US 5,323,540 AGranted

Touch probe

AssigneeRenishaw Metrology Limited

InventorsDavid R. McMurtry, David Wilson, Peter K. Hellier, Peter Hajdukiewicz

Life of this patent

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Abstract

A touch probe for use on a coordinate positioning machine includes a stylus module and a sensing module securable to a movable arm of the positioning machine for releasably supporting the stylus module. The sensing module can include a sensor for detecting contact between the stylus and a surface and/or for detecting displacement of the stylus module relative to the movable arm. The stylus includes a support structure, releasably supported by the stylus module, and a stylus-supporting member for supporting the stylus, with the stylus-supporting member being biased into a rest position with respect to the support structure. The stylus-supporting member is displaceable from the rest position and relative to the support structure when a deflection force acts on the stylus, and returns to the rest position when the deflecting force is removed.

Claims17

Dependent claims

A touch probe including;

a fixed structure;
an intermediate member connected to the fixed structure by a relatively weak structure;
a stylus supporting member supported in a rest position relative to said intermediate member, from which said supporting member is displaceable relative to the intermediate member when a force acts on th stylus support member, and to which position said supporting member may return when said force is removed;
biasing means for applying a biasing force to said supporting member to urge said supporting member into said rest position, the direction of said biasing force defining a probe axis,
a stop member, engageable by said supporting member and movable between first and second axially spaced positions, said stop member abutting the fixed structure in said second position, wherein when said supporting member is axially displaced from said rest position to engage with said stop member in said second position, axial forces applied to the supporting member are transmitted via the stop member to the fixed structure, thereby to protect said relatively weak structure.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 08/040,299Filed 30 Mar 1993 · continuation
Priority: GB 900411723 Feb 1990
Granted: 28 Jun 1994
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification6 codes

G01B 5/012
Using coordinate measuring machines: contact-making feeler heads therefor
B23Q 5/58
Arrangements or details not restricted to group B23Q5/02 or group B23Q5/22 respectively , e.g. control handles: safety devices
G01B 7/002
Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of electric or magnetic techniques: constructional details of contacts for gauges actuating one or…
G01B 7/012
Using coordinate measuring machines: contact-making feeler heads therefor