Clinching joint tester

Abstract

To appropriately test the joint state of a clinching joint part.SOLUTION: A clinching joint tester for testing a clinching joint part 50 cylindrically projected by clinching / joining first and second members includes: a first ultrasonic probe; and a first jig 150 detachably attached to the clinching joint part 50 and for arranging the first ultrasonic probe on the side of the inner peripheral surface 52 of the clinching joint part 50. The first ultrasonic probe includes a first engagement part, and the first jig 150 includes: a first insertion hole 154 capable of inserting the first ultrasonic probe; and an engaged part 156 positioning the first ultrasonic probe so as to turn the transmission and reception direction of an ultrasonic wave by the first ultrasonic probe to a part to be tested of the clinching joint part 50 by engaging with the first engagement part of the first ultrasonic probe inserted in the first insertion hole 154.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a clinching joint inspection device. [Background technology]

[0002] Crimping, a process for joining multiple metal plates, is applicable to a variety of fields because it can join any type of metal and does not cause discoloration. Among the crimping processes, clinching can mechanically join multiple metal plates together without using auxiliary materials such as rivets. For this reason, clinching is widely used in car bodies, aircraft bodies, and other applications where weight reduction is required.

[0003] The quality of the joining state of a clinched joint formed by clinching into a cylindrical protrusion cannot be properly confirmed visually from the outside, and therefore there is a demand for a technology that can properly inspect the joining state of a clinched joint.

[0004] Therefore, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for inspecting the bonding state of a clinched bond using an ultrasonic probe. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-81340 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] There is a demand for the development of a technique that can more appropriately inspect the bonded state using an ultrasonic probe, such as the technique of Patent Document 1.

[0007] In view of the above problems, the present disclosure aims to provide a clinching joint inspection device that can more appropriately inspect the joining state of clinching joints. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above problem, a clinching joint inspection device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is a clinching joint inspection device that inspects a clinching joint that is formed by clinching a first member and a second member to protrude into a cylindrical shape, and includes a first ultrasonic probe and a first jig that is detachably attached to the clinching joint and for positioning the first ultrasonic probe on the inner surface side of the clinching joint, wherein the first ultrasonic probe includes a first engaging portion, and the first jig includes a first insertion hole into which the first ultrasonic probe can be inserted, and a first engaged portion that engages with the first engaging portion of the first ultrasonic probe inserted into the first insertion hole, thereby positioning the first ultrasonic probe so that the transmission and reception direction of ultrasonic waves by the first ultrasonic probe is directed toward the portion of the clinching joint to be inspected.

[0009] In order to solve the above problem, another clinching joint inspection device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is a clinching joint inspection device that inspects a clinching joint that is formed by clinching a first member and a second member to protrude in a cylindrical shape, and includes a second ultrasonic probe and a second jig that is detachably attached to the clinching joint and for positioning the second ultrasonic probe on the outer surface side of the clinching joint, wherein the second ultrasonic probe includes a second engaging portion, and the second jig includes a housing portion that houses the clinching joint, a second insertion hole that communicates with the housing portion and into which the second ultrasonic probe can be inserted, and a second engaged portion that engages with the second engaging portion of the second ultrasonic probe inserted into the second insertion hole, thereby positioning the second ultrasonic probe so that the transmission and reception direction of ultrasonic waves by the second ultrasonic probe is directed toward the inspection target portion of the clinching joint.

[0010] The device may also include a second ultrasonic probe and a second jig that is detachably attached to the clinching joint and for positioning the second ultrasonic probe on the outer peripheral surface side of the clinching joint, wherein the second ultrasonic probe includes a second engaging portion, and the second jig includes a housing portion that houses the clinching joint, a second insertion hole that communicates with the housing portion and into which the second ultrasonic probe can be inserted, and a second engaged portion that engages with the second engaging portion of the second ultrasonic probe inserted into the second insertion hole, thereby positioning the second ultrasonic probe so that the direction of transmission and reception of ultrasonic waves by the second ultrasonic probe is directed toward the portion of the clinching joint to be inspected.

[0011] The shape of the second engaging portion may be different from that of the first engaging portion.

[0012] The apparatus may also include a fixing member that fixes the first jig and the second jig to the clinching joint so that the clinching joint is sandwiched between the first jig and the second jig.

[0013] The first jig may include a plurality of first engaged portions, and the plurality of first engaged portions may be spaced apart from one another along the circumferential direction of the first insertion hole.

[0014] The second jig may include a plurality of pairs of second insertion holes and second engaged portions, and the plurality of pairs may be spaced apart from one another along the circumferential direction of the accommodating portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to more appropriately inspect the joining state of a clinching joint. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a clinching joint according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the clinching joint inspection device according to the embodiment. [Figure 3]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the first ultrasonic probe and the second ultrasonic probe according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the control device according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a first jig and a second jig attached to a clinching joint according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] Fig. 6 is a diagram illustrating a first jig according to the embodiment, Fig. 6A is a plan view of the first jig according to the embodiment, and Fig. 6B is a bottom view of the first jig according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] Fig. 7 is a diagram illustrating a second jig according to the embodiment, Fig. 7A is a plan view of the second jig according to the embodiment, and Fig. 7B is a bottom view of the second jig according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the process flow of the inspection method according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Dimensions, materials, and other specific numerical values ​​shown in the embodiments are merely examples for ease of understanding and do not limit the present disclosure unless otherwise specified. In this specification and drawings, elements having substantially the same functions and configurations are designated by the same reference numerals to avoid redundant explanation. Elements not directly related to the present disclosure are not shown.

[0018] [Clinching joint inspection device 100] First, with reference to FIG. 1, a clinched joint 10 to be inspected by a clinched joint inspection device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0019] Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a clinching joint 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In Fig. 1 of this embodiment, the X-axis and Y-axis that intersect perpendicularly are defined as shown in the figure.

[0020] 1, a clinched joint 10 is manufactured by clinching a first member 20 and a second member 30. Clinching joints are also simply called clinching. Clinching joints include drawlock caulking and TOX (registered trademark) joints.

[0021] The first member 20 and the second member 30 are made of, for example, a metal material. The first member 20 and the second member 30 may be made of the same material or different materials. One or both of the first member 20 and the second member 30 are, for example, metal plates. The plate thicknesses of the first member 20 and the second member 30 may be the same or different from each other.

[0022] The clinching joint 10 has a clinching joint 50. The clinching joint 50 is a cylindrically protruding portion of the clinching joint 10 formed by clinching the first member 20 and the second member 30 together. In the clinching joint 50, the first member 20 and the second member 30 are overlapped. In the clinching joint 50, the second member 30 is positioned outside the first member 20. The clinching joint 50 has, for example, a cylindrical shape. That is, in the clinching joint 50, the first member 20 and the second member 30 have, for example, a cylindrical shape.

[0023] Furthermore, at the clinching joint 50, the outer peripheral surface 22 of the first member 20 and the inner peripheral surface 32 of the second member 30 face each other. Note that at the clinching joint 50, the outer peripheral surface 22 of the first member 20 and the inner peripheral surface 32 of the second member 30 are in contact with each other.

[0024] In this embodiment, the diameter of the inner peripheral surface 52 of the clinching joint 50 is uniform or approximately uniform in the protruding direction indicated by the Y-axis direction in Fig. 1. That is, in the clinching joint 50, the diameter of the inner peripheral surface 52 of the first member 20 is uniform or approximately uniform in the protruding direction.

[0025] In this embodiment, the diameter of the outer peripheral surface 54 of the clinching joint 50 is uniform or approximately uniform in the protruding direction. That is, in the clinching joint 50, the diameter of the outer peripheral surface 54 of the second member 30 is uniform or approximately uniform in the protruding direction.

[0026] Furthermore, at the clinching joint 50, the thickness of the first member 20 gradually increases in the protruding direction. As described above, at the clinching joint 50, the diameter of the inner circumferential surface 52 of the first member 20 is uniform or approximately uniform in the protruding direction. Therefore, in this embodiment, the diameter of the outer circumferential surface 22 of the first member 20 gradually increases in the protruding direction.

[0027] At the clinching joint 50, the thickness of the second member 30 gradually decreases in the protruding direction. As described above, at the clinching joint 50, the diameter of the outer circumferential surface 54 of the second member 30 is uniform or approximately uniform in the protruding direction. Therefore, in this embodiment, the diameter of the inner circumferential surface 32 of the second member 30 gradually decreases in the protruding direction.

[0028] In this way, the clinched joint 10 manufactured by clinching is joined by the outer peripheral surface 22 of the first member 20 and the inner peripheral surface 32 of the second member 30 at the clinched joint 50. Because the outer peripheral surface 22 of the first member 20 and the inner peripheral surface 32 of the second member 30 are located inside the clinched joint 50, the joined state cannot be visually observed from the outside.

[0029] Therefore, in this embodiment, a clinching joint inspection device 100 that can easily inspect the joining state of the clinching joint 50 of the clinching joint 10 will be described. The clinching joint inspection device 100 according to this embodiment calculates the crimping amount ta as the joining state of the clinching joint 50. The crimping amount ta is expressed by the following formula (1). ta = T - (t1 + t2) ...Equation (1) In the above formula (1), T is the thickness between the inner peripheral surface 52 and the outer peripheral surface 54 of the clinching joint 50. t1 is the thickness of the first member 20 at the clinching joint 50. t1 is, for example, the thinnest thickness of the first member 20 at the clinching joint 50. t2 is the thickness of the second member 30 at the clinching joint 50. t2 is, for example, the thinnest thickness of the second member 30 at the clinching joint 50.

[0030] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the clinching joint inspection device 100 according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 2, the clinching joint inspection device 100 according to this embodiment includes a first ultrasonic probe 110, a second ultrasonic probe 120, an ultrasonic transmitter / receiver 130, a control device 140, a first jig 150, and a second jig 160.

[0031] 3 is a perspective view of the first ultrasonic probe 110 and the second ultrasonic probe 120 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the first ultrasonic probe 110 according to this embodiment includes a first probe body 112, a first transmitting / receiving unit 114, and a first engaging unit 116.

[0032] The first ultrasonic probe 110 is disposed on the inner peripheral surface 52 side of the clinching joint 50. The first probe body 112 has a facing surface 112a. The facing surface 112a faces the inner peripheral surface 52 of the clinching joint 50. The facing surface 112a has a shape that follows the inner peripheral surface 52 of the clinching joint 50. The facing surface 112a has, for example, an arc shape that protrudes outward. In this embodiment, the first probe body 112 has, for example, a cylindrical shape. A vibrator is provided inside the first probe body 112.

[0033] The first transmitter / receiver 114 is provided on the opposing surface 112a of the first probe body 112. The first transmitter / receiver 114 transmits and receives ultrasonic waves. The first transmitter / receiver 114 transmits, for example, an ultrasonic beam. The first transmitter / receiver 114 also receives ultrasonic waves reflected from the clinching joint 50 and converts them into electrical signals.

[0034] The first engaging portion 116 is a protrusion that protrudes from the first probe body 112. The first engaging portion 116 is provided, for example, on the opposite side of the first probe body 112 from where the first transmitting / receiving portion 114 is installed. The first engaging portion 116 engages with a first engaged portion 156 (see FIG. 5) of the first jig 150, which will be described later.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 3, the second ultrasonic probe 120 according to this embodiment includes a second probe body 122, a second transmitting / receiving unit 124, and a second engaging unit 126.

[0036] The second ultrasonic probe 120 is disposed on the outer peripheral surface 54 side of the clinching joint 50. The second probe body 122 has a facing surface 122a. The facing surface 122a faces the outer peripheral surface 54 of the clinching joint 50. The facing surface 122a has a shape that follows the outer peripheral surface 54 of the clinching joint 50. The facing surface 122a has, for example, an arc shape that is recessed inward. A vibrator is provided inside the second probe body 122.

[0037] The second transceiver 124 is provided on the opposing surface 122a of the second probe body 122. The second transceiver 124 transmits and receives ultrasonic waves. The second transceiver 124 transmits, for example, an ultrasonic beam. The second transceiver 124 also receives ultrasonic waves reflected from the clinching joint 50 and converts them into electrical signals.

[0038] The second engaging portion 126 is a protrusion that protrudes from the second probe body 122. The second engaging portion 126 is provided, for example, on the opposite side of the second probe body 122 from where the second transmitting / receiving portion 124 is installed. The second engaging portion 126 engages with a second engaged portion 168 (see FIG. 5 ) of the second jig 160, which will be described later. In this embodiment, the shape of the second engaging portion 126 may be different from that of the first engaging portion 116.

[0039] The ultrasonic transmitter / receiver 130 is, for example, a pulser receiver. The ultrasonic transmitter / receiver 130 supplies power to the transducers of the first ultrasonic probe 110 and the second ultrasonic probe 120, causing the transducers to vibrate and transmit ultrasonic waves. The ultrasonic transmitter / receiver 130 also converts electrical signals input from the transducers of the first ultrasonic probe 110 and the second ultrasonic probe 120 into reception information represented, for example, as digital values, and outputs the information to the control device 140. The reception information is information based on the ultrasonic waves received by the first ultrasonic probe 110 and the second ultrasonic probe 120.

[0040] Returning to FIG. 2, the control device 140 has one or more processors 142 and one or more memories 144 connected to the processors 142. The processor 142 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The memory 144 includes, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory). The ROM is a storage element that stores programs used by the CPU, calculation parameters, and the like. The RAM is a storage element that temporarily stores data such as variables and parameters used in processing executed by the CPU.

[0041] 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the control device 140 according to this embodiment. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the control device 140 also functions as a control unit 210, a calculation unit 212, and a storage unit 214.

[0042] Note that various processes, including the processes described below, which are performed by one or more selected from the group consisting of control unit 210, calculation unit 212, and storage unit 214, may be executed by processor 142. In detail, various processes are performed by processor 142 executing programs stored in memory 144. The function of storage unit 214 is realized by memory 144. However, the functions of control device 140 may be divided among multiple devices, or multiple functions may be realized by a single device.

[0043] The control unit 210 controls the ultrasonic transmitter / receiver 130 to cause the first ultrasonic probe 110 and the second ultrasonic probe 120 to transmit ultrasonic waves. The control unit 210 also receives reception information output from the ultrasonic transmitter / receiver 130.

[0044] The calculation unit 212 calculates the thickness t1 of the first member 20 at the clinching joint 50, the thickness t2 of the second member 30 at the clinching joint 50, and the crimping amount ta. The processing by the calculation unit 212 will be described in detail later.

[0045] The memory unit 214 stores a first judgment value, a second judgment value, and a pass / fail judgment value. The first judgment value is determined based on the thickness t1 of the first member 20 required to achieve the desired joint strength at the clinching joint 50. The second judgment value is determined based on the thickness t2 of the second member 30 required to achieve the desired joint strength at the clinching joint 50. The pass / fail judgment value is determined based on the crimping amount ta required to achieve the desired joint strength at the clinching joint 50.

[0046] Returning to Fig. 2, the first jig 150 is detachably attached to the clinching joint 50. The first jig 150 is detachably attached to the side opposite the protruding side of the clinching joint 50. The first jig 150 positions the first ultrasonic probe 110 on the inner circumferential surface 52 side of the clinching joint 50.

[0047] The second jig 160 is detachably attached to the clinching joint 50. The second jig 160 is detachably attached to the protruding side of the clinching joint 50. The second jig 160 positions the second ultrasonic probe 120 on the outer circumferential surface 54 side of the clinching joint 50.

[0048] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a first jig 150 and a second jig 160 attached to a clinching joint 50 according to this embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the first jig 150 according to this embodiment. FIG. 6A is a plan view of the first jig 150 according to this embodiment. FIG. 6B is a bottom view of the first jig 150 according to this embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the second jig 160 according to this embodiment. FIG. 7A is a plan view of the second jig 160 according to this embodiment. FIG. 7B is a bottom view of the second jig 160 according to this embodiment.

[0049] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the first jig 150 includes a first jig body 152, a first insertion hole 154, and a first engaged portion 156.

[0050] The first jig body 152 is made of, for example, a metal material and has, for example, a disk shape.

[0051] The first insertion hole 154 is provided in the first jig body 152, and allows the first ultrasonic probe 110 to be inserted therein. The first insertion hole 154 is a through-hole that penetrates the first jig body 152. In the present embodiment, the first jig 150 includes one first insertion hole 154. The first insertion hole 154 is formed, for example, in approximately the center of the first jig body 152. The diameter of the first insertion hole 154 is, for example, approximately equal to the diameter of a hole formed in the first member 20 of the clinching joint 50.

[0052] The first engaged portion 156 engages with the first engaging portion 116 of the first ultrasonic probe 110 inserted into the first insertion hole 154, thereby positioning the first ultrasonic probe 110 so that the direction of transmission and reception of ultrasonic waves by the first ultrasonic probe 110 is directed toward the portion of the clinching joint 50 to be inspected. The portion of the clinching joint 50 to be inspected is a portion of the clinching joint 50 from which the thickness t1 of the first member 20 at the clinching joint 50 can be calculated.

[0053] As described above, the first transmitting / receiving unit 114 and the first engaging unit 116 of the first ultrasonic probe 110 are fixed to the first probe body 112. Therefore, when the first engaging unit 116 of the first ultrasonic probe 110 is engaged with the first engaged unit 156, the first engaged unit 156 is provided on the first jig 150 so that the first transmitting / receiving unit 114 of the first ultrasonic probe 110 faces the inner circumferential surface 52 of the clinching joint 50.

[0054] As described above, the first engaging portion 116 of the first ultrasonic probe 110 according to this embodiment is a protrusion. Therefore, in this embodiment, the first engaged portion 156 is, for example, a groove formed in the first jig body 152. The first engaged portion 156 communicates with, for example, the first insertion hole 154. Note that in this embodiment, the first engaged portion 156 engages with the first engaging portion 116 of the first ultrasonic probe 110 but does not engage with the second engaging portion 126 of the second ultrasonic probe 120.

[0055] In this embodiment, the first jig 150 includes a plurality of first engaged portions 156. For example, as shown in Fig. 6, the first jig 150 includes four first engaged portions 156a to 156d. The plurality of first engaged portions 156a to 156d are spaced apart from one another along the circumferential direction of the first insertion hole 154. In this embodiment, the four first engaged portions 156a to 156d are evenly arranged in the circumferential direction of the first insertion hole 154. The four first engaged portions 156a to 156d are spaced apart from one another at 90-degree intervals on an imaginary circle based on the center of the first insertion hole 154.

[0056] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, the second jig 160 includes a second jig body 162, a housing portion 164, a second insertion hole 166, and a second engaged portion 168.

[0057] The second jig body 162 is made of, for example, a metal material and has, for example, a disk shape.

[0058] The accommodating portion 164 is provided, for example, approximately in the center of the second jig body 162. The accommodating portion 164 accommodates the clinching joint 50. The outer peripheral surface 54 of the clinching joint 50 faces the inner peripheral surface of the accommodating portion 164. The accommodating portion 164 is, for example, a hole or a recess provided in the second jig body 162. Note that the accommodating portion 164 may also be a through-hole provided in the second jig body 162.

[0059] The second insertion hole 166 is provided in the second jig body 162 and communicates with the accommodation portion 164. The second insertion hole 166 allows the second ultrasonic probe 120 to be inserted therein. The second insertion hole 166 is a through-hole that penetrates the second jig body 162.

[0060] The second engaged portion 168 engages with the second engaging portion 126 of the second ultrasonic probe 120 inserted into the second insertion hole 166, thereby positioning the second ultrasonic probe 120 so that the direction of transmission and reception of ultrasonic waves by the second ultrasonic probe 120 is directed toward the portion of the clinching joint 50 to be inspected. The portion of the clinching joint 50 to be inspected is a portion of the clinching joint 50 from which the thickness t2 of the second member 30 at the clinching joint 50 can be calculated.

[0061] As described above, the second transmitting / receiving unit 124 and the second engaging unit 126 of the second ultrasonic probe 120 are fixed to the second probe body 122. Therefore, when the second engaging unit 126 of the second ultrasonic probe 120 is engaged with the second engaged unit 168, the second engaged unit 168 is provided on the second jig 160 so that the second transmitting / receiving unit 124 of the second ultrasonic probe 120 faces the outer peripheral surface 54 of the clinching joint 50.

[0062] As described above, the second engaging portion 126 of the second ultrasonic probe 120 according to this embodiment is a protrusion. Therefore, in this embodiment, the second engaged portion 168 is, for example, a groove formed in the second jig body 162. The second engaged portion 168 communicates with, for example, the second insertion hole 166. Note that in this embodiment, the second engaged portion 168 engages with the second engaging portion 126 of the second ultrasonic probe 120 but does not engage with the first engaging portion 116 of the first ultrasonic probe 110.

[0063] In this embodiment, the second jig 160 includes multiple pairs of second insertion holes 166 and second engaged portions 168. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the second jig 160 includes four pairs: a pair of a second insertion hole 166a and a second engaged portion 168a, a pair of a second insertion hole 166b and a second engaged portion 168b, a pair of a second insertion hole 166c and a second engaged portion 168c, and a pair of a second insertion hole 166d and a second engaged portion 168d. The multiple pairs are spaced apart from one another along the circumferential direction of the accommodating portion 164. In this embodiment, the four pairs are evenly spaced apart from one another along the circumferential direction of the accommodating portion 164. The four pairs are spaced apart at 90-degree intervals on an imaginary circle based on the center of the accommodating portion 164.

[0064] The first engaged portion 156 of the first jig 150 and the second engaged portion 168 of the second jig 160 are arranged so that when the first engaging portion 116 of the first ultrasonic probe 110 engages with the first engaged portion 156 and the second engaging portion 126 of the second ultrasonic probe 120 engages with the second engaged portion 168, the first transceiver 114 and the second transceiver 124 face each other via the clinching joint 50. For example, the first engaged portion 156a of the first jig 150 corresponds to the second engaged portion 168a of the second jig 160 so that the first transceiver 114 of the first ultrasonic probe 110 and the second transceiver 124 of the second ultrasonic probe 120 face each other. Similarly, the first engaged portion 156b of the first jig 150 corresponds to the second engaged portion 168b of the second jig 160 so that the first transmitting and receiving unit 114 of the first ultrasonic probe 110 and the second transmitting and receiving unit 124 of the second ultrasonic probe 120 face each other. Furthermore, the first engaged portion 156c of the first jig 150 corresponds to the second engaged portion 168c of the second jig 160 so that the first transmitting and receiving unit 114 of the first ultrasonic probe 110 and the second transmitting and receiving unit 124 of the second ultrasonic probe 120 face each other. The first engaged portion 156d of the first jig 150 corresponds to the second engaged portion 168d of the second jig 160 so that the first transmitting and receiving unit 114 of the first ultrasonic probe 110 and the second transmitting and receiving unit 124 of the second ultrasonic probe 120 face each other.

[0065] Specifically, in this embodiment, when the first engaging portion 116 of the first ultrasonic probe 110 engages with the first engaged portion 156a of the first jig 150 and the second engaging portion 126 of the second ultrasonic probe 120 engages with the second engaged portion 168a of the second jig 160, the first transmitting / receiving unit 114 of the first ultrasonic probe 110 and the second transmitting / receiving unit 124 of the second ultrasonic probe 120 face each other. Similarly, when the first engaging portion 116 of the first ultrasonic probe 110 engages with the first engaged portion 156b of the first jig 150 and the second engaging portion 126 of the second ultrasonic probe 120 engages with the second engaged portion 168b of the second jig 160, the first transmitting / receiving unit 114 of the first ultrasonic probe 110 and the second transmitting / receiving unit 124 of the second ultrasonic probe 120 face each other. Furthermore, when the first engaging portion 116 of the first ultrasonic probe 110 engages with the first engaged portion 156c of the first jig 150 and the second engaging portion 126 of the second ultrasonic probe 120 engages with the second engaged portion 168c of the second jig 160, the first transmitting / receiving portion 114 of the first ultrasonic probe 110 and the second transmitting / receiving portion 124 of the second ultrasonic probe 120 face each other. Furthermore, when the first engaging portion 116 of the first ultrasonic probe 110 engages with the first engaged portion 156d of the first jig 150 and the second engaging portion 126 of the second ultrasonic probe 120 engages with the second engaged portion 168d of the second jig 160, the first transmitting / receiving portion 114 of the first ultrasonic probe 110 and the second transmitting / receiving portion 124 of the second ultrasonic probe 120 face each other.

[0066] The clinching joint inspection device 100 according to this embodiment may also include a fixing member 170. The fixing member 170 fixes the first jig 150 and the second jig 160 to the clinching joint 50 so that the clinching joint 50 is sandwiched between the first jig 150 and the second jig 160.

[0067] 5 to 7, the fixing member 170 may include, for example, one or more first magnets 172 and one or more second magnets 174. The first magnet 172 is provided in the first jig body 152. The first magnet 172 is provided, for example, on a surface of the first jig body 152 that comes into contact with the first member 20. The second magnet 174 is provided in the second jig body 162. The second magnet 174 is provided, for example, on a surface of the second jig body 162 that comes into contact with the second member 30. The first magnet 172 is provided at a position corresponding to the second magnet 174.

[0068] Since the fixing member 170 includes the first magnet 172 and the second magnet 174, simply by installing the first jig 150 on the first member 20 and the second jig 160 on the second member 30, the first magnet 172 and the second magnet 174 are attracted to each other by magnetic force across the first member 20 and the second member 30, and the clinching joint 50 can be easily clamped between the first jig 150 and the second jig 160.

[0069] The fixing member 170 is not limited in configuration as long as it can fix the first jig 150 and the second jig 160 to the clinching joint 50 so that the clinching joint 50 is sandwiched between the first jig 150 and the second jig 160. For example, the fixing member 170 may include a bolt that is inserted into the first jig body 152 of the first jig 150 and the second jig body 162 of the second jig 160, and a nut that is threaded onto the bolt. Furthermore, for example, the fixing member 170 may include a clamp.

[0070] [Inspection method] Next, an inspection method using the clinching joint inspection device 100 will be described. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing the process flow of the inspection method according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 8, the inspection method includes a jig setting step S100, an inspection end determination step S110, a transmitting step S120, a receiving step S130, a thickness calculation step S140, a crimping amount calculation step S150, a determination step S160, a reject determination step S170, a moving step S180, and a pass / fail determination step S190. Each step will be described in detail below.

[0071] [Jig installation process S100] In the jig installation step S100, a first jig 150 is installed on the first member 20 side of the clinched joint body 10, and a second jig 160 is installed on the second member 30 side of the clinched joint body 10. At this time, the first jig 150 is installed so that the first insertion hole 154 of the first jig 150 faces the hole formed in the first member 20 of the clinched joint 50. In addition, the second jig 160 is installed so that the second member 30 of the clinched joint 50 is accommodated in the accommodation portion 164 of the second jig 160. In addition, the first jig 150 and the second jig 160 are installed so that the first magnet 172 and the second magnet 174 of the fixing member 170 face each other.

[0072] Then, the first ultrasonic probe 110 is inserted into the first insertion hole 154, and the first engaging portion 116 of the first ultrasonic probe 110 is engaged with a predetermined first engaged portion 156. Furthermore, the second engaging portion 126 of the second ultrasonic probe 120 is engaged with a second engaged portion 168 corresponding to the first engaged portion 156, and the second ultrasonic probe 120 is inserted into the second insertion hole 166 that communicates with the second engaged portion 168.

[0073] [Inspection end determination step S110] In the inspection completion determination step S110, for example, the calculation unit 212 determines whether or not the inspection of all inspection target portions of the clinching joint 50 has been completed. The total number of inspection target portions is, for example, the same as the number of first engaged portions 156, that is, the number of second engaged portions 168. Here, it is determined whether or not the inspection of the four inspection target portions of the clinching joint 50 has been completed. As a result, if it is determined that the inspection of the four inspection target portions of the clinching joint 50 has been completed (YES in S110), the calculation unit 212 proceeds to the pass / fail determination step S190. On the other hand, if it is determined that the inspection of the four inspection target portions of the clinching joint 50 has not been completed (NO in S110), the calculation unit 212 proceeds to the transmission step S120.

[0074] [Transmission step S120] In the transmission step S120, the first ultrasonic probe 110 and the second ultrasonic probe 120 transmit ultrasonic waves to the clinching joint 50. Specifically, the control unit 210 controls the ultrasonic transmitter / receiver 130 to transmit ultrasonic waves from the first ultrasonic probe 110. The control unit 210 also controls the ultrasonic transmitter / receiver 130 to transmit ultrasonic waves from the second ultrasonic probe 120.

[0075] [Receiving step S130] In the receiving step S130, the first ultrasonic probe 110 and the second ultrasonic probe 120 receive ultrasonic waves reflected from the clinching joint 50. Then, the ultrasonic transmitter / receiver 130 converts an electrical signal generated by the first ultrasonic probe 110 based on the received ultrasonic waves into reception information and transmits it to the control device 140. The ultrasonic transmitter / receiver 130 also converts an electrical signal generated by the second ultrasonic probe 120 based on the received ultrasonic waves into reception information and transmits it to the control device 140.

[0076] [Thickness calculation process S140] In the thickness calculation step S140, the calculation unit 212 calculates the thickness t1 of the first member 20 at the clinching joint 50 based on reception information of ultrasonic waves transmitted from the ultrasonic transmitter / receiver 130 and received by the first ultrasonic probe 110. The calculation unit 212 also calculates the thickness t2 of the second member 30 at the clinching joint 50 based on reception information of ultrasonic waves transmitted from the ultrasonic transmitter / receiver 130 and received by the second ultrasonic probe 120.

[0077] [Crack amount calculation process S150] In the crimping amount calculation step S150, the calculation unit 212 calculates the crimping amount ta by substituting the thickness t1 of the first member 20 and the thickness t2 of the second member 30 calculated in the thickness calculation step S140 into the above formula (1). Note that the thickness T between the inner peripheral surface 52 and the outer peripheral surface 54 of the clinching joint 50 is actually measured using a measuring tool such as a vernier caliper.

[0078] [Judgment step S160] In the determination step S160, the calculation unit 212 refers to the first determination value stored in the memory unit 214 and determines whether or not the thickness t1 of the first member 20 calculated in the thickness calculation step S140 is less than the first determination value. The calculation unit 212 refers to the second determination value stored in the memory unit 214 and determines whether or not the thickness t2 of the second member 30 calculated in the thickness calculation step S140 is less than the second determination value. The calculation unit 212 also refers to the pass / fail determination value stored in the memory unit 214 and determines whether or not the crimping amount ta calculated in the crimping amount calculation step S150 is less than the pass / fail determination value.

[0079] If the calculation unit 212 determines that at least one selected from the group consisting of the thickness t1 of the first member 20, the thickness t2 of the second member 30, and the crimping amount ta is less than the judgment value (YES in S160), it shifts the process to a rejection determination step S170. On the other hand, if the calculation unit 212 determines that all of the thickness t1 of the first member 20, the thickness t2 of the second member 30, and the crimping amount ta are not less than the judgment value (are equal to or greater than the judgment value) (NO in S160), it shifts the process to a movement step S180.

[0080] [Rejection judgment process S170] In the rejection determination step S170, the calculation unit 212 determines that the clinched joint 50 is a reject, stores the location (position) where the value is less than the judgment value and the difference from the judgment value in the storage unit 214, and then ends the inspection method.

[0081] [Moving process S180] In the moving step S180, the installation position of the first ultrasonic probe 110 and the installation position of the second ultrasonic probe 120 are moved. Specifically, the first engaging portion 116 of the first ultrasonic probe 110 is engaged with the adjacent first engaged portion 156 of the first jig 150, and the second engaging portion 126 of the second ultrasonic probe 120 is engaged with the adjacent second engaged portion 168 of the second jig 160. Then, the process returns to the inspection completion determination step S110.

[0082] [Acceptance judgment process S190] In the pass / fail determination step S190, the calculation unit 212 determines that the clinched joint 50 is pass, and ends the inspection method.

[0083] As described above, the clinching joint inspection device 100 according to this embodiment is a clinching joint inspection device 100 that inspects a clinching joint 50 that is formed by clinching a first member 20 and a second member 30 to protrude in a cylindrical shape, and includes a first ultrasonic probe 110 and a first jig 15 that is detachably attached to the clinching joint 50 and that is used to position the first ultrasonic probe 110 on the inner peripheral surface 52 side of the clinching joint 50. 0, the first ultrasonic probe 110 includes a first engaging portion 116, and the first jig 150 includes a first insertion hole 154 into which the first ultrasonic probe 110 can be inserted, and a first engaged portion 156 that engages with the first engaging portion 116 of the first ultrasonic probe 110 inserted into the first insertion hole 154, thereby positioning the first ultrasonic probe 110 so that the direction of transmission and reception of ultrasonic waves by the first ultrasonic probe 110 is directed toward the portion of the clinching joint 50 to be inspected.

[0084] Therefore, an operator performing an inspection using the clinching joint inspection device 100 according to this embodiment can orient the transmission and reception direction of ultrasonic waves from the first ultrasonic probe 110 toward the inspection target portion of the clinching joint 50 simply by engaging the first engaging portion 116 of the first ultrasonic probe 110 with the first engaged portion 156 of the first jig 150. This allows the clinching joint inspection device 100 according to this embodiment to restrict rotation of the first probe body 112, thereby preventing the transmission and reception direction of ultrasonic waves from deviating from the inspection target portion while the first ultrasonic probe 110 is transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves. This allows the operator to install the first ultrasonic probe 110 so that the transmission and reception direction of ultrasonic waves is accurately directed toward the inspection target portion. Therefore, the clinching joint inspection device 100 according to this embodiment can more appropriately and quickly inspect the joining condition of the clinching joint 50.

[0085] In addition, the clinching joint inspection device 100 of this embodiment includes a second ultrasonic probe 120 and a second jig 160 that is detachably attached to the clinching joint 50 and for positioning the second ultrasonic probe 120 on the outer surface 54 side of the clinching joint 50, and the second ultrasonic probe 120 includes a second engaging portion 126, and the second jig 160 may include a storage portion 164 that stores the clinching joint, a second insertion hole 166 that communicates with the storage portion 164 and into which the second ultrasonic probe 120 can be inserted, and a second engaged portion 168 that engages with the second engaging portion 126 of the second ultrasonic probe 120 inserted into the second insertion hole 166, thereby positioning the second ultrasonic probe 120 so that the direction of transmission and reception of ultrasonic waves by the second ultrasonic probe 120 is directed toward the portion of the clinching joint 50 to be inspected.

[0086] Therefore, an operator performing an inspection using the clinching joint inspection device 100 according to this embodiment can orient the transmission and reception direction of ultrasonic waves from the second ultrasonic probe 120 toward the inspection target portion of the clinching joint 50 simply by engaging the second engaging portion 126 of the second ultrasonic probe 120 with the second engaged portion 168 of the second jig 160. This allows the clinching joint inspection device 100 according to this embodiment to restrict rotation of the second probe body 122, thereby preventing the transmission and reception direction of ultrasonic waves from deviating from the inspection target portion while the second ultrasonic probe 120 is transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves. This allows the operator to install the second ultrasonic probe 120 so that the transmission and reception direction of ultrasonic waves is accurately directed toward the inspection target portion. Therefore, the clinching joint inspection device 100 according to this embodiment can more appropriately and quickly inspect the joining condition of the clinching joint 50.

[0087] In the clinching joint inspection device 100 according to this embodiment, the shape of the second engagement portion 126 may be different from that of the first engagement portion .

[0088] As described above, the first probe body 112 of the first ultrasonic probe 110 has an opposing surface 112a shaped along the inner circumferential surface 52 of the clinching joint 50. Furthermore, the second probe body 122 of the second ultrasonic probe 120 has an opposing surface 122a shaped along the outer circumferential surface 54 of the clinching joint 50. In other words, the first ultrasonic probe 110 and the second ultrasonic probe 120 have different shapes. For this reason, if the first ultrasonic probe 110 is inserted into the second insertion hole 166 of the second jig 160, the first transmitting / receiving unit 114 of the first ultrasonic probe 110 will not come into contact with the outer circumferential surface 54 of the clinching joint 50, and the calculation accuracy of the thickness t2 of the second member 30 will decrease. Similarly, if the second ultrasonic probe 120 were to be inserted into the first insertion hole 154 of the first jig 150, the second transmitting / receiving unit 124 of the second ultrasonic probe 120 would not come into contact with the inner circumferential surface 52 of the clinched joint 50, reducing the accuracy of calculating the thickness t1 of the first member 20. Therefore, by differentiating the shape of the second engaging portion 126 from that of the first engaging portion 116, the clinched joint inspection device 100 according to this embodiment can prevent the first ultrasonic probe 110 from being erroneously inserted into the second insertion hole 166 of the second jig 160 and the second ultrasonic probe 120 from being erroneously inserted into the first insertion hole 154 of the first jig 150. Therefore, the clinched joint inspection device 100 according to this embodiment can calculate the thickness t1 of the first member 20, the thickness t2 of the second member 30, and the crimping amount ta with high accuracy.

[0089] In addition, the clinching joint inspection device 100 of this embodiment may be provided with a fixing member 170 that fixes the first jig 150 and the second jig 160 to the clinching joint 50 so that the clinching joint 50 is clamped between the first jig 150 and the second jig 160.

[0090] This allows an operator who performs an inspection using the clinching joint inspection device 100 according to this embodiment to easily attach the first jig 150 and the second jig 160 to the clinching joint 50.

[0091] Furthermore, in the clinching joint inspection device 100 of this embodiment, the first jig 150 may include a plurality of first engaged portions 156, and the plurality of first engaged portions 156 may be arranged spaced apart from each other along the circumferential direction of the first insertion hole 154.

[0092] This allows an operator performing an inspection using the clinching joint inspection device 100 according to this embodiment to inspect the joining condition of the clinching joint 50 in the circumferential direction. Therefore, the clinching joint inspection device 100 can inspect the joining condition of the clinching joint 50 with higher accuracy.

[0093] Furthermore, in the clinching joint inspection device 100 of this embodiment, the second jig 160 includes multiple pairs of second insertion holes 166 and second engaged portions 168, and the multiple pairs may be arranged spaced apart from each other along the circumferential direction of the accommodating portion 164.

[0094] This allows an operator performing an inspection using the clinching joint inspection device 100 according to this embodiment to inspect the joining condition of the clinching joint 50 in the circumferential direction. Therefore, the clinching joint inspection device 100 can inspect the joining condition of the clinching joint 50 with higher accuracy.

[0095] Although the embodiments have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, it goes without saying that the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments. It is clear that a person skilled in the art can conceive of various modifications or alterations within the scope of the claims, and it is understood that these also naturally fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0096] For example, in the above embodiment, the second jig 160 includes a plurality of pairs of second insertion holes 166 and second engaged portions 168, and the plurality of pairs are spaced apart from one another along the circumferential direction of the accommodating portion 164. However, the second jig 160 may have only one pair of second insertion holes 166 and second engaged portions 168.

[0097] In the above embodiment, the first jig 150 includes a plurality of first engaged portions 156, and the plurality of first engaged portions 156 are spaced apart from one another along the circumferential direction of the first insertion hole 154. However, the first jig 150 may have only one first engaged portion 156.

[0098] In the above embodiment, the clinching joint inspection device 100 is provided with the fixing member 170. However, the clinching joint inspection device 100 does not have to be provided with the fixing member 170.

[0099] In the above embodiment, the case where the shape of the second engagement portion 126 is different from that of the first engagement portion 116 has been exemplified. However, the shape of the second engagement portion 126 may be the same as that of the first engagement portion 116.

[0100] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example was given in which the clinching joint inspection device 100 is equipped with both the first ultrasonic probe 110 and the first jig 150, and the second ultrasonic probe 120 and the second jig 160. However, it is sufficient for the clinching joint inspection device 100 to be equipped with either the first ultrasonic probe 110 and the first jig 150, or the second ultrasonic probe 120 and the second jig 160.

[0101] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example was given in which the first engaging portion 116 is a protrusion and the first engaged portion 156 is a groove. However, it is sufficient that the first engaged portion 156 is capable of engaging with the first engaging portion 116. For example, the first engaging portion 116 may be a groove and the first engaged portion 156 may be a protrusion. Similarly, it is sufficient that the second engaged portion 168 is capable of engaging with the second engaging portion 126. For example, the second engaging portion 126 may be a groove and the second engaged portion 168 may be a protrusion.

[0102] In the above embodiment, the clinching joint 50 has a cylindrical shape. However, the clinching joint 50 may have any cylindrical shape. For example, the clinching joint 50 may have a rectangular cylindrical shape.

[0103] This disclosure can contribute, for example, to Goal 9 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which is to "Build resilient infrastructure, promote sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation." [Explanation of symbols]

[0104] 10 Clinching joint 20 First member 30 Second member 50 Clinching joint 52 Inner surface 54 Outer surface 100 Clinching joint inspection device 110 1st ultrasound probe 116 First engagement part 120 2nd ultrasound probe 126 Second engagement portion 150 First jig 156 First engaged part 160 Second jig 164 Storage Unit 166 Second insertion hole 168 Second engaged part 170 Fixing member

Claims

1. A clinching joint inspection device that inspects a clinching joint formed by clinching a first member and a second member to protrude in a cylindrical shape, a first ultrasonic probe; a first jig that is detachably attached to the clinching joint and that positions the first ultrasonic probe on an inner peripheral surface side of the clinching joint; Equipped with The first ultrasonic probe includes: a first engagement portion; The first jig is a first insertion hole into which the first ultrasonic probe can be inserted; a first engaged portion that engages with the first engaging portion of the first ultrasonic probe inserted into the first insertion hole, thereby positioning the first ultrasonic probe so that the transmission and reception direction of ultrasonic waves by the first ultrasonic probe is directed toward an inspection target portion of the clinching joint; A clinching joint inspection device comprising:

2. A clinching joint inspection device that inspects a clinching joint formed by clinching a first member and a second member to protrude in a cylindrical shape, a second ultrasonic probe; a second jig that is detachably attached to the clinching joint and that positions the second ultrasonic probe on the outer circumferential surface side of the clinching joint; Equipped with The second ultrasonic probe includes: a second engagement portion; The second jig is a receiving portion that receives the clinching joint; a second insertion hole communicating with the housing portion and into which the second ultrasonic probe can be inserted; a second engaged portion that engages with the second engaging portion of the second ultrasonic probe inserted into the second insertion hole, thereby positioning the second ultrasonic probe so that the direction of transmission and reception of ultrasonic waves by the second ultrasonic probe is directed toward an inspection target portion of the clinching joint; A clinching joint inspection device comprising:

3. a second ultrasonic probe; a second jig that is detachably attached to the clinching joint and that positions the second ultrasonic probe on the outer circumferential surface side of the clinching joint; Equipped with The second ultrasonic probe includes: a second engagement portion; The second jig is a receiving portion that receives the clinching joint; a second insertion hole communicating with the housing portion and into which the second ultrasonic probe can be inserted; a second engaged portion that engages with the second engaging portion of the second ultrasonic probe inserted into the second insertion hole, thereby positioning the second ultrasonic probe so that the direction of transmission and reception of ultrasonic waves by the second ultrasonic probe is directed toward the inspection target portion of the clinching joint; The clinching joint inspection device according to claim 1 , comprising:

4. The clinching joint inspection device according to claim 3 , wherein the second engagement portion has a shape different from that of the first engagement portion.

5. 5. The clinching joint inspection device according to claim 3, further comprising a fixing member that fixes the first jig and the second jig to the clinching joint so that the clinching joint is sandwiched between the first jig and the second jig.

6. the first jig includes a plurality of the first engaged portions, The clinching joint inspection device according to claim 1 , wherein the plurality of first engaged portions are provided spaced apart from one another along a circumferential direction of the first insertion hole.

7. the second jig includes a plurality of pairs of the second insertion hole and the second engaged portion, The clinching joint inspection device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the plurality of pairs are provided spaced apart from one another along the circumferential direction of the receiving portion.

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