Abstract: A manual three dimensional coordinate measuring machine has a probe manually movable along three orthogonal coordinate axes, X, Y and Z, and a Z axis member supporting the probe. The size and shape of a workpiece is determined by displacements along the three axes from a predetermined origin when the probe contacts the workpiece. The manual coordinate measuring machine further includes a slide ring positioned at the bottom side of the Z axis member and at least one elastic member. The slide ring is movable in an arbitrary direction relative to the Z axis and along the Z axis. The slide ring is held at a predetermined position in the plane and along the Z axis by the at least one elastic member. The at least one elastic member allows the slide ring to move in the plane or along the Z axis by elastic deformation of the at least one elastic member in response to a force which is larger than a predetermined value.

Abstract: In a coordinate measuring machine, a Y-axis guide section is formed at one lateral end of a table for placing a work and consisting of a first lower flat guide surface formed in parallel to the upper surface of the table and two parallel vertical guide surfaces formed respectively on the opposite sides of the first lower flat guide surface, both extend in the direction of movement of a measuring member support body. A second lower flat guide surface is formed at the other lateral end of the table in parallel to the upper surface of the table. Vertical position of the measuring member support body relative to the table on the side of the Y-axis guide section is regulated by using the upper surface of the table and the first lower flat surface. Horizontal position of the measuring member support body relative to the table is regulated by using the two parallel vertical guide surfaces.