Positioning device

• US 6,176,018 B1
• Filed: 09/16/1998
• Issued: 01/23/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 03/20/1996
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: C.E. Johansson AB (MKS Instruments Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: C.E. Johansson AB (MKS Instruments Incorporated)
• Inventors: Wiklund, Rudolf
• Primary Examiner(s): Gutierrez, Diego
• Assistant Examiner(s): Guadalupe, Yaritza
• Application Number:
  US09/142,858
• Time in Patent Office: 860 Days
• Field of Search: 33/1.M, 33/323, 334/38, 334/39, 334/40, 334/41, 334/42, 334/43, 334/44, 335/03
• US Class Current: 33/1.00M
• CPC Class Codes: G01B 21/02 for measuring length, width, or thickness G01B21/10 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G01B 5/0002 Arrangements for supporting, fixing or guiding the measuring instrument or the object to be measured
• CPC Class Codes: G01D 15/24 Drives for recording elements and surfaces not covered by G01D5/00

Abstract

A measuring machine produces an essentially linear movement in a moving part by transforming rotary movement to linear movement through a transmission element having a high modulus of elasticity in a longitudinal direction, and which is flexible in a transverse direction. The transmission element has two ends which are each fastened to the same mechanical element, and the transmission element is given a pre-stress which is greater than a maximum force encountered during acceleration while the machine is in use.

Claims

1. A device for transforming rotary motion to substantially linear motion of a movable part in a measuring machine, the device comprising:

an elongated transmission element having a high modulus of elasticity in a longitudinal direction and flexibility in a transverse direction;

a mechanical element to which a first end and a second end of said transmission element are fixed;

a movable part that is movable in a moving path across said mechanical element between said first and second ends of said transmission element and that is subjected to forces by at least two different portions of said transmission element to move said movable part linearly along the moving path;

a respective stationary turning point for said transmission element adjacent to each end of the moving path, said transmission element turning on one said stationary turning point between said two different portions of said transmission element;

a driver for imparting rotary motion to one said stationary turning point to move said movable part linearly; and

a tension element for imparting a tensile stress to said transmission element.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein said tension element comprises a spring pre-tensioner adjacent to one of said first and second ends of said transmission element.

3. The device according to claim 2, further comprising a controllable clamp adjacent to the one of said first and second ends of said transmission element next to said spring pre-tensioner, said clamp being controlled to clamp said transmission element while transforming to the linear motion and at other times to release said transmission element.

4. The device according to claim 1, wherein said tension element comprises a self-elasticity of said transmission element.

5. The device according to claim 1, wherein said transmission element is a rope.

6. The device according to claim 5, wherein said stationary turning points are wheels that are on each side of each end position for the movable part.

7. The device according to claim 6, wherein at least two of said wheels are so angled that said rope is tensioned in a straight line without obstructing a movement of the movable part.