US20180361461A1 - Manufacturing method of press-molded article and press molding apparatus - Google Patents
Manufacturing method of press-molded article and press molding apparatus Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20180361461A1 US20180361461A1 US16/108,689 US201816108689A US2018361461A1 US 20180361461 A1 US20180361461 A1 US 20180361461A1 US 201816108689 A US201816108689 A US 201816108689A US 2018361461 A1 US2018361461 A1 US 2018361461A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- press
- flat plate
- plate portion
- opposing surface
- opposing
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B21—MECHANICAL METAL-WORKING WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
- B21D—WORKING OR PROCESSING OF SHEET METAL OR METAL TUBES, RODS OR PROFILES WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
- B21D28/00—Shaping by press-cutting; Perforating
- B21D28/02—Punching blanks or articles with or without obtaining scrap; Notching
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B21—MECHANICAL METAL-WORKING WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
- B21D—WORKING OR PROCESSING OF SHEET METAL OR METAL TUBES, RODS OR PROFILES WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
- B21D37/00—Tools as parts of machines covered by this subclass
- B21D37/10—Die sets; Pillar guides
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B21—MECHANICAL METAL-WORKING WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
- B21J—FORGING; HAMMERING; PRESSING METAL; RIVETING; FORGE FURNACES
- B21J9/00—Forging presses
- B21J9/02—Special design or construction
- B21J9/022—Special design or construction multi-stage forging presses
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B21—MECHANICAL METAL-WORKING WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
- B21D—WORKING OR PROCESSING OF SHEET METAL OR METAL TUBES, RODS OR PROFILES WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
- B21D22/00—Shaping without cutting, by stamping, spinning, or deep-drawing
- B21D22/02—Stamping using rigid devices or tools
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B21—MECHANICAL METAL-WORKING WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
- B21D—WORKING OR PROCESSING OF SHEET METAL OR METAL TUBES, RODS OR PROFILES WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
- B21D28/00—Shaping by press-cutting; Perforating
- B21D28/02—Punching blanks or articles with or without obtaining scrap; Notching
- B21D28/14—Dies
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B21—MECHANICAL METAL-WORKING WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
- B21D—WORKING OR PROCESSING OF SHEET METAL OR METAL TUBES, RODS OR PROFILES WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
- B21D35/00—Combined processes according to or processes combined with methods covered by groups B21D1/00 - B21D31/00
- B21D35/002—Processes combined with methods covered by groups B21D1/00 - B21D31/00
- B21D35/005—Processes combined with methods covered by groups B21D1/00 - B21D31/00 characterized by the material of the blank or the workpiece
- B21D35/006—Blanks having varying thickness, e.g. tailored blanks
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B21—MECHANICAL METAL-WORKING WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
- B21D—WORKING OR PROCESSING OF SHEET METAL OR METAL TUBES, RODS OR PROFILES WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
- B21D49/00—Sheathing or stiffening objects
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B21—MECHANICAL METAL-WORKING WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
- B21J—FORGING; HAMMERING; PRESSING METAL; RIVETING; FORGE FURNACES
- B21J13/00—Details of machines for forging, pressing, or hammering
- B21J13/02—Dies or mountings therefor
- B21J13/025—Dies with parts moving along auxiliary lateral directions
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B21—MECHANICAL METAL-WORKING WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
- B21J—FORGING; HAMMERING; PRESSING METAL; RIVETING; FORGE FURNACES
- B21J13/00—Details of machines for forging, pressing, or hammering
- B21J13/08—Accessories for handling work or tools
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B21—MECHANICAL METAL-WORKING WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
- B21J—FORGING; HAMMERING; PRESSING METAL; RIVETING; FORGE FURNACES
- B21J5/00—Methods for forging, hammering, or pressing; Special equipment or accessories therefor
- B21J5/06—Methods for forging, hammering, or pressing; Special equipment or accessories therefor for performing particular operations
- B21J5/08—Upsetting
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B21—MECHANICAL METAL-WORKING WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
- B21J—FORGING; HAMMERING; PRESSING METAL; RIVETING; FORGE FURNACES
- B21J9/00—Forging presses
- B21J9/02—Special design or construction
- B21J9/06—Swaging presses; Upsetting presses
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a manufacturing method of press-molded article and a press molding apparatus.
- both main surfaces of a metal plate are held by a top and bottom pair of dies and the metal plate is pressed in a direction parallel to the main surfaces while maintaining this condition.
- a material of the metal plate flows into a concave portion provided on a part of a holding surface of the die to form a thickened portion.
- a metal plate folded into a U-shape has an extension portion in one part thereof in a longitudinal direction and a thickened portion is formed on the part in the longitudinal direction when the extension portion is pressed.
- the present invention has been made in view of the foregoing problems, and an object thereof is to provide a manufacturing method of press-molded article and a press molding apparatus, capable of forming a thickened portion having a desired shape while reducing pressing force.
- a manufacturing method of press-molded article according to one embodiment of the present invention is a method for manufacturing a press-molded article by molding a member to be pressed including a flat plate portion. The method comprises:
- a step of pressing the flat plate portion by bringing a first press portion opposing to a first end portion of the flat plate portion and a second press portion opposing to a second end portion of the flat plate portion, the second end portion being located on an opposite side of the first end portion, closer to each other.
- the first opposing surface and the second opposing surface while facing to each other, keep in contact with the flat plate portion during pressing.
- a thick portion is formed on the flat plate portion by allowing a part of a material of the flat plate portion to flow, in a press direction, into a thickened portion-forming section formed on at least one of the first opposing surface and the second opposing surface, and at least one of the first opposing surface and the second opposing surface is moved to the press direction as the flat plate portion is pressed by the first press portion and the second press portion.
- the thick portion of which a thickness is increased, can be formed on the flat plate portion by pressing the flat plate portion using the first press portion and the second press portion and allowing a part of the material of the flat plate portion to flow, in the press direction, into the thickened portion-forming section.
- the first opposing surface and the second opposing surface while facing to each other, keep in contact with the flat plate portion during pressing, thus enabling to prevent an occurrence of folding to the flat plate portion during pressing and suppress the non-uniformity of a flow direction of the material.
- the material of the flat plate portion can be reliably flown into the thickened portion-forming section to form the thickened portion having a desired shape.
- first end portion and second end portion refers to both ends of the flat plate portion in the press direction.
- the flat plate portion in the step of placing the member to be pressed, may be placed between a die provided with the first press portion and the first opposing surface and a die provided with the second press portion and the second opposing surface.
- the die provided with the first opposing surface may include a first divided portion and a second divided portion formed separately from the first divided portion.
- the first press portion may be formed in the first divided portion and the second press portion may be formed in the second divided portion.
- the first divided portion may be moved to the press direction of the first press portion as the flat plate portion is pressed by the first press portion, and the second divided portion is moved to the press direction of the second press portion as the flat plate portion is pressed by the second press portion.
- the first and second end portions of the flat plate portion can be pressed by the first and second press portions, respectively, by bringing the first divided portion and the second divided portion closer to each other.
- the first opposing surfaces can be moved to the press directions of the first and second press portions accordingly and friction force generated between the main surface of the flat plate portion and the opposing surfaces can be further effectively reduced. As a result, pressing force can be further reduced.
- the first divided portion and the second divided portion may have a comb-teeth shape so as to mesh with each other.
- the first divided portion and the second divided portion may come close to each other in such a manner that the both comb teeth mesh with each other.
- the flat plate portion can be press-molded in a state of being further stably supported.
- the member to be pressed in the step of placing the member to be pressed, may be placed so as to arrange the first main surface and the second main surface of the flat plate portion along a perpendicular direction.
- positions of the first main surface and the second main surface may be maintained along the perpendicular direction by supporting the flat plate portion using a temporarily supporting member.
- pressing force may be applied to the material of the flat plate portion flowing into the thickened portion-forming section.
- Having such a configuration can further effectively prevent an occurrence of folding to the flat plate portion in the process of forming a thick part by allowing the material of the flat plate portion to flow into the thickened portion-forming section.
- the member to be pressed may be molded by a hot press.
- the above method enables to press the flat plate portion without causing folding as described above, thus a flow direction of the material can be further reliably controlled even when the hot press is used.
- a press molding apparatus is a press molding apparatus for molding a member to be pressed including a flat plate portion.
- the press molding apparatus comprises: a first press portion opposing to a first end portion of the flat plate portion; a second press portion opposing to a second end portion of the flat plate portion, the second end portion being located on an opposite side of the first end portion; a first opposing surface opposing to a first main surface of the flat plate portion; a second opposing surface opposing to a second main surface of the flat plate portion, the second main surface directing opposite to the first main surface; and a driving section for bringing the first press portion and the second press portion closer to each other to press the flat plate portion.
- a thickened portion-forming section is formed on at least one of the first opposing surface and the second opposing surface for forming a thick part on the flat plate portion by allowing a part of a material of the flat plate portion to flow into the thickened portion-forming section.
- the first opposing surface and the second opposing surface are, while facing to each other, configured to keep in contact with the flat plate portion during pressing.
- At least one of the first opposing surface and the second opposing surface is configured to move to a press direction as the flat plate portion is pressed by the first press portion and the second press portion.
- the opposing surface opposing to the main surface of the flat plate portion can be moved to the press direction as the flat plate portion is pressed by bringing the first press portion and the second press portion closer to each other.
- friction force generated by sliding between the main surface of the flat plate portion and the opposing surface can be further reduced.
- necessary pressing force can be further reduced.
- the thickened portion of which a thickness is increased, can be formed on the flat plate portion by pressing the flat plate portion using the first press portion and the second press portion and allowing a part of the material of the flat plate portion to flow, in the press direction, into the thickened portion-forming section.
- the first opposing surface and the second opposing surface while facing to each other, keep in contact with the flat plate portion during pressing, thus the flat plate portion can be prevented from being folded during pressing and a flow direction of the material can be suppressed from becoming non-uniform.
- the material of the flat plate portion can be reliably flown into the thickened portion-forming section to form the thickened portion having a desired shape.
- the first press portion and the first opposing surface may be provided in a same die.
- the second press portion and the second opposing surface may be provided in a same die.
- the die provided with the first opposing surface may include a first divided portion and a second divided portion formed separately from the first divided portion.
- the first press portion may be formed in the first divided portion and the second press portion may be formed in the second divided portion.
- the first and second end portions of the flat plate portion can be pressed by the first and second press portions, respectively, by bringing the first divided portion and the second divided portion closer to each other.
- the first opposing surfaces can be moved to the press directions of the first and second press portions accordingly and friction force generated between the main surface of the flat plate portion and the opposing surfaces can be further effectively reduced. As a result, pressing force can be further reduced.
- the first divided portion and the second divided portion may have a comb-teeth shape so as to mesh with each other.
- the flat plate portion can be press-molded in a state of being further stably supported.
- the first opposing surface and the second opposing surface may be arranged along a perpendicular direction.
- the above press molding apparatus may comprise a temporarily supporting member for supporting the flat plate portion to maintain positions of the first main surface and the second main surface along the perpendicular direction.
- the above press molding apparatus may comprise a back-pressure applicator for applying pressure force to the material of flat plate portion flowing into the thickened portion-forming section.
- the above press molding apparatus enables to press the flat plate portion without causing folding as described above, thus a flow direction of the material can be further reliably controlled even when a hot press is used.
- the present invention can provide the manufacturing method of press-molded article and the press molding apparatus, capable of forming the thickened portion having a desired shape while reducing pressing force.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a configuration of a press molding apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 2 is an enlarged view around a thickened portion-forming section of the above press molding apparatus.
- FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing procedures of a manufacturing method of press-molded article according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 4 is a diagram showing how a member to be pressed is heated by an electric furnace.
- FIG. 5 is a diagram showing how a flat plate portion is pressed to form a thickened portion.
- FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a press-molded article.
- FIG. 7 is a graph showing measured results of a molding load and a pressing load.
- FIG. 8 is a schematic view of a configuration of a press molding apparatus according to a first modification of the above first embodiment.
- FIG. 9 is a diagram showing how a flat plate portion is pressed to form a thickened portion in the above first modification.
- FIG. 10 is a schematic view of a configuration of a press molding apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 11 is a diagram showing how a flat plate portion is pressed in the above second embodiment.
- FIG. 12 is a diagram showing how the flat plate portion is pressed to form a thickened portion in the above second embodiment.
- FIG. 13 is a schematic view of a configuration of a press molding apparatus according to a first modification of the above second embodiment.
- FIG. 14 is a schematic view of the configuration of the press molding apparatus according to the first modification of the above second embodiment.
- FIG. 15 is a schematic view of a configuration of a press molding apparatus according to a second modification of the above second embodiment.
- FIG. 16 is a diagram showing how a flat plate portion is pressed to form a thickened portion in the second modification of the above second embodiment.
- FIG. 17A and FIG. 17B are schematic views of a configuration of a press molding apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 18A and FIG. 18B are diagrams showing how a flat plate portion is arranged between dies in the above third embodiment.
- FIG. 19A and FIG. 19B are diagrams showing how the flat plate portion is pressed to form a thickened portion in the above third embodiment.
- FIG. 20A and FIG. 20B are schematic views of a configuration of a press molding apparatus according to a first modification of the above third embodiment.
- FIG. 21A and FIG. 21B are diagrams showing how a flat plate portion is arranged between dies in the first modification of the above third embodiment.
- FIG. 22A and FIG. 22B are diagrams showing how the flat plate portion is pressed to form a thickened portion in the first modification of the above third embodiment.
- FIG. 23A and FIG. 23B are schematic views of a configuration of a press molding apparatus according to a second modification of the above third embodiment.
- FIG. 24A and FIG. 24B are diagrams showing how a flat plate portion is pressed to form a thickened portion in the second modification of the above third embodiment.
- FIG. 25A and FIG. 25B are schematic views of a configuration of a press molding apparatus according to a third modification of the above third embodiment.
- FIG. 26A and FIG. 26B are diagrams showing how a flat plate portion is pressed to form a thickened portion in the third modification of the above third embodiment.
- FIG. 27A and FIG. 27B are schematic views of a configuration of a press molding apparatus according to a fourth modification of the above third embodiment.
- FIG. 28A and FIG. 28B are diagrams showing how a flat plate portion is pressed to form a thickened portion in the fourth modification of the above third embodiment.
- FIG. 29 is a diagram showing a configuration of divided portions in another modification of the above third embodiment.
- FIG. 30 is a schematic view of a configuration of a press molding apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 31 is a diagram showing how a flat plate portion is pressed in the above fourth embodiment.
- FIG. 32 is a diagram showing how the flat plate portion is pressed to form a thickened portion in the above fourth embodiment.
- FIG. 33 is a schematic view of a configuration of a press molding apparatus according to a first modification of the above fourth embodiment.
- FIG. 34 is a diagram showing how a flat plate portion is pressed in the first modification of the above fourth embodiment.
- FIG. 35 is a diagram showing how the flat plate portion is pressed to form a thickened portion in the first modification of the above fourth embodiment.
- FIG. 36 is a schematic view of a configuration of a press molding apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 37 is a diagrammatic illustration for describing partial electric heating.
- FIG. 38 is a diagrammatic illustration for describing press-molding of a flat plate portion subjected to the partial electric heating.
- FIG. 1 a configuration of a press molding apparatus 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described by mainly referring to FIG. 1 .
- the press molding apparatus 1 is an apparatus for press-molding a member to be pressed including a flat plate portion 10 , such as a metal plate having a fixed thickness, so as to partially form a thick part (thickened portion) on the flat plate portion 10 .
- the press molding apparatus 1 comprises a first die 11 , a second die 12 , a supporting member 13 , a press member 18 , and a drive section 18 B.
- the member to be pressed is, for example, a metal plate made of a material, such as hard steel, soft steel, or aluminum.
- the whole member to be pressed is constituted by the flat plate portion 10 .
- the whole member to be pressed is not necessary to be constituted by the flat plate portion 10 , and the member to be pressed may include the flat plate portion 10 at one part.
- the flat plate portion 10 comprises a first main surface 10 C, a second main surface 10 D, directing opposite to the first main surface 10 C, a first end portion 10 A, and a second end portion 10 B, which is located on an opposite side of the first end portion 10 A.
- the first die 11 is fixed on a mount surface 13 A of the supporting member 13 by a fixing member such as a bolt B.
- the first die 11 comprises an opposing portion 11 C opposing to the flat plate portion 10 , and a guide portion 11 D for guiding a movement of the second die 12 , arranged with an interval from the opposing portion 11 C.
- the opposing portion 11 C comprises a first opposing surface 11 B opposing to the first main surface 10 C and a first press portion 11 A opposing to the first end portion 10 A.
- the first press portion 11 A and the first opposing surface 11 B are provided in the same first die 11 .
- the first opposing surface 11 B is connected to an upper surface 11 F at its upper end and vertically arranged along a perpendicular direction (parallel to perpendicular direction).
- the first press portion 11 A is connected to a lower end of the first opposing surface 11 B and formed flatly along a horizontal direction (parallel to horizontal direction).
- a thickened portion-forming section 15 as a concave groove is formed near a center of the first opposing surface 11 B.
- the thickened portion-forming section 15 is provided to form a thickened portion, of which a thickness is increased, on the flat plate portion 10 by allowing a part of a material of the flat plate portion 10 in a press direction during press-molding.
- the thickened portion-forming section 15 is surrounded by a pair of horizontal sidewall surfaces, stretching horizontally, and a bottom wall surface connecting between inner side end portions of the pair of sidewall surfaces, and recessed in a direction away from the flat plate portion 10 .
- the thickened portion-forming section 15 is formed on one part of the first opposing surface 11 B in the press direction.
- a shape of the thickened portion-forming section 15 is not limited thereto and can be appropriately changed according to a shape of the thickened portion formed on the flat plate portion 10 .
- the shape may have a semi-circular cross section, a triangular cross section, and the like.
- the first opposing surface 11 B may include a plurality of the thickened portion-forming sections 15 .
- the thickened portion-forming section 15 needs not be formed in the center.
- a plurality of guide rollers 17 are arranged on an inner surface of the guide portion 11 D.
- the second die 12 has its lower end part between the guide portion 11 D and the opposing portion 11 C and moves to the perpendicular direction according to contraction of a spring 16 .
- the guide rollers 17 comes into contact with a side surface of the second die 12 , thereby guiding a movement of the second die 12 in the perpendicular direction.
- the second die 12 is connected to an upper end of the spring 16 at its lower surface and has its lower end part between the opposing portion 11 C and the guide portion 11 D. Before the press-molding is started ( FIG. 1 ), an upper surface 12 C of the second die 12 is located higher than an upper surface 11 F of the first die 11 .
- the second die 12 comprises a second opposing surface 12 B opposing to the second main surface 10 D and a second press portion 12 A opposing to the second end portion 10 B.
- the second press portion 12 A and the second opposing surface 12 B are provided in the same second die 12 .
- the second opposing surface 12 B is connected to the second press portion 12 A at its upper end and vertically arranged along the perpendicular direction (parallel to perpendicular direction).
- the second press portion 12 A is formed flatly along the horizontal direction (parallel to horizontal direction).
- the second die 12 is arranged in a manner such that the second opposing surface 12 B is opposed to the first opposing surface 11 B in the horizontal direction across the flat plate portion 10 and the second press portion 12 A is opposed to the first press portion 11 A in the perpendicular direction across the flat plate portion 10 .
- the flat plate portion 10 can be arranged between the first die 11 and the second die 12 .
- a thickness of the flat plate portion 10 is represented by T 1
- a distance between the first and second opposing surfaces 11 B and 12 B is represented by D 1
- a distance between a bottom wall surface 15 A of the thickened portion-forming section 15 and the second opposing surface 12 B is represented by D 2 .
- the distance D 1 is adjusted according to the thickness T 1 , so that a ratio of distance D 1 (mm)/thickness T 1 (mm) becomes 1.1 or lower.
- the distance D 1 is adjusted to 1.6 mm.
- the distance D 2 is adjusted to 2.2 mm.
- a gap between the flat plate portion 10 , and the first opposing surface 11 B and second opposing surface 12 B may be formed unless the gap causes folding during pressing.
- the first opposing surface 11 B and the second opposing surface 12 B are opposed to each other with the distance D 1 sufficient to avoid the folding of the flat plate portion 10 during pressing.
- folding of the flat plate portion 10 refers to a condition where the flat plate portion 10 is folded to such a degree that a flow of the material of the flat plate portion 10 caused by pressing is disturbed, and does not include a minute swell of the flat plate portion 10 caused during pressing unless it affects the flow of the material.
- the first opposing surface 11 B and the second opposing surface 12 B while facing to each other, keep in contact with the flat plate portion 10 .
- the flat plate portion 10 needs not always contact with the first opposing surface 11 B or the second opposing surface 12 B during pressing. Further, the whole flat plate portion 10 needs not contact with the first opposing surface 11 B or the second opposing surface 12 B.
- the supporting member 13 is a metallic member having a rectangular parallelepiped shape and comprises the flat mount surface 13 A on which a lower surface of the first die 11 is placed.
- the mount surface 13 A of the supporting member 13 is laterally arranged along the horizontal direction and fixed on the first die 11 by a fixing member such as the bolt B.
- a press member 18 is a member that presses the upper surface 12 C of the second die 12 to move the second die 12 downward in the perpendicular direction.
- the press member 18 having a press surface 18 A is moved downward in the perpendicular direction by operating a driving section 18 B. Then, the upper surface 12 C of the second die 12 is pressed by the press surface 18 A, so that the second die 12 can move downward in the perpendicular direction.
- the driving section 18 B is arranged in contact with an upper surface 18 C of the press member 18 .
- the driving section 18 B comprises, for example, a hydraulic or electric piston and presses the upper surface 18 C to move the press member 18 downward in the perpendicular direction.
- the press member 18 is lowered by operating the driving section 18 B, so that the press surface 18 A is brought into contact with the upper surface 12 C of the second die 12 .
- the press member 18 is further lowered to move the second die 12 downward in the perpendicular direction while maintaining this state, so that the second press portion 12 A is brought closer to the first press portion 11 A.
- the flat plate portion 10 is pressed by the first press portion 11 A and the second press portion 12 A from the both end portions 10 A and 10 B in a direction parallel to the main surfaces 10 C and 10 D ( FIG. 5 ).
- a part of the material of the flat plate 10 is flown, in the press direction, into the thickened portion-forming section 15 to form the thickened portion.
- the second opposing surface 12 B is moved to the press direction as the pressing is performed by the first and second press portions 11 A and 12 A. That is, the second opposing surface 12 B is slid toward the same direction as the press direction of the flat plate portion 10 .
- friction force generated by sliding between the second main surface 10 D and the second opposing surface 12 B can be reduced and pressing force required for molding the flat plate portion 10 can be reduced.
- a manufacturing method of press-molded article using the above press molding apparatus 1 will be described along a flowchart shown in FIG. 3 .
- a member to be pressed is prepared in a step S 10 .
- the member to be pressed including the flat plate portion 10 such as a metal plate having a fixed thickness, is prepared and heated with a predetermined temperature by an electric furnace F ( FIG. 4 ). By this operation, the whole flat plate portion 10 becomes softened.
- a press-molded article is manufactured by a hot press, in which the whole flat plate portion 10 is heated to be softened and then molded. It is noted that the present invention is not limited to the case where the hot press is performed, and may adopt a cold working without performing the step S 10 .
- the member to be pressed is placed in a step S 20 .
- the flat plate portion 10 softened in the above step S 10 is placed between the first die 11 and the second die 12 ( FIG. 1 ). More specifically, the flat plate portion 10 is placed in such a manner that the first main surface 10 C is opposed to the first opposing surface 11 B along the perpendicular direction and the second main surface 10 D is opposed to the second opposing surface 12 B along the perpendicular direction.
- the first opposing surface 11 B and the second opposing surface 12 B while facing to each other, keep in contact with the flat plate portion 10 during pressing to prevent an occurrence of folding to the flat plate portion 10 in a following press step S 30 .
- step S 30 the member to be pressed is pressed in a step S 30 .
- the press member 18 is lowered by operating the driving section 18 B, so that the press surface 18 A is brought into contact with the upper surface 12 C of the second die 12 .
- the press member 18 is further lowered to press the upper surface 12 C of the second die 12 , so that the second die 12 is moved downward and the second press portion 12 A is brought closer to the first press portion 11 A.
- the flat plate portion 10 is pressed by the first press portion 11 A and the second press portion 12 A from the both end portions 10 A and 10 B in the direction parallel to the main surfaces 10 C and 10 D.
- the second opposing surface 12 B is moved (slid) toward the press direction as the flat plate portion 10 is pressed by the first press portion 11 A and the second press portion 12 A. That is, the second opposing surface 12 B is moved to the same direction as the press direction of the flat plate portion 10 .
- friction force generated by sliding between the second main surface 10 D and the second opposing surface 12 B can be reduced during pressing and the flat plate portion 10 can be molded with less pressing force.
- the first and second opposing surfaces 11 B and 12 B while facing to each other, keep in contact with the flat plate portion 10 during pressing. This can prevent the flat plate portion 10 from being folded during pressing, thereby suppressing the non-uniformity of the flow direction of the material.
- the material of the flat plate portion 10 can be reliably flown into the thickened portion-forming section 15 from the both end portions 10 A and 10 B.
- the thickened portion can be formed in a desired shape in accordance with the shape of the thickened portion-forming section 15 .
- step S 40 the press member 18 is moved up by operating the driving section 18 B after completing the press-molding of the flat plate portion 10 in the step S 30 . Then, a press-molded article 100 having a thickened portion 100 A formed thereon ( FIG. 6 ) is taken out.
- steps S 10 to S 40 the manufacturing method of press-molded article according to the present embodiment is completed.
- the above press molding apparatus 1 comprises the first press portion 11 A, the second press portion 12 A, the first opposing surface 11 B, the second opposing surface 12 B, and the driving section 18 B that brings the first press portion 11 A and the second press portion 12 A closer to each other.
- the first opposing surface 11 B includes the thickened portion-forming section 15 for forming the thick part on the flat plate portion 10 .
- the thickened portion-forming section 15 is configured in such a manner that the part of the material of the flat plate portion 10 is flown, in the press direction, into the thickened portion-forming section 15 as the flat plate portion 10 is pressed by the first press portion 11 A and the second press portion 12 A.
- the second opposing surface 12 B is configured to move to the press direction as the flat plate portion 10 is pressed by the first press portion 11 A and the second press portion 12 A.
- the second opposing surface 12 B can be moved to the press direction as the first press portion 11 A and the second press portion 12 A come closer to each other to press the flat plate portion 10 .
- friction force generated by sliding between the second main surface 10 D and the second opposing surface 12 B can be further reduced.
- necessary pressing force can be further reduced.
- a graph in FIG. 7 shows an effect of load reduction achieved in the present embodiment, in which the pressing is performed while moving the opposing surface.
- columns 1 and 2 show values of a molding load and a pressing load in a case where the pressing is performed without moving the opposing surface and a case where the pressing is performed while moving the opposing surface, respectively.
- the term “molding load” refers to a load required for press-molding the flat plate portion 10
- the term “pressing load” refers to a load required for fixing a clearance between the dies.
- the molding load is significantly reduced (reduced up to about one-tenth) when the pressing is performed while moving the opposing surface as compared to the case where the pressing is performed without moving the opposing surface.
- the thickened portion 100 A of which a thickness is increased, can be formed on the flat plate portion 10 by pressing the flat plate portion 10 by the first press portion 11 A and the second press portion 12 A and allowing the part of the material of the flat plate portion 10 to flow into the thickened portion-forming section 15 in the press direction.
- the first opposing surface 11 B and the second opposing surface 12 B while facing to each other, keep in contact with the flat plate portion 10 during pressing. This can prevent the non-uniformity of the flow direction of the material caused by folding generated in the flat plate portion 10 during pressing. That is, it becomes possible to control the flow of the material.
- the material of the flat plate portion 10 can be reliably flown into the thickened portion-forming section 15 , thereby enabling to form the thickened portion 100 A having a desired shape.
- the first press portion 11 A and the first opposing surface 11 B are provided in the same first die 11
- the second press portion 12 A and the second opposing surface 12 B are provided in the same second die 12 .
- This can further simplify a structure of the press molding apparatus 1 in comparison with a case where the first press portion 11 A and the first opposing surface 11 B are provided in separate members and the second press portion 12 A and the second opposing surface 12 B are provided in separate members.
- the first opposing surface 11 B and the second opposing surface 12 B are arranged along the perpendicular direction. This can reduce an installation area of the press molding apparatus 1 , thereby saving a space, in comparison with a case where the first opposing surface 11 B and the second opposing surface 12 B are arranged along the horizontal direction.
- the press molding apparatus 1 A comprises a main body portion 18 D, which has the upper surface 18 C in contact with the driving section 18 B, and a press portion 18 E fixed on a lower surface 18 G of the main body portion 18 D.
- the press portion 18 E is made from a shape in which a press portion main body 18 H, fixed on the lower surface 18 G by a fixing member such as a bolt B, is connected to a first supporting portion 18 F and a second supporting portion 18 I.
- the press portion 18 E is formed in an upside down U-shape in a cross sectional view.
- the press portion main body 18 H comprises a press surface 18 J that presses the upper surface 12 C of the second die 12 .
- the first supporting portion 18 F and the second supporting portion 18 I extend downward in the perpendicular direction from both end portions of the press portion main body 18 H in the horizontal direction.
- a first inner surface 18 K is formed inside the first supporting portion 18 F and a second inner surface 18 L is formed inside the second supporting portion 18 I.
- a horizontal distance between the first inner surface 18 K and the second inner surface 18 L is made slightly larger than that between side surfaces of the first die 11 (opposing portion 11 C) and the second die 12 .
- the first die 11 (opposing portion 11 C) and the second die 12 can be placed between the first and second supporting portions 18 F and 18 I. This can further reliably prevent displacement of the first and second dies 11 and 12 during pressing.
- the press molding apparatus 2 comprises a first die 21 , a second die 22 , a supporting member 26 , and a driving section 28 B.
- the first die 21 is formed in an approximately rectangular parallelepiped shape and comprises a first opposing surface 21 B opposing to the first main surface 10 C, a first side surface 21 C directing opposite to the first opposing surface 21 B, and a first press portion 21 A opposing to the first end portion 10 A.
- the first press portion 21 A and the first opposing surface 21 B are provided in the same first die 21 .
- the first side surface 21 C of the first die 21 is fixed on a fixed surface 26 A of the supporting member 26 by a fixing member such as a bolt B.
- the first opposing surface 21 B is connected to an upper surface 21 F at its upper end and arranged along the perpendicular direction.
- the first press portion 21 A is connected to a lower end of the first opposing surface 21 B so as to form an acute angle at the point of intersection.
- a thickened portion-forming section 25 as a concave groove is formed near a center of the first opposing surface 21 B and used for forming a thickened portion by allowing a part of the material of the flat plate portion 10 to flow into the thickened portion-forming section 25 during pressing.
- the second die 22 comprises a second die main body 28 and a die fixing member 29 connected to an upper surface of the second die main body 28 .
- the second die main body 28 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape, having a size capable of being inserted into a die space 26 B formed in the supporting member 26 .
- the second die main body 28 comprises a second opposing surface 22 B opposing to the second main surface 10 D, a second side surface 22 C directing opposite to the second opposing surface 22 B, and a second press portion 22 A opposing to the second end portion 10 B. In this configuration, the second press portion 22 A and the second opposing surface 22 B are provided in the same second die 22 .
- the second opposing surface 22 B is connected to the second press portion 22 A at its upper end and arranged along the perpendicular direction.
- the second press portion 22 A intersects with the second opposing surface 22 B so as to form an acute angle.
- the die fixing member 29 has the approximately same width as the supporting member 26 and fixed to the upper surface of the second die main body 28 by the bolt B.
- the second die main body 28 is inserted into the die space 26 B ( FIG. 11 ), so that the second opposing surface 22 B is arranged to be opposed to the first opposing surface 21 B across the flat plate portion 10 in the horizontal direction and the second press portion 22 A is arranged to be opposed to the first press portion 21 A across the flat plate portion 10 in the perpendicular direction.
- the flat plate portion 10 can be placed between the first die 21 and the second die 22 .
- the first opposing surface 21 B and the second opposing surface 22 B while facing to each other, keep in contact with the flat plate portion 10 during pressing.
- the second side surface 22 C comes into contact with guide rollers 27 , thereby guiding a movement of the second die main body 28 in the perpendicular direction.
- the supporting member 26 is a metallic member and includes the die space 26 B having a concave shape, to which the second die main body 28 is inserted.
- the supporting member 26 comprises the fixed surface 26 A to which the first die 21 is fixed, a bottom surface 26 C opposing to a lower surface 22 D of the second die main body 28 , and a guide surface 26 D on which a plurality of the guide rollers 27 are arranged.
- the driving section 28 B is arranged in contact with an upper surface 29 A of the die fixing member 29 .
- the driving section 28 B comprises, as in the above first embodiment, a hydraulic or electric piston and moves the second die 22 downward in the perpendicular direction by pressing the upper surface 29 A.
- a member to be pressed including the flat plate portion 10 is softened by heating to be prepared ( FIG. 3 : S 10 ).
- the flat plate portion 10 is placed in the first die 21 while the second die 22 is positioned above the first die 21 ( FIG. 10 ).
- the second die 22 is lowered by operating the driving section 28 B, so that the second die main body 28 is inserted into the die space 26 B, and the second press portion 22 A is brought into contact with the second end portion 10 B ( FIG. 11 ).
- the member to be pressed is placed in a manner such that the first main surface 10 C is opposed to the first opposing surface 21 B and the second main surface 10 D is opposed to the second opposing surface 22 B ( FIG. 3 : S 20 ).
- the first and second main surfaces 10 C and 10 D are arranged along the perpendicular direction. Further, the first opposing surface 21 B and the second opposing surface 22 B, while facing to each other, keep in contact with the flat plate portion 10 during pressing.
- the second die 22 is further lowered by operating the driving section 28 B, so that the second press portion 22 A is brought closer to the first press portion 21 A.
- the flat plate portion 10 is pressed by the first press portion 21 A and the second press portion 22 A in a direction parallel to the main surfaces 10 C and 10 D, and a part of the material of the flat plate portion 10 is flown into the thickened portion-forming section 25 ( FIG. 12 ).
- the thickened portion of which a thickness is increased, is formed on one part of the flat plate portion 10 ( FIG. 3 : S 30 ).
- the second opposing surface 22 B is moved toward the press direction as the flat plate portion 10 is pressed by the first press portion 21 A and the second press portion 22 A. Then, after the press of the flat plate portion 10 is completed, the second die 22 is moved up by operating the driving section 28 B and a press-molded article is taken out ( FIG. 3 : S 40 ).
- the second opposing surface 22 B is moved toward the press direction as the flat plate portion 10 is pressed by the first press portion 21 A and the second press portion 22 A in the perpendicular direction.
- friction force generated by sliding between the second main surface 10 D and the second opposing surface 22 B can be reduced during pressing and the flat plate portion 10 can be molded with less pressing force.
- the first opposing surface 21 B and the second opposing surface 22 B while facing to each other, keep in contact with the flat plate portion 10 during pressing. This can prevent the non-uniformity of the flow direction of the material of the flat plate portion 10 caused by folding generated during pressing, thus the material of the flat plate portion 10 can be reliably flown into the thickened portion-forming section 25 .
- the first side surface 21 C of the first die 21 is fixed to the supporting member 26 and the second die 22 (second die main body 28 ) is inserted into the die space 26 B of the supporting member 26 , thus displacement of the first and second dies 21 and 22 can be further reliably prevented during pressing.
- the press molding apparatus 2 A according to the first modification further comprises a temporarily supporting member 26 E, which prevents the flat plate portion 10 from falling.
- the press molding apparatus 2 A comprises a pair of the temporarily supporting members 26 E each having a thin plate shape. As shown in FIG. 14 , each temporarily supporting member 26 E is provided outside of an insertion region of the second die 22 . Each temporarily supporting member 26 E is formed in an elongate shape extending from a lower end to an upper end, and the upper end is bent in a direction away from the flat plate portion 10 while the lower end is attached to the supporting member 26 by a fixture 26 F. The temporarily supporting members 26 E contact with both end parts of the second main surface 10 D of the flat plate portion 10 , thereby supporting the flat plate portion 10 so as to maintain the first main surface 10 C and the second main surface 10 D along the perpendicular direction.
- the flat plate portion 10 is placed between the first die 21 and the temporarily supporting members 26 E. During this process, the flat plate portion 10 is supported by the temporarily supporting members 26 E and thus maintained in a vertical condition where the first and second main surfaces 10 C and 10 D are arranged along the perpendicular direction. Subsequently, the second die 22 (second die main body 28 ) is inserted into the die space 26 B and the flat plate portion 10 is arranged between the first die 21 and the second die 22 . In this manner, before the flat plate portion 10 is arranged between the first die 21 and the second die 22 , the temporarily supporting members 26 E can stably support the flat plate portion 10 and prevent it from falling.
- the press molding apparatus 2 B according to the second modification comprises a back-pressure applicator 25 E that applies pressure force to the material of the flat plate portion 10 flowing into a thickened portion-forming section 25 A.
- the thickened portion-forming section 25 A is formed as a hole that penetrates in the horizontal direction at a substantially center of the first die 21 .
- a through hole 26 G is formed in the supporting member 26 and communicates with the thickened portion-forming section 25 A.
- the back-pressure applicator 25 E comprises a pad portion 25 B, an elastic member 25 C, and a supporting portion 25 D.
- the pad portion 25 B is formed in a convex shape and arranged inside the thickened portion-forming section 25 A.
- the elastic member 25 C is constituted by a spring that energizes the pad portion 25 B and arranged inside the through hole 26 G.
- the elastic member 25 C is arranged between the pad portion 25 B and the supporting portion 25 D. Both ends of the elastic member 25 C may or may not be connected to the pad portion 25 B and the supporting portion 25 D.
- the supporting portion 25 D is integrally fixed to the supporting member 26 .
- the material of the flat plate portion 10 flows into the thickened portion-forming section 25 A while pushing the pad portion 25 B and thereby causing compression of the elastic member 25 C.
- restoring force of the elastic member 25 C is imparted, via the pad portion 25 B, to the material flowing into the thickened portion-forming section 25 A. That is, the material of the flat plate portion 10 flows into the thickened portion-forming section 25 A while the pressure force is applied to the material by the back-pressure applicator 25 E. In this manner, an occurrence of folding to the flat plate portion 10 can be further effectively prevented in the process of flowing the material into the thickened portion-forming section 25 A by pressing the flat plate portion 10 .
- the press molding apparatus 3 comprises a first die 33 , a second die 34 arranged above the first die 33 , a supporting member 39 on which the first die 33 is placed, a press member 38 , and a driving section 38 B.
- the first die 33 is constituted of a first divided portion 31 and a second divided portion 32 formed separately from the first divided portion 31 .
- the first divided portion 31 and the second divided portion 32 are arranged to be opposed to each other in the horizontal direction.
- the first divided portion 31 comprises a first portion 31 D to be pressed, which is pressed by the press member 38 , a first press portion 31 E for pressing the flat plate portion 10 , and a first mount portion 31 F on which the flat plate portion 10 is placed.
- a first press portion 31 A, formed on a side part of the first press portion 31 E, is opposed to the first end portion 10 A of the flat plate portion 10 .
- a first opposing surface 31 B, formed on an upper part of the first mount portion 31 F, is opposed to the first main surface 10 C of the flat plate portion 10 .
- the second divided portion 32 has a symmetrical shape to the first divided portion 31 . That is, the second divided portion 32 comprises a second portion 32 D to be pressed, which is pressed by the press member 38 , a second press portion 32 E for pressing the flat plate portion 10 , and a second mount portion 32 F on which the flat plate portion 10 is placed.
- a second surface 32 C to be pressed, formed on an upper part of the second portion 32 D to be pressed, is pressed by a second press surface 38 G.
- a second press portion 32 A, formed on a side part of the second press portion 32 E, is opposed to the second end portion 10 B of the flat plate portion 10 .
- a first opposing surface 32 B formed on an upper part of the second mount portion 32 F, is opposed to the first main surface 10 C of the flat plate portion 10 . Further, the first opposing surfaces 31 B and 32 B are laterally arranged along the horizontal direction (parallel to horizontal direction).
- the first and second mount portions 31 F and 32 F have a comb-teeth shape so as to mesh with each other. Specifically, as shown by arrows in FIG. 17B , the comb teeth of the first mount portion 31 F are inserted into gaps between the comb teeth of the second mount portion 32 F, and vice versa, as the first and second mount portions 31 F and 32 are brought closer to each other.
- the second die 34 is formed in an approximately rectangular parallelepiped shape and comprises a second opposing surface 34 B opposing to the second main surface 10 D of the flat plate portion 10 .
- the second opposing surface 34 B is laterally arranged along the horizontal direction (parallel to horizontal direction).
- a thickened portion-forming section 35 is formed as a concave groove near a center of the second opposing surface 34 B, so that a thickened portion, of which a thickness is increased, can be formed on the flat plate portion 10 by allowing a part of the material of the flat plate portion 10 to flow into the thickened portion-forming section 35 during pressing.
- the flat plate portion 10 is arranged between the first and second dies 33 and 34 ( FIG. 18A )
- the first opposing surfaces 31 B and 32 B, and the second opposing surface 34 B while facing to each other, keep in contact with the flat plate portion 10 during pressing.
- the supporting member 39 is a member made of metal, formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape, and used for mounting the first die 33 .
- a plurality of guide rollers 37 are arranged on an upper surface of the supporting member 39 , and allows the first and second divided portions 31 and 32 to slide in the horizontal direction.
- the press member 38 presses the first and second divided portions 31 and 32 , thereby sliding them in the horizontal direction.
- the press member 38 comprises a main body portion 38 A in contact with the driving section 38 H and a press portion 38 B fixed on a lower surface of the main body portion 38 A.
- the press portion 38 B is made from a shape in which a press portion main body 38 C, fixed on the lower surface of the main body portion 38 A by the bolt B, is connected to a first extension portion 38 D and a second extension portion 38 E.
- a cross section of the press portion 38 B cut with a plane including a width direction (right/left direction in FIG. 17B ) of the flat plate portion 10 and the perpendicular direction has an upside down U-shape.
- a lower surface of the press portion main body 38 C is connected to an upper surface of the second die 34 by a plurality of (two) springs.
- the first press surface 38 F for pressing the first divided portion 31 is formed at a tip of the first extension portion 38 D, while the second press surface 38 G for pressing the second divided portion 32 is formed at a tip of the second extension portion 38 E.
- the driving section 38 H is arranged in contact with the upper surface of the press member 38 (main body portion 38 A).
- the driving section 38 H comprises, as in the above first embodiment, a hydraulic or electric piston, and moves the press member 38 downward in the perpendicular direction by pressing.
- the flat plate portion 10 is placed on the first and second divided portions 31 and 32 with the first main surface 10 C turned downward ( FIG. 17A ), while the second die 34 is positioned above them ( FIG. 17A ).
- the press member 38 is lowered by operating the driving section 38 H, so that the second die 34 fixed to the press member 38 is also lowered.
- the flat plate portion 10 is placed in a manner such that the first main surface 10 C is opposed to the first opposing surfaces 31 B and 32 B, and the second main surface 10 D is opposed to the second opposing surface 34 B ( FIG. 3 : S 20 ).
- the first opposing surfaces 31 B and 32 B, and the second opposing surface 34 B while facing to each other, keep in contact with the flat plate portion 10 during pressing.
- the press member 38 is further lowered by operating the driving section 38 H, so that the first and second press surfaces 38 F and 38 G are brought into contact with the first and second surfaces 31 C and 32 C to be pressed, respectively ( FIG. 19A ).
- the first press surface 38 F while sliding on the first surface 31 C to be pressed, makes the first divided portion 31 slide to a side of the second divided portion 32
- the second press surface 38 G while sliding on the second surface 32 C to be pressed, makes the second divided portion 32 slide to a side of the first divided portion 31 .
- the first and second divided portions 31 and 32 approach each other so as to cause tips of the comb teeth of one divided portion to abut gaps between the comb teeth of the other divided portion ( FIG. 19B ).
- the first and second press portions 31 A and 32 a also come close to each other and the flat plate portion 10 is pressed from the both sides of the end portions 10 A and 10 B in the horizontal direction.
- a part of the material of the flat plate portion 10 is flown into the thickened portion-forming section 35 in the press direction, thereby forming a thickened portion, of which a thickness is increased, on the flat plate portion 10 .
- the first divided portion 31 moves to the press direction of the first press portion 31 A (direction from left to right in drawing) as the first press portion 31 A presses the flat plate portion 10 .
- the second divided portion 32 moves to the press direction of the second press portion 32 A (direction from right to left in drawing) as the second press portion 32 A presses the flat plate portion 10 .
- the first opposing surface 31 B is moved to the press direction of the first press portion 31 A as the flat plate portion 10 is being pressed
- the second opposing surface 32 B is moved to the press direction of the second press portion 32 A as the flat plate portion 10 is being pressed.
- the press member 38 and the second die 34 are moved up by operating the driving section 38 H and a press-molded article is taken out ( FIG. 3 : S 40 ).
- the first die 33 is divided into the first divided portion 31 and the second divided portion 32 .
- the first and second end portions 10 A and 10 B of the flat plate portion 10 can be pressed by the first and second press portions 31 A and 32 A, respectively.
- the first opposing surface 31 B and the first opposing surface 32 B can be moved in the opposite directions to each other according to the press directions of the first and second press portions 31 A and 32 A.
- friction force generated between the first main surface 10 C, and the first opposing surfaces 31 B and 32 B can be further effectively reduced and pressing force can be further reduced.
- the first and second divided portions 31 and 32 are formed in the comb-teeth shape so as to mesh with each other, thus the flat plate portion 10 can be press-molded while being stably supported.
- a first modification of the above third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 20A to FIG. 22B .
- a plurality of (two) thickened portion-forming sections 35 are formed at intervals from each other on the second opposing surface 34 B.
- the material of the flat plate portion 10 can be flown into each of the plurality of the thickened portion-forming sections 35 ( FIG. 22A ), thereby enabling to manufacture a press-molded article having a more complicated shape.
- each thickened portion-forming section 35 may be the same or different from each other. Further the intervals between the thickened portion-forming sections 35 can be appropriately designed according to a shape of the press-molded article.
- a press molding apparatus 3 B according to the second modification comprises, as described in the second modification of the above second embodiment, a back-pressure applicator 35 D that applies pressure force to the material of the flat plate portion 10 flowing into a thickened portion-forming section 35 A.
- the thickened portion-forming section 35 A having a hole shape is formed near a center of the second opposing surface 34 B.
- the back-pressure applicator 35 D comprises a pad portion 35 B and an elastic member 35 C.
- the pad portion 35 B is formed in a convex shape and arranged inside the thickened portion-forming section 35 A.
- the elastic member 35 C is constituted by a spring that energizes the pad portion 35 B, and one end of the elastic member 35 C is connected to the pad portion 35 B and the other end is connected to a hole wall surface of the second die 34 .
- the first divided portion 31 comprises a first mount portion 31 G of a quadrangular shape in a plan view ( FIG. 25B ) and a first protrusion 31 H projected from a side surface of the first mount portion 31 G.
- a first opposing surface 31 B is formed on an upper part of the first mount portion 31 G.
- the first protrusion 31 H is provided to the first mount portion 31 G with a difference in height, so that an upper surface of the first protrusion 31 H is located lower than the first opposing surface 31 B ( FIG. 25A ).
- the second divided portion 32 comprises a second mount portion 32 G of a quadrangular shape, of which an area is smaller than that of the first mount portion 31 G, in a plan view ( FIG. 25B ).
- a first opposing surface 32 B is formed on an upper part of the second mount portion 32 G.
- the second divided portion 32 is provided with a hollow portion 32 H, in which the first protrusion 31 H can be inserted. That is, the hollow portion 32 H is formed to be larger than the first protrusion 31 H.
- the flat plate portion 10 is placed on the first opposing surfaces 31 B and 32 B so as to cross over the first and second divided portions 31 and 32 ( FIG. 25A ).
- the first and second divided portions 31 and 32 are connected to each other by the spring 33 A, thus a positional relation between the first and second divided portions 31 and 32 can be further reliably maintained. Further, in this configuration, the first protrusion 31 H can be inserted into the hollow portion 32 H, thereby enabling to guide the movement of the first and second divided portions 31 and 32 in horizontal direction during pressing.
- the first divided portion 31 comprises a first mount portion 31 I of an approximately right-angled triangle shape in a plan view ( FIG. 27B ).
- the first opposing surface 31 B is formed on an upper part of the first mount portion 31 I.
- the second divided portion 32 comprises a second mount portion 32 I of an approximately right-angled triangle shape, symmetric to that of the first mount portion 31 I, in a plan view ( FIG. 27B ).
- the first opposing surface 32 B is formed on an upper part of the second mount portion 32 I.
- the shapes of the first and second divided portions 31 and 32 are not limited to the comb-teeth shape and the right-angled triangle shape as described above. Specifically, various shapes of the first and second divided portions 31 and 32 can be adopted as long as such a shape allows the first and second divided portions 31 and 32 to overlap each other, at least partially, in the press direction at a time point when the thickened portion is formed on the flat plate portion 10 by pressing.
- both comb teeth need not be completely inserted to each other at the time of completion of the pressing, as shown in FIG. 19B .
- FIG. 29 in a region R, to which a pair of meshing portions are externally contacting at the time of completion of the pressing, there may be gaps S of size not causing an inflow of the material or folding during press-molding.
- the press molding apparatus 4 comprises a first die 41 , a second die 42 , a die opening prevention portion 43 , a press member 48 , and a driving section 48 B.
- the first die 41 comprises a first portion 41 D to be pressed, which is pressed by the press member 48 , a first press portion 41 E for pressing the flat plate portion 10 , and a first mount portion 41 F, on which the flat plate portion 10 is placed.
- the first portion 41 D to be pressed is provided at each end located at a front side and a rear side of the drawing.
- a first press portion 41 A, formed on a side part of the first press portion 41 E, is opposed to the first end portion 10 A of the flat plate portion 10 .
- a first opposing surface 41 B formed on an upper part of the first mount portion 41 F, is opposed to the first main surface 10 C of the flat plate portion 10 .
- the first press portion 41 A and the first opposing surface 41 B are provided in the same first die 41 .
- the first opposing surface 41 B is laterally arranged along the horizontal direction, and the first press portion 41 A is connected to an end part of the first opposing surface 41 B so as to make an acute angle with the first opposing surface 41 B.
- a thickened portion-forming section 45 as a concave groove is formed on the first opposing surface 41 B and used for forming a thick part on the flat plate portion 10 by allowing a part of the material of the flat plate portion 10 to flow into the thickened portion-forming section 45 during pressing.
- the second die 42 arranged above the first die 41 , has a structure approximately symmetrical to the first die 41 . That is, the second die 42 comprises a second portion 42 D to be pressed, which is pressed by the press member 48 , a second press portion 42 E for pressing the flat plate portion 10 , and a second opposing portion 42 F opposing to the flat plate portion 10 .
- a second surface 42 C to be pressed, formed on the second portion 42 D to be pressed, is pressed by a second press surface 48 G.
- the second portion 42 D to be pressed is provided at each end located at a front side and a rear side of the drawing.
- a second press portion 42 A formed on a side part of the second press portion 42 E, is opposed to the second end portion 10 B of the flat plate portion 10 .
- a second opposing surface 42 B formed on a lower part of the second opposing portion 42 F, is opposed to the second main surface 10 D of the flat plate portion 10 .
- the second opposing surface 42 B is laterally arranged along the horizontal direction, and the second press portion 42 A is connected to an end part of the second opposing surface 42 B so as to make an acute angle with the second opposing surface 42 B.
- the die opening prevention portion 43 is a member that prevents die opening of the first die 41 and the second die 42 and is formed a rectangular shape enclosing the first die 41 and the second die 42 .
- the die opening prevention portion 43 comprises a part positioned on an upper side of the second die 42 and a part positioned on a lower side of the first die 41 , and prevents the die opening of the first die 41 and the second die 42 by vertically clamping them.
- the die opening prevention portion 43 comprises an inside upper surface 43 A and an inside lower surface 43 B, which are provided with a plurality of upper guide rollers 47 A and a plurality of lower guide rollers 47 B, respectively.
- An upper surface 41 G and a lower surface 41 H of the first die 41 are brought into contact with the upper guide rollers 47 A and the lower guide rollers 47 B, respectively, thereby enabling to slide the first die 41 in the horizontal direction.
- an upper surface 42 G and the guide rollers 47 of the second die 42 are brought into contact with the upper guide rollers 47 A and the first die 41 , respectively, thereby enabling to slide the second die 42 in the horizontal direction in a similar manner.
- the press member 48 presses the first and second dies 41 and 42 , thereby sliding them in the horizontal direction.
- the press member 48 comprises a main body portion 48 A in contact with a driving section 48 H and a press portion 48 B fixed to a lower surface of the main body portion 48 A.
- the press portion 48 B is made from a shape in which a press portion main body 48 C, fixed on the lower surface of the main body portion 48 A by the bolt B, is connected to a first extension portion 48 D and a second extension portion 48 E.
- the press portion 48 B is formed in an upside down U-shape in a cross sectional view.
- the first press surface 48 F for pressing the first die 41 is formed at a tip of the first extension portion 48 D
- the second press surface 48 G for pressing the second die 42 is formed at a tip of the second extension portion 48 E.
- both the first and second extension portions 48 D and 48 E are provided at each end located at a front side and a rear side of the drawing.
- the driving section 48 H is arranged in contact with an upper surface of the press member 48 (main body portion 48 A).
- the driving section 48 H comprises, as in the above first embodiment, a hydraulic or electric piston and moves the press member 48 downward in the perpendicular direction by pressing.
- a member to be pressed including the flat plate portion 10 is softened by heating to be prepared ( FIG. 3 : S 10 ).
- the flat plate portion 10 is placed between the first die 41 and the second die 42 .
- the member to be pressed is placed in a manner such that the first main surface 10 C is opposed to the first opposing surface 41 B and the second main surface 10 D is opposed to the second opposing surface 42 B ( FIG. 3 : S 20 ).
- the first opposing surface 41 B and the second opposing surface 42 B while facing to each other, keep in contact with the flat plate portion 10 during pressing.
- the press member 48 is lowered by operating the driving section 48 H, so that the first and second press surfaces 48 F and 48 G are brought into contact with the first and second surfaces 41 C and 42 C to be pressed, respectively ( FIG. 31 ).
- the first press surface 48 F while sliding on the first surface 41 C to be pressed, makes the first die 41 slide in the horizontal direction
- the second press surface 48 G while sliding on the second surface 42 C to be pressed, makes the second die 42 slide in the horizontal direction.
- the first and second press portions 41 A and 42 A approach each other and the flat plate portion 10 is pressed from the both sides of the end portions 10 A and 10 B in the horizontal direction.
- the first opposing surface 41 B is moved to the press direction as the flat plate portion 10 is pressed by the first press portion 41 A and the second opposing surface 42 B is moved to the press direction as the flat plate portion 10 is pressed by the second press portion 42 A. That is, both the first and second opposing surfaces 41 B and 42 B are moved to the press directions as the flat plate portion 10 is being pressed. In this manner, both friction force generated by sliding between the first main surface 10 C and the first opposing surface 41 B and friction force generated by sliding between the second main surface 10 D and the second opposing surface 42 B can be reduced. Thus, pressing force required for molding the flat plate portion 10 can be further reduced. Then, after the press of the flat plate portion 10 is completed, the press member 48 is moved up by operating the driving section 48 H and a press-molded article is taken out ( FIG. 3 : S 40 ).
- the thickened portion-forming section 45 is formed on the second opposing surface 42 B, instead of the first opposing surface 41 B.
- a press-molded article having a thickened portion formed on the second main surface 10 D side can be manufactured by pressing the flat plate portion 10 with the first and second press portions 41 A and 42 A and allowing the material of the flat plate portion 10 to flow into the thickened portion-forming section 45 .
- the thickened portions are formed both on the first main surface 10 C and the second main surface 10 D
- the thickened portion-forming sections 45 may be formed both on the first opposing surface 41 B and the second opposing surface 42 B.
- the present invention can be applied not only to a member to be pressed, in which the whole member to be pressed is constituted with a single flat plate portion, as described above, but also to a member to be pressed including the flat plate portion in one part thereof.
- the present invention can be applied to a member 10 E to be pressed of a bent shape, having a plurality of (two) flat plate portions 10 F.
- a press molding apparatus 7 comprises an upper die 71 including first and second upper dies 71 A and 71 B and a lower die 72 including first and second lower dies 72 A and 72 B.
- the member 10 E to be pressed is placed between the upper die 71 and the lower die 72 .
- a first press portion 71 C opposing to the first end portion 10 A of the flat plate portion 10 F is formed on the first upper die 71 A, and a first opposing surface 71 D opposing to the first main surface 10 C of the flat plate portion 10 F is formed on the second upper die 71 B.
- a second opposing surface 72 D opposing to the second main surface 10 D of the flat plate portion 10 F is formed on the first lower die 72 A, and a second press portion 72 C opposing to the second end portion 10 B of the flat plate portion 10 F is formed on the second lower die 72 B.
- the flat plate portion 10 F is pressed by the first press portion 71 C and the second press portion 72 C in the direction parallel to the main surfaces 10 C and 10 D, and a material of the flat plate portion 10 F is flown into a thickened portion-forming section 75 to form a thickened portion.
- the first lower die 72 A is pressed by the first upper die 71 A and lowered, the second opposing surface 72 D is moved to the press direction.
- friction force generated by sliding between the second main surface 10 D and the second opposing surface 72 D can be reduced and, as in the cases for the above first to fourth embodiments, pressing force required for molding the flat plate portion 10 F can be reduced.
- the present invention is not limited to the case where the whole flat plate portion 10 is heated by the electric furnace F ( FIG. 4 ).
- a plurality of electrodes 101 may be arranged at intervals from each other on the main surface of the flat plate portion 10 and a temperature rising portion 102 by heating is partially formed on the flat plate portion 10 by supplying electric current to the plurality of electrodes 101 (partial electrical heating).
- a thickened portion may be formed by pressing the flat plate portion 10 in a state of being arranged between dies 91 and 92 and allowing a material located at the temperature rising portion 102 by heating to flow into a thickened portion-forming section 95 .
Abstract
A manufacturing method of press-molded article of the present invention comprises a step of placing a member to be pressed in a press molding apparatus and a step of pressing a flat plate portion of the member to be pressed by bringing a first press portion and a second press portion closer to each other. A first opposing surface and a second opposing surface, while facing to each other, keep in contact with the flat plate portion during pressing. In the press step, a thick part is formed on the flat plate portion by allowing a part of a material of the flat plate portion to flow, in a press direction, into a thickened portion-forming section formed on the first opposing surface. The second opposing surface is moved to the press direction as the flat plate portion is pressed by the first press portion and the second press portion.
Description
- This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/298,395 filed Oct. 20, 2016, which claims priority to and the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. 2015-225995 filed Nov. 18, 2015, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
- The present invention relates to a manufacturing method of press-molded article and a press molding apparatus.
- There has been conventionally known a technique of manufacturing a metal plate used in a vehicle skeleton part of automobile and the like by press molding. In the above uses, there are growing demands on not only a metal plate having a fixed thickness, but also a metal plate having a thickness difference by partially forming a thickened portion. A manufacturing apparatus and method of the metal plate having such a thickened portion by press molding are disclosed in the following patent documents, JP 2014-166645 A, JP 2007-14978 A, and JP 2008-296252 A.
- In the press molding apparatuses disclosed in JP 2014-166645 A and JP 2007-14978 A, both main surfaces of a metal plate are held by a top and bottom pair of dies and the metal plate is pressed in a direction parallel to the main surfaces while maintaining this condition. By this operation, a material of the metal plate flows into a concave portion provided on a part of a holding surface of the die to form a thickened portion. Further, in JP 2008-296252 A, a metal plate folded into a U-shape has an extension portion in one part thereof in a longitudinal direction and a thickened portion is formed on the part in the longitudinal direction when the extension portion is pressed.
- In the press molding apparatuses disclosed in the above patent documents, JP 2014-166645 A and JP 2007-14978 A, the both main surfaces of the metal plate are held by the top and bottom pair of dies and the metal plate is pressed in a direction parallel to the main surfaces under a condition where positions of the dies are fixed. In this configuration, friction force generated by sliding between the dies and the metal plate increases and pressing force, which is required for pressing, increases excessively. On the other hand, in the press molding apparatus disclosed in the above patent document, JP 2008-296252 A, there is a large gap between the dies and the metal plate, thereby sometimes causing folding of the metal plate during pressing. When the folding occurs to the metal plate, a flow direction of the material of the metal plate becomes out of control, thus making it difficult to form the thickened portion having a desired shape.
- The present invention has been made in view of the foregoing problems, and an object thereof is to provide a manufacturing method of press-molded article and a press molding apparatus, capable of forming a thickened portion having a desired shape while reducing pressing force.
- (1) A manufacturing method of press-molded article according to one embodiment of the present invention is a method for manufacturing a press-molded article by molding a member to be pressed including a flat plate portion. The method comprises:
- a step of placing the member to be pressed in a press molding apparatus in a manner such that a first main surface of the flat plate portion is opposed to a first opposing surface and a second main surface of the flat plate portion, directing opposite to the first main surface, is opposed to a second opposing surface; and
- a step of pressing the flat plate portion by bringing a first press portion opposing to a first end portion of the flat plate portion and a second press portion opposing to a second end portion of the flat plate portion, the second end portion being located on an opposite side of the first end portion, closer to each other. The first opposing surface and the second opposing surface, while facing to each other, keep in contact with the flat plate portion during pressing. In the press step, a thick portion is formed on the flat plate portion by allowing a part of a material of the flat plate portion to flow, in a press direction, into a thickened portion-forming section formed on at least one of the first opposing surface and the second opposing surface, and at least one of the first opposing surface and the second opposing surface is moved to the press direction as the flat plate portion is pressed by the first press portion and the second press portion.
- In the above method, when the flat plate portion is pressed by bringing the first press portion and the second press portion closer to each other, the opposing surface opposing to the main surface of the flat plate portion is moved to the press direction. Thus, as compared to a conventional case where the press is performed while the opposing surface is fixed without moving, friction force generated by sliding between the main surface of the flat plate portion and the opposing surface can be further reduced. As a result, necessary pressing force can be further reduced.
- Further, in the above method, the thick portion, of which a thickness is increased, can be formed on the flat plate portion by pressing the flat plate portion using the first press portion and the second press portion and allowing a part of the material of the flat plate portion to flow, in the press direction, into the thickened portion-forming section. During this process, the first opposing surface and the second opposing surface, while facing to each other, keep in contact with the flat plate portion during pressing, thus enabling to prevent an occurrence of folding to the flat plate portion during pressing and suppress the non-uniformity of a flow direction of the material. As a result, the material of the flat plate portion can be reliably flown into the thickened portion-forming section to form the thickened portion having a desired shape.
- The term “first end portion and second end portion” herein refers to both ends of the flat plate portion in the press direction.
- (2) In the above manufacturing method of press-molded article, in the step of placing the member to be pressed, the flat plate portion may be placed between a die provided with the first press portion and the first opposing surface and a die provided with the second press portion and the second opposing surface.
- Having such a configuration can further simplify an apparatus structure in comparison with a case where the first press portion and the first opposing surface are provided in separate members and the second press portion and the second opposing surface are provided in separate members.
- (3) In the above manufacturing method of press-molded article, the die provided with the first opposing surface may include a first divided portion and a second divided portion formed separately from the first divided portion. The first press portion may be formed in the first divided portion and the second press portion may be formed in the second divided portion. In the press step, the first divided portion may be moved to the press direction of the first press portion as the flat plate portion is pressed by the first press portion, and the second divided portion is moved to the press direction of the second press portion as the flat plate portion is pressed by the second press portion.
- In this configuration, the first and second end portions of the flat plate portion can be pressed by the first and second press portions, respectively, by bringing the first divided portion and the second divided portion closer to each other. Thus, the first opposing surfaces can be moved to the press directions of the first and second press portions accordingly and friction force generated between the main surface of the flat plate portion and the opposing surfaces can be further effectively reduced. As a result, pressing force can be further reduced.
- (4) In the above manufacturing method of press-molded article, the first divided portion and the second divided portion may have a comb-teeth shape so as to mesh with each other. In the press step, the first divided portion and the second divided portion may come close to each other in such a manner that the both comb teeth mesh with each other.
- In this configuration, the flat plate portion can be press-molded in a state of being further stably supported.
- (5) In the above manufacturing method of press-molded article, in the step of placing the member to be pressed, the member to be pressed may be placed so as to arrange the first main surface and the second main surface of the flat plate portion along a perpendicular direction.
- Having such a configuration can reduce an installation area of the press molding apparatus, thereby saving a space, in comparison with a case where the first main surface and the second main surface are arranged along a horizontal direction.
- (6) In the above manufacturing method of press-molded article, in the step of placing the member to be pressed, positions of the first main surface and the second main surface may be maintained along the perpendicular direction by supporting the flat plate portion using a temporarily supporting member.
- Having such a configuration can stably support the flat plate portion to prevent it from falling when the first main surface and the second main surface of the flat plate portion are vertically arranged along the perpendicular direction.
- (7) In the above manufacturing method of press-molded article, in the press step, pressing force may be applied to the material of the flat plate portion flowing into the thickened portion-forming section.
- Having such a configuration can further effectively prevent an occurrence of folding to the flat plate portion in the process of forming a thick part by allowing the material of the flat plate portion to flow into the thickened portion-forming section.
- (8) In the above manufacturing method of press-molded article, the member to be pressed may be molded by a hot press.
- The above method enables to press the flat plate portion without causing folding as described above, thus a flow direction of the material can be further reliably controlled even when the hot press is used.
- (9) A press molding apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention is a press molding apparatus for molding a member to be pressed including a flat plate portion. The press molding apparatus comprises: a first press portion opposing to a first end portion of the flat plate portion; a second press portion opposing to a second end portion of the flat plate portion, the second end portion being located on an opposite side of the first end portion; a first opposing surface opposing to a first main surface of the flat plate portion; a second opposing surface opposing to a second main surface of the flat plate portion, the second main surface directing opposite to the first main surface; and a driving section for bringing the first press portion and the second press portion closer to each other to press the flat plate portion. A thickened portion-forming section is formed on at least one of the first opposing surface and the second opposing surface for forming a thick part on the flat plate portion by allowing a part of a material of the flat plate portion to flow into the thickened portion-forming section. The first opposing surface and the second opposing surface are, while facing to each other, configured to keep in contact with the flat plate portion during pressing. At least one of the first opposing surface and the second opposing surface is configured to move to a press direction as the flat plate portion is pressed by the first press portion and the second press portion.
- In the above press molding apparatus, the opposing surface opposing to the main surface of the flat plate portion can be moved to the press direction as the flat plate portion is pressed by bringing the first press portion and the second press portion closer to each other. Thus, as compared to a conventional case where the press is performed while the opposing surface is fixed without moving, friction force generated by sliding between the main surface of the flat plate portion and the opposing surface can be further reduced. As a result, necessary pressing force can be further reduced.
- Further, in the above press molding apparatus, the thickened portion, of which a thickness is increased, can be formed on the flat plate portion by pressing the flat plate portion using the first press portion and the second press portion and allowing a part of the material of the flat plate portion to flow, in the press direction, into the thickened portion-forming section. During this process, the first opposing surface and the second opposing surface, while facing to each other, keep in contact with the flat plate portion during pressing, thus the flat plate portion can be prevented from being folded during pressing and a flow direction of the material can be suppressed from becoming non-uniform. As a result, the material of the flat plate portion can be reliably flown into the thickened portion-forming section to form the thickened portion having a desired shape.
- (10) In the above press molding apparatus, the first press portion and the first opposing surface may be provided in a same die. The second press portion and the second opposing surface may be provided in a same die.
- Having such a configuration can further simplify a structure of press molding apparatus in comparison with a case where the first press portion and the first opposing surface are provided in separate members and the second press portion and the second opposing surface are provided in separate members.
- (11) In the above press molding apparatus, the die provided with the first opposing surface may include a first divided portion and a second divided portion formed separately from the first divided portion. The first press portion may be formed in the first divided portion and the second press portion may be formed in the second divided portion.
- In this configuration, the first and second end portions of the flat plate portion can be pressed by the first and second press portions, respectively, by bringing the first divided portion and the second divided portion closer to each other. Thus, the first opposing surfaces can be moved to the press directions of the first and second press portions accordingly and friction force generated between the main surface of the flat plate portion and the opposing surfaces can be further effectively reduced. As a result, pressing force can be further reduced.
- (12) In the above press molding apparatus, the first divided portion and the second divided portion may have a comb-teeth shape so as to mesh with each other.
- In this configuration, the flat plate portion can be press-molded in a state of being further stably supported.
- (13) In the above press molding apparatus, the first opposing surface and the second opposing surface may be arranged along a perpendicular direction.
- Having such a configuration can reduce an installation area of the press molding apparatus, thereby saving a space, in comparison with a case where the first and second opposing surfaces are arranged along a horizontal direction.
- (14) The above press molding apparatus may comprise a temporarily supporting member for supporting the flat plate portion to maintain positions of the first main surface and the second main surface along the perpendicular direction.
- Having such a configuration can stably support the flat plate portion to prevent it from falling even when the first main surface and the second main surface are vertically arranged along the perpendicular direction.
- (15) The above press molding apparatus may comprise a back-pressure applicator for applying pressure force to the material of flat plate portion flowing into the thickened portion-forming section.
- Having such a configuration can further effectively prevent an occurrence of folding to the flat plate portion in the process of forming the thick part by allowing the material of the flat plate portion to flow into the thickened portion-forming section.
- The above press molding apparatus enables to press the flat plate portion without causing folding as described above, thus a flow direction of the material can be further reliably controlled even when a hot press is used.
- The present invention can provide the manufacturing method of press-molded article and the press molding apparatus, capable of forming the thickened portion having a desired shape while reducing pressing force.
-
FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a configuration of a press molding apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 2 is an enlarged view around a thickened portion-forming section of the above press molding apparatus. -
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing procedures of a manufacturing method of press-molded article according to the first embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing how a member to be pressed is heated by an electric furnace. -
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing how a flat plate portion is pressed to form a thickened portion. -
FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a press-molded article. -
FIG. 7 is a graph showing measured results of a molding load and a pressing load. -
FIG. 8 is a schematic view of a configuration of a press molding apparatus according to a first modification of the above first embodiment. -
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing how a flat plate portion is pressed to form a thickened portion in the above first modification. -
FIG. 10 is a schematic view of a configuration of a press molding apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing how a flat plate portion is pressed in the above second embodiment. -
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing how the flat plate portion is pressed to form a thickened portion in the above second embodiment. -
FIG. 13 is a schematic view of a configuration of a press molding apparatus according to a first modification of the above second embodiment. -
FIG. 14 is a schematic view of the configuration of the press molding apparatus according to the first modification of the above second embodiment. -
FIG. 15 is a schematic view of a configuration of a press molding apparatus according to a second modification of the above second embodiment. -
FIG. 16 is a diagram showing how a flat plate portion is pressed to form a thickened portion in the second modification of the above second embodiment. -
FIG. 17A andFIG. 17B are schematic views of a configuration of a press molding apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 18A andFIG. 18B are diagrams showing how a flat plate portion is arranged between dies in the above third embodiment. -
FIG. 19A andFIG. 19B are diagrams showing how the flat plate portion is pressed to form a thickened portion in the above third embodiment. -
FIG. 20A andFIG. 20B are schematic views of a configuration of a press molding apparatus according to a first modification of the above third embodiment. -
FIG. 21A andFIG. 21B are diagrams showing how a flat plate portion is arranged between dies in the first modification of the above third embodiment. -
FIG. 22A andFIG. 22B are diagrams showing how the flat plate portion is pressed to form a thickened portion in the first modification of the above third embodiment. -
FIG. 23A andFIG. 23B are schematic views of a configuration of a press molding apparatus according to a second modification of the above third embodiment. -
FIG. 24A andFIG. 24B are diagrams showing how a flat plate portion is pressed to form a thickened portion in the second modification of the above third embodiment. -
FIG. 25A andFIG. 25B are schematic views of a configuration of a press molding apparatus according to a third modification of the above third embodiment. -
FIG. 26A andFIG. 26B are diagrams showing how a flat plate portion is pressed to form a thickened portion in the third modification of the above third embodiment. -
FIG. 27A andFIG. 27B are schematic views of a configuration of a press molding apparatus according to a fourth modification of the above third embodiment. -
FIG. 28A andFIG. 28B are diagrams showing how a flat plate portion is pressed to form a thickened portion in the fourth modification of the above third embodiment. -
FIG. 29 is a diagram showing a configuration of divided portions in another modification of the above third embodiment. -
FIG. 30 is a schematic view of a configuration of a press molding apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 31 is a diagram showing how a flat plate portion is pressed in the above fourth embodiment. -
FIG. 32 is a diagram showing how the flat plate portion is pressed to form a thickened portion in the above fourth embodiment. -
FIG. 33 is a schematic view of a configuration of a press molding apparatus according to a first modification of the above fourth embodiment. -
FIG. 34 is a diagram showing how a flat plate portion is pressed in the first modification of the above fourth embodiment. -
FIG. 35 is a diagram showing how the flat plate portion is pressed to form a thickened portion in the first modification of the above fourth embodiment. -
FIG. 36 is a schematic view of a configuration of a press molding apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 37 is a diagrammatic illustration for describing partial electric heating. -
FIG. 38 is a diagrammatic illustration for describing press-molding of a flat plate portion subjected to the partial electric heating. - Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
- [Configuration of Press Molding Apparatus]
- First of all, a configuration of a
press molding apparatus 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described by mainly referring toFIG. 1 . - The
press molding apparatus 1 is an apparatus for press-molding a member to be pressed including aflat plate portion 10, such as a metal plate having a fixed thickness, so as to partially form a thick part (thickened portion) on theflat plate portion 10. Thepress molding apparatus 1 comprises afirst die 11, asecond die 12, a supportingmember 13, apress member 18, and adrive section 18B. - The member to be pressed is, for example, a metal plate made of a material, such as hard steel, soft steel, or aluminum. In an example shown in the drawing, the whole member to be pressed is constituted by the
flat plate portion 10. - It is noted that, in the present invention, the whole member to be pressed is not necessary to be constituted by the
flat plate portion 10, and the member to be pressed may include theflat plate portion 10 at one part. Theflat plate portion 10 comprises a firstmain surface 10C, a secondmain surface 10D, directing opposite to the firstmain surface 10C, afirst end portion 10A, and asecond end portion 10B, which is located on an opposite side of thefirst end portion 10A. - The
first die 11 is fixed on amount surface 13A of the supportingmember 13 by a fixing member such as a bolt B. Thefirst die 11 comprises an opposingportion 11C opposing to theflat plate portion 10, and aguide portion 11D for guiding a movement of thesecond die 12, arranged with an interval from the opposingportion 11C. - The opposing
portion 11C comprises a first opposingsurface 11B opposing to the firstmain surface 10C and afirst press portion 11A opposing to thefirst end portion 10A. In this configuration, thefirst press portion 11A and the first opposingsurface 11B are provided in the samefirst die 11. The first opposingsurface 11B is connected to anupper surface 11F at its upper end and vertically arranged along a perpendicular direction (parallel to perpendicular direction). Thefirst press portion 11A is connected to a lower end of the first opposingsurface 11B and formed flatly along a horizontal direction (parallel to horizontal direction). - A thickened portion-forming
section 15 as a concave groove is formed near a center of the first opposingsurface 11B. The thickened portion-formingsection 15 is provided to form a thickened portion, of which a thickness is increased, on theflat plate portion 10 by allowing a part of a material of theflat plate portion 10 in a press direction during press-molding. The thickened portion-formingsection 15 is surrounded by a pair of horizontal sidewall surfaces, stretching horizontally, and a bottom wall surface connecting between inner side end portions of the pair of sidewall surfaces, and recessed in a direction away from theflat plate portion 10. The thickened portion-formingsection 15 is formed on one part of the first opposingsurface 11B in the press direction. - It is noted that a shape of the thickened portion-forming
section 15 is not limited thereto and can be appropriately changed according to a shape of the thickened portion formed on theflat plate portion 10. For example, the shape may have a semi-circular cross section, a triangular cross section, and the like. Further, the first opposingsurface 11B may include a plurality of the thickened portion-formingsections 15. Further, the thickened portion-formingsection 15 needs not be formed in the center. - A plurality of
guide rollers 17 are arranged on an inner surface of theguide portion 11D. Thesecond die 12 has its lower end part between theguide portion 11D and the opposingportion 11C and moves to the perpendicular direction according to contraction of aspring 16. During this process, theguide rollers 17 comes into contact with a side surface of thesecond die 12, thereby guiding a movement of thesecond die 12 in the perpendicular direction. - The
second die 12 is connected to an upper end of thespring 16 at its lower surface and has its lower end part between the opposingportion 11C and theguide portion 11D. Before the press-molding is started (FIG. 1 ), anupper surface 12C of thesecond die 12 is located higher than anupper surface 11F of thefirst die 11. - The
second die 12 comprises a second opposingsurface 12B opposing to the secondmain surface 10D and asecond press portion 12A opposing to thesecond end portion 10B. In this configuration, thesecond press portion 12A and the second opposingsurface 12B are provided in the samesecond die 12. The second opposingsurface 12B is connected to thesecond press portion 12A at its upper end and vertically arranged along the perpendicular direction (parallel to perpendicular direction). Thesecond press portion 12A is formed flatly along the horizontal direction (parallel to horizontal direction). - The
second die 12 is arranged in a manner such that the second opposingsurface 12B is opposed to the first opposingsurface 11B in the horizontal direction across theflat plate portion 10 and thesecond press portion 12A is opposed to thefirst press portion 11A in the perpendicular direction across theflat plate portion 10. In this configuration, theflat plate portion 10 can be arranged between thefirst die 11 and thesecond die 12. - In
FIG. 2 , a thickness of theflat plate portion 10 is represented by T1, a distance between the first and second opposingsurfaces bottom wall surface 15A of the thickened portion-formingsection 15 and the second opposingsurface 12B is represented by D2. In thepress molding apparatus 1, the distance D1 is adjusted according to the thickness T1, so that a ratio of distance D1 (mm)/thickness T1 (mm) becomes 1.1 or lower. For example, when theflat plate portion 10 having the thickness T1 of 1.4 mm is pressed, the distance D1 is adjusted to 1.6 mm. Further, the distance D2 is adjusted to 2.2 mm. - As shown in
FIG. 2 , before the pressing is started (i.e., before theflat plate portion 10 is pressed by the first andsecond press portions flat plate portion 10, and the first opposingsurface 11B and second opposingsurface 12B may be formed unless the gap causes folding during pressing. In another words, the first opposingsurface 11B and the second opposingsurface 12B are opposed to each other with the distance D1 sufficient to avoid the folding of theflat plate portion 10 during pressing. The term “folding of theflat plate portion 10” herein refers to a condition where theflat plate portion 10 is folded to such a degree that a flow of the material of theflat plate portion 10 caused by pressing is disturbed, and does not include a minute swell of theflat plate portion 10 caused during pressing unless it affects the flow of the material. - Then, during pressing, the first opposing
surface 11B and the second opposingsurface 12B, while facing to each other, keep in contact with theflat plate portion 10. However, theflat plate portion 10 needs not always contact with the first opposingsurface 11B or the second opposingsurface 12B during pressing. Further, the wholeflat plate portion 10 needs not contact with the first opposingsurface 11B or the second opposingsurface 12B. - As shown in
FIG. 1 , the supportingmember 13 is a metallic member having a rectangular parallelepiped shape and comprises theflat mount surface 13A on which a lower surface of thefirst die 11 is placed. Themount surface 13A of the supportingmember 13 is laterally arranged along the horizontal direction and fixed on thefirst die 11 by a fixing member such as the bolt B. - A
press member 18 is a member that presses theupper surface 12C of thesecond die 12 to move thesecond die 12 downward in the perpendicular direction. Thepress member 18 having apress surface 18A is moved downward in the perpendicular direction by operating adriving section 18B. Then, theupper surface 12C of thesecond die 12 is pressed by thepress surface 18A, so that thesecond die 12 can move downward in the perpendicular direction. - The
driving section 18B is arranged in contact with anupper surface 18C of thepress member 18. Thedriving section 18B comprises, for example, a hydraulic or electric piston and presses theupper surface 18C to move thepress member 18 downward in the perpendicular direction. - In the above
press molding apparatus 1, first of all, thepress member 18 is lowered by operating thedriving section 18B, so that thepress surface 18A is brought into contact with theupper surface 12C of thesecond die 12. Thepress member 18 is further lowered to move thesecond die 12 downward in the perpendicular direction while maintaining this state, so that thesecond press portion 12A is brought closer to thefirst press portion 11A. Then, theflat plate portion 10 is pressed by thefirst press portion 11A and thesecond press portion 12A from the bothend portions main surfaces FIG. 5 ). By this operation, a part of the material of theflat plate 10 is flown, in the press direction, into the thickened portion-formingsection 15 to form the thickened portion. - In this configuration in the above
press molding apparatus 1, the second opposingsurface 12B is moved to the press direction as the pressing is performed by the first andsecond press portions surface 12B is slid toward the same direction as the press direction of theflat plate portion 10. Thus, friction force generated by sliding between the secondmain surface 10D and the second opposingsurface 12B can be reduced and pressing force required for molding theflat plate portion 10 can be reduced. - [Manufacturing Method of Press-Molded Article]
- Next, a manufacturing method of press-molded article using the above
press molding apparatus 1, according to the present embodiment, will be described along a flowchart shown inFIG. 3 . First of all, a member to be pressed is prepared in a step S10. In the step S10, the member to be pressed including theflat plate portion 10, such as a metal plate having a fixed thickness, is prepared and heated with a predetermined temperature by an electric furnace F (FIG. 4 ). By this operation, the wholeflat plate portion 10 becomes softened. In the present embodiment, a press-molded article is manufactured by a hot press, in which the wholeflat plate portion 10 is heated to be softened and then molded. It is noted that the present invention is not limited to the case where the hot press is performed, and may adopt a cold working without performing the step S10. - Next, the member to be pressed is placed in a step S20. In the step S20, the
flat plate portion 10 softened in the above step S10 is placed between thefirst die 11 and the second die 12 (FIG. 1 ). More specifically, theflat plate portion 10 is placed in such a manner that the firstmain surface 10C is opposed to the first opposingsurface 11B along the perpendicular direction and the secondmain surface 10D is opposed to the second opposingsurface 12B along the perpendicular direction. During this process, the first opposingsurface 11B and the second opposingsurface 12B, while facing to each other, keep in contact with theflat plate portion 10 during pressing to prevent an occurrence of folding to theflat plate portion 10 in a following press step S30. - Next, the member to be pressed is pressed in a step S30. In the step S30, first of all, the
press member 18 is lowered by operating thedriving section 18B, so that thepress surface 18A is brought into contact with theupper surface 12C of thesecond die 12. Then, thepress member 18 is further lowered to press theupper surface 12C of thesecond die 12, so that thesecond die 12 is moved downward and thesecond press portion 12A is brought closer to thefirst press portion 11A. By this operation, theflat plate portion 10 is pressed by thefirst press portion 11A and thesecond press portion 12A from the bothend portions main surfaces flat plate portion 10 is flown into the thickened portion-formingsection 15 in the press direction (arrows inFIG. 5 ) to form the thickened portion, of which a thickness is increased, on theflat plate portion 10. Subsequently, the operation of thedriving section 18B is stopped at the time when thepress surface 18A comes into contact with theupper surface 11F of thefirst die 11. - In the step S30, the second opposing
surface 12B is moved (slid) toward the press direction as theflat plate portion 10 is pressed by thefirst press portion 11A and thesecond press portion 12A. That is, the second opposingsurface 12B is moved to the same direction as the press direction of theflat plate portion 10. Thus, friction force generated by sliding between the secondmain surface 10D and the second opposingsurface 12B can be reduced during pressing and theflat plate portion 10 can be molded with less pressing force. - Further, the first and second opposing
surfaces flat plate portion 10 during pressing. This can prevent theflat plate portion 10 from being folded during pressing, thereby suppressing the non-uniformity of the flow direction of the material. Thus, the material of theflat plate portion 10 can be reliably flown into the thickened portion-formingsection 15 from the bothend portions section 15. - Finally, the press-molded article is taken out in a step S40. In the step S40, the
press member 18 is moved up by operating thedriving section 18B after completing the press-molding of theflat plate portion 10 in the step S30. Then, a press-moldedarticle 100 having a thickenedportion 100A formed thereon (FIG. 6 ) is taken out. Through the above steps S10 to S40, the manufacturing method of press-molded article according to the present embodiment is completed. - Next, representative configurations and advantageous effects of the above
press molding apparatus 1 will be described. - The above
press molding apparatus 1 comprises thefirst press portion 11A, thesecond press portion 12A, the first opposingsurface 11B, the second opposingsurface 12B, and thedriving section 18B that brings thefirst press portion 11A and thesecond press portion 12A closer to each other. The first opposingsurface 11B includes the thickened portion-formingsection 15 for forming the thick part on theflat plate portion 10. The first opposingsurface 11B and the second opposingsurface 12B, while facing to each other, keep in contact with theflat plate portion 10 during pressing. The thickened portion-formingsection 15 is configured in such a manner that the part of the material of theflat plate portion 10 is flown, in the press direction, into the thickened portion-formingsection 15 as theflat plate portion 10 is pressed by thefirst press portion 11A and thesecond press portion 12A. The second opposingsurface 12B is configured to move to the press direction as theflat plate portion 10 is pressed by thefirst press portion 11A and thesecond press portion 12A. - In the above
press molding apparatus 1, the second opposingsurface 12B can be moved to the press direction as thefirst press portion 11A and thesecond press portion 12A come closer to each other to press theflat plate portion 10. Thus, as compared to a conventional case where the pressing is performed while the opposing surface is fixed without moving, friction force generated by sliding between the secondmain surface 10D and the second opposingsurface 12B can be further reduced. As a result, necessary pressing force can be further reduced. - A graph in
FIG. 7 shows an effect of load reduction achieved in the present embodiment, in which the pressing is performed while moving the opposing surface. In the graph inFIG. 7 ,columns flat plate portion 10, while the term “pressing load” refers to a load required for fixing a clearance between the dies. As is evident from the graph, the molding load is significantly reduced (reduced up to about one-tenth) when the pressing is performed while moving the opposing surface as compared to the case where the pressing is performed without moving the opposing surface. - Further, in the above
press molding apparatus 1, the thickenedportion 100A, of which a thickness is increased, can be formed on theflat plate portion 10 by pressing theflat plate portion 10 by thefirst press portion 11A and thesecond press portion 12A and allowing the part of the material of theflat plate portion 10 to flow into the thickened portion-formingsection 15 in the press direction. During this process, the first opposingsurface 11B and the second opposingsurface 12B, while facing to each other, keep in contact with theflat plate portion 10 during pressing. This can prevent the non-uniformity of the flow direction of the material caused by folding generated in theflat plate portion 10 during pressing. That is, it becomes possible to control the flow of the material. Thus, the material of theflat plate portion 10 can be reliably flown into the thickened portion-formingsection 15, thereby enabling to form the thickenedportion 100A having a desired shape. - In the above
press molding apparatus 1, thefirst press portion 11A and the first opposingsurface 11B are provided in the samefirst die 11, and thesecond press portion 12A and the second opposingsurface 12B are provided in the samesecond die 12. This can further simplify a structure of thepress molding apparatus 1 in comparison with a case where thefirst press portion 11A and the first opposingsurface 11B are provided in separate members and thesecond press portion 12A and the second opposingsurface 12B are provided in separate members. - In the above
press molding apparatus 1, the first opposingsurface 11B and the second opposingsurface 12B are arranged along the perpendicular direction. This can reduce an installation area of thepress molding apparatus 1, thereby saving a space, in comparison with a case where the first opposingsurface 11B and the second opposingsurface 12B are arranged along the horizontal direction. - [First Modification]
- Next, a
press molding apparatus 1A according to a first modification of the above first embodiment will be described with reference toFIG. 8 andFIG. 9 . In thepress molding apparatus 1A according to the first modification, the opposingportion 11C of thefirst die 11 and theguide portion 11D are provided separately from each other. Further, thepress member 18 comprises amain body portion 18D, which has theupper surface 18C in contact with thedriving section 18B, and apress portion 18E fixed on alower surface 18G of themain body portion 18D. Thepress portion 18E is made from a shape in which a press portionmain body 18H, fixed on thelower surface 18G by a fixing member such as a bolt B, is connected to a first supportingportion 18F and a second supportingportion 18I. Thepress portion 18E is formed in an upside down U-shape in a cross sectional view. - The press portion
main body 18H comprises apress surface 18J that presses theupper surface 12C of thesecond die 12. The first supportingportion 18F and the second supportingportion 18I extend downward in the perpendicular direction from both end portions of the press portionmain body 18H in the horizontal direction. - A first
inner surface 18K is formed inside the first supportingportion 18F and a secondinner surface 18L is formed inside the second supportingportion 18I. A horizontal distance between the firstinner surface 18K and the secondinner surface 18L is made slightly larger than that between side surfaces of the first die 11 (opposingportion 11C) and thesecond die 12. In this configuration, when thepress member 18 is lowered to press theflat plate portion 10 as shown inFIG. 9 , the first die 11 (opposingportion 11C) and thesecond die 12 can be placed between the first and second supportingportions - Next, a
press molding apparatus 2 and a manufacturing method of press-molded article according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference toFIG. 10 toFIG. 12 . It is noted that only the parts in which the second embodiment differs from the above first embodiment will be described in detail. - [Configuration of Press Molding Apparatus]
- The
press molding apparatus 2 comprises afirst die 21, asecond die 22, a supportingmember 26, and adriving section 28B. Thefirst die 21 is formed in an approximately rectangular parallelepiped shape and comprises a first opposingsurface 21B opposing to the firstmain surface 10C, afirst side surface 21C directing opposite to the first opposingsurface 21B, and afirst press portion 21A opposing to thefirst end portion 10A. In this configuration, thefirst press portion 21A and the first opposingsurface 21B are provided in the samefirst die 21. Thefirst side surface 21C of thefirst die 21 is fixed on a fixedsurface 26A of the supportingmember 26 by a fixing member such as a bolt B. - The first opposing
surface 21B is connected to anupper surface 21F at its upper end and arranged along the perpendicular direction. Thefirst press portion 21A is connected to a lower end of the first opposingsurface 21B so as to form an acute angle at the point of intersection. A thickened portion-formingsection 25 as a concave groove is formed near a center of the first opposingsurface 21B and used for forming a thickened portion by allowing a part of the material of theflat plate portion 10 to flow into the thickened portion-formingsection 25 during pressing. - The
second die 22 comprises a second diemain body 28 and adie fixing member 29 connected to an upper surface of the second diemain body 28. The second diemain body 28 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape, having a size capable of being inserted into adie space 26B formed in the supportingmember 26. The second diemain body 28 comprises a second opposingsurface 22B opposing to the secondmain surface 10D, asecond side surface 22C directing opposite to the second opposingsurface 22B, and asecond press portion 22A opposing to thesecond end portion 10B. In this configuration, thesecond press portion 22A and the second opposingsurface 22B are provided in the samesecond die 22. The second opposingsurface 22B is connected to thesecond press portion 22A at its upper end and arranged along the perpendicular direction. Thesecond press portion 22A intersects with the second opposingsurface 22B so as to form an acute angle. Thedie fixing member 29 has the approximately same width as the supportingmember 26 and fixed to the upper surface of the second diemain body 28 by the bolt B. - The second die
main body 28 is inserted into thedie space 26B (FIG. 11 ), so that the second opposingsurface 22B is arranged to be opposed to the first opposingsurface 21B across theflat plate portion 10 in the horizontal direction and thesecond press portion 22A is arranged to be opposed to thefirst press portion 21A across theflat plate portion 10 in the perpendicular direction. Thus, theflat plate portion 10 can be placed between thefirst die 21 and thesecond die 22. In this configuration, the first opposingsurface 21B and the second opposingsurface 22B, while facing to each other, keep in contact with theflat plate portion 10 during pressing. Further, thesecond side surface 22 C comes into contact withguide rollers 27, thereby guiding a movement of the second diemain body 28 in the perpendicular direction. - The supporting
member 26 is a metallic member and includes thedie space 26B having a concave shape, to which the second diemain body 28 is inserted. The supportingmember 26 comprises the fixedsurface 26A to which thefirst die 21 is fixed, abottom surface 26C opposing to alower surface 22D of the second diemain body 28, and aguide surface 26D on which a plurality of theguide rollers 27 are arranged. - The
driving section 28B is arranged in contact with anupper surface 29A of thedie fixing member 29. Thedriving section 28B comprises, as in the above first embodiment, a hydraulic or electric piston and moves thesecond die 22 downward in the perpendicular direction by pressing theupper surface 29A. - [Manufacturing Method of Press-Molded Article]
- Next, explanation is given to a manufacturing method of press-molded article using the above
press molding apparatus 2. First of all, a member to be pressed including theflat plate portion 10 is softened by heating to be prepared (FIG. 3 : S10). Next, theflat plate portion 10 is placed in thefirst die 21 while thesecond die 22 is positioned above the first die 21 (FIG. 10 ). Then, thesecond die 22 is lowered by operating thedriving section 28B, so that the second diemain body 28 is inserted into thedie space 26B, and thesecond press portion 22A is brought into contact with thesecond end portion 10B (FIG. 11 ). By this operation, the member to be pressed is placed in a manner such that the firstmain surface 10C is opposed to the first opposingsurface 21B and the secondmain surface 10D is opposed to the second opposingsurface 22B (FIG. 3 : S20). During this process, the first and secondmain surfaces surface 21B and the second opposingsurface 22B, while facing to each other, keep in contact with theflat plate portion 10 during pressing. - Next, the
second die 22 is further lowered by operating thedriving section 28B, so that thesecond press portion 22A is brought closer to thefirst press portion 21A. By this operation, theflat plate portion 10 is pressed by thefirst press portion 21A and thesecond press portion 22A in a direction parallel to themain surfaces flat plate portion 10 is flown into the thickened portion-forming section 25 (FIG. 12 ). By this operation, the thickened portion, of which a thickness is increased, is formed on one part of the flat plate portion 10 (FIG. 3 : S30). During this process, as in the above first embodiment, the second opposingsurface 22B is moved toward the press direction as theflat plate portion 10 is pressed by thefirst press portion 21A and thesecond press portion 22A. Then, after the press of theflat plate portion 10 is completed, thesecond die 22 is moved up by operating thedriving section 28B and a press-molded article is taken out (FIG. 3 : S40). - In the above second embodiment, as in the above first embodiment, the second opposing
surface 22B is moved toward the press direction as theflat plate portion 10 is pressed by thefirst press portion 21A and thesecond press portion 22A in the perpendicular direction. Thus, friction force generated by sliding between the secondmain surface 10D and the second opposingsurface 22B can be reduced during pressing and theflat plate portion 10 can be molded with less pressing force. Further, the first opposingsurface 21B and the second opposingsurface 22B, while facing to each other, keep in contact with theflat plate portion 10 during pressing. This can prevent the non-uniformity of the flow direction of the material of theflat plate portion 10 caused by folding generated during pressing, thus the material of theflat plate portion 10 can be reliably flown into the thickened portion-formingsection 25. Further, in the configuration of the above second embodiment, thefirst side surface 21C of thefirst die 21 is fixed to the supportingmember 26 and the second die 22 (second die main body 28) is inserted into thedie space 26B of the supportingmember 26, thus displacement of the first and second dies 21 and 22 can be further reliably prevented during pressing. - [First Modification]
- Next, a
press molding apparatus 2A according to a first modification of the above second embodiment will be described with reference toFIG. 13 andFIG. 14 . Thepress molding apparatus 2A according to the first modification further comprises a temporarily supportingmember 26E, which prevents theflat plate portion 10 from falling. - The
press molding apparatus 2A comprises a pair of the temporarily supportingmembers 26E each having a thin plate shape. As shown inFIG. 14 , each temporarily supportingmember 26E is provided outside of an insertion region of thesecond die 22. Each temporarily supportingmember 26E is formed in an elongate shape extending from a lower end to an upper end, and the upper end is bent in a direction away from theflat plate portion 10 while the lower end is attached to the supportingmember 26 by afixture 26F. The temporarily supportingmembers 26E contact with both end parts of the secondmain surface 10D of theflat plate portion 10, thereby supporting theflat plate portion 10 so as to maintain the firstmain surface 10C and the secondmain surface 10D along the perpendicular direction. - In the above
press molding apparatus 2A, first of all, theflat plate portion 10 is placed between thefirst die 21 and the temporarily supportingmembers 26E. During this process, theflat plate portion 10 is supported by the temporarily supportingmembers 26E and thus maintained in a vertical condition where the first and secondmain surfaces die space 26B and theflat plate portion 10 is arranged between thefirst die 21 and thesecond die 22. In this manner, before theflat plate portion 10 is arranged between thefirst die 21 and thesecond die 22, the temporarily supportingmembers 26E can stably support theflat plate portion 10 and prevent it from falling. - [Second Modification]
- Next, a
press molding apparatus 2B according to a second modification of the above second embodiment will be described with reference toFIG. 15 andFIG. 16 . Thepress molding apparatus 2B according to the second modification comprises a back-pressure applicator 25E that applies pressure force to the material of theflat plate portion 10 flowing into a thickened portion-formingsection 25A. - The thickened portion-forming
section 25A is formed as a hole that penetrates in the horizontal direction at a substantially center of thefirst die 21. A throughhole 26G is formed in the supportingmember 26 and communicates with the thickened portion-formingsection 25A. - The back-
pressure applicator 25E comprises apad portion 25B, anelastic member 25C, and a supportingportion 25D. Thepad portion 25B is formed in a convex shape and arranged inside the thickened portion-formingsection 25A. Theelastic member 25C is constituted by a spring that energizes thepad portion 25B and arranged inside the throughhole 26G. Theelastic member 25C is arranged between thepad portion 25B and the supportingportion 25D. Both ends of theelastic member 25C may or may not be connected to thepad portion 25B and the supportingportion 25D. The supportingportion 25D is integrally fixed to the supportingmember 26. - When the
flat plate portion 10 is pressed by thefirst press portion 21A and thesecond press portion 22A, the material of theflat plate portion 10 flows into the thickened portion-formingsection 25A while pushing thepad portion 25B and thereby causing compression of theelastic member 25C. During this process, restoring force of theelastic member 25C is imparted, via thepad portion 25B, to the material flowing into the thickened portion-formingsection 25A. That is, the material of theflat plate portion 10 flows into the thickened portion-formingsection 25A while the pressure force is applied to the material by the back-pressure applicator 25E. In this manner, an occurrence of folding to theflat plate portion 10 can be further effectively prevented in the process of flowing the material into the thickened portion-formingsection 25A by pressing theflat plate portion 10. - Next, a
press molding apparatus 3 and a manufacturing method of press-molded article according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference toFIG. 17A toFIG. 19B . It is noted that only the parts in which the third embodiment differs from the above first embodiment will be described in detail. - [Configuration of Press Molding Apparatus]
- The
press molding apparatus 3 comprises afirst die 33, asecond die 34 arranged above thefirst die 33, a supportingmember 39 on which thefirst die 33 is placed, apress member 38, and adriving section 38B. Thefirst die 33 is constituted of a first dividedportion 31 and a second dividedportion 32 formed separately from the first dividedportion 31. The first dividedportion 31 and the second dividedportion 32 are arranged to be opposed to each other in the horizontal direction. - The first divided
portion 31 comprises afirst portion 31D to be pressed, which is pressed by thepress member 38, afirst press portion 31E for pressing theflat plate portion 10, and afirst mount portion 31F on which theflat plate portion 10 is placed. Afirst surface 31C to be pressed, formed on an upper part of thefirst portion 31D to be pressed, is pressed by afirst press surface 38F. Afirst press portion 31A, formed on a side part of thefirst press portion 31E, is opposed to thefirst end portion 10A of theflat plate portion 10. A first opposingsurface 31B, formed on an upper part of thefirst mount portion 31F, is opposed to the firstmain surface 10C of theflat plate portion 10. - The second divided
portion 32 has a symmetrical shape to the first dividedportion 31. That is, the second dividedportion 32 comprises asecond portion 32D to be pressed, which is pressed by thepress member 38, asecond press portion 32E for pressing theflat plate portion 10, and asecond mount portion 32F on which theflat plate portion 10 is placed. Asecond surface 32C to be pressed, formed on an upper part of thesecond portion 32D to be pressed, is pressed by asecond press surface 38G. Asecond press portion 32A, formed on a side part of thesecond press portion 32E, is opposed to thesecond end portion 10B of theflat plate portion 10. A first opposingsurface 32B, formed on an upper part of thesecond mount portion 32F, is opposed to the firstmain surface 10C of theflat plate portion 10. Further, the first opposingsurfaces - The first and
second mount portions FIG. 17B , the comb teeth of thefirst mount portion 31F are inserted into gaps between the comb teeth of thesecond mount portion 32F, and vice versa, as the first andsecond mount portions - The
second die 34 is formed in an approximately rectangular parallelepiped shape and comprises a second opposingsurface 34B opposing to the secondmain surface 10D of theflat plate portion 10. The second opposingsurface 34B is laterally arranged along the horizontal direction (parallel to horizontal direction). A thickened portion-formingsection 35 is formed as a concave groove near a center of the second opposingsurface 34B, so that a thickened portion, of which a thickness is increased, can be formed on theflat plate portion 10 by allowing a part of the material of theflat plate portion 10 to flow into the thickened portion-formingsection 35 during pressing. Further, when theflat plate portion 10 is arranged between the first and second dies 33 and 34 (FIG. 18A ), the first opposingsurfaces surface 34B, while facing to each other, keep in contact with theflat plate portion 10 during pressing. - The supporting
member 39 is a member made of metal, formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape, and used for mounting thefirst die 33. A plurality ofguide rollers 37 are arranged on an upper surface of the supportingmember 39, and allows the first and second dividedportions - The
press member 38 presses the first and second dividedportions press member 38 comprises amain body portion 38A in contact with thedriving section 38H and apress portion 38B fixed on a lower surface of themain body portion 38A. Thepress portion 38B is made from a shape in which a press portionmain body 38C, fixed on the lower surface of themain body portion 38A by the bolt B, is connected to afirst extension portion 38D and asecond extension portion 38E. A cross section of thepress portion 38B cut with a plane including a width direction (right/left direction inFIG. 17B ) of theflat plate portion 10 and the perpendicular direction has an upside down U-shape. A lower surface of the press portionmain body 38C is connected to an upper surface of thesecond die 34 by a plurality of (two) springs. Thefirst press surface 38F for pressing the first dividedportion 31 is formed at a tip of thefirst extension portion 38D, while thesecond press surface 38G for pressing the second dividedportion 32 is formed at a tip of thesecond extension portion 38E. - The
driving section 38H is arranged in contact with the upper surface of the press member 38 (main body portion 38A). Thedriving section 38H comprises, as in the above first embodiment, a hydraulic or electric piston, and moves thepress member 38 downward in the perpendicular direction by pressing. - [Manufacturing Method of Press-Molded Article]
- Next, explanation is given to a manufacturing method of press-molded article using the above
press molding apparatus 3. First of all, a member to be pressed including theflat plate portion 10 is softened by heating to be prepared (FIG. 3 : S10). - Next, the
flat plate portion 10 is placed on the first and second dividedportions main surface 10C turned downward (FIG. 17A ), while thesecond die 34 is positioned above them (FIG. 17A ). Next, thepress member 38 is lowered by operating thedriving section 38H, so that thesecond die 34 fixed to thepress member 38 is also lowered. By this operation, as shown inFIG. 18A , theflat plate portion 10 is placed in a manner such that the firstmain surface 10C is opposed to the first opposingsurfaces main surface 10D is opposed to the second opposingsurface 34B (FIG. 3 : S20). During this process, the first opposingsurfaces surface 34B, while facing to each other, keep in contact with theflat plate portion 10 during pressing. - Next, the
press member 38 is further lowered by operating thedriving section 38H, so that the first and second press surfaces 38F and 38G are brought into contact with the first andsecond surfaces FIG. 19A ). When thepress member 38 is further lowered while maintaining this state, thefirst press surface 38F, while sliding on thefirst surface 31C to be pressed, makes the first dividedportion 31 slide to a side of the second dividedportion 32, and thesecond press surface 38G, while sliding on thesecond surface 32C to be pressed, makes the second dividedportion 32 slide to a side of the first dividedportion 31. By this operation, the first and second dividedportions FIG. 19B ). In this manner, when the first and second dividedportions second press portions 31A and 32 a also come close to each other and theflat plate portion 10 is pressed from the both sides of theend portions flat plate portion 10 is flown into the thickened portion-formingsection 35 in the press direction, thereby forming a thickened portion, of which a thickness is increased, on theflat plate portion 10. - In the press step, the first divided
portion 31 moves to the press direction of thefirst press portion 31A (direction from left to right in drawing) as thefirst press portion 31A presses theflat plate portion 10. Further, the second dividedportion 32 moves to the press direction of thesecond press portion 32A (direction from right to left in drawing) as thesecond press portion 32A presses theflat plate portion 10. Thus, the first opposingsurface 31B is moved to the press direction of thefirst press portion 31A as theflat plate portion 10 is being pressed, and the second opposingsurface 32B is moved to the press direction of thesecond press portion 32A as theflat plate portion 10 is being pressed. Then, after the press of theflat plate portion 10 is completed, thepress member 38 and thesecond die 34 are moved up by operating thedriving section 38H and a press-molded article is taken out (FIG. 3 : S40). - In the above third embodiment, the
first die 33 is divided into the first dividedportion 31 and the second dividedportion 32. By bringing them closer to each other, the first andsecond end portions flat plate portion 10 can be pressed by the first andsecond press portions surface 31B and the first opposingsurface 32B can be moved in the opposite directions to each other according to the press directions of the first andsecond press portions main surface 10C, and the first opposingsurfaces portions flat plate portion 10 can be press-molded while being stably supported. - [First Modification]
- Next, a first modification of the above third embodiment will be described with reference to
FIG. 20A toFIG. 22B . In apress molding apparatus 3A according to the first modification, a plurality of (two) thickened portion-formingsections 35 are formed at intervals from each other on the second opposingsurface 34B. In this configuration, by pressing theflat plate portion 10 using the first andsecond press portions flat plate portion 10 can be flown into each of the plurality of the thickened portion-forming sections 35 (FIG. 22A ), thereby enabling to manufacture a press-molded article having a more complicated shape. - It is noted that a shape and size of each thickened portion-forming
section 35 may be the same or different from each other. Further the intervals between the thickened portion-formingsections 35 can be appropriately designed according to a shape of the press-molded article. - [Second Modification]
- Next, a second modification of the above third embodiment will be described with reference to
FIG. 23A andFIG. 24B . Apress molding apparatus 3B according to the second modification comprises, as described in the second modification of the above second embodiment, a back-pressure applicator 35D that applies pressure force to the material of theflat plate portion 10 flowing into a thickened portion-formingsection 35A. - The thickened portion-forming
section 35A having a hole shape is formed near a center of the second opposingsurface 34B. The back-pressure applicator 35D comprises apad portion 35B and anelastic member 35C. Thepad portion 35B is formed in a convex shape and arranged inside the thickened portion-formingsection 35A. Theelastic member 35C is constituted by a spring that energizes thepad portion 35B, and one end of theelastic member 35C is connected to thepad portion 35B and the other end is connected to a hole wall surface of thesecond die 34. - As shown in
FIG. 24A , when theflat plate portion 10 is pressed by the first andsecond press portions flat plate portion 10 presses thepad portion 35B while flowing into the thickened portion-formingsection 35A. During this process, restoring force of theelastic member 35C is imparted to the material flowing into the thickened portion-formingsection 35A via thepad portion 35B. That is, the material of theflat plate portion 10 flows into the thickened portion-formingsection 35A, while pressure force is applied to the material by the back-pressure applicator 35D. In this manner, an occurrence of folding to theflat plate portion 10 can be further effectively prevented in the process of flowing the material of theflat plate portion 10 into the thickened portion-formingsection 35A. - Next, a third modification of the above third embodiment will be described with reference to
FIG. 25A andFIG. 26B . In apress molding apparatus 3C according to the third modification, the first dividedportion 31 and the second dividedportion 32 are connected to each other by aspring 33A. - The first divided
portion 31 comprises afirst mount portion 31G of a quadrangular shape in a plan view (FIG. 25B ) and afirst protrusion 31H projected from a side surface of thefirst mount portion 31G. A first opposingsurface 31B is formed on an upper part of thefirst mount portion 31G. Thefirst protrusion 31H is provided to thefirst mount portion 31G with a difference in height, so that an upper surface of thefirst protrusion 31H is located lower than the first opposingsurface 31B (FIG. 25A ). - The second divided
portion 32 comprises asecond mount portion 32G of a quadrangular shape, of which an area is smaller than that of thefirst mount portion 31G, in a plan view (FIG. 25B ). A first opposingsurface 32B is formed on an upper part of thesecond mount portion 32G. Further the second dividedportion 32 is provided with ahollow portion 32H, in which thefirst protrusion 31H can be inserted. That is, thehollow portion 32H is formed to be larger than thefirst protrusion 31H. Theflat plate portion 10 is placed on the first opposingsurfaces portions 31 and 32 (FIG. 25A ). - In this configuration, the first and second divided
portions spring 33A, thus a positional relation between the first and second dividedportions first protrusion 31H can be inserted into thehollow portion 32H, thereby enabling to guide the movement of the first and second dividedportions - Next, a fourth modification of the above third embodiment will be described with reference to
FIG. 27A andFIG. 28B . In apress molding apparatus 3D according to the fourth modification, the first dividedportion 31 comprises a first mount portion 31I of an approximately right-angled triangle shape in a plan view (FIG. 27B ). The first opposingsurface 31B is formed on an upper part of the first mount portion 31I. Further, the second dividedportion 32 comprises a second mount portion 32I of an approximately right-angled triangle shape, symmetric to that of the first mount portion 31I, in a plan view (FIG. 27B ). The first opposingsurface 32B is formed on an upper part of the second mount portion 32I. By bringing the first and second mount portions 31I and 32I closer to each other, slopes 31J and 32J of the right-angled triangles come in contact with each other to form a mount surface having a quadrangular shape in a plan view (FIG. 28B ). Also in this modification, as is the case using the comb-teeth shape described in the above third embodiment, theflat plate portion 10 can be pressed while being stably supported. - It is noted that the shapes of the first and second divided
portions portions portions flat plate portion 10 by pressing. - Further, when the comb-teeth shape is adopted, both comb teeth need not be completely inserted to each other at the time of completion of the pressing, as shown in
FIG. 19B . For example, as shown inFIG. 29 , in a region R, to which a pair of meshing portions are externally contacting at the time of completion of the pressing, there may be gaps S of size not causing an inflow of the material or folding during press-molding. - Next, a
press molding apparatus 4 and a manufacturing method of press-molded article according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference toFIG. 30 toFIG. 32 . It is noted that only the parts in which the fourth embodiment differs from the above first embodiment will be described in detail. - [Configuration of Press Molding Apparatus]
- The
press molding apparatus 4 comprises afirst die 41, asecond die 42, a dieopening prevention portion 43, apress member 48, and adriving section 48B. - The
first die 41 comprises afirst portion 41D to be pressed, which is pressed by thepress member 48, afirst press portion 41E for pressing theflat plate portion 10, and afirst mount portion 41F, on which theflat plate portion 10 is placed. Afirst surface 41C to be pressed, formed on an upper part of thefirst portion 41D to be pressed, is pressed by afirst press surface 48F. Further, thefirst portion 41D to be pressed is provided at each end located at a front side and a rear side of the drawing. Afirst press portion 41A, formed on a side part of thefirst press portion 41E, is opposed to thefirst end portion 10A of theflat plate portion 10. A first opposingsurface 41B, formed on an upper part of thefirst mount portion 41F, is opposed to the firstmain surface 10C of theflat plate portion 10. In this manner, thefirst press portion 41A and the first opposingsurface 41B are provided in the samefirst die 41. The first opposingsurface 41B is laterally arranged along the horizontal direction, and thefirst press portion 41A is connected to an end part of the first opposingsurface 41B so as to make an acute angle with the first opposingsurface 41B. Further, a thickened portion-formingsection 45 as a concave groove is formed on the first opposingsurface 41B and used for forming a thick part on theflat plate portion 10 by allowing a part of the material of theflat plate portion 10 to flow into the thickened portion-formingsection 45 during pressing. - The
second die 42, arranged above thefirst die 41, has a structure approximately symmetrical to thefirst die 41. That is, thesecond die 42 comprises asecond portion 42D to be pressed, which is pressed by thepress member 48, asecond press portion 42E for pressing theflat plate portion 10, and a second opposingportion 42F opposing to theflat plate portion 10. Asecond surface 42C to be pressed, formed on thesecond portion 42D to be pressed, is pressed by asecond press surface 48G. Further, thesecond portion 42D to be pressed is provided at each end located at a front side and a rear side of the drawing. Asecond press portion 42A, formed on a side part of thesecond press portion 42E, is opposed to thesecond end portion 10B of theflat plate portion 10. A second opposingsurface 42B, formed on a lower part of the second opposingportion 42F, is opposed to the secondmain surface 10D of theflat plate portion 10. In this manner, thesecond press portion 42A and the second opposingsurface 42B are provided in the samesecond die 42. The second opposingsurface 42B is laterally arranged along the horizontal direction, and thesecond press portion 42A is connected to an end part of the second opposingsurface 42B so as to make an acute angle with the second opposingsurface 42B. - The first opposing
surface 41B and the second opposingsurface 42B, while facing to each other, keep in contact with theflat plate portion 10 during pressing. Further, a plurality ofguide rollers 47 are arranged on a lower part of thesecond die 42, so that thesecond die 42 can slide on thefirst die 41 in the horizontal direction. - The die
opening prevention portion 43 is a member that prevents die opening of thefirst die 41 and thesecond die 42 and is formed a rectangular shape enclosing thefirst die 41 and thesecond die 42. The dieopening prevention portion 43 comprises a part positioned on an upper side of thesecond die 42 and a part positioned on a lower side of thefirst die 41, and prevents the die opening of thefirst die 41 and thesecond die 42 by vertically clamping them. Further, the dieopening prevention portion 43 comprises an insideupper surface 43A and an insidelower surface 43B, which are provided with a plurality ofupper guide rollers 47A and a plurality oflower guide rollers 47B, respectively. Anupper surface 41G and alower surface 41H of thefirst die 41 are brought into contact with theupper guide rollers 47A and thelower guide rollers 47B, respectively, thereby enabling to slide thefirst die 41 in the horizontal direction. Further, anupper surface 42G and theguide rollers 47 of thesecond die 42 are brought into contact with theupper guide rollers 47A and thefirst die 41, respectively, thereby enabling to slide thesecond die 42 in the horizontal direction in a similar manner. - The
press member 48 presses the first and second dies 41 and 42, thereby sliding them in the horizontal direction. Thepress member 48 comprises amain body portion 48A in contact with adriving section 48H and apress portion 48B fixed to a lower surface of themain body portion 48A. Thepress portion 48B is made from a shape in which a press portionmain body 48C, fixed on the lower surface of themain body portion 48A by the bolt B, is connected to afirst extension portion 48D and asecond extension portion 48E. Thepress portion 48B is formed in an upside down U-shape in a cross sectional view. Thefirst press surface 48F for pressing thefirst die 41 is formed at a tip of thefirst extension portion 48D, while thesecond press surface 48G for pressing thesecond die 42 is formed at a tip of thesecond extension portion 48E. Further, both the first andsecond extension portions - The
driving section 48H is arranged in contact with an upper surface of the press member 48 (main body portion 48A). Thedriving section 48H comprises, as in the above first embodiment, a hydraulic or electric piston and moves thepress member 48 downward in the perpendicular direction by pressing. - [Manufacturing Method of Press-Molded Article]
- Next, explanation is given to a manufacturing method of press-molded article using the above
press molding apparatus 4. First of all, a member to be pressed including theflat plate portion 10 is softened by heating to be prepared (FIG. 3 : S10). Next, theflat plate portion 10 is placed between thefirst die 41 and thesecond die 42. By this operation, as shown inFIG. 30 , the member to be pressed is placed in a manner such that the firstmain surface 10C is opposed to the first opposingsurface 41B and the secondmain surface 10D is opposed to the second opposingsurface 42B (FIG. 3 : S20). During this process, the first opposingsurface 41B and the second opposingsurface 42B, while facing to each other, keep in contact with theflat plate portion 10 during pressing. - Next, the
press member 48 is lowered by operating thedriving section 48H, so that the first and second press surfaces 48F and 48G are brought into contact with the first andsecond surfaces FIG. 31 ). When thepress member 48 is further lowered while maintaining this state, thefirst press surface 48F, while sliding on thefirst surface 41C to be pressed, makes thefirst die 41 slide in the horizontal direction, and thesecond press surface 48G, while sliding on thesecond surface 42C to be pressed, makes thesecond die 42 slide in the horizontal direction. By this operation, the first andsecond press portions flat plate portion 10 is pressed from the both sides of theend portions flat plate portion 10 is flown into the thickened portion-formingsection 45 in the press direction, thereby enabling to form a thickened portion, of which a thickness is increased, on the flat plate portion 10 (FIG. 3 : S30). - In the press step, the first opposing
surface 41B is moved to the press direction as theflat plate portion 10 is pressed by thefirst press portion 41A and the second opposingsurface 42B is moved to the press direction as theflat plate portion 10 is pressed by thesecond press portion 42A. That is, both the first and second opposingsurfaces flat plate portion 10 is being pressed. In this manner, both friction force generated by sliding between the firstmain surface 10C and the first opposingsurface 41B and friction force generated by sliding between the secondmain surface 10D and the second opposingsurface 42B can be reduced. Thus, pressing force required for molding theflat plate portion 10 can be further reduced. Then, after the press of theflat plate portion 10 is completed, thepress member 48 is moved up by operating thedriving section 48H and a press-molded article is taken out (FIG. 3 : S40). - Next, a first modification of the above fourth embodiment will be described with reference to
FIG. 33 toFIG. 35 . As shown inFIG. 33 , in apress molding apparatus 4A according to the first modification, the thickened portion-formingsection 45 is formed on the second opposingsurface 42B, instead of the first opposingsurface 41B. In this configuration, as shown inFIG. 34 andFIG. 35 , a press-molded article having a thickened portion formed on the secondmain surface 10D side can be manufactured by pressing theflat plate portion 10 with the first andsecond press portions flat plate portion 10 to flow into the thickened portion-formingsection 45. Further, when the thickened portions are formed both on the firstmain surface 10C and the secondmain surface 10D, the thickened portion-formingsections 45 may be formed both on the first opposingsurface 41B and the second opposingsurface 42B. - Finally, other embodiments of the present invention will be described. The present invention can be applied not only to a member to be pressed, in which the whole member to be pressed is constituted with a single flat plate portion, as described above, but also to a member to be pressed including the flat plate portion in one part thereof. For example, as shown in
FIG. 36 , the present invention can be applied to amember 10E to be pressed of a bent shape, having a plurality of (two)flat plate portions 10F. - More specifically, a press molding apparatus 7 comprises an
upper die 71 including first and second upper dies 71A and 71B and alower die 72 including first and second lower dies 72A and 72B. Themember 10E to be pressed is placed between theupper die 71 and thelower die 72. A first press portion 71C opposing to thefirst end portion 10A of theflat plate portion 10F is formed on the firstupper die 71A, and a first opposingsurface 71D opposing to the firstmain surface 10C of theflat plate portion 10F is formed on the secondupper die 71B. Further, a second opposingsurface 72D opposing to the secondmain surface 10D of theflat plate portion 10F is formed on the firstlower die 72A, and asecond press portion 72C opposing to thesecond end portion 10B of theflat plate portion 10F is formed on the secondlower die 72B. - As shown by arrows in
FIG. 36 , by lowering the firstupper die 71A, theflat plate portion 10F is pressed by the first press portion 71C and thesecond press portion 72C in the direction parallel to themain surfaces flat plate portion 10F is flown into a thickened portion-formingsection 75 to form a thickened portion. During this process, when the firstlower die 72A is pressed by the firstupper die 71A and lowered, the second opposingsurface 72D is moved to the press direction. Thus, friction force generated by sliding between the secondmain surface 10D and the second opposingsurface 72D can be reduced and, as in the cases for the above first to fourth embodiments, pressing force required for molding theflat plate portion 10F can be reduced. - Further, the present invention is not limited to the case where the whole
flat plate portion 10 is heated by the electric furnace F (FIG. 4 ). As shown inFIG. 37 , a plurality ofelectrodes 101 may be arranged at intervals from each other on the main surface of theflat plate portion 10 and atemperature rising portion 102 by heating is partially formed on theflat plate portion 10 by supplying electric current to the plurality of electrodes 101 (partial electrical heating). Then, as shown inFIG. 38 , a thickened portion may be formed by pressing theflat plate portion 10 in a state of being arranged between dies 91 and 92 and allowing a material located at thetemperature rising portion 102 by heating to flow into a thickened portion-formingsection 95. In this manner, remaining parts of theflat plate portion 10 other than thetemperature rising portion 102 by heating are kept at a low temperature without being heated, thus such low-temperature parts are not softened and retain high strength. This enables to further reduce a friction coefficient between the dies 91 and 92, and theflat plate portion 10 during pressing. Further, instead of performing the partial electrical heating, the wholeflat plate portion 10 may be subjected to electrical heating.
Claims (15)
1. A manufacturing method of press-molded article by molding a member to be pressed including a flat plate portion, the method comprising:
a step of placing the member to be pressed in a press molding apparatus in a manner such that a first main surface of the flat plate portion is opposed to a first opposing surface and a second main surface of the flat plate portion, directing opposite to the first main surface, is opposed to a second opposing surface; and
a step of pressing the flat plate portion by bringing a first press portion opposing to a first end portion of the flat plate portion and a second press portion opposing to a second end portion of the flat plate portion, the second end portion being located on an opposite side of the first end portion, closer to each other, wherein:
the first opposing surface and the second opposing surface, while facing to each other, keep in contact with the flat plate portion during pressing; and
in the press step:
a thick part is formed on the flat plate portion by allowing a part of a material of the flat plate portion to flow, in a press direction, into a thickened portion-forming section formed on at least one of the first opposing surface and the second opposing surface; and
at least one of the first opposing surface and the second opposing surface is moved to the press direction as the flat plate portion is pressed by the first press portion and the second press portion.
2. The manufacturing method of press-molded article according to claim 1 , wherein, in the step of placing the member to be pressed, the flat plate portion is placed between a die provided with the first press portion and the first opposing surface and a die provided with the second press portion and the second opposing surface.
3. The manufacturing method of press-molded article according to claim 1 , wherein:
the die provided with the first opposing surface includes a first divided portion and a second divided portion formed separately from the first divided portion;
the first press portion is formed in the first divided portion;
the second press portion is formed in the second divided portion; and
in the press step, the first divided portion is moved to the press direction of the first press portion as the flat plate portion is pressed by the first press portion, and the second divided portion is moved to the press direction of the second press portion as the flat plate portion is pressed by the second press portion.
4. The manufacturing method of press-molded article according to claim 3 , wherein:
the first divided portion and the second divided portion have a comb-teeth shape so as to mesh with each other; and
in the press step, the first divided portion and the second divided portion come close to each other in such a manner that the both comb teeth mesh with each other.
5. The manufacturing method of press-molded article according to claim 1 , wherein, in the step of placing the member to be pressed, the member to be pressed is placed so as to arrange the first main surface and the second main surface of the flat plate portion along a perpendicular direction.
6. The manufacturing method of press-molded article according to claim 5 , wherein, in the step of placing the member to be pressed, positions of the first main surface and the second main surface are maintained along the perpendicular direction by supporting the flat plate portion using a temporarily supporting member.
7. The manufacturing method of press-molded article according to claim 1 , wherein, in the press step, pressing force is applied to the material of the flat plate portion flowing into the thickened portion-forming section.
8. The manufacturing method of press-molded article according to claim 1 , wherein the member to be pressed is molded by a hot press.
9. A press molding apparatus for molding a member to be pressed including a flat plate portion, comprising:
a first press portion opposing to a first end portion of the flat plate portion;
a second press portion opposing to a second end portion of the flat plate portion, the second end portion being located on an opposite side of the first end portion;
a first opposing surface opposing to a first main surface of the flat plate portion;
a second opposing surface opposing to a second main surface of the flat plate portion, the second main surface directing opposite to the first main surface; and
a driving section for bringing the first press portion and the second press portion closer to each other to press the flat plate portion, wherein:
a thickened portion-forming section is formed on at least one of the first opposing surface and the second opposing surface for forming a thick part on the flat plate portion by allowing a part of a material of the flat plate portion to flow into the thickened portion-forming section;
the first opposing surface and the second opposing surface, while facing to each other, keep in contact with the flat plate portion during pressing; and
at least one of the first opposing surface and the second opposing surface is moved to the press direction as the flat plate portion is pressed by the first press portion and the second press portion.
10. The press molding apparatus according to claim 9 , wherein:
the first press portion and the first opposing surface are provided in a same die; and
the second press portion and the second opposing surface are provided in a same die.
11. The press molding apparatus according to claim 9 , wherein:
the die provided with the first opposing surface includes a first divided portion and a second divided portion formed separately from the first divided portion;
the first press portion is formed in the first divided portion; and
the second press portion is formed in the second divided portion.
12. The press molding apparatus according to claim 11 , wherein the first divided portion and the second divided portion have a comb-teeth shape so as to mesh with each other.
13. The press molding apparatus according to claim 9 , wherein the first opposing surface and the second opposing surface are arranged along a perpendicular direction.
14. The press molding apparatus according to claim 13 , comprising a temporarily supporting member for supporting the flat plate portion to maintain positions of the first main surface and the second main surface along the perpendicular direction.
15. The press molding apparatus according to claim 9 , comprising a back-pressure applicator for applying pressure force to the material of flat plate portion flowing into the thickened portion-forming section.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US16/108,689 US20180361461A1 (en) | 2015-11-18 | 2018-08-22 | Manufacturing method of press-molded article and press molding apparatus |
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP2015-225995 | 2015-11-18 | ||
JP2015225995A JP2017094341A (en) | 2015-11-18 | 2015-11-18 | Method for manufacturing press-molded product and press-molding device |
US15/298,395 US20170136521A1 (en) | 2015-11-18 | 2016-10-20 | Manufacturing method of press-molded article and press molding apparatus |
US16/108,689 US20180361461A1 (en) | 2015-11-18 | 2018-08-22 | Manufacturing method of press-molded article and press molding apparatus |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US15/298,395 Continuation US20170136521A1 (en) | 2015-11-18 | 2016-10-20 | Manufacturing method of press-molded article and press molding apparatus |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20180361461A1 true US20180361461A1 (en) | 2018-12-20 |
Family
ID=57288102
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US15/298,395 Abandoned US20170136521A1 (en) | 2015-11-18 | 2016-10-20 | Manufacturing method of press-molded article and press molding apparatus |
US16/108,689 Abandoned US20180361461A1 (en) | 2015-11-18 | 2018-08-22 | Manufacturing method of press-molded article and press molding apparatus |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US15/298,395 Abandoned US20170136521A1 (en) | 2015-11-18 | 2016-10-20 | Manufacturing method of press-molded article and press molding apparatus |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (2) | US20170136521A1 (en) |
EP (2) | EP3181256B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2017094341A (en) |
CN (2) | CN106825230A (en) |
Families Citing this family (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP3466558B1 (en) * | 2016-05-24 | 2021-04-07 | Cie Automotive, S.A. | Device for lightening the weight of crankshafts |
JP6537151B1 (en) * | 2018-05-31 | 2019-07-03 | 株式会社関プレス | Projection forming method, projection forming system, and method of manufacturing metal part having projection |
JP2021035688A (en) * | 2019-08-30 | 2021-03-04 | ダイハツ工業株式会社 | Metal plate thickening method |
Citations (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20040216505A1 (en) * | 2003-01-28 | 2004-11-04 | Benteler Automobiltechnik Gmbh | Making plate workpiece with regions of different thickness |
Family Cites Families (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4571977A (en) * | 1981-09-22 | 1986-02-25 | Hitachi, Ltd. | Method of forging flanged shaft |
JPH0755837B2 (en) * | 1986-12-10 | 1995-06-14 | 東芝機械株式会社 | Optical lens press molding equipment |
JP2000210729A (en) * | 1999-01-25 | 2000-08-02 | Shinko Electric Ind Co Ltd | Press device |
JP2007014978A (en) | 2005-07-06 | 2007-01-25 | Nissan Motor Co Ltd | Method and device for manufacturing formed component |
JP4600432B2 (en) | 2007-05-31 | 2010-12-15 | 日産自動車株式会社 | Press-molded product and method for producing press-molded product |
JP5640446B2 (en) * | 2010-04-30 | 2014-12-17 | 日産自動車株式会社 | PRESS MOLDING METHOD, PRESS MOLDING DEVICE, PRESS MOLDED PRODUCTION METHOD, AND PRESS MOLDED PRODUCT |
JP5808940B2 (en) * | 2011-05-02 | 2015-11-10 | 本田技研工業株式会社 | Press molding method and apparatus |
JP2014166645A (en) * | 2013-02-28 | 2014-09-11 | Daihatsu Motor Co Ltd | Method for manufacturing metallic structure material |
CN103894444B (en) * | 2014-03-06 | 2016-08-17 | 燕山大学 | Single weld-seam bend method for press forming |
-
2015
- 2015-11-18 JP JP2015225995A patent/JP2017094341A/en active Pending
-
2016
- 2016-10-20 US US15/298,395 patent/US20170136521A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2016-10-31 CN CN201610930311.7A patent/CN106825230A/en active Pending
- 2016-10-31 CN CN201811040957.3A patent/CN108994142A/en active Pending
- 2016-11-11 EP EP16002386.7A patent/EP3181256B1/en not_active Not-in-force
- 2016-11-11 EP EP17001849.3A patent/EP3315222A1/en not_active Withdrawn
-
2018
- 2018-08-22 US US16/108,689 patent/US20180361461A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20040216505A1 (en) * | 2003-01-28 | 2004-11-04 | Benteler Automobiltechnik Gmbh | Making plate workpiece with regions of different thickness |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20170136521A1 (en) | 2017-05-18 |
JP2017094341A (en) | 2017-06-01 |
CN106825230A (en) | 2017-06-13 |
EP3315222A1 (en) | 2018-05-02 |
EP3181256B1 (en) | 2018-04-18 |
CN108994142A (en) | 2018-12-14 |
EP3181256A1 (en) | 2017-06-21 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US20180361461A1 (en) | Manufacturing method of press-molded article and press molding apparatus | |
US10300519B2 (en) | Manufacturing method of press-formed article, press-formed article, and press forming apparatus | |
US20190176204A1 (en) | Pressed component manufacturing method, press, and press line | |
US20160375477A1 (en) | Hat shaped cross-section component manufacturing method | |
JP6004104B2 (en) | Thin plate-like substrate molding apparatus and molding method | |
CA2912041C (en) | Blank, forming plate, press formed article manufacturing method, and press formed article | |
US10220427B2 (en) | Press-molding apparatus, press-molding method, and press-molded product | |
US20100236318A1 (en) | Press-processing method, and press-processing apparatus | |
KR101910782B1 (en) | METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING PRESSED MOLD AND PRESS DEVICE | |
CN104220184B (en) | By section bar or the apparatus and method of tubular element of metallic plate system at least local Guan Bi | |
KR101642630B1 (en) | Method and apparatus for forming closed cross-sectional structure | |
US20090293576A1 (en) | Bending method, and die and bending machine used for the bending method | |
US20200206798A1 (en) | Method for manufacturing press molded product | |
JP2015174145A (en) | Rail molding equipment for sunroof panel | |
JP4523983B2 (en) | Ironing machine | |
US9889486B2 (en) | Manufacturing method of press-formed article and press forming apparatus | |
US20140312024A1 (en) | Method for producing steel sheet for press molding, and method and device for producing press-molded component | |
KR101591874B1 (en) | Double cross pad of upper die for compensating deformation after stamping automotive structure panel and method thereof | |
KR102232455B1 (en) | Mold set for bending machine for manufacturing rail plate for elevator door, and manufacturing method of rail plate using same | |
JP2014108447A (en) | Method and apparatus for manufacturing long member | |
JP2021159952A (en) | Press working device and press working method using the device | |
JP2022149922A (en) | Press forming method and press forming apparatus | |
CN114430703A (en) | Method for manufacturing press-molded article, and press-molding device | |
KR20230059564A (en) | Press forming device | |
JP2023148085A (en) | Drawing method |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: KABUSHIKI KAISHA KOBE SEIKO SHO (KOBE STEEL, LTD.) Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:SAKAMOTO, KAZUKI;HAYASHIDA, YASUHIRO;WATANABE, KENICHI;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:046662/0565 Effective date: 20160701 |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: NOTICE OF ALLOWANCE MAILED -- APPLICATION RECEIVED IN OFFICE OF PUBLICATIONS |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO PAY ISSUE FEE |