Forming device, forming system and metal pipe

Abstract

This molding device is a molding device for molding a metal material using a first mold and a second mold, the first mold and the second mold having a quenching method adjustment region for adjusting the quenching method of at least a partial region of the metal material, and the quenching method adjustment region having a quenching method for adjusting the quenching method of at least a partial region of the metal material. One of the first mold and the second mold is provided with a quenching mechanism for quenching only the metal material, and the other mold is provided with a non-quenching mechanism for keeping the metal material in a non-quenched state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a molding apparatus, a molding system, and a metal tube. Background Technology

[0002] Conventionally, as a forming apparatus for forming metal materials, the forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1 is known. This forming apparatus forms parts of a desired shape by applying pressure to the metal material.

[0003] Previous technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-188793

[0006] The molded article formed using the molding apparatus described above is used to construct a specified structure. For example, sometimes the molded article is joined to other components by welding. In this case, sometimes the entire molded article is hardened to ensure strength, and the parts that need to be welded are designated as unhardened parts. Thus, by reducing the strength of the unhardened parts, welding is made easier.

[0007] However, when the non-quenched section is set up as described above, the strength of the entire circumferential direction, including the welded section, decreases. This leads to concentrated deformation in that area, resulting in insufficient component strength. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The technical problem to be solved by the invention

[0009] Therefore, the purpose of this disclosure is to provide a molding apparatus, molding system, and metal tube that can improve the strength of molded articles.

[0010] means for solving technical problems

[0011] One embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a forming apparatus that uses a first mold and a second mold to form a metal material. The first mold and the second mold have a quenching mode adjustment area for adjusting the quenching mode of at least a portion of the metal material. In the quenching mode adjustment area, a quenching mechanism for quenching only the metal material is provided on one of the first molds and the second mold, and a non-quenching mechanism for keeping the metal material in a non-quenched state is provided on the other mold.

[0012] In this molding apparatus, the first mold and the second mold have a quenching method adjustment area for adjusting the quenching method of at least a portion of the metal material. This allows for adjustment of the strength of the molded product. Specifically, in the quenching method adjustment area, one of the first and second molds is provided with a quenching mechanism for quenching the metal material, and the other mold is provided with a non-quenching mechanism for keeping the metal material in a non-quenched state. The quenching mechanism increases the strength of the metal material by quenching it. The non-quenching mechanism, by not quenching the metal material, can create areas with lower local strength depending on the application. Therefore, in the molded product, strength can be reduced in areas where localized strength reduction is appropriate, such as welded parts, while higher strength is ensured in other parts through quenching. This improves the strength of the molded product.

[0013] The quenching method adjustment area can be set at a position corresponding to the end of the metal material along its length. Since welds are easily formed at the ends of the molded product, strength adjustment can be performed at this location.

[0014] The non-quenching mechanism can be composed of a heating element mounted on another mold. Therefore, in the non-quenching mechanism area, rapid cooling of the molded part can be suppressed, keeping it in a non-quenched state.

[0015] In the quenching method adjustment area, both mold 1 and mold 2 have pairs of opposing main surfaces and pairs of side surfaces. The non-quenching mechanism can keep one main surface and the pair of side surfaces in a non-quenched state. This improves the weldability between the side surfaces and the target component.

[0016] One embodiment of the molding system disclosed herein includes: the molding apparatus described above; and a removal device for removing the surface of the molded article that faces the non-quenched portion formed by the non-quenching mechanism. Therefore, when forming a weld portion in the non-quenched portion, removing the opposing surface makes it easier to insert a welding tool.

[0017] One embodiment of this disclosure relates to a metal tube having a tube portion with paired main surfaces and paired side surfaces. On one main surface of the tube portion, a hardened portion and a non-hardened portion are provided along the axial direction of the tube portion, while on the other main surface of the tube portion, only a hardened portion is provided along the axial direction. In this case, on one main surface of the metal tube, areas where localized strength reduction, such as welded portions, are suitable are designated as non-hardened portions to reduce strength, while other portions are designated as hardened portions, thereby ensuring higher strength. Furthermore, by having only hardened portions constitute the other main surface, higher strength can be ensured. Thus, the strength of the metal tube can be improved.

[0018] Invention Effects

[0019] According to this disclosure, a molding apparatus, a molding system, and a metal tube are provided that can improve the strength of molded articles. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a structural block diagram illustrating the molding system involved in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 2 This is a schematic structural diagram illustrating the molding apparatus involved in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 3 In the diagram, (a) is a schematic side view of the heating expansion unit, and (b) is a cross-sectional view showing the state of the nozzle sealing the metal tube material.

[0023] Figure 4 It is a three-dimensional representation of a molded product.

[0024] Figure 5 In the middle, (a) is along Figure 4 (a) is a sectional view cut along the Va-Va line, and (b) is a sectional view cut along the Va-Va line. Figure 4 A cross-sectional view cut by the Vb-Vb line.

[0025] Figure 6 This is an enlarged 3D view of the quenching adjustment section of the molded product.

[0026] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the quenching adjustment section of the molded product.

[0027] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram used to illustrate the molding die.

[0028] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of the molding die.

[0029] Figure 10 It is a cross-sectional view of the quenching adjustment part of the molded article formed using the molding system involved in the modified example.

[0030] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view of the molding die. Detailed Implementation

[0031] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the molding apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, in the drawings, the same or equivalent parts are labeled with the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0032] Figure 1 This is a structural block diagram of the molding system 100 according to this embodiment. The molding system 100 is a system for molding metal materials. In this embodiment, a metal tube material is used as the metal material. Thus, a metal tube as a molded product is formed.

[0033] like Figure 1 As shown, the forming system 100 includes a forming device 1 and a removal device 101. The forming device 1 is used to expand and quench heated metal material. The forming device 1 forms the metal tube using a forming method called STAF (Steel Tube Air Forming).

[0034] The removal device 101 is a device for removing unwanted parts from the molded article formed by the molding device 1. Details about the removal device 101 will be described later.

[0035] Next, refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 A detailed description of an example of the molding apparatus 1 will be provided. Figure 2 This is a schematic structural diagram of the molding apparatus 1 according to this embodiment. Figure 2 As shown, the forming apparatus 1 is an apparatus for forming a hollow metal tube by blow molding. In this embodiment, the forming apparatus 1 is disposed on a horizontal plane. The forming apparatus 1 includes a forming mold 2, a drive 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 this specification, the metal tube material 40 refers to the hollow article in the forming apparatus 1 before the forming is completed. The metal tube material 40 is a steel tube material that can be quenched. Furthermore, the direction in which the metal tube material 40 extends during forming in the horizontal direction is sometimes referred to as the "length direction," and the direction orthogonal to the length direction is referred to as the "width direction."

[0036] The forming mold 2 is a mold for forming a metal tube from the metal tube material 40, and includes a lower mold 11 and an upper mold 12 that are opposed to each other in the vertical direction. The lower mold 11 and the upper mold 12 are made of steel blocks. Recesses for accommodating the metal tube material 40 are provided on the lower mold 11 and the upper mold 12. When the lower mold 11 and the upper mold 12 are in close contact with each other (closed mold state), the recesses form a space for forming the metal tube material into the target shape. Therefore, the surface of each recess becomes the forming surface of the forming mold 2. The lower mold 11 is fixed to the base 13 via a mold base or the like. The upper mold 12 is fixed to the sliding member of the drive mechanism 3 via a mold base or the like.

[0037] The drive mechanism 3 is a mechanism that moves at least one of the lower mold 11 and the upper mold 12. Figure 2In this design, the drive mechanism 3 has a structure that moves only the upper mold 12. The drive mechanism 3 includes: a sliding member 21 that moves the upper mold 12 to bring the lower mold 11 and the upper mold 12 together; a pull-back cylinder 22 that acts as an actuator and generates a force that pulls the sliding member 21 upward; a main cylinder 23 that acts as a descent drive source and applies downward pressure to the sliding member 21; and a drive source 24 that applies a driving force to the main cylinder 23.

[0038] 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 that hold the metal tube material 40 at one end along the length of the forming mold 2, and a lower electrode 26 and an upper electrode 27 that hold the metal tube material 40 at the other end along the length of the forming mold 2. The lower electrode 26 and the upper electrode 27 on both sides along the length direction hold the metal tube material 40 by clamping it near the end from above and below. Furthermore, grooves with shapes corresponding to the outer periphery 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 drive mechanism (not shown) is provided on the lower electrode 26 and the upper electrode 27, allowing the lower electrode 26 and the upper electrode 27 to move independently in the vertical direction.

[0039] The heating unit 5 heats the metal tube material 40. The heating unit 5 is a mechanism that heats the metal tube material 40 by energizing it. The heating unit 5 is located between the lower mold 11 and the upper mold 12, and heats the metal tube material 40 while it is separated from both molds. The heating unit 5 includes lower electrodes 26 and upper electrodes 27 on both sides along its length, and a power supply 28 that allows current to flow through these electrodes 26 and 27 through the metal tube material 40. Furthermore, the heating unit can be configured in a preceding process of the molding apparatus 1 for external heating.

[0040] The fluid supply unit 6 is a mechanism for supplying 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 high-pressure fluid to the metal tube material 40, which has been heated to a high temperature by the heating unit 5, causing the metal tube material 40 to expand. The fluid supply unit 6 is provided at both ends along the length of the molding die 2. The fluid supply unit 6 includes: a nozzle 31 for supplying fluid into the metal tube material 40 through an opening at one end; a drive 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 high-pressure fluid into the metal tube material 40 via the nozzle 31. The drive mechanism 32 keeps the nozzle 31 in close contact with the end of the metal tube material 40 to ensure a seal during fluid supply and during venting, and separates the nozzle 31 from the end of the metal tube material 40 at other times. Alternatively, the fluid supply unit 6 can also supply high-pressure air or an inert gas as the fluid. Furthermore, the fluid supply unit 6 can also be configured together with the holding unit 4, which has a mechanism for moving the metal tube material 40 in the vertical direction, and the heating unit 5, forming the same device.

[0041] The components of the holding part 4, the heating part 5 and the fluid supply part 6 can be configured as a unitized heating expansion unit 150. Figure 3 (a) is a schematic side view of the heating expansion unit 150. Figure 3 (b) is a cross-sectional view showing the state of the nozzle 31 sealing the metal tube material 40.

[0042] like Figure 3As shown in (a), the heating expansion unit 150 includes the aforementioned lower electrode 26 and upper electrode 27, an electrode mounting unit 151 on which each electrode 26, 27 is mounted, the aforementioned nozzle 31 and drive mechanism 32, a lifting unit 152, and a unit base 153. The electrode mounting unit 151 includes a lifting frame 154 and electrode frames 156, 157. The electrode frames 156, 157 function as part of the drive mechanism 60 that supports each electrode 26, 27 and moves each electrode 26, 27. The drive mechanism 32 drives the nozzle 31 and moves it up and down together with the electrode mounting unit 151. The drive mechanism 32 includes a piston 61 for holding the nozzle 31 and a cylinder 62 for driving the piston. The lifting unit 152 includes: a lifting frame base 64 mounted on the upper surface of the unit base 153; and an actuator 66 for lifting, which, through the lifting frame base 64, imparts a lifting action to the lifting frame 154 of the electrode mounting unit 151. The lifting frame base 64 has guide portions 64a and 64b that guide the lifting frame 154 relative to the unit base 153. The lifting unit 152 functions as part of the drive mechanism 60 of the holding part 4. The heating expansion unit 150 has multiple unit bases 153 with different tilt angles on their upper surfaces, and by changing these unit bases, the tilt angles of the lower electrode 26, upper electrode 27, nozzle 31, electrode mounting unit 151, drive mechanism 32, and lifting unit 152 can be changed simultaneously.

[0043] Nozzle 31 is a cylindrical component that can be inserted into the end of metal tube material 40. Nozzle 31 is supported on drive mechanism 32 such that its centerline coincides with reference line SL1. The inner diameter of the supply port 31a at the end of nozzle 31 located on the side of metal tube material 40 is approximately equal to the outer diameter of metal tube material 40 after expansion molding. In this state, nozzle 31 supplies high-pressure fluid to metal tube material 40 from the internal flow path 63. In addition, gas or the like can be cited as an example of high-pressure fluid.

[0044] Return to Figure 2 The cooling section 7 is a mechanism for cooling the molding die 2. By cooling the molding die 2, the cooling section 7 can quickly cool the expanding metal tube material 40 when it comes into contact with the molding surface of the molding die 2. The cooling section 7 has 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 to circulate it.

[0045] The control unit 8 is a device that controls the entire molding apparatus 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 action of molding the metal tube material 40 using the molding die 2.

[0046] Specifically, the control unit 8 controls, for example, the timing of transport from a robotic arm or other transport device, to position the metal tube material 40 between the open lower mold 11 and upper mold 12. Alternatively, the operator can manually position the metal tube material 40 between the lower mold 11 and upper mold 12. Furthermore, the control unit 8 controls the actuator of the holding unit 4 as follows: the metal tube material 40 is supported by the lower electrodes 26 on both sides along its length, and then the upper electrode 27 is lowered to clamp the metal tube material 40. The control unit 8 also controls the heating unit 5 to energize and heat the metal tube material 40. As a result, current flows axially through the metal tube material 40, and due to the resistance of the metal tube material 40 itself, the metal tube material 40 heats up due to Joule heating.

[0047] The control unit 8 controls the drive mechanism 3 to lower the upper mold 12 and bring it closer to the lower mold 11, thereby closing the molding die 2. Meanwhile, the control unit 8 controls the fluid supply unit 6 to seal the openings at both ends of the metal tube material 40 using nozzles 31 and to supply fluid. As a result, the softened metal tube material 40 expands and contacts the molding surface of the molding die 2. Furthermore, the metal tube material 40 is shaped along the shape of the molding surface of the molding die 2. In the case of forming a flanged metal tube, after a portion of the metal tube material 40 enters the gap between the lower mold 11 and the upper mold 12, the die is further closed to flatten the entered portion and form a flange. When the metal tube material 40 contacts the molding surface, the molding die 2, cooled by the cooling unit 7, is rapidly cooled, thereby quenching the metal tube material 40.

[0048] Reference Figure 4 The molded product 41 will be described. Figure 4 The molded article 41 shown is in the state after the unwanted parts have been cut off by the removal device 101. The molded article 41 has: a molded main body 45 having a tube portion 43 and a flange portion 44; an end region 46 on one end side in the length direction and an end region 47 on the other end side.

[0049] The molded main body 45 is a portion that extends along the length direction with a substantially constant cross-sectional shape. For example... Figure 5 As shown in (a), the tube portion 43 is a rectangular, annular, hollow portion. The flange portion 44 is a plate-like portion that protrudes from both sides of the tube portion 43 in the width direction by flattening a portion of the metal tube material 40. Figure 5 As shown in (b), the end region 47 on the other end side is formed into a flat plate shape by flattening the metal tube material 40. On one side of the end region 47 in the thickness direction, the tube wall protrudes in a mountain shape, thereby forming an exhaust hole 48.

[0050] like Figure 6As shown, one end region 46 has a trapezoidal cross-sectional shape. The end region 46 has a main surface 46a corresponding to the upper side of the trapezoid, a main surface 46b corresponding to the lower side, and paired, inclined side surfaces 46c and 46d. The main surface 46a joins with other components and is welded at a weldment 70. A cutout 71 is formed on the main surface 46b at a location opposite to the weldment 70. The cutout 71 is shaped and sized to allow a welding tool to reach the weldment 70 from the main surface 46b side. The cutout 71 extends inwardly along the length direction from one end region 41a in the molded article 41.

[0051] Next, the quenching method for the molded product 41 will be explained. For example... Figure 4 As shown, the molded main body portion 45 of the molded article 41 becomes the quenched portion E1, which undergoes normal quenching. In the quenched portion E1, the entire circumference is quenched in the cross-sectional view. In the quenched portion E1, each circumferential part is hardened by quenching. The end region 47 on the other side becomes the unquenched portion E2. In the unquenched portion E2, since no quenching is performed, each circumferential part remains in a relatively soft state.

[0052] The end region 46 on one side becomes the quenching adjustment section E3 for adjusting the quenching method. In the quenching adjustment section E3, in the cross-sectional view, a portion has been quenched, while another portion has not. (Example:) Figure 7 As shown, the main surface 46a, where the welded portion 70 is formed, becomes the unquenched portion 80. The main surface 46b and the side surfaces 46c and 46d, opposite to the main surface 46a, become the quenched portions 81. The central region of the main surface 46b becomes a pre-cut portion 82, which is removed as a cut portion 71. The corners between the main surface 46a and the side surface 46c, and between the main surface 46a and the side surface 46d, form transition zones 83 from the unquenched portion 80 to the quenched portion 81. The strength of the transition zones 83 is between the strength of the unquenched portion 80 and the strength of the quenched portion 81.

[0053] refer to Figure 8 and Figure 9 The structure of the forming mold 2 used to form the molded articles 41 that have been adjusted as described above, both quenched and unquenched, will be explained. Figure 8 This is a side view of the molding die 2 as seen from the side. For example... Figure 8As shown in (a), the forming mold 2 has a quenched region 90 for forming the quenched portion E1 and a non-quenched region 91 for forming the non-quenched portion E2. In the quenched region 90, a quenching mechanism 93 is provided on both molds 11 and 12 for quenching only the metal tube material 40. The quenching mechanism 93 does not have a portion that keeps the corresponding part of the metal tube material 40 in a non-quenched state. In the non-quenched region 91, a non-quenching mechanism 94 is provided that keeps the metal tube material 40 in a non-quenched state on both molds 11 and 12.

[0054] The forming mold 2 has a quenching mode adjustment area 92 for forming the quenching adjustment section E3. That is, the lower mold 11 (first mold) and the upper mold 12 (second mold) have quenching mode adjustment areas 92 for adjusting the quenching mode of at least a portion of the metal tube material 40. Thus, the quenching mode adjustment area 92 is positioned corresponding to the end of the metal tube material 40 in the length direction. In the quenching mode adjustment area 92, a quenching mechanism 93 for quenching only the metal tube material 40 is provided on one mold 12, and a non-quenching mechanism 94 for keeping the metal tube material 40 in a non-quenched state is provided on the other mold 11.

[0055] The non-quenching mechanism 94 is composed of a heating section 95 provided on the molds 11 and 12. In the quenching mode adjustment area 92, the non-quenching mechanism 94 is composed of a heating section 95 provided on another mold 11. As the heating section 95, for example, a medium such as steam or hot water, a heater, or an electromagnetic induction device can be used. By heating the forming surface or the metal tube material 40 itself with the heating section 95, rapid cooling of the metal tube material 40 during forming can be suppressed. Thus, quenching is not performed at the part corresponding to the non-quenching mechanism 94. However, the mechanism used to constitute the non-quenching mechanism 94 is not limited to the heating section 95. For example, a mechanism that partially obstructs the cooling of the cooling section 7 can also be provided on the molds 11 and 12. The quenching mechanism 93 is constructed by not providing a heating section 95 on the molds 11 and 12, so that the cooling function of the molds 11 and 12 can be utilized.

[0056] Specifically, such as Figure 9 As shown, the heating part 95 of the non-quenching mechanism 94 is provided in the lower mold 11 at a position corresponding to the non-quenching part 80 on the main surface 46a. In the mold 11, the heating part 95 is not provided at the positions corresponding to the transition section 83 and the quenching part 81. Furthermore, the heating part 95 is not provided on the upper mold 12 either.

[0057] In addition, in the molded article 41, the surface opposite to the non-quenched part 80 formed by the non-quenching mechanism 94, namely the main surface 46b, is removed by the removal device 101.

[0058] The metal tube, as the molded article 41, has a tube portion (molded main body portion 45 and end region 46) having a pair of main surfaces and a pair of side surfaces. In the end region 46, the metal tube of the molded article 41 has a hardened portion 81 on the upper main surface 46b and a non-hardened portion 80 on the lower main surface 46a. Furthermore, in the molded main body portion 45, both the upper and lower main surfaces have hardened portions. Therefore, in the metal tube of the molded article 41, the lower main surface of the tube portion has both hardened and non-hardened portions along the axial direction (length direction) of the metal tube, while the upper main surface of the tube portion has only hardened portions along the axial direction. Additionally, the other end region 47 is not part of the tube portion.

[0059] Next, the effects of the molding system 100 and molding apparatus 1 involved in this embodiment will be explained.

[0060] refer to Figure 8 (c) The forming apparatus 200 involved in the comparative example will be described. The forming apparatus 200 forms non-quenched regions 91 at positions corresponding to both ends of the metal tube material 40. At this time, non-quenched portions 80 are formed throughout the entire circumference of the end regions 46. This results in a decrease in strength not only at the locations where the welded portions 70 are formed, but also in a decrease in strength of the side surfaces 46c, 46d, and the main surface 46b. Therefore, deformation concentrates in the end regions 46, leading to a problem where sufficient strength of the molded product cannot be obtained.

[0061] On the other hand, in the molding apparatus 1 according to this embodiment, the mold 11 and mold 12 have a quenching mode adjustment area 92 for adjusting the quenching mode of at least a portion of the metal tube material 40. This allows for adjustment of the strength of the molded product 41. Specifically, in the quenching mode adjustment area 92, a quenching mechanism 93 is provided on one mold 12 for quenching only the metal tube material 40, and a non-quenching mechanism 94 is provided on the other mold 11 to keep the metal tube material 40 in a non-quenched state (see reference). Figure 8 (a) and (b)). The quenching mechanism 93 can increase the strength by quenching the metal tube material 40. The non-quenching mechanism 94 can form areas with lower local strength according to the application by preventing the metal tube material 40 from being quenched. Therefore, in the molded article 41, the strength is reduced in areas where it is appropriate to reduce the strength locally, such as the welded part 70, while higher strength is ensured in other parts by quenching. As a result, the strength of the molded article 41 can be improved.

[0062] The quenching method adjustment area 92 can be set at a position corresponding to the end of the metal tube material 40 along its length. Since welded portions 70 and the like are easily formed at the end of the molded part 41, strength adjustment can be performed at this position.

[0063] The non-quenching mechanism 94 can be formed by a heating part 95 provided on another mold 11. As a result, rapid cooling of the molded product 41 can be suppressed in the non-quenching mechanism 94, thereby maintaining the non-quenched state.

[0064] One embodiment of the molding system 100 includes: the molding apparatus 1 described above; and a removal apparatus 101 that removes the main surface 46b of the molded article 41 that is opposite to the non-quenched portion 80 formed by the non-quenching mechanism 94. Therefore, when the weld portion 70 is formed in the non-quenched portion 80, removing the opposite main surface 46b facilitates the insertion of welding tools.

[0065] One embodiment of this invention relates to a metal tube having a tube portion with paired main surfaces and paired side surfaces. On one main surface of the tube portion, a hardened portion and a non-hardened portion are provided along the axial direction of the metal tube, while on the other main surface of the tube portion, only a hardened portion is provided along the axial direction. In this method, on one main surface of the metal tube, areas where localized strength reduction, such as welded portions, are appropriately reduced in strength are designated as non-hardened portions, thus lowering strength. By designating other portions as hardened portions, higher strength can be ensured. Furthermore, by having only hardened portions constitute the other main surface, higher strength can be ensured. Therefore, the strength of the metal tube can be improved.

[0066] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above.

[0067] For example, such as Figure 8 As shown in (b), quenching mode adjustment areas 92 can be provided in the forming mold 2 at positions corresponding to the two ends of the metal tube material. Furthermore, a non-quenching mechanism 94 can be provided on the upper mold 12, and a quenching mechanism 93 can be provided on the lower mold 11.

[0068] like Figure 11 As shown, molds 11 and 12, within the quenching mode adjustment area 92, have pairs of opposing main surfaces 46a and 46b and pairs of side surfaces 46c and 46d. The non-quenching mechanism 94 can maintain one main surface 46a and the paired side surfaces 46c and 46d in a non-quenched state. This improves the weldability of side surfaces 46c and 46d to the target component.

[0069] Specifically, such as Figure 10 As shown, the main surface 46a where the welded portion 70 is formed becomes a non-quenched portion 80 that is not quenched. Furthermore, the side surfaces 46c and 46d become non-quenched portions 181. The lower corner portions 46e and 46f become non-quenched portions 183. The main surface 46b opposite to the main surface 46a and the upper corner portions 46g and 46h become quenched portions 81 that are quenched. Figure 11This is a cross-sectional view showing the molding die 2 used to form this molded article 41. For example... Figure 11 As shown, the non-quenching mechanism 94 is not only provided at the part that contacts the lower main surface 46a, but also at the parts that contact the lower corners 46e and 46f, and at the parts that contact the sides 46c and 46d.

[0070] The shape of the molded product (the mold shape in the quenching method adjustment area 92) is not particularly limited.

[0071] The structure of molding device 1 is not particularly limited and can be modified. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The structure shown.

[0072] Symbol Explanation

[0073] 1-Forming device, 40-Metal tube material (metal material), 41-Formed product (metal tube), 92-Quenching method adjustment area, 93-Quenching mechanism, 94-Non-Quenching mechanism, 95-Heating section, 100-Forming system, 101-Removal device.

Claims

1. A forming apparatus for forming metal material using a first mold and a second mold, wherein, The first mold and the second mold have quenching method adjustment areas for adjusting the quenching method of at least a portion of the metal material. In the quenching method adjustment area, a quenching mechanism is provided on one of the first mold and the second mold for quenching only the metal material, and a non-quenching mechanism is provided on the other mold for keeping the metal material in a non-quenched state.

2. The molding apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The quenching method adjustment area is set at a position corresponding to the end of the metal material along its length.

3. The molding apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The non-quenching mechanism consists of a heating element disposed on the other mold.

4. The molding apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The first mold and the second mold, in the quenching mode adjustment area, have paired main surfaces and paired side surfaces that are opposite each other. The non-quenching mechanism keeps one of the main surfaces and the paired side surfaces in a non-quenched state.

5. A molding system comprising: The molding apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3; and The removal device removes the surface of the molded article that is opposite to the non-quenched portion formed by the non-quenching mechanism.

6. A metal tube having: It has a tube with a pair of main surfaces and a pair of side surfaces. A hardened portion and a non-hardened portion are provided along the axial direction of the tube on one of the main surfaces of the tube. On another main surface of the tube, only a hardened section is provided along the axial direction.

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