Telescopic enclosure structure of capacity-expandable luggage

By using an arc-shaped guide tube and a bow-shaped cable routing design, the problems of cumbersome operation and easy damage to the cable in existing suitcases are solved. This achieves stable closure of the middle frame and convenient expansion, improving service life and ease of operation.

CN121845341APending Publication Date: 2026-04-14SHANGHAI WEITUODE CASE & BAG TRIMMING CO LTD
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2026-02-09
Publication Date
2026-04-14

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing expandable suitcases have cumbersome zipper structures that are prone to misalignment of the suitcase shell, and the steel wire pull ropes are susceptible to fatigue damage due to bending, which affects their service life.

Method used

The design employs an arc-shaped guide tube and a bow-shaped cable routing system. Through the interference fit between the guide tube and the insertion interface and the limiting of the blocking part, the cable is ensured to apply force in the closing direction. The closing and opening of the middle frame are achieved through the retraction and opening device, reducing bending friction.

Benefits of technology

It achieves smooth closing and synchronous clamping of the middle frame, reduces frictional resistance, extends the service life of the pull rope, and improves the convenience and stability of expansion and contraction operations.

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Abstract

The telescopic enclosure structure comprises two annular middle frames, a telescopic enclosure for connecting the two middle frames is arranged between the two middle frames, a plurality of insertion openings are formed in the middle frames in the circumferential direction of the middle frames at intervals, and the insertion openings in the two middle frames are correspondingly formed; the two ends of the guide pipe are inserted into the two adjacent insertion openings in the middle frame respectively; the device further comprises a pull rope and a winding and unwinding device, the pull rope penetrates through the guide pipes, and the pull rope is arranged in the circumferential direction of the middle frames and alternately turns back between the guide pipes on the two middle frames to form continuous bow-shaped wiring. The pull rope is connected with the winding and unwinding device, and the winding and unwinding device can wind and unwind the pull rope; the middle frame is provided with a blocking part abutting against the front end of the guide pipe. Due to the arrangement of the arc-shaped guide pipe, smooth arc-shaped transition is formed at the connecting position of the pull rope and the inserting opening, bending of the pull rope at the position is reduced, friction resistance borne by the pull rope at the position is reduced, the effect of protecting the pull rope is achieved, and the pull rope can be pulled more smoothly.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of luggage technology, and more specifically to a telescopic structure for expandable luggage. Background Technology

[0002] An existing expandable suitcase has a structure consisting of two shells connected by a telescopic flap and a zipper. When the zipper is closed, the two shells are joined together in their normal storage space. When the zipper is opened, the two shells can be separated and the telescopic flap is opened, thus increasing the storage space between the two shells and achieving the purpose of expansion.

[0003] The existing expandable suitcases have the following problems when expanding: during the expansion operation, the hand needs to operate the zipper head to move around the suitcase, which is a long operation distance, and the operator may also need to move the position to follow the operation of the zipper head, making the operation quite troublesome.

[0004] To address the aforementioned technical issues, patent CN222692879U discloses a conveniently expandable and adjustable suitcase. When operating the suitcase's telescopic enclosure, the closing and opening of the two shells is controlled by a steel wire rope. The closing and opening of the two shells, as well as the distance between them, are controlled and adjusted by changing the length of the steel wire rope connecting them. The length of the steel wire rope is operated by a winding and unwinding device. This device's winding and unwinding operation of the steel wire rope causes the two shells to close and open, and adjusts the distance between them. When operating the winding and unwinding device, the hand only needs to rotate in one position, eliminating the need for extensive movement like in existing zipper structures, making operation simple and convenient.

[0005] However, reference Figure 1 This is a wiring diagram of the steel wire rope in the aforementioned patent. When the two housings are closed, the wiring arrangement is as follows: Figure 2 As shown, at this time, the insertion interfaces on the two shells are close together, causing the steel wire rope to be arranged in a nearly circumferential manner along the shell. At this time, the force generated by the steel wire rope is not along the closing direction of the two shells (the direction indicated by the arrow is the direction of the tension of the steel wire rope). At this time, the tension not only does not help the two shells close, but may also cause the two shells to misalign.

[0006] In addition, the steel wire rope is connected in the plug interface. When the steel wire rope is bent, it is easy to generate greater resistance. Moreover, the steel wire rope is prone to fatigue damage after bending. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In view of the problems pointed out in the background art, the present invention proposes a telescopic enclosure structure for expandable bags to solve the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0008] The technical solution of this invention is implemented as follows: An expandable luggage structure includes two annular middle frames, with an expandable section connecting the two middle frames. The middle frame is provided with a number of insertion interfaces spaced apart along its circumference, and the insertion interfaces on the two middle frames are set accordingly; It also includes an arc-shaped guide tube, with its two ends inserted into two adjacent insertion interfaces on the middle frame; It also includes a pull rope and a winding and unwinding device. The pull rope passes through the guide tube and is arranged along the circumference of the middle frame. It alternately folds back and forth between the guide tubes on the two middle frames to form a continuous bow-shaped routing. The pull rope is connected to the winding and unwinding device, which can wind and release the pull rope. The winding and unwinding device causes the two middle frames to close and separate by winding and releasing the pull rope. The middle frame has a blocking part that abuts against the front end of the guide tube, and the blocking part has a channel that allows the pull rope to pass through.

[0009] The present invention is further configured such that the guide tube and the insertion interface are interference-fitted.

[0010] The present invention is further configured such that the diameter of the insertion interface gradually decreases in the insertion direction of the guide tube.

[0011] The present invention is further configured such that an opening is provided on the side wall of the front end of the insertion interface, and the blocking part is disposed at the opening.

[0012] The present invention is further configured such that the insertion interfaces on the two middle frames are coaxially corresponding.

[0013] The invention is further configured to include a housing that is fixedly connected to the two middle frames respectively.

[0014] The present invention is further configured such that the middle frame is made of a single piece of plastic.

[0015] The invention is further configured such that the telescopic enclosure is made of a flexible material.

[0016] The present invention is further configured such that the pull rope is a nylon rope or a steel wire rope.

[0017] The present invention is further configured such that the guide tube is made of a rigid material.

[0018] By adopting the above technical solution, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: The expandable luggage telescopic structure provided by the present invention has two middle frames that are pulled together by a pull rope. During the process of pulling the two middle frames together and after they are pulled together, the pull rope between the two middle frames always applies force in the closing direction of the two middle frames. The force in this direction helps the two middle frames to close and clamp together, and form a clamping force.

[0019] The curved guide tube design creates a smooth arc transition at the connection point between the pull rope and the connector, reducing the bending of the pull rope at that point and decreasing the frictional resistance it experiences. This protects the pull rope and allows it to be pulled more smoothly. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0021] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of existing technology Figure 1 .

[0022] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of existing technology Figure 2 .

[0023] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the guide tube connected to the frame in this invention.

[0024] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the guide tube and pull rope connected to the frame in this invention.

[0025] Figure 5 This is an exploded view of the frame and guide tube in this invention.

[0026] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the connection between the frame and the guide tube in this invention.

[0027] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the frame connecting the housing in this invention.

[0028] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the frame and guide tube in this invention.

[0029] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the guide tube of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 10 For the present invention Figure 8 Enlarged view of part A in the image.

[0031] The following are the labels in the attached diagram: 1. Middle frame; 2. Telescopic enclosure; 3. Insertion interface; 4. Pull rope; 5. Retraction device; 6. Guide tube; 7. Opening; 8. Blocking part; 9. Box shell; 10. Channel. Detailed Implementation

[0032] 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. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0033] For reference as follows Figures 1-10 The present invention will be described as follows: Example: An expandable luggage telescopic structure includes two annular middle frames 1. The middle frames 1 are made of plastic material through an integrated injection molding process. The integrated molding structure can ensure that the overall structural strength of the middle frames 1 is uniform and there are no splicing gaps, avoiding structural damage caused by stress concentration at the splicing points. At the same time, the plastic material has both rigidity and lightweight characteristics, which can provide stable support for the overall structure and control the overall weight of the luggage, meeting the portability requirements of the luggage.

[0034] The middle frame 1, as the core positioning component of the entire telescopic enclosure structure, undertakes the functions of connecting the box shell, installing guide tubes, and fixing auxiliary structures. It is the basic support component for realizing telescopic expansion. The two middle frames 1 are arranged symmetrically to provide a symmetrical force basis for subsequent telescopic adjustment.

[0035] It also includes a case shell 9 that is fixedly connected to the two middle frames 1 respectively. The case shell 9 is the main load-bearing component of the case.

[0036] A telescopic enclosure 2, fixedly connecting the two middle frames 1, is made of a flexible material, such as Oxford cloth, nylon cloth, or PVC flexible film, which possesses good tensile strength, toughness, and sealing properties. The flexible material allows the telescopic enclosure 2 to stretch and contract with the relative movement of the two middle frames 1, thereby causing the box shell 9 connected to the two middle frames 1 to move away from or closer to each other. This ultimately achieves the expansion and contraction adjustment of the box's volume. Simultaneously, the telescopic enclosure 2 also serves as a seal, preventing items from falling through the gap between the two middle frames 1 or dust from entering after the box expands.

[0037] The middle frame 1 has several insertion interfaces 3 spaced around its circumference. The insertion interfaces 3 and the middle frame 1 are integrally injection molded to ensure connection strength.

[0038] The insertion interfaces 3 on the two middle frames 1 are coaxially corresponding. That is, any insertion interface 3 on one middle frame 1 is on the same straight line as the corresponding insertion interface 3 on the other middle frame 1. This setting provides precise positioning for the subsequent assembly of guide tubes and pull ropes and for force transmission, ensuring that the two middle frames 1 are subjected to uniform force and avoiding tilting or jamming during the adjustment process.

[0039] It also includes an arc-shaped guide tube 6, which is made of a rigid material, specifically a metal tube (such as an aluminum alloy tube or a stainless steel tube) or a rigid plastic tube. The rigid material ensures that the guide tube 6 does not bend or deform during the stress process, thereby providing stable guiding support for the pull rope 4.

[0040] The two ends of the guide tube 6 are respectively inserted into two adjacent insertion interfaces 3 on the same middle frame 1.

[0041] Since the insertion interface 3 is a tapered hole, the guide tube 6 and the insertion interface 3 are fitted with an interference fit. The interference fit ensures that the guide tube 6 and the insertion interface 3 are tightly connected, preventing the guide tube 6 from coming out of the insertion interface 3 during the process of being stressed. At the same time, after the guide tube 6 is inserted into the insertion interface 3, its front end abuts against the blocking part 8 on the insertion interface 3. The blocking part 8 forms an axial limit on the guide tube 6, restricting the guide tube 6 from continuing to move forward. This ensures that when the subsequent retraction device 5 pulls the pull rope 4, the guide tube 6 will not move axially due to the tension of the pull rope 4, thus ensuring the guiding stability of the guide tube 6.

[0042] It also includes a pull cord 4 and a winding / unwinding device 5. The pull cord 4 passes through the guide tube 6 and is arranged circumferentially along the middle frame 1, alternating between the guide tubes 6 on the two middle frames 1 to form a continuous bow-shaped routing. The pull cord 4 is connected to the winding / unwinding device 5, which can wind and release the pull cord 4. The winding / unwinding device 5 causes the two middle frames 1 to close and separate through the winding and releasing operation of the pull cord 4.

[0043] The pull rope 4 is made of high-strength, wear-resistant material, specifically nylon rope or steel wire rope. Both materials have good tensile strength and wear resistance, and can withstand the winding pull of the winding device 5 and the friction wear during long-term use, ensuring the service life of the structure.

[0044] The wiring method of the pull rope 4 is as follows: it passes through the inside of the guide tube 6, is set along the circumferential direction of the middle frame 1, and alternates between the guide tubes 6 on the two middle frames 1 to form a continuous bow-shaped wiring structure. This wiring method can ensure that the pull rope 4 is evenly distributed in the circumference of the two middle frames 1, so that the force at each point in the circumference is uniform during the closing or separation of the two middle frames 1, avoiding deformation of the middle frame 1 or adjustment jamming caused by local force concentration.

[0045] One end of the pull cord 4 is connected to the retraction device 5. The core function of the retraction device 5 is to wind and release the pull cord 4. By winding and releasing the pull cord 4, the two middle frames 1 are driven to close or separate, thereby realizing the shrinking and expansion of the bag. The specific structure of the retraction device 5 can adopt two existing mature technologies without redesign, as follows: The first option is to refer to the luggage storage and unfolding device disclosed in the patent with authorization announcement number CN222692879U. This device is suitable for luggage storage and unfolding scenarios and can be directly adapted to the pull rope storage and unfolding requirements of this structure. Its working principle and assembly method are based on the prior art disclosed in the patent.

[0046] The second option is to use existing rotary automatic shoelace lacing devices. These devices are mature existing technologies and can be purchased directly from the market. For details, refer to the structures disclosed in relevant patents, such as the shoelace retractor disclosed in patent CN207075651U, the automatic shoelace rotating buckle disclosed in patent CN 207322825U, and the rotary shoelace lacing device disclosed in patent CN 202635798U. The devices disclosed in the above patents all have the function of pulling the rope to retract and release, which can be directly adapted to this structure without structural modification, thus reducing R&D and production costs.

[0047] The mounting position of the winding and releasing device 5 can be set on the housing 9. The assembly method adopts the existing conventional fixing method to ensure that the winding and releasing device 5 is firmly fixed. When the pull rope 4 is wound and released, it will not move or loosen, thus ensuring the stability and reliability of the operation.

[0048] The middle frame 1 is provided with a blocking part 8 that abuts against the front end of the guide tube 6, and the blocking part 8 is provided with a channel 10 that allows the pull rope 4 to pass through. After the guide tube 6 is inserted into the insertion interface 4 on the middle frame 1, the front end of the guide tube 6 abuts against the blocking part 8, restricting the guide tube 6 from moving forward. In this way, when the retracting device 6 pulls the pull rope 5, the guide tube 6 will not move forward due to the pulling force.

[0049] The aperture of channel 10 matches the diameter of pull rope 4, allowing pull rope 4 to pass through channel 10, ensuring smooth routing of pull rope 4, while avoiding excessive friction between pull rope 4 and blocking part 8, thus protecting pull rope 4.

[0050] The guide tube 6 is interference-fitted with the connector 3. This prevents the guide tube 6 from coming out of the connector 3.

[0051] In the insertion direction of the guide tube 6, the diameter of the insertion interface 3 gradually decreases, forming a tapered hole structure. This structure can be used with the guide tube 6 to achieve an interference fit, enhancing the tightness of the connection between the guide tube 6 and the insertion interface 3.

[0052] The front end of the connector 3 has an opening 7 on its side wall. On the side wall of the connector 3 with the opening 7, a blocking part 8 is integrally formed to restrict the forward movement of the guide tube 6. The blocking part 8 is an integral structure with the connector 3 to ensure structural strength. Its function is to axially limit the guide tube 6 inserted into the connector 3.

[0053] The opening 7 allows the front end of the guide tube 6 to protrude from the opening 7 after it is inserted into the insertion interface 3, making it easier for the pull rope 4 to pass through the front end of the guide tube 6 and reducing assembly difficulty.

[0054] During the process of the two middle frames 1 being pulled and closed by the pull rope 4, and in the state after being pulled and closed, since the pull rope 4 adopts a bow-shaped routing method and is evenly distributed along the circumference of the two middle frames 1, the force exerted by the pull rope 4 on the two middle frames 1 is always along the closing direction of the two middle frames 1 (i.e., the relative direction of the axes of the two middle frames 1). The force in this direction can directly act on the closing action of the two middle frames 1, which not only ensures that the two middle frames 1 close smoothly and synchronously, but also forms a stable clamping force between the two middle frames 1, avoiding the situation of loosening or excessive gaps after the two middle frames 1 are closed, thereby ensuring the stability of the luggage in the contracted state, preventing the internal items from shaking, and also enhancing the sealing effect of the telescopic enclosure 2.

[0055] By using the arc-shaped guide tube 6, the pull rope 4 forms a smooth arc transition as it passes through the guide tube 6 and connects with the insertion interface 3, completely changing the situation in the prior art where the pull rope directly contacts the edge of the insertion interface, forming a sharp bend. This arc-shaped transition structure can effectively reduce the degree of bending of the pull rope 4 at the connection point, avoiding fatigue damage and breakage caused by long-term bending. At the same time, the guide tube 6 is a rigid structure with a smooth surface, which can reduce the frictional resistance between the pull rope 4 and the inner wall of the guide tube 6 and the edge of the insertion interface 3 during movement, making the winding and releasing operation of the pull rope 4 smoother, reducing the operating resistance of the winding and releasing device 5, and avoiding the pull rope getting stuck or jammed. This not only protects the pull rope 4 and extends its service life, but also improves the convenience of bag expansion and contraction adjustment.

[0056] The middle frame 1, the insertion interface 3, and the blocking part 8 are all made of plastic one-piece injection molding. The guide tube 6 is made by cutting and bending existing rigid pipe materials. The pull rope 4 is made of existing mature materials. The take-up and release device 5 directly adopts existing patented technology or commercially available products, without the need to redesign new parts, which greatly reduces the research and development and production costs of the structure. At the same time, the assembly method of each component is simple. The guide tube 6 and the insertion interface 3 adopt interference fit. The pull rope 4 passes through the guide tube 6 and connects to the take-up and release device 5. The overall assembly process is simple, which can improve production efficiency and reduce assembly costs.

[0057] The middle frame 1, the insertion interface 3, and the blocking part 8 are all made of plastic one-piece injection molding. The guide tube 6 is made by cutting and bending existing rigid pipe materials. The pull rope 4 is made of existing mature materials. The take-up and release device 5 directly adopts existing patented technology or commercially available products, without the need to redesign new parts, which greatly reduces the research and development and production costs of the structure. At the same time, the assembly method of each component is simple. The guide tube 6 and the insertion interface 3 adopt interference fit. The pull rope 4 passes through the guide tube 6 and connects to the take-up and release device 5. The overall assembly process is simple, which can improve production efficiency and reduce assembly costs.

[0058] The insertion interfaces 3 on the two middle frames 1 are coaxially corresponding, the guide tubes 6 are evenly distributed around the middle frames 1, and the pull ropes 4 are evenly routed in an arc shape. This ensures that the force is evenly distributed around the two middle frames 1 during the closing and separating process, avoiding problems such as deformation of the middle frames 1 and adjustment jamming caused by localized force concentration. At the same time, the rigid support of the guide tubes 6 and the smooth movement of the pull ropes 4 further ensure the stability of the expansion and contraction adjustment, allowing for repeated adjustments without structural damage, thus improving the overall service life of the bag.

[0059] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A telescopic enclosure structure for expandable bags, comprising two annular middle frames, with a telescopic enclosure connecting the two middle frames, characterized in that: The middle frame is provided with a number of insertion interfaces spaced apart along its circumference, and the insertion interfaces on the two middle frames are set accordingly; It also includes an arc-shaped guide tube, with its two ends inserted into two adjacent insertion interfaces on the middle frame; It also includes a pull rope and a winding and unwinding device. The pull rope passes through the guide tube and is arranged along the circumference of the middle frame. It alternately folds back and forth between the guide tubes on the two middle frames to form a continuous bow-shaped routing. The pull rope is connected to the winding and unwinding device, which can wind and release the pull rope. The winding and unwinding device causes the two middle frames to close and separate by winding and releasing the pull rope. The middle frame has a blocking part that abuts against the front end of the guide tube, and the blocking part has a channel that allows the pull rope to pass through.

2. The expandable luggage telescopic structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The guide tube and the insertion interface are interference-fitted.

3. The expandable luggage telescopic structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: In the insertion direction of the guide tube, the diameter of the insertion port gradually decreases.

4. The expandable luggage telescopic structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: The front end of the connector has an opening on its side wall, and the blocking part is located at the opening.

5. The expandable luggage telescopic structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connectors on the two mid-frames are set to be coaxially aligned.

6. The expandable luggage telescopic structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes the housing that is fixedly connected to the two middle frames respectively.

7. The expandable luggage telescopic structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The middle frame is made of a single piece of plastic.

8. The expandable luggage telescopic structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The telescopic enclosure is made of flexible material.

9. The expandable luggage telescopic structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pull rope is either a nylon rope or a steel wire rope.

10. The expandable luggage telescopic structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The guide tube is made of a rigid material.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Rotary shoelace tying device

    CN202635798U

  • Shoelace tightening button

    CN207075651U

  • Automatic rotation of tying shoelace is detained

    CN207322825U

  • A travel case with convenient expansion and adjustment

    CN222692879U