CMM WITH MODULAR FUNCTIONALITY

• US 20110107613A1
• Filed: 03/26/2010
• Published: 05/12/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 11/06/2009
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Hexagon Technology Center GmbH (Hexagon AB)
• Original Assignee: Hexagon Metrology AB (Hexagon AB)
• Inventors: Tait, Hogar
• Granted Patent: US 8,151,477 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 33/503
• CPC Class Codes: B25J 13/02 Hand grip control means handles or pedals for crane control B66C13/56; for measuring the force applied to control members G01L5/22; hand-held casings for switching devices, e.g. joy-sticks H01H9/0214
• CPC Class Codes: B25J 19/00 Accessories fitted to manipulators, e.g. for monitoring, for viewing; Safety devices combined with or specially adapted for use in connection with manipulators safety-devices in general F16P; protection against radiation in general G21F
• CPC Class Codes: B25J 9/1692 Calibration of manipulator
• CPC Class Codes: G01B 21/04 by measuring coordinates of points
• CPC Class Codes: G01B 5/008 using coordinate measuring machines
• CPC Class Codes: G01B 7/008 using coordinate measuring machines
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/39019 Calibration by cmm coordinate measuring machine over a certain volume
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 74/20305 Robotic arm

Abstract

An articulated arm CMM system comprises an articulated arm comprising a plurality of articulated arm members, a measuring probe at a distal end, and a base at a proximal end, the base comprising a docking portion. The articulated arm CMM system also includes a plurality of feature packs configured to electronically connect to the articulated arm via the docking portions and provide additional electronic functionality.

Claims

1. An articulated arm CMM comprising:

an articulated arm comprising a plurality of articulated arm members, a measuring probe at a distal end, and a base at a proximal end; and

a docking portion on the base, the docking portion configured to form a connection with a modular feature pack.

2. The articulated arm CMM of claim 1, wherein the docking portion comprises an electronic connector configured to form an electronic connection with the feature pack.

3. The articulated arm CMM of claim 2, wherein the electronic connection is a data transfer connection.

4. The articulated arm CMM of claim 2, wherein the electronic connection is a power transmission connection.

5. The articulated arm CMM of claim 1, wherein the docking portion comprises a mechanical connection.

6. The articulated arm CMM of claim 1, wherein the docking portion comprises a thermal connection.

7. The articulated arm CMM of claim 6, wherein the docking portion connects to electronics in the arm by thermally conductive members, allowing substantial heat transfer between the arm and the feature pack.

8. An articulated arm CMM system comprising:

an articulated arm comprising a plurality of articulated arm members, a measuring probe at a distal end, and a base at a proximal end, the base comprising a docking portion; and

a plurality of feature packs configured to electronically connect to the articulated arm via the docking portion and provide additional electronic functionality.

9. The articulated arm CMM system of claim 8, wherein at least one feature pack comprises a tilt sensor.

10. The articulated arm CMM system of claim 8, wherein at least one feature pack comprises a data storage device.

11. The articulated arm CMM system of claim 10, wherein the at least one feature pack comprises instructions for arm operation

12. The articulated arm CMM system of claim 8, wherein at least one feature pack comprises a wireless capability for data transfer.

13. The articulated arm CMM system of claim 8, wherein at least one feature pack includes a heat sink or cooling fan.

14. The articulated arm CMM system of claim 8, wherein at least one feature pack comprises a battery.

15. A feature pack for an articulated arm portable CMM system comprising a modular design with a shape substantially matching the shape of the base of the portable CMM, the feature pack further comprising at least one electronic device providing additional functionality to the CMM.

16. The feature pack of claim 15, wherein said functionality is chosen from the group consisting of data storage, wireless data transfer capability, and thermal heat transfer.