Test device

Abstract

The present application provides a test apparatus for detecting a workpiece (10) having a screen-printed mark (11) on a surface. The test device comprises: a cabinet (110) defining a detection space (101); a transport track (120) mounted to the cabinet and extending in a first direction (Y) through the detection space; the tray (130) is suitable for bearing a workpiece (10) to be detected and moving along the conveying track so as to convey the workpiece into the detection space; and an image capture device (140) mounted within the detection space and configured to capture at least an image of the screen mark when the screen mark of the workpiece conveyed into the detection space is illuminated.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to the field of product testing, and more particularly, to a testing apparatus for detecting or testing a product or workpiece. BACKGROUND

[0002] In the industry, for products or workpieces that have been processed or manufactured, it is often necessary to perform various tests, including electrical tests, appearance detection, etc., to ensure that their various functions or performances are qualified or meet requirements.

[0003] For example, a combination switch on a car steering wheel is a device installed on a car steering column, composed of two or more switches for controlling the light, signal, operation, etc. of the car, usually in the form of a handle. The prior art tests the car combination switch manually, for example, manually visually detects the surface silk screen of the combination switch product, which is time-consuming and laborious, and cannot accurately test the performance and reliability of the car combination switch. CONTENT OF THE UTILITY MODEL

[0004] One object of the present disclosure is to solve or overcome at least one of the above and other problems and defects in the prior art.

[0005] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a testing apparatus for detecting a workpiece having a silk screen mark on a surface is provided and includes a cabinet defining a detection space, a conveying track mounted to the cabinet and extending through the detection space in a first direction, a tray adapted to carry a workpiece to be detected and move along the conveying track to convey the workpiece into the detection space, and an image capturing device mounted within the detection space and configured to capture at least an image of the silk screen mark when the silk screen mark of the workpiece conveyed into the detection space is illuminated.

[0006] In some embodiments, the testing apparatus further includes a processor configured to determine whether the silk screen mark meets certain parameter criteria based on the image.

[0007] In some embodiments, a backlight source is provided in the workpiece, which illuminates the silk screen mark when lit, the image capturing device is further configured to acquire a signal representing the light output intensity of the backlight source when lit, and the processor is further configured to determine whether the backlight source in the workpiece meets certain parameter criteria based on the signal.

[0008] In some embodiments, the workpiece has a light-transmissive region corresponding to the backlight source, the silk-screen mark is disposed in the light-transmissive region, and the processor is further configured to determine at least one of a light transmissivity and a light transmissivity uniformity parameter of the light-transmissive region of the workpiece based on the image.

[0009] In some embodiments, the cabinet includes a lower cabinet and an upper cabinet mounted on the lower cabinet, the upper cabinet includes a light-shielded side plate circumferentially surrounding and defining the detection space, the side plate is provided with openings on opposite sides in the first direction to allow a tray carrying a workpiece to pass through the openings and be conveyed into and out of the detection space along the conveying track, and the conveying track is fixed on the lower cabinet.

[0010] In some embodiments, the tray includes a bottom plate adapted to move along the conveying track, and a first support fixed on the bottom plate and configured to detachably hold the workpiece.

[0011] In some embodiments, the testing device further includes a limiting structure configured to hold the tray at an image capturing position within the detection space when the tray is conveyed into the detection space.

[0012] In some embodiments, the testing device further includes a lifting mechanism mounted to the cabinet, the lifting mechanism being configured to lift the tray when the tray is conveyed into the detection space to adjust a distance between a workpiece carried on the tray and the image capturing device.

[0013] In some embodiments, the image capturing device is mounted in the detection space by a second support and located on either side of the conveying track in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0014] In some embodiments, the image capturing device is movably mounted on the second support such that at least one of a position, a distance, and an orientation parameter of the image capturing device relative to a workpiece in an image capturing position within the detection space can be adjusted.

[0015] In some embodiments, the second support includes a support column vertically positioned within the detection space, and a crossbar extending in the first direction and connected to the support column in a manner movable in a height direction relative to the support column, the image capturing device being mounted on the crossbar in a manner rotatable relative to the crossbar.

[0016] In some embodiments, the testing device further includes a power supply device for supplying power to the workpiece.

[0017] In some embodiments, the power-on device is movably installed in the detection space by a third bracket.

[0018] In some embodiments, the test apparatus further includes a control device configured to control a detection operation of the test apparatus on a workpiece.

[0019] Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent and more fully understood from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0020] These and / or other aspects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent and more fully understood from the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0021] Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating a structure of a test apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0022] Figure 2 is a side view illustrating a structure of a test apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0023] Figure 3 is a perspective view illustrating a test apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, in which a portion of a side plate of an upper cabinet is removed to illustrate a structure within the upper cabinet;

[0024] Figure 4 is a side view illustrating a test apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, in which a portion of a side plate of an upper cabinet is removed to illustrate a structure within the upper cabinet;

[0025] Figure 5 is a perspective view illustrating a portion of a test apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, in which an upper cabinet is removed to illustrate a structure within a detection space; and

[0026] Figure 6 is a side view illustrating a test apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, in which an upper cabinet is removed to illustrate a structure within a detection space. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the present specification, the same or similar components are designated by the same or similar reference numerals. The following description of the various embodiments of the present disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings is intended to explain the general principles of the present disclosure and should not be understood as one of the limitations of the present disclosure.

[0028] Moreover, in the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that one or more embodiments can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to faci litate navigating the drawings.

[0029] In the following detailed description, directional terms such as "front," "back," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "up," and "down," "inner," "outer," and the like are used with reference to the orientation of the component as presented in the figures. The shape and location of the components are not limited by these terms, and can be adjusted according to the actual application.

[0030] In addition, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing illustrative embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting and / or all- encompassing to the disclosure. Unless otherwise defined, "a" and "an" and "the" include both singular and plural references. In this disclosure, "including," "containing," "having," and like terms are used to mean including, but not limited to, the stated features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof.

[0031] Although the terms "first," "second," and the like can be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and, similarly, a second element could be termed a first element without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The term "and / or" includes multiple combinations of the associated listed items or any one of the associated listed items.

[0032] Figures 1-6Structures of testing apparatuses according to example embodiments of the present disclosure are schematically shown, which can be used to test or detect functions of various workpieces or products, for example, in a production line, including but not limited to a combination switch on a steering wheel of a vehicle, such as a gear switch with PRND (Parking, Reverse, Neutral, Drive) functions, which is usually a handle type installed on a steering column under a steering wheel for ease of operation by a driver. Such a combination switch is a kind of control device for controlling various functions of a vehicle, for example, a left handle thereof is used for partial light and wiper control functions, while a right handle thereof is used for shift PRND control functions, auxiliary driving control functions, etc. The combination switch is one of the switches that are frequently operated in the whole vehicle switch system, and it is currently a mandatory inspection item, and the functional symbols (such as silk-screen marks for indicating PRND gears or other functions) on the switch must meet specific parameter standards, such as national mandatory standards or ISO international standards related to the combination switch. In the example embodiments shown, the combination switch on a steering wheel of a vehicle is described as an example of a workpiece or product to be detected or tested by the testing apparatus.

[0033] In example embodiments of the present disclosure, as shown in Figures 1-6 The testing apparatus mainly includes a cabinet 110, a conveying track 120, a tray 130, and an image capturing device 140. The cabinet 110 defines a detection space 101 for detecting and testing a product or workpiece 10, while the conveying track 120 is installed to the cabinet 110 and extends through the detection space 101 in a first direction Y (for example, horizontally). The conveying track 120 may, for example, include two parallel rails as shown, or can only include a single rail, or can take the form of a conveyor belt. In some examples, the detection space 101 can be an at least partially enclosed space, for example, the cabinet 110 substantially encloses the detection space 101 at other parts except for an opening through which the conveying track 120 extends or an entrance and exit of the workpiece.

[0034] The tray 130, which can also be referred to as a carrier, is adapted to carry the workpiece 10 to be detected and move along the conveying track 120 to convey the workpiece 10 into the detection space 101 for detection or testing. The image capturing device 140 is installed within the detection space 101 and can at least capture an image of at least a portion of the workpiece 10 conveyed into the detection space 101 for detection of various marks on the appearance or surface of the workpiece 10. As an example, the image capturing device 140 can include a camera, which can be used to take still images or video images of the product or workpiece 10 being detected or a portion thereof.

[0035] It is appreciated that in addition to the image capturing device 140, other various detection or testing devices can be installed in the detection space 101 for detecting or testing various functions of the product or workpiece 10, including electrical functions, mechanical functions, optical functions, etc. After various detections or tests of the product or workpiece are completed in the testing apparatus, the tray carrying the workpiece exits the testing apparatus along the conveying track, and then the next tray carrying a new workpiece to be detected can be conveyed into the testing apparatus for repeating the corresponding detection or test operation.

[0036] As an example, silk-screen marks 11 corresponding to different functions, such as PRND marks or various light function marks, are formed on the surface of the product or workpiece 10. The detection of the silk-screen marks plays an important role in the quality control of the combination switch, which is directly related to the appearance quality of the product, the use safety, and the intuitive feeling of the user. The detection of the silk-screen marks mainly includes the inspection of the silk-screen quality, such as the appearance detection, including but not limited to the clarity, completeness, position accuracy, color consistency, and adhesion state of the silk-screen marks.

[0037] In some embodiments, the testing apparatus can further include a processor 20, which can receive the image captured by the image capturing device 140 and determine whether the appearance of the product or workpiece 10 has defects based on the image, for example, determine whether the silk-screen marks are qualified or meet certain parameter standards based on the captured image, and then determine whether the quality of the silk-screen marks meets the relevant requirements. The processor 20 can include an image processor or a general-purpose processor, which can be disposed at the cabinet 110 or at a remote workstation. In other embodiments, the image capturing device itself can determine whether the appearance of the detected product or workpiece (including the silk-screen marks) has defects based on the image captured by the image capturing device. As an example, the judgment of the appearance quality of the workpiece or its silk-screen marks can be performed based on known image recognition technology or gray scale detection principle.

[0038] In some examples, the image capturing device 140 can capture at least the image of the silk-screen marks 11 of the workpiece 10 being conveyed into the detection space 101 when the silk-screen marks 11 are illuminated, to ensure the capturing quality of the image. As an example, for a workpiece 10 such as a combination switch, a backlight source (not shown) can be provided, which illuminates the silk-screen marks 11 when being turned on, so that the silk-screen marks are visible in different light environments. In other examples, the testing apparatus can be provided with a separate light source for illuminating the workpiece being detected or its silk-screen marks.

[0039] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, for example, in the case where a backlight source is provided in the workpiece 10 for illuminating the silk-screen mark, a signal indicative of the light intensity emitted by the backlight source when it is turned on, for example, a signal indicative of the intensity of the light emitted from the backlight source and transmitted through the silk-screen mark, can be acquired by the image capturing device 140 or a separately provided detection device. In the event of a malfunction or abnormal operation of the backlight source, the acquired light intensity signal will also change accordingly, prompting a problem with the backlight source, and thus the processor or the image capturing device can determine whether the backlight source in the workpiece meets certain parameter standards or operates normally based on the signal.

[0040] The workpiece 10 can have a light-transmitting site or region corresponding to the backlight source therein, and the silk-screen mark 11 can be formed in the light-transmitting site or region. The light-transmitting performance of the light-transmitting site or region affects the illuminated effect of the silk-screen mark, and the processor or the image capturing device can determine the light-transmitting rate and / or the light-transmitting uniformity parameter of the light-transmitting site or region of the workpiece 10 based on the captured image and / or light intensity signal, and further determine whether the workpiece has defects such as material thickness uniformity, surface cracks, scratches, etc. In the case where the silk-screen mark of the workpiece is illuminated by the light source to facilitate the capture of its image or light intensity signal, the detection space formed by the cabinet can be at least partially light-shielded to reduce the adverse effects on the image or light signal capture.

[0041] In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the cabinet 110 includes a lower cabinet 111 as a base and an upper cabinet 112 mounted on the lower cabinet 111, the upper cabinet 112 having a box shape with an open bottom, including a side plate 1121 and a top plate circumferentially surrounding and defining the detection space 101, which can be formed of or coated with a light-shielding material, for example. The side plate 1121 is provided with openings 1122 as openings on opposite sides thereof in the first direction Y, the openings 1122 being shaped or sized to allow the tray 130 carrying the workpiece 10 to pass through the openings 1122 as the inlet and outlet and be conveyed along the conveying track 120 into and out of the detection space 101. One side of the upper cabinet 112 can be provided with a door 1123 to facilitate access to the detection space 101 and various components installed therein.

[0042] The conveying track 120 can be fixed on the lower cabinet 111. In some examples, as Figures 1-6 shown, a fixed plate 113 can be mounted on the top of the lower cabinet 111, and the upper cabinet 112 can be mounted on the fixed plate 113, and various detection or testing devices including the image capturing device 140 can also be mounted on the fixed plate 113.

[0043] In this context, the specific form of the tray 130 is not limited as long as it can carry (e.g. clamp or otherwise secure) the workpiece 10 to be inspected and move along the conveying track 120 to convey the workpiece 10 into and out of the inspection space 101. In the illustrated example, the tray 130 includes a base plate 131 which can be driven to move along the conveying track 120, e.g. can be straddled or rest on two rails, and a first support 132 which is secured to the base plate 131 and serves to releasably carry or hold the workpiece 10. As an example, a drive device (not shown) such as a motor can be provided within the cabinet 110 or on the conveying track 120, which can drive the tray 130 or its base plate 131 to move along the conveying track 120 via a transmission mechanism (e.g. a transmission chain or gears). It can be appreciated that the manner in which the tray is driven to move along the conveying track is not limited thereto.

[0044] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 2-6 The test apparatus can further include a stop structure 133 which can hold the tray 130 at a position within the inspection space 101, e.g. at an image capturing position, when the tray 130 is conveyed into the inspection space 101, to prevent the tray 130 from falling off or wobbling off the conveying track 120. The stop structure 133 can be mounted to the fixed plate 113, and in some examples, the stop structure 133 can be driven to move (e.g. rotate or translate) to hold or release the tray as required.

[0045] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 2-6 The test apparatus can further include a lifting mechanism 150 which is mounted to the cabinet 110, e.g. at least partially within the lower cabinet 111, and is adapted to move in the height direction Z through an aperture formed in the fixed plate 113, whereby the lifting mechanism 150 can lift the tray 130 when the tray 130 is conveyed into the inspection space 101, e.g. when the tray 130 is at an inspection position (e.g. an image capturing position) within the inspection space 101, to adjust the distance between the workpiece 10 carried on the tray 130 and the image capturing device 140 or other inspection or test devices, so that the workpiece 10 can be ensured to be at a position suitable for inspection or testing, e.g. the image capturing device 140 can capture a clear image of the portion of the workpiece 10 to be inspected (e.g. the silk screen mark 11). After the distance is properly adjusted, the tray 130 can be held in place by the stop structure 133. In addition, the stop structure 133 can also limit the height to which the tray 130 can be lifted, to avoid interfering with or damaging the inspection or test devices within the inspection space 101.

[0046] In the illustrated embodiment, the image capturing device 140 is installed in the detection space 101 by a second support 141, which can be fixed on the fixing plate 113, so that the image capturing device 140 can be located on either side of the conveying track 120 in a second direction X perpendicular to the first direction Y. According to actual detection needs, one or more image capturing devices can be arranged on either side of the conveying track.

[0047] In some embodiments, the image capturing device 140 is movably installed on the second support 141, so that at least one of the position, distance and orientation parameters of the image capturing device 140 relative to the workpiece 10 in the image capturing position in the detection space 101 can be adjusted in order to capture the image of the part to be detected of the workpiece.

[0048] As an example, as shown in Figures 3-6 The second support 141 can include a support column 1411 and a crossbar 1412, the support column 1411 is vertically positioned or installed on the fixing plate 113 in the detection space 101, and the crossbar 1412 is connected to the support column 1411, and the image capturing device 140 is installed on the crossbar 1412. The crossbar 1412 can extend in the first direction Y (e.g., horizontally). The crossbar 1412 can be moved in the height direction Z (e.g., slide up and down along the support column 1411) relative to the support column 1411, so that the position and distance of the image capturing device 140 relative to the workpiece 10 in the image capturing position can be adjusted, so that the part to be detected (e.g., the silk screen mark) of the workpiece 10 is within the focusing range of the image capturing device 140. Exemplarily, the image capturing device 140 can also be installed on the crossbar 1412 in a manner that it can rotate relative to the crossbar 1412, for example, the image capturing device 140 can rotate around the rotation axis defined by the crossbar 1412, so as to adjust its orientation or direction relative to the workpiece 10 in the image capturing position.

[0049] As shown in Figures 3-6 The test device can also include a power supply device 160, which can be installed on the fixing plate 113, for supplying power to the workpiece 10, so that the test device can test various electrical properties of the workpiece, or so that the backlight source in the workpiece 10 is lit to illuminate the silk screen mark 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the power supply device 160 is movably installed in the detection space 101 by a third support 161, for example, the third support 161 can move in the first direction Y, the second direction X and / or the height direction Z, so as to adjust the position and distance of the power supply device 160 relative to the workpiece 10 in the detection position.

[0050] In the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the testing device can further comprise a control device (not shown) for controlling (e.g., automatically) various detection or testing operations of the testing device on the workpiece, which can be disposed in the cabinet, such as positioned in the lower cabinet, and in communication with various detection or testing devices of the testing device to control them to detect or test the workpiece and receive corresponding detection or testing.

[0051] In the illustrated embodiments, the testing device can further comprise various manipulation devices 170 associated with various detection operations on the workpiece, including but not limited to testing or detection operation start buttons, stop buttons, reset buttons, emergency stop buttons, hand / auto switching buttons, etc. In addition, the testing device can further comprise interactive devices, such as input devices 181 and display devices 182, to facilitate an operator to control the testing device to detect or test the workpiece. In the illustrated embodiments, the testing device can further comprise an alarm device 190, such as a four-color alarm light, for alerting abnormal operation of the testing device or the workpiece not meeting specific parameter standards. In other embodiments, the alarm device can also issue an alarm prompt in an acoustic or tactile manner, for example, can comprise an alarm bell.

[0052] In the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, instead of manually visually detecting the surface silk printing of the combined switch product, the testing device automatically performs detection of the silk printing mark of the product or workpiece, wherein an image of at least a portion of the workpiece conveyed into the detection space is captured by the image capturing device, including an image of the silk printing mark, and the quality of the silk printing mark can be detected based on the captured image. By implementing detection of the silk printing mark, the quality of the silk printing mark is ensured, which can effectively improve the appearance quality and durability of the product, while also ensuring the safety and satisfaction of the user. The automated testing system can improve detection accuracy and reliability, save labor costs, reduce the probability of silk printing misjudgment and missed detection, improve work efficiency, greatly reduce the operation difficulty of personnel, help to accurately detect and evaluate the overall product, thereby ensuring that the product meets the predetermined quality standard, and reduce the rate of defective products for the production line.

[0053] Although the present disclosure is illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings, the embodiments disclosed in the drawings are intended to exemplarily illustrate the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, and cannot be understood as a limitation of the present disclosure. The dimensional proportions in the drawings are merely illustrative, and cannot be understood as a limitation of the present disclosure.

[0054] Although some embodiments of the general concept of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that changes or substitutions can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirits of the general concept of the present disclosure, and the scope of the present disclosure is limited by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A testing apparatus for detecting a workpiece (10) having a silk-screen marking (11) on a surface, characterized in that, The testing device comprises: a cabinet (110) defining a detection space (101); a conveying track (120) mounted to the cabinet and extending through the detection space along a first direction (Y); a tray (130) adapted to carry a workpiece (10) to be detected and to move along the conveying track to convey the workpiece into the detection space; and an image capturing device (140) mounted within the detection space and configured to capture at least an image of the silk-screen mark when the silk-screen mark of the workpiece conveyed into the detection space is illuminated.

2. The testing device according to claim 1, wherein the testing device further comprises a processor (20) configured to determine, according to the image, whether the silk-screen mark meets specific parameter criteria.

3. The testing device according to claim 2, wherein a backlight source is provided in the workpiece, the backlight source illuminating the silk-screen mark when being lighted up, the image capturing device is further configured to acquire a signal indicative of light emission intensity of the backlight source when being lighted up, and the processor is further configured to determine, based on the signal, whether the backlight source in the workpiece meets specific parameter criteria.

4. The testing device according to claim 3, wherein the workpiece has a light-transmissive region corresponding to the backlight source, the silk-screen mark is provided in the light-transmissive region, and the processor is further configured to determine, based on the image, at least one of light transmissivity and light transmissivity uniformity parameters of the light-transmissive region of the workpiece.

5. The testing device according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein the cabinet comprises a lower cabinet (111) and an upper cabinet (112) mounted on the lower cabinet, the upper cabinet comprises a light-shielded side plate (1121) circumferentially surrounding and defining the detection space, the side plate is provided with openings (1122) on opposite sides in the first direction to allow a tray carrying a workpiece to pass through the openings and be conveyed along the conveying track into and out of the detection space, and the conveying track is fixed on the lower cabinet.

6. The test apparatus of claim 5, wherein, The tray comprises: a bottom plate (131) adapted to move along the conveying track; and a first support (132) fixed on the bottom plate and configured to detachably hold the workpiece.

7. The testing device according to claim 5, wherein the testing device further comprises a limiting structure (133) configured to hold the tray at an image capturing position within the detection space when the tray is conveyed to the image capturing position.

8. The testing device according to claim 5, wherein the testing device further comprises a lifting mechanism (150) mounted to the cabinet, the lifting mechanism being configured to lift the tray when the tray is conveyed into the detection space to adjust a distance between a workpiece carried on the tray and the image capturing device.

9. The testing apparatus according to any one of claims 6-8, characterized in that the image capturing device is mounted within the detection space by a second support (141) on either side of the conveying track in a second direction (X) perpendicular to the first direction.

10. The test apparatus of claim 9, wherein, the image capturing device is movably mounted on the second support such that at least one of a position, a distance and an orientation parameter of the image capturing device relative to the workpiece in an image capturing position within the detection space can be adjusted.

11. The test apparatus of claim 10, wherein, the second support comprises: a post (1411) positioned vertically within the detection space; and a crossbar (1412) extending in the first direction and connected to the post in a manner movable in a height direction (Z) relative to the post, the image capturing device is mounted on the crossbar in a manner rotatable relative to the crossbar.

12. The test apparatus of any of claims 1-4, 6-8, and 10-11, wherein, the testing apparatus further comprises a power supply device (160) for supplying power to the workpiece.

13. The test apparatus of claim 12, wherein, the power supply device is movably mounted in the detection space by a third support (161).

14. The test apparatus of any of claims 1-4, 6-8, 10-11, and 13, wherein, the testing apparatus further comprises a control device configured to control a detection operation of the testing apparatus on a workpiece.

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