DE102019204018A1 - Arrangement, component and method for making a component traceable - Google Patents

Abstract

A method 1 for making a component 3 traceable is proposed. As part of the method 1, at least one laser device 2 is provided which makes a laser marking 12 on the component 3 so that a code 6 is introduced into the component 3, the laser marking 12 simulating a needle embossing for introducing the code 6 into the component 3.

Description

The invention relates to a method for making a component traceable. As part of the method, at least one laser device is provided, the at least one laser device performing a laser marking on the component. The invention further relates to an arrangement for carrying out the method and a component which has been made traceable by means of the arrangement and / or within the scope of the method.

The introduction of machine-readable codes into components for their identification and tracking is well known. The codes are usually applied to the component by means of needle embossing.

For example, in the document EP 2 445 728 A2 a method for marking objects by means of codes on objects, whereby one end of at least one embossing tool, which is shaped as a point or as a sharp edge or which has defined radii, is pressed several times on different points of the surface of the object to be marked for direct application of the code , whereby indentations are embossed at all press-on points and the objects to be marked are provided with the code using a micro or nano hardness tester.

The pamphlet WO 2004 076 968 A1 discloses a method for quality control of two-dimensional matrix codes on metallic workpieces that are in the form of embossed marking points. The marking point is embossed on the basis of predetermined digital position data using a marking tool, for example a hard metal needle. In order to check the marking points for error-free readability, the corresponding image data are then recorded for checking by means of an image processing device at the locations specified by the position data.

For needle stamping, stamping needles are used, which are subject to wear due to the contact during stamping of the component, so that they are gradually dumped. As a result, the depth and quality of the embossing in the component can vary greatly, so that defective and / or unidentifiable 2D codes are embossed. For this reason, as shown in particular in the prior art, the components must be checked closely and in some cases removed or re-stamped. In addition, the embossing needles have to be changed regularly. All of this can lead to production stoppages and high material and production costs.

The introduction of the 2D codes by means of needle embossing can also be disadvantageous if the component provided with needle embossing still has subsequent production steps such as B. going through curing. This can result in blackening in the area of the embossed depressions in the component, which can mean that reading out and identification of the component using the 2D code is no longer possible. Separation or renewed needle stamping is then necessary.

The invention is based on the object of overcoming these disadvantages and, in particular, of ensuring process-reliable traceability of the component. This object is achieved by a method for making a component traceable with the features of claim 1, by an arrangement with the features of claim 10 and by a component made traceable by means of the arrangement and / or within the scope of the method with the features of claim 12. Preferred or advantageous embodiments of the invention emerge from the dependent claims of the following description and / or the attached figures.

A method is proposed by means of which a component can be made traceable. As part of the method, at least one laser device, for example in the form of at least one laser cone, is provided. Laser marking is carried out on the component by means of the at least one laser device. The at least one laser marking is introduced into the component as a machine-readable 2D code. In particular, the 2D code is incorporated, lasered and / or burned into the component. As an alternative or in addition to the 2D code, plain text can also be incorporated into the component as a laser marking.

The advantage of introducing the laser marking as a 2D code is that it protects against subsequent processing on the component, e.g. are more resistant to the hardening of the component. In particular, the laser marking ensures that the 2D code can also be read out after the subsequent processing. A blackening of the laser marking by the subsequent processing takes place in particular to a reduced extent. This can significantly reduce the number of incorrect markings.

Another advantage is that there are no signs of wear and tear on the laser device as a result of the contact with the component, as experience has shown is the case with the embossing needles used for needle embossing. Thus, the method for introducing the marking into the component by means of the laser device can qualitatively high quality 2D codes are provided. The method offers high process reliability in particular. It can significantly reduce the cost risk that exists due to rework, wear and tear and production stoppage.

For example, the 2D code introduced into the component by the laser marking is a data matrix code. Data matrix codes are two-dimensional matrix codes, the text or raw data of which in a pattern from e.g. encode black and white modules, so-called "dots". The usual data size is from a few bytes up to 2 kilobytes. The data matrix code usually consists of four or five main components, namely of two pairs of solid, continuous and interrupted edges as boundary lines, of circumferential delimiting and information-free quiet zones, of a corner opposite the continuous edges for quick identification of the code schemes, of an alignment pattern and of a data area which has binary information in coded form. Data matrix codes have the advantage that they allow characters and information to be encrypted in a very small space.

According to the invention, the laser marking simulates needle embossing for introducing the code. In particular, the introduction into the component by means of the needle embossing is simulated by the laser device. The embossing needles that were previously used for needle embossing the 2D code are preferably replaced by the at least one laser device as part of the method. This has the advantage that the wear on the embossing needles, the resulting varying quality of the needle embossing in the component and the associated need to replace the embossing needles can be avoided. Furthermore, the laser marking is so clearly introduced into the component that the subsequent processing of the component, e.g. hardening has little or no negative impact on the readability of the laser marking.

In the context of the method, it is preferred that the 2D code introduced into the component by the laser device introduces and / or burns the modules, in particular the “dots”, as a weld point in the base material of the component. The weld point preferably comprises numerous impacts, which in particular have various shapes and dimensions. In particular, each of the turns have at least one turning angle.

One possible method step comprises the provision of a camera device, in particular a data matrix camera and / or a data matrix reading system. The camera device preferably detects the introduced code and / or reads it out.

It is particularly preferred within the scope of the method for the camera device to recognize the impacts as the “dot” when reading the 2D code, based on the steering angle, in particular based on a reflection caused by the impacts and / or steering angles. The camera device preferably recognizes the impacts as the welding point, as the module and / or as the “dot” and reads this out.

In a further possible method step, an evaluation device is provided. The evaluation device preferably evaluates the code that has been read out and stores it as identification data. In particular, the evaluation device compares read out 2D codes of further components with the identification data. In particular, the evaluation device determines a correspondence or discrepancy between the 2D codes and the identification data.

Preferably, other components of the same type, batch or for the same end product are provided with the same 2D codes so that they are identified by reading the codes using the camera device and by comparing them with the stored information data using the evaluation device and identifying the respective batch or the can be assigned to the respective end product. It is possible within the scope of the invention that the evaluation device is part of the camera device.

It is advantageous that the component can be permanently identified and / or tracked using the 2D code and the identification data derived therefrom. For example, movement sequences within production can be checked and ensured that the correct components are installed in the respective application. The checking and securing takes place in particular in that the 2D code introduced by the laser device is read out by means of the camera device and compared with the stored identification data. If the 2D code that is read out corresponds to the stored identification data, then it is the correct component for installation. In the same way, component deliveries from suppliers can be checked for correctness. A risk of confusion in delivery, storage and / or component conveyance within production can be reduced or even eliminated.

Furthermore, traceability in the field can also be achieved, in particular for components already installed in the application or in the end product guaranteed. In particular, if there is a defect or failure of the installed component, the exact batch made with this component can be determined and requested for inspection. This avoids costly extensive recalls in which all installed components have to be checked.

Another object of the invention is an arrangement with the laser device for performing the method according to the previous description and / or according to one of claims 1 to 9.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the arrangement comprises the camera device. In particular, the camera device is designed to carry out the method according to one of Claims 5 to 6.

One possible embodiment of the invention provides that the arrangement includes the evaluation device. The evaluation device is preferably designed to carry out the method according to claim 8 or 9.

A component according to the previous description and / or according to claim 12 forms a further subject of the invention. The component was made traceable by means of the arrangement according to the previous description and / or according to claim 10 or 11 and / or by means of the method according to the previous description and / or according to one of claims 1 to 9.

The component has in particular the 2D code introduced by the laser marking and can be identified using the identification data. For example, the component is a metal part, e.g. around a sheet metal or around a plastic part. The component is particularly preferably designed as a gearwheel which can be integrated in a transmission of a vehicle, in particular in an automatic transmission.

• 1 einen „dot“, der durch eine Prägenadel in ein Bauteil eingeprägt wurde;
• 2 einen „dot“ der durch eine Lasereinrichtung in ein Bauteil eingeprägt wurde;
• 3 einen in das Bauteil eingebrachten 2D-Code mit einer Vielzahl an „dots“;
• 4 ein Ablaufschema eines Verfahrens zur Nachverfolgbarmachung eines Bauteils.

Further features, advantages and effects of the invention emerge from the following description of preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention. Show:

• 1 a “dot”, which was stamped into a component by a stamping needle;
• 2 a "dot" that was stamped into a component by a laser device;
• 3 a 2D code with a large number of "dots" incorporated into the component;
• 4th a flow chart of a method for making a component traceable.

Corresponding or identical parts are provided with the same reference numerals in the figures.

The 1 and 2 each show a module, a so-called "dot" 4th , 5 as part of one in the 3 2D codes shown by way of example, in particular a data matrix code 6th . The data matrix code 6th is introduced / applied in / on a component, for example on a metal part, in particular on a gearwheel.

Text or raw data of the data matrix code 6th show a pattern of black and white modules, the so-called "dots" 4th , 5 on. The "dots" 4th , 5 form a data area with binary information in coded form. Data matrix codes 6th are therefore space-saving, readable characters and information carriers. You can serve the component 3 to mark, make traceable and / or identify. Suitable camera devices, for example data matrix cameras, are used to read out the 2D codes 7th , used. Storage, evaluation and possible identification are usually carried out using suitable evaluation devices 8th .

As part of the 2D code, especially the data matrix code 6th , is the "dot" 4th , 5 an information carrier by means of which the component can be identified, assigned and / or traced. For example, using the "dots" 4th , 5 The data area formed is checked to determine whether the correct components 3 be delivered, processed and installed. Even components already integrated in the end product 3 can be based on the data area in the data matrix code 6th be found. This is of great importance, for example, with faulty component batches, because the corresponding components 3 can be found, serviced or replaced in the end products without extensive recall campaigns.

The Indian 1 shown "dot" 4th was inserted into the component through an embossing needle 3 imprinted. Embossing needles are used when the "dot" is embossed on the component 3 pressed. This not only changes the component 3 , the embossing needle also gradually experiences a material deformation, it wears out, so that, for example, an angle at the tip of the embossing needle changes and it becomes blunt. This often has the consequence that deviating embossing and qualitatively different "dots" 4th in the components 3 are introduced, partly by the camera device 7th are read incorrectly or are even no longer readable. A close inspection of the components is therefore required 3 and regular replacement of the embossing needles, resulting in production interruptions for maintenance and cost-intensive quality checks of the data matrix codes 6th can result.

Even if the "dot" 4th sufficiently deep, clearly legible and therefore of high quality in the component 3 was introduced, the quality of the "dot" 4th through subsequent production steps that the component 3 after impressing the "dot" 4th still going through, suffer. For example, by curing the component 3 a blackening in the area of the "dot" 4th occur that impair or even prevent legibility. In this case, the component can be re-stamped or sorted out 3 become necessary.

In the 2 is a "dot" 5 shown by a laser device 2 in the form of a laser marking 12 into the component 3 was introduced and / or burned in. The laser device 2 is part of one in the 4th schematically illustrated procedure 1 to make the component traceable 3 provided.

The laser marking 12 , especially the introduction of the "dot" 5 by the laser device 2 , has the advantage over needle embossing that the quality-reducing effects of subsequent processing on the component 3 are reduced so that the lasered and / or burned-in "dot" 5 has an easily readable quality even after subsequent processing.
Furthermore, the laser device is subject 2 due to the contactless arrangement to the component 3 no wear, so that different qualities of the "dots" 5 as a result of dulling of the embossing needles in the laser device 2 do not occur. This can result in rejects of components 3 with illegible "dots" 5 reduced and therefore reworking of the components 3 saved or their sorting out avoided.

The "dot" 5 according to the 2 is a spot weld 9 in the base material of the component 3 . The welding point 9 consists of numerous envelopes in different shapes, sizes and heights. A clear continuous outer boundary line of the welding point 9 is in contrast to the "dot" introduced by the embossing needle 4th according to the 1 not recognizable. This is for reading out the "dot" 4th through the data matrix camera 7th also not absolutely necessary.

For recording and / or reading out the as a welding point 9 trained "dots" 5 the camera device becomes part of the procedure 1 provided that as the Data Matrix camera 7th is trained. Reading out by the data matrix camera 7th is done by capturing a reflection 10 by a total of the steering angles and / or the impacts in the base material of the component 3 is caused. Because of the reflection 10 recognizes the data matrix camera 7th the "dot".

As part of the procedure 1 is also the evaluation device 8th provided. The evaluation device 8th evaluates the read data matrix code 6th and saves it as identification data 11 of the component 3 from. The evaluation device 11 can read out data matrix codes 6th further components 3 E.g. the same design, batch or for the same end product with the identification data 11 of the original component 3 adjust and find a match or discrepancy. This allows the other components 3 identified, assigned to the respective batch or the respective end product. They are thus made traceable through the laser marking in the form of the 2D code.

List of reference symbols

1

Procedure

2

Laser device

3

Component

4th

embossed "dot"

5

lasered "dot"

6

Data matrix code

7th

Data matrix camera

8th

Evaluation device

9

Welding point

10

reflection

11

Identification data

12th

Laser marking

13

arrangement

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent literature cited

• EP 2445728 A2 [0003]
• WO 2004076968 A1 [0004]

Claims (15)

Method (1) for making a component (3) traceable, at least one laser device (2) being provided, the at least one laser device (2) performing a laser marking (12) on the component (3), the laser marking (12) a code (6) is introduced into the component (3), characterized in that the laser marking (12) simulates needle embossing for introducing the code (6) into the component (3). Procedure (1) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the code (6) is a 2D code, in particular a data matrix code. Procedure (1) according to Claim 1 or 2 , wherein the code (6) comprises at least one readable module, a so-called “dot” (5), characterized in that the laser device (2) converts the at least one module, in particular the at least one “dot” (5) into a base material of the The component (3) is introduced, lasered and / or burned in as at least one spot weld (9). Procedure (1) according to Claim 3 , characterized in that the at least one spot weld (9) comprises a plurality of impacts which have different shapes and dimensions. Method (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a camera device (7) is provided, characterized in that the camera device (7) reads out the code (6). Procedure (1) according to Claim 4 or 5 , characterized in that the camera device (7) detects the angle of impact and / or that of the impacts in the welding point (9) and by reflecting the impacts and / or the angle of impact these as the at least one welding point (9), as the at least one module , in particular as the at least one “dot” (5) recorded and / or read out. Procedure (1) according to Claim 5 or 6th , characterized in that the camera device (7) is a data matrix camera and / or a data matrix reading system. Method (1) according to one of the Claims 4 to 7th , an evaluation device (8) being provided, characterized in that the evaluation device (8) evaluates the code (6) read out and stores it as identification data (11). Procedure (1) according to Claim 8 , characterized in that the evaluation device (8) compares the code (6) of further components (3) with the identification data (11) and establishes a match or discrepancy. Arrangement (13) with the laser device (2) for carrying out the method (1) according to one of the preceding claims. Arrangement (13) according to Claim 10 , characterized in that the arrangement (13) the camera device (7) and / or the evaluation device (8) for performing the method (1) according to one of the Claims 5 to 8th includes. Component (3), characterized in that the component (3) by means of the arrangement (13) according to Claim 10 or 11 and / or in the context of method (1) according to one of the Claims 1 to 9 is made traceable. Component (3) after Claim 12 , characterized in that the component (3) has the code (6) introduced by the laser marking (12) and can be identified using the identification data (11). Component (3) after Claim 12 or 13 , characterized in that the component (3) is a metal part or a plastic part. Component (3) after one of the Claims 12 to 14th , characterized in that the component (3) is a gear for a transmission of a vehicle.

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