Geometrical instruments – Gauge – Coordinate movable probe or machine
Patent
1990-11-13
1991-12-17
Haroian, Harry N.
Geometrical instruments
Gauge
Coordinate movable probe or machine
33 1M, 33832, G01B 502
Patent
active
050725220
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to component control apparatus, particularly in high accuracy co-ordinate measuring machines.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In one design, such machines conventionally can comprise a base structure providing a guideway for horizontal movement of a column which extends vertically from the base structure. The column provides a support for a vertically movable carriage which in turn locates a horizontally movable quill on which a measuring probe is mounted. Such a machine provides for three co-ordinate measurement or checking of a workpiece. The carriage movement is effected by an electric motor arrangement driving a rigidly connected carriage and counterbalance structure, the counterbalance being required to compensate for the combined weight of the carriage and the motor arrangement.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to the present invention there is provided component control apparatus comprising a support structure for a component provided thereon, means with the component for moving the latter along a first elongate path on the structure, means interconnecting the component with counterbalance means, and means with the counterbalance means for moving the latter along a second elongate path parallel to the first elongate path in a direction opposed to that of the component, motive forces applied to each moving means being substantially equal.
Preferably each moving means is an electric motor providing a friction drive relation with respective traction means, and each electric motor may drive one of a pair of rollers, the latter having a friction drive relation with a traction bar. The electric motors are desirably identical and are connected or wired in series or series. The interconnecting means may comprise a line connected at respective ends to the component and the counterbalance means, and may be in the form of a wire rope extending across pulleys.
The invention also provides a measuring machine comprising a base structure, a further structure vertically arranged on the base structure and movable therealong, a component vertically movable on the further structure, and a component control apparatus as described in either of the two preceding paragraphs.
The component is desirably movable along a guide on an external face of the column with the counterbalance means movable within the column.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
The single FIGURE of the accompanying drawing is a part schematic perspective view of a measuring machine, partly cut away to show internal features.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring to the drawing, a co-ordinate measuring machine comprises a base structure 10 providing a horizontal guideaway along which a column 12 is movable, the column 12 extending substantially vertically from the base 10. On an outer guiding face 14 of the column 12 there is provided a linear guideway, the guiding face 14 also mounting a drive or traction bar 16 for a purpose hereinafter described. A carriage 18 is provided to move vertically along the guideway, the carriage 18 carrying a horizontal quill 20 on which is mounted a measuring probe (not shown) for measurement or checking of a workpiece in a conventional manner.
An electric motor 22 mounted on the carriage 18 provides drive to one of a pair of rollers 24 which engage the bar 16 from opposed sides thereof and thereby provide a friction drive relation with the bar 16 when the motor 22 is operative.
The carriage 18 is connected to one end of a flexible line, for example in the form of a wire rope 26. The latter extends upwardly from the carriage 18 and passes over a first freely rotatable pulley 28 mounted at the guide face 14 of the column 10. The rope 26 then travels substantially horizontally and passes over a further freely rotatable pulley 30 located internally of the column 12, thereafter to extend vertically downwardly from the pulley 30 and be connected at its other end to a counterbalance deadweight 32. The latter is movable along a pair of guide bars 34 and has connec
REFERENCES:
patent: 4097996 (1978-07-01), Yamazawa et al.
patent: 4255862 (1981-03-01), Nakamura
patent: 4924598 (1990-05-01), Gruhler
Salt Howard T.
Stott Christopher
Farrell Thomas M.
Haroian Harry N.
LK Limited
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