DE3033260A1 - DEVICE AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING WORKPIECES - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a method and devices for checking workpieces, such as camshafts, crankshafts, Valves, body trim panels and the like. This control or test serves the purpose of Determine the dimensions of the workpiece, such as length, thickness, squareness, curvature and the like. In particular The invention relates to devices and methods of the type mentioned, by means of which very fast and accurate measurements and especially measurements on the moving object are possible. The invention also relates to methods and devices that Use electro-optical measuring elements and where there is no contact between the workpiece and the measuring element (non-contact Measure).

Many devices are known which are suitable for inspecting workpieces for the purpose of determining the dimensions, etc.

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While some of these devices are fast, others are reliable, in turn others work precisely and other devices are able to take measurements on complex workpieces such as crankshafts, The present invention aims to provide methods and devices with which all of the aforementioned Properties are achievable at the same time.

The aim set is achieved by the invention specified in the claims. One of the solutions according to the invention provides an electro-optical sensor for scanning the dimensions of a workpiece, the sensor being a light source for Having illuminating at least one edge of the workpiece, furthermore a lens arrangement for imaging the illuminated edge of the workpiece, as well as a photodiode field with a large number of photodiodes that generate an electrical signal when light falls generate, wherein the photodiode array is arranged to receive the image of an illuminated edge of the workpiece.

Another proposed solution according to the present invention provides a device for controlling or testing a long workpiece before, wherein the device means for mounting the long workpiece for the purpose of rotation about its longitudinal axis further comprises a device for rotating the mounted workpiece, an electro-optical sensor for scanning the position of a part of the workpiece, the sensor being a light source for illuminating an edge of the part of the workpiece further comprises a lens arrangement for imaging the illuminated edge of the workpiece and a photo or light-sensitive Box with a variety of photosensitive

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Elements which generate an electrical signal when exposed to light, the field being arranged in such a way that it reproduces the image of the illuminated Edge of the workpiece, wherein means for analyzing that of the photosensitive elements generated signals is provided to determine the dimension of the part of the workpiece.

The device according to the invention is particularly useful for checking and testing camshafts, crankshafts, valves and other long workpieces where fast and accurate measurements of dimensions are of great importance, especially when tight tolerances are required, for example for greater economy in fuel consumption in internal combustion engines. For this purpose, the device is preferably provided with devices that the workpiece in question automatically from the assembly line or conveyor belt on which the workpiece is normally moved to a control point in the device and after the control and testing back to the assembly line or conveyor belt system. It will be understood that in such an assembly line control system, speed is of great importance comes to.

In a further embodiment of the invention The solution is a device for controlling an essentially flat workpiece, for example a body panel, provided, the device having a device which conveys the workpiece to the control station, also a device that the workpiece in a pre-

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correct reference position positioned in the control station, an electro-optical sensor for scanning the positions of several Edge parts of the workpiece arranged in the control station, the sensor being a light source for illuminating the edge parts of the positioned workpiece, furthermore a lens device for imaging the illuminated edge parts and a plurality of photo-sensitive or light-sensitive fields, each of which has several light-sensitive elements that act upon incidence of light generate an electrical signal and each of which is arranged to illuminate an image of a corresponding one Edge part of the workpiece receives, as well as a device for analyzing the signals of the light-sensitive elements, to determine a dimension of the workpiece.

A first procedural solution to the invention The object provides a method for scanning a dimension of a workpiece in which at least one edge of the workpiece is illuminated, with the help of a lens arrangement, the illuminated edge of the workpiece is imaged and the image of the illuminated Edge of the workpiece is thrown onto a photodiode field, which has a plurality of photodiodes, which when incident light generate an electrical signal.

A second inventive method by which a long workpiece is to be controlled, provides for a long workpiece to be mounted for rotation about its longitudinal axis, the to put mounted workpiece in rotation, to illuminate an edge of a part of the mounted workpiece, which illuminated To visualize the edge of the workpiece, the image of the illuminated edge of the mounted workpiece on a

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to scan the photosensitive field of photosensitive elements, which generate a signal when incident light, and to analyze the signals of the light-sensitive elements in order to create a To determine the dimension of the part of the workpiece.

The methods described can be used in particular for testing and controlling crankshafts, camshafts, Engine valves and other (long) workpieces for which, as mentioned above, a quick and accurate measurement of the dimensions is required arrives.

According to a further solution, according to the invention is a method intended for testing an essentially flat workpiece, in which the workpiece is conveyed to a control station is brought into a predetermined reference position in this control station, several edge parts of the workpiece are illuminated and the illuminated edge parts are imaged with the aid of a lens device, and furthermore each image is imaged onto a photosensitive Field is thrown, each field having several light-sensitive elements that are exposed to light generate electrical signal, as well as the signals of the light-sensitive Elements are analyzed to determine a dimension of the workpiece.

Further advantageous and expedient configurations of the solutions according to the invention are characterized in the subclaims.

The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawing, in which exemplary embodiments are shown will.

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303326Q

Show it

1 schematically shows a first embodiment of the device according to the invention for use in checking a camshaft,

Fig. 2 is an end view of part of the device of Fig. 1;

3 shows a schematic plan view of part of the device according to FIG. 1,

4 shows a graphical representation of an electrical output signal of several in the device according to FIG Fig. 1 photodetectors used,

FIG. 5 is an end view of an apparatus according to FIG. 1 as well as a conveyor device and a housing, both not shown in FIG. 1,

Figure 6 is a schematic end view of part of a further embodiment of the invention Contraption,

Figure 7a is a schematic end view of a further embodiment the device according to the invention, used to control crankshafts,

Fig. 7b is an end view of part of the device of Fig. 7a,

8 is a perspective view of a further embodiment the device according to the invention for testing engine valves,

9 is a perspective view of a further embodiment the device according to the invention for testing the blades of a transmission pump,

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10a is a side view of a further embodiment of the device according to the invention, in which Use is made of a transparent conveyor belt,

10b shows a plan view of a further embodiment the device according to the invention, making use of a conveyor belt, the width of which is less than the width of the object to be checked,

11 shows a perspective illustration of a further embodiment of the device according to the invention, with who is inspecting an automobile door panel,

Fig. 12 is a schematic circuit diagram of a device for analyzing the electrical signals shown in FIG. 4, and

FIG. 13 shows a graphic representation similar to FIG. 4.

The apparatus shown in Fig. 1 shows a new control or test measuring element for testing or controlling of automotive and other camshafts. The need for such measuring elements is great because the demands on engine emissions and economy of fuel consumption are getting bigger and bigger. Far stricter requirements are placed on the Quality of the camshafts, and the only answer is the one hundred percent control of all relevant parameters.

In order to achieve a true one hundred percent control of the camshafts on an economic basis, this seems to be the case here

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invention described to offer the only realistic method. The invention can also be used for crankshafts and other parts.

The device according to the invention can be a conventional one Check the automobile camshaft in about 20 seconds for:

1. Foot circle out-of-roundness

2. 360 ° outline

3. Surface defects on cams and journals

4. Journal diameter and a host of other sizes.

The measuring element shown is not limited in its application to cams or cam surfaces, it can be similar to others Parts such as crankshafts, engine valves and the like are generally used in place of rotating parts will.

In addition, the invention discloses novel measuring elements for checking and testing quasi-flat objects, such as Motor vehicle body panels, pump blades, chain link side rails as well as the movement on conveyor belts past the measuring element.

In addition, sensor arrangements are presented, the miniature housing some of which are equipped with fiber optic transmission means.

An embodiment of the device according to the invention is shown in FIG. A camshaft as used in four-cylinder motor vehicle engines (for reasons of simplicity there are only two pegs and two in the drawing

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Cams shown), is held with the help of centering points 5 and, the point 5 being driven by a motor 7 is by using a holding or tensioning device 20 which is in communication with the drive pin 30 of the camshaft.

At a certain point in time, an electro-optical sensor head 100 according to the present invention is positioned so that a cam lobe 140 is controllable. It should be noted that in the case shown, the camshaft has only two lugs 140 and 141 and two pins 150 and 151, even if in FIG Practice a greater number of lobes and tenons is provided.

The sensor head has a light source 110 and a sensor unit 120 on. As shown, the light radiation 130,

on which emanates from the light source 110 / thrown the cam nose.

The sensor unit has at least one lens 145 which the image 146 of the tangential nose edge of the cam on a photodiode field 148 images. The edge image obtained in this way on the photodiode array moves in accordance with FIG Rotation up and down in a manner substantially similar to that in which the nose of the cam engages a slide follower moves like a hydraulic device.

A readout unit 160 analyzes the output signals of the photodiode field to find the position of the nose image and thus the lift profile as an angle function, with the angle data from a shaft encoder 170 mounted on the cam motor drive. An optionally arranged

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The computer 162 compares the data obtained in this way and, if necessary, corrected with predetermined limit values, to arrive at the "okay" or "reject" decision.

In operation, the cam is rotated and with each degree of rotation, for example, initiated by the shaft encoder, a scan is carried out through the photodiode array to determine the stroke of the nose of the cam in the particular angular position to determine. After completing a full turn, the computer can then use the data obtained with the data stored for the cam lobe Compare values and the cam based on this data for either OK or not OK are located.

In practice, the cam has many lugs, all of which must be controlled, and it becomes a translator 180, which is shown schematically, is used, which includes the sensor head assembly and the light source (which are fixed means a rod 190 may be interconnected) positioned sequentially with respect to each of the cam lobes. Usually a measuring element of the present type would have additional sensor units for sensing the journal diameter and optionally further sensor units, for example for detecting errors on the journals and cam lugs, by adding an arrangement as described in U.S. Patent Application No. 15,792, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Machines like this can be loaded by hand with cams in place and attached or

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applied centering points or, alternatively, can be used automatically with the equipment shown in the other exemplary embodiments be charged. The measuring element can be used in particular for the automatic loading form due to the fact that it works quickly and reliably enough to

the

to control all cams of a system on / production side This represents a previously unattainable performance and is crucial when considering the goals Economical fuel consumption and emissions are to be achieved.

Measurement speed together with accuracy and reliability are the essentials of the device according to the invention. The very high reading speed of the system together with the non-contact, abrasion-free operation allows the data to be recorded of the nose profiles or nose outlines at much higher rotational

the
speeds than was achievable with the touch measuring instruments previously used. This makes it possible to measure each lug in a fraction of a second and to perform a complete scan along an axis of a camshaft, which can have sixteen lugs and five journals (for a large V8 engine), in a time that is is small that a production rate of about 150-200 parts per hour can be achieved. This is essential if the device according to the invention is to be usable in modern manufacturing plants with large volumes. These measuring speeds are at least twenty times greater than that of any equivalent camshaft measuring elements,

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that were previously used.

A typical cam nose section 210 shown in FIG. 2 has a base circle 215 which extends over something extends more than 180 ° and is concentric with the cam axis 116 runs, a maximum lifting point 220 and opening and closing run-up or rise zones 225 and 230.

The base circle area corresponds to the area in which the

Valve is closed and with regard to leaks or

is critical / and in which the Emission of the exhaust gases takes place. The run-up parts or flanks are primarily for reasons of economy in terms of fuel consumption critical.

Details of the sensor unit can be found in the side view of FIG. As the figure shows, a light source produces in this case a diode laser 300, divergent output radiation made parallel with the help of lens 301 and is projected onto the camshaft nose 210. The radiation passing through the nose (plus the radiation emitted by the polished surface of the cam nose near the tangential edge) passes through a window 303 in housing 304 and is focused by a converging lens 306 to provide an image a photodiode array 309 to effect. This photodiode array can have 2048 elements (the current maximum, although one envisions larger ones that will be available in the future) on 15 micrometer centers.

The movement of the image 308 of the edge position is monitored by a reading or display device 311 and in the form an exact digital position specification for the edge again.

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given. At a magnification through the lens of 3: 1 describes the stroke of the cam nose (for e.g. 0.76 cm maximum stroke) then a maximum path of 2.28 cm on the diode field, which itself is about 2.79 cm long. This way the position can

the cam nose must be held firmly on the diode field / at all times.

In terms of maximum response speed, the Reticon 1872F is the best currently available photodiode array, the 0.076 cm having wide elements, with a scanning speed from element to element of 20 MHz is achievable (with 1872 elements this means 10,000 samples per second, whereby however in practice this value is a little lower). This means that if one takes a value per degree (which is in the is generally more than sufficient), the rotational speed of the camshaft is at least 1500 revolutions per minuteJ In practice there is seldom one It is necessary to drive at this speed, but it is possible to do so.

Such high field velocities allow practically instantaneous measurement results even at precisely adequate rotational speeds of say 200 to 300 revolutions per minute by using continuous light sources such as gas lasers and Sources of white light are used. However, it is of interest to consider the use of pulsed light sources to draw, such as the pulsed diode laser shown in the figure, or for this purpose a pulsed light emitting one Diode (LED) when sufficient power is available. The pulsed light source can be triggered so that at every degree a light pulse as the output signal of the wave

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Encoder is generated with a pulse speed of 200 nanoseconds (diode laser) to 10 seconds (light-emitting Diode (LED) or Xenon strobe lamp).

With such a pulsed operation, the image of the Xante of the camshaft is, so to speak, "frozen" on the diode field and the image can be read before the next pulse arrives. In this way, there is a scan speed for the field in the 1 KHz range possible without blurring and uncertainty due to the movement of the camshaft, in particular in the rapidly changing lifting and lowering areas. Alternatively, you can scan or evaluate the fields by pressing a special circuitry is used to start sampling as a function of encoder position, but this requires

and fields with higher response frequencies / with adequately dimensioned

CW performance.

As can also be seen from FIG. 2, further optical elements are provided which are used in such measuring devices be used. For example the window 303, which is almost always used to protect the optics and to make cleaning easier, as some dirt build-up will affect the readings.

Second, an aperture, usually located near the focus 307 of the lens 306, is often desirable in order to at least Block out the light reflected directly from the front edge of the camshaft. It can also increase the radiation field depth It may be desirable to also block out the diffracted light waves by using a diaphragm 311. It it should be noted that a depth of field would be desirable to a certain

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It is worth seeing due to the fact that the cam nose runs out of the centering line of the camshaft, formed in this case by the centering tips _{320 and 321 t.}

A second lens 316 may also be of value to provide substantial optical magnification in a more compact arrangement to achieve or, conversely, to provide the classic telecentric lens system, which is used for maximum radiation field depth. It can also be a cylinder lens 317 can be used to further converge the light along the axis of the cam in the direction of the diode array. The reason for this is to be found in the fact that the diode field can also be used with the 0.076 cm large elements of the type 1872F (the represent roughly the largest available elements) even with 3: 1 reinforcement only a zone of 0.025 cm on the surface the cam in the axial direction ("y" in the drawing) covered. Since the light field or the light beam usually is substantially wider than the cam lobe itself, it is clear that it may be desirable to have a greater length of the To consider the cam nose, in order to make the system less sensitive to any small notches, dirt, etc. that may be present to make the cam nose. This is of course of particular importance when elements are used for the diode fields of a smaller width or size can be used, for example Retikon 1728G with elements about 0.0025 cm in size.

Other optical elements that can be used are an auxiliary detector 331, which is used to measure the light output, which are not masked out by the cam nose (i.e. in the zone above the maximum stroke position) will monitor. These elements really monitor them

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transmitted energy when provided on the sensor side as shown. The monitoring device for Light output is then used as a means of compensating for

Soiling of the window, degradation of the light output and uneven light output used which
can occur in pulsed systems, the monitoring device then being used in the circuit shown below. Overall, this monitoring device is a valuable additional device.

While the device according to the invention is primarily intended to be used to control or test the entire stroke profile, with the nose encompassing all areas of the cam over 360 °, there are some other test procedures
possible with the device according to the invention, which can be carried out at low cost (since only a few
additional data points are required). These concern
the out-of-roundness of the base circle (which can usually be a maximum of 0.0025 cm), the maximum stroke and the phase setting of the maximum stroke with respect to the cylinder pin or number of cams. It is somewhat more difficult with regard to the size of the stroke deviation in the flank zones, for example with a deviation of 0.00025 cm from the true value over a 10 ° zone.

The present invention can also be used to test the "chatter" of any part by removing the high frequency Changes in position are compared. To do this digitally

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feed, it is necessary to have a large amount of data available, since in this case for each half a degree or smaller readings are desirable. This can also be carried out analogously with the aid of bandpass filtering for high-frequency patterns indicating (often periodic) Components of the output signal of a single analog detector, which is arranged to scan the same light field as field 309.

It should be noted that a much smaller area is required to test the base circle, usually 0.0254 cm maximum, which makes the sensor unit simpler. Maximum stroke and the phase setting can are usually also controlled with similar sensors with a narrow range, but in a different location are mounted (i.e. centering line 0.762 cm above the base circle sensor center (centering line)).

Let us now consider the gain required by the system. As the ordinary camshaft-cam-lobe lift movements in automobiles in the range between 0.635 cm to 0.763 cm, it is clear that the maximum length of the nowadays Available diode field of about 2.794 cm means that when using a single diode field system only one optical magnification or amplification of no more than about 3 or 4: 1 can be used. Such magnification can easily achieved with good quality conventional magnifying lenses and when good lenses are used the overall gain is essentially linear over the entire stroke

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area. Any nonlinearities, if any, can be compensated for in the computer by simply adding the values obtained in a copy cam of known dimensions and the values obtained in practice are corrected. Such a correction, the one made up of values If the table is used, it doesn’t really take any more time, since it is simply the corrected values for the comparison points used instead of the fourth taken from the plan (blueprint). Of course, any sensor non-linearity must be used for this technique be reproducible, but this is usually the case given the same lens system and the same light field, which are each factually invariant. When using light from pulsed diode lasers, some precautions are taken however, these can be sufficiently invariant to make such a plan effective.

The question of reinforcement should now be taken up again and it is clear that if larger fields are not available or multiple fields are used, no more than 4: 1 is optically usable, and it should of course be noted that with a magnification of 4: 1 the image is very clear. A typical output signal of the diode array is shown in FIG. As you can see, this figure shows a number of detector elements from e.g. the 1872F field, where the elements are numbered from 1 to "n" and all lie in the illuminated zone of the light field, and although at the time the edge of the cam appears, and the zone becomes very quickly in an area of about two elements

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BATH ORIGINAL

corresponds, again dark. The exact slope of the curve depends Of course, it depends on the focal length of the system and the position of the component edge. If a telecentric system is used, more elements lie within the edge image, although there is less change in the number of elements during rotation is obtained.

With a 4: 1 gain it is clear that with a 16 micron distance between center and center, each element of the diode array samples stroke increments of 4 microns. There one Resolution of usually two to four times this amount is desirable in the control of camshafts, The question arises as to how this can be achieved. A resolution of 1 micron is achieved in this case by using a quadruple threshold circuit is used, which works as follows.

Since four times electronic amplification is desirable, levels are provided, namely Levels 1, 2, 3 and 4, with level 4 closest to the usual saturation voltage of silicon detectors of 15 volts comes. In this case it has been considered desirable to move all detectors into the saturation range, albeit not too far to drive. The levels are then set to the 15 volt range set, e.g. to 3, 6.9 and 12 volts.

The answer to the above question is obtained by using the equation given below in which the number of Light detectors is equal to the sum of the field detectors over each level divided by 4.

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Count result = sum of detectors (i.e. response) for each level

Number of threshold levels.

In the example shown, a steady series of "N" detectors has output signals that are above the threshold voltage level 4, N + 1 detectors above level 3, N + 1 above level 2, and N + 2 above level 1.

As can be seen from the example shown, is the number of detectors sweeping the peak level Level 4 plus 3/4. In other words, the system has achieved a resolution to about 1/4 that of a detector, which means the packing density or information density of the field has been increased by a factor of 4.

For such a circuit to work well it is necessary that the performance be at least as high as required The gain or enlargement level is stabilized (e.g. 1/4). This can be achieved in that the auxiliary detector 331 is used, which is used to set the threshold levels as a function of the light input power. Such a Level scanning is practicable up to a tenfold gain, above this there may be deviations in the individual Detector sensitivities make the responsiveness lower and less reliable. It should be noted that of course the achievable resolution can be extremely high; e.g.

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ο.4 microns or 16 millionths of an inch (41 millionths of an inch one centimeter) at a factor of 1o with four times optical magnification.

Basically the sensor scans are the diode field all digital, although the last sampling of the levels apparently took place on a quasi-analog basis and some sort of thing Level shifting can result in an altered response behavior. This is another reason for that one should not try to shift the sampling level beyond a factor of about 10.

It goes without saying that it is up to the performance of the sensor head to carry out measurements with a very high resolution at high data speeds, which gives this machine its inherent technical data. However is the rest of the parts of the machine are also suitable for practicing the invention. E.g. around cams on the production side every 20 seconds or more to check, it is necessary to provide the following elements:

1.) A device to get the cams in the correct position bring to. This can be done in several ways, since loading the machine by hand can be done, but also fully automatically, which is preferable. The common device is a vibrating beam transfer device.

2.) A device to pick up the cams from the swing beam.

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3.) A device to set the camshaft in rotary motion at the desired measuring speed, where this speed is usually 3o - 60 rpm, depending on the workpiece speed, Number of cam lobes and cam journals to be checked.

4.) A device that sets the sensor head in scanning motion along the length of the cam, together with a control device to take the readings or scans at certain axial locations alongside the cam.

5.) A coding device and a recording device, to encode the rotational position of the cam relative to a feature, for example relative to a Spigot or a hole at the end of the cam for timing or control.

6.) A sensor device to record the data. 7.) Devices for reading out and analyzing, for example Microcomputer to analyze the data and make the decision "okay" or "not okay" hold true*

Other commonly used devices are marking devices, to flag errors in the cams, and in some cases those indicating what is wrong, and Facilities that are able to remove the rejected cams from the production line.

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Similar devices that are required to make the system work fully automatically should now be mentioned will. So the computer system just doesn't have to be able to be able to compare the stored data; it must also be able to correct for the natural curvature of the cam, which is not desired in the stroke scanning when the workpiece is attached to centering pieces is. This can involve considerable programming and usually requires two microcomputers, one of which controls the flow of data and reads the data from the sensor head into the memory and from which the other at the same time the from of the previous camshaft. Such a correction is of course not for the curvature required if the cam is attached with the pin clamped in is what machine complexity means to the computer.

Figure 5 also shows how a typical sensor head can be arranged for automation. In this Case there is a housing 5oo in the form of an inverted U's on a motorized slide 5o1, which the housing moved along the axis of the cam as described above. In the housing there are two light sources 51 and 511 of the type described in connection with FIGS. 2 and 3, which illuminate the cam via window 512, as well as a sensor head 513 which scans the cam lobes via a mirror 514 in the manner described above. In

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In the case shown above, another sensor head 515 is used to scan the lower edge of the pin. the The tip of the pin, which is diametrically opposite, is sensed by the main cam-nose sensor 513. It It should be noted that this scanning of the pin tip and the cam lobes is possible because the pins are usually are arranged at almost the same radial points from the cam axis as the maximum lift point of the cam lobes.

The figure also shows a transfer device 503, usually in the form of the swing beam design or the lifting and conveying version to move the cams into the to move provided for the measuring element scanning position, and also a lifting device 5o4 to the cams of the Lift off transfer device and move into the measuring station, in which the cam in this case of centering pieces is picked up and set in rotary motion.

When the measuring process is finished, the centering pieces are withdrawn and the lifting device lowers the work piece

piece on the swing beam. The cam is then transferred in ¹⁷ resting station and from there to the web for reject parts or sheet for parts, found in order.

Such an arrangement has proven to be excellent for transporting the cams, measuring them and them

see moving out without the problematic 'mechanical contacts and the possibility of damage during normal measuring processes on camshafts.

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Under certain conditions it may be necessary to determine the radial position of two end journals at the same time, while the cam is rotated between the centering pieces. This can be done with the help of two sensors of type 513/515 be accomplished. Checking or checking the radial out-of-roundness of these pins allows possible eccentricities Correct in the case of imperfectly formed spindles, centering elements, etc. The reason for this is that one generally assumes that the cam rotates in a reproducible, time-varying manner, and when it does not it is necessary to monitor the two end pins depending on the 360 rotation and the other pins with them compare to determine the contour or profile of the crankshaft and the true centerline of the cam at all times how the data can be compared.

This system has some very positive features that are not found in other optical systems, which were used in the past to monitor camshafts. For example, the accuracy is sufficient to make measurements in a manner that is useful because the sensor unit is a digital device is, and has great long-term stability with no drift, etc. Another positive feature is, of course, in it to see that the data speed achievable with this device is high enough, on the order of magnitude of 1,000 and more measurements per second in order to

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to achieve full high camshaft scanning speed. For example, if the scanning speed of the sensor allows only 100 readings per second and you wish Taking readings above 360 from the camshaft would take 3 seconds and more to sample a cam nose.

Let us now consider the dynamics of the system. For example, if you are testing a 4-cylinder camshaft or controlled, usually 5 pins and 8 cam lugs or at least 13 axial positions must be checked. One can but also want to record the taper or bevel of the pin and cam nose, adding 13 additional measuring points, and with many camshafts you can also check the out-of-roundness of the fuel pump eccentric, if one is present is the runout or runout of the pump gears and other features by using additional sensor heads which will be further described. The out-of-roundness of the pressure surface of the can also be included Crankshaft and surface imperfections on the cam lobes and journals not as a function of dimensions and measured Values can be recorded.

Where the number of features is limited, such as the 13 features in a 4-cylinder cam measurement, the measuring element can easily be adjusted with regard to dwell time at each of the measuring points during normal production run time of 15 to 20 seconds cycle time or greater (in Europe) is maintained.

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For a typical camshaft that is about 38 cm long and running at 30 rpm Vim, this means that it takes 3 seconds needed for the scan to capture up to 15 features, so to speak, plus about 15 seconds to find the actual path between the lobes of the cams in step-by-step operation or a total time of 8 seconds for scanning. this together with the usual transfer time of 6 seconds, provides a measurement cycle of 14 seconds, which is acceptable.

However, as soon as the number of features increases, it is clear that the residence time in this system cannot be found can, and one must then make considerations with regard to the scanning of the camshafts when the sensor is moved. As a result, the taper is calculated from the camshaft lobe data from the actual equations for the nose profiles as a function of the rotation. An alternative is the use of a multiple sensor head, whose sensors work in parallel as described below.

Where speeds must be maintained at higher values, for example when all tapers are to be determined, it may be necessary to use a sensor with two sensor heads. In this case two heads are used, which are arranged at a distance from one another which corresponds to half the cam length, each of the heads only acquiring data over one half of the length of the cam. If these are independent of each other are moved, it is clear that the effective

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scanning time can be halved, and that slightly worse results will be obtained if they are moved together, which means that one of them "runs empty" at certain times, so to speak, while the other measures when the cam nose and pins are not equally spaced.

If this is required, it may be necessary to use individual sensors for each cam nose and each pin. Of course, two are necessary for the tenons, while only one with a much larger one Measuring range for the cam lugs is necessary.

An example illustrating this case is shown in FIG. 6 and is of particular interest in this illustration is a simplified sensor head that can be designed for this particular application. It should It should be noted that this sensor head must be made sufficiently small to be close enough to the cam lobes to be brought up if not complicated mirror systems etc. are used.

Basically, two sizes are considered, the first using a small diode array of 256 Elements or less is used, which is only required to create the tenons and the base circle areas of the Scan cams (when the entire cam nose profile is of no interest). The second version has a larger one Diode field, usually from 1,700 to 2,100 elements, that is used to test the entire stroke.

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These versions are also well suited for checking or Testing of other parts, such as crankshaft journals, pistons, etc.

Both units are located in substantially cylindrical symmetrical housings. A source of light 55o is arranged in a V-shaped block 552, and the sensor units 555 in a V-shaped block 556. Both Blocks are optionally connected together using a rail 56o. The sensor units and the light source are arranged in cylindrical housings 565 and 566. The structure of both units is the same as that already described above similar. The cylindrical housing can be easily fitted into the V-shaped blocks and can be easily aligned and be replaced. The housing used is generally chosen to be large enough to accommodate the particular diode array used 57o with lens 571 can record. For example, the Reticon 256C field can be placed in a housing that 1.90 cm tall and small enough to be accommodated on each cam lobe of a standard camshaft.

together The lens 571 is viewed from the front ^ with an optional provided window 572 and detector 573 for monitoring the supply power and a lens diaphragm 574 introduced .

For larger fields, a housing with a size of about 5 cm is necessary. A right angle box can be used or a lens system is necessary for adaptation, as the distance from center to center of the cam

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noses is usually about 2.03 cm.

It should be noted that the diode array is arranged directly on the steel part of the housing and not on the weak switchboard that used to be commonly used. This became necessary because of the accuracy with which sensor systems like this one have to work.

With the array so arranged and the limited-size sensor housing available, it is generally desirable to mount the circuit cards 58o that power the array in an external stack of cards 581 as close as possible (because of the problems with high speed signals over long lines). Where possible, these can be bundled _v a stack to dine multiple sensors. F- ¹ I necessary, one stack can be used per sensor.

Other box or housing arrangements can be used that allow the large diode fields without Insert mirrors. These would have essentially non-cylindrical housings in which the field is vertical can extend.

Of course, the use of such multiple sensor heads allows the fastest possible workpiece speed. In general, this results in a cost disadvantage with regard to the measuring elements _t if a large number of sensors with a large measuring range is required. It can pdoch be the best solution _for when high speeds and extreme reliability are required, as no mechanical movement

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is available.

It should be mentioned, however, that the mechanical movement when moving the sensor head along the Camshaft axis opens up a valuable opportunity with regard to the programmability between different camshafts. To change camshafts / it is only It is necessary to program the other data points with which the comparison is carried out, as well as the different ones axial positions at which the sensor head is to take the readings, and there can also be one sample block per Cycle to verify a measurement operator.

This results in a very interesting possibility in terms of scanning, since camshafts are

Can Mix Me B- selben'jLeitung or-etrecke. According to the invention, a further sensor as in FIG. 5 can be used to observe a marking on the cam that is being measured, and either the data or possibly the axial positions and even the drive positions of the motor-driven slide for adaptation to the respective Adjust the camshaft. There is also the possibility, for example, of driving V6 and V4 cylinder camshafts mixed on one and the same machine.

The previous discussion concerned essentially the testing of camshafts, which is certainly the most necessary taking into account the major influence on economic efficiency fuel consumption and emissions data

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the camshaft properties, and moreover, the present invention provides what is probably the only known way to in the present sense a 100% control and test to enable.

The concept described here and the embodiments described here can of course also be used in other parts can be used that have a cylindrical symmetry. The simplest application example is here the crankshaft, because with this it is not necessary to scan areas as they are required for the cam lobes, in which the tenons and pins and the fillet od, he recess contours are to be scanned, which is exactly the same Sensor types can be carried out. So, in fact, the most interesting feature is taking measurements on the cones make the crankshaft and easily move the sensor set so in a simple manner that you are in the area of The crank reaches the groove or recess and follows the contour.

It should be noted that the measurements on the journals, the base circles or the crankshaft journals e.g. an ordinary white light like the taillight gives sufficient illumination, whereby the diode laser in Fig. 2 is replaceable. In addition, there is no need to use pulsating light in these zones, since no rapid changes in the shape or depth of the light field appear. In general, simpler lens

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systems are used, as it is not necessary to take into account the depth of the light field as with the cam. In the following, the case of testing crankshafts according to the present invention will be considered. First it should be noted that the sensor arrangements for camshaft journals, as described above, also for crankshaft journals, Hubs, diameters of gear fits, rods and other important crankshaft dimensions, with the center the diameter lies on the axis of rotation. The same sensor transfer and lifting arrangement shown in FIG Indeed, as shown herein, it is eminently suitable, although it is usually desirable to have separate sensors to be used as described above. These should be sufficiently spaced to allow the crank pin tracks to pass through the Free rotation.

For the diameter of the crank pin, two separate sensors can be used for one diameter each which are arranged so that they usually scan the pin on its path at top dead center. Since measurement at moving workpiece according to the present invention, there is no need to rotate the crank interrupt to take the measurement on the pin, or to set the crank circumferentially because the Sensor unit can be programmed so that it only takes a scan or reading when the image is of the cone diameter is in the field of view or field of view.

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In Fig. 7 is another embodiment of the Sensor head shown, in which the need is avoided to arrange the circuit cards close to the sensor and at the smaller dimensions of the sensor housing are possible. In this case, two light sources 600 and 60I illuminate for example opposite edges 6o5 and 606 of a crankshaft pin journal 608 as it rotates around the ' Axis 6o9. The scanning process begins when a signal from detector 6I0 indicates that the pin pivot is in the correct position Position is normally at top dead center as shown.

Two sensor units 611 and 612 have a housing 613 in which a lens 614 and fiber-optic light transmission devices 615 are arranged, which transmit the workpiece edge to a remotely arranged diode array b .. in a readout unit 621. Optionally, can de light sources and remote light sources such as LED having 622 wherein the light is passed through an optical fiber and is then collimated by a lens 624, and corrected. Plates 616 and 617 hold the light sources and sensors in alignment. Optionally, windows or panels 618 and 619 can also be provided.

In this embodiment, there can be two types of the fiber optic devices are used: coherent fiber bundles and individual fiber light guides such as the long laser light guides by SelfoCo The first case is shown above,

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in which a lens system 614 provides an enlarged image of the Part of the workpiece edge is focused on the fiber bundle end and a lens 625 arranged on the output side focuses on the emerging Light bundle focused on the diode field ·.

A second embodiment is shown in FIG. 7, which uses a single fiber light guide 63o approximately at the focal point of an object lens 631 (usually with a focal length of 25 mm), both arranged in a housing 6 32. This can be done at the output of the light guide diverging light field 633 is scanned or read directly by a diode field 634 or further imaged and amplified are through a lens 6 35.

The fiber waveguide is characterized by simplicity, low cost, small size and essential higher image or image quality, as it is a simple medium that behaves like a lens. This means that it is also not necessary to intensify the image fed to the fiber optic in order to produce interstitial To avoid problems, and accordingly, simple sensor arrangements and can be used to adapt to the fiber optics larger distances to the workpiece can be used. This is of particular importance in the present example, the the control or testing of crankshafts concerns in which the pin or tenon track while maintaining a high Resolution should be kept as free as possible.

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Another feature in this embodiment is that a single array of diodes and a simple circuit can supply multiple sensor heads. So shows e.g. maps. The signal processing is done accordingly in order to find each image.

It should be noted that a number of remotely located LED light sources are sequentially can be pulsed, one for each sensor. This automatically ensures that only one image appears on the diode field at a time. Alternatively, a single lamp for white light can illuminate a multiple fiber optic at the same time, thereby reducing costs is.

There are many advantages to using fiber optics, including ease of design and manufacture. However, the application is difficult in those cases in which the largest measuring ranges and largest resolutions are required are.

The sensing element microcomputer and other diode array scanning or reading circuits should be used together as much as possible be arranged with the field and the end of the fiber line.

The light sources 622 can likewise be arranged there

one
be in order to maintain a self-contained arrangement.

Since a crankshaft measuring element according to the present Invention usually 3o to 5o such sensor

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heads used (for the head and pin journals, hubs, etc.) it is desirable to have the whole array of sensors (which extends in and out of the plane of the figure) with glass windows 645 and 646 to protect. These windows seal the entire light source 648 and the sensor housing 647 and are also easy to clean - an important feature in such a system.

It should be noted that the concept described here can also be used to produce raw castings Check or inspect camshafts and other workpieces for damage before machining of the machine and help to obtain well-machined workpieces.

Fig. 8 shows another embodiment of the Sensor housing that is suitable for tight packaging and a wide range of measurement or application. In the illustrated For example, three sensors according to the present invention 65o, 651 and 652 are provided to measure the diameter and the roundness of the profile or outline (e.g. the curvature)

to feel.

a valve stem 655 ^ when the valve is in V-shaped rollers 66o and 661 is rotated. A transport device 66o with a chain or vibrating beam moves the valves into the roller device or out of the roll device, such as in FIG. 5.

In such a measuring device, it is desirable to have a large sensor measuring range to accommodate the many

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to have different valve diameters available with simultaneous high resolution (usually 21 Millionths of a centimeter) and low packing density, especially in the width or in the direction of the Valve axis. This makes it possible to easily rebuild the sensors in the axial direction for different valve types to position. Such requirements are similar to those for the camshafts and crankshafts as noted above, however, in this case it is also desirable to map both edges of the valve diameter on the same diode field using a single lens. This allows for the most compact and inexpensive arrangement, but is not easily used with larger workpieces due to the larger diameter.

The sensor housing, for example that for the sensor 65o, preferably has a steel base plate 67o, which Usually 5.1 cm wide, 15.24 cm long and 0.64 cm thick and on which an objective lens 671 is in a holder and a diode array 67 3 mounted in a holder 674 are. In this case, a two-lens system is used, which also has a negative lens 6 8o in a holder 681 which allows a maximum distance to the workpiece while maintaining an optical magnification in the required 2: 1 to 5: 1 range. In addition, a twofold to tenfold amplification is achieved electronically by using a circuit as described. As before,

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a compensation or correction detector is also often used to be used.

A lid, which is not shown for the sake of clarity, seals the sensor from the environment, and a window is also useful for this purpose (if not all sensors in the group are behind a single one, easy-to-clean glass plate such as 691 are arranged).

Of course, the light sources can also be arranged in similar housings, the housing base plates, Have brackets and covers. However, in this example a long linear light source 69o is shown, which extends over the length of the observed area of the workpiece. This allows easy assembly and easy replacement, and a panel window 691 (glass panel) is usually also provided for protection, If necessary, a diaphragm can be arranged in the lens system in order to draw essentially quasi-parallel light therefrom To let through source that would otherwise be diffuse. However, with such a equipped valve rotating device depth of light is rarely a problem because the part has large tolerances.

The sensor housing has dowel pins or dowel pins 696 (shown on the base plate of the sensor 692 for the sake of clarity) to allow easy replacement in the holders, e.g. 697, when changing workpieces

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enable. Micrometer slide mounts may also be provided, such as mount 698 on sensor 651 to move the head to a new position. Such movement can even be done by using a corresponding command by means of a motor a stepper motor is used, whereby a fully electronically controlled change can be carried out for different values is. It should be noted that the use of the long lamp is advantageous in that replacement or repositioning the light source is not necessary for the various valve sizes.

Other similar sensors can be used to further check or control the valves. For example an in Axial direction scanning sensor 7oo (shown in the viewing direction, around the measuring line or measuring section on the valve seat to scan, as well as a sensor 7o1 to measure the position of the valve foot end. Another two can be used to sense the valve head diameter and runout and another 7o4 to sense the diameter of the recess in the holder and the out-of-roundness. (Out-of-roundness is determined by scanning the positional deviation of an edge during the rotary movement.) It should be pointed out that a stop 7o5 is provided against which the valve base passes when it rotates a rubber roller drive device, not shown for clarity, is applied.

Fig. 8 shows another embodiment of the present invention for scanning the shape of workpieces,

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which are moved past a group of sensor heads in accordance with the present invention.

In this connection it is of interest to note that the valves shown in FIG. 8 are in the z-direction could be moved, the diameter and the relative dimension of the curvature in a plane during the movement can be measured (by using high-speed diode fields or pulsed light sources as before), if the valves were transported through the sensor image. Such a measuring method would result in a significantly greater measuring speed allow as the maximum possible of 4ooo / h, if a rotation at the place for the purpose of 360 ° control is necessary is.

Such an example of a measuring arrangement is shown in FIG. 9 for a quasi-flat workpiece, for example for a pump blade or a pump blade 7o9, the outer edge points 71 o - 719 of which are measured by a group of photodiode arrays 73o - 739 is used, which are arranged on a steel plate 728. In this case

2 becomes a

single lens 725 used to image the workpiece edge in the form of an image 726 on the fields. The diode array circuit cards are in a separate one Stack, not shown, above platen 728. In operation, the workpiece is conveyed by a conveyor, not shown, fed along a Teflon

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Lane 74o past the sensor group. When the rear edge of the workpiece is scanned with respect to position by a Sensor diode 75o is used with a bezel 751 and an LED light source 752, the light 76o is pulsed to the workpiece edge to illuminate and to freeze their image on the diode fields for measurement. Suitable openings are in the Cut into the bottom of the web so that the light is in the measuring positions can pass through.

If there are no strict requirements for resolution, a pulsed xenon lamp can be used, to illuminate the workpiece by placing a light diffusing screen or a collimator lens between the lamp and the workpiece is used.

In the example shown, however, the desired resolution is one micron and this requires very short pulse widths and high-grade collimation to freeze the workpiece or image and obtain a proper light field. Accordingly, in this case it was necessary to use a group of pulsed diode lasers (for reasons not shown for clarity) with pulse widths of 200 nsec to illuminate the edge points 71o-719. Every diode laser a single lens was assigned to make the emitted light parallel.

In order to continue to carry out accurate measurements regarding the workpiece length and workpiece width on different sections to be able to as well as a regarding straightness and legal

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ι Δ.

To obtain the valve calculated from the angularity of the edges, a 765 microcomputer is used to perform the calculations and to compare faulty edge points from the diode fields 73o - 739 and also to use this data, to correct the skewness or asymmetry of the workpiece in the path. This is usually a small cosine error as the workpiece is within limits of 0.0254 cm or better supported by the side rails 741 of the web. The microcomputer came up with the necessary data for acceptance of the workpiece or the separation of the workpiece received before the workpiece reaches the sorting gate 77o 25.4 cm away. If the feeder allows this, this system can check 30,000 workpieces per hour, and that's it ten times faster than any previously used measuring device. A direct productivity improvement of 100% is achieved. Furthermore, this system is because of the non-contact In any case, operation without blocking or jamming.

It should be noted that a measuring wheel 775 driven by a motor 776 is often desirable on the Path to regulate the speed of the sliding workpieces within a certain speed range.

The diode arrays used in this case were Reticon 2 56Cs center-to-center spaced from o, oo 254 cm. A tenfold lens gain was achieved with the help of a 50 mm Canon F 1.4 lens and a fourfold electronic amplification, as described above, to achieve a resolution of the values or dimensions of the workpiece edge of approx

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63.5 χ 1ο 'cm.

In the embodiment described above is it is often desirable to have the web 74o through a belt to replace constant conveying speed, for example by the one according to Fig. 1ο. For example, as in the 1oA, a clear plastic conveyor belt 78o is used in which a xenon strobus lamp 781 has a Side rail 782 of a chain link in profile or in outline illuminated in the presence of a control signal of a Sensor, for example the sensor 75o, which is described above but not shown here for the sake of clarity, for scanning the presence of a workpiece, and its image, made through a lens 7 84, on the matrix-like To freeze diode array 785, which in this case is a GE TN 25oo diode array that has 25o lines with 25o elements each, the center distances are about 0.0254 cm.

As with all of the other optical measuring devices disclosed herein, a window 786 is desirable in order to to protect the sensor and which is itself arranged in an airtight housing 786.

As with the other embodiments, it is desirable also provide corrective measures for dirty windows and light loss from the source. In this particular one In addition, there is a need for compensation or correction options to provide for dirt on the transparent tape 78o. To carry out this compensation or correction

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a DC detector 788 is used, which is equipped with a thyristor flashing circuit 789 is connected to turn off the flashing light when the detector circuit has a normal amount of light has scanned or recognized. This is a simple yet elegant solution.

It is also desirable to have a blowing or wiping device 791 to clean the belt on the way back from contaminants to clean.

Another advantageous conveyor belt arrangement is shown in FIG. 10B. In this case only measurements are the Outer diameter is required on the workpiece, and it can be a opaque conveyor belt 8oo can be used. The conveyor belt conveys a cylindrical hinge pin 8o1 on the Sensor unit, as before, in this case, however, the conveyor belt is slightly narrower than the diameter D of the workpiece. This makes it possible to scan the edges 805 and 806 when the workpiece is by means of the guide rails 8o8 and 8o9 is performed. A continuous light source 81 o and a two-part linear field sensor unit 811 can be used uses v / ground to trace the hinge pin in outline and obtain its largest diameter, taper, and so on.

As shown, the continuous light source in this example is provided by continuous diode lasers 815 and 816 formed using collimator lenses 817 and 818. The imaging is done with lenses 82o and 821 on linear Diode fields 822 and 823. Usually a ten-

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times magnification provided when workpieces are tested with large tolerances, for example pivot pins. In the housings 832 and 833 for the light source and the sensor are provided with windows 83o and 831.

The above clear conveyor belt allows greater flexibility, such that adaptation to a large one Number of workpiece sizes is possible by using the side guides and the sensor readout program, limit values or amplification, as required.

Before proceeding in the description, it should be pointed out that the use of the matrix field according to Fig. 1o is noteworthy. Of course A flash lamp is enough to freeze the entire workpiece image on the field, from which the reading and digitization are then carried out and the comparison is made before the next workpiece arrives.

When using a matrix field system of this type, it is of great importance that the requirements for the resolutions are often very large relative to the number of detectors available on any route. Expressed differently, a 2.54 cm χ 1.9 cm side rail <~ ± a chain link With regard to any dimension, at best enables an increase of 0.01 cm if a 25ο χ 25o element field a <- "^ is set in order to capture the entire workpiece image. This presupposes' ex ^ er that the sensor, which is the presence a workpiece scans, is exactly trigyerable.

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Accordingly, it is desirable to have the scan lines of the array perpendicular to the direction of movement to be oriented in such a way that the main dimensions of interest, e.g. workpiece diameter, workpiece width, thread form etc. can be scanned in sequence. A counter replication circuit such as that shown in FIG. 4 can then be used to increase the sensitivity of each sample. This allows the field system to achieve a resolution which is ten times larger in the scanning direction (in this example in the direction transverse to the workpiece movement)

Another point of interest is that reflective lighting can also be used in place of the Outline lighting (direct lighting) as shown. For example, in Fig. 10A, the flash lamps are in one position arranged, which is above the conveyor belt, which can be opaque for the case now considered. In this Trap, the compensation detector and the compensation circuit contribute to fluctuations in the workpiece reflection compensate.

The same reflective lighting can be used on others Embodiments are used. However, the picture quality is always better if the profile of the workpiece edges is scanned with direct light instead of reflected light v.'ird.

The conveyor belt can be dark (e.g. dark rubber) with the workpiece itself reflecting the predominant one

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Light supplies. Alternatively, the conveyor belt can also be designed to be reflective (either diffuse or specular depending the angle between the light source and the sensor), so that the reflection of the conveyor belt is stronger than the of the workpiece, whereby the effect is similar to that of profile lighting from below.

It should also be noted that the counter multiplication technique described can also be used to: to improve the efficiency of the circular diode arrays, e.g. the Reticon 72oC arrays. This field can be used in Device according to FIG. 1oA, for example, can be used to

the angular distance between the centers of holes η a circle of bolts one of it ..

/ workpiece Kzu conveyed on a transparent conveyor belt determine what can also be done with reflected light.

A further embodiment is shown in FIG. 11 at using an array of sensors in accordance with the present invention to measure the contour or profile of an automotive sheet metal assembly, in this case the outline of a door to be determined. Determining the dimensions of an outline is essential if, for example, the door is to fit exactly into the body. Data obtained from such a test won .- / ground, are usually sent to the welding stations zurür '. reported to the positions of the clamping device usv: u correct.

This example shows the use of pre-aligned sensor units against separate light sources and sensor units, regarding the measurement of clamped parts or

130013/1313 ORIGINAL BATHROOM

wegter parts as well as the use of additional triangulation sensors, to set up dynamic reference points and to carry out additional measurements at sheet metal outline points only on the outline of the door.

In FIG. 11, a door 84o to the measuring device 843 is moved by roller 841, the diode field sensors 85O-855 and has associated light sources which are intended to determine the outline of the door (usually up to 2o such sensors are used). In a first embodiment, which is similar to that of FIG. 9, measurements performed on the moving workpiece by using an optical sensor 86o to sense the presence of a workpiece which determines whether the workpiece is in the measuring position and which controls the sensors 85o - 855, the output signals of which are read into a readout and microcomputer control unit 861.

A complication arises in this E'all from that the workpiece shape is somewhat irregular, and that the position when using the rails in the track or the Conveyor belt used for pump blades etc. as described above cannot be maintained well. In addition, three measuring coordinates, more like two outline dimensions in certain falls α demanded, making another to be controlled Variable is added.

There are two solutions to the location problem. First of all, physical locating devices can be used as stops

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87ο, 871, 872 and 873 (dashed lines) can be used. The stops are made by means of cylinders, solinoids etc. operated. However, this solution makes it necessary to stop the workpiece and does the whole Mechanically much more complicated device.

The second idea is to use other sensors as per of the present invention and in addition to use those such as and 881 in triangle form, which are also described in US Pat US patent application Serial-No. 15.7 92 are described and on which should hereby be referred to in order to dynamically adjust the reference coordinates at the same time during the measurement determine. With this arrangement, the light sources and sensors that are used to locate and determine the door coordinates used, be arranged so that the path of the door is clear and equipped so that they are momentary can be actuated upon occurrence of the control signal which indicates the presence of a workpiece.

It should be noted that the counter amplification technique, which is shown in Fig. 4 is further improved by the fact that a circuit is provided operating at a low threshold voltage (e.g. below a level 1) that is used for scanning the edge is provided. When the edge is scanned or recognized, the maximum voltage of each of the in the Detectors arranged in the vicinity and a setting of the threshold value levels 1-4. In addition, only the Deviation of the count from the first sampled count

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determined to determine the edge position. In this way, a strongly fluctuating light field will not be able to read the readings to influence (an important point for practice).

Due to the finite dimensions of the elements of the diode fields, the position of an image edge cannot be determined more precisely are used as an element of the diode array itself when conventional detector devices are used. But when an interpolation device is used between the elements, the resulting increase in accuracy is only limited by the quality of the diode field.

Fig. 13 shows the video output of an edge when focusing on the diode field. The transition from dark to light is gradual, even with a well-focused image. This fact allows the use of interpolation, which is accomplished by increasing the lighting level the field elements in the transition zone are also taken into account. By setting four threshold values, for example and by scanning the video signals as a function of these threshold values, the center point in the transition zone can also be an accuracy can be found which corresponds to about a quarter of the distance between two elements.

A circuit for automatically, continuously interpolating the video output signals is shown in FIG shown. The video signal is fed to four equal level detectors 9o2-9o5 via a video buffer circuit 9o1. the Level detectors 9o2 - 9o5 can use conventional differential

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Operational amplifier like LM 3o1 and the video buffer circuit can be a conventional operational amplifier like LF. The threshold values are determined by a voltage divider chain, the resistors R9o1, R9o2, R9o3, R9o4 and are set with the help of a variable resistor R9o5 adjustable * The voltage ratios are set by selecting the correct resistor values. The output signal of each level detector is fed to the clock inputs of conventional D flip-flops 9o6, 9o7, 9o8, 9o9 (for example the integrated circuit 7474). The corresponding Q outputs of the flip-flops 9o6 - 9o9 are cyclically in sequence after queried via a digital multiplexer 91o (for example via an integrated circuit 74153), which is clocked sequentially by a binary counter 911. Of the Binary counter 911 can be a conventional integrated circuit 7493, which is clocked at a frequency that is four times higher than the diode array frequencies with the two synchronized frequencies.

The output of the multiplexer 91o is in the form of a series of pulses, which is here called a count output. This output signal is normally fed to the counting input of a summing counter (not shown).

At the beginning of each scan, the flip-flops 9o6 - 9o9 are reset and during the scan time, if the video signal reaches a threshold value, the corresponding or the corresponding flip-flops are set.

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The sampling multiplexer 91o generates a counting pulse for any flip-flop that has been set high in each of the scan sequences.

An electro-optical test device has been described here for testing or checking workpieces, to quickly and accurately determine dimensions and other fourths. The electro-optical measurement takes place between the test elements and the workpiece without contact. An electro-optical one The sensor has a light source for illuminating at least one edge of this workpiece, and also a lens for imaging the illuminated edge as well as a field more photosensitive Elements such as photodiodes that generate an electrical signal when exposed to light. The light that forms the edge is thrown onto the field, and the electrical signals generated correspond to the section of Edge, the shape of the edge, etc. The signals can be quickly analyzed to a dimension or value such as determine the length, the squareness, the curvature or similar values.

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Claims (135)

Patent claims: 1J Device for checking or testing a long or elongated workpiece, characterized by a device for mounting the workpiece for the purpose Rotation around its longitudinal axis, by means of a device for rotating the mounted workpiece, by an electro-optical sensor for sensing the position of a part of the workpiece, the sensor being a light source for illuminating an edge of the Has part of the mounted workpiece, furthermore a lens arrangement for imaging the illuminated edge of the workpiece and a photosensitive panel comprising a plurality of photosensitive Having elements which are capable of generating a signal upon incidence of light, the field being arranged so that it receives the image of the illuminated edge of the mounted workpiece, and by means for analyzing the signals of the light-sensitive elements to determine a dimension or dimension (Sizes)
measurements / of the part of the workpiece to be determined. 2. Device for checking or testing camshafts, Dr.K./K 130013/1313 -2- characterized by a device for Mounting the camshaft in a mounting position for the purpose of rotation about its longitudinal axis, by means for rotating the mounted camshaft, by an electro-optical sensor for scanning the position of a cam lug or a pin the mounted camshaft, the sensor having a light source on one side of the camshaft for illuminating the Edge of the cam lobe or journal of the camshaft, furthermore a lens arrangement which is arranged on the other side of the camshaft for imaging the illuminated edge the cam lug or the pin, as well as a photodiode field, which has several photodiodes that generate an electrical one when incident light Generate signal with the field arranged to show the image of the illuminated edge of the cam nose or pin receives, and by a device for analyzing the signal (Size) nale of the photodiodes of the field to one dimension / of the cam nose or the pin of the camshaft. 3. Apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that a monitoring device is also provided is the angular position of the illuminated edge of the cam lobe relative to a reference point on the camshaft supervised. 4. Apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that that the monitored value is the cam lift and that there is also provided means which the ratio 130013/1313 analyzed between this value and the angular position in order to determine the cam nose contour or the cam nose profile. 5. Apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that that the monitored value is the roundness of the base circle of the cam nose. 6. Apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that that a cylinder lens is also provided, which is arranged adjacent to the photodiode array, to the light, that comes from a range of axially perpendicular positions on the cam nose to concentrate on the photodiode field. 7. Apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that that the photodiode array is a linear array comprising at least 1000 individual photodiodes. 8. Apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that that the analyzing means comprises means for determining a plurality of edge sample threshold values. 9. Apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that the light source is stroboscopic Light source is to freeze the image of the lobe of the rotating camshaft on the photodiode array that further a device is provided which triggers the strobe light pulses at an angular position determined by the device is determined, which determines the angular position. 130013/1313 10. The device according to claim 9, characterized in that that the light source is a pulsed diode laser. 11. The device according to claim 2, characterized in that that the sensor unit scans the edge of a journal of the camshaft and that a further sensor is provided is, which scans another edge of the pin of the camshaft, the other edge being opposite diametrically to first pin edge is so that the diameter and the center of the pin can be determined. 12. The device according to claim 2, characterized in that that a transfer device is also provided, which the camshaft from a loading position moved on the device into the assembly position. 13. The device according to claim 2, characterized in that that several sensor units are provided. 14. The device according to claim 2, characterized in that that a device is provided through which the sensor relative to the mounted camshaft in predetermined Positions can be moved lengthways. 15. The device according to claim 14, characterized in that that a reference measuring element is provided which is arranged so that the sensor unit is the reference measuring element 130013/1313 scans at one end of the relative movement of the sensor unit. 16. The device according to claim 2, characterized in that that there is further provided means for storing predetermined cam lobe lift data of a camshaft type is, as well as a device for comparing the ascertained cam lobe lift data with the stored values. 17. The device according to claim 16, characterized in that the memory device is predetermined Stores cam lobe lift data for a variety of camshaft types and that means for sensing the type of controlled or tested camshaft is provided. 18. The device according to claim 2, characterized in that that the light source comprises a light source with a collimator. 19. The device according to claim 2, characterized in that that the lens arrangement is a telecentric lens system. 20. The device according to claim 2, characterized in that that a diaphragm is arranged between the lens arrangement and the photodiode array in order to avoid the surface the cam nose to block out reflected light. 21. Device for automatic checking or testing 130013/1313 of engine valves, characterized by a device for mounting the engine valve in an assembly position for the purpose of rotation about its longitudinal axis, by a device for rotating the mounted valve, by a device for the automatic transfer of the valve from a conveyor to the assembly position by an electro-optical Sensor for scanning the position of the mounted engine valve, the sensor being a light source for illuminating having at least one edge of the valve, furthermore a lens arrangement for imaging the illuminated edge of the valve and a photodiode array having a plurality of photodiodes that generate an electrical signal when exposed to light, the array is arranged to receive the image and by means for analyzing the signals from the photodiodes to a Dimension or a value of the workpiece (valve) to be determined. 22. The device according to claim 21, characterized in that that the electro-optical sensor has a single lens and a photodiode array that are in a common Housing are arranged, wherein the housing is movably arranged to adapt to different valve sizes. 23. The device according to claim 21, characterized in that that the transfer device is arranged horizontally and that the light source the light upwards below of the mounted valve is projected. 24. The device according to claim 22, characterized 130013/1313 ~ ⁷ ~ draws that two opposite diametrical edges of the valve through the single lens to a single one
Photodiode field are mapped. 25. The device according to claim 21, characterized in that that the photodiode array has at least 1000 photo elements. 26. The device according to claim 21, characterized in that the light source is mounted below the
Valve is arranged and that a window (aperture) between
the light source and the mounted valve is provided. 27. Device for automatic checking or testing
a crankshaft, characterized by a device for mounting the crankshaft in a mounting position for the purpose of rotation about its axis of rotation, by means for rotating the mounted crankshaft, by a device for automatically transferring the crankshaft from a crankshaft conveyor device to the mounting position, by a
An electro-optical sensor for sensing the position of the mounted crankshaft, the sensor comprising a light source for illuminating at least one edge of the mounted crankshaft, further a lens arrangement for imaging each illuminated
Edge of the crankshaft and a photodiode array, which has several photodiodes, which generate an electrical signal when light falls
generate, wherein the photodiode array is arranged so that it receives the image of the illuminated edge, and by a device 130013/1313 ~ ⁸ ~ device for analyzing the signals from the photodiodes in order to (Size) solution / or. to determine a value of the workpiece (crankshaft). 28. The device according to claim 27, characterized in that that the transfer means includes means for lifting the crankshaft from a vibrating beam conveyor Has in the assembly position. 29. The device according to claim 27, characterized in that the sensor device has a single lens and a single photodiode array which are housed in a common housing, the housing being movable
is arranged to adapt to different crankshaft sizes. 30. The device according to claim 29, characterized in that the light source is oriented so that
the light is thrown horizontally over the mounted crankshaft
will. 31. The device according to claim 27, characterized in that the sensor is arranged so that the
Position of the diameter of a bolt journal of the mounted
Crankshaft can be scanned. 32. Apparatus according to claim 27, characterized in that that the sensor is arranged so that the 130013/1313 BATH ORIGINAL (Rounding) Position of the profile of a fillet / the crankshaft can be scanned 33. Apparatus for controlling or testing an essentially flat workpiece, for example an automobile body panel, characterized by a Device for transferring the workpiece into the control or testing position, by a device for positioning the workpiece in a predetermined reference position in the Kontrollbzw. Test station, through an electro-optical sensor for scanning the positions of several edge parts of the workpiece positioned in the control station, the sensor being a light source for illuminating several edge parts of the workpiece, furthermore a lens arrangement for imaging the illuminated Edge parts and several photosensitive fields, each of which has several photosensitive elements, which at Incidence of light generate an electrical signal, each field being arranged so that there is an image or an image of a receives corresponding illuminated edge portion of the workpiece, and by means for analyzing the signals of the photosensitive elements in order to determine a dimension or a value of the workpiece. 34 "Device according to claim 33, characterized in that that the photosensitive elements are photodiodes. 35. Apparatus according to claim 34, characterized 13 0013/1313 " ¹⁰ - draws that the light source is positioned on one side of the Workpiece is arranged and that the lens arrangement and the photodiode field on the other side of the workpiece are arranged. 36. Apparatus according to claim 35, characterized in that further means for controlling the surface of the workpiece is provided, this device having a light source which has a point of light the surface of the positioned workpiece throws, furthermore a lens arrangement for imaging the light point and a photodiode field, which comprises a plurality of photodiodes which generate an electrical signal when incident light, the field so arranged is that it receives the image or the image of the point of light. 37. Apparatus according to claim 36, characterized in that further means for analyzing the signals of the photodiode field is provided, which determines the position of the surface or surface of the workpiece. 38. Apparatus according to claim 37, characterized in that that a device is provided which tests or controls a first surface and on one side of the positioned workpiece is arranged, and that a second device is provided which tests a second surface or controlled and which is arranged on the other side of the positioned workpiece, and that the signal analyzer one 130013/1313 Has a device for determining the thickness of the workpiece, 39. Apparatus according to claim 33, characterized in that the signal analyzer has a device for determining a dimension or a value of the workpiece
where this value is the width, length, squareness, straightness, shape and / or curvature. 40. Apparatus according to claim 33, characterized in that the device positioning the workpiece has guide rails and a workpiece presence detector for determining the presence of a workpiece
Workpiece in the predetermined reference position. 41. Apparatus according to claim 40, characterized in that further means for moving the
Workpiece is provided through the control station. 42. Apparatus according to claim 41, characterized in that the light source is a light source for pulsating light through which the image of the workpiece
is "freezable". 43. Apparatus according to claim 42, characterized in that the light source is a flash lamp. 44. Apparatus according to claim 33, characterized in that that the light source comprises light emitting diodes. 130013/1313 -12- BATH ORIGINAL 45. Apparatus according to claim 33, characterized in that the light source is a diode laser. 46. Apparatus according to claim 33, characterized in that the lens arrangement is a single lens
for generating multiple images. 47. Apparatus according to claim 33, characterized in that each of the photosensitive fields in
a housing is arranged and that a lens which effects an image of an illuminated edge of the workpiece is also arranged in the housing. 48. Apparatus according to claim 47, characterized in that a light source for illuminating a
Edge part of the positioned workpiece is arranged in the housing. 49. Apparatus according to claim 33, characterized in that the transfer or conveying device
has a translucent or transparent conveyor belt,
that the light source is arranged on one side of the conveyor belt and the lens arrangement and the photosensitive fields
are arranged on the other side of the conveyor belt. 50. Apparatus according to claim 49, characterized in that further means for cleaning the
Conveyor belt is provided. 130013/1313
BATH ORIGINAL -1 O- 51. Apparatus according to claim 33, characterized in that that the transfer or conveying device has a conveying part which has a smaller width than the width of the workpiece, whereby the edges of the workpiece protrude beyond the conveyor belt. 52. Apparatus according to claim 51, characterized in that that the transfer or conveying device has a conveyor belt. 53. Device according to claim 51, characterized in that that the transfer or conveyor is a roller conveyor. 54. Apparatus according to claim 53, characterized in that the photosensitive field is spaced apart
is arranged between adjacent rollers of the roller conveyor. 55. Apparatus according to claim 41, characterized in that the workpiece presence detector a
having an optical device, one edge of the workpiece
scans as soon as the workpiece is moved through the control station. 56. Apparatus according to claim 33, characterized in that further means for separating the
Workpieces from each other depending on the determined
Value of the workpieces is provided. 130013/1313 57. Apparatus according to claim 33, characterized in that that a device is also provided that the workpieces as a function of the determined values marked. 58. Apparatus according to claim 33, characterized in that that the device positioning the workpiece has at least one mechanical holding device or one has mechanical stop. 59. Apparatus according to claim 33, characterized η et that the light source and the light-sensitive Fields are arranged on the same side of the workpiece. 60. Electro-optical sensor for scanning dimensions or values of a workpiece, marked by a light source for illuminating at least one edge of the workpiece, by a lens arrangement for imaging the illuminated edge of the workpiece, by a photodiode field, which has several photodiodes, the an electrical signal generate when incident light, the field is arranged so that it the image or the image of the illuminated edge of the Workpiece receives. 61. Device according to claim 60, characterized in that that a device for analyzing the electrical signals is provided in order to determine a dimension or to determine a value of the workpiece. 130013/1313 62. Apparatus according to claim 61, characterized in that a device for compensating for
Light fluctuations is provided. 63. Apparatus according to claim 61, characterized in that the analyzing device has a device for increasing the resolving power of the incident light
having. 64. Apparatus according to claim 63, characterized in that that the means for increasing the resolution comprises means, the multiple thresholds of the photodiodes specifies. 65. Apparatus according to claim 60, characterized in that a fiber optic device for transmitting of the image or the image is provided on a remotely arranged photodiode array. 66. Apparatus according to claim 65, characterized in that the light source is fiber optic devices for transmitting the light to the edge of the workpiece
having. 67. Apparatus according to claim 62, characterized in that the device for compensating for light fluctuations comprises light detectors which measure the intensity of the
Scan light that falls on the photodiode field. 130013/1313 ORiGiSMAL BATHROOM 68. Apparatus according to claim 67, characterized in that the light detectors or the light detector is arranged in a housing which also encloses the lens arrangement and the photodiode array. 69. Apparatus according to claim 68, characterized in that that the housing has a window or a screen for the exit of the light. 70. A method for checking or testing an elongated workpiece, characterized in that the workpiece is mounted for the purpose of rotation about its longitudinal axis, that the workpiece is set in rotary motion, that an edge of a part of the workpiece is illuminated that an optical image of the illuminated edge of the workpiece causes the image or the image of the illuminated edge of the workpiece on a photosensitive field that consists of light-sensitive elements that generate a signal when incident light, is scanned, and that the signals of the photosensitive elements are analyzed to determine a dimension or a value of the part of the workpiece. 71. A method for checking or testing camshafts, characterized in that the camshaft is brought into an assembly position for the purpose of rotation about its longitudinal axis, that the camshaft is set in rotary motion, that the edge of a cam lug or a journal of the mounted camshaft is illuminated with light from a light source, 130013/1313 - I / "" which is arranged on one side of the camshaft that the illuminated edge of the cam lug or pin using a lens arrangement, which is arranged on the other side of the camshaft, that the image is imaged on a Photodiode field is thrown, which has several photodiodes which generate an electrical signal when incident light, and that the signals of the photodiodes of the field are analyzed to determine a dimension or a value of the cam nose or the pin of the Determine camshaft. 72. The method according to claim 71, characterized in that the angular position of the illuminated edge the cam nose is monitored relative to a reference point on the camshaft. 73. The method according to claim 72, characterized in that the dimension or the value of the cam lift and that the relationship between this stroke and the angular position is analyzed to determine the cam nose profile. 74. The method according to claim 71, characterized in that that the value is the out-of-roundness of the base circle of the cam nose. 75. The method according to claim 71, characterized in that the light from a range of axial positions the cam nose is concentrated or thrown on the photodiode field with the help of a cylindrical lens, which 130013/1313 ~ ¹⁸ ~ beard is arranged to the photodiode array. 76. The method according to claim 71, characterized in that that the photodiode array is a linear array comprising at least a thousand discrete photodiodes. 77. The method according to claim 71, characterized in that that several edge sampling thresholds are established for analysis. 78. The method according to claim 72, characterized in that the light source is a stroposcope lamp through which the image of the cam nose of the rotating camshaft is frozen on the photodiode field, and that the stroposcope light at an angle position. ^: i is triggered, which is determined by the device which detects the angular positions. 79. The method according to claim 78, characterized in that that the light source is a pulsed diode reader. 80. The method according to claim 71, characterized in that that the edge is the edge of a journal of the assembled camshaft and that another edge of the Pin is scanned, which is opposite and diametrically arranged to the first pin edge to the diameter and determine the center of the tenon. 130013/1313 303326Q 81. The method according to claim 71, characterized in that that the camshaft is transferred from a loading position into the assembly position. 82. The method according to claim 71, characterized in that that predetermined cam nose lift values are stored for a camshaft type and that the determined Cam nose stroke data are compared with the stored data. 83. The method according to claim 82, characterized in that that predetermined cam lobe lift data is stored for a variety of camshaft types and that the type of the controlled camshaft is scanned. 84. The method according to claim 71, characterized in that that the light source is a light source with collimator light. 85. The method according to claim 71, characterized in that that the lens arrangement is a telecentric lens system. 86. The method according to claim 71, characterized in that that a lens diaphragm is arranged between the lens arrangement and the photodiode array in order to obtain from the Block out reflected light on the surface of the cam nose. 130 013/1313 -20- 87. Procedure for automatic checking or testing of engine valves, characterized in that the engine valve is in a mounting position for the purpose of rotation is mounted around its longitudinal axis that the engine valve is set in rotary movements that the engine valve of a Conveyor is automatically transferred into the assembly position that at least one edge of the valve is illuminated that each illuminated edge of the valve is imaged with the help of a lens that the image or the image on a photodiode field is thrown, which has several photodiodes that generate an electrical signal when incident light, and that the signals of the photodiodes are analyzed in order to determine a dimension or a value of the workpiece. 88. The method according to claim 87, characterized in that that the lens and the photodiode array are arranged in a common housing and that the housing is movable is to adapt to different valve sizes. 89. The method according to claim 87, characterized in that that the motor valve is transferred horizontally between the conveyor and the assembly position and that the Light is projected upward from a location below the valve. 90. The method according to claim 88, characterized in that two opposite diametrically -21- 130013/1313 ~ ²¹ ~ 3Q33260 arranged edges of the valve can be mapped onto a single photodiode array through a single lens. 91. The method according to claim 87, characterized in that the photodiode field is at least a thousand Having photodiodes. 92. The method according to claim 87, characterized in that the light source is mounted below the Valve is arranged and that a window or a screen is arranged between the light source and the valve. 93. A method for automatically checking or testing a crankshaft, characterized in that that a crankshaft is mounted for the purpose of rotation about its axis of rotation in a mounting position that the mounted Crankshaft is rotated that at least one edge of the crankshaft is illuminated that an image of each illuminated edge of the crankshaft with the help of a lens is carried out that the image or the image is thrown onto a photodiode field, which has several photodiodes that generate an electrical Generate signal, and that the signals of the photodiodes are analyzed to a dimension or a value of the workpiece (Crankshaft) to be determined. 94. The method according to claim 93, characterized in that that to mount the crankshaft this in the 13 * 0 013/1313 Assembly position is transferred from a position in which the crankshaft is arranged on a conveyor. 95. The method according to claim 94, characterized in that that for transferring the crankshaft into the assembled position, the crankshaft from a vibrating beam conveyor is lifted away. 96. The method according to claim 94, characterized in that that the lens and the photodiode array are arranged in a common housing and that the housing is movable is arranged to adapt to different sizes of the crankshafts. 97. The method according to claim 96, characterized in that that the light is thrown horizontally over the crankshaft. 98. The method according to claim 93, characterized in that the edge rejects an edge of a bolt pin of the assembled crankshaft. 99. The method according to claim 93, characterized in that that the edge is an edge of the profile of a recess in the crankshaft. 100. Method for checking an essentially flat workpiece, marked thereby 130013/1313 -23- 30332B0 net that the workpiece is promoted to a control station that the workpiece is brought into. A predetermined reference position in the control station that several edge parts of the workpiece are illuminated so that the illuminated edge parts are imaged with the aid of a lens arrangement, that each image or each image is thrown on a photosensitive field, each field several photosensitive Has elements which generate an electrical signal when incident light, and that the signals of the light-sensitive Elements are analyzed to determine a dimension or value of the workpiece. 101. The method according to claim 100, characterized in that that the photosensitive elements are photodiodes. 102. The method according to claim 101, characterized in that that the light source is arranged on one side of the positioned workpiece and that the lenses and the field are arranged on the other side of the workpiece. 10 3. The method according to claim 102, characterized in that that the surface of the workpiece is controlled or checked and that for this purpose on the surface of the workpiece a point of light is thrown from which an image is generated with the help of a lens and that the image or the Imaging of the point of light is thrown onto a photodiode field, which has several photodiodes that generate an electrical one when incident light Generate signal. 130013/1313 104. The method according to claim 103, characterized in that that the signals of the photodiode field are analyzed in order to determine the position of the surface of the workpiece. 105. The method according to claim 104, characterized in that the light point on opposite
Sides of a positioned workpiece is formed and that
the image or the image of these points of light is analyzed in order to determine the thickness of the workpiece. 106. The method according to claim 100, characterized in that a dimension or a value of a workpiece is determined, this value being the width, the length, the rectangularity, the straightness, the shape or the curvature
is. 107. The method according to claim 100, characterized in that that the presence of a workpiece is scanned in the predetermined reference position. 108. The method according to claim 107, characterized in that the workpiece by the control or
Test station is moved through. 109. The method according to claim 108, characterized in that the light source is pulsed to generate the image
or to freeze the image of the workpiece on the field. -25- 130013/1313 110. The method according to claim 109, characterized in that that the light source is a flash lamp. 111. The method according to claim 100, characterized in that that the light source is a light emitting diode. 112. The method according to claim 100, characterized in that that the light source is a diode reader. 113. The method according to claim 100, characterized in that the lens arrangement consists of a single
Lens that generates the images. 114. The method according to claim 100, characterized in that that the photosensitive fields are arranged in a housing in which also the lens for generation the image of an illuminated edge part of a workpiece is arranged. 115. The method according to claim 114, characterized in that the light source which is used to illuminate an edge part of the workpiece is arranged in the housing
is. 116. The method according to claim 100, characterized e i chne t that for conveying or transferring the workpiece 130013/1313 -26- a transparent or translucent conveyor belt is provided on which the workpiece is positioned and that the light is sent through this transparent conveyor belt will. 117. The method according to claim 116, characterized in that that the conveyor belt is a cleaning process is subjected. 118. The method according to claim 100, characterized in that that when conveying or transferring the workpiece, a conveyor belt or conveying part is used whose Width is smaller than the width of the workpiece, whereby the edges of the workpiece protrude from the conveyor belt. 119. The method according to claim 118, characterized in that that the conveying part is a conveyor belt. 120. The method according to claim 118, characterized shows that the conveying element has a roller. 121. The method according to claim 120, characterized in that that the photosensitive field is arranged at a distance between adjacent rollers of a roller conveyor is. 122. The method according to claim 108, characterized in that that the presence detector has an optical device that scans an edge of the workpiece, 130013/1313 _ ₂₇ _ as soon as the workpiece is moved through the control station. 12 3. The method according to claim 100, characterized in that the workpieces in dependence on the determined values are separated from each other. 124. The method according to claim 100, characterized in that that the workpieces are marked depending on the determined value. 125. The method according to claim 100, characterized in that that the light source and the fields are arranged on the same side of the workpiece. 126. A method for scanning a dimension or a value of a workpiece, characterized in that that at least one edge of the workpiece is illuminated, that with the aid of a lens arrangement from the illuminated edge one Image is generated that the image or the image of the illuminated edge of the workpiece is thrown onto a photodiode field which has several photodiodes that generate an electrical signal when incident light. 127. The method according to claim 126, characterized in that the electrical signals are analyzed, to determine a dimension or a value of the workpiece. -28- 13 0 0 13/1313 128. The method according to claim 127, characterized in that light fluctuations are compensated. 129. The method according to claim 127, characterized in that that the resolution of the light falling on the photodiode field is increased. 130. The method according to claim 129, characterized in that that multiple thresholds are set up to increase the resolution for the photodiodes. 131. The method according to claim 126, characterized in that that the image or the image with the aid of a fiber optic device on a remotely located Photodiode field is transmitted. 132. The method according to claim 131, characterized in that that the incident light is transmitted with the help of fiber optic devices. 133., method according to claim 128, characterized in, that to compensate for the light fluctuations, the intensity of the light incident on the photodiode field is scanned. 134. The method according to claim 133, characterized in that the device for scanning the light is arranged in a housing in which the lenses and 130013/1313 -29- the photodiode array are included. 135. The method according to claim 134, characterized in that the housing has a window or a screen has for the transmission of light. 130013/1313