Mounting of a piston / cylinder unit for weight force compensation
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- DE · DE
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- CARL ZEISS INDUSTRIELLE MESSTECHNIKE GMBH
- Filing Date
- 2017-06-28
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-30
AI Technical Summary
Existing fastening arrangements for piston/cylinder units in machines with vertical movement suffer from seal damage due to forces exerted during linear displacements, and require precise horizontal alignment, leading to reduced lifespan and potential safety hazards.
A mechanical compensation unit using at least one cable or steel cables connected between the piston rod and the supporting structure to allow linear displacements with minimal force, combined with a spherical disk and conical socket for rotational alignment during assembly, ensuring stability and safety.
The solution enhances the lifespan of the piston/cylinder unit by minimizing forces on seals and eliminating the need for precise horizontal alignment, while ensuring safe operation by compensating for weight forces without risking machine failure or injury.
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
[0001] The invention relates to a fastening arrangement for fastening a piston / cylinder unit for pneumatic and / or hydraulic compensation of a weight force of a vertically movable machine part, in particular the quill of a coordinate measuring machine according to the preamble of claim 1.
[0002] Such a fastening arrangement is known from German patent application DE 10 2008 053 227 A1. In the fastening arrangement described therein, what is referred to in our preamble of claim 1 as a “mechanical compensation unit” comprises the following: 1.) A horizontally oriented bearing that allows linear movement, wherein this bearing allows linear displacements between the piston rod and the supporting structure in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the piston rod. 2.) A spherical disk and a conical socket interacting with it, described in the relevant publication as a "compensating device". This allows rotations of the piston rod relative to the supporting structure around axes of rotation that lie parallel to the aforementioned plane perpendicular to the steering axis of the piston rod.
[0003] The aforementioned mounting arrangement allows the piston rod to perform both translational movements along the horizontal plane relative to the supporting structure, and rotations around axes parallel to this plane. The translational movements occur continuously during operation of the machine component and compensate for lateral movements between the upper end of the piston rod and the supporting structure. The rotational movements, on the other hand, are used only during the assembly of the mounting arrangement. This is a one-time adjustment to compensate for any tilting between the piston rod and the supporting structure.
[0004] This mounting arrangement works in principle. However, continuous operation of the mounting arrangement described above reveals that damage occurs to the seal between the piston rod and the cylinder's connecting flange.
[0005] This seal then fails. Furthermore, damage can also occur to the seal between the piston and the inner wall of the cylinder. This damage is caused by the fact that linear displacements between the piston rod and the supporting structure are not force-free due to the bearing. This results in forces being exerted on the piston rod and, if applicable, the piston itself, leading to the destruction of the seal between the piston rod and the connecting flange, and possibly also the seal between the piston and the inner cylinder wall.
[0006] Furthermore, the horizontal alignment of the supporting structure relative to the piston rod has proven difficult, as the piston rod must pass exactly centrally through the bore in the supporting structure in order to utilize the maximum travel of the horizontally aligned bearing.
[0007] The task, based on this, is to specify an easy-to-assemble mounting arrangement of the type mentioned above, which can increase the service life of the piston / cylinder unit.
[0008] The problem is solved by the features of independent claim 1. The special feature of the solution according to the invention is that the mechanical compensation unit for the said linear displacements between the piston rod and the supporting structure in the plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the piston rod comprises at least one cable that connects the supporting structure or a component connected thereto and the piston rod or a component connected thereto.
[0009] The advantage here is that the aforementioned linear displacements between the piston rod and the supporting structure in the plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the piston rod occur almost without force, even at relatively small displacements. This significantly increases the service life of the piston / cylinder unit.
[0010] Furthermore, precise horizontal alignment of the supporting structure relative to the piston rod is unnecessary, as the cable in question easily compensates for minor differences in the horizontal direction.
[0011] In principle, a single cable is sufficient to allow the aforementioned linear displacements between the piston rod and the supporting structure in a plane perpendicular to the piston rod's longitudinal axis. However, if the cable breaks, this could potentially lead to dangerous situations for the operator of the coordinate measuring machine, as the weight of the vertically moving machine part would no longer be compensated. Furthermore, the weight of the piston / cylinder unit would then be added to the already uncompensated weight of the vertically moving machine part. If the drives are no longer able to withstand these weight forces of the vertically moving machine part, this part could fall and potentially injure the operator.An advantageous mechanical compensation unit should therefore comprise at least three parallel cables connecting the supporting structure or a component associated therewith and the piston rod or a component associated therewith.
[0012] To securely fasten the cables in the area of the supporting structure and in the area of the piston rod, an advantageous embodiment provides a first plate attached to the supporting structure and a second plate in the area of the piston rod, which supports the piston rod. The at least three parallel cables are each attached to the first plate and also to the second plate. This also offers the particular advantage that the second plate is relatively rigid with respect to rotations about axes of rotation parallel to a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the piston rod, while linear movements in the direction of this plane are possible with virtually no force.
[0013] Of course, various types of rope can be used. Ropes made from natural fibers, synthetic fibers, or wire are common. However, due to their high tensile strength, ropes made from steel wire, i.e., steel cables, are preferred. Pre-assembled steel cables, which terminate in a ball at each end, are particularly advantageous. This ensures that the steel cables are the desired length from the outset and can be installed relatively quickly.
[0014] For mounting the said ropes, the first plate and / or the second plate can have receiving areas, such as ball sockets or cylindrical recesses, through which the balls at the ends of the ropes are held in a predefined area on the first plate or the second plate.
[0015] To insert the rope balls into the aforementioned receiving areas (ball cups or cylindrical recesses), the first and / or second plate can have grooves through which the ropes must be passed to position the balls in their respective receiving areas. The orientation of these grooves should be such that it is impossible to pass the ropes through them in the opposite direction once assembled.
[0016] To allow rotation of the piston rod relative to the supporting structure around axes of rotation parallel to the aforementioned plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the piston rod, various design options are conceivable. For example, a ball joint could be used. However, a ball disc and a conical socket interacting with the ball bearing are particularly advantageous, as such an arrangement is very cost-effective.
[0017] The position of the mechanical elements that allow the piston rod to rotate relative to the supporting structure within the mechanical compensation unit can also vary. For example, the piston rod could be rigidly attached to the second plate, which is connected to the first plate via cables. The first plate, in turn, could then be connected to the supporting structure via a ball joint.
[0018] These rotations are preferably used only once during the assembly of the mounting device to correct the alignment of the piston rod relative to the second plate. No further rotation occurs during subsequent operation. This essentially compensates for tilting between the second plate and the piston rod, which results from the second plate not being perfectly horizontal due to differing cable lengths.
[0019] To achieve this, the mechanical compensating unit, in order to allow rotation of the piston rod relative to the supporting structure around axes of rotation parallel to the aforementioned plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the piston rod, would need to include mechanical elements that permit rotation during assembly, whereas no rotation occurs during operation of the moving machine part. Such mechanical elements could be, for example, the ball disc and the conical socket interacting with it, provided there is sufficient friction between these elements to overcome the required rotation. A ball joint could also be used, which would then be clamped in a specific rotational position.
[0020] Regarding the term "rotations of the piston rod relative to the supporting structure," the following should be noted. This wording does not necessarily mean that rotation of the piston rod relative to the supporting structure must actually occur during alignment during assembly. Rather, for example, if the embodiment shown in connection with the figure description is used, the second plate is actually rotated relative to the piston rod during alignment until the second plate rests evenly on the cable ends and there are virtually no torques left between the piston rod and the second plate. In this case, the piston rod is rotated relative to parts of the mechanical compensation unit (here, in particular, the second plate). Rotation of the piston rod relative to the supporting structure is not necessarily required.However, it is crucial that rotations of the piston rod relative to the supporting structure are still possible.
[0021] The machine can be of completely different types, all of which have a vertically movable machine part. Preferably, this is a coordinate measuring machine or a machine tool. A special feature of this machine is a mounting arrangement according to the invention, wherein the cylinder of the piston / cylinder unit is part of the vertically movable machine part.
[0022] Further advantages and developments of the invention will become apparent from the following description of the figures. These show: Fig. 1: a coordinate measuring machine 19 as a portal measuring device on which a fastening arrangement according to the invention is used Fig. 2: a purely schematic representation of the second measuring slide 20of the coordinate measuring machine 19 out of Fig. 1, in which the front cover of the second measuring slide 20 was removed. Fig. 3: Partial view of the upper area of the illustration from Fig. 2 Fig. 4: Partial perspective view of the upper area of the illustration from Fig. 2.
[0023] Fig. Figure 1 shows a coordinate measuring machine in a purely schematic way. 19 , in which a fastening arrangement according to the invention, not shown in detail, is used, as described below in connection with Fig. 2 to Fig. Section 4 will be explained in more detail. The coordinate measuring machine shown here is purely an example. 19 It is designed in a so-called portal construction, with two parallel guides in the area of the measuring table. 1 a first measuring slide 2It is guided in the form of a gliding portal. A scale is used to measure the portal's position. 9 a corresponding reading sensor is provided, which is not shown in detail here. A drive is also provided that moves the first measuring slide. 2 in the one with the arrow y The designated direction can be followed along the guide. Along the base (measuring table). 1 ) horizontally spanning traverse of the portal-shaped first measuring carriage 2 , is a second measuring slide 20 (often referred to as x-carriage) is movably guided, with this being used for position measurement in the direction indicated by the arrow. x designated direction a scale 10 with associated reading sensor. The second measuring carriage can be moved via a second drive. 20 in the one with the arrow x be moved in the designated direction. On the second measuring slide 20In the vertical direction, there is a third measuring slide. 3 (often referred to as quill) movably guided, whereby the position of the measuring carriage 3 in the one with the arrow z designated direction over a scale 11 with associated reading sensor and a drive is also provided to move the third measuring slide 3 in the third coordinate direction z to move. At the lower end of the third measuring slide 3 is a rotary unit 8 attached in the form of a swivel joint, via which a tactile sensor is attached 4 with its button 5 It can be rotated around two perpendicular axes of rotation. Of course, the tactile sensor can 4 also directly on the third measuring carriage 3 It must be attached. Instead of a tactile sensor. 4 An optical sensor can also be used.
[0024] On the measuring table 1 is a workpiece here 6 arranged by movement of the three measuring slides 2 , 20 , 3 from the tactile sensor 4 is scanned, whereby the signals from the sensor are used to determine the output. 4 and from the scale positions of the scales 9 , 10 , 11 Measurement values on the surface of the workpiece to be measured 6 to be determined. The controller for regulating the drives of the measuring carriages. 2 , 20 , 3 is located in the control unit 7 Furthermore, the control system 7 also the scale values of the scales 9 , 10 , 11 read out, as well as the signals from the sensor. 4 . With the control 7 A measuring computer is also connected. 17 The measuring computer 17This serves to create a measurement sequence and to send the information necessary for executing the measurement sequence to the control system. 7 to hand over. The control 7 The measurement process is then carried out. The control system 7 This in turn provides, among other things, the measured values of the workpiece. 6 to the measuring computer 17 back, where the returned values are then processed by the measuring computer 17 be evaluated. With the reference number 13 is also referred to as a control panel, which is connected to the control system. 7 is connected, whereby the drives of the coordinate measuring machine are connected via this connection. 19 They can be adjusted manually.
[0025] Fig. Figure 2 shows a purely schematic representation of the second measuring slide. 20 from the coordinate measuring machine 19 out of Fig. 1, in which the front fairing of this second measuring slide 20was removed. Same reference numbers as in Fig. Here, 1 denotes identical components.
[0026] The vertical movement of the third measuring slide (quill) 3 ) in the one with the arrow z the direction indicated is as schematically shown by the 15 The air bearings are indicated as movable. 15 are provided here in the form of two bearing cages, which support the third measuring slide 3 Each cage completely encloses the cage, with air bearing surfaces on each of its inner surfaces. A friction wheel is used to power the cage. 14 , which is located on the outer surface of the third measuring slide (quill) 3 As the friction wheel rolls, the vertical movement is driven. 14 This is connected to an unseen electric motor. The air bearings 15 , as well as the electric motor with the friction wheel 14 are attached to the supporting structures of the measuring carriage 20attached, which here are generally referred to by the reference mark 22 are designated.
[0027] Also from the supporting structure 22 of the second measuring slide 20 A piston rod is carried. 25 a piston / cylinder unit 26 , which determines the weight force of the third measuring slide (quill) 3 ) compensated. Since essential parts of the piston / cylinder unit 26 , namely the cylinder 41 , the piston and also parts of the piston rod 25 , inside the third measuring slide (quill) 3 ) are shown with dashed lines. The section of the supporting structure 22 , which in the exemplary embodiment serves as the upper plate of the measuring slide housing of the second measuring slide 20 The design is located above the upper end of the third measuring slide (quill). 3 ) at a distance from the third measuring slide (quill) 3), so that the third measuring slide (quill) 3 ) in a vertical direction onto the supporting structure 22 to be moved. With such a vertical movement of the third measuring slide (quill). 3 ) however, the piston rod 25 did not move. Below the supporting structure. 22 (here the upper plate of the measuring slide housing) is the upper, free end of the piston rod 25 Further parts of a fastening arrangement are also visible there, with which the piston rod 25 It is attached for fixing in a vertical direction. The other parts of the fastening arrangement are in Fig. 2 lump sum with the reference number 27 designated.
[0028] Fig. 3 and Fig. Figure 4 each shows a section of the upper area of the illustration. Fig. 2, wherein Fig. 3 one opposite Fig. 2 Enlarged view of the upper area of the illustration from Fig. 2 represents and Fig. 4 a perspective view of the upper area of the representation from Fig. 2 represents. Same reference symbols as in Fig. 2 and Fig. Here, 1 again refers to the same components.
[0029] Based on the Fig. 3 and Fig. Section 4 will now describe in detail the fastening arrangement according to the invention. 27 This will be explained. As can be seen here, the piston rod penetrates 25 the piston / cylinder unit 26 one with the reference number 34 designated plate, which will be referred to below as the "second plate" 34 “is referred to as “. At the upper end of the piston rod 25 This involves two nuts counter-locked against each other. 39a , 39b screwed on. The nuts were tightened against each other. 39a and 39b in turn, they are supported by a spherical disc 37on, which with an underlying conical pan 38 interacts through the spherical disc 37 and the conical pan 38 can the piston rod 25 and the second record 34 They are rotated relative to each other about axes of rotation that are parallel to a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the piston rod. 25 is aligned. Further details of this interaction can also be found in the aforementioned publication DE 10 2008 053 227 A1. In this publication, the relevant components have the reference numerals 33 and 34 on and are, for example, in connection with Fig. 2 and Fig. 4 explained in detail.
[0030] Since the second record 34 , as will be explained in detail below, with regard to rotations about axes of rotation relative to the supporting structure 22 immobile, can be by the ball disc 37and the conical pan 38 also rotations of the piston rod 25 relative to the supporting structure 22 These rotations occur around axes of rotation that are parallel to the aforementioned plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the piston rod. As explained above, these rotations are used only once during the assembly of the mounting device to adjust the piston rod. 25 relative to the second plate 34 to rotate and thereby cause deviations of the second plate 34 compared to the horizontal plane due to different cable lengths (see below) of the three steel cables 28a , 28b and 28c to compensate. In later operation, no further rotations take place, as the friction between the spherical disk is reduced. 37 and conical pan 38 is relatively high. The second record 34 is via the aforementioned three steel cables 28a , 28b and 28c with a first record 33connected, which in turn are connected by three screws 36a , 36b , and 36c on the supporting structure 22 (upper plate of the measuring slide housing) is screwed in place. Through the three cables 28a until 28c can the aforementioned linear displacements between the piston rod 25 and the supporting structure 22 in the plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the piston rod. Although, in principle, other movements are possible in addition to the aforementioned linear displacements, the second plate 34 especially with regard to rotations of the piston rod 25 relative to the supporting structure 22 around axes of rotation that are parallel to the aforementioned axis and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the piston rod 25 The spherical disk lies largely rigidly in a standing plane. The reason for this is as follows. As already explained above, due to the friction between the spherical disk... 37and the associated conical pan 38 Relatively high torques are required to generate rotations between these two components, so that no such rotations occur during subsequent operation. The end of the piston rod 25 and the second record 34 They are therefore, in a sense, rigidly connected to each other. On the other hand, a rotation of the second plate 34 around the ends of the ropes 28a until 28c also requires relatively high torques, since the second plate is used for this purpose. 34 at least one of the rope ends must be rotated. However, such high torques do not occur during later operation, because the piston rod 25 already during assembly through rotations between the ball disc 37 and conical pan 38 so relative to the second record 34It was aligned so that practically no torques remain. Lateral displacements, however, are controlled by the cables. 28a until 28c recorded. This means the ropes offer 28a until 28c It has high stiffness in the vertical direction. In the horizontal direction, however, the second plate 34 They can be moved almost without friction, thereby compensating for differences.
[0031] The next step will be the installation of the ropes. 28a until 28c will be explained in more detail.
[0032] First, it should be noted that the three ropes are... 28a - 28c Each consists of pre-assembled steel cables, each ending in a ball at both ends.
[0033] As a first step, the three ropes are 28a until 28c on the second record 34 fastened. The fastening is shown here as an example for the rope.28a described. The fastening is done by first attaching the lower ball of the rope. 28a into a receiving area (ball cup or cylindrical recess) of the second plate 34 is inserted. The recording area is located in the case of the second disc. 34 on the underside of the second plate 34 Then the rope 28a through the respective corresponding groove 29a carried out, then through the groove 32 through and in a final step through the groove 30a through it. Exactly the same procedure is followed analogously for the ropes. 28b and 28c , whereby in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 the corresponding grooves 29b and 29c are not visible.
[0034] In a second step, the ropes mounted in this way are threaded through a hole in the supporting structure. 22(that is, a hole in the upper end plate of the measuring slide housing) is passed through it. Then each of the cables is 28a until 28c each through one of the grooves 31a until 31c in the first record 33 carried out and then the balls 35a until 35c at the upper ends of the ropes 28a until 28c in a receiving area, which here is designed as a spherical cup, on the first plate 33 The recording areas are located, as shown. Fig. 4 visible, this time on the top of the first plate 33 Of course, this second step is only possible because the first record 33 not yet about the three screws 36a until 36c on the supporting structure 22 It is screwed down.
[0035] So, after the balls 35a until 35c the ropes 28a until 28ceach in a receiving area (ball cup) of the first plate 33 Once placed, in a third step the plate with the ropes loosely attached to it is moved over the screws. 36a until 36c on the supporting structure 22 (Upper end plate of the measuring slide housing) screwed in place. Since the hole is in the supporting structure 22 (upper end plate of the measuring slide housing) has such a small diameter that this hole is completely covered by the first plate 33 Since it is covered, there is no longer any danger that the ropes could be unhooked again.
[0036] The grooves are the same. 29a until 29c and 30a until 30c and 32 the second record 34 so that the ropes could be threaded through 28a until 28c In the reverse direction, it is now also impossible in the assembled state.
[0037] In a fourth and final step, the piston rod is now... 25 through a central bore in the second plate 34 through it. Furthermore, it is applied to the conical pan. 38 , which were already firmly connected to the second record 34 was connected, the spherical disc 37 placed and onto the external thread of the piston rod 25 the mother 39a unscrewed and against this the nut 39b countered. The mounting assembly is now ready for use. The first plate 33 , the ropes 28a until 28c , the second record 34 , the conical pan 38 and the ball disc 37 This shows a possible embodiment of a "mechanical compensation unit". 24 “, since this mechanical balancing unit 24 on the one hand the piston rod 25 and the supporting structure 22(upper end plate of the measuring slide housing) connects to each other and this mechanical compensation unit 24 linear displacements between the piston rod 25 and the supporting structure 22 in a position perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the piston rod 25 allows stationary plane as well as rotations of the piston rod 25 relative to the supporting structure 22 to allow axes of rotation that are parallel to the said plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the piston rod.
[0038] Thus, the character description shows the following:
[0039] A fastening arrangement 27 for mounting a piston / cylinder unit 26 for pneumatic and / or hydraulic compensation of a weight force on a vertically moving machine part, in particular the quill 3 of a coordinate measuring machine, wherein the mounting arrangement 27exhibits the following: - a supporting structure 22 on a piston rod 25 the piston / cylinder unit 26 is suspended, with the piston rod extending substantially vertically in its longitudinal direction. - a mechanical balancing unit 24 , which the piston rod 25 on the one hand, and the supporting structure 22 on the other hand, it connects, whereby the mechanical compensation unit 24 linear displacements between the piston rod 25 and the supporting structure 22 in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the piston rod, as well as rotations of the piston rod 25 relative to the supporting structure 22 and allows axes of rotation that are parallel to the said axis and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the piston rod 25 lying on a level surface.
[0040] In particular, it has been shown that the mechanical compensation unit 24 for the aforementioned linear displacements between the piston rod 25 and the supporting structure 22 in the plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the piston rod, at least one rope (see ropes) 28a until 28c) includes one that is connected to the supporting structure 22 related component (first plate) 33 ) and one with the piston rod 25 related component (second plate) 34 ) connects them. The mechanical compensation unit shown 24 This includes three parallel ropes ( 28a until 28c) which is connected to the supporting structure 22 related component (first plate) 33 ) and one with the piston rod 25 related component (second plate) 34 ) connect them. This involves the supporting structure. 22a first record 33 attached and in the area of the piston rod 25 a second record 34 provided for, which the piston rod 25 carries, with the three parallel ropes 28a until 28c each on the first plate 33 are attached and also to the second plate 34 are attached. Each of the aforementioned ropes 28a - 28c is designed as a pre-assembled steel cable, which has a ball at each of its two ends ( 35a - 35c The reference symbols for the spheres at the upper ends are shown; the spheres at the lower ends have no reference symbol, as these spheres are not visible in the illustrations. Both the first plate 33 , as well as the second album 34 , have receiving areas, in particular ball cups or cylindrical recesses, through which the balls ( 35a - 35cThe reference symbols for the balls at the upper ends are shown; the balls at the lower ends have no reference symbol, as these balls are not visible in the illustrations. (These are the reference symbols for the balls at the upper ends of the ropes.) 28a -28°C in a predefined area on the first plate 33 and on the second record 34 be held. Both the first record 33 , as well as the second album 34 have grooves (see grooves) 31a until 31c in the first record 33 and grooves 29a until 29c ; 32 ; 30a until 30c in the second record 34 ) through which the ropes 28a until 28c must be carried out to remove the balls ( 35a - 35cThe reference markings for the balls at the upper ends (the balls at the lower ends have no reference marking, as these balls are not visible in the illustrations) allow for positioning in the respective receiving areas. The orientation of the grooves is designed to allow the cables to be inserted. 28a until 28c Reversing the movement is impossible in the assembled state. The mechanical compensation unit 24 indicates rotations of the piston rod 25 relative to the supporting structure 22 To enable axes of rotation that lie parallel to the aforementioned plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the piston rod, mechanical elements are used that allow rotation during assembly, whereas during operation of the moving machine part (quill) 3 ) no rotations take place. Furthermore, the mechanical compensation unit features 24 , to rotate the piston rod 25relative to the supporting structure in order to allow axes of rotation that lie parallel to the said plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the piston rod, furthermore a spherical disk 37 and a conical pan 38 on. 1 measuring table 2 first measuring carriage 3 third measuring slide 4 Sensor 5 buttons 6 workpieces 7 Control 8 rotary unit 9 scale 10 scale 11 scale 12 traverses 13 Control panel 14 friction wheel 15 air bearings 16th pillar 17 measuring computers 18th pillar 19 Coordinate measuring machine 20 second measuring carriage 21 22 supporting structure 23 24 mechanical balancing unit 25 Piston rod 26 Piston / cylinder unit 27 Mounting arrangement 28a-c rope 29a-c Nut 30a-c Nut 31a-c Nut 32 Nut 33 first record 34 second record 35a-c sphere 36a-c screw 37 ball disc 38 Conical pan 39a, 39b Mother 40 41 cylinders QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION
[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature
[0000] DE 102008053227 A1 [0002, 0029]
Claims
[1] Fastening arrangement for fastening a piston / cylinder unit (26) for pneumatic and / or hydraulic compensation of a weight force of a vertically movable machine part, in particular the quill (3) of a coordinate measuring machine, wherein the fastening arrangement comprises the following: - a supporting structure (22) on which a piston rod (25) of the piston / cylinder unit (26) is suspended, wherein the piston rod (25) extends with its longitudinal direction essentially in a vertical direction, - a mechanical compensating unit (24) connecting the piston rod (25) on the one hand and the supporting structure (22) on the other, wherein the mechanical compensating unit (24) allows linear displacements between the piston rod (25) and the supporting structure in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the piston rod (25), as well as rotations of the piston rod (25) relative to the supporting structure (22) about axes of rotation that are parallel to said plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the piston rod, characterized in that the mechanical compensating unit (24) comprises at least one cable (28a-28c) for said linear displacements between the piston rod (25) and the supporting structure (22) in the plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the piston rod (25),that connects the supporting structure (22) or a component (33) associated therewith and the piston rod (25) or a component (34) associated therewith. [2] Fastening arrangement according to the preceding claim, wherein the mechanical compensation unit (24) comprises at least three parallel cables (28a-28c) connecting the supporting structure (22) or a component (33) associated therewith and the piston rod (25) or a component (34) associated therewith. [3] Fastening arrangement according to the preceding claim, wherein a first plate (33) is attached to the supporting structure (22) and a second plate (34) is provided in the area of the piston rod (25), which supports the piston rod (25), wherein the at least three parallel cables (28a-28c) are each attached to the first plate (33) and are also attached to the second plate (34). [4] Fastening arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each of said ropes (28a-28c) is designed as a pre-assembled steel rope which terminates at both its ends with a ball (35a-35c). [5] Fastening arrangement according to the two preceding claims, wherein the first plate (33) and / or the second plate (34) have receiving areas, in particular ball sockets or cylindrical recesses, by which the balls (35a-35c) at the ends of the ropes (28a-28c) are held in a predefined area on the first plate (33) and / or the second plate (34). [6] Fastening arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first plate and / or the second plate have grooves (29a-29c, 32, 30a-30c; 31a-31c) through which the ropes (28a-28c) must be passed in order to position the balls (35a-35c) in the respective receiving areas. [7] Fastening arrangement according to the preceding claim, wherein the orientation of the grooves (29a-29c, 32, 30a-30c; 31a-31c) is such that it is impossible to pass the cables (28a-28c) in the reverse direction when assembled. [8] Fastening arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the mechanical compensation unit (24) in order to enable rotations of the piston rod (25) relative to the supporting structure (22) about axes of rotation which are parallel to said plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the piston rod, comprises mechanical elements by which rotation is enabled during assembly, whereas no rotations take place during operation of the movable machine part. [9] Fastening arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, in particular according to the preceding claim, wherein the mechanical compensation unit (24) to enable rotations of the piston rod relative to the supporting structure about axes of rotation which are parallel to said plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the piston rod further comprises a spherical disk (37) and a conical socket (38) cooperating therewith. [10] Machine, in particular coordinate measuring machine or machine tool, with the fastening arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cylinder (41) of the piston / cylinder unit (26) is part of the vertically movable machine part (3). [11] Machine according to the preceding claim, wherein the cylinder (41) of the piston / cylinder unit is arranged inside the quill (3) of the machine and is connected to the quill (3).