Seal ring inspection method and seal ring inspection device

Abstract

To provide an inspection method and an inspection device of seal rings that can suppress erroneous determination.SOLUTION: An inspection method of seal rings inspects a seal ring attached to a groove portion formed on a peripheral surface of a shaft member. The inspection method comprises: a detection step which rotates the shaft member around a center axis with the seal ring attached, and detects a first abutment clearance and a second abutment clearance of the seal ring; a measurement step which measures a first width dimension along the circumferential direction of the first abutment clearance and a second width dimension along the circumferential direction of the second abutment clearance; and a determination step which compares the first width dimension with second width dimension, and determines that the seal ring has an abnormality when a difference between the first width dimension and the second width dimension is larger than a first reference value.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for inspecting a seal ring. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an automatic transmission. A seal ring is attached to a shaft member, which is a component of the automatic transmission. For example, a seal ring having a gap as disclosed in Patent Document 2 is used as this seal ring. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-281239 [Patent Document 2] Patent Publication No. 2021-116822 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When determining the mounting state of the seal ring, for example, a method of determining based on the size of the width dimension of the gap between the ends of the seal ring may be used.

[0005] In this inspection, the types of cases in which the width dimension of the gap exceeds the predetermined value include cases in which the seal ring widens due to the installation state and cases in which the width dimension of the gap increases due to bending of the end of the seal ring. Therefore, if a uniform judgment is made based on the size of the width dimension of the gap of the seal ring, there is a risk of erroneously determining that there is an abnormality in the seal ring even when the seal ring has widened due to the installation state.

[0006] Therefore, it is possible to consider increasing the comparison value so that it is not determined that there is an abnormality in the seal ring depending on the installation condition. However, in this case, there is a risk that it will not be possible to determine whether there is an abnormality in the seal ring if a bend occurs at the end of the seal ring and the width dimension of the joint gap becomes large.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems, and has an object to provide a seal ring inspection method and seal ring inspection device that can suppress erroneous judgments. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for inspecting a seal ring mounted in a groove formed in a circumferential surface of a shaft member, the seal ring comprising a first abutment component provided at one circumferential end and a second abutment component provided at the other circumferential end and overlapping the first abutment component in the axial direction, a first abutment gap is formed between a tip end of the first abutment component and a first end face opposing the first abutment component in the circumferential direction, and a second abutment gap is formed between a tip end of the second abutment component and a second end face opposing the second abutment component in the circumferential direction. The present invention provides a method for inspecting a seal ring, comprising: a detection step of rotating the shaft member about a central axis with the seal ring attached to detect the first gap and the second gap; a measurement step of measuring a first width dimension along the circumferential direction of the first gap and a second width dimension along the circumferential direction of the second gap; and a determination step of comparing the first width dimension with the second width dimension and determining that there is an abnormality in the seal ring if a difference between the first width dimension and the second width dimension is greater than a first reference value.

[0009] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a seal ring inspection method for inspecting a seal ring mounted in a groove formed in a circumferential surface of a shaft member, the seal ring comprising a first abutment constituent portion provided at one circumferential end portion and a second abutment constituent portion provided at the other circumferential end portion and overlapping with the first abutment constituent portion in the axial direction, a first abutment gap is formed between a tip end of the first abutment constituent portion and a first end face opposing the first abutment constituent portion in the circumferential direction, and a second abutment gap is formed between a tip end of the second abutment constituent portion and a second end face opposing the second abutment constituent portion in the circumferential direction, the method comprising: a detection step of rotating the shaft member about a central axis with the seal ring mounted thereon to detect the first abutment gap and the second abutment gap; a calculation step of calculating a distance between a first central position in the circumferential direction of the first abutment gap and a second central position in the circumferential direction of the second abutment gap; and a determination step of determining that the seal ring is abnormal if the distance is smaller than a second reference value. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to one aspect of the present invention, when the first width dimension of the first gap and the second width dimension of the second gap increase substantially uniformly, the difference between the first width dimension and the second width dimension does not change significantly, and therefore it is not determined that there is an abnormality in the seal ring. On the other hand, when a bend occurs in the second gap forming portion, for example, the difference between the first width dimension of the first gap and the second width dimension of the second gap becomes larger than the first reference value, and it is determined that there is an abnormality in the seal ring.

[0011] Therefore, compared to a case where the seal ring is judged based on the width dimension of each abutment gap, erroneous judgment can be suppressed.

[0012] According to another aspect of the present invention, when the first and second gaps are expanded substantially uniformly, the distance between the first center position of the first gap and the second center position of the second gap does not change significantly, and therefore the distance between the first center position and the second center position does not become shorter than the second reference value, and therefore it is not determined that there is an abnormality in the seal ring.

[0013] On the other hand, for example, if a bend occurs in the second abutment component, the second center position of the second abutment gap moves toward the first abutment gap, and the distance between the first center position and the second center position becomes shorter. As a result, the distance between the first center position and the second center position becomes shorter than the second reference value, and it is determined that there is an abnormality in the seal ring.

[0014] Therefore, compared to a case where the seal ring is judged based on the width dimension of each abutment gap, erroneous judgment can be suppressed. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a side view showing the inspection device according to the present embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of a seal ring. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a side view showing a main portion of the seal ring, and is an explanatory view showing an attached state in which the seal ring is expanded from a specified attached state. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a side view showing a main part of the seal ring, and is an explanatory view showing a state in which a bend has occurred at an end of the seal ring. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a side view showing a main portion of the seal ring, and is an explanatory view showing an attached state in which the seal ring is expanded from a specified attached state. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a side view showing a main part of the seal ring, and is an explanatory view showing a state in which a bend has occurred at an end of the seal ring. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the inspection device. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart continuing from FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the dimensional difference inspection process. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the separation distance inspection process. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a side image of the seal ring in which two first gaps and one second gap are captured. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a side image of the seal ring in which one first gap and two second gaps are captured. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a side image of the seal ring in which two first gaps and two second gaps are captured. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] Hereinafter, an inspection device 12 for a seal ring 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Fig. 1 is a side view showing the inspection device 12 according to the present embodiment. Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of a seal ring 10. Fig. 2 shows an exaggerated state in which a first abutment gap 42 and a second abutment gap 46, which will be described later, are open.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 1, an inspection device 12 according to this embodiment is a device for inspecting the installation state of a seal ring 10 mounted on a shaft member 14 which is a component of, for example, an automatic transmission.

[0018] A large-diameter drum portion 16 is provided at the tip of the shaft member 14 (a cross section of the drum portion 16 is shown in FIG. 1). A first groove portion 20, a second groove portion 22, a third groove portion 24, a fourth groove portion 26, and a fifth groove portion 28 are formed in the peripheral surface 18 of the shaft member 14 in this order from the drum portion 16 side. A seal ring 10 is attached to each of the groove portions 22, 24, 26, and 28.

[0019] (Seal ring) As shown in Fig. 2, the seal ring 10 includes a ring body 30 formed from a long plate material in a circular shape. A first abutment forming portion 32 having a smaller thickness dimension in the axial direction A than the ring body 30 is formed at one end of the ring body 30 in the circumferential direction C, and a first step portion 34 is formed on one side of the first abutment forming portion 32 in the axial direction A. A second abutment forming portion 36 having a smaller thickness dimension in the axial direction A than the ring body 30 is formed at the other end of the ring body 30 in the circumferential direction C, and a second step portion 38 is formed on the other side of the second abutment forming portion 36 in the axial direction A.

[0020] The first abutment forming portion 32 is disposed along the second step portion 38. Moreover, the second abutment forming portion 36 is disposed along the first step portion 34. As a result, the first abutment forming portion 32 and the second abutment forming portion 36 are overlapped in the axial direction A.

[0021] A first gap 42 can be formed between the tip 32a of the first abutment forming portion 32 and a first end face 40 of the ring body 30 with which the tip 32a faces in the circumferential direction C. A second gap 46 can be formed between the tip 36a of the second abutment forming portion 36 and a second end face 44 of the ring body 30 with which the tip 36a faces in the circumferential direction C.

[0022] As a result, the inner diameter dimension of the seal ring 10 is changeable in accordance with the outer diameter dimension of the mounting location, and in the seal ring 10, a first gap 42 is formed between the tip end 32a of the first abutment forming portion 32 and the first end face 40 in a state in which the seal ring 10 is mounted on the shaft member 14. In addition, in the seal ring 10, a second gap 46 is formed between the tip end 36a of the second abutment forming portion 36 and the second end face 44.

[0023] (Inspection equipment) 1, the inspection device 12 includes a stage 50 that supports the shaft member 14, and a rotation drive device 52 that rotates the shaft member 14 supported by the stage 50 about its central axis. The inspection device 12 also includes an imaging device 54 that images the seal ring 10 attached to the shaft member 14 that is rotated by the rotation drive device 52, and a controller 56 that acquires the image captured by the imaging device 54.

[0024] The stage 50 has a positioning portion 58 that rotatably positions the shaft member 14. The stage 50 is supported on an apparatus body 60 of the inspection apparatus 12 via a first lifting device 62. The first lifting device 62 raises and lowers the stage 50 by operating a built-in air cylinder.

[0025] The imaging device 54 is supported on a support 64 of the device main body 60 via a second lifting device 66. The second lifting device 66 operates a built-in servo cylinder to lift and lower the imaging device 54.

[0026] The rotation drive device 52 is provided on a beam portion 68 extending from the support 64. The rotation drive device 52 includes a rotation chuck 70 that grips the end of the shaft member 14, a third lifting device 72 that moves the rotation chuck 70 up and down, and a rotation drive unit 74 that rotates the rotation chuck 70. The third lifting device 72 is formed of a servo cylinder, and the rotation drive unit 74 is formed of a drive motor.

[0027] The controller 56 is composed of, for example, a CPU, a memory, an input / output interface, etc. The controller 56 controls the lifting devices 62, 66, 72, the rotation chuck 70 of the rotation drive device 52, the third lifting device 72, and the rotation drive unit 74 by the CPU operating in accordance with a processing program stored in the memory.

[0028] As a result, the controller 56 operates the first lifting device 62 to raise the stage 50 on which the shaft member 14 is set, and also operates the rotation chuck 70 of the rotation drive device 52 to hold the end of the shaft member 14 with the rotation chuck 70. At this time, the controller 56 can align the rotation chuck 70 to the height position of the end of the shaft member 14 by operating the third lifting device 72 in accordance with the length of the shaft member 14 to be inspected.

[0029] Then, the controller 56 operates the rotation drive unit 74 of the rotation drive device 52 to rotate the shaft member 14 on which the seal ring 10 is attached around the central axis, and also images the seal ring 10 attached to the shaft member 14 with the imaging device 54 to obtain imaging data.

[0030] Here, the controller 56 can operate the second lifting device 66 to move the imaging device 54 up and down. This allows the controller 56 to separately capture images of the seal rings 10 attached to the first groove portion 20 and the second groove portion 22 and images of the seal rings 10 attached to the third groove portion 24, the fourth groove portion 26, and the fifth groove portion 28.

[0031] 1 and 2, the controller 56 detects the first gap 42 and the second gap 46 of the seal ring 10 from an image captured by the imaging device 54 using an image analysis technique (detection step). The controller 56 also measures a first width dimension 80 (see FIG. 2) along the circumferential direction C of the first gap 42 and a second width dimension 82 (see FIG. 2) along the circumferential direction C of the second gap 46 (measurement step). The controller 56 further compares the measured first width dimension 80 and the second width dimension 82, and determines that there is an abnormality in the seal ring 10 when the dimensional difference between the first width dimension 80 and the second width dimension 82 is greater than, for example, a first reference value stored in advance in a memory (determination step).

[0032] Here, the first reference value is set to a value obtained by adding an allowable error to the design dimensional difference that may occur between the first width dimension 80 and the second width dimension 82 when the seal ring 10 is attached to the shaft member 14 to be inspected.

[0033] Here, the determination of whether or not there is an abnormality in the seal ring 10 will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

[0034] Fig. 3 is a side view showing a main part of the seal ring 10, and is an explanatory diagram showing an installation state in which the seal ring 10 is spread wider than the normal installation state. Fig. 4 is a side view showing a main part of the seal ring 10, and is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which a bend has occurred at an end of the seal ring 10.

[0035] 3, when the seal ring 10 is attached to the shaft member 14 in an expanded state, the first width dimension 80 of the first gap 42 and the second width dimension 82 of the second gap 46 are slightly wider than in the specified mounted state. However, since the first width dimension 80 and the second width dimension 82 are both expanded approximately evenly, the dimensional difference between the first width dimension 80 and the second width dimension 82 is small and the dimensional difference is determined to be equal to or less than the first reference value, so that it is determined that there is no abnormality in the seal ring 10.

[0036] 4, when a bend occurs at the end of the seal ring 10 attached to the shaft member 14, and, for example, the tip of the second abutment forming portion 36 is chipped, the second width dimension 82 of the second abutment gap 46 becomes larger than the first width dimension 80 of the first abutment gap 42. For this reason, the dimensional difference between the first width dimension 80 and the second width dimension 82 becomes large, and since the dimensional difference is determined to be larger than the first reference value, it is determined that the seal ring 10 is abnormal.

[0037] The controller 56 also detects the first gap 42 and the second gap 46 from the image captured by the imaging device 54 (detection step). The controller 56 further calculates a separation distance 88 between a first center position 84 (see FIG. 2) in the circumferential direction C of the first gap 42 and a second center position 86 (see FIG. 2) in the circumferential direction C of the second gap 46 (calculation step). The controller 56 then determines that there is an abnormality in the seal ring 10 when the calculated separation distance 88 is smaller than, for example, a second reference value stored in the memory (determination step).

[0038] Here, the second reference value is set to a value obtained by adding an allowable error to the designed separation distance that may occur between the first center position 84 (see Figure 2) in the circumferential direction C of the first gap 42 and the second center position 86 (see Figure 2) in the circumferential direction C of the second gap 46 when the seal ring 10 is attached to the shaft member 14 to be inspected.

[0039] Here, the determination of whether or not there is an abnormality in the seal ring 10 will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

[0040] Fig. 5 is a side view showing a main part of the seal ring 10, and is an explanatory diagram showing an installation state in which the seal ring 10 is spread wider than the normal installation state. Fig. 6 is a side view showing a main part of the seal ring 10, and is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which a bend has occurred at an end of the seal ring 10.

[0041] 5, when the seal ring 10 is attached to the shaft member 14 in an expanded state, the first gap 42 and the second gap 46 are slightly wider than in the default mounting state. However, the distance 88 between the first center position 84 of the first gap 42 and the second center position 86 of the second gap 46 is not smaller than in the default mounting state. For this reason, the distance 88 between the first center position 84 and the second center position 86 is not smaller than the second reference value, so it is not determined that there is an abnormality in the seal ring 10.

[0042] 6, when the end of the seal ring 10 attached to the shaft member 14 is bent and, for example, the tip of the second abutment component 36 is chipped, the second center position 86 of the second abutment gap 46 moves toward the first abutment gap 42 more than in the case of the specified mounting state. As a result, the separation distance 88 between the first center position 84 and the second center position 86 becomes smaller than the second reference value, and it is determined that there is an abnormality in the seal ring 10.

[0043] (Operation description) Next, the operation of the inspection device 12 will be specifically described with reference to the flowcharts shown in Figures 7 to 10. It is assumed that the shaft member 14 to be inspected is set in the inspection device 12. It is also assumed that the imaging device 54 is disposed at a height position where it can image the state of the seal ring 10 attached to the first groove portion 20 and the second groove portion 22 of the shaft member 14 (see Figure 1).

[0044] Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the inspection device 12. Fig. 8 is a flowchart continuing from Fig. 7. Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing a dimensional difference inspection process. Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing a separation distance inspection process.

[0045] When the CPU operates according to the processing program stored in the memory to start the inspection process, the controller 56 controls the rotation drive unit 74 of the rotation drive device 52 to rotate the shaft member 14 held by the rotation chuck 70 around the central axis (step S10).

[0046] The controller 56 also starts imaging the seal ring 10 attached to the first groove portion 20 and the second groove portion 22 of the shaft member 14 with the imaging device 54, and sequentially inputs imaging data from the imaging device 54 and stores it in memory (step S12).The controller 56 then continues rotating the shaft member 14 and capturing images with the imaging device 54 until the shaft member 14 has rotated 1.5 revolutions (step S14).

[0047] If it is determined in step S14 that the shaft member 14 has rotated 1.5 revolutions, the controller 56 controls the rotation drive unit 74 of the rotation drive device 52 to stop the rotation of the shaft member 14 (step S16) and stops imaging by the imaging device 54 (step S18).

[0048] As a result, the controller 56 acquires 1.5 rotations of side images 90 (see FIG. 11, etc.) of the seal ring 10 attached to the first groove portion 20 and the second groove portion 22 of the shaft member 14. Since the side images 90 include images of the first and second gaps 42 and 46 of the seal ring 10, the first and second gaps 42 and 46 are detected by acquiring the side images 90.

[0049] Here, the controller 56 acquires side images 90 (see FIG. 11, etc.) for 1.5 revolutions. Therefore, a plurality of joint gaps (42, 46) may be captured in the acquired side image 90. The side image 90 in which a plurality of joint gaps (42, 46) are captured will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

[0050] Fig. 11 is a diagram showing a side image 90 of the seal ring 10 in which two first gaps 42 and one second gap 46 are imaged. Fig. 12 is a diagram showing a side image 90 of the seal ring 10 in which one first gap 42 and two second gaps 46 are imaged. Fig. 13 is a diagram showing a side image 90 of the seal ring 10 in which two first gaps 42 and two second gaps 46 are imaged.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 11, when the shaft member 14 is rotated 1.5 revolutions, the first joint gap 42 may be captured twice in the side image 90. In this case, two first joint gaps 42 and one second joint gap 46 appear in the side image 90.

[0052] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 12, when the shaft member 14 is rotated 1.5 revolutions, the second joint gap 46 may be captured twice in the side image 90, in which case one first joint gap 42 and two second joint gaps 46 appear in the side image 90.

[0053] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 13, when the shaft member 14 is rotated 1.5 revolutions, the first joint gap 42 and the second joint gap 46 may be captured twice in the side image 90, in which case two first joint gaps 42 and two second joint gaps 46 appear in the side image 90.

[0054] Then, the controller 56 executes a dimensional difference inspection process (step S20).

[0055] (Dimensional difference inspection process) 9, in the dimensional difference inspection process, the controller 56 performs image analysis on the acquired side image 90 to detect the first gap 42 and the second gap 46 of each seal ring 10 attached to each groove portion 20, 22 (step SB10). As a result, the controller 56 detects the first gap 42 and the second gap 46 from the side image 90 acquired by rotating the shaft member 14 about the central axis with the seal ring 10 attached (detection step).

[0056] As described above, a plurality of the gaps (42, 46) may be captured in the side image 90. When a plurality of the gaps (42, 46) are captured in the side image 90, the controller 56 detects all of the gaps (42, 46).

[0057] In the present embodiment, a case will be described in which the shaft member 14 is rotated around the central axis to acquire a side image 90, and then the first and second gaps 42 and 46 are detected using the side image 90. However, the inspection device 12 of the present embodiment is not limited to this configuration. For example, the inspection device 12 may detect the first and second gaps 42 and 46 from the side image 90 while acquiring the side image 90 of the rotating shaft member 14.

[0058] Then, the controller 56 measures a first width dimension 80 (see FIG. 2) along the circumferential direction C of the first gap 42 and a second width dimension 82 (see FIG. 2) along the circumferential direction C of the second gap 46 detected by image analysis of the side image 90 (step SB12: measuring step). When a plurality of gaps (42, 46) are captured in the side image 90, the controller 56 measures the width dimensions 80, 82 of each of the gaps 42, 46.

[0059] When one first gap 42 and one second gap 46 are captured in the side image 90, the controller 56 performs image analysis to calculate and obtain a dimensional difference between a first width dimension 80 of the first gap 42 and a second width dimension 82 of the second gap 46 (step SB14). When a plurality of gaps (42, 46) are captured in the side image 90, the controller 56 calculates and obtains the dimensional difference as follows.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 11, when two first gaps 42 and one second gap 46 are detected in the side image 90, the controller 56 calculates the difference between the larger of the first width dimensions 80 of the two first gaps 42 and the second width dimension 82 to obtain the dimensional difference.

[0061] Also, as shown in FIG. 12, when one first gap 42 and two second gaps 46 are imaged in the side image 90, the controller 56 calculates the difference between the larger of the second width dimensions 82 of the second gaps 46 and the first width dimension 80 to obtain the dimensional difference.

[0062] Also, as shown in FIG. 13 , when two first gaps 42 and two second gaps 46 are imaged in a side image 90, the controller 56 calculates the difference between the larger of the first width dimensions 80 of the first gaps 42 and the larger of the second width dimensions 82 of the second gaps 46 to obtain the dimensional difference.

[0063] Then, the controller 56 judges whether the dimensional difference acquired in step SB14 is greater than a first reference value previously stored in memory (step SB16). As described above, the first reference value is a value obtained by adding an allowable error to a design difference that may occur between the first width dimension 80 and the second width dimension 82 when the seal ring 10 is attached to the shaft member 14 to be inspected.

[0064] As a result, the controller 56 compares the measured first width dimension 80 and second width dimension 82, and determines whether the difference between the first width dimension 80 and the second width dimension 82 is greater than a first reference value previously stored in memory.

[0065] Furthermore, when a plurality of first gaps 42 are detected in the side image 90, the controller 56 determines whether or not a difference between the largest first width dimension 80 among the first width dimensions 80 of the plurality of detected first gaps 42 and the second width dimension 82 of the second gap 46 is greater than a first reference value. Furthermore, when a plurality of second gaps 46 are detected, the controller 56 determines whether or not a difference between the largest second width dimension 82 among the second width dimensions 82 of the plurality of detected second gaps 46 and the first width dimension 80 of the first gap 42 is greater than a first reference value.

[0066] Furthermore, when multiple first gaps 42 and multiple second gaps 46 are detected in the side image 90, the controller 56 determines whether the difference between the largest first width dimension 80 among the first width dimensions 80 of the multiple detected first gaps 42 and the largest second width dimension 82 among the multiple detected second gaps 46 is greater than a first reference value.

[0067] In step SB16, if the difference between the first width dimension 80 and the second width dimension 82 is equal to or less than the first reference value, the controller 56 determines that there is no dimensional difference abnormality, sets the dimensional difference abnormality flag set in the memory to "0", and returns to the inspection process that called the first inspection process. Also, in step SB16, if the difference between the first width dimension 80 and the second width dimension 82 is greater than the first reference value, the controller 56 determines that there is a dimensional difference abnormality, sets the dimensional difference abnormality flag set in the memory to "1", and returns to the inspection process that called the dimensional difference inspection process.

[0068] The dimensional difference abnormality flag is set for each of the seal rings 10 attached to the grooves 20, 22, 24, 26, and 28.

[0069] Specifically, when the seal ring 10 is attached to the shaft member 14 in a specified mounting state, the difference between the first width dimension 80 and the second width dimension 82 is equal to or less than a first reference value, and the dimensional difference abnormality flag is set to "0." When the seal ring 10 becomes wider than the specified mounting state due to the mounting state, the first and second gaps 42 and 46 widen substantially evenly (see FIG. 3). For this reason, the difference between the first width dimension 80 and the second width dimension 82 is equal to or less than the first reference value, and the dimensional difference abnormality flag is set to "0."

[0070] On the other hand, for example, when a bend occurs in the second abutment forming portion 36, the difference between the first width dimension 80 of the first abutment gap 42 and the second width dimension 82 of the second abutment gap 46 becomes larger than the first reference value (see FIG. 4). As a result, the dimensional difference between the first width dimension 80 and the second width dimension 82 becomes equal to or smaller than the first reference value, and the dimensional difference abnormality flag is set to "1."

[0071] Next, as shown in FIG. 7, in the inspection process, the controller 56 executes a separation distance inspection process (step S22).

[0072] (Clearance distance inspection process) 10, in the separation distance inspection process, the controller 56 performs image analysis on the acquired side image 90 to detect the first gap 42 and the second gap 46 of each seal ring 10 attached to each groove portion 20, 22 (step SC10). As a result, the controller 56 detects the first gap 42 and the second gap 46 from the side image 90 acquired by rotating the shaft member 14 about the central axis with the seal ring 10 attached (detection step).

[0073] Here, as described above, a plurality of abutment gaps (42, 46) may be captured in the side image 90. When a plurality of abutment gaps (42, 46) are captured in the side image 90, the controller 56 detects all of the abutment gaps (42, 46). Also, as described above, the controller 56 may detect the first abutment gap 42 and the second abutment gap 46 from the side image 90 while acquiring the side image 90 of the rotating shaft member 14.

[0074] The controller 56 also performs image analysis on the side image 90 to detect a first center position 84 (see FIG. 5) in the circumferential direction C of the first gap 42 and a second center position 86 (see FIG. 5) in the circumferential direction C of the second gap 46 (step SC12). Furthermore, the controller 56 calculates a distance 88 (see FIG. 5) between the first center position 84 and the second center position 86 (step SC14: calculation step). The detection of each center position 84, 86 can be performed, for example, from the center of gravity positions of the respective gaps 42, 46.

[0075] When a plurality of gaps (42, 46) are captured in the side image 90, the controller 56 assumes pairs of gaps among all the detected gaps (42, 46). Then, the controller 56 calculates the distance between the centers of the assumed pairs of gaps.

[0076] 11, when two first gaps 42a, 42b and one second gap 46 are detected in the side image 90, the controller 56 assumes a combination of one of the first gaps 42a and the second gap 46, and a combination of one of the first gaps 42a and the other first gap 42b. The controller 56 also assumes a combination of the second gap 46 and the other first gap 42b.

[0077] Then, the controller 56 calculates the distance between the first center position 84 and the second center position 86 of one first gap 42a, and the distance between the first center position 84 of one first gap 42a and the first center position 84 of the other first gap 42b. The controller 56 also calculates the distance between the second center position 86 and the first center position 84 of the other first gap 42b.

[0078] 12, when one first gap 42 and two second gaps 46a, 46b are captured in the side image 90, the controller 56 assumes a combination of one second gap 46a and the first gap 42. The controller 56 also assumes a combination of one second gap 46a and the other second gap 46b, and a combination of the first gap 42 and the other second gap 46b. Then, the controller 56 calculates the distance between the center positions (84, 86) in each assumed combination.

[0079] 13, when two first gaps 42a, 42b and two second gaps 46a, 46b are captured in the side image 90, the controller 56 assumes a combination of one first gap 42a and one second gap 46a. The controller 56 assumes a combination of one first gap 42a and the other first gap 42b, and a combination of one first gap 42a and the other second gap 46b. The controller 56 assumes a combination of one second gap 46a and the other first gap 42b, and a combination of one second gap 46a and the other second gap 46b. The controller 56 assumes a combination of the other first gap 42b and the other second gap 46b. Then, the controller 56 calculates the distance between the center positions (84, 86) in each of the assumed combinations.

[0080] When one first gap 42 and one second gap 46 are captured in the side image 90, the controller 56 determines whether the distance between the first center position 84 and the second center position 86 is smaller than a second reference value stored in advance in the memory (step SC14). As described above, the second reference value is a value obtained by adding a tolerance to the designed distance 88 that may occur between the first center position 84 in the circumferential direction C of the first gap 42 and the second center position 86 in the circumferential direction C of the second gap 46 in a state in which the seal ring 10 is attached to the shaft member 14 to be inspected.

[0081] When a plurality of gaps (42, 46) are captured in the side image 90, the controller 56 determines whether or not the shortest distance among the distances between the center positions calculated in step SC14 is shorter than a second reference value (step SC14). Here, the shortest distance is the distance between the first center position 84 of the first gap 42 and the second center position 86 of the second gap 46, which are adjacent to each other.

[0082] If it is determined in step SC14 that the calculated separation distance 88 is equal to or greater than the second reference value, the controller 56 determines that there is no separation distance abnormality, sets the separation distance difference abnormality flag set in the memory to "0", and returns to the inspection process that called the separation distance inspection process. Also, if it is determined in step SC14 that the calculated separation distance 88 is smaller than the second reference value, the controller 56 determines that there is a separation distance abnormality, sets the separation distance abnormality flag set in the memory to "1", and returns to the inspection process that called the separation distance inspection process.

[0083] The distance abnormality flag is set for each of the seal rings 10 attached to the grooves 20, 22, 24, 26, and 28.

[0084] Specifically, when the seal ring 10 is attached to the shaft member 14 in a specified mounting state, the separation distance 88 between the first center position 84 of the first gap 42 and the second center position 86 of the second gap 46 is equal to or greater than the second reference value, and the separation distance difference abnormality flag is set to "0." When the seal ring 10 spreads due to the mounting state, and the first width dimension 80 of the first gap 42 and the second width dimension 82 of the second gap 46 spread substantially uniformly, the separation distance 88 between the first gap 42 and the second gap 46 does not change significantly (see FIG. 5). For this reason, the separation distance 88 between the first center position 84 and the second center position 86 is equal to or greater than the second reference value, and the separation distance difference abnormality flag is set to "0."

[0085] On the other hand, for example, when a bend occurs in the second abutment forming portion 36, the second center position 86 of the second abutment gap 46 moves toward the first abutment gap 42, and the separation distance 88 between the first center position 84 and the second center position 86 becomes shorter. As a result, the separation distance 88 between the first center position 84 and the second center position 86 becomes shorter than the second reference value, and the separation distance difference abnormality flag is set to "1" (see FIG. 6).

[0086] Then, as shown in FIG. 7, in the inspection process, the controller 56 controls the first lifting device 62 to raise the imaging device 54 to a height position where it can image the seal ring 10 attached to the third groove portion 24, the fourth groove portion 26, and the fifth groove portion 28 of the shaft member 14 (step S24).

[0087] 8, the controller 56 controls the rotation drive unit 74 of the rotation drive device 52 to rotate the shaft member 14 around the central axis (step S26). Furthermore, the controller 56 starts imaging the seal ring 10 attached to the third groove portion 24, the fourth groove portion 26, and the fifth groove portion 28 of the shaft member 14 with the imaging device 54, and sequentially inputs the imaging data and stores it in memory (step S28). Furthermore, the controller 56 continues the rotation of the shaft member 14 and the imaging by the imaging device 54 until the shaft member 14 has rotated 1.5 times (step S30).

[0088] If it is determined in step S30 that the shaft member 14 has rotated 1.5 revolutions, the controller 56 controls the rotation drive unit 74 of the rotation drive device 52 to stop the rotation of the shaft member 14 (step S32) and stops imaging by the imaging device 54 (step S34).

[0089] As a result, the controller 56 acquires 1.5 circumferences' worth of side images 90 of the seal ring 10 attached to the third groove portion 24, the fourth groove portion 26, and the fifth groove portion 28 of the shaft member 14. Since the side images 90 include an image of the first gap 42 and an image of the second gap 46 of the seal ring 10, the first gap 42 and the second gap 46 are detected by acquiring the side images 90.

[0090] Here, since the controller 56 acquires the side image 90 for 1.5 revolutions, as described above, a plurality of joint gaps (42, 46) can be captured in the acquired side image 90 (see FIGS. 11 to 13).

[0091] Then, the controller 56 executes the above-mentioned dimensional difference inspection process to inspect each of the seal rings 10 mounted in each of the grooves 24, 26, 28 (step S36). The explanation of this dimensional difference inspection process is the same as that described above, so the explanation will be omitted.

[0092] The controller 56 also executes the above-mentioned distance inspection process to inspect each seal ring 10 mounted in each groove 24, 26, 28 (step S38). The explanation of this distance inspection process is the same as that described above, and therefore will not be repeated.

[0093] Then, the controller 56 determines whether or not there is an abnormality in any of the above-mentioned inspections based on whether or not either the dimensional difference abnormality flag or the separation distance abnormality flag has a "1" (step S40).

[0094] If it is determined in step S40 that no abnormality is found in any of the tests, the controller 56 ends the inspection process. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S40 that an abnormality is found in any of the tests, the controller 56 issues an alarm from a speaker, for example, to notify the user that there is an abnormality in the seal ring 10, and ends the inspection process. At this time, the controller 56 may display on a monitor or the like which groove the seal ring 10 has an abnormality in.

[0095] In this manner, the inspection device 12 of the present embodiment uses the judgment results of the dimensional difference inspection process (steps S20, S36) and the judgment results of the separation distance inspection process (steps S22, S38) to judge the state of the seal ring 10. This makes it possible to improve the judgment accuracy compared to the case where judgment is made by only one of the inspection processes.

[0096] (Action and Effects) The main functions and effects of the inspection device 12 configured as above will now be described.

[0097] (1) The method for inspecting the seal ring 10 is a method for inspecting the seal ring 10 mounted in grooves (20, 22, 24, 26, 28) formed in the circumferential surface 18 of the shaft member 14. The seal ring 10 includes a first abutment forming portion 32 provided at one end in the circumferential direction C, and a second abutment forming portion 36 provided at the other end in the circumferential direction C and overlapping with the first abutment forming portion 32 in the axial direction A. A first abutment gap 42 is formed between a tip end portion 32a of the first abutment forming portion 32 of the seal ring 10 and a first end face 40 facing in the circumferential direction C, and a second abutment gap 46 is formed between a tip end portion 36a of the second abutment forming portion 36 and a second end face 44 facing in the circumferential direction C. The inspection method for the seal ring 10 includes a detection step (steps S10 to S18, S26 to S34, SB10) of rotating the shaft member 14 about the central axis with the seal ring 10 attached and detecting the first gap 42 and the second gap 46. The inspection method for the seal ring 10 includes a measurement step (step SB12) of measuring a first width dimension 80 along the circumferential direction C of the first gap 42 and a second width dimension 82 along the circumferential direction C of the second gap 46. The inspection method for the seal ring 10 includes a determination step (steps SB14 to SB16) of comparing the first width dimension 80 and the second width dimension 82 and determining that the seal ring 10 is abnormal if the difference between the first width dimension 80 and the second width dimension 82 is greater than a first reference value.

[0098] According to the present embodiment, when the first width dimension 80 of the first gap 42 and the second width dimension 82 of the second gap 46 increase substantially evenly, there is no significant change in the difference between the first width dimension 80 and the second width dimension 82. For this reason, the difference between the first width dimension 80 of the first gap 42 and the second width dimension 82 of the second gap 46 does not exceed the first reference value, and therefore it is not determined that there is an abnormality in the seal ring 10.

[0099] On the other hand, for example, if a bend occurs in the second gap component 36, the difference between the first width dimension 80 of the first gap 42 and the second width dimension 82 of the second gap 46 becomes larger than the first reference value, and it is determined that there is an abnormality in the seal ring 10.

[0100] In this way, when the seal ring 10 expands depending on the mounting state and the width dimensions 80, 82 of both joint gaps 42, 46 increase, it is not determined that there is an abnormality in the seal ring 10. On the other hand, when a bend occurs at the end of the seal ring 10 and the width dimension (82) of one of the joint gaps (46) increases, it is determined that there is an abnormality in the seal ring 10.

[0101] Therefore, compared to a case where the seal ring 10 is judged based on the width dimensions 80, 82 of the respective joint gaps 42, 46, erroneous judgment can be suppressed.

[0102] In the present embodiment, the shaft member 14 to which the seal ring 10 is attached is rotated about the central axis to detect the first and second gaps 42, 46. Therefore, detection of each of the gaps 42, 46 is easier than when, for example, the imaging device 54 is moved along the outer circumferential surface of the shaft member 14 to detect the first and second gaps 42, 46.

[0103] (2) In the inspection method for the seal ring 10, in the judgment process (steps SB14 to SB16), if multiple first gaps 42 are detected in the detection process (steps S10 to S18, S26 to S34, SB10), it is determined that there is an abnormality in the seal ring 10 if the difference between the largest first width dimension 80 among the first width dimensions 80 of the multiple detected first gaps 42a, 42b and the second width dimension 82 is greater than a first reference value, and if multiple second gaps 46 are detected in the detection process (steps S10 to S18, S26 to S34, SB10), it is determined that there is an abnormality in the seal ring 10 if the difference between the largest second width dimension 82 among the second width dimensions 82 of the multiple detected second gaps 46a, 46b and the first width dimension 80 is greater than the first reference value.

[0104] In this embodiment, when detecting the gaps by rotating the shaft member 14, a plurality of first gaps 42 or second gaps 46 may be detected in the detection process (steps S10 to S18, S26 to S34, SB10). Even in this case, erroneous determination can be suppressed by using the largest first width dimension 80 among the first width dimensions 80 of the plurality of detected first gaps 42a, 42b, or the largest second width dimension 82 among the plurality of detected second gaps 46a, 46b.

[0105] (3) In the inspection method for the seal ring 10, in the judgment process (steps SB14 to SB16), if multiple first gaps 42 and multiple second gaps 46 are detected in the detection process (steps S10 to S18, S26 to S34, SB10), it is judged that there is an abnormality in the seal ring 10 if the difference between the largest first width dimension 80 among the multiple detected first gaps 42a, 42b and the largest second width dimension 82 among the multiple detected second gaps 46a, 46b is greater than a first reference value.

[0106] In this embodiment, when detecting the gaps by rotating the shaft member 14, a plurality of first gaps 42 and a plurality of second gaps 46 may be detected in the detection process (steps S10 to S18, S26 to S34, SB10). Even in this case, erroneous determination can be suppressed by using the largest first width dimension 80 among the first width dimensions 80 of the plurality of detected first gaps 42a, 42b and the largest second width dimension 82 among the plurality of detected second gaps 46a, 46b.

[0107] (4) The method for inspecting the seal ring 10 is a method for inspecting the seal ring 10 mounted in grooves (20, 22, 24, 26, 28) formed in the circumferential surface 18 of the shaft member 14. The seal ring 10 includes a first abutment forming portion 32 provided at one end in the circumferential direction C, and a second abutment forming portion 36 provided at the other end in the circumferential direction C and overlapping with the first abutment forming portion 32 in the axial direction A. A first abutment gap 42 is formed between a tip end portion 32a of the first abutment forming portion 32 of the seal ring 10 and a first end face 40 facing in the circumferential direction C, and a second abutment gap 46 is formed between a tip end portion 36a of the second abutment forming portion 36 and a second end face 44 facing in the circumferential direction C. The inspection method for the seal ring 10 includes a detection step (steps S10 to S18, S26 to S34, and SC10) of rotating the shaft member 14 about the central axis with the seal ring 10 attached and detecting the first gap 42 and the second gap 46. The inspection method for the seal ring 10 includes a calculation step (steps SC12 and SC14) of calculating a distance 88 between a first center position 84 in the circumferential direction C of the first gap 42 and a second center position 86 in the circumferential direction C of the second gap 46. The inspection method for the seal ring 10 includes a determination step (step SC14) of determining that the seal ring 10 has an abnormality if the distance 88 is smaller than a second reference value.

[0108] According to the present embodiment, when the first and second gaps 42 and 46 expand substantially evenly, there is no significant change in the distance 88 between the first center position 84 of the first gap 42 and the second center position 86 of the second gap 46. For this reason, the distance 88 between the first center position 84 and the second center position 86 does not become shorter than the second reference value, and therefore it is not determined that there is an abnormality in the seal ring 10.

[0109] On the other hand, for example, when a bend occurs in the second abutment forming portion 36, the second center position 86 of the second abutment gap 46 moves toward the first abutment gap 42, and the distance 88 between the first center position 84 and the second center position 86 becomes shorter. As a result, the distance 88 between the first center position 84 and the second center position 86 becomes shorter than the second reference value, and it is determined that there is an abnormality in the seal ring 10.

[0110] In this way, when the seal ring 10 expands depending on the mounting state and the width dimensions 80, 82 of both end gaps 42, 46 become large, it is not determined that there is an abnormality in the seal ring 10. On the other hand, when a bend occurs at the end of the seal ring 10 and the separation distance 88 between the first center position 84 and the second center position 86 becomes short, it is determined that there is an abnormality in the seal ring 10.

[0111] Therefore, compared to a case where the seal ring 10 is judged based on the width dimensions 80, 82 of the respective joint gaps 42, 46, erroneous judgment can be suppressed.

[0112] In the present embodiment, the shaft member 14 to which the seal ring 10 is attached is rotated about the central axis to detect the first and second gaps 42, 46. Therefore, detection of each of the gaps 42, 46 is easier than when, for example, the imaging device 54 is moved along the outer circumferential surface of the shaft member 14 to detect the first and second gaps 42, 46.

[0113] (5) In the method for inspecting the seal ring 10, in the calculation step (steps SC12, SC14), when at least one of the first gap 42 and the second gap 46 is detected multiple times in the detection step (steps S10-S18, S26-S34, SC10), combinations of paired gaps are assumed for all the detected gaps 42a, 42b, 46a, 46b, and the distances between the centers of the assumed combinations of gaps are calculated. In the determination step (step SC14), it is determined that there is an abnormality in the seal ring 10 if the shortest distance between the centers of the multiple calculated distances is shorter than a second reference value.

[0114] In this embodiment, when detecting the gaps by rotating the shaft member 14, at least one of the first gap 42 and the second gap 46 may be detected multiple times in the detection process (steps S10 to S18, S26 to S34, SC10). Even in such a case, erroneous determination can be suppressed by assuming paired combinations of gaps in all the detected gaps 42a, 42b, 46a, 46b and using the shortest distance between the centers of the gaps in each combination for determination.

[0115] (6) The inspection device 12 for the seal ring 10 is an inspection device 12 that inspects the seal ring 10 mounted in the grooves (20, 22, 24, 26, 28) formed in the circumferential surface 18 of the shaft member 14. The seal ring 10 includes a first abutment forming portion 32 provided at one end in the circumferential direction C, and a second abutment forming portion 36 provided at the other end in the circumferential direction C and overlapping with the first abutment forming portion 32 in the axial direction A. A first abutment gap 42 is formed between a tip end portion 32a of the first abutment forming portion 32 of the seal ring 10 and a first end face 40 facing in the circumferential direction C, and a second abutment gap 46 is formed between a tip end portion 36a of the second abutment forming portion 36 and a second end face 44 facing in the circumferential direction C. The inspection device 12 includes a rotary drive device 52 that rotates the shaft member 14 on which the seal ring 10 is attached, about a central axis, and an imaging device 54 that images the seal ring 10 attached to the shaft member 14 rotated by the rotary drive device 52. The inspection device 12 also includes a controller 56 that acquires an image captured by the imaging device 54. The controller 56 detects the first gap 42 and the second gap 46 from the image captured by the imaging device 54, and measures a first width dimension 80 along the circumferential direction C of the first gap 42 and a second width dimension 82 along the circumferential direction C of the second gap 46. The controller 56 compares the first width dimension 80 with the second width dimension 82, and determines that the seal ring 10 is abnormal when the difference between the first width dimension 80 and the second width dimension 82 is greater than a first reference value.

[0116] The inspection device 12 of this embodiment makes it possible to realize an inspection method for the seal ring 10 by using a rotational drive device 52 that rotates the axial member 14 around the central axis, an imaging device 54 that images the seal ring 10 on the axial member 14 rotated by the rotational drive device 52, and a controller 56 that acquires the image captured by the imaging device 54.

[0117] As described above, when the seal ring 10 expands depending on the mounting state and the width dimensions of both joint gaps 42, 46 increase, the controller 56 does not determine that there is an abnormality in the seal ring 10. On the other hand, when a bend occurs at the end of the seal ring 10 and the width dimension of one of the joint gaps (42, 46) increases, the controller 56 determines that there is an abnormality in the seal ring 10.

[0118] Therefore, compared to a case where the seal ring 10 is judged based on the width dimensions 80, 82 of the respective joint gaps 42, 46, erroneous judgment can be suppressed.

[0119] Moreover, the controller 56 performs the judgment using the image acquired from the imaging device 54. Therefore, after the imaging device 54 captures images, it becomes possible to process a plurality of images acquired from the imaging device 54 collectively. This enables the inspection device 12 to increase the efficiency of the processing required for judgment.

[0120] (7) The inspection device 12 for the seal ring 10 is an inspection device 12 that inspects the seal ring 10 mounted in the grooves (20, 22, 24, 26, 28) formed in the circumferential surface 18 of the shaft member 14. The seal ring 10 includes a first abutment forming portion 32 provided at one end in the circumferential direction C, and a second abutment forming portion 36 provided at the other end in the circumferential direction C and overlapping with the first abutment forming portion 32 in the axial direction A. A first abutment gap 42 is formed between a tip end portion 32a of the first abutment forming portion 32 of the seal ring 10 and a first end face 40 facing in the circumferential direction C, and a second abutment gap 46 is formed between a tip end portion 36a of the second abutment forming portion 36 and a second end face 44 facing in the circumferential direction C. The inspection device 12 includes a rotation drive device 52 that rotates the shaft member 14 on which the seal ring 10 is attached, about a central axis, and an imaging device 54 that images the seal ring 10 attached to the shaft member 14 rotated by the rotation drive device 52. The inspection device 12 includes a controller 56 that acquires an image captured by the imaging device 54. The controller 56 detects the first gap 42 and the second gap 46 from the image captured by the imaging device 54, and calculates a separation distance 88 between a first center position 84 in the circumferential direction C of the first gap 42 and a second center position 86 in the circumferential direction C of the second gap 46. The controller 56 determines that the seal ring 10 is abnormal when the separation distance 88 is smaller than a second reference value.

[0121] The inspection device 12 of this embodiment makes it possible to realize an inspection method for the seal ring 10 by using a rotational drive device 52 that rotates the axial member 14 around the central axis, an imaging device 54 that images the seal ring 10 on the axial member 14 rotated by the rotational drive device 52, and a controller 56 that acquires the image captured by the imaging device 54.

[0122] As described above, when the seal ring 10 widens depending on the mounting state and the width dimensions 80, 82 of the joint gaps 42, 46 increase, the controller 56 does not determine that there is an abnormality in the seal ring 10. On the other hand, when a bend occurs at the end of the seal ring 10 and the separation distance 88 between the first center position 84 and the second center position 86 decreases, the controller 56 determines that there is an abnormality in the seal ring 10.

[0123] Therefore, compared to a case where the seal ring 10 is judged based on the width dimensions 80, 82 of the respective joint gaps 42, 46, erroneous judgment can be suppressed.

[0124] Moreover, the controller 56 performs the judgment using the image acquired from the imaging device 54. Therefore, after the imaging device 54 captures images, it becomes possible to process a plurality of images acquired from the imaging device 54 collectively. This enables the inspection device 12 to increase the efficiency of the processing required for judgment.

[0125] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the above-mentioned embodiments merely show some of the application examples of the present invention, and it is not intended that the technical scope of the present invention be limited to the specific configurations of the above-mentioned embodiments.

[0126] In the above embodiment, the state of the seal ring 10 is determined using the judgment result in the dimensional difference inspection process (steps S20, S36) and the judgment result in the separation distance inspection process (steps S22, S38), but the present embodiment is not limited to this configuration. For example, the inspection device 12 may determine the state of the seal ring 10 using only one of the inspection processes, that is, the judgment result in the dimensional difference inspection process (steps S20, S36) and the judgment result in the separation distance inspection process (steps S22, S38).

[0127] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which two first gaps 42 and / or two second gaps 46 are imaged in the side image 90, but the present inspection device is not limited to this configuration. The present inspection device 12 can make a determination even in the case in which three or more first gaps 42 or three or more second gaps 46 are imaged in the side image 90. [Explanation of symbols]

[0128] 10 Seal ring 12 Inspection equipment 14 Shaft member 18 Circumferential surface 20 First Groove 22 Second groove 24 Third Groove 26 Fourth Groove 28 5th Groove 32 First abutment component 32a Tip 36 2nd abutment component 36a Tip 40 First end face 42, 42a, 42b First joint gap 44 Second end face 46, 46a, 46b Second joint gap 52 Rotational drive unit 54 Imaging device 56 Controller 80 First width dimension 82 Second width dimension 84 1st center position 86 2nd center position 88 Separation distance 90 Side image (image) A axis direction C circumferential direction

Claims

1. A method for inspecting a seal ring mounted in a groove formed in a peripheral surface of a shaft member, comprising the steps of: the seal ring includes a first abutment constituent portion provided at one end in a circumferential direction, and a second abutment constituent portion provided at the other end in a circumferential direction and overlapping with the first abutment constituent portion in an axial direction, a first abutment gap is formed between a tip end of the first abutment constituent portion and a first end face opposing the first abutment constituent portion in a circumferential direction, and a second abutment gap is formed between a tip end of the second abutment constituent portion and a second end face opposing the second abutment constituent portion in a circumferential direction, a detection step of rotating the shaft member about a central axis with the seal ring attached to it, and detecting the first gap and the second gap; a measuring step of measuring a first width dimension along a circumferential direction of the first gap and a second width dimension along a circumferential direction of the second gap; a determining step of comparing the first width dimension with the second width dimension and determining that the seal ring has an abnormality when a difference between the first width dimension and the second width dimension is greater than a first reference value; Equipped with How to inspect seal rings.

2. 2. A method for inspecting a seal ring according to claim 1, comprising the steps of: In the determination step, When a plurality of the first gaps are detected in the detection step, it is determined that the seal ring has an abnormality when a difference between the largest of the first width dimensions of the plurality of detected first gaps and the second width dimension is larger than the first reference value, When a plurality of the second gaps are detected in the detection step, it is determined that the seal ring has an abnormality when a difference between the largest of the second width dimensions of the plurality of detected second gaps and the first width dimension is larger than the first reference value. How to inspect seal rings.

3. 2. A method for inspecting a seal ring according to claim 1, comprising the steps of: In the determination step, when a plurality of the first gaps and a plurality of the second gaps are detected in the detection step, it is determined that there is an abnormality in the seal ring when a difference between the first width dimension, which is the largest among the first width dimensions of the plurality of detected first gaps, and the second width dimension, which is the largest among the second width dimensions of the plurality of detected second gaps, is larger than the first reference value. How to inspect seal rings.

4. A method for inspecting a seal ring mounted in a groove formed in a peripheral surface of a shaft member, comprising the steps of: the seal ring includes a first abutment constituent portion provided at one end in a circumferential direction, and a second abutment constituent portion provided at the other end in a circumferential direction and overlapping with the first abutment constituent portion in an axial direction, a first abutment gap is formed between a tip end of the first abutment constituent portion and a first end face opposing the first abutment constituent portion in a circumferential direction, and a second abutment gap is formed between a tip end of the second abutment constituent portion and a second end face opposing the second abutment constituent portion in a circumferential direction, a detection step of rotating the shaft member about a central axis with the seal ring attached to it, and detecting the first gap and the second gap; a calculating step of calculating a distance between a first center position in a circumferential direction of the first gap and a second center position in a circumferential direction of the second gap; a determining step of determining that the seal ring is abnormal when the separation distance is smaller than a second reference value; Equipped with How to inspect seal rings.

5. 5. A method for inspecting a seal ring according to claim 4, comprising the steps of: In the calculation step, when at least one of the first gap and the second gap is detected in a plurality of times in the detection step, combinations of paired gaps are assumed for all the detected gaps, and a distance between the centers of the assumed paired combinations of gaps is calculated, In the determination step, it is determined that there is an abnormality in the seal ring when the shortest distance among the plurality of calculated distances between the center positions is shorter than the second reference value. How to inspect seal rings.

6. A seal ring inspection device for inspecting a seal ring mounted in a groove formed in a peripheral surface of a shaft member, comprising: the seal ring includes a first abutment constituent portion provided at one end in a circumferential direction, and a second abutment constituent portion provided at the other end in a circumferential direction and overlapping with the first abutment constituent portion in an axial direction, a first abutment gap is formed between a tip end of the first abutment constituent portion and a first end face opposing the first abutment constituent portion in a circumferential direction, and a second abutment gap is formed between a tip end of the second abutment constituent portion and a second end face opposing the second abutment constituent portion in a circumferential direction, The inspection device includes a rotary drive device that rotates the shaft member to which the seal ring is attached about a central axis, an imaging device that images the seal ring attached to the shaft member rotated by the rotary drive device, and a controller that acquires an image captured by the imaging device, The controller: detecting the first gap and the second gap from an image captured by the imaging device; measuring a first width dimension along a circumferential direction of the first gap and a second width dimension along a circumferential direction of the second gap; comparing the first width dimension with the second width dimension, and determining that the seal ring is abnormal when a difference between the first width dimension and the second width dimension is greater than a first reference value; Seal ring inspection equipment.

7. A seal ring inspection device for inspecting a seal ring mounted in a groove formed in a peripheral surface of a shaft member, comprising: the seal ring includes a first abutment constituent portion provided at one end in a circumferential direction, and a second abutment constituent portion provided at the other end in a circumferential direction and overlapping with the first abutment constituent portion in an axial direction, a first abutment gap is formed between a tip end of the first abutment constituent portion and a first end face opposing the first abutment constituent portion in a circumferential direction, and a second abutment gap is formed between a tip end of the second abutment constituent portion and a second end face opposing the second abutment constituent portion in a circumferential direction, The inspection device includes a rotary drive device that rotates the shaft member to which the seal ring is attached about a central axis, an imaging device that images the seal ring attached to the shaft member rotated by the rotary drive device, and a controller that acquires an image captured by the imaging device, The controller: detecting the first gap and the second gap from an image captured by the imaging device; Calculating a distance between a first center position in a circumferential direction of the first gap and a second center position in a circumferential direction of the second gap; When the separation distance is smaller than a second reference value, it is determined that there is an abnormality in the seal ring. Seal ring inspection equipment.

Images