Loading device for a multicoordinate measuring instrument

摘要

The invention relates to a loading device for a multicoordinate measuring instrument, with the aid of which it is possible to position even heavy and/or complicatedly shaped workpieces automatically and in a well defined position on the plane (measuring) table. The invention proposes for this purpose a shifting device for movable pallet carriers, and corresponding pallet carriers. The shifting arm can be moved along a longitudinal guide carrier and can be coupled mechanically and fluidically to the front of the pallet carrier. Set up next to the plane table at the same level is a transfer table which has a displaceable table top which can receive two pallet carriers next to one another. Appropriate pallets can be loaded onto or removed from the transfer table by industrial trucks. The closed surface of the transfer table adjoins, without a gap, the closed surface of the plane table; as the case may be, a bridge which likewise has a closed surface is interposed between the two. A plurality of air cushions formed by a folding sleeve and open downwards are let into the underside of the pallet carriers. The air cushions can be used to raise the pallet carriers once pressure is applied to the air cushions, or to lower them by relieving the pressure. In addition, the pallet carriers can be displaced over the closed surface on an air film accompanied by low friction despite the high weight. The raising and lowering of the pallet carrier by the air cushions can be utilised in order... the pallet carriers... Original abstract incomplete.