JP2004117153A

JP2004117153A - Instrument and method for measuring volume

Info

Publication number: JP2004117153A
Application number: JP2002280729A
Authority: JP
Inventors: Keisuke Ueno; 上野　佳祐
Original assignee: Toyota Motor Corp
Current assignee: Toyota Motor Corp
Priority date: 2002-09-26
Filing date: 2002-09-26
Publication date: 2004-04-15

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an instrument and method for measuring volume, by which the productivity of a product can be improved by appropriately confirming the airtightness of the hollow section of a work. <P>SOLUTION: When the advance to a measuring step is ready, by filling up first and second gauge tanks 6 and 7 with compressed air and confirming that the internal pressures of the tanks 6 and 7 are equivalent to each other, communication between the first gauge tank 6 and a compressed air supply device 2 is interrupted, and the work 16 is inspected for airtightness by supplying compressed air from the compressed air supply device 2 to the work 16 via a passage member 13 by opening an airtightness confirming-side valve 26. When airtightness of the work 16 is secured, the measuring step is started, but when leakage is detected, the measuring step is started, after preparing measuring conditions. Since the airtightness inspection is performed, before the measuring step unlike the conventional technology by which volume measurement is performed, even if the compressed air leaks out and time losses are caused due to the remeasurements, productivity can be improved by avoiding the remeasurements. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、自動車のトランスミッション、デファレンシャルのオイル用ケースの容積等の計測に用いられる容積計測装置及び容積計測方法に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
従来の容積計測装置の一例として、図３に示すものがある。図３において、容積計測装置１は、圧縮空気を供給する圧縮空気供給装置２と、圧縮空気供給装置２から吐出される圧縮空気を案内する圧縮空気供給通路３と、圧縮空気供給通路３から分岐される第１、第２通路４，５と、第１、第２通路４，５にそれぞれ接続されて圧縮空気が収納される同等容積の２つのゲージタンク（それぞれ第１、第２ゲージタンクという。）６，７と、第１、第２通路４，５の途中にそれぞれ設けられる２つの電磁三方弁（以下、それぞれ第１、第２電磁三方弁という。）８，９とを備えている。
【０００３】
第１、第２通路４，５の第１、第２ゲージタンク６，７側部分に差圧センサ１０が接続されている。なお、タンク６とバルブ８と差圧センサ１０を結ぶ通路と、タンク７とバルブ９と差圧センサ１０を結ぶ通路とは同等容積であり、バルブ９とマスタータンク２０とを結ぶ通路容積は既知とされている。また、第２通路５の第２ゲージタンク７側部分に接続して圧力センサ（以下、第２通路側圧力センサという。）１１が設けられている。第１電磁三方弁８の１つのポートには、後述する計測ノズル１２と共に通路部材１３を構成する主チューブ１４の一端側が接続されている。主チューブ１４の他端側には計測ノズル１２が接続されている。計測ノズル１２は、中空部１５を有するワーク１６（容器）の開口部１７に装着されるようになっている。計測ノズル１２には空気シール部材（図示省略）が取付けられており、気密化の向上を図るようにしている。ワーク１６の中空部１５には、オイル１８（液体）が貯留されるようになっている。そして、中空部１５における液体上の空間部（以下、適宜、空間部という。）１９に連通するようにしてワーク１６には前記開口部１７が設けられている。
第２電磁三方弁９の１つのポートには、一定容積のマスタータンク２０が接続され、第２電磁三方弁９の切換え作動により、第２ゲージタンク７と連通するようになっている。
【０００４】
上記容積計測装置１では、まず、第１、第２電磁三方弁８，９を介してワーク１６（主チューブ１４）を第１通路４から遮断しかつマスタータンク２０を第２通路５から遮断した状態で、圧縮空気供給装置２と第１、第２ゲージタンク６，７とを連通して第１、第２ゲージタンク６，７に圧縮空気を充填した（チャージ工程）後、第１、第２電磁三方弁８，９を作動して、圧縮空気供給装置２と第１、第２ゲージタンク６，７とを遮断し、差圧センサ１０で第１、第２ゲージタンク６，７の差圧が「ゼロ」であることを確認する（差圧確認工程）。
次に、ワーク１６の開口部１７に計測ノズル１２を装着した（計測ノズル１２装着工程）後、第１、第２電磁三方弁８，９を作動して、第１ゲージタンク６とワーク１６の中空部１５とを連通させると共に、第２ゲージタンク７とマスタータンク２０を連通させて、ワーク側回路（ワーク１６及び第１ゲージタンク６を含む回路）とマスタータンク側回路（マスタータンク２０び第２ゲージタンク７を含む回路）の差圧に基づいて容積を比較し、ワーク側回路ひいてはワーク１６の空間部１９の容積を計測する（計測工程）。計測を終えると計測ノズル１２をワーク１６から外して計測すべき次のワークの開口部に計測ノズル１２を装着する。
計測工程では、計測毎に計測ノズル１２をワーク１６の開口部１７に装着させる。計測ノズル１２の装着に際しては、ワーク１６の中空部１５が気密化されるようにしている。
【０００５】
上述したのと同様に差圧に基づいて容積を検出する従来例として、アテック株式会社の「ボルテック　容量自動測定」のカタログ、第２頁に示すものがある。
【０００６】
【非特許文献１】
アテック株式会社（　愛知県知立市池端３−４１、アテックビル　ｔｅｌ：０５６６−８４−４６７０　　　ｈｔｔｐ：／／ｗｗｗ．ａｔｅｑ．ｃｏｍ）の「ボルテック　容量自動測定」のカタログ（発行日の記載なし）、第２頁
【０００７】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
ところで、上述した従来技術では、ワーク１６の中空部１５を計測ノズル１２により気密化するが、その状態を目視することができず、不安感を招いている。
また、計測ノズル１２に取付けられている空気シール部材が破損していたり、あるいは計測ノズル１２がワーク１６の開口部１７に適正に装着されていない際などには、ワーク１６の中空部１５が気密化されないが、このような場合においても、計測工程が行なわれる。そして、このように気密化されない状態で計測が行なわれると、「気密不良」となり、再計測が必要となる。この場合、再計測に伴う時間（再計測時間）、すなわち、チャージ工程に要するチャージ時間（例えば１５秒）及び計測工程に要する計測時間（例えば３秒）が生産工程においてロス時間となり、生産性の低下を招くことになる。
【０００８】
本発明は、上記事情に鑑みてなされたもので、ワークの中空部の気密性の確認を適正に行えて生産性の向上を図ることができる容積計測装置及び容積計測方法を提供することを目的とする。
【０００９】
【課題を解決するための手段】
請求項１記載の発明は、圧縮気体が封入される基準側容器部と、中空部に液体が貯留されるワークの空間部に接続される通路部材を含み圧縮気体が封入される計測側容器部と、前記基準側容器部及び計測側容器部の圧力差を検出する差圧検出手段とを有し、前記圧力差を利用して前記空間部の容積を計測する容積計測装置であって、前記通路部材及びワークの気密状態を確認する気密確認回路を設けたことを特徴とする。
請求項２記載の発明は、請求項１に記載の構成において、前記通路部材は、主チューブ及び該主チューブに一端側が接続される計測ノズルからなり、該計測ノズルは前記ワークの開口部に装着され、前記計測側容器部は、圧縮気体を収納する所定容積の計測側タンクと、計測側主バルブと、前記通路部材とからなり、前記計測側主バルブは、圧縮気体を供給する圧縮気体供給源、前記計測側タンク及び前記主チューブに対し、相互の連通又は遮断を選択的に実施可能とされ、前記気密確認回路は、前記主チューブの内部圧力を検出するように設けられた圧力センサと、一端側が前記主チューブに分岐して接続され他端側が前記圧縮気体供給源に接続され圧縮気体を案内する気密確認側チューブと、該気密確認側チューブの途中に設けられて前記主チューブに供給される圧縮気体の圧力値を調整する気密確認側レギュレータと、前記主チューブ及び圧縮気体供給源に対する連通及び遮断並びに前記主チューブの大気への連通が可能な気密確認側バルブと、からなることを特徴とする。
請求項１又は請求項２に記載の発明によれば、気密確認回路により通路部材及びワークの気密状態を確認するので、圧縮気体が漏れて計測条件が整っていない状態でのワークの空間部の容積計測を、当該計測に先だって把握できる。
【００１０】
請求項３記載の発明は、圧縮気体が封入される基準側容器部と、中空部に液体が貯留されるワークの空間部に接続される通路部材を含み圧縮気体が封入される計測側容器部と、前記基準側容器部及び計測側容器部の圧力差を検出する差圧検出手段とを有し、前記圧力差を利用して前記空間部の容積を計測する容積計測方法であって、主チューブと計測ノズルから構成された前記通路部材の計測ノズルを前記ワークの開口部に装着する計測ノズル装着工程と、前記計測ノズルを前記ワークの開口部に装着した後に、前記主チューブに接続された圧力センサにより内部圧力を計測して前記通路部材及びワークの気密状態を検査する気密検査工程とを備え、該気密検査工程を前記空間部の容積を計測する計測工程に先だって実施することを特徴とする。
請求項４記載の発明は、請求項３に記載の構成において、前記気密検査工程の検査結果に基づいて、気密不良を報知するか又は計測工程を開始するかを選択する選択工程を備えたことを特徴とする。
請求項３又は請求項４に記載の発明によれば、通路部材及びワークの気密状態を検査する気密検査工程を計測工程に先だって実施するので、計測条件が整っていない状態でのワークの空間部の容積の計測を回避できる。
【００１１】
【発明の実施の形態】
本発明に係る第１実施の形態の容積計測装置及び容積計測方法を図１に基づいて説明する。なお、図３に示す部材と同等の部材は同一の符号で示し、その説明は、適宜、省略する。図１に示す容積計測装置１Ａは、図３の容積計測装置１に比して、気密確認回路２１を設けたことが主に異なっている。
気密確認回路２１は、図１に示すように、主チューブ１４に分岐チューブ２２を介して接続され主チューブ１４の内部圧力を検出する圧力センサ（以下、主チューブ側圧力センサという。）２３と、一端側が主チューブ１４に分岐して接続され他端側が圧縮空気供給通路３の途中に接続され圧縮空気供給装置２（圧縮気体供給源）からの圧縮空気（圧縮気体）を案内する気密確認側チューブ２４と、該気密確認側チューブ２４の途中に設けられて前記主チューブ１４に供給される圧縮空気の圧力値を調整する気密確認側レギュレータ２５と、前記気密確認側チューブ２４における主チューブ１４と気密確認側レギュレータ２５との間に設けられた電磁式の気密確認側バルブ２６とから大略構成されている。気密確認側バルブ２６は、主チューブ１４及び圧縮空気供給装置２の連通及び遮断を行うと共に、主チューブ１４を大気に連通可能とされている。なお、圧縮空気供給通路３における気密確認側チューブ２４との接続部より上流側の圧縮空気供給装置２側部分には、レギュレータ（吐出側レギュレータという。）２７が設けられている。
【００１２】
この実施の形態では、吐出側レギュレータ２７の空気圧は任意設定可能であり、気密確認側レギュレータ２５で設定する気密検査圧は、後述するように第２電磁三方弁９を介して連通される第２ゲージタンク７とマスタータンク２０を含む回路内の空気圧（テスト圧）と同等圧力に設定されている。気密側レギュレータ２５で設定される気密検査圧力は空気もれを速やかに発見させるために前記空気圧（テスト圧）より高い値にしてもよい。なお、前記空気圧（テスト圧）は第２通路側圧力センサ１１により検出される。また、この実施の形態では、マスタータンク２０の容積はワーク１６の中空部１５の容積と、略同等に設定されている。また、後述するワーク側部分３０（ワーク１６にオイル１８が貯留されていない状態とする。）及びマスタータンク側部分３１（基準側容器部）は略同等容積とされている。
【００１３】
第１、第２電磁三方弁８，９、差圧センサ１０（差圧検出手段）、第２通路側圧力センサ１１、主チューブ側圧力センサ２３及び気密確認側バルブ２６にはコントローラ３２が接続されている。コントローラ３２は、接続部材（差圧センサ１０、第２通路側圧力センサ１１、主チューブ側圧力センサ２３）からの入力信号に対して予め定められたプラグラムに基づく演算を行なって、後述するように接続された弁（第１、第２電磁三方弁８，９、気密確認側バルブ２６）の切換え制御を行ないワーク１６の空間部１９の容積の計測を行なう。
本実施の形態では、第１ゲージタンク６が計測側タンクを構成し、第１電磁三方弁８が計測側主バルブを構成し、第１ゲージタンク６（計測側タンク）、第１電磁三方弁８（計測側主バルブ）、通路部材１３並びに第１ゲージタンク６及び第１電磁三方弁８を接続する通路部（符号省略）が計測側容器部４０を構成している。
【００１４】
次に、上記容積計測装置１Ａの作用を説明する。
まず、中空部１５にオイル１８（液体）が貯留されたワーク１６の開口部１７に、シール部材（図示省略）を備えた計測ノズル１２を装着し、ワーク１６の中空部１５を気密状態とする（計測ノズル装着工程）。そして、ワーク１６（主チューブ１４）の中空部１５を第１通路４から遮断しかつマスタータンク２０を第２通路５から遮断した状態で、圧縮空気供給装置２と第１、第２ゲージタンク６，７とを連通するように第１、第２電磁三方弁８，９を設定し、この設定状態で、図示しない起動釦を押して圧縮空気供給装置２を起動させ、第１、第２ゲージタンク６，７に圧縮空気を一定時間供給し、各タンク（第１、第２ゲージタンク６，７）に充填させる（チャージ工程）。このチャージ工程に必要とされる時間はチャージタイムと呼ばれる。
【００１５】
チャージ工程の終了の後、第１、第２電磁三方弁８，９を作動して、圧縮空気供給装置２と第１、第２ゲージタンク６，７とを遮断し（前記チャージ工程で行なわれていた、ワーク１６の中空部１５が第１通路４から遮断されかつマスタータンク２０が第２通路５から遮断された状態は継続されている。）、差圧センサ１０で第１、第２ゲージタンク６，７の差圧を確認する（差圧確認工程）。この際、第１、第２ゲージタンク６，７には圧縮空気が一定時間供給され、かつ第１、第２ゲージタンク６，７は同等容積であることから、上述した第１、第２ゲージタンク６，７への圧縮空気の充填により、差圧センサ１０は「ゼロ」を示すことになる。
【００１６】
次に、コントローラ３２は、差圧センサ１０から「ゼロ」を示す信号を受けて、気密確認側バルブ２６を切換え作動し、圧縮空気供給装置２と主チューブ１４（ひいてはワーク１６の中空部１５）とを連通させ、気密検査を行なう（気密検査工程）。
この際、計測ノズル１２又はワーク１６の破損、計測ノズル１２の取付け（取付け姿勢）不良などにより、計測ノズル１２又はワーク１６などに隙間があり、圧縮空気が漏れていると、主チューブ側圧力センサ２３が検出する圧力値は、気密確認側レギュレータ２５の設定圧力に達しない。コントローラ３２は、一定時間が経過しても主チューブ側圧力センサ２３の検出圧力値が設定圧力値に達しない場合には、このことを示す内容の異常アラーム（気密不良）を図示しないディスプレイに表示する（すなわち、報知する）。本実施の形態では、上述したように前記気密検査工程を実施することにより、ワーク１６の中空部１５の気密性を確実に確認することができる。
【００１７】
従来技術においては、計測ノズル１２などの破損や計測ノズル１２の取付け（取付け姿勢）不良などにより圧縮空気が漏れていても、容積計測を行なう一方、計測条件が整っていない計測であることから、不良状態を改善した後に、再度、容積計測（再計測）を行なう必要があり、時間上のロスを生じ生産性を低下させることになる。これに対し、本実施の形態では、上述した計測ノズル１２などの破損や計測ノズル１２の取付け不良などに伴い空気が漏れている場合は、ディスプレイに異常アラームを表示するので、計測条件が整っていないことを作業者に知らせることができ、これに伴い、再計測を回避して生産性の向上を図ることができる。
【００１８】
一方、気密検査工程において、計測ノズル１２又はワーク１６などから圧縮空気が漏れていない場合、主チューブ側圧力センサ２３の検出圧力値が気密確認側レギュレータ２５の設定圧力値に達する。すると、コントローラ３２は、気密確認側レギュレータ２５の設定圧力値に達した主チューブ側圧力センサ２３の検出信号を入力して、気密確認側バルブ２６を作動し、気密確認側チューブ２４を大気に連通させ、ワーク１６の中空部１５内の圧縮空気を大気に開放する。
【００１９】
続いて、図示しないタイマーにより計測された時間が所定時間になると、コントローラ３２は、気密確認側バルブ２６を切換え作動し、前記主チューブ１４及び圧縮空気供給装置２を遮断させると共に、第１、第２電磁三方弁８，９を作動して、第１ゲージタンク６とワーク１６の中空部１５とを連通させ、第２ゲージタンク７とマスタータンク２０とを連通させる（計測工程）。そして、差圧センサ１０により、計測側容器部４０にワーク１６の中空部１５を合わせた部分（前記ワーク側部分３０に相当する。なお、厳密には、この段階では前記ワーク側部分３０からオイル１８を引いた部分であり、ワーク側部分３０より容積が小さくなっているが、以下、便宜上、ワーク側部分３０という。）と、第２ゲージタンク７、マスタータンク２０及び両者をつなぐ通路部（第２通路５の一部）を合わせた部分（前記マスタータンク側部分３１）との圧力差を検出させる（計測工程）。なお、計測側容器部４０は、上述したように、第１ゲージタンク６、第１電磁三方弁８、通路部材１３並びに第１ゲージタンク６及び第１電磁三方弁８を接続する通路部からなる。
本実施の形態では、気密検査工程の検査結果（圧縮空気の漏れの有無）に基づいて、異常アラームの表示又は計測工程の開始を選択的に行なう（選択工程を実施する）ようになっている。
【００２０】
上述したように、ワーク１６の中空部１５にオイル１８が貯留された状態では、ワーク側部分３０（オイル１８貯留状態）の容積とマスタータンク側部分３１の容積に差が生じている。一方、オイル１８を貯留しない状態のワーク側部分３０とマスタータンク側部分３１とが略同等容積であり、同等容積の第１、第２ゲージタンク６，７に同等圧で貯留されたそれぞれの圧縮空気が、ワーク側部分３０（オイル１８貯留状態）及びマスタータンク側部分３１に封入されていることから、ワーク側部分３０とマスタータンク側部分３１との容積差が圧力差として発現され、また圧力差と容積差は比例関係を示す。
そして、上述したようにワーク側部分３０（オイル１８貯留状態）の容積とマスタータンク側部分３１の容積に容積差が生じていることにより、差圧センサ１０は容積差に応じた圧力差を検出し、この検出信号をコントローラ３２に出力する。
コントローラ３２は、差圧センサ１０からの圧力差を示す信号からワーク側部分３０とマスタータンク側部分３１との容積差を求める。そして、コントローラ３２が求めた容積差がオイル１８の液面レベルとして図示しないディスプレイに表示される（計測工程）。なお、ワーク１６の中空部１５の容積から容積差（オイル１８の貯留量）を減算することにより空間部１９の容積が計測される。
【００２１】
そして、ディスプレイに表示されるオイル１８の液面レベルが許容範囲に入っていれば、計測ノズル１２をワーク１６の開口部１７から外して、次に検査するワーク１６の開口部１７に装着し、当該ワーク１６を対象にした検査を行なう。
また、オイル１８の液面レベルが許容範囲から逸脱している、すなわち液面レベルに過不足がある場合、計測ノズル１２をワーク１６の開口部１７から外してオイル１８の抜取り又は補給を行ない、オイル１８の液面レベルが許容範囲に入るようにする。
【００２２】
この実施の形態では、マスタータンク２０の容積とワーク１６の中空部１５の容積は、同等に設定されている場合を例にしたが、これに代えて異なる大きさとしてもよい。この場合、オイル１８をワーク１６の中空部１５に貯留していない状態で、上記実施の形態と同様にして、差圧センサ１０が検出する圧力差に基づいて、ワーク側部分３０とマスタータンク側部分３１との容積差からワーク１６の中空部１５の容積を計測することができる。
【００２３】
上記第１実施の形態では、気密確認側バルブとして電磁式の気密確認側バルブ２６を用いた場合を例にしたが、これに代えて、手動操作式の気密確認側バルブを用いるようにしてもよい。
上記第１実施の形態では、気密確認側チューブ２４の他端側を圧縮空気供給通路３に接続した場合を例にしたが、これに代えて、図２に示すように、圧縮空気供給装置２と異なる圧縮空気供給装置２Ａに接続するようにしてもよい（第２実施の形態）。また、第１実施の形態では、主チューブ側圧力センサ２３を主チューブ１４に接続した場合を例にしたが、これに代えて、図２に示す第２実施の形態の気密確認側チューブ２４に接続するようにしてもよい。
【００２４】
【発明の効果】
請求項１又は請求項２に記載の発明によれば、気密確認回路により通路部材及びワークの気密状態を確認するので、圧縮空気が漏れて計測条件が整っていない状態でのワークの空間部の容積計測を、当該計測に先だって把握できる。このため、再計測を行なうようなことを回避でき、ひいては生産性の向上を図ることができる。
請求項３又は請求項４に記載の発明によれば、通路部材及びワークの気密状態を検査する気密検査工程をワークの空間部の容積の計測工程に先だって実施するので、計測条件が整っていない状態での容積計測を回避でき、ひいては生産性の向上を図ることができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の第１実施の形態の容積計測装置を模式的に示す図である。
【図２】本発明の第２実施の形態の容積計測装置を模式的に示す図である。
【図３】従来の容積計測装置の一例を模式的に示す図である。
【符号の説明】
１Ａ　容積計測装置
１２　計測ノズル
１３　通路部材
１４　主チューブ
１５　中空部
１６　ワーク
１７　開口部
１９　空間部
２１　気密確認回路
３０　ワーク側部分
３１　マスタータンク側部分（基準側容器部）
４０　計測側容器部[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a volume measuring device and a volume measuring method used for measuring the volume and the like of an automobile transmission and a differential oil case of a vehicle.
[0002]
[Prior art]
FIG. 3 shows an example of a conventional volume measuring device. In FIG. 3, a volume measuring device 1 includes a compressed air supply device 2 for supplying compressed air, a compressed air supply passage 3 for guiding compressed air discharged from the compressed air supply device 2, and a branch from the compressed air supply passage 3. First and second passages 4 and 5 and two gauge tanks of equal capacity which are connected to the first and second passages 4 and 5 and store compressed air, respectively (referred to as first and second gauge tanks, respectively). .) 6, 7 and two electromagnetic three-way valves (hereinafter, referred to as first and second electromagnetic three-way valves) 8, 9 provided in the middle of the first and second passages 4, 5, respectively. .
[0003]
A differential pressure sensor 10 is connected to portions of the first and second passages 4 and 5 on the first and second gauge tanks 6 and 7 side. The passage connecting the tank 6 with the valve 8 and the differential pressure sensor 10 and the passage connecting the tank 7 with the valve 9 and the differential pressure sensor 10 have the same volume, and the volume of the passage connecting the valve 9 and the master tank 20 is known. It has been. Further, a pressure sensor (hereinafter, referred to as a second passage-side pressure sensor) 11 is provided so as to be connected to a portion of the second passage 5 on the second gauge tank 7 side. One port of the first electromagnetic three-way valve 8 is connected to one end of a main tube 14 that forms a passage member 13 together with a measurement nozzle 12 described later. The measuring nozzle 12 is connected to the other end of the main tube 14. The measurement nozzle 12 is mounted on an opening 17 of a work 16 (container) having a hollow portion 15. An air seal member (not shown) is attached to the measurement nozzle 12 to improve airtightness. An oil 18 (liquid) is stored in the hollow portion 15 of the work 16. The opening 16 is provided in the work 16 so as to communicate with a space portion (hereinafter, appropriately referred to as a space portion) 19 on the liquid in the hollow portion 15.
One port of the second electromagnetic three-way valve 9 is connected to a master tank 20 having a fixed volume. The switching operation of the second electromagnetic three-way valve 9 allows the master tank 20 to communicate with the second gauge tank 7.
[0004]
In the volume measuring device 1, first, the work 16 (main tube 14) is shut off from the first passage 4 and the master tank 20 is shut off from the second passage 5 via the first and second electromagnetic three-way valves 8 and 9. In this state, the compressed air supply device 2 is communicated with the first and second gauge tanks 6 and 7 to fill the first and second gauge tanks 6 and 7 with compressed air (charging step), and then the first and second gauge tanks 6 and 7 are charged. (2) Activate the electromagnetic three-way valves (8, 9) to shut off the compressed air supply device (2) from the first and second gauge tanks (6, 7). Confirm that the pressure is “zero” (differential pressure confirmation step).
Next, after the measurement nozzle 12 is mounted on the opening 17 of the work 16 (measurement nozzle 12 mounting step), the first and second electromagnetic three-way valves 8 and 9 are operated to connect the first gauge tank 6 and the work 16. The second gauge tank 7 and the master tank 20 are communicated with the hollow portion 15 and the work side circuit (the circuit including the work 16 and the first gauge tank 6) and the master tank side circuit (the master tank 20 and the second tank). The volumes are compared based on the differential pressure of the circuit including the 2-gauge tank 7), and the volume of the work-side circuit and thus the space 19 of the work 16 is measured (measurement step). After the measurement, the measurement nozzle 12 is detached from the work 16 and the measurement nozzle 12 is attached to the opening of the next work to be measured.
In the measurement process, the measurement nozzle 12 is attached to the opening 17 of the work 16 for each measurement. When the measurement nozzle 12 is mounted, the hollow portion 15 of the work 16 is made airtight.
[0005]
As a conventional example of detecting the volume based on the differential pressure in the same manner as described above, there is a catalog shown in the second page of the catalog of "Voltech automatic measurement" by ATEC Corporation.
[0006]
[Non-patent document 1]
ATEC Corporation (3-41 Ikehata, Chiryu-shi, Aichi Prefecture, Atec Building tel: 0566-84-4670 http://www.ateq.com) Catalog of “Voltech volume automatic measurement” (not published date), 2nd Page [0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, in the above-described conventional technology, the hollow portion 15 of the work 16 is made airtight by the measurement nozzle 12, but the state cannot be visually observed, which causes anxiety.
Further, when the air seal member attached to the measurement nozzle 12 is damaged, or when the measurement nozzle 12 is not properly attached to the opening 17 of the work 16, the hollow portion 15 of the work 16 is airtight. However, the measurement process is performed in such a case. Then, if the measurement is performed in a state in which the airtightness is not obtained, the airtightness becomes "defective", and the remeasurement is required. In this case, the time required for re-measurement (re-measurement time), that is, the charge time (for example, 15 seconds) required for the charging step and the measurement time (for example, 3 seconds) required for the measurement step become a loss time in the production process, and This will lead to a decline.
[0008]
The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a volume measurement device and a volume measurement method capable of properly checking the airtightness of a hollow portion of a work and improving productivity. And
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The invention according to claim 1 is a measurement-side container section that includes a reference-side container section in which a compressed gas is sealed and a passage member connected to a space of a work in which a liquid is stored in a hollow section and in which the compressed gas is sealed. A volume measurement device that has a differential pressure detection unit that detects a pressure difference between the reference-side container unit and the measurement-side container unit, and that measures the volume of the space using the pressure difference, An airtightness check circuit for checking the airtightness of the passage member and the work is provided.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the configuration according to the first aspect, the passage member includes a main tube and a measurement nozzle having one end connected to the main tube, and the measurement nozzle is attached to an opening of the work. The measurement-side container section includes a measurement-side tank having a predetermined volume for storing a compressed gas, a measurement-side main valve, and the passage member. The measurement-side main valve is configured to supply a compressed gas that supplies a compressed gas. The source, the measurement side tank and the main tube can be selectively communicated or shut off with each other, and the airtightness check circuit includes a pressure sensor provided to detect an internal pressure of the main tube. An airtightness confirmation side tube, one end of which is branched and connected to the main tube, and the other end of which is connected to the compressed gas supply source and guides compressed gas; An airtightness check side regulator that adjusts the pressure value of the compressed gas supplied to the main tube, an airtightness check side valve capable of communicating with and shutting off the main tube and the compressed gas supply source and communicating with the atmosphere of the main tube, It is characterized by comprising.
According to the first or second aspect of the present invention, the airtight state of the passage member and the work is checked by the airtightness check circuit, so that the compressed gas leaks and the work space is not properly measured. Volume measurement can be grasped prior to the measurement.
[0010]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a measurement-side container section which includes a reference-side container section in which a compressed gas is sealed and a passage member connected to a space of a work in which a liquid is stored in a hollow section and in which the compressed gas is sealed. And a pressure difference detecting means for detecting a pressure difference between the reference-side container portion and the measurement-side container portion, and a volume measurement method for measuring the volume of the space portion using the pressure difference, comprising: A measurement nozzle mounting step of mounting the measurement nozzle of the passage member composed of a tube and a measurement nozzle to the opening of the work, and after mounting the measurement nozzle to the opening of the work, the measurement nozzle was connected to the main tube. An airtightness inspection step of measuring the internal pressure by a pressure sensor to inspect the airtightness of the passage member and the work, wherein the airtightness inspection step is performed prior to the measurement step of measuring the volume of the space. You .
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the configuration of the third aspect, there is provided a selecting step of selecting whether to notify a poor airtightness or start a measuring step based on an inspection result of the airtightness inspecting step. It is characterized by.
According to the third or fourth aspect of the present invention, the airtightness inspection step for inspecting the airtightness of the passage member and the work is performed prior to the measurement step, so that the space of the work in a state where the measurement conditions are not established. Measurement of the volume of the object can be avoided.
[0011]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
A volume measuring device and a volume measuring method according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. Note that members equivalent to those shown in FIG. 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted as appropriate. The volume measuring device 1A shown in FIG. 1 is mainly different from the volume measuring device 1 in FIG. 3 in that an airtightness check circuit 21 is provided.
As shown in FIG. 1, the airtightness check circuit 21 is connected to the main tube 14 via a branch tube 22 and detects a pressure inside the main tube 14 (hereinafter, referred to as a main tube side pressure sensor) 23; One end is branched and connected to the main tube 14, and the other end is connected in the middle of the compressed air supply passage 3, and the airtightness confirmation side tube guides compressed air (compressed gas) from the compressed air supply device 2 (compressed gas supply source). 24, an airtightness confirmation side regulator 25 provided in the middle of the airtightness confirmation side tube 24 to adjust the pressure value of the compressed air supplied to the main tube 14, and an airtightness with the main tube 14 in the airtightness confirmation side tube 24. An electromagnetic airtight check valve 26 provided between the check regulator 25 and the airtight check valve 26. The airtightness check side valve 26 communicates and shuts off the main tube 14 and the compressed air supply device 2 and can communicate the main tube 14 with the atmosphere. Note that a regulator (referred to as a discharge side regulator) 27 is provided at a portion of the compressed air supply passage 3 on the side of the compressed air supply device 2 upstream of the connection with the airtightness confirmation side tube 24.
[0012]
In this embodiment, the air pressure of the discharge side regulator 27 can be arbitrarily set, and the airtightness check pressure set by the airtightness check side regulator 25 is the second air pressure which is communicated via the second electromagnetic three-way valve 9 as described later. The pressure is set equal to the air pressure (test pressure) in the circuit including the gauge tank 7 and the master tank 20. The airtightness inspection pressure set by the airtightness side regulator 25 may be set to a value higher than the air pressure (test pressure) in order to quickly detect an air leak. The air pressure (test pressure) is detected by the second passage-side pressure sensor 11. Further, in this embodiment, the volume of the master tank 20 is set substantially equal to the volume of the hollow portion 15 of the work 16. Further, a work side portion 30 (to be in a state where the oil 18 is not stored in the work 16) and a master tank side portion 31 (reference side container portion) described later have substantially the same volume.
[0013]
A controller 32 is connected to the first and second electromagnetic three-way valves 8 and 9, the differential pressure sensor 10 (differential pressure detecting means), the second passage side pressure sensor 11, the main tube side pressure sensor 23, and the airtightness confirmation side valve 26. ing. The controller 32 performs a calculation based on a predetermined program with respect to input signals from the connection members (the differential pressure sensor 10, the second passage-side pressure sensor 11, and the main tube-side pressure sensor 23), as described later. The switching control of the connected valves (the first and second electromagnetic three-way valves 8 and 9 and the airtightness confirmation side valve 26) is performed, and the volume of the space 19 of the work 16 is measured.
In the present embodiment, the first gauge tank 6 constitutes a measurement-side tank, the first electromagnetic three-way valve 8 constitutes a measurement-side main valve, the first gauge tank 6 (measurement-side tank), and the first electromagnetic three-way valve. 8 (measurement-side main valve), a passage member 13 and a passage portion (reference numeral omitted) connecting the first gauge tank 6 and the first electromagnetic three-way valve 8 constitute a measurement-side container portion 40.
[0014]
Next, the operation of the volume measuring device 1A will be described.
First, a measurement nozzle 12 provided with a seal member (not shown) is attached to an opening 17 of a work 16 in which an oil 18 (liquid) is stored in a hollow portion 15, and the hollow portion 15 of the work 16 is sealed. (Measurement nozzle mounting process). Then, with the hollow portion 15 of the work 16 (main tube 14) blocked from the first passage 4 and the master tank 20 blocked from the second passage 5, the compressed air supply device 2 and the first and second gauge tanks 6 are closed. , 7 are set to communicate with each other, and in this set state, a start button (not shown) is pressed to start the compressed air supply device 2 to start the first and second gauge tanks. Compressed air is supplied to the tanks 6 and 7 for a certain period of time to fill each tank (first and second gauge tanks 6 and 7) (charging step). The time required for this charging step is called the charging time.
[0015]
After the end of the charging step, the first and second electromagnetic three-way valves 8 and 9 are operated to shut off the compressed air supply device 2 and the first and second gauge tanks 6 and 7 (performed in the charging step). The state in which the hollow portion 15 of the work 16 is cut off from the first passage 4 and the master tank 20 is cut off from the second passage 5 is continued.) The differential pressure between the tanks 6 and 7 is confirmed (differential pressure confirmation step). At this time, since compressed air is supplied to the first and second gauge tanks 6 and 7 for a certain period of time and the first and second gauge tanks 6 and 7 have the same volume, the first and second gauges described above are used. Due to the filling of the tanks 6 and 7 with the compressed air, the differential pressure sensor 10 indicates "zero".
[0016]
Next, the controller 32 receives the signal indicating “zero” from the differential pressure sensor 10 and switches and operates the airtightness confirmation side valve 26, and the compressed air supply device 2 and the main tube 14 (therefore, the hollow portion 15 of the work 16). And an airtight inspection is performed (airtightness inspection step).
At this time, if there is a gap in the measurement nozzle 12 or the work 16 due to breakage of the measurement nozzle 12 or the work 16 or defective mounting (mounting posture) of the measurement nozzle 12 or the like, and compressed air leaks, the main tube side pressure sensor The pressure value detected by 23 does not reach the set pressure of the airtightness confirmation side regulator 25. When the detected pressure value of the main tube side pressure sensor 23 does not reach the set pressure value even after a certain period of time has elapsed, the controller 32 displays an abnormal alarm (poor airtightness) indicating this on a display (not shown). (Ie, announce). In the present embodiment, the airtightness of the hollow portion 15 of the work 16 can be reliably confirmed by performing the airtightness inspection process as described above.
[0017]
In the related art, even if compressed air leaks due to damage of the measurement nozzle 12 or the like or defective mounting (mounting posture) of the measurement nozzle 12, the volume measurement is performed, but the measurement conditions are not satisfied. It is necessary to perform volume measurement (re-measurement) again after remedying the defective state, which results in a time loss and lowers productivity. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, when air is leaking due to the damage of the measurement nozzle 12 or the like or the improper installation of the measurement nozzle 12, an abnormal alarm is displayed on the display, and the measurement conditions are set. The operator can be notified that there is no measurement, so that re-measurement can be avoided and productivity can be improved.
[0018]
On the other hand, when no compressed air leaks from the measurement nozzle 12 or the work 16 in the airtightness inspection step, the pressure detected by the main tube side pressure sensor 23 reaches the set pressure value of the airtightness confirmation side regulator 25. Then, the controller 32 inputs the detection signal of the main tube side pressure sensor 23 that has reached the set pressure value of the airtightness confirmation side regulator 25, operates the airtightness confirmation side valve 26, and connects the airtightness confirmation side tube 24 to the atmosphere. Then, the compressed air in the hollow portion 15 of the work 16 is released to the atmosphere.
[0019]
Subsequently, when a time measured by a timer (not shown) reaches a predetermined time, the controller 32 switches and operates the airtightness confirmation side valve 26 to shut off the main tube 14 and the compressed air supply device 2, and to perform the first and second operations. (2) By operating the three-way solenoid valves 8 and 9, the first gauge tank 6 and the hollow portion 15 of the work 16 are communicated, and the second gauge tank 7 and the master tank 20 are communicated (measurement step). Then, a portion where the hollow portion 15 of the work 16 is fitted to the measurement side container portion 40 by the differential pressure sensor 10 (corresponding to the work side portion 30. Strictly speaking, the work side portion 30 18 is smaller than the work-side part 30, but is hereinafter referred to as the work-side part 30 for convenience, the second gauge tank 7, the master tank 20, and a passage part connecting both of them. A pressure difference between the combined portion (part of the second passage 5) (the master tank side portion 31) is detected (measuring step). As described above, the measurement-side container unit 40 includes the first gauge tank 6, the first electromagnetic three-way valve 8, the passage member 13, and the passage connecting the first gauge tank 6 and the first electromagnetic three-way valve 8. .
In the present embodiment, the display of the abnormal alarm or the start of the measurement process is selectively performed (the selection process is performed) based on the inspection result of the airtightness inspection process (presence or absence of compressed air leakage). .
[0020]
As described above, in a state where the oil 18 is stored in the hollow portion 15 of the work 16, there is a difference between the volume of the work side portion 30 (the state where the oil 18 is stored) and the volume of the master tank side portion 31. On the other hand, the work-side portion 30 and the master tank-side portion 31 in a state where the oil 18 is not stored have substantially the same volume, and the respective compressions stored in the first and second gauge tanks 6 and 7 having the same volume at the same pressure. Since the air is sealed in the work-side part 30 (the state in which the oil 18 is stored) and the master tank-side part 31, the volume difference between the work-side part 30 and the master tank-side part 31 is expressed as a pressure difference, and The difference and the volume difference show a proportional relationship.
Then, as described above, since a volume difference occurs between the volume of the work side portion 30 (the state where the oil 18 is stored) and the volume of the master tank side portion 31, the differential pressure sensor 10 detects a pressure difference corresponding to the volume difference. Then, the detection signal is output to the controller 32.
The controller 32 obtains a volume difference between the work side portion 30 and the master tank side portion 31 from a signal indicating a pressure difference from the differential pressure sensor 10. Then, the volume difference determined by the controller 32 is displayed on a display (not shown) as the liquid level of the oil 18 (measurement step). Note that the volume of the space 19 is measured by subtracting the volume difference (the storage amount of the oil 18) from the volume of the hollow portion 15 of the work 16.
[0021]
If the liquid level of the oil 18 displayed on the display is within the allowable range, the measuring nozzle 12 is removed from the opening 17 of the work 16 and attached to the opening 17 of the work 16 to be inspected next. An inspection for the work 16 is performed.
When the liquid level of the oil 18 is out of the allowable range, that is, when the liquid level is excessive or insufficient, the measurement nozzle 12 is removed from the opening 17 of the work 16 and the oil 18 is withdrawn or supplied. The liquid level of the oil 18 is adjusted to be within an allowable range.
[0022]
In this embodiment, the case where the volume of the master tank 20 and the volume of the hollow portion 15 of the work 16 are set to be equal to each other is exemplified. In this case, in a state where the oil 18 is not stored in the hollow portion 15 of the work 16, based on the pressure difference detected by the differential pressure sensor 10, the work-side portion 30 and the master tank The volume of the hollow portion 15 of the work 16 can be measured from the volume difference from the portion 31.
[0023]
In the first embodiment, an example in which the electromagnetic airtight confirmation side valve 26 is used as the airtightness confirmation side valve, but a manually operated airtightness confirmation side valve may be used instead. Good.
In the first embodiment, the case where the other end of the airtightness confirmation side tube 24 is connected to the compressed air supply passage 3 is described as an example. Instead, as shown in FIG. (A 2nd embodiment). Further, in the first embodiment, the case where the main tube side pressure sensor 23 is connected to the main tube 14 is described as an example. You may make it connect.
[0024]
【The invention's effect】
According to the first or second aspect of the present invention, the airtightness of the passage member and the work is checked by the airtightness check circuit, so that the compressed air leaks and the work space is not properly measured. Volume measurement can be grasped prior to the measurement. Therefore, re-measurement can be avoided, and the productivity can be improved.
According to the third or fourth aspect of the present invention, the airtightness inspection step of inspecting the airtightness of the passage member and the work is performed prior to the measurement of the volume of the space of the work, so that the measurement conditions are not set. Volume measurement in the state can be avoided, and the productivity can be improved.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a volume measuring device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing a volume measuring device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing an example of a conventional volume measuring device.
[Explanation of symbols]
1A Volume measuring device 12 Measurement nozzle 13 Passage member 14 Main tube 15 Hollow portion 16 Work 17 Opening 19 Space 21 Airtightness check circuit 30 Work side portion 31 Master tank side portion (reference side container portion)
40 Measurement side container

Claims

A reference-side container portion in which the compressed gas is sealed, a measurement-side container portion in which the compressed gas is sealed including a passage member connected to the space of the work in which the liquid is stored in the hollow portion, and the reference-side container portion and A volume measuring device that has a differential pressure detecting unit that detects a pressure difference of the measurement-side container unit, and that measures the volume of the space using the pressure difference,
An airtightness check circuit for checking the airtightness of the passage member and the work is provided.

The passage member includes a main tube and a measurement nozzle having one end connected to the main tube, and the measurement nozzle is attached to an opening of the work,
The measurement-side container section includes a measurement-side tank having a predetermined volume for storing a compressed gas, a measurement-side main valve, and the passage member, and the measurement-side main valve is a compressed gas supply source that supplies a compressed gas. For the measurement side tank and the main tube, it is possible to selectively perform mutual communication or blocking,
The airtightness check circuit includes a pressure sensor provided to detect an internal pressure of the main tube, and one end branched and connected to the main tube and the other end connected to the compressed gas supply source to guide the compressed gas. An airtightness confirmation side tube, an airtightness confirmation side regulator provided in the middle of the airtightness confirmation side tube to adjust the pressure value of the compressed gas supplied to the main tube, and a communication with the main tube and the compressed gas supply source; 2. The volume measurement device according to claim 1, further comprising an airtightness check valve capable of shutting off and communicating the main tube to the atmosphere.

A reference-side container portion in which the compressed gas is sealed, a measurement-side container portion in which the compressed gas is sealed including a passage member connected to the space of the work in which the liquid is stored in the hollow portion, and the reference-side container portion and And a pressure difference detecting means for detecting a pressure difference of the measurement-side container portion, a volume measurement method for measuring the volume of the space portion using the pressure difference,
A measurement nozzle mounting step of mounting the measurement nozzle of the passage member composed of the main tube and the measurement nozzle to the opening of the work,
An airtightness inspection step of measuring the internal pressure by a pressure sensor connected to the main tube and inspecting the airtightness of the passage member and the work after the measurement nozzle is attached to the opening of the work. A volume measurement method, wherein an inspection step is performed prior to a measurement step of measuring a volume of the space.

4. The volume measurement method according to claim 3, further comprising a selection step of selecting whether to notify a poor airtightness or to start a measurement step based on an inspection result of the airtightness inspection step.