WO2004025214A1

WO2004025214A1 - Method and apparatus for measuring shape of tube body

Info

Publication number: WO2004025214A1
Application number: PCT/JP2003/011737
Authority: WO
Inventors: Takumi Akatsuka; So Kanai
Original assignee: Showa Denko K.K.
Priority date: 2002-09-12
Filing date: 2003-09-12
Publication date: 2004-03-25
Also published as: AU2003268643A1

Abstract

A method of measuring the shape of a tube body, comprising the steps of allowing a pair of reference parts (20, 20) to abut on the inner peripheral surface (11) of the tube body (10) near both side end parts, rotating the tube body (10) in the fixed state of the positions of the reference parts (20, 20) so that the contact parts of the tube body (10) with the reference parts (20, 20) are circumferentially moved on the inner peripheral surface (11) of the tube body (10), and detecting the radial displacement amount of the outer peripheral surface (12) of the tube body (10) due to the rotation of the tube body (10) at least one of the positions 31, ..., 32 ... circumferentially fixed on the outside of the tube body (10).

Description

Description Method and apparatus for measuring the shape of a tubular body The present application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2002-266665 filed on September 12, 2002, and a Japanese patent filed on October 2, 2002. Patent application 200 02-289933, Japanese patent application filed on October 9, 2002, Japanese patent application 2002-296382, Japanese patent application filed on January 17, 2003 No. 2003-9014, Japanese Patent Application No. 2003-31281 filed on Feb. 7, 2003, Japanese Patent Application No. 2003-54126 filed on Feb. 28, 2003 Japanese Patent Application No. 2003-105558 filed on April 9, 2003, Japanese Patent Application No. 2003-193624 filed on July 8, 2003, September 26, 2002 U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/413439, filed on Oct. 25, U.S. Provisional Application No. 60Z421079, filed on Oct. 25, 2002, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/447745, filed on Feb. 19, 2003 Priority of Are those with, the disclosures Description is to directly form a part of this application.

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a method for measuring the shape of a tube such as a substrate for a photosensitive drum of a copying machine, the same apparatus, a method for inspecting a tube, the same device, a method for manufacturing a tube, and the same system.

'' Background technology For pipes used as rotating parts in various types of machinery, it is sometimes required to measure the shape accuracy. For example, in a substrate for a photosensitive drum used in an electrophotographic system such as a copying machine, shape measurement is performed on a tube after a tube forming process in order to ensure high shape accuracy.

As such a shape measuring method, there is a method shown in FIGS. In this method, the outer peripheral surface 12 near both ends of the tubular body 10 is supported by reference rollers 91, and the displacement measuring devices 92 are provided at, for example, three places in the longitudinal center of the outer peripheral surface of the tubular body 90. Make contact. Then, based on the amount of change in the detected value of the displacement measuring device 92 when the tube 90 is rotated by the rotation of the reference roller 91, the central portion in the longitudinal direction of the outer peripheral surface of the tube 90 due to the rotation is obtained. Is measured. The displacement thus obtained shows the deflection of the outer peripheral surface at the center with reference to the outer peripheral surface near the end of the tube 90.

When the pipe 90 is rotatably supported on the inner peripheral surfaces on both sides thereof, the wall thickness distribution (the degree of uneven thickness) of the pipe 90 also affects the rotation accuracy. For this reason, when high shape accuracy is required, it is conceivable that the maximum thickness and the minimum thickness of the pipe body 90 are determined by a thickness measuring device or the like, and the degree of unevenness is also evaluated.

However, according to the method for measuring the outer shape of the pipe 90 shown in FIGS. 56 and 57 and the method for measuring the shape of the pipe by measuring the wall thickness using a wall thickness measuring instrument or the like, the following questions are obtained. There is a title.

(1) Since the measurement of the deflection and the thickness of the outer peripheral surface are performed by separate measuring instruments, there is a variation in the measuring instrument equipment, errors caused by the use of the measuring instrument by the person using the measuring instrument, and further errors between the measuring persons. Variations and the like are accumulated, making it difficult to obtain high measurement accuracy. (2) Although the distribution of deflection and wall thickness on the outer peripheral surface may be geometrically offset by each other, they are measured separately. In order to consider such cases May not be able to do so, resulting in demands for excessive quality. Also, JP-A-11-271008, JP-A-63-131018, JP-A-2001-336920, JP-A-8-141643, JP-A-11-163955, JP-A-3-131131, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2000-292161 and Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2-275305 disclose various techniques for measuring the shape of a tubular body. However, none of these published patents discloses a technique for simply and accurately measuring the flatness of the outer peripheral surface of a tubular body. A conventional method for measuring the shape of a pipe using a roundness measuring device is also conceivable, but in this case, a core that aligns the rotation axis of the measurement table on which the pipe is placed with the center axis of the pipe to be measured is used. It is necessary to repeat leveling and horizontal leveling to make the axis of rotation of the measuring table parallel to the center axis of the tube, which is very time-consuming and time-consuming. is there.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION Under the technical background described above, an object of the present invention is to provide a method and the like that can measure the shape of a tube simply and with high accuracy. A method for measuring the shape of a tubular body according to a first aspect of the preferred embodiment of the present invention includes the steps of: bringing a pair of reference portions into contact with inner peripheral surfaces near both end portions of the tubular body; In a state where the pipe is fixed, the pipe is rotated so that the contact portion between the pipe and the pair of reference portions is shifted in the circumferential direction on the inner peripheral surface of the pipe, and the pipe is rotated. At least one position fixed on the outside in the circumferential direction of the tube, The amount of displacement of the outer peripheral surface of the tube body in the radial direction due to rolling is detected.

According to such a method for measuring the shape of the tubular body, the deflection of the outer peripheral surface with respect to the inner peripheral surface is measured. In other words, the deflection of the outer peripheral surface to be measured takes into account the effect of uneven wall thickness of the tube. Therefore, it is possible to perform a measurement approximating the state of use of a pipe provided for a use whose inner peripheral surface is rotatably supported. In addition, the influence of uneven wall thickness is added to the measured deflection of the outer peripheral surface, so that it is possible to prevent the accumulation of measurement equipment variation and the demand for excessive quality as in the case of separately measuring the wall thickness of a pipe. In addition, since the influence of uneven thickness is added to the deflection of the outer peripheral surface to be measured, the measurement can be shortened. In addition, since only the reference is brought into contact with the inner peripheral surface and the outer peripheral surface is measured, it can be realized with a simple configuration, the accumulation of measurement errors is reduced as much as possible, and the shape measurement is high. Accuracy can be obtained. Further, since it is sufficient that the reference portion can be brought into contact with the inner peripheral surface side, it can be suitably used for shape measurement of a tube having a small inner diameter. The position of the reference portion may be fixed only while rotating the tube in order to detect the amount of displacement of the outer peripheral surface of the tube.For example, when the tube is set on a device for performing shape measurement, etc. For example, it may be movable. Also, the position of the reference portion may be fixed, and the posture may change due to rotation or the like. Further, a pipe shape measuring apparatus according to another aspect of the preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a pair of reference portions abutting on inner circumferential side surfaces near both side ends of the pipe body having a substantially horizontal posture. A pedestal portion that contacts the outer peripheral surface of the tubular body so that the inner peripheral side surface of the tubular body is positioned at substantially the same height as the pair of reference portions and that supports the tubular body by contacting from below. A pressing portion that is provided outside the tubular body and presses an outer peripheral side surface of the tubular body so as to press the tubular body against the pair of reference portions; an inner peripheral surface of the tubular body and the pair of reference portions; With respect to an imaginary straight line passing through two abutting portions that abut against each other, at a position facing the outside of the tubular body, when the tubular body rotates in a state of abutting on the pair of reference portions, this 3 011737

And a displacement detector for detecting a radial displacement amount of the outer peripheral surface of the tubular body accompanying the rotation.

According to such a tube shape measuring apparatus, the deflection of the outer peripheral surface of the tube with reference to the inner peripheral surface of the tube, that is, the outer peripheral surface of the tube in which the influence of uneven wall thickness is added Can be measured. Therefore, it is possible to perform a measurement approximating the state of use of a pipe provided for a use whose inner peripheral surface is rotatably supported. In addition, the deflection of the outer peripheral surface of the tube to be measured is affected by uneven wall thickness, preventing the accumulation of measurement equipment variation and excessive quality requirements, such as when measuring the wall thickness of the tube separately. it can. In addition, since the influence of uneven thickness is added to the deflection of the outer peripheral surface of the tube to be measured, the measurement can be shortened. In addition, since it is only necessary to measure the amount of displacement in the radial direction of the outer peripheral surface of the tubular body by bringing a pair of reference portions into contact with the inner peripheral surface of the tubular body, it can be realized with a simple configuration, and the accumulation of measurement errors can be achieved. As much as possible, high accuracy of shape measurement can be obtained. In addition, with respect to a virtual straight line passing through two contact portions where the inner peripheral surface of the pipe and the pair of reference portions contact each other, a radial direction of the outer peripheral surface of the pipe at a position facing from the outside of the pipe. Since the displacement amount is measured, the shape can be measured stably even when the rotation center position of the tube is deviated, and a highly reliable measurement result can be obtained. The position facing the virtual straight line from the outside of the tubular body is because the radial displacement of the outer peripheral surface of the tubular body is least affected by the displacement of the rotation center position of the tubular body. In addition, since the tube is pressed against the pair of reference portions by the pressing portion from the outside, the tube surely comes into contact with the pair of reference portions even while the tube rotates, thereby performing accurate shape measurement. be able to. In addition, the tube is supported by the pedestal from below, and a reference position for shape measurement by a pair of reference portions and a detection position by the displacement detection portion are arranged beside the tube. By rotating the tube while it is in contact with the pair of reference parts, even if the height position of the rotation center of the tube moves up and down, it is not affected so much and stably. Shape measurement can be performed, and highly reliable measurement results can be obtained. On the pedestal Therefore, the supported vertical direction and the direction (horizontal direction) in which the pair of reference portions are in contact with each other and the displacement is detected by the displacement detection unit are substantially orthogonal, and therefore, the vertical direction of the rotation center of the tube is This is because the directional movement has the least effect on the amount of radial displacement of the outer peripheral surface on the side of the tube. In addition, since the pipe is supported by the pedestal from below, it is possible to adopt a configuration in which the pipe is open above, so that the pipe can be easily set from above the shape measuring device, and Can be taken out. In addition, by adopting a configuration in which the upper part of the pipe is opened, the measuring operator can easily manually rotate the pipe by grasping the pipe from above. Further, since it is sufficient that the reference portion can be brought into contact with the inner peripheral surface side of the tubular body, it can be suitably used for shape measurement of a tubular body having a small inner diameter. A pipe shape measuring apparatus according to still another aspect of the preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a pair of reference portions abutting the inner peripheral lower surface near both side ends of the pipe in a substantially horizontal posture. And two support rollers disposed on both side end portions of the pipe body to support the pipe body by contacting the lower peripheral surface of the pipe body and pressing the pipe body against the pair of reference portions. At a position facing the virtual straight line passing through two abutting portions where the inner peripheral surface of the tubular body and the pair of reference portions abut against each other, at a position facing the outside of the tubular body, the tubular body is And a displacement detector for detecting the amount of radial displacement of the outer peripheral surface of the tube body caused by the rotation when rotated in contact with the reference portion of (1). is there. .

According to such a pipe shape measuring device, it is possible to measure the deflection of the outer peripheral surface with reference to the inner peripheral surface of the tubular body, that is, the deflection of the outer peripheral surface in which the influence of uneven thickness of the tubular body is added. . Therefore, it is possible to perform a measurement approximating the state of use of a tube used for a purpose whose inner peripheral surface is rotatably supported. In addition, since the thickness of the measured outer peripheral surface is affected by uneven thickness, it is possible to prevent the accumulation of measurement equipment variations and excessive quality requirements, such as when measuring the wall thickness of a pipe separately. Also, the outer circumference to be measured Because the influence of uneven thickness is added to the surface deflection, measurement can be shortened in a short time. In addition, since it has a simple configuration in which the reference is brought into contact with the inner peripheral surface of the pipe and the outer peripheral surface of the pipe is measured, the accumulation of measurement errors is reduced as much as possible, High accuracy can be obtained. Further, since it is sufficient that the reference portion can be brought into contact with the inner peripheral surface side, it can be suitably used for shape measurement of a tube having a small inner diameter. In addition, since the weight of the tube is supported by the support rollers from below, the contact pressure between the tube and a pair of abutting portions can be set and controlled appropriately regardless of the weight of the tube. This makes it possible to obtain high reliability for shape measurement. In addition, since two support rollers are disposed on both sides of the tube, the position of the shaft of the tube and the posture of the tube can be stabilized, thereby stabilizing the rotation of the tube and increasing the height. Measurement accuracy can be obtained. In addition, since the supporting roller has the function of supporting the weight of the tube and the function of positioning the axis of the tube, the number of members that come into contact with the tube can be reduced. As a result, it is possible to eliminate an error factor and contribute to accurate shape measurement, to obtain high reliability of the shape measurement, and to reduce the possibility of damage to the tube. Further, a tube shape measuring apparatus according to still another aspect of the preferred embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that a plurality of straightening rollers are brought into contact with both side ends of the tube, respectively, so that a cross section of both side ends of the tube is provided. The tube is rotated in a state where the shape is temporarily corrected and the cross-sectional shape of the both end portions is temporarily corrected, and the amount of radial displacement of the outer peripheral surface of the tube accompanying the rotation is detected. It is characterized by the following.

According to such a method of measuring the shape of the tubular body, the amount of displacement of the outer peripheral surface in the radial direction is detected in a state where the tubular body is not straightened but both ends are temporarily straightened by the straightening rollers. For this reason, the shape of the tube can be measured under conditions similar to the actual use of the tube used when the cross-sectional shape of the both end portions is deformed to an appropriate shape. Therefore, the shape of the tube that is exhibited when actually used Accuracy can be obtained, and it is possible to prevent a situation where excessive quality is required in order to secure the required shape accuracy when actually used. Further, a method for measuring the shape of a tube according to still another aspect of the preferred embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the tube is rotated by rotating the tube while pressing both ends of the tube with a plurality of correction rollers. Plastically deforming both ends of the body to correct its cross-sectional shape, weakening the pressing force of the straightening roller against both ends of the tubular body, and continuously contacting at least a part of the straightening roller with the tubular body The shape of the tubular body is measured by detecting the amount of radial displacement of the outer peripheral surface of the tubular body accompanying the rotation.

According to such a method of measuring the shape of the tubular body, the amount of displacement in the radial direction of the outer peripheral surface is detected in a state where the tubular body is not straightened but both ends are straightened by the straightening rollers. For this reason, the shape of the tube can be measured under conditions similar to the actual use of the tube used in a state where the cross-sectional shape of both end portions is deformed to an appropriate shape. Therefore, it is possible to obtain with high precision the shape of the tube that is exhibited when actually used, and to avoid situations where excessive quality is required to ensure the required shape accuracy when actually used. It can be prevented before it happens. In addition, the correction roller that corrects both ends of the tube functions as a support roller that continuously supports the tube and maintains the posture of the tube when measuring the shape of the tube. For this reason, by setting the tube at the shape measurement position that comes into contact with the straightening roller, the end correction and the shape measurement can be performed continuously, and excellent work efficiency can be obtained. Further, since the number of times that the tube and the roller or the like supporting the tube come into contact can be reduced, the possibility that the tube is damaged by contact with the roller or the like can be reduced. In addition, since the cross-sectional shape of the end of the pipe whose shape has been measured in this manner has already been corrected, the work of press-fitting a flange or the like can be easily and reliably performed during actual use. To prevent defects such as oblique press-fitting of flanges etc. into the circular end Can be. Further, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a method for measuring the shape of a tubular body according to still another aspect is as follows. A pair of inflatable clamps are inserted inside the vicinity of both side ends of the tubular body, and the pair of inflatable clamps are inflated. Contacting the entire circumference of the inner peripheral surface of the tubular body, rotating the tubular body together with the inflatable clamp about the central axis of the pair of inflatable clamps as a rotation axis, and outside the tubular body, At least one position fixed in the circumferential direction of the tubular body detects a radial displacement of the outer peripheral surface of the tubular body due to rotation of the tubular body.

According to such a method of measuring the shape of the tubular body, the central axis position of the pair of expansion clamps is substantially located at the center of the circle formed by the inner peripheral surfaces of the tubular body. By rotating the pair of expansion clamps around the central axis, a rotating body that is supported on the inner peripheral surface and rotates can be realized in an extremely similar rotating state when actually used. Wear. Therefore, the behavior of the tube detected under this rotation appears almost the same as the behavior of the tube in actual use. Specifically, the amount of displacement in the radial direction of the outer peripheral surface detected at this time represents the deflection when actually used as it is. That is, since the detected radial displacement of the outer peripheral surface is the deflection of the outer peripheral surface with reference to the approximate center of the circle formed by the inner peripheral surfaces near both ends of the tube, the tube is bent and deviated. It integrates all the effects of the meat, other, and the cross-sectional shape (roundness) of the tube. In this way, the influence of uneven wall thickness is added to the deflection of the outer peripheral surface to be measured, which prevents the accumulation of measurement equipment variations and the demand for excessive quality, such as when measuring the wall thickness of a pipe separately. it can. In addition, since the influence of uneven thickness is added to the deflection of the outer peripheral surface to be measured, the measurement can be shortened in a short time. In addition, since the pair of expansion clamps is in contact with the entire inner peripheral surface of the tube, the center axis positions of the pair of expansion clamps are surely positioned at the center of the circle formed by the inner peripheral surface of the tube, and It is possible to realize a state similar to the rotating state at the time of use. Also, a pair of inflatable clans ^ Since the pump contacts the entire circumference of the inner peripheral surface of the pipe, even if it comes in contact with the pipe with a large pressing force, the pressing force can be distributed almost uniformly in the circumferential direction, Can contribute to the measurement. In addition, since a pair of inflation clamps are inserted into the inside of the tube and inflated, and the tube is rotated together with the inflatable clamp to detect the amount of displacement of the outer peripheral surface, a simple configuration can be realized. Accumulation of measurement errors can be reduced as much as possible, and high accuracy of shape measurement can be obtained.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a front sectional view showing the principle of a method for measuring the shape of a tubular body according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a side sectional view of the same.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the same.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory perspective view showing a use state of a pipe (work) whose shape is to be measured.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of a detection position of a displacement amount in the tube shape measuring method according to the present invention.

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a bent tube 101 which is an example of a defective tube.

FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view of a central portion in the axial direction of the bent pipe 101.

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a tube 102 having uneven thickness, which is an example of a defective tube.

FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view of an arbitrary cross section of the uneven thickness pipe 102.

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of a tube 103 whose cross section is not a perfect circle as a defective example of the tube body, and in particular, whose cross section is flat.

FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view of an arbitrary cross section of the flat tube 103.

In FIG. 8C, a pair of reference portions 20 and 20 abut against the inner peripheral surface of the tubular body (flat tube) 103. FIG. 4 is an explanatory cross-sectional view showing a state in which the wall-thickness tube 103 is rotated as it is.

FIG. 9 is a graph showing an example of a result of detecting a displacement amount of an outer peripheral surface while rotating a pipe (work) 10 as a shape measurement target.

FIG. 9A shows an example in which the detected displacement does not change.

FIG. 9B is an example in which a runout having a period of 360 degrees is detected.

FIG. 9C is an example in which a runout having a period of 180 degrees is detected.

FIG. 10 is a front sectional view showing the principle of a more advanced pipe shape measuring method according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a side sectional view of the same.

FIG. 12 is a plan sectional view of the manual type shape measuring device 4.

FIG. 13 is a front sectional view of the device 4.

FIG. 14 is a side cross-sectional view of the device 4.

FIG. 15 is a schematic perspective view of the device 4.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram of a procedure for setting a pipe (work) in the device 4.

FIG. 16A is a perspective view showing a state in which one end of the tubular body 10 is inserted into one reference portion 42.

FIG. 16B is a perspective view showing a state in which the other end of the tube 10 is lowered so that a pair of reference portions 42 and 42 are inserted inside the tube 10.

FIG. 16C is a perspective view showing a state where the tube 10 has been horizontally slid so that the other reference portion 42 is inserted into the other end of the tube 10.

FIG. 17 is an overall perspective schematic view of the automatic shape measuring device 5.

FIG. 18 is an enlarged perspective view of a support structure of the tube 10 in the device 5. FIG. 19 is an explanatory front sectional view of a main part of the device 5.

FIG. 20 is a side sectional view of a main part of the device 5.

FIG. 21 is a front sectional view showing a supporting form of a reference roller. 1 ύ FIG. 22 is an explanatory plan view of the tube transport device.

FIG. 23 is an explanatory side view of the tube transport device.

Fig. 24 is a graph showing the variance (measurement error) of each measurement result when 10 times shape measurement is performed on a plurality of pipes having various displacements respectively. FIG. 8 is a front sectional view showing a support mode of a reference roller according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 26 is an enlarged perspective view of a support structure for the tubular body 10 in the third embodiment. FIG. 27 is a front sectional view showing a support form of the reference roller.

FIG. 28 is a side view showing a supporting form of the supporting roller.

-FIG. 29 is a side view showing a support mode of the support roller in the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 30 is a side view showing a support mode of a support roller in the shape measuring apparatus according to the seventh embodiment.

FIG. 31 is a front sectional view showing a support form of the tubular body in the eighth embodiment. FIG. 32 is a concept for explaining a tubular body shape measuring method according to the ninth embodiment. FIG.

Fig. 33 is the same side view.

FIG. 34 shows that the central portion 104 b has an appropriate perfect circular shape but the both ends 104 a and 104 a have a flat cross section. FIG. 35A is an explanatory view showing a tubular body 105 whose cross-sectional shape is constant over its entire length, but whose cross-sectional shape is not a perfect circle.

Fig. 35B shows flanges 80, 105 on both sides 105a, 105a of the same tubular body 105. It is an explanatory view showing a state at the time of actual use in which 80 or the like is press-fitted.

FIG. 36 is an enlarged perspective view of the support structure of the tubular body in the case where the ninth cold embodiment is configured with a mechanical configuration substantially similar to that of the second embodiment and the like.

FIG. 37 is a front sectional view showing a modified example using the outer straightening roller 65 having a small-diameter portion 652 forming a gap 653 in the center of the outer peripheral surface 651 in the width direction.

Fig. 38 shows one inner straightening roller 911 and two outer straightening rollers 912, 913 located below the tube 10, plus the upper side of the tube 10. This is a modified example of the arrangement of the straightening rollers in which the located outer straightening rollers 914 are arranged.

FIG. 39 shows a modification of the arrangement of the straightening rollers in which the straightening rollers are all inner straightening rollers 920.

FIG. 40 shows a modification of the arrangement of the correction rollers in which all the correction rollers are outside correction rollers 930.

Fig. 41 shows that the inner straightening roller 941 and the outer straightening roller 942 are arranged at the same position in the circumferential direction of the tube 10, and the tube 10 is sandwiched from inside and outside and restrained. This is a modification of the arrangement of the correction rollers, in which correction is performed by correction rollers 943 having different circumferential positions.

FIG. 42 shows a case where a plurality of sets of an inner straightening roller 951 and an outer straightening roller 952 having the same circumferential position are arranged, and a plurality of circumferential positions of the tube 10 are sandwiched from inside and outside to be restrained. It is a modified example of the arrangement of the correcting rollers as described above.

FIG. 43 shows a modified example of the arrangement of the correction rollers in which a large number of correction rollers 96 are brought into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the tubular body 10 to perform correction.

FIG. 44A is a side view for explaining a state in which both ends of the tubular body are being corrected in the tubular shape measuring method according to the tenth embodiment.

FIG. 44B is a side view for explaining a state in which the shape of the tubular body is also measured.

FIG. 45 shows that the tenth embodiment has almost the same mechanical configuration as the second embodiment and the like. FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of a support structure for a tubular body in the case of the above configuration.

FIG. 46 is a flowchart for explaining the overall flow of shape measurement in the tenth embodiment.

FIG. 47 is a front sectional view showing a tube shape measuring device 5 for the tube shape measuring method according to the present invention.

FIG. 48 is a sectional view of the expansion clamp 20.

FIG. 49 is an explanatory diagram of the operation.

FIG. 50 is a front sectional view showing a use state of a pipe (work) 10 whose shape is to be measured.

In FIG. 51, only the end portions 106a and 106a have a flat cross-sectional shape, but the central portion 106b has an appropriate perfect circular shape. FIG.

FIG. 52 is an example of a tubular body 107 having a material distribution uneven in the circumferential direction.

FIG. 52A is a cross-sectional view showing a state before the flange is press-fitted into this tubular body 107.

FIG. 52B is a cross-sectional view showing a state after the flange has been press-fitted into this tubular body 107.

Fig. 53 shows two positions 3 1…, 3 2…, 3 3…, 3 4… whose circumferential positions are different by half a circle at an arbitrary cross section (axial position) of the tube 10. FIG. 9 is a front sectional view showing a modification in which displacement detectors 30 are arranged so as to detect displacement of the outer peripheral surface. FIG. 54 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the inspection device 71.

FIG. 55 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the manufacturing system 72.

FIG. 56 is an explanatory view showing the principle of a conventional method for measuring the shape of a tubular body.

FIG. 57 is an explanatory view showing the principle of a conventional pipe shape measuring method. _c

l b Best mode for carrying out the invention [Measurement principle]

Hereinafter, an example of a method and an apparatus for measuring the shape of a tubular body according to the present invention will be described based on an embodiment. First, the principle of measurement will be described with reference to schematic explanatory diagrams.

FIG. 1 is a front sectional view showing the principle of the method for measuring the shape of a tubular body according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a side sectional view of the same. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the same. FIG. 4 is an explanatory perspective view showing a use state of a pipe (work) whose shape is to be measured. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of a displacement detection position in the method for measuring the shape of a tubular body according to the present invention. Tube>

The tubular body as the shape measurement object in the present invention is assumed to have a cylindrical shape in which both the inner peripheral surface and the outer peripheral surface are circular in each cross section. Further, a pipe (work) 10 exemplified in this embodiment is supported from the inside by flanges 80, 80 inserted inside both ends thereof as shown in FIG. It is used. The position at which the flanges 80 and 80 come into contact with the pipe 10 and rotate the pipe 10 is, for example, a region S (indicated by hatching in FIG. 4) extending inward from both ends of the pipe 10 by the width d. Area). .

The material of such a tube (work) 10 may be, for example, an aluminum alloy. However, the invention is not limited to this, and various metals, synthetic resins, and the like may be used.

In addition, examples of the production method include a combination of extrusion molding and pultrusion molding, as described later. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Extrusion molding, pultrusion molding, forging, forging, injection molding, cutting, or a combination thereof Any method can be used as long as the pipe can be formed, such as by joining.

Specific examples of such a tube 10 include a substrate and a raw tube for a photosensitive drum in a copying machine, a printer, or the like employing an electrophotographic system. The substrate for the photosensitive drum refers to a tube after a cutting process, a drawing process, or the like is performed, and before the photosensitive layer is formed. Further, the tube after the formation of the photosensitive layer on the substrate for the photosensitive drum can also be the tube to which the shape measurement and the like of the present invention are performed. Ku Overview>

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the method for measuring the shape of a pipe according to the present invention is applied to such a pipe (work) 10 on an inner peripheral surface 11 near both ends. When the pair of reference portions 20 and 20 are brought into contact with each other and the tube 10 is rotated in this state, the displacement detectors 30 arranged outside the tube 10 are used to form the tube 10. It detects the amount of displacement of the outer peripheral surface 12 in the radial direction.

The rotation of the tube 10 may be performed by the measurement operator grasping and rotating the tube 10 by hand, by rotating a drive roller (not shown) in contact with the tube 10, or by rotating the tube 10. It may be rotated in any manner. The center of rotation of the tube 10 is located at a position corresponding to approximately the axis of the tube of the tube 10. Standard part>

—The position of the reference portions 20 and 20 of the pair is fixed at least when the tube 10 is rotated, and the contact portion with the tube 10 is located on the inner peripheral surface 11 of the tube 10 Will shift in the circumferential direction. The tube 10 is positioned at least when rotated by the pair of reference portions 20, 20, and a reference for shape measurement is determined.

Here, the pair of reference portions 20 and 20 are in contact with the tube 10 at the planned support position (in the hatched area S in FIG. 4) when the tube 10 is actually used. ing. This is the part that serves as a reference for the rotation when the tube 10 is actually used. Can be used as a reference in shape measurement, and more practical measurement can be realized.

The pair of reference portions 20 and 20 are formed in a spherical shape, and are in contact with the inner peripheral surface 11 of the tube 10 in a substantially point contact state. As a result, the reference position of the shape measurement can be clearly specified. '

The position where the pair of reference portions 20 and 20 abut on the tube 10 may be at the lower surface, the side surface, the upper surface (ceiling surface), the diagonally upper surface or the diagonally lower surface of the inner peripheral surface of the tube. In terms of <Displacement detector>

The displacement detectors 30 are arranged outside the tube 10. When the tube 10 is rotated at least, the position in the circumferential direction of the tube 10 (displacement detection position 3 1... ·, 3 2 ····) are fixed. That is, when the tube 10 is rotated, the displacement detection positions 3 1,..., 3 2… by the displacement detectors 30 are shifted circumferentially on the outer peripheral surface 12 of the tube 10. Will go on.

The amount of displacement of the outer peripheral surface 12 of the tubular body 10 in the radial direction detected by the displacement detectors 30 is so-called deflection (outside diameter deflection). In the present invention, the pair of reference portions 20, 20 abutting on the inner peripheral surface 11 of the tube 10 described above allows the outer peripheral surface 12 with respect to the inner peripheral surface 11 of the tube 10 to be a reference. One feature is that the deflection is detected (measured).

In this case, five displacement detectors 30 are arranged so that the five locations where the axial position of the tube 10 is different can be set as the displacement detection positions 3 1..., 3 2. The case is exemplified.

In particular, the two outer displacement detectors 30, 30 are located near the two ends of the tube 10 at the positions 31, 31 facing the pair of reference portions 20, 20, respectively. It is arranged so that At these positions 31 and 31, the reference parts 20 and 20 change. The thickness of the tube 10 sandwiched between the position detectors 30 and 30 can be measured. On the other hand, the other three displacement detectors 30 are arranged such that positions 3 2... Other than the positions 3 1, 3 1 facing the pair of reference portions 20, 20 are set as the displacement amount detection positions. It is located. At these positions 32..., It is possible to detect the deflection of the outer peripheral surface of the tube 10 at each position. '

As shown in FIG. 3, the positions of the five displacement detectors 30 in the circumferential direction correspond to the inner peripheral surface 11 of the tube 10 and the pair of reference portions 20, 20. An imaginary straight line Q passing through the two contact points PI and P2 that contact each other is confronted from outside of the tube 10 through the thickness of the tube 10 (the area R hatched in FIG. 3). 3 1 ···, 3 2…

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the characteristics of the detection position of each displacement amount in the circumferential direction of the tube 10.

In the method for measuring the shape of a tubular body according to the present invention, the position of the reference portion 20 is stably fixed because the reference portion 20 is a reference for shape measurement. Except for the part in contact with 20, its position (posture of tube 10) may be unstable. For example, as shown in Fig. 5, the tube 10 during measurement (rotating) may shift from the state where the center indicated by the solid line is at the position 〇 to the state where the center indicated by the broken line is at the position 0 '. There is.

At this time, the position A that faces the imaginary straight line Q through the contact points PI and P2 with the reference portion 20 is located at the outer peripheral surface of the tube 10 as compared with the other positions B, C and D. The displacement of the tube (〇 → 〇 ') affects the amount of displacement of the tube 10 in the radial direction of the tube 10 (in the directions indicated by the arrows A, B, C, and D in FIG. 5). It is the smallest position. In other words, if the position facing the virtual straight line Q is set as the displacement detection position, even if the tube 1 "0" is displaced during the shape measurement, it is hardly affected by the deviation, and the shape measurement is stable. Settings can be made.

In the specific shape measuring device described later, the position of the tube 10 was stabilized. In addition, the problem of displacement of the tube 10 during shape measurement is reduced. When the tube 10 is rotated with the pair of reference portions 20 and 20 abutting against the inner peripheral surface 11 of the tube 10 as described above, the tube 10 is completely cylindrical. If there is, the outer peripheral surface 12 of the tubular body is not displaced at all in the radial direction. Conversely, if the tubular body 10 deviates from a perfect cylindrical shape, it will be detected by the displacement detectors 30 as the amount of displacement of the outer peripheral surface.

(Example of defective pipe)

Next, with reference to FIGS. 6 to 8, an example of typical failure of the tube 10 will be described.

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a bent tube 101 which is an example of a defective tube. The bent pipe 101 is one in which the axis of the pipe is bent. Here, the circle formed by the inner peripheral surface (inner circle) and the circle formed by the outer peripheral surface (outer circle) are both true circles in each cross section over the entire length so as to eliminate other causes of failure. It is assumed that the center of the outer circle and the center of the outer circle coincide (concentric), and the wall thickness of the pipe is uniform.

When such a bent pipe 101 is actually used, as shown in FIG. 4, when it is rotated by flanges inserted inside both ends of the pipe body, as shown in FIG. 101 rotates around a straight line T1 passing through the center of the inner circumference circle near both ends, and a deflection (run-out) occurs in the axial center of the bent tube 101. Note that the two-dot chain line in FIG. 6A indicates a state where the solid line is rotated 180 degrees from the state of the solid line. FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view of the central portion of the bent pipe 101 in the axial direction, and the two-dot chain line shows the outer peripheral surface (circumferential circle) in a state rotated 180 degrees from the solid line state. You. As shown in this figure, the tubular body 101 is lifted upward in the state of the solid line, but is pushed down as shown by the two-dot chain line when rotated 180 degrees, and When it is rotated 180 degrees, it returns to the state shown by the solid line. That is, a frame with a period of 360 degrees Has occurred.

In such rotation by the flange, a straight line passing through the center of the inner circumference circle near one end of the pipe supported by the flange and the center of the inner circumference circle near the other end is the rotation axis T1. However, at the axial center of the bent pipe 101, the center of the outer circumference circle and the rotation axis T1 are shifted. The deflection of the central portion of the bent pipe 101 in the axial direction is the deviation between the rotation axis T1 determined by the inner circumference circles near both ends of the pipe 101 and the center of the outer circumference circle in the cross section of interest. caused by. '' <Uneven tube>

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a tube having an uneven thickness (hereinafter, referred to as an uneven thickness tube) 102 which is a defective example of the tubular body. The uneven thickness pipe 102 is a pipe whose wall thickness changes in the circumferential direction in the cross section of the pipe. Here, the axis of the tube is a straight line, and its cross-section is the circle formed by the inner circumferential surface (inner circumferential circle) and the outer circumferential surface formed by the outer circumferential surface (outer circumferential circle) to eliminate other causes of failure. Both are perfect circles, but it is assumed that the center of the inner and outer circles is shifted (eccentric), causing uneven thickness. Also, it is assumed that the cross-sectional shape is constant in the axial direction of the tubular body, and that the tubular body is not twisted. Thus, when rotated by the flanges inserted inside the both ends of the pipe body, as shown in FIG. 7A, the uneven thickness pipe 102 forms a straight line T 2 passing through the center of the inner circumference circle near both ends. Rotating as an axis, the uneven-walled pipe 102 deflects over its entire length in the axial direction. Note that the two-dot chain line in FIG. 7A shows a state rotated 180 degrees from the state of the solid line. FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view of an arbitrary cross section of this uneven thickness pipe 102. The two-dot chain line indicates the outer peripheral surface (circumferential circle) in a state rotated by 180 degrees from the solid line state. As shown in this figure, the thick-walled tube 102 has a thick portion at the top in the solid line state. Therefore, the outer peripheral surface is lifted up as a whole, but when it is rotated 180 degrees, the thick part moves to the lower part as shown by the two-dot chain line, and the thin part is located at the upper part However, it is pushed down as a whole and returns to the state shown by the solid line when it is further rotated 180 degrees. That is, a deflection of 360 degrees occurs.

In such rotation by the flange, the rotation axis T 2 is a straight line that passes through the center of the inner circumference near one end of the pipe supported by the flange and the center of the inner circumference near the other end. This is similar to the above-described bent pipe. Since the center of the inner circumference circle and the center of the outer circumference are displaced over the entire length of the uneven thickness pipe 102, the rotation axis T2 determined on the basis of the inner circumference circle and the center of the outer circumference over the entire length are aligned. It shifts. The deflection over the entire length of the uneven wall 102 is caused by a deviation between the rotation axis T2 determined by the inner circles near both ends of the tube 102 and the center of the outer circle in the cross section of interest.

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of a tube whose cross section is not a perfect circle as a defective example of the tube body, in particular, a tube having a flat cross section (hereinafter, referred to as a flat tube) 103. The flat tube 103 is a tube whose cross-section is not a perfect circle but has an elliptical cross-section as if it were pinched and crushed from above and below or left and right. Here, the axis of the tube is straight, the inner and outer circles are almost similar in shape, the wall thickness is constant, and the cross-sectional shape is constant over the entire length, so as to eliminate other causes of failure. It is assumed that it is not twisted.

When such a flat tube 103 is actually used, as described in FIG. 4, when a flange is inserted inside both ends of the tube, how the flange is formed with respect to the tube (flat tube) The position or orientation of the tube (flat tube) 103 with respect to the rotation axis that is set or in other words the center of the flange depends on the flatness and strength of the tube, the size and strength of the flange, etc. Cannot be uniquely determined. Here, the center of the flange at both ends of the tubular body 103 is set to the center of the inner circumferential circle of the cross section of the flat tube. Assume that it is set at the corresponding position. When this tube (flat tube) 103 is rotated in this state, as shown in FIG. 8A, the tube rotates about a straight line T 3 passing through a position corresponding to the center of the inner circumferential circle, and The tube 103 has runout over its entire length in the axial direction. Note that the two-dot chain line in FIG. 8A indicates a state where the solid line is rotated 90 degrees from the state of the solid line.

FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view of an arbitrary cross section of the flat tube 103, and a two-dot chain line shows an outer peripheral surface (circumferential circle) in a state rotated 90 degrees from the solid line state. . As shown in this figure, the tubular body 103 is in the vertical position in the state of the solid line, but when it is rotated 90 degrees, it is in the horizontal position as shown by the two-dot chain line, and further rotated 90 degrees. By the way, it returns to the state of the solid line. Therefore, the outer peripheral surface repeatedly swells outward and dents inward, causing a 180 ° -period deflection.

As described above, it is assumed that the rotation axis T of the rotation of the flat tube 103 passes through the center of the inner circumferential circle in the cross section at both ends of the tube (flat tube) 103. Furthermore, in this example, assuming a constant cross-section over the entire length, any cross-section passes through the center of its outer circle (not a perfect circle). Therefore, the deflection over the entire length of the flat tube 103 is caused by the fact that the outer circumferential circle in each cross section of the tube 103 is deviated from the true circle. FIG. 8C will be described later.

(Example of measurement)

Next, the case where the shape of the defective pipe as described above is measured is described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a graph showing an example of the result of detecting the amount of displacement of the outer peripheral surface while rotating the pipe (object) 10 whose shape is to be measured. In FIG. 9, the horizontal axis represents the rotation angle of the tube (work), and the vertical axis represents the detected value of the radial displacement of the outer surface of the tube 10 detected by the displacement detectors 30. Is shown. Complete pipe measurement>''

First, for a complete cylindrical tube 10 without any bending, uneven thickness, or cross-sectional deformation, the shape of the tube is measured based on the measurement principle shown in Figs. 1 to 3. As described above, since the outer peripheral surface of the tubular body 10 is not displaced at all, the displacement amounts detected by the five displacement measuring devices 30 are not changed as shown in FIG. 9A. .

In the bent pipe 101 shown in FIG. 6, since the inner peripheral surface is assumed to be a perfect circle, a pair of reference portions 20 and 20 abut on the inner peripheral surface of the bent pipe. Even if the pipe 101 is rotated as it is, the inner peripheral surface of the pipe abutting on the pair of reference portions 20 and 20 does not move. Accordingly, in the measurement of the bent tube 101, the tube rotates in the same manner as in FIG. 6A showing a state where the flange is inserted into both sides of the tube and rotated. Here, the deviation of the rotation center position assumed in Fig. 5 is ignored.

At this time, at the detection positions 31 and 31 near both ends of the tubular body 101 facing the pair of reference portions 20, as apparent from FIG. 6A, the detected displacement amount is as shown in FIG. There is no change as shown in the figure. This is because the detection positions 31, 31 facing the reference portions 20, 20 are for detecting the wall thickness of the tube 101 at the positions 31, 31. As described above, it is clear from the assumption that the bent pipe 101 of FIG. 6 assumes a pipe body having a constant wall thickness.

On the other hand, at positions 3 2... Other than the positions 3 1, 3 1 facing the reference portions 20, 20, as shown by the lower arrow of the tube 101 in FIG. Since the outer peripheral surface of the body 101 is displaced in the radial direction and its cycle is 360 degrees, the deflection of the outer peripheral surface 12 as shown in FIG. 9B is detected. That is, according to the shape measuring method of the tubular body 101, it is possible to detect the deflection of the outer peripheral surface due to the bending of the tubular body 101.

In the middle of the three displacement detection positions 3 2… in the center of the tube 101, At the position, the largest displacement is detected. By comparing the degree of the deflection amount at each of the detection positions 32, it is possible to estimate that the defect of the tubular body 101 is caused by a bend, and the degree of the bend.

It should be noted that the deflection of the bent tube 101 as shown in FIG. 6 cannot be detected by the above-described conventional method of detecting the deflection of the outer peripheral surface based on the outer peripheral surface (FIGS. 56 and 57). is there.

Since the inner peripheral surface of the uneven thickness tube 102 shown in FIG. 7 is assumed to be a perfect circle, the pair of reference portions 20 and 20 abut on the inner peripheral surface of the bent tube. Even if the pipe 102 is rotated with the pipe 102 kept in contact, the inner peripheral surface of the pipe 102 abutting on the pair of reference portions 20 and 20 does not move. Therefore, in the measurement for the uneven thickness tube 102, the tube rotates in the same manner as in FIG. 7A showing a state in which the flange is inserted and rotated on both sides of the tube. Here, the displacement of the rotation center position assumed in FIG. 5 is ignored.

At this time, at all of the detection positions 31 and 31 near both ends of the tube 102 facing the pair of reference portions 20 and the other detection positions 32 and so on, FIG. As shown by the arrow on the lower side of 02, the outer peripheral surface of the tubular body 102 is displaced in the radial direction, and its period is 360 degrees, so the outer peripheral surface 1 as shown in FIG. A run of 2 is detected. That is, according to the method for measuring the shape of the tubular body, it is possible to detect the deflection of the outer peripheral surface due to the uneven thickness of the tubular body 102.

In particular, since the wall thickness of the tube 102 is directly detected at the detection positions 31 and 31 facing the reference portions 20 and 20, the detection is performed at these positions 31 and 31. It is also possible to obtain the wall thickness distribution in the circumferential direction of the tube 102 from the deflection.

In general, pipes have a combination of defective factors such as bending and uneven wall thickness.However, according to this pipe shape measurement method, the results of superimposing these effects are combined into a single shape. It can be obtained by measurement. ' If it is assumed that the thickness deviation is substantially the same over the entire length of the tube, the tube 10 can be determined from the displacement detected at the detection positions 31 and 31 facing the reference portion of the tube 10. It can be estimated that the wall thickness distribution in the circumferential direction is the same over the entire length of the tube 10. In this case, the displacement amounts detected at the detection positions 3 2... Other than the detection positions 3 1, 3 1 facing the reference portion 20 include the displacement amount due to uneven thickness, but the detection positions will be changed from now on. By subtracting the amount of displacement detected in 31 and 31, it is possible to eliminate and extract only the effects of defects caused by causes other than uneven thickness. In this way, for example, a pipe body having unnecessary factors of bending and uneven thickness can be obtained by superimposing these effects, and the effects of these defects can be separated out. It is also possible to consider the degree of each failure. The assumption that such uneven wall thickness is substantially the same over the entire length of the tubular body can often be made based on the characteristics of the manufacturing method of the tubular body. For example, in the case of pipes that are continuously produced by extrusion and then cut to a predetermined length, it is often assumed that the cross-sectional shape of each pipe is approximately the same as the entire length of each pipe.

As described above, the deflection of the uneven thickness pipe 102 as shown in FIG. 7 cannot be detected by the conventional method of detecting the deflection of the outer peripheral surface with reference to the outer peripheral surface (FIGS. 56 and 57). It is a thing.

In the measurement of the flat tube 103 shown in FIG. 8, the pair of reference portions 20, 20 was placed in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the tube (flat tube) 103. When rotated, the tubular body (flat tube) 103 moves up and down as shown in Fig. 8C.

At this time, in the measuring method shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the position where the pair of reference portions 20 and 20 face a virtual straight line Q passing through two points abutting on the tube, that is, the 8C Since the upper side of the tube 103 in the figure is used as the displacement detection position, there is no change in the amount of displacement as is evident from the arrow below the tube 103 in FIG. 8C. 9th A Detected as shown. This is because the tube 103 has no bend and its wall thickness is constant. After all, the measurement method shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 cannot detect such a defect caused by a non-circular cross-section such as a flat shape in which the cross section of the tube is not a perfect circle. In addition, the deflection of a flat tube as shown in Fig. 8 cannot be detected by the above-mentioned conventional method for detecting deflection of the outer peripheral surface based on the outer peripheral surface (Figs. 56 and 57).

(Principle of more advanced shape measurement method)

Then, the principle of a more advanced pipe shape measuring method according to the present invention, which can detect a defect caused by the non-circular cross section of the flat tube 103, can be detected. Description will be given with reference to a schematic explanatory diagram.

FIG. 10 is a front sectional view showing the principle of the shape measuring method according to the present invention, and FIG. 11 is a side sectional view of the same.

In the tube shape measuring method according to the present invention shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 described above (hereinafter referred to as a basic method), five displacement detectors 30. The two contact portions P 1 and P 2 contacting 0 are arranged at positions 3 1..., 3 2... That face the virtual straight line Q from the outside of the tube 10. Particularly, two of the positions 31 and 31 are positions facing the pair of reference portions 20 and 20.

As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, a more advanced shape measuring method according to the present invention includes five displacement detectors 30 in addition to the five displacement detectors 30 in the basic method described above. 30... Are arranged.

The newly arranged five detectors 30… have the axial position of the tube 10 coincide with the displacement detection positions 3 1..., 3 2. .., 34,... Are positioned so as to be the displacement detection positions. That is, with respect to the detection position 3 1 ···, 3 2 ··· in the basic method, an anti-phase position (a position 180 degrees out of phase) in the circumferential direction of the tube 10 3 3 ··· New displacement detectors 30 are arranged so that ·, 34, ... are the detection positions. As described above, by detecting the radial displacement of the outer peripheral surface from both sides of the tubular body 10 at each axial position of the tubular body 10, the outer circumferential surface of the tubular body 10 at each axial position ( Outer diameter) can be obtained. Specifically, while rotating the tube 10, at each rotation angle in the circumferential direction, the difference between the displacements detected at the two detection positions sandwiching the tube 10 is determined, thereby obtaining the difference in the circumferential position. The amount of change in the diameter of the tube 10 can be obtained.

This makes it possible to substantially grasp the outer peripheral surface shape (outer shape) of the tube 10 at each cross section in the axial direction of the tube 10 at which the detection position is set.

In particular, the displacement amount detected at the detection positions 31 and 31 facing the pair of reference portions 20 and 20 indicates the wall thickness of the tube 10 as described above. According to the detection positions 33, 33 and the opposite phases opposed thereto, it is possible to obtain how the wall thickness and diameter of the tube 10 in this cross section change in the circumferential direction. Therefore, in this cross-section, it is possible to roughly grasp the cross-sectional shape including the inner peripheral surface (inner peripheral circle).

, 3 4... Correspond to the position C shown in FIG. The center position of the tube 10 is shifted while the inner peripheral surface 11 of the tube 10 abuts the reference portions 20 and 20 during the shape measurement (rotation) of the tube 10 at the position C. In this case, the effect of the detected amount on this displacement is the _second smallest after the detection position A. Therefore, even if the tube 10 is displaced during the shape measurement, the detection position 3 3 The detected values of the displacements in,,… can be measured stably with little effect.

Considering the case where the shape measurement is performed on the flat tube shown in FIG. 8 by such an advanced shape measurement method, as described above, it is opposed to the reference portions 20 and 20. At the detection positions 3 1, 3 1 and the detection position 3 2— (the lower detection position of the tube 103 in Fig. 8C) whose circumferential position is the same as the detection position, the displacement amount is reduced as shown in Fig. 9A. Only no change is detected.

In contrast, at the detection positions 3 3 ····, 3 4… that are in phase with the detection positions 3 1 ···, 3 2 ···, as shown by the arrow above the tubular body 103 in FIG. 8C. The outer peripheral surface of the tubular body 103 is displaced in the radial direction. Since the cycle of this displacement is 180 degrees, a deflection on the outer peripheral surface 12 as shown in FIG. 9C is detected at these detection positions 33, 34,. That is, according to the second method for measuring the shape of the tubular body, it is possible to detect a defect caused by the non-circular cross section of the tubular body.

It is also possible to infer the cross-sectional shape of the tube 103 to be measured from the change in the detected displacement (the state of the dangling (the shape of the graph in FIG. 9C)).

In addition, this advanced method can detect a defect such as bending or uneven wall thickness of the pipe in the same manner as in the first method described above. However, this advanced method involves a non-circular cross section of the pipe. The results obtained by superimposing the effects of these defects together with the defects can be obtained.

Conversely, by taking into account the typical detection pattern of each of these defects, the degree, size, content (cross-sectional shape in the case of a non-circular cross-section), etc. for each defect can be classified. This can also contribute to measures to resolve each defect.

Both the basic method shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 and the advanced method shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the conventional peripheral method shown in FIGS. 56 and 57 is used. It is possible to obtain the amount of deflection corresponding to the amount of deflection of the outer peripheral surface based on the surface. That is, from the ratio of the distance between the two detection positions 31 and 31 facing the reference portions 20 and 20 and the other detection positions 3 2... Disposed at the center in the axial direction of the tube 10. The displacements detected at these two detection positions 3 1, 3 1 are given to the other detection positions 3 2… and the displacements thus obtained are actually calculated at the other detection positions 3 2… What is necessary is just to subtract from the detected displacement amount. The other detection positions 3 2… calculated in this way The displacement amount is a displacement amount measured based on the two detection positions 31 and 31. [First Embodiment]

Next, as a first embodiment of a tube shape measuring apparatus for measuring the shape of a tube based on the above principle, a manual type in which a measuring operator rotates a tube (work) 10 manually is used. The shape measuring device 4 will be described.

FIG. 12 is a plan sectional view of the manual type shape measuring device 4. FIG. 13 is a front sectional view of the device 4. FIG. 14 is a side sectional view of the device 4. FIG. 15 is a schematic perspective view of the device 4. FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram of a procedure for setting a pipe (work) in the apparatus 4.

The shape measuring device 4 supports a pair of reference portions 42, 42, which are in contact with the inner peripheral surface 11 of the tube 10 and serve as a reference for shape measurement, and supports the tube 10 from below. A pedestal part 44 that stabilizes the height position of the tube 10, a stopper part 45 that abuts one end of the tube 10 to stabilize the axial position of the tube 10, and a tube 1 A displacement detector 43 that contacts the outer peripheral surface 12 of the tube 10 to detect the amount of radial displacement of the outer peripheral surface of the tube 10 and a main body base 40 to which these components are attached. Have.

As shown in FIG. 14 and the like, the pair of reference portions 42 and 42 are formed on the inner peripheral surface 11 near the both end portions of the pipe 10 in a substantially horizontal posture, and have a height of the same. It comes into contact with the side position (inner side surface) corresponding to the approximate center position in the direction, and serves as a reference for shape measurement. The pair of reference portions 4 2 and 4 2 are made of synthetic resin spheres that can smoothly slide on the inner peripheral surface 11 of the tube 10 and do not damage the inner peripheral surface 11. They are respectively attached to the reference support blocks 4 2 2 and 4 2 2 from outside by fixed support shafts 4 2 1 and 4 2 1. In this embodiment, the pair of reference portions 42 and 42 do not rotate with the rotation of the tube 10. Therefore, the tubular body 10 of the pair of reference portions 42, 42 is formed. Since the portion that abuts on the inner peripheral surface 11 does not change even when the tube 10 rotates, the measurement reference position can be reliably stabilized. On the other hand, when the portion of the tube 10 that comes into contact with the inner peripheral surface 11 is worn or the like, the tube 10 can be appropriately rotated. As a result, a new portion of the pair of reference portions 42, 42 comes into contact with the inner peripheral surface 11 of the tubular body 10 as necessary.

The fixed support shafts 4 2 1 and 4 2 1 that support the reference portions 4 2 and 4 2 have a thinner cross-sectional shape than the reference portions 4 2 and 4 2, and the pair of reference portions 4 2 and 4 2 It is made of, for example, a metal rod having a length equal to or greater than the insertion depth from the end face of the tubular body 10 when inserted into the inside of the tube 10. As a result, the pipe (work) 10 can be set in the procedure described later. '

The reference support blocks 422 and 422 are made of, for example, a metal block fixed to the upper surface of the main body base 40 with bolts or the like. In the body base 40, a long hole 4 23 of a predetermined length in the longitudinal direction (axial direction) of the tubular body 10 is formed in a portion to which one of the reference support blocks 42, 42 is attached. ing. The structure in which one of the reference support blocks 422 is fixed by bolts penetrating the long holes 423 allows the distance between the pair of reference support blocks 422, 422 to be changed, and thus the pair of reference support blocks 422, 422. One of the reference portions 42, 42 can be moved at a plurality of positions in the axial direction of the tube 10, and can be fixed at each position. Thereby, shape measurement can be performed by adapting to the tubes 10 of various lengths and sizes. In addition, it is also possible to set the portions where the reference portions 42 and 42 come into contact with each other at various axial positions of the tube 10. However, the structure in which the reference portions 42 and 42 can be moved is not for moving the reference support blocks 42 and 42 during the shape measurement of one pipe 10.

Also, the bolt hole for attaching the other reference support block 4 22 is also a long hole 4 2 4. However, this is to make the pedestal section 4 described later movable. It is not necessary to move the support block 4 2 2. Since the reference portions 42, 42, the fixed support shafts 421, 421 and the reference support blocks 422, 422 serve as a reference for measuring the shape of the tube 10, sufficient reference is required in accordance with the required measurement accuracy. It is configured to have high rigidity. <Pedestal>

As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, etc., the base portion 44 is formed such that a side portion (inner peripheral side surface) of the inner peripheral surface 11 at the center in the height direction of the tube 10 is the pair of reference portions 42, 42. The pipe 10 is supported from the lower side of the outer peripheral surface 12 so that the inner peripheral side surface of the tubular body 10 and the pair of reference portions 42 abut against each other. It stabilizes the height position.

There are two pedestal portions 44 arranged on both sides of the tubular body 10 so as to support the vicinity of both ends of the tubular body 10. For this reason, the tube 10 is stably supported substantially horizontally in the axial direction. The two pedestal portions 44, 44 are formed on the main body base 40 by a pair of pedestal blocks 441, 441 fixed to the inside of the reference support blocks 422, 422 with a port or the like, and a contact provided on the upper surface thereof. (Contact part) 442, 442.

The pedestal blocks 441, 441, like the reference support blocks 422, 422, are fixed on the main body base 40 by a port that penetrates the elongated holes 423, 424 formed in the main body base 40. Can be changed. As a result, similarly to the reference support blocks 422, 422, the pipe body 10 having various lengths can be stably supported at an appropriate axial position and the height can be accurately measured. I have.

The pedestal blocks 441, 441 can also be adjusted in the height direction by mounting one or more height adjustment plates 443 having a predetermined thickness between the main body base 40 and the base block 441. This makes it possible to stably support tubes of various cross-sectional sizes (diameters) at appropriate heights. The contact members (contact portions) 442, 442 are made of a material having a low coefficient of friction with the outer peripheral surface 12 of the tube 10, for example, a round bar made of a hard synthetic resin or the like. Therefore, when the outer peripheral surface 12 of the tubular body 10 rotates while being in contact with the pedestals 44, 44, it can be smoothly rotated without generating shear vibration and the like, and accurate shape measurement can be performed. It is possible. In addition, as the contact members 442, 442, any material having a low coefficient of friction with the outer peripheral surface of the tubular body can be suitably used. In addition to the above-described hard synthetic resin and the like, a metal material having a smooth surface is used. And the like.

The contact members 442, 442 are fitted into substantially horizontal grooves orthogonal to the axial direction of the pipe body 10 provided on the upper surfaces of the pedestal blocks 441, 441, and are mounted so that the upper surfaces thereof are substantially horizontal. I have. Thus, even if the contact position with the tube 10 is slightly shifted, the height position of the tube 10 is stably supported, and accurate shape measurement can be performed. .

The contact members 442 are arranged at positions where the axial positions of the pair of reference portions 42.42 and the tubular body 10 match. Therefore, it is possible to stabilize the height position of the tubular body at the axial position where the tubular body 10 abuts the pair of reference portions 42, 42, thereby stabilizing the reference position for shape measurement and accurate shape. Measurements can be taken. Ku Stopper Part>

As shown in FIG. 13 and the like, the stopper portion 45 abuts one end surface of the tube 10 to stabilize its axial position, and the pair of reference portions 42, 42, etc. In the axial direction. Also, the contact position (displacement detection position) between the displacement detectors 43 and the tube 10 is stabilized at an appropriate position in the axial direction. The stopper part 45 includes a stopper mounting shaft 451 mounted on the inner surface of the reference support block 422 that is not moved in the axial direction of the tube 10, and a stopper main body 452 mounted on the distal end thereof. It is composed of The stopper mounting shaft 45 1 is formed as a metal part that extends substantially horizontally from the inner side surface of the reference support block 4 22 and is bent upward.

The stopper body 452 is formed as a short columnar body having a circular horizontal section made of synthetic resin or the like having a low coefficient of friction, and is brought into contact with the end face on one end side of the tube 10 and rotated during shape measurement. The axial position of the tube 10 is stabilized.

The displacement detectors 43 sense the radial displacement of the outer peripheral surface of the tube 10 by contacting the outer peripheral surface 12 of the tube 10. Contact-type ones are provided at three different locations in the axial direction. Of these three displacement detectors 43, two on both sides are arranged at positions facing the pair of reference portions 42, 42, respectively, at positions where the radial direction of the tube 10 is substantially horizontal. The remaining one is arranged at the axial center of the tube 10 alongside these.

Each of the displacement detectors 43 includes a contact hole (contact portion) 431 for rolling contact with the outer peripheral surface of the tube 10 and a support bracket 43 for rotatably supporting the contact roller 43. 2 and a retractable shaft 433 having one end to which the support bracket 432 is attached. The amount of movement of the retractable shaft 433 in the retracting direction, that is, the contact roller (contact portion) 431 The displacement of the outer peripheral surface of the tube 10 can be detected by detecting the displacement of the tube 10. Since the displacement detectors 43 come into contact with the outer peripheral surface 12 of the tubular body to detect the amount of displacement, reliable detection can be performed. In addition, since the contact roller 431 is in rolling contact with the outer peripheral surface 12 of the tubular body 10, it is possible to prevent the outer peripheral surface 12 of the tubular body 10 from being damaged such as abrasion as much as possible. The contact roller (contact portion) 431 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and has an outer peripheral surface in line contact with the outer peripheral surface 12 of the tubular body 10. As a result, the pressure acting on the outer peripheral surface 12 of the tube 10 is dispersed, and the outer surface 12 of the tube 10 is not easily damaged. I'm wearing Further, both sides of the contact roller 431 are chamfered, and from this point, the outer peripheral surface 12 of the tube 10 is hardly damaged.

Further, each displacement detector 43 is provided with a biasing means 43 which biases the retractable shaft 43 toward the tube 10 side, and the tube 10 through the contact roller 43 is provided. The outer peripheral surface 12 is pressed against a pair of reference portions 42 and 42. Specifically, one end of the biasing means 4 3 4 is fixed to a fixed portion 4 35 in the displacement detector 43, and the other end is an extension shaft 4.

The projection 43 is provided with a panel attached to the shaft 43 so as to bias the projection 43 provided on the projection 33. That is, this displacement detector 43 is

By providing 4 3 4, it functions as a pressing portion. Since the tube 10 is pressed against the pair of reference portions 42 and 42 from the outside by the displacement detector (pressing portion) 43, the tube 10 is kept pressed while the tube 10 rotates. The inner peripheral surface 11 surely comes into contact with the pair of reference portions 42, 42. Therefore, accurate shape measurement can be performed.

In addition, since the displacement detectors 43 function as pressing portions, the number of contact portions between the pipe 10 to be measured and the shape measuring device 4 can be reduced as compared with a configuration having a separate pressing portion. Can be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to eliminate disturbance elements and contribute to accurate shape measurement. In addition, the number of parts of the shape measuring device 4 is reduced, which contributes to cost reduction.

Further, since the displacement detectors 43 functioning as the pressing portions are disposed at a position facing the pair of reference portions 42 and 42 and at a central position in the axial direction of the tube 10, the pair of reference portions The pipe 10 can be stably abutted against the pipes 42 and 42, and the pipe 10 is arranged symmetrically about the center of the pipe 10 in the axial direction (symmetrical in Fig. 12 etc.). As a result, the tube 10 can be stably brought into contact with the pair of reference portions in a well-balanced manner.

All of such displacement detectors 43 are non-rotatably mounted on a detector mounting shaft 411 parallel to the axial direction of the tube 10. This detector mounting shaft 4 1 1 The ends are rotatably penetrated through a pair of main body side walls 412, 412 fixed to both sides of the main body base 40, and rotation operation handles 413, 413 are attached.

Immediately inside the main body side walls 412, 412 of the detector mounting shaft 411, a pair of rotating blocks 414, 414 are mounted so as not to rotate with respect to the detector mounting shaft 411. The rotating blocks 414, 414 can be fixed in their rotational position by inserting bosses (not shown) which inwardly protrude from the pair of main body side walls 412, 412 with the plunger handle 415. The rotational position fixed at this time is set such that the contact rollers 431 of the displacement detectors 43 are separated from the tube body 10, whereby the contact rollers 43 are displaced. The tube 10 is separated from the tube 10 so that the tube 10 can be easily sectioned into this device.

Magnets 416, 416 are attached to the upper inside of the pair of main body side walls 412, 412, respectively, so that the rotating positions of the rotating blocks 414, 414 can be fixed. The rotation position fixed at this time is determined by rotating the detector mounting shaft 41 1 with the rotation operation handles 413, 413, and pressing the contact rollers 431… of the respective displacement detectors 43… against the outer peripheral surface 12 of the tube 10. The shape is set so as to correspond to a state (displacement measurement position) in which the shape of the body 10 is measured, and the shape of the tube 10 can be stably measured in this state.

The detector mounting shaft 411, the pair of main body side walls 412, 412, the rotating operation handles 413, 413, the rotating blocks 414, 414, the plunger handle 415, and the magnets 416, 416 work with a plurality of displacement detectors 43 ... This makes up an interlocking mechanism that moves the displacement measurement position and the release position.

The displacement detectors 43 are attached to the detector mounting shaft 411 so that the axial position of the tube 10 can be changed and can be fixed at each position. Axial position that can respond to the tube 10 and detects the amount of displacement Can be appropriately changed. It is also possible to measure the deflection of the outer peripheral surface 12 of the tubular body 10 at the number of positions or more with the limited displacement detectors 43 (three in this example). <Set of pipe>-In setting the pipe (work) 10 in this shape measuring device 4, first insert one end of the pipe 10 into one reference part 42 (No. 16A Figure) At this time, the reference portions 4 2 and 4 2 are supported from outside by fixed support shafts 4 2 1 and 4 2 1, and these fixed support shafts 4 2 1 and 4 2 1 are paired with the reference portions 4 2 and 4 2. Is longer than the insertion depth from the end face of the tubular body 10 when the tubular body 10 is inserted into the inside of the tubular body 10, the other end of the tubular body 10 (No. 16) One end of the tubular body 10 can be inserted deeply into one of the reference portions 42 until the right end (in FIG. A, the right end) reaches inside (the right side) of the other reference portion 42.

Then, from this state, the other end of the tube 10 is lowered so that the pair of reference portions 42 and 42 are inserted inside the tube 10 when viewed in the axial direction (first 16 B (See figure.) Then, the pipe 10 is horizontally slid so that the other reference portion 42 is inserted into the other end of the pipe 10, and the stopper 10 is brought into contact with the stopper body 45 2 of the stopper 45. They should be touched (Fig. 16C).

As described above, in the setting of the tube 10, the pair of reference portions 42, 42 need not be moved at all. This makes it easy to stabilize the positions of the pair of reference portions 42, 42, which can contribute to accurate shape measurement.

Further, since the stopper 10 has the stopper 45 contacting one end surface of the tube 10, the sliding operation is performed until the other end surface of the tube 10 contacts the stopper body 45 2 of the stopper 45. The tube 10 can be easily set at an appropriate axial position.

Once the tube 10 is set in this way, operate the plunger handle 4 15 to change it. With the position detectors 4 3 ... being rotatable and movable, the rotation rollers 4 13, 4 13 are operated to move the contact rollers 4 3 1… of the variable detectors 4 3… around the tube 10. Press on surface 1 and 2.

Then, while maintaining the contact state between the contact rollers 4 3 1... And the outer peripheral surface 12 of the tube 10, the measurement operator grasps the outer peripheral surface 12 of the tube 10 and removes the tube 10. Rotate. It is desirable that the rotation operation of the tube 10 be performed at least one rotation, preferably about three rotations in order to eliminate measurement errors.

If the amount of radial displacement of the outer peripheral surface 12 of the tubular body 10 due to the rotation of the tubular body 10 is appropriately detected by the displacement detectors 43, the inner peripheral surface of the tubular body 10 is used as a reference. The magnitude of the fullness of the outer peripheral surface can be detected.

It is desirable that the detection of the amount of displacement by the displacement detectors 43 is performed continuously while the tube 10 is rotated. In this case, the displacement detectors 4 3… store the maximum displacement value while updating the maximum displacement value from the displacement value (reset value at that time) when starting rotation of the tube 10. Also, a function of storing the minimum value and the maximum value of the displacement amount while updating them, or a function of continuously storing the displacement amount may be provided.

On the other hand, the detection of the amount of displacement by the displacement detectors 43 may be performed at some rotational angular positions in the circumferential direction by appropriately stopping the rotation of the tube 10. Even in this case, if the displacement amount is detected at a plurality of locations over the entire circumference, the deflection amount of the tube 10 can be obtained approximately.

The shape measuring device 4 configured as described above can provide the operational effects of the shape measuring method having the configuration shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 described above.

In particular, in the shape measuring device 4 shown in FIGS. 12 to 16, the displacement detectors 43 are biased so as to press the tube 10 against the pair of reference portions 42, 42. Therefore, a stable abutment between the pair of reference portions 42, 42 and the inner peripheral surface 11 of the tube 10 It is easy to maintain the state.

In particular, the tube 10 is supported in its height direction by the pedestal portion 44, and the height position is stable. An appropriate measurement environment can be secured simply by rotating the tube 10 so that it slides on the pedestal portion 44 while maintaining the state sandwiched between 42 and the displacement detector 43.

Further, the pair of reference portions 42.42 comes in contact with the vertical direction in which the pipe body 10 is supported by the pedestals 44, 44, and the displacement amount is detected by the displacement detecting portions 43. Since the horizontal direction is a direction orthogonal to the horizontal direction, the vertical movement of the rotation center of the tube 10 has an effect on the radial displacement of the outer peripheral surface 1.2 on the side of the tube 10. Smallest. For example, as shown in Fig. 5, even if the center of the tube 10 is displaced in the direction of B or D, it has almost no effect on the radial displacement of the outer peripheral surface detected at the position A. There is no. In the case where the tubular body 10 has a shape deviating from a perfect cylindrical shape, if the tubular body 10 is supported by the pedestals 44, 44 from below, the center position of the tubular body 10 is vertically displaced. However, even if the center position of the tubular body 10 shifts up and down in this way, as described above, it has little effect on the radial displacement of the outer peripheral surface detected on the side of the tubular body 10. Therefore, the shape can be stably measured, and a highly reliable measurement result can be obtained.

Further, in the shape measuring device 4, the pipe (work) 10 is supported from below by the pedestals 44, 44, and the upper side of the pipe 10 and the side where the displacement detectors 43 are not arranged. Since the space (in the back side in Fig. 15) is vacant, the tube 10 can be easily set and removed from this space. Also, the tube 10 can be easily rotated from this space. Since the rotation operation is easy as described above, the rotation is manually performed. However, stable rotation with small fluctuation can be performed, and thereby high measurement accuracy can be obtained.

Specifically, when a shape measurement was performed 10 times for each of a plurality of pipes having various displacements, the variation (measurement error) of the measurement results was at most 4 m. It has been confirmed that it has high reliability as a manual type shape measuring device. Therefore, if the permissible range of the amount of deflection of the outer peripheral surface with respect to the inner peripheral surface of the pipe is, for example, 20 m or less, the maximum Inspection for selecting pipes that have a measurement result of 16 m or less as non-defective products may be performed. In this way, it is possible to obtain a set of pipes whose total number of non-defective products is within the allowable range of 20 m or less.

In addition, since the tube 10 can be easily set, rotated, and removed with the tube shape measuring device 4, the shape measurement is performed by rotating each tube 10 three times. Even if it does, shape measurement can be performed in about 30 seconds or less per piece. Furthermore, if mastered, shape measurement can be completed in about 10 seconds per piece.

Although the first embodiment has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above, and may be configured as follows.

(1) In the first embodiment described above, the upper surface of the contact member 44 of the pedestal portion 44 contacting the outer peripheral surface 12 of the tubular body 10 is configured horizontally, but the contact member 4 42 The upper surface may be configured to be concave or convex.

(2) In the first embodiment, the pedestal portion 44 is configured to support the tubular body 10 without changing its posture while being fixed at a predetermined position. It may be composed of one or a plurality of rollers or the like that come into contact with the outer peripheral surface 12 of the tubular body 10 while rotating.

(3) In the first embodiment, two pedestals 44, 44 are arranged near both ends of the tubular body 10, but the pedestals 44 may be one or three or more. Good. In the above embodiment, the number of the portions that come into contact with the tube 10 is two, but may be one or three or more. (4) In the first embodiment, the pair of reference portions is brought into contact with the support expected position when the tubular body is used. However, other positions may be used as long as the inner circumferential surface of the tubular body is used. . However, it is desirable to be near the supporting position. This is because the cross-sectional shape is likely to be similar to the planned support position.

(5) In the first embodiment, the pair of reference portions 42, 42 are formed in a spherical shape. However, the pair of reference portions 42, 42 may be in contact with the inner peripheral surface 11 of the tube 10 to serve as a reference for measuring the shape of the tube 10. Various other shapes can be adopted as long as the shape is acceptable.

(6) In the first embodiment, the pair of reference portions 42, 42 is configured not to rotate with the rotation of the tube 10, but may rotate with the tube 10. By doing so, the rotational resistance of the tube 10 can be reduced.

(7) In the first embodiment, the axial position of the pair of reference portions 42, 42 is fixed when the tube 10 is set in the shape measuring device 4, but the pair of reference portions 42, 42 is fixed. The tube 42 may be moved in the axial direction of the tube 10 to set the tube 10 at a predetermined position.

(8) In the first embodiment, the displacement of the outer peripheral surface of the tube is detected only at a position facing a virtual straight line passing through the contact portion between the pair of reference portions and the tube. The displacement may be detected at other positions in the circumferential direction of the tube.

(9) In the first embodiment, a plurality of displacement amount detection positions are provided, but at least one detection position may be provided.

(10) In the first embodiment, the displacement detector functions as the pressing portion, that is, the displacement detector also serves as the pressing portion, but the pressing portion is provided separately from the displacement detector. It may be provided.

(11) In the above-described first embodiment, a contact-type detector that contacts the outer peripheral surface of the tubular body 10 is exemplified as the displacement detector.However, the amount of radial displacement of the outer peripheral surface 12 of the tubular body 10 can be obtained. For example, it is not limited to these. Detectors based on various measurement principles, such as light-transmitting detectors, eddy-current detectors, capacitance-type detectors, focusing detectors, laser-reflection detectors, etc. Can be used.

(12) In the first embodiment described above, the photosensitive drum substrate is described as the tube whose shape is to be measured. Applicable to In addition, a tubular body can be a measurement target of the present invention.

(13) In the first embodiment, the measurement operator manually grasps the tube 10 and rotates it.However, a roller or the like driven by a motor or the like is used to rotate the outer surface of the tube 10 or the like. Alternatively, the tube 10 may be rotated by contacting the inner peripheral surface.

[Second embodiment]

Next, a second embodiment will be described.

The second embodiment is an automatic shape measuring device 5 for automatically measuring a shape by automatically rotating a tube (work) 10 by a driving force of the shape measuring device.

FIG. 17 is an overall perspective schematic view of the automatic type shape measuring device 5. FIG. 18 is an enlarged perspective view of a support structure of the tube 10 in the device 5. FIG. 19 is an explanatory front sectional view of a main part of the device 5. FIG. 20 is a side sectional view of a main part of the device 5. FIG. 21 is a front sectional view showing a supporting form of a reference roller. FIG. 22 is an explanatory plan view of the tube transport device. FIG. 23 is an explanatory side view of the tube conveying device.

The shape measuring device 5 includes a pair of reference rollers (reference portions) 52, 52 which come into contact with the inner peripheral surface 11 of the tube 10 and serve as a reference for shape measurement. The support rollers 5'4 ... that support the tube 10 from below while supporting the tube 10 from below, and light transmission arranged so as to sandwich the tube 10 from a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the tube 10 Mold displacement detector 53, tube transport device 55 for loading and unloading pipe (work) 10 A controller 56 for controlling the operation of the device, and a main body base 50 to which these components are attached are provided. Pair of reference parts>

—The pair of reference rollers 52 and 52 are located on the inner peripheral surface 11 near both ends of the tube 10 as shown in FIG. It is a reference for shape measurement.

The pair of reference rollers 52 and 52 are formed of a cylindrical member having smooth rounded edges. The pair of reference rollers 52, 52 are rotatably mounted on reference support shafts 521, 521, via bearings 52, 53, respectively. Since the pair of reference rollers 52 and 52 are rotatably mounted in this manner, they come into contact with the inner peripheral surface 11 of the tubular body 10 and rotate with the rotation of the tubular body 10 to rotate the tubular body 10. The contact position can be smoothly shifted without hindering the rotation of the body 10. In addition, since the pair of reference rollers 52, 52 are formed as cylindrical bodies in this manner, they come into line contact with the inner peripheral surface 11 of the tubular body 10, thereby dispersing the pressure and distributing the pressure to the tubular body 10. The inner peripheral surface 11 can be prevented from being damaged.

The bearing 523 is configured as a bearing having an axial load resistance. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 21, it is composed of two rows of anguilla ball bearings, and is resistant to both axially outward and inward loads (axial loads). ing. As a result, even when the axial load is applied to the reference rollers 52 and 52 due to a cause such as the tube 10 being bent, smooth rotation of the reference rollers 52 and 52 is ensured. By rotating the tube 10 smoothly, stable shape measurement can be performed.

—The reference support shafts 5 2 1 and 5 2 1 that support the pair of reference rollers 5 2 and 5 2 are composed of a metal shaft having sufficiently high rigidity, and the tube 10 is mounted on the main body base 50. The equipment boxes 5 11 and 5 11 1 ing. Due to such a structure, the reference support shafts 5 2 1 and 5 2 1 can be displaced in any direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the tube 10 (vertical direction and depth direction in FIG. 17). The position of the pair of reference rollers 52, 52 (the reference position for measurement) can be prevented in any direction (vertical direction and depth direction in FIG. 17) orthogonal to the axial direction of the tube 10. It does not slip. This prevents the smooth rotation of the tube 10 from being hindered.

The reference support shafts 5 2 1 and 5 2 1 are moved in the axial direction of the tube 10 by protruding and retracting drive units 5 2 2 and 5 2 2 installed in the equipment boxes 5 1 1 and 5 1 1. It can be driven in and out. As a result, when the tube 10 is set, the pair of reference rollers 52, 52 are retracted to the outside in the axial direction, and the tube 10 is not moved in the axial direction. It can be set. That is, the protruding / retracting drive units 52 2 and 52 2 function as protruding / retracting driving means. The movement of the pair of reference rollers 52, 52 is limited to the sliding movement of the tube 10 in the axial direction, so that the shaft position itself does not move even when the movement is performed. . As a result, the accuracy as a reference for measuring the shape of the pair of reference rollers 52, 52 is ensured, and high reliability in shape measurement can be maintained.

Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the pair of reference rollers 52 and 52 are connected at a portion (planned support position) where the tube 10 is rotatably supported by a flange or the like inserted at the time of use. It comes into contact with the inner peripheral surface of the body 10. As a result, the shape can be measured under the same conditions as those in actual use. Support Roller>

The support rollers 54 support the tube 10 from below at both ends thereof, and press the tube 10 against the pair of reference rollers 52, 52 with a predetermined pressing force. The support rollers 54 have a function of rotating the tube 10, a function of positioning the tube 10 in the axial direction, a function of moving the tube 10 up and down, and a structure of the tube 1. 0 A function of supporting from below and stabilizing the height position, and a function as a temporary placing table for temporarily supporting the tube 10 before correction and shape measurement are also realized.

The supporting rollers 54 are arranged at the same height, two at the lower side of both ends of the tube 10, and the four supporting rollers 54, including both ends of the tube 10, are combined. Is provided. The two support rollers 54, 54 arranged at one end of the tube 10 are configured as a pair of rollers whose rotation axis directions are parallel as shown in FIG. 15 and the like. Since two support rollers 54 are arranged on both sides of the tube 10 in this manner, the position of the axis of the tube 10 and the posture of the tube 10 can be stabilized.

Each of the supporting rollers 54 has a small-diameter portion 541 which comes into contact with the outer peripheral surface 12 of the tubular body 10 to support the tubular body 10 from below, and a concentric large-diameter portion 5 provided outside thereof. 4 2 As shown in FIG. 19 and the like, a pair of reference rollers 5 2, 5 2 abut on the inner peripheral surface 11 side of the tube 10, as shown in FIG. Only the both ends of the tube 10 outside the axial position are in contact with the tube 10. This enables the displacement detectors 53 to detect the displacement amount of this section without hindering the detection of the displacement amount of the section where the pair of reference rollers 52, 52 are in contact. ing. Further, by supporting both end portions of the tubular body 10, the posture of the tubular body 10 at the time of shape measurement can be further stabilized. In addition, since the supporting roller does not need to contact a large part of the central portion of the tube 10, the outer peripheral surface 12 of the tube 10 may be damaged by the contact of the supporting rollers 54. Performance can also be reduced. From this point, it is particularly suitable for shape measurement of a substrate for a photosensitive drum or the like.

The large-diameter portions 542 of each of the support rollers 54 contact the end face of the tube 10 in the axial direction so that the tube 10 set in the apparatus 5 is positioned in the axial direction. It has become. For this reason, the spacing between the support rollers 54 on both axial sides of the tube 10 is set so as to adapt to the length of the tube 10. Thus, the tube 10 _lr

45 By positioning the tube 10 in the axial direction by the supporting rollers 54 to support, members that come into contact with the tube 10 are reduced. As a result, error factors have been eliminated as much as possible. Also, high reliability can be obtained for shape measurement. Also, the possibility of damage to the tube 10 is reduced.

The support rollers 54 are rotatably mounted on support roller supports 543, 543 on both sides of the tube 10, respectively. These support roller supports 543 and 543 are mounted so as to be slidable with respect to the above-mentioned equipment box '511 and 511, respectively. According to 47, the sliding operation direction is restricted only in the vertical direction. That is, the support port support members 543 and 543 function as elevating members, and the operation direction restriction rails 544 and 545 function as operation direction restriction means. They also function as part of the lifting means at the same time. By attaching the support rollers 54 to the support roller supports 5443, 5443 in this manner, the two support ports 54, 54 on both sides of the tube 10 can maintain a relative positional relationship. It can be maintained properly and high reliability can be obtained for shape measurement. In addition, since the sliding direction of the support rollers 543, 543 is regulated, it is possible to stabilize the elevating direction of the support rollers 54, and obtain high reliability in shape measurement. it can.

On the lower side of the support rollers 54 are interlocking rollers 544, 544 which come into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the large-diameter portion of the support rollers 544, the support roller supports 544, 544. It is mounted rotatable with respect to 3. In this way, the two support rollers 54 are linked by the interlock rollers 54, 54 on both sides of the tube 10, so that the rotation of the two support rollers 54 is made uniform. You can do it. As a result, the rotation of the tube 10 can be stabilized, and high reliability can be obtained for shape measurement. One of the interlocking rollers 5 4 4 and 5 4 4 is housed in the equipment box 5 1 1 The drive force of the driven drive motor 545 is rotated in a predetermined direction to transmit the constant-speed rotation to the two support ports 54, 54, which are in contact with each other, and thus to rotate the tube 10. It is supposed to. That is, the drive motor 545 functions as a rotational drive unit that rotationally drives the support roller 45. The drive motor 545 also functions as a part of the lifting / lowering means at the same time. As described above, since the rotational driving force is transmitted to the tube 10 by the support port 54 holding the tube 10, the number of members that come into contact with the tube 10 is reduced to a small extent. And contribute to accurate shape measurement

. In addition, since the rotation of the tube 10 is performed by one rotation drive source, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of uneven rotation as in the case where a plurality of rotation drive sources are used. In addition, control of rotation can be simplified.

In addition, the supporting roller supports 543, 543 on which the supporting rollers 54 and the interlocking rollers 54, 54 are mounted are mounted on the upper and lower sides of the equipment boxes 51, 51, 51. The drive cylinders 546 and 546 perform sliding operation in the vertical direction. That is, the vertical drive cylinders 546, 546 function as lifting / lowering driving means for raising / lowering the support port rollers 54. The vertical drive cylinders 546 and 546 also function as a part of the elevating means at the same time.

When the supporting roller supports 543 and 543 slide by the vertical driving cylinders 546 and 546, the tube 10 supported on the supporting rollers 54 and the inner periphery of the tube 10 are moved. The lower surface moves back and forth between the measurement position where the lower surface contacts the pair of reference rollers 52 and 52 and the separated position where the inner lower surface is separated from the pair of reference rollers 52 and 52.

When measuring the shape of the tube 10, the vertical drive cylinders 546, 546 lift the tube 10 to the measurement position, and furthermore, support the roller support members 543, 5. By applying a predetermined upward force to 43, the pipe body 10 at the measurement position is pressed against the pair of reference rollers 52, 52 with a predetermined pressing force. As a result, when measuring the shape of the tube 10, ₍₇₎ The contact pressure with the pair of reference rollers 52, 52 can be properly maintained, and high reliability can be obtained for shape measurement.

Since the weight of the tube 10 is supported from below by the support rollers 54, the contact pressure between the inner peripheral lower surface of the tube 10 and the pair of reference rollers 52, 52 is reduced by the tube 1 Regardless of the weight of 0, it is possible to set an arbitrary contact pressure that is equal to or greater than the weight of the tube 10. As a result, the most appropriate contact pressure for shape measurement can be realized, and accurate shape measurement can be performed. Specifically, a pressure that does not substantially cause deformation at the end of the tube 10 can be set as the contact pressure. Alternatively, a pressure that positively causes some deformation at the end of the tube 10 can be set.

The displacement detectors 53 detect the amount of displacement of the outer peripheral surface 12 of the tube 10 in the radial direction. Here, non-contact type detectors are provided at five different positions of the tube 10 in the axial direction. Are provided. Two of the five displacement detectors 53 are arranged so as to detect the displacement of the section including the position facing the pair of reference rollers 52, 52, respectively.

Each of the displacement detectors 53 is a light transmission type displacement detector arranged so as to sandwich the tube 10 from a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the tube 10. For this reason, the light irradiating section and the light receiving section which are arranged so as to sandwich the tube 10 form a pair of displacement detectors 53, and the light irradiated from the light irradiating section (for example, Of the laser light), the light transmitted without being blocked by the tube is detected by the light receiving portion, and thereby the surface position of the outer peripheral surface 12 of the tube 10 is detected.

, 532... Have a width in the height direction exceeding the diameter of the tube 10 as shown in FIG. 19 and the like. Each of the displacement detectors 53 is not only a displacement amount at one position on the outer peripheral surface of the tube 10, but also a position opposed thereto (a position different by half a circle in the circumferential direction of the tube 10, 18 0). Rotated position, or out of phase Displacement) can be detected at the same time. Thus, by combining the displacements detected at the positions facing each other, the diameter of the tube 10 passing through these two positions can be obtained, and the shape of the tube 10 can be grasped more specifically. be able to.

That is, the displacement detectors 53 can perform shape measurement similar to the shape measurement method of the configuration of FIGS. 10 and 11.

As shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, the pipe transfer device (pipe transfer means) 55 transfers the pipe 10 supplied to the shape measuring device 5 to a predetermined loading position 55. From A, the first transporting device 551, which transports the shape to the support roller 54 on which the shape measurement is performed, and the pipe 10 whose shape has been measured from the support roller 54 to the predetermined unloading position 55B And a second transfer device 552 for transferring.

The first transfer device 55 1 is provided with transfer arms 55 3 and 55 3 arranged on both sides of the tube 10, respectively. Pickup protrusions 554 and 554 to be inserted into the body 10 are formed. The first transfer device 55 1 includes a slide drive source 5 5 5 5 5 5 for moving the transfer arms 5 5 3 5 5 3 in the axial direction of the tube 10, and a pickup protrusion 5 5 Moving rails 5 5 6 and 5 5 6 for moving the transfer arms 5 5 3 and 5 5 3 picking up the pipe 10 with 4 5 5 4 from the loading position 55 A to the position on the support rollers 54 Similarly, the second transfer device 55 2 also has transfer arms 55 3, 53 3 arranged on both sides of the tube 10, respectively. At the end of the tube 53, pickup protrusions 554, 554 to be inserted into the tube 10 are formed, and the transfer arms 553, 553 are moved in the axial direction of the tube 10. 5 5 5 and 5 5 5 and the transfer arms 5 5 3 and 5 5 3 are carried out from the position above the support rollers 5 4. Moving rails 556 and 5556 for moving to a position 55B are provided. Controller>

The controller (control means) 56 generally controls the operation of each part of the shape measuring device 5, and is composed of, for example, a sequencer composed of a computer having a CFU and a memory.

The operating units controlled by the controller 56 include a retracting drive unit 52 2, 52 2 for moving the pair of reference rollers 52, 52 to retract, and a drive motor 54 for rotatingly driving the support rollers 54. 5, 5 4 5, up and down drive cylinders 5 4, 5 4 6 to move the support rollers 5 4… up and down, displacement detectors 5 3… to measure the shape of the tube 10, 1st transfer device 5 5 1 The slide drive sources 55 5 and 55 5 of the second transfer device 55 2 and the slide drive sources 55 5 of the second transfer device 55 5 can be used. Is controlled at each of the following timings.

Examples of the procedure of the shape measurement executed under the control of the controller 56 include the following examples.

First, the controller 56 causes the first transporting device 55 1 to carry in the tube 10 at the carry-in position .55 A onto the support rollers 54.

Specifically, with the transfer arms 55 3 and 55 3 extended to both outer sides by the slide drive sources 55 5 and 55 5, the transfer arms 55 3 and 55 6 are moved by the moving rails 55 6 and 55 6. , 553 to the loading position 55A. Then, the interval between the transfer arms 55 3 and 55 3 is reduced by the slide drive sources 55 5 and 55 5, so that the pickup protrusions 55 4 and 55 4 are inserted into the inside of the tube 10. . In this state, the transfer arm 55 3, 55 3 is moved from the loading position 55 A by the moving rails 55 6, 55 6 to the position above the support roller 54, so that the tube 10 is loaded. . The track of the moving rails 556 rises obliquely upward from the carry-in position, reaches a position substantially horizontally above the support rollers 54, and then descends obliquely downward. Orbital form like this The shape prevents the conveyed pipe 10 from interfering with the displacement detectors 53.

When the tube 10 is carried in, the controller 56 retracts the pair of reference rollers 52, 52 to both outsides by the retracting operation of the retracting drive units 522, 522. This prevents the incoming pipe 10 from interfering with the reference rollers 52,52.

When the first transfer device 551 carries the tube 10 to the position above the support rollers 54, the slide arms 555, 555 expand the transfer arms 553 to both outer sides by the slide drive sources 555, 555 to move the tube 10 to the support rollers 54. The small diameter part of 541 ... Then, with the transfer arms 553, 553 expanded, the transfer arms 553, 553 are returned to the transfer position 55A by the moving rails 556, 556, and the controller 56 is prepared for the next transfer of the tube 10. The pair of reference rollers 52, 52 are inserted into the inside of the tube 10 by the retracting operation of the retracting drive units 522, 522. Then, in this state, the tube 10 mounted thereon is lifted together with the support rollers 54 by the vertical drive cylinders 546.

When the pair of reference rollers 52, 52 comes into contact with the inner peripheral surface 10 of the tube 10, the tube 10 is further pressed against the pair of reference rollers 52, 52 with a predetermined pressing force. The tube 10 is rotated by the rollers 545 and 545 via the interlocking roller 544 and the supporting roller 54.

At this time, the displacement detectors 53... Detect the amount of displacement in the radial direction of the outer peripheral surface 12 in each axial section of the tube 10.

If the pipe 10 is rotated one or more turns and the displacement of the entire circumference is detected in the circumferential direction, the rotation of the pipe 10 is stopped, the pipe 10 is lowered, and the reference rollers 52, 52 The contact state with 2 is released, and the pair of reference rollers 52, 52 are retracted to both outsides again. JP2003 / 011737

51 Then, the controller 56 unloads the pipe 10 whose shape has been measured by the second transfer device 552 from above the support rollers 54 by the same procedure as the loading procedure by the first transfer device 551. It is carried out to the position 55B, and a series of shape measuring operations for one pipe 10 is completed.

The shape measuring device 5 configured as described above can provide the operational effects of the shape measuring method shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 described above.

Furthermore, in the automatic type shape measuring device 5, if the tube 10 is placed on the supporting rollers 54, the shape can be automatically measured, and therefore, it can be easily incorporated into an automation line. .

Further, the supporting rollers 54 supporting the tube 10 transmit the rotational driving force to the tube 10, position the tube 10 in the axial direction, move the tube 10 up and down, and move the tube 10. Setting 10 to the shape measurement position of the tube 10 to measure the shape to simultaneously perform each function of maintaining the contact state with the reference rollers 52 and 52 by supporting 10 from below. The operation parts are integrated to realize a structure with a small number of operation parts. Also, the number of parts where many parts come into contact with the tube 10 to be measured is small. As a result, it is possible to eliminate an error factor and contribute to accurate shape measurement, and to obtain high reliability in shape measurement.

In addition, since the supporting rollers 52 support the tube 10 at both ends thereof, a section where the pair of reference rollers 52, 52 abuts is also subjected to the displacement measurement by the displacement measuring device 53. can do. Thereby, as described above, the wall thickness distribution and the like of the tube 10 can be obtained, and the shape of the tube 10 can be specified in more detail.

Since the non-contact type displacement detectors 53 are used, the outer surface of the tube 10 is not damaged. '·

Also, since the non-contact type displacement detector 53 is a light transmission type displacement detector, In the vicinity of the outer peripheral surface 12 of the tube 10 that blocks light, the light is diffracted and reaches the light receiving portion, and a detection result is obtained in which the shape of the outer peripheral surface 12 that is more minute than necessary is omitted. Therefore, it is possible to easily obtain an appropriate detection result excluding the displacement amount of the outer peripheral surface 12 due to an unnecessarily fine surface defect.

Further, the pair of reference rollers 52, 52 are fixed as reference portions because they do not move in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the tube 10 when setting the tube 10 in the shape measuring device 5. The position in the power direction is stable, which can contribute to accurate shape measurement.

In order to press the tube 10 against the pair of reference rollers 52 and 52 while making the supporting rollers 54 contact the ends on both sides of the tube 10, a predetermined amount is applied to the end face of the tube 10. Even if burrs formed during cutting to length remain, they can be dropped. Therefore, the state in which the tube 10 is in contact with the support rollers 54 can be reliably maintained, and high accuracy in shape measurement can be ensured. In addition, the shape measuring device 5 can function as a cutting device.

Specifically, in this automatic type shape measuring apparatus 5, when a plurality of pipes having various displacements were measured for 10 times each, as shown in FIG. The variation (measurement error) of the measurement result is a maximum of 3 m, confirming that it has high reliability. This measurement error is an extremely excellent value for a pipe shape measuring device that can be used for mass production.To reduce the margin for absorbing the measurement error and reduce the situation where a good product is erroneously determined to be a defective product. Can be.

The allowable range of the amount of deflection of the outer peripheral surface with respect to the inner peripheral surface of the tubular body is, for example, the sum of the respective processing limit precision levels of bending and uneven wall thickness, which are the causes of failure of the tubular body, 20 0 ≤ m If this is the case, it is only necessary to take into account the maximum measurement error of 3 m and conduct an inspection to select tubes whose flame measurement results are 17 or less as good products. In this way, it is possible to obtain a set of pipes whose total number of non-defective products is within the allowable range of 20 m or less while suppressing the number of erroneously determined defective products. Can be.

Furthermore, by setting the threshold value in consideration of the measurement error and selecting the pipes, it is possible to obtain a suitable set of pipes with a deflection of 15 m or less. In addition, particularly suitable sets of pipes with a deflection of less than 10 m, which is a level that is extremely difficult to process with conventional pipe manufacturing methods, and a deflection of 5 or less A very suitable set of tubes can be obtained. Ultimately, it is possible to obtain a set of pipes whose deflection is less than the maximum measurement error of 3 m. In addition, the pipe shape measuring device 5 performs a series of steps of automatically loading, setting, measuring the shape, and unloading the pipe 10 sequentially for 60 seconds per pipe. It can be performed in the following degree. Furthermore, a series of processes can be performed in 30 seconds or less, 10 seconds or less, and 5 seconds or less per tube by operating at high speed.

As described above, since the shape measuring device 5 can measure the shape of each tube at a high speed, the shape measurement and the pass / fail judgment of all the manufactured tubes can be easily performed. It is possible to guarantee that the deflection amount and the like are within a predetermined range for all the pipes to be shipped at a known limit level of the processing accuracy.

For example, the photosensitive drum substrate is generally stored in a case or the like as a plurality of units as a unit, transported, and traded. Usually, one unit is at least 10 units, for example, 80 units or 140 units. It is a book. According to the shape measuring device 5, it is possible to guarantee that the deflection amount is, for example, 20 m or less for all of them. Modified example>

As described above, the second embodiment has been described, but the present invention is not limited to the above, and various modifications are possible as in the above-described first embodiment. Good.

(1) In the second embodiment described above, the pair of reference portions is brought into contact with the expected support position when the tubular body is used, but it may be located at any other position on the inner peripheral surface of the tubular body. Good. However It is desirable to be near the supporting position. This is because the cross-sectional shape is likely to be similar to the planned support position.

(2) In the second embodiment, the shape measurement is performed with the axial direction of the tube 10 being substantially horizontal. However, the shape measurement is performed with the axial direction of the tube 10 being substantially vertical. You may do it. In this way, since the tube 10 is less likely to bend under its own weight, the original shape of the tube 10 can be measured.

(3) In the second embodiment, the position facing the virtual straight line passing through the contact portion between the pair of reference portions and the tube, and the position facing the virtual straight line are defined as the displacement detection positions. Alternatively, another position in the circumferential direction may be set as the detection position.

(4) In the second embodiment, a plurality of displacement detection positions are provided, but it is sufficient if at least one.

(5) In the second embodiment, the photosensitive drum base is described as the tube 10 whose shape is to be measured. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a conveying roller used for a copying machine, a developing roller, and a transfer roller A roller can also be suitably applied. In addition, a tube can be a measurement target of the present invention.

(6) In the above-described second embodiment, a light transmission type detector (transmission type optical sensor) that does not contact the outer peripheral surface of the tube 10 has been illustrated as the displacement detector. As a result, the displacement amount in the radial direction of the outer peripheral surface 12 of the tubular body 10 can be obtained, and the present invention is not limited thereto. Examples of the displacement detector include a contact-type displacement sensor that has a contact that comes into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the tube 10 and detects displacement from the movement of the contact, and a reflection-type optical type that can detect non-contact. Sensor, non-contact detection, CCD camera and line camera for general-purpose image processing regardless of material, eddy-current displacement sensor that can detect non-contact, high accuracy, high speed, environmentally friendly, and inexpensive , Non-contact, high-precision capacitance type displacement sensor, non-contact, air-type (differential pressure) type displacement sensor, or non-contact, super long-distance measurement Detectors based on various measurement principles, such as an acoustic displacement sensor, can be employed. (7) In the second embodiment, the bearings 52, 52, which rotatably support the pair of reference portions (reference rollers) 52, 52, are combined with the reference rollers 52, 52 together with the tubular body 10. Although the bearing is inserted inside the tube, such a bearing may be arranged outside the tube 10. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 25, a reference roller 52 4 is fixed to a support shaft 5 25 so as to be non-rotatable, and this support shaft 5 25 is bearing outside the tube 10. The form in which it is rotatably supported by 5 26 can be mentioned. By doing so, it is possible to adopt a large bearing without being limited by the inner dimensions of the tube 10, rotate the pair of reference portions more stably, and obtain high reliability in shape measurement. be able to.

(8) In the second embodiment described above, the configuration is provided in which the tube transport device 55 that transports the tube 10 is provided. 4 It may be carried in and out of the shape measurement position.

(9) In the second embodiment, the operating direction regulating means is constituted by two operating direction regulating rails 547, 547. Any configuration may be adopted as long as the operation direction can be regulated, even if the operation direction is restricted, even if it is constituted by a rail or a convex portion extending in the operation direction.

(10) In the embodiment of the above-mentioned Shin 2, the displacement of the outer peripheral surface is continuously detected while rotating the tube 10, but the rotation of the tube 10 is intermittently stopped, The displacement of the outer peripheral surface of the tube body 10 in the stopped state may be detected.

[Third embodiment]

Next, a third embodiment will be described.

In the third embodiment, the support rollers 54 directly supported by the vertical drive cylinders 546 and 546 in the above-described second embodiment are replaced with a rotating member 571 and a weight. It is configured to be supported by 5 7 4.

In the following, differences from the above-described embodiment will be described, and similar components will be described. 7

56 is given the same reference numeral and redundant description is omitted.

FIG. 26 is an enlarged perspective view of a support structure for the tube 10 in the third embodiment. FIG. 27 is a front sectional view showing a supporting form of the reference roller. Figure 28

It is a side view which shows the support form of a support roller.

As shown in FIG. 26, also in the third embodiment, a pair of reference rollers 5 are provided.

Reference numerals 2 and 52 denote inner peripheral surfaces 11 near both ends of the tubular body 10 and abut on a lower position (lower inner peripheral surface) thereof, and serve as a reference for shape measurement.

As shown in FIG. 27, the pair of reference rollers 52, 52 of the second embodiment is formed of a member whose outer peripheral portion has an arc-shaped cross section. The pair of reference rollers 52, 52 are rotatably attached to reference support shafts 521, 521, via bearings 52, 53, respectively. Since the pair of reference rollers 52 and 52 are rotatably mounted in this manner, the pair of reference rollers 52 and 52 abut on the inner peripheral surface 11 of the tube 10 and rotate with the rotation of the tube 10, The contact position can be smoothly shifted without hindering the rotation of the tube 10. Also, the pair of reference rollers 52, 52 has a circular arc-shaped cross section at the outer peripheral portion, and makes point contact with the inner peripheral surface 11 of the tubular body 10, thereby forming the reference rollers 52, 52. The distance from the rotation axis to the point of contact with the tube 10 can be reliably kept constant.

As shown in FIG. 26, also in the third embodiment, the support rollers 54 supporting the tube 10 are attached to the support roller support 54, and the support roller support 54 is provided. The slide operation direction 3 is restricted only in the vertical direction by the operation direction restriction rails 547 and 547.

Drive motor (rotary drive means) A drive belt 545b is stretched between the drive shaft 545a of the 545 and the interlocking roller 544, and the drive motor 545 is driven by this drive motor. The interlocking roller 544 is rotatably driven via the belt 545b. With such a driving force transmission mechanism, the drive motor 545 is fixedly installed in the equipment box 5111 and moves up and down together with the support rollers 54 and the support roller support 543. It does not work. Thereby, the support rollers 54 and the support roller support 543 can be moved up and down with a small force.

Further, the supporting roller supports 543 and 543 are supported by rotating members 571 and 571, respectively. The rotating member 571 is rotatably supported by a support shaft (fulcrum) 572 at an intermediate position in the longitudinal direction. An elongate hole 573 is formed on one end side of the turning member 551, and a supporting roller support 543 is rotatably attached thereto. With this mounting form, the support roller support 5443 is allowed to move vertically.

A weight 574 is attached to the other end of the rotating member 571. The weight 574 is substantially the same as that of the support roller support 544 3 and the support rollers 54 that move up and down (up and down) together with the support roller support 543. It is something to balance. That is, the rotating member 571 and the weight 5574 bear the weight of the supporting roller supports 543 and 543 and the members that move up and down together with the supporting roller supports 543 and 543. It functions as a weight supporting means to support 43. '

The weight 554 is screwed to the other end of the rotating member 571 by a screw portion 575, and is attached. The distance between 5 7 2 and the weight 5 7 4 can be adjusted. That is, the screw portion 575 functions as weight position adjusting means. With such a mounting form, it is possible to appropriately adjust the weight 574 so that the weight 574 and the support roller support 543 are balanced. Therefore, even when the size or the like of the tube 10 or the support rollers 54, which are the shape measurement targets, is changed, this can be handled.

On the other end of the rotating members 571, 571, air cylinders 576, 576 for driving the rotating members 571, 571 to rotate are attached. The air cylinder 5756 applies a predetermined upward force to the supporting roller support 543 at the measurement position by rotating the rotating member 571 to rotate the rotating member 571. Pipe 10 is pressed against a pair of reference rollers 52, 52. That is, the air cylinder 576 functions as a pressing force applying means. Further, the air cylinder 576 is capable of rotating the rotating member 571 in both left and right rotation directions, thereby moving the support roller support 543 to the measurement position and the separation position. It also functions as a means for moving between and.

As described above, the rotating member 571 and the weight 574 bear the weight of the supporting roller supports 543, 543 and the members that move up and down together with the supporting roller, and the pipe 10 is connected to the pair of reference rollers. By adopting a configuration in which the air cylinders 576, 576 only bear the force pressing the fins 52, 52, the force borne by the air cylinders 576, 576 is reduced. For this reason, the force exerted by the air cylinders 576 and 576 can be set and controlled accurately, and the contact pressure between the tube 10 and the pair of reference rollers 52 and 52 can be accurately determined. High reliability can be obtained for the shape measurement. The contact pressure between the tube 10 and the pair of reference rollers 52, 52, or the contact pressure between the tube 10 and the support rollers 54, is substantially equal to the end of the tube 10. The pressure can be set without any significant deformation. Alternatively, it is also possible to set a pressure that positively causes a small deformation at the end of the tube 10 and measure the shape while correcting the cross-sectional shape of the tube 10.

In addition, when the air cylinder 576 is not driven and the weight 574 is balanced with the support roller support 543 and the like, the support roller support 5443 can be positioned at the ¾ij fixed position. It may be located at the separated position. At this time, if the weight 574 is adjusted so as to be located at the separated position, the air cylinders 576 and 576 have a driving force in the direction in which the support port support 543 is lifted. There is an advantage that the support roller 543 can be moved up and down only by the support roller. <Modified example>

The third embodiment has been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above, and the third embodiment As in the first and second embodiments, various modifications are possible, and the configuration may be as follows.

(1) In each of the third embodiments, the pressing force applying means is constituted by the air cylinder, but these may be constituted by various actuators and the like. For example, a hydraulic cylinder using hydraulic pressure, an electric motor using electric power, or the like may be used.

[Fourth embodiment]

Next, a fourth embodiment will be described.

In the fourth embodiment, the weight supporting means constituted by the rotating member 571 and the weight 574 in the third embodiment described above is constituted by an elastic member 581.

In the following, differences from the above-described embodiment will be described, and the same components will be denoted by the same reference numerals, without redundant description.

FIG. 29 is a side view showing a supporting form of the supporting roller according to the fourth embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 29, also in the fourth embodiment, the support rollers 54 supporting the tube 10 are attached to the support roller support 53, and the support roller support 54 is provided. The slide operation direction 3 is restricted only in the vertical direction by the operation direction restriction rails 547 and 547. The support roller support 543 is urged upward by an elastic member 581 made of, for example, a panel to support the support roller support 543 and the support rollers 54 that move up and down together therewith. Weight is supported. That is, the elastic member 581 functions as a weight supporting means for supporting the weight of the support roller support 543 and members that move up and down together with the support roller support 543.

When supported by the elastic member 581, the support roller support 54 Reference numeral 3 is such that the inner peripheral surface 11 of the tubular body 10 supported by the supporting rollers 54 is located at a separated position separated from the pair of reference rollers 52, 52.

The elastic member 581 has an upper end contacting the support roller support 543 and a lower end screwed into the panel support shaft 582 on the main body base 50. Stopped at 3. The height of the engaging member 583 can be adjusted by the amount of screwing into the panel support shaft 582, and thereby the height of the lower end of the elastic member 581, and consequently the support roller 54, can be adjusted. The height position of ... can be adjusted. That is, the engagement member 583 functions as a height position adjusting means of the support roller support 543. With this configuration, the height position of the support opening roller support 543 corresponds even when the size of the pipe 10 or the support rollers 54, etc., which are the shape measurement targets, is changed. Can be done.

Below the support roller support 5 4 3, the support roller support 5 4 3 is pushed up to the measurement position where the pipe 10 above the support roller 54 contacts the pair of reference rollers 52, 52. Further, an air cylinder 584 for pressing the tube 10 with the reference rollers 52, 52 with a predetermined pressing force is arranged. That is, the air cylinder 584 functions as a pressing force applying means.

According to such a shape measuring apparatus according to the fourth embodiment, similarly to the above-described third embodiment, the elastic roller 581, and the support roller supports 543, 543, and together with the elastic member 581, are provided. Since the air cylinder 584 only has to bear the force of pressing the tube 10 against the pair of reference rollers 52, 52 via the support rollers 54, the air cylinder 584 has to bear the weight of the member to be raised and lowered. The contact pressure between the tube 10 and the pair of reference rollers 52 and 52 by the cylinder 584 can be set and controlled accurately, and thereby high reliability in shape measurement can be obtained. <Modified example>

The fourth embodiment has been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above, and the fourth embodiment As in the first to third embodiments, various modifications are possible, and the configuration may be as follows.

(1) In the above-described fourth embodiment, a panel is illustrated as an elastic member. However, any panel, panel, rubber, or the like that can exhibit elastic force can be appropriately used.

[Fifth Embodiment]

Next, a fifth embodiment will be described.

In the fifth embodiment, while having the same mechanical configuration as the above-described third embodiment, the pressing force for pressing the tubular body 10 on the supporting rollers 54 to the pair of reference rollers 52, 52 is as follows. Instead of using an air cylinder 576, it is obtained by a weight 574.

In the fifth embodiment, in the configuration shown in FIG. 28, the weight and the position of the weight 574 are adjusted around the support shaft 572 by the weight 574 without driving the air cylinder 576. Is set to be larger than the moment by the support roller support 543 and the like. As a result, the tubular body 10 above the support rollers 54 ... is pressed against the pair of reference rollers 52, 52 with a predetermined pressing force without driving the air cylinder 576. That is, in the fifth embodiment, the rotating member 55 1 and the weight 55 4 urge the support roller support 54 3 and the like upward, and the tube 10 10 is supported via the support rollers 54. Function as a pressing means for pressing the pair of reference rollers 52, 52 with a predetermined pressing force.

On the other hand, the air cylinder 5756 pushes the support roller support 543 downward when setting the pipe 10 on the support rollers 54 and when removing the pipe 10 after shape measurement. It is designed to be moved to the separated position. That is, in the fifth embodiment, the air cylinder 576 is a support roller support 5 It functions as a descent drive means for moving the support roller support 5 43 ′ by staking the biasing force of 4 3 upward.

In the fifth embodiment, the screw portion 575 for adjusting the position of the weight 574 is a biasing force adjusting means for adjusting the biasing force for biasing the support roller support 543 upward. Function. Thereby, the predetermined pressing force for pressing the tube 10 against the pair of reference rollers 52, 52 can be appropriately adjusted.

According to such a configuration, the pressing force for pressing the tube 10 against the pair of reference rollers 52, 52 is not provided by the actively driven means such as the air cylinder 576, but by the rotating member 5. The contact pressure between the tube 10 and the pair of reference rollers 52, 52 can be set accurately in advance in order to be assigned by the pressing means that automatically exerts urging force consisting of 7 1 and the weight 5 7 4. This makes it possible to obtain high reliability for shape measurement.

Although the fifth embodiment has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above, and various modifications are possible as in the above-described first to fourth embodiments. May be implemented.

(1) In each of the fifth embodiments described above, the descent drive means is constituted by an air cylinder, but these can be constituted by various types of actuators. For example, a hydraulic cylinder using hydraulic pressure, an electric motor using electric power, or the like may be used.

[Sixth embodiment]

Next, a sixth embodiment will be described.

The sixth embodiment has the same mechanical configuration as that of the above-described fourth embodiment, but has the same structure as that of the fourth embodiment except that the tube 10 on the support rollers 54 is pressed against the pair of reference rollers 52, 52. The pressure is obtained not by the air cylinder 584 but by the elastic member 581.

In the sixth embodiment, in the configuration shown in FIG. 29, the elastic member 581 presses the pipe 10 on the support rollers 54 ... with a predetermined pressing force without driving the air cylinder 584. Is set so as to exert an urging force enough to press against the pair of reference rollers 52, 52. That is, in the sixth embodiment, the elastic member 581 urges the support roller supporter 543 and the like upward, and urges the tubular body 10 via the support rollers 54 to a pair of reference rollers. It functions as pressing means for pressing 52, 52 with a predetermined pressing force. On the other hand, the air cylinder 584 pushes down the support roller support 543 when setting the tube 10 on the support roller 54 and when removing the tube 10 after measuring the shape. To move to the separated position. In other words, in the sixth embodiment, the air cylinder 584 is supported by the support roller support 543 by staking the support roller support 543 by the elastic member 581 upward. It functions as a descent drive means for moving.

Further, in the sixth embodiment, the engaging member 583 for adjusting the lower end position of the elastic member 581, the urging force for adjusting the urging force for urging the support roller support 543 upward. Functions as adjusting means. Thus, the predetermined pressing force for pressing the tube 10 against the pair of reference rollers 52, 52 can be appropriately adjusted.

According to such a configuration, the pressing force for pressing the tube 10 against the pair of reference rollers 52, 52 is not provided by an active driving means such as the air cylinder 584, but by an elastic member 581. The contact pressure between the tubular body 10 and the pair of reference rollers 52, 52 can be accurately set in advance because the pressure is controlled by a pressing means that automatically exerts an urging force. High reliability can be obtained.

<Modified example> Although the sixth embodiment has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above, and various modifications are possible as in the above-described first to fifth embodiments. May be implemented.

(1) In each of the above-described sixth embodiments, the descent drive means is constituted by an air cylinder, but these can be constituted by various types of actuators. For example, a hydraulic cylinder using hydraulic pressure, an electric motor using electric power, or the like may be used.

[Seventh embodiment]

Next, a seventh embodiment will be described.

In the seventh embodiment, the elastic member 581 and the air cylinder 584 are arranged in parallel in the above-described sixth embodiment (FIG. 29). 1 and an air cylinder 594 are arranged in series.

FIG. 30 is a side view showing a supporting form of a supporting roller in the shape measuring apparatus according to the seventh embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 30, also in the seventh embodiment, the support rollers 54 supporting the tube 10 are attached to the support roller support 53, and the support roller support 54 is provided. The slide operation direction 3 is restricted only in the vertical direction by the operation direction restriction rails 547 and 547. '

The support roller support 543 is supported by an air cylinder 594 mounted on the main body base 50 via an elastic member 591 made of, for example, a panel. In the air cylinder 594, a spring support shaft 592 is attached to an operating end 5995, and an engaging portion 5993 is screwed into a thread formed on the panel support shaft 5992. ing. The lower end of the elastic member S91 is fixed to the engaging member 593. The height of the engaging member 593 can be adjusted by the amount of screwing into the panel support shaft 592, and thereby the elastic member with respect to the operating end 595 of the air cylinder 594 can be adjusted. The height of the lower end of 5 9 1 can be adjusted.

The air cylinder 594 is provided between the measurement position where the body 上の 0 on the support roller 54 and the reference roller 52 comes in contact with the reference rollers 52 and 52 and the separation position separated from the reference rollers 52 and 52. The support 543 is driven up and down via the elastic member 591. When the support roller support 543 reaches the measurement position, the air cylinder 594 further pushes up its working end 595, and the elastic member 591 presses the pipe at a predetermined pressure. 10 is pressed against the pair of reference rollers 52, 52. That is, the air cylinder 594 functions as a lifting drive means.

In addition, the working end 595 of the air cylinder 594 comes into contact with the stoppers 596, 596 provided at the predetermined height position so that it does not exceed the predetermined upper limit height position. I have. Then, the engaging member 593 for adjusting the lower end height position of the elastic member 591 with respect to the working end 595, the working end 595 comes into contact with the stoppers 596 and 5996. In this case, the urging force of the elastic member 591 is adjusted so as to exert a predetermined pressing force for pressing the tube 10 against the pair of reference rollers 52, 52. That is, the engagement member 593 functions as an urging force adjusting unit using the elastic member 591.

According to such a shape measuring apparatus according to the seventh embodiment, the pressing force for pressing the tube 10 against the pair of reference rollers 52, 52 is a means for actively driving such as an air cylinder 594. Rather, it is in charge of an elastic member 591 that automatically exerts a biasing force. The biasing force of the elastic member 591 can be appropriately set in advance by the engagement member 593, so that the force between the pipe 10 and the pair of reference rollers 52, 52 can be adjusted. The contact pressure can be set accurately, which can provide high reliability for shape measurement.

In the seventh embodiment, the height position of the engaging member 593 is adjusted. Although the biasing force of the elastic member 595 was adjusted, the height position of the stoppers 596, 596 that set the upper limit of the vertical movement of the air cylinder (elevation drive means) 594 may be adjustable. . Modified example>

As described above, the seventh embodiment has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to the above, and various modifications are possible as in the first to sixth embodiments described above. It may be configured.

(1) In each of the above-described seventh embodiments, the lifting / lowering drive means is constituted by an air cylinder, but these can be constituted by various types of actuators. For example, a hydraulic cylinder using hydraulic pressure, an electric motor using electric power, or the like may be used.

[Eighth Embodiment]

Next, an eighth embodiment will be described.

In the following, differences from the above-described embodiments will be described, and the same components will be denoted by the same reference numerals, without redundant description.

FIG. 31 is a front sectional view showing a support form of the tubular body in the eighth embodiment.

In the eighth embodiment, each support roller 60 has a tapered surface 6 on its outer peripheral surface.

1 is formed so that the tapered surface 61 contacts the ends 13 and 13 of the tube 10.

As a result, while the support rollers 60 support the tube 10, they hardly contact the outer peripheral surface 12 except for the vicinity of both outer ends thereof, and the outer peripheral surface 12 of the tube 10. No damage. Therefore, even if the outer peripheral surface 12 is a photosensitive drum base used as a photosensitive layer, the outer peripheral surface 12 of the tubular body 10 is not damaged, and the shape is not changed. PT / JP2003 / 011737

67 state measurements can be made. .

Further, since the supporting rollers 60 contact the ends 13, 13 on both sides of the tube 10, even if burrs or the like remain on the end surface of the tube 10, the burrs are dropped off. High accuracy of shape measurement can be secured. Further, the shape measuring device 5 can function as a deburring device.

The eighth embodiment has been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above, and various modifications are possible as in the first to seventh embodiments.

[Ninth embodiment]

Next, a ninth embodiment will be described.

As shown in FIG. 4, the tube 10 such as the base for the photosensitive drum is used in a state where the flanges 80 and 80 formed in a sufficiently accurate circular shape are pressed into the tube. However, in actual use, the cross-sectional shape of both ends of the tube 10 is often corrected.

In view of such circumstances, the ninth embodiment measures the shape of the tubular body 10 while temporarily correcting the shape of both ends of the tubular body 10, so that the tubular body in a state similar to that in actual use is measured. It is to grasp the shape of the body.

FIG. 32 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the method for measuring the shape of the tubular body according to the ninth embodiment. Fig. 33 is the same side view.

As shown in FIGS. 32 and 33, the method for measuring the shape of the tube according to the ninth embodiment is as follows. 6 2, 6 2 and the outer straightening rollers 6 4..., And the displacement amount in the radial direction of the outer peripheral surface 12 of the tubular body 10 rotating in the straightened state is detected by the displacement detectors 30. .

<Straighting roller> The inner straightening rollers 62, 62 and the outer straightening rollers 64, are used for measuring the shape, respectively, of the inner peripheral surface 11 and the outer peripheral surface 1 2 of the both ends 13, 13 of the tube 10. Is to temporarily correct the cross-sectional shape of both end portions 13 and 13 of the tubular body 10. The inner straightening rollers 62 and 62 are arranged on both sides of the tube 10 in total, two in total, and the outer straightening rollers 64 and 2 are arranged in two on each side of the tube 10. A total of four are arranged.

The two outer correction rollers 64 on both sides of the tube 10 stabilize the position of the shaft of the tube 10 and the posture of the tube 10 with high accuracy on both sides of the tube 10 The cross-sectional shape of the ends 13 and 13 can be corrected. Further, the tube 10 can be stably supported.

In addition, the inner straightening rollers 62, 62, the outer straightening rollers 64 ... are located inside and outside the tube 10, respectively, and the tube 10 is sandwiched from inside and outside, so that the tube 10 is more stably held. can do.

In addition, since the inner straightening rollers 62, 62 and the outer straightening rollers 64 are arranged inside and outside the tube 10, respectively, it is necessary to apply a correcting force to the tube 10 while arranging them near each other. Can be. Here, the inner straightening rollers 62, 62, the outer straightening rollers 64,... Are all located on the lower half side of the tubular body 10, and are arranged in a narrow area of about 90 degrees or less. For this reason, the inner straightening rollers 62, 62, the outer straightening rollers 64,... Can be firmly positioned with respect to each other, and accurate correction can be performed on both end portions 13, 13 of the tube 10. it can.

Further, the inner straightening rollers 62, 62 and the outer straightening rollers 6.4 ... contact the inner peripheral surface 11 and the outer peripheral surface 12 of the tube 10 at a position where the circumferential position of the tube 10 is different. I have. Specifically, the inner straightening rollers 62, 62 are located between the outer straightening rollers 64, 64. In this way, since the inner straightening rollers 62, 62 and the outer straightening rollers 64 are located at different circumferential positions in a narrow range in the circumferential direction of the tube 10, the position of the tube 10 with respect to the tube 10 is reduced. To provide corrective power efficiently and correct shape accurately It can be carried out.

The portions where the inner straightening rollers 62, 62 and the outer straightening rollers 64 contact the tube 10 are the portions that are supported by the flanges 80, 80 when the tube 10 is actually used. The inner peripheral surface 11 and the outer peripheral surface 12 correspond to (the region S hatched in FIG. 4). As a result, the inner straightening rollers 62, 62 and the outer straightening rollers 64,... Are located at portions where the tubular body 10 is expected to be straightened by the flanges 80, 80 when actually used. The shape can be corrected.

The inner straightening rollers 62, 62 and the outer straightening rollers 64 contact the inner circumferential surface 11 and the outer circumferential surface 12 of the tube 10 with a cylindrical surface formed on the outer circumference thereof. As a result, the inner straightening rollers 62, 62 and the outer straightening rollers 64 disperse the contact pressure to prevent local deformation of the tubular body 10.

The relative positional relationship between the inner straightening rollers 62 and 62 and the outer straightening rollers 64 is determined at a straightening position for straightening the cross-sectional shape of the end portions 13 and 13 of the tube 10. It is positioned so that

In this embodiment, when the cross-sectional shape of the both ends 13, 13 of the tubular body 10 is proper, the outer correction rollers 64 and the inner correction rollers 62, 62 in this embodiment. Are positions at which the outer peripheral surface 12 and the inner peripheral surface 11 of both end portions 13: 13 of the tubular body 10 are in contact with each other. In other words, if the cross-sectional shape of both end portions 13 and 13 of the tubular body 10 is inappropriate, the tubular body 10 is straightened by the outer straightening rollers 64 and inner straightening rollers 62 and 62. The force has been added.

At this time, both ends 13 and 13 of the tubular body 10 have cross-sectional shapes due to contact between the outer straightening rollers 64 and the inner straightening rollers 62 and 62 both fixed at the straightening position. Temporarily corrected properly. Note that the deformation of both ends 13 and 13 of the tubular body 10 due to the temporary correction includes elastic deformation (only elastic deformation may be included), and the inner correction rollers 62, 62 and If the contact state with the outer straightening roller 6 4 Some of them return. (Example of shape measurement)

Next, a case where the advantage of the tube shape measuring method according to the ninth embodiment is particularly exhibited will be described with reference to a specific example of the tube shape.

First, as shown in FIG. 34, the central portion 104 b of the first example of the tubular body 104 has an appropriate perfect circular shape, but the both end portions 104 a, 100. 4a is the case where the cross section is flat.

Such a shape can be obtained by cutting a long tube material formed by extrusion or the like into a predetermined size as described above, for example, when manufacturing a substrate for a photosensitive drum or the like. This is likely to occur when the side edges 104a, 104a of 1 are deformed flat by cutting.

In this way, both end portions 104a and 104a were deformed flat, and when the conventional shape measurement shown in, for example, FIGS. Since the ends 104a and 104a move up and down due to the rotation of the tube 104, the lower part of the outer peripheral surface of the central portion of the tube 104 in the longitudinal direction also moves up and down. However, large deflection is detected, and it is judged as a shape far from the perfect cylindrical tube shape. It is highly likely that a shape inspection with the prescribed acceptance criteria will result in a defective product.

However, as shown in FIG. 4, such a tubular body 104 is press-fitted at both ends with flanges 80, 80, etc., as shown in FIG. 0 4a is corrected to a perfect circular shape and its shape defect is eliminated, and the shape at the time of actual use becomes a perfect cylindrical shape, and there may be no problem in using it at all. On the other hand, there are some truly defective pipes that do not become completely cylindrical even if a flange or the like is pressed in during actual use.However, conventional shape measurement methods cannot help determine these, and are originally judged to be good. There was a possibility that what could be done was determined to be defective.

On the other hand, according to the shape measuring method according to the ninth embodiment, both ends 104 a and 104 a of the tubular body 104 were temporarily corrected and approximated in actual use. Since the shape of the tube 104 is measured while reproducing the shape of both ends of the tube, as shown in Fig. 34, there is a tube defect near both ends that has a pseudo defect that is eliminated during actual use. Even for 04, a shape measurement result including whether or not the defect remains during actual use can be obtained.

For this reason, it is possible to accurately measure the shape of a tube that had to be determined to be defective in the past, and to provide a true shape measurement result.

Full length flat tube>

The tubular body 105 of the second example has a constant cross-sectional shape over its entire length as shown in FIG. 35A, but has a non-circular cross-sectional shape. Here, an elliptical cross-sectional shape is assumed, such as being crushed by being sandwiched from above and below or from the left and right.

Such a shape is likely to occur when a long tube is manufactured by extruding or drawing the tube 105.

In the shape in which the entire length of the tubular body 105 is flattened, the conventional shape measurement shown in FIGS. 56 and 57 and the like tends to be judged as a normal cylindrical tubular shape. That is, the tubular body 105 supported and rotated by the both end portions 105a, 105a moves up and down by the rotation phase, but the lower part of the outer peripheral surface of the central portion in the longitudinal direction is almost high. Because the position does not change, it is difficult to detect deflection. There is a high possibility that a shape inspection with a predetermined acceptance criterion will result in a non-defective product.

On the other hand, in such a tubular body 105, flanges 80, 80, etc. are press-fitted into both end portions 105a, 105a during actual use, so that both end portions 105a, 1 Even if 0a is corrected to a perfect circular shape, as shown in Fig. 35B, the central portion 105b of the tubular body 105 2003/011737

72 The flat cross-sectional shape remains. For this reason, such a tube 105 may be a defective tube that causes large deflection in actual use.

On the other hand, according to the shape measuring method according to the ninth embodiment, both ends 105a, 105a of the tube 105 are temporarily corrected so that the shapes of the both ends of the tube approximate to those in actual use. Since the shape of the tube 105 is measured while reproducing it, even if there is a shape defect that is difficult to detect as shown in Figs. 35A and 35B, it is a defect that remains during actual use. A shape measurement result including whether or not is obtained is obtained.

(Concrete example)

As described above, the ninth embodiment has been conceptually described. However, the ninth embodiment can be configured with a mechanical configuration substantially similar to that of the above-described second embodiment or the like.

FIG. 36 is an enlarged perspective view of a support structure of a tubular body in a case where the ninth embodiment is configured with a mechanical configuration substantially similar to that of the second embodiment and the like.

In this case, the pair of reference rollers 52, 52 in the second embodiment correspond to the inner correction rollers, and the support rollers 54 correspond to the outer correction rollers.

The support roller support (outer straightening roller support) 543, 543 contacts the stoppers 548, 548 attached to the equipment box 511, 511 at the upper limit side of the slide operation by the lower drive cylinder 546, 546. It is like that. When the stoppers 548 and 548 come into contact with the supporting roller supports 543 and 543, the relative positional relationship between the outer correcting roller (supporting roller) 54 and the inner correcting roller (reference roller) 52 and 52 is determined. The position is set so as to be located at a correction position for correcting the cross-sectional shape of the end portions 13 and 13 of the tubular body 10.

The vertical drive cylinders 546 and 546 lift the tube 10 together with the support roller supports 543 and 543 and the outer straightening rollers 54. , 543 are pressed against the stoppers 548, 548 with a sufficiently large pressing force so that the position of the outer correcting rollers 54 can be fixed at the correcting position. In this way, since the position of the outer straightening rollers 54 is fixed at the straightening position, complicated control is not required for shape correction of the both ends 13, 13 of the tubular body 10. ing.

In this embodiment, the correction positions of the outer straightening roller 54 and the inner straightening roller 52.52 are determined when the cross-sectional shapes of both end portions 13 and 13 of the tube 10 are appropriate. The outer straightening rollers 54 and inner straightening rollers 52, 52 are located at the positions where they contact the outer peripheral surface 12 and the inner peripheral surface 11 of both ends 13 and 13 of the tubular body 10, respectively. . That is, when the cross-sectional shape of the both ends 13, 13 of the tube 10 is inappropriate, the tube 10 is corrected by the outer straightening rollers 54 and the inner straightening rollers 52, 52. Positive force is being added.

The displacement detectors 53 detect the amount of displacement of the outer peripheral surface 12 of the tube 10 in the radial direction. Here, the displacement detectors 53 are located at five different positions of the tube 10 at different axial positions. A contact type is provided.

Although the ninth embodiment has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above, and various modifications are possible as in the first to eighth embodiments described above. May be implemented.

(1) In the ninth embodiment, when measuring the shape while correcting the tube 10, the correction rollers were fixed at the correction position. However, some of the correction rollers did not fix the position, and the tube 10 was not fixed. By varying the pressing force of the inner straightening rollers 62, 62 or the outer straightening rollers 64 to the tube 10 in accordance with the rotation phase of the tube 10, the shape of the end of the tube 10 is corrected. May be. Specifically, for example, among the circumferential positions of both end portions 13, 13 of the tubular body 10, the cross-sectional shape largely deviates from an appropriate true circular shape JP2003 / 011737

A large pressing force (correction force) is applied to the 74 part, while a small or zero pressing force is applied to the part close to a perfect circle.

In addition, the cross-sectional shape of both end portions 13 and 13 of the tubular body 10 is actually detected, and the pressing force (correction force) applied to the tubular body 10 is varied according to the detected specific sectional shape. You may make it happen. In this way, it is possible to surely perform the correction suitable for the both ends 13, 13 of the tubular body 10.

The detection of the cross-sectional shape of both end portions 13 and 13 of the tubular body 10 may be performed prior to the correction or while the correction is being performed. By detecting the cross-sectional shape of the tubular body 10 while correcting the both end portions 13, 13, the applied pressing force (correcting force) is an appropriate size for correcting the cross-sectional shape. Can be reliably obtained.

As a means for detecting the cross-sectional shape of both end portions 13 and 13 of the tubular body 10, a displacement detector for detecting the amount of displacement of the outer peripheral surface of the tubular body 10 in the radial direction can also be used. In this case, as shown in FIG. 37, an outer straightening roller 65 having a small-diameter portion 652 forming a gap 653 at the center in the width direction of the outer peripheral surface 651 is used, and the light transmission type displacement is used. If the laser beam from the detectors 53 is passed through the gap 653 between the outer straightening rollers 65, the cross section of the straightened rollers 52, the outer straightening rollers 65, and the straightened surface can be used. It is possible to detect the cross-sectional shape of the above.

(2) In the ninth embodiment, one inner straightening roller and two outer straightening rollers are arranged on both sides of the tubular body 10, however, the arrangement of the straightening rollers is not limited to this. However, various arrangements can be adopted as exemplified below. .

(2-1) As shown in FIG. 38, one inner straightening opening 911 similar to the above embodiment and two outer straightening rollers 9 1 2 located below the tube 10 are provided. , 9 12, an outer straightening roller 9 13 located above the tube 10 may be arranged. In this case, the tubular body 10 is sandwiched in the radial direction by the outer straightening rollers 912, 912, 913, so that the elliptical swelling cross-sectional shape and the like can be effectively reduced. ― Ί 0 Can be corrected.

(2-2) As shown in FIG. 39, all of the straightening rollers may be formed as inner straightening rollers 920.

(2-3) As shown in FIG. 40, all of the correction rollers may be outer correction rollers 930.

(2-4) As shown in Fig. 41, the inner straightening roller 941 and the outer straightening roller 942 are arranged at the same position in the circumferential direction of the tube 10, and the tube 10 is sandwiched from inside and outside and restrained. Alternatively, the correction may be performed by a correction roller 943 whose circumferential position is different from the above.

(2-5) As shown in FIG. 42, a plurality of sets (two sets in this case) of the inner straightening opening 951 and the outer straightening roller 952 in which the circumferential position of the tube 10 is the same are arranged. The plurality of circumferential positions may be restricted by being sandwiched from inside and outside. In this way, it is possible to correct a portion where the shape of the tube is larger or smaller than an appropriate curvature.

(2-6) As shown in FIG. 43, a plurality of straightening rollers 96 (here, eight) may be brought into contact with the outer peripheral surface or the inner peripheral surface of the tubular body 10 to perform the correction. By arranging four or more correction rollers on the outside or inside of the tube 10, it is possible to appropriately correct even a so-called diaper-shaped cross section that projects in three directions.

(3) The magnitude of the deformation caused by correcting the both end portions 13 and 13 of the tube 10 may be limited to the range of the elastic deformation. In this way, reliability can be obtained because the shape of the tube does not change due to the shape measurement.

(4) In the ninth embodiment, the straightening roller is brought into contact with the position to be supported when the tube is used.However, the position of the straightening roller is only required to be at both ends of the tube near the position to be supported. .

(5) In the ninth embodiment, the shape measurement is performed with the axial direction of the tube 10 substantially horizontal. However, the shape measurement is performed with the axial direction of the tube 10 set substantially horizontal. You may do it. By doing so, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the tube 10 bends under its own weight.

(6) In the ninth embodiment, a plurality of displacement amount detection positions are provided, but it is sufficient if at least one.

(7) In the ninth embodiment, the base for the photosensitive drum is described as the tube 10 whose shape is to be measured.However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a transport roller, a developing roller, A transfer roller can also be suitably applied. In addition, a tube can be a measurement target of the present invention.

(8) In the ninth embodiment, a light transmission type detector (transmission type optical sensor) that does not contact the outer peripheral surface of the tube 10 is described as the displacement detector.

However, the present invention is not limited to these as long as a radial displacement amount of the outer peripheral surface 12 of 0 can be obtained. Examples of the displacement detector include a contact detector that contacts the outer peripheral surface of the tube 10, a reflective optical sensor that can detect without contact, a general-purpose detector that can detect without contact, and any material. CCD camera and line camera for image processing, non-contact detection, high-accuracy, high-speed, environmentally-friendly and inexpensive eddy-current displacement sensor, non-contact detection, high-precision capacitance-type displacement Sensors based on various measurement principles, such as sensors, air (differential pressure) type displacement sensors that can be detected without contact, or ultrasonic displacement sensors that can be detected without contact and can measure long distances be able to.

(9) In the ninth embodiment, the tube 10 is rotated by driving the outer correcting rollers 54..., But the measuring operator grasps the tube 10 by hand and rotates the tube 10. Alternatively, the drive roller or the like (not shown) may be brought into direct contact with the tube 10 and rotated, or may be rotated by any other method.

(10) In the ninth embodiment, the displacement of the outer peripheral surface is continuously detected while rotating the tube 10, but the rotation of the tube 10 is intermittently stopped, The displacement of the outer peripheral surface of the tube body 10 in the stopped state may be detected.

(11) In the ninth embodiment, the height positions of the inner straightening rollers 52 and 52 are fixed. 3 0H737

77, the outer straightening rollers 54 are moved up and down. Alternatively, the inner straightening rollers 52 and 52 may be lowered. -

[10th Embodiment]

Next, a tenth embodiment will be described.

In the tenth embodiment, similarly to the ninth embodiment described above, the shapes of both ends of the tube 10 are corrected in advance in order to grasp the shape of the tube in a state approximated during actual use. Is used to measure the shape of the tube 10.

In the following, differences from the above-described ninth embodiment will be described, and the same components will be denoted by the same reference numerals, without redundant description.

The method of measuring the shape of the tube according to the tenth embodiment is the same as that of FIG. 32 of the ninth embodiment described above. The inner straightening rollers 62 and 62 are arranged so as to be in contact with the outer peripheral surface 11 and the outer straightening rollers 64 are in contact with the outer peripheral surface 12. In addition, a displacement detector 3 that measures the radial displacement (deflection) of the outer peripheral surface of the tubular body 10 at a plurality of locations (three locations in this example) in the longitudinal intermediate portion of the tubular body 10.

0 ... are arranged.

FIG. 44A is a side view for explaining a state in which both ends of the tubular body are being corrected in the tubular shape measuring method according to the tenth embodiment. FIG. 44B is a side view for explaining a state where the shape of the tubular body is also measured.

The method of measuring the shape of the tube 10 according to the tenth embodiment is as follows. First, as shown in FIG. 44A, both end portions 13, 13 of the tube 10 are fixed to the inner straightening rollers 62, 6 2 and-the outer straightening rollers 6 4… are strongly pressed to correct the cross-sectional shape, and then, as shown in FIG. 44B, the tubes are formed by the inner straightening rollers 62, 62 and the outer straightening rollers 64. The pressing force on both ends 13, 13 of the body 10 is weakened, and the amount of displacement (deflection) in the radial direction of the outer peripheral surface 12 of the tube is measured by the displacement detectors 30. <Straighting roller>''

The inner straightening rollers 6 2, 6 2 and the outer straightening rollers 6 4… contact the inner peripheral surface 11 and the outer peripheral surface 12 of both ends 13, 13 of the tube 10, respectively. In addition to correcting the cross-sectional shape of both end portions 13, 13 of the tube 0, the shape of the tube 10 continues to be in contact with the inner peripheral surface 11 and the outer peripheral surface 12 of the tube 10 after this correction. It functions as a support roller for supporting the tube 10 when performing measurement (deflection measurement).

As shown in FIGS. 44A and 44B, the inner straightening rollers 62, 62 and the outer straightening rollers 64 can change their relative positions.

In other words, as shown in FIG. 44A, when straightening the both end portions 13 and 13 of the tube 10, the proper shape of the tube 10 (two-dot chain line in FIG. 44A) The outer correcting rollers 64 can move upward. As a result, the curvature of the tube 10 at the portion sandwiched between the inner straightening rollers 62, 62 and the outer straightening roller 64,... Becomes the proper shape of the tube 10 (two points in FIG. 44A). (Dotted line). This is because the pressing force (correction force) of the correction rollers 62, 62, 64,... Is reduced, and the tube 10 is formed into an appropriate shape when the elastic deformation thereof returns. On the other hand, when measuring the shape of the tube 10 corrected in this way, as shown in FIG. 44B, the tube 10 descends to the position where it comes into contact with the tube 10 having an appropriate shape (true circle). The pressing force on both ends 13, 13 of the tube 10 is reduced, and the radial displacement (deflection) of the outer peripheral surface 12 of the tube 10 is measured with the displacement detector 30. You can do it.

(Concrete example)

As described above, the tenth embodiment has been conceptually described. However, the tenth embodiment can be configured with a substantially similar mechanical configuration to the above-described second embodiment and the like. FIG. 45 is an enlarged perspective view of the support structure of the tubular body in the case where the tenth embodiment is configured by a substantially similar mechanical configuration to the second embodiment and the like. In this case, the pair of reference rollers 52, 52 in the second embodiment correspond to the inner correcting rollers, and the support rollers 54 correspond to the outer correcting rollers.

The support roller supports (outer straightening roller supports) 543, 543 are close to the upper limit of the sliding operation by the vertical drive cylinders 546, 546, and correspond to the stoppers 548, 548 attached to the equipment boxes 511, 511. I'm in touch. When the support rollers 543, 543 abut against the stoppers 548, 548, the outer straightening rollers 54,... Are positioned relative to the inner straightening rollers 52, 52 at the cross-sections of the ends 13, 13 of the tube 10. It is located at a correction position for correcting the shape.

The stopper 548 has a very short stroke as compared with the movable range of the outer straightening roller supporters 543, 543 by the stopper position setting means 549, but can move the position in the vertical direction. I'm familiar. By moving the position of the stopper 548 up and down in this way, the setting of the correction position of the outer correction rollers 54 can be slightly changed up and down. The vertical drive cylinders 546, 546 lift the tube 10 together with the outer straightening roller supports 543, 543 and the outer straightening rollers 54, and make the outer straightening roller supports 543, 543 large enough for the stoppers 548, 548. By pressing with the pressing force, the position of the outer correcting rollers 54 can be fixed at the correcting position. This sufficiently large pressing force is a force that can cause a partial plastic deformation when the tube 10 lifted by the outer straightening rollers 54 is sandwiched between the inner straightening rollers 20 and 20 and the outer straightening rollers 40. is there. As described above, since the position of the outer straightening roller 54 is fixed to the straightening position, complicated control is not required for shape correction of the both end portions 13 and 13 of the tube 10.

In this embodiment, the correction positions of the outer correction rollers 54, that is, the positions of the stoppers 548, 548 set by the stopper position setting means 549, 549, are different from each other. , Line before 13 corrections It is set based on the result of the pre-measurement performed. The stopper one position setting means 549, 549 functions as a correction roller fixing position setting means for setting the position where the outer correction rollers 54 are fixed at the time of correction based on the result of the preliminary measurement. The correction position of the outer straightening rollers 54 set by the stopper position setting means 549 is set so that the pipe 10 is temporarily deformed to an appropriate shape or more. It is now possible to place it at a position further inside the tubular body 10 than at the position where it is just in contact with the outer peripheral surface 12 when the cross-sectional shape of both end portions 13 and 13 of 10 is appropriate. ing.

The vertical drive cylinders 546 and 546 are used to support the outer straightening roller support 5 when measuring the shape of the tube 10 after straightening the both ends 13 and 13 of the tube 10. 4 3, 5 4 3 are separated from the stoppers 5 4 8, 5 4 8, and the tube 10 is pressed against the inner straightening rollers 20, 20 with a weak pressing force via the outer straightening rollers 54. That is, at this time, the outer straightening rollers 54 and the inner straightening rollers 20 and 20 are both pressed against the tube 10 with a weak pressing force. The weak pressing force is a pressing force that does not substantially deform both end portions 13 and 13 of the tube 10.

As described above, the vertical driving cylinders 54, 54, 54 & are capable of reducing the pressing force of the straightening rollers 52, 52, 54,. It functions as a pressing force applying means that can switch between a strong pressing force that can plastically deform both end portions 13 and 13 and a weaker pressing force.

<Shape measurement procedure>,

Next, a specific procedure for measuring the shape of the tubular body 10 by the shape measuring apparatus 5 having such a configuration will be described. FIG. 46 is a flowchart for explaining the overall flow of the shape measuring means.

In this shape measuring operation, first, the pipe 10 is loaded into the shape measuring position (corrected position) of the shape measuring device 5 and set (step S1).

When the tube 10 is carried in, the tube 10 is moved to any outside by the inside straightening rollers 52, 52 retracted to the outside by the retracting operation of the retracting drive units 522, 522. Is manually conveyed and placed on the small-diameter portion 541 of the outer correcting rollers 54. Then, the inner straightening rollers 52, 52 are inserted into the inside of the tube 10 by the retracting operation of the retracting drive units 522, 522. In this state, the up-and-down driving cylinders 546, 546 together with the outer straightening rollers 54, lift the tube 10 placed thereon.

Subsequently, in order to obtain an appropriate correction amount corresponding to a different cross-sectional shape for each of the pipes 10, the cross-sectional shapes of both end portions 13, 13 of the pipe 10 are measured in advance (step S2).

In this pre-measurement, the tube 10 placed on the outer straightening rollers 54 is moved up and down by the vertical driving cylinders 546, until the inner peripheral surface 11 of the tube 10 is lightly in contact with the inner straightening rollers 52, 52. Lift by 546. At this time, the outer straightening rollers 54 are also in a state of lightly contacting the outer peripheral surfaces 12 of the both end portions 13 and 13 of the tubular body 10, and the tubular body 10 is fixed by the inner straightening rollers 52 and 52 and the outer straightening rollers. It is in a state where a weak pressing force is applied.

In this state, the outer straightening rollers 54 are driven by drive motors 545 to rotate the tube 10, and the displacement detector 53 having the detection areas 531 corresponding to at least both end portions 13 and 13 of the tube 10. … Is driven to detect the cross-sectional shape of both end portions 13, 13 of the tubular body 10. Specifically, for example, the degree of flatness of the both end portions 13 and 13 can be obtained from the diameter or the like of the tube 10 that changes depending on the rotation phase. Subsequently, the cross-sectional shape is corrected by plastically deforming both end portions 13 and 13 of the tubular body 10 (step S3).

In this correction, first, depending on how much correction is required for the tubular body 10 whose shape is to be measured as indicated by the result of the above-described pre-measurement, a position where the outer correction rollers 54 are fixed at the time of correction (correction). Position) is set. The reason for setting only the position of the outer straightening rollers 54 is that, in this embodiment, the inner straightening rollers 52, 52 are not moved up and down. By setting the fixed position (correction position) of the outer correction rollers 54, the relative positional relationship of all the correction rollers 52, 52, 54, ... at the time of correction is set. The setting of the correction positions of the outer correction rollers 54 is specifically performed by stopper position setting means 549, 549 for setting the height positions of the stoppers 548, 548.

When the fixing position (correction position) of the outer correction roller 54 is set, the support roller support 54 53, 54 43 is moved by the vertical drive cylinder 54 46, 54 46 to the stopper 54 48, 54. It is lifted until it touches 8 and fixed. As a result, the height position of the outer correction rollers 54 is also fixed. The height of the inner straightening rollers 52, 52 is originally fixed. At this time, the outer straightening rollers 54 are pressed against the outer peripheral surface 12 of the tube 10 with a strong pressing force, and at the same time, the inner straightening rollers 52, 52 are strongly pressed against the inner peripheral surface 11 of the tube 10. It will be pressed by pressure.

In this state, the outer straightening rollers 54 are driven by the drive motors 545 and 545 to rotate the tube 10 so that both end portions 13 and 13 of the tube 10 are The correction force acts over the entire circumference, and plastic deformation occurs partially in the circumferential direction, and the cross section is corrected to an appropriate cross-sectional shape (true circular shape).

In this way, if the pipe 10 rotates more than one rotation, preferably more than one rotation, the vertical roller cylinders 546, 546 push the support roller supports 543, 543 to the stoppers 548, 548. And the inner straightening rollers 52, 52 release the strong pressing force (correcting force) on the tube 10 by the outer straightening rollers 54 and the inner straightening rollers 52, 52. This The release of the strong pressing force is performed while rotating the tube 10 so that the pressing force acting on the tube 10 is gradually reduced. Preferably, it is performed over one rotation. Due to the local intense change (decrease) in the pressing force in the circumferential direction of the tube 10, the cross-sectional shapes of both end portions 13, 13 of the tube 10 become discontinuous in the circumferential direction. This is to prevent the adverse effect of the above.

As a result of the pre-measurement, if the shapes of both end portions 13 and 13 of the tubular body 10 are good and there is no problem without straightening, the straightening step (step S3) is skipped. You may.

Subsequently, the amount of displacement of the outer peripheral surface 1'2 in the radial direction due to the rotation of the tube 10, that is, the amount of deflection of the outer peripheral surface is measured (step S4). In this embodiment, simultaneously with the measurement of the deflection amount of the outer peripheral surface 12 at the center in the axial direction of the tube 10, the measurement of the cross-sectional shape (post-measurement) of both end portions 13, 13 of the tube 10 is simultaneously performed. Is supposed to do it. This post-measurement confirms whether the above-mentioned correction was performed properly.

At the end of the above-described straightening, the outer pressing rollers 54, which are released by releasing the strong pressing force on the tube 10 and descend, are formed by the inner straightening rollers 52, 52 and the outer straightening roller 54 ... The lowering operation is stopped at the height position where it comes into light contact with the object. The measurement of the flatness of the outer peripheral surface 12 was performed in this state, that is, in the state where the weak pressing force was applied to the pipe 10 by the inner straightening rollers 52 and 52 and the outer straightening roller, as in the above-mentioned preliminary measurement. Done.

The deflection of the outer peripheral surface 12 is measured by driving the outer straightening rollers 5 4… in a state where the inner straightening rollers 5 ′ 2, 52 and the outer straightening rollers are applied with a weak pressing force on the tube 10. The tube 10 is rotated by driving with 5, 5 45, and the displacement detectors 5 3 are driven to measure the displacement (deflection) of the outer peripheral surface at 5 points in the axial direction of the tube 10 Is done. Of these, the displacement detected by the displacement detectors 53 on both ends 13, 13 of the tube 10 is based on the cross-sectional shape of both ends 13, 13 of the tube 10. It is for doing. That is, the displacement detectors 5 3 at both ends 13, 13 of the tubular body 10 ... Is a post-measurement of the cross-sectional shape of both ends 13, 13 of the tubular body 10.

When the measurement of the displacement amount of the outer peripheral surface 12 of the tubular body 10 is completed together with the subsequent measurement in this way, it is determined whether the result of the subsequent measurement is appropriate (step S5).

5 If the result of this post-measurement is incorrect (NG in step S5), since the correction of the both ends 13 and 13 of the tubular body 10 described above has not been successful, the process proceeds to step S3. Return and repeat the correction of the cross-sectional shape of both ends 13 and 13 of the tube 10 again. If the post-measurement result in step S5 is NG even after the correction is repeated a predetermined number of times, the shape measurement of the tube 10 may be terminated as a defective pipe for which the correction is not effective.

-0 If the result of the post-measurement is appropriate (OK in step S5), the outer peripheral surface 1 2 of step S4 should be kept in a state where both ends 13 and 13 of the tube 10 are similar to those in actual use. Since it is estimated that the measurement of the tube 10 was performed, it is assumed that the shape measurement result of the tube 10 is determined by using the amount of deflection of the outer peripheral surface 12 of the tube 10 obtained in the step S4. After the determination, the shape measurement is completed (step S6). .

5 When the shape measurement of the tube 10 is completed in this way, the tube 10 is unloaded from the shape measuring device 5 (step S7).

To remove the tube 10, the rotation of the tube 10 is stopped in the reverse order to the above, and the outer straightening rollers 54 are lowered to thereby lower the tube 10 and the inner straightening rollers 52, 52. Is released, and the inner straightening rollers 52, 52 are retreated to both outer sides again, and the tube 10 whose shape measurement has been completed is taken out. The method for measuring the shape of the tubular body according to the tenth embodiment described above may be subjected to various modifications such as the arrangement of the straightening rollers, as in the ninth embodiment.

5 Modified example>

As described above, the tenth embodiment has been described, but the present invention is not limited to the above. Various modifications are possible as in the first to ninth embodiments, and the following configuration may be adopted.

(1) In the tenth embodiment, a strong pressing force is applied by the straightening roller.At the time of straightening, the cross-sectional shape of both end portions 13 and 13 of the tubular body 10 is corrected with plastic deformation. When the shape of the tube 10 was measured, the straightening port was lightly contacted to measure the cross-sectional shape of both ends 13 and 13 of the tube 10 without deforming it. Even when measuring the shape of 0, the measurement may be performed while slightly deforming both end portions 13 and 13 of the tubular body 10. In this way, even if correction with plastic deformation cannot be performed satisfactorily, correction is performed by inserting the flange 80 etc. as shown in Fig. 4 when actually used. By reproducing the same state as in such a case, it is possible to perform shape measurement in accordance with actual conditions.

In this case, it is desirable that the deformation of both end portions 13, 13 at the time of shape measurement be within a range of elastic deformation. (2) In the above-described tenth embodiment, when the correction is completed, the strong pressing force by the correction roller is gradually reduced while rotating the tube. Similarly, when the correction is started, the pressing force by the correction roller may be gradually increased.

[First Embodiment]

Next, the eleventh embodiment will be described.

In the eleventh embodiment, as in the ninth and tenth embodiments described above, the shape of the both ends of the tube 10 is determined in order to grasp the shape of the tube in a state approximated when actually used. The shape of the tube 10 is measured while correcting the shape.

FIG. 47 is a pipe shape measuring apparatus for the pipe shape measuring method according to the present invention. 5 is a front sectional view showing FIG. FIG. 48 is a sectional view of the expansion clamp 20 ′. FIG. 49 is an explanatory diagram of the operation. FIG. 50 is a front sectional view showing a use state of a pipe (work) 10 whose shape is to be measured.

As shown in FIG. 47, the method for measuring the shape of the tube according to the eleventh embodiment is such that a pair of expansion clamps 6 6 , 66 are inflated and brought into contact with the entire circumference of the inner peripheral surface 11 of the tubular body 10. In this state, a pair of expansion clamps 66, 66 with the central axis of rotation as the rotation axis is used. The tube 10 is rotated together with the expansion clamps 66, 66 of the tube, and the displacement amount in the radial direction of the outer peripheral surface 12 of the tube 10 at this time is detected by a displacement detector arranged outside the tube 10. 30 ... is detected. Swelling:

The pair of inflation clamps 66, 66 define the standard for measuring the shape of the tube 10.

The pair of expansion clamps 66, 66 are arranged substantially horizontally, and the tubular body 10 whose shape is to be measured is supported in a substantially horizontal posture by the pair of expansion clamps 66, 66. Has become.

As shown in FIG. 48, the pair of expansion clamps 6 6 and 6 6 have a cylindrical main body 6 7 having a large-diameter portion 6 71 and a small-diameter portion 6 72, and a clamp main body 6 7. An expansion ring (cylindrical body) 685 attached so as to cover the outer peripheral surface of the small diameter portion 672 is provided.

The pair of expansion clamps 6 6, 6 6 are attached to the rotary drive sources 6 9, 6 9 on both outer sides of the large diameter portion 6 7 1 of the clamp body 6 7, 6 7, as shown in FIG. 47 etc. The expansion clamps 66 are supported so that they can rotate accurately around the central axis of the expansion clamps 66.

Further, at least one of the expansion clamps 66, 66 is provided with a not-shown protruding / retracting driving means. Thus, when the tube 1 o is set, it can be retracted axially outward so as not to obstruct it.

The clamp body 67 has an oil passage 68 filled with hydraulic oil. The oil passage 68 communicates with an expansion chamber 683 formed inside the expansion ring 685 by a plurality of radially extending pipes in the small diameter portion 672 of the clamp body 67. The chamber 683 is formed between the outer peripheral surface of the small diameter portion 672 of the clamp body 67 and the inner peripheral surface of the expansion ring 685. As described later, hydraulic oil is supplied to the expansion chamber 683, and the expansion chamber 683 is expanded by the operating oil pressure (fluid pressure), so that the expansion ring 685 expands in the radial direction. Even in this case, sealing means is provided at both ends in the axial direction of the expansion chamber 683 in order to keep the expansion chamber 683 sealed.

In this embodiment, specifically, O-rings 684, 684 are fitted into grooves formed over the entire circumference of the clamp body 67, and the O-rings 684, 684 The expansion chamber 683 3 is hermetically sealed by a structure that is in close contact with the outer peripheral surface (groove) of 67 and the inner peripheral surface of the expansion ring 685. The O-rings 684 and 684 are normally squeezed inward by the expansion ring 685, and when the expansion ring 685 expands and bulges in the radial direction, the 0-ring The small diameter portion of the expansion ring 685 and the clamp body 6 7 is deformed so that the outer diameter of the expansion ring 6 8 4, 6 84 It is possible to maintain a sealed state with the outer peripheral surface. The material of the O-rings 684 and 684 may be, for example, rubber, but any material may be used as long as it is an elastic body that can perform the function of the O-ring. it can. The oil passage 6.8 in the large diameter portion 671 of the clamp body 67 communicates with the outside of the clamp body 67 at the center position of the outer end surface of the large diameter portion 671. An internal thread 681 is formed at the end of the oil passage 68 in the large-diameter portion 671, where the operation screw 6882 is formed. Is installed. The operation screw 682 can be rotated by an arbitrary amount in an arbitrary direction by a driving source such as a motor (not shown). In the expansion clamps 6 6 and 6 6, the operating oil 6 82 is rotated to move the female screw 6 8 1 forward and backward, so that the hydraulic oil (fluid) in the internal screw 6 8 1 is passed through the oil passage 6. 8 and raises the hydraulic oil pressure (fluid pressure) in the oil passage 68 including the above-mentioned expansion chamber 683, whereby the hydraulic oil is sent into the expansion chamber 683 and the expansion chamber 683 Can be expanded. Specifically, the expansion chamber 683 expands when the above-described expansion ring 685 extends in the circumferential direction, its outer diameter increases, and the expansion ring expands in the radial direction.

The expansion ring 685 is formed of an elastic body having a predetermined elasticity. As the material of the expansion ring, for example, metal such as alloy steel, synthetic resin, synthetic rubber, and the like can be mentioned. Any material can be used as long as it is an elastic body that can function as the expansion ring. Can be adopted.

When the hydraulic oil is fed into the expansion chamber 683 inside the expansion ring 685, the expansion ring 685 receives a radially outward pressure (working oil pressure, fluid pressure) 'by the sent hydraulic oil, and the circumferential direction is changed. Expands evenly and deforms so that its outer diameter increases. Due to this expansion deformation, the outer peripheral surface of the expansion ring 685 comes into contact with the inner peripheral surface of the tubular body 10 over the entire circumference.

The expansion ring 685 has a predetermined length in the axial direction. As shown in FIG. 49B, even when inflated, the outer peripheral surface expands and deforms while maintaining substantially the same diameter in the axial direction. Therefore, the tubular body 10 comes into surface contact with the expansion ring 685 with a predetermined contact width in the axial direction. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the tube 10 from being deformed into a shape different from that in actual use by the expansion clamps 66, 66 locally contacting the inner peripheral surface 11 of the tube 10. This can contribute to accurate shape measurement. In addition, the tube 10 can be brought into contact with a large pressing force without giving an inappropriate deformation. _{gg In} addition, the outer peripheral surface of the expansion ring ₆₈₅ is sufficiently smooth, so that it comes into close contact with the inner peripheral surface 11 of the tubular body 10.

The pair of expansion clamps 66, 66 come into contact with the tube 10 at the position where the tube 10 is to be supported during actual use (in the hatched area S in FIG. 4). ing. Thus, a portion serving as a reference for the rotational operation when the tube 10 is actually used can be used as a reference in the shape measurement, and more practical measurement can be realized.

According to such expansion clamps 66 and 66, the expansion clamps 66 and 66 are formed such that the expansion ring 685 is evenly swelled in the circumferential direction, and extends around the inner peripheral surface 11 of the tube 10 and the entire circumference. Since the pipes 10 abut, the tube 10 is supported under almost the same conditions as those supported by the flange during actual use. That is, the center axis position of the pair of expansion clamps 66, 66 substantially coincides with the center of the circle formed by the inner peripheral surface 11 of the tubular body 10.

Then, by rotating the pair of expansion clamps 66 around the central axis in this state, the pipe body 10 supported on the inner peripheral surface 11 by the flange is actually used. Sometimes a very similar rotation state can be realized, and the behavior of the tube 10 under this rotation is almost the same as in actual use. Therefore, if the displacement of the outer peripheral surface of the tube 10 rotated in this way is detected, as described later, the tube bends, uneven thickness, the cross-sectional shape of the tube (roundness), etc. All integrated effects can be detected.

Further, since the pair of expansion clamps 66, 66 are in contact with the entire circumference of the inner peripheral surface 11 of the tube 10, the center axis position of the pair of expansion clamps 66, 66 is set to the tube 1 The inner peripheral surface of 0 can be positioned more reliably at the center of the circle formed by 1 and a state close to the rotating state in actual use can be realized.

Also, since the pair of expansion clamps 66, 66 are in contact with the entire circumference of the outer circumferential surface 11 of the tube 10, even if the tube 10 comes into contact with a larger pressing force, the pressing force _gQ can be distributed substantially uniformly in the circumferential direction, which can contribute to accurate shape measurement.

For example, as a general clamp, a so-called crack-type clamp, that is, by contacting the inner peripheral surface 11 of the tubular body 10 at a plurality of holes, and increasing the interval between the plurality of holes, There is a clamp that presses and supports a plurality of locations on the inner peripheral surface 11 of the tube 10 in a radially outward direction. However, in such a crack-type clamp, the cross-section of the tube 10 in the circumferential direction is inadequate in the circumferential direction because the inside of the inner surface 11 of the tube 10 comes into contact locally with the circumferential portion. There is a danger of even deformation. In particular, when the tube 10 is thin or made of a soft material, accurate shape measurement cannot be performed because the tube 10 is deformed unevenly. On the other hand, in the expansion clamps 66 and 66 in the method for measuring the shape of the tubular body according to the present invention, the expansion clamp

Since 66 and 66 are in contact with the entire circumference of the inner peripheral surface of the tubular body 10, there is no such a defect as the conventional general cracked-type pump.

Also, a pair of expansion clamps 66, 66 are inserted into the inside of the tube 10 to expand the tube, and the tube 10 is rotated together with the expansion clamps 66, 66 so that the displacement amount of the outer peripheral surface 12 is determined. Since only detection is required, it can be realized with a simple configuration, and accumulation of measurement errors can be reduced as much as possible, and high accuracy of shape measurement can be obtained.

Also, since the pair of expansion clamps 66, 66 are assumed to expand by the fluid pressure (operating oil pressure), a substantially large and sufficiently large expansion force is obtained in the circumferential direction, and the expansion clamps 66, 66 are obtained. Can press the inner peripheral surface 11 of the tube 10 radially outward with a sufficiently large pressing force. Thereby, the expansion clamps 66, 66 can be reliably brought into contact with the inner peripheral surface 11 of the tubular body 10.

In this embodiment, both ends 13 of the tube 10 are expanded and deformed by a sufficiently large pressing force.

And this pipe expansion deformation is almost the same as the pipe expansion deformation of the pipe 10 when the flanges 80 and 80 are press-fitted when the pipe 10 is used. This allows the actual A support state that is more approximated during use can be realized, thereby achieving a state that is more approximate to the rotational state during actual use.

The pressing force of the pair of expansion clamps 66, 66 pressing the inner peripheral surface of the tube 10 is such that the flanges 80, 80 are pressed into the tube 10 when the tube 10 is used. It is almost the same as the pipe expansion pressure applied to the pipe. As a result, it is possible to realize a supporting state that is more similar to the actual use of the tube 10 in which the flanges 80, 80, etc. are press-fitted near both ends of the tube 10 during actual use. It is possible to realize a state more approximate to the rotation state in actual use.

In particular, when the flanges 80 and 80 are press-fitted during actual use, the cross-sectional shape (inner circumference circle) near the both ends of the tube 10 depends on the shapes of the flanges 80 and 80. The tube 10 is expanded by the expansion clamps 66, 66, which expand evenly in the circumferential direction due to the fluid pressure, so that the tube is expanded as in actual use. Tube: The shape of the tube 10 can be measured with the vicinity of both ends of the tube 10 being corrected.

The expansion of the tube 10 caused by the pair of inflation clamps 66, 66 depends on the degree of expansion of the tube 10 according to the degree of expansion of the tube 10 during actual use of the tube 10. It may be performed within the deformation region, or may reach the plastic deformation region of the tube 10. If the expansion of the tube 10 is kept within the elastic deformation region, the expansion of the tube at the time of shape measurement returns after the shape measurement, and the shape measurement can reliably suppress the influence on the tube. On the other hand, when tube expansion deformation that reaches the plastic deformation region is given during actual use, shape measurement can be performed under almost the same conditions as in actual use by performing tube expansion deformation similar to this.

(Example of shape measurement) ''

Next, a case where the advantage of the tube shape measuring method according to the first embodiment is particularly exhibited will be described with reference to a specific example of the tube shape. '' Tubes with crushed ends>

First, in the first example, as shown in FIG. 51, only the both ends 106 a and 106 a of the tubular body 106 have a flat cross-sectional shape. 6b shows the case where the shape is an appropriate perfect circle.

A tube used as a substrate for a photosensitive drum or the like is often manufactured by cutting a long tube material into a predetermined length. In this case, only the vicinity of both ends of the tube is deformed flat by cutting. There are times when you do.

In such a shape in which the vicinity of both ends is deformed flat, for example, when the conventional shape measurement shown in FIGS. 56 and 57 is performed, it is determined as a shape far from a perfect cylindrical tube shape. It is highly likely that a shape inspection with a predetermined acceptance criterion will result in a defective product.

However, when such a tube 106 is actually used, the flanges and the like are press-fitted to both ends thereof as shown in FIG. 4 so that the vicinity of both ends is corrected to a perfect circular shape, and the defective shape is eliminated. However, in actual use, the configuration is completely cylindrical, and there are cases where there is no problem in using it at all. On the other hand, even if a flange or the like is press-fitted during actual use, there may be a real defective pipe that does not become a complete cylindrical shape. There was a possibility that what could be determined to be bad.

On the other hand, according to the shape measuring method of the present invention, the expansion clamps 66, 66 are inserted near both ends of the tubular body 106, and are expanded to fit on the inner peripheral surface of the tubular body 106. The shape of the pipe can be measured in a state where it is brought into contact with the pipe and the pipe is deformed more closely in actual use.Therefore, pseudo defects that are eliminated in actual use near the both ends as shown in Fig. 51 It is possible to obtain a shape measurement result that can accurately determine whether or not an existing tube is a defect that remains during actual use.

For this reason, it is possible to accurately measure the shape of a tube that had to be determined to be defective in the past, and to provide a true shape measurement result. <Material with uneven material distribution>

The second example in which the advantage of the method for measuring the shape of a tubular body according to the present invention is particularly exhibited is that, prior to press-fitting the flange during actual use, the tube has a perfect cylindrical shape, but its material distribution is circumferential. This is the case when the directions are not uniform.

Fig. 52 is an example of such a pipe 107 in which the material distribution is not uniform in the circumferential direction. Fig. 52A shows the state before the flange is press-fitted. The state after the press-fit of 0 is shown.

As shown in FIG. 52A, the pipe 107 has a uniform wall thickness all around. However, its left half W is easier to deform and stretch than the other parts. The reasons why such a tube is manufactured include, for example, unevenness in the extruded material at the time of extruding the tube, and environmental conditions such as temperature conditions after the tube is formed. There can be mentioned a case where the directions vary.

When the flange 80 is pressed into the inside of such a tube 10, the tube 10 whose original inner diameter is D as shown in Fig. 52A However, as shown in, for example, FIG. 52B, the pipe is deformed so that the diameter of the circle formed by the inner peripheral surface increases to D ′. At this time, the portion W that is easily extended and deformed compared to the other portions is extended and deformed larger than the other portions, and becomes a portion W ′ thinner than the other portions.

In other words, the second example, contrary to the first example, has at least a flange when it is actually used, although it has a shape that cannot be determined whether it is normal before actual use. It can be said that the tube near the both ends of the tube body supported by 80 and whose rotation center is determined becomes an uneven thickness tube, resulting in a defective tube. In the conventional shape measurement shown in, for example, FIGS. 56 and 57, such a tubular body 107 has a perfect cylindrical tube shape at the time of shape measurement. It was inevitable to determine the shape, and such a defective pipe could not be detected. On the other hand, according to the shape measuring method according to the present invention, the expansion clamps 66, 66 are inserted near both ends of the tube 10 and are expanded to fit on the inner peripheral surface of the tube 10. Since the shape of the pipe can be measured in a state where it is brought into contact with the pipe and the pipe is deformed more similar to that in actual use, hidden defects generated during actual use near both ends as shown in Fig. 52 Can also be detected to provide a true shape measurement.

Although the first embodiment has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above, and various modifications are possible as in the above-described first to tenth embodiments. May be configured.

(1) In the above-described first embodiment, the pair of inflatable clamps 66, 66 are brought into contact with the planned support position when the tubular body is used. It may be a position. However, it is desirable to be near the planned support position. This is because there is a high possibility that the planned support position and the cross-sectional shape are similar.

(2) In the above-described first embodiment, the shape measurement was performed with the axial direction of the tube 10 being substantially horizontal. However, the shape measurement was performed with the axial direction of the tube 10 being substantially vertical. May be performed. In this way, the bending of the tube 10 due to its own weight is reduced, so that the original shape of the tube 10 can be measured.

(3) In the eleventh embodiment, the displacement detectors 30 are arranged one by one on a plurality of cross sections of the tube 10 so that the outer peripheral surface of the tube 10 on the plurality of cross sections (axial position) is provided. Are detected, but a plurality of displacement detectors 30 may be arranged in one or more cross sections to detect a plurality of displacements in one cross section. By doing so, it becomes possible to know the cross-sectional shape more precisely from the displacement amounts detected for a plurality of cross-sections.

Also, as shown in FIG. 53, two positions 3 1 ····, 3 2 ···, 3 3-whose circumferential positions are different by half a circle at an arbitrary cross section (axial position) of the tube 10. , 3 4… (opposite If the displacement of the outer peripheral surface is detected at

A diameter of 10 can be obtained directly. That is, when the tube .10 is supported by the expansion clamps 66 and 66 and rotated around the central axis of the expansion clamps 66 and 66, the displacement of 1 is detected at any cross-section (axial position). The diameter of the tube 10 can be theoretically obtained by matching the displacement detection amount at a position where the rotation angle differs by 180 degrees from the displacement detection amount of the vessel 30. However, the theoretically obtained accuracy of the diameter is affected by the accuracy of controlling the rotation angle of the tube 10 and detecting the rotation angle. On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 53, if the displacement of the outer peripheral surface is detected at a position where the circumferential position is different by half a circle, two displacements are extracted at each moment of shape measurement and compared. As a result, the diameter of the tube 10 is obtained, so that it is not affected by the rotation angle of the tube 10. Therefore, an accurate diameter can be easily obtained without being affected by the accuracy of the rotation angle of the tube 10 or the like.

(4) In the eleventh embodiment, a plurality of detection positions for the amount of displacement of the outer peripheral surface of the tubular body 10 are provided, but at least one position is sufficient.

(5) In the above embodiment, a substrate for a photosensitive drum is described as the tube 10 whose shape is to be measured. However, the present invention is not limited to this. It can be suitably applied. In addition, a tubular body can be a measurement target of the present invention.

(6) In the eleventh embodiment, the pipe body 10 is expanded and deformed by the pair of expansion clamps 66 and 66 to the same extent as the expansion in actual use. The expansion deformation of the tube 10 by the tension clamps 66, 66 may be smaller than the expansion deformation of the tube 10 when the tube 10 is used. In this way, when the tube 10 is actually used, the flanges 80, 80 into which the flanges 80, 80 are press-fitted near both ends of the tube 10 realize a support state similar to that in actual use. However, since only the tube expansion deformation smaller than the tube expansion deformation at the time of use of the tube 10 is performed, the influence on the tube 10 by the shape measurement can be reduced. In particular, during actual use, even when the pipe 10 undergoes plastic deformation due to the press-fitting of the flanges 66, 66, the pair of expansion clamps 20 and 20 are elastic during shape measurement. If only the deformation in the deformation area is given, the same shape as before the shape measurement can be maintained even after the shape measurement of the tube is performed.

(7) In the eleventh embodiment, a pair of inflation is performed by pressing the flanges 80, 80 into a pair during the actual use by pressing the flanges 80, 80 to the same degree as the pressing force acting on the tube 10. The clamp 10 was applied to the tube 10 by the clamps 66 and 66. However, the pressing force applied to the tube 10 by the 1¾ "expansion clamps 66 and 66 was such that the tube 1 was not used when the tube 10 was used. It may be smaller than the pipe expansion pressure acting on 0. In this case, the pipe body into which the flanges 80, 80, etc. are press-fitted near both ends of the pipe body 10 during actual use is actually used While the approximated support state is sometimes realized, only expansion deformation smaller than the expansion deformation at the time of use of the tube 10 occurs, so that the influence on the tube 10 by shape measurement can be reduced.

(8) In the above-described first embodiment, the expansion clamps 66, 66 have been described as an example in which the expansion ring is expanded by the fluid pressure of the hydraulic oil. It is not limited to pressure. As a driving principle mechanism for expanding, any mechanism capable of obtaining the above-described pressing force when the expanding operation is clamped may be used. As the driving principle mechanism for expansion, a material whose expansion clamp material changes in volume and whose change amount can be controlled by temperature, electricity, or the like can be used. For example, the expansion portion provided in the expansion clamp may be heated and thermally expanded, and the expansion force may be brought into contact with the inner peripheral surface of the tubular body and further expanded. Alternatively, a so-called piezo actuator using a material that expands when energized may be used to make contact with the inner peripheral surface of the tubular body and further expand and deform the tubular body. [First and second embodiments]

Next, a tube inspection apparatus according to the present invention will be described. FIG. 54 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the inspection device 71.

The inspection device 71 includes, for example, an automatic shape measurement device 5 according to the second embodiment of the above-described embodiment, and an outer peripheral surface 12 of a tubular body 10 detected by the shape measurement device 5. The deflection amount calculator 711 that calculates the deflection amount of the outer peripheral surface 12 from the displacement amount data of the outer peripheral surface 12 and the allowable range of the deflection amount of the outer peripheral surface 12 of the tubular body 10 are set and stored. Section 7 12, a comparison section 7 13 for checking whether or not the deflection amount of the tube 10 calculated in the deflection amount calculation section 7 11 is within an allowable range, and outputs the inspection result. And an output unit 7 14.

The shape measuring device is not limited to the above-described second embodiment, but may be a device according to another embodiment or a modification thereof.

The blur amount calculation unit 7 11, the allowable range storage unit 7 12, the comparison unit 7 13, and the output unit 7 14 are, specifically, software and software that perform their functions in a sequencer or the like composed of a computer. Consists of hardware.

The deflection amount handled by the deflection amount calculation unit 711, the allowable range storage unit 7112, and the comparison unit 7113 is, for example, 5 points in the axial direction of the tube 10 by the shape measuring device 5 (5 If the displacement amount of the outer peripheral surface 12 in the (cross section) is to be detected, the deflection amount may be calculated for all the five places or may be a part of them. In addition, even when using the deflection amount at a plurality of locations (for example, five locations), the condition for passing the final inspection result is that even if all the deflection amounts are within a predetermined allowable range, The result of combining the amounts of runout at the points may be within a predetermined allowable range. The combination of the amounts of deflection is, for example, that all of the amounts of deflection at a plurality of locations are within a predetermined range, and the sum of the amounts of deflection is within a predetermined range.

Here, the raw data of the displacement amount of the outer peripheral surface of the tube 10 detected by the shape measuring device 5 is processed, and an index value or the like representing the shape of the tube 10 such as the amount of deflection of the outer peripheral surface is processed. The calculation means for calculating is expressed outside the shape measuring device 5, but the shape measuring device 5 itself ₉ Needless to say, such a calculating means may be provided. Further, an output means for outputting the calculation result may be provided.

[Third Embodiment]

Next, a description will be given of a production system for the tubular body according to the present invention.

FIG. 55 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of this manufacturing system 72. As shown in FIG. The manufacturing system 72 includes a pipe-making device 72 1 for forming the tube 10, the above-described inspection device 71, and a completed tube 10 based on the inspection results of the inspection device 71. And a pass / fail determination unit 722 for determining whether or not to make the determination.

The tube making device 721 is for making a tube for a photosensitive drum, for example, by combining extrusion molding and drawing molding. Specifically, in the case of producing a photosensitive drum substrate made of an aluminum alloy, a process of manufacturing an extruded material by dissolving the raw material, an extruding process, a drawing process, a straightening process, and a process of preparing a predetermined length. It is configured as a set of mechanical devices that execute the cutting process, the cleaning process, and the like. Note that the pipe producing device 721 is not limited to this as long as it can produce a tubular body, and may be one that produces a tubular body by cutting.

The pipe 10 manufactured in this way is inspected by the above-described inspection device 71 to determine whether the shape is within a predetermined allowable range, and a pass / fail judgment unit 722 determines a predetermined value based on the inspection result. If it is within the allowable range, the tube 10 is determined to be a completed product. It is preferable that the manufacturing system 72 be provided with an automatic transfer device for automatically transferring the pipe 10 from the pipe forming device 7 21 to the shape measuring device 5 of the inspection device 71. In addition, it is desirable to provide a transport device for selecting and transporting the finished product passed in the pass / fail determination unit 7 22 and the suspected defective product determined to be rejected to different locations. If the type and characteristics of the defect occurring in the pipe 10 are determined by the pipe shape measuring device 5 provided in the It is preferable to provide a feedback function for performing feedback so as to prevent the occurrence of defective pipes.

[Supplement]

As described above, the present invention has been described in accordance with the embodiments. Preferred configurations according to the ninth embodiment include the following.

In such a method for measuring the shape of a tubular body, it is preferable that three or more of the straightening rollers are respectively brought into contact with both side ends of the tubular body. In this case, the end shape of the tubular body can be corrected while maintaining the tubular body in a stable state.

In the method for measuring the shape of a tubular body, the straightening roller includes an inner straightening roller that contacts an inner peripheral surface of the tubular body, and an outer straightening roller that contacts an outer peripheral surface of the tubular body. It is desirable to include at least one each. With this configuration, the tube can be stably held by sandwiching the tube from inside and outside, and the correction rollers can be arranged close to each other. Thereby, the plurality of correction rollers can be firmly positioned, and accurate correction can be performed on both end portions of the tubular body. It is also possible to perform local shape correction in the circumferential direction of the tube. In the method for measuring the shape of a tubular body, when the tubular body is carried into and out of the shape measuring position, the inner straightening roller slides in the axial direction of the tubular body to perform a sliding operation on both sides of the tubular body. It is desirable to retreat from the end to the outside of the tube. With this configuration, when the tube is set, the inner correction roller is retracted axially outward, and the tube can be set at the shape measurement position without moving the tube in the axial direction.

In such a tube shape measuring method, it is preferable that the inner straightening roller and the outer straightening roller relatively move apart before and after measuring the shape of the tubular body. In this way, when the tube is set, the tube is not pinched between the inner straightening opening and the outer straightening roller, so that the tube is easily positioned at the shape measurement position. Can be set. In addition, in such a method for measuring the shape of the tubular body, the inner straightening roller and the outer straightening roller contact the inner circumferential surface and the outer circumferential surface of the tubular body at different positions in the circumferential direction of the tubular body, respectively. It is desirable to do. With this configuration, the correcting force can be efficiently applied to a portion where the circumferential position of the tube is sandwiched between the inner correcting roller and the outer correcting roller.

Further, in such a method for measuring the shape of a tubular body, it is preferable that two or more outer straightening rollers are provided at both end portions of the tubular body. With this configuration, the pipe can be held by the two or more outer straightening rollers, so that the posture of the pipe can be stabilized.

Further, in such a method for measuring the shape of a tubular body, it is preferable that at least two outer straightening rollers contact the lower side of the tubular body at both end portions of the tubular body. With this configuration, the outer straightening roller on the lower side of the tubular body can be used as a temporary placing table for temporarily supporting the tubular body before and after setting the tubular body at the shape measurement position.

Further, in such a method for measuring the shape of a tubular body, the straightening roller is fixed to a preset position in a state where the cross-sectional shape of both end portions of the tubular body is temporarily corrected. It is desirable. In this case, both ends of the tube can be easily corrected to an appropriate shape without performing complicated control or the like. Further, in such a method for measuring the shape of the tubular body, the straightening roller may be provided on the inner peripheral surface or the outer peripheral surface of the tubular body when the cross-sectional shape of both ends of the tubular body is appropriate. It is desirable to be fixed at the position where it touches. By doing so, it is possible to easily and surely correct both end portions of the tube into an appropriate shape without performing complicated control or the like. In particular, in the vicinity of the portion where the straightening roller contacts, the pipe can be more accurately corrected to an appropriate shape.

Further, in such a tube shape measuring method, at least the straightening roller is provided. It is preferable that a pressing force for pressing the tube be applied to one of them. In this way, a degree of freedom of correction is obtained. For this reason, for example, it is also possible to perform appropriate correction according to the specific shape of each tube.

In such a tube shape measuring method, it is preferable that the pressing force applied to the correction roller is changed according to the rotation phase of the tube. By doing so, a correction force according to the shape of the pipe body in the circumferential direction and the like can be applied, so that more appropriate correction can be performed.

Further, in such a method for measuring the shape of the tubular body, the sectional shape of the tubular body rotating at a state where the sectional shape of the both end portions is temporarily corrected is detected. It is desirable to vary the pressing force applied to the straightening roller in accordance with the cross-sectional shape of both end portions. In this case, since the cross-sectional shape of both end portions of the tubular body is detected, a corrective force corresponding to the shape of the tubular body can be reliably applied in accordance with the detection result, and appropriate correction can be performed.

Further, in such a tube shape measuring method, at least one of the straightening rollers is set in advance in a state where the cross-sectional shape of both ends of the tube is temporarily corrected. It is desirable to be fixed in position. With this configuration, the correction roller fixed at a preset position can be used as a reference for measuring the shape of the tubular body, which can contribute to accurate shape measurement.

In such a method for measuring the shape of a tubular body, the deformation by temporary correction of both side ends of the tubular body may be performed in an elastic deformation region of the tubular body. In this way, since the deformation of the tube at the time of shape measurement returns after the shape measurement, the influence on the tube by the shape measurement can be reliably suppressed to a small value.In such a tube shape measurement method, The deformation due to the temporary correction of both ends of the tubular body may be made to reach a plastic deformation region. In this way, it is determined whether the deformation at both ends of the tube reaches the plastic deformation region. Without this, the cross-sectional shape of both ends of the tubular body can be reliably corrected to an appropriate shape, so that more accurate shape measurement can be performed.

Further, in such a tube shape measuring method, it is preferable that at least one of the straightening rollers is driven to rotate. In this case, since the straightening roller performs the function of rotating the tube, the number of members that come into contact with the tube can be reduced. As a result, it is possible to eliminate an error factor and contribute to accurate shape measurement, to obtain high reliability of the shape measurement, and to reduce the possibility of damage to the tube.

Further, in such a method for measuring the shape of a tubular body, it is preferable that the rotational drive of the correction roller is performed by one rotational drive source. By doing so, it is possible to suppress rotation unevenness that is likely to occur when a plurality of rotation drive sources are used, and to simplify the rotation control, thereby achieving high reliability in shape measurement. Obtainable.

In such a method for measuring the shape of a tubular body, it is preferable that the detection position of the displacement amount includes a plurality of positions outside the tubular body. In this way, the deflection of the outer peripheral surface at a plurality of positions outside the tubular body can be measured, and by combining these, the shape of the tubular body can be grasped more specifically.

In such a method for measuring the shape of a tubular body, the detection position of the displacement amount

It is desirable to include a plurality of positions where the axial positions of the tube are different. In this way, it is possible to measure the deflection of the outer peripheral surface at a plurality of positions where the axial position of the pipe is different, and it is possible to grasp a change in the shape of the pipe in the axial direction by combining these.

It is preferable that the pipe body includes a plurality of positions where the axial position of the tubular body coincides and the circumferential position is different. In this way, by combining the displacement amounts detected at the plurality of positions, the cross-sectional shape of the tubular body at the axial position can be grasped more specifically. Can be '

It is desirable that the axial position of the tubular body is the same, and the circumferential position includes two positions that are different by half a circumference. In this way, by combining the displacement amounts detected at these two positions, the diameter of the tube passing through these two positions can be obtained, and thereby, the shape of the tube can be grasped more specifically. be able to.

Further, in such a tube shape measuring method, it is preferable that the rotation of the tube be one rotation or more. This makes it possible to detect the shape of the entire circumference in the circumferential direction of the tube. '

Further, in such a method of measuring the shape of the tubular body, the detection of the displacement amount can be continuously performed during the entire period or a partial period during which the tubular body is rotated. By doing so, it is possible to detect a local shape change in the circumferential direction of the tube.

In such a method for measuring the shape of a tubular body, the detection of the displacement amount may be performed intermittently while rotating the tubular body. This makes it possible to easily detect the amount of displacement of the outer peripheral surface of the tubular body.

In such a method for measuring the shape of a tubular body, the rotation of the tubular body may be intermittently stopped, and the detection of the displacement may be performed when the rotation of the tubular body is stopped. Good. With this configuration, stable detection of the displacement amount of the outer peripheral surface of the tube can be performed.

Further, in such a method for measuring the shape of a tubular body, the detection of the displacement amount may be performed using a detector that comes into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the tubular body. In this way, the displacement of the outer peripheral surface of the tube can be reliably detected.

In such a method for measuring the shape of a tubular body, it is preferable that the displacement is detected using a detector that does not contact the outer peripheral surface of the tubular body. In this way, the displacement amount of the outer peripheral surface of the tubular body can be detected without fear of damaging the outer peripheral surface of the tubular body. it can.

Further, in such a shape measurement method for a tubular body, the displacement amount is detected by irradiating the tubular body with light from outside, and detecting light transmitted without being blocked by the tubular body. It is desirable to do. This makes it possible to easily and accurately detect the position of the outer peripheral surface of the tubular body. '' The preferred configuration related to the first embodiment includes the following. It is desirable that the pair of inflation clamps be brought into contact with a position to be supported when the tubular body is used. With this configuration, the shape can be measured with reference to a portion that serves as a reference for the rotation operation and the like when the tube is actually used, so that a measurement more practical can be performed.

It is preferable that the pair of expansion clamps make surface contact with a predetermined contact width over the entire inner peripheral surface of the tube. This prevents the pair of expansion clamps from locally contacting the inner peripheral surface of the tube, thereby preventing the tube from being deformed into a shape different from that in actual use, thereby enabling accurate shape measurement. Can contribute. Further, the pipe can be contacted with a larger pressing force without giving an inappropriate deformation to the pipe.

Further, it is preferable that the pair of expansion clamps press the entire circumference of the inner peripheral surface of the tubular body in a radially outward direction substantially uniformly. With this configuration, the pair of inflation clamps can be reliably brought into contact with the inner peripheral surface of the tube, so that a state similar to a rotating state in actual use can be more reliably realized.

Further, it is preferable that the pair of expansion clamps expands and deforms the tube by pressing an inner peripheral surface of the tube radially outward. In this way, when the tube is pressed into the vicinity of both ends of the tube during actual use, a very similar support state can be realized when the tube is actually used. A state closer to the rotating state at the time of use can be realized. Therefore, by detecting the amount of displacement of the outer peripheral surface in the radial direction in this state, it is possible to more accurately detect the deflection that occurs when the device can be actually used.

In addition, it is desirable that the expansion of the tube by the pair of expansion clamps is substantially the same as the expansion of the tube when the tube is used. In this way, when the pipe is pressed into the vicinity of both ends of the pipe at the time of actual use, a more similar support state can be realized when the pipe is actually used. The rotation state can be further approximated. Accordingly, by detecting the amount of displacement of the outer peripheral surface in the radial direction in this state, it is possible to more accurately detect the deflection that occurs when actually used.

Further, it is preferable that the pressing force of the pair of expansion clamps pressing the inner peripheral surface of the tube is substantially equal to the expanding pressure acting on the tube when the tube is used. In this way, when the tube is pressed into the vicinity of both ends of the tube at the time of actual use, a more approximate support state can be realized when the tube is actually used. Can be realized. Therefore, by detecting the amount of displacement of the outer peripheral surface in the radial direction in this state, it is possible to more accurately detect the deflection occurring when actually used.

In addition, it is desirable that the expansion of the tube by the pair of expansion clamps is smaller than the expansion of the tube when the tube is used. In this manner, a tube which is press-fitted with flanges or the like near both ends of the tube at the time of actual use can achieve a support state similar to that at the time of actual use, thereby achieving a rotational state at the time of actual use. A more approximate state can be realized. Therefore, by detecting the amount of displacement of the outer peripheral surface in the radial direction in this state, it is possible to more accurately detect the deflection occurring when actually used. Also, since only tube expansion deformation smaller than the tube expansion deformation during use of the tube is performed, the influence on the tube by shape measurement can be suppressed to a small value. Further, it is desirable that the pressing force for pressing the inner peripheral surface of the tube by the pair of expansion clamps is smaller than the expanding pressure acting on the tube when the tube is used. In this way, a tube that is press-fitted with flanges or the like near both ends of the tube during actual use can achieve a support state similar to that in actual use, thereby achieving a rotational state during actual use. Can be realized. Therefore, by detecting the amount of displacement of the outer peripheral surface in the radial direction in this state, it is possible to more accurately detect the deflection that occurs when actually used. Further, since only tube expansion deformation smaller than the tube expansion deformation at the time of use of the tube is performed, the influence on the tube by shape measurement can be reduced.

In addition, it is desirable that the tube expansion deformation of the tube by the pair of expansion clamps is performed in an elastic deformation region of the tube. In this way, the expansion deformation of the tube at the time of shape measurement returns after the shape measurement, and the influence of the shape measurement on the tube can be reliably suppressed to a small level.

In addition, it is desirable that the tube expansion deformation of the tube by the pair of expansion clamps reaches the plastic deformation region of the tube. In this way, when the pipe is actually used, even if the pipe expands to plastic deformation, the pipe expansion for proper shape measurement according to the actual degree of the pipe expansion is appropriately adjusted. Can be applied.

Further, it is preferable that the pair of expansion clamps expands by a fluid pressure. With this configuration, a substantially large and sufficiently large inflation force is obtained in the circumferential direction, so that the inner peripheral surface of the tubular body can be reliably contacted. Further, a sufficient pressing force for pressing the inner peripheral surface of the tube can be obtained.

Further, the pair of expansion clamps has an expansion ring having elasticity, and the expansion ring is bulged radially outward from the inside thereof by a fluid pressure. It is desirable to make contact. In this way, a sufficiently large and substantially uniform circumferential expansion force is obtained, and the expansion ring is attached to the inner peripheral surface of the tubular body. The contact can be made surely. Further, a sufficient pressing force for pressing the inner peripheral surface of the tube can be obtained.

Further, it is desirable that the pair of expansion clamps be arranged side by side in the horizontal direction. By doing so, the tube has a posture in which the axial direction is substantially horizontal, but when the tube is used in this posture, it is possible to obtain a measurement result similar to that when the tube is used.

Further, it is desirable that the pair of expansion clamps be arranged side by side in the vertical direction. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the central portion in the axial direction of the tubular body from bending due to gravity, and to measure the original shape of the tubular body.

Further, it is preferable that the displacement detection position includes a position other than a position facing the pair of expansion clamps from the outside of the tube. By doing so, the displacement amount of the outer peripheral surface in consideration of the wall thickness of the tube can be measured.

In addition, it is preferable that the detection positions of the displacement include a plurality of positions outside the tubular body. In this way, the deflection of the outer peripheral surface at a plurality of positions outside the tubular body can be measured, and by combining these, the shape of the tubular body can be grasped more specifically.

Further, it is preferable that the detection position of the displacement amount includes a plurality of positions where the axial position of the tube is different. In this way, it is possible to measure the deflection of the outer peripheral surface at a plurality of positions where the axial position of the pipe is different, and to grasp the change in the shape of the pipe in the axial direction by combining these. it can.

In addition, it is preferable that the detection position of the displacement amount includes a plurality of positions where the axial position of the pipe body coincides and the circumferential position is different. In this way, by combining the displacement amounts detected at the plurality of positions, it is possible to more specifically grasp the cross-sectional shape of the tube at the axial position.

In addition, it is preferable that the detection position of the displacement amount includes two positions where the axial position of the tubular body coincides and the circumferential position is different by half a circumference. Do this By combining the displacements detected at these two positions, the diameter of the tube passing through these two positions can be obtained, and this makes it possible to grasp the shape of the tube more specifically. Can be.

Further, it is preferable that the detection position of the displacement amount includes a position outside the tube facing at least one of the pair of expansion clamps. With this configuration, it is possible to detect the wall thickness of the pipe at the portion in contact with the bulging clamp. Then, by combining this thickness with the detection result at another detection position, the shape of the tube can be grasped more specifically. For example, it is also possible to calculate an inspection result according to a conventional inspection in which the displacement of the outer peripheral surface of another part is measured with reference to the outer peripheral surfaces near both ends of the tubular body.

Further, it is desirable that the rotation of the tube be one rotation or more. By doing so, the shape of the entire circumference in the circumferential direction of the tube can be detected.

Further, it is preferable that the detection of the displacement amount is continuously performed during the entire period or a partial period of rotating the tube. In this way, a local shape change in the circumferential direction of the tube can also be detected.

Further, it is desirable that the detection of the amount of displacement be performed intermittently while rotating the tube. This makes it possible to easily detect the amount of displacement of the outer peripheral surface of the tube.

Preferably, the rotation of the tube is intermittently stopped, and the detection of the displacement is performed when the rotation of the tube is stopped. With this configuration, the displacement amount of the outer peripheral surface of the tube can be stably detected.

Preferably, the detection of the displacement amount is performed using a detector that comes into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the tubular body. In this way, the displacement of the outer peripheral surface of the tube can be reliably detected.

Further, it is preferable that the displacement is detected using a detector that does not contact the outer peripheral surface of the tubular body. In this case, the outer peripheral surface of the tube may be damaged. Therefore, the displacement of the outer peripheral surface of the tube can be detected.

Further, it is preferable that the displacement amount is detected by irradiating the tube with light from the outside thereof and detecting light transmitted without being blocked by the tube. This makes it possible to easily and accurately detect the displacement of the outer peripheral surface of the tube.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a method and an apparatus for measuring the shape of a tube such as a substrate for a photosensitive drum of a copying machine.

Claims

The scope of the claims'

1. A pair of reference parts are brought into contact with the inner peripheral surface near both ends of the pipe,

In a state where the positions of the pair of reference portions are fixed, the tube is rotated so that the contact portions between the tube and the pair of reference portions are shifted in the circumferential direction on the inner peripheral surface of the tube. Detecting the amount of radial displacement of the outer peripheral surface of the tubular body accompanying rotation of the tubular body at at least one position outside the tubular body and fixed in the circumferential direction of the tubular body. Characteristic tube shape measurement method.

2. The method for measuring the shape of a tubular body according to claim 1, wherein the pair of reference portions is formed in a spherical shape.

3. The method for measuring the shape of a tubular body according to claim 1, wherein the pair of reference portions are in contact with an inner peripheral surface of the tubular body with a predetermined contact length in an axial direction.

4. The pair of reference portions are fixed in the circumferential direction of the tubular body so as not to rotate when the tubular body is rotated to detect at least a radial displacement of an outer peripheral surface of the tubular body. 2. The method for measuring the shape of a tubular body according to claim 1, wherein:

5. The pair of reference portions is configured as a rotatable body that is rotatably supported, and has an outer peripheral surface that comes into contact with an inner peripheral surface of the tubular body and rotates with the rotation of the tubular body. The method for measuring the shape of a tubular body according to claim 1, characterized in that:

6. The pair of reference portions are supported by reference portion support shafts from both outer sides of the tube, respectively, and the reference portion support shafts are rotated by bearings disposed outside both side ends of the tube, respectively. The method for measuring the shape of a tubular body according to claim 5, wherein the tubular body is freely supported.

7. At least one of the pair of reference portions is configured to be movable at a plurality of positions in the axial direction of the tubular body and to be fixed at each position. 2. The method for measuring the shape of a tubular body according to claim 1.

8. Two supporting rollers respectively disposed on both sides of the tube are brought into contact with outer peripheral ends on both sides of the tube, and the tube is pressed against the pair of reference portions. The method for measuring the shape of a tubular body according to claim 1.

9. The detection position of the displacement amount is a position facing the straight line passing through the two contact portions where the inner peripheral surface of the tube and the pair of reference portions contact each other from the outside of the tube. 2. The method for measuring the shape of a tubular body according to claim 1, wherein the pair of reference portions includes positions that do not face each other.

10. The method for measuring the shape of a tubular body according to claim 9, wherein the position for detecting the amount of displacement includes a position facing the pair of reference portions from outside the tubular body. Law.

11. The method for measuring the shape of a tubular body according to claim 9, wherein the position from which the amount of displacement is detected includes a plurality of positions outside the tubular body.

1 2. A plurality of positions where the axial position of the tube is different from the displacement amount detection position 12. The method for measuring the shape of a tubular body according to claim 11, comprising: '

13. The pipe according to claim 11, wherein the displacement detection position includes a plurality of positions where the axial position of the pipe body coincides and the circumferential position is different. Body shape measurement method.

14. The detection position of the displacement amount includes two positions where the axial position of the pipe body coincides and the circumferential position is different by half a circumference. Of measuring the shape of a tubular body.

1 5. A pair of reference parts abutting on the inner peripheral side surface near both side ends of the pipe in a substantially horizontal posture,

A pedestal portion that abuts the outer peripheral surface of the tubular body from below so as to support the tubular body such that the height of the inner peripheral side surface of the tubular body is positioned at substantially the same height as the pair of reference portions,

A pressing portion that is provided outside the tubular body and presses an outer peripheral side surface of the tubular body so as to press the tubular body against the pair of reference portions;

At a position facing an imaginary straight line passing through two abutting portions where the inner peripheral surface of the tubular body and the pair of reference portions abut with each other, the tubular body is located at a position facing the outside of the tubular body. A displacement detector that detects a radial displacement amount of the outer peripheral surface of the tubular body caused by the rotation when the tube rotates in a state of contact with the reference portion;

A shape measuring device for a tubular body, comprising: '

16. The tube shape measuring apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the tube is manually rotated.

1 7. The displacement detector A contact portion that contacts the outer peripheral surface of the tubular body;

Urging means for urging the contact portion to press against the outer peripheral surface of the tubular body.

The pressing portion detects the amount of displacement from the movement of the contact portion accompanying the rotation of the tube, and presses the outer peripheral side surface of the tube so as to press the tube against the pair of reference portions. The tube shape measuring device according to claim 15, wherein the tube shape measuring device has a function.

18. The stop according to claim 15, wherein a stop which abuts on an end surface of the tube to regulate an axial position of the tube is provided only on one side of the tube. The pipe shape measurement device described.

1 9. A pair of reference parts abutting on the lower surface of the inner periphery near both ends of the pipe in a substantially horizontal posture,

Two support rollers are disposed on both side ends of the tube body, respectively, and support rollers for supporting the tube body by contacting the outer peripheral lower surface of the tube body and pressing the tube body against the pair of reference portions;

At a position facing the straight line passing through two contact portions where the inner peripheral surface of the tube body and the pair of reference portions contact each other from the outside of the tube body, the tube body contacts the pair of reference portions. A displacement detector for detecting a radial displacement amount of the outer peripheral surface of the tubular body caused by the rotation when the tube rotates in contact with the tube;

A shape measuring device for a tubular body, comprising:

20. The pipe body supported on the support roller is positioned at a measurement position where the lower inner peripheral surface is in contact with the pair of reference portions, and a separation position where the lower inner peripheral surface is separated from the pair of reference portions. The support roller is moved up and down in a substantially vertical direction. 10. The tube shape measuring device according to claim 19, further comprising a lifting means for raising and lowering.

21.'The elevating means comprises an elevating member in which two support rollers are rotatably supported at both side ends of the tube, and an operation for regulating the operation direction of the elevating member in a substantially vertical direction. 20. The tube shape measuring apparatus according to claim 20, further comprising: a direction regulating unit; and an elevating drive unit that drives the elevating member up and down.

22. The shape measuring apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the support roller forms a temporary placing table. -

2 3. The support roller is formed so as to form a small-diameter portion in contact with the outer peripheral lower surface of the tubular body, and a large-diameter portion outside the small-diameter portion, and abuts on both side end surfaces of the tubular body to form the tubular body. 10. The tube shape measuring apparatus according to claim 19, further comprising: a rising surface that defines an axial position of the tubular body.

2 4. The claim, wherein the supporting roller is in contact with the tube at a position where the pair of reference portions and the tube are in contact with each other at an axial position of the tube. Item 19. A tube shape measuring apparatus according to Item 19.

20. The pipe shape measuring apparatus according to claim 19, further comprising: pipe transfer means for transferring the pipe from a predetermined loading position to above the support roller.

2 6. The cross-sectional shape of both ends of the tube is temporarily corrected by contacting a plurality of straightening rollers with both ends of the tube, WO 2004/025214 lib PCT / JP2003 / 011737 Rotate the tubular body in a state where the cross-sectional shape of both side ends is temporarily corrected, and determine the radial displacement of the outer peripheral surface of the tubular body due to the rotation. A method for measuring the shape of a tubular body, characterized in that it is detected.

27. The shape of the tubular body according to claim 26, wherein the deformation by temporary correction on both side ends of the tubular body is performed within an elastic deformation region of the tubular body. Condition measurement method.

28. The method for measuring the shape of a tubular body according to claim 26, wherein the deformation by temporary correction to both side ends of the tubular body reaches a plastic deformation region.

2 9. The tube body when the cross-sectional shape of both side ends of the tube is appropriate in a state where the straightening roller temporarily corrects the cross-sectional shape of both sides of the tube. 27. The method for measuring the shape of a tubular body according to claim 26, wherein the tubular body is fixed at a position just in contact with an inner peripheral surface or an outer peripheral surface of the tube.

30. The tube according to claim 26, wherein at least one of said straightening rollers is pressed against said tube with a pressing force that varies according to a rotation phase of said tube. Body shape measurement method.

31. By rotating the tube while pressing each side end of the tube with a plurality of correcting rollers, plastically deforming the both ends of the tube to correct its cross-sectional shape,

The pressing force of the straightening roller against both side ends of the tubular body is reduced, and the tubular body is rotated while at least a part of the straightening roller is kept in contact, and the outer peripheral surface of the tubular body accompanying the rotation is rotated. By detecting the amount of displacement in the radial direction, the shape of the tube A method for measuring the shape of a tubular body, comprising performing measurement.

3 2. After correcting the cross-sectional shape of both ends of the tubular body, rotating the tubular body while contacting at least a part of the straightening roller with both ends of the tubular body with a weak pressing force, Post-measurement of the cross-sectional shape of both ends of the tube is performed by detecting the amount of radial displacement of the inner and / or outer surfaces of both ends of the tube due to this rotation,

31. The method for measuring the shape of a tubular body according to claim 31, wherein the correction is performed again when the result of the subsequent measurement does not satisfy a predetermined standard.

3 3. Insert a pair of inflatable clamps inside near the both ends of the tube,

Inflating the pair of inflatable clamps to make contact with the entire inner peripheral surface of the tubular body,

Rotating the tube together with the expansion clamp around the center axis of the pair of expansion clamps as a rotation axis,

Detecting a radial displacement of an outer peripheral surface of the tubular body accompanying rotation of the tubular body at at least one position outside the tubular body and fixed in a circumferential direction of the tubular body; The method for measuring the shape of the tubular body.

34. The method for measuring the shape of a tubular body according to claim 33, wherein the pair of expansion clamps is brought into contact with a position to be supported when the tubular body is used.

35. The shape measurement of the tubular body according to claim 33, wherein the pair of expansion clamps are in surface contact with a predetermined contact width over the entire circumference of the inner peripheral surface of the tubular body. Method.

36. The tubular body according to claim 33, wherein the pair of expansion clamps presses the entire circumference of the inner circumferential surface of the tubular body substantially uniformly radially and outward. Shape measurement method.

37. The pipe according to claim 36, wherein the pair of expansion clamps expands and deforms the pipe by pressing an inner peripheral surface of the pipe radially outward. Body shape measurement method.

3. The method for measuring the shape of a tubular body according to claim 1, wherein the tubular body is a photosensitive drum substrate that is a photosensitive drum.

3 9. The shape of the tube is measured by the method for measuring the shape of the tube according to claim 1. Based on the measurement result, the shape of the tube is set to a predetermined allowable range. A method for inspecting a tubular body, which comprises inspecting whether or not the pipe is inside an enclosure.

40. A tubular body is manufactured, and the shape of the tubular body is inspected by the tubular body inspection method according to claim 39. In the inspection result, the shape of the tubular body is within the predetermined allowable range. A method of manufacturing a tube, wherein the method determines that the tube is a finished product.

41. A tube manufactured by the method for manufacturing a tube according to claim 40.

4 2. A substrate for a photosensitive drum produced by the method for producing a tube according to claim 40.

4 3. Manufacture the tube, The shape of the tube is measured by the method for measuring the shape of the tube according to claim 8.The shape of the tube is within a predetermined allowable range based on the measurement result. Test whether

If the shape of the tubular body is within the predetermined allowable range as a result of the inspection, the tubular body is determined to be a completed product.

4. A tube for a photosensitive drum manufactured by the method for manufacturing a tube according to claim 43, wherein the outer circumferential surface other than both ends has no trace of contact extending in the circumferential direction.

4 5. Manufacture the tube,

The shape of the tube is measured by the method for measuring the shape of a tube according to claim 9, and a straight line passing through two contact portions where an inner peripheral surface of the tube and the pair of reference portions contact each other. The measurement result of the radial displacement of the outer peripheral surface of the tubular body at a position facing the outside of the tubular body from the outside of the tubular body and not facing the pair of reference portions is a predetermined predetermined value. To see if it is within the allowable range,

When the shape of the tube is within the predetermined allowable range in the inspection result,

A method for manufacturing a tube, wherein the tube is determined to be a finished product.

4 6. A straight line passing through two contact portions where the inner peripheral surface of the tubular body and the pair of reference portions are in contact with each other, which is manufactured by the method for manufacturing a tubular body according to claim 45. A pipe body, wherein a radial displacement of an outer peripheral surface of the pipe body at a position facing the outside of the pipe body and not facing the pair of reference portions is 20 m or less. .

4 7. A collection of multiple tubes, A pipe manufactured by the method for manufacturing a pipe according to claim 45, wherein all the pipes included in the assembly include two pipes in which an inner peripheral surface of the pipe and the pair of reference portions are in contact with each other. A radial displacement amount of the outer peripheral surface of the tubular body at a position facing the straight line passing through the contact portion from the outside of the tubular body and not facing the pair of reference portions is 20 // A set of tubes characterized by being less than or equal to m.

4 8. A predetermined tolerance in which the shape of the tube is set in advance based on the tube shape measuring device according to claim 19, and the displacement amount detected by the displacement detector. A tube inspection apparatus, comprising: comparison means for inspecting whether or not the area is within a range.

4 9. A pipe making device for making pipes,

An inspection apparatus for a tubular body according to claim 48,

When the shape of the tube is within the predetermined allowable range as a result of the inspection by the inspection device, a pass / fail determination unit that determines the tube as a completed product,

A pipe manufacturing system comprising: