MEASURING ARM WITH MULTIFUNCTIONAL END

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of metrology and more particularly to the measurement of three-dimensional objects. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] A three-dimensional measuring device generally comprises an arm comprising articulated elements including a fixing base, a first segment connected to the fixing base by a first articulation, a second segment connected to the first segment by a second articulation, an interface body connected to the second segment by a third articulation, and positional sensors associated with the articulations and electrically connected to an electronic acquisition unit to provide the electronic acquisition unit with signals for measuring the relative positions of the segments with respect to each other. The interface body carries a measuring member and a handle allowing an operator to point the measuring member towards an area of ​​the object to be measured (see US 2011 / 173827 A1).

[0003] The measuring device may be of the contact type or of the non-contact type. The contact measuring device is a probe intended to be applied against said area of ​​the object. The non-contact measuring device may be: an incident wave emitter and a receiver of a wave returned by said area of ​​the object allowing a measurement from the time separating the emission of the incident wave and the reception of the returned wave; or an optical image capture device associated with a light frame projector to allow a calculation of measurements by processing the image of the light frame projected onto the area to be measured; or a combination of the two preceding ones.

[0004] The handle is generally of the "pistol" type. When the measuring device is of the non-contact type, the handle is most often equipped with at least one button controlling a switch connected by an electrical circuit to the control unit to allow the operator to control the acquisition of measurement signals with the hand holding the handle and pointing the measuring device. When the measuring device is of the contact type, the handle can be equipped as previously with an acquisition control button or the switch can be directly controlled by the probe according to the force applied by the probe to the area of ​​the object to be measured. SUBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0005] An aim of the invention is to provide a means for improving the functionalities of such a measuring device. BRIEF STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0006] To this end, according to the invention, a three-dimensional measuring device is provided, comprising an arm comprising articulated elements including a fixing base, a first segment connected to the base by a first articulation, a second segment connected to the first segment by a second articulation, an interface body connected to the second segment by a third articulation, and positional sensors associated with the articulations and electrically connected to an electronic acquisition unit to provide the electronic acquisition unit with signals for measuring the relative positions of the segments with respect to each other. The interface body carries a measuring member and a handle allowing an operator to point the measuring member towards an area of ​​the object to be measured.The handle is tubular in shape with a grippable outer surface and an inner surface defining a housing in which is engaged a reinforcing portion of a fixing base having an end portion which projects from the handle and which is fixed to the interface body, the reinforcing portion extending at least in part at at least a portion of the grippable outer surface.

[0007] Advantageously, the reinforcing portion extends over a major portion of the handle and, preferably, over the entire length of the handle.

[0008] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge upon reading the following description of particular non-limiting embodiments of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0009] Reference will be made to the attached drawings, including: there figure 1 is a perspective view of a measuring device according to the invention; figure 2 is a perspective view of an interface body forming a free end of the arm of the measuring device; figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of a first gripping member of the interface body; figure 4 is a perspective view of the first gripping member and the interface body before assembly; figure 5a is an exploded perspective view of a second gripping member of the interface body; figure 5b is a partial perspective view of the fixing support of the second gripping member; figure 6 is a perspective view of the interface body equipped with the two gripping members and a first measuring member; figure 7 is a detail view of the figure 6 before installation of the first measuring device; figure 8 is a perspective view of the interface body equipped with the first gripping member only and the first measuring member; figure 9 is a perspective view of a second measuring member and the interface body before assembly; figure 10 is a perspective view of the second measuring member and the interface body being mounted on the free end of the arm; figure 11 is a perspective view of the assembly mechanism of the second measuring member and the interface body; figures 12 a , b , c , d, e show the coupling and uncoupling operations; figures 13 a, b , c show by transparency different positions of the part of the assembly mechanism embedded on the second measuring organ; figure 14 is a perspective view of the second measuring member mounted on the free end of the arm; figure 15 is a detail view of the front part of the interface body; the figure 16 is a sectional view of the remote measuring device according to plan XVI of the figure 12a ; there figure 17 is a perspective view of the interface body equipped with an adaptation support for carrying a third measuring member; figure 18 is a perspective view of the interface body with the adaptation support for carrying a third measuring member during assembly; figure 19 is a perspective view of the interface body equipped with the adaptation support, the third measuring member and a fourth measuring member; figure 20 is a longitudinal sectional view of the interface body; figure 21 is an exploded perspective view of a coupling interface of the first measuring member, and more particularly of a tubular coupling part; figure 22 is a perspective view of this mating interface. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] With reference to the figures, the three-dimensional measuring device according to the invention comprises an arm comprising articulated elements.

[0011] The articulated elements comprise a fixing base 10, a first segment 11 connected to the base 10 by a first articulation 21, a second segment 12 connected to the first segment 11 by a second articulation 22, an interface body 100 connected to the second segment 12 by a third articulation 23.

[0012] The first articulation 21 and the second articulation 22 are double articulations allowing relative pivoting of the elements that they connect around two axes perpendicular to each other. The third articulation 23 is a triple articulation allowing relative pivoting of the second segment 12 and the interface body 100 around three axes, one of which is substantially perpendicular to the others (the three axes are noted a1, a2, a3 on the figure 2 ). Positional sensors not visible in the figures are associated with each axis of the joints 21, 22, 23 and electrically connected to an electronic acquisition unit 1000 to provide the electronic acquisition unit 1000 with signals for measuring the relative angular positions of the elements with respect to each other. The sensors can be connected to the acquisition unit 1000 each by a pair of cables or all together by a bus. The acquisition unit is for example a computer, in particular a laptop computer, connected by a USB or other type connector to a corresponding connector opening outside the base 10. The computer executes a three-dimensional measurement program known per se. The base 10 advantageously incorporates an electronic circuit connected to a screen and arranged to provide the operator with information on the operating state of the arm.

[0013] The interface body 100 comprises a rigid structure 101 over which a cover 102 is mounted in such a way that a space 103 exists between the structure 101 and the cover 102 (see more particularly the figure 20 ).

[0014] The interface body 100 is provided with a display device 2000 electrically connected to an electronic circuit 2001 itself electrically connected to the electronic acquisition unit 1000 by a dedicated line. The display device 2000 is equipped with a multidirectional button 2002 electrically connected to the electronic circuit 2001 for making choices in menus displayed by the display device 2000. The electronic circuit 2001 extends into the space 103 existing between the structure 101 and the cover 102.

[0015] With particular reference to the figure 15 , the interface body 100 comprises a front face 104 arranged to form a plate for alternately fixing a first gripping member 200 and a remote measuring member 400, a tubular part 110 for coupling to a contact measuring member 500 extending in projection from said front face 104; and a lateral surface 105 arranged to form a second plate for fixing a second gripping member 300.

[0016] The tubular coupling part 110 is provided with two external steps 111 positioned symmetrically with respect to each other.

[0017] On the front face 104, electrical connectors 120 open for connection to the remote measuring device 400.

[0018] With particular reference to figures 3 And 4, the first gripping member 200 comprises an annular gripping body 201 which comprises a central cylindrical conduit 202 allowing the annular gripping body 201 to be engaged on the tubular coupling part 110 such that the annular gripping body 201 extends over the front surface 104 and the electrical connectors 120. The central cylindrical conduit 202 is provided with two axial grooves 203 for receiving the external steps 111.

[0019] A retaining element 204 is mounted on the annular gripping body 201 to slide transversely to the tubular coupling part 110. The retaining element 204 has a forked shape with two branches 205 and is mounted on the annular gripping body 201 between: a retaining position in which the branches 205 have a portion which projects into the axial grooves 203 and is intended to be engaged behind the external steps 111 to press the annular gripping body 201 against the front face 104, and a release position in which the branches 205 have a notch coinciding with the axial grooves 203 to allow the passage of the external steps 111. The branches 205 have wedge-forming surfaces to hold the annular gripping body 201 tight against the front face 104. The retention of the retaining element 204 in each of its positions is ensured by a ball mounted in a housing of the retaining element 204 to be movable between a position projecting from the housing in which it is elastically returned and a position retracted into the housing.The annular gripping body 201 is provided with two recesses positioned to receive the protruding ball when the retaining element 204 is respectively in the release position and in the retaining position. Alternatively, it is possible to simply provide a spring mounted between the annular gripping body 201 and the retaining element 204 to elastically return the retaining element 204 to its retaining position.

[0020] The annular gripping body 201 has a curved front outer surface portion 206 and a lateral outer surface portion 207 into which at least one button 208 for actuating a switch received in the annular gripping body 201 opens. The switch is connected to a connector 209 embedded on the annular gripping body 201 to be connected to one of the electrical connectors 120 when the annular gripping body 201 is applied against the front face 104. The front outer surface portion 206 is substantially in the shape of a spherical cap. It will be noted that the connection of the connectors 209, 120 makes it possible to ensure detection of the presence of the annular gripping body 200. It is thus possible to prohibit, in all or part of a measurement protocol, the taking of points if the annular gripping body 200 is not mounted.

[0021] With particular reference to figures 5a , 5b , 6, the second gripping member 300 has the shape of a “pistol” type handle 301. The handle 301 is integral with a fixing base 600 comprising a reinforcing appendage 601 on which the handle 301 is engaged and an end portion 602 which comprises a slide 603 extending transversely relative to a longitudinal direction of the reinforcing appendage 601 to cooperate with a slide 114 of the lateral surface 105 of the interface body 100. The interface body 100 and the end portion 602 of the fixing support 600 comprise reciprocal stop means so as to define a position of mutual engagement of the slides 603, 114 and reciprocal locking means opposing disengagement of the slides 603, 114.The reciprocal locking means comprise a control lever 604 which is articulated on the end portion 602 of the fixing base 600 between a position for activating the locking means and a position for deactivating the locking means. The control lever 604 has a stirrup shape with two branches having free ends each integral with one end of a shaft 605 which is provided with a yoke 606 and which is mounted to pivot on the end portion 602 of the fixing base 600. The fixing support 600 is provided with a tilting lock 607 having a first end mounted to pivot in the end portion 602 to have a second end movable between a retracted position and a position projecting from the end portion 602.A connecting rod 608 is articulated on one side to the yoke 606 and on the other to the tilting lock 607 in such a way that, when the control lever 604 is in the activation position, the tilting lock 607 is in its projecting position to cooperate with a stop on the lateral surface 105 of the interface body 100 and opposes the disengagement of the slides 603, 114 and that, when the control lever 604 is in the deactivation position, the tilting lock 607 is in the retracted position relative to the stop and authorizes the disengagement of the slides 603, 114.

[0022] The handle 301 is tubular in shape with a grippable outer surface 302 and an inner surface 303 defining a housing in which the reinforcing appendage 601 is engaged. The handle 301 is fixed to the reinforcing appendage 601 of the fixing base 600 by at least one screw 609 passing through a bottom wall of the handle 301 to be engaged in a thread 610 of a free end portion 611 of the reinforcing appendage 601 of the fixing base 600 extending opposite the bottom wall. The device according to the invention advantageously comprises a set of interchangeable handles 301 with different external dimensions adapted to different hand sizes.

[0023] Said end portion 602 of the fixing base 600 comprises an acquisition control button 612 (in the form of a trigger tail) actuating a switch electrically connected to a connector 613 for connection to a connector which opens onto the lateral surface 105 which is electrically connected to the electronic acquisition unit 1000 and a multidirectional selection button 614 actuating a switch also electrically connected to the connector 613. The handle 301 is, itself, devoid of any portion of electronic circuit or electronic component. The same is true for the reinforcement appendage 601.

[0024] With particular reference to the figure 15 , the contact measuring member 500 comprises a probe 501 carried by a male cylindrical part 502 engaged in a tubular coupling part 110 secured to the interface body 100. The male cylindrical part 502 and the tubular coupling part 110 form two separable parts of a coupling interface. The tubular coupling part 110 is provided with a mechanism, generally designated 1100, for locking the coupling comprising a handle 112 formed of a curved plate and carried by an axis 115 mounted on the tubular coupling part 110 to pivot about a radial direction of the tubular coupling part 110 between a position for retaining the male cylindrical part 502 and a position for releasing the male cylindrical part 502.The handle 112 is also mounted on the tubular coupling part 110 to pivot between a position pressed against an outer surface 113 of the tubular coupling part 110 and a raised position allowing its manipulation.

[0025] With particular reference to figures 20 à 22 , the locking mechanism 1100 housed in the tubular coupling part 110 is here of the type described in document US-B-7282017. The locking mechanism 1100 comprises a drawer 1101 defining a housing 1102 for receiving a tail 503 of the male cylindrical part 502 and two pins 1103 (but one would be sufficient) extending opposite each other on either side of the housing 1102. The pins 1103 have axes parallel to each other and contained in the same plane transverse to the housing 1102, and are mounted in the drawer 1101 to be movable between a locking position in which the pins 1103 have a central portion projecting into the housing 1102 and an unlocking position in which the central portion of the pins 1103 is retracted with respect to the housing 1102.The pins 1103 have ends received in two transverse grooves 1104 arranged in diametrically opposite positions in an internal surface of an insert 1105 fixed in the tubular coupling part 110. The insert 1105 is in two parts joined to each other along a joint plane containing the central axis of the tubular coupling part 110, said parts being symmetrical with respect to the joint plane and each part comprising one of the grooves 1104 for receiving the ends of the pins 1103. Each pin 1103 also has two intermediate portions which extend respectively between one of the ends of said pin and the central portion of said pin and which is received in a slot 1106 arranged in the drawer 1101 to extend in an inclined manner with respect to the central axis of the tubular coupling part. 110.The drawer 1101 is mounted in the insert 1105 to slide parallel to the central axis of the tubular coupling part 110 between a first position and a second position and the inclination of the slots 1106 is determined so that the movement of the drawer 1101 from its first position to its second position causes the movement of the pins 1103 from their locking position to their unlocking position, and vice versa. The axis 115 of which the handle 112 is integral with one of the ends has an opposite end which is engaged in a hole 1107 formed in the insert 1105.Between its two ends, the axis 115 comprises an eccentric portion received in a groove 1108 formed in the slide 1101 to extend transversely to the central axis of the tubular coupling part 110 in such a way that the pivoting of the handle 112 from its retaining position to its release position causes the slide 1101 to move from its first position to its second position, and vice versa. The axis 115 of the handle 112 passes through a wall of the tubular coupling part 110 and the insert 1105 and has a groove provided with an annular sealing gasket 117 cooperating with the wall of the tubular coupling part 110 to ensure a seal between them.

[0026] The male cylindrical part 502 comprises a transverse face 504 projecting from which extends the tail 503 which is intended to be introduced into the housing 1102 of the drawer 1101 and which is provided with two notches to receive the central portion of the pins 1103 in their locking position. The transverse face 504 is provided with a seal 505 in the form of a peripheral elastomer lip which projects from said transverse face 504 to bear by deforming on a flat annular surface 118 of the free end of the tubular coupling part 110 and thus ensure a seal between the tubular coupling part 110 and the male cylindrical part 502. The seals 117 and 505 are here arranged to allow compliance with the IP54 standard. It will be noted that the fact of being able to fold the handle 112 onto the tubular coupling part 110 has a triple advantage.In fact, when it is in the folded position, the lever 112: . does not hinder the handling of the interface body 100 for the measuring operations; does not hinder the positioning of either the first gripping member 200 or the second remote measuring member 400; opposes its rotation around the radial direction of the tubular coupling part (the curved parts of the handle 112 abutting on the outer surface of the tubular coupling part).

[0027] The remote measuring device 400 comprises a frame 401, an optical sensor and a projector of a light frame. The remote measuring device 400 is intended to be pointed towards an area of ​​the object to be measured to project the light frame there and take an image of it. The operating principle of the remote measuring device 400 is known in itself and will not be detailed here.

[0028] With particular reference to figures 11 à13 And 16, the frame 401 of the remote measuring member 400 comprises an orifice 402 for the passage of the tubular coupling part 110 and connectors 403 to be electrically connected to the connectors 120 of the interface body 100. The frame 401 is intended to be connected to the interface body 100 by a fixing mechanism 700 which can be selectively controlled in a snap-fastened state ( figures 12a , 12c , 13c ) in which the remote measuring member 400 is retained on the interface body 100 while the connectors 403, 120 are disengaged from each other, a locking state ( figures 11 , 12b , 13a ) in which the remote measuring member 400 is fixed to the interface body 100 and the connectors 403, 120 are engaged with each other, and a release state ( figures 12d, 12e , 13b ) in which the remote measuring member 400 can be separated from the interface body 100.

[0029] The fixing mechanism 700 comprises two steps 701 arranged symmetrically on either side of the tubular coupling part 110 and each formed by a bar passing through a housing provided in the front face 104.

[0030] The locking mechanism comprises two hooks 702 mounted on the frame 401 of the remote measuring member 400 symmetrically on either side of the orifice 401 to tilt around a tilting axis A1 between a locking position and an unlocking position. Between each hook 702 and the frame 401, there extends an element 703 for elastically returning the hook 702 to the locking position.

[0031] The hooks 702 of the locking mechanism 700 are controlled by a lever 704 having a fork shape with branches 705 having a free end articulated on the frame 401 of the remote measuring member 400. The free end of each branch 705 of the lever 704 is articulated to the remote measuring member 400 around a pivot axis A2 distinct from the tilting axis A1 of the hook 702 and which is linked in rotation to an eccentric 706 received in a housing 707 of the hook 702 in such a way that: when lever 704 is in a locking position ( figure 12b ), each eccentric 706 bears against a lower surface of the housing 707 and holds the hook 702 in the locking position ( figure 13a ); when lever 704 is in an unlocked position ( figures 12d, 12e ), each eccentric 706 bears against an upper surface of the housing 707 and holds the hook 702 in the unlocked position ( figure 13b ); when the lever 704 is in a latching position ( figures 12c , 13c ), each eccentric 706 is in the upper part of the housing 707 so as not to hinder the movement of the hook between its two positions so as to leave the hook 702 in a latched state. In this state, the hook is free to be moved between its two positions ( figure 13c ).

[0032] The latching position of the lever 704, i.e. the one corresponding to the latching state, is located between the other two positions of the lever 704.

[0033] With particular reference to figures 17 à 19 , the measuring device comprises a fixing support 800 for a third measuring member 900. The third measuring member 900 is here a contactless measuring member provided with a battery and wireless connection means with the electronic acquisition unit 1000. As a variant, it is possible to provide an external wired connection between the third measuring member 900 and the electronic acquisition unit 1000. The operating principle of the remote measuring member 900 is known in itself and will not be detailed here.

[0034] The fixing support 800 comprises a body 801 in which two housings 802, 803 are made opening onto opposite faces of the body 801. The fixing support 800 is here fixed to the interface body using a mechanism similar to that used for fixing the gripping body 200. The housing 802 is dimensioned so that a bottom of the housing 802 can be applied against the front face 104 and so that walls of the housing 802 envelop a part of the outer surface of the interface body 100 bordering the front face 104. The housing 803 is dimensioned so that a part of a connector for connection to the third measuring member 900 can be fixed therein. The housing 803 is here provided with a male part similar to the male part 502 cooperating with the tubular coupling part 110 while the third measuring member is provided with a tubular coupling part identical to the tubular coupling part 110.In operation, the operating support 800 is positioned so that the third measuring member 900 extends under the tubular coupling part 110 so that handling of the assembly formed by the interface body 100, the fixing support 800 and the third measuring member 900 is more comfortable for the operator.

[0035] It is visible on the figure 19that the measuring device is equipped with a fourth measuring member which is a contact measuring member 550 which comprises a probe 551 carried by a male cylindrical part 552 engaged in the tubular coupling part 110 secured to the interface body 100. The contact measuring member 550 is mounted in place of the contact measuring member 500 when it is desired to carry out both contact measurements and measurements using the third measuring member 900. The contact measuring member 550 is characterized in that it is longer than the contact measuring member 500 in such a way that the probe 551 can be brought into contact with the object to be measured while limiting the risk of contact between the third measuring member 900 and said object to be measured.

[0036] It will be noted that, in the preferred embodiment described here, the device according to the invention comprises six main characteristics: 1) the measuring member is connected to the interface body by a fixing mechanism controllable by a lever and arranged in such a way that the lever controls the fixing mechanism selectively in a snap state in which the measuring member is retained on the interface body while the connectors are disengaged from each other, a locking state in which the measuring member is fixed to the interface body and the connectors are engaged in each other, and a release state in which the measuring member can be separated from the interface body; 2) the handle is of tubular shape with a grippable outer surface and an inner surface defining a housing in which is engaged a reinforcing portion of a fixing base having an end portion which projects from the handle and which is fixed to the interface body;3) the handle is secured to a fixing base having an end portion which comprises a slide which extends transversely relative to a longitudinal direction of the handle to cooperate with a slide of the interface body, the interface body and the end portion of the fixing support comprising reciprocal stop means so as to define a position of mutual engagement of the slides and reciprocal locking means opposing disengagement of the slides, the reciprocal locking means comprising a control lever which is articulated on the end portion of the fixing base between a position of activation of the locking means and a position of inactivation of the locking means;4) the interface body comprises a front face arranged to form a plate for alternately fixing a first gripping member and a remote measuring member, a tubular part for coupling to a first contact measuring member extending in projection from said front face; and a lateral surface arranged to form a second plate for fixing a second gripping member;5) the interface body comprises a front face on which at least one electrical connector opens and from which a tubular coupling part protrudes for coupling to the measuring member, an annular gripping body being engaged on the tubular coupling part and extending over the front surface and the electrical connector, a retaining element forming a wedge being mounted on the gripping body to slide transversely to the tubular coupling part and to be engaged behind an external step of the tubular coupling part to keep the gripping body applied against the front face of the interface body;6) the measuring member comprises a male cylindrical part engaged in a tubular coupling part secured to the interface body, the tubular coupling part is provided with a coupling locking mechanism comprising a handle formed from a curved plate and mounted on the tubular coupling part to pivot a position pressed against an external surface of the tubular coupling part and a raised position allowing its manipulation.;

[0037] Feature 1 is particularly interesting in that it facilitates the installation of the measuring member which can be relatively heavy and / or bulky. The measuring member is installed while the mechanism is in its latched state, which makes it possible to attach the measuring member to the interface body, without the operator having to act on the lever, simply by engaging the measuring member on the tubular coupling part until the latching is achieved. Once the measuring member is attached to the interface body, the operator can proceed by finer maneuvers to connect the connectors and then to immobilize the measuring member relative to the interface body by controlling the attachment mechanism in its locked state. The removal of the measuring member is carried out by putting the attachment mechanism in its released state before separating the measuring member and the interface body.

[0038] Feature 2 is particularly interesting in that it allows for rapid removal of the handle, for example, for cleaning, repair, or replacement with a handle of different dimensions. Having a mounting bracket separate from the handle also allows for a button or other electronic circuit to be placed in the upper part of the mounting bracket, i.e., above the handle, so that the handle itself is inexpensive and can be easily replaced.

[0039] Feature 3 is particularly interesting in that it allows relatively simple and rapid fixing of the gripping member.

[0040] Feature 4 is particularly interesting in that it allows great flexibility in the use of the arm of the measuring device.

[0041] Feature 5 is particularly interesting in that it will make the front surface of the interface body a gripping area of ​​the interface body while ensuring protection of the connector, preventing it from shocks and fouling.

[0042] Feature 6 is particularly interesting in that the plate does not interfere with handling of the interface body during measuring operations.

[0043] Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described but encompasses any variant falling within the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

[0044] In particular, although the measuring device according to the preferred embodiment comprises six main features, the invention applies to measuring devices which do not comprise all of these features, said features being able to be implemented independently of one another.

[0045] At least one portion of the electronic circuit may extend into all or part of the space between the structure and the cowling.

[0046] The acquisition unit 1000 can be incorporated into the base 10 which then comprises a computer unit associated with a human-machine interface comprising for example a keyboard and a screen.

[0047] The lever 112 may have a shape other than a curved plate, for example the shape of a button.

[0048] The first annular seal mounted on the shaft of the lever to bear against a surface of the tubular coupling part can have multiple forms and for example be an O-ring or a lobe seal or a lip seal.

[0049] The second annular seal mounted between the tubular coupling part and the male cylindrical part to be deformed between them when the male cylindrical part is mounted in the tubular coupling part secured to the interface body may have another shape and for example be an O-ring.

[0050] The handle is arranged to be movable about its axis between a locking position and an unlocking position of the mechanism, the handle having an intermediate position in which the locking mechanism allows the introduction of the male part and its elastic retention without being locked. Different structures allowing other modes of operation are possible. It is thus possible not to have a latching position.

[0051] The lever 704 may have a shape other than that described and may for example comprise a single branch. Furthermore, the lever may be mounted to pivot or to slide.

[0052] The fixing mechanism controlled by the lever 704 may have a different structure than that described and for example comprise only one hook. The latching position may be arranged on one side or the other of the other two positions instead of being located between them.

[0053] Although not the preferred embodiment, the handle 301 may be provided with at least one button and / or at least one electronic component.

[0054] The mounting base may be provided with or without button(s) and / or electronic component(s).

[0055] The handle 301 may be fixed by a means other than the screw 609 to the fixing base 600 and for example by a snap-in mechanism or by a transverse pin passing through a part of the handle 301 and a part of the fixing base 600.

[0056] The reinforcing portion 601 may extend over all or part of the handle 301.

[0057] The base 600 may be attached to the interface body 100 by other means, for example by one or more screws, a pin, or the like.

[0058] The arm may have a different structure than described, for example with a different number of segments, single joints instead of double or double instead of triple, and / or telescopic segments...

[0059] The interface body may be devoid of a display and / or electronic circuits.

[0060] The lever 604 may be secured to a shaft 605 carrying a lug bearing against the tilting lock 607 to form a cam moving the tilting lock 607 between its two positions.

[0061] The measuring devices may be probes of different shapes and / or dimensions, for example angled, with one or more pointing ends of different shapes / dimensions (for example spherical or conical) ...

[0062] The measuring devices can be telemetric, for example optical and in particular stereoscopic, or laser (LIDAR type) or other.

[0063] The gripping body 200 can be fixed by other means to the interface body 100 and for example by a nut screwed onto the tubular coupling part 110, a pin engaged transversely in the gripping body 200 and the tubular coupling part 110, a sloping key engaged transversely in the gripping body 200 and the tubular coupling part 110...

[0064] The arm may be provided with one or more multi-function buttons and / or one or more single-function buttons.

[0065] The locking mechanism 1100 may have a structure other than that described and comprise, for example, a hook movable between a locking position in which the hook is engaged in a ring carried by the male part and an unlocking position in which the hook is released from said ring.

Claims

1. A three-dimensional measuring device, comprising an arm made up of articulated elements including a fastener base (10), a first segment (11) connected to the base by a first hinge (21), a second segment (12) connected to the first segment by a second hinge (22), an interface body (100) connected to the second segment by a third hinge (23), and position sensors associated with the hinges and electrically connected to an electronic acquisition unit (1000) for supplying the electronic acquisition unit with position measurement signals measuring the positions of the segments relative to one another, the interface body carrying a measuring member and a handle (301) enabling an operator to point the measuring member at a zone of the object that is to be measured, the measuring device being characterized in that the handle is tubular in shape with a grippable outside surface (302) and an inside surface (303) defining a housing in which there is engaged a reinforcing portion (601) of a fastener base (600) having an end portion (602) that projects from the handle and that is fastened to the interface body, the reinforcing portion extending at least in part level with at least a portion of the grippable outside surface.

2. A device according to claim 1, wherein said end portion (602) of the fastener base (600) includes an acquisition control button (212) that acts on a switch electrically connected to the control unit (1000).

3. A device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the handle (301) is fastened to the fastener base (600) by at least one screw (609).

4. A device according to claim 3, wherein the screw (609) passes through an end wall of the handle (301) to be engaged in a tapped hole (610) in a free end portion (611) of the reinforcing portion (601) of the fastener base (600) that extends facing the end wall.

5. A device according to any preceding claim, including a set of interchangeable handles (601) of different outside dimensions.

6. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the handle (601) does not have any electronic circuit portion.

7. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the first hinge (21) and the second hinge (22) are double hinges allowing the elements that they connect together to pivot relative to each other about two mutually perpendicular axes.

8. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the third hinge (23) is a triple hinge allowing the second segment (12) and the interface body (100) to pivot relative to each other about three axes, one of which is substantially perpendicular to the others.

9. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the interface body (100) is provided with a display device (2000) and an electronic circuit (2001) that are electrically connected to the electronic acquisition unit (1000).

10. A device according to the preceding claim, wherein the display device (2000) is fitted with a multidirectional button (2002) for making selections in menus displayed by the display device.

11. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the interface body (100) comprises a rigid structure (101) over which there is mounted a cover (103) in such a manner that there exists a space between the structure and the cover, at least a portion of the electronic circuit extending in said space.

12. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the measuring device includes a fastener support (800) for fastening a third measuring member (900).

13. A device according to the preceding claim, wherein the fastener support (800) comprises a body (801) having two housings (802, 803) formed therein and opening out in opposite faces of the body (801), one of the housings (802) having dimensions for receiving a front portion of the interface body (100), and the other housing (803) having dimensions enabling a portion of the third measuring member (900) to be fastened therein.