Coordinate measuring machine

The invention relates to a coordinate measuring machine for measuring a three-dimensional workpiece, with a measuring table on which the workpiece is positioned, with a measuring head, with which the workpiece is relatively scanned to the measuring table in three spatial directions, and having a first, two parallel guide rails in a first spatial direction movable support means for the measuring head; said support means comprises guide elements, along which the measuring head is movable in at least one other, perpendicular to the first spatial direction.

Coordinate measuring machines are used in the industrial production process or quality assurance to measure workpieces precisely in three dimensions. In conventional coordinate measuring machines typically a spatially fixed base axis (the so-called X-axis) in its stationary mounting with a rigid foundation or other rigid body, such as a slab of granite, combined. However, it is also tree shapes known in which it is attached to a beam which is itself connected to a rigid foundation. Moreover, it is known to connect the above-mentioned main axis with the floor of a building, securing it to the ceiling of a building or to hang them on supports.

All these known concepts have in common that the rigidity of the coordinate measuring machine is determined in the direction of the main axis by the rigid foundation or a rigid foundation body, because the basic axis is substantially less stiff even in its embodiment. specified above considerations into account, therefore, when coordinate measuring machines are to be realized, at which the main axis, is located in different positions depending on the application, it must be taken individually. This requires for each individual case a very complex and complicated calculation of the support and mounting structures for the basic axis. Known coordinates measuring machines include, for. Example, a portal-like frame and a measuring table, the frame carries a serving for scanning the lying on the measuring table workpiece measuring head by means of which the workpiece is relatively scanned for measuring table in three mutually perpendicular directions.

From the <patcit id="pcit0001" dnum="DE4328533C2"><text>DE 43 28 533 C2</text></patcit> is a coordinate measuring machine is known in which the measuring head is seated on a measuring table on the one whose sides encompassing boom, which itself is mounted beneath the measuring table with a movable measuring carriage in three directions in space. Two horizontally extending parallel Y-guides are mounted below the measuring table, on which a Y-slide is displaceably arranged, respectively. The two Y-carriage are connected by a horizontal, perpendicular to the Y-guides arranged X-guide on which a movable X-slide is seated, which in turn supports a vertical Z-guide in the form of a guide column. The measuring table is connected by means of a frame with a foundation. The overall arrangement of the multi-angled extension arm in conjunction with the guides below the measuring table and the gripping thereof leads to the appearance very considerable bending and tilting moments not only to the angular points of the boom, but also to the guides below the measuring table, making a total of unwanted bends and twists the measuring arm occur, which can lead to falsification of the measurement results.

When from the <patcit id="pcit0002" dnum="DE69310008T2"><text>DE 693 10 008 T2</text></patcit> (or. <patcit id="pcit0003" dnum="EP0564152A2"><text>EP 0564152 A2</text></patcit>) Known coordinate measuring machine is an upwardly projecting support in the form of an existing aluminum sheet-metal box attached to one end of the measuring table, which is open on its underside to the table surface. The side walls of this box and its rear side facing away the measuring table are made of flat aluminum sheet. The sheets of the two side walls are each triple bent at right angles to the measuring table their facing ends, which are formed from the bottom up running, almost rectangular in cross-section Endverstärkungsprofile. On its side facing the measuring table which faces the front of the box is closed by a front sheet aluminum, which is fixed to one of the lateral Endverstärkungsprofile of the side walls, while it is connected to the other by sliding spring clips, so that a relative movement between these Endverstärkungen the side plates is free of tension possible if a boom construction is mounted at the top of the box.

This boom construction consists of two on the top of the box attached thereto, mutually parallel boom arms that project beyond the measuring table on its substantially entire width. Between the two cantilever arms a bridge element is arranged, which is on a respective one of the laying in an in the longitudinal direction (Y-direction) extending at both its ends the guide rail displaceable.

The bridge element is itself in the transverse direction (X-direction) is also provided in each case on its front and on its rear side with a guide rail, on top of each slide, a bridge element cross at its top carriage at the front end to the measuring table towards and away from movable (in Z direction) spindle bears, on which the measurement head is seated. The whole structure is designed as a lightweight sheet metal or aluminum box structure, the total, however, has a relatively low rigidity, so that only the extension arms of relatively short length can be used, otherwise they will cause unwanted deformations due to their weight and seated on them bridge element and thus can cause distortions of the measurement result. Here is where the booms carrying lightweight box to be expected in particular the occurrence of unwanted twists and bends.

It is also known, in measuring machines, in which a frame is inserted from a cast construction or polymer concrete, to install two parallel X-longitudinal guides for a trailer directly on the machine frame, said clamping surfaces must be edited for these linear guides directly on the machine frame. Here, however, occur as a result of the different materials for the existing metal rails and for the frame of a cast or a polymer concrete construction thermal stress problems, resulting in a good operability of the machines only when used in a relatively low temperature range, will be undesirable, prevent the pairing of different materials occurring warping and constraints which have an adverse effect on the accuracy of the measured values. This coordinate measuring machines are therefore used as a rule only in air-conditioned spaces. If you want to use such coordinate measuring machines directly in a production, it is necessary to provide specifically for them an enclosure to keep the ambient temperature conditions equally. This, however, results in poor accessibility, because the access to the use of such enclosures locks etc. due, and leads to an undesired additional cost and space requirements.

From the <patcit id="pcit0004" dnum="US6202316B1"><text>US 6202316 B1</text></patcit> is a coordinate with a movable in XYZ direction measuring head, a measuring table, and a well-known by a guided by guide elements carrying device for Meßkopfbewegung, which are attached to a part connected to a support base body.

From the <patcit id="pcit0005" dnum="DE4325337A1"><text>DE 43 25 337 A1</text></patcit> is also a coordinate in portal design known. The coordinate comprises a measuring table, a movable measuring head, two lateral support columns and an intrinsically and torsionally rigid, designed as a box girder portal crossbeam, on which a support device is attached to the measuring head. Here crossbars extending longitudinally of the box girder. As guide rails serve two sliding surfaces of a piece with the box beam guiding surface.

Based on this, then, the invention provides from it, to provide a coordinate measuring machine, in-indicated disadvantages of the prior art are largely avoided and which can be used in particular in a wider temperature range (in the range of about 20 ° C to 40 ° C), wherein unwanted distortions of the measurement results are largely avoided by temperature influences or torsional or bending stresses.

This is inventively achieved by a coordinate measuring machine for measuring a three-dimensional Werstücks with a measuring table on which the workpiece is positioned, with a measuring head, with which the workpiece is relatively scanned for measuring table in three spatial directions, and inherently rigid fastened with a on a support basic body which is formed as a flexurally and torsionally rigid box beam with extending in its interior transverse reinforcement struts and having on a front wall, two guide rails on which a first support means for the measuring head in a first spatial direction, is movable, has the guide members, along which the measuring head ; at least in a further perpendicular to the first spatial direction is movable, wherein the two guide rails are been mounted to the basic body and supported form-fitting manner from the transverse stiffening struts on its the basic body facing backs.

The inventive use of an inherently rigid base body, in the form of bending and torsion resistant box girder, for attachment of the two guide rails for moving the boom in the X direction, the advantage is achieved first, that between the guide rails and carrying them element no different material combinations more must be present, because the materials of the guide rails and the box girder regardless of the material of the element on which the box beam is attached, can be coordinated. This divorce from inaccuracies due to different material pairings and it returning falsification of the measurement result in coordinate measuring machine of the invention. Preferably, the base body and the box beam is sent directly to a trained on a machine frame support, ie the machine frame itself, attached.

The formation of the box girder as in bending and torsion box beam ensures that the bending and torsional moments occur can be taken from him easily, without causing disturbing bends or twists in it and on the guide rails. Here, the bending and torsion box beam is due to its inherent rigidity independently of the ground on which it is fixed, so that such a coordinate measuring machine can also be integrated into almost any one production. In addition, a bending and torsion box girder allows particularly simple and interpret a relatively low cost in terms of a particularly high rigidity of the structure, which can be achieved under load extremely low deformation of the box girder (and the attached to it guide rails) when utilizing the material properties ,

The construction of the bending and torsion resistant box girder can be done in any suitable manner. He can, for. Example, be formed as a triangular profile in cross-section, said triangle is designed, in particular isosceles or equilateral and the guide rails are attached to the two end edges of the base in the former case. Very particular preference, however, a cross-sectionally rectangular, preferably square, profile is used as bending and torsion box girders. A particularly high stiffness in conjunction with relatively simple design measures can be in such a carrier achieved in that transverse reinforcing struts are provided which extend obliquely in its interior, where they are secured with their the measuring table remote end at a corner of a side wall of the box girder and extend with its other end to the opposite corner region of front wall and other side wall of the box girder, which furthermore are secured to these two corner regions of the front wall there mounted steel strips, the two guide rails, and each transverse reinforcing strut with its one, such a corner region of front wall and side wall end facing the arranged there steel bar supported both on the back as well, perpendicular to it, on which the other steel bar side facing. The transverse reinforcing struts are preferably arranged side by side alternately face diagonally inside the box girder running, and they can be mounted directly next to each other or with only small distances from one another. Preferably, the transverse reinforcement struts in the form of hollow profiles, rods and / or plates are executed, especially hollow profiles are used made of steel having a rectangular cross-section.

In this way, extremely resistant to bending and torsion box girders can be used with low design cost, which can be found within such a box girder both same and different types of transverse reinforcement struts application.

A further preferred embodiment of the invention consists in the fact that are interposed between the transverse stiffening struts within the box beam over the entire or substantially entire cross-section extending bulkheads that are connected to the respectively adjacent transverse reinforcement struts and with the walls of the box girder. This can be still further enhanced torsional and flexural rigidity of the box girder and thus achieve the same remarkable rigidity.

Since usually the strips for fastening the guide rails are made of steel, it is recommended for thermal reasons, to achieve a same possible thermal expansion coefficients and the box beam (or its individual elements) made of a same or corresponding steel to manufacture, so that these fixed against one another parts essentially have an identical thermal expansion behavior.

The connection of the individual elements of the box girder can be carried out in any suitable manner. For cost reasons and for reasons of a particularly high flexibility in the design and adjustments, however, it is of great advantage if the box girder is designed as a welded construction.

The inventive coordinate measuring machine takes account of the selected structure of the invention in the case of loading a fixing of the guide rails on the measuring table facing the front of the box girder to the occurrence of a tensile force in the upper linear guide and a compressive force on the lower linear guide on box girders to that occurring in them deformations are small enough to prevent the emergence of undesired in the measured values. Since the bending inventively used and torsionally rigid box beam is completely independent of the element due to its great rigidity, where it is fixed (eg. As the machine frame), the inventive coordinate measuring machine is not only one compared to the prior art relatively simple technical construction, but also of a very large flexibility with regard to construction and the possibility of adaptation to particular applications.

A preferred embodiment of the coordinate measuring machine according to the invention is that a first support means on the box girder along the manner specified by the latter first spatial direction is slidably and defining a second spatial direction for the movement of the measuring head.

Advantageously place in case of a portal arrangement of the coordinate measuring machine of the box girders and the first support means each one spatial direction horizontally disposed fixed, these two spatial directions but turn oriented perpendicular to each other.

in coordinate measuring machine of the present invention, a second support means at said first support means along the second spatial direction is preferably slidably disposed, said second support means defining a third spatial direction for the relative movement of the measuring head to the measuring table.

Here is t preferred terms defined by the third support means spatial direction oriented vertically.

A further advantageous embodiment of the coordinate measuring machine according to the invention consists in the case of a stator assembly of this coordinate measuring machine is that the box girder a horizontally lying spatial direction and the first support means define a spatial direction vertically lying, in which case therefore the second support means defines a horizontally aligned spatial direction.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention is provided with a coordinate measuring machine according to the invention that each have a brake to prevent uncontrolled movements of a longitudinally arranged on the respective support means of the sliding of the same fixed direction in space element at one or more of the individual existing support facilities. Such brake can preferably be used for an emergency stop if z. B. the current or the voltage fails to shorten in such an emergency (or in another emergency) braking distance still occurring. Such brakes can be formed in any suitable manner, whereby in particular, a design can be used as effective mechanical, spring-actuated brake. Very particular preference, however, each brake is designed as a magnetic brake.

Advantageously several modules, each having a support means formed by an inherently rigid base body and at least the fact movably arranged first support means may be provided with a coordinate measuring machine according to the invention, preferably the modules to each other in pairs are facing or are arranged in a row.

In contrast to the initially mentioned prior art, the advantage is at coordinate measuring machine of the invention in that the first supporting body (ie the basic axis) is itself already formed inherently rigid, ensures that it so, and the stiffness of the foundation, of a possible suspension any other mounting base of this support means no longer of primary importance.

Thus, the invention allows, with the same supporting device to run (such as a bending and torsion resistant box girder), coordinate many different designs, either in portal design, in Freiarmbauweise, in post and beam construction or in another structure in which the basic axis (X-axis) to z. B. are on a ceiling of a room or even may be in any orientation in space, within the meaning of the selected terminology of the invention, each then the element on which this body is attached, as a "prop" is designated.

The inventive coordinate measuring machine therefore is particularly suitable for a versatile, to suit individual applications optimally adaptable program of coordinate measuring devices. This applies regardless of whether they are used as Einzelmeßplatz or may be integrated in a conveyor within a production line. In addition, the invention enables arrangements in which to make multiple systems simultaneously measurements on a workpiece, either in tandem, in-line configuration or the like.

The invention will be explained in more detail by way of example using the drawing, in principle. Show it:<dl id="dl0001" compact="compact"><dt>Fig. 1</dt><dd>a perspective view of a coordinate measuring machine according to the invention, obliquely from the front;</dd><dt>FIG. 2</dt><dd>a perspective view of a torsional and bending stiffness box girder with transverse reinforcing struts and anmontierten guide rails for a coordinate measuring machine according to the invention;</dd><dt>Fig. 3</dt><dd>a front perspective view of a torsion invention and rigid box girder with transverse reinforcing struts, bulkheads and attached to it the guide rails, but with the front wall;</dd><dt>Fig. 4</dt><dd>a rear perspective view of the box girder from <figref idrefs="f0003">Fig. 3</figref>, With the rear wall removed, and</dd><dt>Fig. 5</dt><dd>a cross-section through an inventive box girder with transverse reinforcing struts and to him mounted guideways.</dd><dt>Fig. 6</dt><dd>a perspective view (partly broken away) of another embodiment of the invention the box girder with jib and measuring head, and</dd><dt>Fig. 7</dt><dd>a side view of another embodiment of a coordinate measuring machine according to the invention.</dd></dl>

The <figref idrefs="f0001">Fig. 1</figref> and the <figref idrefs="f0007">Fig. 7</figref> Show coordinate measuring machines 1, each with a measuring table 2, on one side of a support 4 high passes, which can be formed by a machine frame on which the measuring table 2 is also supported z. B..

At the upper end of the support 4, a torsion and bending-resistant box girder is fixed respectively 8, which support 4 and box girders 8 extend over the entire length of the measuring table. 2

In the embodiment of <figref idrefs="f0001">Fig. 1</figref> the torsion and bending resistant box girder 8 mounted on the support 4 that 12 two guide rails 5 are fixed (X-linear guides) on its side facing the measuring table 2 side facing that lie parallel to each other and also parallel to the surface of the measuring table. 2 In the embodiment of<figref idrefs="f0007">Fig. 7</figref> however, the box girder is top mounted on the support 4 that its guide rails 5 on its upper surface 12 'parallel to each other and also be parallel to the surface of the measuring table. 2

On two guide rails 5 a first support means in the form of a cantilever 6 is movably carrying a measuring head 3 for measuring a Strap-on the measuring table 2 workpiece 32 (the workpiece 32 is only in <figref idrefs="f0007">Fig. 7</figref> and not in <figref idrefs="f0001">Fig. 1</figref> shown). During the boom 6 in<figref idrefs="f0001">Fig. 1</figref> protrudes to the front and projects over the measuring table 2, it protrudes in the embodiment of <figref idrefs="f0007">Fig. 7</figref> vertically upward.

Along the guide rails 5, the boom can be 6 proceed in parallel to the surface of the measuring table 2 in the longitudinal direction (X-direction).

The boom 6, which is, in turn, as a first supporting means for supporting and procedures of the measuring head 3, carries suitable guide elements, through which a second support means 7 for the measuring head 3 in a different spatial direction (Y- and Z-direction) of the traverse jib 6 perpendicular, can be moved. The measuring head 3 is moved over the width of the measuring table 2 and relatively adjustable by means of the second support means 7 in its height to the measuring table 2nd

The guide rails 5 are the embodiment of <figref idrefs="f0001">Fig. 1</figref> respectively at the corner portions of the transition between a front wall 12, facing the measuring table 2 here, and the two secured in these leading-side walls 11 of the box girder eighth

In the embodiment of <figref idrefs="f0007">Fig. 7</figref> the box girder 8, however fixed in a different space orientation, namely so that its front wall 12 with the guide rails 5 located above the boom 6 as first support means vertically protrudes here upwards and its guide elements movability of the measuring head 3 in the Z direction is set.

<figref idrefs="f0002">FIG. 2</figref> shows a perspective view of a torsional and bending stiffness box girder 8 with transverse stiffeners 9 and two on its front side 12 (which in <figref idrefs="f0001">Fig. 1</figref> facing the measuring table 2) mounted mutually parallel steel strips 5 'for receiving the guide rails 5 (the latter are in <figref idrefs="f0002">FIG. 2</figref> not shown). In the drawings of the<figref idrefs="f0002">FIG. 2</figref> is omitted for ease of illustration, the rear wall of the box girder eighth

The box girder 8 from <figref idrefs="f0002">FIG. 2</figref> has, in cross-section, a square profile defined by the two upper and lower side walls 11, front wall 12 and a (in <figref idrefs="f0002">FIG. 2</figref> However, not shown) rear wall 11 '(see FIG. <figref idrefs="f0005">Fig. 5</figref>) Is formed. Inside the box girder 8 oblique transverse reinforcement struts 9, cruciform alternately arranged, that is, two each adjacent transverse reinforcing struts 9 are aligned offset in position here by 90 ° (the displacement can also be another angle done). They run diagonally inside the box girder 8, in the in<figref idrefs="f0002">FIG. 2</figref> specifically shown arrangement is expressly made to their graphic representation as essential. The arrangement is such that each cross brace 9 at one end facing away from the front wall 12 end at the local end of an associated side wall 11 rests on this and there welded to her is. (Facing ie the front wall 12 of the box girder 8) At its other, front end extends the brace strut 9 concerned in the local corner region of the box girder 8, which consists of the upper side wall 11 and the front wall 12 of the box girder 8 and the arranged in this end steel strip 5 ' consists. In this case this transverse stiffening strut supports 9, the measuring table 2 facing away from back of the steel strip 5 'and forms even on the perpendicular thereto lying bottom of this steel strip 5' (or, if such a cross-stiffening struts 9, which extend from the rear top to front bottom: on top of the corresponding steel strip 5 ') also provide support from. With their remaining end faces of the respective cross tie bar 9 is then connected to both the upper side wall 11, as with the front wall 12 of the box girder 8, preferably by welding.

Otherwise, supports any steel strip 5 '(and thus also the mounted on its guide rail 4), including by positive engagement (as <figref idrefs="f0002">FIG. 2</figref> shows), from its part also against the associated side wall 11 and the front wall 12 of the box girder eighth

By such an arrangement the transverse reinforcing struts 9, it is possible to bring about not only an excellent reinforcement of the box girder 8 as a whole unit or as a closed unit, but additionally also the specific charges which the guide rails 5 by the boom 6 (especially occur in the process and when measuring), particularly effective and targeted support and take.

In <figref idrefs="f0003">Fig. 3</figref> is a front perspective view of a torsional and bending stiffness box girder 8 and in <figref idrefs="f0004">Fig. 4</figref> its back, also in perspective, shown, in <figref idrefs="f0003">Fig. 3</figref> the front wall and in <figref idrefs="f0004">Fig. 4</figref> the rear wall of the better omitted for clarity. Here, the box girder 8 is not only transverse stiffening struts 9, but additionally also bulkhead walls 10, each perpendicular to its front wall 12 and rear wall 11 'extends and fills the entire internal cross-section of the box girder 8, ie, at its lateral end edges on a respective side surface the box girder 8 abuts and is (preferably by welding) attached there. At the front of the box girder 8 two steel strips 5 'for fastening guide rails are mounted parallel to each other again.

As from <figref idrefs="f0003">Fig. 3</figref> can be removed easily (and as well in <figref idrefs="f0002">FIG. 2</figref> is already indicated), the transverse reinforcing struts 9 in the form of rectangular bar profiles (hollow sections) are formed which consist of rectangular steel tube and the ends of which are respectively supported on the associated inner boundary surface of the box girder. 8 The transverse reinforcing struts 9 are laterally adjacent to each other, by two transverse reinforcing struts 9 (with alternating inclination. See also<figref idrefs="f0002">FIG. 2</figref>) Is respectively interposed a bulkhead 10 and also connected to the both sides at their adjacent transverse reinforcing struts 9 (again preferably by welding).

<figref idrefs="f0005">Fig. 5</figref> finally shows a cross section through the box girder by <figref idrefs="f0004">Fig. 4</figref>, The section being located in the section plane AA, as described in <figref idrefs="f0004">Fig. 4</figref> is specified.

Out <figref idrefs="f0005">Fig. 5</figref> is the support of the steel strips 5 'specifically by the respective transverse reinforcing struts 9 easily recognizable, particularly the rear support each steel strip 5', the support perpendicular to it (in the direction of other steel strips 5 'down) and also the simultaneous support on the front wall 12 and at end region of the associated side wall eleventh

To support the respective steel strips 5 'is attached to the corresponding end region of the individual transverse stiffening struts 9 each have a recess 13 is mounted, so that a form-fit accommodation of the steel strips 5' and corresponding recess 13 of the discrete transverse reinforcing struts is carried 9th As a result of these recesses 13, the transverse stiffening struts can 9, the steel strips 5 'are supported in addition to their support on the side walls 11 and 12. FIG.

By the chosen arrangement, the upper steel strip 5 'and thus also the mounted on it the guide rail 5 is supported by the supporting it transverse stiffening struts 9 (that is, those extending from the bottom rear obliquely upward front) supported such that tensile forces of by weight will boom 6 and are formed by reaction forces when measuring counteracted; however, the lower guide rail is 5 9 so supported by the other transverse reinforcing struts that pressure forces can be well received in the respective guide rail. 5 For the bulkhead walls 10 applies similar, but with the modification that each partition wall 10, the upper and lower steel strip 5 'and the guide rail 5 is supported simultaneously.

As <figref idrefs="f0005">Fig. 5</figref> also shows, the upper steel strip 5 'having a projection 14 positively in a recess formed on the inside of the upper side wall 11 of the box girder 8 groove 14, wherein a further projection 15 of the upper steel strip 5', the front wall 12 of the box girder 8 engages behind a form-fitting. This also makes the steel strip 5 'is held in addition to the support by the transverse reinforcing struts. 9

Similarly is the lower steel bar 5 'provided with a projection 14' form-fitting manner in a recess formed on the inside of the lower side wall 11 of the box girder 8 groove, wherein a further projection 15 'of the lower steel strip 5', the front end of the local side wall 11 of the box girder 8 positive fit converted from above and from behind.

For material saving and orientation of each transverse reinforcing struts 9 and possibly inserted bulkheads 10 may be provided in each of which a central hole 16, (not shown) through the z. B. aligning can be introduced to each other. The transverse reinforcing struts 9 and the bulkheads 10 can thereby be successively pushed onto this rod and connected to each other, wherein after assembly of the fixing transverse stiffening struts 9 and partitions 10, the alignment rod is removed.

In a not illustrated embodiment, the coordinate measuring machine according to the invention, transverse stiffening struts may be provided in the box support 8, not whose longitudinal axes perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the box girder 8, but the z. B. space diagonally in the interior of the box girder 8 are arranged. However, to achieve a high rigidity, it is particularly advantageous if it is ensured in any case, that also with such an arrangement of the transverse stiffening struts 9 overall there is a symmetrical arrangement of the struts in the interior of the box girder eighth

The <figref idrefs="f0006">Fig. 6</figref> shows in a perspective view in which the box girder 8 is partially broken away at its upper side wall 11, again another embodiment of a box girder according to the invention, in which namely in the interior of which enables the stiffening only by a plurality of one another in the X direction at small intervals arranged, takes place perpendicular to the X direction bulkheads 10th The arrangement is such that the rigidity of the box girder is 8 sufficiently large with respect to its elastic deformations of any kind due to the applied forces, that thus the accuracy of conventional coordinate measuring machines can be achieved, in which the stiffness of the base axis by a rigid foundation or is formed by rigid foundation body, such as a slab of granite.

Out <figref idrefs="f0006">Fig. 6</figref> are also in the here (compared to the representation of the <figref idrefs="f0001">Fig. 1</figref>) Slightly enlarged selected Illustration some additional details shown: Thus, the guide rails of box girder 8, very schematically, 5 indicated that extend in the X direction and to which parallel a likewise only schematically indicated spindle 20 runs, the center of the illustrated embodiment, is arranged between two guide rails. 5

On the guide rails 5 runs by also only schematically shown carriage guides 21, the first support means in the form of the boom 6, by a second movement axis, in the illustrated arrangement here: is the Y-axis, defined or displayed.

The arm 6 is in the <figref idrefs="f0001">Fig. 1</figref> and <figref idrefs="f0006">6</figref> Embodiments shown running in stable lightweight construction, the arm formed by him is substantially formed by parallel side walls 6 ', in which recesses 25 are provided to save weight. The first support means and the boom 6 tapering in the side view in the direction of the box girder 8, away, ie in the given<figref idrefs="f0001">Fig. 1</figref> and <figref idrefs="f0006">6</figref> Embodiments shown in a direction such that it projects over the measuring table 2nd

On the underside 26 of the boom 6 again elements to the method of a second support means 7 in direction of the second movement axis (Y-axis) are provided, of which <figref idrefs="f0006">Fig. 6</figref> only an extremely schematic second spindle is indicated 27th

The second support unit 7, by means of moving elements in the in <figref idrefs="f0001">Fig. 1</figref> and 6 embodiment in a third direction of movement, namely in the running in the vertical direction Z-axis shown to be moved, perpendicular to the direction of traverse to the box support 8 and also to the first to the support device 6, as shown in by the <figref idrefs="f0006">Fig. 6</figref> only schematically indicated coordinate system (X, Y, Z) is shown.

The second support means 7 is composed of a, possibly trained in stable lightweight construction, inherently rigid box with a vertically (Z-axis) extending recess 22, in a further, third spindle 23 is seated, with the measuring head 3 in the Z direction is movable. The measuring head 3 carries at its lower end with a conventional Taststiftanordnung 24 (in the embodiment shown) four each at 90 ° to each other arranged individual pins, the central axes all lie in a horizontal plane.

In <figref idrefs="f0007">Fig. 7</figref> is, as already mentioned, a second embodiment of a coordinate measuring apparatus is shown in which the arrangement of the box girder 8 (as a support means) in the space unlike the embodiment of <figref idrefs="f0001">Fig. 1</figref> is provided.

The representation of the <figref idrefs="f0007">Fig. 7</figref> shows a measuring table 2 with a workpiece carrier 28 on which a workpiece 29 is mounted. In addition to the workpiece carrier 28, which is z. B. may be a granite plate or a plate of another suitable material is a low platform is laterally support 4 mounted on the in<figref idrefs="f0006">Fig. 6</figref> Arrangement shown is mounted, however, here now in an orientation of the components so that the guide rails 5 of the box girder 8, which in turn is mounted on the support 4, lying on the upper side of the box girder 8 and the arm 6 above the same, namely vertically , that is aligned in the Z direction above, is arranged. Again, extend the guide rails 5, despite the other space orientation of the box girder 8, in the X direction, ie the side parallel to the measuring table 2. Since the first support means (in the form of the boom 6) here in the vertical direction (Z-direction) upward this has the consequence that now the second support means is horizontally (ie, in Y-direction) aligned 7th Thereby, the first support means 6 here forms from the vertical displacement axis (Z-axis) for the second support means 7, the latter being the second horizontal axis of displacement, namely, the Y-axis defines.

This means a total that the machine <figref idrefs="f0006">Fig. 6</figref> in the <figref idrefs="f0007">Fig. 7</figref> Arrangement shown, which is rotated in contrast to 90 ° upwards involves.

The presentation of <figref idrefs="f0007">Fig. 7</figref> is in an appropriate assignment to the vertical spatial axis (Z-axis) an only very schematically indicated brake means 30 is provided, which is preferably a magnetic brake, but also any other, such as spring-operated mechanical braking device may be provided. The brake 30 is intended to prevent, for example, when a fault occurs in the power supply or control the moving in the vertical direction elements, namely the probe 3 with the Taststiftanordnung 24, can crash in an uncontrolled manner. Also for the other two axes of movement (here, the X and Y-axis) is the (in<figref idrefs="f0007">Fig. 7</figref> not shown) using such a brake assembly also advantageous because it in the sense of emergency brake can engage in accident and ensures that the displacement movements still occurring the various supporting devices are then only briefly.

The frame construction of a coordinate measuring device, as described in <figref idrefs="f0007">Fig. 7</figref> is shown, is particularly suitable for realizing systems in which a plurality of such measuring units are combined. Thus, for. Example, the arrangement of<figref idrefs="f0007">Fig. 7</figref> are mirror images added to the workpiece 29, by, in the representation in <figref idrefs="f0007">Fig. 7</figref>: Is positioned right from the workpiece 29, a second such assembly comprising a first support means, a second support means and a third supporting device, so that both of these scenarios can work, for example in tandem on the same workpiece 29.. Similarly, it is conceivable that several such measuring arrangements as described in<figref idrefs="f0007">Fig. 7</figref> are shown at the side of the measuring table, are provided in the same orientation one behind the other, ie. in a succession arrangement along the Y-direction