Plate-like-workpiece twisting and retaining apparatus, plate-like-workpiece twisting and retaining method, and plate-like-workpiece twisting and shaping method

Abstract

Provided are a highly-versatile plate-like-workpiece twisting and retaining apparatus, plate-like-workpiece twisting and retaining method, and plate-like-workpiece twisting and shaping method that can give a freely-chosen twisted shape or curved shape to a plate-like workpiece with a simple, highly-versatile configuration without having to prepare a die member and that can also be applied to an integral skin. A twisting and retaining apparatus includes at least two support points that are contactable with a first surface in a twisting range of a plate-like workpiece; a plurality of pressing points that are similarly contactable with a second surface in the twisting range and that flank a line connecting the at least two support points in plan view of the plate-like workpiece; and an advance-retract driving apparatus (support unit, pressing unit) that causes at least the support points or the pressing points to advance and retract in a thickness direction of the plate-like workpiece.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.