Geometrical instruments – Gauge – Coordinate movable probe or machine
Patent
1996-09-30
1998-07-14
Bennett, G. Bradley
Geometrical instruments
Gauge
Coordinate movable probe or machine
33504, G01B 700
Patent
active
057785503
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to a system for checking the dimensions of mechanical workpieces, including a detecting apparatus and a processing and control unit, the detecting apparatus comprising: a detecting head, for cooperating with the workpiece to be checked, with transmission devices for transmitting first electromagnetic coded signals; a transceiver unit, separate from the head, with a receiving section for receiving the first electromagnetic coded signals, and a transmitting section for transmitting second electromagnetic signals; and an interface unit, connected to the transceiver unit and to the processing and control unit, comprising reception means and means for generating switch on signals.
The invention also relates to a method for testing the operability of a system for checking the dimensions of mechanical workpieces including a detecting head for transmitting first electromagnetic coded signals and a transceiver unit, separate from the head, with a receiving section for receiving the first electromagnetic coded signals and a transmitting section for transmitting second electromagnetic signals.
BACKGROUND ART
In known measuring systems like those applied, for example, in numerical control machine tools for detecting the position and/or the dimensions of machined workpieces a contact detecting head, mounted on the machine, in the course of a checking cycle displaces with respect to the workpiece, touches the surface to be checked and, further to making contact, sends wireless signals to an appropriate receiving unit. The receiving unit is in turn connected, by means of an interface device, to the numerical control unit that, by processing other signals indicative of the position of the head, obtains the information about the position of the workpiece surface.
The system can foresee the head to be power supplied by an electric battery and be kept under normal circumstances in a "stand by" condition of low electric power consumption and that, when there is the need to perform a measuring cycle, a wireless switch on signal be sent by the receiving unit to the transmission circuits of the head to activate the power supply, by means of appropriate switching devices sensitive to the switch on signal. When the measuring cycle ends, the receiving unit sends a wireless switch off signal that brings the head back to the "stand by" low consumption condition.
A system of this type is illustrated and described in US patent U.S. Pat. No. 4,693,110. This patent also discloses a method and an apparatus for testing the operability conditions of the head.
Whenever, in the course of a measuring cycle, there are some doubts about the system operating correctly, in particular whenever transmission between head and interface appears to be interrupted, it is necessary to identify the origin of the malfunction, that may affect the head transmitter, the receiving unit, the interface device, or even the connecting cables.
Under this circumstance all the component parts are inspected until the fault is detected; this involves the testing of the associated circuits by accomplishing delicate operations that foresee the use of appropriate instruments and often the attendance of specialized personnel.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
Object of the present invention is to provide a system that, in the event a malfunction occurs, can locate in a simple and rapid way which is the faulty component.
This object is achieved by a system wherein the interface unit comprises means for generating test signals, the transmitting section and the receiving section of the transceiver unit being adapted for transmitting associated electromagnetic test signals and for receiving reflected electromagnetic test signals, respectively, for testing the operability of the detecting apparatus.
A further object of the invention is the providing of a particularly simple methodical test of the operability condition of the system.
This further object is achieved by a method comprising the steps of: commanding the transceiver unit
REFERENCES:
patent: 4437151 (1984-03-01), Hurt et al.
patent: 4819195 (1989-04-01), Bell et al.
patent: 5056235 (1991-10-01), Thomas
patent: 5283630 (1994-02-01), Yoshizumi
patent: 5501096 (1996-03-01), Stettner et al.
patent: 5657549 (1997-08-01), Shen et al.
Carli Carlo
Ferrari Andrea
Bennett G. Bradley
MARPOSS Societa' per Azioni
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