Folding ruler

Abstract

Positioning assembly comprising a first elastic piece (26) and a second elastic piece (25), wherein the first elastic piece (26) and the second elastic piece (25) are both provided with a plurality of fastening claws and a plurality of elliptical balls (29), and wherein the extension direction of the elliptical balls (29) on the first elastic piece (26) is in the opposite direction to the extension direction of the fastening claws, while the extension direction of the elliptical balls (29) on the second elastic piece (25) is the same as the extension direction of the fastening claws.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of folding rulers, in particular a folding ruler. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] A folding rule is a traditional measuring instrument, usually made of wood and featuring a scaled surface. Foldable, easy to transport and store, it is widely used in mechanical engineering, carpentry, construction, and other industries. It has a long history that reflects human wisdom and innovation in the field of precise measurement.

[0003] However, in practice, the folding ruler still has the following drawbacks: like existing folding rulers, it is not convenient to lock it at a specific angle, for example, 90°, during the folding process. Furthermore, the folded state is often unstable. When measuring, the length of the folding ruler cannot be quickly adjusted to different situations; operation is cumbersome and inefficient. When carrying, the loose folding ruler can easily be shaken and bumped, which not only takes up more space but can also lead to wear and tear on the ruler and blurred scales. When stored, the irregular shape of the folding ruler can easily become entangled with other tools, making organization difficult, and the ruler's lifespan can be shortened in the long run due to parts coming loose.

[0004] These problems need to be solved. CONTENT OF THE PRESENT APPLICATION

[0005] The purpose of the present application is to overcome the disadvantages in the prior art by developing a folding ruler that can be attached and firmly connected in the unfolded state by 90°.

[0006] To solve the above technical problems, the present application uses the following technical solutions: a positioning assembly comprising a first elastic piece and a second elastic piece, wherein the first elastic piece and the second elastic piece are both provided with a plurality of fastening claws and a plurality of elliptical balls, and wherein the extension direction of the elliptical balls on the first elastic piece is in the opposite direction to the extension direction of the fastening claws, while the extension direction of the elliptical balls on the second elastic piece is the same as the extension direction of the fastening claws.

[0007] Furthermore, the elliptical spheres have hollow, elliptical structures with a long axis and a short axis, and wherein four elliptical spheres are provided on the first elastic piece and the second elastic piece, respectively.

[0008] Furthermore, the four elliptical spheres on the first elastic piece and the second elastic piece are arranged in accordance with each other, so that a protruding side of the four elliptical spheres on the first elastic piece can interact with a recessed side of the four elliptical spheres on the second elastic piece.

[0009] Another aspect of the present application provides a folding rule comprising a plurality of measuring rulers, wherein two adjacent measuring rulers are articulated to each other by means of the above positioning assembly, wherein the two adjacent measuring rulers are fixedly provided with the first elastic piece and the second elastic piece, respectively.

[0010] Furthermore, the first elastic piece and the second elastic piece are each provided with a positioning hole in the middle, with a positioning shaft passing through the positioning hole and extending a limiting block at both ends.

[0011] Furthermore, the outer diameter of the positioning shaft is smaller than the outer diameter of the limiting block.

[0012] Furthermore, the limiting block and the corresponding first or second elastic piece are each attached to both sides of the measuring ruler. The measuring ruler is also provided with an elliptical ball groove for receiving the first or second elastic piece.

[0013] The advantageous effect of using the above solution is that the limiting block is connected to a connecting plate and positioned in the limiting hole of the second measuring ruler, so that when each measuring ruler is rotated relative to each other, the limiting block is rotated in the limiting hole to ensure that the folding and unfolding process is smooth and controllable.

[0014] Furthermore, a rotary knob is rotatably connected to the rotary block, wherein a screw is connected to an underside of the rotary knob, and a movable block is screwed onto the screw.

[0015] The advantageous effect of using the above solution is that when the rotary knob on the rotary block turns, the lower screw turns and drives the threaded movable block to move up and down, and that adjusting the position of the movable block by the rotary knob can change the force on the clamping block to achieve adjustment of the looseness and tightness of the clamping block and improve fastening flexibility.

[0016] Furthermore, the clamping block is rotatably connected to the side of the underside of the rotating block facing the screw, wherein the movable block is provided on an inside of the clamping block, wherein a first measuring ruler is connected to a second snap block.

[0017] The advantageous effect of using the above solution is that the clamping block is rotatably connected to the underside of the rotating block near the screw, the movable block is located on the inside of the clamping block, and the movable block, when it moves, compresses or releases the clamping block, so that the clamping block rotates around the connection point and interacts with the first snap block or the second snap block to achieve snapping or separation and complete the fastening and unlocking.

[0018] Furthermore, a mounting plate is connected to the underside of the rotary block, and a limiting plate is connected to the second measuring ruler.

[0019] The advantageous effect of using the above solution is that the mounting plate on the underside of the rotary block interacts with the limiting plate of the second measuring ruler, and the limiting plate is embedded in the limiting groove of the mounting plate.

[0020] Furthermore, a limiting groove is provided on one side of the mounting plate facing the limiting plate, and the limiting plate is provided in the limiting groove.

[0021] The advantageous effect of using the above solution is that the limiting groove forms a constraint on the limiting plate when the rotating block is turned, thereby restricting the rotation of the rotating block and thus the rotation of the folding rule.

[0022] Compared to the prior art, the present application has the following advantages and positive effects: In the present application, the folding ruler achieves multi-part unfolding and unfolding by means of a folding assembly, wherein the first, second, and third measuring rulers are connected to one another by a connecting plate, and the elliptical sphere on the connecting plate is embedded in the spherical grooves of each of the ruler segments. Compared to conventional round positioning sphere structures, the elliptical sphere has an asymmetrical structure in a specific direction. When paired with the elliptical sphere recesses on the corresponding elastic piece, its long and short axes can provide more precise positioning guidance.Especially when locking at specific angles like 90°, the elliptical ball creates a more pronounced change in resistance and a noticeable click when rotated to the corresponding angle. This results in a more precise and stable locking action, preventing unexpected springback or loosening. Furthermore, compared to a spherical structure, the elliptical ball is less prone to free-rolling under load, effectively reducing positional loss due to wear and tear during long-term use. This increases the reliability of the folding position locking mechanism and improves the user experience.The folding fastening assembly is used to lock the folded state, to turn the rotary block on the first measuring ruler so that the clamping block on it and the first snap block of the third measuring ruler are clamped together, thus securing the folded ruler segments and preventing them from coming loose, and to unlock them by turning the rotary block in the opposite direction to release the clamping, so that flexible folding and unfolding of multiple segments can be achieved and the folded state is firm and not loose, making it easy to use and store. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of the structure of the wooden folding rule of the present application; Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of the structure of the folding rule of the wooden folding rule of the present invention; Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of the structure of the folding rule of the wooden folding rule of the present application in the unfolded state; Fig. Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of the folding structure of the wooden folding rule of the present application in its disassembled state; Fig. Figure 5 shows a schematic representation of the folding fastening assembly of the wooden folding rule of the present application; Fig. Figure 6 shows a schematic representation of the structure of the folding fastening assembly of the wooden folding rule of the present application in its disassembled state. Reference symbol list:

[0023] 1. Folding ruler; 2. Folding assembly; 21. First measuring ruler; 22. Second measuring ruler; 23. Third measuring ruler; 24. Elliptical ball groove; 25. Second elastic piece; 26. First elastic piece; 27. Limiting block; 28. Limiting hole; 29. ​​Elliptical ball; 3. Folding fastening assembly; 31. Swivel block; 32. Rotary knob; 33. Screw; 34. Movable block; 35. Clamping block; 36. First snap block; 37. Second snap block; 38. Mounting plate; 39. Limiting plate; 310. Limiting groove. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application are clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present application, and it is clear that the described embodiments represent only a part of the embodiments of the present application and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present application, all other embodiments that could be obtained by a person skilled in the art without inventive step fall within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0025] The present application provides a positioning assembly as described in Fig. Figure 4 shows a second elastic piece (female elastic piece) 26, wherein the second elastic piece 25 is provided with a plurality of fastening claws and a plurality of elliptical spheres, while the extension direction of the elliptical spheres on the second elastic piece 25 is the same as the extension direction of the fastening claws.

[0026] The present application also includes a folding ruler with the positioning assembly described above.

[0027] As in the Fig. As shown in Figures 1 to 5, the present application provides a folding ruler 1 comprising a folding assembly 2 and a folding fastening assembly 3. The folding assembly 2 comprises a plurality of measuring rulers: a first measuring ruler 21, a second measuring ruler 22, a third measuring ruler 23, and the like. Two adjacent measuring rulers are connected to each other by the positioning assembly described above, wherein a limiting block 27 pivotally fastens and connects the first measuring ruler, the second elastic piece 25, the first elastic piece 26, and the second measuring ruler, such that the two adjacent measuring rulers can only rotate relative to each other and cannot be detached from each other. As shown in Figures 1 to 5, the folding assembly 21 comprises a first measuring ruler 21, a second measuring ruler 22, a third measuring ruler 23, and the like. Two adjacent measuring rulers are connected to each other by the positioning assembly described above, wherein a limiting block 27 pivotally fastens and connects the first measuring ruler, the second elastic piece 25, the first elastic piece 26, and the second measuring ruler, such that the two adjacent measuring rulers can only rotate relative to each other and cannot be detached from each other. Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the first measuring ruler 21 and the second measuring ruler 22 are each provided with limiting holes 28 at corresponding positions, and the shaft of the limiting block 27 passes through the limiting holes 28, while in the middle it passes through the central holes of the first elastic piece 26 and the second elastic piece 25. The first measuring ruler 21 is provided with an elliptical ball groove 24 above it, the second elastic piece 25 is fastened in the elliptical ball groove 24 by means of four fastening claws, and an elliptical ball projection of the second elastic piece 25 rests against an elliptical ball recess in the elliptical ball groove 24. The first elastic piece 26 is fastened to the second measuring ruler by the four fastening claws. In addition, the folding rule located in the middle segment is provided at both ends with the positioning assembly described above. Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of the overall structure of the folding ruler in its partially unfolded state. In particular, the positioning assembly is made of metal.

[0028] As in the Fig. 1 and Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the folding rule further comprises a folding mounting assembly 3, which includes a pivot block 31 rotatably connected to the first measuring ruler 21, the pivot block 31 being provided with a clamping block 35 on a side of the pivot block 31 facing the third measuring ruler 23. A first snap block 36 is connected to a side of the third measuring ruler 23 facing the clamping block 35, and the clamping block 35 is provided on the first snap block 36, and the body of the folding rule 1 is folded and unfolded in several segments by the folding assembly 2.The folding fastening assembly 3 is used to lock the folded state, to turn the rotary block 31 on the first measuring ruler 21 so that the clamping block 35 on it and the first snap block 36 of the third measuring ruler 23 are clamped together, thus securing the folded ruler segments and preventing them from coming loose, and to unlock them by turning the rotary block 31 in the opposite direction to release the clamping, so that flexible folding and unfolding of several segments can be achieved and the folded state is firm and not loose, making it easy to use and store.

[0029] As in Fig. 1 and Fig. As shown in Figures 4 to 5, a rotary knob 32 is rotatably connected to the rotary block 31. A screw 33 is connected to the underside of the rotary knob 32, and a movable block 34 is screwed onto the screw 33. When the rotary knob 32 is turned on the rotary block 31, the screw 33 on the underside rotates and drives the threaded movable block 34 to move up and down. Adjusting the position of the movable block 34 by the rotary knob 32 can change the force on the clamping block 35, adjust the looseness and tightness of the clamping block 35, and improve the fastening flexibility. The clamping block 35 is rotatably attached to the underside of the rotary block 31 with one side facing the screw 33, and the movable block 34 is attached to the inside of the clamping block 35.The first measuring ruler 21 is connected to the second snap block 37, the clamping block 35 is rotatably connected to the underside of the rotating block 31 near the screw 33, the movable block 34 is located on the inside of the clamping block 35, the movable block 34 pushes or loosens the clamping block 35 when it is moved, so that the clamping block 35 is rotated about the connection point and interacts with the first snap block 36 or the second snap block 37 to achieve snapping or disconnecting and to complete the fastening and unlocking. A mounting plate 38 is connected to the underside of the rotary block 31, and a limiting plate 39 is connected to the second measuring ruler 22, and the mounting plate 38 on the underside of the rotary block 31 works together with the limiting plate 39 of the second measuring ruler 22, and the limiting plate 39 is embedded in the limiting groove 310 of the mounting plate 38.A limiting groove 310 is formed on the side of the mounting plate 38 facing the limiting plate 39, and the limiting plate 39 is provided in the limiting groove 310. When the rotary block 31 is rotated, the limiting groove 310 forms a restraint for the limiting plate 39, thereby restricting the rotation of the rotary block 31 and thus the rotation of the folding ruler 1. Operating principle:

[0030] As in Fig. 1 to Fig.As shown in Figure 5, the first measuring ruler 21 and the second measuring ruler 22 in the folding assembly 2 are connected by the positioning assembly, and the second measuring ruler 22 and the adjacent third measuring ruler 23 are connected by the positioning assembly. The projection of the elliptical ball on the first elastic piece 26 snaps into the recess of the corresponding elliptical ball of the second elastic piece 25, and the user causes the projection of the elliptical ball on the first elastic piece 26 to move out of the recess of the corresponding elliptical ball of the second elastic piece 25 by means of a torsional force, rotate it 90°, and then snap it into the recess of the next elliptical ball, securing the adjacent measuring ruler at 90° and rotating it further to 180°. In this way, the folding ruler is fully unfolded.Due to the asymmetrical shape of the elliptical sphere, the interaction between its longitudinal axis and the mating surface changes when rotated by a specific angle. This creates a more pronounced detent effect and increased resistance, resulting in more reliable angle fixation. Locking after folding is achieved by the folding fastening assembly 3, which rotates the rotary block 31 on the first measuring ruler 21. The lower clamping block 35 of this assembly can then engage with the first snap block 36 of the third measuring ruler 23 or with the second snap block 37 of the first measuring ruler 21.When the rotary knob 32 on the rotary block 31 is turned, the screw 33 on the underside drives the threaded movable block 34 to move up and down. The movable block 34 is located on the inside of the clamping block 35. As it moves, it either compresses or releases the clamping block 35, causing the clamping block 35 to rotate around the connection point. When compressed, the clamping block 35 expands outward and snaps into place with the snap block. When released, the clamping block 35 is reset and disengaged, completing the fastening and unlocking process. Furthermore, the mounting plate 38 on the underside of the rotary block 31 interacts with the limiting plate 39 of the second measuring ruler 22. The limiting plate 39 is embedded in the limiting groove 310 of the mounting plate 38.When the rotating block 31 is rotated, the limiting groove 310 forms a constraint for the limiting plate 39, and the interaction between the limiting groove 310 of the mounting plate 38 and the limiting plate 39 restricts the overall rotation of the folding rule 1 and ensures a solid structure in the stored state.

[0031] The above is only a better embodiment of the present application, not a limitation of the present application in other forms; technical personnel in the field may change or modify the above technical content to obtain other embodiments, which still fall within the scope of protection of the technical solutions of the present application.

Claims

[1] Positioning assembly comprising a first elastic piece (26) and a second elastic piece (25), wherein the first elastic piece (26) and the second elastic piece (25) are both provided with a plurality of fastening claws and a plurality of elliptical spheres (29), and wherein the extension direction of the elliptical spheres (29) on the first elastic piece (26) is in the opposite direction to the extension direction of the fastening claws, while the extension direction of the elliptical spheres (29) on the second elastic piece (25) is the same as the extension direction of the fastening claws. [2] Positioning assembly according to claim 1, characterized by , that the elliptical spheres (29) have hollow, elliptical structures with a long axis and a short axis, and wherein four elliptical spheres (29) are provided on the first elastic piece (26) and the second elastic piece (25), respectively. [3] Positioning assembly according to claim 2, characterized by , that the four elliptical spheres (29) on the first elastic piece (26) and the second elastic piece (25) are arranged in accordance with each other, so that a protruding side of the four elliptical spheres (29) on the first elastic piece (26) can interact with a recessed side of the four elliptical spheres (29) on the second elastic piece (25). [4] Folding ruler comprising a plurality of measuring rulers, wherein two adjacent measuring rulers are pivotally connected to each other by means of a positioning assembly according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by that the two adjacent measuring rulers are firmly fitted with the first elastic piece (26) and the second elastic piece (25), respectively. [5] Folding ruler according to claim 4, characterized by, that the first elastic piece (26) and the second elastic piece (25) are each provided with a positioning hole in the middle, wherein a positioning shaft passes through the positioning hole and extends a limiting block (27) at both ends. [6] Folding ruler according to claim 5, characterized by , that the outer diameter of the positioning shaft is smaller than the outer diameter of the limiting block (27). [7] Folding rule according to claim 5, characterized by , that the limiting block (27) and the corresponding first elastic piece (26) or second elastic piece (25) are each attached to both sides of the measuring ruler. [8] Folding rule according to claim 4, characterized by , that the measuring ruler is provided with an elliptical ball (24) for receiving the first elastic piece (26) or second elastic piece (25). [9] Folding ruler according to any one of claims 4 to 8, characterized by, that it further comprises a rotary block (31) wherein a rotary knob (32) is rotatably connected to the rotary block (31), wherein a screw (33) is connected to a bottom of the rotary knob (32), wherein a movable block is screwed onto the screw (33). [10] Folding ruler according to claim 9, characterized by , that it further comprises a clamping block (35), wherein the clamping block (35) is rotatably connected to the side of the underside of the rotating block (31) facing the screw (33), wherein the movable block (31) is provided on an inside of the clamping block (35).

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