Contact sensor with dustproof structure

Abstract

The utility model provides a contact sensor with a dustproof structure, which is characterized in that a dustproof cover, a sealing element and a top cover spring are arranged between the inner side end of a contact end and a support shell, and the dustproof cover, the sealing element and the top cover spring are arranged between the inner side end of the contact end and the support shell. The dustproof cover is movably arranged in the supporting shell, the dustproof cover and the sealing piece are provided with through holes allowing the contact end to penetrate through, the top cover spring is located between the dustproof cover and the sealing piece, and the top cover spring is used for movably fixing the dustproof cover in the supporting shell. In this way, dust is not prone to entering the contact end in the movable telescopic and offset movement process in the detection process, dust is effectively prevented from entering the contact end, and the detection sensitivity and durability of the contact sensor are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of sensors, and particularly relates to a contact detector for checking whether an object is in contact, the position or size of an object, etc. Background Art

[0002] A contact detector with a movable arm group carrying a probe head is used in coordinate measuring machines and machine tools, especially in machining centers and turning lathes, for checking workpieces, tools, machine platforms, etc. that have been or need to be machined. In each such detector, the contact between the probe head and a mechanical workpiece, for example, is informed by a suitable device that detects a specific movement of the movable arm group relative to the housing and controls the reading of sensors associated with the machine slides, which provide measurement values regarding a reference position or origin.

[0003] Similar to the detector described in Patent No. US5299360A, the detection and signal transmission device of the detector may include a circuit and at least one associated switch that is mechanically actuated in response to a displacement occurring between the movable arm and the housing and causes the closing or more commonly the opening of the circuit. For example, other detectors with detection devices are known from Patent No. US4153998A, including circuits provided at a support and positioning system. Chinese Published Patent CN103189710 also discloses a contact detector with a piezoelectric sensor and thermal insulation.

[0004] The disadvantages of the prior art are as follows: 1. There is a lack of a dust-proof structure between the contact end of the contact sensor and the support housing, and it is easy for dust to enter the interior of the support housing. After long-term use, dust is likely to accumulate between the contact end and the signal connection member, resulting in a decrease in detection sensitivity; 2. The detection head generally can only detect whether an object is in contact in the vertical direction and cannot perform detection on the side, so that the application range of detection is relatively small. Summary of the Utility Model

[0005] To solve the above technical problems existing in the prior art, the utility model provides a contact sensor with a dust-proof structure.

[0006] To solve the above technical problems, the utility model provides the following technical solutions:

[0007] A contact sensor with a dust-proof structure, comprising a support housing, a contact end, a detector electrically connected to the contact end, and a signal output end for outputting a contact detection signal. A part of the contact end and the detector are arranged inside the support housing. It is characterized in that: a dust-proof cover, a seal, and a top cover spring are arranged between the inner end of the contact end and the support housing. The dust-proof cover is movably arranged inside the support housing. The dust-proof cover and the seal have through holes for the contact end to pass through. The top cover spring is located between the dust-proof cover and the seal, and the top cover spring is used to movably fix the dust-proof cover inside the support housing.

[0008] Preferably, both the dust-proof cover and the top cover spring are integrally conical.

[0009] Preferably, a bias block is fixedly connected to the inner end of the contact end. The bias block extends with a protruding bias post. Signal connectors are in contact connection with both sides of the bias post. The signal connectors are electrically connected to the detector. A spring is arranged between the inner end of the bias block and the support housing. The contact end and the bias block can freely move relative to the support housing under the action of the spring. The detector is electrically connected to the signal output end to output a contact detection signal.

[0010] Preferably, the bias block is provided with three bias posts, and two signal connectors are arranged on both sides of each bias post. The support housing includes a support base, and the support base is provided with movable grooves corresponding to the bias posts. The bias posts can move freely in the movable grooves.

[0011] Preferably, the signal connector includes a signal ball and a lead wire. The signal ball is in contact connection with the bias post, and the lead wire is electrically connected to the detector.

[0012] Preferably, the bias post is cylindrical.

[0013] Preferably, the contact end includes a contact head and a contact arm. The contact head is used to contact the object to be measured, and the contact arm is used to connect the bias block and the contact head.

[0014] Preferably, the detector includes a detection circuit board and a detection circuit arranged on the detection circuit board. The detection circuit board is provided with connection tabs for electrically connecting to the lead wires, and the detection circuit board is electrically connected to the signal output end.

[0015] Preferably, the detection circuit board is a circular board and is arranged at the rear end of the support housing.

[0016] Preferably, the support housing further includes an outer shell, an inner shell, an upper cover, and a bottom cover. The inner shell is nested between the outer shell and the support base. The upper cover is disposed at the front end of the outer shell, and the bottom cover is disposed at the bottom end of the outer shell.

[0017] The beneficial effects of the present utility model are as follows:

[0018] 1. By providing a dust cover, a seal, and a top cover spring between the inner end of the contact end and the support housing, the top cover spring is used to movably fix the dust cover within the support housing. In this way, dust is not likely to enter during the telescopic movement and offset movement of the contact end during detection, effectively preventing dust entry and improving the detection sensitivity and durability of the contact sensor.

[0019] 2. For the contact sensor provided by the present utility model, by providing an offset block, the offset block extends with a protruding offset post. Signal connectors are in contact connection on both sides of the offset post. The signal connectors are electrically connected to the detector. A spring is provided between the inner end of the offset block and the support housing. The contact end and the offset block can freely move relative to the support housing under the action of the spring. The detector is electrically connected to the signal output end for outputting a contact detection signal. In this way, contact detection can be achieved regardless of whether the contact end is in the vertical direction or the lateral direction, and it can be determined from which direction the object to be measured contacts the contact end, greatly improving the detection scope and detection convenience. Description of the Drawings

[0020] The drawings are used to provide a further understanding of the present utility model and constitute a part of the specification. Together with the embodiments of the present utility model, they are used to explain the present utility model and do not constitute a limitation to the present utility model. In the drawings:

[0021] Figure 1 is the overall structure diagram of the contact sensor of the embodiment from the first perspective;

[0022] Figure 2 is the overall structure diagram of the contact sensor of the embodiment from the second perspective;

[0023] Figure 3 is the exploded structure diagram of the contact sensor of the embodiment from the first perspective;

[0024] Figure 4 is the exploded structure diagram of the contact sensor of the embodiment from the second perspective;

[0025] In the figure: 1. Support housing; 11. Outer housing; 12. Inner housing; 13. Support base; 131. Movable groove; 14. Upper cover; 15. Bottom cover; 2. Contact end; 21. Contact head; 22. Contact arm; 23. Biasing block; 24. Spring; 231. Biasing post; 3. Signal connector; 31. Signal ball; 32. Lead wire; 4. Detector; 41. Detection circuit board; 42. Terminal strip; 5. Signal output end; 6. Dust cover; 7. Seal; 8. Top cover spring. Specific embodiments

[0026] The preferred embodiments of the present utility model will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the preferred embodiments described herein are only for the purpose of illustrating and explaining the present utility model, and are not intended to limit the present utility model.

[0027] For the overall structure diagram of the contact sensor of this embodiment from the first perspective, please refer to the attached Figure 1 For the overall structure diagram from the second perspective, please refer to the attached Figure 2 For the structural decomposition diagram from the first perspective, please refer to the attached Figure 3 For the structural decomposition diagram from the second perspective, please refer to the attached Figure 4 It includes a support housing 1, a contact end 2, a detector 4 electrically connected to the contact end, a signal output end 5 for outputting a contact detection signal, a dust cover 6, a seal 7 and a top cover spring 8. A part of the contact end and the detector 4 are arranged inside the support housing 1, specifically including:

[0028] Support housing 1, the support housing 1 includes an outer housing 11, an inner housing 12, a support base 13, an upper cover 14 and a bottom cover 15. The outer housing 11, the inner housing 12, the upper cover 14 and the bottom cover 15 are made of metal materials, and the support base 13 is made of plastic material;

[0029] Contact end 2, the contact end 2 includes a contact head 21, a contact arm 22 and a biasing block 23. Three protruding biasing posts 231 extend from the biasing block. The three biasing posts 231 are arranged at equal intervals with a 120-degree angle. The biasing posts 231 are cylindrical. The contact head 21 is used to contact the object to be measured, and the contact arm 22 is used to connect the biasing block 23 and the contact head 21. Signal connectors 3 are in contact connection on both sides of each biasing post 231. The signal connectors 3 include six signal balls 31 and six lead wires 32. Every two signal balls 31 are arranged on both sides of the biasing post 231 and are in contact connection with the biasing post 231. The six lead wires 32 are built in the support base 3. The front ends of the lead wires 32 are electrically connected to the signal balls 31, and the rear ends are electrically connected to the detector 4; A spring 24 is arranged between the inner end of the biasing block 23 and the support base 13. The contact end 2 and the biasing block 23 can move freely relative to the support housing 1 under the action of the spring 24; The support base 13 is provided with a movable groove 131 corresponding to the biasing post, and the biasing post 231 can move freely in the movable groove 131;

[0030] Detector 4, the detector includes a detection circuit board 41 and a detection circuit provided on the detection circuit board 41. The detection circuit board is provided with six terminals 42 for electrically connecting with the lead 32. The detection circuit board 41 is electrically connected to the signal output end 5 and the signal contact end 5, and is used for outputting a contact detection signal. The detection circuit board 41 is a circular board and is arranged at the rear end of the support housing 1;

[0031] Dust cover 6, seal 7 and top cover spring 8. The dust cover 6, seal 7 and top cover spring 8 are arranged between the inner end of the contact end 2 and the support housing. The dust cover 6 is movably arranged in the support housing 1. The dust cover 6 and the seal 7 have through holes for the contact end 2 to pass through. The top cover spring 8 is located below the dust cover 6, and the seal 7 is located below the top cover spring 8. The top cover spring 8 is used to movably fix the dust cover 6 in the support housing 1. Both the dust cover 6 and the top cover spring 8 are integrally conical. In specific implementation, the dust cover 6 is made of metal material, and the seal 7 is made of plastic material. The dust cover 6 is in close contact connection with the support housing under the action of the top cover spring 8, playing a dust-proof effect.

[0032] The working principle of the contact sensor of the present utility model is as follows: after the contact head or contact arm of the contact end contacts the object to be measured, when the contact head is in the vertical direction, that is, radial contact, the offset block and offset posts will move radially, and all 3 offset posts are electrically disconnected from the signal ball. At this time, the detection circuit of the detection circuit board will detect the electrical signal of the circuit break, and then judge that contact has occurred and can judge that it is radial contact; when the contact head or contact arm contacts the object from the side, the offset block and offset posts will be laterally offset, and one of the 3 offset posts will be electrically disconnected from the signal ball. At this time, the detection circuit of the detection circuit board will detect the electrical signal of the circuit break, and then judge that contact has occurred, and can judge which direction the object is contacted according to which offset post's circuit is disconnected.

[0033] The beneficial effects of the present utility model are:

[0034] 1. By arranging a dust cover, a seal and a top cover spring between the inner end of the contact end and the support housing, the top cover spring is used to movably fix the dust cover in the support housing, so that dust is not likely to enter during the telescopic and offset movement processes of the contact end during detection, effectively preventing the entry of dust, and improving the detection sensitivity and durability of the contact sensor.

[0035] 2. The contact sensor provided by the present utility model is provided with a bias block. The bias block extends with a protruding bias post. Signal connectors are in contact connection on both sides of the bias post. The signal connectors are electrically connected to the detector. A spring is arranged between the inner end of the bias block and the support housing. The contact end and the bias block can move freely relative to the support housing under the action of the spring. The detector is electrically connected to the signal output end for outputting a contact detection signal. In this way, contact detection can be achieved regardless of whether the contact end is in the vertical direction or the side direction, and it can be determined from which direction the object to be measured contacts the contact end, greatly improving the detection scope and detection convenience.

[0036] Finally, it should be noted that the above are only the preferred embodiments of the present utility model and are not used to limit the present utility model. Although the present utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, for those skilled in the art, they can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or perform equivalent replacements on some of the technical features. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principle of the present utility model shall be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A contact sensor with a dustproof structure, comprising a supporting shell, a contact end, a detector electrically connected to the contact end, and a signal output end for outputting a contact detection signal, wherein a portion of the contact end and the detector are arranged in the supporting shell, characterized in that: A dust cover, a seal and a top cover spring are arranged between the inner end of the contact end and the support shell. The dust cover is movably arranged in the support shell. The dust cover and the seal have a through hole for the contact end to pass through. The top cover spring is located between the dust cover and the seal. The top cover spring is used to movably fix the dust cover in the support shell.

2. A contact sensor with a dustproof structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The dust cover and the top cover spring are both in a cone shape as a whole.

3. A contact sensor with a dustproof structure according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The inner end of the contact end is fixedly connected to a bias block, and the bias block extends with a protruding bias column. Both sides of the bias column are contact-connected with signal connectors, and the signal connector is electrically connected to the detector. A spring is arranged between the inner end of the bias block and the support shell, and the contact end and the bias block can move freely relative to the support shell under the action of the spring. The detector is electrically connected to the signal output end to output a contact detection signal.

4. The contact sensor with a dustproof structure according to claim 3, characterized in that: The bias block is provided with three bias columns, and the two signal connectors are provided on both sides of each bias column. The support shell includes a support seat, and the support seat is provided with a movable groove corresponding to the bias column, and the bias column can move freely in the movable groove.

5. The contact sensor with a dustproof structure according to claim 3, characterized in that: The signal connection member includes a signal ball and a lead wire, wherein the signal ball is in contact with and connected to the bias column, and the lead wire is electrically connected to the detector.

6. The contact sensor with a dustproof structure according to claim 3, characterized in that: The offset post is cylindrical.

7. The contact sensor with a dustproof structure according to claim 3, characterized in that: The contact end includes a contact head and a contact arm, wherein the contact head is used to contact the object to be measured, and the contact arm is used to connect the bias block and the contact head.

8. The contact sensor with a dustproof structure according to claim 5, characterized in that: The detector comprises a detection circuit board and a detection circuit arranged on the detection circuit board. The detection circuit board is provided with a wiring piece for being electrically connected to the lead wire, and the detection circuit board is electrically connected to the signal output terminal.

9. The contact sensor with a dustproof structure according to claim 8, characterized in that: The detection circuit board is a circular plate and is arranged at the rear end of the supporting shell.

10. The contact sensor with a dustproof structure according to claim 4, characterized in that: The supporting shell further comprises an outer shell, an inner shell, an upper cover and a bottom cover, wherein the inner shell is nested between the outer shell and the supporting seat, the upper cover is arranged at the front end of the outer shell, and the bottom cover is arranged at the bottom end of the outer shell.

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