A composite foldable structure for a variable axis mechanism

Abstract

This invention discloses a composite folding and unfolding structure for a variable axis mechanism, belonging to the technical fields of folding and unfolding mechanisms, deformable mechanical structures, and variable axis mechanisms. The structure includes a large cell, small cells, rotating connectors, hooks, and an elastic reset component. The large cell consists of multiple folding blocks, and the small cell consists of multiple transition blocks; the two are connected by rotating connectors to form a continuous composite folding and unfolding structure. Unfolding operation blocks are provided on both sides of the large cell; the operator unfolds the structure by squeezing the unfolding operation blocks. Hooks are provided at the bottom of the unfolding operation blocks, and an elastic reset component connects two hooks to reset the structure after external force is removed. This invention has a simple structure, is easy to operate, and can achieve folding and storage, manual unfolding, elastic reset, and local axis direction changes.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the technical field of folding mechanisms, deformable mechanical structures, and variable axis mechanisms, and particularly to a composite folding structure for a variable axis mechanism. Background Technology

[0002] In applications such as variable axis mechanisms, folding mechanisms, foldable support structures, and biomimetic deformable mechanisms, the mechanisms typically need to be folded and stored within a limited space, and unfolded, supported, and locally adjusted in the working state. Traditional structures often use series rotations to achieve posture changes. The motion form of such structures is clear, but their motion usually depends on multiple independent joints, making the structure relatively complex. Moreover, it is difficult to simultaneously achieve folding, unfolding, and local axis direction changes within the basic unit.

[0003] While existing flexible continuum mechanisms can achieve relatively continuous bending deformation, their structural deformation mainly relies on the elastic deformation of the material itself, resulting in certain shortcomings in load-bearing capacity, repeatability, and deformation trajectory constraints. Traditional origami-inspired folding and unfolding structures can achieve folding and unfolding, but the motion patterns of most folding and unfolding units are relatively simple, typically only capable of opening and closing or planar folding, making it difficult to simultaneously consider structural support, modular connections, and local variable axis motion.

[0004] Furthermore, existing folding units often require additional driving devices or locking structures to maintain their posture after unfolding, and also require external mechanisms for resetting, resulting in complex structures and inconvenient operation. For folding structures that need to serve as basic components of variable axis mechanisms, if they can be unfolded through simple manual operation and automatically return to their initial state by elastic elements after the external force is removed, it will help improve the simplicity, reliability, and scalability of the structure.

[0005] Therefore, developing a composite folding structure that is simple in structure, easy to operate, can achieve folding and deformation through the cooperation of large and small cells, and can be reset by elastic elements has become an urgent technical problem to be solved in the field of variable axis mechanisms and folding and deformation mechanisms. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In order to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art, the present invention provides a composite folding structure for a variable axis mechanism, which solves the problems of the existing folding structure having a single motion form, a complex reset structure, and difficulty in achieving local axis changes within the basic unit.

[0007] The present invention discloses a composite folding structure for a variable axis mechanism, mainly comprising a large cell, a small cell, a rotating connector, a hanging member, and an elastic reset member. The large cell is composed of multiple folding blocks, which are connected to each other via rotating connectors. The small cell is composed of multiple transition blocks, which are connected to each other via rotating connectors. The large cell and the small cell are also connected via rotating connectors, enabling the large cell and the small cell to form a continuous composite folding structure.

[0008] The rotating connector is preferably a hinge. The rotating connector is fixedly connected to each folded block in the large cell by screws, and the rotating connector is fixedly connected to each transition block in the small cell by screws. Similarly, the rotating connector between the large and small cells is fixed to adjacent blocks of the large and small cells by screws. This screw fixing method ensures reliable connection between the rotating connector and each block, and allows adjacent blocks to rotate stably relative to each other around the rotating connector.

[0009] The large cell includes an upper left folding block, a lower left folding block, an unfolding operation block, an upper right folding block, and a lower right folding block. These blocks are connected by rotating connectors to form the main folding structure of the large cell. The unfolding operation blocks are located on both sides of the large cell for manual force application by the operator. In use, the operator squeezes the levers on the unfolding operation blocks, causing the folding blocks inside the large cell to rotate around the rotating connectors, thus unfolding the large cell.

[0010] The bottom of the unfolding operation blocks on both sides of the large cell is respectively provided with a hanging member, and an elastic reset member is connected between the two hanging members. The hanging members are used to provide an installation position for the elastic reset member. The two ends of the elastic reset member are respectively connected to the hanging members on the corresponding sides. When the operator squeezes the unfolding operation block to unfold the large cell, the elastic reset member is stretched and stores elastic potential energy; when the operator releases the unfolding operation block, the elastic reset member releases the elastic potential energy, causing the unfolding blocks on both sides of the large cell and each block connected to them to rotate in the opposite direction around the rotating connector, so that the composite unfolding structure returns to its initial state.

[0011] The small cell includes an upper left transition block, a lower left transition block, a central connecting block, an upper right transition block, and a lower right transition block. The upper left transition block, the lower left transition block, the central connecting block, the upper right transition block, and the lower right transition block are connected by multiple rotating connectors to form the transition folding structure of the small cell.

[0012] This invention utilizes a composite connection of large and small cells, enabling the structure to perform primary unfolding deformation, connection transitions, and local posture adjustment functions within its basic unit. Large cells are used to realize the main unfolding and closing movements, while small cells provide connection transitions and auxiliary unfolding functions during the movement of large cells. The blocks are connected by rotating connectors, which are fixed to the corresponding blocks with screws, ensuring a clear and stable rotational relationship during the unfolding movements. Manual unfolding is achieved through unfolding operation blocks, making the structure operation intuitive and convenient; automatic reset is achieved through elastic reset components, allowing the structure to return to its initial state without a complex reset mechanism.

[0013] It should be noted that the terms "large cell" and "small cell" in this invention are used to distinguish folding units of different sizes and functions. The large cell primarily provides the main folding deformation and structural support, while the small cell primarily provides connection transitions and auxiliary folding. These names should not be construed as limiting specific geometric shapes, size ratios, or application scenarios. Without departing from the concept of this invention, the specific shape, size, number of blocks, arrangement of rotating connectors, and form of elastic reset components of the large and small cells can be equivalently replaced or adaptively adjusted.

[0014] Beneficial Effects: The composite folding and unfolding structure for variable axis mechanisms provided by this invention, through the combined design of large and small cells, achieves folding and storage, manual unfolding, automatic reset, and local axis direction changes of the basic unit. The blocks within both the large and small cells are connected by rotating connectors, and the large and small cells are also connected by rotating connectors, giving the structure a clear folding and unfolding motion relationship. The rotating connectors are fixed to each block with screws, improving connection reliability and assembly convenience. The unfolding operation block facilitates manual force application for unfolding; by setting hooks on both sides of the large cell and connecting elastic reset components, the structure can automatically reset after release. This invention features a simple structure, convenient operation, reliable connection, stable reset, and high modularity, and can serve as a basic component of variable axis mechanisms, folding and unfolding deformation mechanisms, or foldable mechanical structures. Attached Figure Description

[0015] To more clearly illustrate the technical solution of the present invention, the accompanying drawings involved in the embodiments will be briefly described below. It should be understood that the following drawings are only schematic diagrams of some embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. Those skilled in the art can obtain other embodiments based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a composite unfolding structure for a variable axis mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 2This is a front view of a composite unfolding structure for a variable axis mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a top view of a composite unfolding structure for a variable axis mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the bending of a composite folding structure for a variable axis mechanism, provided as an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 5 This is a frontal schematic diagram of a composite unfolded structure macrocell for a variable axis mechanism, provided as an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 6 This is a back-view schematic diagram of a composite unfolding structure for a variable axis mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 7 This is a frontal schematic diagram of a composite unfolding structure cell for a variable axis mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 8 This is a back-view schematic diagram of a composite unfolding structure cell for a variable axis mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Labeling Explanation: 1. Large cell; 101. Upper left folding block; 102. Lower left folding block; 103. Unfolding operation block; 104. Upper right folding block; 105. Lower right folding block; 2. Small cell; 201. Upper left transition block; 202. Lower left transition block; 203. Center connecting block; 204. Upper right transition block; 205. Lower right transition block; 3. Rotating connector; 4. Hanging connector; 5. Elastic reset connector. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The following description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, will provide a detailed account of specific embodiments of the present invention. It should be understood that the same or similar reference numerals in the drawings correspond to the same or similar elements or functional modules. The following description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, is for illustrative purposes only and is intended to clarify the technical solutions of the present invention; it should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention in any way.

[0026] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that terms such as "left," "right," "up," "down," "facing," "facing away," and "bottom," which indicate direction or positional relationship, are defined based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. These definitions are merely for the convenience of describing the invention and simplifying the explanation, and should not be construed as limiting the invention.

[0027] The different embodiments or examples provided in this invention are used to illustrate the possible structures and variations of the invention. For the sake of simplicity, specific components and their configurations in particular examples will be described in detail. It should be emphasized that these descriptions are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the invention.

[0028] It should be noted that the same reference numerals may be used repeatedly in different embodiments of the present invention, or some repetitive elements may be simplified. This is only for the purpose of pursuing conciseness and clarity of expression, and does not imply any specific relationship between the different implementation methods or structures, nor should it be construed as a limitation of the present invention.

[0029] Please see Figures 1 to 8 This invention provides a composite folding structure for a variable axis mechanism, mainly comprising a large cell 1, a small cell 2, a rotating connector 3, a hook 4, and an elastic reset component 5. The large cell 1 and the small cell 2 are connected by the rotating connector 3 to form a composite folding structure. The large cell 1 provides the main folding deformation and structural support, while the small cell 2 provides connection transition, auxiliary folding, and local attitude adjustment. The rotating connector 3 connects the folding blocks within the large cell 1, the transition blocks within the small cell 2, and adjacent blocks between the large cell 1 and the small cell 2. The hook 4 and the elastic reset component 5 together constitute a reset structure, used to restore the composite folding structure to its initial state after the external force is removed.

[0030] See Figures 1 to 6 The large cell 1 includes a left upper folding block 101, a left lower folding block 102, an unfolding operation block 103, a right upper folding block 104, and a right lower folding block 105. The left upper folding block 101, the left lower folding block 102, the unfolding operation block 103, the right upper folding block 104, and the right lower folding block 105 are connected by multiple rotating connectors 3, so that each folding block can rotate relative to the corresponding rotating connector 3, thereby forming the main folding structure of the large cell 1.

[0031] In this embodiment, the upper left folding block 101 and the upper right folding block 104 are located in the upper regions on both sides of the large cell 1, and the lower left folding block 102 and the lower right folding block 105 are located in the lower regions on both sides of the large cell 1. The unfolding operation blocks 103 are arranged in pairs on both sides of the large cell 1 and are connected to the adjacent folding block bodies via rotating connectors 3. The unfolding operation blocks 103 are provided with levers that facilitate the operator's hand gripping and applying force.

[0032] See Figure 5 and Figure 6In the large cell 1, the rotating connector 3 between each unfolded block is preferably a hinge. Each rotating connector 3 is fixed to the corresponding unfolded block by screws. Specifically, one side of the rotating connector 3 is fixed to one unfolded block by screws, and the other side of the rotating connector 3 is fixed to an adjacent unfolded block by screws, so that the adjacent unfolded blocks can rotate relative to each other around the rotation axis of the rotating connector 3. This connection method facilitates assembly and disassembly, and ensures the connection stability of the large cell 1 during unfolding and repositioning.

[0033] See Figure 1 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 The small cell 2 includes an upper left transition block 201, a lower left transition block 202, a central connecting block 203, an upper right transition block 204, and a lower right transition block 205. The upper left transition block 201, lower left transition block 202, central connecting block 203, upper right transition block 204, and lower right transition block 205 are connected by multiple rotating connectors 3, enabling the small cell 2 to form a transitional folding structure capable of dynamic deformation. The rotating connectors 3 in the small cell 2 are preferably hinges. Each rotating connector 3 is fixed to an adjacent transition block by screws, allowing the adjacent transition blocks to rotate relative to each other around the corresponding rotating connector 3. Through this connection method, the small cell 2 can maintain a stable folding relationship during the movement of the large cell 1 and plays a connecting transition and auxiliary folding role in the composite folding structure. The large cell 1 and the small cell 2 are also connected by rotating connectors 3. One side of the rotating connector 3, used to connect the large cell 1 and the small cell 2, is fixed to the adjacent unfolded block of the large cell 1 by screws, and the other side is fixed to the adjacent transition block of the small cell 2 by screws. Thus, when the large cell 1 unfolds or resets under the action of external force, the small cell 2 can rotate accordingly through the rotating connector 3, so that the composite unfolded structure forms a continuous unfolding deformation.

[0034] See Figure 5 and Figure 6 Each of the two sides of the large cell 1 has a hanging member 4 at its bottom of the unfolding operation block 103. An elastic reset member 5 connects the two hanging members 4. In this embodiment, the hanging member 4 is preferably a spur nail, and the elastic reset member 5 is preferably a tension spring. The two hanging members 4 are respectively fixed to the bottom of the two sides of the large cell 1's unfolding operation block 103, and the two ends of the elastic reset member 5 are respectively hooked onto the two hanging members 4. With this arrangement, the elastic reset member 5 can be stretched during the unfolding of the large cell 1 and provides a restoring force after the external force is removed.

[0035] See Figures 2 to 4In use, the operator squeezes the levers on the two sides of the unfolding operation blocks 103 of the large cell 1, causing the two sides of the unfolding operation blocks 103 to move relative to each other. The unfolding operation blocks 103 drive the upper left folding block 101, lower left folding block 102, upper right folding block 104, and lower right folding block 105 to rotate relative to each other around the rotating connector 3, thereby moving the large cell 1 from its initial folded state to its unfolded state. During the unfolding process of the large cell 1, the distance between the two connecting pieces 4 changes, and the elastic reset piece 5 is stretched and stores elastic potential energy. When the operator releases the unfolding operation blocks 103, the elastic reset piece 5 releases its elastic potential energy and applies a restoring force to the two sides of the unfolding operation blocks 103 through the connecting pieces 4. Under the restoring force, the unfolding operation blocks 103 drive the upper left folding block 101, lower left folding block 102, upper right folding block 104, and lower right folding block 105 to rotate in the opposite direction around the rotating connector 3, causing the large cell 1 to return from its unfolded state to its initial folded state. At the same time, the small cell 2 is reset by the rotating connector 3 between it and the large cell 1, so that the composite unfolded structure is restored to its initial state.

[0036] See Figure 4 Since both the large cell 1 and the small cell 2 are formed by connecting multiple blocks through rotating connectors 3, and the large cell 1 and the small cell 2 are also connected by rotating connectors 3, the small cell 2 can undergo corresponding transitional deformations along with the large cell 1 during the unfolding, closing, or bending process of the large cell 1. The large cell 1 mainly provides folding deformation and structural support, while the small cell 2 mainly provides connection transitions and local posture adjustment. The synergistic effect of the two enables this composite folding structure to achieve folding and storage, unfolding deformation, and local axial direction changes within the basic unit.

[0037] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the rotating connector 3 is preferably a hinge, but is not limited to a hinge. The rotating connector 3 can also be a hinge, a pin connector, a pivot connector, a flexible hinge, or other connection structure that can enable relative rotation of adjacent blocks. The rotating connector 3 is preferably fixed to each block by screws, but in other embodiments, bolt connection, riveting, embedded fixing, adhesive-assisted fixing, or integral molding connection can also be used to achieve fixing. In this embodiment, the hanging member 4 is preferably a claw nail, but is not limited to a claw nail. The hanging member 4 can also be a hook, hanging ring, connecting post, connecting hole, screw hole, or other equivalent structure that can be connected to the elastic reset member 5. The elastic reset member 5 is preferably a tension spring, but is not limited to a tension spring. The elastic reset member 5 can also be an elastic rope, rubber band, torsion spring, elastic sheet, or other elastic element that can provide restoring force.

[0038] Through the above structure, the present invention enables manual unfolding and elastic repositioning of the composite folding structure without relying on a complex drive device. The large cell 1 is responsible for the main folding deformation, the small cell 2 is responsible for connection transition and auxiliary folding, the rotating connector 3 ensures the rotational relationship between the blocks, the screw fixing method ensures the reliability of the connection between the rotating connector 3 and each block, the unfolding operation block 103 facilitates manual force application by the operator, and the hanging part 4 and the elastic repositioning part 5 realize the structural repositioning. This composite folding structure can serve as a basic component of a variable axis mechanism, a folding deformation mechanism, a foldable support structure, or other deformable mechanical structures.

[0039] Specific examples have been used in this invention to illustrate the principles and implementation schemes of the invention. The above embodiments are only for the purpose of helping to understand the method and core ideas of the invention; at the same time, those skilled in the art may, based on the ideas of the invention, make changes in specific implementation methods and application scope. Therefore, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of the invention.

[0040] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present invention, used to illustrate the technical solution of the present invention, and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Any non-creative modifications, adaptive adjustments, and reasonable variations made by those skilled in the art based on the principles of the present invention are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A composite unfolding structure for a variable axis mechanism, characterized in that, include: The large cell (1), small cell (2), rotating connector (3), hanging component (4), and elastic reset component (5) are included; the large cell (1) includes multiple folded blocks, and adjacent folded blocks inside the large cell (1) are connected by rotating connector (3); the small cell (2) includes multiple transition blocks, and adjacent transition blocks inside the small cell (2) are connected by rotating connector (3); the large cell (1) and the small cell (2) are connected by rotating connector (3). The large cell (1) and the small cell (2) form a continuous composite unfolding structure; unfolding operation blocks (103) are provided on both sides of the large cell (1), and the unfolding operation blocks (103) are used for the operator to apply external force to drive the large cell (1) to unfold; the hook (4) is provided at the bottom of the unfolding operation blocks (103) on both sides of the large cell (1), and the elastic reset member (5) is connected between the two hooks (4) to drive the composite unfolding structure to return to the initial state after the external force is removed.

2. The composite unfolding structure for a variable axis mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The large cell (1) includes an upper left folding block (101), a lower left folding block (102), an unfolding operation block (103), an upper right folding block (104), and a lower right folding block (105). The upper left folding block (101), the lower left folding block (102), the unfolding operation block (103), the upper right folding block (104), and the lower right folding block (105) are connected by multiple rotating connectors (3) to form the main folding structure of the large cell (1).

3. The composite unfolding structure for a variable axis mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that, The unfolding operation blocks (103) are arranged in pairs on both sides of the large cell (1) and are connected to the adjacent unfolding blocks by rotating connectors (3). The unfolding operation blocks (103) are provided with rods that are easy for the operator to squeeze and apply force.

4. The composite unfolding structure for a variable axis mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The small cell (2) includes an upper left transition block (201), a lower left transition block (202), a central connecting block (203), an upper right transition block (204), and a lower right transition block (205). The upper left transition block (201), the lower left transition block (202), the central connecting block (203), the upper right transition block (204), and the lower right transition block (205) are connected by multiple rotating connectors (3) to form the transition folding structure of the small cell (2).

5. The composite unfolding structure for a variable axis mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, One side of the rotating connector (3) used to connect the large cell (1) and the small cell (2) is fixed to the adjacent unfolded block of the large cell (1), and the other side is fixed to the adjacent transition block of the small cell (2), so that the small cell (2) can produce corresponding transition deformation as the large cell (1) unfolds, closes or bends.

6. The composite unfolding structure for a variable axis mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rotating connector (3) is fixedly connected to each folded block in the large cell (1) by screws, and the rotating connector (3) is fixedly connected to each transition block in the small cell (2) by screws.

7. The composite unfolding structure for a variable axis mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hooks (4) are arranged in pairs at the bottom of the unfolding operation blocks (103) on both sides of the large cell (1), and the two ends of the elastic reset member (5) are respectively connected to the corresponding hooks (4).

8. A composite unfolding structure for a variable axis mechanism according to claim 7, characterized in that, When the operator squeezes the unfolding operation block (103) to unfold the large cell (1), the distance between the two hooks (4) changes, and the elastic reset member (5) is stretched and stores elastic potential energy. When the operator releases the unfolding operation block (103), the elastic reset member (5) releases the elastic potential energy and applies a restoring force to the unfolding operation blocks (103) on both sides through the hooks (4), so that the large cell (1) returns to the initial state from the unfolded state. At the same time, the small cell (2) resets with the large cell (1), so that the composite unfolding structure returns to the initial state.

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