The present invention relates to a device for a handheld mine detector comprising a marking device for marking a risk area on the ground, and a mine detector comprising such a marking device.

Detection of mines and UXO (UneXploded Ordnance) usually occurs by a detecting head, which reacts on metal objects, being passed over the ground. Detection can occur using handheld equipment or by means of vehicles. The advantage of using a vehicle is that the operator can be protected in the vehicle and positioned at a distance from the detecting head which is mounted on an arm projecting a distance from the vehicle. The drawback of mine detecting vehicles is the great expense for the equip¬ ment and also accessibility. A detecting vehicle requires open ground and a base suitable for the vehicle. On the other hand, manual detecting equipment is relatively inexpensive and can be used on open ground as well as in woods. The present inven¬ tion concerns handheld manual detecting equipment.

In detection, of mines and the subsequent uncovering, great accuracy in determining the position of a located mine/unexploded ordnance is necessary. To be able to uncover a mine/unexploded ordnance, it is not sufficient to mark the mine, but also accurate measuring of the surrounding area, the risk area, is required. The presently known method of locating a mine/unexploded ordnance requires an accuracy of 5 cm when determining the position. A sufficiently accurate measuring of a risk area can currently be made only manually using a handheld mine detector. The position deter¬ mination is performed by an operator by means of the sound signals that arise as the detecting head of the mine detector sweeps over the ground and indicates metal. As the operator finds a risk area, he marks with his eyes the borders of the risk area by passing the detecting head over the area. The operator marks the area by means of natural marks on the ground or by creating such marks. A problem is that this can result in some uncertainty in the marking and the borders can be indistinct and thus cause an increased security risk.

The invention solves this problem and provides greater security in marking and more distinct borders of the risk area. The invention comprises a device having a marking device, and also a mine detector with such a device according to the claims. Instead of creating or memorising the borders of the risk area, the operator marks the risk area with paint on the ground.

The invention will be described below with reference to the following Figures:

Fig. 1 shows an operator with a handheld mine detector. Fig. 2 shows a handheld mine detector according to the invention. Fig. 3 shows a device according to the invention.

Fig. 1 shows an operator (1) with a handheld electronic mine detector (2) (metal detector). The operator (1) carries the mine detector by a handle (21) attached to a support (20), which is telescopic to be adjusted to the wishes of each operator. A detecting head (22) is arranged at the lower end of the support to be passed over the ground.

Fig. 2 illustrates a handheld mine detector (2). The mine detector comprises a handle (21), by which the operator holds the mine detector and guides it over the ground. The handle is arranged on a support (20) one end of which has a detecting head (22) and the other usually an arm support (23). The support is preferably telescopic to be adjustable to the operator's length. A marking device (3) is arranged on the mine detector (2).

Fig. 3 shows an embodiment of the invention. The marking device (3) comprises a trigger (30), a regulating tube (31), a container (32) with a marking agent, for instance paint, a tube (33), clips (36) and an outlet (34), such as a nozzle (35). The marking device (3) is mounted on the handheld mine detector (T) by means of the clips (36). The trigger (30) is suitably arranged at the handle (21) of the mine detector (2) to allow easy operation by the operator's thumb or index finger. The regulating tube (31) connects the trigger (30) to the container (32). As the trigger (30) is pressed by the operator (1), this is communicated via the regulating tube (31) to the container (32) which supplies an amount of marking agent to the tube (33) and down to the nozzle (35) and out through the same in order to mark the ground. A number of clips (36) are attached to the tube (33) and arranged on the support (20) of the mine detector. More¬ over the tube (33) is adapted to fit different lengths of the support (20). The outlet (34) is preferably arranged in the centre of the detecting head (22) a few millimetres above the lower side of the detecting head. A marking device and mine detector according to the invention is intended for use in training and exercise and in sharp clearance of mines and ordnance.

In detection, the user starts by setting the desired length of the mine detector by means of the telescopic arm. Then the marking device (3) is mounted on the mine detector (2) and the container (32) is filled with paint, if necessary. The function of the marking device can be tested to allow defects to be corrected before use. When the operator (1) has detected an object, the risk area is to be marked. The position of the risk area is established and marked by marking with paint, for instance, a nearest, far, left and right border. Once the borders are marked, probing and uncovering can be begun. During uncovering, it is possible to still use the mine detector in order to detect and mark a new risk area and thus uncover the object more and more. After use, the equipment is checked and cleaned; the used paint is suitably water-soluble and ecologically degradable.

With a marking device (3) mounted on a handheld mine detector (2), for instance borders of a risk area can be marked in a significantly easier and safer way and new borders can easily and safely be marked during uncovering of the object. The marking device (3) is preferably substantially made of plastic, such as the container (32) and the tube (33), which provides a light and inexpensive device. In one embodiment, a container holding 0.5-1 dl of paint can be used, and each shower may contain about 0.7 ml of paint. Suitably use is made of a water-soluble and environment-friendly paint for easy cleaning of the device.

The invention is illustrated above with an outlet comprising a nozzle which sprays paint in liquid form on the ground. Instead of liquid paint, a marking agent, for instance, in powdered form can be used. The outlet (34) is then adjusted in a suitable manner.