Romer Incorporated

Hexagon Metrology Ab

Romain Granger

Homer L Eaton

The invention relates to an articulated-arm three-dimensional measurement apparatus having a plurality of articulation axes with angle encoders integrated in said arms for individually measuring the angles of rotation about each of said articulation axes. In accordance with the invention, at least one of the arms () of the apparatus () includes a hollow tube () interposed between two arm segments, one of which receives an angle encoder measuring the angle of rotation about the longitudinal axis of said arm, said hollow tube presenting at each of its ends respective abutment configurations complementary to abutment configurations at the adjacent arm segment ends so as to ensure alignment on the axis of the arm that is accurate, stable, and repeatable independently of the clamping of the abutting ends in question one against the other, coupling between said hollow tube and said arm segment being provided at said abutting ends by demountable clamping means () enabling the hollow tube to be replaced on site by another hollow tube of different length without it being necessary to recalibrate the entire apparatus.

Articulated-arm three-dimensional measurement apparatus having a plurality of articulated axes

The present invention relates to a device for machining mechanical parts by means of a hollow cylindrical tool presenting a distal end with a free edge that is shaped to perform machining when said tool is rotated about its axis. In accordance with the invention, the hollow cylindrical tool is fitted internally with a transverse member forming a shaving-breaker, and said hollow cylindrical tool is secured axially to a distal end of a hollow cylindrical spindle, said hollow cylindrical spindle being mounted to rotate about its own axis on a support plate, and being driven externally by rotary drive means mounted on said support plate, and said hollow cylindrical spindle having a proximal end facing and directly adjacent to a hollow cylindrical endpiece secured to said support plate and connected to a suction hose, such that the machining shavings can be evacuated internally by passing successively through the hollow cylindrical tool going round the transverse member forming a shaving-breaker, through the hollow cylindrical spindle, through the hollow cylindrical endpiece, and through the suction hose.

Machining mechanical parts with a hollow cylindrical tool

The invention relates to a system for identifying the position of a machine for three-dimensional measuring or machining in a fixed frame of reference. In accordance with the invention, the system comprises:

System for identifying the position of three-dimensional machine for measuring or machining in a fixed frame of reference

The invention provides a method of determining a horizontal profile line defined by walls that are essentially vertical, by using a pointer having two calibrated reference points, the method comprising the following successive steps: a) placing the pointer horizontally in contact with a point on the profile line to be determined; b) from an origin point, measuring in succession the lengths of segments joining the origin point to each reference point, and also the angle between the two segments; c) deducing by calculation the coordinates of the contact point in the associated horizontal plane, and storing said coordinates; and reiterating steps a), b), c) for a plurality of points on the profile line to be determined, including at least the angle points situated at the intersections between said essentially vertical walls. The invention also provides apparatus for implementing the above method.

Method of determining a horizontal profile line defined by walls that are essentially vertical, and an apparatus for implementing said method

The invention relates to a connection device associated with an arm of an articulated three-dimensional measuring appliance, the device comprising a moving assembly and a fixed assembly, together with connection means for providing an electrical link between said two assemblies. In accordance with the invention, the moving assembly comprises first and second adjacent components on a common axis, the first component being constrained to rotate with the jointed end of the arm and being connected to the second component by a coupling system having successive dogs so that said second component is entrained in rotation only after said first component has turned through significantly more than one revolution in the same direction, and the connection means comprise facing contact members carried respectively by the fixed assembly and by the second component, arranged to provide a continuous electrical link in normal operation and a link that is restricted to a short angular range of rotation once the second component is entrained in rotation by the first component.

Connection device associated with an arm of an articulated three-dimensional measuring appliance

The contact sensor of the hinged arm of a measurement machine for taking measurements in three dimensions is replaced by a light sensor secured at the same position. A first position-marking axis defined by a light beam emitted by an emitter disposed in a first position is used to determine a first vector by two measured points. The emitter is moved in a plane so as to take up a second position, and a second position-marking axis defined by the light beam of said emitter is used by measuring a point on the second axis. The projection [O.sub.1 ] of the second axis point onto the first position-marking axis is then used to enable a frame of reference [O.sub.1 X, O.sub.1 Y, O.sub.1 Z] to be established. If the machine needs to be displaced in order to take measurements in a zone that is further away, a new frame of reference is determined using the same steps, using the same first axis and using a new point on another second axis that is obtained by a new displacement of the emitter performed so that it remains in the same plane, thereby enabling the origin [O.sub.2 ] of the new frame of reference to be determined, thus making it possible to make available a plurality of known frames of reference.

Position-marking method for a machine that measures in three dimensions,

The measurement apparatus comprises a stand supporting a series of measurement segments hinged to one another and having angular position sensors for sensing the angular positions of the measurement segments, a series of hinged support segments adjacent to the measurement segments, link members fixed to the support segments and engaged at least partially around the measurement segments to support them in a direction opposing the force of gravity, and assistance members acting on the support members to counter the force of gravity.

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Lavardin, France

Romain Granger