Folding ruler

Abstract

Folding rule with longitudinally elongated flat links (11, 12) which are articulated in pairs, wherein a joint connection (14) with an axis of rotation (16) has a rivet bolt (30) extending through a through-hole in a first link (11) and a through-hole aligned with this through-hole in a second link (12), and a first joint plate (21) penetrated by the rivet bolt (30) which is fixed to the first link (11), and a second joint plate (24) penetrated by the rivet bolt which is attached to the second link (12), wherein a spring tongue (32, 34) with a detent section (36, 46) is formed on the first joint plate (21), which is connected to a first complementary detent section (62, 66) and to a second complementary detent section (64, 68) on the second joint plate (24) interactsto lock the joint connection (14) in a first position and in a second position different from the first position by means of spring force when the first link (11) is pivoted relative to the second link (12) about the axis of rotation (16), characterized in that when the first link (11) is pivoted relative to the second link (12), the locking section (36, 46) formed on the spring tongue (32, 34) of the first joint plate (21) locks the joint connection (14) in an angled position between a folded and an unfolded position of the links (11, 12), wherein the first link (11) has a recess (75) for the first joint plate (21) in which the first joint plate (21) is recessed in the first link (11) and in which a a trough-shaped recess (79, 80) is formed into which the spring tongue (32, 34) with the locking section (36,46) can be immersed when the joint connection (24) is adjusted, wherein the second link (12) has a recess (76) for the second joint plate (24), in which the second joint plate (24) is recessed in the second link (12) and in which a trough-like recess (79, 80) is formed, wherein the trough-like recess (79, 80) in the second link (12) receives the first complementary locking section (62, 66) of the second joint plate (24) for locking the joint connection (14) in a folded or unfolded position of the links (11, 12), wherein in the recess (76) in the second link (12) in the area of ​​the through-hole for the rivet bolt (30) a web section (82) stabilizing the joint connection (14) is provided, wherein the locking section (36, 46) of the spring tongue (32) a truncated pyramidal resting section (36, 46) with a top surface (35, 45) and with sloping side surfaces (38, 39) pointing towards a longitudinal edge of the member48, 49) and with an elongated ramp (40, 50) extending from the top surface (35, 45) to a central part (31) of the first hinge plate (21), which, when engaging in the first complementary locking section (62, 66) on the second hinge plate (24), engages with the top surface (35, 45) and with the side surfaces (38, 39, 48, 49) in the corresponding first complementary locking section (62, 66), wherein the first complementary locking section (62, 66) on the second hinge plate (24) is formed as a truncated pyramid-shaped recess complementary to the truncated pyramid-shaped locking section (36, 46) of the spring tongue (32), which has a bottom surface (61, 63) to which inclined side surfaces (65, 67) lower, wherein the second complementary detent section is a lateral recess (64, 68) in the second hinge plate (24) or the second complementary detent section is a recess (88,89) or is formed as a round (103) or square (101) chamfer in the second joint plate (85).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a folding ruler with elongated flat links which are articulated in pairs, in which a joint connection with an axis of rotation has a first joint plate which is fixed to a first link and which encompasses a second joint plate which is attached to a second link, wherein a spring tongue with a detent section is formed on the first joint plate which interacts with a first complementary detent section and with a second complementary detent section on the second joint plate in order to lock the joint connection in a first position and in a second position different from the first position by means of spring force when the first link is pivoted relative to the second link about the axis of rotation.

[0002] A folding rule of the type mentioned at the outset is known from DE 2 037 063 A. There, a folding rule is described whose sections lock in a folded position and in an unfolded position. For this purpose, two sections of the folding rule are connected by a hinge joint comprising a first and a second hinge plate and a rivet pin. The hinge plates are fixed to different sections of the rule. They are penetrated by the rivet pin. One hinge plate has two spring tongues with a locking section in the form of a raised portion. The other hinge plate has two recesses that act as complementary locking sections. The two spring tongues with the raised portion on one hinge plate lie on both sides of the rivet pin on the longitudinal axis of the rule section to which the hinge plate is fixed.The recesses of the other joint plate are located on the longitudinal axis of the other scale segment, to the left and right of the rivet. The joint engages when a protrusion on the spring tongues of one joint plate engages with the corresponding recess on the other joint plate. This ensures that the scale segments are perfectly aligned when unfolded.

[0003] This ensures high measurement accuracy when measuring with the folding ruler.

[0004] For measuring small or difficult-to-access objects, a folding ruler is often only partially unfolded. In this case, it is advantageous if one or more ruler segments, which are exactly aligned, can be placed against the object in a defined position with one or more other segments of the folding ruler.

[0005] The object of the invention is to provide a folding ruler in which a stable intermediate position of a joint connection for two ruler links can be set in an angled position between a folded and an unfolded position of the links of the ruler.

[0006] This problem is solved by a folding ruler having the features of claim 1.

[0007] To solve the problem, it is proposed according to the invention to design the folding rule in such a way that when the first link is pivoted relative to the second link, the locking section formed on the spring tongue of the first joint plate engages with the second complementary locking section on the second joint plate to lock the joint connection between a folded and an unfolded position of the links in an angled position.

[0008] A special feature of the invention is therefore that the first and the second complementary locking section on the second joint plate lie on a circular path around the axis of rotation of the joint connection. With respect to the axis of rotation of the joint connection, the first and the second complementary locking section are at an obtuse angle or an acute angle to each other, preferably at an angle α = ±90°, i.e. a right angle.

[0009] A preferred embodiment of the invention provides that the second complementary locking section is a lateral recess in the second hinge plate. Preferably, this lateral recess is rectangular.

[0010] Alternatively, the second complementary locking section can also be designed as a recess on the circumferential area of ​​the second hinge plate. This recess preferably has the shape of a trough with a concavely curved bottom surface. The bottom surface of the The trough-shaped recess can also be flat. It is also possible to create the recess with an opening. Such a recess can be produced, for example, by punching a flat joint plate with a suitable punching tool. It is also possible to create the second complementary detent section as a round or square chamfer on the circumference of the second joint plate.

[0011] The detent section on the spring tongue is preferably a protrusion. It is advantageous to design this protrusion as a truncated pyramid which has an elongated oblique flank pointing towards the axis of rotation of the joint connection.

[0012] The first complementary locking section in the second joint plate is also preferably designed as a recess. Here, too, it is advantageous if this recess has the shape of a truncated pyramid with an elongated, sloping flank pointing towards the axis of rotation of the joint connection. A preferred embodiment of the invention provides that the second complementary locking section is designed to be complementary to the top surface of the truncated pyramid.

[0013] By providing a trough-like recess in the first segment, into which the spring tongue with detent section can immerse in an adjustable joint connection, it is possible to ensure that the segments of the folding ruler lie close together when the folding ruler is folded. An additional trough-like recess in the second segment allows detent sections to be recessed into the second joint plate. Preferably, the first segment of the folding ruler also has a recess for the first joint plate. It is advantageous if a corresponding recess for the second joint plate is formed in the second segment. This ensures that the segments of the ruler lie close together in the folded state in such a way that the two joint plates of a joint connection are concealed. Thus, the folded folding ruler offers two homogeneous rectangular side surfaces that are ideally suited for advertising imprints.

[0014] A web section on the links of the folding rule in the area of ​​a through-hole for a rivet of the joint connection results in high mechanical strength of the folding rule in the area of ​​the joint connection. This ensures that the rule is stable despite the trough-like depressions in the area of ​​the joint connection and that it cannot easily break there.

[0015] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown schematically in the drawing.

[0016] Fig. 1 shows a side view of a folding ruler with one of the ruler sections swung out;

[0017] Fig. 2a and b two articulated links of the folding rule in an unfolded and in an angled rest position;

[0018] Fig. 3 shows an exploded view of the joint connection of two links of the folding rule;

[0019] Fig. 4a, b and c Views of a first joint plate of the joint connection;

[0020] Fig. 5a, b and c Views of a second joint plate of the joint connection;

[0021] Fig. 6 shows a section of the joint connection in the unfolded locking position;

[0022] Fig. 7 shows a section of the joint connection along line VII-VII from Fig. 6;

[0023] Fig. 8 shows a top view of the joint in the angled detent position;

[0024] Fig. 9 shows a section of the joint connection along line IX-IX from Fig. 8.

[0025] Fig. 10 shows a first alternative embodiment of the second joint plate in the joint connection;

[0026] Fig. 11 shows an enlarged section of the second hinge plate along line XI-XI from Fig. 10; and

[0027] Fig. 12a to e Sections of locking sections of further alternative embodiments of the second hinge plate.

[0028] The folding rule 10 in Fig. 1 has elongated, flat sections 11, 12 made of wood. The sections 11, 12 are hinged together in pairs near their ends at a distance equal to the end faces 8, 9. The folded sections 11, 12 of the folding rule 10 lie almost flush against each other without any gap. The folded sections of the folding rule 10 thus form two surfaces that appear homogeneous and are suitable for large-area advertising imprints.

[0029] Fig. 2a shows a link 11 and a link 12 of the folding rule 10. The links 11 and 12 are connected by a hinge 14. The hinge 14 allows the link 11 to pivot relative to the link 12 about the axis of rotation 16 in the direction of the double arrow 15. The links 11 and 12 are shown here in an extended pivot position in which the hinge 14 locks.

[0030] The joint connection 14 has a rivet 30. The rivet 30 extends through aligned bores in the links 11, 12. Its heads are supported in recesses on the broad side surfaces 3, 4 of the links 11, 12. The links 11, 12 are pressed together by the rivet 30 at their mutually facing broad side surfaces 5, 6.

[0031] In Fig. 2b, the links 11, 12 are shown in an angled pivot position: Here, link 11 is at a right angle α = 90° to link 12. The link also locks in this pivot position. Joint connection 14 . Further detents of the joint connection 14 exist when the links 11 , 12 are superimposed in the pivot position μ = 0 indicated by arrow 18 and in the pivot position corresponding to arrow 19 at μ = –90°.

[0032] The joint connection 14 has a first joint plate 21 and a second joint plate 24. The first joint plate 21 is preferably made of hardened spring steel. The joint plate 21 has teeth 22 that act as claws. These teeth 22 anchor the joint plate 21 in the wood of the limb 11.

[0033] The second joint plate 24 is also preferably made of hardened spring steel. It has teeth 25 with which it is fastened in the wood of link 12.

[0034] As shown in Fig. 3, the joint plates 21, 24 each have a central bore 26, 27. These bores 26, 27 are aligned with the corresponding bores 28, 29 in the links 11, 12 for the rivet bolt 30.

[0035] The first hinge plate 21 is shown in side view in Fig. 4a, in top view in Fig. 4b, and in perspective view in Fig. 4c. The first hinge plate 21 has a central section 31 to which two spring tongues 32, 34 are attached. Each of the two spring tongues 32, 34 has a detent section 36, 46. The detent sections 36, 46 are designed as a raised section in the shape of a truncated pyramid. The truncated pyramid 36 and the truncated pyramid 46 have a top surface 35 and a top surface 45, respectively. From the top surfaces 35, 45, an elongated ramp 40, 50 extends down to the central section 31 of the hinge plate 21. By means of the teeth 22 the joint plate 21 is anchored in the wood of the link 11 in such a way that the two spring tongues 32 , 34 lie on both sides of the rivet bolt 30 shown in Fig. 3 on the longitudinal axis 13 of link 11.

[0036] The truncated pyramid 36 and the truncated pyramid 46 rise from the spring tongue 32 and 34, respectively, with their inclined side surfaces 37, 38, 39 and 47, 48, 49. In the unloaded state, the spring tongues 32, 34 project obliquely upwards relative to the plane 52 of the hinge plate 21. The spring tongues 32, 34 can perform a spring movement as indicated by the double arrows 54, 56.

[0037] Fig. 5a shows the second hinge plate 24 in a side view, Fig. 5b in a top view, and Fig. 5c in a perspective view. The second hinge plate 24 has a first, second, third, and fourth detent section 62, 64, 66, and 68. The four detent sections 62 to 68 are The joint plate 24 is arranged symmetrically on a circular path 70 around the central bore 27 in the joint plate 24. The joint plate 21 is anchored in the wood of the link 12 by means of the teeth 25 such that, as shown in Fig. 3, the first and third locking sections 62, 66 lie on both sides of the rivet bolt 30 on the longitudinal axis 17 of link 12.

[0038] The first and third locking sections 62, 66 are thus arranged centrally on the link 12 of the folding rule. In contrast, the second and fourth locking sections 64, 68 each point towards a longitudinal edge of the link 12: With respect to the axis of rotation 16 of the joint 14, the second and fourth locking sections 64, 68 are arranged at a right angle to the first and fourth locking sections 64, 68 on the circular path 70 around the bore 27 of the joint plate 24. The first and third locking sections 62, 68 are formed as truncated pyramid-shaped recesses, complementary to the protrusions of the truncated pyramids 36, 46 of the first joint plate 21. Each recess has a bottom surface 61, 63, towards which inclined side surfaces 65, 67 slope downwards. The resting sections 64 and 68 are designed as recesses or cutouts in the circumferential area 69 of the base plate. This recess can be produced, for example, by punching with a punching tool.

[0039] The detent sections 62, 64, 66, 68 are complementary detent sections to the detent sections 36, 46 formed on the two spring tongues 32, 34 of the first joint plate 21: The top surface of the truncated pyramids 36, 46 is pressed against the surface of the second joint plate 24 by the action of a spring force of the spring tongues 32, 34 of the first joint plate 21. When the joint connection 14 is adjusted about the axis of rotation 16, the top surfaces 35, 45 of the truncated pyramids 36, 46 are moved along the circular path 70 over the surface 72 of the second joint plate 24. When the truncated pyramidal detent sections 36, 46 formed on the spring tongues 32, 34 of the first joint plate 21 are located on the detent sections 62 or 68 or 64 or 66 of the second joint plate 24, the detent sections 36, 46 of the first joint plate 21 engage with the detent sections 62 and 66 or with the detent sections 64 and 68 of the second joint plate 24.By engaging the locking sections 32 and 46 of the first joint plate 21 with the locking sections 62 and 66 of the second joint plate 24, the joint assembly 14 is locked in a folded or unfolded position of the links 11, 12 of the folding rule. When the locking sections 64 and 68 of the second joint plate 24 engage with the locking sections 36 and 46 of the first joint plate 21, the joint connection 14 locks in a position in which the links 11, 12 of the folding rule are pivoted relative to each other by an angle θ = ±90°.

[0040] Fig. 6 shows a section of the joint connection 14 in an unfolded position of the links. The 11, 12. Both ends of the rivet bolt 30 are received in a recess 71, 72. The pyramidal truncated section 36 formed on the spring tongue 32 of the joint plate 21 engages here without play with the complementary detent section 62, which is designed as a recess, on the joint plate 24. The same applies to the pyramidal truncated section 46 on the spring tongue 34 of the joint plate 21 and the complementary detent section 66 on the joint plate 24. This achieves a precise detent of the joint connection.

[0041] The joint plate 21 is recessed in the link 11, the joint plate 24 in the link 12. A [missing information] is provided for this purpose on the link 11. A recess 75 is formed for the joint plate 21. Correspondingly, there is a recess 76 on the link 12 for the joint plate 24. In the recess 75, there is additionally a first and a second trough-shaped recess 77, 78. The recess 76 on the link 12 has two corresponding trough-shaped, recessed recesses 79, 80.

[0042] Between the first trough-shaped recess 77 and the second trough-shaped recess 78, the link 11 has a web section 81 in the area of ​​the joint connection 14. Similarly, a web section 82 is formed on the link 12 between the first trough-shaped recess 79 and the second trough-shaped recess 80. These web sections 81, 82 ensure good stability of the joint connection 14 in the area of ​​the rivet bolt 30, despite the weakening of the material of the links 11, 12 due to the trough-shaped recesses 77, 78 and 79, 80.

[0043] Fig. 7 shows a section of the joint connection 14 along line VII-VII from Fig. 6. The trough-like recesses 77, 78 receive the spring tongues 32, 34 with the detent sections 36, 46 formed thereon, when the link 11 is pivoted to the link 12 in the joint connection 14 from a folded or an unfolded position. The recessed detent sections 62 and 66 of the second joint plate 24 are recessed in the trough-like recesses 79, 80. The joint connection 14 thus enables a flat contact between the links 11 and 12.

[0044] The inclined side surfaces 38, 39 of the locking section 36 of the joint plate 21 and the complementary shape of locking section 62 of the second joint plate 24 ensure, on the one hand, the smooth engagement and disengagement of the joint connection 14 when pivoting the links 11, 12 and, on the other hand, that the joint connection is moved into the locking position by means of spring force from a certain opening position of the links 11, 12.

[0045] In Fig. 8, the joint connection 14 is shown in an angled 90° pivot position. Here, the locking sections 36, 46 of the joint plate interact with the locking sections 64, 68 of the second joint plate, which are formed as recesses in the edge region.

[0046] Fig. 9 shows a section of the joint connection 14 from Fig. 8 along line IX-IX. The spring tongue 34 of the first joint plate 21 engages with the section of the cover surface 45 of the pyramidal locking section 46 in the recess 64 of the second joint plate 24. The spring tongue 34 with the pyramidal locking section 46 is thereby received in the trough-like recess 78 in the link 11. The inclined side surfaces 48, 49 of the locking section 46 again enable smooth engagement and disengagement from the locking position. Furthermore, the inclined side surfaces 48, 49 of the locking section 46 again ensure that the joint connection is moved into the locking position by the force of the spring tongues 32, 34 when the links 11, 12 are at an angle to each other that deviates only slightly from a right angle.

[0047] Since the locking section 46 only interacts with the section of the cover surface 45 with the recess 64 on the second joint plate 24, the locking of locking section 46 of the second joint plate 24 in the locking section 64 is less strong than the locking in the locking section 62. The same applies to the locking of locking section 36 with the recess 68, which acts as a fourth complementary locking section in the second joint plate 24. This results in the joint connection 14 locking relatively strongly when the links 11, 12 are unfolded and folded, but only weakly in the angled 90° pivot positions.

[0048] Fig. 10 shows an alternative embodiment 85 for the second joint plate of the joint connection 14. Here, second and fourth complementary detent sections 86, 87 are provided, which are designed as a trough or channel 88, 89 with square edges. Otherwise, the alternative embodiment 85 for the second joint plate 24 corresponds to that shown in Figs. 5a, b and c.

[0049] Fig. 11 shows an enlarged section of the hinge plate 85 along line XI-XI from Fig. 10. The tray 89 has a flat bottom surface and sloping side surfaces 90, 91. The shape of the tray or channel 89 corresponds to the contour of the section of the locking sections 36, 46 on spring tongues 32, 34 of the first hinge plate 21 in the area of ​​the top surface 35, 45 of the truncated pyramidal elevation.

[0050] Below are further possible geometry The second and fourth complementary locking sections in an alternative embodiment for the second joint plate of the joint connection are explained by reference to sections corresponding to the section shown in Fig. 11.

[0051] Fig. 12a shows a resting section 92 in the form of a round trough or channel with a curved bottom surface 93. Fig. 12b shows a resting section 94 in the form of a round trough, in whose bottom surface 95 an opening 96 is formed. The resting section 97 shown in Fig. 12c has inclined side surfaces 98 which are open to form an opening 99.

[0052] The width b and the length l of the locking sections 86, 87, 92, 94, 97 are each adapted to the dimensions of the pyramid-shaped locking sections 36, 46 on the first joint plate. The geometric shape of the locking sections, including their depth, influences the strength of the locking of the joint connection when the links of the folding rule are in a correspondingly angled position.

[0053] The locking sections of the second joint plate 24 from Fig. 5a to c and in the alternative embodiments explained with reference to Fig. 10, Fig. 11 and Fig. 12a, b and c can be produced, for example, by stamping and deep drawing a plate made of spring steel.

[0054] Fig. 12d shows a square chamfer or notch 101 as a detent section 100 in an alternative embodiment for the second joint plate. Fig. 12e shows a detent section 102 designed as a notch in the form of a round chamfer 103. The depth of the respective chamfer can be, for example, 0.2 mm. Here, too, the width b and length l of the chamfers 101, 103 correspond to the size of the pyramid-shaped detent sections 36, 34 on the second joint plate.

[0055] In summary, the following can be stated: The invention relates to a folding ruler 10 with elongated flat links 11, 12, which are connected in pairs by hinges. The folding ruler has a hinge connection 14 with a pivot axis 16. The hinge connection 14 has a first hinge plate 21, which is fixed to a first link 11. It comprises a second hinge plate 24, which is attached to a second link 12. On the first joint plate 21, a spring tongue 32, 34 with a detent section 36, 46 is formed, which interacts with a first complementary detent section 62, 66 and with a second complementary detent section 64, 68 on the second joint plate 24 to detent the joint connection 14 in one setting and in a second setting different from the first setting by means of spring force when the first link 11 is pivoted relative to the second link 12 about the axis of rotation 16.When the first link 11 pivots relative to the second link 12, the locking section 36, 46 formed on the spring tongue 32, 34 of the first hinge plate 21 engages with the second complementary locking section 64, 68 on the second hinge plate 24 in an angled position between a folded and an unfolded position of the links 11, 12. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0056] This list of documents cited by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. The list does not form part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0057] - DE 2037063 A

[0002]

Claims

[1] Folding rule with elongated flat segments (11 , 12 ) which are connected in pairs by hinges, in which a joint connection (14) with a pivot axis (16) comprises a first joint plate (21) which is fixed to a first member (11) and a second joint plate (24) which is attached to a second member (12), wherein a spring tongue (32, 34) with a detent section (36, 46) is formed on the first joint plate (21), which interacts with a first complementary detent section (62, 66) and with a second complementary detent section (64, 68) on the second joint plate (24) to detent the joint connection (14) in a first setting and in a second setting different from the first setting by means of spring force when the first member (11) is pivoted relative to the second member (12) about the axis of rotation (16), characterized in that When the first link (11) pivots relative to the second link (12), the detent section (36, 46) formed on the spring tongue (32, 34) of the first joint plate (21) engages with the second complementary detent section (64, 68) on the second joint plate (24) to lock the joint connection (14) between a folded and an unfolded position of the links (11, 12) in an angled position. [2] Folding rule according to claim 1, characterized in that the second complementary locking section is a lateral recess (64 , 68 ) in the second hinge plate (24 ). [3] Folding rule according to claim 2, characterized in that the lateral recess (64 , 68 ) is rectangular. [4] Folding rule according to claim 1, characterized in that the second complementary locking section is formed as a recess (88 , 89 ) in the second hinge plate (85 ). [5] Folding rule according to claim 4, characterized in that the recess (92 ) has a curved bottom surface (93 ). [6] Folding rule according to claim 4, characterized in that the recess (86 , 87 ) has a flat bottom surface (88 , 89 ). [7] Folding rule according to claim 4, characterized in that an opening is formed in the recess (96 , 99 ). [8] Folding rule according to claim 2, characterized in that the second complementary locking section is a round (103 ) or a square (101 ) chamfer in the second joint plate. [9] Folding rule according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the locking section (36 , 46 ) on the spring tongue (32 , 34 ) is a protrusion. [10] Folding rule according to claim 9, characterized in that the locking section on the spring tongue (32 , 34 ) is designed as a truncated pyramid (36 , 46 ) which has an elongated oblique flank (40 , 50 ) pointing towards the axis of rotation (16 ) of the joint connection (14 ). [11] Folding rule according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the first complementary locking section in the second hinge plate (24) is formed as a recess (62 , 66 ). [12] Folding rule according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that a trough-like recess (77, 78) is provided in the first link (11) into which the spring tongue (32, 34) with the detent section (36, 46) can immerse when the joint connection (14) is adjusted. [13] Folding rule according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that a trough-like recess (79 , 80 ) is provided in the second member (12 ) which receives a locking section (62 , 66 ) of the second joint plate (24 ). [14] Folding rule according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the first link (11 ) has a recess (75 ) for the first joint plate (21 ) and / or the second link (12 ) has a recess (76 ) for the second joint plate (24 ). [15] Folding rule according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that a web section (5) is provided in the area of ​​a through hole for a rivet bolt (30) of the joint connection (14).