Coordinate measuring machine having a non-sensing probe

US6240651A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Mycrona GmbH · DE

Inventors

• Mario Schroeder · Püttlingen, DE
• Frank Brossette · Lebach, DE
• Stefan Hombach · Freyming-Merlebach, FR

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 17, 1999
• Grant date: Jun 5, 2001
• Expiry date: Jun 17, 2019

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G01B11/007
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A coordinate measuring machine including a support platform for supporting an object. Scanning means is supported by the support platform. The scanning means includes a probe assembly and a non-contact scanner. Drive means is connected to at least one of the probe assembly and the non-contact scanner for moving the probe assembly and non-contact scanner relative to each other. The probe assembly includes a probe movably disposed in a guide tube. The probe includes a shaft and a tip integrally formed from either a fiber-optic or non-fiber-optic material. The tip extends from the guide tube so as to be detectable by the non-contact scanner. The tip may include one or more stylus. During operation the tip contacts the object and the non-contact scanner detects the tip to determine the corresponding coordinates of the object. A light source illuminates the tip for improved detection of the tip. When the probe is formed of a fiber-optic material, light is emitted through the probe. When the probe is formed of a non-fiber-optic material, light is emitted through a fiber-optic ring disposed in the guide tube and surrounding the shaft. Dislodging means dislodges the tip from the object red…