JP7374385B2 - Production method and conveyance equipment - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a production method and a conveying device for press working an aluminum alloy plate.

For example, high-strength metal plates such as high-tensile steel plates and aluminum alloy plates are used as materials for forming parts (vehicle body parts) that constitute vehicles in order to reduce weight. These types of parts are made by pressing steel plates or aluminum alloy plates, and hot pressing is used to press high-strength metal plates. For example, in hot pressing of high-strength steel plates, the high-tensile steel plates are heated to 950°C to transform them into austenitic structures, which are then pressed, and at the same time, they are cooled by contact with a die and quenched (hard structures called martensitic structures). It is possible to form high-strength parts by changing the material into (patent document 1).

In this hot press, a high-tensile steel plate is generally heated in a heating furnace, the heated high-tensile steel plate is carried out from the heating furnace, and the carried out high-tensile steel plate is conveyed to a press machine before being pressed. . In this conveyance process, the high-tensile steel plate heated to approximately 950°C is conveyed from the heating furnace and then conveyed to the press machine, but since the heating temperature is high, the temperature decrease during the conveyance process is as follows. There is no problem with press formability in the process.

Patent No. 4094473

On the other hand, aluminum alloy plates are used for vehicle body parts to make them even lighter than high-strength steel sheets. In the case of an aluminum alloy plate, if the heat loss due to radiation during transportation is large, normal pressing cannot be performed. For this reason, heat loss may be suppressed by, for example, shortening the distance between the heating furnace and the press machine and reducing the conveyance distance. However, there is a limit to shortening the distance between the heating furnace and the press.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to suppress heat loss during conveyance of an aluminum alloy plate to be conveyed.

The production method according to the present invention includes a heating step of heating an aluminum alloy plate that has been previously subjected to precipitation hardening treatment to a temperature that allows press forming while maintaining precipitation hardening, and housing the heated aluminum alloy plate in a box. , a conveyance process in which heated air is introduced into the inside of the box to convey the aluminum alloy plate in a state where the temperature drop is suppressed, and a press process in which the aluminum alloy plate conveyed in the conveyance process is pressed.

In one configuration example of the above production method, the heating process heats the age-hardened aluminum alloy plate to a temperature above the solid solution initiation temperature to the hardness reduction temperature, and the conveyance process heats the aluminum alloy plate to a temperature above the solid solution initiation temperature. In the pressing step, the aluminum alloy plate is pressed at the solid solution initiation temperature.

In one configuration example of the production method described above, the conveyance device that performs the conveyance process includes a conveyance mechanism, a box body that is fixed to the conveyance mechanism and accommodates the aluminum alloy plate, and a box for carrying out the aluminum alloy plate from the box body. The aluminum alloy plate includes a carrying-in/unloading mechanism that carries the aluminum alloy plate into the box body, and a heating mechanism that introduces heated air into the inside of the box body to suppress the temperature drop of the aluminum alloy plate.

In one configuration example of the above production method, the box body has a first opening and a second opening provided on a surface facing the first opening, and the carrying-out/carrying mechanism is arranged between the first opening and the second opening. a transport arm disposed through the box body, movable in a penetrating direction penetrating the box body, and provided with a holding part for holding an aluminum alloy plate; and a state in which the holding part is housed inside the box body; A first shielding plate and a second shielding plate are provided that are attached to the transport arm with the holding portion in between so as to shield each of the first opening and the second opening.

In one configuration example of the above production method, the first opening and the second opening are shielded by the first shielding plate and the second shielding plate, so that the inside of the box body is kept in a substantially sealed state.

In one configuration example of the production method, the first shielding plate is provided in a boundary area between the holding part and the area other than the holding part, and includes an opening/closing mechanism that opens and closes the second shielding plate.

In one configuration example of the production method described above, two transport arms are provided, and each of the two transport arms in the holding section is provided with a hook that changes between a state of holding an aluminum alloy plate and a state of releasing it.

In one configuration example of the above production method, the box body is composed of a lower box and an upper box that are connected to each other by a hinge so as to be openable and closable, and the carrying-in/out mechanism penetrates the box body from the surface where the hinge is provided. Two transport arms are arranged and movable in the penetrating direction penetrating the box body, and can protrude from the opening/closing part of the box body, and two transport arms are provided on the side of the opening/closing part of the box body. , and a holding mechanism for holding the aluminum alloy plate between the two transport arms.

In one configuration example of the production method described above, the box has an opening, and the carrying-out/carrying mechanism includes two transport arms housed inside the box in a state movable in the direction of discharging from the opening, and the opening. Two rods are placed through the box on opposite sides of the box, and are connected to the two transport arms so that the two transport arms can be moved in and out of the box, and an opening in the box. A lid is provided that can be opened and closed, and a lid is provided on the two transport arms on the side of the opening of the box, and between the two transport arms, the state changes between holding and opening the aluminum alloy plate. A holding mechanism is provided.

In one configuration example of the above production method, the box has an open top surface, the loading/unloading mechanism is disposed on the top side of the box, and is movable in a direction parallel to the bottom of the box, and the top surface of the box A first step of moving the board capable of closing the opening between a first position and a second position, each of which has a different relative position to the box in a direction parallel to the bottom surface of the box. a moving mechanism; and a second moving mechanism that relatively moves the box and the plate between a state where the top surface of the box is closed and a state where the board is opened in each of the first position and the second position. and a holding mechanism that is provided on the lower surface of the plate on the box side that is within the area of the box in the first position, and that changes between a state of holding the aluminum alloy plate and a state of releasing it.

In one configuration example of the above production method, the box has a double structure.

In one configuration example of the production method described above, the box body includes an exhaust port that exhausts the air introduced by the heating mechanism.

In one configuration example of the production method, the conveyance device further includes a cold air supply mechanism that mixes cooled air with the air discharged from the exhaust port.

In one configuration example of the above production method, the conveyance device further includes a slow cooling box provided at the bottom of the box, and the cold air supply mechanism is provided in the slow cooling box.

In one configuration example of the above production method, the transport device includes a thermometer that measures the temperature inside the box, and a controller that controls the heating mechanism based on the measurement result of the thermometer.

As explained above, according to the present invention, since the aluminum alloy plate is transported while being housed inside the box which is kept at a predetermined temperature by the heating mechanism, heat loss during transport of the aluminum alloy plate to be transported is suppressed. can.

FIG. 1 is a flowchart illustrating a production method according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a temperature profile in a heating process. FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram showing the configuration of a conveyance device of Example 1 used in the production method according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4A is a plan view showing a partial configuration of a conveyance device of Example 1 used in the production method according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4B is a plan view showing a partial configuration of the conveying device of Example 1 used in the production method according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5A is a sectional view showing a partial configuration of a conveying device of Example 1 used in the production method according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5B is a plan view showing a partial configuration of the conveyance device of Example 1 used in the production method according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5C is a cross-sectional view showing a partial configuration of the conveyance device of Example 1 used in the production method according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6A is a configuration diagram showing the configuration of a conveyance device of Example 2 used in the production method according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6B is a configuration diagram showing the configuration of a conveyance device of Example 2 used in the production method according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7A is a configuration diagram showing the configuration of a conveyance device of Example 2 used in the production method according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7B is a configuration diagram showing the configuration of a conveyance device of Example 2 used in the production method according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7C is a configuration diagram showing the configuration of a conveyance device of Example 2 used in the production method according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7D is a configuration diagram showing the configuration of a conveyance device of Example 2 used in the production method according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8A is a configuration diagram showing the configuration of a conveyance device of Example 3 used in the production method according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8B is a configuration diagram showing the configuration of a conveying device of Example 3 used in the production method according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9A is a configuration diagram showing the configuration of a conveyance device of Example 3 used in the production method according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9B is a configuration diagram showing the configuration of a conveyance device of Example 3 used in the production method according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9C is a configuration diagram showing the configuration of a conveyance device of Example 3 used in the production method according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9D is a configuration diagram showing the configuration of a conveyance device of Example 3 used in the production method according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9E is a configuration diagram showing the configuration of a conveyance device of Example 3 used in the production method according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9F is a configuration diagram showing the configuration of a conveyance device of Example 3 used in the production method according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10A is a configuration diagram showing the configuration of a conveyance device of Example 4 used in the production method according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10B is a configuration diagram showing the configuration of a conveyance device of Example 4 used in the production method according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11A is a configuration diagram showing the configuration of a conveyance device of Example 4 used in the production method according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11B is a configuration diagram showing the configuration of a conveyance device of Example 4 used in the production method according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11C is a configuration diagram showing the configuration of a conveyance device of Example 4 used in the production method according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11D is a configuration diagram showing the configuration of a conveyance device of Example 4 used in the production method according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11E is a configuration diagram showing the configuration of a conveyance device of Example 4 used in the production method according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11F is a configuration diagram showing the configuration of a conveyance device of Example 4 used in the production method according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11G is a configuration diagram showing the configuration of a conveyance device of Example 4 used in the production method according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11H is a configuration diagram showing the configuration of a conveyance device of Example 4 used in the production method according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, a production method according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. This production method is a production method in which an aluminum alloy plate that has been precipitated and hardened is pressed, and includes a heating step S101, a conveying step S102, and a pressing step S103.

In the heating step S101, an aluminum alloy plate that has been precipitated and hardened is heated to a temperature that allows press forming while maintaining precipitation hardening. For example, in the heating step S101, an age-hardened aluminum alloy plate is heated in a range from a solid solution initiation temperature to a hardness reduction temperature. For example, an A7075 plate material (aluminum alloy plate) that has been subjected to precipitation hardening treatment of T6 material or T7 material is heated while the precipitation hardening state is maintained. For example, in the heating step S101, the aluminum alloy plate is heated to a temperature in the range of 200° C. to 250° C. for 3 seconds to 70 seconds at which press work is possible.

In the transport step S102, the heated aluminum alloy plate is housed in the box of the above-mentioned transport device, and heated air is introduced into the box to transport the aluminum alloy plate in a state where the temperature drop is suppressed. For example, in the transport step S102, the aluminum alloy plate is transported at a temperature equal to or higher than the solid solution start temperature.

In the pressing step S103, the aluminum alloy plate transported in the transporting step S102 is pressed. For example, in the pressing step S103, an aluminum alloy plate is pressed at a solid solution start temperature.

According to the above-mentioned production method, an aluminum alloy material made of an aluminum alloy manufactured by a sheet material manufacturer and subjected to precipitation hardening treatment is heated while maintaining the precipitation hardening state, and this precipitation hardening state is maintained. Since it is pressed, parts manufacturers (automobile manufacturers) do not need to perform age hardening treatment after pressing. Age hardening of pressed products requires larger heating equipment and takes a longer time, which does not match the production speed of automobiles. On the other hand, as mentioned above, the fact that age-hardening treatment is not required after pressing has the advantage that age-hardened aluminum alloys can be formed by parts manufacturers (automobile manufacturers) at lower cost and with higher productivity. It will be done.

By the way, in the transportation process between the heating process and the pressing process, if the heated aluminum alloy plate is simply conveyed to the press machine for the pressing process, the aluminum alloy plate will be cooled by air during this time, and will not bend during the pressing process and will not crack. This may occur. In addition, if the heating temperature in the heating process is increased in anticipation of the temperature drop of the aluminum alloy plate due to this air, the aging treatment of T6 or T7 material will soften the aluminum alloy plate and reduce the hardness of the pressed product. It is not desirable to increase the heating temperature in the heating step in anticipation of this. Note that the decrease in hardness of the T7 material is more remarkable than that of the T6 material, so the T7 material is less desirable.

As an example, the results of an experiment in which an aluminum alloy plate made of A7075-T73 material and having a thickness of 2 mm was subjected to heat treatment and press treatment using the temperature profile shown in FIG. 2 are shown.

When the heating step has a maximum temperature of 255° C. and a heating time of 45 seconds, the hardness of the pressed product after press treatment is 137 HV. When the heating step has a maximum temperature of 230° C. and a heating time of 45 seconds, the hardness of the pressed product after press treatment is 151 HV. When the heating step has a maximum temperature of 225° C. and a heating time of 25 seconds, the hardness of the pressed product after press treatment is 155 HV. When the heating step has a maximum temperature of 195° C. and a heating time of 30 seconds, the hardness of the pressed product after press treatment is 156 HV. When the heating step has a maximum temperature of 195° C. and a heating time of 10 seconds, the hardness of the pressed product after press treatment is 154 HV.

If the heating step is performed at a high temperature, the pressing process will be easier, but the hardness of the pressed product will be lower. The hardness of pressed products is generally controlled at 150 HV, so in the results of the experiments mentioned above, a temperature of 255°C for the aluminum alloy plate during the heating process is sufficient to produce pressed products that meet product standards (control values). This is a condition that makes it impossible.

As mentioned above, there is a limit to shortening the distance between the heating furnace and the press machine, so after the heated aluminum alloy plate is removed from the heating furnace, the removed aluminum alloy plate must be transported to the press machine. . Since the temperature of the aluminum alloy plate decreases during this transportation, it is extremely important to suppress the temperature drop of the aluminum alloy plate during transportation. On the other hand, if the temperature in the heating step is increased in consideration of the temperature drop during transportation, the hardness of the pressed product decreases, as is clear from the results of the above-mentioned experiments. Therefore, using the above-mentioned transport device to transport the aluminum alloy plate in a state where the temperature drop is suppressed is extremely effective in suppressing the occurrence of the above-mentioned problems. In particular, T7 material is effective.

[Example 1]
Next, a conveyance device of Example 1 used in the production method according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 3. This transport device includes a transport mechanism 101 and a box 102 fixed to the transport mechanism 101. The transport mechanism 101 can be configured from a self-propelled vehicle driven by a motor or the like. Moreover, the transport mechanism 101 can be configured from, for example, a six-axis robot. Moreover, the transport mechanism 101 can also be configured from a crane or a cylinder. Further, the transport mechanism 101 can also be configured from a transport loader.

The box body 102 is a part that accommodates an aluminum alloy plate that is an object to be transported, and in the first embodiment, it has a first opening 103 and a second opening 104 provided on a surface facing the first opening 103. The box body 102 can have a double structure, consisting of an outer box 102a and an inner box 102b. The box body 102 (outer box 102a, inner box 102b) can be made of, for example, stainless steel, aluminum alloy, or the like. Further, the box body 102 (outer box 102a, inner box 102b) can be made of ceramics.

Further, this transport device includes a transport/unload mechanism for transporting an aluminum alloy plate as a transport object from the box body 102 and transporting it into the box body 102. In the first embodiment, the carry-out/carry-in mechanism first includes two transfer arms 105 . The two transport arms 105 are arranged to penetrate the box body 102 between the first opening 103 and the second opening 104. Furthermore, the two transport arms 105 are movable in a penetrating direction penetrating the box body 102, and include holding parts 121 that hold the aluminum alloy plate to be transported. Transfer arm 105 can be constructed from stainless steel, for example. For example, the transport arm 105 is capable of sliding on the contact surface with the first opening 103 and the second opening 104. When there are a plurality of aluminum alloy plates, the two transport arms 105 can be configured to include a plurality of sets.

For example, the transport arm 105 includes a hook 109 in the holding portion 121 for holding an aluminum alloy plate. The aluminum alloy plate is, for example, a rectangular plate-like member with one side of about 2000 mm in plan view. For example, in the holding part 121, hooks 109 are provided at each of the four corners of a rectangular area in a plan view that is held between the two transport arms 105. Further, a support structure (not shown) for holding the aluminum alloy plate may be provided in the center between the two transport arms 105. The hook 109 and the support structure can be provided as appropriate depending on the size of the aluminum alloy plate. Further, the hook 109 and the support structure can be attached to and detached from the transfer arm 105.

Furthermore, a first shielding plate 106 and a second shielding plate 107 are attached to the transport arm 105 with the holding portion 121 in between. The first shielding plate 106 is provided in a boundary area between the holding part 121 and a region other than the holding part 121. Further, the second shielding plate 107 is provided at the tip of the holding portion 121 in the direction in which the holding portion 121 is ejected from the box body 102 . The first shielding plate 106 and the second shielding plate 107 can be made of fluororubber, alumina ceramics, silica ceramics, zirconia ceramics, alumina refractory bricks, chamotte ceramics, or the like. The first shielding plate 106 and the second shielding plate 107 can shield each of the first opening 103 and the second opening 104 while the holding part 121 is housed inside the box 102. By shielding the first opening 103 and the second opening 104 with the first shielding plate 106 and the second shielding plate 107, the inside of the box body 102 can be kept in a substantially sealed state. Further, the first shielding plate 106 and the second shielding plate 107 can have an opening/closing mechanism. Further, the first shielding plate 106 and the second shielding plate 107 can be made detachable from the two transport arms 105.

Furthermore, the transport arm 105 is equipped with a third shielding plate 110. The second shielding plate 107 and the third shielding plate 110 are arranged in a line-symmetrical state with the first shielding plate 106 in between. By moving the transport arm 105 in the penetrating direction penetrating the box 102, the holding section 121 is transferred to the outside of the box 102 (FIG. 4A), and the holding section 121 is transferred to the box 102 (inner box). 102b) (FIG. 4B). This movement of the transport arm 105 can be performed manually, for example. Further, the movement of the transport arm 105 can be automatically performed using a predetermined drive mechanism.

In the first state shown in FIG. 4A, for example, the aluminum alloy plate 151 that has been heated in the heating furnace can be held in the holding part 121 in the heating furnace. For example, first, the opening/closing mechanism included in the second shielding plate 107 slides the second shielding plate 107 upward to open it. In this state, the two transfer arms 105 are inserted into the heating furnace. When the two transfer arms 105 are inserted into the heating furnace, the third shielding plate 110 and the first shielding plate 106 shield the first opening 103 and the second opening 104, and the box body 102 (inner box 102b ) is in a nearly sealed state.

Inside the heating furnace into which the two transfer arms 105 are inserted, an aluminum alloy plate 151 is held on a rod, etc., and the second shielding plate 107 is in an open state to hold the aluminum alloy plate 151 on the rod. It is taken into the holding part 121 between the two transport arms 105 from the location where it is located. In this state, by lowering the rod, the aluminum alloy plate 151 is placed on the hook 109, and the second shielding plate 107 is slid downward to be in the closed state.

Further, the hooks 109 provided on each of the two transport arms 105 in the holding section 121 can be provided with a mechanism that changes between a state in which the aluminum alloy plate 151 is held and a state in which it is released. For example, inside the heating furnace, the rod holding the aluminum alloy plate 151 is in a lowered state, and in this state, the two transport arms 105 are inserted into the inside of the heating furnace. At this time, the aluminum alloy plate 151 is placed below the holding parts 121 of the two transport arms 105. Next, after the hook 109 is opened, the rod is raised to take the aluminum alloy plate 151 into the holding part 121. Thereafter, by setting the hook 109 in the holding state and lowering the rod, the aluminum alloy plate 151 can be placed on the hook 109 in the holding state.

In the second state shown in FIG. 4B, the aluminum alloy plate 151 held by the holding part 121 and the holding part 121 are housed inside the box 102 (inner box 102b). In this state, the first opening 103 and the second opening 104 are shielded by the second shielding plate 107 and the first shielding plate 106, and the inside of the box body 102 (inner box 102b) is in a substantially sealed state. .

This conveyance device also includes a heating mechanism (heat retention mechanism) 108 that introduces heated air into the inside of the box body 102 (inner box 102b) to suppress the temperature drop of the aluminum alloy plate contained therein. Be prepared. The heating mechanism 108 heats (keeps warm) the inside of the box 102 by introducing air (hot air, hot air) heated (warmed) by the heating mechanism 108 into the inside of the box 102 . The heating mechanism 108 can be configured from, for example, "Air High Temperature Heater Model QA (QAO-135)" manufactured by Nippon Heater Co., Ltd. This compresses the air outside the box and causes it to flow into the electric heater, generating heated air at a constant temperature and constant flow rate. The air layer between the outer box 102a and the inner box 102b of the box body 102 having a double structure can improve the heat retention of the internal space. Further, by making the box body 102 have a double structure, the surface of the outer box 102a can be maintained at a low temperature while the inside of the inner box 102b is heated, thereby maintaining safety at the production site.

In addition, as shown in FIGS. 4A, 5A, and 5B, the box body 102 receives air (hot air, hot air, ) can be provided in the center with an exhaust port 111 for exhausting the air. Therefore, the heated air flows in a spiral within the insulating chamber (inner box 102b) and is discharged from the exhaust port 111 into the cooling chamber (annealing box 112) below. Further, this cooling chamber (annealing box 112) can further include a cold air supply mechanism that mixes cooled air (cold air, cool air) with air (hot air, warm air) discharged from the exhaust port 111. . This eliminates the need to vent heated air to the work site. The cold air supply mechanism can be provided in an annealing box 112 provided at the bottom of the box body 102. Note that FIG. 5A shows a cross section taken along the aa' line in FIG. 5B. The cold air supply mechanism includes a blower 113 that passes through the box and a flow path 114 that leads to the outlet of the exhaust port 111.

For example, warm air (heated air) supplied from the heating mechanism 108 flows from a corner inside the box 102 along the wall surface, circulates inside the box 102 (incubation room or heating room) in a spiral shape, The aluminum alloy plate held by the holding part 121 is uniformly heated and exhausted into the cooling chamber (annealing box 112) from the centrally located exhaust port 111. Cold air supplied from the blower 113 is transported through a flow path 114 provided in the slow cooling box 112 using an L-shaped guide or piping in plan view, and is discharged into the slow cooling box 112 from the central exhaust port 111. It is mixed with the hot air. The discharged air that has been mixed with cold air and slowly cooled is divided into left and right hands on the wall facing the flow path 114, and is discharged to the outside from a pair of left and right exhaust ports 115 provided at the bottom of the slow cooling box 112. .

In this way, the exhaust port 115 can be arranged at a different position from the exhaust port 111 in plan view. The discharge ports 115 can be provided at a plurality of locations on the wall side (outside the flow path 114) from the center of the bottom of the slow cooling box 112. With this configuration, by blowing warm air in a spiral shape at a constant flow rate onto the plate-shaped aluminum alloy plate placed parallel to the bottom surface inside the flat rectangular box 102, the plate-shaped Aluminum alloy plates can be heated efficiently and uniformly. Furthermore, since the cold air is mixed, the temperature of the air discharged from the discharge port 115 is lowered, so that the environment at the press work site is not deteriorated.

Further, as shown in FIG. 5C, a check valve 116 can be provided to prevent air (cooled air) from flowing back into the box 102 from the exhaust port 111. Further, the discharge port 115 can be provided with a muffling device.

Further, this conveyance device can include a thermometer 131 that measures the temperature inside the box 102 and a controller 132 that controls the heating mechanism 108 based on the measurement result of the thermometer 131. The thermometer 131 is placed inside the box 102 at a location where it does not interfere with the transport arm 105 carrying in and out the aluminum alloy plate. The thermometer 131 can be provided, for example, on the bottom or ceiling inside the inner box 102b. For example, the thermometer 131 can be provided on the bottom surface or ceiling surface inside the inner box 102b in a region corresponding to approximately the center of the aluminum alloy plate housed in the box body 102. With this configuration, it becomes possible to measure the temperature inside the box 102 in the vicinity of the housed aluminum alloy plate. Thermometer 131 can be configured from a thermocouple, for example.

The controller 132 controls the operation of the heating mechanism 108 so that the measurement result of the thermometer corresponds to the set target temperature. For example, by determining the correlation between the temperature measurement result of the thermometer 131 and the temperature of the contained aluminum alloy plate through experiments, etc., and reflecting this result in the control by the controller 132, more accurate temperature control can be achieved. becomes possible.

In this transport device, first, the aluminum alloy plate 151 is held (carried in) in the holding part 121 in the first state shown in FIG. 4A. Next, in a second state shown in FIG. 4B, the holding part 121 holding the aluminum alloy plate 151 is housed inside the box 102 (inner box 102b) which is kept at a predetermined temperature by the heating mechanism 108. Next, the transport mechanism 101 is operated to transport the aluminum alloy plate 151 to a predetermined location (for example, a press machine). Thereafter, the first state shown in FIG. 4A is established, and the aluminum alloy plate 151 can be taken out (carried out) from the holding part 121. Therefore, according to this conveyance device, the aluminum alloy plate 151 is housed inside the box body 102 (inner box 102b) which is kept at a predetermined temperature during conveyance between the heating process and the pressing process, so the aluminum alloy plate 151 is heated. Loss can be suppressed.

Further, in this conveying device, the inside of the box 102, which is kept warm (heated) at a predetermined temperature by the heating mechanism 108, is approximately the same in both the first state shown in FIG. 4A and the second state shown in FIG. 4B. It is considered to be in a sealed state. Therefore, even if the first state and the second state are switched when the aluminum alloy plate 151 is carried in and out, temperature fluctuations inside the box body 102 can be suppressed. For example, by controlling the heating mechanism 108 using a control system including the thermometer 131 and the controller 132, it is possible to make the temperature change inside the box 102 almost zero during transportation. In particular, since the heating mechanism 108 introduces heated air into the inside of the box to suppress the temperature drop of the aluminum alloy plate, even if the shield plate is opened/closed or the box is not in a sealed state and there is heat loss, the heat Since the heated air containing the lost air is replenished, temperature fluctuations inside the box 102 can be suppressed.

Through intensive study by the inventors, the following was found. For example, when warm press forming an A7000 series aluminum alloy plate that has been subjected to T7 age hardening treatment at a forming temperature of 200°C near the solid solution start temperature, the plate material to be pressed is hardened in a heating furnace. The material is heated to an upper limit temperature of about 200 to 250° C. that does not lower the temperature, and after being taken out of the heating furnace, it is transported to a press while being exposed to the surrounding air and press-molded. If this transportation takes, for example, 20 seconds, the temperature will drop by about 10 to 15°C. If the temperature drops below the moldable temperature of 200°C, the press conditions will no longer be met, cracks will occur, and molding will be defective.

Therefore, heated air was introduced into the inside of the box to suppress the temperature drop of the aluminum alloy plate. We have achieved a state where the temperature fluctuation of the aluminum alloy plate during the transportation process between the heating process and the pressing process is almost zero. The size of the box that accommodates the aluminum alloy plate is sufficient. The heating energy of the heating mechanism can be reduced, the transport mechanism can also be downsized, and the temperature inside the box can be maintained without increasing costs.

[Example 2]
Next, a conveyance device of Example 2 used in the production method according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B. This transport device includes a transport mechanism (not shown) and a box 202 fixed to the transport mechanism. The transport mechanism is the same as in the first embodiment described above, and for example, the box 202 is fixed on the transport mechanism (not shown). Further, as in the first embodiment described above, a heating mechanism (not shown) is provided that introduces heated air into the inside of the box 202 to suppress the temperature drop of the aluminum alloy plate. The heating mechanism heats (keeps warm) the inside of the box 202 by introducing air (hot air, hot air) heated (warmed) by the heating mechanism into the inside of the box 202 .

The box body 202 is composed of a lower box 202a and an upper box 202b which are connected to each other by a hinge 203 so as to be openable and closable. Furthermore, the box body 202 has a double structure, and includes an inner lower box 206a and an inner upper box 206b inside the lower box 202a and the upper box 202b.

Further, this transport device includes two transport arms 204 that are movable in a penetrating direction penetrating the box body 202. Note that FIG. 6A schematically shows a cross section parallel to the direction in which the two transport arms 204 extend, and FIG. 6B schematically shows a cross section perpendicular to the direction in which the two transport arms 204 extend. It shows. The two transport arms 204 are arranged so as to penetrate the box body 202 from the surface where the hinge 203 is provided, and can protrude from the opening/closing portion of the box body 202. Further, the two transport arms 204 are provided with a holding mechanism 205 for holding the aluminum alloy plate 251 between the two transport arms 204. The holding mechanism 205 can be, for example, a clamp. The two transport arms 204 and the holding mechanism 205 constitute a loading/unloading mechanism.

For example, as shown in FIG. 7A, after opening the lower box 202a and the upper box 202b, the two transport arms 204 are slid in the direction of the opening/closing part of the box body 202, as shown in FIG. 7B. The two transport arms 204 are discharged from the opening/closing portion of the box body 202. By arranging the aluminum alloy plate 251 at the discharge destinations of the two transport arms 204, the aluminum alloy plate 251 can be held by the holding mechanism 205. For example, the aluminum alloy plate 251 that has been heated in a heating furnace (not shown) can be held in the heating furnace by the holding mechanism 205.

As described above, for example, the two transfer arms 204 are inserted into the heating furnace with the two transfer arms 204 being discharged from the opening/closing portion of the box body 202 . In the heating furnace into which the two transport arms 105 are inserted, an aluminum alloy plate 251 is held on a rod (not shown), etc., and the aluminum alloy plate 251 on the rod is held between the two transport arms 204 into which the two transport arms 105 are inserted. By arranging the aluminum alloy plate 251 between the aluminum alloy plates 20 and 20, the aluminum alloy plate 251 can be held by the holding mechanism 205.

After lowering the rod in this state, as shown in FIG. 7C, by sliding the two transfer arms 204 toward the hinge 203, the aluminum alloy plate 251 held by the holding mechanism 205 is moved into the heating furnace. It is carried out from the box body 202 and carried into the inside of the box body 202. In this state, by closing the lower box 202a and the upper box 202b, the aluminum alloy plate 251 can be accommodated, as shown in FIG. 7D. In this way, with the aluminum alloy plate 251 housed inside the box 202 kept in a heat-retaining state, the conveying mechanism (not shown) is operated to convey the aluminum alloy plate 251 to, for example, a press machine.

After conveying the aluminum alloy plate 251 to the press machine in this way, the lower box 202a and the upper box 202b are brought into the open state and the two conveyor arms 204 are moved in the same way as explained using FIGS. 7A and 7B. With this, the aluminum alloy plate 251 held by the holding mechanism 205 can be carried into the press machine. Therefore, according to this transport device, the aluminum alloy plate 251 is housed inside the box body 202 which is kept at a predetermined temperature during transport, so that heat loss can be suppressed.

[Example 3]
Next, a conveyance device of Example 3 used in the production method according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 8A and 8B. This transport device includes a transport mechanism (not shown) and a box 302 fixed to the transport mechanism. The transport mechanism is the same as in Examples 1 and 2 described above, and for example, a box 302 is fixed on the transport mechanism (not shown). Further, as in the first embodiment described above, a heating mechanism (not shown) is provided that introduces heated air into the inside of the box 302 to suppress the temperature drop of the aluminum alloy plate. The heating mechanism heats (keeps warm) the inside of the box 302 by introducing air (hot air, hot air) heated (warmed) by the heating mechanism into the inside of the box 302 .

The box body 302 has an opening 303. Moreover, the box body 302 has a double structure and includes an outer box 302a and an inner box 302b. Further, this conveyance device includes two conveyance arms 304 housed inside the box body 302 so as to be movable in the direction of discharging from the opening 303. Note that FIG. 8A schematically shows a cross section parallel to the direction in which the two transport arms 304 extend, and FIG. 8B schematically shows a cross section perpendicular to the direction in which the two transport arms 304 extend. It shows. Further, two arms are arranged to penetrate through the box body 302 on the surface facing the opening 303 and are connected to the two transport arms 304 so that the two transport arms 304 can be moved in the direction of taking them in and out of the box body 302. A rod 305 is provided. Two transport arms 304 and two rods 305 constitute a carry-in/out mechanism.

Furthermore, a holding mechanism 307 is provided on the two transport arms 304 on the side of the opening 303 of the box body 302. The holding mechanism 307 changes between a state in which the aluminum alloy plate 351 is held and a state in which it is released between the two transport arms 304.

Further, a lid 306 is provided on the opening 303 of the box body 302 so as to be openable and closable. For example, a wire 309 is connected to a wire fixing part 308 fixed to the lid 306. Further, the wire 309 is passed through a fixed pulley 310 and connected to a wire hoisting mechanism (not shown). For example, by hoisting the wire 309 using a wire hoisting mechanism (not shown), the lid 306 is opened as shown in FIG. 9A. In this state, the two transport arms 304 are discharged from the box body 302 by pushing out the two rods 305 by a moving mechanism (not shown).

As shown in FIG. 9B, by placing the aluminum alloy plate 351 at the discharge destination of the two transport arms 304, the aluminum alloy plate 351 can be held by the holding mechanism 307 as described later. . For example, with the two transport arms 304 being discharged from the opening 303 of the box body 302, the two transport arms 304 are inserted into the heating furnace. In the heating furnace into which the two transfer arms 304 are inserted, an aluminum alloy plate 351 is held on a rod 311, as shown in FIG. 9C. By placing the aluminum alloy plate 351 on the rod 311 between the two inserted transport arms 304, and lowering the rod 311, for example, the aluminum alloy plate 351 is held as shown in FIGS. 9D and 9E. A holding state can be achieved by the mechanism 307.

In this way, after the aluminum alloy plate 351 is held by the holding mechanism 307, the two rods 305 are pulled back by the moving mechanism (not shown), so that the two transport arms 304 are attached to the box body 302 (inner box 302b). Pull back. Further, by winding down the wire 309 using a wire winding mechanism (not shown), the lid 306 is brought into a closed state as shown in FIG. 9F. Thereby, the aluminum alloy plate 351 held by the holding mechanism 307 can be carried out from the heating furnace and carried into the inside of the box body 302 (inner box 302b), and the aluminum alloy plate 351 can be housed in the box body 302. can.

With the aluminum alloy plate 351 housed inside the box 302 kept warm as described above, a conveyance mechanism (not shown) is operated to convey the aluminum alloy plate 351 to, for example, a press machine.

After conveying the aluminum alloy plate 351 to the press machine in this way, the holding mechanism 307 The aluminum alloy plate 351 held by the aluminum alloy plate 351 can be carried into a press machine. Therefore, according to this transport device, the aluminum alloy plate 351 is housed inside the box 302 which is kept at a predetermined temperature during transport, so that heat loss can be suppressed.

[Example 4]
Next, a conveyance device of Example 4 used in the production method according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 10A and 10B. This transport device includes a transport mechanism (not shown) and a box 402 fixed to the transport mechanism. The transport mechanism is the same as in the first, second, and third embodiments described above, and for example, a box 402 is fixed on the transport mechanism (not shown).

Further, in the fourth embodiment, the box body 402 has an open top surface. Furthermore, the box body 402 has a double structure and includes an outer box 402a and an inner box 402b. Further, a plate 403 arranged on the upper surface side of the box body 402 is provided. The plate 403 is movable in a direction parallel to the bottom surface of the box body 402 and can close an opening on the top surface of the box body 402, and functions as a lid that closes the opening on the top surface of the box body 402. Note that FIG. 10A schematically shows a cross section in which the plate 403 is parallel to the moving direction parallel to the bottom surface of the box body 402, and FIG. 10B schematically shows a cross section in which the plate 403 is perpendicular to the moving direction parallel to the bottom surface of the box body 402. is schematically shown.

The plate 403 is movable by a first moving mechanism (not shown) in a direction parallel to the bottom surface of the box body 402 between a first position and a second position, each having a different position relative to the box body 402. ing. Further, the box body 402 and the plate 403 are moved by a second moving mechanism (not shown) into a state where the plate 403 closes the top surface of the box body 402 and an open state in each of the above-mentioned first position and second position. It is possible to move relative to the state.

Further, in this conveying device, a holding mechanism 404 is provided on the lower surface of the plate 403 on the side of the box 402 that is within the area of the box 402 in the first position. The holding mechanism 404 changes between a state of holding the aluminum alloy plate and a state of releasing it. The holding mechanism 404 includes, for example, a hook 405.

Further, as in the first embodiment described above, a heating mechanism (not shown) is provided that introduces heated air into the inside of the box 402 to suppress the temperature drop of the aluminum alloy plate. The heating mechanism heats (keeps warm) the inside of the box 402 by introducing air (hot air, hot air) heated (warmed) by the heating mechanism into the inside of the box 402 .

For example, as shown in FIG. 11A, the box 402 can be brought into an open state by raising the plate 403 and separating it from the top surface of the box 402 using a second moving mechanism (not shown). Next, a first moving mechanism (not shown) moves the plate 403 in a direction parallel to the bottom surface of the box 402, and a second moving mechanism (not shown) lowers the plate 403 to contact the top surface of the box 402. . Thereby, as shown in FIG. 11B, the region of the plate 403 where the holding mechanism 404 is provided is placed outside the box 402.

In this state, the region of the plate 403 where the holding mechanism 404 is provided is inserted into the heating furnace. In the heating furnace into which the region of the plate 403 where the holding mechanism 404 is inserted is inserted, an aluminum alloy plate 451 is held on a rod (not shown), as shown in FIG. 11C. The aluminum alloy plate 451 on the rod is placed below the region of the inserted plate 403 where the holding mechanism 404 is provided, and the holding mechanism 404 is opened.

With the holding mechanism 404 in an open state, for example, the transport mechanism lowers the box 402 and the plate 403, and the holding mechanism 404 is placed on both sides of the aluminum alloy plate 451, as shown in FIGS. 11D and 11E. The holding mechanism 404 is brought into a state in which it holds the aluminum alloy plate 451.

After the aluminum alloy plate 451 is held in the holding state by the holding mechanism 404 in this way, the plate 403 is raised and separated from the top surface of the box body 402 by a second moving mechanism (not shown) (FIG. 11F), and then By moving the plate 403 in a direction parallel to the bottom surface of the box 402 by the first moving mechanism, the area of the plate 403 where the holding mechanism 404 is provided is moved above the box 402 (FIG. 11G). Further, a second moving mechanism (not shown) lowers the plate 403 and brings it into contact with the upper surface of the box 402. As a result, as shown in FIG. 11H, the aluminum alloy plate 451 held by the holding mechanism 404 is carried out from the heating furnace and carried into the box body 402 (inner box 402b), and the aluminum alloy plate 451 is transferred to the box body 402 (inner box 402b). It can be housed in the body 402.

With the aluminum alloy plate 451 housed inside the box 402 kept warm as described above, a conveyance mechanism (not shown) is operated to convey the aluminum alloy plate 451 to, for example, a press machine.

After conveying the aluminum alloy plate 451 to the press machine in this way, the aluminum alloy plate 451 held by the holding mechanism 404 is removed by performing the same lifting and sliding movements of the lid 306 as explained using FIGS. 11A and 11B. Plate 451 can be loaded into a press. Therefore, according to this transport device, the aluminum alloy plate 451 is housed inside the box 402 which is kept at a predetermined temperature during transport, so that heat loss can be suppressed.

In addition, a contact type heating furnace can be used for the heating process mentioned above. It has high heat uniformity, can easily handle blank shapes of various sizes, and is mass-producible due to its simple equipment. It is suitable for heating an age-hardened aluminum alloy plate to the press forming temperature without reducing its hardness.

In addition, a contact heating furnace can be installed with upper and lower plates that are moved closer and farther apart by a servo motor so as to sandwich the workpiece, and that are subject to load value control and temperature control. Since both sides of the workpiece are in close contact with each other and are constantly heated, uniform and rapid heating is possible, and thermal effects on the workpiece (reduction in hardness) can be minimized.

Furthermore, a plurality of boxes and heating furnaces can be arranged in parallel. Since the pressing time is shorter than the heating time (in the example, the heating time is 60 seconds and the bottom dead center holding time is 10 seconds), the total production speed can be improved by preparing a plurality of time-consuming devices. Since they are arranged in parallel, space efficiency can be increased and transportation can be streamlined.

As explained above, according to the present invention, since the aluminum alloy plate is transported while being accommodated inside the box which is kept at a predetermined temperature by the heating mechanism, heat loss during transport of the aluminum alloy plate to be transported is reduced. be able to suppress it. Therefore, it is possible to hot press aluminum alloy sheets that have been precipitated to increase their strength and hardness without reducing their strength and hardness, and there is no need for age hardening at the press site, making it possible to produce It does not reduce the quality of the product.

The heated aluminum alloy plate is housed in a box, and heated air is introduced into the box to suppress the temperature drop of the aluminum alloy plate while transporting the plate, reducing the heating temperature of the previous heating process. Even in a narrow temperature range (200 to 250° C. in the case of 7000 series T7 processing) between the upper limit temperature at which the hardness does not decrease and the lower limit temperature at which press molding is possible, the temperature drop during transportation can be suppressed. Therefore, in the next press step, press molding can be performed without reducing the hardness. Since the material is precipitated and hardened before the heating process, there is no need for artificial age hardening at the press site, resulting in lightweight, high-hardness (strength) vehicle body parts that do not slow down production. Additionally, since heated air is introduced into the box, the temperature can be controlled at a constant level by compensating for heat loss caused by moving the aluminum alloy plate in and out of the box.

Some or all of the above embodiments are also described in the following supplementary notes, but are not limited to the following.

[Additional note 1]
a heating step of heating an aluminum alloy plate that has been precipitated hardened to a temperature that allows press forming while maintaining precipitation hardening;
a conveyance step of storing the heated aluminum alloy plate in a box and transporting the aluminum alloy plate in a state where a temperature drop is suppressed by introducing heated air into the inside of the box;
and a pressing step of pressing the aluminum alloy plate transported in the transporting step.

[Additional note 2]
In the production method described in Appendix 1,
In the heating step, the age-hardened aluminum alloy plate is heated in a range from a solid solution initiation temperature to a hardness reduction temperature,
In the conveying step, the aluminum alloy plate is conveyed at a temperature higher than a solid solution start temperature,
A production method characterized in that, in the pressing step, the aluminum alloy plate is pressed at a solid solution initiation temperature.

[Additional note 3]
In the production method described in Appendix 1 or 2,
The conveyance device that carries out the conveyance process is:
a transport mechanism;
the box body fixed to the transport mechanism and housing the aluminum alloy plate;
a carrying-out/carrying mechanism for carrying out the aluminum alloy plate from the box body and carrying it into the box body;
and a heating mechanism that introduces heated air into the inside of the box to suppress a temperature drop in the aluminum alloy plate.

[Additional note 4]
In the production method described in Appendix 3,
The box body has a first opening and a second opening provided on a surface facing the first opening,
The carrying-out/carrying mechanism is
a transport arm that is arranged to penetrate the box between the first opening and the second opening, is movable in a penetrating direction passing through the box, and includes a holding part that holds the aluminum alloy plate; and,
a first shielding plate attached to the transport arm with the holding part sandwiched therebetween so as to cover each of the first opening and the second opening with the holding part housed inside the box; and a second shielding plate.

[Additional note 5]
In the production method described in Appendix 4,
A production method characterized in that the interior of the box body is brought into a substantially sealed state by shielding the first opening and the second opening with the first shielding plate and the second shielding plate.

[Additional note 6]
In the production method described in Appendix 4 or 5,
The production method is characterized in that the first shielding plate is provided in a boundary area between the holding part and a region other than the holding part, and includes an opening/closing mechanism that opens and closes the second shielding plate.

[Additional note 7]
In the production method described in any one of Supplementary Notes 4 to 6,
A production method characterized in that two transport arms are provided, and each of the two transport arms in the holding section is provided with a hook that changes between a state in which the aluminum alloy plate is held and a state in which it is released.

[Additional note 8]
In the production method described in Appendix 3,
The box body is composed of a lower box and an upper box that are connected to each other with a hinge so that they can be opened and closed,
The carrying-out/carrying mechanism is
two transport arms that are disposed to penetrate the box body from a surface where the hinge is provided, are movable in a penetrating direction passing through the box body, and are capable of protruding from an opening/closing portion of the box body; and,
A holding mechanism provided on the two transport arms on the side of the opening/closing part of the box body for holding the aluminum alloy plate between the two transport arms.

[Additional note 9]
In the production method described in Appendix 3,
The box body has an opening,
The loading/unloading mechanism is
two transport arms housed inside the box so as to be movable in the direction of discharging from the opening;
two rods that are arranged to penetrate the box body on a surface facing the opening, are connected to the two transport arms, and are movable in a direction to move the two transport arms in and out of the box body; and,
a lid that is openable and closable at the opening of the box;
a holding mechanism that is provided on the two transport arms on the side of the opening of the box body and that changes between a state of holding the aluminum alloy plate and a state of releasing the aluminum alloy plate between the two transport arms. A production method characterized by:

[Additional note 10]
In the production method described in Appendix 3,
The box body has an open top surface,
The loading/unloading mechanism is
a plate disposed on the top side of the box, movable in a direction parallel to the bottom of the box, and capable of closing an opening on the top of the box;
a first moving mechanism that moves the plate between a first position and a second position, each having a different position relative to the box in a direction parallel to the bottom surface of the box;
A second step of relatively moving the box body and the board between a state where the board closes the top surface of the box body and a state where the top surface of the box body is opened in each of the first position and the second position. a moving mechanism;
a holding mechanism that is provided on the lower surface of the box side of the plate that is within the area of the box body in the first position, and that changes between a state in which the aluminum alloy plate is held and a state in which it is released. A production method characterized by:

[Additional note 11]
In the production method described in any one of Supplementary Notes 3 to 10,
A production method characterized in that the box has a double structure.

[Additional note 12]
In the production method described in any one of Supplementary Notes 3 to 11,
A production method characterized in that the box body includes an exhaust port for exhausting air introduced by the heating mechanism.

[Additional note 13]
In the production method described in Appendix 12,
The transport device is
A production method further comprising a cold air supply mechanism that mixes cooled air with the air discharged from the exhaust port.

[Additional note 14]
In the production method described in Appendix 13,
The transport device is
The production method further comprises a slow cooling box provided at a lower part of the box body, and the cold air supply mechanism is provided in the slow cooling box.

[Additional note 15]
In the production method described in any one of Supplementary Notes 3 to 14,
The transport device is
a thermometer that measures the temperature inside the box;
A production method comprising: a controller that controls the heating mechanism based on the measurement results of the thermometer.

It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and many modifications and combinations can be made within the technical idea of the present invention by those having ordinary knowledge in this field. That is clear.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 101...Transportation mechanism, 102...Box body, 102a...Outer box, 102b...Inner box, 103...First opening, 104...Second opening, 105...Transportation arm, 106...First shielding plate, 107...Second shielding plate , 108... Heating mechanism, 110... Third shielding plate, 121... Holding part, 151... Aluminum alloy plate.

Claims (21)

a heating step of heating an aluminum alloy plate that has been precipitated hardened to a temperature that allows press forming while maintaining precipitation hardening;
a conveyance step of storing the heated aluminum alloy plate in a box and transporting the aluminum alloy plate in a state where a temperature drop is suppressed by introducing heated air into the inside of the box;
a pressing step of pressing the aluminum alloy plate transported in the transporting step,
The conveyance device that carries out the conveyance process is:
a transport mechanism;
the box body fixed to the transport mechanism and housing the aluminum alloy plate;
a carrying-out/carrying mechanism for carrying out the aluminum alloy plate from the box body and carrying it into the box body;
Heating that introduces heated air into the inside of the box body to suppress a temperature drop of the aluminum alloy plate so that precipitation hardening of the aluminum alloy plate is maintained and a temperature at which press forming is possible is maintained. Equipped with a mechanism and
The box body has a first opening and a second opening provided on a surface facing the first opening,
The carrying-out/carrying mechanism is
a transport arm that is arranged to penetrate the box between the first opening and the second opening, is movable in a penetrating direction passing through the box, and includes a holding part that holds the aluminum alloy plate; and,
a first shielding plate attached to the transport arm with the holding part sandwiched therebetween so as to cover each of the first opening and the second opening with the holding part housed inside the box; and a second shielding plate. The production method according to claim 1,
A production method characterized in that the interior of the box body is brought into a substantially sealed state by shielding the first opening and the second opening with the first shielding plate and the second shielding plate. The production method according to claim 1,
The production method is characterized in that the first shielding plate is provided in a boundary area between the holding part and a region other than the holding part, and includes an opening/closing mechanism that opens and closes the second shielding plate. The production method according to claim 1,
A production method characterized in that two transport arms are provided, and each of the two transport arms in the holding section is provided with a hook that changes between a state in which the aluminum alloy plate is held and a state in which it is released. a heating step of heating an aluminum alloy plate that has been precipitated hardened to a temperature that allows press forming while maintaining precipitation hardening;
a conveyance step of storing the heated aluminum alloy plate in a box and transporting the aluminum alloy plate in a state where a temperature drop is suppressed by introducing heated air into the inside of the box;
a pressing step of pressing the aluminum alloy plate transported in the transporting step,
The conveyance device that carries out the conveyance process is:
a transport mechanism;
the box body fixed to the transport mechanism and housing the aluminum alloy plate;
a carrying-out/carrying mechanism for carrying out the aluminum alloy plate from the box body and carrying it into the box body;
Heating that introduces heated air into the inside of the box body to suppress a temperature drop of the aluminum alloy plate so that precipitation hardening of the aluminum alloy plate is maintained and a temperature at which press forming is possible is maintained. Equipped with a mechanism and
The box body is composed of a lower box and an upper box that are connected to each other with a hinge so that they can be opened and closed,
The carrying-out/carrying mechanism is
two transport arms that are disposed to penetrate the box body from a surface where the hinge is provided, are movable in a penetrating direction passing through the box body, and are capable of protruding from an opening/closing portion of the box body; and,
a holding mechanism provided on the two transport arms on the side of the opening/closing part of the box body for holding the aluminum alloy plate between the two transport arms. a heating step of heating an aluminum alloy plate that has been precipitated hardened to a temperature that allows press forming while maintaining precipitation hardening;
a conveyance step of storing the heated aluminum alloy plate in a box and transporting the aluminum alloy plate in a state where a temperature drop is suppressed by introducing heated air into the inside of the box;
a pressing step of pressing the aluminum alloy plate transported in the transporting step,
The conveyance device that carries out the conveyance process is:
a transport mechanism;
the box body fixed to the transport mechanism and housing the aluminum alloy plate;
a carrying-out/carrying mechanism for carrying out the aluminum alloy plate from the box body and carrying it into the box body;
Heating that introduces heated air into the inside of the box body to suppress a temperature drop of the aluminum alloy plate so that precipitation hardening of the aluminum alloy plate is maintained and a temperature at which press forming is possible is maintained. Equipped with a mechanism and
The box body has an opening,
The carrying-out/carrying mechanism is
two transport arms housed inside the box so as to be movable in the direction of discharging from the opening;
two rods that are arranged to penetrate the box body on a surface facing the opening, are connected to the two transport arms, and are movable in a direction to move the two transport arms in and out of the box body; and,
a lid that is openable and closable at the opening of the box;
a holding mechanism that is provided on the two transport arms on the side of the opening of the box body and that changes between a state of holding the aluminum alloy plate and a state of releasing the aluminum alloy plate between the two transport arms. Production method. a heating step of heating an aluminum alloy plate that has been precipitated hardened to a temperature that allows press forming while maintaining precipitation hardening;
a conveyance step of storing the heated aluminum alloy plate in a box and transporting the aluminum alloy plate in a state where a temperature drop is suppressed by introducing heated air into the inside of the box;
a pressing step of pressing the aluminum alloy plate transported in the transporting step,
The conveyance device that carries out the conveyance process is:
a transport mechanism;
the box body fixed to the transport mechanism and housing the aluminum alloy plate;
a carrying-out/carrying mechanism for carrying out the aluminum alloy plate from the box body and carrying it into the box body;
Heating that introduces heated air into the inside of the box body to suppress a temperature drop of the aluminum alloy plate so that precipitation hardening of the aluminum alloy plate is maintained and a temperature at which press forming is possible is maintained. Equipped with a mechanism and
The box body has an open top surface,
The carrying-out/carrying mechanism is
a plate disposed on the top side of the box, movable in a direction parallel to the bottom of the box, and capable of closing an opening on the top of the box;
a first moving mechanism that moves the plate between a first position and a second position, each having a different position relative to the box in a direction parallel to the bottom surface of the box;
A second step of relatively moving the box body and the board between a state where the board closes the top surface of the box body and a state where the top surface of the box body is opened in each of the first position and the second position. a moving mechanism;
a holding mechanism that is provided on the lower surface of the box side of the plate that is within the area of the box body in the first position, and that changes between a state in which the aluminum alloy plate is held and a state in which it is released. Production method. a heating step of heating an aluminum alloy plate that has been precipitated hardened to a temperature that allows press forming while maintaining precipitation hardening;
a conveyance step of storing the heated aluminum alloy plate in a box and transporting the aluminum alloy plate in a state where a temperature drop is suppressed by introducing heated air into the inside of the box;
a pressing step of pressing the aluminum alloy plate transported in the transporting step,
The conveyance device that carries out the conveyance process is:
a transport mechanism;
the box body fixed to the transport mechanism and housing the aluminum alloy plate;
a carrying-out/carrying mechanism for carrying out the aluminum alloy plate from the box body and carrying it into the box body;
Heating that introduces heated air into the inside of the box body to suppress a temperature drop of the aluminum alloy plate so that precipitation hardening of the aluminum alloy plate is maintained and a temperature at which press forming is possible is maintained. Equipped with a mechanism and
The box body includes an exhaust port that exhausts the air introduced by the heating mechanism,
The transport device is
further comprising a cold air supply mechanism that mixes cooled air with the air discharged from the exhaust port,
The transport device is
The production method further includes a slow cooling box provided at a lower part of the box body, and the cold air supply mechanism is provided in the slow cooling box. In the production method according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
In the heating step, the age-hardened aluminum alloy plate is heated in a range from a solid solution initiation temperature to a hardness reduction temperature,
In the conveying step, the aluminum alloy plate is conveyed at a temperature higher than a solid solution start temperature,
A production method characterized in that, in the pressing step, the aluminum alloy plate is pressed at a solid solution initiation temperature. In the production method according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
A production method characterized in that the box has a double structure. In the production method according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
The transport device is
a thermometer that measures the temperature inside the box;
A production method comprising: a controller that controls the heating mechanism based on the measurement results of the thermometer. a transport mechanism;
a box that is fixed to the transport mechanism and houses an aluminum alloy plate that has been precipitated and hardened ;
a carrying-out/carrying mechanism for carrying out the aluminum alloy plate from the box body and carrying it into the box body;
Heating that introduces heated air into the inside of the box body to suppress a temperature drop of the aluminum alloy plate so that precipitation hardening of the aluminum alloy plate is maintained and a temperature at which press forming is possible is maintained. Equipped with a mechanism and
The box body has a first opening and a second opening provided on a surface facing the first opening,
The carrying-out/carrying mechanism is
a transport arm that is arranged to penetrate the box between the first opening and the second opening, is movable in a penetrating direction passing through the box, and includes a holding part that holds the aluminum alloy plate; and,
a first shielding plate attached to the transport arm with the holding part sandwiched therebetween so as to cover each of the first opening and the second opening with the holding part housed inside the box; and a second shielding plate, and conveys the aluminum alloy plate to a press machine . The conveying device according to claim 12,
A conveyance device characterized in that the interior of the box is kept in a substantially sealed state by shielding the first opening and the second opening with the first shielding plate and the second shielding plate. The conveying device according to claim 12,
The conveying device is characterized in that two of the conveying arms are provided, and each of the two conveying arms in the holding section is provided with a hook that changes between a state of holding the aluminum alloy plate and a state of releasing the aluminum alloy plate. The conveying device according to claim 12,
The conveying device is characterized in that two of the conveying arms are provided, and each of the two conveying arms in the holding section is provided with a hook that changes between a state of holding the aluminum alloy plate and a state of releasing the aluminum alloy plate. a transport mechanism;
a box that is fixed to the transport mechanism and houses an aluminum alloy plate that has been precipitated and hardened ;
a carrying-out/carrying mechanism for carrying out the aluminum alloy plate from the box body and carrying it into the box body;
Heating that introduces heated air into the inside of the box body to suppress a temperature drop of the aluminum alloy plate so that precipitation hardening of the aluminum alloy plate is maintained and a temperature at which press forming is possible is maintained. Equipped with a mechanism and
The box body is composed of a lower box and an upper box that are connected to each other with a hinge so that they can be opened and closed,
The carrying-out/carrying mechanism is
two transport arms that are arranged to penetrate the box body from a surface where the hinge is provided, are movable in a penetrating direction passing through the box body, and are capable of protruding from an opening/closing portion of the box body; and,
a holding mechanism provided on the two transfer arms on the side of the opening/closing part of the box body for holding the aluminum alloy plate between the two transfer arms; A transport device that transports up to a transport mechanism;
a box that is fixed to the transport mechanism and houses an aluminum alloy plate that has been precipitated and hardened ;
a carrying-out/carrying mechanism for carrying out the aluminum alloy plate from the box body and carrying it into the box body;
Heating that introduces heated air into the inside of the box body to suppress a temperature drop of the aluminum alloy plate so that precipitation hardening of the aluminum alloy plate is maintained and a temperature at which press forming is possible is maintained. Equipped with a mechanism and
The box body has an opening,
The carrying-out/carrying mechanism is
two transport arms housed inside the box so as to be movable in the direction of discharging from the opening;
two rods that are arranged to penetrate the box body on a surface facing the opening, are connected to the two transport arms, and are movable in a direction to move the two transport arms in and out of the box body; and,
a lid that is openable and closable at the opening of the box;
a holding mechanism that is provided on the two transport arms on the side of the opening of the box body and that changes between a state of holding the aluminum alloy plate and a state of releasing the aluminum alloy plate between the two transport arms. A conveyance device that conveys the aluminum alloy plate to a press machine . a transport mechanism;
a box that is fixed to the transport mechanism and houses an aluminum alloy plate that has been precipitated and hardened ;
a carrying-out/carrying mechanism for carrying out the aluminum alloy plate from the box body and carrying it into the box body;
Heating that introduces heated air into the inside of the box body to suppress a temperature drop of the aluminum alloy plate so that precipitation hardening of the aluminum alloy plate is maintained and a temperature at which press forming is possible is maintained. Equipped with a mechanism and
The box body has an open top surface,
The loading/unloading mechanism is
a plate disposed on the top side of the box, movable in a direction parallel to the bottom of the box, and capable of closing an opening on the top of the box;
a first moving mechanism that moves the plate between a first position and a second position, each having a different position relative to the box in a direction parallel to the bottom surface of the box;
A second step of relatively moving the box body and the board between a state where the board closes the top surface of the box body and a state where the top surface of the box body is opened in each of the first position and the second position. a moving mechanism;
a holding mechanism that is provided on the lower surface of the box side of the plate that is within the area of the box body in the first position, and that changes between a state in which the aluminum alloy plate is held and a state in which it is released. A conveyance device that conveys the aluminum alloy plate to a press machine . a transport mechanism;
a box that is fixed to the transport mechanism and houses an aluminum alloy plate that has been precipitated and hardened ;
a carrying-out/carrying mechanism for carrying out the aluminum alloy plate from the box body and carrying it into the box body;
Heating that introduces heated air into the inside of the box body to suppress a temperature drop of the aluminum alloy plate so that precipitation hardening of the aluminum alloy plate is maintained and a temperature at which press forming is possible is maintained. Equipped with a mechanism and
The box body includes an exhaust port that exhausts the air introduced by the heating mechanism,
further comprising a cold air supply mechanism that mixes cooled air with the air discharged from the exhaust port,
further comprising a slow cooling box provided at a lower part of the box body, the cold air supply mechanism being provided in the slow cooling box ,
A conveying device that conveys the aluminum alloy plate to a press machine . In the conveying device according to any one of claims 12 to 19,
The conveyance device is characterized in that the box has a double structure. In the conveying device according to any one of claims 12 to 19,
a thermometer that measures the temperature inside the box;
A transfer device comprising: a controller that controls the heating mechanism based on the measurement results of the thermometer.

Images