Renishaw Plc

Brian C Henning

David R McMurtry

Stephen E Lummes

Robert B Morrison

Andrew Geoffrey Butter

Peter J Wells

A connecting device for connecting a shank 16 to a measuring probe 18 is disclosed, to enable the probe 18 to be incorporated on a machine tool for the purpose of tracing a contour of a model. The device includes first and second parts (20,22) connected to the shank and the probe respectively, retained together by a connecting bolt 50 which is spring-loaded by means of Belville washers 56. An arm 60 extends from the second part to engage the housing 14 of the spindle 10, and thereby prevent rotation of the spindle shaft 12. In the event of accidental spindle start-up the two parts 20,22 may rotate relative to each other (the shank rotating with the shaft 12); a thrust bearing 42 enabling sliding of the two parts.

Device for connecting a shank to a probe

A method of scanning a workpiece surface is disclosed in which a machine carrying a scanning head is moved along a path, preferably at constant velocity, while a surface contacting device is moved by the scanning head to oscillate transversely to the instantaneous path direction to scan an area of the surface. Transducers on the machine, the head, and where necessary the surface contacting device provide data relating to the positions of the surface contacting device to data gathering device under the control of a computer. Apparatus for carrying out the method is also disclosed and includes a scanning head for moving the surface detecting device which may be a stylus or a probe relative to one axis, and preferably orthogonal axes. The head can include a set-up for inertia balancing the head and mass balancing the surface detection device. Also the head may include air bearings on which the stylus or probe are supported for oscillation. Surfaces to be scanned may be flat plates, cones, bores or other surfaces with compound angles.

Method of and apparatus for scanning the surface of a workpiece

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Thornbury, United Kingdom

Brian C Henning