Processing equipment

Abstract

A processing device using a cushion device that can apply an appropriate pressing force to a workpiece while suppressing its size is provided. [Solution] The processing device PA2 includes a punch 6 as a working part that performs press processing on a workpiece, and cushion devices CA1 and CA2 that are arranged to directly or indirectly press against portions of the workpiece other than the area that is being press-processed. The cushion devices CA1 and CA2 include a cushion member 1 that elastically absorbs a reaction force from the workpiece that is generated as the workpiece is formed, and presses the workpiece in a direction opposite to the direction in which the reaction force acts. The cushion member 1 is made of a carbon-based composite material.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a processing apparatus that uses a cushion device when forming a workpiece.

Background Art

[0002] For example, when press-forming a workpiece cold or hot, a cushion device that elastically absorbs the reaction force from the workpiece may be used. As such a cushion device, spring cushions such as coil springs and leaf springs, gas cushions using pneumatic pressure (for example, Patent Document 1), or hydraulic cushions using hydraulic pressure (for example, Patent Document 2) are known.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When forming a workpiece, if a relatively small press load is sufficient, a processing apparatus can be configured with a conventional cushion device. However, in processing apparatuses that require press loads in the range of several tens of tonf to several hundreds of tonf in the cold state and several tonf to several hundreds of tonf in the hot state, the scale of the cushion device tends to increase, and device design may become difficult when there are restrictions on the installation space. Also, it may be difficult to apply an appropriate pressing force for forming to the workpiece while absorbing the reaction force. Furthermore, gas cushions and hydraulic cushions that can generate a large load cannot be used in a hot environment. For this reason, these cushion devices need to be arranged in a cold environment, and the cushion force needs to be applied to the workpiece via pins or the like, so the equipment inevitably becomes complicated.

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a processing apparatus using a cushioning device that can apply an appropriate pressing force to a workpiece while suppressing its size. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A processing apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a work section for press working on a workpiece, and a cushioning device positioned to directly or indirectly press on parts of the workpiece other than the press working area. The cushioning device includes a cushioning member that elastically absorbs the reaction force generated from the workpiece during molding, regardless of whether the environment is cold or hot, and presses the workpiece in the direction opposite to the direction in which the reaction force acts. The cushioning member is made of a carbon matrix composite material. Preferably, the carbon matrix composite material is a carbon fiber reinforced carbon composite material. According to this embodiment, the work section can press working on the workpiece while the workpiece is properly pressed by the cushioning member with a pressing force corresponding to the reaction force of the workpiece. Therefore, the desired press working can be performed on the workpiece.

[0007] The inventors have discovered that carbon matrix composites are highly elastic materials and can function as cushioning devices on their own. This cushioning device allows for the absorption of reaction forces generated during molding while simultaneously applying the required pressing or compressive force to the workpiece. In other words, it is possible to apply an appropriate pressing force to the workpiece according to the magnitude of the reaction force. Furthermore, since the carbon matrix composite itself acts as the cushioning material, it is easier to achieve a small size for the cushioning device. These functions are particularly pronounced when the carbon matrix composite is a carbon fiber reinforced carbon composite.

[0008] A processing apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention comprises an outer mold including an inner surface that defines an internal space including a molding chamber in which a workpiece is formed, and the cushioning device disposed in the internal space, wherein the cushioning device includes a first end surface capable of pressing the workpiece in a hot environment in which the molding chamber is hot, and a second end surface located on the opposite side of the first end surface and capable of contacting the inner surface of the outer mold in the hot environment, and the coefficient of thermal expansion of the outer mold is set such that the first end surface presses the workpiece and the second end surface contacts the inner surface of the outer mold.

[0009] According to this embodiment, an appropriate pressing force can be applied to the workpiece during hot working. The thermal expansion coefficient of the cushion member is selected such that, in hot working, the first end face presses against the workpiece and the second end face abuts against the inner surface of the outer mold. In hot working, the cushion member expands with the movement of the second end face restricted by the outer mold. Based on this thermal expansion, a pressing force can be applied to the workpiece from the first end face, and the workpiece can be compression molded.

[0010] In the process of forming a workpiece, there is generally variation in the dimensions in the compression direction. If the workpiece is larger than the standard dimensions, pressing it with a component that simply expands due to heat will result in excessive pressure being applied to the workpiece. This could cause damage to the outer mold or the workpiece. However, a cushioning component can press the workpiece while elastically absorbing the reaction force from the workpiece. Therefore, if the workpiece is larger than the standard dimensions and thus the reaction force is larger, the cushioning component will suppress the pressure by the amount of the larger reaction force and press the workpiece accordingly. Thus, the cushioning component can apply an appropriate pressure to the workpiece while it is hot. On the other hand, if the workpiece is smaller than the standard dimensions, the reaction force that the cushioning component receives from the workpiece will be smaller. In this case, the cushioning component generates a larger pressure due to thermal expansion, proportional to the smaller reaction force, and can still apply an appropriate pressure to the workpiece.

[0011] In the above-described processing apparatus, it is desirable that the cushion member has a greater coefficient of thermal expansion than at least the portion constituting the inner surface of the outer mold. According to this embodiment, a stronger pressing force can be applied to the workpiece from the first end face when hot.

[0012] The processing apparatus described above further comprises an inner mold disposed between the first end face and the workpiece, and between the second end face and the inner surface, wherein the coefficient of thermal expansion of the inner mold is set to press against the workpiece in the hot environment. In this case, it is desirable that the coefficient of thermal expansion of the inner mold is greater than that of at least the portion constituting the inner surface of the outer mold.

[0013] In this embodiment, an inner mold supported by a cushioning member presses against the workpiece. The inner mold has a coefficient of thermal expansion that presses against the workpiece in a hot environment. Preferably, the inner mold has a larger coefficient of thermal expansion than the inner surface portion of the outer mold. Therefore, the inner mold expands in a hot environment, applying a pressing force to the workpiece. As a result, a pressing force based on the thermal expansion of both the cushioning member and the inner mold can be applied to the workpiece in a hot environment. Consequently, it becomes easier to generate the required pressing force. Furthermore, a hot press mechanism can be omitted.

[0014] In the processing apparatus described above, the cushion member may include a first cushion member capable of pressing against a first side surface of the workpiece, and a second cushion member capable of pressing against a second side surface of the workpiece that intersects with the first side surface.

[0015] According to this embodiment, two cushioning members can apply pressing force to the workpiece from two different directions. That is, an appropriate pressing force corresponding to the reaction force can be applied to the first and second intersecting sides of the workpiece.

[0016] In the processing apparatus described above, the cushion member may further include a third cushion member capable of pressing a third surface that intersects with both the first and second surfaces of the workpiece.

[0017] According to this aspect, appropriate pressing forces corresponding to reaction forces can be applied to the first side surface, the second side surface, and the third side surface of the workpiece that intersect each other.

[0018] A processing apparatus according to still another aspect of the present invention includes a working unit that performs pressing on a workpiece, and the above-described cushioning device that is arranged to directly or indirectly press a portion of the workpiece other than the pressing region of the workpiece.

[0019] According to this aspect, the working unit can perform pressing on the workpiece in a state where the workpiece is properly pressed by the pressing force corresponding to the reaction force of the workpiece by the cushioning member. Therefore, the desired pressing can be performed on the workpiece.

[0020] In the above-described processing apparatus, the working unit may be a punching die that performs punching on the workpiece, and the cushioning device may be arranged to press a plate that abuts on the workpiece around the punching region.

[0021] According to this aspect, the cushioning device presses a plate that holds the workpiece during punching. When the working unit separates from the workpiece after performing a punching operation on the workpiece, the cushioning member that has been elastically deformed by receiving the reaction force from the plate is restored. This restoring force becomes the stripping force that peels the punching tool from the workpiece, and thus can contribute to the realization of smooth punching.

[0022] In the above-described processing apparatus, the working unit may be a forging die that forges the workpiece, and the cushioning device may be arranged to press a plate that abuts on the workpiece around the forging region.

[0023] According to this aspect, the cushion device presses a plate that holds the workpiece during forging. Therefore, the workpiece can be pressed with an appropriate holding load during forging, and accurate forging can be achieved.

[0024] In the above processing device, the workpiece includes a first surface on which the pressing process is performed and a second surface opposite to the first surface, and the cushion device may be arranged to press the second surface.

[0025] According to this aspect, the cushion device can be utilized as a die cushion that absorbs the reaction force based on the warp of the workpiece during forging. Also, during pressing, the cushion member can be compressed and elastically deformed by the reaction force from the workpiece, and after pressing, the cushion member can be restored to its original shape. This restoring force can be utilized as a knockout force for pushing out the workpiece from the mold after pressing.

Effect of the Invention

[0026] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a processing device using a cushion device that can apply an appropriate pressing force to the workpiece while suppressing the size.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0027] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the cushion device according to the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the cushion device according to the present invention. <000​​​​​​​​​​Figure 6(A) is a partially broken side view of the processing apparatus according to the second embodiment, viewed from the Z direction, and Figure 6(B) is a side view of the processing apparatus in the X direction. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a side cross-sectional view of a punching machine, which is a third embodiment of the processing apparatus according to the present invention. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a side cross-sectional view of a forging and forming apparatus, which is a fourth embodiment of the processing apparatus according to the present invention. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a side cross-sectional view of a forging and forming apparatus, which is a fifth embodiment of the processing apparatus according to the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0028] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. The cushioning device using the carbon-based composite material according to the present invention is applicable to various processing equipment and other machinery and is not particularly limited in its use. The cushioning device of the present invention can be applied as a replacement for cushioning mechanisms such as springs, leaf springs, gas cushions using pneumatics, and hydraulic cushions using hydraulics that are currently applied to machinery and equipment. In particular, for machinery and equipment that handle output loads of 1 to several tens of tons, conventional cushioning mechanisms tend to result in large equipment configurations, but the application of the cushioning device of the present invention makes it possible to simplify and compact the equipment configuration. Furthermore, conventional cushioning mechanisms require a design that avoids exposure to hot environments because the cushioning performance changes, but the cushioning device of the present invention can be used in hot environments as well.

[0029] The processing apparatus according to the present invention is a variety of mechanical devices to which the above-described cushioning device can be applied. For example, examples of processing apparatus include hot forming dies for diffusion bonding, forging, or sintering workpieces, cold forming dies such as those for fine blanking or movable stripping, presses for hot pressing, punching, or punching workpieces, hydrostatic pressure generators, reaction force generators, and the like.

[0030] [Cushioning device] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a cushioning device CA according to one embodiment of the present invention. The cushioning device CA is a device used for processing a workpiece W, and includes a cushioning member 1, a guide member 2, a sealing material 21, and a push block 22. The cushioning member 1 has a rod-like shape, such as a cylindrical or prismatic shape. The cushioning member 1 may have a cross-sectional shape that enhances the effect of preventing buckling and distributing surface pressure, or it may be cylindrical. When the cushioning device CA moves relative to the cushioning device CA in the pressing direction PF, the cushioning member 1 generates an applied pressing force F1 that presses the workpiece W, while elastically absorbing the reaction force F3 from the workpiece W.

[0031] The guide member 2 is a cylindrical member that houses the cushion member 1 and prevents buckling of the cushion member 1. The sealing material 21 is fixedly attached to close one end opening of the guide member 2. One end of the cushion member 1 abuts against the sealing material 21. The push block 22 is positioned at the other end opening of the guide member 2 and is movable in the pressing direction PF. When the cushioning device CA moves relative to the guide member CA in the pressing direction PF, the push block 22 abuts against the workpiece W and presses the workpiece W. The workpiece pressing force F2 generated by the push block 22 is the applied pressing force F1 minus the reaction force F3. The push block 22 has a flange-shaped base 22A, which is adjacent to the other end of the cushion member 1. A push end plate 23 is positioned at the other end opening of the guide member 2, which passes through the main body portion of the push block 22 while abutting against the base 22A. The push end plate 23 is fixed to the opening edge of the guide member 2 by the push end pin 24.

[0032] From the perspective of cushioning function, the cushion member 1 elastically absorbs the reaction force F3 from the workpiece W generated during the molding of the workpiece W, while pressing the workpiece W in the pressing direction PF opposite to the direction in which the reaction force F3 acts, with the required workpiece pressing force F2. The cushion member 1 is made of a carbon matrix composite material. Examples of carbon matrix composite materials include carbon fiber reinforced carbon composite material and carbon fiber reinforced resin (CFRP). Carbon fiber reinforced carbon composite material is also called C / C composite material (Carbon Fiber Reinforced Carbon Composite). Silicon carbide (SiC) may be impregnated into the C / C composite material. For CFRP, it is preferable to use one that is suitable for high heat resistance applications. Carbon fibers include pitch-based and PAN-based fibers.

[0033] C / C composite material is a composite material obtained by molding carbon fibers and a binder resin at high temperature and then subjecting it to heat treatment for graphitization. The binder resin is, for example, a phenolic resin or an epoxy resin. The cushion member 1 made of the C / C composite material is composed of a laminate of multiple fiber-containing layers 11, 12, 13... with different fiber directions. For example, the first fiber-containing layer 11 has a fiber direction of 0°, the second fiber-containing layer 12 has a fiber direction of 45°, and the third fiber-containing layer 13 has a fiber direction of 90°, with the long carbon fibers extending in different fiber directions. Some or all of the fiber-containing layers 11, 12, 13... may be fiber layers in which randomly arranged short carbon fibers are impregnated into a resin, or fiber layers in which woven or nonwoven fabrics of long carbon fibers are impregnated into a resin. Also, air bubbles may be contained in the fiber-containing layers 11, 12, 13... The lamination direction of the fiber-containing layers 11, 12, 13, etc. is the pressing direction PF or the direction in which the cushion member 1 receives the reaction force F3.

[0034] C / C composite material exhibits anisotropy in its mechanical properties. Specifically, it possesses high elasticity in the lamination direction of the fiber-containing layers 11, 12, 13, etc., and high rigidity in the direction perpendicular to the lamination direction. According to the inventor's experiments, when the C / C composite material was compressed in the lamination direction, elasticity was confirmed that achieved elastic deformation and restoration to the original shape within a compression range of approximately 25% or less of the total length. The contribution of air bubbles contained in the fiber layers is thought to be the reason for achieving such high elasticity. For example, when compressing a rod-shaped member with a diameter of 15 mm and a length of 20 mm made of high-speed tool steel SKH51 with a Young's modulus of approximately 220 GPa, the elastic deformation at 1% of the length reached approximately 224 kgf / mm². 2 This generates surface pressure. The tool steel has a compressive strength of approximately 220 kgf / mm². 2 Therefore, when considering repeated use, it is preferable to utilize an elasticity range of about 0.5% of the member length. However, with an elasticity range of about 0.5%, the area in which load can be absorbed is small, so when using this tool steel as a cushioning member, it can only be used under limited conditions. On the other hand, when a cylindrical body with a diameter of 15 mm and a length of 20 mm was manufactured using C / C composite material and compressed in the aforementioned stacking direction, it was confirmed that elastic recovery and load output (surface pressure generation) could be obtained even when approximately 3% of the length of 20 mm was repeatedly compressed. With a compression of about 3%, approximately 4.8 kgf / mm² was obtained. 2 This indicates that surface pressure is generated, confirming that it possesses high-load cushioning performance.

[0035] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the cushion device CA according to the present invention. The difference from the example in Figure 1 is that the cushion member 1 is constructed by laminating a plurality of cushion pieces 10 in the pressing direction PF. Each of the cushion pieces 10 consists of a laminate of the fiber-containing layers 11, 12, 13, etc. Adjacent cushion pieces 10 may be bonded together with a thermosetting resin, or they may simply be laminated within the guide member 2. Long C / C composite materials in the pressing direction PF are relatively difficult to manufacture, which can lead to problems in terms of quality and cost. In contrast, short C / C composite materials are relatively easy to manufacture and have advantages in terms of quality and cost. By making the cushion member 1 a laminate of segmented pieces (cushion pieces 10), the above advantages can be enjoyed.

[0036] [Description of the Processing Apparatus] The following describes various processing devices to which the above-mentioned cushioning device CA is applied, with reference to Figures 3 to 8.

[0037] <First Embodiment> Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a processing apparatus PA according to the first embodiment of the present invention. For convenience of explanation, XY directions are indicated in Figure 3. The processing apparatus PA is an apparatus including a compression die for hot forming of a workpiece W, and comprises a cushioning device CA including the cushioning member 1 and guide member 2 described above, an outer mold 3, a first inner mold 41 and a second inner mold 42, and a heating device (not shown). The processing apparatus PA compresses and diffuse-bonds a workpiece W, which is a laminate in which a plurality of plate materials WP are arranged in the X direction, in the X direction in a hot environment created by the heating device. The processing apparatus PA may also use forged products or sintering powder as the workpiece W.

[0038] The outer mold 3 is made of, for example, cemented carbide, hot work die steel, ceramics, or carbon-based material, and has the shape of a rectangular frame that is long in the X direction. The outer mold 3 has an inner surface 31 that defines the internal space R in which the workpiece W is formed. The internal space R is a rectangular parallelepiped space that is long in the X direction when viewed from above, with the +X side being the housing space for the cushioning device CA and the -X side being the forming chamber RA for the workpiece W.

[0039] The cushion member 1 of the cushion device CA has a rod-like shape and is placed in the internal space R surrounded by the guide member 2. The cushion member 1 is oriented so that the lamination direction of its fiber-containing layer is in the X direction. The thermal expansion coefficient of the cushion member 1 is greater than that of the outer mold 3. It is sufficient that the thermal expansion coefficient of the cushion member 1 is greater than that of at least the portion constituting the inner surface 31 of the outer mold 3. The thermal expansion coefficient of the C / C composite material in the lamination direction is 8 × 10⁻⁶. -6 ~10×10 -6 Since the temperature is approximately / °C, selecting a material that hardly expands in temperature for the outer mold 3 will satisfy the above requirements.

[0040] The first inner mold 41 and the second inner mold 42 are made of, for example, cemented carbide, hot work die steel, ceramics, or carbon-based materials, and have a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The coefficients of thermal expansion of these inner molds 41 and 42 are also greater than those of the outer mold 3. It is sufficient that the coefficients of thermal expansion of the inner molds 41 and 42 are greater than those of at least the portion constituting the inner surface 31 of the outer mold 3. The forming chamber RA of the workpiece W is defined by the first inner mold 41 and the second inner mold 42 and the inner surface 31 of the outer mold 3. The first inner mold 41 forms the +X side of the forming chamber RA and is adjacent to the first end face 1a on the -X side of the cushion member 1. The second end face 1b on the +X side of the cushion member 1 is adjacent to the +X inner surface 31A of the inner surface 31. The second inner mold 42 forms the -X side of the forming chamber RA and is adjacent to the -X inner surface 31B. Here, "adjacent" includes not only the case where the first end face 1a and the second end face 1b are always in contact with the mating surface with a press-fit allowance, but also the case where there is a gap between them when cold, but they are in contact when hot.

[0041] The processing apparatus PA does not have a mechanical mechanism for compressing the workpiece W, such as a hot press. Instead, based on the difference in thermal expansion coefficients between the inner molds 41 and 42 and the cushion member 1, and the outer mold 3, the workpiece W is pressed into place between the inner molds 41 and 42 and diffusely bonded. When the molding chamber RA containing the workpiece W and its surroundings are heated by a heating device (not shown), the inner molds 41 and 42 expand more than the outer mold due to thermal expansion, and the cushion member 1 and the workpiece W also expand due to thermal expansion, so the workpiece W is pressed into place and compressed. At this time, the second end face 1b of the cushion member 1 comes into contact with the +X inner surface 31A of the outer mold 3, creating a stopper, and the first end face 1a presses against the workpiece W via the first inner mold 41.

[0042] The cushion member 1 applies a compressive force (pressing force F2 in Figure 1) to the workpiece W while elastically absorbing the reaction force F3 from the workpiece W. Through this function, the cushion member 1 applies an appropriate compressive force to the workpiece W according to the magnitude of the reaction force F3. Therefore, the workpiece W, which consists of a laminate of plate material WP, can be properly diffusion-bonded without causing defects such as molding defects due to insufficient compressive force or damage due to excessive compressive force.

[0043] It is desirable to incorporate the cushion member 1 between the first inner mold 41 and the +X inner surface 31A in a state where it is pre-compressed in the X direction while cold. This allows the workpiece W to be subjected to a pressing force due to the compression restoring force of the cushion member 1, in addition to the pressing force due to the thermal expansion of the inner molds 41 and 42 while hot. If a relatively large pressing force can be generated in the X direction based on the thermal expansion and compression restoring force of the cushion member 1, either the first inner mold 41 or the second inner mold 42, or both, may be omitted. For example, the workpiece W may be directly pressed by the first end face 1a of the cushion member 1.

[0044] Figures 4(A) to 4(D) are cross-sectional views showing an example of the processing process of a workpiece W using the processing apparatus PA of the first embodiment. Figure 4(A) shows the state in which the workpiece W is set in the processing apparatus PA in the cold state before diffusion bonding. Here, an example is shown in which the cushion member 1 is composed of two cushion pieces 10. As in the preferred example above, the cushion member 1 is incorporated between the first inner mold 41 and the +X inner surface 31A in a state of compressive elastic deformation in the X direction. Therefore, in the cold state, the cushion member 1 generates a pressing force F11 that presses against the +X inner surface 31A and a pressing force F12 that presses against the first inner mold 41 based on compressive elasticity. The -X surface of the first inner mold 41 is in contact with the +X end surface of the workpiece W. The +X surface of the second inner mold 42 is in contact with the workpiece W, and the -X surface is in contact with the -X inner surface 31B. Furthermore, if compression allowance can be secured by the thermal expansion of the inner molds 41 and 42, the inner molds 41 and 42 may be fitted with gaps.

[0045] Figure 4(B) shows the state in which the processing device PA is being heated, and Figure 4(C) shows the state in which the processing device PA has reached the hot forming temperature and compressive forces F21 and F22 are acting on the workpiece W. As previously described, the outer mold 3 hardly expands with heat, but as indicated by the arrows in the figure, the inner molds 41 and 42, the cushion member 1 and the workpiece W expand with heat. As a result, the workpiece W is compressed in the X direction. The +Y and -Y sides of the workpiece W are in contact with the inner surface 31 of the outer mold 3, so there is no disturbance in the arrangement of the plate material WP.

[0046] At this time, the cushion member 1 presses against the workpiece W based on thermal expansion force and compressive recovery force, while elastically absorbing the reaction force from the workpiece W. Generally, the workpiece W, which is made up of a laminate of plate material WP, has variations in dimensions in the compression direction (X direction). In the case of a workpiece W that is larger than the standard dimensions, the amount of compression of the workpiece W due to thermal expansion of the inner molds 41, 42 and the cushion member 1 becomes larger than the standard when hot. In other words, the compression allowance of the workpiece W becomes larger. If there is no cushioning effect, excessive compressive force acts on the workpiece W, which may cause damage to the workpiece W or the outer mold 3. However, in this embodiment, the reaction force corresponding to the excess compressive force on the workpiece W is absorbed by the cushion member 1. In other words, if a reaction force exceeding the standard is generated from the workpiece W, the cushion member 1 is elastically compressed more than the standard by the amount of that excess reaction force. Therefore, the compressive forces F21 and F22 acting on the workpiece W can be set to standard values, and proper diffusion bonding can be achieved.

[0047] Conversely, in the case of a workpiece W smaller than the standard dimensions, the amount of compression of the workpiece W due to thermal expansion of the inner molds 41 and 42 and the cushion member 1 during hot working will be less than the standard. In this case, the compressive forces F21 and F22 may be insufficient, and the workpiece W may not be sufficiently compressed. However, even in such cases, in this embodiment, only the reaction force absorbed by the cushion member 1 will be smaller than the standard. In other words, the cushion member 1 applies a pressing force to the first inner mold 41 corresponding to the reaction force, so that the standard compressive forces F21 and F22 can be applied to the workpiece W. Therefore, proper diffusion bonding can be achieved. As described above, the cushion member 1 made of C / C composite material exhibits a compressive force adjustment function that generates an appropriate compressive force according to the dimensional variation of the workpiece W.

[0048] As the hot forming shown in Figure 4(C) is performed, the workpiece W eventually softens, and adjacent plate materials WP are pressed together. Figure 4(D) shows the state after the processing device PA has cooled down following the hot forming. Due to thermal shrinkage resulting from the pressing and cooling, the finished workpiece W is reduced in the X direction by Δd. As a result, the cushion member 1 returns to an uncompressed state or the initial light press-fit state. In addition, the inner molds 41 and 42 and the workpiece W are in a state of loose contact or a gap is created between them. Therefore, the workpiece W can be easily removed from the processing device PA.

[0049] In the first embodiment described above, the case where the thermal expansion coefficients of the cushion member 1 and the inner molds 41 and 42 are greater than the thermal expansion coefficient of the outer mold 3 was explained. The relationship between the thermal expansion coefficients of the cushion member 1, the inner molds 41 and 42, and the outer mold 3 is not limited to the configuration of the first embodiment. Even if the thermal expansion coefficients of the cushion member 1 and the inner molds 41 and 42 are set to be smaller than the thermal expansion coefficient of the outer mold 3, the workpiece W can still be diffuse-bonded. Two examples of diffusion bonding in such a case are shown below.

[0050] First, let's explain the case where the workpiece W is diffusion-bonded with a relatively weak load. In this case, the cushion member 1 is lightly press-fitted beforehand. Since the restraining force of the outer mold 3 on the inner molds 41 and 42 during thermal expansion is weak, by appropriately selecting the material types of the inner molds 41 and 42 and the outer mold 3, it is easy to make the amount of thermal expansion of the inner molds 41 and 42 (the amount of expansion of the workpiece W in the stacking direction) the same as the amount of thermal expansion of the outer mold 3. Therefore, the load acting on the workpiece W when hot is the same as the load acting on the workpiece W when cold. In other words, the load acting on the workpiece W when hot is the load generated by the light press-fitting described above, making diffusion bonding with a relatively weak load possible. An example of a workpiece W is oxygen-free copper, which can be diffusion-bonded with a relatively weak load. In this case, the outer mold 3 used is hot work die steel (thermal expansion coefficient 13 × 10⁻⁶). -6 ( / °C), the inner molds 41 and 42 are made of cemented carbide (coefficient of thermal expansion 5 × 10 -6 For example, ( / °C) is used. When oxygen-free copper is diffusion bonded at around 400°C, a C / C composite material is suitable as the cushioning member 1.

[0051] Next, we will describe the case where the cushion member 1 is strongly pressed in beforehand and then diffusion-bonded. The degree of strong press-fitting is set to be as large as possible, taking into account a safety factor based on the compressive yield strength of the cushion member 1. In this case, by appropriately selecting the material types of the outer mold 3 and the inner molds 41 and 42 so that the thermal expansion of the outer mold 3 is greater than the thermal expansion of the inner molds 41 and 42, the restraining force of the outer mold 3 on the inner molds 41 and 42 can be weakened. As a result, the load on the workpiece W from the inner molds 41 and 42 and the cushion member 1 is released in the +X and -X directions opposite to the lamination direction. Therefore, even when the cushion member 1 is strongly pressed in, an appropriate load can be applied to the workpiece W, and damage to the workpiece W due to excessive compressive force can be prevented. As an example of the workpiece W, oxygen-free copper can be used in this case as well. Examples of outer molds used include hot work die steel, and examples of inner molds 41 and 42 include cemented carbide. When oxygen-free copper is diffusion bonded at around 400°C, a C / C composite material is suitable as the cushioning member 1.

[0052] Furthermore, diffusion bonding of the workpiece W is possible even if the thermal expansion coefficients of the inner molds 41 and 42 and the outer mold 3 are equal, that is, if they are made of the same material. In this case, by appropriately setting the dimensions of the inner molds 41 and 42 and the outer mold 3 in the lamination direction X of the workpiece W, the expansion amounts of the inner molds 41 and 42 and the outer mold 3 can be appropriately adjusted. Therefore, a desired load can be applied to the workpiece W.

[0053] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a modified processing apparatus PAA according to the first embodiment. This modified embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that an overpressure prevention block 7 extending along the stacking direction of the workpiece W is placed between the first inner mold 41 and the second inner mold 42. A gap G is formed between the +X end face of the overpressure prevention block 7 facing the first inner mold 41 and the -X end face of the first inner mold 41 facing the +X end face of the overpressure prevention block 7, which determines the compression allowance of the workpiece W. When the cushion member 1, inner molds 41 and 42 expand due to heat and compress the workpiece W by the amount of the gap G, the -X end face of the first inner mold 41 comes into contact with the +X end face of the overpressure prevention block. Therefore, the workpiece W is prevented from being compressed beyond this compression allowance. As a result, damage due to excessive compressive force is prevented. Note that the gap G is exaggerated in the illustration.

[0054] Although not shown in the diagram, a surface pressure distribution plate may also be placed between the first end face 1a of the cushion member 1 and the inner surface 31 of the outer mold 3, along the inner surface 31. When the cushion member 1 expands due to heat and presses against the inner surface 31, the surface pressure on the inner surface 31 by the first end face 1a increases. However, by placing a surface pressure distribution plate, the surface pressure on the inner surface 31 can be reduced. By appropriately selecting the thermal expansion coefficient of this surface pressure distribution plate, it can also function as an internal mold that applies a load to the workpiece W in the -X direction.

[0055] Furthermore, although not shown in the diagram, multiple cushion members 1 may be arranged in the Y direction, which is perpendicular to the stacking direction of the workpiece W, to simultaneously diffuse-bond multiple workpieces W. Alternatively, multiple arrangements of inner molds 41, 42 and workpieces W may be arranged in the X direction, which is the stacking direction of the workpieces W, and diffusion bonding may be performed by pressing from the inner mold 41 side with one cushion member 1, or by pressing with two cushion members placed on both sides of the inner molds 41, 42. Furthermore, diffusion bonding may be performed by placing a cushion member 1 between adjacent arrangements of inner molds 41 and 42.

[0056] <Second Embodiment> In the first embodiment, an example was shown in which the cushion member 1 is placed only on the X-side of the workpiece W. In the second embodiment, an example was shown in which the cushion member is placed on each of the three sides in the XYZ directions of the workpiece W. It is also possible to place the cushion member on any two of the three sides.

[0057] Figure 6(A) is a partially broken side view of the processing apparatus PA1 according to the second embodiment, viewed from the Z direction, and Figure 6(B) is a side view of the processing apparatus PA in the X direction. The processing apparatus PA1 comprises three cushioning members: a first cushioning member 1A, a second cushioning member 1B, and a third cushioning member 1C; an outer mold 30 corresponding to the outer mold 3 of the first embodiment; a first X plate 431 and a second X plate 432; a first Y plate 441 and a second Y plate 442; a first Z plate 451 and a second Z plate 452; and an outer guide 5.

[0058] The cushion members 1A, 1B, and 1C are rod-shaped members similar to the cushion member 1 described in the first embodiment, and have the function of elastically absorbing the reaction force from the workpiece W while applying a compressive force to the workpiece W. The first cushion member 1A extends in the X direction and can press against the X side (first side) of the workpiece W. The second cushion member 1B extends in the Y direction and can press against the Y side (second side) of the workpiece W. The third cushion member 1C extends in the Z direction and can press against the Z side (third side) of the workpiece W. The outer mold 30 has the shape of a rectangular frame and has inner surfaces 31A (+X), 31B (-X), 31C (+Y), and 31D (-Y) that define the internal space R. The outer guide 5 is a rectangular frame surrounding the outer mold 30 in the YZ direction and has an inner surface 51 including inner surfaces 51A (-Z) and 51B (+Z).

[0059] The six plates 431, 432, 441, 442, 451, and 452 surrounding the workpiece W are components corresponding to the inner molds 41 and 42 of the first embodiment, and are made of components that do not weld to the workpiece W at a hot temperature. The six plates 431, 432, 441, 442, 451, and 452 are arranged to surround the six sides of the workpiece W, defining the molding chamber RA of the workpiece W. The first X plate 431 is adjacent to the +X side of the workpiece W, and the second X plate 432 is adjacent to the -X side. The -X end of the first cushion member 1A abuts against the +X side of the first X plate 431. The -X side of the second X plate 432 abuts against the -X inner surface 31B of the outer mold 30, and also serves as a load receiver.

[0060] The first Y plate 441 is adjacent to the +Y side of the workpiece W, and the second Y plate 442 is adjacent to the -Y side. The -Y end of the second cushion member 1B is in contact with the +Y side of the first Y plate 441. The -Y side of the second Y plate 442 is in contact with the -Y inner surface 31D of the outer mold 30. The first Z plate 451 is adjacent to the +Z side of the workpiece W, and the second Z plate 452 is adjacent to the -Z side. The -Z end of the third cushion member 1C is in contact with the +Z side of the first Z plate 451. The -Z side of the second Z plate 452 is in contact with the -Z inner surface 51A of the outer guide 5.

[0061] A first load-receiving plate 46 is positioned between the +X end of the first cushion member 1A and the +X inner surface 31A of the outer mold 30 to receive the abutment load of the first cushion member 1A. Similarly, a second load-receiving plate 47 is positioned between the +Y end of the second cushion member 1B and the +Y inner surface 31C of the outer mold 30, and a third load-receiving plate 48 is positioned between the +Z end of the third cushion member 1C and the +Z inner surface 51B of the outer guide 5.

[0062] The desired relationship between the thermal expansion coefficients of the components constituting the processing apparatus PA1 is as follows: Let the thermal expansion coefficients of the outer mold 30 and outer guide 5 be α1 and α2, respectively. Also, let the thermal expansion coefficients of the first cushion member 1A, the second cushion member 1B, and the third cushion member 1C be β1, β2, and β3, respectively. Let the thermal expansion coefficient of the six plates 431, 432, 441, 442, 451, and 452 surrounding the workpiece W be γ, and the thermal expansion coefficient of the three load-bearing plates 46, 47, and 48 be δ. In this case, α1 < β1, α1 < β2, α2 < β3 α1<γ, α1<δ, α2<γ, α2<δ It is desirable to satisfy the following relationship.

[0063] As long as the above relationship of thermal expansion coefficients is satisfied, the workpiece W can be compressed and molded in a hot state without using a hot press, based on the difference in thermal expansion between the outer mold 30 and outer guide 5 and the cushion members 1A, 1B, 1C, plates 431, 432, 441, 442, 451, 452 and load-bearing plates 46, 47, 48 arranged inside them. If the cushion members 1A, 1B, and 1C are assembled in a pre-compressed state, their compressive restoring force can be superimposed on the thermal expansion force to compress the workpiece W. If the compressive force is insufficient, a hot press may be used to assist in the compression of the workpiece W. For example, the outer guide 5, third cushion member 1C, and third load-bearing plate 48 can be removed, and the first Z plate 451 can be directly pressed with a hot press.

[0064] According to the second embodiment, the cushion members 1A, 1B, and 1C apply pressing forces to the workpiece W in the -X, -Y, and -Z directions, respectively, while elastically absorbing the reaction forces from the workpiece W in the +X, +Y, and +Z directions. In other words, appropriate pressing forces corresponding to the reaction forces can be applied to each of the XYZ sides of the workpiece W. Therefore, the six sides of the workpiece W can be formed with high precision, and damage to the workpiece W and the mold can be prevented.

[0065] <Third Embodiment> In the third embodiment, and in the fourth and fifth embodiments described below, an example of a processing apparatus equipped with a work section for press working on a workpiece is provided. The cushioning device CA is positioned to directly or indirectly press on parts of the workpiece other than the area to be press-worked. In each embodiment, the cushioning device CA is positioned so that the work section can press-work on the workpiece while the workpiece is properly pressed by the cushioning member 1 with a pressing force corresponding to the reaction force from the workpiece. The arrangement of the cushioning device CA makes it possible to perform the desired press-work on the workpiece.

[0066] Figure 7 is a side cross-sectional view of a punching device PA2, which is a third embodiment of the processing device according to the present invention. The up, down, left, and right direction indicators in Figure 7 are for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the direction in which the punching device PA2 can be used. In the punching device PA2, the working part that performs press working is a punch 6 that can move up and down, and the workpiece is a punching plate WA. The punching device PA2 is a device capable of performing fine blanking using the hydrostatic pressure effect. When the punch 6 is lowered toward the punching plate WA, whose upper and lower surfaces are constrained, the tip 6T of the punch 6 penetrates the punching plate WA from the vertical direction, and a punching piece WAT is punched out. After punching, the punch 6 is lowered.

[0067] The punching machine PA2 is equipped with a first cushioning device CA1 and a second cushioning device CA2 as pressing mechanisms to hold down the plate WA to be punched during punching. The punching machine PA2 is also equipped with a punching mechanism using a punch 6, which includes a yokan plate 61, an upper bed 62, an upper backing plate 63, a punch plate 64, a stripper plate 65 (a plate that contacts the workpiece), a die plate 66, a lower backing plate 67, and a lower bed 68.

[0068] The first cushioning device CA1 and the second cushioning device CA2 have the same configuration as the cushioning device CA shown in Figure 1 and are arranged as a pair on the left and right sides of the punch 6. Cushioning devices CA1 and CA2 include a cushioning member 1 and a push block 22 positioned on the lower end side of the cushioning member 1. The yokan plate 61 is a base that positions and holds the upper end portions of the pair of cushioning devices CA1 and CA2. The upper bed 62 is given a driving force that moves it up and down during the punching operation. The upper backing plate 63 is a plate that the upper end of the punch 6 abuts against. The punch plate 64 has a mounting hole for the punch 6 and holds the punch 6. The yokan plate 61, the upper backing plate 63, and the punch plate 64 that holds the punch 6 are supported by the upper bed 62, and when the upper bed 62 moves up and down, these members also move up and down together.

[0069] The stripper plate 65 is positioned to abut against the upper surface of the plate to be punched WA. The stripper plate 65 has a through hole for the punch 6 to pass through and an annular projection that bites into the upper surface of the plate WA. The die plate 66 is positioned to abut against the lower surface of the plate WA and presses down on the plate WA from below. The lower backing plate 67 is positioned on the lower surface of the die plate 66. The lower bed 68 is a stationary base that supports the lower backing plate 67 and the die plate 66. Punching holes 6H are drilled so as to penetrate the die plate 66, the lower backing plate 67 and the lower bed 68 in the vertical direction. The punched pieces WAT are recovered through the punching holes 6H.

[0070] The plate to be punched WA is sandwiched between the stripper plate 65 and the die plate 66, and punched out by the punch while its upper and lower surfaces are restrained. This allows the punched pieces WAT to be sheared from the plate to be punched WA. The stripper plate 65 is pressed against the plate WA by the push blocks 22 of the cushioning devices CA1 and CA2 as the upper bed 62 descends. That is, the stripper plate 65 is in contact with the plate WA around the area to be punched. The cushioning devices CA1 and CA2 generate a pressing force F2 that presses against the stripper plate 65.

[0071] The push block 22 abuts against the stripper plate 65 even before the tip 6T of the punch 6 contacts the plate WA, applying a pressing force F2 throughout the punching and pulling operations of the punch 6. That is, the cushion member 1 undergoes compressive elastic deformation as the push block 22 abuts against the stripper plate 65, generating the pressing force F2. The length between LV1 and LV2, indicated in Figure 7, corresponds to the maximum compression allowance of the cushion member 1. While applying a pressing force F2 to the stripper plate 65 via the push block 22, the cushion member 1 elastically absorbs the reaction force from the stripper plate 65. In other words, the cushion member 1 can apply an appropriate pressing force F2 to the stripper plate 65 in accordance with the reaction force.

[0072] The pressing force F2 of the cushion member 1 is also used as a stripping force to peel the punched piece WAT away from the punch 6 after the punching operation. After the punching operation, the punch 6 rises as the upper bed 62 rises. At this time, the punched piece WAT may stick to the tip 6T and not peel away. However, in this embodiment, even when the punch 6 rises, the push block 22 continues to press down on the stripper plate 65 for a period of time corresponding to the length of the compression allowance. In other words, the cushion member 1, which has undergone compressive elastic deformation due to the reaction force from the stripper plate 65, returns to its original state as the upper bed 62 rises, and the stripper plate 65 is pressed down by the pressing force F2 based on this restoring force. This pressing force F2 becomes the stripping force that peels the punched piece WAT away from the plate WA to be punched. Therefore, the stripping of the punched piece WAT away from the punch 6 is improved.

[0073] <Fourth Embodiment> Figure 8 is a side cross-sectional view of a forging and forming apparatus PA3, which is a fourth embodiment of the processing apparatus according to the present invention. In the forging and forming apparatus PA3, the working section for press working is a forging punch 6A that can move up and down, and the workpiece is a forged product WB to be forged. The lower surface (second surface) of the forged product WB is supported by a push-back pin 60. When the forging punch 6A is lowered toward the forged product WB, the tip 6AT of the forging punch 6A presses vertically against the upper surface (first surface) of the forged product WB, and the forged product WB is forged into the required shape. After forging, the forging punch 6A is raised.

[0074] The forging and forming apparatus PA3, like the punching apparatus PA2 of the third embodiment, comprises a first cushioning device CA1 and a second cushioning device CA2, a yokan plate 61, an upper bed 62, an upper backing plate 63, a punch plate 64, a die plate 66, and a lower backing plate 67. The punch plate 64 holds the forging punch 6A. The lower bed 68A, which supports the die plate 66 and the lower backing plate 67, is equipped with a third cushioning device CA3. The third cushioning device CA3 consists of a vertically extending guide hole 68H opened in the lower bed 68A and a cushioning member 1 housed in the guide hole 68H. The cushioning member 1 supports the pushback pin 60 and functions as a die cushion.

[0075] A retaining plate 69 having a through-hole for the forging punch 6A is positioned between the punch plate 64 and the die plate 66. The retaining plate 69 is a plate that holds down the forged workpiece WB during forging, and contacts the upper surface of the forged workpiece WB around the forging area. As the upper bed 62 descends, the push blocks 22 of the left and right cushioning devices CA1 and CA2 press against the retaining plate 69, thereby applying a pressing force F2. On the other hand, a pushback force F4 generated by the third cushioning device CA3 is applied to the lower surface of the forged workpiece WB via the pushback pin 60.

[0076] The push block 22 of the cushioning devices CA1 and CA2 abuts against the retaining plate 69 even before the tip 6AT of the forging punch 6A contacts the forging workpiece WB, applying a pressing force F2 during the shaping of the forging workpiece WB by the forging punch 6A and during the subsequent withdrawal operation. That is, the cushioning member 1 undergoes compressive elastic deformation when the push block 22 abuts against the retaining plate 69, generating a pressing force F2. The cushioning member 1 applies a pressing force F2 to the retaining plate 69 while elastically absorbing the reaction force from the retaining plate 69. In other words, the cushioning member 1 can apply an appropriate pressing force F2 to the retaining plate 69 in accordance with the reaction force. Therefore, high-precision forging can be achieved.

[0077] When the forged WB is pressed downward by the forging punch 6A, a portion of the forged WB enters the relief hole in the die plate 66. As a result, the pushback pin 60, which is in contact with the lower surface of the forged WB, is pushed downward, and the cushion member 1 of the third cushioning device CA3 is also compressed. The cushion member 1 elastically absorbs the reaction force from the pushback pin 60 and generates a pushback force F4 that pushes the pushback pin 60 upward. Furthermore, even after the forging punch 6A moves away from the forged WB and rises, the pushback force F4 continues to act on the pushback pin 60 based on the restoring force of the cushion member 1, which has been elastically compressed and deformed by the reaction force. This restoring force can be used as a knockout force to push the forged WB out of the die plate 66 after forging. Therefore, the removal of the forged WB after forging can be improved.

[0078] <Fifth Embodiment> Figure 9 is a side cross-sectional view of a forging and forming apparatus PA4, which is a fifth embodiment of the processing apparatus according to the present invention. In the forging and forming apparatus PA4, the working section for press working is a forging punch 6B that can move up and down, and the workpiece is a forged product WC to be forged. When the forging punch 6B is lowered toward the forged product WC, the tip 6BT of the forging punch 6B presses vertically against the upper surface of the forged product WC, and the forged product WC is forged into the required shape. After forging, the forging punch 6B is raised.

[0079] The forging and forming apparatus PA4 comprises an upper bed 62, an upper backing plate 63, a punch plate 64, a die plate 66, a lower backing plate 67, and a lower bed 68. As a cushioning mechanism, the forging and forming apparatus PA4 is equipped with a cushioning device CA similar to that in Figure 1 (simplified in Figure 9). As the upper bed 62 descends, the forging punch 6B forges and forms the forging WC placed on the die plate 66. Figure 9 shows an example where the right end of the forging WC is being pressed down by the tip 6BT of the forging punch 6B.

[0080] The cushioning device CA directly presses the upper left surface of the forged workpiece WC with a pressing force F2. While applying the pressing force F2 to the forged workpiece WC, the cushioning device CA elastically absorbs the reaction force from the forged workpiece WC. In other words, it presses the forged workpiece WC with an appropriate pressing force F2 corresponding to the reaction force. Therefore, it can suppress the occurrence of machining defects caused by excessive or insufficient pressing load on the forged workpiece WC. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0081] 1. Cushioning material 1a, 1b 1st end face, 2nd end face 2 Guide members 3, 30 external mold 41. First internal type 42. Second internal type 5. External Guide 6. Punch (working part) 6A Forging Punch (Working Section / Forging Die) 65 Stripper plate (a plate that comes into contact with the workpiece) 69. Pressing plate (a plate that contacts the workpiece) CA Cushioning Device CA1, CA2, CA3 First, second, and third cushioning devices PA processing equipment PA1 punching machine (processing equipment) PA2, PA3, PA4 Forging forming processing equipment (processing equipment) R Interior space RA molding room W Work material WA punched plate (workpiece) WB, WC Forgings (work material)

Claims

1. The work area where the workpiece is pressed, The system includes a cushioning device positioned to directly or indirectly press on parts of the workpiece other than the press working area, The cushioning device is The device includes a cushioning member that elastically absorbs the reaction force generated from the workpiece during the molding process, while simultaneously pressing the workpiece in a direction opposite to the direction in which the reaction force acts. The cushioning member is made of a carbon matrix composite material, and the processing apparatus is also made of this material.

2. In the processing apparatus according to claim 1, A processing apparatus in which the carbon matrix composite material is a carbon fiber reinforced carbon composite material.

3. In the processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, The aforementioned work section is a punching die for punching out a workpiece, The processing apparatus is configured such that the cushioning device is positioned around the area of ​​the punching process to press a plate that contacts the workpiece.

4. In the processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, The aforementioned work section is a forging die for forging the workpiece, The processing apparatus is configured such that the cushioning device is positioned around the forging region to press a plate that contacts the workpiece.

5. In the processing apparatus described in claim 4, The workpiece includes a first surface on which the press working is performed and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The cushioning device is a processing device positioned to press against the second surface.

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