Patent ID: 12194617

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference to the figures, the three-dimensional measuring device of the invention comprises an arm made up of articulated elements.

The articulated elements comprise a fastener base10, a first segment11connected to the base10by a first hinge21, a second segment12connected to the first segment11by a second hinge22, and an interface body100connected to the second segment12by a third hinge23.

The first hinge21and the second hinge22are double hinges allowing the elements that they connect together to pivot relative to each other about two mutually perpendicular axes. The third hinge23is a triple hinge allowing the second segment12and the interface body100to pivot relative to each other about three axes, one of which is substantially perpendicular relative to the others (the three axes being referenced a1, a2, and a3inFIG.2). Each axis of the hinges21,22, and23is associated with position sensors that are not visible in the figures and that are electrically connected to an electronic acquisition unit1000for supplying the electronic acquisition unit1000with measurement signals measuring the angular positions of the elements relative to one another. Each of the sensors may be connected to the acquisition unit1000by a respective cable pair, or they may all be connected together by a bus. By way of example, the acquisition unit may be a computer, and in particular a laptop computer, that is connected by a connector of universal serial bus (USB) or other type to a corresponding connector accessible from outside the base10. The computer executes a three-dimensional measurement program that is itself known. The base10advantageously incorporates an electronic circuit connected to a screen and arranged to supply the operator with information about the operating state of the arm.

The interface body100comprises a rigid structure101having a cover102mounted thereon in such a manner that a space103exists between the structure101and the cover102(see more particularlyFIG.20).

The interface body100is provided with a display device2000electrically connected to an electronic circuit2001, itself electrically connected to the electronic acquisition unit1000by a dedicated line. The display device2000is fitted with a multidirectional button2002that is electrically connected to the electronic circuit2001in order to make selections in menus that are displayed by the display device2000. The electronic circuit2001extends in the space103that exists between the structure101and the cover102.

With reference more particularly toFIG.15, the interface body100has: a front face104arranged to form a fastener plate for fastening either to a first grip member200or else to a remote measuring member400; a tubular coupling part110for coupling to a contact measuring member500projecting from said front face104; and also a side surface105arranged to form a second fastener plate for fastening to a second grip member300.

The tubular coupling part110is provided with two external projections111that are positioned symmetrically relative to each other.

Electrical connectors120are accessible in the front face104for connecting to the remote measuring member400.

With reference more particularly toFIGS.3and4, the first grip member200comprises an annular grippable body201having a central cylindrical duct202enabling the annular grippable body201to be engaged on the tubular coupling part110so that the annular grippable body201extends over the front surface104and the electrical connectors120. The central cylindrical duct202is provided with two axial grooves203for receiving the external projections111.

A retaining element204is mounted on the annular grippable body201to slide transversely relative to the tubular coupling part110. The retaining element204is in the shape of a fork with two branches205and it is mounted on the annular grippable body201between:a retaining position in which the branches205have respective portions projecting into the axial grooves203in order to be engaged behind the external projections111so as to press the annular grippable body201against the front face104; anda release position in which the branches205have respective notches coinciding with the axial grooves203so as to allow the external projections111to pass through. The branches205have wedge-forming surfaces so as to hold the annular grippable body201clamped against the front face104. The retaining element204is held in each of its positions by a ball that is mounted in a housing of the retaining element204to be movable between a retracted position inside the housing and a projecting position into which it is urged resiliently and in which it projects from the housing. The annular grippable body201is provided with two setbacks positioned to receive the projecting ball respectively when the retaining element204is in its release position and in its retaining position. In a variant, it is possible merely to provide a spring mounted between the annular grippable body201and the retaining element204so as to urge the retaining element204resiliently into its retaining position.

The annular grippable body201has an outside surface front portion206that is curved and an outside surface side portion207in which at least one button208is accessible for actuating a switch received inside the annular grippable body201. The switch is connected to a connector209carried by the annular grippable body201so as to be connected to one of the electrical connectors120when the annular grippable body201is pressed against the front face104. The outside surface front portion206is substantially in the shape of a spherical cap. It should be observed that the connectors209and120being connected together makes it possible to detect that the annular grippable body200is present. It is thus possible, in all or part of a measurement protocol, to prevent points being measured if the annular grippable body200is not mounted.

With reference more particularly toFIGS.5a,5b, and6, the second grip member300has a handle301of “pistol-grip” type. The handle301is secured to a fastener base600having a reinforcing appendix601on which the handle301is engaged, and an end portion602having a slideway603that extends transversely relative to a longitudinal direction of the reinforcing appendix601in order to co-operate with a slideway114of the side surface105of the interface body100. The interface body100and the end portion602of the fastener support600include complementary abutment means so as to define a position in which the slideways603and114are mutually engaged, and complementary locking means opposing disengagement of the slideways603and114. The complementary locking means comprise a control lever604that is hinged on the end portion602of the fastener base600between an activation position for activating the locking means and an inactivation position for inactivating the locking means. The control lever604is U-shaped with two branches having their free ends secured to respective ends of a shaft605that is provided with a lug606and that is pivotally mounted on the end portion602of the fastener base600. The fastener support600is provided with a rocker latch607having a first end pivotally mounted in the end portion602so as to have a second end that is movable between a retracted position and a projecting position projecting from the end portion602. A link608is hinged at one end to the lug606and at the other end to the rocker latch607in such a manner that when the control lever604is in its activation position, the rocker latch607is in its projecting position to co-operate with an abutment of the side surface105of the interface body100and opposes disengagement of the slideways603and114, and when the control lever604is in its deactivation position, the rocker latch607is in its retracted position away from the abutment and allows the slideways603and114to be disengaged.

The handle301is tubular in shape with a grippable outside surface302and an inside surface303defining a housing in which the reinforcing appendix601is engaged. The handle301is fastened on the reinforcing appendix601of the fastener base600by at least one screw609passing through an end wall of the handle301to be engaged in a tapped hole610in a free end portion611of the reinforcing appendix601of the fastener base600extending facing the end wall. The device of the invention advantageously includes a set of interchangeable handles301of different outside dimensions adapted to hands of different sizes.

Said end portion602of the fastener base600includes both an acquisition control button612(in the form of a trigger) for actuating a switch that is electrically connected to a connector613for connection to a connector that is accessible in the side surface105and that is electrically connected to the electronic acquisition unit1000, and also a multidirectional selector button614for actuating a switch that is also electrically connected to the connector613. The handle301itself does not have any electronic circuit portion or an electronic component. The same applies to the reinforcing appendix601.

With reference more particularly toFIG.15, the contact measuring member500comprises a touch probe501carried by a male cylindrical portion502engaged in a tubular coupling part110secured to the interface body100. The male cylindrical portion502and the tubular coupling part110form two separable portions of a coupling interface. The tubular coupling part110is provided with a locking mechanism, given overall reference1100, for locking the coupling and comprising a tab112formed by a curved plate and carried by a pin115mounted on the tubular coupling part110to pivot about a radial direction of the tubular coupling part110between a retaining position for retaining the male cylindrical portion502and a release position for releasing the male cylindrical portion502. The tab112is also mounted on the tubular coupling part110to pivot between a position in which it is pressed against an outside surface113of the tubular coupling part110and a raised position enabling it to be handled.

With reference more particularly toFIGS.20to22, in this example the locking mechanism1100housed in the tubular coupling part110is of the same type as that described in document U.S. Pat. No. 7,282,017. The locking mechanism1100comprises a slider1101defining a reception housing1102for receiving a stem503of the male cylindrical portion502and two pins1103(although one would suffice) extending facing each other on either side of the housing1102. The pins1103have mutually parallel axes that are contained in a common plane transverse to the housing1102, and they are mounted in the slider1101to be movable between a locking position in which the pins1103have respective central portions projecting into the housing1102, and an unlocking position in which the central portions of the pins1103are retracted out from the housing1102. The pins1103have ends that are received in two transverse grooves1104made in diametrically opposite positions in the inside surface of an insert1105fastened in the tubular coupling part110. The insert1105comprises two portions touching each other along a join plane containing the central axis of the tubular coupling part110, said portions being symmetrical about the join plane, and each portion including a respective one of the grooves1104for receiving the ends of the pins1103. Each pin1103also possesses two intermediate portions each extending between a respective one of the ends of said pin and the central portion of said pin, and received in respective slots1106formed in the slider1101so as to extend in sloping manner relative to the central axis of the tubular coupling part110. The slider1101is mounted in the insert1105to slide parallel to the central axis of the tubular coupling part110between the first and second positions, and the slope of the slots1106is determined so that moving the slider1101from its first position to its second position causes the pins1103to move from their locking positions to their unlocking positions, and vice versa. The pin115having the tab112secured to one of its ends has an opposite end that is engaged in a hole1107formed in the insert1105. Between its two ends, the pin115has an off-center portion received in a groove1108formed in the slider1101to extend transversely to the central axis of the tubular coupling part110in such a manner that pivoting the tab112from its retaining position to its release position causes the slider1101to move from its first position to its second position, and vice versa. The pin115of the tab112passes through the wall of the tubular coupling part110and through the insert1105, and it possesses a groove fitted with an annular sealing gasket117that co-operates with the wall of the tubular coupling part110to provide sealing between them.

The male cylindrical portion502has a transverse face504from which there projects the stem503that is to be inserted into the housing1102of the slider1101and that is provided with two notches to receive the central portions of the pins1103when they are in their locking position. The transverse face504is provided with a sealing gasket505in the form of a peripheral elastomer lip that projects from said transverse face504so as to be deformed and pressed against a plane annular surface118of the free end of the tubular coupling part110, thereby providing sealing between the tubular coupling part110and the male cylindrical portion502. In this example, the sealing gaskets117and505are arranged to comply with the IP54 standard. It should be observed that the ability to fold down the tab112onto the tubular coupling part110presents three advantages. Specifically, when it is in the folded-down position, the tab112:does not impede handling of the interface body100for performing measuring operations;does not impede installation of the first grip member200or of the second measuring member400for remote measuring; andopposes turning about the radial direction of the tubular coupling part (the curved portions of the tab112come into abutment against the outside surface of the tubular coupling part).

The remote measuring member400comprises a frame401, an optical sensor, and a projector for projecting a light pattern. The remote measuring member400is for pointing at a zone of the object that is to be measured in order to project the light pattern thereon and take an image. The operating principle of the remote measuring member400is itself known and is not described in detail herein.

With reference more particularly toFIGS.11to13and16, the frame401of the remote measuring member400includes an orifice402for passing the tubular coupling part110and connectors403for being electrically connected to the connectors120of the interface body100. The frame401is designed to be connected to the interface body100by a fastener mechanism700that can be selectively controlled to occupy a snap-fastening state (FIGS.12a,12c,13c) in which the remote measuring member400is held on the interface body100while the connectors403and120are disengaged from each other, a locking state (FIGS.11,12b,13a) in which the remote measuring member400is fastened to the interface body100and the connectors403and120are engaged in each other, and a release state (FIGS.12d,12e,13b) in which the remote measuring member400can be separated from the interface body100.

The fastener mechanism700has two projections701arranged symmetrically on either side of the tubular coupling part110and each formed by a bar passing through a housing formed in the front face104.

The locking mechanism has two hooks702mounted on the frame401of the remote measuring member400symmetrically on either side of the orifice401to tilt about a tilt axis A1between a locking position and an unlocking position. Between each hook702and the frame401, there extends a resilient return element703for urging the hook702towards the locking position.

The hooks702of the locking mechanism700are controlled by a lever704in the shape of a fork with branches705, each having a free end hinged to the frame401of the remote measuring member400. The free end of each branch705of the lever704is hinged to the remote measuring member400about a pivot axis A2distinct from the tilt axis A1of the hook702and that is constrained to rotate with an eccentric706received in a housing707of the hook702in such a manner that:when the lever704is in a locking position (FIG.12b), each eccentric706bears against a bottom surface of the housing707and holds the hook702in its locking position (FIG.13a);when the lever704is in an unlocking position (FIGS.12d,12e), each eccentric706bears against a top surface of the housing707and holds the hook702in its unlocking position (FIG.13b); andwhen the lever704is in a snap-fastening position (FIGS.12c,13c), each eccentric706is in the top portion of the housing707so as to avoid impeding movement of the hook between its two positions so as to leave the hook702in a snap-fastening state. In this state, the hook is free to be moved between its two positions (FIG.13c).

The snap-fastening position of the lever704, i.e. its position corresponding to the snap-fastening state, is situated between the other two positions of the lever704.

With reference more particularly toFIGS.17to19, the measuring device includes a fastener support800for fastening a third measuring member900. In this example, the third measuring member900is a contactless measuring member provided with a battery and with wireless connection means for connection with the electronic acquisition unit1000. In a variant, it is possible to provide an external wired link between the third measuring member900and the electronic acquisition unit1000. The operating principle of the remote measuring member900is itself known and is not described in detail herein.

The fastener support800comprises a body801having two housings802and803made therein and opening out into opposite faces of the body801. In this example, the fastener support800is fastened to the interface body by using a mechanism similar to that used for fastening the grip body200. The housing802is of dimensions such that an end wall of the housing802can be pressed against the front face104, and the side walls of the housing802cover a portion of the outside surface of the interface body100adjacent to the front face104. The housing803is of dimensions suitable for enabling a portion of a connector to be fastened thereto for connecting to the third measuring member900. In this example, the housing803is provided with a male portion analogous to the male portion502that co-operates with the tubular coupling part110, while the third measuring member is provided with a tubular coupling part identical to the tubular coupling part110. In operation, the operating support800is positioned so that the third measuring member900extends under the tubular coupling part110so that the assembly constituted by the interface body100, the fastener support800, and the third measuring member900is more comfortable for the operator to handle.

It can be seen inFIG.19that the measuring device is fitted with a fourth measuring member that is a contact measuring member550comprising a touch probe551carried by a male cylindrical portion552engaged in the tubular coupling part110secured to the interface body100. The contact measuring member550takes the place of the contact measuring member500when it is desired to take measurements both by contact and also by means of the third measuring member900. The contact measuring member550is characterized in that it is longer than the contact measuring member500so that the touch probe551can be put into contact with the object that is to be measured while limiting any risk of contact between the third measuring member900and said object that is to be measured.

It should be observed that, in the preferred embodiment described herein, the device of the invention has six main characteristics:1) the measuring member is connected to the interface body by a fastener mechanism that is controllable by a lever and that is arranged in such a manner that the lever controls the fastener mechanism to occupy selectively a snap-fastening state in which the measuring member is held on the interface body while the connectors are disengaged from each other, a locking state in which the measuring member is fastened to the interface body and the connectors are engaged with each other, or a release state in which the measuring member can be separated from the interface body;2) the handle is tubular in shape with a grippable outside surface and an inside surface that defines a housing in which there is engaged a reinforcing portion of a fastener base, which portion has an end portion that projects from the handle and that is fastened to the interface body;3) the handle is secured to a fastener base having an end portion that includes a slideway extending transversely relative to the longitudinal direction of the handle in order to co-operate with a slideway of the interface body, the interface body and the end portion of the fastener support having both complementary abutment means so as to define a mutual engagement position of the slideways and also complementary locking means that oppose disengagement of the slideways, the complementary locking means including a control lever that is hinged to the end portion of the fastener base between an activation position for activating the locking means and an inactivation position for inactivating the locking means;4) the interface body includes a front face that has projecting therefrom a tubular coupling part for coupling to a first measuring member for measuring by contact and that is arranged to form a fastener plate for fastening either to a first grip member or else to a remote measuring member, and the interface body also includes a side surface arranged to form a second fastener plate for fastening to a second grip member;5) the interface body has a front face in which at least one electrical connector is accessible and from which there extends a projecting tubular coupling part for coupling to the measuring member, an annular grippable body being engaged on the tubular coupling part and extending over the front surface and the electrical connector, a wedge-forming retaining element being mounted on the grippable body to slide transversely relative to the tubular coupling part and to be engaged behind an external projection of the tubular coupling part in order to hold the grippable body pressed against the front face of the interface body; and6) the measuring member comprises a male cylindrical portion engaged in a tubular coupling part secured to the interface body, the tubular coupling part is provided with a coupling locking mechanism comprising a tab formed by a curved plate and mounted on the tubular coupling portion so as to be capable of pivoting from a position pressed against the outside surface of the tubular coupling part and a raised position enabling it to be operated.

Characteristic 1 is particularly advantageous in that it makes it easier to put the measuring member into place, which member can be relatively heavy and/or bulky. The measuring member is put into place while the mechanism is in its snap-fastening state, thereby enabling the measuring member to be attached to the interface body without the operator needing to act on the lever, merely by engaging the measuring member on the tubular coupling part until they are snap fastened. Once the measuring member is attached to the interface body, the operator can proceed with finer movements to connect the connectors and then to prevent the measuring member from moving relative to the interface body by causing the fastener mechanism to take up its locking state. The measuring member is removed by putting the fastener mechanism into its release state prior to moving the measuring member away from the interface body.

Characteristic 2 is particularly advantageous in that it allows the handle to be removed quickly, e.g. in order to be cleaned, repaired, or replaced by a handle of different dimensions. The fact of having a fastener support that is distinct from the handle also makes it possible to place a button or an electronic circuit in the top portion of the fastener support, i.e. above the handle, so that the handle itself is inexpensive and can easily be replaced.

Characteristic 3 is particularly advantageous in that it allows the grip member to be fastened relatively simply and quickly.

Characteristic 4 is particularly advantageous in that it allows for great flexibility in use of the arm of the measuring device.

Characteristic 5 is particularly advantageous in that it enables the front surface of the interface body to be used as a zone for gripping the interface body while providing the connector with protection so that it is not subjected to impacts or to soiling.

Characteristic 6 is particularly advantageous in that the plate does not impede handling of the interface body while taking measurements.

Naturally, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described and covers any variant coming within the ambit of the invention as defined by the claims.

In particular, although the preferred embodiment of the measuring device has six main characteristics, the invention applies to measuring devices that do not have all of those characteristics, which characteristics can be implemented independently of one another.

At least a portion of the electronic circuit may occupy all or part of the space that exists between the structure and the cover.

The acquisition unit1000may be incorporated in the base10, which then includes a computer unit associated with a human-machine interface, e.g. including a keyboard and a screen.

The reinforcing appendix601is optional.

The tab112need not be in the form of a curved plate, for example it could be in the form of a button.

The first annular sealing gasket mounted on the pin of the tab so as to bear against the surface of the tube coupling part may be of numerous shapes, for example it could be an O-ring, a lobe seal, or a lip seal.

The second annular sealing gasket mounted between the tubular coupling part and the male cylindrical portion so as to be deformed between them when the male cylindrical portion is mounted in the tubular coupling part secured to the interface body may be of some other shape, for example it could be an O-ring.

The tab is arranged to be movable about the axis of its pin between a locking position and an unlocking position for the mechanism, with the tab having an intermediate position in which the locking mechanism allows the male portion to be inserted and held resiliently without being locked. Different structures allowing other modes of operation are possible. It is thus possible not to have a snap-fastening position.

The lever704may be of a shape other than that described, and for example it could comprise only one branch. Also, the lever could be mounted to pivot or to slide.

The fastener mechanism controlled by the lever704may be of a structure that is different from that described, and for example it could have only one hook. The snap-fastening position may be arranged on one side or the other of the other two positions instead of lying between them.

Even though this is not the preferred embodiment, the handle301could be provided with at least one button and/or with at least one electronic component.

The fastener base may be provided with one or more buttons and/or one or more electronic components, or it may have none.

The handle301may be fastened to the fastener base600by means other than the screw609, and for example it could be fastened by a snap-fastener mechanism or by a transverse pin passing through a portion of the handle301and a portion of the fastener base600.

The reinforcing portion601may extend over all or part of the handle301.

The base600may be fastened to the interface body100by other means, e.g. by one or more screws, by a pin, etc.

The arm may be of a structure different from that described, e.g. having some other number of segments, hinges that are simple instead of being double or double instead of being triple, and/or segments that are telescopic . . . .

The interface body need not have a display and/or electronic circuits.

The lever604may be secured to a shaft605carrying a stud bearing against the rocker latch607in order to form a cam that moves the rocker latch607between its two positions.

The measuring members may be touch probes of different shapes and/or sizes, for example they could be angled, having one or more pointing ends of different shapes and/or sizes (e.g. spherical or conical) . . . .

The measuring members may be telemetric, e.g. optical and in particular stereoscopic, or laser (lidar type), etc.

The grippable body200may be fastened to the interface body100by other means, and for example by a nut screwed onto the tubular coupling part110, a pin engaged transversely in the grippable body200and the tubular coupling part110, a sloping key engaged transversely in the grip body200and the tubular coupling part110. . . .

The arm may be provided with one or more multifunction buttons and/or with one or more single-function buttons.

The locking mechanism1100may have a structure other than that described, and for example it may comprise a hook that is movable between a locking position in which the hook is engaged in a ring carried by the male portion, and an unlocking position in which the hook is disengaged from said ring.