JP2008139042A - Manufacturing method for honeycomb structure - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To measure an outline shape of a honeycomb structure using a small-scaled instrument, when manufacturing the honeycomb structure. <P>SOLUTION: A work 200 is mounted on a table 120 so as to overlap the center axis of the work 200 on the rotating shaft of the table 120. The table 120 is moved so as to cross the outermost optical path out of a planar laser beam, emitted from a laser beam irradiation part 141 with at least an outer circumferential face of the work 200. The laser beam is emitted thereafter in a horizontal plane form, and the laser beam not irradiating the outer circumferential face of the work 200 is received by a light-receiving part 142. An electrical signal, corresponding to a radial dimension of the work 200, is acquired thereby, and the radial dimension of the work 200 is acquired based on the electrical signal. The radial outline shape of the work 200 is acquired, by making the table 120 rotate at a fixed angle and by making the table 120 move along the height direction of the work 200. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a honeycomb structure, and more particularly to an appearance inspection process for inspecting the outer shape of a completed honeycomb structure.

  Conventionally, for example, Patent Document 1 proposes a method for measuring the outer shape of a completed honeycomb structure. Specifically, in Patent Document 1, an arm in which a plurality of laser displacement meters are installed at different heights and a disk that is vertically fixed to an outer edge portion of the disk and rotated by a rotary motor. There has been proposed a measuring method using an outer shape measuring apparatus including a rotating disk and a lifting table that is moved up and down by a drive motor and on which an object to be measured is placed.

In such an external shape measuring apparatus, the central axes of the rotary table and the lifting table are arranged on the central axis of the object to be measured. Then, the object to be measured is placed on the lifting table, and the rotating disk rotates so that the arm rotates around the object to be measured. At this time, the distance (dimension) from each laser displacement meter to the surface of the object to be measured is measured by irradiating laser light from each laser displacement meter installed on the arm. Thereby, the three-dimensional shape of the object to be measured can be measured.
JP 7-260440 A

  However, in the above conventional technique, the outer shape measuring device is configured such that the arm fixed to the rotating disk rotates around the object to be measured, and therefore, safety measures are taken to protect the worker from the rotation of the arm. It is a device configuration. Thereby, since the external shape measuring apparatus is provided with a configuration with safety measures, the dimensions of the apparatus must be ensured and the place where the apparatus is installed must be ensured.

  In addition, as described above, a plurality of laser displacement meters are installed on the arm in order to measure different height dimensions of the object to be measured. For this reason, the cost of the external shape measuring apparatus itself increases, which is not preferable.

  In view of the above points, an object of the present invention is to inspect the outer shape of a honeycomb structure using a small-scale apparatus when manufacturing the honeycomb structure.

  In order to achieve the above object, according to the first feature of the present invention, in manufacturing a honeycomb structure, the appearance of a workpiece (200) obtained by firing a column-shaped honeycomb molded body is inspected. In performing the appearance inspection process, first, the laser beam irradiation unit (141) that irradiates the laser beam in a planar shape and the laser beam irradiated from the laser beam irradiation unit are all received, and the received laser A dimension measuring device (140) including a light receiving unit (142) for detecting an electric signal at a level corresponding to the intensity of light is prepared.

  Then, the work is placed on the table so that the central axis of the work overlaps the rotation axis of the disk-shaped table (120). In such a state, the table is moved so that the outermost optical path of the planar laser beam irradiated from the laser beam irradiation unit intersects at least the outer peripheral surface of the workpiece, and the gap between the laser beam irradiation unit and the light receiving unit is reached. Place the work on Thereafter, the laser light is irradiated in a horizontal plane, and the laser light that does not hit the outer peripheral surface of the workpiece is received by the light receiving unit, thereby obtaining an electrical signal corresponding to the dimension in the radial direction of the workpiece. The dimension of the workpiece in the radial direction is acquired based on the result.

  At this time, the table is rotated at a constant angle, and the workpiece outer dimensions are obtained by obtaining a plurality of radial dimensions in the workpiece, and the table is moved in the workpiece height direction to obtain the workpiece height direction. It is the feature to acquire the dimension of the radial direction of either height.

  In this way, by using a device that fixes the positions of the laser beam irradiation unit and the light receiving unit that irradiate the laser beam, rotates the table around the rotation axis of the table, and moves the table in the height direction of the workpiece. The outer dimensions of the workpiece in the radial direction can be acquired. By using a small-scale device having such a configuration, it is possible to install the device in a space-saving manner without requiring a large-scale configuration in which safety measures are taken for the device.

  In this way, when inspecting the external dimensions of the workpiece, the rotation axis of the table is located at a position outside the optical path irradiated from the outermost side among the optical paths of the laser light irradiated in a horizontal plane from the laser light irradiation section. It is preferable that a table is disposed between the laser beam irradiation unit and the light receiving unit so as to be positioned. Since it is difficult to identify where the center axis of the workpiece is, it is possible to define the arrangement relationship of the laser beam irradiation unit, the light receiving unit, and the table by using the rotation axis of the table as a reference.

  In the appearance inspection process, the flatness of the end face of the workpiece can be measured. In this case, first, a flatness measuring device (150) having a dial gauge (151) provided with a plurality of rods (152) for acquiring the distance to the end face of the workpiece is prepared. Next, each of the plurality of rods is moved to the end surface of the workpiece, and the distances until the tip portion of each rod reaches the end surface of the workpiece is acquired. Subsequently, the flatness of the end face of the workpiece is inspected based on the difference between the maximum value and the minimum value among the acquired distances. In this manner, in the appearance inspection process, the flatness of the end face of the workpiece can be measured, and a non-defective product or a defective product can be determined.

  Further, in the appearance inspection process, the posture of the workpiece can be inspected. In this case, a straight line equipped with a distance measuring device (161) that measures the distance to the outer peripheral surface of the workpiece by measuring the time until the laser beam reflected by the outer peripheral surface of the workpiece is received. An angle measuring device (160) is prepared. Then, the table is moved in the height direction of the workpiece to obtain the distance between the distance measuring device at the upper and lower parts of the workpiece and the outer peripheral surface of the workpiece, respectively, and the perpendicularity of the workpiece based on the obtained difference in distance Inspect. At this time, the perpendicularity of the workpiece is inspected by rotating the table and acquiring the perpendicularity of at least two radial directions among the radial directions of the workpiece. In this way, it is possible to determine whether the workpiece is good or defective by inspecting the posture of the workpiece.

  In the second feature of the present invention, when the honeycomb structure is manufactured, an appearance inspection process for inspecting the appearance of the workpiece (200) obtained by firing the column-shaped honeycomb formed body is performed. First, a laser beam irradiation unit (310) that irradiates a laser beam in a planar shape and all of the laser beam irradiated from the laser beam irradiation unit are received, and a level corresponding to the intensity of the received laser beam. And a light receiving unit (320) for detecting the electrical signal of the laser beam, and a simple dimension inspection device (300) in which the laser beam irradiation unit and the light receiving unit move integrally in the height direction of the workpiece.

  Subsequently, the work is placed on the table so that the central axis of the work overlaps the rotation axis of the disk-shaped table (330). Then, the laser beam irradiation unit and the light receiving unit are moved integrally so that the outermost optical path of the planar laser beam irradiated from the laser beam irradiation unit is irradiated to at least the outer peripheral surface of the workpiece. A work is disposed between the light receiving portion and the light receiving portion.

  Thereafter, the laser light is irradiated in a horizontal plane, and the laser light that does not hit the outer peripheral surface of the workpiece is received by the light receiving unit, thereby obtaining an electrical signal corresponding to the dimension in the radial direction of the workpiece. The dimension of the workpiece in the radial direction is acquired based on the result. At this time, the table is rotated at a constant angle, and the workpiece outer dimensions are obtained by obtaining a plurality of radial dimensions in the workpiece, and the table is moved in the workpiece height direction to obtain the workpiece height direction. It is the feature to acquire the dimension of the radial direction of either height.

  As described above, it is also possible to acquire the outer dimension in the radial direction of the workpiece by using a device that fixes the height of the table and moves the laser beam irradiation unit and the light receiving unit integrally in the height direction of the workpiece. it can. A small-scale apparatus having such a configuration can also be used.

  In addition, the code | symbol in the bracket | parenthesis of each said means shows the correspondence with the specific means as described in embodiment mentioned later.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, the same or equivalent parts are denoted by the same reference numerals in the drawings.

(First embodiment)
In the present embodiment, an exhaust gas purification filter will be described as a honeycomb structure. This exhaust gas purification filter (so-called DPF) is used, for example, to purify pollutants contained in exhaust gas discharged from an engine of a vehicle and discharge it to the atmosphere.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exhaust gas purification filter according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in this figure, the exhaust gas purification filter 1 has a cylindrical shape, for example, a ceramic sintered product.

  Moreover, the inside of the exhaust gas purification filter 1 has a honeycomb structure (hereinafter referred to as a honeycomb structure), and has a large number of holes 4 penetrating both end faces 2 and 3 in the axial direction of the cylinder. Each hole 4 is adjacent to each other via a wall 5 separating each hole 4, and each hole 4 is arranged in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the cylinder to form an independent passage. . In other words, a large number of holes 4 are formed by the walls 5 having a lattice shape. The wall 5 is provided with a number of pores (not shown).

  Then, on one end face 2 of the exhaust gas purification filter 1, a plug material 6 for plugging the opening of each hole 4 is provided in a part of each hole 4. In the present embodiment, the plug members 6 are provided in a staggered manner in the holes 4. That is, the hole 4 adjacent to the hole 4 provided with the plug material 6 is in a state where the plug material 6 is not provided and is open.

  Furthermore, the plugs 6 are also provided in a staggered manner in a part of each hole 4 of the other end surface 3 of the exhaust gas purification filter 1, as in the case of the one end surface 2. In this case, the plugs 6 plugged in the holes 4 of the end surface 3 in a staggered manner are provided in a staggered pattern in the openings of the holes 4 that are not plugged on the end surface 2 side. The above is the configuration of the exhaust gas purification filter 1 according to the present embodiment.

  In the exhaust gas purification filter 1 having such a configuration, contaminants contained in the exhaust gas discharged from the engine are removed as follows. That is, the exhaust gas discharged from the engine is first guided from one end surface 2 of the exhaust gas purification filter 1 into the hole 4 that is open among the holes 4. Subsequently, the exhaust gas travels through the passage in the hole 4 toward the end face 3 and passes through the wall 5 that separates the hole 4 from the adjacent hole 4. Thereby, the contaminant contained in the exhaust gas is removed inside the wall 5.

  The exhaust gas is discharged from the other end face 3 of the exhaust gas purification filter 1 through a passage in the hole 4 adjacent to the hole 4 that has entered the exhaust gas purification filter 1. In this way, the pollutant contained in the exhaust gas is removed by the exhaust gas purification filter 1.

  Next, a method for manufacturing the exhaust gas purification filter 1 will be described. First, a mixing step of preparing raw material powder for forming a honeycomb formed body shaped like a honeycomb structure is performed. In this embodiment, a cordierite forming material is prepared by mixing silica, talc, and alumina powder materials, a pore former, and an organic binder in specified amounts.

  The pore former is for forming pores in the exhaust gas purification filter 1, and for example, carbon or resin is adopted. Since such a pore former is burned off in the subsequent firing step, it does not remain in the exhaust gas purification filter 1. In addition, the organic binder is used to firmly bond the raw material particles to each other by chemical bonding. For example, methyl cellulose or the like is employed.

  After this, the kneading step of pulverizing the raw material powder by kneading the raw material powder prepared in the above mixing step with water, and the extrusion step of forming the honeycomb formed body by extruding the clay-like one from the forming die Do.

  Then, the cutting process which cut | disconnects the said honeycomb molded object to fixed length is performed, and the honeycomb molded object which modeled the exhaust gas purification filter 1 is obtained.

  And the drying process which dries the honeycomb molded object obtained as mentioned above is performed, and the water | moisture content of a honeycomb molded object is removed. Thereafter, a masking step of attaching a mask tape (not shown) to both end faces of the honeycomb formed body is performed. In this step, for example, a polyester-based adhesive sheet is used as the mask tape.

  Subsequently, a hole making process for making holes in the mask tape is performed. That is, in order to plug the both end faces 2 and 3 of the exhaust gas purification filter 1 as described above, the mask tapes attached to the both end faces of the honeycomb molded body are irradiated with laser light, and the mask tapes are staggered. Make a hole.

  In this step, for example, a method is adopted in which both end faces of the honeycomb formed body are photographed with a camera, the place where the mask tape is to be drilled is calculated, and then the hole is drilled with a laser. However, perforation of each mask tape on both end faces of the honeycomb formed body is performed so that the staggered pattern is shifted by 4 holes on both end faces.

  Next, a plugging process is performed in which a plug material 6 is provided at the opening of each hole 4 drilled in the mask tape. In this method, both end faces of the honeycomb molded body are immersed in the ceramic liquid, and the ceramic liquid is introduced into the holes 4 where the mask tape is perforated to plug. And the plug material 6 is formed by heating the both end surfaces of the plugged honeycomb molded body.

  Thereafter, the honeycomb formed body is placed on a carriage, the carriage is carried into a firing furnace, and a firing step is performed in which the honeycomb formed body is fired. Specifically, the carriage on which the honeycomb formed body is mounted is carried into a firing furnace, and each honeycomb formed body is heated at, for example, 1500 ° C. in the firing furnace. Thereafter, the carriage is taken out from the firing furnace. Hereinafter, the fired product obtained by the firing process is referred to as a workpiece.

  Next, an appearance inspection process for inspecting the appearance of the workpiece obtained by the firing process is performed. In this appearance inspection process, a multipurpose dimension inspection apparatus is used. First, the multipurpose dimension inspection apparatus will be described.

  2A and 2B are external views of the multipurpose dimension inspection apparatus, wherein FIG. 2A is a plan view of the multipurpose dimension inspection apparatus, and FIG. 2B is a front view of the multipurpose dimension inspection apparatus. As shown in FIG. 2A, the multipurpose dimensional inspection apparatus 100 includes a station 110 and a table 120.

  The station 110 is a horizontally installed disc, and is rotated in one direction by a known rotation mechanism (not shown). In the present embodiment, the rotation mechanism rotates at a constant angle (for example, every 90 °).

  The table 120 has a disk shape on which the workpiece 200 is placed, and moves with the rotation of the station 110. In this embodiment, four tables 120 are provided on the outer edge of the surface side of the station 110, and the workpiece 200 is placed on each table 120 so that the rotation axis of the table 120 and the central axis of the workpiece 200 overlap. It is done.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 2B, the drive mechanism 130 is installed on the back side of the station 110. The drive mechanism 130 has a function of moving the table 120 in the vertical direction (the height direction of the workpiece 200) and a function of rotating the table 120 in one direction. That is, the table 120 moves up and down on the surface side of the station 110 by the corresponding drive mechanism 130 and rotates.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 2A, one place around the station 110 is a place where the operator places the workpiece 200 on. That is, the worker changes the workpiece 200 on the table 120 that has been moved to the place as the station 110 rotates from an inspected one to an uninspected one.

  In such a multi-purpose dimension inspection apparatus 100, a dimension measuring unit 140 (corresponding to the dimension measuring apparatus of the present invention) and a flatness measuring unit 150 (main book) are provided at the locations where each table 120 is moved by the rotation of the station 110. And a perpendicularity measuring unit 160 (corresponding to the perpendicularity measuring apparatus of the present invention).

  The dimension measuring unit 140 is a part that measures the outer peripheral dimension of the workpiece 200. Such a dimension measuring unit 140 includes a laser beam irradiation unit 141 and a light receiving unit 142. The laser beam irradiation unit 141 irradiates the laser beam in a horizontal plane. The light receiving unit 142 includes a light receiving element, and receives all of the laser light emitted from the laser light irradiation unit 141 and outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the intensity of the laser light, that is, a voltage signal. It is. The light receiving element of the light receiving unit 142 has a linear shape in order to receive horizontal laser light. The laser beam irradiation unit 141 and the light receiving unit 142 are each configured to be housed in a rectangular parallelepiped case.

  Further, the laser beam irradiation unit 141 and the light receiving unit 142 are fixed to a predetermined height in the dimension measuring unit 140. That is, when the table 120 moves up and down in the height direction of the workpiece 200, the workpiece 200 is arranged so as to be sandwiched between the laser beam irradiation unit 141 and the light receiving unit 142.

  FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the positional relationship between the laser beam irradiation unit 141, the light receiving unit 142, and the workpiece 200. In FIG. 3, the laser beam irradiated in a horizontal plane is represented by arrows. As shown in FIG. 3, the workpiece 200 is not completely sandwiched between the laser beam irradiation unit 141 and the light receiving unit 142.

  Specifically, the laser beam irradiation unit 141, the light receiving unit 142, and the table 120 are arranged so that the outermost optical path of the planar laser beam irradiated from the laser beam irradiation unit 141 intersects at least the outer peripheral surface of the workpiece 200. Is done. In other words, the table 120 is positioned such that the position of the rotation axis of the table 120 is located at a position outside the optical path irradiated from the outermost side among the optical paths of the laser light irradiated from the laser light irradiation unit 141 in a horizontal plane. A laser beam irradiation unit 141 and a light receiving unit 142 are arranged.

  As described above, the position of the central axis of the table 120 is removed from the optical path of the laser beam. The central axis of the workpiece 200 cannot be accurately searched, and it is difficult to use the central axis of the workpiece 200 as a reference. Because there is. Therefore, by defining the arrangement relationship as described above, it is extremely rare that the dimension of the workpiece 200 is measured larger than the radius of the column shape.

  With this arrangement, when laser light is emitted from the laser light irradiation unit 141 in the arrangement shown in FIG. 3, all of the laser light emitted to the workpiece 200 is not incident on the light receiving unit 142, and the outside of the workpiece 200. The laser beam that has passed through is received by the light receiving unit 142. As a result, a voltage signal corresponding to the dimension of the workpiece 200 in the radial direction is acquired, and this voltage signal is converted into the dimension of the workpiece 200 in the radial direction. The conversion is performed by, for example, the relationship between the magnitude and dimension of the voltage signal. Thus, the radial dimension of the workpiece 200 can be obtained.

  The flatness measuring unit 150 is a part that measures the flatness of the end surface of the workpiece 200. The flatness measuring unit 150 is provided with a dial gauge. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a dial gauge provided in the flatness measuring unit 150. As shown in this figure, in this embodiment, the dial gauge 151 has four rods 152, and the dial gauge 151 is disposed on the end surface of the workpiece 200.

  In such a dial gauge 151, each rod 152 moves in the direction of the end surface of the workpiece 200, and the distance until the tip portion of each rod 152 reaches the end surface of the workpiece 200 is acquired. Then, by determining whether or not the difference between the maximum value and the minimum value of each distance is within the range of the reference value, the flatness of the end surface of the workpiece 200 is inspected.

  The perpendicularity measurement unit 160 is a part that inspects the perpendicularity of the workpiece 200, that is, the posture of the workpiece 200, and includes a distance measurement unit that measures the distance to the outer peripheral surface of the workpiece 200. FIG. 5 is a front view of the distance measuring unit provided in the perpendicularity measuring unit 160. The distance measuring unit 161 (corresponding to the distance measuring device of the present invention) receives a laser light source that irradiates a laser beam, a laser driving unit that drives the laser light source, and a laser beam reflected by the outer peripheral surface of the workpiece 200. A light receiving element. In the present embodiment, the distance measuring unit 161 is disposed on the radial direction of the workpiece 200 in order to measure the distance from the distance measuring unit 161 to the outer peripheral surface of the workpiece 200.

  In such a distance measuring unit 161, the distance measuring unit 161 measures the time until the laser light emitted from the distance measuring unit 161 is reflected by the outer peripheral surface of the workpiece 200 and received by the distance measuring unit 161. The distance between 161 and the outer peripheral surface of the workpiece 200 is acquired. The perpendicularity of the workpiece 200 is determined based on whether or not the difference in distance between the distance measuring unit 161 corresponding to the height of the workpiece 200 and the outer peripheral surface of the workpiece 200 is within the range of the reference value.

  In the present embodiment, the multipurpose dimensional inspection apparatus 100 having the above-described configuration is controlled by a control device (not shown) configured as a personal computer including a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, a hard disk, and the like. In other words, each inspection in the dimension measuring unit 140, the flatness measuring unit 150, and the squareness measuring unit 160 is controlled by the control device, and the non-defective product or non-defective product of the workpiece 200 is determined according to the data respectively acquired by the measuring units 140 to 160. A non-defective product is judged. The above is the configuration of the multipurpose dimensional inspection apparatus 100 used in the present embodiment.

  Using the multipurpose dimensional inspection apparatus 100, the outer shape of the workpiece 200 is measured as follows. First, the workpiece 200 is placed on the table 120 located on the operator side in the station 110. At this time, the workpiece 200 is placed on the table 120 using a jig so that the center axis of the workpiece 200 overlaps the rotation axis of the table 120. Then, by rotating the station 110 by 90 degrees, the table 120 on which the workpiece 200 is placed is moved to the dimension measuring unit 140.

  Next, the external dimension of the workpiece 200 is measured by the dimension measuring unit 140. First, the drive mechanism 130 is driven, and the height of the table 120 is adjusted to a height at which the upper portion of the workpiece 200 is irradiated with laser light. In a state where the height is fixed, the laser beam is irradiated from the laser beam irradiation unit 141 in a horizontal plane, and the laser beam is received by the light receiving unit 142. Thereby, a voltage signal corresponding to the dimension in the radial direction of the workpiece 200 is acquired, and the dimension in the radial direction of the workpiece 200 is converted based on the voltage signal, and the dimension in the radial direction of the workpiece 200 is acquired. And the table 120 is rotated for every fixed angle, and the dimension of the diameter direction of the workpiece | work 200 is acquired as mentioned above. In the present embodiment, measurement is performed for 180 ° every 15 °, for example. In this way, the outer dimension of the workpiece 200 is acquired.

  Further, when measuring the external dimensions of the intermediate portion in the height direction of the workpiece 200, the drive mechanism 130 is driven so that the laser beam irradiation unit 141 and the light receiving unit 142 are located in the intermediate portion in the height direction of the workpiece 200. The table 120 is moved. Then, the external dimensions of the workpiece 200 are measured in the same manner as described above. Further, when measuring the outer dimension of the lower part of the workpiece 200, the table 120 is moved so that the laser beam irradiation unit 141 and the light receiving unit 142 are positioned below the workpiece 200, and the outer dimension of the workpiece 200 is measured. If each of the obtained outer dimensions is within the range of the reference value, it is determined to be a non-defective product, and if it is outside the range of the reference value, it is determined to be defective.

  After the measurement of the external dimensions of the workpiece 200 is completed, the drive mechanism 130 is driven to lower the table 120. Then, the station 110 is rotated 90 ° to move the table 120 to the flatness measuring unit 150.

  Subsequently, the flatness measuring unit 150 measures the flatness of the end surface of the workpiece 200. Specifically, the plurality of rods 152 provided in the dial gauge 151 are moved to the end surface of the workpiece 200. And the distance until the front-end | tip part of each rod 152 reaches | attains the end surface of the workpiece | work 200 is each acquired. The difference between the maximum value and the minimum value among the distances of the rods 152 thus acquired is acquired. If the difference is within the range of the reference value, it is determined that the flatness of the end surface of the workpiece 200 is secured. If the difference is outside the range of the reference value, the flatness of the end surface of the workpiece 200 is not secured. Determined.

  In this way, after the measurement of the flatness of the end surface of the workpiece 200 is completed, the station 110 is rotated by 90 ° to move the table 120 to the squareness measuring unit 160.

  Next, the perpendicularity measurement unit 160 measures the perpendicularity of the workpiece 200. That is, the table 120 is moved by the drive mechanism 130 to a height at which the upper portion of the workpiece 200 faces the distance measuring unit 161. Subsequently, laser light is irradiated from the distance measuring unit 161, and the distance between the distance measuring unit 161 and the outer peripheral surface of the workpiece 200 is acquired based on the time from irradiation of the laser light to reception. Thereafter, the table 120 is moved to a height at which the lower part of the workpiece 200 faces the distance measuring unit 161, and the distance between the distance measuring unit 161 and the outer peripheral surface of the workpiece 200 is obtained in the same manner as described above. And the difference of each distance in the upper part and the lower part of the workpiece | work 200 is acquired.

  When the difference between the distances thus obtained is within the range of the reference value, it is determined that the perpendicularity of the workpiece 200 is good. When the difference in distance is outside the range of the reference value, the perpendicularity of the workpiece 200 is determined. Is determined to be bad.

  When the posture of the workpiece 200 is oblique, the workpiece 200 stands at a right angle with respect to the surface of the table 120 with respect to one radial direction of the workpiece 200, but does not stand at a right angle with respect to the other radial directions. Therefore, the table 120 is rotated by a certain angle (for example, 15 °), and the squareness is measured in other radial directions.

  That is, after the measurement of the perpendicularity in the one-diameter direction is completed, the table 120 is rotated by a certain angle, and the perpendicularity of the workpiece 200 is measured in the same manner as described above. When it is determined that the perpendicularity of the workpiece 200 is good in at least two radial directions, it is finally determined that the perpendicularity of the workpiece 200 is good. On the other hand, when it is determined that the perpendicularity is bad even in one of the two radial directions, it is finally determined that the perpendicularity of the workpiece 200 to be measured is bad.

  When the perpendicularity measurement of the workpiece 200 is completed, the table 120 is lowered to the station 110 side, and the station 110 is rotated by 90 °. Then, the operator removes the workpiece 200 for which all measurements have been completed from the table 120. Thus, the appearance inspection process is completed.

  Note that each time the station 110 rotates, the worker removes the inspected workpiece 200 on the table 120 that has come to the worker's place and places the uninspected workpiece 200 on the table 120.

  As described above, when the appearance inspection process of the workpiece 200 is completed, those that do not satisfy the reference value can be determined as defective by the above measurements. Moreover, what satisfies a reference value by each said measurement can be made into a finished product. In this way, the exhaust gas purification filter 1 shown in FIG. 1 is completed.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, a laser beam is irradiated from a laser beam irradiation unit 141 to a part of the outer circumferential surface of the workpiece 200 placed on the table 120, and the laser beam that is not irradiated to the outer circumferential surface of the workpiece 200 is received. Light is received by the unit 142, and the external dimensions of the workpiece 200 are measured from the voltage signal. In addition, the feature is that the outer dimensions of the workpiece 200 in a plurality of radial directions are measured by rotating the table 120 at every predetermined angle.

  As described above, the positions of the laser beam irradiation unit 141 and the light receiving unit 142 are fixed without rotating the laser beam irradiation unit 141 and the light receiving unit 142 around the workpiece 200, and the table 120 is moved up and down. By rotating, it is possible to use a reduced size measuring unit 140 that measures the outer dimension of the workpiece 200 without requiring a large-scale configuration to ensure the safety of the operator. In this way, the external dimensions of the workpiece 200 can be measured using a small-scale apparatus.

  In addition, the dimension measuring unit 140 does not require a plurality of laser light sources, and the outer dimensions can be measured by a pair of laser light irradiation unit 141 and light receiving unit 142. Therefore, the dimension measuring unit 140 can be configured at low cost. it can.

  Furthermore, as shown in this embodiment, by using the multipurpose dimension inspection apparatus 100 provided with a plurality of measurement portions, a plurality of appearance inspections can be performed on one workpiece 200.

(Second Embodiment)
In the present embodiment, only different parts from the first embodiment will be described. In the first embodiment, the multipurpose dimension inspection apparatus 100 is used to measure the outer dimensions of the workpiece 200, the flatness of the end surface of the workpiece 200, and the squareness of the workpiece 200, respectively. However, in this embodiment, the workpiece 200 is measured. It is characterized by the use of a simple device that measures only the external dimensions.

  FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a simple dimension inspection apparatus used in the present embodiment, where (a) is a plan view of the simple dimension inspection apparatus, and (b) is a front view of the simple dimension inspection apparatus. As shown in FIG. 6, the simple dimension inspection apparatus 300 includes a laser beam irradiation unit 310, a light receiving unit 320, and a table 330.

  The laser beam irradiation unit 310 and the light receiving unit 320 are the same as the laser beam irradiation unit 141 and the light receiving unit 142 provided in the dimension measuring unit 140 of the multipurpose dimension inspection apparatus 100, and the dimension measuring principle is also the first embodiment. It is the same. In the present embodiment, the laser beam irradiation unit 310 and the light receiving unit 320 are integrally moved in the vertical direction by a moving mechanism (not shown).

  The table 330 rotates with the workpiece 200 mounted thereon, and is provided with a rotation mechanism (not shown). Such a table 330 has a fixed height and is configured to rotate only about the rotation axis of the table 330.

  When measuring the external dimensions with such a simple dimension inspection apparatus 300, first, the workpiece 200 is placed on the table 330. Next, the laser beam irradiation unit 310 and the light receiving unit 320 are moved to the upper part of the workpiece 200, and the workpiece 200 is irradiated with laser light and received by the light receiving unit 320. And while acquiring the voltage signal according to the intensity | strength of the received laser beam, the dimension of the workpiece | work 200 is converted from the said voltage signal. In this way, the radial dimension of the workpiece 200 is obtained.

  Subsequently, the table 330 is rotated by a certain angle, and the external dimensions of the workpiece 200 are acquired in the same manner as described above. Also in this embodiment, for example, the outer dimensions for 180 ° are acquired every 15 °. Thereafter, the laser beam irradiation unit 310 and the light receiving unit 320 are respectively moved to the intermediate height portion of the workpiece 200 and the lower portion of the workpiece 200, and the external dimensions of the workpiece 200 are measured in the same manner as described above. If each outer dimension obtained in this way is within the range of the reference value, it is determined to be a non-defective product, and if it is outside the range of the reference value, it is determined to be defective.

  As described above, the external dimension of the workpiece 200 can be measured using the simple dimension inspection apparatus 300 that measures only the external dimension. Further, a simplified apparatus in which the laser beam irradiation unit 310 and the light receiving unit 320 are integrally moved in the height direction of the workpiece 200 and the table 330 is rotated can be used. The external dimensions of the workpiece 200 can be measured without using it.

(Other embodiments)
In the above embodiments, the columnar exhaust gas purification filter 1 has been described. However, the exhaust gas purification filter 1 is not limited to a columnar shape, and may have another column shape such as a prism. Moreover, even when manufacturing a monolith in which the plug material 6 is not provided in the honeycomb structure, the above method can be employed.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, when measuring the external dimensions of the workpiece 200, the measurement is performed at the three locations of the upper portion, the middle portion, and the lower portion of the workpiece 200, but it is only necessary to measure at a desired location. Moreover, you may measure from any height.

  In each of the above embodiments, the multipurpose dimension inspection apparatus 100 is configured to include the dimension measuring unit 140, the flatness measuring unit 150, and the perpendicularity measuring unit 160, but performs other measurements related to the appearance of the workpiece 200. A portion to be performed may be provided. For example, a part for measuring the weight of the workpiece 200 can be provided. In this case, the table 120 may be additionally installed in the station 110 so that the table 120 is arranged at a portion where the weight of the workpiece 200 is measured when the station 110 rotates.

1 is a perspective view of an exhaust gas purification filter according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is an external view of a multipurpose dimension inspection apparatus, (a) is a top view of a multipurpose dimension inspection apparatus, (b) is a front view of a multipurpose dimension inspection apparatus. It is the top view which showed the positional relationship of a laser beam irradiation part, a light-receiving part, and a workpiece | work. It is a perspective view of the dial gauge with which the plane measurement part of the multipurpose dimension inspection apparatus was equipped. It is a front view of the distance measurement part with which the perpendicularity measurement part of the multipurpose dimension inspection apparatus was equipped. It is the schematic of the simple dimension inspection apparatus used by 2nd Embodiment, (a) is a top view of a simple dimension inspection apparatus, (b) is a front view of a simple dimension inspection apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Exhaust gas purification filter, 2, 3 ... Both end surfaces of exhaust gas purification filter, 4 ... Hole, 100 ... Multipurpose dimension inspection apparatus, 120, 330 ... Table, 140 ... Dimension measurement part, 141, 310 ... Laser beam irradiation part, 142 , 320 ... light receiving part, 150 ... flatness measuring part, 151 ... dial gauge, 152 ... rod, 160 ... squareness measuring part, 161 ... distance measuring part, 200 ... work, 300 ... simple dimension inspection device.

Claims (5)

A method for manufacturing a honeycomb structure having a pillar shape and having a plurality of holes (4) penetrating both end faces (2, 3) of the pillar shape in an axial direction of the pillar shape,
Including an appearance inspection step of inspecting the appearance of the workpiece (200) obtained by firing the column-shaped honeycomb molded body shaped like the honeycomb structure.
In the appearance inspection step, the laser beam irradiation unit (141) that irradiates the laser beam in a planar shape and the laser beam irradiated from the laser beam irradiation unit are all received, and the received laser beam. A dimension measuring device (140) including a light receiving unit (142) for detecting an electric signal of a level corresponding to the intensity of the disk, and a central axis of the workpiece on a rotation axis of a disk-shaped table (120) The workpiece is placed on the table so as to overlap, and the table is moved so that the outermost optical path of the planar laser beam irradiated from the laser beam irradiation unit intersects at least the outer peripheral surface of the workpiece. After the workpiece is disposed between the laser beam irradiation unit and the light receiving unit, the laser beam is irradiated in a horizontal plane, and the laser beam that does not hit the outer peripheral surface of the workpiece is received by the light receiving unit. By receiving light, an electrical signal corresponding to the dimension in the radial direction of the workpiece is acquired, and when acquiring the dimension in the radial direction of the workpiece based on the electrical signal, the table is rotated at a constant angle, Acquiring the outer dimensions of the workpiece by acquiring a plurality of radial dimensions in the workpiece, and moving the table in the height direction of the workpiece to obtain one of the height directions of the workpiece A method for manufacturing a honeycomb structure, comprising obtaining a dimension in a radial direction. In the appearance inspection step, the rotation axis of the table is positioned at a position away from the optical path irradiated from the outermost side among the optical paths of the laser light irradiated in a horizontal plane from the laser light irradiation unit. The method for manufacturing a honeycomb structure according to claim 1, wherein the table is moved between a laser beam irradiation unit and the light receiving unit. In the appearance inspection step, a flatness measuring device (150) having a dial gauge (151) provided with a plurality of rods (152) for acquiring distances to the end faces of the workpiece is prepared, and the plurality of rods are attached to the workpiece. To each of the end surfaces of each of the rods to obtain the distance until the tip of each rod reaches the end surface of the workpiece, and based on the difference between the maximum value and the minimum value of the obtained distances The method for manufacturing a honeycomb structured body according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the flatness of the end face is inspected. In the appearance inspection step, a distance measuring device (161) that measures the distance to the outer peripheral surface of the workpiece by measuring the time from receiving the laser light and receiving the laser beam reflected by the outer peripheral surface of the workpiece. And a distance between the distance measuring device and the outer peripheral surface of the workpiece at the upper and lower parts of the workpiece by moving the table in the height direction of the workpiece. And inspecting the perpendicularity of the workpiece on the basis of the difference between the obtained distances, the table is rotated to obtain at least two radial squarenesses in the radial direction of the workpiece. The method for manufacturing a honeycomb structured body according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the perpendicularity of the workpiece is inspected. A method for manufacturing a honeycomb structure having a pillar shape and having a plurality of holes (4) penetrating both end faces (2, 3) of the pillar shape in an axial direction of the pillar shape,
Including an appearance inspection step of inspecting the appearance of the workpiece (200) obtained by firing the column-shaped honeycomb molded body shaped like the honeycomb structure.
In the appearance inspection step, the laser beam irradiation unit (310) that irradiates the laser beam in a planar shape and the laser beam irradiated from the laser beam irradiation unit are all received, and the received laser beam. And a light receiving unit (320) for detecting an electric signal at a level corresponding to the intensity of the laser, and a simple dimensional inspection apparatus (300) in which the laser beam irradiation unit and the light receiving unit move integrally in the height direction of the workpiece. ), The workpiece is placed on the table so that the central axis of the workpiece overlaps the rotation axis of the disk-shaped table (330), and the planar laser beam irradiated from the laser beam irradiation unit The laser beam irradiating unit and the light receiving unit are moved integrally so that the outermost optical path of the workpiece intersects at least the outer peripheral surface of the workpiece. After the laser beam is disposed, the laser beam is irradiated in a horizontal plane, and the laser beam that does not hit the outer peripheral surface of the workpiece is received by the light receiving unit, so that an electrical signal corresponding to the radial dimension of the workpiece is generated. When acquiring and acquiring the radial dimension of the workpiece based on the electrical signal, the outer dimension of the workpiece is obtained by rotating the table at a certain angle and acquiring a plurality of radial dimensions in the workpiece. And obtaining a radial dimension of any one of the height directions of the workpiece by moving the table in the height direction of the workpiece. .

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