Folding shopping cart

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of folding storage equipment, in particular to a folding shopping cart. The shopping cart comprises a shopping cart body and a telescopic pull rod. The shopping cart body is composed of a front panel, a rear panel, a bottom plate and two folding side plate assemblies. The bottom plate can be hinged to the bottom of the panel front or back, and the two ends of the folding side plate assembly are hinged to the ends of the panel respectively. The side plate assembly is composed of a first side plate and a second side plate which are connected through a hinge shaft and can be relatively unfolded or folded. During unfolding, the side plates are coplanar; and when folded, the side plates are overlapped. The side plate is provided with a locking block and a locking groove, the locking block is driven to enter or exit from the locking groove when the bottom plate is turned over, and automatic circumferential locking is achieved. According to the scheme, operation is simplified, and convenience is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of folding storage equipment technology, and in particular to a folding shopping cart. Background Technology

[0002] Folding shopping carts are widely used in daily life, primarily for storing and transporting items. For ease of carrying, existing shopping carts typically feature a telescopic handle and a foldable design to save storage space. Currently, most folding shopping carts on the market use a two-sided folding panel structure, as shown in patent application number 202020648352.9, which achieves volume reduction through a centrally hinged folding panel. However, this design has a significant drawback: in the unfolded state, an additional locking mechanism is required to secure the side panels, making the process cumbersome.

[0003] Especially when frequently unfolding and folding, users must operate the locking mechanism independently, which not only increases the number of steps but also easily leads to safety hazards due to forgetting to lock. Furthermore, existing locking structures often lack linkage with the folding action, failing to achieve automatic locking and unlocking, severely impacting ease of use. More importantly, traditional locking structures are prone to stress concentration under load, potentially leading to component deformation or damage over time. These issues significantly limit the practicality and user experience of folding shopping carts.

[0004] To address the aforementioned issues, existing technologies urgently need improvement. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the aforementioned issues, the present invention aims to provide a folding shopping cart that features automatic circumferential locking of the side panels when the base plate is flipped, triggering the linkage between the locking block and the locking groove. This simplifies operation and enhances convenience.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] This application provides a folding shopping cart, the technical solution of which is as follows: The folding shopping cart includes a cart body and a telescopic pull rod mounted on the cart body; the cart body includes a front panel, a rear panel, a bottom plate, and two sets of folding side panel assemblies; the front end of the bottom plate is hinged to the bottom of the front panel or the rear end is hinged to the bottom of the rear panel, and the two ends of the folding side panel assemblies are respectively hinged to the ends of the front panel and the rear panel; the folding side panel assemblies include a first side panel and a second side panel, the adjacent edges of the first side panel and the second side panel are hinged by a hinge axis, so that the first side panel and the second side panel can... The components can be unfolded or retracted relative to each other around the hinge axis; when in the unfolded state, the first side plate and the second side plate are arranged in a coplanar manner; when in the retracted state, the first side plate and the second side plate are stacked; characterized in that: the first side plate and the second side plate are respectively provided with a locking block and a locking groove, the locking block is provided with a driving end and is located in the rotation path of the base plate; when the base plate is flipped and unfolded, the base plate moves the driving end to make the locking block part enter the locking groove, forming a circumferential lock of the first side plate and the second side plate in the unfolded state; when the base plate is flipped and stored, the base plate moves the driving end to make the locking block exit the locking groove, and the lock is released.

[0008] Furthermore, this application also proposes that the movement path of the locking block is constructed as an inclined path or an arc path adapted to the rotation path of the base plate, and the locking groove is constructed as a receiving structure adapted to connect with the end of the movement path of the locking block.

[0009] Furthermore, this application also proposes that the first side plate is provided with an inclined sliding groove that extends to the hinge side edge of the first side plate, and the locking block is embedded in the sliding groove; the hinge side edge of the second side plate is provided with an inclined locking groove that engages with the sliding groove, and the opening of the locking groove faces the extension direction of the sliding groove.

[0010] Furthermore, this application also proposes that the sliding groove includes a sliding area, and a strip-shaped guide hole is provided on the sliding groove within the sliding area. The driving end of the locking block extends out from the strip-shaped guide hole and enters the rotation path of the base plate. When the locking block slides along the sliding area, the strip-shaped guide hole guides its sliding path.

[0011] Furthermore, this application also proposes that the two ends of the strip-shaped guide hole are provided with limiting protrusions, and the limiting protrusions form a first locking position and a second locking position at the two ends of the strip-shaped guide hole respectively; when the driving end of the lock block is in the first locking position, the lock block is completely housed in the sliding groove; when the driving end is in the second locking position, the lock block is partially pushed into the lock groove to achieve locking.

[0012] Furthermore, this application also proposes that stress-relieving strip holes are provided on both sides of the second locking position of the strip guide hole to disperse the stress when the locking block slides.

[0013] Furthermore, this application also proposes that the driving end of the lock block is constructed as a cylinder, and the portion of the cylinder extending out of the strip-shaped guide hole is formed as a hemispherical structure.

[0014] Furthermore, this application also proposes that the sliding groove further includes an installation area, and a stop is provided between the installation area and the sliding area; when the driving end of the locking block is in the first locking position, the rear end of the locking block abuts against the stop; the stop is constructed as an inclined structure to guide the locking block from the installation area to the sliding area.

[0015] Furthermore, this application also proposes that one of the hinged side edges of the first side plate and the second side plate is provided with a limiting block and the other is provided with a limiting groove; when the first side plate and the second side plate are unfolded to a coplanar state, the limiting block is engaged in the limiting groove to restrict the two from continuing to unfold; the limiting block and the limiting groove are alternately arranged on the hinged side edges of the first side plate and the second side plate.

[0016] Furthermore, this application also proposes that a first bushing portion is provided on the hinge side edge of the first side plate, and a second bushing portion is provided on the hinge side edge of the second side plate, wherein the first bushing portion and the second bushing portion are axially aligned and are hinged by passing through a hinge shaft.

[0017] As can be seen from the above, the folding shopping cart and its locking structure provided in this application automatically drive the locking block and locking groove to cooperate when the bottom plate is flipped, forming a circumferential lock when the side plate is unfolded. Stable locking can be achieved without additional operation of the locking device, which has the advantages of simplifying operation steps and improving ease of use. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a folding shopping cart in its unfolded state, as provided in this application.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the bottom plate of a folding shopping cart in the flipped-up state provided in this application.

[0020] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Enlarged view of part A.

[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the unfolded state of the folding side panel assembly.

[0022] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the folded side panel assembly in its folded state.

[0023] Figure 6 This is an enlarged view of the sliding groove section on the first side plate.

[0024] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the lock block structure. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model.

[0026] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model 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 limitations on this utility model.

[0027] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise expressly defined.

[0028] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0029] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0030] In existing technologies, folding shopping carts typically employ foldable side panels to reduce storage volume, but require manual operation of a locking mechanism to secure them after unfolding. For example, some folding designs achieve folding through a hinge in the middle of the left and right side panels, requiring additional operation of the locking mechanism to fix the side panel position during unfolding. This type of structure necessitates separate release or locking of the locking mechanism during unfolding and folding, increasing operational complexity and impacting efficiency. When users quickly unfold or close the shopping cart, the independent operation of the manual locking mechanism can easily lead to missed steps or misoperations, affecting the user experience.

[0031] To address the aforementioned issues, a mechanical structure is needed to link the side panel locking action with the bottom panel flipping operation. Analysis of the unfolding process of existing folding shopping carts reveals a temporal correlation between the bottom panel flipping action and the side panel unfolding state. By integrating the locking trigger mechanism into the bottom panel's rotation path, the locking action can be automatically executed by directly driving the lock with the bottom panel's movement. Based on this idea, the focus is on exploring how to position the driving end of the locking block on the bottom panel's rotation trajectory, so that the bottom panel flipping pushes the locking block into or out of the locking slot, thereby automatically locking the side panel during unfolding and automatically unlocking it during folding.

[0032] like Figure 1-7 As shown, this embodiment relates to a folding shopping cart, including a shopping cart body 1 and a telescopic pull rod 2 disposed on the shopping cart body 1; the shopping cart body 1 includes a front panel 3, a rear panel 4, a bottom plate 5, and two sets of folding side panel assemblies 6; the front end of the bottom plate 5 is hinged to the bottom of the front panel 3 or the rear end is hinged to the bottom of the rear panel 4, and the two ends of the folding side panel assembly 6 are respectively hinged to the ends of the front panel 3 and the rear panel 4; the folding side panel assembly 6 includes a first side plate 61 and a second side plate 62, and the adjacent edges of the first side plate 61 and the second side plate 62 are hinged through a hinge shaft 63, so that the first side plate 61 and the second side plate 62 can be unfolded or folded relative to each other around the axis of the hinge shaft 63; when in the unfolded state, the first side plate 61 and the second side plate 62 are arranged in a coplanar manner; when in the folded state, the first side plate 61 and the second side plate 62 are stacked.

[0033] like Figure 4 and 5As shown, a first bushing portion 19 is provided on the hinge side edge of the first side plate 61, and a second bushing portion 20 is provided on the hinge side edge of the second side plate 62. The first bushing portion 19 and the second bushing portion 20 are axially aligned and hinged through a hinge shaft 63. The first bushing portion 19 is a tubular structure independent of the edge of the first side plate 61. Specifically, it can be formed on the hinge side edge of the first side plate 61 by injection molding or metal insert, and is used to provide a suitable contact surface with the hinge shaft 63. The second bushing portion 20 is a tubular structure independent of the edge of the second side plate 62. Specifically, it can be fixed on the hinge side edge of the second side plate 62 using the same material and molding method as the first bushing portion 19, and is used to form a rotational support structure that coaxially engages with the first bushing portion 19. Axial alignment refers to the coincidence of the central axes of the first bushing 19 and the second bushing 20. This can be achieved through mold processing or assembly positioning fixtures to ensure uniform distribution of the gap between the inner walls of the two bushings during the insertion of the hinge shaft 63. The first bushing 19 and the second bushing 20 are installed as independent modules on the edge of the side plate, forming a continuous shaft hole channel through axial alignment. When the hinge shaft 63 passes through this channel, the inner wall of the bushing and the outer surface of the hinge shaft 63 form a clearance fit, preventing the side plate body from directly contacting the hinge shaft 63. During folding or unfolding, the bushing bears all the rotational friction load, while the side plate body only bears the axial pressure. Through the above technical solution, this application achieves high-precision assembly of the hinge structure of the folding side plate assembly 6, avoiding frictional wear of the side plate body due to processing errors. The split bushing structure extends the service life of the hinge part by concentrating the rotational friction load. The axially aligned bushing further ensures the synchronicity of the two side plates during folding, preventing side plate misalignment or jamming caused by hinge deviation.

[0034] Furthermore, on the hinged edge of the first side plate 61 and the hinged edge of the second side plate 62, one is provided with a limiting block 17 and the other with a limiting groove 18. When the first side plate 61 and the second side plate 62 are unfolded to a coplanar state, the limiting block 17 engages with the limiting groove 18 to restrict further unfolding. The limiting block 17 and the limiting groove 18 are alternately arranged on the hinged edges of the first side plate 61 and the second side plate 62. The limiting block 17 refers to a protruding structure on the hinged edge, which can be formed by injection molding or metal stamping, and its shape matches the contour of the limiting groove 18. The limiting groove 18 refers to a recessed structure on the hinged edge, which can be formed by die-cutting or milling, and is used to accommodate the limiting block 17 in the unfolded state, restricting the side plate from continuing to rotate outward. The staggered arrangement of the limiting block 17 and the limiting groove 18 means that the two are arranged alternately on the edge of the hinge side. For example, two limiting blocks 17 are set on the edge of the first side plate 61, and two limiting grooves 18 are set on the corresponding position on the edge of the second side plate 62. The arrangement direction of the two is perpendicular to the extension direction of the hinge shaft 63.

[0035] When the folding side panel assembly 6 unfolds from its folded state, the first side panel 61 and the second side panel 62 rotate relative to each other around the hinge axis 63 until they reach a coplanar state. At this time, the limiting block 17 on the first side panel 61 and the limiting groove 18 on the second side panel 62 automatically engage under the action of gravity or inertia, forming a physical stop. Due to the staggered distribution of the limiting block 17 and the limiting groove 18, multiple contact points are formed on the hinged edges of the two side panels during the engagement process. For example, three sets of limiting blocks 17 and limiting grooves 18 are set on each side edge, which increases the planar contact area of ​​the two side panels after unfolding, thereby resisting lateral torsional forces. At the same time, the action of the limiting block 17 entering the limiting groove 18 is completed synchronously with the unfolding process, without requiring the user to operate the locking mechanism. Through the above technical solution, this application realizes the function of automatic locking after the folding side panel is unfolded, solving the problem of cumbersome steps caused by manual operation of the locking structure. The staggered distribution of the limiting blocks 17 and limiting grooves 18 ensures that the two side plates remain in a stable coplanar state after unfolding, avoiding side plate wobbling or misalignment caused by single-point locking. At the same time, the mechanical fitting structure eliminates the need for additional operating parts, simplifying the production and assembly process.

[0036] like Figure 3 As shown in Figure 5-7, the first side plate 61 and the second side plate 62 are respectively provided with a locking block 7 and a locking groove 8. The locking block 7 is provided with a driving end 71 and is located in the rotation path of the base plate 5. When the base plate 5 is flipped and unfolded, the base plate 5 moves the driving end 71 to make the locking block 7 partially enter the locking groove 8, forming a circumferential lock in the unfolded state of the first side plate 61 and the second side plate 62. When the base plate 5 is flipped and stored, the base plate 5 moves the driving end 71 to make the locking block 7 exit the locking groove 8 and release the lock.

[0037] The locking block 7 refers to a sliding component installed on the first side plate 61 or the second side plate 62 in the folding side plate assembly 6. Specifically, it can be a metal or plastic block with an inclined guide surface. Its driving end 71 extends into the flipping path of the base plate 5 to receive the mechanical thrust of the base plate 5. The locking groove 8 refers to a recessed structure installed on the other side plate. Specifically, it can be a recessed structure matching the shape of the locking block 7, used to accommodate the front end of the locking block 7 in the unfolded state to restrict the relative rotation of the side plates. The rotation path of the base plate 5 refers to the movement trajectory of the edge of the base plate 5 during unfolding or folding. Specifically, it can be defined by adjusting the hinge position between the base plate 5 and the front panel 3 or the rear panel 4, used to form contact interference with the driving end 71 of the locking block 7. Circumferential locking refers to restricting the rotational freedom of the two folding side plates around the hinge axis 63 through the cooperation of the locking block 7 and the locking groove 8. Specifically, after the locking block 7 is embedded in the locking groove 8, the side plate cannot fold around the hinge axis 63.

[0038] When the base plate 5 is lifted and unfolded, its edge moves along the rotation path and contacts the driving end 71 of the locking block 7. The continuous flipping action of the base plate 5 applies a pushing force to the driving end 71, forcing the locking block 7 to slide in a predetermined direction until its front end is embedded in the locking groove 8 of the second side plate 62. At this time, the two folding side plates cannot rotate relative to each other around the hinge axis 63 due to the engagement of the locking block 7 with the locking groove 8, forming a stable coplanar unfolded state. When it is necessary to store it, the base plate 5 flips in the opposite direction for storage, and its edge pushes the driving end 71 of the locking block 7 to move in the opposite direction, and the front end of the locking block 7 exits from the locking groove 8, releasing the rotational constraint on the side plates. Since the sliding path of the locking block 7 is adapted to the rotation trajectory of the base plate 5, the entire locking and unlocking process does not require manual intervention and can be completed automatically by simply flipping the base plate 5.

[0039] This solution integrates the locking action into the rotational path of the base plate 5 by coordinating the drive end 71 of the locking block 7 with the rotational path of the base plate 5. Users only need to perform a single operation—expanding or retracting the base plate 5—to simultaneously lock or unlock the side panels, reducing operational steps. Furthermore, the circumferential locking mechanism of the locking block 7 and the locking groove 8 effectively resists accidental folding of the side panels under load, improving structural stability. Through the above technical solution, this application achieves mechanical linkage between the locking of the side panels and the rotation of the base plate 5 in a folding shopping cart, eliminating the need for manual operation of the latches. When unfolding the shopping cart, simply flipping the base plate 5 automatically locks the side panels; when retracting, flipping the base plate 5 in the opposite direction automatically unlocks them. This design simplifies the operation process, avoids the problem of loose side panels due to missed latch operations, and improves reliability through a purely mechanical structure.

[0040] In a specific implementation, the movement path of the locking block 7 is constructed as an inclined or curved path adapted to the rotation path of the base plate 5, and the locking groove 8 is constructed as a receiving structure adapted to and connected to the end of the movement path of the locking block 7. The inclined or curved path refers to the movement of the locking block 7 along a trajectory matching the rotation direction of the base plate 5 during sliding. This can be achieved using a straight inclined groove or a curved guide groove formed on the first side plate 61, with the geometry of the path limiting the movement direction of the locking block 7. The receiving structure refers to the shape of the entrance of the locking groove 8 connecting to the movement trajectory of the end of the locking block 7, allowing the locking block 7 to accurately embed into the locking groove 8 when it reaches the end of the path, forming a snap-fit. During the unfolding process, as the base plate 5 rotates around its hinge point, its edge moves along a predetermined trajectory and contacts the driving end 71 of the locking block 7. After being pushed by the base plate 5, the driving end 71 of the locking block 7 moves along an inclined path or an arc path. The extension direction of this path is angularly matched with the rotation direction of the base plate 5, so that the displacement of the locking block 7 can be proportional to the rotation angle of the base plate 5.

[0041] In the specific design, the first side plate 61 is provided with an inclined sliding groove 11, which extends to the hinged edge of the first side plate 61. The locking block 7 is embedded in the sliding groove 11. The hinged edge of the second side plate 62 is provided with a locking groove 8 that receives the sliding groove 11, and the opening of the locking groove 8 faces the extension direction of the sliding groove 11. The inclined sliding groove 11 refers to the oblique channel formed by the hinged edge of the first side plate 61. Specifically, it can be implemented using a straight groove structure with an angle of 15° to 60° to the side plate plane, used to guide the locking block 7 to move along a preset inclined trajectory. The inclination direction of the locking groove 8 is consistent with the extension direction of the sliding groove 11, meaning that the inclination angle of the groove opening on the hinged edge of the second side plate 62 is parallel to the sliding groove 11. Specifically, it can be implemented using a through groove whose axis coincides with the axis of the sliding groove 11, used to receive the locking block 7 sliding out of the sliding groove 11 and restrict its displacement. The extension of the sliding groove 11 to the hinge side edge means that the end of the sliding groove 11 extends to the hinge junction of the first side plate 61 and the second side plate 62. Specifically, it can be achieved by processing the end of the groove to be flush with the edge of the side plate, so as to ensure that the moving path of the locking block 7 is seamlessly connected with the entrance of the locking groove 8.

[0042] When the base plate 5 unfolds, its rotation pushes the drive end 71 of the locking block 7, causing the locking block 7 to slide along an inclined path within the sliding groove 11 towards the hinged edge. Since the end of the sliding groove 11 aligns with the entrance of the locking groove 8, the front end of the locking block 7 is embedded inside the locking groove 8. At this time, the inclination direction of the locking groove 8 is consistent with the movement direction of the locking block 7, and the locking block 7 and the locking groove 8 form a surface contact lock. When the base plate 5 retracts, the reverse rotation, via the drive end 71, causes the locking block 7 to retract along the inclined path of the sliding groove 11, completely disengaging the front end of the locking block 7 from the locking groove 8, thus releasing the lock on both side plates. The inclined design of the sliding groove 11 creates a spatial linkage between the movement direction of the locking block 7 and the rotation direction of the base plate 5. The inclination direction of the locking groove 8 ensures that the locking block 7 maintains a certain engagement depth with the locking groove 8 at its sliding end, preventing the locking block 7 from disengaging due to path deviation.

[0043] like Figure 3 and 6As shown, the sliding groove 11 includes a sliding region 111. A strip-shaped guide hole 13 is provided on the sliding groove 11 within the sliding region 111. The driving end 71 of the locking block 7 extends from the strip-shaped guide hole 13 and enters the rotation path of the base plate 5. When the locking block 7 slides along the sliding region 111, the strip-shaped guide hole 13 guides its sliding path. The sliding region 111 refers to the portion of the sliding groove 11 for the locking block 7 to move along a predetermined trajectory. Specifically, it can be implemented using a straight channel matching the width of the locking block 7. Its length direction forms an angle with the rotational tangent of the base plate 5, used to convert the rotational motion of the base plate 5 into the linear displacement of the locking block 7. The strip-shaped guide hole 13 refers to an elongated through-hole opened on the side wall of the sliding groove 11. Specifically, it can be implemented using a slot structure parallel to the extension direction of the sliding region 111. Its width matches the cross-sectional dimensions of the driving end 71 of the locking block 7, used to constrain the movement trajectory of the driving end 71.

[0044] The driving end 71 refers to the force-bearing part of the locking block 7 that contacts the base plate 5. Specifically, the driving end 71 of the locking block 7 can be constructed as a cylinder, with the portion of the cylinder extending out of the strip-shaped guide hole 13 forming a hemispherical structure for rolling friction contact with the edge of the base plate 5. The cylinder refers to a columnar structure with a circular cross-section, which can be formed from metal or engineering plastic. The circumferential surface of the cylinder forms line contact with the sidewall of the strip-shaped guide hole 13, reducing the sliding friction area. The hemispherical structure refers to the hemispherical shape of the end of the driving end 71, which can be achieved through injection molding or machining. When the hemispherical surface contacts the base plate 5, it forms point contact or arc-shaped contact, effectively reducing contact stress.

[0045] When the base plate 5 unfolds and flips, its edge contacts the hemispherical surface 711 of the drive end 71 and applies a pushing force, forcing the locking block 7 to slide along the path defined by the strip guide hole 13 toward the locking groove 8. Because the strip guide hole 13 rigidly constrains the movement trajectory of the drive end 71, the locking block 7 maintains a straight-line movement during sliding until its front end enters the locking groove 8 and completes locking. When the base plate 5 retracts and flips, the reverse pushing force is transmitted to the locking block 7 through the drive end 71, causing it to exit the locking groove 8 along the original path of the strip guide hole 13. During this process, the side walls of the strip guide hole 13 continuously guide the locking block 7, preventing deviation in the movement trajectory due to force offset. When the base plate 5 unfolds or retracts, its edge pushes the hemispherical surface 711 of the drive end 71, driving the locking block 7 to move along the sliding groove 11. The line contact characteristics between the cylindrical circumference and the side wall of the guide hole reduce sliding resistance, and the point contact between the hemispherical end 711 and the base plate 5 reduces frictional resistance, making it less prone to jamming during sliding. Furthermore, the hemispherical structure facilitates the bottom plate 5's movement past the drive end 71 after the locking plate is in place. This application achieves low-friction movement of the lock block 7's drive end 71 during sliding, solving the jamming problem caused by frictional resistance and ensuring smooth movement when the bottom plate 5 moves the drive end 71, making the locking and unlocking operation of the folding side panel more effortless and convenient. Through the above technical solution, this application effectively solves the locking failure problem caused by the unstable sliding path of the lock block 7 when the folding side panel assembly 6 is unfolded or retracted. The rigid constraint of the strip guide hole 13 on the lock block 7's drive end 71 ensures that the movement direction of the lock block 7 always coincides with the axis of the lock groove 8, avoiding jamming or misalignment caused by path deviation. This allows the folding side panel to form a reliable circumferential lock in the unfolded state and completely release the lock in the retracted state. The entire process is completed automatically without additional operation.

[0046] In a further embodiment, limiting protrusions 14 are provided at both ends of the strip-shaped guide hole 13. The limiting protrusions 14 form a first locking position 141 and a second locking position 142 at both ends of the strip-shaped guide hole 13, respectively. When the driving end 71 of the locking block 7 is located at the first locking position 141, the locking block 7 is completely retracted into the sliding groove 11. When the driving end 71 is located at the second locking position 142, the locking block 7 is partially pushed into the locking groove 8 to achieve locking. The limiting protrusions 14 refer to the partial protrusion structures provided at both ends of the strip-shaped guide hole 13. Specifically, they can be formed by stamping or injection molding processes to create protrusions on the edge of the guide hole, and then formed by machining to create a protrusion blocking structure to limit the movement range of the driving end 71. The first locking position 141 is located near the inner end of the sliding groove 11 in the strip-shaped guide hole 13. The limiting protrusions 14 physically limit the driving end 71, ensuring that the locking block 7 is completely retracted into the sliding groove 11. The second locking position 142 refers to the position located near the lock groove 8 in the strip guide hole 13. The limiting protrusion 14 forms a rigid block on the drive end 71, forcing the lock block 7 to remain partially embedded in the lock groove 8.

[0047] When the base plate 5 is flipped and unfolded, its rotation path contacts the driving end 71 of the locking block 7 and applies a pushing force. The driving end 71 slides along the strip guide hole 13 to the second locking position 142. At this time, the limiting protrusion 14 contacts the side of the driving end 71, preventing the driving end 71 from moving further, so that the front end of the locking block 7 is stably embedded in the locking groove 8, forming a circumferential lock. When the base plate 5 is flipped and stored, the driving end 71 is retracted to the first locking position 141 by the reverse force, and the limiting protrusion 14 contacts the other side of the driving end 71, forcing the locking block 7 to retract completely into the sliding groove 11, avoiding residual jamming, or the locking block 7 sliding out and affecting folding.

[0048] Furthermore, stress-relief strip holes 15 are provided on both sides of the second locking position 142 of the strip guide hole 13 to disperse the stress when the locking block 7 slides. The stress-relief strip holes 15 refer to the strip hole structures opened on both sides of the second locking position 142 of the strip guide hole 13. Specifically, they can be rectangular, elliptical, or oblong in shape. By locally weakening the plate structure on both sides of the guide hole, the elastic deformation characteristics of the material itself are used to absorb the stress concentration generated during the sliding of the locking block 7. The second locking position 142 refers to the limiting area at the end of the strip guide hole 13 used to limit the sliding of the locking block 7 to the locking position. By providing stress-relief strip holes 15 on both sides, the lateral thrust generated when the locking block 7 slides to this area can be dispersed and absorbed by the local deformation of the surrounding material. When the locking block 7 moves along the sliding groove 11 to the second locking position 142 under the pushing force of the base plate 5, the contact force between the driving end 71 of the locking block 7 and the base plate 5 is transmitted to the end area of ​​the sliding groove 11. At this time, the stress-relieving strip hole 15 provides deformation space for the surrounding plate, allowing the edge of the guide hole to undergo a small displacement when under force, thereby dispersing the stress originally concentrated on both sides of the second locking position 142 to a wider area, avoiding cracks or plastic deformation of the plate due to rigid constraints.

[0049] Furthermore, the sliding groove 11 also includes an installation area 112, and a stop 16 is provided between the installation area 112 and the sliding area 111. When the driving end 71 of the locking block 7 is in the first locking position 141, the rear end of the locking block 7 abuts against the stop 16. The stop 16 is constructed as a sloped structure to guide the locking block 7 from the installation area 112 to the sliding area 111. The installation area 112 refers to the area within the sliding groove 11 used to accommodate the initial position of the locking block 7, which can be implemented using a groove structure matching the shape of the locking block 7 to provide storage space for the locking block 7. The sliding area 111 refers to the path area within the sliding groove 11 for the locking block 7 to move, which can be implemented using an inclined or arc-shaped guide groove structure to guide the locking block 7 to move in a predetermined direction. The stop 16 is a partition structure provided between the installation area 112 and the sliding area 111, which can be implemented using an injection-molded inclined boss, guiding the locking block 7 from a stationary state to the sliding path via the inclined surface. The inclined surface structure refers to the surface of the stop block 16 facing the mounting area 112 being an inclined plane. Specifically, it can be achieved by forming an angle with the contact surface of the rear end of the locking block 7. The component force generated by the inclined surface contact pushes the locking block 7 into the sliding area 111. When the locking block 7 is in the mounting area 112, its driving end 71 has not yet been inserted into the strip guide hole 13. At this time, a force is applied to push the locking block 7 from the mounting area 112 to the sliding area 111, and the inclined surface of the stop block 16 allows this direction of push. After the locking block 7 enters the sliding area 111, it slides along the path defined by the strip guide hole 13, completing the locking or unlocking action. During the locking and unlocking process, the stop block 16 limits its path, so that the locking block 7 cannot move back to the mounting area 112.

[0050] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0051] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of the present invention without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention.

Claims

1. A folding shopping cart, comprising a shopping cart body (1) and a telescopic handle (2) arranged on the shopping cart body (1); the shopping cart body (1) comprises a front panel (3), a rear panel (4), a bottom panel (5) and two sets of folding side panel assemblies (6); the front end of the bottom panel (5) is hingedly connected to the bottom of the front panel (3) or the rear end is hingedly connected to the bottom of the rear panel (4), and the two ends of the folding side panel assembly (6) are hingedly connected to the ends of the front panel (3) and the rear panel (4), respectively; the folding side panel assembly (6) comprises a first side panel (61) and a second side panel (62), and the adjacent edges of the first side panel (61) and the second side panel (62) are hingedly connected by a hinge shaft (63), so that the first side panel (61) and the second side panel (62) can be unfolded or folded relative to the axis of the hinge shaft (63); when in the unfolded state, the first side panel (61) and the second side panel (62) are coplanar; when in the folded state, the first side panel (61) and the second side panel (62) are in a stacked state; Characterized in that: the first side panel (61) and the second side panel (62) are respectively provided with a locking block (7) and a locking groove (8), the locking block (7) is provided with a driving end (71) and located in the rotating path of the bottom panel (5); when the bottom panel (5) is unfolded, the bottom panel (5) drives the driving end (71) to make the locking block (7) partially enter the locking groove (8), thereby forming the circumferential locking of the first side panel (61) and the second side panel (62) in the unfolded state; when the bottom panel (5) is folded, the bottom panel (5) drives the driving end (71) to make the locking block (7) exit the locking groove (8), thereby releasing the locking.

2. The foldable shopping cart of claim 1, wherein: the moving path of the locking block (7) is configured as an inclined path or an arc path matched with the rotating path of the bottom panel (5), and the locking groove (8) is configured as a receiving structure matched with the end of the moving path of the locking block (7).

3. The foldable shopping cart of claim 2, wherein: an inclined sliding groove (11) is arranged on the first side panel (61) and extends to the hinged side edge of the first side panel (61), and the locking block (7) is embedded in the sliding groove (11); an inclined locking groove (8) matched with the sliding groove (11) is arranged on the hinged side edge of the second side panel (62), and the slot of the locking groove (8) faces the extension direction of the sliding groove (11).

4. The foldable cart of claim 3, wherein: the sliding groove (11) comprises a sliding area (111), a strip-shaped guide hole (13) is arranged on the sliding groove (11) in the sliding area (111), the driving end (71) of the locking block (7) extends from the strip-shaped guide hole (13) and enters the rotating path of the bottom panel (5); when the locking block (7) slides along the sliding area (111), the strip-shaped guide hole (13) guides the sliding path of the locking block (7).

5. The foldable shopping cart of claim 4, wherein: The bar-shaped guide hole (13) is provided with a limiting protrusion (14) at both ends, the limiting protrusion (14) forms a first clamping position (141) and a second clamping position (142) at both ends of the bar-shaped guide hole (13) respectively; when the driving end (71) of the lock block (7) is located in the first clamping position (141), the lock block (7) is completely accommodated in the sliding groove (11); when the driving end (71) is located in the second clamping position (142), the lock block (7) is partially pushed into the lock slot (8) to achieve locking.

6. The foldable shopping cart of claim 5, wherein: The second clamping position (142) of the bar-shaped guide hole (13) is provided with a stress release bar-shaped hole (15) on both sides, which is used to disperse the stress when the lock block (7) slides.

7. The foldable cart of claim 4, wherein: The driving end (71) of the lock block (7) is configured as a cylinder, and the part of the cylinder protruding from the bar-shaped guide hole (13) is configured as a hemispherical structure.

8. The foldable cart of claim 5, wherein: The sliding groove (11) further comprises a mounting area (112), and a stop block (16) is arranged between the mounting area (112) and the sliding area (111); when the driving end (71) of the lock block (7) is in the first clamping position (141), the rear end of the lock block (7) abuts against the stop block (16); the stop block (16) is configured as an inclined surface structure for guiding the lock block (7) from the mounting area (112) to the sliding area (111).

9. The foldable shopping cart of claim 1, wherein: One of the hinged side edges of the first side plate (61) and the hinged side edges of the second side plate (62) is provided with a limiting block (17), and the other is provided with a limiting groove (18); when the first side plate (61) and the second side plate (62) are unfolded to a coplanar state, the limiting block (17) is clamped into the limiting groove (18) to limit the further unfolding of the two; the limiting block (17) and the limiting groove (18) are staggered on the hinged side edges of the first side plate (61) and the second side plate (62).

10. The foldable shopping cart of claim 1, wherein: A first shaft sleeve portion (19) is arranged on the hinged side edge of the first side plate (61), and a second shaft sleeve portion (20) is arranged on the hinged side edge of the second side plate (62), the first shaft sleeve portion (19) and the second shaft sleeve portion (20) are axially aligned and connected by the hinged shaft (63) to achieve hinging.

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