US 4,979,284 A · Apparatus for changing a sensing device

Abstract

A device for changing styli or probes in a coordinate measuring machine has a magazine (330) with several stations each holding a stylus or probe (320). A holder (310) on the quill of the coordinate measuring machine has an opening (313A), so that kinematic support elements (325) in the holder (310) can be moved underneath cooperating kinematic support elements (324) on the stylus (320). The holder (310) is then lifted up to engage the kinematic support elements, and the stylus can then be carried horizontally out of the magazine (30). During this operation, the kinematic support elements are biased into engagement initially by a leaf spring (335), and subsequently by a spring-loaded arm (314) in the holder (310), which bears against the top of a plate (322) of the stylus (320). When the holder (310) is engaged in the magazine (330), an extension plate (334) causes the arm (314) to swing out of the way. This arrangement enables the holder (310 ) to pick up the stylus (320) purely by translational movements of the holder (310), without the need for any separate motor or electromagnet to couple the stylus to the holder.

Claims20

Dependent claims

Apparatus for changing a sensing device in a positioning machine, comprising:

a magazine having movable support means for releasably supporting the sensing device in a stored position;
a holder which is capable of translational movement by the positioning machine, relative to the magazine and to a workpiece, for removal of the sensing device from the magazine, performance of a sensing operation on the workpiece, and return of the sensing device to the magazine;
means for releasably coupling the sensing device to the holder, comprising first support elements provided on the holder, second support elements provided on the sensing device and engageable with the first support elements, and releasable bias means for urging the first and second support elements into engagement with each other;
and
means for actuating the coupling means between a coupled state, in which the bias means urge the first and second support elements into engagement with each other, and an uncoupled state, in which the bias means are released and the holder is separated from the sensing device with the sensing device supported in the magazine, in order to couple and uncouple the sensing device and the holder;
characterized in that the actuating means is operable by relative rotation between the holder and the sensing device, the relative rotation being caused by translational movement of the holder moving said movable support means.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Apparatus for changing a sensing device

Life of this patent

Apparatus for changing a sensing device

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20