Abstract:
A measuring device includes a receiver having a cavity with differing narrowing diameters from an opening. The receiver can be moved axially. A part is moved a predetermined fixed distance, including movement while engaging and moving the receiver. The distance moved by the receiver is sensed, and the acceptability of the dimension of the object is determined by evaluating the distance moved by the receiver.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates generally to measurement devices and processes; and more particularly, the invention pertains to a device and process for measuring the diameter of round objects, such as flared or flanged ends of parts formed by stamping. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Parts and pieces of many different types and shapes are made by stampings and progressive stampings for use in a variety of different assemblies and constructions. Metal can be shaped into many different forms and configurations by the application of force causing a metal blank to conform to the shape of a die used while applying the force. Simple parts and pieces can be made by a single stamping. In a single stamping, force is applied in a single event so that the metal conforms to a die used while applying the force. For more complex parts or parts taking a shape quite different from the original metal blank, progressive stampings are used. In progressive stampings, a series of dies are used in a series of stamping events, with each die and each stamping event forming the metal in stages from the original blank to the desired final formation. 
   It is known to use stamping techniques to form a variety of parts having a head or a flange at an end thereof. For example, a substantially cylindrical or tubular part can be stamped to have a peripheral flange at one end. The stamping process may include a first formation process to form a flair or outward expansion of the tube, with a final process to complete the flange. 
   Stamping is often used to make parts and pieces inexpensively, since a stamping event is a rapid occurrence. Accordingly, parts can be formed quickly and inexpensively, with minimal waste. To ensure a high percentage of quality parts are shipped to customers cost effectively, testing procedures for stamped parts must be performed rapidly and reliably. Preferably, a testing method occurs quickly so that testing or inspection of the part does not slow the overall process of making the part. 
   Precisely dimensioned parts are sometimes required for proper sealing and/or fit or to ensure accuracy of a subsequent operation. Measuring the prescribed dimension can be difficult and time consuming. Since many parts made by stamping are produced quite rapidly and at low cost it is desirable that an apparatus and process for measuring the dimension work equally fast so as not to slow the manufacturing process unacceptably, or unduly add cost to the final price of the part. 
   What is needed in the art is a measurement device and process to quickly and accurately measure a dimension, such as the flared end of a stamped part. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention provides a device for indirectly measuring a part to determine if a dimension of the part falls within an acceptable range for the dimension. 
   In one aspect thereof, the present invention provides a measuring device with an axially movable receiver defining a cavity with a narrowing diameter inwardly in the receiver for engaging the object to be measured, and a transport means for moving the object a fixed predetermined overall distance. A sensing means determines the distance moved by the receiver. 
   In another aspect thereof, the present invention provides a measuring device for measuring a diameter of an object. The measuring device has a receiver movable by pushing the object against the receiver. The receiver has an opening thereto and areas therein of different, narrower diameters inwardly from the opening. A sensor detects a distance moved by the receiver, and a transport means moves the object a fixed predetermined distance relative to the sensor. 
   In a still further aspect thereof, the present invention provides a process for measuring a diameter of an object The process has steps of providing a receiver for receiving the object to be measured, the receiver having an opening and a cavity formed therein of different diameters inwardly from the opening; inserting the object into the receiver; moving the object a fixed predetermined overall distance; evaluating a distance moved by the receiver from moving the object the fixed distance; and determining acceptability of the part with consideration for the distance moved by the receiver. 
   An advantage of the present invention is providing a device that determines a dimension of a part in a quick and accurate manner. 
   Another advantage of the present invention is providing a device and process for measuring the diameter of flanged parts to determine if the part falls within an acceptable diameter range. 
   Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following detailed description, claims and drawings in which like numerals are used to designate like features. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a cross-sectional view of a measurement apparatus in accordance with the present invention, illustrating the device determining the diameter of a part of acceptable diameter; 
       FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view similar to that of  FIG. 1 , but illustrating the measurement device of the present invention determining the diameter of a part of larger diameter than that shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view similar to that of  FIGS. 1 and 2 , but illustrating the measurement device of the present invention determining the diameter of a part of smaller diameter than that shown in either  FIG. 1  or  2 ; 
       FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of a modified form of a portion of a device in accordance with the present invention; 
       FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view similar to that of  FIG. 4 , but illustrating yet another embodiment of the present invention; and 
       FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of the portion of the present invention shown in  FIG. 5 , taken along line  6 - 6  of  FIG. 5 . 
   

   Before the embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in various ways. Also, it is understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use herein of “including”, “comprising” and variations thereof is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof, as well as additional items and equivalents thereof. 
   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
   Referring now more specifically to the drawings and to  FIG. 1  in particular, a measurement device  10  in accordance with the present invention is shown for measuring a dimension of a part  12 . More specifically, measurement device  10  is provided for measuring the diameter of a flared end  14  of part  12 . Those skilled in the art should understand readily from the descriptions following hereafter that measurement device  10  can be configured in other forms for measuring dimensions of items different from part  10 , and for measuring dimensions other than diameters of substantially circular configurations. Part  12  shown and described is merely illustrative of a part for which the present invention can be used. 
   Part  12 , as shown in the drawings, includes a body  16  and a flanged end  18 . Measurement device  10  is shown for measuring flared end  14 , but could be configured differently for measuring a diameter of flanged end  18  as well. As mentioned previously, in accordance with the principals of the present invention other configurations and arrangements for measuring device  10  also can be used. 
   Measuring device  10  includes a fixed component  20  carrying a cylinder  22  therein. In the exemplary embodiment, cylinder  22  is shown as threadedly engaged with fixed component  20  at threads  24 . However, it should be understood that other types of attachment can be used, or cylinder  22  can be formed as an integral portion of fixed component  20  so that fixed component  20  and cylinder  22  define a monolithic body. 
   A piston-like body  26  includes a head portion  28  received and axially slidable in cylinder  22 . An end of body  26  opposite head portion  28  defines a receiver  30  having an opening  32  in the distal end of body  26 . From opening  32 , receiver  30  defines a narrowing receiver surface  34 . In the exemplary embodiment, opening  32  is substantially circular, and receiver surface  34  has a variety of zones also substantially circular in cross-section. Surface  34  defines a generally narrowing cavity from opening  32  inwardly to an abutment  36 . Surface  34  can be continuously tapered at a constant angle or can define distinct zones at different angles. For example, the exemplary embodiment illustrates an outer zone  40  angling inwardly, a middle zone  42  of a first diameter and an inner zone  44  of a second diameter narrower than middle zone  42 . Outer zone  40  is conical, tapering inwardly. Middle zone  42  and inner zone  44  are substantially cylindrical but of different diameters. 
   A spring  46  biases body  26  outwardly relative to cylinder  22 . A stop  48  establishes a home position for body  26 , with body  26  being biased thereagainst by spring  46 . 
   A sensor system  50  is in fixed position in fixed component  20  and is configured and arranged for sensing a position of body  26 . Those skilled in the art will readily understand that a variety of optical or other types of position sensors can be used for sensing indicia or other reference points on body  26 . Sensor system  50  is connected to a control system  52  via a signal pathway  54 . Control system  52  can be configured to convey a variety of messages or information, such as the actual dimension determined, the acceptability or unacceptability of the part, or can be configured to take action such as issuing audio and/or visual alarms, stopping operation of device  10 , etc. 
   A mover  60  axially translatable relative to fixed component  20  includes grasping means  62  such as fingers, clamps or the like for securing part  12  therein. Grasping means  62  is configured for receiving and grabbing part  12  at a consistent position relative to flared end  14 . That is, a distance from grasping means  62  to flared end  14  is consistent for each part  12  secured therein. 
   In the use of measurement device  10 , part  12  is loaded in grasper  62  and moved by grasping means  62  into receiver  30 . Because of the narrowing configuration of receiver  30  at more inwardly positions, part  12  will contact receiver  30  more shallowly or more deeply depending on the diameter of flared end  14 . Part  12  is moved an overall axial distance that is fixed. The distance that body  26  moves away from stop  48  relative to cylinder  22  and sensor system  50  is dependent upon the location at which flared end  14  contacts surface  34 . Thus, if flared end  14  is narrow and moves more deeply into receiver  30 , such as to inner zone  44  or against abutment  36 , body  26  will move a short distance. If flared end  14  is of wide diameter and contacts receiver  30  at a more shallow location, such as in outer zone  40  or middle zone  42 , body  26  will move a greater axial distance. The distance moved by body  26  thereby is directly related to the diameter of flared end  14 . 
   Control system  52  ( FIG. 2 ) attached to sensor system  50  by a signal transmission pathway  54  can be complex or simple. For example, control system  52  can evaluate a distance moved by body  26  and determine a specific diameter for flared end  14  and thereafter report the dimension on a screen or the like. Alternatively, a control system  52  attached to sensor system  50  can simply determine if the distance traveled by body  26  falls within a predetermined acceptable range, thereby indicating an acceptable size diameter for flared end  14  and allowing the part to be considered an acceptable part. If the movement of body  26  fails to reach a minimum required distance or exceeds a maximum allowable distance, a warning system can alert an operator visually and/or audibly so that the part being evaluated can be rejected. Alternatively, control system  52  can automatically reject a part, segregating the part for waste handling or can flag the part for later separation, allowing the part to continue through the process until an end point of the process. Control system  52  can operate automatically or can activate a warning light, buzzer or other means of notifying an operator to remove an unacceptable part. 
   It should be understood that the concept of a varying diameter receiver can be modified to accommodate parts of different shapes or configurations. For example,  FIG. 4  illustrates a receiver  70  having a continuously tapering, conical surface  72 .  FIGS. 5 and 6  illustrate a receiver  80  having substantially flat axially oriented surfaces  82 ,  84 ,  86  and a tapered surface  88 . It should be understood that still further variations and modifications also can be used so that a device of the present invention can be used to measure diameters, lengths, widths or other dimensions of parts and components of different shapes. 
   Variations and modifications of the foregoing are within the scope of the present invention. It is understood that the invention disclosed and defined herein extends to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or evident from the text and/or drawings. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the present invention. The embodiments described herein explain the best modes known for practicing the invention and will enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention. The claims are to be construed to include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted by the prior art. 
   Various features of the invention are set forth in the following claims.