Coordinate measuring apparatus

A coordinate measuring apparatus includes a base on which an object to be measured is mounted, a movable X-axis beam, a Y-axis column with a hollow part that is provided on the base and supports the X-axis beam, a control unit that is provided under the base and controls the movement of the X-axis beam, and a cable that is wired from the X-axis beam to the control unit through the hollow part of the Y-axis column.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to the Japanese Patent Application number 2015-196203, filed on Oct. 1, 2015. The contents of this application are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a coordinate measuring apparatus, more particularly, a coordinate measuring apparatus in which a mobile body and a control unit are connected with a cable.

A coordinate measuring machine that measures coordinates of an external form of an object to be measured is used as a coordinate measuring apparatus for measuring a shape and a size of the object to be measured. For example, the coordinate measuring machine disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2012-42267 comprises a base that an object to be measured is mounted on, a moving mechanism that relatively moves a probe for measuring the object to be measured on this base in directions of three axes (an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis) that are mutually orthogonal, a drive control unit that drives and controls this moving mechanism, and a cable that connects the moving mechanism and the drive control unit.

Since the moving mechanism and the drive control unit are generally arranged apart from each other in the coordinate measuring apparatus, the cable that connects the moving mechanism and the control unit tends to be exposed to the outside. In such a case, a space is required for arranging the cable exposed to the outside. Further, when the cable is exposed to the outside, there are possibilities that the cable becomes dirty and the coordinate measuring apparatus becomes disfigured. Furthermore, the cable must be protected with a cableveyor (Registered Trademark) to prevent the exposed cable from being damaged by irregular bending, but using the cableveyor increases the cost.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention focuses on these points, and aims to provide a coordinate measuring apparatus that is capable of preventing a cable from being exposed to the outside with a simple structure.

According to one aspect of the invention, a coordinate measuring apparatus that comprises a base that an object to be measured is mounted on, a movable body that can relatively move with respect to the base, a supporting body with a hollow part, the supporting body being erected on the base and supporting the movable body, a control unit that is provided under the base and controls the movement of the movable body, and a cable that is wired from the movable body to the control unit through the hollow part of the supporting body is provided.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

1. First Exemplary Embodiment

[1-1. Structure of the Coordinate Measuring Apparatus]

An example of a structure of a coordinate measuring apparatus1according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention is explained with reference toFIG. 1.

FIG. 1shows a perspective view of the example of the structure of the coordinate measuring apparatus1according to the first exemplary embodiment of the invention. The coordinate measuring apparatus1is a coordinate measuring machine that identifies a three-dimensional shape of an object to be measured by measuring coordinates of an external form of the object to be measured. As shown inFIG. 1, the coordinate measuring apparatus1includes a base10, a Y-axis column20, an X-axis beam30, a Z-axis spindle40, a probe42, and a mounting stand50.

The base10is a stone-made surface plate set on the mounting stand50. An object to be measured (a work) is mounted on the upper surface of the base10. The base10has a rectangular shape in a planar view.

The Y-axis column20is a supporting body with a hollow part that is erected on the upper surface of the base10and supports the X-axis beam30. The Y-axis column20is fixed on the upper surface of the base10. The Y-axis column20, as seen from the X-axis direction inFIG. 1, is formed to have a substantially T-shaped structure extending in the Y-axis direction on the edge of the upper surface of the base10. The Y-axis column20movably supports an end part of the X-axis beam30in the longitudinal direction (the X-axis direction inFIG. 1). That is, in the present exemplary embodiment, the Y-axis column20supports the X-axis beam30in a cantilever structure. Hence, compared with the case where both longitudinal ends of the X-axis beam30are supported, the coordinate measuring apparatus1can be miniaturized and it becomes easier for an operator to mount the object to be measured on the base10.

The X-axis beam30is a beamlike member extending in the X-axis direction that is orthogonal to the Y-axis column20. The X-axis beam30is a movable body that moves in the Y-axis direction. It should be noted that the coordinate measuring apparatus1includes a scale and a detecting sensor for detecting a movement amount (coordinate) of the X-axis beam30in the Y-axis direction. Further, the upper part of the Y-axis column20is provided with a driving mechanism that moves the X-axis beam30.

The Z-axis spindle40is a prism-shaped member extending in the Z-axis direction that is movably coupled to the X-axis beam30. The Z-axis spindle40moves in each of the Y-axis direction and the Z-axis direction. It should be noted that the coordinate measuring apparatus1includes a scale and a detecting sensor for detecting a movement amount (coordinate) of the Z-axis spindle40in the Y-axis direction and the Z-axis direction. Further, the X-axis beam30is provided with a driving mechanism that moves the Z-axis spindle40.

The probe42is provided to the tip of the lower side of the Z-axis spindle40. The coordinate measuring apparatus1measures coordinates of an external form of an object to be measured by detecting the movement amounts (coordinates) of the X-axis beam30and the Z-axis spindle40when a contact provided on the tip of the probe42contacts the object to be measured on the base10.

The mounting stand50is provided under the base10and supports the base10. The setting base50also functions as a housing part that houses therein a control unit (a control unit52shown inFIG. 2) that controls movement of the X-axis beam30and the Z-axis spindle40. The control unit52is connected with a cable (a cable55shown in FIG.2) extending from inside of the X-axis beam30.

[1-2. Wiring State of the Cable]

A wiring state of the cable55between the control unit52and the X-axis beam30is explained with reference toFIGS. 2 to 4.

FIG. 2shows a diagram for explaining the wiring state of the cable55between the control unit52and the X-axis beam30.FIG. 3shows a diagram for explaining an internal structure of the Y-axis column20.FIG. 4shows a diagram for explaining a structure of the upper part of the Y-axis column20. It should be noted thatFIG. 2is a diagram of the coordinate measuring apparatus1shown inFIG. 1as seen from the back side, and the Z-axis spindle40and side plates of the mounting stand50are omitted for convenience of explanation.

As shown inFIG. 2, the cable55connects the X-axis beam30and the control unit52. Particularly, one end side of the cable55is connected to an end part32side of the X-axis beam30, and the other end side of the cable55is connected to the control unit52. It should be noted that the one end side of the cable55is branched. One part of the branched cable55is connected to the driving mechanism that is provided on the upper part of the Y-axis column20and moves the X-axis beam30, and the other part is connected to the driving mechanism that is provided on the X-axis beam30and moves the Z-axis spindle40.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the cable55passes through the hollow part22in the Y-axis column20located between the X-axis beam30and the control unit52such that the cable55is not exposed to the outside. That is, the hollow part22of the Y-axis column22is a housing part that houses the cable55. The cable55moves in the Y-axis direction together with the X-axis beam30when the X-axis beam30moves in the Y-axis direction. In this manner, space can be conserved because a space for wiring the cable55on the periphery of the Y-axis column20is not required since the cable55passes through the hollow part22.

The cable55is not restrained, and is hung down in the hollow part22. Further, the cable55has rigidity against bending and twisting and is housed in the hollow part22with a fixed bent shape (for example, a bent shape shown inFIG. 2). In such a case, the cable55can be prevented from being twisted and entangled by maintaining the fixed bent shape of the cable55that moves with the X-axis beam30even when the X-axis beam30moves in the Y-axis direction.

Openings are formed in each of the bottom part and the upper part of the Y-axis column20such that the cable55can pass therethrough. Specifically, a rectangular-shaped bottom part aperture23is formed in the bottom part of the Y-axis column20as shown inFIG. 3. Further, a guide hole26is formed in the upper part of the Y-axis column20as shown inFIG. 4. The guide hole26is a long hole formed along the Y-axis direction and guides the movement of the cable55in the Y-axis direction. In this manner, the cable55can move in the Y-axis direction when the X-axis beam30moves.

The cable55passes through a through-hole12of the base10and shown inFIG. 3, and is connected to the control unit52. The through-hole12is a circular hole formed in the lower part of the Y-axis column20as shown inFIG. 3. The through-hole12is formed such that at least a partial area thereof overlaps with an area of the hollow part22of the Y-axis column20. In such a case, the cable55passes through the inside of the Y-axis column20and the base10located between the X-axis beam30and the control unit52such that the cable55can be effectively prevented from becoming exposed to the outside. Further, the wiring length of the cable55can be shortened by allowing the cable55to pass through inside of the Y-axis column20and the base10.

Returning toFIG. 2, an opening part24is provided on a back side21that is a side face of the Y-axis column20. A rectangular aperture is formed in the opening part24. The aperture is formed at a position from where the cable55can be seen. Further, the aperture has a size that, for example, a hand of a worker can pass through (move in and out). In a case where such an opening part24is provided, wiring the cable55becomes easier in the Y-axis column20because the worker can reach the cable55by inserting his/her hand through the aperture of the opening part24.

It should be noted that the bottom part of the Y-axis column20and the base10, which are separate components, are fastened by a plurality of screws14(8screws inFIG. 3) that are fastening members, as shown inFIG. 3. In the present exemplary embodiment, the opening part24is provided in the bottom part side of the back side21of the Y-axis column20such that the screws14are seen from the opening part24to make it easier for the worker to fasten the screws14during manufacturing. Specifically, the opening part24is formed at a position from which fingers of the worker can reach the screws14when he/she inserts his/her hand from the aperture. In such a case, the worker can easily fix the Y-axis column20to the base10because the worker can insert his/her hand from the aperture of the opening part24and fasten the screws14.

The upper surface side of the base10is provided with a concave part with previously-arranged bushing screws for engaging with the screws14. In such a case, assembling the coordinate measuring apparatus1during manufacturing becomes easier because the worker can easily fix the Y-axis column20to the base10only by fastening the screws14with the hand inserted through the aperture of the opening part24.

Though not shown inFIG. 2andFIG. 3, a cover for blocking the aperture of the opening part24can be mounted on the back side21. In this manner, an operator of the coordinate measuring apparatus1can be prevented from erroneously inserting his/her hand into the aperture of the opening part24.

The aperture of the opening part24is rectangular in the above explanation, but is not limited to this shape. For example, the aperture may be circular. Further, the opening part24was assumed to be on the back side21of the Y-axis column20in the above explanation, but it is not so limited. For example, the opening part24may be on a side face other than the back side21.

Furthermore, the Y-axis column20is a cantilever supporting structure that supports an end part of the X-axis beam30in the longitudinal direction in the above explanation, but it is not so limited. For example, two columns that support the respective end parts of the X-axis beam30in the longitudinal direction may be provided. Moreover, the X-axis beam30that is supported by the Y-axis column20erected on the fixed base10was assumed to move in the Y-axis direction in the above explanation, but it is not so limited. For example, the X-axis beam30may be fixed and the base10may move in the Y-axis direction. That is, the X-axis beam30that relatively moves in the Y-axis with respect to the base10can be used.

[1-3. Effect of the First Exemplary Embodiment]

As described above, in the first exemplary embodiment, the cable55is wired from the X-axis beam30to the control unit52through the hollow part22of the Y-axis column20. In such a case, the cable55can be prevented from becoming exposed to the outside because the cable55that moves along the movement of the X-axis beam30is housed in the hollow part22. In this manner, space can be conserved because a space for wiring the cable55on the periphery of the Y-axis column20is not required. Further, because the cable55is not exposed to the outside, the cable55can be prevented from becoming dirty and the coordinate measuring apparatus1can be prevented from becoming disfigured.

2. Second Exemplary Embodiment

[2-1. Structure of the Coordinate Measuring Apparatus]

The structure of the coordinate measuring structure1according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention is explained with reference toFIG. 5.

FIG. 5shows a perspective view of an example of the structure of the coordinate measuring apparatus1according to the second exemplary embodiment. The coordinate measuring apparatus1according to the second exemplary embodiment includes a base10, a Y-axis column120, an X-axis column130, a Z-axis spindle40, a probe42, a mounting stand50, a supporting arm60, and a sliding mechanism70as shown inFIG. 5. The structures of the base10, the Z-axis spindle40, the probe42, and the mounting stand50are the same as those of the first exemplary embodiment, and so a detailed description thereof is omitted.

The X-axis beam130is a beamlike member extending in the X-axis direction, like the X-axis beam30(FIG. 1) described in the first exemplary embodiment. The X-axis beam130is a movable body that moves in the Y-axis direction.

The Y-axis column120is arranged to extend in the Y-axis direction at an end side of the X-axis direction. The Y-axis column120movably supports an end part of the X-axis beam130in the longitudinal direction (the X-axis direction). The Y-axis column120includes a hollow part (the hollow part22inFIG. 2) therein, like the Y-axis column20of the first exemplary embodiment. A cable (the cable55inFIG. 2) that connects the X-axis beam130and a control unit (the control unit52inFIG. 2) passes through the hollow part. In this manner, the cable can be prevented from becoming exposed to the outside.

The supporting arm60supports a display80, a keyboard81, a mouse82, and a joystick83. The supporting arm60includes a first supporting part61that supports the display80which is a displaying device for displaying measurement results, a second supporting part62that supports the keyboard81and the mouse82which are input devices, and a third supporting device63that supports the joystick83allowing an operator to operate the movement of the X-axis beam130and the Z-axis spindle40. The first supporting part61and the second supporting part62have structures rotatable with respect to an arm body60a,such that the orientation of the display80and the like can be adjusted.

It should be noted that the supporting arm60does not necessarily support all of the display80, the keyboard81, the mouse82, and the joystick83. For example, when a touch panel is provided on the display80, the supporting arm60supports the display80but does not have to support the keyboard81and the mouse82.

The sliding mechanism70slides the supporting arm60in the Y-axis direction. The sliding mechanism70is provided at an end part of the mounting stand50that is on the side opposite the side where the Y-axis column120is provided. The supporting arm60is slid by the sliding mechanism70between a position shown by a solid line (a front position) and a position shown by a two-dot chain line (a rear position) inFIG. 5. For example, when no measuring is performed, the operator can easily mount an object to be measured on the base10by locating the supporting arm60at the rear position. On the other hand, when measuring is performed, the operator can easily recognize the contents on the display80and execute an input operation with the keyboard81and the like by locating the supporting arm60at the front position.

[2-2. Details of the Sliding Mechanism]

The details of the sliding mechanism70are explained with reference toFIG. 6andFIG. 7.FIG. 6shows a perspective view of the structure of the sliding mechanism70.FIG. 7shows a diagram for explaining the mounting structure for mounting the supporting arm60to the sliding mechanism70.

As shown inFIG. 6, the sliding mechanism70includes a rail part71provided on a side face51of the mounting stand50. The rail part71is fixed to an upper part of the side face51(that is, under the base10) by screws73. The supporting arm60is slidably coupled to the rail part71. The rail part71is attached along the Y-axis direction and guides the movement of the supporting arm60in the Y-axis direction. A slot72is formed along the Y-axis direction on the face of the rail part71where the supporting arm60is coupled to.

As shown inFIG. 7, a lower part65of the supporting arm60is slidably coupled to the rail part71by a screw66being screwed with a slider that can slide through the slot72, which is an insertion opening. For example, the slot72is drawn into the side of the lower part65by screwing the screw66, and the lower part65and the rail part71are coupled. In such a case, the supporting arm60can be slid in the Y-axis direction with a simple structure.

The sliding mechanism70may be provided with a lock mechanism that locks a sliding position of the supporting arm60. For example, the lock mechanism locks the supporting arm60located at the rear part (the position shown by the two-dot chain line inFIG. 5). For example, when measuring is performed, the operator unlocks the lock mechanism and moves the supporting arm60to the front position (the position shown by the solid line inFIG. 5). By providing the lock mechanism, the supporting arm60can be prevented from being moved when, for example, an external force is applied to the coordinate measuring apparatus1.

It should be noted that, as shown inFIG. 5, the Y-axis column120was assumed to be provided at one end side in the X-axis direction (corresponding to the first direction) and the sliding mechanism70was assumed to be provided at the other end side in the X-axis direction in the above explanation, but they are not so limited. For example, the setting position of the sliding mechanism70may be the position shown inFIG. 8.

FIG. 8shows a schematic view for explaining a variation of the setting position of the sliding mechanism70.FIG. 8is a diagram of the coordinate measuring apparatus1as seen from above, and only the base10, the Y-axis column20, and the sliding mechanism70are illustrated for convenience of explanation. Further, an operator P is assumed to be in front of the coordinate measuring apparatus1(a position when measuring is performed) inFIG. 8.

The Y-axis column20is provided at the deep side of the base10as seen from the operator P, specifically, an end side in the X-axis direction (corresponding to the second direction). The sliding mechanisms70are provided at both end sides in the Y-axis direction that is orthogonal to the X-axis direction. In the variation, the supporting arm60(seeFIG. 5) is detachably coupled to any one of the two rail parts71. In such a case, usability of the coordinate measuring apparatus1is enhanced because the supporting arm60can be mounted in accordance with the setting place of the coordinate measuring apparatus1, the operator's dominant hand, and the like.

Although the sliding mechanisms70were assumed to be provided at the both end sides in the Y-axis direction in the variation, they are not so limited. For example, the sliding mechanism70may be provided at the one end side or the other end side in the Y-axis direction.

Further, although the sliding mechanism70was assumed to be provided on the side face51of the mounting stand50(FIG. 6) in the above explanation, it is not so limited. For example, the sliding mechanism70may be provided on the side face of the base10. However, providing the sliding mechanism70on the mounting stand50is preferable because it is easier to process the metal-made mounting stand50for mounting the sliding mechanism70compared with the stone-made base10.

[2-3. Effect of the Second Exemplary Embodiment]

As described above, in the second exemplary embodiment, the sliding mechanism70slides the supporting arm60that supports the display80and the like. Specifically, as shown inFIG. 5, the supporting arm60is slid in the Y-axis direction between the front position and the rear position. In such a case, the supporting arm60can be slid in accordance with a usage state of the coordinate measuring apparatus1. For example, by arranging the supporting arm60at the rear position when no measuring is performed, it becomes easier for an operator to operate when the operator mounts an object to be measured on the base10and removes an object to be measured from the base10because the display80and the like supported by the supporting arm60do not interfere the operator. On the other hand, by arranging the supporting arm60at the front position when measuring is performed, the operator can easily see the contents on the display80and can easily conduct an input operation with the keyboard81and the like.

Further, in the second exemplary embodiment, a cable (the cable55inFIG. 2) that connects the X-axis beam130and a control unit passes through the hollow part in the Y-axis column120, like in the Y-axis column20of the first exemplary embodiment. In such a case, a stronger effect is achieved by the coordinate measuring apparatus1that slides the supporting arm60because the movement of the supporting arm60can be prevented from being interfered with the cable.

It should be noted that the coordinate measuring apparatus1is a coordinate measuring machine that measures coordinates of an external form of an object to be measured mounted on the base10in the above explanation, but it is not so limited. For example, the coordinate measuring apparatus1may be a measuring apparatus that images an object to be measured mounted on the base10while moving.

The present invention is described with the exemplary embodiments of the present invention but the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiment. It is apparent for those skilled in the art that it is possible to make various changes and modifications to the embodiment. It is apparent from the description of the scope of the claims that the forms added with such changes and modifications are included in the technical scope of the present invention.