Method for processing metal body and apparatus for processing metal body

Abstract

The present invention provides a method for processing a metal body which can turn a metal structure of the metal body into a finer grain structure thus obtaining the high strength and the high ductility. In a method or an apparatus for processing a metal body which turns the metal structure of the metal body into the finer grain structure by forming a low deformation resistance region where the deformation resistance is locally lowered in the metal body and by deforming the low deformation resistance region by shearing, using a non-low deformation resistance region forming means which forms a non-low deformation resistance region by increasing the deformation resistance which is lowered in the low deformation resistance region, the non-low deformation resistance region is formed along the low deformation resistance region.

1 . A method for processing a metal body which turns the metal structure of the metal body into the finer grain structure by forming a low deformation resistance region where the deformation resistance is locally lowered in the metal body and by deforming the low deformation resistance region by shearing, wherein
 using a non-low deformation resistance region forming means which forms a non-low deformation resistance region by increasing the deformation resistance which is lowered in the low deformation resistance region, the non-low deformation resistance region is formed along the low deformation resistance region, and the low deformation resistance region is formed in a vacuum.   
   
   
       2 . A method for processing a metal body which turns the metal structure of the metal body into the finer grain structure by forming a low deformation resistance region which traverses the metal body by locally lowering the deformation resistance of a metal body which extends in one direction and by deforming the low deformation resistance region by shearing, wherein
 using a non-low deformation resistance region forming means which forms a non-low deformation resistance region by increasing the deformation resistance which is lowered in the low deformation resistance region, the non-low deformation resistance region is formed along the low deformation resistance region, and   the low deformation resistance region is formed in a vacuum.   
   
   
       3 . A method for processing a metal body which turns the metal structure of the metal body into the finer grain structure by forming a low deformation resistance region where the deformation resistance is locally lowered in the metal body and by deforming the low deformation resistance region by shearing, wherein
 using a non-low deformation resistance region forming means which forms a non-low deformation resistance region by increasing the deformation resistance which is lowered in the low deformation resistance region, the non-low deformation resistance region is formed along the low deformation resistance region, and   the low deformation resistance region is formed in a high pressure atmosphere.   
   
   
       4 . A method for processing a metal body which turns the metal structure of the metal body into the finer grain structure by forming a low deformation resistance region where the deformation resistance is locally lowered in the metal body and by deforming the low deformation resistance region by shearing, wherein
 using a non-low deformation resistance region forming means which forms a non-low deformation resistance region by increasing the deformation resistance which is lowered in the low deformation resistance region, the non-low deformation resistance region is formed along the low deformation resistance region, and   the low deformation resistance region is formed in an active gas atmosphere.   
   
   
       5 . A method for processing a metal body according to  claim 1 , wherein the non-low deformation resistance region forming means includes cooling means which cools the metal body. 
   
   
       6 . A method for processing a metal body according to  claim 1 , wherein the active gas is nitrogen gas. 
   
   
       7 . A method for processing a metal body according to  claim 4 , wherein the active gas is methane gas and/or carbon monoxide gas. 
   
   
       8 . A method for processing a metal body according to  claim 1 , wherein a powdery material is sprayed onto the low deformation resistance region. 
   
   
       9 . A method for processing a metal body according to  claim 1 , wherein
 ion doping is applied to the low deformation resistance region.   
   
   
       10 . A method for processing a metal body according to  claim 1 , wherein the low deformation resistance region is formed by applying second heating to the metal body after applying first heating for a given time. 
   
   
       11 . A method for processing a metal body according to  claim 1 , wherein the low deformation resistance region is formed by applying second heating to the metal body after applying first heating for a given time. 
   
   
       12 . A method for processing a metal body according to  claim 1 , wherein the low deformation resistance region is formed in a non-constraining region of constraining means which constrains the metal body heated to a high temperature. 
   
   
       13 . A method for processing a metal body according to  claim 1 , wherein the low deformation resistance region is formed in a non-constraining region of constraining means which constrains the metal body heated to a high temperature. 
   
   
       14 . A method for processing a metal body according to  claim 1 , wherein the metal body is quenched after the deformation by shearing. 
   
   
       15 . A method for processing a metal body according to  claim 1 , wherein the low deformation resistance region is formed by heating the metal body and, at the same time, the metal body is quenched after the low deformation resistance region is deformed by shearing. 
   
   
       16 . A method for processing a metal body according to  claim 1 , wherein the low deformation resistance region is formed by heating the metal body and, at the same time, the metal body is quenched after the low deformation resistance region is deformed by shearing. 
   
   
       17 . A method for processing a metal body according to  claim 1 , wherein
 the low deformation resistance region is formed in the metal body which is immersed in a liquid.   
   
   
       18 . A method for processing a metal body according to  claim 17 , wherein the low deformation resistance region is formed by heating the metal body in the liquid. 
   
   
       19 . A method for processing a metal body according to  claim 18 , wherein in forming the low deformation resistance region, the heat conductivity of a periphery of the low deformation resistance region is lowered. 
   
   
       20 . A method for processing a metal body according to  claim 18 , wherein in forming the low deformation resistance region, bubbles are generated in a periphery of the low deformation resistance region. 
   
   
       21 . A method for processing a metal body according to  claim 1 , wherein
 the metal body which has the finer metal structure is subjected to plastic forming without turning the metal structure into coarser grain structure.   
   
   
       22 . A method for processing a metal body according to  claim 1 , wherein the metal body which has the finer metal structure is subjected to plastic forming without turning the metal structure into coarser grain structure. 
   
   
       23 . A method for processing a metal body according to  claim 22 , wherein the plastic forming is performed in a heated state for a short time which does not turn the metal structure of the metal body into coarser grain structure. 
   
   
       24 . A method for processing a metal body according to  claim 8  or  9 , wherein aging treatment is performed while holding the metal body at a temperature which prevents turning of the metal structure into coarser grain structure after the metal structure is subjected to the plastic forming. 
   
   
       25 . A method for processing a metal body according to any one of  claims 1  to  3 , wherein the metal body is preliminarily subjected to a carburizing treatment. 
   
   
       26 . A method for processing a metal body according to any one of  claims 1  to  11 , wherein the metal structure of the metal body is turned into the finer grain structure by stretching the low deformation resistance region. 
   
   
       27 . A method for processing a metal body according to any one of  claims 1  to  11 , wherein the metal structure of the metal body is turned into the finer grain structure by compressing the low deformation resistance region. 
   
   
       28 . A method for processing a metal body according to any one of  claims 1  to  13 , wherein the metal body is formed in a cylindrical body having a hollow portion and the hollow portion is held in a reduced pressure state. 
   
   
       29 . A method for processing a metal body according to any one of  claims 1  to  13 , wherein the metal body is formed in a cylindrical body having a hollow portion and the hollow portion is held in a high pressure state. 
   
   
       30 . A method for processing a metal body according to any one of  claims 1  to  15 , wherein a forming guide body which forms the metal body into a given shape is brought into contact with the low deformation resistance region. 
   
   
       31 . A method for processing a metal body according to  claim 16 , wherein the forming guide body comprises heating means for heating the metal body. 
   
   
       32 . A method for processing a metal body according to  claim 16 , wherein the forming guide body comprises cooling means for cooling the metal body. 
   
   
       33 . A method for processing a metal body according to any one of  claims 1  to  18 , wherein the low deformation resistance region is formed in a transverse manner in the metal body which is extended in one direction, and the low deformation resistance region is moved along the extending direction of the metal body. 
   
   
       34 . A method for processing a metal body according to any one of  claims 1  to  18 , wherein the low deformation resistance region traverses the metal body, and one of non-low deformation resistance regions of the metal body which sandwich the low deformation resistance region has a position thereof fluctuated relative to another non-low deformation resistance region thus deforming the low deformation resistance region by shearing. 
   
   
       35 . A method for processing a metal body according to  claim 34 , wherein the fluctuation of the position is a vibratory motion having vibratory motion components which allow the vibratory motion of one side relative to another side in the direction substantially orthogonal to the extending direction of the metal body. 
   
   
       36 . A method for processing a metal body according to  claim 34 , wherein the fluctuation of the position is a one-way rotational motion which allows the rotation of one side relative to another side about a rotary axis which is arranged substantially parallel to the extending direction of the metal body. 
   
   
       37 . A method for processing a metal body according to  claim 34 , wherein the fluctuation of the position is a both-way rotational motion which allows the rotation of one side relative to another side about a rotary axis which is arranged substantially parallel to the extending direction of the metal body. 
   
   
       38 . A method for processing a metal body being characterized in that a metal body in a heated state which is extended in one direction is moved along the extending direction, the metal body is cooled by allowing the metal body to pass through cooling means, and the cooled metal body is subjected to a vibratory motion thus turning the metal structure in the metal body into the finer grain structure by deforming the metal structure by shearing before the metal body is allowed to pass through the cooling means, and the low deformation resistance region is formed in a vacuum. 
   
   
       39 . A method for processing a metal body being characterized in that in performing solution heat treatment by quenching a metal body which is heated up to a temperature for performing the solution heat treatment using cooling means, the metal body at a quenched portion is deformed by shearing thus turning the metal structure into finer metal structure and the solution heat treatment is performed, and the low deformation resistance region is formed in a vacuum. 
   
   
       40 . A method for processing a metal body according to  claim 39 , wherein the deformation of the metal body by shearing is performed by imparting a vibratory motion which includes vibratory motion components which generate the vibratory motion in the direction substantially orthogonal to the extending direction of the metal body which is extended in one direction to the metal body. 
   
   
       41 . A method for processing a metal body according to  claim 39 , wherein the deformation of the metal body by shearing is performed by imparting a one-way rotational motion which generates the rotation about a rotational axis substantially parallel to the extending direction of the metal body which is extended in one direction to the metal body. 
   
   
       42 . A method for processing a metal body according to  claim 39 , wherein the deformation of the metal body by shearing is performed by imparting a both-way rotational motion which generates the rotation about a rotational axis substantially parallel to the extending direction of the metal body which is extended in one direction to the metal body. 
   
   
       43 . A method for processing a metal body according to  claim 41  or  42 , wherein the metal body whose metal structure is turned into the finer grain structure is formed into a given shape by performing plastic forming under a condition which prevents the metal structure from becoming coarse. 
   
   
       44 . A method for processing a metal body which turns the metal structure of the metal body into the finer grain structure in which a first low deformation resistance region and a second low deformation resistance region which traverse the metal body are formed in a spaced-apart manner by a given distance in a direction in which the metal body extends by locally lowering the deformation resistance of the metal body which extends in one direction, a non-low deformation resistance region which increases the deformation resistance larger than the deformation resistance of the first low deformation resistance region and the second low deformation resistance region is formed between the first low deformation resistance region and the second low deformation resistance region using non-low deformation resistance region forming means, and a vibratory motion including vibratory motion components in the direction orthogonal to the extending direction of the metal body is imparted to the non-low deformation resistance region thus deforming the first low deformation resistance region and the second low deformation resistance region by shearing, and
 the low deformation resistance region is formed in a vacuum.   
   
   
       45 . A method for processing a metal body which turns the metal structure of the metal body into the finer grain structure in which a first low deformation resistance region and a second low deformation resistance region which traverse the metal body are formed in a spaced-apart manner by a given distance by locally lowering the deformation resistance of the metal body which extends in one direction, a non-low deformation resistance region which increases the deformation resistance larger than the deformation resistance of the first low deformation resistance region and the second low deformation resistance region is formed between the first low deformation resistance region and the second low deformation resistance region using non-low deformation resistance region forming means, and a one-way rotational motion about a rotary axis substantially parallel to the extending direction of the metal body is imparted to the non-low deformation resistance region thus deforming the first low deformation resistance region and the second low deformation resistance region by shearing whereby the metal structure of the metal body is turned into the finer grain structure, and
 the low deformation resistance region is formed in a vacuum.   
   
   
       46 . A method for processing a metal body which turns the metal structure of the metal body into the finer grain structure in which a first low deformation resistance region and a second low deformation resistance region which traverse the metal body are formed in a spaced-apart manner by a given distance by locally lowering the deformation resistance of the metal body which extends in one direction, a non-low deformation resistance region which increases the deformation resistance larger than the deformation resistance of the first low deformation resistance region and the second low deformation resistance region is formed between the first low deformation resistance region and the second low deformation resistance region using non-low deformation resistance region forming means, and a both-way rotational motion about a rotary axis substantially parallel to the extending direction of the metal body is imparted to the non-low deformation resistance region thus deforming the first low deformation resistance region and the second low deformation resistance region by shearing, and
 the low deformation resistance region is formed in a vacuum.   
   
   
       47 . A method for processing a metal body according to  claim 44 , wherein the metal body is moved along the extending direction. 
   
   
       48 . An apparatus for processing a metal body comprising:
 low deformation resistance region forming means for forming a low deformation resistance region which traverses the metal body by locally lowering the deformation resistance of the metal body which extends in one direction; and   displacement applying means for displacing one side of the metal body which sandwiches the low deformation resistance region with another side of the metal body relative to another side of the metal body, the displacement applying means applying the displacement to the metal structure of the metal body so as to turn the metal structure of the metal body into the finer grain structure by deforming the low deformation resistance region by shearing, wherein the low deformation resistance region forming means is configured to form the low deformation resistance region in a vacuum.   
   
   
       49 . An apparatus for processing a metal body comprising:
 low deformation resistance region forming means for forming a low deformation resistance region which traverses the metal body by locally lowering the deformation resistance of the metal body which extends in one direction; and   displacement applying means for displacing one side of the metal body which sandwiches the low deformation resistance region with another side of the metal body relative to another side of the metal body, the displacement applying means applying the displacement to the metal structure of the metal body so as to turn the metal structure of the metal body into the finer grain structure by deforming the low deformation resistance region by shearing, wherein   the low deformation resistance region forming means is configured to form the low deformation resistance region in a high pressure atmosphere.   
   
   
       50 . An apparatus for processing a metal body comprising:
 low deformation resistance region forming means for forming a low deformation resistance region which traverses the metal body by locally lowering the deformation resistance of the metal body which extends in one direction; and   displacement applying means for displacing one side of the metal body which sandwiches the low deformation resistance region with another side of the metal body relative to another side of the metal body, the displacement applying means applying the displacement to the metal structure of the metal body so as to turn the metal structure of the metal body into the finer grain structure by deforming the low deformation resistance region by shearing, wherein   the low deformation resistance region forming means is configured to form the low deformation resistance region in an active gas atmosphere.   
   
   
       51 . An apparatus for processing a metal body according to  claim 48 , wherein the displacement applying means applies a vibratory motion including vibratory motion components in the direction which intersect the extending direction of the metal body to the metal body. 
   
   
       52 . An apparatus for processing a metal body according to  claim 48 , wherein the displacement applying means applies a one-way rotational motion including about a one-way rotational axis substantially parallel to the extending direction of the metal body to the metal body. 
   
   
       53 . An apparatus for processing a metal body according to  claim 48 , wherein the displacement applying means applies a both-way rotational motion including about a both-way rotational axis substantially parallel to the extending direction of the metal body to the metal body. 
   
   
       54 . An apparatus for processing a metal body according to  claim 48 , wherein the low deformation resistance region forming means is heating means which heats the metal body to a given temperature or more. 
   
   
       55 . An apparatus for processing a metal body according to  claim 48 , wherein the non-low deformation resistance region forming means is cooling means which cools the metal body. 
   
   
       56 . An apparatus for processing a metal body according to  claim 48 , wherein the apparatus includes supply means which supplies the metal body along the extending direction. 
   
   
       57 . An apparatus for processing a metal body according to  claim 56 , wherein the low deformation resistance region forming means includes preheating means for heating the metal body to a second heating temperature after heating the metal body to a first heating temperature and holding the first heating temperature for a given time. 
   
   
       58 . An apparatus for processing a metal body according to  claim 57 , wherein the preheating means is such that the first heating temperature is a temperature which is necessary for solution heat treatment of the metal body. 
   
   
       59 . An apparatus for processing a metal body according to  claim 56 , wherein the apparatus includes aging treatment means which performs the aging treatment of the metal body whose metal structure is turned into the finer grain structure by holding the metal body at a temperature which prevents the metal structure from becoming coarser. 
   
   
       60 . An apparatus for processing a metal body according to  claim 56 , further comprising a forming guide body for forming the metal body into a given shape by being brought into contact with the low deformation resistance region. 
   
   
       61 . An apparatus for processing a metal body according to  claim 60 , wherein the forming guide body comprises heating means for heating the metal body. 
   
   
       62 . An apparatus for processing a metal body according to  claim 60 , wherein the forming guide body comprises cooling means for cooling the metal body. 
   
   
       63 . An apparatus for processing a metal body according to any one of  claims 56  to  59 , wherein the metal body is a cylindrical body having a hollow portion, and the apparatus includes flattening means which cuts the metal body whose metal structure is turned into the finer grain structure along the extending direction of the metal body so as to form the body into a planar configuration. 
   
   
       64 . An apparatus for processing a metal body according to  claim 50 , wherein the active gas is nitrogen gas. 
   
   
       65 . An apparatus for processing a metal body according to  claim 50 , wherein the active gas is methane gas and/or carbon monoxide. 
   
   
       66 . An apparatus for processing a metal body according to  claim 48 , wherein low deformation resistance region forming means includes powdery material spraying means which sprays a powdery material onto the low deformation resistance region. 
   
   
       67 . An apparatus for processing a metal body according to  claim 48 , wherein low deformation resistance region forming means includes ion doping means which dopes ions to the low deformation resistance region. 
   
   
       68 . An apparatus for processing a metal body according to  claim 48 , wherein the low deformation resistance region forming means comprises means for heating the metal body while the metal body is immersed in a liquid. 
   
   
       69 . An apparatus for processing a metal body according to  claim 71 , comprising means for lowering heat conductivity of a periphery of the low deformation resistance region while forming the low deformation resistance region. 
   
   
       70 . An apparatus for processing a metal body according to  claim 69 , further comprising means for forming bubbles in a periphery of the low deformation resistance region while forming the low deformation resistance region. 
   
   
       71 . An apparatus for processing a metal body comprising:
 moving means for moving a metal body which extends in one direction along the extending direction;   heating means for heating the metal body to a temperature for performing the solution heat treatment;   cooling means for quenching the metal body heated by the heating means; and   shearing deformation means for deforming by shearing a portion of the metal body which is cooled by the cooling means.   
   
   
       72 . An apparatus for processing a metal body according to  claim 71 , wherein the shearing deformation means comprises means for applying to the metal body a vibratory motion which includes vibratory motion components which perform the vibratory motion in a direction substantially orthogonal to the extending direction of the metal body. 
   
   
       73 . An apparatus for processing a metal body according to  claim 71 , wherein the shearing deformation means comprises means for applying to the metal body a one-way rotational motion which rotates the metal body about a one-way rotating axis substantially parallel to the extending direction of the metal body. 
   
   
       74 . An apparatus for processing a metal body according to  claim 71 , wherein the shearing deformation means comprises means for applying to the metal body a both-way rotational motion which rotates the metal body about a both-way rotating axis substantially parallel to the extending direction of the metal body. 
   
   
       75 . An apparatus for processing a metal body and a metal body supplied to the apparatus for processing comprising:
 moving means for moving the metal body in a heated state extending in one direction along the extending direction;   cooling means for forming a non-low deformation resistance region by increasing the deformation resistance by cooling the metal body; and   vibratory motion applying means for applying a vibratory motion to the non-low deformation resistance region, wherein   the metal structure in the metal body before being supplied to the cooling means is configured to be turned into a finer grain structure by deformation by shearing due to the vibratory motion applied by the vibratory motion applying means.   
   
   
       76 . An apparatus for processing a metal body comprising:
 first low deformation resistance region forming means for forming a first low deformation resistance region which traverses the metal body by locally lowering the deformation resistance of the metal body which extends in one direction;   second low deformation resistance region forming means which forms a second low deformation resistance region which traverses the metal body by locally lowering the deformation resistance of the metal body at a position spaced apart from the first low deformation resistance region by a given distance;   non-low deformation resistance region forming means for forming between the first low deformation resistance region and the second low deformation resistance region a non-low deformation resistance region by increasing the deformation resistance which is lowered in the first low deformation resistance region and the second low deformation resistance region, and   displacement applying means for applying the displacement for deforming the first low deformation resistance region and the second low deformation resistance region by shearing to the non-low deformation resistance region, wherein   the apparatus is configured to turn the metal structure of the first low deformation resistance region and the second low deformation resistance region into the finer grain structure, and   the first and second low deformation resistance region forming means are configured to form the low deformation resistance region in a vacuum.   
   
   
       77 . An apparatus for processing a metal body according to  claim 76 , wherein the displacement applying means applies to the non-low deformation resistance region a vibratory motion including vibratory motion components in directions which intersect the extending direction of the metal body. 
   
   
       78 . An apparatus for processing a metal body according to  claim 76 , wherein the displacement applying means applies to the non-low deformation resistance region a one-way rotational motion including about a one-way rotational axis substantially parallel to the extending direction of the metal body. 
   
   
       79 . An apparatus for processing a metal body according to  claim 76 , wherein the displacement applying means applies to the non-low deformation resistance region a both-way rotational motion including about a both-way rotational axis substantially parallel to the extending direction of the metal body. 
   
   
       80 . An apparatus for processing a metal body according to  claim 76 , wherein the first low deformation resistance region forming means and the second low deformation resistance region forming means are heating means for heating the metal body to a predetermined or higher temperature. 
   
   
       81 . An apparatus for processing a metal body according to  claim 76 , wherein the non-low deformation resistance region forming means comprises cooling means for cooling the metal body. 
   
   
       82 . An apparatus for processing a metal body according to  claim 76 , wherein the apparatus includes supply means for supplying the metal body along the extending direction.