WO2025195917A1 - Positioning an optical aligning-aid device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an apparatus (10) for positioning an optical aligning-aid device (12), in particular a laser level (14), the apparatus (10) comprising a rotary drive (18) for rotating (19) the optical aligning-aid device (12) about an axis of rotation (20), the apparatus (10) comprising a first shifting drive (22, 22.1) for shifting (23, 23.1) the optical aligning-aid device (12) along a first shift axis (24, 24.1), and the first shift axis (24, 24.1) being arranged and/or being able to be arranged transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the axis of rotation (20).

Description

POSITIONING AN OPTICAL ALIGNMENT AID DEVICE

Technical area

The invention relates to a device for positioning an optical alignment aid device, a system, a method for aligning at least one component and a device for aligning components.

State of the art

Optical alignment aids are used, for example, on construction sites to align building elements. Common types of optical alignment aids are rotating lasers and cross-line lasers.

Such optical alignment aids are typically mounted on a tripod or on the floor. They typically create an optical alignment plane, based on which components are aligned. A leveling device in the optical alignment aid can, for example, ensure that the optical alignment plane is automatically aligned vertically or horizontally. The optical alignment plane, which consists of light, strikes a reference object, such as the component to be aligned or another reference object, so that a luminous point or line becomes visible, based on which a component can be aligned.

However, it is typically quite laborious and inaccurate to adjust the position of the optical alignment plane and its angle around the vertical axis. It is common practice to position the optical alignment aid or, if applicable, the tripod on which it is mounted, by hand so that the position of the optical alignment plane and its angle around the vertical axis correspond to the requirements of the application. This is typically done by "jiggling" the optical alignment aid and, if applicable, the tripod until an acceptable position is reached more or less randomly. This is laborious and time-consuming even for smaller construction projects where the distance between the optical viewing aid and a reference object is relatively small, especially if a leveling device is provided which must be waited for to level after each movement. For larger construction projects where the distance between the optical alignment aid and a reference object is relatively large, a particularly serious problem arises: the desired accuracy of positioning the optical alignment aid or the alignment plane can hardly be achieved reproducibly. At a large distance, a small angle change on the optical alignment aid results in a large change in the path of the illuminated dot or line on the reference object.

Construction lasers are known from the prior art, which have movable parts in a housing for leveling, adjusting, and aligning one or more laser beams. The positioning of the laser beams in terms of angle, and especially in the horizontal plane relative to the ground, is limited by the size of the systems. For example, patent DE 102016107100 A1 relates to a rotating laser in a housing with a gimbal-mounted laser beam device with a rotating head, a rotation axis around a Z-axis, and actuators that can control the inclination of the laser beam device relative to the housing around an X-axis and a Y-axis.

Furthermore, industrial devices are known that relate to the positioning of measuring heads or workpieces relative to a coordinate system. Patent DE 102017121526 A1 (WO 2019052858 A1) discloses a device for aligning and positioning a workpiece relative to a laser beam of a laser processing machine. This device comprises a movement device with a first rotary drive having a rotational axis, a first linear drive having a linear axis that runs substantially radially to the rotational axis, and a second rotary drive having a second rotational axis C. Only a device for positioning a workpiece relative to a laser processing machine is described. Another example in which a light source can be positioned is described, for example, in DE 102023133014 B3: This discloses a manipulator, specifically a spherical parallel manipulator for the variable positioning of a movable element. However, this is not intended to accommodate an optical alignment aid device for construction applications.

Several devices are also known from the technical field of land surveying that involve laser alignment, but the focus here is on precise alignment for distance measurement. For example, US patent US 20140196293 A1 discloses a rotary drive unit for a surveying instrument in the field of land surveying. It comprises a rotary unit suitable for aligning an optical axis for distance measurement to an object to be measured. No horizontal displacement of the laser source is provided.

Further examples include patent EP 0990115 B1, which discloses a remote-controlled, height-adjustable positioning device with a laser positioning system. The laser positioning system includes, among other things, a laser operable to generate a laser beam, which is arranged in a housing mounted on a vertical column that stands upright on the base.

The state of the art already includes some solutions that explicitly concern the vertical alignment of construction lasers, as well as some systems that use different transmitters and receivers to create a system for positioning construction lasers.

For example, US patent US 20220390232 A1 discloses a device for use with a rotary laser leveling system that emits laser light received by a remotely controlled, repositionable laser sensor, wherein the laser receiver is mounted on a manually displaceable rod at a selectable height. The sensor carrier comprises a housing and a wheel rotatably mounted on the housing about a main axis, the wheel operatively engaging the rod such that rotation of the wheel causes movement of the wheel along the rod, and means. No system is disclosed in which a laser transmitter is moved along an axis and about a rotational axis, in which the rotating elements serve exclusively to linearly drive the housing on a rail. Another system comprising a receiver and transmitter is described in patent EP 3550262 B1. This describes a surveying method using a total station, a terminal, and a survey setting device. The survey setting device has a reflecting prism for locating a survey setting point. The system includes a distance measuring laser that determines the position of the reflecting prism. Another receiver, which is movable on an axis, is described in application US 8209874 B1.

A number of examples disclose systems in which devices movable in one axis have at least one laser source. One example is the ruler with laser guidance disclosed in patent US 20070271801 A1, which discloses a uniaxially displaceable point laser system. Patent US 5604987 A describes a laser level consisting of a spirit level with at least one flat Reference surface and a measuring gauge built into the spirit level with an integrated laser source, which is mounted rotatably (in the horizontal plane). Patent DE 102015000782 A1 relates to a device for marking a measuring point on a room ceiling using a laser light beam, comprising a straight rail and a positioning device, with a rail that accommodates a laser light source aligned so that it emits the laser light beam perpendicular to the rail.

Patent DE 102021104664 A1 discloses a holding and adjustment device for aligning a rotating laser, which is adjustable along its rotation axis. Only one holding device is disclosed, which is suitable for fixing a laser in a specific plane. In this case, only one rotation axis is parallel to the axis of the rotating laser, and two pivot axes are provided, with which the alignment of this rotation axis with respect to the reference plane can be adjusted.

The current state of the art therefore results in a lack of devices suitable for precisely aligning common optical alignment aids in a reference system. In particular, there is a lack of systems with two or more degrees of freedom that would allow such an alignment aid device to be flexibly positioned in space.

Task

It is an object of the invention to increase the accuracy of the positioning of an optical alignment aid device and/or to simplify a highly accurate positioning of an optical alignment aid device.

Solution

The object is achieved by a device according to claim 1 for positioning an optical alignment aid, in particular a construction laser. The device comprises a rotary drive for rotating the optical alignment aid about a rotational axis. The device comprises a first displacement drive for displacing the optical alignment aid along a first displacement axis. The first displacement axis is arranged and/or can be arranged transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the rotational axis.

This makes it easy to achieve high accuracy when positioning an optical alignment aid. The drives enable defined and precise movement of the optical alignment aid, allowing the alignment plane of the optical alignment aid to be precisely defined and positioned.

General benefits

With purely manual positioning without a drive, small position changes of the optical alignment aid can ultimately only be achieved by "jerking"—i.e., small, essentially random movements. This is inaccurate and takes a long time when high accuracy is required. The drives allow the correct position to be reached easily and quickly, as described in more detail below.

This overcomes the disadvantages of the state of the art, in particular the lack of systems in which an alignment aid device can be moved in space without a receiver, without moving the entire system or device itself (by relocating it). This saves a large amount of time. This allows for greater freedom of movement, particularly in the horizontal plane, with increased accuracy. Furthermore, the alignment aid device can be positioned at a very short distance from a surface. Furthermore, the present device and the system comprising the device and the optical alignment aid device overcome the general lack of positioning systems for actively emitting alignment aid devices, and in particular construction lasers, that have at least two, preferably three, degrees of freedom.

Description

The present invention relates to a device, preferably an alignment aid positioning device, configured for positioning an optical alignment aid device, preferably comprising the optical alignment aid device, more preferably selected from the list consisting of construction laser, rotary laser, line laser and/or cross line laser, wherein the optical alignment aid device preferably spans at least one alignment plane, wherein the alignment plane is more preferably a vertical alignment plane, a rotary drive for rotating the optical alignment aid device about a rotary axis, wherein the rotary axis is preferably aligned parallel or substantially parallel to at least the vertical alignment plane(s), a first displacement drive for displacing the optical alignment aid device along a first displacement axis, wherein the first displacement axis is preferably aligned perpendicularly or substantially perpendicularly to the vertical alignment plane, wherein the first displacement axis is preferably aligned substantially horizontally to the ground, characterized in that the first displacement axis is arranged transversely, preferably perpendicularly, to the rotary axis, wherein transversely covers an angular range of 0° to 45°, preferably 0° to 30°, more preferably 0° to 15°, further preferably 0 to 7°, most preferably substantially perpendicular, i.e. between 0° and 5° between the displacement axis and an axis that runs perpendicular to the axis of rotation. An angle of 0° thus denotes a displacement axis that is arranged perpendicular to the axis of rotation. This enables the provision of a device that is specifically designed to accommodate or has an alignment aid. Devices with an alignment aid are also referred to as a “system,” whereby the embodiments of the device listed here naturally always comprise the system consisting of the device and the alignment aid. The device enables the precise and controlled alignment of an alignment aid, in particular a laser, preferably a construction laser, rotary laser, line laser and/or cross-line laser, in at least two degrees of freedom, a horizontal displacement axis and a rotation axis. This allows an alignment or light plane generated by the alignment aid to be used to project an optical alignment plane onto surfaces such as building walls, components or landscape features.

The terms "vertical" and "horizontal" used herein are generally meant globally, i.e., related to the gravitational field of the planet. The terms "transverse,""perpendicular," and "parallel," on the other hand, are used to describe the spatial relationship between elements, and a reference element is explicitly mentioned in each case. Furthermore, the terms "vertical,""horizontal,""perpendicular," and "parallel" generally also include insignificant deviations from the respective mathematically perfect state. The terms therefore generally apply at least essentially. "Essentially" means In the context of this invention, a deviation within the technically usual range, preferably from 0% to 5%, is considered. The term "transverse" generally encompasses an angle of up to 45°, preferably up to 30°, preferably 15°, and more preferably 7°. In principle, the angle between the rotation axis and the displacement axis can also be adjustable, for example.

In some embodiments, the present invention relates to a device for positioning an optical alignment aid device, in particular a construction laser, wherein the device comprises a rotary drive for rotating the optical alignment aid device about a rotation axis, wherein the device comprises a first displacement drive for displacing the optical alignment aid device along a first displacement axis, wherein the first displacement axis is arranged and/or can be arranged transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the rotation axis.

An optical alignment aid device can, for example, be a construction laser, a rotary laser, a line laser, and/or a cross-line laser. The optical alignment aid device is preferably selected from the list consisting of construction laser, rotary laser, line laser, and/or cross-line laser. An optical alignment aid device can, for example, be an independent device, for example a commercially available construction laser, e.g., a rotary laser or a cross-line laser. Two or more optical alignment aid devices, in particular as two or more independent devices, can also be positioned with the device. An optical alignment aid device within the meaning of this invention is understood in particular to be an active device that emits electromagnetic radiation, in particular coherent radiation in a defined wavelength range, also called a laser (light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation), preferably a laser in the wavelength range from 400 to 900 nm (visible light), preferably determinable with a spectrometer. This has the advantage that the device can project visible markings onto surfaces directly and without any aids for the user.

In some preferred embodiments, the optical alignment aid device generates a light plane that represents the physical projection of the alignment plane in space. The light plane is generated either by rotating the laser source, as with a rotating laser; by creating cross lines, as with a cross-line laser; or by the alignment aid device defining a plane on which the laser line of a line laser runs, with this plane being arranged parallel to the axis of rotation. The light plane generated in this way serves to project an optical alignment plane onto surfaces such as building walls, structural components, or landscape features. This can be used particularly in construction projects for the precise alignment of objects or for leveling surfaces.

In principle, an optical alignment aid device is typically configured to generate at least one optical alignment plane from light, for example, using an LED or a laser. When the light from the alignment plane strikes an object, a point or line becomes visible, which allows for the alignment of a component. In the context of this invention, "light plane" and "alignment plane" or "optical alignment plane" can be used interchangeably. According to the invention, an alignment plane can be a horizontal and/or a vertical alignment plane.

The device according to the invention is designed to align the light plane at a specific distance, elevation angle, and lateral angle to a surface, such as a wall, a component, or an arrangement of components. In some preferred embodiments, the device is designed so that the optical alignment aid device can be positioned via the displacement axis at the smallest possible distance from the surface; preferably, the minimum distance between the light plane and the surface between 0.1 mm and 5.0 cm, more preferably between 0.1 mm and 2.5 cm. This allows the device to be used in applications where small deviations or elevations from a reference plane, e.g., a surface, must be detected.

The optical alignment aid device can comprise an automatic leveling device, which can be configured, for example, to be gravity-driven. In principle, the optical alignment aid device can be configured, for example, to generate at least one vertical alignment plane and/or at least one horizontal alignment plane.

A "construction laser" within the meaning of the present invention is an optical alignment aid specifically designed for use on construction sites. It includes at least one laser source, typically in the form of a semiconductor laser, which generates coherent radiation in the wavelength range of approximately 400 to 900 nm. By using suitable optical elements (such as lenses, filters, or diffraction gratings), the beam emitted by the laser source can be converted into one or more laser lines. These laser lines are arranged to serve either as a single reference line or to form a continuous, flat light plane ("alignment plane"), which is used as a precise reference point for aligning building elements. A construction laser can be designed as a line laser, cross-line laser, rotating laser, or a combination thereof.

A line laser converts the spot beam emitted by the laser source into one or more one-dimensional laser lines. This is usually achieved through the use of cylindrical lenses or other optical elements. Often, a single laser line is generated, but configurations are also possible in which multiple parallel lines are generated to represent a wider reference line. The generated laser line itself represents a one-dimensional alignment reference arranged in a plane parallel to the rotation axis. In certain applications, this line can serve as a basis for defining a limited light plane using further optical techniques (e.g., by mirroring or coupling multiple lines).

Rotating lasers typically feature a rotating mirror that rotates around a rotating axis. This creates a laser beam perpendicular to the rotating laser's axis and rotating around the axis. This creates an alignment plane of laser light. Typically, a single laser line is extended by rotation into a continuous alignment plane—either horizontally or vertically. This continuous light plane enables precise and comprehensive reference determination, as it can be used as an optical alignment plane in all directions.

A cross-line laser is typically designed to generate two or three optical alignment planes that are perpendicular to each other. One or two optical alignment planes are typically arranged vertically. This can be achieved, for example, by a leveling device. These alignment planes span at least one light plane.

An alignment plane and/or a light line generated by an optical alignment aid device can, in principle, be recognized by a person with their eyes and used to align a building element. However, it is also possible, for example, for the alignment plane and/or the light line to be automatically recognized and tracked by a device, such as a construction machine, such as a plastering machine. According to one embodiment, the device comprises a second displacement drive for displacing the optical alignment aid device along a second displacement axis. This further simplifies precise positioning of the optical alignment aid device, particularly when the optical alignment aid device is configured to generate two vertical optical alignment planes. The second displacement axis can preferably be arranged transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the rotation axis. The second displacement axis can preferably be arranged transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the first displacement axis.

In principle, the device can have a predetermined operating orientation. The predetermined operating orientation can be specified, for example, by a mount or feet. According to one embodiment, the rotation axis is arranged vertically, particularly when the device is in the predetermined operating orientation. The vertical rotation axis allows for a particularly advantageous alignment, in particular a vertical alignment plane.

The first displacement axis can preferably be arranged horizontally when the device is in the intended operating orientation. The second displacement axis can preferably be arranged horizontally when the device is in the intended operating orientation.

The device may, for example, have one or more feet defining a support plane, wherein the support plane is arranged at the bottom of the device when the device is in the operating orientation.

The device can preferably be configured for setting up the device on a floor and/or for attaching it to a wall and/or a ceiling. For example, the device can comprise a support surface for supporting the device on the floor, one or more feet for setting up the device on the floor, a wall mount for attaching the device to a wall, and/or a ceiling mount for attaching the device to a ceiling. Alternatively or additionally, the device can also have an interface for attaching the device to a tripod, such as a tripod thread.

In some preferred embodiments, the device or system within the meaning of the invention can be connected to a tripod system. A tripod system within the meaning of the present invention has a stable support structure, preferably tripod legs, preferably 3 to 5 tripod legs. The tripod system is connected to the device via the interface. The tripod system is preferably height-adjustable, for example via a winch drive arranged below the interface and/or via height-adjustable tripod legs. Advantageously, the tripod system can be arranged with the interface at the center of gravity of the device, so that stability is ensured even if the alignment aid device 12 is moved to the maximum horizontal position. The interface can be a profile clamp, a thread, a locking element, or a similar fastening element, provided that it ensures a firm operative connection with the device when closed.

A "drive" is fundamentally designed to convert one form of energy into another. For example, the drive can convert a translation into a rotation or vice versa, a rotation into a rotation, or a translation into a translation. Electrical energy can also be converted into movement, such as rotation or displacement, using an electric motor, for example. The device can in principle be designed so that the drive energy required for movement is provided manually and/or by a motor.

According to one embodiment, at least one of the drives has an interface for manual operation. This represents a technically very simple solution, particularly because no motors and no additional power supply are required. A further advantage of this embodiment is that high precision can be easily achieved manually via the interface and a defined drive. In principle, for example, the rotary drive can have an interface for manual operation, the first displacement drive can have an interface for manual operation, and/or the second displacement drive can have an interface for manual operation. For example, all drives can also have an interface for manual operation.

An interface for manual operation can, for example, comprise a handle, in particular a rotary knob. The interface can, for example, be configured for operation using a screwdriver, preferably a hexagon socket or a hexalobular socket. A screwdriver is typically always at hand on a construction site, so operation is always easy. Hexagon sockets and hexalobular sockets have the advantage that no additional axial force needs to be applied, as is the case with Phillips head screws, for example, although the latter is also generally possible as an interface.

For example, at least one of the drives can comprise a motor, in particular an electric motor and/or a stepper motor. This allows for a particularly high degree of positioning accuracy and simplicity. For example, the rotary drive, the first displacement drive, and/or the second displacement drive can comprise a motor. For example, all drives can also comprise a motor. A stepper motor can advantageously provide a rotation of the drive in the range of 0.5° to 2° per pulse.

In principle, a respective drive can also include both an interface for manual driving and a motor, allowing the respective advantages to be combined.

For example, at least one of the drives can have a gear, in particular a reduction gear. This makes it easy to achieve a speed of the optical alignment aid device that is advantageous for positioning. For the rotary drive, a reduction gear with a reduction ratio in the range of 1:10 to 1:1000, particularly preferably 1:50 to 1:500, has proven particularly advantageous in that precise positioning is quickly possible.

According to one embodiment, the rotary drive has a minimum rotational speed, wherein the minimum rotational speed lies in the range of 0.001 to 1 revolution per minute. This has proven particularly advantageous in that precise positioning is possible quickly. Those skilled in the art are aware that the rotational speed is limited within the technically feasible framework, also to ensure operability, preferably to a maximum of 5000 revolutions per minute, more preferably 1000 revolutions per minute. Accordingly, the rotational speed is preferably in the range of 0.001 to 5000 revolutions per minute, more preferably 0.001 to 1000 revolutions per minute. This enables precise but efficient positioning in connection with construction lasers and similar applications. According to one embodiment, the first displacement drive and/or the second displacement drive has a minimum displacement speed, wherein the minimum displacement speed is in the range of 0.1 mm/s to 5 mm/s. This has proven particularly advantageous in that precise positioning is possible quickly. The person skilled in the art is aware that the displacement speed is limited within the technically possible framework, also to ensure operability, preferably to a maximum of 1 m/s, more preferably 10 cm/s. Accordingly, the displacement speed is preferably in the range of 0.1 mm/s to 1 m/s, more preferably 0.1 mm/s to 10 cm/s. This enables precise but efficient positioning in connection with construction lasers and similar applications.

The first displacement drive and/or the second displacement drive can, for example, comprise a gear mechanism with a recirculating ball screw. Such a gear mechanism is advantageous for precise positioning. Alternatively or additionally, the gear mechanism can, for example, comprise a chain drive, a belt drive, a cable drive, a threaded rod drive, and/or a spindle drive.

According to one embodiment, the device has an interface for attaching the optical alignment aid to the device. This allows the optical alignment aid to be easily attached to the device. According to an advantageous example, the interface has a tripod screw. The tripod screw can preferably have a tripod thread according to BSW 5/8" or UNC 1/4". This makes the interface particularly compatible with conventional construction lasers.

For example, multiple interfaces, in particular tripod screws, or multiple interchangeable interface elements, each with an interface, in particular tripod screw, can be provided. Thus, either different types of optical alignment aids can be attached to the device one after the other, or, for example, multiple optical alignment aids can be attached to the device simultaneously.

The rotary drive can, for example, be arranged so that a displacement driven by the first displacement drive and/or a displacement driven by the second displacement drive moves the rotary drive. The second displacement drive can, for example, be arranged between the first displacement drive and the rotary drive. An arrangement of the drives in a different sequence is also possible, such as rotary drive, first displacement drive, second displacement drive, or first displacement drive, rotary drive, second displacement drive. These specifications are based on the mounting point of the device, e.g., the floor, wall, or ceiling.

According to one embodiment, the device is configured for operation by means of a remote control device and/or comprises a remote control device. This has the particular advantage, particularly for larger construction projects, i.e., when there is a greater distance between the optical alignment aid device and the reference object, that no person needs to be present at the optical alignment aid device to position it. Rather, one person can read the remaining distance between the alignment plane and the reference point at two opposite reference points, and one of these people can use the remote control device to position the optical alignment aid device so that the alignment plane lies exactly at the two opposite reference points. Without operation by means of a remote control device, three people would be required for this.

In embodiments of the device for operation by means of a remote control device, the device has a corresponding receiver which is configured to receive the control commands of the remote control device. Control instructions include, in particular, control information such as movements around the rotation axis or along the translation axis.

The device can, for example, have a cable connection and/or a radio device for connecting the remote control device to at least one of the drives. The remote control device can, for example, be a dedicated device. Alternatively or additionally, operation can be provided using a smartphone or a computer as the remote control device, in which case an app can be used.

The device can, for example, comprise a control device configured to control a motor of at least one of the drives. The control device can, for example, comprise the radio device.

According to one embodiment, the device comprises a battery for supplying energy to a motor of at least one of the drives. This advantageously makes the device independent of an electrical infrastructure. A battery is preferably understood to mean any electrochemical element designed to store electrical energy in the form of chemical energy, e.g., accumulators, batteries, galvanic cells, and the like.

According to one embodiment, at least one displacement drive has a maximum displacement. The maximum displacement is preferably at least 5 cm, preferably at least 10 cm, preferably at least 30 cm, preferably at least 50 cm, preferably at least 100 cm. These magnitudes have proven particularly advantageous with regard to handling of the device, for example on a construction site. The maximum displacement is the usable length of the displacement drive, i.e. typically the distance between two end stops of the displacement drive. The maximum displacement is preferably in a range from 5 cm to 100 cm. In some alternatively preferred embodiments, the maximum displacement is in a range from 2.5 cm to 250 cm, more preferably between 5.0 cm and 150 cm.

According to one embodiment, the first displacement drive is configured for unlimited displacement. This is particularly advantageous because it allows a virtually infinite number of spaced-apart structural elements to be aligned one after the other, e.g., parallel to one another or at a defined angle to one another. This is particularly advantageous, for example, for the installation of ceiling beams, several of which typically have to be arranged parallel to one another but at relatively large distances or with a relatively large offset. In this context, unlimited displacement simply means that the displacement drive is structurally capable of performing unlimited displacement. Structural limitations such as the length and number of rails or the load restrict the practical displacement to a finite amount, preferably 100 m to 10,000 km.

The first displacement drive can, for example, have a carriage and a rail for guiding the carriage. The rail can preferably have at least a first rail module and a second rail module. The rail modules can be configured to be aligned with one another and/or arranged consecutively to guide the carriage. The modular design forms a particularly simple construction for implementing unlimited displacement. In this context, unlimited displacement simply means that the displacement drive is structurally capable of performing unlimited displacement. In practice, unlimited displacement in the context of the rail with rail modules refers to a finite number or repetition of the installation of rail modules, preferably in the range of 2 to 100,000 pieces/repetitions. Each rail module can, for example, have two opposite ends, wherein each rail module is configured to allow a further rail module to be arranged at any one of the two opposite ends for guiding the carriage. Preferably, a further rail module is arranged at any one of the two opposite ends for guiding the carriage.

It is fundamentally possible for the rail modules to have a mechanical alignment device, such as a plug-in fitting, at their respective ends. However, according to a particularly advantageous example, an optical alignment plane of the at least one optical alignment aid device can form a reference for aligning the rail modules. This allows for particularly high accuracy, especially over long distances.

The carriage and the rail can also preferably implement the energy transfer together. For example, the rail can comprise a toothed rail, and the carriage can have a drive gear for engagement with the toothed rail.

The rotary drive and, if applicable, the second displacement drive are arranged in particular on the carriage and/or are moved with it.

For example, the first rail module can be removed from the rail if the carriage is not located at the first rail module. The rail module can then be reinserted into the rail at a different position on the rail. For example, the rail can be dismantled at one end and reassembled at the other. In this way, the device can be moved practically infinitely, using relatively few rail modules, in the simplest case two. Alternatively, additional rail modules can always be added. Both approaches allow for a practically unlimited displacement in a particularly simple manner. Practically unlimited in the sense of the present invention means unlimited in the technical application scale, preferably in the sense of

Construction applications involving rail lengths ranging from 1 m to 1 km, preferably between 1 m and 100 m.

As an alternative to the described approach using a modular rail, it is also possible, for example, to achieve unlimited movement using wheels that allow the device to stand or roll on the floor and, with it, to move the device and the optical alignment aid. The device then forms a kind of trolley.

The device comprises, for example, a control device. The control device can, for example, be configured to receive a rotation command with an angle parameter for the rotary drive and to control the rotary drive to rotate in accordance with the angle parameter. The control device can alternatively or additionally be configured to receive a first displacement command with a first path parameter for the first displacement drive and to control the first displacement drive to move in accordance with the first path parameter. The control device can alternatively or additionally be configured to receive a second displacement command with a second path parameter for the second displacement drive and to control the second displacement drive to move in accordance with the second path parameter. In this way, predetermined angles and paths can be directly specified, and the device can then automatically rotate the optical alignment aid device by the predetermined angle or the predetermined path. move. The device and/or a remote control device can, for example, have an input device that is set up to allow a person to enter the parameter(s) as a numeric value, for example using a numeric keypad, voice input and/or by selecting from predefined numerical values. Specifying parameters is particularly helpful when several structural elements are to be aligned one after the other, which should have a specified distance and/or angle between them, such as ceiling beams or a row of lamps on a ceiling. If, for example, a ceiling beam is to be provided every 2 m, after aligning a first ceiling beam, a path or displacement of 2 m can simply be specified and the device will automatically move the optical alignment aid by 2 m so that the second ceiling beam can then be aligned and fastened immediately. The same applies to a predefined angle between two structural elements.

In a further embodiment, the device is provided for positioning two optical alignment aids. For example, the device has two interfaces, each for attaching an optical alignment aid. The optical alignment aids are preferably configured to each generate at least one vertical alignment plane.

In particular, the device can be configured such that the rotary drive is arranged between the two optical alignment aid devices. This allows the alignment planes of the optical alignment aid devices to be rotated relative to each other, i.e., their angles can be adjusted, which opens up additional advantageous application scenarios.

For example, a first optical alignment aid device can only be displaced by means of the device, while a second alignment aid device can be rotatable and displaced. The first optical alignment aid device can be advantageously used, for example, to align the aforementioned rail or rail modules. The second optical alignment aid device can be advantageously used, for example, to align components. For example, the first optical alignment aid device can be configured to generate only one alignment plane and/or can be a rotating laser. For example, the second optical alignment aid device can be a rotating laser or a cross-line laser and/or can be configured to generate one or two alignment planes.

This object is also achieved by a system according to the independent claim directed thereto. The system comprises an optical alignment aid device, in particular a construction laser, a cross-line laser, and/or a rotary laser. The system comprises a device of the type described above for positioning the optical alignment aid device.

The optical alignment aid device is preferably designed to optically generate at least one vertical alignment plane.

The optical alignment aid device can, in principle, be an independent device, for example. However, the optical alignment aid device can also, in principle, be integrated with the device, for example, in particular so that the optical alignment aid device and the device together form a single device and/or in particular so that the parts of the system cannot be easily used independently of one another.

In principle, the optical alignment aid device can be configured to generate one, more than one, two, more than two, three or more than three optical alignment planes. For example, the optical Alignment aid device can be designed to generate two vertical alignment planes, which can in particular be arranged perpendicular to one another.

It is also possible, for example, for at least two, in particular vertical, alignment planes, for example of two optical alignment aid devices, to be adjustable in their angle relative to one another. Furthermore, it is possible for one or more alignment planes to be freely adjustable in their angle relative to a vertical axis, for example, by an angle of approximately 90°, approximately 180°, or approximately 360°.

The object is also achieved by a method according to the independent claim directed thereto for aligning at least one component. The method comprises: generating at least one, in particular vertical, optical alignment plane, in particular by means of an optical alignment aid device; rotating the optical alignment plane about a rotation axis by means of a rotary drive; displacing the optical alignment plane along a first displacement axis, which is transverse, in particular perpendicular, to the rotation axis, by means of a first displacement drive.

The rotation axis can preferably be arranged vertically. The first displacement axis can preferably be arranged horizontally.

The method can preferably be carried out using a device or system of the type described above.

For example, the method can also be used to align several components, for example simultaneously - i.e. with an alignment plane that is fixed after a single positioning - or sequentially - i.e. with interim repositioning of the optical alignment aid device by means of a rotary drive and/or displacement drive.

In principle, the method can be used, for example, to align all elements that need to be aligned vertically within themselves during assembly or to each other.

The building element can, for example, be oriented vertically. The building element can be, for example, a wall cladding or part of such, a facade element, a window, a door, a piece of furniture, a gate, a fire curtain, a smoke curtain, or a fixed panel closure. The approaches described have proven particularly advantageous for these types of building elements.

Particularly with regard to vertical components or components to be aligned vertically, the approaches described prove to be advantageous in that differences between the mounting base and the vertical installation level and thus a respective necessary thickness of shims for straight mounting of the components can be determined in a simple and particularly precise manner before the components are mounted.

The device enables the positioning of an optical alignment aid device, and in particular the alignment of at least one vertical alignment plane, without—as has been the case up to now—directly moving the optical alignment aid by hand. Positioning is preferably performed at predefined reference points.

To align a vertical alignment plane to two reference points, at least two

Movement dimensions, especially displacement and rotation, are particularly advantageous. Alignment of two vertical alignment planes that are perpendicular to each other at three reference points, at least three dimensions of movement, in particular two translations and one rotation, are particularly advantageous.

The structural element can, for example, be aligned horizontally. The structural element can be, for example, a ceiling element, in particular a ceiling beam, a lamp, a fan, a drywall fixture, or a suspension element. The approaches described have proven particularly advantageous for these types of components.

The object is also achieved by a device according to the independent claim directed thereto for aligning components, in particular an optical alignment aid device or system comprising at least one such device. The device is configured to generate two, in particular vertical, alignment planes, wherein an angle between the alignment planes is adjustable, in particular by means of a rotary drive.

If devices and methods are described herein, the described methods can advantageously be developed further by the embodiments and individual features of the devices and vice versa.

Examples

The invention is explained below only by means of examples shown in schematic drawings.

Fig. 1 shows a system.

Fig. 2 shows the system of Fig. 1 from above.

Fig. 3 shows a system.

Fig. 4 shows a system.

Fig. 5 shows the system of Fig. 4 from above.

Fig. 6 shows a system.

Fig. 7 shows the system of Fig. 6 from above.

Fig. 8 shows a system.

Fig. 9 shows a system.

Fig. 10 shows a device.

Fig. 11 shows a method.

Fig. 12 shows a system. Fig. 13 shows the system of Fig. 11 from above.

Fig 14 shows the exemplary system from Fig. 1 with a tripod.

Detailed character description

Fig. 1 shows a side view of a device 10 for positioning an optical alignment aid 12. Fig. 2 shows the device 10 of Fig. 1 from above. Figs. 1 and 2 are described jointly below unless otherwise specified in individual cases.

In the example of Figs. 1 and 2, the optical alignment aid device 12 is designed as a construction laser 14 and a rotating laser 16. The device 10 comprises a rotary drive 18 for rotating 19 the optical alignment aid device 12 about a rotation axis 20. The device 10 comprises a first displacement drive 22 for displacing 23 the optical alignment aid device 12 along a first displacement axis 24. The rotation 19 and the displacement 23 are indicated in Fig. 2 by corresponding reference arrows. The first displacement axis 24 is arranged perpendicular to the rotation axis 20.

In Figs. 1 and 2, as in the other figures, a coordinate system is indicated. In Fig. 1, the dimensions x and z extend in the image plane, with a dimension y (not visible here) perpendicular to the image plane. In Fig. 2, the dimensions x and y extend in the image plane, with a dimension z (not visible here) perpendicular to the image plane. The z dimension generally forms the vertical, while the x and y dimensions run horizontally.

The device 10 has an intended operating orientation 26, in which the device 10 is located in Figs. 1 and 2. The rotation axis 20 is arranged vertically when the device 10 is in the intended operating orientation 26.

The rotary drive 8 comprises a motor 28, which is designed as an electric motor 30, preferably as a stepper motor 32. The rotary drive 18 also comprises a gear 34, namely, in this example, a reduction gear 36.

The rotary drive 18 preferably has a minimum rotational speed 38, wherein the minimum rotational speed 38 is in the range of 0.001 to 1 revolution per minute. The rotational speed 39 is in the range of 0.01 to 100 revolutions per minute.

The first displacement drive 22 comprises a motor 28, which is designed as an electric motor 30, preferably as a stepper motor 32. The first displacement drive 22 also comprises a gear 34, which in this example has a ball screw 40 and a carriage 42 driven by the ball screw 40.

The first displacement drive 22 has a minimum displacement speed 44, wherein the minimum displacement speed 44 is preferably in the range of 0.1 mm/s to 5 mm/s. The displacement speed 45 is in this case between 0.5 mm/s and 10 cm/s. The device 10 includes an interface 46 for attaching the optical alignment aid 12 to the device 10. In this example, the interface 46 has a tripod screw 48 arranged horizontally. The tripod screw 48 has a tripod thread 50, which is preferably designed according to BSW 5/8" or UNC 1/4". The optical alignment aid 12 has a corresponding interface.

The optical alignment aid device 12 is embodied here as a rotating laser 16, which generates a light plane 52. The light plane 52 extends in the y and z dimensions in the operating orientation 26. The light plane 52 thus runs vertically and forms a vertical alignment plane 54. Using the vertical alignment plane 54, building elements can be aligned, for example, on a construction site. In particular, the vertical alignment plane 54 forms luminous lines or luminous points on surrounding objects, which make the alignment of building elements particularly easy.

The device 10 comprises a control device 56. In this example, the control device 56 is arranged in a structural unit 58 located between the first displacement drive 22 and the rotary drive 18. The structural unit 58 is positioned on the carriage 42 and is moved with the carriage 42.

The control device 56 is configured to control the motor 28 of the rotary drive 18 and the motor 28 of the first displacement drive 22. A connection 60 exists between the control device 56 and the motor 28, which may be embodied, for example, as a cable connection 62. A connection also exists between the control device 56 and the motor 28 of the rotary drive 18, although this connection is not shown in detail here.

The device 10 is configured for operation by means of a remote control device 64. For this purpose, a connection 66 is provided between the remote control device 64 and the control device 56. The connection 66 can be implemented, for example, as a cable connection 68 or as a radio connection 70. Both types of connection can also be provided in one device, wherein, in particular, the type of connection can be selected as desired.

The device 10 preferably comprises a radio device 72 for connecting 66 the remote control device 64 to the drives 18 and 22. The remote control device 64 also preferably comprises a radio device 72.

The device 10 comprises a preferably rechargeable battery 74 for supplying energy 76 to the motor 28 of the rotary drive 18 and the motor 28 of the first displacement drive 22.

The first displacement drive 22 has a maximum displacement 78, in particular wherein the maximum displacement 78 is at least 5 cm, preferably at least 10 cm, preferably at least 30 cm, preferably at least 50 cm, preferably at least 100 cm.

The optical alignment aid device 12 and the device 10 for positioning the optical alignment aid device 12 form a system 80.

In this example, the device 10 is configured for placement on a floor 82. For example, the device 10 may have a support surface 84 for supporting the device 10 on the floor 82. The device 10 may also have, for example, an interface 86 for attaching the device 10 to a tripod (not shown). Fig. 3 shows an optical alignment aid 12, a device 10 for positioning the optical alignment aid 12, and a system 80 comprising these elements. The device 10 comprises a rotary drive (not visible due to the perspective) for rotating 19 the optical alignment aid 10 about a rotation axis that runs perpendicular to the image plane of Fig. 3. The device 10 comprises a first displacement drive 22 for displacing 23 the optical alignment aid 10 along a first displacement axis 24. The first displacement axis 24 is arranged perpendicular to the rotation axis. The device 10 is configured for operation by means of a remote control device 64 via radio. The device 10 and/or the optical alignment aid 12 of Fig. 3 can otherwise be constructed, for example, like those of Figs. 1 and 2.

Fig. 3 illustrates an advantageous application scenario of the device 10 or the system 80. The device 10 is set up against a wall 88. The wall 88 is uneven and slanted, as indicated graphically in Fig. 3. This wall 88 is to be provided with a flat and straight wall cladding 90. The wall cladding 90 is indicated by dashed lines. The wall cladding 90 comprises several profile supports 92 and panels 94 attached thereto, which ultimately form the surface 95 of the wall cladding 90.

The uneven and sloping surface of the wall 88 forms a mounting base 96 for the wall cladding 90. The profile beams 92 are to be attached to the mounting base 92. However, if the profile beams 92 were simply attached to the mounting base 96, the resulting wall cladding 90 would be similarly uneven and sloping to the wall 88 or the mounting base 96. Therefore, shims 97 are arranged between the mounting base 96 and each profile beam 92.

Initially, it is unknown what thickness 98 the respective support elements 97 must have so that the resulting surface 95 of the wall cladding 90 is straight and flat. The thickness 98 can be determined using the system 80, for example, in the manner described below.

The system 80 is positioned near the wall 88 such that the first displacement axis 24 is roughly perpendicular to the wall 88. The optical alignment aid device 12 generates a vertical alignment plane 54 that is roughly parallel to the wall 88.

By rotating 19 and moving 23 the optical alignment aid device 12, the vertical alignment plane is aligned as a reference for the wall covering. The vertical alignment plane 54 can be arranged and aligned in the plane in which the surface 95 of the wall covering 90 is to be located. Preferably, the vertical alignment plane 54 can alternatively be arranged and aligned in a plane that has a predefined distance from the surface 95 of the wall covering 90. The latter is the case in Fig. 3.

At predefined attachment points 100, a person 102 can easily measure the distance between the mounting base 94 and the vertical alignment plane 54 using a reference object, such as a ruler 104, and then determine the required thickness 98 of the corresponding shim 96. This can be done for all attachment points 100 or for all shims 96. Shims 96 of the appropriate thickness 98 can then be arranged at the attachment points 100, and the profiles 92 can then be attached. The profiles 92 are then already aligned straight and level, so that the panels 94 only need to be attached, typically by screwing. It can be seen that the alignment of the wall cladding 90, in particular the profiles 92, is particularly easy using the device 10 or the system 80. In particular, only two people 102 are required for this, as indicated in Fig. 3. In particular, one person 102 can read off a remaining distance between the alignment plane 54 and the reference point at two opposite reference points, and one of these people can use the remote control device 64 to position the optical alignment aid 12 such that the alignment plane 54 lies exactly at the two opposite reference points. Preferably, the vertical alignment plane 54 is first aligned parallel to the target plane, here to the surface 95 of the wall cladding 90 to be created, by means of rotation 19. The vertical alignment plane 54 can then be easily brought to the desired distance from the target plane by means of displacement 23.

A roughly vertical arrangement of the first displacement drive 22 at the beginning of the process is typically sufficient. This is because the displacement 23 is essentially neutral with respect to angular deviation once the alignment plane 54 is aligned parallel to the surface 95 of the wall cladding 90. Not only can the displacement 23 be assumed to be a translation perpendicular to the plane 54 for small angles of deviation—even up to a degree that is readily visible—between the normal of the alignment plane 54 on the one hand and the displacement axis 24 on the other hand (for small angles, the adjacent side is approximately equal to the hypotenuse), but the actual distance traveled is also irrelevant for the alignment if, for example, the alignment plane 54 is simply moved until the desired position is reached on the reference object. The above also makes it clear that simple and precise positioning is possible even if the displacement axis 24 is not perfectly perpendicular and/or transverse to the rotation axis 20. However, a vertical arrangement further facilitates positioning.

Figs. 4 and 5 show a further system 80 comprising an optical alignment aid device 12 and a device 10 for positioning the optical alignment aid device 12. Reference numerals are used accordingly, with only selected special features of the system 80 of Figs. 4 and 5 being discussed below. In principle, the system 80 of Figs. 4 and 5 can be constructed, for example, like that of Figs. 1 and 2.

The optical alignment aid device 12 of Figs. 4 and 5 is a cross-line laser 106. The optical alignment aid device 12 is configured to generate a first vertical alignment plane 54.1 and a second vertical alignment plane 54.2, wherein the first vertical alignment plane 54.1 is perpendicular to the second vertical alignment plane 54.2. The optical alignment aid device 12 is also configured to generate a horizontal alignment plane 108.

In principle, the system 80 of Figs. 4 and 5 can be used, for example, as described with respect to Fig. 3. In particular, the first vertical alignment plane 54.1 of the system 80 of Figs. 4 and 5 can be positioned and used corresponding to the vertical alignment plane 54 of Fig. 3.

Figs. 6 and 7 show a further system 80 comprising an optical alignment aid device 12 and a device 10 for positioning the optical alignment aid device 12. Reference numerals are used accordingly, with only selected special features of the system 80 of Figs. 6 and 7 being discussed below. In principle, the system 80 of Figs. 6 and 7 can be constructed, for example, like that of Figs. 1 and 2 or like that of Figs. 4 and 5. The device 10 of Figs. 6 and 7 comprises a first displacement drive 22.1, which can be constructed and configured similarly to the displacement drive 22 described above. In this respect, reference is made to the above descriptions. The device 10 also comprises a second displacement drive 22.2 for displacing 23.2 the optical alignment aid device 12 along a second displacement axis 24.2. The second displacement axis 24.2 is arranged perpendicular to the rotation axis 20 and perpendicular to the first displacement axis 24.1.

The second displacement drive 22.2 comprises a motor 28, which is designed as an electric motor 30, preferably as a stepper motor 32. The second displacement drive 22.2 also comprises a gear 34, which in this example has a ball screw 40 and a carriage driven by the ball screw 40.

The second displacement drive 22.2, for example, includes a minimum displacement speed 44. The minimum displacement speed 44 of the second displacement drive 22.2 is in the range from 0.1 mm/s to 5 mm/s. The displacement speed 45 of the first and second displacement drive 22.2 is in the range from 0.1 mm/s to 5 cm/s.

The second displacement drive 22.2 has a maximum displacement 78, in particular wherein the maximum displacement 78 is at least 5 cm, preferably at least 10 cm, preferably at least 30 cm, preferably at least 50 cm, preferably at least 100 cm.

Fig. 8 shows a further system 80 comprising an optical alignment aid device 12 and a device 10 for positioning the optical alignment aid device 12. Reference numerals are used accordingly, with only selected special features of the system 80 of Fig. 8 being discussed below. The rotary drive 18 has an interface 110, for example a rotary knob, for manually driving the rotary drive 18. The first displacement drive 22 has an interface 110, for example a rotary knob, for manually driving the first displacement drive 22.

Fig. 9 shows a further system 80 comprising an optical alignment aid device 12 and a device 10 for positioning the optical alignment aid device 12. Reference numerals are used accordingly, with only selected special features of the system 80 of Fig. 8 and an advantageous application of the system 80 being discussed below. Fig. 9 shows a view from above, so that the dimensions x and y extend in the image plane.

In this example, the optical alignment aid device 12 is embodied as a cross-line laser 106 and is configured to generate a first vertical alignment plane 54.1 and a second vertical alignment plane 54.2, the latter being optional. The device 10 comprises a rotary drive (not visible in the perspective view of Fig. 9) for rotating 23 the optical alignment aid device 12 about a rotation axis that runs vertically and thus perpendicular to the image plane. The device 10 comprises a first displacement drive 24 of the optical alignment aid device 12 along a first displacement axis 24.

The first displacement drive 22 is configured in this example for an unlimited displacement 23 along the first displacement axis 24. The first displacement drive 22 comprises a carriage 112 and a rail 114 for guiding the carriage 112. The rail 114 comprises several rail modules 116, in this example a first rail module 116.1, a second rail module 116.2 and a third rail module 116.3. The rail modules 116 are configured to be aligned with one another and to be arranged sequentially to guide the carriage 112. In Fig. 9, the rail modules 116 are arranged in such a manner. The unlimited displacement 23 refers to a rail 114 with a total length of 100 m.

Each rail module 116 has two opposite ends 118. Each rail module 116 is configured to allow another rail module 116 to be arranged at any one of the two opposite ends 118 for guiding the carriage 116.

For example, the first rail module 116.1 can be removed from the rail 114 if the carriage 112 is not located at the first rail module 116.1. The rail module 116.1 can then be reinserted into the rail 114 at a different position on the rail 114. For example, the rail 114 can be dismantled at one end of the rail and assembled at the other end. In this way, the device 10 can be moved practically infinitely, using relatively few rail modules 116, in the simplest case two. Alternatively, additional rail modules 116 can also be added at any time. Both approaches allow a practically unlimited displacement 23 in a particularly simple manner. In practice, this means a finite repetition of the steps, in this example 99 repetitions, whereby 100 times the length of a rail module 116 can be displaced (23).

The system 80 can be used, for example, as described below with reference to Fig. 9.

In Fig. 9, several ceiling joists 120 are indicated by dashed lines. The ceiling joists 120 are to be mounted parallel to each other and with a fixed offset 122 to each other on a building ceiling (not shown). The system 80 stands on a floor 82, and the ceiling joists 120 are to be mounted high above the system 80 or the floor 82.

The system 80 is therefore initially set up on the floor 82. The rail 114, or more precisely, at least one rail module 116, is positioned on the floor 82 such that the rail 114 runs roughly perpendicular to the ceiling joists 120. The carriage 112 with the optical alignment aid device 12 is placed on the rail 114. The optical alignment aid device 12 is switched on and creates a first vertical alignment plane 54.1, which initially runs roughly parallel to the ceiling joists 120.

By rotating 19 and moving 23, the vertical alignment plane 54.1 can be easily aligned, for example similarly to that described with reference to Fig. 3. For example, two people (not shown in Fig. 9) can coordinate the resulting light line on a respective reference object and, for example, by voice, how far it still needs to be rotated and moved. In particular, one person can operate a remote control device for the system 80. In particular, both people can also stand high above the system 80, for example each on a lifting platform or a ladder. The system 80 can therefore also be used, in particular, for the aligning of structural elements in very large buildings, without a person having to be directly present near the optical alignment aid device 12 in order to position it.

In the example of Fig. 9, the optical alignment aid device 12 also generates a second vertical alignment plane 54.2. This can be used, for example, as a reference for aligning additional rail modules 116 when attaching them to already positioned rail modules 116. For example, in Fig. 9, after the first ceiling beam 120.1 has been installed using the vertical alignment plane 54.1, the second ceiling beam 120.2 is to be installed parallel to the first ceiling beam 120.1 and with a predetermined offset 122.

For example, a separate measuring device (not shown), such as a measuring tape, can be used for this purpose, wherein the optical alignment aid device 12 is displaced 23 by means of the remote control device until the vertical alignment plane 54.1 is visible as a light line on the measuring tape at the desired position.

A further embodiment, which particularly facilitates the alignment of components with a predetermined offset, is illustrated in Fig. 10. There, a device 10 is shown, which can basically be constructed like one of the devices 10 of Figs. 1 to 9.

The device 10 in Fig. 10 comprises a rotary drive 18, a first displacement drive 22.1 and a second displacement drive 22.2, the latter being, however, basically optional.

The device 10 of Fig. 10 has a control device 56. The control device 56 is configured to receive a rotation command 124 with an angle parameter 126 for the rotary drive 18 and to control the rotary drive 18 to rotate 19 according to the angle parameter 126.

The control device 56 is configured to receive a first displacement command 128.1 with a first path parameter 130.1 for the first displacement drive 22.1 and to control the first displacement drive 22.1 to a displacement 23.1 corresponding to the first path parameter 130.1.

The control device 56 is configured to receive a second displacement command 128.2 with a second path parameter 130.2 for the second displacement drive 22.2 and to control the second displacement drive 22.2 to a displacement 23.2 corresponding to the second path parameter 130.2.

The rotation command 124 with the angle parameter 126, the first displacement command 128.1 with the first path parameter 130.1 and/or the second displacement command 128.2 with the second path parameter 130.2 are received, for example, by the control device 56 from a remote control device 64.

In particular, a desired offset, such as the offset 122 between the ceiling beams 120 of Fig. 9, can simply be specified as a path parameter 130 for the corresponding displacement 23.

Fig. 11 illustrates a method 132 for aligning 134 at least one component 134, comprising:

Generating 136 at least one, in particular vertical, optical alignment plane, in particular by means of an optical alignment aid device; rotating 19 the optical alignment plane about a rotation axis by means of a rotary drive; displacing 23 the optical alignment plane along a first displacement axis, which is perpendicular to the rotation axis, by means of a first displacement drive. The rotation axis is arranged, in particular, vertically. The first displacement axis is arranged, in particular, horizontally.

Rotate 19 and move 23 are shown here as parallel processes for example. However, rotate 19 and move 23 can also be performed sequentially. For example, the component 136 is aligned vertically or horizontally. Multiple components 136 could also be aligned using method 132.

The structural element 136 can be or include, for example, a wall covering 140 or a part 142 thereof, a facade element 144, a window 146, a door 148, a piece of furniture 150, a gate 152, a fire curtain 154, a smoke curtain 156, or a fixed panel closure 158. The structural element 136 can be or include, for example, a ceiling element 160, in particular a ceiling beam 120, a lamp 162, a fan 164, a dry fastening 166, or a suspension 168.

Figs. 12 and 13 show another system 80. The system 80 of Figs. 12 and 13 is fundamentally similar to that of Figs. 6 and 7. In addition to a first optical alignment aid device 12.1, the system 80 of Figs. 12 and 13 also includes a second optical alignment aid device 12.2. In this example, both optical alignment aid devices 12 are designed as rotating lasers 16.

The second optical alignment aid device 12.2 is attached to a carrier 170, which in this example is connected to the assembly 58. The second optical alignment aid device 12.2 is thus displaceable, here by a first displacement drive 22.1 and a second displacement drive 22.2. However, the second optical alignment aid device 12.2 is not rotated together with the optical alignment aid device 12.1 by the rotary drive 18. Rather, the rotary drive 18 is arranged between the first optical alignment aid device 12.1 and the second optical alignment aid device 12.2. This makes it possible for a first optical alignment plane 54.1 of the first optical alignment aid device 12.1 to be rotated relative to a second optical alignment plane 54.2 of the second optical alignment aid device 12.2, in this example about the vertical rotation axis 20.

The system 80 of Figs. 12 and 13 thus forms a device 172 for aligning components, wherein the device 172 is configured to generate two, in particular vertical, alignment planes 54.1 and 54.2, wherein an angle 174 between the alignment planes 54.1 and 54.2 is adjustable, here by means of the rotary drive 18.

The second displacement drive 22.2 shown in Fig. 12 and 13 is basically optional.

12 and 13, the first displacement drive 22.1 is designed, by way of example, to have a maximum displacement 78. According to an advantageous development, the first displacement drive 22.1 can also be configured for unlimited displacement. For example, the first displacement drive 22.1 can have a modular rail, for example as shown in Fig. 9. In connection with a first displacement drive 22.1 with unlimited displacement, it proves to be particularly advantageous that the optical alignment plane 54.1 can be rotated independently of the optical alignment plane 54.2. The optical alignment plane 54.2 can preferably be used to align the rail or the rail modules, whereas the optical alignment plane 54.1 can be used, for example, to align components of the construction site. The alignment of the rail modules or the rail is thereby possible in a particularly simple and precise manner. The unlimited displacement 23 refers here to a rail 114 with a total length of 100 m or to the finite number or repetition of the laying of rail modules 116, here 99 pieces/repetitions. Fig. 14 shows a side view of a device according to the invention, in this case the device 10 for positioning an optical alignment aid 12 from Fig. 1. The optical alignment aid 12 is designed as a construction laser 14 and as a rotating laser 16 according to the example in Figs. 1 and 2. The device 10 comprises a rotary drive 18 for rotating 19 the optical alignment aid 12 about a rotation axis 20. The device 10 comprises a first displacement drive 22 for displacing 23 the optical alignment aid 12 along a first displacement axis 24. The first displacement axis 24 is arranged perpendicular to the rotation axis 20. Furthermore, the device comprises a tripod system which is connected to the device via the interface 86. The tripod system 172 is height-adjustable, here designed as a winch drive 182. Advantageously, the tripod system 176 with the interface 86 is arranged in the center of gravity of the device 10, so that a stable stand is ensured even if the alignment aid device 12 is moved into the maximum horizontal position.

This example illustrates how, by moving 23 the optical alignment aid device 12 along a first displacement axis 24, the light plane 24, which is formed by the alignment aid device 12, here designed as a rotating laser 16, can be aligned with the alignment plane 54, here as a horizontal alignment plane 54.1, parallel to a wall 88 or the desired surface 95, and positioned at a small distance 180, here a minimum of 5 mm, from the surface 95.

The described devices, systems, methods, and devices facilitate the alignment of components, as is also clear from the above description. The figures primarily show devices 10 designed for attaching separate and commercially available optical alignment aid devices 12, in particular construction lasers 14. This is particularly advantageous for many users, as existing optical alignment aid devices can continue to be used and there is generally a particularly high degree of flexibility in use. However, it is also fundamentally possible for the optical alignment aid device and the device for positioning the optical alignment aid device to be integrated together in a system, for example without separate use being possible.

Where similar or identical elements are shown in different figures, reference numerals are assigned accordingly. For the sake of clarity, duplicate descriptions of similar or identical elements have been avoided. Nevertheless, the embodiments of the figures can be combined with one another and developed accordingly to the other embodiments and through their individual features.

Reference symbol Device 88 Wall optical alignment aid device 90 Wall cladding construction laser 92 Profile beam rotation laser 94 Plates rotary drive 95 Surface rotation 96 Mounting base rotation axis 97 Shim element displacement drive 98 Thickness displacement 100 Mounting displacement axis 102 Person operating orientation 104 Ruler motor 106 Cross line laser electric motor 108 Horizontal alignment plane stepper motor 110 Interface gear 112 Carriage reduction gear 114 Rail minimum rotation speed 116 Rail module rotation speed 118 End ball screw 120 Ceiling beam carriage 122 Offset minimum displacement speed 124 Rotation command displacement speed 126 Angle parameter interface 128 Displacement command tripod screw 130 Path parameter tripod thread 132 Process light plane 134 Align alignment plane 136 Component vertical alignment plane 138 Generate control device 140 Wall cladding assembly 142 Part of a wall cladding connection 144 Facade element cable connection 146 Window remote control device 148 Door connection 150 Piece of furniture cable connection 152 Gate radio connection 154 Fire curtain radio device 156 Smoke curtain battery 158 Fixed panel termination power supply 160 Ceiling element maximum displacement 162 Lamp system 164 Fan floor 166 Dry fixing support surface 168 Suspension interface 170 Support Setup Angle Tripod system Tripod axis Distance Winch drive Tripod legs

Claims

Claims 1. Device (10) configured for positioning an optical alignment aid device (12), comprising a rotary drive (18) for rotating (19) the optical alignment aid device (12) about a rotation axis (20), a first displacement drive (22, 22.1) for displacing (23, 23.1) the optical alignment aid device (12) along a first displacement axis (24, 24.1), characterized in that the first displacement axis (24, 24.1) is arranged transversely, preferably perpendicularly, to the rotation axis (20), wherein transversely denotes an angular range of 0° to 45° between the displacement axis (24, 24.1) and an axis which runs perpendicularly to the rotation axis (20). 2. Device (10) according to claim 1, further comprising a second displacement drive (22.2) for displacing (23.2) the optical alignment aid device (12) along a second displacement axis (24.2), in particular wherein the second displacement axis (24.2) is arranged transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the rotation axis (20) and/or transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the first displacement axis (24.1). 3. Device (10) according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the device (10) has an intended operating orientation (26), wherein the axis of rotation (20) is arranged vertically when the device (10) is in the intended operating orientation (26). 4. Device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the optical alignment aid device preferably spans at least one vertical alignment plane (54), wherein the rotation axis is aligned parallel or substantially parallel to the vertical alignment plane (54), wherein the first displacement axis is preferably aligned perpendicularly or substantially perpendicularly to the vertical alignment plane. 5. Device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first displacement axis is preferably aligned substantially horizontally to the floor 82. 6. Device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein at least one of the drives (18, 22) has an interface (110) for manual driving. 7. Device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein at least one of the drives (18, 22) comprises a motor (28), in particular an electric motor (30) and/or a stepper motor (32). 8. Device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein at least one of the drives (18, 22) has a gear (34), in particular a reduction gear (36). 9. Device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the rotary drive (18) has a rotational speed (39), wherein the rotational speed (39) is in the range of 0.001 to 5000 revolutions per minute. 10. Device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first displacement drive (22, 22.1) and/or the second displacement drive (22.2) has a displacement speed (45), wherein the displacement speed (45) is in the range from 0.1 mm/s to 5 mm/s. 11. Device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the first displacement drive (22, 22.1) and/or the second displacement drive (22.2) comprises a gear (34) which has a ball screw (40). 12. Device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the device (10) has an interface (46) for attaching the optical alignment aid device (12) to the device (10), in particular wherein the interface (46) has a tripod screw (48), in particular wherein the tripod screw (48) has a tripod thread according to BSW 5/8" or UNC 1/4". 13. Device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the device (10) is configured for operation by means of a remote control device (64) and/or comprises a remote control device (64), in particular wherein the device (10) has a cable connection (68) and/or a radio device (72) for connecting the remote control device (64) to at least one of the drives (18, 22). 14. Device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the device (10) has a battery (74) for supplying energy (76) to a motor (28) of at least one of the drives (18, 22). 15. Device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 14, wherein at least one displacement drive (22) has a maximum displacement (78), in particular wherein the maximum displacement (78) is between 5 cm and 250 cm. 16. Device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the first displacement drive (22, 22.1) comprises a carriage (112) and a rail (114) for guiding the carriage (112), wherein the rail (114) comprises at least a first rail module (116) and a second rail module (116), which are designed to be arranged in alignment with one another and in succession for guiding the carriage (114), in particular wherein each rail module (116) has two opposite Ends (118), wherein each rail module (116) is designed such that a further rail module (116) can be arranged, preferably is arranged, at any end (118) of the two opposite ends (118) for guiding the carriage (112). 17. Device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the device (10) has a control device (56), wherein the control device (56) is configured to receive a rotation command (124) with an angle parameter (126) for the rotary drive (18) and to control the rotary drive (18) to a rotation (19) corresponding to the angle parameter (126), to receive a first displacement command (128.1) with a first path parameter (130.1) for the first displacement drive (128.1) and to control the first displacement drive (128.1) to a displacement (23.1) corresponding to the first path parameter (130.1), and/or to receive a second displacement command (128.2) with a second path parameter (130.2) for the second displacement drive (22.2) and to control the second displacement drive (22.2) to a Displacement (23.2) according to the second path parameter (130.2). 18. System (80) comprising: an optical alignment aid device (12), in particular a construction laser (14), a cross-line laser (106) and/or a rotary laser (16), and a device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 17, configured to position the optical alignment aid device (12), wherein the optical alignment aid device (12) is configured to optically generate at least one vertical alignment plane (54.1). 19. A method (132) for aligning (134) at least one component (136), carried out with a device according to one of claims 1 to 17 or a system according to claim 18, comprising a) generating (138) at least one, in particular vertical, optical alignment plane (54), in particular by means of an optical alignment aid device (12); b) rotating (19) the optical alignment plane (54) about an axis of rotation (20) by means of a rotary drive (18); c) displacing (23) the optical alignment plane (54) along a first displacement axis (24), which is transverse, in particular perpendicular, to the axis of rotation (20), by means of a first displacement drive (22); wherein the axis of rotation (20) is preferably arranged vertically and/or the first displacement axis (24) is preferably arranged horizontally. 20. The method (132) according to claim 19, wherein the building element (134) is aligned vertically, and/or wherein the building element (134) is a wall covering (140) or a part (142) thereof, a facade element (144), a window (146), a door (148), a piece of furniture (150), a gate (152), a fire curtain (154), a smoke curtain (156) or a fixed panel closure (158). 21. Method (132) according to one of claims 19 or 20, wherein the component (136) is aligned horizontally, and/or wherein the component (136) is a ceiling element (160), in particular a ceiling beam (120), a lamp (162), a fan (164), a dry fastening (166) or a suspension (168). 22. Device (172) for aligning (132) components (136), in particular an optical alignment aid device (12) or a system (80) having at least one such device, wherein the device (172) is configured to generate two, in particular vertical, alignment planes (54), wherein an angle (174) between the alignment planes (54) is adjustable, in particular by means of a rotary drive (18).