Touch probe.

摘要

A touch probe includes a stylus module (54) and a sensing module (52) to which the stylus module is releasably securable by means of a magnetic coupling. The sensing module comprises a strain sensitive load cell on which the stylus module is supported, and which senses strain in the stylus on contact with a surface. The stylus module provides for overtravel of the probe; a stylus-supporting member being biased into a kinematic rest position with respect to the casing of the stylus module. The biasing force in the stylus module is chosen with regard to the length and configuration of stylus. This modular system enables automated stylus changing without the need to adjust the biasing force on the stylus-supporting member when different lengths of styli are employed. <IMAGE>