Manufacturing method of container

Abstract

The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a container body that allows for the joining of component members to achieve the desired fit or uniform contact state, even when it is not possible to form holes for inserting positioning pins on the general surface of the component members or when the edges of the component members to be joined together have a three-dimensional shape. [Solution] In a method for manufacturing a container body by joining connecting parts, which are portions where the edges of multiple components are fitted together or in contact with each other, a reference surface is provided on the general part of the upper component of at least a portion of a pair of components that face each other in the vertical direction, and a contact surface corresponding to the reference surface is provided on at least a portion of the jigs, and the upper component and the lower component are held in a predetermined positional relationship by bringing the reference surface and the contact surface into contact.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a container body.

Background Art

[0002] For example, as components such as an exhaust manifold, a catalytic converter, and a muffler as exhaust system components of an internal combustion engine, a container body formed by integrating a plurality of pairs of half bodies (also referred to as "monaka") formed by press molding is frequently used. Such a container body is formed by performing linear welding on the edges in a state where the open-side edges (cut surfaces) of the plurality of pairs of half bodies are fitted or abutted against each other to join the half bodies.

[0003] When fitting and joining the edges of the half bodies, it is necessary that the fitting allowance between the edges at the fitting portion is of a desired size. Also, when abutting and joining the edges of the half bodies, it is necessary that the edges of the half bodies to be joined abut evenly. That is, when joining the half bodies, it is necessary that the half bodies to be joined are held in a predetermined positional relationship so that a desired fitting allowance or an even abutting state is achieved.

[0004] However, for example, when the open-side edges of a pair of half bodies are opposed to each other in the vertical direction, the lower half body can be supported in a correct posture relatively easily by placing it on a jig, while it is difficult to hold the upper half body in the above-described predetermined positional relationship with respect to the lower half body. As a result, for example, a portion where the desired fitting allowance is not achieved, or a portion where the edges at the fitting portion are inclined with respect to each other and do not sufficiently contact, or a portion where the edges of the half bodies do not abut and there is a gap may occur, and for example, it may be difficult to join the half bodies with the desired strength or sealing degree.

[0005] To address the above problem, the method for manufacturing a welded structure described in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent No. 6098630) involves inserting positioning pins into holes formed in the lower and upper halves, respectively, to position the lower and upper halves horizontally, and positioning the upper half vertically by bringing its end edge into contact with an L-shaped flange provided on the lower half. While maintaining this position, the ends are joined together by linear fillet welding. Therefore, this method ensures that the relative positions of the ends of the welded parts in the horizontal and vertical directions are appropriately maintained, thus achieving good fillet welding.

[0006] However, the above effect cannot be achieved unless the following conditions are met: holes for inserting positioning pins are formed in the general surfaces (the general surfaces of the parts that are not the edges) of the lower and upper halves, the edges of the lower and upper halves each lie within a single plane, and each of these single planes is parallel to the general surfaces of the lower and upper halves. In other words, the above method cannot be applied if holes for inserting positioning pins cannot be formed in the general surfaces of the lower and upper halves, or if the edges of the lower and upper halves have a three-dimensional shape.

[0007] As described above, in the technical field, there is a need for a method for manufacturing a container body and a container body that can be manufactured by joining components together while achieving the desired fit or uniform contact state, even when it is not possible to form holes for inserting positioning pins on the general surface of the components or when the edges of the components to be joined together have a three-dimensional shape. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6098630 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0009] As described above, in this technical field, there is a need for a method for manufacturing a container body and a container body that can be manufactured by joining components together while achieving the desired fit or uniform contact state, even when it is not possible to form holes for inserting positioning pins on the general surface of the components or when the edges of the components to be joined together have a three-dimensional shape. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] Therefore, as a result of diligent research, the inventors have found that in a method for manufacturing a container body by joining connecting parts, which are portions where the edges of multiple constituent members are fitted or abutted together, a reference surface is provided on the general part of the upper constituent member in at least a portion of a pair of constituent members that face each other in the vertical direction, and a contact surface corresponding to the reference surface is provided on at least a portion of the jigs, and by bringing the reference surface and the contact surface into contact, the upper constituent member and the lower constituent member can be held in a predetermined positional relationship, thereby solving the above problem. In this specification, "vertical direction" means the vertical direction. That is, the upper part in the vertical direction is the upper side in the vertical direction, and the upper part on the plane of the attached drawing. On the other hand, the lower part in the vertical direction is the lower side in the vertical direction, and the lower part on the plane of the attached drawing.

[0011] Specifically, the method for manufacturing a container body according to the present invention (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "the present invention method") is a method for manufacturing a container body having an opening by joining connecting parts, which are portions where the edges of a plurality of constituent members are fitted together or abutted against each other. The first method includes the following pre-assembly steps, a support step, and a joining step.

[0012] The preliminary assembly process is a process of assembling intermediate bodies by fitting or abutting the edges of multiple component members together. The support process involves placing the intermediate body on one or more predetermined outer jigs and inserting one or more predetermined inner jigs into the intermediate body through the opening, thereby supporting the constituent members of the intermediate body in a predetermined position and orientation. The joining process is the process of manufacturing a container body by joining the connecting parts.

[0013] In the method of the present invention, in at least a portion of a pair of constituent members that face each other in the vertical direction in the intermediate body, a reference surface is provided in the general portion, which is the portion other than the edge portion that extends toward the edge of the upper constituent member, which is the upper constituent member, and which is a surface formed with a predetermined shape and angle.

[0014] Furthermore, at least a portion of the jig supporting the intermediate body is provided with an inner contact surface, which is a surface formed with a shape and angle corresponding to a reference surface provided on the general part of the upper member.

[0015] In addition, during the support process, the inner contact surface of the jig supporting the intermediate body is brought into contact with the reference surface of the upper member from the inside of the intermediate body, thereby holding the lower member, which is the lower component that forms a pair with the upper member, and the upper member in a predetermined positional relationship.

[0016] As described above, in the present invention, an intermediate body is assembled by fitting or abutting the edges of multiple constituent members together, and then the intermediate body is supported in a predetermined position and orientation by a predetermined jig, and the edges of the multiple constituent members are joined together to manufacture the container body. Furthermore, in the present invention, as will be described in detail later, the container body can also be manufactured by setting the constituent members that make up the container body in a predetermined jig, fitting or abutting the edges of the constituent members together to assemble an intermediate body, and then joining the edges of the constituent members together. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] As described above, in the method of the present invention, a reference plane is provided on at least the general portion of the upper member among the constituent members facing each other in the vertical direction, a contact surface corresponding to the reference plane is provided on the inner jig, and the reference plane provided in the upper member is brought into contact with the contact surface provided in the inner jig to hold the upper member and the lower member in a predetermined positional relationship.

[0018] Therefore, according to the method of the present invention, even when it is impossible to form a hole for inserting a positioning pin in the general surface of the constituent member or when the edges of the constituent members to be joined to each other have a three-dimensional shape, the constituent members can be joined to manufacture a container body while achieving a desired fitting margin or an even contact state.

[0019] Other objects, other features, and attendant advantages of the present invention will be readily understood from the description of each embodiment of the present invention described while referring to the following drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020] [Figure 1] It is a flowchart exemplifying the flow of each step included in the method for manufacturing a container body (first method) according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a container body according to the prior art. [Figure 3] It is a schematic view showing an example of a state in which an intermediate body integrated by fitting the edges of the constituent members constituting the container body illustrated in FIG. 2 to each other in a temporary assembly step is supported by a jig according to the prior art in a support step. [Figure 4] It is a schematic view exemplifying the fitting state of the edges of the constituent members at the fitting portion of the intermediate body integrated by fitting the edges of the constituent members as half bodies to each other. [Figure 5] It is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a container body manufactured by the first method. [Figure 6]FIG. 5 shows an example of a state in which an intermediate body integrated by fitting the edges of the constituent members constituting the container body to each other in a temporary assembly process is supported by a jig according to the first method in a support process. [Figure 7] FIG. 3 shows an example of a state in which an intermediate body is supported by a jig in a support process included in the first method according to Modification 1-1. [Figure 8] FIG. 6 shows an example of a state in which an intermediate body is supported by a jig in a support process included in the method for manufacturing a container body (second method) according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 shows an example of a state in which an intermediate body integrated by fitting the edges of the constituent members constituting the container body constituting one composite container body manufactured by the method for manufacturing a container body (third method) according to the third embodiment of the present invention to each other in a temporary assembly process is supported by a jig according to the first method in a support process. [Figure 10] FIG. 12 shows an example of a state in which a composite intermediate body, which is an intermediate body integrated by fitting the openings of the container body illustrated in FIG. 5 and the container body manufactured from the intermediate body illustrated in FIG. 9 to each other, is supported by a composite jig according to the third method. [Figure 11] FIG. 15 shows a schematic diagram illustrating one modification of the support form of the composite intermediate body by the jig according to the third method illustrated in FIG. 10. [Figure 12] FIG. 18 shows a schematic perspective view of an example of a state in which an intermediate body integrated by fitting the edges of the constituent members constituting the container body constituting another composite container body manufactured by the third method to each other in a temporary assembly process is supported by a jig according to the first method in a support process. [Figure 13] FIG. 21 shows a schematic perspective view illustrating the configuration of the other container body joined to the container body manufactured from the intermediate body illustrated in FIG. 12 by the third method to form a composite container body. [Figure 14] FIG. 24 shows a schematic perspective view illustrating the configuration of a composite container body manufactured from a container body by performing a composite process included in the third method. [Figure 15] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a composite intermediate, which is an intermediate body assembled by fitting together the container bodies that make up the composite container body illustrated in Figure 14, being supported by a jig according to the third method. [Figure 16] This is a schematic perspective view illustrating the structure of a composite container manufactured by indirectly joining composite containers together via other components. [Figure 17] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a composite intermediate, which is an intermediate body assembled by fitting together the composite container body and cylindrical member that constitute the composite container body illustrated in Figure 16, being supported by a jig according to the third method. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0021] 《First Embodiment》 The method for manufacturing a container according to the first embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "first method") will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0022] <composition> The first method is a method for manufacturing a container body having an opening, which involves joining connecting parts, which are portions where the edges of multiple components are fitted together or abutted against each other. The use of the container body manufactured by the first method is not particularly limited, and examples include its use as a component of an exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, and muffler, which are exhaust system parts for an internal combustion engine.

[0023] Furthermore, the materials of the constituent components that make up the container body are not particularly limited as long as they can withstand the environment in which the container body is used, and various materials such as resins, metals, and ceramic materials can be used. Typically, the materials of the constituent components are metals such as lead, tin, aluminum, copper, zirconium, titanium, molybdenum, vanadium, niobium, and iron (including steel). Also, when the constituent components are formed from such metal materials, the individual constituent components can be formed by press working from, for example, a metal plate. Moreover, the composition of the constituent components that make up the container body (e.g., size, shape, and number) is not particularly limited as long as it is possible to manufacture the desired container body by joining the edges of the constituent components together.

[0024] As illustrated in Figure 1, the first method includes the following pre-assembly steps, support steps, and joining steps.

[0025] The temporary assembly process performed in step S10 is a process of assembling an intermediate body by fitting or abutting the edges of multiple component members together.

[0026] The specific means for assembling the intermediate body in the temporary assembly process are not particularly limited. For example, the intermediate body may be assembled by manually fitting or bringing the edges of multiple components together, or the intermediate body may be assembled by using a mechanism such as a robot arm to fit or bring the edges of multiple components, which are held by a gripping hand or suction hand, together.

[0027] The support step performed in step S20 is a step of supporting the components constituting the intermediate body in a predetermined position and orientation using one or more predetermined jigs.

[0028] The configuration of the jig used to support the components constituting the intermediate body in the support process is not particularly limited, and can be appropriately selected from various jigs commonly used in methods for manufacturing container bodies by joining connection parts, which are the parts where the edges of multiple components are fitted or abutted together, according to the configuration of the container body to be manufactured. Specific examples of such jigs include, for example, a so-called "V-shaped support jig" having a V-shaped recess on its upper surface on which the intermediate body is placed, and a so-called "core metal" that is inserted into the opening of the intermediate body to support it from the inside.

[0029] Furthermore, the specific means for supporting the intermediate body with a jig in the support process are not particularly limited. For example, the intermediate body may be set in the jig by hand, or it may be set in the jig by a mechanism such as a robot arm that was used to grip the intermediate body in the temporary assembly process.

[0030] The joining process performed in step S30 is a process of manufacturing a container body by joining the connecting parts.

[0031] The specific means for joining the connection portion, which is the part where the edges of multiple components are fitted or abutted together in the joining process, are not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected according to the material of the components and / or the strength, airtightness and / or heat resistance required of the container in the intended use of the container. As mentioned above, typically the material of the components is a metal, such as lead, tin, aluminum, copper, zirconium, titanium, molybdenum, vanadium, niobium, and iron (including steel).

[0032] When the material of the component is metal, linear welding such as fillet welding can be used as a means of joining the edges of the component. In particular, when joining the edges of component by fillet welding, as is well known to those skilled in the art, it is necessary that the area in which the edges of the component to be joined are fitted or in contact with each other extends in a substantially horizontal direction. From this viewpoint as well, in order to achieve a good joining state and manufacture a container body that has, for example, the desired strength and / or airtightness, it is important to keep the component to be joined at a predetermined positional relationship.

[0033] Here, the prior art method for manufacturing a container body, mentioned at the beginning of this specification, will be described again below in comparison with the first method.

[0034] Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a conventional container. The container 10c illustrated in Figure 2 is composed of a pair of component members 20a and 20b that are arranged as halves facing each other in the vertical direction at the time of manufacturing the container 10c by joining their edges together.

[0035] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of how an intermediate body 10m, assembled by fitting together the edges of the constituent members 20a and 20b that make up the container body 10c illustrated in Figure 2 during a temporary assembly process, is supported in the support process by a jig according to the prior art. The jig illustrated in Figure 3 consists of an outer jig 30 that supports the intermediate body 10m from the outside below and an inner jig 40 that supports the intermediate body 10m from the inside. The outer jig 30 illustrated in Figure 3 is a so-called "V-shaped support jig" having a V-shaped recess on its upper surface on which the intermediate body 10m is placed. On the other hand, the inner jig 40 illustrated in Figure 3 is a so-called "core metal" that is inserted into the opening of the intermediate body 10m and supports the intermediate body 10m from the inside.

[0036] As mentioned above, when joining the edges of such halves of components 20a and 20b by fitting them together, the fitting allowance between the edges at the fitting portion (the area enclosed by the thick dashed line in Figure 3) must be of the desired size. Furthermore, when joining the edges of components 20a and 20b by bringing them into contact, the edges of the components 20a and 20b to be joined must be in even contact. In other words, when manufacturing a container body 10c by joining components 20a and 20b, the intermediate body 10m consisting of components 20a and 20b must be assembled, and components 20a and 20b must be held in a predetermined positional relationship so that the desired fitting allowance or even contact state is achieved.

[0037] As illustrated in Figure 3, when the open edges of a pair of halves of components 20a and 20b are positioned facing each other vertically, the lower half, component 20a, can be relatively easily supported in the correct position by placing it on the outer jig 30. However, it is difficult to maintain the upper half, component 20b, in the predetermined positional relationship with respect to the lower half, component 20a. As a result, problems may arise, such as the desired fitting allowance not being achieved, resulting in parts where the fitting allowance is too small or too large, or where the edges of the fitting portion are inclined and not in sufficient contact with each other, making it difficult to join components 20a and 20b with the desired strength or degree of airtightness.

[0038] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the fitted state of the edges of constituent members 20a and 20b in the fitted portion (corresponding to the area enclosed by the thick dashed line in Figure 3) of the intermediate body 10m, which is assembled by fitting the edges of constituent members 20a and 20b together as halves. Figure 4(a) illustrates a state in which constituent members 20a and 20b are fitted together with the desired fit allowance. In this case, for example, constituent members 20a and 20b can be joined with the desired strength or degree of airtightness.

[0039] In contrast to the above, Figure 4(b) illustrates a state where the fitting allowance is excessively small, Figure 4(c) illustrates a state where the fitting allowance is excessively large, and Figure 4(d) illustrates a state where the components 20a and 20b are not in a predetermined positional relationship and their open edges are inclined toward each other. As illustrated in Figure 4(b), if there is a portion where the fitting allowance is excessively small, defects such as holes may occur in the welding of the fitting portion, and problems such as difficulty in joining the components 20a and 20b with the desired strength or degree of airtightness may occur. Also, as illustrated in Figure 4(c), if there is a portion where the fitting allowance is excessively large and / or as illustrated in Figure 4(d), if there is a portion where the edges are inclined toward each other and do not make sufficient contact, defects such as weld condensation may occur in the welding of the fitting portion, and problems such as difficulty in joining the components 20a and 20b with the desired strength may occur.

[0040] Similarly, when joining the two halves of the constituent members 20a and 20b by bringing their edges into contact, if the upper half, constituent member 20b, cannot be held in the predetermined positional relationship with respect to the lower half, constituent member 20a, then, for example, there may be areas where the edges of constituent members 20a and 20b are not in contact and there are gaps, which may result in problems such as difficulty in joining constituent members 20a and 20b with the desired strength or degree of airtightness.

[0041] Therefore, in the first method, in at least a portion of the pair of constituent members that face each other in the vertical direction in the intermediate body, a reference surface is provided in the general portion, which is the part other than the edge portion that extends toward the edge of the upper constituent member, which is the upper constituent member, and which is a surface formed with a predetermined shape and angle.

[0042] In other words, at least one pair of components among the multiple components constituting the container body manufactured by the first method are arranged as so-called "half-bodies" or "split half-bodies" so as to face each other in the vertical direction during the support process. Furthermore, among the multiple components constituting the container body, there may be only one pair of components arranged as half-bodies facing each other in the vertical direction during the support process, or there may be multiple such pairs.

[0043] Furthermore, among the multiple components constituting the container body, there may be a mixture of pairs of components arranged as halves facing each other in the vertical direction during the support process, and pairs of components arranged as halves facing each other in directions other than vertical during the support process. Alternatively, all pairs of components constituting the container body may be arranged as halves facing each other in the vertical direction during the support process. Moreover, components constituting a pair of components whose edges are joined together may form another pair with other components that do not form that pair.

[0044] Furthermore, a reference surface is provided on the general portion of at least the upper member of at least one pair of component members that are arranged to face each other in the vertical direction during the support process. Note that a reference surface may be provided on the general portion of the upper member of all pairs of component members that are arranged to face each other in the vertical direction during the support process. Also, a reference surface may be provided on the general portion of the lower member of a pair of component members that are arranged to face each other in the vertical direction during the support process, and / or on the general portion of the upper member and / or lower member of a pair of component members that are arranged to face each other in directions other than vertical during the support process.

[0045] Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the structure of a container body manufactured by the first method. The container body 11c illustrated in Figure 5 is composed of a pair of component members 21a and 21b, which are arranged as halves facing each other in the vertical direction at the time of manufacturing the container body 11c by joining their edges together. Component members 21a and 21b face each other in the vertical direction, and the general portion of the upper component member 21b is provided with a reference surface RP, which is a surface formed at a predetermined shape and angle. The container body 11c also has a relatively large opening OP1 formed on the left side of the drawing and a relatively small opening OP2 formed on the right side of the drawing.

[0046] Furthermore, at least a portion of the jig supporting the intermediate body is provided with an inner contact surface, which is a surface formed with a shape and angle corresponding to a reference surface provided on the general part of the upper member.

[0047] As described above, the inner contact surface provided on at least a portion of the jig supporting the intermediate body is a surface formed with a shape and angle corresponding to the reference surface provided on the general part of the upper member. In other words, the shape and angle of the inner contact surface are determined so that the contact between the inner contact surface and the reference surface can uniquely determine at least the orientation of the upper member (e.g., orientation and / or angle in three-dimensional space). Typically, the inner contact surface and the reference surface are planes formed with a predetermined shape and angle, but they may be other than planes, such as curved surfaces or uneven surfaces, as long as the above requirements are satisfied.

[0048] In addition, during the support process, the inner contact surface of the jig supporting the intermediate body is brought into contact with the reference surface of the upper member from the inside of the intermediate body, thereby holding the lower member, which is the lower component that forms a pair with the upper member, and the upper member in a predetermined positional relationship.

[0049] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of how an intermediate body 11m, assembled by fitting together the edges of the constituent members 21a and 21b that constitute the container body 11c illustrated in Figure 5 during the temporary assembly process, is supported by a jig according to the first method during the support process. The jig illustrated in Figure 6, like the example shown in Figure 3, is also composed of an outer jig 31 that supports the intermediate body 11m from the outside below and an inner jig 41 that supports the intermediate body 11m from the inside. The outer jig 31 illustrated in Figure 6 is a V-shaped support jig having a V-shaped recess on its upper surface on which a relatively large opening OP1 formed on the left side of the intermediate body 11m (as viewed from the drawing) and a relatively small opening OP2 formed on the right side (as viewed from the drawing) are placed. On the other hand, the inner jig 41 illustrated in Figure 6 is a core metal that is inserted into the interior of the intermediate body 11m from the left opening OP1 and supports the intermediate body 11m from the inside.

[0050] However, in the inner jig 41 illustrated in Figure 6, unlike the inner jig 40 illustrated in Figure 3, the inner contact surface ICP, which is a surface formed with a shape and angle corresponding to the reference surface RP provided on the general part of the upper member component 21b, is provided at the tip of the projection 41p erected on the inner jig 41. Therefore, in the support step included in the first method, as illustrated in Figure 6, the reference surface RP provided on the upper member component 21b and the inner contact surface ICP provided on the inner jig 41 are brought into contact, and the lower component 21a and component 21b, which are paired with component 21b, can be held in a predetermined positional relationship.

[0051] In the example shown in Figure 6, an inner contact surface ICP is provided at the tip of the projection 41p erected on the inner jig 41, as described above. However, the projection 41p is not an essential component; the inner contact surface ICP only needs to be provided so as to contact the reference surface RP and hold the component 21a and component 21b in a predetermined positional relationship.

[0052] Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 6, the inner jig 41 is provided with an inner contact surface ICP as described above. However, depending on the configuration of the container body to be manufactured by the first method and / or the configuration of the constituent members of the container body, the inner contact surface may be provided on the outer jig or another jig (for example, a separate jig provided for the purpose of providing the inner contact surface).

[0053] Furthermore, the inner contact surface is not necessarily limited to holding the components in a predetermined positional relationship solely through contact with the reference surface. For example, it may also hold the components in a predetermined positional relationship through a combination of contact between the component and another jig that contacts the component or another part of the jig on which the inner contact surface is provided, and contact between the inner contact surface and the reference surface.

[0054] In addition, the inner contact surface is not necessarily limited to uniquely determining the orientation of the upper member solely through contact with a reference surface provided on the upper member. For example, the orientation of the upper member may be uniquely determined by a combination of contact between the upper member and other jigs that contact the upper member or other parts of the jig on which the outer contact surface is provided, and contact between the inner contact surface and the reference surface.

[0055] Incidentally, if there is a part of the connection that is difficult or impossible to join in the orientation of the intermediate body supported during the support process, the support process may be repeated to re-support the intermediate body in an orientation that makes joining that part easy or possible, and then the joining process may be repeated. Furthermore, if necessary, this routine consisting of the support process and the joining process may be repeated multiple times.

[0056] Furthermore, the above describes how to maintain the desired positional relationship of multiple components constituting the container body to be manufactured by bringing the inner contact surface and the reference surface into contact. However, it is also possible to verify the shape accuracy of the container body manufactured by performing the joining process using the reference surface.

[0057] <effect> As described above, in the first method, a reference surface is provided on the general part of at least the upper member among the constituent members that face each other in the vertical direction, and a contact surface corresponding to the reference surface is provided on the inner jig, and the upper member and the lower member are held in a predetermined positional relationship by bringing the reference surface of the upper member and the contact surface of the inner jig into contact.

[0058] Therefore, according to the first method, even when it is not possible to form a hole for inserting a positioning pin on the general surface of the component or when the edges of the components to be joined together have a three-dimensional shape, it is possible to join the components together while achieving the desired fit or an even contact state and manufacture a container body.

[0059] <Torture 1-1> Incidentally, in the first method, as mentioned above, a reference surface can also be provided on the general part of the lower member. Therefore, in the first method according to modified example 1-1, an outer contact surface is provided on at least a part of the jig that supports the intermediate body, configured to uniquely determine at least the orientation of the lower member (for example, orientation and / or angle in three-dimensional space) by contacting the reference surface provided on the general part of the lower member.

[0060] Such an outer contact surface is a surface formed with a shape and angle corresponding to a reference surface provided on the general part of the lower member. Similar to the inner contact surface and the reference surface described above, the outer contact surface and the reference surface are typically flat surfaces formed with a predetermined shape and angle; however, as long as the above requirements are satisfied, they may be other than flat surfaces, such as curved surfaces or uneven surfaces.

[0061] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a state in which the intermediate body is supported by a jig in the support step included in the first method according to Modification 1-1. In the example shown in Figure 7, the general part of the lower member component 21a (the part other than the edge portion which extends toward the edge) is also provided with a reference surface RP which is a surface formed with a predetermined shape and angle, and an outer contact surface OCP which is a surface formed with a shape and angle corresponding to the reference surface RP is provided at the tip of a projection 31p erected on the outer jig 31.

[0062] Therefore, in the support step included in the first method according to Modification 1-1, in addition to bringing the reference surface RP of the upper member component 21b into contact with the inner contact surface ICP of the inner jig 41, similar to the example shown in Figure 6, the reference surface RP of the lower member component 21a can also be brought into contact with the inner contact surface ICP of the outer jig 31. As a result, according to the first method according to Modification 1-1, the upper member component 21b and the lower member component 21a can be reliably held in a predetermined positional relationship.

[0063] <Variation 1-2> In the method for manufacturing a container body according to the present invention (method of the present invention), as described above, the container body can also be manufactured by setting the constituent members that make up the container body in a predetermined jig, fitting or bringing the edges of the constituent members into contact to form an intermediate body, and joining the edges of the constituent members together.

[0064] In other words, the first method relating to the modified example 1-2 is the first method described above, characterized in that the temporary assembly process and the support process are carried out in parallel by assembling intermediate bodies while supporting the constituent members with a jig.

[0065] The specific procedure for assembling the intermediate body while supporting the constituent members with a jig is not particularly limited. For example, the intermediate body may be assembled by setting each constituent member of the intermediate body to be assembled into the jig one by one and fitting or bringing the edges of the constituent members into contact with each other. Alternatively, the intermediate body may be assembled by setting a subunit, which is formed by pre-fitting or bringing together two or more constituent members from a plurality of constituent members of the intermediate body, into the jig and fitting or bringing the edges of the subunit into contact with each other. Furthermore, the specific means for assembling the intermediate body while supporting the constituent members with a jig as described above are not particularly limited, and the procedure may be performed by hand, for example, or by using a gripping hand or suction hand.

[0066] 《Second Embodiment》 The method for manufacturing a container according to the second embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "second method") will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0067] As described above, in the first method, a reference surface is provided on the general part of at least the upper member of the components that face each other in the vertical direction, and a contact surface corresponding to the reference surface is provided on the inner jig, and the upper member and the lower member are held in a predetermined positional relationship by bringing the reference surface of the upper member and the contact surface of the inner jig into contact. As a result, according to the first method, even when it is not possible to form a hole for inserting a positioning pin on the general surface of the component or when the edges of the components to be joined have a three-dimensional shape, the component members can be joined together to manufacture a container body while achieving the desired fit or an even contact state.

[0068] However, in the first method, if the inner contact surface of the jig that supports the intermediate body is brought into contact with the reference surface of the upper member from the inside of the intermediate body during the support process, it may be difficult to reliably hold the lower member, which is the lower component that is paired with the upper member, and the upper member in a predetermined positional relationship.

[0069] <composition> Therefore, the second method is the first method described above, characterized in that at least a part of the jig that supports the intermediate body is provided with an outer contact surface which is a surface formed with a shape and angle corresponding to a reference surface provided on the general part of the upper member.

[0070] As described above, the outer contact surface provided on at least a part of the jig supporting the intermediate body is a surface formed with a shape and angle corresponding to the reference surface provided on the general part of the upper member. In other words, the shape and angle of the outer contact surface are determined so that the orientation of at least the upper member (e.g., orientation and / or angle in three-dimensional space) can be uniquely determined by the contact between the outer contact surface and the reference surface. Typically, the outer contact surface and the reference surface are planes formed with a predetermined shape and angle, but they may be other than planes, such as curved surfaces or uneven surfaces, as long as the above requirements are satisfied.

[0071] Furthermore, in the support step included in the second method, the reference surface provided by the upper member and the outer contact surface provided by the jig are brought into contact from the outside of the intermediate body, thereby sandwiching the reference surface between the inner contact surface and the outer contact surface.

[0072] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a state in which an intermediate body is supported by a jig in the support step included in the second method. In the example shown in Figure 8, the outer contact surface OCP, which is a surface formed with a shape and angle corresponding to the reference surface RP provided on the general part of the upper member component 21b, is provided at the tip of a projection 51p erected on a jig (not shown). In the support step included in the second method, as illustrated in Figure 8, the reference surface RP of the upper member component 21b is sandwiched between the inner contact surface ICP provided at the tip of the projection 51p erected on the inner jig 41 and the outer contact surface OCP provided at the tip of the projection 51p erected on a jig (not shown). This makes it possible to reliably hold the lower member 21a and component 21b, which are paired with the component 21b, in a predetermined positional relationship.

[0073] In the example shown in Figure 8, an outer contact surface OCP is provided at the tip of a protruding portion 51p erected on a jig (not shown) as described above. However, the protruding portion 51p is not an essential component; the outer contact surface OCP only needs to be provided so as to contact the reference surface RP from the outside and hold the component members 21a and 21b in a predetermined positional relationship.

[0074] <effect> As described above, in the second method, at least a part of the jig that supports the intermediate body is provided with an outer contact surface which is a surface formed with a shape and angle corresponding to a reference surface provided on the general part of the upper member. Furthermore, in the support step included in the second method, the reference surface provided on the upper member and the outer contact surface provided on the jig are brought into contact from the outside of the intermediate body, and the reference surface is sandwiched between the inner contact surface and the outer contact surface. As a result, according to the second method, the upper member and the lower member can be reliably held in a predetermined positional relationship.

[0075] 《Third Embodiment》 The following describes a method for manufacturing a container according to the third embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "third method") with reference to the drawings.

[0076] In the method for manufacturing a container body according to the present invention, including the first and second methods described above (methods of the present invention), a reference surface is provided on the general part of at least the upper member among the components that face each other in the vertical direction, and a contact surface corresponding to the reference surface is provided on the inner jig, and the upper member and the lower member are held in a predetermined positional relationship by bringing the reference surface of the upper member and the contact surface of the inner jig into contact. As a result, according to the first method, even when it is not possible to form a hole for inserting a positioning pin on the general surface of the component or when the edges of the components to be joined together have a three-dimensional shape, it is possible to join the components together and manufacture a container body while achieving the desired fit or an even contact state.

[0077] However, the method of the present invention can be applied not only when manufacturing a target container body via an intermediate body composed of multiple constituent members, as described above, but also when joining container bodies manufactured by the method of the present invention to each other, or to a container body manufactured by the method of the present invention with another container body.

[0078] <composition> In other words, the third method is a method for manufacturing a container, characterized in that it is the first or second method described above, further comprising a composite step of manufacturing a composite container, which is a container formed by joining together first containers, which are containers assembled by the first or second method, or by joining a first container with another container, which is a second container.

[0079] As described above, a composite container is a container formed by joining two first containers together or a first container and a second container together. In a composite container, the first containers together or the first container and the second container may be directly joined together without the use of other members, or they may be indirectly joined together via other members.

[0080] Furthermore, in the third method, a composite jig, which is one or more predetermined jigs that support the first container in the composite process, is provided with a composite contact surface, which is a surface formed with a shape and angle corresponding to a reference surface provided on a component that constitutes the first container body.

[0081] As described above, the composite contact surface provided on at least a part of the jig supporting the first container is a surface formed with a shape and angle corresponding to a reference surface provided on a component that makes up the first container body. In other words, the shape and angle of the composite contact surface are determined so that the orientation (e.g., orientation and / or angle in three-dimensional space) of at least the first container body can be uniquely determined by the contact between the composite contact surface and the reference surface. Typically, the composite contact surface and the reference surface are planes formed with a predetermined shape and angle, but they may be other than planes, such as curved surfaces or uneven surfaces, as long as the above requirements are satisfied.

[0082] In addition, during the composite process, the reference surface of the first container (a reference surface provided on a component constituting the first container body) is brought into contact with the composite contact surface of the composite jig, thereby holding the first container bodies together or the first container body and the second container body in a predetermined positional relationship. Then, while maintaining this positional relationship, the first container bodies together or the first container body and the second container body are joined together.

[0083] The specific means for joining the first containers together or the first and second containers are not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected according to the constituent members of the first container, the materials constituting the first and second containers, and / or the strength, airtightness, and / or heat resistance required for the composite container in its intended use. When the material of these constituent members is metal, examples of means for joining the first containers together or the first and second containers include linear welding such as fillet welding.

[0084] Furthermore, the specific means and methods for bringing the reference surface of the first container body and the composite contact surface of the composite jig into contact in the composite process are not particularly limited. For example, the composite contact surface may be brought into contact with the reference surface of the first container body from the outside, or, depending on the configuration of the composite intermediate body which is an intermediate body assembled by fitting or bringing together the first container bodies or the first container body and the second container body, the composite contact surface may be brought into contact with the reference surface from the inside. Moreover, the composite contact surface may be provided on a jig provided for the purpose of supporting the first container body (for example, a V-shaped support jig or core metal as described above), or it may be provided on a separate jig provided for the purpose of providing the composite contact surface.

[0085] Here, an example of the process for manufacturing a composite container body by the third method will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an intermediate body assembled by fitting together the edges of the constituent members of a container body that constitutes a composite container body manufactured by the third method in a temporary assembly process, and then supported by a jig related to the first method in the support process. The intermediate body 12m illustrated in Figure 9 is an intermediate body assembled by fitting together the edges of constituent members 22a and 22b in a temporary assembly process. In the example shown in Figure 9, constituent member 22a, which is the lower member constituting the intermediate body 12m, is placed on the upper surface of the outer jig 32 and is supported from below by the outer jig 32. On the other hand, the component member 22b, which is the upper member constituting the intermediate body 12m, is supported from the inside below by bringing into contact the inner contact surface ICP provided at the tip of the protruding portion 32p, which is erected on the outer jig 32 and inserted into the interior of the intermediate body 12m from the lower opening OP3, with the reference surface RP provided on the general part of the component member 22b.

[0086] As described above, the connecting portion of the intermediate body 12m, which is composed of component members 22a and 22b held in a predetermined positional relationship, can be joined in the next joining step, for example, by fillet welding, to manufacture the corresponding container body (12c) from the intermediate body 12m illustrated in Figure 9.

[0087] Next, the process of manufacturing a composite container body from the above-mentioned container body by performing the composite process included in the third method will be described. Figure 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a state in which a composite intermediate body 61m, which is an intermediate body assembled by fitting the smaller opening OP2 of the container body 11c illustrated in Figure 5 and the larger opening OP3 of the container body 12c manufactured from the intermediate body 12m illustrated in Figure 9, is supported by a composite jig according to the third method. In the example shown in Figure 10, the composite intermediate body 61m is supported by an inner jig 71, which is a core metal inserted into the interior of the container body 11c from the larger opening OP1 of the container body 11c, which consists of constituent members 21a and 21b, and supports the container body 11c from the inside, and an outer jig 72, which is a jig that supports the container body 12c from the outside by locking the flange portion FL provided on the periphery of the smaller opening OP4 of the container body 12c with the flange locking portion 72f. In other words, in the example shown in Figure 10, the inner jig 71 and the outer jig 72, which support the container bodies 11c and 12c that constitute the composite container body, respectively, play the role of a composite jig.

[0088] As mentioned above, a reference surface RP is provided on the component member 21b that constitutes the container body 11c. Therefore, although not shown in the figures, a protrusion is provided that rises from the inner jig 71, and a composite contact surface is provided at the tip of the protrusion, which is a surface formed with a shape and angle corresponding to the reference surface RP. By bringing the reference surface and the composite contact surface into contact, the container body 11c can be reliably supported in a predetermined position and orientation. Thus, the container body 11c and the container body 12c can be joined while maintaining a predetermined positional relationship to manufacture the desired composite container body.

[0089] Furthermore, as described above, the container body 12c is supported by the flange portion FL being locked by the flange locking portion 72f provided on the outer jig 72, so it is relatively easy to support the container body 12c in a predetermined position and orientation. However, although not shown in the figures, a composite contact surface that contacts the reference surface RP provided on the constituent member 22b of the container body 12c can be provided to support the container body 12c in a predetermined position and orientation more reliably.

[0090] Furthermore, when constructing the container body 11c, the lower component 22b may also be provided with a reference surface RP. In such cases, as illustrated in Figure 11, the container body 11c can be reliably supported in a predetermined position and orientation by bringing the reference surface and the composite contact surface into contact. In the example shown in Figure 11, as described above, an outer contact surface OCP is provided at the tip of a projection 72p that rises from the outer jig 72 supporting the container body 12c by locking the flange portion FL with the flange locking portion 72f. This outer contact surface OCP is formed with a shape and angle corresponding to the reference surface RP. By bringing this outer contact surface OCP into contact with the reference surface RP as a composite contact surface, the container body 11c can be reliably supported in a predetermined position and orientation.

[0091] Here, another example of the process for manufacturing a composite container body by the third method will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Figure 12 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an intermediate body 13m, which is assembled by fitting together the edges of the constituent members 23a and 23b that constitute the container body, which is manufactured by the third method, in a temporary assembly process, and is supported by a jig according to the first method in the support process. The constituent members 23a and 23b are trough-shaped halves that face each other in the vertical direction, and the intermediate body 13m (and the container body manufactured by joining them) assembled by fitting these together has a substantially cylindrical shape.

[0092] As illustrated in Figure 12, both ends of the lower component member 23a are supported from below by V-shaped recesses formed on the upper surface of the outer jig 33, which is a V-shaped support jig. Furthermore, by bringing the outer contact surface OCP, provided at the tip of the projection 33p erected from the outer jig 33, into contact with the reference surface RP provided on the general part of the component member 23a from the outside, the component member 23a is reliably supported in a predetermined position and orientation.

[0093] On the other hand, the upper component member 23b is supported from the inside by an inner jig 43 inserted into the intermediate body 13m through openings at both ends. Furthermore, the inner contact surface ICP provided at the tip of a projection 43p erected from the inner jig 43 is brought into contact from the inside with a reference surface RP provided on the general part of the component member 23b, thereby ensuring that the component member 23b is securely supported in a predetermined position and orientation.

[0094] By joining the connecting portion of the intermediate body 13m, which is composed of component members 23a and 23b held in a predetermined positional relationship as described above, in the next joining step, for example by fillet welding, a container body (13c) having the desired substantially cylindrical shape can be manufactured.

[0095] Figure 13 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the configuration of the other container body that is joined by the third method to the container body manufactured from the intermediate body illustrated in Figure 12 to form a composite container body. The container body 14c illustrated in Figure 13 is composed of a pair of component members 24a and 24b that are arranged as halves facing each other in the vertical direction at the time of manufacturing the container body 14c by joining their edges. Component members 24a and 24b face each other in the vertical direction, and the general part of the upper component member 24b is provided with a reference surface RP, which is a surface formed at a predetermined shape and angle. The container body 14c also has a relatively large opening OP5 formed on the lower side in the drawing and a relatively small opening OP6 formed on the right side in the drawing. As illustrated in Figure 13, the container body 14c has a configuration similar to the container body 12c illustrated in Figures 10 and 11. A container body 14c having such a configuration can also be manufactured by the first or second method described above.

[0096] Next, the process of manufacturing a composite container from the above-mentioned container by performing the composite process included in the third method will be described. Figure 14 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the configuration of a composite container manufactured from the above-mentioned container by performing the composite process included in the third method. The composite container 62c illustrated in Figure 14 is a composite container manufactured by joining the smaller opening OP6 of the container 14c illustrated in Figure 13 and the opening at one end of the container 13c, which is manufactured by joining the connecting part of the intermediate body 13m illustrated in Figure 12. In the example shown in Figure 14, a flange portion FL is provided on the periphery of the opening at the other end of the container 13c.

[0097] Figure 15 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a composite intermediate body, which is an intermediate body assembled by fitting together the container bodies 14c and 13c that constitute the composite container body 62c illustrated in Figure 14, being supported by a composite jig according to the third method. As illustrated in Figure 15, the container body 14c, which consists of component members 24a and 24b, is supported from the inside by an inner jig 73, which is a core metal inserted into the interior through the larger opening OP5. Furthermore, the container body 14c is reliably supported in a predetermined position and orientation by bringing the outer contact surface OCP, provided at the tip of a projection 74p erected from a jig 74 separate from the inner jig 73, into contact with a reference surface RP provided on the general part of component member 24b from the outside.

[0098] Although not shown in the figures, a contact surface corresponding to the reference surface RP provided on the general part of the component member 24b may be provided on the inner jig 73, and by bringing this contact surface into contact with the reference surface RP from the inside, the reference surface RP may be sandwiched between the outer contact surface OCP provided at the tip of the protruding portion 74p erected from the jig 74 and the contact surface. This makes it possible to support the container body 14c in a predetermined position and orientation more reliably.

[0099] On the other hand, the container body 13c, which consists of component members 23a and 23b, is supported from the outside in a predetermined position and orientation by locking a flange portion FL, provided on the periphery of the opening at the end opposite to the end fitted with the container body 14c, with a flange locking portion 75f provided on the jig 75. Although not shown in the figures, reference surfaces RP are provided on the general parts of the component members 23a and 23b that constitute the container body 13c, so a composite contact surface that contacts one or both of these reference surfaces RP may be further provided to more reliably support the container body 13c in a predetermined position and orientation.

[0100] As described above, in the example shown in Figure 15, jigs 73 to 75 that support the container bodies 14c and 13c, respectively, which constitute the composite container body, function as a composite jig. In addition, the outer contact surface OCP provided at the tip of the projection 74p erected from jig 74 functions as a composite contact surface composite jig. By joining the connection between the container bodies 14c and 13c, which are held in a predetermined positional relationship in this way, for example by fillet welding, the composite container body 62c illustrated in Figure 14 can be manufactured.

[0101] As mentioned above, both the composite container body (61c) manufactured from the composite intermediate 61m and the composite container body 62c manufactured from the composite intermediate 62m are formed by directly joining the container bodies that constitute the composite container body without the use of other members. However, it is also possible to manufacture a composite container body by indirectly joining the container bodies together via other members. Furthermore, it is possible to manufacture a composite container body with a more complex configuration by further joining multiple composite container bodies together.

[0102] Figure 16 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the structure of a composite container manufactured by indirectly joining composite containers together via other components. Specifically, the composite container 63c illustrated in Figure 16 is a composite container manufactured by joining a composite container 61c, composed of containers 11c and 12c, and a composite container 62c, composed of containers 14c and 13c, via a cylindrical member 81. More specifically, the composite container 63c is formed by joining the larger opening OP1 of container 11c, which constitutes the composite container 61c, and the larger opening OP5 of container 14c, which constitutes the composite container 62c, via a cylindrical member 81.

[0103] Furthermore, within the composite container 63c, an internal space is defined that communicates from the smaller opening (OP4) of the container 12c constituting the composite container 61c to an opening at one end of the container 13c constituting the composite container 62c. Also, as illustrated in Figure 16, flange portions FL are provided around the periphery of the openings at both ends of the composite container 63c for connection to, for example, exhaust system components of an internal combustion engine. When the composite container 63c is used as part of the exhaust system components of an internal combustion engine in this way, components such as exhaust catalysts and / or filters can be housed inside the cylindrical member 81.

[0104] Figure 17 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a composite intermediate body, which is an intermediate body assembled by fitting together the composite container bodies 61c and 62c and the cylindrical member 81 that constitute the composite container body 63c illustrated in Figure 16, being supported by a jig according to the third method. As illustrated in Figure 17, the composite container body 61c that constitutes the composite intermediate body 63m is supported from the outside by an outer jig 76, which is a jig that locks a flange portion FL provided on the periphery of the smaller opening (OP4) of the container body 12c with a flange locking portion 76f. Furthermore, the composite container body 61c is reliably supported in a predetermined position and orientation by bringing an outer contact surface (not shown) provided at the tip of a projection 76p erected from the outer jig 76 into contact with a reference surface RP provided on the general surface (of the constituent member 21a) of the container body 11c that constitutes the composite container body 61c from the outside.

[0105] On the other hand, the composite container body 62c, which constitutes the composite intermediate body 63m, is supported from the outside by an outer jig 77, which is a jig that locks a flange portion FL, provided on the periphery of an opening at one end of the container body 13c, with a flange locking portion 77f. Furthermore, the composite container body 62c is reliably supported in a predetermined position and orientation by bringing an outer contact surface (not shown), provided at the tip of a projection 78p erected from the jig 78, into contact from the outside with a reference surface RP (not shown) provided on the general surface (of the constituent member 24b) of the container body 14c that constitutes the composite container body 62c.

[0106] By joining the openings of the composite container bodies 61c and 62c, which are held in a predetermined positional relationship as described above, to the cylindrical member 81, the connecting portion can be joined, for example, by fillet welding, to manufacture a composite container body 63c having the desired configuration.

[0107] Furthermore, as mentioned above, when joining the edges of container bodies, the edges of composite container bodies, or the edges of a container body or composite container body to other members such as the cylindrical members described above, particularly by fillet welding, it is necessary, as is well known to those skilled in the art, that the area in which the edges of the members to be joined are fitted or in contact with each other extends substantially horizontally. Therefore, even when manufacturing a composite container body by joining container bodies or composite container bodies by the third method, it is important to maintain the members to be joined at a predetermined positional relationship in order to achieve a good joining state and manufacture a container body with, for example, the desired strength and / or airtightness.

[0108] Therefore, if there is a portion of the connection that is difficult or impossible to join in the orientation of the intermediate or composite intermediate supported in the third method, the intermediate or composite intermediate may be re-supported in an orientation that makes joining that portion easy or possible, and then the portion may be joined again. Furthermore, if necessary, this routine may be repeated multiple times.

[0109] Furthermore, the above describes how to maintain the container or composite container that constitutes the composite container to be manufactured in a desired positional relationship by bringing the composite contact surface and the reference surface into contact. However, the reference surface can also be used to confirm the shape accuracy of the composite container manufactured by the third method.

[0110] <effect> As described above, the third method further includes a composite process, which is a process for manufacturing a composite container body, which is a container body formed by joining first container bodies, which are container bodies assembled by the first or second method, or by joining a first container body with another container body, which is a second container body. Furthermore, in the third method, in the composite process, one or more predetermined jigs that support the first containers are provided with composite contact surfaces, which are surfaces formed with a shape and angle corresponding to a reference surface provided on a component member constituting the first container body. In addition, in the composite process, the first container bodies, or the first container body and the second container body are held in a predetermined positional relationship by bringing the reference surface of the first container (a reference surface provided on a component member constituting the first container body) into contact with the composite contact surface of the composite jig. Then, while maintaining this positional relationship, the first container bodies, or the first container body and the second container body are joined together.

[0111] Therefore, according to the third method, even when it is not possible to form holes for inserting positioning pins on the general surface of the constituent members constituting the container body, or when the edges of the container bodies to be joined together have a three-dimensional shape, it is possible to join container bodies together or composite container bodies together while achieving the desired fit or uniform contact state, thereby manufacturing a container body with a more complex structure.

[0112] In order to explain the present invention, several embodiments and modifications having specific configurations have been described, sometimes with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the scope of the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited to these exemplary embodiments and modifications, and it goes without saying that modifications can be made as appropriate within the scope of the claims and specification. [Explanation of symbols]

[0113] 11c, 12c, 13c, 14c… Container body 11m, 12m, 13m, 14m… Intermediate body 21a, 21b, 22a, 22b, 23a, 23b, 24a, 24b… Constituent member 31, 32, 33… Outer jig 31p, 32p, 33p… Protrusion 41, 43… Inner jig 41p, 43p… Protrusion 51p… Protrusion 61c, 62c, 63c… Composite container body 61m, 62m, 63m… Composite intermediate body 71, 73… Composite jig (inner jig) 72, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78… Composite jig (outer jig) 72p, 74p, 76p, 78p… Protrusion 72f, 75f, 76f, 77f… Flange locking part 81… Cylindrical member RP… Reference plane OP1, OP2, OP3, OP4, OP5, OP6… Opening ICP… Inner contact surface OCP… Outer contact surface FL… Flange part

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing a container body having an opening, comprising joining connecting parts, which are portions where the edges of multiple constituent members are fitted together or abutted against each other, A preliminary assembly step is a step of assembling an intermediate body formed by fitting or abutting the edges of multiple constituent members together, A support step is a step of supporting the constituent members that make up the intermediate body in a predetermined position and orientation using one or more predetermined jigs, A joining step is a step in which the container body is manufactured by joining the connecting parts, Includes, In the aforementioned intermediate body, at least a portion of the pair of constituent members that face each other in the vertical direction is provided with a reference surface, which is a surface formed at a predetermined shape and angle, in the general portion, which is the portion of the upper constituent member other than the edge portion that extends toward the edge of the upper member, which is the upper constituent member. At least a portion of the jig is provided with an inner contact surface which is a surface formed with a shape and angle corresponding to the reference surface. In the support step, the inner contact surface of the jig is brought into contact with the reference surface of the upper member from the inside of the intermediate body, thereby holding the lower member, which is the lower component that is paired with the upper member, and the upper member in a predetermined positional relationship. A method for manufacturing a container, characterized by the following:

2. A method for manufacturing a container body as described in claim 1, The preliminary assembly process and the support process are performed in parallel by assembling the intermediate body while supporting the aforementioned components with the jig. A method for manufacturing a container, characterized by the following:

3. A method for manufacturing a container according to claim 1 or claim 2, At least a portion of the jig is provided with an outer contact surface which is a surface formed with a shape and angle corresponding to the reference surface. In the support step, the reference surface provided by the upper member and the outer contact surface provided by the jig are brought into contact from the outside of the intermediate body, and the reference surface is sandwiched between the inner contact surface and the outer contact surface. A method for manufacturing a container, characterized by the following:

4. A method for manufacturing a container according to claim 1 or claim 2, The invention further includes a composite step of manufacturing a composite container body, which is a container body formed by joining together first container bodies, which are container bodies assembled by the method for manufacturing a container body described in claim 1 or claim 2, or by joining the first container body with another container body, which is a second container body. In the composite process, one or more predetermined jigs that support the first container are provided with a composite contact surface which is a surface formed with a shape and angle corresponding to the reference surface. In the composite step, the reference surface of the first container and the composite contact surface of the composite jig are brought into contact, and the first containers or the first container and the second container are joined together while maintaining them in a predetermined positional relationship. A method for manufacturing a container, characterized by the following:

5. A method for manufacturing a container body as described in claim 3, The invention further includes a composite step of manufacturing a composite container body, which is a container body formed by joining together first container bodies, which are container bodies assembled by the method for manufacturing a container body described in claim 3, or by joining the first container body with another container body, which is a second container body. In the composite process, one or more predetermined jigs that support the first container are provided with a composite contact surface which is a surface formed with a shape and angle corresponding to the reference surface. In the composite step, the reference surface of the first container and the composite contact surface of the composite jig are brought into contact, and the first containers or the first container and the second container are joined together while maintaining them in a predetermined positional relationship. A method for manufacturing a container, characterized by the following:

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