JP5181445B2 - Method for plugging ceramic honeycomb structure - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a plugging method for a ceramic honeycomb structure, and is suitable for application to a plugging method for a ceramic honeycomb structure for collecting particulates in exhaust gas discharged from an internal combustion engine, for example. .

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a filter structure for collecting particulates in, for example, automobile exhaust gas, a ceramic honeycomb structure in which a large number of cells are partitioned by partition walls and cells are alternately sealed at both end faces of the structure Is known (see Patent Documents 1 and 2). In manufacturing this ceramic honeycomb structure, a partition wall provided in a honeycomb shape and a ceramic honeycomb structure body in a penetrating state in which cells partitioned by the partition wall are opened at both end faces are formed, and the cell ends to be sealed The part is closed with a plugging member.

  In the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, a masking member such as a film is pasted so as to cover the cell end when closing the cell on one end face. Next, the film located at the cell end to be closed is removed to form a through hole. A masking member is also affixed to the other end surface, and a through hole is formed in the cell end surface where no through hole is provided on the one end surface.

  Next, one end face is immersed in a slurry having a plugging material, so-called dip treatment, and then the other end face is dip treated as it is to efficiently perform the dip treatment work. In this technique, the plugging process for closing (plugging) the cell end portion to be blocked by the plugging material can be streamlined as compared with the case of using wax as the masking member.

In the technique disclosed in Patent Document 2, wax is used as a masking member, and the wax packed in the end of the cell to be closed is pierced outside the cell.
JP 2002-28915 A JP 2002-356386 A

  In the prior art, when the other end surface is subjected to dip processing, the cell end portion of one end surface that has been subjected to dip processing is completely blocked by the film or wax of the masking member and the processed stopper. There is a problem that the plugging material is unlikely to enter the cell end portion on the other end face side, and as a result, the plugging depth differs between the one end face and the other end face.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and the purpose of the present invention is to make the plugging depth of plugging the plugging material at the cell ends to be closed on both end faces uneven at both end faces. An object of the present invention is to provide a plugging method of a ceramic honeycomb structure that can prevent the occurrence of the above.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention comprises the following technical means.

That is, in the inventions according to claims 1 to 7, the ceramic honeycomb structure in which a large number of cells penetrating in the axial direction are partitioned by partition walls is opposite to the first cell end portion plugged by the plugging material in the axial direction. The second cell end on the side is open to one end face of the two axial end faces of the ceramic honeycomb structure, and the first cell end plugged with the plugging material is opposite to the axial direction. and cell B second cell ends are open to the other end face of the end faces of the ceramic honeycomb structure, each possess one by plurality, it is plugged in the second cell ends and the cell B which opens in the cell a The first cell ends are alternately provided adjacent to each other on one end face, and the first cell end plugged in the cell A and the second cell end opened in the cell B are Alternately adjacent to each other The ceramic honeycomb structure provided on the other end surface, in manufacturing,
Each cell B is immersed in a slurry containing a plugging material in a state where the second cell end of each cell A and each cell B is closed with a masking material on each of both end surfaces. In the plugging method of the ceramic honeycomb structure in which the first cell end of each cell A is plugged by immersing the other end face in the slurry after plugging the first cell end of
The masking material remaining on one end face is removed before the other end face is immersed in the slurry.

  According to this, since the masking material remaining on one end face is removed before the other end face is immersed in the slurry, the one end face immersed in the slurry before the other end face has a plugging material. By removing the masking material itself corresponding to the second cell end not provided, the second cell end can be opened for ventilation. Thereby, when the other end surface is immersed in the slurry, the slurry, that is, the plugging material does not easily enter the first cell end portion on the other end surface side.

  Therefore, it is possible to prevent the plugging depth to be plugged with the plugging material at the first cell ends on both end faces from becoming uneven on both end faces.

  The masking material is a mask tape made of film, or a sheet material made of wax, which is affixed to the partition walls defining the second cell end by heat or adhesive, or wax or the like is placed in the second cell end. It may be embedded.

Further, in the invention described in claim 2, removing the masking material remaining on one end face means opening a hole in the masking material that closes the second cell end of each cell A on the one end face. It is characterized by being.

According to this, before immersing the other end surface in the slurry, a hole for ventilation can be made in a portion of the masking material remaining on one end surface that closes the second cell end. . Thereby, when the other end surface is immersed in the slurry, it is possible to prevent the slurry, that is, the plugging material, from entering the first cell end portion on the other end surface side.

  In the inventions according to claims 3 to 5, the masking material is a mask tape made of a resin film, and removing the mask tape remaining on one end surface peels the mask tape from one end surface. It is characterized by that.

  According to this, in the case of using a resin mask tape intended to be attached as a masking member, the mask tape can be relatively easily peeled off from one end face, and therefore remains on one end face. The operation of removing the mask tape can be performed relatively efficiently.

  The invention according to claim 4 is characterized in that after the heat is applied to the mask tape remaining on one end face, the mask tape is peeled off from the one end face.

  According to this, if heat is applied to the mask tape, the pasting effect is reduced, so after applying heat to the mask tape remaining on one end face, the mask tape can be easily peeled off from one end face. it can.

  The invention according to claim 5 is characterized in that the mask tape is peeled off from one end face by applying a peeling roller to the mask tape remaining on the one end face.

  According to this, the mask tape remaining on one end face is provided with a plugging material selectively at the first cell end and the second cell end on one end face, and masking so as not to be provided. Since the purpose is complete, a stripping roller can be applied to remove unwanted mask tape.

Further, in the invention according to claim 6 or 7, in plugged method of a ceramic honeycomb structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, the one end face or the other of the end faces of the both end surfaces When immersed in the slurry, the slurry is pressurized, and the pressurized slurry is filled in the end surface of the object to be immersed .

Generally, when the end face of the ceramic honeycomb structure is immersed in the slurry, when the slurry is pressurized, and so-called constant pressure immersion is performed in which the pressurized slurry is filled into the end face, one end face into which the slurry has been previously immersed is applied. If the pressurized slurry is filled at the end of the first cell on the other end face side without subjecting the remaining masking material to ventilation, back pressure against the pressurized slurry is generated. There is a possibility that the plugging depths at both end faces become more uneven.

  On the other hand, in the plugging method of the ceramic honeycomb structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, the masking remaining on one end face before the other end face is immersed in the slurry. Since the material is removed, the present invention is suitable for application to constant pressure immersion as in the inventions of claims 6 to 7.

  Further, in the invention according to claim 7, in the plugging method of the ceramic honeycomb structure according to claim 6, when the ceramic honeycomb structure to be held by the holding member is immersed in the slurry stored in the container, the holding is performed. The member closes the opening of the container, and the holding member pushes the ceramic honeycomb structure into the slurry.

  According to this, every time one of the end faces of the ceramic honeycomb structure is immersed in the slurry, the opening of the container is hermetically closed with the holding member holding the ceramic honeycomb structure, and the ceramic is held with the holding member. It is possible to push the honeycomb structure into the slurry.

  Therefore, the plugging method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the masking material remaining on one end face is removed before the other end face is immersed in the slurry. By applying, it is possible to effectively prevent the plugging depth at both end faces from becoming uneven.

  Hereinafter, embodiments in which the plugging method of a ceramic honeycomb structure of the present invention is applied to a method for manufacturing a honeycomb structure will be described with reference to the drawings.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is an explanatory view showing a masking process for attaching a mask tape to a honeycomb structure body, which is a method for manufacturing a honeycomb structure according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is an explanatory view showing a method for manufacturing a honeycomb structure according to the present embodiment, and shows a through hole forming step for opening the first cell end portion to be plugged. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a divided state of blocks that divide a range in which cell information for forming a through hole is recognized by image processing in the through hole forming step in FIG. FIG. 4 is an explanatory view showing a state in which the through hole is formed in the through hole forming step before the plugging process, in the honeycomb structure manufacturing method according to the present embodiment.

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory view showing a dipping process of dipping the end face of the honeycomb structure into the slurry, which is the method for manufacturing the honeycomb structure according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 shows the removal of the mask tape remaining on the end surface immersed first in both the end surfaces immersed in the slurry in the dipping step in FIG. 5 of the manufacturing method of the honeycomb structure according to the present embodiment. FIGS. 6A and 6B are diagrams showing a process, in which FIG. 6A is a schematic view showing one aspect of the vent hole forming process, and FIG.

  FIG. 7 is a method for manufacturing a honeycomb structure according to the present embodiment, and is a schematic view partially enlarged showing a state in which through holes are formed in the through hole forming step. FIG. 8 is a method for manufacturing a honeycomb structured body according to the present embodiment, and is a schematic view in which the state of the end face where the slurry is immersed in the immersion process is partially enlarged. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a partially enlarged view of the honeycomb structure manufacturing method according to the present embodiment, in which the mask tape remaining in the removing step is removed.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a state in which the second cell end is filled with slurry in the immersion process in FIG. 5, and FIG. 10A is a state in which one end surface is immersed in the slurry, FIG. FIG. 10B is a schematic view showing a state where the other end face is immersed in the slurry, and FIG. 10C is a schematic view showing a state where the other end face of the comparative example is immersed in the slurry.

  The present embodiment is a ceramic honeycomb structure for a carrier of an automobile exhaust gas purification device, in which a large number of cells penetrating in the axial direction are partitioned by partition walls, and are positioned on the end surfaces at both end surfaces in the axial direction. This is a method for manufacturing a ceramic honeycomb structure 8 in which a part of a cell end is closed.

  As shown in FIG. 1, after manufacturing a honeycomb structure body 86 in which all cell end portions 82 are opened at the end faces 861 and 862, a part of cell end portions on the end faces 861 and 862 of the honeycomb structure body 86 is produced. A transparent or translucent resin film (hereinafter referred to as a mask tape) 2 is attached to the end face 861 of the honeycomb structure body 86 so as to cover the cell end 82 when the plug 82 is closed with a plugging material 830 described later. .

  Of both end faces 861 and 862, a mask tape is attached to an end face (hereinafter referred to as one end face) 861 and an end face (hereinafter referred to as the other end face) 862, respectively. Hereinafter, the manufacturing method will be described on the one end face 861, and the description on the other end face 862 will be omitted.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 2, in the through hole forming step for opening the cell end portion (hereinafter referred to as the first cell end portion) 82a to be plugged, the mask tape 2 located at the first cell end portion 82a is heated by heat. The through hole 20 is formed by melting or incineration removal. Next, as shown in FIG. 5, one end face 861 is immersed in the slurry 60 containing plugging material, and this slurry 60 enters the first cell end portion 82 a through the through hole 20. The part 82a is closed.

  Next, before the other end face 862 is immersed in the slurry 60, the mask tape 2 remaining on the one end face 861 previously immersed is removed in a removing step as shown in FIG. With the mask tape 2 on one end face 861 removed, the other end face 862 is immersed in the slurry 60, and the first cell end portion 82 a on the other end face 862 is closed with the slurry 60.

  Thereafter, the slurry 60 is cured, and the mask tape 2 is removed from the other end face 862.

  Hereinafter, the details of the above-described manufacturing method will be described. In this example, the honeycomb structure body 86 was produced by extrusion molding. Specifically, by using a ceramic material for forming cordierite, a tubular long honeycomb structure having a large number of square cells is manufactured, and the honeycomb structure is cut into a predetermined length to thereby cut the honeycomb structure. A body 86 was formed. The cell end portion 82 of the honeycomb structure main body 86 is open at both end faces 861 and 862 thereof.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 1, the mask tape 2 is attached to the entire surface of one end face 861. In this example, the end surfaces 861 and 862 are heated by a heating device such as a hot plate, and the mask tape 2 is attached to the end surfaces 861 and 862. The mask tape 2 is not limited to this, and a thermoplastic resin film in which an adhesive is applied to one surface may be used.

  Next, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the through-hole 20 is formed by using the through-hole forming device 5 to melt or incinerate and remove the mask tape 2 located at the first cell end 82 a by heat. did. The through-hole forming device 5 passes through the mask tape 2 affixed to the end face 861 and visually recognizes the positions of the cell end portions 82a and 82b to obtain position information. A heat irradiation means 52 for irradiating a density energy beam (hereinafter referred to as laser light) 520 and a control means 53 for operating the heat irradiation means 52 by determining an irradiation position of the laser light 520 based on position information from the image processing means 51. And.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the image processing unit 51 includes a camera unit 511 that captures an image of the end face 861 and an image processing unit 512 that forms image data. Although it is preferable to install a plurality of camera units 511 according to the width of the end face, in this embodiment, one camera unit 511 is appropriately moved to sequentially capture a plurality of areas. Specifically, as shown in the image data processing method of FIG. 3, when the position information of the cell end portions 82 a and 82 b is created in the image processing means 51, an area including the end face 861 of the honeycomb structure main body 86 is set to 9 Divided into two blocks S1 to S9. For each block, image data of an area including an overlapping portion that overlaps at least a part of the block and a block adjacent thereto is collected.

The heat irradiation means 52 includes a laser emitting device 521 that emits CO ₂ laser light and a moving device 522 that incorporates a control unit thereof.

  Further, the control means 53 calculates the position and opening area of each cell end 82a, 86b based on the image data received from the image processing means 51 as described above, and the cell end 82 to be closed (plugged). The position where the through hole 20 is to be formed is determined. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 4, the outline position 22 for cutting out the unnecessary surrounding mask tape 2 is determined. The information on the formation position and contour position of the through-hole 20 is instructed to the heat irradiation means 52 so that the movement and irradiation control of the laser emitting means 521 are performed.

  By using the through-hole forming apparatus 5 having the above-described configuration, first, an end surface 861 of the honeycomb structure main body 86 is photographed by the camera unit 511 to create image data, as shown in FIG. Next, the control unit 53 calculates the formation position and contour position of the through hole 20. In this embodiment, the through hole 20 formation position is determined so that adjacent cells form a closed portion (hereinafter referred to as plugging portion) in a checkered pattern in which adjacent cells alternately open and close.

  Next, the honeycomb structure main body 86 is moved to the bottom of the laser emitting means 521 or the laser emitting means 521 is moved, and the origin on the coordinates when positioned directly below the camera unit 511 is matched. Then, on the basis of an instruction from the control means 53, the laser beam 520 is sequentially irradiated from the laser emitting means 521 to melt or incinerate and remove the mask tape 2 to form the through hole 20 and the contour position 22. As shown in FIG. 4, an unnecessary portion on the outer periphery from the contour position 22 is cut off on the end face 861 of the honeycomb structure main body 86, and is positioned at the first cell end portion 82 a at the planned plugging (closing) position. The resin film 2 provided with the through-hole 20 having a shape along the inner periphery of the partition wall 81 is disposed in the portion.

  In forming the through hole 20, the center of the through hole 20 to be formed is first irradiated with the laser beam 520, and then the irradiation position is relative to the spiral so that the diameter gradually increases. The through-hole 20 was expanded to a desired size while shifting (see FIG. 7 for example).

  The operations from application of the mask tape 2 to formation of the through hole 20 are similarly performed on the other end face 862 of the honeycomb structure main body 86. At this time, in each cell, one cell end portion 82 is closed by the mask tape 2 and the through hole 20 is formed in the other cell end portion 82. It should be noted that square cells with a part of the periphery missing, such as cells on the outer periphery side of the contour position 22 shown in FIGS. The mask tape 2 is removed and opened.

  Next, in the dipping step (see FIG. 5), one end face 861 is dipped in the slurry 60 containing the plugging material 830, and this slurry 60 is dipped into the first cell end portion 82a through the through hole 20, The first cell end portion 82 a is closed with the slurry 60. In this example, the dipping apparatus (hereinafter referred to as a dip apparatus) 6 as shown in FIG. The plugging material 830 contained in the slurry 60 is mainly made of a material that becomes cordierite after firing.

  As shown in FIG. 5 (d), the dip device 6 includes a holding member (hereinafter referred to as a handling unit) 61 that holds and moves the honeycomb structure main body 86 as a work, and a container 62 that holds and stores the slurry 60 each time. And a control unit (not shown) for controlling the handling unit 61.

  The handling part 61 is formed so that the outer shape of the handling part 61 is larger than the opening part 62c so as to close the opening part 62c of the container 62. By sealing the opening part 62c of the container 62, the slurry 60 in the container 62 is airtight. Can be retained. The handling portion 61 is provided with a sealing material 61a formed of an elastic body or the like at a portion that contacts the end surface of the container 62 on the opening 62c side.

  The container 62 is provided on a container main body (hereinafter also referred to as a side wall) 62 a for storing the slurry 60 and a bottom side of the container main body 62 a, faces the end surface 861 of the honeycomb structure main body 86, and runs along the end surface 861. It has a rotatable bottom portion (hereinafter also referred to as a scraping portion 62).

  Further, a liquid level sensor (not shown) for detecting the liquid level position of the slurry 60 is connected to the control unit.

  In performing the work using the dip device 6, first, as shown in FIG. 5A, the honeycomb structure main body 86 is placed on the reference table 64 with the end face 861 to be processed as the upper end. Next, as shown in FIG. 5 (b), the honeycomb structure main body 86 is grasped by the grasping operation of the handling unit 61, lifted by a predetermined amount, and reversed to set the end face 861 to be processed to the lower surface. Next, as shown in FIG. 5C, the handling unit 6 is then moved downward to close the opening 62 c of the container 62 in an airtight manner. At this time, the honeycomb structure main body 86 is disposed above the liquid surface of the slurry 60.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 5D, the handling portion 61 is further lowered, and the end surface 861 of the honeycomb structure main body 86 is immersed in the slurry 60. At this time, the control unit calculates the dip depth from the data of the liquid level sensor and the amount of movement of the handling unit 61 in the vertical direction, and controls the handling unit 61 so as to obtain a desired immersion depth.

  With such a dipping device 6, the slurry 60 enters the first cell end portion 82a from the through hole 20 in the first cell end portion 82a provided with the through hole 20 on the end surface 861 of the honeycomb structure main body 86. In addition, the end surface 861 of the honeycomb structure main body 86 is immersed in the slurry 60 in a state where the handling portion 61 that holds the honeycomb structure main body 86 and the container 62 are held in an airtight state. Is added to the end face 861.

  Next, in the present embodiment, a removal step (see FIG. 6A) is provided in the middle of the dipping step in which both end faces 861 and 862 are dipped in the slurry 60, respectively. In this removing step, before the other end face 862 is immersed in the slurry 60, the mask tape 2 remaining on the one end face 861 previously immersed is removed.

  Specifically, heat is applied to the mask tape 2 located at the second cell end portion 82b not plugged on the one end face 861 using the hot plate 7 shown in FIG. Strip off. Note that the mask tape removing device for removing the mask tape 2 from the one end face 861 is not limited to the hot plate 7, and a peeling roller 107 may be used.

  In the method of removing the mask tape 2 using the hot plate 7, the mask tape 2 made of a resin film is generally used for affixing purposes. Therefore, the mask tape 2 is relatively removed from one end face 861. Can be easily peeled off. Therefore, the operation of removing the mask tape 2 remaining on the one end face 861 can be performed relatively efficiently.

  Further, in such a mask tape 2, the application effect is reduced when heat is applied to the mask tape 2. Therefore, after heat is applied to the mask tape 2 remaining on the one end face 861, the mask tape 2 is exposed to the mask from the one end face 861. The tape 2 can be easily peeled off.

  In the method of removing the mask tape 2 using the stripping roller 107, the mask tape 2 remaining on the one end face 861 includes the first cell end part 82a and the second cell end part 82b on the one end face 861. In order to remove the unnecessary mask tape 2, the stripping roller 107 is simply attached to the mask tape 2 in order to remove the unnecessary mask tape 2. Can be pressed.

  Next, in a sintering step (not shown), the honeycomb structure main body 86 in which the slurry 60 has entered the first cell end portion 82a on the both end faces 861 and 862 is dried and then fired. As a result, the slurry 60 is baked and solidified to form the plugging material 830 to form the plugging portion (blocking portion) 83, and the mask tape 2 attached to the end faces 861 and 862 is incinerated and removed. . Thereby, the honeycomb structure 8 which obstruct | occluded some 1st cell edge parts 82a is obtained.

  Here, a state in which the first cell end portion 82a at both end faces 861 and 862 is closed with the slurry 60, that is, a state in which the plug is filled with the plugging material 830 when immersed in the slurry 60 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10A shows the one end face 861 and the ventilation state in the cell where the immersion treatment is performed prior to this embodiment, FIG. 10B shows the other face 862 of this embodiment and the ventilation state in each cell, and FIG. c) is a schematic diagram showing the air flow state in the other surface 862 and each cell of the comparative example.

  10 (a), 10 (b), and 10 (c), the plugging depth is represented by L, and L1 is in the first cell end portion 82a of the one end face 861 by dipping into the one end face 861. The plugging depth of the plugging material 830 is indicated by L2, and L2 indicates the plugging depth in the first cell end portion 82a of the other end face 862 by the immersion treatment in the other end face 862.

  In the comparative example, after performing immersion treatment on one end face 861, as shown in FIG. 10C, no additional treatment is performed as it is, and immersion treatment on the other end face 862 is performed. On the other hand, since all the cell end portions 82a and 82b of the end face 861 are closed, it cannot be said that the air flows through the partition wall 81 (see FIG. 10A). In the method of the comparative example, when the other end surface 862 is immersed in the slurry 60, back pressure is generated inside the cell by the slurry 60 that has entered the first cell end portion 82a. As a result, since it becomes difficult for the slurry 60 to enter the first cell end portion 82a, the plugging depth L2 of the other end surface 862 is smaller than the plugging depth L1 of the one end surface 861, and the plugging depth L is reduced. The both end faces 861 and 862 are non-uniform.

  On the other hand, in this example, as shown in FIG. 10B, the mask tape 2 remaining on the one end face 861 is removed before the immersion process in the other end face 862, so Since ventilation is ensured, back pressure is not generated inside the cell due to the slurry 60 entering the first cell end portion 82a as in the comparative example, and the ventilation can be performed smoothly. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the plugging depth L from becoming uneven at the both end faces 861 and 862.

  In the present embodiment described above, both the end surfaces 861 and 862 of the honeycomb structure main body 86 of the workpiece are closed with the mask tape 2 at the second cell end portion 82b where the plugging material 830 is not provided, and both end surfaces in this state. 861 and 862, after first immersing one end face 861 in the slurry 60 containing the plugging material 830 and then immersing the other end face 862 in the slurry 60, the first cell members on both end faces 861 and 862 are formed. In the plugging method of the honeycomb structure to be plugged, the masking tape 2 remaining on the one end face 861 is removed before the other end face 862 is immersed in the slurry.

  Since the masking tape 2 remaining on the one end face 861 is removed before the other end face 862 is immersed in the slurry in this way, the one end face 861 that has been immersed in the slurry 60 before the other end face 862 is formed in the second cell. The end portion 82b can correspond to an open state for ventilation. Thereby, when the other end surface 862 is immersed in the slurry 60, the slurry 60, that is, the plugging material 830 does not easily enter the first cell end portion 82a on the other end surface 862 side.

  Therefore, it is possible to prevent the plugging depth L, which plugs the first cell end portion 82a of the both end surfaces 861 and 862 with the plugging material 830, from becoming non-uniform compared to the both end surfaces 861 and 862. It is.

  Moreover, in this embodiment demonstrated above, the mask tape 2 consists of a resin film. In general, since the mask tape 2 made of a resin film is used for the purpose of sticking, the mask tape 2 can be peeled off from the one end face 861 relatively easily. Therefore, the operation of removing the mask tape 2 remaining on the one end face 861 can be performed relatively efficiently.

  Further, in the present embodiment described above, in the mask tape 2, when the mask tape 2 is heated, the attaching effect is reduced. Therefore, the hot plate 7 is used for the mask tape 2 remaining on the one end face 861. After the heat is applied, the mask tape 2 can be easily peeled off from the one end face 861.

  Further, in the present embodiment described above, the mask tape 2 remaining on the one end face 861 selectively plugs the plugging material 830 at the first cell end 82a and the second cell end 82b on the one end face 861. The masking purpose of providing or not providing masking is completed. For this reason, the unnecessary mask tape 2 can be removed using the peeling roller 107 for breaking the mask tape 2.

  Further, in the method of removing the mask tape 2 using the peeling roller 107, the peeling roller 107 can be easily pressed against the mask tape 2 in order to remove the unnecessary mask tape 2.

  Further, in the present embodiment described above, when the end surfaces 861 and 862 are immersed in the slurry 60, the slurry 50 is pressurized, and the pressurized slurry 60 is applied to the first cell end portion 82a of the end surfaces 861 and 862. Try to fill.

  In general, when the end faces 861 and 862 are immersed in the slurry 60, when the slurry 60 is pressurized and the so-called constant pressure immersion is performed in which the pressurized slurry 60 is filled into the end faces 861 and 862, the slurry is first immersed. When the pressurized slurry 60 is filled in the first cell end portion 82a on the other end face 862 side without subjecting the mask tape 2 remaining on the one end face 861 to aeration, the pressurized slurry 60 is filled. Therefore, the plugging depths L1 and L2 at both end faces 861 and 862 may become more uneven.

  On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the mask tape 2 remaining on the one end face 861 is removed before the other end face 861 is immersed in the slurry 60. It is preferable.

  In the above-described embodiment, in immersing the honeycomb structure main body 86 held by the handling unit 61 in the slurry 60 stored in the container 62 in the above-described dipping step, the handling unit 61 opens the opening of the container 62. The honeycomb structure main body 86 is pushed into the slurry 60 by the handling portion 61 while closing the 62c.

  According to this, each time one of the both end faces 861 and 862 of the honeycomb structure body 86 is immersed in the slurry 60, the opening 62c of the container 62 is airtight by the handling part 61 that holds the honeycomb structure body 86. It is possible to push the honeycomb structure main body 86 into the slurry 60 by the handling part 61.

  Therefore, before the other end face 861 is immersed in the slurry 60, the plugging method in which the vent holes 26 are opened in the mask tape 2 remaining on the one end face 861 is applied to the above-described configuration, and both end faces 861 are applied. , 862 can more effectively prevent the plugging depth from becoming uneven.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment described above, the container 62 is provided with a scraping portion 62b that can rotate along the end surfaces 861 and 862 at the bottom portion facing the end surfaces 861 and 862 of the honeycomb structure body 86. Is preferred. Thereby, it can prevent more effectively that the plugging depth in the both end surfaces 861 and 862 becomes non-uniform | heterogenous.

(Other embodiments)
As mentioned above, although one Embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is limited to this embodiment and is not interpreted and can be applied to various embodiment in the range which does not deviate from the summary.

  (1) For example, in the above-described embodiment, the mask tape 2 made of a resin film has been described as means for masking the cell end portion 82b. Not limited to this, any masking material such as a sheet material made of wax, which is attached to the partition wall defining the second cell end by heat or an adhesive, or a material in which wax is embedded in the second cell end. It may be.

  (2) In the present embodiment described above, the constant pressure immersion method has been described as the method for immersing the end faces 861 and 862 in the slurry 60. However, the method is not limited to this, and the slurry is placed in a container having an open opening. A method of immersing the end faces 861 and 862 inside may also be used.

  (3) In the present embodiment described above, as a means for removing the mask tape 2 remaining on the one end face 861, the mask tape 2 is heated from the one end face 861 after heating the mask tape 2 using the hot plate 7. A description has been given of what is to be peeled off and what is to peel off the mask tape 2 by pressing the roller 107 against the mask tape 2 using a peeling roller 107. The method is not limited to these, and the mask tape 2 may be incinerated at a temperature at which only the mask tape 2 disappears and the honeycomb structure body 86 and the plugging material 830 are not affected.

  (4) Note that the means for removing the mask tape 2 remaining on the one end face 861 is not limited to the above-described means for stripping off the mask tape 2 on the one end face 861, but is located at the second cell end portion 82b. The mask tape 2 to be opened may be perforated.

  In this case, before the other end face 862 is immersed in the slurry, a hole for ventilation may be formed in the portion of the mask tape 2 remaining on the one end face 861 that is located at the second cell end portion 82b. it can. Thereby, when the other end surface 862 is immersed in the slurry, it is possible to avoid the slurry 60, that is, the plugging material 830 from entering the first cell end portion 82a on the other end surface 862 side.

  (5) In the above-described embodiment, the honeycomb structure 8 has been described as having a square cell shape. Not limited to this, the cell shape may be a triangle (see FIG. 11).

FIG. 5 is an explanatory view showing a masking process for attaching a mask tape to a honeycomb structure main body in the method for manufacturing a honeycomb structure according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a manufacturing method of the honeycomb structure by a 1st embodiment of the present invention, and is an explanatory view showing a through-hole formation process for opening the 1st cell end part to be plugged. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a divided state of blocks that divide a range in which cell information for forming a through hole is recognized by image processing in the through hole forming step in FIG. 2. FIG. 3 is an explanatory view showing a method for manufacturing a honeycomb structure according to the first embodiment of the present invention, in a state where a through hole is formed in a through hole forming step before a plugging process. FIG. 4 is an explanatory view showing a dipping process for dipping the end face of the honeycomb structure in a slurry, which is a method for manufacturing a honeycomb structure according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Of the manufacturing method of the honeycomb structure according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the mask tape remaining on the end face that has been previously immersed is removed from both end faces that are immersed in the slurry in the immersion step in FIG. It is a figure which shows a removal process, Comprising: Fig.6 (a) is one aspect | mode of a vent hole formation process, Fig.6 (a) is a schematic diagram which shows the other aspect of a vent hole formation process. FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing a method for manufacturing a honeycomb structure according to the first embodiment of the present invention, in which a state where through holes are formed in a through hole forming step is partially enlarged. FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing a method for manufacturing a honeycomb structure according to the first embodiment of the present invention, in which a state of an end face into which a slurry is immersed in an immersion process is partially enlarged. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a partially enlarged view of the honeycomb structure manufacturing method according to the first embodiment of the present invention, in which the mask tape remaining in the removal step is removed. It is a figure explaining the filling state of the slurry to the 2nd cell edge part in the immersion process in FIG. 5, Comprising: Fig.10 (a) is the state which immersed one end surface in the slurry, FIG.10 (b) is the other FIG. 10C is a schematic view showing a state in which the other end surface of the comparative example is immersed in the slurry. FIG. 10 is a schematic view showing a honeycomb structure manufacturing method according to a modification, and showing a cell shape of the honeycomb structure.

Explanation of symbols

2 Mask tape 20 Through hole (opening for plugging)
22 Contour Position 5 Through-hole Forming Device 51 Image Processing Unit 511 Camera Unit 512 Image Processing Unit 52 Thermal Irradiation Unit 520 Laser Light (High Density Energy Beam)
521 Laser emitting means 522 Moving device 53 Control means 6 Dip device (immersion device)
60 Slurry 61 Handling part (gripping member)
62 Container 62a Container body (side wall)
62b Bottom part (scraping part)
62c Opening 7 Hot plate (mask tape removal device)
8 honeycomb structure 81 partition wall 82 cell end portion 82a first cell end portion 82b second cell end portion 83 plugging portion 830 plugging material 86 honeycomb structure main body 861, 862 end face

Claims (7)

As a ceramic honeycomb structure in which a large number of cells penetrating in the axial direction are partitioned by partition walls, the second cell end portion opposite to the first cell end portion plugged by the plugging material is the ceramic honeycomb structure. Of the ceramic honeycomb structure, the cell A opening at one end face of the both axial end surfaces of the ceramic honeycomb structure and the second cell end portion on the opposite side to the first cell end portion plugged by the plugging material and cell B which opens into the other end face of the end faces, each possess one by more of the said first cell end that is plugged in the cells the said second cell end which opens in the a cell B The first cell end portion plugged in the cell A and the second cell end portion opened in the cell B are adjacent to each other alternately and adjacent to each other. Alternating The ceramic honeycomb structure is provided on an end face of the other, in manufacturing,
In a state in which said second cell ends closed by the masking material of each of said cells A and each said cell B in each of the end faces, the one end face of being dipped into the slurry containing the plugged material by, after the first cell ends of each of said cells B were plugged by immersing the other end face in the slurry, the ceramic honeycomb said first cell edge portion of each said cell a to plug packed In the method of plugging the structure,
A plugging method for a ceramic honeycomb structure, wherein the masking material remaining on the one end face is removed before the other end face is immersed in the slurry. The removal of the masking material remaining on the one end surface means that a hole is made in the masking material that closes the second cell end of each cell A on the one end surface. The method for plugging a ceramic honeycomb structure according to claim 1. The masking material is a mask tape made of a resin film,
2. The plugging method for a ceramic honeycomb structure according to claim 1, wherein the removal of the mask tape remaining on the one end surface is performed by peeling off the mask tape from the one end surface.   4. The plugging method for a ceramic honeycomb structure according to claim 3, wherein after the heat is applied to the mask tape remaining on the one end face, the mask tape is peeled off from the one end face.   The plug of the ceramic honeycomb structure according to claim 3, wherein the mask tape is peeled off from the one end surface by applying a peeling roller to the mask tape remaining on the one end surface. Stuffing method. In the plugging method of the ceramic honeycomb structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
When the one end face or the other end face of the both end faces is immersed in the slurry, the slurry is pressurized, and the end face to be immersed is filled with the pressurized slurry. A method for plugging a ceramic honeycomb structure. In the plugging method of the ceramic honeycomb structure according to claim 6,
In immersing the ceramic honeycomb structure gripped by a gripping member in the slurry stored in the container,
A plugging method for a ceramic honeycomb structure, wherein the holding member closes an opening of the container, and the ceramic honeycomb structure is pushed into the slurry by the holding member.

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