WO2013172300A1

WO2013172300A1 - Honeycomb structure inspection method, honeycomb structure manufacturing method and honeycomb structure inspection device

Info

Publication number: WO2013172300A1
Application number: PCT/JP2013/063287
Authority: WO
Inventors: 浩史齊藤
Original assignee: 住友化学株式会社
Priority date: 2012-05-17
Filing date: 2013-05-13
Publication date: 2013-11-21
Also published as: JP2013238569A

Abstract

In an inspection method for a honeycomb structure in which multiple through-holes are placed substantially parallel in a top surface and bottom surface, the following are contained: a shining step in which light is shone on the front surface of the honeycomb structure while scanning said front surface; a light-receiving step in which reflected light of the light shone on the honeycomb structure in the shining step is received; and a computation step in which shape data related to the shape of the honeycomb structure is computed. Said shape data is computed from the relationship between: the shining angle of the shining light that was shone on the honeycomb structure in the shining step; and the light-receiving angle of the reflected light that was received in the light receiving step.

Description

Honeycomb structure inspection method, honeycomb structure manufacturing method, and honeycomb structure inspection apparatus

One embodiment of the present invention relates to a honeycomb structure inspection method, a honeycomb structure manufacturing method, and a honeycomb structure inspection apparatus, and relates to a honeycomb structure inspection method for inspecting an outer shape of a honeycomb structure, and a honeycomb structure manufacturing The present invention relates to a method and an inspection apparatus for a honeycomb structure.

Conventionally, a defect inspection method for a honeycomb filter used as a diesel particulate filter is known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a method for inspecting a honeycomb structure including a columnar honeycomb fired body in which a large number of cells are arranged in parallel in the longitudinal direction with cell walls interposed therebetween. In the method of Patent Document 1, a contact-type measuring instrument is prepared that includes a reference surface, a rail that is provided perpendicular to the reference surface, and a probe that includes a probe that moves along the rail. In the method of Patent Document 1, one end surface of the honeycomb structure is brought into contact with the reference surface, and the probe is brought into contact with the other end surface of the honeycomb structure by moving the measuring element in a direction approaching the reference surface. The shape of the structure in the longitudinal direction is measured.

In Patent Document 2, a laser light irradiation unit that irradiates laser light in a planar shape and all of the laser light emitted from the laser light irradiation unit are received, and the received laser light There is disclosed a method for manufacturing a honeycomb structure in which the appearance of the honeycomb structure is inspected using a dimension measuring device including a light receiving unit that detects an electric signal of a level corresponding to the strength.

JP 2007-256263 A JP 2008-139042 A

However, in the method of Patent Document 1 described above, depending on the inspection item, it is necessary to bring the probe into contact with the honeycomb structure, which may cause defects in the honeycomb structure in the inspection process. In the method of Patent Document 2, although inspection can be performed in a non-contact state on the honeycomb structure, only dimensional data in a narrow range in which laser light is irradiated at a time can be obtained. In addition, the side surface and end surface of the honeycomb structure cannot be measured simultaneously. For this reason, it takes time to measure the dimensions of the entire honeycomb structure.

One embodiment of the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and provides a honeycomb structure inspection method and a honeycomb structure inspection apparatus that can efficiently inspect a honeycomb structure in a non-contact manner. With the goal.

One embodiment of the present invention is a method for inspecting a honeycomb structure in which cells that are a plurality of through-holes are opened on an end face of a cylindrical body, and an irradiation step of irradiating the surface of the honeycomb structure with light, and The light receiving process for receiving the reflected light of the light irradiated to the honeycomb structure in the irradiation process, and the honeycomb structure from the relationship between the irradiation angle of the light irradiated to the honeycomb structure in the irradiation process and the light receiving angle of the reflected light received in the light receiving process Calculating a shape data relating to the shape of the body.

In this inspection method, in order to calculate the shape data from the relationship between the irradiation angle of the light irradiated to the honeycomb structure in the irradiation process and the reception angle of the reflected light received in the light receiving process, the inspection of the honeycomb structure is performed in a non-contact manner. Is possible. Therefore, it is possible to inspect the honeycomb structure in a soft state after extrusion and before drying. Further, since the surface of the honeycomb structure is irradiated while scanning with light, the honeycomb structure can be inspected more efficiently than the method of Patent Document 2. Therefore, according to the above configuration, the honeycomb structure can be inspected efficiently without contact.

In this case, the honeycomb structure has a label for specifying the reference position of the honeycomb structure on the surface, and further includes a position specifying step for specifying the reference position of the honeycomb structure using the label before the irradiation step. Can do.

In this configuration, even when a symmetric cylindrical honeycomb structure is inspected, it is possible to accurately grasp which part of the honeycomb structure is shape data.

Further, the irradiation step or the light receiving step can be performed a plurality of times by changing the irradiation position on the honeycomb structure. With this configuration, shape data of a wide range of honeycomb structures can be calculated.

In addition, in the calculation process, as the shape data, the end face diameter of the cylinder, the average diameter of the cross section in the diameter direction of the cylinder, the diameter of the arbitrary cross section in the diameter direction of the cylinder, the cylindricity indicating the distortion of the side shape of the cylinder , Roundness of the cross-sectional shape in the diameter direction of the cylinder, perpendicularity between the axial section of the cylinder and the section parallel to the end face of the cylinder, the cylinder axis and the end face of the cylinder based on the side of the cylinder The perpendicularity between the cylinder axis with respect to the side of the cylinder and the cross section parallel to the end face of the cylinder, the cylinder axis with respect to one end face of the cylinder, and the other end face of the cylinder Perpendicularity, perpendicularity between the cylinder axis relative to one end face of the cylinder and the cross section parallel to the other end face of the cylinder, straightness defining the side of the cylinder in side view, flatness of the end face, cylinder End face parallelism indicating the parallelism between the end faces of the body, and the axial length of the cylinder Re or can be calculated one or more.

In this configuration, the shape of the honeycomb structure can be inspected in detail using various indicators.

Also, in the calculation step, reference data regarding the shape of the honeycomb structure can be acquired, and an error of the shape data with respect to the reference data can be calculated.

In this configuration, for example, it is possible to inspect whether the shape of the manufactured honeycomb structure is within an allowable range as a product.

Further, in the calculation process, irregularities on the surface of the honeycomb structure, cracks on the surface of the honeycomb structure, chipping on the surface of the honeycomb structure, or cell defects can be detected.

In this configuration, the manufactured honeycomb structure can be inspected for obvious defects.

Moreover, in one embodiment of the present invention, an analysis process for recording and analyzing shape data can be further provided.

In this configuration, the shape of the manufactured honeycomb structure can be inspected in more detail.

As the honeycomb structure, a green honeycomb molded body obtained by extruding a ceramic composition can be used.

In this configuration, the honeycomb structure in a soft state after extrusion and before drying can be inspected.

As the honeycomb structure, a molded body obtained by drying the green honeycomb molded body or a fired molded body obtained by firing the molded body can be used.

In this configuration, the shape of the honeycomb structure in a cured state after drying can be inspected.

A method for manufacturing a honeycomb structure according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an extrusion molding process for manufacturing a green molded body by extruding a ceramic composition, and a drying process for manufacturing a dry body by drying the green honeycomb molded body. And a cutting step for cutting the dried body so as to have a design length by shrinkage due to firing, a sealing step for sealing the dried body after cutting to produce a sealing body, and a firing step for firing the sealing body. An inspection step of inspecting the honeycomb structure by the above-described inspection method of the honeycomb structure after any of the extrusion molding step, the drying step, the cutting step, the sealing step, and the firing step. Can do.

In this configuration, by inspecting the honeycomb structure after each step, it is possible to avoid an intermediate body that has already been defective from proceeding to a subsequent step or finally producing a defective product.

An inspection apparatus for a honeycomb structure according to an embodiment of the present invention is an inspection apparatus used for inspecting a cylindrical honeycomb structure in which cells that are a plurality of through holes are opened on an end surface. An irradiating unit for irradiating the surface of the light while scanning the light, a light receiving unit for receiving reflected light of the light irradiated to the honeycomb structure by the irradiating unit, and an irradiation angle of the light irradiated to the honeycomb structure by the irradiating unit; A calculation unit that calculates shape data related to the shape of the honeycomb structure from a relationship with a light receiving angle of reflected light received by the light receiving unit.

The honeycomb structure inspection apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a reference position specifying unit that specifies the reference position of the honeycomb structure.

In this case, the reference position specifying unit can have a label for specifying the reference position of the honeycomb structure on the pedestal on which the honeycomb structure is placed.

In these configurations, the honeycomb structure can be easily aligned by combining the label printed on the honeycomb structure with the label printed on the pedestal.

In addition, the honeycomb structure inspection apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a pedestal that can rotate while the honeycomb structure is placed thereon.

In this configuration, the honeycomb structure in a wide range can be inspected by rotating the base and inspecting the honeycomb structure a plurality of times or repeatedly.

According to the honeycomb structure inspection method, honeycomb structure manufacturing method, and honeycomb structure inspection apparatus of one embodiment of the present invention, the honeycomb structure can be efficiently inspected in a non-contact manner.

1 is a perspective view showing an outline of an inspection apparatus for a honeycomb structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. (A) is a perspective view of the honeycomb structure before sealing, (b) is the elements on larger scale of (a). It is a honeycomb structure provided with a through hole having another cross-sectional shape, (a) is a perspective view of the honeycomb structure before sealing, and (b) is a partially enlarged view of (a). It is a flowchart of the manufacturing method of the honeycomb structure which concerns on embodiment of this invention. (A) to (d) are diagrams obtained by color mapping the shape data of the honeycomb structure obtained by the apparatus of FIG. 1 after each manufacturing process. FIG. 2 is a diagram in which shape data of a honeycomb structure obtained by the apparatus of FIG. 1 is color-mapped, (a) showing shape data of a green honeycomb molded body after extrusion and before drying, and (b) showing green honeycomb It is the figure shown with the shape data of the molded object which dried the molded object. FIGS. 6A and 6B are diagrams showing the color mapping diagrams of FIGS. 6A and 6B from the opposite side surface. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the color mapping which concerns on this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the dimension measurement which concerns on this embodiment. It is a perspective view for demonstrating the inspection method of the honeycomb structure which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view for demonstrating the process following FIG. FIG. 12 is a perspective view for explaining a process following the process in FIG. 11. It is a schematic diagram of the operation screen for color mapping. It is a schematic diagram of the operation screen following FIG. It is a schematic diagram of the operation screen following FIG. It is a schematic diagram of the operation screen following FIG. It is a schematic diagram of the operation screen for performing the dimension measurement of a honeycomb structure. It is a schematic diagram of the operation screen following FIG. It is a schematic diagram of the operation screen for measuring the perpendicularity of the cross section of the cylindrical body in the axial direction and the cross section of the cylindrical body in the diameter direction. FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram of an operation screen following FIG. 19. It is a schematic diagram of the operation screen following FIG. (A) and (b) are schematic diagrams of an operation screen for measuring the perpendicularity between a cylinder axis based on the side surface of the cylinder and a cross section parallel to the end face of the cylinder. It is a schematic diagram of the operation screen for measuring roundness. It is a schematic diagram of the operation screen following FIG. It is a schematic diagram of the operation screen for measuring cylindricity. It is a schematic diagram of the operation screen following FIG. It is a schematic diagram of the operation screen for measuring the length of the axial direction of a cylinder. It is a schematic diagram of the operation screen for measuring parallelism. It is a schematic diagram of the operation screen for measuring upper surface flatness. It is a schematic diagram of the operation screen for measuring lower surface flatness.

(Honeycomb structure inspection equipment)
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The honeycomb structure inspection apparatus of the present embodiment is for inspecting the outer appearance of the honeycomb structure used for a diesel particulate filter or the like and the presence or absence of surface defects. This honeycomb structure inspection apparatus scans a honeycomb structure to be inspected and calculates shape data related to the shape of the honeycomb structure. In addition, the inspection apparatus detects cracks or chips on the surface of the honeycomb structure by measuring an error between the reference shape of the honeycomb structure and the shape of the honeycomb structure to be inspected. In addition, the inspection apparatus displays the degree of error from the reference shape of the honeycomb structure based on the data obtained by the inspection apparatus for the honeycomb structure in color shading and performs color mapping, or actually inspects the honeycomb to be inspected. The dimensions of the structure can be measured. Information regarding the reference shape of the honeycomb structure is stored in advance in the inspection apparatus as CAD (computer aided design) data.

As shown in FIG. 1, the honeycomb structure inspection apparatus 10 of the present embodiment includes a dimension measurement apparatus 20. The dimension measuring apparatus 20 includes an irradiation unit 22 that irradiates the surface of the cylindrical honeycomb structure 70 with light Ri, which is laser light, and reflected light Ro of the light that the irradiation unit 22 irradiates the honeycomb structure. Shape data relating to the shape of the honeycomb structure 70 from the relationship between the light receiving portion 24 that receives the light and the irradiation angle of the light Ri irradiated to the honeycomb structure 70 by the irradiation portion 22 and the light reception angle of the reflected light Ro received by the light receiving portion 24 And a calculating unit 26 for calculating.

The honeycomb structure inspection apparatus 10 includes a pedestal 30 that can be rotated with the honeycomb structure 70 mounted thereon, and a rotator 32 is attached to the pedestal 30.

A plurality of marks 34 are attached to the pedestal 30 so as to surround a region where the honeycomb structure 70 is placed, and the relative position of the honeycomb structure 70 with respect to the mark 34 is determined based on the positional relationship between the marks 34 and the honeycomb structure 70. The position can be specified. As the mark 34, a piece of paper or a plastic film having a sticky adhesive applied to the back surface can be used. A pedestal label 36 is affixed to the pedestal 30, and a structural body label 38 is affixed to the honeycomb structure 70, and the honeycomb structure 70 is aligned with the positions of the pedestal label 36 and the structural body label 38. By mounting, the reference position of the honeycomb structure 70 can be specified. A personal computer (not shown) is connected to the dimension measuring device 20. The shape data obtained by the dimension measuring device 20 is processed by a personal computer.

Here, the honeycomb structure 70 to be inspected will be described. As shown in FIG. 2A, the honeycomb structure 70 according to the present embodiment has, for example, an upper surface 71a, a lower surface 71b, and a side surface 71c, and a plurality of through holes (cells) 70a are formed on the upper surface 71a and the lower surface 71b. It is the cylindrical body arrange | positioned substantially parallel. Each through hole 70a is separated by a partition wall 70b, and the thickness of the partition wall 70b can be, for example, 0.15 to 0.76 mm. The external shape of the green honeycomb molded body 70 is not limited to a cylindrical body, but is an elliptical column or a rectangular column (for example, a regular polygonal column such as a triangular column, a quadrangular column, a hexagonal column, an octagonal column, a triangular column other than a regular polygonal column, or a rectangular column. In this embodiment, the case where the honeycomb structure 70 is a cylindrical body will be described. Here, the axial direction of the honeycomb structure 70 is a direction parallel to the direction in which the through holes 70a are arranged, and the radial direction is a direction orthogonal to the axial direction.

The cross-sectional shape of the through hole 70a of the honeycomb structure 70 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a polygon such as a circle, an ellipse, a rectangle, a triangle, and a hexagon other than a square as shown in FIG. Can be mentioned. Further, in the through hole 70a, those having different diameters and those having different cross-sectional shapes may be mixed. As shown in FIG. 2 (b), when the cross-sectional shape of the through hole 70a is a square, the plurality of through holes 70a are arranged in a square shape in the honeycomb structure 70 as viewed from the end face, that is, the central axis of the through hole 70a. Are arranged at the vertices of the square. The square size of the cross section of the through hole 70a can be set to, for example, 0.8 to 2.5 mm on a side.

Note that examples of the honeycomb structure 70 having through holes having other cross-sectional shapes include a honeycomb structure 70 having a plurality of through

holes

72a and 72b having different cross-sectional shapes as shown in FIG. The plurality of through

holes

72 a and 72 b are partitioned by a partition wall 72 that extends substantially parallel to the central axis of the green honeycomb molded body 70. The through-hole 72a has a regular hexagonal cross-sectional shape, and the through-hole 72b has a flat hexagonal cross-sectional shape and is formed so as to surround the through-hole 72a. The thickness of the partition wall 72 (cell wall thickness) can be 0.8 mm or less, 0.5 mm or less, 0.1 mm or more, and 0.2 mm or more.

Further, the length of the honeycomb structure 70 in the direction in which the through holes 70a extend is not particularly limited, but may be 40 to 350 mm, for example. Further, the outer diameter of the honeycomb structure 70 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, 10 to 320 mm.

The honeycomb structure 70 is a green honeycomb molded body (unfired molded body) or a porous ceramic (fired body) obtained by firing the green honeycomb molded body, which becomes porous ceramic as described above by firing later. .

(Manufacturing method of honeycomb structure)
Next, a method for manufacturing a honeycomb structure according to the present embodiment will be described. The manufacturing method according to the present embodiment includes an inspection process for inspecting the honeycomb structure 70 using the honeycomb structure inspection apparatus 10. FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the method for manufacturing a honeycomb structure according to the embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 4, the manufacturing method according to this embodiment includes an extrusion process (S1) in which a ceramic composition is extruded to produce a green molded body, and a green honeycomb molded body is dried to produce a dried body. A drying step (S3), a precision cutting step (S5), a sealing step (S7) for sealing the through hole 70a of the dried body to produce a sealing body, a firing step (S8) for firing the sealing body, Is provided. The manufacturing method according to the present embodiment includes a first inspection step (S2) using the inspection apparatus 10 between the extrusion step (S1) and the drying step (S3), and the drying step (S3) and precision cutting. A second inspection step (S4) using the inspection apparatus 10 is provided between the step (S5). Moreover, the manufacturing method according to the present embodiment includes a third inspection step (S6) using the inspection apparatus 10 between the precision cutting step (S5) and the sealing step (S7), and the firing step (S8). A fourth inspection step (S9) using the inspection apparatus 10 is provided later. Hereinafter, the manufacturing method according to the present embodiment will be described.

First, in order to prepare a ceramic composition, an inorganic compound source powder that is a ceramic raw material, an organic binder, a solvent, and additives to be added as necessary are prepared. The inorganic compound source powder includes an aluminum source powder and a titanium source powder. The inorganic compound source powder can further include a magnesium source powder and / or a silicon source powder.

Examples of the organic binder include celluloses such as methylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxyalkylmethylcellulose, and sodium carboxymethylcellulose; alcohols such as polyvinyl alcohol; and lignin sulfonate. Examples of the additive include a pore-forming agent, a lubricant and a plasticizer, a dispersant, and a solvent.

The prepared raw materials are mixed by a kneader or the like to obtain a raw material mixture, and the obtained raw material mixture is extruded from an extruder having an outlet opening corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the partition wall (extrusion molding step: S1). Next, a first inspection process is performed on the extruded honeycomb structure 70 by the inspection apparatus 10 (S2). Thereafter, the molded body is dried (drying step: S3).

After drying, a second inspection step is performed on the honeycomb structure 70 using the inspection device 10 (second inspection step: S4). Next, the dried body is cut so as to have a designed length by shrinkage due to firing (precision cutting step: S5). A third inspection process is performed on the cut body by the inspection apparatus 10 (S6). Thereafter, the through hole 70a of the honeycomb structure 70 is sealed (sealing step: S7). In the sealing step, only the plurality of through holes 70a that are not adjacent to each other vertically and horizontally among the plurality of squarely arranged through holes 70a in FIG. 2B are sealed with the sealing material. At the other end face of the honeycomb structure 70, only the through hole 70a whose one end face is not sealed is similarly sealed by the sealing material. Next, the honeycomb structure 70 with the through-holes 70a sealed is fired to obtain a fired body (firing step: S8), and the fired body is subjected to a fourth inspection step by the inspection apparatus 10 (S9).

FIG. 5 shows color mapping of the shape data of the honeycomb structure 70 obtained by the honeycomb structure inspection apparatus 10 as described later. The figures arranged in the upper and lower directions in FIG. 5 have the relationship shown from the opposite side surfaces. FIG. 5 (a) is a green honeycomb molded body before drying in which the raw material mixture is extruded from an extruder, and (b) is a molded body obtained by drying the extruded green honeycomb molded body. ) Is a green honeycomb formed body after cutting the formed body into a desired length, and (d) is a fired body obtained by firing the green honeycomb formed body after cutting.

As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the shape of the honeycomb structure 70 in each manufacturing process becomes smaller due to the shrinkage of the green honeycomb formed body due to evaporation of moisture after drying. Further, as shown in FIGS. 5C and 5D, the green honeycomb molded body shrinks and becomes small even after firing.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 5, in color mapping, an error from the reference shape of the honeycomb structure 70 is displayed by the shade of the color that the color bar 90 indicates as a reference. In FIG. 5, for example, a portion where the color of the side surface 71c in (a) and (c) is light and close to the reference point 91 is a flat portion having no error from the reference shape of the honeycomb structure, and (a) and In (b), the dark portion such as the upper surface 71a is a portion that is more concave than the reference shape of the honeycomb structure. Further, the part where the color of the front surface of the side surface 71c in (b) is changed and the part where the color of the central part of the upper surface 71a in (d) is darker are more convex than the reference shape of the honeycomb structure. It is a place.

6 and 7 show the honeycomb structure 70 as an extruded green honeycomb molded body before drying (FIGS. 6 and 7 (a)) and a green honeycomb molded body dried (FIGS. 6 and 7 ( The shape data of b)) is converted into color mapping. FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 are shape data when the same honeycomb structure 70 is viewed from the opposite side.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, it can be seen that the molded body has a concave upper surface 71a than the green honeycomb molded body before drying. Further, on the side surface 71c of FIG. 7, there is a recess A that is darker than the surrounding portion and is recessed from the reference shape. In the method for manufacturing a honeycomb structure in the present embodiment, when the honeycomb structure 70 is roughly cut during extrusion molding, the honeycomb structure 70 is placed on a cradle with the side surface 71c of the honeycomb structure 70 facing down. For this reason, in the honeycomb structure 70 before being dried by extrusion shown in FIG. 7, the trace of the cradle that supported the honeycomb structure 70 remains as a recess A.

As described above, in each manufacturing process of the honeycomb structure 70, there is an error in the size and shape from the reference shape, but these can be efficiently detected by the inspection method of the present embodiment shown below.

(Honeycomb structure inspection method)
Next, the procedure of the inspection method according to this embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 4, the inspection method according to the present embodiment includes a first inspection process, a second inspection process, a third inspection process, and a fourth inspection process. In the first inspection step, the green honeycomb formed body before drying, in which the raw material mixture is extruded from the extruder, is inspected, and in the second inspection step, the dried body after the drying step is inspected. In the third inspection step, the dried body after the precision cutting step is inspected, and in the fourth inspection step, the fired body after firing is inspected. In the first inspection step, the second inspection step, and the third inspection step, the outer shape and the like of the honeycomb structure 70 are inspected by color mapping, and in the fourth inspection step, the dimensions are measured to measure the outer shape of the honeycomb structure 70. Inspect etc. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a color mapping procedure. By color-mapping the shape data of the honeycomb structure 70, the degree of error from the reference data can be expressed in shades of color, and portions where the error from the reference data is large are displayed in dark colors, and the error is small. As it becomes, it is displayed in a light color. That is, when color mapping is performed, if there is a portion displayed in a dark color, it becomes a material for determining that the honeycomb structure 70 has a defect.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a procedure for measuring dimensions. In the fourth inspection step, the dimensions of the honeycomb structure 70 to be inspected are measured based on the shape data of the honeycomb structure 70 obtained by the inspection apparatus 10. Hereinafter, the color mapping procedure will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 10 to 16, and the dimension measurement procedure will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

(Color mapping)
In color mapping, first, as shown in FIG. 10, a dimension measuring device 20 and a pedestal 30 are prepared. A plurality of marks 34 are pasted on the pedestal 30. Next, as shown in FIG. 11, the honeycomb structure 70 is placed on the pedestal 30 while being aligned (S11). When the honeycomb structure 70 is placed, the positions of the pedestal label 36 of the pedestal 30 and the structure label 38 of the honeycomb structure 70 are aligned. The reference position is determined by this alignment.

Next, the honeycomb structure 70 to be inspected is scanned (S12). The scanning of the honeycomb structure 70 is performed through an irradiation process, a light receiving process, and a calculation process. First, as shown in FIG. 12, the irradiation unit 22 irradiates the surface of the honeycomb structure 70 while scanning the light (irradiation process), and receives the reflected light Ro of the irradiation light Ri irradiated to the honeycomb structure. 24 receives light (light receiving step). Thereafter, the calculation unit 26 of the dimension measuring apparatus 20 uses the relationship between the irradiation angle of the irradiation light Ri irradiated by the irradiation unit 22 and the reception angle of the reflected light Ro received by the light receiving unit 24 to obtain shape data relating to the shape of the honeycomb structure 70. Is calculated (calculation step).

Calculation of shape data related to the shape of the honeycomb structure 70 is performed according to the following procedure. First, the distance L between the irradiation unit 22 and the light receiving unit 24, the irradiation angle θi that is an angle formed by the straight line connecting the irradiation unit 22 and the light receiving unit 24 and the irradiation light Ri, and the reflected light Ro to the light receiving unit 24. The value of the light receiving angle θo is acquired. Next, using these values, the absolute coordinates of the light reflection position on the surface of the honeycomb structure 70 are calculated from the congruent conditions of the triangle. Next, the reflection positions of the plurality of light in the scanned range are respectively calculated, a cylindrical shape through which the calculated plurality of absolute coordinate point groups smoothly passes is obtained by the least square method, and is drawn as a diagram on the screen. The diagram drawn on the screen by such a procedure is the shape data (scan data) of the honeycomb structure 70 obtained by the honeycomb structure inspection apparatus 10.

The scanning of the honeycomb structure 70 is performed four times by changing the irradiation position on the honeycomb structure 70 by 90 degrees, and the entire shape data of the honeycomb structure 70 is acquired by four times of scanning. The irradiation position can be changed by rotating the pedestal 30 by the rotating unit 32.

Next, the shape data obtained by the honeycomb structure inspection apparatus 10 is color mapped. Color mapping can be performed by operating a personal computer using dedicated software. 13 to 16 are operation screens displayed on a monitor of a personal computer when color mapping is performed.

First, start up dedicated software for color mapping. Next, the reference data 70S is read by automatic processing of the started software (S13). When the reference data 70S is read, as shown in FIG. 13, the outline of the reference data 70S is drawn on the monitor of the personal computer based on the CAD data of the reference data 70S previously stored in the personal computer.

After the reference data 70S is read, the shape data (scan data) of the honeycomb structure 70 obtained by the honeycomb structure inspection apparatus 10 is read by automatic processing of software, and as shown in FIG. The reference data 70S shown in FIG. 6 and the color-mapped scan data are displayed in a superimposed manner. In this state, when the reference data 70S and the scan data displayed on the operation screen are selected by the input operation to the personal computer, the coordinates of the reference data 70S and the scan data are matched (S14). This coordinate alignment process is performed based on the obtained reference position in the alignment step (S11).

When the coordinates of the reference data 70S and the scan data are matched, an image that has been color mapped by automatic software processing is displayed (S15). As shown in FIG. 15, the color-mapped image displays an error from the reference shape by shading. The color-mapped image of the other honeycomb structure 70 obtained by each of the four scannings is displayed in a small size in the box B as shown in FIG. Then, a color-mapped image of the selected honeycomb structure 70 can be displayed in a large size by selecting an image to be viewed by an operation by a personal computer.

Based on the color-mapped image obtained in this way, it is determined whether the product is to be passed to the next process, or to be recycled or discarded (S16). That is, in the color-mapped image, if the difference from the reference shape is smaller than the reference value, the process proceeds to the next process (S17). On the other hand, if the difference from the reference shape is larger than a reference value, it is recycled or disposed of (S18). In the color-mapped image, the magnitude of the error from the reference shape is displayed in a dark color when the error is large, and is displayed in a light color when the error is small.

(Dimension measurement)
Next, a procedure for measuring the dimensions of the honeycomb structure based on the shape data of the honeycomb structure obtained by the honeycomb structure inspection apparatus 10 will be described. Similar to the color mapping, the honeycomb structure 70 is aligned (S21) and scanned (S22). Next, as shown in FIG. 17, the reference data 70S is read by automatic software processing (S23), and the coordinate alignment between the reference data 70S and the scan data is performed (S24). As shown in FIG. 18, the coordinate alignment is performed by selecting a corresponding portion of the reference data 70S and the scan data when the side surface 71c of the honeycomb structure 70 is viewed from the side by an input operation to a personal computer. In the example shown in FIG. 18, coordinates are matched by associating three points, that is, the central part of the upper side and the lower side and the right part of the lower side.

After the coordinate alignment is completed, the columnar dimension of the honeycomb structure 70 is measured (S25). As the dimension items, the diameter, cylindricity, roundness, squareness, straightness, end face parallelism, flatness, the axial length of the cylinder, and the like can be measured.

Among the measurement items described above, the diameter of the cylindrical body and the length in the axial direction of the cylindrical body are measured at a plurality of locations of the honeycomb structure 70, and then the average value is used as the final measurement value. The cylindricity, the roundness, the squareness, the straightness, the end face parallelism, and the flatness are measured at a plurality of locations of the honeycomb structure 70, and the maximum values are used as final measurement values. These measured values are compared with tolerances previously input by a personal computer. Incidentally, the tolerance is an allowable range of an error in the measurement value of each measurement item, and it is determined whether or not the shape of the honeycomb structure manufactured by comparing the measurement value and the tolerance is within an allowable range as a product. it can.

In the present embodiment, a procedure for obtaining a squareness, roundness, cylindrical diameter, cylindricity, axial length, cylindrical parallelism, and flatness on a personal computer operation screen will be described. Each dimension measurement can be displayed on a cylindrical body drawn by a diagram or dot diagram, but can also be displayed on a color mapped image.

(right angle)
The procedure for measuring the perpendicularity will be described with reference to FIGS. What is measured in the present embodiment is that the perpendicularity between the cross section in the axial direction of the honeycomb structure 70 and the cross section in the diametrical direction of the honeycomb structure 70, and the columnar axis and the honeycomb structure 70 based on the side surface of the honeycomb structure 70. The perpendicularity between the end face of the honeycomb structure 70 and the cross section parallel to the end face of the honeycomb structure 70, and the cylinder axis based on one end face of the honeycomb structure 70. The perpendicularity between the other end face of the honeycomb structure 70 and the perpendicularity between the cylindrical axis with reference to one end face of the honeycomb structure 70 and a cross section parallel to the other end face of the honeycomb structure 70. This measurement is automatically performed on the operation screen of the personal computer according to the following procedure. First, the procedure of the method for measuring the perpendicularity between the cross section in the axial direction of the honeycomb structure 70 and the cross section in the diameter direction of the honeycomb structure 70 will be described with reference to FIGS. The perpendicularity between the cylinder axis with respect to the side face of the structure 70 and the end face of the honeycomb structure 70, and the perpendicularity between the cylinder axis with respect to the side face of the honeycomb structure 70 and a cross section parallel to the end face of the honeycomb structure 70 The perpendicularity between the cylinder axis with respect to one end face of the honeycomb structure 70 and the other end face of the honeycomb structure 70 and the cylinder axis with respect to one end face of the honeycomb structure 70 and the honeycomb structure 70 The procedure of the method for measuring the perpendicularity between the other end face and the cross section parallel to the end face will be described.

In order to measure the perpendicularity between the cross section in the axial direction of the honeycomb structure 70 and the cross section in the diametrical direction of the honeycomb structure 70, as shown in FIG. A first cross section 70s1 and a second cross section 70s2 are prepared, and a temporary cylindrical shaft 70p0 is created based on an orthogonal portion between the first cross section 70s1 and the second cross section 70s2.

Next, as shown in FIG. 20, a cross section obtained by passing the temporary cylindrical shaft 70p0 and dividing the cylindrical body into 12 at equal intervals is prepared as a cross section in the axial direction of the honeycomb structure 70, and the honeycomb structure with respect to the upper surface 71a which is the reference surface The squareness of each cross section in the axial direction of the body 70 is calculated. In the reference data 70S, the angle of each cross section in the axial direction with respect to the upper surface 71a is 90 degrees, and the perpendicularity is measured by measuring the error of the angle of each cross section in the axial direction with respect to the upper surface 71a with respect to the reference data 70S. Is called. Specifically, when the upper surface 71a of the cylindrical body of the scan data and the reference data 70S are combined, two sides in the height direction facing each other (first side 70c, second side) in each cross section compared with the reference data 70S. The error (unit mm) in the length of the side 70d) is calculated as the squareness between the axial cross section of the honeycomb structure 70 and the diametric cross section of the honeycomb structure 70. By such a method, the squareness is obtained for all the sides (24 sides) in the height direction in the 12-divided cross section, and the maximum value thereof is used as the measurement value of the squareness of the final honeycomb structure 70.

In the present embodiment, as an example of calculating the perpendicularity between the cross section in the axial direction of the honeycomb structure 70 and the cross section in the diametrical direction of the honeycomb structure 70, the first side is displayed on the color-mapped image shown in FIG. A case where the perpendicularity with respect to 70c and the second side 70d is calculated will be described. As shown in FIG. 21, on the operation screen of the personal computer, an upper reference surface 71A extending at the same height as the upper surface 71a, which is a reference surface, and a bottom reference surface 71B extending including the lower surface 71b are displayed. Is done. Thereafter, a square tolerance is input by an operation by the personal computer, and the first side 70c and the second side 70d are selected by an input operation to the personal computer. By such a procedure, the perpendicularity of the first side 70c and the second side 70d is displayed on the operation screen.

In the example shown in FIG. 21, the first side 70c is shifted by “0.55 mm” in the radial direction as compared with the corresponding reference data 70S side, and the second side 70d is compared with the corresponding reference data 70S side. Thus, it can be seen that there is a deviation of “0.286 mm” in the radial direction. Here, when the tolerance input by the operation by the personal computer is “0.30 mm”, in the example shown in FIG. 21, the maximum value of the squareness is larger than the inputted tolerance, and the squareness is larger than the tolerance. large.

Next, the perpendicularity between the cylinder axis with respect to the side surface of the honeycomb structure 70 and the cross section parallel to the end face of the honeycomb structure 70, the cylinder axis with respect to the side face of the honeycomb structure 70, and the end face of the honeycomb structure 70 , The perpendicularity between the cylindrical axis with respect to one end face of the honeycomb structure 70 and the other end face of the honeycomb structure 70, and the cylindrical axis with respect to one end face of the honeycomb structure 70 and the honeycomb A procedure for measuring the perpendicularity of the cross section parallel to the other end face of the structure 70 will be described.

The perpendicularity between the cylinder axis based on the side surface of the honeycomb structure 70 and the cross section parallel to the end surface of the honeycomb structure 70, and the column axis based on the side surface of the honeycomb structure 70 and the end surface of the honeycomb structure 70 In the measurement of squareness, as shown in FIG. 22A, the operation screen of the personal computer extends including the upper reference surface 71A and the lower surface 71b extending at the same height as the upper surface 71a as the reference surface. An existing bottom reference plane 71B is prepared. In addition, a circular center which is a set of points equidistant (same height) from the upper reference surface 71A on the side surface of the honeycomb structure 70 is obtained. A plurality of centers are obtained for each distance from the upper reference plane 71A. A cylinder axis 70p1 with respect to the side surface of the honeycomb structure 70 is obtained by obtaining a straight line passing through the closest distance from each center obtained for each distance from the upper reference surface 71A by the least square method.

Thereafter, a perpendicular 70v passing through the center of the upper surface 71a and extending perpendicularly to the upper surface 71a and a cross-section 71r cut by an arbitrary surface 71R parallel to the upper reference surface 71A are created. At this time, the distance t1 (unit: mm) between the point 71v where the perpendicular 70v intersects with the arbitrary surface 71R and the point 71p1 where the cylindrical axis 70p1 relative to the side surface intersects with the arbitrary surface 71R is based on the side surface of the honeycomb structure 70. It is calculated as the squareness between the cylindrical axis and the cross section parallel to the end face of the honeycomb structure 70. In the reference data 70S, since the point 71v and the point 71p1 coincide, the distance t1 becomes an error compared with the reference data 70S.

22A, a distance t2 (unit mm) between a point 72v where the perpendicular 70v intersects the bottom reference plane 71B and a point 72p1 where the cylindrical axis 70p1 intersects the bottom reference plane 71B is defined on the side surface of the honeycomb structure 70. It is calculated as the squareness between the cylinder axis as a reference and the end face of the honeycomb structure 70. In the reference data 70S, since the point 72v and the point 72p1 coincide with each other, the distance t2 becomes an error compared with the reference data 70S. The squareness measurement results obtained in this way are similar to those obtained when the squareness of the axial section of the honeycomb structure 70 and the diameter section of the honeycomb structure 70 is measured. Is displayed. In FIG. 22A, for convenience of explaining the perpendicularity, the columnar axis 70p1 of the honeycomb structure 70 is not perpendicular to the upper surface 71a and the lower surface 71b.

The perpendicularity between the cylinder axis with respect to one end face of the honeycomb structure 70 and the other end face of the honeycomb structure 70, and the cylinder axis with respect to one end face of the honeycomb structure 70 and the other of the honeycomb structure 70 In the measurement of the perpendicularity with the cross section parallel to the end face, as shown in FIG. 22B, on the operation screen of the personal computer, the upper reference surface 71A extending at the same height as the upper surface 71a which is the reference surface. And a bottom reference surface 71B extending including the lower surface 71b is prepared. Thereafter, a perpendicular 70v passing through the center of the upper surface 71a and extending perpendicularly to the upper surface 71a and a cross section 71r cut by an arbitrary surface 71R parallel to the upper reference surface 71A are created. At this time, a distance t1 (unit: mm) between a point 71v where the perpendicular 70v intersects with the arbitrary surface 71R and a point 71p2 where the cylindrical axis 70p2 perpendicular to the lower surface 71b intersects with the arbitrary surface 71R is one end surface of the honeycomb structure 70. Is calculated as a square angle between the cylindrical axis with reference to the cross section parallel to the other end face of the honeycomb structure 70. In the reference data 70S, since the point 71v and the point 71p2 coincide, the distance t1 becomes an error compared with the reference data 70S.

22B, a distance t2 (unit: mm) between a point 72v where the perpendicular 70v intersects the bottom reference plane 71B and a point 72p2 where the cylindrical axis 70p2 intersects the bottom reference plane 71B is expressed as one of the honeycomb structures 70. This is calculated as the squareness between the cylindrical axis with respect to the end face and the other end face of the honeycomb structure 70. In the reference data 70S, since the point 72v and the point 72p2 coincide, the distance t2 becomes an error compared with the reference data 70S. The squareness measurement results obtained in this way are similar to those obtained when the squareness of the axial section of the honeycomb structure 70 and the diameter section of the honeycomb structure 70 is measured. Is displayed. In FIG. 22B, the upper surface 71a of the honeycomb structure 70 is not horizontal for the convenience of explaining the perpendicularity.

(Roundness, diameter)
Next, a procedure for measuring the roundness will be described with reference to FIGS. By measuring the roundness, the distortion of the cross-sectional shape in the diameter direction of the cylindrical body of the honeycomb structure 70 can be grasped. In the reference data 70S, the cross-sectional shape in the diameter direction of the cylindrical body is a perfect circle, and the roundness is measured by determining the error of the radius in each cross section between the scan data and the reference data 70S, as well as the minimum in each surface. This is done by measuring the error from the perfect circle obtained by the square method. This measurement is automatically performed on the operation screen of the personal computer according to the following procedure.

First, as shown in FIG. 23, a cylindrical body cross section 70e is prepared in which the cylindrical body is cut into ten rounds at equal intervals in the axial direction. The number of cross sections in the diameter direction of the cylindrical body may be 10 or more or 10 or less. For each of the cross sections 70e of the cylindrical body, ten reference surfaces 71E that are parallel to the bottom reference surface 71B of the cylindrical body that is the installation surface are prepared at equal intervals, and the cylinders are arranged along the respective reference surfaces 71E. Obtained by cutting the body. Then, a radius error (unit: mm) in each of the cross sections 70e of the scan data with respect to the reference data 70S is obtained, and the maximum value thereof is obtained.

In this embodiment, the case where the roundness of the cross section 70e and the cross section 70f obtained based on the reference surface 71E and the reference surface 71F is calculated will be described with reference to FIG. After tolerance of roundness is input by input operation to the personal computer, the reference surface 71E and the reference surface 71F are selected. By such a procedure, as shown in FIG. 24, the roundness of the cross section 70e and the cross section 70f is displayed on the operation screen. In the example shown in FIG. 24, the roundness of the cross section 70e is “0.145 mm”, and the roundness of the cross section 70f is “0.063 mm”. For example, when the tolerance input by the operation by the personal computer is “0.30 mm”, the roundness of the cross section 70e and the cross section 70f is within the allowable range. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 24, the maximum roundness is smaller than the tolerance, and the roundness is smaller than the tolerance.

The diameter of the end face of the cylindrical body is measured using the cross-sections 70e of the 10 cylindrical bodies prepared when calculating the roundness. After obtaining the diameters of the cross-sections of the 10 cylinders, the average value is the measured value of the final cylinder diameter (average diameter).

(Cylindrical degree)
The procedure for measuring the cylindricity will be described with reference to FIGS. By measuring the cylindricity, the distortion of the side surface shape of the cylindrical body of the honeycomb structure 70 can be grasped. In the reference data 70S, there is no distortion of the side surface shape of the cylindrical body. Therefore, the cylindricity is measured by measuring an error between the reference data 70S and the scan data. This measurement is automatically performed on the operation screen of the personal computer according to the following procedure.

First, as shown in FIG. 25, a semi-cylinder 70g is prepared which passes through the cylinder axis 70p1 obtained as described above and includes a radius 70t. In this state, when the tolerance of cylindricity is input by operating the personal computer, as shown in FIG. 26, the reference data 70S when the cylindrical axis 70p1 of the reference data 70S and the scan data are aligned on the operation screen. The error of the radius 70t with respect to is displayed as cylindricity. The cylindricity is obtained by using a plurality of other semi-cylinders passing through the cylinder axis 70p1 and including a radius different from the radius 70t to obtain a plurality of cylindricity, and the maximum value is a measured value of the cylindricity of the final cylinder. And

(Axial length)
The procedure for measuring the axial length will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 27, first, an upper reference surface 71A in which the upper surface 71a and the upper surface 71a of the cylindrical body extend, and a bottom reference surface 71B that includes the lower surface 71b and the lower surface 71b are shown on the operation screen. . Next, the length between the upper reference surface 71A and the bottom reference surface 71B is obtained. In the example shown in FIG. 27, the axial length is “152.4394 mm”. This operation is repeated several times to obtain a plurality of axial lengths, and the average value is taken as the final measured axial length of the cylinder.

(End face parallelism)
The procedure for measuring the end face parallelism will be described with reference to FIG. In the reference data 70S, the end faces of the cylindrical bodies are parallel to each other, and the measurement of the end face parallelism measures an error of scan data with respect to the reference data 70S. As shown in FIG. 28, the procedure is as follows. First, an upper reference surface 71A in which the upper surface 71a and the upper surface 71a of the cylindrical body are extended, and a bottom reference surface 71B in which the lower surface 71b and the lower surface 71b are extended are displayed on the operation screen. To display. The maximum value of an error (unit: mm) with respect to the reference data 70S in the axial direction of the upper reference surface 71A with respect to the bottom reference surface 71B while comparing the tolerances with reference to the reference data with the bottom reference surface 71B as the reference terdem surface Is calculated as the parallelism of the honeycomb structure 70. In the example shown in FIG. 28, the parallelism is “0.0432 mm”.

(Top flatness)
The procedure for measuring the upper surface flatness will be described with reference to FIG. Here, the upper surface is a surface facing upward in the manufacturing process of the honeycomb structure 70. As shown in FIG. 29, first, an upper reference surface 71in extending the upper surface 70in and the upper surface 70in of the cylindrical body and a lower reference surface 71out extending the lower surface 70out and the lower surface 70out are displayed on the operation screen. Let Next, the difference between the largest convex portion and the largest concave portion on the upper surface 70 in of the scan data is calculated as the upper surface flatness. In the example shown in FIG. 29, the upper surface flatness is “0.1123 mm”. The cylindricity is obtained by the method described above. In the example shown in FIG. 29, the cylindricity is displayed on an image that has been color-mapped together with the upper surface flatness.

(Lower surface flatness)
The procedure for measuring the lower surface flatness will be described with reference to FIG. By measuring the lower surface flatness, the degree of unevenness on the lower surface of the honeycomb structure 70 can be grasped. The lower surface here is a surface facing downward in the manufacturing process of the honeycomb structure 70, that is, a surface installed on the manufacturing apparatus. FIG. 30 displays a color mapping image that is upside down from the example of FIG. The lower surface flatness is calculated as a difference between the largest convex portion and the largest concave portion on the lower surface 70out. In the example shown in FIG. 30, the upper surface flatness is “1.1644 mm”.

After measuring the dimensions of the honeycomb structure 70 as described above, it is determined whether the product is a passed product to be advanced to the next process or recycled or discarded based on the measured value and the tolerance (S26). That is, when the measured value is smaller than the tolerance, the process proceeds to the next process (S27). On the other hand, if the measured value is larger than the tolerance, it is recycled or disposed of (S28).

In addition, after measuring the dimensions of the honeycomb structure 70, an analysis process for recording and analyzing the shape data of the honeycomb structure 70 in order to determine whether the product is to be passed to the next process or to be recycled or discarded. Can further be provided. The analysis step can be performed using a personal computer (not shown) separate from the dimension measuring device 20. According to this structure, after inspecting the shape of the manufactured honeycomb structure 70 in more detail, it can be determined whether the product is an acceptable product, recycled, or discarded.

The inspection method according to the present embodiment is an inspection method for a honeycomb structure 70 having a cylindrical body in which a plurality of through holes (cells) 70a are arranged substantially parallel to an upper surface 71a and a lower surface 71b. An irradiation step of irradiating the honeycomb structure 70 with light, a light receiving step of receiving the reflected light Ro of the irradiation light Ri irradiated on the honeycomb structure 70 in the irradiation step, and an irradiation light irradiated on the honeycomb structure 70 in the irradiation step A calculation step of calculating shape data relating to the shape of the honeycomb structure from the relationship between the irradiation angle of Ri and the reception angle of the reflected light Ro received in the light reception step.

In this inspection method, data relating to the shape of the honeycomb structure 70 is calculated from the relationship between the irradiation angle of the irradiation light Ri irradiated to the honeycomb structure 70 in the irradiation process and the reception angle of the reflected light Ro received in the light reception process. The honeycomb structure 70 can be inspected in a non-contact manner. Therefore, the green molded body in a soft state after extrusion molding and before drying can be inspected. Further, since the surface of the honeycomb structure 70 is irradiated while scanning light, the honeycomb structure 70 can be inspected more efficiently than the method of Patent Document 2. Therefore, according to the above configuration, the honeycomb structure 70 can be inspected efficiently without contact.

Further, in the inspection method according to the present embodiment, the honeycomb structure has the mark 34 for specifying the reference position of the honeycomb structure 70 on the surface of the honeycomb structure 70, and the mark 34 is used before the irradiation process. A position specifying step for specifying the reference position is further provided. According to this configuration, even when a symmetric cylindrical honeycomb structure 70 is inspected, it is possible to accurately grasp which part of the honeycomb structure 70 is shape data.

Further, in the inspection method according to the present embodiment, the scanning (irradiation process, light receiving process and calculation process) of the honeycomb structure 70 is performed a total of four times by changing the irradiation position on the honeycomb structure by 90 degrees. According to this configuration, the entire shape data of the honeycomb structure can be acquired by four times of scanning.

In the calculation step, reference data 70S regarding the shape of the honeycomb structure is acquired, and an error of the shape data with respect to the reference data 70S is calculated. According to this configuration, for example, it is possible to inspect whether or not the shape of the manufactured honeycomb structure 70 is within an allowable range as a product.

In this embodiment, a green honeycomb molded body in which a ceramic composition is extruded is used as the honeycomb structure. According to this configuration, the honeycomb structure in a soft state after extrusion molding and before drying can be inspected.

Further, as the honeycomb structure, a green body formed by drying a green honeycomb formed body or a fired formed body obtained by firing the formed body is used. According to this configuration, the shape of the honeycomb structure in a cured state after drying can be inspected.

The method for manufacturing a honeycomb structure according to the present embodiment includes a first inspection step between the extrusion step (S1) and the drying step (S3), and includes a drying step (S3) and a precision cutting step (S5). A second inspection step (S4) is provided in between. Moreover, the manufacturing method of the honeycomb structure according to the present embodiment includes a third inspection step (S6) between the precision cutting step (S5) and the sealing step (S7). For this reason, it can be avoided that an intermediate body that is already defective in the course of manufacturing the honeycomb structure 70 is advanced to a subsequent process or that a defective product is manufactured.

The honeycomb structure inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a mark 34, a pedestal label 36, and a structure label 38 as reference position specifying portions for specifying the reference position of the honeycomb structure. According to this configuration, the honeycomb structure can be easily aligned by combining the base label 36 and the structure label 38.

Further, the honeycomb structure inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a pedestal 30 that can rotate while the honeycomb structure is placed thereon. According to such a configuration, the honeycomb structure 70 in a wide range can be inspected by rotating the base 30 and inspecting the honeycomb structure 70 a plurality of times or repeatedly.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible. For example, in the inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment, the relative position of the honeycomb structure 70 is specified by both the mark 34 and the pedestal label 36 and the structure label 38, but the mark 34 or the pedestal label 36 and The relative position of the honeycomb structure 70 may be specified using one of the structure labels 38. Moreover, in the inspection apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, the pedestal 30 that is rotatable with the honeycomb structure 70 placed thereon is provided, but the pedestal 30 may not be provided. In this case, the irradiation position of the light to the honeycomb structure 70 can be changed by changing the position of the dimension measuring device 20. Further, during the inspection of the honeycomb structure 70, another additional pedestal may be placed on the pedestal 30 so as not to damage the end face of the honeycomb structure 70. The shape of the additional pedestal is the shape of the honeycomb structure 70 to be placed. Cylindrical shape etc. can be selected according to.

In the manufacturing method according to the present embodiment, a first inspection process is provided between the extrusion process (S1) and the drying process (S3), and the second process is performed between the drying process (S3) and the precision cutting process (S5). An inspection step (S4) is provided. Moreover, the manufacturing method according to the present embodiment includes a third inspection step (S6) between the precision cutting step (S5) and the sealing step (S7), and a fourth inspection step (S9) after the firing step (S8). However, the timing of each inspection process is not limited to the above timing. Further, in order to improve the inspection accuracy, each inspection process may be performed a plurality of times, and more inspection processes may be added between other processes. Further, in order to increase production efficiency, inspections other than the fourth inspection step may be omitted.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Inspection apparatus 20 Dimension measurement apparatus 22 Irradiation part 24 Light reception part 26 Calculation part 30 Pedestal 34 Mark 36 Pedestal label 38 Structure label 70 Honeycomb structure 70a Through-hole

70b Partition wall

71a Upper surface

71b Lower surface 71c Side surface

Claims

In the method for inspecting a honeycomb structure in which cells that are a plurality of through holes are opened on an end surface of a cylindrical body,
An irradiation step of irradiating the surface of the honeycomb structure while scanning light;
A light receiving step for receiving reflected light of the light irradiated on the honeycomb structure in the irradiation step;
A calculation step of calculating shape data relating to the shape of the honeycomb structure from a relationship between an irradiation angle of light applied to the honeycomb structure in the irradiation step and a reception angle of the reflected light received in the light receiving step. Inspection method for honeycomb structure.
The honeycomb structure has a label for specifying a reference position of the honeycomb structure on a surface;
The method for inspecting a honeycomb structure according to claim 1, further comprising a position specifying step of specifying the reference position of the honeycomb structure using the label before the irradiation step.
The method for inspecting a honeycomb structure according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the irradiation step or the light receiving step is performed a plurality of times by changing an irradiation position on the honeycomb structure.
In the calculation step, as the shape data, the diameter of the end face of the cylindrical body, the average diameter of the cross section in the diameter direction of the cylindrical body, the diameter of an arbitrary cross section in the diameter direction of the cylindrical body, the side shape of the cylindrical body The degree of cylindricity, the roundness of the cross-sectional shape in the diameter direction of the cylindrical body, the perpendicularity between the axial cross section of the cylindrical body and the cross section parallel to the end face of the cylindrical body, and the side surface of the cylindrical body The perpendicularity between the cylinder axis as a reference and the end face of the cylinder, the perpendicularity between the cylinder axis as a reference and the cross section parallel to the end face of the cylinder, and one end face of the cylinder The perpendicularity between the cylinder axis as a reference and the other end face of the cylinder, the perpendicularity between the cylinder axis based on one end face of the cylinder and a cross section parallel to the other end face of the cylinder, side view Straightness indicating the distortion of a straight line defining the side surface of the cylindrical body in Any one or more of the flatness of the end face, the end face parallelism indicating the parallelism of the end faces of the cylindrical body, and the axial length of the cylindrical body are calculated. 2. A method for inspecting a honeycomb structure according to item 1.
The method for inspecting a honeycomb structure according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein in the calculation step, reference data relating to the shape of the honeycomb structure is acquired, and an error of the shape data with respect to the reference data is calculated.
6. The calculation step according to claim 1, wherein irregularities on the surface of the honeycomb structure, cracks on the surface of the honeycomb structure, chipping on the surface of the honeycomb structure, or defects in the cells are detected in the calculation step. The method for inspecting a honeycomb structure according to the description.
The honeycomb structure inspection method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising an analysis step of recording and analyzing the shape data.
The method for inspecting a honeycomb structure according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a green honeycomb molded body obtained by extruding a ceramic composition is used as the honeycomb structure.
The method for inspecting a honeycomb structure according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a formed body obtained by drying a green honeycomb formed body or a fired formed body obtained by firing the formed body is used as the honeycomb structure. .
An extrusion process for producing a green honeycomb molded body by extruding a ceramic composition;
A drying step of drying the green honeycomb molded body to produce a dried body;
A cutting step of cutting the dried body so as to have a design length by shrinkage due to firing;
A sealing step of manufacturing the sealing body by sealing the dried body after the cutting;
A firing step of firing the sealing body,
The honeycomb structure inspection method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, after any of the extrusion molding step, the drying step, the cutting step, the sealing step, and the firing step. A method for manufacturing a honeycomb structure, comprising an inspection process for inspecting a structure.
An inspection apparatus used for inspecting a honeycomb structure in which cells that are a plurality of through holes are opened on an end surface of a cylindrical body,
An irradiation unit for irradiating the surface of the honeycomb structure while scanning light;
A light receiving unit that receives reflected light of the light irradiated to the honeycomb structure by the irradiation unit;
A calculation unit that calculates shape data relating to the shape of the honeycomb structure from a relationship between an irradiation angle of light irradiated to the honeycomb structure by the irradiation unit and a reception angle of the reflected light received by the light receiving unit;
A honeycomb structure inspection apparatus comprising:
The honeycomb structure inspection apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising a reference position specifying unit that specifies a reference position of the honeycomb structure.
The honeycomb structure inspection apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the reference position specifying unit has a label for specifying the reference position of the honeycomb structure on a pedestal on which the honeycomb structure is placed.
The honeycomb structure inspection apparatus according to any one of claims 11 to 13, further comprising a pedestal capable of rotating in a state where the honeycomb structure is placed.