Locking structure of folding side plate assembly and folding shopping cart

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of folding storage devices, in particular to a locking structure of a folding side plate assembly and a folding shopping cart, the locking structure comprises a first side plate and a second side plate, the adjacent edges of the first side plate and the second side plate are hinged through a hinge shaft, so that the first side plate and the second side plate can be oppositely unfolded or folded around the axis of the hinge shaft; an elastic pin assembly is embedded in the second side plate, and a pin hole is formed in the first side plate; when the first side plate and the second side plate are unfolded to be in a coplanar state, the output end of the elastic pin assembly is inserted into the pin hole, and circumferential locking of the unfolded state of the first side plate and the second side plate is formed. An unlocking part is arranged on the first side plate or the second side plate, when force is applied to the unlocking part, the output end of the elastic pin assembly can be moved out of the pin hole, and therefore circumferential locking of the first side plate and the second side plate is relieved. The scheme has the advantages of being simple in structure, reliable in locking and convenient to operate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of folding storage device technology, and in particular to a locking structure for a folding side panel assembly and a folding shopping cart. Background Technology

[0002] Foldable storage boxes, as everyday storage and travel tools, have garnered significant attention for their portability and space utilization. Traditional storage boxes typically employ a fixed structure design, and their large size when not in use takes up considerable storage space, causing inconvenience for users. Therefore, foldable storage boxes have gradually emerged on the market, achieving folding through hinged or detachable structures to reduce the space occupied when not in use.

[0003] In existing technology, a typical folding storage box (such as Chinese utility model patent CN 211747494 U) mainly consists of a front panel, a rear panel, side panels, and a locking structure. The side panel contains two folding plates connected by hinges, and the locking structure is integrated into the side panel to lock the unfolded state. Its core design is: the edges of the folding plates are provided with mutually cooperating guide rails, and a sliding locking block moves along the guide rails to the junction, using mechanical limiting to lock the folding plates to the same plane.

[0004] However, this locking structure has significant drawbacks: it is complex and requires high machining precision. The guide rail must be precisely matched with the internal cavity of the locking block, and machining errors can easily lead to sliding jamming or excessive gaps, increasing production costs. Locking reliability is insufficient; the locking block relies solely on sliding limit, lacking an elastic latch or secondary locking mechanism. Long-term use can cause guide rail wear, leading to locking block dislocation, especially under heavy loads or vibrations. Furthermore, the existing locking structure is inconvenient to operate; users must precisely align the sliding locking block with the guide rail to complete the locking or unlocking action, impacting the user experience.

[0005] To address the aforementioned issues, existing technologies urgently need improvement. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To address the aforementioned problems, the present invention aims to provide a locking structure for a folding side panel assembly and a folding shopping cart, which has the advantages of simple structure, reliable locking, and convenient operation.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0008] This application provides a locking structure for a folding side panel assembly, the technical solution of which is as follows: A locking structure for a folding side panel assembly includes a first side panel and a second side panel. The adjacent edges of the first side panel and the second side panel are hinged together by a hinge axis, allowing the first side panel and the second side panel to be unfolded or folded relative to each other around the hinge axis. When in the unfolded state, the first side panel and the second side panel are arranged in a coplanar manner. When in the folded state, the first side panel and the second side panel are stacked. The characteristic feature is that: an elastic pin assembly is embedded in the second side panel, and a pin hole is constructed on the first side panel. When the first side panel and the second side panel are unfolded to a coplanar state, the output end of the elastic pin assembly is inserted into the pin hole, forming a circumferential lock on the unfolded state of the first side panel and the second side panel. An unlocking component is provided on the first side panel or the second side panel. When force is applied to the unlocking component, the output end of the elastic pin assembly can be moved out of the pin hole, thereby releasing the circumferential lock on the first side panel and the second side panel.

[0009] Furthermore, this application also proposes that the unlocking component is configured to be movably disposed on the first side plate, the unlocking component including a push rod in the pin hole and a toggle block movably disposed on the first side plate; when an external force is applied to the toggle block, it can drive the push rod to move and push the output end of the elastic pin assembly out of the pin hole.

[0010] 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 hinged side edges of the first side plate and the second side plate are provided with mutually matching limiting grooves and limiting blocks.

[0011] Furthermore, this application also proposes that the elastic pin assembly is embedded in one of the limiting blocks of the second side plate, and the pin hole is constructed on the side wall of the corresponding limiting groove; when the first side plate and the second side plate are unfolded to a coplanar state, the limiting block is inserted into the limiting groove, and the output end of the elastic pin assembly is inserted into the pin hole.

[0012] Furthermore, this application proposes that the limiting block has an L-shaped channel, and an elastic pin assembly is disposed within the channel; the elastic pin assembly includes a pin slider, a spring, and a transverse slider, the pin slider being movably disposed in the vertical section of the L-shaped channel, and the transverse slider being movably disposed in the horizontal section of the L-shaped channel; the spring is supported on one end of the transverse slider, and the other end of the transverse slider abuts against the lower inclined surface of the pin slider; the deformation direction of the elastic pin assembly is consistent with the axial direction of the hinge shaft, and the pin portion of the pin slider can be exposed from the upper opening of the channel.

[0013] Furthermore, this application also proposes that a sliding seat is constructed above the limiting groove on the first side plate; a pin hole is constructed in the sliding seat and penetrates the sliding seat; and a toggle block is slidably disposed in the sliding seat.

[0014] Furthermore, this application also proposes that the sliding seat is provided with a sliding cavity inside, the pin hole communicates with the lower end of the sliding cavity, and the sliding cavity is provided with a sliding hole on the outer side wall of the first side plate; the actuating block is disposed in the sliding cavity, the push rod is integrally formed on the actuating block, and the actuating block is provided with an actuating protrusion that extends out of the sliding hole; an external force acting on the actuating protrusion can drive the actuating block and the push rod to move longitudinally, thereby driving the push rod to move and push the output end of the elastic pin assembly out of the pin hole.

[0015] Furthermore, this application also proposes that the sliding cavity is provided with a sliding cavity opening on the inner wall of the first side plate, and a first sealing plate is fixedly connected to the cavity opening; the channel is provided with a channel cavity opening on the inner wall of the limiting block, and a second sealing plate is fixedly connected to the cavity opening.

[0016] Furthermore, this application also proposes a folding shopping cart, including a shopping cart body and a telescopic pull rod disposed on the shopping cart body; the shopping cart body includes a front panel, a rear panel, a bottom plate and two sets of folding side panel assemblies; the folding side panel assemblies adopt the locking structure of the folding side panel assembly described above, and the two ends of the folding side panel assembly are respectively hinged to the ends of the front panel and the rear panel.

[0017] As can be seen from the above, the locking structure of the folding side panel assembly and the folding shopping cart provided in this application achieve circumferential locking in the unfolded state through the cooperation of the elastic pin assembly and the pin hole, and quickly unlock through the unlocking component, which solves the problems of complex structure and poor locking reliability in the prior art, and has the advantages of simple structure, reliable locking and convenient operation. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 A perspective view of the outer end face of a folding side panel assembly provided in this application.

[0019] Figure 2 A perspective view of the inner end face of a folding side panel assembly provided in this application.

[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the folded state of a folding side panel assembly provided in this application.

[0021] Figure 4 This is a partially exploded view of a folding side panel assembly provided in this application.

[0022] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a folding side panel assembly without the elastic pin assembly and unlocking component installed.

[0023] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing the unlocked state of the folding side panel assembly.

[0024] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the locked state of the folding side panel assembly.

[0025] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the folding shopping cart described in Example 2. Detailed Implementation

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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. Example 1

[0031] In existing technologies, the side panel locking structure of folding storage boxes typically employs a mechanical limiting method involving a guide rail and a sliding locking block. This type of structure requires high-precision machining of the sliding components to ensure a proper fit; even minor errors between the guide rail and the locking block can cause the sliding to jam or result in excessive clearance. Over time, wear on the guide rail can easily lead to the locking block dislodging, especially under heavy loads or vibrations, significantly reducing locking reliability and posing a risk of accidental side panel folding.

[0032] To address the aforementioned issues and the complexity and reliability deficiencies of existing locking structures, designers attempted to replace the sliding limit with an elastic locking mechanism. By analyzing the force state when the folding side panel unfolds, it was found that if an automatically locking elastic component exists when the side panels are coplanar, the manual operation of the locking mechanism can be eliminated. Based on the self-locking principle of elastic deformation, an elastic pin assembly 4 is embedded in the hinged side panel, with a pin hole 5 at the corresponding position. When the side panel is fully unfolded, the elastic pin automatically inserts into the pin hole 5 to lock; during unlocking, external force pushes out the pin, achieving rapid release.

[0033] like Figure 1-7 As shown, this application proposes a side panel locking structure for a folding storage box, including a locking structure for a first side panel 1 and a second side panel 2, which are connected by a hinge shaft 3 to achieve unfolding or folding. When in the unfolded state, the first side panel 1 and the second side panel 2 are arranged in a coplanar manner; when in the folded state, the first side panel 1 and the second side panel 2 are stacked.

[0034] like Figure 1 and 3As shown, on the hinged edge of the first side plate 1 and the hinged edge of the second side plate 2, one is provided with a limiting block 9, and the other is provided with a limiting groove 10. When the first side plate 1 and the second side plate 2 are unfolded to a coplanar state, the limiting block 9 is engaged in the limiting groove 10 to restrict further unfolding. In a preferred embodiment, the hinged edges of the first side plate 1 and the second side plate 2 are alternately provided with matching limiting grooves 10 and limiting blocks 9. The limiting block 9 refers to a protruding structure on the hinged edge, which can be made by welding or injection molding a rectangular or trapezoidal metal block, used to embed into the limiting groove 10 to form a rigid barrier when unfolded. The limiting groove 10 refers to a recessed structure on the hinged edge, which can be made by stamping or injection molding to form a groove complementary to the shape of the limiting block 9, used to accommodate the limiting block 9 and restrict its movement. The staggered arrangement refers to the spaced distribution of the limiting blocks 9 and limiting grooves 10 along the edges of the two side plates. Specifically, this can be achieved by alternating the limiting blocks 9 and limiting grooves 10 on adjacent edges, increasing the number of contact points when the side plates unfold. When the first side plate 1 and the second side plate 2 unfold around the hinge axis 3 to a coplanar state, the limiting block 9 on one edge is pushed into the limiting groove 10 on the other edge by gravity or external force, forming a physical engagement. Because the dimensions of the limiting blocks 9 and limiting grooves 10 match, the two side plates cannot continue to rotate around the hinge axis 3 in the unfolding direction. Simultaneously, the staggered distribution of the limiting blocks 9 and limiting grooves 10 completes the engagement action in stages during the unfolding process, ensuring multiple contact points on each side plate when unfolded to different angles, thereby dispersing the torsional load borne by the hinge axis 3. Through the above technical solution, this application solves the problem of insufficient stability caused by the lack of rigid restraints when the folding structure unfolds. The engagement action of the limiting blocks 9 and limiting grooves 10 is automatically completed when the structure is fully unfolded, requiring no manual operation. The staggered limiting structure reduces stress concentration at individual contact points and prevents the hinge shaft 3 from deforming due to off-center loading.

[0035] like Figure 4-7 As shown, the second side plate 2 has an embedded elastic pin assembly 4, and the first side plate 1 has a pin hole 5. When unfolded and coplanar, the elastic pin is inserted into the pin hole 5 to form a circumferential lock. The unlocking component 6 is provided on either side plate. When force is applied, the elastic pin can be moved out of the pin hole 5 to release the lock.

[0036] The elastic pin assembly 4 refers to a pin mechanism with an elastic reset function. Specifically, it can be implemented using a pin slider 11 supported by a spring 12. The pin slider 11 maintains an outwardly extended locked position when no external force is applied, and retracts into the channel 14 to unlock when pressed. The circumferential locking restricts the degree of freedom of the side plate to rotate around the hinge axis 3. This can be achieved through the radial fit between the pin hole 5 and the pin slider 11. After the pin slider 11 is inserted into the pin hole 5, it forms a mechanical limit perpendicular to the hinge axis 3. The unlocking component 6 is a device that can transmit external force to change the state of the elastic pin. Specifically, it can be implemented using a combination structure of a push rod 7 and a toggle block 8, as described below. When the toggle block 8 is subjected to force, it pushes the push rod 7 to compress the elastic pin and disengage it from the pin hole 5. Alternatively, it can be located within the second side plate 2, allowing direct actuation of the elastic pin assembly 4 to unlock.

[0037] Specifically, when the first side plate 1 and the second side plate 2 unfold around the hinge axis 3 to a coplanar position, the elastic pin assembly 4 inside the second side plate 2 is triggered by the unfolding action of the side plate, and its output end automatically inserts into the pin hole 5 on the first side plate 1. At this time, the engagement between the pin slider 11 and the pin hole 5 forms a mechanical constraint perpendicular to the hinge axis 3, preventing the side plate from continuing to rotate or fold back around the hinge axis 3. When folding is required, an external force is applied to the unlocking component 6, and the push rod 7 pushes the pin slider 11 away from the pin hole 5, releasing the circumferential lock so that the side plate can be folded. Compared with the prior art, the existing solution relies on the linear engagement of the sliding lock block and the guide rail, which requires precision machining and is prone to wear and failure. This solution eliminates the guide rail structure and reduces the machining accuracy requirements by automatically engaging the elastic pin with the pin hole 5. Compared with the axial limit of the sliding lock block, the radial locking method of the pin slider 11 can withstand greater torque and maintain locking stability in a vibration environment. The unlocking component 6 adopts an ejector operation, avoiding the problem that the operating direction of the traditional sliding lock block is inconsistent with the folding direction. Through the above technical solution, this application utilizes the automatic locking function of the elastic pin to simplify the internal structure of the side panel and reduce processing difficulty and cost. The radial fit between the pin slider 11 and the pin hole 5 significantly improves the torsional resistance, ensuring structural stability in the unfolded state. The push-to-unlock operation direction naturally matches the folding action, allowing unlocking and folding to be completed with one hand, thus improving operational efficiency.

[0038] exist Figure 6 and 7In the specific embodiment shown, the unlocking component 6 is movably mounted on the first side plate 1. The unlocking component 6 includes a push rod 7 located within the pin hole 5 and a toggle block 8 movably mounted on the first side plate 1. When an external force is applied to the toggle block 8, it can drive the push rod 7 to move and push the output end of the elastic pin assembly 4 out of the pin hole 5. "Movably mounted on the first side plate 1" means that the unlocking component 6 is mounted on the surface of the first side plate 1 via a movable connection, specifically using a sliding groove fit to ensure that the toggle block 8 can move along a predetermined trajectory. "The push rod 7 is located within the pin hole 5" means that a cylindrical metal rod is vertically inserted through the pin hole 5 axially. Specifically, it can be achieved by machining a stainless steel rod into a stepped shaft structure, with its lower end face forming a force transmission interface with the contact surface of the elastic pin. When an external force is applied to the toggle block 8, the operator presses the component in a direction parallel to the hinge axis 3. During this sliding process, the push rod 7 is subjected to an axial component force and moves downward along the pin hole 5, with its lower end face directly acting on the top of the pin slider 11 of the elastic pin assembly 4. At this time, the longitudinal displacement of the push rod 7 overcomes the elastic force of the spring 12, pushing the pin slider 11 out of the pin hole 5, thus releasing the circumferential lock between the first side plate 1 and the second side plate 2. After the external force is released, the toggle block 8 automatically rebounds to its initial position under the action of the return spring, and the push rod 7 is then reset under the reaction force of the spring 12 of the elastic pin assembly 4, ready for the next locking operation. Alternatively, the toggle block 8 is only lifted when the pin slider 11 is inserted into the pin hole 5, thus the reset can be achieved with the help of the elastic pin assembly 4. This solution simplifies the unlocking action to a single-point linear pressing operation through the linkage design of the push rod 7 and the toggle block 8. Through the above technical solution, this application realizes that the unlocking operation can be completed by a single hand and a single point press, and the direction of the operating force is perpendicular to the unfolding plane of the folding side plate, avoiding accidental triggering. The rigid contact structure of the push rod 7 and the toggle block 8 eliminates the cumulative error of the clearance of the traditional linkage mechanism, ensuring the consistency of the stroke of each unlocking action. The reset function of the unlocking component 6 is automatically realized by the elastic element, and the locked state can be restored without additional operation steps.

[0039] In a specific implementation, the elastic pin assembly 4 is embedded in one of the limiting blocks 9 of the second side plate 2, and the pin hole 5 is constructed on the side wall of the corresponding limiting groove 10. When the first side plate 1 and the second side plate 2 are unfolded to a coplanar state, the limiting block 9 is engaged in the limiting groove 10, and the output end of the elastic pin assembly 4 is inserted into the pin hole 5. The elastic pin assembly 4 being embedded in the limiting block 9 means that components such as the pin slider 11 and the spring 12 are integrated inside the limiting block 9. Specifically, this can be achieved by creating a receiving cavity inside the limiting block 9, so that the direction of movement of the elastic pin is perpendicular to the direction in which the limiting block 9 enters the limiting groove 10. The pin hole 5 being constructed on the side wall of the limiting groove 10 means that a through hole is created on the side wall of the limiting groove 10. This can be formed by stamping or drilling. When the limiting block 9 enters the limiting groove 10, the through hole is aligned with the axis of the elastic pin.

[0040] During the unfolding process, the first side plate 1 and the second side plate 2 rotate around the hinge axis 3 to a coplanar state. At this time, the limiting block 9 is pushed into the limiting groove 10 by rotational force, and the pin hole 5 on the side wall of the limiting groove 10 and the elastic pin assembly 4 in the limiting block 9 are spatially aligned. Under the action of the spring 12, the elastic pin pops out along the direction perpendicular to the movement of the limiting block 9 and inserts into the pin hole 5, forming an axial constraint on the movement of the limiting block 9. Since the cooperation between the limiting block 9 and the limiting groove 10 has achieved mechanical limiting of the unfolding angle, the insertion of the elastic pin further prevents the relative sliding of the side plates in the plane, so that the locking force acts on both the rotation direction and the plane direction at the same time. Through the above technical solution, when the folding side plate is unfolded, the mechanical cooperation between the limiting block 9 and the limiting groove 10 and the automatic locking of the elastic pin are completed simultaneously, avoiding the problem of axial deviation during the assembly of the split-type lock. The orthogonal arrangement of the pin hole 5 and the elastic pin improves the accuracy of the insertion of the pin slider 11. When subjected to lateral load, the side wall of the limiting groove 10 forms a wrapping support for the pin slider 11, preventing the pin slider 11 from bending or dislodging due to force, thereby enhancing the locking stability.

[0041] In the specific design, an L-shaped channel 14 is constructed within the limiting block 9, and an elastic pin assembly 4 is disposed within the channel 14. The elastic pin assembly 4 includes a pin slider 11, a spring 12, and a transverse slider 13. The pin slider 11 is movably disposed in the vertical section 141 of the L-shaped channel, and the transverse slider 13 is movably disposed in the horizontal section 142 of the L-shaped channel. The spring 12 is supported on one end of the transverse slider 13, and the other end of the transverse slider 13 abuts against the lower inclined surface of the pin slider 11. The deformation direction of the elastic pin assembly 4 is consistent with the axial direction of the hinge shaft 3, and the pin portion 111 of the pin slider 11 can be exposed from the upper opening of the channel 14.

[0042] When the first side plate 1 and the second side plate 2 are unfolded to a coplanar position, the limiting block 9 is embedded in the limiting groove 10. The spring 12 first acts on the transverse slider 13 to drive it to move laterally. The transverse slider 13 then drives the pin slider 11 to move along the vertical section 141 of the L-shaped channel, allowing the pin portion 111 of the pin slider 11 to protrude from the upper opening of the channel 14 and be inserted into the pin hole 5. When unlocking is required, an external force acts on the push rod 7 to move the pin slider 11 downwards and disengage it from the pin hole 5. The spring 12 is further compressed until the pin slider 11 is completely withdrawn. The gap between the inner wall of the channel 14 and the sides of the pin slider 11 and the transverse slider 13 is controlled within the minimum range that allows the pin slider 11 and the transverse slider 13 to move freely, thereby ensuring the stability of the movement trajectory of the pin slider 11.

[0043] like Figure 4-7As shown, a sliding seat 15 is constructed above the limiting groove 10 of the first side plate 1, and a pin hole 5 is constructed within the sliding seat 15. The actuating block 8 is slidably disposed within the sliding seat 15. The sliding seat 15 refers to the load-bearing structure disposed above the limiting groove 10. Specifically, it can be a metal seat integrally injection molded with the first side plate 1 or fixed by bolts, used to provide a sliding track for the actuating block 8 and also serving as the mounting base for the pin hole 5.

[0044] In the specific design, the sliding seat 15 is provided with a sliding cavity 16 inside, and the pin hole 5 communicates with the lower end of the sliding cavity 16. The sliding cavity 16 is provided with a sliding hole 161 on the outer side wall of the first side plate 1. The actuating block 8 is provided in the sliding cavity 16, and the push rod 7 is integrally formed on the actuating block 8. The actuating block 8 is provided with an actuating protrusion 81 that extends out of the sliding hole 161. External force acting on the actuating protrusion 81 can drive the actuating block 8 and the push rod 7 to move longitudinally, thereby driving the push rod 7 to move and push the output end of the elastic pin assembly 4 out of the pin hole 5.

[0045] The sliding cavity 16 refers to a cavity structure opened inside the sliding seat 15 parallel to the axis of the pin hole 5. It can be implemented using injection molding or metal stamping processes, and serves to provide a vertical sliding track for the actuating block 8 and limit lateral displacement. The sliding cavities 16 on both sides inside the sliding seat 15 form a vertical guide channel. When an external force is applied to the actuating protrusion 81 of the actuating block 8, the actuating block 8 slides along the inner wall of the sliding cavity 16, and the stroke of the actuating block 8 is strictly limited within a preset range. After the external force is released, the actuating block 8 automatically returns to its original position by gravity or a return spring. Through the above technical solution, this application effectively prevents the misalignment of the push rod 7 caused by lateral displacement of the actuating block 8 during operation, ensuring precise alignment between the push rod 7 and the elastic pin assembly 4. Figure 4 As shown, the sliding cavity 16 has a sliding cavity opening on the inner wall of the first side plate 1, and a first sealing plate 162 is fixedly connected to the sliding cavity opening; thus, the unlocking component 6 can be installed through the sliding cavity opening. The channel 14 has a channel cavity opening on the inner wall of the limiting block 9, and a second sealing plate 143 is fixedly connected to the channel cavity opening, thus, the elastic pin assembly 4 can be installed through the channel cavity opening. Example 2

[0046] like Figure 8 As shown, this embodiment provides a folding shopping cart, including a shopping cart body 22 and a telescopic pull rod 23 disposed on the shopping cart body 22; the shopping cart body 22 includes a front panel 24, a rear panel 25, a bottom plate and two sets of folding side panel assemblies 27; the folding side panel assemblies 27 adopt the locking structure described in Embodiment 1, and the two ends of the folding side panel assemblies 27 are respectively hinged to the ends of the front panel 24 and the rear panel 25.

[0047] When the folding shopping cart is in the unfolded state, the two sets of folding side panel assemblies 27 are locked by inserting the elastic pin assembly 4 into the pin hole 5, forming a stable box structure to carry items. When folding is required, pressing the unlocking component 6 disengages the elastic pin from the pin hole 5, releasing the circumferential constraint between the side panels. At this time, the side panels can rotate and fold around the hinge axis 3, reducing the volume of the box for easy carrying. The elastic deformation characteristics of the elastic pin avoid the precision guide rail structure required by traditional sliding lock blocks. The vertical insertion action of the pin slider 11 into the pin hole 5 simplifies the processing accuracy requirements, while the continuous elastic force can compensate for the gaps generated by long-term use, ensuring locking stability.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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 locking structure for a folding side panel assembly, comprising a first side panel (1) and a second side panel (2), wherein adjacent edges of the first side panel (1) and the second side panel (2) are hinged together by a hinge shaft (3), allowing the first side panel (1) and the second side panel (2) to be unfolded or folded relative to each other around the axis of the hinge shaft (3); when in the unfolded state, the first side panel (1) and the second side panel (2) are arranged in a coplanar manner; when in the folded state, the first side panel (1) and the second side panel (2) are stacked; characterized in that: The second side plate (2) is inlaid with an elastic pin assembly (4), and the first side plate (1) is constructed with a pin hole (5); when the first side plate (1) and the second side plate (2) are unfolded to a coplanar state, the output end of the elastic pin assembly (4) is inserted into the pin hole (5) to form a circumferential lock on the unfolded state of the first side plate (1) and the second side plate (2); An unlocking component (6) is provided on the first side plate (1) or the second side plate (2). When force is applied to the unlocking component (6), the output end of the elastic pin assembly (4) can be moved out of the pin hole (5), thereby releasing the circumferential lock of the first side plate (1) and the second side plate (2).

2. The locking structure of the folding side panel assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The unlocking component (6) is configured to be movably disposed on the first side plate (1). The unlocking component (6) includes a push rod (7) located in the pin hole (5) and a toggle block (8) movably disposed on the first side plate (1). When an external force is applied to the toggle block (8), the push rod (7) can be driven to move and the output end of the elastic pin assembly (4) is pushed out from the pin hole (5).

3. The locking structure of the folding side panel assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that: On the hinged side edge of the first side plate (1) and the hinged side edge of the second side plate (2), a limiting block (9) is provided on one and a limiting groove (10) is provided on the other. When the first side plate (1) and the second side plate (2) are unfolded to a coplanar state, the limiting block (9) is inserted into the limiting groove (10) to restrict the two from continuing to unfold. The hinged side edges of the first side plate (1) and the second side plate (2) are alternately provided with mutually matching limiting grooves (10) and limiting blocks (9).

4. The locking structure of the folding side panel assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that: The elastic pin assembly (4) is embedded in one of the limiting blocks (9) of the second side plate (2), and the pin hole (5) is constructed on the side wall of the corresponding limiting groove (10). When the first side plate (1) and the second side plate (2) are unfolded to a coplanar state, the limiting block (9) is inserted into the limiting groove (10), and the output end of the elastic pin assembly (4) is inserted into the pin hole (5).

5. The locking structure of the folding side panel assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that: The limiting block (9) has an L-shaped channel (14) inside, and the elastic pin assembly (4) is disposed in the channel (14). The elastic pin assembly (4) includes a pin slider (11), a spring (12) and a transverse slider (13). The pin slider (11) is movably disposed in the vertical section (141) of the L-shaped channel, and the transverse slider (13) is movably disposed in the horizontal section (142) of the L-shaped channel. The spring (12) is supported on one end of the transverse slider (13), and the other end of the transverse slider (13) abuts against the lower inclined surface of the pin slider (11). The deformation direction of the elastic pin assembly (4) is consistent with the axial direction of the hinge shaft (3), and the pin part (111) of the pin slider (11) can be exposed from the upper opening of the channel (14).

6. The locking structure of the folding side panel assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that: The first side plate (1) has a sliding seat (15) built above the limiting groove (10); the pin hole (5) is built in the sliding seat (15); the actuating block (8) is slidably disposed in the sliding seat (15).

7. The locking structure of the folding side panel assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that: The sliding seat (15) is provided with a sliding cavity (16), and the pin hole (5) is connected to the lower end of the sliding cavity (16). The sliding cavity (16) is provided with a sliding hole (161) on the outer side wall of the first side plate (1). The actuating block is provided in the sliding cavity (16), and the push rod (7) is integrally formed on the actuating block (8). The actuating block (8) is provided with an actuating protrusion (81) and extends out of the sliding hole (161). External force acting on the actuating protrusion can drive the actuating block (8) and the push rod (7) to move longitudinally, thereby driving the push rod (7) to move and pushing the output end of the elastic pin assembly (4) out of the pin hole (5).

8. The locking structure of the folding side panel assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that: The sliding cavity (16) has a sliding cavity opening on the inner wall of the first side plate (1), and a first sealing plate (162) is fixedly connected to the sliding cavity opening. The channel (14) has a channel opening on the inner side wall of the limiting block (9), and a second sealing plate (143) is fixedly connected to the channel opening.

9. A folding shopping cart, comprising a cart body (22) and a telescopic pull rod (23) disposed on the cart body (22); the cart body (22) comprising a front panel (24), a rear panel (25), a bottom plate and two sets of folding side panel assemblies (27); characterized in that: The folding side panel assembly (27) adopts the locking structure of the folding side panel assembly according to any one of claims 1-8, and the two ends of the folding side panel assembly (27) are respectively hinged to the ends of the front panel (24) and the rear panel (25).

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