WO1989009920A1 - Support structures - Google Patents

Support structures Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO1989009920A1
WO1989009920A1 PCT/GB1989/000347 GB8900347W WO8909920A1 WO 1989009920 A1 WO1989009920 A1 WO 1989009920A1 GB 8900347 W GB8900347 W GB 8900347W WO 8909920 A1 WO8909920 A1 WO 8909920A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
elongate
base
passage
temperature
heating means
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB1989/000347
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
James Bury
Original Assignee
L.K. Tool Company Limited
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by L.K. Tool Company Limited filed Critical L.K. Tool Company Limited
Priority to AT89904580T priority Critical patent/ATE91176T1/en
Priority to DE1989904580 priority patent/DE452310T1/en
Publication of WO1989009920A1 publication Critical patent/WO1989009920A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B23—MACHINE TOOLS; METAL-WORKING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B23Q—DETAILS, COMPONENTS, OR ACCESSORIES FOR MACHINE TOOLS, e.g. ARRANGEMENTS FOR COPYING OR CONTROLLING; MACHINE TOOLS IN GENERAL CHARACTERISED BY THE CONSTRUCTION OF PARTICULAR DETAILS OR COMPONENTS; COMBINATIONS OR ASSOCIATIONS OF METAL-WORKING MACHINES, NOT DIRECTED TO A PARTICULAR RESULT
    • B23Q11/00—Accessories fitted to machine tools for keeping tools or parts of the machine in good working condition or for cooling work; Safety devices specially combined with or arranged in, or specially adapted for use in connection with, machine tools
    • B23Q11/14—Methods or arrangements for maintaining a constant temperature in parts of machine tools
    • B23Q11/143—Methods or arrangements for maintaining a constant temperature in parts of machine tools comprising heating means
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B23—MACHINE TOOLS; METAL-WORKING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B23Q—DETAILS, COMPONENTS, OR ACCESSORIES FOR MACHINE TOOLS, e.g. ARRANGEMENTS FOR COPYING OR CONTROLLING; MACHINE TOOLS IN GENERAL CHARACTERISED BY THE CONSTRUCTION OF PARTICULAR DETAILS OR COMPONENTS; COMBINATIONS OR ASSOCIATIONS OF METAL-WORKING MACHINES, NOT DIRECTED TO A PARTICULAR RESULT
    • B23Q11/00—Accessories fitted to machine tools for keeping tools or parts of the machine in good working condition or for cooling work; Safety devices specially combined with or arranged in, or specially adapted for use in connection with, machine tools
    • B23Q11/14—Methods or arrangements for maintaining a constant temperature in parts of machine tools
    • B23Q11/141—Methods or arrangements for maintaining a constant temperature in parts of machine tools using a closed fluid circuit for cooling or heating
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01B—MEASURING LENGTH, THICKNESS OR SIMILAR LINEAR DIMENSIONS; MEASURING ANGLES; MEASURING AREAS; MEASURING IRREGULARITIES OF SURFACES OR CONTOURS
    • G01B5/00—Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of mechanical techniques
    • G01B5/0011—Arrangements for eliminating or compensation of measuring errors due to temperature or weight
    • G01B5/0014—Arrangements for eliminating or compensation of measuring errors due to temperature or weight due to temperature

Definitions

  • This invention relates to apparatus for supporting components and is particularly but not exclusively conc ⁇ erned with support structures for use with high accuracy measuring and checking machines.
  • support apparatus comprising elongate means having a through passage, heating means provided in the passage, and means for controlling the heating means whereby to be capable of maintaining the temperature of the apparatus at a level at or above the ambient temperature.
  • the heating means comprises one or more electrically heated strips which can be located centrally in the passage.
  • the elongate means comprises a plurality of linear tubular elements connected together in a rectangular configuration, particularly to form a base guideway of a measuring machine.
  • the elongate means may be formed of a lightweight material such as steel or a granite composite material, and external insulation may be provided.
  • Fan means may be provided within the elongate tubular means to move air therethrough and thereby assist in providing an even distribution of temperature throughout the apparatus.
  • Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic perspective view of an apparatus according to the invention
  • Fig. 2 is an enlarged section on AAAA of Fig. 1;
  • Fig. 3 is a section on B-B of Fig. 2.
  • a guideway base for use in a three axis co-ordinate measuring machine comprises a first pair of elongate tubular components 10 interconnected at their respective ends by a pair of tubular components 12 of reduced length whereby to define a rectangular configur ⁇ ation with a continuous passage therethrough.
  • an arrangement of elongate tubular struts 14 ext ⁇ end between inwardly facing external walls of the elements 10,12 in any suitable arrangement.
  • the elements 10,12 and the struts 14 are formed of a lightweight material, prefer ⁇ ably steel or a granite composite material comprising granite chippings and epoxy.
  • a strip 16 incorporating one or more resistance wires is located within the elements 10,12 and the- struts 14 to extend around the base.
  • the strip 16 is preferably located centrally of the elements 10,12 by being suspended by arms 17 from side walls thereof, so as to avoid creating temperature gradients in the walls of the elements 10,12.
  • the strip 16 is appropriately connected in an electrical circuit (not shown) for heating of the strip and thereby the base.
  • Additional heating strips may be used as necessary and in a modification the strip 16 may not extend around the whole base.
  • External insulation is provided for the elements 10,12 in order to avoid a temperature gradient across the walls.
  • the insulation may be in a spaced relation with the external walls of the elements 10,12 to provide an air layer and it is envisaged that there may be provision for air to exit from the passage in the base into the spacing between the external walls and the insulation layer.
  • the heating circuit controls the heating strip such that the temperature of the base structure is maintained at a constant level, at or above the ambient temperature. In this way changes in the ambient tempera ⁇ ture do not result in any thermal expansion of the material of the base structure and therefore distortion and loss of measuring accuracy can be avoided.
  • the configuration of the base structure may differ from that described and shown and other suitable heating means may be provided internally of the elements.
  • the structure may be formed of any other suitable. material, and may be other than a machine base.
  • the structure may take the form of a column and/or bridge of a co-ordinate measuring machine.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Machine Tool Units (AREA)
  • Investigating Or Analyzing Materials Using Thermal Means (AREA)
  • Testing Of Devices, Machine Parts, Or Other Structures Thereof (AREA)
  • Length Measuring Devices With Unspecified Measuring Means (AREA)
  • A Measuring Device Byusing Mechanical Method (AREA)

Abstract

In a co-ordinate measuring machine a guideway base is formed from tubular components (10-14) of a lightweight material. An electrically heated strip (16) is located centrally of the tubular elements and fans (18) are also provided within the base. The strip (16) and the fans (18) can maintain the temperature of the base structure at a constant level at or above the ambient temperature so that changes in the latter do not result in any thermal expansion of the material of the base structure.

Description

Support Structures
This invention relates to apparatus for supporting components and is particularly but not exclusively conc¬ erned with support structures for use with high accuracy measuring and checking machines.
Heretofore for purposes of accuracy, it has been necessary to construct co-ordinate measuring machines using heavyweight material such as granite, i.e. material which remains as stable as possible with variations in temperature. It has not been practical to use lightweight base structures where thermal expansion of the material could lead to distortion and loss of accuracy.
According to the present invention there is provided support apparatus comprising elongate means having a through passage, heating means provided in the passage, and means for controlling the heating means whereby to be capable of maintaining the temperature of the apparatus at a level at or above the ambient temperature.
Preferably the heating means comprises one or more electrically heated strips which can be located centrally in the passage.
Preferably also the elongate means comprises a plurality of linear tubular elements connected together in a rectangular configuration, particularly to form a base guideway of a measuring machine.
The elongate means may be formed of a lightweight material such as steel or a granite composite material, and external insulation may be provided.
Fan means may be provided within the elongate tubular means to move air therethrough and thereby assist in providing an even distribution of temperature throughout the apparatus.
An embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the single figure of the accompanying drawings, in which:-
Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic perspective view of an apparatus according to the invention;
Fig. 2 is an enlarged section on AAAA of Fig. 1; and
Fig. 3 is a section on B-B of Fig. 2.
Referring to the drawing, a guideway base for use in a three axis co-ordinate measuring machine comprises a first pair of elongate tubular components 10 interconnected at their respective ends by a pair of tubular components 12 of reduced length whereby to define a rectangular configur¬ ation with a continuous passage therethrough. To reinforce the base an arrangement of elongate tubular struts 14 ext¬ end between inwardly facing external walls of the elements 10,12 in any suitable arrangement. The elements 10,12 and the struts 14 are formed of a lightweight material, prefer¬ ably steel or a granite composite material comprising granite chippings and epoxy.
To heat the base, a strip 16 incorporating one or more resistance wires is located within the elements 10,12 and the- struts 14 to extend around the base. The strip 16 is preferably located centrally of the elements 10,12 by being suspended by arms 17 from side walls thereof, so as to avoid creating temperature gradients in the walls of the elements 10,12. The strip 16 is appropriately connected in an electrical circuit (not shown) for heating of the strip and thereby the base.
Additional heating strips may be used as necessary and in a modification the strip 16 may not extend around the whole base.
Within the base in the through passage there is prov¬ ided a plurality of electrically operated fans 18. These effect circulation of the heated air throughout the base and thereby assist in providing a substantially uniform temperature throughout.
External insulation is provided for the elements 10,12 in order to avoid a temperature gradient across the walls. The insulation may be in a spaced relation with the external walls of the elements 10,12 to provide an air layer and it is envisaged that there may be provision for air to exit from the passage in the base into the spacing between the external walls and the insulation layer.
In use, the heating circuit controls the heating strip such that the temperature of the base structure is maintained at a constant level, at or above the ambient temperature. In this way changes in the ambient tempera¬ ture do not result in any thermal expansion of the material of the base structure and therefore distortion and loss of measuring accuracy can be avoided.
Various modifications may be made without departing from the invention. For example the configuration of the base structure may differ from that described and shown and other suitable heating means may be provided internally of the elements. Also the structure may be formed of any other suitable. material, and may be other than a machine base. For example the structure may take the form of a column and/or bridge of a co-ordinate measuring machine.
It is particularly suitable to use such a lightweight base structure with a support as described in our co-pending U.K. Application No. 8808282 entitled "Support Assemblies", a lightweight structure for the other components of the machine as described in our co-pending U.K. Application No. 8808280 entitled "Machine Structure", and a linear guideway as described in our co-pending U.K. Application No. 8808279 entitled "Linear Guiding Apparatus".

Claims

Claims : -
1. Support apparatus comprising elongate means having a through passage, heating means provided in the passage, and means for controlling the heating means whereby to be capable of maintaining the temperature of the apparatus at a level at or above the ambient temperature.
2. Apparatus according to Claim 1, wherein the heating means comprises one or more electrically heated strips.
3. Apparatus according to Claim 2, wherein the heated strips are located centrally in the passage.
4. Apparatus according to any of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the elongate means comprises a plurality of linear tubular elements connected together in a rectangular configuration.
5. Apparatus according to any of the preceding Claims, wherein the elongate means is formed of a lightweight material.
6. Apparatus according to Claim 5, wherein the material is steel. x .
7. Apparatus according to Claim 5, wherein the material is a granite composite material.
8. Apparatus according to any of the preceding Claims, wherein external insulation is provided.
9. Apparatus according to any of the preceding Claims, wherein fan means is provided within the elongate tubular means to move air therethrough and thereby assist in providing an even distribution of temperature throughout the apparatus.
10. Support apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
11. Any novel subject matter or combination including novel subject matter herein disclosed in the foregoing Specification or Claims and/or shown in the drawings, whether or not within the scope of or relating to the same invention as any of the preceding Claims.
PCT/GB1989/000347 1988-04-08 1989-04-05 Support structures WO1989009920A1 (en)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AT89904580T ATE91176T1 (en) 1988-04-08 1989-04-05 SUPPORT STRUCTURES.
DE1989904580 DE452310T1 (en) 1988-04-08 1989-04-05 CARRIER STRUCTURES.

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB888808281A GB8808281D0 (en) 1988-04-08 1988-04-08 Support structure
GB8808281.3 1988-04-08

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1989009920A1 true WO1989009920A1 (en) 1989-10-19

Family

ID=10634830

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB1989/000347 WO1989009920A1 (en) 1988-04-08 1989-04-05 Support structures

Country Status (6)

Country Link
US (1) US5125163A (en)
EP (1) EP0452310B1 (en)
JP (1) JPH03505369A (en)
DE (1) DE68907411T2 (en)
GB (1) GB8808281D0 (en)
WO (1) WO1989009920A1 (en)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6829838B1 (en) 2003-09-09 2004-12-14 Hexagon Metrology Ab Temperature compensation system for a coordinate measuring machine
US7191541B1 (en) 2005-12-06 2007-03-20 Hexagon Metrology Ab Temperature compensation system for a coordinate measuring machine

Families Citing this family (14)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB9413194D0 (en) * 1994-06-30 1994-08-24 Renishaw Plc Probe head
US6058618A (en) * 1997-09-09 2000-05-09 Giddings & Lewis, Inc. Coordinate measuring machine
DE29904767U1 (en) 1999-03-16 1999-06-02 Fa. Carl Zeiss, 89518 Heidenheim Coordinate measuring device with a rigid measuring table
NL1023427C2 (en) * 2003-05-14 2004-11-16 Tno Mounting bed.
DE10322199A1 (en) * 2003-05-16 2004-12-02 Bhs Corrugated Maschinen- Und Anlagenbau Gmbh Longitudinal processing machine for cardboards, has control unit which triggers off heaters depending on detected deflection of tool beds
DE102013210821A1 (en) * 2013-06-10 2014-12-11 Carl Zeiss Industrielle Messtechnik Gmbh coordinate measuring machine
WO2018193229A1 (en) 2017-04-19 2018-10-25 Renishaw Plc Positioning apparatus
EP3393023A1 (en) 2017-04-19 2018-10-24 Renishaw PLC Linear motor mounts
EP3392611B1 (en) 2017-04-19 2019-12-25 Renishaw PLC Contamination trap
EP3392610B1 (en) 2017-04-19 2022-02-23 Renishaw PLC Bearing mount
CN110537076B (en) 2017-04-19 2021-09-03 瑞尼斯豪公司 Bearing arrangement
IT201700061222A1 (en) * 2017-06-05 2018-12-05 Breton Spa Machine tool and method for controlling temperature variations in a machine tool.
EP3719443B1 (en) * 2019-04-03 2021-06-09 Hexagon Technology Center GmbH Coordinate-measuring machine with self-cleaning air bearing
DE102022203577A1 (en) 2021-05-06 2022-11-10 Carl Zeiss Industrielle Messtechnik Gmbh Process and device for temperature control and structural element and process for production

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR1271581A (en) * 1960-08-01 1961-08-07 Ateliers Gsp Expansion correction device, particularly for machine tools
WO1983002740A1 (en) * 1982-02-05 1983-08-18 Gleason Works Isothermal system for machine tool
GB2114924A (en) * 1982-02-16 1983-09-01 Inoue Japax Res Holding a thermally deflectable member of a machine tool against mispositioning
DE3325387A1 (en) * 1983-07-14 1985-01-31 Daimler-Benz Ag, 7000 Stuttgart Test standard for checking length-measuring instruments
DE3437196C1 (en) * 1984-10-10 1986-05-15 Bundesrepublik Deutschland, vertreten durch den Bundesminister für Wirtschaft, dieser vertreten durch den Präsidenten der Physikalisch-Technischen Bundesanstalt, 3300 Braunschweig End measure comparator for comparing parallel end measures in a horizontal position

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US326925A (en) * 1885-09-22 Island
US2336506A (en) * 1942-11-30 1943-12-14 Harold E Saunders Surface plate
US4250396A (en) * 1979-09-04 1981-02-10 Walter Leuca Heated drafting board
JPS5997823A (en) * 1982-11-24 1984-06-05 Fuji Heavy Ind Ltd Thermal deformation preventing apparatus for machine tool bed

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR1271581A (en) * 1960-08-01 1961-08-07 Ateliers Gsp Expansion correction device, particularly for machine tools
WO1983002740A1 (en) * 1982-02-05 1983-08-18 Gleason Works Isothermal system for machine tool
GB2114924A (en) * 1982-02-16 1983-09-01 Inoue Japax Res Holding a thermally deflectable member of a machine tool against mispositioning
DE3325387A1 (en) * 1983-07-14 1985-01-31 Daimler-Benz Ag, 7000 Stuttgart Test standard for checking length-measuring instruments
DE3437196C1 (en) * 1984-10-10 1986-05-15 Bundesrepublik Deutschland, vertreten durch den Bundesminister für Wirtschaft, dieser vertreten durch den Präsidenten der Physikalisch-Technischen Bundesanstalt, 3300 Braunschweig End measure comparator for comparing parallel end measures in a horizontal position

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6829838B1 (en) 2003-09-09 2004-12-14 Hexagon Metrology Ab Temperature compensation system for a coordinate measuring machine
US7059063B2 (en) 2003-09-09 2006-06-13 Hexagon Metrology Ab Flexible coupling to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction in a coordinate measuring machine carriage
US7191541B1 (en) 2005-12-06 2007-03-20 Hexagon Metrology Ab Temperature compensation system for a coordinate measuring machine

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE68907411D1 (en) 1993-08-05
EP0452310A1 (en) 1991-10-23
JPH03505369A (en) 1991-11-21
US5125163A (en) 1992-06-30
DE68907411T2 (en) 1993-10-14
EP0452310B1 (en) 1993-06-30
GB8808281D0 (en) 1988-05-11

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