JP2006226948A - Dimension measuring apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To realize an apparatus for measuring dimensions that is easy to recognize an applied impact which requires checking its operation. <P>SOLUTION: The apparatus for measuring dimensions, having a dimension measuring section 31 for generating dimension measurement values, is equipped with an acceleration sensor 47 which is disposed on the dimension measuring apparatus and detects the applied impact having a magnitude that is not less than a prescribed value; and warning means 32, 34 which output warnings to an operator, when the acceleration sensor 47 detects an applied impact having a magnitude that is not less than the prescribed value. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a dimension measuring apparatus for measuring a dimension such as an inner diameter, an outer diameter, or a depth.

  In processing devices and processing devices, dimension measuring devices that measure the dimensions of each part, such as inner diameter, outer diameter, or depth, are widely used. Is required.

  The quality of various parts is judged according to the measured dimensions and used as equipment parts. If there are errors in the measured dimensions, defective parts that do not meet the required dimensional accuracy are incorporated into the equipment. As a result, there arises a problem that the apparatus does not operate normally. When the number of parts constituting the apparatus is large, it takes a long time to find out which part is causing the apparatus not to operate normally, which causes problems such as an increase in cost and an extension of the manufacturing period. Therefore, it is very important that the measured dimension measurements are accurate.

  Further, in the part manufacturing process, the measured dimension measurement data is collected and the process is managed so that each processing machine operates normally, thereby improving the yield. Such management is performed based on the dimension measurement value, and it is essential that the measured dimension measurement value is accurate.

  In order to satisfy the above requirements, a precise dimension measuring apparatus is strictly managed, and a master whose size is known in advance is measured at any time to calibrate the measured value.

JP-A-4-64011 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-45530 JP 2003-143275 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-55370

  If the dimension measuring device is a contact type, a measurement stylus (contact) or the like is brought into contact with the measurement part of the object to be measured. There is a need. The dimension measuring apparatus needs to be operated so that the dimension measuring apparatus attached to the moving apparatus is arranged as described above even when the operator performs the above-described arrangement operation while holding the dimension measuring apparatus by hand. When such an arrangement is made, an impact may be applied to the dimension measuring apparatus by dropping the dimension measuring apparatus or colliding with another part. The dimension measuring device is a precision instrument, and when such an impact is applied, it may not operate normally.

  If the above-mentioned impact is applied and the dimension measuring device does not operate at all or if the operator can recognize that it is clearly abnormal, it can be easily recognized that it is not normal. And measures such as maintenance can be taken. However, if it is not easy to recognize that it is not normal, the operator may use the dimension measuring device as it is.

  Actually, it is difficult for the operator to accurately determine the necessity of recalibration according to the impact strength, and it is left to the operator to determine the impact strength. Even when setting a work standard for this, re-calibration and other work even with a small impact may significantly reduce the inspection throughput. Conversely, if the impact level for re-calibration is set high, dimensional measurements that are not normal. A value may be generated. The work such as recalibration reduces the inspection throughput, and the operator is usually required to improve the inspection throughput. From this point of view, it is conceivable to avoid recalibration.

  If the measurement operation is continued with a dimension measuring apparatus that does not operate normally, as described above, there is a possibility that a larger problem may occur in the apparatus in which the parts are incorporated or the manufacturing process. From this point, it is important to prevent inaccurate dimension measurement.

  In addition, conventional precision dimension measuring devices are premised on the careful handling of operators, and it cannot be said that sufficient measures are taken against impacts and the like. However, in recent years, high-precision dimension measuring apparatuses are widely used in production lines, and it is difficult to expect careful handling of the dimension measuring apparatuses.

  The present invention solves the above-mentioned problems, and a first object is to realize a dimension measuring device that easily recognizes that an impact requiring operation confirmation has been applied. Is to realize a dimension measuring device that does not perform inaccurate measurement when an impact requiring operation check is applied, and a third object is to provide a dimension measuring device with good impact resistance. Is to realize.

  In order to achieve the first object, the dimension measuring apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention includes an acceleration sensor, and outputs a warning to the operator when it is detected that a predetermined impact or more is applied.

  That is, the dimension measuring apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention is a dimension measuring apparatus including a dimension measuring unit that generates a dimension measurement value. And an acceleration means for outputting a warning to an operator when the acceleration sensor detects that a predetermined or higher impact has been applied.

  In order to achieve the second object, the dimension measuring apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention operates normally when the acceleration sensor detects that an impact greater than or equal to a predetermined level is applied. Stop operation until it is confirmed.

  In the dimension measuring apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, the acceleration sensor detects that a predetermined or more impact is applied. The impact exceeding a predetermined value is determined by, for example, obtaining a critical impact strength at which the dimension measuring apparatus can operate without any problem by experiments and multiplying it by a safety factor. When the operator applies an impact of a predetermined level or more by dropping or colliding the dimension measuring device, the acceleration sensor detects the impact and the warning means warns. It is possible to accurately determine what has been added.

  Moreover, in the dimension measuring apparatus of the first aspect, when an impact of a predetermined level or more is applied to the dimension measuring apparatus as described above, the operation is stopped until it is confirmed that the dimension measuring apparatus operates normally. , It can be prevented from being used as is, and inaccurate dimensional measurements are not generated.

  Furthermore, in order to realize the first object, the dimension measuring apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention includes an impact indicator whose display is discolored when a predetermined impact or more is applied.

  That is, the dimension measuring apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention is provided with a dimension measuring unit that generates a dimension measurement value and the dimension measuring apparatus, and when a predetermined or more impact is applied, a predetermined or more impact is applied. And an impact indicator that changes to indicate that it has been performed.

  In recent years, for example, an impact indicator whose display changes color when a predetermined impact or more is applied has been put into practical use. There are a plurality of impact indicators with different impact strengths that change color, and an appropriate impact indicator is selected and used in accordance with the dimensional measurement value to be used. This allows the operator to apply a shock that may cause a problem, depending on whether the color of the impact indicator has changed when the dimension measuring device is dropped or collided. Can be accurately determined.

  If the impact indicator changes color, recalibrate or maintain the dimension measuring device to confirm that the dimension measuring device operates normally and then use it again. Therefore, it is necessary to replace the impact indicator, and it is desirable that the impact indicator be provided in the dimension measuring device so as to be easily detachable.

  Note that even if the work standard is set to confirm that the shock indicator changes color immediately when it works, it is not possible for the operator to use the dimension measuring device whose impact indicator has changed color intentionally or accidentally. It cannot be prevented. However, even in such a case, since the third party can easily detect the discoloration of the impact indicator, such an action is suppressed, and even if such an action is taken, the third party is aware of such an action. Can be stopped.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, it is easy to know that an impact that requires operation confirmation has been applied, and when an impact that further requires operation confirmation is applied, subsequent inaccurate measurement is performed. The quality of the inspection can be secured.

  Similarly, according to the second aspect of the present invention, it is easy to know that an impact requiring operation confirmation has been applied, and the quality of inspection can be maintained.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a dimension measuring system to which the present invention is applied. As shown in the figure, this dimension measuring system is connected to the column 10, four pencil type gauges 15-1 to 15-4 connected to the column 10 by cable (wired communication), and the column 10 by wireless communication. And four hand gauges 16-1 to 16-4. The pencil-type gauges 15-1 to 15-4 detect the amount of displacement of the stylus at the tip with a differential transformer. The hand gauges 16-1 to 16-4 are for measuring the inner diameter and measure the inner diameter by detecting the displacement of two styluses provided in the diameter direction with a differential transformer, and are driven by a battery. . The column 10 includes a bar graph 11, a gauge number display 12 that displays the number of the gauge displaying the dimension measurement value on the bar graph 11, and a measurement that digitally displays the dimension measurement value displayed on the bar graph 11. A value display 13 and a sheet key 14 for performing various operations are provided. In addition, the column 10 has two connectors for connecting pencil type gauges 15-1 to 15-4 on the front surface and two on the rear surface, and further includes a power terminal, a power switch, and RS-232C on the rear surface. Various connectors such as are provided. In addition, a wireless circuit for wirelessly communicating with the hand gauges 16-1 to 16-4 is provided in the upper part of the column 10.

  Selection of the operation mode, instruction from the outside of the dimension measurement values to be displayed, measurement range and tolerance input of each dimension measurement value, etc. are performed by operating the sheet key 14 while viewing the display 13. These operations can also be performed from a control computer (not shown) that can communicate via RS-232C. Further, the column 10 reads the dimension measurement value from each gauge and sends it to the control computer via the RS-232C according to an instruction from the operator. The dimension measurement value sent to the control computer is not limited to the data displayed in the column 10 but may be read from the gauge by the column 10 and sent to the control computer without being displayed in the column 10.

  The pencil-type gauges 15-1 to 15-4 and the hand gauges 16-1 to 16-4 are held by an operator and the measurement stylus (contact) is brought into contact with the measurement portion of the object to be measured.

  The present invention is applied to the pencil type gauges 15-1 to 15-4 and the hand gauges 16-1 to 16-4. Here, an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a hand gauge will be described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and can be applied to a pencil type gauge and other various dimension measuring devices.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing details of the hand gauge 16 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the hand gauge 16 is provided with a stylus (contact) 31, and has a distal end portion 21 that is inserted into a hole that is a portion to be measured, a grip 22 that is held by a hand, and an operation portion 23. The operation unit 23 includes an LCD display 32 that performs display, a sheet key 33 for operation, and a display LED 34. Reference numeral 35 is a groove for holding the hand gauge 16 on the stand. Selection of an operation mode in each hand gauge, measurement range of dimension measurement values, input of tolerances, and the like are performed by operating the sheet key 33 while looking at the LCD display 32. Thus, each hand gauge has a display means and a key for operation, and therefore can be used independently without being connected to the column 10.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a computer system that performs various processes including a display process in the hand gauge 16. As illustrated, a microprocessor (MPU) 41, a ROM 42, a RAM 43, a rewritable nonvolatile memory 44 such as an E ² PRO and a flash memory, an input / output (I / O) port 46, and the like are connected via a bus 45. ing. The I / O port 46 includes an acceleration sensor 47, an A / D converter 48 that converts a signal from a measurement unit configured by a differential transformer that detects displacement of the contact 31 into a digital signal, an LCD device, a sheet key, and the like. A portion 50 composed of an LED and its driver, and a wireless circuit 51 for communication with the column 10 are connected. Since such a computer system is widely known, detailed description is omitted.

  The acceleration sensor 47 is a sensor that detects that an acceleration of a predetermined level or higher is applied, and a widely used sensor such as one using a piezoelectric element can be used. The acceleration sensor 47 is disposed at an appropriate part in the hand gauge 16. The relationship between the damage when an impact is applied to the hand gauge 16 and the magnitude of the impact detected by the acceleration sensor 47 is obtained in advance through experiments or the like. Then, the limit impact strength at which the hand gauge 16 operates without problems is obtained, and a predetermined limit value in the output of the acceleration sensor 47 is set by multiplying it by a safety factor. The acceleration sensor 47 provided in the hand gauge 16 outputs a signal indicating that the predetermined limit value has been exceeded when detecting acceleration exceeding the predetermined limit value, and maintains the signal until a reset operation is performed.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the processing operation relating to the acceleration sensor in the computer system of the hand gauge 16 of the first embodiment. In step 101, the computer system periodically reads the output of the acceleration sensor. In step 102, it is determined whether the output of the acceleration sensor 47 indicates that an acceleration exceeding a predetermined limit value has been detected, that is, whether an impact of a predetermined level or more has been applied. If a predetermined impact or more is not applied, the process proceeds to step 103, the normal measurement operation similar to the conventional one is performed, and then the process returns to step 101 again.

  If it is determined in step 102 that a predetermined impact or more has been applied, the process proceeds to step 104, and an alarm operation is performed to the operator that a configuration is necessary. The alarm operation may be performed by display using the LCD display 32 or the LED display 34, or may be performed by outputting an alarm sound through a speaker (not shown), or both.

  After performing an alarm operation in step 104, it is determined in step 105 whether an input for instructing a calibration operation has been performed. If such an input has not been performed, the process returns to step 104. In other words, after the alarm operation, it waits until the calibration operation is instructed.

  When the calibration operation is instructed, the process proceeds to step 106 and recalibration is performed. The recalibration is performed by measuring the master whose dimension is known and inputting the fact that it is the master measurement from the sheet key 33 as in the conventional case. The master includes a zero master having a reference dimension value and a limit master having a dimension value close to the limit of the measurement range. When the power is turned on, both the zero master and limit master are measured, and both the offset and gain of the measurement signal are corrected. When performing master check periodically after power-on, it is common to measure only the zero master and correct only the offset of the measurement signal. The previously measured master value is stored in the rewritable nonvolatile memory 44 of FIG. 3, and the previously measured master value is retained even when the power is turned off. When a new master measurement is performed, it is compared with the previous master measurement. When the two measured values differ greatly, it is considered that some abnormality has occurred.

  In the recalibration in step 106, it is desirable to measure both the zero master and the limit master, but only the zero master may be measured. In step 107, the difference between the measured master value and the value of the previous measurement master stored in the rewritable nonvolatile memory 44 is calculated. In step 108, it is determined whether the calculated difference is larger than the threshold value T. . If the difference is smaller than the threshold value T, normal operation is possible. Therefore, the process proceeds to step 109 to reset the output of the acceleration sensor 47, and then returns to step 101. If it is determined in step 108 that the difference is greater than the threshold value T, normal operation can no longer be performed by recalibration alone, and the process proceeds to step 110 to perform an alarm operation indicating that maintenance is required. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step 111 to stop the operation. The alarm operation indicating that the maintenance is necessary is performed by a warning display and / or an alarm sound as in step 104.

  As described above, the hand gauge according to the first embodiment is recalibrated because the acceleration sensor detects a warning when a shock exceeding a predetermined level is applied by dropping or colliding the hand gauge. The operator can accurately determine whether the impact is necessary. In addition, when the impact requires re-calibration or the like, it does not operate again unless re-calibration is performed, thereby preventing the hand gauge from being used in an abnormal state.

  FIGS. 5A and 5B are diagrams showing a hand gauge 16 according to a second embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. 5A is a schematic view and FIG. 5B is a diagram showing a mounting structure of an impact indicator.

  As is clear from comparison between FIG. 2 and FIG. 5, the hand gauge 16 of the second embodiment is characterized in that an impact indicator 36 is provided in the hand gauge of the first embodiment. The acceleration sensor 47 provided in the hand gauge of the first embodiment is not provided in the hand gauge 16 of the second embodiment.

  In recent years, an impact indicator whose display changes color when an impact exceeding a predetermined level is applied has been put into practical use. The hand gauge 16 of the second embodiment is provided at a position where the impact indicator 36 can be seen by the operator. There are a plurality of impact indicators 36 having different impact strengths that cause discoloration. The limit impact strength that operates without any problem when an impact is applied to the hand gauge 16 is determined in advance by experiments or the like, taking into account the safety factor, and the corresponding impact indicator 36 is selected and attached to the hand gauge.

  When an impact of a predetermined level or more is applied by dropping or colliding the hand gauge 16, the color of the impact indicator 36 is changed. If the processing such as recalibration of the hand gauge 16 is determined when the color of the impact indicator 36 is changed according to the work standard, the operator determines whether the impact indicator 36 has been discolored and performs processing such as recalibration. Can be determined accurately.

  As shown in FIG. 5B, the impact indicator 36 is fixed to a housing 37 of a hand gauge with a screw 38 or the like so that it can be easily replaced. When the impact indicator is discolored, the dimension measuring apparatus is re-calibrated or maintained to confirm that the dimension measuring apparatus operates normally, and then used again. In that case, the impact indicator 36 is discolored and needs to be replaced. If it is the structure of FIG. 5 (B), replacement | exchange is easy.

  Note that the hand gauge of the second embodiment is used by the operator ignoring the discoloration of the impact indicator 36 even if the operation standard stipulates that an operation such as recalibration should be performed when the impact indicator 36 discolors. If you do, you can measure. However, since the third party can easily detect the discoloration of the impact indicator, such action is suppressed, and even if such action is taken, the third party can notice and stop such action. .

  As described above, according to the present invention, the reliability of dimension measurement is improved, and it is possible to prevent the occurrence of problems in an apparatus that uses various components and a component manufacturing process.

It is a figure which shows the whole structure of the dimension measuring system of this invention. It is a figure which shows the general view of the hand gauge of 1st Example. It is a figure which shows the structure of the computer system of the hand gauge of 1st Example. It is a flowchart which shows the process of the acceleration sensor output in the computer system of the hand gauge of 1st Example. It is a figure which shows the external appearance of the hand gauge of 2nd Example.

Explanation of symbols

10 columns 15-1 to 15-4 pencil type gauges 16-1 to 16-4 hand gauges 36 impact indicator 47 acceleration sensor

Claims (4)

A dimension measuring device including a dimension measuring unit for generating a dimension measurement value,
An acceleration sensor that is provided in the dimension measuring device and detects that an impact of a predetermined level or more is applied;
A dimension measuring apparatus comprising: a warning unit that outputs a warning to an operator when the acceleration sensor detects that a predetermined or higher impact is applied.   The dimension measuring device according to claim 1, wherein when the acceleration sensor detects that an impact of a predetermined level or more is applied, the operation is stopped until it is confirmed that the dimension measuring device operates normally. A dimension measuring unit for generating dimension measurements;
A dimension measuring apparatus provided in the dimension measuring apparatus, comprising: an impact indicator that changes so as to indicate that an impact greater than or equal to a predetermined level is applied when an impact greater than or equal to a predetermined level is applied.   The dimension measuring apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the impact indicator is detachably provided on the dimension measuring apparatus.

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