Gear rack splicing device and rack splicing method for coordinate measuring machine

Abstract

This invention belongs to the field of rack machining technology, specifically relating to a rack splicing device and method for a coordinate measuring machine (CMM). The rack splicing device includes an air-bearing positioning and moving module, a measuring module, and a rack splicing clamping module. The air-bearing positioning and moving module includes an air supply component, a support frame, and a positioning component. The positioning component includes an air-bearing positioning component and a magnetic positioning component. The measuring module includes a measuring instrument and a round bar. The measuring instrument is mounted on the support frame, and the round bar abuts against the opposite side walls of the rack segment's tooth groove. The rack splicing clamping module includes a module body, a reference rack, a clamping mating component, and a clamping drive mechanism. The clamping drive mechanism is located on the module body and is used to drive the reference rack and the clamping mating component to engage and clamp the splicing point of two adjacent rack segments. This rack splicing device and method can improve the straightness of the spliced ​​rack, thereby ensuring the measurement accuracy requirements of the CMM.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of rack and pinion machining technology, specifically relating to a rack and pinion splicing device and method for a coordinate measuring machine. Background Technology

[0002] In coordinate measuring machines (CMMs), rack and pinion drives are commonly used transmission mechanisms. For example, the X-axis of the CMM is driven by a motor that rotates a gear, which meshes with a rack fixed on the Y-axis guide rail, enabling the X-axis to move linearly along the Y-axis.

[0003] Because the racks of coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) are often quite long, reaching several meters, they are usually assembled by splicing together multiple short rack segments. The straightness of the spliced ​​racks directly affects the accuracy of subsequent inspections by the CMM.

[0004] Currently, the general method for splicing and installing racks on coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) is as follows: Position the first rack segment at the rack mounting surface and pre-tighten it with bolts; use a reverse-clamping gauge to assist in positioning the second rack segment, ensuring the tooth surface of the gauge fits against the tooth surface at the splice point of the two rack segments; use a measuring device and a measuring rod to measure multiple tooth grooves at different positions on the two rack segments; if the measuring device reading is stable within a certain range, the splicing of the first and second rack segments is complete, and the two rack segments are fully tightened with bolts; repeat the above splicing process to continue with subsequent rack segments, splicing together to obtain the complete rack.

[0005] The existing rack splicing of coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) has the following problems: 1. The sliding fixture used for the movement of the measuring device between multiple slots at different positions involves sliding between a slider and the Y-axis guide rail. The rigid contact friction between the slider and the guide rail causes wear, which not only causes particulate contamination inside the measuring machine but also affects the straightness of the slider and the measuring device's movement, thus affecting the straightness of the spliced ​​racks; 2. The backlash and vibration of the rigid contact between the slider and the guide rail lead to the cumulative error in the straight positioning of the multi-segment rack splicing, especially for rack parts that are several meters or longer, where the cumulative error increases significantly and cannot meet the basic positioning requirements for high-precision inspection of CMMs; 3. The use of reverse-clamping gear gauges and fixtures to lock the splicing ends of adjacent rack segments is inefficient because both the reverse-clamping gear gauges and fixtures are separate components, and they also affect the straightness of the splicing. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This invention provides a rack splicing device and method for a coordinate measuring machine, which can solve the problem of poor straightness of rack splicing in the prior art, which affects the measurement accuracy of the coordinate measuring machine.

[0007] To achieve the above-mentioned technical effects, the technical solution adopted by the coordinate measuring machine rack splicing device proposed in this invention is a coordinate measuring machine rack splicing device, comprising:

[0008] An air-float positioning and moving module includes an air supply component, a support frame, and a positioning component. The support frame includes a top base, a side base, and a connecting component connecting the top base and the side base. The top base has a horizontal lower surface, and the side base has a vertical side surface. The positioning component includes an air-float positioning component and a magnetic positioning component. The positioning component is provided on the horizontal lower surface and also on the vertical side surface.

[0009] The measuring module includes a measuring instrument and a round bar, the measuring instrument being mounted on the support frame, and the round bar being used to abut against the opposite side walls of the tooth groove of the rack segment;

[0010] A rack and pinion splicing clamping module includes a module body, a reference rack, a clamping mating component, and a clamping drive mechanism. The reference rack and the clamping mating component are both connected to the clamping drive mechanism. The clamping drive mechanism is located on the module body and is used to drive the reference rack and the clamping mating component to engage and clamp the splice of two adjacent rack segments. In the clamped state, the opposite side walls of the teeth of the reference rack are in contact with the opposite side walls of the tooth grooves at the splice of the two adjacent rack segments.

[0011] The positioning components on the horizontal lower surface include multiple air-bearing positioning components arranged circumferentially and a magnetic positioning component, and the positioning components on the vertical side include multiple air-bearing positioning components arranged in a straight line and a magnetic positioning component.

[0012] The number of air-bearing positioning components on the horizontal lower surface is three, and they are arranged in an isosceles triangle. The magnetic positioning component on the horizontal lower surface is located at the center of the base of the isosceles triangle.

[0013] There are two air-bearing positioning components on the vertical side, and the magnetic positioning component on the vertical side is located in the middle between the two air-bearing positioning components.

[0014] The measuring instrument is mounted on the support frame via a magnetic base, and the measuring instrument is located on the clamping end of the magnetic base.

[0015] The clamping drive mechanism includes a first connector, a second connector, a first lever, a second lever, and a clamping drive assembly. The first connector and the second connector are respectively fixed on two opposite sides of the module body. The first lever is hinged to the first connector via a first pivot, and the reference rack is hinged to the resistance end of the first lever via a second pivot. The second lever is hinged to the second connector via a third pivot, and the clamping engagement is connected to the resistance end of the second lever. The reference rack and the clamping engagement are arranged opposite to each other. The driving force of the clamping drive assembly acts on the power ends of the first lever and the second lever.

[0016] The clamping drive assembly includes an air source, a main air passage disposed on the main body of the module, a first branch air passage and a second branch air passage communicating with the main air passage, a first push rod disposed in the first branch air passage, and a second push rod disposed in the second branch air passage; a first through portion is formed on the first connector, and a second through portion is provided on the second connector.

[0017] When the gas source introduces gas into the main air passage, the gas enters the first branch air passage and the second branch air passage through the main air passage, respectively, so as to push the first push rod to lift the power end of the first lever through the first through part and the second push rod to lift the power end of the second lever through the second through part.

[0018] The clamping engagement is slidably connected to the power end of the second lever and can be fixed in the position when it slides into place. The sliding direction of the clamping engagement is parallel to the tooth extension direction of the reference rack in the clamping state.

[0019] The clamping assembly consists of multiple bearings arranged side by side. The axial direction of the bearings is parallel to the tooth extension direction of the reference rack in the clamped state, and the arrangement direction of the bearings is parallel to the tooth arrangement direction of the reference rack in the clamped state.

[0020] The present invention also proposes a rack splicing method based on the above-mentioned rack splicing device for a coordinate measuring machine, comprising the following steps:

[0021] The air-bearing positioning and moving module is placed on the Y-axis guide rail of the coordinate measuring machine. The magnetic positioning component on the horizontal lower surface of the top base is attached to the top surface of the Y-axis guide rail, and the magnetic positioning component on the vertical side of the side base is attached to the side of the Y-axis guide rail.

[0022] Position and pre-tighten the first rack segment on the rack mounting surface of the Y-axis guide rail. Select multiple tooth grooves at intervals on the first rack segment, one of which is used as the reference tooth groove and the rest are the tooth grooves to be tested.

[0023] Place the round bar inside the reference tooth groove and abut against the opposite side walls of the reference tooth groove;

[0024] Start the measuring instrument and make the probe of the measuring instrument contact the round bar located in the reference tooth groove. Then, return the measuring instrument to zero to complete the initialization of the positioning reference.

[0025] When the air supply component is activated, the air flotation positioning component lifts the entire air flotation positioning moving module, allowing the air flotation positioning moving module to retain only the translational degree of freedom in the Y-axis direction.

[0026] The round bar is transferred to a toothed groove to be tested, and the air-bearing positioning module is pushed to translate along the Y-axis to the round bar. During the translation, the air supply component continuously outputs stable pressure to ensure that the air film thickness is kept within the required range. The measuring instrument measures the position of the round bar and observes whether there is any deviation in the measuring instrument reading. If there is a deviation, the position of the first rack segment is adjusted to correct the deviation until the measuring instrument reading is stable within the set range. The remaining toothed grooves on the first rack segment are tested and corrected in this way, and finally the positioning of the first rack segment is completed and the first rack segment is locked.

[0027] The second rack segment is roughly positioned on the rack mounting surface, and its position is adjusted so that its splicing end is aligned with the splicing end of the first rack segment. The splicing joint of the two rack segments is clamped using the rack splicing clamping module.

[0028] Multiple tooth grooves to be tested are selected at intervals on the second rack segment. The same detection and correction method as that used on the first rack segment is used to complete the detection and correction of each tooth groove to be tested on the second rack segment, thereby completing the positioning of the second rack segment and locking the second rack segment.

[0029] The third rack segment is roughly positioned on the rack mounting surface, and its position is adjusted so that its splicing end is aligned with the splicing end of the second rack segment. The splicing joint of the two rack segments is clamped using the rack splicing clamping module.

[0030] Multiple tooth slots to be tested are selected at intervals on the third rack segment. The same detection and correction method as that used on the first rack segment is used to complete the detection and correction of each tooth slot on the third rack segment, thereby completing the positioning of the third rack segment and locking the third rack segment.

[0031] Continue in this manner to complete the splicing of the entire rack.

[0032] The rack mounting surface is ultra-precision ground.

[0033] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages and positive effects:

[0034] 1. The measuring instrument is installed on the support frame of the air-float positioning moving module. When moving, the support frame adopts non-contact air-float support, which can eliminate mechanical friction and wear, and help ensure the overall translational straightness of the air-float positioning moving module, thereby ensuring the translational straightness and measurement accuracy of the measuring instrument.

[0035] 2. Compared with existing mechanical rigid contact positioning, non-contact air-bearing support has a smaller cumulative error in segmented splicing, which can improve the straightness of the rack splicing, thereby ensuring the measurement accuracy requirements of the coordinate measuring machine.

[0036] 3. The frictionless nature of the non-contact air-bearing support can eliminate the generation of heat sources, thus avoiding the accuracy drift caused by thermal deformation from the root. Even with long-term continuous operation, the accuracy is almost unaffected.

[0037] 4. The rack and pinion splicing clamping module is an integral structure. The clamping drive mechanism drives the reference rack and the clamping mating part to clamp the splicing point of two adjacent rack segments. There is no need to operate the reference rack and the clamping mating part separately, which simplifies the operation and improves the clamping efficiency of the splicing point of two adjacent rack segments, thereby improving the rack and pinion splicing efficiency. The clamping mating part does not exert force on the reference rack, which can effectively avoid the misalignment of the reference rack due to force and ensure the splicing positioning accuracy. Attached Figure Description

[0038] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0039] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the rack and pinion splicing device for a coordinate measuring machine in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the coordinate measuring machine rack splicing device in an embodiment of the present invention, when the rack splicing device is applied to the Y-axis guide rail of the coordinate measuring machine.

[0041] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Enlarged view of part A in the image;

[0042] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the coordinate measuring machine rack splicing device in another perspective when it is applied to the rack splicing on the Y-axis guide rail of the coordinate measuring machine in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 5This is a schematic diagram of the air-bearing positioning and moving module of the rack and pinion splicing device of the coordinate measuring machine in an embodiment of the present invention from one perspective;

[0044] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the air-bearing positioning and moving module of the rack and pinion splicing device of the coordinate measuring machine in an embodiment of the present invention from another perspective;

[0045] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the measurement module structure of the rack and pinion splicing device for a coordinate measuring machine in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the rack splicing and clamping module structure of the rack splicing device for a coordinate measuring machine in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 9 for Figure 8 Top view;

[0048] Figure 10 for Figure 9 BB cross-sectional view;

[0049] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the rack splicing clamping module and the first rack segment and the second rack segment in the clamping state in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the rack splicing clamping module and the first rack segment and the second rack segment in the clamping state in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] Figure label:

[0052] 1. Gear splicing device for coordinate measuring machine;

[0053] 100. Air-float positioning and moving module; 110. Solenoid valve; 120. Top base; 121. Horizontal lower surface; 122. Horizontal connecting surface; 130. Side base; 131. Vertical side; 132. Vertical connecting surface; 140. Connecting component; 141. Horizontal part; 142. Vertical part; 150. Air-float positioning assembly; 160. Magnetic positioning assembly;

[0054] 200. Measurement module; 210. Measuring instrument; 220. Round bar; 230. Magnetic base; 231. Universal arm; 240. Ruby probe;

[0055] 300. Rack and pinion clamping module; 310. Module body; 311. Main air passage; 312. First branch air passage; 313. Second branch air passage; 314. First push rod; 315. Second push rod; 320. Reference rack; 330. Clamping mating part; 340. First connecting part; 341. First through part; 350. Second connecting part; 351. Second through part; 360. First lever; 370. Second lever; 380. First pivot; 390. Second pivot; 3100. Third pivot; 3110. Sliding rod;

[0056] 2. Y-axis guide rail; 21. Rack mounting surface;

[0057] 3. The first rack segment;

[0058] 4. The second rack segment;

[0059] 5. The third rack segment. Detailed Implementation

[0060] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0061] Furthermore, the technical features involved in the different embodiments of the present invention described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0062] Reference Figures 1 to 12 As shown, in some embodiments of this application, a coordinate measuring machine rack splicing device 1 is proposed for splicing multiple segments of racks on the guide rail (such as the Y-axis guide rail 2) of a coordinate measuring machine. The coordinate measuring machine rack splicing device 1 includes an air-bearing positioning and moving module 100, a measuring module 200, and a rack splicing clamping module 300.

[0063] The air-bearing positioning and moving module 100 includes an air supply component, a support frame, and a positioning component. The support frame includes a top base 120, a side base 130, and a connecting component 140 connecting the top base 120 and the side base 130. The top base 120 has a horizontal lower surface 121, and the side base 130 has a vertical side surface 131. The positioning component includes an air-bearing positioning component 150 and a magnetic positioning component 160. The above-mentioned positioning component is provided on the horizontal lower surface 121 of the top base 120, and the above-mentioned positioning component is also provided on the vertical side surface 131 of the side base 130.

[0064] The measurement module 200 includes a measuring instrument 210 and a measuring rod 220. The measuring instrument 210 is mounted on a support frame, and the rod 220 is used to abut against the opposite side walls of the tooth groove of the rack section.

[0065] The rack and pinion clamping module 300 includes a module body 310, a reference rack 320, a clamping mating part 330, and a clamping drive mechanism. Both the reference rack 320 and the clamping mating part 330 are connected to the clamping drive mechanism, which is located on the module body 310. The clamping drive mechanism is used to drive the reference rack 320 and the clamping mating part 330 to clamp the joint of two adjacent rack segments (e.g., the first rack segment 3 and the second rack segment 4). In the clamped state, the reference rack 320 faces the tooth groove surface at the joint of the two adjacent rack segments. The opposite sidewalls of the teeth of the reference rack 320 correspond to the opposite sidewalls of the tooth groove at the joint of the two adjacent rack segments. The clamping mating part 330 abuts against the opposite side of the tooth groove at the joint of the two adjacent rack segments. Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown.

[0066] In some embodiments of this application, the top base 120, the side base 130, and the connecting component 140 are all made of carbon steel. The top base 120 and the side base 130 are rigidly connected by screws through the connecting component 140 to form an integrated structure, so as to ensure overall rigidity and movement stability.

[0067] The connecting component 140 is an L-shaped plate, with its vertical portion 142 located below one side of its horizontal portion 141. To reduce weight and facilitate forming, the connecting component 140 is bent after removing a portion of the material. The top base 120 has a horizontal connecting surface 122 located above the horizontal lower surface 121, and the side base 130 has a vertical connecting surface 132 located on the opposite side of the vertical side surface 131. The horizontal portion 141 of the connecting component 140 is connected to the horizontal connecting surface 122 of the top base 120 by screws, and the vertical portion 142 of the connecting component 140 is connected to the vertical connecting surface 132 of the side base 130 by screws. After connection, the entire assembly undergoes precision testing to ensure that the perpendicularity tolerance between the horizontal lower surface 121 of the top base 120 and the vertical side surface 131 of the side base 130 meets the requirements.

[0068] The top base 120 and the side base 130 provide high-precision mounting reference surfaces for the positioning components and the measurement module 200, ensuring the assembly position accuracy and collaborative reliability of each functional module. For Y-axis guide rails 2 with different width specifications, tooling adaptation can be completed simply by designing and modifying the connecting component 140 separately. The modular design of the connecting component 140 greatly simplifies the operation process and improves the ability of the air-bearing positioning and moving module 100 to quickly adapt to different working conditions.

[0069] The positioning assembly includes an air-bearing positioning assembly 150 and a magnetic positioning assembly 160. During use, it needs to be positioned in conjunction with a guide rail (such as the Y-axis guide rail 2) that mounts the rack. The rack mounting surface 21 is pre-machined on the Y-axis guide rail 2, and its roughness is reduced through ultra-precision grinding, thereby improving positioning accuracy. The air-bearing positioning assembly 150 on the horizontal lower surface 121 of the top base 120 and the air-bearing positioning assembly 150 on the vertical side 131 of the side base 130 are both fixed with bolts and connected to an air supply assembly via air pipes. The magnetic positioning assembly 160 can use a neodymium iron boron magnet.

[0070] The rack mounting surface 21 on the top surface of the Y-axis guide rail 2 serves as the positioning reference. The air-bearing positioning component 150 on the horizontal lower surface 121 of the top base 120 achieves frictionless support through static pressure air film. The air-bearing positioning component 150 on the vertical side 131 of the side base 130 achieves gapless guidance through air film pressure balance. The magnetic positioning component 160 provides the adsorption force of the top and side surfaces to perform initial positioning of the air-bearing positioning moving module 100 as a whole, preventing the air-bearing positioning moving module 100 from shifting when the air-bearing positioning component 150 is started. The magnetic positioning component 160 is configured such that its magnetic attraction force can be overcome by the air-bearing support force generated by the air-bearing positioning component 150.

[0071] In some embodiments of this application, such as Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the positioning components on the horizontal lower surface 121 include multiple air-floating positioning components 150 arranged circumferentially and a magnetic positioning component 160, and the positioning components on the vertical side 131 include multiple air-floating positioning components 150 arranged in a straight line and a magnetic positioning component 160, so as to improve the reliability of the air membrane support.

[0072] In some embodiments of this application, there are three air-bearing positioning components 150 on the horizontal lower surface 121, arranged in an isosceles triangle, with a magnetic positioning component 160 on the horizontal lower surface 121 located at the center of the base of the isosceles triangle; there are two air-bearing positioning components 150 on the vertical side 131, with the magnetic positioning component 160 on the vertical side 131 located in the middle between the two air-bearing positioning components 150, so that the entire air-bearing positioning moving module 100 is subjected to balanced forces; and through the optimized layout of multiple air-bearing positioning components 150, the reliability of the air film support can be improved, the X-axis and Z-axis degrees of freedom perpendicular to the Y-axis guide rail 2 can be precisely restricted, the structural stability during the positioning process can be ensured, and the deformation error caused by the contact pressure of the measuring probe of the measuring instrument 210 on the round bar 220 can be reduced.

[0073] In some embodiments of this application, such as Figure 1 , Figure 4 and Figure 7As shown, the measuring instrument 210 is mounted on the support frame via a magnetic base 230, and is positioned on the clamping end of the universal arm 231 of the magnetic base 230. Specifically, the magnetic base 230 is magnetically attached to the horizontal portion 141 of the connecting component 140. The measuring instrument 210 can be a dial indicator or micrometer, etc., and employs a ruby ​​probe 240. The clamping end of the universal arm 231 is equipped with an elastic chuck to hold the ruby ​​probe 240.

[0074] The magnetic base 230 is magnetically fixed to the horizontal part 141 of the connecting component 140 and moves together with the air-bearing positioning moving module 100 to ensure that the measurement reference is consistent with the tooling positioning reference of the air-bearing positioning moving module 100. The universal arm 231 supports the ruby ​​probe 240 to measure the round bar 220 at different positions. The ruby ​​probe 240 can avoid scratching the surface of the round bar 220. The dial indicator accurately feeds back the position deviation and provides data support for segmented calibration.

[0075] In some embodiments of this application, such as Figures 8 to 12 As shown, the main body 310 of the rack splicing clamping module 300 is made of carbon steel and milled. The tooth profile parameters of the reference rack 320 are consistent with the tooth profile parameters of the rack segment to be spliced.

[0076] The clamping drive mechanism includes a first connecting member 340, a second connecting member 350, a first lever 360, a second lever 370, and a clamping drive assembly. The first connecting member 340 and the second connecting member 350 are respectively fixed on two opposite sides of the module body 310. The first lever 360 is hinged to the first connecting member 340 via a first rotating shaft 380, and the reference rack 320 is hinged to the resistance end of the first lever 360 via a second rotating shaft 390. The second lever 370 is hinged to the second connecting member 350 via a third rotating shaft 3100. The clamping engagement 330 is connected to the resistance end of the second lever 370. The reference rack 320 and the clamping engagement 330 are arranged opposite to each other. The driving force of the clamping drive assembly acts on the power end of the first lever 360 and the power end of the second lever 370, driving the first lever 360 and the second lever 370 to rotate around the first rotating shaft 380 and the third rotating shaft 3100 respectively, thereby enabling the reference rack 320 and the clamping engagement 330 to engage and clamp, achieving precise positioning and clamping during rack segment splicing, and ensuring the straightness of rack installation and splicing.

[0077] The aforementioned clamping drive mechanism constitutes an integrated tooling. The clamping drive assembly rotates through a drive lever mechanism, thereby causing the reference rack 320 and the clamping mating part 330 to engage and clamp the splice of two adjacent rack segments. Compared with the existing technology that uses a separate reference rack and a separate rack clamp for assembly and clamping, the operation is simple and the assembly and disassembly are convenient, which greatly improves the clamping efficiency at the splice of rack segments at different positions, thereby improving the efficiency of multi-segment rack splicing. At the same time, the reference rack 320 can rotate around the second rotating shaft 390, so that it can adaptively mesh with the rack when clamping the rack, improving the meshing accuracy, which in turn helps to ensure the overall straightness of the rack after splicing.

[0078] Furthermore, such as Figure 10 As shown, the clamping drive assembly includes an air source, a main air passage 311 disposed on the module body 310, a first branch air passage 312 and a second branch air passage 313 communicating with the main air passage 311, a first push rod 314 disposed in the first branch air passage 312, and a second push rod 315 disposed in the second branch air passage 313; a first through portion 341 is formed on the first connector 340, and a second through portion 351 is provided on the second connector 350; one end of the main air passage 311 is an air source interface, connected to the air source, and the other end... One end is connected to the first branch airway 312 and the second branch airway 313. When the gas source introduces gas into the main airway 311, the gas enters the first branch airway 312 and the second branch airway 313 through the main airway 311. The gas entering the first branch airway 312 pushes the first push rod 314 through the first through part 341 to lift the power end of the first lever 360. The gas entering the second branch airway 313 pushes the second push rod 315 through the second through part 351 to lift the power end of the second lever 370.

[0079] The clamping drive assembly uses an air source to provide driving force. The air source can come from the air supply component of the air float positioning moving module 100. The main air channel 311 is connected to the air supply component of the air float positioning moving module 100 through an air pipe, that is, it shares the air source with the air float positioning component 150. This is beneficial to simplify the structure. Moreover, the use of air source drive is clean and hygienic and will not cause pollution to the Y-axis guide rail 2, which is beneficial to ensuring the measurement accuracy of the measuring machine.

[0080] In some embodiments of this application, the air supply assembly employs existing technology and includes an air compressor, a drying and filtering unit, a solenoid valve 110, and a piping system. The air compressor outputs pressure, the piping system uses air pipes, and the drying and filtering unit and the solenoid valve are connected to the piping system. The drying and filtering unit dries and filters the gas output from the air compressor, thereby providing stable and clean compressed air for the air flotation positioning assembly 150 and the clamping drive assembly. The solenoid valve is located on the top base 120 and is used to control the on / off of the piping. An exhaust silencer is installed at the end of the air pipe. The air supply assembly has its own pressure regulating unit to maintain air film stability.

[0081] In some embodiments of this application, the clamping engagement 330 is slidably connected to the resistance end of the second lever 370, and its sliding direction is parallel to the tooth extension direction of the reference rack 320 in the clamped state. By sliding and adjusting the position of the clamping engagement 330, it can be adapted to the splicing of racks of different sizes, and better cooperate with the reference rack 320 to achieve clamping.

[0082] In some embodiments of this application, such as Figure 10 As shown, a sliding rod 3110 is fixedly connected to the clamping fitting 330. The sliding rod 3110 is slidably inserted into the second lever 370. When it slides into place, the sliding rod 3110 is fixed by a set screw, thereby fixing the clamping fitting 330.

[0083] In some embodiments of this application, the clamping fitting 330 consists of multiple bearings arranged side by side. The axial direction of the bearings is parallel to the tooth extension direction of the reference rack 320 in the clamped state, and the arrangement direction of the bearings is parallel to the tooth arrangement direction of the reference rack 320 in the clamped state. The multiple bearings are mounted together on a connecting block, and the sliding rod 3110 is fixedly connected to the connecting block.

[0084] When using the rack and pinion clamping module 300 to clamp the joint of two adjacent rack segments, it is first roughly positioned at the joint, and then fine-tuned. If there is a slight deviation after clamping with ventilation, the bearing can rotate and will automatically return to the correct position under the clamping force, or it can be manually pushed slightly to return to the correct position. If the clamping mating part 330 cannot rotate, there is a risk of jamming. The reference rack and pinion 320 and the clamping mating part 330 need to be readjusted before clamping, which is inconvenient, time-consuming and labor-intensive. Moreover, the rotation of the bearing can also prevent scratching the rack.

[0085] In some embodiments of this application, a rack splicing method based on the above-mentioned coordinate measuring machine rack splicing device is also proposed, including the following steps:

[0086] Place the air-bearing positioning moving module 100 on the Y-axis guide rail 2 of the coordinate measuring machine, such as... Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the magnetic positioning component 160 on the horizontal lower surface 121 of the top base 120 is attached to the top surface of the Y-axis guide rail 2, and the magnetic positioning component 160 on the vertical side surface 131 of the side base 130 is attached to the side surface of the Y-axis guide rail 2.

[0087] Align each mounting hole of the first rack segment 3 with each mounting hole on the rack mounting surface 21 of the Y-axis guide rail 2. Position and pre-tighten the first rack segment 3 on the rack mounting surface 21 of the Y-axis guide rail 2 by using bolts that correspond one-to-one with each mounting hole. Select multiple tooth grooves at intervals on the first rack segment 3. Take one of the selected tooth grooves as the reference tooth groove and the rest as the tooth grooves to be tested. For example, take the tooth groove at the beginning of the first rack segment 3 as the reference tooth groove, and then select multiple tooth grooves at equal intervals along the extension direction of the rack segment as the tooth grooves to be tested.

[0088] The round bar 220 is placed in the reference tooth groove and abuts against the opposite side walls of the reference tooth groove. Specifically, the round bar 220 can be magnetized and attached to the opposite side walls of the reference tooth groove to ensure that the round bar 220 is in a stable position.

[0089] Start the measuring instrument 210, so that the probe of the measuring instrument 210 contacts the round bar 220 located in the reference tooth groove, and then reset the measuring instrument 210 to zero to complete the initialization of the positioning reference, that is, the measured value of the round bar 220 in the reference tooth groove is the reference zero value.

[0090] The air supply component is activated to supply air to the air-floating positioning component 150, generating an air film that overcomes the weight of the air-floating positioning moving module 100 and the magnetic force of the magnetic positioning component 160, causing the air-floating positioning moving module 100 to float as a whole, so that the air-floating positioning moving module 100 retains only the translational degree of freedom in the Y-axis direction.

[0091] The round bar 220 is transferred to a toothed groove to be tested, and the air-bearing positioning moving module 100 is pushed to translate along the Y-axis to the round bar 220. During the translation, the air supply component continuously outputs stable pressure to ensure that the air film thickness is kept within the required range. The measuring instrument 210 measures the position of the round bar 220 and observes whether there is a deviation in the reading of the measuring instrument 210. If there is a deviation, the position of the first rack segment 3 is adjusted to correct the deviation until the reading of the measuring instrument 210 is stable within the set range. The detection and correction of the remaining toothed grooves on the first rack segment 3 are completed in this way, and the positioning of the first rack segment 3 is finally completed. The bolts are tightened to lock the first rack segment 3.

[0092] The second rack segment 4 is roughly positioned on the rack mounting surface 21, and its position is adjusted so that its splicing end is aligned with the splicing end of the first rack segment 3. The splicing joint of the two rack segments is clamped using the rack splicing clamping module 300. Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown;

[0093] Multiple tooth grooves to be tested are selected at intervals on the second rack segment 4. The same detection and correction method as that used on the first rack segment 3 is used to complete the detection and correction of each tooth groove to be tested on the second rack segment 4, thereby completing the positioning of the second rack segment 4. The bolts are then tightened to lock the second rack segment 4.

[0094] The third rack segment 5 is roughly positioned on the rack mounting surface 21, and its position is adjusted so that its splicing end is aligned with the splicing end of the second rack segment 4. The splicing joint of the two rack segments is clamped by the rack splicing clamping module 300.

[0095] Multiple tooth slots to be tested are selected at intervals on the third rack segment 5. The same detection and correction method as that used on the first rack segment 3 is used to complete the detection and correction of each tooth slot on the third rack segment 5, thereby completing the positioning of the third rack segment 5. The bolts are then tightened to lock the third rack segment 5.

[0096] Continue in this manner to complete the splicing of the entire rack.

[0097] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A rack splicing method based on a coordinate measuring machine rack splicing device, wherein the coordinate measuring machine rack splicing device comprises: An air-float positioning and moving module includes an air supply component, a support frame, and a positioning component. The support frame includes a top base, a side base, and a connecting component connecting the top base and the side base. The top base has a horizontal lower surface, and the side base has a vertical side surface. The positioning component includes an air-float positioning component and a magnetic positioning component. The positioning component is provided on the horizontal lower surface and also on the vertical side surface. The measuring module includes a measuring instrument and a round bar, the measuring instrument being mounted on the support frame, and the round bar being used to abut against the opposite side walls of the tooth groove of the rack segment; A rack and pinion splicing clamping module includes a module body, a reference rack, a clamping mating component, and a clamping drive mechanism. The reference rack and the clamping mating component are both connected to the clamping drive mechanism. The clamping drive mechanism is located on the module body and is used to drive the reference rack and the clamping mating component to engage and clamp the splice of two adjacent rack segments. In the clamped state, the opposite side walls of the teeth of the reference rack are correspondingly engaged with the opposite side walls of the tooth grooves at the splice of the two adjacent rack segments. The method for splicing racks is characterized by comprising the following steps: The air-bearing positioning and moving module is placed on the Y-axis guide rail of the coordinate measuring machine. The magnetic positioning component on the horizontal lower surface of the top base is attached to the top surface of the Y-axis guide rail, and the magnetic positioning component on the vertical side of the side base is attached to the side of the Y-axis guide rail. Position and pre-tighten the first rack segment on the rack mounting surface of the Y-axis guide rail. Select multiple tooth grooves at intervals on the first rack segment, one of which is used as the reference tooth groove and the rest are the tooth grooves to be tested. Place the round bar inside the reference tooth groove and abut against the opposite side walls of the reference tooth groove; Start the measuring instrument and make the probe of the measuring instrument contact the round bar located in the reference tooth groove. Then, return the measuring instrument to zero to complete the initialization of the positioning reference. When the air supply component is activated, the air flotation positioning component lifts the entire air flotation positioning moving module, allowing the air flotation positioning moving module to retain only the translational degree of freedom in the Y-axis direction. The round bar is transferred to a toothed groove to be tested, and the air-bearing positioning module is pushed to translate along the Y-axis to the round bar. During the translation, the air supply component continuously outputs stable pressure to ensure that the air film thickness is kept within the required range. The measuring instrument measures the position of the round bar and observes whether there is any deviation in the measuring instrument reading. If there is a deviation, the position of the first rack segment is adjusted to correct the deviation until the measuring instrument reading is stable within the set range. The remaining toothed grooves on the first rack segment are tested and corrected in this way, and finally the positioning of the first rack segment is completed and the first rack segment is locked. The second rack segment is roughly positioned on the rack mounting surface, and its position is adjusted so that its splicing end is aligned with the splicing end of the first rack segment. The splicing joint of the two rack segments is clamped using the rack splicing clamping module. Multiple tooth grooves to be tested are selected at intervals on the second rack segment. The same detection and correction method as that used on the first rack segment is used to complete the detection and correction of each tooth groove to be tested on the second rack segment, thereby completing the positioning of the second rack segment and locking the second rack segment. The third rack segment is roughly positioned on the rack mounting surface, and its position is adjusted so that its splicing end is aligned with the splicing end of the second rack segment. The splicing joint of the two rack segments is clamped using the rack splicing clamping module. Multiple tooth slots to be tested are selected at intervals on the third rack segment. The same detection and correction method as that used on the first rack segment is used to complete the detection and correction of each tooth slot on the third rack segment, thereby completing the positioning of the third rack segment and locking the third rack segment. Continue in this manner to complete the splicing of the entire rack.

2. The rack splicing method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rack mounting surface is ultra-precision ground.

3. The rack splicing method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The positioning components on the horizontal lower surface include multiple air-bearing positioning components arranged circumferentially and a magnetic positioning component, and the positioning components on the vertical side include multiple air-bearing positioning components arranged in a straight line and a magnetic positioning component.

4. The rack splicing method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The number of air-bearing positioning components on the horizontal lower surface is three, and they are arranged in an isosceles triangle. The magnetic positioning component on the horizontal lower surface is located at the center of the base of the isosceles triangle. There are two air-bearing positioning components on the vertical side, and the magnetic positioning component on the vertical side is located in the middle between the two air-bearing positioning components.

5. The rack and pinion splicing method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The measuring instrument is mounted on the support frame via a magnetic base, and the measuring instrument is located on the clamping end of the magnetic base.

6. The rack splicing method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The clamping drive mechanism includes a first connector, a second connector, a first lever, a second lever, and a clamping drive assembly. The first connector and the second connector are respectively fixed on two opposite sides of the module body. The first lever is hinged to the first connector via a first pivot, and the reference rack is hinged to the resistance end of the first lever via a second pivot. The second lever is hinged to the second connector via a third pivot, and the clamping engagement is connected to the resistance end of the second lever. The reference rack and the clamping engagement are arranged opposite to each other. The driving force of the clamping drive assembly acts on the power ends of the first lever and the second lever.

7. The rack splicing method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The clamping drive assembly includes an air source, a main air passage disposed on the main body of the module, a first branch air passage and a second branch air passage communicating with the main air passage, a first push rod disposed in the first branch air passage, and a second push rod disposed in the second branch air passage; a first through portion is formed on the first connector, and a second through portion is provided on the second connector. When the gas source introduces gas into the main air passage, the gas enters the first branch air passage and the second branch air passage through the main air passage, respectively, so as to push the first push rod through the first through part to lift the power end of the first lever and the second push rod through the second through part to lift the power end of the second lever.

8. The rack splicing method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The clamping fitting is slidably connected to the power end of the second lever, and its sliding direction is parallel to the tooth extension direction of the reference rack in the clamped state.

9. The rack splicing method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The clamping assembly consists of multiple bearings arranged side by side. The axial direction of the bearings is parallel to the tooth extension direction of the reference rack in the clamped state, and the arrangement direction of the bearings is parallel to the tooth arrangement direction of the reference rack in the clamped state.

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