KR20140003307U - Scanning device for measuring characteristics of a sheet of material - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a scanning device 10 for measuring the properties of a sheet material M and the scanning device 10 is adapted to allow the properties of the lateral upright 12,13 and sheet material M to be measured (11) provided with two transverse guiding crosspieces (14, 15) arranged to guide mutually opposing first and second measuring heads (17, 18), each measuring head Characterized in that each measuring head (17, 18) with its respective sensor is movably mounted on a guiding crosspiece (14, 15) along a scan path (T). The lateral upright 12,13 is received in at least one portion of the measuring head 17,18 when it is at the end of the guide crosspiece 14,15 fixed to the lateral upright 12,13 And has at least one set of bags (21, 22)

Description

[0001] SCANNING DEVICE FOR MEASURING CHARACTERISTICS OF A SHEET OF MATERIAL [0002]

The present invention relates to a scanning measuring device for measuring a characteristic of a sheet material, said scanning measuring device comprising at least one side upright and at least two side uprights having respective ends Two crosswise guide crosspieces are provided and the guide crosspieces are arranged to guide respective ones of the first and second measurement heads arranged to face each other to measure the characteristics of the same sheet material Each of the first and second measuring heads comprising at least one sensor, the sensors being suitable for measuring the characteristics, and each measuring head having each sensor moving along a scanning path on a guiding crosspiece Respectively.

The present invention relates in particular to a scanning measuring device for measuring the properties of a sheet material, said device being suitable for being installed on a production line for producing a substantially flat sheet material which continuously or discontinuously advances, It is possible to measure the physical or physicochemical properties of the material during manufacture, such as thickness of the material, weight per unit area, density, or any other characteristic. Such a scanning measuring device is adapted to measure the properties of a material in the form of a sheet having a width that can vary in the range of a few millimeters to 10 meters or more.

Such a scanning measuring device generally comprises one or more moving measuring heads that travel back and forth across the material in a transverse direction relative to the scanning measuring device to measure the properties of the material over all or part of the width of the material. As the material is driven at some advancing speed, the measuring path of the measuring head is a series of lines that pass diagonally across the material and form jig jigs in the plane of the material.

It is important that the shape of the scanning measuring device be preserved while the measuring head is moving across the width of the material so as to obtain reliable measurements, that is to say that a very good alignment of the measuring head (s) Do.

For example, when two measurement heads placed on both sides of a sheet of material are used to measure the properties of a material by transmission through the material, the two measurement heads move simultaneously, i.e. simultaneously, It is essential that the position is strictly preserved while the two measuring heads are moving. In particular, it is essential that the distance or "gap" between the measuring heads is kept constant. Preferably, the measuring heads move in a plane substantially perpendicular to the plane of the material. When the production line is to produce a horizontal plane material, the measuring heads must move, especially in the vertical plane.

In any case, such a scanning metrology device may be arranged to hold the measuring heads in alignment with each other and / or to keep the measuring heads aligned with the frame, Respectively. Generally, this is accomplished by constructing a rigid and solid frame with a constant shape as possible along the scanning path, and the frame forms a mechanical connection between the measurement heads. To this end, it is known that a frame with a relatively thick crosspiece suitable for being machined as required to compensate for the linear tolerance of the crosspieces which generally increases by an increasing length of crosspieces can be provided. It is also possible to correct the alignment of the measurement heads using means for adjusting the positions of the measurement heads on the crosspieces. Such solutions require bulky frames and require bulky side uplights in particular. In addition, the side uplights of the scanning measuring device generally accommodate means for aligning the measuring heads, such means being in the form of devices for controlling, driving and / or synchronizing the measuring heads, for example Generally, bulky side upgrades are required.

Figures 1 and 2 show a frame 2 defining a opening 3 through which the sheet material M can pass in the advancing direction D and two sheets of sheet material M mounted to move across the width of the sheet material M Figure 1 shows an example of such a known scanning measuring device or "0-shaped scanner" 1 comprising measuring heads 4, 5. The measuring heads 4 and 5 are arranged in the form of two crosses between the two side uprights 6 and 7 of the frame 1 along the path T close to their ends by the side upright 6, Moves on the pieces (8, 9). For example, patent document EP 1 039 262 discloses, more specifically, such a scanning measuring device which makes it possible to measure the thickness and swell of the sheet material.

For safety reasons and in accordance with applicable law, the user's limb of the scanning measuring device is pinned or crushing between either of the measurement heads 4, 5 and the side upright 6, 7, Between the respective side end positions P1 and P2 of each of the side uprights 6 and 7 and of the measuring heads 4 and 5 in order to prevent it from being forced Lt; / RTI >

It is also possible to perform various operations such as calibrating the measurement heads, such as calibrating the side upright and material < RTI ID = 0.0 > It is desirable to maintain a zone in which the material is not held in engagement with the measurement heads when the materialless intermediate zone between the measurement heads, i.e., the measurement heads, is in one of the end side positions of the stroke. In addition, it may be necessary to move the measuring heads laterally into such a material-free intermediate zone to prevent the measuring heads from being damaged, in the event that the material is destroyed.

A disadvantage of such a scanning measuring device is that it has a very large overall size in the scanning direction. Referring to Figure 2, the overall width of the scanning measuring device, designated S, is: width of the planar material to be measured, denoted L; A motor for driving moving measuring heads, and a means for aligning the measuring heads, such as a device for controlling and / or synchronizing moving measuring heads, And the width of each of the uplights indicated by N '; Is the sum of the widths F of the respective measuring heads, i.e. S = N + E + 2F + L + E + N '; Said sum includes an intermediate zone suitable for receiving measurement heads offset from material M, plus a variable width to avoid the risk of pinching and plus the above-described void spaces denoted by E and E '.

Patent documents US 4 631 834 and US 6 628 322 each disclose a device for measuring three-dimensional coordinates, US 5 285 579 discloses a three-dimensional plotter, and patent document US 6 441 905 A scanning measuring device for measuring a characteristic of a material is disclosed.

For all of the above reasons, the scanning measuring devices typically have side elevations with large volumes and large overall widths.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a scanning measuring device with a frame having a shape that allows the overall width to be significantly reduced while maintaining a material-free intermediate zone accessible to the measuring heads at the edges of the scanning measuring device .

To this end, the present invention provides a scanning measuring device for measuring a characteristic of a sheet material, the scanning measuring device comprising at least one side upright and substantially parallel to each other, each of which is fixed to the side upright Wherein the guide crosspieces comprise respective ones of the first and second measurement heads arranged to face each other to measure the characteristics of the same sheet material, And each of the first and second measurement heads includes at least one sensor, the sensors are suitable for measuring the characteristics, and each of the measurement heads having the respective sensors is arranged to guide along the scanning path, And the side upright is mounted to move on the scanning path of the measuring head and the sensor Wherein the setback is configured to at least partially receive the measuring head and sensor when the measuring head is at the end of the guiding crosspiece fixed to the side upright, And is suitable for the following.

In such an arrangement, the overall width of the scanning measuring device is reduced so as not to be greater than the width of the planar material to be measured plus the width of the measuring heads, resulting in a more compact scanning measuring device than the prior art scanning measuring systems. When received in the set bag of the side upright, the measurement heads are positioned in the material-free intermediate zone, thereby advantageously allowing all kinds of material-free measurement operations, such as calibration or sampling. Alternatively, it is further possible to further reduce the overall width of the scanning measuring device by providing the material to partially extend under the measuring heads when received in the set back of the side upright. In any case, the risk of pinching or crushing between the side upright and the measuring heads is significantly reduced.

The scanning measuring device of the present invention may advantageously have the following features:

Set back is a through setback facing the scanning path;

The sensors of the measuring heads are sensor-emitter types, one of the measuring heads comprises a sensor and the other of the measuring heads comprises an emitter;

The frame comprises two side uplits arranged on both sides of the ends of the lateral guiding crosspieces;

The side uprights are substantially symmetrical about a plane of symmetry substantially perpendicular to the scanning path;

In a plane substantially perpendicular to the scanning path, the side upright has a C-shape in which the central portion forms a set bag;

The C-shape has beveled portions to have ends and the inner surfaces of each of the ends to form a V-shape with respect to each other,

Each guiding crosspiece having beveled surfaces aligned with beveled portions of the C-shaped side upright;

Each guide crosspiece consists of at least one sheet of metal forming a fold which supports the rails to guide the measuring head along the scanning path to ensure that the guide crosspiece is straight;

The set back is arranged to lie within the set bag in a plane substantially perpendicular to the scanning path;

The side upright has a frustoconical shape to define a sloped surface that moves away from the opposite end of each guide crosspiece and goes away from the scanning path.

The present invention also provides a production line for producing sheet material, the production line comprising means for supporting the sheet material of the present invention and at least one scanning measuring device.

Advantages and features of the scanning measuring device of the present invention and the production line of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description given with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show an embodiment taken as a non-limiting embodiment;

Figures 1 and 2 are perspective and front views, respectively, of a prior art scanning measuring device;
Figures 3 and 4 are perspective and side views, respectively, of the scanning measuring device of the present invention;
5 is a diagrammatic view of a cross-sectional view on the axis VV of Fig. 3, showing a cross-section of the crosspieces of the scanning measuring device of Fig. 3;
Figure 6 is a diagram of a longitudinal section on plane P of Figure 3 of the scanning measuring device of Figure 3;
7 is a perspective view of another scanning measuring device of the present invention;
Fig. 8 is a diagram of a longitudinal section on plane P of Fig. 7 of the scanning measuring device of Fig. 7;

Figure 3 shows a scanning measuring device 10 of the present invention arranged to measure the physical or physicochemical properties of the sheet material M.

The scanning measuring device 10 comprises, in the present embodiment, two substantially parallel and horizontal guide crosspieces 14,15, i.e. a transverse opening through which the sheet material M can pass in the advancing direction D, (11) defining two vertical side uprights (12, 13) interconnected by an upper crosspiece (14) and a lower crosspiece (15)

The scanning measurement device 10 may advantageously be part of a production line (not shown) for producing a sheet material M and the production line is supported by a support And a driving means (not shown), and the plane P is horizontal in the advancing direction D at a certain advancing speed in this embodiment. It will be understood that the frame 11 of the scanning measuring device 10 is substantially symmetrical with respect to the plane P. [

3, the guiding crosspieces 14, 15 support the respective measuring heads 17, 18, i.e. the upper measuring head 17 and the lower measuring head 18, The heads are arranged to define a passage area through which the sheet material M can pass in the plane P between the measuring heads and to measure the properties of the sheet material M. [ The measuring heads 17 and 18 are mounted to move between the two side uprights 12 and 13 along a transverse scanning path T extending across the width of the sheet material M. More precisely, the measuring heads 17, 18 are carried by respective carriages 19, 20 which are driven and guided on the guiding crosspieces 14, 15 as will be explained in more detail below. 3, with respect to the side upright 12,13, an outlet through which the sheet material M exits from the frame 11 is connected to the measurement heads 17,18 by an arrow D It will be appreciated that there is a forward direction of the indicated material.

Preferably, each of the measurement heads 17,18 includes one or more non-contact sensors, i. E. Sensors suitable for measuring the properties of the material without contacting the material. Of course, it may be possible to provide any other type of sensor to the measuring heads 17,18. For example, the measurement heads 17 and 18 may be a radiation emitter source that emits, for example, X-rays, infrared, or some other radiation, and may include, for example, a material thickness, , Or one or more pairs of sensor emitters comprised of detectors of such radiation to measure other characteristics. More specifically, it is possible to use a sensor-emitter pair, and the sensor-emitter pair is measured by transmission through the material M, or in this case one measuring head 17 includes an emitter And the other measuring head 18 comprises a sensor or alternatively a measurement is made with reflection from a material, in which case each measuring head 17, 18 comprises a sensor-emitter pair. Preferably, the measuring heads 17, 18 move in a synchronized manner and opposite each other on both sides of the sheet material M to ensure the reliability of the measurement.

As shown in Figure 3, each of the side uplites 12,13 is positioned on the scanning path T of the measuring heads 17,18 when the measuring heads 17,18 are in their outermost lateral positions 22 have a cross section formed to define respective set bags 21, 22 in such a manner that the set bags 21, 22 are laid across the side uprights 12, 13 in the set bags 21, In the present embodiment is suitable to completely accommodate the measuring heads 17,18 at the ends of the guiding crosspieces 14,15 fixed to the side uprights 12,13. Advantageously, the setbacks are through setbacks along the scanning path T. In this way, the measurement heads 17,18 have maximum paths that can extend inside the side upright 12,13. Preferably, the outermost lateral positions of the measurement heads 17, 18 coincide with the outer perimeters 12A, 13A of the side uprights 12, 13.

When the measuring heads are received in one set bag 21, 22 of the side upright 12,13, the measuring heads 17,18 are capable of performing any kind of material-free measuring operation such as calibration or sampling And is located in a material-free intermediate zone that enables it to perform advantageously. In addition, there is no longer any risk of pinching or crushing between the side upright 12,13 and the measurement heads 17,18.

3, the overall width of the scanning measuring device 10 of the present invention, denoted by the reference character S ', is determined by the width of the planar material M to be measured, indicated by the reference character L, , 18), i.e., S '= 2F + L.

As can be seen in Figure 3, each set bag 21,22 is configured so that the side upright 12,13 has a C-shape in a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the scanning path T, Are formed in the uptites (12, 13). Preferably, each C-shape of the side uplites 12,13 is beveled portions 25,26 so as to interact with each other to form a V-shape (more clearly shown in Figure 4) And end portions 23, 24 with respective inner surfaces provided. Advantageously, each of the guiding crosspieces 14, 15 is also beveled so as to be aligned with a respective one of the C-shaped beveled portions 25, 26 of the respective side upright 12, 32, and 33, respectively. 4, each beveled face 32, 33 of the guiding crosspieces 14, 15 is advantageously used to guide the heads on the guiding crosspieces 14, 15 Enabling the overall height of the scanning measuring device 10 to be reduced by enabling to accommodate at least a portion of each one of the guiding carriers 19,20.

The axes of the measurement heads 17 and 18 are offset with respect to the center plane indicated by reference A in Figure 4 extending through the frame 11 along the scanning path T and the axes of the side uplights 12, Each of the portions 27 of the measuring heads 17 and 18 forms a C-shaped "upright ", and the measuring heads 17 and 18 are disposed on both sides of the central plane A. This configuration of the measurement heads 17,18 is such that the measurement heads are positioned in front of the "uplights" of the C-shapes in the forward direction D, at their outermost lateral positions of the side up- .

Figure 5 shows the cross-section of the guide crosspieces 14, 15 more precisely so that the details of the shapes of the guide crosspieces can be more clearly shown. Each of the guiding crosspieces 14,15 preferably comprises a respective folding device 14,15 which supports respective guiding devices including guide rails 28,29 to guide each one of the pallets 19,20. Shaped metal sheet. The folds 30,31 formed by the metal sheets of the guide crosspieces 14,15 extend over the entire length of the folds 30,31 and around the guide crosspieces 14,15 ). Advantageously, the guide rails 28, 29 are fixed to the guide crosspieces 14, 15 at the folds 30, 31 so that the pallets 19 , 20 of the measuring heads 17, by being placed in the immediate vicinity of the 31), it makes it possible to obtain a linear scanning path (T) over the long distance. The guide crosspieces 14 and 15 formed in this way are vertical in this embodiment and the measuring heads 17 and 18 can be moved to obtain alignment of the measuring heads 17 and 18, Are assembled together or connected together in such a way as to constitute the plane represented by line B.

The guide crosspieces 14 and 15 spaced apart from each other in a direction perpendicular to the plane P are rigidly connected to mount the guide crosspieces 14 and 15 of the scanning measuring device 10 It is possible to use a temporary carrier arranged to The exact distance or "gap" between the measuring heads 17,18 in a direction perpendicular to the plane P can then be adjusted by tightening the set screw. By moving the temporary carrier along the scanning path T, the same gap is then adjusted over the entire width of the scanning measuring device 10. [ It is also possible, for example, to provide an inductive sensor to compensate for any dynamic deviations in the gap by measuring the distance between the measuring heads 17,18.

In addition, Figure 6 shows the scanning measuring device 10 as a longitudinal cross section in a central plane that is substantially parallel to the sheet material M so that the rectangular cross-sectional configuration of the side upright 12,13 appears more clearly. do. In the illustrated embodiment, one of the side uplites 12 controls all or some of the electrical components and in particular the measuring heads 17,18, which are essential for the scanning measuring device 10 to operate, , Means for aligning the measuring heads of the type for driving and / or synchronizing, and the other side upright 13 is merely a retaining plate. This asymmetrical configuration of the side uprights 12 and 13 can facilitate accessibility of the scanning measurement device 10 to the sheet material M on the same side as the side upright 13 which is merely a retaining plate .

7 and 8 are schematic side elevations 112 (similar to the scanning measurement device 10) but symmetrical with respect to a symmetry plane G that is substantially perpendicular to the plane P of the sheet material M , 113, and thus the scanning measurement device 100 is also generally symmetrical about the symmetry plane G. The scanning measurement device 100 shown in Fig. In the variants shown in Figs. 7 and 8, the same reference numerals correspond to the same elements as those of the scanning measuring device 10 of Fig. For greater clarity, the measuring heads 17,18 are not shown in Fig.

The symmetrical configuration of the side uplites 112 and 113 has significant advantages because it allows the scanning measuring device 100 to be placed on a production line without any specific constraints on the way round where it should be located . For example, on the side on which the sheet material M is contacted, the side uprights 112 (see Fig. 7) are arranged such that the sheet material M faces away from the scanning measuring device 100 (as shown in Fig. 7) , 113, the set bags 21, 22 are located. Advantageously, the scanning measuring device 100 has the same overall size as the scanning measuring device 10.

Figure 8 shows the scanning measuring device 100 in a longitudinal plane in a central plane that is substantially parallel to the sheet material M such that the configuration of the symmetrical side uprights 112, 113 appears more clearly. Each side upright 112,113 has a frustoconical shape to define the inclined surfaces 101,102 in this embodiment and the inclined surfaces 101,102 are first oriented relative to the side upright 112,113 Extends from the end of the fixed guide crosspieces 14,15 towards the opening 16 defined by the frame 11 and secondly from the scanning path T and away from the heads 17,18 As shown in Fig. Advantageously, compared to the side upright 12 of the scanning measuring device 10 shown in Fig. 3, the usable space accommodates internal elements (in particular, electrical elements essential for operating the scanning measuring device 100) And this space is again reserved at a portion of the usable space 34 behind the measuring heads 17,18 when the heads are at the end of the stroke. However, the safety margin 35 is preferably between the side uptites 112, 113 and the material M to prevent the edges of the material M from rubbing against the side uptites 112, .

Advantageously, the frustum shape of the side uplites 112, 113 makes it possible to improve the safety of the scanning measuring device 100 by reducing the risk of overreaching and the measuring heads 17, The user's limbs or any article placed between the measuring heads 17,18 and the side uprights 112,113 have a tendency to be pushed outwardly along the inclined surfaces 101,102.

Of course, a single upright with a two-piece configuration such as described above with reference to FIG. 8 that accommodates internal elements such as electrical elements that are essential to operating the scanning measurement device, and a simple upright as described above with reference to FIG. 6 It is also possible to construct a scanning measuring device (not shown) including another upright which is a holding plate.

Of course, the present invention is not limited to the above description of the embodiment, and the above embodiment can make changes without departing from the scope of the present invention.

The direction of advance of the material indicated by arrow D in Figs. 3-8 may be reversed with respect to the orientation shown in Figs. 3-8, in which the heads 17,18 contact the frame 11 Face the material (M).

Of course, it is also possible to have side uplights of respective shapes, for example, square, triangular, round cross-section, except for the shapes shown in Figs.

The set back may be formed in each side upright in such a manner as to center it so as to form a 0-shape for receiving the measurement head at its center when each side upright is in its outermost side positions.

It is also possible to provide the upper guide crosspiece to the production line frame for fixing, and then the lower guide crosspiece is placed on the floor or floor for any particular material production line installation. In this case, one later side upright can be removed and then only the other side upright is formed to form the set back as specifically described above.

Finally, more particularly, Fig. 5 shows the prism shape for the guiding crosspieces, but may also consist of any other shape that is adapted to guide the pallet as close as possible to fold in the metal sheet forming the guiding crosspiece have.

In addition, the scanning measuring device of the present invention can be easily adapted for use in a production line to produce materials manufactured in a vertical plane or a tilted plane.

Claims (12)

A scanning measuring device (10; 100) for measuring a characteristic of a sheet material (M)
Wherein the scanning measurement device comprises at least one lateral upright (12,13; 112,113) and two transverse sides having respective ends fixed substantially parallel to each other and fixed to the side upright (12,13; 112,113) Characterized in that it comprises a frame (11) provided with direction guiding crosspieces (14,15) arranged such that the lateral guiding crosspieces (14,15) are opposed to each other to measure the characteristics of the same sheet material (M) Wherein each of the first and second measurement heads (17,18) comprises at least one sensor, and wherein the first and second measurement heads (17,18) are arranged to guide respective ones of the first and second measurement heads (17,18) Sensors are suitable for measuring said characteristics and each measuring head 17,18 with each said sensor is mounted to move on said guiding crosspieces 14,15 along a scanning path T,
The side upright 12,13,121,133 is positioned such that the scanning path T of the measuring head 17,18 and the sensor are positioned in the set bag 21,22 and the side upright 12,13; And wherein the setbacks (21,22) are arranged such that the measuring heads (17,18) are arranged to define at least one setback (21,22) (17, 18) and the sensor when at the end of the guide crosspiece (14, 15) which is fixed to the measuring head (13, 112, 113) ≪ / RTI > The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the set back (21, 22) is a through setback facing the scanning path (T). 3. The method according to claim 1 or 2,
Wherein the sensors of the measurement heads 17 and 18 are of the sensor-emitter type and one of the measurement heads 17 and 18 comprises the sensor and the measurement heads 17, 18) comprises the emitter, and a scanning measuring device for measuring a characteristic of the sheet material. 4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
Characterized in that the frame (11) comprises two side uprights (12, 13; 112, 113) arranged on either side of the ends of the lateral guide crosspieces (14, 15) A scanning measuring device for measuring a characteristic. 5. The method of claim 4,
Wherein the side uplites (112, 113) are substantially symmetrical about a symmetry plane (G) substantially perpendicular to the scanning path (T). 6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
In a plane substantially perpendicular to the scanning path (T), the side upright (12, 13; 112, 113) has a center portion in the form of a sheet material A scanning measuring device for measuring a characteristic of the scanning device. The method according to claim 6,
The C-shape has a beveled portion (25, 26) having ends (23, 24) and each inner surface of the ends forming a V-shape with respect to each other, Measuring device. 8. The method of claim 7,
Each of the guide crosspieces 14 and 15 has beveled surfaces 32 and 33 aligned with the C-shaped beveled portions 25 and 26 of the side upright 12,13 112,113, And a scanning device for measuring the characteristics of the sheet material. 9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
Each of the guide crosspieces 14 and 15 includes at least one guide crosspiece 14 forming a fold which supports the rails 28 and 29 to guide the measuring heads 17 and 18 along the scanning path T. [ A scanning measuring device for measuring a characteristic of a sheet material, comprising a metal sheet. 10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
Characterized in that the set backs (21,22) are arranged such that the measuring heads (17,18) are arranged in the set bags (21,22) in a plane substantially perpendicular to the scanning path (T) A scanning measuring device for measuring a characteristic. 11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10,
The side upright 112,113 is truncated to define a sloping surface 101,102 that moves away from the end of each guide crosspiece 14,15 and away from the scanning path T ) Shape of the sheet material. A production line for producing a sheet material (M)
The production line comprises a sheet material (M), comprising means for supporting the sheet material (M) and at least one scanning measuring device (10; 100) according to any one of claims 1 to 11 Production line for manufacturing.

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