Gear testing machine

Abstract

The present invention addresses the problem of providing a gear testing machine capable of reducing operation costs such as labor costs and repair costs. The solution is to provide a gear testing machine (10) comprising: an optical sensor (11) that acquires specific information of a gear (GR) in a non-contact manner; a measurement probe 122 that comes into contact with the gear GR to acquire gear information; and a movement mechanism (14) that moves the measurement probe (122) to a position specified on the basis of the specifying information. According to the gear testing machine (10), the measuring probe (122) can be moved to the measurement starting position by means of the determination and operation.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a gear tester. BACKGROUND

[0002] As a gear tester, a gear tooth surface measuring device or the like is known (for example, see Patent Document 1). In such a gear tester, at the start of measurement, by bringing a measurement probe into contact with a gear and acquiring gear information such as position information, the measurement probe is generally aligned with a gear slot by visual observation.

[0003] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS PATENT DOCUMENTS Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2909872 SUMMARY

[0004] PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION However, when measuring a small module gear (a gear having fine teeth that are difficult to visually recognize, such as a gear having a module of 0.5 mm or less), it is difficult to accurately position the measurement probe (measuring element) in the gear slot, and therefore it is necessary to rely on the skills of a skilled person. Also, even if a skilled person is operating, if the measurement probe is damaged, it needs to be replaced, resulting in an increase in operating costs such as labor costs and repair costs.

[0005] The present application has been made in view of the above problems, and aims to provide a gear tester that can reduce operating costs.

[0006] MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS (1) The present application is a gear tester (for example, the gear tester 10 described below), which includes an optical sensor (for example, the optical sensor 11 described below) that acquires specific information related to a gear (for example, the gear GR described below) in a non-contact manner; a measurement probe (for example, the measurement probe 122 described below) that comes into contact with the gear to acquire gear information; and a movement mechanism (for example, the movement mechanism 14 described below) that moves the measurement probe to a position determined based on the specific information.

[0007] According to the present application, by the judgment and action of the gear tester, the measurement probe can be moved to the measurement start position, and therefore it is not necessary to rely on the skills of a skilled person, and damage to the measurement probe can be prevented. As a result, work efficiency can be improved, and operating costs such as labor costs and repair costs can be reduced.

[0008] (2) The present application is also characterized in that, according to the above (1), the gear tester is one in which the specific information is position information of a tooth tip.

[0009] (3) The present application is also characterized in that, according to the above (2), the moving mechanism moves the measurement probe to the gear tester at the tooth space position specified based on the addendum position information.

[0010] Even in a case where the detection distance range of the optical sensor is large and it is difficult to acquire the tooth space position information with high precision, the addendum position information can be acquired with high precision. Therefore, in the present application, the optical sensor acquires the addendum position information, and specifies the position of the tooth space based on the addendum position information. Thus, according to the present application, the position of the tooth space can be specified regardless of the detection distance range of the optical sensor.

[0011] (4) The present application is also characterized in that, according to any one of the above (1) to (3), the optical sensor and the measurement probe are arranged adjacent to each other in the Y-axis direction, the gear tester is provided on the positive direction side of the X-axis with respect to the optical sensor and the measurement probe, and a gear support mechanism (for example, the gear support mechanism 15 described later) is provided, which rotatably supports the gear around the θ-axis (which is perpendicular to both the X-axis and the Y-axis). In this case, the optical sensor 11 is arranged so that the irradiation direction thereof faces the positive direction of the X-axis, and the measurement probe is arranged so as to protrude toward the positive direction of the X-axis.

[0012] According to the present application, since the optical sensor and the measurement probe are arranged adjacent to each other in the Y-axis direction, interference between the optical sensor and the gear can be prevented, and thus malfunction can be avoided.

[0013] (5) The present application is also characterized in that, according to any one of the above (1) to (3), the gear tester has a function of correcting the position of the optical sensor with respect to the measurement probe.

[0014] According to the present application, since the function of measuring the positional relationship between the optical sensor and the measurement probe and correcting based thereon is provided, even if the measurement system fluctuates due to temperature, humidity, or vibration, or changes unexpectedly due to an accident or impact, or even if the measurement probe or the optical sensor needs to be replaced, accurate use can be ensured.

[0015] Effects of the Invention The gear tester according to the above (1) to (5) of the present application can reduce the running cost. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0016] Fig. 1 is a mode diagram of a gear tester according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0017] Fig. 2 is a mode diagram of a gear tester, (A) shows a state in which an optical sensor acquires specified information, and (B) shows a state in which a measurement probe acquires gear information.

[0018] Fig. 3 (A) is a graph showing specific information obtained by the optical sensor, (B) is a graph showing an approximate curve calculated from the specific information and a threshold value for a specific tooth crest position, in (A) and (B), the horizontal axis represents a rotation axis θ axis of the gear, and the vertical axis represents a radial direction R axis of the gear.

[0019] Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing a process of obtaining specific information.

[0020] Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing a process of determining a position of a tooth groove from the specific information and moving the measurement probe to the determined position, which is a subsequent process of the process of Fig. 4.

[0021] Fig. 6 (A) is a pattern diagram showing a mode in which the measurement probe detects an X axis direction peak in the cylindrical jig when the gear tester is calibrated, (B) is a graph showing a measurement amount by the measurement probe, the horizontal axis being the X axis and the vertical axis being the Y axis.

[0022] Fig. 7 is a measurement probe pattern diagram when the gear tester is calibrated, (A) shows a state in which an X axis direction peak on one side in the Y axis direction in the cylindrical jig is detected, (B) shows a state in which the measurement probe contacts the other end portion side in the Y axis direction at a position of the detected X axis direction peak.

[0023] Fig. 8 (A) is a pattern diagram showing a mode in which the measurement probe detects an end portion position in the Z axis direction in the cylindrical jig when the gear tester is calibrated, (B) is a graph showing a measurement amount by the measurement probe, the horizontal axis being the Z axis and the vertical axis being the Y axis.

[0024] Fig. 9 (A) is a pattern diagram showing a mode in which the optical sensor detects a Y axis direction peak in the cylindrical jig when the gear tester is calibrated, (B) is a graph showing a measurement amount by the optical sensor, the horizontal axis being the Y axis and the vertical axis being the X axis.

[0025] Fig. 10 (A) is a pattern diagram showing a mode in which the optical sensor detects an end portion position in the Z axis direction in the cylindrical jig when the gear tester is calibrated, (B) is a graph showing a measurement amount by the optical sensor, the horizontal axis being the Z axis and the vertical axis being the X axis.

[0026] Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing a process by the measurement probe with respect to the X axis direction and the Y axis direction when the gear tester is calibrated.

[0027] Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing a process by the optical sensor with respect to the X axis direction and the Y axis direction, which is a subsequent process of the process of Fig. 11.

[0028] Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing a process by the optical sensor and the measurement probe with respect to the Z axis direction, which is a subsequent process of the process of Fig. 12.

[0029] Symbol explanation 1 Gear testing system 10-pinion testing machine 11-optical sensor 12-detector 121-detector body 122-measuring probe 13-pitch mechanism 14-moving mechanism 15-pinion support mechanism 16-control circuit board 20-computer GR-pinion TG-gear slot TT-pinion tip CJ-cylindrical jig CW-cogwheel curve CCW-cogwheel curve FIT-cogwheel curve TV-threshold value S101-pinion parameter transmission step S102-set key input step S103-optical sensor moving step S104-start key input step S105-forward rotation information acquisition step S106-reverse rotation information acquisition step S201-gear slot position specification step S202-error output step S203-gear slot position transmission step S204-measuring probe moving step S301-correction information transmission step S302-set key input step S303-measuring probe first moving step S304-start key input step S305-measuring probe first detection step S306-error first output step S307-measuring probe second moving step S308-measuring probe second detection step S309-error second output step S401-optical sensor first moving step S402-optical sensor first detection step S403-first operation step S501-measuring probe third moving step S502-measuring probe third detection step S503 second movement step of optical sensor S504 second detection step of optical sensor S505 second calculation step DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] A gear testing machine 10 (see FIG. 1) according to an embodiment of the present application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that in the gear testing machine 10 (see FIG. 1), the direction from the left to the right is the positive direction of the X axis (see FIG. 1). Also, the direction from the front to the back is the positive direction of the Y axis (see FIG. 1). Further, the direction from the bottom to the top is the positive direction of the Z axis.

[0031] First, the configuration of the gear testing machine 10 will be described with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a mode diagram of the gear testing machine 10.

[0032] The gear testing machine 10 shown in FIG. 1 is a machine for measuring the dimensional accuracy and the shape accuracy of a gear GR as a test object. The gear testing machine 10 has a function of correcting the position of an optical sensor 11 with respect to a measurement probe 122, and a function of correcting the position of a center axis θ axis of a gear support mechanism 15.

[0033] In addition, when the gear testing machine 10 is corrected, a cylindrical jig CJ (see FIGS. 6 to 10) is used instead of the gear GR as the test object. Also, the gear testing machine 10 is in a state of being connected to a computer 20 such as a notebook personal computer when it is used. That is, the gear testing machine 10 and the computer 20 together constitute a gear test system 1.

[0034] Specifically, the gear testing machine 10 includes the optical sensor 11, the detector 12, a pitch mechanism 13, a movement mechanism 14, the gear support mechanism 15, a control circuit board 16, and the like.

[0035] The optical sensor 11 is disposed adjacent to the positive direction side of the Y axis (the back side of the gear testing machine 10) of the detector 12, and its irradiation direction is toward the positive direction of the X axis (the direction of the gear GR fixed by the gear support mechanism 15). The optical sensor 11 is integrated with the pitch mechanism 13, and is movable in each of the X axis, Y axis, and Z axis directions by the movement mechanism 14.

[0036] Also, the optical sensor 11 acquires specific information of the gear GR in a noncontact manner, and transmits the specific information to the control circuit board 16. In addition, when the gear testing machine 10 is corrected, the optical sensor 11 acquires information from the cylindrical jig CJ (see FIGS. 6 to 10) instead of the gear GR, and transmits the information to the control circuit board 16.

[0037] As the optical sensor 11, a laser displacement sensor (red semiconductor laser sensor) is preferably used. For example, "ZP-L" manufactured by OMRON Corporation, Kyoto, Japan can be used.

[0038] Further, as the optical sensor 11, an intelligent sensor (visible light semiconductor laser sensor) or a fiber sensor (red quad light emitting diode sensor) can be used. Further, the optical sensor 11 can be a fiber coaxial displacement sensor (white confocal type).

[0039] The detector 12 is disposed adjacent to the Y-axis negative direction side (front side of the gear testing machine 10) of the optical sensor 11. The detector 12 is movable in the X-axis direction by a pitch mechanism 13. Further, the detector 12 is integrated with the pitch mechanism 13 and is movable in each of the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions by a moving mechanism 14.

[0040] Specifically, the detector 12 includes a detector body 121 and a measurement probe 122.

[0041] The measurement probe 122 is mounted on the detector body 121 and protrudes toward the X-axis positive direction (direction of the gear GR fixed by the gear support mechanism 15). The measurement probe 122 contacts the gear GR, acquires gear information such as position information of the gear GR, and transmits the gear information to a control circuit board 16. Further, when the gear testing machine 10 is calibrated, the measurement probe 122 acquires information not from the gear GR but from a cylindrical jig CJ (see FIGS. 6 to 10) and transmits the information to the control circuit board 16.

[0042] The pitch mechanism 13 acquires information from the control circuit board 16 and moves the detector 12 as a whole in the X-axis direction on the basis of the information.

[0043] The moving mechanism 14 acquires information from the control circuit board 16 and moves the optical sensor 11, the detector 12, and the pitch mechanism 13 as a whole in each of the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions on the basis of the information.

[0044] The gear support mechanism 15 is disposed on the X-axis positive direction side (right side of the gear testing machine 10) of the optical sensor 11 and the detector 12. The gear support mechanism 15 rotatably supports the gear GR or the cylindrical jig CJ (see FIGS. 6 to 10) with a θ-axis parallel to the Z-axis as a center. Further, the gear support mechanism 15 acquires information from the control circuit board 16 and rotates the gear GR or the cylindrical jig CJ (see FIGS. 6 to 10) around the θ-axis on the basis of the information.

[0045] The control circuit board 16 is mounted with an amplifier unit, a communication unit, and the like. The control circuit board 16 integrally controls the gear testing machine 10 and communicates with the computer 20.

[0046] The computer 20 is equipped with dedicated software (programs). In addition to general functions, the computer 20 also has the functions of sending information to the gear testing machine 10, receiving information from the gear testing machine 10, performing calculations on the information received from the gear testing machine 10, and outputting the information received from the gear testing machine 10 and the calculation results.

[0047] Next, referring to Figures 2(A) and 2(B), the states in which the optical sensor 11 acquires specific information and the states in which the measuring probe 122 acquires gear information in the gear testing machine 10 will be described.

[0048] Figure 2(A) is a schematic diagram of the gear testing machine 10, showing the state in which the optical sensor 11 acquires specific information. Figure 2(B) is a schematic diagram of the gear testing machine 10, showing the state in which the measuring probe 122 acquires gear information.

[0049] As shown in Figure 2(A), when the optical sensor 11 acquires specific information, it is arranged such that the axis of rotation (θ axis) of the gear support mechanism 15 is located in the irradiation direction of the optical sensor 11.

[0050] As shown in Figure 2(B), when the measuring probe 122 acquires gear information, it is arranged such that the axis of rotation (θ axis) of the gear support mechanism 15 is located on the extension line of the front end of the measuring probe 122.

[0051] Next, referring to Figures 3(A) and 3(B), the specific information acquired by the optical sensor 11 will be described.

[0052] Figure 3(A) is a graph representing specific information acquired by optical sensor 11. Figure 3(B) is an approximate curve calculated from the specific information, and a graph of the threshold for a specific tooth tip TT (see Figures 1 and 2). In Figures 3(A) and 3(B), the horizontal axis represents the rotation axis θ of gear GR (see Figures 1 and 2), and the vertical axis represents the radial axis R of gear GR (see Figures 1 and 2).

[0053] As shown in Figure 3(A), when the gear GR (see Figures 1 and 2) is rotated clockwise, the specific information obtained by the optical sensor 11 (see Figures 1 and 2) is represented by the tooth profile curve CW; when the gear GR (see Figures 1 and 2) is rotated counterclockwise, the specific information obtained by the optical sensor 11 (see Figures 1 and 2) is represented by the tooth profile curve CCW.

[0054] As shown in Figure 3(B), the approximate curve calculated from the specific information represented by the tooth profile curve CW and the specific information represented by the tooth profile curve CCW is represented by the tooth profile curve FIT. The threshold used to calculate the position of the tooth tip TT (see Figures 1 and 2) is represented by TV.

[0055] First, the intersection of the tooth profile curve FIT and the straight line representing the threshold TV becomes the boundary point between the tooth tip TT (see Figures 1 and 2) and the tooth surface (symbol omitted).

[0056] Secondly, the center of the boundary point transitioning from the tooth surface (symbol omitted) to the tooth tip TT (see Figures 1 and 2), and the center of the boundary point transitioning from the tooth tip TT (see Figures 1 and 2) to the tooth surface (symbol omitted) is the tooth tip TT (see Figures 1 and 2). In other words, the center of the two boundary points before and after the required tooth tip TT (see Figures 1 and 2) is the tooth tip TT (see Figures 1 and 2).

[0057] Next, the center of the two adjacent tooth tips TT (see Figure 1 and Figure 2) is the tooth groove TG (see Figure 1 and Figure 2).

[0058] To identify a specific tooth groove TG, at least one tooth groove TG must be theoretically identifiable. If the tooth groove TG cannot be detected due to insufficient detection distance range of the optical sensor 11, then two or more consecutive tooth tip TGs are detected, and the position of the tooth groove TG is identified as described above. In this case, the gear GR needs to rotate at least 3 teeth to eliminate false detections caused by noise, etc., and therefore needs to rotate even more. Optimally, the gear GR should rotate 5 teeth.

[0059] Alternatively, in principle, the gear GR (see Figures 1 and 2) can be moved along the Y-axis (see Figures 1 and 2) to obtain specific information instead of rotating the gear GR (see Figures 1 and 2). In this case, by using a light cut-off sensor or the like, multiple displacement information can be obtained simultaneously in the Y-axis (see Figures 1 and 2) direction.

[0060] Next, referring to Figures 4 and 5, the procedure for moving the measuring probe 122 to the tooth groove TG (see Figures 1 and 2) at the start of the measurement will be described.

[0061] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating the process of acquiring specific information. Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating the subsequent processing of the process in Figure 4, illustrating the process of determining the position of the tooth groove TG (see Figures 1 and 2) from the specific information and moving the measuring probe 122 (see Figures 1 and 2) to the specific position.

[0062] As shown in Figure 4, the process of acquiring specific information includes: gear parameter transmission step S101, setting key input step S102, optical sensor movement step S103, start key input step S104, forward rotation information acquisition step S105, and reverse rotation information acquisition step S106.

[0063] The gear parameter transmission step S101 is as follows: the various parameters (module, number of teeth, pressure angle, helix angle, tooth width, displacement, outer diameter, etc.) of the gear GR (see Figure 1 and Figure 2) input into the computer 20 (see Figure 1) are transmitted from the computer 20 (see Figure 1) to the gear testing machine 10 (see Figure 1 and Figure 2), i.e., the information necessary for the optical sensor 11 (see Figure 1 and Figure 2) to obtain specific information.

[0064] The setting key input step S102 is the step after step S101 whereby the movement start command for the optical sensor 11 (see Figures 1 and 2) is input from the computer 20 (see Figure 1) to the gear testing machine 10 (see Figures 1 and 2) from the computer 20 (see Figure 1).

[0065] The optical sensor moving step S103 is a step in which the optical sensor 11 (see Figures 1 and 2) moves to the tooth groove detection start position required to acquire specific information in response to an instruction input from the computer 20 (see Figure 1) to the gear testing machine 10 (see Figures 1 and 2) (step S102).

[0066] The start key input step S104 is the step after step S103 whereby the instruction to start the tooth groove detection is input from the computer 20 (see Figure 1) to the gear testing machine 10 (see Figures 1 and 2).

[0067] The forward rotation information acquisition step S105 is in response to the instruction input from the computer 20 (see Figure 1) to the gear testing machine 10 (see Figures 1 and 2) (step S104), the gear support mechanism 15 (see Figures 1 and 2) causes the gear GR (see Figures 1 and 2) to rotate forward (clockwise), and the optical sensor 11 (see Figures 1 and 2) performs the step of detecting specific information (equivalent to 5 tooth points, at least 3 tooth points).

[0068] The reverse information acquisition step S106 is after step S105, in which the gear support mechanism 15 (see Figures 1 and 2) reverses the gear GR (see Figures 1 and 2) (rotates counterclockwise), and the optical sensor 11 (see Figures 1 and 2) performs the step of detecting specific information (equivalent to 5 tooth segments, at least 3 tooth segments).

[0069] The specific information detected in steps S105 and S106 is input by the gear testing machine 10 (see Figures 1 and 2) to the computer 20 (see Figure 1).

[0070] As shown in Figure 5, the process of determining the position of the tooth groove TG (see Figures 1 and 2) from specific information and moving the measuring probe 122 (see Figures 1 and 2) to the determined position includes a tooth groove position determination step S201, an error output step S202, a tooth groove position transmission step S203, and a measuring probe movement step S204.

[0071] The tooth groove position specific step S201 refers to the step in which the computer 20 (see Figure 1) performs calculations using specific information input from the gear testing machine 10 (see Figures 1 and 2) after step S106, thereby determining the position of the tooth groove TG (see Figures 1 and 2).

[0072] Error output step S202 refers to the step in which the computer 20 (see Figure 1) outputs an error when the position of the tooth groove TG (see Figure 1) cannot be determined in step S201.

[0073] The tooth groove position transmission step S203 refers to the step of transmitting the position information of the tooth groove TG (see Figures 1 and 2) determined in step S201 from the computer 20 (see Figure 1) to the gear testing machine 10 (see Figures 1 and 2).

[0074] The measurement probe movement step S204 refers to the step of moving the measurement probe 122 (see Figure 1 and Figure 2) to the measurement start position (tooth groove TG (see Figure 1 and Figure 2)) based on the information on the position of the tooth groove TG (see Figure 1 and Figure 2) input from the computer 20 (see Figure 1) to the gear testing machine 10 (see Figure 1 and Figure 2) (step S203).

[0075] Next, referring to Figures 6(A), 6(B), 7(A), 7(B), 8(A), and 8(B), the measuring probe 122 during the calibration of the gear testing machine 10 will be described.

[0076] Figure 6(A) is a schematic diagram of the peak value in the X-axis direction of the cylindrical fixture CJ detected by the measuring probe 122 during the calibration of the gear testing machine 10. Figure 6(B) is a graph of the measured quantities by the measuring probe 122, with the horizontal axis being the X-axis and the vertical axis being the Y-axis.

[0077] As shown in Figure 6(A), when the measuring probe 122 detects the peak position in the X-axis direction at the rotation center of the cylindrical fixture CJ, the measuring probe 122 reciprocates along the X-axis direction while contacting the end of the cylindrical fixture CJ on one side in the Y-axis direction.

[0078] As shown in Figure 6(B), when the measuring probe 122 reciprocates along the X-axis while in contact with the end of the cylindrical clamp CJ on the Y-axis side, the measured quantity of the measuring probe 122 is represented by a solid line. The approximate curve of the measured quantity of the measuring probe 122 is represented by a dashed line. In the graph, the position where the Y-axis value reaches its maximum represents the peak value in the X-axis direction.

[0079] Figure 7(A) is a schematic diagram of the measuring probe 122 during the calibration of the gear testing machine 10, showing the state of detecting the peak value in the X-axis direction on one side of the Y-axis direction in the cylindrical fixture CJ. Figure 7(B) is a schematic diagram of the measuring probe 122 during the calibration of the gear testing machine 10, showing the state of contact between the measuring probe 122 and the other end of the cylindrical fixture CJ in the Y-axis direction at the position of the detected peak value in the X-axis direction.

[0080] As shown in Figure 7(A), when calibrating the position of the rotation center (θ axis) of the gear support mechanism 15 in the Y-axis direction, the measuring probe 122 reciprocates along the X-axis direction while contacting the end of the cylindrical fixture CJ on one side in the Y-axis direction. It should be noted that Figure 7(A) and Figure 6(A) are the same drawing.

[0081] As shown in Figure 7(B), when correcting the position of the rotation center (θ axis) of the gear support mechanism 15 in the Y-axis direction, the position of the peak value of the X-axis direction obtained by the measuring probe 122 in Figure 7(A) contacts the other end of the cylindrical clamp CJ in the Y-axis direction.

[0082] The average of the Y-coordinate position detected by the measuring probe 122 when it reciprocates along the X-axis direction with the probe 122 in contact with one end of the cylindrical clamp CJ in the Y-axis direction, and the Y-coordinate position detected by the measuring probe 122 when it contacts the other end of the cylindrical clamp CJ in the Y-axis direction, is calculated as the Y-coordinate position of the rotation center of the cylindrical clamp CJ detected by the measuring probe 122.

[0083] Figure 8(A) is a schematic diagram of the position of the end of the cylindrical fixture CJ in the Z-axis direction detected by the measuring probe 122 during the calibration of the gear testing machine 10. Figure 8(B) is a graph of the measured quantities by the measuring probe 122, with the horizontal axis being the Z-axis and the vertical axis being the Y-axis.

[0084] As shown in Figure 8(A), when calibrating the position of the optical sensor 11 relative to the measuring probe 122 in the Z-axis direction, the measuring probe 122 moves along the Z-axis direction while contacting the end of the cylindrical fixture CJ on one side in the Y-axis direction.

[0085] As shown in Figure 8(B), when the measuring probe 122 moves along the Z-axis while in contact with the end of the cylindrical clamp CJ on the Y-axis side, the detection quantity of the measuring probe 122 is represented by a solid line. The approximate curve of the detection quantity of the measuring probe 122 is represented by a dashed line. In the graph, the positions where the detection quantity undergoes a stepped displacement represent the end position of the cylindrical clamp CJ in the Z-axis direction.

[0086] Next, referring to Figures 9(A), 9(B), 10(A) and 10(B), the optical sensor 11 during the calibration of the gear testing machine 10 will be described.

[0087] Figure 9(A) is a schematic diagram showing the peak value in the Y-axis direction of the cylindrical fixture CJ detected by the optical sensor 11 during the calibration of the gear testing machine 10. Figure 9(B) is a graph of the quantities detected by the optical sensor 11, with the horizontal axis being the Y-axis and the vertical axis being the X-axis.

[0088] As shown in Figure 9(A), when calibrating the position of the optical sensor 11 relative to the measuring probe 122 in the Y-axis direction, the optical sensor 11 moves back and forth along the Y-axis direction to traverse the cylindrical fixture CJ.

[0089] As shown in Figure 9(B), when the optical sensor 11 reciprocates along the Y-axis to traverse the cylindrical clamp CJ, the detection quantity of the optical sensor 11 is represented by a solid line. The approximate curve of the detection quantity of the optical sensor 11 is represented by a dashed line. In the graph, the position where the X-axis value reaches its maximum represents the peak value in the Y-axis direction.

[0090] Figure 10(A) is a schematic diagram showing the position of the end of the cylindrical fixture CJ in the Z-axis direction detected by the optical sensor 11 during the calibration of the gear testing machine 10. Figure 10(B) is a graph of the quantities detected by the optical sensor 11, with the horizontal axis being the Z-axis and the vertical axis being the X-axis.

[0091] As shown in Figure 10(A), when calibrating the position of the optical sensor 11 relative to the measuring probe 122 in the Z-axis direction, the optical sensor 11 moves along the Z-axis direction to pass longitudinally through the cylindrical fixture CJ.

[0092] As shown in Figure 10(B), when the optical sensor 11 moves longitudinally along the Z-axis to pass through the cylindrical clamp CJ, the detection quantity of the optical sensor 11 is represented by a solid line. The approximate curve of the detection quantity of the optical sensor 11 is represented by a dashed line. In the graph, the positions where the detection quantity undergoes a step-like displacement represent the end positions of the cylindrical clamp CJ in the Z-axis direction.

[0093] Next, referring to Figures 11, 12 and 13, the processing flow of the gear calibration test machine 10 will be described.

[0094] Figure 11 is a flowchart illustrating the processing of the X-axis and Y-axis directions by the measuring probe 122 in the gear calibration testing machine 10. Figure 12 is a flowchart following Figure 11, within the gear calibration testing machine 10, illustrating the processing of the X-axis and Y-axis directions by the optical sensor 11. Figure 13 is a flowchart following Figure 12, within the gear calibration testing machine 10, illustrating the processing of the Z-axis direction by the optical sensor 11 and the measuring probe 122.

[0095] As shown in Figure 11, in the processing of the gear calibration tester 10, the process of the X-axis and Y-axis directions being processed by the measuring probe 122 includes: calibration information transmission step S301, setting key input step S302, measuring probe first movement step S303, start key input step S304, measuring probe first detection step S305, error first output step S306, measuring probe second movement step S307, measuring probe second detection step S308, and error second output step S309.

[0096] The calibration information transmission step S301 is a step of transmitting calibration-required information, such as the information about the cylindrical fixture CJ (see Figures 6 to 10) input to the computer 20 (see Figure 1), to the gear testing machine 10 (see Figures 6 to 10).

[0097] The setting key input step S302 is the step after step S301 whereby the movement start command for the measuring probe 122 (see Figures 6 to 9) is input from the computer 20 (see Figure 1) to the gear testing machine 10 (see Figures 6 to 10).

[0098] The first movement step S303 of the measuring probe is a step in response to the instruction (step S302) input from the computer 20 (see Figure 1) to the gear testing machine 10 (see Figure 6), which moves the measuring probe 122 (see Figure 6) to the calibration start position on one side of the cylindrical fixture CJ (see Figure 6) in order to correct the position of the gear support mechanism 15 (see Figure 6) in the X-axis (see Figure 6) direction at the rotation center.

[0099] The start key input step S304 is the step after step S303 whereby the command to start the calibration is input from the computer 20 (see Figure 1) to the gear testing machine 10 (see Figures 6 and 7).

[0100] The first detection step S305 of the measuring probe is a step in which the measuring probe 122 (see Figure 6) performs the detection of the peak position in the X-axis direction at the rotation center of the cylindrical fixture CJ (see Figure 6) in response to the instruction (step S304) input from the computer 20 (see Figure 1) to the gear testing machine 10 (see Figure 6).

[0101] The first error output step S306 is the step in step S305 where, if the peak position of the X-axis (see Figure 6) direction at the rotation center of the gear support mechanism 15 (see Figure 6) cannot be detected, the computer 20 (see Figure 1) outputs an error and the gear testing machine 10 (see Figure 6) lights up the stop indicator light (illustration omitted).

[0102] The second movement step S307 of the measuring probe is a step after step S305, in order to correct the position of the rotation center of the gear support mechanism 15 (see Figure 7) in the Y-axis (see Figure 7) direction, and to move the measuring probe 122 (see Figure 7) to the correction start position on the other side of the cylindrical clamp CJ (see Figure 7).

[0103] The second detection step S308 of the measuring probe is a step performed by the measuring probe 122 (see Figure 7) to detect the peak position of the cylindrical fixture CJ (see Figure 7) in the X-axis (see Figure 7) direction at the rotation center of the gear support mechanism 15 (see Figure 7) in order to correct the position of the rotation center of the gear support mechanism 15 (see Figure 7) in the Y-axis (see Figure 7) direction.

[0104] The second error output step S309 is the step in step S308 where, if the peak position of the X-axis (see Figure 7) direction at the rotation center of the gear support mechanism 15 (see Figure 7) cannot be detected, the gear testing machine 10 (see Figure 7) illuminates the stop indicator light (illustration omitted).

[0105] As shown in Figure 12, in the processing of the gear calibration test machine 10 (see Figure 9), the process of the optical sensor 11 (see Figure 9) processing the X-axis (see Figure 9) direction and the Y-axis (see Figure 9) direction includes: the first movement step S401 of the optical sensor, the first detection step S402 of the optical sensor, and the first calculation step S403.

[0106] The first moving step S401 of the optical sensor is a step after step S309 in which the optical sensor 11 (see Figure 9) is moved to the calibration start position in order to correct the position of the optical sensor 11 (see Figure 9) relative to the measuring probe 122 (see Figure 9) in the Y-axis (see Figure 9) direction.

[0107] The first detection step S402 of the optical sensor is a step performed by the optical sensor 11 (see Figure 9) to detect the peak position of the cylindrical fixture CJ (see Figure 9) in the Y-axis (see Figure 9) direction at the rotation center of the cylindrical fixture CJ (see Figure 9) in order to correct the position of the optical sensor 11 (see Figure 9) relative to the measuring probe 122 (see Figure 9) in the Y-axis (see Figure 9) direction.

[0108] The information detected in steps S305, S308 and S402 is input into computer 20 (see Figure 1) by gear testing machine 10 (see Figures 6, 7 and 9).

[0109] The first calculation step S403 is performed after step S402 by computer 20 (see Figure 1) using information input from gear testing machine 10 (see Figures 6, 7 and 9) to obtain: the error amount of the position of the rotation center of gear support mechanism 15 (see Figures 6, 7 and 9) in the X-axis (see Figures 6, 7 and 9) and Y-axis (see Figures 6, 7 and 9) directions, and the error amount of the position of optical sensor 11 (see Figures 6, 7 and 9) relative to measuring probe 122 (see Figures 6, 7 and 9) in the Y-axis (see Figures 6, 7 and 9) direction.

[0110] As shown in Figure 13, in the processing of the gear calibration test machine 10 (see Figures 8 and 10), the process of processing the Z-axis (see Figures 8 and 10) direction by the optical sensor 11 (see Figure 10) and the measuring probe 122 (see Figure 8) includes: the third movement step of the measuring probe S501, the third detection step of the measuring probe S502, the second movement step of the optical sensor S503, the second detection step of the optical sensor S504, and the second calculation step S505.

[0111] The third moving step S501 of the measuring probe is a step after step S403 in which the measuring probe 122 (see Figure 8) is moved to the calibration start position in order to correct the position of the optical sensor 11 (see Figure 10) relative to the measuring probe 122 (see Figure 8) in the Z-axis direction (see Figure 8).

[0112] The third detection step S502 of the measuring probe is a step performed by the measuring probe 122 (see Figure 8) to detect the end position of the cylindrical fixture CJ (see Figure 8) in the Z-axis (see Figure 8) direction in order to correct the position of the optical sensor 11 (see Figure 10) relative to the measuring probe 122 (see Figure 8) in the Z-axis (see Figure 8) direction.

[0113] The second movement step S503 of the optical sensor is a step after step S502 in which the optical sensor 11 (see FIG10) is moved to the calibration start position in order to correct the position of the optical sensor 11 (see FIG10) relative to the measuring probe 122 (see FIG8) in the Z-axis (see FIG10) direction.

[0114] The second detection step S504 of the optical sensor is a step performed by the optical sensor 11 (see Figure 10) to detect the end position of the cylindrical fixture CJ (see Figure 10) in the Z-axis (see Figure 10) direction in order to correct the position of the optical sensor 11 (see Figure 10) relative to the measuring probe 122 (see Figure 8) in the Z-axis (see Figure 10) direction.

[0115] The information detected in steps S502 and S504 is input into computer 20 (see Figure 1) by gear testing machine 10 (see Figures 8 and 10).

[0116] The second calculation step S505 is a step after step S504 in which the computer 20 (see Figure 1) uses the information input from the gear testing machine 10 (see Figures 8 and 10) to perform calculations to obtain the error amount of the position of the optical sensor 11 (see Figure 10) relative to the measuring probe 122 (see Figure 8) in the Z-axis (see Figures 8 and 10) direction for correction.

[0117] The error values ​​obtained in steps S403 and S505 are input by computer 20 (see Figure 1) to gear testing machine 10 (see Figures 6 to 10) and used to calibrate gear testing machine 10 (see Figures 6 to 10).

[0118] As described above, the gear testing machine 10 (see Figures 1 and 2) includes: an optical sensor 11 (see Figures 1 and 2) that acquires specific information about a gear GR (see Figures 1 and 2) in a non-contact manner; a measuring probe 122 (see Figures 1 and 2) that acquires gear information by contacting the gear GR (see Figures 1 and 2); and a moving mechanism 14 (see Figure 1) that moves the measuring probe 122 (see Figures 1 and 2) to a specific position based on the aforementioned specific information.

[0119] According to the gear testing machine 10 described above (see Figures 1 and 2), the measuring probe 122 (see Figures 1 and 2) can be moved to the measurement start position by the judgment and action of the gear testing machine 10. Therefore, no skilled personnel are required, and damage to the measuring probe can be prevented. As a result, work efficiency can be improved, and operating costs such as labor costs and repair costs can be reduced. In addition, the automation of gear measurement using robots or the like can also be realized.

[0120] In addition, the specific information refers to the position information of the tooth tip TT (see Figures 1 and 2).

[0121] In addition, the moving mechanism 14 (see FIG1) moves the measuring probe 122 (see FIG1 and FIG2) to a specific position of the tooth groove TG (see FIG1 and FIG2) based on the position information of the tooth tip TT (see FIG1 and FIG2).

[0122] Even when the detection distance of the optical sensor is large and it is difficult to obtain the position information of the tooth groove TG (see Figures 1 and 2) with high precision, the position information of the tooth tip TT (see Figures 1 and 2) can still be obtained with high precision. Therefore, in the gear testing machine 10 (see Figures 1 and 2), the position information of the tooth tip TT (see Figures 1 and 2) is obtained by the optical sensor 11 (see Figures 1 and 2), and the position of the tooth groove TG (see Figures 1 and 2) is specified based on the position information of the tooth tip TT (see Figures 1 and 2). In this way, according to the gear testing machine 10 (see Figures 1 and 2), the position of the tooth groove TG (see Figures 1 and 2) can be specified without being limited by the detection distance range of the optical sensor 11 (see Figures 1 and 2).

[0123] Furthermore, the optical sensor 11 (see Figures 1 and 2) and the measuring probe 122 (see Figures 1 and 2) are arranged adjacent to each other in the Y-axis direction (see Figures 1 and 2). The gear testing machine 10 (see Figures 1 and 2) is arranged relative to the optical sensor 11 (see Figures 1 and 2) and the measuring probe 122 (see Figures 1 and 2) on the positive direction of the X-axis (see Figures 1 and 2), which is orthogonal to the Y-axis (see Figures 1 and 2), and is equipped with a gear support mechanism 15 (see Figures 1 and 2), which rotatably supports the gear GR (see Figures 1 and 2) around the θ-axis (see Figures 1 and 2), which is orthogonal to both the X-axis (see Figures 1 and 2) and the Y-axis (see Figures 1 and 2). The optical sensor 11 (see Figures 1 and 2) is arranged with its illumination direction facing the positive direction of the X-axis (see Figures 1 and 2). The measuring probe 122 (see Figures 1 and 2) is arranged to protrude in the positive direction of the X-axis (see Figures 1 and 2).

[0124] According to the gear testing machine 10 described above (see Figures 1 and 2), since the optical sensor 11 (see Figures 1 and 2) and the measuring probe 122 (see Figures 1 and 2) are arranged adjacent to each other in the Y-axis direction (see Figures 1 and 2), interference between the optical sensor 11 (see Figures 1 and 2) and the gear GR (see Figures 1 and 2) can be prevented, thereby avoiding malfunctions.

[0125] Furthermore, it has the function of calibrating the position of the optical sensor 11 (see Figures 1 and 2) relative to the measuring probe 122 (see Figures 1 and 2).

[0126] According to the gear testing machine 10 described above (see Figures 1 and 2), since it has the function of measuring the positional relationship between the optical sensor 11 (see Figures 1 and 2) and the measuring probe 122 (see Figures 1 and 2) and calibrating accordingly, it can ensure accurate use even if the measurement system fluctuates due to temperature, humidity or vibration, or if there are unexpected changes due to accidents or impacts, or even if it is necessary to replace the measuring probe 122 (see Figures 1 and 2) or the optical sensor 11 (see Figures 1 and 2).

[0127] This invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made without departing from its purpose and technical concept. That is to say, the arrangement, dimensions (size, length, thickness, etc.), quantity, shape, material, purpose, and operation steps of each component can be appropriately changed.

[0128] For example, in the above embodiment, the optical sensor 11 (see Figures 1 and 2) is arranged adjacent to the measuring probe 122 (see Figures 1 and 2) on the positive Y-axis (see Figures 1 and 2) side, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The optical sensor 11 (see Figures 1 and 2) may also be arranged adjacent to the measuring probe 122 (see Figures 1 and 2) on the negative Y-axis (see Figures 1 and 2) side.

[0129] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the optical sensor 11 (see Figures 1 and 2) is arranged adjacent to the measuring probe 122 (see Figures 1 and 2) in the Y-axis direction (see Figures 1 and 2), but the present invention is not limited thereto. The optical sensor 11 (see Figures 1 and 2) may also be staggered relative to the measuring probe 122 (see Figures 1 and 2) in the Z-axis direction (see Figures 1 and 2), and this staggering may be performed simultaneously with or independently of the arrangement in the Y-axis direction (see Figures 1 and 2).

[0130] For example, in the above embodiment, the measuring probe 122 (see Figures 1 and 2) is moved to the specific position of the tooth groove TG (see Figures 1 and 2) based on specific information, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The measuring probe 122 (see Figures 1 and 2) can also be moved to a position other than the specific tooth groove TG (see Figures 1 and 2) (for example, the position of the tooth tip TT (see Figures 1 and 2)) based on specific information.

Claims

1. A gear testing machine, characterized in that, include: Optical sensors, measurement probes, and moving mechanisms, The optical sensor is used to acquire specific information about the gear being tested in a non-contact manner; The measuring probe is used to contact the gear to obtain gear information; The moving mechanism is used to move the measuring probe to the position determined based on the specific information.

2. The gear testing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The specific information refers to the position information of the tooth tip.

3. The gear testing machine according to claim 2, characterized in that, The moving mechanism is configured to move the measuring probe to a tooth groove position determined based on the tooth tip position information.

4. The gear testing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The optical sensor and the measuring probe are arranged adjacent to each other in the Y-axis direction. The gear testing machine is positioned relative to the optical sensor and the measuring probe on one side of the positive X-axis, which is perpendicular to the Y-axis, and includes a gear support mechanism. The gear support mechanism is configured to rotatably support the gear around an axis θ, which is perpendicular to both the X and Y axes. The optical sensor is irradiated in the positive direction of the X-axis. The measuring probe is positioned to protrude along the positive direction of the X-axis.

5. The gear testing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, It has the function of correcting the position of the optical sensor relative to the measuring probe.

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