Outer supporting structure of measuring equipment and measuring equipment

Abstract

The utility model discloses an outer supporting structure of measuring equipment and the measuring equipment, the measuring equipment comprises at least one arm component, and the outer supporting structure comprises an outer sleeve arranged on the peripheral side of the arm component and provided with a near end and a far end which are opposite; the arm supporting mechanism is arranged at the far end of the outer sleeve and comprises a supporting piece and a protection piece, the supporting piece comprises a supporting part used for supporting the arm component during rotation of the arm component, and the protection piece is arranged on the supporting piece and is opposite to the supporting part; and the buffering mechanism is used for buffering the impact on the arm supporting mechanism when the arm component is reset. According to the outer supporting structure of the measuring equipment and the measuring equipment disclosed by the invention, the protection part opposite to the supporting part is arranged on the arm supporting mechanism, so that the impact on the arm supporting mechanism when the arm component is reset is buffered, the damage to the arm component is avoided, and the measuring precision is further ensured.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of articulated arm type measuring equipment, and in particular to an external supporting structure of a measuring equipment and the measuring equipment. Background Art

[0002] As a precision measuring tool, articulated arm measuring equipment is widely used in the fields of mold or part size measurement, quality inspection, engineering data collection, workpiece assembly, etc. It is usually composed of a base for connection and an articulated arm connected to the base, and a measuring probe is configured at the end of the articulated arm. Among them, the articulated arm can provide the measuring probe with rotational freedom by imitating human joints. During the measurement operation, the measuring personnel can pull the measuring probe to contact or sense the object to be measured to capture the structural characteristics of the object to be measured.

[0003] During the measurement operation, the center of gravity position of the articulated arm and the measuring probe will change with the position of the measured point. Among them, the arm part of the articulated arm will produce deflection deformation due to long-term force. Some related technologies provide support for the arm part by using an external support structure. However, there is a gap between the external support structure and the arm part. When the measurement operation is completed, the arm part needs to be reset, for example, when it needs to return to a vertical state, the external support structure will have an impact on the arm part. Over time, the arm part will be deformed or even cracked, thereby affecting the measurement accuracy and causing the equipment to be unusable.

[0004] Therefore, how to design the external support structure of the measuring device to avoid damage to the arm part due to the impact of the external support structure is a technical problem that needs to be solved urgently by those skilled in the art. Summary of the invention

[0005] In view of the shortcomings of the related technologies mentioned above, the purpose of the present application is to provide an external support structure of a measuring device and a measuring device, which are used to solve the technical problem that the external support structure of the measuring device impacts the arm part when the arm part is reset, resulting in reduced measurement accuracy.

[0006] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose and other related purposes, the first aspect of the present application provides an external support structure of a measuring device, wherein the measuring device includes at least one arm component, and the external support structure includes: an outer sleeve, which is arranged on the peripheral side of the arm component and has relative proximal and distal ends; an arm support mechanism, which is arranged at the distal end of the outer sleeve and includes a support member and a protective member, wherein the support member includes a support portion for supporting the arm component during rotation of the arm component, and the protective member is arranged on the support member and opposite to the support portion to cushion the impact of the arm support mechanism when the arm component is reset.

[0007] In certain embodiments disclosed in the first aspect of the present application, the support member further includes a coupling portion, the support portion is formed on the coupling portion, and the coupling portion is adapted to the outer sleeve to be connected to the distal end of the outer sleeve.

[0008] In certain embodiments disclosed in the first aspect of the present application, the support portion is configured on a side wall of the coupling portion to support the arm member in a point support or line support manner during rotation of the arm member.

[0009] In certain embodiments disclosed in the first aspect of the present application, the number of the supporting parts is at least two.

[0010] In certain embodiments disclosed in the first aspect of the present application, the support portion is configured as a roller.

[0011] In certain embodiments disclosed in the first aspect of the present application, a flexible layer is provided on the outer surface of the support portion.

[0012] In certain embodiments disclosed in the first aspect of the present application, the protective member is connected to the combining portion in a detachable manner.

[0013] In certain embodiments disclosed in the first aspect of the present application, the coupling portion is configured as an annular structure having a recessed area, and the protective member is connected to the coupling portion and fills the recessed area.

[0014] In certain embodiments disclosed in the first aspect of the present application, a mounting portion is formed on the protective member, and the mounting portion allows a mounting member to pass through and connect with the combining portion so that the protective member is fixed to the combining portion, and the mounting member can be detached from the combining portion so that the protective member is separated from the combining portion.

[0015] In certain embodiments disclosed in the first aspect of the present application, the coupling portion is provided with a hole structure for accommodating the supporting portion, and when the mounting member is connected to the coupling portion, it passes through the hole wall of the hole structure and connects with the supporting portion to position the supporting portion in the hole structure.

[0016] In certain embodiments disclosed in the first aspect of the present application, the protective member includes: a base connected to the support member; and a buffering portion formed on the base and facing the support portion, for buffering the impact of the arm member when the arm member is reset.

[0017] In certain embodiments disclosed in the first aspect of the present application, lugs are disposed on both ends of the base, and mounting portions are formed on the lugs so that the base is connected to the support member.

[0018] In certain embodiments disclosed in the first aspect of the present application, the buffer portion is a soft silicone member, and the base portion is a hard plastic member.

[0019] In certain embodiments disclosed in the first aspect of the present application, the base and the buffer portion are integrally formed.

[0020] In certain embodiments disclosed in the first aspect of the present application, the buffer portion is formed to protrude from a middle area of ​​the base, so that recessed avoidance areas are formed at both ends of the base.

[0021] In certain embodiments disclosed in the first aspect of the present application, both ends of the buffer portion have transition areas, and the transition areas are used to allow the arm member to move smoothly from the avoidance area to the buffer portion.

[0022] In certain embodiments disclosed in the first aspect of the present application, a gap exists between the arm member and the buffer portion during rotation of the arm member, and the arm member occupies the gap to contact the buffer portion during resetting.

[0023] The second aspect of the present application provides a measuring device, comprising a base, an articulated arm connected to the base, and a measuring device arranged at the distal end of the articulated arm, characterized in that the articulated arm comprises an axis assembly configured at its proximal end and an arm member connected to the axis assembly, and the measuring device also includes an external support structure as described in any embodiment disclosed in the first aspect of the present application.

[0024] In certain embodiments disclosed in the second aspect of the present application, the measuring device also includes a connecting assembly connected to an outer sleeve of the outer support structure and a balancing structure connected to the base, the connecting assembly is used to connect the outer sleeve to the balancing structure, and the balancing structure is used to balance the center of gravity of the measuring device.

[0025] In certain embodiments disclosed in the second aspect of the present application, the measuring device is a three-dimensional coordinate measuring machine.

[0026] To summarize, the external support structure and the measuring device provided in the present application, by providing a protective part opposite to the supporting part on the arm support mechanism, cushion the impact of the arm support mechanism when the arm member is reset, thereby avoiding damage to the arm member and ensuring measurement accuracy. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] The specific features of the present application are shown in the attached claims. The features and advantages of the invention involved in the present application can be better understood by referring to the exemplary embodiments and drawings described in detail below. The drawings are briefly described as follows:

[0028] Figure 1 Shown is a schematic diagram of the structure of a measuring device in one embodiment of the present application.

[0029] Figure 2Shown is a schematic diagram of the split structure of the internal and external support structures in one embodiment of the present application.

[0030] Figure 3 Shown is a schematic structural diagram of an arm support mechanism in one embodiment of the present application.

[0031] Figure 4 Shown is a schematic diagram of the disassembled structure of the arm support mechanism in one embodiment of the present application.

[0032] Figure 5 Shown is a cross-sectional view of an arm support mechanism in one embodiment of the present application.

[0033] Figure 6 It is a schematic diagram showing the first arm component being reset in one embodiment of the present application.

[0034] Figure 7 Shown is a schematic structural diagram of a protective element in one embodiment of the present application.

[0035] Figure 8 Shown is a cross-sectional view of an arm support mechanism in another embodiment of the present application.

[0036] Fig. 9 Shown is a cross-sectional view of an arm support mechanism in yet another embodiment of the present application

[0037] Fig.10 Show this application Figure 7 An enlarged schematic diagram of point A of the protective member in the illustrated embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] The following is an explanation of the implementation of the present application by means of specific embodiments. People familiar with the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of the present application from the contents disclosed in this specification.

[0039] In the following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, several embodiments of the present application are described. It should be understood that other embodiments may also be used, and mechanical composition, structure, electrical and operational changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. The following detailed description should not be considered restrictive, and the scope of the embodiments of the present application is limited only by the claims of the published patents. The terms used here are only to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present application. Spatially related terms, such as "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "below", "below", "lower", "above", "upper", etc., may be used in the text to facilitate the description of the relationship between an element or feature shown in the figure and another element or feature.

[0040] Although the terms first, second, etc. are used to describe various elements in some instances herein, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element. For example, the first shaft assembly can be referred to as the second shaft assembly, and similarly, the second shaft assembly can be referred to as the first shaft assembly without departing from the scope of the various described embodiments. The first shaft assembly and the second shaft assembly are both describing a certain shaft assembly, but unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, they are not the same shaft assembly. Similar situations also include a first arm component and a second arm component, etc.

[0041] In view of the technical problems mentioned in the background technology, the present application discloses a measuring device and an external support structure. A protective member opposite to the supporting part is provided on the arm support mechanism to cushion the impact of the arm support mechanism when the arm member is reset, thereby avoiding damage to the arm member and ensuring measurement accuracy.

[0042] See also Figure 1 , which is a schematic diagram of the structure of a measuring device in one embodiment of the present application, as shown in the figure, the measuring device includes an articulated arm 1, a measuring device 2, a base 3, and an external support structure 4. The articulated arm 1 has a proximal end and a distal end opposite to each other, the proximal end of which is connected to the base 1, and the distal end of which is provided with the measuring device 2. It should be noted that Figure 1 The measuring device shown is only an exemplary description. In other examples, the measuring device may also be configured to include other structures or be composed of other structures. The measuring device may also be a three-dimensional coordinate measuring machine. In addition, in the subsequent embodiments, in order to clearly illustrate the relative positions of various parts, structures, assemblies, mechanisms, components, equipment, or devices in the measuring device, the proximal end and the distal end of the articulated arm are used as the reference for distinction. The side of each part, structure, assembly, mechanism, component, equipment, or device that is relatively close to the proximal end of the articulated arm is called the proximal end (also called the proximal side), and the side that is relatively close to the distal end of the articulated arm is called the distal end (also called the distal side).

[0043] In one embodiment, the articulated arm 1 provides the measuring device 2 with the freedom to move in space, so that the measuring device 2 can move to align with the point to be measured for measurement. The point to be measured corresponds to the position or area to be measured on the object to be measured, and aligning with the point to be measured means that the position of the measuring device 2 can measure the point to be measured.

[0044] In one embodiment, if Figure 1 As shown, the articulated arm 1 includes a first arm component 10, a second arm component 11, and six shaft assemblies, each of which can provide rotary rotation or hinge rotation. Figure 1The six axis components are respectively the first axis component 12, the second axis component 13, the third axis component 14, the fourth axis component 15, the fifth axis component 16, and the sixth axis component 17. The first axis component 12 is connected to the base 3, and provides a rotary rotation around the axis of the base 3 as the center. The second axis component 13 is connected to the proximal end of the first arm component 10 and connected to the first axis component 12. The second axis component 13 provides a hinge rotation around an axis perpendicular to the first arm component 10 (which may correspond to the axis of the second axis component). The third axis component 14 is connected to the distal end of the first arm component 10, and provides a rotary rotation around the axis of the first arm component 10 as the center. The fourth axis component 15 is connected to the proximal end of the second arm component 11 and connected to the third axis component 14. The fourth axis component 15 provides a hinge rotation around an axis perpendicular to the second arm component 11 (which may correspond to the axis of the fourth axis component 15). The fifth axis assembly 16 is connected to the distal end of the second arm component 11, and provides a rotational rotation centered on the axis of the second arm component 11. The sixth axis assembly 17 is connected to the proximal end of the second arm component 11 and is connected to the fifth axis assembly 16. The sixth axis assembly 17 provides a hinged rotation around an axis perpendicular to the second arm component 11 (which may correspond to the axis of the sixth axis assembly 17).

[0045] In some embodiments, the axis assemblies (e.g., the first axis assembly 12 and the second axis assembly 13) that are combined together to connect the first arm member 10 to the base 3 are collectively referred to as the first joint mechanism. Similarly, the axis assemblies (e.g., the third axis assembly 14 and the fourth axis assembly 15) that are combined together to connect the first arm member 10 to the second arm member 11 are collectively referred to as the second joint mechanism. The axis assemblies (e.g., the fifth axis assembly 16 and the sixth axis assembly 17) that are combined together to connect the measuring device 2 to the second arm member 11 are collectively referred to as the third joint mechanism. In some embodiments, the positions of the axis assemblies and the number of axis assemblies included in each joint mechanism may also be different from those in FIG. Figure 1 Different from what is shown in the figure, for example, the third axis assembly 14 can be moved to the proximal end of the first arm member 10, and together with the first axis assembly 12 and the second axis assembly 13, serve as the first joint mechanism, and the fourth axis assembly 15 serves as the second joint mechanism. Of course, other methods of combining the axis assemblies can also be used, which will not be described in detail here.

[0046] like Figure 1 In the embodiment shown, the articulated arm 1 is provided with six shaft assemblies to provide six axis rotations. Figure 1 The measuring device in the illustrated embodiment is called a six-axis coordinate measuring machine. In some embodiments, it may further include a seventh axis assembly, which can provide a rotary rotation of the measuring device, and a measuring device provided with seven axis assemblies to provide a seven-axis rotation is also called a seven-axis coordinate measuring machine.

[0047] It should be understood that Figure 1 The configuration of two arm components and six axis assemblies in the middle articulated arm is merely an exemplary description, and the present application is not limited thereto. The articulated arm can be configured with any number of arm components, and the axis assemblies connecting adjacent arm components, arm components and bases, or arm components and measuring devices can also be configured with any number. The articulated arm can provide more or less than six or seven axes of rotation, as long as the articulated arm includes at least one arm component connected to the base and an axis assembly connected between the base and the arm component to provide hinged rotation.

[0048] In one embodiment, the arm component in the articulated arm may be configured as an elongated cylindrical shape and may be made of a suitable rigid material, for example, a lightweight and high-strength metal alloy such as an aluminum alloy, a magnesium alloy, or a carbon composite material.

[0049] In one embodiment, each axis assembly includes an encoder, which can be configured as an angle encoder, which can provide rotation information of the corresponding axis assembly, so that the rotation information provided by the encoders of all axis assemblies can determine the position of the measuring device relative to the base. Further, the main control device configured in the base can determine the three-dimensional coordinates of the point to be measured based on the position of the measuring device relative to the base and the acquired position data.

[0050] In one embodiment, the articulated arm may also be configured with at least one arm-end circuit for obtaining rotation information collected by an encoder connected thereto for transmission to the main control device. Taking a seven-axis articulated arm as an example, the articulated arm may be configured with three arm-end circuits, the first arm-end circuit being electrically connected to the encoders included in the second axis assembly and the third axis assembly, the second arm-end circuit being electrically connected to the encoders included in the fourth axis assembly and the fifth axis assembly, and the third arm-end circuit being electrically connected to the encoders included in the sixth axis assembly and the seventh axis assembly. Furthermore, the first to third arm-end circuits are electrically connected to the main control device, and the encoder included in the first axis assembly is electrically connected to the main control device, so that the main control device can obtain the rotation information of all encoders to further determine the position of the measuring device relative to the base.

[0051] In one embodiment, if Figure 1 As shown, the measuring device 2 includes a base 20 and a probe 21. The base 20 is connected to the distal end of the articulated arm 1. Figure 1 The probe 21 is detachably mounted on the base 20. In some examples, the probe 21 is configured as a contact probe having different ends that can physically contact the object to be measured, including but not limited to a ball, touch-sensitive, curved, or extended probe. In some examples, the probe 21 is configured as a non-contact probe that can measure the object to be measured in a non-contact manner, so as not to cause contact damage to the object to be measured. The non-contact probe is, for example, a laser scanner, an optical sensor, an electrostatic sensor, etc.

[0052] Furthermore, an interface unit is configured on the base 20. The interface unit can be configured to include a probe interface module and a trigger component interface module. The probe interface module is configured to be at least one, and the probe 21 described in the above embodiment can be installed on the base 20 through a probe interface module. More probe interface modules can be used to connect other probes, including but not limited to laser scanning heads, fork-shaped probes, etc. The trigger component interface module is used to connect a trigger component, which can be, for example, a handle or a keypad.

[0053] like Figure 1 As shown, the base 3 is used to be installed on a measuring platform. In this way, the base 3 can be used as a connecting part so that the articulated arm 1 can rotate in space with the measuring platform as the base point, so that the measuring device 2 can be freely oriented in space and positioned near the object to be measured or positioned in contact with the object to be measured for measurement. In one example, the base 3 may include a mounting device 30, and the mounting device 30 allows the measuring device to be removably arranged on the measuring platform, and the measuring platform is, for example, an inspection table, a processing platform, a wall, a ground, or a tripod. For example, the mounting device 30 can be configured as a threaded ring structure, and the measuring device is placed on the measuring platform for measurement by tightening the threaded ring structure on the measuring platform, and the measuring device can be removed from the measuring platform or the direction of the measuring device can be adjusted by loosening the threaded ring structure on the measuring platform. Further, an operating part can be configured on the threaded ring structure to facilitate tightening or loosening operations.

[0054] During the measurement operation, the center of gravity of the articulated arm and the measuring device will change with the position of the measured point, thereby causing the center of gravity of the measuring device to be unbalanced, and the articulated arm may fall. In view of this, in one embodiment, Figure 1 As shown, the measuring device may further include a connection component 5 and a balancing structure 6 based on the external supporting structure 4 .

[0055] In one embodiment, the outer support structure 4 is arranged on the peripheral side of the arm member connected to the base through at least one shaft assembly providing hinge rotation, so as to support the arm member during the rotation of the arm member around the shaft assembly, and the balancing structure 6 is sleeved on the shaft assembly and connected to the outer support structure, so that the outer support structure can drive the balancing structure to rotate during the rotation of the arm member to generate a torque force that balances the change of the center of gravity moment of the measuring device, so as to balance the center of gravity of the measuring device. Figure 1 As shown in the example, the outer support structure 4 can be arranged on the peripheral side of the first arm component 10, and the balancing structure 6 is connected to the base 3 and sleeved on the second shaft component 13. Figure 1 The illustrated configuration is used as an example of a measuring device to illustrate possible structures of the external support structure 4, and is not intended to limit the present application.

[0056] It should be noted here that the structural design of the outer support structure, the connection assembly, and the balancing structure shown in this embodiment enables the outer support structure to bear the force of the balancing structure and further transfer it to the base, thereby avoiding the deflection deformation of the arm member of the measuring device. In addition, the balancing structure is sleeved on the shaft assembly corresponding to the arm member through its shaft sleeve assembly, and the balancing assembly of the balancing structure is sleeved on the shaft sleeve assembly and connected to the outer support structure, so that the balancing structure is arranged around the shaft assembly and is convenient for disassembly and assembly. In this way, the balancing structure does not occupy the working space of the measuring device and is easy to be detached from the measuring device.

[0057] See also Figure 2 Combined with Figure 1 ,in, Figure 2 The schematic diagram of the disassembled structure of the outer support structure in one embodiment of the present application is shown. As shown in the figure, the outer support structure 4 includes an outer sleeve 41 and an arm support mechanism 42, the outer sleeve 41 is arranged on the peripheral side of the first arm component 10, and has a relative proximal end and a distal end, and the arm support mechanism 42 is arranged at the distal end of the outer sleeve 41.

[0058] In one embodiment, the outer sleeve 41 is non-contactly sleeved on the first arm component 10, that is, the outer sleeve 41 surrounds the first arm component 10 with a certain gap therebetween, and the arm support mechanism 42 alone provides support for the first arm component 10. In this way, the outer sleeve 41 bears the torque provided by the balancing structure 6, and even if the outer sleeve 41 is deformed due to long-term stress, since it is not in contact with the first arm component 10, it will not affect the accuracy of the first arm component 10. Furthermore, the first arm component 10 can be configured to be relatively thin, and the outer sleeve 41 can be configured to be relatively thick.

[0059] In one embodiment, if Figure 2 As shown, the outer sleeve 41 can be configured as a hollow cylinder with a smooth surface to reduce friction with the surrounding environment. The length of the outer sleeve 41 is configured to match the first arm member 10, and its material includes but is not limited to rigid materials such as alloy, cast iron, carbon structural steel, etc.

[0060] The connecting assembly 5 is connected to the outer sleeve 41 of the outer supporting structure 4, and is used to connect the outer sleeve 41 to the balancing structure 6. Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the connection assembly 5 is connected between the outer sleeve 41 and the balancing structure 6 to achieve a fixed connection between the balancing structure 6 and the outer support structure 4. The outer sleeve 41 is non-contactly sleeved on the first arm member 10, and its proximal end is connected to the connection assembly 5. The arm support mechanism 42 is disposed at the distal end of the outer sleeve 41, and the arm support mechanism 42 supports the first arm member 10 when the first arm member 10 is placed in the outer sleeve 41.

[0061] In one embodiment, the balancing structure 6 is connected to the base 3 and is further sleeved on the second shaft assembly 13. When the balancing structure 6 is sleeved on the second shaft assembly 13, there is a circumferential gap between the balancing structure 6 and the second shaft assembly 13. That is to say, the second shaft assembly 13 and the balancing structure 6 are not in contact with each other in the circumferential direction and are separable from each other. In this way, when the second shaft assembly 13 or the balancing structure 6 fails and needs to be replaced, the two can be more conveniently separated for separate replacement.

[0062] exist Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the balancing structure 6 includes a balancing assembly 61, a sleeve assembly 62 and a mounting assembly 63. The sleeve assembly 62 is sleeved on the second shaft assembly and fixed on the mounting assembly 63, and the balancing assembly 61 is sleeved on the sleeve assembly 62 and fixedly connected to the outer support structure 4, so that the outer support structure 4 drives the balancing assembly 61 to rotate around the sleeve assembly 62 during the rotation of the first arm component to generate a torque force, so that the center of gravity of the measuring device is balanced. In other words, the rotation of the balancing assembly 61 around the second shaft assembly will generate a torque force that balances the change in the center of gravity moment of the measuring device. Further, during the measurement work, the articulated arm and the measuring device will change their positions in space, thereby changing the center of gravity moment of the measuring device. Therefore, balancing the change in the center of gravity moment of the measuring device is to balance the change in the center of gravity moment caused by the change in the position of the articulated arm and the measuring device in space, so that the articulated arm and the measuring device can be balanced and will not fall.

[0063] In one embodiment, the sleeve assembly 62 includes a mandrel, which is configured as a ring-shaped structure that penetrates front and back to be sleeved on the second shaft assembly. The sleeve assembly 62 may further include a mandrel fixing ring, which is connected to the mounting assembly 63, and a fixing member is provided to pass through the mandrel fixing ring and be connected to the end surface of the mandrel, thereby fixing the mandrel.

[0064] In one embodiment, the balancing assembly 61 includes a torsion spring and a rotating connection part, wherein the torsion spring is sleeved with a shaft sleeve assembly 62 and has a fixed end and a follower end. The rotating connection part is fixedly connected to the follower end of the torsion spring and is fixedly connected to the outer support structure 4 to adjust the torque of the torsion spring during the rotation of the outer support structure 4 so that the center of gravity of the measuring device is balanced.

[0065] In one embodiment, the mounting assembly 63 includes a bearing structure and a connecting bracket. The bearing structure is connected to the base, and the connecting bracket is arranged on the bearing structure and supports or connects the sleeve assembly 62 and the balancing assembly 61, thereby ensuring that the sleeve assembly 62 and the balancing assembly 61 can rotate around the axis of the base without hindering the rotation generated by the first shaft assembly.

[0066] like Figure 1The balancing structure described in any of the embodiments is only an example. In other embodiments, the balancing structure may also be configured as a self-balancing structure. The self-balancing structure may be configured as follows: Figure 1 The second axis assembly 13 of the measuring device shown is connected to the first arm component 10 to balance the center of gravity moment change of the articulated arm.

[0067] To provide support for the first arm member, refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 ,in, Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of the arm support mechanism in one embodiment of the present application. Figure 4 The figure shows a schematic diagram of the disassembled structure of the arm support mechanism in one embodiment of the present application. Figure 3 As shown, the arm support mechanism 42 includes a support member 421 , and the support member 421 includes a support portion 4211 , and the support portion 4211 is used to support the first arm member during the rotation of the first arm member.

[0068] It should be understood that, as described in the above embodiments, when performing a measurement operation, the first arm member needs to rotate toward the object to be measured. Therefore, in order to provide support for the first arm member to prevent the first arm member from deforming due to bending, the support portion can be arranged to face the corresponding side when the first arm member rotates in a hinged manner. Figure 1 As shown, the first arm component 10 is hingedly rotated along the direction of the arrow shown by the dotted line in the figure under the action of the second shaft component 13, so the setting direction of the support part can correspond to the direction of the arrow.

[0069] In one embodiment, if Figure 4 As shown, the support member 421 further includes a coupling portion 4212, on which the support portion 4211 is formed, and the coupling portion 4212 is adapted to the outer sleeve to be connected to the distal end of the outer sleeve. Figure 4 In the example shown, the coupling portion 4212 is configured as an annular structure, and the annular structure is adapted to the port at the distal end of the outer sleeve. For example, the portion where the coupling portion 4212 and the outer sleeve meet can be configured as a protruding structure, and the diameter of the protruding structure is slightly smaller than the diameter of the outer sleeve, so that the coupling portion 4212 can be nested in the distal end of the outer sleeve in a tight fit. In addition, the coupling method of the coupling portion 4212 and the outer sleeve also includes but is not limited to welding, bonding, mortise and tenon connection, and one-piece molding. In some other examples, the coupling portion and the outer sleeve may not be distinguished, that is, the support member 421 may only include the support portion 4211, and the support portion 4211 is provided on the outer sleeve for supporting the first arm member.

[0070] In one embodiment, the support portion 4211 is disposed on the side wall of the coupling portion 4212 to support the first arm member in a point-supported manner during the rotation of the first arm member. Figure 4 As shown, the support portion 4211 is configured as a roller, and the roller protrudes from the inner side wall of the coupling portion 4212 to support the first arm member. Figure 5 , which is a cross-sectional view of an arm support mechanism in one embodiment of the present application, Figure 5 The circle shown by the dotted line in FIG. 1 represents the position of the first arm member 10 during the measurement operation. Figure 5 As shown, the support portion 4211 supports the circumferential surface of the first arm member 10 during the rotation of the first arm member 10. The roller may be, for example, annular, so that the roller can be rotatably fixed on the side wall of the coupling portion 4212 around its center, so that when the axis of the first arm member 10 deviates from the axis of the outer sleeve 41, it can slide relative to the roller to adjust the axis.

[0071] In another embodiment, the support portion 4211 is configured on the side wall of the coupling portion 4212 to support the arm member in a linear support manner during the rotation of the arm member. For example, the support portion 4211 can be configured as a long strip support, so that the axis of the arm member can also be adjusted.

[0072] In order to achieve stable support for the arm member, in one embodiment, the support portion 4211 is configured as at least two. Figure 4 In the example shown, two support portions 4211 are configured. Of course, in some other examples, more than two support portions 4211 may be configured. For example, in the example where two support portions are configured, the two support portions may be distributed at 120°. In the example where more than two support portions are configured, two adjacent support portions may also be configured at other angles, specifically, less than 180°.

[0073] In one embodiment, the outer surface of the support portion 4211 has a flexible layer, and the material of the flexible layer includes but is not limited to flexible materials such as rubber, silicone, plastic, etc. In some other embodiments, the support portion can be directly configured as a flexible structure made of a flexible material such as rubber.

[0074] As described in the above embodiments, the outer sleeve surrounds the first arm member in a manner that there is a certain gap with the first arm member. When performing a measurement operation, the first arm member needs to drive the measuring device to move toward the object to be measured. In this process, the outer sleeve replaces the first arm member to bear the torque provided by the balance structure to balance the change in the center of gravity of the measuring device, that is, the first arm member is not affected by the torque of the balance structure at this time. When the measurement operation is completed, when the first arm member needs to be reset, it will move in the opposite direction of the support part due to inertia, and may even collide repeatedly in the arm support mechanism, so as to generate a large noise. After long-term use, the first arm member may even be deformed, resulting in a decrease in measurement accuracy, and then the measuring device cannot be used.

[0075] It should be noted that the resetting refers to the state in which the first arm component is restored to its initial position after the measuring device completes the measuring operation. The initial position refers to the position in which the first arm component is in a natural state when the measuring device is not performing the measuring operation. Figure 1 For example, the first arm component 10 is in an upright state as its natural state. Specifically, during measurement, the operator can manually pull the measuring device 2 toward the object to be measured, and the first arm component 10 will produce a hinge-like rotation centered on the second axis component 13 during this process. During the resetting process, the operator will reduce or release the manual pulling force, so that the outer sleeve 41 will tend to the upright state under the torque force of the balance structure, and the first arm component 10 will also tend to move in the direction of the upright state under the drive of the outer sleeve 41 and the arm support mechanism 42. Once the outer sleeve 41 is reset, it will stop moving, and the first arm component 10 will hit the support mechanism 42 due to inertia, and even hit the outer sleeve 41.

[0076] In view of this, in one embodiment, if Figure 3 , Figure 4 ,as well as Figure 6 As shown, Figure 6 The diagram is a schematic diagram of the first arm member being reset in one embodiment of the present application. Figure 3 , Figure 4 ,as well as Figure 6 As shown, the arm support mechanism 42 further includes a protective member 422, which is disposed on the support member 421 and is arranged opposite to the support portion 4211 to cushion the impact of the first arm member 10 on the arm support mechanism 42 when it is reset. Figure 6 As shown, when resetting, once the first arm member 10 hits the arm support mechanism 42 due to inertia, due to the position configuration of the protective member 422, the first arm member 10 hits the protective member 422 of the arm support mechanism 42, so that the impact can be buffered by the protective member 422 to achieve a shock absorbing effect. It should be noted that the relative arrangement means that the protective member and the support portion overlap in space, and does not necessarily mean that the central positions of the two are absolutely aligned.

[0077] In one embodiment, the protective member 422 is detachably connected to the joint portion 4212. That is, the protective member 422 can be installed on the joint portion 4212 and can be detached from the joint portion 4212, so that the protective member can be replaced separately when it is worn out after long-term use. Of course, in some other embodiments, the protective member and the joint portion may not be distinguished, as long as the impact of the first arm member being reset can be buffered.

[0078] In one embodiment, if Figure 4As shown, the joint portion 4212 is configured as a ring structure with a recessed area, and the protective member 422 is connected to the joint portion 4212 and fills the recessed area. Figure 3 As shown, the curvature of the protective member 422 is the same as the curvature of the joint portion 4212. When the protective member 422 is connected to the joint portion 4212, the visual effect is as follows: Figure 3 As shown, the protective member 422 and the connecting portion 4212 are integrally formed into a cylindrical structure.

[0079] To achieve the connection between the protective member and the joint, in one embodiment, refer to Figure 7 Combined with Figure 4 ,in, Figure 7 The figure shows a schematic diagram of the structure of a protective member in one embodiment of the present application. As shown in the figure, a mounting portion 42212 is formed on the protective member 422, and the mounting portion 42212 allows a mounting member 423 to pass through and connect with the connecting portion 4212 so that the protective member 422 is fixed on the connecting portion 4212. In addition, the mounting member 423 can be detached from the connecting portion 4212 so that the protective member 422 is separated from the connecting portion 4212. Figure 4 In the example shown, the mounting portion 42212 is configured as two, and correspondingly, the mounting member 423 is also configured as two. In some implementations, the mounting member 423 can be configured as a bolt, and the mounting portion 42212 is configured as a through hole. Matchingly, the position where the coupling portion 4212 and the protective member 422 are connected is correspondingly configured with a screw hole 42121, and the mounting portion 42212 and the screw hole 42121 on the coupling portion 4212 can be used to install and remove the protective member 422 from the coupling portion 4212. For example, when the mounting member 423 is aligned with the screw hole 42121 and rotated in one direction, the protective member 422 can be tightened on the coupling portion 4212, thereby fixing the protective member 422 to the coupling portion 4212. When the mounting member 423 rotates in another direction, the mounting member 423 can be screwed off the screw hole 42121, thereby separating the protective member 422 from the coupling portion 4212.

[0080] In one embodiment, if Figure 4 As shown, the coupling part 4212 is provided with a hole structure 4213. When the mounting member 423 is connected to the coupling part 4212, it passes through the hole wall of the hole structure 4213 and is connected to the support part 4211 to position the support part 4211 in the hole structure 4213. As described in the above embodiment, a screw hole is provided at the position where the coupling part 4212 and the protective member 422 are connected. Figure 5As shown, the screw hole 42121 can penetrate the hole wall of the hole structure 4213, so that the mounting member 423 can also pass through the hole wall of the hole structure 4213 when the mounting portion 42212 on the self-protective member passes through the screw hole, and can further pass through the other side hole wall of the central connection hole structure 4213 of the support portion 4211, forming a Figure 5 In the state shown, the mounting member 423 fixes the protective member 422 on the coupling portion 4212 while positioning the support portion 4211 in the hole structure 4213. In this way, the mounting member 423 can simultaneously fix and separate the protective member 422 and the support portion 4211, so that the protective member 422 and the support portion 4211 can be replaced at the same time.

[0081] In one embodiment, the mounting member 423 allows the support portion 4211 to rotate about the mounting member 423. In one implementation, the support portion 4211 is configured as a bearing structure, so that when the axis of the first arm member deviates from the axis of the outer sleeve, it is convenient for the first arm member to roll relative to the bearing structure to adjust the axis.

[0082] exist Figure 4 In the embodiment shown, the hole structure 4213 is configured as two. Specifically, the two mounting members 423 pass through the two mounting portions 42212 respectively, and pass through the screw holes on the hole walls on both sides of the two hole structures 4213 and the centers of the two supporting portions 4211 respectively, so as to stably fix the protective member 422 on the combining portion 4212, and position the two supporting portions 4211 in the two hole structures 4213 respectively, so as to form a protective member 422 on the connecting portion 4212. Figure 5 Status shown.

[0083] In order to achieve the buffering effect of the protective part, such as Figure 7 As shown, the protective member 422 includes a base 4221 and a buffer portion 4222. The base 4221 is connected to the support member 421, and the buffer portion 4222 is formed on the base 4221 and faces the support portion 4211, and is used to buffer the impact of the first arm member when the first arm member is reset. Figure 8 , which is a cross-sectional view of an arm support mechanism in another embodiment of the present application, Figure 8 The circle indicated by the dotted line in the figure illustrates a state when the first arm component 10 is reset. As shown in the figure, the buffer portion 4222 provides buffering when the first arm component impacts the arm support mechanism.

[0084] In one embodiment, during the rotation of the first arm member, there is a gap between the first arm member and the buffer portion 4222. For example, Figure 5 As shown, the first arm member 10 and the buffer portion 4222 have a gap m. When resetting, the first arm member occupies the gap to contact the buffer portion 4222, forming a Figure 8It should be understood that during the rotation of the first arm member, the support is provided by the support portion and only contacts the support portion, while avoiding contact with the buffer portion, so as to avoid friction between the first arm member and the buffer portion, thereby preventing the rotation of the first arm member. In one example, the width of the gap m is 0.5 mm.

[0085] In order to ensure that the first arm member is supported only by the support portion during measurement, in one embodiment, Figure 7 As shown, the buffer portion 4222 is formed to protrude from the middle area of ​​the base 4221, so that recessed escape areas 4223 are formed at both ends of the base 4221. It should be understood that if the escape area is not provided, the first arm member will be supported by both the support portion and the protective member. Fig. 9 , showing a cross-sectional view of the arm support mechanism in yet another embodiment of the present application. As shown in the figure, the buffer portion 4222 is formed by protruding from the overall area of ​​the base 4221, that is, the avoidance area is not formed. In this example, the circle shown by the dotted line represents the first arm component 10 during the measurement operation. At this time, the support portion 4211 and the protective member are in contact with the first arm component 10. As described in the aforementioned embodiment, the support portion can be configured as a roller, which can roll with the first arm component 10 and adjust the axis of the first arm component 10, while the protective member and the first arm component 10 can only slide relative to each other. This relative sliding will generate a large friction force and will still cause damage to the first arm component 10.

[0086] In one embodiment, if Figure 7 As shown, the two ends of the buffer part 4222 have transition areas 4224, and the transition areas 4224 are used to allow the first arm member to move smoothly from the avoidance area 4224 to the buffer part 4222. That is to say, when performing a measurement operation, the first arm member is supported by the support part, and when resetting, the first arm member needs to move to the buffer part opposite to the support part. In the process of moving from the support part to the buffer part, the transition area avoids the buffer part from hindering the movement of the first arm member.

[0087] See also Fig.10 Combined with Figure 7 ,in, Fig.10 Show this application Figure 7 The enlarged schematic diagram of the protective member at A in the embodiment shown. Figure 7 and Fig.10As shown, in order to achieve smooth movement of the first arm member, a transition area 4224 is provided at the junction of the base 4221 and the buffer portion 4222. The transition area 4224 includes a first area 42241 and a second area 42242. Specifically, the first area 42241 prevents the first arm member from being blocked when moving from the avoidance area 4224 located at the base 4221 to the buffer portion 4222, and the second area 42242 connects the base 4221 and the buffer portion 4222. Fig.10 In the illustrated embodiment, both the first region 42241 and the second region 42242 are configured as arc surfaces, and the two arc surfaces are circumscribed to each other.

[0088] Since the first arm component only contacts the first area when moving from the supporting portion to the buffer portion, in certain other embodiments, the second area may not be configured as a curved surface. For example, it may be configured as a planar structure, but it is not limited to this, as long as the buffer portion can avoid obstruction to the movement of the first arm component.

[0089] In one embodiment, the buffer portion 4222 may be formed on the base portion 4221 by an integrated molding method. That is, the buffer portion 4222 and the base portion 4221 may be formed at one time by an integrated molding process. For example, the integrated molding process may be an integrated injection molding process. In some other embodiments, the buffer portion 4222 may also be bonded to the base portion 4221.

[0090] In one embodiment, in order to achieve buffering for the first arm member, the buffer part 4222 is configured as a soft silicone member. At the same time, in order to achieve support for the buffer part, the base 4221 is configured as a hard plastic member, for example, it can be polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride and other plastic materials with good corrosion resistance and good mechanical properties. In certain other embodiments, the material of the buffer part can also be configured as foam or airbag, as long as it can provide buffering for the first arm member, and the material of the base can also be configured as metal materials such as alloys, stainless steel or composite materials such as carbon fiber, as long as it can provide support for the buffer part, and this application does not limit this.

[0091] In one embodiment, if Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, in order to exert the buffering effect of the buffer part 4222, the buffer part 4222 is arranged at the central position of the protective member 422 and opposite to the support part 4211. It should be understood that such relative position between the buffer part and the support part does not necessarily mean absolute alignment of the central areas of the two, but only requires that the two overlap in space.

[0092] As described in the previous embodiment, the protective member is connected to the joint portion of the support member in a detachable manner. Further, in the embodiment in which the protective member includes a base and a buffer portion, the connection between the protective member and the support member can be achieved by connecting the base and the support member. Figure 7 As shown, the mounting portion 42212 configured on the protective member described in the aforementioned embodiment can be set on the base 4221. Specifically, lugs 42211 are configured at both ends of the base 4221, and the mounting portion 42212 is formed on the lugs 42211, so that the base 4221 is connected to the support member 421. The specific connection method between the base 4221 and the support member 421 can refer to the description in the aforementioned embodiment, which will not be repeated here.

[0093] In summary, in order to overcome the technical problem in the related art that the external support structure of the measuring device impacts the arm member when the arm member is reset, causing damage to the arm member, thereby reducing the measurement accuracy, the external support structure of the measuring device and the measuring device provided by the present application provide a protective member opposite to the support part on the arm support mechanism to buffer the impact of the arm support mechanism when the arm member is reset, thereby avoiding damage to the arm member and ensuring the measurement accuracy. Furthermore, by providing a balancing mechanism on the measuring device, and configuring the balancing mechanism to include an external support structure and a balancing structure, the external support structure is sleeved on the peripheral side of the arm member to support the arm member, the balancing structure is connected to the external support structure and connected to the base of the measuring device, so that the external support structure bears the force of the balancing structure and further transfers it to the base, thereby avoiding the deflection deformation of the arm member of the measuring device. Secondly, the balancing structure is sleeved on the shaft assembly corresponding to the arm member through its shaft sleeve assembly, and the balancing assembly of the balancing structure is sleeved on the shaft sleeve assembly and connected to the external support structure, so that the balancing structure is easy to be detached and replaced from the measuring device.

[0094] The above embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and effects of the present application and are not intended to limit the present application. Anyone familiar with the technology may modify or change the above embodiments without violating the spirit and scope of the present application. Therefore, all equivalent modifications or changes made by a person of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and technical ideas disclosed in the present application shall still be covered by the claims of the present application.

Claims

1. An external support structure of a measuring device, characterized in that: The measuring device comprises at least one arm member, and the outer support structure comprises: An outer sleeve, disposed on the circumferential side of the arm member, having opposite proximal and distal ends; The arm support mechanism is arranged at the distal end of the outer sleeve, and includes a support member and a protective member. The support member includes a support portion for supporting the arm member during the rotation of the arm member. The protective member is arranged on the support member and opposite to the support portion to cushion the impact of the arm support mechanism when the arm member is reset.

2. The external support structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The support member further comprises a coupling portion, the support portion is formed on the coupling portion, and the coupling portion is adapted to the outer sleeve to be connected to the distal end of the outer sleeve.

3. The external support structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: The support portion is disposed on a side wall of the coupling portion to support the arm member in a point-supported or line-supported manner during rotation of the arm member.

4. The external support structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The number of the supporting parts is at least two.

5. The external support structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The supporting part is configured as a roller.

6. The external support structure according to claim 5, characterized in that: The outer surface of the support portion has a flexible layer.

7. The external support structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: The protective element is detachably connected to the combining portion.

8. The external support structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: The connecting portion is configured as a ring structure with a concave area, and the protective element is connected to the connecting portion and fills the concave area.

9. The external support structure according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that: The protective member is formed with a mounting portion, through which a mounting member passes to connect with the combining portion so that the protective member is fixed on the combining portion, and the mounting member can be detached from the combining portion so that the protective member is separated from the combining portion.

10. The outer support structure according to claim 9, characterized in that: The combining part is provided with a hole structure for accommodating the supporting part. When the mounting part is connected to the combining part, it passes through the hole wall of the hole structure and is connected to the supporting part to position the supporting part in the hole structure.

11. The outer support structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The protective element comprises: a base connected to the support member; A buffer portion is formed on the base portion and faces the support portion, and is used to buffer the impact of the arm member when the arm member is restored.

12. The outer support structure according to claim 11, characterized in that: Lugs are arranged on both ends of the base, and mounting portions are formed on the lugs so that the base is connected to the support member.

13. The outer support structure according to claim 11, characterized in that: The buffer part is a soft silicone part, and the base part is a hard plastic part.

14. The outer support structure according to claim 11, characterized in that: The base portion and the buffer portion are integrally formed.

15. The outer support structure according to claim 11, characterized in that: The buffer portion is formed by protruding from the middle area of ​​the base, so that concave avoidance areas are formed at two ends of the base.

16. The outer support structure according to claim 15, characterized in that: Both ends of the buffer portion have transition areas, and the transition areas are used for allowing the arm member to move smoothly from the avoidance area to the buffer portion.

17. The outer support structure according to claim 11, characterized in that: The arm member has a gap with the buffer portion during the rotation of the arm member, and the arm member occupies the gap to contact the buffer portion when returning to the original position.

18. A measuring device, comprising a base, an articulated arm connected to the base, and a measuring device disposed at the distal end of the articulated arm, characterized in that: The articulated arm comprises an axis assembly disposed at a proximal end thereof and an arm member connected to the axis assembly, and the measuring device further comprises an external support structure as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 17.

19. The measuring device according to claim 18, characterized in that The measuring device also includes a connecting assembly connected to the outer sleeve of the outer supporting structure and a balancing structure connected to the base, wherein the connecting assembly is used to connect the outer sleeve to the balancing structure, and the balancing structure is used to balance the center of gravity of the measuring device.

20. The measuring device according to claim 18, characterized in that The measuring device is a three-coordinate measuring machine.

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