DE102022123873B3 - Testing or measuring device - Google Patents

Abstract

A testing or measuring device (10) for checking the dimensional accuracy or measuring geometric properties of an object comprises a one-part or multi-part base body (20, 30), one or more surface areas designed as stop surfaces (38) on the base body (20) for abutment corresponding reference surfaces on the object (70) during testing of the object (70) and one or more sensors (80) or attachment points (60) for sensors for measuring distances of the sensors (80) from surface areas (78) of the object (70) . The base body (20) is designed to surround the object (70) like a cage, at least in a working configuration.

Description

The present invention relates to a testing or measuring device for checking dimensional accuracy and/or for measuring one or more geometric properties of an object.

In many cases, the dimensional accuracy of objects must be checked at least on a random basis in order to avoid damage caused by further processing of defective objects. Testing and/or measuring devices for checking the dimensional accuracy and/or for detecting geometric properties of objects are usually constructed from solid plates, blocks and profiles with large cross-sections in order to exclude elastic or plastic deformation. The resulting significant mass and large dimensions significantly limit transportability and make handling and operation slow and inconvenient and increase the risk of overloading of skeletal joints and muscles of personnel and resulting illness.

In DE 10 2005 007 441 A1 a test gauge device with a gauge body for holding a workpiece to be checked for dimensional accuracy is described. The gauge body is fitted into a grid plate with a grid dimension. The grid plate designed as a perforated plate has, on its flat side that accommodates the gauge body, a plurality of holes spaced apart in two dimensions in a grid dimension.

In US 4,578,875 A A test gauge model for quality control in production is described. The gauge model includes a frame made of tubular lightweight material to which is attached a structural filler material that is approximately preformed into the desired final configuration.

In US 5,477,618 a device for checking the dimensions of a sand core is described. Sensors are attached to a frame for sensing selected areas of a sand core and generating signals proportional to the sensed dimensions. The frame is partially planar and T-shaped and includes a portal-like end frame.

In EP 0 318 437 A1 a device for checking dimensions of a workpiece is described. A support structure includes a base or bed with two pairs of longitudinal bars of rectangular cross-section.

In WO 2019/162105 A1 describes a method for checking dimensions of an additively manufactured object. A test element is produced parallel to the object and has a profile that matches the object in at least two points of contact.

In KR 10 2 298 936 B1 A device for checking tolerances in dimensions and geometry is described. The device includes a plate and a frame.

An object of the present invention is to provide an improved testing or measuring device.

This task is solved by the subject matter of the independent claim.

Further training is specified in the dependent claims.

Embodiments of the present invention are based on the idea of designing a testing or measuring device as a compact device that surrounds the object whose geometric properties or properties are to be tested or measured in a cage-like manner, which is in particular designed to reduce its mass, at least in some areas, by a macroscopic foam or is also formed by a spatial structure, a lattice structure or a spatial grid made of straight or curved rods or similar elements.

A testing or measuring device for testing or measuring geometric properties of an object comprises a one-part or multi-part base body, one or more surface areas on the base body designed as stop surfaces for contact with corresponding reference surfaces on the object during testing of the object and one or more sensors or Attachment points for sensors for measuring distances of the sensors from surface areas of the object, the base body being designed to surround the object in a cage-like manner, at least in a working configuration.

The testing or measuring device is intended and designed in particular for checking the dimensional accuracy and/or for measuring geometric properties of objects immediately after their manufacture or after removal from a warehouse and before their use, installation or further processing. The testing or measuring device is intended in particular exclusively for testing or measuring geometric properties of objects of a specific type. Alternatively, the testing or measuring device can be provided and designed for testing or measuring geometric properties of objects of several, in particular similar, types.

Stop surfaces can be flat or curved (zero Gaussian curvature) or curved (non-zero Gaussian curvature). The number, geometry, arrangement and orientation of the stop surfaces are chosen in particular so that the position and orientation of the object whose geometric properties or properties are to be tested or measured are clearly determined but not overdetermined.

A possible sensor is any mechanical, electrical, acoustic, optical or other scanning or acting or detecting sensor that detects a distance, a relative or absolute position, an orientation or another geometric property and provides an analog or digital measurement signal can be read by a person or transmitted to another device via an electrical, optical or radio connection. Vernier calipers or dial gauges are traditional, originally purely mechanical examples of sensors whose measured values were read visually from scales by users.

An attachment point can only have one or more contact surfaces for positively defining the position and orientation of a sensor with a corresponding contact surface or surfaces. In particular, an attachment point has a measuring socket that fits a sensor. In the event of a loose fit, the sensor can easily be attached, removed and replaced. A press fit can allow a sensor to be permanently attached.

Alternatively or additionally, an attachment point can comprise a fastening device for permanent or temporary fastening of one or more sensors, for example in the form of a screw, bayonet or latching connection.

Depending on the number of sensors or the attachment points for sensors, one or more or many dimensions can be measured and checked one after the other or simultaneously.

The base body surrounds the object whose geometric properties or properties are to be tested or measured, in particular in a cage-like manner when the object is surrounded by the base body in at least four or five directions or in all directions. Reference is made to directions that are different from one another and are opposite to one another in pairs or orthogonal to one another.

A base body, which surrounds the object in a cage-like manner, can be designed to be particularly mechanically rigid with small dimensions and comparatively low mass and thus enable particularly precise and/or reliable testing of dimensional accuracy and/or detection of geometric properties.

A low mass can shorten operating times and therefore enable higher cycle times and reduce the risk of physical harm to people carrying and using the testing or measuring device.

In a testing or measuring device as described here, the base body in particular has a plurality of mechanically rigid components that can be moved relative to one another between a predetermined working configuration in which one or more geometric properties of the object can be tested and/or measured , and an open configuration in which an object can be inserted into the testing or measuring device or removed from the testing or measuring device, the testing or measuring device further having corresponding contact surfaces on the components of the base body, which have a predetermined relative orientation and positioning the components define each other.

The components, each of which is mechanically rigid, can be pivotable or rotatable relative to one another and/or translatable along straight or curved paths. For this purpose, the components can be connected by joints, linear guides, etc. Alternatively, the components can only rest against one another in the working configuration or be mechanically connected.

The design of the base body with several components that can be moved relative to one another can, on the one hand, enable the object to be inserted and removed and, on the other hand, to test and/or measure one or more geometric properties of the object from all directions and at all locations.

In the case of a testing or measuring device as described here, the base body is designed, in particular at least in some areas, as a macroscopic foam structure.

A macroscopic foam structure is a spatial structure made up of one or more flat or curved flat structures that form interconnected or closed cavities. The macroscopic foam structure has periodicity in particular in three spatial directions.

The macroscopic foam structure can be formed from a single complex shaped flat structure, which contains numerous in a simple encloses approximately spherical cavities arranged in cubic grids. Each approximately spherical cavity is connected to the six nearest approximately spherical cavities by six short thin channels.

The flat structure and the cavities can be cut on external surfaces of the base body. Alternatively, the cavities on the outer surfaces of the base body can be closed, for example, by plate-shaped or flat structures.

The cavities have the shape of spheres or octahedra, for example. The cavities can be connected to one another or can each be completely closed off. Furthermore, the cavities enclosed by the macroscopic foam structure can be arranged, for example, in a non-cubic grid with a cuboid unit cell or in a hexagonal grid or in a cubic body-centered grid or in another periodic space grid or irregularly.

A macroscopic foam structure can enable high mechanical stiffness with small wall thicknesses and therefore low mass. The mechanical robustness can be greater compared to a three-dimensional structure made of rods.

The low mass and large (internal) surface area of the macroscopic foam structure may also allow thermal equilibrium to be achieved quickly. The testing or measuring device can therefore assume the temperature of a laboratory room and be usable shortly after being removed from a very cold or very hot storage location.

In the case of a testing or measuring device as described here, the base body is designed, in particular, at least in some areas, as a spatial structure or lattice structure or spatial grid.

A spatial structure made of rods or a lattice structure or a spatial grid can also enable high mechanical stiffness with low mass and therefore low thermal inertia.

In the case of a testing or measuring device as described here, in the working configuration the base body encloses the object so completely that the object cannot be removed from the base body.

The object is particularly visible from the outside in the working configuration of the base body - for example through openings in the base body - but cannot be removed from the base body. Completely enclosing the object can enable measurements at many or all locations on the object's surface and from many or all directions.

In particular, numerous small openings in the base body can significantly reduce the mass of the base body and thus of the testing or measuring device without reducing the mechanical rigidity and robustness to the same extent.

In the case of a testing or measuring device as described here, the base body has in particular exactly two mechanically rigid components.

In a testing or measuring device as described here, in particular a first mechanically rigid component of the base body forms a trough for receiving the object, with a second mechanically rigid component of the base body as a flat or essentially flat or only slightly curved lid above the Tub is formed.

The first component can have a high level of mechanical rigidity, the second component can have a small size, which can make the operation of the testing or measuring device, especially changing the object, easier.

In a testing or measuring device as described here, the base body is produced in particular by means of an additive process or by means of a casting mold produced by an additive process or by casting a master model produced by an additive process.

A testing or measuring device, as described here, in particular further comprises a handle on a narrow side of the base body, on which the testing or measuring device can be carried like a briefcase.

A testing or measuring device, as described here, has in particular the shape of a briefcase with a handle, a base part and a lid.

The base part is formed by the first component, the lid by the second component. Due to its comparatively low mass and shape, the testing or measuring device can be easily and orthopedically advantageously operated with one hand held by the handle and carried like a briefcase.

In a method for producing a testing or measuring device, as described here, the base body is at least partially produced by means of an additive process or by means of a casting mold produced by an additive process or by casting a master model produced by an additive process.

A method as described here includes in particular at least one of the steps of machining a contact surface, creating a hole, creating a thread in a hole, inserting a bushing into a hole in the base body, inserting a support bolt into the base body.

The socket includes in particular a receptacle with a fitting surface for a sensor or a receptacle with a fitting surface for a ball bolt or for a dowel pin.

• 1 eine schematische axonometrische Darstellung einer Prüf- oder Messvorrichtung;
• 2 eine schematische axonometrische Darstellung der Prüf- oder Messvorrichtung aus 1 mit einem Gegenstand;
• 3 eine weitere schematische axonometrische Darstellung der Prüf- oder Messvorrichtung und des Gegenstands aus 2;
• 4 eine schematische Draufsicht auf die Prüf- oder Messvorrichtung und den Gegenstand aus den 2 und 3;
• 5 eine schematische Darstellung eines Schnitts durch die Prüf- oder Messvorrichtung und den Gegenstand aus den 2 bis 4.

Examples of embodiments are explained in more detail below using the attached figures. Show it:

• 1 a schematic axonometric representation of a testing or measuring device;
• 2 a schematic axonometric representation of the testing or measuring device 1 with an object;
• 3 a further schematic axonometric representation of the testing or measuring device and the object 2 ;
• 4 a schematic top view of the testing or measuring device and the object from the 2 and 3 ;
• 5 a schematic representation of a section through the testing or measuring device and the object from the 2 to 4 .

1 shows a schematic axonometric representation of a testing or measuring device 10 with a base body 20 with a handle 22, which is in 1 is largely hidden. A joint, namely hinge 28, connects two components 30, 40 of the base body 20 so that the second component 40 can be pivoted relative to the first component 30 about a pivot axis defined by the joint 28.

In 1 the testing or measuring device is shown in an open configuration in which the second component 40 is pivoted away from the first component 30 of the base body 20. A flat, trough-shaped recess 32 in the first component 30 of the base body 20 for receiving an object whose geometric property or properties are to be tested or measured is in 1 visible and in the in 1 open configuration shown.

Three support surfaces 34 and two bushings 36 are provided on an edge formed by the first component 30 and surrounding the trough-shaped recess 32.

At least three stop surfaces 38 are provided in the trough-shaped recess 32, of which in 1 only two are visible. Corresponding stop surfaces can be placed on the stop surfaces 38 on an object whose geometric properties or properties are to be tested or measured. Furthermore, in the trough-shaped recess 32 in 1 Invisible holes are provided into which pin-shaped extensions on the object engage. This means the position and orientation of the object are clearly defined.

The second component 40 of the base body 20 is designed as a flat lid which is in an in 1 Working configuration, not shown, can cover the recess 32. In an edge region of the second component 40, three support surfaces 44 corresponding to the support surfaces 34 on the first component 30 and two ball bolts 46 corresponding to the bushings 36 on the first component are provided. In the in 1 In the working configuration of the testing or measuring device 10, not shown, the support surfaces 44 on the second component 40 rest on the support surfaces 34 on the first component 30, and the ball bolts 46 on the second component 40 engage in the bushings 36 on the first component. As a result, the second component is precisely positioned and oriented in a form-fitting manner relative to the first component 30.

Large areas of the first component 30 are formed by a macroscopic foam structure 50. In the example shown, this macroscopic foam structure 50 is formed from a single complex-shaped flat structure 52, which encloses numerous approximately spherical cavities 54 arranged in a simple cubic grid. Each approximately spherical cavity 54 is connected to the six nearest approximately spherical cavities 54 by six short thin channels 56.

The flat structure 52, the cavities 54 and the short, thin channels 56 are cut on the outer surfaces of the first component 30. Deviating from the example shown, the cavities 54 and the short, thin channels 56 for example, be closed by plate-shaped or flat structures.

Alternatively and different from that in 1 In the example shown, the cavities 54 can be, for example, spheres or octahedrons and/or each completely closed. Furthermore, the cavities 54 enclosed by the macroscopic foam structure 50 can deviate from the illustration in 1 for example, in a non-cubic lattice with a cuboid unit cell or in a hexagonal lattice or in a cubic body-centered lattice or in another periodic space lattice or arranged irregularly.

Such a macroscopic foam structure 50 offers a favorable relationship between mass on the one hand and mechanical stiffness and robustness on the other.

Such and similar macroscopic foam structures can be produced using additive processes, often referred to as 3D printing. The first component 30 can, for example, be produced directly using 3D printing. Alternatively, a (lost) mold for the first component 30 can be produced using an additive process. Furthermore, a (lost) master model for producing a (lost) casting mold for the first component 30 can be produced using an additive process.

The same applies to the second component 40, which with the geometry shown can also be manufactured in a conventional manner, for example by machining or by casting in a shape that is not necessarily lost.

Each support surface 34, 44 and each stop surface 38 can be formed by a screw bolt or other component that is inserted into a bore or other recess in the component 30, 40 in question. Each support surface 34, 44 and each stop surface 38 can alternatively be formed by the directly additively produced material and obtain their final position and orientation by means of a machining process.

In the example shown, the second component 40 is essentially frame-shaped with two stiffening diagonal struts. The second component 40 therefore has three large openings - primarily to reduce the mass.

Several measuring sockets 60 are provided on the first component 30 and on the second component 40 as attachment points for dial gauges or other sensors. The second component 40 is in 1 can be seen from an underside facing the first component 30 in the working configuration mentioned, not shown. Therefore, most measuring sockets 60 can only be seen at and through the lower ends of holes into which the actual measuring sockets are inserted from the top of the second component 40.

Each measuring socket 60 has an external thread which is screwed into a corresponding internal thread in a bore or in a recess in the component 30, 40 in question. Each measuring socket 60 has a through hole with a predetermined circular cross section and a predetermined orientation.

A dial indicator or other sensor can be inserted into the bore of each measuring socket 60. A circular cylindrical outer surface on the sensor and the inner wall of the bore form a fit with as little play as possible, so that the orientation of the sensor is precisely defined in a form-fitting manner. Furthermore, the outer edge of each measuring socket 60, which is oriented away from the base body 20, forms a stop for a step on the proximal edge of the aforementioned circular cylindrical outer surface of the sensor, so that the position of each sensor is also clearly defined in a form-fitting manner in the axial direction.

2 shows a further schematic axonometric representation of the testing or measuring device 10 1 in the same open configuration. The representation in 2 differs from the representation in 1 in that an object 70, the geometric property or properties of which are to be tested or measured, is inserted into the trough-shaped recess 32. In the example shown, the object 70 is a speedometer cover for an automobile in the form of a thin frame which encloses a central circular field and two further, approximately circular segment-shaped fields on either side of it.

At the in 2 In the situation shown, the object 70 rests on the first component 30 of the base body 20 with reference points on the stop surfaces 38. Furthermore, two intervene 2 Invisible pin-like extensions on the object 70 into the corresponding holes mentioned, which are also not visible in the figures. As a result, the object 70 is precisely positioned and oriented in a form-fitting manner relative to the first component 30 of the base body.

In addition, the object 70 can be secured, for example, by means of screws 72 through screw eyes provided for fastening the object 70 in its intended use are guided, be attached to the first component 30 of the base body 20.

3 shows a further schematic axonometric representation of the testing or measuring device 10 from the 1 and 2 and the item 70. In 3 the already mentioned closed working configuration of the testing or measuring device 10 is shown. The second component 40 of the base body 20 is pivoted towards the first component 30 about the pivot axis defined by the joint 22. The handle 22 is in 3 visible, on which the testing or measuring device 10 can be carried with one hand like a briefcase close to the body and thus orthopedically advantageous.

Each of the three based on the 1 The bearing surfaces 44 described on the second component 40 rest on the corresponding bearing surface 30 on the first component 30, and the two ball bolts 46 on the second component 40 each engage in a corresponding bushing 36 on the first component 30. As a result, the second component 40 is clearly positioned and oriented in a form-fitting manner relative to the first component 30. Since both the object 70 and the second component 40 are each positioned and oriented in a form-fitting manner relative to the first component 30, the second component 40 is also positioned and oriented in an indirect, form-fitting manner relative to the object 70.

A ball locking bolt 48, the control button in 3 is visible, the testing or measuring device 10 closes releasably, i.e. holds the second component 40 relative to the first component in the in 3 working configuration shown.

In 4 shows a schematic top view of the using the 1 to 3 shown testing or measuring device 10 in the in 3 shown working configuration with the item 70. The in 4 The situation presented differs from that based on 3 shown in that a dial gauge 80 is inserted into two measuring sockets 60 as an example of a sensor for detecting a distance of the measuring socket 60 from an opposite surface area of the object 70.

5 shows a schematic representation of a section through the testing or measuring device 10, the object 70 and the dial indicators 80 in the FIG 4 configuration shown. The cutting plane VV is orthogonal to the drawing plane 4 . The position of the cutting plane VV of the 5 is in 4 indicated.

In 5 the object 70 can be seen in the recess 32 in the first component 30. Furthermore, the measuring sockets 60 screwed into corresponding bores in the components 30, 40 of the base body can be seen. The inner surfaces of the through holes in the measuring bushings 60 form fitting surfaces 64, and the outer surfaces of corresponding circular cylindrical sections of the dial gauges 80 form corresponding fitting surfaces 84 for positive guidance and positioning of the dial gauges 80 in the measuring sockets. Stylus pins 88 of the dial indicators 80 rest on opposite surface areas 78 of the object 70. Distance measurements using the dial gauges 80 allow the geometry of the object 70 to be checked.

List of reference symbols:

10

Testing or measuring device

20

Base body of the testing or measuring device 10

22

Handle on the base body 20

28

Joint between the components 30, 40 of the base body 20

30

first component of the base body 20

32

flat recess in the first component 30 for receiving the object 80

34

Support surface corresponding to the support surface 44 on the second component 40

36

Bushing for receiving the ball bolts 46 on the second component 40

38

Stop surface on the first component 30 of the base body 20, corresponding to the reference surface on the object 70

40

second component of the base body 20

44

Support surface corresponding to support surface 34 on the first component 30

46

Ball bolt on the second component 40, corresponding to the receptacle in the bushings 36 in the first component 30

48

Ball locking bolt for releasably connecting the second component 40 to the first component 30 of the base body 20

50

macroscopic foam structure

52

flat structure of the macroscopic foam structure 50

54

approximately spherical cavity in the macroscopic foam structure 50

56

short thin channel of macroscopic foam structure 50

60

Measuring socket as a mounting point for Sensor 70

62

Mounting for sensor

64

Fitting surface in measuring socket 62

70

Object whose geometric properties are to be tested or measured

72

Screw for fastening

78

Surface area of the object 70

80

Dial gauge as a sensor

84

Fitting surface on the sensor 80

88

Dial gauge stylus 80

Claims (12)

Testing or measuring device (10) for checking the dimensional accuracy or measuring geometric properties of an object (70). a one-part or multi-part base body (20, 30); one or more surface areas on the base body (20) designed as stop surfaces (38) for contact with corresponding reference surfaces on the object (70) during testing of the object (70); one or more sensors (80) or attachment points (60) for sensors (80) for measuring distances of the sensors (80) from surface areas (78) of the object (70), wherein the base body (20) is designed to surround the object (70) in a cage-like manner at least in a working configuration. Testing or measuring device (10) according to the preceding claim, in which the base body (20) has a plurality of mechanically rigid components (30, 40) which can be moved relative to one another between a predetermined working configuration in which one or more geometric properties of the object (70) can be checked and/or measured, and an open one Configuration in which an object (70) can be inserted into the testing or measuring device (10) or removed from the testing or measuring device (10), furthermore with corresponding contact surfaces (34, 44) on the components (30, 40) of the base body (20), which define a predetermined relative orientation and positioning of the components (30, 40) to one another. Testing or measuring device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the base body (20) is designed at least in some areas as a macroscopic foam structure (50). Testing or measuring device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the base body (20) is designed at least in some areas as a spatial structure or lattice structure or spatial lattice. Testing or measuring device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, in which in the working configuration the base body (20) encloses the object (70) so completely that the object (70) cannot be removed from the base body (20). Testing or measuring device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the base body (20) has exactly two mechanically rigid components (30, 40). Testing or measuring device (10) according to the preceding claim, in which a first mechanically rigid component (30) of the base body (20) forms a trough (32) for receiving the object (70), a second mechanically rigid component (40) of the base body (20) is designed as a flat or essentially flat or only slightly curved lid above the trough (32). Testing or measuring device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the base body (20) is produced by means of an additive process or by means of a casting mold produced by an additive process or by casting a master model produced by an additive process. Testing or measuring device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: a handle (22) on a narrow side of the base body (20), on which the testing or measuring device (10) can be carried like a briefcase. Testing or measuring device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the testing or measuring device (10) has the shape of a briefcase with a handle (22), a base part (30) and a lid (40). Method for producing a testing or measuring device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the base body (20) is produced at least partially by means of an additive process or by means of a casting mold produced by an additive process or by casting a master model produced by an additive process . Method according to the preceding claim, further comprising at least one of the steps: machining to create a support surface (34, 44) or a stop surface (38); Creating a hole; Creating a thread in a hole; Inserting a bushing into a hole in the base body (20); Insert a support bolt into the base body (20).

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