Molding system and molding method

Abstract

This molding system is provided with: a molding device comprising a fluid supplying unit that supplies a fluid to a metal pipe material that has been heated, and a molding mold that forms a molded body as a result of the expanded metal pipe material being brought into contact with a molding surface; a processing unit that processes the molded body which was removed from the molding mold; and a scale removing unit that removes scale from the molded body which was processed by the processing unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a forming system and a forming method.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a forming system, the one described in Patent Document 1 is known. This forming system is provided with a forming apparatus. The forming apparatus has a fluid supply unit that supplies a fluid to a heated metal pipe material, and a forming die that forms a formed product by bringing the expanded metal pipe material into contact with a forming surface. In this manner, the forming system can perform forming by bringing the heated metal pipe material into contact with the forming die, and can perform quenching at the same time.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Here, in the forming system described in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, since the heated metal pipe material is formed while being quenched using the forming die, scale (oxide scale) is generated on the formed product. The forming system may be provided with a scale removal unit to remove such scale from the formed product. It has been required to improve the efficiency of scale removal by this scale removal unit.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and an object thereof is to provide a forming system and a forming method capable of improving the efficiency of scale removal.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0006] The molding system according to the present invention comprises a molding apparatus having a fluid supply unit that supplies fluid to a heated metal pipe material, and a molding die that forms a molded product by bringing the expanded metal pipe material into contact with a molding surface, a processing unit that processes the molded product removed from the molding die, and a scale removal unit that removes scale from the molded product processed in the processing unit.

[0007] In a molding system, the molding apparatus supplies fluid to a heated metal pipe material, causing it to expand and form in a molding die. Consequently, scale forms on the surface of the molded product. The processing unit then processes the molded product after it has been removed from the molding die. The scale removal unit removes the scale from the molded product processed in the processing unit. Thus, the processing unit processes the molded product before the scale removal stage. In this case, the processing unit can reduce the area subject to scale removal compared to the molded product immediately after molding. Therefore, the scale removal unit can perform scale removal on a molded product with a smaller area subject to scale removal. As a result, the scale removal unit can perform scale removal in a shorter time and with a smaller device than when performing scale removal on a molded product immediately after molding. Thus, the efficiency of scale removal can be improved.

[0008] The scale removal unit may remove scale from the molded product by impacting it with particles. In this case, the scale removal unit can remove burrs, spatter, dross, etc. generated during processing, as well as flatten the surface, through particle impact.

[0009] The molding system further includes a cooling unit that actively cools the molded product after it has been removed from the molding die, and the processing unit may process the molded product that has been cooled by the cooling unit. For example, if the processing unit uses a laser to perform processing, it is necessary to lower the temperature of the molded product to room temperature. By actively cooling the molded product with the cooling unit, the time required for processing can be reduced compared to when heat is dissipated naturally.

[0010] The molding method comprises a molding step of supplying a fluid to a heated metal pipe material and bringing the expanded metal pipe material into contact with the molding surface of a molding die to form a molded product; a processing step of processing the molded product removed from the molding die; and a scale removal step of removing scale from the molded product processed in the processing step.

[0011] This molding method allows for similar actions and effects to those of the molding system described above. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the present invention, a molding system and molding method can be provided that can improve the efficiency of scale removal. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the molding system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram of the molding apparatus 1 used in the molding system according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] This is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the state of the metal pipe material and molding die during blow molding. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view showing laser processing using a laser processing machine. [Figure 5] This is a conceptual diagram showing the blasting process using a blasting device. [Figure 6] This is a process diagram showing the molding method according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the molding system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the molding system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 9] This is a schematic diagram of a molding apparatus relating to a modified example. [Figure 10] (a) and (b) are diagrams showing an example of the structure around a nozzle for gas supply. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0014] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions will be omitted.

[0015] [First Embodiment] Figure 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing the configuration of a forming system 100 according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the forming system 100 includes a forming apparatus 1, a laser processing apparatus 70 (processing unit), and a blast apparatus 50 (scale removal unit).

[0016] The forming apparatus 1 is an apparatus for forming a heated metal material with a forming die. In the present embodiment, as the forming apparatus 1, a STAF forming apparatus is adopted that performs forming and quenching by supplying a fluid to a heated metal pipe material to bring it into contact with the forming surface of the forming die. The detailed configuration of this forming apparatus 1 will be described with reference to Figure 2.

[0017] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the forming apparatus 1 used in the forming system 100 according to the present embodiment. As shown in Figure 2, the forming apparatus 1 is an apparatus for forming a hollow metal pipe by blow forming. In the present embodiment, the forming apparatus 1 is installed on a horizontal plane. The forming apparatus 1 includes a forming die 2, a drive mechanism 3, a holding unit 4, a heating unit 5, a fluid supply unit 6, a cooling unit 7, and a control unit 8. In this specification, the metal pipe material 40 (metal material) refers to a hollow article before the completion of forming in the forming apparatus 1. The metal pipe material 40 is a pipe material of a hardenable steel grade. Further, among the horizontal directions, the direction in which the metal pipe material 40 extends during forming may be referred to as the "longitudinal direction", and the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction may be referred to as the "width direction".

[0018] The forming die 2 is a die for forming the metal pipe 140 from the metal pipe material 40, and includes a lower die 11 and an upper die 12 that face each other in the vertical direction. The lower die 11 and the upper die 12 are composed of steel blocks. Each of the lower die 11 and the upper die 12 is provided with a recess in which the metal pipe material 40 is accommodated. When the lower die 11 and the upper die 12 are in close contact with each other (in a die-closed state), the respective recesses form a space of a target shape for forming the metal pipe material. Accordingly, the surface of each recess serves as the forming surface of the forming die 2. The lower die 11 is fixed to the base 13 via a die holder or the like. The upper die 12 is fixed to the slide of the drive mechanism 3 via a die holder or the like.

[0019] The drive mechanism 3 is a mechanism for moving at least one of the lower die 11 and the upper die 12. In FIG. 2, the drive mechanism 3 has a configuration for moving only the upper die 12. The drive mechanism 3 includes a slide 21 that moves the upper die 12 so that the lower die 11 and the upper die 12 are brought into contact with each other, a pullback cylinder 22 as an actuator that generates a force for pulling the slide 21 upward, a main cylinder 23 as a drive source that lowers and pressurizes the slide 21, and a drive source 24 that applies a driving force to the main cylinder 23.

[0020] The holding unit 4 is a mechanism for holding the metal pipe material 40 disposed between the lower die 11 and the upper die 12. The holding unit 4 includes a lower electrode 26 and an upper electrode 27 that hold the metal pipe material 40 on one end side in the longitudinal direction of the forming die 2, and a lower electrode 26 and an upper electrode 27 that hold the metal pipe material 40 on the other end side in the longitudinal direction of the forming die 2. The lower electrode 26 and the upper electrode 27 on both sides in the longitudinal direction hold the metal pipe material 40 by sandwiching the vicinity of the end of the metal pipe material 40 from the vertical direction. Note that grooves having a shape corresponding to the outer peripheral surface of the metal pipe material 40 are formed on the upper surface of the lower electrode 26 and the lower surface of the upper electrode 27. The lower electrode 26 and the upper electrode 27 are provided with a drive mechanism (not shown), and can each independently move in the vertical direction.

[0021] The heating unit 5 heats the metal pipe material 40. The heating unit 5 is a mechanism that heats the metal pipe material 40 by passing an electric current to the metal pipe material 40. The heating unit 5 heats the metal pipe material 40 while it is separated from the lower mold 11 and the upper mold 12, between the lower mold 11 and the upper mold 12. The heating unit 5 comprises the lower electrodes 26 and upper electrodes 27 on both sides in the longitudinal direction as described above, and a power supply 28 that supplies current to the metal pipe material 40 via these electrodes 26 and 27. The heating unit may be placed in the pre-processing stage of the molding apparatus 1 and heated externally.

[0022] The fluid supply unit 6 is a mechanism for supplying high-pressure fluid into a metal pipe 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 pipe material 40, which has become hot due to heating in the heating unit 5, thereby expanding the metal pipe material 40. The fluid supply unit 6 is provided on both ends in the longitudinal direction of the molding die 2. The fluid supply unit 6 comprises a nozzle 31 that supplies fluid into the metal pipe material 40 from an opening at the end of the metal pipe material 40, a drive mechanism 32 that moves the nozzle 31 back and forth relative to the opening of the metal pipe material 40, and a supply source 33 that supplies high-pressure fluid into the metal pipe material 40 via the nozzle 31. The drive mechanism 32 ensures a tight seal when supplying and exhausting fluid by making the nozzle 31 tightly attached to the end of the metal pipe material 40, and separates the nozzle 31 from the end of the metal pipe material 40 at other times. The fluid supply unit 6 may supply gases such as high-pressure air or inert gas as the fluid. Furthermore, the fluid supply unit 6 may be the same device as the heating unit 5, together with the holding unit 4 which has a mechanism for moving the metal pipe material 40 in the vertical direction.

[0023] The cooling unit 7 is a mechanism for cooling the molding die 2. By cooling the molding die 2, the cooling unit 7 can rapidly cool the expanded metal pipe material 40 when it comes into contact with the molding surface of the molding die 2. 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 and circulates cooling water to the flow path 36.

[0024] 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 operation of molding the metal pipe material 40 in the molding die 2.

[0025] Specifically, the control unit 8 controls the timing of transport from a transport device such as a robot arm to position the metal pipe material 40 between the open lower mold 11 and the upper mold 12. Alternatively, the control unit 8 allows an operator to manually position the metal pipe material 40 between the lower mold 11 and the upper mold 12. The control unit 8 also controls the actuators of the holding unit 4 to support the metal pipe material 40 with the lower electrodes 26 on both sides in the longitudinal direction, and then lower the upper electrodes 27 to sandwich the metal pipe material 40. The control unit 8 also controls the heating unit 5 to energize and heat the metal pipe material 40. As a result, an axial current flows through the metal pipe material 40, and the metal pipe material 40 itself generates heat through Joule heating due to its own electrical resistance.

[0026] The control unit 8 controls the drive mechanism 3 to lower the upper mold 12 and bring it close 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 pipe material 40 with the nozzle 31 and supply fluid. As a result, the metal pipe material 40, which has been softened by heating, expands and comes into contact with the molding surface of the molding die 2. The metal pipe material 40 is then molded to conform to the shape of the molding surface of the molding die 2. When forming a metal pipe with a flange, a portion of the metal pipe material 40 is inserted into the gap between the lower mold 11 and the upper mold 12, and then the mold is closed again to crush the inserted portion and form the flange. When the metal pipe material 40 comes into contact with the molding surface, it is rapidly cooled by the molding die 2, which has been cooled by the cooling unit 7, thereby quenching the metal pipe material 40.

[0027] Referring to Figure 3, the molding procedure of the molding apparatus 1 will be explained. As shown in Figure 3(a), the control unit 8 closes the molding die 2 and supplies fluid to the metal pipe material 40 with the fluid supply unit 6 to perform blow molding (primary blow). In primary blow, the control unit 8 forms the pipe portion 43 in the main cavity portion MC and causes the portion corresponding to the flange portion 44 to enter the sub-cavity portion SC. Then, as shown in Figure 3(b), the control unit 8 further closes the molding die 2, further crushing the portion that has entered the sub-cavity portion SC, thereby forming the flange portion 44. Next, the control unit 8 opens the mold by raising the upper mold 12 and separating it from the metal pipe material 40. As a result, the molded product 41 is formed.

[0028] The molded product 41 will be described with reference to Figure 4(a). The molded product 41 comprises a molded body portion 45 having a pipe portion 43 and a flange portion 44, a holding portion 46 at both ends in the longitudinal direction, and a gradual change portion 47 between the molded body portion 45 and the holding portion 46. The molded body portion 45 is the part that becomes the final product by laser processing. The pipe portion 43 is a hollow portion. The flange portion 44 is a plate-like portion that protrudes from the pipe portion 43 by crushing a part of the metal pipe material 40. The holding portion 46 is a cylindrical portion held by electrodes 26 and 27. The nozzle 31 is inserted into the holding portion 46. The gradual change portion 47 is a transition portion that changes from the shape of the holding portion 46 to the shape of the molded body portion 45.

[0029] Returning to Figure 1, the molded products 41 formed in the molding apparatus 1 are supplied to the laser processing apparatus 70. The molded products 41 may be supplied to the laser processing apparatus 70 sequentially as they are formed in the molding apparatus 1. Alternatively, a certain number of molded products 41 may be accumulated in a storage area and then supplied to the laser processing apparatus 70 all at once. When the molded products 41 are accumulated, the temperature of the molded products 41 can be lowered before laser processing due to the cooling effect of natural heat dissipation.

[0030] The laser processing device 70 is a device that processes the molded product 41 removed from the molding die 2 using a laser. The laser processing device 70 performs processing such as cutting, drilling, and notching by irradiating the molded product 41 with a laser.

[0031] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the laser processing operation by the laser processing apparatus 70. As shown in Figure 4(a), the laser processing apparatus 70 comprises a mounting section 71 and a laser head 72. The mounting section 71 is the part that mounts the molded product 41 in a position opposite the laser head 72. The mounting section 71 has a support section (not shown) that supports the molded product 41. As a result, the molded product 41 is mounted in the mounting section 51 in a position and orientation suitable for laser processing. The laser head 72 is the part that processes the molded product 41 by irradiating it with a laser.

[0032] The laser head 72 removes the deformable portion 47 and the held portion 46 from the molding body 45 by cutting near both ends of the molding body 45, as shown in Figure 4(b). The laser head 72 also forms a hole 49 at a predetermined position in the molding body 45.

[0033] Returning to Figure 1, the molded products 41 processed by the laser processing device 70 are supplied to the blasting device 50. The molded products 41 may be supplied to the blasting device 50 sequentially as they are processed by the laser processing device 70. Alternatively, a certain number of molded products 41 may be accumulated in the storage area and then supplied to the blasting device 50 all at once.

[0034] The blasting device 50 is a device that removes scale from molded products 41 processed by the laser processing device 70. Scale is an oxide film formed on the surface of the metal pipe material 40 by heating it in the molding device 1. The blasting device 50 sprays particles onto the surface of the molded product 41. The blasting device 50 removes the scale from the surface of the molded product 41 by impact caused by the collision of the particles.

[0035] Figure 5(a) is a schematic diagram showing the blasting apparatus 50 of this embodiment. The blasting apparatus 50 according to this embodiment removes scale from the outer surface of the molded product 41. On the other hand, the blasting apparatus 50 does not spray particles onto the inner surface so as not to leave particles inside the molded product 41. For example, as shown in Figure 4, the molded product 41 has a flange portion 44 formed by crushing a part of the metal pipe material 40. In the internal space of the molded product 41, particles tend to remain in such a flange portion 44. Therefore, the blasting apparatus 50 sprays particles only onto the outer surface of the molded product 41.

[0036] As shown in Figure 5(a), the blasting apparatus 50 includes an installation section 51, a nozzle 52, and a shielding wall 53. The installation section 51 is the part that installs the molded product 41 in a position facing the nozzle 52. The installation section 51 has a support section (not shown) that supports the molded product 41. As a result, the molded product 41 is installed in the installation section 51 in a position and orientation suitable for blasting. The installation section 51 suspends the molded product 41 and installs it in an orientation that extends in the vertical direction. The nozzle 52 is a component that irradiates the molded product 41 with particles 55. As particles, for example, materials such as sand, plastic, dry ice, and iron pieces are used. The nozzle 52 is arranged around the molded product 41 installed in the installation section 51. The nozzle 52 is arranged so that the nozzle opening faces the outer surface of the molded product 41. As a result, the nozzle 52 can spray particles 55 onto the outer surface of the molded product 41.

[0037] The shielding wall 53 is a wall that shields the particles 55. The shielding wall 53 is positioned to surround the installation section 51 and the nozzle 52. This prevents the particles 55 from scattering around the blasting device 50. In other words, the shielding wall 53 prevents the particles 55 from scattering to the molding device 1 and the laser processing device 70. In addition to the shielding wall 53, a wall section may be provided to partition the space between the blasting device 50 and the laser processing device 70.

[0038] Next, the molding method according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 6. Figure 6 is a process diagram showing the molding method according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 6, the molding method comprises a molding step S10, a laser processing step S20 (processing step), and a blasting step S30 (scale removal step). The molding step S10 involves supplying fluid to a heated metal pipe material 40 and bringing the expanded metal pipe material 40 into contact with the molding surface of the molding die 2 to form a molded product 41. In the molding step S10, the molded product 41 is formed using the molding apparatus 1 shown in Figure 2. The laser processing step S20 is a step of processing the molded product 41 that has been removed from the molding die 2. In the laser processing step S20, the laser processing apparatus 70 shown in Figure 4 processes the molded product 41. The blasting step S30 is a step of removing scale from the molded product 41 processed in the laser processing step S20. In the blasting process S30, the blasting apparatus 50 shown in Figure 5(a) performs blasting to remove scale from the molded product 41.

[0039] Next, the operation and effects of the molding system 100 and molding method according to this embodiment will be described.

[0040] In the molding system 100, the molding apparatus 1 supplies fluid to a heated metal pipe material 40 to expand it and then molds it in the molding die 2. Consequently, scale forms on the surface of the molded product 41. The laser processing apparatus 70 then processes the molded product 41 after it has been removed from the molding die 2. The blasting apparatus 50 removes the scale from the molded product 41 processed by the laser processing apparatus 70. In this way, the laser processing apparatus 70 processes the molded product 41 before the scale is removed. In this case, the laser processing apparatus 70 can reduce the area to which scale removal is required compared to the molded product 41 immediately after molding. Consequently, the blasting apparatus 50 can perform scale removal on the molded product 41, where the area to be scaled has been reduced. As a result, the blasting apparatus 50 can perform scale removal in a shorter time and with a smaller device than when performing scale removal on the molded product 41 immediately after molding. Thus, the efficiency of scale removal can be improved.

[0041] For example, if blasting is performed before processing with the laser processing device 70, the blasting device 50 will blast even parts that will not be part of the product, such as the variable deformation section 47 and the held section 46. As shown in Figure 5, when the molded product 41 is suspended using a hanger system, the height and width of the blasting device 50 must be set taking into account the parts that will not be part of the product at both ends of the molded body section 45. Also, when blasting the inner circumferential surface of the molded product 41, the length of the blast hose 56 will be a length that takes into account the parts that will not be part of the product. In contrast, the molding system 100 according to this embodiment performs blasting after cutting off the parts that will not be part of the product in advance, so the blasting device 50 can be made smaller and the blasting range can be reduced, thereby shortening the blasting time.

[0042] The blasting device 50 may remove scale from the molded product 41 by impacting it with particles. In this case, the blasting device 50 can remove burrs, spatter, dross, etc. generated during processing, as well as flatten the surface, through particle impact.

[0043] Furthermore, in the molded product 41, the area around the cut portion by laser processing may be tempered due to heat effects, or the surface may become rough due to laser processing. In contrast, the blasting device 50 performs blasting after laser processing, which makes it possible to flatten the surface by blasting and aim for a shot peening effect due to work hardening. Also, from the standpoint of shape retention, it is possible to suppress subtle changes in shape from the blasted shape, thereby suppressing variations in the quality of the final shape of the molded product 41. In addition, for example, the molded product 41 may be marked to indicate a reference position for laser processing. If blasting is performed before laser processing, the marking may become faint and difficult to read. In contrast, since the laser processing device 70 performs processing in the stage before blasting, the marking can be read in an easily readable state. Therefore, the processing accuracy of the laser processing device 70 is improved.

[0044] [Second Embodiment] Next, with reference to Figure 7, a molding system 200 according to the second embodiment will be described. As shown in Figure 7, the molding system 200 includes a cooling unit 90 in front of the laser processing device 70 that actively cools the molded product 41 removed from the molding die 2.

[0045] Active cooling refers to actively treating the molded product 41 to cool it with a higher cooling capacity than leaving it at room temperature. The cooling unit 90 may be a mechanism that supplies a cooling medium such as cold air, cold water, ice, and dry ice to the molded product 41. For example, if there is transport equipment to the laser processing device 70, the cooling unit 90 may blow cold air onto the molded product 41 on the conveyor. The cooling unit 90 may also blast dry ice. Alternatively, the cooling unit 90 may be a device that houses the molded product 41 in a low-temperature atmosphere, such as a refrigerator.

[0046] The molded product 41 removed from the molding die 2 is at a high temperature. If processing is performed while it is still at this high temperature, the processing accuracy will decrease due to the effect of cooling shrinkage when the temperature drops. Therefore, it is necessary to lower the temperature of the molded product 41 before processing. In response to this, the molding system 200 is further equipped with a cooling unit 90 that actively cools the molded product 41 removed from the molding die 2, and the laser processing device 70 processes the molded product 41 that has been cooled by the cooling unit 90. By the cooling unit 90 actively cooling the molded product 41, the time required for processing can be reduced compared to when heat is dissipated naturally.

[0047] [Third Embodiment] Next, with reference to Figure 8, a molding system 300 according to the third embodiment will be described. As shown in Figure 8, the molding system 300 includes a first blasting device 50 positioned in front of the laser processing device 70 and a second blasting device 80 that removes scale from the molded product 41 processed by the laser processing device 70. Here, the first blasting device 50 corresponds to the "cooling unit" in the claim, and the second blasting device 80 corresponds to the "scale removal unit" in the claim. In this case, the first blasting device 50 may spray dry ice as particles 55. The first blasting device 50 can obtain a cooling effect through the effect of airflow even if particles 55 other than dry ice are sprayed, but a higher cooling effect can be obtained by spraying dry ice.

[0048] As shown in Figure 5(b), the second blasting device 80 sprays particles 55 from the blast hose 56 onto the inner circumferential surface of the molded product 41. The blast hose 56 is inserted into the inside of the molded product 41 and ejects particles toward the inner circumferential surface from within the interior. At this time, the blast hose 56 may spray dry ice as particles 55. The dry ice, as a solid, collides with the inner circumferential surface of the molded product 41 and removes scale, but over time it turns into a gas and disappears. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the residue of particles 55 on the flange portion 44.

[0049] The first blasting device 50 and the second blasting device 80 may be composed of common equipment. For example, the blasting hose 56 shown in Figure 5(b) may be added to the blasting device 50 shown in Figure 5(a). In such a blasting device, the nozzle 52 blasts the outer surface of the molded product 41 in the first blasting step, and the blasting hose 56 blasts the inner surface of the molded product 41 in the second blasting step. As a result, the number of devices in the molding system 200 can be reduced.

[0050] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above.

[0051] In the above-described embodiment, a blasting device was exemplified as the scale removal unit. However, any device capable of removing scale may be used as the scale removal unit. For example, a device that sprays a fluid onto the molded product or removes scale by ultrasonic cleaning may be used. Such scale removal units also provide a cooling effect.

[0052] The processing unit is not limited to a laser processing device; other processing methods may be used.

[0053] The molding apparatus 1 is not limited to the configuration shown in Figure 2; for example, the molding apparatus 1 may have the configuration shown in Figure 9. In the molding apparatus 1 shown in Figure 9, a heating and expansion unit 150 as shown in Figure 9 may be used. Figure 10(a) is a schematic side view showing a heating and expansion unit 150 that unitizes the components of the holding unit 4, heating unit 5, and fluid supply unit 6. Figure 10(b) is a cross-sectional view showing the state when the nozzle 31 seals the metal pipe material 40.

[0054] As shown in Figure 10(a), the heating expansion unit 150 comprises the lower electrode 26 and upper electrode 27 described above, an electrode mounting unit 151 on which the electrodes 26 and 27 are mounted, the nozzle 31 and drive mechanism 32 described above, a lifting unit 152, and a unit base 153. The electrode mounting unit 151 comprises a lifting frame 154 and electrode frames 156 and 157. The electrode frames 156 and 157 function as part of the drive mechanism 60 that supports and moves the electrodes 26 and 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 comprises a piston 61 that holds the nozzle 31 and a cylinder 62 that drives the piston. The lifting unit 152 includes a lifting frame base 64 attached to the upper surface of the unit base 153, and a lifting actuator 66 that uses these lifting frame bases 64 to provide lifting motion 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 motion of 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 unit 4. The heating expansion unit 150 has multiple unit bases 153 with different inclination angles on their upper surfaces, and by exchanging these, it is possible to change and adjust the inclination angles of the lower electrode 26 and upper electrode 27, nozzle 31, electrode mounting unit 151, drive mechanism 32, and lifting unit 152 all at once.

[0055] The nozzle 31 is a cylindrical member into which the end of the metal pipe material 40 can be inserted. The nozzle 31 is supported by the drive mechanism 32 such that its centerline coincides with the reference line SL1. The inner diameter of the supply port 31a at the end of the nozzle 31 on the metal pipe material 40 side is approximately the same as the outer diameter of the metal pipe material 40 after expansion molding. In this state, the nozzle 31 supplies high-pressure fluid to the metal pipe material 40 from the internal flow path 63. An example of high-pressure fluid is gas. [Explanation of symbols]

[0056] 1... Molding device, 2... Molding die, 40... Metal pipe material, 41... Molded product, 50... Blasting device (scale removal section, cooling section), 70... Laser processing device (processing section), 80... Second blasting device (scale removal section), 90... Cooling section, 100, 200, 300... Molding system.

Claims

1. A molding apparatus comprising a fluid supply unit that supplies fluid to a heated metal pipe material, and a molding die that forms and hardens a flanged metal pipe by bringing the expanded metal pipe material into contact with a molding surface, wherein a portion of the metal pipe material is inserted into the gap between the upper and lower molds of the molding die, and then the mold is closed to crush the inserted portion and form the flange, A processing unit for processing the flanged metal pipe removed from the molding die, A scale removal unit that removes scale by spraying particles from the flanged metal pipe processed in the processing unit, Equipped with, The scale removal unit is a molding system that sprays particles onto the outer circumferential surface of the flanged metal pipe, but does not spray particles onto the inner circumferential surface of the flanged metal pipe.

2. The molding system according to claim 1, wherein the scale removal unit removes the scale from the flanged metal pipe by causing particles to collide with the flanged metal pipe.

3. The molding system according to claim 2, wherein the scale removal unit causes the particles to collide with the portion cut by the laser processing of the processing unit.

4. The molding system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the flanged metal pipe formed by the molding apparatus is marked to indicate a position for laser processing, and cutting is performed by laser processing by the processing unit based on the marked position.

5. The system further includes a cooling unit for actively cooling the flanged metal pipe removed from the molding die, The molding system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the processing unit processes the flanged metal pipe that has been cooled in the cooling unit.

6. A flanged metal pipe is formed and hardened by supplying a fluid to a heated metal pipe material and bringing the expanded metal pipe material into contact with the molding surface of a molding die, comprising a forming step in which a portion of the metal pipe material is inserted into the gap between the upper and lower molds of the molding die, and then the mold is closed to crush the inserted portion and form the flange, A processing step for processing the flanged metal pipe that has been removed from the molding die, The process includes a scale removal step for removing scale from the flanged metal pipe processed in the aforementioned processing step, A molding method in which, in the scale removal step, particles are sprayed onto the outer circumferential surface of the flanged metal pipe, but not onto the inner circumferential surface of the flanged metal pipe.

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