Patent ID: 6276864
Filing Date: 2001-08-21
Classification: B23Q,B25J,Y10T

Abstract:
An assembly for connecting a measuring tool to a measuring head movable by a measuring robot, wherein said assembly comprises: an output member rotatable at least about one axis; a first supporting means carried by said output member; a second supporting means carried by a connecting portion for connecting said tool to said measuring head and being capable of cooperating with said first supporting means; and a releasable locking means interposable between said connecting portion and said output member to maintain said first supporting means and said second supporting means in contact with each other; said first and said second supporting means are located peripherally with respect to said axis and define an isostatic constraint between said output member and said connecting portion; and said releasable locking means comprises an engaging means located substantially along said axis, and a pneumatic actuating means for cooperating with and for controlling release of said engaging means;wherein said first and said second supporting means define three supports equally spaced angularly about said axis, and wherein each of said three supports comprises a pair of balls spaced apart and a cylinder comprised of a surface which cooperates with said balls.