Coordinate measuring machine and method for introducing a command to change the measurement mode in this machine

摘要

Method of introducing a measuring mode change command. in a dimension measuring column (1) fitted with a touch sensor (12). The mode change control is uniquely introduced by acting on the position of the sensor (12), by pressing it against the part (3) being measured during a time interval greater than a predetermined value. A measurement point for the sensor is done when it is pressed against the part during a time interval less than the predetermined value. The change mode command allows the measuring column to pass into a search mode for a set point in the part being measured. The state of the columns display (20) changes following the mode change so as to indicate the force applied by the touch sensor against the part being measured, this force is indicated on a bar graph. The column remains in search mode as long as there is sufficient sensor pressure against the part. The set point is automatically determined from the path traveled by the sensor. The set point is determined as being the end of the vertical trajectory traveled by the sensor in the search mode and is uniquely valid if the derivative of the sensors vertical position is close to zero at the turning point.