Manufacturing device for bent body, manufacturing method for bent body, and manufacturing method for magnetic core

Abstract

A manufacturing device for manufacturing a bent body from a material that is a metal strip comprises: a conveying roller part that has power for conveying and positioning the material; a cutting part that cuts the material; a bending part that bends the material to form a bent portion; a heating part that heats the material; and a control part that controls the manufacturing device. The conveying roller part, the cutting part, and the bending part are provided in this order along a conveying direction. The bending part is provided with a die, a pad, and a punch. The heating part is provided with heating parts between the conveying roller part and the bending part that heat the material at a position between the conveying roller part and the bending part.

Description

Manufacturing Apparatus for Bent Workpiece, Manufacturing Method for Bent Workpiece, and Manufacturing Method for Core

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a manufacturing apparatus for a bent workpiece, a manufacturing method for a bent workpiece, and a manufacturing method for a core.

[0002] As one of the methods for manufacturing a core, there is a method of manufacturing a bent workpiece obtained by previously bending an electromagnetic steel sheet and laminating the bent workpieces (see Patent Documents 1, 2, and 3).

[0003] By this method, unlike the method for manufacturing a normal wound core (wound iron core), press working can be omitted. Also, since the shape of the bent workpiece is stable, an annealing process is not necessary. Therefore, production of the core can be started with a low initial investment and variable costs can be suppressed.

[0004] However, it has been pointed out that deformation twins occur in the bent portion of the bent workpiece or the film is damaged in the bent portion, increasing the iron loss. Since an increase in iron loss reduces the energy efficiency of the equipment using the core, there is a need to reduce it. Patent Documents 1 and 2 suggest that by performing the bending process at a warm temperature (about 200°C), the deformation twins can be eliminated, and as a result, the iron loss can be suppressed.

[0005] International Publication No. 2018 / 131613 International Publication No. 2020 / 218607 International Publication No. 2022 / 092121

[0006] A first object of the present disclosure is to provide a manufacturing apparatus for a bent workpiece capable of performing bending at a warm temperature. A second object of the present disclosure is to provide a manufacturing method for a bent workpiece that performs bending at a warm temperature. A third object of the present disclosure is to provide a manufacturing method for a core including a plurality of bent workpieces that performs bending at a warm temperature.

[0007] The gist of the present disclosure is as follows.

[0008] (Manufacturing apparatus for bent products) A manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing a bent product from a material that is a metal strip, wherein the manufacturing apparatus comprises: a conveying roller section equipped with power for conveying and positioning the material; a cutting section for cutting the material; a bending section for bending the material to form a bent portion; a heating section for heating the material; and a control section for controlling the manufacturing apparatus, wherein the conveying roller section, the cutting section and the bending section are arranged in this order along the conveying direction, and the bending section comprises a die, a pad and a punch.

[0009] (Method for manufacturing a bent body) A method for manufacturing a bent body, wherein the bent body is manufactured using the manufacturing apparatus.

[0010] (Method for manufacturing a magnetic core) A method for manufacturing a magnetic core, wherein the magnetic core comprises a plurality of bent bodies, and at least one of the plurality of bent bodies is manufactured using the manufacturing apparatus.

[0011] This is a diagram showing an example of the first heating section. This is a diagram showing another example of the first heating section. This is a diagram showing an example of the second heating section. This is a diagram showing another example of the second heating section. This is a diagram showing another example of the second heating section. This is a diagram showing another example of the second heating section. This is a diagram showing an example of the third heating section. This is a diagram showing an example of the fourth heating section. This is a diagram showing an example of the fourth heating section. This is a diagram in which the die and some of the heat insulating members are omitted in Figure 4B. This is an enlarged perspective view of the area around the die equipped with the fourth heating section. This is a diagram showing another example of the die and die holding member. This is a diagram showing an example of the fifth heating section. This is a diagram showing an example of the sixth heating section. This is a diagram showing another example of the sixth heating section. This is a diagram showing another example of the sixth heating section. This is a diagram showing an example of the first temperature measuring section. This is a diagram showing an example of the second temperature measuring section. This is a diagram showing variations of the cavity provided in the punch. This is a diagram showing a modified example of a non-contact thermometer. This is a diagram showing another modified example of a non-contact thermometer. This is a flow chart showing the contents of the first control. This is a flow chart showing the contents of the second control. This is a diagram showing an example of using the manufacturing apparatus 100 as part of the manufacturing system S. This is a diagram showing an example of a bent body. This is a perspective view showing an example of a magnetic core manufactured using a bent body. This is a diagram conceptually showing the components of the manufacturing apparatus 100. This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the conveying roller section, cutting section, and bending section of the manufacturing apparatus 100. This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the plate holding state in the structure of Figure 14A. This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the state after bending processing has been performed in the structure of Figure 14A.

[0012] The manufacturing apparatus 100 of this embodiment (hereinafter simply referred to as "manufacturing apparatus 100") is a manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing a bent body 800 (see Figure 11) from a material 700 which is a metal strip.

[0013] Figure 10 shows an example of using the manufacturing apparatus 100 as part of the manufacturing system S.

[0014] As shown in Figure 10, the manufacturing system S comprises a decoiler D and a manufacturing apparatus 100.

[0015] The decoiler D is a device that unwinds the material 700, which is a metal strip wound in a coil. The unwound material 700 is supplied to the manufacturing device 100. The manufacturing device 100 manufactures a bent body 800 (see Figure 11) by bending and cutting the unwound material 700. The manufacturing system S is configured to support the material 700 so that it hangs down at a position between the decoiler D and the conveying section 110. This suppresses unnecessary tension on the material 700 and ensures positioning accuracy by the conveying roller section 200.

[0016] The manufacturing apparatus 100 includes a processing unit 120 that performs bending and cutting on the material 700, and a transport unit 110 that transports the material 700 to the processing unit 120 and positions the material 700. The transport unit 110 is located upstream of the processing unit 120. The processing unit 120 and the transport unit 110 are each assembled. In other words, the processing unit 120 and the transport unit 110 are each configured as modules that can be removed from the manufacturing apparatus 100. The processing unit 120 has a cutting unit 300 and a bending unit 400, which will be described later, and the transport unit 110 has a transport roller unit 200, which will be described later. The manufacturing apparatus 100 also includes a cover assembly 130 that covers the processing unit 120 and the transport unit 110.

[0017] The manufacturing apparatus 100 further includes a cabinet section 140. The cabinet 140 is provided to allow slack in the material 700 between the decoiler D and the manufacturing apparatus 100. The cabinet section 140 constitutes the base of the manufacturing apparatus 100. The conveying section 110, the processing section 120, and the cover assembly 130 are arranged on top of the cabinet section 140.

[0018] (Bent body 800) Figure 11 shows a bent body 800, which is an example of the "bent body" of the present disclosure.

[0019] The bent body 800 has a plurality of flat sections 810 and one or more corner sections 820 connecting the flat sections 810. In the example shown in the figure, the bent body 800 has four flat sections 810 and four corner sections 820. The angle between two flat sections 810 adjacent to each corner section 820 is approximately 90°. A slit 811 is formed in one of the four flat sections 810.

[0020] However, the bent bodies described herein are not limited thereto. The number of corner portions 820 in a single bent body 800 may be one, two or more, or three.

[0021] In the example shown in Figure 11, each corner section 820 has two bent sections 821 whose combined bending angles are approximately 90°. Each of the two bent sections 821 of a single corner section 820 has a bending angle of approximately 45°. In addition, each corner section 820 has a flat section 822 that connects the two bent sections 821.

[0022] However, the corner portion of this disclosure is not limited thereto. The number of bent portions 821 in the corner portion 820 may be, for example, one or three or more.

[0023] The bent body 800 is formed, for example, from a grain-oriented electrical steel sheet having a phosphorus-containing coating formed on its surface. In other words, the material 700 for manufacturing the bent body 800 is a grain-oriented electrical steel sheet having a phosphorus-containing coating formed on its surface.

[0024] However, the “material” in this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the coating formed on the surface of material 700 does not have to contain phosphorus. Also, material 700 may be a metal strip without a coating formed on its surface. Also, material 700 may be a steel sheet other than grain-oriented electrical steel sheet. Also, material 700 may be an iron-based strip other than a steel sheet, or a metal strip other than an iron-based sheet. Furthermore, the thickness of the material is not particularly limited, but for example it is in the range of 0.15 mm to 0.50 mm, or for example it is in the range of 0.18 mm to 0.23 mm.

[0025] (Magnetic core 900) Figure 12 is a perspective view showing an example of a magnetic core 900 manufactured using the bent body 800.

[0026] The magnetic core 900 is formed by stacking multiple bent bodies 800 in the direction of their thickness. Specifically, the flat portions 810 and corner portions 820 of the multiple bent bodies 800 are stacked together in the direction of their respective thicknesses. As a result, the magnetic core 900 has a substantially rectangular stacked structure made up of multiple bent bodies 800. The magnetic core 900 is used, for example, as a magnetic core for transformers, but may also be used for other applications such as reactors and noise filters.

[0027] (Components of the manufacturing apparatus 100) Figure 13 is a conceptual diagram showing the components of the manufacturing apparatus 100.

[0028] As shown in Figure 13, the manufacturing apparatus 100 includes a transport roller section 200 equipped with power to transport and position the material 700, a cutting section 300 for cutting the material 700, and a bending section 400 for bending the material 700 to form a bent section 821 (see Figure 11).

[0029] The conveying roller section 200, the cutting section 300, and the bending section 400 are provided in this order along the conveying direction RD of the material 700.

[0030] Furthermore, the manufacturing apparatus 100 is equipped with a heating section 500 for heating the material 700.

[0031] It is preferable to heat the material 700 with the heating unit 500 to control the temperature of the bending location 720 of the material 700 during bending to an appropriate range (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the target temperature range). By controlling the temperature of the bending location 720 of the material 700 during bending to an appropriate range, the quality of the bent body 800 can be ensured. Specifically, for example, the number of deformation twins in the bent portion 821 of the bent body 800 can be reduced. Also, for example, damage (peeling, cracking) to the coating of the plate material constituting the bent body 800 can be suppressed. The appropriate range mentioned above is, for example, 150°C to 500°C, and as an example, around 200°C.

[0032] The temperature of the planned bending point 720 during the bending process of the material 700 can be controlled by controlling the output of the heating unit 500, the operation of the bending unit 400 (for example, the timing of punch pressing), and the operation of the conveying roller unit 200.

[0033] The heating section 500 preferably comprises at least one heating section from among the first heating section 510, second heating section 520, third heating section 530, fourth heating section 540, fifth heating section 550, and sixth heating section 560, each having different characteristics.

[0034] In other words, the heating unit 500 may consist of only one of the first heating unit 510, the second heating unit 520, the third heating unit 530, the fourth heating unit 540, the fifth heating unit 550, and the sixth heating unit 560. In this case, the configuration of the heating unit 500 can be simplified.

[0035] Furthermore, the heating unit 500 may be equipped with multiple heating units, including the first heating unit 510, the second heating unit 520, the third heating unit 530, the fourth heating unit 540, the fifth heating unit 550, and the sixth heating unit 560. In this case, the heating of the material 700 can be shared among the heating units, reducing the load on each heating unit. Incidentally, as a method for heating the material 700, one might consider heating it in the first heating unit 510, etc., assuming that the material 700 will cool during transport. However, if the temperature of the material 700 is raised too high, there is a risk that the coating on the material 700 may be damaged, if the material 700 has a coating. Also, there is a risk that the material 700 may oxidize. Therefore, by sharing the heating as described above, it is possible to prevent the temperature of the material 700 from becoming too high.

[0036] The general characteristics of each heating section are as follows: • The first heating section 510 is a heating section that heats the material 700 at a position upstream of the conveying roller section 200. • The second heating section 520 is a heating section that heats the material 700 at a position between the conveying roller section 200 and the cutting section 300. • The third heating section 530 is a heating section that heats the material 700 at a position between the cutting section 300 and the bending section 400. • The fourth heating section 540, the fifth heating section 550, and the sixth heating section 560 are all heating sections (bending section position heating sections) that heat the material 700 at the position of the bending section 400.

[0037] Furthermore, "heating the material 700 at a position upstream of the conveying roller section 200" means, in other words, that the portion of the material 700 located upstream of the conveying roller section 200 is heated. Also, "heating the material 700 at a position between the conveying roller section 200 and the cutting section 300" means, in other words, that the portion of the material 700 located downstream of the conveying roller section 200 and upstream of the position where the cutting is actually performed in the cutting section 300 is heated. Also, "heating the material 700 at a position between the cutting section 300 and the bending section 400" means, in other words, that the portion of the material 700 located downstream of the position where the cutting is actually performed in the cutting section 300 and upstream of the die 410 of the bending section 400 is heated.

[0038] The German configuration of each heating element will be described later.

[0039] (Temperature measuring unit 600) The manufacturing apparatus 100 may also be equipped with a temperature measuring unit 600 for measuring the temperature of the material 700, as shown in Figures 7A and 8A.

[0040] Although the specific configuration of the "temperature measurement unit" of the present disclosure is not particularly limited, the temperature measurement unit 600 preferably includes at least one of the first temperature measurement unit 610 and the second temperature measurement unit 620, each having different characteristics. The characteristics of each temperature measurement unit 610, 620 will be described later. Note that the temperature measurement unit 600 may include the first temperature measurement unit 610 and / or the second temperature measurement unit 620, and may also include other temperature measurement units (for example, temperature measurement units at other positions) having different characteristics from these. Alternatively, the temperature measurement unit 600 may not include the first temperature measurement unit 610 and the second temperature measurement unit 620, but may include other temperature measurement units having different characteristics from these.

[0041] (Control Unit 170) As shown in FIG. 13, the manufacturing apparatus 100 further includes a control unit 170 that controls the manufacturing apparatus 100.

[0042] The control unit 170 is configured to be able to control each part of the manufacturing apparatus 100 (such as the conveying roller unit 200, the cutting unit 300, the bending unit 400, and the heating unit 500).

[0043] The control unit 170 includes a processor 171, a memory 172, and a storage 173. The processor 171 reads a program from the storage 173, expands it in the memory 172, and executes it to control each part of the manufacturing apparatus 100. Specifically, the control unit 170 (processor 171) functions as a conveyance control unit 170A that controls the conveyance roller unit 200, a cutting control unit 170B that controls the cutting unit 300, a bending control unit 170C that controls the bending unit 400, and a heating control unit 170D that controls the heating unit 500.

[0044] The manufacturing apparatus 100 is configured to be able to receive input from a user of various parameters (such as the lengths of the flat portions 810, 822 and the angle of the bent portion 821) of the bent workpiece 800 to be manufactured. Therefore, the control unit 170 controls each part of the manufacturing apparatus 100 based on the program and the input from the user. Thereby, a bent workpiece 800 having a shape desired by the user is manufactured.

[0045] When the manufacturing apparatus 100 includes the temperature measuring unit 600, it is preferable that the control unit 170 controls each part of the manufacturing apparatus 100 (such as the heating unit 500, the bending unit 400, etc.) using the measurement result obtained by the temperature measuring unit 600. For example, when bending the material 700, it is preferable to control the temperature of the planned bending location 720 (specifically, control of the heating unit 500, the bending unit 400, etc.) using the measurement result obtained by the temperature measuring unit 600.

[0046] For example, the control unit 170 monitors the measurement value obtained by the temperature measuring unit 600, calculates the error between the predetermined target value and the measurement value, and adjusts the output of the heating unit 500, etc. based on the error (feedback control).

[0047] Specific examples of the control content by the control unit 170 will be described later.

[0048] (An example of the conveying roller unit 200, the cutting unit 300, and the bending unit 400) FIG. 14A is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the conveying roller unit 200, the cutting unit 300, and the bending unit 400 of the manufacturing apparatus 100.

[0049] (Conveying roller unit 200) The conveying roller unit 200 includes an upper roller 210 and a lower roller 220. The upper roller 210 is disposed above the conveying line of the material 700. The lower roller 220 is disposed below the conveying line of the material 700. The upper roller 210 and the lower roller 220 are rotatable cylindrical rollers. The upper roller 210 and the lower roller 220 come into contact with the material 700 when conveying the material 700 from upstream to downstream. Specifically, the upper roller 210 and the lower roller 220 are provided at the same position in the conveying direction so as to sandwich the material 700.

[0050] The conveying roller unit 200 includes a roller having a driving force. The roller having a driving force means a roller that rotates by receiving a driving force from a driving source (such as a motor). Specifically, at least one of the upper roller 210 and the lower roller 220 is a roller having a driving force. Thereby, the conveying roller unit 200 has a function of conveying the material 700 and positioning it in the conveying direction RD.

[0051] (Cutting section 300) The cutting section 300 comprises a lower blade 310 and an upper blade 320. The cutting section 300 cuts the material 700 by shearing with the lower blade 310 and the upper blade 320.

[0052] The upper blade 320 is positioned upstream of the lower blade 310. The lower blade 310 is held by the lower blade holding member 350. The upper blade 320 is held by the upper blade holding member 340, which is configured to be movable in the vertical direction. As the upper blade holding member 340 descends, the upper blade 320 descends, and the material 700 is cut (sheared) by the lower blade 310 and the upper blade 320.

[0053] The cutting section 300 also includes a lifter plate 330. The lifter plate 330 is configured to be elastically displaceable downward. When the upper blade holding member 340 and the upper blade 320 descend, the upper blade 320 pushes the material 700 downward, and the lifter plate 330 is pushed downward accordingly. When the cutting of the material 700 is complete, the upper blade holding member 340 and the upper blade 320 rise, and the lifter plate 330 lifts the material 700 upward.

[0054] (Bending section 400) The bending section 400 comprises a die 410, a pad 420, and a punch 430. The material 700 is bent by sandwiching it between the die 410 and the pad 420 and lowering the punch 430. This forms the bent section 821 of the bent body 800. The punch 430 is provided downstream of the die 410 and the pad 420.

[0055] The die 410 is held by the lower blade holding member 350. In other words, the member that holds the die 410 and the member that holds the lower blade 310 are the same member. Hereafter, the lower blade holding member 350 may be referred to as the die holding member 350.

[0056] The pad 420 is held by the pad holding member 440. The punch 430 is held by the punch holding member 450.

[0057] The descent of the pad 420 and the descent of the punch 430 are achieved by the same drive source. Specifically, the pad holding member 440 is supported by the support member 460 via an elastic member 441 that can be compressed in the vertical direction. On the other hand, the punch holding member 450 is supported by the support member 460 without an elastic member or the like. When the support member 460 is lowered by the drive source, first the material 700 is pressed down by the pad 420 as shown in Figure 14B, and then the material 700 is bent by the punch 430 as shown in Figure 14C. At this time, since the elastic member 441 is provided, the material 700 can be pressed down with appropriate pressure.

[0058] The above description is merely an example of the conveying roller section 200, cutting section 300, and bending section 400, and the specific configuration of the conveying roller section, cutting section, and bending section of this disclosure is not limited to the content described above.

[0059] For example, the conveying roller section 200 does not need to include either the upper roller 210 or the lower roller 220. For example, the member that holds the die 410 and the member that holds the lower blade 310 may be different members. For example, the descent of the pad 420 and the descent of the punch 430 may be achieved by different drive sources.

[0060] <First heating section 510> Next, the first heating section 510 will be described.

[0061] As shown in Figure 13, the first heating section 510 is a heating section that heats the material 700 at a position upstream of the conveying roller section 200. The first heating section 510 can also be called the pre-conveying roller heating section 510.

[0062] By the way, downstream of the conveyor roller section 200, there are cutting sections 300 and bending sections 400, which impose many space constraints. In contrast, upstream of the conveyor roller section 200, there are fewer space constraints. Therefore, it is preferable that the heating section 500 includes a first heating section 510. The first heating section 510 can be implemented without changing the design of the cutting section 300, bending section 400, etc. Furthermore, if the heating section 500 includes other heating sections (for example, bending section position heating sections 540, 550, 560 such as a fourth heating section 540), the heating section 500 can share the heating of the material 700 by including the first heating section 510, thereby improving productivity.

[0063] (Specific example of the first heating section 510) Figure 1A shows an example of the first heating section 510 (first heating section 510A).

[0064] As shown in Figure 1A, the first heating section 510A has a first heating furnace 511.

[0065] The first heating furnace 511 heats the material 700 at a position upstream of the cover assembly 130. This allows for heating the material 700 with ample space.

[0066] The heating method of the first heating furnace 511 is, for example, radiant heating. With radiant heating, it is easy to maintain a constant temperature, making it easy to control the temperature of the material 700 to the target temperature.

[0067] The first heating furnace 511 is positioned between the decoiler D and the conveying section 110 to heat the material 700 which is supported to hang down. Therefore, since the portion of the material 700 that is supported to hang down can be heated, heating can be performed more efficiently compared to heating while avoiding that portion.

[0068] The first heating furnace 511 is configured not to heat the coil portion 710 of the material 700. Therefore, the first heating section 510A is configured not to heat the coil portion 710 of the material 700. This prevents thermal effects on the decoiler D. However, although not shown in the figures, the first heating furnace 511 may be configured to heat the portion of the material 700 that includes the coil portion 710.

[0069] As shown in Figure 1A, the first heating furnace 511 may be configured to heat the material 700 up to the portion immediately in front of the conveying section 110. This suppresses the temperature drop of the material 700 compared to the case where the distance between the first heating furnace 511 and the conveying section 110 is large. Specifically, the first heating furnace 511 is configured to heat the material 700 up to a position continuous with the cover assembly 130 in the conveying direction of the material 700. This substantially eliminates the section between the first heating furnace 511 and the inside of the cover assembly 130 where the material 700 is directly exposed to the atmosphere, thereby suppressing the temperature drop of the material 700.

[0070] (Specific Example 2 of the First Heating Unit 510) Figure 1B shows another example of the first heating unit 510 (first heating unit 510B). Components similar to those already described are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0071] As shown in Figure 1B, the first heating section 510B has a first heating roller 512 that heats the material 700 by contacting it. The first heating roller 512 is provided upstream of the conveying roller section 200. The first heating roller 512 is, for example, a roller that does not have a driving force. The portion of the first heating roller 512 that contacts the material 700 may be made of a metal material such as copper. In this specification, the "heating roller" may be a roller with a heater built inside, or a roller whose surface temperature rises when heated from the outside.

[0072] The first heating roller 512 is provided in the conveying section 110. In other words, the first heating roller 512 is assembled together with the conveying roller section 200 and the like as a component of the conveying section 110. Therefore, the first heating roller 512 is provided inside the cover assembly 130.

[0073] The first heating roller 512 is configured to contact the lower surface of the material 700. The first heating roller 512 is the component of the conveying unit 110 that first contacts the material 700.

[0074] (Modified configuration of the first heating section 510B) The configuration of the first heating section 510B may be modified as follows.

[0075] The first heating roller 512 may be configured to contact the upper surface of the material 700. The first heating roller 512 may include a heating roller that contacts the upper surface of the material 700 (first upper heating roller) and a heating roller that contacts the lower surface of the material 700 (first lower heating roller). The first heating roller 512 may be configured to be movable between a position that contacts the material 700 and a position that does not contact the material 700. In this case, the movement of the first heating roller 512 may be controlled by the control unit 170. The first heating roller 512 does not have to be a component of the conveying unit 110. For example, the first heating roller 512 may be provided upstream of the conveying unit 110 (outside the cover assembly 130). In Figure 1B, the first heating unit 510B does not have to include the first heating furnace 511.

[0076] <Second heating section 520> Next, the second heating section 520 will be described.

[0077] As shown in Figure 13, the second heating section 520 is a heating section that heats the material 700 at a position between the conveying roller section 200 and the cutting section 300. The second heating section 520 can also be called the heating section 520 between the conveying roller and the cutting section.

[0078] By the way, if the transport roller section 200 becomes hot, various problems may occur. Possible problems include, for example, failure of the transport roller section 200 and deterioration of the positioning accuracy of the material 700 due to thermal expansion of the transport roller section 200. Therefore, it is preferable that the heating section 500 has a second heating section 520. This suppresses the temperature rise of the transport roller section 200, and as a result, problems caused by the high temperature of the transport roller section 200 can be prevented. This is because, by having a second heating section 520 in the heating section 500, the first heating section 510 can be omitted or the heating temperature in the first heating section 510 can be set lower, thereby lowering the temperature of the material 700 that reaches the transport roller section 200.

[0079] (Specific example of the second heating section 520) Figure 2A shows an example of the second heating section 520 (second heating section 520A).

[0080] As shown in Figure 2A, the second heating section 520A includes a second upper heating roller (upper heating roller) 521 that contacts the upper surface of the material 700, and a second lower heating roller (lower heating roller) 522 that contacts the lower surface of the material 700. The material 700 is heated when the second upper heating roller 521 and the second lower heating roller 522 are heated and come into contact with the material 700. Each of the second upper heating roller 521 and the second lower heating roller 522 corresponds to the "second heating roller" (heating roller) in this disclosure.

[0081] The second lower heating roller 522 and the second upper heating roller 521 are configured to sandwich the material 700 in the direction of its plate thickness. In other words, the second lower heating roller 522 and the second upper heating roller 521 are located at the same position in the conveying direction.

[0082] The portions of the second lower heating roller 522 and the second upper heating roller 521 that come into contact with the material 700 may be made of a metallic material such as copper.

[0083] However, the second lower heating roller 522 and the second upper heating roller 521 may be provided as components of the conveying section 110. In other words, the second lower heating roller 522 and the second upper heating roller 521 may be assembled as part of the conveying section 110.

[0084] (Specific example of the second heating section 520) Figure 2B shows another example of the second heating section 520 (second heating section 520B).

[0085] As shown in Figure 2B, the second lower heating roller 522 and the second upper heating roller 521 may be positioned at different locations in the conveying direction so as not to pinch the material 700.

[0086] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2B, the second upper heating roller 521 may be provided in a position that faces the lifter plate 330 in the vertical direction.

[0087] (Modifications of the second heating sections 520A and 520B) The configuration of the second heating sections 520A and 520B may be changed as follows: The second heating section 520 may be equipped with a second lower heating roller 522 and not equipped with a second upper heating roller 521. The second heating section 520 may be equipped with a second upper heating roller 521 and not equipped with a second lower heating roller 522.

[0088] (Specific example 3 of the second heating section 520) Figure 2C shows another example of the second heating section 520 (second heating section 520C).

[0089] As shown in Figure 2C, the second heating unit 520C has a second induction heating unit (induction heating unit) 523 that heats the material 700 using induction heating. The second induction heating unit 523 generates an induced current in the material 700 to heat the material 700.

[0090] The second induction heating section 523 includes an upper induction coil (induction coil) 523 provided above the material 700. As shown in Figure 2C, the upper induction coil 523 may be provided in a position opposite the lifter plate 330 in the vertical direction. This allows for effective use of the space above the lifter plate 330.

[0091] (Modification of the second heating section 520C) The second heating section 520C may be modified as follows. The second heating section 520C may include a lower induction coil provided below the material 700. The lower induction coil may be built into the lifter plate 330.

[0092] (Specific example of the second heating section 520 4) Figure 2D shows another example of the second heating section 520 (second heating section 520D).

[0093] As shown in Figure 2D, the second heating section 520D has a lifter plate heating section 524 that heats the material 700 by heating the lifter plate 330.

[0094] The lifter plate heating section 524 is, for example, a heat source built into the lifter plate 330 for heating the lifter plate 330. The heat source is, for example, a thermoelectric wire.

[0095] <Third heating section 530> Next, the third heating section 530 will be described.

[0096] As shown in Figure 13, the third heating section 530 is a heating section that heats the material 700 at a position between the cutting section 300 and the bending section 400. The third heating section 530 can also be called the heating section 530 between the cutting section and the bending section.

[0097] However, if the cutting section 300 becomes too hot, various problems may occur. These problems include, for example, adverse effects on the quality of the cut surface of the plate (such as burr formation and deterioration of iron loss due to damage to the coating of the electrical steel sheet), and failure of the cutting section 300 (such as damage due to insufficient clearance in the shear section). Therefore, it is preferable that the heating section 500 be equipped with a third heating section 530. This suppresses the temperature rise of the cutting section 300, and as a result, problems caused by the high temperature of the cutting section 300 can be prevented. This is because the temperature of the material 700 reaching the cutting section 300 can be lowered by omitting the first heating section 510 and the second heating section 520, or by setting the heating temperature in the first heating section 510 and the second heating section 520 to a lower level.

[0098] (Specific example of the third heating section 1) Figure 3A shows an example of the third heating section 530 (third heating section 530A).

[0099] As shown in Figure 3A, the third heating unit 530A has third induction heating units (induction heating units) 531 and 532 that heat the material 700 using induction heating. The third induction heating units 531 and 532 generate an induced current in the material 700 to heat the material 700.

[0100] The third induction heating section 531, 532 comprises an upper induction coil 531 provided above the material 700 and a lower induction coil 532 provided below the material 700.

[0101] Both the upper guide coil 531 and the lower guide coil 532 are provided downstream of the cutting position of the cutting section 300.

[0102] As shown in Figure 3A, the lower guide coil 532 may be built into the lower blade holding member 350. As a result, the lower guide coil 532 is located downstream of the lower blade 310 of the cutting section 300. Therefore, the thermal influence on the lower blade 310 is suppressed.

[0103] The upper guide coil 531 is positioned between the upper blade 320 and the pad holding member 440 in the conveying direction. Therefore, the space between the upper blade 320 and the pad holding member 440 can be effectively utilized.

[0104] The lower induction coil 532 and the upper induction coil 531 are positioned at different locations in the transport direction. This allows for the generation of induced current over a wide area of ​​the material 700.

[0105] (Modified configuration of the third heating section 530A) The configuration of the third heating section 530A may be modified as follows.

[0106] The third heating section 530A may be equipped with an upper guide coil 531 but not a lower guide coil 532. In this case, the structure of the lower blade holding member 350 can be simplified. The third heating section 530A may be equipped with a lower guide coil 532 but not an upper guide coil 531. In this case, a member for holding the upper guide coil 531 and the like becomes unnecessary, and the structure of the manufacturing apparatus 100 can be simplified. The lower guide coil 532 may be built into the lower blade 310. In this case, the lower guide coil 532 can be replaced by replacing the lower blade 310. The lower guide coil 532 and the upper guide coil 531 may be provided at the same position in the conveying direction. In this disclosure, when two members are described as being at the "same position in the conveying direction," it means that the distance between the center positions of the two members in the conveying direction is 20 mm or less.

[0107] Furthermore, the third heating unit 530 is not limited to one that heats the material 700 using induction heating. The third heating unit 530 may heat the material 700 using a laser, or using contact heating (e.g., a heating roller), or using radiant heating (e.g., an infrared heater), or using convection heating (e.g., a hot air heater).

[0108] <Fourth heating section 540> Next, the fourth heating section 540 will be described.

[0109] Figure 4A shows an example of the fourth heating section 540.

[0110] As shown in Figure 4A, the fourth heating section 540 is a heating section having at least one of a die heating section 541 that heats the material 700 by heating the die 410, and a pad heating section 546 that heats the material 700 by heating the pad 420. The fourth heating section 540 can also be called the die-pad heating section 540.

[0111] By the way, in order to ensure the quality of the bent portion 821 of the bent body 800, it is important to appropriately control the temperature of the material 700 at the planned bending location 720 during bending. Therefore, it is preferable that the heating section 500 be equipped with a fourth heating section 540. This makes it easier to control the temperature of the material 700 at the planned bending location 720 during bending. This is because both the die 410 and the pad 420 are components that come into strong contact with the material 700, and the contact points are close to the planned bending location 720. Furthermore, it is possible to suppress the overheating of the transport roller section 200 and the cutting section 300, and prevent problems caused by overheating of the transport roller section 200 and the cutting section 300. This is because the temperature of the material 700 reaching the transport roller section 200 and the cutting section 300 can be lowered by omitting part or all of the first heating section 510 and the second heating section 520, or by setting the heating temperature in the first heating section 510 and the second heating section 520 to a lower level.

[0112] Furthermore, the portion of the material 700 that is heated by the fourth heating section 540 can be held between the die 410 and the pad 420 (plate-holding state), thereby suppressing deformation of the material 700 due to thermal expansion.

[0113] (Specific example of the fourth heating section 1) Figure 4B shows a fourth heating section 540A, which is an example of the fourth heating section 540.

[0114] The fourth heating section 540A has a die heating section 541 (see Figure 4A) that heats the material 700 by heating the die 410. The heat source for heating the die 410 is, for example, a heating wire or a high-temperature fluid such as a heat transfer oil.

[0115] The die 410 has a heat source hole 411 through which a heat source is placed or flowed. The heat source hole 411 extends in the width direction (X direction, which coincides with the width direction of the material 700). The heat source hole 411 penetrates the die 410 in the width direction.

[0116] As shown in Figure 4C, the die holding member 350 has a die placement recess 355 in which the die 410 is placed. The die placement recess 355 is a recess that is open to the downstream and upward side in the conveying direction.

[0117] The die 410 is made of a material with higher thermal conductivity than the die holding member 350 (lower blade holding member 350). For example, the die 410 is made of copper, and the die holding member 350 is made of stainless steel.

[0118] The manufacturing apparatus 100 is equipped with an insulating structure that suppresses the transfer of heat from the die 410 to the surrounding components. Specifically, it is as follows:

[0119] As shown in Figure 4C, a plurality of heat insulating members 542, 543A, and 543B are placed between the die 410 and the die holding member 350. The plurality of heat insulating members 542, 543A, and 543B are placed between the die 410 and the die holding member 350 to prevent direct contact between the die 410 and the die holding member 350. The plurality of heat insulating members 542, 543A, and 543B are made of a material having low thermal conductivity. An example of a material having low thermal conductivity is zirconia. Here, "a material having low thermal conductivity" refers to a material with a thermal conductivity of 10 (W / m·K) or less.

[0120] The multiple heat insulating members 542, 543A, and 543B include multiple first heat insulating members 542. The multiple first heat insulating members 542 are positioned below the die 410. By being positioned below the die 410, the multiple first heat insulating members 542 are sandwiched between the die holding member 350 and the die 410 in the vertical direction. This creates a vertical gap (see Figure 4D, first gap D1) between the die 410 and the die holding member 350. The size (vertical dimension) of the first gap D1 is, for example, 0.5 to 1.5 mm.

[0121] The multiple heat insulating members 542, 543A, and 543B include multiple second heat insulating members 543A and 543B. The multiple second heat insulating members 543A and 543B are positioned upstream of the die 410 in the conveying direction. By being positioned upstream of the die 410 in the conveying direction, the multiple second heat insulating members 543A and 543B are sandwiched between the die holding member 350 and the die 410 in the conveying direction. This creates a gap in the conveying direction between the die 410 and the die holding member 350 (see Figure 4D, second gap D2). The size of the second gap D2 (dimension in the conveying direction) is, for example, 0.5 to 1.5 mm.

[0122] As shown in Figure 4C, the die holding member 350 has a plurality of die fastening holes 352 for fastening the die 410. As shown in Figure 4B, the die 410 has a plurality of fastening holes 412. The die 410 is fastened to the die holding member 350 by screwing the fastening member T1 (see Figure 4B) into the die fastening holes 352 of the die holding member 350 and the fastening holes 412 of the die 410. The plurality of die fastening holes 352 are arranged in the width direction.

[0123] As shown in Figure 4C, the plurality of second heat insulating members 543A, 543B include a plurality of fastening point heat insulating members 543A provided corresponding to the die fastening holes 352, and a plurality of other additional heat insulating members 543B.

[0124] The fastening point insulation member 543A has an annular shape that surrounds the die fastening hole 352.

[0125] The additional heat insulating member 543B has a vertically elongated shape. This stabilizes the orientation of the die 410 relative to the die holding member 350. Specifically, it prevents the die 410 from tilting so as to rotate around the X-axis relative to the die holding member 350.

[0126] The additional insulation members 543B are provided in the width direction between two adjacent fastening point insulation members 543A. In other words, the additional insulation members 543B are provided in a different position from the fastening point insulation members 543A in the width direction (X direction). Furthermore, the vertical center position of the additional insulation member 543B is located above the die fastening hole 352. In addition, the same number of additional insulation members 543B are provided as the number of first insulation members 542. Moreover, the additional insulation members 543B are provided in the width direction at the same position as the first insulation members 542.

[0127] As shown in Figure 4C, the die holding member 350 has recesses formed in it for arranging each of the heat insulating members 542, 543A, and 543B. In Figure 4C, some of the heat insulating members 542, 543A, and 543B are omitted from the illustration so that only a portion of the multiple recesses are visible.

[0128] The heat insulating members 542, 543A, and 543B may or may not be joined to the die holding member 350.

[0129] As shown in Figure 4D, the die holding member 350 has cooling holes 351 for flowing a cooling medium inside the die holding member 350. The cooling medium flowing through the cooling holes 351 is not particularly limited. The cooling holes 351 extend in the width direction (X direction). The cooling holes 351 penetrate the die holding member 350 in the width direction. Multiple cooling holes 351 are provided. The cooling holes 351 are provided on both the upper and lower sides of the die fastening hole 352.

[0130] As shown in Figure 4D, the gap between the upper surface 413 of the die 410 and the upper surface 353 of the die holding member 350 in the transport direction (Y direction) is smaller than the average value of the second gap D2. This prevents the front end (plate end) of the material 700 from getting caught in the gap between the die 410 and the die holding member 350.

[0131] Specifically, the die 410 is provided with a die-side projection 415 that protrudes upstream in the conveying direction. The formation of the die-side projection 415 extends the upper surface 413 of the die 410 upstream in the conveying direction. As a result, the gap between the upper surface 353 of the die holding member 350 and the upper surface 413 of the die 410 is reduced or eliminated. In other words, the die-side projection 415 functions to locally reduce the second gap D2 at the position between the upper surface 353 of the die holding member 350 and the upper surface 413 of the die 410. This ensures a gap between the die 410 and the die holding member 350, providing a heat insulating function, while preventing the material 700 from getting stuck.

[0132] The die-side projection 415 extends in the width direction. Specifically, the die-side projection 415 extends over the entire width of the die 410, from one end to the other. The tip of the die-side projection 415 (the upstream end in the transport direction) may or may not be in contact with the die holding member 350. The distance between the tip of the die-side projection 415 and the die holding member 350 in the transport direction is preferably 0.5 mm or less.

[0133] Furthermore, the die-side protrusions 415 may be formed in multiple locations with spacing in the width direction. In this case as well, it is possible to prevent the material 700 from getting caught. In addition, in this case, the heat insulation effect can be enhanced.

[0134] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4E, the protrusion may be formed on the die holding member 350. If the die holding member 350 is provided with a protrusion (die holding member side protrusion 359), the die holding member side protrusion 359 will be a protrusion that projects downstream in the conveying direction. Other points can be considered in the same way as when the die 410 is provided with a die side protrusion 415.

[0135] <Fifth heating section 550> Next, the fifth heating section 550 will be described.

[0136] As shown in Figure 5A, the fifth heating section 550 has at least one of a die-side induction coil 551 built into the die 410 and a pad-side induction coil 552 built into the pad 420, and is a heating section that heats the material 700 by induction heating. The fifth heating section 550 can also be called the bending section position induction heating section 550.

[0137] By the way, when heating the material 700 to a target temperature, a slow heating rate is detrimental to productivity. Therefore, it is preferable that the heating unit 500 be equipped with a fifth heating unit 550. This allows the material 700 to be directly heated by induction heating, enabling the material 700 to be heated quickly and ensuring productivity. Furthermore, since the heating of the fifth heating unit 550 occurs downstream of the conveying roller unit 200 and the cutting unit 300, it is possible to prevent the conveying roller unit 200 and the cutting unit 300 from becoming overheated.

[0138] (Specific Example 1 of the Fifth Heating Section) Figure 5A shows an example of the fifth heating section 550 (fifth heating section 550A).

[0139] The fifth heating section 550A includes a die-side induction coil 551 built into the die 410 and a pad-side induction coil 552 built into the pad 420.

[0140] The die 410 is preferably made of a ceramic material. Since ceramic materials are insulators and hard materials, they ensure workability for bending and prevent the die 410 from being induction heated. Examples of ceramic materials include alumina (aluminum oxide) and zirconia (zirconium oxide).

[0141] The pad 420 is preferably made of an insulating resin. In this case, the material 700 can be held more securely than when it is made of metal, and induction heating of the pad 420 can be prevented. The insulating resin is a synthetic resin such as plastic, for example, Teflon (registered trademark, polytetrafluoroethylene). Alternatively, the insulating resin may be a rubber material.

[0142] It is preferable that heating by the fifth heating unit 550 is performed while the material 700 is held between the die 410 and the pad 420 (plate-holding state). In this case, deformation of the material 700 due to thermal expansion can be suppressed. However, this does not mean that all heating by the fifth heating unit 550 should be performed in the plate-holding state. Induction heating by the fifth heating unit 550 may be started before the plate-holding state is reached, and induction heating may be continued after the plate-holding state is reached. In this case, heating by the fifth heating unit 550 will include heating before the plate-holding state is reached and heating in the plate-holding state.

[0143] If the heating by the fifth heating unit 550 includes heating while the plate is being held down, deformation of the material 700 due to thermal expansion of the material 700 can be suppressed. If the heating by the fifth heating unit 550 includes heating before the plate is held down, productivity can be improved.

[0144] (Modified form of the fifth heating section 550A) The configuration of the fifth heating section 550A may be changed as follows.

[0145] The fifth heating unit 550 may include a pad-side induction coil 552 but may not include a die-side induction coil 551. The fifth heating unit 550 may include a die-side induction coil 551 but may not include a pad-side induction coil 552.

[0146] <Sixth heating section 560> Next, the sixth heating section 560 will be described.

[0147] As shown in Figure 6A, the sixth heating section 560 is a heating section that heats the planned bending points 720 of the material 700 by non-contact heating while the plate is held down before punching. The sixth heating section 560 can also be called the non-contact heating section 560.

[0148] However, when the planned bending location 720 of the material 700 is heated and then transported to the bending position in the manufacturing apparatus 100, the temperature of the planned bending location 720 decreases during the transport time. Therefore, it is not easy to control the temperature of the planned bending location 720 during bending by heating alone. For this reason, it is preferable that the heating unit 500 be equipped with a sixth heating unit 560. In this case, the planned bending location 720 that has been transported to the bending position can be heated directly, so the temperature of the planned bending location 720 during bending can be controlled directly and without time lag.

[0149] (Specific example 1 of the sixth heating section 560) Figure 6A shows an example of the sixth heating section 560 (sixth heating section 560A).

[0150] The sixth heating section 560A includes an upper heating device 561 that heats the planned bending portion 720 of the material 700 from the upper side, and a lower heating device 562 that heats the planned bending portion 720 of the material 700 from the lower side.

[0151] The heating method for the sixth heating section 560A is non-contact heating, such as laser heating, hot air heating, radiation heating, or microwave heating.

[0152] By the way, depending on the shape of the bent body 800 to be manufactured, the material 700 itself (the bent body 800 in the process of being manufactured) may interfere with the heating by the lower heating device 562. Therefore, as shown in Figure 6A, it is preferable that the sixth heating unit 560A is equipped with a material support unit 563 as a jig to assist the lower heating device 562. The material support unit 563 is configured to support the bent body 800 in the process of being manufactured from the lower side. The material support unit 563 supports the portion of the material 700 downstream of the portion located at the bending portion 400. This prevents the downstream portion of the bent body 800 in the process of being manufactured from being interposed between the lower heating device 562 and the bending location 720.

[0153] (Modified configuration of the sixth heating section 560A) The configuration of the sixth heating section 560A may be modified as follows.

[0154] The sixth heating section 560A may be equipped with an upper heating device 561 but may not be equipped with a lower heating device 562. The sixth heating section 560A may be equipped with a lower heating device 562 but may not be equipped with an upper heating device 561.

[0155] (Specific example of the sixth heating section 2) Figure 6B shows another example of the sixth heating section 560 (sixth heating section 560B).

[0156] By the way, in order to heat the bending point 720 of the material 700 from the top side using the upper heating device 561, it is necessary to ensure that no other devices are positioned between the upper heating device 561 and the top surface of the bending point 720 of the material 700. For this reason, measures such as moving the punch 430 upwards are necessary (see Figure 6A). However, if the punch 430 is moved upwards, the time difference between the end of heating by the upper heating device 561 and the bending process becomes large.

[0157] Therefore, as shown in Figure 6B, in the sixth heating section 560B, the punch 430 has a cavity 431 that penetrates the punch 430. The cavity 431 has an opening 432 that is open toward the bending location 720. The upper heating device 561 is configured to heat the bending location 720 of the material 700 from the upper side through the cavity 431 of the punch 430. As a result, it is not necessary to take measures such as moving the punch 430 upwards, and the time difference between the end of heating by the upper heating device 561 and the bending process can be reduced.

[0158] (Modified configuration of the sixth heating section 560B) The configuration of the sixth heating section 560B may be modified as follows.

[0159] In the example shown in Figure 6B, the upper heating device 561 is provided on the side of the punch 430 opposite to the material 700. However, as shown in Figure 6C, the upper heating device 561 may be provided in the cavity 431. In this case, the upper heating device 561 is provided so as to be movable vertically together with the punch 430. An upper heating device 561 with such a configuration can be realized relatively easily compared to other heating methods by using laser heating as the heating method.

[0160] <First temperature measuring unit 610> Next, the first temperature measuring unit 610 will be described.

[0161] As shown in Figure 7A, the first temperature measuring unit 610 is a temperature measuring unit having at least one of a die temperature measuring unit 611 for measuring the temperature of the die 410 and a pad temperature measuring unit 612 for measuring the temperature of the pad 420. The first temperature measuring unit 610 can also be called the die pad temperature measuring unit 610.

[0162] The temperature measuring unit 600 preferably includes a first temperature measuring unit 610. In this case, data with a strong correlation to the temperature of the bending location 720 can be obtained. This is because the die 410 and pad 420 are components that come into strong contact with the bending location 720 of the material 700. By controlling the manufacturing apparatus 100 using the measurement results from the first temperature measuring unit 610, it becomes easier to control the temperature of the bending location 720 of the material 700 during bending to a target temperature range.

[0163] Figure 7A is a conceptual diagram showing a manufacturing apparatus 100 equipped with a first temperature measuring unit 610.

[0164] The first temperature measuring unit 610 shown in Figure 7A includes a die temperature measuring unit 611 for measuring the temperature of the die 410 and a pad temperature measuring unit 612 for measuring the temperature of the pad 420.

[0165] Since the die 410 and pad 420 are components that come into contact with the material 700, the die temperature sensor 611 and pad temperature sensor 612 can measure the temperature of the material 700. It can also be said that the die temperature sensor 611 and pad temperature sensor 612 indirectly measure the temperature of the material 700 by measuring the temperatures of the die 410 and pad 420.

[0166] The die temperature measuring unit 611 and the pad temperature measuring unit 612 are implemented using, for example, a thermocouple or a radiation thermometer that non-contactively detects infrared radiation emitted from the surface of the die 410 or pad 420. The die temperature measuring unit 611 is positioned in the part of the die 410 closest to the bending position. The pad temperature measuring unit 612 is positioned in the part of the pad 420 closest to the bending position.

[0167] Preferably, the measurement results from the first temperature sensing unit 610 are used by the control unit 170 to control the heating unit 500.

[0168] For example, the temperature may be measured while the material 700 is held between the die 410 and the pad 420, and based on the result, the output of the bending position heating section (e.g., fourth heating section 540, fifth heating section 550, sixth heating section 560) for heating the bending point in the bending process in that held state may be adjusted. For example, if the measured temperature is higher than the standard, the output of the heating section may be reduced, and if the measured temperature is lower than the standard, the output of the heating section may be increased.

[0169] Alternatively, for example, the temperature may be measured while the material 700 is held between the die 410 and the pad 420, and the output of the heating section (first heating section 510 to sixth heating section 560) for heating the areas to be bent in subsequent bends may be adjusted based on the result.

[0170] Preferably, the measurement results from the first temperature measuring unit 610 are used for the control of the bending unit 400 by the control unit 170.

[0171] For example, the temperature of the material 700 may be measured while it is held between the die 410 and the pad 420, and the timing of punch pressing for bending may be adjusted based on the result. Specifically, for example, the control unit 170 may control the bending unit 400 so that bending is performed by the bending unit 400 when the temperature at the planned bending point of the material 700 is within an appropriate temperature range. For example, if the measured temperature is higher than a standard, the timing of punch pressing may be delayed to wait for the temperature of the material 700 to decrease.

[0172] (Modified versions of the first temperature measuring unit 610) The configuration of the first temperature measuring unit 610 may be modified as follows: The first temperature measuring unit 610 may include a die temperature measuring unit 611 and not include a pad temperature measuring unit 612. The first temperature measuring unit 610 may include a pad temperature measuring unit 612 and not include a die temperature measuring unit 611.

[0173] <Second temperature measuring unit 620> Next, the second temperature measuring unit 620 will be described.

[0174] As shown in Figure 8A, the second temperature measuring unit 620 is a temperature measuring unit having a non-contact thermometer 621 that measures the temperature of the planned bending point 720 of the material 700 through the opening 432 of the punch 430. The second temperature measuring unit 620 can also be called the non-contact temperature measuring unit 620.

[0175] Incidentally, the temperature of the bending point 720 of the material 700 can change even in the short time between just before bending and just after bending. However, the bending point 720 (bent portion) during and immediately after bending is a blind spot for the punch 430, making it difficult to measure its temperature. Therefore, it is preferable that the temperature measuring unit 600 be equipped with a second temperature measuring unit 620. In this case, it is possible to measure the temperature of the portion that is normally a blind spot for the punch 430 during bending. Specifically, for example, it is possible to measure the temperature of the bending point from just before bending to just after bending.

[0176] By controlling the manufacturing apparatus 100 using the temperature measurement results of the planned bending point 720 from immediately before bending to immediately after bending, the quality of the bent portion 821 of the bent body 800 can be improved compared to, for example, using only the temperature measurement results immediately before bending. As a specific control method, for example, it is conceivable to control the temperature so that both the temperature immediately before and immediately after bending (temperature before and after bending) fall within a desired temperature range.

[0177] (Specific example of the second temperature measuring unit 1) Figure 8A is a diagram showing an example of the second temperature measuring unit 620 (second temperature measuring unit 620A).

[0178] As shown in Figure 8A, the punch 430 has a cavity 431 that penetrates the punch 430. The cavity 431 has an opening 432 that is open toward the bending point 720. The non-contact thermometer 621 is positioned on the opposite side of the punch 430 from the material 700, and is positioned to measure the temperature of the bending point 720 of the material 700 via the cavity 431 of the punch 430. The non-contact thermometer 621 may be configured to move in accordance with the movement of the punch 430, or it may be configured to be immovable. The movement of the non-contact thermometer 621 may be configured to be controlled by a control unit.

[0179] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8A, the manufacturing apparatus 100 may be equipped with a non-contact thermometer 622 that measures the temperature of the bending point 720 of the material 700 from the bottom side. Also, as shown in Figure 8A, the manufacturing apparatus 100 may be equipped with a material support section 563. The material support section 563 prevents the bending process 800 from being interposed between the non-contact thermometer 622 and the bending point 720.

[0180] (Variations of the cavity 431 in the punch 430) Figure 8B shows the variations of the cavity 431 in the punch 430.

[0181] The cavity 431 of the punch 430 has been described in relation to the sixth heating unit 560 and the second temperature measuring unit 620, but the specific configuration of the punch 430 having the cavity 431 is not particularly limited, and may have, for example, the configuration shown in Figures 8B(1) to (3). Figures 8B(1) to (3) are cross-sectional views taken along line A-A in Figure 8B(4).

[0182] The punch 430A shown in Figure 8B(1) has a cavity 431A. The width of the cavity 431A is, for example, 70% or more of the width of the punch 430, when the width of the punch 430 is taken as 100%. As shown in Figure 8B(1), multiple non-contact thermometers 621 corresponding to the punch 430A may be provided side by side in the width direction. Note that the non-contact thermometers 621 can be considered as being replaced by the upper heating device 561. The same applies to the following description.

[0183] The punch 430B shown in Figure 8B(2) has a cavity 431B. In the cavity 431B, the opening 433 on the material 700 side is smaller than the opening 432 on the non-contact thermometer 621 side. Therefore, it is easier to ensure the strength of the punch 430B.

[0184] The punch 430C shown in Figure 8B(3) has a plurality of cavities 431C arranged in the width direction. In the punch 430C, the surfaces between adjacent openings 432 in the width direction can function as surfaces that come into contact with the material 700 during the bending process. This makes it easier to ensure the processability of bending. It is preferable that a non-contact thermometer 621 be provided for each cavity 431C.

[0185] In the example shown in Figure 8B(4), the opening 432 is provided in a position that includes the radius (R) portion of the punch 430. Therefore, compared to the case where the opening 432 is provided in a position that avoids the radius (R) portion of the punch 430, it is easier to measure the temperature of the area of ​​material 700 that is to be bent. Also, it is easier to heat the area of ​​material 700 that is to be bent. However, the opening 432 of this disclosure is not limited to this, and may be provided in a position that avoids the radius portion.

[0186] In the above description, a non-contact thermometer 621 was used to measure the temperature of the planned bending point 720 of the material 700 through an opening 432 in the punch 430, as shown in Figure 8A. However, the non-contact thermometer 621 used to measure the temperature of the planned bending point 720 of the material 700 is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Figure 8C, the non-contact thermometer 621 may be configured to measure the temperature of the planned bending point 720 of the material 700 without going through the opening 432 in the punch 430. In this case, of course, it is not necessary to provide an opening 432 in the punch 430. Also, even in this case, since the temperature of the planned bending point 720 can be measured directly, similar to the example in Figure 8A, it is possible to obtain more useful measurement results compared to when the temperature of the planned bending point 720 is measured (predicted) through a pad 420 or die 410.

[0187] Figure 8D shows another example of the second temperature measuring unit 620 (second temperature measuring unit 620B).

[0188] As shown in Figure 8D, the punch 430 has a cavity 431 that penetrates the punch 430. The cavity 431 has an opening 432 that is open toward the bending point 720. The non-contact thermometer 621 is positioned inside the cavity 431 so as to be able to measure the temperature of the bending point 720 of the material 700 through the opening 432. The non-contact thermometer 621 is configured to move together with the punch 430 in accordance with the movement of the punch 430.

[0189] In Figure 8D, the cavity 431 is shown to penetrate the punch 430, but it does not have to penetrate.

[0190] <Specific Examples of Control by Control Unit 170> Next, we will explain the control performed by the control unit 170.

[0191] (First Control) Since the material 700 is repeatedly transported and stopped, the time it is heated by the heating unit 500 (and each heating unit that makes up the unit) may vary depending on the position of the material 700 in the transport direction. Also, if the heating unit 500 is equipped with a die heating unit 541, a pad heating unit 546, etc., the time it is heated by the die heating unit 541, the pad heating unit 546, etc. will vary depending on the punch pressing timing. For example, if the punch pressing timing is late, the heating time will be longer. Therefore, it is preferable for the control unit 170 to perform first control. First control is a control that adjusts the output of the heating unit 500 using information (program, user input information, etc.) for controlling the transport roller unit 200 and the bending unit 400. In this case, the output of the heating unit can be controlled to an output suitable for the transport pattern and punch pressing timing. As a result, the quality (iron loss) of the bent body 800 is stabilized.

[0192] Figure 9A is a diagram showing the process of a specific example of the first control.

[0193] The steps for a specific example of the first control are as follows: (1) Based on information for controlling the transport roller section 200 and the bending section 400 (program, user input information, etc.), the heating time by the heating section for the material to be bent is predicted. Here, for example, the information includes the sheet feeding schedule of the material 700 by the transport roller section 200, and based on the sheet feeding schedule, the time required for the material 700 to pass through the heating section is calculated. The heating time is, for example, the time the material to be bent stays at the heating position by the heating section. (2) The output of the heating section when heating the material to be bent is adjusted according to the predicted heating time. For example, the output of the heating section is increased or decreased according to the calculated passage time. Specifically, if the heating time is predicted to be longer than the standard, the output is lowered from the standard, etc., to control the temperature of the material to be bent during bending so that it falls within the desired range. The heating section referred to herein may be any of the first heating section 510, the second heating section 520, the third heating section 530, the fourth heating section 540, the fifth heating section 550, and the sixth heating section 560.

[0194] (Second Control) When the heating unit 500 has a die heating unit 541 that heats the die 410 to heat the material 700, the temperature of the die 410 decreases when the die 410 comes into contact with the material 700. Therefore, after the temperature of the die 410 decreases, it is necessary to restore the temperature of the die 410 in order to heat the next bending location. If the recovery takes a long time, productivity may decrease, for example. Therefore, it is preferable for the control unit 170 to perform a second control. The second control is a control that adjusts the output of the die heating unit 541 using information for controlling the bending unit 400. In this case, the above-mentioned problems are suppressed.

[0195] Figure 9B is a diagram showing a specific example of the second control process.

[0196] The steps for a specific example of the second control are as follows: (1) Based on information for controlling the bending section 400 (program, user input information, etc.), the timing for starting to press the plate down with the pad 420 is predicted. Here, the information includes, for example, information regarding the time until the material 700 comes into contact with the die 410 and the pad 420, or information that makes it possible to calculate such time. (2) The output of the die heating section 541 is increased in accordance with the predicted timing.

[0197] This makes it possible to suppress the temperature drop of the die 410 when the material 700 is sandwiched between the die 410 and the pad 420. Furthermore, "increasing the output in accordance with the predicted timing" does not only mean increasing the output simultaneously with the predicted timing, but also includes increasing the output immediately before the predicted timing or immediately after the predicted timing.

[0198] Next, a specific example of the second control by the control unit 170 will be described. The control described below is just one example of the second control, and the present invention is not limited to the control described below.

[0199] The control unit 170 pre-sets a target temperature Tref for the die 410 used when the material 700 is heated while in contact with the die 410 and pad 420. The target temperature Tref is, for example, 320°C. The control unit 170 measures the temperature of the die 410 at predetermined intervals using the die temperature measuring unit 611 and acquires the measurement result. The predetermined interval is, for example, 0.1 seconds. The control unit 170 controls the die heating unit 541 so that the temperature of the die 410 reaches the target temperature Tref, and in this state, temporarily holds the material 700 in place to heat the material 700. When the control unit 170 determines that the temperature of the material 700 has reached a predetermined temperature, it performs the bending process. The predetermined temperature is, for example, 300°C. When the die 410 separates from the material 700 after the bending process is completed, the control unit 170 acquires the temperature Tx of the die 410 at that point. The control unit 170 determines the time t0 until the die 410 next temporarily holds the material 700, based on information for controlling the bending section 400. The time t0 is calculated, for example, based on the cycle time of the bending process. The control unit 170 determines the heating output required to restore the temperature Tx to the target temperature Tref within the time t0. The control unit 170 controls the die heating section 541 based on the determined heating output. The control unit 170 may use the time t0 as a predetermined value based on the operating conditions of the bending section 400, or as a value determined according to the structure of the die 410, the size of the magnetic core, etc.

[0200] Furthermore, the control unit 170 may perform both the first and second control. In this case, it is possible to achieve both heating control corresponding to the variation in heating time caused by the operation of the transport roller section 200 and the bending section 400, and control to suppress the temperature drop of the die 410 that occurs during bending. As a result, the temperature of the planned bending location 720 of the material 700 can be controlled more stably to the target temperature range. Consequently, the quality of the bent body 800 can be stabilized and productivity can be improved. In addition, the control unit 170 may perform either the first or second control in combination with the feedback control already described. In this case, since the output of the heating section 500 can be corrected based on the temperature measurement results while performing control according to the heating conditions predicted based on the transport conditions and bending conditions, the influence of disturbances and individual differences can be reduced, and the temperature control accuracy of the material 700 can be further improved.

[0201] While preferred embodiments of this disclosure have been described above, this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above.

[0202] (Note) This disclosure includes at least the following embodiments of a manufacturing apparatus for a bent body, a method for manufacturing a bent body, or a method for manufacturing a magnetic core. (((Embodiment 0-1))) A manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing a bent body from a material that is a metal strip, the manufacturing apparatus comprising: a conveying roller section equipped with power for conveying and positioning the material; a cutting section for cutting the material; a bending section for bending the material to form a bent portion; a heating section for heating the material; and a control section for controlling the manufacturing apparatus, wherein the conveying roller section, the cutting section, and the bending section are provided in this order along the conveying direction, and the bending section comprises a die, a pad, and a punch. (((Aspect 0-2))) The heating section comprises at least one of the following heating sections: a first heating section (heating section in front of the conveyor roller) that heats the material at a position upstream of the conveyor roller section; a conveyor roller-between section heating section that heats the material at a position between the conveyor roller section and the bending section; and a bending section position heating section that heats the material at the position of the bending section, as described in Aspect 0-1. (((Aspect 0-3))) The manufacturing apparatus comprises a temperature measuring section for measuring the temperature of the material, as described in Aspect 0-1 or Aspect 0-2. (((Aspect 0-4))) The temperature measuring section comprises at least one of the following temperature measuring sections: a first temperature measuring section including at least one of a die temperature measuring section for measuring the temperature of the die and a pad temperature measuring section for measuring the temperature of the pad; and a second temperature measuring section including a non-contact thermometer that measures the temperature of the material to be bent at a location on the punch. (((Aspect 0-5))) The control unit controls the output of the heating unit using information for controlling the transport roller unit and the bending unit, the manufacturing apparatus for a bent body according to any one of aspects 0-1 to 0-4. (((Aspect 0-6))) A method for manufacturing a bent body, wherein the bent body is manufactured using the manufacturing apparatus according to any one of aspects 0-1 to 0-5.(((Aspect 0-7))) A method for manufacturing a magnetic core, wherein the magnetic core comprises a plurality of bent bodies, and at least one of the plurality of bent bodies is manufactured using a manufacturing apparatus described in any one of aspects 0-1 to 0-5.

[0203] (((Aspect 1-1))) A manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing a bent body from a metal strip material, the manufacturing apparatus comprising: a conveying roller section equipped with power for conveying and positioning the material; a cutting section for cutting the material; a bending section for bending the material to form a bent portion; a heating section for heating the material; and a control unit for controlling the manufacturing apparatus, wherein the conveying roller section, the cutting section and the bending section are provided in this order along the conveying direction; the bending section comprises a die, a pad and a punch; and the heating section comprises a first heating section (heating section in front of the conveying roller) that heats the material at a position upstream of the conveying roller section. (((Aspect 1-2))) The manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing a bent body according to aspect 1-1, wherein the first heating section includes a first heating furnace (heating furnace) that heats the material at a position upstream of the cover assembly covering the conveying roller section, the cutting section and the bending section. (((Aspect 1-3))) The manufacturing apparatus for a bent body according to Aspect 1-2, wherein the heating method of the first heating furnace is radiant heating. (((Aspect 1-4))) The manufacturing apparatus for a bent body according to Aspect 1-2 or Aspect 1-3, wherein the first heating furnace is provided to heat the material which is supported to hang down at a position between a decoiler provided separately from the manufacturing apparatus and a conveying section including the conveying roller section. (((Aspect 1-5))) The manufacturing apparatus for a bent body according to any one of Aspects 1-1 to 1-4, wherein the first heating section includes a first heating roller (heating roller) that contacts the material. (((Aspect 1-6))) The manufacturing apparatus for a bent body according to Aspect 1-5, wherein the first heating roller is provided inside a cover assembly that covers the cut section and the bent section. (((Aspect 1-7))) The bending apparatus according to aspect 1-6, wherein the first heating roller is the member of the inner part of the cover assembly that first comes into contact with the material. (((Aspect 1-8))) The bending apparatus according to any one of aspects 1-1 to 1-7, wherein the first heating section is provided so as not to heat the coil portion of the material.(((Aspect 1-9))) The heating section comprises a bending section position heating section for heating the material at the bending section, the manufacturing apparatus for a bent body according to any one of aspects 1-1 to 1-8. (((Aspect 1-10))) The heating section comprises a fourth heating section (die pad heating section) including at least one of a die heating section for heating the material by heating the die and a pad heating section for heating the material by heating the pad, the manufacturing apparatus for a bent body according to any one of aspects 1-1 to 1-9. (((Aspect 1-11))) A method for manufacturing a bent body, wherein the bent body is manufactured using the manufacturing apparatus described in aspect 1-1. (((Aspect 1-12))) A method for manufacturing a magnetic core, wherein the magnetic core comprises a plurality of bent bodies, and at least one of the plurality of bent bodies is manufactured using the manufacturing apparatus described in aspect 1-1.

[0204] (((Aspect 2-1))) A manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing a bent body from a metal strip material, wherein the manufacturing apparatus comprises: a conveying roller section equipped with power for conveying and positioning the material; a cutting section for cutting the material; a bending section for bending the material to form a bent portion; a heating section for heating the material; and a control unit for controlling the manufacturing apparatus, wherein the conveying roller section, the cutting section, and the bending section are provided in this order along the conveying direction; the bending section comprises a die, a pad, and a punch; and the heating section comprises a conveying roller-bending section heating section for heating the material at a position between the conveying roller section and the bending section. (((Aspect 2-2))) The manufacturing apparatus for a bent body according to aspect 2-1, wherein the conveying roller-bending section heating section comprises a second heating section (conveying roller-cutting section heating section) for heating the material at a position between the conveying roller section and the cutting section. (((Aspect 2-3))) The bending apparatus according to Aspect 2-2, wherein the second heating section includes a second heating roller (heating roller) that contacts the material. (((Aspect 2-4))) The bending apparatus according to Aspect 2-2, wherein the second heating section includes a second upper heating roller (upper heating roller) that contacts the upper surface of the material, but does not include a second lower heating roller (lower heating roller) that contacts the lower surface of the material. (((Aspect 2-5))) The bending apparatus according to Aspect 2-2, wherein the second heating section does not include a second upper heating roller that contacts the upper surface of the material, but includes a second lower heating roller that contacts the lower surface of the material. (((Aspect 2-6))) The bending apparatus according to Aspect 2-2, wherein the second heating section includes a second upper heating roller that contacts the upper surface of the material, and a second lower heating roller that contacts the lower surface of the material. (((Aspect 2-7))) The bending apparatus according to aspect 2-6, wherein the second upper heating roller and the second lower heating roller are provided at the same position in the conveying direction so as to sandwich the material. (((Aspect 2-8))) The bending apparatus according to aspect 2-6, wherein the second upper heating roller and the second lower heating roller are provided at different positions in the conveying direction so as not to sandwich the material.(((Aspect 2-9))) The bending apparatus according to aspect 2-4 or aspect 2-6, wherein the second upper heating roller is provided at a position facing the lifter plate of the cutting section in the vertical direction. (((Aspect 2-10))) The bending apparatus according to any one of aspects 2-2 to 2-9, wherein the second heating section includes a second induction heating section (induction heating section) that heats the material using induction heating. (((Aspect 2-11))) The bending apparatus according to aspect 2-10, wherein the second induction heating section includes an induction coil provided at a position facing the lifter plate of the cutting section in the vertical direction. (((Aspect 2-12))) The bending apparatus according to any one of aspects 2-2 to 2-11, wherein the second heating section includes a lifter plate heating section that heats the material by heating the lifter plate of the cutting section. (((Aspect 2-13))) The conveyor roller bending section heating section comprises a third heating section (cutting section bending section heating section) that heats the material at a position between the cutting section and the bending section, as described in any one of aspects 2-1 to 2-12. (((Aspect 2-14))) The third heating section includes a third induction heating section (induction heating section) that heats the material using induction heating, as described in aspect 2-13. (((Aspect 2-15))) The third induction heating section includes a third upper induction coil (upper induction coil) provided above the material, and does not include a third lower induction coil (lower induction coil) provided below the material, as described in aspect 2-14. (((Aspect 2-16))) The bending apparatus according to aspect 2-14, wherein the third induction heating section does not include a third upper induction coil provided above the material, but includes a third lower induction coil provided below the material. (((Aspect 2-17))) The bending apparatus according to aspect 2-14, wherein the third induction heating section includes a third upper induction coil provided above the material, and a third lower induction coil provided below the material.(((Aspect 2-18))) The bending apparatus according to Aspect 2-17, wherein the third upper guide coil and the third lower guide coil are provided at different positions in the conveying direction. (((Aspect 2-19))) The bending apparatus according to Aspect 2-17, wherein the third upper guide coil and the third lower guide coil are provided at the same position in the conveying direction. (((Aspect 2-20))) The bending apparatus according to Aspect 2-15 or Aspect 2-17, wherein the third upper guide coil is provided at a position that overlaps with the lower blade of the cutting section in the conveying direction. (((Aspect 2-21))) The bending apparatus according to Aspect 2-15 or Aspect 2-17, wherein the third lower guide coil is located downstream of the lower blade of the cutting section in the conveying direction. (((Aspect 2-22))) A method for manufacturing a bent body, wherein the bent body is manufactured using a manufacturing apparatus described in any one of aspects 2-1 to 2-21. (((Aspect 2-23))) A method for manufacturing a magnetic core, wherein the magnetic core comprises a plurality of bent bodies, and at least one of the plurality of bent bodies is manufactured using a manufacturing apparatus described in any one of aspects 2-1 to 2-21.

[0205] (((Aspect 3-1))) A manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing a bent body from a metal strip material, the manufacturing apparatus comprising: a conveying roller section equipped with power for conveying and positioning the material; a cutting section for cutting the material; a bending section for bending the material to form a bent portion; a heating section for heating the material; and a control unit for controlling the manufacturing apparatus, wherein the conveying roller section, the cutting section and the bending section are provided in this order along the conveying direction; the bending section comprises a die, a pad and a punch; and the heating section comprises a bending section position heating section (fourth heating section, fifth heating section, sixth heating section) for heating the material at the position of the bending section, the manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing a bent body. (((Aspect 3-2))) The bending position heating section comprises a fourth heating section (die-pad heating section) including at least one of a die heating section that heats the material by heating the die and a pad heating section that heats the material by heating the pad, as described in Aspect 3-1. (((Aspect 3-3))) The fourth heating section includes the die heating section but does not include the pad heating section, as described in Aspect 3-2. (((Aspect 3-4))) The fourth heating section does not include the die heating section but includes the pad heating section, as described in Aspect 3-2. (((Aspect 3-5))) The fourth heating section includes the pad heating section and the die heating section, as described in Aspect 3-2. (((Aspect 3-6))) The die is held by a die holding member, the fourth heating section includes the die heating section, and a gap is formed between the die holding member and the die, the manufacturing apparatus for a bent body according to any one of aspects 3-2 to 3-5. (((Aspect 3-7))) The die is held by a die holding member, the die holding member includes a die placement recess that is open on the downstream and upward side in the conveying direction, the fourth heating section includes the die heating section, and a first gap in the vertical direction and a second gap in the conveying direction are formed between the die holding member and the die, the manufacturing apparatus for a bent body according to any one of aspects 3-2 to 3-6.(((Aspect 3-8))) The die includes a die-side projection that protrudes upstream in the conveying direction, and the die-side projection functions to locally reduce the second gap at a position between the upper surface of the die holding member and the upper surface of the die, the bending apparatus according to aspect 3-7. (((Aspect 3-9))) The die holding member includes a die-holding member-side projection that protrudes downstream in the conveying direction, and the die-holding member-side projection functions to locally reduce the second gap at a position between the upper surface of the die holding member and the upper surface of the die, the bending apparatus according to aspect 3-7. (((Aspect 3-10))) The die is held by a die holding member, the fourth heating section includes the die heating section, and the die heating section comprises a heat insulating member sandwiched between the die holding member and the die, the bending apparatus according to any one of aspects 3-2 to 3-9. (((Aspect 3-11))) The die is held by a die holding member, the die holding member includes a die placement recess that is open on the downstream and upward side in the conveying direction, the fourth heating section includes the die heating section, and the die heating section includes a vertical heat insulating member sandwiched between the die holding member and the die in the vertical direction, as described in any one of aspects 3-2 to 3-10. (((Aspect 3-12))) The die is held by a die holding member, the die holding member includes a die placement recess that is open on the downstream and upward side in the conveying direction, the fourth heating section includes the die heating section, and the die heating section includes a conveying direction heat insulating member sandwiched between the die holding member and the die in the conveying direction, as described in any one of aspects 3-2 to 3-11.(((Aspect 3-13))) The die is held by a die holding member, the die holding member includes a die placement recess that is open on the downstream and upward side in the conveying direction, the fourth heating section includes the die heating section, the die heating section includes a vertical insulating member sandwiched between the die holding member and the die in the vertical direction, and a conveying direction insulating member sandwiched between the die holding member and the die in the conveying direction, the manufacturing apparatus for a bent body according to any one of aspects 3-2 to 3-12. (((Aspect 3-14))) The die is fastened to the die holding member by a fastening member extending in the conveying direction, the manufacturing apparatus for a bent body according to aspect 3-12 or aspect 3-13. (((Aspect 3-15))) The conveying direction insulating member includes a fastening location insulating member provided so as to surround the fastening member, the manufacturing apparatus for a bent body according to aspect 3-14. (((Aspect 3-16))) The conveying direction insulating member comprises an additional insulating member provided at a different position in the width direction from the fastening location insulating member, as described in the manufacturing apparatus for a bent body according to aspect 3-15. (((Aspect 3-17))) The die is held by a die holding member, the die holding member includes a die placement recess that is open on the downstream and upward side in the conveying direction, the die includes fastening holes for fastening the die to the die holding member, and heat source holes where a heat source for heating the die is provided, each of the fastening holes extending in the conveying direction, the heat source holes extending in the width direction within the die, and the heat source holes provided above the fastening holes, as described in any one of aspects 3-2 to 3-16. (((Aspect 3-18))) The die is held by a die holding member, the fourth heating section includes the die heating section, and the die holding member includes cooling holes for flowing a cooling medium inside the die holding member, the apparatus for manufacturing a bent body according to any one of aspects 3-2 to 3-17.(((Aspect 3-19))) The bending apparatus according to any one of aspects 3-2 to 3-18, wherein the fourth heating section includes the die heating section, and the control unit controls the output of the die heating section using information for controlling the bending section. (((Aspect 3-20))) The bending apparatus according to aspect 3-19, wherein the control unit predicts the timing at which the plate pressing by the pad begins using information for controlling the bending section, and increases the output of the die heating section in accordance with the predicted timing. (((Aspect 3-21))) The bending section position heating section comprises a fifth heating section (bending section position induction heating section) that heats the material by induction heating, including at least one of a die-side induction coil built into the die and a pad-side induction coil built into the pad. (((Aspect 3-22))) The bending apparatus according to Aspect 3-21, wherein the fifth heating section includes the die-side induction coil but does not include the pad-side induction coil. (((Aspect 3-23))) The bending apparatus according to Aspect 3-21, wherein the fifth heating section does not include the die-side induction coil but includes the pad-side induction coil. (((Aspect 3-24))) The bending apparatus according to Aspect 3-21, wherein the fifth heating section includes the die-side induction coil and the pad-side induction coil. (((Aspect 3-25))) The bending apparatus according to Aspect 3-22 or Aspect 3-24, wherein the die is formed of a ceramic material. (((Aspect 3-26))) The bending apparatus according to Aspect 3-23 or Aspect 3-24, wherein the pad is formed of an insulating resin. (((Aspect 3-27))) The control unit performs heating by the fifth heating unit while the material is held between the die and the pad, the manufacturing apparatus for a bent body according to any one of aspects 3-21 to 3-26.(((Aspect 3-28))) The control unit performs heating by the fifth heating unit before the material is clamped between the die and the pad, and heating by the fifth heating unit when the material is clamped between the die and the pad, as described in any one of aspects 3-21 to 3-27. (((Aspect 3-29))) The bending position heating unit comprises a sixth heating unit (non-contact heating unit) that heats the bending location of the material by non-contact heating while the plate is held down before punch pressing, as described in aspect 3-1. (((Aspect 3-30))) The bending position heating unit comprises an upper heating unit that heats the bending location of the material from above, and does not include a lower heating unit that heats the bending location of the material from below, as described in aspect 3-29. (((Aspect 3-31))) The bending apparatus according to aspect 3-29, wherein the sixth heating section does not include an upper heating device for heating the planned bending portion of the material from above, but includes a lower heating device for heating the planned bending portion of the material from below. (((Aspect 3-32))) The bending apparatus according to aspect 3-29, wherein the sixth heating section includes an upper heating device for heating the planned bending portion of the material from above, and a lower heating device for heating the planned bending portion of the material from below. (((Aspect 3-33))) The bending apparatus according to aspect 3-30 or aspect 3-32, wherein the punch includes a cavity open toward the planned bending portion, and the upper heating device heats the planned bending portion through the cavity. (((Aspect 3-34))) The punch includes a cavity that is open toward the bending location, and the upper heating device is positioned in the cavity, the apparatus for manufacturing a bent workpiece according to aspect 3-30 or aspect 3-32. (((Aspect 3-35))) The upper heating device is a laser heating device, the apparatus for manufacturing a bent workpiece according to aspect 3-34.(((Aspect 3-36))) The manufacturing apparatus for a bent body according to aspect 3-31 or aspect 3-32, wherein the sixth heating section includes a material support section that supports the portion of the material downstream of the portion located at the bending section, thereby preventing the downstream portion from being positioned between the lower heating device and the portion to be bent. (((Aspect 3-37))) A method for manufacturing a bent body, wherein the bent body is manufactured using the manufacturing apparatus described in any one of aspects 3-1 to 3-36. (((Aspect 3-38))) A method for manufacturing a magnetic core, wherein the magnetic core comprises a plurality of bent bodies, and at least one of the plurality of bent bodies is manufactured using the manufacturing apparatus described in any one of aspects 3-1 to 3-36.

[0206] (((Aspect 4-1))) A manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing a bent body from a metal strip material, the manufacturing apparatus comprising: a conveying roller section equipped with power for conveying and positioning the material; a cutting section for cutting the material; a bending section for bending the material to form a bent portion; a heating section for heating the material; a temperature measuring section for measuring the temperature of the material; and a control unit for controlling the manufacturing apparatus, wherein the conveying roller section, the cutting section, and the bending section are provided in this order along the conveying direction; the bending section comprises a die, a pad, and a punch; and the temperature measuring section comprises a bent portion position temperature measuring section (first temperature measuring section, second temperature measuring section) for measuring the temperature of the portion of the material located at the bent portion, the manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing a bent body. (((Aspect 4-2))) The bending apparatus according to aspect 4-1, wherein the temperature measuring unit comprises a first temperature measuring unit (die-pad temperature measuring unit) which includes at least one of a die temperature measuring unit for measuring the temperature of the die and a pad temperature measuring unit for measuring the temperature of the pad. (((Aspect 4-3))) The bending apparatus according to aspect 4-2, wherein the first temperature measuring unit includes the die temperature measuring unit but does not include the pad temperature measuring unit. (((Aspect 4-4))) The bending apparatus according to aspect 4-2, wherein the first temperature measuring unit does not include the die temperature measuring unit but includes the pad temperature measuring unit. (((Aspect 4-5))) The bending apparatus according to aspect 4-2, wherein the first temperature measuring unit includes the die temperature measuring unit and the pad temperature measuring unit. (((Aspect 4-6))) The control unit acquires the measurement result from the first temperature measuring unit and controls the bending unit using the measurement result, the manufacturing apparatus for a bent workpiece according to any one of aspects 4-2 to 4-5. (((Aspect 4-7))) The control unit acquires the measurement result from the first temperature measuring unit immediately before punch pressing and adjusts the timing of punch pressing according to the measurement result, the manufacturing apparatus for a bent workpiece according to any one of aspects 4-2 to 4-6.(((Aspect 4-8))) The control unit acquires the measurement result from the first temperature measuring unit in the plate-holding state and adjusts the timing of punch pressing in the plate-holding state according to the measurement result, the manufacturing apparatus for a bent workpiece according to any one of aspects 4-2 to 4-7. (((Aspect 4-9))) The heating unit comprises a bending position heating unit that heats the material at the bending position, the control unit acquires the measurement result from the first temperature measuring unit in the plate-holding state and adjusts the output of the bending position heating unit according to the measurement result, the manufacturing apparatus for a bent workpiece according to any one of aspects 4-2 to 4-8. (((Aspect 4-10))) The temperature measuring unit comprises a second temperature measuring unit (non-contact temperature measuring unit) including a non-contact thermometer that measures the temperature of the material to be bent at the opening of the punch, the manufacturing apparatus for a bent workpiece according to any one of aspects 4-1 to 4-9. (((Aspect 4-11))) The punch includes a cavity that penetrates the punch, and the non-contact thermometer is positioned on the opposite side of the punch from the material, and capable of measuring the temperature of the part of the material to be bent through the cavity, as described in Aspect 4-10. (((Aspect 4-12))) The punch includes a cavity that opens to the material side at the opening, and the non-contact thermometer is positioned in the cavity, as described in Aspect 4-10. (((Aspect 4-13))) The openings are arranged in a plurality in the width direction of the material, as described in any one of Aspects 4-10 to 4-12. (((Aspect 4-14))) The control unit acquires the temperature measurement result of the second temperature measuring unit during bending of the bending location, and controls the manufacturing apparatus based on the measurement result, the manufacturing apparatus according to any one of aspects 4-10 to 4-13. (((Aspect 4-15))) The control unit acquires the temperature measurement result of the second temperature measuring unit immediately after bending of the bending location, and controls the manufacturing apparatus based on the measurement result, the manufacturing apparatus according to any one of aspects 4-10 to 4-14.(((Aspect 4-16))) The control unit acquires the temperature measurement results of the bending location before and after bending by the second temperature measuring unit, and controls the manufacturing apparatus based on the measurement results, the manufacturing apparatus according to any one of aspects 4-10 to 4-15. (((Aspect 4-17))) The control unit controls the manufacturing apparatus according to aspect 4-16 so that the temperature measurement results of the bending location before and after bending fall within the target temperature range. (((Aspect 4-18))) A method for manufacturing a bent body, wherein the bent body is manufactured using the manufacturing apparatus according to any one of aspects 4-10 to 4-17. (((Aspect 4-19))) A method for manufacturing a magnetic core, wherein the magnetic core comprises a plurality of bent bodies, and at least one of the plurality of bent bodies is manufactured using a manufacturing apparatus described in any one of aspects 4-10 to 4-17.

[0207] (((Aspect 5-1))) A manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing a bent body from a metal strip material, wherein the manufacturing apparatus comprises: a transport roller section equipped with power for transporting and positioning the material; a cutting section for cutting the material; a bending section for bending the material to form a bent portion; a heating section for heating the material; and a control unit for controlling the manufacturing apparatus, wherein the transport roller section, the cutting section and the bending section are provided in this order along the transport direction; the bending section comprises a die, a pad and a punch; and the control unit controls the output of the heating section using information for controlling the transport roller section and the bending section. (((Aspect 5-2))) The manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing a bent body according to aspect 5-1, wherein the control unit uses information for controlling the transport roller section to predict the heating time by the heating section for the planned bending location of the material, and adjusts the output of the heating section when heating the planned bending location according to the predicted heating time. (((Aspect 5-3))) The heating section includes a die heating section that heats the die to heat the material, and the control section controls the output of the die heating section using information for controlling the bending section, as described in any one of aspects 5-1 to 5-2, as a manufacturing apparatus for a bent body, as described in any one of aspects 5-1 to 5-2, as described in any one of aspects 5-4, as described in any one of aspects 5-3, as the control section uses information for controlling the bending section to predict the timing for starting to press the plate with the pad, and increases the output of the die heating section in accordance with the predicted timing, as described in any one of aspects 5-3, as described in any one of aspects 5-5, as a manufacturing method for a bent body, wherein the bent body is manufactured using the manufacturing apparatus described in any one of aspects 5-1 to 5-4, as described in any one of aspects 5-4, as described in any one of aspects 5-4, as a manufacturing method for a bent body, as described in any one of aspects 5-43, as a manufacturing apparatus for a bent body, as described in any one of aspects (((Aspect 5-6))) A method for manufacturing a magnetic core, wherein the magnetic core comprises a plurality of bent bodies, and at least one of the plurality of bent bodies is manufactured using a manufacturing apparatus described in any one of aspects 5-1 to 5-4.

[0208] 100 Manufacturing apparatus for bent products (manufacturing apparatus) 110 Conveying section 120 Processing section 130 Cover assembly 140 Cabinet section 170 Control section 170A Conveying control section 170B Cutting control section 170C Bending control section 170D Heating control section 171 Processor 172 Memory 173 Storage 200 Conveying roller section 210 Upper roller 220 Lower roller 300 Cutting section 310 Lower blade 320 Upper blade 330 Lifter plate 340 Upper blade holding member 350 Lower blade holding member (die holding member) 352 Die fastening hole 353 Top surface 359 Die holding member side protrusion 400 Bending section 410 Die 411 Heat source hole 412 Fastening hole 413 Top surface 415 Die-side protrusion 420 Pad 430 Punch 430A Punch 430B Punch 430C Punch 431 Cavity 431A Cavity 431B Cavity 431C Cavity 432 Opening 440 Pad holding member 441 Elastic member 450 Punch holding member 460 Support member 500 Heating section 510 First heating section (heating section in front of conveyor roller) 511 First heating furnace 512 First heating roller 520 Second heating section (heating section between conveyor roller cutting sections, heating section between conveyor roller bending sections) 521 Second upper heating roller 522 Second lower heating roller 523 Upper induction coil (second induction heating section) 530 Third heating section (heating section between cutting and bending sections, heating section between conveyor roller bending sections) 531,532 Third induction heating section 531 Upper induction coil 532 Lower induction coil 540 Fourth heating section (die pad heating section, bending section position heating section) 541 Die heating section 542 First insulation member (insulation member) 543A Fastening section insulation member (second insulation member, insulation member) 543B Additional insulation member (second insulation member, insulation member) 546 Pad heating section 550 Fifth heating section (bending section position induction heating section, bending section position heating section) 551 Die side induction coil 552 Pad side induction coil 560 Sixth heating section (non-contact heating section, bending section position heating section) 561 Upper heating device 562 Lower heating device 563 Material support section 600 Temperature measuring section 610 First temperature measuring section (die pad temperature measuring section, bending section position temperature measuring section) 611 Die temperature measuring section 612 Pad temperature measuring section 620 Second temperature measuring section (non-contact temperature measuring section, bending section position temperature measuring section) 621 Non-contact thermometer 622 Non-contact thermometer 700 Material 710 Coil section 720 Planned bending location 800 Bent body 810 Flat section 811 Slit 820 Corner section 821 Bent section 822 Flat section 900 Magnetic core D1 First gap D2 Second gap

Claims

1. A manufacturing apparatus for producing a bent body from a metal strip material, the manufacturing apparatus comprising: a conveying roller section equipped with power for conveying and positioning the material; a cutting section for cutting the material; a bending section for bending the material to form a bent portion; a heating section for heating the material; and a control unit for controlling the manufacturing apparatus, wherein the conveying roller section, the cutting section, and the bending section are arranged in this order along the conveying direction; the bending section comprises a die, a pad, and a punch; and the heating section comprises a heating section between the conveying roller section and the bending section for heating the material at a position between the conveying roller section and the bending section.

2. The conveyor roller cutting section heating section comprises a conveyor roller cutting section heating section that heats the material at a position between the conveyor roller section and the cutting section, as described in claim 1.

3. The apparatus for manufacturing a bent body according to claim 2, wherein the heating section between the conveying roller cutting sections includes an upper heating roller that contacts the upper surface of the material and a lower heating roller that contacts the lower surface of the material.

4. The apparatus for manufacturing a bent body according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the heating section between the conveying roller cutting sections includes an induction heating section that heats the material using induction heating.

5. The manufacturing apparatus for a bent body according to claim 4, wherein the induction heating section of the heating section between the conveying roller cutting sections includes an induction coil provided at a position facing the lifter plate of the cutting section in the vertical direction.

6. The apparatus for manufacturing a bent body according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the heating section between the conveying roller cutting sections includes a lifter plate heating section that heats the material by heating the lifter plate having the cutting section.

7. The apparatus for manufacturing a bent body according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the heating section between the conveying roller bending section comprises a heating section between the cutting section and the bending section that heats the material at a position between the cutting section and the bending section.

8. The apparatus for manufacturing a bent body according to claim 7, wherein the heating section between the cut and bent sections includes an induction heating section that heats the material using induction heating.

9. The induction heating section of the heating section between the cut and bent sections includes an upper induction coil provided above the material and a lower induction coil provided below the material, the apparatus for manufacturing a bent body according to claim 8.

10. The manufacturing apparatus for a bent body according to claim 9, wherein the upper induction coil and the lower induction coil of the heating section between the cutting and bending sections are provided at different positions in the conveying direction.

11. The upper induction coil of the heating section between the cutting section and the bending section is provided in a position that overlaps with the lower blade of the cutting section in the conveying direction, as described in claim 9, for manufacturing a bent body.

12. The lower induction coil of the heating section between the cutting section and the bending section is located downstream of the lower blade of the cutting section in the conveying direction, as described in claim 9.

13. A method for manufacturing a bent body, wherein the bent body is manufactured using a manufacturing apparatus described in any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. A method for manufacturing a magnetic core, wherein the magnetic core comprises a plurality of bent bodies, and at least one of the plurality of bent bodies is manufactured using a manufacturing apparatus described in any one of claims 1 to 12.

Images