DE102007050005A1 - Joining region i.e. spot welding joint between structural components, non-destructive testing method for vehicle, involves obtaining information about quality of joint of component and location of weld points from intensity processes - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves pulsed heating a joining region (2) i.e. spot welding joint between structural components (1, 1') in a bodywork shell. A temporal sequence of intensity images of the joining region is received by a thermography camera. Temporal dependence of measured intensity in a camera region and/or a pixel is evaluated. Intensity processes are evaluated in multiple rectangular regions distributed over the joining region. Information about quality of joint of the components and a location of weld points relative to an edge of the component, are obtained from the processes. An independent claim is also included for a test system comprising an excitation source.

Description

The The invention relates to a method and a test system for non-destructive testing of joints Workpieces, in particular resistance-pressure welded joints between structural components in the bodyshell.

A nondestructive test method of welds using infrared thermography is from the WO 01/50116 A1 known. In this case, the area of the weld is briefly heated by means of an excitation source; the heat intensity radiated from the joining area as a result of this heating is measured by a high-resolution, spatially resolving electronic thermographic camera whose measured values are evaluated in a computer. Like in the WO 01/50116 A1 proposed, different histograms can be determined from the time course of the radiated heat intensity, which is recorded by the camera pixels, which are to be a measure of the heat flow through the welding zone.

Another approach in the quality control of welded joints by evaluation of thermographic data is in the DE 101 50 633 A1 described. Again, the weld is subjected to a momentary energy pulse, in particular illuminated with a flashlamp; the heat intensity emitted by the spot weld is recorded by imaging and evaluated in a data processing system. In this case, the time of the maximum temperature increase is calculated and represented for each pixel as a so-called "run-time" image The evaluation is carried out by quotient of the imaginary part and the real part of a fast Fourier transformation of the time series and a qualification of the investigated weld point according to the transit time / Phase image with respect to the lens diameter, the homogeneity of the welded joint and the thickness of the weld nugget.

Both the WO 01/50116 A1 as well as the DE 101 50 633 A1 When evaluating the measured intensity profile as a function of time, it is assumed that the heat intensity received by the camera pixels goes through a maximum within the observation period. However, this is not always the case.

Of the Invention is based on the object, an evaluation thermographic To provide data of a weld area with which Help a non-destructive, automated quality control of Resistance-pressure welded joints of multi-sheet joints, z. B. of Dreiblechverbindungen, can be performed.

The The object is achieved by the features of claim 1.

After that The joint is heated pulse-like. With help A thermographic camera becomes a temporal consequence pictorial Intensity data of the joint was added, the a measure of the time dependence of Heat distribution of the joint are. To the results This pictorial data is used for defined areas, so-called "regions of interest "(ROI) the time course of the intensity measured and evaluated. From the intensity gradients Be informed about the quality of the welded joint and about the position of the welding point relative to won the workpiece edges.

This method enables a nondestructive, automatable evaluation of the quality of resistance pressure welds on automotive body shells or subassemblies by means of heat flow thermography. With the test system different welding spot errors can be reliably detected and classified. In particular, the test system provides measurement results that match the weld spot diameters of a destructive test DIN EN ISO 14273 correlate.

in the The following is the invention with reference to an embodiment explained in more detail.

there demonstrate:

1 a schematic sectional view of a joining region of two sheets during resistance welding;

2 Sectional views ( 2a - 2e ) and supervision ( 2f - 2g ) of proper resistance welding ( 2a ) and welding defects ( 2 B - 2g );

3 a schematic representation of the measuring principle in the transmission infrared thermography of a joint;

4 a schematic representation of an overall system for quality control of resistance welding joints in the vehicle body shell;

5a an intensity image of a joining region recorded by a thermographic camera with regions of interest (ROI) (indicated as boxes) in which the evaluation takes place;

5b a sectional view of the joining region of 5a according to the section line Vb-Vb in 5a ,

6 the intensities measured by a thermographic camera as a function of time for the ROI in 5a ;

7 the intensities measured by a thermographic camera as a function of time for ROI in a joint area without connection of the joining partners;

8th the intensities measured by a thermographic camera as a function of time for ROI in a joint area with soldering or gluing;

9 a schematic representation of the determination of different parameters from an intensity profile;

10 a characteristic curve for an open gap (see 2 B );

11 a characteristic curve for a joining area with soldering or gluing (see 2c and 2d );

12 a characteristic curve for a not sufficiently connected joining area;

13 - 18 characteristic curves for welding lenses with different indentation depth and position of the welding point;

19 a schematic representation of the heat flow at a location at a sheet edge welding point;

20 a schematic representation of two intersecting temperature curves.

1 shows a schematic sectional view of two components 1 . 1' which are in a joining area 2 be connected by means of a resistance pressure welding process, in particular spot welding. The components 1 . 1' consist of high-strength sheet steel, with one or both sides with a corrosion protection layer 3 . 3 ' (for example, zinc or an aluminum-iron intermetallic compound) may be provided; Alternatively, the sheets can also consist of (coated or uncoated) aluminum or an aluminum alloy. At least one of the components 1 . 1' can in the joining area 2 with glue 4 be coated, whereby after connecting the components 1 . 1' an increase in strength in the joining area 2 can be achieved. Instead of two components 1 . 1' can in the joining area 2 also three or more sheet metal layers are present, which are welded together; If in the following of compounds of two sheets or components is mentioned, this should also refer to three and more sheet metal connections.

For welding the two components 1 . 1' becomes a known spot welding gun 5 with two electrodes 6 . 6 ' used, which is an electrode force 7 on the two components 1 . 1' in the joining area 2 exercise and the components 1 . 1' by pressing on each other. By one between the electrodes 6 . 6 ' flowing welding current become the compressed components 1 . 1' then welded locally. In the process, the components become 1 . 1' heated to melting temperature at the point of contact; as a result, arises between the components 1 . 1' a nugget 8th with diameter 9 ' which, when the welding has been carried out correctly, have a predetermined minimum diameter 9 not lower ( 2a ). The presence and size of this weld nugget 9 ' is crucial for the strength of the weld junction produced 18 ,

When spot welding coated components 1 . 1' Different errors can occur in the 2 B - 2g are shown schematically.

Is the electrode force 7 too small, or are the components 1 . 1' too much tolerance, so the components 1 . 1' not be strongly enough approximated or pressed together to achieve a connection. Between the components 1 . 1' then remains in the 2 B illustrated open gap 10 , For coated sheets 1 . 1' can also be in 2c shown welding errors occur: Here are the components 1 . 1' in the joining area 2 Although connected, but it has no welding, but only a soldering 11 of the coating material 3 . 3 ' occurred. Are the components 1 . 1' with glue 4 provided that a weak connection can occur, if an only near-surface welding takes place (see 2d ); even such a welded joint is faulty. Furthermore, the weld nugget 8th be very small (see 2e ); such a weld is classified as an error when the lens diameter 9 '' smaller than a predetermined minimum value 9 (eg less than four times the root of the sheet thickness 12 in mm), since in such a case the required strength of the welded joint is no longer given.

Finally, in the case of component tolerances, inaccuracies in positioning or errors in programming, the welding robots can be used in 2f and 2g in a view of the joint 2 shown errors occur: namely that at the intended location 17 no spot of welding at all 18 is present, or that the weld point 18 by more than a tolerance amount 19 opposite the intended position 17 is moved.

For on-line detection and classification of such welding defects during spot welding on bodyshells in production becomes a test system 20 used that schematically in 3 is shown. The test system 20 includes an excitation source 21 (Hereinafter also called heat source) for pulsed heating of the joint 2 (ie the welding point 18 and its immediate surroundings), a thermography camera 22 for time- and location-resolved measurement of the joint 2 emitted heat radiation and an evaluation unit 23 for further processing of the measured values and classification / visualization of the welding result. The test is carried out at any time after completion of the spot welding, preferably in a (further) workstation following the welding station in the course of production.

Preferably, the thermographic measurement - as in 3 shown - in transmission; that means the excitation source 21 the one side 24 the connected components 1 . 1' irradiated while the thermography camera 22 on the other, the excitation source 21 opposite side 24 ' the connected components 1 . 1' is arranged. - As an alternative to the transmission measurement, the thermographic measurement can also be done in reflected light, which means that source of excitation 21 and thermography camera 22 on the same page 24 ' the connected components 1 . 1' are arranged. Although the measured values obtained in principle contain similar information to those obtained in transmission, they show different characteristics. The evaluation and classification procedures described below refer to measured data obtained in transmission.

4 shows a schematic representation of an overall construction for production-accompanying series testing of spot welds in the vehicle shell. To the at different places on the shell body 25 (or a module to be joined) located joints 2 Being able to reach are the excitation source 21 and the thermography camera 22 expediently to manipulators 26 , especially industrial robots, attached to them over the joint 2 position. Instead of using separate manipulators 26 for excitation source 21 and thermography camera 22 can also - as shown schematically in 4 shown - both together by the hand 27 a single manipulator 26 be attached, if the accessibility of the joints to be assessed 2 this is permitted. The welds 18 the body to be tested 25 or assembly are by the manipulator 26 one after the other automatically approached according to a predetermined test plan, so that the welding points 18 between each thermographic camera 22 and source of inspiration 21 are located. The camera 22 provides a temporal sequence of image data of the joint 2 , These data are stored in the evaluation unit 23 automatically processed and evaluated to test statements on the quality of the welded joint 18 to obtain. The test results are displayed on a monitor 28 of the test system 20 visualized and to document a database 29 fed. To control the entire system is a control unit 30 provided, which control commands and / or measurement or test data with a production control system 31 exchanges.

The excitation source 21 is a water-cooled flashlamp with a spatially homogeneous optical power of> 1 J / cm ² at the joint 2 , Preferably, a commercially available Xe flash lamp is used, which has a low weight and is very compact. Such a Xe flash lamp can easily with the help of a manipulator 26 , in particular an industrial robot, be moved and positioned and can also be introduced in confined spaces. It is thus particularly suitable for use in test tasks in vehicle body shop, where critical spot welds on the entire bodyshell body 25 - even in hard-to-reach areas - need to be reviewed. Alternatively, the light energy can be provided by an air-cooled flashlamp with a fiber optic attachment; In this case, a fiber optic guides the light energy from the location of the flashlamp to the joint 2 ,

The test system 20 measures the through the joint 2 passed amount of heat as a function of place and time. Such a time-resolved measurement of the joint 2 Outgoing infrared radiation first requires that the excitation source 21 a temporally defined, short light pulse (in particular infrared light pulse) outputs, which marks the starting point of the measurement. The thinner the sheets to be examined 1 . 1' are, the shorter and more concise the lightning impulse must be. In the present test system, the light energy becomes the test object 1 . 1' supplied over a period of <20 ms.

The test system 20 is used in particular for the control of three-sheet joints on bodyshells 25 used, wherein the structural components to be examined 1 . 1' usually coated high strength steel sheets are. The sheet metal composite to be joined by spot welding typically has a comparatively large overall thickness here 12 from 2 mm to 5 mm. The requirements, in this case to the length of the excitation source 21 emitted pulses or to the speed of the thermographic camera 22 are therefore lower than in cases of lesser sheet thickness. In the case of thick sheets, for example, a camera frequency of 20-50 Hz is sufficient to make reliable statements about the quality of the welded joint. For thinner sheets 1 . 1' The refresh rate should be at least 50 Hz. Possible detector types for the thermographic camera 22 are CMT (HgCdTe), InSb and microbolometer.

That for the evaluation of the data of the thermography camera 22 used method is based on an analysis of the time course of a camera area 32 received (infrared) light intensity (see 3 ). This light intensity is a measure of the temperature of this camera area 32 pictured area 33 the joint 2 , but also by other component and environmental parameters, in particular the emissivity of the considered sheets 1 . 1' , influenced.

To give a reliable statement about the quality of the weld in the welding point 18 or to be able to make a decision about the nature of the error that occurred, it is not enough, just a single area 33 the joint 2 consider; rather, it is necessary to know the time course of the intensity in a variety of areas 33 To observe, so-called "Regions of Interest" (ROI), in a selective way over the joint 2 are distributed.

As an example of this shows 5a one from the thermography camera 22 recorded snapshot of a joint 2 with a spot weld 18 ; the different local temperatures in the area of the joint 2 are characterized by different shades of gray. In 5a is a linear chain 14 of approximately quadratic ROI 33a - 33t indicated in which an evaluation of the time courses of the local temperature takes place. This necklace 14 from ROI spans the weld spot 18 in such a way that some of the ROI ( 33a - 33d and 33s - 33t ) outside the actual welding point 18 while the remaining ROI ( 33e - 33r ) over the spot weld 18 are distributed across. 5b shows the joint 2 of the 5a and the ROI spread across it 33a - 33t in a sectional view.

The ROI 33a - 33t be in the camera 22 on camera areas 32a - 32t displayed; the on a lightning pulse of the excitation source 21 following time course of in these camera areas 32a - 32t measured intensity forms the basis for the quality statement about the spot weld 18 , 6 shows measured time / intensity curves 34a - 34t for the (on the ROI 33a - 33t directed) camera areas 32a - 32t ; the different curves 34a - 34t thus correspond to temperature gradients at different locations 33a - 33t the joint 18 ; doing so is for each ROI 33a - 33t the mean temperature change relative to the first result image, measured in Kelvin, plotted as a function of time. To reduce the noise, the ROI 33a - 33t dimensioned in such a way that the associated camera areas 32a - 32t contain multiple camera pixels.

The lightning impulse 35 the excitation source 21 occurs at a time t = 50 ms. Before the lightning pulse 35 be with the camera 22 taken several pictures to determine a reliable zero line of intensity. Starting from the lightning impulse 35 needs that from the excitation source 21 emitted heat energy, that on the excitation source 21 facing first page 24 the sheets 1 . 1' is irradiated, some Milliseconds before passing through the joint 2 through the opposite side 24 ' the sheets 1 . 1' reached and from there towards thermography camera 22 is emitted. Then follows a more or less steep increase in the heat energy registered by the camera; this increase is - more or less pronounced - in all corners 34a - 34t of the 6 to observe.

• – eine unterschiedliche Steigung 37k und Krümmung am Beginn des Anstiegs 36;
• – die Existenz bzw. Nicht-Existenz eines Kurvenmaximums 38k;
• – den Zeitpunkt 39k, an dem das Kurvenmaximum 38k erreicht wird;
• – den Intensitäts- bzw. Temperaturwert 40k des Kurvenmaximums 38k;
• – den Kurvenabfall 41k nach Erreichen des Kurvenmaximums 38k bzw. das Fehlen eines solchen Kurvenabfalls.

The example of 5 and 6 shows the conditions using the example of two with adhesive 4 provided sheets 1 . 1' passing through a high quality weld 18 are connected. With such a "good" spot weld 18 takes the quality of the connection from the inside out continuously, until no connection is available. Very roughly you can distinguish three different areas: the interior 13 the actual weld nugget 8th , the annular adhesive area 14 and the outdoor area 15 without connection between the two sheets 1 . 1' , Accordingly differ - as in the 6 by way of example with reference to the curve 34k indicated - the time courses 34a - 34t of the 6 by

• - a different slope 37k and curvature at the beginning of the rise 36 ;
• - The existence or non-existence of a maximum curve 38k ;
• - the time 39k at which the maximum curve 38k is achieved;
• - the intensity or temperature value 40k of the maximum curve 38k ;
• - the corner drop 41k after reaching the maximum curve 38k or the absence of such a curve drop.

7 shows the camera areas 32a - 32t corresponding curves 44a - 44t in a measurement in a joint area in which no connection of the sheets 1 . 1' is done (according to the in 2 B and 2f illustrated welding defects). In this case, that of the thermographic camera remains 22 measured intensity for all ROI almost constant at the zero line.

8th shows the camera areas 32a - 32t corresponding curves 45a - 45t in a measurement in a joint area, in which only a small connection of the sheets 1 . 1' has taken place since the sheets 1 . 1' are glued in this area (see 2d ) or - coated sheets 1 . 1' - Soldering has taken place in this area (see 2c ).

Selected or all features 37 . 38 . 39 . 40 . 41 in the examples of the 6 to 8th shown curves 34a - 34t respectively. 44a - 44t respectively. 45a - 45t can be used for a systematic evaluation to obtain from the time histories statements about the quality of the connection at the place of the ROI 33a - 33t or about the type of error that has occurred. 9 shows two parameters that are used in the analysis of such a curve 34 a special meaning, namely the slope 55 in the area of the curve rise 56 and the slope 55 ' at the end 56 ' of the measuring range. In the curve 34 of the 9 were these two parameters 55 . 55 ' by regression lines over the areas 36 respectively. 53 determined.

From a systematic comparison of the measured curves with the results of the destructive test, the in 6 to 8th shown different curves and the parameters determined from these curves different connection qualities are assigned. The parameters used as distinguishing criteria (initial slope, saturation value) are strongly dependent on the material, the thickness and the surface quality of the sheets 1 . 1' as well as a variety of other boundary conditions. The parameter values mentioned below by way of example therefore serve only to illustrate and must be determined empirically for each new sheet metal combination.

• 1. Zeitverläufe, bei denen die Intensität (fast) konstant auf der Nulllinie verbleibt (Kurventyp 60 der 10 bzw. Kurvenverläufe 44a–44t der 7), sind charakteristisch für ROI, in denen keine Verbindung der Bleche 1, 1' vorliegt (siehe 2b, 2f). Zwischen den Blechen 1, 1' liegt also ein isolierender Luftspalt 10, der eine Fortpflanzung der in die Bleche 1, 1' eingestrahlten Wärmeenergie verhindert.
• 2. Zeitverläufe (Kurventyp 61 in 11), die kontinuierlich ansteigen, deren Steigung 71' am Ende 81' des Beobachtungszeitraums größer als 0,2 K/sec ist und deren Sättigungskennwert (d. h. der Quotient aus der Steigung 71 am Beginn des Kurvenanstiegs 81 und der Steigung 71' am Ende 81' des Beobachtungszeitraums) < 35 ist, sind charakteristisch für ROI, in denen nur eine geringe Anbindung der beiden Bleche 1, 1' stattgefunden hat. Diese geringe Anbindung kann einerseits daran liegen, dass die Bleche in diesen ROI nur verklebt und nicht verschweißt sind (siehe 2d); andererseits kann dies aber auch daran liegen, dass – bei beschichteten Blechen 1, 1' – eine Lötung stattgefunden hat (siehe 2c). In der Regel sind die innerhalb des vorgegebenen Beobachtungszeitraums erreichten Temperaturwerte bei diesen ROI geringer als bei ROI mit guter Anbindung. Eine solche geringe Anbindung ist in den Intensitätsverläufen 45a–45t in 8 zu beobachten. Auch die Zeitverläufe 34a–34f und 34q–34t in 6 zeigen ein solches Verhalten, was darauf hindeutet, dass in den entsprechenden ROI 33a–33f und 33q–33t keine Verschweißung, sondern eine Lötung bzw. eine Klebung vorliegt.
• 3. Zeitverläufe (Kurventyp 62 in 12), die über den gesamten Beobachtungszeitraum hinweg eine vergleichsweise geringe Intensität aufweisen, deuten ebenfalls auf eine schlechte Anbindung z. B. Klebung wie 2d oder Verlötung wie in 2c) hin. Um solche Zeitverläufe zu identifizieren, wird bei einem guten Schweißpunkt (siehe 6) diejenige ROI 33k bestimmt, die am Kurvenmaximum 38k den höchsten Intensitätswert 40k aufweist; dieser Intensitätswert 40k wird für die vorgegebene Blechkombination 1, 1' als „typischer" Maximalwert MaxIntens gespeichert. Liegt bei der Messung eines anderen Schweißpunkts auf dieser Blechkombination 1, 1' (bei gleicher vorgegebener Blitzintensität und Blitzposition) der gesamte Intensitätsverlauf unterhalb von 60% dieses „typischen" Maximalwerts MaxIntens (Linie 92 in 12), so wird das als Indiz für eine schlechte Anbindung genommen.

In the interest of a clear presentation, the individual curve types are shown schematically in the following 10 to 18 shown:

• 1. Time courses in which the intensity remains (almost) constant on the zero line (curve type 60 of the 10 or curves 44a - 44t of the 7 ), are characteristic of ROI, in which no connection of the sheets 1 . 1' present (see 2 B . 2f ). Between the sheets 1 . 1' So there is an insulating air gap 10 , which is a propagation of the in the sheets 1 . 1' radiated heat energy prevented.
• 2. Time courses (curve type 61 in 11 ), which increase continuously, their slope 71 ' at the end 81 ' of the observation period is greater than 0.2 K / sec and its saturation index (ie the quotient of the slope 71 at the beginning of the curve increase 81 and the slope 71 ' at the end 81 ' of the observation period) <35, are characteristic of ROI, in which only a small binding of the two sheets 1 . 1' took place. On the one hand, this low connection may be due to the fact that the sheets are only glued into this ROI and not welded (see 2d ); On the other hand, this may be due to the fact that - in coated sheets 1 . 1' - a soldering has taken place (see 2c ). As a rule, the temperature values achieved within the given observation period are lower for this ROI than for ROI with good connectivity. Such a low connection is in the Intensitätsverläufen 45a - 45t in 8th to observe. Also the time courses 34a - 34f and 34q - 34t in 6 show such behavior, suggesting that in the corresponding ROI 33a - 33f and 33q - 33t no welding, but a soldering or gluing is present.
• 3. Time courses (curve type 62 in 12 ), which have a relatively low intensity over the entire observation period, also indicate a poor connection z. B. gluing like 2d or soldering as in 2c ). In order to identify such time courses, at a good welding point (see 6 ) the ROI 33k determined, at the maximum curve 38k the highest intensity value 40k having; this intensity value 40k is for the given sheet metal combination 1 . 1' stored as "typical" maximum value of MaxIntens. Is when measuring another welding point on this sheet metal combination 1 . 1' (at the same given flash intensity and flash position) the entire intensity profile is below 60% of this "typical" maximum value MaxIntens (line 92 in 12 ), this is taken as an indication of a bad connection.

• 4. Zeitverläufe, die kein Maximum, jedoch eine sehr starke Sättigung erreichen (siehe den in 13 schematisch dargestellten Kurventyp 63): Der Temperaturverlauf 63 steigt kontinuierlich bis zum Ende des Beobachtungszeitraums an. Dabei ist die Steigung 73' am Ende 83' des Beobachtungszeitraums kleiner als 0,2 K/sec während der Sättigungskennwert (d. h. der Quotient aus der Steigung 73 am Beginn des Kurvenanstiegs 83 und der Steigung 73' am Ende 83' des Beobachtungszeitraums) ≥ 35 ist.
• 5. Zeitverläufe, die ein Maximum 94 (Steigung = 0) erreichen und bis zum Ende 84' des Beobachtungszeitraums eben weiterverlaufen (siehe den in 14 schematisch dargestellten Kurventyp 64).
• 6. Zeitverläufe, die ein Maximum 95 (Steigung = 0) erreichen und danach bis zum Ende 85' des Beobachtungszeitraums abfallen (siehe den in 15 schematisch dargestellten Kurventyp 65).
• 7. Zeitverläufe, die kein Maximum, jedoch eine sehr starke Sättigung erreichen, wobei ab einem bestimmten Zeitpunkt die Steigung der Kurve wieder zunimmt (siehe den in 16 schematisch dargestellten Kurventyp 66). Dabei ist die Steigung 76'' im Sättigungsbereich 86'' ≤ 0,2 K/sec, während der Sättigungskennwert (d. h. der Quotient aus der Steigung 76 am Beginn 86 des Kurvenanstiegs und der Steigung 76' am Ende 86' des Beobachtungszeitraums) ≥ 35 ist.
• 8. Zeitverläufe, die ein Maximum 97 (Steigung = 0) erreichen, danach zunächst eben weiterlaufen und ab einem bestimmten Zeitpunkt weiter ansteigen (siehe den in 17 schematisch dargestellten Kurventyp 67).
• 9. Zeitverläufe, die ein Maximum 98 (Steigung = 0) erreichen, danach zunächst abfallen und nach Ablauf eines Zeitintervalls 88'' wieder ansteigen (siehe den in 18 schematisch dargestellten Kurventyp 68).

In addition to the curves described above 60 . 61 . 62 which indicates a non-existent or poor connection of the sheets 1 . 1' in the area of the associated ROI, also occur in the area of the weld nugget 18 , so with good connection of the sheets, different types of curves on. Basically, when determining the weld nugget 8th associated ROI ( 33g - 33p in 5a ) assume that areas within a homogeneous material have similar temperature profiles. In the area of the weld nugget 8th Depending on the indentation depth and the position of the spot weld in the center of the sheet metal or sheet edge, the following curve types are to be observed:

• 4. Time courses that do not reach a maximum, but a very strong saturation (see the in 13 schematically illustrated type of curve 63 ): The temperature profile 63 increases continuously until the end of the observation period. Here is the slope 73 ' at the end 83 ' of the observation period is less than 0.2 K / sec during the saturation parameter (ie the quotient of the slope 73 at the beginning of the curve increase 83 and the slope 73 ' at the end 83 ' of the observation period) ≥ 35.
• 5. Time courses, the maximum 94 (Slope = 0) and reach the end 84 ' of the observation period (see in 14 schematically illustrated type of curve 64 ).
• 6. Time courses, the maximum 95 (Slope = 0) and then to the end 85 ' fall during the observation period (see in 15 schematically illustrated type of curve 65 ).
• 7. Time courses that do not reach a maximum, but a very strong saturation, whereby at a certain point in time the slope of the curve increases again (see the in 16 schematically illustrated type of curve 66 ). Here is the slope 76 '' in the saturation region 86 '' ≤ 0.2 K / sec, while the saturation value (ie the quotient of the slope 76 at the beginning 86 the curve rise and the slope 76 ' at the end 86 ' of the observation period) ≥ 35.
• 8. Time courses, the maximum 97 (Slope = 0), then continue to run first and continue to increase at a certain time (see the in 17 schematically illustrated type of curve 67 ).
• 9. Time courses, the maximum 98 (Slope = 0), then drop first and after a time interval 88 '' rise again (see the in 18 schematically illustrated type of curve 68 ).

The position of the welding point has a decisive influence on the type of time course 18 relative to a sheet edge 50 (please refer 19 ): While with good quality welds 18 in outlying areas on the sheets 1 . 1' only the curve types 63 . 64 and 65 of the 13 - 15 occur, come the curve types 66 . 67 and 68 of the 16 - 18 only at welding points 18 in front of a tin edge 50 lie (see 19 ). At these points not only that of the excitation source becomes 21 opposite lower plate 1' but also that of the excitation source 21 remote upper sheet 1 (or in the case of three-sheet connections both upper sheets) directly from the excitation source 21 heated. As a result, at the thermography camera 22 facing sheet side of the "normal", in the joining area 2 of sheet metal 1 to sheet metal 1' extending heat flow (arrow 51 in 19 ) a lateral, temporally delayed heat flow (arrow 52 in 19 ) is superimposed. This leads to a subsequent increase in the temperature curves 66 . 67 . 68 after either a maximum (slope = 0) or at least a very strong saturation has been reached.

The curve types 63 . 64 and 65 of the 13 - 16 that at weld points 18 can occur in the middle of the sheet, but in addition to the curve types 66 . 67 . 68 also at weld points in the area of sheet metal edges 50 occurrence. Conversely, from the presence of curve types 66 . 67 . 68 in measurements of a welding point 18 between two sheets 1 . 1' be concluded that the weld point 18 near a border 50 one of the sheets 1 located.

The task now consists of the set of measuring curves (see eg 6 ), which for a too un examining joining area 2 were taken to determine those ROI that became the weld nugget 18 belong. From the number of ROI can then be the size of the weld nugget 18 which is a measure of the quality of the weld. In order to determine the ROI associated with the weld nugget, those ROIs are progressively excluded from the total amount of ROI in a sequestering process described below which, due to specific characteristics of their time courses, do not become a nugget 18 can belong. The ROI, which are not eliminated in this process, describe the geometric shape and size of the weld nugget.

• 1. Schritt: Ausschluss von ROI mit schlechter Anbindung: ROI, deren Temperaturverlauf dem Kurventyp 60 (10) entspricht, gehören zum offenen Bereich des Fügebereichs 2 und werden ausgeschlossen. Weiterhin werden ROI, deren Temperaturverlauf dem Kurventyp 61 oder 62 entsprechen, ausgeschlossen, da sie das Charakteristikum einer Klebeverbindung aufweisen.
• 2. Schritt: Charakterisierung der Art/Lage des Fügebereichs: Im Unterschied zu den im 1. Schritt ausgesonderten ROI besteht bei solchen ROI, deren Kurve einen der Kurventypen 63–68 besitzen, grundsätzlich die Möglichkeit, dass sie zu Schweißlinse 8 gehören. Ein wichtiges Kriterium bei der Entscheidung, ob die zugehörigen ROI tatsächlich zur Schweißlinse 8 gehören, ist der Eindruck 43, den die Punktschweißzange auf den Blechen 1,1' hinterlassen hat (siehe 5b). Ist dieser Eindruck 43 groß, so weisen die zum Schweißpunkt 8 gehörigen ROI Intensitätsverläufe am Ende 85' des Beobachtungszeitraums eine stark negative Steigung auf (d. h. sind Kurven des Typs 65, 15); die Kurven 34j–34n in 6 zeigen diese Charakteristik. Je tiefer der Eindruck 43 ist, desto steiler fallen zu den ROI im Eindrucksbereich gehörenden Kurven am Ende des Beobachtungszeitraums ab. Ist hingegen der Eindruck 43 der Punktschweißzange klein, so haben die zum Schweißpunkt 8 gehörigen ROI Intensitätsverläufe, die am Ende 84' des Beobachtungszeitraums flach verlaufen (d. h. sind Kurven des Typs 64, 14 sind); bei einem sehr geringen Eindruck 43 kann die kleinste Steigung am Ende des Beobachtungszeitraums sogar leicht positiv sein.

The process of rejecting the non-weld nugget 18 The associated ROI includes the following four steps:

• 1st step: Exclusion of ROI with bad connection: ROI, whose temperature curve is the curve type 60 ( 10 ) corresponds to the open area of the joining area 2 and are excluded. Furthermore, ROI, the temperature profile of the curve type 61 or 62 excluded, since they have the characteristic of an adhesive bond.
• 2nd step: Characterization of the type / position of the joining area: In contrast to the ROI eliminated in step 1, such a ROI has its curve with one of the curve types 63 - 68 possess, in principle, the possibility that they become nuggets 8th belong. An important criterion in deciding whether the associated ROI actually to the nugget 8th belong, is the impression 43 The spot welding gun on the sheets 1 . 1' left behind (see 5b ). Is this impression 43 big, they point to the welding point 8th associated ROI intensity gradients at the end 85 ' of the observation period show a strongly negative slope (ie curves of the type 65 . 15 ); the curves 34j - 34n in 6 show this characteristic. The deeper the impression 43 is the steeper fall to the ROI in the impression area belonging curves at the end of the observation period. Is the impression, on the other hand 43 the spot welding gun small, so have the welding point 8th associated ROI intensity gradients that in the end 84 ' of the observation period are flat (ie curves of the type 64 . 14 are); at a very small impression 43 For example, the smallest slope at the end of the observation period may even be slightly positive.

Under the basic premise that ROI have similar curves in a homogeneous region, not all curve types can coexist in the lens area. This means that the existence of one type of curve excludes the simultaneous existence of another type of curve, because the similarity is not sufficiently given. To the effect of the depth of impression 43 to calculate out of the measurement results, so the set of curves 34a - 34t the ROI 33a - 33t is analyzed for the curve whose minimum slope has the lowest value in the observation period (curves with sloping areas, such as the curve 65 of the 15 in the area 85 ' or the curve 68 of the 18 in the area 88 '' , in this sloping area a negative slope 75 ' . 78 '' to have).

• – Wenn es ROI mit Kurventypen 65 und/oder 68 gibt, kommen nur diese in die engere Auswahl für den Linsenbereich 8.
• – Wenn es keine ROI mit Kurventypen 65 und/oder 68 gibt, jedoch ROI der Kurventypen 64 und/oder 67 auftreten, so kommen nur diese ROI in die engere Auswahl für den Linsenbereich 8.
• – Wenn es keine ROI mit Kurventypen 64, 65, 67 oder 68 gibt, jedoch ROI der Kurventypen 63 und/oder 66 auftreten, so kommen diese in die engere Auswahl für den Linsenbereich 8.

In assessing which ROI to weld nugget 8th belong, exists with the curve types 63 - 68 the following ranking:

• - If there is ROI with curve types 65 and or 68 Only these are shortlisted for the lens area 8th ,
• - If there is no ROI with curve types 65 and or 68 There are, however, ROI of the curve types 64 and or 67 occur, so only these ROI are in the shortlist for the lens area 8th ,
• - If there is no ROI with curve types 64 . 65 . 67 or 68 There are, however, ROI of the curve types 63 and or 66 occur, so these are shortlisted for the lens area 8th ,

This type of selection is shown in the following table, which covers all possible combinations of in the ROI of a joint area 2 Curves that occur indicate which ROI turns into a weld point during the membership test 18 the shortlist will be included: ROI with curve type 65 . 68 available in the joining area? ROI with curve type 64 . 67 available in the joining area? ROI with curve type 63 . 66 available in the joining area? ROI of the narrower range than belonging to the lens area No No No none No No Yes ROI with curve type 63 and or 66 No Yes No ROI with curve type 64 and or 67 No Yes Yes ROI with curve type 64 and or 67 Yes No No ROI with curve type 65 and or 68 Yes No Yes ROI with curve type 65 and or 68 Yes Yes No ROI with curve type 65 and or 68 Yes Yes Yes ROI with curve type 65 and or 68

• 3. Schritt: Charakterisierung nach der Güte der Schweißung: Enthält der Fügebereich ROI mit Kurventyp 64, 65, 67 oder 68 (d. h. Kurventypen, die ein Maximum 94, 95, 97 oder 98 durchlaufen), so werden von den in Schritt 2 nicht ausgeschlossenen ROI zusätzlich alle diejenigen ROI ausgeschlossen, deren Zeitverläufe ihr Kurvenmaximum nach einer vorgegebenen Zeit (im vorliegenden Beispiel nach 0,9 sec) noch nicht erreicht haben. Der Zeitpunkt des Kurvenmaximums charakterisiert generell die Güte der Schweißung: Je später die Kurven 64, 65, 67 bzw. 68 ihr Kurvenmaximum 94, 95, 97 bzw. 98 erreichen, desto weniger ragt die Schweißlinse 8 in die Bleche 1,1' hinein. Wenn alle Kurven ihr Maximum spät erreichen, deutet das darauf hin, dass sich der Schweißpunkt 18 am Rande zum Kleber (siehe 2c und 2d) befindet. Erreichen einige Kurven ihr Kurvenmaximum 38 früh, andere aber spät bedeutet das, dass die Ränder 42 der Schweißlinse 8 nicht senkrecht, sondern – wie in 5b dargestellt – elliptisch nach unten abfallen.
• 4. Schritt: Ausschluss derjenigen ROI, deren Zeitverläufe nach Erreichen eines Maximums zu flach abfallen: Sind im Fügebereich Kurven vom Typ 65 oder 68 vorhanden, so gehören, ausgehend von der ROI mit dem steilsten Kurvenabfall 75'_MIN , 78'_MIN , diejenigen ROI zur Schweißlinse 8, die eine ähnliche Steilheit des Kurvenabfalls aufweisen, d. h. deren Steigungen beim Kurvenabfall sich nur zu einem bestimmten Prozentsatz (z. B. 30%) von der am steilsten abfallenden Kurve unterscheiden. Zur Auswahl der zur Schweißlinse 8 gehörigen, relevanten ROI bestimmt man
• – für ROI des Kurventyps 65 die Steigung 75' am Ende 85' des Beobachtungszeitraums und vergleicht diese mit der Steigung 75'_MIN der am steilsten abfallenden Kurve;
• – für ROI des Kurventyps 68 die höchste negative Steigung 78' im Zeitintervall 88'', in dem die Kurve 68 eine negative Steigung aufweist, und vergleicht diese mit der Steigung 78'_MIN der am steilsten abfallenden Kurve; Alle ROI, deren maximale (negative) Steigungen sich stärker als der vorgegebene Prozentsatz von der (negativen) Maximalsteigung unterschieden, werden als nicht zur Schweißlinse 8 gehörig ausgeschlossen.
• 5. Schritt: Ausschluss derjenigen ROI, deren Temperaturkurven sich in unzulässiger Weise schneiden: Sind im Fügeberech 2 ROI mit Kurven vom Typ 65 oder 68 vorhanden, so müssen außerdem die Zeitverläufe der einzelnen ROI auf unzulässigen Schnitt untersucht werden und die betreffenden ROI ausgeschlossen werden. Ein unzulässiger Schnitt zweier Temperaturkurven liegt dann vor, wenn im Schnittpunkt die eine Kurve 101 ansteigt, während die andere Kurve 100 abfällt oder im Kurvenmaximum eben verläuft (siehe 20). Mathematisch lässt sich ein unzulässiger Schnitt wie folgt beschreiben:
• – Die Kurve 101 erreicht ihr Maximum 105 zu einem späteren Zeitpunkt 103 als die Kurve 100, die ihr Maximum 104 bereits zum Zeitpunkt 102 erreicht.
• – Der Wert 106 der Temperaturkurve 101 zum Zeitpunkt 102 (bei dem die Kurve 100 ihr Maximum erreicht) ist kleiner als der Maximalwert 104 der Temperaturkurve 100 zu diesem Zeitpunkt.
• – Der Wert 105 der Temperaturkurve 101 zum Zeitpunkt 103 (Maximalwert der Kurve 101) ist größer als der Wert 107 der Temperaturkurve 100 zum Zeitpunkt 103. In einem solchen Fall werden alle ROI mit Kurvenverläufen 101, die aufgrund eines zu einem späteren Zeitpunkt 103 erreichten Maximums die Kurvenverläufe 100 der „schnelleren" ROI schneiden, als nicht zur Schweißlinse gehörig ausgeschlossen.

All ROI that is not shortlisted for the lens area 8th belong are excluded.

• Step 3: Characterization according to the quality of the weld: Contains the joining area ROI with curve type 64 . 65 . 67 or 68 (ie curve types, the maximum 94 . 95 . 97 or 98 go through), so from the in step 2 not excluded ROI additionally excluded all those ROI whose time curves their curve maximum after a predetermined time (in the present example after 0.9 sec) have not yet reached. The point in time of the curve maximum generally characterizes the quality of the weld: the later the curves 64 . 65 . 67 respectively. 68 their curve maximum 94 . 95 . 97 respectively. 98 reach, the less protrudes the weld nugget 8th in the sheets 1 . 1' into it. If all curves reach their maximum late, it indicates that the weld point is 18 on the edge of the glue (see 2c and 2d ) is located. Some curves reach their maximum curve 38 early, others but late that means the edges 42 the weld nugget 8th not vertical, but - as in 5b shown - fall down elliptical.
• Step 4: Exclusion of those ROIs whose time courses fall too flat after reaching a maximum: Are curves of the type in the joint area 65 or 68 exist, so, starting from the ROI with the steepest curve drop 75 ' _MIN . 78 ' _MIN , those ROI to the weld nugget 8th which have a similar steepness of the curve drop, ie their slopes at the turn drop differ only to a certain percentage (eg 30%) from the steepest sloping curve. To select the weld nugget 8th The relevant, relevant ROI is determined
• - for ROI of the curve type 65 the slope 75 ' at the end 85 ' of the observation period and compares this with the slope 75 ' _MIN the steepest slope;
• - for ROI of the curve type 68 the highest negative slope 78 ' in the time interval 88 '' in which the curve 68 has a negative slope and compares this with the slope 78 ' _MIN the steepest slope; All ROIs whose maximum (negative) slopes differ more than the predetermined percentage from the (negative) maximum slope become non-nebular 8th properly excluded.
• 5th step: Exclusion of those ROI whose temperature curves intersect in an inadmissible way: are in the joining ruler 2 ROI with curves of the type 65 or 68 In addition, the timing of the individual ROI must be examined for impermissible cut and the relevant ROI must be excluded. An impermissible intersection of two temperature curves is present when at the intersection of the one curve 101 rises while the other curve 100 drops or runs flat in the curve maximum (see 20 ). Mathematically, an impermissible cut can be described as follows:
• - The curve 101 reaches its maximum 105 at a later time 103 as the curve 100 that's their maximum 104 already at the time 102 reached.
• - The value 106 the temperature curve 101 at the time 102 (where the curve 100 reached its maximum) is smaller than the maximum value 104 the temperature curve 100 at this time.
• - The value 105 the temperature curve 101 at the time 103 (Maximum value of the curve 101 ) is greater than the value 107 the temperature curve 100 at the time 103 , In such a case, all ROI will be with curves 101 due to one at a later time 103 reached maximum the curves 100 Cutting the "faster" ROI, as not excluded from the weld nugget.

All those ROIs that have not been discarded in the five steps described above are considered to be the nugget 8th properly. From the number and relative position of the weld nugget ROI can be the connection strength of the two sheets 1 . 1' determine; the connection strength corresponds to the area between the two sheets 1 . 1' , on which a cohesive connection of the sheets 1 . 1' is reached. As a measure, the diameter 9 ' the weld nugget 18 specified.

To calculate the connection strength - as in 5a shown - over the joining area 2 several equal ROIs 33a - 33t Are defined. According to the above rules, those are ROI 33g - 33p that determines the weld nugget 18 belong. Those ROI ( 33f and 33q ), located in the edge area of the weld nugget 8th may also contain lens components whose temperature history 34f . 34q by the influence of the beginning glue area 14 is superimposed. To get the exact size of the weld nugget from the measurement data 8th to determine these marginal ROIs 33f . 33q be gradually reduced to check the presence of portions of the weld nugget. From the ROI, as the nebula 8th were duly identified and their (can be determined by camera calibration) size, the lens diameter 9 ' be determined.

For the evaluations described so far, the absolute intensity is that of the thermographic camera 22 registered heat radiation used. This heat intensity, that of the camera pixels 32 is registered per unit time, is a measure of the temperature of the joint 2 , but also depends on other parameters such as the emissivity of the considered sheets 1 . 1' , the set flash intensity and the distance of the flash to the DUT.

The emissivity of the sheets 1 . 1' is determined by one (or the type of) coating 3 . 3 ' affected; Steel sheets with an aluminum-iron intermetallic layer, for example, exhibit higher emissivity and thus - with the same geometry and quality of the weld - consistently higher measured intensity values than galvanized steel sheets. Furthermore, it can in the course of resistance welding - depending on the impact of the welding electrodes 6 . 6 ' , Quality of welding etc. - to a local oxidation of the components 1 . 1' come what is the local emissivity of the components 1 . 1' influenced: so have intensively welded sheets 1 . 1' in the area of the welding point 18 a higher emissivity than less strongly welded.

Accordingly must before examining a welding point in the frame the parameters are set, which temperatures at a proper welding at a given Material combination, sheet thickness, set flash intensity and flash distance are expected.

The classification method is described below by way of example:
A joint to be tested 2 on a shell body 25 is for a defined camera position in several equal ROI 33a - 33t divided. Then, at a given flash intensity and flash position, you create a proper weld at that joint 2 the temperature curves 34a - 34t and determines the largest curve maximum 38k (= I _max ) (see 6 ).

• – Gruppe A, entsprechend einem offenen Punkt (2b) oder einem fehlenden Schweißpunkt (2f): Wenn die Temperaturverläufe 34 aller ROI 33 über den gesamten berücksichtigten Zeitbereich hinweg unterhalb eines vorgegebenen Schwellwerts S_A liegen, liegt keine Stoffverbindung der beiden Bleche vor; die Schweißung ist nicht in Ordnung oder fehlt ganz.
• – Gruppe B, entsprechend einer Klebung (2d) oder einer Verlötung (2c): Wenn die Temperaturverläufe 34 aller ROI 33 oberhalb von SA, aber unterhalb eines vorgegebenen Schwellwerts S_B = x·I_max, 0 < x < 1, liegen, sind die beiden Bleche 1, 1' nicht in ausreichendem Maße miteinander verbunden. X wurde empirisch als zwischen 0,5 und 0,7 liegend ermittelt.
• – Gruppe C entsprechend einer Klebung (2d) oder einer Verlötung (2c): Wenn die Temperaturverläufe einiger ROI 33 ab einem gewissen Zeitpunkt oberhalb von S_B liegen, aber keine der Kurven innerhalb des berücksichtigten Zeitbereichs ein Maximum erreicht, die Steigung 56 am Ende 53 des Beobachtungszeitraums (19) größer als 0,2 K/sec und deren Sättigungskennwert (d. h. der Quotient aus der Steigung 55 am Beginn des Kurvenanstiegs 36 und der Steigung 56 am Ende 53 des Beobachtungszeitraums) < 35 ist, sind die beiden Bleche 1, 1' durch eine Klebung oder Verlötung miteinander verbunden.
• – Gruppe D entsprechend einer Schweißlinse (2a, 2e und 2g): Wenn die Temperaturverläufe einiger ROI 33 ab einem gewissen Zeitpunkt oberhalb von S_B liegen, so sind diese ROI Teil der Schweißlinse 18,
• – wenn die zugehörigen Kurvenverläufe zum Kurventyp 65 oder 68 gehören, bzw.
• – wenn die zugehörigen Kurvenverläufe zum Kurventyp 64 oder 67 gehören UND im Fügebereich keine ROI mit Kurventypen 65 oder 68 vorhanden sind, bzw.
• – wenn die zugehörigen Kurvenverläufe zum Kurventyp 63 oder 66 gehören UND im Fügebereich keine ROI mit Kurventypen 64, 65, 67 oder 68 vorhanden sind.

Aus der Zahl der ROI, die einen solchen Temperaturverlauf aufweisen, kann die Größe der Schweißlinse 18 bestimmt werden.In a subsequent test of a spot weld at this point, the following cases are distinguished:

• - Group A, corresponding to an open item ( 2 B ) or a missing spot weld ( 2f ): When the temperature gradients 34 all ROI 33 over the entire period of time considered below a predetermined threshold S _A , there is no substance connection of the two sheets; the weld is not ok or is missing completely.
• - Group B, according to a bond ( 2d ) or a soldering ( 2c ): When the temperature gradients 34 all ROI 33 above SA but below a predetermined threshold S _B = x * I _max , 0 <x <1, the two sheets are 1 . 1' not sufficiently connected. X was determined empirically as lying between 0.5 and 0.7.
• - Group C corresponding to a bond ( 2d ) or a soldering ( 2c ): When the temperature curves of some ROI 33 are above a certain point in time above S _B , but none of the curves reaches a maximum within the considered time range, the slope 56 at the end 53 of the observation period ( 19 ) greater than 0.2 K / sec and their saturation index (ie the quotient of the slope 55 at the beginning of the curve increase 36 and the slope 56 at the end 53 of the observation period) <35, are the two sheets 1 . 1' connected by gluing or soldering.
• - group D corresponding to a nugget ( 2a . 2e and 2g ): When the temperature curves of some ROI 33 from a certain point in time above S _B , these ROI are part of the weld nugget 18 .
• - if the associated curve curves to the curve type 65 or 68 belong, or
• - if the associated curve curves to the curve type 64 or 67 AND in the joining area no ROI with curve types 65 or 68 are present, or
• - if the associated curve curves to the curve type 63 or 66 AND in the joining area no ROI with curve types 64 . 65 . 67 or 68 available.

From the number of ROI, which have such a temperature profile, the size of the weld nugget 18 be determined.

In the embodiment of 5 to 8th the invention is based on a group of rectangular ROI 33a - 33t shown in the form of a chain 14 are linearly strung together and the area of the weld 18 span. In general, the ROI 33 have any shape and size and in any way over the area of the joint 2 be arranged away; In particular, the ROI may comprise exactly one pixel and be arranged in the form of a matrix over the entire result image. The noise is then suppressed by applying a suitable filter to the measurement data.

The classification method exemplified above allows a quick, reliable evaluation of the type of connection of the components 1 . 1' , The resulting ratings of the ROI 33 or the camera areas 32 For example, as in 4 indicated schematically, online on a monitor 28 and then allow a quick visualization of the weld: For visualization of the measurement results in the joining area 2 The individual ROI can be color-coded on the monitor according to their affiliation to any of the above classes 28 be reproduced. An observer can draw direct conclusions about the quality of the welds or the functioning of the welding system from the viewing of the monitor images. Furthermore, the intensity data evaluated in this way are also suitable for automatic quality control.

Next the non-destructive quality inspection or control of resistance welding connections the invention also applies to the investigation of joints, made using other welding techniques, and for testing solder joints.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• WO 01/50116 A1 [0002, 0002, 0004]
• - DE 10150633 A1 [0003, 0004]

Cited non-patent literature

• - DIN EN ISO 14273 [0008]

Claims (8)

Method for non-destructive testing of joint areas ( 2 ) on workpieces ( 1 . 1' ), in particular spot welded joints ( 18 ) between structural components in the body shell, in which - the joint area ( 2 ) is heated in pulses, - with the aid of a thermographic camera ( 22 ) a temporal sequence of intensity images of the joining region ( 2 ), wherein in at least one camera area ( 32 ) or pixel the temporal dependence of the measured intensity (intensity gradients 34 . 44 . 45 ), characterized in that - the intensity profiles ( 34 . 44 . 45 ) in several, over the joint area ( 2 ) distributed areas ( 33 ), and - that from the intensity progressions ( 34 . 44 . 45 ) Information about the quality of the connection of the workpieces ( 1 . 1' ) and the position of the welding point ( 18 ) relative to a workpiece edge ( 50 ) be won. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the regions ( 33 ) are rectangular. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the regions ( 33a - 33t ) in the form of a chain ( 14 ) are lined up linearly. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the regions ( 33a - 33t ) form a two-dimensional matrix. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the regions ( 33a - 33t ) each comprise exactly one pixel. Test system for non-destructive testing of joint areas ( 2 ) on workpieces ( 1 . 1' ), in particular of spot welded joints between structural components in the body shell, - with an excitation source ( 21 ) for pulse-like heating of the joining region ( 2 ), - with a thermography camera ( 22 ) for recording a temporal sequence of intensity images of the joining region ( 2 ), - with one to the thermography camera ( 22 ) connected evaluation unit ( 23 ) for storing the temporal sequence of the intensity images, and with means for evaluating the time sequence of the intensity images according to one of the methods of claims 1 to 5. Test system according to claim 6, characterized in that the excitation source ( 21 ) and the thermographic camera ( 22 ) on manipulators ( 26 ), in particular to industrial robots are attached. Test system according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the test system ( 20 ) a monitor ( 28 ) for the visualization of the evaluation unit ( 23 ), in particular quality data.