Inspection device and method for manufacturing a vehicle body frame

Abstract

To provide technology that allows for testing in a short amount of time. [Solution] The inspection device (30) is used to inspect whether a hole is drilled in the correct position on a workpiece (20). The workpiece (20) has a first plate portion (21) with a first hole portion (21a) drilled in it, and a second plate portion (22) which is in a different location from the first plate portion (21) and has a second hole portion (22a) drilled in it. The inspection device (30) has a first member (40), a second member (50), and a moving mechanism (60) that can move the second member (50) relative to the first member (40). The first member (40) has a first pin (43) that penetrates the first hole portion (21a) when the first hole portion (21a) is formed in the correct position. The second member (50) has a second pin (53) that penetrates the second hole portion (22a) when the second hole portion (22a) is formed in the correct position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a technique for inspecting whether holes are formed at accurate positions on a workpiece such as a vehicle body frame.

Background Art

[0002] As a conventional technique for inspecting whether holes are formed at accurate positions on a workpiece, there is a technique disclosed in Patent Document 1.

[0003] As shown in Patent Document 1, the inspection device targets a workpiece with holes formed at a portion corresponding to the bottom of a substantially C shape, and swings a pin toward the workpiece placed on a mounting table. If holes are formed at accurate positions on the workpiece, the pin passes through the holes.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] For a substantially C-shaped workpiece as shown in Patent Document 1, it is conceivable that holes are also formed in side portions or the like in addition to the bottom portion. In the case of inspecting a workpiece with holes formed not only in such a bottom portion but also in other portions, it is necessary to move the workpiece to a different inspection device or rotate the workpiece and then perform inspection on another portion. The time required for inspection becomes longer due to moving or rotating the workpiece.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a technique capable of performing inspection in a short time.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] According to this disclosure, a workpiece having a first plate portion with a first through-hole and a second plate portion that is in a different location from the first plate portion and also has a second through-hole, is used to inspect whether the first and second holes are drilled in the correct positions. The device comprises a first member on which the workpiece can be placed, a second member that is movable relative to the first member, and a moving mechanism that can move the second member relative to the first member. The first member has a first pin that penetrates the first hole when the workpiece is placed on it and the first hole is formed in the correct position. An inspection device is provided in which the second member has a second pin that penetrates the second hole when the second hole is formed in the correct position when the second member is moved relative to the first member. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to this disclosure, a technology can be provided that enables inspection to be performed in a short amount of time. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This figure illustrates a method for manufacturing a workpiece using the inspection device according to Example 1. [Figure 2] This is a diagram illustrating the inspection apparatus according to Example 1. [Figure 3] This is a view from arrow 3 in Figure 2. [Figure 4] This is a view from arrow 4 in Figure 3. [Figure 5] This is a diagram illustrating the workpiece placement process. [Figure 6] Figure 6A is a diagram illustrating the excess portion and the first excess portion contact area, and Figure 6B is a diagram illustrating the operation of the first excess portion contact area. [Figure 7] Figure 7A illustrates the excess portion and the second excess portion contact area, and Figure 7B illustrates the operation of the second excess portion contact area. [Figure 8]This is a diagram for explaining the work transfer process and the pass / fail judgment of the work. [Figure 9] This is a diagram for explaining the inspection apparatus according to Example 2. [Figure 10] This is a diagram for explaining the operation of the inspection apparatus shown in FIG. 9. [Figure 11] This is a diagram for explaining the inspection apparatus according to Example 3. [Figure 12] This is a diagram for explaining the operation of the inspection apparatus shown in FIG. 11. [Figure 13] This is a diagram for explaining the inspection apparatus according to Example 4. [Figure 14] This is a diagram for explaining the operation of the inspection apparatus shown in FIG. 13. [Figure 15] This is a diagram for explaining the inspection apparatus according to Example 5.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below based on the accompanying drawings. Note that the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings are examples of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to such embodiments.

[0011] <Example 1> Example 1 will be described based on the drawings.

[0012] (Regarding the manufacturing method of the work 20) Refer to FIG. 1. The manufacturing method of the work 20 having a three-dimensional shape will be described below. To manufacture the work 20, for example, a steel plate 11, which is a steel plate made of steel, is prepared (preparation step), and the steel plate 11 is press-formed into a predetermined shape by a press molding machine to obtain an intermediate product 12 (forming step). Next, holes (hole portions 21a, 21b, 22a, 22b, 23a, and 23b) are drilled at predetermined positions of the intermediate product 12 using a drilling machine to obtain the work 20 (drilling step). Next, it is inspected using an inspection apparatus 30 (refer to FIG. 2) whether the holes (hole portions 21a, 21b, 22a, 22b, 23a, and 23b) formed in the work 20 are formed at correct positions, and an inspected work 20' is obtained (inspection step).

[0013] In order to distinguish the following workpiece 20 from the inspected workpiece 20', it may be referred to as "pre-inspection workpiece 20". However, the inspected workpiece 20' and the pre-inspection workpiece 20 only differ in whether the inspection has been performed, and they refer to the same object as a thing.

[0014] The press forming machine (not shown) may have an intermediate product counter 14 that counts the number of press-formed intermediate products 12. Similarly, the drilling machine may have a pre-inspection workpiece counter 15 that counts the number of pre-inspection workpieces 20, and the inspection device 30 (see FIG. 2) may have an inspected workpiece counter 31 that counts the number of inspected workpieces 20'. These counters 14, 15, 31 are connected to a comparison unit 18 that compares the respective count numbers. The comparison unit 18 confirms whether the inspection has been performed on all the workpieces 20 based on the information obtained from the respective counters 14, 15, 31. The inspector can confirm whether the inspection has been performed on all the workpieces 20 by visually checking the monitor connected to the comparison unit 18.

[0015] The intermediate product counter 14 counts the number of intermediate products 12 (intermediate product counting process), the pre-inspection workpiece counter 15 counts the number of pre-inspection workpieces 20 (pre-inspection workpiece counting process), and the inspected workpiece counter 31 counts the number of inspected workpieces 20' (inspected product counting process). Also, the comparison unit 18 compares the number of intermediate products 12, the number of pre-inspection workpieces 20, and the number of inspected workpieces 20' (comparison process).

[0016] The comparison unit 18 includes, for example, a CPU, a ROM in which programs and various data executed by this CPU are stored, a RAM used as a working memory of the CPU, and an EEPROM which is a non-volatile memory.

[0017] The inspected workpiece 20' is used, for example, as a vehicle body frame constituting a vehicle body. More specifically, the inspected workpiece 20' is used as a floor cross member in which a so-called hat cross section is continuous.

[0018] Furthermore, the inspected workpiece 20' may be other vehicle frame components such as a dash lower cross member or a center pillar, in addition to the floor cross member, or it may be used as a component other than the vehicle frame. Also, the cross-sectional shape of the inspected workpiece 20' in the short direction may be any three-dimensional shape, such as a hat shape, U-shape, L-shape, C-shape, J-shape, or V-shape. The cross-sectional shape may or may not be continuous in the longitudinal direction.

[0019] Hereafter, workpiece 20 may be referred to as "vehicle frame 20 before inspection." Similarly, workpiece 20' after inspection may be referred to as "vehicle frame 20' after inspection." Furthermore, the workpiece counting process before inspection may be referred to as the "vehicle frame counting process before inspection."

[0020] Furthermore, the material of workpiece 20 is not limited to steel; it may be other metals such as aluminum or aluminum alloys. Also, the material of workpiece 20 being inspected is not limited to metal; any material such as resin can be used.

[0021] (Regarding Work 20) As an example, workpiece 20 is a long, rectangular member. The longitudinal direction of workpiece 20 is called the front-to-back direction, and the width direction is called the left-to-right direction. Workpiece 20 has a long tunnel shape in the front-to-back direction. In addition, the central part of workpiece 20 in the front-to-back direction protrudes upward. As a result, workpiece 20 is also formed in a tunnel shape in the left-to-right direction in the central part in the front-to-back direction.

[0022] The workpiece 20 has workpiece legs 21, 21 that form the left and right ends and extend parallel to each other, workpiece walls 22, 22 that rise up from the inner ends of these workpiece legs 21, 21, and a workpiece ceiling 23 that connects the upper ends of these workpiece walls 22, 22.

[0023] The workpiece legs 21, 21 are each provided approximately parallel to the workpiece ceiling 23. Multiple through holes are made in the workpiece legs 21 for purposes such as passing bolts through. These through holes are called leg holes 21a and 21b. The leg holes 21a and 21b include a circular leg hole 21a and a rectangular leg hole 21b. The same applies to the workpiece leg 21 on the far side of the drawing.

[0024] The workpiece walls 22, 22 are formed facing each other. The workpiece walls 22, 22 may be formed parallel to each other, or they may be formed so that they gradually approach each other from the lower end to the upper end.

[0025] Multiple through holes are provided in the workpiece wall 22 for purposes such as passing bolts through. These through holes are referred to as wall holes 22a and 22b. The wall holes 22a and 22b include circular wall holes 22a and rectangular wall holes 22b. The same applies to the workpiece wall 22 on the far side of the drawing.

[0026] Multiple through holes are provided in the workpiece ceiling portion 23 for purposes such as passing bolts through. These through holes are referred to as ceiling holes 23a and 23b. The ceiling holes 23a and 23b include a circular ceiling hole portion 23a and a rectangular ceiling hole portion 23b.

[0027] Furthermore, the leg holes 21a, 21b, wall holes 22a, 22b, and ceiling holes 23a, 23b can be any shape selected according to the purpose, including circular and rectangular shapes, as well as elliptical and oblong shapes, and combinations of these shapes.

[0028] In the inspection process described above, it is checked whether the leg holes 21a, 21b, wall holes 22a, 22b, and ceiling holes 23a, 23b are drilled in the correct positions. The workpiece leg portion 21, where the leg holes 21a, 21b are formed, and the workpiece ceiling portion 23, where the ceiling holes 23a, 23b are formed, are oriented in roughly the same direction. On the other hand, the workpiece wall portion 22, where the wall holes 22a, 22b are formed, is provided approximately perpendicular to the workpiece leg portion 21 and the workpiece ceiling portion 23. As will be described in detail later, the leg holes 21a, 21b and the ceiling holes 23a, 23b are inspected using pins that are oriented in the same direction. On the other hand, the wall holes 22a, 22b are inspected using pins that are oriented in a different direction from the pins used to inspect the leg holes 21a, 21b and the ceiling holes 23a, 23b.

[0029] Hereafter, the workpiece leg portion 21 may be referred to as the "first plate portion 21," and the workpiece wall portion 22 may be referred to as the "second plate portion 22." Also, the workpiece ceiling portion 23, which is formed facing the same direction as the workpiece leg portion 21, may be referred to as the "first plate portion 23." Furthermore, the leg holes 21a and 21b formed in the first plate portion 21 may be referred to as the "first holes 21a and 21b," with the circular first hole portion 21a being referred to as the "circular first hole portion 21a," and the rectangular first hole portion 21b being referred to as the "rectangular first hole portion 21a." Furthermore, the wall holes 22a and 22b formed in the second plate portion 22 may be referred to as the "second holes 22a and 22b," with the circular second hole portion 22a being referred to as the "circular second hole portion 22a," and the rectangular second hole portion 22b being referred to as the "rectangular second hole portion 22a." Furthermore, the ceiling holes 23a and 23b formed in the first plate portion 23 are sometimes referred to as "first holes 23a and 23b," the circular first hole 23a is sometimes referred to as "circular first hole 23a," and the rectangular first hole 23b is sometimes referred to as "rectangular first hole 23b."

[0030] (Regarding the inspection device 30) Refer to Figure 2. Next, the inspection device 30 used in the inspection process will be described. In this embodiment, the following explanation will be given using an example of inspecting a roughly L-shaped workpiece 20 (see Figure 5) consisting of a first plate portion 21 and a second plate portion 22, in order to facilitate understanding.

[0031] In the inspection process, the workpiece legs 21 and workpiece ceiling 23, which are facing the same direction as shown in Figure 1, can be treated as the same part, the first plate sections 21 and 23. The same applies to the first holes 21a, 21b, 23a, 23b, the circular first holes 21a, 23a, and the rectangular first holes 21b, 23b. Therefore, even for a hat-shaped workpiece 20, the basic concept remains the same.

[0032] The inspection device 30 mainly consists of a first member 40 on which a workpiece 20 (see Figure 5) is placed, a second member 50 that is movable relative to the first member 40, a moving mechanism 60 that supports the second member 50 and moves it toward the first member 40, a pass / fail determination unit 70 that determines whether the workpiece 20 is pass or fail, a first excess portion contact part 37 provided in close proximity to the first member 40, and a second excess portion contact part 38 supported by the second member 50.

[0033] (Regarding the first component 40) The first member 40 includes first member support columns 41, 41 rising from the floor surface, a first member body 42 fixed to the upper ends of these first member support columns 41, 41, first pins 43, 44 rising from the first member body 42, and a first contact portion 45 rising along the edge of the first member body 42.

[0034] (Regarding the main body portion 42 of the first component) Refer to Figure 3. The first member body portion 42 is the part on which the workpiece 20 is placed during inspection. Referring also to Figure 1, it is preferable that the upper surface of the first member body portion 42 is shaped to conform to the first plate portion 21. This ensures that the entire back surface of the first plate portion 21 comes into contact with the first member body portion 42. In other words, the first member body portion 42 has a shape that allows it to contact the entire first plate portion 21.

[0035] (Regarding pins 43 and 44 of the first pin) Refer to Figures 3 and 4. The first pins 43 and 44 penetrate the first holes 21a and 21b when the workpiece 20 is placed on it, provided that the first holes 21a and 21b are formed in the correct positions. One of the first pins 43 has a conical shape, and the other first pin 44 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The conical first pin 43 is sometimes called the first diameter-reducing pin 43, which continuously decreases in diameter towards the tip. The rectangular parallelepiped first pin 44 is sometimes called the first rectangular parallelepiped pin 44. The same number of first pins 43 and 44 are provided to match the number of first holes 21a and 21b.

[0036] The diameter D of the first diameter-reducing pin 43 is set to be slightly smaller than the smallest possible inner diameter of the first hole portion 21a, taking tolerances into consideration.

[0037] The height of the first diameter reduction pin 43 and the height of the first rectangular prism pin 44 may be the same or they may be different. If the first diameter reduction pin 43 is made taller than the first rectangular prism pin 44, a rough positioning can be performed beforehand.

[0038] The first pin 43 may be cylindrical in shape. The first diameter reduction pin 43 may also be a frustoconical shape with a flat apex. In addition, the shapes of the first pins 43 and 44 can be selected to match the shapes of the first holes 21a and 21b that have been opened.

[0039] (Regarding the first contact section 45) Refer to Figure 5. The first contact portion 45 is formed continuously along the edge of the first member body portion 42. The first contact portion 45 is a portion that can contact the end of the first plate portion 21 and is a portion that suppresses deflection of the first plate portion 21 due to its own weight when the first plate portion 21 contacts the first contact portion 45.

[0040] The first contact portion 45 may be formed along another edge of the first member body portion 42, or it may be formed in a part other than the edge of the first member body portion 42. The first contact portion 45 can be formed in any location as long as it can contact the first plate portion 21 and suppress bending. Furthermore, it is preferable that the first plate portion protrusion 21c is formed in the part that contacts the first contact portion 45. However, even for a workpiece 20 without a first plate portion protrusion 21c, as shown in Figure 1, bending can be suppressed by bringing the edge of the first plate portion 21 into contact with it.

[0041] (Regarding the second member 50) The second member 50 includes a connecting portion 51 connected to the moving mechanism 60, a second member body portion 52 supported by the connecting portion 51, second pins 53 and 54 provided on the second member body portion 52 and protruding toward the first member 40, and a second contact portion 55 formed at the upper end of the connecting portion 51 and extending toward the first member 40.

[0042] (Regarding the second component body 52) Referring also to Figure 1, it is preferable that the surface of the second member body 52 facing the first member 40 is shaped to conform to the shape of the second plate portion 22. This allows the entire back surface of the second plate portion 22 to contact the second member body 52. ​​In other words, the second member body 52 has a shape that allows it to contact the entire second plate portion 22.

[0043] (Regarding pins 53 and 54 in the second pin) Refer to Figure 5. The second pins 53 and 54 pass through the second hole 22a when the second member 50 is moved toward the first member 40, provided that the second hole 22a is formed in the correct position. One of the second pins 53 has a conical shape, and the other second pin 54 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The conical second pin 53 is sometimes called the second diameter-reducing pin 53, which continuously decreases in diameter towards the tip. The rectangular parallelepiped second pin 54 is sometimes called the second rectangular parallelepiped pin 54. The same number of second pins 53 and 54 are provided to match the number of second holes 22a.

[0044] Furthermore, the shape of the second pin 54 can be any shape that matches the shape of the opened second hole 21a. Also, if the second hole 22a is inclined with respect to the direction of movement of the second pin 54, the second pin 54 can be made thinner to allow it to pass through the second hole 22a.

[0045] (Regarding the second contact section 55) The upper surface of the second contact portion 55 is located slightly higher than the upper end of the second member body portion 52 and is provided continuously along the upper end of the second member body portion 52. When the second member 50 is moved toward the first member 40, the second plate portion 22 of the workpiece 20 rests on the upper surface of the second contact portion 55, thereby suppressing the bending of the workpiece 20.

[0046] The second contact portion 55 may extend from the lower end of the second member body portion 52 toward the first member 40. In this case, the second contact portion 55 contacts the lower end of the second plate portion 22, thereby suppressing the occurrence of deflection. Even for workpieces 20 without a second plate portion protrusion 22c, as shown in Figure 1, deflection of the second plate portion 22 can be suppressed.

[0047] (Regarding the moving mechanism 60) Refer to Figure 2. The moving mechanism 60 includes moving mechanism support columns 61, 61 rising from the floor, rails 62 supported by these moving mechanism support columns 61, 61, a movable body 63 movably supported on the rails 62 and supporting the second member 50, and a handle 64 provided at the end of the movable body 63 for operation by the inspector Mn.

[0048] Furthermore, the first member 40 can also be supported by a movable body 63 (moving mechanism 60). In this case, after placing the workpiece 20 on the first member 40, the inspection can be performed by moving the first member 40 toward the second member 50. In other words, if the second member 50 is movable relative to the first member 40, then a configuration in which the first member 40 is movable toward the second member 50 is also included. Also, if the second member 50 is movable relative to the first member 40, then a configuration in which both the first member 40 and the second member 50 are movable is also included.

[0049] (Regarding Rail 62) The rail 62 is installed at an angle to the horizontal. The direction in which the rail 62 is inclined is such that, when no force is applied to the moving body 63, the moving body 63 moves away from the first member 40 due to its own weight. The position in which the second member 50 is waiting, separated from the first member 40 before inspection, is defined as the waiting position, and the position in which the second member 50 is displaced relative to the first member 40 and the inspection is performed is defined as the inspection position. The direction in which the rail 62 is inclined can also be defined as the direction in which, when no force is applied to the moving body 63, the moving body 63 moves from the inspection position towards the waiting position due to its own weight.

[0050] The rail 62 may be oriented horizontally. Furthermore, the movable body 63 may be tilted so that it moves by its own weight from the standby position towards the inspection position when the handle 64 is released. However, it is preferable that the movable body 63 is tilted so that it returns to the standby position by its own weight. When the inspector Mn releases the handle 64 after the inspection is complete, the first member 40 and the second member 50 automatically separate, allowing preparations for placing the next workpiece 20 to be made. This contributes to shortening the inspection time.

[0051] (Regarding mobile unit 63) The movable body 63 is a rectangular bar-shaped or plate-shaped member to which a handle 64 is attached at one end and which slides above the rail 62. A second member 50 is integrally formed at the other end of the movable body 63.

[0052] The mobile body 63 may also be driven by a motor, hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder. When using these drive sources, the inspector Mn operates the drive source by pressing a button or the like to move the mobile body 63.

[0053] (Regarding the pass / fail determination unit 70) The pass / fail determination unit 70 includes a first sensor 71 for detecting whether the first pins 43 and 44 have passed through the first hole 21a, a second sensor 72 for detecting whether the second pins 53 and 54 have passed through the second hole 22a, a control unit 73 for determining pass or fail based on information from the first sensor 71 and the second sensor 72, and notification means 74 and 75 for notifying the pass or fail based on electrical signals from the control unit 73.

[0054] (Regarding the first sensor 71) The first sensor 71 is a contact sensor provided, for example, near the surface of the first member body portion 42 and near the first pins 43 and 44. The first sensor 71 does not need to be provided for all of the first pins 43 and 44, but it is preferable that a sufficient number be provided to detect whether or not the first pins 43 and 44 penetrate all of the first holes 21a.

[0055] (Regarding the second sensor 72) The second sensor 72 is a contact sensor provided, for example, near the surface of the second member body 52 and near the second pins 53 and 54. The second sensor 72 does not need to be provided for all of the second pins 53 and 54, but it is preferable that a sufficient number be provided to detect whether or not the second pins 53 and 54 penetrate all of the second holes 22a.

[0056] (Regarding the control unit 73) The control unit 73 receives information detected by all first sensors 71 and second sensors 72, and determines the inspection result of the workpiece 20 based on the received information. The control unit 73 includes, for example, a CPU, a ROM in which programs and various data executed by the CPU are stored, a RAM used as the CPU's working memory, and an EEPROM which is a non-volatile memory.

[0057] (Regarding notification methods 74 and 75) There are, for example, two types of notification means 74 and 75. One notification means 74 is a buzzer 74, and the other notification means 75 is a lamp 75. Notification means 74 and 75 receive information from the control unit 73 and notify the operator whether the workpiece 20 is a good product or a bad product. More specifically, the buzzer 74 emits different sounds for good and bad products. Alternatively, it emits a bad sound until all sensors 71 and 72 detect pressure from the workpiece 20, and emits a good sound when all sensors 71 and 72 detect pressure from the workpiece 20. Similarly, the lamp 75 lights up the OK lamp when the product is good, and the NG lamp lights up when the product is bad or when all sensors 71 and 72 have not detected pressure from the workpiece 20.

[0058] Furthermore, the lamp 75 may be kept off under normal circumstances and only illuminated upon passing. Also, the notification means 74 and 75 are not limited to buzzers or lamps. In addition, there may be one type of notification means 74 and 75, or three or more types may be provided.

[0059] (Regarding the first surplus contact portion 37) Refer to Figure 6A. When the workpiece 20 is placed on the first member 40 from above downwards, the first excess portion contact portion 37 protrudes above the first member 40. Refer also to Figure 6B. During the manufacturing process of the workpiece 20, a first excess portion 25, called a burr, may occur on the first plate portion 21. The first excess portion 25 comes into contact with the first excess portion contact portion 37 when the workpiece 20 is placed on the first member 40. If the first excess portion 25 is thin, it will break when it comes into contact with the first excess portion contact portion 37 and separate from the first plate portion 21. On the other hand, if the first excess portion 25 is thick, the first excess portion 25 will come into contact with the first excess portion contact portion 37, making it impossible to place the workpiece 20 in the predetermined position. For this reason, the first excess portion 25 can be easily recognized. For workpieces 20 having a first excess portion 25 of thickness, the inspection can be performed again by removing the first excess portion 25 in a separate process.

[0060] (Regarding the second surplus contact portion 38) Refer to Figure 7A. The second excess portion contact portion 38 protrudes to a point closer to the first member 40 (see Figure 2) than the second contact portion 55, which is part of the second member 50. Refer to Figure 7B as well. During the manufacturing process of the workpiece 20, a second excess portion 26, called a burr, may occur on the second plate portion 22. The second excess portion 26 comes into contact with the second excess portion contact portion 38 when the workpiece 20 is moved to the inspection position by the second member 50. If the second excess portion 26 is thin, it will break when it comes into contact with the second excess portion contact portion 38 and separate from the second plate portion 22. On the other hand, if the second excess portion 26 is thick, the second excess portion 26 will come into contact with the second excess portion contact portion 38, making it impossible to move the workpiece 20 to the inspection position. For this reason, the second excess portion 26 can be easily identified. For workpieces 20 having a second excess portion 26 with increased thickness, the inspection can be performed again by removing the second excess portion 26 in a separate process.

[0061] (Regarding the operation of the inspection device 30) Refer to Figure 5. When inspecting whether the first hole 21a and the second hole 22a are drilled in the correct positions, first, the workpiece 20 is placed on the first member 40. By placing the workpiece 20 in the predetermined position, the first pins 43 and 44, which are provided to match the first hole 21a, penetrate the first hole 21a (including the first hole 21b (see Figure 1); the same applies hereinafter).

[0062] As the first pins 43 and 44 penetrate the first hole 21a, the back surface of the first plate portion 21 comes into contact with the upper surface of the first member body portion 42, and the first sensor 71 detects the pressure on the first plate portion 21. This information is sent to the control unit 73 (see Figure 2). Since all the first sensors 71 detect pressure, the control unit 73 determines that all the first holes 21a are drilled in the correct positions.

[0063] The pass / fail judgment may also be made by visual inspection by inspector Mn (see Figure 2). Inspector Mn can determine that the product has passed if he / she visually confirms that all first pins 43 and 44 have passed through the first hole 21a. On the other hand, if even one first pin 43 or 44 has not passed through the first hole 21a, the product will be deemed to have failed. The pass / fail judgment for the second pin 53 can also be made by visual inspection in the same manner.

[0064] On the other hand, if the first hole 21a is not drilled in the correct position, the first plate portion 21 will come into contact with the first pins 43 and 44, and the first plate portion 21 will be lifted by the first pins 43 and 44. As a result, no pressure is applied to the first sensor 71, and this information is sent to the control unit 73. Since at least some of the first sensors 71 are not detecting pressure, the control unit 73 determines that at least some of the first holes 21a are not drilled in the correct position.

[0065] Refer to Figure 8. Next, inspector Mn pulls the handle 64 towards him, moving the second member 50 toward the first member 40. By moving the workpiece 20 to the predetermined position, the second pins 53 and 54, which are provided to align with the second hole 22a, pass through the second hole 22a (including the second hole 22b (see Figure 1); the same applies hereinafter).

[0066] As the second pins 53 and 54 penetrate the second hole 22a, the back surface of the second plate portion 22 comes into contact with the surface of the second member body portion 52, and the second sensor 72 detects the pressure on the second plate portion 22. This information is sent to the control unit 73. Since all second sensors 72 detect pressure, the control unit 73 determines that all second holes 22a have been drilled in the correct positions. Based on the information that all first sensors 71 and second sensors 72 have detected pressure, the control unit 73 determines that all first holes 21a and second holes 22a of the workpiece 20 have been drilled in the correct positions and that it has passed the inspection. When it has passed the inspection, the control unit 73 activates notification means 74 and 75 to notify inspector Mn that it has passed the inspection.

[0067] On the other hand, if the second hole 22a is not drilled in the correct position, the second plate 22 will come into contact with the second pins 53 and 54, preventing the second member 50 from moving to its predetermined position. As a result, no pressure is applied to the second sensor 72, and this information is sent to the control unit 73. Since at least some of the second sensors 72 are not detecting pressure, the control unit 73 determines that at least some of the second holes 22a are not drilled in the correct position.

[0068] Once the inspection is complete, inspector Mn releases the handle 64. Due to its own weight, the moving body 63 moves away from inspector Mn. As a result, the second member 50 returns from the inspection position to the standby position. Inspector Mn can then remove the workpiece 20 from the first member 40 and perform the next inspection.

[0069] <Example 2> Next, the inspection apparatus according to Example 2 will be described based on the drawings.

[0070] (Regarding inspection device 30A) Figure 9 shows the inspection device 30A according to Example 2. The inspection device 30A according to Example 2 is provided with two first members 40, 40, two second members 50, 50, and two moving mechanisms 60, 60, and the two moving mechanisms 60, 60 are connected by a connecting mechanism 80. The other basic configurations are the same as the inspection device 30 according to Example 1. For parts common to Example 1, the same reference numerals are used and detailed explanations are omitted.

[0071] Note that the pass / fail determination unit 70 (see Figure 8) is not shown except for sensors 71 and 72. Also, the excess part contact parts 37 and 38 (see Figure 8) are not shown.

[0072] (Regarding the coupling mechanism 80) The connecting mechanism 80 that connects the two moving mechanisms 60, 60 includes a connecting support column 81 that rises from the floor, a pulley 82 that is rotatably supported on the connecting support column 81, and a wire connecting member 83 to which part is attached on the pulley 82.

[0073] (Regarding the operation of inspection device 30A) Refer to Figure 10 as well. When inspecting the workpiece 20, inspector Mn places the workpiece 20 on the two first members 40, 40, respectively. Next, inspector Mn pulls the handle 64 towards him. Because the two moving mechanisms 60, 60 are connected by the connecting mechanism 80, the two second members 50, 50 move together toward the first members 40, 40.

[0074] When the workpieces 20, 20 are placed on the first members 40, 40, if the positions of the first holes 21a, 21a are correct, the first pins 43, 43 will pass through the first holes 21a, 21a. Also, when the second members 50, 50 are moved toward the first members 40, 40, if the positions of the second holes 22a, 22a are correct, the second pins 53, 53 will pass through the second holes 22a, 22a.

[0075] Multiple workpieces (20, 20) can be inspected in a single test. This allows for more efficient inspection.

[0076] Furthermore, it is also possible to provide three or more of each of the first member 40, the second member 50, and the moving mechanism 60, and to connect each of the moving mechanisms 60 with a connecting mechanism 80. In summary, the inspection device 30A has multiple and equal numbers of each of the first member 40, the second member 50, and the moving mechanism 60, and has a connecting mechanism 80 that connects and interlocks each of the moving mechanisms 60.

[0077] <Example 3> Next, the inspection apparatus according to Example 3 will be described based on the drawings.

[0078] (Regarding inspection device 30B) Figure 11 shows the inspection device 30B according to Example 3. The inspection device 30B according to Example 3 is provided with one first member 90 and two second members 50B. This device is particularly suitable for workpieces 20 with a hat cross-section shape. Other basic configurations are the same as the inspection device 30 according to Example 1. Parts common to Example 1 are given the same reference numerals and detailed explanations are omitted.

[0079] Note that the pass / fail determination unit 70 (see Figure 8) is not shown in the illustration. Also, the excess part contact parts 37 and 38 (see Figure 8) are not shown in the illustration.

[0080] (Regarding the first component 90) The first member 90 is movably mounted on the moving mechanism 60B. The first member 90 has leg mounting sections 91, 91 on which the work leg sections 21, 21 are placed on the upper surface; wall contact sections 92, 92 which rise up from the leg mounting sections 91, 91 and abut against the work wall sections 22, 22; ceiling mounting section 93 which connects the upper ends of the wall contact sections 92, 92 and on which the work ceiling section 23 is placed; first pins 94, 94 which are provided on the leg mounting sections 91, 91 and penetrate the leg holes 21a, 21a when the leg holes are formed in the correct position; and a first pin 95 which is provided on the ceiling mounting section 93 and penetrates the ceiling hole 23a when the ceiling hole 23a is formed in the correct position.

[0081] Furthermore, the shape of the first pins 94, 94, and 95 can be selected as appropriate to the shape of the hole and purpose, including not only a conical shape, but also a frustoconical shape, cylindrical shape, rectangular prism shape, etc.

[0082] The wall contact portions 92, 92 have pin passage holes 92a, 92a which are drilled to match the positions of the wall holes 22a, 22a.

[0083] (Regarding the second component 50B) Of the two second members 50B, 50B, one second member 50 (the second member 50 on the left in the drawing) is movably mounted on the moving mechanism 60B, while the other second member 50 (the second member 50 on the right in the drawing) is fixed immovably on the moving mechanism 60B.

[0084] Furthermore, the other second member 50 does not need to be movable and does not necessarily need to be located on top of the movable mechanism 60B.

[0085] The second members 50B, 50B both have the same configuration and include second member support sections 56B, 56B that extend in the vertical direction, and second pins 53, 53 that extend from the second member support sections 56B, 56B toward the first member 90 and penetrate the wall holes 22a, 22a when moved relative to the first member 90, provided that the wall holes are formed in the correct position.

[0086] Furthermore, the shape of the second pin 53, 53 can be selected as appropriate according to the shape of the hole and purpose, including not only a conical shape, but also a frustoconical shape, cylindrical shape, rectangular prism shape, etc.

[0087] (Regarding the 60B mobile mechanism) The moving mechanism 60B includes a rail 62B, a first moving body 66B slidably mounted on the rail 62B and supporting the first member 90, a second moving body 67B slidably mounted on the rail 62B and supporting one of the second members 50B, a first handle 68B operated by an inspector to move the first moving body 66B, and a second handle 69B operated by an inspector to move the second moving body 67B.

[0088] Two movable bodies, a first movable body 66B and a second movable body 67B, are movably supported on the rail 62B. These two movable bodies, the first movable body 66B and the second movable body 67B, are sometimes collectively referred to as "movable bodies 66B and 67B". The movable bodies 66B and 67B are movably supported on the rail 62B and support the first member 90 and the second member 50B.

[0089] Furthermore, the first handle 68B and the second handle 69B are sometimes collectively referred to as "handles 68B and 69B." Handles 68B and 69B are connected to the mobile units 66B and 67B and are used to move the mobile units 66B and 67B.

[0090] The first mobile body 66B and the second mobile body 67B may be configured to be driven by a motor, hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder. When these drive sources are used, the inspector operates the drive source by pressing a button or the like to move the first mobile body 66B and the second mobile body 67B.

[0091] (Regarding the operation of inspection device 30B) Refer to Figure 12 as well. When inspecting the workpiece 20, inspector Mn (see Figure 7) places the workpiece 20 on the first member 90. Next, inspector Mn takes the first handle 68B and moves the first movable body 66B toward the other second member 50B (the fixed second member 50B). Next, inspector Mn takes the second handle 69B and moves one of the second movable bodies 67B toward the other second member 50B.

[0092] When the workpiece 20 is placed on the first member 90, if the positions of the first holes 21a, 21a, and 23a are correct, the first pins 94, 94, and 95 will pass through the first holes 21a, 21a, and 23a. Also, when the first member 90 and one of the second members 50B are moved toward the other second member 50B, if the positions of the second holes 22a, 22a are correct, the second pins 53, 53 will pass through the second holes 22a, 22a. The tips of the second pins 53, 53 will enter the interior of the pin passage holes 92a, 92a.

[0093] Even with a workpiece 20 having a complex shape, it is preferable that all holes 21a, 22a, and 23a can be inspected in a single inspection.

[0094] <Example 4> Next, the inspection apparatus according to Example 4 will be described based on the drawings.

[0095] (Regarding inspection device 30C) Figure 13 shows the inspection device 30C according to Example 4. The inspection device 30C according to Example 4 is the same as the inspection device 30B according to Example 3 (see Figure 11) in that it is provided with one first member 90 and two second members 50B, 50B. On the other hand, it differs from the inspection device 30B according to Example 3 in that the first member 90 is fixed and immovable, while both second members 50B, 50B are movable. The inspection device 30C according to Example 4 is also a device particularly suitable for workpieces 20 with a hat cross-section shape. Other basic configurations are common to the inspection devices according to Example 1 or Example 3. For parts common to Example 1 or Example 3, the same reference numerals are used and detailed explanations are omitted.

[0096] Note that the pass / fail determination unit 70 (see Figure 8) is not shown in the illustration. Also, the excess part contact parts 37 and 38 (see Figure 8) are not shown in the illustration.

[0097] (Regarding the 60C moving mechanism) The moving mechanism 60C includes a rail 62B, a first moving body 66C slidably mounted on the rail 62B and supporting one of the second members 50B, a second moving body 67C slidably mounted on the rail 62B and supporting the other of the second members 50B, a first handle 68C operated by an inspector to move the first moving body 66C, and a second handle 69C operated by an inspector to move the second moving body 67C.

[0098] Two movable bodies, a first movable body 66C and a second movable body 67C, are movably supported on the rail 62B. These first movable body 66C and second movable body 67C are sometimes collectively referred to as "movable bodies 66C and 67C". The movable bodies 66C and 67C are movably supported on the rail 62B and support the second members 50B and 50B, respectively.

[0099] Furthermore, the first handle 68C and the second handle 69C are sometimes collectively referred to as "handles 68C and 69C". Handles 68C and 69C are connected to the mobile units 66C and 67C and are used to move the mobile units 66C and 67C.

[0100] The first mobile body 66C and the second mobile body 67C may be driven by a motor, hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder. When these drive sources are used, the inspector operates the drive source by pressing a button or the like to move the first mobile body 66C and the second mobile body 67C.

[0101] (Regarding the operation of inspection device 30C) Refer to Figure 14 as well. When inspecting the workpiece 20, inspector Mn (see Figure 7) places the workpiece 20 on the first member 90. Next, inspector Mn moves the first movable body 66C toward the first member 90 using the first handle 68C, and moves the second movable body 67C toward the first member 90 using the second handle 69C.

[0102] The first mobile unit 66C and the second mobile unit 67C may be moved simultaneously or sequentially. If the first mobile unit 66C and the second mobile unit 67C are moved sequentially, they may be moved in either order.

[0103] When the workpiece 20 is placed on the first member 90, if the positions of the first holes 21a, 21a, and 23a are correct, the first pins 94, 94, and 95 will pass through the first holes 21a, 21a, and 23a. Also, when the second members 50B, 50B are moved toward the first member 90, if the positions of the second holes 22a, 22a are correct, the second pins 53, 53 will pass through the second holes 22a, 22a. The tips of the second pins 53, 53 will enter the interior of the pin passage holes 92a, 92a.

[0104] Even with a workpiece 20 having a complex shape, it is preferable that all holes 21a, 22a, and 23a can be inspected in a single inspection.

[0105] <Example 5> Next, the inspection apparatus according to Example 5 will be described based on the drawings.

[0106] (Regarding inspection device 30D) Figure 15 shows the inspection device 30D according to Embodiment 5. The inspection device 30D according to Embodiment 5 has multiple (three in this embodiment) second members 50 movably mounted to a fixed first member 40. Each second member 50 is supported by a moving mechanism 60. Other basic configurations are the same as the inspection device according to Embodiment 1. Parts common to Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 3 are given the same reference numerals and detailed explanations are omitted.

[0107] Note that the pass / fail determination unit 70 (see Figure 8) is not shown in the illustration. Similarly, the excess contact parts 37 and 38 (see Figure 8) are also not shown in the illustration. Furthermore, the second pin 53 can be any shape other than a cone, such as a frustocone, cylinder, or rectangular parallelepiped.

[0108] (Regarding the operation of inspection device 30D) The inspection device 30D allows for the simultaneous performance of part of the drilling process (see Figure 1) and part of the inspection process. This will be explained in detail below. Once the first holes 21a and 21b are drilled in the first plate portion 21, the inspector Mn (see Figure 7) moves the workpiece 20 to the inspection device 30D. For example, the inspection device 30D also serves as a jig for the drilling device.

[0109] Inspector Mn places the workpiece 20 on the first component 40. Next, a second hole 22a is made using a laser or the like. Inspector Mn moves the moving mechanism 60 corresponding to the made second hole 22a toward the made second hole 22a. At the same time, the drilling device makes the remaining undrilled second holes 22a. From the point where the second holes 22a have been made, inspector Mn operates the moving mechanism 60 and performs the inspection.

[0110] Furthermore, the shape of the second hole 22a is not limited to a circular shape, but can be any shape such as an ellipse, oblong, or rectangular shape.

[0111] When the workpiece 20 is placed on the first member 40, if the positions of the first holes 21a and 21b are correct, the first pins 43 and 44 will pass through the first holes 21a and 21b. Also, when the second member 50 is moved toward the first member 40, if the position of the second hole 22a is correct, the second pin 53 will pass through the second hole 22a.

[0112] The inspection devices 30, 30A, 30B, 30C, and 30D described above, and the method for manufacturing the inspected workpieces 20' (see Figure 1) are summarized below.

[0113] Refer to Figure 5. Firstly, the inspection device 30 is used to inspect whether the first hole 21a and the second hole 22a of a workpiece 20, which has a first hole 21a (including the first hole 21b (see Figure 1); the same applies hereinafter) which is a through hole, and a second plate portion 22 (which is a different part from the first plate portion 21 and has a second hole 22a (including the second hole 22b (see Figure 1); the same applies hereinafter) which is a through hole), are drilled in the correct positions.

[0114] The inspection device 30 includes a first member 40 on which a workpiece 20 can be placed, a second member 50 that is movable relative to the first member 40, and a moving mechanism 60 that can move the second member 50 relative to the first member 40. The first member 40 has first pins 43 and 44 that penetrate the first hole 21a (the first pin 44 penetrates the first hole 21b; the same applies hereinafter) when the workpiece 20 is placed on it and the first hole 21a is formed in the correct position. The second member 50 has second pins 53 and 54 that penetrate the second hole 22a (the second pin 54 penetrates the second hole 22b; the same applies hereinafter) when the second member 50 is moved relative to the first member 40 and the second hole 22a is formed in the correct position. The same applies to inspection devices 30A (see Figure 9), 30B (see Figure 11), 30C (see Figure 13), and 30D (see Figure 15).

[0115] Refer to Figure 8. When the workpiece 20 is placed on the first member 40, if the first hole 21a is drilled in the correct position, the first pin 43 will pass through the first hole 21a. Next, when the second member 50 is moved relative to the first member 40, if the second hole 22a is drilled in the correct position, the second pin 53 will pass through the second hole 22a. Since it is not necessary to change the position of the workpiece 20 for the inspection of the first hole 21a and the inspection of the second hole 22a, a technology is provided that allows inspection to be performed in a short time.

[0116] Furthermore, a single inspection device 30 can perform inspections of both the first hole 21a and the second hole 22a. This allows for inspection of two holes 21a and 22a located in different directions, requiring less space. This contributes to the overall compactness of the workpiece 20 manufacturing line.

[0117] It is also possible to perform the inspection using a camera. However, the workpiece 20 may have soot generated during hot press forming or dust generated during laser drilling. If the soot or dust attached to the workpiece 20 becomes airborne, it may adhere to the camera and cause a misjudgment. In this respect, the inspection device 30 has pins 43, 44, 53, and 54 that penetrate the drilled holes 21a and 22a. The inspection device 30 is preferable to a camera when used in an environment where soot or dust may adhere. Also, since image processing is not required compared to using a camera, the inspection can be performed at a lower cost. It is particularly suitable for inspecting workpieces 20 that have holes 21a and 22a drilled by laser processing after hot press forming.

[0118] Refer to Figure 3. Secondly, assuming the first inspection device 30, the first pins 43 and 44 include a first diameter-reducing pin 43 that continuously decreases in diameter towards the tip. The same applies to inspection devices 30A (see Figure 9), 30B (see Figure 11), 30C (see Figure 13), and 30D (see Figure 15).

[0119] The position on which the workpiece 20 is placed may shift slightly with each inspection. If high accuracy is required for the position on which the workpiece 20 is placed, positioning the workpiece 20 will take time, potentially increasing the inspection time. The first diameter-reducing pin 43, with its thin tip, allows for slight misalignment of the workpiece 20 compared to a columnar pin. On the other hand, as the insertion depth of the first diameter-reducing pin 43 increases, slight misalignment of the workpiece 20 is corrected by the first diameter-reducing pin 43. By including the first diameter-reducing pin 43 in the first pins 43 and 44, the inspection time can be shortened.

[0120] Refer to Figure 4. Thirdly, assuming the second inspection device 30, the first pins 43 and 44 include a first rectangular parallelepiped pin 44 which is roughly rectangular in shape. The same applies to inspection devices 30A (see Figure 9), 30B (see Figure 11), 30C (see Figure 13), and 30D (see Figure 15).

[0121] In addition to the first diameter reduction pin 43, a first rectangular parallelepiped pin 44 is included. For example, if the workpiece 20 is to be placed at an angle to the first pins 43 and 44, the amount of positional displacement that the first rectangular parallelepiped pin 44 can tolerate is smaller than that of the first diameter reduction pin 43. The first diameter reduction pin 43 allows for rough positioning in a short time, while the first rectangular parallelepiped pin 44 allows for more precise positioning of the workpiece 20. This enables highly accurate inspection in a short time. Furthermore, if burrs are present on the inner circumference of the rectangular first hole portion 21b, the first rectangular parallelepiped pin 44 can remove the burrs.

[0122] Refer to Figure 8. Fourth, assuming any of the first to third inspection devices 30, the first member 40 has a first contact portion 45 that abuts against the first plate portion 21 to suppress the bending of the first plate portion 21, and / or the second member 50 has a second contact portion 55 that abuts against the second plate portion 22 to suppress the bending of the second plate portion 22. The same applies to inspection devices 30A (see Figure 9), 30B (see Figure 11), 30C (see Figure 13), and 30D (see Figure 15).

[0123] If the workpiece 20 flexes due to its own weight, there is a risk that the pins 43, 44, 53, and 54 will not penetrate even if the holes 21a and 22a are drilled in the correct positions. Also, even if the holes 21a and 22a are drilled in the wrong positions, there is a risk that the pins 43, 44, 53, and 54 will penetrate if the workpiece 20 flexes due to its own weight. By forming contact portions 45 and 55 and suppressing the flexing of the plate portions 21 and 22, it is possible to prevent errors in inspection results that may occur due to the flexing of the workpiece 20. This contributes to accurate inspection.

[0124] It is not necessarily required that both the first contact portion 45 and the second contact portion 55 be formed. The formation of the first contact portion 45 suppresses the bending of the first plate portion 21, and the formation of the second contact portion 55 suppresses the bending of the second plate portion 22. If only one of them is formed, it will contribute to a more accurate inspection.

[0125] Fifth, the inspection device 30 further includes a pass / fail determination unit 70 that determines whether the first hole 21a and the second hole 22a are drilled in the correct positions, based on any of the first to fourth inspection devices 30. The pass / fail determination unit 70 includes a first sensor 71 for detecting whether the first pin 43 has penetrated the first hole 21a, a second sensor 72 for detecting whether the second pin 53 has penetrated the second hole 22a, a control unit 73 that determines pass or fail based on information from the first sensor 71 and the second sensor 72, and notification means 74, 75 that notify the pass or fail based on an electrical signal from the control unit 73. The inspection devices 30A (see Figure 9), 30B (see Figure 11), 30C (see Figure 13), and 30D (see Figure 15) are similar.

[0126] In particular, when the workpiece 20 has many holes 21a and 22a, if inspector Mn visually checks whether pins 43, 44, 53, and 54 have penetrated all of the holes 21a and 22a, it will lead to a prolonged inspection. By notifying the pass / fail status of the inspection using notification means 74 and 75, the inspection can be shortened.

[0127] Sixth, assuming any of the first to fifth inspection devices 30, the moving mechanism 60 includes a rail 62, a movable body 63 that is movably supported on the rail 62 and supports the first member 40 and / or the second member 50, and a handle 64 connected to the movable body 63 for moving the movable body 63. The same applies to inspection devices 30A (see Figure 9), 30B (see Figure 11), 30C (see Figure 13), and 30D (see Figure 15).

[0128] The rail 62 supports the movable body 63, and the second member 50 is displaced relative to the first member 40, allowing for quick and accurate positional displacement. This contributes to shortening inspection time.

[0129] Eighth, assuming the sixth inspection device 30, the rails are installed at an incline relative to the horizontal direction so that the movable body 63 can move by its own weight. When the hand is released from the handle 64, the movable body 63 can be moved by its own weight. The same applies to inspection devices 30A (see Figure 9), 30B (see Figure 11), 30C (see Figure 13), and 30D (see Figure 15). Other work can be performed while the movable body 63 is moving, and the time required for inspection can be shortened.

[0130] Refer to Figure 6. Eighth, assuming any of the first to seventh inspection devices 30, the device further has a first excess portion contact portion 37 that is provided along the edge of the first member 40 so as to protrude from the first member 40 with respect to the direction in which the workpiece 20 is placed, and which comes into contact with the first excess portion 25 of the workpiece 20 when the workpiece 20 is placed on the first member 40. The same applies to inspection devices 30A (see Figure 9), 30B (see Figure 11), 30C (see Figure 13), and 30D (see Figure 15).

[0131] During the manufacturing process of the workpiece 20, a first excess portion 25, referred to as a burr, may occur on the first plate portion 21. If the first excess portion 25 is thin, it will break off when it comes into contact with the first excess portion contact portion 37 and separate from the first plate portion 21. Placing the workpiece 20 on top of the first excess portion 25 can remove it, which is preferable. On the other hand, if the first excess portion 25 is thick, it will come into contact with the first excess portion contact portion 37, making it impossible to place the workpiece 20 in the predetermined position. Therefore, the presence of the first excess portion 25 can be easily recognized.

[0132] Refer to Figure 7. Ninth, assuming any of the first to eighth inspection devices 30, the second excess portion contact portion 38 is provided along the edge of the second member 50 so as to protrude beyond the second member 50, with reference to the direction of movement of the second member 50, and comes into contact with the second excess portion 26 of the workpiece 20 when the second member 50 is moved relative to the workpiece 20. The same applies to inspection devices 30A (see Figure 9), 30B (see Figure 11), 30C (see Figure 13), and 30D (see Figure 15).

[0133] During the manufacturing process of the workpiece 20, a second excess portion 26, referred to as a burr, may occur on the second plate portion 22. If the second excess portion 26 is thin, it may break off when it comes into contact with the second excess portion contact portion 38, separating from the second plate portion 22. By relatively displacing the second member 50, the second excess portion 26 can be removed, which is preferable. On the other hand, if the first excess portion 25 is thick, the second excess portion 26 comes into contact with the second excess portion contact portion 38, preventing the relative movement of the second member 50. Therefore, the presence of the second excess portion 26 can be easily recognized.

[0134] Refer to Figure 11. In the tenth case, assuming one of the first to ninth inspection devices 30B, two second members 50B, 50B are provided so as to sandwich one first member 90. The first member 90 and one of the second members 50B are provided to be movable toward the other second member 50B.

[0135] By providing two second members 50B, 50B so as to sandwich the first member 90, even workpieces 20 with complex shapes can be inspected by a single inspection device 30B. Furthermore, since the first member 90 and one of the second members 50B are moved toward the other second member 50B, inspection can be performed by moving the first member 90 and one of the second members 50B in one direction. This makes inspection easy.

[0136] Refer to Figure 13. Eleventh, assuming one of the first to ninth inspection devices 30C, two second members 50C, 50C are provided so as to sandwich one first member 90. The two second members 50C, 50C are provided so as to be movable toward the first member 90.

[0137] By providing two second members 50C, 50C so as to sandwich the first member 90, even workpieces 20 with complex shapes can be inspected by a single inspection device 30C.

[0138] Refer to Figure 15. Twelfth, assuming one of the first to eleventh inspection devices 30D, multiple second members 50, 50, 50 are provided. The moving mechanisms 60, 60, 60 can move each of the multiple second members 50, 50, 50 independently.

[0139] After drilling the first holes 21a and 21b, the workpiece 20 is placed on the first member 40. In this state, the second hole 22a is drilled, and the second member 50D is moved in the order that the second holes 22a are drilled, allowing for inspection. Part of the drilling process and part of the inspection process can be performed simultaneously, shortening the overall manufacturing time of the workpiece 20.

[0140] Refer to Figure 1. Thirteenth is a method for manufacturing a vehicle body frame using one of the first to twelfth inspection devices 30 (see Figure 2), comprising: a forming step of forming a steel plate 11 into a predetermined shape to obtain an intermediate product 12; a drilling step of drilling holes in predetermined positions of the intermediate product 12 to obtain a vehicle body frame 20 before inspection; and an inspection step of inspecting whether holes have been drilled in predetermined positions of the vehicle body frame 20 before inspection to obtain an inspected vehicle body frame 20'. The workpiece 20 is the vehicle body frame 20 before inspection. The same applies when using inspection devices 30A (see Figure 9), 30B (see Figure 11), 30C (see Figure 13), and 30D (see Figure 15).

[0141] The inspection device 30 (see Figure 2) can inspect whether both the first hole 21a and the second hole 22a of the vehicle frame 20 before inspection are drilled in the correct positions using a single device. This allows for a more compact manufacturing line compared to a system where multiple devices are required to inspect both the first hole 21a and the second hole 22a.

[0142] 14. Based on the manufacturing method of the 13th vehicle frame, the process includes an intermediate product counting step between the molding step and the drilling step for counting the number of intermediate products 12, and a pre-inspection vehicle frame counting step between the drilling step and the inspection step for counting the number of pre-inspection vehicle frame 20. After the inspection step, there is an inspection product counting step for counting the number of inspected vehicle frame 20', and a comparison step for comparing the number of intermediate products 12, the number of pre-inspection vehicle frame 20, and the number of inspected vehicle frame 20'. The same applies when using inspection devices 30A (see Figure 9), 30B (see Figure 11), 30C (see Figure 13), and 30D (see Figure 15). It is possible to reliably confirm whether all pre-inspection vehicle frame 20 have been inspected.

[0143] Although the inspection device according to the present invention has been described in the example of inspecting holes drilled in a vehicle frame, it can be used on any workpiece with holes drilled in it, other than a vehicle frame. In other words, the inspection device is not limited to the form shown in the examples. That is, insofar as it achieves the function and effect of the present invention, the present invention is not limited to the examples.

[0144] Furthermore, while any method can be used to manufacture the inspection device 30, it is preferable to manufacture it using the manufactured workpiece 20 or intermediate product 12. An example of using the workpiece 20 will be described in detail. First, the workpiece 20 is separated into a first plate portion 21 and a second plate portion 22. The first member 40 is constructed by fixing the first pins 43 and 44 to the first holes 21a and 21b, and the second member 50 is constructed by fixing the second pins 53 and 54 to the second holes 22a and 22b. When using the intermediate product 12, the pins 43, 44, 53, and 54 are fixed to the parts where the holes 21a, 21b, 22a, and 22b are formed. Since the first member 40 and the second member 50 are manufactured using the workpiece 20 as a base, during inspection, the entire first plate portion 21 can be brought into contact with the first member 40, and the entire second plate portion 22 can be brought into contact with the second member 50. The inspection device 30 can be manufactured at a low cost, and inspections can be performed with high accuracy. [Industrial applicability]

[0145] The inspection technique of the present invention is suitable for the manufacture of vehicle body frames. [Explanation of symbols]

[0146] 11...Steel plate 12…Intermediate products 20...Work (vehicle frame before inspection) 20'...Inspected work (inspected vehicle frame) 21...First plate section (work leg section), 21a...First hole section (circular first hole section (leg hole section (circular leg hole section))), 21b...First hole section (rectangular first hole section (leg hole section (rectangular leg hole section))) 22...Second plate section (workpiece wall section), 22a...Second hole section (circular second hole section (wall hole section (circular wall hole section))), 22b...Second hole section (rectangular second hole section (wall hole section (rectangular wall hole section))) 23...First plate section (workpiece ceiling section), 23a...First hole section (circular first hole section (ceiling hole section (circular ceiling hole section))), 23b...First hole section (rectangular first hole section (ceiling hole section (rectangular ceiling hole section))) 25...First surplus part 26...Second surplus part 30, 30A, 30B, 30C, 30D… Inspection devices 37...First surplus contact area 38...Second surplus contact area 40, 90...First component 43, 94, 95... First pin (first diameter reduction pin) 44…1st pin (1st rectangular prism pin) 45...First contact part 50, 50B...Second component 53...Second pin (second diameter reduction pin) 54…2nd pin (2nd rectangular prism pin) 55…Second contact part 60, 60B, 60C...Movement mechanism 62, 62B... rails 63... Mobile 64... Handle 66B, 66C... Mobile units (first mobile unit) 67B, 67C...Moving body (second moving body) 68B, 68C... Handle (First handle) 69B, 69C... Handle (second handle) 70…Pass / Fail Judgment Department 71...First Sensor 72...Second sensor 73... Control Unit 74…Notification method (buzzer) 75…Notification method (lamp)

Claims

1. This device is used to inspect whether the first and second holes in a workpiece, which has a first plate portion with a through-hole, and a second plate portion that is in a different location from the first plate portion and also has a through-hole, are drilled in the correct positions. The device comprises a first member on which the workpiece can be placed, a second member that is movable relative to the first member, and a moving mechanism that is capable of moving the second member relative to the first member. The first member has a first pin that penetrates the first hole when the workpiece is placed on it and the first hole is formed in the correct position. An inspection device wherein the second member has a second pin that penetrates the second hole when the second hole is formed in the correct position when the second member is moved relative to the first member.

2. An inspection apparatus according to claim 1, The first pin includes a first diameter-reducing pin that continuously decreases in diameter towards the tip.

3. The inspection apparatus according to claim 2, The first pin includes a first rectangular pin which is substantially rectangular in shape.

4. An inspection apparatus according to claim 1, The first member has a first contact portion that contacts the first plate portion to suppress the bending of the first plate portion, And / or, the second member has a second contact portion that contacts the second plate portion to suppress the bending of the second plate portion.

5. An inspection apparatus according to claim 1, The device further includes a pass / fail determination unit that determines whether the first hole and the second hole are drilled in the correct positions. The pass / fail determination unit includes a first sensor for detecting whether the first pin has passed through the first hole, a second sensor for detecting whether the second pin has passed through the second hole, a control unit for determining pass or fail based on information from the first and second sensors, and notification means for notifying the pass or fail based on an electrical signal from the control unit.

6. An inspection apparatus according to claim 1, The moving mechanism includes a rail, a movable body movably supported on the rail and supporting the first member and / or the second member, and a handle connected to the movable body for moving the movable body.

7. The inspection apparatus according to claim 6, The rail is installed at an inclination with respect to the horizontal direction so that the moving body can move under its own weight.

8. An inspection apparatus according to claim 1, The first member further has a first excess portion contact portion that is provided along the edge of the first member so as to protrude from the first member, with reference to the direction in which the workpiece is placed, and which comes into contact with the excess portion of the workpiece when the workpiece is placed on the first member.

9. An inspection apparatus according to claim 1, The second member further has a second excess portion contact portion provided along the edge of the second member so as to protrude from the second member with respect to the direction of movement of the second member, and which comes into contact with the excess portion of the workpiece when the second member is moved relative to the workpiece.

10. An inspection apparatus according to claim 1, Two of the second members are provided so as to sandwich one of the first members, The first member and one of the second members are provided to be movable toward the other second member.

11. An inspection apparatus according to claim 1, Two of the second members are provided so as to sandwich one of the first members, The two second members are provided so as to be movable toward the first member.

12. An inspection apparatus according to claim 1, Multiple second members are provided, The moving mechanism can move each of the multiple second members independently.

13. A method for manufacturing a vehicle body frame using the inspection device described in claim 1, A forming process to shape a steel sheet into a predetermined shape and obtain an intermediate product, A drilling process to obtain a vehicle body frame before inspection by drilling holes in predetermined positions in the aforementioned intermediate product, The process includes an inspection step of checking whether holes are drilled in predetermined positions on the vehicle body frame to obtain an inspected vehicle body frame, The aforementioned workpiece is the vehicle frame before inspection.

14. A method for manufacturing a vehicle body frame according to claim 13, Between the molding process and the drilling process, there is an intermediate product counting process for counting the number of intermediate products, Between the drilling process and the inspection process, there is a pre-inspection vehicle frame counting process for counting the number of vehicle frame frames before inspection. Following the inspection process, there is an inspection item counting process in which the number of inspected vehicle frame units is counted, The process includes a comparison step of comparing the number of intermediate products, the number of vehicle body frames before inspection, and the number of vehicle body frames after inspection.

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