Handling device for marking objects

Abstract

The invention relates to a handling device (1) for marker objects (2) that have an opening in an upper surface, comprising a substantially hollow cylindrical tube (3) with a distal tube end (31), a proximal tube end (32), and a central tube section (33) which extends between the distal tube end (31) and the proximal tube end (32), wherein the distal tube end (31) and at least one part of the central tube section (33) adjoining the distal tube end (31) can be guided through the opening in a marker object (2). The handling device additionally comprises a holding arrangement (4) which is designed to hold at least one marker object (2), said holding arrangement (4) comprising at least one latching claw (41) located in a latching claw recess (34) in the tube (3), and at least one holding claw (42) located at a distance from the at least one latching claw (41) in the direction of the longitudinal extension of the tube (3) and located in a holding claw recess (35) in the tube (3), and an operating arrangement (5) which is designed to operate the holding arrangement (4).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a handling device for marking objects according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] Marking objects with an opening in their surface, in particular pylons, cones, or discs, are already known in the art in a wide variety of embodiments. These marking objects are used in construction, road traffic, emergency services (such as fire departments, ambulance services, and police), industry, public spaces, airports, schools, universities, and sports. German patent GB 2 406 600 A discloses a floor marking object in the form of a cone with radial wings and / or an annular collar, as well as a handling device for picking up and placing the described marking objects.

[0003] Typically, the marking objects are manually placed and picked up by the operator. Since placing and picking up marking objects is physically demanding and labor-intensive for the operator, various handling devices for picking up and placing marking objects are already known in the prior art. For example, handling devices of this type are known that grip the marking object externally, hold the marking object in a specific position on the handling device, and allow the marking object to be transported with the handling device and released at another location. However, a disadvantage of these externally gripping devices is that only a single marking object can be picked up and transported at a time.

[0004] To accommodate multiple marking objects with a single handling device, these devices engage the inside of the hollow marking object. However, a disadvantage is that such handling devices are generally designed for specific geometries of marking objects and are therefore not flexible in their application.

[0005] Furthermore, handling devices for marking objects are known, which are intended for installation on machines or vehicles, for example, road construction machines, motor vehicles, or excavators. Such handling devices are operated via a control system, which may be connected to the machine or vehicle, and therefore cannot be operated manually.

[0006] For manual use, rod-shaped handling devices with a gripping mechanism are known from the prior art. Several conical, upwardly open marking objects can be arranged on the rod-shaped hollow body, which forms the base of the handling device, by inserting the hollow body into the opening of the marking objects. In handling devices of this type, the manually operated gripping mechanism serves to hold the collected marking objects on the rod-shaped hollow body and to enable their release. Such a handling device for use in sporting activities or games is described, for example, in NL 1 034 512 C2. According to NL 1 034 512 C2, a marking object can be held on at least one locking claw on a rod-shaped base body and released by retracting the locking claw.US Patent 2010 / 251957 A1 discloses marking objects, such as marking pylons or cones used for traffic warnings, and a handling device for these, wherein the marking objects are held on a spring-loaded locking claw assembly. The handling device is designed to allow multiple marking objects to be picked up, carried, deployed, and collected without the need for constant bending. However, a disadvantage of such handling devices is that, particularly when dispensing marking objects, there is no way to separate them or to place a defined number of marking objects with the handling device.

[0007] There is therefore a great need for a handling device for marking objects that allows for the picking up, transporting, and separately dispensing of multiple marking objects. Furthermore, the handling device itself should be easy to transport, usable regardless of location, suitable for manual operation, and ergonomically designed. In addition, the effort required for design, manufacturing, and assembly should be minimized, and operation should be simple.

[0008] This problem is solved in a surprisingly simple but effective way by a handling device according to the teaching of independent main claim 1.

[0009] According to the invention, a handling device for marking objects is proposed, comprising an opening in a cover surface. The handling device includes a substantially hollow cylindrical tube, which can be passed through the opening of a marking object, a holding arrangement, and an actuating arrangement. The holding arrangement is designed to hold at least one marking object, preferably several. For receiving, holding, and releasing at least one marking object, the holding arrangement has at least one locking claw, which can be moved from a first position to a second position. According to the invention, the at least one locking claw is arranged in a locking claw recess provided in the tube.To hold marker objects, the locking claw is in the first position, in which it projects at least partially, preferably completely, out of the tube through the locking claw recess. The locking claw can be moved to a second position for receiving or releasing marker objects, in which the at least one locking claw projects at least partially, preferably completely, into the tube. Thus, when the locking claw is in the second position, marker objects can be pushed onto the tube, as the at least one locking claw disappears partially or completely inside the tube. Conversely, when the at least one locking claw is in the first position, the collected marker objects are prevented from sliding down the tube, as they come into contact with and are held by the at least one locking claw.

[0010] According to the invention, a force-fit connection between the at least one locking claw and the actuating arrangement is mediated by an actuating element. In other words, the holding arrangement can be actuated via the actuating element by means of the actuating arrangement, and the at least one locking claw can be moved from the first position to the second position or from the second position to the first position by actuating the holding arrangement, preferably by applying a force.

[0011] The handling device according to the invention is based on the fundamental idea that by providing at least one holding claw arranged within the claw recess in the tube, the separation and singulation of the marking objects held on the tube is enabled, thus allowing the dispensing of a defined number of marking objects. For this purpose, the at least one holding claw is arranged at a distance from the at least one locking claw in the direction of the tube's longitudinal extension. Similar to the design of the locking claw, the holding claw can also be moved from a first position, in which the at least one holding claw projects at least partially, preferably completely, out of the tube through the holding claw recess, to a second position. When the holding claw is in the second position, the at least one holding claw projects at least partially, preferably completely, into the tube through the holding claw recess.A force-fit connection is also established between the at least one retaining claw and the actuating arrangement by the actuating element, so that the at least one locking claw and the at least one retaining claw can be moved from a first to a second position by actuating the actuating arrangement, preferably by applying a force. Due to the spaced arrangement of the retaining claws and locking claws, the retaining claws prevent the marking objects located above the retaining claws in their operating position from sliding down the tube when the actuating arrangement is actuated, while simultaneously a defined number of marking objects, preferably a single marking object, can be placed on or picked up via the locking claw.

[0012] Furthermore, according to the invention, the locking claws are connected to each other by means of a locking claw connecting element and / or the retaining claws by means of a retaining claw connecting element, and the locking claw connecting element and / or the retaining claw connecting element at least partially encloses the outer circumference of the actuating element. The locking claw connecting element and / or the retaining claw connecting element increases the stability of the holding arrangement and thus also the weight and force absorption capacity as well as the number of marking objects that can be held on the tube of the handling device. To further increase stability, the locking claw connecting element or the retaining claw connecting element completely encloses the actuating element.It is evident to a person skilled in the art that the locking claw connection element or the retaining claw connection element is advantageously adapted to the outer circumference of the actuating element, so that, for example, if the actuating element has a circular outer circumference, the retaining claw connection element and / or the locking claw connection element has a circular opening.

[0013] Within the scope of the invention, the term "operating position" refers to the position and orientation of the handling device in which the operator uses it. In other words, in the operating position, the proximal tube end and the handle are located above the distal tube end and the holding arrangement, with the handling device being oriented essentially perpendicular to the floor for picking up marking objects lying on the ground.

[0014] Within the scope of the invention, the term "marking object" refers to any object suitable for displaying markings, particularly for demarcation purposes. These can be, for example, but by no means exclusively, pylons, marker cones, marker markers, or marker discs. The marking objects can be of any design, provided they have an opening for insertion into the handling device, through which the tube of the handling device can at least partially pass. In this context, the opening of the marking caps preferably has a diameter of at least 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70 mm or more.It has been recognized as essential to the invention that the opening of the marking objects is larger than the outer diameter of the tube of the handling device, so that the tube of the handling device can be guided through the opening of the marking objects.

[0015] Within the scope of the invention, the term "hollow cylindrical tube" refers to an elongated hollow body whose length is significantly greater than its diameter. Although tubes with a circular cross-section are preferred, tubes with rectangular, oval, polygonal, or other cross-sections are also conceivable and suitable. The tube preferably has a longitudinal length of at least 600, 650, 700, 750, 800, 850, 900, 950, 1000, 1050, 1100, 1150, 1200, 1250, 1300 mm or more. Even more preferably, the pipe has a length of at least 710, 720, 730, 740, 750, 760, 770, 780, 790, 800, 810, 820, 830, 840, 850, 860, 870, 880, 890, 900, 910, 920, 930, 940, 950, 960, 970, 980, 990, 1000, 1010, 1020, 1030, 1040, 1050, 1060, 1070, 1080, 1090, 1100, 1110, 1120, 1130, 1140, 1150, 1160, 1170, 1180, 1190 or 1200 mm.The outer diameter of the tube can be adapted to the marking objects to be handled, but for the most universal application of the handling device, it is preferably between 26 and 80 mm. Even more preferably, the outer diameter of the tube is at least 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48, 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62, 64, 66, 68, 70, 72, 74, 76, 78, or 80 mm. Most preferably, the outer diameter of the tube is 52 mm. In its operating position, the tube is essentially perpendicular to the ground, so that the proximal end of the tube is at the top and the distal end at the bottom relative to the surface. Within the scope of the invention, the distal pipe end comprises a cover at the distal pipe end and the proximal pipe end comprises a cover at the proximal pipe end.

[0016] Within the scope of the invention, an actuating arrangement serves to trigger the function, that is, to actuate the locking claws and retaining claws for picking up, holding, or releasing marking objects. In this context, the actuating arrangement comprises an actuating element which enables the control of the locking claws via a force-fit connection. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the retaining claws are indirectly connected to the actuating element via the locking claws. Preferably, the actuating arrangement also includes a handle and an actuating button. The actuating button is force-fitted to the actuating element, so that when the actuating button is actuated, the actuating element moves the at least one locking claw and the at least one retaining claw from a first to a second position or from a second to a first position.The handle, preferably arranged at the proximal end of the tube, is preferably detachably connected to the tube, so that all marking objects can be removed from the tube by detaching the handle. Alternatively, and preferably, the handle at the proximal end of the tube is permanently connected to the tube. Within the scope of the invention, it is conceivable that the handle is larger than, smaller than, or equal to the outer diameter of the tube.

[0017] It has been recognized as essential to the invention that by moving at least one locking claw from a first to a second position or from a second to a first position, and simultaneously moving a holding claw from a first to a second position or from a second to a first position by means of an actuating element, the dispensing of a defined number, preferably a single, marking object, can be ensured. In this way, the handling device according to the invention for marking objects, with an opening provided in a cover surface, makes it possible not only to receive and hold marking objects, but also to dispense them again in a defined number. Due to its design, consisting of an actuating device, preferably arranged at the proximal end of the tube, and a holding arrangement, preferably arranged at the distal end of the tube, the handling device is extremely simple and ergonomic to operate.Furthermore, the handling device is inexpensive to manufacture, easy to assemble, requires little maintenance, is durable and can be used flexibly with a wide variety of marking objects.

[0018] Advantageous further developments of the inventions, which can be implemented individually or in combination, are presented in the dependent claims.

[0019] Within the scope of the invention, it has been identified as advantageous if the at least one retaining claw is directly and immediately connected to the actuating element, and the actuating element provides a force-fit connection between the at least one retaining claw and the actuating arrangement. Thus, in addition to the at least one locking claw, the at least one retaining claw can also be actuated via the actuating element to move from a first to a second position. By using a common actuating element, further components, in particular coupling elements, can be eliminated, thereby reducing the number of parts and saving on manufacturing and assembly costs. Furthermore, the handling device can be operated simply despite the actuation of both locking claws and retaining claws.

[0020] For dispensing individual marking objects or a defined number of marking objects, it has proven advantageous if the at least one retaining claw and the at least one locking claw are arranged on the actuating element such that the retaining claw is held in the first position while the locking claw is held in the second position. In other words, the retaining claw projects out of the tube, while the locking claw projects into the tube and disappears at least partially inside it. When the actuating element is actuated, the at least one locking claw and the at least one retaining claw are each moved to a different position, so that the at least one retaining claw projects out of the tube while the at least one locking claw projects into the tube.This advantageously makes it possible for the locking claw to release a single or a defined number of marking objects when the handling device is actuated, while the holding claw retains the marking objects located on the tube above the holding claw.

[0021] With regard to simple operation and the ability to define the marking objects to be dispensed, it is particularly advantageous if the at least one holding claw is arranged above the at least one locking claw in the operating position of the handling device, and if the movement of the at least one holding claw is synchronized with the movement of the at least one locking claw when the actuating device is activated, with a definable overlap of movements. In other words, the movements of the holding claw and the locking claw occur simultaneously and at the same speed when moving from the first position to the second position or from the second position to the first position.Preferably, the movement of the at least one retaining claw and the at least one locking claw is synchronous and opposite in direction, such that, for example, the locking claw is moved out of the tube through the locking claw recess, while simultaneously the retaining claw is retracted back into the tube through the retaining claw recess. These movements occur with a definable overlap of movements, which can be determined by the longitudinal distance of the at least one retaining claw from the at least one locking claw along the tube. Thus, when the actuating element is activated, the at least one retaining claw moves outwards out of the tube into its first position, and the at least one locking claw located below the at least one retaining claw moves inwards into the tube into its second locking claw position, with an overlap determined by the distance between the locking claw and the retaining claw.

[0022] For the secure picking up, dispensing, and holding of the marking objects on the tube, it has proven advantageous if the at least one locking claw and / or the at least one holding claw extend obliquely away from the actuating element. It is particularly advantageous if the at least one locking claw extends obliquely from the actuating element towards the proximal end of the tube, and the at least one holding claw extends obliquely from the actuating element towards the distal end of the tube. However, it is also conceivable that the at least one locking claw extends obliquely from the actuating element towards the distal end of the tube, and the at least one holding claw extends obliquely from the actuating element towards the proximal end of the tube.In the context of the invention, the term "oblique extension" means that a locking claw or retaining claw is arranged with one end on the actuating element and the other end is spaced away from the actuating element, such that an angle of less than 90° is enclosed between the actuating element and the locking claw or retaining claw. Preferably, an angle of at least 20°, 25°, 30°, 35°, 40°, 45°, 50°, 55°, 60°, 65°, 70°, 75°, 80°, or 85° is included. The at least one locking claw extends obliquely from the actuating element toward the proximal end of the tube, which in turn means that the at least one locking claw extends obliquely upwards in the operating position. In contrast, the retaining claw preferably extends obliquely downwards in the operating position of the handling device.

[0023] To separate the marker objects that have been picked up and arranged one above the other on the tube, and thus to separate the stacked marker objects, it has proven advantageous for the at least one locking claw and / or the at least one retaining claw to have a chamfer at the end furthest from the actuating element. The chamfer is designed such that at the end furthest from the actuating element, two surfaces of the at least one locking claw and / or the at least one retaining claw form an acute angle. This in turn means that the two surfaces of the at least one locking claw and / or the at least one retaining claw located at the end furthest from the actuating element form an angle of less than 90°. Preferably, an angle of at least 20°, 25°, 30°, 35°, 40°, 45°, 50°, 55°, 60°, 65°, 70°, 75°, 80°, or 85° is included.The provided slope allows at least one locking claw or at least one holding claw to slide between the marking objects stacked on the tube, separating them easily and ensuring individual dispensing of marking objects.

[0024] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous if the actuating element has a stop at the proximal end and / or the distal end that limits the actuation path of the at least one locking claw and / or the at least one holding claw. Preferably, the actuating element has a stop at the proximal end of the tube that holds the at least one locking claw in a first position for receiving marking objects, and a stop at the distal end that limits the actuation path of the at least one locking claw and allows the release of a marking object via the actuation path thus defined. In contrast, when the actuating element rests against the stop at the proximal end of the tube, the holding claw is held in a second position, and when the actuating element rests against the stop at the distal end of the tube, it is held in a first position.

[0025] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous if the at least one detent claw and the at least one holding claw can be held against each other under preload by means of a spring-loaded preload element. For this purpose, the preload element advantageously comprises two preload rings and a preload spring arranged between the preload rings. Preferably, the preload rings partially or completely enclose the actuating element, for which purpose the preload rings preferably have a substantially circular opening. However, it is also conceivable that the opening of the preload rings is not circular but rectangular, polygonal, or of any other geometry, so that a simple connection between the preload ring and the actuating element is enabled. Particularly preferably, the two preload rings are rounded at their contact points.The spring-loaded preload element is preferably arranged on the actuating element such that the two preload rings are arranged one above the other and the preload spring is located between them. Furthermore, the preload element is preferably positioned below the at least one retaining claw and above the at least one detent claw in the operating position. Advantageously, when the actuating element is actuated, the spring-loaded preload element allows relative movement of the at least one retaining claw relative to the at least one detent claw and a preload ring, as well as relative movement of the at least one detent claw relative to the at least one retaining claw and a preload ring. In this way, reliable transfer of the at least one detent claw and the at least one retaining claw from a first to a second position is ensured, thus enabling easy separation of marking objects for dispensing.

[0026] According to a preferred embodiment, a plurality of locking claws are arranged in a locking claw plane oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the tube, and / or a plurality of holding claws are arranged in a holding claw plane oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the tube. More preferably, both a locking claw plane and a holding claw plane are provided in the holding arrangement, wherein the locking claw plane and the holding claw plane are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the tube. Even more preferably, in the operating position of the handling device, the holding claw plane is arranged above the locking claw plane and spaced apart from the locking claw plane. The plurality of locking claws and / or holding claws makes it possible to securely hold, pick up, and release the marking objects on the tube of the handling device.

[0027] For ease of handling and even force distribution within the holding arrangement, it has proven advantageous if the locking claws and / or retaining claws are arranged equidistantly around the outer circumference of the actuating element with an angular offset from each other. Preferably, an equal number of locking claws and retaining claws are arranged equidistantly around the outer circumference of the actuating element. Particularly preferred are 2 to 8 locking claws or retaining claws arranged equidistantly around the outer circumference of the actuating element. Even more preferred are at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8 locking claws and / or retaining claws arranged equidistantly around the outer circumference of the actuating element. Most preferred are 3 locking claws and 3 retaining claws arranged at an angular offset of 120° from each other on the outer circumference of the actuating element.The angular offset results from the equidistant arrangement of a certain number of locking claws and / or holding claws around the actuating element.

[0028] With regard to defined guidance of the marking objects on the tube and optimal weight and force distribution in the holding arrangement, it has proven advantageous if the locking claw plane and the holding claw plane are offset from each other, particularly by an angular offset of 60°, and the angular offset between the locking claw plane and the holding claw plane is half the angular offset between the locking claws. This angular offset prevents the locking claws and holding claws from being positioned one above the other, thus optimizing the weight and force distribution in the holding arrangement. Furthermore, the locking claws and holding claws project from the tube at different points and engage the marking object. This arrangement makes it particularly easy to accommodate a large number of marking objects while simultaneously ensuring the reliable dispensing of individual marking objects.

[0029] For particularly easy picking up and targeted dispensing of marking objects, it has proven advantageous for the handling device to have a centering mandrel located at the distal end of the actuating element. This centering mandrel is advantageously spring-loaded and fully retractable into the handling device. Preferably, the centering mandrel is conically shaped at one end, preferably the end furthest from the actuating element, thus providing an optimal view of the opening of the marking object to be picked up or dispensed. Furthermore, it has proven advantageous that such a centering mandrel facilitates easy insertion of the mandrel, and thus of the handling device, into the opening of the marking object.Because the centering mandrel can be retracted into the handling device, the risk of injury from the centering mandrel when not in use is eliminated, and safe handling and transport of the handling device is ensured.

[0030] Particularly for handling flat, disc-shaped marking objects, it has proven advantageous for the handling device to have a magnet and / or a locking ring, wherein the magnet and / or the locking ring is arranged at one end of a tube for receiving the marking object, which is provided with a ferromagnetic metal sleeve. Since flat, disc-shaped marking objects can only be picked up with considerable effort and expense using locking claws and retaining claws, the handling device advantageously has a magnet arranged at the end of the tube in such a way that a ferromagnetic metal sleeve, for example, inserted into the opening of a disc-shaped marking object, is attracted to it upon approach.If several disc-shaped marking objects are to be picked up by the handling device, the discs are attracted by the magnet, picked up, and conveyed over the locking ring located above the magnet, where they are held. Preferably, a permanent magnet is arranged in the handling device, and the marking objects are provided with ferromagnetic metal sleeves; however, it is also conceivable that the marking objects are provided with permanent magnets and a ferromagnetic metal sleeve is arranged in the handling device.Preferably, the magnet and / or the locking ring is arranged at the distal end of the tube. However, it is also conceivable to arrange the magnet and / or locking ring at the proximal end of the tube and magnetically attract and pick up the discs at the proximal end. Subsequently, by rotating the handling device 180°, the discs are released via the holding claws and locking claws arranged at the distal end of the tube. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the disc-shaped marking objects can be picked up, held, and released at one end of the tube. It is also conceivable that the disc-shaped marking objects can be picked up at one end of the tube and released at the opposite end, by picking up and holding the disc-shaped marking objects at one end and releasing them at the other.It would also be conceivable that the disc-shaped marking objects are only picked up at one end of the tube and held and released at the other end. In this context, it can be advantageous to have a holding arrangement at both the distal and proximal ends of the tube, whereby the two holding arrangements can be actuated either via a common actuating arrangement or via two spatially and functionally separate actuating arrangements.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, the handling device has a stand assembly, the stand assembly comprising at least two stand legs, each with a first end and a second end. The first end of the stand legs is hinged to the tube or the actuating element, and the second end of the stand legs can be moved from a first position, in which the second ends are substantially in contact with the tube, to a second position, in which the second ends are radially spaced from the tube. In other words, in the second position, the second ends of the stand legs are radially spaced from the tube such that the handling device can be placed on the floor in its operating position. In the first position, the second ends are substantially in contact with the tube and are thus arranged against the tube wall in a space-saving manner.Thus, the handling device can be conveniently stored in a position when not in use, without the risk of the marking objects being separated from the handling device, for example, by the device tipping over. Furthermore, the stand arrangement prevents the operator from being disturbed when the second ends of the stand are in the first position, as the stand legs are essentially in full contact with the tube during operation. It is conceivable that the first and second ends of the stand legs rest against the outer wall of the tube, or that the first end of the stand legs rests against the inner wall of the tube or the actuating element and the second end against the outer wall of the tube, or that both the first and second ends of the stand legs rest against the inner wall of the tube.Furthermore, it has proven particularly advantageous if the stand assembly has at least 2, 3, 4, or 5 legs. Most preferably, the stand assembly has 3 legs, which ensures a particularly stable stand for the handling device while simultaneously optimizing manufacturing and assembly costs.

[0032] Further details, features, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiments in conjunction with the dependent claims. The invention is defined by the claims. The invention is not limited to the embodiments. The embodiments are shown schematically in the figures. Identical reference numerals in the individual figures denote identical or functionally equivalent elements, or elements that correspond to each other with respect to their function.

[0033] Specifically, we show: Fig. 1 a handling device according to the invention in perspective view; Fig. 2 a longitudinal section of the handling device according to the invention in a front view; Fig. 3 a longitudinal section of a handling device according to the invention in a side view; Fig. 4 the proximal end of a pipe of a handling device according to the invention; Fig. 5 the distal end of a handling device according to the invention in longitudinal section; Fig. 6 the distal end of a further handling device according to the invention in longitudinal section; Fig. 7 a disc-shaped marking object in longitudinal section; and Fig. 8 an enlarged section of the in Fig. 7 depicted disc-shaped marking object.

[0034] Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows a handling device 1 with a marking object 2, designed as a conical hollow body, which is mounted on the handling device 1. To receive the marking object 2, the tube 3, with its distal end 31 on which the holding arrangement 4 is located, was inserted into the opening provided in the top surface of the marking object 2. A stand 6 is also provided on the central tube section 33, the three legs 61 of which are extended so that the handling device 1 can be placed on the surface. For this purpose, the second ends 612 of the legs 61 are in the second position, in which they are radially spaced from the tube 3. The first ends 611 of the legs 61, which are not visible here, are hinged to the tube 3. To move the first ends 611 of the stand legs 61 from the first to the second position and vice versa, a stand actuation 62 is arranged on the tube 3.The actuating arrangement 5 is arranged at the proximal end of the tube 32, which allows the actuating of the holding arrangement 4 via the actuating element 51 which is not visible here.

[0035] Fig. 2 shows the handling device 1 according to Fig. 1 In longitudinal section, the tube 3 of the handling device 1 is again visible, inside which the actuating element 51 extends from top to bottom, originating from the actuating arrangement 5. A marking object 2 is mounted on the holding arrangement 4. The second ends 612 of the stand legs 61 are again spaced apart from the tube 3 in the extended position, thus enabling convenient storage of the handling device 1 when not in use. To use the handling device 1, the stand arrangement 6 can be positioned against the tube 3 by means of the stand actuating mechanism 62. For this purpose, the stand actuating mechanism 62 is moved upwards so that the second ends 612 of the stand legs 61 are brought into contact with the tube 3. In this sectional view, the first ends 611 of the stand legs 61, which are hinged to the tube 3, are also visible.

[0036] The Fig. 3 A handling device 1 according to the invention is to be removed with a marking object 2 which is received at the distal tube end 31 via the holding arrangement 4. In contrast to the preceding Figuren 1 and 2 The stand assembly 6, which is arranged on the central tube section 33, is in a retracted position. This means, as can be clearly seen, that the first ends 611 rest against the actuating element 51 and the tube 3, and the second ends 612 rest essentially against the tube 3. By pushing the stand actuating element 62 downwards towards the distal tube end 31, the second ends 612 of the stand legs 61 can be moved into the second position for convenient storage and placement of the handling device 1. The handling device 1 is located as shown in the illustration. Fig. 3 In the operating position, the handling device 1 is oriented perpendicular to the ground and the proximal tube end 32 is located above the distal tube end 31. The actuating arrangement 5 is located at the proximal tube end 32, and its actuating element 51 can be moved downwards by applying force. The movement of the actuating element 51 is limited by the stop 52. It can also be seen that the actuating element 51 is guided within the tube 3 and within the handle 13. This allows for convenient one-handed operation of the handling device 1, as the handle 13 can be gripped by hand and force can be applied to the actuating element 51 to actuate the holding arrangement 4 using the thumb or another single finger.

[0037] Fig. 4 Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view through the proximal end 32 of the tube 3 and the handle 13 attached to it. It can again be seen that the actuating element 51 extends downwards through the handle 13 and the tube 3 in its operating position and is movable downwards and upwards, with the range of motion of the actuating element 51 being limited by the stop 52. The handle 13 is connected to the tube 3 via the handle cover 131, which in the present embodiment is formed integrally with the handle 13 and screwed to the proximal end 32 of the tube. It can also be seen that the handle 13 projects beyond the tube 3 on both sides, so that even if the handling device 1 falls over or is dropped, any marking objects 2 already picked up at the proximal end 32 of the tube are retained by the handle 13.

[0038] Fig. 5 Figure 1 shows a longitudinal section through the handling device 1 at the distal end 31 of the tube 3. The distal end of the tube 31 is inserted into the opening of a marking object 2, which is held by the holding arrangement 4 on the tube 3. To hold the marking object 2, the locking claw 41 projects out of the locking claw recess 34 in the tube 3 and engages the marking object 2. A plurality of locking claws 41 are connected to each other via the locking claw connecting element 412 arranged on the actuating element 51. To release the picked-up marking object 2, the actuating element 51 can be moved downwards against the force of the return spring 12, so that the locking claw 41 is retracted through the locking claw recess 34 into the interior of the tube 3 and the retaining claw 42 is pushed out of the tube 3 through the retaining claw recess 35.The preload element 7, which comprises a preload ring 71 arranged above the preload spring 72 and a preload ring 73 arranged below the preload spring 72, enables relative movement between the detent jaws 41 and the retaining jaws 42. The majority of the retaining jaws 42 are connected to each other via a retaining jaw connecting element 422. The lower stop 52, which limits the actuation travel of the actuating element 51, is also visible. If no downward force is exerted on the actuating element 51, the return spring 12 ensures that the actuating element 51 is returned to its home position.

[0039] Fig. 6 shows an essentially of the in Fig. 5 The handling device 1 corresponds to the handling device shown, with the difference that a centering mandrel 8 is arranged at the distal tube end 31 of the tube 3. This centering mandrel 8 can be completely retracted into the tube 3 and is pre-tensioned in the retracted state by a centering mandrel spring 81. In the extended state shown here, the centering mandrel 8 allows the handling device 1 to be easily threaded into the opening of a marking object (not shown). Furthermore, the Fig. 6 in contrast to the representation in Fig. 5 to remove a magnet 9 inserted at the distal end of the tube 31. Disc-shaped marker objects 2, which are equipped with a ferromagnetic sleeve 11, can also be picked up using this magnet 9. Furthermore, in Fig. 6 The locking claws 41 and the retaining claws 42 can again be identified, with several locking claws 41 arranged in a locking claw plane 411 and several retaining claws 42 arranged in a retaining claw plane 421. Several locking claws 41 are connected to each other via a locking claw connecting element 412 and several retaining claws 42 via a retaining claw connecting element 422. Both the locking claws 41 and the retaining claws 42 have a chamfer 43 at their end furthest from the actuating element 51, so that two surfaces at this end enclose an acute angle 44. This chamfer 43 serves to penetrate between the stacked marking objects (not shown here) in order to separate the stacked marking objects (not shown here). The locking jaw plane 411 and the holding jaw plane 421 are connected to each other at a certain distance via the connecting elements 412, 422 and the actuating element 51.This ensures that when the operator moves the actuating element 51 downwards, the retaining claws 42 are guided outwards through the retaining claw recess 35, and the locking claws 41 arranged below are simultaneously pulled inwards by the overlap of movement defined by the distance between the locking claw plane 411 and the retaining claw plane 421. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper retaining claw plane 421, with its retaining claws 42 angled from top to bottom, prevents the marking objects (not shown) mounted on the tube 3 from sliding down when the actuating element 51 is actuated. Due to the specific arrangement of the locking claw plane 411 and the retaining claw plane 421 relative to each other, only a single marking object (not shown) is ever located between the locking claw plane 411 and the retaining claw plane 421 in the illustrated embodiment.The locking claws 42 are also inclined in such a way that they can be transferred through the locking claw recess 34 into the tube 3 to receive marking objects (not shown here). The locking claws 41 and the retaining claws 42 of the holding arrangement 4 are held against each other under preload by a preloading element 7. The preloading rings 71 of the preloading element 7 are rounded at their contact points and, due to the preloading spring 72 arranged between the preloading rings 71, allow relative movement between the locking claws 41 and the retaining claws 42 when the actuating element 51 is actuated.The actuation path of the actuating element 51 is limited at the upper, here not visible proximal end of the tube 3 by means of a stop 52, which holds the locking claw plane and holding claw plane in the position for receiving and holding marking objects, wherein the stop 52 arranged at the distal end 31 limits the travel of the locking claws 41 and holding claws 42 and enables the release of a marking object not shown here via the actuation path defined in this way.

[0040] In Fig. 7 A disc-shaped marker object 2 is shown in section, wherein Fig. 8 an excerpt A from Fig. 7 This type of disc-shaped marking object 2 can only be picked up with increased effort on the holding arrangement (not shown) with its locking claws and retaining claws. Therefore, according to the invention, an additional magnet is provided on the handling device (not shown) by which the ferromagnetic sleeve 11 of the disc-shaped marking object 2 can be magnetically attracted. This can be seen from the Figuren 7 und 8 to recognize that the disc-shaped marking object 2 also has an opening in which a ferromagnetic metal sleeve 11 is arranged, so that the metal sleeve 11 is attracted when the magnet 9 provided in the handling device 1 according to the invention is approached and can be picked up by the handling device 1 in a simple and ergonomic way.

Claims

1. A handling device (1) for marking objects (2) having an opening disposed in a cover surface, the handling device (1) comprising an essentially hollow-cylindrical tube (3) having a distal tube end (31), a proximal tube end (32), and a central tube portion (33) extending between the distal tube end (31) and the proximal tube end (32), the distal tube end (31) and at least part of the central tube portion (33) adjacent to the distal tube end (31) being insertable into the opening of a marking object (2), the handling device (1) further comprising a support assembly (4) provided at the distal tube end (31) or on the central tube portion (33) adjacent to the distal tube end (31), the support assembly (4) being configured to support at least one marking object (2), the support assembly (4) comprising at least one latching claw (41) disposed in a latching-claw opening (34) in the tube (3), the latching claw (41) being movable, preferably by application of force, from a first position, in which the at least one latching claw (41) protrudes at least partially, preferably fully, from the tube (3) through the latching-claw opening (34) in the tube (3), to a second position, in which the at least one latching claw (41) protrudes at least partially, preferably fully, into the tube (3) through the latching-claw opening (34) in the tube (3), the handling device (1) further comprising an actuating assembly (5) provided at the proximal tube end (32) or on the central tube portion (33) adjacent to the proximal tube end (32), the actuating assembly (5) being configured to actuate the support assembly (4), the actuating assembly (5) comprising an actuating element (51) effecting a force-locked operative connection between the at least one latching claw (41) and the actuating assembly (5), the support assembly (4) having at least one supporting claw (42) spaced apart from the at least one latching claw (41) along the longitudinal axis of the tube (3) and disposed in a supporting-claw opening (35) in the tube (3), the at least one supporting claw (42) being movable, preferably by application of force, from a first position, in which the at least one supporting claw (42) protrudes at least partially, preferably fully, from the tube (3) through the supporting-claw opening (35) in the tube (3), to a second position, in which the at least one supporting claw (42) protrudes at least partially, preferably fully, into the tube (3) through the supporting-claw opening (35) in the tube (3), and the actuating assembly (5) being configured to move the at least one supporting claw (42) and the at least one latching claw (41) from the first position to the second position and hold them in the first position and / or in the second position, characterized in that the latching claws (41) are connected to each other by means of a latching-claw connection element (412), and / or the supporting claws (42) are connected to each other by means of a supporting-claw connection element (422), the latching-claw connection element (412) and / or the supporting-claw connection element (422) at least partially enclosing the outer circumference of the actuating element (51).

2. The handling device according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one supporting claw (42) is connected to the actuating element (51), the actuating element (51) effecting a force-locked operative connection between the at least one supporting claw (42) and the actuating assembly (5).

3. The handling device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the at least one supporting claw (42) and the at least one latching claw (41) are disposed on the actuating element (51) in such a manner that the at least one supporting claw (42) is held in the first position while the at least one latching claw (41) is held in the second position.

4. The handling device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the at least one supporting claw (42) is disposed above the at least one latching claw (41) when the handling device (1) is in the use position, and the movement of the at least one supporting claw (42) and the movement of the at least one latching claw (41) upon actuation of the actuating assembly (5) are synchronized with each other with a settable movement overlap, the movement overlap being settable based on the distance of the at least one supporting claw (42) from the at least one latching claw (41) in the longitudinal direction of the tube.

5. The handling device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the at least one latching claw (41) and / or the at least one supporting claw (42) extend away from the actuating element (51) at an oblique angle, the at least one latching claw (41) extending from the actuating element (51) toward the proximal tube end (32) at an oblique angle, and the at least one supporting claw (42) extending from the actuating element (51) toward the distal tube end (31) at an oblique angle.

6. The handling device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the at least one latching claw (41) and / or the at least one supporting claw (42) has a bevel (43) at the end facing away from the actuating element (51), meaning two surfaces of the at least one latching claw (41) and / or of the at least one supporting claw (42) form an acute angle (44) at the end facing away from the actuating element (51).

7. The handling device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the actuating element (51) has a stop (52) at the proximal end (32) and / or at the distal end (31), the stop (52) limiting the actuation travel of the at least one latching claw (41) and / or of the at least one supporting claw (42).

8. The handling device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that a spring-loaded biasing element (7) is configured to bias the at least one latching claw (41) and the at least one supporting claw (42) against each other, the biasing element (7) comprising two biasing rings (71) and a biasing spring (72) disposed between the biasing rings (71).

9. The handling device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that a plurality of latching claws (41) are disposed in a latching-claw plane (411) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tube (3), and / or a plurality of supporting claws (42) are disposed in a supporting-claw plane (421) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tube (3), the latching-claw plane (411) and the supporting-claw plane (421) being spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the tube (3).

10. The handling device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the latching claws (41) and / or the supporting claws (42) are equidistantly disposed on the actuating element (51) circumferentially along the outer circumference of the actuating element (51) at an angular offset from each other.

11. The handling device according to claim 10, characterized in that the latching-claw plane (411) and the supporting-claw plane (421) are offset from each other, the angular offset between the latching-claw plane (411) and the supporting-claw plane (421) being half the angular offset between the latching claws (41).

12. The handling device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the handling device (1) has a centering pin (8), the centering pin (8) being disposed at the distal end of the actuating element (51), and the centering pin (8) being biased by an elastic force and fully retractable into the handling device (1).

13. The handling device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the handling device (1) comprises a magnet (9) and / or a latching ring (10), the magnet (9) and / or the latching ring (10) being disposed at a tube end (31, 32) for receiving the marking object (2), the marking object (2) being provided with a ferromagnetic metal sleeve (11), or the handling device (1) comprises a ferromagnetic metal sleeve (11) and / or a latching ring (10), the ferromagnetic metal sleeve (11) and / or the latching ring (10) being disposed at a tube end (31, 32) for receiving a marking object (2), the marking object (2) being provided with a magnet (9).

14. The handling device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the handling device (1) comprises a leg assembly (6), the leg assembly (6) comprising at least two legs (61) which each have a first end (611) and a second end (612) and whose first ends (611) are hinged to the tube (3) or to the actuating element (5) and whose second ends (612) can be moved from a first position, in which the second ends (612) are essentially folded flat against the tube (3), to a second position, in which the second ends (612) are spaced apart from the tube (3) in the radial direction.

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