DE102007001048B3 - Method for engaging components of hinge, involves forming multiple ball paths by hinge outer part and hinge inner part of hinge, where hinge outer part and hinge inner part are divided into inner area and outer area by ball cage - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves forming multiple ball paths (9) by a hinge outer part (4) and a hinge inner part (5) of a hinge (1). One-side opening hollow space (2) is provided in the hinge, in which the hinge inner part, multiple balls (6) and a ball cage (7) containing a window are positioned. The hinge outer part and the hinge inner part are divided into an inner area (11) and an outer area (12) by the ball cage in a radial direction (10). A light is provided, which is guided in the inner area, and a parameter of the entering light is detected in the outer area. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a manufacturing method for a hinge (2) a device for engaging components of a hinge.

Description

The The present invention relates to testing and manufacturing processes and suitable devices for implementing these methods, which have the object, the functionality or completeness of joints, in particular as part of a series production and thus essential for quality assurance contribute.

The The invention particularly relates to the testing of joints in the already at least partially assembled state. Under "joint" in particular a rotary joint or a constant velocity universal joint, as used for torque transmission used for example in the automotive industry. In particular, it concerns It also controls the pivot pins, disc joints and the like.

Such Joints become regular in the way Automatically manufactured, that they ultimately encapsulated a kind Form system whose internal construction at the end of the manufacturing process no longer easily visible. That's why it is necessary in the course of this manufacturing process in particular an exam to determine, for example, all Components of the joint are present or correctly positioned.

Should For example, one of the torque transmitting balls not the desired Be ball position, so leads that during operation at least to a significant additional load of the existing balls, so that the life of the joint would be negatively affected. Therefore is just after mounting the joint such a review makes sense and necessary.

In addition is but to take into account that such a joint is very regular is complex and difficult to see. The manual examination by persons, if at all possible, expensive and time consuming.

It is from the WO 03/058256 A1 Method and device for detecting bearing failure for ventilation fans of electronic devices known.

The DE 119 30 396 C2 describes a method for metrological verification of a ball cage by introducing axial compressive forces via a device on the ball cage.

Finally, that describes DE 10 2005 030 971 A1 a ball joint with a sensor device by which the forces acting between the ball joint and ball shell forces or contact pressures can be measured.

Of these, It is an object of the present invention, with reference At least partially attributed to the prior art problems to solve. In particular, a method should be given with a fast and non-contact verification of Articulated, in particular the balls at the desired ball positions, be realized can. The methods and devices to be specified are preferred also be suitable, simply in a mass production for such Joints can be integrated. Another goal is to expand and secure an automated system To promote the production of swivel joints.

These Tasks are solved with a method for detecting components of a joint according to claim 1, a manufacturing method for a Ge steering with the features of claim 7 and a device for detecting components of a joint according to the features of the claim 8. Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are in the each dependent formulated claims specified. It should be noted that the individual in the claims listed Features in any, technologically meaningful way with each other can be combined and show further embodiments of the invention. In addition, the Features in the description explained and specified in detail, wherein additional particularly preferred embodiments of the invention are given.

at the method according to the invention for detecting components of a joint, wherein the joint is an outer joint part has, which forms an open at least one side cavity in the an inner joint part, a plurality of balls, and a window ball cage are positioned, with the outer joint part and the inner joint part a plurality of ball tracks are formed by the ball cage in radial Direction is divided into an indoor area and an outdoor area is Light is directed either to the interior and a parameter of the Outgoing light in the outdoor area recorded or vice versa.

In this method, it is preferred that the light is introduced into the desired area of the cavity in an undirected form, so that it is illuminated relatively uniformly and holistically. This can be done directly with a suitably designed light source, but it is also possible to provide a corresponding lens with optics, mirrors or the like, which can initiate a corresponding light beam in the desired region of the cavity. In particular, it should be ensured in this way that a window of the ball cage is reliably illuminated and at least at the edges of sufficient light is reflected, so that this can be detected again. The procedure for detecting empty windows is very meaningful and safe. In contrast to (optical) processes, which want to identify a sphere with widely varying surface properties (soiling, scratches, material characterization, etc.), essentially only two states have to be evaluated in this new concept: light passes through or not. Thus, the device can be made relatively simple with regard to the alignment of the light and the evaluation of the detected light.

This, in particular at a predetermined location, outgoing light is now detected by means of at least one parameter. Basically the intensity, the intensity distribution, the luminous flux, the amount of light (preferred), the luminous intensity, or a similar one suitable parameter of the outgoing light can be determined.

moreover It is advantageous that a given amount of light in the cavity is conducted with the components and the re-emergent light detected by at least one parameter and with a for this Joint characteristic setpoint parameter is compared. This, the outgoing light characterizing parameter is now with a for the examined joint compared characteristic target parameters. This is preferably a method in which the detected Parameters and the setpoint parameter of the same kind are, it is however also possible, if necessary, the detected parameter in a the desired parameter to convert or convert the corresponding parameters. Regarding the Sollparameters it should be noted that this in the form of a concrete Value and / or in the form of a range of values can be specified. For example, an average value can be specified (possibly with a corresponding tolerance range), as well as (at least) one Limit or it can For example, two or more limits are given, which in particular define one or more desired parameter ranges.

Regarding the Comparison should be noted that the value of the detected parameter in relation to the given limit value, value range or mean value be set in relation to the tolerance range of the setpoint parameter can. In addition, criteria are regular which generate a statement from the comparison, whether the ball at the desired Position exists or not.

All Particular preference is given to the following framework conditions for carrying out the Procedure complied with:

Beam:

• - Use a plurality of at least partially uniformly distributed Light-emitting diodes (LED), in particular in an at least partially line or arc-like Arrangement,
• - Use a plurality of light emitting diodes for a ball track, in particular at least 3 LEDs per ball track,
• - Use GaAlAs IR LED,
• - Use of LED with a beam angle in the range of +/- 8 ° to +/- 20 °,
• - Use of LED with one wavelength in the range of 750 nm to 1000 nm, in particular with a wavelength around 880 nm (nanometers).

Captured parameter:

• - Use a plurality of at least partially uniformly distributed Phototransistors, in particular in an at least partially line or arc-like Arrangement,
• - Use a plurality of phototransistors for a ball track, in particular at least 2 phototransistors per ball track,
• - Use NPN silicon phototransistors,
• - Use of phototransistors with spectral photosensitivity (p = 10% of Smax) from 380 to 1150 nm (Naometer).

Characteristic setpoint parameter:

• - Here the recorded parameter is based on the photosensitivity the phototransistors, with sufficient amount of light in the Fototran transistors with at least one phototransistor a photocurrent generated, so that this represents the target parameter.
• - Farther is possible, too, to use the introduced light output as a measure of the setpoint, For example, the setpoint may be 20%, 10% or even 5% of the introduced Light output and a defect in excess of this setpoint be accepted.

If a ball is mounted in the desired manner in the spherical window, then this fills the window so far that only very small amounts of light reach the opposite side. If, in this case, light is introduced into the inner area or into the outer area, no significant amount of light can be identified in the other area. In order to obtain particularly accurate information here, it is also possible to provide light stabilizers. For example, these sunscreen extend the separation of the inner and outer regions beyond the ball cage and / or close it frontally opposite the light source.

According to one Advantageous development of the method is the parameter of outgoing light in the range of at least several, in particular all, Detected ball positions simultaneously. This is especially one Specified method, specifically the positioning of the torque transmitting balls checked in such a joint. Especially in the With regard to the ball control with the so-called "flood of light" became the first time a possibility created, safely and quickly a missing ball in the joint, in the Achszapfen, etc. determine. In the ever-growing automation, in which no more staff in the process of disposition of the joint no personal, performed visual inspection become. For individual ball positions can be contactless with the invention and without mechanical wear in Detect missing balls for a short period of time. Basically it is possible with one time performing this procedure to capture all the ball positions simultaneously, however, for example, to keep the apparatus as small as possible it also possible, each Check ball position individually.

Should Such a single verification is required This can be done by a repeated, simultaneous and / or sequential testing of the joint, for example, six, eight, ten, twelve, or includes more balls or an odd number of balls. Prefers If a relative movement between the test system and the joint is realized, so that, for example, with the fixed light source with predetermined Light beam, each aligned the ball positions towards the light beam become. After a measurement or Acquisition process will then be the next ball position on the predeterminable light beam aligned. For this purpose, for example at the beginning of such an examination, Calibration processes are made, for example, a Function check of the Light sources and / or the phototransistors to the object.

One particularly simple construction and also under mass production conditions very safe procedures are given in particular when a quantity of light of the light passed through at least one window of the ball cage is detected.

Corresponding another embodiment of the method is proposed that for this joint characteristic setpoint parameters from a data store is queried. This means in particular that from a data memory for the just considered joint the corresponding setpoint parameter, there is stored, queried and thus provided for comparison becomes. For this purpose, it may be useful, first in a first step Also, to automatically determine the type of joint, so in consideration of the identified joint the corresponding, characteristic Setpoint is queried from the data memory.

Furthermore is considered advantageous that the comparison of the recorded Parameters and the characteristic setpoint parameter a characteristic value for the Joint is formed. This characteristic can in particular only two conditions taking. A characteristic, for example, called "ball position" could, can depend on of the comparison ultimately take the state of "good" and "faulty". This Characteristic value serves in particular to finally evaluate the Ball position or the joint or the manufacturing process of Perform joint and, if necessary, a rework in one relatively early Phase of the jointing process of the joint.

• a) Montieren einer Mehrzahl von Bauteilen in einem zumindest einseitig offenen Hohlraum des Gelenkes, wobei das Gelenk ein Gelenkaußenteil hat, das den zumindest einseitig offenen Hohlraum bildet und in dem ein Gelenkinnenteil, eine Mehrzahl von Kugeln und ein Fenster aufweisender Kugelkäfig positioniert werden, so dass mit dem Gelenkaußenteil und dem Gelenkinnenteil mehrere Kugelbahnen gebildet sind, die von dem Kugelkäfig in radiale Richtung in einen Innenbereich und einen Außenbereich unterteilt sind,
• b) Einleiten einer vorgegebenen Lichtmenge in den Innenbereich oder in den Außenbereich,
• c) Erfassen des im anderen Bereich wieder hinaustretenden Lichts mittels zumindest eines Parameters,
• d) Vergleichen des erfassten Parameters mit einem dieses Gelenk charakteristischen Sollparameter,
• e) Bewerten des Vergleiches,
• f) Durchführen des Schrittes a), falls die Bewertung des Vergleichs als negativ angesehen wird.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a joint manufacturing method comprising at least the following steps:

• a) mounting a plurality of components in an at least one side open cavity of the joint, wherein the joint has an outer joint part forming the at least one side open cavity and in which a joint inner part, a plurality of balls and a window having ball cage are positioned so that with the outer joint part and the inner joint part a plurality of ball tracks are formed, which are divided by the ball cage in the radial direction into an inner area and an outer area,
• b) introduction of a given amount of light into the interior or the outside area,
• c) detecting the light which emerges again in the other area by means of at least one parameter,
• d) comparing the detected parameter with a characteristic parameter characteristic of this joint,
• e) evaluating the comparison,
• f) performing step a) if the evaluation of the comparison is considered negative.

All particularly preferably runs the method described above fully automated. Furthermore It should be noted that the manufacturing process is based on sub - processes of the Method for detecting components of a joint further specified can be.

With reference to step a), it should be noted at this point that the mounting is the insertion conditions of the balls between an outer joint part and an inner joint part and a ball cage positioned therebetween. Thus, the inner and outer areas are formed, which are then used mutually for introducing and detecting the light. With regard to steps b) to e), reference is made in particular to the above explanations regarding the test method, wherein the introduction of the light in the outside area and the detection of the outgoing light indoors is preferred, a reverse procedure but also be useful in some applications can. In step f) it is now illustrated that in the event, for example, that the absence of a ball has been identified, the joint is returned to the assembly station or, if necessary, also at least partially disassembled before the joint is finally completed. In this case, the steps a) to f) are preferably carried out until the evaluation of the comparison is regarded as positive. A negative evaluation of the comparison is present, in particular, if it results from the comparison that the detected parameter of the light is not present in the predetermined ratio to the characteristic desired parameter. This can apply to one or more ball positions. In this case, a test method explained in detail above for all the balls is preferably carried out before step a) is at least partially repeated.

a Another aspect of the invention is also followed by a device for detecting positioned in a cavity of a joint Components, in particular balls, provided. The joint has one Outer race, which forms an at least one side open cavity in which a Inner joint part, a plurality of balls and a window exhibiting ball cage are positioned, with the outer joint part and the inner joint part a plurality of ball tracks are formed by the ball cage in radial Direction are divided into an indoor area and an outdoor area. The device has a holder for the joint and at least one Light source, the light in the interior or the exterior can give, in addition at least one light-sensitive measuring apparatus is provided with the light which emerges again in the other area can be detected is.

at the light source is in particular a plurality of GaAlAs IR LED, the essentially circular are arranged. The light-sensitive measuring apparatus can, for example formed with a plurality of NPN silicon phototransistors.

To have regularly the light-sensitive measuring apparatus and the light source a defined Position to each other, which advantageously during the test procedure not changed becomes. About that can out However, means for generating a relative movement of the joint against the Device may be provided, for example, the individual ball positions to query separately.

According to one (independent of the joint) embodiment the device is a test head provided, which (at least) has a light source, a circular Can emit light beam, being concentric and adjacent to this Light beam (at least) positioned a light-sensitive measuring apparatus is. In particular, this light-sensitive measuring apparatus is inside of the circular Light beam arranged. In this case, the circular light beam with a Majority of LED or with a single light source with one Light guide be generated.

In In this context, it is advantageous if the measuring apparatus with Data processing means is connected. With this data processing means, for example, processors, computers, software and the like can include In particular, the conversion of electrical signals takes place in Values that subsequently for example for one Comparison of the parameters can be used.

Finally will also considered advantageous that the device with a control unit for a production line for a joint connected is. The control unit has in particular the task, the Regulate product flow or the manufacturing process of such joints. Consequently, within the device itself, the testing process carried out and evaluated, with the resulting ratings of the comparison be forwarded to the control unit, so that the joint then ever after the evaluation again the assembly station or another, following processing station can be supplied. The control unit will instruct for this purpose the appropriate means of transport, etc.

Furthermore a device is proposed in which a drive unit for aligning the at least one light source or the at least a light-sensitive measuring apparatus is provided to the joint. Regularly while an alignment of the light sources and measuring apparatuses for Joint or vice versa made, but it is also possible that the drive unit, the position of the light source or the light-sensitive Measuring apparatus individually and / or each other can change.

Finally, the device can be further developed in that a plurality of light sources and a plurality of light-sensitive measuring apparatuses are arranged concentrically with one another. Preferred is an embodiment in which the light-sensitive measuring apparatuses are formed lying inside. additionally can also be provided more measuring equipment, the z. B. check the functionality of the light sources, which are then positioned in the vicinity of the light sources outside.

The Invention and the technical environment are based on the figures explained in more detail. It It should be noted that the embodiments shown in FIGS Although particularly preferred, these are not the invention limit. They show schematically:

1 in a perspective view of a joint with entering and exiting light beam,

2 : the simplified structure of a device for detecting components of a joint,

3 : a schematic diagram of a production line, and

4 A further variant of the device for detecting components of a joint.

From the 1 can the basic construction of a joint 1 be removed. The joint 1 includes an outer joint part 4 which has a substantially gone-shaped, one-sided open cavity 2 forms. In this open cavity 2 Now more components are positioned, namely centrally the inner joint part 5 , wherein between the outer joint part 4 and the inner joint part 5 in addition a ball cage 7 is provided. In the with the outer joint part 4 and the inner joint part 5 formed ball tracks 9 become the torque transmitting balls 6 positioned. The task of the examination procedure is now to evaluate, for example, whether in the respective ball tracks 9 actually a ball 6 is positioned.

For this purpose, as illustrated here, a predetermined light beam 3 in the cavity 2 initiated, wherein the re-emerging light is recorded and detected with a parameter. In the illustrated process variant, the light beam 3 not centric in the opening of the inner joint part 5 but rather into an interior area 11 the ball track 9 in the radial direction 10 through the ball cage 7 from an outdoor area 12 the ball track 9 is delimitable.

2 shows simplified the structure of a device 14 for detecting components of a joint 1 , The device 14 includes a bracket 15 for the joint 1 , where here the bracket 15 designed so that this is also a rotation 23 of the joint 1 can accomplish.

To check whether actually a ball at the just to be tested individually ball position 8th is present, is using a light source 16 a, for example, bundled, light beam 3 in the cavity 2 initiated here because of the missing ball to the back of the cavity 2 propagated and reflected there. The re-emerging light is then placed with a correspondingly positioned light-sensitive measuring apparatus 17 collected. This is now closed on a parameter of the outgoing light, the z. B. to data processing means 18 is forwarded. In these data processing means 18 Then, a comparison with the characteristic parameter characteristic for this joint takes place, for example on the data memory 13 saved and queried for comparison. In particular, such a device has the advantage that reliable checking of the functionality of the joints can already be achieved with very cost-effective measuring electronics and optionally corresponding replaceable heads (eg for different joint sizes). In addition, such a device can also be made very compact, so that such a device can be easily integrated into existing production lines.

In the 3 is schematic and part of a production line in the manner of a schematic diagram 20 illustrated. This z. B. the joint first in an assembly station 21 mounted, in particular, the components discussed here are used in a one-sided open cavity of the joint. Subsequently, the joint, as indicated by the black arrow, to a device 14 for detecting components of a joint 1 fed. There, the test method described here is now carried out, in which case the results of this comparison or the evaluation to a higher-level control unit 19 This may only take place if the comparison is considered negative. Then the control unit 19 Modify the transport flow so that the joint that has just been tested does not move to the next processing station 22 but again to the assembly station 21 is transported.

4 now illustrates a variant of a test head 26 for the device according to the invention for identifying empty ball positions in a joint. The test head 26 is essentially divided into two parts: right is the measurement control 33 , which includes, for example, computing units, power supply and the like, and formed on the left of the sensitive area. The latter has a circle of light 28 on that shared with several, here in groups below, LED 27 is formed. This LED 27 can suitably light in an outdoor area 12 a joint 1 submit. To during the examination of the joint the functionality of the LED 27 to monitor are outside the circle of light 28 at predetermined points of control sensors 31 , preferably also designed as phototransistors, provided. Concentric and lying inside the circle of light 28 is a sensor circuit 30 with a plurality of phototransistors divided into an equal number of groups 29 intended. These now detect that from the LED 27 Light introduced into the joint (not shown) passes through unoccupied ball cage windows radially inward and then back to the test head 26 exit. To here an exact alignment of joint and probe 26 To realize, the probe has a stop 34 on which the joint can be brought into contact during the test. If necessary, between the LED 27 and the phototransistors 29 (not illustrated here) light guide means (such as screens, covers, etc.) may be provided.

In this embodiment of the test head 26 If the sensitive area is round, this is not mandatory. For example, it may be necessary to check the joints indoors with the shafts already mounted. For these cases, the test head 26 with a (in 4 indicated) recess 32 be provided. Then the LEDs can 27 and the phototransistors 29 capture only part of the ball positions at the same time. Consequently, after a first test step, a rotation of the joint and / or the test head 26 and perform a second test step.

The tested here, manufactured or with a device for detecting components according to the invention machined joints find particular use in motor vehicles.

1

joint

2

cavity

3

beam of light

4

Outer race

5

Inner race

6

Bullet

7

ball cage

8th

ball position

9

ball track

10

radial direction

11

interior

12

outdoors

13

data storage

14

contraption

15

bracket

16

light source

17

measuring equipment

18

Data processing means

19

control unit

20

production line

21

assembly station

22

processing station

23

rotation

24

drive unit

25

window

26

probe

27

LED

28

circle of light

29

phototransistor

30

sensor circuit

31

control sensor

32

recess

33

measurement control

34

attack

Claims (12)

Method for detecting components of a joint ( 1 ), where the joint ( 1 ) an outer joint part ( 4 ), which has an at least one side open cavity ( 2 ), in which an inner joint part ( 5 ), a plurality of balls ( 6 ) and a window ( 25 ) having ball cage ( 7 ) are positioned, wherein with the outer joint part ( 4 ) and the inner joint part ( 5 ) several ball tracks ( 9 ) formed by the ball cage ( 7 ) in the radial direction ( 10 ) into an interior area ( 11 ) and an outdoor area ( 12 ), with light either in the interior ( 11 ) and a parameter of the outgoing light in the outdoor area ( 12 ) or vice versa. Method according to claim 1, wherein a predetermined amount of light enters the cavity ( 2 ) is guided with the components and detects the re-emergent light by means of at least one parameter and with a for this joint ( 1 ) characteristic target parameter is compared. Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the parameter of the outgoing light in the range of several ball positions ( 8th ) is detected simultaneously. Method according to one of the preceding claims, in which a quantity of light emitted by at least one window ( 25 ) of the ball cage ( 7 ) is detected by passing light. Method according to one of the preceding claims, in which the joint for this joint ( 1 ) characteristic desired parameters from a data memory ( 13 ) is queried. Method according to one of the preceding claims, in which, from the comparison of the detected parameter and the characteristic setpoint parameter, a characteristic value for the joint ( 1 ) is formed. Manufacturing method for a joint ( 1 ), comprising at least the following steps: a) mounting a plurality of components in one at least one side open cavity ( 2 ) of the joint ( 1 ), where the joint ( 1 ) an outer joint part ( 4 ) has the at least one side open cavity ( 2 ) and in which an inner joint part ( 5 ), a plurality of balls ( 6 ) and a window ( 25 ) having ball cage ( 7 ) is positioned so that with the outer joint part ( 4 ) and the inner joint part ( 5 ) several ball tracks ( 9 ) formed by the ball cage ( 7 ) in the radial direction ( 10 ) into an interior area ( 11 ) and an outdoor area ( 12 ), b) introducing a predetermined amount of light into the interior ( 11 ) or outdoors ( 11 c) detecting the light which emerges again in the other region by means of at least one parameter, d) comparing the detected parameter with one for this joint ( 1 ) characteristic target parameter, e) evaluating the comparison, f) performing step a) if the evaluation of the comparison is considered negative. Contraption ( 14 ) for detecting components of a joint ( 1 ), where the joint ( 1 ) an outer joint part ( 4 ), which has an at least one side open cavity ( 2 ), in which an inner joint part ( 5 ), a plurality of balls ( 6 ) and a window ( 25 ) having ball cage ( 7 ) are positioned, wherein with the outer joint part ( 4 ) and the inner joint part ( 5 ) several ball tracks ( 9 ) formed by the ball cage ( 7 ) in the radial direction ( 10 ) into an interior area ( 11 ) and an outdoor area ( 12 ), in which a holder ( 15 ) for the joint ( 1 ) and at least one light source ( 16 ) is provided, the light in the interior ( 11 ) or the outside space ( 12 ), wherein additionally at least one light-sensitive measuring apparatus ( 17 ) is provided, with which the light emerging in the other area can be detected. Contraption ( 14 ) according to claim 8, wherein the measuring apparatus ( 17 ) with data processing means ( 18 ) connected is. Contraption ( 14 ) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the device ( 14 ) with a control unit ( 19 ) for a production line ( 20 ) for a joint ( 1 ) connected is. Contraption ( 14 ) according to one of the claims 8 to 10, in which a drive unit ( 24 ) for aligning the at least one light source ( 16 ) or the at least one light-sensitive measuring apparatus ( 17 ) to the joint ( 1 ) is provided. Contraption ( 14 ) according to one of the claims 8 to 11, in which a plurality of light sources ( 16 ) and several light-sensitive measuring apparatuses ( 17 ) are arranged concentrically with each other.