixed to the second mounting plate 120 via a pad, and the other end is vertically downward and fixedly connected to the pressing ring 161.

[0083] When the press is not pressing down, the second mounting plate 120 is located at the top dead center. At this time, the punching punch 132 and the punching die 131, the second forming die 142 and the first forming die 141, and the second shaping die 153 and the first shaping die 152 are all in a separated state. The pressure ring 161 extends downward under the drive of the second spring 162, and is exposed at the lower end of the punching punch 132, the second forming die 142, and the second shaping die 153. Thus, when the second mounting plate 120 moves downward under the drive of the press, the pressure rings 161 at each station can first abut against the sheet metal 20, and the pressure rings 161 press and fix the edge of the sheet metal 20 before punching, die forming, and blanking, thereby improving the processing effect of the bipolar plate.

[0084] In addition, the second spring 162 is an adjustable pressure spring, which can adjust the blank-pressing force applied to the sheet 20 by the blank-pressing ring 161 according to the processing requirements, so as to improve the processing effect of the bipolar plate. At the first station S1, the blank-pressing force provided by the blank-pressing mechanism 160 is preferably 40-60 kN. At the second station S2, the blank-pressing force provided by the blank-pressing mechanism 160 is preferably 60-80 kN. At the third station S3, the blank-pressing force provided by the blank-pressing mechanism 160 is preferably 45 kN.

[0085] On the other hand, the metal bipolar plate progressive die 100 is also provided with guide plates. There are two guide plates, which are arranged parallel to each other on both sides of the punching die 131, the first forming die 141, and the first shaping die 152 along the conveying direction of the sheet 20. The distance between the two guide plates is adapted to the width of the sheet 20, which can limit the sheet 20 in the width direction, thereby improving the positional accuracy of the sheet 20 during punching, molding, and blanking.

[0086] like Figure 1 As shown, the sheet metal uncoiling device 200 is positioned on one side of the first station S1 in the progressive die 100 for uncoiling the coiled sheet metal. The sheet metal rewinding device 300 is positioned on one side of the third station S3 in the progressive die 100 for collecting the remaining sheet metal 20 after the bipolar plates have been separated. The first feeding roller 400 is positioned between the sheet metal uncoiling device 200 and the progressive die 100, and the second feeding roller 500 is positioned between the progressive die 100 and the rewinding device 300. Both the first feeding roller 400 and the second feeding roller 500 have two parallel conveying rollers for clamping and conveying the sheet metal 20.

[0087] When the first feeding roller 400 and the second feeding roller 500 clamp and convey the sheet 20, the sheet 20 between the first feeding roller 400 and the second feeding roller 500 maintains a certain tension so that the sheet 20 can remain flat when passing through the metal bipolar plate progressive die 100.

[0088] like Figure 1 As shown, the upper surfaces of the punching die 131, the first forming die 141, and the first shaping die 152 are horizontally aligned. The first feeding roller 400 and the second feeding roller 500 are aligned with the upper surfaces of the punching die 131, the first forming die 141, and the first shaping die 152, so that the sheet metal 20 passes horizontally close to the upper surfaces of the punching die 131, the first forming die 141, and the first shaping die 152.

[0089] The first feeding roller 400 and the second feeding roller 500 feed the sheet metal 20 in a stepping manner, with the step length (the length of the step) equal to the center distance between the first station S1, the second station S2, and the third station S3. Therefore, after the sheet metal 20 at the first station S1 completes its stepping motion for punching, it can be positioned at the corresponding position at the second station S2. After the sheet metal 20 at the second station S2 completes its stepping motion for molding, it can be positioned at the corresponding position at the third station S3. Simultaneously, the positioning accuracy of the sheet metal 20 after stepping is improved by coordinating the first guide pin 143, the second guide pin 155, and the positioning pin hole 21 on the sheet metal 20. This allows for continuous processing of the sheet metal 20.

[0090] Figure 6 For use Figure 1 The flowchart for the metal bipolar plate production equipment 10 in the process of processing bipolar plates is shown. Figure 6 As shown, the specific process for processing bipolar plates using the metal bipolar plate production equipment 10 includes:

[0091] Step S910, Loading

[0092] In step S910, the thickness of the metal sheet 20 is 0.03-0.1mm. The surface of the metal sheet 20 is inspected for defects such as scratches, and it is cleaned. The coil is then installed on the uncoiling device 200 to provide raw materials for the continuous production of the sheet 20. In this embodiment, the thickness of the sheet 20 is selected as t = 0.1mm.

[0093] Step S920, feeding

[0094] In step S920, as Figure 1 As shown, after the sheet metal uncoiling device 200 uncoils the coiled sheet metal, the metal sheet 20 passes through the upper and lower conveying rollers of the first feeding roller 400 and the second feeding roller 500. The height of the first feeding roller 400 and the second feeding roller 500 is adjusted to be flush with the metal bipolar plate progressive die 100. The clamping force of the two conveying rollers is adjusted, and the two conveying rollers rotate relative to each other, feeding the metal sheet 20 into the metal bipolar plate progressive die 100 for forming. When the conveying rollers rotate, there is no slippage between the metal sheet 20 and the conveying rollers. The conveying rollers rotate intermittently to feed the material. The rotation time of the conveying rollers should be between half of the press's return stroke and half of the press's downward stroke, ensuring that the sheet metal 20 can move one step before the pressing ring 161 contacts the sheet metal 20.

[0095] Step S930, punching process

[0096] In step S930, the punching process completes the punching of hydrogen, air (oxygen), cooling water inlet and outlet, and positioning pin hole 21 in the pipe area at both ends of the bipolar plate.

[0097] Step S940, forming process

[0098] In step S940, the forming process functions to precisely form the bipolar plate distribution area, flow field area, and sealing area. The sheet metal 20, having completed the punching process, moves one step length under the conveying of the first feeding roller 400 and the second feeding roller 500, and is positioned by the first guide pin 143 before entering the molding mechanism 140. The press descends, and the second forming die 142 and the blank holder 161, fixed on the second mounting plate 120, descend together under the press's drive. First, the blank holder 161 contacts the sheet metal 20. By adjusting the second spring 162 and setting a reasonable blank holder force, the sheet metal 20 is pressed against the upper surface of the first forming die 141. Then, the second forming die 142 closes with the first forming die 141, completing the forming of the distribution area and flow field area channels.

[0099] Step S950, Blanking and Shaping

[0100] In step S950, the blanking and shaping process occurs after the forming process is completed. The press moves upwards, and the first feeding roller 400 and the second feeding roller 500 rotate one step. The formed sheet metal 20 moves from the forming process to the third station S3 for blanking and shaping. The sheet metal 20 is positioned by the second guide pin 155 on the first shaping die 152. The press moves downwards, first driving the blank holder 161 downwards to contact and clamp the sheet metal 20. The blank holder force can be adjusted as needed; in this embodiment, the blank holder force is set to 45kN. Then, the second shaping die 153 moves downwards and closes with the first shaping die 152 to clamp the sheet metal 20. The press continues to move downwards, and the first shaping die 152 and the second shaping die 153 clamp the sheet metal 20, which then enters the blanking die 151. The first shaping die 152 presses against the first spring 154 below it, completing the shaping and blanking process. After the blanking is completed, during the press's return stroke, the first spring 154 pushes out the first forming mold 152, and high-pressure air blows the finished bipolar plate away from the workstation. This completes the bipolar plate blanking and forming process.

[0101] Step S960, winding

[0102] In step S960, the sheet material 20 that has completed the blanking process is sent to the sheet material winding device 300 via the second feeding roller 500, and the sheet material winding device 300 collects the waste material.

[0103] Note that the above are merely preferred embodiments and the technical principles employed in this application. Those skilled in the art will understand that this utility model is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, and various obvious changes, readjustments, and substitutions can be made without departing from the protection scope of this utility model. Therefore, although this application has been described in detail through the above embodiments, this utility model is not limited to the above embodiments. Many other equivalent embodiments may be included without departing from the concept of this utility model, all of which fall within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A progressive die for a metal bipolar plate, characterized in that, Used for pressing metal sheets into bipolar plates, wherein the sheet thickness t is 0.03-0.1 mm; comprising: A first mounting plate is horizontally fixed. A first station, a second station, and a third station are arranged on the upper surface of the first mounting plate along the conveying direction of the sheet material. The center distance between the first station, the second station, and the third station is equal. The second mounting plate is positioned above the first mounting plate and moves vertically up and down under the drive of the press. A punching die, wherein the punching die is fixedly disposed at the first work station; A punching punch is fixedly disposed on the lower surface of the second mounting plate, located at a corresponding position above the punching die; The first forming mold is fixedly installed at the second station; The second forming mold is fixedly disposed on the lower surface of the second mounting plate, located at the corresponding position above the first forming mold, and closes with the first forming mold after the second mounting plate moves downward; A blanking die is fixedly set at the third station. The blanking die is provided with a receiving hole, and the receiving hole has an opening on the upper surface of the blanking die. The first forming die is disposed in the receiving hole and is slidably connected to the blanking die in the vertical direction; A first spring is mounted on the first mounting plate, located below the first shaping mold, and drives the upper surface of the first shaping mold to rise to the opening position of the receiving hole; The second shaping mold is fixedly disposed on the lower surface of the second mounting plate, located at the corresponding position above the first shaping mold; In this process, the second mounting plate moves downward under the drive of the press, so that when the first forming mold and the second forming mold are closed, the punching punch abuts against the punching die, and the second shaping mold extends into the receiving hole through the opening of the receiving hole and closes with the first shaping mold.

2. The metal bipolar plate progressive die according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: A pressure ring, which is sleeved on the punching punch, the second forming die and / or the second shaping die; A second spring, mounted on the second mounting plate, drives the lower edge of the pressure ring to protrude from the lower end of the punching punch, the second forming die, and / or the second shaping die.

3. The metal bipolar plate progressive die according to claim 2, characterized in that, The second spring is an adjustable pressure spring.

4. The progressive die for metal bipolar plates according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cavity formed by the first forming mold and the second forming mold is the same as the cavity formed by the second shaping mold and the first shaping mold.

5. The progressive die for metal bipolar plates according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: A guide plate extends along the conveying direction. Two guide plates are arranged in parallel and are respectively located on both sides of the first station, the second station, and the third station. The distance between the two guide plates is adapted to the width of the sheet material.

6. The progressive die for metal bipolar plates according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: A blower, the air outlet of which is located at the corresponding position of the third station, blows the bipolar plates separated from the sheet away from the third station using high-pressure air.

7. The metal bipolar plate progressive die according to claim 1, characterized in that, The upper surfaces of the punching die, the first forming die, and the first shaping die are at the same height.

8. A metal bipolar plate production equipment, characterized in that, include: A metal bipolar plate progressive die, wherein the metal bipolar plate progressive die is the metal bipolar plate progressive die according to any one of claims 1-7; A sheet metal uncoiling device, wherein the sheet metal uncoiling device is used to provide sheet metal; A sheet metal winding device is used to wind up the remaining portion of the sheet metal after it has passed through the metal bipolar plate progressive die provided by the sheet metal unwinding device to produce bipolar plates.

9. The metal bipolar plate production equipment according to claim 8, characterized in that, It also includes a first feeding roller and a second feeding roller. The first feeding roller is disposed between the sheet metal uncoiling device and the metal bipolar plate progressive die, and the second feeding roller is disposed between the metal bipolar plate progressive die and the sheet metal rewinding device. The first feeding roller, the second feeding roller and the sheet metal uncoiling device and the sheet metal rewinding device abut against each other, changing the conveying direction of the sheet metal, so that the height of the sheet metal between the first feeding roller and the second feeding roller is consistent with the height of the upper surface of the punching die, the first forming die and the first shaping die.

10. The metal bipolar plate production equipment according to claim 9, characterized in that, The first feeding roller and the second feeding roller intermittently feed the sheet material, and the length of the sheet material fed each time is equal to the distance between the center positions of the first station, the second station, and the third station.

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