Folding landscape umbrella electric push rod locking device, locking method and folding landscape umbrella

Abstract

The invention discloses a folding landscape umbrella electric push rod locking device and method and a folding landscape umbrella, and relates to the technical field of folding landscape umbrella locking. The folding landscape umbrella comprises a supporting column and a movable column arranged in the supporting column in a sleeved mode; the electric push rod locking device comprises at least two electric push rod locking assemblies used for locking the supporting column and the movable column. Each electric push rod locking assembly comprises a push rod installation frame arranged in the radial direction of the outer wall of the supporting column, an electric push rod arranged on the push rod installation frame and a pin shaft arranged at the tail end of the electric push rod and arranged in the radial direction. Through holes allowing the pin shafts to pass through are formed in the supporting columns, and the tail ends of the pin shafts are tightly pressed against the outer walls of the movable columns by the maximum telescopic distance. The electric push rod locking device further comprises an automatic control device and a manual control device which are used for controlling the electric push rod locking assemblies to stretch out and draw back. The device has the advantages of being simple in structure, low in cost, easy to implement and reliable in control mode.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of locking technology for folding landscape umbrellas, and more specifically to a locking device, locking method, and technology of electric actuator for folding landscape umbrellas. Background Technology

[0002] Existing landscape umbrella push rods primarily use hydraulic or electric push rods to drive the movable column for opening and closing the umbrella. Because large landscape sunshades have very long arms, the lever arm is at its longest when the umbrella is fully open, creating a lever with a high effort requirement. At this point, the enormous torque of the umbrella arm necessitates the use of hydraulic or electric push rods to maintain the open state. Over time, this significantly impacts the failure rate and lifespan of the hydraulic or electric push rods, posing certain safety risks. Furthermore, when the landscape umbrella push rod malfunctions and needs replacement or repair, the lack of a locking device for the movable column makes it impossible to keep the movable column in the lower position for easy removal of the umbrella push rod. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to solve the above-mentioned technical problems by providing a folding landscape umbrella electric push rod locking device, locking method, and folding landscape umbrella.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention specifically adopts the following technical solution: One aspect of the present invention provides an electric actuator locking device for a folding landscape umbrella. The folding landscape umbrella includes a support column and a movable column sleeved within the support column. The electric actuator locking device includes at least two electric actuator locking assemblies for locking the support column and the movable column. Each electric actuator locking assembly includes a actuator mounting bracket arranged radially on the outer wall of the support column, an electric actuator arranged on the actuator mounting bracket, and a pin arranged radially at the end of the electric actuator. The support column is provided with a through hole that allows the pin to pass through, and the maximum extension distance of the end of each pin is pressed against the outer wall of the movable column. The electric actuator locking device also includes an automatic control device and a manual control device for controlling the extension and retraction of each electric actuator locking component.

[0005] Specifically, this solution uses 2 to 4 electric push rods to control the pins to be inserted between the movable column and the support column, thereby locking the movable column and the support column together. This method is simple in structure, low in cost, easy to implement, and reliable in control. In one embodiment, the automatic control device includes a first control module, a second control module, a lower proximity sensor disposed at the lower end of the support column, an upper proximity sensor disposed at the upper end of the support column, and a magnetic block disposed at the bottom of the outer wall of the movable column that cooperates with the lower proximity sensor and the upper proximity sensor respectively. Both the upper and lower proximity sensors are electrically connected to the first control module, the first control module is electrically connected to the second control module, and the second control module is electrically connected to the vertical telescopic module of the folding landscape umbrella.

[0006] Specifically, upper and lower proximity sensors are installed at the support columns where the landscape umbrella is closed and opened. Based on the movement state of the landscape umbrella push rod, when the landscape umbrella is opened, the movable column is at the lower limit position, triggering the lower proximity sensor; when the landscape umbrella is closed, the movable column is at the upper limit position, triggering the upper proximity sensor. The trigger signal is received by the first control module to realize automatic locking and unlocking.

[0007] In one embodiment, each manual control device includes an input shaft connected to the end of the corresponding electric actuator away from the pin, a toothed sprocket sleeved on the input shaft, a toothed sprocket, and a chain that engages with the toothed sprocket.

[0008] Specifically, the rotation of the electric push rod input shaft is controlled by manually pulling the toothed sprocket, which in turn controls the extension and retraction of the lead screw. This allows for manual control of whether the pin is inserted into the movable column for locking and unlocking.

[0009] In one embodiment, the electric actuator is a self-locking screw pair mechanism to prevent the pin from moving axially automatically under external force, thus affecting the normal movement of the movable column.

[0010] In one embodiment, the number of electric actuator locking assemblies is four.

[0011] A second aspect of the present invention provides a folding landscape umbrella, including the above-described electric push rod locking device for a folding landscape umbrella, and further including a landscape umbrella support frame and a landscape umbrella push rod disposed inside the landscape umbrella support frame; the top of the landscape umbrella push rod is fixedly connected to the bottom of the movable column, the support column is fixed on the landscape umbrella support frame, and the top of the landscape umbrella push rod and the movable column are located inside the support column.

[0012] In one embodiment, the cylinder of the landscape umbrella push rod is fixed to the top of the landscape umbrella support frame, and the top of the piston rod of the landscape umbrella support frame is fixed to the bottom of the movable column.

[0013] A third aspect of the present invention provides a method for locking an electric push rod of a folding landscape umbrella, which employs the above-mentioned locking device for an electric push rod of a folding landscape umbrella, including an automatic control mode and a manual control mode; The specific methods for automatic control mode are as follows: The first control module receives the umbrella opening signal, controls the electric push rod to retract, which in turn drives the pin to retract, completing the unlocking. The first control module sends an unlocking completion signal to the second control module, which then sends an umbrella opening signal to the landscape umbrella push rod, controlling the push rod to move from the fully extended state to the fully retracted state. When the push rod is fully retracted, the umbrella is in the fully open state, triggering the proximity sensor. The trigger signal is sent to the second control module to control the electric push rod to extend, which in turn drives the pin to extend, completing the locking. The closing process is the same.

[0014] The specific method for manual control mode is as follows: When the control module or the electric push rod motor malfunctions, manually pulling the chain drives the toothed sprocket to rotate, which in turn drives the electric push rod input shaft to rotate, controlling the electric push rod to retract and unlock. Then, the second control module controls the landscape umbrella push rod to move from the fully extended state to the fully retracted state. When the landscape umbrella push rod is fully retracted, it is in the fully open state. At this time, pulling the chain in the opposite direction again drives the toothed sprocket to rotate in the opposite direction, which in turn drives the electric push rod input shaft to rotate in the opposite direction, completing the locking. The closing process is the same.

[0015] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: 1. This solution uses at least two electric push rods to control the pins to be inserted between the movable column and the support column to lock the movable column and the support column. This method has a simple structure, low cost, is easy to implement, and has a reliable control method.

[0016] 2. The electric push rod is a self-locking screw pair mechanism to prevent the pin from moving axially automatically under external force and affecting the normal movement of the movable column.

[0017] 3. Automatic control mode: The first control module controls the extension and retraction of the electric push rod, which in turn drives the pin to move laterally. When locking is required (when the umbrella is fully open or fully closed), the pin moves laterally to insert into the movable column. When locking is not required (during the opening or closing process of the umbrella), the pin moves laterally to disengage from the movable column.

[0018] 4. Manual control mode: When the first control module malfunctions, the chain can be manually pulled to rotate the toothed sprocket, which in turn drives the input shaft of the electric push rod to rotate, controlling the extension and retraction of the electric push rod to achieve locking and unlocking. Attached Figure Description

[0019] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of the present invention and should not be regarded as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the opening and locking mechanism of the electric push rod locking device for a folding landscape umbrella according to the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the closing and locking mechanism of the electric push rod locking device for a folding landscape umbrella according to the present invention; Reference numerals: 1. Pin; 2. Electric actuator; 3. Actuator mounting bracket; 4. Magnetic block; 5. Input shaft; 6. Chain; 7. Gear sprocket; 8. Support column; 9. Movable column; 10. First control module; 11. Second control module; 12. Landscape umbrella actuator; 13. Landscape umbrella support column; 14. Upper proximity sensor; 15. Lower proximity sensor. Detailed Implementation

[0021] To make the technical problems, technical solutions, and technical effects of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of the present invention described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0022] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the invention.

[0023] It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters in the following figures indicate similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used only to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0024] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted that the terms "inner", "outer", "upper", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship in which the product of the invention is usually placed when in use. They are only for the convenience of describing the present 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 limiting the present invention.

[0025] Example 1 like Figures 1 to 2As shown, this embodiment provides a folding landscape umbrella electric push rod locking device. The folding landscape umbrella includes a support column 8 and a movable column 9 sleeved inside the support column 8. The electric push rod locking device includes at least two electric push rod locking assemblies for locking the support column 8 and the movable column. Each electric push rod locking assembly includes a push rod mounting bracket 3 arranged radially on the outer wall of the support column 8, an electric push rod 2 arranged on the push rod mounting bracket 3, and a pin 1 arranged radially at the end of the electric push rod 2. The support column 8 is provided with a through hole that allows the pin 1 to pass through. The maximum extension distance of the end of each pin 1 is pressed against the outer wall of the movable column 9. The electric actuator locking device also includes an automatic control device and a manual control device for controlling the extension and retraction of each electric actuator locking component.

[0026] Specifically, this solution uses 2 to 4 electric push rods 2 to control the pin shaft 1 to insert between the movable column 9 and the support column 8, thereby locking the movable column 9 and the support column 8. This method has a simple structure, low cost, is easy to implement, and has a reliable control method. Example 2 like Figures 1 to 2 As shown, this embodiment provides a folding landscape umbrella electric push rod locking device. The folding landscape umbrella includes a support column 8 and a movable column 9 sleeved inside the support column 8. The electric push rod locking device includes at least two electric push rod locking assemblies for locking the support column 8 and the movable column. Each electric push rod locking assembly includes a push rod mounting bracket 3 arranged radially on the outer wall of the support column 8, an electric push rod 2 arranged on the push rod mounting bracket 3, and a pin 1 arranged radially at the end of the electric push rod 2. The support column 8 is provided with a through hole that allows the pin 1 to pass through. The maximum extension distance of the end of each pin 1 is pressed against the outer wall of the movable column 9. The electric actuator locking device also includes an automatic control device and a manual control device for controlling the extension and retraction of each electric actuator locking component.

[0027] The automatic control device includes a first control module 10, a second control module 11, a lower proximity sensor 15 disposed at the lower end of the support column 8, an upper proximity sensor 14 disposed at the upper end of the support column 8, and a magnetic block 4 disposed at the bottom of the outer wall of the movable column 9, which respectively cooperates with the lower proximity sensor 15 and the upper proximity sensor 14. The upper proximity sensor 14 and the lower proximity sensor 15 are both electrically connected to the first control module 10. The first control module 10 is electrically connected to the second control module 11, and the second control module 11 is electrically connected to the vertical telescopic module of the folding landscape umbrella.

[0028] Specifically, upper and lower proximity sensors 15 are installed at the support column 8 when the landscape umbrella is closed and opened. Combined with the movement state of the landscape umbrella push rod 12, when the landscape umbrella is opened, the movable column 9 is at the lower limit position to trigger the lower proximity sensor 15, and when the landscape umbrella is closed, the movable column 9 is at the upper limit position to trigger the upper proximity sensor 14. The trigger signal is received by the first control module 10 and realizes automatic locking and unlocking.

[0029] Example 3 This embodiment is a further optimization based on embodiment 2, specifically: The electric push rod 2 is a self-locking screw pair mechanism to prevent the pin 1 from moving axially automatically under the action of external force, thus affecting the normal movement of the movable column 9.

[0030] The number of electric actuator locking components is 4.

[0031] Each manual control device includes an input shaft 5 connected to the end of the corresponding electric push rod 2 away from the pin 1, a toothed sprocket 7 that rotates on the input shaft 5, a toothed sprocket 7, and a chain 6 that cooperates with the toothed sprocket 7.

[0032] Specifically, the rotation of the input shaft 5 of the electric push rod 2 is controlled by manually pulling the toothed sprocket 7, which in turn controls the extension and retraction of the lead screw, thus enabling manual control of whether the pin 1 is inserted into the movable column 9 for locking and unlocking.

[0033] Example 4 This embodiment provides a folding landscape umbrella, including the above-mentioned electric push rod locking device for a folding landscape umbrella, as well as a landscape umbrella support frame 13 and a landscape umbrella push rod 12 disposed inside the landscape umbrella support frame 13; the top of the landscape umbrella push rod 12 is fixedly connected to the bottom of the movable column 9, the support column 8 is fixed on the landscape umbrella support frame 13, and the top of the landscape umbrella push rod 12 and the movable column 9 are located inside the support column 8.

[0034] The cylinder of the landscape umbrella push rod 12 is fixed to the top of the landscape umbrella support frame 13, and the top of the piston rod of the landscape umbrella support frame 13 is fixed to the bottom of the movable column 9.

[0035] Example 5 This embodiment provides a locking method for an electric push rod of a folding landscape umbrella, which uses the above-mentioned locking device for an electric push rod of a folding landscape umbrella, including an automatic control mode and a manual control mode. Automatic control mode: The first control module 10 controls the electric push rod 2 to extend and retract, thereby driving the pin 1 to move laterally. When locking is required (fully open or fully closed), the pin 1 moves laterally and inserts into the movable column 9. When locking is not required (during the opening or closing process), the pin 1 moves laterally and disengages from the movable column 9. Manual control mode: When the first control module 10 malfunctions, the chain 6 is manually pulled to drive the toothed sprocket 7 to rotate. The toothed sprocket 7 then drives the input shaft 5 of the electric push rod 2 to rotate, thereby controlling the extension and retraction of the electric push rod 2 to achieve locking and unlocking. The specific methods for automatic control mode are as follows: The first control module 10 receives the umbrella opening signal, controls the electric push rod 2 to retract, which in turn drives the pin 1 to retract, completing the unlocking. The first control module 10 sends the unlocking completion signal to the second control module 11, which then sends the umbrella opening signal to the landscape umbrella push rod 12, controlling the landscape umbrella push rod 12 to move from the fully extended state to the fully retracted state. When the landscape umbrella push rod 12 is fully retracted, it is in the fully open state, triggering the lower proximity sensor 15. The trigger signal is sent to the second control module 11 to control the electric push rod 2 to extend, which in turn drives the pin 1 to extend, completing the locking. The closing process is the same.

[0036] The specific method for manual control mode is as follows: When the control module or the motor of electric push rod 2 malfunctions, the chain 6 is manually pulled to rotate the toothed sprocket 7, which in turn rotates the input shaft 5 of electric push rod 2, controlling the electric push rod 2 to retract and complete the unlocking process. Then, the second control module 11 controls the landscape umbrella push rod 12 to move from the fully extended state to the fully retracted state. When the landscape umbrella push rod 12 is fully retracted, it is in the fully open state. At this time, the chain 6 is pulled in the opposite direction again to rotate the toothed sprocket 7 in the opposite direction, which in turn rotates the input shaft 5 of electric push rod 2 in the opposite direction, completing the locking process. The closing process is the same.

Claims

1. A locking device for an electric push rod of a folding landscape umbrella, the folding landscape umbrella comprising a support column (8) and a movable column (9) sleeved within the support column (8), characterized in that, The electric actuator locking device includes at least two electric actuator locking assemblies for locking the support column (8) and the movable column. Each electric actuator locking assembly includes a push rod mounting bracket (3) arranged radially on the outer wall of the support column (8), an electric push rod (2) arranged on the push rod mounting bracket (3), and a pin (1) arranged radially at the end of the electric push rod (2). The support column (8) is provided with a through hole that allows the pin (1) to pass through. The maximum extension distance of the end of each pin (1) is pressed against the outer wall of the movable column (9). The electric actuator locking device also includes an automatic control device and a manual control device for controlling the extension and retraction of each of the electric actuator locking components.

2. The electric push rod locking device for a folding landscape umbrella according to claim 1, characterized in that, The automatic control device includes a first control module (10), a second control module (11), a lower proximity sensor (15) disposed at the lower end of the support column (8), an upper proximity sensor (14) disposed at the upper end of the support column (8), and a magnetic block (4) disposed at the bottom of the outer wall of the movable column (9) and cooperating with the lower proximity sensor (15) and the upper proximity sensor (14) respectively. The upper proximity sensor (14) and the lower proximity sensor (15) are both electrically connected to the first control module (10), the first control module (10) is electrically connected to the second control module (11), and the second control module (11) is electrically connected to the vertical telescopic module of the folding landscape umbrella.

3. The electric push rod locking device for a folding landscape umbrella according to claim 2, characterized in that, Each of the manual control devices includes an input shaft (5) connected to the end of the corresponding electric push rod (2) away from the pin (1), a toothed sprocket (7) sleeved on the input shaft (5) for rotation, a toothed sprocket (7) and a chain (6) cooperating with the toothed sprocket (7).

4. The electric push rod locking device for a folding landscape umbrella according to claim 2, characterized in that, The electric push rod (2) is a self-locking screw pair mechanism to prevent the pin (1) from moving axially automatically under the action of external force, thus affecting the normal movement of the movable column (9).

5. The electric push rod locking device for a folding landscape umbrella according to claim 1, characterized in that, The number of electric actuator locking components is 4.

6. A folding landscape umbrella, comprising the electric push rod locking device for a folding landscape umbrella as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, It also includes a landscape umbrella support frame (13) and a landscape umbrella push rod (12) disposed inside the landscape umbrella support frame (13); the top of the landscape umbrella push rod (12) is fixedly connected to the bottom of the movable column (9), the support column (8) is fixed on the landscape umbrella support frame (13), and the top of the landscape umbrella push rod (12) and the movable column (9) are located inside the support column (8).

7. A folding landscape umbrella according to claim 6, characterized in that, The cylinder of the landscape umbrella push rod (12) is fixed to the top of the landscape umbrella support frame (13), and the top of the piston rod of the landscape umbrella support frame (13) is fixed to the bottom of the movable column (9).

8. A method for locking the electric actuator of a folding landscape umbrella, employing the locking device for the electric actuator of a folding landscape umbrella as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, Includes automatic control mode and manual control mode; Automatic control mode: The first control module (10) controls the electric push rod (2) to extend and retract, thereby driving the pin (1) to move laterally. When locking is required, the pin (1) moves laterally to insert into the movable column (9). When locking is not required, the pin (1) moves laterally to disengage from the movable column (9). Manual control mode: When the first control module (10) malfunctions, the chain (6) is manually pulled to drive the toothed sprocket (7) to rotate. The toothed sprocket (7) then drives the input shaft (5) of the electric push rod (2) to rotate, thereby controlling the extension and retraction of the electric push rod (2) to achieve locking and unlocking.

9. A method for locking the electric actuator of a folding landscape umbrella according to claim 8, characterized in that, The specific methods for automatic control mode are as follows: The first control module (10) receives the umbrella opening signal, controls the electric push rod (2) to retract and thus drives the pin (1) to retract, completing the unlocking. The first control module (10) sends the unlocking completion signal to the second control module (11), and the second control module (11) then sends the umbrella opening signal to the landscape umbrella push rod (12) to control the landscape umbrella push rod (12) to move from the fully extended state to the fully retracted state. When the landscape umbrella push rod (12) is fully retracted, it is in the fully open state, triggering the lower proximity sensor (15). The trigger signal is sent to the second control module (11) to control the electric push rod (2) to extend and thus drive the pin (1) to extend, completing the locking. The closing process is the same.

10. A method for locking the electric actuator of a folding landscape umbrella according to claim 8, characterized in that, The specific method for manual control mode is as follows: When the control module or the motor of the electric push rod (2) malfunctions, the chain (6) is manually pulled to drive the toothed sprocket (7) to rotate. The toothed sprocket (7) drives the input shaft (5) of the electric push rod (2) to rotate, controlling the electric push rod (2) to retract and complete the unlocking. Then the second control module (11) controls the landscape umbrella push rod (12) to move from the fully extended state to the fully retracted state. When the landscape umbrella push rod (12) is fully retracted, it is in the fully open state. At this time, the chain (6) is pulled in the opposite direction again to drive the toothed sprocket (7) to rotate in the opposite direction. The toothed sprocket (7) drives the input shaft (5) of the electric push rod (2) to rotate in the opposite direction, completing the locking. The closing process is the same.

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