An automated detection method for EPS output shaft circlip groove

Abstract

The present invention provides an automated detection method for an elastic retaining ring groove of an EPS output shaft, comprising the following steps: S1: placing a workpiece to be detected on a positioning seat, and then inserting a positioning sleeve into the workpiece to be detected to complete preparations before detection; S2: a first robot inserts a first measuring tool into the retaining ring groove between the positioning sleeve and the detected workpiece with a measuring force F1 through a manipulator, and judges whether the workpiece is qualified based on whether it can be completely inserted into the retaining ring groove; S3: a second robot inserts a second measuring tool into the retaining ring groove between the positioning sleeve and the detected workpiece with a measuring force F2 through a manipulator, and judges whether the workpiece is qualified based on whether it can be completely inserted into the retaining ring groove. Through the automated detection method, the detection efficiency is improved, the utilization rate of the detection equipment and the measuring equipment is improved, the waste of human resources is reduced, the labor intensity of the staff is reduced, the detection quality is improved, and full inspection and batch inspection of products are realized, successfully curbing the outflow of unqualified workpieces.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of automobile steering gears, and in particular to an automatic detection method for an elastic retaining ring groove of an EPS output shaft. Background Art

[0002] Currently, the existing EPS output shaft beveled circlip groove measurement system uses a multimeter. Before measurement, a dedicated center is required to secure the output shaft to the multimeter. During this time, the multimeter becomes dedicated to measuring the beveled circlip groove, resulting in wasted equipment. After installation, the system uses an end face as a reference, resets the instrument, and then moves axially to find the intersection of the 20° bevel and the axial plane. The distance of axial movement is the measured axial dimension (12.73±0.03, a critical dimension of the part). The multimeter's characteristics place high demands on the measurement personnel, and arbitrarily changing measurement personnel can lead to significant errors in measurement results. This results in significant labor waste during the machining of this part. Furthermore, the multimeter is a precision measuring instrument and cannot be installed alongside the production equipment. Instead, it must be installed in a dedicated precision measurement room, far from the production equipment. Based on a measurement frequency of five parts per inspection, the measurement time is calculated to be 88 seconds per part. This results in low efficiency in single-part processing and inspection, and prevents the development of mass production capacity.

[0003] In view of this, it is necessary to propose a new technical solution to solve the above technical problems. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the shortcomings of the prior art, the present invention aims to provide an automated detection method for the elastic retaining ring groove of the EPS output shaft, which has a fast detection process and improves the detection efficiency.

[0005] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides an automated detection method for the EPS output shaft circlip groove, comprising the following steps:

[0006] S1: Place the workpiece to be inspected on the positioning seat, then put the positioning sleeve into the workpiece to be inspected to complete the preparation before inspection;

[0007] S2: The first robot inserts the first measuring tool into the retaining ring groove between the positioning sleeve and the test workpiece with a measuring force F1 through the manipulator. If the first measuring tool can be inserted into the bottom of the retaining ring groove, the test step is qualified. The first robot removes the first measuring tool from the retaining ring groove through the manipulator and prepares to proceed to the next step.

[0008] If the first measuring tool cannot be inserted into the retaining ring groove, the step fails, and the third robot takes out the tested workpiece through the manipulator and puts it into the recycling area, and then repeats step S1;

[0009] S3: The second robot inserts the second measuring tool into the retaining ring groove between the positioning sleeve and the test workpiece with a measuring force F2 through the manipulator. If the second measuring tool cannot extend into the bottom of the retaining ring groove, the test step is qualified. The second robot removes the second measuring tool from the retaining ring groove through the manipulator. The third robot takes out the qualified workpiece and places it into the qualified area through the manipulator, completing the test.

[0010] If the second measuring tool can penetrate into the bottom of the retaining ring groove, the inspection of this step fails. The second robot uses the manipulator to withdraw the second measuring tool from the retaining ring groove, and the third robot uses the manipulator to take out the unqualified workpiece and put it into the recycling area to complete the inspection.

[0011] In a further technical solution, the size of F1 in S2 is 3-5N.

[0012] In a further technical solution, the size of F2 in S2 is 6-8N.

[0013] In a further technical solution, a positioning inner hole is opened in the middle of the positioning seat, and the positioning inner hole is used to place the workpiece to be inspected.

[0014] In a further technical solution, the retaining ring groove is trapezoidal in shape, the top of the retaining ring groove is an inclined surface, and the angle between the inclined surface and the horizontal plane is 20°.

[0015] In a further technical solution, the measuring ends of the first measuring tool and the second measuring tool are both trapezoidal in shape;

[0016] When measuring S1, the inclined surface of the measuring end of the first measuring tool is in contact with the inclined surface of the retaining ring groove;

[0017] When measuring S2, the inclined surface of the measuring end of the second measuring tool is in contact with the inclined surface of the retaining ring groove.

[0018] In a further technical solution, an analysis system is provided in S1, S2 and S3, and the first robot, the second robot and the third robot are electrically connected to the analysis system. The first robot, the second robot and the third robot respectively transmit qualified and unqualified records to the analysis system, and the analysis system is used to monitor the proportion of defective products.

[0019] In a further technical solution, the analysis system uses a P control chart to monitor the proportion of defective products or uses a Laney P' control chart to monitor the proportion of defective products.

[0020] In a further technical solution, the first robot, the second robot and the third robot are all six-axis robots.

[0021] Compared with the prior art, the present invention brings the following technical effects:

[0022] The present invention provides an automated detection method for the elastic retaining ring groove of the EPS output shaft. Through the automated detection method, the detection efficiency is improved, the utilization rate of the detection equipment and the measuring equipment is increased, the waste of human resources is reduced, the labor intensity of the staff is reduced, the detection quality is improved, and full and batch inspections of products are realized, thereby successfully curbing the outflow of unqualified workpieces. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Figure 1 is a flow chart of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2 It is a structural diagram of S2 of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 3 It is a structural diagram of S3 of the present invention.

[0026] In the figure: 1 - positioning seat, 2 - workpiece, 3 - positioning sleeve, 4 - first measuring tool, 5 - retaining ring groove, 6 - second measuring tool, 7 - positioning inner hole. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] The following describes embodiments of the present invention in detail. Examples of the embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals throughout represent the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are intended only to explain the present invention and are not to be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0028] In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" and the like to indicate orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be understood as limiting the present invention.

[0029] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of the technical features being referred to. Thus, a feature identified as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. In the description of the present invention, "plurality" means two or more, unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0030] In the present invention, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "mounted," "connected," "connect," "fixed," etc. should be understood broadly. For example, they may refer to fixed connection, detachable connection, or integration; mechanical connection or electrical connection; direct connection or indirect connection through an intermediate medium; internal communication between two components or interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention based on specific circumstances.

[0031] In the present invention, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, when a first feature is "above" or "below" a second feature, it may mean that the first and second features are in direct contact, or that the first and second features are in indirect contact through an intermediary. Furthermore, when a first feature is "above," "above," or "above" a second feature, it may mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is at a higher level than the second feature. When a first feature is "below," "below," or "below" a second feature, it may mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is at a lower level than the second feature.

[0032] Example

[0033] See Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 3 , an automated detection method for an EPS output shaft circlip groove includes the following steps:

[0034] S1: Place the workpiece 2 to be inspected on the positioning seat 1, and then put the positioning sleeve 3 into the workpiece 2 to be inspected to complete the preparation before inspection;

[0035] S2: The first robot inserts the first measuring tool 4 into the retaining ring groove 5 between the positioning sleeve 3 and the test workpiece 2 with a measuring force F1 through the manipulator. If the first measuring tool 4 can be inserted into the bottom of the retaining ring groove 5, the step is qualified. The first robot removes the first measuring tool 4 from the retaining ring groove 5 through the manipulator and prepares to proceed to the next step.

[0036] If the first measuring tool 4 cannot be inserted into the retaining ring groove 5, the step is unqualified, and the third robot takes out the test workpiece 2 through the manipulator and puts it into the recycling area, and then repeats step S1;

[0037] It should be noted that the bottom of the first measuring tool 4 extending into the retaining ring groove 5 refers to the depth of the first measuring tool 4 extending into the retaining ring groove 5, that is, the three surfaces of the first measuring tool 4 are in contact with the three surfaces of the retaining ring groove 5, which is qualified.

[0038] S3: The second robot inserts the second measuring tool 6 into the retaining ring groove 5 between the positioning sleeve 3 and the test workpiece 2 with a measuring force F2 through the manipulator. If the second measuring tool 6 cannot extend into the bottom of the retaining ring groove 5, the test step is qualified. The second robot removes the second measuring tool 6 from the retaining ring groove 5 through the manipulator. The third robot takes out the qualified workpiece 2 and places it into the qualified area through the manipulator to complete the test.

[0039] If the second measuring tool 6 can penetrate into the bottom of the retaining ring groove 5, the inspection of this step fails. The second robot uses the manipulator to withdraw the second measuring tool 6 from the retaining ring groove 5, and the third robot uses the manipulator to take out the unqualified workpiece 2 and put it into the recycling area to complete the inspection.

[0040] It should be noted that the bottom of the second measuring tool 6 extending into the retaining ring groove 5 refers to the depth of the second measuring tool 6 extending into the retaining ring groove 5, that is, if the three surfaces of the second measuring tool 6 are in contact with the three surfaces of the retaining ring groove 5, it is unqualified.

[0041] The present invention improves inspection efficiency and utilization of inspection and measurement equipment through automated inspection methods, reduces waste of human resources, reduces staff labor intensity, improves inspection quality, and enables full and batch inspection of products, successfully curbing the outflow of unqualified workpieces. The robotic automated inspection method features a compact inspection fixture, simple processing, and minimal cumulative error during processing, enabling stable and reliable on-site use.

[0042] In a further specific embodiment, the size of F1 in S2 is 3-5N. As a preferred embodiment, the size of F1 in this embodiment is 4N, and in other specific embodiments, the size of F1 may also be 3N or 5N; the size of F2 in S2 is 6-8N. As a preferred embodiment, the size of F2 in this embodiment is 7N, and in other specific embodiments, the size of F2 may also be 6N or 8N. It should be noted that the sizes of F1 and F2 are mainly based on the fit and processing tolerance between the first measuring tool 4 and the retaining ring groove 5. For example, if the width of the machined retaining ring groove 5 is 1.46±0.03~1.193±0.03, the force used is the largest when the width is at the lowest value, and the force used is the smallest when the width is at the highest value.

[0043] In a further specific embodiment, a positioning inner hole 7 is opened in the middle of the positioning seat 1, and the positioning inner hole 7 is used to place the workpiece 2 to be detected. The output shaft is limited by the positioning inner hole 7, which has a good fixing effect and strong stability.

[0044] In a further embodiment, the retaining ring groove 5 is trapezoidal in shape, with the top of the retaining ring groove 5 being an inclined surface, and the angle between the inclined surface and the horizontal plane is 20°. The measuring ends of the first measuring tool 4 and the second measuring tool 6 are both trapezoidal in shape; when measuring S1, the inclined surface of the measuring end of the first measuring tool 4 is aligned with the inclined surface of the retaining ring groove 5; when measuring S2, the inclined surface of the measuring end of the second measuring tool 6 is aligned with the inclined surface of the retaining ring groove 5.

[0045] It should be noted that, viewed from the axial position, the beveled elastic retaining ring groove 5 structure of the output shaft is the axial distance from the end face of the intersection formed by the oblique line and the straight line, which is an important control dimension of this product. In actual processing, the intersection will actually be an arc of varying sizes, and this arc will continue to change with the use of the tool. In this way, it is difficult to find the exact size of the intersection by the intersection of the tangent arcs, even on a universal display. This inspection tool uses oblique lines, straight lines and arcs to effectively avoid this arc intersection, so that the oblique lines of the inspection tool match the oblique lines of the product. Finally, the axial size of the product is determined by the length of the positioning sleeve 3, the first measuring tool 4 and the second measuring tool 6.

[0046] In a further specific embodiment, each of S1, S2, and S3 is provided with an analysis system. The first, second, and third robots are electrically connected to the analysis system. The first, second, and third robots transmit qualified and unqualified records to the analysis system, which is used to monitor the defective product ratio. The analysis system uses a P control chart or a Laney P' control chart to monitor the defective product ratio. The first, second, and third robots are all six-axis robots.

[0047] The six-axis inspection robot records qualified and unqualified products one by one and uploads them to the data statistics and analysis system, using the P control chart to monitor the defective product ratio. Each product item is divided into one of two categories. For example, qualified means that the first measuring tool 4 can be completely inserted into the retaining ring groove 5, and the second measuring tool 6 cannot be completely inserted into the retaining ring groove 5; unqualified means that the first measuring tool 4 cannot be completely inserted into the retaining ring groove 5, or the second measuring tool 6 can be completely inserted into the retaining ring groove 5.

[0048] Use the P control chart to monitor the stability of a process over time and to identify and correct instabilities in the process.

[0049] If your data exhibit overdispersion or underdispersion, the Laney P' chart can more accurately distinguish between common-cause variation and special-cause variation. Overdispersion can cause a traditional P chart to show an increased number of points outside the control limits.

[0050] Underdispersion can cause a traditional P chart to show too few points outside the control limits. The Laney P' chart adjusts for these conditions. Use the P chart diagnostic test to check for overdispersion and underdispersion in your data.

[0051] Therefore, the workpieces 2 inspected in batches are adjusted or reworked based on the above judgment.

[0052] It should be noted that the workpiece 2 described in the present invention is an EPS output shaft.

[0053] In the description of this specification, the reference terms "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "example", "specific example", or "some examples" mean that the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the schematic representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described can be combined in any one or more embodiments or examples in a suitable manner. In addition, those skilled in the art can combine and combine different embodiments or examples described in this specification and features of different embodiments or examples without contradiction.

[0054] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and are not to be construed as limiting the present invention. A person skilled in the art may make changes, modifications, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments. As long as they conform to the purpose of the present invention, they shall be within the scope of protection required by the present invention, such as different combinations of specific embodiments and different combinations of distinguishing technical features.

[0055] Those skilled in the art can make various other corresponding changes and deformations based on the technical solutions and concepts described above, and all of these changes and deformations should fall within the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. An automated detection method for EPS output shaft circlip grooves, characterized by: The following steps are involved: S1: Place the workpiece to be inspected on the positioning seat, then put the positioning sleeve into the workpiece to be inspected to complete the preparation before inspection; S2: The first robot inserts the first measuring tool into the retaining ring groove between the positioning sleeve and the test workpiece with a measuring force F1 through the manipulator. The inclined surface of the measuring end of the first measuring tool is in contact with the inclined surface of the retaining ring groove. If the first measuring tool can be inserted into the bottom of the retaining ring groove, the test step is qualified. The first robot withdraws the first measuring tool from the retaining ring groove through the manipulator and prepares to enter the next step. The bottom of the first measuring tool inserted into the retaining ring groove refers to the depth of the first measuring tool inserted into the retaining ring groove. That is, the three surfaces of the first measuring tool are in contact with the three surfaces of the retaining ring groove, which means it is qualified. If the first measuring tool cannot be inserted into the retaining ring groove, the step fails, and the third robot takes out the tested workpiece through the manipulator and puts it into the recycling area, and then repeats step S1; S3: The second robot inserts the second measuring tool into the retaining ring groove between the positioning sleeve and the test workpiece with a measuring force F2 through the manipulator. The inclined surface of the measuring end of the second measuring tool fits the inclined surface of the retaining ring groove. If the second measuring tool cannot extend into the bottom of the retaining ring groove, the test step is qualified. The second robot withdraws the second measuring tool from the retaining ring groove through the manipulator. The third robot takes out the qualified workpiece and places it into the qualified area through the manipulator to complete the test. The bottom of the retaining ring groove that the second measuring tool extends into refers to the depth of the second measuring tool extending into the retaining ring groove. That is, if the three surfaces of the second measuring tool fit into the three surfaces of the retaining ring groove, it is unqualified. If the second measuring tool can penetrate into the bottom of the retaining ring groove, the inspection of this step fails. The second robot uses the manipulator to withdraw the second measuring tool from the retaining ring groove, and the third robot uses the manipulator to take out the unqualified workpiece and put it into the recycling area to complete the inspection.

2. The automated detection method for EPS output shaft circlip groove according to claim 1, characterized in that: The size of F1 in S2 is 3-5N.

3. The automated detection method for EPS output shaft circlip groove according to claim 1, characterized in that: The size of F2 in S2 is 6-8N.

4. The automated detection method for EPS output shaft circlip groove according to claim 1, characterized in that: A positioning inner hole is formed in the middle of the positioning seat, and the positioning inner hole is used for placing the workpiece to be inspected.

5. The automated detection method for EPS output shaft circlip groove according to claim 1, characterized in that: The retaining ring groove is in a trapezoidal shape, the top of the retaining ring groove is an inclined surface, and the angle between the inclined surface and the horizontal plane is 20°.

6. The automated detection method for EPS output shaft circlip groove according to claim 5, characterized in that: The measuring ends of the first measuring tool and the second measuring tool are both trapezoidal in shape.

7. The automated detection method for EPS output shaft circlip groove according to claim 1, characterized in that: An analysis system is provided in S1, S2 and S3, and the first robot, the second robot and the third robot are electrically connected to the analysis system. The first robot, the second robot and the third robot respectively transmit qualified and unqualified records to the analysis system, and the analysis system is used to monitor the proportion of defective products.

8. The automated detection method for EPS output shaft circlip groove according to claim 7, characterized in that: The analysis system uses a P control chart to monitor the proportion of defective items or a Laney P' control chart to monitor the proportion of defective items.

9. The automated detection method for EPS output shaft circlip groove according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first robot, the second robot and the third robot are all six-axis robots.

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