Tridimensional multifunction plotter

• US 5,285,579 A
• Filed: 02/14/1991
• Issued: 02/15/1994
• Est. Priority Date: 02/22/1990
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Jobs S.p.A.
• Original Assignee: Jobs S.p.A.
• Inventors: Armando, Corsi
• Primary Examiner(s): Cuchlinski, Jr., William A.
• Assistant Examiner(s): FULTON, CHRISTOPHER W
• Application Number:
  US07/656,239
• Time in Patent Office: 1,097 Days
• Field of Search: 33/25.1, 33/1 M, 33/18.1, 33/25.2, 33/26, 33/32.3, 33/32.4, 33/503, 33/504, 33/505, 364/474.24, 364/474.22
• US Class Current: 33/18.1
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 19/4097 characterised by using design data to control NC machines, e.g. CAD/CAM G05B19/4093 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/33168 Two bus, master bus and local servo bus
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/33172 Multibus
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/34167 Coarse fine, macro microinterpolation, preprocessor
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/35002 Parametric machine control, direct control from cad data, no nc data
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/50336 Tool, probe offset for curves, surfaces, contouring
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/50353 Tool, probe inclination, orientation to surface, posture, attitude
• CPC Class Codes: Y02P 90/02 Total factory control, e.g. smart factories, flexible manufacturing systems [FMS] or integrated manufacturing systems [IMS]

Abstract

The invention relates to a tridimensional multifunction plotter, comprising a support of a tool which can move with a high precision following a predetermined tridimensional surface.

The mobile part of the machine comprises a multifunction head to which several devices like laser distance measuring devices, digital and analogic probes for the surveying and digitizing of a bidimensional and/or tridimensional surface, or tools of various kinds for making a tridimensional model starting from a surface defined through a CAD system.

A hardware-software subsystem is provided, parallel connected with the CPU of the machine, to obtain an integrated system which allows a direct connection of the machine with a CAD system so allowing the operator to input the various working parameters directly to the plotter, without the need of an external processing the data file generated by the CAM system, to convert it into a file compatible with the numeric controls of the machine.

Claims

1. A tridimensional plotter for making a model of a CAD surface file, the plotter, comprising:

an operating head for carrying an interchangeable tool having a known shape;

a support for movably carrying the head;

means for mounting the support for movement of the support along a first horizontal axis (x);

a sleeve mounted for movement along a vertical axis (z) to the support, the head being connected for movement to the sleeve, the means for mounting the support comprising a horizontal guide, the support being mounted for horizontal movement along the horizontal guide, the horizontal guide comprising a pair of spaced apart beams, a machine framework for supporting the pair of beams, the support being mounted for horizontal movement between and along the beams;

a table mounted for movement along a second horizontal axis (y) which is perpendicular to the first horizontal axis of movement of the support, the table being mounted to the framework, a plurality of electronic devices for controlling movements of the head on the sleeve, for movement of the sleeve on the support, for movements of the support along the pair of beams and for movement of the table on the framework; and

a data processing unit integrated into the electronic devices for processing a CAD surface file to produce an NC file for operating the electronic devices;

the NC file containing data for moving the head, sleeve, support and table, and the data processing unit being connected to the electronic devices for moving the head, sleeve, support and table according to the NC file;

the data processing unit also including non-linear interpolation means for creating trajectories and paths of movement for the head, sleeve, support and table, in the NC file, which compensate for the tool shape to form an accurate model.

2. A tridimensional plotter according to claim 1, wherein said framework comprises a plurality of uprights extending vertically and defining an internal machine space for receiving a workpiece.

3. A tridimensional plotter according to claim 2, wherein said means for mounting the support, including the beams and framework are box-shaped for receiving a workpiece.