DE20104803U1 - Large loop frames for tracking devices - Google Patents

Description

Large loop frames for tracking devices

The invention relates to a large loop frame for locating devices for metallic objects according to the preamble of claim 1.

A large loop frame of the type mentioned above is used for locating or detection devices that are used to locate metallic objects such as mines, bombs or similar. The large loop frame is used to set up at least one locating loop with which a magnetic field can be sent and/or received. With the help of device electronics, a disturbance in the magnetic field can be detected, which after appropriate evaluation provides an indication of metallic objects.

In order to be able to monitor as large an area as possible with the locating device, such large loop frames have a diameter of up to 2.6 m, so that the large loop frame is designed accordingly. Such a large loop frame is usually carried by two people who grasp the large loop frame from the side and move it over the area to be monitored.

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Furthermore, large loop frames for locating devices are known which have an area coverage of up to one square meter, wherein the large loop frame of the locating device is carried by an individual using a belt system who remains in the area delimited by the frame during locating.

In particular, when such a large loop frame is guided through rough terrain, precise guidance of the locating loop in the terrain is difficult, as coordinated movement between the people carrying the large loop frame is hardly possible in such a case, or the belt arrangement with which the large loop frame is carried by a single person causes the large loop frame to swing. In addition, operating the locating device is difficult, as the device electronics are usually housed in a separate housing that the person searching wears on their body.

It is an object of the invention to provide a large loop frame for locating devices which is easy to handle and at the same time easy to operate.

The invention solves the problem by a large loop frame with the features of claim 1.

With the large loop frame according to the invention, the user of the locating device can guide the frame through the terrain on the support device, whereby the rigid design of the support device enables an exact guiding movement of the large loop frame over the surface to be checked. The personal safety of the user is also ensured, especially when using the locating device for mine detection.

The user's safety is increased because the rigid support device extends into the area delimited by the frame, meaning that the user can remain in the area delimited by the frame while locating and guiding the large loop frame. The operability of the locating device is also improved because at least one of the functional units of the device electronics is provided on the support device, so that the user can operate the device electronics of the locating device with the hand guiding the frame at the same time as guiding the large loop frame through the terrain. The other components of the device electronics can be housed in a housing and carried on the user's body, for example.

Further advantageous developments of the invention emerge from the following description, the subclaims and the drawing.

Thus, in a particularly preferred embodiment of the large loop frame according to the invention, it is proposed to use an elongated support device which is connected to the frame at both ends in such a way that the support device divides the area delimited by the frame into two sections. This has the advantage that the large loop frame is additionally stiffened by the elongated support device and is therefore less prone to twisting. For example, the use of a support tube is proposed as the elongated support device, which is attached at both ends to two spaced-apart struts of the frame. For even weight distribution, it is also proposed to attach the elongated support device to the frame in such a way that the divided sections are the same size.

Alternatively, it is also possible to use a support device, which is designed as a support arm, for example, which is only attached to one of the struts of the frame. In order to balance the large loop frame, a corresponding weight can be provided at the free end of the support arm, for example, which can compensate for any imbalance in the frame caused by the one-sided attachment. A housing in which at least part of the device electronics is housed would also be suitable for this purpose.

In order to be able to guide the large loop frame over the surface to be checked at a defined search distance of usually 30 to 50 cm, it is also proposed to design the support device in a cranked manner so that the section of the support device serving as a carrying handle is spaced from the plane spanned by the frame. This allows the user to guide the large loop frame in an ergonomic and relaxed position, which enables the large loop frame to be moved through the terrain with little fatigue while the large loop frame is moved over the ground surface at the defined search distance. It is particularly advantageous if the section of the support device serving as a carrying handle runs at least approximately parallel to the plane spanned by the frame, which enables the frame to be handled in a particularly ergonomic manner.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the large loop frame, the functional unit provided on the support device is the operating unit of the device electronics, so that the user of the large loop frame can adjust the device electronics without great effort, for example to increase the sensitivity of the locating device. It is particularly advantageous if all the operating functions essential to the device electronics are located on the

Control unit is provided so that the control unit enables one-handed operation of the device electronics.

It is also proposed that all functional units of the device electronics be provided on the carrying device so that the user is completely decoupled from the locating device. One of the advantages of this is that when a user changes, only the large loop frame with the device electronics provided on it needs to be replaced, without additional components of the device electronics having to be handed over to the new user. It is particularly advantageous if the functional units are housed in a common housing so that any plug contacts or cable connections can be completely eliminated. This is particularly advantageous if the large loop frame is also to be used for underwater operations.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the power supply for the device electronics is also provided on the support device, so that there is no need to carry an additional power supply. In order to protect the power supply from damage, it is also advantageous if the voltage device is at least partially accommodated in the support device.

Since large loop frames are comparatively unwieldy due to their dimensions, in a particularly preferred embodiment of the large loop frame according to the invention it is proposed to design the frame so that it can be folded.

For this purpose, in a preferred development of a foldable frame, it is proposed to provide two U-shaped frame sections which are connected to one another by two fastening elements arranged between the free ends of the two frame sections which face one another.

In this development, the support device is attached to at least one of the two fastening elements, while at least one of the two rigid frame sections can be folded relative to the fastening elements. This structure of the foldable large loop frame makes it possible, on the one hand, to form a comparatively rigid frame after unfolding, which can be easily guided through the terrain due to the rigid support device, while on the other hand the large loop frame can be folded up to a manageable size for transport, for example.

In a preferred embodiment of the foldable large loop frame, both frame sections are designed to be foldable. This results in a particularly compact design of the foldable frame if the frame sections, in the folded state, lie against one another with their longitudinal struts forming the base of the U-shape and their cross struts forming the legs of the U-shape enclose a preferably acute angle. In this embodiment of the foldable large loop frame, the support device is arranged at a distance from the longitudinal struts in the volume enclosed by the frame sections when the frame is folded, whereby the functional unit of the device electronics provided on the support device is additionally protected.

The use of a flexible connecting element is proposed as a folding connection between the folding frame section and each fastening element, which connects the frame section to the fastening elements in a folding manner. The use of a flexible connecting element is particularly advantageous because the locating loop(s) can be guided on or in the flexible connecting element, so that the locating loop(s) are not damaged when the frame section is folded over.

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kinked or damaged. Furthermore, in this development of the foldable large loop frame, it is proposed to design the flexible connecting element so that it can be fixed in a position in which the two rigid frame sections are arranged essentially in a common plane, thereby effectively preventing the large loop frame from folding up unintentionally.

A flexible hose is preferably used as a flexible connecting element, which is firmly connected to the fastening element and to one of the two free ends of the frame section. The use of a flexible hose as a connecting element has the advantage that the locating loop can be guided through the hose and in this way is protected from external damage on the one hand and, if desired, can also be guided in a sealed manner in the frame.

To secure the flexible hose, a sleeve is provided on the frame that can be pushed onto the hose and spans the hose in such a way that the sleeve rigidly connects the fastening element and the frame section. With the help of the sleeve, the frame can be locked in its unfolded position quickly and easily or folded up if necessary. In this embodiment, the sleeve can also be slotted, which further simplifies the assembly of the sleeve.

Furthermore, it is proposed to profile the flexible hose on its outer surface at least in sections. The profile formed on the hose will

it is sufficient that the hose assumes an elongated, stretched shape in its relaxed position, i.e. without external bending forces. By folding the frame section, the flexible hose is pre-tensioned, which in particular makes it easier to unfold the frame section later, since the pre-tensioning forces press the frame section into an unfolded position when the hose is released. In order to secure the sleeve, with which the hose can be fixed in position, to the large loop frame, it is also proposed to design the sleeve to be lockable to the fastening element and/or the frame section.

Furthermore, it is advantageous to attach each flexible connecting element to the fastening element and to the frame section in a sealed manner in order to prevent splash water from penetrating the large loop frame at the fastening points. For this purpose, the use of O-rings is suggested, for example, which enable simple but very effective sealing of the connection points even at high pressures of 8 bar and more.

In order to protect the locating loop or loops against moisture, it is also proposed that the frame sections, the fastening elements and the connecting elements of the frame be hollow and that the locating loop or loops be guided through the hollow connecting elements, fastening elements and frame sections. In order to enable the large loop frame to be used underwater if necessary, it is also proposed that the entire foldable frame be sealed to the outside.

The invention is explained in more detail below using two embodiments with reference to the drawing.

Fig. 1 is a plan view of a first embodiment

Example of a large loop frame with central support tube in use;

Fig. 2 is a plan view of a second embodiment

Example of a large loop frame that is foldable;

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a

foldable connection point of the foldable large loop frame;

Fig. 4 a sectional view of the connection point

in Fig. 3 between a flexible hose serving as a flexible connecting element and the end of a frame section;

Fig. 5a to 5c perspective views of the connection point according to Fig. 3 when folding the large loop frame; and

Fig. 6a and 6b perspective views of the foldable large loop frame when folded.

Fig. 1 shows a plan view of a first embodiment of a large loop frame 10 of a locating device 12 for locating metallic objects. The large loop frame 10 has two U-shaped frame sections 14 and 16, which

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each is formed from a longitudinal strut 18 and two shorter, identically designed cross struts 20. The two cross struts 20 are each firmly connected at one end to an angle piece 22 with the respective end of the longitudinal strut 18. The other free end of the cross struts 20 of each frame section 14 is firmly connected to a T-shaped fastening element 24, whereby the approximately rectangular large loop frame 10 is formed.

Furthermore, a support tube 26 serving as a support device is attached to the two fastening elements 24 and is bent at each of its ends with which it is connected to the fastening elements 24. The support tube 26 is attached to the large loop frame 10 in such a way that the area delimited by the large loop frame 10 is divided into two equal sections.

The device electronics 30 of the locating device 12 are housed in a common housing 28 on the support tube 26. A display unit 32 for displaying located objects and an operating unit 34 of the device electronics 30 can be seen on the housing 28. The operating unit 34 is designed so that it can be operated by a user 36 with one hand. Furthermore, the power supply (not shown) of the device electronics 30 is housed in the support tube 26 near the housing 28 of the device electronics 30, so that the locating device 12 can be operated independently of other components.

By means of corresponding connections on the housing 28 of the device electronics 30, it is possible to additionally supply the locating device 12 with voltage using a separate voltage supply that is worn on the body of the user 36.

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The struts 18 and 20 of the frame sections 14 as well as the T-shaped fastening elements 24 and the support tube 26 are hollow so that the locating loop or the locating loops (which are not shown) are protected from the outside and sealed in the large loop frame 10. The connection of the locating loop is connected to the device electronics 30 of the locating device 12 via the support tube 26.

To use the locating device 12 with the large loop frame 10 according to the invention, the user must pick up the large loop frame 10 on the support tube 26 and switch on the locating device 12 using the device electronics 30. The cranked support tube 26 is designed on its cranked sections so that the large loop frame 10 can be guided over the surface to be checked at a search distance of approximately 30 to 50 cm, while the user 36 can adopt an ergonomic and relaxed posture during the guiding movement of the large loop frame 10, as shown in Fig. 1. In addition, the central arrangement of the support tube 26 with the device electronics integrated therein ensures easy handling of the large loop frame 10 in the field, whereby the fact that the user 36 remains in the area delimited by the large loop frame 10 during locating further increases his personal safety.

In Fig. 2, a second embodiment of a large loop frame 10a is shown in plan view. The large loop frame 10a corresponds in its construction essentially to the construction of the previously described large loop frame 10 shown in Fig. 1. It differs only in the formation of a hinged connection point between the

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Frame sections 14a and 16a and the two fastening elements 24a of the large loop frame 10a, which is explained in more detail below with reference to Fig. 3, in which a section of the foldable connection point is shown.

Thus, in the large loop frame 10a, the fastening element 24a also has a T-shape, with the fastening piece 40a, which protrudes perpendicularly from the crossbar 38a of the T, serving to fasten the support tube 26a, of which only a section is also shown in Fig. 3. A flexible hose 42a is inserted into each of the two open ends of the crossbar 38a and is attached to the crossbar 38a in a sealed manner, as will be explained later. The other end of the flexible hose 42a is inserted into the open end of the respective crossbar 20a of the frame section 14a or 16a and is also attached to it in a sealed manner.

A sleeve 44a is pushed onto each cross strut 20a of each frame section 14a and 16a, which can be locked in its position shown in Fig. 3 by suitable locking or latching means (not shown). The sleeve 44a can be pushed onto the flexible hose 42a in the longitudinal direction of the cross strut 20a and locked onto the cross strut 20a, as will be explained later, whereby a rigid connection is formed between the cross strut 20a of the frame section 14a or 16a and the fastening element 24a, as shown in Fig. 2.

Fig. 4 shows a sectional view of the fastening point between one of the cross struts 20a and one of the flexible hoses 42a. This fastening point also corresponds in its structure to the

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fastening points between the further cross struts 20a of the two frame sections 14a and 16a and the other flexible hoses 42a as well as the fastening point between the flexible hoses 42a and the cross beams 38a of the T-shaped fastening elements 24a.

As shown in Fig. 3 and 4, the flexible hose 42a is designed with a profile 46a, which causes the flexible hose 42a to assume a roughly elongated shape in the absence of external force. In addition, the profile 46a, which is formed from circumferential grooves evenly distributed around the circumference of the flexible hose 42, also serves as a receptacle for two O-rings 48a, so that the end of the flexible hose 42a inserted into the open end of the cross strut 20a is received in a sealed manner in the cross strut 20a. In addition, the flexible hose 42a is firmly connected to the cross struts 20a in a known manner, for example by gluing. Near the free end of the cross strut 20a, to which the flexible hose 42a is attached, a circumferential groove 50a is also formed on the outer surface of the cross strut 20a, which serves as a locking recess for the previously described, not shown locking means of the sleeve 44a.

The functionality of the folding connection on the large loop frame 10a is explained in more detail below with reference to Figs. 5a to 5c and 6a and 6b. In the unfolded state, the shape of the large loop frame 10a corresponds to the shape of the large loop frame 10 shown in Fig. 1, as shown in Fig. 2. Here too, the two frame sections 14a, 16a are arranged in a common plane, while the support tube 26a is spaced apart from the plane of the frame sections 14a and 16a.

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If the large loop frame 10a is now to be folded up, the four sleeves 44a, which rigidly connect the four cross struts 20a of the frame sections 14a and 16a to the two fastening elements 24a, are first unlocked and moved in the direction of the longitudinal struts 18a of the frame sections 14a and 16a, as indicated by the arrows in Fig. 5a. After the four sleeves 44a have been locked into the grooves 50a in such a way that the flexible hoses 42a are no longer bridged by the sleeves 44a, as shown in Fig. 5b, the frame sections 14a and 16a can be folded upwards in the direction of the support tube 26a, as shown in Fig. 6a. The flexible hoses 42a redirect the locating loops accommodated in the frame sections 14a and 16a and the fastening elements 24a without the locating loops becoming kinked or damaged (see arrows in Fig. 5b). In this folded-up position shown in Figs. 5b and 5c as well as 6b, the frame sections 14a and 16a can be secured to the support tube 26a, for example by means of straps, clamps or similar.

As shown in particular in Fig. 6b, the longitudinal struts 18a rest against one another in this folded state of the large loop frame 10a, while the cross struts 20a of the two frame sections 14a and 16a run at an acute angle to one another and merge with the bent tubes 42a into the fastening elements 24a. In this folded state, the support tube 26a is arranged within the wedge-shaped volume enclosed by the two frame sections 14a and 16a, whereby the housing 28a with the device electronics 30a accommodated therein is additionally protected by the frame sections 14a and 16a.

If the large loop frame 10a is to be used again, the frame sections 14a and 16a only have to be detached from the support tube 26a, whereby, as already explained, the profiling 46a of the flexible hoses 42a causes the frame sections 14a and 16a to be swung back into their unfolded position. In this unfolded position, the sleeves 44a are pushed back over the flexible hoses 42a in the direction of the fastening elements 24a and locked into the grooves 50a on the cross struts 20a, so that the large loop frame 10a again assumes the position shown in Fig. 2.

In the two previously described embodiments, a large loop frame 10 or 10a was used in which the support device is designed as a support tube 26 or 26a. Alternatively, it is also possible to use a support arm instead of a support tube, which is only attached to one of the two fastening elements 24 or 24a. In this embodiment, it is additionally proposed to provide a counterweight at the free end of the support arm so that the large loop frame assumes a position that is at least approximately parallel to the ground surface when being carried. Furthermore, it is conceivable to provide metal joints or the like instead of the flexible hoses 42a in the second embodiment, which also allow the frame sections 14a and 16a to be folded over.

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Claims (15)

1. Large loop frame for locating devices for metallic objects,
with a closed frame ( 10 ) for spanning at least one locating loop and
with an electronic device ( 30 ) connected to the locating loop for locating the metallic objects, characterized in that - that a rigid support device ( 26 ) is provided on the frame ( 10 ) which projects into the area delimited by the frame, and - that at least one of the functional units ( 32 , 34 ) of the device electronics ( 30 ) is provided on the carrying device ( 26 ). 2. Large loop frame according to claim 1, characterized in
that the elongated support device ( 26 ) is connected at its two ends to the frame ( 10 ) in such a way,
that the support device ( 26 ) divides the area surrounded by the frame ( 10 ) into two preferably equal-sized sections. 3. Large loop frame according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in
that the support device ( 26 ) is cranked in such a way,
that the portion of the carrying device ( 26 ) serving as a carrying handle is spaced from the plane spanned by the frame ( 10 ) and preferably runs at least approximately parallel to the spanned plane. 4. Large loop frame according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in - that the functional unit provided on the support device ( 26 ) is the operating unit ( 34 ) of the device electronics ( 30 ) and - that the control unit ( 34 ) can preferably be operated with one hand. 5. Large loop frame according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that all functional units ( 32 , 34 ) of the device electronics ( 30 ) are provided on the support device ( 30 ), preferably in a common housing ( 28 ). 6. Large loop frame according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the voltage supply of the device electronics ( 30 ) is provided on the support device ( 26 ) or is at least partially accommodated in the support device ( 26 ). 7. Large loop frame according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the frame ( 10 ) is designed to be foldable. 8. Large loop frame according to claim 7, characterized in that - that two U-shaped frame sections ( 14 , 16 ) are provided which are connected to one another by two fastening elements ( 24 ) arranged between the free ends of the two frame sections ( 14 , 16 ) facing one another, - that the support device ( 26 ) is fastened to at least one of the fastening elements ( 24 ) and - that at least one of the two rigid frame sections ( 14 , 16 ) is foldable relative to the fastening elements ( 24 ). 9. Large loop frame according to claim 8, characterized in that - that both frame sections ( 14 , 16 ) are foldable, - that the frame sections ( 14 , 16 ) in the folded state lie against one another with their longitudinal struts ( 18 ) forming the base of the U-shape and their transverse struts ( 10 ) forming the legs of the U-shape enclose a preferably acute angle and - that the support device ( 26 ) is arranged at a distance from the longitudinal struts ( 18 ) in the volume enclosed by the frame sections ( 14 , 16 ). 10. Large loop frame according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in - that the foldable frame section ( 14 , 16 ) is attached to each fastening element ( 24 ) by a flexible connecting element ( 42 ) and - that at least one of the flexible connecting elements ( 42 ) can be fixed in a position in which the two rigid frame sections ( 14 , 16 ) are arranged substantially in a common plane. 11. Large loop frame according to claim 10, characterized in that - that each connecting element is designed as a flexible hose ( 42 ) which is firmly connected to the fastening element ( 24 ) and to one of the two free ends of the frame section ( 14 , 16 ) and - that for securing the hose ( 42 ) a sleeve ( 44 ) is provided on the frame ( 10 ), which can be pushed onto the hose ( 42 ) and spans the hose ( 42 ) in such a way that the sleeve ( 44 ) rigidly connects the fastening element ( 24 ) and the frame section ( 14 , 16 ) to one another. 12. Large loop frame according to claim 11, characterized in that the hose ( 44 ) is profiled on its outer surface at least in sections. 13. Large loop frame according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the sleeve ( 44 ) can be locked on the fastening element ( 24 ) and/or on the frame section ( 14 , 16 ). 14. Large loop frame according to one of claims 9 to 13, characterized in that each connecting element ( 42 ) is attached to the fastening element ( 24 ) and to the frame section ( 14 , 16 ) in a sealed manner, preferably by at least one O-ring ( 48 ). 15. Large loop frame according to one of claims 9 to 14, characterized in that - that the frame sections ( 14 , 16 ), the fastening elements ( 24 ) and the connecting elements ( 42 ) of the frame ( 10 ) are hollow and - that the locating loop is guided through the hollow connecting elements ( 42 ), fastening elements ( 24 ) and frame sections ( 14 , 16 ) and is accommodated in the frame ( 10 ) preferably in a sealed manner towards the outside.