Position determination device for a handheld material inspection device, method for operating a position determination device, and handheld material inspection device having a position determination device

Abstract

The invention is based on a position determination device for a handheld material testing device, which is designed to detect a path traveled by the material testing device and comprises at least one signal transmitter unit (14) and at least one sensor unit (18) for being arranged on a rolling element (16) of the material testing device, wherein the signal transmitter unit (14) comprises at least one signal transmitter element (20) for changing a measurement signal depending on a rotational position of the rolling element (16), and wherein the sensor unit (20) is designed to be arranged on a chassis (22) of the material testing device for detecting the measurement signal. It is proposed that the signal transmitter element (20) is designed as an inductive signal transmitter element and the sensor unit (18) is designed as an inductive sensor unit, which are designed for inductive coupling to each other.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] A position determination device for a handheld material inspection device has been proposed, which is configured to detect the path traversed by the material inspection device and includes at least one signal transmitter unit and at least one sensor unit arranged on a rolling element of the material inspection device. The signal transmitter unit includes at least one signal transmitter element for changing a measurement signal according to the rotational position of the rolling element, and the sensor unit is arranged on the chassis of the material inspection device for detecting the measurement signal. Summary of the Invention

[0002] The present invention is based on a position determination device for a handheld material inspection device, which is configured to detect the path traversed by the material inspection device and includes at least one signal transmitter unit and at least one sensor unit arranged on a rolling element of the material inspection device. The signal transmitter unit includes at least one signal transmitter element for changing a measurement signal according to the rotational position of the rolling element, and the sensor unit is arranged on the chassis of the material inspection device for detecting the measurement signal.

[0003] The signal transmitter element is constructed as an inductive signal transmitter element, and the sensor unit is constructed as an inductive sensor unit, both configured for inductive coupling with each other. The material inspection device preferably includes a positioning sensor unit, particularly an antenna unit, configured to transmit and receive electromagnetic waves, particularly in the microwave and / or radio wave ranges, as measurement signals. The positioning sensor unit is particularly configured to receive the backscattered, particularly reflected, portion of the transmitted measurement signal. The material inspection device is specifically configured to be arranged on the surface of the object being inspected for measurement, particularly by a user, and optionally move relative to the surface, particularly while maintaining contact between the material inspection device and the surface. The material inspection device preferably includes at least one rolling element, particularly a wheel, roller, ball, etc., for arranging the material inspection device on the surface and / or for moving the material inspection device relative to the surface. The material inspection device particularly preferably includes at least one additional rolling element. The material inspection device preferably includes multiple, particularly more than three, rolling elements. The rolling elements are particularly configured to determine a particularly constant minimum distance between the surface and the chassis, and particularly with the positioning sensor unit, during measurement using the material inspection device. The material inspection equipment preferably includes a housing, in which the positioning sensor unit is arranged or on the housing. The chassis is preferably constructed as part of the housing. Alternatively, the chassis is constructed separately from the housing, wherein the chassis is constructed for mounting on and / or within the housing. In particular, the rolling elements are rotatably supported on the chassis. The positioning device preferably includes at least one physical axis of rotation arranged to resist the torsion of the rolling elements. In particular, the axis of rotation, when arranged on the chassis, predefines an imaginary axis of rotation about which the rolling elements can rotate. The axis of rotation is preferably at least substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the housing when supported on the chassis. Alternatively, the axis of rotation, when supported on the chassis, is arranged at least substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis or can be aligned in this manner. The axis of rotation may be constructed as a bearing shaft (which is particularly not provided for force and / or torque transmission) and / or as a shaft.

[0004] "Set up" should be understood in particular as specially established, specially programmed, specially designed and / or specially equipped. The fact that an object is set up for a specific function should be understood in particular as the object satisfying and / or implementing that specific function in at least one application and / or operating state. "Substantially parallel" should be understood here in particular as the orientation of a direction relative to a reference direction, especially in a plane, wherein the deviation of this direction relative to the reference direction is particularly less than 8°, advantageously less than 5° and particularly advantageously less than 2°. The term "substantially perpendicular" should be defined here in particular as the orientation of a direction relative to a reference direction, wherein the direction and the reference direction, especially when viewed in a projection plane, enclose an angle of 90°, and the maximum deviation of this angle is particularly less than 8°, advantageously less than 5° and particularly advantageously less than 2°.

[0005] The signal transmitter unit and sensor unit together specifically form an odometer for positioning a material inspection device by detecting the rolling of at least one, and particularly preferably at least two, rolling elements on the surface of the object being inspected. The signal transmitter unit and sensor unit are particularly spaced apart and particularly movably, particularly rotatably, arranged relative to each other. In particular, the signal transmitter unit and sensor unit are configured together to generate a measurement signal dependent on the rotational position of the rolling elements. The signal transmitter unit is particularly preferably configured to generate a magnetic field, and the sensor unit is configured to detect this magnetic field as a measurement signal. Alternatively, the sensor unit is configured to generate a magnetic field and the signal transmitter unit detects changes in this magnetic field, particularly absorption, as a measurement signal. The signal transmitter element is preferably constructed as a permanent magnet, particularly for transmitting the measurement signal. Alternatively, the signal transmitter element is constructed as an electromagnet, particularly for transmitting the measurement signal, which operates by means of a battery, supercapacitor, etc., in the signal transmitter unit. Alternatively, the signal transmitter element is constructed as a conducting ring, specifically configured to resonantly absorb alternating magnetic fields from the sensor unit, particularly having a resonant circuit.

[0006] The signal transmitter unit is preferably connected to the rolling element in a torsion-resistant manner. In particular, the signal transmitter element is arranged on a rotating shaft. The signal transmitter element can be constructed as a dipole magnet or a multipole magnet. In particular, the signal transmitter element includes at least one imaginary magnetic shaft, on which the magnetic north and south poles of the signal transmitter element are arranged. In particular, the magnetic shaft is arranged at least substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis of the rolling element. In particular, the sensor unit includes at least one magnetometer. The magnetometer is constructed, for example, as an electromagnetic coil, particularly as a Hall probe together with a galvanometer and / or voltmeter, or as a field plate, etc.

[0007] With the design according to the invention, the sensor unit and the signal transmitter unit can be advantageously arranged relative to each other without requiring an optical line of sight. In particular, the position acquisition device is advantageously insensitive to dirt and / or ambient light.

[0008] Furthermore, it is proposed that the signal transmitter unit includes a rotating shaft for predetermined rolling elements, particularly the aforementioned rotational movement, with the signal transmitter element integrated into the rotating shaft at most substantially flush in the radial direction. "Radial direction of the rotating shaft" should be understood in particular as the direction starting from the axis of rotation in a plane perpendicular to the rotating shaft. Preferably, the signal transmitter plane of the signal transmitter unit is perpendicular to the axis of rotation and intersects the signal transmitter element. The rotating shaft preferably includes at least one signal transmitter housing for accommodating the signal transmitter element. The wall of the signal transmitter housing preferably completely surrounds the signal transmitter element in the signal transmitter plane. Alternatively, the signal transmitter element is embedded in and / or slides across the outer wall of the rotating shaft in the radial direction. "Substantially flush" should be understood in particular as flush to a tolerance value of less than 15%, preferably less than 5%, and particularly preferably less than 1%. The tolerance value is in particular the ratio of the portion of the signal transmitter element protruding beyond the rotating shaft in the radial direction to the maximum extension of the rotating shaft or the signal transmitter element in the signal transmitting plane. "At most substantially flush" should be understood in particular as the signal transmitter element being arranged substantially flush with the outer wall of the rotating shaft or being arranged offset relative to the outer wall of the rotating shaft in the direction of the axis of rotation, especially inside the rotating shaft. Specifically, the diameter of the smallest imaginary circle completely surrounding the rotating shaft and the signal transmitter element in the signal transmitter plane is at most a tolerance larger than the smallest imaginary circle completely surrounding only the rotating shaft in the same plane. With this design, the signal transmitter element can be advantageously arranged on the rotating shaft in a protected manner. In particular, the bearing housing of the chassis can be advantageously small enough to accommodate the rotating shaft. In particular, the rotating shaft with the signal transmitter element can pass through the bearing housing of the chassis from outside the chassis for mounting the signal transmitter unit, especially when the housing is closed.

[0009] Furthermore, it is proposed that the signal transmitter unit includes a rotating shaft with predetermined rolling elements, specifically the aforementioned rotational movement, on which the signal transmitter elements are arranged, and the rotating shaft is constructed as a short shaft. Specifically, the rotating shaft along the axis of rotation includes a rolling section for arranging at least the rolling elements and optionally several additional rolling elements, such as double rollers. Specifically, the rotating shaft along the axis of rotation has a bearing section for supporting the rotating shaft on the chassis. The rotating shaft along the axis of rotation preferably includes an end section configured to protrude into the chassis, particularly into the housing, and especially inserted there during installation. The sensor unit is preferably arranged at the axis of rotation, spaced apart from the end section. Alternatively, the sensor unit is arranged in the signal transmitter plane and optionally around the rotating shaft in the signal transmitter plane. Specifically, the rolling elements are configured for rotational movement independent of other rolling elements. Specifically, all rolling elements connected to the same rotating shaft in a torsional manner are arranged in the same rolling section, particularly on the same side of the chassis. Specifically, exactly one rolling element is arranged on each rotating shaft. Specifically, the rotating shafts are arranged spaced apart from each other, and particularly are not coupled to each other. This design allows the end section of the rotating shaft to be advantageously used for arranging signal transmitter elements. In particular, the mounting of the rotating shaft and signal transmitter elements on the chassis can be advantageously and easily implemented. Specifically, the need to screw the rotating shaft into the second bearing housing in the chassis can be eliminated. Furthermore, the material inspection equipment can advantageously and reliably move on uneven ground.

[0010] Furthermore, it is proposed that the signal transmitter unit includes a rotating shaft for the predetermined rotational movement of the rolling element, specifically the already mentioned rotational movement, integrally constructed with the rolling element, wherein the signal transmitter element is arranged at the end of the rotating shaft opposite to the rolling element. "Integral" should be understood in particular as a material-fitting connection, for example by welding and / or bonding processes, and particularly advantageously molded, for example by casting and / or by single-component or multi-component injection molding processes. In particular, the rolling element includes at least one support element, which is material-fittingly connected to the rotating shaft. The support element has a circular profile in the plane of rotation of the rolling element. The support element is preferably made of thermosetting plastic and / or thermoplastic plastic. Optionally, the rolling element includes a flexible part that completely, particularly annularly, surrounds the support element in the plane of rotation of the rolling element. The flexible part is particularly formed of an elastomer. The ratio of the maximum extension, particularly the outer diameter, of the support element in the plane of rotation of the rolling element to the maximum extension, particularly the outer diameter, of the rolling element is at least 25%, preferably at least 50%, particularly preferably at least 75%. In particular, the rolling element is material-fittingly connected to the rotating shaft in the rolling section of the rotating shaft. The signal transmitter element is preferably arranged in the end section. In particular, the end section has a signal transmitter housing. The signal transmitter housing is preferably arranged, particularly embedded, in the end side of the rotating shaft, which is specifically arranged to be at least substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation. The bearing section of the rotating shaft is preferably arranged between the end section and the rolling section of the rotating shaft. The signal transmitter element is particularly configured in the end section of the rotating shaft for arrangement within a chassis and / or housing. The rolling element is particularly configured in the rolling section of the rotating shaft for arrangement outside the chassis and / or housing. With this design, the installation, removal, and especially replacement of the signal transmitter unit and the rolling element can be advantageously and simply designed.

[0011] Furthermore, it is proposed that the signal transmitter unit includes at least one additional inductive signal transmitter element, which is arranged on a separate rolling element from the rolling element of the material inspection device. The additional signal transmitter element is preferably constructed similarly to the original signal transmitter element. The additional signal transmitter element is preferably arranged on a separate rotating shaft similar to the original signal transmitter element. The rotating shaft and the additional rotating shaft are movably supported on a chassis relative to each other, and the rolling element and the additional rolling element are particularly capable of independent rotational movement. The sensor unit preferably has at least one sensor element (assigned to the signal transmitter element) and additional sensor elements (assigned to the additional signal transmitter element). In particular, the sensor elements are arranged to be inductively coupled to a corresponding next signal transmitter element in the signal transmitter element. The sensor unit optionally has at least one shielding element, which is arranged to reduce or avoid inductive coupling between the signal transmitter element and the additional sensor element, as well as inductive coupling between the additional signal transmitter element and the sensor element. The alternative sensor unit has sensor elements allocated to the signal transmitter element and other signal transmitter elements, wherein the calculation unit of the position determination device is configured to analyze the common measurement signal and, in particular, to allocate the signal components of the common measurement signal to the rolling element and other rolling elements respectively. With this design, redundant measurement signals can be advantageously detected for position determination of the material inspection equipment. In particular, advantageously reliable and / or advantageously accurate determination of the position of the material inspection equipment can be achieved.

[0012] Furthermore, it is proposed that the position determination device includes at least one, particularly the aforementioned, computing unit for comparing a measurement signal from a signal transmitter element with another measurement signal from a different signal transmitter element. The "computing unit" should be understood in particular as a unit having information input, information processing, and information output. The computing unit advantageously includes at least one processor, memory, input and output devices, additional electronic components, operating procedures, adjustment routines, control routines, and / or calculation routines. The components of the computing unit are preferably arranged on a common circuit board and / or advantageously arranged in a common housing. Alternatively or additionally, the computing unit includes an analog comparator circuit for comparing the measurement signals. For example, the amplitude of the measurement signal depends on the rotational position of the signal transmitter element. Especially in the case of uniform movement of the rolling element, the measurement signal is sinusoidal. In particular, the computing unit is configured to determine the rotational position from the measurement signal, especially the angular difference from the last known rotational position. In particular, the computing unit is configured to identify the measurement signal that has a larger or smaller angular difference from the last known rotational position. The computing unit is specifically configured to distinguish between the measurement signals corresponding to the larger distance the rolling element has rolled and / or the measurement signals corresponding to the smaller distance the rolling element has rolled. Advantageously, this design allows for the detection of deviation behavior of one of the rolling elements. For example, it can advantageously identify slippage of one of the rolling elements on the surface of the object being inspected and / or loss of contact between one of the rolling elements and the surface.

[0013] It is also proposed that the position acquisition device includes at least one sliding bearing for reversibly supporting the signal transmitter unit on the chassis. In particular, the sliding bearing is configured to accommodate a rotating shaft, especially a bearing section of the rotating shaft, wherein the sliding bearing, when arranged on the rotating shaft, is rotatable relative to the rotating shaft. The sliding bearing is particularly configured to be torsionally mounted on the chassis. The sliding bearing includes at least one grinding element, which extends into the rotating bearing receiving region of the sliding bearing when the sliding bearing is mounted on the chassis. In particular, the grinding element is configured to be in direct contact with the rotating shaft. The grinding element is particularly preferably constructed as part of the wall defining the rotating bearing receiving region of the sliding bearing, wherein the grinding element is configured to be movable, especially pivotable, relative to the remaining wall. The grinding element preferably has an interference fit with the bearing receiving region of the chassis, such that the grinding element is pressed into the rotating bearing receiving region when arranged in the chassis. In particular, the grinding element is configured to suppress the rotational movement of the rotating shaft by means of friction, especially to brake the idle travel of the rotating shaft by means of friction if the rolling element loses contact with the surface of the object being inspected. "Reversible support" should be understood in particular as a support that can be installed and disassembled at least substantially without damage and / or plastic deformation. In this context, "substantially detachable connection without damage" should be understood in particular as a detachable connection between two components, except for wear and tear, especially material wear. In particular, the sliding bearing can be installed and removed from / from the rotating shaft and / or chassis at least three times, preferably at least ten times, particularly preferably at least fifty times, especially while maintaining its functionality and especially before material failure occurs in the sliding bearing. Preferably, the sliding bearing can be installed on / removed from the chassis from the outside of the housing, especially even when the housing is closed. The sliding bearing preferably includes at least one axial locking element, particularly a locking tongue, for locking to the retracted portion of the rotating shaft. The retracted portion for locking the sliding bearing is arranged in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation between the bearing section and the signal transmitter housing. The sliding bearing preferably includes a torsion lock, particularly a bayonet lock, which can be used to secure the sliding bearing to the outside of the chassis. The sliding bearing is particularly preferably constructed as a single piece. The sliding bearing is preferably made from a single blank, block, and / or casting, particularly preferably in injection molding processes, especially single-component and / or multi-component injection molding processes. The sliding bearing is preferably made of plastic, particularly composite materials, and especially preferably based on polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). With this design, the signal transmitter unit can be advantageously and easily mounted on / removed from the chassis, particularly without opening the housing. Furthermore, the sliding friction of the rotating shaft in the bushing can be advantageously adjusted. In particular, the attenuation of the rotational motion of the rotating shaft and rolling elements can be achieved within an advantageous narrow tolerance band. Especially in the event of loss of contact between the rolling elements and the surface of the object being inspected, the idling of the rotating shaft and rolling elements can be advantageously and quickly terminated.Furthermore, the risk of the rolling element slipping on the surface of the object being inspected can be advantageously kept low. In particular, the error range of the position detection device can thus be advantageously kept small.

[0014] Furthermore, a handheld material inspection device is proposed, which has at least one position-finding device according to the invention, at least one chassis, and at least one rolling element supported on the chassis. The material inspection device preferably includes a positioning sensor unit, particularly an antenna unit, having at least one transmitting element for transmitting electromagnetic waves, particularly in the microwave and / or radio wave range, and at least one receiving element for receiving electromagnetic waves, particularly in the microwave and / or radio wave range. The transmitting and receiving elements may optionally be formed from the same components, particularly from the same antenna element. The positioning sensor unit preferably includes transmitting and receiving electronics having, for example, a signal generator, an amplifier, analog and / or digital signal filters, etc. The material inspection device preferably includes a housing that houses the positioning sensor unit and / or on which the positioning sensor unit is arranged. "Handheld" should be understood in particular as meaning that it can be held and / or transported with one hand, particularly without the aid of a holding device and / or transport device. In particular, the material inspection device weighs less than 20 kg, preferably less than 10 kg, and particularly preferably less than 5 kg. Optionally, the material inspection device has a handle protruding from the housing, a handle recess embedded in the housing, and / or a handle surface arranged on the housing for user guidance of the material inspection device. The chassis is preferably constructed as part of the housing. The material inspection device preferably includes at least two, and particularly four, rolling elements supported on the chassis. The material inspection device preferably includes a display unit, particularly a display and / or at least one indicator light, arranged on the housing, particularly on the side of the housing opposite to the rolling elements, and particularly embedded therein. The display unit is particularly configured to output the results of measurements performed using the positioning sensor unit. The material inspection device preferably includes a storage unit. The storage unit is preferably constructed as a rewritable memory, such as a read-only memory (ROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash EEPROM, etc. Alternatively or additionally, the material inspection equipment includes an interface for wired communication, such as a USB connection, Lightning connection, RS-232 connection, Ethernet connection, and / or an interface for wireless, particularly radio wave-based, communication, such as a Wi-Fi module, Bluetooth module, ZigBee module, etc., with external devices, particularly for external analysis and / or processing of measurements performed using the positioning sensor unit. The material inspection equipment includes at least one operating element, particularly multiple operating elements, such as buttons, switches, slide keys, rotation controllers, etc., for user input. Alternatively or additionally, the display unit's display is configured as a touchscreen. In particular, the material inspection equipment includes a computing unit for analyzing measurements from the positioning sensor unit and / or position detection device. Preferably, the computing unit, storage unit, interface, sensor unit, and / or signal transmitter element are arranged within a housing.The design according to the invention can provide a material inspection device that can advantageously determine its location insensitive to dirt and / or ambient light.

[0015] The present invention is also based on a method for operating a position determination device, particularly according to the invention, for a handheld material inspection device, wherein in at least one method step, a measurement signal from a signal transmitter element of the material inspection device changes according to the rotational position of a rolling element of the material inspection device, and in at least one rotation determination step, the measurement signal is detected by a sensor unit of the material inspection device and the path traversed by the material inspection device is determined in at least one position determination step.

[0016] It is proposed that a signal transmitter element and a sensor unit are inductively coupled in at least one method step to generate a measurement signal. Particularly when a material inspection device moves along the surface of the object being inspected, a rolling element rolls on the surface and a rotation axis rotates about a rotation axis. As the rolling element rolls, the signal transmitter element preferably induces rotation via the rotation axis. Specifically, the signal transmitter element transmits a magnetic field, the direction of which depends on the current rotational position of the signal transmitter element about the rotation axis. Specifically, the sensor unit detects the magnetic field of the signal transmitter element and generates a measurement signal depending on the rotational position of the signal transmitter element. In the rotation determination step, a calculation unit determines the current rotational position of the rolling element using the measurement signal. The calculation unit preferably stores the current rotational position and / or current value of the measurement signal in its memory and / or storage unit. The calculation unit preferably compares the current rotational position of the rolling element with the last stored rotational position to calculate the angular difference traversed by the rolling element since the last measurement. The dimensions of the rolling element, particularly its radius, outer diameter, and / or rolling circumference, are preferably stored in the calculation unit. In the position determination step, the calculation unit calculates the distance the rolling element travels based on the size and angular difference of the rolling element, particularly the distance traversed by the material inspection equipment. This design enables advantageous and reliable position determination for the material inspection equipment. In particular, the position determination is advantageously insensitive to dirt and / or ambient light.

[0017] Furthermore, it is proposed that the position determination step be triggered when the minimum rotational motion of the rolling element is determined in the rotation determination step. Specifically, the position determination step is triggered only when the minimum rotational motion of the rolling element is determined in the rotation determination step. The minimum rotational motion is specifically the minimum angular difference between the current rotational position and the last stored rotational position. The value of the minimum rotational motion is preferably stored as a threshold in the calculation unit. The value of the minimum rotational motion is determined based on the design of the grinding element, especially in a factory setting. Optionally, the value of the minimum rotational motion can be set by the user using one of the operating elements of the material inspection equipment. Preferably, the higher the value of the minimum rotational motion, the lower the coefficient of friction between the grinding element and the rotating shaft. Preferably, the lower the value of the minimum rotational motion, the higher the coefficient of friction between the grinding element and the rotating shaft. With this design, the risk of error in determining the position of the material inspection equipment can be advantageously kept small. Especially after the rolling element loses contact with the surface of the object being inspected, the share of the angular difference corresponding to the idle stroke of the rolling element, particularly limited by the sliding bearing, can be advantageously kept small.

[0018] Furthermore, the method includes a comparison step in which the minimum value of multiple calculated rotational movements of different rolling elements of the material inspection device is discarded. Specifically, the rotational movement with the minimum value has the smallest angular difference. Particularly in the position determination step, the calculation unit analyzes only the maximum angular difference of one of the rolling elements to determine the distance traversed by the material inspection device. Alternatively, especially if measurement signals from at least three individual rolling elements are present, the calculation unit may optionally analyze multiple angular differences greater than the minimum angular difference together to determine the distance traversed by the material inspection device. When jointly analyzing multiple angular differences, the calculation unit preferably calculates the average of the angular differences to be jointly analyzed and analyzes the average to determine the distance traversed by the material inspection device. With this design, the risk of error in determining the position of the material inspection device can be advantageously kept small. In particular, errors in position determination due to slippage of one of the rolling elements and / or due to the spaced-apart arrangement of one of the rolling elements from the surface can be advantageously kept small.

[0019] Furthermore, the method includes an update step downstream of the rotation determination step, in which the current rotational position of the rolling element of the material inspection device is stored as an angular reference for the next rotation determination step. The calculation unit preferably stores the currently detected rotational position in its memory or storage unit. The calculation unit preferably stores the current rotational position multiple times per revolution of the rolling element. A value exceeding the minimum rotational motion preferably triggers the update step. Alternatively or additionally, a timer of the calculation unit triggers the update step at regular intervals. At the start of the measurement and / or when triggered by the movement of the rolling element, the calculation unit preferably stores the current rotational position as a zero reference, wherein subsequent rotational positions are obtained, in particular, relative to the zero reference. This design advantageously and reliably detects the angular difference traversed by the rolling element. In particular, errors due to comparison with an absolute orientation reference can be avoided.

[0020] The position determination device for a handheld material inspection device according to the present invention, the method for operating the position determination device according to the present invention, and the material inspection device with a position determination device according to the present invention are not limited to the applications and embodiments described above. In particular, the position determination device for a handheld material inspection device according to the present invention, the method for operating the position determination device according to the present invention, and the material inspection device with a position determination device according to the present invention have a different number of individual elements, components, units, and method steps than those stated herein in order to achieve the functions described herein. Furthermore, values ​​within the numerical range specified in this disclosure should also be considered disclosed and can be used arbitrarily. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Further advantages will become apparent from the following description of the accompanying drawings. An embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the drawings. The drawings, description, and claims contain numerous combined features. Those skilled in the art will also find it advantageous to consider these features individually and combine them into other meaningful combinations.

[0022] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a material inspection device according to the present invention is shown.

[0023] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the position determination device according to the present invention is shown.

[0024] Figure 3 A schematic exploded view of the chassis, sliding bearings, and rolling elements of the material inspection device according to the invention is shown, as well as...

[0025] Figure 4 A schematic flowchart of the method according to the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0026] Figure 1A handheld material inspection device 12 is shown. The material inspection device 12 is specifically configured to locate foreign objects and / or deposits, particularly water, in objects being inspected, particularly walls, floors, ceilings, etc. The material inspection device 12 can be configured, for example, as a positioning device and / or a hygrometer. The material inspection device 12 includes a housing 50. The material inspection device 12 includes a positioning sensor unit 44 for transmitting and receiving electromagnetic waves, particularly microwaves and / or radio waves. The positioning sensor unit 44 is arranged in the housing 50 and / or on a support side of the housing 50. The support side of the housing 50 is specifically configured to align with the surface facing the object being inspected when measuring using the material inspection device 12. The material inspection device 12 preferably includes a handle 58, particularly a handle protruding from the housing 50, for manually guiding the material inspection device 12 along the surface of the object being inspected. Alternatively, the material inspection device 12 includes a handle recess or handle surface arranged on the housing 50. The material inspection device 12 includes at least one rolling element 16. The material inspection device 12 includes at least one additional rolling element 28, which is constructed separately from the rolling element 16 and, in particular, supported on a chassis 22 spaced apart from the rolling element 16. The material inspection device 12 preferably includes multiple, particularly three or four rolling elements. The rolling element 16 is preferably supported for independent rotational movement, particularly independent of the additional rolling element 28. The rolling elements 16, 28 are supported on the chassis 22 of the material inspection device 12 (see [link to documentation]). Figure 2The rolling elements 16 and 28 are arranged in particular for direct contact with the surface and for the spaced arrangement of the positioning sensor unit 44 and the surface of the object being inspected, on the support side of the housing 50. The chassis 22 is arranged on the support side of the housing 50. The chassis 22 is preferably constructed as part of the housing 50. Alternatively, the housing 50 is fixed, in particular locked and / or screwed, to the chassis 22, which is constructed, for example, as a frame or base plate. The chassis 22 can be inserted into the housing 50 or the housing 50 can be placed on the chassis 22. The material inspection device 12 preferably has a longitudinal axis 52. In particular, the plane of rotation of at least one of the rolling elements 16 and 28 extends at least substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 52. Alternatively, the plane of rotation of at least one of the rolling elements 16 and 28 is arranged at least substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 52 or also additionally aligned in this manner. The material inspection device 12 includes a position-finding device 10. The position-finding device 10 is configured to detect the path traversed by the material inspection device 12. The position acquisition device 10 includes at least one signal transmitter unit 14 for arrangement on one of the rolling elements 16 of the material inspection device 12. The position acquisition device 10 includes at least one sensor unit 18. The signal transmitter unit 14 includes at least one signal transmitter element 20. The signal transmitter element 20 is configured to change a measurement signal according to the rotational position of the rolling element 16. The sensor unit 18 is arranged on the chassis 22 of the material inspection device 12. The sensor unit 18 is configured to detect the measurement signal. The signal transmitter element 20 is configured as an inductive signal transmitter element, particularly a permanent magnet. The sensor unit 18 is configured as an inductive sensor unit, particularly a magnetometer. The sensor unit 18 and the signal transmitter element 20 are configured for inductive coupling with each other. The signal transmitter unit 14 includes a predetermined imaginary axis of rotation 53 of the rolling element 16, particularly a physical axis of rotation 24. The signal transmitter element 20 is arranged on the axis of rotation 24. The signal transmitter element 20 is integrated into the axis of rotation 24 at most substantially flush with it in the radial direction. The signal transmitter unit 14 has at least one additional signal transmitter element 26 that is inductively arranged on an additional rolling element 28 of the material inspection device 12, which is separate from the rolling element 16.

[0027] The position acquisition device 10 includes a calculation unit 30. The calculation unit 30 is preferably configured to analyze measurement data acquired by means of the positioning sensor unit 44 and / or the position acquisition device 10. The calculation unit 30 is configured to compare the measurement signal from the signal transmitter element 20 with another measurement signal from another signal transmitter element 26. The material inspection device 12 optionally includes a storage unit 46 for storing the measurement data acquired by means of the positioning sensor unit 44 and / or the position acquisition device 10. The material inspection device 12 includes a display unit 54, particularly a display, for displaying the measurement data from the positioning sensor unit 44 and / or the position acquisition device 10. The display unit 54 is arranged on the side of the housing 50 opposite to the support side. The material inspection device 12 includes at least one operating element 56. The material inspection device 12 optionally includes an interface 48 for wired, storage-medium-based, and / or wireless, particularly radio wave-based communication with external devices, particularly for transmitting the measurement data acquired by means of the positioning sensor unit 44 and / or the position acquisition device 10.

[0028] Figure 2 and 3 The support of the rolling element 16 on the chassis 22 is shown. In particular... Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional view of the support of the position determining device 10 in its mounted state on the chassis 22, along a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis 52 and particularly perpendicular to the support side, is shown. In particular... Figure 3 An exploded perspective view of the support is shown. The chassis 22 is constructed as the base of the housing 50. The housing 50 includes at least one housing element 60, which is specifically constructed differently from the chassis 22. The housing element 60, together with the chassis 22, forms an internal space in which the position-finding device 10 is at least partially arranged. The sensor unit 18 and the signal transmitter element 20 are arranged in the internal space. The rotating shaft 24 is constructed as a short shaft. The rotating shaft 24 has a rolling element end on which the rolling element 16 and optionally additional rolling elements are arranged. The rotating shaft 24 is integrally constructed with the rolling element 16. The rolling element 16 has at least one support element 64 made of a plastic material, particularly a thermosetting or thermoplastic plastic. Optionally, the rolling element 16 has a soft part 62 made of an elastic material, particularly an elastomer. The soft part 62 surrounds the support element 64 in the plane of rotation of the rolling element 16. The rotating shaft 24 is integrally constructed with the support element 64. In particular, the rotating shaft 24 has an end section forming an end of the rotating shaft 24 away from the end of the rolling element. In particular, the end section does not have a rolling element. The end section preferably has a signal transmitter receiving portion 76 in which the signal transmitter element 20 is arranged. The signal transmitter receiving portion 76 is specifically constructed as a recess in the end side of the rotating shaft 24, wherein the end side is arranged at least substantially perpendicular to the rotating shaft 53.

[0029] The position acquisition device 10 includes at least one sliding bearing 32 for reversibly supporting the signal transmitter unit 14 on the chassis 22. The sliding bearing 32 is arranged along the rotation axis 14 between the signal transmitter housing 76 and the rolling element 16. The sliding bearing 32 particularly features a bayonet-type torsion lock 70 (see...). Figure 3 The torsion lock 70 is configured to secure the sliding bearing 32 to the chassis 22, particularly to the tubular structural element 66 of the chassis 22, by means of a torsion lock receiving portion 80 and a stop element 68 in a form-fitting configuration. The rolling element 16 preferably includes an output channel 82 for the passage of an external output device, particularly a screwdriver, for operating the torsion lock 70. The rotating shaft 24 preferably has a retractable portion 74 in which the axial locking element 78 of the sliding bearing 32 is axially fitted. The rotating shaft 24 is rotatable relative to the sliding bearing 32 and the chassis 22 while mounted on the chassis 22 using the sliding bearing 32. In particular, the sliding bearing 32 includes a central sleeve 69 for receiving the rotating shaft 24. The central sleeve 69 and the torsion lock 70 are preferably arranged concentrically.

[0030] Figure 4 A flowchart is shown for a method 34 for operating a position determination device 10 of a handheld material inspection device 12. Method 34 includes a measurement step 84. Method 34 includes a rotation determination step 36. Method 34 includes an update step 42. Method 34 includes a comparison step 40. Method 34 includes a position determination step 38.

[0031] In measurement step 84, the material inspection device 12 is moved by the user along the surface of the object being inspected. Alternatively, the material inspection device 12 is moved automatically by means of a motor. In measurement step 84, at least one of the rolling elements 16, 28 rolls on the surface. In measurement step, at least one of the signal transmitter elements 20, 26 and the sensor unit 18 is inductively coupled to generate a measurement signal. In measurement step 84, the measurement signal from at least one of the signal transmitter elements 20, 26 of the material inspection device 12 changes according to the rotational position of one of the rolling elements 16, 28 of the material inspection device 12. Rotation acquisition step 36 is triggered by the rolling of the rolling elements 16, 28. In rotation acquisition step 36, the measurement signal is detected by the sensor unit 18 of the material inspection device 12. In particular, in the rotation acquisition stage 36' of rotation acquisition step 36, the measurement signal changed by the signal transmitter element 20 is detected. In particular, in the rotation determination stage 36' of rotation determination step 36, the current rotation position of the rolling element 16 is determined by the calculation unit 30. In particular, in another rotation determination stage 36" of rotation determination step 36, a measurement signal altered by another signal transmitter element 26 is detected. In particular, in another rotation determination stage 36" of rotation determination step 36, the current rotation position of another rolling element 28 is determined by the calculation unit 30. In the update step 32 downstream of rotation determination step 36, the current rotation positions of the rolling elements 16 and 28 of the stored material inspection device 12 are used as angular references for the next rotation determination step 36. In particular, in rotation determination step 36, the rotation position is determined relative to the previously detected and / or stored angular reference in the storage unit 46. In the update stage 42' of update step 42, the current rotation position of the rolling element 16 is stored in the storage unit 46. In another update stage 42' of update step 42, the current rotation position of the rolling element 16 is stored in the storage unit 46.

[0032] In comparison step 40, the minimum value of multiple calculated rotational movements among the calculated rotational movements of the different rolling elements 16, 28 of the material inspection device 12 is discarded. Specifically, the maximum calculated value of the rotational movement is used to perform the position determination step 38 of the calculation unit 30. If at least three rotational movements of three independent rolling elements are detected, the calculation unit 30 uses the average of several values ​​of the rotational movements that are greater than the minimum value. Specifically, the position determination step 38 is triggered only when the minimum rotational movement of at least one of the rolling elements 16, 28 is determined in rotational determination step 36. In position determination step 38, the path traversed by the material inspection device 12 is determined. Specifically, the calculation unit 30 determines the traversed path based on the non-minimum, particularly the largest or average, rotational movement determined in comparison step 40.

Claims

1. Position determination device for a handheld material inspection device, which is designed to detect a path traveled by the material inspection device and comprises at least one signal transmitter unit (14) and at least one sensor unit (18) for arrangement on a rolling element (16) of the material inspection device, wherein, The signal transmitter unit (14) comprises at least one signal transmitter element (20) for changing a measurement signal depending on a rotational position of the rolling element (16), and wherein the sensor unit (18) is provided for being arranged on a chassis (22) of the material inspection device and for detecting the measurement signal, characterized in that the signal transmitter element (20) is configured as an inductive signal transmitter element and the sensor unit (18) is configured as an inductive sensor unit, which are set up for inductive coupling to each other.

2. The position determining apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that The signal transmitter unit (14) comprises a rotational axis (24) which is predetermined for a rotational movement of the rolling element (16), the signal transmitter element (20) being integrated into the rotational axis (24) at most essentially flush in a radial direction of the rotational axis (24).

3. A position determining apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that, The signal transmitter unit (14) comprises a rotational axis (24) which is predetermined for a rotational movement of the rolling element (16), the signal transmitter element (20) being arranged on the rotational axis (24) and the rotational axis being configured as a stub shaft.

4. A position determining apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that, The signal transmitter unit (14) comprises a rotational axis (24) which is predetermined for a rotational movement of the rolling element (16), the signal transmitter element (20) being integrated into the rotational axis (24) at most essentially flush in a radial direction of the rotational axis (24).

5. A position determining apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that, The signal transmitter unit (14) comprises at least one inductive further signal transmitter element (26) which is arranged to be arranged on a further rolling element (28) of the material inspection device which is separate from the rolling element (16).

6. A position determining apparatus according to claim 5, characterised in that At least one computing unit (30) for comparing the measurement signal from the signal transmitter element (20) with a further measurement signal from the further signal transmitter element (26).

7. A position determining apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that At least one plain bearing (32) for reversibly supporting the signal transmitter unit (14) on the chassis (22).

8. Hand-held material inspection device with at least one position determination device according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 7, with at least one chassis (22) and with at least one rolling element (16, 28) supported on the chassis (22).

9. Method for operating a position determination device according to one of claims 1 to 7 for a handheld material inspection device according to claim 8, wherein in at least one method step a measurement signal from a signal transmitter element (20, 26) of the material inspection device changes depending on the rotational position of a rolling element (16, 28) of the material inspection device, in at least one rotational determination step (36) the measurement signal is detected by a sensor unit (18) of the material inspection device and in at least one position determination step (38) the path covered by the material inspection device is determined, characterized in that, The signal transmitter element (20, 26) and the sensor unit (18) are inductively coupled in at least one method step in order to generate the measurement signal.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein, The position determination step (38) is triggered when a minimum rotational movement of the rolling element (16, 28) is determined in the rotational determination step (36).

11. The method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that A comparison step (40) in which a minimum value of a plurality of determined rotational movements of different rolling elements (16, 28) of the material inspection device is discarded.

12. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that An update step (42) downstream of the rotational determination step (36) in which a current rotational position of the rolling element (16, 28) of the material inspection device is stored as an angular reference for a next rotational determination step (36). An update step (42) downstream of the rotational determination step (36) in which a current rotational position of the rolling element (16, 28) of the material inspection device is stored as an angular reference for a next rotational determination step (36).

Images