Geometrical instruments – Gauge – Coordinate movable probe or machine
Patent
1990-10-05
1993-09-28
Epstein, Henry F.
Geometrical instruments
Gauge
Coordinate movable probe or machine
428116, G01B 500
Patent
active
052477495
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
This invention relates to apparatus for measuring the distribution in space of physical properties of a workpiece using a co-ordinate system (hereinafter referred to as a "measuring apparatus" for ease of description) and is particularly concerned with high accuracy measuring and checking apparatus.
According to the present invention there is provided a measuring apparatus as hereinbefore defined comprising at least in part a plurality of frame components which either have such inherent properties or are so interconnected as to define a rigid but relatively lightweight structure.
Preferably the frame components are interconnected in a triangulated space frame arrangement. Preferably also the frame components are constructed from a carbon fibre composite material.
Cover means may extend across the frame components and be connected thereto, and may comprise a single skin of material across one face of the frame components. A further single skin of material may extend wholly or partly across the opposed face of the frame components. In another arrangement, the cover means may be one or more panels, at least some of which may have a triangulated configuration and may be interconnected in a triangulated arrangement.
Further the frame components may comprise a plurality of interconnected panels, some of which may have a triangular configuration and be interconnected in a triangulated arrangement, whereby to define a rigid but relatively lightweight structure.
Preferably the panels are constructed from a carbon fibre composite material.
Preferably also at least some of the panels have an open cellular construction with skins extending across respective open faces of the cellular construction. The cellular construction may take the form of a honeycomb. Alternatively the panels may have an infill, for example of a foam plastic material.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of part of a co-ordinate measuring apparatus; and
FIG. 2 shows schematically part of one embodiment of a structure for an apparatus according to the invention;
FIG. 3 shows schematically a further embodiment of a structure for an apparatus according to the invention;
FIG. 4 shows schematically another embodiment of a structure for an apparatus according to the invention; and
FIG. 5 is a persepctive view of a panel of a further embodiment of the structure, with part removed to view internally.
Referring to FIG. 1 of the drawings, a three-axis co-ordinate measuring machine comprises a base 10, and columns 12 supporting a bridge 14 and arranged for movement along the base 10 by means of guideways 16. The columns 12 have guideways 18 for lateral movement of a carriage 20, the latter mounting a probe which is vertically movable thereon and is adapted to contact the workpiece. Such a machine is conventional.
The base 10 may be formed as a lightweight structure, for example of steel or a granite composite as described in our co-pending U.K. Application No. 8808281 entitled "Support Structures", supported as described in our co-pending U.K. Application No. 8808282 entitled "Support Assemblies" now U.S. Pat. No. 5,063,683, and the linear guideways in the machine may comprise tubular guides as also described in our co-pending U.K. Application No. 8808279 entitled "Linear Guiding Apparatus".
A lightweight structure for the columns 12 and the bridge 14 may be formed by a plurality of frame members connected together in a triangulated space frame arrangement, with a cover or single skin extending across one face of the frame members to form a closed structure.
In a first embodiment of the lightweight structure, shown in FIG. 2, a fully triangulated space frame is formed of bars 30 which may be made, for example, from a carbon fibre reinforced plastic material. In such a material the carbon fibres may be uni-directional along the bars 30 or may contain circumferential or helical fibres.
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Engineered Materials Handbook.TM. vol. 1 Composites, 1987, various pages.
Advanced Composites, 1990 Bluebook "Glossary", various pages.
Cincinnati Milacron Inc.
Epstein Henry F.
Farrell Thomas M.
Snyder Ronald J.
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