Tube handling assembly for slit tube manufacturing machine

Abstract

A tube handling assembly (200) for a slit tube manufacturing machine (100) for manufacturing slit tubes (102), each having a tube body (104) and a slit (106) extending a slit length (107) along the tube body, includes a base (210) and a tube support (220) movably connected to the base. The tube manipulation assembly (200) includes a pin actuator (230) coupled to the tube support, the pin actuator having a pin (232) movable relative to the tube support between an extended position and a retracted position and configured to be inserted into an end (105) of the tube body to retain the slit tube. The pin is retractable to release the slit tube. The tube manipulation assembly includes a tube linear actuator (250) that moves the tube support and the pin in a linear actuation direction. The tube manipulation assembly includes a tube rotation actuator (270) that moves the tube support and the pin relative to the base in a rotational actuation direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This article generally deals with slot tube manufacturing machines. Background Technology

[0002] Slit tubes are used in many applications. A slit tube comprises a slit body of predetermined length with a slit formed at one end of the body. Slit tube manufacturing machines are known for forming the body and slit. Slit tubes are typically removed from a cutting device using a vacuum extraction device. The slit tubes are then collected in a storage tank. However, quality control of slit tubes using such manufacturing machines can be problematic. For example, there is no known method for inspecting the parts before they are collected into the storage tank. Instead, sampling inspection can be performed on the parts after manufacturing. However, sampling inspection may miss defective parts, leading to customer complaints.

[0003] During the manufacturing process of slit tubes, online testing of the slit tubes is required. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In one embodiment, a tube manipulation assembly is provided for a slit tube manufacturing machine for manufacturing slit tubes, each slit tube having a tube body and a slit extending along the tube body for a slit length. The tube manipulation assembly includes a base and a tube support movably connected to the base. The tube manipulation assembly includes a pin actuator connected to the tube support. The pin actuator includes a pin movable relative to the tube support between an extended position and a retracted position. The pin is configured to insert into an end of the tube body to hold the slit tube. The pin is retractable to a retracted position to release the slit tube. The tube manipulation assembly includes a tube linear actuator configured to move the tube support and the pin relative to the base in a linear actuation direction to move the slit tube held on the pin in the linear actuation direction. The tube manipulation assembly includes a tube rotary actuator configured to move the tube support and the pin relative to the base in a rotary actuation direction to move the slit tube held on the pin in the rotary actuation direction. Attached Figure Description

[0005] The present invention will be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0006] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a slit tube manufacturing machine according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0007] Figure 2 A slit tube is shown in an exemplary embodiment.

[0008] Figure 3 The tube manipulation component according to an exemplary embodiment is shown in its first state.

[0009] Figure 4 The tube manipulation component according to an exemplary embodiment is shown in its second state.

[0010] Figure 5 A method for manufacturing a slit tube using a slit tube manufacturing machine according to an exemplary embodiment is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0011] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a slit tube manufacturing machine 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. The slit tube manufacturing machine 100 is used to manufacture slit tubes 102 (such as...). Figure 2 As shown, the slit tube 102 can be used in a variety of applications. In one exemplary embodiment, each slit tube 102 includes a tube body 104 having a slit 106 extending along the tube body 104 for a length. The slit 106 may be located at one end of the tube body 104.

[0012] In one exemplary embodiment, the slit tube 102 can be continuously manufactured from tubing 108 wound on a spool 110. For example, the tube body 104 can be made from the tubing 108 by a slit tube manufacturing machine 100. For example, the tubing 108 can be cut to the desired length to form the tube body 104. The slit 106 can be cut onto the tube body 104 by the slit tube manufacturing machine 100. In one exemplary embodiment, during the manufacturing process, the slit tube manufacturing machine 100 performs online quality inspection on the slit tubes 102. For example, the slit tube manufacturing machine 100 may include a machine vision inspection system for inspecting each slit tube 102. The slit tube manufacturing machine 100 can separate the slit tubes 102 based on the online quality inspection results, for example, by placing them in a scrap bin and a storage bin based on the quality inspection results. If a non-conforming part is detected, the manufacturing process can be stopped, for example, to correct machine setting parameters or repair damaged tools.

[0013] In one exemplary embodiment, the slit tube manufacturing machine 100 includes one or more stations for processing slit tubes 102. These stations can be integrated into a single machine. For example, these stations can be integrated into a single housing or cabinet, and / or can be mounted on a common frame or base. In various other embodiments, these stations can be arranged on an assembly line, for example, integrated into multiple machines at different locations within a manufacturing plant.

[0014] In one exemplary embodiment, the slotted tube manufacturing machine 100 includes a tube feeder 130 for conveying tubes 108 between various stations. The tube feeder 130 includes a feeding device 132 configured to convey the tubes 108 from a reel 110 to one or more stations. For example, the feeding device 132 may convey the tubes 108 to the cutting area 112 of the slotted tube manufacturing machine 100.

[0015] In one exemplary embodiment, the feeding device 132 includes a gripper 134 configured to grip the tube 108 and advance it into the slot tube manufacturing machine 100. The gripper 134 may include finger-like structures configured to grip the tube 108. In other embodiments, the gripper 134 may include a vacuum element configured to hold the tube 108 by vacuum pressure. In other embodiments, other types of grippers may be used.

[0016] In one exemplary embodiment, the feeding device 132 may include an actuator 136, such as a linear actuator, for moving the tube 108. For example, the actuator 136 may be an electromechanical actuator configured to advance the gripper 134 by a predetermined length associated with the desired length of the slit tube 102. In other embodiments, other types of actuators may be used.

[0017] In other embodiments, other types of feeding devices 132 may be used. For example, the feeding device 132 may include a conveyor for transporting the pipe 108 to various workstations. In various other embodiments, the feeding device 132 may include a robot having one or more articulated robotic arms for picking up and placing the pipe at various workstations. For example, the robot may be a multi-axis robot, such as a six-axis robot.

[0018] In one exemplary embodiment, the slotted tube manufacturing machine 100 has a tube cutting assembly 140 at a cutting zone 112. The tube cutting assembly 140 includes a cutting blade 142 for cutting a tube body 104 from a tube reel 108. The tube cutting assembly 140 also includes a longitudinal cutting blade 144 for cutting a slot 106 in the tube body 104. The cutting blade 142 can be oriented perpendicular to the length of the tube 108 to cut the tube 108 laterally, thereby separating the tube body 104 from the tube 108. The longitudinal cutting blade 144 can be oriented parallel to the length of the tube 108 to cut the slot 106 along the length direction of the tube body 104.

[0019] The cutting blade 142 can be mounted on an actuator that moves the cutting blade 142 along the cutting direction. This actuator can operate based on the timing of the slot tube manufacturing machine 100, for example, corresponding to the operation of the tube feeder 130. The actuator can also operate based on signals from a position sensor used to detect the position of the tube 108. For example, the position sensor can be located at a distance from the cutting blade 142 corresponding to the desired length of the tube 104.

[0020] In one exemplary embodiment, the slitting blade 144 is used to form a slit 106 at one end of the tube 104, such as at one end of the tube 104 cut by the cutting blade 142. The slitting blade 144 may be mounted on an actuator for moving the slitting blade 144 in the cutting direction. The actuator may operate according to the timing of the slit tube manufacturing machine 100, for example, corresponding to the operation of the actuator for the cutting blade 142. In various embodiments, the slitting blade 144 may be controlled independently of the cutting blade 142. For example, the slitting blade 144 may be actuated after the cutting blade 142 has cut through the tube 108 and separated the tube 104 from the tube 108. In other various embodiments, the slitting blade 144 in the cutting blade 142 may be controlled as a unit. For example, a single actuator may move both the cutting blade 142 and the slitting blade 144 simultaneously.

[0021] In one exemplary embodiment, the slit tube manufacturing machine 100 includes a vision inspection system 150 for quality inspection of the slit tube 102. The vision inspection system 150 includes a camera 152 located downstream of the tube cutting assembly 140. The camera 152 is used to image the slit tube 102, such as the tube body 104 and / or the slit 106. The vision inspection system 150 analyzes the images for quality inspection. For example, the vision inspection system 150 can determine the length of the tube body 104. The vision inspection system 150 can determine the length of the slit 106. The vision inspection system 150 can determine whether there is any damage to the tube body 104.

[0022] In an exemplary embodiment, the slit tube manufacturing machine 100 is configured to discard slit tubes 102 based on quality inspection results. For example, the slit tube manufacturing machine 100 may discard qualified slit tubes 102 that have passed quality inspection into a storage bin 160. The slit tube manufacturing machine 100 may discard unqualified slit tubes 102 that have failed quality inspection into a waste bin 170. Thus, the slit tubes 102 can be automatically separated and divided according to the quality inspection results.

[0023] In one exemplary embodiment, the slit tube manufacturing machine 100 includes a tube manipulation assembly 200. The tube manipulation assembly 200 is used to handle the slit tube 102. For example, the tube manipulation assembly 200 can remove a simulated slit tube 102 from the tube cutting assembly 140. The tube manipulation assembly 200 handles the slit tube 102 during quality inspection. For example, the tube manipulation assembly 200 can position the slit tube 102 relative to a camera 152 for quality inspection. Based on the quality inspection results, the tube manipulation assembly 200 can move the slit tube 102 to a storage bin 160 or a waste bin 170 after imaging and analysis.

[0024] Figure 2A slit tube 102 according to an exemplary embodiment is shown. The slit tube 102 includes a tube body 104 extending between a first end 103 and a second end 105. A slit 106 is provided at the first end 103. The slit 106 may extend through one or both sides of the tube body 104. The slit 106 extends along the tube body 104 for a slit length 107. The slit length 107 may be approximately half the total tube body length 109 of the tube body 104. However, in other embodiments, the slit length may be longer than or shorter than half the tube body length 109.

[0025] In one exemplary embodiment, the quality inspection process may inspect the total pipe length 109 and / or the slit length 107. The quality inspection process may also inspect the pipe body 104 for damage. The quality inspection process may determine whether the slit 106 extends correctly to the first end 103 and / or whether it extends correctly through one or both sides of the pipe body 104. Other characteristics of the slit pipe 102 may also be checked through the quality inspection.

[0026] Figure 3 The tube manipulation assembly 200 in a first state according to an exemplary embodiment is shown. Figure 4 The tube manipulation assembly 200 in a second state according to an exemplary embodiment is shown. The tube manipulation assembly 200 is used by the slit tube manufacturing machine 100 for the automated manufacturing of the slit tube 102. The tube manipulation assembly 200 is used to position the slit tube 102 relative to the tube cutting assembly 140, the vision inspection system 150, the storage bin 160, and the waste bin 170 (e.g., ...). Figure 1 (As shown) the movement. For example, the tube manipulation assembly 200 moves the slit tube 102 separated from the tube 108 from the tube cutting assembly 140 to the vision inspection system 150 for imaging and quality assessment. Then, based on the quality assessment results, the tube manipulation assembly 200 delivers the slit tube 102 to the appropriate storage box 160 or waste box 170.

[0027] In one exemplary embodiment, the tube manipulation assembly 200 includes a base 210 and a tube support 220 movably connected to the base 210. The tube manipulation assembly 200 includes a pin actuator 230 connected to the tube support 220. The pin actuator 230 is used to hold the slit tube 102. The tube manipulation assembly 200 includes a tube linear actuator 250 configured to move the tube support 220 relative to the base 210. The tube linear actuator 250 moves the tube support 220 along a linear actuation direction, thereby moving the slit tube 102, for example, away from the tube cutting assembly 140 and / or moving the slit tube 102 to the storage bin 160 and / or the waste bin 170. The tube manipulation assembly 200 includes a tube rotation actuator 270 configured to move the tube support. The tube rotation actuator 270 moves the tube support 220 and the slit tube 102 in the rotational direction, for example, orienting the slit tube 102 relative to the camera 152 of the vision inspection system 150 (for example, aligning the slit 106 with the camera 152 in order to image the slit 106).

[0028] The base 210 includes one or more plates or walls 212 that form a frame 214 for supporting the various components of the tube manipulation assembly 200. The walls 212 may be sheet metal, beams, rods, or other structural components. The base 210 may be mounted on a cabinet or other structural element of the slot tube manufacturing machine 100 to position the tube manipulation assembly 200 between other components of the slot tube manufacturing machine 100. The base 210 may also be fixed relative to other components of the slot tube manufacturing machine 100.

[0029] The tube support 220 is movable relative to the base 210. For example, a tube linear actuator 250 and a tube rotary actuator 270 are located between the tube support 220 and the base 210 to allow the tube support 220 to move relative to the base 210. In one exemplary embodiment, the tube support 220 includes a support body 222 extending between a first end 224 and a second end 225. The support body 222 may be generally cylindrical, for example, including one or more cylindrical portions along the longitudinal axis of the tube support 220. The tube support 220 has an end wall 226 at the first end 224. In one exemplary embodiment, the tube support 220 includes an internal cavity 228 through the support body 222. A pin actuator 230 is located within the internal cavity 228. The internal cavity 228 opens through the end wall 226.

[0030] The pin actuator 230 includes a pin 232 and a pin actuator element 234 operably connected to the pin 232. The pin 232 is used to hold the slit tube 102. The pin 232 may be located within an internal cavity 228 of the tube support 220. In one exemplary embodiment, the pin 232 extends along a pin axis coinciding with the tube support axis of the tube support 220. In one exemplary embodiment, the pin 232 is configured to extend forward of the end wall 226 to support the slit tube 102. The pin actuator element 234 is operably connected to the pin 232 such that the pin 232 is in an extended position relative to the tube support 220. Figure 3 ) and retraction position ( Figure 4 The pin 232 moves between the tube body 104 and the slit tube 102. When extended, the pin 232 is configured to be inserted into the end of the tube body 104 of the slit tube 102 to hold the slit tube 102. The pin 232 can retract to a retracted position, thereby releasing the slit tube 102. For example, the pin 232 can retract into the internal cavity 228 to release the slit tube 102 from the tube actuation assembly 200. In various embodiments, the length and diameter of the pin 232 may correspond to the slit tube 102. Furthermore, the pin 232 is interchangeable, for example, it can be interchanged with pins 232 of other lengths or other diameters for different types of slit tubes 102.

[0031] In one exemplary embodiment, the pin actuator element 234 is located at the second end 225 of the tube support 220. The pin actuator element 234 may be mounted on a tube rotary actuator 270 or a tube linear actuator 250. In various embodiments, the pin actuator element 234 may be a pneumatic actuator. In other embodiments, the pin actuator element 234 may be an electromechanical actuator or other type of actuation device configured to move the pin 232 in a linear actuation direction.

[0032] The tubular linear actuator 250 is configured to move the tube support 220 and pin 232 relative to the base 210 in a linear actuation direction (arrow A), thereby moving the slit tube 102 held on the pin 232 in the linear actuation direction. The tubular linear actuator 250 is connected to the base 210. For example, the tubular linear actuator 250 is slidable along the base 210. In one exemplary embodiment, the tubular linear actuator 250 includes a guide rail 252 connected to the base 210 and a slider 254 slidably connected to the guide rail 252. The tubular linear actuator includes a linear actuation element 256 operably connected to the slider 254. In various embodiments, the linear actuation element 256 may be an electromechanical actuation device. For example, the linear actuation element 256 may include a motor and a drive screw, the motor rotating to drive the drive screw to move the slider 254. In various other embodiments, the linear actuation element 256 may include a pneumatic actuation device or other type of actuation device for moving the slider 254 in the linear actuation direction.

[0033] Slider 254 is configured to move between a front position at a first end of guide rail 252 and a rear position at a second end of guide rail 252. In an exemplary embodiment, tubular linear actuator 250 can be in a pickup position ( Figure 3 ) and placement position ( Figure 4 The tube linear actuator 230 moves between the two positions. In the pick-up position, the pin actuator 230 is used to pick up the slit tube 102. For example, the pin 232 may be loaded into the end of the slit tube 102 to engage and hold the slit tube 102. In the drop position, the slit tube 102 may be released, for example, into the storage box 160 or the waste box 170. When the tube linear actuator 250 is in the drop position, the pin 232 may retract, thereby releasing the slit tube 102 from the tube actuation assembly 200. In one exemplary embodiment, the tube linear actuator 250 may move to a plurality of drop positions, such as a first drop position (e.g., Figure 4 The first placement position is associated with a storage bin 160 (e.g., vertically above storage bin 160) so that slit tubes 102 that have passed quality inspection can be placed into storage bin 160 at the first placement position. The second placement position is associated with a waste bin 170 (e.g., vertically above waste bin 170) so that slit tubes 102 that have failed quality inspection can be placed into waste bin 170 at the second placement position.

[0034] The tube rotation actuator 270 is configured to move the tube support 220 and pin 232 relative to the base 210 in a rotational actuation direction (arrow B), thereby moving the slit tube 102 held on the pin 232 in the rotational actuation direction. The tube rotation actuator 270 is connected to the slider 254. The tube rotation actuator 270 can move with the slider, for example, from a pick-up position to a put-down position. In an exemplary embodiment, the tube rotation actuator 270 includes a mounting base 272 mounted on the slider 254 and a hub 274 rotatably connected to the mounting base 272. The tube support 220 is connected to the hub 274. For example, the tube support 220 extends forward in front of the hub 274. The tube support 220 rotates with the hub 274.

[0035] The tube rotation actuator 270 includes a rotation actuation element 276 operatively connected to a hub 274. The rotation actuation element 276 is used to rotate the hub 274. The tube rotation actuator 270 is rotatable approximately 360°. The tube rotation actuator 270 can rotate clockwise and / or counterclockwise. In various embodiments, the rotation actuation element 276 may be an electromechanical actuation device. For example, the rotation actuation element 276 may include an electric motor connected to the hub 274 for rotating the hub 274. In other various embodiments, the rotation actuation element 276 may include a pneumatic actuation device or other type of actuation device for rotating the hub 274 in a rotation actuation direction. The hub 274 rotates the tube support 220, which in turn rotates the pin 232, thereby allowing rotation of the slit tube 102. The slit tube 102 is configured to rotate to position the slit tube 102 relative to the camera 152 for imaging the slit tube 102. For example, slit tube 102 can be rotated to align slit 106 with camera 152 used for imaging slit 106.

[0036] Figure 5 A method for manufacturing a slit tube using a slit tube manufacturing machine according to an exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0037] At point 500, the method includes feeding a tube into a tube cutting assembly in the cutting zone of a slotted tube manufacturing machine. The tube may be fed in by a tube feeder. For example, the tube may be clamped and advanced along a feeding direction. A feeding device may deliver a predetermined length of tube to the tube cutting assembly, for example, to control the length of the slotted tube.

[0038] At point 502, the method includes cutting a certain length of pipe body from the pipe. The pipe body is cut from the pipe using a cutting blade. The cutting blade can be actuated in a downward direction to cut the pipe. Optionally, multiple cutting blades can be provided to cut the pipe from different sides, such as from the top and bottom.

[0039] At 504, the method includes cutting the tube body to form a slit within it. The tube body is cut using a longitudinal cutting blade. The longitudinal cutting blade can be actuated in a downward direction to cut one end of the tube body. The tube body can be cut on one or both sides.

[0040] At 506, the method includes picking up a tube body using a tube actuation assembly. The picking process may include inserting a pin of the tube actuation assembly into the tube body. The outer diameter of the pin may be approximately equal to the inner diameter of the tube to hold the tube body on the pin by an interference fit. The tube actuation assembly may advance the pin in a linear actuation direction, thereby loading the pin onto the end of the tube body. Advancement of the pin may be accomplished by a tube linear actuator of the tube actuation assembly. Advancement of the pin may also be accomplished by a pin actuator that moves the pin from a retracted position to an extended position.

[0041] At 508, the method includes rotating the tube body using a tube manipulation assembly to align the slit with the camera of the vision inspection system. This rotation can be performed by rotating a pin to rotate the tube body. The pin can be rotated using a tube rotation actuator of the tube manipulation assembly.

[0042] At 510, the method includes using a tube manipulation assembly to move the tube body away from the cutting area. The tube manipulation assembly can cause a pin (thereby actuating the tube body) to move in a backward linear actuation direction. The pin can be moved backward by the tube linear actuator of the tube manipulation assembly. The tube manipulation assembly can move the slit tube to a position aligned with the camera of the vision inspection system. The tube manipulation assembly can move the slit tube to a position aligned with a storage bin for placement into the storage bin. The tube manipulation assembly can move the slit tube to a position aligned with a waste bin for placement into the waste bin.

[0043] At 512, the method includes imaging the tube body and the slit to perform quality inspection on the slit tube. Imaging may be performed by a camera of a vision inspection system. Imaging can be used to determine the length of the tube body. Imaging can be used to determine the length of the slit within the tube body. Imaging can be used to determine if any damage exists in the tube body. Optionally, the method may include the step of performing quality inspection on the tube body using a vision inspection system. The vision inspection system analyzes the image to perform the quality inspection. In one exemplary embodiment, the tube manipulation component may be controlled or operated based on the imaging results. For example, a tube rotation actuator may control the rotation of the pin and the slit tube based on the imaging results, such as rotating the pin until the slit is visible in the image. A tube linear actuator may be controlled based on the imaging results, such as based on the quality inspection results. For example, if the tube body passes the quality inspection, the tube linear actuator may move the tube body to a first lowered position; if the tube body fails the quality inspection, it may move the tube body to a second lowered position.

[0044] At 514, the method includes retracting the pin from the tube body to release the tube body from the tube actuation assembly. The retraction of the pin can be achieved by a pin actuator that retracts the pin into the tube support. Once the pin is retracted, the slit tube can fall into a collection area, such as a storage bin or waste bin.

[0045] It should be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. For example, the above embodiments (and / or aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. Furthermore, many modifications may be made to adapt particular situations or materials to the teachings of the invention without departing from the scope of the invention. The dimensions, types of materials, orientations of various components, and quantities and positions of various components described herein are intended to define parameters of certain embodiments and are by no means restrictive, but merely exemplary embodiments. Many other embodiments and modifications within the spirit and scope of the claims will be apparent to those skilled in the art after reading the above description. The scope of the invention should be determined by reference to the appended claims and the full scope of their equivalents. In the appended claims, the terms “comprising” and “wherein” are used as concise English equivalents of the corresponding terms “comprising” and “wherein”. Furthermore, in the following claims, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc., are used only as labels and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects. In addition, the limitations of the following claims are not written in the form of means plus function and are not intended to be interpreted based on 35 USC 112(f) unless and until such a claim limitation explicitly uses the phrase “for means” followed by a functional statement without further structure.

Claims

1. A tube manipulation assembly (200) for a slit tube manufacturing machine (100) for manufacturing slit tubes (102), each slit tube having a tube body (104) and a slit (106) extending a slit length (107) along the tube body, the tube manipulation assembly comprising: Base (210); A tube support (220) movably connected to the base; A pin actuator (230) connected to a tube support includes a pin (232) movable relative to the tube support between an extended position and a retracted position. The pin is configured to be inserted into an end (105) of the tube body to hold the slit tube and to be retracted to a retracted position to release the slit tube. A tube linear actuator (250) is configured to move a tube support and a pin relative to a base in a linear actuation direction to move a slit tube held on the pin in a linear actuation direction. and A tube rotation actuator (270) is configured to move the tube support and pin relative to the base in the rotational actuation direction to move the slit tube held on the pin in the rotational actuation direction.

2. The tube manipulation assembly (200) according to claim 1, wherein the pin actuator (230) is configured to release the slit tube (102) in the retracted position.

3. The tube manipulation assembly (200) of claim 1, wherein the pin actuator (230) includes a pin actuator element (234) operatively connected to the pin (232) to move the pin between an extended position and a retracted position.

4. The pipe manipulation assembly (200) according to claim 1, wherein the pipe support (220) includes an end wall (226), the pin (232) protruding beyond the end wall in an extended position, and the pin recessed behind the end wall in a retracted position.

5. The tube manipulation assembly (200) according to claim 1, wherein the tube linear actuator (250) includes a guide rail (252) connected to the base (210) and a slider (254) slidably connected to the guide rail, the tube support (220) moving relative to the base with the slider.

6. The tube manipulation assembly (200) according to claim 5, wherein the tube rotation actuator (270) is mounted to the slider (254).

7. The tube manipulation assembly (200) according to claim 1, wherein the tube linear actuator (250) is movable between a pick-up position and a drop position, and the pin actuator (230) picks up the slit tube (102) in the pick-up position and releases the slit tube in the drop position.

8. The tube manipulation assembly (200) of claim 7, wherein the drop position is a first drop position associated with a slit tube (102) that has passed a quality check, the linear actuator being configured to release the slit tube in the first drop position, and the tube linear actuator (250) being movable to a second drop position associated with a quality check failure, the linear actuator being configured to release the slit tube in the second drop position.

9. The tube manipulation assembly (200) according to claim 1, wherein the tube rotation actuator (270) is configured to rotate the pin (232) to rotate the slit tube (102) thereby aligning the slit (106) in the tube body (104) with the camera (152) of the visual inspection system (150) to image the slit.

10. The tube manipulation assembly (200) of claim 1, wherein the tube rotation actuator (270) includes a hub (272) and a tube rotation actuator element (276) operable to rotate the hub, the tube support (220) being mounted to and rotated by the hub.

11. The tube manipulation assembly (200) according to claim 1, wherein the tube rotation actuator (270) is rotatable approximately 360°.

12. The pipe manipulation assembly (200) according to claim 1, wherein the pin (232) extends along the pin axis and the pipe support (220) extends along a pipe support axis that coincides with the pin axis.

13. A slit tube manufacturing machine (100) for manufacturing slit tubes (102), each slit tube having a tube body (104) and a slit (106) extending along the tube body for a slit length (107), the slit tube manufacturing machine comprising: The tube cutting assembly (140) at the cutting zone (112) of the slit tube manufacturing machine has a cutting blade (142) configured to cut a tube body from a roll of tube (108) and a longitudinal cutting blade (144) configured to cut a slit in the tube body. A visual inspection system (150) having a camera (152) for imaging the tube and slit; and A tube manipulation assembly (200) for manipulating a slit tube of a visual inspection system includes a base (210) and a tube support (220) movably coupled to the base. The tube manipulation assembly includes a pin actuator (230) coupled to the tube support and includes a pin (232) configured to insert into an end (105) of a tube body to hold the slit tube in a cutting zone. The tube manipulation assembly includes a tube linear actuator (250) configured to move the tube support and the pin from the cutting zone in a linear actuation direction. The tube manipulation assembly includes a tube rotation actuator (270) configured to move the tube support and the pin in a rotational actuation direction to move the slit tube relative to a camera in the rotational actuation direction.

14. The slit tube manufacturing machine (100) according to claim 13, wherein the tube rotation actuator (270) is operable to align the slit (106) with a camera (152) for imaging the slit.

15. The slit tube manufacturing machine (100) according to claim 13, wherein the tube linear actuator (250) is movable between a pick-up position and a drop-down position, the pin actuator (230) picks up the slit tube (102) at the pick-up position, and the pin actuator releases the slit tube at the drop-down position after being imaged by the vision inspection system (150).

16. The slit tube manufacturing machine (100) of claim 13, wherein the pin (232) is movable relative to the tube support (220) between an extended position and a retracted position, the pin being configured to pick up the slit tube (102) in the extended position and to release the slit tube in the retracted position, the tube support including an end wall (226), the pin protruding beyond the end wall in the extended position and recessed behind the end wall in the retracted position.

17. A method for manufacturing a slit tube (102), comprising: The tube (108) is fed into the tube cutting assembly (140) in the cutting zone (112) of the slot tube manufacturing machine (100); Cut the pipe body (104) to length (109) from the pipe material; Cut open the tube to form a slit in the tube (106); Use the tube manipulation component (200) to pick up the tube body; Rotate the tube body using the tube manipulation assembly to align the slit with the camera (152) of the visual inspection system (150); Use the tube manipulation assembly to move the tube body away from the cutting area; and Imaging of the tube body and slits for quality inspection of slit tubes.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the picking tube body (104) includes inserting a pin (232) of the tube manipulation assembly (200) into the tube body, and the rotating tube body includes rotating the pin to rotate the tube body.

19. The method of claim 17, further comprising retracting the pin (232) from the tube body (104) to release the tube body from the tube actuation assembly (200).

20. The method of claim 17, further comprising performing a quality inspection of the tube (104) using a visual inspection system (150), wherein moving the tube comprises moving the tube to a first placement position if the tube passes the quality inspection, and moving the tube to a second placement position if the tube fails the quality inspection.

Images