Folding mechanism capable of moving in multiple dimensions
By designing the connection relationship and extension components between the first and second folding arms, and combining the use of limiting arms and elastic pins, the problem of limited range of motion of the small table after the folding mechanism is unfolded is solved, and the multi-dimensional movement and stability improvement of the supported object are realized.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- GUANGZHOU MINGFEI AUTO PARTS CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-06-09
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-21
AI Technical Summary
The existing folding mechanism has a relatively fixed unfolded state, which cannot meet the needs of the small table for a wide range of movement.
By configuring the connection between the first folding arm and the second folding arm, and setting an extension component on the second folding arm, the supported object can achieve multi-dimensional movement within a fixed plane. Combined with the design of the limiting arm and the elastic pin, the stability and flexibility of the supported object are ensured after unfolding.
It enables flexible adjustment of the supporting object within a wide range, improves the stability and practicality of use, and meets the activity needs of the small table.
Smart Images
Figure CN224149985U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to the field of support device technology, specifically to a folding mechanism capable of multidimensional movement. Background Technology
[0002] Folding structures are structures that can be unfolded when in use and folded away when not in use. They are widely used in various fields. As people's demands for comfort, aesthetics and practicality increase, folding structures have gradually begun to be applied in automobiles, forming folding mechanisms for folding and unfolding components such as small tables and storing them.
[0003] However, existing folding mechanisms have the following drawbacks: common folding mechanisms use multiple folding arms to unfold and fold, but the unfolded state is relatively fixed and cannot meet the needs of a wide range of activities when a small table is installed on the folding mechanism for use. Summary of the Invention
[0004] One objective of this application is to provide a folding mechanism that enables multidimensional motion with a wider range of movement.
[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted in this application is as follows: a folding mechanism capable of multi-dimensional movement, comprising a fixed base, a first folding arm, a second folding arm, and an extension component. The first folding arm is connected to the fixed base, the first folding arm is connected to the second folding arm, the extension component is rotatably connected to the second folding arm in a first plane, the extension component is adapted to slide along a first direction with a supported object, the first plane is parallel to the first direction, and the second folding arm is adapted to move relative to the first folding arm so that the extension component moves along a circumferential direction in a second plane, the first plane and the second plane are parallel.
[0006] In some embodiments, the first folding arm includes a first connecting end and a second connecting end, the first connecting end and the fixed base are rotatably connected, the first connecting end and the second connecting end are rotatably connected, the second folding arm and the second connecting end are rotatably connected, and the fixed base and the first connecting end, as well as the second connecting end and the second folding arm, are adapted to cooperate in rotation such that the rotation plane between the first connecting end and the second connecting end is parallel to the second plane.
[0007] In some embodiments, a limiting arm is provided between the first folding arm and the second folding arm. The limiting arm is located on one side of the hinge position of the first folding arm and the second folding arm. The first end of the limiting arm is hinged to the first folding arm, and the second end of the limiting arm is slidably connected to the second folding arm. The limiting arm is adapted to restrict the first folding arm and the second folding arm from approaching each other. The extension member is located on the side of the first folding arm away from the limiting arm. The first folding arm and the second folding arm are adapted to cooperate and move so that the extension member can be flipped.
[0008] In some embodiments, the limiting arm protrudes in a curved portion away from the hinge position of the first folding arm and the second folding arm at the hinge position.
[0009] In some embodiments, the second plane is perpendicular to the length direction of the first folding arm, the first folding arm is adapted to rotate until its length direction is parallel to the vertical direction, so that the second plane and the horizontal plane are parallel, and the limiting arm is adapted to limit the included angle α between the first folding arm and the second folding arm, 45°≤α≤135°.
[0010] In some embodiments, the first end of the limiting arm and the second connecting end are hinged together.
[0011] In some embodiments, the sliding connection direction between the second end of the limiting arm and the second folding arm is the length direction of the limiting arm; the first folding arm and the second folding arm are provided with receiving grooves, and the limiting arm is adapted to be fully retracted into the receiving grooves.
[0012] In some embodiments, the fixed base is provided with an elastic pin, and the first connecting end is provided with a limiting pin groove. The elastic pin and the limiting pin groove are adapted to engage with each other when the folding mechanism is unfolded, so as to restrict the first connecting end from rotating relative to the fixed base.
[0013] In some embodiments, the first folding arm and the second folding arm are adapted to fold along a second direction parallel to the first plane, and the sum of the thickness of the second folding arm and the thickness of the extension member is less than the thickness of the first folding arm.
[0014] In some embodiments, the supporting object is a tabletop assembly, and the connection position of the extension member to the tabletop assembly is offset from the center of the tabletop assembly.
[0015] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this application are as follows: the multi-dimensional folding mechanism of this application, by configuring the connection relationship between the first folding arm and the second folding arm, enables the support object connected to the folding mechanism to move within a fixed plane. At the same time, an extension component is provided on the second folding arm, which enables the support object to further expand its range of movement within the fixed plane, thereby realizing flexible adjustment of the position of the support object and facilitating user use. Attached Figure Description
[0016] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a folded state according to a preferred embodiment of this application.
[0017] Figure 2 This is a top view of the folded state according to a preferred embodiment of this application.
[0018] Figure 3 This is a preferred embodiment according to this application. Figure 2 A cross-sectional view along the AA direction.
[0019] Figure 4 This is a top-view perspective view of the unfolded state according to a preferred embodiment of this application.
[0020] Figure 5 This is a bottom perspective view of the unfolded state according to a preferred embodiment of this application.
[0021] In the figure: 1. Fixed base; 11. Elastic pin; 2. First folding arm; 21. First connecting end; 22. Limiting pin groove; 22. Second connecting end; 3. Second folding arm; 4. Extension component; 5. Tabletop assembly; 6. Limiting arm; 61. Bending part; 7. Receiving groove. Detailed Implementation
[0022] The present application will be further described below with reference to specific embodiments. It should be noted that, without conflict, the various embodiments or technical features described below can be arbitrarily combined to form new embodiments.
[0023] In the description of this application, it should be noted that the directional terms such as "center", "lateral", "longitudinal", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", and "counterclockwise" indicate the orientation and positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this application 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. They should not be construed as limiting the specific protection scope of this application.
[0024] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification and claims of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence.
[0025] The terms “comprising” and “having”, and any variations thereof, in the specification and claims of this application are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, for example, a process, method, system, product, or device that includes a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units that are explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units that are not explicitly listed or that are inherent to such process, method, product, or device.
[0026] The following description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, further illustrates this application:
[0027] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, this application provides a folding mechanism capable of multi-dimensional movement, including a fixed base 1, a first folding arm 2, a second folding arm 3, and an extension component 4. The first folding arm 2 is connected to the fixed base 1, and the first folding arm 2 and the second folding arm 3 are connected. The extension component 4 and the second folding arm 3 are rotatably connected in a first plane. The extension component 4 is adapted to slide with the supported object along a first direction. The first plane and the first direction are parallel. The supported object is adapted to slide relative to the extension component 4. By restricting the first direction to be parallel to the first plane, the stability of the supporting surface can be maintained during the sliding process of the supported object relative to the extension component 4, reducing the deflection and tilt of the supporting surface, thereby improving the support stability and practicality of the supported object.
[0028] In this application, the supporting object is typically the tabletop assembly 5, and the folding mechanism is adapted to support the tabletop assembly 5.
[0029] Understandably, the rotation of the extension component 4 and the second folding arm 3, as well as the sliding of the table assembly 5 and the extension component 4, enable the table assembly 5 to expand its coverage area by expanding the circumference around the rotation of the extension component 4. This allows the table assembly 5 to extend further and be closer to the users on both sides for convenient use, thus solving the problem of the limited usable area after the traditional folding table is unfolded.
[0030] The second folding arm 3 is adapted to move relative to the first folding arm 2 so that the extension component 4 moves in a circumferential direction in the second plane. The first plane and the second plane are parallel. By restricting the first plane and the second plane to be parallel, the table assembly 5 can ensure the stability of the supporting surface during the sliding process relative to the extension component 4, reduce the deflection and tilt of the supporting surface, and thus improve the supporting stability and practicality of the table assembly 5.
[0031] In some embodiments, the first folding arm 2 includes a first connecting end 21 and a second connecting end 22. The first connecting end 21 is rotatably connected to the fixed base 1, and the first connecting end 21 and the second connecting end 22 are rotatably connected. The second folding arm 3 is rotatably connected to the second connecting end 22. The fixed base 1 and the first connecting end 21, as well as the second connecting end 22 and the second folding arm 3, are adapted to cooperate and rotate so that the rotation plane between the first connecting end 21 and the second connecting end 22 is parallel to the second plane. When the folding mechanism is unfolded, the first connecting end 21 is connected to the support structure through the fixed base 1. Through the relative rotation between the first connecting end 21 and the second connecting end 22, the first folding arm 2, the extension component 4, and the table assembly 5 can move together relative to the first connecting end 21, thereby realizing the change of the position of the table assembly 5.
[0032] In some embodiments, the rotational connection plane of the first connecting end 21 and the fixed base 1 is parallel to the rotational connection plane of the second connecting end 22 and the second folding arm 3, and perpendicular to the rotational plane between the first connecting end 21 and the second connecting end 22. The first plane is configured as a horizontal plane, thereby ensuring that the supporting surface of the table assembly 5 is a horizontal plane, and that the supporting surface remains within the horizontal plane when the table assembly 5 moves relative to the first connecting end 21, thereby improving the supporting stability and practicality of the table assembly 5.
[0033] In some embodiments, a limiting arm 6 is provided between the first folding arm 2 and the second folding arm 3. The limiting arm 6 is located on one side of the hinge position of the first folding arm 2 and the second folding arm 3. The first end of the limiting arm 6 is hinged to the first folding arm 2, and the second end of the limiting arm 6 is slidably connected to the second folding arm 3. The limiting arm 6 is adapted to restrict the first folding arm 2 and the second folding arm 3 from approaching each other. When the first folding arm 2 and the second folding arm 3 approach each other, the second end of the limiting arm 6 slides relative to the second folding arm 3, and a triangular support can be formed between the limiting arm 6, the first folding arm 2 and the second folding arm 3 to achieve support reinforcement of the second support arm and improve the support stability of the table assembly 5.
[0034] In some embodiments, the table assembly 5 is located on the side of the first folding arm 2 away from the limiting arm 6. The first folding arm 2 is adapted to rotate in the direction of the limiting arm 6 so that the table assembly 5 can be flipped. This can reduce the structural interference of the table assembly 5 on the deformation of the folding mechanism and make the size design of the table assembly 5 more flexible.
[0035] like Figures 1 to 4 In the embodiment shown, the limiting arm 6 protrudes from the hinge position of the first folding arm 2 and the second folding arm 3 to form a curved portion 61 in a direction away from the hinge position of the first folding arm 2 and the second folding arm 3. This design of the limiting arm 6 can not only avoid the hinge position of the first folding arm 2 and the second folding arm 3, but also strengthen the structural strength of the limiting arm 6 and play a more stable supporting role.
[0036] In some embodiments, the second plane is perpendicular to the length direction of the first folding arm 2, and the first folding arm 2 is adapted to rotate until its length direction is parallel to the vertical direction so that the second plane is parallel to the horizontal plane. The limiting arm 6 is adapted to limit the included angle α between the first folding arm 2 and the second folding arm 3, which is 45°≤α≤135°, preferably 90°, so that the folding mechanism can have both a large unfolding range and high structural stability.
[0037] In some embodiments, the first end of the limiting arm 6 and the first connecting end 21 are hinged, which enables the limiting arm 6 to reduce interference with the second connecting end 22, so as to avoid affecting the relative rotation of the first connecting end 21 and the second connecting end 22, thereby ensuring the flexibility of the folding mechanism after it is unfolded.
[0038] In some embodiments, the sliding connection direction of the second end of the limiting arm 6 and the second folding arm 3 is the length direction of the limiting arm 6, which can make full use of the length of the second folding arm 3 and improve the structural compactness.
[0039] In some embodiments, the folding mechanism is adapted to deform such that the second ends of the first folding arm 2 and the second folding arm 3 and the extension component 4 are all accommodated to one side of the table assembly 5, such that the second ends of the first folding arm 2 and the second folding arm 3 and the extension component 4 are adapted to be hidden to one side of the table assembly 5, and the overall integrity is stronger when the folding table is folded.
[0040] like Figures 1 to 4 In the embodiment shown, the first folding arm 2 and the second folding arm 3 are provided with receiving grooves 7. Specifically, the second connecting end 22 of the first folding arm 2 and the second folding arm 3 are provided with receiving grooves 7. The limiting arm 6 is adapted to be fully retracted into the receiving groove 7. The limiting arm 6 is a hidden structure, which can further improve the structural compactness and reduce space occupation.
[0041] like Figure 5 In the embodiment shown, the fixed base 1 is provided with an elastic pin 11, and the first connecting end 21 is provided with a limiting pin groove 22. The elastic pin 11 and the limiting pin groove 22 are adapted to engage with each other when the folding mechanism is unfolded, so as to restrict the first connecting end 21 from rotating relative to the fixed base 1. The engagement of the elastic pin 11 and the limiting pin groove 22 can achieve the effect of structural stability, improve the coordination stability between the first connecting end 21 of the folding mechanism and the fixed base 1 in the unfolded state, and reduce the probability that the table assembly 5 will fold, flip and tilt on its own due to the instability of the first connecting end 21.
[0042] Specifically, the elastic pin 11 and the limiting pin groove 22 are radially movable along the axis between the fixed base 1 and the first connecting end 21. When the first connecting end 21 rotates relative to the fixed base 1 until the elastic pin 11 and the limiting pin groove 22 are aligned, the elastic pin 11 is adapted to pop out into the limiting pin groove 22 and engage with the limiting pin groove 22.
[0043] It is understandable that by increasing the number of elastic pin 11 slots, the first connecting end 21 can be rotated to different angles for positioning.
[0044] like Figure 3 In the embodiment shown, the top of the elastic pin 11 is arc-shaped, so that when the external force on the first connecting end 21 exceeds a certain force, the elastic pin 11 and the limiting pin groove 22 are suitable for disengaging, and the folding mechanism can perform folding operation. It can be understood that since the force transmitted from the table assembly 5 to the first connecting end 21 through the second folding arm 3 and the first folding arm 2 is difficult to coincide with the force in the direction of disengaging the elastic pin 11 and the limiting pin groove 22, the elastic pin 11 and the limiting pin groove 22 are not easy to disengage when using the table assembly 5.
[0045] In some embodiments, the resilient pin 11 includes a pin shaft and a spring.
[0046] like Figure 3 In the embodiment shown, the first folding arm 2 and the second folding arm 3 are adapted to be folded to a second direction, which is parallel to the first plane. The sum of the thickness of the second folding arm 3 and the thickness of the extension member 4 is less than the thickness of the first folding arm 2, which can reduce the overall thickness of the folding mechanism, improve the structural compactness, and facilitate its placement inside the handrail on the vehicle.
[0047] like Figures 1 to 4 In the embodiment shown, the connection position between the extension member 4 and the tabletop assembly 5 (which is one of the tabletops when the tabletop assembly 5 includes multiple tabletops) is off-center from the center of the tabletop. It can be understood that the closer the connection position between the extension member 4 and the tabletop assembly 5 is to the edge of the tabletop assembly 5, the greater the range of rotation of the tabletop assembly 5 with the extension member 4 as the center, and the greater the coverage area it can support.
[0048] The basic principles, main features, and advantages of this application have been described above. Those skilled in the art should understand that this application is not limited to the above embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are only the principles of this application. Various changes and modifications can be made to this application without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. All such changes and modifications fall within the scope of this application as claimed. The scope of protection claimed by this application is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
Claims
1. A multi-dimensionally movable folding mechanism, characterized by: The device includes a fixed base, a first folding arm, a second folding arm, and an extension component. The first folding arm is connected to the fixed base, and the first folding arm is connected to the second folding arm. The extension component and the second folding arm are rotatably connected in a first plane. The extension component is adapted to slide with a supported object along a first direction. The first plane and the first direction are parallel. The second folding arm is adapted to move relative to the first folding arm so that the extension component moves in a circumferential direction in a second plane. The first plane and the second plane are parallel.
2. A foldable mechanism capable of multidimensional movement as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The first folding arm includes a first connecting end and a second connecting end. The first connecting end and the fixed base are rotatably connected. The first connecting end and the second connecting end are rotatably connected. The second folding arm and the second connecting end are rotatably connected. The fixed base and the first connecting end, as well as the second connecting end and the second folding arm, are adapted to cooperate and rotate so that the rotation plane between the first connecting end and the second connecting end is parallel to the second plane.
3. A foldable mechanism capable of multidimensional movement as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that: A limiting arm is provided between the first folding arm and the second folding arm. The limiting arm is located on one side of the hinge position of the first folding arm and the second folding arm. The first end of the limiting arm is hinged to the first folding arm, and the second end of the limiting arm is slidably connected to the second folding arm. The limiting arm is adapted to restrict the first folding arm and the second folding arm from getting close to each other. The extension component is located on the side of the first folding arm away from the limiting arm. The first folding arm and the second folding arm are adapted to cooperate and move so that the extension component can be flipped.
4. A foldable mechanism capable of multidimensional movement as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that: The limiting arm protrudes in a curved portion away from the hinge position of the first folding arm and the second folding arm at the hinge position.
5. A foldable mechanism capable of multidimensional movement as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that: The second plane is perpendicular to the length direction of the first folding arm, and the first folding arm is adapted to rotate until its length direction is parallel to the vertical direction so that the second plane is parallel to the horizontal plane. The limiting arm is adapted to limit the included angle α between the first folding arm and the second folding arm, 45°≤α≤135°.
6. A folding mechanism capable of multidimensional movement as described in claim 3, characterized in that: The first end and the second connecting end of the limiting arm are hinged together.
7. A foldable mechanism capable of multidimensional movement as claimed in claim 3, wherein: The sliding connection direction between the second end of the limiting arm and the second folding arm is the length direction of the limiting arm; the first folding arm and the second folding arm are provided with receiving grooves, and the limiting arm is adapted to be fully retracted into the receiving grooves.
8. A foldable mechanism capable of multidimensional movement as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that: The fixed base is provided with an elastic pin, and the first connecting end is provided with a limiting pin groove. The elastic pin and the limiting pin groove are adapted to engage with each other when the folding mechanism is unfolded, so as to restrict the first connecting end from rotating relative to the fixed base.
9. A foldable mechanism capable of multidimensional movement as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The first folding arm and the second folding arm are adapted to fold along a second direction parallel to the first plane, and the sum of the thickness of the second folding arm and the thickness of the extension member is less than the thickness of the first folding arm.
10. A foldable mechanism capable of multidimensional movement as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The supporting object is a tabletop assembly, and the connection position of the extension component with the tabletop assembly is offset from the center of the tabletop assembly.