[0001]The present invention relates to a press forming method and a press apparatus.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002]A framework structure of an automobile is produced by joining a plurality of
framework members obtained by press-forming a blank metal sheet. In recent years,
from the viewpoint of reducing the weight of vehicle bodies and improving collision
safety, framework members are being made thinner by utilizing ultra-high tension
material as a blank metal sheet.
[0003]
On the other band, by making framework members (blank metal sheets) thinner
as described above, the problem has arisen that the rigidity of the framework members
decreases, and wrinkles occur during press forming. Therefore, press forming
methods for solving this problem have been proposed.
[0004]
For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a method in which a pressed
component having a top plate part, a vertical wall part and a flange part is press-formed
from a blank metal sheet. In the method disclosed in Patent Document 1, press
forming is performed in a state in which a portion that will be formed into the top plate
part in the pressed component is pressed between a pad and a die, or a state in which a
clearance between the pad and the die is maintained at a clearance equivalent to 1.1
times or less the thickness of the blank metal sheet.
LIST OF PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS
3
PATENT DOCUMENT
[0005]
Patent Document 1: WO 2011/145679
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
TECHNICAL PROBLEM
[0006]
Patent Document 1 discloses that by performing press forming in the manner
described above, during press forming, out-of-plane deformation of a portion to be
formed into the top plate part is suppressed, and the occurrence of wrinkles is
suppressed. However, during actual operation, due to reasons such as increased
strength of the blank metal sheet and the performance of the press apparatus, in some
cases the pressurizing force of the pad and the die cannot be sufficiently secured, and
the clearance between the pad and the die cannot be appropriately maintained. In such
a case, since the portion to be formed into the top plate part cannot be sufficiently
restrained, buckling cannot be sufficiently suppressed and the occurrence of wrinkles
cannot be sufficiently prevented. Therefore, the probability that formed products in
which wrinkles occurred will be produced by press working increases, and as a result
the proportion of formed products which are not suitable as products increases. On the
other hand, when attempting to ensure the pressurizing force of the pad and the die and
maintain the clearance therebetween, it is necessary to provide a higher load, which may
lead to an increase in equipment cost and a decrease in the press tooling life. In
addition, there is also a need for forming larger components than heretofore using a
high-strength steel sheet, by integrating a plurality of components. The pressurizing
force is the average interfacial pressure obtained by dividing the load applied to the
metal sheet by the area of the contact portion between the pad and the metal sheet, and
therefore the larger the component is, the greater the load that will be required to
suppress the occurrence of wrinkles is, and the more difficult it will be to secure the
pressurizing force.
[0007]
4
Therefore, an objective of the present invention is to provide a press forming
method and a press apparatus which can suppress the occurrence of wrinkles in a
formed product, even in a case where it is difficult to control a distance between a pad
and a die.
SOLUTION TO PROBLEM
[0008]
The gist of the present invention is a press forming method and a press
apparatus which are described hereunder.
[0009]
(1) A press forming method in which, assuming a thickness direction of a metal
sheet to be a pressing direction, a die is arranged on one side of the metal sheet in the
pressing direction, and a pad and a punch are arranged on another side of the metal
sheet in the pressing direction, and press forming is performed on the metal sheet by
means of the die, the pad and the punch, the method comprising:
a first step of pinching one part of the metal sheet by means of the die and the
pad, and
a second step of, in a state in which the one part of the metal sheet is pinched
by the die and the pad, moving the punch in a direction in which the punch approaches
the die in the pressing direction relatively to perform press forming on the metal sheet,
wherein:
the die has a first support surface which faces the pad in the pressing direction
and which has an edge including a curved portion that curves so as to be recessed in an
arc shape as viewed from the pressing direction, and a wall surface extending to the one
side in the pressing direction from the edge of the first support surface;
the pad has a second support surface which faces the first support surface in the
pressing direction;
the punch is provided on an opposite side to the first support surface with
respect to the wall surface as viewed from the pressing direction;
the first support surface includes a first flat portion which extends in an
5
orthogonal direction to the pressing direction, and a first deformation portion which
protrudes or is recessed with respect to the first flat portion in the pressing direction;
the second support surface includes a second flat portion which faces the first
flat portion in the pressing direction, and a second deformation portion which is
recessed or protrudes with respect to the second flat portion so as to correspond to the
first deformation portion;
the first deformation portion is provided on a normal line of the curved portion,
as viewed from the pressing direction;
the first flat portion is provided continuously on both sides of the first
deformation portion in a direction along the curved portion, as viewed from the pressing
direction; and
when a space between the first deformation portion and the second deformation
portion is assumed to be a deformation space,
in the second step, press forming is performed so that portions of the metal
sheet which are on both sides of the deformation space in the direction along the curved
portion as viewed from the pressing direction flow into the deformation space, and the
metal sheet deforms along the first deformation portion and the second deformation
portion in the deformation space.
[0010]
(2) The press forming method according to the above (1 ), wherein the first
deformation portion includes at least one part of the curved portion.
[0011]
(3) The press forming method according to the above (2), wherein a length of a
part of the curved portion that is included in the first deformation portion is 0.3 times or
more an overall length of the curved portion.
[0012]
(4) The press forming method according to any one of the above (1) to (3),
wherein, in the second step, the metal sheet in the deformation space deforms so as to
form a single arc in a cross section orthogonal to the normal line of the curved portion
as viewed from the pressing direction.
6
[0013]
(5) The press forming method according to any one of the above (1) to (4),
wherein, a height or a depth of the first deformation portion with respect to the first flat
portion in the pressing direction decreases as the first deformation portion extends away
from the curved portion in a direction parallel to the normal line.
[0014]
(6) The press forming method according to any one of the above (1) to (5),
wherein, in a cross section obtained by cutting the die and the metal sheet along a plane
parallel to the pressing direction and passing through the normal line, a length of the
first deformation portion in a parallel direction to the normal line is 0.1 times or more a
length of the one part of the metal sheet that is pinched by the die and the pad in the first
step.
[0015]
(7) The press forming method according to any one of the above (1) to (6),
wherein, as viewed from the pressing direction, when a portion at which a curvature of
the curved portion exhibits a local maximum value is assumed to be a reference point,
the first deformation portion is provided on a normal line of the curved portion at the
reference point.
[0016]
(8) The press forming method according to the above (7), wherein the first
deformation portion is provided so as to include the reference point of the curved
portion.
[0017]
(9) The press forming method according to the above (8), wherein, in a cross
section of the die that is parallel to the pressing direction and that passes through a
tangential line of the curved portion at the reference point, a height or a depth of the first
deformation portion with respect to the first flat portion in the pressing direction is
0.0001 times or more a length of the first deformation portion in a direction orthogonal
to the pressing direction.
[0018]
7
(10) The press forming method according to any one of the above (1) to (9),
wherein, before the first step, the metal sheet is subjected to predetermined forming
processing.
[0019]
(11) The press forming method according to any one of the above (1) to (10),
wherein:
a holder is further arranged on the one side of the metal sheet in the pressing
direction;
in the first step, the metal sheet is further pinched by the punch and the holder;
and
in the second step, in a state in which the metal sheet is pinched by the punch
and the holder, the punch is moved in a direction in which the punch approaches the die
in the pressing direction relatively to perform press forming on the metal sheet.
[0020]
(12) The press forming method according to any one of the above (1) to (11),
wherein:
the first deformation portion protrudes with respect to the first flat portion in
the pressing direction;
the second deformation portion is recessed with respect to the second flat
portion in the pressing direction; and
a central portion of the second deformation portion in the direction along the
curved portion is curved in a curved surface shape.
[0021]
(13) The press forming method according to any one of the above (1) to (11),
wherein:
the first deformation portion is recessed with respect to the first flat portion in
the pressing direction;
the second deformation portion protrudes with respect to the second flat
portion in the pressing direction; and
a central portion of the first deformation portion in the direction along the
8
curved portion is curved in a curved surface shape.
[0022]
(14) A press apparatus that includes the die, the pad and the punch used in the
press forming method according to any one of the above (1) to (13).
[0023]
(15) The press apparatus according to the above (14), further including a holder
that is arranged so as to face the punch in the pressing direction.
ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECT OF INVENTION
[0024]
According to the present invention, the occurrence of wrinkles in a formed
product can be suppressed, even in a case where it is difficult to control the distance
between a pad and a die.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0025]
[Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a formed product
that is produced by utilizing the press forming method according to the present
invention.
[Figure 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view illustrating a blank metal sheet and a press
apparatus that are used in a press forming method according to a first embodiment of
the present invention.
[Figure 3] Figure 3 is a view illustrating a cross section of a die obtained by cutting a
portion A-A in Figure 2 in the pressing direction, and a cross section of a pad obtained
by cutting a portion B-B in Figure 2 in the pressing direction.
[Figure 4] Figure 4 is a view illustrating a cross section of a die obtained by cutting a
portion C-C in Figure 2 in the pressing direction, a cross section of a pad obtained by
cutting a portion D-D in Figure 2 in the pressing direction, and a cross section of a
metal sheet obtained by cutting a portion E-E in Figure 2 in the pressing direction.
[Figure 5] Figure 5 is a view for describing the press forming method.
9
[Figure 6] Figure 6 is a view for describing the press forming method.
[Figure 7] Figure 7 is a view for describing the press forming method.
[Figure 8] Figure 8 is a view for describing the press forming method.
[Figure 9] Figure 9 is a view for describing a problem during press forming.
[Figure 1 0] Figure 10 is a view for describing a problem during press forming.
[Figure 11] Figure 11 is view for describing an advantageous effect of the present
embodiment.
[Figure 12] Figure 12 is a view illustrating a modification of the die.
[Figure 13] Figure 13 is a view illustrating a modification of the die.
[Figure 14] Figure 14 is a view illustrating a modification of the die.
[Figure 15] Figure 15 is a view illustrating a modification of the die.
[Figure 16] Figure 16 is a view illustrating a modification of the die.
[Figure 17] Figure 17 is a view illustrating a modification of the die.
[Figure 18] Figure 18 is a view illustrating a modification of the die.
[Figure 19] Figure 19 is a view illustrating a modification of the die.
[Figure 20] Figure 20 is a view illustrating a modification of the die.
[Figure 21] Figure 21 is a view illustrating a modification of the die.
[Figure 22] Figure 22 is a view illustrating a modification of the die.
[Figure 23] Figure 23 is a view illustrating a modification of the die.
[Figure 24] Figure 24 is a view illustrating a modification of the die.
[Figure 25] Figure 25 is a view illustrating a modification of the die.
[Figure 26] Figure 26 is a view illustrating a modification of the die.
[Figure 27] Figure 27 is a view illustrating a modification of the die.
[Figure 28] Figure 28 is a view illustrating a modification of the die.
[Figure 29] Figure 29 is a view illustrating a modification of the die.
[Figure 30] Figure 30 is a view illustrating a modification of the die and the pad.
[Figure 31] Figure 31 is a view illustrating another example of a formed product.
[Figure 32] Figure 32 is a view illustrating a further other example of a formed product.
[Figure 33] Figure 33 is a perspective view illustrating a press apparatus that is used in a
press forming method according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
10
[Figure 34] Figure 34 is a view for describing the press forming method according to
the second embodiment of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0026]
Hereunder, a press forming method and a press apparatus according to
embodiments of the present invention are described while referring to the
accompanying drawings.
[0027]
(Formed product)
First, a formed product that is produced utilizing the press forming method
according to the present invention will be briefly described. Figure 1 is a perspective
view illustrating one example of a formed product produced utilizing the press forming
method according to the present invention. Note that, in Figure 1, the pressing
direction when performing press forming on a metal sheet 100 to be described later (see
Figure 2 that is described later) that is used as a starting material is indicated by an
arrow X (hereinafter, described as a "pressing direction X"). The pressing direction X
is a direction that matches the thickness direction of the metal sheet 100 (see Figure 2).
[0028]
As illustrated in Figure 1, a formed product 10 has a first plate-shaped part 12,
a second plate-shaped part 14, and a vertical wall part 16. The first plate-shaped part
12 is formed so as to extend in a direction that is orthogonal to the pressing direction X.
In the present embodiment, the second plate-shaped part 14 is also similarly formed so
as to extend in a direction that is orthogonal to the pressing direction X. The second
plate-shaped part 14 is provided so as to be spaced apart from the first plate-shaped part
12 on one side (in the present embodiment, the downward side) in the pressing direction
X. The vertical wall part 16 extends in the pressing direction X and connects the first
plate-shaped part 12 and the second plate-shaped part 14.
[0029]
A curved portion 18a that curves so as to be recessed in an arc shape as viewed
11
from a pressing direction X is formed at a boundary part 18 between the first
plate-shaped part 12 and the vertical wall part 16. Further, in the present embodiment,
a curved portion 20a that curves so as to be recessed in an arc shape as viewed from the
pressing direction X is also formed at a boundary part 20 between the second
plate-shaped part 14 and the vertical wall part 16. In the present embodiment, the
boundary parts 18 and 20 each have an L-shape as viewed from the pressing direction X.
In the present embodiment, the formed product I 0 has an L-shape as viewed from the
pressing direction X.
[0030]
(First Embodiment)
Next, a press forming method and a press apparatus used in the press forming
method according to a frrst embodiment of the present invention will be described.
First, the press apparatus will be described.
[0031]
(Press apparatus)
Figure 2 is a perspective view illustrating a blank metal sheet and a press
apparatus that are used in the press forming method according to the first embodiment
of the present invention.
[0032]
As illustrated in Figure 2, in the press forming method according to the present
embodiment, press forming with respect to the L-shaped metal sheet 100 that is the
starting material for the formed product 10 is performed by a press apparatus 22. For
example, a high-strength steel sheet having a tensile strength of 590 MPa or more, 780
MPa or more, 980 MPa or more, 1180 MPa or more, or furthermore 1500 MPa or more
can be used as the metal sheet 100. In the following description, of the entire metal
sheet 100, a portion that corresponds to the first plate-shaped part 12 of the formed
product 10 is referred to as a "frrst portion 12a", and a portion that corresponds to the
second plate-shaped part 14 of the formed product 10 is referred to as a "second portion
14a".
[0033]
12
Note that, the shape of a metal sheet serving as the starting material is
appropriately changed according to the shape of the formed product. Further, although
a case where the press forming method according to the present invention is performed
on a tabular metal sheet is described hereunder, the press forming method according to
the present invention may be performed using a metal sheet subjected to predetermined
forming processing as a starting material. Accordingly, after arbitrary press forming
processing has been performed on a tabular metal sheet, the press forming method
according to the present invention may be performed with respect to the metal sheet in
question.
[0034]
The press apparatus 22 has a die 24, a pad 26 and a punch 28. In the present
embodiment, in the pressing direction X, the die 24 is arranged on one side of the metal
sheet 100 (in the present embodiment, below the metal sheet 100), and the pad 26 and
the punch 28 are arranged on the other side of the metal sheet 1 00 (in the present
embodiment, above the metal sheet 1 00). As described later, in the present
embodiment, by causing the die 24 and the punch 28 to move in directions in which
they relatively approach each other in the pressing direction X, the first plate-shaped
part 12, the second plate-shaped part 14, and the vertical wall part 16 are formed. Note
that, each component (the die 24, the pad 26 and the punch 28) of the press apparatus 22
can be manufactured using the same material as the material of a known press tooling.
Further, each component of the press apparatus 22 can be driven by the same kind of
drive mechanism (an electric cylinder, a hydraulic cylinder, or a gas cushion apparatus)
as the drive mechanism of a known press apparatus.
[0035]
Figure 3 is a view illustrating a cross section of the die 24 obtained by cutting a
portion A-A in Figure 2 in the pressing direction X, and a cross section of the pad 26
obtained by cutting a portion B-B in Figure 2 in the pressing direction X. Further,
Figure 4 is a view illustrating a cross section of the die 24 obtained by cutting a portion
C-C in Figure 2 in the pressing direction X, a cross section of the pad 26 obtained by
cutting a portion D-D in Figure 2 in the pressing direction X, and a cross section of the
13
metal sheet 100 obtained by cutting a portion E-E in Figure 2 in the pressing direction
X.
[0036]
As illustrated in Figure 2 to Figure 4, the die 24 has a support surface 24a, a
support surface 24b and a wall surface 24c. The support surface 24a has an L-shape as
viewed from the pressing direction X. The support surface 24a faces the pad 26 in the
pressing direction X. The support surface 24b has an approximately rectangular shape
as viewed from the pressing direction X. The support surface 24b is provided on the
inner side of the support surface 24a and is provided at a position that is further to the
one side in the pressing direction X than the support surface 24a. The support surface
24b faces the punch 28 in the pressing direction X. The wall surface 24c has an
L-shape as viewed from the pressing direction X. The wall surface 24c is provided so
as to extend to the one side in the pressing direction X from an edge 3 0 of the support
surface 24a. In the present embodiment, the wall surface 24c is provided so as to
connect the edge 30 of the support surface 24a and an edge 32 of the support surface
24b.
[0037]
The edge 30 of the support surface 24a includes a curved portion 30a that
curves so as to be recessed in an arc shape as viewed from the pressing direction X.
The edge 30 is provided so as to correspond to the boundary part 18 (see Figure 1) of
the formed product 10. Specifically, the edge 30 is provided so as to have an L-shape
as viewed from the pressing direction X. Further, in the present embodiment, the
curved portion 3 Oa curves in an arc shape so as to correspond to the curved portion 18a
(see Figure 1) of the boundary part 18. The curved portion 30a is provided on the
boundary between the support surface 24a and the wall surface 24c. In the present
embodiment, the support surface 24a corresponds to a first support surface.
[0038]
The support surface 24a includes a flat portion 34a that extends in an
orthogonal direction to the pressing direction X, and a deformation portion 34b that
protrudes to the other side in the pressing direction X from the flat portion 34a. As
14
viewed from the pressing direction X, the flat portion 34a is provided continuously on
both sides of the deformation portion 34b in a direction Y (see Figure 2; the extending
direction of the curved portion 30a) along the curved portion 30a. In the present
embodiment, the flat portion 34a corresponds to a first flat portion, and the deformation
portion 34b corresponds to a first deformation portion. Note that, in the following
description, the phrase "direction along the curved portion" means a direction along the
curved portion as viewed from the pressing direction.
[0039]
The deformation portion 34b is provided on a normal line at an arbitrary
position of the curved portion 30a as viewed from the pressing direction X. In the
present embodiment, as illustrated in Figure 2, as viewed from the pressing direction X,
when a portion in the curved portion 30a at which the curvature exhibits a local
maximum value (in the present embodiment, the maximal value) is assumed to be a
reference point, the deformation portion 34b is provided on a normal line nL (line
indicated by a dashed line in Figure 2) of the curved portion 30a at the reference point.
Further, in the present embodiment, as viewed from the pressing direction X, the
deformation portion 34b is formed so as to extend in a parallel direction (normal line
direction) to the normal line nL. Note that, in a case where a portion at which the
curvature exhibits a local maximum value is continuously present in the curved portion
30a, the center point of the continuous portion is adopted as the reference point.
Further, in the following description, the phrase "normal line of the curved portion"
means a normal line of the curved portion as viewed from the pressing direction. In
addition, in the following description, the phrase "curvature of the curved portion"
means the curvature of the curved portion as viewed from the pressing direction.
[0040]
From the viewpoint of sufficiently suppressing the occurrence of wrinkles at
the curved portion 18a in the formed product 10, the deformation portion 34b is
preferably provided so as to include at least one part of the curved portion 30a. Further,
from the viewpoint of reliably suppressing the occurrence of wrinkles at the curved
portion 18a in the formed product 10, the length of a part of the curved portion 30a
15
which is included in the deformation portion 34b is preferably 0.3 times or more the
overall length of the curved portion 30a. In the present embodiment, the deformation
portion 34b is formed so as to include the reference point of the curved portion 30a. In
this case, the occurrence of wrinkles in the vicinity of the central portion of the curved
portion 18a (a portion at which wrinkles are liable to occur) in the formed product 10
can be sufficiently suppressed. In the present embodiment, the deformation portion
34b is provided so as to include the entire curved portion 30a. Note that, in the present
embodiment, for example, a portion that has a curvature of 1% or more with respect to
the curvature of the aforementioned reference point and is continuous therewith is
defmed as the curved portion 30a, and the length of the curved portion 30a is defmed.
Specifically, for example, as viewed from the pressing direction X, in a case where the
radius of curvature of the curved portion 30a at the reference point is 50 mm, a portion
having a radius of curvature of 5000 mm or less that is continuous with the reference
point is defined as the curved portion.
[0041]
Referring to Figure 3, in an arbitrary cross section of the die 24 parallel to the
pressing direction X and parallel to a tangential line tL of the curved portion 30a (line
indicated by the chain double-dashed line in Figure 2) at the reference point, a height H
of the deformation portion 34b with respect to the flat portion 34a in the pressing
direction X, a length L of the deformation portion 34b in the orthogonal direction to the
pressing direction X, and a radius of curvature R of the deformation portion 34b are
appropriately set according to the tensile strength of the metal sheet I 00 and the like.
In the present embodiment, of the entire deformation portion 34b, in a region that faces
the metal sheet I 00 in the pressing direction X, the height H is preferably set to, for
example, 0.000 I times or more the value of the length L. Further, of the entire
deformation portion 34b, in a region that faces the metal sheet I 00 in the pressing
direction X, the radius of curvature R is preferably set, for example, to 1,000 mm or
more and I 0,000 mm or less, and more preferably is set to 2,000 mm or more and 5,000
mm or less. Note that, when viewed from the pressing direction X, the tangential line
tL is a tangential line of the curved portion 30a at the reference point.
16
[0042]
In the present embodiment, in a cross section of the die 24 that is parallel to the
pressing direction X and passes through the tangential line tL (a cross section obtained
by cutting the die 24 in the pressing direction X along the tangential line tL ), the height
H is preferably set to 0.0001 times or more the length L. Further, the radius of
curvature R is preferably set to, for example, 1,000 mm or more and 10,000 mm or less,
and more preferably is set to 2,000 mm or more and 5,000 mm or less.
[0043]
Note that, although a detailed description is omitted herein, the depth in the
pressing direction X of a deformation portion 3 Sb with respect to a flat portion 3 Sa to be
described later is set in a similar manner to the height H of the deformation portion 34b.
Further, a length in an orthogonal direction to the pressing direction X and a radius of
curvature of the deformation portion 3 Sb are also set in a similar manner to the length 1
and the radius of curvature R of the deformation portion 34b.
[0044]
Referring to Figure 4, in a cross section obtained by cutting the die 24 and the
metal sheet 1 00 along a plane parallel to the pressing direction X and passing through a
normal line at an arbitrary position of the curved portion 30a (a cross section obtained
by cutting the die 24 and the metal sheet 100 in the pressing direction X along the
normal line), the length of the deformation portion 34b in the direction parallel to the
normal line is preferably set to 0.1 times or more the length of the first portion 12a in
the direction parallel to the normal line. In this case, the occurrence of wrinkles can be
suppressed in a sufficient region around the curved portion !Sa in the formed product 10.
In the present embodiment, in a cross section obtained by cutting the die 24 and the
metal sheet 100 along a plane parallel to the pressing direction X and passing through
the normal line nL (a cross section obtained by cutting the die 24 and the metal sheet
100 in the pressing direction X along the normal line nL ), a length L1 of the
deformation portion 34b in the direction parallel to the normal line nL is set to 0.1 times
or more a length 12 of the first portion 12a in the direction parallel to the normal line
nL. In the present embodiment, the length L1 is set to the value of the length 12 or
17
more. Note that, in a first step to be described later, the first portion 12a is a portion
that is pinched by the die 24 and the pad 26.
[0045]
As illustrated in Figure 2, in the present embodiment, the support surface 24b
of the die 24 is a flat surface extending in a direction orthogonal to the pressing
direction X. The edge 32 of the support surface 24b is provided so as to correspond to
the boundary part 20 (see Figure 1) of the formed product 10. Specifically, the edge 32
is provided so as to have an L-shape as viewed from the pressing direction X, and
includes a curved portion 32a that curves so as to be recessed in an arc shape as viewed
from the pressing direction X. In the present embodiment, the curved portion 32a
curves in an arc shape so as to correspond to the curved portion 20a (see Figure 1) of the
boundary part 20. The curved portion 32a is provided on the boundary between the
support surface 24b and the wall surface 24c.
[0046]
Referring to Figure 2 to Figure 4, an undersurface 26a of the pad 26 faces the
support surface 24a of the die 24 in the pressing direction X. The undersurface 26a
has an edge 36 which is provided so as to correspond to the boundary part 18 (see
Figure 1) of the formed product 10. The edge 36 includes a curved portion 36a that
curves so as to be recessed in an arc shape as viewed from the pressing direction X. In
the present embodiment, the curved portion 36a curves in an arc shape so as to
correspond to the curved portion 18a (see Figure 1) of the boundary part 18. In the
present embodiment, the undersurface 26a corresponds to a second support surface.
[0047]
The undersurface 26a of the pad 26 includes the flat portion 38a which faces
the flat portion 34a in the pressing direction X, and the deformation portion 38b which
is recessed with respect to the flat portion 3 8a so as to correspond to the deformation
portion 34b. In the present embodiment, the deformation portion 38b is formed so as
to be recessed toward the other side in the pressing direction X from the flat portion 38a.
The deformation portion 38b is provided so as to face the deformation portion 34b in
the pressing direction X. More specifically, the deformation portion 34b and the
18
deformation portion 38b are formed so that they can be fitted to each other. Note that,
a central portion of the deformation portion 38b in the direction Y along the curved
portion 30a is preferably curved in a curved surface shape so as to be convex toward the
other side in the pressing direction X. In the present embodiment, as illustrated in
Figure 3, in an arbitrary cross section of the die 24 that is parallel to the pressing
direction X and parallel to the tangential line tL (see Figure 2), the entire deformation
portion 38b is curved in a curved surface shape. In the present embodiment, the flat
portion 3 Sa corresponds to a second flat portion, and the deformation portion 3 Sb
corresponds to a second deformation portion.
[0048]
Referring to Figure 2, the punch 28 is provided on the opposite side to the
support surface 24a with respect to the wall surface 24c as viewed from the pressing
direction X. In the present embodiment, the punch 28 is provided so that an
undersurface 28a of the punch 28 faces the support surface 24b of the die 24 in the
pressing direction X.
[0049]
(Press forming method)
Next, a press forming method that uses the aforementioned press apparatus 22
will be described. When performing press forming on the metal sheet 100 using the
press apparatus 22, as illustrated in Figure 5, first the metal sheet 100 is placed on the
support surface 24a of the die 24.
[0050]
Next, as illustrated in Figure 6, one part (in the present embodiment, the first
portion 12a) of the metal sheet 100 is pinched between the support surface 24a of the
die 24 and the undersurface 26a of the pad 26 (first step). Figure 7 is a cross-sectional
view illustrating the relation between the die 24, the pad 26 and the metal sheet 100 in
the first step. Note that, in Figure 7, a cross section orthogonal to the normal line nL of
the curved portion 30a is illustrated. The same also applies to Figure 11 that is
described later.
[0051]
19
As illustrated in Figure 7, in the present embodiment, in the first step the
portion of the metal sheet 100 which is pinched by the deformation portion 34b of the
die 24 and the deformation portion 38b of the pad 26 curves along the shape of the
deformation portion 34b and the deformation portion 38b. Specifically, the portion of
the metal sheet 100 which is pinched by the deformation portion 34b and the
deformation portion 3 Sb deforms so as to form a single arc. Note that, the distance
(pad clearance) between the support surface 24a of the die 24 and the undersurface 26a
of the pad 26 in the pressing direction X is preferably set to be 1.00 times the thickness
of the metal sheet 100. However, an extremely high pad load is required in order to set
the aforementioned pad clearance to 1.00 times the thickness of the metal sheet 100, and
at the time of actual operation it is difficult to set the pad clearance to 1.00 times the
thickness of the metal sheet 100. In the present embodiment, in the fust step the
distance (pad clearance) between the support surface 24a of the die 24 and the
undersurface 26a of the pad 26 in the pressing direction X is, for example, preferably set
to 1.50 times or less the thickness of the metal sheet 100, and more preferably is set to
1.10 times or less the thickness of the metal sheet 100. Hereunder, the space between
the deformation portion 34b and the deformation portion 38b is referred to as a
"deformation space 11". In the present embodiment, the portion of the metal sheet 100
that is located within the deformation space 11 deforms so as to form a single arc in the
first step.
[0052]
In a state in which the first portion 12a of the metal sheet 100 is pinched
between the die 24 and the pad 26 as described above, the punch 28 (undersurface 28a)
is moved in a direction in which the punch 28 (undersurface 28a) approaches the die 24
(support surface 24a) relatively in the pressing direction X (second step). By this
means, as illustrated in Figure 8, press forming is performed on the metal sheet 100, and
the formed product 10 is obtained. Finally, the pad 26 and the punch 28 are moved to
the other side in the pressing direction X relatively with respect to the support surface
24a of the die 24, and the formed product 10 is taken out.
[0053]
20
Note that, in a case offonning the formed product 10 using the metal sheet 100
having a tensile strength within the range from 200 MPa to 1600 MPa that is generally
used for automobile components and the like, if the metal sheet 100 is pressed with a
pressure of 30 MPa or more by the pad 26, there is a risk that a crack will occur in the
vicinity of the curved portion 20a in the formed product 10. On the other hand, if the
metal sheet 100 is pressed with a pressure of 0.1 MPa or less by the pad 26, there is a
risk that it will not be possible to sufficiently suppress out-of-plane deformation of the
first plate-shaped part 12. Therefore, it is desirable that the pressing by the pad 26 be
performed with a pressure that is 0.1 MPa or more and 30 MPa or less.
[0054]
Note that, the pressure applied from the pad 26 to the metal sheet 100 is an
average interfacial pressure that is obtained by dividing the load applied to the metal
sheet 100 from the pad 26 by the area of the contact portion between the pad 26 and the
metal sheet 100. Therefore, the larger the component is, the greater the pad load that is
required is.
[0055]
In the present embodiment, in the second step, as illustrated by dashed-line
arrows in Figure 8, in-plane bending toward the punch 28 side acts on the first portion
12a of the metal sheet 1 00. Thus, as illustrated by chain double-dashed line arrows in
Figure 8, portions of the first portion 12a which are in the vicinity of the curved portion
30a (see Figure 2) of the die 24 and which are on both sides of the deformation space 11
in the direction Y along the curved portion 30a flow into the deformation space 11. As
a result, a force in the compressing direction acts on the metal sheet 1 00 in the
deformation space 11.
[0056]
With regard to the aforementioned point, for example, even in a case where
press forming is performed in a state in which the portions of the first portion 12a of the
metal sheet 100 which are in the vicinity of the curved portion 30a are pinched by flat
surfaces 50a and 50b as illustrated in Figure 9, the material flows in the same manner.
Thus, a force in the compressing direction acts on the portions of the first portion 12a
21
which are in the vicinity of the curved portion 30a. Therefore, unless the pressurizing
force of the flat surfaces SOa and SOb can be sufficiently secured, a clearance between
the flat surfaces SOa and SOb cannot be appropriately maintained. In this case, as
illustrated in Figure 9, the portions of the first portion 12a which are in the vicinity of
the curved portion 30a cannot be appropriately pressed by the flat surfaces SOa and SOb,
and the occurrence of buckling cannot be sufficiently suppressed. As a result, as
illustrated by broken lines in Figure 10, wrinkles are liable to occur at a portion in the
vicinity of the curved portion 18a in the first plate-shaped part 12 of the formed product
10.
[OOS7]
On the other hand, in the present embodiment, as illustrated in Figure 7, in the
deformation space 11 the metal sheet 100 is pinched by the deformation portion 34b of
the support surface 24a of the die 24 and the deformation portion 3 8b of the
undersurface 26a of the pad 26. Therefore, in the second step, even if a pressurizing
force of the support surface 24a of the die 24 and the undersurface 26a of the pad 26
cannot be sufficiently secured, as illustrated in Figure 11, in the deformation space 11
the metal sheet 100 can be deformed along the deformation portion 34b and the
deformation portion 38b. In the present embodiment, in the deformation space 11, the
metal sheet 1 00 can be gradually curved so as to form a single arc.
[OOS8]
Further, in the present embodiment, in the second step, upon the metal sheet
1 00 flowing into the deformation space 11 from both sides of the deformation space 11,
the metal sheet 1 00 inside the deformation space 11 is first bent so as to be convex to
the other side in the pressing direction X by the deformation portion 34b. The portion
that has been bent is then pressed to the one side in the pressing direction X by the
deformation portion 38b. Therefore, in the present embodiment, even if the clearance
between the support surface 24a of the die 24 and the undersurface 26a of the pad 26
cannot be made sufficiently small, because the metal sheet 100 bends as described
above in the deformation space 11, the region of the metal sheet 1 00 that is inside the
deformation space 11 as well as portions surrounding that region are appropriately
22
pressed by the support surface 24a and the undersurface 26a. By this means, in the
present embodiment, even without exactly adjusting the pressurizing force of the
support surface 24a and the undersurface 26a and the clearance between the support
surface 24a and the undersurface 26a, a sufficient pad load can be applied to the first
portion 12a of the metal sheet 100. Thus, according to the present embodiment, by
causing the metal sheet 100 to curve in the deformation space 11, even in a case where
it is difficult to control the distance between the die 24 and the pad 26, it is possible to
apply a sufficient pad load to the metal sheet 100. As a result, the occurrence of
wrinkles in the first plate-shaped part 12 in the formed product 1 0 can be suppressed.
[0059]
Note that, it is preferable that the central portion of the deformation portion 38b
in the direction Y along the curved portion 30a is curved in a curved surface shape so as
to be convex toward the other side in the pressing direction X. By this means, the
metal sheet 100 can be caused to gradually curve more reliably in the deformation space
11, and the metal sheet 100 can be sufficiently prevented from deforming in a wavy
manner. In the present embodiment, in a cross section that is parallel to the pressing
direction X and parallel to the tangential line tL of the curved portion 30a, the central
portion of the deformation portion 38b is curved in a curved surface shape so as to be
convex toward the other side in the pressing direction X.
[0060]
Note that, in the present embodiment, the deformation portion 34b is provided
on the normal line nL of the curved portion 30a. In this case, the metal sheet 100 can
be caused to deform in the manner described above at a position at which the inflow
amount of the metal sheet 100 is liable to be large between the die 24 and the pad 26.
By this means, the occurrence of wrinkles can be sufficiently suppressed at the position
at which the inflow amount of the metal sheet 1 00 is liable to be large between the die
24 and the pad 26.
[0061]
(Modifications)
Note that, as illustrated in Figure 4, although in the foregoing embodiment the
23
height of the deformation portion 34b with respect to the flat portion 34a in the pressing
direction X is uniform in the direction parallel to the normal line nL (see Figure 2), the
height of the deformation portion 34b may change according to the position thereof in
the direction parallel to the normal line nL. Specifically, for example, as illustrated in
Figure 12, the height of the deformation portion 34b with respect to the flat portion 34a
in the pressing direction X may increase as the deformation portion 34b extends away
from the curved portion 30a in the direction parallel to the normal line nL (see Figure 2).
Further, as illustrated in Figure 13 and Figure 14, the height of the deformation portion
34b with respect to the flat portion 34a in the pressing direction X may decrease as the
deformation portion 34b extends away from the curved portion 30a in the direction
parallel to the normal line nL (see Figure 2). Note that, in consideration of the fact that
wrinkles easily occur at a portion in the vicinity of the curved portion 18a in the first
plate-shaped part 12 (see Figure 10) as described above, preferably the height of the
deformation portion 34b at the portion in the vicinity of the curved portion 30a is
enlarged, as illustrated in Figure 13 and Figure 14.
[0062]
Further, although in the foregoing embodiment, as illustrated in Figure 2, the
deformation portion 34b is formed so that, as viewed from the pressing direction X, the
deformation portion 34b transverses the die 24 along the normal line nL with a width
that is wider than the curved portion 30a and is uniform, the formation region of the
deformation portion 34b is not limited to the above example. For example, as
illustrated in Figure 15, as viewed from the pressing direction X, the width of the
deformation portion 34b may be less than the width of the curved portion 30a. Further,
as illustrated in Figure 16 to Figure 21, as viewed from the pressing direction X, the
width of the deformation portion 34b may change according to the position thereof in
the direction parallel to the normal line nL. Furthermore, as illustrated in Figure 22 to
Figure 24, a configuration may be adopted in which the deformation portion 34b is
formed only in a predetermined region in the vicinity of the curved portion 30a.
Further, as illustrated in Figure 25, the deformation portion 34b may be provided so as
to be spaced apart from the curved portion 30a. However, in this case, the distance
24
between the deformation portion 34b and the curved portion 30a is, for example,
preferably set to a distance that is three times or less the thickness of the metal sheet
100.
[0063]
Further, although in the foregoing embodiment, as illustrated in Figure 3, the
deformation portion 34b is curved with a predetermined radius of curvature R in a cross
section parallel to the pressing direction X and parallel to the tangential line tL of the
curved portion 30a, the shape (contour) of the deformation portion 34b is not limited to
the above example. For example, as illustrated in Figure 26, in a cross section parallel
to the pressing direction X and parallel to the tangential line tL (see Figure 2) of the
curved portion 30a (see Figure 2), the deformation portion 34b may have two curved
portions 60a and 60b that curve with different radii of curvature to each other. In
addition, as illustrated in Figure 27, in a cross section parallel to the pressing direction
X and parallel to the tangential line tL (see Figure 2) of the curved portion 30a (see
Figure 2), the deformation portion 34b may have curved portions 62a and 62b that curve
so as to be convex to the one side in the pressing direction X, and a curved portion 62c
that curves so as to be convex to the other side in the pressing direction X. Note that,
the deformation portion 34b illustrated in Figure 27 is, as a whole, convex to the other
side in the pressing direction X.
[0064]
Furthermore, for example, as illustrated in Figure 28, in a cross section parallel
to the pressing direction X and parallel to the tangential line tL (see Figure 2) of the
curved portion 30a (see Figure 2), the deformation portion 34b may have flat surface
portions 64a and 64b and a curved portion 64c. Further, as illustrated in Figure 29, in
a cross section parallel to the pressing direction X and parallel to the tangential line tL
(see Figure 2) of the curved portion 30a (see Figure 2), the deformation portion 34b
may have curved portions 66a and 66b and a flat surface portion 66c. Note that, the
deformation portion 34b may be configured so that the deformation portion 34b can
bend the metal sheet 100 in the deformation space 11 (see Figure 11) so as to be convex
to the other side in the pressing direction X. Accordingly, the deformation portion 34b
25
may be constituted by a plurality of protruding portions. Specifically, the
aforementioned deformation portion 34b may be separated into two parts by forming a
groove at the central portion in the direction Y (see Figure 2) along the curved portion
30a in the deformation portion 34b.
[0065]
Further, although a detailed description is omitted herein, the shape of the
deformation portion 38b can be appropriately changed so as to correspond to the
respective shapes of the deformation portion 34b illustrated in Figure 12 to Figure 29.
Note that, it suffices that the deformation portion 34b and the deformation portion 38b
have shapes that correspond in a manner such that the deformation portion 34b and the
deformation portion 38b can be fitted to each other. Accordingly, as illustrated in
Figure 30, the deformation portion 34b and the deformation portion 38b may have a
different shape to each other.
[0066]
Furthermore, although in the foregoing embodiment, in the pressing direction
X, the deformation portion 34b is formed so as to protrude with respect to the flat
portion 34a, and the deformation portion 3 8b is formed so as to be recessed with respect
to the flat portion 38a, the deformation portion 34b may be formed so as to be recessed
with respect to the flat portion 34a, and the deformation portion 38b may be formed so
to protrude with respect to the flat portion 38a. In this case also, the dimensions
(height in the pressing direction X, length in the direction orthogonal to the pressing
direction X, and radius of curvature) and shape of each deformation portion can be set
similarly to the dimensions and shape of the deformation portions 34b and 38b
described above. Note that, in the case of making the deformation portion 34b
recessed with respect to the flat portion 34a, the central portion of the deformation
portion 34b in the direction Y along the curved portion 30a is preferably curved in a
curved surface shape so as to be convex toward the one side in the pressing direction X.
[0067]
Note that, although in the foregoing embodiment a case of producing the
formed product 10 having an L-shape as viewed from the pressing direction X has been
26
described, the press forming method according to the present invention can be favorably
utilized when producing various kinds of formed products having a curved portion
which, as viewed from the pressing direction, curves in a concave shape at a boundary
part between a first plate-shaped part and a vertical wall part.
[0068]
Figure 31 is a view illustrating another example of a formed product that is
produced by the press forming method according to the present invention. Note that,
Figure 31 is a view illustrating the formed product as viewed from the pressing
direction.
[0069]
Although a detailed description is omitted herein, similarly to the formed
product 10 described above, a formed product 1 Oa illustrated in Figure 31 has the first
plate-shaped part 12, the second plate-shaped part 14 and the vertical wall part 16. A
plurality of curved portions 18a which curve in a concave shape (arc shape) as viewed
from the pressing direction are formed at the boundary part 18 between the first
plate-shaped part 12 and the vertical wall part 16. Although diagrammatic
representation is omitted from the drawing, in the press apparatus for producing the
formed product 1 Oa, it suffices to provide a plurality of first deformation portions in a
first support surface of the die and to provide a plurality of second deformation portions
in a second support surface of the pad so as to correspond to the plurality of curved
portions 18a. By this means, the occurrence of wrinkles can be suppressed at portions
of the first plate-shaped part 12 that are in the vicinity of the respective curved portions
18a.
[0070]
Furthermore, although a detailed description is omitted herein, the press
forming method according to the present invention can also be utilized when producing
a formed product lOb having a T-shape as viewed from the pressing direction as
illustrated in Figure 32. Note that, the formed product lOb has a hat-shaped cross
section. Although diagrammatic representation is omitted from the drawing, in the
press apparatus for producing the formed product 1 Ob, it suffices to provide a first
27
deformation portion in a first support surface of the die and to provide a second
deformation portion in a second support surface of the pad so as to correspond to the
curved portion 18a.
[0071]
Further, although diagrammatic representation is omitted from the drawings,
the press forming method according to the present invention can also be utilized when
producing a formed product having a Y -shape or a U-shape as viewed from the pressing
direction. In addition, the press forming method according to the present invention can
also be utilized for various kinds of draw forming such as cylinder drawing and square
cylinder drawing. Note that, when utilizing the present invention for cylinder drawing,
it is preferable to, for example, identify in advance a region at which wrinkles are liable
to occur in a portion that will be a flange part (first plate-shaped part) in the formed
product, and provide a deformation portion so as to correspond to the identified region.
[0072]
Further, although a case in which the support surface 24a of the die 24 has the
flat portion 34a and the deformation portion 34b is described in the foregoing
embodiment, the support surface 24a may also have another deformation portion in
addition to the deformation portion 34b. Although diagrammatic representation is
omitted from the drawings, for example, in order to form a bead or a bearing surface
shape or the like in the first plate-shaped part 12 (see Figure 1), in addition to the
deformation portion 34b, another deformation portion that is recessed toward the one
side or protrudes toward the other side in the pressing direction X from the flat portion
34a may be provided in the support surface 24a. Although a detailed description is
omitted, the same applies to the undersurface 26a of the pad 26.
[0073]
(Study by simulation)
In order to confirm the advantageous effect of the present invention, the present
inventors evaluated the occurrence state of wrinkles which occur at a portion in the
vicinity of the curved portion 18a (see Figure 1) in a formed product by numerical
analysis (press forming analysis). Specifically, a case of producing an L-shaped
28
formed product as illustrated in Figure 1 by means of the press apparatus 22 having the
shape illustrated in Figure 2 was assumed, and numerical analysis by the fmite element
method was performed (Inventive Examples 1 and 2 of the present invention). Note
that, the length L (see Figure 3) of the deformation portion 34b was set to 300 =,and
the radius of curvature R of the deformation portion 34b was set to 3000 = (Inventive
Example 1 of the present invention) and 2000 = (Inventive Example 2 of the present
invention). Further, numerical analysis was similarly performed with respect to a case
of producing a formed product using the die 24 illustrated in Figure 25 instead of the die
24 illustrated in Figure 2 (Inventive Example 3 of the present invention). The radius
of curvature R of the deformation portion 34b was set to 3000 =· In addition, as a
Comparative Example, a case of producing a formed product by means of a press
apparatus having the same configuration as the press apparatus 22 except that the whole
area of the support surface 24a of the die 24 and the whole area of the undersurface 26a
of the pad 26 were flat surfaces was assumed, and numerical analysis by the finite
element method was performed. A 1180 MPa-class cold-rolled steel sheet (thickness:
1.0 =) was assumed as the blank metal sheet.
[0074]
Note that, in a first analysis, the load of the pad 26 (pad load) was changed, and
numerical analysis was performed for each pad load. The pad load was set to 7 tonf,
10 tonf and 30 tonf, respectively. Note that, with respect to Inventive Example 3 of the
present invention, analysis was not performed for cases where the pad load was 10 tonf
and 30 tonf. In a second analysis, the distance (pad clearance) between the support
surface 24a and the undersurface 26a was changed, and numerical analysis was
performed for each pad clearance. The pad clearance was set to a clearance equivalent
to 1.00 times, 1.03 times, 1.05 times and 1.10 times the thickness of the blank metal
sheet, respectively. Note that, the second analysis was not performed with respect to
Inventive Example 3 of the present invention. Evaluation results obtained by the first
analysis are shown in Table 1, and evaluation results obtained by the second analysis are
shown in Table 2. Note that, in the evaluation results shown in Table 1, the amount of
wrinkles that occurred at the portion in the vicinity of the curved portion 18a is
29
described in ascending order in the form of A, B and C. Similarly, in the evaluation
results shown in Table 2, the amount of wrinkles that occurred at the portion in the
vicinity of the curved portion 18a is described in ascending order in the form of A and
B.
[0075]
[Table 1]
Inventive
Example 1
Inventive
Example 2
Inventive
Example 3
Comparative
Example
[0076]
[Table 2]
Inventive
Example 1
Inventive
Example2
Comparative
Example
Table 1 (First Analysis )
Radius of Curvature Pad Load (tonf)
(mm) 7 10 30
3000 A A A
2000 A A A
3000 B - -
- c c A
Table 2 (Second Analysis )
Radius of Curvature Pad Clearance(mm)
(mm) 1.00! 1.03t 1.05t 1.10!
3000 A A A A
2000 A A A A
- A B B B
• '1" 1n the pad clearance column denotes the thickness (mm) of the blank metal sheet.
[0077]
Referring to Tables 1 and 2, the occurrence of wrinkles could be suppressed to
a certain extent in the Comparative Example also. However, the amount of wrinkles
that occurred was smaller in Inventive Examples 1 to 3 of the present invention. In
particular, in Inventive Examples I and 2 of the present invention, almost no wrinkles
occurred, even when the pad load was decreased. Further, in Inventive Examples 1
30
and 2 of the present invention, even without strictly managing the pad clearance, almost
no wrinkles occurred. Note that, in the Comparative Example, even though the same
B evaluation was obtained as the result, the amount of wrinkles that occurred increased
as the pad clearance increased.
[0078]
In other words, it is considered that, in actual operations, if an apparatus such
as that of the Comparative Example is used, a large number of formed products in
which wrinkles have occurred will be produced, and it is considered that by using an
apparatus such as that of the Inventive Examples of the present invention, the
probability of producing a formed product in which wrinkles have occurred will be
extremely low, and stable production can be expected and the production efficiency as a
product increases. Further, since it is difficult for wrinkles to occur even if the pad
load is small, it is considered that it is easy to support the forming of large-sized
components.
[0079]
(Second Embodiment)
Although in the foregoing embodiment a case is described in which press
forming is performed on the metal sheet 100 using the press apparatus 22 including the
die 24, the pad 26 and the punch 28, the configuration of the press apparatus is not
limited to the example described above.
[0080]
Figure 33 is a perspective view illustrating a press apparatus that is used in a
press forming method according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
[0081]
As illustrated in Figure 33, in the press forming method according to the
present embodiment, press forming is performed on the metal sheet 100 by a press
apparatus 22a. The press apparatus 22a differs from the press apparatus 22 in that the
press apparatus 22a includes a die 25 instead of the die 24, and also includes a holder
40.
[0082]
31
The die 25 has an L-shape in plan view. Similarly to the die 24, the die 25 has
the support surface 24a including the flat portion 34a and the deformation portion 34b,
and the wall surface 24c. Further, similarly to the die 24, the edge 30 of the support
surface 24a has the curved portion 30a. Note that, the support surface 24b (see Figure
2) described above is not provided in the die 25.
[0083]
The holder 40 is provided on the one side of the metal sheet 100 in the pressing
direction X. A top surface 40a of the holder 40 faces the second portion 14a of the
metal sheet 1 00 in the pressing direction X.
[0084]
As illustrated in Figure 34(a), in the press forming method according to the
present embodiment also, similarly to the press forming method described above, first,
the metal sheet 100 is placed on the support surface 24a of the die 25, and the first
portion 12a of the metal sheet 100 is pinched by the support surface 24a of the die 25
and the undersurface 26a of the pad 26 (first step). In addition, in the present
embodiment, in the first step, the second portion 14a of the metal sheet 1 00 is pinched
by the undersurface 28a of the punch 28 and the top surface 40a of the holder 40. In
this state, as illustrated in Figure 34(b ), the punch 28 is moved together with the holder
40 in a direction in which the punch 28 and the holder 40 approach the die 25 relatively
in the pressing direction X. By this means, forming is performed on the metal sheet
100, and the formed product 10 is obtained. Finally, the pad 26 and the punch 28 are
moved to the other side in the pressing direction X relatively with respect to the support
surface 24a of the die 25, and the formed product 1 0 is taken out.
[0085]
Although a detailed description is omitted herein, in the press forming method
according to the present embodiment also, similarly to the press forming method
according to the first embodiment, a portion in the vicinity of the curved portion 30a
(see Figure 33) in the first portion 12a of the metal sheet 100 can be pinched by the
deformation portion 34b of the die 25 and the deformation portion 38b of the pad 26
(see Figure 3). Then, press forming can be performed on the metal sheet 100 in a state
32
in which gradual bending of the portion of the first portion 12a which is pinched by the
deformation portion 34b and the deformation portion 38b is allowed. As a result, in
the present embodiment also, the occurrence of wrinkles at the first plate-shaped part 12
in the formed product 10 can be suppressed.
[0086]
In addition, in the present embodiment, press forming is performed in a state in
which the second portion 14a of the metal sheet I 00 is pinched by the punch 28 and the
holder 40. By this means, the occurrence of wrinkles at the second plate-shaped part
14 in the formed product 10 can be suppressed.
[0087]
Note that, in the present embodiment also, similarly to the foregoing
embodiment, the shapes and dimensions of the deformation portion 34b and the
deformation portion 38b (see Figure 3) can be appropriately changed. Furthermore, in
the present embodiment also, the deformation portion 34b may be formed so as to be
recessed with respect to the flat portion 34a, and the deformation portion 38b may be
formed so as to protrude with respect to the flat portion 3 Sa.
[0088]
Further, the press forming method according to the present embodiment can
also be favorably utilized when producing various kinds of formed products having a
curved portion which, as viewed from the pressing direction, curves in a concave shape
at the boundary part between the first plate-shaped part and the vertical wall part.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0089]
According to the present invention, the occurrence of wrinkles in a formed
product can be suppressed, even in a case where it is difficult to control a distance
between a pad and a die.
REFERENCE SIGNS LIST
[0090]
33
10, lOa, lOb Formed Product
12 First Plate-shaped Part
12a First Portion
14 Second Plate-shaped Part
14a Second Portion
16 Vertical Wall Part
18, 20 Boundary Part
18a, 20a Curved Portion
22, 22a Press Apparatus
24,25 Die
26 Pad
28 Punch
30, 32, 36 Edge of Support Surface
34a, 38aFlat Portion
34b, 38bDefonnation Portion
40 Holder

WE CLAIMS

A press forming method in which, assuming a thickness direction of a metal
sheet to be a pressing direction, a die is arranged on one side of the metal sheet in the
pressing direction, and a pad and a punch are arranged on another side of the metal
sheet in the pressing direction, and press forming is performed on the metal sheet by
means of the die, the pad and the punch, the method comprising:
a first step of pinching one part of the metal sheet by means of the die and the
pad, and
a second step of, in a state in which the one part of the metal sheet is pinched
by the die and the pad, moving the punch in a direction in which the punch approaches
the die in the pressing direction relatively to perform press forming on the metal sheet,
wherein:
the die has a frrst support surface which faces the pad in the pressing direction
and which has an edge including a curved portion that curves so as to be recessed in an
arc shape as viewed from the pressing direction, and a wall surface extending to the one
side in the pressing direction from the edge of the frrst support surface;
the pad has a second support surface which faces the first support surface in the
pressing direction;
the punch is provided on an opposite side to the first support surface with
respect to the wall surface as viewed from the pressing direction;
the first support surface includes a first flat portion which extends in an
orthogonal direction to the pressing direction, and a first deformation portion which
protrudes or is recessed with respect to the first flat portion in the pressing direction;
the second support surface includes a second flat portion which faces the frrst
flat portion in the pressing direction, and a second deformation portion which is
recessed or protrudes with respect to the second flat portion so as to correspond to the
first deformation portion;
the first deformation portion is provided on a normal line of the curved portion,
35
as viewed from the pressing direction;
the first flat portion is provided continuously on both sides of the first
deformation portion in a direction along the curved portion, as viewed from the pressing
direction; and
when a space between the first deformation portion and the second deformation
portion is assumed to be a deformation space,
in the second step, press forming is performed so that portions of the metal
sheet which are on both sides of the deformation space in the direction along the curved
portion as viewed from the pressing direction flow into the deformation space, and the
metal sheet deforms along the first deformation portion and the second deformation
portion in the deformation space.
[Claim 2]
The press forming method according to claim 1, wherein:
the first deformation portion includes at least one part of the curved portion.
[Claim 3]
The press forming method according to claim 2, wherein:
a length of a part of the curved portion that is included in the first deformation
portion is 0.3 times or more an overall length of the curved portion.
[Claim 4]
The press forming method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein:
in the second step, the metal sheet in the deformation space deforms so as to
form a single arc in a cross section orthogonal to the normal line of the curved portion
as viewed from the pressing direction.
[Claim 5]
The press forming method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein:
a height or a depth of the first deformation portion with respect to the first flat
portion in the pressing direction decreases as the first deformation portion extends away
from the curved portion in a direction parallel to the normal line.
[Claim 6]
The press forming method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein:
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in a cross section obtained by cutting the die and the metal sheet along a plane
parallel to the pressing direction and passing through the normal line, a length of the
first deformation portion in a parallel direction to the normal line is 0.1 times or more a
length of the one part of the metal sheet that is pinched by the die and the pad in the first
step.
[Claim 7]
The press forming method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein:
as viewed from the pressing direction, when a portion at which a curvature of
the curved portion exhibits a local maximum value is assumed to be a reference point,
the first deformation portion is provided on a normal line of the curved portion at the
reference point.
[Claim 8]
The press forming method according to claim 7, wherein:
the first deformation portion is provided so as to include the reference point of
the curved portion.
[Claim 9]
The press forming method according to claim 8, wherein:
in a cross section of the die that is parallel to the pressing direction and that
passes through a tangential line of the curved portion at the reference point, a height or a
depth of the first deformation portion with respect to the first flat portion in the pressing
direction is 0.0001 times or more a length of the first deformation portion in a direction
orthogonal to the pressing direction.
[Claim 10]
The press forming method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein:
before the first step, the metal sheet is subjected to predetermined forming
processing.
[Claim 11]
The press forming method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein:
a holder is further arranged on the one side of the metal sheet in the pressing
direction;
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in the first step, the metal sheet is further pinched by the punch and the holder;
and
in the second step, in a state in which the metal sheet is pinched by the punch
and the holder, the punch is moved in a direction in which the punch approaches the die
in the pressing direction relatively to perform press forming on the metal sheet.
[Claim 12]
The press forming method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein:
the first deformation portion protrudes with respect to the first flat portion in
the pressing direction;
the second deformation portion is recessed with respect to the second flat
portion in the pressing direction; and
a central portion of the second deformation portion in the direction along the
curved portion is curved in a curved surface shape.
[Claim 13]
The press forming method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein:
the first deformation portion is recessed with respect to the first flat portion in
the pressing direction;
the second deformation portion protrudes with respect to the second flat
portion in the pressing direction; and
a central portion of the first deformation portion in the direction along the
curved portion is curved in a curved surface shape.
[Claim 14]
A press apparatus comprising the die, the pad and the punch used in the press
forming method according to any one of claims 1 to 13.
[Claim 15]
The press apparatus according to claim 14, further comprising a holder that is
arranged so as to face the punch in the pressing direction.