Frame for a folding chair and folding chair

Abstract

Frame (100) for a folding chair, comprising: a first fastening mechanism (120) comprising a first fastening body (11) and support tubes (60) arranged on the first fastening body (11); and a second fastening mechanism (130) comprising a second fastening body (21) arranged above and engaging with the first fastening body (11), leg tubes (22) arranged on the second fastening body (21), and locking grooves (23) within the second fastening body (21), wherein torsion springs (30) are provided in the leg tubes (22) which engage in the locking grooves (23), and the second fastening body (21) is configured so that it can be moved downwards under an external force, so that the leg tubes (22) are spread apart by means of the torsion springs (30) until the torsion springs (30) are locked with the locking grooves (23).

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present utility model relates to the technical field of folding chairs, in particular to a frame for a folding chair and a folding chair containing such a frame. Technical background

[0002] Folding chairs are easy to fold, portable and suitable not only for outdoor use and temporary locations, but are also an indispensable household item for occasional use.

[0003] Currently, a conventional folding chair typically consists of a folding frame and a supportive fabric cushion, with the frame made up of several interconnected support poles. There are currently several problems associated with using folding chairs. First, the frame of a traditional folding chair tends to collapse inwards when lifted. Therefore, after moving the chair, the connection of the frame's support poles must be readjusted each time, significantly impacting the user experience. Second, when folded, a conventional folding chair is very bulky and long, making it difficult to transport and store. Especially when many items need to be carried during outdoor activities, a bulky folding chair can be impractical and lead to a poor user experience.Thirdly, unfolding a conventional folding chair is complicated and not always smooth, which can be time-consuming and inconvenient.

[0004] Therefore, in this field there is a need to provide a frame for a folding chair and a folding chair in order to solve the aforementioned technical problems. Brief description of the utility model

[0005] The present utility model proposes a frame for a folding chair and a folding chair with such a frame, as described in the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] The present utility model is described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings show the following: Fig. Figure 1 schematically shows a structure of a frame for a folding chair according to the present utility model; Fig. 1a and Fig. Figure 1b shows the construction of a first and a second fastening mechanism; Fig. Figures 2 to 4 are a front view, a side view and a top view of the frame for a folding chair according to the present utility model; Fig. 4a and Fig. 4b are partial sectional views along lines AA and BB respectively. Fig. 4; Fig. 4c is a close-up view of Fig. 4a; Fig. Figure 5 schematically shows a folded state of the frame for a folding chair according to the present utility model; and Fig. Figures 6 to 10 schematically show the different phases of the frame's unfolding process.

[0007] The same reference numbers are used in the drawings to identify the same components. The drawings are not necessarily to scale. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXECUTION FORMS

[0008] The present utility model is described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0009] As in the Fig. 1, Fig. 1a, Fig. 1b, Fig. 4a and Fig. As shown in Figure 5, a frame 100 for a folding chair is provided according to a first aspect of the present utility model, which mainly includes a first fastening mechanism 120 and a second fastening mechanism 130. In the illustrated embodiment, the first fastening mechanism 120 and the second fastening mechanism 130 are arranged one above the other. When the frame 100 is in an unfolded state, the first fastening mechanism 120 and the second fastening mechanism 130 can move towards each other until they are connected. Conversely, when the frame 100 is folded, they separate from each other and move in opposite directions until the leg tubes 22 (which are presented below) of the second fastening mechanism 130 are fully retracted.

[0010] In one embodiment as in Fig. As shown in 2, the first fastening mechanism 120 includes a first fastening body 11. Preferably, as shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 4a, rails 12 are provided on the first mounting body 11. When the frame 100 is unfolded, the rails 12 can therefore effectively restrict the movement of the leg tubes 22, so that the leg tubes 22 can only move along the respective paths defined by the rails 12. In the present utility model, a plurality of inclined rails 12 are arranged at intervals from one another on the first mounting body 11.

[0011] In the present utility model, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 4a, an inclined guide surface 121 is formed on an inner wall of the rail 12 for bearing against an upper end face of the leg tube 22. Preferably, when the frame 100 is in the unfolded state, the upper end face of the leg tube 22 is always in contact with the inclined guide surface 121 of the rail 12. In this way, the leg tubes 22 exhibit good strength and stability in use, thereby improving the user experience.

[0012] In one embodiment as in Fig. As shown in Figure 1b, the second fastening mechanism 130 includes a second fastening body 21 and leg tubes 22 arranged on the second fastening body 21. Preferably, the leg tubes 22 are hinged to the second fastening body 21 via respective fastening recesses 42. Furthermore, a free end of the leg tube 22 of the second fastening mechanism 130 is configured such that it extends through a corresponding rail 12 of the first fastening mechanism 120 and forms a sliding connection with it.

[0013] Therefore, the leg tubes 22 can pivot around the second fastening body 21 when the frame 100 is unfolded or folded, thereby spreading outwards or retracting inwards. In other words, the leg tubes 22 can switch between the unfolded and folded states through the interaction of torsion springs 30 and the rails 12, as described below.

[0014] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, in the frame 100 for a folding chair according to the present utility model, the first fastening mechanism 120 is arranged overall above the second fastening mechanism 130, but the first fastening body 11 of the first fastening mechanism 120 is arranged below the second fastening body 21 of the second fastening mechanism 130.

[0015] In the present utility model, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 4c, a locking recess 111 is provided within the first fastening body 11, and a locking tongue 211 is arranged longitudinally in the second fastening body 21 and embedded in the locking recess 111. In this way, the first fastening body 11 can fit onto the second fastening body 21. In this text, the term "fit" has the meaning described below. When the frame 100 is unfolded, the locking tongue 211 of the second fastening body 21 can be embedded in the locking recess 111 of the first fastening body 11, so that an upper end face of the first fastening body 11 and a lower end face of the second fastening body 21 form a tight connection, and it can be assumed that the first fastening body 11 fits onto the second fastening body 21.

[0016] According to the present utility model, as in Fig. 4a and Fig. As shown in Figure 4c, the second fastening mechanism 130 includes locking grooves 23 within the second fastening body 21. Preferably, a plurality of locking recesses 42 are arranged circumferentially spaced around the locking tongue 211, and the locking grooves 23 are formed on the upper end faces of the locking recesses 42. Meanwhile, torsion springs 30 are also provided in the leg tubes 22, which are adapted to the locking grooves 23. According to the present utility model, the torsion springs 30 are locked with the locking grooves 23, thereby ensuring a stable and secure connection between the first fastening body 11 and the second fastening body 21.

[0017] In the present utility model, when the torsion springs 30 and the locking grooves 23 are in a locked position, the leg tubes 22 are under the force of the torsion springs 30 in the unfolded position, but their movement is simultaneously restricted by the rails 12. Therefore, when the first fastening body 11 moves downwards, the leg tubes 22 spread outwards due to the interaction of the torsion springs 30 and the rails 12. In this way, the strength and stability of the frame 100 can be further improved.

[0018] Since the leg tubes 22 can remain in the unfolded position when the torsion springs 30 and the locking grooves 23 are in a locked position, the overall shape of the frame 100 (i.e., the unfolded state of the leg tubes 22) preferably does not change when the folding chair is moved. Furthermore, the frame 100 can continue to be used unchanged after the folding chair has been moved, so no readjustment of the shape of the folding frame is necessary. Therefore, the user does not have to spend time and effort readjusting the frame, which further improves ease of use.

[0019] In the present utility model, the second fastening element 21 is configured such that it can be moved downwards under an external force (e.g., an axial compressive force applied by a user). Therefore, the leg tubes 22 can be moved stepwise from the folded state to the unfolded state by means of the torsion springs 30 along the tracks defined by the rails 12, until the torsion springs 30 engage in the locking grooves 23 and form a locked position. In this case, the leg tubes 22 are fully extended, so that the frame 100 is in the unfolded state.

[0020] In a particular embodiment of the present utility model, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 4c, the torsion spring 30 is a double torsion spring and comprises a spiral connecting section 31, a first support section 32 at a first end of the connecting section 31, and a second support section 33 at a second end of the connecting section 31. Preferably, the first support section 32 is configured to always bear against an inner wall of the leg tube 22, thereby exerting an outward force on the leg tube 22 to ensure that it can spread outwards smoothly. The second support section 33 is configured to engage in the locking groove 23 to form a locking connection with it, thus ensuring the strength and stability of the frame 100.

[0021] In one embodiment of the present utility model, the first fastening element 11 is configured such that, under an external force (e.g., an axial compressive force applied by a user), it releases the locked position between the torsion springs 30 and the locking grooves 23 and moves further downwards. In this process, the leg tubes 22 retract inwards along the tracks defined by the rails 12 to reach the folded position.

[0022] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1a, the first fastening mechanism 120 according to the present utility model further comprises fixed recesses 41 and support tubes 60, which are hinged to the first fastening body 11 via the fixed recesses 41. As shown, the support tube 60 includes seat tube sections 13 and backrest tube sections 14, the seat tube sections 13 and the backrest tube sections 14 all being connected to the fixed recess 41 (which is described in more detail below). Thus, the support tubes 60 can be manually spread outwards when the frame 100 is unfolded. Preferably, a limiting block (not shown) is provided within the fixed recess 41 to limit the maximum range of movement of the support tube 60, thereby ensuring the stability and strength of the support tube 60 in use.

[0023] Preferably, the fixed recesses 41 and the rails 12 are arranged alternately along the circumferential direction of the frame 100. Since the support tubes 60 are hinged to the first fastening body 11 via the fixed recesses 41, and the leg tubes 22 must pass through the rails 12 to form a sliding connection with them, the support tubes 60 and the leg tubes 22 are in fact arranged alternately along the circumferential direction in the frame 100 of the present utility model.

[0024] In the prior art, a pairwise symmetrical arrangement is generally chosen, i.e., two support tubes are arranged between two adjacent leg tubes. With such a structure, the chair naturally tends to tip backward or over when the user stands up or sits down. According to the present utility model, the support tubes 60 and the leg tubes 22 are arranged alternately along the circumferential direction, thereby effectively ensuring a balanced distribution of forces and stability of the folding chair, which in turn guarantees the user's safety.

[0025] In other embodiments, three leg tubes 22 can be provided, with each pair of adjacent leg tubes 22 being spaced 120° apart. In this way, the stability of the folding chair can be ensured, while the overall mass of the folding chair and the production costs can be reduced, which further improves the portability of the chair.

[0026] According to the present utility model, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 1a, the support tubes 60 comprise at least two adjacent seat tube sections 13 and at least two adjacent backrest tube sections 14. To meet the user's needs, the length of the backrest tube section 14 is generally greater than that of the seat tube section 13, thus enabling the folding chair to provide the user with a stable sitting and leaning environment.

[0027] In one embodiment, the seat tube sections 13 and the backrest tube sections 14 each consist of a plurality of interconnected telescopic tubes, with adjacent telescopic tubes being connected to each other by an anchoring mechanism. In the present utility model, the user can extend the corresponding telescopic tubes and easily lock two adjacent telescopic tubes in the corresponding positions by means of the anchoring mechanisms, thus making the operation of the chair more convenient.

[0028] In one embodiment of the present utility model, the anchoring element can be a spring-loaded ball. Therefore, locking between two adjacent telescopic tubes can be achieved by the spring-loaded ball springing out. It is understood that other types of anchoring elements can also be chosen, and any structure capable of locking two adjacent telescopic tubes together can be used in the present utility model.

[0029] In one embodiment, a tube plug 62 is provided at each free end of the seat surface tube sections 13 and the backrest tube sections 14, as shown in Fig. Shown in 1a. The pipe plug 62 can prevent hand injuries, protect the chair fabric from cuts, etc., to further increase the safety of the chair during use.

[0030] In one embodiment, a foot cap 221 is provided at a lower end of each leg tube 22, as shown in Fig. Figure 4a shows that the foot cap 221 preferably encloses the lower end of the leg tube 22, thereby increasing its contact area with the ground and further improving the stability of the folding chair during use. In other embodiments, the foot cap 221 can also be located inside the leg tube 22.

[0031] Preferably, the second fastening mechanism 130 also includes limit seats 65 that engage in the support tubes 60. Preferably, the limit seats and the fastening recesses 42 are arranged alternately along the circumferential direction on the second fastening body 21. When the frame 100 is fully unfolded, the limit seats 65 can rest fully on the support tubes 60 to prevent the support tubes 60 from wobbling from side to side, thereby further improving the stability of the folding chair.

[0032] According to a second aspect of the present utility model, a folding chair (not shown) is provided, comprising the frame 100 described above and a chair cover (not shown) that covers the frame. Preferably, four corners of the chair cover are firmly connected (e.g., by screws) to the seat tube sections 13 and the backrest tube sections 14, respectively, to enable comfortable sitting and leaning for the user.

[0033] In one embodiment, the chair cover can comprise a seat section and a backrest section that are firmly connected to each other. Preferably, the angle between the seat section and the backrest section is generally in the range of 90° to 110°. Once the chair cover and the frame are assembled, the chair can provide the user with comfortable seating and reclining.

[0034] The unfolding process of the frame 100 according to the present utility model is described below with reference to Fig. 6 to 10 described. In a first phase, the frame 100 is in the folded state, as shown in Fig. 6 shown. Then, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 7, the seat tube sections 13 and the backrest tube sections 14 of the support tubes 60 of the first fastening mechanism 120 are spread outwards. Next, the second fastening body 21 of the second fastening mechanism 130 is pressed downwards by an external force (e.g., an axial compressive force from a user). At this point, the leg tubes 22 of the second fastening mechanism 130 move under the force of the torsion springs 30 along the tracks defined by the rails 12, gradually transitioning from the folded state to the unfolded state until the torsion springs 30 engage in the locking grooves 23 and lock each other. In this case, the leg tubes 22 are fully spread apart, so that the frame 100 is in the unfolded state. The foregoing procedure is described in Figure 7. Fig. 8 to 10 are shown.

[0035] The folding process of the frame 100 according to the present utility model is described below.

[0036] First, an external force (e.g., an axial thrust from a user) is applied to release the locked position between the torsion springs 30 and the locking grooves 23, and the first fastening body 11 is pushed downwards until the leg tubes 22 are fully retracted along the tracks defined by the rails 12 and are in the folded position. It should be noted that during this process, external forces are simultaneously applied to the seat surface tube sections 13 and the diagonally arranged backrest tube sections 14 (i.e., in the MM or PP direction). Fig.4) must act so that the first fastening body 11 moves downwards. Meanwhile, the second fastening body 21 experiences an upward force according to the lever principle, thus overcoming the force of the torsion springs 30 and moving upwards. In this case, the first fastening body 11 and the second fastening body 21 are separated from each other. Then the seat tube sections 13 and the backrest tube sections 14 are retracted inwards, so that the frame 100 is in the fully folded state.

[0037] Compared to the prior art, the present utility model has the following advantages.

[0038] Firstly, the present utility model can control the change between the folded and unfolded states of the leg tubes 22 by the relative movement of the first fastening body 11 and the second fastening body 21, as well as by the interaction of the torsion springs 30 and the rails 12, so that the frame 100 can be quickly unfolded and stowed away, which facilitates the operation of the frame 100.

[0039] In other words, when the first fastening body 11 and the second fastening body 21 are in a separated state, both the leg tubes 22 and the support tubes 60 can be retracted inwards in the present utility model, effectively reducing the overall size of the folding chair and thus facilitating portability and storage during outdoor activities. When the first fastening body 11 and the second fastening body 21 are in a locked state and the torsion springs 30 are locked with the locking grooves 23, both the leg tubes 22 and the support tubes 60 can spread outwards, thus interacting with the chair cover to provide the user with a seating and leaning surface that allows for a comfortable experience.

[0040] Secondly, when the frame 100 is unfolded, the leg tubes 22 spread outwards under the force of the torsion springs 30, while the upper end faces of the leg tubes 22 rest against the inclined guide surfaces 121 of the rails 12, thus providing effective limitation. In this way, the leg tube 22 can always remain in the unfolded position. Therefore, when the folding chair is moved, its overall shape does not change, so the folding chair can continue to be used, thus avoiding the need to readjust the shape of the folding chair and further improving the user experience.

[0041] Thirdly, according to the present utility model, the support tubes 60 and the leg tubes 22 are arranged alternately along the circumferential direction, which ensures a balanced distribution of force and stability of the folding chair and thus further increases the user's safety. Furthermore, such a structure can effectively prevent the chair from tipping backward or overturning when the user stands up or sits down.

Claims

[1] Frame (100) for a folding chair, comprising: a first fastening mechanism (120) comprising a first fastening body (11) and support tubes (60) arranged on the first fastening body (11); and a second fastening mechanism (130) comprising a second fastening body (21) arranged above and engaging with the first fastening body (11), leg tubes (22) arranged on the second fastening body (21), and locking grooves (23) within the second fastening body (21), wherein torsion springs (30) are provided in the leg tubes (22) which engage in the locking grooves (23), and the second fastening body (21) is configured so that it can be moved downwards under an external force, so that the leg tubes (22) are spread apart by means of the torsion springs (30) until the torsion springs (30) are locked with the locking grooves (23). [2] Frame (100) for a folding chair according to claim 1, characterized by , that the support tubes (60) and the leg tubes (22) are arranged alternately along a circumferential direction of the frame (100). [3] Frame (100) for folding chair according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by, that the torsion springs (30) are double torsion springs, each comprising a connecting section (31) in a spiral shape, a first support section (32) at a first end of the connecting section (31) which rests against an inner wall of a respective leg tube (22), and a second support section (33) at a second end of the connecting section (31) which is locked with a corresponding locking groove (23). [4] Frame (100) for a folding chair according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by , that the support tubes (60) are hinged to the first fastening body (11) via fixed recesses (41), the leg tubes (22) are hinged to the second fastening body (21) via fastening recesses (42), and the locking grooves (23) are formed on the upper end surfaces of the locking recesses (42). [5] Frame (100) for a folding chair according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by, that rails (12) are provided on the first fastening body (11) which define the movement paths of the leg tubes (22). [6] Frame (100) for a folding chair according to claim 5, characterized by , that the first fastening body (11) can be moved downwards under an external force to release a locking connection between the torsion springs (30) and the locking grooves (23), thereby allowing the leg tubes (22) to retract inwards along the tracks defined by the rails (12). [7] Frame (100) for a folding chair according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by, that in the first fastening body (11) a locking recess (111) is provided and in the second fastening body (21) a locking tongue (211) arranged in the longitudinal direction and embedded in the locking recess (111) is provided, wherein the fastening recesses (42) are spaced apart along a circumferential direction of the locking tongue (211). [8] Frame (100) for a folding chair according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by , that the support tubes (60) have at least two adjacent seat tube sections (13) and at least two adjacent backrest tube sections (14), wherein the backrest tube sections (14) are longer than the seat tube sections (13). [9] Frame (100) for a folding chair according to claim 8, characterized by, that the seat surface tube sections (13) and the backrest tube sections (14) are each composed of a plurality of interconnected telescopic tubes, with adjacent telescopic tubes being connected by an anchoring. [10] Folding chair comprising the frame (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9 and a chair cover covering the frame (100), wherein four corners of the chair cover are firmly connected to the seat tube sections (13) or the backrest tube sections (14).

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