Optoelectronic apparatus for checking mechanical parts, and relevant protection device

Abstract

An apparatus for checking mechanical parts such as tools on machine tools employs optical devices for emitting and receiving a light beam, for example a laser beam, along a checking direction, and sensors for detecting variations in the features of such a light beam. A protection device () for at least one of the optical devices comprises a support element () with an inner seat (), communication conduits () aligned along the checking direction and a shutter () movable, in the internal seat, from a rest position to an operative position of the apparatus. The shutter comprises a transversal through hole () which is arranged along the checking direction in the operative position, aligned with the communication conduits to allow the light beam to pass through. A movable closure element (), for example a small sphere or ball, is arranged in a transversal hollow () of the shutter and is pushed by a spring towards the outside of the transversal hollow. In the rest position of the apparatus, the transversal hollow is arranged along the checking direction and the movable closing element partially protrudes and cooperates with a gasket at the inlet of one of the communication conduits, to prevent the entry of foreign material and fluids into the optical device.