A target ball mounting device and a laser tracker

The target ball mounting device, designed with magnetic connection and positioning components, solves the problems of insufficient stability and limited applicability in existing technologies, achieving high stability and low cost target ball mounting, and adapting to laser tracker applications with different sizes and fasteners.

CN224552308UActive Publication Date: 2026-07-24COMMERCIAL AIRCRAFT CORP OF CHINA LTD +1
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
COMMERCIAL AIRCRAFT CORP OF CHINA LTD
Filing Date
2025-07-22
Publication Date
2026-07-24

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The existing target ball mounting base's pin connection is prone to axial displacement, affecting stability and shortening service life, and it cannot adapt to measurement points with protruding fasteners.

Method used

The ball receiving platform and base are designed with magnetic connection. The side of the ball receiving platform away from the base is provided with a first mounting groove for fixing the target ball, and the side of the base away from the ball receiving platform is provided with a connecting groove for connecting with other equipment. Combined with positioning components and pressure sensors, the stability and applicability are improved.

Benefits of technology

It achieves high stability and simplifies the installation process, reduces the number of parts and production costs, adapts to target balls of different sizes and convex fasteners, and improves the overall performance of the laser tracker.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model belongs to the field of laser measurement technology discloses a target ball mounting device, including the ball supporting platform and base, wherein, the ball supporting platform and base magnetism connection and the ball supporting platform can magnetism target ball. The ball supporting platform and base of magnetism connection cancel the connecting fittings such as pin shaft, shaft sleeve, fastening bolt, simplify the installation process, reduce the operation difficulty, and magnetism connection provides uniform adsorption, has higher connection stability, avoids the ball supporting platform and base to occur axial displacement and leads to target ball installation failure; Secondly, the double magnetism function of ball supporting platform integrates the task of connecting base and fixing target ball, reduces the component quantity, reduces the manufacturing cost and maintenance demand; Finally, the side away from the ball supporting platform of base is provided with first connecting groove to with other equipment installation positioning, when coping with the problem that the mounting seat in the prior art cannot be applied when the measuring point is the fastener with the boss.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of laser measurement, and in particular to a target ball mounting device and a laser tracker. Background Technology

[0002] A laser tracker is a three-dimensional optical coordinate measuring instrument that utilizes a laser interferometer, a rangefinder, and two mutually perpendicular angle encoders. It is widely used in various large-scale spatial precision measurement fields, such as measuring the accuracy of aircraft components and assembly in the aerospace industry. The target ball mounting device is a crucial component of the laser tracker; its main function is to stably support and fix the target ball so that the laser tracker can accurately capture the reflected signal from the target ball, thereby achieving high-precision three-dimensional measurement.

[0003] Existing target ball mounting bases typically consist of two connected parts, an upper half and a lower half, usually connected by a connector (pin). The upper half holds the target ball, while the lower half includes a protruding measuring rod. This measuring rod can be bolted to other equipment at the measurement point to achieve the positioning of the target ball mounting base. However, this type of target ball mounting base has the following drawbacks: First, the pin-connected upper and lower halves are prone to axial displacement, affecting the overall stability of the target ball mounting base and resulting in a shorter service life. Second, some protruding fasteners directly mounted on other equipment at the measurement points cannot be directly connected to the measuring rod, rendering the target ball mounting base unsuitable. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a target ball mounting device and a laser tracker, which have high stability, assembly efficiency and wide applicability.

[0005] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] A target ball mounting device, comprising:

[0007] The ball receiving platform and the base are magnetically connected, and the ball receiving platform can magnetically attract a target ball. The side of the ball receiving platform away from the base is provided with a first mounting groove, and the target ball can be placed in at least part of the first mounting groove. The side of the base away from the ball receiving platform is provided with a first connecting groove, which is used to connect with a fixing component on other equipment. The fixing component is provided with a protrusion, which can be accommodated and fixed in the first connecting groove.

[0008] Preferably, the ball support platform is made entirely of magnetic material, and the base is made of ferromagnetic material.

[0009] Preferably, the outer peripheral edges of the ball support platform and the base are flush.

[0010] Preferably, the target ball mounting device further includes a positioning component, which includes a slot and a locking head. The slot is provided on one of the ball receiving platform and the base, and the locking head is provided on the other. The locking head can be placed in the slot.

[0011] Preferably, the slot is located at one end of the ball-bearing platform facing the base, and the locking head is located at one end of the base facing the ball-bearing platform; or, the slot is located at one end of the base facing the ball-bearing platform, and the locking head is located at one end of the ball-bearing platform facing the base.

[0012] Preferably, an adhesive is provided between the first connecting groove and the protrusion.

[0013] Preferably, at least a portion of the wall of the first mounting groove can fit against the surface of the target ball, and the surface of the target ball can abut against the bottom of the first mounting groove.

[0014] Preferably, the target ball mounting device further includes a pressure sensor, which is disposed on the ball support platform and located at the bottom of the first mounting groove, and is capable of detecting the stress state at the bottom of the first mounting groove.

[0015] Preferably, multiple ball-bearing platforms are provided, and the first mounting slots on different ball-bearing platforms have different sizes. One of the multiple ball-bearing platforms is connected to the base to install and fix target balls of different sizes.

[0016] A laser tracker includes a target ball and the aforementioned target ball mounting device, wherein the target ball is mounted on the target ball mounting device.

[0017] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0018] This utility model proposes a target ball mounting device, including a ball receiving platform and a base. The ball receiving platform and the base are magnetically connected, and the ball receiving platform can magnetically attract the target ball. A first mounting groove is provided on the side of the ball receiving platform away from the base. The first mounting groove is used to place and fix the target ball. At least part of the target ball can be placed in the first mounting groove to improve the installation stability. A first connecting groove is provided on the side of the base away from the ball receiving platform. The first connecting groove is used to connect with the fixing parts on other equipment. The protrusion on the fixing part can be accommodated and fixed in the first connecting groove. First, the magnetically connected ball support platform and base eliminate the need for connecting accessories such as pins, bushings, and fastening bolts, simplifying the installation process and reducing operational difficulty. Furthermore, the magnetic connection provides uniform attraction force, ensuring high connection stability and preventing axial displacement of the ball support platform and base, which could lead to target ball installation failure. Second, while the ball support platform and base are magnetically connected, the target ball can also be directly magnetically attracted to secure it. This dual magnetic attraction function integrates the tasks of connecting the base and securing the target ball, reducing the number of components and lowering manufacturing costs and maintenance requirements. Finally, a first connecting groove is provided on the side of the base away from the ball support platform for positioning and installation with other equipment. This addresses the issue that existing mounting bases are unsuitable when the measuring point has fasteners with protruding heads.

[0019] This invention also proposes a laser tracker, including a target ball and the aforementioned target ball mounting device, which has high stability and reduces the number of accessories, thereby reducing production costs. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the target ball mounting device proposed in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0021] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Sectional view at point AA;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly of the target ball mounting device with other equipment as proposed in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0023] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the target ball mounting device proposed in Embodiment 2 of this utility model;

[0024] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Sectional view at point BB.

[0025] In the picture:

[0026] 1. Ball receiving platform; 11. First mounting groove; 111. First groove body; 112. Second groove body; 2. Base; 21. First connecting groove; 3. Support; 31. Second mounting groove; 311. Third groove body; 312. Fourth groove body; 32. Second connecting groove; 100. Target ball; 200. Fixing component; 201. Protrusion. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present invention and not intended to limit it. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, the accompanying drawings show only the parts relevant to the present invention, not the entire structure.

[0028] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0029] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0030] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "upper," "lower," "right," etc., refer to the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for ease of description and simplification of operation, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are only used for distinction in description and have no special meaning.

[0031] Example 1

[0032] Reference Figures 1 to 3This embodiment proposes a target ball mounting device, including a ball receiving platform 1 and a base 2. The ball receiving platform 1 and the base 2 are magnetically connected, and the ball receiving platform 1 can magnetically attract the target ball 100. A first mounting groove 11 is provided on the side of the ball receiving platform 1 away from the base 2. The first mounting groove 11 is used to place and fix the target ball 100. At least part of the target ball 100 can be placed in the first mounting groove 11 to improve the installation stability. A first connecting groove 21 is provided on the side of the base 2 away from the ball receiving platform 1. The first connecting groove 21 is used to connect with the fixing member 200 on other equipment. The protrusion 201 on the fixing member 200 can be accommodated and fixed in the first connecting groove 21. First, the magnetically connected ball support platform 1 and base 2 eliminate the need for connecting accessories such as pins, bushings, and fastening bolts, simplifying the installation process and reducing operational difficulty. Moreover, the magnetic connection provides uniform adsorption force, resulting in high connection stability and preventing axial displacement of the ball support platform 1 and base 2, which could lead to installation failure of the target ball 100. Second, while the ball support platform 1 and base 2 are magnetically connected, the target ball 100 can also be directly magnetically attracted to fix it. Its dual magnetic attraction function integrates the tasks of connecting the base 2 and fixing the target ball 100, reducing the number of parts and lowering manufacturing costs and maintenance requirements. Finally, the side of the base 2 away from the ball support platform 1 is provided with a first connecting groove 21 for installation and positioning with other equipment, addressing the problem that existing mounting bases cannot be used when the measuring point is a fastener with a protruding head 201.

[0033] Another noteworthy feature is that this target ball mounting device utilizes magnetic attraction technology on the ball support platform 1 to achieve multi-role integration of the ball support platform 1 (magnetic base 2 and magnetic target ball 100). This not only simplifies the structure but also improves the overall system performance. Operators do not need to use other tools. The magnetic connection between the ball support platform 1 and the base 2 allows for one-click separation or assembly. Moreover, simply placing the target ball 100 into the first mounting slot 11 of the ball support platform 1 automatically fixes the target ball 100 with magnetic attraction, eliminating redundant interfaces and making the system simpler and more efficient.

[0034] Furthermore, the ball support platform 1 is entirely made of magnetic material, while the base 2 is made of ferromagnetic material, and the target ball 100 is also typically made of ferromagnetic material. The fact that the ball support platform 1 is entirely made of magnetic material ensures a uniform magnetic field across its entire surface, guaranteeing balanced adsorption force at any position in the first mounting slot 11 and eliminating localized weak magnetic areas. Compared to a solution that only places a single magnet inside the ball support platform 1, this provides higher connection stability and avoids the risk of magnetic field attenuation gradients in internal magnetic block solutions, which could lead to insufficient adsorption force at the edges of the first mounting slot 11, causing the target ball 100 to tilt or detach. Simultaneously, the direct use of magnetic material for the entire ball support platform 1 results in low production costs.

[0035] In addition, the outer edges of the ball receiving platform 1 and the base 2 are flush. In terms of stability, flush outer edges of the ball receiving platform 1 and the base 2 improve overall strength, preventing significant differences in elevation between their outer edges that could lead to stress concentration and reduced connection stability. In terms of sealing and protection, flush outer edges of the ball receiving platform 1 and the base 2 prevent dust and moisture from entering their interiors. In terms of safety, flush outer edges of the ball receiving platform 1 and the base 2 reduce protruding edges, thus preventing scratches. Finally, flush outer edges also ensure the aesthetic appearance of the target ball mounting device.

[0036] Furthermore, in order to achieve rapid positioning when connecting the ball receiving platform 1 and the base 2, improve connection accuracy, and ensure that the ball receiving platform 1 and the base 2 are completely aligned, the target ball mounting device also includes a positioning component. The positioning component includes a slot and a locking head. One of the ball receiving platform 1 and the base 2 is provided with a slot, and the other is provided with a locking head. The locking head can be placed in the slot, thereby achieving rapid positioning when connecting the ball receiving platform 1 and the base 2.

[0037] To reduce the overall space occupied by the target ball mounting device, the slot and the locking head are respectively located at the ends of the ball-bearing platform 1 and the base 2 facing each other. Thus, when the ball-bearing platform 1 and the base 2 are magnetically connected, both the slot and the locking head are hidden, improving space utilization. A slot can be provided on the end of the ball-bearing platform 1 facing the base 2, and a locking head can be provided on the end of the base 2 facing the ball-bearing platform 1. When the ball-bearing platform 1 and the base 2 are connected due to magnetic attraction, the locking head can be placed in the slot, thus providing positioning for the connection and improving connection tightness. Of course, in other embodiments, the locking head can also be provided on the end of the ball-bearing platform 1 facing the base 2, and the slot on the end of the base 2 facing the ball-bearing platform 1; this is not limited to this embodiment.

[0038] A first connecting groove 21 is provided on the side of the base 2 away from the ball-bearing platform 1. The first connecting groove 21 is used to connect other equipment, including a fixing member 200. The fixing member 200 is provided with a protrusion 201, which can be placed and fixed in the first connecting groove 21 to realize the installation and positioning of the target ball mounting device with other equipment. In order to improve the connection stability between the base 2 and other equipment, an adhesive can be provided between the first connecting groove 21 and the protrusion 201. Preferably, the adhesive is a hot melt adhesive. Hot melt adhesive has strong adhesion and becomes fluid after heating, which can fully fill the gap between the first connecting groove 21 and the protrusion 201. While fixing, it can also play a role in sealing, waterproofing, and insulation protection. Moreover, the hot melt adhesive cures quickly, enabling high-speed operation.

[0039] It is worth noting that the first connecting groove 21 is used to connect fasteners 200 on other equipment to address the problem that existing mounting bases cannot be used when the measuring point is a fastener with a protruding head 201. Of course, in other embodiments, other connectors with protrusions can also be connected to the first connecting groove 21. The end of the connector away from the protrusion has a threaded hole. That is, when the measuring point is a bolt, the connector with the protrusion can be fixed in the first connecting groove 21 first, and then the connector can be threadedly connected to the bolt to achieve the installation and positioning of the target ball mounting device with other equipment. Therefore, providing the first connecting groove 21 on the side of the base 2 away from the ball bearing platform 1 to connect fasteners 200 on other equipment has a wide range of applications.

[0040] To further improve the stability of the target ball 100 mounted on the target ball mounting device, at least a portion of the groove wall of the first mounting groove 11 can fit against the surface of the target ball 100, and the surface of the target ball 100 can abut against the bottom of the first mounting groove 11. The fit between at least a portion of the groove wall of the first mounting groove 11 and the surface of the target ball 100 can form a radial constraint on the target ball 100, limiting the displacement of the target ball 100 in the horizontal plane. Secondly, the contact between the target ball 100 and the bottom of the groove provides an axial constraint, preventing the target ball 100 from moving axially.

[0041] Specifically, the first mounting groove 11 includes two parts, namely, a first groove 111 and a second groove 112 that are interconnected. The first groove 111 is an arc-shaped groove, which can fit against the surface of the spherical target ball 100. The second groove 112 is closer to the base 2 than the first groove 111. The second groove 112 is a cylindrical groove. The bottom of the first mounting groove 11 is the bottom of the cylindrical groove, which is a flat surface that can abut against the surface of the target ball 100, providing a clear and stable axial support plane. This is more stable than the contact between the target ball 100 and the bottom of the arc-shaped groove, and can effectively prevent axial movement.

[0042] Furthermore, the target ball mounting device also includes a pressure sensor, which is mounted on the ball-bearing platform 1 and located at the bottom of the first mounting groove 11. The pressure sensor can detect the force state at the bottom of the first mounting groove 11. Since the surface of the target ball 100 can contact the bottom of the groove, the pressure sensor can detect the installation status of the target ball 100 by detecting the force state at the bottom of the first mounting groove 11. When the target ball 100 is displaced, the force acting on the bottom of the first mounting groove 11 decreases. At this time, the pressure sensor can detect the change in the force state at the bottom of the first mounting groove 11, thereby alerting the operator.

[0043] Furthermore, the target ball 100 comes in various sizes. To enable the target ball mounting device to install and fix target balls 100 of different sizes, multiple ball-supporting platforms 1 can be provided. The dimensions of the first mounting groove 11 on different ball-supporting platforms 1 are different. Multiple ball-supporting platforms 1 are selected to connect to the base 2 to install and fix target balls 100 of different sizes. Among them, the overall dimensions of different ball-supporting platforms 1 are the same, so they can all be connected to the base 2 and ensure that the outer peripheral edges are flush. However, the dimensions of the first mounting groove 11 on different ball-supporting platforms 1 are different, specifically, the groove diameter and groove depth of the first mounting groove 11 are different.

[0044] This utility model also proposes a laser tracker, including a target ball 100 and the aforementioned target ball mounting device, which has high stability and reduces the number of accessories, thereby reducing production costs.

[0045] Example 2

[0046] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 This embodiment proposes another target ball mounting device, which further includes a support 3. A second mounting groove 31 is provided on one side of the support 3, and a second connecting groove 32 is provided on the opposite side. A magnet is provided at the bottom of the second mounting groove 31. The target ball 100 can be at least partially placed in the second mounting groove 31 and attracted by the magnet to complete the fixed installation of the target ball 100. The second connecting groove 32 is used to connect the fixing member 200 on other equipment.

[0047] Furthermore, at least a portion of the groove wall of the second mounting groove 31 can fit against the surface of the target ball 100, and the surface of the target ball 100 can abut against the bottom of the second mounting groove 31. The second mounting groove 31 includes a third groove 311 and a fourth groove 312 that are interconnected. The third groove 311 is an arc-shaped groove, which can fit against the surface of the spherical target ball 100. The fourth groove 312 is a cylindrical groove. The bottom of the second mounting groove 31 is the bottom of the cylindrical groove, which is flat and can abut against the surface of the target ball 100, providing a clear and stable axial support plane. This is more stable than the abutment between the target ball 100 and the bottom of the arc-shaped groove, and can effectively prevent axial movement.

[0048] When the second connecting groove 32 is connected to the fixing member 200 on other equipment, an adhesive is provided between the second connecting groove 32 and the protrusion 201 to improve the connection stability between the support 3 and other equipment. Additionally, when the measuring point is a bolt, a connector with a protrusion can be fixed first in the second connecting groove 32, and then the connector is threadedly connected to the bolt to achieve the installation and positioning of the target ball mounting device with other equipment. Therefore, providing the first connecting groove 21 on the support 3 to connect the fixing member 200 on other equipment has a wide range of applications.

[0049] Obviously, the above embodiments of this utility model are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present utility model, and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present utility model. Those skilled in the art can make various obvious changes, readjustments, and substitutions without departing from the protection scope of this utility model. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively describe all embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. A target ball mounting device, characterized in that, include: A ball-bearing platform (1) and a base (2) are magnetically connected, and the ball-bearing platform (1) can magnetically attract a target ball (100). A first mounting groove (11) is provided on the side of the ball-bearing platform (1) away from the base (2), and the target ball (100) can be placed in at least part of the first mounting groove (11). A first connecting groove (21) is provided on the side of the base (2) away from the ball-bearing platform (1), and the first connecting groove (21) is used to connect with a fastener (200) on other equipment. A protrusion (201) is provided on the fastener (200), and the protrusion (201) can be accommodated and fixed in the first connecting groove (21).

2. The target ball mounting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ball support platform (1) is made entirely of magnetic material, and the base (2) is made of ferromagnetic material.

3. The target ball mounting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer edges of the ball support platform (1) and the base (2) are flush.

4. The target ball mounting device according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The target ball mounting device further includes a positioning component, which includes a slot and a locking head. The slot is provided on one of the ball receiving platform (1) and the base (2), and the locking head is provided on the other. The locking head can be placed in the slot.

5. The target ball mounting device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The slot is located at one end of the ball support platform (1) facing the base (2), and the locking head is located at one end of the base (2) facing the ball support platform (1); or, the slot is located at one end of the base (2) facing the ball support platform (1), and the locking head is located at one end of the ball support platform (1) facing the base (2).

6. The target ball mounting device according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, An adhesive is provided between the first connecting groove (21) and the protrusion (201).

7. The target ball mounting device according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, At least a portion of the wall of the first mounting groove (11) can fit against the surface of the target ball (100), and the surface of the target ball (100) can abut against the bottom of the first mounting groove (11).

8. The target ball mounting device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The target ball mounting device also includes a pressure sensor, which is set on the ball receiving platform (1) and located at the bottom of the first mounting groove (11), and can detect the stress state of the bottom of the first mounting groove (11).

9. The target ball mounting device according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, Multiple ball-bearing platforms (1) are provided. The first mounting groove (11) on different ball-bearing platforms (1) has different dimensions. One of the multiple ball-bearing platforms (1) is connected to the base (2) to install and fix target balls (100) of different sizes.

10. A laser tracker, characterized in that, It includes a target ball (100) and a target ball mounting device as described in any one of claims 1-9, wherein the target ball (100) is mounted on the target ball mounting device.