Folding structure and folding tripod

Abstract

The present invention discloses a folding tripod, comprising a first tripod and a second tripod. The first tripod comprises a lower frame element and two first side frame elements which together form a triangular ring and are fixedly connected together, the lower frame element being supported and rotatable around its own central axis; the second tripod comprises an upper frame element and two second side frame elements which together form a ring and are fixedly connected together, the upper frame element being located above the corresponding lower frame element, the upper frame element being supported and rotatable around its own central axis, the middle part of the second side frame element in the extension direction is supported by the first side frame element, so that the middle parts of the two second side frame elements in their respective extension directions can rotate relative to the middle parts of the two first side frame elements in the extension direction; so that the operator can perform the unfolding and retracting operation of the folding tripod of the present invention in the up and down directions, making the operation simple. In addition, the present invention also discloses a folding structure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the field of furniture, and in particular to a folding structure and a folding foot stand thereof. Background Art

[0002] For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-74057, Utility Model Registration No. 3046509, and the like disclose folding tables having various folding structures that can be folded and stored when not in use.

[0003] However, the traditional folding table is complicated to operate during the folding process, which is inconvenient for users to operate.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a folding structure and a folding tripod having a different structure from the traditional structure to overcome one or more of the above-mentioned defects. Summary of the invention

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a folding tripod having a structure different from the conventional one, which is convenient for folding operation.

[0006] Another object of the present invention is to provide a folding structure different from the traditional structure to facilitate the folding operation.

[0007] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the folding tripod of the present invention comprises a first tripod and a second tripod. The first tripod comprises a lower frame element and two first side frame elements which together form a triangular ring and are fixedly connected together, and the lower frame element is supported and can rotate around its own central axis; the second tripod comprises an upper frame element and two second side frame elements which together form a ring and are fixedly connected together, the upper frame element is located above the corresponding lower frame element, the upper frame element is supported and can rotate around its own central axis, and the middle part of the second side frame element in the extension direction is supported by the first side frame element, so that the middle parts of the two second side frame elements in their respective extension directions can rotate relative to the middle parts of the two first side frame elements in the extension direction.

[0008] Preferably, the first tripod further includes a beam element arranged between the middle parts of the two first side frame elements in their respective extension directions, the middle parts of the two second side frame elements in the extension directions are supported by the beam element and can rotate around the central axis of the beam element, and the central axes of the lower frame element, the upper frame element and the beam element are parallel to each other.

[0009] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the folding structure of the present invention comprises a plurality of the aforementioned folding legs.

[0010] Preferably, the folding structure of the present invention further comprises an upper structure, and the upper frame element is supported by the upper structure and can rotate relative to the upper structure around a central axis of the upper frame element.

[0011] Preferably, the upper structure has a limiting surface, and the connecting portion between the upper end portions of the two first side frame elements contacts the limiting surface in the horizontal direction in the expanded state to maintain the positional relationship between the lower frame element and the upper frame element.

[0012] Preferably, the upper structure includes a first upper structure and a second upper structure, the first upper structure surrounds the second upper structure from all sides, the second upper structure can be displaced relative to the first upper structure in the up and down directions, the second upper structure is located on the lower side of the first upper structure in the unfolded state, and the limiting surface is formed by the side surfaces of the second upper structure.

[0013] Preferably, the upper structure forms a top plate, and the number of the folding legs is two and arranged opposite to each other on the upper structure, or, when the number of the folding legs is three or more, the folding legs are arranged in a ring along the periphery of the upper structure.

[0014] Preferably, the folding structure of the present invention further comprises a lower structure, and the lower frame element is supported by the lower structure and can rotate relative to the lower structure around the central axis of the lower frame element.

[0015] Preferably, the folding structure of the present invention further comprises a retaining mechanism for maintaining the positional relationship between the lower frame element and the upper frame element in the unfolded state.

[0016] Preferably, the retaining mechanism includes a first engaging member and a second engaging member, the first engaging member being supported and fixed on the bottom of the upper structure, and the first engaging member being selectively engageable with or disengaged from the upper end of the first tripod, and the second engaging member being supported and fixed on the upper surface of the lower structure, and the second engaging member being selectively engageable with or disengaged from the lower end of the second tripod.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, when folding the folding tripod of the present invention, the operator applies a downward force to the upper support body (for example, the upper structure body) of the upper frame element supporting the second tripod from above, so that the first tripod is rotated and retracted downward around the central axis of the lower frame element to approach the lower support body (for example, the lower structure body) supporting the lower frame element, and the second tripod is rotated and retracted upward around the central axis of the upper frame element to approach the upper support body (for example, the lower structure body) supporting the upper frame element. At the same time, the middle part of the second tripod in the extension direction is rotated relative to the middle part of the first tripod in the extension direction, thereby making the folding operation of the folding tripod of the present invention convenient, which is different from the folding method of the traditional structure; in addition, during the unfolding and retracting process of the folding tripod of the present invention, the upper support body and the lower support body are translated closer or farther in the up and down directions. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1 1 is a perspective view showing a folding table according to a first example of an embodiment of the present invention in an unfolded state.

[0019] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the folding table is shown in the folded state.

[0020] Figure 3a yes Figure 1 The folding table is shown in plan view from right to left.

[0021] Figure 3b is along Figure 3a Internal view cut along line XX with some structures on the right hidden.

[0022] Figure 3c Figure 3a A plan view of the folding table shown in the folded position.

[0023] Figure 3d is along Figure 3c The internal view cut along the YY line and hiding part of the structure on the right.

[0024] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing a folding table according to a second example of an embodiment of the present invention in an unfolded state;

[0025] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A perspective view of the folding table is shown in a folded state.

[0026] Figure 6 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a mechanism for maintaining the positional relationship between the upper structure and the lower structure in the unfolded state of the folding table of the second example.

[0027] Description of reference numerals:

[0028] Folding table 1, 1a, upper structure 2, 2a, lower structure 3, folding leg 4, first leg 5, second leg 6, lower frame element 7, first side frame element 8, middle part 81, supporting part 9, bending part 10, mounting part 11, beam element 12, upper frame element 13, second side frame element 14, middle part 141, cylindrical member 15, retaining mechanism 16, 16a, first connecting part 17, second connecting part 18, first top part 19, second top part 20, first upper structure 21, second upper structure 22, limiting surface 221, opening 23, hanging part 24, hole 25. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] In order to explain the technical content and structural features of the present invention in detail, further description will be given below in combination with the implementation modes and the accompanying drawings.

[0030] Please refer to Figures 1 to 3d The folding table 1 of the first example is an example of the folding structure of the present invention, and is one aspect of the application of the folding structure of the present invention. Hereinafter, the composition of each part of the folding table 1 of the first example in the unfolded state (in use state) is first described. In addition, in the following description, unless otherwise specified, the up-down direction and the horizontal direction refer to the up-down direction and the horizontal direction of the folding table 1 of the first example when it is placed on the floor or the ground.

[0031] The folding table 1 of the first example includes an upper structure 2, a lower structure 3 and four folding legs 4. The upper structure 2 constitutes a top plate. Of course, in other embodiments, the upper structure 2 may also constitute other structures besides the top plate. Figures 1 to 3d The limit shown is as follows; Figure 1 As an example, the upper structure 2 is a substantially rectangular flat plate when viewed from the top and bottom. Of course, the upper structure 2 can also be designed as a flat plate in other shapes, such as a triangle, square, pentagon or other polygonal shape. Figure 1 Limits shown.

[0032] At the same time, the lower structure 3 is arranged below the upper structure 2 and is parallel to the upper structure 2. The lower structure 3 has a substantially same peripheral shape as the upper structure 2 when viewed from the top and bottom, so that the lower structure 3 is also a substantially rectangular frame-shaped flat plate. Of course, according to actual needs, the peripheral shape of the lower structure 3 can also be a flat plate designed in other shapes, such as a triangle, square, pentagon or other polygonal shape, so it is not necessary to use Figure 1 Limits shown.

[0033] Furthermore, a folding leg 4 is provided between each side of the upper structure 2 and a side of the lower structure 3, so that the number of the folding legs 4 is the same as the number of sides of the upper structure 2 and the number of sides of the lower structure 3, so that the folding legs 4 are supported between each side of the upper structure 2 and the lower structure 3. When a folding leg 4 is provided between each side of the upper structure 2 and a side of the lower structure 3, all the folding legs 4 are arranged in a quadrilateral ring along the four sides of the upper structure 2. Figure 1As shown, when the number of the folding legs 4 is three or more, all the folding legs 4 are arranged together in a ring on the upper structure 2. Optionally, as an example, the number of the folding legs 4 is the same as the number of sides of the upper structure 2, but it is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, a folding leg 4 may be provided near two opposite sides below the upper structure 2, for example, Figure 1 A folding tripod 4 is provided near the front and rear sides of the upper structure 2. Of course, it can also be used in Figure 1 A folding tripod 4 is provided near the left and right sides of the upper structure 2 below, so that when there are two folding tripods 4, they are arranged opposite to each other on the upper structure 2. Figure 1 More specifically, as follows:

[0034] like Figure 1 ,as well as Figures 3a to 3d As shown, each folding tripod 4 includes a first tripod 5 and a second tripod 6. The first tripod 5 includes a lower frame element 7 and two first side frame elements 8. The lower frame element 7 is supported by the lower structure 3 and can rotate relative to the lower structure 3 around the central axis O7 of the lower frame element 7 itself. The way to achieve the support of the lower frame element 7 by the lower structure 3 is: the lower frame element 7 uses a supporting component 9 near the outer peripheral side of the upper surface of the lower structure 3. The supporting component 9 is formed by bending a metal plate, and it has a partially cylindrical bending portion 10 and a mounting portion 11 arranged on both sides of the bending portion 10. The mounting portion 11 is fixed to the lower structure 3, and the bending portion 10 is used to embrace the lower frame element 7 so that the lower frame element 7 can only rotate around the central axis O7. This design simplifies the structure of the lower frame element 7 being supported by the lower structure 3; more specifically, in Figure 1 As an example, the lower frame element 7 is arranged on the inner side of the curved portion 10 of the two support members 9 at positions close to the ends on both sides of the extension direction (axial direction or length direction), and the mounting portions 11 of the two support members 9 are fixed to the upper surface of the lower structure 3 by screws, so as to facilitate the installation and removal operations of the support members 9 and the lower frame element 7 at the lower structure 3. It should be noted that the structure in which the lower frame element 7 is supported to be rotatable around the central axis O7 of the lower frame element 7 itself is not limited to Figures 1 to 3d As shown, various supporting structures known in the past can also be used.

[0035] like Figure 1 ,as well as Figure 3a to Figure 3d As shown, the two first side frame elements 8 are arranged close to each other from bottom to top, and the two first side frame elements 8 extend toward the central part of the upper structure 3; the lower ends of the two first side frame elements 8 are connected to the ends corresponding to the extending direction of the lower frame element 7, for example, Figure 1Taking the folding tripod 4 at the middle front side as an example, the left end of the lower frame element 7 is connected to the lower end of a first side frame element 8, and the right end of the lower frame element 7 is connected to the lower end of a first side frame element 8; in addition, the upper ends of the two first side frame elements 8 are connected to each other, so that the first tripod 5 as a whole forms a triangular ring, that is, the first tripod 5 includes the lower frame element 7 and the two first side frame elements 8 that together form a triangular ring and are fixedly connected together. Specifically, Figure 1 , Figure 3a , Figure 3b and Figure 3d As an example, the first leg 5 further includes a middle portion 81 (see FIG. 1 ) disposed on the two first side frame elements 8 in their respective extension directions (axial or length directions). Figure 3a ), the central axis P of the beam element 12 itself is parallel to the central axis O7 of the lower frame element 7 itself. It should be noted that when the two first side frame elements 8 have the same length, the first leg frame 5 composed of the lower frame element 7 and the two first side frame elements 8 also presents an equilateral triangle ring shape (including a regular triangle).

[0036] like Figure 1 ,as well as Figures 3a to 3d As shown, the second tripod 6 comprises an upper frame element 13 and two second side frame elements 14 which are together formed into a ring shape and fixedly connected together. The upper frame element 13 is located above the corresponding lower frame element 7. The central axis O of the upper frame element 13 itself 13 The upper frame element 13 is supported by the upper structure 2 in parallel with the central axis O7 of the lower frame element 7 itself, so that the upper frame element 13 can only be moved around the central axis O7 of the upper frame element 13 itself. 13 Rotation, specifically, the way to achieve the upper frame element 13 being supported by the upper structure 2 is: Figure 3a In the embodiment, the upper frame element 13 is supported by the support member 9 at a position near the lower periphery of the upper structure 2, so that the upper frame element 13 can only be moved around the central axis O of the upper frame element 13 itself. 13 The rotation is to arrange the positions near the ends on both sides of the extension direction (axial direction or length direction) of the upper frame element 13 at the inner side of the curved portion 10 of the two supporting parts 9, and the mounting portions 11 of the two supporting parts 9 are arranged under the upper structure 2, and supported and fixed by anchoring or other means, so that the upper frame element 13 can only rotate around its central axis O 13 Of course, the upper frame element 13 is supported so that the central axis of the frame element 13 itself can be O 13 The supporting structure for rotating around the center is not limited to Figure 3a The structure shown in the figure may also adopt various supporting structures known in the past. More specifically, the middle part 141 (see Figure 3a ) is supported by the beam frame element 12 and can rotate around the central axis P of the beam frame element 12 itself, so that the rotation of the second side frame element 14 relative to the first side frame element 8 is smoother and more reliable.

[0037] At Figure 3a As shown in FIG. 1 , the two second side frame elements 14 are close to each other from top to bottom and extend in a direction toward the center of the lower structure 3. The upper ends of the two second side frame elements 14 are connected to the ends on both sides of the extension direction (axial direction or length direction) of the upper frame element 13, for example, Figure 3a In the embodiment, the left end of the upper frame element 13 is connected to the upper end of one second side frame element 14, and the right end of the upper frame element 13 is connected to the upper end of another second side frame element 14; in addition, the lower ends of the two second side frame elements 14 are connected to each other, so that the second leg 6 as a whole forms a triangular ring. It should be noted that when the lower ends of the two second side frame elements 14 are not connected and are open, the second leg 6 as a whole forms an open ring; in addition, the two second side frame elements 14 have the same length as each other, so that the second leg 6 composed of the upper frame element 13 and the two second side frame elements 14 is an equilateral triangle (including a regular triangle) ring.

[0038] like Figure 1 , Figure 3a , Figure 3b and Figure 3d As shown, the method for achieving the middle parts 141 of the two second side frame elements 14 in the extension direction to be supported by the two first side frame elements 8 is as follows: a cylindrical member 15 is fixed at the middle parts 141 of the second side frame elements 14 in the extension direction, and the cylindrical member 15 is mounted on (relatively rotatable) the beam element 12 and can rotate around the central axis P of the beam element 12; and in the beam element 12, the cylindrical member 15 is used to support the middle parts 141 of the two second side frame elements 14 in the extension direction, so that the two second side frame elements 14 are easier to be supported and assembled; in addition, the structure in which the middle parts 141 of the two second side frame elements 14 in the extension direction are supported by the middle parts 81 of the two first side frame elements 8 in the extension direction can also adopt various known supporting structures, so it is not mentioned here. Figure 1 , Figure 3a , Figure 3b and Figure 3d Limits shown.

[0039] It should be noted that Figure 3aIn the embodiment, the length of the upper frame element 13 is shorter than that of the lower frame element 7. Of course, according to actual needs, the length of the upper frame element 13 can also be longer than that of the lower frame element 7, so that the beam element 12 can be placed between the middle portions 141 of the two second side frame elements 14 in the extending direction (axial direction or length direction), and the middle portions 141 of the two second side frame elements 14 in the extending direction can also be supported to rotate around the central axis P of the beam element 12; or, by inserting pins into the through holes of the middle portions 81 of the first side frame element 8 in the extending direction and the through holes of the middle portions 141 of the second side frame element 14 in the extending direction, the middle portions 141 of the two second side frame elements 14 in the extending direction and the middle portions 81 of the two first side frame elements 8 in the extending direction are supported by the pins, and the middle portions 141 of the two second side frame elements 14 in the extending direction can also be supported to rotate relative to the middle portions 81 of the two first side frame elements 8 in the extending direction. In addition, the first tripod 5 and the second tripod 6 are manufactured by bending and welding metal pipes, that is, the lower frame element 7, the two first side frame elements 8, the upper frame element 13 and the two second side frame elements 15 are each a tube body, and of course, they can also be designed as a rod body according to actual needs; in addition, the material constituting the first tripod 5 and the second tripod 6 is not particularly limited, as long as the required strength can be ensured, and wood, synthetic resin, etc. can be used.

[0040] like Figure 1 , Figure 3b and Figure 3d As shown, the folding table 1 of the first example further includes a retaining mechanism 16 for retaining the positional relationship between the lower frame member 7 and the upper frame member 13 in the unfolded state, so as to prevent the folding table 1 from being accidentally folded. The holding mechanism 16 includes a first engaging member 17 and a second engaging member 18. The first engaging member 17 is supported and fixed on the bottom of the upper structure 2, and can also selectively engage with or disengage from the upper end of the first leg 5. For example, the first engaging member 17 is two clamping plates, which clamp the upper end of the first leg 5 by means of the two clamping plates, and the upper end is composed of the connection between the upper ends of the two first side frame elements 8 (i.e., the first top 19); the second engaging member 18 is supported and fixed on the upper surface of the lower structure 3, and can also selectively engage with or disengage from the lower end of the second leg 6. For example, the second engaging member 18 is also two clamping plates, which clamp the lower end of the second leg 6 by means of the two clamping plates, and the lower end is composed of the connection between the lower ends of the two second side frame elements 14 (i.e., the second top 20); such a design can simplify the structure of the holding mechanism 16. Of course, the structure of the holding mechanism 16 is not limited to Figure 1 , Figure 3b and Figure 3dAs shown, various structures can also be used, as long as the positional relationship between the lower frame element 7 and the upper frame element 13 is maintained when the folding table 1 is in the unfolded state. For example, any one of the first joining member 17 and the second joining member 18 can be omitted, as long as it can be fully ensured that the positional relationship between the lower frame element 7 and the upper frame element 13 is maintained. In this case, a hook that is approximately U-shaped or approximately J-shaped and joined to the first top portion 19 can be used as the first joining member 17, or a hook that is approximately U-shaped or approximately J-shaped and joined to the second top portion 20 can be used as the second joining member 18.

[0041] Alternatively, the holding mechanism 16 can also be configured to make the upper end of the first leg 5 horizontally aligned with the limiting surface 221 (see Figure 6 ) are in contact, thereby preventing further rotation of the first tripod 5. In addition, the holding mechanism 16 can be provided for all folding tripods 4, and can also be provided for only a part of the folding tripods 4.

[0042] Combination Figures 1 to 3d , the folding and unfolding of the folding table 1 of the first example are explained: when storing or transporting, the folding table 1 is folded; during the folding process, the engagement between the first engaging member 17 and the first top portion 19 of the first leg 5 is first released, and the engagement between the second engaging member 18 and the second top portion 20 of the second leg 6 is released.

[0043] In order to release the engagement between the first engagement member 17 and the first top portion 19, the clamping pieces constituting the first engagement member 17 are opened (the interval between the front end portions of the two clamping pieces is enlarged), and the first top portion 19 of the first leg 5 is moved downward and toward the center of the lower structure 3 ( Figure 3a , Figure 3b Therefore, by releasing the engagement between the first engaging member 17 and the first top portion 19, the first leg 5 can be rotated around the central axis O7 of the lower frame element 7.

[0044] In order to release the engagement between the second engagement member 18 and the second top portion 20, the clamping pieces constituting the second engagement member 18 are opened, and the central axis O of the upper frame element 13 is moved downward. 13 The second top portion 20 is centered in a direction toward the upper side and toward the central portion of the upper structure 2 ( Figure 3a and 3b Therefore, by releasing the engagement between the second engagement member 18 and the second top 20, the second leg 6 can be moved around the central axis O of the upper frame element 13. 13 Rotate.

[0045] Then, if Figures 3a to 3b As shown, the upper structure 2 and the lower structure 3 are folded close to each other, specifically, the upper structure 2 and the lower structure 3 are close to each other and remain parallel to each other, that is, the upper structure 2 and the lower structure 3 are close to each other in a translational manner in the up and down direction. Therefore, the first top 19 of the first leg 5 rotates around the central axis O7 of the lower frame element 7 in the direction toward the lower side and toward the central part of the lower structure 3, and the second top 20 of the second leg 6 rotates around the central axis O7 of the upper frame element 13 in the direction toward the central part of the upper structure 2. 13 The first leg 5 and the second leg 6 rotate relative to each other around the central axis P, thereby making the upper structure 2 and the lower structure 3 close to each other and folded and kept parallel. Figure 2 shown.

[0046] On the contrary, when the folding table 1 is unfolded, the upper structure 2 and the lower structure 3 are separated, as shown in FIG. Figure 3b to 3a Specifically, the upper structure 2 and the lower structure 3 are separated from each other and kept parallel. Therefore, the first top 19 of the first leg 5 is in a direction toward the upper side and toward the outer peripheral side of the upper structure 2 ( Figure 3b The second top 20 of the second leg 6 rotates in a direction toward the outer peripheral side of the lower structure 3 (in the counterclockwise direction) around the central axis O7 of the lower frame element 7, and the second top 20 of the second leg 6 rotates in a direction toward the outer peripheral side of the lower structure 3 (in the counterclockwise direction). Figure 3b The first and second legs 5 and 6 also rotate relatively around the central axis P. Therefore, the upper structure 2 and the lower structure 3 are separated from each other while being kept parallel.

[0047] Then, by engaging the first engaging member 17 with the first top 19 and engaging the second engaging member 18 with the second top 20, the positional relationship between the lower frame element 7 and the upper frame element 13 is maintained when the folding table 1 is in the unfolded state, thereby maintaining the positional relationship between the upper structure 2 and the lower structure 3 in the unfolded state.

[0048] In addition, as long as no contradiction occurs, the folding process and the unfolding process of the folding table 1 are not limited to the above process, and can be any process. That is, the order of each process can be changed, and multiple processes can be performed simultaneously. In addition, the folding leg 4 has a creative structure different from the traditional one. The folding leg 4 is formed by combining the first leg 5 and the second leg 6, and the first leg 5 and the second leg 6 are each formed in a triangular ring shape.

[0049] Note that in the first example, although an example of applying the folding structure according to one aspect of the present invention to a folding table 1 is described, the folding structure according to one aspect of the present invention is not limited to a folding table, but can be used for various furniture such as a campfire table, a folding chair, etc., and can be applicable to outdoor items.

[0050] In addition, in the first example, the upper structure 2 is constructed as a substantially rectangular flat plate from the top / bottom direction, and the lower structure 3 is constructed as a substantially rectangular frame from the top / bottom direction, which has a peripheral shape substantially the same as that of the upper structure 2. Of course, the structures of the upper structure 2 and the lower structure 3 are not particularly limited, and various structures can be adopted according to the purpose and function of the folding structure applied. For example, the upper structure 2 can be composed of a frame-shaped flat plate with an opening in the center, and the lower structure 3 can be composed of a flat plate without an opening. In addition, the peripheral shapes of the upper structure 2 and the lower structure 3 are not limited to roughly rectangular shapes, but can also be polygons other than rectangles, circles, etc. The peripheral shapes of the upper structure 2 and the lower structure 3 can be the same as or different from each other. Furthermore, as long as the required strength can be ensured, the materials constituting the upper structure 2 and the lower structure 3 are not particularly limited, for example, wood, synthetic resin, metal materials, etc. can be used, and the upper structure 2 and the lower structure 3 are not limited to flat plates, and structures with various shapes can be adopted according to the application and function of the folding structure. Finally, in the case of the folding structure of one aspect of the present invention, the number of folding legs 4 is not particularly limited, and can be arbitrarily set according to the purpose and function of the folding structure applied.

[0051] Please refer to Figures 4 to 6 The structures of the folding table 1a of the second example are basically the same as those of the folding table 1 of the first example, except that the structure of the upper structure 2a of the folding table 1a and the structure of the holding mechanism 16a for holding the positional relationship between the frame element 7 and the upper frame element 13 in the unfolded state are different from those of the folding table 1 of the first embodiment, as follows:

[0052] The upper structure 2a includes a first upper structure 21 and a second upper structure 22, the first upper structure 21 surrounds the second upper structure 22 from all sides, and optionally, as an example, the first upper structure 21 is roughly rectangular frame-shaped, that is, the first upper structure 21 has a roughly rectangular outer peripheral shape when viewed from the top / bottom direction, and has a roughly rectangular opening 23 in the central part of the first upper structure 21, so that the first upper structure 21 surrounds the second upper structure 22 from all sides. The upper frame element 13 of the second leg 6 can only surround the central axis O of the upper frame element 13 itself in a position near the outer periphery below the first upper structure 21. 13The second upper structure 22 is supported so that it can be relatively displaced in the up-down direction relative to the first upper structure 21, and is arranged on the lower side of the first upper structure 21 in the unfolded state of the folding table 1a. Optionally, as an example, the second upper structure 22 is roughly in the shape of a rectangular flat plate, which has an outer peripheral shape slightly smaller than the opening 23 of the first upper structure 21, that is, the second upper structure 22 and the opening 23 are clearance-fitted.

[0053] At the same time, by providing a plurality of suspension components 24 between the outer circumference of the second upper structure 22 and the inner circumference of the opening 23 of the first upper structure 21, the first upper structure 21 supports the second upper structure 22 by means of the suspension components 24, so that the second upper structure 22 can be relatively displaced in the vertical direction relative to the first upper structure 21. Figure 4 In the unfolded state of the folding table 1a shown in FIG. 1 , the second upper structure 22 is arranged on the lower side of the first upper structure 21 and Figure 5 In the folded state of the folding table 1a shown in the figure, the second upper structure 22 is arranged in the opening 23, so that the upper surface of the first upper structure 21 and the upper surface of the second upper structure 22 are flush with each other in this state. Figure 5 shown.

[0054] Furthermore, in the second example, a through hole 25 is provided at the central portion of the second upper structure 22, which passes through in the up-down direction. Of course, the through hole 25 can be deleted as needed. In addition, the folding table 1a of the second example does not include the first coupling member 17 and the second coupling member 18 in the folding table 1 of the first example. Therefore, in the unfolded state of the folding table 1a, the first top portion 19 constituting the connecting portion between the upper end portions of the two first side frame elements 8 contacts (engages) with the side surface of the second upper structure 22 in the horizontal direction, thereby preventing the first leg 5 from further rotating in the direction toward the lower side and toward the central portion of the lower structure 3, so as to maintain the positional relationship between the lower frame element 7 and the upper frame element 13 in the unfolded state of the folding table 1a. That is, in the second example, the retaining mechanism 16a is composed of a limiting surface 221 and a first top portion 19, and the limiting surface 221 is composed of the side surface of the second upper structure 22, that is, the upper structure 2a has a limiting surface 221.

[0055] When the folding table 1a of the second example is folded, the engagement between the limiting surface 221 of the second upper structure 22 and the first top portion 19 of the first leg 5 is first released. Specifically, when the second upper structure 22 is lifted, the first leg 5 is moved in a direction (ie, in a direction) from the first top portion 19 around the central axis O7 of the lower frame element 7 toward the center of the lower structure 3. Figure 6Therefore, by releasing the engagement between the limiting surface 221 of the second upper structure 22 and the first top 19, the first leg 5 can rotate around the central axis O7 of the lower frame element 7 and the second leg 6 can rotate around the central axis O of the upper frame element 13. 13 In addition, by inserting an operator's finger, a tool, or the like into the through hole 25 , an operation of lifting the second upper structure 22 can be easily performed.

[0056] Then, the upper structure 2a and the lower structure 3 are folded close to each other, specifically, by bringing the first upper structure 21 of the upper structure 2a and the lower structure 3 close to each other, the first leg 5 is rotated around the central axis O7 of the lower frame element 7 toward the central part of the lower structure 3, so that the second top 20 of the second leg 6 is rotated toward the upper side and toward the central part of the upper structure 2a, and the first leg 5 and the second leg 6 are relatively rotated around the central axis P; in addition, the second upper structure 22 is arranged on the inner side of the opening 23 of the first upper structure 21. Therefore, the upper structure 2a and the lower structure 3 are folded.

[0057] On the contrary, when the folding table 1a is unfolded, the upper structure 2a and the lower structure 3 are unfolded to be separated from each other. Specifically, by separating the first upper structure 21 of the upper structure 2a and the lower structure 3 from each other, the first top portion 19 of the first leg 5 is rotated about the central axis O7 of the lower frame element 7 toward the upper side and toward the outer peripheral side of the upper structure 2a, and the second top portion 20 of the second leg 6 is rotated about the central axis O7 of the upper frame element 13. 13 The first leg 5 and the second leg 6 are rotated in a direction downward and toward the outer peripheral side of the lower structure 3 , and the first leg 5 and the second leg 6 are also rotated relative to each other around the central axis P.

[0058] When the upper end portion (i.e., the first top portion 19) of the first leg 5 falls off from the bottom of the second upper structure 22, the second upper structure 22 is displaced downward relative to the first upper structure 21; in this state, the upper structure 2a is slightly displaced downward, and the first top portion 19 of the first leg 5 is slightly rotated around the central axis O7 of the lower frame element 7 in the direction toward the lower side and the center of the lower structure 3, so that the first top portion 19 of the second leg 5 is in contact (engaged) with the limiting surface 221 of the second upper structure 22. Therefore, the first top portion 19 of the first leg 5 is prevented from continuing to rotate in the direction toward the lower side and the center of the lower structure 3, so as to maintain the positional relationship between the lower frame element 7 and the upper frame element 13 in the unfolded state of the folding table 1a, and the positional relationship between the upper structure 2a and the lower structure 3.

[0059] In the folding table 1a of the second example, the upper structure 2a makes the second upper structure 22 deviate downward relative to the first upper structure 21 in the unfolded state, and the limiting surface 221 of the second upper structure 22 is contacted (engaged) by the first top 19 of the first leg 5. Therefore, according to the folding table 1a of the second example, without including the first engaging member 17 and the second engaging member 18 in the folding table 1 of the first example, the holding mechanism 16a composed of the first top 19 and the limiting surface 221 can keep the upper structure 2a and the lower structure 3 in the unfolded state, providing another well-designed structure; in addition, the configuration and effects of other parts in the folding table 1a of the second example are the same as those in the first example, so they will not be repeated here.

[0060] The above disclosure is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention, which cannot be used to limit the scope of the present invention. Therefore, equivalent changes made according to the claims of the present invention are all within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A folding tripod, characterized in that: include: A first tripod, comprising a lower frame element and two first side frame elements which together form a triangular ring and are fixedly connected together, wherein the lower frame element is supported so as to be rotatable around its own central axis; as well as The second tripod comprises an upper frame element and two second side frame elements which together form a ring and are fixedly connected together, wherein the upper frame element is located above the corresponding lower frame element, the upper frame element is supported so as to rotate around its own central axis, and the middle part of the second side frame element in the extension direction is supported by the first side frame element so that the middle parts of the two second side frame elements in their respective extension directions can rotate relative to the middle parts of the two first side frame elements in the extension direction.

2. The folding tripod according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first tripod also includes a beam element arranged between the middle parts of the two first side frame elements in their respective extension directions. The middle parts of the two second side frame elements in the extension direction are supported by the beam element and can rotate around the central axis of the beam element. The central axes of the lower frame element, the upper frame element and the beam element are parallel to each other.

3. A folding structure, characterized in that: It comprises a plurality of folding tripods according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The folding structure according to claim 3, characterized in that: It also includes an upper structure, and the upper frame element is supported by the upper structure and can rotate relative to the upper structure around the central axis of the upper frame element.

5. The folding structure according to claim 4, characterized in that: The upper structure has a limiting surface, and the connecting portion between the upper end portions of the two first side frame elements contacts the limiting surface in the horizontal direction in the expanded state to maintain the positional relationship between the lower frame element and the upper frame element.

6. The folding structure according to claim 5, characterized in that: The upper structure includes a first upper structure and a second upper structure, the first upper structure surrounds the second upper structure from all sides, the second upper structure can be displaced relative to the first upper structure in the up and down directions, the second upper structure is located at the lower side of the first upper structure in the unfolded state, and the limiting surface is formed by the side surfaces of the second upper structure.

7. The folding structure according to claim 4, characterized in that: The upper structure forms a top plate, and the number of the folding legs is two and arranged opposite to each other on the upper structure, or, when the number of the folding legs is three or more, the folding legs are arranged in a ring along the periphery of the upper structure.

8. The folding structure according to claim 4, characterized in that: It also includes a lower structure, and the lower frame element is supported by the lower structure and can rotate relative to the lower structure around the central axis of the lower frame element.

9. The folding structure according to claim 8, characterized in that: Also included is a retaining mechanism for retaining the positional relationship between the lower frame element and the upper frame element in the unfolded state.

10. The folding structure according to claim 9, characterized in that: The retaining mechanism includes a first engaging member and a second engaging member, wherein the first engaging member is supported and fixed on the bottom of the upper structure, and the first engaging member can selectively engage with or disengage from the upper end of the first tripod, and the second engaging member is supported and fixed on the upper surface of the lower structure, and the second engaging member can selectively engage with or disengage from the lower end of the second tripod.

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