Name of Docutnent] DESCRIPTION
[Title of the Invention] PRESS-MOLDING APPARATUS, PRESS-MOLDING
METHOD, AND PRESS-MOLDED PRODUCT
[Technical Field]
5 [OOOl]
The present invention relates to a press-molding apparatus, a press-molding
method, and a press-molded product.
[Background Art]
[0002]
10 A press-molding apparatus that molds a press-molded product having a hatshaped
cross-section or a U-shaped cross-section by subjecting a work to press
working has been used. The molded press-molded product is, for example, used as
a part of a vehicle, such as a car.
[0003]
15 In view of securing collision safety, body rigidity, and the like, a pressmolded
product used as a part of a vehicle is required to partly have increased
strength. Hence, there is used a technique of, in press-molding a press-molded
product from a work having a hat-shaped cross-section, causing a material of the
work to flow so as to thicken part of the work as in Patent Literature 1 below.
20 Specifically, a ifei'iical wtiIl'portion of the work is reduced in height and thickened.
[Citation List]
[Patent Literature(s)]
[0004]
[Patent Literature 11 JP 2008-296252A
25 [Summary of Invention]
[Technical Problem]
[OOOS]
In the case of perfanning press molding so as to reduce the height of the
vertical xvall portion, buckling tends to occur in the vertical wall portion. The
occurrence of buckling makes it difficult to mold a vertical wall portion that is
5 thickened into an appropriate shape. Note that Patent Literature 1 described above
does not include sufficient discussion on the buckling of the vertical wall poltion at
the time of press molding.
[0006]
Hence, the present iuvention has been made in view of the above problem,
10 and an object of the present invention is to provide a press-molding apparatus
capable of appropriately thickening a vertical wall portion while preventing the
occurrence of buckling.
[Solution to Problenl]
[0007]
15 In order to solve the above problem, accordiug to an aspect of the present
invention, there is provided a press-molding apparatus configured to mold a pressmolded
product by performing press working on a work, the work having a hatshaped
cross-section or a U-shaped cross-section including an upper wall portion and
a vertical wall portion with a first thickness, the press-molding apparatus including: a
20 first support meiiibeftliat sufipo~tsth e work from the inside of the hat-shaped crosssection
or the U-shaped cross-section; a second support member that supports the
work at a lower end portion of the vertical wall portion; a punch member that moves
downward relative to the second support member, together with the first support
member, to execute press working of reducing a height of the vertical wall portion
25 and thickening the vertical wall po~tiotit o a second thickness larger than the first
thickness; a pad member that faces the first support member with the vertical wall
portion placed between the pad nlelnber and the first support me~nber;a nd a position
adjustnlcnt mechanism that adjusts a position of the pad member in a lnanner that
contact between the pad member and the vertical wall portion is tnaintained during
the press working.
5 [0008]
In the above press-molding apparatus, the position adjustment mechanism
may include a biasing member that biases the pad member toward the vertical wall
portion.
[0009]
10 In the above press-molding apparatus, the position adjustment mechanism
may include a distance adjustment mechanism that enlarges a distance between the
first support member and the pad member concurrently with downward moven~ento f
the punch member during the press working.
[OOlO]
15 In the above press-molding apparatus, the distance adjustment mechanism
may include an inclined sl~rfaceth at is formed on the pad member and is higher at
positions farther from the first support member, and a pressing portion that is formed
in the punch member and presses the inclined surface to cause the pad member to
move in a direction going away from the first support member during the press
20 working.
[OOll]
In the above press-molding apparatus, the work may have the hat-shaped
cross-section or the U-shaped cross-section opening toward a lower end of the
vertical wall portion. The first support member may have a first inclined surface
25 that faces the vertical wall portion. The pad member may have a second inclined
surface that faces the first inclined surface with the vertical wall portion placed
between the second inclined surface and the first inclined surface. The distance
adjustment mechanism nlay include a driving mechanisln that causes the second
inclined surface to proceed toward the vertical wall portion to follow the first
inclined surface that recedes fiom the vertical wall portion owing to downward
5 lnovernent of the first suppoi-t n~enlberd uring the press working.
[0012]
In the above press-molding apparatus, additional press working of bending a
flat plate to mold the work having the hat-shaped cross-section or the U-shaped
cross-section may be perfornled. In the additional press working, in a state where a
10 portion of the flat plate that constitutes the upper wall portion after processing is
sandwiched by the first support member and the punch member, the pad member
abutting on the flat plate may move downward relative to the first support membel;
the second support member, and the punch member to bend a portion of the flat plate
that constitutes the vel-tical wall portion after processing, and cause a lower end
15 portion of the portion to abut against the second support member.
[0013]
In the above press-molding apparatus, the work may have a corner portion
connected to the vertical wall portion. The punch member rnay perform press
working so as to reduce a height of the vertical wall portion and thicken the vel-tical
20 wall portion and the corner portion.
[00 141
In the above press-molding apparatus, the work may be a long member.
The punch member may reduce a height of the vertical wdl portion in the entire
longitudinal direction and thicken the entire vertical wall portion to the second
25 thickness.
[0015]
In order to solve tlie above problem, according to an aspect of tlie present
invention, there is provided a press-molding tnetliod configured to mold a pressmolded
product by performing press working on a work, the work having a Iiatshaped
cross-section or a U-shaped cross-section including an upper wall portion and
5 a vertical wall portion with a first thickness, the press-molding method including: a
step of causing a first support member to support the work from the inside of the batshaped
cross-section or the U-shaped cross-section; a step of causing a second
support member to support the work at a lower end portion of the vertical wall
portion; a step of causing a punch member to move downward relative to the second
10 support member, together with the first support member, to execute press working of
reducing a height of the vertical wall portion placed between the first support
member and a pad member and thickening the vertical wall portion to a second
thickness larger than the first thickness; and a step of adjusting a position of the pad
member, by a position adjustment mechanism, in a manner that the pad member that
15 faces the first support member with the vertical wall poltion placed between the pad
member and the first support member maintains contact with the vertical wall portion
during tlie press working.
[0016]
In order to solve the above problem, according to an aspect of the present
20 invention, there is provided a press-molded product having a hat-shaped crosssection
or a U-shaped cross-section that is molded by perfornling press working on a
work with a first thickness, the press-molded product including: an upper wall
portion with the first thickness; and thickened vertical wall portions that are
connected to both end portions of tlie upper wall portion and have a second tliicktiess
25 larger than the first thickness.
[Advantageous Effects of Invention]
[OOI 71
As described above, the present invention makes it possible to appropriately
thicken a vertical wall portion while preventing the occurrence of buckling.
[Brief Description of the Drawing(s)]
5 [0018]
[FIG. I] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a configuration example of a pressmolded
product according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
[FIG. 21 FIG. 2 is a schetnatic view of an example of a manufacturing
process of the press-molded product according to the first embodiment.
10 [FIG. 31 FIG. 3 is a schematic view for explaining a configuration example
of a press-molding apparatus according to the first etnbodiment.
[FIG. 41 FIG. 4 is a schematic view for explaining the configuration example
of the press-molding apparatus according to the first embodiment.
[FIG. 51 FIG. 5 is a schematic view for explaining the configuration example
15 of the press-molding apparatus according to the first embodiment.
[FIG. 61 FIG. 6 is a schematic view for explaining conditions of 3-point
bending simulation for a press-molded product.
[FIG. 7A] FIG. 7A is a graph showing the analysis results of the 3-point
bending simulation when the support span is 200 mm.
[FIG.'T3] FIG. 7B is a graph showing the analysis results of the 3-point
bending simulation when the support span is 200 nnn.
[FIG. 8A] FIG. 8A is a graph showing the analysis results of the 3-point
bending simulation when the support span is 300 mm.
[FIG. 8B] FIG. 80 is a graph showing the analysis results of the 3-point
26 bending simulation when the support span is 300 mm.
[FIG. 9A] FIG. 9A is a graph showing the analysis results of the 3-point
bending simulatio~wi hen the suppoit span is 600 mm.
[FIG. 9B] FIG. 9B is a graph slio\ving the analysis results of the 3-point
bending simulation when the support spati is 600 mil.
[FIG. 101 FIG. 10 is a graph showing the analysis results of the 3-point
5 beriding simulation.
[FIG. 111 FIG. 11 is a graph showitig the analysis results of tlie 3-point
bending simulation.
[FIG. 121 FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a configuration example of a
press-molded product according to a modification of the first etnbodiment.
10 [FIG. 131 FIG. 13 is a schematic view of an example of a manufacturing
process of the press-molded product according to the modification of the first
etnbodiment.
[FIG. 141 FIG. 14 is a schematic view for explaining a configuration
example of a press-molding apparatus according to tlie modification of the first
15 embodiment.
[FIG. 151 FIG. 15 is a schematic view for explaining the configuration
example of the press-molding apparatus according to the modification of tlie first
embodiment.
[FIG. 161 FIG. 16 is a sclie~natic view for explaining the configuration
20 example of the press-molding apparatus according to the modification of the first
embodiment.
[FIG. 171 FIG. 17 is a schematic view for explaining a configuration
example of a press-molding apparatus according to a secotid embodiment.
[FIG. 181 FIG. 18 is a sclietnatic view for explaining the configuration
25 example of the press-molding apparatus according to the second en~bodiment.
[FIG. 191 FIG. 19 is a schematic view for explaining the configuration
example of the press-molding apparatus according to the second embodiment.
[FIG. 201 FIG. 20 is a schematic view for explaining a configuration
example of a press-molding apparatus according to a modification of the second
enlbodiment.
[FIG. 211 FIG. 21 is a schematic view for explaining the configuration
exanlple of the press-molding apparatus according to the tnodification of the second
embodiment.
[FIG. 221 FIG. 22 is a schematic view for explaining the configuration
example of the press-molding apparatus according to the modification of the second
10 embodiment.
[FIG. 231 FIG. 23 is a schematic view of an example of a manufacturing
process of a press-molded product according to a third embodiment.
[FIG. 241 FIG. 24 is a schematic view for explaining a configuration
example of a press-molding apparatus according to the third embodiment.
15 [FIG. 251 FIG. 25 is a schematic view for explaining the configuration
exanlple of the press-molding apparatus according to the third en~bodiment.
[FIG. 261 FIG. 26 is a schematic view for explaining the configuration
exatnple of the press-molding apparatus according to the third etnboditnent.
[FIG. 271 FIG. 27 is a schematic view for explaining the configuration
20 example of the pr&-molding apparatus according to the third embodimet~t.
[FIG. 281 FIG. 28 is a schematic view for explaining a configuration
example of a press-molding apparatus according to a modification of the third
embodiment.
[FIG. 291 FIG. 29 is a schematic view for explaining the configuration
25 example of the press-molding apparatus according to the modification of the third
embodiment.
[FIG. 301 FIG. 30 is a schematic vicw for explaining the configuration
example of the press-molding apparatus according to the modification of the third
embodiment.
[FIG. 311 FIG. 31 is a schematic view for explaining the configuration
5 example of the press-molding apparatus according to the modification of the third
enlbodiment.
[FIG. 321 FIG. 32 is a perspective vicw of a configuration esatnple of a
press-molded product according to another embodiment.
[FIG. 331 FIG. 33 is a perspective view of a configuration example of a
10 press-molded product according to another embodiment.
[FIG. 341 FIG. 34 is a perspective view of a cot~figuratiote~x ample of a
press-molded product according to another embodiment.
[FIG. 351 FIG. 35 is a perspective view of a configuration example of a
press-molded product according to another embodiment.
15 [FIG. 361 FIG. 36 is a perspective view of a configuration example of a
press-molded product according to another embodiment.
[FIG. 371 FIG. 37 is a perspcctivc view of a configuration esatnple of a
press-molded prodoct according to another embodiment.
[Description of Embodiments]
20 [0019] ,<
Hereinafter, (a) preferred embodiment(s) of the present invention will be
described in detail with reference to the appended drawings. In this specification
and the drawings, elements that have substantially the same function and structure
arc denoted with the same reference signs, and repeated explanation is omitted.
25 [0020]

(1-1. Overview of press-molded product)
A configuration example of a press-~nolded product 10 according to a first
e~nbodimenot f the present invention will be described referring to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is
a perspective view of the configuration example of the press-molded product 10
6 according to the first embodiment.
[0021]
The press-molded product 10 can be used as a past of any of various devices,
but is described here as one that is used as a part of a vehicle, such as a car. For
example, the press-molded product 10 is used as a center pillar of a car, which is
10 required of high rigidity. In such a case, to secure safety against an impact on a side
surface of the center pillar, for example, there is a need to increase the rigidity and
strength of an area of the press-molded product 10 to which the impact is applied.
[0022]
The press-molded product 10 is molded by subjecting a flat plate (also
15 called a blank) to processing, such as bending and drawing, by a press-molding
apparatus. 111 the first embodiment, the press-molded product 10 is a long nlolded
product extending with a so-called hat-shaped cross-section as illustrated in FIG. 1.
Specifically, the press-molded product 10 includes an upper wall portion 12,
thickened vertical wall portions 13, and flange portions 14.
20 [0023]
The upper wall portion 12 is molded into a thickness tl (e.g., 1.6 tnm) that is
the same as the plate thich~esso f the blank (refer to a blank 70 illustrated in FIG. 2).
The upper wall portion 12 is a rectangular surface that is flat along the longitudinal
direction of the press-molded product 10 (Y direction of FIG. 1).
25 [0024]
The vertical wall portions 13 are a pair of wall portions formed substantially
perpetidicular to the upper wall poition 12. The vertical wall portions 13 arc
connected to both end portions of the upper wall portion 12 in the width direction 0:
direction of FIG. 1). A thickness t2 (e.g., 2.0 mtn) of the vertical wall portion 13 is
increased by the press-molding apparatus described later to be larger than the
5 thickness tl of the upper xvall po~tioti 12. This increases tlie rigidity and strength of
tlie vertical wall portion 13 in the press-molded product 10. In addition, the vertical
wall portion 13 is hardened owing to strain (work hardening) at the time of
thickening by the press-molding apparatus to have fu~tlier increased rigidity and
strength. Note that the thickness tl corresponds to a first thickness, and the
10 thickness t2 corresponds to a second thickness.
[0025]
The flange portion 14 is connected to a lower end portion of the vertical
wall portion 13. The flange portion 14 is molded into the thickness tl, which is the
same as that of the upper wall portion 12. The flange portion 14 is provided with,
15 for example, a fastening hole (not illustrated) for fastening the press-molded product
10 to the vehicle main body.
[0026]
Note that in the press-molded product 10, a corner portioli 15 between the
upper wall portion 12 arid the vertical wall portion 13, atid a corner portion 16 of tlie
20 ve~ticawl all portion 13 and the flange portion 14 are also thickened as illustrated in
FIG. 1. Specifically, the corner portions 15 arid 16 are thickened to be flush with
the vertical wall portion 13 in the width direction of the press-molded product 10 (X
direction of FIG. 1). Thus, the corner portions 15 and 16 also have increased
rigidity.
25 [0027]
Next, at1 example of a ma~iufacturi~lmg ethod of the press-molded product
10 with the above-described configuration will be described referring to FIG. 2.
The press-molded product 10 is molded by perfor~ningp ress working twice on the
blank 70.
[0028]
5 FIG. 2 is a schematic view of an example of a tnant~facturingp rocess of the
press-molded product 10 according to the first enlbodiinent. The manufacturing
process of the press-molded product 10 illustrated in FIG. 2 starts from preparing the
blank 70 as a preparation step S1. Here, the blank 70 is a flat plate with the plate
thickness tl.
10 [0029]
Next, in a first molding step S2, the first press working is performed on the
blank 70. The first press working is bending and drawing, for example, by a pressmolding
apparatus including a die and a punch. A primary molded product 80
having been subjected to the first press working is a long molded product having a
15 hat-shaped cross-section with the plate thickness tl. That is, the prima~y molded
product 80 includes an npper wall portion 82 corresponding to the upper wall portion
12 of the press-molded product 10, vertical wall portions 83 corresponding to the
vertical wall portions 13, and flange portions 84 corresponding to the flange portions
14. Here, the vertical wall portion 83 has a height hl. In addition, a corner
20 portion 85 of the upper wall portion 82 and the vertical wall portion 83, and a comer
portion 86 of the vertical wall portion 83 and the flange portion 84 each have a
curved surface (so-called R surface).
[0030]
Next, in a second molding step S3, the second press working is performed
25 on the primary molded product 80 serving as a work. The second press working is
performed by a press-molding apparatus 100 described later. By the second press
working, the press-molded product 10 servitig as a secondary molded product
obtained by thickening the vertical wall portions 83 to the thickness t2 is molded.
1003 I]
Specifically, while the height of tlie vertical wall portion 83 of the priinaiy
5 molded product 80 is reduced from hl to h2, the vertical wall portion 83 is thickened
to tlie thickness t2. At this time, tlie corner portion 85 of the upper wall portion 82
and tlie vertical wall portion 83, and the corner pot-tioii 86 of the vertical wall portion
83 and the flange portion 84 are also thickened. As a result, the press-molded
product 10 with the thickened vei-tical wall portions 13 and corner portions 15 and 16
10 is molded.
[0032]
By the above-described manufacturing method of the press-molded product
10 according to the first embodiment, the press-molded product 10 having a hatshaped
cross-section in which the vertical wall portions 13 have been thickened to
15 the plate thickness t2 can be molded by using tlie blank 70, which is a flat plate with
tlie plate thickness tl .
[0033]
A known manufacturirig method in which a molded product is partly
thickened is tailored blank. In tailored blank, two plates having different plate
20 thick~iessesa re3WeIdedB' efore press molding into one blank. The thicker plate of
the two plates is applied to an area that needs rigidity and strength. In this tailored
blank, however, a \veld where the two plates have been welded is left in the tilolded
product.
[0034]
25 A tailored rolled blank is also knowvn. The tailored rolled blank is a blank
obtained by using a rolled coil (into which a steel plate is wound) that is partly tilade
to have a different thickness in advance. Such a method, Iiowevel; tieeds a custo~nmade
coil.
[0035]
Furthermore, there is known a tnethod of providing a stiffening member
5 called a stiffener in an area that needs rigidity and strength of a blank. In such a
method, however, providing the stiffening menlber increases tlie number of parts.
[0036]
In contrast, the manufacturing method of the press-molded product 10
according to tlie first embodiment does not make a weld, does not need to use a
10 custom-made coil, and does not increase the number of parts. That is, the pressmolded
product 10 in which the vertical wall portions 13, to which an impact can be
applied if the press-molded product 10 is used for a center pillar of a cal; have been
thickened beyond the plate thickness tl of the blank 70 can be molded by an easy
manufacturing method.
15 [0037]
(1-2. Configuration exanlple of press-molding apparatus)
A configuration example of tile press-molding apparatus 100 accordilig to
the first embodiment will be described referring to FIGS. 3 to 5. The press-molding
apparatus 100 performs press working of the primary molded product 80 serving as a
20 work, the~~ekiyfilbldint'gh e press-molded product 10 sewing as the secondary molded
product in which the vertical wall portions 13 have been thicket~ed.
[0038]
FIGS. 3 to 5 are schematic views for explaining the configuration example
of the press-molding apparatus 100 according to the first embodilllent. Note that
25 FIG. 3 illustrates a state of the press-molding apparatus 100 just before starting press
\vorking for thickening, FIG. 4 illustrates a state of the press-molding apparatus 100
during the press working, arid FIG. 5 illustrates a state of the press-molding apparatus
100 at the end of the press wvorking (a punch is positioned at the bottom dead point).
[0039]
The press-molding apparatus 100 includes, as illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 5, a
5 die 110, a cushio~l 120, a pu11c11 130, ~~11icils1 a n example of a punch member, and
pads 140, which are examples of pad members. Note that the die 110 and tlie
cushio~i 120 are examples of support members that support the prima~y molded
product 80. More specificallj~, tlie cushion 120 is an example of a first support
member that supports the primary molded product 80 inside the hat-shaped cross-
10 section, and the die 110 is an example of a secotid support member that supports the
primary molded product 80 at lower end portions of the vertical wall portio~~83s .
[0040]
The die 110 is fixed to a lower holder (not illustrated) of tlie press-molding
apparatus 100. The die 110 is provided wit11 a flange-supporting recessed portion
15 112 that supports the flange portions 84 (including the lower end portions of the
vertical wall portions 83) of the primary molded product 80 wvhetl the primary
molded product 80 is set. The die 110 is also provided with a pad movement
surface 114 on which the pads 140 can move.
[0041]
The'cushion 120 is movably supported by the lower holder of the pressmolding
apparatus 100. The cushion 120 supports the set primary molded product
80 from inside the hat-shaped cross-section. Specifically, the cushion 120 supports
the inside of the upper wvall portion 82 and the vertical wvall portions 83 of tlie
primary molded product 80. The cashion 120 is biased upward (in the direction
25 Dl) by a biasing member 122, such as a spring.
[0042]
The punch 130 is rnovably supported by an upper holder (not illustrated) of
the pless-molding apparatus 100. The punch 130 is positioned above the upper wall
portion 82 of the set primary molded product 80, and moves downward (in the
direction D2; the opposite di~ectionto tlie direction Dl) at the time of press working.
5 The punch 130 n~ovcsd ouln~vardi n the direction D2 between the two pads 140, as
illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, in a state where the upper wall portion 82 is sandwiched
between the punch 130 and the cushion 120 as illustrated in FIG. 3, thereby pressmolding
the primary inolded product 80. At this time, the punch 130 moves
downward relative to the die 110, together with tlie cushion 120, thereby perforlning
10 press working such that, wvhile the height of the vertical wall portion 83 of the
primary molded product 80 is reduced from hl to h2, the thickness of the vertical
wall portion 83 is increased from tl to t2. The corner portions 85 and 86 are also
thickened ~vl~tehne vertical wall portion 83 is thickened. Note that the vertical wall
portion 83 is thickened while strain is caused, thus being hardened (work hardening).
15 The punch 130 executes such press working for the entire longitudinal direction of
the primary molded product 80.
[0043]
The pad 140 is positioned outside the vertical wvall portio~8~3 of the primary
molded product 80, and faces the cushion 120 with the vertical wall pol-tion 83
20 placed therebmwken. The pad 140 is provided on the pad movement surface 114 of
the die 110 to be movable in the lateral direction (direction D3 or direction D4).
The pad 140 is biased in the direction D3 toward the vertical wall portion 83 by a
biasing member 142, such as a spring. One end portion of the biasiug nlelnber 142
is linked to the pad 140, and the other end portion thereof is linked to the die 110.
25 [0044]
The biasing nle~nber1 42 adjusts the position of the pad 140 du~ingth e press
working such that contact between the pad 140 and the vertical wall portion 83 is
maintained. More specifically, the pad 140 is biased in the direction D3 by the
biasing member 142 to be pressed against the vertical wall portion 83. M'hen the
thickness of the vertical wall portion 83 is increased by thickening, the pad 140
5 moves in the direction D4 to oppose the biasing force of the biasing nie~nber 142,
and the distance between the pad 140 and the cushion 120 is increased by the amount
of increase in the thickness of the vertical wall portion 83. The pad 140 keeps its
contact with the vertical wall portion 83 in this manner, thereby preventing buckling
of the vertical wall portion 83.
10 [0045]
Although the vertical wall portions 83 and the corner portions 85 and 86 of
the primary molded product 80 are thickened in the above description, without being
limited to this example, it is possible to thicken only the vertical wall portions 83.
Ln addition, although the vertical wall portions 83 are thickened in the entire
15 longitudinal direction of the primary molded product 80 in the above description,
without being limited to this example, it is possible to thicken only part of the
vertical wall portions 83 in the longitudinal direction.
[0046]
(1-3. Operation example of press-molding apparatus)
Next, ,an mpetafion example at the time of press working of the pressmolding
apparatus 100 will be described, still referring to FIGS. 3 to 5. This
operation example starts from a state where the set primary molded product 80 is
held by the cushion 120, the punch 130, and the pads 140, as illustrated in FIG. 3.
[0047]
25 First, the punch 130 starts to move downward in tlie direction 02, and load
is applied to the primary ~nolded product 80. Accordingly, the cushion 120 also
moves downward in the direction D2, to oppose the biasing force of the biasing
member 122 in the direction Dl. Thus, the vertical wall portion 83 of the primary
molded product 80 liaving been subjected to the load shrinks in the direction 02, and
expands in the direction D4 (the opposite direction to the direction D3), as illustrated
5 in FIG. 4.
. [0048]
The pad 140 is biased in the direction D3 by tlie biasing member 142, but
when the vertical wall portion 83 expands in the direction D4, force is applied to the
pad 140 in the direction D4 from the vertical wall portion 83. This causes the pad
10 140 to move in the direction D4, to oppose the biasing force of the biasing member
142. At this time, the pad 140 biased by the biasing member 142 maintains its state
of being in contact with the vertical wall portion 83, and thus can prevent the vertical
wall portion 83 from warping and buckling. As a resolt, the vertical'wall portion 83
car1 be thickened to the uniform thickness t2.
15 [0049]
Then, the cushion 120 and the pad 140 keep moving until the pnnch 130
reaches the bottom dead point as illustrated in FIG. 5. Here, the biasing force of the
biasing member 142 is adjusted such that the distance between the pad 140 and the
cusl~on1 20 does not exceed t2. Thus, the vertical wall portion 83 is thickened to
20 the thickness"(2. . ~~At'ttiis'timet,h e corner portion 85 of the upper wall portion 82 and
tlie vertical wall portion 83, and the corner portion 86 of the vertical wall portion 83
and the flange portion 84 are also thickened. Note that the vertical wall portion 83
is thickened while strain is caused, thus being hardened (work hardening).
[OOSO]
25 Meanwhile, the upper wall portion 82 and the flange portion 84 of the
primary molded product 80 maintain the thickness tl until the punch 130 reaches the
botto~lld ead point. As a result, when press n~oldingis completed, the press-molded
product 10 serving as the secondary molded product in which the vertical wall
portions 13 and the comer portions 15 and 16 have been thickened, as illusttated in
FIG. 1, is molded.
5 [0051]
(1 -4. Effectiveness)
The effectiveness of the press-molded product 10 molded by the abovedescribed
press-molding apparatus 100 will be described by using analysis results of
3-point bending si~nulationf or the press-molded product 10.
10 [0052]
FIG. 6 is a schematic view for explaining conditions of the 3-point bending
simulation for tlie press-molded product 10. In the simulation, the press-molded
product 10 is supported by support metnbers 510 positioned on both end sides in the
longitudinal direction, with a back plate 520 placed between the press-molded
15 product 10 and the support members 510, as illustrated in FIG 6. At this time, the
press-molded product 10 is fixed to the back plate 520, which is a flat plate, by
welding at the flange portion 14. Then, an indenter 530 applies predetermined load
to the center side in the longih~dinal direction of the press-molded product 10
supported by the support metnbers 5 10. Thus, an area of the press-molded product
20 10 to whichrhc~loathl as'been applied undergoes deformation and displacement.
[0053]
The following description compares analysis results for the press-molded
product 10 according to the present example in which the vertical wall portions 13
have been thickened with analysis results for a press-molded product according to
25 Conlparative Example 1 in \vbich vertical wall portions Iiave not been thickened,
referring to FIGS. 7 to 9. Note that tlie sit~lulation is performed for each of the
cases w\~liere the support span between the two support nlelnbers 510 supporting tlie
press-molded prodrtct is 200 mm, 300 nun, and 600 mm. Here, the upper wall
portion 12 and the flange portions 14 of the press-molded product 10 have a plate
thickless of 1.0 mm, and tlie vertical wvall portions 13 have an increased plate
5 tliich~ess( 1.2 mm to 2.0 mm). An upper wall poltion, vertical wall portions, and
flange portions of the molded product according to Comparative Example 1 have a
uniform plate thickness, which is 1.0 mm here.
[0054]
Graphs of FIG. 7 show the analysis results of the 3-point bending sinlulation
10 when the support span between the two support n~ernbers5 10 is 200 tntn. Graphs
of FIG 8 show the analysis results of the 3-point bending simulation when the
support spati is 300 mm. Graphs of FIG. 9 show the analysis results of the 3-point
bending simulation when the suppo~stp an is 600 mm.
[OOSS]
15 The horizontal axis of the six graphs of FIGS. 7 to 9 represents the plate
thickness of the vertical wall portion 13. The vertical axis of each graph of FIGS.
7A, 8A, and 9A represents the maxitnum load at which the press-molded product
undergoes displacement, and the vertical axis of each graph of FIGS. 7B, 8B, and 9B
represents energy absorbed by the press-molded product. Note that the shown
20 analysis rest~ltsLincl&laen alysis results not reflecting work hardening and analysis
results reflecting work hardening. As is apparent fro~nF IGS. 7 to 9, tlie niaxinium
load at which the press-tnolded product 10 u~idergoesd isplacenient and the absorbed
energy increase as the plate thickless of the veltical wall portion 13 increases. I11
addition, the maxinium load and the absorbed energy further increase when work
25 hardening is reflected. That is, the press-molded product 10 according to the
present example is not easily deformed and absorbs a large amount of energy. Thus,
~vhenth c press-molded product 10 according to the first enlboditllent is used for a
center pillar of a car, collision performance can be improved.
[0056]
Next, analysis results of 3-point bending simulation for the press-molded
5 product 10 according to the present example and for press-molded products
according to Comparative Exa~nples2 and 3 having different tensile strengths will be
described referring to FIGS. 10 and 11. FIGS. 10 and 11 are graphs showing the
analysis results of the 3-point bending simulation.
[0057]
10 The analysis results of the press-molded product 10 according to the present
example sho\vn in FIGS. 10 and 11 are the same as those of FIGS. 8A and 8B. As
for the molded products of Conlparative Examples 2 and 3, the cases where an upper
wall portion, vertical wall portions, and flange portions have a uniform plate
thickness, which is 1.0 mm and 1.2 mm here, are analyzed. Here, the molded
15 product of Comparative Exanlple 2 is made of a material with a 980 MPa-class
tensile strength. The molded product of Comparative Example 3 is made of a
material with a 1180 MPa-class tensile strength.
[OOSS]
As is apparent from FIGS. 10 and 11, the press-molded product 10 of the
20 present examp1e"exhibits characteristics equivalent to or better than those of the
molded product of Comparative Example 2 with a 980 MPa-class tensile strength
and, when tlie plate thickness of the vertical wall portion of the press-molded product
10 is set to 1.2 mm, exhibits characteristics equivalent to those of the molded product
of Comparative Example 3 with a 1180 ma-class tensile strength having the plate
25 thickness 1.2 mm. Therefore, using the press-molding apparatus 100 according to
the first embodiment makes it possible to secure characteristics similar to those of a
molded product accordit~gto a material with a high tensile strength by performing
prcss molding using a material with a low tensile strength. This makes it possible
to maintain characteristics of the press-molded product 10 \vbile reducing material
weight.
5 [0059]
(1-5. Modification)
Configuration examples of a press-molded product 20 and a press-molding
apparatus 150 according to a modification of the first embodiment will be described
referring to FIGS. 12 to 16.
10 [0060]
(1-5-1. Configuration example of press-molded product)
The configuration example of the press-molded product 20 according to the
modification of the first embodiment will be described referring to FIGS. 12 aud 13.
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the configuration example of the press-molded
15 product 20 according to the lnodification of the first embodiment. FIG. 13 is a
schematic view of an example of a manufacturing process of the press-molded
product 20 according to the modification of the first embodiment.
[0061]
The press-molded product 20 is a long molded product extending with a so-
20 called U-shaped.;cmsS-section, as illustrated in FIG. 12. Specifically, the pressmolded
product 20 includes an upper wall portion 22 and vertical wall portions 23,
but docs not include the flange portions 14 of the press-molded product 10 illustrated
in FIG. 1. Hence, the upper lvall portion 22 or the vertical wall portion 23 is
provided with a fastening hole for fastening the press-molded product 20 to the
25 veliicie main body.
[0062]
Also in the press-molded product 20, the vertical wall portion 23 is
thickened to the thickness t2, which is larger than the thickness tl of the upper wall
portion 22. In addition, a corner portion 25 between the upper wall portion 22 and
the vertical wall portion 23 is thickened to be flush with the vertical wall portion 23.
5 Thus, the vertical wall portion 23 and the corner portion 25 have increased rigidity.
[0063]
Like the press-molded product 10, the press-molded product 20 with the
above-described configuration is molded by performing press working twice (a first
molding step S12 and a second molding step S13 illustrated in FIG. 13) on the blank
10 70, which is a flat plate with the plate thickness tl, prepared in a preparation step S11,
as illustrated in FIG. 13. That is, the primary molded product 80 having a hatshaped
cross-section with the plate thickness tl is formed by the first molding step
S12. Then, the press-molded product 20 serving as a secondary molded product in
which the vertical wall portions have shank to the height h2 and have been
15 thickened to the thickness t2 accordingly is molded by the second molding step S13.
[0064]
(1-5-2. Configuration example and operation example of press-molding
apparatns)
Examples of the configuration and operation of the press-molding apparatus
20 150 according to the modifik&lon of the first embodiment will be described referring
to FIGS. 14 to 16. The press-molding apparatus 150 also performs press working
of the primary molded product 80, thereby molding the press-molded product 20
serving as the secondary tnolded product in which the vertical wall po~tions2 3 have
been thickened.
25 [0065]
FIGS. 14 to 16 are schematic views for explaining the configuration
example of the press-molding apparatus 150 according to the modification of tlie first
embodiment. Note that FIG. 14 illustrates a state of the press-molding apparatus
150 just before starting press working for thickening, FIG. 15 illustrates a state of the
press-molding apparatus 150 during tlie press working, and FIG. 16 illustrates a state
5 of the press-molding apparatus 150 at tlie end of tlie press working (a punch is
positioned at tlie bottom dead point).
[0066]
The press-molding apparatus 150 includes, as illustrated in FIGS. 14 to 16, a
die 160, the cushion 120, the punch 130, and the pads 140. The die 160 has the
10 same configuration as the die 110 of the press-molding apparatus 100 illustrated in
FICiS. 3 to 5, except that the flange-supporting recessed portion 112 is not formed.
In addition, configurations of the cushion 120, the punch 130, and the pads 140 of
tlie press-molding apparatus 150 are the same as those of tlie press-molding
apparatus 100. Therefore, the main functions of the die 160, the cushion 120, the
15 punch 130, and the pads 140 of the press-molding apparatus 150 are similar to those
of the press-molding apparatus 100.
[0067]
Next, the operation example at the time of press working of the pressmolding
apparatus 150 will be described.
20 In this-opmdtiori-~xample,t he punch 130 and the cushion 120 start to niove
downward in tlie direction D2 from a state illustrated in FIG. 14, and load is applied
to the primary molded product 80. Thus, the vertical wall portion 83 of tile primary
molded product 80 shrinks in the direction D2 and expands in tlie direction D4, as
illustrated in FIG. 15. At this time, the pad 140 biased by the biasing member 142
25 maintains its state of being in contact with the vertical wall portion 83, and tlms can
prevent the vertical wall portion 83 from warping and buckling. As a result, the
vertical wall portion 83 can be thickened to the unifornl thickness t2.
[0068]
Then, the cushion 120 and the pad 140 keep nloving until the punch 130
reaches the bottom dead point as illustrated in FIG. 16. Here, the biasing force of
5 the biasing n~enlber 142 is adjusted such that the distance between the pad 140 and
the cushion 120 does not exceed t2. Thus, the vertical wall portion 83 is thickened
to the thickness t2. The corner portion 85 of the upper wall portion 82 and the
vertical wall portion 83 is also thickened. Note that the vertical wall portion 83 is
thickened while strain is caused, thus being hardened.
10 [0069]
Meanwhile, the upper wall portion 82 of the primary molded product 80
maintains the thickness tl until the punch 130 reaches the bottom dead point. As a
result, when press molding is comnpleted, the press-molded product 20 serving as the
secondary molded product in ~vl~ictlhie ve~tical~ vallp ortions 23 and the corner
15 portions 25 have been thickened, as illustrated in FIG. 12, is molded.
[0070]
<2. Second embodiment>
A second embodinlent will be described. A press-molded product
according to the second embodiment is the same as the press-molded product 10
20 according to" the first enibodiment. Meanwhile, a press-molding apparatus
according to the second embodiment is different from the press-molding apparatus
100 according to the first embodiment. Hence, a configuration example and an
operation example of the press-molding apparatus according to tlie second
e~libodi~liewnti ll be described belowv.
25 [0071]
(2-1. Configuration exaniple of press-molding apparatus)
A configuration example of a press-molding apparatus 200 accordir~gto the
second cmbodi~nent will be described referring to FIGS. 17 to 19. The pressmolding
apparatus 200 performs press working of the primary molded product 80
serving as a work, thereby molding the press-molded product 10 serving as the
5 secondary molded product in which the vertical wall portions 13 have been thicke~ied.
[0072]
FIGS. 17 to 19 are schematic views for explaining the configuration
exaniple of the press-molding apparatus 200 according to the second embodiment.
Note that FIG. 17 illustrates a state of the press-molding apparatus 200 just before
10 starting press working for thickening, FIG. 18 illustrates a state of the press-molding
apparatus 200 during the press working, and FIG. 19 illustrates a state of the pressmolding
apparatus 200 at the end of the press working (a punch is positioned at the
bottom dead point).
[0073]
15 The press-molding apparatus 200 includes, as illustrated in FIGS. 17 to 19,
the die 110, the cushion 120, a punch 230, which is an example of a punch member,
and pads 240, which are examples of pad me~nbers. Note that in the press-moldi~lg
apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment, configurations of the die 110
and the cushion 120 are similar to those of the press-molding apparatus 100
20 according to the above first embodiment. Hence, detailed description of these
elenients is omitted.
[0074]
The punch 230 is movably supported by an upper holder (not illustrated) of
the press-molding apparatus 200. The punch 230 includes a punch portion 231
25 positioned above the upper wall portion 82 of the set primary molded product 80, and
moves downward (in the direction D2) at the time of press working. Tlic punch
portion 231 moves downward in the direction D2 between the two pads 240, as
illustrated in FIGS. 18 and 19, in a state where the upper wall portion 82 is
sandwiched between the punch portion 23 1 and the cushioti 120 as illustrated in FIG.
17, thereby press-molding the primary molded product 80. At this time, the punch
5 portion 23 1 moves do\vnward relative to the die 110, together with the cushion 120,
thereby performing press working such that, while the height of the vertical wall
portion 83 of tlie prinia~ym olded product 80 is reduced from hl to 112, the thickness
of the vertical wall portion 83 is increased fiom tl to t2. The comer portious 85 and
86 are also thickened wheu the ve~ticalw all portion 83 is thickened. Note that the
10 vertical wall portion 83 is thicketled while strain is caused, thus being hardened.
The punch poltion 231 executes such press working for the entire longitudi~lal
direction of the primary molded product 80.
[0075]
In addition, the punch 230 includes pressing portions 232 that press the pad
15 240 at the time of press working. The pressing portions 232 are provided on both
sides of tlie punch portion 231. When the punch 230 moves downward in the
direction D2, the pressing portion 232 presses the pad 240 in contact therewith.
The tip side of the pressing portion 232 is provided with a pressing surface 233
inclined like an inclined surface 241 of the pad 240.
20 [0076] . ' .
The pad 240 is positio~iedo utside the vertical wall portion 83 of the pri~na~y
molded product 80, and faces the cusllion 120 with the vertical wall portion 83
placed therebetween. The pad 240 is provided on the pad movement surface 114 of
the die 110 to be movable in the lateral direction (direction D3 or direction D4).
25 The iticli~led surface 241 is formed at tlie upper surface of the pad 240. T11e
inclined surface 241 is inclined so as to be higher at positions farther fiotn the
cusl~ion 120. Therefore, when the inclined surface 241 is pressed by tlie pressing
surface 233 at the time of press working by the punch 230, the pad 240 moves in a
direction going away from tlie cushion 120 (direction D4). At a time point whete
the punch 230 is positioried at the bottom dead point illustrated in FIG. 19, tlie
5 distance between tlie pad 240 and tlie cushion 120 is the same as the increased
thickness t2 of the vertical wall portioti 83 of the primary rilolded product 80.
[0077]
Here, an inclination angle of tlie inclined surface 241 is set such that a state
where tlie pad 240 is in contact with the vertical wall portion 83 being thickened is
10 maintained while the pad 240 moves in the direction D4 during the press working.
This prevents the vertical wall portion 83 from warping whet1 the vertical wall
portion 83 is thickened, and thus car1 effectively prevent the vertical wall portion 83
from buckling. As described above, in the first embodiment, the pressing portion
232 and the inclined surface 241 constitute a distance adjustment mechanism that
15 enlarges the distance between the cushion 120 and the pad 240 concurrently wit11 the
downward movement of the punch 230 during the press working.
[0078]
Furthermore, the pad 240 is biased in the direction D3 toward the vertical
wall portion 83 by a biasing member 242, such as a spring. One end portion of the
20 biasing member 242 is linked to tlie pad 240, and the other end portion thereof is
linked to tlie die 110. Biasing the pad 240 in this manner prevents the pad 240
pressed by tlie pressing portion 232 at the time of press working from popping out in
the direction D4, making it possible to maintain contact between the pad 240 and the
vertical wall portion 83.
25 [0079]
Although the vertical wall portions 83 and the corner portions 85 and 86 of
the primary molded product 80 are thickened in the above description, without being
limited to this example, it is possible to thicken only the vertical wall portions 83.
In addition, although the vertical wall pot-tiotls 83 are thickened in the entire
longitudi~~adli rection of tlie primary molded product 80 in the above description,
5 without being limited to this example, it is possible to thicken orlly part of thc
vertical wall portions 83 in the longitudinal direction.
[OOSO]
(2-2. Operation example of press-molding apparatus)
Next, an operation example at the time of press working of the press-
10 molding apparatus 200 will be described, still referring to FIGS. 17 to 19. This
operation example starts frotn a state where the set prima~y molded product 80 is
held by the cusl~ion1 20, the punch 230, and the pads 240, as illustrated in FIG. 17.
[0081]
First, the punch 230 starts to move downward in the direction D2, and load
15 is applied to the primary molded product 80. Accordingly, the cushion 120 also
moves down\vard in the direction D2, to oppose the biasing force of tlie biasiug
member 122 in the direction Dl.
[0082]
In addition, w11en the punch 230 moves dowtlward in the direction D2, the
20 pressing portion 232 presses the inclined surface 241 of the pad 240; thus, the pad
240 moves in the direction D4, to oppose the biasing force of tlie biasing member
242. This increases the gap between the pad 240 aud the cushion 120 as illustrated
it1 FIG. 18. When the pad 240 moves in the direction D4, the vertical wall portion
83 of the priulary molded product 80 having been subjected to the load fiom the
25 punch portion 23 1 shrinks in the direction D2, and expands in tlie dircctio~l0 4 so as
to fill the gap. At this time, the pad 240 moves in the direction D4 while
maintaining its cotitact with the vertical wall portioti 83 being thickened, atid tli~rs
cat1 prevent the vertical wall portion 83 from warping atid buckling. As a result, the
vertical wall portion 83 can be thickened to the uniform thicktiess t2.
[0083]
Then, the cushion 120 and the pad 240 keep tnoving until tlie punch 230
reaches the bottom dead point as illustrated in FIG. 19. Then, whet1 the punch 230
reaches the bottom dead point, tlie distance between the pad 240 and the cushion 120
which have tnoved becomes the same as the increased thicktiess t2 of the vettical
wall portiot~8 3. Thus, the vertical wall portion 83 is thickened to the thickness t2.
10 At this time, the corner portion 85 of the upper wall portiori 82 and the vertical wall
portion 83, and the corner portion 86 of the vertical wall portioti 83 and tlie flange
portion 84 are also thickened. Note that the vertical wall portion 83 is thickened
while strain is caused, thus being hardened.
[0084]
15 Meatiwhile, the upper wall pottion 82 at~d the flange pottion 84 of the
primary molded product 80 maintain the thickness tl until the punch 230 reaches the
bottom dead point. As a result, when press working is conipleted, the press-molded
product 10 sewing as the secondary molded product in which the vertical wall
portions 13 and the corner portions 15 and 16 have been thickened, as illustrated in
20 FIG. I, is mcrl'cied.
[OOSS]
(2-3. Modification)
Configuration exatiiples of the press-molded product 20 atid a pressmolding
apparatus 250 according to a ~nodification of the secotld embodiment will
25 be described referring to FIGS. 20 to 22.
[0086]
(2-3-1. Configuration example and operation example of press-molding
apparatus)
Examples of the co~ifigarationa nd operation of the press-molding apparatus
250 according to the modificatio~i of the second embodiment will be described
5 referring to FIGS. 20 to 22. The press-molding apparatus 250 also performs press
working of the primary molded product 80, thereby molding the press-molded
product 20 serving as the secondary molded product in which the vertical wall
portions 23 have been thickened.
[0087]
10 FIGS. 20 to 22 are schematic views for explaining the configuration
example of the press-molding apparatus 250 according to the modificatiot~ of the
second embodiment. Note that FIG. 20 illustrates a state of the press-molding
apparatus 250 just before starting press working for thickening, FIG. 21 illustrates a
state of the press-molding apparatus 250 during the press working, and FIG. 22
15 illustrates a state of the press-molding apparatus 250 at the end of the press working
(a punch is positioned at the bottom dead point).
[0088]
The press-molding apparatus 250 includes, as illustrated in FIGS. 20 to 22,
the die 160, the cushion 120, the punch 230, and the pads 240. Note that in the
20 press-n~oldinga pparatus 250 according to this modification, a configuration of the
die 160 is similar to that of the press-molding apparatus 150 according to the above
modification of the first embodiment. In addition, configurations of the cushion
120, the punch 230, and the pads 240 are the same as those of the press-molding
apparatus 200. Hence, in this modification, detailed description of individual
25 elements is omitted.
[0089]
Next, the operation exa~nple at tlle time of press working of the pressmolding
apparatus 250 will be described.
In this operation exatnple, the punch 230 and the cusliioa 120 start to move
downward in the direction D2 from a state illustrated in FIG. 20, and load is applied
5 to tlie primary molded product 80.
[0090]
In addition, when the punch 230 moves downward in the direction D2, the
pressing portion 232 presses the inclitied surface 241 of the pad 240; thus, the pad
240 moves in the direction D4, wlvhich increases the gap between the pad 240 and the
10 cushion 120 as illustrated in FIG. 20. At this time, the vertical wall portion 83 of
the primary molded product 80 having been subjected to tlie load from the punch
portiotl 23 1 slirit~ksin the direction D2, and expands in the direction D4 so as to fill
the gap. Here, the pad 240 moves in the direction D4 while maintaining its contact
with the vertical wall poition 83 being thickened; thus, the thickness of the vertical
15 wall portion 83 is increased substantially uniformly. At this time, the corner portion
85 of the upper wall portion 82 and the vertical wall portion 83, and the corner
portion 86 of the vertical wall portion 83 atid the flange portion 84 are also thickened.
[0091]
Tlien, the cushion 120 atid the pad 240 keep moving until the punch 230
20 reaches the bo'mzlead point as illustrated in FIG. 22. Then, when the punch 230
reaches the bottom dead point, the distance between the pad 240 and the cushion 120
which have ~noved becotnes the sane as the increased thickness t2 of the vei-tical
wall poi-tion 83. Thus, wlien being thickened to the thickness t2, the vertical wall
portion 83 call be prevented from \\rasping and buckling. As a result, the vertical
25 wall portion 83 can be thickened to the uniform thickness t2.
100921
Meanwhile, the upper wall portion 82 of the primary molded product 80
maintains the thickness tl until the punch 230 reaches the bottom dead poilit. As a
result, mrllen press working is completed, the press-molded product 20 serving as the
secondary molded product in which the vertical wall pol-tions 23 and the corner
5 portions 25 have been thickened, as illustrated in FIG. 12, is molded.
[0093]
<3. Third embodiment>
(3-1. Overview of press-molded product)
An overview of a press-molded product 30 according to a third embodiment
10 will be described referring to FIG. 23. FIG. 23 is a schematic view of an exarnple of
a manufacturing process of the press-molded product 30 according to the third
embodiment.
[0094]
The press-molded product 10 according to the first and second embodiments
15 is molded by performing press working twice on the blank 70, as described using FIG.
2. In contrast, the press-molded product 30 according to the third embodiment is
molded by performing press working once (a molding step S22 illustrated in FIG. 23),
as illustrated in FIG. 23. That is, the press-molded product 30 is molded directly,
not through the primary molded product 80 as illustrated in FIG. 2, from the blank 70,
20 which is a fl8l'pkaTe;pfepared in a preparation step S21. This reduces the number of
lnanufacturing steps for manufacturing the press-molded product 30, and ilnproves
productivity.
[0095]
The press-tnolded product 30 ir~cludes an upper wall portion 32, vertical
25 wall portiol~s3 3, and flange portions 34. The vertical wall portion 33 and the upper
wall portion 32 are made to forn an obtuse angle in order to make it easy to mold the
press-molded product 30 through tlic one-time press working. In other words, thc
press-molded product 30 has a hat-shaped cross-section opening toward lolver ends
of the vertical wall portions 33. While the upper wall portion 32 and the flange
portion 34 have the thickness tl, which is the same as the plate thickness of the blank
5 70, the vertical \\all portioti 33 is thickened to the thiclu~esst2 . A comer portion 35
between the upper wall portion 32 and the vertical wall portion 33, and a corner
portion 36 of the vertical \vall portion 33 and the flange portion 34 are also thickened.
[0096]
(3-2. Configuration example of press-tnolditig apparatus)
10 A configuration exanlple of a press-molding apparatus 300 according to the
third embodiment will be described referring to FIGS. 24 to 27. The press-molding
apparatus 300 perfornls press working on the blank 70 to mold the press-molded
product 30 in which the vertical wall portions 33 have been thickened.
[0097]
15 FIGS. 24 to 27 are schematic views for explaining the configuration
example of the press-molding apparatus 300 according to the third embodiment.
Note that FIG. 24 illustrates a state of the press-molding apparatus 300 just before
starting press working, FIGS. 25 and 26 illustrate a state of the press-molding
apparatus 300 during the press working, and FIG. 27 illustrates a state of the press-
20 ~noldinga pparatus 300 at tlie end of the press working (a punch is positioned at the
bottom dead point).
[0098]
Note that in the present embodinlent, it can be said that in addition to press
workitlg like tliat perforliied in tlie above first and second embodiments, tliat is, press
25 working for thickening the vertical \ d l portions 83 of the primary molded product
80, additional press working for bending a flat plate 70 to ~ilolda n intermediate work
wit11 a shape correspouding to the primacy molded product 80 is perfornled before
the press working for thickening by the press-molding apparatus 300.
roo991
The press-molding apparatus 300 includes, as illustrated in FIGS. 24 to 27, a
5 die 310, a cushion 320, a punch 330, and pads 340.
[OlOO] >
The die 310 is supported by a lower holder (not illustrated) of the pressmolding
apparatus 300. The die 310 includes a fixed portion 312, first n~ovable
portions 314, and second movable portions 316. The fixed portion 312 is a plate
10 fixed to the lower holder.
[OlOl]
The first movable portion 314 is movably provided on the fixed portion 3 12.
The first movable portior~ 314 llas a first surface to be pressed 315a to be pressed by
a first pressing portion 334 of the punch 330. When the first surface to be pressed
15 315a is pressed by the first pressing portion 334, the first movable poition 314 moves
in a direction approaching the cushion 320. In addition, the first movable portion
314 is provided with a flange-supporting recessed portion 315b that supports an area
correspondirlg to the flange portion 34 of the press-molded product 30.
Furthermore, the cushio~3~20 side of the first movable portion 3 14 is provided with a
20 first contact surface 315c to be in contact with a tapered surface 321 of the cushion
320. The first contact surface 315c is an inclined surface parallel to the tapered
surface 321.
[O 1021
The second movable portion 316 is movably provided on the first movable
25 portion 314. The second movable portion 316 has a second surface to be pressed
317a to be pressed by a second pressing portion 336 of the punch 330. The second
surface to be pressed 317a is positioned closer to the cushion 320 than the first
smface to be pressed 315a is. When the second surface to be pressed 317a is
pressed by the second pressing portion 336, the second movable portion 3 16 rnoves
in a direction approaching the cushion 320. In addition, the side of the second
5 nlovable portion 316 opposite to the second surface to be pressed 317a is provided
with a second contact surface 3 17b to be in contact with the pad 340.
[0103]
The cushion 320 is movably supported by the lower holder of the pressmolding
apparatus 300. The cushion 320 supports the set blarlk 70 from the lower
10 side. At side surfaces of the cushion 320, the tapered surfaces 321 are formed such
that the width of the cushion 320 gets smaller from the bottom toward the top. The
cushion 320 is biased in the direction Dl by a biasing member 322, such as a spring.
In addition, the cushion 320 is placed between the second contact surfaces 317b of
the second movable portions 3 16 positioned on both sides.
15 [0104]
The punch 330 is movably supported by an upper holder (not illustrated) of
the press-molding apparatus 300. The punch 330 is positioned above the blank 70,
and moves downward in the direction D2 (the opposite direction to the direction Dl)
at the time of press working. Through tl~epr ess working, the punch 330 bends the
20 blank 70, which is a flat plate, into a hat-shaped cross-section, and thickens areas
corresponding to the vertical wall portions 33 of the press-molded product 30. The
punch 330 includes a sandwiching portion 332, the first pressing portions 334, the
second pressing portions 336, and link portions 338.
[0105]
25 The sandwiching portion 332 is positioned above the set blauk 70, and
sandwiches the blank 70 between the sandwiching portion 332 and the cushion 320.
The sandwiching portion 332 is biased in the direction D2 by a biasing member 333.
[0106]
The first pressing portion 334 is provided at a position corresponding to the
first nlovable portion 314 of the die 310. The first pressing portion 334 presses the
5 first surface to be pressed 3 15a of the first movable portion 3 14 when the punch 330
moves downward. This causes the first tnovable portion 314 to move in the
direction D3 as illustrated it] FIG. 26. In addition, in accordance with the movement
of the first movable portion 314 in the direction D3, the first contact surface 315c of
the first movable portion 314 maintains its contact with the cushiot~3 20 that moves
10 downward. Note that the amount of movement of the first n~ovablep ortion 314 in
the direction D3 increases as the punch 330 moves downward.
[0 1071
The second pressing portion 336 is provided at a position co~.l.esponding to
the second movable portion 316 of the die 310. The second pressing poition 336
15 presses the second surface to be pressed 317a of the second movable portion 316
when the punch 330 moves downward. This causes the second movable portion
3 16 to move in the direction D4 as illustrated in FIG. 26. In addition, as the second
movable portion 316 moves in the direction D4, the pad 340 in contact with the
second contact surface 317b of the second movable portion 316 also tnoves in the
20 direction D4.
[0 1 081
The link portion 338 is linked to a biasing member 342 that biases the pad
340. The link portion 338 is attached to a maiti body portiot~3 31 of the punch 330
to be able to move in the lateral direction together with the pad 340. Note that the
25 amount of movement of the link po~tion3 38 (the pad 340) is the same as the amount
of movent~ent of the second movable portion 316, but smaller than the an~outit of
Illovenlent of the first movable portion 3 14.
[0109]
The pads 340 are positioned 011 both sides of the sandwiching portion 332 of
tlie punch 330, and are in contact with the upper surface of the blank 70. The pads
5 340 have a function of a punch that bends the blank 70 into a hat-shaped cross-
. section as illustrated in FIG. 25 during the press working. As a result, an upper wall
area 72 corresponding to the upper wall pol-tion 32 of the press-molded product 30,
vertical wall areas 73 corresponding to the vertical wall pol-tions 33, and flange areas
74 corresponding to the flange poi-tions 34 are formed. The pad 340 faces the
10 cushion 320 with the vertical wall area 73 placed therebetween, as illustrated in FIGS.
25 to 27. A countcr surface 341 of the pad 340 that faces the cushion 320 forms an
inclined surface (second inclined surface) parallel to the tapered surface 321 (first
inclined surface that faces the vertical wall portion) of the cushion 320.
[OllO]
15 In addition, the pad 340 is biased in the direction D5 by the biasing member
342, such as a spring. One end portion of the biasing member 342 is linked to the
pad 340, and the other end portion thereof is linked to the link poltion 338 of the
punch 330. When the second movable portion 316 in contact with tlie pad 340
moves in the direction D4, the pad 340 is pressed by the second contact surface 317b
20 to move insthe'directibWD4 together with the link portion 338. Then, when the
punch 330 is positioned at the bottom dead point as illustrated in FIG. 27, the
distance between tlie pad 340 and the cushion 320 becomes the same as the thickness
t2 of the vertical wall portion 33. Thus, the vertical wall area 73 is thickened from
the thickness tl to the thickriess 12. At this time, corner areas 75 and 76 are also
25 thickened. Note that tlie vertical wall area 73 is thickened \vhile strain is caused,
thus being hardened.
(3-3. Operation example of press-molding apparatus)
Next, ail operation exan~ple of the press-tnolding apparatus 300 will be
described referring to FIGS. 24 to 27.
5 [0112]
In tlus operation example, the punch 330 starts to move downward from a
state illustrated in FIG. 24. Accordingly, the pads 340 also start to move downward.
At this time, the blank 70 sandwiched by tlie sandwiching portion 332 and the
cushion 320 is pressed by the pads 340 to be bent into a hat-shaped cross-section as
10 illustrated in FIG. 25 (at this time, the cushion 320 does not move downward, in
other words, the pads 340 abutting on the blank 70 niove downward relative to the
cushion 320, the die 310, and the sandwiching portion 332 of the punch 330). At
this stage of the press working (the stage referred to as additional press working in
the above description), the upper wall area 72, the vertical wall areas 73, and the
15 flange areas 74 are formed in the blank 70. At this time, the flange area 74
including a lower end portion of the vertical wall area 73 abuts against the flangesupporting
recessed portion 315b of the die 310. In addition, the vertical wall area
73 is placed between the cushion 320 and the pad 340.
[0113]
Aft& that, when the punch 330 further moves downward, the cushion 320 is
also pressed by the sandwiching portion 332 to move downward. This causes the
vertical wall area 73 to shrink. In addition, in conjugation w i t h the downward
movement of the punch 330, the first pressing poition 334 presses tlie first surface to
be pressed 315a of the first movable portion 314. Thus, as illustrated in FIG. 26, the
25 first movable portion 314 moves in the direction D3 atld a contact state between the
first contact surface 3 15c and the cushion 320 that nlovcs dowvnward is maintained.
[0114]
In addition, in conjugation with the down\vard nlovclnent of the punc11 330,
the second pressing portions 336 presses the second surface to be pressed 3 17a of the
second movable po~tion 3 16. Thus, as illustrated in FIG. 26, the second tnovable
5 portion 316 moves in the direction D4, to cause the pad 340 in contact wit11 the
second contact surface 317b to move in a direction approaching the cusl~ion 320.
Here, the inclination of the second surface to be pressed 317a is adjusted such that
the distance between the cushion 320 (specifically, the tapered surface 321) and the
pad 340 (specifically, the counter surface 341) increases gradually.
10 [0115]
More specifically, the tapered surface 321 recedes in a direction going away
from the vertical \ d l area 73 as the cushion 320 moves downward. Meanwhile,
the movement of the pad 340 approaching the cushion 320 causes the counter surface
341 to proceed toward the vertical wall area 73, to follow the tapered surface 321
15 that recedes. The amount by which the counter surface 341 proceeds at this time is
smaller than the amount by which the tapered surface 321 recedes. In other words,
as the punch 330 and the cushion 320 move downward, the tapered surface 321 and
the counter surface 341 both move toward the center side of the cushion 320, but the
distance between the tapered surface 321 and the counter surface 341 is enlarged
20 gradually. *
[0116]
Thus, as the cushion 320 moves downward, the vertical wall area 73 shi~lks
in the ve~tical direction (direction D2) and expands in tlle lateral direction (the
opposite direction to the direction D4). At this time, contact between the ve~tical
25 wall area 73 and the pad 340 is maintained and thus the vertical wall area 73 can be
prevented fiotn warping and buckling.
[0117]
Then, the cushion 320 and the pad 340 keep nloving until the punch 330
reaches the bottom dead point as illustrated in FIG. 27. Then, when the punch 330
reaches the bottonl dead point, the distance between the pad 340 and the cushion 320
5 which have tnoved becotues the same as the increased thiclu~esst 2 of the vertical
xvall area 73. Thus, the vertical wall area 73 is thickened to the thickness t2. At
this time, the corner areas 75 and 76 are also thickened.
[0118]
Meanwhile, the upper wall area 72 and the flange area 74 of the blank 70
10 maintain the thickness tl until the punch 330 reaches the bottom dead point. As a
result, when press working is completed, the press-molded product 30 in \vllich the
vettical wall portions 33 and the corner portions 35 and 36 have been thickened is
produced. The press-molded product 30 produced in this manner also exhibits
characteristics similar to those of the aforementioned press-molded product 10
15 described using FIGS. 7 to 11, and can improve collision perfornlance ~vhenu sed for
a center pillar of a car, for example.
[0119]
In the present embodiment, a driving mechanism that is constituted by the
second surface to be pressed 3 17a formed on the second movable portion 3 16 of the
20 die 310 in c8ntntact.\yhh.tle pad 340 and the second pressing portion 336 formed in
the punch 330 causes the pad 340 to move in a direction approaching the cushion 320
during the press working; thus, the counter surface 341 of the pad 340 proceeds
toward the vertical wall area 73. Meanwhile, as the cushion 320 moves downward,
the tapered surface 321 of the cushion 320 recedes it1 a direction going away from
25 the vertical wall area 73. Adjustment to make the atnount by which the counter
surface 341 proceeds smaller than the amount by which the tapered surface 321
recedes allo\vs the above driving nlechailisnl to function also as a distance
adjustment n~echanisni that enlarges the distance between the cushion 320 and the
pad 340 concurrently with the downward movement of the punch 330 during the
press working. It has already been described that such a distance adjusttnent
5 mechanisn~ makes it possible to maintain contact between the pad 340 and the
vertical wall area 73 during the press working, and prevent buckling of the vertical
wall area 73.
[OlZO]
(3-4. Modification)
10 A modification of the third embodiment will be described. Examples of
the configuration and operation of a press-molding apparatus 350 according to the
modification of the third embodiment will be described below, referring to FIGS. 28
to 31. Note that a press-molded product molded by the press-molding apparatus
350 is the same as the press-molded product 30, except for the absence of the flange
15 portions 34 of the press-molded product 30 illustrated in FIG. 23.
[0121]
FIGS. 28 to 31 are schematic views for explailling the configuration
example of the press-molding apparatus 350 according to the nlodification of the
third embodiment. Note that FIG. 28 illustrates a state of the press-molding
20 apparatus 35Q just before starting press working, FIGS. 29 and 30 illustrate a state of
the press-molding apparatus 350 during the press working, and FIG. 31 illustrates a
state of the press-molding apparatus 350 at the end of the press working (a punch is
positioned at the bottom dead point).
[0122]
25 The press-molding apparatus 350 includes, as illustrated it1 FIGS. 28 to 31, a
die 360, the cushion 320, the punch 330, and the pads 340.
The die 360 according to the modification has the same configuration as the
die 310 of the press-nlolding apparatus 300 illustrated in FIGS. 24 to 27, . except that
first n~ovable portions 364 are not provided with the flange-supporting recessed
5 portions 315b. In addition, configurations of the cushion 320, the punch 330, and
the pads 340 of the press-molding apparatus 350 are the same as those of the pressmolding
apparatus 300. Therefore, the main functions of the die 360, the cushion
320, the punch 330, and the pads 340 of the press-molding apparatus 350 are sinlilar
to those of the press-molding apparatus 300.
10 [0124]
Next, the operation example at the time of press working of the pressmolding
apparatus 350 will be described.
In this operation example, the punch 330 starts to move dowl~ward from a
state illustrated in FIG. 28. Accordingly, the pads 340 also start to move downward.
15 At this time, the blank 70 sandwiched by the sandwiching portion 332 and the
cushion 320 is pressed by the pads 340 to be bent into a hat-shaped cross-section as
illustrated it1 FIG. 29 (at this time, the cushion 320 does not move downward, in
other words, the pads 340 abutting on the blank 70 move downward relative to the
cushion 320, the die 360, and the sandwiching portion 332 of the punch 330). At
20 this stage of thepEss working, the upper wall area 72, the vei-tical wall areas 73, and
the flange areas 74 are formed in the blank 70. At this time, a lower end portion of
the vertical wall area 73 abuts against the first movable portion 364 of the die 360.
In addition, the veltical wall area 73 is placed between the cushion 320 and the pad
340.
25 [0125]
After that, when the punch 330 further moves do\vn\vard, the cushion 320 is
also pressed by tlie sandwicliitig portion 332 to tilove downward. Tliis causes tlie
vertical wall area 73 to shink. In addition, in conjugation with the do\vnwvard
movement of the punch 330, tlie first pressing portion 334 presses the first surface to
be pressed 315a of the first niovable portion 314, and tlie second pressing portions
5 336 presses the second surface to be pressed 317a of the second movable portion 316.
Thus, as illustrated in FIG. 30, the first movable portion 314 moves in the direction
D3 and a contact state between the first contact surface 3 15c and the cushion 320 that
tnoves downward is maintained. In addition, the second movable portion 316
tnoves it1 the direction D4, to cause tlie pad 340 in contact with the second contact
10 surface 317b to tnove in a direction approaching the cushion 320. Here, the
inclination of the second surface to be pressed 3 17a is adjusted such that the distance
between the cushion 320 and the pad 340 increases gradually. Thus, as the cushion
320 tnoves downward, the vertical wall area 73 slninks in the vertical direction
(direction D2) arid expands in the lateral directioti (the opposite direction to the
15 direction D4). At tlus time, contact between the vertical wall area 73 and the pad
340 is maintained and thus the vertical wall area 73 can be prevented from warping
and buckling.
[0 1261
Then, the cushion 320 and the pad 340 keep moving until the punch 330
20 reaches tlie bottom dead point as illustrated in FIG. 31. Then, when the punch 330
reaches the bottotii dead point, the distance between the pad 340 and the cushion 320
which have tiioved becomes the same as the increased thickness t2 of the vertical
wall area 73. Thus, the vertical wall area 73 is thickened to tlie tliickness t2. At
this time, the corner area 75 is also thickened.
25 [0127]
Meanwhile, the upper wall area 72 and tlie flange area 74 of the blank 70
maintain the thickness tl uutil the puuch 330 reaches the bottonl dead point. As a
result, whet1 press working is cotnpleted, a press-molded product in wllicl~ the
vertical wall portions 33 and the comer poltions 35 have been thickened is produced.
[0128]
Note that in the above description, exa~nplesh ave been described it1 which
the press,molded product 10, 20, 30 has a hat-shaped cross-section or U-shaped
cross-section including the flat upper wall portion 12, 22, 32. However, the crosssectional
shape of a press-molded product is not limited to these examples, and may
be, for example, a hat-shaped cross-section or U-shaped cross-section in which an
10 upper wall portion has curvature as illustrated in FIG. 32.
[0129]
FIG. 32 is a perspective view of a configuration example of a press-molded
product 50 according to another embodiment. The press-molded product 50 is a
long molded product extellding with a U-shaped cross-section. The press-molded
15 product 50 includes an upper wall portion 52 with curvature and vertical wall
portions 53. The press-molded product 50 is obtained by performing, by a pressmolding
apparatus, press working on a primary molded product having a U-shaped
cross-section aud the plate thickness tl so as to thicken the vertical wall portions 53
to the plate thickness 12, as in the press-molded products 10 and 20.
20 [0130] ,
In addition, in the above description, examples have been described in
which the press-tnolded product 10, 20, 30 has a linear longitudinal cross-section (a
cross-section in a direction orthogonal to the hat-shaped cross-section or U-shaped
cross-section). Howrevel; the shape of a longitudinal cross-section of a press-
25 molded product is not limited to such examples, and may be, for example, a curved
longitudinal cross-section as illustrated in FIGS. 33, 34, and 35.
[0131]
FIG. 33 is a perspective view of a co~lfiguratiolle xample of a press-molded
product lob with a hat-shaped cross-section having a longitudinal cross-section
curved upward. Also in the press-tnolded product lob, the vertical wall portion 13
5 is thickened to the plate thickness t2 with respect to the plate thickness tl of the
portiotis of the upper wall portion 12 and the flange portion 14, as in the pressmolded
product 10.
[0132]
FIG. 34 is a perspective view of a configuration example of a press-molded
10 product 20b with a U-shaped cross-section having a longitudinal cross-section
curved upward. Also in the press-molded product 20b, the vertical wall portion 23
is thickened to the plate thickness t2 with respect to the plate thickness tl of the
upper wall portion 22, as in the press-molded product 20.
[0133]
15 FIG. 35 is a perspective view of a configuration exatnple of a press-molded
product 50b with a U-shaped cross-section having a longitudinal cross-section
cul-ved upward and having the upper wall portion 52 with curvature. Also in the
press-molded product 50b, the vertical wall portion 53 is thickened to the plate
thickness t2 with respect to the plate thickness tl of the upper wall portion 52, as in
20 the press-molded prolluci'50.
[0134]
In addition, in the above description, examples have been described in
which the press-molded product 10, 20, 30 has a linear longitudinal shape.
However, the longitudinal shape of a press-tnolded product is not litnited to these
25 examples, and may be, for example, a curved longitudinal shape as illustrated in
FIGS. 36 and 37.
[0135]
FIG. 36 is a perspective view of a configuration example of a press-molded
product 10c with a hat-shaped cross-section having a curved longitudinal shape.
Also in the press-molded product 10c, tlie vertical wall portion 13 is thickened to the
5 plate thickness t2 with respect to tlie plate thickness tl of the pol-tions of the upper
, \Val1 portion 12 and the flange portion 14, as in the press-molded product 10.
[0136]
FIG. 37 is a perspective view of a configuration example of a press-molded
product 20c with a U-shaped cross-section having a cullred longitudinal shape.
10 Also in the press-molded product 20c, the vertical wall portion 23 is thickened to the
plate thickness t2 with respect to the plate tliickness tl of the upper wall portion 22,
as in the press-molded product 20.
[0137]
<3. Conclusion>
In each embodiment described above, the punch 130, 230, 330 moves
downward relative to the second support member (the die 110, 210, 3 lo), together
with the first support member (the cushion 120, 220, 320), and thereby executes
press working of reducing the height of an area (the vertical wall portion 83 of the
primary molded product 80, the vertical wall area 73 of the blank 70) of the work
20 that corresponds to the vertical wall portion 13, 23, 33 of the press-molded product
10, 20, 30, and thickening the above area to the second thickness (thickness t2).
The pad 140, 240, 340 that faces the cushion 120, 220, 320 with an area to be
thickened placed therebetween is, for example, biased by the biasing member 142 as
illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 5, or has its distance to tlle cushion 120, 320 adjusted by tlie
25 distance adjustment mechanism (the pressing portion 232 and tlie inclined surface
241, or the first pressing portion 334, the second pressing portion 336, the first
movable portion 3 14, and the second movable portion 316) as illustrated in FIGS. 17
to 19 and FIGS. 25 to 27, thereby maintaining contact with the area to be tl~ickened
during the press working. This can reduce warping of the area to be thickened, and
thus can also prevent buckling from occurring in the area to be thickened during the
5 prcss working. As a result, a predetermined area of the work can be thickened
appropriately.
[0138]
The preferred embodiment(s) of the present invention has/liave been
described above with reference to the accoinpanying drawings, whilst the present
10 invention is not limited to the above examples. A person skilled in the art may find
various alterations and modifications within the scope of the appended claims, and it
sllould be understood that they will naturally come under the technical scope of the
present invention.
[Reference Signs List]
15 [0139]
10,20, 30 press-molded product
12,22, 32 upper wall portion
13,23,33 vertical wall portion
14, 34 flange portion
15,,16;'25;95,36 corner portion
70 blank
72 upper wall area
73 vertical wall area
74 flange area
75,76 corner area
80 primary tnolded product
82 upper wall portion
83 vertical wall portion
84 flange portion
85, 86 corner portion
100, 150,200,250, 300,350 press-t~~oldinagp parahs
110, 160,210,260, 310,360 die
314 first movable portiol~
3 16 second movable portion
120,220,320 cusl~ion
122 biasing lnernber
320 cushiol~
321 tapered surface
130,230,330 punch
232 pressing portion
233 pressing surface
332 sandwiching portion
334 first pressing portion
336 second pressing portion
140,240,340 pad
142,242 biasihg member
341 counter surface
[Name of Docurnent] C1,AIMS

[Claim 11
A press-molding apparatus configured to mold a press-molded product by
performing press working on a work, the work having a hat-shaped cross-section or a
5 U-shaped cross-section including an upper wall portion and a vertical \vall portion
with a first thickness, the press-molding apparatus comprising:
a first support member that supports the work from the inside of the hatshaped
cross-section or the U-shaped cross-section;
a second support member that suppol-ts the work at a lower end pottion of
10 the vertical wall portion;
a punch member that moves down\vard relative to the second suppoa
member, together with the first support member, to execute press working of
reducing a height of the vertical wall portion and thickening the vertical \vall portion
to a second thickness larger than the first thickness;
15 a pad member that faces the first support member with the vertical wall
portion placed behveen the pad member and the first support member; and
a position adjustment mechanism that adjusts a position of the pad member
in a manner that contact between the pad member and the vertical wall portion is
maintained during the press working.
20 [Claim 21 A
The press-molding apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
the position adjustment mechanism includes a biasing member that biases
the pad member toward the vertical wall portion.
[Claim 31
25 The press-molding apparatus according to claitn 1 or 2, wherein
the position adjustment mechanism includes a distance adjustment
inechaiiisi~it hat enlarges a distance between the first support rnember and the pad
member concurrently with downward movement of the punch meniber during the
press working.
[Claim 41
The press-molding apparatus according to claim 3, wherein
the distance adjustment mechanism includes
an inclined surface that is formed on the pad member and is higher at
positions farther from the first support membel; and
a pressing portion that is formed in the punch member and presses the
10 inclined surface to cause the pad member to move in a direction going away from the
first support niember during the press working.
[Claim 51
The press-molding apparatus according to claim 3, wherein
the work has the hat-shaped cross-section or the U-shaped cross-section
15 opening toward a lower end of the vertical wall portion,
the first support member has a first inclined surface that faces the vertical
wall portion,
the pad member has a second inclined surface that faces the first inclined
surface with the vertical wall portion placed between the second inclined surface and
20 the first inclinkti st'tface, and
the distance adjustment mechanisni includes a driving mechanism that
causes the second inclined surface to proceed toward the vertical wall portion to
follow the first inclined surface that recedes from the vertical wall portion owing to
downward mnovement of the first support meinber during the press working.
25 [Claim 61
The press-molding apparatus according to claim 5, ~vlierein
additional press working of bending a flat plate to mold the work having the
hat-shaped cross-section or the U-shaped cross-section is performed, and
in the additional press working, in a state where a portion of the flat plate
that constitutes the upper wall portion after processing is sandwiched by the first
5 support member and the punc11 member, the pad n~en~baebru tting on the flat plate
moves downward relative to the first support member, the second support member,
and the punch member to bend a portion of the flat plate that constitutes the vertical
wall portion after processing, and cause a lo\ver end portion of the portion to abut
against the second support member.
10 [Claim 71
The press-molding apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein
the work has a comer portion connected to the vertical wall portion, and
the punch member perforn~sp less working so as to reduce a height of the
vertical wall portion and thicken the vertical wall portion and the comer portion.
15 [Claim 81
The press-molding apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein
the work is a long member, and
the punch member reduces a height of the vertical wall portion in the entire
longitudinal direction and thickens the entire vertical wall portion to the second
20 thickness. '
[Claim 91
A press-molding method configured to mold a press-molded product by
performing press working on a work, the work having a hat-shaped cross-section or a
U-shaped cross-section including an upper wall portion and a vertical wall portion
25 with a first thickness, the press-molding method comprising:
a step of causing a first support member to support the work from the inside
of the hat-shaped cross-section or the U-shaped cross-section;
a step of causing a second suppolt member to support the work at a lower
end portion of the vertical wall portion;
a step of causing a punch member to move downward relative to the second
f, - support ~ne.mbert,o gether with the first support member, to execute press working of
reducing a height, of the vertical wall portion placed between the first s ~ p p o ~ t
member and a pad member and thickening the ve~Zical wall portion to a second
tl~icknessl arger than the first thickness; and
a step of adjusting a position of the pad member, by a position adjustment
10 mechanism, in a manner that the pad member that faces the first snppori member
with the vertical wall portion placed between the psd *ember and the first support
member maintains contact with the vertical wall portion during the press working.
[Claim 101'
', --, ii -Ap ress-molded product having a hat-shaped cross-section or a U-shaped
15 cross-section that is molded by perfotming press working on a work with a first
thickness, the press-molded product comprising:
an upper wall portion with the first thickness; and
thickened vertical wall portions that are connected to both end polZions of
the upper wall portion and have a second thickness larger than the first thickness.