Method for processing a workpiece

Abstract

Method for machining a workpiece, wherein the machining of the workpiece takes place between two tools which rotate about tool axes which are preferably parallel to each other, one of the two tools has a machining unit and the other of the two tools has a counter-machining unit, wherein the machining unit and the counter-machining unit together form a forming arrangement and the machining of the workpiece in the forming arrangement is carried out by forming the workpiece, wherein during the forming a three-dimensional structure or several three-dimensional structures, which may or may have, for example, a channel structure and / or a sealing structure and / or a support structure, is or may be formed on the workpiece.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a method and a tool arrangement for machining a workpiece as well as a form element.

[0002] Electrochemical systems, such as fuel cell systems, battery systems, and electrolysis systems, utilize large quantities of essentially uniform components. These include bipolar plate elements for fuel cell systems or electrolysis systems, as well as battery cell housing elements, particularly battery lid elements, for battery systems. These components are manufactured from a material, such as a sheet of metal, by forming and / or stamping.

[0003] A large number of such shaped elements are installed in a fully or partially electrically powered vehicle.

[0004] A cylinder head gasket may have or be a similar shaped element.

[0005] The present invention is based on the objective of efficiently providing a form element or a precursor thereof in good quality.

[0006] The molded element or the intermediate product can advantageously be of good quality in that it has no or fewer defects and / or can be obtained with higher dimensional accuracy than similar molded elements or intermediate products obtained without the invention. In particular, the molded element or the intermediate product should be provided efficiently in that it can be produced quickly and / or in large quantities with minimal effort, especially with regard to the energy input.

[0007] The problem is solved according to the invention by the method for processing a workpiece in accordance with the relevant independent claim.

[0008] The process is a method for processing a workpiece, whereby - the machining of the workpiece takes place between two tools that rotate around tool axes that are preferably parallel to each other, - one of the two tools has a machining unit and the other of the two tools has a machining counter unit, wherein the machining unit and the machining counter unit together form a forming arrangement and - the processing of the workpiece in the forming arrangement is carried out by forming the workpiece, whereby a three-dimensional structure or several three-dimensional structures are formed on the workpiece during the forming process.

[0009] It can be advantageous if, during the forming process, a three-dimensional structure is formed on the workpiece, which may have a channel structure and / or a sealing structure and / or a support structure.

[0010] A channel structure mentioned herein can in particular be understood as a structure through which a fluid, e.g. operating fluid, can flow.

[0011] The operating fluid can be, for example, a temperature control fluid, an oxidizing agent (e.g., air) or a fuel (e.g., a fluid containing molecular hydrogen).

[0012] A sealing structure referred to herein can in particular be understood as a structure that forms a barrier for an operating fluid, wherein the sealing structure advantageously forms a barrier along a main surface of the workpiece and / or molded element for an operating fluid that can be guided on the main surface of the workpiece and / or molded element.

[0013] Advantageously, the sealing structure can have or be a sealing bead. The sealing bead can be, in particular, a full bead, a half bead, or a perimeter bead.

[0014] The support structure can, in particular, be a support structure which, in the event of compression of a fuel cell stack along a longitudinal axis of the stack, forms a stop that is able to prevent further compression of the fuel cell stack along the longitudinal axis of the stack. Examples of support structures are the compression protection units described in utility model DE 20 2023 104 068 U1, in particular the compression protection units described therein that have a corrugated element described therein.

[0015] It can be advantageous if, during the forming process, several three-dimensional structures are formed on the workpiece, which may have a channel structure and / or a sealing structure and / or a support structure.

[0016] It can be advantageous if, during the forming process on the workpiece, the three-dimensional structure or several three-dimensional structures are formed in such a way that at least in one section of the forming element a section of the three-dimensional structure or one of the three-dimensional structures extends from one side of the section to another side of the section, with one side of the section and the other side of the section reaching to a corner of the section.

[0017] Preferably, the cutout of the form element can be a square cutout, which can advantageously have a length and a width of 3 cm.

[0018] Naturally, in accordance with the usual meaning of the term "cutout," the cutout of the design element mentioned here refers only to a portion of the design element. It is therefore not a cut-out section, nor is it a section separated or destined to be separated from the rest of the design element. In particular, the design element is not cut through along the side of the cutout or the other side of the cutout, and especially not at the corner of the cutout.

[0019] It can be advantageous if the three-dimensional structure is designed in such a way, or the three-dimensional structures are designed in such a way, that the section extending from one side of the cutout to the other side of the cutout is at least partially curved.

[0020] It can be advantageous if the three-dimensional structure is designed, or the three-dimensional structures are designed, in such a way that the section extending from one side of the cutout to the other side of the cutout does not reach the two remaining sides of the cutout.

[0021] It turns out that when machining the workpiece between the two rotating tools, three-dimensional structures which have the section extending in the cutout as described above can be produced with particularly high accuracy and / or repeatably with low scrap.

[0022] During forming processes involving rotating tools, the entire three-dimensional structure(s) of the workpiece are not formed simultaneously. Instead, the forming of each three-dimensional structure occurs sequentially, starting with the section of the workpiece being fed into the forming arrangement first, and ending with the section being formed last.

[0023] This can mean, in particular, that the workpiece has greater scope for compensating movements during forming than when formed in a press.

[0024] In a press, one of the two tools is moved essentially linearly towards the other. This means that for any three-dimensional structure, the entire structure is formed essentially simultaneously. There is then hardly any room for compensatory movements. For example, at the moment when a central region of a three-dimensional structure is being formed, all surrounding areas of the workpiece are typically locked between the surrounding tool sections. This can mean, in particular, that a pronounced narrowing of the workpiece can occur at points where particularly strong deformation is taking place. This is because a compensatory movement of the locked surrounding areas of the workpiece to counteract or prevent this narrowing is not possible, or only barely so.

[0025] In the forming process described herein, a greater degree of compensatory movement is available. This is because, generally, in a forming arrangement between rotating tools, only a portion of the workpiece, precisely located between the tool axes and essentially lying on a forming line within a plane defined by the two tool axes, is fixed between the processing unit and the counter-processing unit. This is because the forming arrangement is only completely closed in this area. While compensatory movement of the surrounding, fixed portions of the workpiece is either impossible or extremely limited, the portions of the workpiece that have not yet been formed, or not yet fully formed, and which have not yet reached this forming line, are available for compensatory movement to a certain extent.This can mean, in particular, that where particularly strong deformation takes place, there may be a pronounced narrowing of the workpiece, but this narrowing is generally less pronounced than with a corresponding deformation in a press.

[0026] It can be advantageous if, on one side of the cutout, the length of the workpiece measurable in profile is at least 6%, preferably at least 10%, particularly preferably at least 18%, e.g. at least 20% greater than the length of one side.

[0027] It can be advantageous if, on one side of the cutout, the length of the workpiece measurable in the profile is at most 120%, preferably at most 100%, particularly preferably at most 85%, e.g. at most 70%, greater than the length of one side.

[0028] It can be particularly advantageous if, on one side of the cutout, the length of the workpiece measurable in the profile is 6% to 120%, preferably 10% to 100%, particularly preferably 18% to 85%, e.g. 20% to 70%, greater than the length of one side.

[0029] It can be advantageous if, on the other side of the cutout, the length of the workpiece measurable in profile is at least 6%, preferably at least 10%, particularly preferably at least 18%, e.g. at least 20% greater than the length of the other side.

[0030] It can be advantageous if, on the other side of the cutout, the length of the workpiece measurable in the profile is at most 120%, preferably at most 100%, particularly preferably at most 85%, e.g. at most 70%, greater than the length of the other side.

[0031] It can be particularly advantageous if the length of the workpiece measurable in the profile on the other side of the cutout is 6% to 120%, preferably 10% to 100%, particularly preferably 18% to 85%, e.g. 20% to 70%, greater than the length of the other side.

[0032] For example, it may be advantageous if, on one side of the cutout, the length of the workpiece measurable in profile is 18% to 85% greater than the length of one side, and on the other side of the cutout, the length of the workpiece measurable in profile is 18% to 85% greater than the length of the other side.

[0033] The material to be processed can preferably be a flat material, in particular a metallic flat material, e.g. a metal sheet or a metal foil.

[0034] Advantageously, the material to be processed can be or comprise a metal sheet or a metal foil.

[0035] The thickness of the metal sheet or metal foil can preferably be at least 0.05 mm, more preferably at least 0.08 mm, e.g. at least 0.1 mm.

[0036] The thickness of the metal sheet or metal foil can preferably be at most 2 mm, more preferably at most 1.5 mm, e.g. at most 1 mm.

[0037] The thickness of the metal sheet or metal foil can preferably be 0.05 mm to 2 mm, more preferably 0.08 mm to 1.5 mm, e.g. 0.1 mm to 1 mm.

[0038] The material to be processed, e.g., the metal sheet or metal foil, may preferably contain, consist of, and / or be wholly or partially made of one of the following metals and metal alloys: - austenitic stainless steel, e.g. selected from alloys 304L, 316L, 904L and 310S, - ferritic stainless steel, e.g. selected from alloys 430, 441, 444 and Crofer, - nickel-based alloy, e.g. selected from alloys 200 / 201, 286, 600 and 625, - Titanium, e.g. selected from alloys Grade 1 or Grade 2, - Aluminum alloy, e.g. selected from the alloys of the 1000 series and the 3000 series.

[0039] It can be advantageous if the forming arrangement includes a forming zone inclined to the circumferential directions of the two tools or oriented transversely to the circumferential directions of the two tools, wherein, during the forming process, a section of a depression is formed in the forming zone that is inclined to a longitudinal direction of the workpiece or oriented transversely to a longitudinal direction of the workpiece.

[0040] In this context, a depression is defined in particular as any surface zone extending into one of the main surfaces of the workpiece or the resulting shaped element. This also includes surface zones that extend into, run between, and / or are formed between raised areas, e.g., beads.

[0041] It can be advantageous if the forming arrangement includes a forming zone inclined to the circumferential directions of the two tools, wherein, during the forming process, a section of a depression inclined to a longitudinal direction of the workpiece is formed in the forming zone.

[0042] The inclination of the forming zone to the circumferential directions can be, for example, 1° to 89°, preferably 3° to 87°, particularly preferably 5° to 85°, and most preferably 10° to 80°, e.g., 15° to 75°. Reference can be made to the circumferential directions of the two tools at a point that lies exactly between the two tool axes.

[0043] It can be advantageous if the forming arrangement includes a forming zone oriented transversely to the circumferential directions of the two tools, wherein, during the forming process, a section of a depression is formed in the forming zone that is oriented transversely to a longitudinal extension direction of the workpiece.

[0044] The forming zone, oriented transversely to the circumferential directions of the two tools, can assume an angle of 75° to 90° to the circumferential directions, e.g., 85° to 90°, and / or be aligned parallel to the tool axes. The circumferential directions of the two tools can be referenced at a point that lies exactly between the two tool axes.

[0045] It can be advantageous if the section of the recess inclined to the longitudinal direction of the workpiece or oriented transversely to the longitudinal direction of the workpiece is designed asymmetrically, whereby it can be advantageous if the section of the recess is considered to be designed asymmetrically if the section is asymmetrical in at least one cross-section, wherein the cross-section is advantageously selected from cross-sections which intersect the section orthogonally to a lateral direction of the workpiece in the longitudinal direction of the workpiece.

[0046] It can be advantageous if the section in the at least one cross-section is asymmetrical with respect to a mirror plane which divides the cross-section in the middle, whereby it can be advantageous if the mirror plane is orthogonal to the longitudinal extension direction of the workpiece and orthogonal to a principal extension plane of the workpiece.

[0047] The main extension plane of the workpiece can be a plane that intersects the reshaped workpiece along the longitudinal extension direction and the width extension direction.

[0048] For example, a boundary zone of the workpiece, which extends around the three-dimensional structure or structures after forming, may lie in the main extension plane.

[0049] For example, the main extension plane can cut the reshaped workpiece along the longitudinal extension direction and the width extension direction in such a way that the masses of the workpiece sections located on both sides of the main extension plane are equal overall.

[0050] It can be advantageous if the section of the depression is inclined to the longitudinal direction of the workpiece or oriented transversely to the longitudinal direction of the workpiece. - with different inclinations of the two depression walls leading down into the section of the depression; - with different heights of the two depression walls leading down into the section of the depression; - with a depression bottom that is partially offset along the longitudinal direction of the material being processed, in relation to areas of the material being processed that are directly adjacent to the section of the depression; and / or - with a depression bottom that is inclined relative to the longitudinal direction of the workpiece, forming an asymmetrical shape.

[0051] It can be advantageous if the section of the depression inclined to the longitudinal direction of the workpiece or oriented transversely to the longitudinal direction of the workpiece is designed asymmetrically with different inclinations of the two depression walls leading down into the section of the depression.

[0052] The inclination of a depression wall can be understood as the average inclination of the depression wall relative to the longitudinal direction of the workpiece, as measured in the cross-section. To measure the average inclination of a depression wall, a straight line can be used in the cross-section, extending through the center of the upper and lower ends of the depression wall, and the inclination of this line relative to the longitudinal direction of the workpiece can be determined.

[0053] For example, in the cross-section, one of the depression walls leading down into the section of the depression can have an inclination that is at least 3°, preferably at least 5°, particularly preferably at least 8°, and most preferably at least 10° greater than the other of the depression walls leading down into the section of the depression.

[0054] For example, in the cross-section, one of the depression walls leading down into the section of the depression can have an inclination that is at most 40°, preferably at most 30°, particularly preferably at most 25°, most preferably at most 15°, greater than the other of the depression walls leading down into the section of the depression.

[0055] In particular, in the cross-section, one of the depression walls leading down into the section of the depression can have an inclination that is 3° to 40°, preferably 5° to 30°, particularly preferably 8° to 25°, and most preferably 10° to 15° greater than the other of the depression walls leading down into the section of the depression.

[0056] It can be advantageous if the section of the depression inclined to the longitudinal direction of the workpiece or oriented transversely to the longitudinal direction of the workpiece is designed asymmetrically with different heights of the two depression walls leading down into the section of the depression.

[0057] The two heights can each be measured orthogonally to the main extension plane in the cross-section at the points where the two depression walls merge into the depression floor.

[0058] Advantageously, one of the two heights is at least 3%, preferably at least 5%, particularly preferably at least 8%, and most particularly preferably at least 10% higher than the other of the two heights.

[0059] Advantageously, one of the two heights is at most 40%, preferably at most 30%, particularly preferably at most 25%, and most particularly preferably at most 15% higher than the other of the two heights.

[0060] In particular, one of the two heights can be 3% to 40%, preferably 5% to 30%, particularly preferably 8% to 25%, most preferably 10% to 15% higher than the other of the two heights.

[0061] It can be advantageous if the section of the depression inclined to the longitudinal direction of the workpiece or oriented transversely to the longitudinal direction of the workpiece is designed asymmetrically with a depression bottom that is inclined relative to the longitudinal direction of the workpiece.

[0062] The slope of the depression bottom can be understood as the average slope of the depression bottom relative to the longitudinal direction of the workpiece, as measured in the cross-section. To measure the average slope of a depression bottom, a straight line can be drawn in the cross-section, passing through the center of each end of the depression bottom, and the slope of this line relative to the longitudinal direction of the workpiece can be determined.

[0063] For example, in the cross-section the bottom of the depression can be inclined relative to the longitudinal direction by at least 3°, preferably by at least 5°, particularly preferably by at least 8°, and most preferably by at least 10°.

[0064] For example, in the cross-section the bottom of the depression can be inclined relative to the longitudinal direction by at most 25°, preferably by at most 22°, particularly preferably by at least 20°, and most preferably by at least 18°.

[0065] In particular, the cross-section of the depression bottom can be inclined by 3° to 25°, preferably by 5° to 22°, particularly preferably by 8° to 20°, and most preferably by 10° to 18° relative to the longitudinal direction.

[0066] It can be particularly advantageous if the term cross-section refers to each of at least five parallel cross-sections that intersect the section in the longitudinal direction of the workpiece orthogonally to a lateral direction of the workpiece at intervals of 5 mm.

[0067] The properties described with regard to the different inclinations of the two depression walls leading down into the section of the depression, with regard to the different heights of the two depression walls leading down into the section of the depression, with regard to the partially offset depression bottom and / or with regard to the inclination of the depression bottom can each preferably apply to each of the five parallel cross-sections and / or be determinable from each of the five parallel cross-sections.

[0068] It can be advantageous if the forming arrangement is or forms a stamping arrangement in which the forming takes place.

[0069] Advantageously, during the forming process, the three-dimensional structure, or at least one of several three-dimensional structures, can be imprinted into the workpiece by the embossing arrangement.

[0070] It can be advantageous if the processing unit and the processing counter unit together also form a separation arrangement, e.g. a punching arrangement and / or cutting arrangement.

[0071] It can be advantageous if, in the separation arrangement, a shaped element, e.g., a bipolar plate element, which has the three-dimensional structure or structures, is formed by separation, e.g., punching and / or cutting, along an outer separation line defined by the separation arrangement. Advantageously, the shaped element, e.g., the bipolar plate element, can be separated from the workpiece.

[0072] The form element can advantageously be or comprise a bipolar plate element, a battery cell housing element, or a cylinder head gasket element.

[0073] Advantageously, the bipolar plate element can be a bipolar plate or a bipolar plate can be produced from the bipolar plate element together with the other bipolar plate element, e.g. by joining the bipolar plate element with the other bipolar plate element in a material-bonded manner, in particular by welding.

[0074] The battery cell housing element can, in particular, be a battery lid element.

[0075] Advantageously, the processing unit and / or the counter-processing unit can have a counter-holding element. The counter-holding element can be an elastic element. The elastic element can be an elastomeric element, e.g., a rubber element. The elastomeric element can be a partially or fully synthetic elastomeric element, e.g., a partially or fully synthetic rubber element. Advantageously, the counter-holding element can hold the forming element in or on the workpiece and / or generate a counterforce on the workpiece to a force acting on the workpiece that facilitates or enables separation along the outer parting line.

[0076] It can be particularly advantageous if, in the separation arrangement, a shaped element, e.g., a bipolar plate element, which has the three-dimensional structure or structures, is formed and separated from the workpiece by a separation process, e.g., punching and / or cutting, along an outer separation line defined by the separation arrangement.

[0077] It can be advantageous if, in the separation arrangement, a recess extending through the workpiece is created by separation, e.g. punching and / or cutting, particularly along an inner separation line defined by the separation arrangement.

[0078] The recess can, for example, form a passage through which a fluid can be guided through the molded element. This applies in particular if the molded element is or has a bipolar plate element.

[0079] The recess can, for example, form a passage through which an operating fluid, such as a temperature control fluid, an oxidizing agent (e.g., air), or a fuel (e.g., a fluid containing molecular hydrogen) can be supplied. This applies in particular if the component is or has a bipolar plate element.

[0080] The recess can, for example, form a passage through which an operating fluid, such as a temperature control fluid, an at least partially consumed oxidizing agent (e.g., air), or an at least partially consumed fuel (e.g., a fluid containing molecular hydrogen), can be discharged. This applies in particular if the component is or has a bipolar plate element.

[0081] The recess can, for example, form an opening for the passage of a current-conducting element. This applies in particular if the molded element is or includes a battery cell housing element, e.g., a battery cover element.

[0082] The recess can, for example, form an opening for arrangement around or on a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine. This applies in particular if the molded element is or includes a cylinder head gasket element.

[0083] It can be advantageous if the section of the depression formed in the forming zone during the forming process forms a section of the channel structure, a section of the sealing structure, or a section of the support structure.

[0084] It can be advantageous if the processing unit and the processing counter-unit together form a material weakening arrangement, wherein at least one material weakening element is arranged and / or formed in the material weakening arrangement, which extends wholly or partially around a burst zone formation zone, wherein the material weakening element is pressed into the workpiece at one of the two main surfaces of the workpiece, for example by rolling the material weakening element on the main surface of the workpiece, wherein the workpiece is weakened where the material weakening element is pressed in.

[0085] Advantageously, a burst zone can be introduced into the workpiece using the material weakening arrangement. This can be particularly beneficial when the component is the battery cell housing element, such as the battery lid element. In the event of thermal runaway in a battery cell, the burst zone can enable controlled opening of the battery cell housing. It has been found that burst zones can be produced with the material weakening arrangement in a precisely reproducible manner, with particularly low force and energy expenditure, and at the same time very quickly.

[0086] Advantageously, the processing unit and the counter-processing unit can be combined. - the forming arrangement or - the material weakening arrangement or - form the forming arrangement and the material weakening arrangement.

[0087] The processing unit and the counter-processing unit do not necessarily have to have a forming arrangement as described herein.

[0088] It can be advantageous if, during the forming process, the workpiece is shaped. - a three-dimensional structure is formed which has a channel structure and a sealing structure; or - a three-dimensional structure that has a channel structure and another three-dimensional structure that has a sealing structure is formed.

[0089] It can be advantageous if, during the forming process, the workpiece is shaped. - a three-dimensional structure is formed which has a channel structure and a support structure; or - a three-dimensional structure that has a channel structure and another three-dimensional structure that has a support structure is formed.

[0090] It can be advantageous if, during the forming process, the workpiece is shaped. - a three-dimensional structure is formed which has a sealing structure and a support structure; or - a three-dimensional structure that has a sealing structure and another three-dimensional structure that has a support structure is formed.

[0091] It can be advantageous if, when creating the recess extending into the workpiece, a workpiece fragment is produced, and this fragment is then placed in a section removal zone during the cutting process. Advantageously, the section removal zone can be located in one of the two tools.

[0092] It can be advantageous if the forming arrangement does not have a counter-holding element, which - holds the workpiece section in the recess after separation along the inner separation line and / or pushes it back into the recess; and / or - prevents the processing material section from entering the section removal zone.

[0093] It can be advantageous if the forming element, e.g., bipolar plate element, which is separated from the workpiece, is separated from the surrounding workpiece after and / or during the exit of the processed workpiece from the forming arrangement.

[0094] This allows for the advantageous removal of workpiece sections, mold elements, and workpiece from which the mold elements have been separated, spatially separated from the process.

[0095] It can be advantageous if at least part of the sealing structure is formed in at least one edge zone of the resulting mold element.

[0096] It can be advantageous if the edge zone is an inner edge zone extending around the recess and / or an outer edge zone extending along an edge that limits the extent of the form element.

[0097] It can be advantageous if at least part of the sealing structure is formed in the inner edge zone.

[0098] It can be advantageous if at least part of the sealing structure is formed in the outer edge zone.

[0099] It can be advantageous if several sealing structures are formed and at least part of one of the sealing structures is formed in the inner edge zone and at least part of another of the sealing structures is formed in the outer edge zone.

[0100] It can be advantageous if the support structure is formed in at least one edge zone of the resulting shape element.

[0101] It can be advantageous if the support structure is formed in the outer edge zone of the emerging mold element between an edge of the emerging mold element and at least one part of the sealing structure formed in the outer edge zone.

[0102] It can be advantageous if the three-dimensional structure or the multiple three-dimensional structures that are formed during the forming of the workpiece include or include an operating fluid distribution structure.

[0103] Advantageously, the operating fluid distribution structure can include a section of the channel structure and / or the depression.

[0104] Advantageously, the section of the depression inclined to the longitudinal direction of the workpiece or oriented transversely to the longitudinal direction of the workpiece may be the section of the depression which has the operating fluid distribution structure.

[0105] It can be advantageous if the three-dimensional structure or the multiple three-dimensional structures that are formed during the forming of the workpiece include a distribution zone.

[0106] Advantageously, the distribution zone may include at least a section of the channel structure and / or the depression.

[0107] Advantageously, the section of the depression inclined to the longitudinal direction of the workpiece or oriented transversely to the longitudinal direction of the workpiece can be the section of the depression that has the distribution zone.

[0108] It can be advantageous if the three-dimensional structure or the multiple three-dimensional structures that are formed during the forming of the workpiece include a collection zone.

[0109] Advantageously, the collection zone may include at least a section of the channel structure and / or the depression.

[0110] Advantageously, the section of the depression inclined to the longitudinal direction of the workpiece or oriented transversely to the longitudinal direction of the workpiece can be the section of the depression that has the collection zone.

[0111] It can be advantageous if the forming arrangement includes several forming zones, wherein at least one of the forming zones is inclined to the circumferential directions of the two tools or is oriented transversely to the circumferential directions of the two tools, wherein in at least one of the forming zones, during forming, a section of a depression is formed on the workpiece that is inclined to a longitudinal direction of the workpiece or oriented transversely to a longitudinal direction of the workpiece, and in at least one other of the forming zones, a further section of the depression is formed on the workpiece during forming. It can be advantageous if the further section of the depression is also inclined to the longitudinal direction of the workpiece or oriented transversely to the longitudinal direction of the workpiece.

[0112] Advantageously, the recess can extend from the inlet to the outlet.

[0113] Advantageously, the depression can extend from the distribution zone via the operating fluid distribution structure into the collection zone.

[0114] The problem is solved according to the invention by the form element according to the relevant independent claim.

[0115] The form element has the following features: - a flat material and - a three-dimensional structure defined by the course of the flat material or several three-dimensional structures defined by the course of the flat material.

[0116] The form element can advantageously be or comprise a bipolar plate element, a battery cell housing element, or a cylinder head gasket element.

[0117] Advantageously, the bipolar plate element can be a bipolar plate or a bipolar plate can be produced from the bipolar plate element together with the other bipolar plate element, e.g. by joining the bipolar plate element with the other bipolar plate element in a material-bonded manner, in particular by welding.

[0118] The battery cell housing element can, in particular, be a battery lid element.

[0119] The form element can be, for example, a bipolar plate element.

[0120] The flat material can be, in particular, a metallic flat material.

[0121] The flat material can be, for example, a sheet of metal or a metal foil.

[0122] Naturally, the information provided regarding metals and metal alloys in connection with the processing method can also apply to the form element.

[0123] The flat material may, for example, be shaped.

[0124] It can be advantageous if the three-dimensional structure has a channel structure and / or a sealing structure and / or a support structure.

[0125] It can be advantageous if the three-dimensional structures have a channel structure and / or a sealing structure and / or a support structure.

[0126] It can be advantageous if the three-dimensional structure or structures have at least in one section of the form element a section of the three-dimensional structure or structures, wherein the section extends from one side of the cutout to another side of the cutout, with one side of the cutout and the other side of the cutout reaching a corner of the cutout.

[0127] Further details regarding the section of the form element, which may preferably be a square section, can be found herein in connection with the method.

[0128] It can be advantageous if the section extending from one side of the cutout to the other side of the cutout is at least partially curved.

[0129] In particular, the characteristics described in the procedure regarding the lengths measurable on the side and the other side in the profile can of course apply accordingly to one and the other side of the cutout of the form element.

[0130] It can be advantageous if the form element, e.g. the bipolar plate element, has sections of one or more recesses extending in different directions, wherein at least one of the sections extending in different directions is asymmetrical.

[0131] It can be advantageous if at least one of the sections running in different directions is considered asymmetrical if it is asymmetrical in at least one cross-section.

[0132] Advantageously, the cross-section can be selected from among cross-sections which cut the section in the longitudinal direction of the form element, e.g. the bipolar plate element, orthogonally to a width direction of the form element, e.g. the bipolar plate element.

[0133] Advantageously, the cross-section can be selected from cross-sections which cut the section orthogonally to a principal extension plane of the form element, e.g. the bipolar plate element.

[0134] It can be advantageous if the at least one asymmetrical section in the at least one cross-section is asymmetrical with respect to a mirror plane that bisects the cross-section. Advantageously, the mirror plane can be orthogonal to the principal extension plane of the feature.

[0135] It can be advantageous if at least one asymmetric section is asymmetric, by - different inclinations of the two depression walls leading down into at least one asymmetrical section; - different heights of the two depression walls leading down into at least one asymmetrical section; - a recessed bottom that is partially offset with respect to areas of the feature immediately adjacent to the at least one asymmetric section along the cutting plane of the at least one cross-section; and / or - a depression bottom which is inclined in at least one cross-section.

[0136] The inclination of a depression wall can be understood as the average inclination of the depression wall relative to the principal plane, measurable in at least one cross-section. To measure the average inclination of a depression wall, a straight line can be used in the at least one cross-section, extending centrally through the upper and lower ends of the depression wall, and the inclination of this line relative to the principal plane can be determined.

[0137] For example, in the at least one cross-section, one of the recess walls leading down into the at least one asymmetric section can have an inclination that is at least 3°, preferably at least 5°, particularly preferably at least 8°, and most preferably at least 10° greater than the other of the recess walls leading down into the at least one asymmetric section.

[0138] For example, in the at least one cross-section, one of the recess walls leading down into the at least one asymmetric section can have an inclination that is at most 40°, preferably at most 30°, particularly preferably at most 25°, and most preferably at most 15° greater than the other of the recess walls leading down into the at least one asymmetric section.

[0139] In particular, in the at least one cross-section, one of the recess walls leading down into the at least one asymmetric section can have an inclination that is 3° to 40°, preferably 5° to 30°, particularly preferably 8° to 25°, and most preferably 10° to 15° greater than the other of the recess walls leading down into the at least one asymmetric section.

[0140] It can be advantageous if the at least one asymmetrical section is asymmetrical due to different heights of the two depression walls leading down into the at least one asymmetrical section.

[0141] The two heights can be measured in at least one cross-section orthogonally to the main extension plane at the points where the two depression walls merge into the depression floor.

[0142] Advantageously, one of the two heights is 3%, preferably at least 5%, particularly preferably at least 8%, and most preferably at least 10% higher than the other of the two heights.

[0143] Advantageously, one of the two heights is at most 40%, preferably at most 30%, particularly preferably at most 25%, and most particularly preferably at most 15% higher than the other of the two heights.

[0144] In particular, one of the two heights can be 3% to 40%, preferably 5% to 30%, particularly preferably 8% to 25%, most preferably 10% to 15% higher than the other of the two heights.

[0145] It can be advantageous if the at least one asymmetric section is asymmetric due to a depression bottom that is inclined in the at least one cross-section.

[0146] The slope of the depression bottom can be understood as the average slope of the depression bottom relative to the principal plane, measurable in at least one cross-section. To measure the average slope of a depression bottom, a straight line can be used in the at least one cross-section, extending centrally through both ends of the depression bottom, and the slope of this line relative to the principal plane can be determined.

[0147] For example, in at least one cross-section, the bottom of the depression can be inclined relative to the main extension plane by at least 3°, preferably by at least 5°, particularly preferably by at least 8°, and most preferably by at least 10°.

[0148] For example, in at least one cross-section, the bottom of the depression can be inclined relative to the main extension plane by at most 25°, preferably by at most 22°, particularly preferably by at most 20°, and most preferably by at most 18°.

[0149] In particular, in at least one cross-section, the bottom of the depression can be inclined relative to the main extension plane by 3° to 25°, preferably by 5° to 22°, particularly preferably by 8° to 20°, and most preferably by 10° to 18°.

[0150] It can be particularly advantageous if the at least one cross-section refers to each of at least five parallel cross-sections that intersect the at least one asymmetric section orthogonally to the principal extension plane, parallel to each other, at a distance of 5 mm from each other.

[0151] The properties described with regard to the different inclinations of the two depression walls leading down into the at least one asymmetric section, with regard to the different heights of the two depression walls leading down into the at least one asymmetric section, with regard to the partially offset depression bottom and / or with regard to the inclination of the depression bottom can each preferably apply to each of the five parallel cross-sections and / or be determinable from each of the five parallel cross-sections.

[0152] It can be advantageous if a recess extends through the shape element.

[0153] The recess can, for example, form a passage through which a fluid can be guided through the molded element.

[0154] The recess can, for example, form a passage through which an operating fluid, such as a temperature control fluid, an oxidizing agent (e.g., air), or a fuel (e.g., a fluid containing molecular hydrogen) can be supplied.

[0155] The recess can, for example, form a passage through which an operating fluid, such as a temperature control fluid, an oxidizing agent that is at least partially consumed (e.g., air), or a fuel that is at least partially consumed (e.g., a fluid containing molecular hydrogen) can be discharged.

[0156] It can be advantageous if at least one asymmetric section is a section of the channel structure, or a section of the sealing structure, or a section of the support structure.

[0157] It can be advantageous if the design element has: - a three-dimensional structure that has a channel structure and a sealing structure; or - a three-dimensional structure that has a channel structure, and another three-dimensional structure that has a sealing structure.

[0158] It can be advantageous if the design element has: - a three-dimensional structure that includes a channel structure and a support structure; or - a three-dimensional structure that has a channel structure, and another three-dimensional structure that has a support structure.

[0159] It can be advantageous if the design element has: - a three-dimensional structure that includes a sealing structure and a supporting structure; or - a three-dimensional structure that has a sealing structure, and another three-dimensional structure that has a support structure.

[0160] It can be advantageous if at least part of the sealing structure is located in at least one edge zone of the resulting mold element.

[0161] It can be advantageous if the edge zone is an inner edge zone extending around the recess and / or an outer edge zone extending along an edge that limits the extent of the form element.

[0162] It can be advantageous if at least part of the sealing structure is located in the inner edge zone.

[0163] It can be advantageous if at least part of the sealing structure is located in the outer edge zone.

[0164] It can be advantageous if the molded element has several sealing structures and at least part of one of the sealing structures is located in the inner edge zone and at least part of another of the sealing structures is located in the outer edge zone.

[0165] It can be advantageous if the support structure is located in at least one edge zone of the shape element.

[0166] It can be advantageous if the support structure is located in the outer edge zone of the mold element between an edge of the emerging mold element and at least one part of the sealing structure located in the outer edge zone.

[0167] It can be advantageous if the three-dimensional structure or the multiple three-dimensional structures include or include an operating fluid distribution structure.

[0168] Advantageously, the operating fluid distribution structure can include a section of the channel structure and / or the depression.

[0169] The at least one asymmetrical section of the depression that the operating fluid distribution structure has can be advantageous.

[0170] It can be advantageous if the three-dimensional structure or the multiple three-dimensional structures include a distribution zone.

[0171] Advantageously, the distribution zone may include at least a section of the channel structure and / or the depression.

[0172] The at least one asymmetrical section of the depression that the distribution zone has can be advantageous.

[0173] It can be advantageous if the three-dimensional structure or the multiple three-dimensional structures include a collection zone.

[0174] Advantageously, the collection zone may include at least a section of the channel structure and / or the depression.

[0175] The at least one asymmetrical section of the depression that the collecting zone has can be advantageous.

[0176] Advantageously, the recess can extend from the inlet to the outlet.

[0177] Advantageously, the depression can extend from the distribution zone via the operating fluid distribution structure into the collection zone.

[0178] The present invention is based on the objective of providing a tool arrangement with which the mold element or a pre-product thereof can be efficiently provided in good quality.

[0179] It can be advantageous if the molded element, in particular the battery cell housing element, e.g. the battery lid element, has a burst zone and a predetermined breaking zone extending wholly or partially around the burst zone, wherein the molded element is weakened in the predetermined breaking zone.

[0180] The design element can have the burst zone and the predetermined breaking zone in addition to or instead of the three-dimensional structure.

[0181] The design element can have the burst zone and the predetermined breaking zone in addition to or instead of the three-dimensional structures.

[0182] In the event of thermal runaway of a battery cell, the burst zone can enable a controlled opening of a battery cell housing, in particular by breaking the predetermined breaking point.

[0183] The burst zone can be a burst zone produced in the material weakening arrangement.

[0184] Advantageously, the material thickness of the molded element in at least one predetermined breaking section of the predetermined breaking zone can be less than the material thickness of the molded element in at least one other section of the predetermined breaking zone.

[0185] Advantageously, the material thickness of the molded element can vary continuously or in steps along the predetermined breaking point.

[0186] The problem is solved according to the invention by the tool arrangement according to the relevant independent claim.

[0187] It can be advantageous if the forming zone is formed by a projection section oriented transversely or inclined to the circumferential directions and a recess section oriented transversely or inclined to the circumferential directions.

[0188] It can be advantageous if the processing unit has one of the two sections selected under the overhang section and the recess section, and the processing counter unit has the other of the two sections selected under the overhang section and the recess section.

[0189] It can be advantageous if the processing unit and the processing counter unit together also form a separation arrangement, e.g. a punching arrangement and / or cutting arrangement.

[0190] It can be advantageous if, in the separation arrangement, a form element, e.g., a bipolar plate element, which has the three-dimensional structure or structures, can be formed by separation, e.g., punching and / or cutting, along an outer separation line defined by the separation arrangement.

[0191] It can be advantageous if the separation arrangement allows the shaping element, e.g. the bipolar plate element, to be separated from the workpiece.

[0192] It can be advantageous if the outer dividing line is defined by at least one dividing element, preferably by two dividing elements, e.g. a cutting punch element and a die element.

[0193] It can be advantageous if the at least one separating element is formed or arranged on one of the tools and if the extent of the at least one separating element measurable in a circumferential direction of the tool is less than 25%, preferably less than 20%, particularly preferably less than 12.5%, e.g. less than 10% of the circumference of the tool on which the at least one separating element is formed or arranged.

[0194] It can be advantageous if the at least one separating element is formed or arranged on one of the tools and a dimension of the at least one separating element measurable in a circumferential direction of the tool is more than 0.5%, preferably more than 1%, particularly preferably more than 2%, e.g. more than 4% of the circumference of the tool on which the at least one separating element is formed or arranged.

[0195] It can be particularly advantageous if the at least one separating element is formed or arranged on one of the tools and a circumferential dimension of the at least one separating element measurable in a circumferential direction of the tool is more than 0.5% to less than 25%, preferably more than 1% to less than 20%, particularly preferably more than 2% to less than 12.5%, e.g. more than 4% to less than 10% of the circumference of the tool on which the at least one separating element is formed or arranged.

[0196] It can be particularly advantageous if, in the separation arrangement, a form element, e.g., a bipolar plate element, which has the three-dimensional structure or structures, can be formed and separated from the workpiece by separation, e.g., punching and / or cutting, along an outer separation line defined by the separation arrangement.

[0197] It can be advantageous if, in the separation arrangement, a recess extending through the workpiece can be created by separation, e.g. punching and / or cutting, particularly along an inner separation line defined by the separation arrangement.

[0198] It may be advantageous if the mold element described herein is manufactured according to a method described herein and / or with a tool arrangement described herein.

[0199] Naturally, features described in connection with one object according to the invention can also constitute features of another object according to the invention. Objects according to the invention include, in particular, the method, the form element, and the tool arrangement.

[0200] Further preferred features and / or advantages of the invention are the subject of the following description and the graphic representation of exemplary embodiments.

[0201] They show: Fig. 1: a schematic representation of a tool arrangement for carrying out the procedure; Fig. 2: a schematic representation of a processing unit; Fig. 3: a schematic representation of a processing counter unit; Fig. 4: a schematic representation of a progressive transformation during the execution of the process; Fig. 5: a schematic representation of a cross-section of a section of a depression; Fig. 6: a form element that is a bipolar plate element; Fig. 7: a schematic representation of a progressive transformation and separation that may occur during the execution of the process; Fig. 8: a section through a molded element that is a bipolar plate element, wherein the molded element has depressions which may result from forming during the production of three-dimensional structures; and Fig. 9: a schematic representation of a tool arrangement for carrying out the procedure.

[0202] Identical or functionally equivalent elements are designated with the same reference symbols in all figures.

[0203] The Fig. Figure 1 illustrates a schematic representation of a process for processing a workpiece 100. The workpiece 100 is a flat material 102, in particular a metallic flat material 104, e.g. a metal sheet 106 or a metal foil 107.

[0204] It can be advantageous if the metal sheet 106 or the metal foil 107 is suitable for a bipolar plate element 442, e.g. a bipolar plate.

[0205] The machining of the workpiece 100 takes place between two tools 108. The two tools rotate around parallel tool axes 110.

[0206] One of the two tools 108 has a machining unit 112. The other of the two tools has a counter-machining unit 114.

[0207] The processing unit 112 and the counter-processing unit 114 together form a forming arrangement 416. The processing of the workpiece 100 takes place in the forming arrangement 416 by forming the workpiece 100.

[0208] During the forming process, a three-dimensional structure 436 can be formed on the workpiece 100.

[0209] During the forming process, several three-dimensional structures 436 can be formed on the workpiece.

[0210] Advantageously, the three-dimensional structure 436 or the three-dimensional structures 436 can have a channel structure 438 and / or a sealing structure 440.

[0211] The forming arrangement 416 is a stamping arrangement 418. The forming takes place in the stamping arrangement 418.

[0212] The processing unit 112 and the processing counter unit 114 together additionally form a separating arrangement 115. The separating arrangement 115 can, for example, be a punching arrangement 116 and / or a cutting arrangement 118.

[0213] The Fig. Figure 2 shows a roughly simplified representation of processing unit 112 of the [unclear text]. Fig. 1 tool 108 shown above. The machining unit 112 comprises a forming structure 454, which has a forming recess 458, and a shearing unit 120. The shearing unit 120 extends to a shearing edge 122. The shearing unit 120 of the machining unit 112 is a cutting punch element 130, wherein the shearing edge 122 forms an outer edge of the cutting punch element 130.

[0214] The Fig. Figure 3 shows a roughly simplified representation of the processing unit 114 of the unit described in the Fig. 1 tool 108 shown below. The machining counter unit 114 comprises a forming counter structure 456, which has a forming projection 460, and a shear unit 120. The shear unit 120 extends to a shear edge 122. The shear unit 120 of the machining counter unit 112 is a die element 132, wherein the shear edge 122 forms an inner edge of the die element 132.

[0215] It can be advantageous if the forming arrangement 416 includes a forming zone 420 inclined to the circumferential directions 422 of the two tools 108 or oriented transversely to the circumferential directions 422 of the two tools 108. During forming of the workpiece 100, a section 426 of a recess 428 can be formed in the forming zone 420, inclined to a longitudinal direction 424 of the workpiece 100 or oriented transversely to a longitudinal direction 424 of the workpiece 100.

[0216] For example, the forming recess 458, which is located in the Fig. Figure 2 shows recessed sections 462 that are oriented transversely to the circumferential direction 422 of the tool 108 shown therein. Furthermore, for example, the forming projection 460, which is shown in the Fig. Figure 3 shows protruding sections 464 which are oriented transversely to the circumferential direction 422 of the tool 108 shown there.

[0217] Advantageously, protruding sections 464 can engage in recessed sections 462 and / or extend into recessed sections 462, thereby forming the three-dimensional structure 436 or the several three-dimensional structures 436 on the workpiece 100.

[0218] For example, the forming arrangement 416, which together form the machining unit 112 and the machining counter unit 114, can have several forming zones 420 oriented transversely to the circumferential directions 422 of the two tools 108, wherein each forming zone 420 is formed by a projection section 464 and an associated recess section 462.

[0219] The Fig. Figure 4 illustrates how the workpiece 100 can be deformed by showing three different states that are passed through during the rotation of the tools 108 about the tool axes 110. Fig. Figure 4 shows only a projection section 464 of a forming projection 460 and a recess section 462 of a forming recess 458. The cross-sections shown there intersect a section of the depression formed in the workpiece 100 in the longitudinal direction 424 of the workpiece 100 orthogonally to a lateral direction 450 of the workpiece 100.

[0220] The condition that is in the Fig. The figure shown at the very top, number 4, resembles the state shown in the Fig. Figure 4 is shown at the very bottom. In these two states, the tools are rotated the same distance around their axes relative to the state shown in the middle, but in opposite directions.

[0221] In the state that is in the Fig. 4 is shown in the middle, with the forming projection 460 and the forming recess 458 shown lying exactly between the two axes of rotation not shown.

[0222] In connection with the invention, it was recognized that during the processing of the workpiece, depressions are formed which are not mirror-symmetrical in cross-section, even during a forming process between forming sections 464 that are mirror-symmetrical in cross-section and forming recesses 462.

[0223] During the forming process, the closing action ( Fig. 4, top) and opening ( Fig. 4, below) in the two states shown there – which are equivalent with respect to the rotation of the tools – forces of different magnitudes occur. Thus, the forming process during closing ( Fig. 4, above) with great force. It is involved in opening ( Fig. 4, below), largely completed. In addition, the forming sections 464 and forming recesses 462, which are mirror-symmetrical in cross-section, interlock obliquely during closing and opening.

[0224] This leads to the formation of asymmetrical depressions during the forming process.

[0225] It was found that the degree of asymmetry of the resulting depressions, or the extent of deviations from a symmetrical shape of the resulting depressions, can depend on various characteristics, such as the diameter of the tools, the height of forming sections, the depth of forming recesses, the thickness of the workpiece, and the shape of the forming sections.

[0226] For example, the section 426 of the recess 428, which is inclined to the longitudinal direction 424 of the workpiece 100 or oriented transversely to the longitudinal direction 424 of the workpiece 100, can be designed asymmetrically.

[0227] A section 426 of a recess 428 can be considered asymmetrical, in particular, if the section 426 is asymmetrical in at least one cross-section, wherein the cross-section is advantageously selected from cross-sections which intersect the section 426 in the longitudinal direction 424 of the workpiece 100 orthogonally to a lateral direction 450 of the workpiece 100. Such a cross-section is shown in the Fig. 5. The cross-section shown there is formed by a section 426 of a depression 428 in the longitudinal extension direction 424 of the workpiece 100 orthogonal to a width extension direction 450 of the workpiece 100.

[0228] Section 426 is asymmetric in that at least one cross-section is asymmetric with respect to a mirror plane 468 which divides the cross-section in the middle, wherein the mirror plane 468 is orthogonal to the longitudinal extension direction 424 of the workpiece and orthogonal to a dimension in the Fig. The main extension plane of the workpiece, not shown, runs along the 5th main extension plane of the workpiece. The main extension plane of the workpiece can be a plane that intersects the formed workpiece along the longitudinal extension direction 424 and the lateral extension direction 450.

[0229] For example, an edge zone of the workpiece 100, which extends around the three-dimensional structure 436 or around the three-dimensional structures 436 after the forming process, can lie in the main extension plane.

[0230] The one in Fig. Section 426 shown in Figure 5 exhibits different inclinations of the two depression walls 448 leading down into section 426 of the depression 428 ( Fig. 5, angles alpha and beta).

[0231] The one in Fig. Section 426 shown in Figure 5 also exhibits different heights 466 of the two depression walls 448 leading down into section 426 of the depression 428. The height 466 shown on the left is approximately 10% to 20% greater than the height 466 shown on the right.

[0232] The one in Fig. Section 426 shown in Figure 5 has a depression bottom 430. The depression bottom 430 is partially offset along the longitudinal direction 424 of the workpiece 100 with respect to areas 432 of the workpiece 100 immediately adjacent to section 426 of the depression 428. The depression bottom is also inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction 424 of the workpiece 100.

[0233] Advantageously, in a separation arrangement 115, a shaped element 144, e.g., a bipolar plate element 442, which has the three-dimensional structure 436 or the three-dimensional structures 436, can be formed and separated from the workpiece 100 by separation, e.g., punching and / or cutting, along an outer separation line 128 defined by the separation arrangement 115, and separated. The outer separation line 128 can be defined, e.g., by a cutting punch element 130 and a die element 132.

[0234] Advantageously, in the separating arrangement 115, a recess 434 extending through the workpiece can be introduced into the workpiece by separating, e.g. punching and / or cutting, in particular along an inner separating line 129 defined by the separating arrangement 115.

[0235] Such exceptions 434 are shown, for example, in the Fig. Formula element 144 is shown in Figure 6. Formula element 144 shown there is a bipolar plate element 442. It is suitable for an electrochemical system, in particular for a fuel cell system.

[0236] Formula element 144 has a feature in the Fig. 6. First main surface facing the viewer 308 and one in the Fig. The second main surface 310 faces away from the viewer. The form element 144 has an operating fluid distribution structure 304. The operating fluid distribution structure 304 is formed on the first main surface 108 of the form element 144. It can serve, in particular, for the planar distribution of an operating fluid 306 on the first main surface 308. The operating fluid distribution structure 304 comprises a plurality of operating fluid distribution channels 312. For example, in the Fig. 6 only two of the operating fluid distribution channels 312 are marked with reference numbers.

[0237] Formula element 144 has a first border 314 and a second border 316.

[0238] Formula element 144 has a feed zone 318 through which the operating fluid 306 can be supplied. Formula element 144 has a discharge zone 320 through which a completely or partially consumed operating fluid can be discharged.

[0239] Formula element 144 has a distribution zone 322 and a collection zone 324. The operating fluid 306, which can be supplied through the supply zone 318, can be distributed over the surface of the first main surface 308 in the distribution zone 322. After at least partial conversion of the operating fluid in an electrochemical system in which formula element 144 may be used, the operating fluid can be collected in the collection zone 324 and supplied to the discharge zone 320.

[0240] The feed zone 318 and the discharge zone 320 each extend through a recess 434.

[0241] In addition, the form element 144 has further recesses 434 which can be used in an electrochemical system, e.g. a fuel cell device, for guiding a further operating fluid or a temperature control fluid.

[0242] Advantageously, a three-dimensional structure 436, comprising a channel structure 438 and a sealing structure 440, can be formed during the forming process on the workpiece 100. Alternatively, a three-dimensional structure 436 comprising a channel structure 438 and another three-dimensional structure 436 comprising a sealing structure 440 can be formed.

[0243] Advantageously, the section 426 of the recess 428, which is formed in the forming zone 420 during forming, can form a section 426 of the channel structure 438 or a section 426 of the sealing structure 440.

[0244] The one in Fig. The operating fluid distribution structure 304 shown, the distribution zone 322, and the collection zone 324 can, for example, be areas of a channel structure 438, and a section 426 of the recess 428, which is formed in the forming zone 420 during forming, can form a section 426 of this channel structure 438. A sealing structure 440 extends wholly or partially around the recess 434 through which the feed zone 318 extends. A sealing structure 440 extends wholly or partially around the recess 434 through which the discharge zone 320 extends.

[0245] The one in Fig. The forming element 144 shown in Figure 6 has a flat material 102. This is a metallic flat material 104, in particular a metal sheet 106 or a metal foil 107. The forming element 144 also has three-dimensional structures 436 defined by the shape of the formed flat material 102, wherein one of the three-dimensional structures 436 is a channel structure 438 and several other three-dimensional structures 436 each have a sealing structure 440.

[0246] The one in Fig. Formula element 144 shown in Figure 6 has sections 426 of one or more depressions 428 extending in different directions 444, 446. At least one of the sections 426 extending in different directions 444, 446 is asymmetrical.

[0247] For example, one of the sections 426 extending in different directions 444, 446 can be asymmetrical in at least one cross-section. The cross-section is advantageously selected from among those that intersect the section 426 in the longitudinal direction 424 of the feature 144 orthogonally to a lateral direction 428 of the feature 144 and / or orthogonally to a principal plane of extension of the feature 144. The principal plane of extension can be a plane that intersects the feature along the longitudinal direction 424 and the lateral direction 428. The asymmetry in the cross-section can, for example, manifest itself in one or more of the sections that are relevant in this respect. Fig. The 4 explained features are shown.

[0248] The one in Fig. The form element 144 shown in section 6 can be manufactured using a tool arrangement 282.

[0249] The tool arrangement 282 has two tools 108 which are rotatable about tool axes which are preferably parallel to each other.

[0250] One of the two tools 108 has a machining unit 112. The other of the two tools 108 has a counter-machining unit 114, wherein the machining unit 112 and the counter-machining unit 114 together form a forming arrangement 416.

[0251] In the forming arrangement 416, a forming zone 420 is provided which is inclined to the circumferential directions 422 of the two tools 108 or oriented transversely to the circumferential directions 422 of the two tools 108. The workpiece 100 can be machined therein by forming such that several three-dimensional structures 436 are formed on the workpiece 100 during the forming process according to the Fig. 5, which have a channel structure 438 and several sealing structures 440, can be formed. For this purpose, the forming zone 420 is formed by a projection section 464 inclined to the circumferential directions 422 and a recess section 462 inclined to the circumferential directions 422. Advantageously, the machining unit 112 can have one of the two sections selected from the projection section 464 and the recess section 462, and the counter-machining unit 114 can have the other of the two sections selected from the projection section 464 and the recess section 462.

[0252] The Fig. Figure 7 illustrates a process that includes forming and separating. This is shown using a corner region of a bipolar plate element 442 formed during forming and separating. The corner region of the bipolar plate element 442 is indicated by dashed lines in the upper left. Dashed lines were used because the initial state of the workpiece is shown in the upper left, before the separating and forming have taken place. The dashed line indicates the inner edge surrounding the recess, which is formed during separation along the inner separation line. The dotted lines indicate a sealing structure 440 (sealing bead) that is formed around the emerging recess during forming. The dash-dotted line indicates an outer edge surrounding the emerging bipolar plate element, which is formed during separation along the outer separation line.

[0253] The superimposed sections connected by arrows illustrate the progress of the transformation and the simultaneous separation along the inner and outer dividing lines.

[0254] In this process, the forming action supports the separation, and the separation action supports the forming action in a particularly advantageous way. Without the separations along the parting lines, significantly greater tensile stresses would arise during the forming action—in this example, during the impressioning of the sealing structure 440—resulting in a less precisely shaped sealing structure 440. Furthermore, without the forming action, the workpiece section 478, separated from the workpiece by a complete circumferential cut along the inner parting line, could become jammed in the recess 434. The forming action slightly enlarges the area of ​​the recess 434, allowing the separated workpiece section 478 to fall out.

[0255] Initially, an outer relief cross-gap 470 forms at the outer parting line. The gap formation occurs there with the beginning of the deformation ( Fig. 7, second section from the top). The gap formation allows for a more precise shaping of the sealing structure. With advanced machining, an outer longitudinal relief gap 472 is initially created, which also allows for a more precise shaping of the sealing structure in the machining direction ( Fig. 7, third section from the top). The internal relief gaps (transverse relief gap and longitudinal relief gap) that arise during further processing widen with increasing formation of the sealing structure, whereby the processed material section 478 shown at the very bottom is able to fall out of the resulting recess 434.

[0256] The Fig. Figure 8 illustrates that a depression 428 is defined herein in particular as any surface zone extending into one of the main surfaces of the workpiece or the resulting shaped element. This also includes surface zones that extend into, run between, and / or are formed between elevations.

[0257] It was found that – particularly with a forming process described herein, which also involves separation – molded elements, especially bipolar plate elements, can be manufactured precisely due to the overall favorable interaction of forming and separation. Extensive forming is possible, as shown in the Fig. 9 illustrated.

[0258] The Fig. Figure 9 shows a section of a shaped element 144, in particular a bipolar plate element 442, wherein the shaped element 144 in the section is strongly deformed in two directions, the longitudinal direction and the lateral direction, according to a method described herein. This is evident from the cross-sectional profile 486 and the longitudinal profile 488 shown.

[0259] The cutout of the form element 144 in the example shown here is a square cutout, whose longitudinal dimension 484 and whose transverse dimension 486 each measure three centimeters. The profiles shown are greatly exaggerated.

[0260] In the square cutout of the form element 144, at least partially curved sections of three-dimensional structures, comprising a sealing structure and a support structure running parallel to the sealing structure, extend through the cutout of the form element.

[0261] For example, during the forming process on the workpiece, several three-dimensional structures 436 can be formed, including those in the Fig. 9 Support structure and sealing structure shown, such that in the shown cutout a section of a three-dimensional structure 436 or one of the three-dimensional structures 436 extends from one side of the cutout to another side of the cutout, wherein one side of the cutout and the other side of the cutout reach a corner of the cutout. Reference symbol list 100 processed goods 102 flat stock 104 metallic flat material 106 sheet metal 107 Metal foil 108 tools 110 tool axis 112 processing units 114 processing counter unit 115 Separation arrangement 116 Punching arrangement 118 Cutting arrangement 120 shearing units 122 Shearing edge 128 outer dividing line 129 inner dividing line 130 cutting die element 132 matrix element 144 Form element 282 Tool arrangement 416 Forming arrangement 418 Embossing order 420 Forming zone 422 Circumferential direction 424 Longitudinal direction Section 426 428 In-depth study 430 depression floor 432 area 434 Exclusion 436 three-dimensional structure 438 Channel structure 440 sealing structure 442 Bipolar plate element 444 direction 446 direction 448 Recess wall 450 Width direction 454 Transformation structure 456 Transformation counter-structure 458 Forming recess 460 Forming overhang 462 Exclusion section 464 Overhang section 466 Height 468 Mirror plane 470 outer relief cross gap 472 outer relief longitudinal gap 474 inner relief cross gap 476 inner relief longitudinal gap 478 Processing material section 480 m² floor area 482 Lateral extent 484 Longitudinal extent 486 Cross-section 488 Longitudinal profile QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 20 2023 104 068 U1

[0014]

Claims

[1] Method for processing a workpiece (100) wherein - the machining of the workpiece (100) takes place between two tools (108) which rotate about tool axes (110) that preferably run parallel to each other, - one of the two tools (108) has a machining unit (112) and the other of the two tools (108) has a machining counter unit (114), wherein the machining unit (112) and the machining counter unit (114) together form a forming arrangement (416) and - the processing of the workpiece (100) in the forming arrangement (416) is carried out by forming the workpiece (100), wherein a three-dimensional structure (436) or several three-dimensional structures (436), which may or may have, for example, a channel structure (438) and / or a sealing structure (440) and / or a support structure, is or may be formed on the workpiece (100). [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized by, that during the forming process on the workpiece (100) the three-dimensional structure (436) or several three-dimensional structures (436) is or are formed such that at least in one section of the forming element (144), wherein the section of the forming element (144) may preferably be a square section which may advantageously have a length and a width of 3 cm, a section of the three-dimensional structure (436) or one of the three-dimensional structures (436) extends from one side of the section to another side of the section, wherein one side of the section and the other side of the section reach to a corner of the section. [3] Method according to claim 2, characterized by, that the three-dimensional structure (436) is formed or the three-dimensional structures (436) are formed such that the section extending from one side of the cutout to the other side of the cutout is at least partially curved. [4] Method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized by , that on one side of the cutout the length of the workpiece measurable in profile is 18% to 85% greater than the length of one side and on the other side of the cutout the length of the workpiece measurable in profile is 18% to 85% greater than the length of the other side. [5] Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the workpiece (100) is or comprises a metal sheet (106) or a metal foil (107). [6] Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that in the forming arrangement (416) a forming zone (420) is inclined to the circumferential directions (422) of the two tools (108) or oriented transversely to the circumferential directions (422) of the two tools (108), wherein in the forming zone (420) a section (426) of a depression (428) is formed which is inclined to a longitudinal direction (424) of the workpiece (100) or oriented transversely to a longitudinal direction (424) of the workpiece (100). [7] Method according to claim 6, characterized by, that the section (426) of the recess (428) inclined to the longitudinal direction (424) of the workpiece (100) or oriented transversely to the longitudinal direction (424) of the workpiece (100) is formed asymmetrically, wherein it may be advantageous if the section (426) of the recess (428) is then considered to be formed asymmetrically if the section (426) is asymmetrically formed in at least one cross-section, wherein the cross-section is advantageously selected from cross-sections which intersect the section (426) in the longitudinal direction (424) of the workpiece (100) orthogonally to a lateral direction (450) of the workpiece (100). [8] Method according to claim 6 or 7, characterized by , that the section (426) of the depression (428) is inclined to the longitudinal direction (424) of the workpiece (100) or oriented transversely to the longitudinal direction (424) of the workpiece (100) - with different inclinations of the two depression walls (448) leading down into section (426) of the depression (428); - with different heights (466) of the two depression walls (448) leading down into the section (426) of the depression (428); - with a depression bottom (430) that is partially offset with respect to areas (432) of the material being processed (100) immediately adjacent to the section (426) of the depression (428) along the longitudinal direction (424) of the material being processed (100); and / or - with a depression bottom (430) which is inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction (424) of the workpiece (100) and is formed asymmetrically. [9] Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the forming arrangement (416) is or forms a stamping arrangement (418) in which the forming takes place. [10] Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the processing unit (112) and the processing counter unit (114) together additionally form a separation arrangement (115), e.g. punching arrangement (116) and / or cutting arrangement (118). [11] Method according to claim 10, characterized by , that in the separation arrangement (115) a form element (144), e.g. bipolar plate element (442), which has the three-dimensional structure (436) or the three-dimensional structures (436), is formed and separated from the workpiece (100) by a separation, e.g. punching and / or cutting, along an outer separation line (128) defined by the separation arrangement (115). [12] Method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized by , that in the separating arrangement (115) a recess (434) extending through the workpiece is introduced into the workpiece by a separating process, e.g. punching and / or cutting, in particular along an inner separating line (129) defined by the separating arrangement (115). [13] Method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized by , that during the forming process on the workpiece (100) - a three-dimensional structure (436) is formed which has a channel structure (438) and a sealing structure (440); or - a three-dimensional structure (436) having a channel structure (438) and another three-dimensional structure (436) having a sealing structure (440) is formed. [14] Method according to any one of claims 5 to 13, characterized by , that the section (426) of the depression (428) which is formed in the forming zone (420) during the forming process, - forms a section (426) of the channel structure (438) or - forms a section (426) of the sealing structure (440) and / or the support structure. [15] Shape element (144), e.g. bipolar plate element (442), wherein the shape element (144), e.g. the bipolar plate element (442), comprises the following: - a flat material (102), which may in particular be a metallic flat material (104), e.g. a metal sheet (106) or a metal foil (107), and - a three-dimensional structure (436) defined by the course of the flat material (102), which may be, for example, formed, or several three-dimensional structures (436) defined by the course of the flat material, which may, for example, be formed, which may have a channel structure (438) and / or a sealing structure (440) and / or a support structure. [16] Shape element (144), e.g. bipolar plate element (442), according to claim 15, characterized by, that the form element (144), e.g. the bipolar plate element (442), has sections (426) of one or more recesses (428) extending in different directions (444, 446), wherein at least one of the sections (426) extending in different directions (444, 446) is asymmetric, wherein it may be advantageous if the at least one of the sections (426) extending in different directions (444, 446) is considered asymmetric if it is asymmetric in at least one cross-section, wherein the cross-section is advantageously selected from cross-sections which the section (426) - in the longitudinal extension direction (424) of the form element (144), e.g. the bipolar plate element (442), intersect orthogonally to a width extension direction (428) of the form element (144), e.g. the bipolar plate element (442). and / or - intersect orthogonally to a principal extension plane of the form element (144), e.g. the bipolar plate element (442). [17] Shape element (144), e.g. bipolar plate element (442), according to claim 15 or 16, characterized by , that at least one of the sections (426) of the depression (428) is asymmetrical, - forms a section (426) of the channel structure (438) or - forms a section (426) of the sealing structure (440) and / or the support structure. [18] Form element (144) according to one of claims 15 to 17, characterized by that the form element is or has a bipolar plate element. [19] Form element (144) according to one of claims 15 to 17, characterized by that the form element is or has a battery cell housing element. [20] Form element (144) according to one of claims 15 to 17, characterized by that the molded element is or has a cylinder head gasket element. [21] Tool arrangement (282) for machining a workpiece (100), wherein the workpiece (100) may preferably be a flat material (102), in particular a metallic flat material (104), e.g. a metal sheet (106) or a metal foil (107), wherein - the tool arrangement (282) comprises two tools (108) which are rotatable about tool axes (110) which are preferably parallel to each other, - one of the two tools (108) has a machining unit (112) and the other of the two tools (108) has a machining counter unit (114), wherein the machining unit (112) and the machining counter unit (114) together form a forming arrangement (416) wherein - in the forming arrangement (416) a forming zone (420) is provided which is inclined to the circumferential directions (422) of the two tools (108) or oriented transversely to the circumferential directions (422) of the two tools (108) and the workpiece (100) can be machined therein by forming such that a three-dimensional structure (436) or several three-dimensional structures (436) which may or may have a channel structure (438) and / or a sealing structure (440) and / or a support structure can be formed on the workpiece (100) during the forming process, wherein it may be advantageous if the forming zone (420) is formed by a projection section (464) oriented transversely or inclined to the circumferential directions (422) and a recess section (462) oriented transversely or inclined to the circumferential directions (422), wherein it may be advantageousif the processing unit (112) has one of the two sections selected under the overhang section (464) and the recess section (462), and the processing counter unit (114) has the other of the two sections selected under the overhang section (464) and the recess section (462). [22] Mold element (144), in particular according to one of claims 15 to 20, manufactured according to a method according to one of claims 1 to 14 and / or with a tool arrangement (282) according to claim 21.

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