CMM with modular functionality

• US 8,701,299 B2
• Filed: 03/05/2013
• Issued: 04/22/2014
• 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
• Primary Examiner(s): FULTON, CHRISTOPHER W
• Application Number:
  US13/786,183
• Publication Number:
  US 20130239424A1
• Time in Patent Office: 413 Days
• Field of Search: 335/03
• 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, the articulated arm being configured to measure and output a position of an end of the articulated arm; and

a single docking portion on the articulated arm, the docking portion configured to form a connection with a modular feature pack that can provide at least two additional and distinct features or functionalities to the articulated arm,

wherein the articulated arm is configured to measure and output a position of an end of the articulated arm with or without a modular feature pack attached.

2. The articulated arm CMM of claim 1, wherein the articulated arm is configured to receive commands through the single docking portion.

3. 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.

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

5. The articulated arm CMM of claim 3, wherein the electronic connection comprises a power transmission connection.

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

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

8. The articulated arm CMM of claim 7, 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.

9. The arm CMM of claim 1, wherein the additional and distinct features or functionalities is processing of data signals.

10. The arm CMM of claim 1, wherein the additional and distinct features or functionalities are temperature controls.

11. The arm CMM of claim 1, wherein the additional and distinct features or functionalities is improved data processing.

12. An articulated arm CMM system comprising:

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

two or more feature packs configured to electronically connect to the articulated arm via the same docking portion and wherein a first feature pack provides a first additional electronic feature or functionality to the articulated arm and a second feature pack provides a second additional electronic feature or functionality distinct from the first additional electronic functionality to the articulated arm.

13. The articulated arm CMM system of claim 12, wherein at least one feature pack comprises a tilt sensor.

14. The articulated arm CMM system of claim 12, wherein at least one feature pack comprises a data storage device.

15. The articulated arm CMM system of claim 14, wherein the at least one feature pack comprises instructions for arm operation.

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

17. The articulated arm CMM system of claim 12, wherein at least one feature pack includes a heat sink or cooling fan.

18. The articulated arm CMM system of claim 12, wherein at least one feature pack comprises a battery.

19. A feature pack for an articulated arm portable coordinate measuring machine system comprising a modular design with a shape substantially matching the shape of a docking portion of the portable coordinate measuring machine system such that the feature pack does not substantially increase the size of the coordinate measuring machine system, the feature pack further comprising:

at least one electronic device configured to provide at least one additional feature or functionality to the coordinate measuring machine system,

wherein the feature pack is not necessary for the coordinate measuring machine system to be operated to measure and output a position of an end of the articulated arm.

20. The feature pack of claim 19, wherein the feature pack is configured to provide commands to the coordinate measuring machine system.

21. The feature pack of claim 19, wherein the feature pack is configured to combine data from the articulated arm and a laser scanner operatively connected to the articulated arm.

22. The feature pack of claim 19, wherein said feature or functionality is data storage.

23. The feature pack of claim 19, wherein said feature or functionality is wireless data transfer capability.

24. The feature pack of claim 19, wherein said feature or functionality is improved data processing.

25. The feature pack of claim 19, wherein the feature pack further comprises a speaker.

26. The feature pack of claim 19, wherein the feature pack further comprises a microphone.