Potter's wheel tool, adjustment unit, painting system, and position adjustment method

Abstract

To provide a potter's wheel tool, an adjustment unit, a painting system, and a position adjustment method capable of further accurately adjusting the position of a workpiece on a potter's wheel.SOLUTION: A potter's wheel tool for adjusting a position of a workpiece relative to the potter's wheel includes an adjustment unit separate from the potter's wheel, and a holding body for transferring the workpiece from the adjustment unit to the potter's wheel. The adjustment unit includes a pair of movable bodies that can move linearly in a synchronized manner.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a potter's wheel tool, an adjustment unit, a painting system and an adjustment method. [Background technology]

[0002] A rotating table called a potter's wheel or potter's wheel stand (collectively referred to as "potter's wheel" below) is used to create works (artworks), such as shaping ceramics. The works are created by turning the potter's wheel.

[0003] When using a potter's wheel, various tools have been proposed to make the process smoother. For example, a tool called a turtle board and a tool to secure it to the potter's wheel have been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2003-340810 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] A potter's wheel can also be used to create ceramics and other works that involve painting with a brush. In this case, the vessel must be placed in a specific position on the wheel, for example, in the center of the wheel.

[0006] Currently, this position adjustment (alignment) is done visually. Specifically, for example, as shown in Figure 20, first, the vessel (workpiece W) is visually placed at the center of the hand wheel (wheel V). Next, the hand wheel with the vessel on it is rotated, and the handle of the brush (U) is held just in front of the edge of the rotating vessel without touching it. The position of the vessel is then fine-tuned so that the gap between the edge of the vessel and the handle of the brush is a constant width.

[0007] This position adjustment is the most important when painting concentric circles. For example, concentric circles on a circular vessel cannot be painted unless the center of the vessel and the center of the potter's wheel are aligned. This task can take more than 10 minutes if you are not used to it.

[0008] In addition, painting is not completed in one go, but rather, the piece is often repeatedly painted several times, for example, by firing it at 800-1250℃ to harden the paint, then painting a second time, then firing it again and painting a third time, etc. Adjustment of the position of the vessel on the hand wheel is required each time.

[0009] For example, when drawing a concentric circle on a circle that has already been fired, it is necessary to align the center of the potter's wheel and the center of the potter's wheel again. In this case, strictly speaking, the center of the potter's wheel and the center of the fired circle must be aligned, which is a very difficult task. In most cases, you will have to compromise and get the centers roughly aligned.

[0010] The present invention is intended to solve at least one of the above problems, and aims to provide a potter's wheel tool, an adjustment unit, a painting system, and a position adjustment method that can more accurately adjust the position of a workpiece on a potter's wheel. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] One aspect of the present invention that solves the above problems is a potter's wheel tool for adjusting the position of a workpiece relative to the potter's wheel, which includes an adjustment unit separate from the potter's wheel, and a holder for transferring the workpiece from the adjustment unit to the potter's wheel, and the adjustment unit has a set of movable bodies that can move linearly in synchronous with each other.

[0012] The adjustment unit may have a slit-shaped restricting portion in a lid body for restricting the movement of the pair of movable bodies.

[0013] The adjustment unit may include a set of first moving bodies which are the moving bodies, and a set of second moving bodies which are separate from the first moving bodies and can move linearly in sync, wherein the first moving bodies are capable of moving linearly in a first direction, and the second moving bodies are capable of moving linearly in a second direction different from the first direction.

[0014] The second moving body may be capable of moving independently of the first moving body.

[0015] A second unit including a set of the second moving bodies may be disposed above a first unit including a set of the first moving bodies.

[0016] The second unit may have a set of slit-shaped regulating portions on a bottom plate that regulate the movement of a set of the first moving bodies, and a set of slit-shaped regulating portions on a cover body that regulate the movement of a set of the second moving bodies.

[0017] The device may have a pre-positioning portion for determining the position of the holder relative to the adjustment unit.

[0018] The holding body may have a slit-shaped avoidance portion corresponding to the restriction portion.

[0019] It may also be provided with a receiver that can be attached to a potter's wheel.

[0020] It may include a subsequent locating portion for positioning the holder relative to the receiver.

[0021] A lifter may be provided for lifting the workpiece from the holder.

[0022] One aspect of the present invention that solves the above problem is an adjustment unit for a potter's wheel tool for adjusting the position of a workpiece relative to a potter's wheel, which is used separately from the potter's wheel and has a set of movable bodies that can move linearly in sync.

[0023] One aspect of the present invention that solves the above problem is a painting system that includes a potter's wheel tool as described in claim 1 or 3 and a brush holder for painting a workpiece placed on the potter's wheel.

[0024] One aspect of the present invention that solves the above-mentioned problems is a position adjustment method for adjusting the position of a workpiece on a potter's wheel, comprising the steps of placing a holder on an adjustment unit having a set of movable bodies that can move linearly synchronously, placing the workpiece on the holder, moving the set of movable bodies to adjust the position of the workpiece, and transferring the workpiece to the potter's wheel using the holder. Effect of the Invention

[0025] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a potter's wheel tool, an adjustment unit, a painting system, and a position adjustment method that can more accurately adjust the position of a workpiece on a potter's wheel.

[0026] Problems, configurations, and effects other than those described above will become apparent from the following description of the embodiments. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a wheel turning tool according to embodiment 1. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a potter's wheel. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an example of an adjustment unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an example of an adjustment unit according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing an example of a wheel turning tool according to the second embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing an example of an adjustment unit according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7] 7 is a perspective view showing an example of a first unit of the adjustment unit of FIG. 6. [Figure 8]7 is a perspective view showing an example of a second unit of the adjustment unit of FIG. 6. FIG. [Figure 9] 7 is a partially omitted perspective view showing an example of a second unit of the adjustment unit of FIG. 6. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing an example of an adjustment unit according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing an example of a holder for a wheel turning tool in accordance with embodiment 2. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing an example of a receiving body for a wheel turning tool in accordance with embodiment 2. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining an example of a receiving body for a wheel turning tool in accordance with the second embodiment. [Figure 14] A diagram showing an example of the alignment state of a workpiece relative to a potter's wheel. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a main body of the bottom raising tool. [Figure 16] 13 is a diagram for explaining a slider of the bottom raising tool. FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the use state of the bottom raising tool. [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the use state of the bottom raising tool. [Figure 19] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining an example of a painting system according to a third embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a conventional position adjustment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0028] Hereinafter, examples of the embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that components common to the following embodiments (and examples and modified examples) may be given the same reference numerals as those mentioned above, and descriptions thereof may be omitted. In addition, when referring to the shape, positional relationship, etc. of components, etc., it is intended to include those that are substantially similar or similar to the shape, etc., unless otherwise specified or considered to be clearly different in principle.

[0029] <Embodiment 1> Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a potter's wheel tool according to embodiment 1. In the figure, X indicates the left-right direction (lateral direction, horizontal direction), Y indicates the up-down direction (height direction, vertical direction), and Z indicates the front-back direction (depth direction) (the same applies in the following figures). Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of a potter's wheel.

[0030] The potter's wheel tool 1 is a tool for adjusting the position of a workpiece W on a potter's wheel V. In Fig. 1, the workpiece W is shown as a plate, which is an example of a vessel.

[0031] A manual potter's wheel V is often used for painting, and an example of a manual potter's wheel V is shown in Figure 2. As shown, the potter's wheel V may have concentric grooves carved into it with a center O. The potter's wheel tool 1 can be used with any type of potter's wheel V, and may be used with electric potter's wheels V or other types of potter's wheels V.

[0032] The potter's wheel tool 1 includes an adjustment unit 2 separate from the potter's wheel V, and a holder 5 for transferring the workpiece W from the adjustment unit 2 to the potter's wheel V. The adjustment unit 2 includes a pair of movable bodies that can move linearly in synchronization with each other.

[0033] Specifically, the adjustment unit 2 includes a pair of moving bodies, a moving body A and a moving body B. The pair of moving bodies A and B can move linearly in different directions in synchronization. In the illustrated example, the moving bodies A and B can move synchronously in different directions in the left-right direction (X direction) which is a first direction. The first direction can be set appropriately as needed, and for example, the first direction is the front-rear direction (Z direction), and the adjustment unit 2 may be configured so that the moving bodies can move synchronously in the front-rear direction in different directions.

[0034] In the following description, the direction approaching the center O (or a position corresponding to the center O) of the workpiece W is referred to as inward (inside), and the direction moving away is referred to as outward (outside). In addition, in each configuration, the center line (virtual center line) parallel to the X direction is referred to as X1, and the center line (virtual center line) parallel to the Z direction is referred to as Z1. In other words, the position where the center line X1 and the center line Z1 intersect in each configuration is referred to as the center O (center O in the XZ plane).

[0035] When adjusting the position of the potter's wheel tool 1, first the space between the movable bodies is widened to a space greater than the width of the workpiece W (the movable bodies are moved outward). Next, the workpiece W is placed between the movable bodies. In this state, movable bodies A and B are moved inward toward the workpiece W and brought into contact with the workpiece W. In other words, in the potter's wheel tool 1, the workpiece W is clamped between movable bodies A and B, as shown in FIG. 1.

[0036] As shown in the figure, when the workpiece W is a circular plate, the adjustment unit 2 abuts against the workpiece W at two points, and the center position of the workpiece W in the first direction is aligned with the center line Z1 between the pair of movable bodies.

[0037] This position adjustment is performed with the center line Z1 of the holder 5 coinciding with the center line Z1 between the movable bodies, and the holder 5 is used to transfer the workpiece W to the potter's wheel V, thereby adjusting the position of the workpiece W in the first direction relative to the potter's wheel V. When only one-way position adjustment is required, the desired position can be adjusted in this manner.

[0038] The configuration of the adjustment unit 2 of this embodiment is not particularly limited as long as it can perform the above-mentioned operation. A suitable example of the adjustment unit 2 of this embodiment will be described in detail below. The details of the holder 5 will be described later.

[0039] <Adjustment unit> Figures 3 and 4 are diagrams for explaining an example of an adjustment unit of a potter's wheel tool according to embodiment 1. Figure 3 is (a) a perspective view showing an example of a main body, and (b) a perspective view showing an example of a lid. Figure 4 is (a) a perspective view showing the movable body side of the main body, and (b) a perspective view showing the bottom plate side of the main body, with the main body in Figure 3(a) disassembled.

[0040] The adjustment unit 2 of this embodiment includes, as an example, a main body 3 and a lid body M arranged on the main body 3. The holder 5 is arranged above the lid body M. The adjustment unit 2 of this embodiment may be configured not to include the lid body M. In that case, the holder 5 is arranged above the main body 3. The material of the adjustment unit 2 is not particularly limited, and may be wood, resin, or metal. Hereinafter, the main body 3 will be described first, and then the lid body M will be described.

[0041] As shown in Fig. 3(a), the main body 3 includes a plate-shaped bottom plate 30 that supports the entire body. The configuration of the bottom plate 30 is not particularly limited, but is preferably rectangular, for example, square. The set of moving bodies is placed on the bottom plate 30.

[0042] The movable body A has a contact portion 311a that contacts the workpiece W, a parallel portion 313a that is arranged parallel to the bottom plate 30, and a connecting portion 312a that connects the contact portion 311a and the parallel portion 313a. The movable body B has a contact portion 311b that contacts the workpiece W, a parallel portion 313b that is arranged parallel to the bottom plate 30, and a connecting portion 312b that connects the contact portion 311b and the parallel portion 313b.

[0043] The contact portion 311a is preferably flat, with a front-to-back width greater than a top-to-bottom width, and is disposed so that its longitudinal direction is along the front-to-back direction (Z direction). That is, the left and right sides of the contact portion 311a on the YZ plane are preferably wide flat surfaces, with the right side facing inward and the left side facing outward.

[0044] The connecting portion 312a is preferably rod-shaped and disposed so that its longitudinal direction is along the up-down direction (Y direction). The connecting portion 312a and the abutting portion 311a are attached to each other in a state in which the right side surface of the connecting portion 312a abuts on the left side surface of the abutting portion 311a. The connecting portion 312a is disposed slightly rearward of the middle of the abutting portion 311a. The connecting portion 312a and the parallel portion 313a are attached to each other in a state in which the lower end surface of the connecting portion 312a abuts on the upper surface of the parallel portion 313a.

[0045] Although not shown, the connecting portion 312a may be configured to be extendable and contractible, so that the height at which the contact portion 311a is installed can be adjusted according to the height of the workpiece W.

[0046] The parallel part 313a is preferably flat, with a left-right width wider than a front-back width, and is disposed so that its longitudinal direction is along the left-right direction (X direction). That is, the parallel part 313a has wide upper and lower surfaces on the XZ plane, and the lower surface faces the upper surface of the bottom plate 30. The connecting part 312a is attached perpendicularly to the upper surface of the parallel part 313a near the left end.

[0047] In the movable body B, the contact portion 311b is symmetrical to the contact portion 311a, the connecting portion 312b is symmetrical to the connecting portion 312a, and the parallel portion 313b is symmetrical to the parallel portion 313a, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted. The connecting portion 312b is attached vertically to the upper surface of the parallel portion 313b near the right end.

[0048] The moving bodies A and B are preferably disposed in front of and behind the center line X1 of the bottom plate 30. The moving bodies A and B are preferably disposed such that the center line Z1 between them coincides with the center line Z1 of the bottom plate 30. A drive unit for synchronously moving the moving bodies A and B is installed between the lower surfaces of the moving bodies A and B and the upper surface of the bottom plate 30.

[0049] 4, the main body 3 is provided with a pinion 32 on the bottom plate 30 side, a rack 33a meshing with the pinion 32 on the mobile body A side, and a rack meshing with the pinion 32 on the mobile body B side (not shown), as driving parts for synchronously moving the mobile body A and the mobile body B side. Since the mobile body B side is formed symmetrically with the mobile body A side, the mobile body A side will be described as an example here, and a description of the mobile body B side will be omitted.

[0050] 4(b), the pinion 32 is rotatably attached to a shaft portion 321 that is installed so as to extend vertically to the upper surface of the bottom plate 30 at a predetermined distance from the bottom plate 30. The shaft portion 321 is preferably installed at a position where its axis coincides with the center of the bottom plate 30.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 4(a), the rack 33a is attached to the moving body A so that the teeth face forward and the base end face faces backward. Preferably, a mounting plate 331a is installed on the lower surface of the moving body A to form a step. The rack 33a is attached so that its base end face contacts the front end face of the mounting plate 331a, which is the step face. Note that the moving body A may be attached so that the parallel part 313a is formed in a shape having a step on the lower surface (integrally formed in a shape including the mounting plate 331a) and the rack 33a contacts the step face.

[0052] When the movable body A side and the movable body B side are assembled to the bottom plate 30 side so that the racks engage with each other on both the front and rear sides of the pinion 32, and so that the distance from the rotation axis of the pinion 32 to the abutment portion 311a of the movable body A is equal to the distance from the rotation axis of the pinion 32 to the abutment portion 311b of the movable body B, the main body 3 is in the assembled state shown in Figure 3(a).

[0053] As a result, when one of the movable bodies A and B is moved (slid) in the first direction, the pinion 32 rotates due to the movement of the rack of one of them, and the other, whose rack meshes with the pinion 32, also moves (slides) in the first direction in the opposite direction. The distances from a pair of movable bodies, more specifically, a pair of abutment parts to the center of the pinion 32, are always the same.

[0054] The main body 3 preferably further includes guide portions (guide portion 34a and guide portion 34b) for guiding the linear movement of the pair of moving bodies.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 4(b), the guide portion 34a for guiding the moving body A is attached to the upper surface of the bottom plate 30, rearward of the pinion 32, and the guide portion 34b for guiding the moving body B is attached to the upper surface of the bottom plate 30, forward of the pinion 32. Preferably, the guide portion 34a is attached so that its flat front end surface abuts against the flat rear end surface of one or both of the parallel portion 313a and the mounting plate 331a, so that they come into sliding contact with each other when the moving body A moves. Similarly, the guide portion 34b is preferably attached so that its flat rear end surface abuts against the flat front end surface of one or both of the parallel portion 313b and the mounting plate (not shown), so that they come into sliding contact with each other when the moving body B moves.

[0056] The main body 3 preferably further has stopper portions (stopper portion 35a and stopper portion 35b) for defining the maximum outward movement width of the pair of moving bodies.

[0057] 4, stopper portion 35a for defining moving body A has moving-side stopper 351a installed on the moving body A side and locking-side stopper 352a installed on the bottom plate 30 side. Stopper portion 35b for defining moving body B has moving-side stopper (not shown) installed on the moving body B side and locking-side stopper 352b installed on the bottom plate 30 side. Stopper portion 35b is configured symmetrically to stopper portion 35a, and here, stopper portion 35a will be described as an example, and a detailed description of stopper portion 35b will be omitted.

[0058] The moving side stopper 351a is installed at the right end of the lower surface of the moving body A. As shown in the figure, the moving side stopper 351a preferably has a left end surface formed as an uneven surface, and has a plate thickness approximately equal to that of the mounting plate 331a.

[0059] The locking side stopper 352a is attached to the upper surface of the bottom plate 30 at a position behind the center line X1 and to the right of the pinion 32. Preferably, the right end surface of the locking side stopper 352a is formed into an uneven surface corresponding to the uneven surface of the moving side stopper 351a as shown in the figure, and the plate thickness of the locking side stopper 352a is approximately equal to that of the moving side stopper 351a.

[0060] In an assembled state where the movable body A side is attached to the bottom plate 30 side, the maximum outward (leftward) movement width of the movable body A is determined by the movable side stopper 351a engaging with the locking side stopper 352a. The maximum inward (rightward) movement width of the movable body A is determined automatically by the abutting portion 311a of the movable body A abutting against the abutting portion 311b of the movable body B. In other words, the abutting portions 311a and 311b have a portion where their front-to-rear widths overlap. As will be described later, when the lid body M is attached, the inward movement of the movable body A is further restricted by the restricting portion of the lid body M.

[0061] 4(b), the main body 3 preferably further includes a support portion (support piece 361a and support piece 361b) for supporting a pair of moving bodies. The support piece 361a and support piece 361b are portions for supporting the moving body A side and the moving body B side so that they do not tilt, since steps are provided on the lower surface sides of the moving body A side and the moving body B side.

[0062] The lid body M is a plate-like part as shown in Fig. 3(b). The lid body M is disposed above the bottom plate 30 of the main body 3 at a predetermined distance. As an example, the lid body M has legs (not shown) or a protruding part on the lower side, or a spacer is provided on the bottom plate 30, and the lid body M is placed (attached) on the bottom plate 30 with these sandwiched between them. The lid body M is disposed in a state where the center O coincides with the center O of the main body 3, and is preferably detachable from the main body 3.

[0063] The cover M has a slit-shaped restricting portion for restricting the movement of a pair of movable bodies. Here, the cover M has a restricting portion a corresponding to the movable body A and a restricting portion b corresponding to the movable body B, corresponding to the main body 3.

[0064] The restricting portion a is a rectangular slit in plan view, cutting inward from the left end slightly behind the center line X1. The restricting portion b is a rectangular slit in plan view, cutting inward from the right end slightly ahead of the center line X1. When the movable body A moves linearly, the connecting portion 312a moves within the restricting portion a and is restricted from moving inward by hitting the inner end Ma. Similarly, when the movable body B moves linearly, the connecting portion 312b moves within the restricting portion b and is restricted from moving inward by hitting the inner end Mb. In the cover body M, the distance from the center O to the inner end Ma of the restricting portion a is equal to the distance from the center O to the inner end Mb of the restricting portion b.

[0065] The cover M may be divided into two parts so that the internal structure can be confirmed. For example, the cover M may be divided into two parts, left and right, with the restricting portion a installed on the left part and the restricting portion b installed on the right part. In this case, a predetermined gap is preferably provided between the left part and the right part.

[0066] <Embodiment 2> Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing an example of a potter's wheel tool according to embodiment 2. The potter's wheel tool 1 of this embodiment differs from the above-mentioned embodiment 1 in that the movable body can be adjusted in position by contacting the workpiece W at four points (two directions). Below, the differences will be mainly described, and descriptions of similar configurations will be omitted as appropriate.

[0067] In this embodiment, the wheel turning tool 1 includes an adjustment unit 2 having a pair of first moving bodies that can move linearly in synchronization with each other, and a pair of second moving bodies that can move linearly in synchronization with each other and are separate from the first moving bodies. The first moving bodies can move linearly in a first direction, and the second moving bodies can move linearly in a second direction different from the first direction.

[0068] In the illustrated example, the adjustment unit 2 includes a set of first moving bodies, which are moving bodies A and B, and a set of second moving bodies, which are moving bodies C and D. The moving bodies C and D can move linearly in synchronization. The set of the first moving bodies A and B can move linearly in a first direction in synchronization, and the set of the second moving bodies C and D can move linearly in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction in synchronization. Here, the first direction is the left-right direction (X direction) and the second direction is the front-back direction (Z direction) perpendicular to the first direction, but the first direction may be the front-back direction (Z direction) and the second direction may be the left-right direction (X direction). The first and second directions can be set according to the desired position adjustment, and may intersect at an angle other than 90 degrees.

[0069] When adjusting the position of the potter's wheel tool 1 of this embodiment, first, the space between moving bodies A, B, C, and D is widened (moved outward) to a space greater than the width of the workpiece W. Next, the workpiece W is placed between moving bodies A, B, C, and D. In this state, moving bodies A, B, C, and D are moved inward toward the workpiece W and brought into contact with the workpiece W. In other words, the workpiece W is clamped between moving bodies A, B, C, and D.

[0070] As shown in the figure, when the workpiece W is a circular plate, the adjustment unit 2 abuts against the workpiece W at four points, thereby enabling position adjustment.

[0071] This position adjustment is performed with the center of the holding body 5 and the centers of the moving bodies aligned, and the workpiece W is transferred to the potter's wheel V using the holding body 5, thereby adjusting the central position of the workpiece W relative to the potter's wheel V.

[0072] By configuring the potter's wheel tool 1 in this form in this manner, when painting using the potter's wheel V, the center position can be quickly adjusted and the center O of the workpiece W can be accurately aligned with the center O of the potter's wheel V, allowing a concentric circle with the workpiece W to be accurately drawn.

[0073] In addition, since the position adjustment is performed visually as described above, currently it is nearly impossible to center the workpiece W that has a shape other than a perfect circle, but the potter's wheel tool 1 of this embodiment can adjust the workpiece W at four points (two directions), so it can handle centering of various point-symmetric workpieces W, including not only perfect circles, but also ovals, ellipses, squares, hexagons, octagons, etc. It can also handle shapes with wavy edges.

[0074] <Adjustment unit> In the adjustment unit 2 of this embodiment, as an example, the second moving body moves synchronously with the first moving body. In other words, as an example, the adjustment unit 2 is configured such that all of the two sets of moving bodies (four moving bodies) move synchronously. By configuring the adjustment unit 2 in this way, the position can be adjusted more quickly.

[0075] In the adjustment unit 2 of this embodiment, as an example, the second moving body does not move in synchronization with the first moving body but moves independently. In other words, as an example, the adjustment unit 2 is configured such that a pair of first moving bodies move in synchronization with each other, and a pair of second moving bodies move in synchronization with each other, but the two pairs of moving bodies move independently of each other.

[0076] The adjustment unit 2 of the present embodiment is configured, for example, so that the second moving body can move either synchronously with the first moving body or independently, and is switchable between synchronous and asynchronous states.

[0077] If the second movable body can move independently of the first movable body, the adjustment unit 2 can adjust the position of the workpiece W in the first direction and the second direction independently. In other words, fine adjustments can be made as needed, such as adjusting one direction first and then the other direction. In addition, one direction can be adjusted while the other direction is being adjusted, which improves usability in fine work.

[0078] 6 is a perspective view showing an example of an adjustment unit according to embodiment 2. Hereinafter, as a suitable example, an example in which the second moving body does not move in synchronization with the first moving body but moves independently of the first moving body will be described in detail.

[0079] In this example, the adjustment unit 2 includes two sets of moving bodies: a set of a first moving body A and a first moving body B, and a set of a second moving body C and a second moving body D. The first moving body A and the first moving body B move synchronously, and the second moving body C and the second moving body D move synchronously, but neither the second moving body C nor the second moving body D moves independently without being synchronous with either the first moving body A or the first moving body B.

[0080] The adjustment unit 2 is not particularly limited, but preferably, a second unit 4 including a set of a second moving body C and a second moving body D is disposed above a first unit 3N including a set of a first moving body A and a first moving body B. In other words, the adjustment unit 2 is preferably configured in a two-layer structure, and the first unit 3N and the second unit 4 are stacked so that the contact portions of the moving bodies form a right angle and the centers are aligned.

[0081] FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a first unit of the adjustment unit of FIG.

[0082] The first unit 3N is preferably configured similarly to the main body 3 of the adjustment unit 2 of embodiment 1. That is, the first moving body A and the first moving body B of this embodiment are formed on the bottom plate 30 and have similar driving parts, similar to the moving body A and the moving body B of embodiment 1. In addition, the first unit 3N preferably has guide parts (guide parts 34a and 34b), stopper parts (stopper parts 35a and 35b), and support parts (support pieces 361a and 361b) similar to embodiment 1.

[0083] The first unit 3N preferably further includes a separating portion 37 for ensuring a predetermined distance from the second unit 4. As an example, the separating portion 37 is configured by four pins 371 installed at the four corners of the bottom plate 30 as shown in the figure. By providing the separating portion 37, the first unit 3N can maintain a predetermined distance from the second unit 4 arranged (stacked) above, and can prevent the parallel portion 313a and the parallel portion 313b from coming into contact with the bottom plate 40 (described later) of the second unit 4 and becoming unable to move.

[0084] FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a second unit of the adjustment unit of FIG.

[0085] As an example, the second unit 4 includes a main body 4N and a cover body MN disposed on the main body 4N. The holder 5 is disposed above the cover body MN. The second unit 4 may be configured not to include the cover body MN. In that case, the holder 5 is disposed above the main body 4N.

[0086] The main body 4N includes a plate-shaped bottom plate 40 that supports the entire body. The configuration of the bottom plate 40 is not particularly limited, but is preferably rectangular, for example, square. A set of second moving bodies is installed on the bottom plate 40.

[0087] The second moving body C has a contact portion 411c that contacts the workpiece W, a parallel portion 413c arranged parallel to the bottom plate 40, and a connecting portion 412c that connects the contact portion 411c and the parallel portion 413c. The second moving body D has a contact portion 411d that contacts the workpiece W, a parallel portion 413d arranged parallel to the bottom plate 40, and a connecting portion 412d that connects the contact portion 411d and the parallel portion 413d.

[0088] The contact portion 411c is preferably flat, with a left-right width greater than a top-bottom width, and is disposed so that its longitudinal direction is along the left-right direction (X direction). That is, the contact portion 411c is preferably a wide flat surface on the XY plane with the front surface facing inward and the back surface facing outward.

[0089] The connecting portion 412c is preferably rod-shaped with its longitudinal direction aligned along the up-down direction (Y direction). The connecting portion 412c and the abutting portion 411c are attached to each other in a state where the front side surface of the connecting portion 412c abuts the back surface of the abutting portion 411c. The connecting portion 412c is located slightly to the right of the middle of the abutting portion 411c. The connecting portion 412c and the parallel portion 413c are attached to each other in a state where the lower end surface of the connecting portion 412c abuts the upper surface of the parallel portion 413c.

[0090] The parallel part 413c is preferably flat, with a front-to-rear width wider than a left-to-right width, and disposed so that its longitudinal direction is along the front-to-rear direction (Z direction). That is, the parallel part 413c has wide upper and lower surfaces on the XZ plane, and its lower surface faces the upper surface of the bottom plate 40. The connecting part 412c is attached perpendicularly to the upper surface of the parallel part 413c near the rear end.

[0091] The second moving body D is configured such that the contact portion 411d is symmetrical with the contact portion 411c, the connecting portion 412d is symmetrical with the connecting portion 412c, and the parallel portion 413d is symmetrical with the parallel portion 413c, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted. The connecting portion 412d is attached vertically to the upper surface of the parallel portion 413d near the front end thereof.

[0092] FIG. 9 is a partially omitted perspective view showing an example of the second unit of the adjustment unit of FIG. 6, in which both parts of the cover body MN are omitted for explaining the configuration between the bottom plate 40 and the cover body MN.

[0093] The second moving body C and the second moving body D are preferably disposed on the left and right sides of the center line Z1 of the bottom plate 40. The second moving body C and the second moving body D are preferably disposed such that the center line X1 therebetween coincides with the center line X1 of the bottom plate 40. A drive unit for synchronously moving the moving body C and the moving body D is installed between the lower surfaces of the moving body C and the moving body D and the upper surface of the bottom plate 40.

[0094] The main body 4N is provided with a pinion (not shown) on the bottom plate 40 side, a rack (not shown) that meshes with the pinion on the second moving body C side, and a rack (not shown) that meshes with the pinion on the second moving body D side, as driving parts for synchronously moving the second moving body C and the second moving body D. The pinion and rack in the main body 4N are configured similarly to those in the first unit 3N, although in different directions, so detailed explanations of the configurations of the pinion and rack will be omitted here.

[0095] When the second moving body C side and the second moving body D side of the main body 4N are assembled to the bottom plate 40 side so that the racks engage on both the left and right sides of the pinion, and so that the distance from the rotation axis of the pinion to the abutment portion 411c of the second moving body C is equal to the distance from the rotation axis of the pinion to the abutment portion 411d of the second moving body D, the main body 4N is in the assembled state shown in the figure (see the exposed portion with part of the cover body MN removed).

[0096] As a result, when one of the second movable bodies C and D is moved (slid) in the second direction, the pinion rotates due to the movement of the rack of one of them, and the other, whose pinion and rack are meshed, also moves (slides) in the second direction in the opposite direction. The pair of second movable bodies, more specifically, the distance from the abutment part of the pair of second movable bodies to the center of the pinion, is always the same distance.

[0097] Although not shown, the rotation axis (axis center of the shaft portion) of the pinion of the main body 4N is installed so as to coincide with the rotation axis (axis center of the shaft portion) of the pinion of the first unit 3N.

[0098] The main body 4N preferably further includes a guide portion (guide portion 44c and guide portion 44d) for guiding the linear movement of the pair of second movable bodies. The guide portion of the second unit 4 is configured similarly to the guide portion of the first unit 3N, although the direction is different, so a detailed description is omitted here.

[0099] The main body 4N preferably further includes a stopper portion for defining the maximum outward movement width of the set of second movable bodies. The stopper portion of the main body 4N is configured similarly to the stopper portion of the first unit 3N, although the direction is different, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted here.

[0100] In the assembled state of the main body 4N, the maximum outward (rearward) movement width of the second moving body C and the maximum outward (forward) movement width of the second moving body D are determined by the engagement of the moving side stoppers with the locking side stoppers. The maximum inward (forward) movement width of the second moving body C is determined automatically by the abutting portion 411c of the second moving body C abutting against the abutting portion 411d of the second moving body D. In other words, the abutting portion 411c and the abutting portion 411d have portions where their left and right widths overlap. As described later, when the cover body MN is assembled, the inward movement of the second moving body C and the second moving body D is further restricted by the restricting portion of the cover body MN.

[0101] The main body 4N preferably further includes a support portion for supporting a set of second movable bodies. The support portion of the main body 4N is configured similarly to the support portion of the first unit 3N, although the direction is different, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted here.

[0102] The main body 4N preferably further includes a separation portion 47 for ensuring a predetermined distance from the lid body MN. As an example, the separation portion 47 is configured with four blocks 471. By providing the separation portion 47, the main body 4N can maintain a predetermined distance from the lid body MN arranged (stacked) above, and can prevent the parallel portion 413c and the parallel portion 413d from coming into contact with the lid body MN and becoming unable to move.

[0103] The separation portion 47 preferably further has a pin 472 for preventing the lid body MN from being displaced. The pins 472 are provided on a pair of diagonally arranged blocks 471, and in the illustrated example, the pins 472 are provided on the rear right and front left blocks 471. As illustrated, the pins 472 are preferably configured to a height that allows them to protrude from the upper surface of the lid body MN.

[0104] The cover body MN has a pair of through holes for inserting the pins 472 in a diagonal direction corresponding to the pair of pins 472. The cover body MN is a plate-like member and is disposed above the bottom plate 40 of the main body 4N at a predetermined distance. As an example, the cover body MN has legs and is attached to the bottom plate 40 in a state where the legs abut the upper surface of the bottom plate 40. The cover body MN is attached with its center coinciding with the center of the main body 4N, and is preferably detachable from the main body 4N.

[0105] The cover MN may be formed as a single unit, but is preferably divided into two parts so that the internal structure can be confirmed, as in the illustrated example. In the illustrated example, the cover MN is divided into a rear part M1 and a front part M2 corresponding to the main body 4N, with a predetermined gap between them.

[0106] The second unit 4 further includes two sets of regulating parts. Specifically, the second unit 4 includes a set of slit-shaped regulating parts on the bottom plate 40 that regulate the movements of the set of first moving bodies, and a set of slit-shaped regulating parts on the cover body MN that regulate the movements of the set of second moving bodies.

[0107] In the illustrated example, the second unit 4 has a slit-shaped, rectangular regulating portion a in plan view that cuts inward from the left end into the bottom plate 40, a slit-shaped, rectangular regulating portion b in plan view that cuts inward from the right end, a slit-shaped, rectangular regulating portion c in plan view that cuts inward from the rear end into the rear portion M1 of the lid body MN, and a slit-shaped, rectangular regulating portion d in plan view that cuts inward from the front end into the front portion M2 of the lid body MN.

[0108] As a result, when each movable body moves linearly, each connecting portion moves within the corresponding restricting portion and is restricted from moving inward by hitting each inner end (Ma, Mb, Mc, or Md). Here, the second unit 4 has the same distance from the center O to the inner end Ma, the distance from the center O to the inner end Mb, the distance from the center O to the inner end Mc, and the distance from the center O to the inner end Md. These distances are set according to the size of the workpiece W to be handled.

[0109] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an example of an adjustment unit according to the second embodiment, in which the moving body is in a different position from that in FIG.

[0110] By configuring the adjustment unit 2 as described above, it is possible to move the moving body inward as shown in Fig. 6, and to move the moving body outward as shown in Fig. 10, and the moving body can move freely outward within a range defined by the stopper portion, and inward within a range restricted by the restricting portion. As shown in Fig. 10, each moving body can also move further outward from the end of the bottom plate 30 or the bottom plate 40.

[0111] <Holding body> FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing an example of a holder for a wheel turning tool according to the second embodiment.

[0112] The holder 5 is for transferring the workpiece W, the position of which has been adjusted by the adjustment unit 2, from the adjustment unit 2 to the potter's wheel V. The holder 5 is disposed above the adjustment unit 2.

[0113] As an example, the position adjustment of the workpiece W relative to the potter's wheel V can be performed in the following procedure. First, the holder 5 is placed on the adjustment unit 2 (step 1). Next, the workpiece W is placed on the holder 5 (step 2). Next, a pair of movable bodies capable of linear movement synchronously is moved to adjust the position of the workpiece W (step 3). Next, the workpiece W is transferred to the potter's wheel V using the holder 5 (step 4). Note that in step 3, if the position adjustment is to be performed at only two points (in one direction), a pair of movable bodies in that direction (a pair of first movable bodies A·B or a pair of second movable bodies C·D) may be used. On the other hand, if the position adjustment is to be performed at four points (in two directions), two pairs of movable bodies (a pair of first movable bodies A·B and a pair of second movable bodies C·D) may be used.

[0114] The substrate 50 of the holder 5 is preferably formed in a rectangular shape, but is not particularly limited thereto, for example, a square shape as shown in the figure. The substrate 50 is preferably configured to be transparent or semi-transparent as shown in the figure, and can be seen through. The material of the substrate 50 is not particularly limited, but as an example, a resin is used, for example, an acrylic resin is used. As an example, the substrate 50 is displayed so that the center line X1 and the center line Z1 are visible.

[0115] The substrate 50 is provided with a slit-shaped avoidance portion 51 for not interfering with the movement of the moving body. Here, the avoidance portion 51 includes avoidance portions 51a, 51b, 51c, and 51d corresponding to the four restricting portions a, b, c, and d of the adjustment unit 2. The distance from the center O of the holder 5 to the inner end of each avoidance portion is set to be equal to or less than the distance from the center O of the adjustment unit 2 to the inner end of each restricting portion. Note that, in the case where the adjustment unit 2 does not have a lid body MN, for example, the avoidance portions 51c and 51d of the holder 5 are configured to play the role of the restricting portions c and d of the lid body MN of the adjustment unit 2.

[0116] Holder 5 has legs 52 (portions shown by dashed lines in the figure) on the underside of substrate 50. Legs 52 are not particularly limited, but are preferably provided in a diagonal X shape avoiding avoidance portion 51. Having legs 52 forms a gap between holder 5 and the placement surface, making it easier to lift.

[0117] The holder 5 has a holding portion 53 on the upper surface of the substrate 50. The holding portion 53 is for holding the workpiece W so that it does not shift in position in the planar direction. The material of the holding portion 53 is not particularly limited. In the illustrated example, the holding portion 53 is made of adhesive silicone. The holding portion 53 is preferably provided in a diagonal X-shape as illustrated, avoiding the avoidance portion 51. The holding portion 53 is preferably transparent or semi-transparent and can be seen through.

[0118] One or both of the holder 5 and the adjustment unit 2 are preferably provided with a prior positioning portion 54 for determining the position of the holder 5 relative to the adjustment unit 2. Here, the prior positioning portion 54 positions the holder 5 so that the center O of the holder 5 coincides with the center O of the adjustment unit 2. In the illustrated example, the prior positioning portion 54 includes a pair of through-holes 541 provided in the diagonal direction of the holder 5, more specifically, near the front left end and the rear right end, and a pair of pins 472 provided in the main body 4N described above and protruding from the through-holes of the cover body MN.

[0119] As an example, the holder 5 is placed directly on the potter's wheel V. In this case, the holder 5 is provided with, for example, a structure for aligning with the potter's wheel V, such as a concentric circle marking that matches (has the same diameter as) the concentric groove of the potter's wheel V. Since the holder 5 is see-through, the two can be aligned in this case as well.

[0120] More preferably, the holder 5 is placed on the wheel V via a receiving body 6 (see FIG. 12). In this case, one or both of the holder 5 and the receiving body 6 are provided with a subsequent positioning portion 55 for determining the position of the holder 5 relative to the receiving body 6. Details will be described later, but by configuring in this way, pinpoint centering can be performed more easily.

[0121] Here, the subsequent positioning portion 55 positions the holder 5 so that the center O of the holder 5 coincides with the center O of the receiver 6. In the illustrated example, the subsequent positioning portion 55 includes a pair of through-holes 551 provided in the diagonal direction of the holder 5, more specifically, slightly inside the rear left end and slightly inside the front right end, and a pair of pins 611 provided on the receiver 6 described below.

[0122] <Modification 1 of the holder 5> The holder 5 is configured according to the adjustment unit 2. For example, the shapes and positions of the avoidance portions 51 and the holders 53 are configured in accordance with the number and positions of the movable bodies in the adjustment unit 2.

[0123] For example, when used in the adjustment unit 2 of the first embodiment, the holder 5 may be the one shown in the figure, but may have avoidance portions 51a and 51b in accordance with the number of moving bodies, but may be configured not to have avoidance portions 51c and 51d. When the adjustment unit 2 is configured not to have the lid body M, for example, the avoidance portions 51a and 51b of the holder 5 are configured to play the role of the above-mentioned restricting portions a and b of the lid body M of the adjustment unit 2.

[0124] When using the adjustment unit 2 of the first embodiment and the holder 5 of this example, the position of the workpiece W relative to the potter's wheel V can be adjusted in the same manner (method) as described above. In this case, the workpiece W can be placed on the holder 5 so that the desired adjustment direction is aligned with the direction of the pair of moving bodies. Conversely, the adjustment unit 2 and holder 5 may be positioned so that they are aligned with the adjustment direction of the workpiece W.

[0125] <Receiving body> Fig. 12 is a perspective view showing an example of a receiver for a wheel tool according to embodiment 2. Fig. 13 is a diagram for explaining an example of a receiver for a wheel tool according to embodiment 2, showing a state in which the receiver is attached to a wheel V.

[0126] The wheel tool 1 preferably includes a receiving body 6 that is attached to the wheel V. The receiving body 6 is attached to the wheel V by, but is not limited to, for example, gluing.

[0127] The receiver 6 has a substrate 60, which is not particularly limited, but is preferably formed in an octagonal shape as shown in the figure. The substrate 60 is preferably formed to be transparent or semi-transparent as shown in the figure, and can be seen through. The material of the substrate 60 is not particularly limited, but as an example, a resin is used, such as an acrylic resin.

[0128] The base plate 60 is preferably displayed with a center line X1 and a center line Z1 so that they can be visually confirmed. In addition, the base plate 60 is displayed with one or more guide lines G (concentric circles) for alignment with the center of the potter's wheel V. The guide lines G are configured to have the same diameter as the grooves of the potter's wheel V.

[0129] The receiver 6 has a pair of receiving portions 61 fixed symmetrically on the substrate 60, and the holder 5 is placed on the receiving portions 61. A pair of pins 611 are provided in the diagonal direction of the pair of receiving portions 61, more specifically, slightly inside the rear left end and slightly inside the front right end of the receiver 6. When the holder 5 is placed on the receiver 6, the pins 611 and the through-holes 551 of the holder 5 mate with each other, and the holder 5 is positioned.

[0130] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the alignment state of the workpiece with respect to the potter's wheel.

[0131] When adjusting the position, first, the workpiece W is placed on the adjustment unit 2 on which the holder 5 is set, and the contact parts of the four movable bodies are slid so as to press against the edges of the workpiece W (see FIG. 5). In this state, the workpiece W is held (temporarily fixed) by the holding parts 53 of the holder 5. This aligns the centers of the holder 5 and the workpiece W.

[0132] Next, the holder 5 holding the workpiece W is removed from the adjustment unit 2 and set on the receiver 6 that has been attached to the wheel V in advance. This allows the centers of the wheel V and the workpiece W to be aligned.

[0133] Such position adjustments using the potter's wheel tool 1 are highly reproducible, and the center can be easily aligned with pinpoint accuracy any number of times. In other words, the potter's wheel tool 1 has an adjustment unit 2 and a holder 5 that can be attached and detached so that their centers are perfectly aligned, and because the receiver 6 is attached and fixed to the potter's wheel V so that its center is aligned, the holder 5 and the receiver 6 can be attached and detached so that their centers are perfectly aligned. This makes it easy to repeat painting and firing multiple times, further improving the quality of the work.

[0134] In addition, since the potter's wheel V and the workpiece W are integrated, there is no need to worry about the center being misaligned, and it is even possible to touch the workpiece W during production.

[0135] Moreover, by removing the workpiece W from the receiving body 6 while it is fixed to the holding body 5, corrections can be made or other parts can be produced, and the center can be quickly aligned any number of times by simply overlapping the holding body 5 and the receiving body 6.

[0136] <Bottom raising tool> Fig. 15 and Fig. 16 are diagrams for explaining the bottom-raising tool. Fig. 15 is a diagram for explaining the main body of the bottom-raising tool, (a) a perspective view showing the upper surface of the main body, and (b) a perspective view showing the lower surface of the main body. Fig. 16 is a diagram for explaining the slider of the bottom-raising tool, (a) a perspective view showing the upper surface of the slider, and (b) a diagram showing an example of an overlapping state and an unoverlapping state.

[0137] When adjusting the position of the potter's wheel tool 1 with the workpiece W placed directly on the holder 5 arranged above the adjustment unit 2, depending on the characteristics of the holder 53, for example if the holder 53 uses adhesive force, the workpiece W will adhere to the holder 53 and it will not be possible to adjust the position by moving the workpiece W with a moving body. For this reason, when adjusting the position of the potter's wheel tool 1, it may be necessary to separate the workpiece W from the holder 53 so that they do not come into contact with each other.

[0138] The configuration of the separating body for separating the workpiece W and the holder 5 is not particularly limited as long as it temporarily keeps the workpiece W from contacting the holder 5 during position adjustment. For example, a plate thicker than the holder 53 may be inserted between the substrate 50 of the holder 5 and the workpiece W during position adjustment, and after the position adjustment, the plate may be removed so that the workpiece W comes into contact with the holder 53 and is fixed.

[0139] As a suitable example of the spacer, the bottom raising tool 7 will be described below. The bottom raising tool 7 is an auxiliary tool for lifting (raising) the workpiece W from the holder 5. The bottom raising tool 7 preferably includes a main body 7P and a slider 7Q.

[0140] 15, the main body 7P has a substrate 70 and a temporary support portion 71 disposed on the upper surface of the substrate 70. The substrate 70 is not particularly limited, but is preferably formed in a rectangular shape, for example, a square shape as shown in the figure.

[0141] The temporary support portion 71 is configured to include four temporary support rods 711. The temporary support rods 711 are elongated rods with a rectangular cross section, and are fixed so as to lie on the upper surface of the substrate 70. The temporary support rods 711 are preferably fixed to the upper surface of the substrate 70 at a position such that their longitudinal direction is parallel to the diagonal line and slightly spaced from the diagonal line, so that they can be positioned near the holding portion 53 of the holder 5 when combined with the holder 5.

[0142] 18(b), the holder 5 is provided with the same number of through-holes 591 (through which the temporary support rods 711 pass) as the temporary support rods 711 near the holder 53. The temporary support rods 711 are configured to have a thickness such that in a combined state of the bottom-raising tool 7 and the holder 5 with the bottom-raising parts overlapping, as described below, the upper surfaces of the temporary support rods 711 protrude upward from the through-holes 591, as described below, and are positioned higher than the upper surface of the holder 53 when the bottom-raising tool 7 and the holder 5 are in a combined state with the bottom-raising parts overlapping, as described below, and are positioned lower than the upper surface of the holder 53 when the bottom-raising tool 7 and the holder 5 are in a combined state with the bottom-raising parts overlapping, as described below.

[0143] The substrate 70 of the main body 7P is provided with clearance sections 72 in accordance with the number and positions of the movable bodies so as not to impede the movement of the movable bodies. Here, as shown in the figure, the clearance sections 72 are provided in the form of slits that are cut inward from the left, right, front, and rear ends of the substrate 70.

[0144] The bottom raising tool 7 has a bottom raising portion as a part for raising and lowering the bottom of the workpiece W. The configuration of the bottom raising portion is not particularly limited as long as it raises the bottom so that the temporary holding portion 71 receives the workpiece W during position adjustment, and lowers the bottom so that the holding portion 53 of the holder 5 receives the workpiece W after the position adjustment is completed. As an example, the bottom raising portion here is configured to include an upper stage portion 73P on the main body 7P side and a lower stage portion 73Q on the slider 7Q side.

[0145] As shown in Fig. 15(b), a pair of upper step portions 73P of the main body 7P are provided on the lower surface of the substrate 70. The upper step portion 73P has a thick portion 731P and an inclined portion 732P connected thereto, the upper surface of which is on the same plane. The inclined portion 732P has an inclined surface on the opposite side of the upper surface, and is shaped so that the thickness gradually decreases from the thick portion side to the tip (see Fig. 16(b)). The pair of upper step portions 73P are preferably disposed at positions on either side of one diagonal line with a predetermined distance therebetween, and at positions straddling the other diagonal line.

[0146] 16(a), a pair of lower stage portions 73Q of the slider 7Q are provided on both sides of an intermediate rod 74 of the slider 7Q. The width of the intermediate rod 74 in the short side direction is approximately equal to the distance between the pair of upper stage portions 73P. The intermediate rod 74 is a slender rod with a rectangular cross section and a length longer than the diagonal line of the holder 5.

[0147] The lower stage portion 73Q has a thick portion 731Q and an inclined portion 732Q connected thereto, the lower surface of which is flush with the surface. The inclined portion 732Q has a shape in which the surface opposite the lower surface is an inclined surface and the thickness gradually decreases from the thick portion side to the tip (see FIG. 16(b)). The pair of lower stage portions 73Q are formed in a similar shape to the pair of upper stage portions 73P, for example, although the upper and lower surfaces and tip directions are different.

[0148] The bottom lifting tool 7 is used by stacking the main body 7P on the slider 7Q. Specifically, the bottom lifting tool 7 is installed in an overlapping state in which the thick portion 731P of the upper portion 73P and the thick portion 731Q of the lower portion 73Q overlap each other as shown in the left diagram of Fig. 16(b) during position adjustment, and after the position adjustment is completed, the upper portion 73P and the lower portion 73Q are shifted sideways to a non-overlapping state in which the thick portion 731P and the thick portion 731Q do not overlap each other as shown in the right diagram of Fig. 16(b).

[0149] Fig. 17 and Fig. 18 are diagrams for explaining the use state of the bottom-raising tool. Fig. 17 is a diagram showing a state in which the slider of the bottom-raising tool is placed on the adjustment unit. Fig. 18 is a diagram showing (a) a state in which the bottom-raising tool is placed on the adjustment unit, and (b) a state in which the holding plate is placed on the bottom-raising tool.

[0150] As shown in Fig. 17, when using the bottom raising tool 7, first, the slider 7Q is placed on the cover body MN (cover body M in the case of the first embodiment) of the adjustment unit 2. Preferably, a guide q is installed in advance on the cover body MN to facilitate the placement of the slider 7Q. The slider 7Q is placed so that the inclined surface of the inclined portion 732Q faces upward. In this state, at least one end of the intermediate rod 74 of the slider 7Q is in a state in which it protrudes outward from the adjustment unit 2 in the longitudinal direction.

[0151] As shown in Fig. 18(a), next, the main body 7P of the bottom raising tool 7 is placed upward so as to cover the central portion of the lid body MN in Fig. 17, so that the middle rod 74 of the slider 7Q corresponds to the gap between the pair of upper stage portions 73P, and so that the thick portions 731P of the pair of upper stage portions 73P overlap with the thick portions 731Q of the pair of lower stage portions 73Q (overlapping state). Preferably, a guide p is provided in advance on the lid body MN to facilitate the arrangement of the main body 7P. The guide p is formed to be thicker than the substrate 70.

[0152] As shown in FIG. 18(b), next, the holder 5 is placed on top so as to cover the main body 7P of the bottom-raising tool 7 in FIG. 18(a). In other words, the holder 5 and the bottom-raising tool 7 are combined above the adjustment unit 2. Specifically, the holder 5 is placed on the upper surface of the guide p so that the pair of pins 472 are inserted into the pair of through-holes 541 described above. In this state, the temporary support rod 711 of the bottom-raising tool 7 is inserted through the through-holes 591 of the holder 5 and protrudes upward, and the upper surface is at a position higher than the upper surface of the holding part 53. In addition, a predetermined space is formed between the substrate 50 of the holder 5 and the cover body MN, separated by the guide p.

[0153] When adjusting the position, in this state, the workpiece W is placed so that the receiving rod 711 of the bottom raising tool 7 receives its bottom, and then the contact portion of the moving body of the adjustment unit 2 is slid so as to press against the edge of the workpiece W, thereby adjusting the position.

[0154] After the position adjustment, when the intermediate rod 74 of the slider 7Q of the bottom lifting tool 7 is slid in the direction of the arrow shown in the figure, the upper stage 73P and the lower stage 73Q of the bottom lifting tool 7 are shifted and the overlap is eliminated. As a result, the substrate 70 sinks downward, and the temporary support rod 711 sinks to a position lower than the holding part 53 of the holder 5.

[0155] Then, the workpiece W is brought into contact with the holding portion 53 of the holder 5 and held (fixed). In this state, the holder 5 is removed from the adjustment unit 2 and placed on the receiving body 6 that is installed in advance on the potter's wheel V, and the position adjustment of the workpiece W with respect to the potter's wheel V is completed.

[0156] <Embodiment 3> Fig. 19 is a diagram for explaining an example of a painting system according to embodiment 3, (a) a partially omitted perspective view showing the example of the system, and (b) a partially enlarged view for explaining the hand unit. Note that the receiving body 6 below the holder 5 and the potter's wheel V shall be referred to in Fig. 14, and are not shown here.

[0157] The painting system 10 includes the adjustment unit 2 of the above embodiment 1 or embodiment 2, and a brush holder 8 for painting a workpiece W placed on a potter's wheel V.

[0158] When applying paint to Brush U and painting, first rotate the potter's wheel V, then, being careful not to touch the potter's wheel V or the work W, place the tip of Brush U on the ground where you want to paint a circle. Once Brush U is on the ground, hold Brush U still so it does not move. If it moves even a little at this point, it will not connect to the starting point and will end up with a double or triple circle.

[0159] As described above, by using the adjustment unit 2, the wheel V and the workpiece W are integrated by the holder 5 and receiver 6, so there is no need to worry about the center being misaligned, and it is okay to touch the workpiece W during production. On the other hand, if the brush U moves, it will still not connect to the starting point for the drawing, and will end up making a double or triple circle.

[0160] The brush-holding device (stand arm) 8 is a device for solving such problems, and is a device for holding a brush instead of a hand. Note that the brush used here is not particularly limited as long as it can be used to write letters or draw pictures.

[0161] The brush-holding device 8 includes a base 80, a hand 81 for holding a brush, and an arm 82 between the base 80 and the hand 81. The arm 82 is not particularly limited in terms of its degree of freedom, components, or other configuration. As an example, the illustrated example includes a first arm 821 extending in the vertical direction, a second arm 822 connected to the first arm 821 at its base end, and a third arm 823 connected to the second arm 822 at its base end. The joint connecting the first arm 821 and the second arm 822, the joint connecting the second arm 822 and the third arm 823, and the joint connecting the third arm 823 and the hand 81 are fixed by, for example, screwing with a fastening member so that the joint angle can be changed. Preferably, the first arm 821 is configured to be rotatable around its own central axis. The arm 82 allows the hand 81 to perform various movements.

[0162] The hand unit 81 has a shaft unit 810 whose base end is connected to the third arm 823, and a clamping unit 811 rotatably attached to the shaft unit 810. Preferably, the clamping unit 811 is rotatable around the shaft unit 810.

[0163] The clamping portion 811 has a receiving groove 812 recessed into the base end side, and is formed in a generally U-shape. A brush portion 813 formed separately is inserted into the receiving groove 812 and fixed therein.

[0164] The brush part 813 is a plate-like part having a hole 814 penetrating therethrough in the plate thickness direction, and the brush U is detachably attached to the hole 814 using a bolt or the like.

[0165] The hand unit 81 is preferably configured to be detachable. More specifically, the clamping unit 811 and the brush unit 813 include a magnet on one side and a magnet or a magnetic body on the other side, and the brush unit 813 is detachably inserted and fixed in the receiving groove 812 of the clamping unit 811 by magnetic force. This allows paint to be easily applied to the brush U.

[0166] In this way, the brush holder 8 can hold the brush U, which increases stability and allows the user to draw circles with the desired thickness and darkness. In addition, if multiple brush units 813 with different brushes U attached are prepared, the brushes U can be quickly replaced.

[0167] The above describes the embodiment, examples, and modifications of the potter's wheel tool, adjustment unit, and painting system according to the present invention, but these are merely examples of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to these. The present invention includes combinations of the above embodiments and their modifications, as well as various other modifications. Various additions, modifications, and partial deletions are possible within the scope of the conceptual idea and intent of the present invention, which is derived from the contents defined in the claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0168] 1...wheel tool, 2...adjustment unit, 3...main body, 3N...first unit, 4...second unit, 4N...main body, 5...holding body, 53...holding part, 6...receiving body, 7...bottom raising tool, 8...brush holding device, 10...painting system, A,B,C,D...moving body, a,b,c,d...regulating part, M,MN...cover body, U...brush, V...wheel, W...workpiece.

Claims

1. A potter's wheel tool for adjusting the position of a workpiece relative to the potter's wheel, A separate adjustment unit for the potter's wheel, a holder for transferring the workpiece from the adjustment unit to a potter's wheel; The adjustment unit includes a pair of movable bodies that can move linearly in a synchronized manner. A potter's wheel tool, characterized in that

2. The adjustment unit includes: The cover has a slit-shaped restricting portion for restricting the movement of the set of movable bodies.

2. A wheel turning tool as claimed in claim 1.

3. The adjustment unit includes: A pair of the moving bodies, a first moving body, and a pair of second moving bodies, separate from the first moving body, capable of synchronously moving linearly; The first moving body is capable of linear movement in a first direction, and the second moving body is capable of linear movement in a second direction different from the first direction.

2. A wheel turning tool as claimed in claim 1.

4. The second moving body is capable of moving independently of the first moving body.

4. A wheel turning tool according to claim 3.

5. A second unit including a set of the second moving bodies is disposed above a first unit including a set of the first moving bodies.

5. A wheel turning tool according to claim 4.

6. The second unit is a pair of slit-shaped restricting portions for restricting the movement of the pair of first movable bodies on a bottom plate; The cover has a pair of slit-shaped restricting portions for restricting the movement of the pair of second movable bodies.

6. A wheel turning tool as claimed in claim 5.

7. A pre-positioning portion for determining the position of the holder relative to the adjustment unit A wheel turning tool according to claim 1 or 3.

8. The holding body has a slit-shaped avoidance portion corresponding to the restriction portion. A wheel tool according to claim 2 or 6.

9. Equipped with a support that can be attached to a potter's wheel A wheel turning tool according to claim 1 or 3.

10. a subsequent positioning feature for positioning the holder relative to the receiver; 10. A wheel turning tool according to claim 9.

11. A lifting tool is provided for lifting the workpiece from the holder. A wheel turning tool according to claim 1 or 3.

12. 1. An adjustment unit for a potter's wheel tool for adjusting the position of a workpiece relative to a potter's wheel, comprising: Used separately from the potter's wheel, Equipped with a pair of moving bodies that can move linearly in sync An adjustment unit comprising:

13. A wheel tool according to claim 1 or 3, and a brush holder for painting a workpiece placed on the potter's wheel. A painting system comprising:

14. A method for adjusting the position of a workpiece relative to a potter's wheel, comprising the steps of: A step of placing the holder on an adjustment unit having a pair of movable bodies capable of synchronously moving linearly; placing a workpiece on the holder; Moving the set of movable bodies to adjust the position of the workpiece; and transferring the workpiece to a potter's wheel using the holder. A position adjustment method comprising:

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