BE1027991B1 - Device for detecting and/or performing measurements and/or operations at a relatively large distance or height or depth - Google Patents

Abstract

Device (1) for performing measurements and/or operations at a relatively great distance (D) or height (H), far from within reach of the user (8), comprising a telescopic pole (2) mounted at the top (9) with coupling means (10) is provided for arranging one or more instruments, sensors and/or tools (11, 25, 28, 34) for performing the measurements and/or operations, wherein the coupling means (10) connected to control means (12) with which the instruments, sensors and/or tools (11, 25, 28, 34) can be controlled from the base of the pile (2).

Description

u BE2020/5026 device for detecting and/or performing | measurements and/or operations at a relatively large distance or height or depth, 9 5 | The present invention relates first and foremost to a device for detecting and/or performing: measurements and/or operations at a relatively large distance or: height or depth. | 10 | More particularly, the invention relates to a device in which the aforementioned relatively great distance or height or depth is far from within reach of a user.

A device according to the invention offers, for example, an alternative for situations in which a detection or a measurement and/or processing has to be carried out at such a great distance or height or depth or such a hard-to-reach place that reaching such a place without other aids is necessary. The device according to the invention therefore offers an alternative to the use of a drone or ROV, but also offers even more possibilities for editing,

detect or measure it, for example, not with a drone; can be achieved, for example because a drone { cannot be brought close enough to the bed cell 9 without running the risk of being damaged itself and/or 9 5 because hardly any force is exerted with a drone | Furthermore, a device according to the invention is typically applicable in circumstances where there are no or | there is hardly any space or where the intended positions for carrying out a detection, measurement or other processing with such aids or auxiliary constructions are only very difficult or impossible to reach.

It follows from the foregoing that the invention actually concerns a device with which action can be taken at a relatively large distance or height or depth relative to the user of the device and/or in places that are difficult to reach in the vicinity or information can be obtained from that environment. can be won. The distances and heights and depths relative to the user of the device to which the invention relates can range from more than 2 m, to more than 10 m and can certainly exceed 20 m. Zen device according to the invention may, for example, have the purpose of checking whether certain things, phenomena,

parameters or conditions may or may not be present at the intended distance or height or depth, by performing a detection, for example using one or more sensors or one or more actuators. In other cases or additionally, a device according to the invention can be used to be the size of certain | parameters, such as physical, chemical, mechanical or other | parameters, really to be fattened up with some | 10 measuring instrument and in still other cases or additionally | a device according to the invention can be used to: actually intervene in the environment by certain | perform operations e.g. by using | of a tool.

In all this, the great distance or height or depth between the user and the place where a measurement and/or processing is to be carried out, of course, again constitutes a great difficulty.

For example, a device according to the invention can typically be used in the inspection of cargo spaces on cargo ships. Cargo is understood to mean general freight that can consist of general cargo as well as bulk goods as well as containers,

The cargo space is the space in which the cargo is stored during transport in the cargo ship and a cargo ship is a | ship carrying such cargo. These cargo spaces must be checked on a regular basis together with so-called classification companies. | A device according to the invention is typically applicable; Ooij such inspections and offers an alternative to the currently used devices and methods. However, the use of a device according to the invention is not limited to the example of the inspection of cargo spaces, but can be used in many other fields, such as, for example, for inspecting storage tanks, for example in the chemical industry or in other branches of industry, cf. agriculture, for inspecting silcs for storage of all kinds of bulk goods and so on.

A device according to the invention can also be used for the inspection of locks, sheet piling, quays, bridges, buildings, sheepskins and other structures, both above and below water.

Known devices and methods for carrying out work at a relatively great height or distance or depth or in places that are difficult to reach have numerous disadvantages,

| BE2020/5026 A first group of known devices and methods ; tries to bring the user closer to the hard-to-reach location, high place, deep place or place 5 at a great distance where certain actions have to be performed, 9 Work at height or depth and other difficult-to-reach places are regarded as a risky : 10 company where a series of security measures, | training and checks must precede. Working safely at heights or depths and in other unusual places is now also a costly and time-consuming matter. Ladders must be placed and inspected, scaffolding must be built by certified personnel, aerial platforms must be placed in position.

Divers must be hired. If necessary, use must be made of so-called “abseil teams” or “ranpel teams” that can descend a steep wall independently with the help of climbing ropes and the like,

In some cases crane trucks are used | which are provided with a man tray in which the user sits to carry out the work; 5 In other cases, divers must be hired to carry out 9 underwater works, | These machines and devices and diving equipment can fail # which could directly endanger the safety of the persons involved, which is of course a very great disadvantage and risk.

It is clear that this kind of known devices has very great drawbacks, Drones are another of the known devices that are now more and more deployed in the intended high or hard-to-reach places, where the user can monitor the work from a distance,

ROVs are yet another type of well-known device which is now more and more deployed in the intended underwater hard-to-reach places, where the user can monitor the work remotely,

In addition to the already mentioned disadvantages of drones and ROVs, there is also the disadvantage of their high cost and the complexity or

{ impossibility to perform many of the required operations or measurements, : The present invention therefore aims at a solution | 5 to one or more of the aforesaid and/or other 9 drawbacks. The object of the invention is in particular to perform operations such as a detection, a measurement or any other operation at a relatively great height, large depth or hard-to-reach place, both under and above water, easier, faster, safer and cheaper.

Another object of the invention is to provide a user with a device in which there is still a great deal of manual and physical control by the user himself over the device, as is also the case, for example, with hand tools and as is no longer the case, for example, with a device that is operated remotely such as a drone or ROV. wherein the device comprises a pole which is of telescopic design and wherein coupling means are provided at the top of the pole for arranging instruments, sensors and/or tools for carrying out the detection, the

: measurements and/or operations, where the ; coupling means are connected to control means with which instruments, sensors and/or tools arranged on the top can be controlled at the location of or in ; & proximity to the base of the post. 9 A very great advantage of a device according to the invention is that the intended activities can be performed with it without the user having to : 10 close to the hard-to-reach place or place cp | great height, depth or distance, so that | the use of such a device according to the invention is many times safer than is the case with the known devices which do use such a method.

Furthermore, with such a device according to the invention, many more operations and operations can be performed than, for example, is the case with a drone or ROV and the associated costs are much smaller. such as drones, ROVs, robots or other, quickly cp to a certain height, depth both under and above water) and to connect them afterwards lios. Moreover, it can be ensured that the telescopic handle of the device according to the invention can still be handled and manipulated to a maximum extent by the user himself.

| 3 : BE2020/5026 to be in control of the inspection to be carried out ; whether operations are still very close to the user. ; With the insight to better demonstrate the features of the invention: 5 are given below by way of example without any limiting | characterize some preferred embodiments of a ; device according to the invention, with reference | to the accompanying figures, in which: iQ figure 1 schematically shows a side view of a possible | ; 3 B 3 | embodiment of a telescopic pole of a device according to the invention, in particular in a collapsed condition; Figure 2 shows schematically in side view the same telescopic pole as in figure 1, this time in displaced condition; figure 3 schematically shows an exploded version of the top of the Lelescopic pile of figures 1 and 2 and instruments, sensors and tools that can possibly be attached to this pile; figure 4 illustrates in perspective the manual use of a device according to the invention; figure 5 schematically represents a side view of another embodiment or application of a device according to the invention; figure &, on a larger scale, represents a section which is indicated by VI-VI in figure S;

figure 7 in a similar manner as in figure 6 a ; cross-section in another embodiment of a device according to the invention; figure 8 shows schematically in side view yet another embodiment or application of a device 9 according to the invention; and, : figure 9 the top part from figure 8 again | in which a number of elements have been modified 9 to illustrate yet another embodiment of: a device according to the invention: and, | figure 10 in perspective a special | 1 and 2 illustrate the embodiment of the top of the pile from figures 1 and 2 and a wall part, Figures 1 and 2 illustrate a device 1 according to the invention or a part thereof depending on the embodiment, In particular, a device 1 according to the invention comprises at least a pole 2 which is of telescopic design and which is shown in Figure 1 in the fully collapsed position and which is shown in Figure 2 in the fully expanded position.

It is evident that the telescopic pole 2 may also be provided with means for blocking the pole Z in the fully extended position or in an intermediate position.

Ll BE2020/5026 ; According to the invention, the telescopic pole 2 is extendable to a length L of at least 2 m and more preferably to a length of 20 m and more. | Preferably, the telescopic pole 2 is made of very light materials, such as, for example, composite materials 9, and is of more than sufficient strength to withstand the load. loads to which the pile 2 is subjected, without | 10 withstand permanent deformation effortlessly.

According to the invention, the telescopic trap 2 can be manually extendable, whereby only manual force 3 is used.

Alternatively or additionally, the device 1 according to the invention can be provided with drive means 4 for sliding the teiescopic pile 2 in and out.

These sanding means 4 can, for example, take the form of pneumatic drive means 5, of hydraulic drive means 6 or of electric drive means 7. Of course, the different types of drive means 4 can also be combined.

It is intended that with the telescopic pole 2 measurements, | detections or operations at a relatively large distance D or { height H, or depth far from within reach of a | user 8 can be executed. 9 Figure 3 schematically illustrates that the top 9 of | the telescopic pole 2 for this purpose is provided with 9 coupling means 10 for arranging one or more sensors, instruments and/or tools 11 for performing a detection, a measurement and/or an operation.

The docking means 10 may be of a permanent nature, the purpose of which is not to quickly remove the instruments, sensors and/or tools 11 involved, but in a preferred embodiment of a device 1 according to the invention, the docking means 10 are of such a nature that instruments sensors and/or tools 11 can be connected and disconnected easily and repeatedly in a very fast manner.

Use is preferably made here of quick couplings or systems that are universally applicable and whereby different instruments, sensors or tools can be successively coupled to the vane 2 with the same coupling means 10. The coupling means 10 are connected to control means 12 with which instruments mounted on the tog 59 are used. , sensors and/or tools il can | be controlled at the location of or in the vicinity of the foot 13 of the telescopic pole 2. The device 1 can herein, for instance, be provided with 9 a ground station 14 for controlling the telescopic 9 pole 2 itself and/or with one or more instruments sensors: and/or tools 11. The device 1 according to the invention may comprise one or more instruments, sensors or tools 11 which are attached to the 9 vale 2 or can be coupled thereto with the purchase means 10. As illustrated in figure 3 these instruments, sensors or tools 11 can take many forms. However, it is clear that in figure 3 the actual situation is only schematically represented, with various possible scorten instruments, sensors or tools 11 that can be mounted on the pile 2 only are represented symbolically and in principle without giving a detailed representation of the actual possible embodiments.

The instruments, sensors or tools 11 may include, for example, an ultrasonic sensor 15 or a laser sensor 16, as well as a video camera or a still camera 17, or

: a pressure sensor, a flow meter, a flow meter, sen : density meter and the like.

| To stabilize the camera 17, a gimbal can be used; suspension 18 or gimbal 18 with preferably three degrees of freedom are used and/or a cyroscope 19 which is preferably used as a so-called “microelectromechanical ; system” or microscopic electromechanical system is : performed.

For example, an altimeter 20 and/or a distance meter 21 can be used, for instance in an ultrasonic version or on the basis of laser technology.

For example, the rangefinder 21 may be implemented as a laser radar measuring instrument or which employs LIDAR (“LIght Detection And Ranging” or “Laser Imaging Detection And Ranging”) technology 22. As an alternative or additionally to the photo or video camera 17, a thermographic camera 23 can be provided on the pole 2 as well as a thermographic camera 23. The use of a steel thickness gauge 24, which may or may not be ultrasonic, is one of the options. tools 25 to be used for performing operations at a remote or hard-to-reach place, such as, for example, tools

25 in the form of a grinder 26 or a hammer 27 or the like. | To give the tools a better holding force against the | 5 surface to be inspected, 9 magnets and/or suction systems can be used. : Also sen instrument 28 like a GPS or other instrument 23 : for determining coordinates 32 can be | 10 implemented.

Furthermore, it is possible to provide, for example, lighting 31, which can for instance be regarded as an auxiliary tool in order to be able to obtain better images with the camera 17. Another typical instrument 11 which is placed on a telescopic pole 2 of a device 1 according to the invention. can be is a device for detecting and/or measuring corrosion under insulation (COT). Another Lypic instrument which can be placed on a telescopic pole 2 of a device 1 according to the invention is a device for cleaning under high pressure (above water) or under cavitation (under water). In order to protect the aforementioned instruments, sensors or tools 11, a protective cap 32 is preferably arranged on the top 3 of the telescopic pole Z. In the embodiments of a device according to the invention shown in Figures 1 to 5, this shielding cap 32 is spherical, while the shielding cap 32 is cylindrical in the embodiments shown in Figures 8 and 9. According to the invention however, it is not excluded to design the shielding cap 32 in other shapes.

The shielding hood 32 can, for example, be designed as a lattice frame 33 so that it does not hinder measurements to be performed or any other detection with a sensor 34 or the like. However, in embodiments of a device 1 according to the invention in which the shielding hood 32 is located forms no or hardly any hindrance, such as for example with thermal measurements or electromagnetic measurements or the like, this shielding cap 32 can also be designed in other ways and with the appropriate materials for that application,

5° BE2020/5026 | Figure 4 shows a possible use of a device | illustrated according to the invention wherein a user | or operator 8 handles the device 1 manually. | In a possible embodiment, the telescopic trap can: à be extended completely by the user 8 himself, without additional 9 aids, and be directed to places where a detection, a lubrication or a processing has to be carried out.

In the shown embodiment of figure 4, the device 1 is provided with one gripping element 35, in the form of an eye or hook 35, which is fixedly attached to the telescopic pole 2 and which serves as element 35 to which ropes or cables 36 can be attached. with which the telescopic pole 2 can be suspended and/or controlled for a movement or displacement thereof, for instance by means of a pulley 37 which is also attached to a wall 29 with ropes or cables 38 or the like.

In other embodiments, more gripping elements 35 can be provided which are fixed or removably attached or can be attached to the telescopic pole 2 and which take on completely different shapes. extended position is relatively flexible.

This flexibility of the pile 2 can cause problems for orienting or positioning the pile 2, but in the case of figure d this is taken care of by means of the ropes 95 or cables 36 and 38 and the pulley 37.

Figure 5 shows another embodiment of a device according to the invention, wherein the telescopic pole 2 has been brought into the extended position and brought into a more rigid 1G position. Use is made here of truss elements 40 of device 1 for realizing a truss 41 around telescopic pole 2, so that a relatively rigid beam or pole construction 42 is obtained. These truss elements 40 are in this case formed by ropes or cables 43 for forming the linear parts of the truss 41 and can be fastened or attached to the telescopic pole 2 by one or more connecting parts 44 which are fixedly or detachably attached to the telescopic pole 2. The connecting portions 44 are intended for knotting or guiding the ropes or cables 43 to form nodes 45 of the truss 41.

; 19 7 BE2020/5026 The connecting parts 44 may or may not be fitted on the post 2 in an adjustable manner, either in discrete positions or in a continuous manner over the post 2. 9 5 Depending on the embodiment, the 9 connecting parts 44 can not only be placed in different : positions be brought, but also in different : positions or orientations or can be changed in shape ; turn into. 12 | In the embodiment of Figure 5, the only | . used is connecting portion 44 in the form of a cross 46, which has four arms 47 of equal length, which are at an angle of 90[deg.] to each other.

At the free ends 48 of the arms 47 a pin 49 is provided through which a rope or cable 43 of the truss 41 can pass. This is shown in more detail in figure 6. In figure 7 there is shown an alternative embodiment of such connecting part dd, in which this time only three arms 47 of equal length are provided, which are rotated 120" with respect to each other.

{ BE2020/5026 | Of course, such connecting portions 44 can be designed completely differently and be provided with suitable means | to easily connect them to the spawning 2. | 5 In the device 1 according to the invention as shown 9 in figure 5 the foot 13 of the telescopic pole Z is mounted on a movable wall 50, 9 In this case the foot 13 of the telescopic pole 2 is fixed 9 10 with the trolley 50 and the carriage 50 is also 9 used to fasten the ropes or cables 43 of the truss 41 thereto to form a junction 45 of the truss 41.

In the case of figures 8 and 9, the Levens device is provided with a movable trolley 50, in this case the foot 13 of the telescopic pole 2 being connected to the trolley 50 via a hinge 51, so that the angle y of the pole Z can be adjusted relative to the carriage and held in the desired position, e.g. by using additional driving means or coordinating means 52.

The connection between the post 2 and the trolley 50 can also be carried out with a spherical hinge or joint or with another type of connecting element such that an extra degree of freedom is obtained.

see BE2020/5026 As a result, the pile 2 can also be moved out of the plane shown in figure 8. In figure 8, the drive means or 3 positioning means 52 are formed by a 9 hydraulic cylinder 53 which is located between the pile 2 and the trolley 50 9 provided. | As an alternative to the hydraulic cylinder 53, an adjustable weight : 19 can also be arranged between the hinge : Si and an extended part of the post 2 at the bottom of the hinge 5i, such that the sum of the moments around the hinge 51 is about 0.

Thus the pole 2 is easy to operate by hand, in the embodiment of a device according to the invention as shown in figures 8 and 9, the device 1 is also provided with support portions 54 which are arranged laterally on the telescopic pole 2 or can be fitted and are intended to support the post z Empty a wall.

The telescopic pole & and/or the support parts 54 can herein comprise coupling elements 55 which enable the support parts 54 to be coupled to the telescopic pole 2 removably.

a BE2020/5026 ; These coupling elements 55 can herein be such; be performed either discretely or continuously ; be adjustable, so that the support parts 54 can be fixedly coupled to the post 2 in different positions or shapes at different positions or coordinates X and Y, at different angles ao and B and/or 9 in different positions or shapes. : These support portions 54 are composed of: a plurality of support elements. In the case of figures & and 9, the support parts 54 each comprise a support arm 56 which is connected to the post 2 via a coupling element 55.

Such a support arm 56 can serve to support the post 2 directly on a wall 39, but in the case of figures & and 9 these support arms 56 also serve to hold other support elements.

in the case of Fig. 8, a rotatable wheel 58 is provided at the free ends 57 of these support arms 56, while in the case of Fig. 9, a sliding shoe 59 is provided at the free ends 57 of these support arms 56.

The support sites 54 can cok | hinge couplings 60 or clamp fastenings 61 for the | interlinking of support elements include, | & As an alternative to supporting the post 2 with : using wheels 58 or sliding shoes 59 can be mounted on the post | 2 also one or more pads with elastic | properties are applied that the pile 2 Empty a wall | 33 can do to support.

Of course, the figures discussed here serve only as examples and the support parts 54 can take on other shapes. Finally, figure 10 illustrates another interesting possibility, in which a screening cap 32 with a spherical shape 82 is applied to the top 9 of the vale 2 and wherein this spherical shielding cap 32 in this case also serves as a supporting part 54 with which the pile + can rest against a wall 33. In this case, the shielding cap 32 is moreover rotatably connected to the spade 2 (indicated by the file R), so that the shielding cap 32 can serve as a rolling element 63 or wheel with which the post Z can travel over a wall 39 (indicated by arrows TT}.

{ 24 BE2020/5026 The invention is by no means limited to those described by way of example and illustrated with reference to the figures.

| embodiments of a device 1 according to the

| invention, but such a device 1 can be used in all sorts of other

| 3 ways to be accomplished without going outside the scope of

| to enter the invention,

Claims (1)

Conclusions | 31, device {1} for detecting and/or for performing measurements and/or operations on relative | great distance (D) or height ({H)} or depth, far from 9 within reach of a user {8}, characterized in that the device (1) comprises a pole (2) which is telescopic and wherein at the top 9 10 (S} of the post (2} coupling means {10} are provided for mounting one or more instruments, sensors and/or tools (11, 25, 28, 34) for performing the detection , the measurements and/or operations, wherein the coupling means {10} are connected to control means (12) with which instruments, sensors and/or tools (11, 25, 28, 34) arranged on the top {9} can be controlled on site from or near the foot {13} of the post {2}. Device {1} according to claim 1, characterized in that the telescopic pole {2} is extendable to a length (L) of at least 2 m and more preferably to a length (L) of 20 m. Device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the telescopic pole (2) is manually extendable with manual force (3). : BE2020/5026 | Device (1} according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is provided with a drive means {4} for retracting and extending the Lelescopic pole (2) which take one or more of the following forms : | - pneumatic drive means {5} { - hydraulic drive means (6) and/or 9 - electric drive means {7} 9. 10 5. Device {1} according to one or more of the preceding 9 claims, characterized by that the device (1) 9 is provided with supporting parts (54) which are 9 arranged or can be mounted laterally on the telescopic pole {2} and which are intended to support the pole (2) against a wall (39). Device (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the telescopic Daal {2} and/or the support parts (54) comprise coupling elements (55) that allow the support parts (54) to be removably coupled to the telescopic pole (2), Device {1} according to claim 6, characterized in that the said coupling elements (55) are adjustable either discretely or continuously and are such that the support portions (54) are at different positions (X, Y}, at different angles a, B } and/or can be fixedly coupled to the post (2) in different positions, { 27 BE2020/5026 : 8. Device {1) according to one or more of the preceding 9 claims 5 Lot and including 7, characterized in that the 9 supporting parts (541 comprise one or more of the following supporting elements: | - a fender with elastic properties: | - one or more revolving wheels (56): { - one or more sliding shoes (59); - one or more support arms {56} for directly supporting the post {2} or for holding 9 other support elements (58, 59) and/or 9 - one or more hinge couplings {66} or 9 clamping attachments {61} for mutually coupling support elements (55, 56). Device {1} according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (1) is provided with a protective cap (32) which is fitted or can be attached to the top (5) of the telescopic pole (2). be fitted to shield the sensors, instruments and/or tools (11, 25, 28, 34). The device (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the shielding cap (32) has one or more of the following properties: - the shielding cap (32) is a carbon in the form of a framework (33); - the cover (32) has a spherical shape (62): - the cover also serves as a “5 BE2020/5026 support section (54) with which the post (2) against | can support a wall {33}; { - the cover {32} is rotatably connected to the post (2} and can serve: as a rolling element (63) or wheel | 5 with which the post (2) can travel over a wall {39}. (1) according to one or more of the preceding 9 claims, characterized in that the device (1) 9 comprises one or more of the following instruments, sensors 9 or tools (11, 25, 28, 34} attached to the pole ( 2) are attached or can be coupled to it: - an ultrasonic sensor (15); > a laser sensor {16}: - a video camera {17}: - a photo camera (171; - a gimbal suspension or gimbal {18} with preferably three degrees of freedom; - a gyroscope (19); - an altimeter (20) with or without ultrasonic or laser; - an ai position meter (21) with or without ultrasonic or laser; - a measuring instrument (21) with laser radar or that employs LIDAR (PLIght Detection And Ranging” or “Laser Imaging Detection And Ranging”) technology (22); - an ihermographic camera (23); - a steel lthickness gauge {24}, which may or may not be ultrasonic; - a suction device (26): - a hammer (27); - veriiohtino {31}; | - a device for detecting and/or measuring corrosion under insulation (CO); and/or 9 - instrument (28.29) for determining coordinates: (30). 12. Device {1} according to one or more of the preceding claims {, characterized in that the device {1} 9 is provided with a ground station (14) for controlling 9 the telescopic pole (2) and/or one or several instruments, sensors and/or tools (11, 25, 28, 343. Device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the foot (13) of the telescopic pole {2} is mounted on a movable trolley (50} and is either fixed or adjustable with the trolley (50). 14, Device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (1) is provided with one or more engaging elements (35) which are fixedly or detachably attached to the telescopic pole (2) or be attached, and which serve as element {35} to which Louwen or cables (36,38) can be attached, with which the telescopic vane {2} can be suspended and/or controlled for a movement or displacement thereof. | 39 BE2020/5026 15. device (1) according to one or more of the foregoing | conclusions, characterized in that the telescopic | pile {2} is designed such that the pile (2) is relatively flexible in the extended position. | A device (1) according to one or more of the preceding 9 claims, characterized in that the device {1} F is provided with lattice elements {40} for the realization of a lattice frame {41} around the telescopic post {2 } when in the extended state | to form a relatively rigid beam or [ spawning construction {42}. Device (1) according to claim 16, characterized in that truss elements (401) take one or more of the following forms: - ropes or cables (43) for forming the linear portions of the truss {41}; and/or, - connecting parts (44} which are fixed or removably attached to the telescopic pole (2) and which may or may not be adjustable, either discretely or continuously, in different positions and/or positions and/or shapes and intended for connecting or guiding cables or cables (43} to form nodes (45) of the truss (41),