ADAPTER FOR ATTACHING A SURVEY MARKER TO A REFERENCE POINT

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for measuring a reference point, comprising an adapter for attaching a survey marker to a reference point and a survey marker itself, as well as a method for measuring a reference point using an adapter. Survey markers are typically attached to stationary objects, such as in or on buildings. They serve as survey points that are measured using measuring instruments known per se, such as lasers, scanners, and total stations. It is of particular importance to mount such a survey marker in a defined position. In a number of applications, it is essential to ensure that this defined position constitutes a reference point that remains constant over time. For example, it may be necessary to use one and the same reference point at different times in a multitude of measurements.In such a situation, it is time-consuming and prone to error to redefine the reference point for each measurement.

[0002] To mount a survey marker in a defined position, some applications use a standardized measuring pin that is permanently attached to the object being measured. The survey marker is then attached to the measuring pin. This ensures that the reference point only needs to be established once and can be used in subsequent measurements. However, establishing such a reference point is relatively complex and expensive due to the use of a specially designed measuring pin.

[0003] Document EP 3 951 317 A2 discloses corresponding devices for attaching survey markers to measuring bolts. In addition, document DE 20 2021 102 669 U1 discloses devices for marking survey objects.

[0004] The invention is based on the objective of making it particularly easy and cost-effective to attach a survey marker to a reference point.

[0005] This problem is solved by a device according to claim 1. Advantageous further developments are the subject of the dependent claims and the following description.

[0006] The adapter according to the invention comprises an adapter body to which a survey mark is permanently attached or can be attached. At least a part of the adapter body is shaped into a plug that is adapted to a socket serving as a reference point in such a way that it can be inserted into the socket to create a positive-locking connection and is electrically insulated from the socket when inserted.

[0007] The solution according to the invention utilizes the fact that a power outlet defines a point with a fixed, predetermined position, which can be used as a reference point in a surveying operation. Furthermore, this solution takes advantage of the fact that a power outlet is designed to interact in a well-defined manner with a plug adapted to the outlet in order to create a positive-locking connection. The invention provides an adapter carrying the survey marker, with a plug whose design is adapted to a standard power outlet in order to establish a positive-locking connection. This makes it possible to simply place the survey marker at a fixed reference point by plugging the adapter into the power outlet.

[0008] In order to enable the user to safely attach the survey marker to the reference point, the adapter is also designed in such a way that, unlike a plug that interacts with the socket in a conventional manner, it is electrically isolated from the socket when plugged in.

[0009] The plug is preferably shaped like a network plug suitable for connection to a low-voltage network. For example, the plug is adapted to one of the common network plug types used in various countries or regions for connecting electrical appliances and lighting fixtures to the lowest level of low-voltage networks. The following plug types are mentioned here by way of example only, without limitation: Plug type F / "Schuko plug" (CEE 7 / 4) Plug type C / "Contour plug" (CEE 7 / 17) Plug type C / "Euro plug" (CEE 7 / 16) Plug type N (IEC 60906-1) Plug type SN 441011 Type 12 Plug type D (BS 546, 5 A) Plug type E (CEE 7 / 5) Plug type B (NEMA 5-15, 3-pin) Plug type M (BS 546, 15 A) Plug type K (DS 60884-2-D1) Plug type G / "Commonwealth plug" (BS 1363) Plug type I / (AS 3112) Plug type J (SEV 1011) Plug type L (CEI 23-50) Plug type M (BS 546, 15A)

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the adapter body has, at its end furthest from the connector, the survey mark or a mounting element for the releasable attachment of the survey mark. The position of the reference point is thus determined by the dimension of the adapter end furthest from the connector, on which the survey mark is attached.

[0011] Preferably, the mounting element is an adapter plate to which the survey marker can be detachably attached. The survey marker can be attached to the adapter plate, for example, by means of a screw connection, a plug connection, an adhesive connection, or magnetically.

[0012] If a magnetic coupling of the survey marker to the adapter is provided, the adapter plate is, in a particularly preferred embodiment, made of metal, for example of a corrosion-resistant steel.

[0013] In this embodiment, the survey marker preferably has a magnetic arrangement that can be attached to the metal adapter plate. This makes it particularly easy to attach the survey marker to the adapter magnetically, i.e., without additional fasteners. For example, the survey marker can be provided with a base on the underside of which the magnetic arrangement is located.

[0014] The plug, for example, has at least one contact pin that is adapted to a corresponding contact opening in the socket. This means that the contact pin engages positively with the contact opening when the plug formed on the adapter is inserted into the socket.

[0015] The plug can, for example, have at least one recess that is adapted to a grounding terminal of the socket. When inserted, the grounding terminal of the socket is received in the recess formed in the plug, thus creating a positive-locking connection. Additionally or alternatively, the plug can also have a projection that is adapted to a recess in the socket.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the adapter is made entirely of an electrically insulating material, such as a plastic. This ensures that the plug is reliably electrically insulated from the socket when inserted. However, it is not absolutely necessary to make the entire adapter electrically insulated, provided that the electrical insulation of the adapter from the socket is ensured. For example, individual contact pins of the adapter, as in the case of a conventional electrical plug, may well be electrically conductive. In this case, it must be ensured that the electrical insulation of the adapter from the socket is achieved in another way, for example, by embedding the contact pins in the electrically insulating material of the adapter body.

[0017] The adapter is preferably manufactured from an injection-molded part. Using an injection molding process in manufacturing allows for a free choice of the adapter's shape and surface texture. This makes it possible to realize virtually any desired plug shape to match the respective socket type, which is used as a reference point.

[0018] According to the invention, a device for measuring a reference point is provided, comprising an adapter of the type described above and a measurement mark which is detachably attached to the adapter body.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment of this device, the survey marker has a recess whose shape is adapted to an adapter plate of the type described above. For example, the recess and, adapted to it, the adapter plate each have the shape of a regular polygon with rounded corners. Such a shape makes it easier for the user to insert the adapter plate correctly into the recess of the survey marker. It is particularly advantageous if the survey marker is part of a whole range of markers, all of which have a recess of the aforementioned type and are thus designed to be inserted onto the adapter plate in the same way for mounting at a reference point.

[0020] Any type of marker can be used as a survey marker, such as a reflective target marker, an adhesive marker, a survey plaque, a prism, a laser scanner sphere, or the like.

[0021] According to another aspect of the invention, a device is provided which comprises a socket and an adapter of the type described above, the plug of which can be inserted into the socket to create a positive-locking connection and is electrically insulated from the socket when inserted.

[0022] Finally, the invention provides a method for measuring a reference point using an adapter of the type described above. In this method, the adapter is attached to a socket serving as a reference point by inserting the plug-shaped part of the adapter body into the socket, thereby establishing a positive-locking and electrically insulated connection with the socket.

[0023] The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the figures. These show: Figure 1 is a perspective view of an adapter according to a first embodiment, Figure 2 is a front view of the adapter according to a first embodiment, Figure 3 is a rear view of the adapter according to a first embodiment, Figure 4 is a side view of the adapter according to a first embodiment, Figure 5 is a perspective view of an adapter according to a second embodiment, Figure 6 is a perspective view of an adapter according to a third embodiment, Figure 7 is a perspective view of an adapter according to a fourth embodiment, Figure 8 is a side view of an adapter according to a fifth embodiment, Figure 9 is another side view of the adapter according to the fifth embodiment, Figure 10 is a perspective view of an adapter according to a sixth embodiment, Figure 11 is a front view of the adapter according to the sixth embodiment, Figure 12 is a rear view of the adapter according to the sixth embodiment.Figure 13 is a side view of the adapter according to the sixth embodiment, Figure 14 is another side view of the adapter according to the sixth embodiment, Figure 15 is a perspective view of an adapter according to a seventh embodiment, Figure 16 is a front view of the adapter according to the seventh embodiment, Figure 17 is a rear view of the adapter according to the seventh embodiment, Figure 18 is a side view of the adapter according to the seventh embodiment, Figure 19 is another side view of the adapter according to the seventh embodiment, Figure 20 is a perspective view of an adapter according to an eighth embodiment, Figure 21 is a front view of the adapter according to the eighth embodiment, Figure 22 is a rear view of the adapter according to the eighth embodiment, Figure 23 is a side view of the adapter according to the eighth embodiment, and Figure 24 is another side view of the adapter according to the eighth embodiment.

[0024] In the following, an adapter according to the invention is described using specific embodiments.

[0025] The Figures 1 to 4 The figures show an adapter 100, representing a first embodiment, in various views. In this illustration, Figure 1 a perspective view, in Figure 2 a front view, in Figure 3 a rear view and in Figure 4 A side view of adapter 100 is shown.

[0026] The adapter 100 is designed to attach a survey marker 102 to a reference point. In this and all subsequent embodiments, this reference point is defined by a socket, which is not shown in the figures. This socket is designed, for example, to establish an electrical connection with a network plug intended for connecting an electrical device in a low-voltage network.

[0027] In the embodiment according to the Figures 1 to 4 The plug type designed for this socket is Type F (CEE 7 / 4), which is predominantly used in Europe and is also known there by the acronym "Schuko plug". It goes without saying that the reference to this specific electrical connector is only an example. Reference can also be made to other common connector systems.

[0028] The adapter 100 has an adapter body 104, which, in this particular example, roughly has the shape of a cylinder. The axis of the cylinder passes through a center point M of the survey mark 102. Upon closer inspection, the adapter body 104 has a circumferential flange 106, which is arranged axially approximately in the middle, perpendicular to the cylinder axis. The flange 106 divides the adapter body 104 into two sections 108 and 110, which extend axially from the flange 106 in opposite directions. Referring to Figure 4 Section 108 extends to the right in the forward direction from flange 106, while section 110 points to the left in the reverse direction.

[0029] The portion of the adapter body 104 forming the rear section 110 is shaped into a plug 112. The shape of the plug 112 is adapted to the socket in such a way that the plug 112 can be inserted into the socket to establish a positive connection. This means that, in this particular example, the plug 112 formed on the adapter body 104 is essentially similar in its external shape to a standard Schuko plug, which can be inserted into the socket to establish an electrical connection. It is possible, but not essential, for the plug 112 formed on the adapter body 104 to adopt the shape of a Schuko plug in every detail. In any case, it must be ensured that the shape of the plug 112 corresponds to the shape of a Schuko plug at least to the extent that the desired positive connection with the socket is achieved.

[0030] In the Figures 1 to 4 For example, in the illustrated adapter 102, it is sufficient that an outer circumferential surface of the plug 112, designated 114, is modeled on the outer circumferential surface of a Schuko plug. Accordingly, two elongated recesses 116, 118 and two elongated projections 120, 122 are formed on the outer circumferential surface 114 of the plug 112, each extending in the axial direction. As shown in the rear view according to Figure 3 As can be seen, the two recesses 116, 118 have an angular distance of 180° in the circumferential direction. The same applies to the two projections 120, 122. The arrangement of the projections 120, 122 as a whole is offset by an angle of 90° in the circumferential direction compared to the arrangement formed by the two recesses 116, 118.

[0031] The two recesses 116, 118 of plug 112a are adapted to corresponding grounding terminals provided in the socket (not shown in the figures). Similarly, the two projections 120, 122 of plug 112 are adapted to corresponding recesses in the socket. When plug 112 of adapter 100 is inserted into the socket, the recesses 116, 118 and the projections 120, 122 of plug 112 formed on adapter 100a engage with their corresponding grounding terminals and recesses in the socket. This secures the adapter 100 positively in the socket.

[0032] In the Figures 1 to 4In the illustrated embodiment, plug 112 does not have any pin elements that would correspond to the contact pins provided in a conventional Schuko plug. A sufficiently stable, positive-locking connection can be achieved in this example even without such pin elements. However, this does not preclude providing corresponding pin elements on adapter 100 to make the positive-locking connection between adapter 100 and the socket even more stable.

[0033] To enable the user to safely plug the adapter 100 into the socket, the plug 112 must be designed so that it is electrically insulated from the socket when plugged in. In the illustrated embodiment, the adapter 100 is therefore made entirely of an electrically insulating material, e.g., a plastic. For example, the adapter 100 can be manufactured as a one-piece injection-molded part.

[0034] The survey marker 102, for example, is a laser scanner marker that has a pattern 124 with four sectors 124a. The pattern 124 enables, for example, the assignment of spatial reference information to a geodata set. The survey marker 102 can be attached to the end of the adapter 100 that is opposite the connector 112. For example, it can be designed as a marker that is glued onto the adapter 102.

[0035] Figure 5 Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an adapter 200, which represents a second embodiment. The adapter 200 differs from the adapter 100 of the first embodiment only by a survey mark 202 with a different pattern 224. In the second embodiment, the latter has a crosshair 224a instead of four sectors.

[0036] Figure 6Figure 1 shows a perspective view of adapter 300, which represents a third embodiment. Adapter 300 differs from adapter 200 of the second embodiment only by a survey mark 302, which has a pattern 324 with a modified crosshair 324a.

[0037] Figure 7 Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an adapter 400, which represents a fourth embodiment. Unlike the previous embodiments, the adapter 400 has a mounting element in the form of an adapter plate 440 at its end facing away from the connector 112. The adapter plate 440 is attached to the adapter body 104, for example, by means of a screw connection 442. The adapter plate 440 serves to detachably attach the survey marker to the adapter 400. For clarity, the survey marker is shown in Figure 7 omitted.

[0038] In the embodiment according to Figure 7The survey marker can, for example, be provided with a recess whose shape is adapted to the adapter plate 440. Thus, both the recess and the corresponding adapter plate 440 have the shape of a regular polygon with rounded corners. This makes it particularly easy for the user to insert the adapter plate 440 correctly into the recess of the survey marker.

[0039] In the example shown, the adapter plate 440 is made of metal, e.g., corrosion-resistant steel. This makes the adapter plate 440 suitable for attaching the survey marker to the adapter 400 in conjunction with a magnet. For this purpose, the survey marker has, for example, a magnetic assembly that can be attached to the adapter plate 440. The magnetic assembly can, for example, be housed in a base of the survey marker. This makes it possible to attach the survey marker to the adapter 400 without additional fasteners.

[0040] In the Figures 8 and 9 The adapter 400 with a survey marker 402 attached to it is shown in two side views. In this example, the survey marker 402 includes a prism 444, which can be aligned with the measuring instrument by tilting it. In the views according to the Figures 8 and 9The adapter plate 440, via which the survey mark 402 is attached to the adapter 400, is concealed.

[0041] The Figures 10 to 14 The figures show an adapter 500, representing a sixth embodiment, in various views. In this figure, Figure 10 a perspective view, in Figure 11 a front view, in Figure 12 a rear view, in Figure 13 a first side view and in Figure 14 One of these shows a different second side view of the adapter 500.

[0042] As in the Figures 7 to 9 The adapter 400 shown also features the adapter plate 440, which is attached to the adapter body 104. The adapter 500 according to the Figures 10 to 14This embodiment differs from the previous embodiments in that it is adapted to a different type of connector. In the present example, the adapter 500 has a plug 512, which is shaped according to a plug SN 441011 / type 12. This plug type represents a Swiss standard.

[0043] According to this standard, the plug 512 forms a hexagonal engagement part in plan view, the shape of which is adapted to a hexagonal socket part of the corresponding socket. Elongated ribs 554 are formed on an outer circumferential surface 514 of the plug 512, which engage with correspondingly shaped grooves of the socket part of the matching socket when the adapter 500 with its plug 412 is inserted into the socket.

[0044] In this embodiment as well, the plug 512 formed on the adapter 500 does not adopt the shape of the standardized plug type in all details. For example, the plug 512 in this example does not have pin elements that would correspond to the contact pins present in the standardized plug type. However, the shape of the plug 512 again corresponds to the shape of the standardized plug type insofar as the desired positive-locking connection with the matching socket is achieved.

[0045] The Figures 15 to 19 The figures show an adapter 600, representing a seventh embodiment, in various views. In this figure, Figure 15 a perspective view, in Figure 16 a front view, in Figure 17 a rear view, in Figure 18 a first side view and in Figure 19 One of them shows a different second side view of the adapter 600.

[0046] Adapter 600 differs from adapter 500 of the sixth embodiment in that it is adapted to a different type of connector. In this embodiment, adapter 600 has a plug 612 shaped according to a common UK plug type with three contact pins. Accordingly, plug 612 of adapter 600 also has three contact pins 654, 656, and 658. The two contact pins 654 and 656 have the same dimensions. In contrast, the third contact pin 658 is wider.

[0047] When the adapter 600 with its plug 612 is inserted into the appropriate socket, the contact pins 654, 656, and 658 engage with the corresponding contact openings of the socket. This establishes a positive connection with the socket. Since the contact pins 654, 656, and 658 are also made of an insulating material, it is ensured that the adapter 600 is electrically insulated from the socket.

[0048] The Figures 20 to 24 Finally, they show an adapter 700, representing an eighth embodiment, in various views. In this illustration, Figure 20 a perspective view, in Figure 21 a front view, in Figure 22 a rear view, in Figure 23 a first side view and in Figure 24 One of them shows a different second side view of the adapter 600.

[0049] Adapter 700 differs from adapters 500 and 600 of the preceding embodiments in that it is adapted to a different type of connector. In this embodiment, adapter 700 has a plug 712, which is shaped according to another plug type commonly used in the USA. This plug type also has three contact pins. Thus, plug 712 of adapter 700 also has three contact pins 754, 756, and 758. The two contact pins 756 and 758 have a flat design and are of different widths. The third contact pin 754, in contrast, has a round cross-section.

[0050] When the adapter 700 with its plug 712 is inserted into the appropriate socket, the contact pins 754, 756, and 758 engage with the corresponding contact openings of the socket. This creates a positive connection with the socket. The contact pins 754, 756, and 758 are also made of an insulating material.

Claims

1. Device for measuring a reference point, comprising an adapter (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700) for attaching a measuring mark (102, 402) to a reference point, comprising an adapter body (104), and a measuring mark (102, 402) which is attached permanently to the adapter body (104) or which can be attached to the adapter body (104) releasably, characterized in that at least a part of the adapter body (104) is formed as a plug (112, 512, 612, 712) which is adapted to a socket, serving as reference point, in such a way that it can be plugged into the socket in order to produce a positive plug connection and is electrically insulated from the socket in the plugged-in state.

2. Device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the plug (112, 512, 612, 712) is formed according to a network plug type which can be used for connection to a low-voltage network.

3. Device according to either of the preceding claims, characterized in that, at its end facing away from the plug (112, 512, 612, 712), the adapter body (104) has the measuring mark (102) or a mounting element (440) for the releasable attachment of the measuring mark (102).

4. Device according to Claim 3, characterized in that the mounting element is an adapter plate (440), to which the measuring mark (102) can be attached releasably.

5. Device according to Claim 4, characterized in that the adapter plate (440) is made of metal.

6. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plug (612, 712) has at least one contact pin (654, 656, 658, 754, 756, 758), which can be plugged into an associated contact opening of the socket.

7. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one cutout (116, 118) formed on an outer peripheral surface (114) of the plug, which cutout is adapted to an earthing terminal of the socket, and / or at least one projection (120, 122) formed on the outer peripheral surface (114) of the plug, which projection is adapted to a recess in the socket.

8. Device according to Claim 1-4, 6 or 7, characterized in that the adapter as a whole is made from an electrically insulating material.

9. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adapter is made from an injection-moulded part.

10. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, when the measuring mark (102, 402) can be attached to the adapter body (104) releasably, the measuring mark (102, 402) has a recess which is adapted in its shape to the adapter plate (440) according to Claim 4 or 5.

11. Device according to Claim 10, characterized in that the measuring mark (402) has a magnet arrangement, which can be attached to adapter plate (440) made of metal.

12. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the measuring mark (102, 402) comprises a reflective target mark, an adhesive mark, a measuring plate, a prism, a laser scanner mark or a laser scanner sphere.

13. Appliance comprising a socket and a device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plug (112, 512, 612, 712) of the adapter can be plugged into the socket in order to produce a positive plug connection and is electrically insulated from the socket in the plugged-in state.

14. Method for measuring a reference point using a device (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700) according to any one of the preceding Claims 1 to 12, wherein the adapter is attached to a socket, serving as reference point, by inserting the part of the adapter body (104) formed as the plug (112, 512, 612, 712) into the socket and thereby producing a positive and electrically insulated connection to the socket.