RADAR-ABSORBING HANDLING DEVICE

Abstract

A handling device (103) for loads (105) includes a radar transmitter (107), a radar sensor (111) and a data-processing device. The radar transmitter (107) is configured to irradiate at least part of the handling device (103) and/or the load (105). The radar sensor (111) is configured to detect at least part of the irradiated handling device (103) and/or the irradiated load (105). The data-processing device is configured to determine the position of at least part of the handling device (103) and/or the load 105) with reference to a signal from the radar sensor (111). At least a part (405) of the handling device (103) is radar-absorbing.

Claims

1. A handling device (103) for handling a load (105), the handling device comprising: a radar transmitter (107); a radar sensor (111); and a data-processing device; wherein the radar transmitter (107) is configured to irradiate at least part of the handling device (103) and/or the load (105) handled by the handling device; wherein the radar sensor (111) is configured to detect at least part of the handling device (103) and/or the load (105) as a result of being irradiated; and wherein the data-processing device is configured to determine the position of at least part of the handling device (103) and/or the load (105) with reference to a signal from the radar sensor (111); and wherein at least a part (405) of the handling device (103) is radar-absorbing.

2. The handling device according to claim 1, wherein a first part (403) of the handling device (103) is radar-reflecting; and a second part (405) of the handling device (103) is radar-absorbing; wherein the said second part (405) is at least partially surrounded by the first part (403); and wherein the data-processing device is configured to determine the position of the second part (405).

3. The handling device according to claim 1, wherein all parts of the handling device (103) which can be brought within a detection field of the radar sensor (111) are radar-absorbing.

4. The handling device according to claim 1, as wherein the handling device (103) is configured as a crane boom; wherein the radar sensor (111) is configured to detect the load (105); and wherein the data-processing device is designed to merge signals from the radar sensor (111) which have been detected with a time offset relative to one another.

5. The handling device according to claim 2, wherein the handling device (103) is configured as a crane boom; wherein the radar sensor (111) is configured to detect the load (105); and wherein the data-processing device is designed to merge signals from the radar sensor (111) which have been detected with a time offset relative to one another.

6. The handling device according to claim 3, wherein the handling device (103) is configured as a crane boom; wherein the radar sensor (111) is configured to detect the load (105); and wherein the data-processing device is designed to merge signals from the radar sensor (111) which have been detected with a time offset relative to one another.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Preferred example embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the figures, in which matching indexes denote the same or functionally equivalent features. In detail, the figures show:

[0028] FIG. 1: A fork-lift with a crane attachment; and

[0029] FIG. 2: The same fork-lift with a radar-absorbing crane attachment;

[0030] FIG. 3: The merging of radar data; and

[0031] FIG. 4: A radar-absorbing coated hydraulic cylinder.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] The fork-lift 101 shown in FIG. 1 is equipped with a crane boom 103. A package 105 hangs from the crane boom 103.

[0033] A lifting mast 101 of the fork-lift has a radar transmitter 107. This is orientated in such manner that it irradiates the package 105. Corresponding reflections 109 are detected by a radar sensor 111 also fixed on the lifting mast.

[0034] Since not only the package 105 but also the crane boom 103 is irradiated by the radar transmitter 107 and they are within the detection field of the radar sensor 111, besides the reflections 109 from the package 105 the radar sensor 111 also detects reflections 109 from the crane boom 103. As shown in FIG. 2, this can be prevented by a radar-absorbing coating of the crane boom 103.

[0035] FIG. 3 illustrates how the package 105 is shaded by the crane boom 103. However, since the package 105 is swinging the shading is not static. Thus, depending on the detection point in time, different areas of the package 105 are shaded. Consequently, from individual images obtained by the radar sensor 111 at different points in time, a complete, unshaded image of the package 105 can be generated. This is shown in FIG. 3 on the right.

[0036] FIG. 4 shows a hydraulic cylinder 401 of a lifting frame of a wheel loader. The surface of the hydraulic cylinder 401 is divided into a first area 403 and a second area 405. The first area 403 reflects radar radiation. The second area 405 is provided with a radar-absorbing coating. Consequently, the second area 405 can be identified very simply in an image of a radar sensor. With reference to the shape and position of the second area 405 in the image, conclusions can be drawn about the location and position of the hydraulic cylinder 401.

INDEXES

[0037] 101 Fork-lift

[0038] 103 Crane boom

[0039] 105 Package

[0040] 107 Radar transmitter

[0041] 109 Reflection

[0042] 111 Radar sensor

[0043] 401 Hydraulic cylinder

[0044] 403 First area

[0045] 405 Second area