Panel support tool

Abstract

To provide a panel support tool which enables improvement of workability when a surface quality of a panel is inspected by visual check.SOLUTION: A panel support tool (100) is used when a surface quality of a panel (200) formed by a metal plate is inspected and used to support the panel (200). The panel support tool (100) includes a body (1) which supports the panel (200) so as to allow change of an attitude of the panel (200).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a panel support tool for supporting a panel composed of a metal plate, and more particularly to a panel support tool used when inspecting the surface quality of a panel.

Background Art

[0002] Panels composed of metal plates are used, for example, for automotive outer panels. Generally, automotive outer panels have a convexly curved shape on the surface side. Such panels are manufactured by pressing a metal blank sheet.

[0003] Panels are required to have surface quality. In order to ensure the surface quality of a panel, generally, sampling inspection is performed in the panel manufacturing process. Specifically, light is irradiated from a light source onto the surface of the panel to be inspected, and the surface quality of the panel is inspected based on the degree of distortion of the light reflected from the panel surface. Conventionally, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-116404 (Patent Document 1), the inspection of the surface quality of a panel is performed with the posture of the panel fixed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The inspection of the surface quality of the panel may be performed visually by an inspector. In this case, the light source for inspection is fixed at a predetermined position, and it is necessary to change the posture of the panel with respect to this light source. That is, the inspector has to visually check the surface of the panel while moving the panel around himself / herself with respect to the fixed light source. Since there is no assistance for this moving operation, it places a heavy burden on the inspector. Therefore, when inspecting the surface quality of the panel visually, the workability is not good.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a support tool for a panel that can improve workability when inspecting the surface quality of the panel visually.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The support tool for a panel according to the present disclosure is a support tool for a panel used when inspecting the surface quality of a panel composed of a metal plate, and supports the panel. The support tool for a panel includes a main body portion that supports the panel so as to allow a change in the posture of the panel.

Effects of the Invention

[0008] According to the support tool for a panel of the present disclosure, workability can be improved when inspecting the surface quality of the panel visually.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described. In the following description, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with examples, but the present disclosure is not limited to the examples described below. In the following description, specific numerical values and specific materials may be exemplified, but the present disclosure is not limited to those exemplifications.

[0011] The panel support according to the present embodiment is used when inspecting the surface quality of a panel made of a metal plate, and is a panel support for supporting the panel. The panel support includes a main body portion that supports the panel so as to allow a change in the posture of the panel (first configuration).

[0012] In the panel support having the first configuration, the panel is supported by the main body portion so as to allow a change in the posture of the panel. Therefore, when visually inspecting the surface quality of the panel, the inspector can grasp a part of the periphery of the panel and freely change the posture of the panel with respect to a fixed light source. Therefore, according to the panel support having the first configuration, it is easy for the inspector to handle the panel, and the workability can be improved.

[0013] The above-mentioned support tool for the panel preferably further includes a stand portion. The stand portion is attached to the main body portion and holds the main body portion at a predetermined height. The panel is placed and supported on the main body portion with its back face facing down (second configuration). The support tool for the panel of the second configuration is placed on the floor or a workbench. In this support tool for the panel, the main body portion is held at a predetermined height by the stand portion, and the panel is placed and supported on the main body portion. Thereby, when the inspector handles the panel, it is possible to prevent the panel from interfering with the floor or the workbench.

[0014] In the support tool for the panel according to the second configuration, it is preferable that the stand portion includes a height adjustment mechanism for adjusting the height of the main body portion (third configuration). In this case, the height adjustment mechanism can set the height of the main body portion, that is, the support height of the panel, to an appropriate height with respect to the light source.

[0015] In the support tool for the panel according to the second or third configuration, it is preferable that the main body portion has a support surface with a shape corresponding to the shape of the panel (fourth configuration). In this case, as the panel is placed on the main body portion with its back face facing down, the support surface of the main body portion comes into contact with the back face of the panel, and as a result, the shape of the panel is maintained on the main body portion. Thereby, the panel can be stably supported.

[0016] In the support tool for the panel according to the fourth configuration, preferably, the main body portion includes a plurality of support members spaced apart from each other, and the plurality of support members each have a corresponding support surface (fifth configuration). In this case, the regions (support surfaces) of the main body portion (the plurality of support members) in contact with the back face of the panel are widely dispersed, and the panel can be supported more stably.

[0017] In the panel support according to the fifth configuration, preferably, the plurality of support members are each plate-shaped and extend along the support surface, and are arranged such that the plate surfaces of each face each other. The support surface is formed by the end faces of the plurality of support members (sixth configuration). In this case, in each of the plurality of support members, the upper end face located on the panel side becomes a region (support surface) that contacts the back surface of the panel. The upper end faces (support surfaces) of the plurality of support members that contact the back surface of the panel are widely dispersed so as to be spaced apart in the arrangement direction of the support members. Further, since each support member is plate-shaped, it is lighter in weight compared to a single main body portion. Therefore, according to the panel support of the sixth configuration, while achieving weight reduction, the panel can be stably supported over a wider range.

[0018] In the panel support according to the sixth configuration, preferably, the plurality of support members are arranged side by side in the plate thickness direction, one end portion is connected to the other by the first rod, and the other end portions are connected to each other by the second rod (seventh configuration). In this case, the first and second rods regulate the change in the relative positions of the support members, and the relative positions of the support surfaces of the support members do not change. For this reason, the shape of the panel is surely maintained on the main body portion (plurality of support members). Thereby, the panel can be supported more surely and stably.

[0019] The panel support according to any one of the fourth to seventh configurations preferably further includes a cushioning material laminated on the support surface (eighth configuration). In this case, the cushioning material makes it difficult for the panel to be damaged.

[0020] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The same or corresponding components in each figure are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions will not be repeated.

[0021] [Panel to be supported] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a panel 200 to be supported. The panel 200 shown in FIG. 1 is an outer panel of an automobile. Specifically, the panel 200 shown in FIG. 1 is a hood outer panel. The panel 200 may be a side door outer panel, a back door panel, a roof panel, or the like.

[0022] The panel 200 is composed of a metal plate. The panel 200 has a front surface 201 and a back surface 202. In a state where the panel 200 is assembled to an automobile, the front surface 201 faces outside the vehicle, and the back surface 202 faces inside the vehicle. The panel 200 has a shape that is convexly curved on the front surface 201 side. That is, the panel 200 has a shape that bulges on the front surface 201 side.

[0023] The metal plate constituting the panel 200 is, in a typical example, a steel plate. As this steel plate, a high-tensile steel plate can be used. When the panel 200 is composed of a high-tensile steel plate, the plate thickness of the panel 200 can be reduced. In this case, the plate thickness of the panel 200 can be, for example, 0.4 mm or less. If the plate thickness of the panel 200 is as small as 0.4 mm or less, the rigidity of the panel 200 itself is low. On the other hand, a conventional panel has a large plate thickness of 0.55 to 0.8 mm and high rigidity of the panel itself. The metal plate constituting the panel 200 is not limited to a steel plate, and may be an aluminum plate, a magnesium plate, or the like.

[0024] Panel 200 includes a plurality of character lines 203. In panel 200, the plurality of character lines 203 are provided in parallel. Each character line 203 is formed to extend in the vehicle length direction LD of the automobile. Therefore, the extending direction of the character line 203 corresponds to the vehicle length direction LD. In the example shown in FIG. 1, panel 200 is a hood outer panel, and two character lines 203 are provided. The two character lines 203 are arranged at intervals in the vehicle width direction WD of the automobile. Note that the extending direction of the character line 203 does not have to completely coincide with the vehicle length direction LD, and may be deviated from the vehicle length direction LD according to the design of the automobile. That is, the extending direction of the character line 203 may substantially coincide with the vehicle length direction LD.

[0025] In panel 200, the character line 203 forms a ridge line. That is, in panel 200, the portion of the character line 203 protrudes toward the surface 201 side. The portion of the character line 203 that forms the ridge line in panel 200 has high rigidity and is difficult to deform. In other words, the portion between the character lines 203 in panel 200 has low rigidity and is easy to deform. However, panel 200 may not include the character line 203.

[0026] Such a panel 200 is manufactured by pressing a metal blank. When manufacturing panel 200 composed of a steel plate, a steel plate material is used as the metal blank. In the manufacturing process of panel 200, the surface quality of panel 200 is inspected by punching.

[0027] When the surface quality of the panel 200 is inspected visually by an inspector, light is irradiated from a fixed light source onto the surface 201 of the panel 200. This irradiated light is, for example, parallel light. The inspector visually checks the degree of distortion of the light reflected from the surface 201 of the panel 200 while moving the panel 200 around himself / herself with respect to the fixed light source and changing the posture of the panel 200. When inspecting the surface quality of the panel 200 in this way, a panel support tool is used to support the panel 200. The panel support tool is used to support and move the panel 200 around. In this specification, the panel support tool may sometimes be simply referred to as a support tool.

[0028] [Panel support tool] (First Embodiment) Referring to FIGS. 2 to 5, the panel support tool 100 according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the panel support tool 100. FIG. 3 is a front view of the panel support tool 100.

[0029] Referring to FIG. 2, the support tool 100 includes a main body portion 1. In the example of this embodiment, the support tool 100 further includes a stand portion 2. The main body portion 1 constitutes the upper part of the support tool 100, and the stand portion 2 constitutes the lower part of the support tool 100. The stand portion 2 is the part that forms the framework. The main body portion 1 is the part that supports the panel 200 and is attached to the stand portion 2.

[0030] In this embodiment, the stand portion 2 includes a column 20 and three or more legs 21. The column 20 extends in the vertical direction. Each leg 21 extends obliquely downward from the column 20. The number of legs 21 may be three or more. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the number of legs 21 is four.

[0031] The main body part 1 includes a block-shaped support member 10. When inspecting the surface quality of the panel 200, the panel 200 is placed on the support member 10 with its back surface 202 facing down (see FIGS. 4 and 5 described later). The main body part 1, that is, the support member 10, has a support surface 10a with a shape corresponding to the shape of the panel 200. In this case, the upper surface of the support member 10 becomes the support surface 10a. Specifically, the main body part 1 is disposed under the supported part of the panel 200. In the panel 200, the supported part is, for example, the part between the character lines 203 and is the rear part in the vehicle length direction LD. The support surface 10a is formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the area of the supported part of the panel 200.

[0032] Referring to FIG. 3, the stand part 2 further includes a pedestal part 22. The pedestal part 22 is provided at the upper end of the support column 20 and is fixed to the support column 20. On the other hand, the main body part 1 further includes a base part 11. The support member 10 is provided on the base part 11 and is fixed to the base part 11. The base part 11 is connected to the pedestal part 22 via a universal joint 3. The universal joint 3 is, for example, a ball joint also referred to as a spherical bearing. As the universal joint 3, a Cardan joint or a Zepeda joint may be applied. Since the base part 11 is connected to the pedestal part 22 via the universal joint 3, the posture of the base part 11 can be freely changed with respect to the pedestal part 22. In short, the main body part 1 (support member 10) is attached to the stand part 2 (support column 20) so as to allow a change in the posture of the panel 200 supported by the main body part 1.

[0033] As described above, the stand part 2 includes a support column 20 and leg parts 21. The support column 20 is raised by the leg parts 21, and as a result, the main body part 1 is held at a predetermined height by the stand part 2.

[0034] The stand part 2 includes a height adjustment mechanism 23 for adjusting the height of the main body part 1. In this embodiment, the height adjustment mechanism 23 is composed of a support column 20 and legs 21. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the support column 20 has grooves 20a at positions corresponding to each of the legs 21. Each groove 20a extends in the longitudinal direction (vertical direction) of the support column 20. At the upper part of each leg 21, a guide member 21a is attached. Each guide member 21a has a protrusion (not shown). The protrusions are respectively engaged with the corresponding grooves 20a of the support column 20. When the guide member 21a is tightened to the support column 20 with bolts 21b, the leg 21 is fixed to the support column 20. When the bolts 21b are loosened, the leg 21 can slide in the longitudinal direction (vertical direction) of the support column 20 together with the guide member 21a. Thus, by adjusting the position of the leg 21 relative to the support column 20, it becomes possible to adjust the height of the main body part 1.

[0035] The height adjustment mechanism 23 is not limited to such a configuration. For example, the height adjustment mechanism 23 may be composed of the support column 20. Specifically, the support column 20 may be configured to be telescopic. The height adjustment mechanism 23 may also be composed of the legs 21. Specifically, the legs 21 may be configured to be telescopic.

[0036] FIG. 4 is a top view showing a state in which a panel 200 is supported by a panel support 100. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line V-V of FIG. 4. The support 100 is placed, for example, on the floor or a workbench.

[0037] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, when inspecting the surface quality of the panel 200, first, the inspector places the panel 200 in a posture with its back surface 202 facing down on the main body part 1 of the support 100, that is, on the support member 10. In the example of this embodiment, the main body part 1 is arranged under the supported part of the panel 200. In the panel 200, the supported part is the part between the character lines 203 and is the rear part in the vehicle length direction LD (see FIG. 4).

[0038] When the panel 200 is placed on the main body 1 (support member 10) of the support tool 100 with the back surface 202 facing down, the support surface 10a of the support member 10 contacts the back surface 202 of the panel 200. As a result, the shape of the panel 200 is maintained on the main body 1. In this way, the panel 200 is supported by the main body 1 of the support tool 100. In this state, as described above, the main body 1 (support member 10) is attached to the stand portion 2 (support column 20) so as to allow a change in the posture of the panel 200 supported by the main body 1. Therefore, the posture of the panel 200 can be freely changed with respect to the stand portion 2.

[0039] Then, the inspector visually inspects the surface quality of the panel 200. At this time, the inspector grasps a part of the periphery of the panel 200 (for example, the front periphery in the vehicle length direction LD) with respect to a fixed light source (not shown) and performs the inspection while changing the posture of the panel 200.

[0040] [Effect] In the support tool 100 according to the first embodiment, the panel 200 is supported by the main body 1 so as to allow a change in the posture of the panel 200. Therefore, when visually inspecting the surface quality of the panel 200, the inspector can grasp a part of the periphery of the panel 200 with respect to a fixed light source and freely change the posture of the panel 200. Therefore, it becomes easier for the inspector to handle the panel 200, and the workability can be improved.

[0041] In the first embodiment, the main body 1 is held at a predetermined height by the stand portion 2, and the panel 200 is placed on and supported by this main body 1. As a result, the panel 200 is in a state of being sufficiently separated from the floor or workbench on which the support tool 100 is placed. Therefore, when the inspector handles the panel 200, it is possible to prevent the panel 200 from interfering with the floor or workbench.

[0042] In the support tool 100 of the first embodiment, the height adjustment mechanism 23 can set the height of the main body 1, that is, the support height of the panel 200, to an appropriate height with respect to the light source.

[0043] In the first embodiment, as the panel 200 is placed on the main body 1 (support member 10) with the back surface 202 facing downwards, the support surface 10a of the main body 1 comes into contact with the back surface 202 of the panel 200. As a result, the shape of the panel 200 is maintained on the main body 1. Thereby, the panel 200 can be stably supported. In this case, the panel 200 is supported from below.

[0044] In particular, in recent years, due to the global trend regarding the global environment, there has been a strong demand to reduce CO2 emissions. In the automotive industry, as part of this, vehicle weight reduction is being pursued, and for this purpose, the thinning of the panel 200 is being promoted. When the plate thickness of the panel 200 is small, the rigidity of the panel 200 itself is low. In this case, in the inspection of the surface quality of the panel 200, depending on the way the panel 200 is supported, the panel 200 may be deformed from the shape to be inspected. Even in such a case, if the configuration is such that the panel 200 is supported from below like the support 100 of the first embodiment, the load on the panel 200 can be suppressed and the panel 200 can be stably supported.

[0045] (Second Embodiment) Referring to FIGS. 6 to 8, the panel support 100A according to the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the panel support 100A. The support 100A is different from the support 100 of the first embodiment in the configuration of the main body 1A.

[0046] Referring to FIG. 6, the main body portion 1A includes a plurality of support members 10A. The plurality of support members 10A are spaced apart from each other. In the present embodiment, each of the plurality of support members 10A is plate-shaped. Each of the plurality of support members 10A extends along the support surface 10aA. The plurality of support members 10A are arranged such that their respective plate surfaces face each other. That is, the plurality of support members 10A are arranged in an upright state and arranged to face each other. From another perspective, the plurality of support members 10A are arranged side by side in the plate thickness direction. In the example of the present embodiment, the arrangement direction of the support members 10A corresponds to the extending direction of the character line 203, that is, the vehicle length direction LD (see FIGS. 7 and 8 described later). The number of the support members 20A is not particularly limited and may be two or more. In the examples shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the number of the support members 10A is three. The three support members 10A are arranged side by side with a certain interval from each other.

[0047] In the present embodiment, one of the plurality of support members 10A is fixed to the base portion 11. Specifically, the middle support member 10A among the three support members 10A is fixed to the base portion 11. The three support members 10A are connected to each other such that their one ends are connected by the first rod 12 and their other ends are connected by the second rod 13. The plurality of support members 10A are integrated by the first and second rods 12 and 13.

[0048] When inspecting the surface quality of the panel 200, the panel 200 is placed on the plurality of support members 10A with the back surface 202 facing down (see FIGS. 7 and 8 described later). The main body portion 1A, that is, the plurality of support members 10A, each have a corresponding support surface 10aA. Each support surface 10aA is formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the panel 200. In this case, in each of the plurality of support members 10A, the upper end face serves as the support surface 10aA. The upper end face of each support member 10A is located on the side of the panel 200. That is, the support surface 10aA is formed by the end faces of the plurality of support members 10A.

[0049] FIG. 7 is a top view showing a state in which the panel 200 is supported by the panel support tool 100A. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII of FIG. 7. When inspecting the surface quality of the panel 200 with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, first, the inspector places the panel 200 in a posture with the back surface 202 facing down on the main body portion 1A of the support tool 100A, that is, on the plurality of support members 10A.

[0050] When the panel 200 is placed on the main body portion 1A (a plurality of support members 10A) of the support tool 100A in a posture with the back surface 202 facing down, the support surface 10aA of each support member 10A comes into contact with the back surface 202 of the panel 200. In this case, the region (support surface 10aA) of the main body portion 1A (a plurality of support members 10A) that comes into contact with the back surface 202 of the panel 200 is widely dispersed. Specifically, the upper end surfaces (support surfaces 10aA) of the plurality of support members 10A that come into contact with the back surface 202 of the panel 200 are widely dispersed so as to be arranged at intervals in the arrangement direction of the support members 10A. As a result, the shape of the panel 200 is sufficiently held on the support member 10A, and the panel 200 can be supported more stably.

[0051] In the support tool 100A of the present embodiment, as described above, each support member 10A is plate-shaped. Therefore, compared with the single-piece support member 10 as in the first embodiment, the weight is lighter. Thus, weight reduction can be achieved, and the handling of the support tool 100A becomes easier.

[0052] Also, as described above, the plurality of support members 10A are integrated by the first and second rods 12 and 13. In this case, the change in the relative position between the support members 10A is restricted by the first and second rods 12 and 13, and the relative position between the support surfaces 10aA of the support members 10A does not change. For this reason, the support surfaces 10aA of the plurality of support members 10A that are widely dispersed belong to one virtual plane corresponding to the shape of the panel. Therefore, the shape of the panel 200 is surely held on the plurality of support members 10A. Thereby, the panel 200 can be supported more surely and stably.

[0053] (Third Embodiment) Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the panel support 100B according to the third embodiment will be described. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the panel support 100B. The support 100B is different from the support 100A of the second embodiment in a configuration including a buffer material 4.

[0054] Referring to FIG. 9, the support 100B further includes a buffer material 4. The buffer material 4 is laminated on the support surface 10aA. In the present embodiment, in each support member 10A, a sheet-like buffer material 4 is laminated on the support surface 10aA. As the buffer material 4, a sponge can be applied. The material of the sponge is, for example, urethane.

[0055] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the panel 200 is supported by the panel support 100B. FIG. 10 corresponds to the cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in FIG. 7. Referring to FIG. 10, when the panel 200 is placed on the main body portion 1A (a plurality of support members 10A) with the back surface 202 facing down, the support surface 10aA of each support member 10A contacts the back surface 202 of the panel 200 via the buffer material 4. In this case, the back surface 202 of the panel 200 does not directly contact each support member 10A. Therefore, the buffer material 4 makes it difficult for the panel 200 to be damaged.

[0056] In particular, if the buffer material 4 is a urethane sponge, an appropriate friction is generated between the panel 200 and the main body portion 1A (a plurality of support members 10A). Therefore, when handling the panel 200, the panel 200 is less likely to slip with respect to the main body portion 1A, and the workability can be further improved.

[0057] The buffer material 4 in the present embodiment can also be applied to the support 100 of the first embodiment.

[0058] Although the embodiments according to the present disclosure have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit thereof. For example, in the panel supports 100, 100A, 100B, a locking mechanism may be provided so that the panel 200 can be temporarily fixed in an appropriate posture.

[0059] In the above embodiment, the panel supports 100, 100A, and 100B are configured to support the panel 200 from below. However, the panel support may be configured to horizontally support the panel 200 from the side, or may be configured to suspend and support the panel 200 from above.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0060] 100, 100A, 100B: Panel supports 1, 1A: Main body 10, 10A: Support members 10a, 10aA: Support surfaces 11: Base portion 12: First rod 13: Second rod 2: Stand portion 20: Column 21: Legs 22: Pedestal portion 23: Height adjustment mechanism 3: Universal joint 4: Cushioning material 200: Panel 201: Front surface 202: Back surface 203: Character line LD: Vehicle length direction WD: Vehicle width direction

Claims

1. A panel support tool used for inspecting the surface quality of a panel composed of a metal plate, for supporting the panel, comprising a main body portion for supporting the panel so as to allow a change in the posture of the panel.

2. The panel support tool according to Claim 1, further comprising a stand portion attached to the main body portion for holding the main body portion at a predetermined height, wherein the panel is placed and supported on the main body portion with its back surface facing down.

3. The panel support tool according to Claim 2, wherein the stand portion includes a height adjustment mechanism for adjusting the height of the main body portion.

4. The panel support tool according to Claim 2, wherein the main body portion has a support surface having a shape corresponding to the shape of the panel.

5. The panel support tool according to Claim 4, wherein the main body portion includes a plurality of support members spaced apart from each other, and the plurality of support members each have a corresponding support surface.

6. The panel support tool according to Claim 5, wherein the plurality of support members are each plate-shaped and extend along the support surface, and are arranged such that the plate surfaces face each other, and the support surface is formed by end faces of the plurality of support members.

7. The panel support tool according to Claim 6, wherein the plurality of support members are arranged side by side in the plate thickness direction, and one end portion of each is connected by a first rod, and the other end portion of each is connected by a second rod.

8. The panel support tool according to any one of Claims 4 to 7, further comprising a buffer material laminated on the support surface.

Images