Locking device for a measuring instrument

Abstract

The present disclosure describes a locking device of a measuring instrument, comprising a driving mechanism, a chuck mechanism and an adjusting mechanism, the driving mechanism comprising a first driving part for driving the chuck mechanism and a second driving part for driving the adjusting mechanism; the chuck mechanism comprising a first chuck configured to rotate around a first rotation axis and linked with a measuring head, and a second chuck arranged opposite to the first chuck; the adjusting mechanism comprising a first supporting mechanism connected with the first chuck, a second supporting mechanism arranged on the second chuck, a rotating mechanism, and a crossbeam linked with the rotating mechanism and connected with the first supporting mechanism and the second supporting mechanism, the rotating mechanism being arranged on the second driving part and configured to rotate around a second rotation axis under the action of the second driving part, the rotating mechanism rotating to drive the first supporting mechanism to move so as to make the first chuck and the second chuck clamped. Thus, the positioning repeatability of the measuring head can be improved, and the measurement accuracy of the measuring instrument can be improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to the field of intelligent manufacturing equipment industry, and specifically to a locking device for a measuring instrument. Background Technology

[0002] A coordinate measuring machine (CMM) is an industrial measuring instrument. Due to its advantages of high measurement speed and high accuracy, it is widely used in fields such as machinery manufacturing, automotive industry, electronics industry, aerospace, defense industry, and metrology and testing. It is an indispensable testing equipment for modern industrial inspection and weight control.

[0003] To adapt to more complex measurement environments, during the measurement process of a coordinate measuring machine (CMM), it is typically necessary to adjust the CMM probe to a preset posture and maintain this posture for measuring the part. In existing technology, after the probe is adjusted to the preset posture, a locking device is usually used to lock the rotating mechanism that drives the probe's movement. This fixes the probe in the preset posture. The preset posture of the probe is generally different for different parts or different areas of the same part to be measured. In other words, during the measurement of a part, it is usually necessary to adjust the preset posture of the probe multiple times to achieve a complete measurement of the part.

[0004] However, adjusting the probe's preset posture multiple times also requires fixing the probe's preset posture multiple times. If the state of the locking mechanism (e.g., the overall deformation of the locking mechanism or the deformation / displacement of a single component) is different when fixing the probe's preset posture multiple times, it will result in different forces on the rotating mechanism, thus affecting the coordinate accuracy of the probe in the spatial position of the coordinate measuring machine, and ultimately affecting the measurement accuracy of the coordinate measuring machine. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This disclosure is made in view of the above-mentioned situation, and its purpose is to provide a locking device for a measuring instrument that can improve the positioning repeatability of the probe and thus improve the measurement accuracy of the measuring instrument.

[0006] Therefore, this disclosure provides a locking device for a measuring instrument, which is a locking device for locking the probe of the measuring instrument. It includes a drive mechanism, a chuck mechanism, and an adjustment mechanism. The drive mechanism includes a first drive portion for driving the chuck mechanism and a second drive portion for driving the adjustment mechanism. The chuck mechanism includes a first chuck disposed on the first drive portion and configured to rotate around a first rotation axis under the action of the first drive portion and linked with the probe, and a second chuck disposed opposite to the first chuck. The adjustment mechanism includes a first support mechanism connected to the first chuck, a second support mechanism disposed on the second chuck, a rotary mechanism, and a crossbeam linked to the rotary mechanism and connected to the first support mechanism and the second support mechanism. The rotary mechanism is disposed on the second drive portion and configured to rotate around a second rotation axis under the action of the second drive portion. When the rotary mechanism rotates, it drives the first support mechanism to move so that the first chuck engages with the second chuck.

[0007] In the locking device disclosed herein, the first drive unit drives the first chuck to rotate around the first rotation axis, thereby changing the spatial orientation of the probe linked to the first chuck. Then, the second drive unit drives the rotary mechanism to rotate around the second rotation axis, changing the position of the rotary mechanism against the crossbeam and causing the first support mechanism to move. In this configuration, the movement of the first support mechanism allows the first chuck to engage with the second chuck, thus locking the probe. Furthermore, the rotary mechanism ensures that the first chuck moves the same distance each time the probe is locked to engage with the second chuck, thereby improving the positioning repeatability of the probe and consequently improving the measurement accuracy of the measuring instrument.

[0008] Alternatively, in the locking device disclosed herein, the first support mechanism may include an elastic element and a support body passing through the elastic element and connected to the first chuck. In this case, when the first support mechanism moves, the support of the support body on the elastic element improves the stability of the elastic element during compression or tension, thereby improving the stability of the first support mechanism during movement. This, in turn, improves the stability of each component of the locking device, and consequently, improves the stability of the first chuck engaging with the second chuck.

[0009] Additionally, in the locking device disclosed herein, optionally, the crossbeam includes a first end fixedly connected to the first support mechanism, a second end movably connected to the second support mechanism, and a third end fitted to the rotary mechanism. When the rotary mechanism rotates, the crossbeam swings around the connection point between the second end and the second support mechanism as a fulcrum to drive the first support mechanism to move, wherein the first end is located between the second end and the third end. In this case, when the rotary mechanism rotates, the spatial position of the third end changes with the rotation of the rotary mechanism, and the crossbeam can swing around the connection point between the second end and the second support mechanism as a fulcrum, thereby driving the first support mechanism to move, and further driving the first chuck connected to the first support mechanism to move.

[0010] Additionally, in the locking device disclosed herein, optionally, the rotary mechanism has a notch at a distance from the second rotation axis not less than a preset value. When the rotary mechanism rotates to the point where the third end is located at the notch, the first chuck engages with the second chuck. In this case, by controlling the movement of the rotary mechanism, the first support mechanism can be moved, thereby enabling the first chuck to engage with the second chuck.

[0011] Furthermore, in the locking device disclosed herein, optionally, the rotary mechanism has a concentric arc surface of a preset length. When the rotary mechanism rotates until the concentric arc surface is in contact with the crossbeam, the first chuck engages with the second chuck. In this case, when the concentric arc surface of the rotary mechanism is in contact with the crossbeam, it indicates that the first chuck has moved a preset distance, thereby enabling the first chuck to engage with the second chuck. Moreover, since the rotary mechanism has a concentric arc surface of a preset length, even if the rotational accuracy of the second drive unit is low, the first chuck can still reliably engage with the second chuck. In other words, by setting a concentric arc surface of a preset length in the rotary mechanism, the control accuracy of the rotary mechanism can be reduced, thereby facilitating the improvement of the positioning accuracy of the locking device when locking the probe. This facilitates the control of the probe.

[0012] Furthermore, in the locking device disclosed herein, optionally, the concentric arc surface is located at the highest position of the rotary mechanism. In this case, whenever the rotary mechanism rotates to its highest position and engages with the crossbeam, the first chuck can engage with the second chuck to lock the probe. This improves the positioning repeatability of the locking device and thus improves the measurement accuracy of the measuring instrument. In addition, when the rotary mechanism is not at its highest position and engages with the crossbeam, the first chuck and the second chuck can have a certain gap. This arrangement reduces the occurrence of excessive rotation of the rotary mechanism due to malfunctions of other components (e.g., the second drive unit, the first chuck, and the second chuck), which could lead to excessive compression of the first and second chucks. This reduces the measurement uncertainty caused by excessive compression of the first and second chucks and thus improves the measurement accuracy of the measuring instrument.

[0013] Alternatively, in the locking device disclosed herein, the first chuck may be provided with at least one first engaging member, and the second chuck may be provided with a second engaging member that can engage with the first engaging member. In this case, the first and second chucks can be engaged through the cooperation of the first and second engaging members, thereby locking the probe.

[0014] Additionally, the locking device disclosed herein may optionally include a control mechanism configured to control the rotary mechanism to rotate a second preset angle when the first chuck rotates a first preset angle, thereby engaging the first chuck with the second chuck. In this case, through the linkage between the control unit and the first and second drive units, the first chuck can engage with the second chuck after rotating a first preset angle, thus ensuring that the probe remains in a preset posture when locked.

[0015] Additionally, the locking device disclosed herein may optionally include a sensing mechanism signal-connected to the control mechanism. The sensing mechanism includes a first measuring element for obtaining the rotation angle of the first chuck. The sensing mechanism is configured to send a first electrical signal to the control mechanism when the first chuck rotates by the first preset angle. The control mechanism controls the rotation of the rotary mechanism based on the first electrical signal. In this case, the control mechanism can link the first and second drive units based on the first electrical signal, thereby engaging the first chuck with the second chuck, thus maintaining the probe in a preset posture.

[0016] Additionally, in the locking device disclosed herein, optionally, the sensing mechanism further includes a second measuring element for obtaining the rotation angle of the rotary mechanism. The second measuring element is configured to send a second electrical signal to the control mechanism when the rotary mechanism rotates by the second preset angle. The control mechanism, based on the second electrical signal, controls the rotary mechanism to stop rotating so that the first chuck engages with the second chuck. In this case, when the rotary mechanism rotates by the second preset angle, the control mechanism can promptly control the rotary mechanism to stop rotating, thereby enabling the first chuck to engage with the second chuck.

[0017] According to this disclosure, a locking device can be provided to improve the positioning repeatability of the probe and thus improve the measurement accuracy of the measuring instrument. Attached Figure Description

[0018] This disclosure will now be explained in further detail by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of the measuring instrument involved in the example of this disclosure.

[0020] Figure 2 This is an enlarged schematic diagram of the structure of the measuring base involved in the example of this disclosure.

[0021] Figure 3 This is a structural block diagram illustrating the locking device involved in the example of this disclosure.

[0022] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of the locking device involved in the example of this disclosure.

[0023] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of the first chuck involved in the example of this disclosure.

[0024] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of the second chuck involved in the example of this disclosure.

[0025] Figure 7A This is a schematic diagram showing the first chuck and the second chuck involved in the example of this disclosure not engaging.

[0026] Figure 7B This is a schematic diagram showing the engagement of the first chuck and the second chuck as described in the example of this disclosure.

[0027] Figure 8A This illustrates the examples involved in this disclosure. Figure 7A A schematic diagram of the rotary mechanism when the first and second chucks are not engaged.

[0028] Figure 8B This illustrates the examples involved in this disclosure. Figure 7B A schematic diagram of the state of the rotary mechanism when the first chuck and the second chuck are engaged.

[0029] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram illustrating another embodiment of the rotary mechanism involved in the examples of this disclosure.

[0030] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating the locking method involved in the example of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0031] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, the same reference numerals are used for the same components, and repeated descriptions are omitted. Furthermore, the drawings are merely schematic diagrams, and the proportions of the components or the shapes of the components may differ from actual figures.

[0032] It should be noted that the terms "comprising" and "having" and any variations thereof in this disclosure, such as a process, method, system, product, or device that includes or has a series of steps or units, are not necessarily limited to those steps or units that are explicitly listed, but may include or have other steps or units that are not explicitly listed or that are inherent to such processes, methods, products, or devices.

[0033] This disclosure relates to a locking device for a measuring instrument (hereinafter referred to as the locking device), which is used to lock the probe of the measuring instrument. The locking device disclosed herein improves the consistency of the locking force when the probe is locked, thereby improving the positioning repeatability accuracy when the probe is locked, and consequently improving the measurement accuracy of the measuring instrument.

[0034] The locking device for the measuring instrument disclosed herein may also be referred to as, for example, a locking device for the measuring instrument, a cam locking device for the probe, or a locking position detection device for the probe. It should be noted that these names are used to indicate the locking device for locking the probe of the measuring instrument according to this embodiment and should not be construed as limiting.

[0035] The locking device according to this embodiment will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0036] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of the measuring instrument 1 involved in the example of this disclosure. Additionally, Figure 1 The coordinate system XYZ schematically illustrates the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions involved in this disclosure.

[0037] See Figure 1In some examples, the locking device 10 (described later) can be applied to the measuring instrument 1, which includes the probe 20. In some examples, the measuring instrument 1 can be a contact measuring instrument or a non-contact measuring instrument used in industrial measurement, such as a coordinate measuring machine. The locking device 10 disclosed herein can be used to lock the probe 20 during the measurement process of the measuring instrument 1 and improve the positioning repeatability of the probe 20 when it is locked, thereby keeping the probe 20 in a preset posture for measuring the part. In this case, the measured information of the part, such as the spatial coordinates, geometric dimensions, geometric tolerances, or geometric shape of the part, can be accurately measured.

[0038] In some examples, the preset posture of probe 20 can refer to any posture in space that is located according to the actual measurement needs.

[0039] See Figure 1 In some examples, the measuring instrument 1 may include a work platform 30 for placing a part, a multi-axis motion module 40, and a probe 20 disposed on the multi-axis motion module 40 via a probe holder 50. In some examples, the multi-axis motion module 40 may include an X-axis motion module 41, a Y-axis motion module 42, and a Z-axis motion module 43. The multi-axis motion module 40 can be used to move the probe 20 in the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions to measure the part. In this case, the measurement range of the measuring instrument 1 can be expanded, and the adaptability to measuring parts of various sizes can be improved.

[0040] Figure 2 This is an enlarged schematic diagram of the structure of the measuring base 50 involved in the example of this disclosure.

[0041] As described above, the probe 20 can be mounted on the multi-axis motion module 40 via the probe holder 50. In some examples, the probe holder 50 can be used to adjust the orientation of the probe 20, for example, adjusting the rotation angle of the probe 20 in the first direction D1D1′ and the second direction D2D2′. In other words, the probe holder 50 can be used to adjust the orientation of the probe 20 in spatial coordinates, for example, adjusting the orientation of the probe 20 to any one of the following: parallel to the X-axis direction, Y-axis direction, Z-axis direction, having a preset angle with the X-axis direction, having a preset angle with the Y-axis direction, or having a preset angle with the Z-axis direction. In this case, the orientation of the probe 20 can be adjusted to a shape suitable for measuring parts (i.e., a preset orientation) via the probe holder 50, thereby improving the measurement adaptability of the measuring instrument 1 to multiple parts of the part.

[0042] See Figure 2In some examples, the probe base 50 may include a first sub-probe base 51 and a second sub-probe base 52 disposed on the first sub-probe base 51. The first sub-probe base 51 can be used to adjust the movement of the probe 20 in a first direction D1D1′, and the second sub-probe base 52 can be used to adjust the movement of the probe 20 in a second direction D2D2′. Specifically, in some examples, the first sub-probe base 51 can be used to control the rotation of the probe 20 around a first axis A1 to adjust the attitude of the probe 20 in the first direction D1D1′, and the second sub-probe base 52 can be used to control the rotation of the probe 20 around a second axis A2 to adjust the attitude of the probe 20 in the second direction D2D2′. Thus, the spatial attitude of the probe 20 can be adjusted to any attitude in space.

[0043] In some examples, the locking device 10 disclosed herein can be applied to the probe holder 50. In some examples, the locking device 10 can be applied to the first sub-probe holder 51 to lock the probe 20 in the first direction D1D1′, and the locking device 10 can also be applied to the second sub-probe holder 52 to lock the probe 20 in the second direction D2D2′.

[0044] In some examples, the first direction D1D1′ can be orthogonal to the second direction D2D2′. In some examples, the first direction D1D1′ can be non-orthogonal to the second direction D2D2′. In other examples, the first direction D1D1′ can be the horizontal direction involved in the coordinate measuring machine, and the second direction D2D2′ can be the pitch direction involved in the coordinate measuring machine. Therefore, the spatial attitude of the probe 20 can be changed by adjusting the probe head 20 through the probe base 50.

[0045] The locking device 10 involved in this disclosure will be specifically described below, taking the application of the locking device 10 to the first sub-test seat 51 as an example.

[0046] Figure 3 This is a structural block diagram illustrating the locking device 10 involved in the example of this disclosure. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the locking device 10 involved in the example of this disclosure.

[0047] See Figure 3 In some examples, the locking device 10 may include a chuck mechanism 200 and an adjustment mechanism 300. In some examples, the chuck mechanism 200 may be used to adjust the posture of the probe 20. In some examples, the adjustment mechanism 300 may be used to lock the probe 20. In this case, by cooperating with the chuck mechanism 200 and the adjustment mechanism 300, the probe 20 can be locked in a preset posture, thereby enabling the probe 20 to maintain the preset posture for measuring the part.

[0048] See Figure 4In some examples, the chuck mechanism 200 may include a first chuck 210 and a second chuck 220 linked to the first chuck 210. In some examples, the linkage between the first chuck 210 and the second chuck 220 means that the position of the first chuck 210 relative to the second chuck 220 can change.

[0049] In some examples, the first chuck 210 can be linked with the second chuck 220, meaning that the first chuck 210 and the second chuck 220 can cooperate to lock or release the probe 20. In this case, the cooperation of the first chuck 210 and the second chuck 220 can release the probe 20 to allow it to move freely according to actual needs, or lock the probe 20 to maintain a preset posture.

[0050] In some examples, the first chuck 210 can rotate relative to the second chuck 220. This allows the probe 20 to be adjusted to a preset orientation.

[0051] In some examples, the first chuck 210 can also move relative to the second chuck 220, either closer to or further away from it. In this case, the probe 20 can be locked or released (described in detail later).

[0052] See Figure 4 In some examples, the first chuck 210 can rotate about a first axis of rotation L1. In some examples, the first axis of rotation L1 can be the geometric center axis of the first chuck 210. In some examples, the first axis of rotation L1 can coincide with the first axis A1.

[0053] In some examples, the probe 20 can be linked with the first chuck 210. Specifically, when the first chuck 210 rotates about the first rotation axis L1, the probe 20 can rotate with the first chuck 210 about the first rotation axis L1. Thus, the orientation of the probe 20 in the first direction D1D1′ can be adjusted.

[0054] In some examples, when the first chuck 210 remains stationary, the probe 20 can follow the first chuck 210 and remain stationary in the first direction D1D1′. In this case, the probe 20 can be rotated to a preset posture, and the rotation angle of the probe 20 in the first direction D1D1′ can be obtained by obtaining the rotation angle of the first chuck 210, thereby improving the convenience of adjusting the probe 20.

[0055] See Figure 3 In some examples, the locking device 10 may also include a drive mechanism 100. In some examples, the drive mechanism 100 may include a first drive unit for driving the chuck mechanism 200 to rotate.

[0056] In some examples, the first chuck 210 can be linked with the first drive unit. In this case, the first chuck 210 can rotate under the drive of the first drive unit.

[0057] In some examples, the first chuck 210 can be disposed within the first drive unit; for example, the first chuck 210 can be coaxially disposed with the drive wheel in the first drive unit used to drive the first chuck 210. Thus, the first chuck 210 can rotate under the drive of the first drive unit. In some examples, the first chuck 210 can rotate about a first rotation axis L1 under the action of the first drive unit. Thus, the rotational movement of the first chuck 210 can be realized.

[0058] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of the first chuck 210 involved in the example of this disclosure.

[0059] See Figure 5 In some examples, the first chuck 210 may be approximately circular. In this case, the first chuck 210 can maintain uniform force during rotation about the first rotation axis L1, thereby improving the control accuracy of the probe 20. However, this disclosure is not limited to this; in other examples, the first chuck 210 may be approximately rectangular, polygonal, or irregular in shape.

[0060] As described above, the first chuck 210 and the second chuck 220 can cooperate with each other to lock or release the probe 20. Specifically, see... Figure 5 In some examples, the first chuck 210 may be provided with at least one first locking member 211. In some examples, the first locking member 211 may cooperate with the second chuck 220 to lock the first chuck 210. In this case, the cooperation between the first locking member 211 and the second chuck 220 can lock the first chuck 210, thereby locking the probe 20 in a preset posture.

[0061] In some examples, the first engaging member 211 may be arranged along the radial direction of the first chuck 210. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto; in some examples, the first engaging member 211 may also be arranged along the circumferential direction of the first chuck 210.

[0062] In some examples, the first chuck 210 may have 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 first locking members 211. Preferably, the first chuck 210 may have 3 first locking members 211. In this case, according to the principle of triangle stability, the 3 first locking members 211 can more stably lock the first chuck 210 into the second chuck 220.

[0063] In some examples, multiple first engaging members 211 can be evenly arranged on the first chuck 210. In this case, when the first chuck 210 engages with the second chuck 220, the uniformity of force distribution on the first chuck 210 can be improved.

[0064] In some examples, the first chuck assembly 211 can be disposed on the first chuck 210 in pairs, for example... Figure 5 The first locking components 211a and 211b shown can be paired together as a set of first locking components 211. In this case, the stability of the first locking components 211 when locked into the second chuck 220 can be improved.

[0065] In some examples, the first engaging member 211 can be a protrusion. In some examples, the first engaging member 211 can be spherical. In this case, since the outer periphery of the spherical first engaging member 211 is relatively smooth, it can be easily engaged by the second chuck 220.

[0066] In some examples, the first snap-fit ​​component 211 may be generally cylindrical. In some examples, the first snap-fit ​​component 211 may be prismatic. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto; in other examples, the first snap-fit ​​component 211 may be composed of a combination of regular and irregular prisms.

[0067] In some examples, the first chuck 210 may have a groove for mounting the first latching member 211. This allows the first latching member 211 to be more securely mounted on the first chuck 210. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto; in some examples, the first latching member 211 may be formed directly on the first chuck 210, integrally formed with the first chuck 210.

[0068] In some examples, the number of recesses can match the number of first snap fasteners 211, for example, the number of recesses can be the same as the number of first snap fasteners 211.

[0069] In other examples, such as when the first engaging members 211 are arranged in pairs on the first chuck 210, the number of the first engaging members 211 can be twice the number of the recesses. In other words, the first engaging members 211 arranged in pairs can be located in the same recess.

[0070] In some examples, when the first latching members 211 are arranged in pairs on the first chuck 210, the number of grooves can also be the same as the number of first latching members 211. In other words, each first latching member 211 can be individually disposed in a groove.

[0071] In some examples, when the first locking members 211 are arranged in pairs on the first chuck 210, there may be a gap between the two first locking members 211 that matches the gap between the second locking members 221 (described later). In this case, the gap between the two first locking members 211 allows the first locking members 211 to engage with the second chuck 220 (described later), thereby allowing the first chuck 210 to engage with the second chuck 220.

[0072] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of the second chuck 220 involved in the example of this disclosure.

[0073] In some examples, the second chuck 220 may be fixed to the first sub-probe 51. Specifically, the second chuck 220 may be fixedly connected to the housing of the first sub-probe 51, meaning the second chuck 220 and the first sub-probe 51 can remain relatively stationary. In other words, during the process of changing the orientation of the probe 20, the second chuck 220 may not undergo any relative movement relative to the first sub-probe 51. In this case, when the first chuck 210 engages with the second chuck 220, the first chuck 210 can be locked by the second chuck 220 to maintain a fixed state, thereby locking the probe 20 in the first direction D1D1′.

[0074] See Figure 4 In some examples, the second chuck 220 may be positioned opposite the first chuck 210. In some examples, the shape of the second chuck 220 may be approximately the same as the shape of the first chuck 210. In this case, it facilitates the engagement of the first chuck 210 and the second chuck 220.

[0075] See Figure 6 In some examples, the second chuck 220 may be provided with a second engaging member 221 that can engage with the first engaging member 211. In some examples, the second engaging member 221 may be disposed opposite to the first engaging member 211. In this case, the first chuck 210 and the second chuck 220 can be engaged by the cooperation of the first engaging member 211 and the second engaging member 221, thereby locking the probe 20 in the first direction D1D1′.

[0076] In some examples, the second engaging member 221 can be in the form of an annular shape with its ends connected. In this case, when the first chuck 210 rotates at any angle, the first engaging member 211 can engage with the second engaging member 221, thus engaging the first chuck 210 with the second chuck 220. In some examples, when the second engaging member 221 is annular, the number of second engaging members 221 can be one.

[0077] In some examples, the second chuck 220 may be provided with a plurality of second engaging members 221, which may be arranged uniformly around the central axis of the second chuck 220 on the side of the second chuck 220 near the first chuck 210. In this case, when the first chuck 210 rotates at any angle, the first engaging member 211 can still engage with the second engaging member 221 to engage the first chuck 210 and the second chuck 220.

[0078] In some examples, the second engaging member 221 may be generally protruding, such as a sphere, cylinder, semi-cylinder, cube, cuboid, frustum, or irregularly shaped protrusion. This allows it to engage with the first engaging member 211. In other examples, the second engaging member 221 may also be a groove that matches the first engaging member 211.

[0079] Figure 7A This is a schematic diagram showing the first chuck 210 and the second chuck 220 as described in this disclosure example when they are not engaged. Figure 7B This is a schematic diagram showing the engagement of the first chuck 210 and the second chuck 220 as described in this disclosure example.

[0080] See Figure 7A When the first chuck 210 and the second chuck 220 are not engaged, the first engaging member 211 and the second engaging member 221 can be in no contact with each other. In this case, the first chuck 210 can be rotated to bring the probe 20 to a preset position according to the measurement requirements.

[0081] See Figure 7B When the first chuck 210 and the second chuck 220 are engaged, that is, when the first chuck 210 is locked, the first engaging member 211 can contact the second engaging member 221. In this case, the first chuck 210 can be locked, thereby locking the probe 20, and thus locking the probe 20 in a preset state. In some examples, when the first chuck 210 and the second chuck 220 are engaged, the first engaging member 211 and the second engaging member 221 can be in point contact or surface contact.

[0082] In some examples, a separator may be provided between the two first engaging members 211, and the separator may have a recessed area that matches the shape of the second engaging member 221. In this case, when the first engaging member 211 contacts the second engaging member 221, the recessed area can improve the constraint on the spatial position of the second engaging member 221, thereby improving the stability when the first chuck 210 and the second chuck 220 are engaged.

[0083] In some examples, multiple second engagement pieces 221 can be used to divide the angle in the first direction D1D1′. For instance, assuming the first chuck 210 has a rotation range of 360 degrees in the first direction D1D1′, and there are 36 second engagement pieces 221, if the rotational accuracy of the first chuck 210 needs to be controlled to an integer multiple of 10 degrees, the 36 second engagement pieces 221 can be used to divide the 360 ​​degrees into 36 10-degree intervals. Whenever the first chuck 210 engages with the second chuck 220, the rotational angle of the first chuck 210 will be exactly an integer multiple of 10 degrees. In this case, the rotational accuracy of the first chuck 210 can be improved, and the control accuracy of the first chuck 210 can also be improved.

[0084] In some examples, the distance between any second clamping member 221 and its adjacent second clamping member 221 can be set according to the actual needs of the measuring instrument 1. For example, if higher motion accuracy is required, the distance between the second clamping members 221 can be set to be smaller. In other words, more second clamping members 221 can be used to divide the rotation range of the first chuck 210. In this case, by improving the rotation accuracy of the first chuck 210, the adjustment accuracy of the adjusting probe 20 can be improved, and the probe 20 can be adjusted to a preset posture more accurately to measure the part, thereby improving the measurement accuracy of the measuring instrument 1.

[0085] In some examples, the first locking member 211 and the second locking member 221 can form a circuit. When the circuit is open, it indicates that the first locking member 211 and the second locking member 221 are in contact with each other to engage the first chuck 210 and the second chuck 220. When the circuit is closed, it indicates that the first locking member 211 and the second locking member 221 are separated to release the first chuck 210 and the second chuck 220. In this case, whether the first chuck 210 is engaged with the second chuck 220 can be determined based on whether the circuit formed by the first locking member 211 and the second locking member 221 is open. Therefore, it is possible to quickly determine whether the probe 20 is locked.

[0086] In some examples, the chuck mechanism 200 can cooperate with the adjustment mechanism 300 to engage the first chuck 210 and the second chuck 220. See also Figure 4 In some examples, the adjusting mechanism 300 may include a first support mechanism 310, a second support mechanism 320, and a crossbeam 330. In some examples, the position of the first chuck 210 can be adjusted by the cooperation of the first support mechanism 310, the second support mechanism 320, and the crossbeam 330, thereby causing the first chuck 210 to move away from or towards the second chuck 220. In this case, rotational control or locking control of the first chuck 210 can be achieved.

[0087] See in some examples Figure 4 The first support mechanism 310 can be linked with the first chuck 210. Specifically, when the first support mechanism 310 moves, the first chuck 210 can move together with the first support mechanism 310.

[0088] See in some examples Figure 4 The first support mechanism 310 can move along a third direction D3D4. When the first support mechanism 310 moves along direction D3, it can simultaneously move the first chuck 210 along direction D3 to bring the first chuck 210 closer to the second chuck 220. In some examples, when the first support mechanism 310 moves along direction D4, it can simultaneously move the first chuck 210 along direction D4 to move the first chuck 210 away from the second chuck 220. In this case, by controlling the first support mechanism 310, the first chuck 210 can be moved closer to or away from the second chuck 220, thereby locking or releasing the first chuck 210. In some examples, the third direction D3D4 can be the extension direction of the first rotation axis L1.

[0089] In some examples, the first support mechanism 310 can be connected to the first chuck 210. Specifically, in some examples, the first support mechanism 310 can be directly connected to the first chuck 210. In other examples, the first support mechanism 310 can be connected to the first chuck 210 through a first drive unit. In both cases, the first support mechanism 310 can drive the first chuck 210 to move.

[0090] See Figure 4 In some examples, the first support mechanism 310 can be connected to the first chuck 210 via a connecting mechanism 400. In some examples, the connecting mechanism 400 can be configured to move the first chuck 210 following the movement of the first support mechanism 310 in a third direction D3D4, but not to rotate the first support mechanism 310 along with its rotation. In other words, the first chuck 210 is a passive component for the first support mechanism 310. In this case, the rotation of the first chuck 210 does not affect the spatial position and orientation of the first support mechanism 310, but it can drive the first chuck 210 to move together during the movement of the first support mechanism 310.

[0091] In some examples, the first support mechanism 310 can be moved in a third direction D3D4 by the crossbeam 330. As described above, the adjusting mechanism 300 may also include a second support mechanism 320. In some examples, the crossbeam 330 may be connected to the first support mechanism 310 and the second support mechanism 320. In this case, the first support mechanism 310 can be moved by the cooperation of the crossbeam 330 and the second support mechanism 320.

[0092] In some examples, the second support mechanism 320 can be fixed to the second chuck 220. Thus, the second support mechanism 320 can cooperate with the first support mechanism 310 to support the crossbeam 330.

[0093] In some examples, the crossbeam 330 may include a first end fixedly connected to the first support mechanism 310 and a second end movably connected to the second support mechanism 320. In some examples, the crossbeam 330 may swing about the connection point between the second end and the second support mechanism 320 as a fulcrum to move the first support mechanism 310. In this case, the swinging of the crossbeam 330 can drive the movement of the first support mechanism 310, which in turn can drive the movement of the first chuck 210.

[0094] In some examples, the second end can be connected to the second support mechanism 320 via a pivot 321, so that the crossbeam 330 is rotatably mounted on the second support mechanism 320 with the pivot 321 as the fulcrum. In this case, the crossbeam 330 can swing about the connection point between the second end and the second support mechanism 320 (i.e., the pivot 321) as the fulcrum. However, this disclosure is not limited to this. In other examples, the second end can be movably connected to the second support mechanism 320 via a ball joint mechanism, spring mechanism, or the like to achieve the swinging of the crossbeam 330.

[0095] In some examples, the combination of the second support mechanism 320 and the second chuck 220 can be referred to as a fixed structure. In this case, the crossbeam 330 can be rotatably mounted on the fixed structure to drive the first support mechanism 310 to move.

[0096] See Figure 4 In some examples, the first support mechanism 310 may include a support body 311. In some examples, the support body 311 may be connected to the first chuck 210. In this case, the support body 311 can drive the first chuck 210 to move.

[0097] See Figure 4 In some examples, the first support mechanism 310 may include an elastic element 312 and a support body 311. In some examples, the support body 311 may extend through the elastic element 312. In this case, when the first support mechanism 310 moves, the support of the support body 311 on the elastic element 312 can improve the smoothness of the elastic element 312 during compression or tension, thereby improving the smoothness of the first support mechanism 310 during movement. This, in turn, improves the stability of the various components of the locking device 10 and enhances the stability of the first chuck 210 engaging with the second chuck 220. In some examples, the elastic element 312 may be a spring.

[0098] In some examples, the elastic element 312 can always remain compressed. In this case, the elastic element 312 can apply a spring force in the direction D3 to the beam 330, thereby facilitating the engagement of the beam 330 with the rotary mechanism 340 (described later) to balance the forces on the beam 330.

[0099] In some examples, one end of the elastic element 312 can be fixedly connected to the crossbeam 330. In some examples, the other end of the elastic element 312 can be fixed to the connecting mechanism 400. In this case, when the crossbeam 330 moves, the elastic element 312 can provide a certain degree of cushioning for the movement of the crossbeam 330, thereby improving the stability of the crossbeam 330 during movement.

[0100] In some examples, the adjusting mechanism 300 may also include a slewing mechanism 340 (see [reference]). Figure 4 In some examples, the crossbeam 330 can be linked with the slewing mechanism 340. Specifically, the movement of the slewing mechanism 340 can cause the crossbeam 330 to swing around the connection point between its second end and the second support mechanism 320. Thus, the movement of the slewing mechanism 340 can cause the crossbeam 330 to swing.

[0101] In some examples, one end of the crossbeam 330 can be engaged with the rotary mechanism 340. Specifically, the end of the crossbeam 330 furthest from the second support mechanism 320 can be engaged with the rotary mechanism 340. In some examples, the position of the rotary mechanism 340 engaged with the crossbeam 330 can change as the rotary mechanism 340 moves. Let the position of the crossbeam 330 engaged with the rotary mechanism 340 be the third end. In some examples, the first end can be located between the second end and the third end. In this case, when the rotary mechanism 340 rotates, the spatial position of the third end can change with the rotation of the rotary mechanism 340, and the crossbeam 330 can swing around the connection point between the second end and the second support mechanism 320 as a fulcrum. This can drive the first support mechanism 310 to move, and in turn, drive the first chuck 210 connected to the first support mechanism 310 to move.

[0102] See Figure 4In some examples, the adjusting mechanism 300 may further include a rolling element 350 disposed on the crossbeam 330, through which the crossbeam 330 can be attached to the rotary mechanism 340. In this case, during the movement of the rotary mechanism 340, the crossbeam 330 can be continuously and smoothly attached to the rotary mechanism 340 through the rolling element 350, thereby improving the stability of the rotary mechanism 340 during movement and thus improving the stability of the crossbeam 330 during movement. In some examples, the rolling element 350 may be a rolling bearing. In some examples, the rolling element 350 may be disposed at the third end. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto; in other examples, the rolling element 350 may be integrally formed with the crossbeam 330.

[0103] Figure 8A This illustrates the examples involved in this disclosure. Figure 7A A schematic diagram of the state of the rotary mechanism 340 when the first chuck 210 and the second chuck 220 are not engaged. Figure 8B This illustrates the examples involved in this disclosure. Figure 7B A schematic diagram of the state of the rotary mechanism 340 when the first chuck 210 and the second chuck 220 are engaged. For clarity, the rotation center, the second rotation axis L2 of the rotary mechanism 340, is simplified to a single point.

[0104] See in some examples Figure 8A or Figure 8B The rotary mechanism 340 can be generally circular. In some examples, the rotary mechanism 340 can have a recessed region, and the distance between the various positions of the inner surface S1 of the recessed region and the second rotation axis L2 can be different. In this case, since the elastic element 312 always applies an upward elastic force to the crossbeam 330, when the rotary mechanism 340 rotates, the third end of the crossbeam 330 can always be in contact with the inner surface S1, and thus the spatial position of the third end can change with the rotation of the rotary mechanism 340, thereby driving the first support mechanism 310 to move.

[0105] See in some examples Figure 8A The inner surface S1 can have a highest position 341 and a lowest position 342. The position on the inner surface S1 with the longest distance from the second rotation axis L2 is the highest position 341, and the position on the inner surface S1 with the shortest distance from the second rotation axis L2 is the lowest position 342.

[0106] In some examples, the inner surface S1 of the recessed area can be in the shape of a cam. In some examples, the transition from the lowest position 342 to the highest position 341 can be gradual and smooth. In this case, the crossbeam 330 can always maintain a stable oscillation when the rotary mechanism 340 rotates.

[0107] See in some examples Figure 8A Before the rotary mechanism 340 rotates, the third end of the crossbeam 330 (that is, the end where the rolling element 350 is installed, for clarity of illustration) Figure 8A and Figure 8B (Illustrated by the rolling element 350) can be engaged at the lowest position 342 of the rotary mechanism 340. At this time, the first chuck 210 and the second chuck 220 can be in the unengaged state shown in Figure 7. When the rotary mechanism 340 starts to move, the position of the rotary mechanism 340 engaged with the rolling element 350 can gradually transition from the lowest position 342 to the highest position 341. In this case, as the position of the rotary mechanism 340 engaged with the rolling element 350 changes, the crossbeam 330 can swing accordingly.

[0108] In some examples, the rotary mechanism 340 may have a notch, and when the rotary mechanism 340 rotates to the point where the third end is located at the notch, the first chuck 210 can engage with the second chuck 220. In this case, by controlling the movement of the rotary mechanism 340, the first support mechanism 310 can be moved, thereby enabling the first chuck 210 to engage with the second chuck 220.

[0109] In some examples, the notch may have a preset range. See also: Figure 8B The notch can be the area corresponding to the arc surface AB formed by positions A to B on the inner surface S1. In this case, even with a low rotational accuracy of the rotary mechanism 340, the rolling element 350 can still be precisely positioned in the notch, allowing the first chuck 210 to engage with the second chuck 220. For example, assuming the notch is only the area corresponding to the highest position 341, if the first chuck 210 needs to be locked, the rotary mechanism 340 needs to rotate precisely 180 degrees (assuming the lowest position 342 and the highest position 341 are on the same straight line), which places very high demands on the rotational accuracy of the rotary mechanism 340. The notch of this disclosure has a preset range, and when the rolling element 350 is positioned in the notch, the first chuck 210 can engage with the second chuck 220. Therefore, the design requirements for the control accuracy of the rotary mechanism 340 can be reduced, thereby improving the ease of design.

[0110] In some examples, the notch may include a highest position 341; for example, the notch may be an arcuate surface that gradually transitions from a highest position 341 to a lowest position 342. In some examples, as the rotary mechanism 340 rotates to engage the first chuck 210 with the second chuck 220, the rolling element 350 can gradually change from a first position to a second position (see [reference]). Figure 8B The position of the rolling element 350 indicated by the dashed line is the first position, and the position of the rolling element 350 indicated by the solid line is the second position.

[0111] In some examples, the rolling element 350 can remain in contact with the inner surface S1 throughout the transition from the first position to the second position. In some examples, the rolling element 350 can be suspended in the second position. In other words, when the rotary mechanism 340 rotates to the point where the rolling element 350 is in the notch, the rolling element 350 may not be in contact with the inner surface S1. For example, assuming the rotary mechanism 340 rotates clockwise, when the rotary mechanism 340 rotates to position A where it is in contact with the rolling element 350, the force exerted by the inner surface S1 on the rolling element 350 is zero. At this point, position A can be considered a critical state. That is to say, when the rolling element 350 is in the notch, the inner surface S1 does not exert downward pressure on the rolling element 350.

[0112] In some examples, when the rolling element 350 is located at the notch, the force on the crossbeam 330 in direction D3 can be balanced with the force on the crossbeam 330 in direction D4. In some examples, when the rolling element 350 is located at the notch, the crossbeam 330 can be subjected to the elastic force applied by the elastic element 312 in direction D3, and the crossbeam 330 can be subjected to gravity (including the gravity of the first support mechanism 310, the gravity of the crossbeam 330, and the gravity of the first chuck 210) in direction D4 and the locking force formed in direction D4 when the first chuck 210 and the second chuck 220 are engaged.

[0113] In some examples, during any engagement of the first chuck 210 and the second chuck 220, the same angle can be rotated by the rotary mechanism 340 to transition the rolling element 350 from the first position to the second position. In this case, the amount of extension and retraction of the elastic element 312 can always remain consistent, thereby maintaining the consistency of the elastic force exerted by the elastic element 312 on the crossbeam 330.

[0114] In some examples, when the rolling element 350 transitions from the first position to the second position, the elastic force on the crossbeam 330 remains constant due to the constant extension and contraction of the elastic element 312. Furthermore, since the magnitude of the gravity acting on the crossbeam 330 is also constant, the locking force formed when the first chuck 210 and the second chuck 220 engage also remains constant in order to maintain the force balance of the crossbeam 330. In this case, the consistency of the locking force each time the first chuck 210 engages with the second chuck 220 can be maintained, thereby improving the positioning repeatability of the probe 20 and thus improving the measurement accuracy of the measuring instrument 1.

[0115] In some examples, the distance between the notch and the second rotation axis L2 may not be less than a preset value. In some examples, the preset value may be obtained based on at least one of the following: a preset distance (described later), the amount of expansion and contraction of the elastic element 312, the weight of the crossbeam 330, the structural dimensions of the crossbeam 330, the weight of the first support mechanism 310, the structural dimensions of the first support mechanism 310, and the weight of the first chuck 210.

[0116] See Figure 8A In some examples, the rotating mechanism 340 may be positioned opposite the outer surface S2 to the inner surface S1. In some examples, the outer surface S2 may be annular. This reduces the difficulty of machining.

[0117] In some examples, the outer surface S2 can be a surface similar to the inner surface S1, and the rolling element 350 can be attached to the outer surface S2 to achieve the swinging of the beam 330. In this case, the same technical effect of attaching the rolling element 350 to the inner surface S1 can be achieved.

[0118] In some examples, the drive mechanism 100 may further include a second drive unit 120 for driving the adjustment mechanism 300 (see [reference]). Figure 4 In some examples, the rotary mechanism 340 can be configured to rotate about the second rotation axis L2 under the action of the second drive unit 120. Thus, the rotary mechanism 340 is able to rotate.

[0119] In some examples, the first rotation axis L1 and the second rotation axis L2 may not be coplanar. In some examples, the projections of the first rotation axis L1 and the second rotation axis L2 onto the same plane may intersect. In this case, the rotation of the rotary mechanism 340 can drive the swing of the crossbeam 330, thereby driving the first support mechanism 310 to move in the third direction D3D4.

[0120] In some examples, the rotary mechanism 340 may be disposed on the second drive unit 120. Thus, the rotary mechanism 340 can be driven to rotate by the second drive unit 120. In some examples, the second rotation axis L2 may be the geometric center axis of the second drive unit 120.

[0121] In some examples, the second drive unit 120 can drive the rotary mechanism 340 to rotate at a constant speed. In this case, under the combined action of the rotary mechanism 340 and the elastic element 312, the rotary mechanism 340 can continuously apply a constant force to the crossbeam 330 to make the crossbeam 330 swing at a constant speed. In turn, the crossbeam 330 can provide a stable force to the first support mechanism 310 to make the first chuck 210 move closer to the second chuck 220 at a constant speed to engage with each other, or to make the first chuck 210 move further away from the second chuck 220 at a constant speed to release each other. As a result, the stability of the first chuck 210 when moving in the third direction D3D4 can be improved, and the possibility of the first chuck 210 and the second chuck 220 colliding and causing relative displacement of the components in the locking device 10 or the first sub-measuring base 51 can be reduced. In other words, the precision of each component can be maintained continuously, thereby improving the measurement accuracy of the measuring instrument 1.

[0122] In some examples, when the first chuck 210 moves a preset distance in direction D3, the first chuck 210 can engage with the second chuck 220.

[0123] In some examples, as the position of the rotary mechanism 340 aligning with the third end gradually transitions from the notch to the lowest position 342, the first support mechanism 310 can move along direction D4, thereby releasing the first chuck 210 from the second chuck 220. When the rotary mechanism 340 is in contact with the third end at the lowest position 342, the first chuck 210 can be controlled to continue rotating or reset according to measurement requirements. In some examples, resetting may refer to the first chuck 210 returning to its previous rotational position or its initial rotational position.

[0124] As described above, when the rotary mechanism 340 rotates, it can drive the first support mechanism 310 to move, causing the first chuck 210 and the second chuck 220 to engage. Specifically, when the rotary mechanism 340 rotates, the crossbeam 330, which is in contact with the rotary mechanism 340, can swing around the connection point between its second end and the second support mechanism 320, thereby driving the first support mechanism 310 to move, which in turn drives the first chuck 210, which is linked to the first support mechanism 310, to move together. In this case, when the first chuck 210 moves a preset distance in direction D3, the first chuck 210 can engage with the second chuck 220, thereby locking the probe 20.

[0125] In some examples, the preset distance can be the distance that the first chuck 210 moves when it engages with the second chuck 220, for example, it can be the distance moved by... Figure 7A The state shown becomes Figure 7B The state shown represents the distance the first chuck 210 has moved.

[0126] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram illustrating another embodiment of the rotary mechanism 340 involved in the examples of this disclosure.

[0127] In some examples, participants Figure 9The rotary mechanism 340 can be a cam. In some examples, the rotary mechanism 340 can have a concentric arc surface of a preset length. When the rotary mechanism 340 rotates until the concentric arc surface is in contact with the crossbeam 330, the first chuck 210 can engage with the second chuck 220. In this case, when the concentric arc surface of the rotary mechanism 340 is in contact with the crossbeam 330, it indicates that the first chuck 210 has moved a preset distance. Thus, the first chuck 210 can engage with the second chuck 220. Furthermore, since the rotary mechanism 340 has a concentric arc surface of a preset length, even if the rotational accuracy of the second drive unit 120 is low, the first chuck 210 can still reliably engage with the second chuck 220. In other words, by setting a concentric arc surface of a preset length in the rotary mechanism 340, the control accuracy of the rotary mechanism 340 can be reduced, thereby facilitating the improvement of the positioning accuracy when the locking device 10 locks the probe 20. This makes it easier to control the probe 20. In addition, the concentric arc surface setting can make the engagement force of the first chuck 210 with the second chuck 220 the same each time, that is, make the locking force of the probe 20 the same each time it is locked. Thus, by increasing the locking force of the probe 20, the measurement accuracy of the measuring instrument 1 can be improved.

[0128] In some examples, a concentric arc surface can refer to an arc surface that is equidistant from the second axis of rotation L2.

[0129] In this disclosure, reducing the control precision of the rotary mechanism 340 means that it is not necessary to precisely control the rotation angle of the rotary mechanism 340 to achieve the engagement of the first chuck 210 and the second chuck 220. This disclosure achieves this by setting a concentric arc surface on the rotary mechanism 340. When the crossbeam 330 continuously contacts the concentric arc surface, it can be assumed that the swing angle of the crossbeam 330 will not continue to change. Therefore, the extension and contraction of the elastic element 312 will not continue to change, and the first support mechanism 310 will not continue to move, and consequently, the first chuck 210 will not continue to move. In this case, even with lower rotational precision of the rotary mechanism 340, the effect of the first chuck 210 moving a preset distance and engaging with the second chuck 220 can still be achieved.

[0130] In some examples, the concentric arc surface can be located at the highest position 341 of the rotary mechanism 340. In this case, whenever the rotary mechanism 340 rotates to the highest position 341 and is in contact with the crossbeam 330, the first chuck 210 can engage with the second chuck 220 to lock the probe 20. This improves the positioning repeatability of the locking device 10 and thus improves the measurement accuracy of the measuring instrument 1. In addition, when the rotary mechanism 340 is not in the highest position 341 and is in contact with the crossbeam 330, the first chuck 210 and the second chuck 220 can have a certain gap. This arrangement can reduce the occurrence of excessive rotation of the rotary mechanism 340 due to malfunctions of other components (e.g., the second drive unit 120, the first chuck 210 and the second chuck 220), which could lead to excessive compression of the first chuck 210 and the second chuck 220. This reduces the measurement uncertainty caused by excessive compression of the first chuck 210 and the second chuck 220, thereby improving the measurement accuracy of the measuring instrument 1.

[0131] In some examples, the concentric arc surface can be located at any position other than the lowest position 342. In this case, by driving the rotary mechanism 340 to rotate, the crossbeam 330 can also be oscillated, thereby causing the first support mechanism 310 to move in the direction D3, thereby enabling the first chuck 210 to engage with the second chuck 220.

[0132] In this disclosure, the positioning repeatability refers to the requirement that each time the probe 20 needs to be locked in the first direction D1D1′, the first chuck 210 needs to move in the direction D3 to move closer to and engage with the second chuck 220. This disclosure, by setting a rotary mechanism 340, allows the first chuck 210 to achieve a fixed-point change during the rotation of the rotary mechanism 340 until the crossbeam 330 is located at the notch or the concentric arc surface of the rotary mechanism 340 is in contact with the crossbeam 330. That is, the preset distance is a fixed value. In other words, the preset distance moved by the first chuck 210 is the same each time. In this case, the first chuck 210 can move the preset distance in the direction D3 and engage with the second chuck 220, thus ensuring that the first chuck 210 is always subjected to a constant tension applied by the first support mechanism 310 during its movement. This improves the positioning repeatability accuracy of the probe 20, thereby improving the measurement accuracy of the measuring instrument 1.

[0133] See in some examples Figure 3 The locking device 10 may also include a control mechanism 500. In some examples, the control mechanism 500 may be configured to control the start and stop of the first drive unit. In this case, controlling the start and stop of the first drive unit by the control unit can control the rotational movement of the first chuck 210.

[0134] In some examples, the control mechanism 500 can be configured to control the start and stop of the second drive unit 120. In this case, controlling the start and stop of the second drive unit 120 via the control mechanism can control the rotational movement of the rotary mechanism 340.

[0135] In some examples, the control mechanism 500 can be configured to control the rotation mechanism 340 to rotate a second preset angle when the first chuck 210 rotates a first preset angle, so that the first chuck 210 engages with the second chuck 220. In this case, by linking the control unit with the first drive unit and the second drive unit 120, the first chuck 210 can engage with the second chuck 220 after rotating a first preset angle, thereby enabling the probe 20 to remain in a preset posture when locked.

[0136] In some examples, the first preset angle can be a custom angle based on actual measurement needs. In some examples, the first preset angle can be an angle determined manually. In some examples, the first preset angle can be an angle obtained by the measuring instrument 1 through calculation.

[0137] In some examples, the locking device 10 may also include a sensing mechanism 600 that is signal-connected to the control mechanism 500. In this case, the control mechanism 500 is able to control the start and stop of the first drive unit and / or the second drive unit 120 based on the sensing signals of the sensing mechanism 600.

[0138] In some examples, the sensing mechanism 600 may include a first measuring element for obtaining the rotation angle of the first chuck 210. In some examples, the sensing mechanism 600 may be configured to send a first electrical signal to the control mechanism 500 when the first chuck 210 rotates a first preset angle. In this case, the control mechanism 500 can link the first drive unit and the second drive unit 120 based on the first electrical signal, thereby causing the first chuck 210 to engage with the second chuck 220.

[0139] In some examples, the control mechanism 500 can control the first chuck 210 to stop rotating based on a first electrical signal. Specifically, when the first chuck 210 rotates a first preset angle, the control mechanism 500 can receive a first electrical signal from the first measuring element and control the first drive unit to stop working based on the first electrical signal, thereby controlling the first chuck 210 to stop rotating. This allows the probe 20 to maintain a preset posture.

[0140] In some examples, the control mechanism 500 can control the rotation of the rotary mechanism 340 based on a first electrical signal. Specifically, in some examples, when the first chuck 210 rotates a first preset angle, the control mechanism 500 can receive a first electrical signal from the first measuring element and control the second drive unit 120 to start working based on the first electrical signal, thereby controlling the rotation of the rotary mechanism 340. In this case, by controlling the rotation of the rotary mechanism 340, the first chuck 210 and the second chuck 220 can be engaged, thereby keeping the probe 20 locked in a preset posture. Thus, the probe 20 can maintain the preset posture to measure the part.

[0141] In some examples, the sensing mechanism 600 may further include a second measuring element for obtaining the rotation angle of the rotary mechanism 340. In some examples, the second measuring element may be configured to send a second electrical signal to the control mechanism 500 when the rotary mechanism 340 rotates a second preset angle. In this case, the control mechanism 500 is able to receive the second electrical signal and control the state of the second drive unit 120 based on the second electrical signal.

[0142] In some examples, the control mechanism 500 can control the rotary mechanism 340 to stop rotating based on the second electrical signal so that the first chuck 210 engages with the second chuck 220. In this case, when the rotary mechanism 340 rotates to the second preset angle, the control mechanism 500 can control the rotary mechanism 340 to stop rotating in time, thereby enabling the first chuck 210 to engage with the second chuck 220.

[0143] In some examples, the control mechanism 500 can control the second drive unit 120 to stop operating based on the second electrical signal, thereby controlling the rotary mechanism 340 to stop rotating. Thus, the rotary mechanism 340 can remain stationary as the second drive unit 120 stops, that is, stop rotating.

[0144] In some examples, the second preset angle may be related to the structural dimensions and weight of the adjusting mechanism 300 and the chuck mechanism 200. In some examples, when the rotary mechanism 340 rotates to the second preset angle, the third end of the crossbeam 330 may be located at the notch. In other words, the second preset angle can be determined based on the rotation angle of the rotary mechanism 340 when it rotates to the crossbeam 330.

[0145] In some examples, when the rotary mechanism 340 rotates to a second preset angle, the concentric arc surface of the rotary mechanism 340 can be in contact with the crossbeam 330. In other words, the second preset angle can be determined based on the rotation angle when the rotary mechanism 340 rotates to the point where the concentric arc surface is in contact with the crossbeam 330. In this case, the angle measured by the second measuring element can conveniently and quickly determine whether the rotary mechanism 340 has rotated to the correct position, and thus conveniently and quickly determine whether the first chuck 210 is engaged with the second chuck 220.

[0146] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating the locking method involved in the example of this disclosure.

[0147] This disclosure also discloses a locking method for the measuring instrument 1 (hereinafter referred to as the locking method), which is a locking method for locking the probe 20 of the measuring instrument 1. In some examples, the locking method of this disclosure can be applied to the locking device 10 described above. Thus, a locking method that improves the positioning repeatability of the probe 20 and thereby improves the measurement accuracy of the measuring instrument 1 can be provided.

[0148] See Figure 10 In some examples, the locking method may include driving the first chuck 210 to rotate about a first rotation axis L1 (step S210), issuing a first electrical signal in response to the first chuck 210 rotating by a first preset angle (step S230), controlling the first chuck 210 to stop rotating based on the first electrical signal and driving the rotary mechanism 340 to rotate about a second rotation axis L2 (step S250), issuing a second electrical signal in response to the rotary mechanism 340 rotating by a second preset angle (step S270), and controlling the rotary mechanism 340 to stop rotating based on the second electrical signal so that the first chuck 210 engages with the second chuck 220 (step S290).

[0149] In some examples, step S210 may be based on the first drive unit driving the first chuck 210 to rotate around the first rotation axis L1.

[0150] In some examples, the rotation angle of the first chuck 210 may be obtained based on the first measuring element in step S230. When the first chuck 210 rotates by a first preset angle, the first measuring element may send a first electrical signal to the control mechanism 500.

[0151] In some examples, in step S250, the control mechanism 500 can receive a first electrical signal sent by the first measuring element and control the first drive unit to stop rotating based on the first electrical signal, thereby controlling the first chuck 210 to stop rotating. In this case, after the first chuck 210 rotates a first preset angle, the probe 20 can be held in a preset posture.

[0152] In some examples, the control mechanism 500 can also drive the second drive unit 120 based on the first electrical signal, thereby driving the rotary mechanism 340 to rotate around the second rotation axis L2. In this case, by driving the rotary mechanism 340 to rotate, the crossbeam 330 can swing around the connection point of the crossbeam 330 and the second support mechanism 320 as a fulcrum under the rotation of the rotary mechanism 340, thereby driving the first support mechanism 310 to move in the third direction D3D4, thus enabling the first chuck 210 to move along with the movement of the first support mechanism 310. In addition, since the crossbeam 330 is fixedly connected to the elastic element 312, it can remain stable during the swinging process of the crossbeam 330, thereby providing a constant tension to the first support mechanism 310 to maintain the stable movement of the first chuck 210 in the third direction D3D4, thereby improving the locking accuracy of the probe 20.

[0153] In some examples, the rotation angle of the rotary mechanism 340 may be obtained based on the second measuring element in step S270. When the rotary mechanism 340 rotates by a second preset angle, the second measuring element may send a second electrical signal to the control mechanism 500.

[0154] In some examples, in step S290, the control mechanism 500 can receive a second electrical signal sent by the second measuring element and control the second drive unit 120 to stop rotating based on the second electrical signal, thereby controlling the rotary mechanism 340 to stop rotating.

[0155] In some examples, when the rotary mechanism 340 rotates by a second preset angle, the third end of the crossbeam 330 can be located at the notch of the rotary mechanism 340, and the first support mechanism 310 can drive the first chuck 210 to move a preset distance along direction D3. In some examples, when the rotary mechanism 340 rotates by a second preset angle, the concentric arc surface of the rotary mechanism 340 can be in contact with the crossbeam 330, and the first support mechanism 310 can drive the first chuck 210 to move a preset distance along direction D3. In this case, by controlling the rotation angle of the rotary mechanism 340, the first chuck 210 can be engaged with the second chuck 220, thereby locking the probe 20 in a preset posture.

[0156] In the locking device 10 and locking method disclosed herein, the first chuck 210 is driven to rotate around the first rotation axis L1 by the first drive unit, thereby changing the spatial orientation of the probe 20 linked to the first chuck 210. Then, the rotary mechanism 340 is driven to rotate around the second rotation axis L2 by the second drive unit 120, changing the position of the rotary mechanism 340 against the crossbeam 330, thereby moving the first support mechanism 310. In this case, the movement of the first support mechanism 310 allows the first chuck 210 to engage with the second chuck 220, thereby locking the probe 20. Furthermore, the rotary mechanism 340 ensures that the first chuck 210 moves the same distance each time the probe 20 is locked to engage with the second chuck 220, thus improving the positioning repeatability of the probe 20 and consequently improving the measurement accuracy of the measuring instrument 1.

[0157] While the present disclosure has been specifically described above in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and examples, it is to be understood that the foregoing description does not limit the present disclosure in any way. Those skilled in the art can make modifications and variations to the present disclosure as needed without departing from its essential spirit and scope, and all such modifications and variations shall fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A locking device of a measuring instrument, which is a locking device for locking a probe of the measuring instrument, characterized by comprising: The locking device comprises a driving mechanism, a chuck mechanism, and an adjusting mechanism, the driving mechanism comprises a first driving part for driving the chuck mechanism and a second driving part for driving the adjusting mechanism; the chuck mechanism comprises a first chuck arranged on the first driving part and configured to rotate around a first rotation axis under the action of the first driving part and linked with the measuring head, and a second chuck arranged opposite to the first chuck; the adjusting mechanism comprises a first supporting mechanism connected with the first chuck, a second supporting mechanism arranged on the second chuck, a rotating mechanism arranged on the second driving part and configured to rotate around a second rotation axis under the action of the second driving part, and a crossbeam linked with the first supporting mechanism and the second supporting mechanism and linked with the rotating mechanism, the rotating mechanism rotates to drive the first supporting mechanism to move to make the first chuck and the second chuck clamped. The locking device further comprises a control mechanism and a sensing mechanism signal connected with the control mechanism, the sensing mechanism is configured to measure the rotation angle of the first chuck and the rotation angle of the rotating mechanism and output an electric signal, and the control mechanism is configured to receive the electric signal output by the sensing mechanism to control the clamping of the first chuck and the second chuck.

2. The locking device according to claim 1, wherein The first supporting mechanism comprises an elastic element and a supporting body penetrating through the elastic element and connected with the first chuck.

3. The locking device according to claim 1, wherein The crossbeam comprises a first end fixedly connected with the first supporting mechanism, a second end movably connected with the second supporting mechanism, and a third end abutting against the rotating mechanism, the crossbeam swings around the connection position of the second end and the second supporting mechanism to drive the first supporting mechanism to move when the rotating mechanism rotates, and the first end is located between the second end and the third end.

4. The locking device according to claim 3, wherein The rotating mechanism has a gap part with a distance from the second rotation axis not less than a preset value, and the first chuck is clamped to the second chuck when the rotating mechanism rotates to the position that the third end is located in the gap part.

5. The locking device according to claim 3, wherein The rotating mechanism has a concentric arc surface with a preset length, and the first chuck is clamped to the second chuck when the rotating mechanism rotates to the position that the concentric arc surface abuts against the crossbeam.

6. The locking device according to claim 5, wherein The concentric arc surface is located at the highest position of the rotating mechanism.

7. The locking device according to claim 1 or 5, wherein The first chuck is provided with at least one first clamping piece, and the second chuck is provided with a second clamping piece clamped to the first clamping piece.

8. The locking device according to claim 1, wherein The control mechanism is configured to control the rotating mechanism to rotate a second preset angle to make the first chuck and the second chuck engage when the first chuck rotates a first preset angle.

9. The locking device of claim 8, wherein, The sensing mechanism comprises a first measuring element for obtaining a rotating angle of the first chuck, and the sensing mechanism is configured to send a first electric signal to the control mechanism when the first chuck rotates the first preset angle, and the control mechanism controls the rotating mechanism to rotate based on the first electric signal.

10. The locking device of claim 9, wherein, The sensing mechanism further comprises a second measuring element for obtaining a rotating angle of the rotating mechanism, and the second measuring element is configured to send a second electric signal to the control mechanism when the rotating mechanism rotates the second preset angle, and the control mechanism controls the rotating mechanism to stop rotating based on the second electric signal to make the first chuck and the second chuck engage.

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