Geometrical instruments – Gauge – Movable contact probe – per se
Reexamination Certificate
2002-07-03
2003-12-23
Bennett, G. Bradley (Department: 2859)
Geometrical instruments
Gauge
Movable contact probe, per se
C033S558000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06665945
ABSTRACT:
Applicants claim, under 35 U.S.C. §119, the benefit of priority of the filing date of Jul. 4, 2001 of a German patent application, copy attached, Serial Number 101 32 554.1, filed on the aforementioned date, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method for operating a touch probe system with a probe head, which has a probe element which can be deflected upon contact with a component to be touched, which is positioned in a work space for touching the component, and which transmits directional signals to a receiver by a transmitter. The present invention also relates to a touch probe system for executing the method.
2. Discussion of Related Art
A touch probe system with a deflectable probe element, which, when the probe element is deflected out of a position of rest, emits a switching signal, is used in particular for determining the position of workpieces clamped in material-processing machines, for example milling machines.
In this case the position of rest of the probe element is understood to be a position in which the probe element has no contact with the workpiece to be touched. In the course of a contact of the probe head with the workpiece, the probe element is deflected out of its position of rest and an electrical signal is generated by a suitable transformer when the deflection exceeds a preset touching threshold.
A touch probe system of the type mentioned at the outset is known from GB 2 179 744 B, wherein a number of light-emitting diodes is arranged on the circumference of a probe head supporting the probe element which, as the transmitter, transmit a switching signal, which was generated in the course of the deflection of the probe element, in a contact- and cable-less manner to a stationary receiver arranged outside the probe head. The arrangement of a plurality of light-emitting diodes along the circumference of the probe head is necessary here because it is assured, even in case of a change of the position of the probe head in the machine tool, that the stationary receiver is within the range in which it can receive one of the transmitters. In this way it is assured that via the light-emitting diodes it is actually possible to supply the stationary receiver with a switching signal generated in the course of the deflection of the probe element. The receiver in turn is connected with an evaluation unit, in which the received signals are evaluated and made available for controlling the machine tool.
The touch probe system known from GB 2 179 744 B has the disadvantage that a comparatively large energy requirement exists because of the multitude of light-emitting diodes, which emit appropriate light signals in case the operating point is exceeded, and also of the generation of an electrical signal connected therewith. This results in a shortened service life of the battery by which the light-emitting diodes are provided with electrical energy.
OBJECT AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is based on creating a method for operating a touch probe system of the type mentioned at the outset which, along with the lowest possible energy requirement, assures that directional signals can be transmitted from the probe head (without cables) to at least one stationarily arranged receiver.
This object is attained in accordance with the present invention by the provision of a method for operating a touch probe system that includes a receiver and a probe head having a probe element. The method includes contacting a component positioned in a work space. Transmitting first signals from the probe head to a receiver and changing a position of the probe head in the workspace by rotating the probe head around at least one axis so that the receiver is still able to receive subsequent signals from the probe head.
This object is also attained in accordance with the present invention by the provision of a method for operating a touch probe system that includes a receiver and a probe head having a probe element and a first transmitter and a second transmitter. The method includes contacting a component positioned in a work space. Transmitting first signals from the first transmitter to the receiver and changing a position of the probe head in the workspace so that the receiver is able to receive subsequent signals from the second transmitter and activating the second transmitter and deactivating the first transmitter as a function of a position of the probe head.
It is a further object of the present invention to disclose a touch probe system by which the method of the present invention for operating a touch probe system can be executed.
This further object is attained by a touch probe system that includes a receiver and a probe head that has a probe element positioned in a work space and a transmitter that transmits signals to the receiver. A rotating mechanism connected to the probe head for rotating the probe head around an axis in case of a change of position of the probe head within said work space so that the receiver receives signals from the transmitter even after the change of position.
This further object is also attained by a touch probe system that includes a receiver and a probe head that has a probe element positioned in a work space. A first transmitter that transmits signals to the receiver and a second transmitter that transmits signals to the receiver and an activation mechanism connected to the first transmitter and the second transmitter, the activation mechanism activating either the first transmitter or the second transmitter as a function of a position of the probe head within the work space.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the probe head is rotated around at least one axis when its position inside its work space (which is defined by the respective machine tool, for example) is changed in such a way that, even after a position change, the associated receiver is within a range where it can receive a directional signal from the transmitter of the probe head.
Thus, the attainment of an object in accordance with the present invention allows the transmission of directional signals from a transmitter (which can only be received within a limited solid angle) to a stationarily arranged receiver, regardless of the position of the probe head in its work space.
The attainment of an object of the present invention can be employed independently of whether one or more stationary receivers, by which the transmitted signal can be received, are assigned to the probe head. It is necessary to assure in every case by a rotation of the probe head when its position in the work space is changed, that the receiver(s) is/are within the receiving area of the respectively assigned transmitter.
Because of the change of the orientation of the probe head provided in accordance with the present invention when its position in the work space is changed, it is only necessary to assign a single transmitter on the probe head to the stationary receiver. In case of a change of the position, the probe head is aligned by a reorientation (rotation around at least one axis) in such a way that the receiver continues to be located within the range where it can receive directional signals from the associated transmitter (such directional signals are radiated in a defined direction and therefore have a directional characteristic which is typically constituted by a cone of radiation). By this the number of required transmitters is minimized, and the energy requirements are correspondingly reduced. This results in an increase of the service life of the battery providing electrical energy.
For example, the directional signals to be transmitted by the transmitter are a ready signal sent in defined intervals (for example every 3.3 milliseconds), a switching signal once the probe element has been deflected past the operating point, as well as possibly a battery warning signal indicating a requirement for a replacement of the battery in the near futur
Feichtinger Kurt
Hagl Rainer
Bennett G. Bradley
Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione
Dr. Johannes Heidenhain GmbH
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