Method and device for inspecting structural element for producing at least one product, in particular winding or slab

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for checking a first component (1) for producing at least one product, in which method a first characteristic value is determined by means of an electronic computing device (12), said first characteristic value characterizing a characteristic of the first component (1). A limit range is calculated by means of an electronic calculation device (12) from a second characteristic value which characterizes the same characteristic of a plurality of second structural elements (10) for producing the product. In order to check the first component (1), an electronic computing device (12) is used to determine whether the first characteristic value is within or outside a limit range.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a method for inspecting a structural element, in particular a coil or a blank, for producing at least one product. The invention also relates to a device. Background Art

[0002] A testing system for testing the mechanical properties of a material is known from CN 106 226 152 B. Furthermore, EP 3 516 084 B1 discloses a method for producing a flat steel product. Summary of the invention

[0003] The object of the present invention is to provide a method by means of which a component can be inspected in a particularly advantageous manner.

[0004] According to the invention, this object is achieved by a method having the features of claim 1, by a method having the features of claim 6 and by a device having the features of claim 10. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0005] A first aspect of the invention relates to a method for inspecting at least one first structural element for manufacturing at least one product. This means that the first structural element is a first initial element, from which the at least one product is manufactured. In other words, the at least one product has at least the first structural element in its fully manufactured state. For example, the first structural element is a winding, which is also called a coil. A winding is a coil that consists of a strip that is formed, in particular, of a metal material, in particular a sheet. In other words, a winding is a wound strip or is formed by a wound strip, wherein the strip can, for example, be made of a metal material, in particular a sheet and completely, in particular, steel or aluminum. In other words, the strip, which is also referred to as a strip material, is wound into a winding, and therefore into a coil. In addition, it is conceivable that the first structural element is, for example, a flat product, i.e. a flat element, which can, for example, be made of a metal material, in particular a sheet and completely, in particular, steel or aluminum, wherein the flat product can also, for example, be referred to as a slab. Thus, the first structural element can be, for example, a sheet, which can be formed, in particular, of a metal material and completely, in particular, of a sheet and / or of steel or aluminum. In the manufacturing method for producing the at least one product from the first structural element, for example, when the first structural element is configured as the mentioned coil, the coil, and thus the strip, is unwound. In the manufacturing method, for example, a strip portion of the strip is separated from the strip, so that, for example, the strip is divided into strip portions, in particular by cutting the strip. For example, the strip portion can be, in particular, a sheet, so that the sheet can be produced from the coil. In this case, it is particularly conceivable that a plurality of products, namely the at least one product and at least one further product, are produced from the sheet (which is produced from the coil). For example, in the manufacturing method, the corresponding sheet, in particular produced from the coil, is processed, in particular mechanically processed. In this case, it is particularly conceivable that, for example, in the manufacturing method, the corresponding sheet produced from the coil is processed, for example, by cutting, in particular punching, and / or the corresponding sheet produced from the coil is reshaped, in particular deep drawn. The above and below descriptions of the winding and the corresponding sheet blank produced from the winding can also be applied to the first structural element, in particular, when the first structural element is a sheet blank. In other words, the first structural element can be a semi-finished product, such as a sheet blank. In the above-mentioned manufacturing method for manufacturing the at least one product, for example, the first structural element, in particular the sheet blank, is processed, in particular mechanically processed. For example, in the manufacturing method, the first structural element is processed by cutting, in particular punching, and / or the first structural element is reshaped, in particular drawn. In particular, it is conceivable that in the manufacturing method, the first structural element is processed, in particular cut-processed, and / or reshaped, in particular drawn, by at least one press. In particular, it is conceivable that in the manufacturing method, the first structural element is processed by means of a pressing line, which can include the press mentioned and at least one other press.

[0006] For example, the at least one product can be a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, in particular an automobile, such as a passenger car, so that, for example, in the production method, at least one vehicle is produced from the first component. In other words, in the production method, for example, the first component is used to produce the vehicle. It is particularly conceivable that a body component of a vehicle, in particular a body designed as a monocoque, is produced from the first component, the vehicle having a body in its fully manufactured state.

[0007] For example, the manufacturing method is performed by a manufacturer, who thereby manufactures or intends to manufacture the at least one product from the first structural element. For example, the manufacturer obtains the first structural element from a supplier different from the manufacturer, and the supplier, for example, delivers the first structural element to a location predetermined by the manufacturer and supplies it to the location. In particular, if the manufacturer performs production, such as batch production or mass production, by which a plurality of products, i.e., the at least one product and at least one further or a plurality of further products, are manufactured from a plurality of first structural elements, the manufacturer obtains a plurality of first structural elements from the supplier, which are manufactured, for example, by the supplier. It is conceivable here that, for example, one of the first structural elements is a component of a first batch, while another of the first structural elements is a component of a second batch different from the first batch. These batches, i.e., the corresponding first structural elements belonging to the batches, can have fluctuations in their properties, which are also referred to as batch fluctuations.

[0008] Usually, the purpose of the manufacturer is to produce products with the same high quality, so it is desirable for the manufacturer to identify the above-mentioned possible batch fluctuations, thus possible differences, between batches or between the first structural elements. This is usually very time-consuming and therefore costly, and may be overly dependent on at least one person or multiple people, that is, on the experience of one person, and therefore cannot be performed in a sufficiently reproducible and / or sufficiently accurate manner. The method according to the present invention can now be realized to check the first structural element, especially multiple first structural elements, in a time-appropriate and cost-appropriate, reproducible and accurate manner, so as to be able to identify possible excessive batch fluctuations. If such excessive batch fluctuations are identified or have been identified, corresponding countermeasures can be introduced. Countermeasures may include: not accepting batches that do not meet, for example, at least one requirement and / or returning them to the supplier, or the manufacturing method can be adapted accordingly, that is, the manufacturing method is changed, so as to compensate for batch fluctuations. The above and below descriptions of the first structural element can also be transferred to other remaining first structural elements without problems, and vice versa.

[0009] In order to be able to check the first structural element in a timely and cost-effective, reproducible and precise manner, it is provided in a first aspect of the invention that a first characteristic value is determined by means of an electronic computing device, which first characteristic value characterizes, that is, describes or explains the characteristic of the first structural element. It is conceivable that the first characteristic value is stored in a data memory, in particular an electronic or electrical data memory, and is called up from the data memory by means of an electronic computing device, so that the electronic computing device determines the first characteristic value. It is also conceivable that the first characteristic value is detected by means of a detection device. The detection device can provide a signal, in particular an electrical signal, which characterizes, that is, describes the detected first characteristic value. In this case, for example, the electronic computing device receives the signal, so that the electronic computing device determines the first characteristic value. In particular, it is conceivable that the detection device detects a measured variable and determines a first characteristic value that characterizes the detected measured variable. In particular, this can also be expressed as follows, that is, the detection device detects the first characteristic value. For example, the detection device detects the measured variable or the first characteristic value optically. For this purpose, for example, the detection device scans at least one sub-region of the first structural element, in particular in a contactless manner, i.e. without contact between the detection device and the first structural element, so that the measured variable or the first characteristic value is detected by means of the detection device. In particular, it is provided that the electronic computing device automatically determines the first characteristic value, i.e. determines the first characteristic value without human intervention. In particular, it is conceivable that the detection device automatically detects the first characteristic value, i.e. detects the first characteristic value without human intervention.

[0010] In addition, in the method according to the first aspect of the present invention, it is provided that the limit range is calculated by means of an electronic computing device from a plurality of second characteristic values, especially automatically. The second characteristic value characterizes or describes the same characteristic of a plurality of second structural elements used to manufacture a product. This means that not only the first characteristic value but also the second characteristic value describes the same characteristic. The first characteristic value describes the characteristic of the first structural element, and the corresponding second characteristic value describes the characteristic of the corresponding relevant second structural element. The above and below description of the first structural element can also be transferred to the corresponding second structural element without any problem, and vice versa. Thus, for example, the corresponding second structural element is used to manufacture the at least one product or multiple products. In other words, it is conceivable that the first structural element and the second structural element are used to manufacture the at least one product or multiple products. It is conceivable that the corresponding second characteristic value is stored in the mentioned data storage device or in another, especially electrical or electronic data storage device, and is called and determined thereby by means of an electronic computing device. It is also conceivable that the corresponding second characteristic value is detected by means of the same detection device or by means of another detection device, in particular optically, wherein the explanations above and below on the first characteristic value can also be transferred to the corresponding second characteristic value, and the explanations above and below on the detection device can also be transferred to the other detection device, and vice versa.

[0011] In order to check the first structural element, in particular automatically, it is determined by means of an electronic computing device whether the first characteristic value is within or outside the limit range. For example, if it is determined that the first characteristic value is within or within the limit range, the first structural element is used, for example, to manufacture the at least one product, and the at least one product is manufactured by the first structural element in the manufacturing method. For example, if it is determined that the first characteristic value is outside the limit range, the manufacturing of the at least one product by the first structural element does not take place, or the manufacturing method, which is also called the manufacturing process, is changed in such a way that the manufacturing method is performed differently than when the first characteristic value is within the limit range. For example, if it is determined that the first characteristic value is outside the limit range, it can be inferred that there is an excessive difference between the first structural element or its batch and the second structural element or its batch or between the batches. Such an excessive difference is also called an excessive batch fluctuation. As a result, a measure can be taken, for example, in order to avoid excessive fluctuations in product quality due to excessive batch fluctuations. In particular, the method according to the invention makes it possible to automatically calculate the limit range and, in particular, automatically determine whether the first characteristic value is within or outside the limit range. It is therefore preferably provided that, for checking the first structural element, it is automatically determined by means of an electronic computing device whether the first characteristic value is within a limit range or outside a limit range. Thus, for example, possible batch fluctuations can be determined automatically, i.e. automatically, by means of an electronic computing device. In particular, the method according to the invention enables an evaluation, in particular a statistical evaluation, of batch fluctuations of the first structural element, in particular configured as a semi-finished product, according to a limit range determined, in particular automatically or automatically. It is therefore particularly provided that the at least one product is manufactured according to the result of the determination whether the first characteristic value is within a limit range or in a limit range or outside a limit range. In other words, it is provided that the manufacturing method is carried out according to the result of the determination whether the first characteristic value is within a limit range or outside a limit range.

[0012] In order to be able to check the first component in a particularly time-efficient and cost-effective manner, it is provided in one embodiment of the invention that a predetermined or predeterminable (also referred to as an empirical quantile) first quantile of the second characteristic value is calculated. In addition, a predetermined or predeterminable (also referred to as an empirical quantile) second quantile of the second characteristic value is preferably calculated, which second quantile is different from the first quantile. In particular, it is provided that the limit value range is calculated and thus determined based on the calculated quantile. In particular, excessive batch fluctuations can be detected particularly advantageously and precisely as a result.

[0013] Another embodiment is characterized in that the limit range is calculated as follows according to the quantile, that is, the first quantile is used as the upper limit value belonging to the limit range, and the limit range ends at the upper limit value. In addition, it is preferably provided that the second quantile is used as the lower limit value belonging to the limit range, and the limit range starts at the lower limit value. Thus, the limit range is bounded or terminated by the upper limit value upward, and thus the limit range is bounded or terminated by the lower limit value downward. The characteristic that the corresponding limit value belongs to the limit range should be understood as follows, if the first characteristic value is equal to the upper limit value or equal to the lower limit value, then the first characteristic value is in the limit range or in the limit range. In addition, if the first characteristic value is greater than the lower limit value and less than the upper limit value, then the first characteristic value is in the limit range or in the limit range. If the first characteristic value is greater than the upper limit value or less than the lower limit value, then the first characteristic value is outside the limit range. Thus, the first structural element can be checked in a particularly time-friendly and cost-friendly as well as accurate and reproducible manner, in particular, whether the first characteristic value is in the limit range, that is, whether it is in the limit range.

[0014] It has proven to be particularly advantageous to calculate, for example, the 95% quantile as the first quantile. It has been found that, on the one hand, batch fluctuations that are too large can be detected in an advantageous, precise, and time-efficient and cost-effective manner. On the other hand, possible differences or small batch fluctuations can be tolerated without causing an excessive deterioration in the quality of the product to be produced.

[0015] Finally, in order to achieve a particularly advantageous check of the first structural element, it has proven to be particularly advantageous to calculate the 5% quantile as the second quantile.

[0016] It can be seen that the upper and lower limit values ​​delimit an interval, a tolerance interval or a tolerance band, wherein the limit values ​​can be determined by or as quantiles, and thus can be quantiles. Quantiles are therefore a possible statistical method for determining limit values. The empirical quantile is only one possibility for determining the range of limit values. For example, it is alternatively or additionally conceivable to halve the interquartile range and multiply it by a factor to calculate or obtain a value therefrom. The value obtained can then be subtracted from the median or can be added to the median. For the lower and upper limits, the factors can also be selected differently here.

[0017] A second aspect of the invention relates to a method for inspecting a first structural element for manufacturing at least one product. Embodiments of the first structural element according to the first aspect of the invention in connection with the first aspect of the invention can also be transferred to the first structural element according to the second aspect of the invention without any problems, and vice versa. The same applies to the at least one product.

[0018] In a second aspect of the invention, it is provided that a selection is made by means of an electronic computing device from second characteristic values, in particular automatically and / or according to at least one criterion, which second characteristic values ​​respectively characterize the characteristics of the corresponding second structural elements used to manufacture at least one product, and therefore the same characteristics. For example, the second characteristic values ​​are stored in a data memory, in particular an electronic or electrical data memory. The advantages, advantageous designs and explanations for the first aspect of the invention can be transferred to the second aspect of the invention without any problem, and vice versa. Accordingly, the explanations for the first characteristic value, the first structural element, the corresponding second characteristic value and the corresponding second structural element related to the first aspect of the invention can also be transferred to the second aspect of the invention without any problem, and vice versa.

[0019] In the second aspect of the invention, it is further provided that the limit value range is calculated from the selected second characteristic value by means of an electronic computing device, in particular automatically. In the second aspect of the invention, in particular, a first characteristic value is determined by means of an electronic computing device and / or automatically, which first characteristic value characterizes the same characteristic of the first structural element. As explained for the first aspect of the invention, it should be understood that the first characteristic value and the second characteristic value characterize, describe or illustrate the same characteristic, thus, for example, the same measured variable. For example, the characteristic can also be the quality of the surface of the corresponding structural element (also called surface quality) and / or at least one mechanical property. In addition, it is conceivable that the characteristic is or includes the thickness of the lubricating film of the corresponding structural element (also called lubricating film thickness), wherein, for example, the lubricating film is arranged on the corresponding surface of the corresponding structural element and is in particular formed by a lubricant (for example oil).

[0020] In addition, in the second aspect of the present invention, it is provided that, in order to check the first structural element, it is determined by means of an electronic computing device whether the first characteristic value is within the limit range, that is, within the limit range or outside the limit range. The advantages and advantageous design schemes of the first aspect of the present invention can be regarded as the advantages and advantageous design schemes of the second aspect of the present invention, and vice versa. In particular, the present invention can realize the inspection of the first structural element in a time-appropriate and cost-appropriate as well as accurate and reproducible manner, and for example avoid adverse human influences, such as human influences from human experience. Thus, it is possible to reliably, accurately and reproducibly determine possible excessive differences, especially excessive batch fluctuations, between the first structural element and the corresponding second structural element, so that at least one product, especially a plurality of products, can be manufactured with sufficiently high quality. Therefore, in the second aspect of the present invention, it is preferably also provided, for example, that the at least one product is manufactured according to the determination result of whether the first characteristic value is within the limit range (within the limit range) or outside the limit range.

[0021] An embodiment of the second aspect of the invention is characterized in that the limit value range is calculated from the second characteristic value, in particular by means of an electronic calculation device and / or automatically, so that an upper limit value belonging to the limit value range is determined, and the limit value range ends at the upper limit value. In addition, a lower limit value belonging to the limit value range is determined, and the limit value range starts at or at the lower limit value. In addition, for example, the limit value range is calculated as follows, that is, the selected second characteristic value is in the limit value range, that is, in the limit value range between the upper limit value and the lower limit value. According to statistical methods, individual second structural elements can have characteristic values ​​that are outside the limit value range.

[0022] The first aspect of the invention is based in particular on the idea that a plurality of second structural elements or their second characteristic values ​​are used to calculate the limit value range. This is particularly advantageous when the second structural element is such a structural element that has already been used to produce at least one or more products and has resulted in a sufficiently high quality of the product or products. For example, if it is then determined that the first characteristic value is within the limit value range, and if then, for example, the first structural element is used to produce the at least one product, this results with a high probability that the at least one product also has a sufficiently high quality.

[0023] The second aspect of the present invention is based in particular on the idea that one of the second structural elements is selected from a plurality of second structural elements and used as a reference element. This is done by selecting a second characteristic value from a plurality of second characteristic values ​​and using it as a reference value, wherein a limit range is calculated according to the reference value. In this context, in particular, for example, in particular before calculating the limit range, at least one product or a plurality of products have been manufactured by the second structural element, wherein in particular the reference element or its use for manufacturing the product has resulted in a particularly high quality of this one product. However, in order to tolerate possible differences between the first structural element and the reference element or between their characteristic values, the limit range is determined by the reference value, in particular automatically or automatically and in this case in particular by means of an electronic computing device. In particular, not every structural element that should be used to manufacture a product can be as high quality as the reference element in terms of quality, but can still result in a sufficiently high quality of the product to be manufactured, in particular when, for example, the characteristic value of the structural element is within the limit range (in the limit range).

[0024] Another embodiment of the second aspect of the invention is characterized in that the selected second characteristic value lies exactly in the middle between the limit values. This ensures that the first component can be tested in a timely and cost-effective manner and precisely reproducibly.

[0025] Finally, it has been shown to be particularly advantageous to detect the first characteristic value and the second characteristic value by means of a sensor, in particular an optical sensor, in particular the same sensor, in particular the same optical sensor. For example, the sensor can be the above-mentioned detection device or can be a component of the detection device. The sensor supplies a signal, also referred to as a sensor signal, wherein the sensor signal is, for example, an electrical signal. The sensor signal describes or characterizes the corresponding characteristic value, wherein the electronic computing device receives the signal and determines the corresponding characteristic value therefrom. For example, the corresponding characteristic value can be detected in particular during the unwinding of the above-mentioned winding or the strip forming the winding. For example, the strip—in particular during the unwinding of the strip from the winding—moves relative to the sensor and in particular moves through the detection area of ​​the sensor, wherein the sensor detects the corresponding characteristic value during the movement of the strip through the detection area and in particular during the unwinding of the winding. As a result, a timely and cost-effective check of the corresponding characteristic value and, therefore, a timely and cost-effective check of the first structural element can be ensured.

[0026] The third aspect of the present invention relates to an apparatus, which is configured to perform the method according to the first aspect of the present invention and / or the second aspect of the present invention. In particular, the apparatus is or comprises the above-mentioned press and / or pressing line.

[0027] The present invention is based inter alia on the following considerations and insights:

[0028] The following devices are known, which are used to detect the quality of semi-finished products, for example, processed in a press shop, during the corresponding process for producing a slab and store it, that is, store it in a central database. For this purpose, each device includes, for example, at least one sensor, by means of which the strip is detected, in particular optically detected, for example, during the unwinding of the strip from the winding and in particular during the production of the slab from the strip. As already described above, the corresponding slab can be a first structural element or can be a corresponding second structural element. Thus, for example, the semi-finished product mentioned should be understood as a first structural element and a second structural element. For example, detecting the quality of the semi-finished product by means of a sensor should be understood as that the corresponding sensor detects the mentioned characteristics or corresponding characteristic values. In other words, for example, the above-mentioned characteristics are or describe the quality of the corresponding structural element. In particular, the quality can be or include the above-mentioned lubricating film thickness. In this case, in particular during the production, in particular cutting of the semi-finished product (in particular the slab) and in this case, for example, cutting it from the strip, it can be provided that the corresponding semi-finished product (structural element) is marked, in particular automatically marked. For example, the corresponding semi-finished product is provided with an optically detectable mark, which, for example, describes, characterizes or explains the corresponding detected characteristic value. In particular, the optical mark can be detected by means of a sensor. The characteristic values ​​detected by means of the sensors (which are described, for example, by the measurement data of the sensors) can be uniquely assigned to the respective semi-finished product (blank). During the further processing of the semi-finished product in the press line, the markings (also called one or more identifications), in particular optically detectable markings, can be read out. Thus, each processed blank can also be correspondingly assigned the process parameters used in the press line. If possible, data about the quality of the components (which are recorded during production for each produced part) can thus also be uniquely assigned to the original blank.

[0029] In this case, a visualization can be provided to the person who operates the pressing line and is also referred to as the plant operator or plant operator, which allows the properties of the semi-finished product (slab) to be processed to be analyzed. For example, before the slab is cut, the amount of lubricant (also referred to as lubricant amount) mentioned above, also referred to as lubricant, is recorded, i.e. detected, for 20 measuring tracks on the respective upper and lower sides of the slab. In particular, the lubricant amount is or describes the lubricating film thickness. The respective measuring track is to be understood in particular as a, for example, linear, in particular imaginary track extending in the longitudinal extension direction of the strip and / or in the direction of movement or in the direction of movement along which the strip moves during unwinding from the winding. A plurality of such measuring tracks, for example at least or exactly 20 such measuring tracks, are arranged one after the other along an arrangement direction extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal extension direction and / or the direction of movement, so that, in a particularly advantageous manner, at a plurality of respective locations of the respective structural elements, for example, the respective properties can be detected, for example, by means of a common sensor or by means of respective sensors. Thus, for example, at least or exactly one sensor is provided for each measuring track, or the measuring track is detected by means of a common sensor. The characteristic value thus determined can be the following result, which can be summarized, for example, recorded in a particularly two-dimensional matrix, wherein the matrix can include exactly one row and multiple columns, or exactly one column and multiple rows, or multiple columns and multiple rows. For example, if 20 measuring tracks are provided, each row, for example, contains not only 20 measured values ​​but also related strip positions. In particular, this should be understood as that the strip positions are arranged one after another along the longitudinal extension direction of the strip and / or along the direction of movement of the strip. In particular, for each measuring track, the corresponding characteristics are detected at the corresponding strip position, so that, for example, when 20 measuring tracks and 1000 strip positions are provided, the matrix is ​​a 20x1000 matrix. The number of measuring tracks and / or the number of strip positions can be different from 20 or 1000. The matrix thus has 20,000 fields, wherein the corresponding characteristic values ​​are input into the corresponding fields. The corresponding characteristic value then characterizes the characteristic at the corresponding relevant strip position and in the corresponding relevant measurement track, wherein, for example, the characteristic value is entered in the corresponding row, which is detected or has been detected along the corresponding measurement track at the corresponding strip position. Such a matrix can be generated not only for the corresponding semi-finished product and thus, for example, the upper side of the strip, but also for the corresponding semi-finished product and thus, for example, the lower side of the strip, which is produced from the strip, especially in the form of a slab. On this basis, it is possible, for example, to use the strip position for the abscissa and the ordinate for the configuration of the measurement track. That is, for each individual measurement, a field in the matrix is ​​used, so that the corresponding characteristic value is entered in the corresponding field.For example, the matrix is ​​displayed on a display, in particular an electrical or electronic display, and can thus be visually perceived by a person, such as the male or female operator of the above-mentioned device. Here, for example, the corresponding field of the matrix is ​​presented on the display as a rectangle, in particular a square. In addition, it is possible to present the corresponding field in color, that is, to present or fill it with a color. For example, the corresponding color of the corresponding field is determined by the corresponding characteristic value input into the corresponding field and also referred to as the measured value. In other words, the corresponding characteristic value is, for example, the corresponding measured value, where the corresponding characteristic value is detected and thus measured in particular by means of the mentioned detection device. It can be seen that the position or location of the corresponding characteristic value in the matrix is ​​related to the position defined by the strip position and the measurement track, in particular in the manner of a Cartesian coordinate system, at which the corresponding characteristic value is detected or has been detected. For example, the size of the field, in particular the rectangle or square, is selected so that no gaps are generated between the color fields. In particular, the result can be a matrix image with a color field. Figure 1 For this presentation, the term "heat map" is often used. In other words, if the matrix is ​​displayed on an electronic or electrical display and if the fields of the matrix are filled with colors, the matrix in question forms a heat map, also called a heat map, which visualizes the detected characteristic values ​​and in particular their positions to the person viewing the display. For example, if the characteristic in question is the lubricating film thickness or the amount of lubricating material, the heat map represents at least one semi-finished product characteristic, such as the amount of lubricating material of the winding. In principle, it is also possible to generate or calculate a heat map that relates to a stack of multiple individual blanks or to all blanks processed or produced by a pressing line within the scope of a production order. In principle, other references can also be used as strip positions for the matrix introduced or described above. For example, it is conceivable to use a reference relative to a manufactured blank. In this case, each row of the matrix will represent exactly one manufactured blank.

[0030] Fluctuations in the properties of components such as windings or entire batches are often investigated with the aid of limit values. For example, the limit values ​​are derived from property specifications and / or requirements from subsequent processes. Furthermore, limit values ​​can be defined within process steps in order to ensure a robust process flow. For example, such limit values ​​can be used to identify anomalies with regard to the properties (characteristics) of the semi-finished product. Specifically, this can be a limit value for the maximum amount of lubricant.

[0031] For example, the field size is usually not constant with respect to the length of a first structural element, in particular a winding, and the width of a structural element, for example, a winding. For example, when storing windings, a re-storage process takes place, which usually leads to an accumulation of lubricant at the edge of the winding, while the amount of lubricant decreases in the center of the winding or the corresponding strip. Other semi-finished product properties, such as the thickness of the corresponding strip (also called wall thickness or strip thickness), may also not have a constant course in the width or length direction of the strip. It can therefore be problematic to assess semi-finished product properties based on individual limit values.

[0032] It may also make sense not to apply the limit values ​​to the entire strip. For example, if the above-mentioned re-depositing process occurs repeatedly, different limit values ​​may be applied in the center of the strip than at the edge in terms of the amount of lubricant. According to the above-mentioned visualization of the semi-finished product characteristics, it is usually almost impossible to monitor local limit value violations based on the characteristic values ​​obtained, especially with the help of a heat map. In particular, if the definition of multiple areas proves to be meaningful, manual definition may no longer be possible in most cases. In addition, for the assessment of whether the limit value is exceeded, multiple windings or strips should always be considered so that the results can be referenced, for example, with the frequency of occurrence in other windings. Manual result comparisons, especially result comparisons presented by heat maps, can usually only be performed for very few windings. When presenting the field of semi-finished product characteristics in the form of a heat map, it may also be difficult to visually see the areas with limit value violations. This is especially problematic when the limit value is only slightly exceeded or below. If it is determined that the limit value is significantly exceeded, measures can be taken as early as possible, for example, to maintain a robust production process.

[0033] Now the above-mentioned problems and disadvantages can be avoided by the present invention. For example, according to the present invention, it is proposed to perform a derivation of limit values ​​for each point on the heat map. It is thus particularly easy to take into account physically caused field inhomogeneities when storing the windings, such as the redistribution of the lubricant mentioned. Here, if there is data for a large number of windings, upper and lower limit values ​​can be determined for each point by means of statistical characteristic numbers, such as the value of the quantile. Thus, such limit values ​​also take into account the variance at the corresponding point on the strip, because it is fully predictable that the variance is not constant over the entire range of the strip. Therefore, whether the limit value is exceeded can be monitored according to the limit value determined in each point. The choice of limit values, such as the quantile or its value, can be related to process stability, for example, and should be determined according to individual cases if possible. Additionally or alternatively, a structural element, such as a winding, can be selected as a reference, thus as a reference element, or the median in each point is used as a reference. Subsequently, for example, according to a constant positive deviation and a negative deviation, it is monitored at each point relative to the reference value whether the limit value is exceeded. Here, for example, the value of the maximum positive deviation is not necessarily the same as the value of the negative deviation. In principle, it is also conceivable to define constant lower and upper limits, which are applicable to each point or a specific limited range, which can be determined by selecting the extension relative to the strip length and the strip width. The values ​​of these limits can be derived from the individual limits (Grenzen) determined above for each individual point. According to the determined limits (therefore according to the limits), the number of limit-exceeding situations can be determined for all considered structural elements, such as windings or batches. As a result, a male or female user can, for example, know how many windings or batches have exceeded the limit. This is achieved, for example, by presenting or displaying at least one visual indication, especially by presenting or displaying at least one visual indication on the above-mentioned display. It is conceivable here that in order to calculate this conclusion, the number of limit-exceeding situations is calculated for each winding or batch. If the limit-exceeding situation only occurs at a single point or very few points, this excess can be ignored. In this case, it can be required to only consider the points where the limit-exceeding situation is identified, and in the case of the points, there is also a limit-exceeding situation next to them. It can therefore be ensured that only significant limit-exceeding situations are considered, and for example, the noise of the measured value does not lead to an erroneous estimate.

[0034] If critical windings or batches (structural elements) are identified according to the described analysis, then the limit value violations can be displayed for each individual considered variable (e.g., the amount of lubricant). In this case, it is proposed, for example, that the determined upper and lower limits (limit values) are first calculated in two matrices. In this case, the corresponding entries in the respective matrices represent the respective limit values ​​for the respective points. The two matrices can then be visualized as a heat map. This allows the trend of the limit values ​​for the above analysis to be presented.

[0035] It is also conceivable to determine, generate and calculate a matrix containing the values ​​(characteristic values) at all points of a variable (characteristic), for example the amount of lubricant of a winding or a batch (structural element). The presentation of the points can be carried out with the aid of a heat map. All the following points are then marked for which a limit value is exceeded. For example, the color of all the following points for which a limit value is exceeded can be modified in terms of visualization. In this regard, it is conceivable, for example, that the points are presented in a dark color or with a certain transparency or penetration.

[0036] In this case, it has been shown to be advantageous to divide the strip position into intervals of, for example, 20 meters. For example, within the corresponding interval, for each measurement track, an average value is formed from all available measured values, for example. Thus, smoothing of the measured values ​​is achieved, depending on the selection of the interval size. As a result, a matrix can be obtained, which contains exactly one row for each interval with the average measured values ​​of the measurement track. This allows the described method to be performed on the winding (structural element) even if the strip positions belonging to the measured values ​​are not exactly the same, in particular the strip positions between different structural elements are not exactly the same. For example, the method is used or applied only for such structural elements, which are produced at the supplier according to the same specifications. The described method can be used for any semi-finished product properties, such as sheet thickness or wall thickness or roughness, in particular the roughness of the corresponding surface of the corresponding structural element. In particular, at least the following advantages can be achieved by the present invention:

[0037] - simple assessment of semi-finished product characteristics or the quality of semi-finished products according to given or calculated limit values;

[0038] - Limit values ​​related to the location or position on the strip can significantly increase the persuasiveness of the analysis;

[0039] -Automatically derive limit values ​​based on historical data;

[0040] - Clear-at-a-glance visualization of limit value violations. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] Further details of the present invention are obtained from the following description of a preferred embodiment using the accompanying drawings. It is shown here:

[0042] Figure 1 a schematic diagram showing a method for inspecting a structural element; and

[0043] Figure 2 A schematic perspective view of an unwound winding is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] In the figures, identical or functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference symbols.

[0045] Below with the help of Figure 1 and Figure 2 A method for inspecting at least one first structural element 1 is described. In the embodiment shown in the figure, the first structural element 1 is a coil, which is formed by a strip 2 wound into a coil. Therefore, the first structural element 1 can be understood as the coil or strip 2 mentioned, which is also called the first coil, which is also called the first strip. The strip 2 is a metal strip, which is formed by a sheet, in particular a steel sheet or an aluminum sheet, and is wound into a first coil. The first structural element 1 is used to produce at least one product, such as a vehicle. For example, for this purpose, the first structural element 1 (first coil) is unwound and cut-to-size, so that a first semi-finished product in the form of a first sheet blank is produced from the first coil. This means in particular that the first sheet blank is produced from the first strip 2, in particular by cutting the corresponding first sheet blank from the first strip 2. For this purpose, for example, the first coil is unwound and the corresponding first sheet blank is cut from the first strip 2. For example, obtaining the first slab from the first strip 2 is performed in the context of or in a manufacturing method (the manufacturing method is also referred to as a manufacturing process), which is also referred to as a first manufacturing method. The method for inspecting the first structural element 1 is performed, for example, in the context of the first manufacturing method, so that the first structural element 1 is inspected, for example, in the context of or during the first manufacturing method.

[0046] The aforementioned unwinding of the first wound component (first structural element 1) takes place Figure 2 Indicated in Figure 2 In the figure, the direction of movement is indicated by arrow 3, which extends in the longitudinal extension direction of the strip 2, along which the length of the strip extends. The arrangement direction extending perpendicularly to the direction of movement is indicated by double arrow 4. In particular, the width of the strip 2 extends along the arrangement direction. The length of the strip 2 is also referred to as the strip length, and the width of the strip 2 is also referred to as the strip width. During the unwinding of the first winding, the strip 2 moves in the direction of movement, in particular relative to the first winding. Figure 2 The detection device 5 shown schematically in particular moves. Figure 2 Also shown in FIG. 6 are measuring tracks 6a, 6b and 6c, which are arranged one after the other along the arrangement direction and are in particular spaced apart from one another. The respective measuring tracks 6a-c extend along the direction of movement. Figure 2, strip positions 7a and 7b are also schematically shown, which are arranged one after another along the direction of movement and are in particular spaced apart from one another. For example, the detection device 5 is or comprises an in particular optical detection device 8. The optical detection device 8 is or comprises at least one sensor. For example, it is provided that for each measuring track 6a-c and for each strip position 7a-b, the corresponding measuring position of the strip 2 is detected in particular contactlessly and completely, in particular optically, by means of the detection device 8, so that a corresponding first characteristic value is detected for the corresponding measuring position. The first characteristic value characterizes or describes a characteristic of the strip 2 and therefore of the first winding. In other words, the first characteristic value describes or characterizes the same characteristic of the strip 2, but at corresponding positions that are different from one another and in particular spaced apart from one another. For example, the characteristic is or comprises an amount of lubricating material. The amount of lubricating material is to be understood as an amount of lubricating material arranged on the surface 9 of the strip 2, which lubricating material is also referred to as lubricant.

[0047] exist Figure 1, a plurality of second structural elements 10 are particularly schematically shown. In the embodiment shown in the figure, the structural element 10 is also a winding, which is also referred to as a second winding. The respective second winding is formed by the respective second strip 11 wound into the respective second winding. Here, the above and below descriptions of the first winding and the first strip 2 can also be transferred to the respective second winding and the respective second strip 11 without any problem, and vice versa. The above-mentioned first manufacturing method, in which the first strip 2 or the first winding is unwound and the first sheet blank is manufactured from the first strip 2, is, for example, carried out after the second manufacturing method in time, which is also referred to as the second manufacturing process. It is conceivable that the second manufacturing methods are carried out in time one after another or in time at least partially in parallel. In the respective second manufacturing process, the respective second winding is unwound as already described for the first winding; and in the respective second manufacturing method, the respective second sheet blank is manufactured from the respective second winding as already described for the first winding. As already described with respect to the first production method and the first wound part, in the respective production method, a second characteristic value is detected by means of the detection device 8 or by means of a further detection device (the above and below explanations on the detection device 8 can be transferred to the further detection device without problems and vice versa), which second characteristic value characterizes the same property at the respective location of the respective second strip 11. This means that, as already described with respect to the first wound part, in the respective second production method, a respective second characteristic value is determined for the respective second wound part, which second characteristic value describes, describes or characterizes the same property at the respective location of the respective second wound part or the second strip 11. Thus, with respect to the second structural element 10, a data set is formed for the second characteristic value detected for the second structural element 10. In this case, a respective one of the data sets is assigned to a respective one of the second structural elements 10. In this case, the respective data set assigned to the respective second structural element 10 includes a second characteristic value of the second characteristic values, which characterizes the property at the location of the respective second structural element 10 assigned to the respective data set.

[0048] Since the second manufacturing method is carried out before the first manufacturing method, the second characteristic value is determined and thus detected before the first characteristic value is determined or detected. The second characteristic value is therefore historical data, wherein the first component 1 is checked based on the historical data as explained in more detail below.

[0049] In particular, it is provided that corresponding measuring tracks 6a-c and corresponding strip positions 7a, b are defined for the corresponding structural elements 1, 10. Thus, for example, a first characteristic value determined in the measuring track 6a at the strip position 7a for the first strip 10 is comparable to a second characteristic value detected and thus determined in the measuring track 6a at the strip position 7a for the corresponding second strip 11. It is therefore possible in particular to check the corresponding first characteristic value based on the corresponding second characteristic value. This can be done in particular in the following way:

[0050] In this method, using Figure 1 The electronic computing device 12, which is particularly schematically shown in FIG. 1 , determines a corresponding first characteristic value, which characterizes a characteristic of the first structural element 1. By means of the electronic computing device 12, a limit value range is calculated, in particular automatically, from the second characteristic value. The second characteristic value, from which the limit value range is calculated, is, for example, a characteristic value which is detected at the same location for the second structural element 10, characterized by the corresponding measuring tracks 6a-c and by the corresponding strip positions 7a, b, in particular in the manner of a Cartesian coordinate system. In order to check the first structural element 1, it is determined by means of the electronic computing device 12 whether the corresponding first characteristic value is within the limit value range or outside the limit value range. Such a characteristic value of the second structural element 10 is used, for example, as the second characteristic value, which leads to a high quality of the product manufactured from the second structural element 10. For example, if the corresponding first characteristic value is within the corresponding limit value range, it can be assumed that if at least one product is manufactured from the first structural element 1, the product also has a sufficiently high quality. Therefore, for example, if the corresponding first characteristic value is within the limit value range, the first structural element 1 is used to manufacture at least one or more products from the first structural element. This makes it possible to achieve a qualitatively high-quality as well as a time-efficient and cost-effective production process.

[0051] Reference numerals list

[0052] 1. First structural element

[0053] 2 Strip

[0054] 3 Arrows

[0055] 4 double arrows

[0056] 5. Installation

[0057] 6a-c Measurement track

[0058] 7a, b Strip position

[0059] 8. Detection device

[0060] 9 Surface

[0061] 10 Second structural element

[0062] 11 Strip

[0063] 12 Electronic computing devices

Claims

1. A method for inspecting a first structural element (1) for manufacturing at least one product, in which method, - determining a first characteristic value by means of an electronic computing device (12), said first characteristic value characterizing a property of said first component (1); - calculating a limit value range from a second characteristic value by means of an electronic calculation device (12), said second characteristic value characterizing the same characteristic of a plurality of second structural elements (10) used to manufacture the product; and In order to check the first component (1), it is determined by means of an electronic computing device (12) whether the first characteristic value is within the limit value range or outside the limit value range.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that - calculating a predetermined or predeterminable first quantile of the value of the second characteristic; and - calculating a predetermined or predeterminable second quantile of the second characteristic value, said second quantile being different from said first quantile.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that The limit range is calculated based on the quantiles as follows: - using the first quantile as an upper limit value belonging to the limiting value range, the limiting value range terminating at the upper limit value; and - using the second quantile as a lower limit value belonging to the limiting value range, the limiting value range starting at the lower limit value.

4. The method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: Calculate the 95% quantile as the first quantile.

5. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that Calculate the 5% quantile as the second quantile.

6. A method for inspecting a first structural element (1) for manufacturing at least one product, in which method, - selecting by means of an electronic computing device (12) from among second characteristic values, which respectively characterize a property of a corresponding second component (10) for producing at least one product; - calculating a limit value range from the selected second characteristic value by means of an electronic calculation device (12); - determining a first characteristic value, said first characteristic value characterizing the same property of said first structural element (1); and In order to check the first component (1), it is determined by means of an electronic computing device (12) whether the first characteristic value is within the limit value range or outside the limit value range.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that The limit value range is calculated from the second characteristic value as follows: - determining an upper limit value belonging to the limit value range, the limit value range terminating at the upper limit value; and - determining a lower limit value belonging to the limit value range, the limit value range starting at the lower limit value.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that The value of the second characteristic is chosen to be located exactly in the center between the limit values.

9. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The first characteristic value and the second characteristic value are detected by means of a sensor (8), which supplies at least one signal which characterizes the respective characteristic value, wherein an electronic computing device (12) receives the signal and determines the respective characteristic value therefrom.

10. An apparatus configured to carry out the method of any one of the preceding claims.

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