Method for measuring the distance between sealing surfaces

Abstract

Efficiently measure the distance between sealing surfaces. [Solution] The method for measuring the distance between sealing surfaces comprises a target mounting step S1, a target measurement step S2, and a calculation step S3 for calculating the distance D between sealing surfaces.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for measuring the distance between the sealing surface of a door and the sealing surface of a body.

Background Art

[0002] A weatherstrip for waterproofing is attached between a body and a door that constitute an automobile body. Therefore, a space for attaching the weatherstrip is formed between the door and the body. On the door and the body, sealing surfaces facing each other are formed to form this space. The sealing surfaces are formed.

[0003] In the manufacturing process of an automobile, the distance between the sealing surface of the door and the sealing surface of the body is measured. As a method for measuring the distance between the sealing surfaces, for example, a silicone-based impression material such as Corteflex (registered trademark) is installed between the sealing surfaces, the door is closed against the body, and the impression material is compressed and solidified. As a result, the shape between the sealing surfaces is transferred to the impression material.

[0004] Thereafter, the impression material is removed from the installation position, cut, and a sample for measurement is prepared. The distance between the sealing surfaces can be measured from the shape transferred to this sample (see, for example, paragraph 0003 of Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] Conventional methods for measuring the distance between sealing surfaces involve many steps, including the preparation of the impression material, the placement of the impression material (which can occur at dozens of locations), the removal of the impression material from the sealing surface, and the processing (cutting) of the impression material to create a sample. As a result, measuring the distance between sealing surfaces takes a considerable amount of time.

[0007] This invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its technical objective is to efficiently measure the distance between sealing surfaces. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The present invention is for solving the above problems and is a method for measuring the distance between a sealing surface on the inner surface of a body and a sealing surface on the inner surface of a door, comprising: a target mounting step of attaching targets to the body and the door; a target measurement step of measuring the position of the targets, the shape of the body and the shape of the door using a three-dimensional measuring machine; and a calculation step of calculating the distance between the sealing surfaces, wherein the target mounting step includes attaching targets to the outer surface of the body and the sealing surface of the body, attaching targets to the outer surface of the door and the sealing surface of the door, and attaching a relay member having a target to the outer surface of the door, wherein the target measurement step includes measuring the position of the target on the outer surface of the body, the position of the target on the outer surface of the door and the position of the target on the relay member with the door closed relative to the body, and storing the measured position information of the targets in an image analysis device, and measuring the position of the target on the outer surface of the body and the door with the door closed relative to the body The calculation step includes a step of measuring the shape of the outer surface of the body, the position of the target of the relay member and the shape of the relay member, the position of the target relating to the sealing surface of the door and the shape of the sealing surface of the door, with the door open relative to the body, the position of the target relating to the outer surface of the body and the shape of the outer surface of the body, the position of the target relating to the sealing surface of the body and the shape of the sealing surface of the body, with the door open relative to the body, wherein the calculation step includes a step of measuring the position information of the target relating to the sealing surface of the body measured in the target measurement step, the position information of the target relating to the sealing surface of the door measured in the target measurement step, information relating to the shape of the outer surface of the body and the shape of the inner surface of the body measured in the target measurement step, and information relating to the shape of the outer surface of the door and the shape of the inner surface of the door measured in the target measurement step, with the door closed relative to the body,The method is characterized by calculating the distance between the sealing surface of the body and the sealing surface of the door.

[0009] With this configuration, without using impression materials as in conventional measurement methods, the distance between the sealing surface of the body and the sealing surface of the door (sealing surface distance) can be efficiently measured by using a three-dimensional measuring machine to measure the positions of targets provided on the door and body, as well as the shapes of the body and the door.

[0010] When measuring the outer and inner surfaces of a door, a relay member installed on the outer surface of the door allows for continuous measurement of the target on the outer surface of the door, the target on the relay member, and the target on the door's sealing surface. This enables accurate and efficient measurement of the shape of the outer surface of the door and the shape of the sealing surface on the inner surface of the door using a three-dimensional measuring machine. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, the distance between sealing surfaces can be measured efficiently. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] This is a flowchart showing a method for measuring the distance between sealing surfaces. [Figure 2] This is a side view showing the target attached to the body and door, and the intermediate member attached to the door, with the door in the closed position. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view showing the body and target attached to the door, and the intermediate member attached to the door, with the door in the open position. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view of the body and door. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view showing the exterior of the door and the connecting members. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view showing the inner surface of the door and the connecting members. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Figures 1 to 6 show one embodiment of the method for measuring the distance between sealing surfaces according to the present invention.

[0014] This method is for measuring the distance between the sealing surface of a vehicle body (e.g., a side outer panel) and the sealing surface of a door (e.g., a side door). As shown in Figure 1, this method comprises a target mounting step S1, a target measurement step S2, and a calculation step S3.

[0015] As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the body 1 has an outer surface 1a and an inner surface 1b. The inner surface 1b of the body 1 has a sealing surface 1b1 that is sealed by a weatherstrip. The inner surface 1b of the body 1 is exposed when the door 2 is opened relative to the body 1, and is hidden by the door 2 and cannot be seen from the outside when the door 2 is closed relative to the body 1.

[0016] As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the door 2 has an outer surface 2a and an inner surface 2b. The inner surface 2b of the door 2 is the surface located on the opposite side from the outer surface 2a in the thickness direction of the door 2. The inner surface 2b of the door 2 has a sealing surface 2b1 that is sealed by a weatherstrip. The sealing surface 2b1 of the door 2 is configured to face the sealing surface 1b1 of the body 1 when the door 2 is closed.

[0017] The target mounting process S1 includes the steps of attaching targets 3a and 3b to the outer surface 1a and inner surface 1b (sealing surface 1b1) of the body 1, attaching targets 3c and 3d to the outer surface 2a and inner surface 2b (sealing surface 2b1) of the door 2, and attaching a relay member 4 having targets 3e and 3f to the outer surface 2a of the door 2. The order of these steps is not particularly limited, and each step may be performed simultaneously.

[0018] Targets 3a to 3f are configured as target seals. Therefore, in the target mounting step S1, the targets 3a to 3f can be easily attached to the outer surface 1a and inner surface 1b (sealing surface 1b1) of the body 1, the outer surface 2a and inner surface 2b (sealing surface 2b1) of the door 2, and the relay member 4.

[0019] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, in the target mounting step S1, a plurality of targets 3a are attached to the outer surface 1a of the body 1 at intervals. Similarly, a plurality of targets 3b are attached to the inner surface 1b (sealing surface 1b1) of the body 1 at intervals.

[0020] Similarly, a plurality of targets 3c are attached to the outer surface 2a of the door 2 at intervals. Also, a plurality of targets 3d are attached to the inner surface 2b (sealing surface 2b1) of the door 2 at intervals.

[0021] Furthermore, in the target mounting step S1, a plurality of relay members 4 are attached to the peripheral edge of the outer surface 2a of the door 2 (a portion close to the boundary with the outer surface 1a of the body 1) at intervals. A plurality of targets 3e and 3f are attached to the relay member 4 in advance, and by attaching the relay member 4 to the outer surface 2a of the door 2, these targets 3e and 3f can be mounted on the outer surface 2a of the door 2.

[0022] The relay member 4 is for assisting the measurement of the targets 3c and 3d on the outer surface 2a and the inner surface 2b (sealing surface 2b1) of the door 2. The relay member 4 is configured in a rectangular parallelepiped shape (block shape) or a plate shape, but is not limited to this shape.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 5, the relay member 4 has a first surface 4a and a second surface 4b. The first surface 4a and the second surface 4b form a right angle, but the intersection angle between the first surface 4a and the second surface 4b is not limited to this embodiment.

[0024] Multiple targets 3e are attached to the first surface 4a at intervals. Similarly, multiple targets 3f are attached to the second surface 4b at intervals. However, other multiple targets may be attached to other surfaces of the relay member 4.

[0025] As shown in Figure 5, the relay member 4 has a magnet 6 on the side opposite to the first surface 4a (the third surface). The relay member 4 can be easily attached to the door 2 by bringing this magnet 6 into contact with the outer surface 2a of the door 2. Furthermore, with this configuration, the relay member 4 can be easily removed from the door 2 after the target measurement process S2 is completed.

[0026] In the target measurement process S2, the positions of targets 3a to 3f, the shape of body 1, and the shape of door 2 are measured using a three-dimensional measuring machine.

[0027] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the three-dimensional measuring machine includes a scanner 5 that captures the shape of the body 1 and the shape of the door 2, and the positions of targets 3a to 3f, and an image analysis device (not shown).

[0028] The scanner 5 is a portable, handheld type that can measure the positions of targets 3a to 3f and the shapes of the body 1 and door 2 while moving.

[0029] For example, a laser scanner can be used as scanner 5. Scanner 5 can measure the position of each target 3a to 3f by irradiating them with laser light and receiving the reflected laser light. Scanner 5 can also measure the shape of the outer surface 1a and inner surface 1b (seal surface 1b1) of body 1 by irradiating them with laser light and receiving the reflected laser light. Similarly, scanner 5 can measure the shape of the outer surface 2a and inner surface 2b (seal surface 2b1) of door 2 by irradiating them with laser light and receiving the reflected laser light.

[0030] For example, a computer with image analysis software installed can be used as the image analysis device. The image analysis device can individually identify targets 3a to 3f by storing the positional information of targets 3a to 3f measured by scanner 5. The image analysis device can also store information regarding the shapes of the outer surfaces 1a, 2a and inner surfaces 1b, 2b of the body 1 and door 2 measured by scanner 5.

[0031] In the target measurement process S2, the scanner 5 of the three-dimensional measuring machine is moved by an operator or a mobile device (e.g., a robot) while measuring the positions of targets 3a to 3f attached to the body 1 and door 2.

[0032] Specifically, as shown in Figure 2, first, with the door 2 closed relative to the body 1, the positions of target 3a attached to the outer surface 1a of the body 1, target 3c attached to the outer surface 2a of the door 2, and target 3e attached to the relay member 4 are measured.

[0033] In this case, with door 2 closed, the position of target 3a on the outer surface 1a of body 1 and the position of target 3c on the outer surface 2a of door 2 are measured simultaneously. In addition, scanner 5 measures the positions of targets 3a and 3c, and also measures the shape of the outer surface 1a of body 1 and the outer surface 2a of door 2. Scanner 5 transmits the measured position information and shape information to an image analysis device. The image analysis device stores the position information and shape information transmitted from scanner 5.

[0034] Furthermore, the scanner 5 simultaneously measures the position of target 3c, which is located on the outer surface 2a of door 2, and the position of target 3e, which is located on the first surface 4a of the relay member 4. In addition, the scanner 5 measures the shape of the relay member 4. The scanner 5 transmits the measured position information and shape information to the image analysis device. The image analysis device stores the position information and shape information transmitted from the scanner 5.

[0035] Next, in the target measurement step S2, with the door 2 open, the position of the target 3c provided on the outer surface 2a of the door 2 and the position of the target 3d provided on the inner surface 2b (sealing surface 2b1) of the door 2 are measured by the scanner 5 via the relay member 4.

[0036] Specifically, as shown in Figure 5, first, with the door 2 in the open position, the scanner 5 simultaneously measures the position of target 3c on the outer surface 2a of the door 2 and the position of target 3e on the first surface 4a of the relay member 4. The scanner 5 also measures the shape of the outer surface 2a of the door 2 and the shape of the relay member 4 around target 3c. The scanner 5 transmits the measured position information of targets 3c and 3e, as well as information regarding the shape of the outer surface 2a of the door 2 and the shape of the relay member 4, to the image analysis device. The image analysis device stores the information transmitted from the scanner 5.

[0037] Subsequently, while moving the scanner 5 from the outer surface 2a side to the inner surface 2b side of the door 2, the position of target 3e on the first surface 4a of the relay member 4 and the position of target 3f on the second surface 4b of the relay member 4 are simultaneously measured by the scanner 5. Furthermore, by positioning the scanner 5 on the inner surface 2b side of the door 2, as shown in Figure 6, the position of target 3f on the second surface 4b of the relay member 4 and the position of target 3d on the sealing surface 2b1 on the inner surface 2b of the door 2 are simultaneously measured. Thus, when measuring with the door 2 in the open state, it is desirable to continuously measure the positions of each target 3c to 3f while moving the scanner 5.

[0038] As described above, even if the position of target 3c on the outer surface 2a of door 2 and the position of target 3d on the inner surface 2b of door 2 cannot be measured by scanner 5 due to their front-to-back positional relationship, their positions can be measured by using targets 3e and 3f on the first surface 4a and second surface 4b of the relay member 4.

[0039] In addition to the above, scanner 5 measures the shape of the relay member 4 around targets 3e and 3f, and the shape of the sealing surface 2b1 on the inner surface 2b of door 2. Scanner 5 transmits the measured position information of targets 3d to 3f and the information regarding the shape of the sealing surface 2b1 on the inner surface 2b of door 2 to the image analysis device. The image analysis device stores the position information and shape information transmitted from scanner 5.

[0040] The three-dimensional measuring machine can relate the position information of target 3c related to the outer surface 2a of door 2 and the position information of target 3d related to the sealing surface 2b1 of door 2 via targets 3e and 3f of the relay member 4.

[0041] Through this measurement, the relationship between the position of target 3c on the outer surface 2a of door 2 (shape of the outer surface 2a) and the position of target 3d on the inner surface 2b (seal surface 2b1) of door 2 (shape of the inner surface 2b) is indirectly acquired by the image analysis device as measurement information (position information) via the relay member 4.

[0042] In addition, during the target measurement process S2, the scanner 5 measures the position of target 3a on the outer surface 1a of body 1 and the position of target 3b on the inner surface 1b (seal surface 1b1) of body 1 with the door 2 open. The scanner 5 also measures the shape of the outer surface 1a and the inner surface 1b (seal surface 1b1) of body 1 with the door 2 open. The scanner 5 transmits the measured position information and shape information to the image analysis device. The image analysis device stores the position information and shape information transmitted from the scanner 5.

[0043] In calculation step S3, the image analysis device of the three-dimensional measuring machine creates an image of the shapes of body 1 and door 2 based on the position information of targets 3a to 3f acquired in target measurement step S2, information on the shape of the outer surface 1a and inner surface 1b of body 1 measured in target measurement step S2, and information on the shape of the outer surface 2a and inner surface 2b of door 2 measured in target measurement step S2. Furthermore, based on this image, specifically the measurement information (position information) of target 3b related to the sealing surface 1b1 of body 1 and the measurement information (position information) of target 3d related to the sealing surface 2b1 of door 2, the image analysis device calculates the distance D between the sealing surface 1b1 of body 1 and the sealing surface 2b1 of door 2 when door 2 is closed to body 1.

[0044] Specifically, the image analysis device uses image processing software to create image data that combines the shapes of the outer surface 1a and inner surface 1b (seal surface 1b1) of the body 1 and the outer surface 2a and inner surface 2b (seal surface 2b1) of the door 2 when the door 2 is closed. Furthermore, the image analysis device creates cross-sectional images of the body 1 and door 2 (see Figure 4). Subsequently, the image analysis device measures the distance D between the seal surfaces based on this cross-sectional image data.

[0045] According to the method for measuring the distance D between sealing surfaces of this embodiment described above, by using a three-dimensional measuring machine, the distance D between the sealing surface 1b1 of the body 1 and the sealing surface 2b1 of the door 2 can be efficiently measured without going through the steps of preparing the impression material, setting it up, removing the impression material from the sealing surface, and processing the impression material to create a sample, which are required in conventional measurement methods.

[0046] When measuring the outer surface 2a and inner surface 2b (sealing surface 2b1) of door 2, it is possible to continuously measure the target 3c on the outer surface 2a of door 2, the targets 3e and 3f on the relay member 4, and the target 3d on the sealing surface 2b1 of door 2 by using a relay member 4 provided on the outer surface 2a of door 2. This allows the shape of the outer surface 2a of door 2 and the shape of the inner surface 2b (sealing surface 2b1) of door 2 to be measured accurately and efficiently using a three-dimensional measuring machine.

[0047] Conventional methods for measuring the distance between sealing surfaces using impression material involve placing the impression material on the sealing surface, allowing it to solidify, removing it, and cutting it. This can result in an insufficient measurement of the cut surfaces of each sealing surface of the impression material, sometimes requiring the impression material to be placed again. In contrast, the present invention avoids this decrease in work efficiency caused by the re-placement of the impression material. Furthermore, while the placement of impression material requires the skilled technique of the measurement operator, the present invention eliminates the need for such skills, allowing the measurement work to be performed easily.

[0048] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiments, nor is it limited to the effects described above. The present invention can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0049] The above embodiment shows a method for measuring the distance D between the sealing surfaces of a side panel (which is the body 1 of a vehicle) and a side door (which is the door 2). However, the present invention is not limited to this and can also be applied to measuring the distance between the sealing surfaces of other doors of a vehicle and the body.

[0050] In the above embodiment, when acquiring the positional information of targets 3c and 3d on the door 2, an example was shown in which the measurement of target 3c on the outer surface 2a of the door 2 is started first. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. In the present invention, for example, the measurement of target 3d on the inner surface 2b of the door 2 may be started first when the door 2 is open.

[0051] In this case, first, with door 2 closed, the scanner 5 measures the positions of target 3a on the outer surface 1a of body 1, target 3c on the outer surface 2a of door 2, and targets 3e and 3f on the relay member 4. The scanner 5 also measures the shape of the outer surface 1a of body 1 and the shape of the outer surface 2a of door 2. The scanner 5 transmits the measured position information and shape information to the image analysis device. The image analysis device stores the position information and shape information transmitted from the scanner 5. Next, with door 2 open, the scanner 5 of the three-dimensional measuring machine simultaneously measures the position of target 3d on the inner surface 2b (seal surface 2b1) of door 2 and the position of target 3f on the second surface 4b of the relay member 4 from the inside of door 2. The scanner 5 also measures the shape of the inner surface 2b of door 2 and the shape of the relay member 4. The scanner 5 transmits the measured position information and shape information to the image analysis device. The image analysis device stores the position information and shape information transmitted from the scanner 5.

[0052] Furthermore, the scanner 5 measures the positions of targets 3a and 3b on the outer surface 1a and inner surface 1b (sealing surface 1b1) of the body 1, and the shape of the outer surface 1a and inner surface 1b (sealing surface 1b1) of the body 1. The scanner 5 transmits the measured information to the image analysis device, and the image analysis device stores the transmitted information. [Explanation of symbols]

[0053] 1 Body 1a Exterior surface of the body 1b Interior of the body 1b1 Body sealing surface 2 doors 2a Exterior of the door 2b Inside of the door 2b1 Door sealing surface 3a Target mounted on the outer surface of the body 3b Target attached to the inner surface (sealing surface) of the body 3c Target mounted on the exterior of the door Target attached to the inner surface (sealing surface) of a 3D door 3e Target attached to the relay member 3f Target attached to the relay member 4. Intermediate members 5. Scanner (3D measuring machine) S1 Target mounting process S2 Target measurement process S3 calculation process D Distance between sealing surfaces

Claims

[Claim 1] A method for measuring the distance between a sealing surface on the inner surface of a body and a sealing surface on the inner surface of a door, The system includes a target mounting step of attaching targets to the body and the door, a target measurement step of measuring the position of the targets, the shape of the body and the shape of the door using a three-dimensional measuring machine, and a calculation step of calculating the distance between sealing surfaces. The target mounting step includes the steps of attaching a target to the outer surface of the body and the sealing surface of the body, attaching a target to the outer surface of the door and the sealing surface of the door, and attaching a relay member having a target to the outer surface of the door. The aforementioned target measurement step is, With the door closed relative to the body, the position of the target on the outer surface of the body, the position of the target on the outer surface of the door, and the position of the target on the relay member are measured, and the measured position information of the targets is stored in an image analysis device. A step of measuring the shape of the outer surface of the body and the shape of the outer surface of the door while the door is closed relative to the body, With the door open relative to the body, the steps include measuring the position of the target on the intermediate member and the shape of the intermediate member, and the position of the target on the sealing surface of the door and the shape of the sealing surface of the door. The process includes measuring, with the door open relative to the body, the position of the target on the outer surface of the body and the shape of the outer surface of the body, and the position of the target on the sealing surface of the body and the shape of the sealing surface of the body, A method for measuring the distance between sealing surfaces, characterized in that the calculation step calculates the distance between the sealing surface of the body and the sealing surface of the door when the door is closed to the body, based on the position information of the target relating to the sealing surface of the body measured in the target measurement step, the position information of the target relating to the sealing surface of the door measured in the target measurement step, information regarding the shape of the outer surface of the body and the shape of the inner surface of the body measured in the target measurement step, and information regarding the shape of the outer surface of the door and the shape of the inner surface of the door measured in the target measurement step.

Images