Coupling element for receiving a probe tip in a probe measuring apparatus, screw insert for receiving a probe tip in a probe measuring apparatus, coupling assembly for a probe insert in a probe measuring apparatus, and probe measuring apparatus

Abstract

A coupling element for receiving a probe tip in a probe measuring apparatus has a journal at one end with a first connecting/coupling region. A screw insert has a first connecting/coupling region at one end with a recess, in particular for connecting to the coupling element 16. The journal of the coupling element forms, on an outer surface, or the recess of the screw insert forms, on an inner surface, multiple thread segments or respectively which do not adjoin one another in a radial circumferential direction. A probe measuring apparatus includes the coupling element, the screw insert, a coupling arm/measuring shaft, and a probe insert connected to the coupling arm by way of the coupling element and the screw insert.

Claims

1. A coupling element for receiving a probe tip in a probe measuring apparatus, the coupling element comprising: a journal having a first connecting and coupling region formed at an end thereof; and said journal having an outer surface formed with a plurality of thread segments which do not adjoin one another in a radial circumferential direction.

2. The coupling element according to claim 1, wherein each of said thread segments is formed by one or more depressions each forming a partial thread turn, and wherein pitch profiles are identical in all depressions that form said partial thread turns.

3. The coupling element according to claim 2, wherein the identical pitch profiles are in each case constant, or the identical pitch profiles change degressively.

4. The coupling element according to claim 2, wherein said depressions forming said partial thread turns do not form a common thread turn.

5. The coupling element according to claim 2, wherein gaps are formed between said partial thread turns of a thread segment.

6. The coupling element according to claim 1, wherein at least two or more of said thread segments are of identical form.

7. The coupling element according to claim 1, wherein three said thread segments are distributed uniformly in the radial circumferential direction on the outer surface of said journal.

8. The coupling element according to claim 1, wherein a recess which has an internal thread is provided in said first connecting and coupling region of said journal.

9. The coupling element according to claim 1, wherein said journal is a first journal and the coupling element further comprises a second journal having another end forming a second connecting and coupling region and being formed with a further recess.

10. The coupling element according to claim 1, further comprising a radially extending abutment surface for axial planar abutment.

11. The coupling element according to claim 1, which comprises a substantially cylindrical subsection, formed with an outwardly building bead formed on an outer surface thereof, running at least partially or fully in encircling fashion in a radial circumferential direction, for radial centering.

12. The coupling element according to claim 1, which comprises a subsection, having an outer circumference that is non-circular in cross section, is formed by regions that are situated radially further inside and radially further outside.

13. A coupling element for a probe tip of a probe measuring apparatus, the coupling element comprising: a journal having a first connecting and coupling region formed at an end thereof; and said journal having an outer surface and being formed with a multi-turn external thread on said outer surface.

14. A screw insert for receiving a probe tip in a probe measuring apparatus, the screw insert comprising: a first connecting and coupling region formed at one end and configured for connecting to a coupling element according to claim 1; said first connecting and coupling region having a recess with an inner surface and multiple thread segments formed on said inner surface that do not adjoin one another in a radial circumferential direction.

15. The screw insert according to claim 14, wherein each of said thread segments is formed by one or more depressions which form in each case a partial thread turn, and wherein pitch profiles are identical in all of said depressions that form said partial thread turns.

16. The screw insert according to claim 15, wherein the identical pitch profiles are in each case constant, or the identical pitch profiles change degressively.

17. The screw insert according to claim 15, wherein said depressions that form the partial thread turns do not form a common thread turn.

18. The screw insert according to claim 15, wherein gaps are formed between the partial thread turns of a thread segment.

19. The screw insert according to claim 14, wherein at least two or more of said thread segments are of identical form.

20. The screw insert according to claim 14, wherein three said thread segments are distributed uniformly in the radial circumferential direction on the inner surface of said recess.

21. The screw insert according to claim 14, which comprises a journal forming a second connecting and coupling region at another end, on the outer surface of which there is formed an external thread or a bore which, at the other end, forms a second connecting and coupling region and which has an inserted screw.

22. The screw insert according to claim 21, which comprises a cylindrical intermediate region between said first and second connecting and coupling regions.

23. The screw insert according to claim 14, which comprises a radially extending abutment surface for axial planar abutment.

24. The screw insert according to claim 14, which comprises a substantially cylindrical subsection for radial centering.

25. The screw insert according to claim 14, which comprises a radially resilient structure on an outer surface of the screw insert, in a region of said first connecting and coupling region.

26. A coupling assembly, comprising a coupling element according to claim 1 and a screw insert according to claim 14.

27. The coupling assembly according to claim 26, wherein the thread segments of the coupling element and the thread segments of the screw insert are mutually corresponding internal and external threads, respectively, that can be screwed to one another.

28. A probe measuring apparatus, comprising: a screw insert according to claim 14; a coupling arm and measuring shaft connected to said screw insert; said screw insert and said coupling arm and measuring shaft being screwed to one another or being formed as a single piece.

29. A probe measuring apparatus being a 3D probe, comprising: a coupling element according to claim 1; a screw insert according to claim 14; a coupling arm and measuring shaft; and a probe insert with a probe ball, a pin and a sleeve, said probe insert 8 being connected to said coupling arm and measuring shaft by way of said coupling element and by way of said screw insert connected to said coupling element.

30. The probe measuring apparatus according to claim 29, wherein the thread segments of said coupling element 16 and the thread segments of said screw insert are formed as corresponding internal and external threads configured to be screwed to one another.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

(1) FIG. 1 shows a probe lever with a probe insert, a coupling element, a screw insert and a coupling arm/measuring shaft of a probe measuring apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention;

(2) FIG. 2 shows three differently rotated views of a coupling element of a probe lever of a probe measuring apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention;

(3) FIG. 3 shows three differently rotated views of a screw insert of a probe lever of a probe measuring apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention;

(4) FIG. 4 shows a section of a probe lever with a probe insert, a coupling element, a screw insert and a coupling arm/measuring shaft of a probe measuring apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention;

(5) FIG. 5 shows a probe lever with a probe insert, a coupling element, a screw insert and a coupling arm/measuring shaft of a probe measuring apparatus according to a further embodiment of the invention;

(6) FIG. 6 shows three different views of a screw insert of a probe lever of a probe measuring apparatus according to a further embodiment of the invention;

(7) FIG. 7 shows a section in the case of a probe lever with coupling element, with bracing capability, of a probe measuring apparatus according to a yet further embodiment of the invention;

(8) FIG. 8 shows a section in the case of a probe lever with coupling element, with bracing capability, of a probe measuring apparatus according to a yet further embodiment of the invention;

(9) FIG. 9 shows a probe lever with a probe insert, a coupling element, a screw insert and a coupling arm/measuring shaft of a probe measuring apparatus according to a yet further embodiment of the invention;

(10) FIG. 10 shows a detail view of the coupling element, the screw insert and the coupling arm/measuring shaft of the probe measuring apparatus according to the yet further embodiment of the invention;

(11) FIG. 11 shows a section through the probe measuring apparatus, taken along the line F-F in FIG. 9, according to the yet further embodiment of the invention.

(12) Identical parts/components and respective functions are denoted by the same reference designations throughout the drawing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(13) The first portion of the following description relates to FIGS. 1-4 and pertains to a 3D probe insert/tip 8 with rotary coupling for a 3D probe 2.

(14) Expressions used here, such as axial and radial, are to be understood—unless explicitly defined otherwise—as being in relation to the measuring axis 82 of the 3D probe 2.

(15) The 3D probe 2 comprises a housing 4 (not illustrated in the figures) on which a probe lever 6 (cf. FIG. 1, FIG. 4) is guided displaceably in the direction of a measuring axis 82 defined by the housing 4.

(16) The probe lever 6 is, by means of a universal joint 86, in this case in the form of a ball joint 86, furthermore guided on the housing 4 so as to be pivotable in all directions about a pivot point situated on the measuring ax-is 82, and said probe lever is resiliently preloaded by a resetting spring (not illustrated in the figures).

(17) The probe lever 6 has, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, a probe insert/probe tip 8 which projects out of the housing and the free probe end of which, formed by a probe ball 10, defines a probe reference point which lies on the measuring axis 82 when the probe lever 6 is in the rest position.

(18) As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 4, the probe lever 6 furthermore comprises a coupling arm 80 which—in relation to the pivot point—projects, oppositely to the probe insert 8 or oppositely to the direction 84 to the probe tip 8, into a circular cylindrical guide opening, which is central in relation to the measuring axis 82, of the housing 4 (not illustrated in the figures).

(19) By means of a coupling assembly 216, which has a coupling element 16 (cf. FIG. 2) and a screw insert 116 (cf. FIG. 3) connected to the coupling element 16, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 4, the probe insert 8, which aside from the probe ball 10 has a (steel) pin 12, which receives the probe ball 10 by means of a welded connection, and a (ceramic) sleeve 14, which is in turn connected to the pin 12, is screwed to the coupling arm 80.

(20) For this purpose, as described in more detail in conjunction with FIG. 2, the (installed) coupling element 16 (then) provides, at its end pointing in the direction 84 of the probe tip 8, a recess (26b) in the form of an axial bore which is open at one side (at the end side) and which serves for receiving the sleeve 14 of the probe insert 8.

(21) As shown in FIG. 2 (in views 2-1, 2-2, 2-3, detail view of the coupling element 16), the coupling element 16 has, at one end, a journal (24a) which forms a first connecting/coupling region 18.

(22) This journal (24a) forms, on an outer surface 60, multiple, in this case three, thread segments 28 which do not adjoin one another in a radial circumferential direction 62 and which are arranged so as to be distributed uniformly in a radial circumferential direction 62 and which are identical in themselves and which are in the form of external thread components 30, the partial thread turns 30 of which all have the same, slightly degressive pitch profile 68 or, for short, the same slightly degressive pitch 68.

(23) That is to say that, as shown in FIG. 2, in a radial circumferential direction 62, between the three thread segments 28 (on the outer journal surface 60 in the case of the coupling element 16), there are formed three thread-free regions or thread-free sections, which are thus likewise arranged so as to be distributed uniformly in a radial circumferential direction 62 (so as to alternate with the thread segments 28), and which are hereinafter referred to for short and for simplicity as discontinuities 32 and which are in this case in the form of smooth partial cylinder surfaces/shells.

(24) Here, as can also be seen from FIG. 2, the three discontinuities 32 are, in a radial circumferential direction 62, in each case somewhat longer than the three thread segments 28—and, as is also illustrated in FIG. 2, are formed so as to be situated radially further to the in-side, or radially set back, in relation to the thread segments 28.

(25) Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 2, the journal (24a), which bears the external thread components 30, of the coupling element 16 has an axial recess (26a), in the form of an axial bore which is open at one side (at the end side) and in which an internal thread 34 is provided.

(26) Furthermore, as illustrated in FIG. 2, a further journal 24b, which forms a second connecting/coupling region 20, is provided on the coupling element 16—there at the other end of the journal (24a) that bears the thread segments 28 or the external thread components 30.

(27) Said further journal 24b also provides a recess (26b) in the form of an axial bore which is open at one side (at the end side) and which serves (as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4) for receiving the sleeve 14 of the probe insert 8. That is to say, the sleeve 14 of the probe insert 8 is adhesively bonded in this recess (26b).

(28) Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 2, on the coupling element 16, a radially extending abutment surface 36 which is directed in the direction of the journal (24a) that bears the thread segments 28 or the external thread components 30 is provided—on a radially outwardly extending flange-like projection 42—for axial planar abutment against a counterpart surface 44 on the coupling arm 80 (also referred to for short merely as planar abutment).

(29) As is also shown in FIG. 2, the flange-like projection 42 provides, on its outer circumferential surface, a fluting 46 in order that it can be more easily gripped. A corresponding fluting 48 is also formed on the outer circumference of the further journal 24b (there also in order that it can be more easily gripped).

(30) Furthermore, the coupling element 16 provides—axially between the journal (24a), which bears the thread segments 28 and the external thread components 30, and the flange-like projection 42 that provides the planar abutment—a substantially cylindrical subsection 38, on the outer sur-face of which there is formed a radially outwardly bulged bead 40 which runs in encircling fashion in a radial circumferential direction and which serves for radial centering of the coupling element 16 in the coupling arm 80 (cf. FIGS. 1 and 4) (also referred to for short merely as centering).

(31) FIG. 3 shows the screw insert 116 in detail. As shown in FIG. 3, the screw insert 116 likewise provides, at one end, a first connecting/coupling region 118.

(32) This first connecting/coupling region 118 has an axial recess 124, in the form of an axial bore which is open at one side (at the end side) and on the inner surface 70 of which there are formed multiple, in this case three, thread segments 126 which do not adjoin one another in a radial circumferential direction 62 and which are arranged so as to be distributed uniformly in a radial circumferential direction 62 and which are identical in themselves and which are in the form of internal thread components 128, the partial thread turns 128 of which all have the same, slightly degressive pitch profile 68 or, for short, the same slightly degressive pitch 68.

(33) That is to say that, as shown in FIG. 3, in a radial circumferential direction 62, between the three thread segments 126 (on the inner recess surface 70 in the case of the screw insert 116), there are formed three thread-free regions or thread-free sections, which are thus like-wise arranged so as to be distributed uniformly in a radial circumferential direction 62 (so as to alternate with the thread segments 126), and which are hereinafter again referred to for short and for simplicity as discontinuities 130 and which are in this case in the form of smooth partial cylinder surfaces/shells.

(34) Here, as can also be seen from FIG. 3, the three discontinuities 130 are, in a radial circumferential direction 62, in each case somewhat longer than the three thread segments 126—and, as is also illustrated in FIG. 3, are situated radially further to the outside, or radially set back, in relation to the thread segments 126.

(35) In short, the first connecting/coupling region 118 of the screw insert 116 is formed as a complementary, couplable counterpart/counter-element in relation to the first connecting/coupling region 18 of the coupling element 16—or—the recess 124, which bears the thread segments 126—of the screw insert 116 is formed as a complementary, couplable counterpart/counter-element in relation to the journal (24a), which bears the thread segments 28, of the coupling element 16.

(36) By means of these complementary elements, it is possible, as will be described, for the coupling element 16 and the screw insert 116 to be connected to one another easily and quickly—by rotary coupling.

(37) Furthermore, as illustrated in FIG. 3, a journal 122, which forms a second connecting/coupling region 120, is provided on the screw insert 116—there at the other end of the recess 124 that bears the thread segments 126 or the internal thread components 128.

(38) On the outer surface 140 of the journal 122, there is pro-vided an external thread 134 by means of which the screw insert 116 can be screwed into the coupling arm 80 (into an internal thread 88 thereof) (cf. FIGS. 1 and 4).

(39) Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 3 (and illustrated in FIG. 4),—similarly to the coupling element 16—on the screw insert 116, there is provided—on a radially outwardly extending flange-like projection 142—a radially extending abutment surface 136 which is directed in the direction of the journal 122 that bears the external thread 134, which abutment surface serves for axial abutment against a counterpart surface 144 on the coupling arm 80.

(40) Furthermore, the screw insert 116 provides—axially be-tween the journal 122 that bears the external thread 134 and the flange-like projection 142 that provides the abutment—a substantially cylindrical subsection 138 for ra-dial centering in the coupling arm 80.

(41) As is also shown in FIG. 3, the screw insert 116 furthermore also has a reduced-diameter, substantially cylindrical intermediate region 132—axially between the first and the second connecting/coupling region 118, 120 or axially between the flange-like projection 142 and the first connecting/coupling region 118 of the screw insert 116—, whereby the screw insert 116 can have a certain flexibility in order to be able to compensate possibly occurring tolerances.

(42) The installation of the probe insert 8 may be performed in the screw insert 116 that is screwed into the coupling arm 80.

(43) For this purpose, the screw insert 116 can be screwed by way of the external thread 134, provided on the outer journal surface 140, into the coupling arm 80 (into an in-ternal thread 88 thereof) (cf. FIGS. 1 and 4).

(44) For the fixing of the probe insert 8, which is connected by way of its sleeve 14 to the coupling element 16, to/on the coupling arm 80 (cf. FIGS. 1 and 4), the journal (24a), which has the thread segments 28 with the external thread components 30, of the coupling element 16 is then axially introduced/pushed into the recess 124, which has the thread segments 126 with the internal thread components 128, of the screw insert 116 (specifically until the axial planar abutment surface 36 abuts against the counterpart surface 44 of the coupling arm 80), wherein the thread segments 28 of the coupling element 16 plunge into the discontinuities 130 of the screw insert 116 (or vice versa (32/126),—and are then braced by “relative rotation” (here, it is then the case that the external and in-ternal thread components 30, 128 of the thread segments 28, 126 engage into one another)—and thus coupled or held/fixed (rotary coupling).

(45) This push-turn sequence—that is to be performed during the installation of the probe insert 8 into the 3D probe 2—or the rotary coupling of coupling element 16 and screw insert 116 does not require any laborious screw connection operation such as is required in the case of the 3D probe from WO 02/103282 A1—with its centering element and threaded rod—and thus allows an easy and quick exchange or quick and easy installation of the probe insert 8 in the 3D probe 2.

(46) The following description, which relates specifically to FIGS. 5-6 pertains to a 3D probe insert/tip 8 with rotary coupling for a 3D probe 2 with screw insert 116 as “clip.”

(47) Again, expressions used here, such as axial and radial, are to be understood—unless explicitly defined otherwise—as being in relation to the measuring axis 82 of the 3D probe 2.

(48) FIG. 5 shows a probe lever 6 of a 3D probe 2 with a probe insert 8, a coupling element 16, a coupling arm/measuring shaft 80 and an—alternative—screw insert 116.

(49) FIG. 6 (in the three differently rotated views) shows this alternative screw insert 116 in detail.

(50) The probe insert 8 and the coupling element 16 are of identical form in relation to the embodiment described above (according to FIGS. 1 to 4); the coupling arm/measuring shaft 80 and the screw insert 116 also substantially correspond to the above-described embodiment, in particular as regards the rotary coupling of coupling element 16 and screw insert 116.

(51) The embodiment of the probe lever described below (according to FIGS. 5 to 6) has differences—in relation to the above-described probe lever 6 (according to FIGS. 1 to 4)—“only” with regard to the retention of the screw insert 16 in the coupling arm/measuring shaft 80.

(52) Owing to the substantial correspondence of the two embodiments, the description of identical elements in both embodiments will be omitted for the sake of simplicity here (below)—and, in this regard, reference will be made to the statements relating to the embodiment described above. In particular, identical parts/components and functions are denoted by the same reference designations in the drawing figures.

(53) As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the alternative screw insert 116 provides a radially resilient structure 148 on the outer surface 146 of the screw insert 116, which structure is formed there in the region of the first connecting/coupling region 118.

(54) Here, as illustrated in FIG. 6 in particular, said axially resilient structure 148 is formed by means of—in this case three—spring clamp elements 150 (“clip”).

(55) As is also then shown in FIG. 5, on the inner surface 92 of the recess 90 in the coupling arm/measuring shaft 80, in which recess the screw insert 116 is received, there is formed a (detent engagement) structure 94—in this case in the form of a radially encircling groove 96 on the inner surface 92 of the recess 90 in the coupling arm/measuring shaft 80—in which groove 96 said radially resilient structure 148 or the spring clamp elements 150 can engage with detent action.

(56) By means of these simple structural elements—of radially resilient structure 148 or spring clamp elements 150 of the screw insert 116 and (detent engagement) structure 94 or groove 96 of the coupling arm/measuring shaft 80—it is thus possible for the screw insert 116 to be received and held securely in the coupling arm/measuring shaft 80 in a simple manner.

(57) The following description relates specifically to FIGS. 7-8 and pertains to a 3D probe insert/tip 8 with coupling elements 16 braced in the coupling arm/measuring shaft 80.

(58) Once more, expressions used here, such as axial and radial, are to be understood—unless explicitly defined otherwise—as being in relation to the measuring axis 82 of the 3D probe 2.

(59) FIGS. 7 and 8 show—in sectional illustrations—embodiments of above-described coupling elements 16 (received in the coupling arm/measuring shaft 80) which furthermore provide bracing by means of their surfaces in the coupling arm/measuring shaft 80 or in the recess 90 of the coupling arm/measuring shaft 80 (said coupling elements 16, like the coupling arms/measuring shafts 80 that receive them, may be or are otherwise designed in accordance with the embodiments described above).

(60) For this purpose, as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, such coupling elements 16 have a subsection 38, the outer circumference of which is of non-circular cross section. This non-circular con Figuration is, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 (in both cases), formed by regions 50, 52 situated radially further to the inside and radially further to the out-side.

(61) This “non-circular” subregion 38 is in this case arranged on the respective coupling element (as per FIG. 7 and FIG. 8) between the planar abutment 36 and the journal (24a) which forms the first connecting/coupling region 18 (cf. for example FIG. 2).

(62) FIG. 7 shows a coupling element 16 in the case of which—to form the non-circularity or the regions 50, 52 situated radially further to the inside and radially further to the outside—the outer circumference of the subregion 38 has, in cross section, three circular arcs 54 which are connected to one another and which are “relatively flat”, that is to say whose radii of curvature are greater than half of the circle diameter.

(63) FIG. 8 shows a similar coupling element 16, in the case of which the outer circumference of the subregion 38 in cross section connects three circular arcs 54 (of a common circle, that is to say with equal radius) via straight chords 56 respectively situated in between.

(64) Correspondingly to these “non-circular” subregions 38 of the coupling elements 16, correspondingly complementary “non-circular” structures are formed on the inner surfaces 92 of the recesses 90 in the coupling arms/measuring shafts 80. That is to say that, in that case, too, these have regions 50, 52 situated radially further to the in-side and radially further to the outside.

(65) FIG. 7 shows a coupling arm/measuring shaft 80, the recess 90 of which has, on the inner surface 92 thereof in cross section—in somewhat larger form (in relation to the subregion 38 of the coupling element 16)—three interconnected “relatively flat” circular arcs 54 (, such that—in the case of a “concentric” arrangement/orientation of coupling arm/measuring shaft 80 and coupling element 16—a degree of play (required for the relative rotation (bracing) forms/can form between coupling arm/measuring shaft 80 and coupling element 16).

(66) FIG. 8 shows a coupling arm/measuring shaft 80, the recess 90 of which has, on its inner surface 92 in cross section, three interconnected circular arcs 54—three ra-dii of identical circles with offset central points (starting points of the circular arcs 54 marked by circles K).

(67) In both cases according to FIGS. 7 and 8, it is thus the case that regions 50, 52 situated radially further to the inside and radially further to the outside form—on the outer surface of the subsection 38 of the respective coupling element 16 and on the inner surface 92 of the recess 90 of the respective coupling arm/measuring shaft 80.

(68) It is thus then possible, if the coupling element 16 is to be received in the coupling arm/measuring shaft 80, for said coupling element to be pushed into the recess 90 thereof and then rotated—relative to the coupling arm/measuring shaft 80. Here, if the regions 50, 52, situated radially further to the outside, of the coupling element 16 or in/of the subsection 38 of the coupling element 16 abut against the regions 50, 52, situated radially further to the inside, of the coupling arm/measuring shaft 80 or in the recess 90 of the coupling arm/measuring shaft 80 or on the inner surface 92 of the recess 90 of the coupling arm/measuring shaft 80, then the coupling element 16 and the coupling arm/measuring shaft 80 are braced relative to one another.

(69) The following description refers specifically to FIGS. 9-11 and pertains to a 3D probe insert/tip 8 with rotary coupling for a 3D probe 2.

(70) Needless to say, expressions used here, such as axial and radial, are to be understood—unless explicitly defined otherwise—as being in relation to the measuring axis 82 of the 3D probe 2.

(71) FIG. 9 shows a probe lever 6 of a 3D probe 2 with a probe insert 8, a coupling element 16, a,—alternative (slightly modified)—coupling arm/measuring shaft 80 and an—alternative (slightly modified)—screw insert 116.

(72) FIG. 10 shows a detail of said 3D probe 2 with alternative screw insert 116.

(73) FIG. 11 shows a section—along the section line denoted by F-F in FIG. 9 in the case of said 3D probe 2 with alternative screw insert 116.

(74) The probe insert 8 and the coupling element 16 are of identical form in relation to the embodiment described above (according to FIGS. 1 to 4); the coupling arm/measuring shaft 80 and the screw insert 116 also substantially correspond to the above-described embodiment, in particular as regards the rotary coupling of coupling element 16 and screw insert 116 (thread segments 28, 126 (cf. FIGS. 2 and 3).

(75) The embodiment of the probe lever 6 described below (according to FIGS. 9 to 11) has differences—in relation to the above-described probe lever 6 (according to FIGS. 1 to 4)—“only” with regard to the retention of the screw insert 16 in the coupling arm/measuring shaft 80 and the axial planar abutment of the axial planar abutment surface 36 of the coupling element 16.

(76) Owing to the substantial correspondence of the two embodiments, the description of identical elements in both embodiments will be omitted for the sake of simplicity here (below)—and, in this regard, reference will be made to the statements relating to the embodiment described above (as per FIGS. 1 to 4). In particular, identical parts/components and functions are denoted by the same reference designations in the drawing figures.

(77) As shown in particular in FIGS. 9 and 10, the alternative screw insert 116 provides on the screw insert 116—there at the other end of the recess 124 that bears the thread segments 126 or the internal thread components 128—a bore 152 which forms the second connecting/coupling region 120 and which has an inserted (hexagonal socket) screw 122.

(78) By means of this (hexagonal socket) screw 122—and its external thread 134—the screw insert 116 is screwed into the coupling arm 80 (into the internal thread 88 thereof) (cf. FIGS. 9 and 10).

(79) Furthermore, as is also shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the end at the other side of the screw insert 116, which end has the bore 152 and the screw 122, forms a radially extending abutment surface 136 for the axial abutment against the counterpart surface 144 on the coupling arm 80.

(80) Furthermore, here, the screw insert 116 provides a substantially cylindrical subsection 138 for radial centering in the coupling arm 80.

(81) As is also illustrated by FIGS. 9 and 10, the radially extending abutment surface 36, which is directed in the direction of the journal (24a) that bears the thread segments 28 or the external thread components 30, of the radially outwardly extending flange-like projection 42 of the coupling element 16 is supported here on a counterpart surface 44 on the screw insert 116 (planar abutment—see above) (cf. according to the embodiment as per FIGS. 1 to 4, this planar abutment 36/44 took place between coupling element 16 and coupling arm 80).

(82) (Further) planar abutment between screw insert 116 and coupling arm 80 then takes place, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, via a planar abutment surface 156 on the screw insert 116 and a counterpart surface 154 on the coupling arm 80.

(83) In short, and in descriptive terms, where, according to the embodiment of the probe lever 6 as per FIGS. 1 to 4, the planar abutment takes place by means of a flange-like structure 158—provided integrally on the coupling arm 80—between coupling element 16 and coupling arm 80 (cf. planar abutment 44/36 as per FIG. 4), it is the case in the embodiment of the probe lever 6 as per FIGS. 9 to 11 that this flange-like structure 158 is formed integrally on the screw insert 116, whereby, firstly, first planar abutment 44/36 occurs between coupling element 16 and screw insert 116 and, secondly, second planar abutment 154/156 occurs between screw insert 116 and coupling arm 80.

(84) Here, too, it is thus possible by means of these simple structural elements on the screw insert 116 for the screw insert 116 to be received and held securely in the coupling arm/measuring shaft 80 in a simple manner.

(85) Regardless of above-described exemplary embodiments, in particular those according to FIGS. 1 to 4, FIGS. 7 to 8 and FIGS. 9 to 11, respectively, elements of an exemplary embodiment may be combined with elements of another exemplary embodiment.

(86) For example, the screw insert 116 with separate screw 122 (as per the embodiment according to FIGS. 9 to 11) and abutment surfaces 44/36 (as per the embodiment according to FIG. 4) may be combined with one another in the case of a further probe lever 6 of a 3D probe 2.

(87) In the case of this combined embodiment, the screw insert 116 may also wobble somewhat if the screw 112 is not fully tightened, such that the centering of the coupling arm 116 is not influenced.

(88) Although the invention has been illustrated and described in more detail using the preferred exemplary embodiments, the invention is not restricted by the disclosed examples and other variations can be derived therefrom without de-parting from the scope of protection of the invention.

(89) The following is a summary list of reference numerals and the corresponding structure used in the above description of the invention: 2 Probe measuring apparatus, 3D probe 4 Housing 6 Probe lever, probe arm 8 Probe insert, probe tip 10 Probe ball (probe reference point) (welded to steel pin 12) 12 (Steel) pin (adhesively bonded in ceramic sleeve 14) 14 (Ceramic) sleeve (screwed and adhesively bonded in coupling element 16) 16 Coupling element (for quick-action coupling probe insert 8—coupling arm/measuring shaft 80, coupled to screw insert 36) 18 First connecting/coupling region, first screw region (coupling to screw insert 116) 20 Second connecting/coupling region, second screw region (connection to probe insert/probe tip 8 or ceramic sleeve 14) (24a) (Threaded) journal (at one end) (thread segments 28 thereon) 24b Further (threaded) journal (at the other end) (with recess (26b) for sleeve 14) (26a) Further recess (in the first connecting region 18 for internal thread 34 for screw connection to previous threaded rod) (26b) Recess (in the second connecting region 20 for sleeve 14) 28 Thread segment (on the journal (24a) for (quick-action) coupling to screw insert 36) 30 Depression, partial thread turn, external thread com-ponent (in the thread segment 28) 32 Discontinuity, recess (between thread segments 28) 34 Internal thread (in recess (26a) in the journal (24a) for screw connection to previous threaded rod) 36 Abutment surface for axial planar abutment (axial planar abutment surface) 38 Substantially cylindrical subsection (for radial centering) 40 Bead 42 Flange-like projection (with planar abutment) 44 Counterpart surface (on coupling arm 80/on screw insert 116 for planar abutment surface 36) 46 Fluting 48 Fluting 50 Region (of the non-circular structure) situated radially further to the inside 52 Region (of the non-circular structure) situated radially further to the outside 54 Circular arc 56 Chord 60 Outer surface (of the journal (24a) 62 Radial circumferential direction 68 Pitch profile 70 Inner surface (in recess 124) 80 Coupling arm, measuring shaft 82 Measuring axis 84 Direction of probe tip 86 Universal/ball joint 88 Internal thread 90 Recess (in the coupling arm 80 for coupling element 16 and screw insert 116) 92 Inner surface (in recess 90 (with non-circular structure) 94 (Detent engagement) structure 96 Radially encircling groove 116 Screw insert (for quick-action coupling probe insert 8—coupling arm/measuring shaft 80, coupled to coupling element 16) 118 First connecting/coupling region, first screw region (coupling to coupling element 16) 120 Second connecting/coupling region, second screw region (connection to coupling arm/measuring shaft 80) External thread (for screw connection to coupling arm/measuring shaft 80) 122 (Threaded) journal or screw (with external thread 134 for screw connection to/in the coupling arm/measuring shaft 80) 124 Recess (at/in the first connecting region 118 for thread segments 126) 126 Thread segment (for (quick-action) coupling to coupling element 16) 128 Depression, partial thread turn, internal thread com-ponent (in the thread segment 126) 130 Discontinuity, recess (between thread segments 126) 132 Reduced-diameter intermediate region (between the first and the second connecting/coupling region 118, 120 (flexibility) 134 External thread 136 Abutment surface for axial abutment (axial abutment surface) 138 Substantially cylindrical subsection (for radial centering) 140 Outer surface (of the journal 122 or of the screw 122) 142 Flange-like projection (with abutment), abutment 144 Counterpart surface (on the coupling arm 80 for abutment surface 136) 146 Outer surface of the screw insert 116 in the region of the first connecting/coupling region 148 Radially resilient structure 150 Spring clamp elements 152 Bore 154 Counterpart surface (on the coupling arm 80 for planar abutment surface 156) 156 Abutment surface (on screw insert 116 for axial planar abutment (axial planar abutment surface) 216 Coupling assembly, rotary coupling F-F Section