Tape measure with grab handle integrated control unit and tape exit area illumination

Abstract

The invention discloses a flexible rule with a grab handle integrated control unit and a rule band exit area illumination function, and belongs to the field of measuring tools. The measuring tape comprises a shell (1), a tape band (2) and a grab handle (3) arranged on the shell (1) in a protruding mode. A first operating piece (4.1) used for triggering the braking device (4) and a second operating piece (5.1) used for starting and stopping the lighting module (5) are integrated on the surface of the grab handle (3); and a light-emitting unit (5.4) of the lighting module (5) is arranged in an outlet area of the tape. According to the invention, the core control function is highly integrated on the grab handle according with ergonomics, and the illumination of the exit area of the tape is realized, so that a user can complete a series of operations such as illumination, measurement and brake locking with a single hand without changing the holding posture in a dark environment, and the measurement efficiency, the operation stability and the operation safety are remarkably improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of measuring tool technology, specifically to a measuring tape, and more particularly to a measuring tape with a protruding handle on the housing, the handle integrating a control unit including braking and lighting control functions, and lighting provided in the tape exit area, suitable for efficient one-handed measurement operations in low-light environments. Background Technology

[0002] Measuring tapes are commonly used length measuring tools in construction, equipment installation, and home repair. Their application scenarios often include dimly lit environments such as pipe shafts, inside cabinets, and nighttime operations. In these scenarios, users typically need to hold the tape measure in one hand to pull out the tape and use an external light source (such as a flashlight or mobile phone) in the other, making operation extremely inconvenient, significantly reducing measurement efficiency, and increasing the risk of measurement errors or even safety accidents due to distraction.

[0003] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a measuring tape that integrates braking and lighting control into the handle through structural innovation and provides effective lighting in the tape exit area to improve operating efficiency and safety in dimly lit environments. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Technical problems to be solved

[0005] This invention provides a measuring tape with a reasonable structure and convenient operation, aiming to solve the problems of scattered braking and lighting control elements, low lighting efficiency, and inability to support one-handed operation in the prior art.

[0006] Technical solution

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0008] A measuring tape includes a housing (1), a retractable measuring tape (2), a braking device (4), and a lighting module (5); characterized in that:

[0009] The housing (1) is provided with a handle (3) that protrudes to one side for the user to hold with one hand;

[0010] The outer surface of the grip (3) is integrated with a first operating element (4.1) for triggering the braking device (4) and a second operating element (5.1) for turning the lighting module (5) on or off;

[0011] The braking device (4) is operably connected to the first operating member (4.1) for selectively locking the tape (2) in response to its operation;

[0012] The light-emitting unit (5.4) of the lighting module (5) is disposed in the tape outlet area of ​​the housing (1).

[0013] As a further improvement of the present invention, the first operating element (4.1) and the second operating element (5.1) constitute a control unit. As a further improvement of the present invention, the control unit further includes a power supply (5.2) and a flexible conductive line (5.3) connecting the power supply (5.2), the second operating element (5.1) and the light-emitting unit (5.4).

[0014] As a further improvement of the present invention, the light emission direction of the light-emitting unit (5.4) is configured to illuminate the measurement area within a certain distance range in front of the extension path of the ruler (2).

[0015] As a further improvement of the present invention, the second operating member (5.1) is located in the natural landing area of ​​the thumb pad when the user holds the grip, so that the user can operate the second operating member (5.1) and the first operating member (4.1) respectively with the thumb and index finger in a normal grip state.

[0016] As a further improvement of the present invention, the handle (3) and the housing (1) are integrally formed, fixedly connected or detachably connected.

[0017] As a further improvement of the present invention, the second operating element (5.1) is a push-button, toggle, or touch switch.

[0018] As a further improvement of the present invention, the braking device (4) is a mechanical tape locking mechanism.

[0019] As a further improvement of the present invention, the first operating element (4.1) is a lever or a button.

[0020] As a further improvement of the present invention, the first operating element (4.1) is configured to trigger the braking device (4) by a user's linear pressing operation or reciprocating flicking operation.

[0021] As a further improvement of the present invention, the flexible conductive line (5.3) is a flexible conductor.

[0022] As a further improvement of the present invention, the light-emitting unit (5.4) is an LED, and its mounting angle is optically optimized to reduce glare.

[0023] Beneficial effects

[0024] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0025] Highly integrated control structure: The core operating components for braking and lighting are integrated into the protruding grip surface, making the grip a highly functional control area.

[0026] Excellent lighting performance in the exit area: The light-emitting unit is located in the exit area of ​​the ruler, and the light directly covers the measurement path, fundamentally solving the problem of reading in dim environments.

[0027] High internal space utilization: The control unit adopts a distributed layout with separate power supply, switch and LED, and is connected by flexible lines, which can perfectly adapt to the narrow and irregular space inside the measuring tape.

[0028] Safe and efficient single-handed operation: The ergonomic design allows users to operate the brakes and lights independently with different fingers while holding the device firmly, making it particularly suitable for high-risk and complex scenarios such as high altitudes, narrow spaces, and darkness.

[0029] Platform expansion: The grip (3) and its integrated control unit provide the physical and electrical foundation for the subsequent integration of intelligent modules such as laser indication, digital ranging, and wireless transmission. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall three-dimensional structure of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the grip area in an embodiment of the present invention, mainly showing the layout relationship of the internal operating components, power supply and circuitry.

[0032] The diagram is labeled as follows: 1-Housing; 2-Scale; 3-Handle; 4-Brake device; 4.1-First operating component; 5-Lighting module; 5.1-Second operating component; 5.2-Power supply; 5.3-Conductive circuit; 5.4-Light-emitting unit.

[0033] It should be noted that the above drawings are merely illustrative and should not be construed as limiting the invention. The scope of protection of this invention should be determined by the claims. Detailed Implementation

[0034] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0035] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the measuring tape provided by the present invention includes a housing (1), a measuring tape (2) pulled out from the tape outlet at the front end of the housing (1), and a protruding handle (3) provided on the housing (1). The protruding handle (3) not only optimizes the grip feel, but the cavity formed inside it also provides space for accommodating the relevant components of the control unit.

[0036] The surface of the grip (3) is integrated with a first operating element (4.1) (e.g., a horizontal lever) and a second operating element (5.1) (e.g., a circular push button). The first operating element (4.1) is mechanically connected to the braking device (4) for locking the tape (2); the second operating element (5.1) is electrically connected to the lighting module (5). The first operating element (4.1) and the second operating element (5.1) constitute the control unit.

[0037] The light-emitting unit (5.4) of the lighting module (5) (e.g., a high-brightness LED) is located in the tape exit area of ​​the housing (1). Its light emission direction is optically designed to effectively illuminate the path of the tape (2) and the measurement area in front of it, while reducing glare to the user's eyes.

[0038] The control unit also includes a power source (5.2) (e.g., a button cell or a micro rechargeable battery) housed in the internal cavity of the handle (3) or housing (1), and flexible conductive lines (5.3) (e.g., flexible printed circuit board (FPC), enameled wire, or insulated wire) connecting the power source (5.2), the second operating element (5.1), and the light-emitting unit (5.4). This distributed layout greatly improves the utilization of internal space.

[0039] When operating the tape measure, the user naturally grips the handle (3), with the thumb resting naturally on the second operating element (5.1), and the index finger correspondingly resting on or conveniently operating the first operating element (4.1). A light press of the thumb turns on the lighting to illuminate the measurement area, while a straight press or reciprocating flick of the index finger triggers the braking device (4) and locks the tape (2). This design allows the user to easily and independently control the lighting and braking while firmly holding the tape measure, enabling seamless one-handed operation of lighting, measurement, and locking even in dim environments.

Claims

1. A measuring tape with an integrated handle control unit and tape exit area illumination, comprising a housing (1), a retractable tape (2), a braking device (4), and an illumination module (5), characterized in that: The housing (1) is provided with a handle (3) that protrudes to one side for the user to hold with one hand; The outer surface of the grip (3) is integrated with a first operating element (4.1) for triggering the braking device (4) and a second operating element (5.1) for turning the lighting module (5) on or off; The braking device (4) is operably connected to the first operating member (4.1) for selectively locking the tape (2) in response to its operation; The light-emitting unit (5.4) of the lighting module (5) is disposed in the tape outlet area of ​​the housing (1).

2. The measuring tape according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first operating element (4.1) and the second operating element (5.1) constitute a control unit.

3. The measuring tape according to claim 2, characterized in that: The control unit also includes a power supply (5.2) and a flexible conductive line (5.3) connecting the power supply (5.2), the second operating element (5.1), and the light-emitting unit (5.4).

4. The measuring tape according to claim 1, characterized in that: The light-emitting unit (5.4) is configured to illuminate the measurement area within a certain distance in front of the extension path of the ruler (2).

5. The measuring tape according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second operating element (5.1) is located within the area of ​​the natural landing point of the thumb pad when the user holds the handle (3).

6. The measuring tape according to claim 1, characterized in that: The handle (3) and the housing (1) are integrally formed, fixedly connected or detachably connected.

7. The measuring tape according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second operating element (5.1) is a push-button, toggle, or touch switch.

8. The measuring tape according to claim 1, characterized in that: The braking device (4) is a mechanical tape locking mechanism.

9. The measuring tape according to claim 8, characterized in that: The first operating element (4.1) is a lever or a button.

10. The measuring tape according to claim 9, characterized in that: The first operating element (4.1) is configured to trigger the braking device (4) by a user's linear pressing operation or reciprocating flicking operation.

11. The measuring tape according to claim 3, characterized in that: The flexible conductive line (5.3) is a flexible conductor.

12. The measuring tape according to claim 1, characterized in that: The light-emitting unit (5.4) is an LED, and its installation angle has been optically optimized to reduce glare.

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