Display device and molding device

By using magnetic adjustment components and display devices in the molding device, balance or unbalanced magnetic forces, the bending problem caused by the magnetic field during the heating process of metal tube materials is solved, and a more accurate molding effect is achieved.

CN114340813BActive Publication Date: 2024-12-24SUMITOMO HEAVY IND LTD
View PDF 0 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Application Number
CN202080041696.6
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2019-08-15
Filing Date
2020-08-07
Publication Date
2024-12-24
Estimated Expiration
2040-08-07

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

When the existing molding device heats the metal tube material, due to the influence of magnetic force caused by the magnetic field, it is easy to cause bending and deformation of the metal tube material, and it is difficult to accurately control its position to achieve the desired shape.

Method used

By introducing adjustable magnetic adjustment components and display devices into the molding device, the position of the metal tube material is adjusted to balance or unbalance the magnetic force, thereby suppressing bending and deformation, and accurately configure the metal tube by controlling the positional relationship and current value of the heating component. The shape of the material.

Benefits of technology

The bending deformation of the metal tube material is effectively suppressed, ensuring that it remains in place during the heating process, achieving the desired molding shape, and improving molding accuracy.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure CN114340813B_ABST
    Figure CN114340813B_ABST
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

The display device (250) is a display device (250) of a molding device (1) that uses a metal component (2) to mold a heated metal material (40), and it makes suggestions for adjustable variable parameters and displays the suggestions.
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a display device and a forming device. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a molding device that heats a metal tube material and supplies gas into the heated metal tube material to expand the metal tube material, thereby molding the metal tube. For example, the following Patent Document 1 discloses a molding device that includes: a molding die having a lower die and an upper die that form a pair with each other; a gas supply unit that supplies gas into the metal tube material held between the molding dies; and a heating unit that heats the metal tube material by electrical heating.

[0003] Previous technical literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-112608 Summary of the invention

[0006] Technical issues to be solved by the invention

[0007] In the molding device of the above-mentioned prior art, the metal tube material is placed in a high temperature state by electrically heating the metal tube material. If the metal tube material is electrically heated, a magnetic field is generated around the metal tube material. At this time, a force that brings the lower mold and the metal tube material closer to each other acts, and a force that brings the upper mold and the metal tube material closer to each other acts. Here, depending on the positional relationship between the lower mold, the upper mold and the metal tube material, the force pulling toward one of the molds will increase. At this time, the metal tube material that is easily deformed by being heated will produce deformations such as bending, but sometimes it is required to prevent this deformation, or to utilize this deformation to make the metal tube material into a desired shape. In view of these problems, it is required to arrange metal materials such as metal tube materials in appropriate positions relative to the metal parts used for molding.

[0008] The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide a display device and a molding device capable of arranging a metal material at an appropriate position.

[0009] Means for solving technical problems

[0010] A display device according to an embodiment of the present invention is a display device of a molding device that molds a heated metal material using a metal component, and provides suggestions for adjustable variable parameters and displays the suggestions.

[0011] This display device makes suggestions for adjustable variable parameters and displays the suggestions. Thus, the user can adjust the variable parameters according to the suggestions, thereby being able to arrange the metal material at a position where the influence of magnetic force is reduced. Thus, the metal material can be arranged at an appropriate position.

[0012] The variable parameter may be a parameter that affects the magnetic force acting on the metal material. Thus, by adjusting the variable parameter, the magnetic force of the metal material can be easily adjusted.

[0013] The variable parameter may be the current value of the metal material when the metal material is heated. By adjusting the current value, the magnetic force of the metal material can be adjusted.

[0014] The forming device can form a plurality of metal materials at the same time, and the variable parameter can be the distance between the metal materials, thereby being able to adjust the magnetic force acting between the metal materials.

[0015] The forming device can form a plurality of metal materials at the same time, and a magnetic force adjustment component for adjusting the magnetic force acting on the metal materials can be arranged between the metal materials, and the variable parameter can be the distance between the magnetic force adjustment component and the metal materials. Thus, the magnetic force adjustment component can adjust the magnetic force acting on the metal materials, thereby suppressing the deformation of the metal materials.

[0016] A molding device according to an embodiment of the present invention can mold a heated metal material using a metal component, the molding device molds a plurality of metal materials simultaneously, and the molding device includes a magnetic force adjustment component for adjusting a magnetic force acting on the plurality of metal materials.

[0017] This forming device is provided with a magnetic force adjustment component for adjusting the magnetic force acting on a plurality of metal materials. Thus, the magnetic force adjustment component can adjust the magnetic force acting on the metal materials, thereby suppressing the deformation of the metal materials. As described above, the metal materials can be arranged at appropriate positions.

[0018] Effects of the Invention

[0019] According to the present invention, a display device and a molding device capable of arranging a metal material at an appropriate position are provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a molding device.

[0021] Figure 2 (a) is a schematic side view showing a heating expansion unit in which the components of a holding unit, a heating unit and a fluid supply unit are unitized. Figure 2 (b) is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the nozzle seals the metal pipe material.

[0022] Figure 3 It is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a part of the molding device when viewed from the longitudinal direction.

[0023] Figure 4 It is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a part of the molding device when viewed from the longitudinal direction.

[0024] Figure 5 Yes means Figure 4 An enlarged cross-sectional view of a metal tube material and a forming die.

[0025] Figure 6 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the state of the metal tube material and the molding die during blow molding.

[0026] Figure 7 This is a flowchart showing the contents of a molding method using a molding device.

[0027] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing an example of a rotating mechanism.

[0028] Fig. 9 It is a diagram showing a robot arm equipped with electrodes.

[0029] Fig.10 This is a schematic diagram of a molding device and a display device.

[0030] Fig.11 This is a diagram showing an example of display content of a display device.

[0031] Fig.12 This is a diagram showing an example of display content of a display device.

[0032] Fig.13 It is a model used to calculate the loads acting on metal pipe materials.

[0033] Fig.14 This is a diagram showing an example of magnetic field calculation for a metal pipe material.

[0034] Fig.15 This is a diagram showing an example of magnetic field calculation for a metal pipe material.

[0035] Fig.16 This is a diagram showing an example of magnetic field calculation for a metal pipe material.

[0036] Fig.17 This is a diagram showing an example of magnetic field calculation for a metal pipe material.

[0037] Fig.18 This is a schematic diagram of a molding device and a display device.

[0038] Fig.19 It is a diagram showing an example of arrangement of a magnetic force adjustment member. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, in each of the drawings, the same or equivalent parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0040] Figure 1 1 is a schematic diagram of the molding device 1. Figure 1 As shown, the molding device 1 is a device for molding a metal tube having a hollow shape by blow molding. In the present embodiment, the molding device 1 is arranged on a horizontal plane. The molding device 1 comprises a molding die 2 (metal part), a driving mechanism 3, a holding part 4, a heating part 5, a fluid supply part 6, a cooling part 7 and a control part 8. In addition, in the present specification, the metal tube refers to the hollow object after the molding device 1 is completed, and the metal tube material 40 (metal material) refers to the hollow object before the molding device 1 is completed. The metal tube material 40 is a tube material of hardenable steel. In addition, the extension direction of the metal tube material 40 in the horizontal direction during molding is sometimes referred to as the "length direction", and the direction orthogonal to the length direction is referred to as the "width direction".

[0041] The forming die 2 is a die for forming a metal tube material 40 into a metal tube, and comprises a lower die 11 (first die) and an upper die 12 (second die) which are opposed to each other in the up-down direction. The lower die 11 and the upper die 12 are made of steel blocks. Concave portions for accommodating the metal tube material 40 are respectively provided on the lower die 11 and the upper die 12. When the lower die 11 and the upper die 12 are in close contact with each other (closed die state), each concave portion forms a space of a target forming shape of the metal tube material. Therefore, the surface of each concave portion becomes the forming surface of the forming die 2. The lower die 11 is fixed to the base 13 via a die base, etc. The upper die 12 is fixed to the sliding member of the driving mechanism 3 via a die base, etc.

[0042] The driving mechanism 3 is a mechanism for moving at least one of the lower mold 11 and the upper mold 12. Figure 1 In the embodiment, the driving mechanism 3 has a structure that moves only the upper mold 12. The driving mechanism 3 includes: a slide 21 that moves the upper mold 12 toward the direction in which the lower mold 11 and the upper mold 12 are closed together; a pull-back cylinder 22 as an actuator that generates a force to pull the slide 21 upward; a main cylinder 23 as a driving source that lowers and pressurizes the slide 21; and a driving source 24 that applies driving force to the main cylinder 23.

[0043] The holding part 4 is a mechanism for holding the metal tube material 40 disposed between the lower mold 11 and the upper mold 12. The holding part 4 includes a lower electrode 26 and an upper electrode 27 for holding the metal tube material 40 at one end side in the longitudinal direction of the forming mold 2, and a lower electrode 26 and an upper electrode 27 for holding the metal tube material 40 at the other end side in the longitudinal direction of the forming mold 2. The lower electrode 26 and the upper electrode 27 on both sides in the longitudinal direction clamp the vicinity of the end of the metal tube material 40 from the upper and lower directions to hold the metal tube material 40. In addition, grooves having a shape corresponding to the shape of the outer peripheral surface of the metal tube material 40 are formed on the upper surface of the lower electrode 26 and the lower surface of the upper electrode 27. A driving mechanism (not shown) is provided on the lower electrode 26 and the upper electrode 27, so that the lower electrode 26 and the upper electrode 27 can be moved independently in the upper and lower directions.

[0044] The heating unit 5 heats the metal tube material 40. The heating unit 5 is a mechanism for heating the metal tube material 40 by applying electricity to the metal tube material 40. The heating unit 5 heats the metal tube material 40 when the metal tube material 40 is between the lower mold 11 and the upper mold 12 and the metal tube material 40 is separated from the lower mold 11 and the upper mold 12. The heating unit 5 includes the lower electrode 26 and the upper electrode 27 on both sides in the longitudinal direction, and a power source 28 for passing current to the metal tube material via these electrodes 26 and 27.

[0045] The fluid supply unit 6 is a mechanism for supplying a high-pressure fluid into the metal tube material 40 held between the lower mold 11 and the upper mold 12. The fluid supply unit 6 supplies the high-pressure fluid to the metal tube material 40 heated by the heating unit 5 to a high-temperature state, so as to expand the metal tube material 40. The fluid supply unit 6 is provided at both ends of the molding die 2 in the longitudinal direction. The fluid supply unit 6 includes: a nozzle 31 for supplying a fluid into the metal tube material 40 from an opening at the end of the metal tube material 40; a driving mechanism 32 for moving the nozzle 31 forward and backward relative to the opening of the metal tube material 40; and a supply source 33 for supplying a high-pressure fluid into the metal tube material 40 via the nozzle 31. The driving mechanism 32 makes the nozzle 31 close to the end of the metal tube material 40 in a state of ensuring sealing when the fluid is supplied and exhausted, and separates the nozzle 31 from the end of the metal tube material 40 at other times. In addition, the fluid supply unit 6 may also supply a gas such as high-pressure air or an inert gas as the fluid.

[0046] The cooling unit 7 is a mechanism for cooling the forming mold 2. The cooling unit 7 cools the forming mold 2, and thus, when the expanded metal tube material 40 contacts the forming surface of the forming mold 2, the metal tube material 40 can be quickly cooled. The cooling unit 7 includes a flow path 36 formed inside the lower mold 11 and the upper mold 12, and a water circulation mechanism 37 that supplies cooling water to the flow path 36 and circulates it.

[0047] The control unit 8 is a device that controls the entire molding device 1. The control unit 8 controls the drive mechanism 3, the holding unit 4, the heating unit 5, the fluid supply unit 6, and the cooling unit 7. The control unit 8 repeatedly performs the operation of molding the metal tube material 40 using the molding die 2.

[0048] Specifically, the control unit 8 controls a conveying mechanism such as a robot arm to place the metal tube material 40 between the lower mold 11 and the upper mold 12 in the opened state. Alternatively, the control unit 8 may wait for the operator to manually place the metal tube material 40 between the lower mold 11 and the upper mold 12. In addition, the control unit 8 controls the actuator of the holding unit 4 so that the metal tube material 40 is supported by the lower electrodes 26 on both sides in the length direction, and then the upper electrode 27 is lowered to clamp the metal tube material 40. In addition, the control unit 8 controls the heating unit 5 to energize and heat the metal tube material 40. As a result, a current flows in the axial direction of the metal tube material 40, and the metal tube material 40 itself generates heat based on Joule heat due to the resistance of the metal tube material 40 itself.

[0049] The control unit 8 controls the driving mechanism 3 so that the upper mold 12 descends and approaches the lower mold 11, thereby closing the molding die 2. On the other hand, the control unit 8 controls the fluid supply unit 6, uses the nozzle 31 to seal the openings at both ends of the metal tube material 40 and supplies fluid. As a result, the metal tube material 40 softened by heating expands and contacts the molding surface of the molding die 2. Moreover, the metal tube material 40 is formed into a shape that is the same as the shape of the molding surface of the molding die 2. In addition, when forming a metal tube with a flange, a part of the metal tube material 40 is allowed to enter the gap between the lower mold 11 and the upper mold 12, and then the lower mold 11 and the upper mold 12 are further closed, thereby flattening the entered part to form a flange part. If the metal tube material 40 contacts the molding surface, the molding die 2 cooled by the cooling unit 7 will quickly cool the metal tube material 40, thereby implementing quenching of the metal tube material 40.

[0050] Next, refer to Figure 2 to Figure 7 , the structure of the molding device 1 is described in more detail. First, refer to Figure 2 , the structures of the holding portion 4, the heating portion 5 and the fluid supply portion 6 are described in more detail. Figure 2 (a) is a schematic side view showing a heating expansion unit 50 in which the components of the holding unit 4, the heating unit 5, and the fluid supply unit 6 are unitized. Figure 2 (b) is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the nozzle 31 seals the metal tube material 40. Figure 2 2 shows the heating expansion unit 50 at one end portion of the metal tube material 40 in the longitudinal direction, but the heating expansion unit 50 at the other end portion has the same structure.

[0051] like Figure 2 As shown in (a), the heating expansion unit 50 includes: the lower electrode 26 and the upper electrode 27, the electrode mounting unit 51 on which the electrodes 26 and 27 are mounted, the nozzle 31 and the drive mechanism 32, the lifting unit 52, and the unit base 53. In addition, in the following description, the position of the center line of the metal tube material 40 at the position where the electrodes 26 and 27 hold the metal tube material 40 is set as the reference line SL1 for description. In addition, the extending direction of the reference line SL1 is sometimes referred to as the axial direction. In addition, the opposing direction of each electrode 26 and 27 and the direction orthogonal to the axial direction are sometimes referred to as the lifting direction.

[0052] The lower electrode 26 and the upper electrode 27 are both rectangular flat electrodes formed by sandwiching a plate-shaped conductor with an insulating plate. Semicircular grooves are formed vertically through the flat surface at the central upper end of the lower electrode 26 and the central lower end of the upper electrode 27. Moreover, if the lower electrode 26 and the upper electrode 27 are arranged on the same plane and the upper end of the lower electrode 26 is in close contact with the lower end of the upper electrode 27, the semicircular grooves of each other match to form a circular through hole. The circular through hole takes the reference line SL1 as the center line and is roughly consistent with the outer diameter of the end of the metal tube material 40. When the metal tube material 40 is energized, the end of the metal tube material 40 is held by the lower electrode 26 and the upper electrode 27 in a state of being embedded in the circular through hole. At this time, the inner circumferential surfaces 26a and 27a of the grooves of the plate-shaped conductors of the lower electrode 26 and the upper electrode 27 are the contact surfaces that contact the metal tube material 40 and become the energized surfaces (also refer to Figure 3 ). In addition, the outer shape of the end of the metal tube material 40 is not limited to a circle. Therefore, the grooves of the lower electrode 26 and the upper electrode 27 each have a shape that divides the outer shape of the end of the metal tube material 40 into half.

[0053] The electrode mounting unit 51 includes: a lifting frame 54, to which the lifting unit 52 provides a lifting motion in a direction perpendicular to the upper surface of the unit base 53; a lower electrode frame 56, which is provided on the lifting frame 54 and holds the lower electrode 26; and an upper electrode frame 57, which is provided on the upper side of the lower electrode frame 56 and holds the upper electrode 27. Each electrode frame 56, 57 is configured to include an actuator and a guide mechanism (not shown) so that it can slide in the axial direction and the lifting direction relative to the unit base 53 while holding each electrode 26, 27. Therefore, each electrode frame 56, 57 functions as a part of a driving mechanism 60 that moves each electrode 26, 27.

[0054] The nozzle 31 is a cylindrical member that can be inserted into the end of the metal tube material 40. The nozzle 31 is supported by the drive mechanism 32 so that the center line of the nozzle 31 coincides with the reference line SL1. The end of the nozzle 31 on the metal tube material 40 side (referred to as the supply port 31a (refer to Figure 2 The inner diameter of (b)) is substantially consistent with the outer diameter of the metal tube material 40 after expansion forming.

[0055] The drive mechanism 32 is mounted on the lifting unit 52. Therefore, when the lifting unit 52 performs a lifting operation, the drive mechanism 32 is lifted and lowered integrally with the electrode mounting unit 51. In a state where the lower electrode 26 and the upper electrode 27 of the electrode mounting unit 51 hold the end of the metal tube material 40, the drive mechanism 32 supports the nozzle 31 at a position where the end of the metal tube material 40 and the nozzle 31 are concentric.

[0056] The drive mechanism 32 has a hydraulic cylinder mechanism as a nozzle moving actuator that moves the nozzle 31 in the axial direction. The hydraulic cylinder mechanism includes a piston 61 (an example of a support portion) that holds the nozzle 31 and a cylinder 62 that imparts forward and backward movement to the piston 61. The cylinder 62 is fixed to the lifting frame 54 in a direction that allows the piston 61 to move forward and backward in a direction parallel to the axial direction. The cylinder 62 is connected to a hydraulic circuit (not shown) so that a working fluid (i.e., hydraulic oil) is supplied to the inside of the cylinder 62 and the working fluid is discharged from the inside of the cylinder 62. The hydraulic circuit supplies hydraulic oil to the cylinder 62 and discharges hydraulic oil from the cylinder 62 under the control of the control unit 8.

[0057] The piston 61 includes a main body 61a housed in the cylinder 62, a head 61b protruding from the left end (the lower electrode 26 and the upper electrode 27 side) of the cylinder 62, and a tubular portion 61c protruding from the rear end of the cylinder 62. The main body 61a, the head 61b, and the tubular portion 61c are all cylindrical and are formed as a whole in a concentric manner. The outer diameter of the main body 61a is substantially consistent with the inner diameter of the cylinder 62. In addition, hydraulic oil is supplied to both sides of the main body 61a in the cylinder 62, so that the piston 61 moves forward and backward. The nozzle 31 is fixedly mounted on the front end of the head 61b in a concentric manner. A flow path 63 of compressed gas is formed at the position of the reference line SL1 between the nozzle 31 and the piston 61, which passes through the entire length.

[0058] The lifting unit 52 includes: a lifting frame base 64, which is mounted on the upper surface of the unit base 53; and a lifting actuator 66, through which the lifting frame base 64 gives the lifting frame 54 of the electrode mounting unit 51 a lifting action. The lifting frame base 64 supports the lifting frame 54 so that it can be lifted and lowered in the lifting direction relative to the upper surface of the unit base 53. The lifting frame base 64 has guide parts 64a and 64b for guiding the lifting frame 54 to perform a lifting action relative to the unit base 53. The lifting actuator 66 is a direct-acting actuator that gives the lifting frame 54 a driving force relative to the unit base 53, for example, a hydraulic cylinder or the like can be used. In addition, the lifting unit 52 functions as a part of the driving mechanism 60 of the holding part 4.

[0059] The unit base 53 is a rectangular plate-shaped block in a plan view that supports the electrode mounting unit 51 and the drive mechanism 32 on the upper surface via the lifting unit 52. The unit base 53 is mounted on a horizontal surface (i.e., the base 13 (refer to Figure 1 ) on the upper surface of the heating expansion unit 50, so it can be removed. The heating expansion unit 50 has a plurality of unit bases 53 with different inclination angles of the upper surface. By replacing these plurality of unit bases 53, the inclination angles of the lower electrode 26 and the upper electrode 27, the nozzle 31, the electrode mounting unit 51, the drive mechanism 32, and the lifting unit 52 can be uniformly changed and adjusted. For example, when the center line of the metal tube material 40 at the end is inclined, the unit base 53 inclines each component so that the reference line SL1 is inclined corresponding to the inclination.

[0060] Next, refer to Figure 3 to Figure 5 , the control contents of the molding die 2 and the control unit 8 are described in more detail. Figure 3 and Figure 4 It is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a part of the molding device 1 when viewed from the longitudinal direction. Figure 3 2 shows the positional relationship among the lower mold 11 , the upper mold 12 , and the metal tube material 40 , in a state where the metal tube material 40 is disposed between the lower mold 11 and the upper mold 12 and the metal tube material 40 is held by the lower electrode 26 and the upper electrode 27 . Figure 4 FIG. 5 shows the positional relationship between the lower mold 11, the upper mold 12, and the metal tube material 40 when the metal tube material 40 is electrically heated by the heating unit 5. Figure 4 In the embodiment, due to the position of each electrode 26, 27 and Figure 3 The same as above, therefore the driving mechanism 60 of the holding portion 4 is omitted. Figure 5 Yes means Figure 4 An enlarged cross-sectional view of a metal tube material 40 and a forming die 2. Figure 6 It is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the state of the metal tube material 40 and the molding die 2 during blow molding.

[0061] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the lower mold 11 is mounted on a mold base plate 72 via a mold base 71. Both sides of the lower mold 11 in the width direction are supported by a mold base 73. The upper mold 12 is mounted on a mold base plate 77 via mold bases 74 and 76. Both sides of the upper mold 12 in the width direction are supported by a mold base 76.

[0062] Figure 5 and Figure 6 It shows that from Figure 5 The circular metal tube material 40 is formed into Figure 6 The example of the forming die 2 in the case of a metal tube 41 having a rectangular tube portion 43 and flange portions 44, 44 is shown in (b). Figure 5 As shown, a recessed portion 47 that is recessed downward is formed on the molding surface 46 (i.e., the upper surface) of the lower mold 11. The molding surface 46 includes a bottom surface 46a of the recessed portion 47, side surfaces 46b, 46b of the recessed portion 47, and upper surfaces 46c, 46c disposed at an upper side position than the bottom surface 46a. A recessed portion 49 that is recessed upward is formed on the molding surface 48 (i.e., the lower surface) of the upper mold 12. The molding surface 48 includes a bottom surface 48a of the recessed portion 49, side surfaces 48b, 48b of the recessed portion 49, and lower surfaces 48c, 48c disposed at a lower side position than the bottom surface 48a. Figure 6 As shown in (a), the space surrounded by the recessed portions 47, 49 constitutes a main cavity portion MC for molding the tube portion 43. The space where the upper surfaces 46c, 46c and the lower surfaces 48c, 48c face each other constitutes a sub-cavity portion SC for molding the flange portions 44, 44.

[0063] The control unit 8 sends control signals to the driving source 24 of the driving mechanism 3, the driving mechanism 60 of the holding unit 4, and the power supply 28 of the heating unit 5, so as to control the timing of inserting the metal tube material 40 into the forming die 2, and the positional relationship between the lower mold 11, the upper mold 12, and the metal tube material 40 during heating. Therefore, the driving mechanism 3, the holding unit 4 (and its driving mechanism 60), and the control unit 8 function as a position adjustment unit for adjusting the position of the metal tube material 40. The position adjustment unit adjusts the position of the metal tube material 40 according to the magnetic force generated relative to the metal tube material 40 due to the relationship with the forming die 2. In addition, in this specification, "position adjustment" of the metal tube material 40 means adjusting the relative position of the metal tube material 40 relative to the forming die 2. In addition, the control unit 8 is equipped with a processor, a memory, a storage, a communication interface, and a user interface, so as to be constituted as a general computer. The processor is a computing unit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). Memory is a storage medium such as ROM (Read Only Memory) or RAM (Random Access Memory). Storage is a storage medium such as HDD (Hard Disk Drive). Communication interface is a communication device for realizing data communication. The processor centrally controls memory, storage, communication interface and user interface to realize the functions described later. In the control unit 8, for example, the program stored in ROM is loaded into RAM, and the program loaded into RAM is executed by the CPU to realize various functions. The control unit 8 can also be composed of multiple computers.

[0064] Here, the control unit 8 can adjust the position of the metal tube material 40 according to the magnetic force generated relative to the metal tube material 40 due to the relationship with the forming mold 2 during the period when the metal tube material 40 is heated by the heating unit 5. The control unit 8 adjusts the position of the metal tube material 40 so that the magnetic force relative to the metal tube material 40 is balanced. The control unit 8 can control the positional relationship between the lower mold 11, the upper mold 12 and the metal tube material 40 in consideration of the influence of the magnetic field generated around the metal tube material 40 during the period when the metal tube material 40 is heated by the heating unit 5. That is, if a current flows in the axial direction of the metal tube material 40 by energizing and heating, a magnetic field formed by the magnetic flux ML surrounding the center line is generated around the metal tube material 40 (refer to Figure 5). Therefore, a force of attraction is generated between the lower mold 11 as a conductor and the metal tube material 40. In addition, a force of attraction is also generated between the upper mold 12 as a conductor and the metal tube material 40. Therefore, the control unit 8 performs the following control: the lower mold 11, the upper mold 12 and the metal tube material 40 are arranged at the first position P1 (reference numeral 20) at which the force generated between the lower mold 11 and the metal tube material 40 and the force generated between the upper mold 12 and the metal tube material 40 are balanced. Figure 4 ) and the metal tube material 40 is heated by the heating unit 5 at the first position P1.

[0065] On the other hand, except for the period when the metal tube material 40 is heated by the heating unit 5, the influence between the metal tube material 40 and the lower mold 11 and the upper mold 12 is small. Therefore, the control unit 8 performs the following control: the lower mold 11, the upper mold 12 and the metal tube material 40 are arranged at the second position P2 (reference Figure 3 ), the second position P2 has a positional relationship in which the metal tube material 40 is arranged between the lower mold 11 and the upper mold 12 and is different from the equilibrium position.

[0066] For example, Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , when the metal tube material 40 is arranged between the lower mold 11 and the upper mold 12, the control unit 8 makes the upper mold 12 sufficiently away from the lower mold 11 upward. In addition, the control unit 8 controls the driving source 24 and the driving mechanism 60 so that the position of the lower electrode 26 is arranged at a position close to the lower mold 11 and away from the upper mold 12. The metal tube material 40 is held on the lower electrode 26 adjusted as above, so that the lower mold 11, the upper mold 12 and the metal tube material 40 are arranged in the second position P2. At the second position P2, the separation distance between the upper mold 12 and the metal tube material 40 is greater than the separation distance between the lower mold 11 and the metal tube material 40. In addition, in this specification, the state in which the metal tube material 40 is held includes not only the state in which the metal tube material 40 is gripped by the lower electrode 26 and the upper electrode 27, but also the state in which the metal tube material 40 is placed on the lower electrode 26.

[0067] like Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 1 , the control unit 8 sets the upper mold 12 to the first position P1 by bringing the upper mold 12 closer to the metal tube material 40 than the second position P2. When the metal tube material 40 is put in and when the metal tube material 40 is heated, the positions of the lower mold 11 and the metal tube material 40 do not change. Therefore, the control unit 8 lowers the upper mold 12 so that the upper mold 12 is close to the metal tube material 40. As a result, the difference between the distance between the lower mold 11 and the metal tube material 40 and the distance between the upper mold 12 and the metal tube material 40 at the first position P1 is smaller than that at the second position P2.

[0068] refer to Figure 5, the first position P1 will be described in more detail. If a current flows in the axial direction in the metal tube material 40, a magnetic field formed by a magnetic flux ML will be generated around the metal tube material 40. The magnetic flux ML enters the lower mold 11, thereby a force F1 that pulls the lower mold 11 acts on the metal tube material 40. In addition, the magnetic flux ML enters the upper mold 12, thereby a force F2 that pulls the upper mold 12 acts on the metal tube material 40. In this way, the force F1 and the force F2 in opposite directions act on the metal tube material 40. The first position P1 is a position where the magnitude of the force F1 and the force F2 acting on the metal tube material 40 are approximately equal.

[0069] In this embodiment, since the metal tube material 40 has a vertically symmetrical shape, the molding surface 46 and the molding surface 48 also have vertically symmetrical shapes. Therefore, at the first position P1, the distance between the lower mold 11 and the metal tube material 40 is substantially equal to the distance between the upper mold 12 and the metal tube material 40. In this state, the distance between the upper surface 46c of the lower mold 11 and the horizontal reference line SL2 passing through the center of gravity GP of the metal tube material 40 is substantially equal to the distance between the lower surface 48c of the upper mold 12 and the reference line SL2. In addition, in this state, the distance between the bottom surface 46a of the lower mold 11 and the reference line SL2 is substantially equal to the distance between the bottom surface 48a of the upper mold 12 and the reference line SL2. In addition, in this state, the distance between the closest portion between the lower mold 11 and the metal tube material 40 is substantially equal to the distance between the closest portion between the upper mold 12 and the metal tube material 40. However, at the first position P1, as long as the forces F1 and F2 are balanced, the separation distance between the lower mold 11 and the metal tube material 40 and the separation distance between the upper mold 12 and the metal tube material 40 do not need to be strictly the same, and one of the separation distances may be larger.

[0070] The control unit 8 obtains the position information of the first position P1 where the forces F1 and F2 are balanced. The control unit 8 controls the driving source 24 according to the obtained position information. The position information is obtained by performing a magnetic field analysis between the metal tube material 40 and the lower mold 11 and the upper mold 12. In the magnetic field analysis, by analyzing the distribution of the magnetic field generated around the metal tube material 40 and the positional relationship between the lower mold 11 and the upper mold 12, it is calculated which positional relationship will reduce the difference between the magnitude of the force F1 and the force F2 acting on the metal tube material 40. In addition, this magnetic field analysis can be performed in advance before the molding device 1 starts molding. At this time, the position information of the first position P1 obtained according to the result of the magnetic field analysis obtained in advance is stored in the storage unit of the control unit 8. The control unit 8 reads the position information of the first position P1 from the storage unit when controlling the driving source 24. Alternatively, the control unit 8 can also detect the magnetic field actually generated around the metal tube material 40 and perform magnetic field analysis based on the detection result.

[0071] In addition, at the first position P1, the force F1 generated between the lower mold 11 and the metal tube material 40 and the force F2 generated between the upper mold 12 and the metal tube material 40 do not need to be strictly the same. That is, even if either the force F1 or the force F2 is larger, as long as the difference is within the preset allowable range, it can be regarded as a state where the force F1 and the force F2 are balanced.

[0072] Next, refer to Figure 7 , the steps of the molding method based on the molding device 1 are explained. Figure 7 : is a flowchart showing the contents of the molding method based on the molding device 1. The control unit 8 obtains the position information of the second position P2 (step S10). Then, the control unit 8 performs position control of each component according to the position information obtained in step S10, so that the lower mold 11, the upper mold 12 and the metal tube material 40 (assuming that it is arranged on the lower electrode 26) are at the second position P2 (step S20). Then, the control unit 8 controls the robot arm and the like to arrange the metal tube material 40 on the lower electrode 26, so that the metal tube material 40 is inserted between the lower mold 11 and the upper mold 12 (step S30). After inserting the metal tube material 40, the control unit 8 lowers the upper electrode 27 so that the metal tube material 40 is gripped by each electrode 26, 27.

[0073] Next, the control unit 8 obtains the position information of the first position P1 (step S40). Next, the control unit 8 controls the positions of the components based on the position information obtained in step S40 so that the lower mold 11, the upper mold 12 and the metal tube material 40 are at the first position P1 (step S50). In step 50, the control unit 8 lowers the upper mold 12 so that it is close to the metal tube material 40 (refer to Figure 4 ). Next, the control unit 8 controls the heating unit 5 to electrically heat the metal tube material 40 (step S60). In addition, the control unit 8 may start electrically heating after each component has reached the first position P1, but may also start electrically heating during the transition from the second position P2 to the first position P1. That is, the influence of the difference between the forces F1 and F2 on the metal tube material 40 is greater when the material softens in the final stage of heating than when heating starts. Therefore, the transition to the first position P1 may be completed before the metal tube material 40 softens.

[0074] Next, the control unit 8 closes the molding die 2 and causes the fluid supply unit 6 to supply fluid to the metal tube material 40, thereby performing blow molding (step S70). In step S70, the control unit 8 molds the tube portion 43 using the main cavity portion MC and causes the portion corresponding to the flange portion 44 to enter the sub-cavity portion SC (refer to FIG. Figure 6(a)). Then, the control unit 8 causes the molding die 2 to continue to close the mold to further flatten the portion that enters the sub-cavity portion SC, thereby molding the flange portion 44. Next, the control unit 8 causes the upper mold 12 to rise to separate it from the metal tube material 40, thereby opening the mold (step S80). After step S80 is completed, the process is repeated again starting from step S10.

[0075] Next, the operation and effects of the molding device 1 will be described.

[0076] The molding device 1 includes: a molding die 2, which is a metal component used for molding a metal material (i.e., a metal tube material 40); and a holding portion 4, which adjusts the position of the metal tube material 40. If the holding portion 4 arranges the metal tube material 40 near the molding die 2 during molding, there is a possibility that a magnetic force is generated with respect to the metal tube material 40 due to the relationship between the holding portion 4 and the molding die 2. In this case, the holding portion 4 adjusts the position of the metal tube material 40 according to the magnetic force generated with respect to the metal tube material 40 due to the relationship between the holding portion 4 and the molding die 2. Thus, in the molding device 1, the metal tube material 40 can be arranged at an appropriate position with respect to the molding die 2 used for molding.

[0077] The holding portion 4 adjusts the position of the metal tube material 40 so as to balance the magnetic force on the metal tube material 40. This can suppress the bending of the metal tube material due to the magnetic force.

[0078] The molding device 1 includes: a molding die 2 having a lower mold 11 and an upper mold 12; and a heating unit 5 for heating a metal tube material 40 by applying electricity to the metal tube material 40. Therefore, when the metal tube material 40 is heated by the heating unit 5, a force F1 is generated between the lower mold 11 and the metal tube material 40, and a force F2 is generated between the upper mold 12 and the metal tube material 40 due to the influence of the magnetic field generated around the metal tube material 40. For example, as a comparative example, in Figure 3 When the second position P2 shown is electrically heated, the force F1 is much larger than the force F2 because the distance between the upper die 12 and the metal tube material 40 is large. Therefore, the metal tube material 40, which is easily bent at high temperature, is pulled by the lower die 11, and the metal tube material 40 may be deformed, such as being bent.

[0079] In contrast, in the molding device 1, the control unit 8 arranges the lower mold 11, the upper mold 12, and the metal tube material 40 at the first position P1 where the force F1 generated between the lower mold 11 and the metal tube material 40 and the force F2 generated between the upper mold 12 and the metal tube material 40 are balanced, and the metal tube material 40 is heated by the heating unit 5 at the first position P1. Therefore, when the heating unit 5 is powered on for heating, it is possible to reduce the undesirable phenomenon caused by the metal tube material 40 being pulled by one of the molds.

[0080] The control unit 8 arranges the lower mold 11, the upper mold 12, and the metal tube material 40 at the second position P2, which has a positional relationship that the metal tube material 40 is arranged between the lower mold 11 and the upper mold 12 and is different from the first position P1. At this time, in a process other than electric heating, the lower mold 11, the upper mold 12, and the metal tube material 40 can be arranged at a position suitable for the process. For example, in the process of inserting the metal tube material 40 between the lower mold 11 and the upper mold 12, the upper mold 12 can be separated upward so that the metal tube material 40 can be easily arranged on the lower electrode 26.

[0081] At the second position P2, the upper mold 12 is arranged at a position farther from the metal tube material 40 than the lower mold 11, and the control unit 8 can make the upper mold 12 closer to the metal tube material 40 than the second position P2 to set it to the first position P1. Thus, the control unit 8 can arrange the lower mold 11, the upper mold 12 and the metal tube material 40 at the first position P1 simply by making the upper mold 12 close to the metal tube material 40 without controlling the electrodes 26, 27, etc.

[0082] The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments.

[0083] In the above embodiment, the metal tube material is a straight tube extending straight in the longitudinal direction, but a two-dimensionally curved tube or a three-dimensionally curved tube may also be used. In addition, the cross-sectional shape of the metal tube material is circular, but the shape is not particularly limited, and may be an elliptical shape, a flat shape, or a polygonal shape. Even in the case of having these shapes, the position where the force F1 acting on the metal tube material 40 and the force F2 are balanced is set as the first position P1.

[0084] In the above embodiment, when transferring from the second position P2 to the first position P1, only the upper mold 12 is moved. Alternatively or in addition, the operation of the electrodes 26 and 27 may be controlled to move the metal tube material 40 upward, or the lower mold 11 may be moved downward. Alternatively, the lower mold 11, the upper mold 12, and the metal tube material may be moved in combination to transfer from the second position P2 to the first position P1.

[0085] The holding portion 4 may include a rotating mechanism 110 for rotating the metal tube material 40 between the lower mold 11 and the upper mold 12. For example, the Figure 8The rotating mechanism 110 shown. The rotating mechanism 110 has rotating wheel frame parts 111 and 112 arranged on the outer peripheral side of the electrodes 26 and 27. If the electrodes 26 and 27 are closed, the rotating wheel frame parts 111 and 112 form a circular rotating wheel frame 120. The rotating wheel frame parts 111 and 112 are rotatably supported on a fixed frame 113 fixed on the mold base plate 72. The fixed frame 113 is arranged on both sides of the lower mold 11. In addition, the fixed frame 113 is provided with: a worm shaft 114 for rotating the rotating wheel frame 120; a motor 115 for rotating the worm shaft 114; a shaft 116 for connecting the motor 115 and the worm shaft 114; and a position detector 117 for detecting the rotation position of the rotating wheel frame.

[0086] The rotating mechanism 110 rotates the rotating wheel frame 120 after the metal tube material 40 is gripped by the electrodes 26 and 27, thereby rotating the metal tube material 40. In addition, the electric heating can be started after the rotation of the rotating wheel frame 120 is completed, but the electric heating can also be started during the rotation and the rotation can be completed before the material softens. In addition, the rotation speed of the rotating wheel frame 120 is about 1 to 90 degrees per second.

[0087] In this way, the rotating mechanism 110 rotates the metal tube material 40, so that the force F1 generated between the lower mold 11 and the metal tube material 40 and the force F2 generated between the upper mold 12 and the metal tube material 40 can be balanced. This rotating mechanism 110 can be effectively used when the metal tube material 40 is curved in the longitudinal direction or the cross-sectional shape is not circular.

[0088] like Fig. 9 As shown, the holding part 4 may include a robot arm 130 that moves the metal tube material 40 from the outside of the forming mold 2 to between the lower mold 11 and the upper mold 12. Furthermore, the robot arm 130 may include a heating part 5 that heats the metal tube material 40 while holding the metal tube material 40. The robot arm 130 includes an upper electrode 131 and a lower electrode 132 at the front end. The robot arm 130 can clamp and hold the metal tube material 40 with the electrodes 131 and 132, and can electrically heat the metal tube material 40 based on the power from the power supply cable 133. The robot arm 130 can arrange the metal tube material 40 at the first position P1. For example, the robot arm 130 arranges the metal tube material 40 at Figure 3 The lower mold 11 and the upper mold 12 are shown in the figure, and the electric heating is performed at this position. At this position, the distances between the lower mold 11 and the upper mold 12 relative to the metal tube material 40 are approximately the same, so this position becomes the first position that can balance the force F1 and the force F2. Thus, the robot arm 130 can place the metal tube material 40 between the lower mold 11 and the upper mold 12 and heat it at the same time.

[0089] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the fluid supply unit 6 supplies gas as the fluid, but may also supply liquid.

[0090] In the above embodiment, the molding die 2 is composed of the lower mold 11 and the upper mold 12, but it can also be provided with a mold from the side. In addition, in the above embodiment, the longitudinal direction of the molding die 2 is the horizontal direction, but it is not particularly limited, and the longitudinal direction can also be inclined relative to the horizontal direction or the longitudinal direction can also be the vertical direction.

[0091] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the holding part 4 adjusts the position of the metal tube material 40 in a manner that the magnetic force relative to the metal tube material 40 is balanced. Alternatively, the holding part 4 may adjust the position of the metal tube material 40 in a manner that the magnetic force relative to the metal material is unbalanced. At this time, the magnetic force relative to the metal tube material 40 acts in a state biased in one direction. Thus, the metal tube material 40 can be bent in a desired direction. For example, the holding part 4 arranges the lower mold 11, the upper mold 12 and the metal tube material 40 at a position where the force F1 generated between the lower mold 11 and the metal tube material 40 and the force F2 generated between the upper mold 12 and the metal tube material 40 are unbalanced, and the metal tube material 40 is heated by the heating part 5 at this position. At this time, when the position is adjusted in a manner that the force F1 is larger, the metal tube material 40 can be bent toward the upper side. When the position is adjusted in a manner that the force F2 is larger, the metal tube material 40 can be bent toward the lower side.

[0092] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned embodiment, a case where a metal pipe material is used as a metal material is exemplified, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a metal plate or the like may be used as a metal material. Furthermore, a forming mold is exemplified as a metal component that generates a magnetic force with the metal material, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as a metal component that generates a magnetic force, a pin that supports the metal material may be considered. In addition, a magnetic force generated by the relationship with a shielding component (made of iron) that prevents fragments of the pipe from flying when the flange is formed may be considered.

[0093] Can be used Fig.10 The molding device 200 shown. The molding device 200 includes a molding die 2, a magnetometer 201 for measuring the magnetic force on the lower mold 11 side, a magnetometer 202 for measuring the magnetic force on the upper mold 12 side, a control unit 8, and a display device 250. The molding die 2 can simultaneously mold a plurality of (here, two) metal tube materials 40 arranged side by side. The molding die 2 arranges the heated metal tube material 40 between the lower mold 11 and the upper mold 12 in a state separated by a processing distance in the width direction. The magnetometers 201 and 202 can measure the magnetic force around the molding die 2.

[0094] The display device 250 is a device for displaying various information related to the molding device 200. The display device 250 may be constituted by an operation panel provided in the molding device 200, or may be constituted by another PC.

[0095] Here, reference Fig.11 , an example of the display content of the display device 250 is described. Fig.11 and Fig.12 2 is a diagram showing an example of display content of the display device 250. The display device 250 displays parameters affecting the magnetic force acting on the metal tube material 40. In particular, the display device 250 suggests adjustable variable parameters among the parameters affecting the magnetic force acting on the metal tube material 40 and displays the suggestion.

[0096] Specifically, if Fig.11 and Fig.12 As shown, as parameters that affect the magnetic force acting on the metal tube material 40, "tube diameter", "plate thickness", "current value", "tube spacing", "upper mold spacing" and "lower mold spacing" can be cited. "Tube diameter" is the outer diameter of the metal tube material 40. "Plate thickness" is the thickness of the plate constituting the metal tube material 40. "Current value" is the current value of the metal tube material 40 when the metal tube material 40 is heated. "Tube spacing" is the distance between a pair of metal tube materials 40 side by side. "Upper mold spacing" is the distance between the center of the metal tube material 40 and the upper mold 12. "Lower mold spacing" is the distance between the center of the metal tube material 40 and the lower mold 11. In addition, "tube spacing", "upper mold spacing" and "lower mold spacing" can be based on any position of the metal tube material 40. Fig.11 and Fig.12 In the illustrated example, the center position of the metal tube material 40 is used as a reference, but any end of the metal tube material 40 in the width direction passing through the center of the metal tube material 40 may be used as a reference.

[0097] Here, "tube diameter" and "plate thickness" are pre-set dimensions when molding the desired molded product, and are therefore considered constant parameters. On the other hand, "current value", "tube spacing", "upper mold spacing", and "lower mold spacing" can be classified as constant parameters and variable parameters according to situations and conditions. For example, when planning the molding die 2, "current value", "tube spacing", "upper mold spacing", and "lower mold spacing" can all be used as variable parameters. For example, when the planning of the molding die 2 is completed and a trial run is performed, "current value", "upper mold spacing", and "lower mold spacing" can be used as variable parameters. However, "tube spacing" needs to be a constant parameter.

[0098] The display device 250 displays the constant parameters and the variable parameters in a manner that can be distinguished by the naked eye. Fig.11 and Fig.12In the example shown, the display device 250 shows the constant parameters with hatched frames and shows the variable parameters with dotted frames. The display device 250 may also display the parameters by distinguishing colors on the screen. The display device 250 inserts the value corresponding to each item in the frame corresponding to the item and displays it.

[0099] As described above, even if the parameter can be changed according to the situation, the display device 250 can also display the parameter as a constant according to the user's setting. Fig.11 In the example shown, the display device 250 displays "upper mold interval", "lower mold interval" and "current value" as constant parameters in addition to "pipe diameter" and "plate thickness" as constant parameters, and only displays "pipe interval" as a variable parameter. In addition, the display device 250 displays the upper limit of the current value required to prevent the metal pipe material 40 from plastic deformation as the "current value".

[0100] exist Fig.12 In (a), since the positions of the upper mold 12 and the lower mold 11 are predetermined, the "upper mold interval", "lower mold interval" and "tube interval" are displayed as constant parameters, and only the "current value" is displayed as a variable parameter. Fig.12 In (b), since the tube spacing and the current value are predetermined, the "tube spacing" and "current value" are displayed as constant parameters, and the "upper mold spacing" and "lower mold spacing" are displayed as variable parameters. The display device 250 displays the "upper mold spacing" and "lower mold spacing" required to prevent the metal tube material 40 from plastic deformation.

[0101] As described above, the display device 250 makes suggestions for the variable parameters and displays the suggestions. That is, the display device 250 inserts values ​​that can prevent the metal tube material 40 from plastic deformation when the constant parameters are set to certain values ​​in the variable parameter box. These values ​​can be controlled by the control unit 8 (refer to Fig.10 ) operation. For example, the control unit 8 extracts a preferred value as a variable parameter by checking the value set as the invariant parameter with a pre-created database. Alternatively, the control unit 8 can calculate a preferred value as a variable parameter based on the invariant parameter value through operation.

[0102] And, in Fig.11 and Fig.12 In the embodiment, the metal tube material 40 is electrically heated while being arranged between the upper mold 12 and the lower mold 11 (i.e., inside the forming mold 2). However, the metal tube material 40 may be electrically heated outside the forming mold 2. For example, the metal tube material 40 may be electrically heated using a heat exchanger such as Fig. 9The robot arm shown heats the outside of the forming die 2 and then places the heated metal pipe material 40 in the forming die 2. At this time, "upper mold interval" and "lower mold interval" are excluded from the parameters in any case when planning the die and during the trial operation.

[0103] An example of the content of the suggestion of variable parameters is described. The tube spacing is set as a variable parameter and the other parameters are set as constant parameters. Specifically, "tube diameter = 60.5mm", "plate thickness = 1.2mm", "current value = 9000A". And, the target heating temperature is set to 800°C. The Young's modulus of the metal tube material 40 at 800°C becomes 50000 (N / mm 2 ). Consider Fig.13 The model shown in FIG. 1 calculates the uniform load P at which the deflection ε of the central portion of the metal tube material 40 becomes less than 1.0 mm. Here, when the uniform load P = 2 kg (19.6 N), the deflection ε becomes less than 1 mm. That is, the control unit 8 calculates the tube spacing at which the uniform load caused by the magnetic field becomes less than 19.6 N (about 20 N) and recommends this value.

[0104] Specifically, if the pipe spacing is set to 200 mm (reference Fig.14 ), the uniform load P on a metal tube material 40 becomes 163.4 (>20N). If the tube spacing is set to 400mm (reference Fig.15 ), the uniform load P on a metal tube material 40 becomes 81.8 (> 20N). If the tube spacing is set to 800mm (reference Fig.16 ), the uniform load P on a metal tube material 40 becomes 39.1 (>20N). If the tube spacing is set to 1200mm (reference Fig.17 ), the uniformly distributed load P on one metal tube material 40 becomes 21.8 (approximately 20 N). Therefore, the display device 250 may display in a manner that the recommended tube interval is 1200 mm (or a value slightly larger than 1200 mm).

[0105] In addition, the display device 250 may also change the parameters displayed as constant parameters to variable parameters and accept the user's input. Fig.11 In the example shown, if the suggested tube interval does not meet the user's intention, the display device 250 can switch the current value from a constant parameter to a variable parameter. The display device 250 can suggest a new tube interval according to the newly set current value.

[0106] As described above, the display device 250 makes suggestions for adjustable variable parameters and displays the suggestions. Thus, the user can adjust the variable parameters according to the suggestions, so that the metal tube material 40 can be arranged at a position where the influence of magnetic force is reduced. That is, the user can refer to the suggested values ​​in the display device 250 to easily fine-tune the arrangement of each component on site. Thus, the metal tube material 40 can be arranged at an appropriate position.

[0107] The variable parameter is a parameter that affects the magnetic force acting on the metal material. Therefore, by adjusting the variable parameter, the magnetic force of the metal tube material 40 can be easily adjusted.

[0108] The variable parameter may be the current value of the metal tube material 40 when heating the metal tube material 40. By adjusting the current value, the magnetic force of the metal tube material can be adjusted.

[0109] The molding device 200 molds a plurality of metal tube materials 40 at the same time, and the variable parameter may be the distance between the metal tube materials 40. Thus, the magnetic force acting between the metal tube materials 40 can be adjusted.

[0110] You can also use Fig.18 The forming device 300 shown. The forming device 300 is provided with a magnetic force adjustment component 301 for adjusting the magnetic force acting on a plurality of (two) metal tube materials 40. The magnetic force adjustment component 301 is made of a metal plate or the like, and is arranged near the metal tube material 40 when heated. The magnetic force adjustment component is arranged to extend in the up-down direction and in the length direction on the side in the width direction of the metal tube material 40. In addition, the magnetic force adjustment component 301 can be arranged at a position corresponding to the full length of the metal tube material 40, or can be formed in a partial area in the length direction of the metal tube material 40. The magnetic force adjustment component preferably extends in the up-down direction at least to a position higher than the upper end of the metal tube material 40 and to a position lower than the lower end of the metal tube material 40.

[0111] This forming device 300 includes a magnetic force adjustment member 301 for adjusting the magnetic force acting on a plurality of metal tube materials 40. Thus, the magnetic force adjustment member 301 can adjust the magnetic force acting on the metal tube materials 40 to suppress deformation of the metal tube materials 40. As described above, the metal tube materials 40 can be arranged at appropriate positions.

[0112] refer to Fig.19 An example of the configuration of the magnetic force adjustment component 301 is described below. Fig.19 As shown in (a) , a pair of magnetic force adjustment members 301 may be disposed on the outer sides of the pair of metal pipe materials 40 in the width direction. Fig.19(a) is a configuration example when current flows in the same direction through the metal tube material 40 on the left and right. At this time, for example, when heated, a force P1 (Lorentz force) that pulls the metal tube material 40 on the right acts on the metal tube material 40 on the left. If the metal tube material 40 on the left is observed, the force P1 acts on the metal tube material 40 on the left toward the right. Here, the magnetic force adjustment component 301 is arranged at a position further to the left than the metal tube material 40 on the left. The magnetic lines of force will be concentrated on the magnetic force adjustment component 301 (the magnetic force density will increase), and through the magnetic field force, the pulling force P2 acts between the magnetic force adjustment component 301 on the left and the metal tube material 40 on the left. In this way, through the pulling force P2, the metal tube materials 40 can offset the pulling force P1. Therefore, even if a pair of metal tube materials 40 are close to each other, plastic deformation toward the inside in the width direction can be suppressed by the magnetic force adjustment component 301.

[0113] And, if Fig.19 As shown in (b) , a magnetic force adjustment member 301 may be disposed between a pair of metal pipe materials 40 . Fig.19 (b) is a configuration example when currents in opposite directions flow through the metal tube material 40 on the left and right. At this time, for example, when heated, the force P3 acts on the metal tube material 40 on the left in the direction of separation from the metal tube material 40 on the right (repulsion direction). If the metal tube material 40 on the left is observed, the force P3 acts on the metal tube material 40 on the left toward the left. Here, the magnetic force adjustment component 301 is arranged between the metal tube material 40 on the left and the metal tube material 40 on the right. The magnetic lines of force will be concentrated on the magnetic force adjustment component 301 (the magnetic force density will increase), and through the magnetic field force, the pulling force P4 acts between the central magnetic force adjustment component 301 and the metal tube material 40 on the left. In this way, through the pulling force P4, the metal tube materials 40 can offset the repulsion force P3. As a result, even if a pair of metal tube materials 40 are close to each other, plastic deformation toward the inner side in the width direction can be suppressed by the magnetic force adjustment component 301.

[0114] In addition, in the case of four metal pipe materials 40 arranged side by side, as Fig.19 As shown in (c), the magnetic force adjustment member 301 may be disposed between a pair of adjacent metal pipe materials 40. Thus, the pair of adjacent metal pipe materials 40 may be disposed close to each other.

[0115] In addition, Fig.18 2 shows the arrangement of the metal tube material 40 when it is heated inside the forming die 2, so the magnetic force adjustment component 301 is also arranged near the forming die 2. However, when the metal tube material 40 is heated outside the forming die 2, the magnetic force adjustment component 301 is also arranged outside the forming die 2.

[0116] Fig.18 The molding device 300 shown also includes a display device 250. Therefore, the display device 250 can use the distance between the magnetic force adjustment component 301 and the metal tube material 40 as a variable parameter. As a result, the magnetic force adjustment component 301 can adjust the magnetic force acting on the metal tube material 40 to suppress the deformation of the metal tube material 40. The display device 250 can use the distance between the magnetic force adjustment component 301 and the metal tube material 40 as a variable parameter in both cases when planning the mold and when testing. In addition, the display device 250 can use the distance between the magnetic force adjustment component 301 and the metal tube material 40 as a variable parameter in both cases when the inside of the molding mold 2 is heated and when the outside is heated.

[0117] In addition, when heating is performed internally, since the magnetic force adjustment component 301 is disposed near the molding die 2, it is necessary to set a structure that does not interfere with the molding die 2, the retaining frame, etc. when the mold is closed. For example, a groove portion that accommodates the magnetic force adjustment component 301 when the mold is closed can be formed. A driving mechanism that retracts the magnetic force adjustment component 301 when the mold is closed can also be provided.

[0118] A forming device involved in one embodiment of the present invention is a forming device for forming a metal material, which includes a metal component for forming a heated metal material and a position adjustment unit for adjusting the position of the metal material. The position adjustment unit adjusts the position of the metal material according to a magnetic force generated relative to the metal material due to a relationship between the metal component.

[0119] This forming device includes a metal component for forming a metal material and a position adjustment unit for adjusting the position of the metal material. If the position adjustment unit arranges the metal material near the metal material during forming, a magnetic force may be generated relative to the metal material due to the relationship between the metal component and the metal material. In this case, the position adjustment unit adjusts the position of the metal material according to the magnetic force generated relative to the metal material due to the relationship between the metal component and the metal material. Thus, in the forming device, the metal material can be arranged at an appropriate position relative to the metal component used for forming.

[0120] The position adjustment unit can adjust the position of the metal material so as to balance the magnetic force with respect to the metal material. Thus, bending of the metal material caused by the magnetic force can be suppressed.

[0121] The position adjustment unit may also adjust the position of the metal material in a manner that makes the magnetic force relative to the metal material unbalanced. In this case, the magnetic force relative to the metal material acts in a state biased in one direction. Thus, the metal material can be bent in a desired direction.

[0122] [First method]

[0123] A forming device for forming a metal tube material, the forming device comprising:

[0124] A molding die having a first die and a second die for molding the metal tube material;

[0125] a heating unit for heating the metal tube material by applying electricity to the metal tube material;

[0126] a holding portion for holding the metal tube material between the first die and the second die; and

[0127] a control unit that controls the movement of the molding die, the heating unit, and the holding unit,

[0128] The control unit arranges the first die, the second die, and the metal tube material at a first position where the force generated between the first die and the metal tube material and the force generated between the second die and the metal tube material are balanced, and heats the metal tube material by the heating unit at the first position.

[0129] [Second method]

[0130] According to the molding device described in the first embodiment, the control unit arranges the first mold, the second mold and the metal tube material at a second position, and the second position has a positional relationship in which the metal tube material is arranged between the first mold and the second mold and is different from the first position.

[0131] [Third Method]

[0132] In the molding device according to the first or second aspect, the holding portion includes a rotating mechanism that rotates the metal tube material between the first die and the second die.

[0133] [Fourth method]

[0134] According to the molding device of the second aspect, wherein, at the second position, the second die is arranged at a position farther from the metal tube material than the first die,

[0135] The control unit moves the second die closer to the metal tube material than the second position to the first position.

[0136] [Fifth method]

[0137] According to the molding device described in the first aspect, the holding portion has a robot arm that moves the metal tube material from the outside of the molding die to between the first die and the second die,

[0138] The robot arm includes the heating unit for heating the metal tube material while holding the metal tube material.

[0139] The robot arm arranges the metal pipe material at the first position.

[0140] Explanation of symbols

[0141] 1, 200, 300-molding device, 2-molding mold (metal part), 3-driving mechanism (position adjustment part), 4-holding part (position adjustment part), 5-heating part, 8-control part (position adjustment part), 11-lower mold (first mold), 12-upper mold (second mold), 40-metal tube material (metal material), 110-rotating mechanism (position adjustment part), 130-robot arm, 250-display device, 301-magnetic force adjustment part.

Claims

1. A molding device, comprising: A forming die, used for forming a metal material, and comprising a first die and a second die; A driving mechanism for moving at least one of the first mold and the second mold; A holding portion, used for holding the metal material disposed between the first die and the second die; A heating unit, used for applying electricity to and heating the metal material; A control unit, used to control the driving mechanism, the holding unit and the heating unit; as well as A display device, used to display information related to the forming device; The display device makes suggestions for adjustable variable parameters and displays the suggestions, The variable parameters are parameters that affect the magnetic force. The magnetic force is a magnetic force acting on the metal material.

2. The molding device according to claim 1, wherein: The variable parameter is a current value for passing electricity through the metal material when the metal material is heated.

3. The molding device according to claim 1, wherein: The forming device forms a plurality of the metal materials at the same time. The variable parameter is the distance between the metal materials.

4. The molding device according to claim 1, wherein: The forming device forms a plurality of the metal materials at the same time. A magnetic force adjustment component for adjusting the magnetic force acting on the metal material is arranged between the metal materials. The variable parameter is the distance between the magnetic force adjustment member and the metal material.