Lateral beam offset generator for trigonometrical distance measurement of workpiece - has laser diode providing point illumination of workpiece, and planar parallel glass plate between workpiece and measuring head, with rotatable axis

摘要

An imaging optic is also included, which images the diffuse reflection on the workpiece, across a prism on a linear CCD sensor, arranged in a configuration as in e.g. patent P 40 32 361.7. A planar parallel glass plate (7) is interposed between the measuring head and the workpiece (4), the plate being rotationally located about an axis (8) vertical to the illumination beam. The rotation of this plate (7) causes a parallel deflection of the beam (and also the reflected beam) at right angles to the distance measurement. A driving system is provided for the rotation. A pulse transmitter and a limit switch determine the angle of rotation. The point of impingement of the beam and the workpiece can be shifted along small yet very exactly defined paths perpendicular to the axis of the distance measurement. USE/ADVANTAGE - Scanning operation e.g. in axial direction of lathe using combination of optical deflection element and shutter unit. One unit only is used. Measuring head is very compact and is protected against contamination.