Press-fitting device

Abstract

This reduces the time required to change sleeve holders, improving the efficiency of pressing sleeves into tubes. [Solution] The press-fitting device 100 comprises a tube holding section 1 and a sleeve holding section 2. The sleeve holding section 2 comprises a support plate 20 that supports multiple types of sleeve holders 21, each capable of holding multiple types of sleeves of different sizes, arranged in an annular shape; a rotation mechanism 22 for rotating the support plate 20; and a linear motion mechanism for moving the sleeve holders 21 linearly along the axial direction L. The rotation mechanism 22 is configured to rotate the support plate 20 so that one of the multiple types of sleeve holders 21 supported by the support plate 20 is positioned coaxially with the tube. A camera 3 is provided outside the tube end in the radial direction R to image the tube end from outside the radial direction R.

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present invention relates to a press-fitting device for press-fitting and attaching a sleeve inside a tube.

Background Art

[0002] In manufacturing processes such as semiconductor manufacturing, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and food processing, resin tubes may be used for transporting chemical solutions and pure water. In such technical fields, when connecting a tube with a pipe fitting, as a previous step, a sleeve may be press-fitted and attached to one end of the tube. A pipe fitting is attached to the tube via the sleeve. An apparatus for performing such a press-fitting process is disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-001277 (Patent Document 1).

[0003] The press-fitting device disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a sleeve holder (ring holder 20) for holding a sleeve (inner ring 23), and the integrated sleeve and sleeve holder are press-fitted inside a tube (resin-made pipe 14). Thereby, the sleeve is attached to the tube. When the press-fitting is completed, only the sleeve holder is pulled out from the tube.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, since the type of sleeve holder to be used differs depending on the tube diameter and the size of the pipe fitting, in the setup change process, replacement work of the sleeve holder is required, and the work efficiency may be lowered accordingly.

[0006] In light of the above situation, it is desirable to shorten the time required to change sleeve holders and improve the efficiency of the press-fitting operation of sleeves into tubes. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A press-fitting device for attaching a sleeve to the inside of a tube by press-fitting it, A tube holding portion for holding the tube, It comprises a sleeve holding portion for holding the sleeve, The sleeve holding portion is A support plate is provided at a position axially opposite to the tube holding portion, supporting multiple types of sleeve holders, each capable of holding multiple types of sleeves of different sizes, arranged in an annular shape; A rotation mechanism for rotating the support plate around a horizontal axis, The system includes a linear motion mechanism that moves at least a portion of the sleeve holding portion linearly along the axial direction, thereby moving the sleeve holder linearly along the axial direction, The rotation mechanism is configured to rotate the support plate, thereby positioning one of the multiple types of sleeve holders supported by the support plate coaxially with the tube. A camera is provided radially outward from the tube end, which is the end of the tube into which the sleeve is press-fitted, to image the tube end from the radially outward direction.

[0008] In this configuration, the support plate supports multiple types of sleeve holders, each capable of holding multiple types of sleeves of different sizes. Therefore, during the setup changeover process, there is no need to change the sleeve holders. A sleeve holder suitable for the diameter of the tube is selected from among the multiple types of sleeve holders, and this sleeve holder is positioned coaxially with the tube as the support plate rotates. A camera that images the tube end from the radial outside can then be used to confirm whether the two are properly positioned coaxially. Once it is confirmed that the two are properly positioned coaxially, the sleeve holder can be pressed into the tube by moving it linearly using a linear motion mechanism. If it is found that the two are misaligned, the position of the sleeve holder can be retried or its position can be finely adjusted. As described above, this configuration can shorten the time required to change sleeve holders and improve the efficiency of the sleeve press-fitting operation into the tube.

[0009] Further features and advantages of the technology relating to this disclosure will become clearer from the following description of exemplary and non-limiting embodiments, with reference to the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Cross-sectional view showing how tubes are connected by pipe fittings. [Figure 2] This diagram shows the state of the tube before the sleeve is pressed into it using a press-fitting device. [Figure 3] This diagram shows the state after a sleeve has been pressed into a tube using a press-fitting device. [Figure 4] Perspective view of the press-fitting device [Figure 5] Control block section [Figure 6] A flowchart showing the process from setting the sleeve holder to be press-fitted. [Figure 7] A diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a monitor. [Figure 8] This diagram shows the sleeve holder to be press-fitted positioned opposite the tube. [Figure 9] Figure showing the state of adjusting the position of the sleeve holder

Embodiment for Implementing the Invention

[0011] The press-fitting device according to the present disclosure is a device for press-fitting and attaching a sleeve inside a tube. The opening of a resin tube having elasticity is widened, and the sleeve is press-fitted inside it. The tube is used, for example, for transporting chemical solutions and pure water in manufacturing processes such as semiconductor manufacturing, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and food processing. The sleeve constitutes a part of a pipe joint member and is used for connection with rotating equipment such as pumps and other tubes. Hereinafter, embodiments of the press-fitting device will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0012] FIG. 1 shows a state in which a tube 9 is connected by a pipe joint 8. The pipe joint 8 includes a joint body 80, a sleeve 81, and a union nut 82.

[0013] Hereinafter, the “axial direction L” and the “radial direction R” shall be defined based on the axis 9Ax of the tube 9.

[0014] The sleeve 81 is a member formed in a cylindrical shape, is press-fitted from an opening formed at the tube end 90, and is disposed inside the tube 9 in the radial direction R. The inside of the sleeve 81 serves as a flow path through which fluid passes.

[0015] The inner diameter of the sleeve 81 is the same as the inner diameter of the tube 9. On the other hand, the outer diameter of the sleeve 81 is larger than the outer diameter of the tube 9. In the present embodiment, the sleeve 81 includes a bulging portion 811 that bulges outward in the radial direction R. When the sleeve 81 is press-fitted, the bulging portion 811 expands the elastic tube 9 outward in the radial direction R. Due to the elastic force of the tube 9 that resists this expansion, the tube 9 is fixed to the sleeve 81 and the space between the two is sealed. The bulging portion 811 is formed in a tapered shape that reduces its diameter toward the tip side (left side in the figure) of the sleeve 81. Therefore, even with the presence of the bulging portion 811, it is possible to appropriately press-fit the sleeve 81 onto the tube 9.

[0016] In the present embodiment, the sleeve 81 includes a stepped portion 812 whose radial dimension varies. The stepped portion 812 is a portion where the outer peripheral surface of the sleeve 81 changes in a stepped manner. The stepped portion 812 has a surface facing the tip side (left side in the figure) in the axial direction L. The stepped portion 812 is formed on the base end side (right side in the figure) of the sleeve 81 with respect to the bulging portion 811. The stepped portion 812 (specifically, the surface facing the tip side in the axial direction L in the stepped portion 812) faces the tube end 90 in the axial direction L.

[0017] The joint body 80 is a cylindrical member and includes an inner cylinder portion 801 and an outer cylinder portion 802 formed with a larger diameter than the inner cylinder portion 801. The inner cylinder portion 801 is configured to fit with the base end (the end on the right side in the figure) of the sleeve 81 in the axial direction L. The outer cylinder portion 802 is configured to cover the portion of the tube 9 expanded by the sleeve 81 from the outside in the radial direction R. The tube 9 is disposed adjacent to the inner side in the radial direction R of the outer cylinder portion 802, and the sleeve 81 is further disposed adjacent to the inner side in the radial direction R thereof.

[0018] The union nut 82 is press-fitted against the tube 9 from the outside in the radial direction R and is screwed to the joint body 80 from the outside in the radial direction R. By tightening the union nut 82 to the joint body 80, the connection process of the tube 9 by the pipe joint 8 is completed.

[0019] The press-fitting device 100 (see Figure 4) according to this disclosure is used in the press-fitting process of the sleeve 81, which is performed before the connection process described above. The press-fitting process attaches the sleeve 81 to the tube 9.

[0020] Figures 2 and 3 show the process of press-fitting the sleeve 81 into the tube 9. Figure 2 shows the state before press-fitting, and Figure 3 shows the state after press-fitting. When press-fitting the sleeve 81, a sleeve holder 21 is used to hold the sleeve 81. The sleeve holder 21 is configured to support the cylindrical sleeve 81 from the inside in the radial direction R.

[0021] As shown in Figure 2, before press-fitting, the sleeve holder 21 is positioned opposite the tube 9 in the axial direction L, supporting the sleeve 81. When the sleeve holder 21 is set to the press-fitting start position, the sleeve holder 21 (sleeve 81) and the tube 9 are positioned coaxially. More specifically, the axis of the sleeve holder 21 (sleeve 81) and the axis 9Ax of the tube 9 coincide. Note that the two do not necessarily have to coincide, but only need to coincide within the range of design tolerance.

[0022] The sleeve holder 21 moves to approach the tube 9 and is press-fitted into the tube 9 together with the sleeve 81 (see Figure 3). In other words, by press-fitting the sleeve holder 21 into the tube 9, the sleeve 81 held by the sleeve holder 21 is consequently press-fitted into the tube 9.

[0023] In this embodiment, the tip of the sleeve holder 21 protrudes from the sleeve 81 and is tapered, continuing from the bulging portion 811 of the sleeve 81. This allows the tube 9 to be guided relative to the sleeve 81 when the sleeve 81 is pressed into the tube 9, enabling smooth press-fitting.

[0024] As mentioned above, when the sleeve 81 is pressed in, the bulging portion 811 expands the elastic tube 9 radially outward. The elastic force of the tube 9 resisting this expansion fixes the tube 9 to the sleeve 81.

[0025] Although detailed illustrations are omitted, after press-fitting, the sleeve holder 21 retracts away from the tube 9, and is withdrawn from the tube 9 while the tube 9 and sleeve 81 remain connected.

[0026] Here, the diameters of the tubes 9 to be connected by the pipe fittings 8 vary. The type of sleeve holder 21 to be used also differs depending on the diameter of the tube 9 and the size of the pipe fittings 8. Conventionally, in the setup change process to transition to the connection process of tubes 9 of different diameters, it was necessary to select a sleeve holder 21 of a size appropriate for the diameter of the target tube 9 and replace the sleeve holder 21 with the press-fitting device 100. The press-fitting device 100 according to this disclosure has a configuration that can solve these problems. This will be explained in detail below.

[0027] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the press-fitting device 100 according to this embodiment, and Figure 5 is a control block diagram.

[0028] As shown in Figure 4, the press-fitting device 100 includes a tube holding section 1 for holding the tube 9 and a sleeve holding section 2 for holding the sleeve 81. The tube holding section 1 and the sleeve holding section 2 are connected by a connecting section 4 and are integrated into one unit.

[0029] In this embodiment, the tube holder 1 is constructed using a clamp. The tube holder 1 comprises a fixed part and a movable part. The movable part is configured to open and close relative to the fixed part. When the movable part is closed, the movable part and the fixed part form an annular space, and the tube 9 is held between them. The tube holder 1 is configured to hold multiple types of tubes 9 with different diameters. For example, the tube holder 1 is configured to hold the tube 9 via a ring member, and by adjusting the thickness of the ring member, it can accommodate different diameters of the tube 9.

[0030] The sleeve holding unit 2 comprises a main body 25 and a support plate 20. The main body 25 is formed in a box shape to house control equipment, drive equipment, etc., and is connected to the connecting unit 4. The support plate 20 is connected to the main body 25 and is configured to rotate around a horizontal axis relative to the main body 25.

[0031] Here, the support plate 20 supports multiple types of sleeve holders 21, each capable of holding multiple types of sleeves 81 of different sizes, at a position opposite to the tube holding portion 1 in the axial direction L. The multiple types of sleeve holders 21 are arranged in an annular shape, and are configured to move along the annular trajectory 20r as the support plate 20 rotates, thereby swapping their respective positions.

[0032] The sleeve holding section 2 is equipped with a rotation mechanism 22 that rotates the support plate 20 around a horizontal axis. The rotation mechanism 22 is configured to rotate the support plate 20 so that one of several types of sleeve holders 21 supported by the support plate 20 is positioned coaxially with the tube 9. In this embodiment, the rotation mechanism 22 is equipped with a rotation motor 22m (see Figure 5) that rotates the support plate 20 by the amount necessary to position one of several types of sleeve holders 21 supported by the support plate 20 coaxially with the tube 9. In the example shown in Figure 4, the rotation motor 22m rotates the support plate 20 so that one of several types of sleeve holders 21 is positioned at the lowest position of the annular orbit 20r. That is, the amount of rotation required differs depending on the selected sleeve holder 21.

[0033] In this way, the support plate 20 supports multiple types of sleeve holders 21, each capable of holding multiple types of sleeves 81 of different sizes, so that the sleeve holders 21 do not need to be replaced during the setup changeover process. Then, a sleeve holder 21 suitable for the diameter of the tube 9 is selected from among the multiple types of sleeve holders 21, and this sleeve holder 21 is positioned coaxially with the tube 9 as the support plate 20 rotates.

[0034] Furthermore, the sleeve holding portion 2 is equipped with a linear motion mechanism 23 (see Figure 5) that moves at least a portion of the sleeve holding portion 2 linearly along the axial direction L, thereby moving the sleeve holder 21 linearly along the axial direction L. This allows the sleeve holder 21, which is positioned coaxially with the tube 9, to approach the tube 9 and be press-fitted into it. As described above with reference to Figure 3, since the sleeve holder 21 holds the sleeve 81, when the sleeve holder 21 is press-fitted into the tube 9, the sleeve 81 held by it is also press-fitted into the tube 9.

[0035] In this embodiment, the linear motion mechanism 23 is configured to linearly move one of several types of sleeve holders 21 supported by the support plate 20. In this example, the linear motion mechanism 23 includes a linear guide (not shown) that linearly guides the sleeve holder 21 along the axial direction L, and a linear motion motor 23m (see Figure 4).

[0036] Here, what is important during press-fitting is that the sleeve holder 21 and the tube 9 are arranged coaxially, and more specifically, that the axis of the sleeve holder 21 and the axis 9Ax of the tube 9 overlap. If press-fitting is started without meeting this condition, the tube 9 may buckle during press-fitting, or even if it does not, the attachment of the sleeve 81 to the tube 9 may be incomplete, potentially reducing the sealing performance.

[0037] Therefore, in a state where the sleeve holder 21 is positioned close to the tube 9 (see Figure 2), a camera 3 is provided to manage the relative position between the tube 9 and the sleeve holder 21. The camera 3 is positioned radially R away from the tube end 90, which is the end of the tube 9 into which the sleeve 81 is press-fitted, and captures an image of the tube end 90 from radially R away. Based on the image captured by the camera 3, it is possible to confirm whether the sleeve holder 21 and the tube 9 are positioned coaxially.

[0038] In this embodiment, the sleeve holding unit 2 is provided with a monitor 24 that displays images captured by the camera 3 in real time. This allows the operator to check whether the sleeve holder 21 and the tube 9 are positioned coaxially by looking at the monitor 24. If, as a result of the check, the sleeve holder 21 is misaligned with respect to the tube 9, the position of the sleeve holder 21 can be adjusted by further rotating the support plate 20.

[0039] However, attempting to perform the above-mentioned position adjustments by driving the 22m rotary motor requires highly precise torque management, and the control system tends to become complex.

[0040] Therefore, in this embodiment, the rotation mechanism 22 is equipped with an adjustment knob 22a for manually adjusting the amount of rotation of the support plate 20 by the operator. The operator can rotate the support plate 20 in minute increments using the adjustment knob 22a, enabling highly accurate position adjustment. Furthermore, the operator can easily perform accurate position adjustment by operating the adjustment knob 22a while checking the image of the tube end 90 captured by the camera 3 on the monitor 24.

[0041] Camera 3 is positioned opposite the center of the radial R in the tube 9. In the illustrated example, camera 3 is positioned directly above the tube 9 and images the tube end 90 such that the axis 9Ax of the tube 9 is at the center of the field of view.

[0042] In this embodiment, a camera support portion 30 is further provided to support the camera 3 so that it can move axially in the L direction. This makes it possible to adjust the axial position of the camera 3 to match the axial position of the tube end 90 (i.e., the length of the tube 9).

[0043] As shown in Figure 5, in this embodiment, the press-fitting device 100 includes a control unit 5 that acquires information from each part and issues commands to each part.

[0044] In this embodiment, the control unit 5 controls the rotary motor 22m by commanding it to rotate the support plate 20 by the required amount. The required amount of rotation is determined based on the sleeve holder 21 selected from among several types of sleeve holders 21 and the current position of the sleeve holder 21 in the annular trajectory 20r. By rotating the support plate 20 by the required amount, the selected sleeve holder 21 is positioned at the lowest position in the annular trajectory 20r. As a result, the sleeve holder 21 is positioned opposite the tube 9 in the axial direction L.

[0045] In this embodiment, the control unit 5 controls the linear motor 23m by commanding it to extend the sleeve holder 21 by a required amount. The required amount is the amount of extension necessary to press the sleeve holder 21 into the tube 9. For example, by detecting the insertion amount of the sleeve holder 21 into the tube 9 using the camera 3 and gradually increasing the torque of the linear motor 23m, appropriate press-fitting can be achieved.

[0046] In this embodiment, the control unit 5 is configured to display the image captured by the camera 3 on the monitor 24. In this example, the control unit 5 displays the image on the monitor 24 in real time. This allows the operator to check the current status on the monitor 24 and make detailed position adjustments to the sleeve holder 21 using the adjustment knob 22a.

[0047] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the process from setting the sleeve holder 21 to be press-fitted to the press-fitting start position.

[0048] As shown in Figure 6, first, the size of the sleeve holder 21 is selected (#1). "Size" refers to, for example, the diameter of the cylindrical sleeve holder 21. This allows the sleeve holder 21 to be pressed in to be selected from among several types of sleeve holders 21. This selection is based on the diameter of the tube 9 held in the tube holding part 1, and for example, a specific sleeve holder 21 size is selected by the operator.

[0049] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 7, a screen for selecting the size of the sleeve holder 21 is displayed on the monitor 24, and the operator selects the desired size of the sleeve holder 21 based on this screen. For example, the monitor 24 is configured using a capacitive touch panel, and the operator makes the selection by holding their finger or a stylus over it.

[0050] In the example shown in Figure 7, the selection screen displayed on the monitor 24 allows the user to select the size of the sleeve holder 21. However, instead, the user may be prompted to select the diameter of the tube 9. For example, the diameter of the tube 9 and the size of the sleeve holder 21 corresponding to that tube 9 may be stored in a linked manner, and the size of the sleeve holder 21 may be indirectly selected by selecting the diameter of the tube 9.

[0051] Returning to Figure 6, after step #1, the support plate 20 is rotated (#2). The control unit 5 commands the rotary motor 22m to rotate by the required amount to position the selected sleeve holder 21 opposite the tube 9, and the rotary motor 22m rotates the support plate 20 by the required amount.

[0052] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 8, the support plate 20 is rotated by the required amount to position the selected sleeve holder 21 at the lowest position of the annular track 20r (see Figure 4). In this example, the linear motor 23m moves the sleeve holder 21, positioned at the lowest position of the annular track 20r, linearly to bring it closer to the tube 9 by a predetermined amount. This positions the sleeve holder 21 in close proximity to the tube 9.

[0053] Returning to Figure 6, after step #3, it is determined whether the sleeve holder 21 is positioned coaxially with respect to the tube 9 (#4). This determination is made based on the image captured by camera 3.

[0054] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 9, the image captured by the camera 3 is displayed on the monitor 24. In this example, the axis 9Ax of the tube 9 is virtually displayed on the monitor 24. This makes it easier to determine whether or not the sleeve holder 21 is positioned coaxially with respect to the tube 9. In this embodiment, this determination is made by an operator checking the monitor 24.

[0055] Returning to Figure 6, if it is determined in step #4 that the sleeve holder 21 is not coaxial with the tube 9 (#4: No), then the operator makes a fine adjustment using the adjustment knob 22a (see Figure 4) (#5).

[0056] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 9, the operator adjusts the position of the sleeve holder 21 by operating the adjustment knob 22a while checking the image captured by the camera 3 on the monitor 24. As described above, the image on the monitor 24 displays the axis 9Ax of the tube 9, making it easier to adjust the position of the sleeve holder 21.

[0057] Returning to Figure 6, if it is determined in step #4 that the sleeve holder 21 is positioned coaxially with the tube 9 (#4: Yes), and if fine adjustment is made with the adjustment knob 22a (#5), then the setting of the sleeve holder 21 to the press-fitting start position is completed (#6). That is, the state shown in Figure 2 is achieved.

[0058] According to the press-fitting device 100 described above, it is possible to shorten the time required to change the sleeve holder 21 and improve the efficiency of the press-fitting operation of the sleeve 81 onto the tube 9.

[0059] [Other Embodiments] Next, other embodiments will be described.

[0060] (1) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the size of a specific sleeve holder 21 is selected by an operator. However, the selection of the sleeve holder 21 may be performed automatically, without being limited to such an example. In this case, for example, the tube holding unit 1 may be equipped with a diameter measuring instrument (not shown) for measuring the diameter of the tube 9. Based on the diameter of the tube 9 measured by the diameter measuring instrument, one of several types of sleeve holders 21 supported on the support plate 20 is selected. The rotation mechanism 22 rotates the support plate 20 so that the selected sleeve holder 21 is positioned coaxially with the tube 9. For example, a camera sensor or a laser sensor can be used as the diameter measuring instrument.

[0061] (2) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the determination of whether or not the sleeve holder 21 is arranged coaxially with respect to the tube 9 is made by an operator checking the monitor 24. However, the example is not limited to this example, and the above determination may be made automatically by image recognition using AI or the like with the image captured by the camera 3.

[0062] (3) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the linear motion mechanism 23 is configured to linearly move one of several types of sleeve holders 21 supported by the support plate 20. However, the linear motion mechanism 23 may be configured to linearly move the selected sleeve holder 21 by linearly moving the entire support plate 20.

[0063] (4) The configurations disclosed in the embodiments described above can be applied in combination with configurations disclosed in other embodiments, as long as no inconsistencies arise. With regard to other configurations, the embodiments disclosed herein are merely illustrative in all respects. Therefore, various modifications can be made as appropriate without departing from the spirit of this disclosure.

[0064] [Summary of this embodiment] The following is a summary of this embodiment.

[0065] A press-fitting device for attaching a sleeve to the inside of a tube by press-fitting it, A tube holding portion for holding the tube, It comprises a sleeve holding portion for holding the sleeve, The sleeve holding portion is A support plate is provided at a position axially opposite to the tube holding portion, supporting multiple types of sleeve holders, each capable of holding multiple types of sleeves of different sizes, arranged in an annular shape; A rotation mechanism for rotating the support plate around a horizontal axis, The system includes a linear motion mechanism that moves at least a portion of the sleeve holding portion linearly along the axial direction, thereby moving the sleeve holder linearly along the axial direction, The rotation mechanism is configured to rotate the support plate, thereby positioning one of the multiple types of sleeve holders supported by the support plate coaxially with the tube. A camera is provided radially outward from the tube end, which is the end of the tube into which the sleeve is press-fitted, to image the tube end from the radially outward direction.

[0066] In this configuration, the support plate supports multiple types of sleeve holders, each capable of holding multiple types of sleeves of different sizes. Therefore, during the setup changeover process, there is no need to change the sleeve holders. A sleeve holder suitable for the diameter of the tube is selected from among the multiple types of sleeve holders, and this sleeve holder is positioned coaxially with the tube as the support plate rotates. A camera that images the tube end from the radial outside can then be used to confirm whether the two are properly positioned coaxially. Once it is confirmed that the two are properly positioned coaxially, the sleeve holder can be pressed into the tube by moving it linearly using a linear motion mechanism. If it is found that the two are misaligned, the position of the sleeve holder can be retried or its position can be finely adjusted. As described above, this configuration can shorten the time required to change sleeve holders and improve the efficiency of the sleeve press-fitting operation into the tube.

[0067] The rotation mechanism comprises a rotary motor that rotates one of the multiple types of sleeve holders supported on the support plate by the required amount to position it coaxially with the tube, and an adjustment knob for manually adjusting the amount of rotation of the support plate by an operator. Preferably, the sleeve holding portion is provided with a monitor that displays the image captured by the camera in real time.

[0068] With this configuration, a sleeve holder suitable for the tube diameter can be automatically positioned coaxially with the tube by a rotary motor. If the positions of the two are misaligned, the operator can fine-tune the position of the sleeve holder using an adjustment knob. At that time, the position of the tube end and the tip of the sleeve holder, which should be aligned coaxially, is captured by a camera and displayed on a monitor, allowing the operator to fine-tune the position of the sleeve holder while checking the monitor.

[0069] It is preferable that a camera support portion is further provided to support the camera so as to be movable in the axial direction.

[0070] With this configuration, the axial position of the tube end after it is held in the tube holder may vary depending on the length of the tube held in the tube holder, or on the skill level of the operator. Therefore, it is difficult to stabilize the imaging position by the camera. However, with this configuration, the camera support unit can move the camera axially, making it possible to flexibly position the camera at an appropriate position where the tube end can be imaged.

[0071] The tube holding portion is equipped with a diameter measuring instrument for measuring the diameter of the tube. Based on the diameter of the tube measured by the diameter measuring instrument, one of the multiple types of sleeve holders supported on the support plate is selected. The rotation mechanism preferably rotates the support plate so that the selected sleeve holder is positioned coaxially with the tube.

[0072] With this configuration, the support plate can be automatically rotated to position a sleeve holder suitable for the tube held in the tube holding section coaxially, according to the diameter of the tube.

[0073] Preferably, the linear motion mechanism is configured to linearly move one of the multiple types of sleeve holders supported by the support plate.

[0074] With this configuration, the sleeve holder can be moved linearly with less force compared to when the entire support plate is moved linearly. [Industrial applicability]

[0075] The technology described herein can be used in a press-fitting device that press-fits a sleeve into the inside of a tube. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0076] 100: Press-fitting device 1: Tube holding part 2: Sleeve holding section 20: Support board 21: Sleeve holder 22: Rotation mechanism 22m: Rotary motor 23: Linear motion mechanism 24: Monitor 3: Camera 30: Camera support section 9: Tube 90: Tube end 9Ax: Axis center 81: Sleeves L: Axial direction R: Radial direction

Claims

1. A press-fitting device for attaching a sleeve to the inside of a tube by press-fitting it, A tube holding portion for holding the tube, It comprises a sleeve holding portion for holding the sleeve, The sleeve holding portion is A support plate is provided at a position axially opposite to the tube holding portion, supporting multiple types of sleeve holders, each capable of holding multiple types of sleeves of different sizes, arranged in an annular shape; A rotation mechanism for rotating the support plate around a horizontal axis, The system includes a linear motion mechanism that moves at least a portion of the sleeve holding portion linearly along the axial direction, thereby moving the sleeve holder linearly along the axial direction, The rotation mechanism is configured to rotate the support plate, thereby positioning one of the multiple types of sleeve holders supported by the support plate coaxially with the tube. A camera is provided radially outward from the tube end, which is the end of the tube into which the sleeve is press-fitted, to image the tube end from the radially outward direction. The tube holding portion is equipped with a diameter measuring instrument for measuring the diameter of the tube. Based on the diameter of the tube measured by the diameter measuring instrument, one of the multiple types of sleeve holders supported on the support plate is selected. The rotating mechanism is a press-fitting device that rotates the support plate so that the selected sleeve holder is positioned coaxially with the tube.

2. The rotation mechanism comprises a rotary motor that rotates one of the multiple types of sleeve holders supported on the support plate by the required amount to position it coaxially with the tube, and an adjustment knob for manually adjusting the amount of rotation of the support plate by an operator. The press-fitting device according to claim 1, wherein the sleeve holding portion is provided with a monitor that displays images captured by the camera in real time.

3. The press-fitting device according to claim 1, further comprising a camera support portion that supports the camera so as to be movable in the axial direction.

4. The press-fitting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the linear motion mechanism is configured to linearly move one selected from a plurality of types of sleeve holders supported on the support plate.

Images