Machine axis system, rotation / pivot unit and method for transmitting electrical energy and information

Abstract

The invention relates to a machine axis system (80) having: a shaft (84) rotatable about a rotation axis (R); and an inner rotation transmission assembly (100) and an outer rotation transmission assembly (98), each of which comprises an inner element (106, 116) and an outer element (102, 114) rotatable relative to one another and designed to interact to transmit information and / or electrical energy; wherein one of the inner element and the outer element (102, 114) of the respective rotation transmission assembly (100, 98) is coupled to the shaft (84); and wherein the diameter of the outer rotation transmission assembly (98) is greater than the diameter of the inner rotation transmission assembly (100). The invention also relates to a rotation / pivot unit (16) and a method for transmitting electrical energy and information via such a machine axis system (80).

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of Chinese patent application No. 201910140584.5, whose application date is February 21, 2019 and whose invention name is "Machine axis system, rotation / pivot unit and method for transmitting electrical energy and information".

[0002] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0003] This application claims the benefit of German Patent Application 102018204322.1 filed on March 21, 2018, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0004] The invention relates to a machine axis system, a rotation / pivot unit, and a method for transmitting electrical energy and information via a machine axis system. The invention relates in particular to arranging a plurality of rotation transmission components in a machine axis system and / or in a rotation / pivot unit. In this case, the machine axis system and / or the rotation / pivot unit can preferably be used in a coordinate measuring machine. Background Art

[0005] Coordinate measuring machines are generally used in a known manner to detect the coordinates of the surface of an object in a tactile or contactless manner. For this purpose, a sensor unit, for example in the form of a tactile measuring probe or a contactless scanning optical sensor, is moved relative to the object to be measured in order to detect a plurality of measuring points on the surface of the object, for example along a predetermined movement path. The measurement information can be in the form of a so-called 3D point cloud or 3D coordinate cloud and is generally used to determine properties of the object, for example its dimensional accuracy.

[0006] In coordinate measuring machines, but also in many other machines with actuatable axes (also covered by the invention), so-called swivel / pivot units are often used, which comprise a machine axis system having a rotation axis, in particular a rotation output axis or drive axis. Via this axis, a unit coupled thereto can be rotated in a desired manner. For example, the machine axis system can provide the rotation axis of the swivel / pivot unit and, via its axis, rotate a pivot axis coupled thereto.

[0007] In the case of such machine axis systems, information and / or electrical energy (e.g. in the form of an electrical load or power output) must usually be transmitted to a unit which is coupled to the shaft and in particular rotates with the shaft. It is known to use so-called cable winders or winding springs for this purpose, in which case a portion of the cable coupled to the shaft is unwound from a generally fixed drum and wound onto it as a function of the shaft's rotation. Disadvantages of this solution are that the maximum rotation angle is limited by the length of the cable, the relatively high installation space requirement, the limited number of lines within the cable, and the limited available line cross-sections.

[0008] As an alternative, so-called rotation transmission assemblies are considered, which generally make it possible to realize the electrical or optical transmission of energy, signals, and / or information between a rotation axis and an axis fixed relative to it, or a fixed area. In particular, rotation transmission assemblies typically offer the following advantages: they enable an endless rotation of the axis relative to a stationary area of ​​the machine axis system. Endless rotation can be understood to mean free or unrestricted rotation, which can reach multiples of 360°.

[0009] The rotation transmission assembly may take the form of a slip ring assembly (in particular a mechanical and / or contact-based slip ring), such as described in DE 10 2014 118 359 A1. In this case, the generally annular rotating element may include conductive portions or tracks which are in conductive contact with contact elements of another generally stationary element of the assembly.

[0010] There are also optical rotary transmitters (often also referred to as optical slip rings or more precisely as fiber rotary transmitters). In this case, the light guide and the optical coupler are usually moved past each other by means of elements rotatable relative to each other and the signal is coupled in thereby. For example, the light guide can describe a circular path and the optical coupler can travel along the inside of this circular path by means of a circular movement. An example of this can be found in DE 102 56 634 A1, in which one of the elements rotatable relative to each other is partially received in the other corresponding element and / or in which the elements rotatable relative to each other generally have different diameters. The present invention relates in particular to optical rotary transmitters of these or comparable types. Summary of the invention

[0011] According to the invention, rotation transmission components of known type which are designed for capacitive or inductive signal and / or energy transmission can similarly be used.

[0012] Thus, in general, the rotation transmission assembly may include an internal element and an external element that are rotatable relative to each other and that may interact with each other to transmit information, signals, and / or energy. One of these elements may, for example, rotate with the shaft, while the other element is fixed in a stationary manner within the machine axis system. Since transmission is possible between the internal element and the external element, signals (e.g., electrical or optical signals) and / or energy (preferably electrical energy) may be transmitted from a stationary area of ​​the machine axis system to a component that rotates with the shaft.

[0013] Within the scope of the invention, a rotation transmission assembly according to any of the above described variants may also be used. However, unless stated otherwise or apparent, all statements made about rotation transmission assemblies may particularly apply to slip ring assemblies, and particularly to mechanical and / or contact-based slip ring assemblies.

[0014] As mentioned above, in the case of a slip ring assembly, one of the inner element and the outer element typically has a plurality of annular conductive tracks when considered along the axis of rotation. The other of the inner element and the outer element has contact elements which can make conductive contact with the tracks. The independent tracks can be applied to the carrier body galvanically. Alternatively, the tracks can be provided by arranging independent ring elements on the carrier body, for example by pushing the ring elements on. The independent ring elements are in this case preferably separated from each other by electrically insulating rings.

[0015] The galvanic application of conductor tracks enables a relatively high track density (also referred to as pitch). However, this production process is relatively expensive. Furthermore, proper electrical insulation and / or shielding between adjacent tracks cannot always be ensured. This can have the following effects: wear (e.g. in the form of gold chips) leads to short circuits between adjacent tracks, which can lead to major malfunctions.

[0016] On the other hand, the use of a plurality of ring elements reduces the production costs, but the installation space required for these rotation transmission components increases compared to slip rings produced by electroplating. This concerns in particular the axial installation space along the axis of rotation. However, in particular in the field of measurement technology and in particular in the case of coordinate measuring machines, it is preferred to keep the installation space of the machine axis system small. More precisely, the coordinate measuring machine itself or its machine axis system should not unnecessarily occupy the measuring space in which the object measurement can be carried out.

[0017] However, in the case of variants with a plurality of ring elements, a configuration that saves installation space is generally only possible if the transmission capacity of the slip ring is reduced, for example in the form of a reduced number of independent tracks, a reduced number of transmittable signals, a reduced transmission rate, and / or a reduced transmission quality (for example by reducing the signal quality). The minimum achievable slip ring width is also limited by the connecting lines and / or cables that still have to be connectable to the ring elements and, for example, welded thereon. The insulating elements between the independent ring elements also cannot be formed with a small width as desired, which likewise increases the restrictions on the minimum achievable spacing of the slip ring (i.e. the minimum distance between the independent conductor tracks) and, therefore, on the minimum achievable axial length.

[0018] In the case of optical rotary transmitters, there are also problems with regard to installation space, since, depending on the signal to be transmitted, it is usually necessary to provide separate light guide and optical coupler pairs. In a manner similar to slip ring assemblies with multiple ring elements, this can be accompanied by a significant increase in the axial installation space.

[0019] Furthermore, the inventors have recognized that difficulties arise, in particular, when a large number of independent signal and / or power transmissions are to be provided by means of a slip ring assembly (i.e., if the slip ring assembly is intended to be used as a connecting element for a large number of signal and / or power lines). In this case, it is necessary to select the diameter of the internal element of the slip ring assembly to be large enough to allow all required signal lines and / or cables to pass through and be connected to the internal element. Therefore, the desired number of transmissions (or transmission paths) defines the minimum diameter of the internal element. On the other hand, a large diameter of the internal element may result in a reduction in the transmission capacity, for example because the capacitance of the independent conductor tracks increases with increasing diameter. Therefore, there is a conflict of objectives with respect to the desired large number of transmission paths (i.e., preferably a large diameter) and the desired high transmission capacity (i.e., preferably a small diameter).

[0020] In summary, therefore, these previous solutions do not provide installation space-saving energy and / or signal transmission by means of a machine axis system which is distinguished by low cost and preferably also enables endless rotation and has a high transmission capacity. In particular, the inventors have recognized the described conflict between a small diameter desired with respect to the transmission capacity and a large diameter desired with respect to the number of transmission paths.

[0021] The object of the present invention is therefore to enable a space-saving and cost-effective energy and / or signal transmission of a machine axis system. In particular, this is possible for an endlessly rotating machine axis system and preferably with the highest possible transmission capacity.

[0022] This object is achieved by a machine axis system, a rotation / pivot unit, and a method as described below. Advantageous developments are described in detail hereinafter. It goes without saying that, unless otherwise indicated or obvious, the features mentioned in the introductory description can also be provided in the solution disclosed herein, individually or in any desired combination.

[0023] Instead of a single rotation transmission assembly which may be distinguished by high production costs and / or high installation space requirements, the invention generally envisages providing a plurality of preferably small rotation transmission assemblies which are arranged in a space-saving manner, in particular in such a way that they are arranged in different radial regions with respect to the axis of rotation of the shaft and optionally also at least partially accommodated in one another.

[0024] Overall, the required installation space, in particular the required axial installation space, can be reduced in this way. This can even be achieved if the rotation transmission components are not each manufactured by an electroplating production process, but a production variant with low costs but possibly less efficient in terms of installation space is desired, such as the arrangement of separate ring elements on a carrier body described in the introduction.

[0025] Further advantages are obtained by being able to provide a rotating transmission assembly with a relatively small diameter, which, due to the limited diameter, is distinguished by a high transmission capacity (e.g. due to the small capacitance of the individual conductor tracks and / or the high transmission frequency thus made possible, as explained below). This allows, for example, the transmission of signals with a high bandwidth, a transmission rate and / or an overall high signal quality. However, the invention makes it possible to provide further rotating transmission assemblies with a relatively large diameter in addition, so that a sufficiently large number of transmission paths is provided in total. On the other hand, if it is desired to provide only one rotating transmission assembly and to connect all lines and / or cables thereto, this would lead to the above-explained conflict of objectives regarding the required minimum diameter, but with which the desired transmission capacity cannot always be achieved.

[0026] A machine axis system is provided in detail, the machine axis system having: a shaft, the shaft being rotatable about a rotation axis; and an inner rotation transmission assembly and an outer rotation transmission assembly, the two assemblies each comprising an inner element and an outer element, the elements being rotatable relative to each other and being designed to interact to transmit information and / or electrical energy (e.g., in the form of an electrical load or power output) (e.g., generally transmitted by the rotation transmission assembly and / or transmitted between these elements);

[0027] wherein one of the inner element and the outer element of the respective rotation transmission component is coupled to the shaft, and wherein the outer rotation transmission component has a diameter greater than a diameter of the inner rotation transmission component.

[0028] The machine axis system may also comprise a drive unit, in particular in the form of an electric motor, for rotating the shaft. Alternatively or in addition, the machine axis system may comprise a housing system in which the shaft and / or the rotation transmission assembly is at least partially received. In general, the machine axis system may be designed for the purpose of transmitting torque via the shaft to a further component coupled thereto, for example a pivot axis of a rotating / pivoting unit.

[0029] The machine axis system may generally be an electrically driven, electrically drivable, and / or electrically actuatable component or machine axis. The shaft may be coupled to a component to be driven in rotation. This may specifically be a further machine axis or a machine axis system.

[0030] As explained in more detail below, the machine axis system may provide an endless axis of rotation. In particular, the machine axis system may provide an endless axis of rotation in a rotation / pivot unit in an endlessly rotating measuring table. In general, the machine axis system may be used or may be used in a coordinate measuring machine, for example in a rotation / pivot unit or in a measuring table of a coordinate measuring machine. Alternatively, the machine axis system may be used in a robot, for example in a multi-axis industrial robot (e.g. in the form of a conventional articulated robot).

[0031] Unless stated otherwise or apparent, in the context of the present disclosure, the terms "axial" and "radial" relate to an axis of rotation about which a shaft can rotate.

[0032] The shaft may comprise a first end region and a second end region opposite when considered along the axis of rotation, the two regions being connected by a connecting portion. The first end region may be at least partially received or receivable in a housing system of a machine axis system. Additionally or alternatively, the connecting portion may interact with at least one of the rotation transmission components and / or be coupled to an element thereof. On the other hand, the second end region may be coupled to a component driven rotationally by the shaft. The component is typically a pivot axis or a B-axis of a rotating / pivoting unit. Additionally or alternatively, the rotationally driven component may comprise a measuring head or a measuring sensor, or generally enable detection of measurement signals, in particular object coordinates.

[0033] The shaft can be coupled to a component of an optional drive of the machine axis system that rotates around the axis of rotation for common rotation. If the drive comprises an electric motor or is so implemented, the shaft can be coupled to the rotor of the electric motor or its driven gear mechanism for common rotation.

[0034] As described at the outset, the rotation transmission component can be a slip ring component and / or an optical rotation transmission component. In particular, the rotation transmission component can be a mechanical and / or contact-based slip ring component.

[0035] The inner rotation transmission component may be a radially inner rotation transmission component relative to the rotation axis (ie, radially further inward relative to the outer rotation transmission component). The outer rotation transmission component may be a radially outer rotation transmission component relative to the rotation axis (ie, radially further outward relative to the inner rotation transmission component).

[0036] The inner and outer rotation transmission components can generally be spaced apart from each other, in particular radially spaced apart from each other. In addition, these components are generally not in contact. However, it is also possible according to the invention that these rotation transmission components are in mechanical contact and / or supported on each other. Optionally, these rotation transmission components can also be formed to be at least partially interconnected and / or have common parts. For example, the inner element of the outer rotation transmission component and the outer element of the inner rotation transmission component can be connected to each other or formed in one piece.

[0037] At least one of the inner element and the outer element can each be provided in an annular manner or as a ring. Therefore, they can also be referred to as an inner ring and an outer ring. At least the area of ​​the outer element facing the inner element and the outer area of ​​the inner element facing the outer element can be formed as an annular, or in other words, as the surface of a circular cylinder. According to a variant, the inner element of the internal rotation transmission assembly is formed to have a cross section that is at least partially closed and is, for example, formed as an axle, or is arranged on an axle with a cross section that is at least partially closed.

[0038] The inner and outer elements of any rotary transmission assembly may generally have different diameters. In particular, the corresponding inner element may be at least partially received in the outer element. In addition, it can be generally provided that the transmission area or transmission zone of each rotary transmission assembly (through which or in which the information to be transmitted, electrical signals and / or electrical energy (e.g., load or power output) is transmitted) is located outside the axis of rotation of the shaft or does not intersect with it. In particular, the corresponding transmission area or transmission zone (also referred to as the contact circle) may be substantially annular, or trace the surface of a circular cylinder, and preferably also extends around the rotation and concentrically along the axis of rotation. The transmission area or transmission zone may be generally defined by an area of ​​the inner or outer element, including a conductive track or a circular light guide, or include such an area. In particular, the transmission area may include a contact area in which the contact element and the conductor track of a conventional slip ring assembly contact each other in a known manner.

[0039] As described above, the respective inner and outer elements preferably comprise two regions facing each other, wherein at least one of these regions is implemented as the surface of a circular cylinder. As described below, at least one of these regions may be defined by a contact element or include them, wherein the region is optionally defined only as the surface of a circular cylinder or includes such a surface.

[0040] When the inner element and the outer element rotate relative to each other, preferably substantially around the axis of rotation of the shaft, the regions of these elements facing each other can also rotate relative to each other accordingly. In particular, these regions also rotate around the axis of rotation and / or move past each other. According to a preferred variant, at least one of the inner element and the outer element is arranged in a substantially stationary manner within the machine axis system, while the other is rotatable relative to this one around the axis of rotation of the shaft. In the case of this variant, the region (or zone) of the rotatable element can therefore rotate along the region facing the stationary element or move past the region.

[0041] At least one of the internal element and the external element may include a conductive track, wherein a specific signal or in other words, an independent signal and / or electric energy (or electric load or electric power output) can be transmitted on each track. The corresponding other element in the internal element and the external element may include a contact element to be connected to these tracks in a conductive manner. These tracks can be generally annular and preferably extend along the entire circumference of the internal element or the external element. On the other hand, these contact elements can only extend along a limited circumference portion of the internal element and / or the external element. These contact elements can generally include wires, wire brackets, brushes, metal pins, conductive protrusions, graphite blocks, graphite pins, etc.

[0042] Preferably, a conductive track, in particular an annular track, is arranged only on one of the inner and outer elements, wherein a contact element is arranged on the other corresponding element and preferably only on the corresponding other of the inner and outer elements. According to conventional definitions, the element of the inner and outer elements comprising the contact element can be called a stator. On the other hand, the element of the inner and outer elements comprising the conductor track can be called a rotor. However, in the context of the present disclosure, the terms "stator" and "rotor" do not necessarily have to be understood as meaning that they also indicate any fixedness or mobility of the corresponding elements (i.e., an element referred to as a stator according to the above definition can in principle also be movable and, for example, rotatable relative to a fixed element referred to as a rotor according to the above definition in the context of the present disclosure).

[0043] In one embodiment, the inner element of the outer rotation transmission assembly includes a plurality of annular conductive portions (or tracks), and the outer element of the outer rotation transmission assembly includes contact elements that are or can be in conductive contact with the annular portions of the outer element. Additionally or alternatively, the inner element of the inner rotation transmission assembly may include a plurality of annular conductive portions (or tracks), and the outer element of the inner rotation transmission assembly may include contact elements that are or can be in conductive contact with the annular portions of the inner element. With this arrangement, cable routing that saves installation space and is easy to assemble can be achieved in the machine axis system.

[0044] The diameter of the outer and / or inner rotation transmission component can be in particular the largest outer diameter, the smallest inner diameter or the average diameter. The average diameter can be defined, for example, by the electrical contact or transmission area (or contact track) or the optical transmission area between the inner element and the outer element of the respective rotation transmission component. In particular, the diameter of the outer rotation transmission component can be defined by the (preferably smallest) diameter of its inner element, and / or the diameter of the inner rotation transmission component can be defined by the (preferably largest) diameter of its outer element. In this case, all diameters mentioned above and below can each be measured in a plane extending perpendicularly with respect to the axis of rotation.

[0045] In order to achieve the described diameter ratio, the diameter (particularly the inner diameter) of the inner element of the external rotation transmission component may be larger than the diameter (particularly the outer diameter) of the outer element of the internal rotation transmission component. The diameter of the inner element of the external rotation transmission component may be the diameter of a certain area of ​​the outer element facing away from the rotation transmission component. Similarly, the diameter may be the diameter of a certain inner area of ​​the inner element of the external rotation transmission component, for example, coupled to a shaft in order to fasten the inner element.

[0046] The diameter of the outer element of the inner rotation transmission assembly can be the diameter of a region of the inner element facing away from the rotation transmission assembly. Similarly, the diameter can be the diameter of an outer zone of the outer element coupled to the shaft and / or resting thereon.

[0047] It goes without saying that the diameter of the outer element of the outer rotation transmission component is preferably greater than the diameter, in particular the maximum diameter, of the inner element of this rotation transmission component. Similarly, the diameter of the inner element of the inner rotation transmission component is preferably smaller than the diameter, in particular the minimum diameter, of the outer element of the inner rotation transmission component. In other words, the inner elements of the rotation transmission components can preferably each be received in the corresponding outer element and / or axially displaced therein.

[0048] According to one embodiment of the device and method, these rotation transmission components can be arranged at least partially along a common area of ​​the rotation axis and / or extend along a common area of ​​the rotation axis. In other words, these rotation transmission components can overlap when considered along the rotation axis. Therefore, in the case of this variant, at least one area along the rotation axis can be defined, which is spanned by both the internal rotation transmission component and the external rotation transmission component and / or is received in these two rotation transmission components. Therefore, in the sense of the figure, the internal and external rotation transmission components can be axially pushed into each other and / or positioned so that they are nested in each other within the machine axis system. This helps to reduce the installation space of the machine axis system, especially the axial installation space.

[0049] In the case of a development of the system and the method, the internal elements of the external rotation transmission assembly and / or the external elements of the internal rotation transmission assembly are connected to the shaft so as to rotate together. In particular, the internal elements of the external rotation transmission assembly can be arranged on the outer area of ​​the shaft (for example, in the form of an outer diameter step) or supported thereon. On the other hand, the external elements of the internal rotation transmission assembly can be arranged on the inner area of ​​the shaft, especially on the inner diameter step, or supported thereon. Specifically, torque transmission can be achieved by fixing the corresponding elements of these rotation transmission assemblies relative to the shaft, especially indirectly or directly mechanically connected thereto or fastened thereto (for example, such as by a drive structure or a screw connection). In addition, torque transmission can be achieved by rotating the internal elements and / or external elements together with the shaft, but not being rotatable relative thereto.

[0050] On the other hand, the outer rotation transmission assembly and / or the respective other element of the inner rotation transmission assembly may not be fastened to the shaft and not coupled thereto for rotation therewith. In particular, these rotation transmission assemblies may not be rotatable therewith and are preferably stationary relative thereto or are arranged in a generally stationary manner within the machine axis system. In detail, the outer element of the outer transmission assembly and / or the inner element of the inner rotation transmission assembly may not be coupled to the shaft for rotation therewith.

[0051] The above-described fixed or rotated states of the individual elements of the inner and outer rotation transmission assemblies each can contribute to achieving a space saving configuration of the machine axis system.

[0052] Any internal and external elements of the internal and external rotation transmission components can extend substantially concentrically along the rotation axis of the shaft at least partially. This specifically relates to the internal element of the internal rotation transmission component. The internal element can be formed as a pin, cylinder, shaft, protrusion or rotation bearing for the shaft, or function as such. Alternatively, the internal element can be formed as a substantially annular and / or hollow cylinder and be arranged on one of the above elements (e.g., a pin) or receive a corresponding element therein.

[0053] In the case of a development of the device and the method, the shaft has a gap, which extends at least partially along the axis of rotation, and the internal rotation transmission assembly is at least partially received in the gap. Preferably, the gap also extends substantially concentrically relative to the axis of rotation at least partially. The gap can at least partially receive the axis of rotation therein, or at least partially surround the axis of rotation. The gap can form a hollow shaft portion of the shaft, or be composed of such a hollow shaft portion. In such a variant, the shaft is formed as a hollow shaft. In this case, the gap can extend axially through the shaft and also along the axis of rotation, preferably concentrically relative to the axis of rotation, for example in the form of a central through hole. In other words, due to the gap, the shaft can be realized as a hollow shaft.

[0054] The outer element of the internal rotation transmission assembly can be connected to the gap according to any of the above-mentioned variants and / or fastened thereto. In particular, this can be achieved by abutting and / or fastening the outer element on the inner wall of the gap, which is preferably cylindrical or defines the surface of a cylinder (especially the surface of a circular cylinder).

[0055] As described above, the external element of the external rotation transmission assembly can also be arranged on the inner wall area of ​​the housing system of the machine axis system. In this way, the desired alignment of the external element with respect to the axis of rotation, in particular its concentricity, can be provided. For example, the inner wall area can provide a diameter fit. For axial fixing, the flat area of ​​the external element can be screwed onto a flange, for example. In general, the housing system can at least partially accommodate and / or surround an optional drive unit of the machine axis system, and / or the shaft.

[0056] The described possibilities for arranging an outer rotation transmitting component in the housing system and also arranging an inner rotation transmitting component in the intermediate space can each contribute to reducing the overall required installation space.

[0057] In a further embodiment of the device and the method, the machine axis system comprises a first line system (or in other words, a first line section) for providing an electrical energy supply, and a second line system (or in other words, a second line section) for transmitting information without transmitting electrical energy, or transmitting at most a smaller amount of electrical energy than the first line system transmits. In this case, the first line system is connected to one of the internal rotation transmission component and the external rotation transmission component, and the second line system is connected to the corresponding other of the internal rotation transmission component and the external rotation transmission component (preferably the internal rotation transmission component). The difference in the transmitted electrical energy can correspond to ten times or five times (for example, with respect to the transmitted current and / or the maximum current intensity). Connecting the line system to the respective rotation transmission component can be understood to mean in each case an energy or information transmission or a conductive connection. Therefore, in addition to this, in the case of this embodiment, the transmitted information (for example, in the form of electrical, digital or analog signals or data) and the transmitted electrical energy (for example, in the form of electrical load, electrical power output or current) can be at least partially divided between the internal rotation transmission component and the external rotation transmission component. In this case, at least the information transmission may comply with the CAT5, CAT5e or preferably CAT6 standard.

[0058] Through the first line system, an electric power output of a drive unit that can be used to drive another component coupled to the shaft or a load can be transmitted to provide a supply of electric energy. In addition or alternatively, providing a supply of electric energy can include providing a supply of voltage. In addition to this, the supply of electric energy can include electric power transmission and / or electric load transmission.

[0059] The information transmitted by the second line system may include analog signals, digital signals or optical signals, wherein these signals may also be converted into electrical signals before transmission. The analog signal may be, for example, an analog electrical signal from a measuring system (e.g., in the form of a sensor device of a coordinate measuring machine), or an analog identification. These identifications may be provided in the form of analog signals, and, for example, used to identify units that are only indirectly or directly connected to a machine axis system (e.g., for identifying sensors connected to an exchange interface) as needed and when needed. These identifications may also only indicate the presence of any desired unit (e.g., a sensor) of a predetermined type, without identifying it more precisely. The digital signal may be, for example, a digital electrical signal generated and / or transmitted according to a standardized transmission protocol such as Ethernet or a CAN bus.

[0060] In general, therefore, the supply of electrical energy may provide or include that electrical work can be performed by means of the transmitted electrical energy. On the other hand, the transmission of information may include that information can be generated, read out and / or evaluated by means of the transmitted signal.

[0061] It goes without saying that any of the above-described variants for supplying energy or transmitting information can also be provided within the context of the present disclosure even if the explained division of the corresponding transmission between the inner rotation transmitting component and the outer rotation transmitting component by a separate line system is not provided.

[0062] By at least partially dividing the energy supply and the information transmission between different rotation transmission components, the following effect can be achieved: these transmissions do not influence each other or influence each other only to a reduced extent. In particular, the information transmitted by one of these rotation transmission components cannot be tampered with or only to a lesser extent by any current, voltage or power output transmitted during the energy supply.

[0063] Preferably, the supply of electrical energy takes place primarily via the outer rotary transmission component, and the transmission of information takes place primarily via the inner rotary transmission component. In principle, however, it can be provided that both the outer rotary transmission component and the inner rotary transmission component can transmit electrical energy and / or information. This is advantageous to the extent that the outer rotary transmission component, due to its larger diameter, enables energy transmission via connecting lines and / or conductor tracks having an overall larger cross-section. This is advantageous, for example, with regard to the extent of transmittable electrical energy and / or thermal resistance.

[0064] On the other hand, a (mainly) information transmission via an inner rotating transmission component of a smaller diameter may be advantageous to the extent that tampering influences on the information may be reduced. Such influences may be caused, for example, by conductor tracks of the rotating transmission component acting in a capacitive manner and being able to generate tampering electric fields. A smaller diameter of the inner rotating transmission component reduces such capacitance. The inventors have also realized that with a smaller diameter, the requirements of current transmission standards (e.g. in terms of clock frequency and / or bandwidth) may be met more easily.

[0065] It has also been recognized that smaller diameters of the rotating transmission components enable higher transmission frequencies, for example also because their electrical correlation length is smaller relative to the wavelength of the frequency to be transmitted. This applies in particular to wavelengths of the frequency to be transmitted that are in the order of magnitude of the signal ring (and / or conductor track) of the rotating transmission component plus the circumference of the associated contact elements, since propagation processes known from high-frequency technology can have adverse effects on the signal to be transmitted. In particular in the case of correlation lengths greater than or equal to wavelength / 4 (i.e. greater than or equal to one quarter of the wavelength), significant effects must be expected. It is therefore preferred to keep the extent of structures that could potentially interfere with the signal (e.g. the circumference of the conductor track) to less than 5% to 10% of the wavelength.

[0066] For example, CAT6 data channels are specified for operating frequencies up to 250 MHz. The wavelength depends on the relevant dielectric constant and corresponds, for example, to approximately 800 mm at 250 MHz. The extent of a signal track (and / or conductor track) with a diameter of 70 mm corresponds to approximately 250 mm and is therefore disadvantageous for a CAT6 data channel from a high-frequency point of view.

[0067] In contrast, according to the invention, four pairs of impedance-controlled CAT6 cables with a diameter of, for example, 6 mm can be connected via an internal rotating transmission assembly. Including the support structure, a diameter of, for example, 8 mm is then obtained for the signal track or conductor track, which corresponds to a loop circumference of approximately 25 mm and correspondingly less than 5% of the wavelength. A mechanically more robust variant has, for example, a diameter of 20 mm and a signal track or conductor track circumference of 63 mm.

[0068] Thus, the inventors have recognized that due to these characteristics and the lower crosstalk resulting from low capacitance for fast data transmission (eg, according to current standards) as described above, a small diameter of the rotational transmission assembly, particularly the inner rotational transmission assembly, is preferred.

[0069] A development of the machine axis system and method provides that at least one of the inner rotation transmission assembly and the outer rotation transmission assembly (and preferably at least the inner rotation transmission assembly) is designed for signal transmission with a bandwidth of at least 100 MHz (and preferably at least 200 MHz, for example at least 250 MHz or even more) and / or a transmission rate of at least 1 Gigabit. Additionally or alternatively, the signal transmission can be carried out according to a predetermined transmission protocol (for example Ethernet).

[0070] The invention also relates to a rotation / pivot unit, in particular for use in a coordinate measuring machine, comprising a machine axis system as described above. The machine axis system can in particular provide or consist of a rotation axis and / or a pivot axis of the rotation / pivot unit. According to a variant, the machine axis system provides a rotation axis of such a unit, in particular an endlessly rotating rotation axis. The rotation axis can also rotate the pivot axis of the rotation / pivot unit, wherein the pivot axis is preferably not formed as an endlessly rotating axis, but only as a finitely rotating axis.

[0071] The invention also relates to a method for transmitting energy and information via a machine axis system, wherein the machine axis system is formed according to any of the aspects mentioned above or below, and the method comprises:

[0072] - transmitting electrical energy (and / or an electrical load and / or an electrical power output) through a first of the inner and outer rotational transmission assemblies; and

[0073] - transmitting information by means of the corresponding further rotating transmission element without transmitting electrical energy or at most transmitting a smaller amount of electrical energy than the first rotating transmission element.

[0074] As described above, this can be achieved in particular by providing a first and a second line system, which are connected to the respective inner and outer rotary transmission components and enable the (main) supply of electrical energy and the (main) transmission of information to be divided at least partially between these rotary transmission components, respectively. However, it can be similarly provided that information and / or electrical energy are transmitted via the two rotary transmission components, but wherein the electrical energy transmission is more than the other transmission. The electrical energy transmission can generally be used for performing work and / or for supplying voltage to further components. The information can then be an analog signal or a digital signal.

[0075] The method may include any further steps, any developments and any further features to provide all interactions, operating states and functions mentioned above or below. In particular, the method may be implementable or implemented by a machine axis system according to any aspect mentioned above or below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0076] Embodiments of the present invention are explained below based on the schematic drawings. In the drawings:

[0077] Figure 1 shows a schematic illustration of a coordinate measuring machine comprising a machine axis system according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, which implements the method according to the invention;

[0078] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 Illustration of a detail of a rotation / pivot unit of a coordinate measuring machine;

[0079] Figure 3 Shows Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a machine axis system of a coordinate measuring machine;

[0080] Figure 4 A flow chart is shown for describing the method according to the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0081] Figure 1 A coordinate measuring machine 10 is shown. The coordinate measuring machine 10 is used to measure an object 12. For this purpose an optical sensor device 14 is provided, which may in particular be a confocal white light sensor or a color optical sensor device.

[0082] A rotation / pivot unit 16 is provided, in particular for spatially aligning the optical sensor device 14 relative to the object 12, which enables the optical sensor device 14 to be rotated about two spatial axes and thus aligns it in a desired spatial direction. Figure 3 A machine axis system (more precisely, a rotation axis that rotates the pivot axis) assembled in the rotation / pivot unit 16 is explained in more detail. Figure 1 There is no separate identification in the , because it is not visible or hidden here.

[0083] The coordinate measuring machine 10 is arranged on a base 18. A gantry 20 is mounted displaceably in the Y direction relative to the base 18. A carriage 22 is mounted displaceably in the X direction on the gantry 20. A quill 24 is in turn mounted displaceably in the Z direction in the carriage 22. The X, Y and Z directions together form a Cartesian coordinate system. In this way, a suitable arrangement of the optical sensor device 14 relative to the object 12 arranged on the base 18 is achieved by moving the gantry 20, the carriage 22 and the quill 24 in translation and also by using the two rotation axes of the rotation / pivot unit 16.

[0084] The gantry 20, the carriage 22 and the quill 24 together form a support structure 26. In principle, other support structures 26 for the coordinate measuring machine 10 are also known and can be provided, such as a horizontal arm support structure or the like. Also shown are scales 28 in the Y direction, scales 30 in the X direction and scales 32 in the Z direction. These enable the spatial positioning of the gantry 20, the carriage 22 and the quill 24 to be detected, so that the positioning of the optical sensor device 14 in the measuring space is always known based on the known rotational position of the rotating / pivoting unit 16.

[0085] In principle, any of the movements described can be produced here by means of the machine axis systems according to the invention, which are coupled to the respectively moving components in a torque-transmitting manner.

[0086] The closed-loop control device 34 is used to control the coordinate measuring machine 10. In general, a data processing device 36 is provided in the closed-loop control device 34 to perform the control of the coordinate measuring machine 10 and the evaluation of the measurement results. The closed-loop control device 34 can also activate the individual machine axis systems of the coordinate measuring machine 10, in particular the drive units installed therein.

[0087] An input device 38 is also schematically shown, which can be provided for the user to input data. A display device can also be provided for displaying the measurement results to the user. The shown configuration and system of the closed-loop control device 34, the data processing device 36 and the input device 38 are only schematic and should be understood as being given by way of example. The configuration and system can be configured completely differently or, for example, can also be at least partially integrated in the base 18 of the coordinate measuring machine 10.

[0088] Figure 2 An enlarged view of the area around the rotating / pivoting unit 16 is shown. The sensor device 14 can be seen again (which can be spatially positioned by the rotating / pivoting unit 16). For this purpose, the rotating / pivoting unit 16 comprises two mechanical rotation axes, in particular a rotation axis 48 and a pivot axis 52, the respective rotation axes being indicated by dashed lines. In principle, both axes can be realized by the machine axis system according to the invention. However, as will be described below based on Figure 2 As explained, only the axis of rotation 48 is provided, or in other words realized, by the machine axis system according to the invention. Figure 2 In the view of FIG. 4 , the axis of rotation 48 enables the sensor device 14 to be rotated about a vertical spatial axis (or Z axis). For this purpose, the pivot unit 62 , to which the sensor device 14 is indirectly attached, is rotated about the corresponding spatial axis.

[0089] The pivot unit 62 itself also comprises a machine axis system in the form of a pivot axis 52, wherein the sensor device 14 can be rotated about a spatial axis 52 which is located between Figure 2 The center is the horizontal (or X-axis).

[0090] exist Figure 2 It can also be seen that the rotation axis 48 is received in or extends from the rotation unit 46. The rotation unit 46 is rigidly coupled to the quill 24. The sensor device 14 is received in a sensor head 63 which can be pivoted by the pivot unit 62. Also shown is an optional sensor axis 53 about which the sensor device 14 can be rotated.

[0091] Reference Figure 3 The following is a description of the machine axis system 80 according to the invention in the rotation unit 46. Figure 2 The form of the rotation axis 48 of the swivel / pivot unit 16 is used for explanation. The machine axis system 80 comprises a housing system 82 which is generally formed as a hollow cylinder in the case shown. Figure 3 A protective plate not shown in the figure can be attached to the housing system 82 to obtain Figure 2External appearance of the rotation unit 46 shown. The components of the machine axis system 80 explained below are each at least partially received in a housing system 82 or in other words positioned therein.

[0092] It should be noted that Figure 3 A sectional view through the machine axis system 80 is shown, wherein the sectional plane contains the rotation axis R explained below. However, not all cutaway components are shown here in a hatched manner, since this is only a schematic illustration.

[0093] The machine axis system 80 comprises a shaft 84 which is formed as a hollow shaft and is rotatable about an axis of rotation R which is located at Figure 3 In this case, the rotation axis R corresponds to the Figure 2 The dashed line depicts an axis vertically, with which the position or function of the axis of rotation 48 is indicated. In the case shown, the shaft 84 serves as a drive shaft for transmitting torque, but this does not necessarily have to be the case.

[0094] The shaft 84 comprises at a first axial end a connection portion 124, by means of which the shaft is coupled to a drive / gear mechanism system 86 (not explained in more detail here) in a torque-transmitting manner. More precisely, the shaft 84 is connected to a gear mechanism of the drive / gear mechanism system 86 by means of a screw connection 92 and can rotate about the rotation axis R according to the rotation of the gear mechanism. At a second axial end opposite thereto, the shaft 84 is likewise connected to an inner ring 88 of a bearing system 90 by means of a screw connection 92 and can rotate it. More precisely, the inner ring 88 is rotatably mounted in the housing system 82 by means of a ball bearing system. The inner ring 88 is also coupled to Figure 2 on the pivot unit 62 so that it rotates around the rotation axis R.

[0095] As already described, the shaft 84 is formed as a hollow shaft and has a gap 96 which extends through the shaft 84 in the form of a through hole with a plurality of diameter steps. In this case, the gap 96 extends along the axis of rotation R and concentrically therewith.

[0096] In order to be able Figure 2In order to supply energy and transmit information between the rotating unit 46 and the pivoting unit 62 (and the sensor device 14 moved by the pivoting unit 62), the machine axis system 80 includes two rotation transmission components in the form of slip ring assemblies 98 and 100. More precisely, an outer slip ring assembly 98 and an inner slip ring assembly 100 are provided. The outer slip ring assembly 98 includes an outer element (i.e., located radially on the outside relative to the rotation axis R) 102. The outer element abuts against the inner wall 83 of the housing system 82 and is concentrically aligned relative to the rotation axis R by corresponding diameter matching. Axial fixation is performed by threading the flat area of ​​the outer element 102 (not shown) to the flange. The outer element 102 is generally formed in an annular shape and has a radial inner area 104 (or inner area), which extends concentrically relative to the rotation axis R and around it and defines the surface of a circular cylinder.

[0097] The external slip ring assembly 98 also includes an internal element (i.e., an element located radially further inward than the external element 102) 106. The internal element is also formed in an annular shape and has a radially outer region 108 (or outer zone), which also extends concentrically relative to the rotation axis R and around it and also defines the surface of a circular cylinder. Therefore, the inner region 104 of the external element 102 and the outer region 108 of the internal element 106 are opposite to each other. Therefore, it can be seen that the internal element 106 is completely received in the external element 102, and these elements 106, 102 have different diameters in principle. In the context of the exemplary embodiment described, all diameter dimensions are relative to a plane extending orthogonally to the rotation axis R.

[0098] Furthermore, the intermediate space between the inner region 104 and the outer region 108 defines a transition region (or contact circle) through which electrical energy and / or signals explained below can be transmitted. This transmission region in turn surrounds the axis of rotation R in an annular manner and extends concentrically relative to and along it, and does not yet intersect it.

[0099] exist Figure 3Not shown separately, according to conventional types of slip rings, the elements 102, 106 of the external slip ring assembly 98 are in electrical contact with each other. More precisely, a plurality of independent conductive tracks are provided on the inner region 104 of the external element 102. Each of these tracks can be occupied by an independent signal and / or an independent electric energy. On the other hand, at the outer region 108 of the internal element 106, contact elements are provided for each track, for example in the form of a wire support, which are engaged in the corresponding track or are in conductive contact with it. Therefore, in principle, electric energy (for example, electric load or electric power output) and / or electric signals can be transmitted between the external element 102 and the internal element 106. The opposite distribution of wire supports and tracks between the internal element 106 and the external element 102 is also possible.

[0100] exist Figure 3 In the case of the variant of the embodiment of the present invention, it should also be emphasized that the inner element 106 of the external slip ring assembly 98 is coupled to the output shaft 84 for rotation therewith. More precisely, the inner element 106 rests with its inner zone 110 facing away from its outer zone 108 against the outer zone 94 of the shaft 84. The rotation of the shaft 84 is transmitted to the inner element 106, which rotates relative to the outer element 102, by a drive not shown (e.g. a pin engaged in a hole). In this case, the drive preferably has at least a slight radial play and no axial restriction. This makes it possible that the torque transmission from the drive / gear mechanism unit 86 does not occur through the external slip ring assembly 98, and / or the overall accuracy of the machine axis system 80 (or the torque transmission through the shaft 84) is not adversely affected by the external slip ring assembly 98. In particular, it should be taken into account that the two slip ring assemblies 98, 100 are mounted independently in a manner known per se and for this purpose, for example, have their own ball bearings (not shown). As far as possible, these should not affect the rotation of the shaft 84, in order to ensure that the machine axis system 80 has the high precision desired, in particular in the context of a coordinate measuring machine. Instead, a specific decoupling of the shaft 84 and the slip ring assembly 98 is achieved by a drive structure that is intentionally provided with play. In a generally known manner, energy or signal transmission is enabled despite the rotation, due to the described conductive contact or conductive connection between the outer element 102 and the inner element 106.

[0101] In order to make this transmission possible, Figure 3 The first line system 112 indicated by a dashed line in the figure can be passed along the inner wall of the housing system 82 or other available free space to the external element 102 and connected thereto in an electrically conductive manner. The internal element 106 is also connected to the line system 113, which can be passed through the free space in the inner ring 88 to the Figure 2The pivot unit 62 of the embodiment of the present invention rotates together with the shaft 84 and thus with the inner element 106. The two line systems 112 and 113 can also be understood as separate line parts of a common (first) line system.

[0102] In the case shown, the electrical energy for driving the further machine axis system in the pivot unit 62 (i.e. the drive which is mounted therein for enabling the pivot axis 52 to rotate) is transmitted via a first line system 112 to the external element 102 and from there via contacts which are not shown separately to the electrical tracks of the internal element 106. From here the electrical energy is transferred via the further line system 113 to the components to be driven of the pivot unit 62. The electrical energy can also be provided and / or transmitted in the form of an electric current for use in a measuring system, for a magnet for replacing a probe, or for a general voltage supply of the sensor device 14. However, in the example shown, the line system 112 can also transmit signals in the direction of the pivot unit 62 or receive signals from it (or from the sensor device 14 attached thereto) and transmit them, for example, along the direction of the pivot unit 62. Figure 1 The direction of the closed-loop control device 34 is transmitted. As examples, analog signals of the measuring system and / or signals in the form of a plate identification or a rotational speed signal may be mentioned.

[0103] However, as mentioned above, the machine axis system 80 also includes an additional rotation transmission assembly in the form of an inner slip ring assembly 100. The slip ring assembly 100 is referred to as an inner assembly because the slip ring assembly has a smaller diameter than the outer slip ring assembly 98. In particular, as explained in more detail below, the inner assembly is at least partially received in the outer slip ring assembly 98.

[0104] Specifically, the internal slip ring assembly 100 further comprises an external element 114, which is arranged to be radially more outward than the internal element 116 and to receive it. The external element 114 is then formed as an annular or hollow cylindrical shape and abuts on the inner side of the gap 96. More specifically, as explained above, the external element is coupled to the inner side by an analog drive so that the external element 114 rotates with the shaft 84. Then the axial fixation can be performed by screwing the flat area onto the flange (not shown). At its inner region 118, where the inner region faces the rotation axis R, is then formed as the surface of a circular cylinder, and extends concentrically along the rotation axis R and relative to it, the external element 114 has contact elements (not shown separately) in a manner similar to the external element 102 of the external slip ring assembly 98. These contact elements engage in the conductor tracks, which are not shown separately and are arranged on the outer region of the internal element 116.

[0105] The outer element 114 also has a larger diameter than the inner element 116. The intermediate space between these elements 114, 116 also defines a transition region, which has already been explained with reference to the outer slip ring assembly 98 and thus extends in an annular manner around the axis of rotation R and concentrically relative thereto and along it and in particular does not intersect it.

[0106] The inner element 116 is formed as a hollow cylinder or hollow shaft extending along the rotation axis R and also concentrically relative thereto. At its end region received in the outer element 114, the inner element 116 has a conductor track formed according to a slip ring of conventional type, so that in principle energy or signal transmission can be carried out between the outer element 114 and the inner element 116. Forming the inner element 116 as a hollow shaft enables cables to be passed through it in order to be connected to the conductor track, for example. This also allows an optional optical waveguide (not shown) to be guided through the inner element 116 in a manner extending along the rotation axis R and thus not subject to any rotation.

[0107] The inner element 116 is also coupled to a non-illustrated stationary part of the machine axis system 80 (e.g., the housing of the drive / gear mechanism unit 86) via a fastening portion 120, which is located in the end region facing away from the outer element 114. This is preferably done again with play, in particular to at least partially decouple the slip ring assembly 100 from the shaft 84 and to ensure the desired accuracy of the machine axis system 80.

[0108] In order to transmit electrical energy and / or signals via the inner slip ring assembly 100, a second line system 115 is provided, which is connected to the inner slip ring assembly 100. Figure 3 The inner element 116 is indicated by dashed lines in the figure and is connected to a connection part 126 (e.g. a plug part) of the inner element 116 close to its fastening part 120. The signals transmitted by the line system 115 can then be transmitted (via lines not shown separately in the inner element 116) to conductor tracks (not shown separately) of the inner element 116, which are connected to contact elements of the outer element 114 in an electrically conductive manner.

[0109] The outer element 114 is in turn connected to a line system 130 which extends through the free space in the inner ring 88 in the direction of the pivot element 62. The line systems 115 and 130 can also be understood as separate parts of a common (second) line system.

[0110] In the case shown, information, in particular analog or digital electrical signals, are transmitted via first line system 115 (and also further line system 130). Figure 1The closed-loop control device 34 of the sensor device 14 is transmitted to the control signal of the closed-loop control device 34. However, in the opposite way, the measurement signal can be transmitted from the sensor device 14 to the closed-loop control device 34. This is achieved in a manner known per se by an electrical connection provided by the internal slip ring assembly 100. However, in addition, the first line system 115 can also transmit electrical energy, but the amount of this electrical energy is preferably less than the electrical energy transmitted by the external slip ring assembly 98 or the line systems 112, 113 there. For example, energy transmission can be achieved in the form of Power over Ethernet (PoE). The fact that the internal slip ring assembly 100 is mainly used to transmit information without transmitting electrical energy, or only transmits a relatively small amount of electrical energy means that the connection part 126 can also be specially designed for connection to a corresponding data plug (for example, an Ethernet plug, not shown in each case). This improves the data transmission quality that can be achieved with the machine axis system 80. According to a variant that does not limit this exemplary embodiment, the first line system 115 (and / or 130) can include at least two twisted pair connections and / or be a component of a bus system.

[0111] It is also provided that data transmission is performed through the slip ring assembly 100 according to the CAT6 standard and / or in an impedance controlled manner in general, each of which is not limited to only a specific exemplary embodiment. In order to reduce additional interference, especially crosstalk, the independent lines connected to the slip ring assembly 100 can be twisted, spaced apart, and / or shielded in a suitable manner. It is also provided that the slip ring assembly 100 enables signal transmission with a bandwidth of at least 100 MHz, and preferably at least 200 MHz (e.g., at least 250 MHz) and a rate of at least 1 Gbit / s.

[0112] The diameter difference between the outer slip ring assembly 98 and the inner slip ring assembly 100 (in Figure 3 As can be clearly seen in FIG. 1 , it can be described as follows: the diameter of the outer element 102 of the outer component 98, in particular its maximum or minimum diameter, and also the diameter of the inner element 106, in particular its maximum or minimum diameter, are in each case greater than all diameters of the inner slip ring component 100. In particular, the inner region 104 or the outer region 108 (as in FIG. 1 ) can be considered here. Figure 3 ), or the electrical contact area between the outer element 102 and the inner element 106 extending between these regions 104 , 108 .

[0113] In a similar manner, the diameter of an internal slip ring assembly may be considered as the (largest or smallest) diameter of its outer element 114 or inner element 116. However, similarly, the diameter of the contact area (or transmission area) between these elements 114, 116 may again be considered, through which the described information is transmitted.

[0114] The fact that the outer slip ring assembly 98 generally has a larger diameter than the inner slip ring assembly 100 means that the inner slip ring assembly can be at least partially received in the outer slip ring assembly 98, as well as Figure 3 Thus, in other words, the slip ring assemblies 98, 100 may be at least partially pushed into each other and / or positioned to nest with each other within the machine axis system 80. Figure 3 In the case of a plurality of slip ring assemblies, this is achieved in the following manner: the inner slip ring assembly 100 and the outer slip ring assembly 98 extend along a common region B of the rotation axis R, or each axially spans this region B. Although a wide range of transmission possibilities is thus provided, the axial installation space or overall space requirement required for the slip ring assemblies 98, 100 is less than the case where only a single slip ring assembly 98, 100 is provided, but it is formed to have a larger axial length. Due to the described diameter ratio of its slip ring assemblies 98, 100, this exemplary embodiment is distinguished by a relatively small axial installation space and overall space requirement. This also provides the following advantages: the shaft 84 can be relatively small, and the lever arm affecting the accuracy in the machine axis system 80 can also be correspondingly small. Due to the reduced length, the shaft 84 is also less sensitive to torsion and can therefore, for example, be designed to have a smaller weight.

[0115] Furthermore, at least one of the slip ring assemblies 98, 100, in particular the inner slip ring assembly, can be formed with a relatively small diameter. This makes the already described high transmission capacity possible, since interference effects due to, for example, the capacitance of the conductor tracks can be reduced. If only a corresponding single slip ring assembly 98, 100 of small size is provided, the number of lines and / or cables that can be connected thereto will be limited due to the limited inner diameter (for example, since all these lines and / or cables must be guided through the inner element 116). This is compensated by providing an additional and correspondingly larger-sized outer slip ring assembly 98.

[0116] A further advantage is obtained to the extent that the transmission of electrical energy (or electrical load and / or electrical power output) mainly used for actual work and the transmission of information (e.g., in the form of signals or data) can be at least partially separated by the first line system 112 and the second line system 115. In particular, these transmissions can be at least partially divided between different slip ring assemblies 98, 100, in particular in the form that the internal slip ring assembly 98 transmits only a smaller amount of electrical energy or no electrical energy at all. The current intensity of 2.5 A that can be transmitted by the external slip ring assembly 98 can be mentioned as an example, while a current intensity that is at least 10 or at least 5 times lower can be transmitted by the internal slip ring assembly 100. Therefore, in some cases, the interfering influence of high currents or voltages transmitted by the first line system 112 has no influence on the information transmitted by the second line system 115, or has only a slightly falsifying influence. In particular, it is conceivable that only particularly critical data and signals to be transmitted at a high transmission rate are transmitted via the inner slip ring assembly 98 , while the outer slip ring assembly 100 may transmit no data and signals, or at most less critical data and signals.

[0117] Finally, it is advantageous to the extent that the two slip ring assemblies 98, 100 can be formed according to the more advantageous production variant described at the outset, in which case a plurality of independent ring elements are combined with one another or arranged one after the other. Since the slip ring assemblies 98, 100 are arranged in the manner described among one another, the accompanying greater overall space requirement compared to electroplated slip rings can be partially or even completely compensated. Depending on the specific configuration, a uniform arrangement of slip ring assemblies 98, 100 can be provided that is cheaper and axially shorter than electroplated slip rings. The use of ring elements of smaller diameter can also be accompanied by a higher signal transmission quality compared to electroplated conductor tracks with larger diameters, since the risk of crosstalk is then reduced.

[0118] Finally, it goes without saying that other rotation-transmitting components, such as optical, capacitive or inductive components, can also be used as the shown slip ring components 98, 100. This applies in particular if the transmission region of the rotation-transmitting components extends in a similar manner around the axis of rotation R and the diameter thereof can be selected in such a way that a system similar to the example shown is possible.

[0119] The fact that the internal slip ring assembly 100 can mainly or even only transmit data or signals means that, compared to independent slip rings that mainly transmit electrical energy and possibly also information, at least here, the required interfaces (or disconnection points or connection points) of the line system 115, 130 are reduced. In particular, the connection interface in the form of a plug or the like can be optimized to mainly or purely perform data transmission (for example, in accordance with the CAT6 standard). As mentioned above, in particular, data according to a predetermined transmission protocol can be transmitted through the internal slip ring assembly 100, and / or the slip ring assembly 100 can form a (connected) component of a BUS system. On the other hand, information that is not transmitted through this transmission protocol and / or bus system can be transmitted through the external slip ring assembly 98.

[0120] Finally, in Figure 4 In FIG. 1 , a flow chart for explaining the method according to the invention is shown. This envisages the transmission of electrical energy and information via a machine axis system 80, which is formed, for example, according to the exemplary embodiment described above. In step S1, the electrical energy to be transmitted is fed to the machine axis system 80. In step S2, which step can generally be carried out at a different time than step S1 or in parallel, the information to be transmitted is fed to the machine axis system 80. Subsequently, in step S3, which step can be carried out at any desired time relative to step S2, the electrical energy is transmitted mostly or only via one of the inner rotary transmission component 100 and the outer rotary transmission component 98. Furthermore, in step S4, which step can be carried out at any desired time relative to step S1, the information is transmitted mostly or only via the other of the inner rotary transmission component 100 and the outer rotary transmission component 98. The line systems 112, 113 and 115, 130 described above are considered for the described transmission device.

Claims

1. A machine axis system (80) having a shaft (84) rotatable about an axis of rotation (R); and An inner rotation transmission assembly (100) and an outer rotation transmission assembly (98), each assembly comprising an inner element (106, 116) and an outer element (102, 114) that are rotatable relative to each other and are designed to interact with each other to transmit information and / or electrical energy; in, One of the inner element (106, 116) and the outer element (102, 114) of one of the inner rotation transmission assembly and the outer rotation transmission assembly is coupled to the shaft (84); wherein the diameter of the outer rotation transmission component (98) is greater than the diameter of the inner rotation transmission component (100), and Wherein, at least one of the internal rotation transmission component (100) and the external rotation transmission component (98) is designed to transmit signals with a bandwidth of at least 100 MHz and / or to transmit signals with a transmission rate of at least 1 Gbit / s.

2. The machine axis system (80) according to claim 1, in, At least one of the inner rotating transmission component (100) and the outer rotating transmission component (98) is designed to transmit signals with a bandwidth of at least 250 MHz and / or to transmit signals at a transmission rate of at least 1 Gigabit / second.

3. The machine axis system (80) according to claim 1, in, The rotation transmission components are arranged at least partially along a common region (B) of the rotation axis (R).

4. The machine axis system (80) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in, The inner element (106) of the outer rotation transmission assembly (98) and / or the outer element (114) of the inner rotation transmission assembly (100) are coupled to the shaft (84) for common rotation.

5. The machine axis system (80) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in, The outer element (102) of the outer rotation transmission assembly (98) and / or the inner element (116) of the inner rotation transmission assembly (100) are rotationally decoupled from the shaft (84).

6. The machine axis system (80) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in, An inner element (116) of the internal rotation transmission assembly (100) extends at least partially substantially concentrically along the rotation axis (R).

7. The machine axis system (80) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in, The shaft (84) has a gap (96) extending at least partially along the rotational axis (R), and the internal rotation transmission assembly (100) is at least partially received in the gap.

8. The machine axis system (80) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in, The outer element (102) of the outer rotation transmission assembly (98) is arranged on an inner wall region (83) of a housing system (82) of the machine axis system (80).

9. The machine axis system (80) according to claim 4, in, The machine axis system (80) comprises a first line system (112) for providing a power supply, and a second line system (115) for transmitting information without transmitting power, or at most transmitting a smaller amount of power than transmitted by the first line system (112), wherein the first line system (112) is connected to one of the inner rotation transmission component (100) and the outer rotation transmission component (98), and the second line system (115) is connected to the corresponding other rotation transmission component.

10. A rotating / pivoting unit (16), Comprising a machine axis system (80) according to one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The rotation / pivoting unit according to claim 10, wherein: The rotation / pivot unit is used in a coordinate measuring machine (10).

12. A method for transmitting electrical energy and information via a machine axis system (80), in, The machine axis system (80) is formed according to one of claims 1 to 9, and the method comprises: - transmitting electrical energy through one of the inner rotation transmission assembly (100) and the outer rotation transmission assembly (98); and - Information is transmitted by the corresponding other rotating transmission component without transmitting electrical energy or at most a smaller amount of electrical energy than that transmitted by the one rotating transmission component.

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