METHOD AND ARRANGEMENT FOR GUIDING A MACHINE PART ALONG A DEFINED MOVEMENT PATH OVER A WORKPIECE SURFACE

A machine part is guided along a defined movement path over a workpiece surface. The machine part is held at a defined distance from the workpiece surface during this movement. For that purpose, at least one distance sensor is provided that runs ahead of the machine part with a defined lead. A plurality of distance values indicative of a distance between the distance sensor and the workpiece surface are determined along the movement path. A plurality of control values are determined as a function of the distance values. The defined distance is repeatedly adjusted by means of the control values. In accordance with a first aspect, the distance values are determined at measurement points distributed with a first grid spacing along the movement path, while the control values are determined for actuating points distributed with a second grid spacing along the movement path, the first and the second grid spacings being different. According to a second aspect, the machine part has a linear range of activity on the workpiece surface, and the distance between the machine part and the workpiece surface is controlled by means of a distance control value and an angle control value, which are derived from distance values acquired from at least two distance sensors, which are laterally offset from one another.