Minimum ground clearance measuring tool

Abstract

This invention belongs to the field of measurement technology and discloses a minimum ground clearance measuring tool, including a base and a measuring element. The base is used to support the ground and has a measuring channel. The measuring channel includes a first groove extending along a first direction and a second groove extending along a second direction. The first direction is parallel to the horizontal plane, and the angle between the second direction and the first direction is an obtuse angle. The measuring element is slidably disposed in the measuring channel and can be bent upward relative to the base. A part of the measuring element is located in the first groove, and another part is located in the second groove. The measuring element can extend out of the second groove along the second direction so that the measuring element abuts against the vehicle chassis. Thus, the minimum ground clearance of the vehicle can be calculated based on the distance the measuring element extends out of the second groove along the second direction. At the same time, the measuring element can always contact the lower side wall of the second groove to avoid deviation of the extension direction of the measuring element from the second direction during the measurement process, thereby improving the measurement accuracy.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of measurement technology, and in particular to a tool for measuring minimum ground clearance. Background Technology

[0002] Minimum ground clearance refers to the distance between the lowest point of the chassis and the ground when the vehicle is fully loaded. Minimum ground clearance needs to be measured after the vehicle is assembled.

[0003] Traditional measurement methods involve manually selecting points and measuring with a ruler or tape measure. However, this method requires the person measuring to put their head under the vehicle, which can easily cause head injuries. Furthermore, manual measurement cannot ensure that the ruler or tape measure extends exactly vertically, leading to measurement errors.

[0004] To address the aforementioned issues, existing technology provides a minimum ground clearance measuring tool, which has an L-shaped base and a steel measuring tape disposed on the L-shaped base. The steel measuring tape passes through an L-shaped channel in the L-shaped base, with one part of the measuring tape parallel to the ground and the other part extending vertically upwards, extending vertically out of the L-shaped base to abut against the vehicle chassis, thereby completing the measurement of the vehicle's minimum ground clearance. However, this solution has a problem: the vertically extending portion of the steel measuring tape is difficult to abut against the side wall of the L-shaped channel, and the portion extending out of the L-shaped base is prone to bending, causing a deviation between the extension direction of the steel measuring tape and the vertical direction, thus leading to errors in the measurement results. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention provides a minimum ground clearance measuring tool to solve the problem in the prior art where the extension direction of the steel ruler strip in the minimum ground clearance measuring tool deviates from the vertical direction, leading to errors in the measurement results.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] Minimum ground clearance measuring tools include:

[0008] A base for supporting the ground and having a measuring channel, the measuring channel including a first groove extending along a first direction and a second groove extending along a second direction, the first direction being parallel to a horizontal plane and the second direction forming an obtuse angle with the first direction;

[0009] The measuring element is slidably disposed in the measuring channel and can be bent upward relative to the base. A portion of the measuring element is located in the first slide groove and another portion is located in the second slide groove. The measuring element can extend out of the second slide groove in a second direction so that the measuring element abuts against the vehicle chassis.

[0010] As a preferred embodiment of the minimum ground clearance measuring tool, the base includes a support member and an extension member disposed on the support member. The support member is used to support the ground. The first slide groove is disposed on the support member, and the second slide groove is disposed on the extension member.

[0011] As a preferred embodiment of the minimum ground clearance measuring tool, the support member further has an adjustment groove communicating with the first slide groove, and the minimum ground clearance measuring tool further includes an adjustment handle disposed on the measuring member, the adjustment handle being slidably disposed in the adjustment groove.

[0012] As a preferred embodiment of the minimum ground clearance measuring tool, the support also has an observation hole communicating with the first groove.

[0013] As a preferred embodiment of the minimum ground clearance measuring tool, the support member is provided with multiple scale lines, which are spaced apart along a first direction.

[0014] As a preferred embodiment of the minimum ground clearance measuring tool, the measuring channel further includes a transition cavity with a centerline in the shape of an arc, the two ends of which are respectively connected to the first slide groove and the second slide groove.

[0015] As a preferred embodiment of the minimum ground clearance measuring tool, it also includes a roller, which is rotatably mounted on the base and located within the transition cavity.

[0016] As a preferred option for measuring minimum ground clearance, the angle between the first direction and the second direction is 120°.

[0017] As a preferred embodiment of the minimum ground clearance measuring tool, it further includes a display screen and a viewing camera disposed at one end of the measuring element away from the first slide. The display screen is electrically connected to the viewing camera and is used to display images captured by the viewing camera.

[0018] As a preferred embodiment of the minimum ground clearance measuring tool, the display screen is disposed on the base.

[0019] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0020] This invention provides a minimum ground clearance measuring tool, which includes a base and a measuring element. The base is used to support the ground and has a measuring channel. The measuring channel includes a first groove extending along a first direction and a second groove extending along a second direction. The first direction is parallel to the horizontal plane, and the second direction makes an obtuse angle with the first direction. The measuring element is slidably disposed in the measuring channel and can be bent upward relative to the base. A portion of the measuring element is located in the first groove, and another portion is located in the second groove. The measuring element can extend out of the second groove along the second direction so that it abuts against the vehicle chassis. Thus, the minimum ground clearance of the vehicle can be calculated based on the distance the measuring element extends out of the second groove along the second direction. At the same time, since the angle between the second direction and the first direction is obtuse, the measuring element can always contact the lower sidewall of the second groove under its own weight, avoiding deviation of the extending direction of the measuring element from the second direction during the measurement process, thereby improving the measurement accuracy. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the minimum ground clearance measuring tool in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 ;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the minimum ground clearance measuring tool in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 ;

[0023] Figure 3 This is a side view schematic diagram of the minimum ground clearance measuring tool in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] In the picture:

[0025] 1. Base; 11. Support component; 111. First slide groove; 112. Adjustment groove; 113. Observation hole; 12. Extension component; 121. Second slide groove; 13. Transition cavity;

[0026] 2. Measuring parts;

[0027] 3. Adjust the handle;

[0028] 4. Rollers;

[0029] 5. Display screen;

[0030] 6. Spying camera. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the invention and not intended to limit it. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, the accompanying drawings show only the parts relevant to the present invention, and not all of the structures.

[0032] In the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0033] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0034] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "upper," "lower," "left," and "right," etc., refer to the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for ease of description and simplification of operation, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the present invention. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are used only for distinction in description and have no special meaning.

[0035] Traditional methods for measuring minimum ground clearance involve manually selecting a point and measuring with a ruler or tape measure. However, this method requires the measurer to insert their head under the vehicle, which can easily cause head injuries. Furthermore, manual measurement cannot guarantee that the ruler or tape measure extends precisely vertically, leading to measurement errors. To address these issues, existing technology provides a minimum ground clearance measuring tool with an L-shaped base and a steel tape set within it. The steel tape passes through an L-shaped channel in the base, with one portion parallel to the ground and the other extending vertically upwards, protruding from the L-shaped base to abut against the vehicle chassis, thus measuring the minimum ground clearance. However, this method suffers from difficulty in ensuring the vertically extending portion of the steel tape abuts against the side wall of the L-shaped channel, and the portion extending beyond the base is prone to bending, causing a deviation between the tape's extension direction and the vertical direction, which in turn leads to measurement errors.

[0036] To address the aforementioned issues, this embodiment provides a minimum ground clearance measuring tool to solve the problem in the prior art where the extension direction of the steel tape of the minimum ground clearance measuring tool deviates from the vertical direction, leading to errors in the measurement results. This tool can be used in the field of measurement technology.

[0037] Reference Figures 1-3 The minimum ground clearance measuring tool includes a base 1 and a measuring element 2. The base 1 is used to support the ground and has a measuring channel. The measuring channel includes a first groove 111 extending along a first direction and a second groove 121 extending along a second direction. The first direction is parallel to the horizontal plane, and the angle between the second direction and the first direction is an obtuse angle. The measuring element 2 is slidably disposed in the measuring channel and can be bent upward relative to the base 1. A part of the measuring element 2 is located in the first groove 111, and another part is located in the second groove 121. The measuring element 2 can extend out of the second groove 121 along the second direction so that the measuring element 2 abuts against the vehicle chassis. Thus, the minimum ground clearance of the vehicle can be calculated based on the distance that the measuring element 2 extends out of the second groove 121 along the second direction. At the same time, since the angle between the second direction and the first direction is an obtuse angle, the measuring element 2 can always contact the lower side wall of the second groove 121 under its own weight, avoiding deviation between the extension direction of the measuring element 2 and the second direction during the measurement process, thereby improving the measurement accuracy.

[0038] Optionally, the measuring component 2 is a chain, and the measuring component 2 can only be bent upwards or obliquely upwards relative to the base 1. That is, the portion of the measuring component 2 located in the first slide groove 111 can only bend towards the second slide groove 121, and the portion of the measuring component 2 located in the second slide groove 121 can only bend towards the first slide groove 111, but cannot bend in a direction away from the first slide groove 111. In other words, after the measuring component 2 is removed from the second slide groove 121, under the action of its own gravity, the measuring component 2 will not bend towards the first slide groove 111, nor will it bend in a direction away from the first slide groove 111; it will still extend along the second direction.

[0039] Continue to refer to Figures 1-3 The angle between the first direction and the second direction should not be too large, otherwise the measuring component 2 will need to extend a long distance to reach the chassis of the vehicle, which is not conducive to measurement and adjustment. Therefore, in this embodiment, the angle between the first direction and the second direction is 120°, which can avoid the above problems and also facilitate the calculation of measurement values.

[0040] Continue to refer to Figures 1-3The base 1 includes a support member 11 and an extension member 12 disposed on the support member 11. The support member 11 is used to support the ground. A first sliding groove 111 is disposed on the support member 11, and a second sliding groove 121 is disposed on the extension member 12. The support member 11 is longer to achieve the best support effect, while the extension member 12 is shorter to avoid the extension member 12 being too high and affecting the actual measurement.

[0041] Continue to refer to Figures 1-3 The support member 11 also has an adjustment groove 112 that communicates with the first slide groove 111. The minimum ground clearance measuring tool also includes an adjustment handle 3 disposed on the measuring member 2. The adjustment handle 3 slides through the adjustment groove 112 so that the user can manually control the position of the measuring member 2 for convenient use.

[0042] Continue to refer to Figures 1-3 The support member 11 also has an observation hole 113 communicating with the first slide groove 111, so that an observer can observe the actual position of the measuring member 2 through the observation hole 113. Optionally, the observation hole 113 is sealed with a light-transmitting material, such as glass, to prevent dust from entering, while not affecting the user's observation.

[0043] Continue to refer to Figures 1-3 The support member 11 is provided with multiple scale lines, which are spaced apart along a first direction. Optionally, all scale lines are located near the observation hole 113, and the measuring member 2 is provided with an indicator that can point to the scale lines for easy reading by the user. The setting of the scale lines and the marking of the corresponding values ​​should take into account the extension direction of the measuring member 2, i.e., the angle between the second direction and the first direction, so that the reading of the scale line indicates the actual height raised by the measuring member 2. Specifically, when the measuring member 2 slides relative to the base 1, in the initial position, the value of the scale line pointed to by the indicator is 'a'. After the measuring member 2 moves, the actual distance traveled by the end closer to the vehicle chassis is 'L', and the value of the scale line pointed to by the indicator at this time is 'b'. These values ​​satisfy the following formula:

[0044] (ba) ＝ L·cos(θ-90°)

[0045] Where θ is the angle between the first direction and the second direction. Where ba is the minimum ground clearance, which the user can read directly without further calculation. Where the initial position is the position when the measuring part 2 is exactly at the lowest point of the second slide 121, and its height is 0, therefore, the value of a should be marked as 0.

[0046] In this embodiment, the angle between the first direction and the second direction is 120°, which satisfies:

[0047]

[0048] Continue to refer to Figures 1-3 The measurement channel also includes a transition cavity 13 with a center line in the shape of an arc. The two ends of the transition cavity 13 are connected to the first slide groove 111 and the second slide groove 121 respectively, so that the part of the measuring element 2 located in the first slide groove 111 and the part of the measuring element 2 located in the second slide groove 121 can smoothly transition, preventing the problem of excessive resistance to the measuring element 2 when the user pushes the measuring element 2.

[0049] Continue to refer to Figures 1-3 The minimum ground clearance measuring tool also includes a roller 4, which is rotatably mounted on the base 1 and located within the transition cavity 13. Optionally, the roller 4 can roll into contact with the measuring element 2 to further reduce the resistance experienced by the measuring element 2, while also serving a guiding function.

[0050] Continue to refer to Figures 1-3 In this embodiment, the minimum ground clearance measuring tool's extension direction of the measuring component 2 is not vertical, making it difficult for the user to determine whether the tool is in the correct position. To further facilitate user operation, the minimum ground clearance measuring tool also includes a display screen 5 and a viewing camera 6 located at the end of the measuring component 2 away from the first slide groove 111. The display screen 5 is electrically connected to the viewing camera 6 and is used to display images captured by the viewing camera 6, allowing the user to determine whether the position of the measuring component 2 is appropriate based on the images displayed on the display screen 5. Optionally, the display screen 5 is located on the base 1 to further simplify the structure of the minimum ground clearance measuring tool.

[0051] The following combination Figures 1-3 This embodiment describes how to use the minimum ground clearance measuring tool:

[0052] First, the user holds one end of the base 1 and inserts the minimum ground clearance measuring tool under the vehicle, ensuring the second slide 121 is aligned with the vehicle's chassis. The user then controls the adjustment handle 3 to extend the measuring element 2, while simultaneously fine-tuning the position of the base 1 based on the image captured by the peep camera 6 displayed on the screen 5. When the measuring element 2 touches the vehicle's chassis, the user reads the value indicated by the scale line; this value is the measured minimum ground clearance. This process is repeated 2-3 times, and the minimum value is taken as the final measurement result.

[0053] Obviously, the above embodiments of the present invention are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present invention, and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will be able to make various obvious changes, readjustments, and substitutions without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively describe all embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A tool for measuring minimum ground clearance, characterized in that, include: The base (1) is used to support the ground and has a measuring channel, the measuring channel including a first groove (111) extending along a first direction and a second groove (121) extending along a second direction, the first direction being parallel to the horizontal plane and the second direction forming an obtuse angle with the first direction; The measuring element (2) is slidably disposed in the measuring channel and can be bent upward relative to the base (1). A part of the measuring element (2) is located in the first slide groove (111) and another part is located in the second slide groove (121). The measuring element (2) can always contact the lower side wall of the second slide groove (121) under its own weight. The measuring element (2) can extend out of the second slide groove (121) in the second direction so that the measuring element (2) abuts against the vehicle chassis.

2. The minimum ground clearance measuring tool according to claim 1, characterized in that, The base (1) includes a support (11) and an extension (12) disposed on the support (11). The support (11) is used to support the ground. The first groove (111) is disposed on the support (11), and the second groove (121) is disposed on the extension (12).

3. The minimum ground clearance measuring tool according to claim 2, characterized in that, The support member (11) also has an adjustment groove (112) communicating with the first slide groove (111), and the minimum ground clearance measuring tool also includes an adjustment handle (3) disposed on the measuring member (2), and the adjustment handle (3) slides through the adjustment groove (112).

4. The minimum ground clearance measuring tool according to claim 2, characterized in that, The support member (11) also has an observation hole (113) communicating with the first slide (111).

5. The minimum ground clearance measuring tool according to claim 2, characterized in that, The support member (11) is provided with multiple scale lines, which are spaced apart along a first direction.

6. The minimum ground clearance measuring tool according to claim 1, characterized in that, The measurement channel also includes a transition cavity (13) with a center line in the shape of an arc, and the two ends of the transition cavity (13) are respectively connected to the first slide (111) and the second slide (121).

7. The minimum ground clearance measuring tool according to claim 6, characterized in that, It also includes a roller (4), which is rotatably mounted on the base (1) and located in the transition cavity (13).

8. The minimum ground clearance measuring tool according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The angle between the first direction and the second direction is 120°.

9. The minimum ground clearance measuring tool according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, It also includes a display screen (5) and a viewing camera (6) disposed at one end of the measuring element (2) away from the first slide (111). The display screen (5) is electrically connected to the viewing camera (6) and is used to display images captured by the viewing camera (6).

10. The minimum ground clearance measuring tool according to claim 9, characterized in that, The display screen (5) is disposed on the base (1).

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