Folding structure and fan

Abstract

This invention relates to a folding structure, including a base, a support rod, a locking element, and an operating element. The support rod is rotatably connected to the base and can rotate towards the base in a first direction to a folded position, and rotate away from the base in a second direction opposite to the first direction to an unfolded position. The locking element is disposed at the connection between the support rod and the base, and is used to limit the support rod in the first direction when it rotates to the unfolded position. The operating element is connected to the locking element and can operably drive the locking element to release the limiting position. The folding structure, after being unfolded by rotating the support rod to the unfolded position, can overcome the influence of gravity and remain stably in the unfolded state under the limiting position of the locking element. After releasing the limiting position of the locking element, the support rod can resume rotation in the first direction, and can be folded using gravity or other means. The folding of the folding structure does not depend on the magnitude of the opening and closing force exceeding a threshold of the holding force. Therefore, the folding structure maintains a more stable unfolded state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of fan technology, and in particular to a folding structure and a fan. Background Technology

[0002] A new type of folding fan has appeared on the market, capable of folding relative to its base. When unfolded, the fan functions normally, and when not in use, it can be folded relative to the base to enhance its portability and storage.

[0003] In traditional technology, such fans fold relative to their base via a flipping mechanism. This mechanism typically employs a rubber damping structure or a ball-bearing positioning structure to maintain the unfolded state. The holding force is designed with a threshold; when the opening / closing force exceeds this threshold, the holding force is overcome, causing the fan to fold. Clearly, the positioning of such fans in the unfolded state is not complete, and their stability is affected by the threshold value. Even when operating unfolded, the fan is at risk of folding if subjected to an external force exceeding the threshold. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a more stable folding structure and fan in the unfolded state to address the above-mentioned problems.

[0005] A folding structure, comprising:

[0006] Base;

[0007] The support rod is rotatably connected to the base and can rotate toward the base in a first direction to a folded position and away from the base in a second direction opposite to the first direction to an unfolded position.

[0008] A locking element, disposed at the connection between the support rod and the base, is used to limit the support rod in the first direction of rotation when the support rod is rotated to the unfolded position; and

[0009] An operating element connects to the engaging element and operably drives the engaging element to release the restriction on the support rod in the first steering direction.

[0010] The aforementioned folding structure, after being rotated to the unfolded position by the support rod, can overcome the influence of gravity or other external forces that could cause the support rod to rotate towards the base, and remain stably unfolded under the constraint of the locking mechanism. After the locking mechanism is released, the support rod regains its ability to rotate along the first direction, and can utilize external forces, including gravity, to rotate to the folding position, allowing the folding structure to fold easily and effortlessly. The folding of the structure does not rely on the opening and closing force exceeding a threshold force for maintaining the folding position; therefore, there is no designed threshold force. Consequently, under normal use, the folding structure maintains a more stable unfolded state.

[0011] In one embodiment, the engaging member is movably disposed on the base in a first direction and can block the rotation path of the support rod in the first direction by moving;

[0012] The operating element can operably drive the engaging element to move along the first direction.

[0013] In one embodiment, the engaging member has a rotating slide on one side in the first direction, the end of the support rod can abut against the rotating slide and slide along the rotating slide during rotation, and disengage from the engaging member in the first direction when rotated to the unfolded position.

[0014] In one embodiment, the folding structure further includes an elastic element that provides a driving force to the engaging member for moving the engaging member along the first direction and blocking the rotation path of the support rod.

[0015] In one embodiment, the elastic element is disposed at one end of the operating member in the first direction, and the other end of the operating member in the first direction has a button exposed to the base.

[0016] In one embodiment, the operating member has a spring post at one end where the elastic element is located, and the elastic element is a spring that is partially sleeved on the spring post.

[0017] In one embodiment, the engaging member, the operating member, and the spring post are integrally formed, the operating member and the spring post are connected along the first direction, and the engaging member is located on one side of the operating member in the first direction.

[0018] In one embodiment, the base includes a housing and a connector disposed within the housing, and the support rod is rotatably connected to the base via the connector;

[0019] The connector is configured with a movable slide extending along the first direction, and the engaging member is movably connected to the connector via the movable slide.

[0020] In one embodiment, the connector is provided with a groove extending along the first direction, and the engaging member is provided with a slider that engages with the groove and can slide along the groove.

[0021] In one embodiment, the end of the support rod that is rotatably connected to the base is provided with an abutting end face, and the engaging member is provided with a supporting end face. When the engaging member blocks the rotation path of the support rod in the first direction, the supporting end face abuts against the abutting end face.

[0022] In one embodiment, when the support rod is in the unfolded position, its longitudinal direction is inclined relative to the bottom surface of the base.

[0023] A fan comprising the aforementioned folding structure.

[0024] In one embodiment, the fan further includes a fan body, the air intake side of which is rotatably connected to the support rod.

[0025] In one embodiment, the fan body and / or the base are provided with a receiving groove for accommodating a support rod in a folded state. Attached Figure Description

[0026] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the fan structure in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the fan in its deployed state;

[0029] Figure 3 for Figure 2 The diagram shows an enlarged view of the fan at point A.

[0030] Figure 4 for Figure 1 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the fan in a folded state.

[0031] Figure 5 for Figure 4The diagram shown is an enlarged view of the fan at point B.

[0032] Figure 6 for Figure 1 The diagram shows a breakdown of the folding structure in the fan.

[0033] Figure 7 for Figure 6 A schematic diagram of part of the folded structure shown.

[0034] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 100, folding structure; 10, base; 11, housing; 111, upper housing; 113, lower housing; 1131, mounting post; 13, connector; 151, bolt; 153, nut; 17, cover shell; 30, support rod; 50, locking element; 51, slider; 70, operating element; 71, button; 73, spring post; 90, elastic element; 200, fan; 210, fan body; D, abutting end face; Z, supporting end face; S, rotating slide; K, opening; C, groove; H, shaft hole; Y, moving slide; L, nut groove; R, receiving groove. Detailed Implementation

[0035] To make the above-mentioned objects, features, and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, the present invention can be practiced in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0036] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, 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 this invention.

[0037] Furthermore, the term "and / or" is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, or B alone. Additionally, the character " / " in this document generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship. The terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this invention, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0038] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., 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, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0039] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0040] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. When an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0041] Please see Figures 1 to 3 One embodiment of the present invention provides a folding structure 100, including a base 10, a support rod 30, a locking member 50, and an operating member 70. The support rod 30 is rotatably connected to the base 10 and can rotate along a first direction toward the base 10 to a folding position (e.g., ...). Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the support rod 30 rotates away from the base 10 to the unfolded position along a second direction opposite to the first direction. A locking member 50 is disposed at the connection between the support rod 30 and the base 10, and is used to limit the support rod 30 in the first direction when it rotates to the unfolded position. An operating member 70 connects to the locking member 50 and operably drives the locking member 50 to release the limitation on the support rod 30 in the first direction.

[0042] In this embodiment, the support rod 30 of the folding structure 100 is used to mount the fan body 210, and together with the fan body 210, forms a fan 200 with a folding function. Understandably, in some other embodiments, the support of the folding structure 100 can also be used to connect other devices to form other devices with folding functions, such as connecting a light source to form a folding desk lamp, etc., which will not be elaborated further here.

[0043] The support rod 30 is rotatably connected to the base 10 at its first end in the longitudinal direction, and the second end is used to connect to devices such as the fan body 210. It can be understood that the orientation and separation of the support rod 30 from the base 10 refer to the overall orientation and separation, specifically the second end being closer to and farther from the base 10, while the first end rotatably connected to the base 10 naturally does not have the so-called closer to or farther away.

[0044] The folding structure 100 has an unfolded state and a folded state corresponding to the rotation of the support rod 30. The unfolding process involves the support rod 30 standing upright relative to the base 10 and reaching the unfolded position. The folding process involves the support rod 30 lowering towards the base 10 and reaching the folded position. In actual use, the folding structure 100 is placed on a table via the base 10. Therefore, under the influence of gravity, the support rod 30 tends to lower towards the base 10, that is, to rotate along the first direction. The locking member 50 limits the support rod 30 in the first direction, meaning that under the action of the locking member 50, the support rod 30 can no longer continue to rotate along the first direction, and therefore cannot rotate towards the base 10 to the folded position. The user can release this limit by operating the operating member 70.

[0045] The aforementioned folding structure 100, after being rotated to the unfolded position by the support rod 30, can overcome the influence of gravity or other external forces that could cause the support rod 30 to rotate toward the base 10, and remain stably in the unfolded state under the constraint of the locking member 50. After the locking member 50 is released, the support rod 30 regains its ability to rotate along the first direction, and can utilize external forces, including gravity, to rotate to the folding position, allowing the folding structure 100 to enter the folded state, achieving folding conveniently and without obstruction. Compared to traditional methods, the folding structure 100 does not rely on the opening and closing force exceeding a threshold of the holding force to achieve folding, thus eliminating the design threshold force. Therefore, under normal use, the folding structure 100 maintains the unfolded state more stably, and the limiting effect of the locking member 50 only applies in the unfolded state, without causing obstruction during unfolding and folding, making unfolding and folding easier. Furthermore, the folding structure 100 has a simple structure and a long folding lifespan.

[0046] Furthermore, the engaging member 50 can be along the first direction (corresponding to) Figure 2 The device is movable on the base 10 (vertical direction) and can be moved to block the rotation path of the support rod 30 in the first direction. The operating member 70 operably drives the engaging member 50 to move in the first direction.

[0047] When the engaging member 50 moves along the first direction into the rotation path of the support rod 30, it obstructs the rotation of the support rod 30, thus limiting the support rod 30 in the first direction of rotation. Understandably, the user can then drive the engaging member 50, connected to the operating member 70, to move it in the opposite direction to the obstruction, causing it to disengage from the rotation path of the support rod 30, thereby eliminating the obstruction and releasing the limitation on the support rod 30. The direction in which the engaging member 50 moves along the rotation path of the support rod 30 corresponds to... Figure 2 The upward direction, the direction in which the engaging member 50 retracts from the rotation path of the support rod 30, corresponds to... Figure 2 The direction downwards.

[0048] Based on this, when the support rod 30 is unfolded to the unfolded position, the locking member 50 moves along the first direction to limit the support rod 30, stabilizing it in the unfolded position and putting the folding structure 100 in the unfolded state. When folding is required, the support rod 30, after being released from its limit, can continue to rotate along the first direction for folding.

[0049] In other embodiments, the support rod 30 can be limited in the first direction of rotation in other ways, and the limitation can be released. For example, the support rod 30 can also be provided with a ratchet that rotates coaxially, and the engaging member 50 is a pawl that cooperates with the ratchet. Under the restriction of the pawl, the ratchet can only rotate in the second direction of rotation, and the pawl can be operated to separate from the ratchet, thereby releasing the restriction on the ratchet.

[0050] Furthermore, the end of the support rod 30 that is rotatably connected to the base 10 (i.e., the first end of the support rod 30) is provided with an abutting end face D, and the engaging member 50 is provided with a supporting end face Z. When the engaging member 50 blocks the rotation path of the support rod 30 in the first direction, the supporting end face Z abuts against the abutting end face D.

[0051] In other words, when the engaging member 50 blocks the rotational path of the support rod 30 in the first direction, its supporting end face Z faces and abuts against the abutting end face D of the support rod 30, and the two are in contact so that the engaging member 50 can provide sufficient support force to the support rod 30, making it stably in the deployed position. When the engaging member 50 retracts from the rotational path of the support rod 30, the supporting end face Z and the abutting end face D gradually separate tangentially.

[0052] Please refer to the following: Figure 6 and Figure 7 In some embodiments, the engaging member 50 has a rotating slide S on one side in the first direction, the end of the support rod 30 can abut against the rotating slide S and slide along the rotating slide S during rotation, and disengage from the engaging member 50 in the first direction when rotated to the unfolded position.

[0053] Understandably, the end that can abut against the rotating slide S is the first end of the support rod 30. When the first end of the support rod 30 abuts against the rotating slide S, it blocks the movement path of the engaging member 50 in the first direction, preventing the engaging member 50 from blocking the rotation path of the support rod 30. Specifically, the engaging member 50 cannot block the rotation path of the first end of the support rod 30. At this time, the engaging member 50 cannot limit the support rod 30, and the first end of the support rod 30 can slide along the rotating slide S when it rotates. The rotating slide S is an arc shape that adapts to the rotation of the end of the support rod 30. When rotated to the unfolded position, the first end of the support rod 30 disengages from the rotating slide S and from the engaging member 50 in the first direction, that is, it loses its obstruction of the engaging member 50 in the first direction. The engaging member 50 can block the support rod 30 in its rotation path by moving, and it can also disengage from the rotation path of the support rod 30 by initiating rotation, allowing the first end of the support rod 30 to slide back into the rotating slide S by rotation.

[0054] Understandably, the fact that the first end of the support rod 30 disengages from the engaging member 50 in the first direction does not mean that the support rod 30 and the engaging member 50 have completely lost their contact relationship. Rather, it only means that the first end of the support rod 30 is offset from the engaging member 50 in the first direction and loses its obstruction of the engaging member 50 in the first direction. There may be other contact relationships between the support rod 30 and the engaging member 50 in directions intersecting with the first direction. For example, when the engaging member 50 obstructs the rotation path of the support rod 30 in the first direction, the support end face Z abuts against the abutting end face D.

[0055] Thus, when the support rod 30 is not in the unfolded position, the locking member 50 cannot limit the support rod 30 by moving. On the one hand, it can ensure the rotation ability of the support rod 30 during unfolding or folding, and on the other hand, it can accurately limit the support rod 30 when it is in the unfolded position.

[0056] In some embodiments, the folding structure 100 further includes an elastic element 90, which provides a driving force to the engaging member 50 for driving the engaging member 50 to move along a first direction and block the rotation path of the support rod 30.

[0057] In other words, the elastic force of the elastic element 90 can directly or indirectly generate a driving force on the engaging element 50. The driving force acting on the engaging element 50 ultimately has at least one component in the first direction, and the direction of this component is consistent with the direction in which the engaging element 50 moves to the rotation path of the support rod 30.

[0058] Understandably, the action of the elastic element 90 driving the engaging element 50 to move along the first direction and blocking the rotation path of the support rod 30 will not actually occur due to the obstruction. For example, in actual use, the user may use the operating element 70 to overcome the elastic force of the elastic element 90 or the first end of the support rod 30 may be in the slide rail, thus obstructing the movement of the engaging element 50. In this case, the driving force of the elastic element 90 on the engaging element 50 is only a tendency, and it can only be realized after the obstruction disappears.

[0059] Under the driving force provided by the elastic element 90, the locking element 50 can maintain the limiting state of the support rod 30 in the unfolded state. When it is necessary to release the limiting state, the user only needs to apply force through the operating element 70 to overcome the driving force of the elastic element 90, and drive the locking element 50 to exit from the rotation path of the support rod 30.

[0060] Furthermore, during unfolding, when the support rod 30 rotates to the unfolded position, its first end disengages from the rotation slide S, and the engaging member 50 automatically moves under the action of the elastic member 90 to block the rotation path of the support rod 30, thus creating a limit. Correspondingly, during folding, the operating member 70 overcomes the driving force of the elastic member 90, causing the engaging member 50 to disengage from the rotation path of the support rod 30. At this time, without the obstruction of the engaging member 50, under the action of gravity or external force applied by the user, the support rod 30 can automatically slide back into the rotation slide S by rotation, restoring its rotational capability.

[0061] Furthermore, the elastic member 90 is disposed at one end of the operating member 70 in the first direction, and the other end of the operating member 70 in the first direction forms a button 71 exposed to the base 10.

[0062] The button 71 and the spring are located at opposite ends of the operating member 70 in the first direction. The user can directly drive the operating member 70 to overcome the spring force by pressing, thereby moving the engaging member 50 along the first direction. The button 71 being exposed on the base 10 means that the button 71 is visible outside the base 10, so that the user can perform the pressing operation from outside the base 10.

[0063] Preferably, when the folding structure 100 is in the unfolded state, the button 71 protrudes from the surface of the base 10 so as to be pressed.

[0064] In other embodiments, operating components with other structures or operating elements 70 may be formed, as long as they can facilitate the movement of the locking member 50 along the first direction by the operating element 70, and no specific limitation is made here.

[0065] Furthermore, the operating member 70 has a spring post 73 at one end where the elastic member 90 is provided, and the elastic member 90 is a spring partially sleeved on the spring post 73.

[0066] The spring post 73 can stably position the spring. In addition, the base 10 can also be equipped with a mounting post 1131 to accommodate the spring. One end of the spring abuts against the operating member 70, and the other end abuts against the mounting post 1131.

[0067] Furthermore, the engaging member 50, the operating member 70, and the spring post 73 are integrally formed, with the operating member 70 and the spring post 73 connected along the first direction, and the engaging member 50 located on one side of the operating member 70 in the first direction.

[0068] The engaging component 50, the operating component 70, and the spring post 73 are integrally molded into a single assembly part, which helps reduce the number of parts and facilitates assembly. At the same time, the operating component 70 can also better drive the engaging component 50 to move.

[0069] In some embodiments, the base 10 includes a housing 11 and a connector 13 disposed within the housing 11, and the support rod 30 is rotatably connected to the base 10 via the connector 13. The connector 13 is configured with a sliding track Y extending in a first direction, and the engaging member 50 is movably connected to the connector 13 via the sliding track Y.

[0070] The engaging member 50 is disposed at the connection between the support rod 30 and the base 10 via the connector 13, and can slide along the sliding track Y of the connector 13 to achieve movement in the first direction. The operating member 70 is integrally constructed with the engaging member 50, and is also movably connected to the connector 13 via the sliding track Y.

[0071] The housing 11 is specifically assembled from an upper housing 111 and a lower housing. The upper housing 111 has an opening K for the support rod 30 to connect to the connector 13 via the opening K. The button 71 of the operating component 70 also extends out of the base 10 from the opening K. The housing 11 also houses the motherboard, circuitry, etc. The connector 13 can be a sheet metal bracket and is connected to the upper housing 111 via a snap-fit ​​mechanism. A mounting post 1131 for accommodating the spring is constructed on the lower housing.

[0072] Furthermore, the connecting member 13 is constructed with a groove C extending along the first direction, and the engaging member 50 is constructed with a slider 51, which engages with the groove C and can slide along the groove C. The connecting member 13 is constructed with grooves C on both sides of the moving slide Y, and the engaging member 50 is correspondingly constructed with sliders 51 on both sides. With the cooperation of the groove C and the slider 51, the movement of the engaging member 50 in the first direction can be more accurate and stable.

[0073] Preferably, one end of the slide rail C passes through the connector 13 in the first direction so that the engaging member 50 and the operating member 70 are assembled into the moving slide rail Y.

[0074] Specifically, the base 10 also includes a pivot (the bolt 151 described below is the pivot), and the support rod 30, the connector 13, and the upper shell 111 are all provided with corresponding shaft holes H, and are rotatably connected by the pivot engaging with the shaft hole H. The pivot is a bolt 151 with threads at least at one end, which passes through the shaft hole H and is fixed in the shaft hole H by a nut 153. The upper shell 111 has a nut groove L on the periphery of the shaft hole H.

[0075] Furthermore, a cover shell 17 can be provided on the surface where the base 10 connects to the support rod 30, that is, a cover shell 17 is provided at the opening K of the upper shell 111 to enhance the sealing performance and surface integrity of the base 10 at the connection with the support rod 30. The cover shell 17 can be connected to the support rod 30 by a snap-fit ​​mechanism.

[0076] In some embodiments, when the support rod 30 is in the extended position, its longitudinal direction is inclined relative to the bottom surface of the base 10.

[0077] The base 10 is placed on its bottom surface. When placed on a horizontal surface, the bottom surface of the base 10 is also horizontal. The angle between the longitudinal direction of the support rod 30 and the bottom surface of the base 10 is acute. Understandably, in actual use, the inclined support rod 30 helps to ensure that the projection of its second end in the direction of gravity is located on the base 10 when unfolded, thereby enhancing the stability of the folding structure 100 and facilitating folding by gravity after the restraints are released.

[0078] During assembly, the aforementioned folding structure 100 can be initially engaged with the connecting piece 13 and the upper shell 111 via a snap-fit ​​mechanism. The support rod 30, connecting piece 13, and the shaft holes H on the upper shell 111 are aligned, and the bolt 151 is passed through the shaft holes H of all three. The bolt 151 is then secured to the nut groove L using the nut 153. Next, the integrally formed engaging piece 50 and operating piece 70 are assembled into the sliding track Y of the connecting piece 13, and the spring is fitted onto the spring post 73 of the operating piece 70. Finally, the mounting post 1131 on the bottom shell is aligned with the spring, and the bottom shell is assembled to the upper shell 111 using screws or other methods. The cover shell 17 is then placed over the opening K of the upper shell 111.

[0079] When using the folding structure 100, for a folded folding structure 100, the user only needs to drive the support rod 30 to rotate along the second direction. During this process, the first end of the support rod 30 slides along the rotation slide S of the engaging member 50, and disengages from the rotation slide S when the support rod 30 rotates to the unfolded position. The engaging member 50 and the operating member 70 move upward under the action of the spring and block the first end of the support rod 30 on the rotation path of the first direction. At this time, the supporting end face Z of the engaging member 50 supports the abutting end face D of the support rod 30, creating a limiting effect on the support rod 30, preventing the support rod 30 from rotating along the first direction and keeping it stably in the unfolded position. For a folding structure 100 that has already been unfolded, the user only needs to press the button 71 to drive the engaging member 50 and the operating member 70 to move downward, and the supporting end face Z of the engaging member 50 gradually separates from the abutting end face D of the support rod 30. At this time, the first end of the support rod 30 can re-enter the rotation slide S and rotate along the first direction to the folded position under the drive of external force, completing the folding.

[0080] The present invention also provides a fan 200, including the folding structure 100 described above. With the aid of the folding mechanism, the fan 200 can be stably unfolded for operation while conveniently folding.

[0081] Furthermore, the fan 200 also includes a fan body 210, the air intake side of which is rotatably connected to the support rod 30.

[0082] The air inlet side of the fan body 210 is connected to a support rod 30 to prevent the support rod 30 from obstructing its airflow. The fan body 210 can be rotated relative to the support rod 30, thus allowing it to be rotated to a suitable airflow angle during or after deployment.

[0083] In one specific embodiment, after the fan 200 is folded, the support rod 30 is located between the fan body 210 and the base 10, with the air outlet side of the fan body 210 facing away from the base 10.

[0084] Furthermore, the fan body 210 and / or the base 10 are provided with a receiving groove R for accommodating the support rod 30 in the folded position.

[0085] The support rod 30 located between the fan body 210 and the base 10 is accommodated by the receiving groove R to avoid the support rod 30 causing too large a gap between the two, thereby improving the fit between the fan body 210 and the base 10 when folded, so that the fan 200 can be fully folded.

[0086] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0087] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementations of the present invention, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention patent. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention, and these all fall within the protection scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of this invention patent should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A folding structure, characterized in that, The folding structure includes: Base (10); The support rod (30) is rotatably connected to the base (10) and can rotate toward the base (10) in a first direction to a folded position and away from the base (10) in a second direction opposite to the first direction to an unfolded position; A locking element (50), disposed at the connection between the support rod (30) and the base (10), is used to limit the support rod (30) in the first direction of rotation when the support rod (30) is rotated to the unfolded position; and An operating element (70) is connected to the engaging element (50) and can operably drive the engaging element (50) to release the limiting effect on the support rod (30) in the first direction; The engaging member (50) is movable in the base (10) along the first direction and can block the rotation path of the support rod (30) in the first direction by moving. The operating element (70) operably drives the engaging element (50) to move along the first direction; The engaging member (50) has a rotating slide (S) at one end in the first direction. The end of the support rod (30) can abut against the rotating slide (S) and slide along the rotating slide (S) when rotating, and disengage from the engaging member (50) in the first direction when rotating to the unfolded position.

2. The folding structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an elastic element (90) that provides a driving force to the engaging element (50) to drive the engaging element (50) to move along the first direction and block the rotation path of the support rod (30).

3. The folding structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The elastic element (90) is disposed at one end of the operating element (70) in the first direction, and the other end of the operating element (70) in the first direction has a button (71) exposed to the base (10).

4. The folding structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, The operating member (70) has a spring post (73) at one end where the elastic member (90) is located. The elastic member (90) is a spring that is partially sleeved on the spring post (73).

5. The folding structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, The engaging member (50), the operating member (70), and the spring post (73) are integrally formed. The operating member (70) and the spring post (73) are connected along the first direction. The engaging member (50) is located on one side of the operating member (70) in the first direction.

6. The folding structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The base (10) includes a housing (11) and a connector (13) disposed in the housing (11). The support rod (30) is rotatably connected to the base (10) through the connector (13). The connector (13) is configured with a movable slide (Y) extending along the first direction, and the engaging member (50) is movably connected to the connector (13) via the movable slide (Y).

7. The folding structure according to claim 6, characterized in that, The connector (13) is provided with a groove (C) extending along the first direction, and the engaging member (50) is provided with a slider (51) that engages with the groove (C) and can slide along the groove (C).

8. The folding structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The end of the support rod (30) that is rotatably connected to the base (10) has an abutting end face (D), and the engaging member (50) has a supporting end face (Z). When the engaging member (50) blocks the rotation path of the support rod (30) on the first direction, the supporting end face (Z) abuts against the abutting end face (D).

9. The folding structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the support rod (30) is in the unfolded position, its longitudinal direction is inclined relative to the bottom surface of the base (10).

10. A fan, characterized in that, Includes the folding structure as described in any one of claims 1-9.

11. The fan according to claim 10, characterized in that, It also includes a fan body (210), the air intake side of which is rotatably connected to the support rod (30).

12. The fan according to claim 11, characterized in that, The fan body (210) and / or the base (10) are provided with a receiving groove (R) for receiving the support rod (30) in the folded position.

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