Workpiece management device and workpiece management method

Abstract

A workpiece (10) includes a weld seam. A management device (60) includes a camera (63), a control unit (66), and a database (68). The information on the workpiece (10) and the product ID are linked to each other and stored in a database (68). A weld of a workpiece (10) is captured and image processing is performed on its bulk pattern (20), (30) and (40) to obtain pattern data. The pattern data is linked to the product ID and stored in a database (68). A weld of a workpiece (10A) with an unknown product ID is captured and image processing is performed on the block pattern (20), (30), (40) to obtain inspection data. The inspection data is inspected according to the existing pattern data, and when the matching data matches the existing pattern data, the product ID linked to the existing pattern data is acquired.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a device for managing a workpiece comprising a weld seam, and a method for managing such a workpiece. Background Art

[0002] In order to weld the workpiece made of a plurality of small metal plates, for example, for the suspension of a magnetic disk device, laser welding is used in some cases. An example of laser welding is discussed in JP 2005-95934A (patent document 1). The suspension of a magnetic disk device comprises a base plate, a load beam and a bent portion arranged along the load beam. Base plate, load beam and bent portion are all made of stainless steel sheet. In order to fix the bent portion on the load beam, and to fix the load beam on the base plate, laser beam is used to carry out spot welding.

[0003] For workpieces of magnetic disk devices, such as suspensions, high quality is required and they are manufactured through multiple processes, requiring special management to maintain quality, etc. For example, in order to grasp whether the workpiece is produced under appropriate production conditions in each step, it is necessary to provide each workpiece with an ID for identifying the produced workpiece. ID is an abbreviation for identifier. In the production management system described in JP 2023-00687A (Patent Document 2), hash values ​​are used to manage components of electronic devices.

[0004] Note, however, that in some cases it is difficult to display an ID such as a QR code or a number on a part of a very small workpiece, such as a suspension of a magnetic disk device. Furthermore, even if it is possible to display an ID on a workpiece, there is a risk that displaying the ID on the workpiece may affect the workpiece in some way. According to a production management system using hash values, such as the system described in Patent Document 2, workpieces can be strictly managed. However, production management using hash values ​​may be difficult to use in some applications because such a system is large and lacks simplicity.

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a management device which can manage a workpiece including a weld by laser spot welding or the like, and such a management method. Summary of the invention

[0006] According to one embodiment, a management device for managing a workpiece including a weld is provided, comprising a camera, an image processing unit, a control unit, and a database. The database, for example, stores a plurality of product IDs in sequence, and stores the product IDs and information on the workpiece while linking them to each other. The camera captures the weld of the workpiece. The image processing unit acquires pattern data by image processing the captured block pattern of the weld. The control unit stores the pattern data and the product ID in the database by linking the pattern data and the product ID to each other.

[0007] According to the management device of this embodiment, when managing a workpiece including a weld, characterized pattern data can be obtained based on the block pattern of the weld. For a workpiece whose product ID is unknown, the weld of the workpiece is captured and inspection data is obtained based on the block pattern. The product ID can be obtained by matching the inspection data with the existing pattern data.

[0008] The management device of this embodiment may include a camera for capturing the weld of a workpiece to be tracked (a workpiece whose product ID is unknown), an image processing unit, and a control unit for inspection. The image processing unit performs image processing on the block pattern of the captured weld to obtain inspection data based on the block pattern. The control unit compares the inspection data with the existing pattern data stored in the database. When the inspection data matches the existing pattern data, the product ID linked to the existing pattern data is obtained. When the product ID is known, information on the workpiece can be obtained based on the product ID (detailed information of the workpiece).

[0009] An example of a workpiece may be a suspension for a magnetic disk device including multiple types of welds. The image processing unit may perform image processing on a block pattern of each of the multiple types of welds to obtain pattern data based on the block patterns.

[0010] A frame on which multiple workpieces can be set, and the frame can have a frame ID. The frame ID and the product ID can be linked to each other and stored in a database. For example, a camera captures an image of a block portion of the front face of a weld. In addition, the management device of an embodiment may also include an appearance inspection unit that determines whether the appearance shape of the weld is good.

[0011] In a management method for managing a workpiece including a weld, according to one embodiment, product information and a product ID on the workpiece are stored in a database while being linked to each other. In the process of acquiring pattern data, the weld of the workpiece is captured. By image processing the captured block pattern of the weld, pattern data corresponding to the block pattern is obtained. Then, the pattern data and the product ID are stored in the database while being linked to each other.

[0012] The management method of this embodiment may also include an inspection process. During the inspection process, a weld of a workpiece whose product ID is unknown (the workpiece to be tracked) is captured. By performing image processing on the block pattern of the captured weld, inspection data is obtained based on the block pattern. The inspection data is compared with existing pattern data stored in a database. When the inspection data and the existing pattern data match each other, the product ID linked to the existing pattern data is obtained. Based on the product ID, information about the workpiece is obtained.

[0013] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will be set forth in the following description, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned through practice of the present invention. The objects and advantages of the present invention may be realized and obtained through the tools and combinations particularly pointed out below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the general description given above and the detailed description of the embodiments given below, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

[0015] Figure 1 is a plan view of a workpiece, including, as an example, a plurality of welds.

[0016] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An enlarged plan view of the first weld of the workpiece is shown.

[0017] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Cross-sectional view of the first weld taken along line F3-F3.

[0018] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 An enlarged plan view of the second weld is shown.

[0019] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 An enlarged plan view of the third weld is shown.

[0020] Figure 6 is a front view schematically showing a laser welding apparatus.

[0021] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of a portion of a laser welding apparatus and a first weld seam is shown.

[0022] Figure 8 FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a management device and a plurality of workpieces according to an embodiment.

[0023] Fig. 9 is a flow chart showing a process for collecting pattern data in a management method according to one embodiment.

[0024] Fig.10 is a plan view showing a first example of a first weld seam subjected to image processing.

[0025] Fig.11 is a plan view showing a second example of the first weld subjected to image processing.

[0026] Fig.12 is a plan view showing a third example of the first weld subjected to image processing.

[0027] Fig.13 is a flow chart showing a matching process of a management method according to one embodiment.

[0028] Fig.14 is a perspective view schematically showing a portion of a management device and a workpiece to be tracked according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] Now refer to Figures 1 to 14 , describes an artifact management device and management method of an embodiment.

[0030] Figure 1 A suspension for a magnetic disk device is shown as an example of the workpiece 10 including a plurality of welds. Figure 1 The workpiece 10 shown includes a first plate 11, a second plate 12, and a third plate 13. In the case of a suspension for a magnetic disk device, the first plate 11 is a load beam, the second plate 12 is a flexure, and the third plate 13 is a bottom plate.

[0031] The first plate 11, the second plate 12, and the third plate 13 are all made of stainless steel. An example of stainless steel is austenitic stainless steel, such as SUS304. The chemical composition of SUS304 is 0.08 or less C (carbon), 1.00 or less Si (silicon), 2.00 or less Mn (manganese), 8.00 to 10.50 Ni (nickel), 18.00 to 20.00 Cr (chromium), and the remaining Fe (iron).

[0032] The thicknesses of the first plate (load beam) 11, the second plate (bend) 12, and the third plate (bottom plate) 13 are different from each other. The thickness of the first plate 11 is greater than that of the second plate 12. The thickness of the first plate 11 is, for example, 100 μm or less. The thickness of the second plate 12 is, for example, 18 μm or less. The thickness of the third plate 13 is greater than that of the first plate 11. The thickness of the third plate 13 is, for example, 200 μm or less. Along the second plate 12, a wiring portion 15 is formed. The wiring portion 15 includes an insulating layer made of an insulating resin such as polyimide and a conductor made of copper.

[0033] The first plate 11 and the second plate 12 are fixed to each other by a first weld W1. The second plate 12 and the third plate 13 are fixed to each other by a second weld W2. The first plate 11, the second plate 12 and the third plate 13 are fixed to each other by a third weld W3. In addition to these welds W1, W2 and W3, other welds W are provided as needed.

[0034] Welds W1, W2 and W3 are all formed by laser spot welding. In this specification, the side irradiated by the laser beam is called the front side, and the side opposite to the side irradiated by the laser beam is called the back side. The workpiece (workpiece 10) in this embodiment includes weld W3, in which three plates overlap each other. However, some workpieces may not have such three-plate overlapping welds.

[0035] Figure 2 is a plan view of the first weld W1 viewed from the front. Figure 2 As shown, the first weld W1 is approximately circular in plan view. In other words, it is not necessarily a perfect circle in the strict sense, but is actually a distorted circle, an ellipse, or any other shape close to a circle. On the surface of the first weld W1, a unique block pattern 20 is formed, which is generated during the welding process. If magnified, the block pattern 20 can be visually observed by the naked eye.

[0036] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the first weld W1 obtained along the F3-F3 line in FIG. Figure 3 As shown, a first plate (load beam) 11 having a thickness of T1 and a second plate (bend) 12 having a thickness of T2 are welded to each other by a first weld W1. The first weld W1 includes a front block portion 21 and a rear block portion 22. The front block portion 21 is formed on the second plate 12. The rear block portion 22 is formed on the first plate 11.

[0037] The diameter D1 of the front block portion 21 is greater than the diameter D2 of the back block portion 22. The block pattern 20 is formed on the front block portion 21. In some workpieces, the back block portion 22 may not penetrate the first plate 11 in the thickness direction. In this case, the diameter D2 of the back block portion 22 cannot be observed.

[0038] Figure 4 1 is a plan view showing the second weld W2. The second weld W2 is formed by a laser beam. The laser beam is irradiated to the portion where the first plate 11 and the third plate 13 overlap each other. For example, the laser beam is irradiated from the front side of the first plate 11. Figure 4 As shown, the only block pattern 30 produced during the welding process is formed on the front block portion 31 .

[0039] The welding conditions of the first weld W1 and the second weld W2 are different from each other. Therefore, the diameter D3 (eg Figure 4 ) and the diameter D1 of the first weld W1 (as shown Figure 3 In addition, the block pattern 30 of the second weld W2 is significantly different from the block pattern 20 of the first weld W1.

[0040] The block pattern 20 of the first weld W1 and the block pattern 30 of the second weld W2 are different from each other. The reason for this is that the irradiation conditions of the laser beam used for welding are different and the thicknesses of the two plates to be welded are different from each other. Here, a unique block pattern 30 can be generated according to the roughness of the surface of the welded plate. A unique block pattern 30 can also be created according to the way the inert gas flowing to the welding area hits there, the ambient temperature, etc.

[0041] Figure 5 is a plan view showing the third weld W3. The third weld W3 is formed by irradiating a laser beam to a location where the first plate 11, the second plate 12, and the third plate 13 overlap each other. For example, the laser beam is irradiated from the front side of the second plate 12. Figure 5 As shown, a unique block pattern 40 generated during the welding process is formed on the front block portion 41 of the third weld seam W3.

[0042] The welding conditions of the third weld W3 are different from the welding conditions of the first weld W1 and the second weld W2. Therefore, the diameter D4 of the third weld W3 is different from the diameter D1 of the first weld W1 (eg, Figure 3 ) or different from the diameter D3 of the second weld W2 (as shown Figure 4 Moreover, the block pattern 40 (as shown in FIG. Figure 5 The block pattern 40 is significantly different from the block pattern 20 of the first weld W1 or the block pattern 30 of the second weld W2. For example, the reason for this is that they have different conditions in the laser beam irradiation. Or, due to the overlap of the three plates 11, 12 and 13 and the difference in welding conditions (such as the way of the clamp), the block pattern in the third weld W3 may be different. The unique block pattern 40 can also be created based on the roughness of the surface of the welding plate, the way the inert gas flowing to the weld area hits the weld, the ambient temperature, etc.

[0043] Figure 6 An example of a laser welding device 50 is schematically shown. The laser welding device 50 welds a plurality of welds (e.g., welds W, W1, W2, W3) by emitting a laser beam 51 in a pulsed manner. The laser welding device 50 includes a workpiece support 52, a laser irradiation unit 53, a laser beam control unit 54, and a laser oscillator 55, which serves as a light source of the laser beam. The workpiece support 52 supports a workpiece 10 to be welded. The laser irradiation unit 53 and the laser oscillator 55 are optically connected to each other through an optical fiber 58.

[0044] The laser irradiation unit 53 includes an optical lens system 56 and a galvano scanner as a scanning mechanism. The galvano scanner sequentially moves the laser beam 51 emitted from the laser irradiation unit 53 toward the welds W, W1, W2, and W3. The laser beam control unit 54 includes an electrical configuration for controlling the laser oscillator 55, software for control, and a memory for storing data for control.

[0045] Figure 7 5 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a part of the laser welding apparatus 50 and a first weld W1. For example, a first plate 11 and a second plate 12 are stacked on a workpiece support 52. Through these plates 11 and 12 supported by a jig 57, a laser beam 51 is irradiated.

[0046] A portion of the first plate 11 and a portion of the second plate 12 are melted and solidified by the laser beam 51. In this way, a first weld W1 is formed. During the welding process, a first block pattern 20 is formed in the first weld W1. Figure 2 An example of a first block pattern 20 is shown.

[0047] By moving the laser beam 51 by a galvano scanner or the like, a second weld W2 is formed in a manner similar to the first weld W1. Further, a third weld W3 is formed. Note that the welding order is selected as required.

[0048] like Figure 4 As shown, the second block pattern 30 is formed on the surface of the second weld W2. Figure 5 As shown, a third block pattern is formed on the surface of the third weld W3. These block patterns 20, 30 and 40 have unique features, such as human fingerprints, depending on welding conditions, etc.

[0049] According to the workpiece management device and management method of the present embodiment, at least part of the block pattern of the welds W1, W2 and W3 is captured and image processing is performed to obtain pattern data. The pattern data is obtained based on, for example, the image data of the first block pattern 20, the image data of the second block pattern 30 and the image data of the third block pattern 40. Alternatively, at least part of the block patterns 20, 30 and 40 are characterized by image processing (e.g., binarization and a predetermined algorithm) to obtain pattern data.

[0050] Figure 86 is a perspective view schematically showing a management device 60 according to an embodiment. An example of the management device 60 includes a workpiece support 61, a moving mechanism 62, a camera 63, an appearance detection unit 64, a control unit 66 (including an image processing unit 65), a display unit 67, and a database 68. The workpiece 10 is placed on the workpiece support 61. A plurality of workpieces 10 are connected to a frame 70 at a predetermined pitch P1. The plurality of workpieces 10 and the frame 70 constitute a sheet-like workpiece (catenary sheet 71).

[0051] A frame side ID, such as a QR code or a barcode, is provided on the frame 70 of the catenary piece 71. In this specification, the frame side ID is referred to as a frame ID 72. A plurality of workpieces 10 are provided on the frame 70. Therefore, product IDs for identifying these workpieces 10, for example, as serial numbers, are stored in the database 68. The database 68 also stores various types of product information related to the workpiece 10 for each product ID. The product information contains, for example, the date, time, location, processing conditions, and materials related to the production of the workpiece 10. In this way, when the product ID is known, product information such as the production history of the workpiece 10 and the materials used can be obtained from the database 68.

[0052] The moving mechanism 62 includes a guide 80 and an actuator 81 such as a servo motor. The actuator 81 moves the workpiece support 61 and the catenary piece 71 along the guide 80 along a predetermined pitch P1. The camera 63 captures images of the welds W, W1, W2, and W3 of the workpiece 10.

[0053] The appearance inspection unit 64 constitutes a part of the management device 60. The appearance inspection unit 64 judges whether the appearance shape (e.g., size, shape, color, etc. of the welds W, W1, W2, and W3) is within the standard range. When it is judged to be bad, some kind of problem may have occurred in the production process. Therefore, measures are taken to prohibit the use of the catenary piece 71 containing the bad workpiece 10.

[0054] The block patterns of the welds W1, W2 and W3 are captured by the camera 63. The image processing unit 65 digitizes the captured block patterns of the welds W1, W2 and W3 into pattern data through image processing such as binarization, a predetermined algorithm, etc. The pattern data is linked to the product ID by the control unit 66 and stored in the database 68.

[0055] Fig. 9 FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing an example of a process of acquiring pattern data. In the process of acquiring pattern data according to the embodiment, pattern data is acquired based on a weld image (its block pattern). That is, Fig. 9 In step S1 shown, a weld (eg, first weld W1 ) is captured by the camera 63 and a block pattern image is generated.

[0056] exist Fig. 9 In step S2, the captured block pattern of the weld is processed by the image processing unit 65. For example, the image processing is performed by binarization, a predetermined algorithm, etc., so that the block pattern of the weld is converted into data. By converting the block pattern into data, the characteristics of the weld can be extracted. The captured block pattern can be displayed on the display 67. In addition, step S2 for processing the image can be performed after step S3.

[0057] The various weld types W1, W2 and W3 have block patterns 20, 30 and 40, respectively, which are significantly different from each other, as shown in FIG. Figure 2 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown. Therefore, when the features of these block patterns are combined, the amount of information used for identification can be increased. That is, the block pattern features of multiple welds of different types are combined together. In this way, the threshold of characterization can be lowered. Since the threshold of characterization can be further lowered, the identification of the workpiece becomes easier.

[0058] The block patterns 20 of the first welds W1 of the same type have features that can be identified from each other like human fingerprints. The block patterns 30 of the second welds W2 of the same type also have features that can be identified from each other. The block patterns 40 of the third welds W3 of the same type also have features that can be identified from each other. Using this configuration, only block patterns of welds of the same type can be extracted.

[0059] Fig.10 A first example of an image processed block pattern of a first weld seam W1 is shown. Fig.11 A second example of an image processed block pattern of the first weld seam W1 is shown. Fig.12 A third example of the image processing block pattern of the first weld W1 is shown. It can be seen from these figures that among a plurality of welds of the same type, their block patterns are different from each other.

[0060] exist Fig. 9 In step S3, it is determined whether all welds to be captured have been captured. When all welds have been captured ("Yes" in step S3), the process will proceed to step S4. When all welds have not been captured ("No" in step S3), the process will return to step S1 and capture the next weld. Please note that step S2 can be performed after step S3.

[0061] exist Fig. 9 In step S4, the block pattern of each workpiece is digitized to obtain pattern data corresponding to each block pattern. In step S5, the obtained pattern data is linked to the product ID and stored in the database 68. In this specification, the pattern data linked to the product ID is referred to as existing pattern data.

[0062] The pattern data acquired in step S4 can be linked to the framework ID 72 in step S6. By linking the pattern data to the framework ID 72, information corresponding to the framework ID 72 can be obtained from the database 68.

[0063] When it is not necessary to link the pattern data and the frame ID to each other, step S6 can be omitted. In another embodiment, the image of the block pattern itself captured by the camera 63 is recorded as pattern data in the database 68. In this way, the image recorded in the database 68 can be subsequently linked to the product ID or the frame ID.

[0064] The management device 60 in this embodiment includes an appearance detection unit 64 (such as Figure 8 As shown), it is used to check the appearance of the weld. With this configuration, the appearance of the weld can be detected and pattern data can be obtained. It should be noted here that the appearance detection unit 64 can be set separately from the management device 60.

[0065] In the following step, the workpiece 10 from which the pattern data has been acquired is separated from the frame 70 (eg Figure 8 Then, the workpiece 10 is incorporated into a predetermined electronic device (e.g., a magnetic disk device). When the workpiece is very small, such as in the case of a suspension of a magnetic disk device, it may be difficult to display the product ID on the workpiece itself in some cases. The product ID may be a QR code or a number.

[0066] Even if the product ID could be displayed on the workpiece itself, there is a risk that the attachment of such a display could affect the workpiece in some way. Therefore, it is best to avoid displaying the product ID on the workpiece itself. However, there are cases where it is necessary to know the production history of a workpiece whose product ID is unknown, or to know information about the materials used in it. Fig.13 In the present invention, a workpiece with an unknown product ID is referred to as a workpiece to be identified or a workpiece to be tracked 10A. In this specification, "tracking" means tracking and searching for past production history. The workpiece 10A to be tracked is a workpiece whose production history, materials used, etc. need to be known for some reason. An example of a workpiece 10A to be tracked is a workpiece that is judged to be defective due to a defect found in a later step.

[0067] In the management method of the embodiment, a matching process is performed, which is described as follows.

[0068] Fig.13 is a flowchart showing an example of a matching process. Fig.14 The management device 60A used in the inspection process is schematically shown. The workpiece 10A to be tracked is placed on the workpiece placement table 91.

[0069] like Fig.14 As shown, the management device 60A used in the inspection process can be used together with the management device 60 (such as Figure 8 The management device 60A includes a camera 63, an image processing unit 65, a control unit 66, a display unit 67 and a database 68. In another embodiment, the management device 60A used for the matching process may be different from the management device 60 used for the pattern data acquisition process.

[0070] exist Fig.13 In step S10, the camera 63 captures the weld of the workpiece 10A to be tracked and generates an image of the block pattern. In step S11, the image of the block pattern is processed by the image processing unit 65. For example, the image of the block pattern is processed by image processing such as binarization, which is common to the above-mentioned pattern data acquisition process. The captured block pattern can be displayed on the display 67. Please note that step S11 of processing the image can be performed after step S12.

[0071] In step S12, it is determined whether all welds to be captured have been captured. When it is determined that all welds have been captured ("Yes" in step S12), the process proceeds to step S13. When all welds have not been captured ("No" in step S12), the process returns to step S10 to capture the next weld.

[0072] exist Fig.13 In step S13 shown, the block pattern of the workpiece 10A is digitized by a predetermined algorithm to obtain inspection data. In step S14, the inspection data obtained in step S13 is compared with existing pattern data stored in the database 68. For example, the inspection data and the existing pattern data are compared with each other by the control unit 66.

[0073] exist Fig.13 In step S15, when the inspection data and the existing pattern data match each other ("Yes" in step S15), the process proceeds to step S16. When the inspection data and the existing pattern data do not match each other ("No" in step S15), the process returns to step S14 and continues the comparison between the inspection data and the existing pattern data.

[0074] In step S16, based on the existing pattern data matched with the inspection data, the product ID recorded in the database 68 is specified. When the product ID is linked to the frame ID, the frame ID is also specified. By identifying the product ID and the frame ID recorded in the database 68, information such as the production history of the workpiece 10A and the materials used can be known. The obtained information can be displayed on the display 67 or printed out by a printer.

[0075] As described above, according to the management device and management method of the present embodiment, the product ID and frame ID of the workpiece can be known based on the pattern data obtained from the image of the block pattern of its weld. When the ID is known, the information on the workpiece can be tracked. Therefore, there is no need to provide a special product ID on the workpiece itself for management. Since there is no need to put the product ID on the workpiece, it is also possible to avoid the product ID from having an adverse effect on the workpiece.

[0076] It should be noted that, in implementing the present invention, the specific forms of the camera, image processing unit, display unit, database, control unit, etc. constituting the management device can be changed in various ways as needed, which is natural. In addition, the present invention can also be applied to the management of workpieces other than the suspension of the disk device.

[0077] Additional advantages and modifications will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the present invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details and representative embodiments shown and described herein. Therefore, various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the general creative concept defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A management device for managing a workpiece (10) including a weld, the device being characterized in that it comprises: a database (68) storing information on the workpiece (10) and a product ID linked to the workpiece (10); a camera (63) that captures a weld seam of a workpiece (10); An image processing unit (65) that acquires pattern data by performing image processing on the captured block pattern (20) (30) (40) of the weld; as well as A control unit (66) stores the pattern data and the product ID in a database (68) by linking the pattern data and the product ID with each other.

2. The management device according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also includes: a camera (63) that captures the weld seam of the workpiece (10) to be tracked; An image processing unit (65) that performs image processing on the captured block pattern (20) (30) (40) of the weld to obtain inspection data based on the block pattern (20) (30) (40); as well as A control unit (66) checks the inspection data against existing pattern data stored in a database (68) and acquires a product ID corresponding to the existing pattern data when the inspection data matches the existing pattern data.

3. The management device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The workpiece (10) is a suspension for a magnetic disk device, including a plurality of types of welds, and an image processing unit (65) performs image processing on block patterns (20) (30) (40) of each of the plurality of types of welds to obtain pattern data based on these block patterns (20) (30) (40).

4. The management device according to claim 1, characterized in that: include: A frame (70) on which a plurality of workpieces (10) can be arranged, the frame including a frame ID (72), wherein the product ID and the frame ID (72) can be linked to each other and stored in a database (68).

5. The management device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The camera (63) captures an image of the front block portion (21)(31)(41) of the weld.

6. The management device according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also includes: An appearance inspection unit (64) determines whether the appearance shape of the weld is good or not.

7. A method for managing a workpiece (10) including a weld, the method comprising: storing the information on the workpiece (10) and the product ID in a database (68), and linking the information on the workpiece (10) and the product ID to each other; capturing a weld seam of a workpiece (10); Performing image processing on the captured block pattern (20)(30)(40) of the weld; Obtaining pattern data corresponding to the image-processed block pattern (20)(30)(40); as well as The pattern data and the product ID are stored in a database (68), while being linked to each other.

8. The management method according to claim 7, characterized in that: include: Capturing the weld of a workpiece (10A) whose product ID is unknown; Performing image processing on the captured block pattern (20)(30)(40) of the weld to obtain inspection data based on the block pattern (20)(30)(40); checking the inspection data using existing pattern data stored in a database (68); as well as When the inspection data and the existing pattern data match each other, a product ID linked to the existing pattern data is acquired.

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