Device and method for testing wear resistance of electroplated layer at parting line of automobile inward-opening handle
By designing a test device for the wear resistance of the electroplated layer at the parting line of the car's interior door handle, the problem of cracking and peeling of the electroplated layer under long-term passenger use was solved, achieving more realistic test results and improving product quality and safety.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- CHERY AUTOMOBILE CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2026-01-08
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-19
AI Technical Summary
Existing technology cannot effectively simulate the wear and tear of the electroplated layer at the parting line of the car door handle under long-term passenger use, resulting in frequent problems such as cracking and peeling of the electroplated layer, which affects passenger safety and comfort.
A device for testing the wear resistance of electroplated coatings at the parting line of an automotive interior door handle was designed. The device includes a finger abrasion tester and a clamping mechanism. By simulating finger movement, friction tests are performed on the electroplated interior door handle components to simulate the passenger's usage environment and evaluate the wear resistance of the electroplated coating.
It effectively simulates the passenger's usage environment, reduces the risk of electroplating cracking or peeling, reduces after-sales claims and repair costs, and improves product quality and safety.
Smart Images
Figure CN122062995A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application belongs to the field of automotive parts quality testing technology, and in particular relates to a device and method for testing the wear resistance of electroplated coatings at the parting line of an automotive interior door handle. Background Technology
[0002] As people's living standards improve, their demands for automobile quality are increasing, especially regarding in-car comfort and safety. The inward-opening handle on the interior door panel is used by passengers to open the car door and is a frequently touched component; therefore, the comfort and safety of its operation are crucial. Currently, the problem of cracking and peeling of the plating on the inward-opening handle is not uncommon. Current testing methods primarily address plating adhesion strength, but these methods differ significantly from the actual user environment. Testing is often conducted on relatively flat areas and cannot simulate the impact of prolonged hand contact on the plating at the parting line of the inward-opening handle. Whether prolonged wear and tear from passenger operation will affect plating cracking is currently unassessed and lacks testing methods. In severe cases, this could lead to scratches or other injuries to passengers while operating the inward-opening handle.
[0003] The existing publicly available testing methods only test the structural strength of the inward-opening handle, and there are no corresponding testing requirements or method descriptions for the wear resistance of the surface electroplating layer. Furthermore, current market information indicates that in addition to functional failures caused by structural fractures, electroplated inward-opening handles frequently experience problems such as cracking, blistering, and peeling of the electroplating layer at the parting line due to factors such as large parting line breaks, poor bonding strength of the electroplating layer, and incomplete stress relief of the material.
[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a new device and method for testing the wear resistance of the electroplated layer at the parting line of an automotive interior door handle to solve the above-mentioned technical problems. Summary of the Invention
[0005] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a device and method for testing the wear resistance of the electroplated layer at the parting line of an automotive interior door handle in order to solve the above-mentioned problems.
[0006] This disclosure achieves the above objectives through the following technical solutions: A device for testing the wear resistance of electroplated coating at the parting line of an automotive interior door handle includes a test platform base, on which a finger abrasion tester for friction testing of electroplated interior door handle parts and a clamping mechanism for fixing the electroplated interior door handle parts are provided. The electroplated inward-opening handle component includes a parting line area and a first friction area and a second friction area on both sides of the parting line area; when the finger abrasion tester is tested, it first contacts the parting line area, and then contacts the first friction area and the second friction area back and forth, and contacts the parting line area during the back and forth process.
[0007] As a further optimization of this disclosure, the finger abrasion tester includes a display screen, a power switch, and a simulated finger movement rod. The display screen is used for inputting parameters and displaying data, the power switch is used for power supply, and the simulated finger movement rod is used for reciprocating motion to perform friction testing on the electroplated inward-opening handle components.
[0008] As a further optimization of this disclosure, the simulated finger motion rod includes a motion rod and a simulated finger friction head; the simulated finger friction head is disposed at the end of the motion rod.
[0009] As a further optimization of this disclosure, the distance between the first friction area and the second friction area and the parting line area is not less than 2 mm.
[0010] As a further optimization of this disclosure, the clamping mechanism includes two rubber clamping heads, a clamping head stroke adjustment base, and a clamping head stroke adjustment hole; the two rubber clamping heads are slidably disposed on the clamping head stroke adjustment base, and the clamping head stroke adjustment hole is used to adjust the distance between the two rubber clamping heads to fix the electroplated inward-opening handle component.
[0011] As a further optimization of this disclosure, the material hardness of the simulated finger friction head is 47±5HA.
[0012] A test method for a wear resistance testing device applicable to the parting line of an automotive interior door handle includes the following steps: Check the appearance of the electroplated inward-opening handle parts for defects. If there are defects, stop the test and prepare new electroplated inward-opening handle parts; if not, continue the test. Fix the electroplated inner opening handle parts onto the clamping mechanism. When fixing, the area to be tested should be facing the finger abrasion tester so that the simulated finger friction head can contact the parting line area. Input the preset parameters into the finger abrasion tester and start the test. During the test, observe the friction area of the electroplated inner handle parts after each preset number of friction cycles, and evaluate the condition of the friction area.
[0013] As a further optimization of this disclosure, the appearance of the electroplated inward-opening handle components is inspected for defects, including bulges, cracks, and peeling.
[0014] As a further optimization of this disclosure, if the structure of the electroplated inner-opening handle component is complex and it is impossible to achieve contact between the simulated finger friction head and the parting line area of the electroplated inner-opening handle component, the electroplated inner-opening handle component can be cut off, leaving the area to be tested.
[0015] As a further optimization of this disclosure, an evaluation is conducted based on the condition of the friction area, including: After a preset number of friction cycles, if cracking, peeling, or blistering occurs in the friction area of the electroplated inner handle parts, the test is stopped and deemed unqualified. If no obvious defects are found, the test is then visually inspected under a D65 standard light source. If cracking, peeling, or blistering occurs in the electroplated layer, it is deemed unqualified, and the electroplating process is evaluated and analyzed. After rectification, the parts are resubmitted for testing. If the electroplated layer is thinned or shows through the material, but no cracking or peeling occurs, a comprehensive evaluation is conducted based on the electroplated layer thickness. If the electroplated layer thickness meets the requirements, it is deemed qualified; otherwise, it is deemed unqualified. If the appearance of the electroplated layer remains unchanged or changes color, and there is no cracking, peeling, or blistering, it is deemed qualified.
[0016] The beneficial effects of this disclosure are as follows: This disclosure can effectively simulate the impact of passenger usage environment on the electroplating layer of the inward-opening handle. Compared with the prior art, it can more realistically simulate the actual usage environment of passengers, effectively move the problem forward, reduce the claims and repair costs for after-sales problems such as electroplating layer cracking or peeling, reduce the risk of personal injury to passengers, and improve the product quality image. Attached Figure Description
[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure in an embodiment of this disclosure; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the clamping mechanism in an embodiment of this disclosure; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the finger-like movement lever in an embodiment of this disclosure; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the electroplated inward-opening handle component and the simulated finger friction head in the test state of an embodiment of this disclosure.
[0019] In the diagram: 1. Electroplated inward-opening handle components; 2. Finger abrasion tester; 3. Clamping mechanism; 4. Test platform base; 11. Parting line area; 12. First friction area; 13. Second friction area; 21. Display screen; 22. Power switch; 23. Finger-like movement rod; 231. Movement rod; 232. Finger-like friction head; 31. Rubber clamping head; 32. Clamping head stroke adjustment base; 33. Clamping head stroke adjustment hole. Detailed Implementation
[0020] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.
[0021] like Figure 1 As shown, a device for testing the abrasion resistance of the electroplated layer at the parting line of an automotive interior door handle includes a test platform base 4, a finger abrasion tester 2, and a clamping mechanism 3 mounted on the test platform base 4. The finger abrasion tester 2 is used to perform friction tests on the electroplated interior door handle component 1; the clamping mechanism 3 is used to fix the electroplated interior door handle component 1.
[0022] like Figure 4 As shown, the electroplated inner-opening handle component 1 mainly includes a parting line area 11, a first friction area 12 and a second friction area 13 on both sides of the parting line area 11. The first friction area 12 and the second friction area 13 generally need to be more than 2mm on both sides of the parting line 11; the finger abrasion tester 2 includes a display screen 21, a power switch 22, and a finger-like movement rod 23, as shown. Figure 3 As shown, the finger-like motion lever 23 includes a motion lever 231 and a finger-like friction head 232; as Figure 2 As shown, the clamping mechanism 3 includes a rubber clamping head 31, a clamping head stroke adjustment base 32, and a clamping head stroke adjustment hole 33.
[0023] The testing methods include: Before testing the electroplated inward-opening handle component 1, confirm the preparation and check whether there are defects such as bulges, cracks, or peeling on the appearance of the electroplated inward-opening handle component 1. If there are corresponding defects, stop the test and prepare the electroplated inward-opening handle component 1 again; if the electroplated inward-opening handle component 1 has no corresponding defects, proceed to the next step.
[0024] Fix the electroplated inward-opening handle component 1 onto the clamping mechanism 3: The clamping mechanism 3 needs to use different rubber clamping heads 31 according to the structural differences of the electroplated inward-opening handle component 1, and adjust the rubber clamping head 31 to a suitable stroke position through the clamping head stroke adjustment hole 33 to fix the electroplated inward-opening handle component 1 onto the clamping mechanism 3. The purpose is to fix the electroplated inward-opening handle component 1 firmly to avoid loosening or falling off during the test.
[0025] When fixing the electroplated inward-opening handle component 1, the area to be tested should face the finger abrasion tester 2 so that the friction head 232 can easily contact the parting line area of the electroplated inward-opening handle component 1. If the structure of the electroplated inward-opening handle component 1 is complex (such as a ring-shaped inward-opening handle), and it is not possible to make contact between the simulated finger friction head 232 and the parting line area 11 of the electroplated inward-opening handle component 1, the electroplated inward-opening handle component 1 can be cut off, leaving only the area to be tested.
[0026] The simulated finger friction head 232 in the finger abrasion tester 2 is made of a material with a hardness of 47±5 (Shore A hardness). The simulated finger friction head 232 has a diameter of 10mm. The simulated finger friction head 232 needs to first contact the parting line area 11 of the electroplated inner-opening handle component 1. The first friction area 12 and the second friction area 13 that make reciprocating contact need to include the parting line. The first friction area 12 and the second friction area 13 generally need to be at least 2mm on both sides of the parting line area 11. Figure 4 As shown.
[0027] The parameter settings of the display screen 21 of the finger abrasion tester 2 are as follows: the contact load between the simulated finger friction head 232 and the electroplated inner opening handle component 1 is set to 5±1N (the maximum can be set to 20±1 N, which can be adjusted according to actual needs); the friction speed is set to 60mm / s; the number of friction cycles is 100,000 (set according to specific requirements).
[0028] Once all equipment is ready, begin the test. During the test, observe the friction area of the electroplated inner handle component 1 every 5000 cycles for any visible defects such as cracking, peeling, or blistering. If any of these problems occur, stop the test and deem it unqualified. If no obvious defects are found during the test, and after the test is completed, conduct an inspection and evaluation under a D65 standard light source at a distance of approximately 300mm from the human eye. If the electroplated inner-opening handle component 1 shows cracking, peeling, or blistering in the electroplated layer after the abrasion test, it is deemed unqualified and the electroplating process needs to be evaluated and analyzed. Factors such as whether the parting line difference of the material is too large or whether the stress relief of the material is incomplete need to be analyzed and rectified before resubmitting for testing. If the electroplated inner-opening handle component 1 shows thinning or transparency of the electroplated layer after the abrasion test, but no cracking or peeling issues are found, a comprehensive evaluation based on the electroplated layer thickness is required. If the electroplated layer thickness meets the requirements, it is deemed qualified; otherwise, it is deemed unqualified. If the appearance of the inner-opening handle electroplated layer is unchanged or there is a color change, and there are no problems such as cracking, peeling, or blistering, it is deemed qualified.
[0029] The number of test samples will be determined according to specific needs, and the following test data will be recorded:
[0030] The embodiments described above are merely examples of several implementations of this disclosure, and while the descriptions are specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of this patent disclosure. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this disclosure, and these modifications and improvements all fall within the protection scope of this disclosure.
Claims
1. A device for testing the wear resistance of the electroplated layer at the parting line of an automotive interior door handle, characterized in that, The test platform base (4) is provided with a finger abrasion tester (2) for friction testing of the electroplated inward-opening handle component (1) and a clamping mechanism (3) for fixing the electroplated inward-opening handle component (1). The electroplated inward-opening handle component (1) includes a parting line area (11) and a first friction area (12) and a second friction area (13) on both sides of the parting line area (11). When the finger abrasion tester (2) is tested, it first contacts the parting line area (11), and then contacts the first friction area (12) and the second friction area (13) back and forth. During the back and forth process, it contacts the parting line area (11).
2. The device for testing the wear resistance of the electroplated layer at the parting line of an automotive interior door handle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The finger abrasion tester (2) includes a display screen (21), a power switch (22), and a finger-like motion rod (23). The display screen (21) is used to input parameters and display data. The power switch (22) is used to supply power. The finger-like motion rod (23) is used to perform reciprocating motion to test the friction of the electroplated inner handle component (1).
3. The device for testing the wear resistance of the electroplated layer at the parting line of an automotive interior door handle according to claim 2, characterized in that, The simulated finger movement rod (23) includes a movement rod (231) and a simulated finger friction head (232); the simulated finger friction head (232) is disposed at the end of the movement rod (231).
4. The device for testing the wear resistance of the electroplated layer at the parting line of an automotive interior door handle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The distance between the first friction area (12) and the second friction area (13) and the parting line area (11) is not less than 2 mm.
5. The device for testing the wear resistance of the electroplated layer at the parting line of an automotive interior door handle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The clamping mechanism (3) includes two rubber clamping heads (31), a clamping head stroke adjustment base (32), and a clamping head stroke adjustment hole (33); the two rubber clamping heads (31) are slidably disposed on the clamping head stroke adjustment base (32), and the clamping head stroke adjustment hole (33) is used to adjust the distance between the two rubber clamping heads (31) to fix the electroplated inward-opening handle component (1).
6. The device for testing the wear resistance of the electroplated layer at the parting line of an automotive interior door handle according to claim 2, characterized in that, The material hardness of the simulated finger friction head (232) is 47±5HA.
7. A test method for the abrasion resistance testing device applicable to the parting line test device for automotive interior door handles as described in any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Check the appearance of the electroplated inward-opening handle component (1) for defects. If there are defects, stop the test and prepare the electroplated inward-opening handle component (1) again. If not, continue the test. The electroplated inner opening handle component (1) is fixed on the clamping mechanism (3). When fixing, the area to be tested should be facing the finger abrasion tester (2) so that the simulated finger friction head (232) can contact the parting line area (11). Input the preset parameters into the finger abrasion tester (2) and start the finger abrasion tester (2) to conduct the test. During the test, observe the friction area of the electroplated inner handle component (1) after each preset number of frictions, and evaluate the condition of the friction area.
8. The test method according to claim 7, characterized in that, Check the appearance of the electroplated inner handle parts (1) for defects, including bulges, cracks and peeling.
9. The test method according to claim 7, characterized in that, If the structure of the electroplated inner-opening handle component (1) is complex and it is impossible to make contact between the simulated finger friction head (232) and the parting line area (11) of the electroplated inner-opening handle component (1), the electroplated inner-opening handle component (1) can be cut off, leaving the area to be tested.
10. The test method according to claim 7, characterized in that, An assessment is conducted based on the condition of the friction area, including: After a preset number of rubbing cycles, observe the electroplated inner handle parts. If cracks, peeling, or blistering appear in the rubbing area, stop the test and determine that the test is unqualified. If there are no obvious defects, after the test, inspect and evaluate the parts with the naked eye under a D65 standard light source. If cracks, peeling, or blistering appear in the electroplated layer, it is determined to be unqualified. The electroplating process is evaluated and analyzed, and the parts are resubmitted for testing after rectification. If the electroplated layer is thinned or transparent to the material, but there are no cracks or peeling problems, a comprehensive evaluation is carried out in combination with the thickness of the electroplated layer. If the thickness of the electroplated layer meets the requirements, it is determined to be qualified; otherwise, it is determined to be unqualified. If the appearance of the electroplated layer does not change or there is a color change, and there are no cracks, peeling, or blistering, it is determined to be qualified.