WO1993022619A1 - Appareil d'alignement vertical - Google Patents

Appareil d'alignement vertical Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO1993022619A1
WO1993022619A1 PCT/AU1993/000176 AU9300176W WO9322619A1 WO 1993022619 A1 WO1993022619 A1 WO 1993022619A1 AU 9300176 W AU9300176 W AU 9300176W WO 9322619 A1 WO9322619 A1 WO 9322619A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
vertical alignment
alignment apparatus
electromagnetic radiation
slidable member
laser tube
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/AU1993/000176
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Graeme Lyle Sawers
Philip David Gingell
Original Assignee
Verticalign Aust Pty. Ltd.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Verticalign Aust Pty. Ltd. filed Critical Verticalign Aust Pty. Ltd.
Publication of WO1993022619A1 publication Critical patent/WO1993022619A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01C—MEASURING DISTANCES, LEVELS OR BEARINGS; SURVEYING; NAVIGATION; GYROSCOPIC INSTRUMENTS; PHOTOGRAMMETRY OR VIDEOGRAMMETRY
    • G01C15/00—Surveying instruments or accessories not provided for in groups G01C1/00 - G01C13/00
    • G01C15/10—Plumb lines
    • G01C15/105—Optical plumbing

Definitions

  • This invention is concerned with improvements in levelling devices and particularly, although not exclusively, is concerned with an apparatus for establishing vertical alignment for building construction purposes and.the like.
  • the placement of fixings for internal partitions or dividing walls is usually effected by first marking out the fixing positions on the floor and then using a plumb bob or the like to locate corresponding vertically aligned positions on the ceiling thereabove.
  • a plumb bob or the like to locate corresponding vertically aligned positions on the ceiling thereabove.
  • plumb bob is a simple and reliable means of establishing vertically aligned reference points, it is time consuming in that two people are often required to use the plumb bob for accurate alignment and marking. Time is also consumed in stabilising any pendulous swing of the plumb bob.
  • a plumb bob is not effective over large vertical distances, particularly in open buildings or lift wells due to instability arising from wind gusts and draughts.
  • a self levelling laser device is commonly used in establishing levels for suspended ceilings.
  • the device comprises a powered gyro mechanism for self levelling and is used mostly to generate horizontal lines in a horizontal plane.
  • the apparatus may also be used in a vertical plane to establish reference points for a vertical wall.
  • SUBSTITUTESHEET The main disadvantages of a self levelling laser device are that it takes some time to stabilise the self levelling gyro mechanism each time the apparatus is repositioned, the apparatus is extremely fragile and expensive to purchase and the apparatus is large and cumbersome and thus is difficult to position relative to existing structures.
  • Another major disadvantage associated with self levelling laser devices is that because they are designed primarily to establish horizontal planes, they are difficult to align with a floor marking to establish a corresponding vertically aligned position on a surface spaced thereabove.
  • levelling device employed in the building construction industry is a wall mounted infra red radiation emitter.
  • This apparatus is affixed to a wall surface and is levelled by means of a spirit level.
  • a portable infra red receiver is then moved about the surface of spaced or adjoining walls to establish reference points thereon in a horizontal plane.
  • This apparatus is not adaptable to carry out vertical alignment of say a predetermined position on a floor and a corresponding vertically aligned position on a ceiling thereabove.
  • Yet another type of alignment apparatus comprises a vertically oriented laser tube suspended for vertical alignment under a gravitational force.
  • the laser tube emits a single beam of light upwardly and a lower reference beam is emitted by a high intensity light emitting diode.
  • a magnetic damping system is employed to stabilise motion in the laser beam and provided that the apparatus is initially set up with adjustable legs to vertically orient the apparatus with a bubble tube leveller, it is claimed that automatic correction is ensured as long as the bubble remains in the range of the circular bubble tube.
  • an apparatus of this type While generally satisfactory for its purpose, an apparatus of this type is extremely expensive to manufacture and due to the need for high precision componentry for damping and self correction, it is relatively fragile and easy to damage and thus may require excessive maintenance and recalibration to maintain accuracy. Moreover the use of separate upper and lower reference light beams makes it difficult to obtain initial axial alignment of the beams to obtain the necessary accuracy of say ⁇ 1 mm over 15 metres. Any movement of one light source relative to the other light source due to impact or rough handling is expected to seriously affect the accuracy of this apparatus.
  • a vertical alignment apparatus comprising:- an electromagnetic radiation transmitter means adapted to transmit beams of electromagnetic radiation coaxially in opposite directions; and, support means adapted to support said transmitter means under the influence of gravity to direct said beams of electromagnetic radiation along a vertical axis.
  • said transmitter means comprises spaced, axially aligned transmission apertures with at least one electromagnetic radiation emission means located therebetween.
  • said transmitter means comprises a generally tubular body having apertures adapted to direct narrow beams of electromagnetic radiation in coaxially opposite directions.
  • said transmitter means comprises a single source of electromagnetic radiation.
  • said transmitter means may include focussing and/or collimation means to transmit said electromagnetic radiation as narrow co-axial beams.
  • said support means comprises a housing to locate said transmitter means.
  • said support means includes a levelling means to support said transmitter means under the influence of gravity.
  • said levelling means may include calibration means.
  • said support means includes locking means to secure said transmitter means within said support means for transportatio .
  • the locking means may comprise an integrated isolating switch means to electrically isolate said transmitter means.
  • the locking means may comprise a plug and socket engagement.
  • the locking means includes a first switch means adapted to maintain a closed circuit coupling for said laser tube under normal operating conditions.
  • the locking means includes selectively operable means to induce a magnetic field to disengage said first switch means whe " said apparatus is tilted to a predetermined angle.
  • said housing comprises a protective enclosure with opposed ends thereof transparent to beams of electromagnetic radiation passing therethrough in use.
  • said housing may include adjustable support legs, mounting brackets or the like.
  • a magnetic switch means selectively actuable at a predetermined angle of inclination to isolate an electrical circuit.
  • FIG 1 illustrates a side elevational cross sectional
  • FIG 2 illustrates a part sectional top plan view of the apparatus of FIG 1 ,
  • FIG 3 illustrates an enlarged view of a gimbal mounted laser transmitter and locking means according to another aspect of the apparatus
  • FIG 4 illustrates an alternative view of the locking means of FIG 3,
  • FIG 5 illustrates schematically an electrical circuit diagram of the apparatus of FIG 3.
  • FIG 1 illustrates a vertical alignment apparatus 1 which comprises a tubular housing 2 adjustably supported by telescopic support legs 3.
  • a tubular member 4 Suspended within housing 2 is a tubular member 4 which is pivotally supported by a gimbal mounting 5 pivotable about perpendicular axes 6 and 7.
  • Gimbal mounting 5 is electrically insulated between housing 2 and tubular member
  • tubular member 4 Within tubular member 4 is located an electrical storage battery 8 and connected to which is an electrical controller 9 to excite a laser tube 10 connected thereto.
  • Laser tube 10 extends through an aperture 11 in tubular member 4 and is located outside the outer wall 12 of tubular member 4 such that coaxially aligned radiation emission apertures 13, 14 are aligned generally parallel to the outer wall 12.
  • a mass Located within the base of tubular member 4 is a mass
  • a n adjustable screw 17 is located in base 18 of housing 2 and engages with a recess 19 in the base 20 of tubular member 4 to lock the tubular member 4 for transportation to 5 prevent damage to the gimbal mount 5 and the laser tube 10.
  • Housing 2 is sealed at both ends by base 18 and upper cap 21.
  • base 18 and cap 21 are transparent apertures 22, 23 respectively, each axially aligned with the transmission axes 24, 15 respectively of laser tube 10.
  • a lso located in upper cap 21 is an actuating switch 26, a tilt warning indicator lamp 27 and a battery recharging socket 28 (shown in FIG 2) .
  • Tilt warning indicator lamp 27 is actuated in the event that tubular member 4 comes into contact with housing 2 to indicate that member 4 is not suspended vertically on gimbal mount 5 and thus permits an operator to adjust the telescopic legs 3 to allow free suspension.
  • the de-activating switch is coupled to the tilt warning circuit and thus prevents the laser tube 10 from being energised whilst in a non vertical position.
  • engagement between locking screw 17 and recess 19 also serves to deactivate laser controller 9 to prevent use of the apparatus whilst tubular member 4 is not freely suspended in a vertical position.
  • the apparatus is positioned over a reference point marked on a floor surface and with laser tube 10 energised, is positioned so that the laser beam emerging through aperture 23 in base 20 is located precisely on the marked reference point.
  • the gimbal mounting of tubular member 4 allows rapid stabilisation of tubular member 4 such that the laser beam which emerges along axis 24 exactly locates on an upper ceiling surface a point precisely vertical to the floor reference point.
  • the ceiling reference point may then be marked and the process repeated for all other floor reference points.
  • FIG 3 shows an enlarged view of a gimbal mounted laser transmitter and locking mechanism.
  • a helium laser tube 30 is mounted via brackets
  • Frame member 32 is suspended from cover 33 by a gimbal mount 36 having perpendicular pivotal axes 37, 38.
  • Laser tube 30 includes axially aligned opposed emission apertures 39, 40 and is powered by a power pack 41 comprising a storage battery (not shown) and appropriate electrical circuitry (not shown).
  • Switch 45 comprises a toothed member 46 slidable in a housing 47 and slidable between a fully extended position as shown and a retracted position. The extent of slidable movement is limited by a pin 48 attached to member 46 and slidable in a slotted aperture 49 in housing 47.
  • Member 46 is movable between an extended and retracted position by a rotatable wheel 50 having teeth 51 which engage in the teeth 52 on member 46.
  • the upper portion of member 46 is formed with a frusto- conical neck 53 and a cylindrical plug-like portion 54.
  • plug-like portion 54 locates within aperture 43 of block 42 and cr ⁇ vents movement of frame 32 about its gimbal mount 36.
  • a counterweight 55 serves to balance the mass of laser tube 30 s.; ; id its mounting brackets 31.
  • FIG 4 shows a cross sectional view through A-A of the switch 45.
  • a helical spring 56 engages at its upper end against pin 48 and at its lower end against the core of a permanent magnet 57. The spring urges member 46 to a normally extended position as shown.
  • a knob 58 mounted on a shaft 59 is provided to rotate toothed wheel 52 (shown in FIG 3) to move the member 46 between the extended position as shown and a retracted position with the lower portion 60 of member 46 located within a recess 61 of magnet 57.
  • FIG 5 illustrates schematically a circuit diagram of the apparatus of FIGS 3 and 4.
  • a storage or dry cell battery 62 associated with power pack 41 is electrically coupled to laser tube 63 via an isolating switch 64 and control circuitry 65 appropriate for
  • a socket 66 is provided for an external power source or for recharging battery 62.
  • Isolating switch 64 is coupled to the member 46 of FIGS 3 and 4 whereby it is physically closed to excite the laser tube by engagement with a ramp or cam (not shown) associated
  • the apparatus With the laser tube excited but otherwise restrained against swinging movement on gimbal mount 36 by the engagement between plug like portion 54 and aperture 43, the apparatus may be moved into position over or beneath a
  • Knob 58 is then rotated to retract member 46 to enable retention thereof by permanent magnet 57.
  • the frame 31 then swings to a vertical alignment and the apparatus may be carefully moved to align the lower or upper light beams to
  • the plug portion 54 of member 46 which is electrically coupled to electromagnet coil 68, makes a physical contact with the surface of frusto- conical recess and closes the hitherto open circuit coupled to the electromagnetic coil 68.
  • switches 67 and 64 are opened to completely isolate the electrical coupling to the laser tube 63.
  • the apparatus of FIG 3 is suitably supported within a simple hollow housing of circular or triangular cross-section with three fixed supporting legs.
  • the apparatus therefor provides a simple yet inexpensive safety isolating switch means which alleviates the possibility of in j ury to the eyes of nearby workers should the apparatus inadvertently be knocked over.
  • the isolating switch means embodies a secure mechanical locking means to protect the gimbal mounted laser tube from undue mechanical shock in use and in transportation and storage.
  • the apparatus according to the invention possesses substantial benefits over prior art apparatus and methods for establishing vertical alignment.
  • the apparatus is simple to use and establishment of vertically corresponding reference points between either floor or ceiling mounted references is extremely rapid and otherwise capable of being used by a single operator instead of two operators hitherto. 5
  • the apparatus is robust and capable of being operated without any special training for the operator.
  • the apparatus may include castor wheels for mobility, it may include brackets to enable mounting on vertical surfaces or members, mounting on fixed or mobile scaffold frames or building frames such as -wall studs, ceiling joists or rafters etc.
  • the apparatus may be clamped onto pipe work to indicate a vertical pipe run through successive floors in a high rise building thus enabling smaller diameter penetration apertures and perhaps obviating the need for expensive fireproof penetration collars.
  • the laser tube 10 may be replaced with a source of high intensity visible light or other form of intense electromagnetic radiation emitted as a narrow coherent beam.
  • a remote portable detector with an audible signalling means can be utilised.
  • Such an apparatus could be used where particular circumstances preclude the use of visible light beams.
  • Targets may be clamped or otherwise affixed to a remote structure to indicate the spacing of the desired reference point from that indicated by the laser beam or the like.
  • the apparatus may include other levelling mechanisms such as a gyroscopic or fluid levelling device.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Radar, Positioning & Navigation (AREA)
  • Remote Sensing (AREA)
  • Conveying And Assembling Of Building Elements In Situ (AREA)

Abstract

Un appareil d'alignement vertical utilise un tube laser (30) monté à la cardan ayant des ouvertures (39, 40) d'émission de lumière alignées coaxialement à ses extrémités opposées. Un contacteur de sécurité (45) comprend un élément rétractable (46) actionné par un bouton rotatif (58) pour désengager mécaniquement un cadre (32) monté à la cardan (32) et pour coupler électriquement le tube laser (30) pour excitation. Un corps métallique (42) monté sur le cadre (32) et ayant une ouverture en forme de tronc conique (44) sert de dispositif mécanique de fermeture et facilite l'isolation électrique du tube laser (30) avec un angle d'inclinaison prédéterminé par l'ouverture d'un circuit qui neutralise magnétiquement un aimant permanent (57) qui maintient un circuit fermé pour fournir l'énergie au tube laser (30) dans les conditions normales de fonctionnement.
PCT/AU1993/000176 1992-04-27 1993-04-27 Appareil d'alignement vertical WO1993022619A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AUPL206492 1992-04-27
AUPL2064 1992-04-27

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1993022619A1 true WO1993022619A1 (fr) 1993-11-11

Family

ID=3776108

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/AU1993/000176 WO1993022619A1 (fr) 1992-04-27 1993-04-27 Appareil d'alignement vertical

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO1993022619A1 (fr)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7134211B2 (en) 2004-03-18 2006-11-14 Black & Decker Inc. Laser level
WO2009003741A1 (fr) * 2007-07-04 2009-01-08 Robert Bosch Gmbh Dispositif à laser avec mise à niveau automatique
CN113899351A (zh) * 2021-11-22 2022-01-07 山东东汇工程检测鉴定有限公司 建筑工程垂直度检测装置及检测方法

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2517295A (en) * 1947-07-30 1950-08-01 Esher Raymond Robert Plumb bob having vertical light-ray projector
US3909952A (en) * 1974-04-29 1975-10-07 Guy Lagasse Plumb light
GB1565838A (en) * 1977-09-13 1980-04-23 Secretary Industry Brit Portable axis definition apparatus
JPS5682409A (en) * 1979-12-10 1981-07-06 Shohei Arimoto Laser line irradiation method and its apparatus
EP0341812A1 (fr) * 1988-04-08 1989-11-15 Spectra Precision, Inc. Indicateur des directions horizontale et verticale avec compensation pour l'inclinaison
CH679425A5 (en) * 1989-02-16 1992-02-14 Rene Marcel Zbinden Vertically indicating tripod system - projects a line beam onto a wall or ceiling to assist in lining up fittings or fixing holes

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2517295A (en) * 1947-07-30 1950-08-01 Esher Raymond Robert Plumb bob having vertical light-ray projector
US3909952A (en) * 1974-04-29 1975-10-07 Guy Lagasse Plumb light
GB1565838A (en) * 1977-09-13 1980-04-23 Secretary Industry Brit Portable axis definition apparatus
JPS5682409A (en) * 1979-12-10 1981-07-06 Shohei Arimoto Laser line irradiation method and its apparatus
EP0341812A1 (fr) * 1988-04-08 1989-11-15 Spectra Precision, Inc. Indicateur des directions horizontale et verticale avec compensation pour l'inclinaison
CH679425A5 (en) * 1989-02-16 1992-02-14 Rene Marcel Zbinden Vertically indicating tripod system - projects a line beam onto a wall or ceiling to assist in lining up fittings or fixing holes

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
PATENT ABSTRACTS OF JAPAN, P-81, page 59; & JP,A,56 082 409 (SHIYOUHEI ARIMOTO), 6 July 1981. *

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7134211B2 (en) 2004-03-18 2006-11-14 Black & Decker Inc. Laser level
US7310886B2 (en) 2004-03-18 2007-12-25 Black & Decker Inc. Laser level
US7481002B2 (en) 2004-03-18 2009-01-27 Black & Decker Inc. Laser level
WO2009003741A1 (fr) * 2007-07-04 2009-01-08 Robert Bosch Gmbh Dispositif à laser avec mise à niveau automatique
CN113899351A (zh) * 2021-11-22 2022-01-07 山东东汇工程检测鉴定有限公司 建筑工程垂直度检测装置及检测方法
CN113899351B (zh) * 2021-11-22 2024-03-12 山东东汇工程检测鉴定有限公司 建筑工程垂直度检测装置及检测方法

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