Support structure for a folding chair

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of furniture, especially to a support structure of folding chair, including support rod, cross support, movable block and handrail structure. One end of handrail structure is rotatably connected with movable block, and the other end forms sliding connection with the top of corresponding support rod. Through the sliding of movable block, the whole support and handrail can be integrally driven to be unfolded or folded synchronously. In addition, the accurate sliding connection is realized by setting guide groove at the bottom of handrail and setting sliding block at the top of front end support rod. Further, the locking assembly can be integrated in handrail structure, the sliding connection part is locked and unlocked by the button control lock pin, and the stability and safety of unfolded state are ensured. The utility model is simple in structure, realizes the real integration linkage, is convenient and smooth to operate, and is high in safety.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of furniture technology, and in particular to a support structure for a folding chair. Background Technology

[0002] Folding chairs are widely used for outdoor leisure and impromptu gatherings due to their portability and space-saving storage characteristics. To improve the user experience, one design trend for folding chairs is to achieve synchronized folding of various components to simplify operation.

[0003] However, existing folding chair technologies still have significant shortcomings in terms of ease of operation when unfolding and folding. Many folding chair structures require users to perform multiple separate steps to complete the operation; for example, the chair frame must be unfolded first, then the armrests must be folded up and secured separately. This process is not seamless and is inefficient. Other designs that attempt to achieve linked folding often have overly complex linkage mechanisms, resulting in inaccurate movement paths. In practical use, this can easily lead to problems such as sluggish movement, jamming, or even component interference, failing to achieve a truly smooth and reliable "one-step" unfolding and folding.

[0004] Based on the above, this application proposes a support structure for a folding chair, which can effectively solve the above problems. Utility Model Content

[0005] To address the problems of insufficient linkage or complex linkage mechanisms in existing folding chair structures, which result in numerous unfolding and folding steps and jamming issues, this application proposes a support structure for folding chairs.

[0006] A support structure for a folding chair, comprising: At least four support rods, including a pair of back support rods and a pair of front support rods; Multiple cross brackets, wherein the cross brackets connect adjacent support rods one by one; At least one movable block, which is sleeved on the backrest support rod and can slide along its length, each movable block being rotatably connected to the at least two cross brackets to drive the entire support structure to unfold or retract; and The handrail structure has one end rotatably connected to the corresponding movable block and the other end slidably connected to the top of the corresponding front support rod.

[0007] By linking the handrail structure with the movable block that drives the entire support structure to unfold or retract, integrated synchronous movement of the handrail and the support body is achieved. When the user pushes or pulls the movable block to retract or unfold the support, the handrail structure will automatically follow and move to the corresponding position without separate operation, thus realizing "one-step" folding and unfolding, simplifying the operation steps and improving the convenience of use.

[0008] In one embodiment, a guide groove is provided at the bottom of the handrail structure, and a slider is provided at the top of the front support rod. The slider is configured to slide within the guide groove. The cooperation between the guide groove and the slider ensures the stability and accuracy of the handrail during sliding, effectively avoiding swaying, tilting, or jamming during movement.

[0009] In one embodiment, the armrest structure includes a locking assembly comprising a drive member, a transmission mechanism, and a locking pin. A locking hole is formed at the bottom end of the armrest structure, the locking pin passes through the locking hole and extends into the interior of the guide groove, the transmission mechanism is housed within the armrest structure and connected to the locking pin, and the drive member is connected to the other end of the transmission mechanism and exposed on the top outer surface of the armrest structure. This locking assembly is configured to lock a slider moving within the guide groove, thereby limiting the overall unfolding degree of the support structure. By providing the locking assembly, the user can fix the armrest structure relative to the front support rod after the folding chair is fully unfolded, thus locking the entire support structure in a stable unfolded state.

[0010] In one embodiment, the transmission mechanism is a lever mechanism, including a rotating rod arranged along the length of the handrail structure. The middle part of the rotating rod is rotatably connected to a fixed rod inside the handrail structure to form a lever fulcrum. The first end of the rotating rod is driven by the driving component, and the second end is driven by the locking pin. The driving component is a button connected to a push rod, which abuts against the first end of the rotating rod. When the button is pressed, the push rod presses down on the first end of the rotating rod, and the second end of the rotating rod tilts upward, causing the locking pin to change from an extended state to a retracted state, thereby unlocking the entire support structure. By using a lever mechanism as the transmission mechanism, the user only needs to press the button to drive the locking pin to retract through the force amplification effect of the lever, achieving a labor-saving and convenient unlocking operation.

[0011] In one embodiment, the transmission mechanism further includes an elastic element disposed on the upper surface inside the armrest structure and connected to the second end of the rotating rod. When the button is not pressed, the elastic element drives the second end of the rotating rod downward, thereby causing the locking pin to extend out of the lock hole. The elastic element automates the locking function; when the user releases the unlock button, the elastic element automatically resets the lever mechanism, causing the locking pin to extend and re-enter the locked state, ensuring that the bracket can be locked immediately after adjustment or deployment, avoiding the safety hazards caused by forgetting to manually lock.

[0012] In one embodiment, the cross bracket includes a pair of side brackets located between the backrest support rod and the front support rod. The side bracket includes a first bracket and a second bracket that are centrally pivotally connected. The top end of the first bracket is rotatably connected to the movable block, and the bottom end of the second bracket is rotatably connected to the bottom of the backrest support rod. A point on the second bracket between its central pivot point and its top end is pivotally connected to the middle of the front support rod.

[0013] The specific connection method of the side support constructs a stable four-bar linkage with a clear motion trajectory, which transforms the single linear sliding of the movable block along the backrest support rod into a compound motion of unfolding and retracting between the backrest support rod and the front support rod. This not only ensures the geometric stability of the support during unfolding and retracting and avoids component interference during the movement, but also provides a basic load-bearing structure for the entire chair frame.

[0014] In one embodiment, each of the first supports of the pair of side supports is provided with a sliding sleeve that can slide along its length, and the bottom of the front support rod is rotatably connected to the sliding sleeve. Compared with the traditional fixed pivot point, the sliding sleeve allows the bottom connection point of the front support rod to dynamically and adaptively adjust its position along the length of the first support, which is equivalent to adding a translational degree of freedom to the linkage system, making the motion trajectory of the entire linkage mechanism more reasonable, effectively avoiding jamming, and also reducing the wear of each pivot point during long-term use.

[0015] In one embodiment, the cross bracket further includes a front bracket and a rear bracket. The front bracket is located between a pair of front support rods, and the top of the front bracket is connected to the top of the second bracket of a pair of side brackets. A bearing seat is provided at the connection point. The rear bracket is located between a pair of back support rods, and the top of the rear bracket is connected to the corresponding movable block.

[0016] The front and rear supports connect the left and right support structures into a unified whole, thereby enhancing the lateral stability and torsional stiffness of the chair frame and preventing lateral swaying or deformation during use. Specifically: The rear support directly links the movable blocks on both sides, ensuring that the opening and closing movements of the left and right supports are completely synchronized and coordinated. This not only simplifies the user's operation, requiring only force to one side to drive the entire structure, but also ensures a smooth and balanced opening and closing process, avoiding structural damage that may be caused by uneven force on one side.

[0017] The front bracket not only strengthens the connection between the pair of front support rods, but more importantly, it provides a support point for the subsequent placement of the seat cushion by setting a bearing seat at its top connection point.

[0018] In one embodiment, the system further includes multiple bases, each mounted on the bottom of the backrest support rod and the cross bracket. The bases increase the contact area between the support rods and brackets and the ground, providing anti-slip properties and increased stability, while also protecting the ends of the support rods and brackets from wear.

[0019] This application provides a support structure for a folding chair, which achieves the following technical effects: 1. By linking the armrest structure with the movable block, the main body of the support frame and the armrest can be folded and unfolded in an integrated manner. Users only need to complete all operations in a single step, which solves the problem of cumbersome operation steps of traditional folding chairs and improves the convenience of use.

[0020] 2. By setting a locking component, the bracket can be automatically locked after it is fully extended, effectively preventing accidental retraction and significantly enhancing stability and safety during use. Combined with the lever principle and elastic element design, the unlocking operation is effortless and convenient.

[0021] 3. By setting guide grooves, sliders, and optimized cross-bracing linkage mechanisms, precise guidance and reasonable movement trajectories are provided for the relative movement of each component, effectively avoiding jamming, interference, and shaking during the movement process, ensuring smooth and free folding and unfolding, and improving the long-term reliability of the structure. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the support structure of a folding chair proposed in Embodiment 1 of this application in the unfolded state.

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the support structure of a folding chair in the unfolded state, as proposed in Embodiment 2 of this application.

[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the isometric structure of a folding chair support structure proposed in Embodiment 2 of this application in its unfolded state.

[0025] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the support structure of a folding chair proposed in Embodiment 2 of this application in the unfolded state.

[0026] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Enlarged diagram of point A in the middle.

[0027] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the support structure of a folding chair in the folded state, as proposed in Embodiment 2 of this application.

[0028] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 1. Support rod; 11. Backrest support rod; 12. Front support rod; 121. Slider; 2. Cross bracket; 21. Side bracket; 211. First bracket; 2111. Sliding sleeve; 212. Second bracket; 22. Front bracket; 23. Rear bracket; 3. Active blocks; 4. Handrail structure; 41. Guide groove; 42. Locking assembly; 421. Driving component; 422. Transmission mechanism; 4221. Rotating rod; 4222. Push rod; 4223. Elastic component; 423. Locking pin; 43. Locking hole; 44. Fixing rod; 45. Partition plate; 5. Support base; 6. Base. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figure 1-6 The support structure of a folding chair provided in this application will be described in further detail.

[0030] Example 1 Please see Figure 1 This application discloses a support structure for a folding chair, including at least four support rods 1, multiple cross supports 2, at least one movable block 3, and an armrest structure 4.

[0031] In this embodiment, the support rods 1 are preferably four, including a pair of parallel backrest support rods 11 and a pair of parallel front support rods 12. The backrest support rods 11 form the main frame of the chair back, and their upper ends can be used to install the chair back cover. The front support rods 12 simultaneously form the front legs of the chair and the front support of the seat.

[0032] Specifically, all support rods 1 are preferably made of high-strength, lightweight aluminum alloy tubing with a circular cross-section to balance load-bearing capacity and portability.

[0033] In this embodiment, the multiple cross brackets 2 are the core of realizing the folding function, including a pair of side brackets 21, a front bracket 22 and a rear bracket 23, which are located on the left and right sides, front and rear sides of the overall bracket structure, respectively.

[0034] Specifically, the side support 21 is used to connect the backrest support rod 11 and the front support rod 12 on the same side. Each side support 21 consists of a first support 211 and a second support 212, which are pivotally connected to each other through the midpoint of their respective length directions, forming an X-shaped structure. The top of the first support 211 is rotatably connected to the movable block 3 on the corresponding side. A sliding sleeve 2111 that can slide along its length direction is also provided on the first support 211, and the bottom of the corresponding front support rod 12 is rotatably connected to this sliding sleeve 2111. The bottom of the second support 212 is rotatably connected to the bottom of the corresponding backrest support rod 11, while its upper part, at a point between the central pivot and the top, is rotatably connected to the middle of the corresponding front support rod 12.

[0035] Preferably, the pivot point on the front support rod 12 is one-third of the length of the second bracket 212 from its top, while the corresponding pivot point on the front support rod 12 is the midpoint of its length. This precise configuration can achieve the optimal deployment ratio and minimal motion interference. In addition, by connecting the second bracket 212 to the middle of the front support rod 12, an additional lateral support point is provided for the bracket, enhancing the torsional stiffness in the deployed state.

[0036] Specifically, the rear support 23 is located between a pair of backrest support rods 11. It is also composed of two centrally pivoting rods, and its top ends are rotatably connected to the left and right movable blocks 3 respectively to ensure synchronous movement on both sides.

[0037] Specifically, the front support 22 is located between a pair of front support rods 12, and its top end is connected to the top end of the second support 212 of the left and right side support 21 respectively. A support seat 5 is provided at this connection point. The support seat 5 is used to support the front edge of the cushion and provide stable support force.

[0038] In this embodiment, the driving component is a movable block 3, which is disposed on each backrest support rod 11. The movable block 3 is an injection-molded sleeve made of engineering plastic, and its inner hole matches the outer diameter of the backrest support rod 11, allowing it to slide up and down along the length of the backrest support rod 11.

[0039] In this embodiment, a handrail structure 4 is also included. The number of handrail structures 4 is preferably two, and the shape is preferably a smooth arc. One end of the handrail structure 4 is rotatably connected to the movable block 3, and the other end is slidably connected to the upper end of the corresponding front support rod 12.

[0040] Specifically, a guide groove 41 is provided at the bottom of the handrail structure 4 along its length. The guide groove 41 is preferably an inverted U-shaped groove. Correspondingly, a slider 121 made of wear-resistant material is fixed at the upper end of the front support rod 12 by riveting or screwing. This wear-resistant material is preferably polyoxymethylene (POM). The slider 121 is preferably a roller structure. The head shape of the slider 121 matches the cross-sectional shape of the guide groove 41, forming a guide rail slider pair, so that the slider 121 can slide in the guide groove 41.

[0041] In this embodiment, multiple bases 6 are also included. The bases 6 are respectively installed at the bottom of a pair of backrest support rods 11 and the bottom of the cross bracket 2 to increase the contact area with the ground, thereby playing a role in preventing slipping and increasing stability, while protecting the ends of the rods from wear.

[0042] The working principle of the support structure for a folding chair provided in this embodiment is as follows: When the folding chair needs to be unfolded, press down on the movable block 3 or the armrest. The movable block 3 slides down along the backrest support rod 11. This movement, through the first bracket 211 of the left and right side cross brackets 2 and the rear cross bracket 2 connected to the movable block 3, unfolds the entire folding chair structure. During this process, the rear end of the armrest moves down with the movable block 3, while the guide groove 41 at the front end of the armrest constrains the slider 121 at the top of the front support rod 12 to slide forward until the armrest stops in the horizontal use position.

[0043] When the folding chair needs to be folded up, pull the movable block 3 upwards. The movable block 3 slides upwards, and all the cross supports 2 are folded up through the linkage. At the same time, the rear end of the armrest moves upwards, and the front slider 121 slides backwards in the guide groove 41, causing the armrest to fold up synchronously to a state that is almost parallel to the main body of the support.

[0044] Example 2 Reference Figure 2-6 This embodiment is basically the same as embodiment 1, except that a locking component 42 is added inside the handrail structure 4 in this embodiment.

[0045] In this embodiment, the locking component 42 is integrated into the hollow cavity inside the handrail structure 4, and is used to physically lock the handrail and the front support rod 12 when the support is fully extended. The locking component 42 includes a driving member 421, a transmission mechanism 422 and a locking pin 423.

[0046] In this embodiment, the locking pin 423 is a metal arc-shaped locking pin, which is installed in the armrest cavity and can move up and down in the vertical direction. Its lower end can extend or retract through the locking hole 43 opened at the bottom of the armrest.

[0047] Specifically, to control the extension stroke of the locking pin 423 and prevent it from extending too far, a spacer 45 is fixedly connected to the upper end of the locking pin 423. The surface area of ​​the spacer 45 is larger than the inner diameter of the lock hole 43. When the locking pin 423 extends downward, the spacer 45 abuts against the inner wall of the handrail structure 4 near the lock hole 43, thereby playing a limiting role and ensuring that the locking pin 423 extends to the preset optimal working length, which can effectively lock the slider without over-extending and causing interference or damage.

[0048] Specifically, the metal arc-shaped locking pin 423 includes a smooth surface and a steep surface. When the folding chair is unfolded, the front end of the slider 121 contacts the locking pin 423. The arc-shaped smooth surface forms a gentle slope, and the pushing force of the slider 121 can easily lift it up, achieving one-way, unobstructed passage. When the slider 121 passes the locking pin 423, under the action of the elastic element 4223, the locking pin 423 immediately falls down, and the vertical steep surface will firmly block the slider 121's retreat path, forming a reliable lock.

[0049] In this embodiment, the drive element 421 is preferably a button, with its top protruding from the front end of the top of the armrest, positioned so that the user's thumb can press it.

[0050] In this embodiment, the transmission mechanism 422 utilizes the lever principle and includes a rotating rod 4221 arranged along the length of the handrail structure 4. The middle part of the rotating rod 4221 is rotatably connected to a fixed rod 44 inside the handrail structure 4 via a pin, forming a lever fulcrum. A push rod 4222 is connected to the lower end of the button. The end of the push rod 4222 abuts against the first end of the rotating rod 4221, while the second end of the rotating rod 4221 is rotatably connected to the upper end of the locking pin 423 via a small connecting rod. When the button is pressed, the push rod 4222 presses down on the first end of the rotating rod 4221, and the second end of the rotating rod 4221 tilts upward, causing the locking pin 423 to change from an extended state to a retracted state, thereby unlocking the entire support structure.

[0051] In this embodiment, to automate the locking function, the transmission mechanism 422 further includes an elastic element 4223, preferably a compression spring installed between the upper surface inside the armrest structure 4 and the second end of the rotating rod 4221. When the button is not pressed, the spring force continuously acts on the second end of the rotating rod 4221, causing it to press down, thereby driving the locking pin 423 to remain in the extended state to unfold and lock the folding chair.

[0052] The working principle of the support structure for a folding chair provided in this embodiment is as follows: When the folding chair needs to be unfolded, the initial stage of the unfolding process in this embodiment is the same as in embodiment 1. When the folding chair is nearly fully unfolded, the slider 121 at the front end of the armrest slides along the guide groove 41 and contacts the extended locking pin 423, and the locking process occurs, specifically as follows: The front end of slider 121 first contacts the smooth surface of locking pin 423. The forward thrust of slider 121 decomposes into an upward component force, which can overcome the elastic force of elastic element 4223 and push locking pin 423 upward, causing it to retract automatically and make way for slider 121. The user can hardly feel any resistance during this process. After slider 121 has completely passed locking pin 423, locking pin 423, which is no longer pushed up by slider 121, will immediately spring back to the extended position under the action of elastic element 4223 and be precisely limited by partition 45, while making a crisp "click" sound, providing the user with clear locking feedback.

[0053] When the folding chair needs to be folded up, it cannot be folded up directly due to the obstruction of the steep side of the locking pin 423. In this case, it needs to be unlocked manually. The user presses the button above the armrest with their thumb. The button, through the action of the rotating rod 4221 in the transmission mechanism 422, forces the locking pin 423 upward, causing it to retract completely into the armrest and disengage from the block of the slider 121.

[0054] While pressing the button, the user can pull the movable block 3 or the armrest structure 4 upwards, and the slider 121 can slide backwards to complete the folding process of the bracket.

[0055] The above are all preferred embodiments of this application, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, all equivalent changes made in accordance with the structure, shape and principle of this application should be covered within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A support structure for a folding chair, characterized in that, include: The support rod (1) includes a pair of back support rods (11) and a pair of front support rods (12); Cross bracket (2), which connects two adjacent support rods (1) one by one; Movable block (3), the movable block (3) is sleeved on the backrest support rod (11) and can slide along its length direction, each of the movable blocks (3) is rotatably connected to at least two of the cross brackets (2); The handrail structure (4) has one end rotatably connected to the corresponding movable block (3) and the other end slidably connected to the top of the corresponding front support rod (12), which is used to link the handrail structure (4) to move synchronously when the movable block (3) slides.

2. The support structure for a folding chair according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom of the handrail structure (4) is provided with a guide groove (41), and the top of the front support rod (12) is provided with a slider (121), which is configured to slide in the guide groove (41).

3. The support structure for a folding chair according to claim 2, characterized in that, The handrail structure (4) further includes a locking component (42), which includes a drive member (421), a transmission mechanism (422), and a locking pin (423). A locking hole (43) is provided at the bottom end of the handrail structure (4). The locking pin (423) passes through the locking hole (43) and extends into the interior of the guide groove (41). The transmission mechanism (422) is housed inside the handrail structure (4) and connected to the locking pin (423). The drive member (421) is connected to the other end of the transmission mechanism (422) and exposed on the top outer surface of the handrail structure (4). The locking component (42) is configured to lock the slider (121) moving in the guide groove (41) to limit the extent of the overall support structure unfolding.

4. The support structure for a folding chair according to claim 3, characterized in that, The transmission mechanism (422) includes a rotating rod (4221) arranged along the length of the handrail structure (4). The middle part of the rotating rod (4221) is rotatably connected to a fixed rod (44) inside the handrail structure (4) to form a lever fulcrum. The first end of the rotating rod (4221) is tractively connected to the driving member (421), and the second end is tractively connected to the locking pin (423). The driving member (421) is a button, and the button is connected to a push rod (4222). The push rod (4222) abuts against the first end of the rotating rod (4221). The transmission mechanism (422) is configured such that when the button is pressed, the push rod (4222) presses down on the first end of the rotating rod (4221), and the second end of the rotating rod (4221) tilts up, causing the locking pin (423) to change from an extended state to a retracted state.

5. The support structure for a folding chair according to claim 4, characterized in that, The transmission mechanism (422) further includes an elastic element (4223), which is disposed on the upper surface inside the armrest structure (4) and connected to the second end of the rotating rod (4221). The elastic element (4223) is configured to drive the second end of the rotating rod (4221) to press down when the button is not pressed, thereby causing the locking pin (423) to extend out of the lock hole (43).

6. The support structure for a folding chair according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cross bracket (2) includes a pair of side brackets (21) located between the backrest support rod (11) and the front support rod (12). The side brackets (21) include a first bracket (211) and a second bracket (212) pivotally connected at the center.

7. The support structure for a folding chair according to claim 6, characterized in that, The top end of the first bracket (211) is rotatably connected to the movable block (3), the bottom end of the second bracket (212) is rotatably connected to the bottom of the backrest support rod (11), and the position point on the second bracket (212) between its central pivot point and its top end is pivotally connected to the middle of the front support rod (12).

8. The support structure for a folding chair according to claim 6, characterized in that, Each of the first brackets (211) of the pair of side end brackets (21) is provided with a sliding sleeve (2111) that can slide along its length direction, and the bottom of the front end support rod (12) is rotatably connected to the sliding sleeve (2111).

9. The support structure for a folding chair according to claim 6, characterized in that, The cross bracket (2) further includes a front bracket (22) and a rear bracket (23). The front bracket (22) is located between a pair of front support rods (12). The top of the front bracket (22) is connected to the top of the second bracket (212) of a pair of side brackets (21). A bearing seat (5) is provided at the connection point. The rear bracket (23) is located between a pair of back support rods (11). The top of the rear bracket (23) is connected to the corresponding movable block (3).

10. The support structure for a folding chair according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes multiple bases (6) which are mounted on the bottom of the backrest support rod (11) and the cross bracket (2).

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