Abstract: The invention provides a molding apparatus having: an outside-air-blocking conveying passageway allowing a conveyance object passing therethrough; and a chamber having a non-oxidizing gas atmosphere, the outside-air-blocking conveying passageway having a blocking member having restoring force, the blocking member touching the conveyance object passing through the outside-air-blocking conveying passageway, at least one of the inlet side and outlet side of the outside-air-blocking conveying passageway being blocked with the blocking member upon the conveyance object passing through the outside-air-blocking conveying passageway, the outside-air-blocking conveying passageway having an overall length longer than that of the conveyance object.

Abstract: The invention provides a press-molding apparatus having, disposed on a conveying passageway: a heating chamber for heating a mold containing a raw material placed therein; a molding chamber for press-molding the raw material in a non-oxidizing gas atmosphere; and a cooling chamber for cooling the mold after the molding, the mold being conveyed on the conveying passageway in order, each of the heating chamber, the molding chamber, and the cooling chamber being blocked from the atmosphere upon the press-molding, the press-molding apparatus having: a means for blocking the molding chamber and the cooling chamber; and an inflow port for introducing the non-oxidizing gas into the press-molding apparatus, the inflow port being formed for at least one of the heating chamber and the molding chamber.

Abstract: There are provided a press-molding apparatus and a work-conveying method, which are capable of restraining oxygen from entering the molding apparatus when a work, such as a mold or a material, is carried into the molding apparatus. In a press-molding apparatus comprising a heating section, a molding section and a cooling section, each of the sections including an inlet and an outlet for a work, each of the inlet and the outlet is provided with a door, which has a restoring force and is capable of being push-opened, whereby a work is conveyed, push-opening the door.