Folding joint

Abstract

The invention discloses a folding connector which comprises a first connector, a second connector, a handle and an adjusting ejector rod, a self-locking mechanism is arranged on the handle and comprises a clamping block, a compression spring and an adjusting push rod, the clamping block is provided with a clamping groove and a guide slope, the clamping groove is used for containing the adjusting ejector rod, and the guide slope is arranged at the top of the clamping groove. The clamping block is further provided with a connecting part, a threaded hole is formed in the connecting part, a screwing part is arranged on the surface of the adjusting push rod, the adjusting push rod is in threaded connection with the connecting part, a button is arranged at one end of the adjusting push rod, an optical shaft is arranged at the other end of the adjusting push rod, and a step face is arranged at the joint of the screwing part and the optical shaft. One end of the compression spring abuts against the step face, and the other end of the compression spring abuts against the inner side of the handle. According to the folding joint disclosed by the invention, the unlocking force can be adjusted by adjusting the compression amount of the compression spring, and the folding joint also has an anti-loosening effect.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of locking mechanisms for mechanical connections, and more specifically, to a folding joint. Background Art

[0002] Existing folding joints with quick-release structures are used at the folding connection parts of foldable devices such as folding bicycles and folding electric vehicles to quickly fold, disassemble, and lock the folding connection parts. For the convenience of folding and disassembling, the locking structure of existing folding joints usually cannot be designed too tightly, so an additional locking mechanism needs to be provided on the frame to fix the operating handle.

[0003] For example, a button self-locking four-link body folding joint disclosed in Chinese Patent No. 202120062690.9 has a clamping groove for accommodating a connecting rod on the button structure, and a guiding inclined surface on the outer side of the top of the clamping groove; one side of the clamping groove is an operating button, and the other side is provided with a spring sleeve shaft, on which a spring is installed; when the operating button is driven or when the guiding inclined surface receives the acting force of the connecting rod, the button structure moves and compresses the spring; when the external force acting on the spring disappears, the button structure resets under the drive of the spring force. The self-locking mechanism formed by the spring force of this device may cause the folding joint to be opened by inadvertently pressing the button and turning the handle, posing a safety hazard. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a folding joint that can adjust the unlocking force by adjusting the compression amount of the spring and also has an anti-loosening effect.

[0005] The technical solution adopted by the folding joint disclosed in the present invention is as follows:

[0006] A folding joint, comprising a first connector, a second connector, a handle and an adjusting ejector rod. One side of the first connector and the second connector is hinged. One end of the handle is hinged to the other side of the first connector. A positioning pin is provided at the other end of the handle. A tightening shaft is provided at the other side of the second connector. One end of the adjusting ejector rod is fixedly connected to the positioning pin, and the other end of the adjusting ejector rod is fixedly connected to the tightening shaft. A self-locking mechanism is provided on the handle. The self-locking mechanism includes a clamping block, a compression spring and an adjusting push rod. The clamping block is provided with a clamping groove and a guiding inclined surface. The clamping groove is used for accommodating the adjusting ejector rod. The guiding inclined surface is provided at the top of the clamping groove. The clamping block is further provided with a connecting portion, and a threaded hole is provided on the connecting portion. A threaded portion is provided on the surface of the adjusting push rod. The adjusting push rod is threadedly connected to the connecting portion. One end of the adjusting push rod is provided with a button, and the other end is provided with a smooth shaft. A stepped surface is provided at the junction of the threaded portion and the smooth shaft of the adjusting push rod. The compression spring is sleeved on the outer surface of the smooth shaft. One end of the compression spring abuts against the stepped surface, and the other end abuts against the inner side of the handle.

[0007] As a preferred solution, the clamping block is further provided with a spring groove, the spring groove is communicated with the threaded hole on the connecting portion, the compression spring is arranged in the spring groove, one end of the clamping block is provided with a through hole matching the smooth shaft, and one end of the smooth shaft passes through the spring groove and slides in the through hole.

[0008] As a preferred solution, the cross-sectional shape of the stepped surface is circular, the outer diameter of the stepped surface is larger than the outer diameter of the smooth shaft, and the outer diameter of the stepped surface is consistent with the outer diameter of the threaded portion on the surface of the adjusting push rod.

[0009] As a preferred solution, a limiting portion is provided between the threaded portion and the button of the adjusting push rod. The cross-sectional shape of the limiting portion is circular, and the outer diameter of the limiting portion is larger than the outer diameter of the threaded portion on the surface of the adjusting push rod.

[0010] As a preferred solution, the handle is provided with a first side plate and a second side plate. A sliding hole matching the limiting portion is provided on the first side plate, and the limiting portion of the adjusting push rod is arranged in the sliding hole.

[0011] As a preferred solution, a first round hole and a second round hole are provided on the second side plate. The first round hole matches one end of the clamping block, the second round hole matches one end of the smooth shaft, and the first round hole is communicated with the second round hole.

[0012] As a preferred solution, threaded holes are respectively provided in the middle of the positioning pin and the tightening shaft, and both ends of the adjusting ejector rod are threadedly connected to the threaded holes of the positioning pin and the tightening shaft respectively.

[0013] As a preferred solution, the folding joint further includes a rotating shaft and a hinge shaft. A limit pin is provided at the bottom of the first connector. The limit pin passes through the second connector and abuts against one end of the hinge shaft.

[0014] As a preferred solution, the optical axis is provided with a mounting groove, and a retaining ring is snap-connected to the mounting groove. One side of the retaining ring abuts against the outer side surface of the handle.

[0015] As a preferred solution, the outer surface of the button is gear-shaped, or the button is provided with a hexagonal socket slot.

[0016] The beneficial effects of the folding joint disclosed in the present invention are as follows: A folding joint disclosed in the present invention, in the working state, rotates the handle to drive the adjusting ejector rod to rotate. The adjusting ejector rod will touch the guiding inclined surface at the top of the clamping groove on the clamping block. As the rotation angle of the handle increases, the driving force exerted by the adjusting ejector rod on the clamping block also gradually increases. The clamping block drives the adjusting push rod to overcome the elastic force of the compression spring through the stepped surface on the adjusting push rod, and pushes the compression spring to be compressed, so that the adjusting ejector rod can smoothly slide down along the guiding inclined surface at the top of the clamping groove into the clamping groove. When the adjusting ejector rod completely enters the clamping groove, the adjusting push rod drives the clamping block to reset under the driving of the elastic force of the compression spring, and further makes the adjusting ejector rod be clamped in the clamping groove by the top of the clamping groove of the clamping block. At this time, even if the handle is rotated, the adjusting ejector rod cannot be disengaged from the clamping groove, thus realizing the self-locking function of the folding joint, and the safety is good.

[0017] When it is necessary to open the folding joint, press the button. The stepped surface of the adjusting push rod overcomes the elastic force of the compression spring, and pushes the compression spring to be compressed, driving the movement of the clamping groove of the clamping block. When the top of the clamping groove releases the adjusting push rod, rotate the handle to drive the adjusting ejector rod to disengage from the clamping groove, thereby opening the folding joint, and the operation is convenient.

[0018] In addition, the folding joint disclosed in the present invention also has the function of adjusting the unlocking force. Rotate the adjusting push rod to make the stepped surface on the surface of the adjusting push rod overcome the elastic force of the compression spring, and push the compression spring to be compressed. By changing the compression amount of the compression spring, adjust the pressing force of the button of the adjusting push rod to meet the needs and operating habits of users and adapt to the operating feel of different users. When the adjusting push rod is rotated to make the compression spring be squeezed into a larger compression state, press the button. The button pushes the clamping block, and the top of the clamping groove of the clamping block still holds the adjusting ejector rod. At this time, even if the handle is rotated, the adjusting ejector rod cannot be released from the clamping groove, having an anti-loosening effect. When it is necessary to open the folding joint, rotate the adjusting push rod back. The adjusting push rod moves and releases the compression force of the compression spring. At this time, press the button. The button pushes the clamping block through the adjusting push rod to overcome the elastic force of the compression spring, so that the adjusting ejector rod disengages from the top of the clamping groove, thereby realizing the unlocking function, and the safety is better. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Figure 1 is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the folding joint of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 2 is a structural schematic diagram of another perspective of the folding joint of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 3 is an exploded schematic diagram of the folding joint of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 4 is a structural schematic diagram of a partial explosion of the folding joint of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 5 is an exploded schematic diagram of the self-locking mechanism in the folding joint of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 6 is an exploded schematic diagram of another perspective of the self-locking mechanism in the folding joint of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 7 is a structural schematic diagram of the handle in the folding joint of the present invention. Detailed implementation manners

[0026] The present invention will be further described and explained below in conjunction with specific embodiments and the accompanying drawings of the specification:

[0027] Refer to Figures 1 to 7 , a folding joint, comprising a first connector 10, a second connector 20, a handle 30 and an adjusting ejector rod 40. One side of the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 is hinged. One end of the handle 30 is hinged to the other side of the first connector 10. A positioning pin 60 is provided at the other end of the handle 30. A tightening shaft 70 is provided at the other end of the second connector 20. One end of the adjusting ejector rod 40 is screwed to the positioning pin 60, and the other end of the adjusting ejector rod 40 is screwed to the tightening shaft 70. A self-locking mechanism 50 is provided on the handle 30. The self-locking mechanism 50 includes a clamping block 51, a compression spring 52 and an adjusting push rod 53. The clamping block 51 is provided with a clamping groove 511 and a guiding inclined surface 512. The clamping groove 511 is used to accommodate the adjusting ejector rod 40. The guiding inclined surface 512 is provided at the top of the clamping groove 511. The clamping block 51 is further provided with a connecting portion 513. A threaded hole 5131 is provided on the connecting portion 513. A threaded portion 531 is provided on the surface of the adjusting push rod 53. The adjusting push rod 53 is threadedly connected to the connecting portion 513. One end of the adjusting push rod 53 is provided with a button 532, and the other end is provided with a smooth shaft 533. A stepped surface 534 is provided at the junction of the external threaded portion and the smooth shaft of the adjusting push rod 53. The compression spring 52 is sleeved on the outer surface of the smooth shaft 533. One end of the compression spring 52 abuts against the stepped surface 534, and the other end abuts against the inner side of the handle 30.

[0028] Among them, the connection mode between the button 532 and the adjusting push rod 53 can be various modes such as an integral type or a detachable type.

[0029] The clamping block 51 is further provided with a spring groove 514, the spring groove 514 is communicated with the threaded hole 5131 on the connecting portion 513, the compression spring 52 is arranged in the spring groove 514, the compression spring 52 can be compressed and released in the spring groove 514, the adjustment of the spring force can be realized, and the compression spring 52 will not rotate and displace in the spring groove 514, so that the self-locking mechanism 50 operates normally; one end of the clamping block 51 is provided with a through hole 515 matching with the optical axis 533, and one end of the optical axis 533 passes through the spring groove 514 and is slidably arranged in the through hole 515, so that the adjusting push rod 53 can move inside the clamping block 51 while maintaining the connection with the compression spring 52, thereby realizing the extrusion and release of the compression spring 52 by the stepped surface 534 on the adjusting push rod 53.

[0030] The cross-sectional shape of the stepped surface 534 is circular, the outer diameter of the stepped surface 534 is larger than the outer diameter of the optical axis 533, and the outer diameter of the stepped surface 534 is consistent with the outer diameter of the screwed portion 531 on the surface of the adjusting push rod 53, which can ensure that when the adjusting push rod 53 rotates, the screwed portion 531 moves relatively through the threaded connection with the threaded hole 513 on the connecting portion 513 of the clamping block 51, and the adjusting push rod 53 uses the stepped surface 534 to extrude the compression spring 52 to control the elastic force of the compression spring 52.

[0031] The top of the clamping groove 511 is partially sealed. When the adjusting ejector rod 40 needs to be clamped in the clamping groove 511, the adjusting ejector rod 40 can provide a guiding function when moving on the surface of the guiding inclined surface 512, and the surface of the guiding inclined surface 512 is smooth, which can ensure that the adjusting ejector rod 40 smoothly slides into the clamping groove 511 for locking. The smooth inclined surface can reduce the friction with the adjusting ejector rod 40, effectively reduce the scratching of the folding joint, and also helps the adjusting ejector rod 40 to slide in, effectively increasing the smoothness of the structure.

[0032] A limiting portion 535 is arranged between the screwed portion 531 of the adjusting push rod 53 and the button 532. The cross-sectional shape of the limiting portion 535 is circular, and the outer diameter of the limiting portion 535 is larger than the outer diameter of the screwed portion 531 on the surface of the adjusting push rod 53. When the adjusting push rod 53 is rotated to adjust the unlocking force, the circular surface at one end of the limiting portion 535 can move to abut against one end of the connecting block, which can prevent the adjusting push rod 53 from rotating excessively during the operation process, ensure that the adjusting push rod 53 always remains within a reasonable range during the rotation process, and effectively avoid thread damage or adjustment failure caused by excessive rotation.

[0033] The handle 30 is provided with a first side plate 31 and a second side plate 32. A sliding hole 311 matching the limiting part 535 is provided on the first side plate 31. The adjusting push rod 53 is slidably arranged in the sliding hole 311 through the limiting part 535. When the button 532 is pressed or rotated, the button 532 will drive the adjusting push rod 53 to move in the sliding hole 311, so as to realize the unlocking of the self-locking mechanism 50 and the adjustment of the pressing force of the compression spring 52. A first round hole 321 and a second round hole 322 are provided on the second side plate 32. The first round hole 321 matches one end of the clamping block 51, and the second round hole 322 matches one end of the optical axis 533. When the button 532 is pushed, the round surface of one end of the clamping block 51 and the optical axis 533 slide horizontally in the first round hole 321 and the second round hole 322 respectively. The first round hole 321 and the second round hole 322 are connected, which can reduce the friction and wear during sliding and extend the service life of the parts.

[0034] Screw holes are respectively provided in the middle parts of the positioning pin 60 and the tightening shaft 70. The two ends of the adjusting top rod 40 are respectively screwed into the screw holes of the positioning pin 60 and the tightening shaft 70. The two sides of the adjusting top rod 40 are provided with left and right hand threads. The two ends of the adjusting top rod 40 can realize the two-way adjustment of the positioning pin 60 and the tightening shaft 70. The user can choose to rotate either end of the adjusting top rod 40 according to needs to adjust the positions of the positioning pin 60 or the tightening shaft 70, so as to realize precise adjustment and fixation, and improve the adjustment ability and operation convenience of the folding joint.

[0035] The folding joint further includes a rotating shaft 80 and a hinge shaft 90. The first connecting head 10 and the second connecting head 20 are hinged to each other through the rotating shaft 80. The handle 30 and the second connecting head 20 are hinged to each other through the hinge shaft 90. The first connecting head 10 and the second connecting head 20 can be used to connect the front and rear halves of various bicycles or electric bicycles, and can be flexibly folded into the whole vehicle body, with a simple structure and simple and convenient use.

[0036] Among them, the folding joint can also be used on various mechanical parts suitable for folding, with high flexibility and convenient installation.

[0037] A limiting pin 11 is provided at the bottom of the first connecting head 10. The limiting pin 11 passes through the second connecting head 20 and abuts against one end of the hinge shaft 90 to ensure that when the first connecting head 10 and the second connecting head 20 rotate, it can prevent them from shifting, thus improving the stability.

[0038] The optical axis 533 is provided with a mounting groove 535, and a retaining ring 54 is snap-connected to the mounting groove 535. One side of the retaining ring 54 abuts against the outer side surface of the handle 30, restricting the maximum stroke of the adjusting push rod 53 within the handle 30, preventing the adjusting push rod 53 from retracting excessively, thereby protecting the normal working range of the self-locking mechanism 50 and extending the service life of the components.

[0039] The outer surface of the button 532 is gear-shaped. The gear-shaped outer surface increases the friction between the button 532 and the user's finger, enabling the user to apply force more easily when rotating the button 532 without the risk of operation failure due to slipping. Additionally, an internal hexagonal groove hole or a cross-shaped groove hole can be provided on the surface of the button 532. The shape of the groove hole can be various, and the button 532 can be replaced according to the hole position shape required by the customer. A slot hole is provided at the end of the button 532, facilitating the user to use the corresponding tool for torsion, saving time and effort. When twisting the button 532 to adjust the pressure of the compression spring 52, torque can be conveniently applied, with simple and convenient operation, wide application range, and high safety.

[0040] A folding joint disclosed by the present invention, in the working state, rotates the handle 30 to drive the adjusting ejector rod 40 to rotate. The adjusting ejector rod 40 will touch the guiding inclined surface 512 at the top of the engaging groove 511 on the engaging block 51. As the rotation angle of the handle 30 increases, the driving force exerted by the adjusting ejector rod 40 on the engaging block 51 also gradually increases. The engaging block 51 drives the adjusting push rod 53 to overcome the elastic force of the compression spring 52 through the stepped surface 534 on the adjusting push rod 53 and push the compression spring 52 to compress, so that the adjusting ejector rod 40 can smoothly slide down along the guiding inclined surface 512 at the top of the engaging groove 511 into the engaging groove 511. When the adjusting ejector rod 40 completely enters the engaging groove 511, the adjusting push rod 53 drives the engaging block 51 to reset under the driving of the elastic force of the compression spring 52, and then the adjusting ejector rod 40 is clamped in the engaging groove 511 by the top of the engaging groove 511 of the engaging block 51. At this time, even if the handle 30 is rotated, the adjusting ejector rod 40 cannot be disengaged from the engaging groove 511, thus realizing the self-locking function of the folding joint.

[0041] When it is necessary to open the folding joint, press the button 532. The stepped surface 534 of the adjusting push rod 53 overcomes the elastic force of the compression spring 52 and pushes the compression spring 52 to compress, driving the engaging groove 511 of the engaging block 51 to move. When the top of the engaging groove 511 releases the adjusting push rod 53, rotate the handle 30 to drive the adjusting ejector rod 40 to disengage from the engaging groove 511, thereby opening the folding joint, with convenient operation.

[0042] In addition, the folding joint disclosed in the present invention also has the function of adjusting the unlocking force. Rotate the adjusting push rod 53 so that the stepped surface 534 on the surface of the adjusting push rod 53 overcomes the elastic force of the compression spring 52 and pushes the compression spring 52 to compress. By changing the compression amount of the compression spring 52, the pressing force of the button 532 of the adjusting push rod 53 is adjusted to meet the needs and operating habits of the user and adapt to the operating feel of different users. When the adjusting push rod 53 is rotated to make the compression spring 52 squeezed into a larger compression state, press the button 532, and the button 532 pushes the clamping block 51. The top of the clamping groove 511 of the clamping block 51 still holds the adjusting ejector rod 40. At this time, even if the handle 30 is rotated, the adjusting ejector rod 40 cannot be released from the clamping groove 511, which has an anti-loosening effect. When the folding joint needs to be opened, rotate the adjusting push rod 53 back. The adjusting push rod 53 moves and releases the compression force of the compression spring 52. At this time, press the button 532, and the button 532 overcomes the elastic force of the compression spring 52 through the adjusting push rod 53 to push the clamping block 51, so that the adjusting ejector rod 40 disengages from the top of the clamping groove 511, thereby realizing the unlocking function and having good safety.

[0043] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, rather than limiting the protection scope of the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the preferred embodiments, those of ordinary skill in the art should understand that the technical solutions of the present invention can be modified or equivalently replaced without departing from the essence and scope of the technical solutions of the present invention.

Claims

1. A folding joint, comprising a first connector, a second connector, a handle and an adjusting push rod, wherein one side of the first connector and the second connector are hinged, one end of the handle is hinged to the other side of the first connector, the other end of the handle is provided with a positioning pin, the other side of the second connector is provided with a tightening shaft, one end of the adjusting push rod is fixedly connected to the positioning pin, and the other end of the adjusting push rod is fixedly connected to the tightening shaft, characterized in that: The handle is provided with a self-locking mechanism, which includes a clamping block, a compression spring and an adjusting push rod. The clamping block is provided with a clamping groove and a guide inclined surface. The clamping groove is used to accommodate the adjusting top rod, and the guide inclined surface is provided at the top of the clamping groove. The clamping block is also provided with a connecting portion, a threaded hole is provided on the connecting portion, and a threaded portion is provided on the surface of the adjusting push rod. The adjusting push rod is threadedly connected to the connecting portion, a button is provided at one end of the adjusting push rod, and an optical axis is provided at the other end. The adjusting push rod is provided with a step surface at the intersection of the threaded portion and the optical axis, and the compression spring is sleeved on the outer surface of the optical axis, one end of the compression spring abuts against the step surface, and the other end abuts against the inner side of the handle.

2. The folding joint according to claim 1, wherein: The clamping block is also provided with a spring groove, which is connected to the threaded hole on the connecting part. The compression spring is arranged in the spring groove. One end of the clamping block is provided with a through hole matching the optical axis. One end of the optical axis passes through the spring groove and slides in the through hole.

3. The folding joint according to claim 1, wherein: The cross-section of the step surface is circular, the outer diameter of the step surface is larger than the outer diameter of the optical axis, and the outer diameter of the step surface is consistent with the outer diameter of the threaded portion of the adjustment push rod surface.

4. The folding joint according to claim 1, wherein: A limiting portion is provided between the threaded portion of the adjusting push rod and the button. The cross-section of the limiting portion is circular, and the outer diameter of the limiting portion is larger than the outer diameter of the threaded portion on the surface of the adjusting push rod.

5. The folding joint according to claim 4, characterized in that The handle is provided with a first side plate and a second side plate, the first side plate is provided with a sliding hole matching the limiting portion, and the limiting portion of the adjusting push rod is provided in the sliding hole.

6. The folding joint according to claim 5, characterized in that The second side plate is provided with a first circular hole and a second circular hole, the first circular hole matches one end of the clamping block, the second circular hole matches one end of the optical axis, and the first circular hole is connected to the second circular hole.

7. The folding joint according to claim 1, wherein: The middle parts of the positioning pin and the jacking shaft are respectively provided with screw holes, and the two ends of the adjusting push rod are respectively screwed to the screw holes of the positioning pin and the jacking shaft.

8. The folding joint according to claim 1, wherein: The folding joint further includes a rotating shaft and a hinge shaft. A limit pin is provided at the bottom of the first connector, and the limit pin passes through the second connector and abuts against one end of the hinge shaft.

9. The folding joint according to claim 1, wherein: The optical axis is provided with a mounting groove, and a retaining ring is clamped and connected to the mounting groove, and one side of the retaining ring is in contact with the outer side surface of the handle.

10. The folding joint according to claim 1, wherein: The outer surface of the button is gear-shaped, or the button is provided with a hexagonal slot hole.

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