US20090296105A1 - Joint for coordinate measurement device - Google Patents
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- US20090296105A1 US20090296105A1 US12/478,588 US47858809A US2009296105A1 US 20090296105 A1 US20090296105 A1 US 20090296105A1 US 47858809 A US47858809 A US 47858809A US 2009296105 A1 US2009296105 A1 US 2009296105A1
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- 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
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Abstract
An articulating joint for a coordinate measurement machine can include an improved optical encoder. The optical encoder can have an encoder hub and a read head that are rotatable with respect to each other based on movement of the articulating joint about an axis of rotation of the joint. The encoder hub has a read surface. The read surface can be an outer surface of a generally cylindrical segment. The read head can be positioned such that a read direction defined by the read surface is generally perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the articulating joint.
Description
- This application claims the priority benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 120 to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/775,081 (filed 9 Jul. 2007), the entirety of which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference herein.
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The present application relates to measuring devices, and more particularly, to articulated arm coordinate measurement machines for measuring the coordinates of three-dimensional objects.
- 2. Description of the Related Art
- Rectilinear measuring systems, also referred to as coordinate measuring machines (PCMM's) and articulated arm measuring machines, are used to generate geometry information. In general, these instruments capture the structural characteristics of an object for use in quality control, electronic rendering and/or duplication. One example of a conventional apparatus used for coordinate data acquisition is a portable coordinate measuring machine (PCMM), which is a portable device capable of taking highly accurate measurements within a measurement sphere of the device. Such devices often include a probe mounted on an end of an arm that includes a plurality of transfer members connected together by joints. The end of the arm opposite the probe is typically coupled to a moveable base. Typically, the joints are broken down into singular rotational degrees of freedom, each of which is measured using a dedicated rotational transducer. During a measurement, the probe of the arm is moved manually by a user to various points in the measurement sphere. At each point, the position of each of the joints must be determined at a given instant in time. Accordingly, each transducer outputs an electrical signal that varies according to the movement of the joint in that degree of freedom. Typically, the probe also generates a signal. These position signals and the probe signal are transferred through the arm to a recorder/analyzer. The position signals are then used to determine the position of the probe within the measurement sphere. See e.g. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,829,148 and 7,174,651.
- As mentioned above, the purpose of PCMM's is to take highly accurate measurements. Accordingly, there is a continuing need to improve the accuracy of such devices.
- In one embodiment, a coordinate measuring machine is disclosed. The coordinate measurement machine comprises a first transfer member, a second transfer member, and an articulating joint assembly. The articulating joint assembly rotatably couples the first transfer member to the second transfer member and defines an axis of rotation. The articulating joint comprises a housing, a shaft, and an encoder assembly. The shaft is rotatable relative to said housing. The encoder assembly comprises a read head coupled to one of said housing and said shaft; and an encoder hub attached to the other of said housing and said shaft, the encoder hub having a read surface. The encoder read head and the read surface of the encoder hub define a read direction of the encoder assembly. The read direction is transverse to the axis of rotation of the articulating joint.
- In another embodiment, an optical encoder is disclosed. The optical encoder comprises a housing, a shaft, an encoder hub, and a read head. The shaft is rotationally coupled to the housing and defines an axis of rotation. The encoder hub is disposed on the shaft. The encoder hub defines a read surface. The read head is rotationally fixed with respect to the housing. A read direction defined by the position of the read head with respect to the read surface is transverse to the axis of rotation of the shaft.
- These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will now be described in connection with preferred embodiments of the invention, in reference to the accompanying drawings. The illustrated embodiments, however, are merely examples and are not intended to limit the invention. The drawings include the following Figures.
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FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a coordinate measuring machine. -
FIG. 2 is cross-sectional view of an articulating member assembly of the coordinate measuring machine ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the articulating member assembly of the coordinate measuring machine ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the articulating member assembly of the coordinate measuring machine ofFIG. 1 with a cover removed. -
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another articulating member of the coordinate measuring device ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 6 is cross-sectional view of the articulating member ofFIG. 5 . -
FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a coordinate measuring machine (PCMM) 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the PCMM 10 comprises abase 20, a plurality of substantially rigid,transfer members coordinate acquisition member 30, and a plurality ofarticulation members rigid transfer members articulation members transfer members coordinate acquisition member 30 in three-dimensional space. - The position of the
rigid transfer members coordinate acquisition member 30 may be adjusted manually, or using, robotic, semi-robotic, and/or any other adjustment method. In one embodiment, the PCMM 10, through thevarious articulation members - In the embodiment of PCMM 10 illustrated in
FIG. 1 , thearticulation members articulation members articulation members coordinate acquisition member 30 and its adjacent member (hereinafter, “hinge joints”). While the illustrated embodiment includes three swiveling joints and three hinge joints positioned as to create six axes of movement, it is contemplated that in other embodiments, the number of and location of hinge joints and swiveling joints can be varied to achieve different movement characteristics in a PCMM. For example, a substantially similar device with seven axes of movement could simply have an additional swivel joint between thecoordinate acquisition member 30 andarticulation member 50. - The
coordinate acquisition member 30 can comprise a contact sensitive member orhard probe 32 configured to engage surfaces of a selected object and/or generate coordinate data on the basis of probe contact as is known in the art. Alternatively, thecoordinate acquisition member 30 can comprise a remote scanning and detection component that does not necessarily require direct contact with the selected object to acquire geometry data. In one embodiment, a laser coordinate detection device (e.g., laser camera) can be used to obtain geometry data without direct object contact. It will be appreciated that in various embodiments of PCMM, various coordinateacquisition member 30 configurations can be used including: a contact-sensitive probe, a remote-scanning probe, a laser-scanning probe, a probe that uses a strain gauge for contact detection, a probe that uses a pressure sensor for contact detection, a probe that used an infrared beam for positioning, and a probe configured to be electrostatically-responsive. Each of these can be used for the purposes of coordinate acquisition. - With continued reference to
FIG. 1 , in various embodiments of thePCMM 10, the various devices which may be used for coordinate acquisition, such as theprobe 32, may be configured to be manually disconnected and reconnected from thePCMM 10 such that a user can change coordinate acquisition devices without specialized tools. Thus, a user can quickly and easily remove one coordinate acquisition device and replace it with another coordinate acquisition device. Such a connection may comprise any quick disconnect or manual disconnect device. This rapid connection capability of a coordinate acquisition device can be particularly advantageous in aPCMM 10 that can be used for a wide variety of measuring techniques (e.g. measurements requiring physical contact of the coordinate acquisition member with a surface followed by measurements requiring only optical contact of the coordinate acquisition member) in a relatively short period of time. - In the embodiment of
FIG. 1 , the coordinateacquisition member 30 also comprisesbuttons 66, which are configured to be accessible by a user. By pressing one or more of thebuttons 66 singly, multiply, or in a preset sequence, the user can input various commands to thePCMM 10. In some embodiments thebuttons 66 can be used to indicate that a coordinate reading is ready to be recorded. In other embodiments thebuttons 66 can be used to indicate that the location being measured is a home position and that other positions should be measured relative to the home position. In other embodiments the buttons may be used to turn on or off thePCMM 10. In other embodiments, thebuttons 66 can be programmable to meet a user's specific needs. The location of thebuttons 66 on the coordinateacquisition member 30 can be advantageous in that a user need not access thebase 20 or a computer in order to activate various functions of thePCMM 10 while using the coordinateacquisition member 30. This positioning may be particularly advantageous in embodiments of PCMM havingtransfer members acquisition member 30. In some embodiments of thePCMM 10, any number of user input buttons (e.g., more or fewer than the three illustrated inFIG. 1 ), can be provided, which may be placed in various other positions on the coordinateacquisition member 30 or anywhere on thePCMM 10. Other embodiments of PCMM can include other user input devices positioned on the PCMM or the coordinateacquisition member 30, such as switches, rotary dials, or touch pads in place of, or in addition to user input buttons. - With continued reference to
FIG. 1 , in some embodiments, the base 20 further comprises magnetic attachment mounts 60 that can attach the base 20 to a metallic work surface. The magnetic attachment mounts 60 can desirably be selectively engaged so that a user can position thePCMM 10 on to a work surface then engage the magnetic attachment mounts 60 once thePCMM 10 has been placed in a desirable position. In other embodiment, thebase 20 can be coupled to a work surface through a vacuum mount, bolts or other coupling devices. Additionally, in some embodiments, thebase 20 can comprise various electrical interfaces such as plugs, sockets, orattachment ports 62. In some embodiments,attachment ports 62 can comprise connectability between thePCMM 10 and a USB interface for connection to a processor such as a general purpose computer, an AC power interface for connection with a power supply, or a video interface for connection to a monitor. In some embodiments, thePCMM 10 can be configured to have a wireless connection with an external processor or general purpose computer such as by a WiFi connection, Bluetooth connection, RF connection, infrared connection, or other wireless communications protocol. In some embodiments, the various electrical interfaces orattachment ports 62 can be specifically configured to meet the requirements of aspecific PCMM 10. - With continued reference to
FIG. 1 , in some embodiments, thebase 20 of thePCMM 10 can also include a self containedpower source 64 such as a battery. Embodiments ofPCMM 10 having a self contained power source can be easily moved to various locations that do not have easy access to a power source such as an AC power outlet, allowing enhanced flexibility in the operating environment of thePCMM 10. In one embodiment, the self-containedpower source 64 can be a lithium-ion rechargeable battery that can provide power to the PCMM for periods of use away from a power outlet. In other embodiments, the self-containedpower source 64 can be other types of rechargeable batteries such as nickel cadmium, nickel metal hydride, or lead acid batteries. In other embodiments, the self-containedpower source 64 can be a single use battery such as an alkaline battery. - With continued reference to
FIG. 1 , thetransfer members members transfer members PCMM 10. As will be discussed in greater detail below, thetransfer members transfer members transfer members - In some embodiments, it can be desirable to use a composite material, such as a carbon fiber material, to construct at least a portion of the
transfer members PCMM 10 can also comprise composite materials such as carbon fiber materials. Constructing thetransfer members transfer members PCMM 10 can also be made of composites such as carbon fiber. Presently, as the manufacturing capabilities for composites are generally not as precise when compared to manufacturing capabilities for metals, generally the components of thePCMM 10 that require a greater degree of dimensional precision are generally made of a metals such as aluminum. It is foreseeable that as the manufacturing capabilities of composites improved that a greater number of components of thePCMM 10 can be also made of composites. - With continued reference to
FIG. 1 , some embodiments of thePCMM 10 may also comprise acounterbalance system 80 that can assist a user by mitigating the effects of the weight of thetransfer members members transfer members base 20, the weight of thetransfer members counterbalance system 80 can be particularly advantageous to reduce the amount of effort that a user needs to position the PCMM for convenient measuring. In some embodiments, thecounterbalance system 80 can comprise resistance units (not shown) which are configured to ease the motion of thetransfer members transfer members - In the embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 1 , the resistance units are attached to thetransfer member 26 to provide assisting resistance for motion of thetransfer members transfer members - With continued reference to
FIG. 1 , the position of theprobe 32 in space at a given instant can be calculated if the length of eachtransfer member articulation members articulation members base 20 of thePCMM 10. From there, the signal can be processed and/or transferred to a computer for determining the position of theprobe 32 in space. - In some embodiments of
PCMM 10, a rotational transducer for each of thearticulation members FIGS. 3-6 . In general, an optical encoder measures the rotational position of an axle by coupling its movement to a pair of internal hubs having successive transparent and opaque bands. In such embodiments, light can be shined through or reflected from the hubs onto optical sensors which feed a pair of electrical outputs. As the axle sweeps through an arc, the output of an analog optical encoder can be substantially two sinusoidal signals which are 90 degrees out of phase. Coarse positioning can be determined through monitoring a change in polarity of the two signals. Fine positioning can be determined by measuring an actual value of the two signals at a specific time. In certain embodiments, enhanced accuracy can be obtained by measuring the output precisely before it is corrupted by electronic noise. Thus, digitizing the position information before it is sent to the processor or computer can lead to enhanced measurement accuracy. - As will be described in detail below, in the illustrated embodiment, the
articulation members articulation members transfer member articulation members - While several embodiment and related features of a
PCMM 10 have been generally discussed herein, additional details and embodiments ofPCMM 10 can be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,829,148 and 7,174,651, and the entirety of these patents are hereby incorporated by reference herein. While certain features below are discussed with reference to the embodiments ofPCMM 10 described above, it is contemplated that they can be applied in other embodiments of PCMM such as those described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,829,148 or 7,174,651, or some other pre-existing PCMM designs, or PCMM designs to be developed. - Referring now to
FIG. 2 , a cross-sectional view of atransfer member 26 and articulatingmember 44 is illustrated. While this view illustrates asingle transfer member 26 in thePCMM 10,other transfer members PCMM 10 can have similar construction. Thetransfer member 26 preferably comprises adistal end 98 and aproximal end 99. As described herein, the terms distal and proximal are used to describe relative ends of thePCMM 10 and its associated components with the base 20 being the proximal end and probe 32 being the distal end (SeeFIG. 1 ). The terms distal and proximal are meant only to simplify description and are in no way intended to limit the scope of the technology described herein. - Beginning with the tubular assembly illustrated in
FIG. 2 , thetransfer member 26 preferably comprises aninner shaft 102 and anouter housing 104. Theinner shaft 102 is preferably configured to be rotated independently of theouter housing 104 so as to provide rotational freedom for thetransfer member 26. Theinner shaft 102 can desirably rotate on a first bearing 118 and also on, preferably, acompliant bearing 133 that are positioned at opposite ends of theinner shaft 102 and theouter housing 104. This configuration is particularly advantageous in that thebearings 118 and 133 are located relatively far apart so as to provide a very stable rotating interface between theinner shaft 102 and theouter housing 104. In the illustrated embodiment, thebearings 118, 133 are desirably press fit so as to provide a secure rotating interface between theinner shaft 102 and theouter housing 104. Furthermore, in some embodiments, it may be preferable to appropriately preload thebearings 118, 133 so that any unwanted axial movement of theinner shaft 102 relative to theouter housing 104 is minimized. In other embodiments, the bearings can be positioned at different locations to provide a rotating interface between theinner shaft 102 and theouter housing 104. In still other embodiments more or fewer than twobearings 118, 133 can provide a rotating interface between theinner shaft 102 andouter housing 104 of thetransfer member 26. For example, a single bearing positioned on the proximal end can provide the rotating interface. In some embodiments, thesecond bearing 133 is a compliant bearing including an O-ring 135 extending therearound. In some embodiments, a bearing 120 of theencoder assembly 128 can be a compliant bearing, and the twobearings 118, 133 of thetransfer member 26 can be rigid bearings. In some embodiments, bushings can be substituted for bearings. - As illustrated in
FIGS. 1 and 2 , both theinner shaft 102 and theouter housing 104 comprise generally cylindrical members. This generally cylindrical construction can be advantageous because it offers construction simplicity, rigidity, light weight, and space inside for a printed circuit board which will be discussed in greater detail below. Also, as shown inFIG. 2 , the generally cylindrical shape allows concentric mounting of aninner shaft 102 having an outer diameter approaching the inner diameter of theouter housing 104, thereby increasing rigidity while maintaining low weight and a sleek profile. In some embodiments, the outer diameter of theinner shaft 102 is desirably at least 50%, and more preferably at least 75% of the inner diameter of theouter housing 104. In some embodiments theinner shaft 102 andouter housing 104 can comprise alternate shapes. For example, in some embodiments, theinner shaft 102 can comprise a solid shaft as opposed to a tubular member. Furthermore, in other embodiments the inner shaft andouter housing 104 can comprise substantially polygonal cross-sectional profiles such as an octagonal shape, a triangular shape, or a square shape. - With continued reference to
FIG. 2 , theinner shaft 102 can desirably comprise an innertubular member 106 that comprises afirst end cap 110 and asecond end cap 112. Furthermore, theouter housing 104 can comprise an outertubular member 108, afirst end cap 114 and asecond end cap 116. The assembly of the inner and outertubular members transfer member 26. Thetransfer member 26 thus formed can provides a substantially rigid structure defining a reach distance for thePCMM 10. - In some embodiments, the end caps 110, 112, 114, 116 can provide precision machined bearing surfaces for the
bearings 118 and 133. Further, the end caps 110, 112, 114, 116 can provide precision concentricity to the articulatingmember 44. In some embodiments, it is preferable that the end-caps tubular members inner shaft 102 andouter housing 104 are precisely and accurately balanced. One method of assuring this balance involves allowing an adhesive agent such as a glue or epoxy to cure while the bonded assembly is being rotated. Other suitable securing methods may be used to secure the end caps 110, 112, 114, and 116 to thetubular members - In some embodiments, when the end caps 110, 112, 114, and 116 are bonded to the
tubular members 106 in 108 using an adhesive agent such as a glue or epoxy, portions of the interior surface of the innertubular member 106 and the outertubular member 108 may be scored, wire brushed, or otherwise grooved to provide a more positive bonding surface for the adhesive agent. Likewise, corresponding surfaces of the end-caps - In some embodiments, it can be desirable that the end caps 110, 112, 114, 116 comprise a different material than the inner and outer
tubular members tubular members metallic end caps tubular members inner shaft 102 and theouter housing 104 of a single material, such as carbon fiber. - In the embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 2 , thefirst end cap 110 of theinner shaft 102, comprises mountingholes 122 positioned radially around theend cap 110. The mountingholes 122 can be used to attach another articulating member, such as the articulatingmember 46 to thetransfer member 26. The mountingholes 122 can also be used to attach an extending member to the articulatingmember 26 so as to provide additional range of movement or reach to thePCMM 10. For example, in one embodiment, a pair oftransfer members 28 can be coupled to each other to extend the reach of the device. The illustrated arrangement of the mountingholes 122 is particularly advantageous in that a relatively large number of fasteners can be used to secure an additional articulating member or an additional extension number thus providing a substantially secure and concentric attachment. -
FIG. 3 illustrates a detail view of the articulatingmember 44 ofFIG. 2 . With reference toFIG. 3 , acover piece 124 can be coupled to thesecond end cap 116 of theouter housing 104. Thecover piece 124 can extend proximally so as to accommodate internal components of the articulatingmember 44 which reside towards a proximal end of the articulatingmember 44. In the illustrated embodiment, aslip ring assembly 126 and anencoder assembly 128 are housed within thecover 124. Theslip ring assembly 126, in some embodiments, can be substantially similar to the slip ring assembly described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,829,148 issued on Nov. 3, 1998. In other embodiments, different slip ring assemblies can be housed with theencoder assembly 128. In still other embodiments, noslip ring assembly 126 is present. Embodiments of theencoder assembly 128 will be described in detail below. - With continued reference to
FIG. 3 , in the illustrated embodiment, theencoder assembly 128 comprises a readhead 130, anencoder hub 132, ahousing 131,encoder shaft 137 and abearing 120 mounted between thehousing 131 andencoder shaft 133. In some embodiments, the bearing 120 can be a compliant bearing. In these embodiments, bothbearings 118, 137 of thetransfer member 28 can be rigid. Theencoder hub 132 can be mounted on theencoder shaft 133, which, in turn, can be inserted into thesecond end cap 112 of theinner shaft 102. Ahub mounting portion 134 extends proximally from theencoder hub 132. Thehub mounting portion 134 can comprise a tapered portion over which theencoder hub 132 can mount. In the illustrated embodiment, theencoder hub 132 preferably comprises atapered recess 138 which closely matches a taperedportion 136 of thehub mounting portion 134. In some embodiments, this matched tapered fit can rotationally fix theencoder hub 132 to theencoder shaft 137. In other embodiments, it is desirable that theencoder hub 132 is further and/or alternatively attached to thehub mounting portion 134 with fasteners or an adhesive agent in addition to the tapered fit. The taper mounted design advantageously allows for the eccentricity between the hub and the axis to be minimized during mounting of theencoder hub 132 to theencoder shaft 137. However, in other embodiments, theencoder hub 132 could be mounted directly to theencoder shaft 137 using bolts, adhesive, press fit or temperature fit with or without a taper interface. While in the illustrated embodiment, theencoder hub 132 is rotationally fixed toencoder shaft 137, in other embodiments, theencoder hub 132 can be directly mounted to theinner shaft 102, theend cap 112 and/or another intermediate member. - In some embodiments, it is preferable that the
encoder assembly 128 can be a light emitting diode (LED) encoder design. A reflective LED encoder design can provide particular advantages in that the light is reflected back to the readhead 130 instead of being passed through gratings of theencoder hub 132. This reflective arrangement simplifies theencoder assembly 128 so as to not require an additional light source to pass light through optical demarcations or grating of theencoder hub 132. In other embodiments, a laser light source can be used. In other embodiments, the encoder can be a magnetic encoder rather than an optical encoder, and the encoder hub can include a magnetic pattern disposed thereon. In some embodiments of theencoder assembly 128 theencoder hub 132 is a RESR Taper Mounted Encoder hub as produced by Renishaw of the UK. Furthermore, in some embodiments theread head 130 is a type RGH35 also produced by Renishaw of the UK. These aforementioned devices are strictly examples of a read head and an encoder hub that can be used with one embodiment of thePCMM 10. In other embodiments, anysuitable read head 130 orencoder hub 132 can also be used. - With continued reference to
FIG. 3 , in the illustrated embodiment, theread head 130 and theencoder hub 132 are arranged such that aread surface 140 of theencoder hub 132 is on a radially outer surface of theencoder hub 132 and theread head 132 is positioned radially outwards of the readsurface 140. In some embodiments, theread head 130 can be attached to abracket 162, which secures the readhead 130 in a relatively stable position relative to theencoder hub 132. In some embodiments, thebracket 162 may be also used to secure theslip ring assembly 126 and/or a printed circuit board which will be discussed in greater detail below. In other embodiments, theread head 130,slip ring assembly 126, and printed circuit board can each be retained by separate brackets, or can be retained by mounting features formed in the surface of thecover 124. - In a preferred embodiment of the encoder, a read direction of the
encoder assembly 128 is substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis RA of the articulating member, and the optical demarcations or gratings on the read surface are parallel to the rotation axis RA of the encoder assembly. This orientation of read direction is in opposition of a “disc style encoder” in which the read direction is parallel to a rotation axis RA of theencoder assembly 128 and gratings are arranged perpendicular relative to the rotation axis RA of theencoder assembly 128. As noted below, in other embodiments, other read head and read surface arrangements can be made. In the illustrated embodiment, optical demarcations or gratings on theread surface 140 are preferably parallel to a rotation axis RA of theencoder assembly 128. In some embodiments, the demarcations can be placed directly on theshaft 137, eliminating the need for a separate hub or disk. In some embodiments, the optical demarcations are not substantially parallel to the rotation axis RA (e.g., the optical demarcations could be transverse to the RA). In some embodiments, a read direction of theencoder assembly 128 is transverse to the rotation axis RA of the articulatingmember 44. In the illustrated embodiment, the read direction of theencoder assembly 128 is substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis RA of the articulating member. It is contemplated that still other embodiments of encoder assembly can include various combinations of read direction configuration and optical demarcation orientation. For example, it is contemplated that some embodiments, an encoder can have a read direction that is transverse to the rotation axis RA and optical demarcations that are not substantially parallel to the rotation axis RA (e.g., the optical demarcations could be transverse to the RA). - The preferred configuration of read direction described above can be particularly advantageous in that the circumference that the demarcations are placed on is greater than it would be for a disc style encoder of the same diameter. This increased circumference can yield a larger number of demarcations per revolution, thus increasing the resolution of the axis. This fine resolution is achieved in part because the
read surface 148 is placed on a radially outer surface of theencoder hub 132, thus providing a relatively large readable surface area on theencoder hub 132. Thus, in some embodiments ofoptical encoder assembly 128 having optical demarcations on theread surface 140 of theencoder hub 132, there are a greater number of optical demarcations. This fine resolution is particularly advantageous in aPCMM 10 because the greater the resolution that can be achieved by theencoder assembly 128, the greater the accuracy of the measurement that can be achieved by thePCMM 10. - In a “disc style encoder”, the read head and the encoder disc are arranged in a direction such that they can be detrimentally affected by thermal expansion. In these disc-style encoders, the
inner shaft 102 and thebracket 162 could change in dimensions by differing amounts under certain conditions in response to temperature variations, causing the read head to move closer to or further away from the grating. This thermal response by the disc-style encoder could greatly affect the accuracy of readings by the encoder under certain thermal conditions. However, in the embodiments ofencoder assembly 128 described above, theread surface 140 and readhead 130 are positioned such that the read direction is perpendicular to the rotation axis RA. Thus, the change in encoder signal due to temperature variations is greatly reduced. This improved thermal response can in part be attributed to the fact that if thermal expansion does take place it is less likely to affect the distance between the readhead 130 in theencoder hub 132 because theread head 130 and theencoder hub 132 are located on surfaces which are generally thermally similar. Furthermore, if thermal expansion were to take place, it is likely that theencoder hub 132 would simply displace laterally relative to the readhead 130, thus minimally affecting the accuracy of theencoder assembly 128 as compared to thermal expansion which may influence the distance between the readhead 130 and theencoder hub 132. - While a particular configuration of
read head 130 andencoder hub 132 is illustrated, other embodiments are contemplated. In one embodiment, theencoder hub 132 can be externally mounted with respect to thehousing 124. This external mounting arrangement allows for easy setup and alignment of theencoder hub 132 to thehub mounting portion 134. In another embodiment both theencoder hub 132 and readhead 130 can be located outside of thecover 124 for easy alignment of the readhead 130 to theencoder hub 132. In yet another embodiment, theencoder hub 132 may be surrounded by a portion of thecover 124, but theread head 130 is external to thecover 124. In yet another embodiment both theread head 130 and theencoder hub 132 are internal to thecover 124. - In various other embodiments, it can be desirable to use an
encoder assembly 128 which comprises multiple read heads 130. For example, in some embodiments, theencoder assembly 128 may comprise three readheads 130 positioned at approximately 120° intervals around theencoder hub 132 such that the read heads 130 read theread surface 140 at multiple locations. This arrangement of read heads 130 may be particularly advantageous if any eccentricity is present in theencoder hub 132 as the multiple read heads 130 can cross check one another and reduce any inaccuracy produced by eccentricity of theencoder hub 132. Furthermore, it is also contemplated that in one embodiment of theencoder assembly 128, multiple read heads 130 can be included while data may be collected from only oneread head 130 at any given time. In various embodiments, any number of read heads 130 can be used with the most common being 1, 2, 3, or 4. - With continued reference to
FIG. 3 , thesecond end cap 116 of theouter housing 104 preferably is also attached to a mountingclamp 142 that provides a mounting location for the articulatingmember 44 to mount to another articulating member assembly. The mountingclamp 142 can comprise a mountingbase 148, which, in some embodiments, can be integrally formed with theend cap 116. The mountingbase 148 preferably extends from the articulatingmember 44 and is attached to aface plate 146 byfasteners 144. Theface plate 146 and the mountingbase 148 can define a mountinghole 150 which is configured to attach to an axle of another articulating member assembly as described in greater detail below. - With reference to
FIG. 4 , a proximal end of the articulatingmember 44 is illustrated with thecover 124 removed for clarity. In some embodiments, the articulatingmember 44 preferably also comprises a processor such as a printedcircuit board 160 operatively coupled to theencoder assembly 128. The printedcircuit board 160 preferably can be used to process an electronic signal generated by theencoder assembly 128. In some embodiments, the printedcircuit board 160 can be used to convert an analog signal generated by theencoder assembly 128 to a digital signal. The printedcircuit board 160 can be operatively coupled to a processor or other computer via a wired or wireless link and can transmit the digital signal to the processor or computer. In the illustrated embodiment, the printed circuit board is desirably located proximally of theencoder hub 132 and is further supported by thebracket 162. In some embodiments, thebracket 162 can be also configured to support theslip ring assembly 126 and/or the read head 130 (seeFIG. 3 ). The location of the printedcircuit board 160, as illustrated inFIG. 4 can be particularly advantageous in that it provides a relatively out-of-the-way position for the printed circuit board such that the operation of theencoder assembly 128 and theslip ring assembly 126 are not impeded by the printedcircuit board 160. Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiments, the printedcircuit board 160 is housed within thecover 124, thus providing protection from bumping or contamination. In other embodiments, other positions for the printedcircuit board 160 may also be employed, such as that illustrated inFIG. 5 described in greater detail below. -
FIG. 5 , illustrates the articulation member or hingemember 46 ofFIG. 1 decoupled from thetransfer member 26 and thetransfer member 28. Thearticulation member 46 can comprise ahousing yoke 202 supporting ashaft 204. In some embodiments ofPCMM 10, theshaft 204 can be clamped by a mounting clam associated with the articulatingmember 48, similar to the mountingclamp 142 of the articulating member 44 (FIG. 3 ). Thehousing yoke 202 can desirably support theshaft 204 at two locations so as to provide an exposed region of theshaft 202. This exposed region of theshaft 204 can be clamped by the mountingclamp 142. In the illustrated embodiments, thehousing yoke 202 extends downwards to a mountingmember 206 comprising mountingholes 208 As illustrated, the mountingholes 208 configured to mate with theholes 122 of the transfer member 26 (seeFIG. 2 ). In some embodiments, acover 210 is attached to one external side of thehousing yoke 202. Thecover 210 is configured to house internal workings of the articulatingmember 46. In some embodiments, an encoder assembly is housed within thecover 210. -
FIG. 6 is an illustration of a cross-sectional view of the articulatingmember 46 ofFIG. 5 . In some embodiments, the articulatingmember 46 comprisesbearings shaft 204 so as to provide a smooth rotational interface for theshaft 204 relative to thehousing yoke 202. In some embodiments, theshaft 204 can include anencoder mount portion 220. In some embodiments, themount portion 220 can be formed to atapered mount portion 222 configured to receive anencoder hub 224. Theencoder hub 224 can comprises atapered recess 226 which is sized and shaped to closely receive the taperedmount portion 222 of theshaft 204. - Similar to the encoder assembly illustrated in
FIG. 3 above with respect to a swiveling articulation member, theencoder assembly 212 illustrated inFIG. 6 comprises anencoder hub 224 and aread head 230. Theencoder hub 224 can comprise a readsurface 228 that is located on a radially outer surface thereof. Furthermore, theread head 230 can be mounted to thehousing yoke 202. The read head can be configured to read optical demarcations on theread surface 228 of theencoder hub 224. - Once again, the arrangement of the
encoder hub 224 and theread head 230 can be particularly advantageous in that theread surface 228 is located on theencoder hub 224 such that a relatively large number of optical demarcations can be placed on the encoder hub with relatively large spacing between adjacent demarcations. Thus, relatively fine resolution can be achieved by theencoder assembly 212. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the optical demarcations can be oriented such that they are substantially parallel to a rotation axis RA2 of theencoder assembly 212. Furthermore, similar to theencoder assembly 128 described above with respect toFIG. 3 , the relative positioning of theencoder hub 224 and theread head 230 can orient the read direction of theoptical encoder assembly 212 transversely to the rotational axis RA2 of theencoder assembly 212. In some embodiments, the read direction of theencoder assembly 212 can be substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis RA2. - With continued reference to
FIG. 6 , a printedcircuit board 214 can extend below the mountingmember 206. The printedcircuit board 214 preferably can be used to process an electronic signal generated by theencoder assembly 212. In some embodiments, the printedcircuit board 214 can be used to convert an analog signal generated by theencoder assembly 128 to a digital signal. The printedcircuit board 214, like the printedcircuit board 160, can be operatively coupled to a processor or other computer via a wired or wireless link and can transmit the digital signal to the processor or computer. One particular advantage of the location of the printedcircuit board 214 is that when the articulatingmember 46 is assembled with the transfer member 26 (FIG. 1 ), the printedcircuit board 214 will preferably extend within thetransfer member 26. Thus, thetransfer member 26 can provide a protective covering for the printedcircuit board 214. This covering arrangement can be particularly advantageous in that thetransfer member 26 achieves a dual purpose by acting as both a protective member and a structural member of thePCMM 10. - Although this invention has been disclosed in the context of certain preferred embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses of the invention and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. In addition, while the number of variations of the invention have been shown and described in detail, other modifications, which are within the scope of this invention, will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art based upon this disclosure. It is also contemplated that various combinations or subcombinations of the specific features and aspects of the embodiments may be made and still fall within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, it should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with, or substituted for, one another in order to perform varying modes of the disclosed invention. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the present invention herein disclosed should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above, but should be determined only by a fair reading of the claims.
Claims (19)
1. An optical encoder comprising
a housing;
a shaft rotationally coupled to the housing and defining an axis of rotation, the shaft comprising a read surface directly on the shaft;
a read head rotationally fixed with respect to the housing;
wherein a read direction defined by the position of the read head with respect to the read surface is transverse to the axis of rotation of the shaft.
2. The optical encoder of claim 1 , wherein the read direction is substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the shaft.
3. The optical encoder of claim 1 , further comprising optical demarcations defining the read surface.
4. The optical encoder of claim 1 , further comprising an encoder hub disposed on the shaft, the encoder hub defining the read surface.
5. The optical encoder of claim 4 , further comprising optical demarcations on the encoder hub.
6. The optical encoder of claim 1 , wherein the read surface comprises a magnetic pattern.
7. An optical encoder comprising:
a housing;
a shaft rotationally coupled to the housing and defining an axis of rotation and comprising a tapered receiving portion;
a read surface comprising a tapered mounting portion with which the read surface mounts the tapered receiving portion;
a read head rotationally fixed with respect to the housing;
wherein a read direction defined by the position of the read head with respect to the read surface is transverse to the axis of rotation of the shaft.
8. The optical encoder of claim 7 , wherein the read direction is substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the shaft.
9. The optical encoder of claim 7 , further comprising optical demarcations defining the read surface.
10. The optical encoder of claim 7 , further comprising an encoder hub disposed on the shaft, the encoder hub defining the read surface.
11. The optical encoder of claim 10 , further comprising optical demarcations on the encoder hub.
12. The optical encoder of claim 7 , wherein the read surface comprises a magnetic pattern.
13. An optical encoder comprising:
a housing;
a hollow shaft rotationally coupled to the housing and defining an axis of rotation and comprising a tapered receiving portion;
a read surface rotationally fixed with respect to the shaft;
a read head rotationally fixed with respect to the housing;
wherein a read direction defined by the position of the read head with respect to the read surface is transverse to the axis of rotation of the shaft.
14. The optical encoder of claim 13 , further comprising a processor within the hollow shaft and in communication with the read head.
15. The optical encoder of claim 13 , wherein the read direction is substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the shaft.
16. The optical encoder of claim 13 , further comprising optical demarcations defining the read surface.
17. The optical encoder of claim 13 , further comprising an encoder hub disposed on the shaft, the encoder hub defining the read surface.
18. The optical encoder of claim 17 , further comprising optical demarcations on the encoder hub.
19. The optical encoder of claim 13 , wherein the read surface comprises a magnetic pattern.
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