JP7265529B2 - Flange-to-flange measurement device, program and method - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a technique for measuring gaps or gaps between flanges fastened with bolts and nuts with gaskets interposed therebetween.

Pipes such as pipes and pumps are fastened by sandwiching a gasket between flanges formed at the ends of the pipes and using a plurality of bolts and nuts attached to the periphery of the flanges.
In fastening such pipelines, it is necessary to fix the flanges while maintaining parallelism by evenly tightening gaskets between the flanges. Therefore, measurement and control of the clearance between flanges is essential.
In the measurement of such a gap between members, a wedge-shaped gauge member provided with a gauge base straddling between members and supported by a scale axis is inserted into the gap between the members, and the amount of insertion of the gauge member is determined by rotation of the dial. A jig for converting and measuring the gap between members is known (for example, Patent Document 1).
In contrast to such mechanical measurement, it is known to measure a gap or a step by capturing an image irradiated with slit light using an imaging device (for example, Patent Documents 2 and 3).

JP 2015-59755 A Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-315020 JP 2015-45571 A

When connecting pipes using flanges, it is essential to align the central axes of the flanges sandwiching gaskets, apply an even tightening axial force to the bolts, and maintain the parallelism between the flanges. If the central axes of the flanges do not match, the circumferential surfaces of the flanges will shift, resulting in gaps and steps. If there is a difference in axial force among the plurality of bolts, the clearance between the flanges will change due to the effect of elastic interactions caused by the rigidity of the flanges and gaskets. Such a change in the gap between the flanges is a state in which so-called uneven tightening occurs. These phenomena depend on the skill level and carelessness of the installer, and if left unattended, there is a problem that the seal accuracy between the flanges is lowered.
However, in measuring the gap between members in which a wedge-shaped gauge member is inserted (Patent Document 1), it is necessary to prepare a gauge member corresponding to the flange to be measured. will be inferior.
Circular type flanges are often used for fastening pipes, etc., and positioning is very difficult to measure gaps and gaps on such a circumferential surface, and positioning accuracy is conspicuous in measurement accuracy. There is the issue of having a significant impact.
In such flange-to-flange sealing work, one flange must be tightened with a large number of bolts, and moreover, it is necessary to tighten the bolts multiple times. Therefore, it is desirable that the time required for measuring the gap between the flanges is short, and if it takes time to measure a plurality of times, there is a problem that the construction time becomes long. If the builder neglects to measure the gap, there is a problem that it may cause a decrease in seal accuracy.

Patent Documents 1 to 3 do not disclose or suggest such demands and problems, and do not disclose or suggest a configuration or the like for solving them.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to facilitate the positioning of the measurement position with respect to the peripheral surface of the flange and the measurement between the flanges, and to improve the measurement accuracy.

In order to achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the flange distance measuring device of the present invention, the flange distance measuring device measures the distance between the flanges fastened with a plurality of bolts and nuts with a gasket sandwiched therebetween, A light irradiating unit that generates a thin light image on the flange across the gap between the flanges by irradiation, an imaging unit that acquires an image including the thin light image, and thin light image data and flange edge data from the image. and a housing portion that is positioned at the measurement position of the flange by inserting a positioning guide portion into the gap between the flanges, the positioning The guide portion includes an abutment portion that abuts against the peripheral surface of the flange across the measurement position, and a guide protrusion that is formed in a part of the abutment portion and is inserted into the gap. The housing portion is positioned at the measurement position by the portion and the guide protrusion.
In this flange-to-flange measuring device, the light irradiation section may generate the thin light image at the measurement position associated with the position of the bolt or the bolt tightening position by irradiating thin light.
In order to achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the flange distance measuring device of the present invention, the flange distance measuring device measures the distance between the flanges fastened with a plurality of bolts and nuts with a gasket sandwiched therebetween, A light irradiating unit that generates a thin light image on the flange across the gap between the flanges by irradiation, an imaging unit that acquires an image including the thin light image, and thin light image data and flange edge data from the image. and a measuring unit that measures the gap or gap step between the flanges by extracting the measurement result of the gap or the gap step in association with the identification information of the flange, the position of the bolt, or the bolt tightening position, and the identification information and an information presenting unit that presents comparison information obtained by combining information indicating the gap or the gap level difference with the image at each of the bolt position or the bolt tightening position associated with the position of the bolt.
In this flange-to-flange measuring device, it is sufficient that the housing portion includes an image pickup switch together with the grip portion, and that the image pickup switch can be operated while holding the grip portion.
This flange-to-flange measuring device may further include a communication unit for transmitting measurement data, and may provide the measurement data to an information terminal connected to this communication unit by wire or wirelessly.
This flange-to-flange measuring device may further include an information presentation unit that presents the measurement result of the clearance or the clearance level in association with the identification information of the flange, the position of the bolt, or the bolt tightening position.

In order to achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the program of the present invention, there is provided a program to be realized by a computer, which irradiates a thin light from the housing unit and irradiates the flange on the flange across the gap between the flanges. a function of generating a thin light image; a function of acquiring an image including the thin light image; and a function of extracting thin light image data and flange edge data from the image and measuring a gap or gap between the flanges. , said image at each of said bolt position or said bolt tightening position associated with said identification information, together with the measurement result of said gap or said gap step in relation to identification information of said flange, bolt position or bolt tightening position. and a function of presenting comparison information in which information indicating the gap or the gap step is combined with the computer.

In order to achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the flange distance measurement method of the present invention, there is provided a flange distance measurement method for measuring a distance between flanges fastened with a plurality of bolts and nuts with a gasket sandwiched therebetween, By inserting the guide protrusion of the positioning guide part provided in the housing part into the gap between the above and pressing the contact part of the positioning guide part against the peripheral surface of the flange across the measurement position, the measurement position between the flanges a step of positioning the casing, a step of generating a thin light image on the flange across the gap between the flanges by irradiating thin light from the light irradiation unit, and an image including the thin light image by the imaging unit. and extracting thin light image data and flange edge data from the image by a measuring unit to measure the gap or gap between the flanges.
In order to achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the flange distance measurement method of the present invention, there is provided a flange distance measurement method for measuring a distance between flanges fastened with a plurality of bolts and nuts with a gasket sandwiched therebetween, a step of positioning the housing portion at the measurement position, a step of generating a thin light image on the flange across the gap between the flanges by irradiating the thin light of the light irradiation unit, and the thin light image by the imaging unit a step of extracting thin light image data and flange edge data from the image by a measurement unit to measure a gap or gap step between the flanges; and a step of measuring the flange, the position of the bolt or the bolt tightening Information indicating the gap or the gap step on the image at each of the bolt position or the bolt tightening position associated with the identification information, together with the measurement result of the gap or the gap step in relation to the identification information of the position. and presenting comparative information that combines the

ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, one of the following effects is acquired.
(1) The housing of the measuring device can be easily and accurately positioned with respect to the measurement position of the gap between the flanges, and the gap or gap step can be measured easily and quickly.
(2) It is possible to measure the gap or gap level difference with high precision without taking much time in the measurement work for the sealing work of tightening the bolts of the flange.
(3) The reliability of sealing work can be improved.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become clearer with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is a figure which shows the structural example of the measuring device between flanges which concerns on 1st Embodiment. 8A is a diagram showing an example of a gap measurement process, and FIG. 8B is a diagram showing an example of a gap step measurement process. FIG. It is a flow chart which shows an example of measurement processing between flanges. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the measuring device between flanges which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows a measuring device between flanges. It is a fragmentary sectional view which shows the internal structural example of the measuring device between flanges. It is a figure which shows an example of the measurement operation of the measuring device between flanges. It is a figure which shows the irradiation state example of the light with respect to a measurement position. It is a figure which shows the structural example of a control part. It is a figure which shows an example of the measurement result between flanges. It is a flow chart which shows an example of measurement processing between flanges. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the measurement system between flanges which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of a measurement result. It is a flow chart which shows an example of measurement processing between flanges.

[First embodiment]
<Flange distance measuring device 2>
FIG. 1 shows a configuration example of a flange distance measuring device according to a first embodiment. The configuration shown in FIG. 1 is an example, and the present invention is not limited to such a configuration.
This flange-to-flange measuring device 2 is an example of measuring means used for managing the tightening state of a sealing portion 4 that connects, for example, a plurality of pipelines, a pipe and a valve, a pipe and a pump, and the like.
As shown in FIG. 1A, for example, the sealing portion 4 has a gasket 8 sandwiched between the flanges 6-1 and 6-2 to be tightened, and is set on the plane portion of the flanges 6-1 and 6-2. It is tightened by a bolt 10 and a nut 12 at the tightened tightening points. That is, the gasket 8 is in a crimped state between the planes of the opposing flanges 6-1 and 6-2.
The flange-to-flange measuring device 2 measures the width of the gap 14 between the opposed surfaces of the flanges 6-1 and 6-2 in which the gasket 8 is sandwiched, and the distance between the opposed surfaces of the flanges 6-1 and 6-2. The length of the gap step representing the displacement in the parallel direction is measured.

The flange distance measuring device 2 includes, for example, a housing portion 16 and a contact portion 18 formed in the housing portion 16 and having at least a portion thereof inserted into a gap 14 between the flanges 6-1 and 6-2. Prepare. The contact portion 18 is formed thinner than the gap 14 at the entire portion or tip portion inserted into the gap 14 , for example.
Further, the housing unit 16 includes, for example, a light irradiation unit 20 which is a light source for irradiating the peripheral surfaces of the flanges 6-1 and 6-2 with light, an imaging unit 22 for capturing an image of the measurement position C1, and an imaging unit 22. A measurement unit 24 is provided for measuring the width of the gap 14 and the gap step using the captured image. This measurement position C1 is set in relation to, for example, the installation positions of the bolts 10 and nuts 12 installed on the flanges 6-1 and 6-2 and the tightening positions of the bolts 10 and nuts 12. As shown in FIG. That is, the flange-to-flange measuring device 2 measures the size and clearance of the gap 14 between the flanges 6-1 and 6-2 at the tightening positions of the bolts 10 and nuts 12 of the flanges 6-1 and 6-2 or at positions affected by this tightening. The size of the step is measured, and the tightening state of the sealing portion 4 is managed.

The contact portion 18 is an example of a positioning guide portion of the present invention, and arranges the housing portion 16 with respect to the measurement position C1. This contact portion 18 comprises at least two contact arms 18-1, 18-2, for example, as shown in FIG. 1B. The contact arms 18-1 and 18-2 have, for example, the same length La, and protrude from the housing 16 in a parallel direction toward the object to be measured. The two contact arms 18-1 and 18-2 are arranged along the peripheral surfaces of the flanges 6-1 and 6-2 so as to be inserted into the gap 14. As shown in FIG.

The light irradiator 20 of the flange distance measuring device 2 irradiates, for example, a range sandwiched between the contact arms 18-1 and 18-2 with light parallel to the projecting directions of the contact arms 18-1 and 18-2. The light irradiation unit 20 is composed of, for example, laser light, infrared light, or other light source, and irradiates the measurement position C1 with light directly or with slit light that has passed through a slit (not shown). Thin light images (F1, F2) of a predetermined length (A in FIG. 1) are formed on the peripheral surfaces of the two flanges 6-1, 6-2 with at least the gap 14 therebetween.
The imaging unit 22 is arranged, for example, shifted in the direction of a predetermined arrangement angle θ with respect to the light irradiation direction of the light irradiation unit 20, and the flanges 6-1 and 6-2 and the gap 14 at the measurement position C1 are irradiated. Then, the fine light images (F1, F2) are captured.
In this way, by inserting the contact arms 18-1 and 18-2 into the gap 14, the flange-to-flange measurement device 2 can measure the measurement positions C1 of the flanges 6-1 and 6-2 from the light irradiation unit 20. , for example at or near vertical, and a constant irradiation distance Lb can be maintained. This irradiation distance Lb is the distance to the light irradiation position on the flange surface, and is the curvature of the flanges 6-1 and 6-2, the width of the contact arms 18-1 and 18-2, the width of the contact arms 18-1 and 18- It is determined according to the contact position between 2 and the flange surface. In addition, the imaging unit 22 determines the imaging angle and the imaging distance Lc for the irradiated thin light image. The lengths of the contact arms 18-1 and 18-2 are set according to, for example, the focal length of the camera that constitutes the imaging unit 22 with respect to the measurement position C1.

The measurement unit 24 is an example of a functional unit that performs image processing of image data captured by the imaging unit 22, and measurement calculation processing of gaps and gaps. This flange-to-flange distance measuring device 2 uses a so-called light section method as a means for measuring gaps and gaps by analyzing and calculating an image obtained by picking up an image of the object to be measured by light irradiated thereon.

FIG. 2 shows an example of processing for measuring gaps and gaps.
The measurement unit 24 performs, for example, image processing such as binarization processing and feature point extraction processing on the captured image. This binarization process is an image process for extracting a thin light image included in the captured image, and may perform, for example, a contrast comparison based on the light intensity in the image, or an image comparison process before and after light irradiation.

<Gap measurement>
The measurement unit 24 extracts feature points from an image obtained by extracting a narrow light image, as shown in A of FIG. 2, for example. The measurement unit 24, for example, obtains data of fine light images F1 and F2 representing fine light images on the peripheral surfaces of the flanges 6-1 and 6-2, and edge data representing the boundary between the flanges 6-1 and 6-2 and the gap 14. Data Fx1 and Fx2 are extracted.
The measurement unit 24 may perform processing for extracting feature points by analysis processing using binarized image data, or may perform image analysis processing from the image captured by the imaging unit 22 to obtain the thin light images F1 and F2. Data and edge data Fx1 and Fx2 may be analyzed and extracted. For the edge data Fx1 and Fx2, for example, edges of the data of the thin light images F1 and F2 may be extracted, or part of the data of the thin light images F1 and F2 may be extracted as the edges. As a result, for example, when the light in the gap 14 causes the leading end sides of the data of the thin light images F1 and F2 to be bent, the measuring section 24 can extract the straight line portions immediately before the bending as the edge data Fx1 and Fx2.
For example, a space G exists between the edge data Fx1 and Fx2. This space G is in a state where the light irradiated from the light irradiation unit 20 is not reflected at the measurement position C1, or is reflected in a direction that the imaging unit 22 cannot capture. That is, the space G represents the presence of the gap 14 between the flanges 6-1 and 6-2, the position of the gap 14, and the like.
Then, the measurement unit 24 calculates the width of the gap 14 by performing gap analysis processing on the width W between the edge data Fx1 and Fx2 as the gap measurement process, for example. In this gap analysis process, the width W of the gap 14 is calculated using a calculation algorithm that takes into account the irradiation distance Lb, the imaging distance Lc, and the arrangement angle θ between the light irradiation unit 20 and the imaging unit 22, for example.

<Gap step measurement>
The measurement unit 24, for example, as shown in FIG. The presence or absence of displacement in the vertical direction is determined, and the amount of displacement H is measured. This displacement in the vertical direction represents a state in which the flanges 6-1 and 6-2 are displaced in the front-rear direction with respect to the arrangement direction of the inter-flange distance measuring device 2 at the measurement position C1, resulting in a gap step. The amount of displacement captured in the image is the gap H between the flanges 6-1 and 6-2. This displacement amount is, for example, the sum of an upward displacement amount h1 and a downward displacement amount h2 with respect to the reference axis assumed at the time of imaging. Since the opposing surfaces of the flanges 6-1 and 6-2 are, for example, circular, the detected values of the displacement amounts h1 and h2 change along the circumferential direction of the flanges 6-1 and 6-2. The displacement amounts h1 and h2 when measuring the circumferential surface on the opposite side of the flanges 6-1 and 6-2 with respect to the measurement position C1 are inverted upside down.

The measurement unit 24 calculates the displacement amounts h1 and h2 on the screen from the length between the edge data Fx1 and Fx2 and the values obtained by converting these into coordinate values as the gap step measurement process, and also calculates the irradiation distance Lb and the imaging distance Lc. , a gap analysis algorithm that takes into account the value of the arrangement angle θ between the light irradiation unit 20 and the imaging unit 22 is used to calculate the gap step between the flanges 6-1 and 6-2 in the front-rear direction.

<Measurement processing between flanges>
FIG. 3 shows an example of processing for flange-to-flange measurement. The processing contents and processing procedure shown in FIG. 3 are an example of the flange distance measurement method or the flange distance measurement program of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to such a configuration.
In the flange-to-flange measurement process, the contact arms 18-1 and 18-2, which are positioning guides, are inserted into the gap 14 at the measurement position C1 of the flanges 6-1 and 6-2 (S1). As a result, the arrangement position, light irradiation direction, irradiation angle, and imaging direction of the flange distance measuring device 2 are stabilized in a predetermined state.
The light irradiator 20 is turned on to irradiate light toward the measurement position C1 (S2), forming a narrow light image on the circumferential surface across the gap 14 between the flanges 6-1 and 6-2. Then, an image including the thin light image formed at the measurement position C1 is photographed by the imaging unit 22 (S3).
As analysis processing by the light section method, the measurement unit 24 performs, for example, binarization processing and feature point extraction processing on the captured image, and analysis processing that takes into account the image capture conditions from the values on the image, The clearance between the flanges and the clearance step are measured (S4).

[Effects of the first embodiment]
According to such a configuration, the following effects are obtained.
(1) By bringing the contact arms 18-1 and 18-2 into contact with the flanges 6-1 and 6-2, the housing 16 can be easily and accurately positioned at the measurement position of the gap 14 between the flanges, and the measurement position can be adjusted. gap or gap step can be measured easily and quickly.
(2) For measurement work using measuring instruments such as rulers and vernier calipers, by calculating gaps between flanges and gaps by analyzing captured images, recording errors due to worker skill and measurement results Measurement accuracy can be improved without causing errors.
(3) The reliability of clearance control between flanges is enhanced.
(4) It is possible to shorten the work time for the measurement processing of gaps and gaps.

[Second embodiment]
<Configuration of the flange distance measuring device>
4 and 5 show a configuration example of a flange distance measuring device according to a second embodiment. The configuration shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 is an example.
In this flange-to-flange measuring device 30, for example, as shown in FIG. The contact pieces 34-1 and 34-2 are provided with insertion pieces 36, which are narrow in the width direction of the tip portions, for example. This insertion piece 36 is an example of the guide protrusion of the present invention. The contact pieces 34-1 and 34-2 and the insertion piece 36 constitute the positioning guide part of the present invention. The body part 32 can be positioned at the measuring position. The contact pieces 34-1 and 34-2 are formed detachably with respect to the housing 32, for example.
An operation unit 38 is provided on the rear side of the housing unit 32 . The operation unit 38 may be configured integrally with the housing unit 32 , for example, or an independent operation component may be detachably configured and installed on the rear surface of the housing unit 32 . The operation unit 38 includes, for example, a grip portion 40 that is gripped by a measurement operator to make the housing portion 32 portable, and an end portion side of the grip portion 40, which is used to turn on the power, irradiate light, take an image, and perform other operations. A trigger switch 42 is provided for performing an input operation such as a measurement operation.

On the upper surface side of the flange-to-flange measuring device 30, for example, as shown in FIG. The information presenting unit 46 may include, for example, a display monitor 48 as well as a display lamp (not shown).
The display monitor 48 displays, for example, a work instruction screen for the worker and a selection/operation screen related to measurement processing, and may also display an image captured by an imaging unit, which will be described later.
In addition, the contact pieces 34-1 and 34-2 are brought into contact with the peripheral surfaces of the flanges 6-1 and 6-2 when the insertion piece 36 is inserted into the gap 14 between the flanges 6-1 and 6-2. A contact portion 37 is formed. The contact portion 37 may be formed, for example, in a planar shape perpendicular to the direction in which the contact pieces 34-1 and 34-2 protrude, or may be aligned with the peripheral surfaces of the contacting flanges 6-1 and 6-2. It may be formed in a curved shape. The contact pieces 34-1 and 34-2 may be provided with contact pieces 44A and 44B having an opening at the center and a predetermined width at both ends in order to reduce weight and improve visibility during measurement work. .

On the front side of the housing 32, for example, as shown in FIG. 4C, in addition to allowing light to pass between contact pieces 34-1 and 34-2 that are parallel in the vertical direction, there is also a plate for capturing an image of the flange. It has a measurement area. The casing 32 has, for example, a light emitting means 50 that passes through the measurement area and irradiates the peripheral surface of the flange with light. An objective lens 52 is provided in an imaging window for imaging the peripheral surface, and a camera 54 for capturing an image through the imaging window is provided. The light-emitting means 50 is an example of the light irradiation section of the present invention, and irradiates the measurement position with light from, for example, a measurement window opened at a position near the upper contact piece 34 .

At least the objective lens 52 is displaced upward at a predetermined angle with respect to the measurement area formed by the contact pieces 34-1 and 34-2 contacting the measurement points, as shown in FIG. 5A, for example. ing. The direction of arrangement of the objective lens 52 is set at an angle at which images in the circumferential direction of the flanges 6-1 and 6-2 where images of the light emitted by the light emitting means 50 are formed can be captured.
In addition, the front surface portion 55 of the housing portion 32 may be formed with an inclined surface that is inclined below the contact piece 34-2, for example. A camera 54 installed inside the housing 32 is mounted inside the front surface 55 of the housing 32 , for example, in accordance with the arrangement angle of the objective lens 52 . Further, the front surface portion 55 may be a grip portion that allows an operator who performs measurement processing to grip the housing portion 32 .

In addition, the grip portion 40 on the rear side of the housing may be arranged centrally with respect to the left and right ends of the housing portion 32, for example, as shown in FIG. It may be formed in a position dependent on the left or right direction depending on which of the left or right arm holds 40 .

<Internal configuration of the flange distance measuring device>
FIG. 6 shows an example of the internal configuration of the flange distance measuring device.
Inside the housing 32, as shown in FIG. 6, for example, a light emitting means 50 arranged facing the front side of the housing 32, an objective lens 52 tilted in accordance with an object to be photographed, and a camera 54 are provided. In addition to outputting operation instructions to the light emitting means 50 and the camera 54, it also includes a control section 56 that takes in measured image data and performs analysis processing. In addition, the control unit 56 is electrically or physically connected to the trigger switch 42 and is notified whether or not the trigger switch 42 has been pressed.

<Gap/gap meter side>
FIG. 7 shows an example of a state in which gaps and gaps are measured using a flange-to-flange measuring device.
In the flange distance measuring device 30, for example, as shown in FIG. 7A, the operator holds the grip portion 40 and arranges the contact pieces 34-1 and 34-2 with respect to the sealing portion 4 to be measured. . At this time, the operator arranges the insertion pieces 36 of the contact pieces 34-1 and 34-2 so that they can both be inserted into the gap 14 between the flanges 6-1 and 6-2. Further, in the gap/gap step measurement process, for example, one or a plurality of measurement positions C are set along the circumferential surfaces of the flanges 6-1 and 6-2. It is necessary to arrange the flange-to-flange measuring device 30 . For specifying the measurement position C and instructing the operator, for example, the flanges 6-1 and 6-2, the gasket 8 inside the gap 14, or the bolt 10 or nut 12 may be given a symbol representing the measurement position, or It may be set at the time of measurement. For the measurement position, for example, the first measurement position determined by the operator is set as a reference position, and the position shifted by a predetermined angle from the reference position with respect to the central axis of the flanges 6-1 and 6-2 is set as the next measurement position. You may
In addition, the control unit 56 of the flange distance measuring device 30 reads, for example, the identification tag information installed on the bolt 10 or the nut 12 with the camera 54 or collation means (not shown), and determines whether or not it is the set measurement position. good too.

The flange-to-flange measuring device 30 is triggered when the insertion piece 36 is inserted into the gap 14 and the contact pieces 34-1 and 34-2 are both in contact with the peripheral surfaces of the flanges, as shown in FIG. 7B, for example. When the switch 42 is operated, the light emission of the light emission means 50 and the camera 54 perform image pickup processing.

The light emitting means 50 emits light in a direction perpendicular to the peripheral surfaces of the flanges 6-1 and 6-2 and the opening surface of the gap 14, for example. As a result, thin light images F1 and F2 (B ) is formed. Further, inside the gap 14, for example, a thin light image is formed on a part of the facing surfaces of the flanges 6-1 and 6-2, and further, as shown in FIG. is also irradiated with light to form a narrow light image F3.
The camera 54 of the flange-to-flange distance measuring device 30 is arranged at a position displaced at a predetermined angle with respect to the light emitting means 50, and the focal length for imaging is adjusted to the circumferential surfaces of the flanges 6-1 and 6-2. In other words, by arranging the two contact pieces 34-1 and 34-2 along the gap, the camera 54 is displaced from the light emitting means 50 along the opening direction of the gap 14 of the sealing portion 4. A thin light image is taken from an oblique direction with respect to the measurement position C. As a result, the camera 54 captures and captures the narrow light images F1 and F2 formed on at least the surfaces of the flanges 6-1 and 6-2, and for example, the opposing surfaces of the flanges 6-1 and 6-2 are illuminated. In some cases, an image formed by light emitted from the laser beam or an image formed by irradiating the gasket 8 is captured.

<Control unit 56>
FIG. 9 shows a configuration example of the control unit of the flange distance measuring device.
The control unit 56 is control means of the flange distance measurement device 30 and is an example of flange distance measurement management means.
The control unit 56 is configured by a computer, for example, and includes a processor 60 , a storage unit 62 , an input/output unit (I/O) 64 , a touch sensor 66 , a communication unit 68 and a display monitor 48 .
The processor 60 is an example of processing means, and performs arithmetic processing such as an OS (Operating System) stored in the storage unit 62 and a flange-to-flange measurement program. This arithmetic processing includes light emission control of the light emitting means 50 executed in response to the operation of the trigger switch 42, photographing processing by the camera 54, image processing such as binarization of the thin light images F1 and F2, data and edge data Fx1 and Fx2, calculation processing of the width W and gap step H of the edge data Fx1 and Fx2 representing the gap 14 based on the analysis results, and display of the measurement results on the monitor 48. including processing to
The storage unit 62 is used to store an OS, a flange-to-flange measurement program, captured images, analysis results, calculation results, and the like, and includes ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory). A memory element capable of holding memory contents may be used for the memory unit 62 .

The I/O 64 is controlled by the processor 60 and used for input/output of control information. A touch sensor 66, a display monitor 48, a camera 54, and a light emitting means 50 are connected to the I/O 64, for example. In addition, the flange-to-flange measuring device 30 may be connected to a bar code reader, a detachable external memory, and the like, which are used to identify flanges, gaskets, bolts, nuts, and the like. A barcode reader is an example of an information acquisition unit. The external memory is a memory for retrieving log information, and may be, for example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory.
The touch sensor 66 is an example of means for forming the information presentation unit 46, and detects the touch operation of the operator corresponding to the display screen of the display monitor 48, thereby triggering the input of input information and extracting the output information. It is used for triggering, mode switching, and the like.
The communication unit 68 is controlled by the processor 60 and used for wireless connection with external devices and Internet connection.

<About measurement results>
FIG. 10 shows an example of measurement results of gaps and gaps.
For example, as shown in FIG. 10, the storage unit 62 stores measurement data 70 calculated by the analysis process. The measurement data 70 stores the result of analyzing the data of the thin light images F1 and F2 and the edge data Fx1 and Fx2 included in the captured image by a predetermined calculation algorithm. For example, as shown in FIG. 10A, the measurement data 70 stores a gap width W14 and a gap step H for each measurement position C. As shown in FIG.

The control unit 56 may also generate a display screen that allows visual comparison of gaps and gaps between measurement locations, for example, using photographed image data. For example, as shown in FIG. 10B, the display monitor 48 displays a measurement result screen obtained by extracting the data of the picked-up narrow light images F1 and F2 and their edge data Fx1 and Fx2. On this measurement result screen, for example, images may be taken at the measurement points C1 to C3, and the analyzed data may be displayed in combination with a comparison line (dotted line display) or the like that can be compared. By displaying the measurement points so that they can be compared with each other in this way, it is possible to grasp the width W of the gap 14 and the displacement of the gap level H for each measurement position.

<Measurement processing between flanges>
FIG. 11 shows an example of processing for flange-to-flange measurement. The processing contents and processing procedure shown in FIG. 11 are an example of the flange distance measurement method or the flange distance measurement program of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to such a configuration.
In the flange-to-flange measurement process, the insertion pieces 36 of the contact pieces 34-1 and 34-2, which are positioning guides, are inserted into the gap 14 at the measurement position C set on the flange (S11). As a result, the arrangement position, light irradiation direction, irradiation angle, and imaging direction of the flange distance measuring device 2 are stabilized in a predetermined state.
When the control unit 56 detects the depression of the trigger switch 42 (S12), it turns on the light emitting means 50 to emit light toward the measurement position C1 (S13). An image including an optical image is taken (S14).
The control unit 56 performs processing for measuring gaps and gaps by image analysis (S15). For this measurement process, for example, the process described in S4 or the like of FIG. 3 may be performed. Then, the control unit 56 causes the display monitor 48 to display the measurement result of the gap/gap step (S16).

[Effects of Second Embodiment]
According to such a configuration, the following effects are obtained.
(1) In the formation of a narrow light image used for measuring gaps and gaps, the direction, distance, and shooting angle of light are determined by the plurality of contact pieces 34-1 and 34-2, so measurement results for each worker are different. This suppresses the occurrence of variations in , and enables highly accurate measurement processing.
(2) Since it is possible to reduce the number of processes in which there is a possibility of human errors such as operator's visual errors and work proficiency, it is possible to improve the accuracy of measurement of gaps and gaps and management of seal construction processing.
(3) By placing the device at the measurement position and operating the trigger switch, gaps and gaps can be measured simply by operating the trigger switch. Furthermore, even if the number of clearance confirmation processes is increased, the tightening accuracy can be improved without increasing the flange tightening workload.
(4) By displaying the results of measurements taken at multiple locations on the flange so that they can be compared, it is possible to visually grasp the status of seal installation and to easily identify locations where installation is insufficient.

[Third Embodiment]
FIG. 12 shows a configuration example of a flange-to-flange measurement system according to the third embodiment. The configuration shown in FIG. 12 is an example, and the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. In FIG. 12, the same reference numerals are given to the same parts as in FIGS.
This flange-to-flange measurement system 80 includes, for example, a flange-to-flange measurement device 30 and an information terminal device 82 for measuring the clearance of the sealing portion 4, as shown in FIG.
The flange-to-flange distance measuring device 30 has the same configuration as that already described, and thus the description thereof is omitted.
The information terminal device 82 is connected to the flange distance measuring device 30 by wire or wirelessly.
This information terminal device 82, for example, has a function of importing and managing the measurement results of gaps and gaps measured by the flange distance measuring device 30, as well as taking in thin light image data photographed by the flange distance measuring device 30, and performing image processing. and analysis processing may be provided. In addition, information terminal device 82 may output a control instruction to flange distance measuring device 30, for example.
The information terminal device 82 is composed of a controller terminal, a PC (Personal Computer), a server device, or the like that operates in conjunction with the flange distance measuring device 30, for example, and includes a processing device 84, an input device 86, and a display device 88. .

In addition, this information terminal device 82 is connected to, for example, a seal application device that performs tightening processing of the bolts 10 and nuts 12 of the seal application unit 4, and the axial force detected in the seal application processing and the tightening torque value set in the seal application device and other setting information, and tightening position information of the seal applying unit 4, and the like.

The processing device 84 of the information terminal device 82 generates a display screen showing detection results such as tightening position information and detected axial force acquired in, for example, the seal construction management process. Further, as shown in FIG. 13, for example, the processing device 84 combines the bolt and nut tightening position information acquired in the sealing construction management and the gap/gap step information acquired or calculated in the flange-to-flange measurement process to display a tightening result screen 90. may be generated. On this tightening result screen 90, eight tightening positions [1] to [8] representing, for example, bolt and nut tightening positions are set. In addition, information on measured gaps and information on measurement positions C1 to C4 of the four gaps are entered on this screen. For example, the processing device 84 may combine the gap results at the measurement positions C1 to C4 with the tightening positions [1] to [8], and may perform gap prediction processing for gaps other than those at the measurement positions. In this prediction process, for example, previous gap measurement information may be used to calculate the change tendency of the gap state between a plurality of measurement positions.

By combining the measurement results in this manner, it is possible to visually grasp that the gap 14 varies between the tightening positions [1] to [8]. The difference in the gap 14 between the measurement positions or between the tightening positions is affected by variations in the tightening axial force of the bolt and nut for each tightening position. For example, when tightening is strong at some tightening points, the flanges 6-1 and 6-2 are located on the opposite side of the center axis, that is, at an angle of 180° or near the center axis of the flange. Since the tightening becomes weaker and the width W of the gap 14 widens, a so-called uneven tightening state occurs, so that it is possible to grasp a bolt that is unevenly tightened due to variations in the gap.

<Measurement processing between flanges>
FIG. 14 shows an example of measurement processing by the inter-flange measurement system. The processing contents and processing procedure shown in FIG. 14 are an example of the flange distance measurement method or the flange distance measurement program of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to such a configuration.
The sealing unit 4 performs flange tightening processing by tightening bolts and nuts using a tightening tool (not shown), for example (S21).
As the flange-to-flange measurement process, the flange-to-flange distance measurement device 30 is installed at the set measurement position (S22), and the trigger switch is pressed to perform light irradiation and photographing of the measurement position (S23). Then, the flange distance measuring device 30 or the information terminal device 82 acquires the photographed image information and performs calculation processing of the gap and gap step, and the measurement result obtained by the calculation is the distance between the flange distance measuring device 30 and the information processing device 82. is transmitted and received (S24).

The information terminal device 82 performs gap management processing of the measurement result for the measurement position, and also performs image generation processing using the axial force management information stored in the seal construction management processing (S25). Then, the information terminal device 82 causes the display device 88 to display the gap management image (S26).
The gap management image may be transmitted from the information terminal device 82 to the flange distance measuring device 30 and displayed on the display monitor 48, for example.

[Effect of the third embodiment]
According to such a configuration, the following effects are obtained.
(1) Since the tightening state of the flange can be managed in association with the bolt and nut tightening process, the convenience and reliability of sealing construction management are enhanced.
(2) Measurement and management of the tightening position or the tightening state of the flange at the measurement position can be facilitated, improving convenience.
(3) By facilitating the process of measuring the clearance between flanges, confirmation after tightening work and retightening and retightening work can be performed quickly, improving work efficiency and reducing work time.
(4) By facilitating the process of measuring the clearance between flanges, it is possible to check the looseness of screws over time, and retightening and retightening work can be performed quickly, improving work efficiency and reducing work time. , the reliability of seal construction management is enhanced over a long period of time.

[Other embodiments]
(1) The flange-to-flange distance measuring device 30 may use the monitor 48, for example, to perform a measurement process procedure or a process of guiding the measurement procedure.
(2) The monitor 48 of the flange-to-flange distance measuring device 30 is not limited to the function of displaying measurement results, for example. The monitor 48 may function as a so-called finder that displays image information captured by the camera 50 in real time, for example. As a result, when the flange-to-flange distance measuring device 30 is arranged at the measurement position C1, it is possible to arrange the device while confirming the actually captured image in addition to the visual recognition from the outside of the device.
Furthermore, the monitor 48 may display an instruction screen for instructing the placement position to the operator, for example. As a result, the device can be accurately arranged with respect to the set position, and the accuracy of gap monitoring is enhanced.

(3) In the above embodiment, the arrangement angle θ of the imaging section 22 with respect to the light irradiating section 20 is fixed. The arrangement angle θ may be adjustable according to, for example, the size of the diameter of the flange to be measured.
(4) In the above-described embodiment, the thin light images F1 and F2 formed on the peripheral surfaces of the flanges 6-1 and 6-2 are photographed, and the gap between the flanges and the step between the flanges are calculated. is not limited to The imaging unit 22 including the camera 54 captures the fine light images F1 and F2 formed on the peripheral surfaces of the flanges 6-1 and 6-2, as well as the fine light image F3 formed inside the gap 14. Optical image data and edge data may be analyzed and used to measure gaps and gaps. That is, the fine light image F3 formed inside the gap 14 is determined by analyzing, for example, the difference in the focal length of the imaging unit 22 and the difference in the intensity of the reflected light, and using the length of the fine light image F3 and the like to determine the gap. The width within 14 may be measured.
Further, by image analysis of the narrow light image F3, the tightness of the gasket in the gap 14 may be detected by detecting waviness, wrinkles, or the degree of collapse of the gasket, which may be used for sealing construction management.
(5) Further, in the flange distance measuring device 30, different switches may be provided for the light emission of the light emitting means 50 and the imaging processing by the camera 54. FIG.

(6) In the above embodiment, the contact portions 37 of the contact pieces 34-1 and 34-2, which are the contact portions 18, are brought into contact with the side surfaces of the flanges 6-1 and 6-2 at the measurement position, and the tips thereof Although the case where the insertion piece 36 is inserted into the gap 14 to measure the gap and the gap step is shown, the present invention is not limited to this. In the flange-to-flange measurement process, for example, the flange-to-flange measurement process may be performed without bringing the contact pieces 34-1 and 34-2 into contact with the flanges 6-1 and 6-2. In this case, the flange-to-flange measuring devices 2, 30 may remove the contact pieces 34-1, 34-2 from the housings 16, 32, for example. Further, in the flange-to-flange measurement process, for example, the worker's visual observation or a positioning jig (not shown) is used to position the flange-to-flange measurement devices 2 and 30 in the gap 14 between the flanges 6-1 and 6-2, and the irradiation distance is Lb may be set. In addition, the flange measuring devices 2 and 30 are provided with a function of determining whether or not the measurement position is appropriate by using a display monitor, for example, and whether or not the measurement position is arranged so as to achieve the irradiation distance Lb or the imaging distance Lc. good too. Further, the camera 54 uses, for example, an AF (Auto Focus) function to measure the distance from the camera 54 to the thin light image generated on the side surface of the flanges 6-1 and 6-2 to be measured or the gap 14. Alternatively, the imaging distance Lc may be adjusted.

As described above, the most preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described. The invention is not limited to the above description. Various modifications and changes are possible for those skilled in the art based on the gist of the invention described in the claims or disclosed in the detailed description. It goes without saying that such modifications and changes are included in the scope of the present invention.

The flange distance measuring device, program and method of the present invention stabilize the conditions such as the irradiation distance and the image acquisition distance of the generated thin light image at the set measurement position, and calculate the gap between the flanges by image analysis. This facilitates the measurement work, improves the measurement accuracy, and stabilizes the measurement results, which is beneficial.

2, 30 Flange distance measurement device 4 Sealing part 6-1, 6-2 Flange 8 Gasket 10 Bolt 12 Nut 14 Gap 16, 32 Case part 18 Contact part 18-1, 18-2 Contact arm 20 Light irradiation part 22 Imaging unit 24 Measurement unit 34-1, 34-2 Contact piece 36 Insertion piece 37 Abutment portion 38 Operation unit 40 Grip unit 42 Trigger switch 44A, 44B Contact piece 46 Information presentation unit 48 Display monitor 50 Light emitting means 52 Objective lens 54 Camera 55 Inclining section 56 Control section 60 Processor 62 Storage section 64 Input/output section (I/O)
66 touch sensor 68 communication unit 70 measurement data 80 measurement system between flanges 82 information terminal device 84 processing device 86 input device 88 display device

Claims (9)

An inter-flange measuring device for measuring between flanges fastened with a plurality of bolts and nuts across a gasket,
a light irradiator that generates a thin light image on the flange across the gap between the flanges by irradiating the thin light;
an imaging unit that acquires an image including the thin light image;
a measurement unit that extracts narrow light image data and flange edge data from the image and measures a gap or gap between the flanges;
a housing portion positioned at a measurement position of the flange by inserting a positioning guide portion into the gap between the flanges;
with
The positioning guide part is
a contact portion that is brought into contact with the peripheral surface of the flange across the measurement position;
a guide projection formed in a part of the contact portion and inserted into the gap;
and wherein the casing is positioned at the measurement position by the contact portion and the guide protrusion. 2. The flange-to-flange according to claim 1, wherein the light irradiating section produces the thin light image at the measurement position related to the bolt position or bolt tightening position by irradiating thin light. measuring device. An inter-flange measuring device for measuring between flanges fastened with a plurality of bolts and nuts across a gasket,
a light irradiator that generates a thin light image on the flange across the gap between the flanges by irradiating the thin light;
an imaging unit that acquires an image including the thin light image;
a measurement unit that extracts narrow light image data and flange edge data from the image and measures a gap or gap between the flanges;
In relation to the identification information of the flange, the position of the bolt or the bolt tightening position, together with the measurement result of the gap or the gap level difference, the image at the position of the bolt or the bolt tightening position associated with the identification information. an information presentation unit that presents comparison information combining information indicating the gap or the gap step ;
A flange-to-flange measuring device comprising: 2. The flange-to-flange distance measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the casing includes an imaging switch together with the grip, and the imaging switch can be operated while gripping the grip. 4. The flange-to-flange measurement according to claim 1 , further comprising a communication unit for transmitting measurement data, and providing the measurement data to an information terminal connected to the communication unit by wire or wirelessly. Device. 2. Between flanges according to claim 1, further comprising an information presenting unit that presents measurement results of the clearance or the clearance step in association with identification information of the flange, the position of the bolt, or the bolt tightening position. measuring device. A program for implementation on a computer,
A function of irradiating a thin light from the housing part and generating a thin light image on the flange across the gap between the flanges;
a function of acquiring an image including the thin light image;
a function of extracting thin light image data and flange edge data from the image and measuring a gap or gap step between the flanges;
In relation to the identification information of the flange, the bolt position, or the bolt tightening position, together with the measurement result of the gap or the gap step , the image at the bolt position or the bolt tightening position, respectively, associated with the identification information. a function of presenting comparison information combining information indicating the gap or the gap step ;
on the computer. A flange-to-flange measurement method for measuring flanges fastened with a plurality of bolts and nuts with a gasket interposed therebetween,
By inserting the guide protrusion of the positioning guide provided in the housing into the gap between the flanges and contacting the contact part of the positioning guide with the peripheral surface of the flange across the measurement position, measurement between the flanges positioning the housing at a position;
a step of generating a thin light image on the flange across the gap between the flanges by irradiating the thin light from the light irradiation unit;
obtaining an image including the thin light image by an imaging unit;
a step of extracting thin light image data and flange edge data from the image by a measuring unit and measuring a gap or a step between the flanges;
A flange-to-flange measurement method comprising: A flange-to-flange measurement method for measuring flanges fastened with a plurality of bolts and nuts with a gasket interposed therebetween,
a step of positioning the housing portion at the measurement position between the flanges;
a step of generating a thin light image on the flange across the gap between the flanges by irradiating the thin light from the light irradiation unit;
obtaining an image including the thin light image by an imaging unit;
a step of extracting thin light image data and flange edge data from the image by a measuring unit and measuring a gap or a step between the flanges;
In relation to the identification information of the flange, the bolt position, or the bolt tightening position, together with the measurement result of the gap or the gap step , the image at the bolt position or the bolt tightening position, respectively, associated with the identification information. a step of presenting comparison information combining information indicating the gap or the gap step ;
A flange-to-flange measurement method comprising:

Images