Handheld apparatus for measuring distances

The invention relates to a device for hand-held Measuring distances to a surface region of a Object with a housing and an optical system for modulated reflected transmitted beams and the surface area Rays of the transmitted beams according to the preamble of the Claim 1.

Such hand-held devices for optically measuring distances have been known for years and are to today hundreds of thousands of different applications, particular in the building, used. With them can Distances between a measuring stop of the device and a surface area of ​​an object within a Distance measuring range of a few tens of centimeters up to for example, 30 meters with an accuracy of a few Millimeters are measured optically. Here are for measuring modulated distances from the device via an optical system optical radiation to the object to be measured emitted. At least a portion of the transmitted beams is from Surface area of ​​the object in the direction of the device reflected back. Using the optics from Surface area reflected beams at a distance from the collected transmission beams again and by a receiver the device is converted into an electrical signal. Because of the speed of propagation of optical beams by evaluating the electrical signal, the distance between the measurement stop and the surface area of Object can be determined.

Because of parallax between the transmission beams and the spaced to collected, reflected rays take off when measuring a surface area in close to the optics the collected, reflected Radiation increasingly from the center of the receiver. The lower the distance of the surface to be measured range from the Optics, the less reflected transmitted rays can in generally be converted by the receiver. Below a critical distance of the surface area of ​​the optic falls below the electric signal a critical value, so that a measurement of distances below a critical Distance is affected or even completely impossible. From the prior art, various measures known to the critical distance - below which optical measurement of distances is no longer possible - to minimize.

From DE 43 16 348 A1, for example, such a Device for optical distance measurement with a biaxial optics and movable in the focal plane Known optical fiber. About the optical fiber are at reflected an object collected radiation is one of the device emitted laser beam to a Receiver forwarded. The optical fiber is thereby the depending on the migratory distance, reflected Beams mechanically tracked. This tracking encroaches on the measurement speed and other hand, requires a complex design. Still can distance measurements to objects within a critical distance of twenty centimeters in front of the optics will not run.

WO 03 / 002,939 A1 discloses a hand-held Device with biaxial optics for optically measuring distance and an optical detector is known which in a Focal plane formed expanded photosensitive comprising detection surface. Due to this in the focal plane expanded detection surface can by at small expectant intervals wandering off, collected, reflected rays detected a greater proportion will. Despite the extended detection area but has this device also a critical para tandsbereich up to approximately ten centimeters in front of the optics, in the optical Measuring distances is not possible. In practice therefore short distances still with long-standing, physical measuring equipment - such as folding or Roll meters - measured.

The object of the invention deficiencies of the prior art To resolve and a hand-held device to measure Distances to a surface area of ​​an object with a housing and an optical system for modulated transmitted beams and for the surface area reflected rays provide, the less critical distance, below which a measurement of distances no longer possible is having.

The object is achieved by a device with the features of patent claim 1. Other alternative or advantageous refinements and developments of the invention are in the dependent claims described.

An inventive device for hand-held measuring of distances to a surface area of ​​an object includes a housing and a recessed into the housing optics on. For optically measuring the distance to the surface area through optics modulated by the apparatus optical transmission beams in the form of a beam against the surface area emitted. Part of the Surface area reflected rays of the transmitted beams is collected by the optics back and for determining by distances electronically evaluated. According to the invention the device additionally comprises a housing with the connected to the component, which in order to measure short distances The propagation direction of the transmitted beams on the housing is also extended.

An embodiment of the invention also provides a measuring short distances in an optical way before. It extends serving as a spacer member in a fixed predetermined length in the direction of propagation Transmission beams beyond the housing. The fixed predetermined Length is advantageously at least as large as the critical Distance from the housing in which no optical Measurements on surface areas are possible. in the extended state is facing away from the housing through the End of the spacer, the zero point for the measured, short distances embodies.

According to further developments means for registering the predetermined extended state of the spacer, fold or extended in the predetermined state automatically extendable front spacer.

in an alternative embodiment of the invention an addition to different degrees over the housing erstreckbares component in combination with the housing the Distance to an object can be physically measured. To this purpose, the component is performed so that an end the component during physical measuring substantially introduced in parallel with the transmit beam to the object becomes. By detecting the relative position between the Component and the housing as well as consideration of the Extension of the housing between which the object facing side and the measurement stop in the direction of Transmit beam, the physically measured distance be determined between the measurement stop and the object.

Detecting the relative position between the housing and the component and the subsequent determination of the Distance value can be present on different ways done.

A development of the invention provides a detecting these Relative position of the device via a electronic device before. Here, the Relative position in a conventional manner on a particularly electromagnetic or optical mode of action be detected based relative or absolute. Thus, it is even when physical measuring possible - under Considering the extent of the housing - an in to determine digital form present distance value. The Benefits of a digital present measurement value - especially for subsequent processing, storage or Transmission of the measured value - are obvious.

However, the relative position can also easily via a first recognized scale and a first reading position by the user will. Thereby, the first scale and the first arranged reading mark on the component or the housing be. Depending on the design of the component, however, the first scale on the housing and the first reading position on the component be arranged. With a suitable design of the first scale, the physically measured distance value - from Measuring stop up to the object - from about the first reading mark Users can be read directly on the first scale.

Another development of the invention provides an on Housing disposed second scale before whose zero is also embodied by the measuring stop and with Advantage on an adjacent part of the housing edge is arranged. By means of the additional second scale can even the distance of just the near Measuring stopper positioned object with such further developed device be physically measured. Thus, it is possible in practice many craftsmen the desired distance values ​​with a single such to determine further developed device.

An inventive device may also - as in Roll meters usual - by a at one end of the component arranged measuring hook be further developed. can the likewise Measuring stop of the device associated with a trailing stop be. Also, more scale, a retraction device, optionally with locking means for the component as Developments possible.

Advantageously, the component is substantially completely in be the case retracted and extended state a force of a predetermined amount by way of rubbing being held.

A guide of the component may also designed in such a be that accumulated dirt is removed.

Optionally, the device is designed such that the guide for cleaning purposes, for example, a removable cover is accessible. Also could be a be provided exchanging length measuring elements.

The invention will employ eight in the figures Measuring arrangements with five schematically shown Embodiments according to the invention devices closer explained. The embodiments each contain Features in combination. Features from different Embodiments can be here for another meaningful combinations summarized. The same parts in different embodiments, which are the same Functions exercise are with the same terms and Reference numerals. Shown in schematic illustration:<dl tsize="8"><dt>figure 1</dt><dd>a first measurement order for optical and physical measuring a distance to a square with a first embodiment of a the inventive device in partial Section in plan view,</dd><dt>figure 2</dt><dd>the first measuring arrangement of Figure 1 in Side View,</dd><dt>figure 3</dt><dd>a second measuring device for measuring physical a very short distance from the square to the first Embodiment in side view,</dd><dt>figure 4</dt><dd>a third measuring system for measuring a Dimensions of the box with the first Embodiment in the reversed state in Side View,</dd><dt>figure 5</dt><dd>a fourth measuring arrangement for measuring physical a short distance from the square with a second Embodiment of an inventive Device, in partial section in plan view,</dd><dt>figure 6</dt><dd>the second measuring arrangement of Figure 3 with the second embodiment in plan view,</dd><dt>figure 7</dt><dd>a fifth measuring arrangement with the cuboid and a Elbow and the second embodiment, in plan view.</dd><dt>figure 8</dt><dd>a sixth measuring device for measuring the depth a bore of a cut shown Cube, and a third embodiment of a the inventive device in side view,</dd><dt>figure 9</dt><dd>a seventh measuring arrangement with the elbow and a fourth embodiment of a the inventive device in partial -Section in plan view.</dd><dt>figure 10</dt><dd>an eighth measuring arrangement with the cube and a fifth embodiment in partial section in plan view.</dd></dl>

Figure 1 shows a first measurement order for optical and physical measuring the distance d to a Surface area of ​​a trained here as a cube 1 Object with a first embodiment of a partially cut illustrated, hand-held device according to of the invention in plan view.

The exemplary embodiments illustrated in the figures according to the invention devices each have a Housing 2 with a length of for example, 15 centimeters on. In a side of the housing 2 is only one in the Figures 1, 9 and 10 in the section shown the optics 3 optical measurement of distances admitted. The optics 3 includes a transmitter here and adjacent thereto arranged Receiving segment. The transmitting and the receiving segment each component of a transmitting or receiving channel of Device. The page with the embedded optics 3 opposite rear side 20 of the housing 2 is here - as at such measuring instruments customary - as measuring stop educated. This embodies the measurement of distances d usually its origin.

As seen in Figure 1 for optically measuring Distances d modulated via the optical transmission channel Transmission beams 4 emitted from the square. 1 The Extension e of the housing 2 between the optics and the 3 Back 20 in the propagation direction of the transmitted beams 4 does not correspond with the present embodiments throughout the length of the housing 2. Depending on the arrangement of the Measuring stop on the housing 2, this could also Ersteckung take a different value.

The box 1 has a natural rough surface of the optical beams are reflected scattering. A part the scattered reflected beams 5 are from the optics 3 collected, detected and an electrical signal converted. The signal is used to in a conventional manner Determining the digital value of the distance d from a electronic circuit evaluated. Here, the Extension e between the optics 3 and here the Measuring stop forming back 20 considered. Of the by evaluating digitally determined value of the measured Distance d - here, for example, 28.5 centimeters - is then on a display 17 to a user of the Embodiments provided.

Because of the optical geometric conditions of transmission and receiving channel of the embodiments is a Detecting emitted to the surface of the cuboid 1 scattered reflected beams 5 only possible if the Surface of at least a critical distance a from here comprises about 10 centimeters of the optics third The Embodiments thus have a in Figure 1 illustrated, critical distance c - between as Measuring stop serving back 20 and by the Transmit beam 4 illuminated region of the surface the cube - from here about 25 centimeters. Below the critical distance c is not an optical measuring more possible. With instruments that the embodiments correspond, can on scattered reflective surfaces above the critical distance c to d of distances typically 30 meters to be measured optically.

exhibit The exemplary embodiments illustrated in the figures Additionally in accordance with the invention with the housing 2 a component connected to.

In the first embodiment of Figures 1 to 4 is the Component designed as a measuring tape. 6 The measuring tape 6 can for example, a curved, elastic knickbarem Steel strip be made. On the transmission beams 4 from Figure 1 side facing away from the measuring tape 6 a only Figure 2 visible first scale 10 and on the Transmission beams 4 side facing only in Figure 4 Visible third scale on. 13

The measuring tape 6 here has a slightly shorter length than the Housing 2. The measuring tape 6 can thus in a simple manner - Even without a specially necessary deflecting or Retractor - completely in the housing 2 are retracted. This allows the length of the measuring tape 6 thus not only a physical measurement of distances d within the critical distance a for optics 3, but even a physical measuring in one critical to the Distance subsequent overlap, in which both a physical as well as an optical measuring the distance d is possible. Thus, the ease of use and increased in a conventional manner in addition measurement reliability increase.

The extendable end of the measuring tape 6 is the first Embodiment designed as a measuring hook 16th The end but could be provided directly by the end face of Measuring tape 6 are formed. The measuring hook 16 is here - in known manner - to the material thickness slidably connected to the measuring tape. 6 This can Measurements according to the third measuring arrangement of Figure 4 be carried out comfortably.

The measuring tape 6 is in the first embodiment of one in Figures 1 to 3 is not visible, with the Housing out 2 integrally formed guide. About a For example, a pressing on the part felt or a pretensioned spring element, thereby a frictional force so exerted on the component, on the one hand a Adjustment without great effort is possible and on the other hand the measuring tape 6 in the extended condition is held by way of rubbing.

As seen in Figure 1, the distance d to Surface of the cuboid 1 - alternative to optical measuring - also designed as a measuring tape 6 component in Combination are measured physically connected to the housing. 2 For the physical measurement of distances d is in a first step the distance between the through the Transmit beam 4 illuminated region of the surface of the cuboid 1 and the optical system 3 along the The propagation direction of the transmitted beams 4 by means of Measuring tape 6 measured. For this purpose, one end of the The measuring tape 6 through the housing 2 also substantially parallel to the transmission beams 4 to square 1 zoom out. For measuring distances d between the as Measuring stop serving back 20 and the surface of the Cuboid 1 is in the first measuring arrangement, the end of the Measuring tape 6 pushed against the surface of the cuboid 1 and then the relative position between the measuring tape 6 and the Case 2 detected. Taking into account the extension e the housing 2 in the direction of transmission beams 4 from the Optics 3 through to back 20, in a second Step, the distance d between the measurement stop and the Surface of the cuboid 1 are determined.

With the help of the form of a measuring tape 6 component with an inventive device distances d in particular in a range between the length of the The housing 2 and critical for an optical measuring Distance c measured physically in a simple manner will.

Detecting the relative position between the housing 2 and the measuring tape 6 for determining the distance d can take place in different ways.

On the one hand - as shown in Figure 2 - the physically measured distance d over an example the housing 2 arranged first reading position on a 11 to the measuring tape 6 arranged first scale 10 directly from a Users are read.

On the other hand, the first embodiment, in addition - As a development of the invention - an electronic Means for detecting the relative position between here the measuring tape 6 and the housing 2. With this - as well as for optical measuring - a digital value for the distance d determined and displayed on the display 17th Of the digital present value can also with advantage - as in optically measured distance common today - from the device are stored, processed or transmitted.

Also, the digital value can easily to another Reference system - for example, with the back 20 opposite front side of the housing 2 as the zero point - be transformed. The somewhat smaller on the display 17 represented value - here, for example, 13.5 centimeters - Thus corresponds to the distance between the surface of the Cuboid 1 and the front side of the housing second

Figure 2 shows the measuring arrangement of Figure 1 in Side view. In a measuring tape to 6 parallel Side surface of the housing 2 is a magnifying Reading windows inlaid with the first reading mark 11th The first scale 10 is configured such that in the first Reading mark 11 of the value for the physically measured Distance d - here 28.5 centimeters - from the user directly can be read.

Also, an alternative embodiment would be without Reading window conceivable. The value of the measured distance d to Square 1 could, for example, also on the front page as alternative first reading position on an alternative first Scale can be read directly. The alternative first scale would then be shifted slightly relative to the first scale 10 on the measuring tape 6 arranged.

Figure 3 shows a second measuring arrangement for physical Measuring a very short distance d to square 1 with the first embodiment in side view.

In a parallel to the measuring tape 6 aligned Side surface of the housing 2 is capable of measuring very short Distances d along an edge of the housing 2, a second Scale 12. With the help of the second scale 12 even distances d, which is smaller than the length of the housing 2 are to be measured. Through the back 20 is also the zero point on the scale 12 readable distances embodies. By the second scale 12, the first Reading mark 11 and the first scale 10, it is about the Housing 2 or the measuring tape 6 possible, in principle, any Distance d below the critical distance c of Figure 1 with the first embodiment to measure physically.

Figure 4 shows a third measuring arrangement in side view, at the turned with the first embodiment, in State, a dimension b of the cuboid 1 is measured. The third scale 13 is on the transmission beams 4 from 1 -facing side of the measuring tape 6 is arranged. In contrast to the arranged on the opposite side of the first Scale 10 of Figure 2 is here the zero point of the third Scale 13 by the extending end of the measuring tape 6 embodies. By means of the third scale 13 can at the extended measuring tape 6 small dimensions of a Object or relatively small distances between objects on simple and convenient way to measure.

On the front side of the housing 2 as a reading mark is also possible the distance f between the extended end the measuring tape 6 and the housing 2 directly to the third Scale read. 13

Figure 5 shows a fourth measuring arrangement with the cuboid 1 and a partially cut illustrated second Embodiment of an inventive device.

The second embodiment is shown in Figures 5, 6 and 7 shown in plan view in partial section in such a way that designed as a dipstick 8 component and its with the housing 2 integrally formed guide are visible.

The measuring rod 8 is here with an operating lever 19 provided. In contrast to the first embodiment, the second embodiment, no scale, via which a user directly distances, distances or dimensions of can read objects. A on the surface of Dipstick 8 applied barcode can here the electro-optically relative position of the measuring stick 8 to the housing 2 detected, taking into account the length of the housing 2, the Distance determined d and this on the display 17 are reproduced.

By forming the measuring rod 8, whose leadership and automatic means for detecting the Relative position can with the second embodiment, in principle, the same measurements as with the first Embodiment even without the user-read Scales are executed. For this purpose, the measuring stick 8 Advantage of the same length as the housing second

The measuring rod 8 is best near a bottom edge out of the housing 2, which - as in Figures 5, 6 and 7 shown - is adjacent to the transmission beams 4 from FIG. 1 In contrast to the first embodiment is here the Dipstick 8 extendable on both sides over the housing 2 addition. Advantageously, the housing 2 is in the field of leadership designed to be transparent, so that both ends of the measuring stick 8 be viewed for measurement purposes. Also, the guide a not visible here slot for the operating lever 19 on.

In the fourth measuring arrangement of Figure 5 is the second embodiment, the distance d between the Back 20 of the housing 2 and the surface of the cuboid 1 measured as in the first measurement system physical. For this, the front end of the measuring rod 8 via a Movement relative to the housing 2 at the surface of the Cuboid 1 zoom out, the relative position automatically detected and the front end of the component appropriate distance - from here 18 centimeters - on the Display 17 reproduced.

Figure 6 shows the second measuring arrangement of Figure 3 with the Cuboid 1 and partially sectioned shown second embodiment in plan view. With the second Embodiment, the value of the very short distance d from the back 20 of the housing 2 to the surface of the Cuboid 1 - in contrast to the first embodiment - be determined digitally.

is for this purpose - as shown in Figure 6 - the rear end of the dipstick to be measured 8 via Surface of the box 1 is positioned, the relative position automatically detected and the rear end corresponding distance d - from here 3 centimeters - on the Display 17 reproduced.

Figure 7 shows a fifth measuring arrangement with the cuboid 1 and an elbow 22 and the partially cut second embodiment in plan view.

With the second embodiment, the distance d can of the back 20 of the housing 2 to the surface of the cuboid 1 be determined by the measuring rod 8 applicable on the Back 20 is moved out until the front-side end the dipstick to be 8 on the surface to be measured comes. Now the measurement can be triggered and both the front end and the rear end of the appropriate distances - from here, for example, 12 or - 3 centimeters - are shown on the display 17th

As can also be seen from Figure 7 can also via the rear end of the measuring stick 8, which here on the Back 20 extends, the dimension g of paragraph determines the angle piece 22 on digital fashion will.

Figure 8 shows a sixth measuring arrangement, for example for Measuring the depth h of a bore of a sectional Displayed cube 18 with a third Embodiment of an inventive device in Side view.

The third embodiment has a housing 2 with a not visible in Figure 8 and a recording Length measurement module 21, in which a formed as a measuring rod 7 Component is guided. The admission is the Length measurement module 21 removably connected to the housing. 2 The measuring rod 7 is here as a rod-shaped, substantially rigid body formed from the example Plastic could be made.

Unlike the first embodiment, here is the first scale 10 - for reading the physical measured Distance d from 1 - not at the measuring rod 7, but here at Length measurement module 21. In addition, the Length measurement module 21, a fourth scale 14 arranged, whose zero here by the back 20 opposing front is embodied. The first and a fourth reading mark 11 or 15 are here at the back arranged end of the measuring mandrel. 7

To determine the depth of the hole g is the front the housing 2 is applied to the die 18 and the measuring rod 7 pushed to the bottom of the hole. Via the fourth Reading mark 15 can on the fourth scale 14 the depth of h Bore be read.

The detachable connection of the length measurement module 21 with the Receiving the housing 2 is to be configured such that in the connected state, the first and fourth scale 10 or 14 to a predetermined position relative to the front or Back 20 exhibit. This may in a known manner for example, via positioning elements.

A modular design of the component and its leadership has the advantage that hand-held devices used for Measure short distances can be retrofitted, are made possible.

Figure 9 shows a seventh measuring arrangement with the Elbow 22 and a partially shown in section fourth embodiment of an inventive Apparatus in plan view.

The fourth embodiment has, as a Spacers 9 formed component on. Of the Spacer 9 is here via a pin 23 with the Housing 2 fold-connected.

In the conventional optical measurement of distances between of the measurement stop forming back 20 of the housing 2 and sufficiently spaced objects is the Spacer 9 in the folded state in the housing 2 sunk. By contrast, when monitoring and very short short distances d, the spacer 9 and expanded extends so that - in the direction of propagation Transmission beams 4 - at a fixed predetermined length i starting from the optical system 3 on the housing 2 addition.

In the case of the first three embodiments, short and very short distances d physically measured by the Component of a relative movement to the housing 2 with a End is brought to the surface to be measured. Alternatively, in the fourth embodiment however, the spacer 9 expanded. When measuring stop now no longer serves the back 20 of the housing 2, but the unfolded end of the spacer. 9

If - as illustrated in Figure 9 - the fixed predetermined Length i at least as large as the selected critical Distance a, this does compliance of critical Spacing a guaranteed, whereby even very short distances can be measured optically. The measured values ​​are thus also without a separate means for detecting the Relative position between the component and the housing 2 in digital front shape.

The embodiment advantageously has a in Figure 9 no visible means for registering the predetermined extended state of the spacer 9 -. eg a simple mechanical switch - on. Join the inventive device, the spacer 9 is expanded in the predetermined extended state is, so is d in determining the distance the front end of the spacer 9 as the zero displayed distance d - here, for example, three centimeters - automatically taken into account. At the conventional optical measuring with folded Spacer 9 can on the other hand with the aid of the means for automatically send the back 20 as a measuring stop and zero point of the measured distance to be considered. In this way, erroneous allocation of the two different measuring pads to the respective types of Distance measurements can be prevented.

Figure 10 shows an eighth measuring arrangement with the cube 18 cut from Figure 8 and with a partially illustrated fifth embodiment in plan view.

In contrast to the fourth embodiment is the Spacer 9 does not fold out, but extendable with the housing 2 is connected. In the extended state, the here thornlike trained spacers 9 a only schematically indicated spring against a stop of pressed housing 2 and extends as in a predetermined length i on the housing 2 addition. The fifth Embodiment is advantageously also provided with a no visible means for registering the to Stop extended spacer 9 is provided.

I the length of the spacer is greater here than in the fourth embodiment of Figure 9, thus forming a greater measuring range results in which this measuring arrangement comparable measurements can be performed.

It would also be conceivable, this embodiment in addition to the Means for registering with an additional Means for detecting the relative position between the extendable spacer 9 and the housing 2 to be provided. The one or the other can not be moved to provide. With such a design, hand-held devices would in certain applications an even more flexible use possible.