Method and apparatus for manufacturing multiple shrink-fit members

The method and apparatus for manufacturing multiple shrink-fit members address the inefficiency of conventional methods by simultaneously shrink-fitting ceramic bodies into metal tubes using heating or induction heating, improving production efficiency and suitability for heat exchangers.

JP7859846B2Active Publication Date: 2026-05-15NGK CORP
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
NGK CORP
Filing Date
2022-03-22
Publication Date
2026-05-15

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Conventional shrink-fitting methods for ceramic heat exchangers produce one component at a time, leading to low production efficiency.

Method used

A method and apparatus for simultaneously manufacturing multiple shrink-fit members by placing columnar ceramic bodies inside multiple metal tubes and using heating or induction heating to expand the metal tubes, allowing the ceramic bodies to be shrink-fitted onto protruding jigs within the tubes.

Benefits of technology

This approach enables the simultaneous production of multiple shrink-fit members, enhancing production efficiency and suitability for applications requiring corrosion resistance and thermal conductivity.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Patent Text Reader

Abstract

To provide a method and apparatus for producing a shrink-fitting member that can simultaneously produce a plurality of shrink-fitting members.SOLUTION: Provided is a method of producing a plurality of shrink-fitting members in which method columnar ceramic bodies 20 are arranged inside a plurality of metal tubes 10 and shrink-fitted simultaneously. The producing method includes: a metal tube arrangement step in which first end 11 sides of the metal tubes 10 are placed so as to cover each of the plurality of protruding jigs 50 installed at a bottom 110 of the heating furnace 100; a columnar ceramic body placement step in which a columnar ceramic body 20 is placed on each of second end 12 sides of the plurality of metal tubes 10; and a shrink-fitting step in which a heating furnace 100 is heated to a temperature at which the metal tubes 10 can expand in diameter, and the columnar ceramic bodies 20 are moved over the protruding jigs 50.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for manufacturing a plurality of shrink-fitting members.

Background Art

[0002] Since heat exchangers are often required to have properties such as corrosion resistance, ceramic heat exchangers are used. Heat exchangers are used for heating, cooling, and condensing various fluids including acids (such as bromic acid, sulfuric acid, hydrofluoric acid, nitric acid, hydrochloric acid, etc.), alkalis (such as caustic alkalis), halides, brine, organic compounds, etc. in the chemical industry, pharmaceutical industry, etc. Further, heat exchangers are also used in systems for early warming of cooling water, engine oil, automatic transmission fluid (ATF), etc. at the time of engine startup to reduce friction loss and in systems for heating a catalyst to early activate an exhaust gas purification catalyst.

[0003] Some ceramic heat exchangers have a structure in which a columnar ceramic body is housed in a metal tube. A heat exchanger having such a structure has an advantage that even if the ceramic body is damaged inside, the fluids do not mix with each other. As a method for housing a columnar ceramic body in a metal tube, a shrink-fitting method is known in which the metal tube is heated, the ceramic body is inserted into a predetermined position inside the metal tube, and then cooled (for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, conventional shrink-fitting methods use specialized equipment and can only produce one shrink-fitted component at a time, resulting in low production efficiency.

[0006] The present invention was made to solve the above-mentioned problems and provides a method for manufacturing shrink-fit members and a manufacturing apparatus that can manufacture multiple shrink-fit members simultaneously. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The above problems are solved by the present invention as described below, and the present invention is defined as follows.

[0008] The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing multiple shrink-fit members, in which columnar ceramic bodies are placed inside multiple metal tubes and simultaneously shrink-fitted, The process involves installing multiple protruding jigs at the bottom of the heating furnace, Multiple Number The aforementioned A metal pipe placement step involves arranging the metal pipes so that their first ends are placed over each of the protruding jigs, A columnar ceramic body arrangement step in which the columnar ceramic bodies are placed on the second end side of each of the multiple metal pipes, A shrink-fitting process is performed by heating the inside of the heating furnace to a temperature that allows the metal tube to be expanded in diameter, and moving the columnar ceramic body onto the protruding jig inside the metal tube to shrink-fit it. This is a manufacturing method that includes [something].

[0009] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing multiple shrink-fit members, in which columnar ceramic bodies are placed inside multiple metal tubes and simultaneously shrink-fitted, The process involves installing multiple protruding jigs at the bottom of the induction heating device, Multiple Number The aforementioned A metal pipe placement step involves arranging the metal pipes so that their first ends are placed over each of the protruding jigs, A columnar ceramic body arrangement step in which the columnar ceramic bodies are placed on the second end side of each of the multiple metal pipes, A shrink-fitting process is performed by heating the metal tube to a temperature that allows for diameter expansion using the induction heating device, and moving the columnar ceramic body onto the protruding jig inside the metal tube to shrink-fit it. This is a manufacturing method that includes [something].

[0010] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a manufacturing apparatus for multiple shrink-fit members, which involves arranging columnar ceramic bodies inside multiple metal tubes and shrink-fitting them simultaneously. A heating furnace with multiple protruding jigs installed at the bottom, A metal pipe arrangement means that is arranged so as to place the first end side of the metal pipe over each of the multiple protruding jigs, A columnar ceramic body arrangement means for arranging the columnar ceramic bodies on each of the second end sides of the plurality of metal pipes, It is a manufacturing apparatus equipped with [a specific feature / feature].

[0011] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a manufacturing apparatus for multiple shrink-fit members, which involves arranging columnar ceramic bodies inside multiple metal tubes and shrink-fitting them simultaneously. An induction heating device with multiple protruding jigs installed at the bottom, A metal pipe arrangement means that is arranged so as to place the first end side of the metal pipe over each of the multiple protruding jigs, A columnar ceramic body arrangement means for arranging the columnar ceramic bodies on each of the second end sides of the plurality of metal pipes, It is a manufacturing apparatus equipped with [a specific feature / feature]. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a method for manufacturing shrink-fit members and a manufacturing apparatus that can simultaneously manufacture multiple shrink-fit members. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] This is a typical cross-sectional view of a metal tube, parallel to its axial direction. [Figure 2] It is a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the axial direction of the honeycomb structure. [Figure 3] It is a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the axial direction of the honeycomb structure. [Figure 4] It is a cross-sectional view for explaining the metal tube arrangement step in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 5] It is a cross-sectional view for explaining the columnar ceramic body arrangement step in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 6] It is a cross-sectional view for explaining the shrink fitting step in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 7] It is a cross-sectional view of the shrink-fitted member obtained through each step in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 8] It is a cross-sectional view for explaining the method of using the protruding jig having a protrusion in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 9] It is a cross-sectional view for explaining the columnar ceramic body arrangement step in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 10] It is a cross-sectional view for explaining the load member arrangement step in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 11] It is a cross-sectional view for explaining the load member arrangement step in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 12] It is a top view for explaining the metal tube arrangement step in Embodiment 2 of the present invention. [Figure 13] It is a top view for explaining the metal tube arrangement step in Embodiment 2 of the present invention. [Embodiment for Carrying Out the Invention]

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to the following embodiments, and it should be understood that modifications and improvements can be appropriately made to the following embodiments based on the ordinary knowledge of those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and such modified and improved embodiments also fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0015] [Embodiment 1] (1) Method for manufacturing multiple shrink-fit members The method for manufacturing multiple shrink-fit members according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention is performed by placing columnar ceramic bodies inside multiple metal tubes and shrink-fitting them simultaneously. First, the metal tubes and columnar ceramic bodies used in this manufacturing method will be described.

[0016] <Metal tube> The metal tube is not particularly limited, but one that has heat resistance and corrosion resistance is preferred. Examples of metal tubes include SUS tubes, copper tubes, brass tubes, titanium tubes, Ni alloy tubes, and Al alloy tubes. In addition, a joined tube, which is made by joining two or more of the exemplified tubes, may be used as the metal tube. Furthermore, when shrink-fit components are used in a heat exchanger, it is preferable that the metal tube is designed so that it does not fall out of the columnar ceramic body due to the difference in thermal expansion coefficients between the metal tube and the columnar ceramic body during heat exchange.

[0017] The shape of the metal tube is not particularly limited as long as it is a shape that allows a columnar ceramic body to be inserted inside the metal tube, and can be various shapes such as cylindrical or rectangular tube. Furthermore, the metal tube may be a straight tube with a uniform diameter in the axial direction, or it may be a tube other than a straight tube. A tube other than a straight tube is a tube configured so that the diameter changes in the axial direction, for example, a tapered section in part, or a tube that is reduced in diameter and / or expanded in diameter. Here, Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view parallel to the axial direction of a typical metal pipe (straight pipe and pipes other than straight pipes). The straight pipe shown in Figure 1 (left side) has a first end 11 and a second end 12. The pipe shown in Figure 1 (right side) has a first end 11, a second end 12, and a tapered section 13, with the second end 12 having an enlarged diameter.

[0018] <Columnar ceramic body> A columnar ceramic body is formed from ceramics in a columnar shape and has a fluid channel extending from a first end face to a second end face. The columnar shape is not limited to a cylindrical shape; it may also have a cross-section perpendicular to the axial direction (the direction in which the channel extends) that is elliptical, an oval shape composed of arcs, a quadrilateral, or other polygonal shape. Furthermore, the columnar ceramic body may be a hollow ceramic body having a hollow portion in the center of the cross-section perpendicular to the axial direction.

[0019] The outer diameter of the columnar ceramic body is preferably larger than the inner diameter of the portion of the metal pipe to be shrink-fitted. For example, the outer diameter of the columnar ceramic body is preferably 0.05 to 0.80 mm larger than the inner diameter of the portion of the metal pipe to be shrink-fitted. By controlling the outer diameter of the columnar ceramic body within this range, it becomes easier to shrink-fit the columnar ceramic body into the metal pipe. Here, the outer diameter of the columnar ceramic body refers to the diameter of the largest circle that circumscribes the cross-sectional shape of the columnar ceramic body perpendicular to the axial direction of the columnar ceramic body (the direction of fluid flow). Similarly, the inner diameter of the shrink-fit portion of the metal pipe refers to the diameter of the largest circle that circumscribes the cross-sectional shape of the shrink-fit portion of the metal pipe perpendicular to the axial direction of the metal pipe.

[0020] The thermal conductivity of the columnar ceramic body is preferably 50 W / (m·K) or higher at 25°C, more preferably 100 to 300 W / (m·K), and even more preferably 120 to 300 W / (m·K). By setting the thermal conductivity of the columnar ceramic body within this range, good thermal conductivity is achieved, and heat within the columnar ceramic body can be efficiently transferred to the outside. The thermal conductivity values ​​were measured using the laser flash method (JIS R1611-1997).

[0021] Columnar ceramic bodies are primarily composed of ceramics. "Primarily composed of ceramics" means that the mass ratio of ceramics to the total mass is 50% by mass or more. The columnar ceramic body preferably contains silicon carbide (SiC), which has high thermal conductivity, as its main component. "Containing silicon carbide (SiC) as its main component" means that the mass ratio of silicon carbide (SiC) to the total mass is 50% by mass or more. Specifically, as the material for the columnar ceramic body, Si-SiC-based materials such as Si-impregnated SiC and (Si+Al)-impregnated SiC, metal-composite SiC, recrystallized SiC, Si3N4, and SiC can be used. Among these, Si-SiC-based materials are preferred because they can be manufactured inexpensively and have high thermal conductivity.

[0022] The columnar ceramic body is preferably a honeycomb structure. Here, Figures 2 and 3 show cross-sectional views of a typical honeycomb structure perpendicular to the axial direction. The honeycomb structure 200 shown in Figure 2 has an outer perimeter wall 210 and a partition wall 230 disposed inside the outer perimeter wall 210, which partitions a plurality of cells 220 extending from a first end face to a second end face. The honeycomb structure 300 shown in Figure 3 has an outer perimeter wall 210, an inner perimeter wall 240, and a partition wall 230 disposed between the outer perimeter wall 210 and the inner perimeter wall 240, which partitions a plurality of cells 220 extending from a first end face to a second end face. This honeycomb structure 300 is called a hollow honeycomb structure. These honeycomb structures 200 and 300, by having partition walls 230, can efficiently collect heat from the fluid flowing through the cells 220 and transfer it to the outside. Furthermore, the shape of the cells 220 in a cross-section perpendicular to the axial direction of the honeycomb structures 200 and 300 is not limited to the shape shown in the illustration, and may be circular, elliptical, triangular, or other polygonal shapes.

[0023] The cell density (i.e., the number of cells per unit area) in a cross section perpendicular to the axial direction of the honeycomb structure 200,300 is not particularly limited and can be adjusted as appropriate depending on the application, but is generally between 4 and 320 cells / cm². 2 It is preferable that the cell density be within the range of 4 cells / cm². 2By doing so, the strength of the partition wall 230, and consequently the strength and effective GSA (geometric surface area) of the honeycomb structures 200 and 300 themselves, can be sufficiently ensured. Furthermore, the cell density is set to 320 cells / cm². 2 By doing the following, it is possible to prevent an increase in pressure loss when the fluid flows.

[0024] The thickness of the partition walls 230 of the honeycomb structures 200 and 300 can be designed appropriately according to the purpose and is not particularly limited. The thickness of the partition walls 230 is preferably 50 μm to 2 mm, and more preferably 60 μm to 600 μm or less. If the thickness of the partition walls 230 is 50 μm or more, the mechanical strength is improved and damage due to impact and thermal stress can be prevented. On the other hand, if the thickness of the partition walls 230 is 2 mm or less, the proportion of the cell volume occupied by the honeycomb structures 200 and 300 becomes larger, which reduces the fluid pressure loss and improves the heat exchange efficiency.

[0025] The thickness of the outer perimeter wall 210 and inner perimeter wall 240 of the honeycomb structure 200, 300 can be appropriately designed according to the purpose and are not particularly limited. When the shrink-fit member is used for general heat conduction applications, the thickness of the outer perimeter wall 210 and inner perimeter wall 240 is preferably more than 0.3 mm and 10 mm or less, more preferably between 0.5 mm and 5 mm, and even more preferably between 1 mm and 3 mm. Furthermore, when the shrink-fit member is used for heat storage applications, it is also preferable to increase the heat capacity of the outer perimeter wall 210 by making the thickness of the outer perimeter wall 210 10 mm or more.

[0026] The porosity of the outer perimeter wall 210, partition wall 230, and inner perimeter wall 240 is preferably 10% or less, more preferably 5% or less, and even more preferably 3% or less. Alternatively, the porosity of the outer perimeter wall 210, partition wall 230, and inner perimeter wall 240 can be 0%. By setting the porosity of the outer perimeter wall 210, partition wall 230, and inner perimeter wall 240 to 10% or less, the thermal conductivity can be improved.

[0027] The isostatic strength of honeycomb structures 200 and 300 is preferably greater than 100 MPa, more preferably 150 MPa or higher, and even more preferably 200 MPa or higher. When the isostatic strength of honeycomb structures 200 and 300 is greater than 100 MPa, the honeycomb structures 200 and 300 have excellent durability. The isostatic strength of honeycomb structures 200 and 300 can be measured in accordance with the method for measuring isostatic fracture strength specified in JASO standard M505-87, an automotive standard issued by the Society of Automotive Engineers of Japan.

[0028] Columnar ceramic bodies can be manufactured by methods known in the art. A specific method for manufacturing columnar ceramic bodies will be explained using the manufacturing method of honeycomb structures 200 and 300 as an example. First, a clay mold containing ceramic powder is extruded into a desired shape to produce a honeycomb molded body. At this time, by selecting a suitable die and jig, the shape and density of the cells 220, the number, length and thickness of the partition walls 230, and the shape and thickness of the outer wall 210 and inner wall 240 can be controlled. Furthermore, the above-mentioned ceramics can be used as the material for the honeycomb molded body. For example, when producing a honeycomb molded body mainly composed of Si-impregnated SiC composite material, a predetermined amount of SiC powder is mixed with a binder and water or an organic solvent, the resulting mixture is kneaded to form a clay mold, and then molded to obtain a honeycomb molded body of the desired shape. Then, the obtained honeycomb molded body is dried, and by impregnating and firing metallic Si into the honeycomb molded body in a reduced-pressure inert gas or vacuum, honeycomb structures 200, 300 can be obtained.

[0029] The method for manufacturing a plurality of shrink-fit members according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention is carried out using the above-described metal tube and columnar ceramic body. This manufacturing method includes a metal tube arrangement step, a columnar ceramic body arrangement step, and a shrink-fit step. Cross-sectional views illustrating these steps are shown in Figures 4 to 7. Furthermore, a cross-sectional view of the plurality of shrink-fit members obtained through these steps is shown in Figure 8.

[0030] <Metal pipe arrangement process> Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the metal tube placement process. As shown in Figure 4, the metal tube placement process involves placing the first end 11 side of the metal tube 10 over each of the multiple protruding fixtures 50 installed at the bottom 110 of the heating furnace 100. The ejection jig 50 is a jig that has the function of determining the position of the columnar ceramic body 20 within the metal tube 10, in addition to the position of the metal tube 10 within the heating furnace. Therefore, the ejection jig 50 has a structure to achieve this function. For example, the ejection jig 50 has a width (horizontal length) smaller than the inner diameter of the first end 11 of the metal tube 10 so that it can be fitted over the first end 11 of the metal tube 10. It also has a height (vertical length) corresponding to a predetermined position so that the columnar ceramic body 20 can be positioned at a predetermined position within the metal tube 10. Furthermore, it has a width (horizontal length) smaller than the diameter of the columnar ceramic body 20 so that the shrink-fitted member can be removed after the shrink-fitting process. Note that if the metal tube 10 is not cylindrical (for example, if it is rectangular), the inner diameter of the first end 11 of the metal tube 10 refers to the diameter of the largest inscribed circle tangent to the inner circumference of the first end 11 of the metal tube 10.

[0031] The external shape of the protruding jig 50 can be appropriately set according to the shape of the metal pipe 10. For example, if the metal pipe 10 is cylindrical, the external shape of the protruding jig 50 can be various shapes such as cylindrical or prismatic, but it is preferable to be cylindrical. Also, if the metal pipe 10 is rectangular, the external shape of the protruding jig 50 can be various shapes such as cylindrical or prismatic, but it is preferable to be prismatic.

[0032] Preferably, the ejection jig 50 has a projection that can be inserted into the hollow portion of the hollow ceramic body when the columnar ceramic body 20 is a hollow ceramic body. By using the ejection jig 50 with the projection, it becomes easier to accurately position the hollow ceramic body during the shrink-fitting process. Here, Figure 8 shows a cross-sectional view illustrating the case in which a protruding jig 50 having a projection is used. As shown in Figure 8, the protruding jig 50 has a projection 51 that can be inserted into the hollow portion 26 of the hollow ceramic body 25. The shape of the projection 51 has a width (horizontal length) smaller than the diameter of the hollow portion 26 of the hollow ceramic body 25 so that the hollow ceramic body 25 can be moved onto the flat portion of the protruding jig 50 during the shrink-fitting process. The width of the projection 51 may be uniform throughout the height (vertical length) direction (left figure) or may vary (right figure). Furthermore, in the columnar ceramic body arrangement process described later, when columnar ceramic bodies 20 are arranged on each of the second end 12 sides of the multiple metal pipes 10, it is preferable that the height of the projection 51 is greater than the first end face 21 and smaller than the second end face 22 of the hollow ceramic body 25. By controlling the protrusion 51 to this height, it becomes easier to move the hollow ceramic body 25 onto the flat surface of the jig 50 during the shrink-fitting process.

[0033] The ejection jig 50 may be installed directly on the bottom 110 of the heating furnace 100, or it may be installed via another component (for example, a bottom plate). Alternatively, a shape corresponding to the ejection jig 50 may be pre-formed on the bottom 110 of the heating furnace 100.

[0034] The number of protruding fixtures 50 installed at the bottom 110 of the heating furnace 100 is not particularly limited and can be adjusted as appropriate according to the size of the heating furnace 100.

[0035] The material of the protruding jig 50 is not particularly limited as long as it is made of a material that can withstand the heating temperature during the shrink-fitting process. Examples of such materials include alumina.

[0036] <Columnar ceramic body arrangement process> Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the columnar ceramic body arrangement process. As shown in Figure 5, the columnar ceramic body arrangement process involves arranging columnar ceramic bodies 20 on each of the second end 12 sides of a plurality of metal pipes 10. The columnar ceramic body 20 is positioned at an appropriate location on the second end 12 side of the metal pipe 10, depending on the shape of the metal pipe 10. For example, as shown in Figure 5, when using a metal pipe 10 with a tapered portion 13 and an enlarged diameter on the second end 12 side, the columnar ceramic body 20 is positioned so as to contact the tapered portion 13 of the metal pipe 10. By positioning it in this way, tilting of the columnar ceramic body 20 can be suppressed.

[0037] Furthermore, if the metal pipe 10 is a straight pipe, it is preferable that the columnar ceramic body 20 has a tapered portion. Here, Figure 9 shows a cross-sectional view illustrating the columnar ceramic body arrangement process when the metal pipe 10 is a straight pipe. As shown in Figure 9, when the metal pipe 10 is a straight pipe, the columnar ceramic body 20 is arranged so that the tapered portion 23 of the columnar ceramic body 20 is in contact with the second end 12 of the metal pipe 10 (straight pipe). By arranging it in this way, it is possible to prevent the columnar ceramic body 20 from falling out of the metal pipe 10.

[0038] <Shrink-fitting process> Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the shrink-fitting process. As shown in Figure 6, the shrink-fitting process involves heating the inside of a heating furnace 100 to a temperature at which the metal tube 10 can be expanded, and then moving the columnar ceramic body 20 onto a protruding jig 50 inside the metal tube 10 to shrink-fit it. When the metal tube 10 is heated in the heating furnace 100 to a temperature at which it can be expanded in diameter, the columnar ceramic body 20 positioned on the second end 12 side of the metal tube 10 naturally falls (moves) onto the protruding jig 50 inside the metal tube 10 due to its own weight. Subsequently, by cooling the inside of the heating furnace 100, the metal tube 10 shrinks in diameter, allowing the metal tube 10 to be shrink-fitted into the columnar ceramic body 20. By shrink-fitting the metal tube 10 into each of the multiple columnar ceramic bodies 20 in the heating furnace 100 in this way, multiple shrink-fit members can be manufactured simultaneously in the heating furnace 100, thereby improving the production efficiency of shrink-fit members.

[0039] The heating temperature inside the heating furnace 100 is not particularly limited as long as it is a temperature at which the metal tube 10 can be expanded in diameter, and can be adjusted as appropriate depending on the type of metal tube 10. A typical heating temperature is 900 to 1200°C.

[0040] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the shrink-fit member obtained through the above steps. As shown in Figure 7, the shrink-fit member 1 comprises a metal tube 10 and a columnar ceramic body 20 housed inside the metal tube 10. A shrink-fit member 1 having such a structure can be used in various applications where corrosion resistance and thermal conductivity are required. Among these, the shrink-fit member 1 is particularly suitable for use as a thermal conductive member in heat exchangers.

[0041] The method for manufacturing a plurality of shrink-fit members according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention may further include a load member placement step between the columnar ceramic body placement step and the shrink-fitting step, if necessary.

[0042] <Load member placement process> Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the load member placement process. As shown in Figure 10, the load member placement process is the process of placing the load member 60 on the columnar ceramic body 20. In the shrink-fitting process, the columnar ceramic body 20 is moved onto the protruding jig 50 inside the metal pipe 10 by its own weight. However, depending on the type of columnar ceramic body 20 (for example, if the columnar ceramic body 20 is lightweight), it may be difficult to move it by its own weight alone. Therefore, by placing a load member 60 on the columnar ceramic body 20, the columnar ceramic body 20 can be reliably moved onto the protruding jig 50 inside the metal pipe 10 during the shrink-fitting process.

[0043] As shown in Figure 10, the load members 60 can be individually placed on each columnar ceramic body 20 located on the second end 12 side of the multiple metal pipes 10. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 11, the load member 60 may be integrally configured to simultaneously apply load to multiple columnar ceramic bodies 20 arranged on the second end 12 side of multiple metal pipes 10. By using a load member 60 with such a configuration, work inside the heating furnace 100, such as setting up and removing the load member 60, becomes easier compared to using individual load members 60.

[0044] The load member 60 is not particularly limited as long as it is a member that can apply a load to the columnar ceramic body 20 and withstand the heating temperature during the shrink-fitting process. Furthermore, the load member 60 may be made of a magnetic material together with the protruding jig 50. By making the protruding jig 50 and the load member 60 from a magnetic material, the columnar ceramic body 20 can be reliably moved onto the protruding jig 50 inside the metal pipe 10 during the shrink-fitting process, not only by the weight of the load member 60 but also by magnetic force.

[0045] (2) Apparatus for manufacturing multiple shrink-fit components The apparatus for manufacturing multiple shrink-fit members according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention is suitable for carrying out the above-described method for manufacturing multiple shrink-fit members 1, and is an apparatus for simultaneously shrink-fitting columnar ceramic bodies 20 by placing them inside multiple metal tubes 10. This manufacturing apparatus comprises a heating furnace 100 with a plurality of protruding jigs 50 installed at its bottom 110, a metal tube placement means for arranging the metal tubes 10 so that their first ends 11 are placed over each of the plurality of protruding jigs 50, and a columnar ceramic body placement means for arranging columnar ceramic bodies 20 on each of the second ends 12 of the plurality of metal tubes 10. With a manufacturing apparatus having such a configuration, multiple shrink-fit members can be manufactured simultaneously in the heating furnace 100.

[0046] The metal pipe placement means is not particularly limited as long as it has an arm and a drive mechanism capable of gripping the metal pipe 10 and placing it in a predetermined position. Similarly, the columnar ceramic body placement means is not particularly limited as long as it has an arm and a drive mechanism capable of gripping the columnar ceramic body 20 and placing it in a predetermined position. The arms and drive mechanisms of each means are not particularly limited, and known ones can be used.

[0047] The apparatus for manufacturing multiple shrink-fit members according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention may further include a load member placement means for placing load members 60 on the columnar ceramic body 20. Having a load member placement means ensures that the columnar ceramic body 20 can be reliably moved onto the protruding jig 50 inside the metal tube 10 during the shrink-fitting process. The load member placement means is not particularly limited as long as it has a drive mechanism capable of moving the load member 60 to a predetermined position. The drive mechanism of the load member placement means is not particularly limited, and known ones can be used.

[0048] The load member placement means can be individually placed on each columnar ceramic body 20 located on the second end 12 side of the plurality of metal pipes 10. Furthermore, the load member placement means may be integrally configured to allow simultaneous application of loads to multiple columnar ceramic bodies 20 arranged on the second end 12 side of multiple metal pipes 10. By using a load member placement means configured in this way, operations inside the heating furnace 100, such as the installation and removal of load members 60, can be made easier compared to a load member placement means in which load members 60 are individually placed on each columnar ceramic body 20.

[0049] [Embodiment 2] (1) Method for manufacturing multiple shrink-fit members The method for manufacturing multiple shrink-fit members according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention differs from the method for manufacturing multiple shrink-fit members according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention in that it uses an induction heating device as the means for heating the metal tube. By using an induction heating device as the means for heating the metal tube, only the metal tube can be selectively heated, so the inner diameter of the metal tube tends to become larger than the outer diameter of the columnar ceramic body. Therefore, when using an induction heating device, shrink-fitting becomes easier compared to when using a heating furnace. Furthermore, components having the same reference numerals as those appearing in the description of the method for manufacturing multiple shrink-fit members according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention are the same as the components in the method for manufacturing multiple shrink-fit members according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Also, the method for manufacturing multiple shrink-fit members according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention is the same as the method for manufacturing multiple shrink-fit members according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, except that an induction heating device is used as the means for heating the metal tube, so only the differences will be described.

[0050] The method for manufacturing a plurality of shrink-fit members according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention includes a metal tube arrangement step, a columnar ceramic body arrangement step, and a shrink-fit step. As a representative diagram for explaining each step, a top view illustrating the metal tube arrangement step is shown in Figure 12. Furthermore, the method for manufacturing a plurality of shrink-fit members according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention may, if necessary, further include a load member placement step between the columnar ceramic body placement step and the shrink-fitting step.

[0051] <Metal pipe arrangement process> The metal tube placement process involves positioning the metal tube 10 so that its first end 11 side covers each of the multiple protruding jigs 50 installed at the bottom 510 of the induction heating device. The induction heating coil 500 constituting the induction heating device can have a structure that allows multiple metal tubes 10 to be arranged within a single induction heating coil, as shown in Figure 12. Alternatively, the induction heating device may have a structure that includes an induction heating coil 500 having multiple sections capable of accommodating individual metal tubes 10, as shown in Figure 13. Note that Figure 13 is a top view, similar to Figure 12. The number of metal tubes 10 arranged in the induction heating device is not particularly limited, but increasing the number of tubes will increase the production efficiency of the shrink-fit member 1.

[0052] <Columnar ceramic body arrangement process> This can be done in the same manner as the columnar ceramic body arrangement process in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0053] <Shrink-fitting process> The shrink-fitting process involves heating the metal tube 10 to a temperature that allows for diameter expansion using an induction heating device, and then moving the columnar ceramic body 20 onto a protruding jig 50 inside the metal tube 10 to shrink-fit it. When the metal tube 10 is heated to a temperature that allows for diameter expansion using an induction heating device, the columnar ceramic body 20 positioned on the second end 12 side of the metal tube 10 naturally falls (moves) onto the protruding jig 50 inside the metal tube 10 due to its own weight. Subsequently, by stopping the heating by the induction heating device and allowing it to cool, the metal tube 10 shrinks in diameter, making it possible to shrink-fit the metal tube 10 into the columnar ceramic body 20. By heating the metal tube 10 in this way using an induction heating device, only the metal tube 10 can be selectively heated, making shrink-fitting easier. Furthermore, by using an induction heating device capable of accommodating multiple metal tubes 10, multiple shrink-fit members 1 can be manufactured simultaneously, thereby improving the production efficiency of the shrink-fit members 1.

[0054] <Load member placement process> The process can be carried out in the same manner as the load member arrangement process in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0055] (2) Apparatus for manufacturing multiple shrink-fit components The apparatus for manufacturing multiple shrink-fit members according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention differs from the apparatus for manufacturing multiple shrink-fit members according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention in that it uses an induction heating device as a means of heating the metal tube. Furthermore, components having the same reference numerals as those appearing in the description of the manufacturing apparatus for multiple shrink-fit members according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention are the same as the components in the manufacturing apparatus for multiple shrink-fit members according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. In addition, the manufacturing apparatus for multiple shrink-fit members according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention is the same as the manufacturing apparatus for multiple shrink-fit members according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, except that it uses an induction heating device as the means for heating the metal tubes, so only the differences will be described.

[0056] The apparatus for manufacturing multiple shrink-fit members according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention comprises an induction heating device with a plurality of protruding jigs 50 installed on its bottom 510, a metal tube placement means for arranging the metal tubes 10 so that their first ends 11 are placed over each of the plurality of protruding jigs 50, and a columnar ceramic body placement means for arranging columnar ceramic bodies 20 on each of the second ends 12 of the plurality of metal tubes 10. With such a configuration, only the metal tubes 10 can be selectively heated, making shrink-fitting easier. Furthermore, by using an induction heating device capable of accommodating multiple metal tubes 10, multiple shrink-fit members 1 can be manufactured simultaneously, thereby improving the production efficiency of the shrink-fit members 1. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0057] 1. Shrink-fit member 10 metal tube 11 First end 12 Second end 13 Tapered section 20 Columnar ceramic body 21 First end surface 22 Second end face 23 Tapered section 25 Hollow ceramic body 26 Hollow part 50 Protruding jig 51 Protrusion 60 Load Member 100 Furnace 110 Bottom 200,300 Honeycomb Structure 210 Peripheral wall 220 cells 230 Bulkhead 240 Inner wall 500 Induction Heating Coil 510 Bottom

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing multiple shrink-fit members, comprising placing columnar ceramic bodies inside multiple metal tubes and shrink-fitting them simultaneously, The process involves installing multiple protruding jigs at the bottom of the heating furnace, A metal pipe arrangement step involves arranging the metal pipe so that the first end of the metal pipe is placed over each of the multiple protruding jigs, A columnar ceramic body arrangement step in which the columnar ceramic bodies are placed on the second end side of each of the multiple metal pipes, A shrink-fitting process is performed by heating the inside of the heating furnace to a temperature that allows the metal tube to be expanded in diameter, and moving the columnar ceramic body onto the protruding jig inside the metal tube to shrink-fit it. A manufacturing method that includes this.

2. A method for manufacturing multiple shrink-fit members, comprising placing columnar ceramic bodies inside multiple metal tubes and shrink-fitting them simultaneously, The process involves installing multiple protruding jigs at the bottom of the induction heating device, A metal pipe arrangement step involves arranging the metal pipe so that the first end of the metal pipe is placed over each of the multiple protruding jigs, A columnar ceramic body arrangement step in which the columnar ceramic bodies are placed on the second end side of each of the multiple metal pipes, A shrink-fitting process is performed by heating the metal tube to a temperature that allows for diameter expansion using the induction heating device, and moving the columnar ceramic body onto the protruding jig inside the metal tube to shrink-fit it. A manufacturing method that includes this.

3. The manufacturing method according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a load member placement step of placing a load member on the columnar ceramic body between the columnar ceramic body placement step and the shrink-fitting step.

4. The manufacturing method according to claim 3, wherein the load member is integrally configured to allow a load to be simultaneously applied to a plurality of columnar ceramic bodies arranged on the second end side of a plurality of metal pipes.

5. The manufacturing method according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the protruding jig and the load member are made of a magnetic material.

6. The aforementioned metal tube is a tube having a tapered section, with the diameter widened at the second end. The manufacturing method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein in the columnar ceramic body arrangement step, the columnar ceramic body is arranged so as to be in contact with the tapered portion of the metal pipe.

7. The metal pipe is a straight pipe, and the columnar ceramic body has a tapered portion. The manufacturing method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein in the columnar ceramic body arrangement step, the tapered portion of the columnar ceramic body is arranged to contact the second end of the straight pipe.

8. The manufacturing method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the columnar ceramic body is a honeycomb structure having an outer periphery wall and partition walls disposed inside the outer periphery wall and forming a plurality of cells extending from a first end face to a second end face.

9. The manufacturing method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the columnar ceramic body is a hollow ceramic body, and the protruding jig has a projection that can be inserted into the hollow portion of the hollow ceramic body.

10. The manufacturing method according to claim 9, wherein the columnar ceramic body is a honeycomb structure having an outer peripheral wall, an inner peripheral wall, and partition walls disposed between the outer peripheral wall and the inner peripheral wall, which divide and form a plurality of cells extending from a first end face to a second end face.

11. The manufacturing method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the shrink-fit member is a heat-conducting member.

12. A manufacturing apparatus for multiple shrink-fit members, which involves placing columnar ceramic bodies inside multiple metal tubes and shrink-fitting them simultaneously, A heating furnace with multiple protruding jigs installed at the bottom, A metal pipe arrangement means is provided, which is arranged so as to place the first end of the metal pipe over each of the multiple protruding jigs, A columnar ceramic body arrangement means for arranging the columnar ceramic bodies on each of the second end sides of the plurality of metal pipes, A manufacturing apparatus equipped with the following features.

13. A manufacturing apparatus for multiple shrink-fit members, which involves placing columnar ceramic bodies inside multiple metal tubes and shrink-fitting them simultaneously, An induction heating device with multiple protruding jigs installed at the bottom, A metal pipe arrangement means is provided, which is arranged so as to place the first end of the metal pipe over each of the multiple protruding jigs, A columnar ceramic body arrangement means for arranging the columnar ceramic bodies on each of the second end sides of the plurality of metal pipes, A manufacturing apparatus equipped with the following features.

14. The manufacturing apparatus according to claim 12 or 13, further comprising a means for arranging load members on the columnar ceramic body.

15. The manufacturing apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the load member arrangement means is integrally configured to allow a load to be simultaneously applied to a plurality of columnar ceramic bodies arranged on the second end side of a plurality of metal pipes.

16. The manufacturing apparatus according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the protruding jig and the load member are made of a magnetic material.

17. The manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 12 to 16, wherein the columnar ceramic body is a hollow ceramic body, and the protruding jig has a projection that can be inserted into the hollow portion of the hollow ceramic body.