Apparatus for manufacturing ion exchanger cartridge

Abstract

To provide an apparatus for manufacturing a cartridge for an ion exchanger capable of suppressing leakage of an ion exchange resin from a gap between a cap and a lid member.SOLUTION: The manufacturing device 60 is a device that fixes the lid member 45 to the cap 31 by thermally caulking the plurality of bosses 35 protruding from the cap 31 and penetrating the lid member 45. The manufacturing apparatus 60 includes a first pressing portion 100 and a plurality of horns 90. The first pressing portion 100 presses the lid member 45 toward the cap 31 in a state where the plurality of bosses 35 penetrate the lid member 45. The plurality of horns 90 thermally caulk the distal end portions of the plurality of bosses 35, respectively. The first pressing portion 100 has a plurality of first accommodation holes 101 in which the tip end portions of the plurality of bosses 35 are accommodated, respectively. Each horn 90 is configured to thermally caulk the distal end portion of the boss 35 inside the first accommodation hole 101.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for manufacturing cartridges for ion exchangers. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an ion exchanger connected to a cooling circuit of a fuel cell. This ion exchanger includes a case provided with an inlet and an outlet through which a coolant flows, and a cartridge detachably attached to the case.

[0003] The cartridge includes a cylindrical upper casing that opens downward, and a cover member (referred to as a second partition wall in Patent Document 1) that closes the opening of the upper casing. An ion exchange resin is accommodated inside the upper casing. The upper casing and the cover member are fixed by heat caulking at multiple points around the circumference of the upper casing. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-30988 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] When the upper casing and the cover member are heat-stakingly fastened together at multiple locations, the cover member may be fixed in a floating position relative to its normal fixed position, compared to when the upper casing is heat-stakingly fastened around the entire circumference. In this case, there is a risk of the ion exchange resin leaking from a gap formed between the upper casing and the cover member. Therefore, there is room for improvement in the manufacture of ion exchange cartridges. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The manufacturing apparatus for ion exchanger cartridges for solving the above problems is applied to the manufacture of ion exchanger cartridges that include a cylindrical cap that has an opening and that contains ion exchange resin, and a lid member that covers the opening, and that fixes the lid member to the cap by heat-caulking a plurality of bosses that protrude from the cap and penetrate the lid member.The manufacturing apparatus for ion exchanger cartridges that solves the above problems includes a pressing unit that presses the lid member with the plurality of bosses penetrating it toward the cap, and a plurality of horns that heat-caulk the tip ends of the plurality of bosses, and the pressing unit has a plurality of accommodating holes in which the tip ends of the plurality of bosses are respectively accommodated, and each of the horns is configured to heat-caulk the tip end of the boss inside the accommodating hole.

[0007] According to the above configuration, while the lid member is pressed against the cap by the pressing portion, the tip of the boss is heat-stakingly fastened inside the accommodation hole of the pressing portion by the multiple horns. Therefore, compared to when the horns are positioned outside the pressing portion, the pressing portion is more likely to press the periphery of the portion of the lid member through which the boss passes. This prevents the lid member from being fixed in a floating state relative to its normal fixed position. Therefore, leakage of ion exchange resin from the gap between the cap and the lid member can be prevented. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an ion exchanger according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the cartridge of the ion exchanger of FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a front view of a manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the manufacturing apparatus of FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the heat staking mechanism of FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the horn shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, one embodiment of a manufacturing apparatus for an ion exchange cartridge will be described with reference to FIGS. The manufacturing apparatus for an ion exchange cartridge (hereinafter simply referred to as the manufacturing apparatus 60) is an apparatus that fixes a lid member 45 to a cap 31 that constitutes a cartridge 30 of an ion exchanger 10. More specifically, the manufacturing apparatus 60 is an apparatus that fixes the lid member 45 to the cap 31 by thermally caulking a plurality of bosses 35 that protrude from the cap 31 and penetrate the lid member 45.

[0010] (Overall configuration of ion exchanger 10) 1, the ion exchanger 10 is connected to a cooling circuit (not shown) through which coolant flows for cooling a vehicle fuel cell. The ion exchanger 10 removes ions contained in the coolant.

[0011] The ion exchanger 10 includes a case 20 and a cartridge 30. The cartridge 30 is configured to be detachable from the case 20. (Configuration of Case 20) The case 20 has a storage section 21, an inlet pipe 22, and an outlet pipe .

[0012] The accommodation portion 21 has a cylindrical shape that opens upward. An internal thread (not shown) is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the upper end portion of the accommodation portion 21. The inlet pipe 22 and the outlet pipe 23 are connected to the lower part of the storage section 21. The inlet pipe 22 and the outlet pipe 23 are oriented in opposite directions. The cooling water flowing through the cooling circuit flows into the cartridge 30 housed in the storage section 21 through the inlet pipe 22. The outlet pipe 23 allows the cooling water in the cartridge 30 to flow out into the cooling circuit.

[0013] (Configuration of cartridge 30) The cartridge 30 includes a cap 31, a flow path member 40, a lid member 45, and an ion exchange resin R. The cap 31 is cylindrical and opens downward. The cap 31 is housed in the housing portion 21. The flow path member 40 forms a flow path inside the cap 31 through which cooling water flows. The lid member 45 covers the opening of the cap 31. The ion exchange resin R is filled inside the cap 31. The cap 31, the flow path member 40, and the lid member 45 are formed of a thermoplastic resin material such as polyamide (PA), for example.

[0014] The cap 31 has a top wall 32 and a peripheral wall 33. The top wall 32 is circular in plan view. The peripheral wall 33 protrudes downward from the outer periphery of the top wall 32. A male thread 34 that meshes with the female thread of the accommodating portion 21 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall 33. By screwing the cap 31 onto the accommodating portion 21, the cartridge 30 is detachably attached to the case 20.

[0015] A plurality of bosses 35 are formed at intervals in the circumferential direction on the inner circumferential surface of the peripheral wall 33. The bosses 35 extend in the vertical direction and protrude outward from the opening of the cap 31. Each boss 35 is cylindrical. The tip of each boss 35 protrudes downward beyond the lower end of the peripheral wall 33.

[0016] An exhaust hole 36 penetrating the peripheral wall 33 is formed in a portion of the peripheral wall 33 below the male thread 34. The exhaust hole 36 has a circular cross section. The exhaust hole 36 faces the inner peripheral surface of the storage section 21. The exhaust hole 36 has the function of discharging air inside the cartridge 30 to the outside when the cartridge 30 is inserted into the case 20 in which the coolant is stored during replacement of the cartridge 30. Discharging air from the exhaust hole 36 prevents the coolant from overflowing from the case 20 during replacement of the cartridge 30.

[0017] A joint surface 33a that surrounds the exhaust hole 36 is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the peripheral wall 33. The joint surface 33a is recessed relative to the other portions of the peripheral wall 33. A first mesh member 50 that covers the exhaust hole 36 is joined to the joining surface 33a. The first mesh member 50 is joined to the joining surface 33a by, for example, vibration welding or ultrasonic welding. The first mesh member 50 has a circular shape. The first mesh member 50 is formed from a thin metal plate such as stainless steel. The mesh size of the first mesh member 50 is set to allow the passage of cooling water while preventing the passage of the ion exchange resin R.

[0018] A seal groove 37 is formed around the entire outer circumferential surface of the peripheral wall 33 above the male thread 34. An annular first seal member 55 is attached to the seal groove 37. The first seal member 55 provides a seal between the outer circumferential surface of the cap 31 and the inner circumferential surface of the housing portion 21. The first seal member 55 is made of an elastic material.

[0019] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the flow path member 40 has a pipe portion 41, an annular portion 42, and a plurality of first ribs 43. The pipe part 41 has a cylindrical shape and extends vertically in the center of the interior of the cap 31. An upper end of the pipe part 41 has a gap between it and the top wall 32. The lower end of the pipe part 41 passes through the lid member 45.

[0020] The annular portion 42 is annular and surrounds the upper end of the pipe portion 41. The annular portion 42 is fitted inside the upper end of the cap 31. The first ribs 43 connect the outer peripheral surface of the pipe portion 41 and the inner peripheral surface of the annular portion 42 at multiple locations spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the pipe portion 41 .

[0021] An annular second seal member 56 is attached to the outer circumferential surface of the annular portion 42. The second seal member 56 provides a seal between the outer circumferential surface of the annular portion 42 and the inner circumferential surface of the cap 31. The second seal member 56 is made of an elastic material.

[0022] The second mesh member 51 is integrated with the flow path member 40 by insert molding. The second mesh member 51 is disk-shaped. The second mesh member 51 is integrated with the flow path member 40 so as to be flush with the annular portion 42 and the lower surfaces of the plurality of first ribs 43. The second mesh member 51 is formed from a thin metal plate such as stainless steel. The mesh size of the second mesh member 51 is set to allow the passage of cooling water while preventing the passage of the ion exchange resin R.

[0023] An annular third seal member 57 is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the lower end of the pipe portion 41. The third seal member 57 seals between the outer peripheral surface of the pipe portion 41 and the inner peripheral surface of the inner annular portion 46, which will be described later. The third seal member 57 is made of an elastic material.

[0024] The cover member 45 has an inner annular portion 46, an outer annular portion 47, and a plurality of second ribs 48. The inner annular portion 46 is annular and surrounds the lower end of the pipe portion 41. The inner annular portion 46 protrudes in the same direction as the boss 35 from the surface of the cover member 45 where a through-hole 49 (described later) opens, i.e., the underside of the cover member 45. The inner annular portion 46 is an example of a "protruding portion."

[0025] The outer annular portion 47 is annular and surrounds the inner annular portion 46. The outer annular portion 47 is fitted inside the lower end portion of the cap 31. The outer annular portion 47 has a plurality of through holes 49 that penetrate the outer annular portion 47 in the up-down direction and are spaced apart in the circumferential direction.

[0026] 1, the boss 35 of the cap 31 is inserted into the through-hole 49. The tip of the boss 35 is formed into a dome shape by heat caulking. This fixes the lid member 45 to the cap 31.

[0027] The second ribs 48 connect the outer peripheral surface of the inner annular portion 46 and the inner peripheral surface of the outer annular portion 47 at multiple locations spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the inner annular portion 46 . An annular fourth seal member 58 is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the outer annular portion 47. The fourth seal member 58 provides a seal between the outer peripheral surface of the outer annular portion 47 and the inner peripheral surface of the cap 31. The fourth seal member 58 is made of an elastic material.

[0028] The third mesh member 52 is integrated with the cover member 45 by insert molding. The third mesh member 52 is disk-shaped. The third mesh member 52 is integrated with the cover member 45 so as to be flush with the lower surface of the cover member 45. The third mesh member 52 is formed from a thin metal plate such as stainless steel. The mesh size of the third mesh member 52 is set to allow the passage of cooling water while preventing the passage of the ion exchange resin R.

[0029] The ion exchange resin R is filled in the space inside the cap 31 around the pipe portion 41 and between the annular portion 42 and the lid member 45. Most of the cooling water that flows into the inside of the case 20 from the inlet pipe 22 passes through the third mesh member 52 integrated with the lid member 45, and reaches the region inside the cap 31 that is filled with the ion exchange resin R. As the cooling water passes through the ion exchange resin R, ions are removed from the cooling water by ion exchange with the ion exchange resin R. After passing through the ion exchange resin R, the cooling water passes through the second mesh member 51 integrated with the flow path member 40, and then flows into the inside of the pipe portion 41 through the opening at the upper end of the pipe portion 41. Thereafter, the cooling water flows into the inside of the outlet pipe 23 from the lower end of the pipe portion 41, and then flows out of the outlet pipe 23 into the cooling circuit.

[0030] (Overall configuration of manufacturing apparatus 60) 3, the manufacturing apparatus 60 includes a support mechanism 70 and a thermal crimping mechanism 80. The support mechanism 70 supports the cap 31 with the boss 35 passing through the through-hole 49 of the lid member 45. The thermal crimping mechanism 80 thermally crimps the boss 35 of the cap 31 supported by the support mechanism 70. The thermal crimping mechanism 80 is disposed, for example, opposite the support mechanism 70 in the vertical direction. More specifically, the thermal crimping mechanism 80 is disposed above the support mechanism 70.

[0031] (Configuration of support mechanism 70) The support mechanism 70 includes a support base 71 and an elevating device 73. The support base 71 supports the end of the cap 31 on which the top wall 32 is provided. The elevating device 73 raises and lowers the support base 71 in the vertical direction.

[0032] The support base 71 is disposed below and facing the first pressing portion 100, which will be described later. The support base 71 has a recess 72 in which an end of the cap 31 is accommodated. The recess 72 opens to the upper surface of the support base 71. The inner surface of the recess 72 is shaped to fit the top wall 32 and peripheral wall 33 of the cap 31. Although not shown, an engagement portion that engages with the cap 31 is provided on the inner surface of the recess 72. Therefore, the cap 31 is positioned relative to the support base 71 by being accommodated in the recess 72.

[0033] The lifting device 73 is, for example, a linear actuator that moves the support base 71 forward and backward relative to the thermal crimping mechanism 80. The lifting device 73 moves the support base 71, which is supporting the cap 31, toward the thermal crimping mechanism 80, so that the cap 31 and the lid member 45 come into contact with the thermal crimping mechanism 80.

[0034] (Configuration of the heat crimping mechanism 80) As shown in FIG. 3 , the heat crimping mechanism 80 includes a base portion 81, three horns 90, a first pressing portion 100, four first biasing portions 110, and three limiting portions 120. The base portion 81 is flat and fixed to a frame (not shown) of the manufacturing apparatus 60. Each horn 90 heat crimps the tip of the boss 35 that penetrates the lid member 45. When each horn 90 heat crimps the boss 35, the first pressing portion 100 presses the lid member 45, with the bosses 35 penetrating, toward the cap 31. The first biasing portion 110 connects the base portion 81 and the first pressing portion 100 in a state in which the first pressing portion 100 can advance and retreat relative to the base portion 81, and biases the first pressing portion 100 in a direction away from the base portion 81.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 4, the heat crimping mechanism 80 includes a second pressing portion 130 and a second biasing portion 140. The second pressing portion 130 presses the inner annular portion 46 of the lid member 45 toward the cap 31 when each horn 90 heat crimps the boss 35. The second biasing portion 140 connects the base portion 81 and the second pressing portion 130 in a state in which the second pressing portion 130 can advance and retreat relative to the base portion 81, and biases the second pressing portion 130 in a direction away from the base portion 81. The limiting portion 120 limits the amount of movement of the first pressing portion 100 in a direction toward the base portion 81. Note that the second pressing portion 130 and the second biasing portion 140 are not shown in FIG. 3.

[0036] (Horn 90 configuration) 3, the horns 90 extend downward from the base portion 81. The three horns 90 are arranged in a circle at the same pitch as the three bosses 35. The three horns 90 are configured so that the tips of the three bosses 35 can be heat-stakingly fastened simultaneously.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 5, the tip of the horn 90 is tapered, that is, frustum-shaped, narrowing toward the tip. The tip of boss 35 can be housed inside the tip of horn 90. Infrared rays are irradiated into the inside of horn 90 by an irradiation device (not shown), thereby heating boss 35.

[0038] Horn 90 has a punch 91 that moves up and down inside horn 90 and presses boss 35. A dome-shaped recessed caulking recess is formed on the lower surface of punch 91. (Configuration of the first pressing unit 100) 4, the first pressing portion 100 has a flat plate shape. The first pressing portion 100 is disposed below the base portion 81 and parallel to the base portion 81. The first pressing portion 100 has a size sufficient to cover the entire cover member 45 in a plan view.

[0039] The first pressing portion 100 has three first accommodating holes 101 and one second accommodating hole 102. Each first accommodating hole 101 penetrates the first pressing portion 100 in the thickness direction at a position corresponding to each horn 90. The second accommodating hole 102 penetrates the first pressing portion 100 in the thickness direction at a position corresponding to the second pressing portion 130 in the center of the first pressing portion 100.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 5, each first accommodating hole 101 is tapered along the tip of horn 90. The cross-sectional shape of each first accommodating hole 101 is circular. The cross-sectional area of ​​each first accommodating hole 101 gradually decreases toward the bottom. The outer diameter of first accommodating hole 101 is larger than the outer diameter of the tip of horn 90 throughout the entire first accommodating hole 101.

[0041] Horn 90 heat-stakes the tip of boss 35 inside first accommodating hole 101. Therefore, when first pressing portion 100 presses lid member 45 toward cap 31, boss 35 is located inside first accommodating hole 101.

[0042] The cross-sectional shape of the second accommodating hole 102 is a circle that conforms to the second pressing portion 130 described below. The outer diameter of the second accommodating hole 102 is larger than the outer diameter of the second pressing portion 130. (Configuration of the first biasing portion 110) 4, the four first biasing portions 110 are arranged at the four corners of the first pressing portion 100. The first biasing portions 110 are an example of a "biasing portion."

[0043] The first biasing portion 110 includes a first cylindrical member 111, a first sliding shaft 113, and a first biasing member . 3, the first cylindrical member 111 passes through the base portion 81. At the upper end of the first cylindrical member 111, a flange 112 that is fixed to the upper surface of the base portion 81 is provided.

[0044] The first sliding shaft 113 is inserted into the first cylindrical member 111. The first sliding shaft 113 is configured to be slidable against the inner circumferential surface of the first cylindrical member 111. A disk-shaped retaining portion 114 that prevents the first sliding shaft 113 from coming off the first cylindrical member 111 is provided at the upper end of the first sliding shaft 113. The retaining portion 114 moves forward and backward relative to the upper surface of the flange 112 as the first sliding shaft 113 moves. A lower end of the first sliding shaft 113 is fixed to the upper surface of the first pressing portion 100. A flange portion 115 that faces the lower end surface of the first cylindrical member 111 is provided above the lower end of the first sliding shaft 113.

[0045] The first biasing member 116 is, for example, a compression coil spring. The first sliding shaft 113 is inserted into the first biasing member 116. The first biasing member 116 is disposed between the flange portion 115 and the first cylindrical member 111. The first biasing member 116 biases the first sliding shaft 113 downward via the flange portion 115. As a result, the first pressing portion 100 is biased in a direction away from the base portion 81.

[0046] (Configuration of restriction unit 120) As shown in FIG. 4, the three limiting portions 120 are arranged in a circle around the three horns 90.

[0047] 3, the limiting portion 120 includes an upper stopper 121 and a lower stopper 122. The upper stopper 121 protrudes from the lower surface of the base portion 81 toward the first pressing portion 100. The lower stopper 122 protrudes from the upper surface of the first pressing portion 100 toward the base portion 81. The upper stopper 121 and the lower stopper 122 face each other in the up-down direction.

[0048] In a state where no external force is acting on the first pressing portion 100 in a direction toward the base portion 81, a gap is provided between the upper stopper 121 and the lower stopper 122. When the first pressing portion 100 moves toward the base portion 81, the lower stopper 122 comes into contact with the upper stopper 121. This limits the movement of the first pressing portion 100 in the direction toward the base portion 81. In other words, the maximum amount of movement of the first pressing portion 100 in the direction toward the base portion 81 is the size of the gap between the upper stopper 121 and the lower stopper 122 described above.

[0049] (Configuration of second pressing portion 130) 5, the second pressing portion 130 has a main body portion 131 and an annular portion 132. The main body portion 131 is cylindrical. The annular portion 132 protrudes downward from the outer peripheral edge of the lower surface of the main body portion 131 along the entire circumference.

[0050] In a plan view, the main body portion 131 has a size sufficient to cover the entire inner annular portion 46. The main body portion 131 comes into contact with a protruding end surface of the inner annular portion 46 that protrudes in the same direction as the boss 35 from the surface of the cover member 45 that comes into contact with the first pressing portion 100.

[0051] The annular portion 132 surrounds the inner annular portion 46. The annular portion 132 is the surface of the cover member 45 that comes into contact with the first pressing portion 100, and comes into contact with the surface of the cover member 45 where the through hole 49 opens.

[0052] (Configuration of second biasing portion 140) The second biasing portion 140 includes a second cylindrical member 141 , a second sliding shaft 143 , and a second biasing member 145 .

[0053] The second cylindrical member 141 passes through the base portion 81. The upper end of the second cylindrical member 141 is provided with a flange 142 that is fixed to the upper surface of the base. The second sliding shaft 143 is inserted into the second cylindrical member 141. The second sliding shaft 143 is configured to be slidable against the inner circumferential surface of the second cylindrical member 141. A disk-shaped retaining portion 144 that prevents the second sliding shaft 143 from coming off the second cylindrical member 141 is provided at the upper end of the second sliding shaft 143. The retaining portion 144 moves forward and backward relative to the upper surface of the flange 142 as the second sliding shaft 143 moves. The lower end of the second sliding shaft 143 is fixed to the upper surface of the second pressing portion 130.

[0054] The second biasing member 145 is, for example, a compression coil spring. The second sliding shaft 143 is inserted into the second biasing member 145. The second biasing member 145 is disposed between the lower end of the second sliding shaft 143 and the second cylindrical member 141. The second biasing member 145 biases the second sliding shaft 143 downward. As a result, the second pressing portion 130 is biased in a direction away from the base portion 81.

[0055] <Operation of this embodiment> An example of the procedure by which the manufacturing apparatus 60 fixes the lid member 45 to the cap 31 will be described. As shown in FIG. 4, first, the cap 31 with the boss 35 penetrating the lid member 45 is placed on the support base 71 by an operator or a device such as a robot.

[0056] Next, the lifting device 73 raises the support base 71 by a predetermined amount. As the support base 71 rises, the cover member 45 presses the first pressing portion 100 and the second pressing portion 130 from below, causing the first pressing portion 100 and the second pressing portion 130 to rise. At this time, the first biasing member 116 and the second biasing member 145 are compressed, so that the first pressing portion 100 and the second pressing portion 130 press the cover member 45 toward the cap 31.

[0057] 5, in a state in which the lid member 45 is pressed toward the cap 31 by the first pressing portion 100 and the second pressing portion 130, the tip end of each boss 35 that penetrates the lid member 45 is located inside each horn 90. At this time, the punch 91 of each horn 90 is located above the tip end of the boss 35.

[0058] Next, each horn 90 irradiates the tip of the boss 35 inside the horn 90 with infrared rays, thereby heating and softening the tip of the boss 35. 6, the punch 91 of each horn 90 is then lowered to apply pressure to the softened tip of the boss 35, thereby heat-caulking it, so that the tip of each boss 35 is formed into a dome shape.

[0059] Next, while the punch 91 is pressing the tip of the boss 35, air is supplied, for example, into the inside of the horn 90, thereby cooling the punch 91 and the tip of the boss 35. Thereafter, the punch 91 moves up, and thereby moves away from the tip of the boss 35.

[0060] In this embodiment, while the first pressing portion 100 and the second pressing portion 130 press the lid member 45 toward the cap 31, the three horns 90 simultaneously heat-stake the tip portions of the three bosses 35 in the manner described above.

[0061] In this manner, the lid member 45 is fixed to the cap 31. <Effects of this embodiment> (1) The manufacturing device 60 includes a first pressing unit 100 and a plurality of horns 90. The first pressing unit 100 presses the lid member 45, through which a plurality of bosses 35 penetrate, toward the cap 31. Each horn 90 is configured to heat-stake the tip of the boss 35 inside the first receiving hole 101 of the first pressing unit 100.

[0062] According to the above configuration, with the lid member 45 pressed against the cap 31 by the first pressing portion 100, the tip of the boss 35 is heat-stakingly fastened by the multiple horns 90 inside the first accommodating hole 101 of the first pressing portion 100. Therefore, compared to when the horns 90 are positioned outside the first pressing portion 100, the periphery of the portion of the lid member 45 through which the boss 35 penetrates is more easily pressed by the first pressing portion 100. This makes it possible to prevent the lid member 45 from being fixed in a state where it is floating relative to its correct fixed position. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the ion exchange resin R from leaking from the gap between the cap 31 and the lid member 45.

[0063] (2) The manufacturing apparatus 60 includes a limiting unit 120 that limits the amount of movement of the first pressing unit 100 in a direction toward the base unit 81. The first pressing unit 100 is configured to press the lid member 45 toward the cap 31 when the support mechanism 70, which supports the cap 31, approaches the first pressing unit 100.

[0064] According to the above configuration, when the support mechanism 70 supporting the cap 31 approaches the first pressing portion 100, the first pressing portion 100, to which the biasing force of the first biasing portion 110 is applied, presses the lid member 45 toward the cap 31. However, if the first pressing portion 100 approaches too close to the base portion 81, the load acting on the manufacturing apparatus 60 may increase. In particular, because each horn 90 is located inside the first housing hole 101, there is a risk that the lid member 45 may be pressed against the horn 90.

[0065] In this regard, according to the above configuration, the limiting portion 120 limits the amount of movement of the first pressing portion 100 in the direction approaching the base portion 81. Therefore, an increase in the load acting on the manufacturing apparatus 60 can be suppressed.

[0066] (3) The manufacturing device 60 includes the second pressing portion 130 that presses the inner annular portion 46 housed in the second housing hole 102 toward the cap 31 . According to the above configuration, the surface of lid member 45 from which the tip of boss 35 protrudes is pressed toward cap 31 by first pressing portion 100, and the inner annular portion 46 of lid member 45 is pressed toward cap 31 by second pressing portion 130. As a result, the portion of lid member 45 that is not in contact with first pressing portion 100 is pressed toward cap 31 by second pressing portion 130. This makes it possible to further prevent lid member 45 from being fixed in a floating state relative to the correct fixed position.

[0067] (4) The tip of each horn 90 is tapered so that the width becomes narrower toward the tip. Each first receiving hole 101 is tapered along the tip of the horn 90. According to the above configuration, each first accommodating hole 101 is tapered along the tip of horn 90, so that the opening area of ​​first accommodating hole 101 at the contact surface of first pressing portion 100 with lid member 45 can be reduced. In other words, the contact area between first pressing portion 100 and lid member 45 can be increased. This further prevents lid member 45 from being fixed in a floating state relative to the normal fixing position.

[0068] (5) The three horns 90 are configured so that the tips of the three bosses 35 can be heat-stakingly fastened simultaneously. For example, when three horns 90 sequentially heat-stake three bosses 35, the peripheral portion of the next boss 35 to be heat-staken on the lid member 45 may float relative to its normal fixed position due to stress acting on the peripheral portion of the boss 35 that has already been heat-staken on the lid member 45. If the remaining bosses 35 are heat-staken in this state, the cap 31 and the lid member 45 may be fixed in a state in which the peripheral portion of the boss 35 on the lid member 45 floats relative to its normal fixed position.

[0069] In this regard, according to the above configuration, the tip ends of the three bosses 35 are thermally caulked simultaneously by the three horns 90, so that the above-mentioned inconvenience can be suppressed. <Example of change> This embodiment can be modified as follows: This embodiment and the following modifications can be combined and implemented within the scope of technical compatibility.

[0070] The three horns 90 may be heat-stakingly attached to the three bosses 35. For example, the three horns 90 may be heat-stakingly attached to the three bosses 35 in a number of times equal to or less than the number of the bosses 35.

[0071] Each first accommodating hole 101 may have a uniform cross-sectional shape and size in the thickness direction of the first pressing portion 100. In this case, the tip of each horn 90 does not have to be tapered. The manufacturing apparatus 60 does not have to include the second pressing unit 130. In this case, for example, the first pressing unit 100 may have a recess having an inner surface that contacts the inner annular portion 46, instead of the second accommodating hole 102.

[0072] The protruding portion is not limited to the inner annular portion 46 as long as it protrudes in the same direction as the boss 35 from the surface of the cover member 45 that comes into contact with the first pressing portion 100 . The first pressing portion 100 does not have to move forward and backward relative to the base portion 81. Even in this case, when the support mechanism 70 approaches the thermal crimping mechanism 80, the first pressing portion 100 presses the lid member 45 toward the cap 31.

[0073] The support mechanism 70 and the first pressing unit 100 may move relatively in the horizontal direction as long as they move closer to each other. Also, the thermal crimping mechanism 80 may move forward and backward relative to the support mechanism 70, or both the support mechanism 70 and the thermal crimping mechanism 80 may move forward and backward relative to each other.

[0074] The horn 90 may be of a type that generates Joule heat in the punch 91 to perform impulse welding to thermally caulk the boss 35 . The cap 31 may have two bosses 35, or may have four or more bosses 35. In this case, the manufacturing apparatus 60 only needs to be equipped with the number of horns 90 corresponding to the number of bosses 35.

[0075] <Additional Notes> The above embodiment includes the configurations described in the following supplementary notes. [Appendix 1] An apparatus for manufacturing an ion exchange cartridge, which is applied to the manufacture of an ion exchange cartridge including a cylindrical cap having an opening and containing ion exchange resin, and a lid member covering the opening, and which fixes the lid member to the cap by heat-caulking a plurality of bosses protruding from the cap and penetrating the lid member, the apparatus comprising: a pressing unit that presses the lid member with the plurality of bosses penetrating toward the cap; and a plurality of horns that heat-caulk the tip ends of the plurality of bosses, each of which has a plurality of accommodating holes into which the tip ends of the plurality of bosses are respectively accommodated, and each of the horns is configured to heat-caulk the tip end of the boss inside the accommodating hole.

[0076] [Appendix 2] The manufacturing device for an ion exchange cartridge described in [Appendix 1], comprising: a base portion; a biasing portion that connects the base portion and the pressing portion while the pressing portion can advance and retreat relative to the base portion and biases the pressing portion in a direction away from the base portion; a limiting portion that limits the amount of movement of the pressing portion in a direction toward the base portion; and a support mechanism that is arranged opposite the pressing portion in the biasing direction of the pressing portion and supports the cap, wherein the pressing portion is configured to press the lid member toward the cap by relative movement between the support mechanism that is supporting the cap and the pressing portion so that they approach each other.

[0077] [Appendix 3] When the pressing portion is a first pressing portion and the accommodating hole is a first accommodating hole, the cover member has a protrusion that protrudes in the same direction as the boss from the surface of the cover member that contacts the first pressing portion, the first pressing portion has a second accommodating hole in which the protrusion is accommodated, and the manufacturing apparatus is equipped with a second pressing portion that presses the protrusion accommodated in the second accommodating hole toward the cap, an apparatus for manufacturing an ion exchanger cartridge described in [Appendix 1] or [Appendix 2].

[0078] [Appendix 4] The manufacturing device for an ion exchange cartridge described in any one of [Appendix 1] to [Appendix 3], wherein the tip of each of the horns is tapered to become narrower toward the tip, and each of the storage holes is tapered along the tip of the horn.

[0079] [Appendix 5] The manufacturing device for an ion exchange cartridge according to any one of [Appendix 1] to [Appendix 4], wherein the plurality of horns are configured to be capable of simultaneously heat crimping the tip portions of the plurality of bosses. [Explanation of symbols]

[0080] R...Ion exchange resin 10...Ion exchanger 30...Cartridge 31...Cap 35...Boss 45...Cover member 46...Inner annular part (protruding part) 60...Manufacturing equipment 70...Support mechanism 81...Base 90...Horn 100...First pressing part 101...First storage hole 102...Second storage hole 110...First biasing section (biasing section) 120...Restricted section 130...Second pressing part

Claims

1. An apparatus for manufacturing an ion exchange cartridge, the apparatus being adapted to manufacture an ion exchange cartridge including a cylindrical cap having an opening and containing an ion exchange resin, and a lid member covering the opening, the apparatus fixing the lid member to the cap by heat caulking a plurality of bosses projecting from the cap and penetrating the lid member, a pressing portion that presses the lid member, through which the plurality of bosses pass, toward the cap; a plurality of horns for heat-staking the tip portions of the plurality of bosses, the pressing portion has a plurality of accommodation holes into which tip ends of the plurality of bosses are respectively accommodated, Each of the horns is configured to heat stake a tip of the boss within the receiving hole. Manufacturing equipment for ion exchange cartridges.

2. A base portion; a biasing portion that connects the base portion and the pressing portion in a state in which the pressing portion can advance and retreat relative to the base portion and biases the pressing portion in a direction away from the base portion; a limiting portion that limits the amount of movement of the pressing portion in a direction toward the base portion; a support mechanism that is disposed opposite the pressing portion in the biasing direction of the pressing portion and supports the cap, The pressing portion is configured to press the lid member toward the cap by moving the support mechanism supporting the cap and the pressing portion relative to each other so as to approach each other. An apparatus for manufacturing the cartridge for an ion exchanger according to claim 1.

3. When the pressing portion is a first pressing portion and the accommodating hole is a first accommodating hole, the lid member has a protruding portion that protrudes in the same direction as the boss from a surface of the lid member that comes into contact with the first pressing portion, the first pressing portion has a second receiving hole in which the protruding portion is received, the manufacturing apparatus includes a second pressing portion that presses the protruding portion accommodated in the second accommodating hole toward the cap. An apparatus for manufacturing the cartridge for an ion exchanger according to claim 1.

4. The tip of each of the horns is tapered so that the width becomes narrower toward the tip, Each of the receiving holes is tapered along the tip of the horn. An apparatus for manufacturing the cartridge for an ion exchanger according to claim 1.

5. The plurality of horns are configured to be capable of simultaneously heat-staking the tip portions of the plurality of bosses. An apparatus for manufacturing the cartridge for an ion exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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