JP4676637B2

JP4676637B2 - Elastic tube diameter expansion method

Info

Publication number: JP4676637B2
Application number: JP2001115241A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 幸男寒川
Original assignee: 株式会社メルシス
Priority date: 2001-04-13
Filing date: 2001-04-13
Publication date: 2011-04-27
Anticipated expiration: 2021-04-13
Also published as: JP2002307556A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、弾性チューブの拡径方法に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
絶縁電線や電力ケーブルの導体接続部を絶縁するには、その導体接続部の外周にＥＰゴム、クロロプレン、シリコンゴム等の弾性材料により構成される弾性チューブを被せることが行われている。この弾性チューブを導体接続部に被せるには、弾性チューブを拡径支持体で予め拡径しておき、この拡径支持体を導体相互を接続する前に一方の電力ケーブル等の外周に挿通し、導体相互を接続した後に拡径支持体を導体接続部上に引き戻し、しかる後に拡径支持体を取り除くことによって弾性チューブの拡径状態を解除することにより行う。弾性チューブを導体接続部に被せることにより、導体接続部は絶縁される。
【０００３】
従来のこの種の弾性チューブの拡径方法及び装置として、例えば、図９及び図１０に示すものが知られている（特開２０００−１５２４８０号公報参照）。
弾性チューブ１０２（図１０参照）を拡径支持体１１０（図９及び図１０参照）で予め拡径するには、図９に示す拡径用芯材１０１が使用される。この拡径用芯材１０１は、小径部１０１ａ、この小径部１０１ａの端部から漸次径が拡大するように形成されるテーパ部１０１ｂ、テーパ部１０１ｂの端部から延びる中空の大径部１０１ｃ、及びテーパ部１０１ｂの端部から大径部１０１ｃの内部を延びるアクチュエータ連結部１０１ｄからなっている。そして、拡径用芯材１０１の大径部１０１ｃの内部には、弾性チューブ１０２が装着される拡径支持体１１０が配置されている。拡径支持体１１０としては、例えばプラスチック製リボンをスパイラル状に巻回したものが使用される。また、弾性チューブ１０２としては、ＥＰゴム、クロロプレン、シリコンゴム等の弾性材料が用いられる。
【０００４】
次に、弾性チューブ１０２を拡径支持体１１０で拡径する方法について図１０を参照して説明する。
先ず、図１０（Ａ）に示すように、支持台１０４上に設置された油圧シリンダ１０５のピストンの先端に拡径用芯材１０１のアクチュエータ連結部１０１ｄを取り付けると共に、拡径用芯材１０１の細径部１０１ａに弾性チューブ１０２と絶縁体からなるダミー弾性チューブ１０３とを貫通させて配置する。この際に、拡径用芯材１０１を拡径用芯材受け１０６により支持させ、弾性チューブ１０２を弾性チューブ受け１０７により支持させ、ダミー弾性チューブ１０３をダミー弾性チューブ受け１０８により支持させる。このとき、拡径用芯材１０１の外表面及び弾性チューブ１０２の内面には、潤滑剤として、例えばフッ素オイル又はグリースが塗布されている。
【０００５】
次いで、図示しない油圧ポンプにより油圧シリンダ１０５のピストンを図１０（Ｂ）に示す矢印Ａ方向に前進させる。すると、拡径用芯材１０１のテーパ部１０１ｂが弾性チューブ１０２内を通過してダミー弾性チューブ１０３内に至り、弾性チューブ１０２内に大径部１０２ｃが位置し、弾性チューブ１０２を拡径する。この際に、拡径用芯材１０１の外表面及び弾性チューブ１０２の内面には潤滑剤が塗布されているので、拡径用芯材１０１及び弾性チューブ１０２間の摩擦力が比較的軽減されており、拡径用心材１０１による弾性チューブ１０２の拡径を比較的容易に行うことができる。
【０００６】
次に、油圧シリンダ１０５のピストンを図１０（Ｃ）に示す矢印Ｂ方向に後退させると、拡径用芯材１０１は、その大径部１０１ｃに拡径した弾性チューブ１０２を装着したまま後退し、図１０（Ａ）と同じ位置で停止する。
その後、図１０（Ｄ）に示すように、拡径した弾性チューブ１０２の前端部を拡径用芯材受け１０６により保持した状態で、再度油圧シリンダ１０５のピストンを矢印Ｃ方向に前進させると、拡径用芯材１０１のみが前進し、これに伴って大径部１０１ｃ内の拡径支持体１１０上に弾性チューブ１０２の端部が縮径して係合し、順次、拡径支持体１１０上に弾性チューブ１０２が縮径し、弾性チューブ１０２が拡径した状態で拡径支持体１１０上に装着されるのである。この拡径用芯材１０１のみの前進の際には、拡径用芯材１０１の外表面及び弾性チューブ１０２の内面には潤滑剤が塗布されているので、拡径用芯材１０１及び弾性チューブ１０２間の摩擦力が比較的軽減されており、拡径用芯材１０１の移動を比較的容易に行うことができる。
【０００７】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
この従来の弾性チューブの拡径方法にあっては、拡径用芯材１０１の外表面及び弾性チューブ１０２の内面には潤滑剤が塗布されているので、拡径用芯材１０１及び弾性チューブ１０２間の摩擦力が比較的軽減されている。このため、拡径用芯材１０１によって弾性チューブ１０２を拡径したりあるいは拡径用芯材１０１を弾性チューブ１０２から移動させて縮径させる際に、それらの作業を比較的容易に行うことができる。しかしながら、拡径用芯材１０１及び弾性チューブ１０２間の摩擦力が未だに存在し、弾性チューブ１０２の内面が損傷してしまうことがあった。特に、弾性チューブ１０２がゴム材料のように摩擦係数が非常に大きい場合には、その摩擦係数に比例して拡径用芯材１０１及び弾性チューブ１０２間の摩擦力が増大し、弾性チューブ１０２の内面が損傷してしまうおそれが高かった。
【０００８】
従って、本発明は上述の問題点に鑑みてなされたものであり、その目的は、弾性チューブを拡径部材によって拡径したりあるいは拡径支持体上に装着する際に、弾性チューブが損傷することなく、それらの拡径作業や装着作業を容易に行うことができる弾性チューブの拡径方法を提供することにある。
【０００９】
【課題を解決するための手段】
上記問題を解決するため、本発明のうち請求項１に係る弾性チューブの拡径方法は、気体供給孔を有する芯部材を弾性チューブ内に挿入する工程と、前記芯部材の両端の外周面を１対のテーパ状拡径部材のテーパ部で支持する工程と、
前記芯部材の前記気体供給孔内から圧縮気体を前記芯部材と前記弾性チューブとの界面に形成される隙間に連続的に供給する工程と、前記隙間に圧縮気体を供給しつつ、前記１対のテーパ状拡径部材のテーパ部のそれぞれを互いに近づく方向に移動させて前記隙間に挿入し、これにより前記１対のテーパ状拡径部材のテーパ部と前記弾性チューブとの間に圧縮気体を連続的に介在させた状態で前記弾性チューブを拡径する工程とを含み、前記１対のテーパ状拡径部材の各々が多段構造を有し、前記弾性チューブを拡径する工程が、前記隙間に圧縮気体を供給しつつ、各段のテーパ状拡径部材のテーパ部のそれぞれを順次互いに近づく方向に移動させて前記隙間に順次挿入するようになっていることを特徴としている。
【００１１】
また、本発明のうち請求項２に係る弾性チューブの拡径方法は、１対のテーパ状拡径部材のうち一方のテーパ状拡径部材に着脱自在に取り付けられた棒状部材の外周に拡径支持体を配置する工程と、気体供給孔を有する芯部材を弾性チューブ内に挿入する工程と、前記芯部材の両端の外周面を前記１対のテーパ状拡径部材のテーパ部で支持する工程と、前記芯部材の前記気体供給孔内から圧縮気体を前記芯部材と前記弾性チューブとの界面に形成される隙間に連続的に供給する工程と、前記隙間に圧縮気体を供給しつつ、前記１対のテーパ状拡径部材のテーパ部のそれぞれを互いに近づく方向に移動させて前記隙間に挿入し、これにより前記１対のテーパ状拡径部材のテーパ部と前記弾性チューブとの間に圧縮気体を連続的に介在させた状態で前記弾性チューブを拡径する工程と、前記芯部材と拡径された前記弾性チューブとの隙間に圧縮気体を供給しつつ、前記１対のテーパ状拡径部材のそれぞれの外周に配置された１対の弾性チューブ支持部材のそれぞれを互いに近づく方向に移動させて前記テーパ状拡径部材と前記弾性チューブとの間に挿入する工程と、前記１対の弾性チューブ支持部材と前記弾性チューブとの間に圧縮気体を介在させた状態で、前記棒状部材を前記一方のテーパ状拡径部材とともに前記拡径支持体が前記弾性チューブ内に位置する位置に移動する工程と、前記棒状部材を前記一方のテーパ状拡径部材から離脱させる工程と、前記弾性チューブ支持部材と前記弾性チューブとの間に圧縮気体を連続的に介在させた状態で、前記１対の弾性チューブ支持部材のそれぞれを互いに離れる方向に移動させて前記弾性チューブを前記拡径支持体上に装着する工程とを含むことを特徴としている。
【００１２】
【発明の実施の形態】
本発明の実施形態を図面を参照して説明する。図１は本発明に係る弾性チューブの拡径方法によって拡径される弾性チューブを示し、（Ａ）は正面図、（Ｂ）は右側面図である。
図１において、弾性チューブ１は、絶縁電線や電力ケーブルの導体接続部の外周に取り付けられる貫通孔を有する円筒状の弾性体であり、ＥＰゴム、クロロプレン、シリコンゴム等の弾性材料により構成されている。
【００１３】
そして、この弾性チューブ１は、図２乃至図８に示す拡径装置１０によって拡径されるようになっている。図２は本発明に係る弾性チューブの拡径方法が適用される拡径装置の概略全体構成図である。図３は図２に示す拡径装置によって弾性チューブを拡径する工程を示し、（Ａ）は芯部材の両端の外周面を１対の第１テーパ状拡径部材のテーパ部で支持した状態の側断面図、（Ｂ）は１対の弾性チューブ支持部材及び１対の第１テーパ状拡径部材の移動が停止し、弾性チューブが第１テーパ状拡径部材により拡径した状態の側断面図である。図４は図２に示す拡径装置によって弾性チューブを拡径する工程を示し、（Ａ）は１対の第２テーパ状拡径部材の移動が停止し、弾性チューブが第２テーパ状拡径部材により拡径した状態の側断面図、（Ｂ）は１対の弾性チューブ支持部材が再度移動してその移動が停止し、弾性チューブが弾性チューブ支持部材により支持された状態の側断面図である。図５は図２に示す拡径装置によって弾性チューブを拡径する工程を示し、（Ａ）は棒状部材を右側の第２テーパ状拡径部材とともに移動させて拡径支持体が弾性チューブ内に位置した状態の側断面図、（Ｂ）はロック用エアシリンダにより右側の第２テーパ状拡径部材の移動をロックした状態の側断面図である。図６は図２に示す拡径装置によって弾性チューブを拡径する工程を示し、（Ａ）は着脱用ロッドを移動して右側の第２テーパ状拡径部材と棒状部材との連結状態を開放した状態の側断面図、（Ｂ）は棒状部材を右側の第２テーパ状拡径部材から離脱した状態の側断面図、（Ｃ）は１対の弾性チューブ支持部材のそれぞれを互いに離れる方向に移動させて弾性チューブを拡径支持体上に装着した状態の側断面図である。図７（Ａ）は棒状部材の外周に拡径支持体を配置した状態の側断面図、図７（Ｂ）は着脱用ロッド及び棒状部材を移動して右側の第２テーパ状拡径部材と棒状部材とを連結した状態の側断面図である。図８（Ａ）は芯部材を取り出した状態の側断面図、図８（Ｂ）は初期状態の側断面図である。
【００１４】
この拡径装置１０は、基台１１上に互いに対向するように設置された１対の拡径装置１０Ａ，１０Ｂで構成されている。
１対の拡径装置１０Ａ，１０Ｂのうち左側の拡径装置１０Ａは、基台１１上においてボールねじ機構１２Ａにより左右方向に移動可能に設置された基板１３Ａ上に固定された左右方向に延びる筒状パイプ部材１４Ａを有する。
【００１５】
この筒状パイプ部材１４Ａの右端部には、図３（Ａ）に示すように、フロントヘッド１５Ａを介して弾性チューブ支持部材１６Ａが固定取付されている。弾性チューブ支持部材１６Ａは、左右方向に貫通する貫通孔を有するフランジ付き筒状部材で構成され、フランジ部の右端面から右方向に向けて漸次外径の細くなるテーパ部１６Ａａが突出形成されている。
【００１６】
また、筒状パイプ部材１４Ａの内部には、ボールねじ機構２６Ａにより左右方向に移動可能に設置された第２テーパ状拡径部材１７Ａが設けられている。この第２テーパ状拡径部材１７Ａは、ボールねじ機構２６Ａに連結すると共に筒状パイプ部材１４Ａの内部に位置した細径部１７Ａｅと、該細径部１７Ａｅから延びると共に弾性チューブ支持部材１６Ａの貫通孔内を摺動する太径部１７Ａｂとを備えている。第２テーパ状拡径部材１７Ａの太径部１７Ａｂ内には右方を開放した開口部１７Ａａが設けられ、細径部１７Ａｅ内には細径部１７Ａｅの左端面と開口部１７Ａａとを貫通させる貫通孔が設けられている。また、第２テーパ状拡径部材１７Ａの太径部１７Ａｂの右端部は、右方に向けて漸次外径の細くなるテーパ部１７Ａｄとなっている。
【００１７】
第２テーパ状拡径部材１７Ａの細径部１７Ａｅ内には、エアシリンダ（図示せず）により左右方向に移動可能に設置された気体供給管１９Ａが設けられている。気体供給管１９Ａの右端部は、第２テーパ状拡径部材１７Ａの開口部１７Ａｃ内に突出し、左端部は圧縮気体を供給するための気体供給源（図示せず）に連結されている。
【００１８】
また、第２テーパ状拡径部材１７Ａの太径部１７Ａｂの開口部１７Ａａ内には、気体供給管１９Ａの右端部に固定されて前記開口部１７Ａａ内を左右方向に摺動する第１テーパ状拡径部材１８Ａが設けられている。この第１テーパ状拡径部材１８Ａ内には、右方に開口した開口部１８Ａａが設けられ、この開口部１８Ａａは、貫通孔１８Ａｃを介して気体供給管１９Ａ内の貫通孔１９Ａａに連通している。また、第１テーパ状拡径部材１８Ａの右端部は、右方に向けて漸次外径の細くなるテーパ部１８Ａｂとなっている。第１テーパ状拡径部材１８Ａと第２テーパ状拡径部材１７Ａとでテーパ状拡径部材２４Ａを構成する。
【００１９】
第１テーパ状拡径部材１８Ａには、第１テーパ状拡径部材１８Ａの外周面に対して出没自在の複数の鋼球２２Ａが円周上所定ピッチで設けられている。これら鋼球２２Ａは、第１テーパ状拡径部材１８Ａの外周面から突出したときに、第２テーパ状拡径部材１７Ａの太径部１７Ａｂの左右方向略中央部の内径面に形成された環状溝１７Ａｃに入り込んで第１テーパ状拡径部材１８Ａと第２テーパ状拡径部材１７Ａとを連結し、第１テーパ状拡径部材１８Ａの外周面から凹んだときに第１テーパ状拡径部材１８Ａと第２テーパ状拡径部材１７Ａとの連結状態を解除するようになっている。前記鋼球２２Ａを第テーパ状拡径部材１８Ａの外周面に対して出没自在とするために、第１テーパ状拡径部材１８Ａの開口部１８Ａａ内には、該開口部１８Ａａ内を左右方向に摺動可能なロッドカム２０Ａが設けられている。ロッドカム２０Ａは、中径部２０Ａｂと、中径部２０Ａｂから傾斜面を介して右方に延びる中径部２０Ａｂよりも外径の小さな小径部２０Ａａと、中径部２０Ａｂから左方に延びる中径部２０Ａｂよりも外径の大きな大径部２０Ａｃとを備え、大径部２０Ａｃ内には、左方に開口する圧縮スプリング収容凹部２０Ａｄが形成されている。圧縮スプリング収容凹部２０Ａｄ内には、第１テーパ状拡径部材１８Ａとロッドカム２０Ａとを互いに離反する方向に付勢する圧縮スプリング２１Ａが配置されている。ロッドカム２０Ａは、圧縮スプリング２１Ａにより右方向に付勢されて圧縮スプリング２２Ａの自由状態（図３（Ａ）に示す状態）では中径部２０Ａｂが鋼球２２Ａの内側に位置して鋼球２２Ａを第テーパ状拡径部材１８Ａの外周面に対して突出させ、圧縮スプリング２２Ａの圧縮状態（図３（Ｂ）に示す状態）では小径部２０Ａａが鋼球２２Ａの内側に位置して鋼球２２Ａを第１テーパ状拡径部材１８Ａの外周面に対して凹ませるようになっている。なお、ロッドカム２０Ａの内部には、圧縮スプリング収容凹部２０Ａｄと第１テーパ状拡径部材１８Ａの開口部１８Ａａとを貫通する気体供給用貫通孔２０Ａｅが設けられている。従って、気体供給源からの圧縮気体は、気体供給管１９Ａの貫通孔１９Ａａ、第１テーパ状拡径部材１８Ａの貫通孔１８Ａｃ、圧縮スプリング収容凹部２０Ａｄ、及び気体供給用貫通孔２０Ａｅを介して第１テーパ状拡径部材１８Ａの開口部１８Ａａに供給されるようになっている。
【００２０】
そして、第１テーパ状拡径部材１８Ａの開口部１８Ａａは、図３（Ａ）に示すように、弾性チューブ１の貫通孔内に挿入される芯部材２を受容可能になっている。
この芯部材２は、円筒状の芯金で構成され、内部に左端面から右端面にかけて貫通する第１貫通孔２ａを有している。芯部材２には、第１貫通孔２ａから外周面にかけて貫通する複数の第２貫通孔２ｂが備えられ、第１貫通孔２ａと第２貫通孔２ｂとで気体供給孔を構成している。芯部材２が第１テーパ状拡径部材１８Ａの開口部１８Ａａに受容された状態では、開口部１８Ａａと第１貫通孔２ａとが連通し、圧縮気体は第１貫通孔２ａ及び第２貫通孔２ｂを通って芯部材２と弾性チューブ１との界面に形成される隙間に供給可能となる。
【００２１】
なお、フロントヘッド１５Ａには、後述する右側の拡径装置１０Ｂを構成する第２テーパ状拡径部材１７Ｂを固定するためのロック用シリンダ２３Ａが設けられている。
一方、１対の拡径装置１０Ａ，１０Ｂのうち右側の拡径装置１０Ｂは、基台１１上においてボールねじ機構１２Ｂにより左右方向に移動可能に設置された基板１３Ｂ上に固定された左右方向に延びる筒状パイプ部材１４Ｂを有する。
【００２２】
この筒状パイプ部材１４Ｂの左端部には、図３（Ａ）に示すように、フロントヘッド１５Ｂを介して弾性チューブ支持部材１６Ｂが固定取付されている。弾性チューブ支持部材１６Ｂは、左右方向に貫通する貫通孔を有するフランジ付き筒状部材で構成され、フランジ部の左端面から左方向に向けて漸次外径の細くなるテーパ部１６Ｂａが突出形成されている。
【００２３】
また、筒状パイプ部材１４Ｂの内部には、ボールねじ機構２６Ｂにより左右方向に移動可能に設置された棒状部材１９Ｂに着脱自在に連結された第２テーパ状拡径部材１７Ｂが設けられている。この第２テーパ状拡径部材１７Ｂは、弾性チューブ支持部材１６Ｂの貫通孔内を摺動可能となる外径を有し、内部には左方を開放した開口部１７Ｂａが設けられている。また、第２テーパ状拡径部材１７Ｂの左端部は、左方に向けて漸次外径の細くなるテーパ部１７Ｂｂとなっている。
【００２４】
第２テーパ状拡径部材１７Ｂの右端部には、ボールねじ機構２６Ｂにより左右方向に移動される棒状部材１９Ｂが着脱自在に設けられている。この棒状部材１９Ｂは、内部に右端面から左端面にかけて貫通する貫通孔を有すると共に第２テーパ状拡径部材１７Ｂの外径よりも小さな外径を有する。そして、棒状部材１９Ｂには、棒状部材１９Ｂの外周面に対して出没自在の複数の鋼球２５Ｂが円周上所定ピッチで設けられている。これら鋼球２５Ｂは、棒状部材１９Ｂの外周面から突出したときに、第２テーパ状拡径部材１７Ｂの右端部の内径面に形成された環状溝１７Ｂｄに入り込んで棒状部材１９Ｂと第２テーパ状拡径部材１７Ｂとを連結し、棒状部材１９Ｂの外周面から凹んだときに棒状部材１９Ｂと第２テーパ状拡径部材１７Ｂとの連結状態を解除するようになっている。
【００２５】
前記鋼球２５Ｂを棒状部材１９Ｂの外周面に対して出没自在とするために、棒状部材１９Ｂの貫通孔内には、エアシリンダ（図示せず）により左右方向に移動可能に設置された着脱用ロッド２３Ｂが設けられている。この着脱用ロッド２３Ｂは、棒状部材１９Ｂの貫通孔内を摺動可能な大径部２３Ｂａと、大径部２３Ｂａから傾斜面を介して左方に延びる大径部２３Ｂａよりも外径の小さな小径部２３Ｂｂとを備えている。着脱用ロッド２３Ｂは、大径部２３Ｂａが鋼球２５Ｂの内側に位置した状態（図３（Ａ）に示す状態）では鋼球２５Ｂを棒状部材２３Ｂの外周面に対して突出させ、小径部２３Ｂｂが鋼球２５Ｂの内側に位置した状態（図６（Ａ）に示す状態）では鋼球２５Ｂを棒状部材２３Ｂの外周面に対して内側に凹ませるようになっている。
【００２６】
また、第２テーパ状拡径部材１７Ｂの開口部１７Ｂａ内には、該開口部１７Ｂａ内を左右方向に摺動する第１テーパ状拡径部材１８Ｂが設けられている。この第１テーパ状拡径部材１８Ｂ内には、左方に開口した開口部１８Ｂａが設けられている。また、第１テーパ状拡径部材１８Ｂの左端部は、左方に向けて漸次外径の細くなるテーパ部１８Ｂｂとなっている。第１テーパ状拡径部材１８Ｂと第２テーパ状拡径部材１７Ｂとでテーパ状拡径部材２４Ｂを構成する。
【００２７】
第１テーパ状拡径部材１８Ｂには、第１テーパ状拡径部材１８Ｂの外周面に対して出没自在の複数の鋼球２２Ｂが円周上所定ピッチで設けられている。これら鋼球２２Ｂは、第１テーパ状拡径部材１８Ｂの外周面から突出したときに、第２テーパ状拡径部材１７Ｂの左右方向略中央部の内径面に形成された環状溝１７Ｂｃに入り込んで第１テーパ状拡径部材１８Ｂと第２テーパ状拡径部材１７Ｂとを連結し、第１テーパ状拡径部材１８Ｂの外周面から凹んだときに第１テーパ状拡径部材１８Ｂと第２テーパ状拡径部材１７Ｂとの連結状態を解除するようになっている。前記鋼球２２Ｂを第１テーパ状拡径部材１８Ｂの外周面に対して出没自在とするために、第１テーパ状拡径部材１８Ｂの開口部１８Ｂａ内には、該開口部１８Ｂａ内を左右方向に摺動可能なロッドカム２０Ｂが設けられている。ロッドカム２０Ｂは、中径部２０Ｂｂと、中径部２０Ｂｂから傾斜面を介して左方に延びる中径部２０Ｂｂよりも外径の小さな小径部２０Ｂａと、中径部２０Ｂｂから右方に延びる中径部２０Ｂｂよりも外径の大きな大径部２０Ｂｃとを備え、大径部２０Ｂｃ内には、右方に開口する圧縮スプリング収容凹部２０Ｂｄが形成されている。圧縮スプリング収容凹部２０Ｂｄ内には、第１テーパ状拡径部材１８Ｂとロッドカム２０Ｂとを互いに離反する方向に付勢する圧縮スプリング２１Ｂが配置されている。ロッドカム２０Ｂは、圧縮スプリング２１Ｂにより左方向に付勢されて圧縮スプリング２１Ｂの自由状態（図３（Ａ）に示す状態）では中径部２０Ｂｂが鋼球２２Ｂの内側に位置して鋼球２２Ｂを第１テーパ状拡径部材１８Ｂの外周面に対して突出させ、圧縮スプリング２１Ｂの圧縮状態（図３（Ｂ）に示す状態）では小径部２０Ｂａが鋼球２２Ｂの内側に位置して鋼球２２Ｂを第１テーパ状拡径部材１８Ｂの外周面に対して凹ませるようになっている。
【００２８】
そして、第１テーパ状拡径部材１８Ｂの開口部１８Ｂａは、図３（Ａ）に示すように、弾性チューブ１の貫通孔内に挿入される芯部材２を受容可能になっている。
また、左側の筒状パイプ部材１４Ａと第２テーパ状拡径部材１７Ａとの間の空間２６Ａと、右側の筒状パイプ部材１４Ｂと第２テーパ状拡径部材１７Ｂとの間の空間２６Ｂとは、ホース２７により連結され、このホース２７は圧縮気体を供給する気体供給源（図示せず）に接続されている。
【００２９】
なお、図２中、符号１２は双方のボールねじ機構１２Ａ及び１２Ｂを駆動するサーボモータ、２６Ｃは左側のボールねじ機構２６Ａを駆動するサーボモータ、２６Ｄは右側のボールねじ機構２６Ｂを駆動するサーボモータである。
又、気体供給管１９Ａ及び空間２６Ａ，２６Ｂに供給される気体としては、空気又は不活性気体であることが好ましい。これにより、左右の拡径装置１０Ａ，１０Ｂに使用される部材が金属製である場合にそれら部材の酸化を防止することができる。
【００３０】
次に、図３乃至図８を参照して弾性チューブ１を拡径支持体３０上に装着する方法について説明する。
先ず、図８（Ｂ）に示すように、左側の拡径装置１０Ａと右側の拡径装置１０Ｂとを互いに離反した状態で、右側の第２テーパ状拡径部材１７Ｂに取り付けられた棒状部材１９Ｂの外周に拡径支持体３０を配置しておく。拡径支持体３０は、第２テーパ状拡径部材１７Ｂの外径よりも若干小さな外径を有する円筒状体で、例えばプラスチック製リボンをスパイラル状に巻回したものが使用される。
【００３１】
次いで、図３（Ａ）に示すように、芯部材２を弾性チューブ１の貫通孔内に両端が弾性チューブ１から均等に突出するように挿入すると共に弾性チューブ１を両拡径装置１０Ａ，１０Ｂ間の中心線ＣＬを挟んで対称となる位置に配置する。そして、ボールねじ機構１２Ａ，１２Ｂ、ボールねじ機構２６Ａ，２６Ｂ、及び左右両側のエアシリンダを作動させて左右両側の弾性チューブ支持部材１６Ａ，１６Ｂ、第２テーパ状拡径部材１７Ａ，１７Ｂ、及び第１テーパ状拡径部材１８Ａ，１８Ｂを互いに近づく方向に移動させて、芯部材２の両端を第１テーパ状拡径部材１８Ａ，１８Ｂのテーパ部１８Ａｂ，１８Ｂｂで支持する。このとき、圧縮気体を、気体供給管１９Ａの貫通孔１９Ａａ、第１テーパ状拡径部材１８Ａの貫通孔１８Ａｃ、圧縮スプリング収容凹部２０Ａｄ、気体供給用貫通孔２０Ａｅ、第１テーパ状拡径部材１８Ａの開口部１８Ａａ、芯部材２の第１貫通孔２ａ、及び第２貫通孔２ｂを介して芯部材２と弾性チューブ１との界面に形成される隙間に連続的に供給する。圧縮気体の供給は、図４（Ｂ）に示す弾性チューブ支持部材１６Ａ，１６Ｂによる弾性チューブ１の支持まで続行する。
【００３２】
そして、図３（Ｂ）に示すように、左右両側の弾性チューブ支持部材１６Ａ，１６Ｂはさらに互いに近づく方向に移動するが、それぞれのテーパ部１６Ａａ，１６Ｂａが弾性チューブ１に到達する手前で停止する。また、第１テーパ状拡径部材１８Ａ，１８Ｂ及び第２テーパ状拡径部材１７Ａ，１７Ｂはさらに互いに近づく方向に移動する。すると、ロッドカム２０Ａ，２０Ｂの先端が芯部材２の両端面に当接してロッドカム２０Ａ，２０Ｂの移動が停止する。この状態でさらに第１テーパ状拡径部材１８Ａ，１８Ｂ及び第２テーパ状拡径部材１７Ａ，１７Ｂが互いに近づく方向に移動すると、ロッドカム２０Ａ，２０Ｂの小径部２０Ａｂ，２０Ｂｂが鋼球２２Ａ，２２Ｂの内側に位置し、鋼球２２Ａ，２２Ｂが第１テーパ状拡径部材１８Ａ，１８Ｂの外周面より凹んで第１テーパ状拡径部材１８Ａ，１８Ｂと第２テーパ状拡径部材１７Ａ，１７Ｂとの連結状態が解除される。また、このとき同時に第１テーパ状拡径部材１８Ａ，１８Ｂの底部がロッドカム２０Ａ，２０Ｂの後端面に当接して第１テーパ状拡径部材１８Ａ，１８Ｂの移動が停止する。このとき、第１テーパ状拡径部材１８Ａ，１８Ｂの先端と中心線ＣＬとは距離ａだけ離れている。１対の第１テーパ状拡径部材１８Ａ，１８Ｂが互いに近づく方向に移動する工程では、それぞれのテーパ部１８Ａｂ，１８Ｂｂが芯部材２と弾性チューブ１との界面に形成される隙間に両端から挿入されて、テーパ部１８Ａｂ，１８Ｂｂと弾性チューブ１との間に圧縮気体を連続的に介在させた状態で弾性チューブ１が拡径される。
【００３３】
一方、第２テーパ状拡径部材１７Ａ，１７Ｂは、第１テーパ状拡径部材１８Ａ，１８Ｂとの連結状態が解除されたことから、さらに互いに近づく方向に移動し、図４（Ａ）に示すように、その先端が第１テーパ状拡径部材１８Ａ，１８Ｂの先端と同一位置となる位置で停止する。１対の第２テーパ状拡径部材１７Ａ，１７Ｂが互いに近づく方向に移動する工程では、それぞれのテーパ部１７Ａｄ，１７Ｂｂが芯部材２と弾性チューブ１との界面に形成される隙間に両端から挿入されて、テーパ部１７Ａｄ，１７Ｂｂと弾性チューブ１との間に圧縮気体を連続的に介在させた状態で弾性チューブ１がさらに拡径される。
【００３４】
このように、弾性チューブ１の拡径工程では、第１及び第２テーパ状拡径部材のテーパ部１８Ａｂ，１８Ｂｂ、１７Ａｄ，１７Ｂｂと弾性チューブ１との間に圧縮気体を連続的に介在させた状態で弾性チューブ１が拡径されるので、テーパ状拡径部材の外周面と弾性チューブの内周面との間の摩擦力が飛躍的に低くなり、弾性チューブを損傷させることなく、弾性チューブの拡径作業を容易に行うことができる。また、テーパ状拡径部材の外周面や弾性チューブ１の内周面にフッ素オイル等の潤滑剤を塗布する必要がないので、潤滑剤の塗布作業に伴って作業者の手が汚れたりすることはない。
【００３５】
さらに、弾性チューブ１を図９に示すような単一の拡径用芯材を用いて圧縮気体により拡径する場合には、大径部の径と小径部の径との差が大きいと、弾性チューブ１を覆ったときに小径部側の応力が小さくなることから、圧縮気体が小径部側から大量に漏れてしまい、弾性チューブ１を円滑に拡径することができない。このため、単一の拡径用芯材を用いて圧縮気体により拡径する場合には、大径部の径と小径部の径との差を小さくする必要がある。そうすると、比較的長い弾性チューブ１を所定の内径まで拡径することができるが、拡径しようとすると、装置が長くなって大型化してしまう。本実施形態にあっては、１対のテーパ状拡径部材１８Ａ，１８Ｂ、１７Ａ，１７Ｂのテーパ部１８Ａｂ，１８Ｂｂ、１７Ａｄ，１７Ｂｂのそれぞれを互いに近づく方向に移動させて前記隙間に挿入し、これにより１対のテーパ状拡径部材１８Ａ，１８Ｂ、１７Ａ，１７Ｂのテーパ部１８Ａｂ，１８Ｂｂ、１７Ａｄ，１７Ｂｂと弾性チューブ１との間に圧縮気体を連続的に介在させた状態で弾性チューブを拡径するので、比較的長い弾性チューブ１を比較的小さな装置で所定の内径まで拡径することができる。
【００３６】
また、弾性チューブ１を拡径するのに、弾性チューブ１の内側に気体供給用の弁部材を使用する必要がなく、内径の細い弾性チューブ１を拡径することができる。
また、１対のテーパ状拡径部材１８Ａ，１８Ｂ、１７Ａ，１７Ｂの各々が多段構造を有し、弾性チューブ１を拡径する工程が、前記隙間に圧縮気体を供給しつつ、各段のテーパ状拡径部材のテーパ部１８Ａｂ，１８Ｂｂ、１７Ａｄ，１７Ｂｂのそれぞれを順次互いに近づく方向に移動させて前記隙間に順次挿入するようになっているので、弾性チューブ１の長さに対しての拡径量の割合を大きくすることができ、弾性チューブ１の全長が短い場合であっても、その内径を所定の径まで広げることができる。
【００３７】
弾性チューブ１を拡径した後、図４（Ｂ）に示すように、芯部材２と拡径された弾性チューブ１との隙間に圧縮気体を供給しつつ、さらに１対の弾性チューブ支持部材１６Ａ，１６Ｂのそれぞれを互いに近づく方向に移動させてそれぞれのテーパ部１６Ａａ，１６Ｂａを第２テーパ状拡径部材１７Ａ，１７Ｂと弾性チューブ１との間に挿入する。これにより、弾性チューブ１は弾性チューブ支持部材１６Ａ，１６Ｂにより支持される。このテーパ部１６Ａａ，１６Ｂａの挿入工程においても、テーパ部１６Ａａ，１６Ｂａと弾性チューブ１との間に圧縮気体を連続的に介在させた状態で弾性チューブ１が拡径される。弾性チューブ１を支持した後、左側の筒状パイプ部材１４Ａと第２テーパ状拡径部材１７Ａとの間の空間２６Ａと、右側の筒状パイプ部材１４Ｂと第２テーパ状拡径部材１７Ｂとの間の空間２６Ｂとに、同圧の圧力となる圧縮気体をホース２７より供給して充満させる。
【００３８】
圧縮気体を充満させた後、図５（Ａ）に示すように、右側の拡径装置１０Ｂ側の棒状部材１９Ｂを第２テーパ状拡径部材１７Ｂとともに左側へ、左側の拡径装置１０Ａの第２テーパ状拡径部材１７Ａを第２テーパ状拡径部材１７Ｂと同期させて左側へ移動し、芯部材２を左側の筒状パイプ部材１４Ａ内に位置させるとともに、拡径支持体３０を弾性チューブ１内へ位置させる。この際に、右側の筒状パイプ部材１４Ｂと第２テーパ状拡径部材１７Ｂとの間の空間２６Ｂに充満した圧縮気体は、拡径支持体３０の外周と弾性チューブ支持部材１６Ｂの内周との間を通って拡径支持体３０と弾性チューブ１との間に介在すると共に弾性チューブ支持部材１６Ａ，１６Ｂのテーパ部１６Ａａ，１６Ｂａと弾性チューブ１との間に介在する。この圧縮気体の供給は、図６（Ｃ）に示す弾性チューブ１の装着状態まで続行される。
【００３９】
拡径支持体３０を弾性チューブ１内に位置させた後、図５（Ｂ）に示すように、ロック用シリンダ２３Ａにより第２テーパ状拡径部材１７Ｂを固定し、その移動を阻止する。
次いで、図６（Ａ）に示すように、着脱用ロッド２３Ｂをエアシリンダにより右方向へ移動させ、小径部２３Ｂｂが鋼球２５Ｂの内側に位置した状態として鋼球２５Ｂを棒状部材１９Ｂの外周面に対して内側に凹ませる。これにより、第２テーパ状拡径部材１７Ｂと棒状部材１９Ｂとの連結状態を解除する。
【００４０】
その後、図６（Ｂ）に示すように、棒状部材１９Ｂをボールねじ機構２６Ｂにより右方向へ移動させて棒状部材１９Ｂを拡径支持体３０から引き抜く。
棒状部材１９Ｂを拡径支持体３０から引き抜いた後、弾性チューブ支持部材１６Ａ，１６Ｂのテーパ部１６Ａａ，１６Ｂａと弾性チューブ１との間に圧縮空気を連続的に介在させた状態で、図６（Ｃ）に示すように、１対の弾性チューブ支持部材１６Ａ，１６Ｂのそれぞれを互いに離れる方向に移動させて弾性チューブ１を拡径支持体３０上に装着する。
【００４１】
この装着工程においては、弾性チューブ支持部材１６Ａ，１６Ｂのテーパ部１６Ａａ，１６Ｂａと弾性チューブ１との間に圧縮空気を連続的に介在させた状態で弾性チューブ支持部材１６Ａ，１６Ｂが移動することから、弾性チューブ１が損傷することなく、弾性チューブ１の拡径支持体３０への装着作業を容易に行うことができる。
【００４２】
弾性チューブ１を拡径支持体３０上に装着したらそれらを取り除き、図７（Ａ）に示すように、右側の弾性チューブ支持部材１６Ｂと棒状部材１９Ｂとの間から拡径支持体３０を棒状部材１９Ｂの外周に配置する。
その後、図７（Ｂ）に示すように、ボールねじ機構１２Ａ，１２Ｂにより筒状パイプ部材１４Ａ，１４Ｂを互いに近づく方向に移動させて、弾性チューブ支持部材１６Ａ，１６Ｂのテーパ部１６Ａａ，１６Ｂａの先端同士が中心線ＣＬ上に位置するまで移動させると共に、右側の棒状部材１９Ｂ及び着脱用ロッド２３Ｂを左方向へ移動し、棒状部材１９Ｂと第２テーパ状拡径部材１７Ｂとを連結する。この連結に際しては、棒状部材１９Ｂの大径部２３Ｂａが鋼球２５Ｂの内側に位置し、これにより鋼球２５Ｂが棒状部材１９Ｂの外周面から突出して第２テーパ状拡径部材１７Ｂの環状溝１７Ｂｄに入り込む。
【００４３】
棒状部材１９Ｂと第２テーパ状拡径部材１７Ｂとを連結したら、ロック用シリンダ２３Ａによる第２テーパ状拡径部材１７Ｂの固定状態を解除し、右側の拡径装置１０Ｂ側の棒状部材１９Ｂを第２テーパ状拡径部材１７Ｂとともに右側へ、左側の拡径装置１０Ａの第２テーパ状拡径部材１７Ａを第２テーパ状拡径部材１７Ｂと同期させて右側へ移動し、芯部材２を中心線ＣＬを挟んで対称となる位置に移動させる。その後、図８（Ａ）に示すように、左右両側の弾性チューブ支持部材１６Ａ，１６Ｂ、第２テーパ状拡径部材１７Ａ，１７Ｂ、及び第１テーパ状拡径部材１８Ａ，１８Ｂを互いに離れる方向に移動させて、芯部材２を取り出す。
【００４４】
芯部材２を取り出した後、図８（Ｂ）に示すように、エアシリンダにより左右両側の気体供給管１９Ａ及び着脱用ロッド２３Ｂを互いに近づく方向に移動させて、左側の第１テーパ状拡径部材１８Ａと第２テーパ状拡径部材１７Ａ、右側の第１テーパ状拡径部材１８Ｂと第２テーパ状拡径部材１７Ｂとをそれぞれ連結させ、初期状態に戻す。これらの連結に際しては、ロッドカム２０Ａ，２０Ｂの中径部２０Ａｂ，２０Ｂｂが鋼球２２Ａ，２２Ｂの内側に位置して鋼球２２Ａ，２２Ｂを第１テーパ状拡径部材１８Ａ，１８Ｂの外周面に対して突出させ、これら鋼球２２Ａ，２２Ｂが第２テーパ状拡径部材１７Ａ，１７Ｂの環状溝１７Ａｃ，１７Ｂｃに入り込む。
【００４５】
以上、本発明の実施形態について説明してきたが、本発明はこれに限定されず、種々の変更を行なうことができる。
例えば、筒状パイプ部材１４Ａ，１４Ｂ、第２テーパ状拡径部材１７Ａ及び棒状部材１９Ｂはサーボモータによるボールねじ機構を駆動することにより移動するようになっているが、左右同期の移動が可能であれば、エア等のシリンダ装置で移動させてもよい。
【００４６】
【発明の効果】
以上説明したように、本発明のうち請求項１に係る弾性チューブの拡径方法によれば、１対のテーパ状拡径部材のテーパ部と弾性チューブとの間に圧縮気体を連続的に介在させた状態で弾性チューブを拡径する工程を含むので、テーパ状拡径部材の外周面と弾性チューブの内周面との間の摩擦力が飛躍的に低くなり、弾性チューブを損傷させることなく、弾性チューブの拡径作業を容易に行うことができる。また、テーパ状拡径部材の外周面や弾性チューブ１の内周面にフッ素オイル等の潤滑剤を塗布する必要がないので、潤滑剤の塗布作業に伴って作業者の手が汚れたりすることはない。また、１対のテーパ状拡径部材のテーパ部のそれぞれを互いに近づく方向に移動させて芯部材と弾性チューブとの界面に形成される隙間に挿入し、これにより１対のテーパ状拡径部材のテーパ部と弾性チューブとの間に圧縮気体を連続的に介在させた状態で弾性チューブを拡径するので、比較的長い弾性チューブを比較的小さな装置で所定の内径まで拡径することができる。
【００４７】
また、前記１対のテーパ状拡径部材の各々が多段構造を有し、前記弾性チューブを拡径する工程が、前記隙間に圧縮気体を供給しつつ、各段のテーパ状拡径部材のテーパ部のそれぞれを順次互いに近づく方向に移動させて前記隙間に順次挿入するようになっているので、弾性チューブの長さに対しての拡径量の割合を大きくすることができ、弾性チューブの全長が短い場合であっても、その内径を所定の径まで広げることができる。
【００４８】
更に、本発明のうち請求項２に係る弾性チューブの拡径方法によれば、１対のテーパ状拡径部材のテーパ部と弾性チューブとの間に圧縮気体を連続的に介在させた状態で前記弾性チューブを拡径する工程を含むので、テーパ状拡径部材の外周面と弾性チューブの内周面との間の摩擦力が飛躍的に低くなり、弾性チューブを損傷させることなく、弾性チューブの拡径作業を容易に行うことができる。
【００４９】
また、芯部材と拡径された前記弾性チューブとの隙間に圧縮気体を供給しつつ、前記１対のテーパ状拡径部材のそれぞれの外周に配置された１対の弾性チューブ支持部材のそれぞれを互いに近づく方向に移動させて前記１対のテーパ状拡径部材と前記弾性チューブとの間に挿入する工程と、前記１対の弾性チューブ支持部材と前記弾性チューブとの間に圧縮気体を連続的に介在させた状態で、前記棒状部材を前記１対のテーパ状拡径部材とともに前記拡径支持体が前記弾性チューブ内に位置する位置に移動する工程と、前記棒状部材を前記一方のテーパ状拡径部材から離脱させる工程と、前記弾性チューブ支持部材と前記弾性チューブとの間に圧縮気体を連続的に介在させた状態で、前記１対の弾性チューブ支持部材のそれぞれを互いに離れる方向に移動させて前記弾性チューブを前記拡径支持体上に装着する工程とを含むので、１対の弾性チューブ支持部材の外周面と弾性チューブの内周面との摩擦力が飛躍的に低くなり、弾性チューブを損傷させることなく、弾性チューブの拡径支持体への装着作業を容易に行なうことができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明に係る弾性チューブの拡径方法によって拡径される弾性チューブを示し、（Ａ）は正面図、（Ｂ）は右側面図である。
【図２】本発明に係る弾性チューブの拡径方法が適用される拡径装置の概略全体構成図である。
【図３】図２に示す拡径装置によって弾性チューブを拡径する工程を示し、（Ａ）は芯部材の両端の外周面を１対の第１テーパ状拡径部材のテーパ部で支持した状態の側断面図、（Ｂ）は１対の弾性チューブ支持部材及び１対の第１テーパ状拡径部材の移動が停止し、弾性チューブが第１テーパ状拡径部材により拡径した状態の側断面図である。
【図４】図２に示す拡径装置によって弾性チューブを拡径する工程を示し、（Ａ）は１対の第２テーパ状拡径部材の移動が停止し、弾性チューブが第２テーパ状拡径部材により拡径した状態の側断面図、（Ｂ）は１対の弾性チューブ支持部材が再度移動してその移動が停止し、弾性チューブが弾性チューブ支持部材により支持された状態の側断面図である。
【図５】図２に示す拡径装置によって弾性チューブを拡径する工程を示し、（Ａ）は棒状部材を左右両側の第２テーパ状拡径部材とともに移動させて拡径支持体が弾性チューブ内に位置した状態の側断面図、（Ｂ）はロック用エアシリンダにより右側の第２テーパ状拡径部材を固定した状態の側断面図である。
【図６】図２に示す拡径装置によって弾性チューブを拡径する工程を示し、（Ａ）は着脱用ロッドを移動して右側の第２テーパ状拡径部材と棒状部材との連結状態を解除した状態の側断面図、（Ｂ）は棒状部材を右側の第２テーパ状拡径部材から離脱した状態の側断面図、（Ｃ）は１対の弾性チューブ支持部材のそれぞれを互いに離れる方向に移動させて弾性チューブを拡径支持体上に装着した状態の側断面図である。
【図７】図７（Ａ）は棒状部材の外周に拡径支持体を配置した状態の側断面図、図７（Ｂ）は着脱用ロッド及び棒状部材を移動して右側の第２テーパ状拡径部材と棒状部材とを連結した状態の側断面図である。
【図８】図８（Ａ）は芯部材を取り出した状態の側断面図、図８（Ｂ）は初期状態の側断面図である。本発明に係る弾性チューブの拡径方法によって拡径される弾性チューブを示し、（Ａ）は正面図、（Ｂ）は右側面図である。
【図９】内部に拡径支持体を収容した従来例の拡径用芯材の断面図である。
【図１０】従来の、弾性チューブを拡径支持体で拡径する方法を説明するもので、（Ａ）は拡径用芯材の細径部に弾性チューブと絶縁体からなるダミー弾性チューブとを貫通させて配置した状態の概略側面図、（Ｂ）は油圧シリンダのピストンを前進させて弾性チューブ内に大径部が位置した状態の概略側面図、（Ｃ）は油圧シリンダのピストンを後退させて状態の概略側面図、（Ｄ）は再度油圧シリンダのピストンを前進させて弾性チューブが拡径した状態で拡径支持体上に装着された状態の概略側面図である。
【符号の説明】
１弾性チューブ
２芯部材
２ａ第１貫通孔（気体供給孔）
２ｂ第２貫通孔（気体供給孔）
１０拡径装置
１０Ａ左側の拡径装置
１０Ｂ右側の拡径装置
１７Ａ第２テーパ状拡径部材（テーパ状拡径部材）
１７Ｂ第２テーパ状拡径部材（テーパ状拡径部材）
１８Ａ第１テーパ状拡径部材（テーパ状拡径部材）
１８Ｂ第１テーパ状拡径部材（テーパ状拡径部材）
１９Ｂ棒状部材
３０拡径支持体[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a method for expanding the diameter of an elastic tube.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In order to insulate a conductor connection part of an insulated wire or a power cable, an outer periphery of the conductor connection part is covered with an elastic tube made of an elastic material such as EP rubber, chloroprene, or silicon rubber. In order to put this elastic tube on the conductor connection portion, the elastic tube is expanded in diameter with a diameter expansion support in advance, and this diameter expansion support is inserted into the outer periphery of one power cable or the like before connecting the conductors to each other. After the conductors are connected to each other, the expanded diameter support is pulled back onto the conductor connecting portion, and then the expanded diameter state of the elastic tube is released by removing the expanded diameter support. By covering the conductor connecting portion with the elastic tube, the conductor connecting portion is insulated.
[0003]
As a conventional method and apparatus for expanding the diameter of this type of elastic tube, for example, the one shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 is known (see Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-152480).
In order to expand the diameter of the elastic tube 102 (see FIG. 10) in advance with the diameter expansion support member 110 (see FIGS. 9 and 10), the core material 101 for diameter expansion shown in FIG. 9 is used. The diameter-enlarging core 101 includes a small-diameter portion 101a, a tapered portion 101b formed so that the diameter gradually increases from the end portion of the small-diameter portion 101a, a hollow large-diameter portion 101c extending from the end portion of the tapered portion 101b, And an actuator connecting portion 101d extending from the end of the tapered portion 101b to the inside of the large diameter portion 101c. And inside the large diameter part 101c of the core material 101 for diameter expansion, the diameter expansion support body 110 with which the elastic tube 102 is mounted | worn is arrange | positioned. As the diameter-expanded support 110, for example, a plastic ribbon wound in a spiral shape is used. The elastic tube 102 is made of an elastic material such as EP rubber, chloroprene, or silicon rubber.
[0004]
Next, a method of expanding the diameter of the elastic tube 102 with the expanded diameter support 110 will be described with reference to FIG.
First, as shown in FIG. 10A, the actuator connecting portion 101d of the diameter expansion core 101 is attached to the tip of the piston of the hydraulic cylinder 105 installed on the support base 104, and the diameter expansion core 101 An elastic tube 102 and a dummy elastic tube 103 made of an insulator are passed through the small-diameter portion 101a. At this time, the core member 101 for diameter expansion is supported by the core member for diameter expansion 106, the elastic tube 102 is supported by the elastic tube receiver 107, and the dummy elastic tube 103 is supported by the dummy elastic tube receiver 108. At this time, for example, fluorine oil or grease is applied as a lubricant to the outer surface of the core member 101 for diameter expansion and the inner surface of the elastic tube 102.
[0005]
Next, the piston of the hydraulic cylinder 105 is advanced in the direction of arrow A shown in FIG. Then, the taper portion 101b of the core member 101 for diameter expansion passes through the elastic tube 102 and reaches the dummy elastic tube 103, and the large diameter portion 102c is positioned in the elastic tube 102 to expand the diameter of the elastic tube 102. At this time, since the lubricant is applied to the outer surface of the diameter expanding core 101 and the inner surface of the elastic tube 102, the frictional force between the diameter expanding core 101 and the elastic tube 102 is relatively reduced. Thus, the diameter of the elastic tube 102 can be increased relatively easily with the core material 101 for expanding the diameter.
[0006]
Next, when the piston of the hydraulic cylinder 105 is retracted in the direction of the arrow B shown in FIG. 10C, the core member 101 for diameter expansion is retracted while the elastic tube 102 whose diameter is enlarged is attached to the large diameter portion 101c. , And stops at the same position as in FIG.
Then, as shown in FIG. 10D, when the piston of the hydraulic cylinder 105 is advanced again in the direction of the arrow C in the state where the front end portion of the expanded elastic tube 102 is held by the core member for diameter expansion 106, Only the core member 101 for diameter expansion advances, and along with this, the end of the elastic tube 102 is reduced in diameter and engaged with the diameter expansion support body 110 in the large diameter portion 101c. The elastic tube 102 is reduced in diameter, and the elastic tube 102 is mounted on the diameter-expanded support 110 in a state where the diameter is increased. When only the diameter expanding core material 101 is advanced, since the lubricant is applied to the outer surface of the diameter expanding core material 101 and the inner surface of the elastic tube 102, the diameter expanding core material 101 and the elastic tube are applied. The frictional force between 102 is relatively reduced, and the core material 101 for diameter expansion can be moved relatively easily.
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In this conventional method for expanding the diameter of the elastic tube, since the lubricant is applied to the outer surface of the diameter-expanding core 101 and the inner surface of the elastic tube 102, the diameter-expanding core 101 and the elastic tube 102 are applied. The frictional force between them is relatively reduced. For this reason, when the diameter of the elastic tube 102 is increased by the diameter-expanding core 101 or when the diameter-expanding core 101 is moved from the elastic tube 102 to reduce the diameter, the operations can be performed relatively easily. it can. However, the frictional force between the diameter expanding core 101 and the elastic tube 102 still exists, and the inner surface of the elastic tube 102 may be damaged. In particular, when the elastic tube 102 has a very large friction coefficient such as a rubber material, the friction force between the diameter expanding core 101 and the elastic tube 102 increases in proportion to the friction coefficient, and the elastic tube 102 There was a high risk of damage to the inner surface.
[0008]
Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and the purpose thereof is to expand the diameter of the elastic tube with the diameter-expanding member or to mount the elastic tube on the diameter-expanded support. It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for expanding the diameter of an elastic tube that can easily perform the diameter expansion operation and the mounting operation.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above problems, the elastic tube diameter increasing method according to claim 1 of the present invention includes a step of inserting a core member having a gas supply hole into the elastic tube, and outer peripheral surfaces at both ends of the core member. A step of supporting by a tapered portion of a pair of tapered diameter-expanding members;
A step of continuously supplying compressed gas into the gap formed at the interface between the core member and the elastic tube from within the gas supply hole of the core member; Each of the tapered portions of the tapered diameter-expanding member is moved in a direction approaching each other and inserted into the gap, thereby compressing gas between the tapered portions of the pair of tapered diameter-expanding members and the elastic tube. Expanding the diameter of the elastic tube in a continuously interposed state. Each of the pair of tapered diameter-expanding members has a multi-stage structure, and the step of expanding the diameter of the elastic tube supplies the compressed gas to the gap while the taper of the tapered diameter-expanding member at each stage. Each part is sequentially moved in a direction approaching each other, and is sequentially inserted into the gap. It is characterized by that.
[0011]
Also And claims of the present invention 2 The method of expanding the diameter of the elastic tube according to the present invention includes a step of disposing a diameter-expanded support on the outer periphery of a rod-shaped member that is detachably attached to one of the pair of tapered diameter-expanded members, and a gas. A step of inserting a core member having a supply hole into the elastic tube; a step of supporting outer peripheral surfaces of both ends of the core member by the tapered portions of the pair of tapered diameter-expanding members; and the gas supply of the core member A step of continuously supplying compressed gas from inside the hole to a gap formed at the interface between the core member and the elastic tube, and supplying the compressed gas to the gap while the pair of tapered diameter-expanding members Each of the taper portions is moved in a direction approaching each other and inserted into the gap, whereby a compressed gas is continuously interposed between the taper portions of the pair of tapered diameter expanding members and the elastic tube. Expand the diameter of the elastic tube with A pair of elastic tube support members disposed on the outer periphery of each of the pair of tapered diameter-expanding members while supplying compressed gas to a gap between the step and the diameter-expanded elastic tube; Each of them is moved in a direction approaching each other and inserted between the tapered enlarged member and the elastic tube, and a compressed gas is interposed between the pair of elastic tube support members and the elastic tube. In the state, the step of moving the rod-shaped member together with the one taper-shaped diameter-expanded member to a position where the diameter-expanded support is located in the elastic tube, and the rod-shaped member being detached from the one taper-shaped diameter-expanded member And a direction of separating the pair of elastic tube support members from each other in a state in which compressed gas is continuously interposed between the elastic tube support member and the elastic tube. The moved by is characterized by comprising the step of mounting the elastic tube on the enlarged support.
[0012]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. 1A and 1B show an elastic tube that is expanded by the elastic tube expansion method according to the present invention, in which FIG. 1A is a front view and FIG. 1B is a right side view.
In FIG. 1, an elastic tube 1 is a cylindrical elastic body having a through hole attached to the outer periphery of a conductor connecting portion of an insulated wire or power cable, and is made of an elastic material such as EP rubber, chloroprene, or silicon rubber. Yes.
[0013]
And this elastic tube 1 is diameter-expanded by the diameter-expansion apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 2 thru | or FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic overall configuration diagram of a diameter expansion device to which the diameter expansion method of the elastic tube according to the present invention is applied. 3 shows a process of expanding the diameter of the elastic tube by the diameter expanding device shown in FIG. 2, and (A) shows a state in which the outer peripheral surfaces at both ends of the core member are supported by the tapered portions of a pair of first tapered diameter expanding members. FIG. 4B is a side view of the state in which the movement of the pair of elastic tube support members and the pair of first tapered diameter-expanding members is stopped and the elastic tube is expanded in diameter by the first tapered diameter-expanding member. It is sectional drawing. FIG. 4 shows a step of expanding the elastic tube by the diameter expanding device shown in FIG. 2, and (A) shows the movement of the pair of second tapered diameter expanding members stopped, and the elastic tube is expanded to the second tapered diameter. FIG. 5B is a side cross-sectional view of a state where the diameter of the elastic tube is expanded by the member, and FIG. is there. FIG. 5 shows a process of expanding the diameter of the elastic tube by the diameter expansion device shown in FIG. 2, and FIG. FIG. 5B is a side sectional view of the state where the movement of the second tapered diameter-expanding member on the right side is locked by the locking air cylinder. FIG. 6 shows a step of expanding the diameter of the elastic tube by the diameter expansion device shown in FIG. 2, and (A) moves the attachment / detachment rod to release the connection state between the second taper diameter expansion member on the right side and the rod-shaped member. (B) is a side cross-sectional view of a state in which the rod-shaped member is detached from the second taper-shaped enlarged member on the right side, and (C) is a direction in which the pair of elastic tube support members are separated from each other. It is a sectional side view of the state where it moved and the elastic tube was mounted on the diameter-expansion support. FIG. 7A is a side sectional view showing a state in which a diameter-enlarged support is arranged on the outer periphery of the rod-shaped member, and FIG. 7B is a diagram showing a second taper-shaped diameter-expanded member on the right side by moving the detachable rod and the rod-shaped member. It is side sectional drawing of the state which connected the rod-shaped member. FIG. 8A is a side sectional view showing a state where the core member is taken out, and FIG. 8B is a side sectional view showing an initial state.
[0014]
The diameter expansion device 10 is composed of a pair of diameter expansion devices 10A and 10B installed on the base 11 so as to face each other.
The left diameter expansion device 10A of the pair of diameter expansion devices 10A and 10B is a cylinder extending in the left-right direction fixed on a base plate 13A movably installed on the base 11 by a ball screw mechanism 12A. A pipe member 14A is provided.
[0015]
As shown in FIG. 3A, an elastic tube support member 16A is fixedly attached to the right end portion of the cylindrical pipe member 14A via a front head 15A. The elastic tube support member 16A is formed of a flanged tubular member having a through hole penetrating in the left-right direction, and a tapered portion 16Aa that gradually decreases in outer diameter from the right end surface of the flange portion toward the right direction is formed to protrude. Yes.
[0016]
Further, a second tapered diameter increasing member 17A is provided inside the cylindrical pipe member 14A so as to be movable in the left-right direction by the ball screw mechanism 26A. The second taper-shaped enlarged member 17A is connected to the ball screw mechanism 26A and has a small-diameter portion 17Ae positioned inside the cylindrical pipe member 14A, and extends from the small-diameter portion 17Ae and penetrates through the elastic tube support member 16A. And a large-diameter portion 17Ab that slides in the hole. An opening 17Aa that opens to the right is provided in the large-diameter portion 17Ab of the second tapered diameter-expanding member 17A, and the left end surface of the small-diameter portion 17Ae and the opening 17Aa are passed through the small-diameter portion 17Ae. A through hole is provided. Further, the right end portion of the large-diameter portion 17Ab of the second tapered diameter-expanding member 17A is a tapered portion 17Ad whose outer diameter gradually decreases toward the right.
[0017]
A gas supply pipe 19 A is provided in the small diameter portion 17 Ae of the second tapered diameter increasing member 17 A so as to be movable in the left-right direction by an air cylinder (not shown). The right end portion of the gas supply pipe 19A protrudes into the opening 17Ac of the second tapered diameter expanding member 17A, and the left end portion is connected to a gas supply source (not shown) for supplying compressed gas.
[0018]
Further, in the opening 17Aa of the large diameter portion 17Ab of the second tapered diameter increasing member 17A, a first taper shape that is fixed to the right end portion of the gas supply pipe 19A and slides in the left-right direction within the opening 17Aa. An enlarged member 18A is provided. An opening 18Aa that opens to the right is provided in the first tapered diameter-expanding member 18A, and the opening 18Aa communicates with the through hole 19Aa in the gas supply pipe 19A through the through hole 18Ac. Yes. The right end portion of the first tapered diameter-expanding member 18A is a tapered portion 18Ab whose outer diameter gradually decreases toward the right. The first tapered enlarged member 18A and the second tapered enlarged member 17A constitute a tapered enlarged member 24A.
[0019]
The first tapered diameter-expanding member 18A is provided with a plurality of steel balls 22A that can protrude and retract with respect to the outer peripheral surface of the first tapered diameter-expanding member 18A at a predetermined pitch on the circumference. When these steel balls 22A protrude from the outer peripheral surface of the first tapered diameter-expanding member 18A, an annular shape formed on the inner diameter surface of the substantially central portion in the left-right direction of the large-diameter portion 17Ab of the second tapered diameter-expanding member 17A. The first tapered enlarged member 18A enters the groove 17Ac, connects the first tapered enlarged member 18A and the second tapered enlarged member 17A, and is recessed from the outer peripheral surface of the first tapered enlarged member 18A. The connection state of 18A and the 2nd taper-shaped enlarged diameter member 17A is cancelled | released. In order to allow the steel ball 22A to protrude and retract with respect to the outer peripheral surface of the first tapered diameter-expanding member 18A, the opening 18Aa in the first tapered diameter-expanding member 18A extends in the left-right direction. A slidable rod cam 20A is provided. The rod cam 20A includes an intermediate diameter portion 20Ab, a small diameter portion 20Aa having a smaller outer diameter than the intermediate diameter portion 20Ab extending rightward from the intermediate diameter portion 20Ab via an inclined surface, and an intermediate diameter extending leftward from the intermediate diameter portion 20Ab. A large diameter portion 20Ac having a larger outer diameter than the portion 20Ab, and a compression spring accommodating recess 20Ad that opens to the left is formed in the large diameter portion 20Ac. A compression spring 21A that urges the first tapered diameter-expanding member 18A and the rod cam 20A in directions away from each other is disposed in the compression spring housing recess 20Ad. The rod cam 20A is urged to the right by the compression spring 21A, and in the free state of the compression spring 22A (the state shown in FIG. 3A), the medium diameter portion 20Ab is positioned inside the steel ball 22A and the steel ball 22A is In the compressed state of the compression spring 22A (the state shown in FIG. 3B), the small diameter portion 20Aa is positioned inside the steel ball 22A so that the steel ball 22A is protruded from the outer peripheral surface of the first tapered diameter-expanding member 18A. The first tapered diameter-expanding member 18A is recessed with respect to the outer peripheral surface. The rod cam 20A is provided with a gas supply through hole 20Ae that penetrates the compression spring accommodating recess 20Ad and the opening 18Aa of the first tapered diameter-expanding member 18A. Accordingly, the compressed gas from the gas supply source passes through the through hole 19Aa of the gas supply pipe 19A, the through hole 18Ac of the first tapered diameter-expanding member 18A, the compression spring accommodating recess 20Ad, and the gas supply through hole 20Ae. The taper is supplied to the opening 18Aa of the tapered diameter-expanding member 18A.
[0020]
The opening 18Aa of the first tapered diameter-expanding member 18A can receive the core member 2 inserted into the through-hole of the elastic tube 1 as shown in FIG.
The core member 2 is formed of a cylindrical metal core, and has a first through hole 2a penetrating from the left end surface to the right end surface. The core member 2 is provided with a plurality of second through holes 2b penetrating from the first through hole 2a to the outer peripheral surface, and the first through hole 2a and the second through hole 2b constitute a gas supply hole. In a state where the core member 2 is received in the opening 18Aa of the first tapered diameter increasing member 18A, the opening 18Aa and the first through hole 2a communicate with each other, and the compressed gas flows through the first through hole 2a and the second through hole. It can be supplied to a gap formed at the interface between the core member 2 and the elastic tube 1 through 2b.
[0021]
The front head 15A is provided with a locking cylinder 23A for fixing a second tapered diameter expanding member 17B constituting a right diameter expanding apparatus 10B described later.
On the other hand, of the pair of diameter expansion devices 10A and 10B, the right diameter expansion device 10B is fixed in a left-right direction fixed on a base plate 13 movably mounted on the base 11 by a ball screw mechanism 12B. It has a cylindrical pipe member 14B that extends.
[0022]
As shown in FIG. 3A, an elastic tube support member 16B is fixedly attached to the left end portion of the cylindrical pipe member 14B via a front head 15B. The elastic tube support member 16B is composed of a flanged cylindrical member having a through-hole penetrating in the left-right direction, and a tapered portion 16Ba whose outer diameter gradually decreases from the left end surface of the flange portion toward the left direction is formed to protrude. Yes.
[0023]
Further, inside the cylindrical pipe member 14B, there is provided a second tapered diameter-expanding member 17B that is detachably connected to a rod-like member 19B that is installed so as to be movable in the left-right direction by the ball screw mechanism 26B. The second tapered diameter-expanding member 17B has an outer diameter that allows sliding in the through hole of the elastic tube support member 16B, and an opening 17Ba that is open to the left is provided inside. Further, the left end portion of the second tapered diameter-expanding member 17B is a tapered portion 17Bb whose outer diameter gradually decreases toward the left.
[0024]
A rod-shaped member 19B that is moved in the left-right direction by the ball screw mechanism 26B is detachably provided at the right end of the second tapered diameter-expanding member 17B. This rod-shaped member 19B has a through-hole penetrating from the right end surface to the left end surface inside and has an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the second tapered diameter-expanding member 17B. The rod-like member 19B is provided with a plurality of steel balls 25B that can be projected and retracted with respect to the outer circumferential surface of the rod-like member 19B at a predetermined pitch on the circumference. When these steel balls 25B protrude from the outer peripheral surface of the rod-shaped member 19B, they enter the annular groove 17Bd formed on the inner diameter surface of the right end portion of the second tapered diameter-expanding member 17B and enter the rod-shaped member 19B and the second tapered shape. The enlarged member 17B is connected, and when it is recessed from the outer peripheral surface of the rod-like member 19B, the connected state between the rod-like member 19B and the second tapered enlarged member 17B is released.
[0025]
In order to allow the steel ball 25B to be projected and retracted with respect to the outer peripheral surface of the rod-shaped member 19B, an attachment / detachment is installed in the through hole of the rod-shaped member 19B so as to be movable in the left-right direction by an air cylinder (not shown). A rod 23B is provided. This detachable rod 23B has a large-diameter portion 23Ba that can slide in the through hole of the rod-shaped member 19B, and a small-diameter that has a smaller outer diameter than the large-diameter portion 23Ba that extends from the large-diameter portion 23Ba to the left via an inclined surface. Part 23Bb. In the state where the large-diameter portion 23Ba is located inside the steel ball 25B (the state shown in FIG. 3A), the detachable rod 23B projects the steel ball 25B from the outer peripheral surface of the rod-shaped member 23B, and the small-diameter portion 23Bb. Is positioned inside the steel ball 25B (the state shown in FIG. 6A), the steel ball 25B is recessed inward with respect to the outer peripheral surface of the rod-shaped member 23B.
[0026]
A first taper-shaped diameter-expanding member 18B that slides in the left-right direction in the opening 17Ba is provided in the opening 17Ba of the second taper-shaped diameter-expanding member 17B. An opening 18Ba that opens to the left is provided in the first tapered diameter-expanding member 18B. Further, the left end portion of the first tapered diameter-expanding member 18B is a tapered portion 18Bb whose outer diameter gradually decreases toward the left. The first tapered diameter-expanding member 18B and the second tapered diameter-expanding member 17B constitute a tapered diameter-expanding member 24B.
[0027]
The first tapered diameter-expanding member 18B is provided with a plurality of steel balls 22B that can protrude and retract with respect to the outer peripheral surface of the first tapered diameter-expanding member 18B at a predetermined pitch on the circumference. When these steel balls 22B protrude from the outer peripheral surface of the first taper-shaped enlarged member 18B, they enter the annular groove 17Bc formed on the inner diameter surface of the substantially central portion in the left-right direction of the second tapered member 17B. When the first tapered enlarged member 18B and the second tapered enlarged member 17B are connected and recessed from the outer peripheral surface of the first tapered enlarged member 18B, the first tapered enlarged member 18B and the second tapered member are obtained. The connection state with the expanded diameter member 17B is released. In order to allow the steel ball 22B to protrude and retract with respect to the outer peripheral surface of the first tapered diameter-expanding member 18B, the opening 18Ba of the first tapered diameter-expanding member 18B has a left-right direction in the opening 18Ba. A slidable rod cam 20B is provided. The rod cam 20B includes an intermediate diameter portion 20Bb, a small diameter portion 20Ba having a smaller outer diameter than the intermediate diameter portion 20Bb extending leftward from the intermediate diameter portion 20Bb via an inclined surface, and an intermediate diameter extending rightward from the intermediate diameter portion 20Bb. And a large diameter portion 20Bc having a larger outer diameter than the portion 20Bb, and a compression spring accommodating recess 20Bd that opens to the right is formed in the large diameter portion 20Bc. A compression spring 21B that urges the first tapered diameter-expanding member 18B and the rod cam 20B away from each other is disposed in the compression spring housing recess 20Bd. The rod cam 20B is urged to the left by the compression spring 21B, and in the free state of the compression spring 21B (the state shown in FIG. 3A), the medium diameter portion 20Bb is positioned inside the steel ball 22B and the steel ball 22B is In the compressed state of the compression spring 21B (the state shown in FIG. 3B), the small diameter portion 20Ba is located inside the steel ball 22B and protrudes from the outer peripheral surface of the first tapered diameter-expanding member 18B. Is recessed with respect to the outer peripheral surface of the first tapered diameter-expanding member 18B.
[0028]
And opening 18Ba of the 1st taper-shaped enlarged diameter member 18B can receive the core member 2 inserted in the through-hole of the elastic tube 1, as shown to FIG. 3 (A).
Further, a space 26A between the left tubular pipe member 14A and the second tapered diameter-expanding member 17A and a space 26B between the right tubular pipe member 14B and the second tapered diameter-expanding member 17B are: The hose 27 is connected to a gas supply source (not shown) for supplying compressed gas.
[0029]
In FIG. 2, reference numeral 12 denotes a servo motor that drives both ball screw mechanisms 12A and 12B, 26C denotes a servo motor that drives the left ball screw mechanism 26A, and 26D denotes a servo motor that drives the right ball screw mechanism 26B. It is.
The gas supplied to the gas supply pipe 19A and the spaces 26A and 26B is preferably air or an inert gas. Thereby, when the members used for the left and right diameter expanding apparatuses 10A and 10B are made of metal, oxidation of these members can be prevented.
[0030]
Next, a method for mounting the elastic tube 1 on the diameter expansion support 30 will be described with reference to FIGS.
First, as shown in FIG. 8B, the rod-shaped member 19B attached to the second taper-shaped diameter-expanded member 17B on the right side with the left-side diameter-expanded device 10A and the right-side diameter-expanded device 10B separated from each other. The diameter-expanded support body 30 is disposed on the outer periphery of the substrate. The diameter expansion support 30 is a cylindrical body having an outer diameter slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the second tapered diameter expansion member 17B, and for example, a plastic ribbon wound in a spiral shape is used.
[0031]
Next, as shown in FIG. 3 (A), the core member 2 is inserted into the through hole of the elastic tube 1 so that both ends protrude evenly from the elastic tube 1 and the elastic tube 1 is expanded to both diameter expanding devices 10A and 10B. It arrange | positions in the position which becomes symmetrical on both sides of the centerline CL in between. Then, the ball screw mechanisms 12A and 12B, the ball screw mechanisms 26A and 26B, and the left and right air cylinders are actuated to operate the left and right elastic tube support members 16A and 16B, the second tapered diameter expanding members 17A and 17B, and the first 1 taper-shaped diameter-expanding members 18A and 18B are moved in a direction approaching each other, and both ends of the core member 2 are supported by the tapered portions 18Ab and 18Bb of the first taper-shaped diameter-expanding members 18A and 18B. At this time, the compressed gas is supplied through the through hole 19Aa of the gas supply pipe 19A, the through hole 18Ac of the first tapered diameter-expanding member 18A, the compression spring accommodating recess 20Ad, the gas supply through-hole 20Ae, and the first tapered diameter-expanding member 18A. Are continuously supplied to a gap formed at the interface between the core member 2 and the elastic tube 1 through the opening 18Aa, the first through hole 2a of the core member 2, and the second through hole 2b. The supply of the compressed gas continues until the elastic tube 1 is supported by the elastic tube support members 16A and 16B shown in FIG.
[0032]
3B, the elastic tube support members 16A and 16B on the left and right sides further move toward each other, but stop before the respective taper portions 16Aa and 16Ba reach the elastic tube 1. . In addition, the first tapered diameter-expanding members 18A and 18B and the second tapered diameter-expanding members 17A and 17B move further toward each other. Then, the tip ends of the rod cams 20A and 20B come into contact with both end surfaces of the core member 2, and the movement of the rod cams 20A and 20B is stopped. In this state, when the first tapered enlarged members 18A and 18B and the second tapered enlarged members 17A and 17B are moved in a direction approaching each other, the small diameter portions 20Ab and 20Bb of the rod cams 20A and 20B become the steel balls 22A and 22B. Located on the inner side, the steel balls 22A, 22B are recessed from the outer peripheral surface of the first tapered enlarged members 18A, 18B, and the first tapered enlarged members 18A, 18B and the second tapered enlarged members 17A, 17B. The connected state is released. At the same time, the bottom portions of the first tapered diameter-expanding members 18A, 18B come into contact with the rear end surfaces of the rod cams 20A, 20B, and the movement of the first tapered diameter-expanding members 18A, 18B stops. At this time, the tips of the first tapered diameter-expanding members 18A and 18B and the center line CL are separated by a distance a. In the step of moving the pair of first tapered diameter-expanding members 18A, 18B in a direction approaching each other, the respective tapered portions 18Ab, 18Bb are inserted from both ends into the gap formed at the interface between the core member 2 and the elastic tube 1 Then, the diameter of the elastic tube 1 is expanded in a state where the compressed gas is continuously interposed between the tapered portions 18Ab and 18Bb and the elastic tube 1.
[0033]
On the other hand, the second tapered diameter-expanding members 17A and 17B move in a direction closer to each other since the connection state with the first tapered diameter-expanding members 18A and 18B is released, and is shown in FIG. As described above, the front end stops at the same position as the front ends of the first tapered diameter-expanding members 18A and 18B. In the step in which the pair of second tapered diameter-expanding members 17A and 17B move in a direction approaching each other, the respective tapered portions 17Ad and 17Bb are inserted from both ends into the gap formed at the interface between the core member 2 and the elastic tube 1 Thus, the diameter of the elastic tube 1 is further expanded in a state where the compressed gas is continuously interposed between the taper portions 17Ad and 17Bb and the elastic tube 1.
[0034]
As described above, in the diameter expansion process of the elastic tube 1, the compressed gas is continuously interposed between the taper portions 18 Ab, 18 Bb, 17 Ad, 17 Bb of the first and second tapered diameter expansion members and the elastic tube 1. Since the elastic tube 1 is expanded in the state, the frictional force between the outer peripheral surface of the tapered expanded member and the inner peripheral surface of the elastic tube is remarkably reduced, and the elastic tube is not damaged without damaging the elastic tube. Can be easily performed. In addition, since it is not necessary to apply a lubricant such as fluorine oil to the outer peripheral surface of the tapered diameter-expanding member or the inner peripheral surface of the elastic tube 1, the operator's hand may become dirty as the lubricant is applied. There is no.
[0035]
Furthermore, when the elastic tube 1 is expanded by compressed gas using a single diameter expansion core as shown in FIG. 9, the difference between the diameter of the large diameter portion and the diameter of the small diameter portion is large. When the elastic tube 1 is covered, the stress on the small-diameter portion side is reduced, so that a large amount of compressed gas leaks from the small-diameter portion side, and the elastic tube 1 cannot be expanded smoothly. For this reason, when expanding the diameter by compressed gas using a single core material for expanding the diameter, it is necessary to reduce the difference between the diameter of the large diameter portion and the diameter of the small diameter portion. Then, the relatively long elastic tube 1 can be expanded to a predetermined inner diameter. However, if the diameter is increased, the apparatus becomes longer and larger. In the present embodiment, the taper portions 18Ab, 18Bb, 17Ad, and 17Bb of the pair of tapered diameter-expanding members 18A, 18B, 17A, and 17B are moved toward each other and inserted into the gap. The diameter of the elastic tube is increased with the compressed gas continuously interposed between the taper portions 18Ab, 18Bb, 17Ad, 17Bb of the pair of tapered diameter-expanding members 18A, 18B, 17A, 17B and the elastic tube 1. Therefore, the relatively long elastic tube 1 can be expanded to a predetermined inner diameter with a relatively small device.
[0036]
Moreover, in order to expand the diameter of the elastic tube 1, it is not necessary to use a valve member for supplying gas inside the elastic tube 1, and the diameter of the elastic tube 1 having a small inner diameter can be increased.
Each of the pair of tapered diameter-expanding members 18A, 18B, 17A, and 17B has a multi-stage structure, and the step of expanding the diameter of the elastic tube 1 supplies the compressed gas to the gap, and the taper of each stage. Since each of the tapered portions 18Ab, 18Bb, 17Ad, and 17Bb of the shape-like diameter-expanding member is sequentially moved toward each other and sequentially inserted into the gap, the diameter of the elastic tube 1 is increased with respect to the length. Even when the total length of the elastic tube 1 is short, the inner diameter can be expanded to a predetermined diameter.
[0037]
After expanding the diameter of the elastic tube 1, as shown in FIG. 4B, a pair of elastic tube support members 16A is further supplied while supplying compressed gas to the gap between the core member 2 and the expanded elastic tube 1. , 16B are moved in a direction approaching each other, and the respective tapered portions 16Aa, 16Ba are inserted between the second tapered diameter-expanding members 17A, 17B and the elastic tube 1. Thereby, the elastic tube 1 is supported by the elastic tube support members 16A and 16B. Also in the insertion process of the taper portions 16Aa and 16Ba, the diameter of the elastic tube 1 is expanded in a state where compressed gas is continuously interposed between the taper portions 16Aa and 16Ba and the elastic tube 1. After the elastic tube 1 is supported, a space 26A between the left cylindrical pipe member 14A and the second tapered diameter-expanding member 17A, and the right cylindrical pipe member 14B and the second tapered diameter-expanding member 17B. The space 26 B is filled with compressed gas having the same pressure from the hose 27.
[0038]
After the compressed gas is filled, as shown in FIG. 5A, the rod-shaped member 19B on the right diameter expanding device 10B side is moved to the left side together with the second tapered diameter expanding member 17B, and the left diameter expanding device 10A The two taper-shaped diameter-expanding member 17A is moved to the left in synchronization with the second taper-shaped diameter-expanding member 17B, the core member 2 is positioned in the left cylindrical pipe member 14A, and the diameter-expanded support 30 is moved to the elastic tube. Position into 1. At this time, the compressed gas filled in the space 26B between the cylindrical pipe member 14B on the right side and the second taper-shaped diameter-expanded member 17B is compressed into the outer periphery of the diameter-expanded support 30 and the inner periphery of the elastic tube support member 16B. And are interposed between the taper portions 16Aa and 16Ba of the elastic tube support members 16A and 16B and the elastic tube 1. The supply of the compressed gas is continued until the elastic tube 1 is attached as shown in FIG.
[0039]
After the enlarged diameter support 30 is positioned in the elastic tube 1, the second tapered enlarged diameter member 17B is fixed by the locking cylinder 23A as shown in FIG.
Next, as shown in FIG. 6A, the detachable rod 23B is moved to the right by the air cylinder, and the steel ball 25B is placed on the inner surface of the steel ball 25B so that the steel ball 25B is positioned on the outer peripheral surface of the rod-shaped member 19B. Recessed inward. Thereby, the connection state of the 2nd taper-shaped enlarged diameter member 17B and the rod-shaped member 19B is cancelled | released.
[0040]
Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 6B, the rod-shaped member 19B is moved rightward by the ball screw mechanism 26B, and the rod-shaped member 19B is pulled out from the diameter-enlarged support 30.
After the rod-shaped member 19B is pulled out from the diameter-enlarged support 30, the compressed air is continuously interposed between the taper portions 16Aa and 16Ba of the elastic tube support members 16A and 16B and the elastic tube 1 in FIG. As shown in C), the elastic tube 1 is mounted on the enlarged diameter support 30 by moving each of the pair of elastic tube support members 16A and 16B away from each other.
[0041]
In this mounting step, the elastic tube support members 16A and 16B move in a state where compressed air is continuously interposed between the tapered portions 16Aa and 16Ba of the elastic tube support members 16A and 16B and the elastic tube 1. The elastic tube 1 can be easily attached to the diameter-enlarged support 30 without damaging the elastic tube 1.
[0042]
When the elastic tube 1 is mounted on the enlarged diameter support 30, they are removed, and as shown in FIG. 7A, the enlarged diameter support 30 is inserted between the right elastic tube support member 16 B and the rod-shaped member 19 B. It arrange | positions on the outer periphery of 19B.
Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 7B, the cylindrical pipe members 14A and 14B are moved toward each other by the ball screw mechanisms 12A and 12B, and the tips of the tapered portions 16Aa and 16Ba of the elastic tube support members 16A and 16B are moved. The rod members 19B and the detachable rod 23B on the right side are moved leftward until they are positioned on the center line CL, and the rod member 19B and the second tapered diameter increasing member 17B are connected. In this connection, the large-diameter portion 23Ba of the rod-shaped member 19B is located inside the steel ball 25B, whereby the steel ball 25B protrudes from the outer peripheral surface of the rod-shaped member 19B and the annular groove 17Bd of the second tapered diameter-expanding member 17B. Get in.
[0043]
After connecting the rod-shaped member 19B and the second tapered diameter-expanding member 17B, the fixing state of the second tapered diameter-expanding member 17B by the locking cylinder 23A is released, and the rod-shaped member 19B on the right-side diameter expanding device 10B side is moved to the first position. The second tapered enlarged member 17A of the left enlarged diameter device 10A is moved to the right together with the second tapered enlarged member 17B, and moved to the right in synchronization with the second tapered enlarged member 17B. Move to a symmetrical position across CL. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 8A, the elastic tube support members 16A and 16B, the second tapered diameter-expanding members 17A and 17B, and the first tapered diameter-expanding members 18A and 18B on the left and right sides are separated from each other. The core member 2 is taken out by moving.
[0044]
After the core member 2 is taken out, as shown in FIG. 8 (B), the left and right gas supply pipes 19A and the detachable rod 23B are moved in a direction approaching each other by the air cylinder, and the first taper-shaped enlarged diameter on the left side. The member 18A and the second tapered diameter-expanding member 17A, the right first tapered diameter-expanding member 18B, and the second tapered diameter-expanding member 17B are respectively connected to return to the initial state. For these connections, rod cams 20A and 20B have medium diameter portions 20Ab and 20Bb located inside steel balls 22A and 22B so that steel balls 22A and 22B are placed on the outer peripheral surfaces of first tapered enlarged members 18A and 18B. These steel balls 22A and 22B enter the annular grooves 17Ac and 17Bc of the second tapered diameter-expanding members 17A and 17B.
[0045]
As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention has been described, this invention is not limited to this, A various change can be made.
For example, the cylindrical pipe members 14A, 14B, the second tapered diameter-expanding member 17A, and the rod-shaped member 19B are moved by driving a ball screw mechanism by a servo motor, but can be moved in a synchronized manner. If there is, it may be moved by a cylinder device such as air.
[0046]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the diameter expansion method of the elastic tube according to claim 1 of the present invention, the compressed gas is continuously interposed between the tapered portion of the pair of tapered diameter expansion members and the elastic tube. The step of expanding the diameter of the elastic tube in a state in which the elastic tube is made is included, so that the frictional force between the outer peripheral surface of the tapered diameter-expanding member and the inner peripheral surface of the elastic tube is drastically reduced without damaging the elastic tube. The diameter expansion work of the elastic tube can be easily performed. In addition, since it is not necessary to apply a lubricant such as fluorine oil to the outer peripheral surface of the tapered diameter-expanding member or the inner peripheral surface of the elastic tube 1, the operator's hand may become dirty as the lubricant is applied. There is no. Further, each of the tapered portions of the pair of tapered enlarged members is moved in a direction approaching each other and inserted into a gap formed at the interface between the core member and the elastic tube, whereby a pair of tapered enlarged members is formed. The diameter of the elastic tube is expanded in a state where compressed gas is continuously interposed between the tapered portion and the elastic tube, so that a relatively long elastic tube can be expanded to a predetermined inner diameter with a relatively small device. .
[0047]
Also ,in front Each of the pair of tapered diameter-expanding members has a multi-stage structure, and the step of expanding the diameter of the elastic tube is such that the compressed gas is supplied to the gap while the tapered shape of each stage is increased. Diameter expansion Tapered part of member of Since each of them is sequentially moved toward each other and sequentially inserted into the gap, the ratio of the diameter expansion amount to the length of the elastic tube can be increased, and the total length of the elastic tube is short. Even in this case, the inner diameter can be expanded to a predetermined diameter.
[0048]
Furthermore, the present invention claims 2 According to the method for expanding the diameter of the elastic tube according to the present invention, the step of expanding the diameter of the elastic tube in a state where the compressed gas is continuously interposed between the tapered portion of the pair of tapered diameter-expanding members and the elastic tube. As a result, the frictional force between the outer peripheral surface of the tapered diameter-expanding member and the inner peripheral surface of the elastic tube is dramatically reduced, and the elastic tube can be easily expanded without damaging the elastic tube. Can do.
[0049]
Each of the pair of elastic tube support members disposed on the outer periphery of each of the pair of tapered diameter-expanding members is supplied while supplying compressed gas to the gap between the core member and the diameter-expanded elastic tube. A process of inserting the pair of tapered diameter-expanding members between the pair of tapered tube-shaped enlarged members and the elastic tube, and a compressed gas continuously between the pair of elastic tube support members and the elastic tube; A step of moving the rod-shaped member together with the pair of tapered diameter-expanded members to a position where the diameter-enlarged support is located in the elastic tube, and the rod-shaped member being the one tapered shape. Each of the pair of elastic tube support members is separated from each other in a state in which the compressed gas is continuously interposed between the elastic tube support member and the elastic tube. And a step of mounting the elastic tube on the diameter-expanded support by moving in the direction, the frictional force between the outer peripheral surface of the pair of elastic tube support members and the inner peripheral surface of the elastic tube is dramatically reduced. Thus, the mounting operation of the elastic tube to the diameter-enlarged support can be easily performed without damaging the elastic tube.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIGS. 1A and 1B show an elastic tube expanded by the elastic tube expansion method according to the present invention, in which FIG. 1A is a front view and FIG. 1B is a right side view.
FIG. 2 is a schematic overall configuration diagram of a diameter expanding apparatus to which the elastic tube diameter expanding method according to the present invention is applied.
FIG. 3 shows a step of expanding the diameter of the elastic tube by the diameter expansion device shown in FIG. 2, wherein (A) supports the outer peripheral surfaces of both ends of the core member by the tapered portions of a pair of first tapered diameter expansion members. A side sectional view of the state, (B) shows a state in which the movement of the pair of elastic tube support members and the pair of first tapered diameter expanding members is stopped, and the elastic tube is expanded in diameter by the first tapered diameter expanding member. It is a sectional side view.
4 shows a step of expanding the diameter of the elastic tube by the diameter expansion device shown in FIG. 2, in which (A) stops the movement of the pair of second tapered diameter expanding members, and the elastic tube expands to the second tapered shape. The side sectional view of the state expanded by the diameter member, (B) is a side sectional view of the state where the pair of elastic tube support members moved again and stopped moving, and the elastic tube was supported by the elastic tube support member It is.
5 shows a step of expanding the diameter of the elastic tube by the diameter expansion device shown in FIG. 2, wherein (A) moves the rod-shaped member together with the second tapered diameter-expanded members on both the left and right sides, and the diameter-expanded support becomes the elastic tube The side sectional view of the state located inside, (B) is the sectional side view of the state which fixed the 2nd taper-shaped enlarged member on the right side with the air cylinder for lock.
6 shows a step of expanding the diameter of the elastic tube by the diameter expanding device shown in FIG. 2, wherein (A) moves the attaching / detaching rod and shows the state of connection between the second taper-shaped expanded member on the right side and the rod-shaped member. A side sectional view in a released state, (B) is a side sectional view in a state in which the rod-like member is detached from the right second tapered enlarged member, and (C) is a direction in which the pair of elastic tube support members are separated from each other. It is a side sectional view in the state where it was moved to and the elastic tube was mounted on the diameter expansion support.
7A is a side sectional view showing a state in which a diameter-enlarged support is arranged on the outer periphery of the rod-shaped member, and FIG. 7B is a second taper shape on the right side by moving the detachable rod and the rod-shaped member. It is a sectional side view of the state which connected the diameter-expanding member and the rod-shaped member.
FIG. 8A is a side sectional view showing a state where a core member is taken out, and FIG. 8B is a side sectional view showing an initial state. The elastic tube expanded by the diameter expansion method of the elastic tube which concerns on this invention is shown, (A) is a front view, (B) is a right view.
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a conventional core member for expanding the diameter in which a diameter expanding support body is accommodated.
FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a conventional method of expanding the diameter of an elastic tube with a diameter expansion support; (A) shows a dummy elastic tube made of an elastic tube and an insulator on a small diameter portion of a diameter expansion core; (B) is a schematic side view of a state in which the piston of the hydraulic cylinder is advanced and the large-diameter portion is positioned in the elastic tube, and (C) is a backward movement of the piston of the hydraulic cylinder. (D) is a schematic side view of a state in which the piston of the hydraulic cylinder is advanced again to expand the diameter of the elastic tube and is mounted on the expanded support.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Elastic tube
2 core members
2a First through hole (gas supply hole)
2b Second through hole (gas supply hole)
10 Diameter expansion device
10A Diameter expansion device on the left side
10B Right diameter expansion device
17A 2nd taper-shaped enlarged member (tapered enlarged member)
17B Second tapered enlarged member (tapered enlarged member)
18A 1st taper-shaped enlarged member (tapered enlarged member)
18B 1st taper diameter expansion member (taper diameter expansion member)
19B Bar-shaped member
30 Expanded support

Claims

Inserting a core member having a gas supply hole into the elastic tube;
Supporting the outer peripheral surfaces of both ends of the core member with tapered portions of a pair of tapered diameter-expanding members;
Continuously supplying compressed gas into the gap formed at the interface between the core member and the elastic tube from within the gas supply hole of the core member;
While supplying compressed gas to the gap, the taper portions of the pair of tapered diameter-expanding members are moved in directions toward each other and inserted into the gap, whereby the pair of tapered diameter-expanding members and a step of expanding the diameter of the elastic tube in a state where the compressed gas was continuously interposed between the tapered portion and the elastic tube seen including,
Each of the pair of tapered diameter-expanding members has a multi-stage structure, and the step of expanding the diameter of the elastic tube is performed by supplying compressed gas to the gap while the tapered portions of the tapered diameter-expanding members at each stage. A method for expanding the diameter of an elastic tube, wherein each is sequentially moved in a direction approaching each other and inserted into the gap sequentially .

A step of disposing a diameter-enlarged support on the outer periphery of a rod-shaped member that is detachably attached to one of the pair of tapered diameter-expanded members;
Inserting a core member having a gas supply hole into the elastic tube;
Supporting the outer peripheral surfaces of both ends of the core member with the tapered portions of the pair of tapered diameter expanding members;
Continuously supplying compressed gas into the gap formed at the interface between the core member and the elastic tube from within the gas supply hole of the core member;
While supplying compressed gas to the gap, the taper portions of the pair of tapered diameter-expanding members are moved in directions toward each other and inserted into the gap, whereby the pair of tapered diameter-expanding members Expanding the diameter of the elastic tube with a compressed gas continuously interposed between the tapered portion and the elastic tube;
While supplying compressed gas to the gap between the core member and the expanded elastic tube, the pair of elastic tube support members disposed on the outer circumferences of the pair of tapered diameter expanding members are mutually connected. The step of moving in the approaching direction and inserting between the tapered diameter-expanding member and the elastic tube;
With the compressed gas interposed between the pair of elastic tube support members and the elastic tube, the rod-shaped member and the one tapered diameter expansion member are positioned in the elastic tube. Moving to a position to
Detaching the rod-shaped member from the one tapered diameter-expanding member;
With the compressed gas continuously interposed between the elastic tube support member and the elastic tube, the diameter of the elastic tube is increased by moving each of the pair of elastic tube support members away from each other. A method for expanding the diameter of the elastic tube, comprising a step of mounting on a support.