Portable vehicle measurement control system

Abstract

The invention relates to a mobile vehicle measurement control system comprising a first device including a platform on which a first robot (23) and a first control unit (20) are arranged, and a second device including a platform on which a second robot (24) and a second control unit (21) are arranged, notable in that each platform is mobile; the first device is arranged on one side of the vehicle and the second device is arranged on the opposite side of the vehicle; the first robot (23) and the second robot (24) being configured to perform clearance and flushness measurements of the vehicle. Figure for the abstract: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: Portable vehicle measurement control system Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for measuring clearances and flushness for vehicles. It is applicable in the automotive field, in particular, on vehicle production lines. Previous technique

[0002] A measurement station in a production line is used to control the quality of the part produced. In the automotive industry, these stations are large and require floor-mounted installations indexed to the production line via encoders for vehicle progress and a programmable logic controller (PLC) for vehicle identification and results reporting. The measurement sensors are mounted on cobots or robots (the latter requiring additional protective mesh and access control).

[0003] Some prior art documents also propose control stations for measuring clearances and flushness. For example, publication document JP2017032300 is known. It describes a measurement of the clearances and flushness of a bodywork using a laser head measurement system mounted on a multi-axis robot. The measurement is taken as the moving vehicles pass by.

[0004] However, the document has one drawback. This system is not designed to be mobile.

[0005] The fact that it cannot be moved from one site to another or from one line to another multiplies the cost by the number of installations. Presentation of the invention

[0006] The present invention aims to remedy these drawbacks with a completely innovative approach.

[0007] One objective of the invention is to provide an assembly that can be easily adapted to existing systems.

[0008] These objectives, as well as others that will appear subsequently, are achieved using a mobile vehicle measurement control system comprising a first device including a first platform on which a first robot and a first control unit are arranged, and a second device including a second platform on which a second robot and a second control unit are arranged, notable in that the first or second platform is mobile; the first device is arranged on one side of the vehicle and the second device is arranged on another side opposite said vehicle; the first robot and the second robot being configured to carry out clearance and flushness measurements of said vehicle.

[0009] Thanks to these arrangements, the ability to have a mobile platform allows the entire measurement control to move easily around the vehicle, which facilitates access to different parts of it to carry out precise measurements.

[0010] By placing the first device on one side of the vehicle and the second device on the opposite side, complete coverage of the vehicle is ensured, which makes it possible to carry out clearance and flushness measurements over its entire structure, including hard-to-reach parts.

[0011] Thanks to the use of robots to perform the measurements, high accuracy and rapid execution of control tasks can be guaranteed, which reduces the time required to inspect the vehicle and improves overall operational efficiency.

[0012] The invention is advantageously implemented according to the embodiments and variants set out below, which are to be considered individually or according to any technically operative combination.

[0013] In one embodiment, said measurements are compared to a reference numerical definition from a database.

[0014] The measurements taken by the control system allow for adaptation to the unique characteristics of each vehicle and comparison with a reference digital definition from a CAD database. Real-time measurements provide immediate access to parameters based on the precise characteristics of each vehicle and enable the detection of potential manufacturing defects.

[0015] In one embodiment, the first control unit and / or the second control unit displays said measurements performed by a display device.

[0016] The measurements taken by the robots can be displayed in real time on the display device, allowing operators to monitor and track the measurement process as it unfolds. This facilitates the early detection of any problems or anomalies, thus enabling rapid intervention if necessary.

[0017] In one embodiment, the assembly further comprises a third control unit; said third control unit being installed on the first platform or the second platform.

[0018] The presence of a third control unit makes it possible to distribute the workload and optimize measurement operations. Each control unit can be assigned to specific tasks or to distinct parts of the vehicle, thereby accelerating the measurement process and improving overall efficiency.

[0019] In one embodiment, the first control unit, the second control unit and the third control unit comprise a microcontroller and a user interface.

[0020] In one embodiment, the first robot and the second robot comprise a multi-axial arm fixed on the platforms having a gripper configured to remotely measure said vehicle.

[0021] The measurement is by laser and does not need to touch said vehicle.

[0022] The multi-axial arms allow for great flexibility in movement, enabling the robots to adapt to different shapes and contours of the vehicle. This ensures complete coverage during measurements, even on complex or hard-to-reach surfaces.

[0023] In one embodiment, the assembly comprises at least one of the following elements: a camera configured to recognize said vehicle, a motion detection system configured to detect the presence of a vehicle.

[0024] The use of a camera or motion detection system automates the vehicle detection process. This eliminates the need for manual intervention to signal the vehicle's presence, saving time and improving the overall efficiency of the system.

[0025] In one embodiment, the mobility of the first platform and / or the second platform is achieved by means of casters.

[0026] In one embodiment, said casters include a locking element.

[0027] The mobile platforms can be easily moved to be positioned near different parts of the vehicle to be measured. This allows for better accessibility and optimal positioning to carry out the necessary measurements.

[0028] The caster locking element ensures increased platform stability during measurements. Once the platforms are positioned in the desired location, the locking element can be activated to immobilize the casters and prevent any unwanted movement during measurement operations.

[0029] In one embodiment, said user interface is configured to display at least one of the following: vehicle identification, measurements taken, differences with the reference numerical definition from a database.

[0030] The user interface provides a clear and concise view of critical information related to measurements and vehicle identification. This allows operators to quickly understand the current state of the measurement process and make informed decisions accordingly. Brief description of the figures

[0031] Other advantages, purposes and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, given for explanatory purposes and in no way as a limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0032] Fig. 1 represents the mobile measurement control unit of a vehicle according to an example embodiment;

[0033] Fig. 2 represents an example of the platform of the assembly with its components;

[0034] Figure 3 shows the location of the assembly during a path of a vehicle. Description of the implementation methods

[0035] Fig. 1 shows the mobile measurement control unit of a vehicle.

[0036] This figure shows a first device and a second device.

[0037] The first device comprises a first control unit 20 which controls a first robot 23. This first device is positioned on a first platform 25.

[0038] The second device includes a second control unit 21 which controls a second robot 24. This second device is positioned on a second platform 26.

[0039] The first platform 25 and the second platform 26 are mobile and transportable. Mobility is provided by casters.

[0040] The first robot 23 and the second robot 24 each have a multi-axis arm and a gripper. The first robot 23 is fixed to the first platform 25, and the second robot 24 is fixed to the second platform 26.

[0041] A gripper is a device designed to grasp or manipulate objects.

[0042] The multiaxial arm has at least one degree of freedom to move the first robot 23 or second robot 24.

[0043] According to an example carried out, the first control unit 20 supports the first robot 23 by remote connection.

[0044] According to an example made, the second control unit 21 supports the second robot 24 by remote connection.

[0045] The first control unit 20 or the second control unit 21 includes a detection system.

[0046] This detection system includes a position sensor and at least one camera 27.

[0047] The camera 27 is fixed with one of the platforms with a support structure. It allows identification of the vehicle and any detected play and protrusions.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the camera 27 is connected to the first control unit 20 or to the second control unit 21 by wired connection.

[0049] The first device or the second device includes a third control unit 22.

[0050] The first control unit 20, the second control unit 21, and the third control unit 22 comprise a microcontroller and a user interface.

[0051] The microcontroller of the first control unit 20 and the second control unit 21 enables the operation of the first robot 23 and the second robot 24.

[0052] The third control unit 22 supports a user interface and the computing bay.

[0053] According to one variant, the assembly is connected to the internet via a high-speed wireless link. This eliminates the need for physical connections.

[0054] During the control of measurements on a vehicle, the measurements are compared to a reference digital definition from a CAD database.

[0055] After comparison, the measurements are displayed on one or more user interfaces of the first control unit 20, the second control unit 21 and / or the third control unit 22.

[0056] Naturally, the invention is described above by way of example. It is understood that a person skilled in the art is able to carry out different embodiments of the invention without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0057] Fig. 2 shows a platform of the assembly with its components.

[0058] This figure shows the first platform 25. There is the third control unit 22, the first control unit 20, and the first robot 23.

[0059] According to an example produced, the first control unit 20 includes a display device for displaying measurements taken on a vehicle.

[0060] This display device is connected to the user interface.

[0061] According to one variant, the second control unit 21 includes a display device.

[0062] Fig. 3 shows the location of the assembly during the movement of a vehicle.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the first robot 23 and the second robot 24 have a height between 150 cm and 300 cm. This height allows the roof of the vehicle and the highest point of a vehicle to be measured.

[0064] During the measurements, the first platform 25 and the second platform 26 are blocked by the wheels.

[0065] The casters are locked by a locking element. According to one embodiment, the locking element is a brake.

[0066] According to the example shown, the vehicle passes between the first platform 25 and the second platform 26.

[0067] It is emphasized that all features, as they are apparent to a person skilled in the art from the present description, drawings and attached features, even if in practice they have only been described in relation to other specific features, both individually and in any combinations, can be combined with other features or groups of features disclosed herein, provided that this has not been expressly excluded or that technical circumstances make such combinations impossible or meaningless. List of reference signs

[0068] [Tables 1] References Designations 20 First control unit 21 Second control unit 22 Third control unit 23 First robot 24 Second robot 25 First platform 26 Second platform 27 Camera

Claims

Demands

1. A mobile vehicle measurement control system comprising a first device including a first platform (25) on which a first robot (23) and a first control unit (20) are arranged, a second device including a second platform (26) on which a second robot (24) and a second control unit (21) are arranged, characterized in that the first platform (25) or the second platform (26) is mobile; the first device is arranged on one side of the vehicle and the second device is arranged on another side opposite said vehicle; the first robot (23) and the second robot (24) being configured to perform clearance and flushness measurements of said vehicle.

2. Assembly according to claim 1, wherein said measurements are compared to a reference numerical definition from a database.

3. Assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the first control unit (20) and / or the second control unit (21) displays said measurements performed by a display device.

4. Assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the assembly further comprises a third control unit (22); said third control unit (22) being installed on the first platform (25) or the second platform (26).

5. Assembly according to claim 4, wherein the first control unit (20), the second control unit (21) and the third control unit (22) comprise a microcontroller and a user interface.

6. Assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first robot (23) and the second robot (24) each comprise a multi-axial arm fixed on the platforms comprising a gripper configured to remotely measure said vehicle.

7. Assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the assembly comprises at least one of the following: a camera (27) configured to recognize said vehicle, a motion detection system configured to detect the presence of a vehicle.

8. Assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the mobility of the first platform (25) or of the second platform (26) is achieved by casters.

9. Assembly according to claim 8, wherein said casters comprise a locking element.

10. Assembly according to any one of claims 5 to 9, wherein said user interface is configured to display at least one of the following: vehicle identification, measurements taken, differences with the reference numerical definition from a database.

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