Locking structure, folding mechanism and folding chair

Abstract

To provide a folding mechanism and a folding chair having a simple and convenient structure, capable of flexibly switching between a rotation mode and a position restriction mode, and having a lock structure. [Solution] The locking structure includes a position limiting block 111 and a position limiting groove 112, and the horizontal projections of the position limiting block and the position limiting groove form a matching polygon or ellipse. When the position limiting block and the position limiting groove are in the correct position, the position limiting block is inserted into the position limiting groove and cooperates with the position limiting groove to realize circumferential position limiting. When the position limiting block disengages from the position limiting groove, the position limiting block and the position limiting groove can rotate relative to each other.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of outdoor sports products, and more particularly to locking structures, folding mechanisms and folding chairs. [Background technology]

[0002] Nowadays, with the improvement of people's living standards, outdoor sports are more and more popular. When people participate in outdoor sports, in order to have a better experience, they generally need to carry some outdoor equipment with them, and folding chairs are undoubtedly an essential item among these outdoor equipment.

[0003] On the market, there are common folding chairs that are mainly assembled using two horizontal rod structures and multiple support rods that can be inserted into the horizontal rod structures. However, currently, the two horizontal rod structures in such products are either fixed to each other or can always rotate freely relative to each other. The former makes it very difficult to remove when folding, and the latter lacks stability, posing a safety risk when used. Summary of the Invention

[0004] An object of the present application is to provide a locking structure that can flexibly switch between a rotation mode and a position limit mode.

[0005] Another object of the present application is to provide a folding mechanism that is convenient and quick to operate, stable when unfolded, and smooth when stored.

[0006] It is yet another object of the present application to provide a folding chair that is highly stable, has excellent safety, and can be folded easily and conveniently by the user.

[0007] To achieve the above object, the technical means of the present application are as follows: the locking structure includes a position limiting block and a position limiting groove, the horizontal projections of the position limiting block and the position limiting groove form a congruent polygon or ellipse, when the position limiting block and the position limiting groove are in the correct position, the position limiting block is inserted into the position limiting groove and cooperates with the position limiting groove to achieve circumferential position limiting, and when the position limiting block disengages from the position limiting groove, the position limiting block and the position limiting groove are rotatable relative to each other.

[0008] According to the present application, there is further provided a folding mechanism including the above-mentioned locking structure and a rotation structure, the rotation structure including a fixed base and a movable block, the position limiting block and the movable block are attached to the fixed base, the movable block is rotatable along a circumferential direction, the position limiting groove is formed in the movable block, when the position limiting block is positioned in the position limiting groove, the position limiting block cooperates with the position limiting groove to limit relative rotation between the movable block and the fixed base, and when the position limiting block is released from the position limiting groove, the movable block is rotatable relative to the fixed base and the position limiting block.

[0009] More preferably, the locking structure further includes an elastic member provided between the fixed base and the position limiting block, and when the position limiting block and the position limiting groove are in the correct position, the elastic member can drive the position limiting block to move upward so that the position limiting block enters the position limiting groove under the action of the elastic member, and the lower end of the elastic member is fixedly connected to the fixed base and the upper end is fixedly connected to the position limiting block, and the position limiting block can move downward under the action of an external force to compress the elastic member and release from the position limiting groove.

[0010] More preferably, the rotation structure further includes two fixed connection blocks attached to the fixed base and two rotary connection blocks attached to the movable block, and when the movable block rotates to combine the fixed connection block and the rotary connection block to form an X-shaped deployment dead center shape, the position limiting block and the position limiting groove are in the correct position, and when the movable block rotates to combine the fixed connection block and the rotary connection block to form a linear storage dead center shape, the position limiting block and the position limiting groove are in the correct position.

[0011] More preferably, the fixed base includes a base portion having a vertical protrusion formed on its outer edge and extending upward, and the movable block includes an insertion portion having a horizontal protrusion formed on its outer wall and extending outward, the insertion portion being rotatably attached to the base portion, and when rotated relative to the base portion, the horizontal protrusion moves closer to or further away from the vertical protrusion.

[0012] More preferably, when the horizontal protrusion and the vertical protrusion abut, the horizontal protrusion and the vertical protrusion cooperate to restrict the relative rotation between the base portion and the insertion portion, and at this time, the folding mechanism is in the deployment dead center form or the storage dead center form, and the position limiting block and the position limiting groove are in the correct position.

[0013] More preferably, the base portion is provided with two vertical protrusions, each of which is provided with a fixed connection block; the insertion portion is provided with two horizontal protrusions, each of which is provided with a rotary connection block; when in the deployed dead center configuration, the two fixed connection blocks are provided at the front and rear ends of the base portion, respectively, and the two rotary connection blocks are provided at the left and right ends of the base portion, thereby forming an X-shaped structure; and when in the retracted dead center configuration, the two fixed connection blocks are provided at the front and rear ends of the base portion, respectively, and the two rotary connection blocks are provided at the front and rear ends of the base portion, respectively, thereby forming a line-shaped structure.

[0014] More preferably, the base portion is provided with a recessed groove, and the horizontal projection of the recessed groove and the insertion portion forms a coinciding perfect circle, and the lower end of the insertion portion can be inserted into the recessed groove to achieve a rotatable connection with the base portion.

[0015] More preferably, the rotating structure further includes a cover plate fixedly attached to the upper end of the fixed base, and the position limiting block has an upper end provided with a button protruding from the cover plate and a lower end provided with an accommodating protrusion into which an elastic member is inserted.

[0016] According to the present application, there is further provided a folding chair comprising the above-mentioned folding mechanism, a support mechanism and a seat, wherein the support mechanism is removably attached to the fixed connection block and the rotating connection block of the folding mechanism, and the seat is attached to the support mechanism.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0018] The locking structure of the present application includes a position limiting block and a position limiting groove. The horizontal projections of the position limiting block and the position limiting groove form a matching polygon or ellipse. Therefore, when the position limiting block is placed in the position limiting groove, the two can cooperate with each other to achieve circumferential position restriction. When the position limiting block is released from the position limiting groove, the position restriction is released. The two can rotate flexibly and smoothly relative to each other. This has the advantages of a simple and convenient structure, fast and effective use, and the ability to flexibly switch between rotation mode and position limiting mode. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a folding chair according to the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a partial structure of the folding mechanism and the support mechanism of the present application. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the folding mechanism of the present application. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the folding mechanism of the present application. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the folding mechanism of the present application in another state. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the folding mechanism of the present application in the deployed dead center configuration. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the folding mechanism of the present application in a dead center storage configuration. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] The present application will be further described below with reference to specific embodiments. It should be noted that, provided there is no contradiction, the embodiments or technical features described below can be arbitrarily combined to form new embodiments.

[0021] In the description of the present application, it should be explained that, with regard to orientation terms, the orientations and positional relationships indicated by the terms "center," "lateral," "longitudinal," "length," "width," "thickness," "up," "down," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inside," "outside," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," etc. are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the drawings, and are merely intended to facilitate and simplify the description of the present application, and do not indicate or suggest that the devices or components shown must have a specific orientation, be configured and operate in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be understood to limit the specific protection scope of the present application.

[0022] It should be understood that the terms "first," "second," etc. in the specification and claims of this application are intended to distinguish between similar objects and not necessarily to describe a particular order or priority.

[0023] The terms "comprises" and "having" and any variations thereof in the specification and claims of this application are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, for example, a process, method, system, product or apparatus comprising a series of steps or units is not limited to the steps or units expressly stated, but may include other steps or units that are not expressly stated or inherent to those processes, methods, products or apparatus.

[0024] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 7, the preferred embodiment of the present invention is as follows.

[0025] The locking structure 11 includes a position limiting block 111 and a position limiting groove 112. The horizontal projections of the position limiting block 111 and the position limiting groove 112 form a matching square. When the position limiting block 111 and the position limiting groove 112 are in the correct position, the position limiting block 111 is inserted into the position limiting groove 112 and cooperates with the position limiting groove 112 to realize circumferential position limiting. When the position limiting block 111 is disengaged from the position limiting groove 112, the position limiting block 111 and the position limiting groove 112 can rotate relative to each other.

[0026] The locking structure 11 of the present application includes a position limiting block 111 and a position limiting groove 112, and the position limiting block 111 and the position limiting groove 112 form a coincident square when projected horizontally. Therefore, the position limiting block 111 can enter the position limiting groove 112 only when they are in the correct position. After the position limiting block 111 enters the position limiting groove 112, the position limiting block 111 and the position limiting groove 112 achieve circumferential position restriction. The above structure is simple, effective, convenient, and fast, and allows flexibly switching between rotation mode and position limiting mode by moving the position limiting block 111.

[0027] In this embodiment, the position limiting groove 112 and the position limiting block 111 have a square structure, but in other embodiments, polygonal shapes such as rectangles, triangles, trapezoids, and ellipses may be used.

[0028] Based on this, according to the present application, there is further provided a folding mechanism 1, as shown in Figures 2 to 7, which includes the above-mentioned locking structure 11 and a rotating structure 12, wherein the rotating structure 12 includes a fixed base 121 and a movable block 122, wherein the position limiting block 111 and the movable block 122 are attached to the fixed base 121, and the movable block 122 is rotatable along the circumferential direction, and wherein a position limiting groove 112 is formed in the movable block 122, and when the position limiting block 111 is disposed in the position limiting groove 112, the position limiting block 111 cooperates with the position limiting groove 112 to limit the relative rotation between the movable block 122 and the fixed base 121, and when the position limiting block 111 is released from the position limiting groove 112, the movable block 122 is rotatable relative to the fixed base 121 and the position limiting block 111. The locking structure 11 allows the user to flexibly control whether rotation is possible between the fixed base 121 and the position limiting block 111, and stably control whether the rotating structure 12 is foldable. Furthermore, when the rotating structure 12 is in an unfoldable state, the position limiting block 111 and the position limiting groove 112 cooperate to effectively increase stability, and when the rotating structure 12 is in a foldable state, folding is smooth and flexible.

[0029] 3 to 5, in this embodiment, the locking structure 11 further includes an elastic member 113 disposed between the fixed base 121 and the position limiting block 111. When the position limiting block 111 and the position limiting groove 112 are in the correct position, the elastic member 113 can drive the position limiting block 111 to move upward so that the position limiting block 111 can enter the position limiting groove 112 under the action of the elastic member 113. The elastic member 113 has a lower end fixedly connected to the fixed base 121 and an upper end fixedly connected to the position limiting block 111. When an external force is applied, the position limiting block 111 can move downward to compress the elastic member 113 and disengage from the position limiting groove 112. The above structure is simple and stable, and can effectively realize the automatic insertion function of the position limiting block 111. When the position limiting block 111 and the position limiting groove 112 are in the correct position, the position limiting block 111 is automatically inserted into the position limiting groove 112 under the action of the elastic member 113, thereby realizing circumferential position restriction. The elastic member 113 has a lower end fixedly connected to the fixed base 121 and an upper end fixedly connected to the position limiting block 111. This connection method allows the position of the position limiting block 111 and the fixed base 121 to be restricted in the circumferential direction. Therefore, when the position limiting groove 112 rotates relative to the fixed base 121, it rotates synchronously with the position limiting block 111. After a certain angle of rotation, the position limiting block 111 and the position limiting groove 112 are again in the correct position, and the position limiting block 111 is automatically inserted into the position limiting groove 112.

[0030] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, in this embodiment, the rotating structure 12 further includes two fixed connection blocks 123 attached to the fixed base 121 and two rotary connection blocks 124 attached to the movable block 122. When the movable block 122 rotates to combine the fixed connection block 123 and the rotary connection block 124 to form an X-shaped deployment dead center shape, the position limiting block 111 and the position limiting groove 112 are in the correct position. When the movable block 122 rotates to combine the fixed connection block 123 and the rotary connection block 124 to form a straight-shaped storage dead center shape, the position limiting block 111 and the position limiting groove 112 are in the correct position. The fixed connection block 123 and the rotary connection block 124 can provide a carrier that is inserted into the external rod, and according to a pre-selected design, when the folding mechanism 1 is in the unfolded dead center form or the retracted dead center form, the position limiting block 111 and the position limiting groove 112 are both in the correct position, so that the position limiting block 111 is automatically inserted into the position limiting groove 112 under the action of the elastic member 113, thereby stably and reliably holding the folding mechanism 1 in its current form. In addition, the X-shaped unfolded dead center form can provide stable and reliable support, while the straight-shaped retracted dead center form has a compact structure and occupies a small space.

[0031] 3 to 7, in this embodiment, the fixed base 121 includes a base portion 1211 having a vertical protrusion 1212 extending upward from its outer edge, and the movable block 122 includes an insertion portion 1221 having a horizontal protrusion 1222 extending outward from its outer wall, the insertion portion 1221 being rotatably attached to the base portion 1211, and when the insertion portion 1221 rotates relative to the base portion 1211, the horizontal protrusion 1222 moves closer to or further away from the vertical protrusion 1212. The above structure is simple, compact, ingeniously designed, and highly stable.

[0032] 6 and 7, in this embodiment, when the horizontal protrusion 1222 and the vertical protrusion 1212 come into contact with each other, the horizontal protrusion 1222 and the vertical protrusion 1212 cooperate to restrict the relative rotation between the base 1211 and the insertion part 1221. At this time, the folding mechanism 1 is in the unfolded dead center mode or the retracted dead center mode, and the position limiting block 111 and the position limiting groove 112 are in the correct position. Therefore, when the folding mechanism 1 is in the unfolded dead center mode or the retracted dead center mode, the horizontal protrusion 1222 and the vertical protrusion 1212 come into exact contact with each other, which further restricts the relative rotation between the base 1211 and the insertion part 1221 and improves the stability of the overall structure.

[0033] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the base 1211 is provided with two vertical protrusions 1212, each of which is provided with a fixed connection block 123, and the insertion portion 1221 is provided with two horizontal protrusions 1222, each of which is provided with a rotary connection block 124. In the deployed dead center configuration, the two fixed connection blocks 123 are provided at the front and rear ends of the base 1211, respectively, and the two rotary connection blocks 124 are provided at the left and right ends of the base 1211, respectively, thereby forming an X-shaped structure. In the retracted dead center configuration, the two fixed connection blocks 123 are provided at the front and rear ends of the base 1211, respectively, and the two rotary connection blocks 124 are provided at the front and rear ends of the base 1211, respectively, thereby forming a line-shaped structure. This structure reliably forms an X-shaped deployed dead center configuration and a line-shaped retracted dead center configuration.

[0034] 3 to 5, the base 1211 is provided with a recessed groove 1213, and the recessed groove 1213 and the insertion portion 1221 form the same perfect circle when projected horizontally, and the lower end of the insertion portion 1221 can be inserted into the recessed groove 1213 to achieve a rotatable connection with the base 1211. The above structure achieves a rotatable connection between the base 1211 and the insertion portion 1221, and the overall structure is simple, making installation and removal extremely convenient.

[0035] 2 and 3, the rotating structure 12 further includes a cover plate 125 fixedly attached to the upper end of the fixed base 121. The upper end of the position limiting block 111 is provided with a button 114 protruding from the cover plate 125, and the lower end of the position limiting block 111 is provided with a receiving protrusion 115 into which the elastic member 113 is inserted. The cover plate 125 limits the vertical displacement of the movable block 122 and also protects the internal components. The button 114 protruding from the cover plate 125 allows the user to easily apply force to drive the position limiting block 111 downward, improving convenience for use. The receiving protrusion 115 effectively increases the connection stability between the elastic member 113 and the position limiting block 111.

[0036] According to the present application, there is further provided a folding chair, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, comprising the above-mentioned folding mechanism 1, support mechanism 2, and seat, wherein support mechanism 2 is detachably attached to fixed connection block 123 and rotary connection block 124 of folding mechanism 1, and seat attached to support mechanism 2. Support mechanism 2 is attached to fixed connection block 123 and rotary connection block 124, allowing folding mechanism 1 to stably realize the function of switching between rotation mode and position-limited mode. Furthermore, the use of a detachable connection method makes it easier to carry and transport. Note that the seat is made of an elastic material, and when in use, it is simply placed over support mechanism 2 and connected to the support structure; its structure and usage are both conventional, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0037] The above has described the basic principles, main features, and advantages of the present application. Those skilled in the art should understand that the present application is not limited to the above embodiments, and that what has been described in the above embodiments and the specification merely exemplifies the principles of the present application. The present application may include various modifications and improvements without departing from the spirit and scope of the present application, and all such modifications and improvements are within the scope of the present application as claimed. The scope of protection claimed by the present application is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0038] 1 Folding mechanism 11 Locking Structure 111 Position Restriction Block 112 Position limiting groove 113 Elastic member 114 Buttons 115 Storage protrusion 12 Rotating structure 121 Fixed base 1211 Base 1212 Vertical protrusion 1213 Groove 122 Movable Block 1221 Insertion part 1222 Horizontal protrusion 123 Fixed Connection Block 124 Rotating Connection Block 125 Lid plate 2 Support mechanism

Claims

1. a position limiting block and a position limiting groove; The horizontal projections of the position limiting block and the position limiting groove form a matching polygon or ellipse; When the position limiting block and the position limiting groove are in the correct position, the position limiting block is inserted into the position limiting groove and cooperates with the position limiting groove to realize circumferential position limiting, and when the position limiting block is disengaged from the position limiting groove, the position limiting block and the position limiting groove are relatively rotatable. A locking structure characterized by:

2. A locking mechanism according to claim 1 and a rotating mechanism, The rotating structure includes a fixed base and a movable block; the position limiting block and the movable block are attached to the fixed base, the movable block is rotatable in a circumferential direction, and the position limiting groove is formed in the movable block; When the position limiting block is disposed in the position limiting groove, the position limiting block cooperates with the position limiting groove to limit relative rotation between the movable block and the fixed base, and when the position limiting block is released from the position limiting groove, the movable block is rotatable relative to the fixed base and the position limiting block. A folding mechanism characterized by:

3. the locking structure further includes an elastic member provided between the fixed base and the position limiting block; the elastic member is capable of driving the position limiting block to move upward so that the position limiting block enters the position limiting groove under the action of the elastic member when the position limiting block and the position limiting groove are in the correct position; The elastic member has a lower end fixedly connected to the fixed base and an upper end fixedly connected to the position limiting block, and the position limiting block is movable downward under the action of an external force to compress the elastic member and release it from the position limiting groove.

3. The folding mechanism according to claim 2.

4. the rotating structure further includes two fixed connection blocks attached to the fixed base and two rotary connection blocks attached to the movable block; When the fixed connection block and the rotary connection block are combined to form an X-shaped deployment dead center shape by rotating the movable block, the position limiting block and the position limiting groove are in the correct position, and when the fixed connection block and the rotary connection block are combined to form a linear storage dead center shape by rotating the movable block, the position limiting block and the position limiting groove are in the correct position.

3. The folding mechanism according to claim 2.

5. the fixed base includes a base portion having a vertical protrusion formed on an outer edge thereof and extending upward; The movable block includes an insertion portion on an outer wall of which is provided a horizontal protrusion extending outward, The insertion portion is rotatably attached to the base portion, and when the insertion portion rotates relative to the base portion, the horizontal protrusion moves closer to or further away from the vertical protrusion.

3. The folding mechanism according to claim 2.

6. When the horizontal protrusion and the vertical protrusion come into contact with each other, the horizontal protrusion and the vertical protrusion cooperate to restrict the relative rotation between the base part and the insertion part, and at this time, the folding mechanism is in the unfolded dead center form or the stored dead center form, and the position limiting block and the position limiting groove are in the correct position.

6. The folding mechanism according to claim 5, wherein the folding mechanism comprises:

7. the base portion is provided with two vertical protrusions, each of which is provided with a fixed connection block; the insertion portion is provided with two horizontal protrusions, each of which is provided with a rotary connection block; When in the deployment dead center configuration, two of the fixed connection blocks are respectively provided at the front end and the rear end of the base, and two of the rotary connection blocks are respectively provided at the left end and the right end of the base, thereby forming an X-shaped structure; When in the storage dead center configuration, two of the fixed connection blocks are provided at the front end and the rear end of the base part, respectively, and two of the rotary connection blocks are provided at the front end and the rear end of the base part, respectively, to form a straight line structure.

7. The folding mechanism of claim 6.

8. A recessed groove is provided in the base portion, and the recessed groove and the insertion portion are formed into a perfect circle when projected horizontally, and a lower end of the insertion portion can be inserted into the recess to achieve a rotatable connection with the base portion; 6. The folding mechanism according to claim 5, wherein the folding mechanism comprises:

9. the rotating structure further includes a cover plate fixedly attached to an upper end of the fixed base; The position limiting block has an upper end provided with a button protruding from the cover plate, and a lower end provided with an accommodating protrusion into which an elastic member is inserted.

3. The folding mechanism according to claim 2.

10. A folding mechanism, a support mechanism, and a seat according to any one of claims 2 to 9, the support mechanism is removably attached to a fixed connection block and a rotary connection block of the folding mechanism; The seat is attached to the support mechanism. A folding chair characterized by:

Images