Patent ID: 9068822
Filing Date: 2015-06-30
Classification: G01B

Abstract:
1. An interchangeable optics element for an optical pen for use in a chromatic range sensor system that provides workpiece measurement information in a coordinate measuring machine (CMM), the optical pen comprising an optical pen base member that is fixed relative to a moving portion of the CMM and which includes an optical fiber that outputs source light that is transmitted through a confocal aperture, and receives reflected measurement signal light that is returned through the confocal aperture, the interchangeable optics element comprising: a mounting portion that is received by the optical pen base member for holding the interchangeable optics element in a fixed relationship relative to the base member; a chromatically dispersive optics portion configured to input source light from the confocal aperture, focus that light with longitudinal chromatic aberration along a measuring range, and return measurement signal light reflected from surfaces in the measuring range to the confocal aperture; and a detachment signal element that is positioned to receive the source light and is configured to: