Press working method and press working apparatus

Abstract

To provide a working method and a press working device capable of reducing the possibility of damaging a hole edge portion in press working for opening a communication hole through which a fluid for a fuel cell flows in a resin film material provided in an outer peripheral portion of a MEA.SOLUTION: A press working method for forming a communication hole in a resin film material 80 by a press working device 10 includes an arrangement step, a holding step, and a piercing step. In the piercing step, an outer peripheral portion of the film material 80 is held by a second die 98 and a holder 124. In the piercing step, a hole making punch 122 punches the film material 80 in a state in which the press working device 10 is not in contact with an upper surface of a working adjacent portion 113 adjacent to a portion of the film material 80 to be punched by the hole making punch 122.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a press working method and a press working apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, in order to enable more people to access affordable, reliable, sustainable, and advanced energy, research and development on fuel cells that contribute to energy efficiency have been carried out. A power generation cell for a fuel cell includes an MEA member (MEA: Membrane Electrode Assembly) and a pair of separator members that sandwich the MEA member. The MEA member has an MEA (electrolyte membrane / electrode structure) and a resin film provided on the outer peripheral portion of the MEA.

[0003] The MEA includes an electrolyte membrane and a pair of electrodes disposed on both sides of the electrolyte membrane. The resin film protrudes outward from the outer peripheral portion of the MEA and extends in a frame shape so as to surround the MEA. A plurality of communication holes through which a fluid for a fuel cell, which is a reaction gas (fuel gas and oxidant gas) or a cooling medium, flows are formed in the resin film. Each separator member has a communication hole seal portion that extends so as to surround each communication hole and is pressed against a hole edge portion adjacent to each communication hole in the resin film to prevent leakage of the reaction gas or the cooling medium.

[0004] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a press working apparatus for manufacturing the resin film of the power generation cell as described above. The press working apparatus presses a film material to form a plurality of communication holes in the film material. This press working apparatus includes a first mold and a second mold that are arranged to face each other. The first mold has a die (first mold body) that supports the film material. The second mold includes a punching punch for forming a communication hole in the film material and a pressing portion. In this Patent Document 1, when a communication hole is pierced in the film material by the punching punch, a portion (processing adjacent portion) adjacent to a portion (portion to become a communication hole) of the film material that is punched by the punching punch is sandwiched between the die and the pressing portion. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2018-147768 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] In the conventional technology described above, foreign matter can get trapped between the processing-adjacent portion of the film material and the pressing portion when piercing is performed using a hole punch. This can cause damage to the edge of the hole adjacent to the communication hole (corresponding to the processing-adjacent portion of the film material) in the resin film of the power generation cell, which is a processed product of the film material.

[0007] The present invention aims to solve the problems described above. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] One aspect of the present invention is a press working method for producing a resin film having a communication hole through which a fluid for a fuel cell flows, by press working a resin film material with a press working device, the method comprising: a placement step of placing the film material on a first die and a second die located outside the first die; a clamping step after the placement step of clamping the outer periphery of the film material between the second die and a holder; and a piercing step of forming the communication hole in the film material by punching out the film material with a hole punch while the outer periphery of the film material is clamped between the second die and the holder, wherein in the piercing step, the hole punch punches out the film material with the press working device not in contact with the upper surface of the processing adjacent portion adjacent to the portion of the film material to be punched out by the hole punch.

[0009] Another aspect of the present invention is a press working apparatus for manufacturing a resin film having a communication hole through which a fluid for a fuel cell flows by press working a resin film material, comprising a first die and a second die arranged facing each other, wherein the first die includes a first die on which the film material is placed, a second die located outside the first die and movable in the vertical direction relative to the first die, and the second die is 2 The second mold has a first biasing member that biases toward the mold, and the second mold has a punch that punches out the film material to form the communication hole in the film material, and a holder that is located outside the punch and is movable in the vertical direction relative to the punch, and the holder is 1 The press working apparatus has a second biasing member that biases toward the die, the second die and the holder clamp the outer periphery of the film material, and the press working apparatus is formed so that when the punching punch punches out the film material, it does not come into contact with the upper surface of the processing adjacent portion adjacent to the portion of the film material that is punched out by the punching punch. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, when the hole punch punches out the film material, the press processing device does not come into contact with the upper surface of the adjacent processing area of ​​the film material, so that no foreign matter is pressed into the adjacent processing area. This prevents damage to the edges of the holes in the resin film. Furthermore, since the hole punch punches out the film material while the outer circumference of the film material is held between the second die and the holder, a connecting hole can be formed in the film material with high precision. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a partially exploded perspective view of a fuel cell stack comprising a resin film manufactured by a press working method according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view along the line II-II in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the workpiece. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional explanatory view showing the initial state of a press working apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating the press working method using the press working apparatus described above. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating the first operation of the press working method. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a second operational diagram illustrating the press working method. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating the third operation of the press working method. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating the fourth operation of the press working method. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] As shown in Figures 4 to 9, the press working apparatus 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention is an apparatus for manufacturing a resin film 24 for a power generation cell 12 by press working a resin film material 80. First, the power generation cell 12 will be described.

[0013] As shown in Figure 1, the power generation cell 12 forms the unit cell of the fuel cell stack 14. The fuel cell stack 14 is formed by stacking multiple power generation cells 12 in the direction of arrow A. A compressive load is applied to the fuel cell stack 14 in the stacking direction of the multiple power generation cells 12. The fuel cell stack 14 is installed, for example, as an on-board fuel cell stack in a fuel cell electric vehicle (not shown).

[0014] The power generation cell 12 is elongated horizontally. The power generation cell 12 has an MEA member 16, a first separator member 18, and a second separator member 20. The MEA member 16 has an MEA 22 (electrolyte membrane / electrode structure) and a resin film 24.

[0015] The first separator member 18 is adjacent to the MEA member 16 in the direction of arrow A1. The second separator member 20 is adjacent to the MEA member 16 in the direction of arrow A2. The first separator member 18 and the second separator member 20 sandwich the MEA member 16 from the direction of arrow A.

[0016] The first separator member 18 and the second separator member 20 are joined to each other by a plurality of joining lines (not shown) to form a joined separator 26. The first separator member 18 and the second separator member 20 are integrally joined with each other in a state where they are overlapped with each other by welding, brazing, caulking, etc. on the outer periphery.

[0017] The MEA 22 includes an electrolyte membrane 28, a cathode electrode 30, and an anode electrode 32. The electrolyte membrane 28 is, for example, a solid polymer electrolyte membrane (cation exchange membrane). The solid polymer electrolyte membrane is, for example, a thin film of perfluorosulfonic acid containing moisture. As the electrolyte membrane 28, in addition to a fluorine-based electrolyte, a HC (hydrocarbon) - based electrolyte can be used. The electrolyte membrane 28 is sandwiched between the cathode electrode 30 and the anode electrode 32.

[0018] The resin film 24 surrounds the outer peripheral portion of the MEA 22. The resin film 24 has electrical insulation properties. Examples of the constituent material of the resin film 24 include PPS (polyphenylene sulfide), PPA (polyphthalamide), PEN (polyethylene naphthalate), PES (polyethersulfone), LCP (liquid crystal polymer), PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride), silicone resin, fluororesin, m - PPE (modified polyphenylene ether resin), PET (polyethylene terephthalate), PBT (polybutylene terephthalate), or modified polyolefin, etc.

[0019] One end edge of the power generation cell 12 in the direction of its long side (the end edge in the direction of arrow B1) is provided with an oxidizer gas supply port 34a, a cooling medium supply port 36a, and a fuel gas discharge port 38b. The oxidizer gas supply port 34a, the cooling medium supply port 36a, and the fuel gas discharge port 38b are arranged in the direction of the short side of the power generation cell 12 (in the direction of arrow C).

[0020] An oxidant gas (e.g., oxygen-containing gas) flows through the oxidant gas supply port 34a in the direction of arrow A2. A cooling medium (e.g., pure water, ethylene glycol, oil, etc.) flows through the cooling medium supply port 36a in the direction of arrow A2. A fuel gas (e.g., hydrogen-containing gas) flows through the fuel gas discharge port 38b in the direction of arrow A1.

[0021] The other edge of the long side of the power generation cell 12 (the edge in the direction of arrow B2) is provided with a fuel gas supply port 38a, a cooling medium discharge port 36b, and an oxidizer gas discharge port 34b. The fuel gas supply port 38a, the cooling medium discharge port 36b, and the oxidizer gas discharge port 34b are arranged in the direction of arrow C.

[0022] Fuel gas flows through the fuel gas supply port 38a in the direction of arrow A2. Coolant (refrigerant) flows through the coolant discharge port 36b in the direction of arrow A1. Oxidizer gas flows through the oxidizer gas discharge port 34b in the direction of arrow A1.

[0023] Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the oxidizer gas supply port 34a, oxidizer gas discharge port 34b, cooling medium supply port 36a, cooling medium discharge port 36b, fuel gas supply port 38a, and fuel gas discharge port 38b will simply be referred to as "port 40". The port 40 is formed in the first separator member 18, the resin film 24, and the second separator member 20, respectively. The arrangement, shape, and size of the port 40 are not limited to this embodiment and may be set as appropriate according to the required specifications.

[0024] Multiple positioning holes 42 are formed on the outer circumference of the power generation cell 12. Each positioning hole 42 is circular in shape. The positioning holes 42 are formed in the first separator member 18, the resin film 24, and the second separator member 20, respectively. A positioning pin (not shown) is passed through each of the multiple positioning holes 42 when the MEA member 16 and the bonding separator 26 are stacked alternately. The size, position, and shape of the positioning holes 42 can be set as appropriate.

[0025] The first separator member 18 comprises a plate-shaped first separator body 44. The first separator body 44 is, for example, a thin metal plate such as a steel plate, stainless steel plate, or aluminum plate. The first separator body 44 may have a corrosion-resistant surface treatment applied to its surface. The first separator body 44 is formed in a rectangular shape.

[0026] An oxidant gas channel 46 is provided on the surface of the first separator body 44 facing the MEA member 16 (hereinafter referred to as "surface 44a"), extending in the direction of the long side of the power generation cell 12 (direction of arrow B). The oxidant gas channel 46 is in fluid communication with the oxidant gas supply communication hole 34a and the oxidant gas discharge communication hole 34b. The oxidant gas channel 46 supplies oxidant gas to the cathode electrode 30.

[0027] A first seal portion 48 is provided on the surface 44a of the first separator body 44 to prevent leakage of reaction gas (oxidizer gas or fuel gas) or fuel cell fluid which is a cooling medium. The first seal portion 48 extends linearly when viewed from the separator thickness direction (direction of arrow A). However, the first seal portion 48 may extend in a wavy shape when viewed from the separator thickness direction.

[0028] The first seal portion 48 is formed by press molding the first separator body 44, resulting in a trapezoidal or rectangular cross-section (see Figure 2). The first seal portion 48 protrudes from the first separator body 44 toward the resin film 24. A resin material may be applied to the protruding end face of the first seal portion 48. Furthermore, the first seal portion 48 is not limited to a so-called metal bead seal, but may also be a rubber seal. The first seal portion 48 has a plurality of first communication hole seal portions 50 and a first flow path seal portion 52. The plurality of first communication hole seal portions 50 individually surround the plurality of communication holes 40.

[0029] In Figure 2, the first communication hole seal portion 50 contacts one surface 24a of the resin film 24. In other words, the first communication hole seal portion 50 contacts the hole edge portion 54 of the resin film 24 adjacent to the communication hole 40 (see Figure 2). As shown in Figure 1, the first flow path seal portion 52 is provided on the outer circumference of the first separator body 44.

[0030] The second separator member 20 comprises a plate-shaped second separator body 56. The second separator body 56 is, for example, a thin metal plate such as a steel plate, stainless steel plate, or aluminum plate. The second separator body 56 may have a corrosion-resistant surface treatment applied to its surface. The second separator body 56 is formed in a rectangular shape.

[0031] A fuel gas passage 58 is provided on the surface of the second separator body 56 facing the MEA member 16 (hereinafter referred to as "surface 56a"), extending in the direction of the long side of the power generation cell 12 (direction of arrow B). The fuel gas passage 58 is fluidly connected to the fuel gas supply communication hole 38a and the fuel gas discharge communication hole 38b. The fuel gas passage 58 supplies fuel gas to the anode electrode 32.

[0032] A second seal portion 60 is provided on the surface 56a of the second separator body 56 to prevent leakage of reaction gas (oxidizer gas or fuel gas) or fuel cell fluid which is a cooling medium. The second seal portion 60 extends linearly when viewed from the separator thickness direction (direction of arrow A). However, the second seal portion 60 may extend in a wavy shape when viewed from the separator thickness direction.

[0033] The second seal portion 60 is formed by press molding the second separator body 56, resulting in a trapezoidal or rectangular cross-section (see Figure 2). The second seal portion 60 protrudes from the second separator body 56 toward the resin film 24. A resin material may be applied to the protruding end face of the second seal portion 60. Furthermore, the second seal portion 60 is not limited to a so-called metal bead seal, but may also be a rubber seal. The second seal portion 60 has a plurality of second communication hole seal portions 62 and a second flow path seal portion 64. The plurality of second communication hole seal portions 62 individually surround the plurality of communication holes 40.

[0034] In Figure 2, the second communication hole sealing portion 62 contacts the other surface 24b of the resin film 24. In other words, the second communication hole sealing portion 62 contacts the hole edge 54 of the resin film 24 adjacent to the communication hole 40 (see Figure 2). As shown in Figure 1, the second flow path sealing portion 64 is provided on the outer circumference of the second separator body 56.

[0035] Between the surface 44b of the first separator body 44 and the surface 56b of the second separator body 56, which are joined together, a cooling medium flow path 68 is formed that is in fluid communication with a cooling medium supply communication hole 36a and a cooling medium discharge communication hole 36b.

[0036] The power generation cell 12 configured in this way operates as follows.

[0037] First, as shown in Figure 1, fuel gas is supplied to the fuel gas supply port 38a. Oxidizer gas is supplied to the oxidizer gas supply port 34a. Cooling medium is supplied to the cooling medium supply port 36a.

[0038] Fuel gas is introduced into the fuel gas flow path 58 of the second separator member 20 from the fuel gas supply communication hole 38a. The fuel gas is supplied to the anode electrode 32 of the MEA 22 as it flows through the fuel gas flow path 58 in the direction of arrow B1.

[0039] Meanwhile, the oxidizing gas is introduced into the oxidizing gas flow path 46 of the first separator member 18 from the oxidizing gas supply communication hole 34a. The oxidizing gas is supplied to the cathode electrode 30 of the MEA 22 as it flows through the oxidizing gas flow path 46 in the direction of arrow B2.

[0040] In the MEA22, the fuel gas supplied to the anode electrode 32 and the oxidizer gas supplied to the cathode electrode 30 are consumed by an electrochemical reaction. As a result, electricity is generated. Next, the fuel gas supplied to and consumed by the anode electrode 32 is discharged as fuel off-gas from the fuel gas flow path 58 to the fuel gas discharge port 38b. The oxidizer gas consumed at the cathode electrode 30 is discharged as oxidizer off-gas from the oxidizer gas flow path 46 to the oxidizer gas discharge port 34b.

[0041] The cooling medium supplied to the cooling medium supply communication hole 36a is introduced into the cooling medium flow path 68 formed between the first separator member 18 and the second separator member 20. After being introduced into the cooling medium flow path 68, the cooling medium flows in the direction of arrow B. After cooling the MEA 22, this cooling medium is discharged from the cooling medium discharge communication hole 36b.

[0042] Next, the workpiece W processed by the press working apparatus 10 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0043] As shown in Figure 3, the workpiece W comprises the MEA22 described above and a resin film material 80. The film material 80 is provided on the outer periphery of the MEA22. The constituent material of the film material 80 is the same as that of the resin film 24 described above. The outer shape of the resin film 24 is located inward from the outer shape of the film material 80.

[0044] As shown in Figure 4, the press working apparatus 10 presses the film material 80 of the workpiece W. Specifically, the press working apparatus 10 forms a plurality of communication holes 40 and a plurality of positioning holes 42 in the film material 80 and cuts the outer periphery of the film material 80 into a predetermined shape, thereby manufacturing the resin film 24 (MEA member 16) described above.

[0045] The press working apparatus 10 includes a first die 90 and a second die 92 arranged facing each other. The first die 90 is a lower die (fixed die) made of metal. The second die 92 is an upper die (movable die) made of metal. The second die 92 is movable in the vertical direction.

[0046] The first type 90 includes a die plate 94, a first die 96, a second die 98, and a first biasing member 100. The first die 96 is fixed to the die plate 94. The first die 96 has a plurality of relief holes 102 formed therein. Specifically, the first die 96 has the same number of relief holes 102 as the number of communication holes 40 (6), with relief holes 102 having a shape corresponding to the shape of the communication holes 40 (e.g., square). In addition, the first die 96 has the same number of relief holes 102 as the number of positioning holes 42 (2), with relief holes 102 having a shape corresponding to the shape of the positioning holes 42 (circular). The relief holes 102 communicate with the outside, for example, through holes 103 formed in the die plate 94.

[0047] The first die 96 has a die body 104 and a plurality of protrusions 106. The die body 104 has a flat upper surface 108. A first trim blade 110 is provided at the upper outer corner of the die body 104.

[0048] The first trim blade 110 may be integrally molded with the die body 104. In other words, the first trim blade 110 may be formed by thermal spraying or build-up of a hard material onto the die body 104.

[0049] Multiple protrusions 106 project upward from the upper surface 108 of the die body 104. Each protrusion 106 extends in an annular shape, surrounding the upper ends of the multiple relief holes 102. The protruding end faces 112 of the protrusions 106 are located above the upper surface 108 of the die body 104. The protruding end faces 112 of the protrusions 106 are flat. The protruding end faces 112 of the protrusions 106 are first support surfaces 114 that support the lower surface of the processing adjacent portion 113 adjacent to the portion of the film material 80 that will be punched out by the hole punch 122 described later. The processing adjacent portion 113 corresponds to the hole edge 54 of the resin film 24. A first piercing blade 116 is provided at the upper inner corner of the protrusion 106. The upper end of the first piercing blade 116 is located above the upper end of the first trim blade 110.

[0050] The first piercing blade 116 may be integrally molded with the projection 106. In other words, the first piercing blade 116 may be formed by thermal spraying or build-up of a hard material onto the projection 106.

[0051] The second die 98 is located outside the first die 96. The second die 98 extends in an annular shape, surrounding the first die 96. The second die 98 has a flat second support surface 118 that supports the outer periphery of the first surface 80a, which is one side of the film material 80. The second support surface 118 faces the second mold 92 (upward).

[0052] The first biasing member 100 biases the second die 98 upward. The first biasing member 100 is, for example, a spring member. The first biasing member 100 is disposed between the second die 98 and the die plate 94. In the initial state of the press working apparatus 10, the second support surface 118 protrudes upward by a predetermined length L1 above the first support surface 114. Note that in Figure 4, the predetermined length L1 is exaggerated.

[0053] The second type 92 includes a punch plate 120, a plurality of perforating punches 122, a holder 124, a second biasing member 126, and a plurality of extrusion members 128. The punch plate 120 is movable vertically along guide pins (not shown).

[0054] The hole punches 122 are fixed to the punch plate 120. Multiple hole punches 122 are located above multiple relief holes 102. Specifically, the punch plate 120 has the same number of hole punches 122 as the number of communication holes 40 (6), with each punch corresponding to the shape of the communication holes 40 (for example, a square shape). In addition, the punch plate 120 has the same number of hole punches 122 as the number of positioning holes 42 (2), with each punch corresponding to the shape of the positioning holes 42 (a circular shape). The hole punches 122 are , the Type 2 92 Type 1 90 It is inserted into the relief hole 102 when moved toward the left. A second piercing blade 130 is provided at the lower corner of the hole punch 122.

[0055] The second piercing blade 130 may be integrally molded with the hole punch 122. In other words, the second piercing blade 130 may be formed by thermal spraying or build-up of a hard material onto the hole punch 122.

[0056] The holder 124 is located above the second die 98. The holder 124 extends in an annular shape. The holder 124 has a flat pressing surface 132 that contacts the outer periphery of the second surface 80b, which is the other surface of the film material 80. The pressing surface 132 extends parallel to the second support surface 118. The pressing surface 132 extends in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction (the direction of movement of the holder 124). The holder 124 is a trim punch 134 for cutting the outer periphery of the film material 80. A second trim blade 136 is provided at the lower inner corner of the trim punch 134.

[0057] The second trim blade 136 may be integrally molded with the trim punch 134. In other words, the second trim blade 136 may be formed by thermal spraying or build-up of a hard material onto the trim punch 134.

[0058] The second biasing member 126 biases the holder 124 downward. The second biasing member 126 is, for example, a spring member. The second biasing member 126 is disposed between the holder 124 and the punch plate 120. The second biasing member 126 connects the holder 124 and the punch plate 120 to each other. In the initial state of the press working apparatus 10, the pressing surface 132 protrudes downward by a predetermined length L2 from the lower end 138 of the punching punch 122.

[0059] The extrusion member 128 is provided on the punch plate 120. The extrusion member 128 is positioned adjacent to the hole punch 122 in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction. The extrusion member 128 removes the resin film 24 (processed film material 80) that has become caught on the outer surface of the hole punch 122 after the film material 80 has been pressed, from the second mold 92. The extrusion member 128 has a cylinder 140, a rod 142, and an extrusion plate 146.

[0060] A piston (not shown) is slidably mounted inside the cylinder 140. The piston is movable vertically within the cylinder 140 by compressed air supplied into the cylinder 140. A rod 142 is connected to the piston and extends downward from the cylinder 140. An extrusion plate 146 is connected to the extended end (lower end) of the rod 142. The extrusion plate 146 is, for example, a flat plate extending in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction. The extrusion plate 146 has a flat extrusion surface 146a facing downward. In the initial state of the press working apparatus 10, the extrusion surface 146a is located above the lower end 138 of the punching punch 122.

[0061] The second type 92 is configured so as not to come into contact with the upper surface of the adjacent processing portion 113 of the film material 80 when the film material 80 is pressed.

[0062] Next, a press working method using the press working apparatus 10 will be described.

[0063] As shown in Figure 5, the press working method includes a positioning step, a clamping step, a piercing step, a trimming step, and an extrusion step.

[0064] In the press working method, in the placement process (step S1), the workpiece W is placed on the first die 90 as shown in Figure 4. At this time, the first surface 80a of the film material 80 is placed on the first support surface 114 and the second support surface 118. In other words, in the placement process, the film material 80 is placed on the protruding end surface 112 (first support surface 114) of the annular projection 106 so as to straddle the inner hole (relief hole 102) of the projection 106.

[0065] Next, the second die 92 (punch plate 120) of the press working device 10 is lowered toward the first die 90. Then, the clamping process (step S2), the piercing process (step S3), and the trimming process (step S4) are performed in sequence.

[0066] Specifically, as the second die 92 descends, the pressing surface 132 of the holder 124 (trim punch 134) contacts the outer periphery of the second surface 80b of the film material 80, as shown in Figure 6. As the second die 92 descends further, the second die 98, pushed downward by the holder 124, moves downward while compressing the first biasing member 100. At this time, the inner circumferential surface of the second die 98 slides against the outer circumferential surface of the die body 104. Also, the holder 124, which receives a reaction force from the second die 98, moves upward relative to the punch plate 120 (perforating punch 122) while compressing the second biasing member 126. As a result, the outer periphery of the film material 80 is clamped between the second die 98 and the holder 124 (clamping process).

[0067] In the clamping process, the reaction force of the compressed first biasing member 100 and the reaction force of the compressed second biasing member 126 act as a holding force on the outer periphery of the film material 80, so that the outer periphery of the film material 80 is firmly clamped by the second die 98 and the holder 124.

[0068] Then, as shown in Figure 7, the hole punch 12 2The second surface 80b of the film material 80 is pressed downward. As a result, a shear force is applied to the film material 80 between the first piercing blade 116 and the second piercing blade 130, so that holes (communication holes 40 and positioning holes 42) corresponding to the shape of the hole punch 122 are formed in the film material 80 (piercing process). In other words, the hole punch 122 punches out the film material 80 which is placed on the protruding end face 112 of the protruding portion 106. This forms the communication holes 40 and positioning holes 42 in the film material 80.

[0069] At this time, the second die 98, pressed by the holder 124, moves further downward while compressing the first biasing member 100. Also, since the upper end of the first piercing blade 116 is located above the upper end of the first trimming blade 110, the film material 80 is not cut by the first trimming blade 110 during the piercing process. The punched material is discharged from the relief holes 102 and 103.

[0070] Next, as shown in Figure 8, the first trim blade 110 comes into contact with the first surface 80a of the film material 80. As a result, a shearing force is applied to the film material 80 between the first trim blade 110 and the second trim blade 136, causing the outer periphery of the film material 80 to be cut (trimming process). The trimming process is started after the completion of the piercing process. Upon completion of the trimming process, the resin film 24 is formed. During the trimming process, the hole punch 122 is inserted through the holes (communication holes 40 and positioning holes 42) formed in the film material 80 and is also inserted into the relief hole 102 of the first die 96.

[0071] Once the trimming process is complete, the second mold 92 is moved upward, as shown in Figure 9. At this time, the inner surfaces of the holes (communication holes 40 and positioning holes 42) formed in the resin film 24 may catch on the outer surface of the punching punch 122. Therefore, the extrusion process is performed while the second mold 92 is moved upward. In the extrusion process, compressed air is supplied to the cylinder 140 to make the extrusion plate 146 protrude downward. As a result, the resin film 24 is pushed downward by the extrusion plate 146 and removed from the punching punch 122. At this time, in the extrusion process, the film material 80 is released from the punching punch 122 while being held between the protruding end face 112 of the protruding portion 106 and the extrusion plate 146. The press working method ends when the extrusion process is completed.

[0072] This embodiment provides the following effects.

[0073] According to this embodiment, when the hole punch 122 punches out the film material 80, the press processing device 10 (second die 92) does not come into contact with the upper surface of the adjacent processing portion 113 of the film material 80, so that no foreign matter is pushed into the adjacent processing portion 113. This prevents damage to the hole edge 54 of the resin film 24. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the sealing effect of the first connecting hole sealing portion 50 and the second connecting hole sealing portion 62. In addition, since the hole punch 122 punches out the film material 80 while the outer circumference of the film material 80 is held between the second die 98 and the holder 124, the connecting holes 40 can be formed in the film material 80 with high precision.

[0074] The holder 124 is a trim punch 134 for cutting the outer periphery of the film material 80. The press working method includes a trimming step, after the completion of the piercing step, in which the outer periphery of the film material 80 is cut by the trim punch 134 and the second die 98 while the material is held in place.

[0075] This allows for efficient piercing and trimming of the film material 80. Furthermore, since there is no need to prepare the holder 124 and the trim punch 134 separately, the configuration of the press working apparatus 10 can be simplified.

[0076] The press working method includes an extrusion step, after the completion of the trimming step, in which the upper surface of the film material 80 is pushed downward by the extrusion member 128 to separate the film material 80 from the perforating punch 122.

[0077] This allows the film material 80 (resin film 24) to be easily removed from the punching punch 122 by the extrusion process, even if the film material 80 gets caught in the punching punch 122.

[0078] The extrusion process is carried out while moving the hole punch 122 upwards.

[0079] With this method, the process of separating the second mold 92 from the first mold 90 and the extrusion process are performed simultaneously, thus shortening the time required for the press working method.

[0080] The first die 96 has a die body 104 and an annular projection 106 that protrudes upward from the die body 104. In the placement process, the film material 80 is placed on the protruding end face 112 of the projection 106 so as to straddle the inner hole of the projection 106. In the piercing process, the hole punch 122 punches out the film material 80 placed on the protruding end face 112 of the projection 106. In the trimming process, the outer periphery of the film material 80 is cut by the trim punch 134 and the die body 104.

[0081] This method allows the piercing process to be performed before the trimming process with a simple configuration.

[0082] The die body 104 has a relief hole 102 formed therein to allow the punching punch 122 to move freely. The protrusion 106 is located on the upper surface 108 of the die body 104, adjacent to the relief hole 102.

[0083] In this case, the hole punch 122 can accurately form communication holes 40 and positioning holes 42 in the film material 80.

[0084] In the extrusion process, the film material 80 is held between the extrusion plate 146 and the protrusion 106 of the extrusion member 128, and the film material 80 is then removed from the hole punch 122.

[0085] This method allows the film material 80 to be efficiently and reliably detached from the hole punch 122.

[0086] The first die 96 has a die body 104 and a projection 106. The projection 106 protrudes upward from the die body 104 and supports the adjacent processing portion 113. The upper surface 108 of the die body 104 is located below the projection end face 112 of the projection 106. In the initial state of the press working apparatus 10, the upper surface (second support surface 118) of the second die 98 is located above the projection end face 112 of the projection 106.

[0087] With this configuration, the outer periphery of the film material 80 can be held between the holder 124 and the second die 98 before the hole punch 122 contacts the film material 80. Therefore, the film material 80 can be punched out with high precision by the hole punch 122.

[0088] This embodiment discloses the following:

[0089] The above embodiment discloses a press working method for manufacturing a resin film (24) having a communication hole (40) through which a fluid for a fuel cell flows, by press working a resin film material (80) with a press working device (10). The method includes: a placement step of placing the film material on a first die (96) and a second die (98) located outside the first die; a clamping step after the placement step of clamping the outer periphery of the film material between the second die and a holder (124); and a piercing step of forming the communication hole in the film material by punching out the film material with a hole punch (122) while the outer periphery of the film material is clamped between the second die and the holder. In the piercing step, the hole punch punches out the film material while the press working device is not in contact with the upper surface of the processing adjacent portion (113) adjacent to the portion of the film material to be punched out by the hole punch.

[0090] In the press working method described above, the holder is a trim punch (134) for cutting the outer periphery of the film material, and the press working method may include a trimming step after the completion of the piercing step, in which the outer periphery of the film material is cut by the trim punch and the second die while the material is held in place.

[0091] In the above-described press working method, an extrusion step may be included after the completion of the trimming step, in which the upper surface of the film material is pushed downward by an extrusion member (128) to detach the film material from the perforating punch.

[0092] In the press working method described above, the extrusion step may be performed while moving the hole punch upward.

[0093] In the press working method described above, the first die has a die body (104) and an annular projection (106) projecting upward from the die body, and in the positioning step, the film material is placed on the protruding end face (112) of the projection so as to straddle the inner hole of the projection, in the piercing step, the punching punch punches out the film material placed on the protruding end face of the projection, and in the trimming step, the outer periphery of the film material may be cut by the trim punch and the die body.

[0094] In the press working method described above, the die body has a relief hole (102) for accommodating the punching mechanism, and the protrusion may be located on the upper surface of the die body adjacent to the relief hole.

[0095] In the press working method described above, the first die has a die body and a protruding portion that protrudes upward from the die body, and in the extrusion step, the film material may be released from the punching punch while the film material is held between the extrusion plate (146) of the extrusion member and the protruding portion.

[0096] The above embodiment is a press working apparatus for manufacturing a resin film having a communication hole through which a fluid for a fuel cell flows by press working a resin film material, comprising a first die (90) and a second die (92) arranged facing each other, wherein the first die includes a first die on which the film material is placed, a second die located outside the first die and movable in the vertical direction relative to the first die, and the second die is 2 The second mold includes a first biasing member (100) that biases toward the mold, and the second mold includes a punch that punches out the film material to form the communication hole in the film material, a holder that is movable in the vertical direction relative to the punch and is located outside the punch, and the holder is 1The disclosed press working apparatus includes a second biasing member (126) that biases toward the die, the second die and the holder clamp the outer periphery of the film material, and the press working apparatus is formed so that when the punching punch punches out the film material, it does not come into contact with the upper surface of the processing adjacent portion adjacent to the portion of the film material punched out by the punching punch.

[0097] In the press working apparatus described above, the holder is a trim punch, and the trim punch and the first die may cut the outer periphery of the film material.

[0098] In the press working apparatus described above, the first die has a die body and a projection that protrudes upward from the die body and supports the adjacent part to be processed, the upper surface (108) of the die body is located below the protruding end face of the projection, and in the initial state of the press working apparatus, the upper surface (118) of the second die may be located above the protruding end face of the projection.

[0099] In the press working apparatus described above, the second type may have an extrusion member that pushes the film material downward.

[0100] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the disclosure described above, and can take various configurations without departing from the spirit of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0101] 10…Pressing machine 24…Resin film 40... Communication hole 80... Film material 90...Type 1 92...Type 2 96...First Die 98...Second Die 100...First biasing member 104...Die body 106…Protruding part 108…Top surface of the die body 112…Protruding end face 113…Adjacent part of the machined area 118...Second support surface (upper surface of the second die) 122...Hole punch 124...Holder 126...Second biasing member 128…Extruded member 134…Trim punch

Claims

1. A press working method for producing a resin film having a communication hole through which a fluid for a fuel cell flows, by press working a resin film material with a press working device, A placement step of placing the film material on a first die and a second die located outside the first die, After the arrangement step, a clamping step is performed in which the outer periphery of the film material is clamped between the second die and the holder, The process includes a piercing step in which, while the outer periphery of the film material is held between the second die and the holder, a punch punch pierces the film material to form the communication holes in the film material, In the piercing process, the piercing punch punches the film material while the press is not in contact with the upper surface of the adjacent processing portion of the film material that is adjacent to the portion to be punched out by the piercing punch. The holder is a trim punch for cutting the outer periphery of the film material, The press working method includes, after the completion of the piercing step, a trimming step in which the outer periphery of the film material is cut by the trim punch and the second die while the material is being held in place.

2. A press working method according to claim 1, A press working method comprising, after the completion of the trimming process, an extrusion step of releasing the film material from the perforating punch by pushing the upper surface of the film material downward with an extrusion member.

3. A press working method according to claim 2, The extrusion process is a press working method in which the hole-punching punch is moved upward.

4. A press working method according to claim 1, The first die is, The die itself, It has an annular projection that protrudes upward from the die body, In the arrangement step, the film material is placed on the protruding end surface of the protruding portion so as to straddle the inner hole of the protruding portion. In the piercing process, the hole punch punches out the film material placed on the protruding end face of the protruding portion. A press working method in which, in the trimming process, the outer periphery of the film material is cut by the trim punch and the die body.

5. A press working method according to claim 4, The die body has a relief hole formed therein to allow the punching mechanism to move away. A press working method wherein the protrusion is located on the upper surface of the die body in a portion adjacent to the relief hole.

6. A press working method according to claim 2, The first die is, The die itself, It has a protruding portion that extends upward from the die body, The press working method involves, in the extrusion step, releasing the film material from the perforating punch while the film material is sandwiched between the extrusion plate and the protrusion of the extrusion member.

7. A press working apparatus for manufacturing a resin film having a communication hole through which a fluid for a fuel cell flows, by press working a resin film material, It comprises a first type and a second type arranged to face each other, The aforementioned Type 1 is, A first die on which the aforementioned film material is placed, A second die located outside the first die and movable in the vertical direction relative to the first die, The device comprises a first biasing member that biases the second die toward the second mold, The aforementioned Type 2 is, A hole punch that forms the communication holes in the film material by punching out the film material, A holder located outside the punch, which is movable in the vertical direction relative to the punch, The holder is biased toward the first type by a second biasing member, The second die and the holder clamp the outer periphery of the film material, The press working apparatus is configured such that the punching mechanism does not come into contact with the upper surface of the adjacent processing portion of the film material that is punched out by the punching mechanism when the punching mechanism punches out the film material.

8. A press working apparatus according to claim 7, The holder is a trim punch, The trim punch and the first die are a press working apparatus for cutting the outer periphery of the film material.

9. A press working apparatus according to claim 7 or 8, The first die is, The die itself, It has a projection that protrudes upward from the die body and supports the adjacent part to be processed, The upper surface of the die body is located below the protruding end surface of the protruding portion. A press working apparatus in which, in its initial state, the upper surface of the second die is located above the protruding end surface of the protruding portion.

10. A press working apparatus according to claim 7 or 8, The second type is a press working apparatus having an extrusion member that pushes the film material downward.

Images