WO2009003741A1

WO2009003741A1 - Self-levelling laser apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2009003741A1
Application number: PCT/EP2008/055446
Authority: WO
Inventors: Rudolf Fuchs
Original assignee: Robert Bosch Gmbh
Priority date: 2007-07-04
Filing date: 2008-05-05
Publication date: 2009-01-08
Also published as: DE102007030989A1; EP2165154A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a self-levelling laser apparatus (1), in particular for levelling and/or marking, having: a housing (2) a laser unit (4) arranged in the housing (2), a self-levelling arrangement (3) for the laser unit (4) in the housing (2) by means of which the laser unit (4) can be aligned independently of a housing alignment in order to produce a laser beam (5) which is oriented on the vertical. According to the invention, the self-levelling laser apparatus (1) has integral holding means for positioning the laser unit (4) at different positions along the vertical.

Description

description

title

Self-leveling laser device

State of the art

The invention relates to a self-leveling laser device according to the preamble of claim 1.

In order to perform leveling, alignment and / or marking tasks in the craft sector, e.g. For some time now, laser products have been used which, depending on the application, produce laser markings to realize a reference independent of the orientation of floors, ceilings or walls. A distinction is made between so-called rotary lasers, in which a laser signal is fanned by rotation of the light source or a beam deflecting device in a plane to be adjusted and thus defines a reference surface and so-called line lasers, which allow the projection of the laser signal to a reference surface, that a predetermined direction becomes visible and can be kept.

For example, from EP 0 785 412 A2 a laser leveling device with an elongate housing and dragonflies is known, which can be leveled as a laser spirit level with the housing in a desired level and emits a laser beam for guidance purposes.

From DE 295 11 266 Ul a marking laser is known in which a laser unit is not movable, ie in one Housing is firmly installed, and wherein the housing forms an automatically vertically aligning pendulum.

From DE 297 16 316 Ul a pendulum laser for leveling and / or attaching markings on walls is known which has a housing with a suspension device, wherein the housing has an opening for a laser beam of a freely suspended from a pendulum axis laser beam generator.

From DE 10 2004 027 647 Al a marking laser device with two units is known, wherein the second unit relative to the first unit unit is adjustable and measuring means, such as a mechanical measuring system, are provided to determine the distance between the two units.

A generic, known per se self-leveling laser device is used for leveling and / or marking by means of the laser beam generated by the laser unit of or on objects, for example, to display lines on surfaces, such a line is independent of a housing orientation of the self-leveling laser device perpendicular to Lot or plumb is. For self-leveling, it is known to use passive self-leveling arrangements, such as pendulum laser arrays. In addition, it is known to use active self-leveling arrangements which determine the position of the laser unit via suitable sensors and then actively align them, in particular via servomotors. In practice, there are often cases in which a generic self-leveling laser device of the type mentioned above is used for displaying horizontal line on vertical objects, but it is also desirable to adjust such a self-leveling laser device in height. It is known for this purpose to attach the self-leveling laser device to a separate stand. The disadvantage here is that in addition to the self-leveling laser device, the platzeinnehmende, separate tripod must be carried along. Similarly disadvantageous is the cultivation of a self-leveling laser device on a extending between the floor and ceiling, separate clamping rod. In addition, it is known to attach the self-leveling laser device to a separate base, with such a solution offers only a very small Höhenverstellweg.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION Technical Problem

The invention has for its object to propose a compact self-leveling laser device, or to have to provide the laser unit without platzeinnehmende, separate tools, is securely positioned in different height positions.

Technical solution

This object is achieved with the features of claim 1. Advantageous developments of the inventions are specified in the dependent claims. All combinations of at least two features specified in the description, the claims and / or the figures also fall within the scope of the invention.

The invention is based on the idea of receiving or supporting the weight of the housing, the self-leveling arrangement and the laser unit formed holding means in the self-leveling laser device, so form the holding means as an integral part of the self-leveling laser device. The holding means must be designed such that with them the housing, the self-leveling and the laser unit can be positioned together in different height positions, ie in different positions along the vertical. Preferably, the holding means are designed such that the laser unit can be positioned within predetermined limits in arbitrary, ie freely selectable, positions relative to the perpendicular. It is within the scope of the invention that the housing with the self-leveling arrangement and the laser unit can be positioned on the holding means hanging in different positions along the vertical, or form the holding means such that they support the housing with the self-leveling and the laser unit , So the housing is above the holding means. It is advantageous if the holding means provide a height adjustability of the laser unit of at least 10 cm, preferably of at least 25 cm, particularly preferably of at least 50 cm. Particularly preferred is an embodiment in which a positioning along the perpendicular in a range of 2 m or 3 m or above relative to a Reference point is possible. Since the holding means are an integral part of the pendulum laser device, no large-volume, ie space-consuming, separate tools for height-adjustable placement, ie positioning of the laser unit are required. Thus, the assembly of the self-leveling laser device to separate tools, whereby the self-leveling laser device is ready for use faster. Preferably, the holding means are designed such that they are adjustable between a space-saving storage position and a, in particular extended functional position.

In a further development of the invention is advantageously provided that the holding means are fixed on or in the housing of the self-leveling laser device to ensure a safe and reliable transmission of the weight of the components of the self-leveling laser device to the holding means.

Of particular advantage is an embodiment in which the holding means are pivotable relative to the housing receiving the laser unit, wherein the holding means are preferably pivotally connected thereto to the housing. The pivotable arrangement of the holding means thus allows a fine adjustment or (free) alignment of the housing with the laser unit. In order to realize a maximum relative adjustability of the housing to the holding means, it is advantageous to connect the holding means by means of a ball joint with the housing, wherein a Fixiermöglichkeit (locking function) may be provided for fixing the housing in different pivot positions. An advantage is an embodiment in which the holding means have a support surface for supporting on a reference surface, wherein on the support surface, the weight of the self-leveling laser device is transmitted to the reference surface. It is also advantageous if the holding means have fastening means for fixing the holding means to a reference surface. For example, the holding means may for this purpose be provided with a recess forming the fixing means, by means of which the holding means can be suspended for example on a nail arranged in the reference surface. Likewise, the fixing means may be formed as a clamping means for height-adjustable arrangement of the laser unit.

To realize the height adjustment of the laser unit is an embodiment of advantage in which the holding means are variable in length, in particular such that the holding means in different length dimensions can be fixed, in particular latched and thus to ensure an arrangement of the housing with laser unit in different height position. The variable-length design of the holding means can be realized for example by the provision of a telescopic rod or the provision of several, for example zusammensteckbarer, elements.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention it is provided that the holding means comprise a roller conveyor or a narrow roller cord, which (s) can be locked in different, preferably freely selectable pull-out positions. The provision of a roll band or a roll cord as a holding means allows a particularly compact embodiment of the self-leveling laser device, since the roller belt in the wound state requires a small volume. At the same time, the positioning can be realized in a large adjustment range of more than 2 or 3 m by means of a roller belt or a roller cord. Particularly advantageous is an embodiment in which the axis of rotation and / or the shaft of the roller conveyor or the roller cord is within the housing, whereby the roller conveyor, in applications where it is not needed (storage position), does not hinder the handling of the self-leveling laser device , To lock the roller conveyor or the roller cord in different extension positions diverse mechanisms can be provided. For example, it is possible to form the roller belt or the roller cord in the manner of a tether in motor vehicles. It is also possible to form the pull-out mechanism self-locking. In addition, it is possible to provide clamping means for locking the roller conveyor or the roller cord in any extension position. Particularly comfortable to handle is an embodiment in which the roller conveyor or the roller cord comprises a return spring for automatically rolling up the roller conveyor or the roller cord. A particularly large variability of the self-leveling laser device is achieved when the roller belt (or the roller string) or the rotation axis or shaft is pivotable relative to the housing and is preferably lockable in any rotational position.

An advantage is an embodiment in which the roll band, or the rolling line in particular the free end of the Rollbandes, or the rolling line is provided with fastening means for attaching the roller tape to walls, windows, doors, furniture, etc. The fastening means can be designed, for example, as an adhesive element for gluing the roll band or the roll cord or as a hook element for suspending the roll band. Furthermore, it is conceivable to form the fastening means as a recess for suspending the roll band on a nail, etc.

Another possibility for the realization of space-saving holding means is to form the holding means as a telescopic rod, wherein the at least two telescopic elements can be locked in different extension positions relative to each other. To ensure a stable state of the self-leveling laser device is provided in a further development of the invention that the at least one telescopic rod has at its end facing away from the housing with a support plate for placement on a reference surface. The platen then forms a support surface for support on a reference surface. Preferably, the telescopic rod is arranged pivotable relative to the support plate. The provision of a support plate allows an embodiment of the holding means with only a single telescopic rod.

In addition or as an alternative to the provision of a support plate, a plurality of telescopic rods, preferably pivotable relative to each other and forming a tripod, may be provided.

The self-leveling laser device preferably comprises three telescoping rods which can be pivoted relative to one another. Preferably, the telescopic rods are on a holding plate hinged, which in turn, in particular by means of a ball joint, is pivotally connected to the housing of the self-leveling laser device.

As a self-leveling arrangement, for example, a passive arrangement, in particular a pendulum arrangement, preferably be provided with cardanic storage. It is also conceivable to provide an active arrangement as a self-leveling arrangement, the alignment of the laser unit to the perpendicular preferably being detected by means of at least one sensor and the laser unit being actively aligned, in particular by means of at least one servomotor, on the basis of the sensor information.

Brief description of the drawings

Embodiments of the invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. These are not intended to represent the embodiments to scale, but the drawings, where appropriate for explanation, executed in a schematized and / or slightly distorted form. With regard to additions to the teachings directly recognizable from the drawings reference is made to the relevant prior art. In detail, the drawings show in:

FIG. 1 shows a schematic, sectional view of a self-leveling laser device designed as a pendulum laser device with a holding means designed as a roller belt, FIG.

2 shows a rotated by 90 ° view of Pendellaser- device of FIG. 1 from the outside, 3 shows a schematic, partially cutaway view of a self-leveling laser device designed as a pendulum laser device with a holding means designed as a stand,

FIG. 4 shows a self-leveling laser device in the form of a pendulum laser device with a holding means designed as a stand, wherein the support rods are retracted and

5 shows a schematic, partially cutaway view of a self-leveling laser device in the form of a pendulum laser device with a holding means designed as a telescopic rod with a support plate.

In the figures, the same components and components with the same function with the same reference numerals are marked.

1 shows a self-leveling laser device 1 with a housing 2. Within the housing 2, a self-leveling arrangement formed only schematically as a pendulum arrangement is arranged, with which a laser unit 4 for generating a laser beam 5 oriented on the perpendicular usually independently of one Body orientation is self-aligning. Alternatively, an active self-leveling arrangement can be used. The self-leveling laser device shown is primarily used for marking by means of horizontal and / or vertical and / or vertical (eg 45 °) generated by the laser beam 5 to perpendicular Lines on objects not shown. On the housing 2 integral, a roller conveyor 6 comprehensive holding means 7 are arranged, wherein a holding means housing 8 with the laser unit 4 receiving the housing 2 forms a housing unit.

From the holding means housing 8, the roller belt 6 is extendable and fixed with its free end 9, for example on a arranged in a reference surface, indicated by an arrow 10 nail. For this purpose, the free end 9 of the roller belt 6, as shown in FIG. 2 can be seen with formed as a recess attachment means 11 through which a nail can be passed. The roller belt 6 is designed to hold the weight of the entire self-leveling laser device 1, i. can carry. The holding means 7 comprising a roller band 6 serves to suspend the housing 2 with the laser unit 4 in different height positions relative to a vertical not shown. The roller conveyor 6 is associated with a retractor 12, which allows a return spring, not shown, for automatically rolling the roller belt 6 on a roller 13. The roller 13 is rotatably supported by a shaft 14 in the holding means housing 8. With only schematically indicated clamping means 15, an unintentional rolling of the roller belt 6 can be prevented, wherein the roller belt 6 can be clamped in any extension positions with the clamping means 15, so that the laser unit 4 is positionable in any height positions relative to the fastening means 11.

From Fig. 2 it can be seen that by means of the indicated in Fig. 1 laser unit 4, a cross-shaped contoured laser beam 5 can be generated. Instead of a roller belt 6 It is also possible to use a roller cord with a smaller width extension than the roller belt 6 shown.

In Fig. 3, a further self-leveling laser device 1 is shown with a housing 2, wherein within the housing 2 designed as a pendulum laser arrangement schematically indicated self-leveling arrangement 3 is arranged for a laser unit 4. An integral part of the pendulum laser device are formed as a stand holding means 7, comprising three telescopic rods 16, 17, 18. The telescopic rods 16, 17, 18, which are shown in Fig. 3 in a functional position, are pivotally mounted on a fixing plate 19. The fixing plate 19 in turn is connected by means of a ball joint 20 with the housing 2, so that the housing 2 is pivotable relative to the holding means 7, wherein the ball joint 20 is spring-loaded (not shown) to a locking of the housing 2 relative to the fixing plate 19 of To allow holding means 7.

Each telescopic rod 16, 17, 18 respectively comprises three telescopic units 16a to 16c, 17a to 17c and 18a to 18c. The telescopic elements 16a to 16c, 17a to 17c and 18a to 18c are each adjustable relative to each other in the axial direction and fixed in any extension positions by a clamping mechanism, not shown, so that any height positioning of the housing 2 relative to a reference surface 21 is possible at the the telescopic rods 16, 17, 18 are supported by support surfaces 25, 26, 27 formed by telescopic feet 22, 23, 24. An advantage is an embodiment, not shown, in which the telescopic feet 22, 23, 24, for example, each one Ball joint articulated with the telescopic rods 16, 17, 18 are connected to the largest possible support surface 25, 26, 27 provide.

In Fig. 4, an alternative self-leveling laser device 1 is shown with telescopic rods 16, 17, 18 formed holding means 7, wherein the telescopic rod 16, 17, 18 are shown in a retracted non-functional or storage position. Each telescopic rod 16, 17, 18 includes a Teleskopuß 22, 23, 24. The telescopic rods 16, 17, 18 are fixed in their storage position parallel to each other on the housing 2. It can be seen that each telescopic rod 16, 17, 18, each with a ball joint 28, 29, 30 is fixed to the housing 2 in order to make a relative pivotal movement of the telescopic rods 16, 17, 18 to the housing and relative to each other.

FIG. 5 shows an alternative self-leveling laser device 1 with a self-leveling arrangement 3 for a laser unit 4 arranged in a housing 2. The self-leveling laser device 1 comprises integral holding means 7 which comprise a telescopic rod 16 and a support plate 31 arranged at the end on the telescopic rod 16 with a lower support surface 25 by means of which the self-leveling laser device 1 can be placed on a reference surface 21. The telescopic rod 16 is retractable and extendable in the direction of arrow 32, whereby the housing 2 with a self-leveling arrangement 3 and laser unit 4 relative to the reference surface 21 and thus relative to a vertical height adjustable and a freely selectable height can be positioned. From Fig. 5 is still The telescopic rod 16 is fixed by means of a ball joint 20 on the housing 2, so that the housing 2 pivotable relative to the telescopic rod 16 and in any relative positions the telescopic rod 16 can be locked. It is also an embodiment feasible, in which the telescopic rod 16 articulated, in particular pivotable about an axis on the support plate 31 is hinged.

Claims

claims

1. Self-leveling laser device, in particular for leveling and / or marking, comprising: a housing (2), and one in the housing (2) arranged

Laser unit (4), and a self-leveling arrangement (3) for the laser unit (4) in the housing (2), with which the

Laser unit (4), for generating a perpendicular to the oriented, in particular horizontal or vertical, laser beam (5), regardless of a housing orientation is alignable,

characterized

in that the self-leveling laser device (1) has integral holding means (7) for positioning the laser unit (4) in different positions along the vertical.

2. Self-leveling laser device according to claim 1, characterized in that the holding means (7) are fixed on or in the housing (2).

3. Self-leveling laser device according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the holding means (7) relative to the housing (2) are pivotable.

4. Self-leveling laser device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the holding means (7) has a support surface (25, 26, 27) for supporting on a reference surface (21) and / or fastening means (11) for fixing the holding means (7). exhibit.

5. Self-leveling laser device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the holding means (7) are variable in length.

6. Self-leveling laser device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the holding means (7) a roller belt (6) or a

Roll cord, in particular with return spring, comprise, which can be locked in different extension positions.

7. Self-leveling laser device according to claim 6, characterized in that the roller belt (6) or the roller cord, in particular a free end (9) of the roller belt or the roller cord, fastening means (11), in particular an adhesive element and / or a hook element and / or a recess having.

8. Self-leveling laser device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the holding means (7) comprise at least one telescopic rod (16, 17, 18) which can be locked in different pull-out positions.

9. Self-leveling laser device according to one of claims 7 or 8, characterized in that the telescopic rod (16, 17, 18) at its the housing (2) facing away from a support plate (31).

10. Self-leveling laser device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that several relatively pivotable telescopic rods (16, 17, 18) are provided.

11. Self-leveling laser device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the self-leveling arrangement (3) as a passive arrangement, in particular as a pendulum laser arrangement, or as an active arrangement, in particular with at least one servomotor, is formed.