Patents Assigned to Johannes Heidenhain GmbH
  • Patent number: 9310183
    Abstract: A measuring device for the high-precision optical determination of distance or position includes a light source, at least one optical functional element in the form of a plane mirror or a measuring standard, and a detector system. At least two sub-beams are generated, of which at least one impinges on the functional element at least three times before the sub-beams propagate, interferingly superposed, in the direction of the detector system, via which at least one phase-encoded measuring signal is able to be generated from the superposed sub-beams. Between the impingements on the optical functional element, the sub-beam passes through at least two imaging elements, the imaging elements having imaging factors such that no location and directional shear of the interfering sub-beams results in the event the optical functional element tilts out of its setpoint position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: DR. JOHANNES HEIDENHAIN GMBH
    Inventor: Wolfgang Holzapfel
  • Patent number: 9303972
    Abstract: A position-measuring device includes a code carrier having a first graduation track and a second graduation track, the second graduation track being an incremental graduation track. A first detector system is configured to scan the graduation tracks so as to generate first position signals. A second detector system is configured to scan the second graduation track so as to generate second position signals. A first position-processing unit is configured to process the first position signals so as to yield a first absolute position value. A second position-processing unit is configured to process the second position signals so as to yield a second absolute position value. The first position-processing unit is configured to feed an absolute auxiliary position value to the second position-processing unit. The second position-processing unit is initializable with the absolute auxiliary position value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: DR. JOHANNES HEIDENHAIN GMBH
    Inventors: Johann Oberhauser, Bernhard Schmied, Jannik Jens Rosenlehner-Emde, Werner Schwaiger, Thomas Schweizer, Hubert Mayer, Marc Oliver Tiemann
  • Patent number: 9304958
    Abstract: A device for transmitting sensor data, includes a slave interface connectable to a master interface of a control device, a master interface connectable to a slave interface of a measuring device, at least one sensor interface connectable to a sensor, and a circuit configuration including a manipulation unit and protocol unit. A master-data input signal of the master interface and a sensor-data output signal are supplied to the manipulation unit, which outputs a slave-data output signal to the slave interface. At least one protocol-relevant interface signal of the slave interface or the master interface, and a sensor-data signal of the sensor interface, are supplied to the protocol unit, which generates the sensor-data output signal and, based on manipulation rules and the at least one protocol-relevant interface signal, selects when the manipulation unit outputs the master-data input signal of the master interface or the sensor-data output signal as slave-data output signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: DR. JOHANNES HEIDENHAIN GMBH
    Inventor: Stephan Kreuzer
  • Patent number: 9303979
    Abstract: In an optical position measuring device for detecting the relative position of a measuring standard and at least one scanning head, which are movable relative to each other in at least one measuring direction, the effective measuring point of the scanning is spaced apart from the measuring standard at a defined distance in the particular direction that has an orientation that faces away from the scanning head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: DR. JOHANNES HEIDENHAIN GMBH
    Inventor: Wolfgang Holzapfel
  • Patent number: 9303980
    Abstract: A system for positioning a tool relative to a workpiece includes a movable table for accommodating a workpiece, and executing movements in two main moving directions during processing of the workpiece, one or more planar measuring standards provided in stationary fashion about the tool and extend in the plane of the main moving directions, and scanning heads, mounted in at least three corners of the table, for detecting the position of the table relative to the measuring standards. The position of the table is determinable by the scanning heads in six degrees of freedom. In at least one of the corners, one or more scanning heads having a total of at least three measuring axes is/are provided for 3-D position detection in three independent spatial directions. Sensitivity vectors of the measuring axes for the 3-D position detection are neither parallel to the X-Z plane nor parallel to the Y-Z plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: DR. JOHANNES HEIDENHAIN GMBH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Holzapfel, Jörg Drescher, Katie Dodds-Eden, Bernhard Musch
  • Patent number: 9303981
    Abstract: A position-measuring device includes a scale and a scanning unit movable relative thereto. The scale has a measuring graduation, a reference mark and area markings located on a first and on a second side of the reference mark which are configured to exert different deflection effects on a scanning beam incident thereon. An area signal detector is configured to detect, during optical scanning of the area markings, a fringe pattern in a detection plane of the area signal detector. A periodic screen grating is disposed between the scale and the area signal detector and is configured to produce the fringe pattern in the detection plane of the area signal detector such that at least two distinguishable scanning signals are generatable from the fringe pattern as a function of a position of the scanning unit relative to the reference mark.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: DR. JOHANNES HEIDENHAIN GMBH
    Inventors: Juergen Schoser, Wolfgang Holzapfel, Michael Hermann, Volker Hoefer
  • Patent number: 9291481
    Abstract: An optical position-measuring device is adapted to detect the position of an object in several spatial degrees of freedom. The object is disposed in a manner allowing it to move at least along a first direction of movement and along a second direction of movement. The position-measuring device includes at least one light source and at least one first and second measuring standard which are located on the object, extend along a first extension direction and a second extension direction and include graduation regions disposed periodically along the first and second extension directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: DR. JOHANNES HEIDENHAIN GMBH
    Inventors: Markus Meissner, Wolfgang Holzapfel
  • Patent number: 9273984
    Abstract: In a device and a method for transmitting data between a position-measuring device and sequential electronics via a data-transmission channel, the position-measuring device includes an interface unit and a processing unit, the interface unit being connected first of all to the data-transmission channel, and secondly, to the processing unit for the purpose of an internal data exchange with the aid of a request channel and a response channel. The interface unit includes a command interpreter by which, using conversion rules, commands which arrive via the data-transmission channel are convertible into internal requests and are able to be fed via the request channel to the processing unit, and response data which arrives from the processing unit via the response channel is convertible into output data. The interface unit further includes a rules memory for storing the conversion rules, which is at least partially modifiable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: DR. JOHANNES HEIDENHAIN GMBH
    Inventors: Alexander Kobler, Heik H. Hellmich, Michael Walter, Terukiyo Hayashi, Ruedi Schoppmann, Takeshi Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 9261873
    Abstract: In a method for positioning machine axes in machine tools, a numerical control converts setpoint positions of a tool, predefined in workpiece coordinates, into setpoint positions of machine axes based on a kinematic chain defined by a kinematic table. In this context, transformations of the coordinates are indicated in the kinematic table in a plurality of entries describing the kinematics of the machine tool, by specifying an axial direction and an associated transformation amount, respectively, per entry. For a machine axis having an error in a direction other than the respective axial direction, error transformation amounts dependent on the axial position are entered into the kinematic table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: DR. JOHANNES HEIDENHAIN GMBH
    Inventors: Johann Zacek, Ludwig Buchner
  • Patent number: 9212893
    Abstract: An absolute position-measuring device includes a first subassembly having a measuring standard on which at least one code track is disposed, and a scanning unit with which, by scanning the at least one code track in a measuring direction, position signals are able to be produced, from which an absolute digital position value is able to be generated. The position-measuring device includes a second subassembly having at least one peripheral unit adapted to perform an additional or auxiliary function of the position-measuring device. The first subassembly and the second subassembly are connected to each other by a plurality of electric lines for the transmission of electrical signals. The first subassembly exclusively includes components which are suitable for use in a radiation area of a machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: DR. JOHANNES HEIDENHAIN GMBH
    Inventors: Daniel Auer, Erwin Bratzdrum
  • Patent number: 9213499
    Abstract: A method for transferring data between a position-measuring device and an associated processing unit includes transferring first data having a first priority in successive cycles from the position-measuring device to the processing unit. The successive cycles are in each case initiated by a request command by the processing unit requesting the first data from the position-measuring device. Second data having a second, lower priority is transferred from the position-measuring device to the processing unit in at least a portion of the successive cycles with the first data. Types of the second data being transferred in a respective one of the successive cycles are variable. At least one particular type, of the types of the second data to be transferred, is assigned to individual cycles of the successive cycles using information stored in the position-measuring device without involvement of the processing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: DR. JOHANNES HEIDENHAIN GMBH
    Inventors: Bernhard Beaury, Alexander Kobler, Stephan Kreuzer, Markus Mooshammer, Michael Walter
  • Patent number: 9200893
    Abstract: In position-measuring devices and a systems having a plurality of position-measuring devices for determining the position of an object in several spatial degrees of freedom, the plurality of optical position-measuring devices scan the object from a single probing direction, and the probing direction coincides with one of the two main axes of motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: DR. JOHANNES HEIDENHAIN GMBH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Holzapfel, Joerg Drescher, Markus Meissner, Ralph Joerger, Bernhard Musch, Thomas Kaelberer
  • Patent number: 9200927
    Abstract: A position-measuring device includes a cylindrical object rotatable about a longitudinal axis and having a circumferential annular reflection measuring graduation. A stationary scanning unit is disposed opposite the cylindrical object and has a light source, a transmission grating and a detector. The scanning unit is configured to optically scan the reflection measuring graduation by beams of light emitted from the light source passing through the transmission grating and then striking the reflection measuring graduation, from where the beams of light are reflected back toward the detector, which is configured to generate rotation-dependent position signals. An optically effective perpendicular distance between the detector and the reflection measuring graduation is selected to be one of greater or less than an optically effective perpendicular distance between the transmission grating and the reflection measuring graduation depending on a radius of the cylindrical object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: DR. JOHANNES HEIDENHAIN GMBH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Holzapfel, Michael Hermann, Karsten Saendig
  • Patent number: 9188424
    Abstract: An interferometer includes a light source and a beam splitter, via which the beam of rays emitted by the light source is split into a measurement beam and a reference beam. The measurement beam propagates in a measuring arm extending in a first direction between the beam splitter and a measuring reflector. The measuring reflector brings about an offset perpendicular to the direction of incidence between the measurement beam falling on it and the measurement beam reflected back by it. In a reference arm extending in a second direction, the reference beam propagates between the beam splitter and a reference reflector. In addition, the interferometer has a detector system, to which the superposed and recombined measurement beam and reference beam are able to be supplied, and via which a distance-dependent interference signal with respect to the position of the measuring reflector is able to be generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: DR. JOHANNES HEIDENHAIN GMBH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Holzapfel, Joerg Drescher, Markus Meissner, Ralph Joerger, Bernhard Musch, Erwin Spanner, Thomas Kaelberer
  • Patent number: 9151593
    Abstract: In a system and a method for positioning a processing tool in relation to a workpiece, an object alignment mark and the workpiece are situated on a first object. In addition, a workpiece alignment mark is situated on the workpiece. The processing tool via which the object alignment mark is detectable is situated on a second object, which is disposed so as to be displaceable along at least one movement direction in relation to the first object. Furthermore, an alignment sensor is disposed thereon, with whose aid the object alignment mark and the workpiece alignment mark are detectable. In addition, a scannable measuring standard, which extends along the at least one movement direction, is disposed on the second object. At least two scanning units for scanning the measuring standard are situated on the first object in order to thereby determine the relative position between the first and the second object along the movement direction, the two scanning units having a defined offset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: DR. JOHANNES HEIDENHAIN GMBH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Holzapfel, Joerg Drescher, Markus Meissner, Ralph Joerger, Bernhard Musch, Thomas Kaelberer
  • Patent number: 9151598
    Abstract: A position measuring device includes a position detection unit, which may be used to process positional signals that result from scanning a code track by a scanning unit, into digital positional values, a first interface unit for the communication with a control unit via a data transmission channel, and a second interface unit for the communication with at least one peripheral unit. The first interface unit is a hard-wired interface, and the second interface unit is a wireless radio interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: DR. JOHANNES HEIDENHAIN GMBH
    Inventor: Marc Tiemann
  • Patent number: 9140580
    Abstract: An apparatus for angle measurement that includes a graduation carrier with a code track disposed concentrically to a center point of the graduation carrier. The apparatus includes a first scanning unit having a first interface and a second scanning unit having a second interface, wherein the first and second scanning units ascertain angle values of the graduation carrier by scanning the code track. The apparatus further includes a control unit having: 1) a device interface that is in communication with a follower electronics unit, 2) a control unit interface that is in communication with the first and second interfaces and 3) a processing unit. By which the processing unit, angle values of the first and second scanning units can be requested and processed into a corrected angle value, and the corrected angle value can be transmitted to the follower electronics unit via the device interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: DR. JOHANNES HEIDENHAIN GMBH
    Inventors: Steffen Bielski, Erich Strasser, Stephan Kreuzer, Alexander Kobler, Darko Perusin, Elmar Mayer
  • Patent number: 9127923
    Abstract: A probe system includes a probe head and a transceiver element. The probe head and the transceiver element are configured to allow a signal communication to be established between them, optionally in two modes, such that in the first mode, the transceiver element is able to transmit a signal, which is able to be received by the probe head, and in response to the received signal, the probe head is able to transmit an acknowledge signal. In the second mode, when a stylus is touched, a sensor element is able to generate a sensor signal, which is transmittable by the probe head and receivable by the transceiver element, and in response to the received sensor signal, the transceiver element is able to transmit an acknowledge signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: DR. JOHANNES HEIDENHAIN GMBH
    Inventor: Klaus Groell
  • Patent number: 9127922
    Abstract: A probe is configured such that an output current pulse is able to be delivered by the charge storage at defined intervals to a load. A mean power to be fed to the charge storage is ascertainable for a subsequent time interval, and the level of the mean input power, which is to be drawn by the voltage transformer from the power source, is specifiable as a function of the ascertained mean power. The voltage transformer is controllable accordingly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: DR. JOHANNES HEIDENHAIN GMBH
    Inventor: Klaus Groell
  • Patent number: 9127924
    Abstract: An interferometer includes a light source, beam splitter, measuring reflector, reference retroreflector, detector system, and two transparent plane plates. The beam splitter splits a first beam of rays, emitted by the light source, into at least one measuring beam and at least one reference beam, defining a first splitting plane. The measuring beam propagates in a measuring arm and the reference beam propagates in a reference arm until being recombined at a recombining location, which is oriented parallel to the first splitting plane. The measuring reflector is disposed in the measuring arm, and the reference retroreflector is disposed in the reference arm. The first and second transparent plane plates are disposed parallel to each other in the beam path between the light source and the detector system. The reference retroreflector is formed in the first plane plate and the beam splitter is disposed on the second plane plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: DR. JOHANNES HEIDENHAIN GMBH
    Inventors: Markus Meissner, Ralph Joerger, Jörg Drescher, Wolfgang Holzapfel