WO2009077223A1 - Locating device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a locating device (10), particularly a hand-held locating device (10), for the detection of objects enclosed in at least one medium, wherein the locating device (10) has a housing (12), wherein at least one illumination means (44) is provided in and/or on the housing (12) such that objects disposed outside the housing (12) can be illuminated by light emitted therefrom such that an operator of the locating device may better recognize them.

Description

 title

tracking device

The present invention relates to a locating device, in particular a hand-held locating device, for detecting objects enclosed in at least one medium according to the preamble of claim 1.

State of the art

Locators for detecting objects trapped in a medium are widely used in the craft and interior design industries, such as locating electrical leads, pipes, metal objects, or wooden beams in walls, ceilings, and floors. With such locating devices, different types of devices can be distinguished on the basis of the detection method used, such as, for example, inductive devices, active and passive capacitive devices, high-frequency detector devices, radar-pulse transmitting devices or the like. Since the detection method is not decisive for the present invention, a more detailed explanation of the mentioned detection methods is dispensed with.

In order to display the determined measurement result to an operator, some locating devices have an LC display. Other locators, on the other hand, include LEDs, from whose signal strength a measurement result can be read, or LEDs in different colors, such as red and green, to indicate whether an object is present or not. While LED displays are usually easy to read even in dark or low light conditions, LC displays are only effective if they are equipped with a display illumination are provided. The latter, however, is rarely the case.

But not only because of the readability of the display, handling the known locating devices in the dark may be problematic, but also due to the fact that the media, such as walls, floors, ceilings or the like, in which trapped objects are to be detected, in the dark only are difficult to recognize.

Based on this prior art, it is an object of the present invention to provide a tracking device with an alternative structure. In particular, the locating device according to the invention is intended to improve the handling thereof in the dark or in poor light conditions.

Disclosure of the invention

To achieve this object, the present invention provides a locating device, in particular a hand-held locating device, for detecting objects enclosed in at least one medium, the locating device having a housing. According to the invention, at least one light source is provided in and / or on the housing in such a way that objects arranged outside the housing can be illuminated with light emitted by the latter such that an operator of the locating device can better recognize them.

In other words, the locating device according to the invention has at least one illuminating means for illuminating the external environment in order to facilitate handling of the locating device in poor visibility conditions for the operator. The at least one luminous means is advantageously independent of the detection function of the locating device. According to one embodiment of the present invention, at least one light-emitting means is aligned in such a way that the light emitted by the light source illuminates at least one area of the at least one medium when the locating device is operated as intended. Accordingly, a wall, a floor, a ceiling or the like, in which trapped objects are to be detected, can be illuminated during operation of the locating device, so that the operator can better see the medium. As a result, the implementation of the detection in low light conditions is much easier.

According to a further embodiment of the present invention, at least one light-emitting means is oriented such that the light emitted by the light-emitting means is emitted, when the locating device is operated as intended, in a direction which is different from that of the medium. In other words, a light source designed in this way does not serve for illuminating the medium but rather as a simple luminaire or flashlight, with which the environment can be illuminated.

Of course, both a light source with the one orientation and a light source with the other orientation in or on the housing can be arranged. It should be clear that in each case a plurality of bulbs can be provided. Furthermore, various types of lighting can be used, such as LEDs, light bulbs or the like. In addition, the bulbs can have different colors, such as white, red, blue, etc.

In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention, at least one light source between a first orientation, in which the light emitted by the light source illuminates at least one region of the at least one medium when the locating device is operated properly, and a second orientation, in which the light from the light source emitted light is emitted in accordance with the operation of the locating device in a direction that is different from that of the medium, movably arranged. In other words, at least one light-emitting means or a group of light-emitting means is provided, which can be moved between two orientations and, in particular, can be pivoted.

Preferably, the housing has at least one opening through which light emitted by a luminous means can emerge. Alternatively, the housing may be at least partially made of a transparent material through which light emitted by a light source can pass. The transparent material may be at least partially colored.

According to a variant of the present invention, the locating device is set up in such a way that at least one light source is switched on and / or off in response to a signal for a light-sensitive sensor. For example, the photosensitive sensor can be adjusted in such a way that the at least one luminous means is switched on automatically in low light conditions.

According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the locating device is set up such that at least one lighting means is switched on and / or off depending on an operating mode. For example, the locating device can be set up in such a way that at least one light source is switched on when the locating device is placed in the operating mode in which a measurement can be carried out.

For switching on and / or off at least one light source, the locating device may also have at least one switch. For example, the at least one switch may be an on and / or off switch of the locating device. In this case, the at least one light source will turn on the locating device switched on. Also, the at least one switch can be designed such that several functions with this on and / or off. Thus, for example, a switch may be provided which switches the locating device on or off with a short operation and, on long operation, switches on or off the at least one illuminant. The locating device may also have at least two switches which are set up such that a combined actuation of both switches switches on and / or off at least one lighting means. By such multiple assignments of switches, the number of switches provided on the locating device can be reduced.

The locating device is preferably set up such that it can be operated in different operating modes, for example different modes for detecting objects made of different materials.

Furthermore, the locating device according to the invention can be set up such that a switching on of at least one light source is possible only in a specific operating mode or only in certain of the operating modes.

Advantageously, the locating device is set up in such a way that it is possible to switch on at least one lighting means only during handling of the locating device. In this way it is prevented that the light source is switched on during a non-use of the locating device and thus unnecessarily consumes energy. In this regard, the locating device may have a sensor, in particular a motion detector or the like, which detects the handling of the locating device.

Preferably, the location device is further configured such that at least one light source automatically switches off after a predetermined or predefinable period of time. Was the at least one bulb accidentally turned on or was accidentally forgetting to turn this off, so the switching off of the lamp takes place automatically after the expiry of the corresponding period of time. In this regard, the locator may have a timer, a delay or the like.

Finally, the locating device is preferably set up such that the intensity, color or blinking frequency of the light emitted by the at least one light source can be changed. Such a change can be either automatic or controlled by the user.

Further advantages and features of the locating device according to the invention will become apparent from the following description and the accompanying description.

embodiment

Hereinafter, an embodiment of a locating device according to the invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawing is:

Fig. 1 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of the locating device according to the invention;

FIG. 2 shows a rear view of the locating device shown in FIG. 1 in a state in which illuminants are in a first orientation; FIG. and

Fig. 3 is a rear view of the locating device shown in Fig. 1 in a state in which illuminants are in a second orientation.

1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a locating device 10 according to the invention. This locating device 10 serves to detect objects enclosed in at least one medium, such as pipes, pipes, metal objects, wooden beams or the like, which are arranged in walls, ceilings and floors. The locating device 10 has a housing 12, which is formed from an upper half-shell 14 and a lower half-shell 16. In the housing, the (not shown) electronic components are arranged, which are required to carry out the detection. These electronic components are not explained in detail, since they are immaterial to the present invention. The locating device 10 further comprises a display 18, such as an LC display, and a plurality of operating elements 20 in the form of switches, which allow the locating device 10 to be handled by the operator.

In the area below the control panel 22, the locating device 10 has a region 24, which is formed in its shape and material design as a handle 26 for guiding the locating device 10 according to the invention. By means of this handle 26, the locating device 10 is guided with its underside 28 over a surface of a medium to be examined.

On the handle 26 opposite side 30 of the locating device 10, a housing 12 penetrating opening 32 is provided. The opening 32 is formed by a sleeve 34 inserted into the housing 12 and by the top and bottom of the housing 12. The opening 32 is arranged concentrically with respect to a non-exposed coil of the inductive sensor of the locating device 10. In this way, the location of the opening 32 in the locating device 10 corresponds to the center of the locating detector, so that the user is also simultaneously displayed the exact position of a possibly detected object. In addition, the locating device 10 additionally on its upper side marking lines 36, through which the exact center of the opening 32 and thus the position of an enclosed object can be located. In the application, the locating device 10 according to the invention is guided with its underside 30 along the surface of a medium to be examined. If an object arranged in the medium is localized, this is brought to the attention of the user via the display 18.

As can be seen in particular in FIGS. 2 and 3, which respectively show bottom views of the locating device 10 shown in FIG. 1 in different states, the locating device 10 is in the upper region of its underside 28 and in the region of its upper end side 38 of a transparent Material 40 formed, which can be optionally colored. Below the transparent material 40, a circuit board 42 is provided in the housing 12, on which a plurality of lighting means 44 is arranged, which are LEDs. The lighting means 44 are aligned in the state shown in Fig. 2 such that they emit light in the direction of the transparent material 40 perpendicular to the sheet plane. In this orientation, when the locating device 10 is guided with the rear side 28 along a surface of a medium, the illuminants 44 illuminate the medium so that it is well illuminated. In this way, the handling of the locator 10 is improved during the detection of objects enclosed in a medium in poor visibility conditions.

The board 42, to which the bulbs 44 are attached, is pivotally held in the interior of the housing 12 and can be pivoted from the position shown in Fig. 2 by a rotation of 90 ° in the position shown in Fig. 3. As a result of this pivoting movement, the alignment of the lighting means 44 is changed such that they now emit light through the transparent material 40 in the direction of the upper end face 38 of the locating device 10. Such an orientation is advantageous on account of the shape of the locating device 10 when the light-emitting means 44 are not used for illuminating a medium but generally as a light or Flashlight should be used. The orientation of the light-emitting means 44 shown in FIG. 3 therefore facilitates the handling of the locating device 10 when the light-emitting means 44 serve as a flashlight.

Moving the board 42 from the state shown in Fig. 2 in the state shown in Fig. 3 and vice versa can be done manually, for example by means of a arranged on the housing 12 switch (not shown) which actuates a corresponding mechanical mechanism, or but by an unillustrated drive means such as an electric motor.

It should be understood that in other embodiments of the present invention, in addition to or as an alternative to the movable light source 44, further movable and / or stationary light sources may be provided at any position in and / or on the housing 12 in any number and orientation.

Hereinafter, referring again to FIG. 1, the handling of the lighting means 44 by the operator will be described.

As already described, the locating device 10 comprises a display 14 and a plurality of operating elements 20 (20a-d), with the aid of which an operator can interact with the locating device 10. The control element 2Od serves as an on / off switch. By long pressing of the control element 2Od, the locating device 10 can be switched on and off accordingly. When the locating device 10 is switched on, the operating element serves to select menu sub-items of a user program stored in the locating device 10. By briefly pressing the control element 2Od, the program jumps from one menu sub-item to the next. The operating elements 20a-20c are used, on the one hand, for selecting options a, b and c specified in the individual menu sub-items.

The operating element 20a also serves to switch the lighting means 44 on and off. The lighting means 44 can be switched on and off by the operating element 20a being pressed for a long time.

If the alignment of the lighting means 44 is to be converted from the state shown in FIG. 2 into the state shown in FIG. 3 or vice versa, then the operating elements 20a and 20b are to be pressed together for a long time. In this way, a drive means is actuated, in the present case a small electric motor which rotates the circuit board 42, to which the lighting means 44 are fastened, by 90 °.

It should be clear that the occupancy of the individual operating elements 20a-d can also be chosen differently. Further, in another embodiment, the bulbs 44 may also be turned on and / or off in response to a signal from a photosensitive sensor (not shown). Turning on the light source 44 then takes place automatically in poor visibility conditions.

Also, the lighting means 44 can be switched on and / or off depending on an operating mode and / or be converted into a predetermined orientation. If, for example, a detection function is selected via the menu, the positioning device can be set up in such a way that the lighting means 44 are automatically switched on and converted into the orientation shown in FIG.

Also, the locating device may for example comprise a motion detector, not shown, which is used as a sensor for detecting a handling of the locating device. If the motion detector detects that the locating device is being moved, then an switch the bulbs 44 possible. If the locating device, however, is not moved, switching on the bulbs 44 is automatically prevented. Furthermore, the motion detector can be connected to a delay element which switches off the lighting means 44 after a predetermined or user-definable period of time during which the locating device was not moved. In this way the energy consumption of the locating device is reduced.

In addition, the bulbs 44 may have different colors, such as white, blue, green, yellow or the like. Finally, the locating device can also be set up such that the intensity, color or a flashing frequency of the light emitted by the lighting means 44 can be changed automatically or controlled by the user.

It should be understood that the embodiment described above is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way limiting. Accordingly, modifications and changes are possible without departing from the scope of the present invention, which is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

claims 1. Locating device (10), in particular a hand-held locating device (10), for detecting objects enclosed in at least one medium, the locating device (10) having a housing (12), characterized in that at least one light source (44) is provided in and / or on the housing (12) such that objects arranged outside the housing (12) can be illuminated with light emitted by the latter such that an operator of the locating device (10) can better recognize them , 2. Locating device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one light-emitting means (44) is aligned such that the light emitted by the light source (44) at normal operation of the locating device (10) illuminates at least a portion of the at least one medium , 3. Locating device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one light-emitting means (44) is aligned such that the light emitted by the illuminant (44) during normal operation of the locating device (10) is emitted in a direction different from that of the medium. 4. locating device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one light-emitting means (44) between a first orientation, in which the emitted from the lighting means (44) te light under normal operation of the locating device (10) illuminates at least a portion of the at least one medium, and a second orientation in which the light emitted by the illuminant (44) is emitted when the locating device (10) is operated as intended in a direction which is different from that of the medium, is arranged movable. 5. Locating device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (12) has at least one opening through which light emitted by a light source (44) can emerge. 6. locating device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing is at least partially made of a transparent material (40) through which by a light source (44) emitted light can pass. 7. locating device (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that the transparent material (40) is at least partially colored. 8. Locating device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is set up such that at least one lighting means (44) in response to a signal from a photosensitive sensor on and / or off. 9. Locating device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is set up such that at least one lighting means (44) is switched on and / or off in dependence on an operating mode. 10. Locating device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that this at least one switch (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d) for switching on and / or off at least one lighting means (44). 11. Locating device (10) according to claim 10, characterized in that the at least one switch (20a; 20b; 20c; 2Od) is such for switching the locating device (10) on and / or off. 12. Locating device (10) according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the at least one switch (20a; 20b; 20c; 2Od) is designed such that it can switch on and / or off several functions. 13. Locating device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that this at least two switches (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d), which are set up in such a way that a combined actuation of both switches (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d) switches on and / or off at least one lighting means (44). 14. Locating device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is set up such that it can be operated in different operating modes. 15. Locating device (10) according to claim 14, characterized in that it is set up such that switching on at least one lighting means (44) is possible only in a specific operating mode or only in certain of the operating modes. 16. Locating device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that this is set up such that switching on at least one lighting means (44) is possible only during handling of the locating device (10). 17. Locating device (10) according to claim 16, characterized in that it comprises a sensor, in particular a motion detector, which detects the handling of the locating device (10). 18. Locating device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is set up such that at least one lighting means (44) automatically switches off after a predetermined or predefinable period of time. 19. Locating device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one light source (44) emitted light is white or colored. 20. Locating device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is set up such that the intensity, color or flashing frequency of at least one light source (44) emitted light is variable.