Part positioning device

A part positioning device (41) provided with support pins (48) which support a magnetic tape recording/reproducing device (1), a measuring device (51) which measures the height and inclination of a top end face (3a) of a reel (3) of the recording/reproducing device (1) and turning operation devices (54) which turn adjusting screws (7) which adjust the height and inclination of the reel (3). The turning operation device (54) includes an engaging part (55) which engages/disengages with/from an engagement groove (8) formed vertically in the adjusting screw (7), a turning operation part (57) which is turned by manual operation, and a turning transmission shaft (59) which is bendable to transmit the turning of the turning operation part (57) to the engaging part (55). The engaging part (55) is disposed at a position facing the underside of the adjusting screw (7) and moved vertically with respect to the engagement groove (8) by manually pushing or pulling the turning operation part (57) in the horizontal direction (C, D). The turning operation part (57) is disposed on the front side where the operator performs operation.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a part positioning device which positions a part such as a reel or guide post of a magnetic tape recording/reproducing device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 6is a perspective view of a magnetic tape recording/reproducing device1(example of adjustment target object) which is positioned using a part positioning device. This magnetic tape recording/reproducing device1is provided with a planar base2, a C reel3and a D reel4and a plurality of guide posts5. The C reel3and D reel4are intended to feed and wind a magnetic tape. The guide posts5are intended to position a running magnetic tape. The reels3,4and guide posts5are examples of adjustment target parts and provided on the base2. The inclination in the X-Y directions and height in the Z direction of the reels3,4and guide posts5are adjusted by turning a plurality of (three, for example) adjusting screws7(examples of adjusting member). Each adjusting screw7is screwed into the base2from below and has a head at the bottom. A “+” (plus) shaped engagement groove8(example of engaged part) is formed on the head of each adjusting screw7.

Furthermore, reference points10are formed at three locations of the underside of the base2and one article reference surface S which passes through these reference points10is defined.

FIGS. 7A and 7BandFIG. 8show a conventional part positioning device20used for positioning parts of the above described magnetic tape recording/reproducing device1. This part positioning device20includes an adjustment stage21, a plurality of (three, for example) support pins22(examples of support member) which support and fix the magnetic tape recording/reproducing device1on the adjustment stage21and a measuring device23which measures the height and inclination of the respective reels3,4and guide posts5. The above described respective support pins22are provided on the adjustment stage21and support the magnetic tape recording/reproducing device1at the above described reference points10.

The measuring device23is constructed of an inclination measuring device23bwhich measures inclinations in the X-Y directions of respective top end faces3a,4a,5aof the reels3,4and guide posts5and a displacement measuring device23awhich measures heights in the Z direction of the respective top end faces3a,4a,5a. The displacement measuring device23aand inclination measuring device23bare provided on a movable table24. This movable table24is placed on the adjustment stage21in a manner freely movable in the X-Y directions.

A display section23dwhich displays the measured inclination is provided on the front of the inclination measuring device23b. Furthermore, a display section23cwhich displays the measured height is provided on the front of the displacement measuring device23a. Furthermore, a laser measuring device is used for the measuring devices23a,23b. Furthermore, as shown inFIG. 6, the respective top end faces3a,4a,5aof the reels3,4and guide posts5are examples of part reference surfaces.

Furthermore, an adjustment opening25is formed in the adjustment stage21below and facing the magnetic tape recording/reproducing device1which is supported by the support pins22.

According to this, as shown inFIGS. 7A and 7BandFIG. 8, the reference points10of the magnetic tape recording/reproducing device1are supported by the support pins22and the magnetic tape recording/reproducing device1is thereby fixed. For example, when the height and inclination of the C reel3are adjusted, the inclination measuring device23band displacement measuring device23aare moved above the C reel3using the movable table24, the inclination of the top end face3aof the C reel3is measured using the inclination measuring device23band the height of the top end face3aof the C reel3is measured using the displacement measuring device23a. In this case, the measured inclination and height are displayed on the display sections23c,23drespectively.

An operator M checks, the inclination and height by reading the measured values displayed on the display sections23c,23d, then visually checks the positions of the adjusting screws7of the C reel3, inserts a Phillips screwdriver27into the adjustment opening25from below the adjustment stage21, fits the tip of the screwdriver27into the engagement groove8of the adjusting screw7and turns the screwdriver27. The adjusting screw7turns and the inclination and height of the C reel3change. In this way, the operator M operates the screwdriver27while reading the measured values displayed on the display sections23c,23dand checking the inclination and height and adjusts the adjusting screws7so that the above described measured values match adjustment target values. This makes it possible to adjust the relative height and inclination of the top end face3aof the C reel3with respect to the article reference surface S which passes through the reference points10of the magnetic tape recording/reproducing device1.

It is also possible to adjust the height and inclination of the D reel4or guide post5in the same way.

However, according to the above described conventional format, as shown inFIG. 7A, the operator M needs to peer the underside of the magnetic tape recording/reproducing device1, fit the tip of the screwdriver27into the engagement groove8of the adjusting screw7. This involves a problem that the work efficiency is extremely low.

Moreover, when the number of adjustment target parts such as reels3,4and guide posts5increases, the number of the adjusting screws7also increases, which involves a problem that it takes time to visually check the positions of the adjusting screws7to be adjusted. Furthermore, meeting the adjustment accuracy requires a plurality of (e.g., 3) adjusting screws7to be alternately turned for one adjustment target part (e.g., C reel3). Therefore, it is necessary to move the screwdriver27, fit the tip of the screwdriver27into the engagement groove8of the target adjusting screw7every time, which results in a problem that the work efficiency deteriorates considerably.

Furthermore, when a plurality of adjusting screws7are turned simultaneously using a plurality of screwdrivers27, there is a problem that when the adjusting screws7are close to each other, the screwdrivers27interfere with each other making the operation impossible.

Furthermore, when laser measuring devices are used as the measuring device23b,23a, as shown inFIG. 7A, when the operator M peers the underside of the magnetic tape recording/reproducing device1and fits the tip of the screwdriver27into the engagement groove8of the adjusting screw7, it is necessary to shield laser beams irradiated from the measuring devices23b,23aand secure safety, which results in a problem that the work efficiency further deteriorates.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a part positioning device capable of drastically improving the efficiency and safety of adjustment work of adjusting the height and inclination of an adjustment target part.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

A first aspect of the present invention is a part positioning device for adjusting positions of target parts of an adjustment target object provided with the adjustment target parts and adjusting members, the adjustment target object having an article reference surface defined thereon, the adjustment target parts having part reference surfaces formed thereon respectively, wherein a relative height and inclination of each of the part reference surfaces is adjusted with respect to the article reference surface of the adjustment target object by turning the adjusting members. Herein, the part positioning device comprises support members for supporting the adjustment target object at a plurality of locations, a measuring device for measuring the height and inclination of each of the part reference surfaces of the adjustment target parts, and a turning operation device for turning each of the adjusting members, wherein each turning operation device comprises an engaging part which is engageable/disengeagable with/from an engaged part formed in the adjusting member, a turning operation part which is turned through an external operation, and a bendable turning transmission shaft which transmits the turning of the turning operation part to the engaging part, each engaging part is disposed at a position facing the adjusting member and moved in the engagement/disengagement direction with respect to the engaged part by moving the turning operation part in an axial direction of the turning transmission shaft through an external operation, and each turning operation part is directed to a side where an operator performs operation.

According to such a construction, the operator supports the adjustment target object by the support members, moves the turning operation part of the turning operation device in the axial direction of the turning transmission shaft to cause the engaging part to engage with the engaged part of the adjusting member, and turns the turning operation part. This causes the torque of the turning operation part to transmit to the engaging part through the turning transmission shaft, causes the engaging part to turn, which causes the adjusting member to turn. Thereby, the height and inclination of the part reference surface of the adjustment target part is changed.

The operator measures the height and inclination of the part reference surface of the adjustment target part using the measuring device, turns the turning operation part based on this measured value, and adjusts the measured value so as to match the adjustment target value. In this way, the relative height and inclination of the part reference surface of the adjustment target part is adjusted with respect to the article reference surface S of the adjustment target object.

In the above described adjustment work, since the turning operation part is directed to the side where the operator performs operation, it is easier to perform a transfer operation and a turning operation of the turning operation part. It is also possible to cause the engaging part to engage/disengage with/from the engaged part of the adjusting member of the adjustment target object supported by the support member through a simple operation of only moving the turning operation part of the turning operation device in the axial direction of the turning transmission shaft. Furthermore, even when the number of adjustment target parts increases and the number of adjusting members also increases accordingly, provision of a turning operation device in correspondence with each adjusting member makes it possible to easily turn each adjusting member using each turning operation device. Furthermore, when the plurality of adjusting members are turned simultaneously and even when the adjusting members are close to each other, it is possible to prevent such conventional problem that the screwdrivers interfere with each other making the operation impossible. Consequently, the efficiency of adjustment work is drastically improved.

A second aspect of the present invention is the part positioning device, wherein a first reference surface and a second reference surface are formed to have a predetermined positional relationship each other, a movable table is formed on the first reference surface, the measuring device is provided on the movable table, and the plurality of support members are provided on the second reference surface.

A third aspect of the present invention is the part positioning device, wherein the adjustment target object is supported by the support members with the engaged parts formed in the adjusting members facing downward, the measuring device irradiates a laser beam downward from above on the top reference surfaces of the adjustment target parts and measures the height and inclination of the top reference surfaces, the engaging part of the turning operation device is disposed to face upward at a position underneath the bottom face of the adjusting member, and is caused to move vertically with respect to the engaged part to engage/disengage with/from the engaged part by moving the turning operation part in the horizontal direction through an external operation, and each turning operation part is provided on the front side where an operator performs operation.

According to such constructions, when an operator moves the turning operation part in the horizontal direction on the front side of the part positioning device, the engaging part of the turning operation device moves in the vertical direction and the engaging part engages/disengages with/from the engaged part of the adjusting member. Therefore, when the engaging part is made to engage/disengage with/from the engaged part of the adjusting member, the operator needs not peer the underside of the adjustment target object, and there is no need for shielding the laser beam irradiated downward from the measuring device. Consequently, the efficiency of adjustment work, as well as the safety, is further improved.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

For more detailed explanations of the present invention, the present invention will be explained using the attached drawings.

A magnetic tape recording/reproducing device1, which is an example of an adjustment target object, is the same as that shown inFIG. 6explained in the above described background art, and therefore explanations thereof will be omitted.

As shown inFIG. 1toFIG. 3, a part positioning device41is intended to position parts of a magnetic tape recording/reproducing device1and has the following construction.

An adjustment stage42is constructed of four legs43and a mounting plate44attached on these legs43. The top surface of this mounting plate44is made level as a first reference surface45. A support stage46is provided on the mounting plate44, which stands out by one step above the first reference surface45. The top surface of this support stage46is made level as a second reference surface47. Note that the second reference surface47is parallel to the first reference surface45and is located above the first reference surface45by a certain height H.

Support pins48(examples of support member) are provided upright at three locations of the above described second reference surface47which support the magnetic tape recording/reproducing device1at reference points10.

Furthermore, the above described first reference surface45is provided with a movable table50which is freely movable in the X-Y directions. This movable table50is provided with a measuring device51which measures the height and inclination of top end faces3a,4a,5a(examples of part reference surface) of reels3,4(examples of adjustment target part) and guide posts5(examples of adjustment target part) of the magnetic tape recording/reproducing device1supported by the above described support pins48.

The measuring device51is constructed of an inclination measuring device51band a displacement measuring device51a. The inclination measuring device51bis intended to irradiate a laser beam from above downward onto the top end faces3a,4a,5ato measure the inclinations of the top end faces3a,4a,5ain the X-Y directions. A display section51dwhich displays the measured inclination is provided on the front of the inclination measuring device51b. On the other hand, the displacement measuring device51ais intended to irradiate a laser beam from above downward onto the top end faces3a,4a,5ato measure the heights of the top end faces3a,4a,5ain the Z direction. A display section51cwhich displays the measured height is provided on the front of the displacement measuring device51a.

As shown inFIG. 1andFIG. 4, the above described support stage46is provided with positioning members for positioning the magnetic tape recording/reproducing device1supported by the support pins48in the X-Y directions. This positioning member is made up of two (a plurality of) positioning pins70placed upright on the second reference surface47. When the magnetic tape recording/reproducing device1is supported by the support pins48, the above described respective positioning pins70are inserted into two (a plurality of) positioning holes71formed in the base2of the magnetic tape recording/reproducing device1and the magnetic tape recording/reproducing device1is thereby positioned.

Furthermore, the support stage46is provided with three (a plurality of) fixing devices73. These fixing devices73are intended to prevent the magnetic tape recording/reproducing device1supported by the support pins48and positioned by the positioning pins70from moving upward and fix the magnetic tape recording/reproducing device1in a normal position. Each of these fixing devices73is constructed of a shaft body74placed upright on the second reference surface47, an arm body75at a top end of the shaft body74in a freely rotatable manner and a fixing member76provided at a free end of the arm body75. As shown by a solid line inFIG. 4, by turning the arm body75to a fixed position J, the fixing member76of each fixing device73moves to a point above each support pin48to prevent the base2from moving upward. Furthermore, by turning the arm body75to an unlocking position K as shown by a virtual line ofFIG. 4, the fixing member76of each fixing device73is retracted outward from above the base2which is supported by the support pin48, which unlocks the magnetic tape recording/reproducing device1.

As shown inFIG. 1toFIG. 3, the adjustment stage42is provided with turning operation devices54to turn the adjusting screws7(example of the adjusting member) of the magnetic tape recording/reproducing device1supported by the support pin48. The turning operation device54is constructed of a “+” shaped engaging part55which can be freely engaged with the engagement groove8of the adjusting screw7, a tip shaft56provided with an engaging part55, a turning operation part57which is turned through an external operation, a base end shaft58provided with the turning operation part57, a flexible turning transmission shaft59which transmits the turning of the turning operation part57to the engaging part55and a guide tube60. There is the same number of turning operation devices54as the adjusting screws7in a one-to-one correspondence with adjusting screw7.

The above described turning transmission shaft59has flexibility with a wire wound like a coil. One end of the turning transmission shaft59is connected to the tip shaft56and the other end of the turning transmission shaft59is connected to the base end shaft58. Furthermore, the guide tube60is bent in an “L” shape. In the guide tube60, the turning transmission shaft59, the lower part of the tip shaft56and the back of the base end shaft58are inserted in a manner freely rotatable and freely movable in the axial direction respectively. The top end of the back part of the guide tube60is attached by being inserted into a through hole formed in a fixing plate62. Furthermore, the bottom of the front part of the guide tube60is attached by being inserted into a through hole formed in an operation plate63. The fixing plate62is attached under the mounting plate44. The operation plate63is attached between a pair of front left and right legs43.

A plurality of through holes64are formed in the mounting plate44and support stage46, having openings at the bottom of the mounting plate44and at the top of the support stage46. Each tip shaft56is inserted into each through hole64. Each tip shaft56is located at a position facing the underside of the adjusting screw7with the engaging part55facing upward. Furthermore, each tip shaft56is designed so as to move in the vertical direction (example of engagement/disengagement direction) between an upper limit position A (seeFIG. 3) at which the engaging part55can engage with the engagement groove8and a lower limit position B (seeFIG. 3) at which the engaging part55retracts into the through hole64. Each tip shaft56is provided with a stopper65. Each stopper65contacts the underside of the mounting plate44to regulate the ascending range of the tip shaft56to an upper limit position A and also contacts the top surface of the fixing plate62to regulate the descending range of the tip shaft56to a lower limit position B.

The tip shaft56is shifted in the vertical direction by pushing or pulling the turning operation part57in the horizontal directions C, D (example of the axial direction of the turning transmission shaft59). That is, as shown inFIG. 2, pushing in the turning operation part57toward the back C causes the tip shaft56to ascend up to the upper limit position A. On the other hand, pulling the turning operation part57toward the front D causes the tip shaft56to descend down to the lower limit position B. Furthermore, the base end shaft58is located sideways in the horizontal direction. The turning operation part57is disposed in front of the operation plate63, that is, on the front side of the part positioning device41.

Hereinafter, the operation in the above described configuration will be explained.

For example, the method of adjusting the height and inclination of the top end face3aof the C reel3with respect to an article reference surface S of the magnetic tape recording/reproducing device1using the part positioning device41will be explained.

First, a master work whose height and inclination, which are position components, are within specified ranges respectively, is formed into a shape equivalent to that of the magnetic tape recording/reproducing device1through cutting work or the like. Using this master work, calibration of the part positioning device41will be performed using the following procedure.

First, the master work is supported by the support pins48and positioned by the positioning members. Then, the inclination coordinates of the top end face of the part corresponding to the C reel of the master work are measured using the inclination measuring device51band the measured values of the inclination coordinates at this time are assumed to be adjustment target values (x1, y1) as shown inFIG. 5. Furthermore, the height of the top end face corresponding to the C reel of the master work is measured using the displacement measuring device51aand the measured value at this time is assumed to be an adjustment target value (h1). Calibration is completed in this way and the operator removes the master work from on the support pin48of the part positioning device41. The above described adjustment target values (x1, y1) (h1) correspond to product design values.

After the above described calibration is completed, the operator causes the magnetic tape recording/reproducing device1to be supported by the support pin48. In this case, the operator inserts the positioning pins70into the positioning holes71to position the magnetic tape recording/reproducing device1and turns the arm body75up to the fixed position J as shown by a solid line inFIG. 4and fixes the magnetic tape recording/reproducing device1using the fixing member76. As shown inFIG. 1andFIG. 2, the magnetic tape recording/reproducing device1is supported and fixed at a normal position by the support pins48with the engagement grooves8of the adjusting screws7facing downward. Then, the measuring device51is moved in the X-Y directions using the movable table50and positioned above the C reel3. Next, the inclination coordinates and height of the top end face3aof the C reel3are measured using the inclination measuring device51band displacement measuring device51aof the measuring device51.

Next, based on the measured values of the inclination coordinates and height displayed on the display sections51c,51d, the operator pushes in the turning operation part57of the turning operation device54corresponding to the adjusting screw7of the C reel3as shown inFIG. 2by hand to cause the tip shaft56to ascend, causes the engaging part55to engage with the engagement groove8of the adjusting screw7and then turns the turning operation part57by hand. This causes the torque of the turning operation part57to transmit to the tip shaft56through the turning transmission shaft59, causes the tip shaft56to turn and causes the adjusting screw7to turn, and the inclination and height of the top end face3aof the C reel3is thereby changed.

The operator measures the inclination and height of the top end face3aof the C reel3using the inclination measuring device51band displacement measuring device51a, turns the turning operation part57and adjusts the position of the C reel3so that the measured values of the inclination coordinates match the above described adjustment target values (x1, y1) and the measured value of the height matches the above described adjustment target value (h1). This allows the relative height and inclination of the top end face3aof the C reel3with respect to the article reference surface S of the magnetic tape recording/reproducing device1to be adjusted.

After the positioning of the C reel3is completed, the operator pulls the turning operation part57forward in the direction D, causes the tip shaft56to descend down to the lower limit position B and causes the engaging part55to disengage from the engagement groove8of the adjusting screw7downward.

The D reel4and guide posts5can also be positioned in the same way as the above described C reel3. Furthermore, as shown with the virtual line inFIG. 4, by turning the arm body75up to the unlocking position K and unlocking the magnetic tape recording/reproducing device1, it is possible to lift and remove the magnetic tape recording/reproducing device1from on the support pin48and replace it with another magnetic tape recording/reproducing device1.

In the above described adjustment work, the turning operation part57is directed frontward where the operator performs operation, which makes easier the turning operation of the turning operation part57and pushing/pulling operation (transfer operation) in the directions C, D. Furthermore, simple operation of only pushing/pulling the turning operation part57in the directions C, D allows the engaging part55to be engaged/disengaged with/from the engagement groove8of the adjusting screw7of the magnetic tape recording/reproducing device1. Furthermore, even when the number of adjustment target parts such as reels3,4and guide post5increases and the number of adjusting screws7also increases accordingly, providing turning operation devices54corresponding to the respective adjusting screws7allows the respective turning operation devices54to easily turn the respective adjusting screws7. Furthermore, when a plurality of adjusting screws7are turned simultaneously, even when the adjusting screws7are close to each other, it is possible to prevent screwdrivers from interfering with each other, making operation impossible as in the conventional case. This drastically improves the efficiency of adjustment work.

Furthermore, when the engaging part55is engaged with the engagement groove8of the adjusting screw7, the operator need not frequently peer the underside of the magnetic tape recording/reproducing device1supported by the support pin48. This eliminates the necessity for light-shielding work on a laser beam irradiated downward from the displacement and inclination measuring devices51a,51band further improves the efficiency of adjustment work and also improves safety.

Furthermore, since it is possible to bend the turning transmission shaft59of the turning operation device54flexibly (freely), it is possible to freely set positions of the turning operation parts57on the operation plate63.

In the above described embodiment, the engagement groove8of the adjusting screw7and the engaging part55of the turning operation device54are formed in a “+” (plus) shape, the shape is not limited to this and those parts may also be formed in a “−” (minus) shape.

In the above described embodiment, the magnetic tape recording/reproducing device1is used as an example of the adjustment target object, but the object is not limited to the magnetic tape recording/reproducing device1. Moreover, the reels3,4and guide posts5are used as examples of the adjustment target parts, the parts are not limited to the reels3,4and guide post5.

In the above described embodiment, the magnetic tape recording/reproducing device1is supported by three support pins48, but it may be supported by four or more support pins48. Furthermore, the inclination and height of the reels3,4and guide post5are adjusted by three adjusting screws7respectively, but these may also be adjusted by one or three or more adjusting screws7.

As described above, the part positioning device according to the present invention is suitable for applications in adjusting relative inclination and height of the top end face of a part provided on a base with respect to an article reference surface defined for the base.