Foldable light box and composite light box

Abstract

Foldable light box, consisting of four side frames, characterized in that each side frame comprises two frame segments, wherein a corner connector is provided, the corner connector comprising a corner connector end I and a corner connector end II, wherein the corner connector end I and the corner connector end II are pivotably connected to allow rotation between 0° and 90°; wherein the horizontal side frame and the vertical side frame are connected to the side frame via corner connectors; including an external corner connector and an intermediate connector, wherein the external corner connector comprises an external corner connector end I and an external corner connector end II, the external corner connector end I and the external corner connector end II being pivotably connected to allow rotation between 0° and 180°; wherein one of the four side frames is designed as an easily disassembled side frame, while the remaining side frames are foldable side frames, wherein the two frame segments of the easily disassembled side frame are connected to each other via the intermediate connector, wherein the two corresponding frame segments of the foldable side frames are connected to each other via an external corner connector; wherein a support rod is provided for supporting the relative side frames after the foldable light box has been unfolded, wherein both ends of the support rod act on the external corner connector and on the external corner connector or on the intermediate connector; wherein, when folding, the two frame segments of the easily disassembled side frame separate, the horizontal frame segment and the vertical frame segment are folded inwards via corner connector to create a connection, wherein the frame segments provided within the foldable side frame are connected to each other by unfolding via external corner connector.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of exhibition frames, in particular to a foldable light box. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Foldable light boxes are frequently used for product displays, brand advertising, and more. For foldable light boxes, their foldability is a crucial aspect in both design and use. This foldability significantly reduces the light box's volume, making it easy to carry and transport, which is particularly important for applications requiring frequent changes of location or outdoor activities.

[0003] The structure of the existing foldable light box mainly consists of a foldable frame and a support rod assembly within the frame. On-site personnel can quickly assemble and disassemble the frame without tools. However, the support rod assembly uses a plug-in connection structure between the support rods, making it necessary to connect the rods in a specific sequence and step by step during on-site assembly. Screws may even be used for fastening, resulting in a complicated assembly and disassembly process. Furthermore, the support rods are prone to structural instability due to poor plug-in connections. CONTENTS OF THE PRESENT USE SAMPLE

[0004] The present utility model presents a quickly assemblable, disassemblable, collapsible and foldable light box, as well as an expandable composite light box formed from it, thereby solving problems that occur in existing light box designs, such as complex folding constructions, bulky dimensions when folded, structural instability when set up, complicated support connections and loose locking connections.

[0005] To achieve this goal, the utility model uses the following technical solutions: A foldable light box consisting of four side frames, each side frame comprising two frame segments; wherein a corner connector is provided, the corner connector comprising a corner connector end I and a corner connector end II, wherein the corner connector end I and the corner connector end II are pivotably connected to allow rotation between 0° and 90°; wherein the horizontal side frame and the vertical side frame are connected to the side frame via corner connectors; including an external corner connector and an intermediate connector; wherein the external corner connector comprises an external corner connector end I and an external corner connector end II, the external corner connector end I and the external corner connector end II being pivotably connected to allow rotation between 0° and 180°; wherein one of the four side frames is designed as an easily disassembled side frame, while the remaining side frames are foldable side frames, wherein the two frame segments of the easily disassembled side frame are connected to each other via the intermediate connector, wherein the two corresponding frame segments of the foldable side frames are connected to each other via an external corner connector; wherein a support rod is provided for supporting the relative side frames after the foldable light box has been unfolded, wherein both ends of the support rod act on the external corner connector and on the external corner connector or on the intermediate connector; wherein, when folding, the two frame segments of the easily disassembled side frame separate, the horizontal frame segment and the vertical frame segment are folded inwards via corner connector to create a connection, wherein the frame segments provided within the foldable side frame are connected to each other by unfolding via external corner connector.

[0006] As a preferred improvement to the utility model, a connecting seat is provided between the outer corner connection end I and the outer corner connection end II, wherein the intermediate connector is provided with a central seat, and the connecting seat and the central seat are each provided with a slot for connecting to both ends of the support rod. The above-mentioned design facilitates the connection of the support rod and at the same time ensures a more stable connection without affecting the folding mechanism.

[0007] As a preferred improvement to the utility model, the support rod comprises a horizontal and a vertical support rod, wherein the horizontal support rod includes two horizontal support segments and a bridge assembly, the bridge assembly comprises two bridge segments hinged together, both ends of the bridge assembly are connected to the horizontal support segments, and the horizontal support rod achieves lateral support by bypassing the vertical support rod via the bridge assembly. The design of the aforementioned bridge assembly ingeniously solves the problem of the intersecting horizontal and vertical support rods.

[0008] As a preferred improvement to the utility model, the bridge segments of the bridge assembly form a C-shaped slotted clamp that is compatible with the vertical support rod when the bridge segments are unfolded and supported, with the horizontal support rod being locked to the vertical support rod via the C-shaped slotted clamp after the connection and support between the horizontal and vertical support rods. The above-mentioned solution eliminates the problem of intersecting horizontal and vertical support rods by integrating them into a single unit, thus improving the stability and robustness of the support structure.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment of the utility model, the cross-section of the horizontal and vertical support rods has an elliptical structure, wherein both ends of the horizontal and vertical support rods are each provided with a locking end, the locking end having a rectangular or elliptical locking tongue and a positioning projection, which corresponds to the locking tongue of the locking end, wherein the slot of the connecting seat and the center seat has a rectangular or elliptical structure, a rotary slot for locking the tongue rotation is provided within the slot, wherein a positioning slot that fits with the positioning projection is provided on the base surface of the slot, wherein when connecting the horizontal and vertical support rods, the locking end is inserted into the slot, and the horizontal and vertical support rods are rotated.to create a connection with the external corner connector or intermediate connector.

[0010] The aforementioned design utilizes an elliptical shape for the horizontal and vertical support rods and features a rotating locking mechanism that allows for quick installation of both. Once the horizontal support rod is securely locked, the vertical support rod is inserted into the slots at both ends, and by rotating the vertical support rod, it engages in the C-shaped slot clamp formed by the bridge segments. This design enables exceptionally fast and convenient assembly and disassembly.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment of the utility model, the intermediate connector is a straight connecting piece. The easily disassembled side frame forms a straight side frame after being connected to the straight connecting piece, while the remaining three side frames unfold sequentially from the reference point, thus ensuring greater convenience and speed.

[0012] As a preferred improvement to the utility model, the corner connection end I and the corner connection end II of the corner connector each have a bushing to facilitate subsequent assembly.

[0013] As a preferred improvement to the utility model, the vertical support bar comprises two vertical support segments and a straight support bar, wherein the straight support bar is provided with a positioning clamp and the inner wall of the bridge segment is provided with a curved groove, the positioning clamp being embedded in the curved groove when the horizontal support bar is locked to the vertical support bar via the bridge assembly. The aforementioned structure not only reduces the packaging volume of the vertical support bar but also ensures that the positioning clamp constrains the upper and lower connection points between the horizontal and vertical support bars. This increases the stability of the connection, improves the load-bearing capacity of the frame, prevents tilting or warping, and extends its service life.

[0014] A composite light box comprising at least two foldable light boxes, wherein the corner connector used in the foldable light boxes has a socket, and a connecting strip is provided by which adjacent foldable light boxes are connected to each other by inserting the connecting strip into the corresponding socket at the corner connector end.

[0015] The beneficial effects of the utility model are: 1. This utility model ingeniously utilizes a combination of corner connectors and external corner connectors to enable the frame structure to be quickly folded. Furthermore, it can be folded into bundles, thus minimizing the volume of the light box when folded; in conjunction with foldable support poles, this significantly facilitates transport. 2. The independent design of the horizontal and vertical support rods in the present utility model, which are connected to form a single assembly by snap mechanisms after support and connection, significantly improves the efficiency of assembly and disassembly while ensuring structural stability during the use of the light box. 3. The ingenious design of the locking mechanism and the slot creates a plug-in connection with a rotary locking mechanism in this utility model. This ensures simplicity and robustness, enables quick assembly without tools, and simultaneously prevents accidental folding or loosening of the support rod due to external forces. 4. The ingenious design of the corner connector in the present utility model enables quick, tool-free connection of the light boxes, thus offering increased flexibility to meet the different requirements of customers on site.

[0016] Further features of the present application and its advantages are clearly described by the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments of the present application with reference to the figures. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0017] The utility model is described in detail below in conjunction with the figures and examples of its embodiment. Fig. Figure 1 is a frame structure diagram of the foldable light box in the present utility model; Fig. Figure 2 is a diagram of the folding process of the side frame of the foldable light box; Fig. Figure 3 is a structural diagram of the folded page frame; Fig. 4 is a structural diagram of the horizontal support rod; Fig. Figure 5 is a schematic representation of the structure of the bridge assembly; Fig. 6 is a structural diagram of the vertical support rod; Fig. Figure 7 is an enlarged view of B in Fig. 6; Fig. Figure 8 is a structural diagram of the straight connecting piece; Fig. Figure 9 is a sectional view of the straight connecting piece; Fig. 10 is a structural diagram of the external corner connector; Fig. 11 is a structural diagram of the corner connector; Fig. 12 is a structural diagram of the connection of the horizontal support rod to the side frame; Fig. Figure 13 is a partial sectional view of the connection structure diagram of the vertical support rod; Fig. 14 is an enlarged structural diagram of A in Fig. 1; Fig. 15 is a structural diagram of the corner connector used in embodiment 2; Fig. 16 is a diagram of the fitting structure of corner connection end I and corner connection end II in embodiment 2; Fig. 17 is a structural diagram of the connecting strip; Fig. 18 is a structural diagram of the assembly for the two light boxes; Fig. Figure 19 is an alternative structural diagram of the connecting strip. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] The utility model will now be described in more detail in connection with the figures. The figures are simplified schematic representations that only schematically depict the basic structure of the utility model. They show only the composition as it relates to the utility model, and the orientation and references (e.g., top, bottom, left, right, etc.) are only to be used as an aid in describing the features in the figures. Accordingly, the following specific embodiments are not to be understood in a restrictive sense, and the scope of protection is limited only by the claims and their equivalent forms.

[0019] Example 1: As in the Fig. As shown in Figures 1 to 14, this embodiment relates to a foldable light box comprising four side frames, each side frame comprising two frame segments 1; the two frame segments of the same side frame are connected via an external corner connector 2. The two frame segments of adjacent side frames are connected via the corner connector 3, i.e., the frame segment in the horizontal side frame is connected to the frame segment in the vertical side frame via the corner connector 3. Horizontal and vertical support rods serve to support and connect the opposing side frames when the foldable light box is unfolded.

[0020] This embodiment does not describe the lighting assembly, the fabric structure, or other components of the foldable frame that can be understood as conventional technology.

[0021] In this embodiment, the side frame lengths only need to be dimensioned such that the two opposing side frames are the same length when unfolded. This means that the horizontal and vertical side frames can be of different lengths. However, the two horizontal side frames or the two vertical side frames must be identical in length. To ensure correct positioning of the support bar, the frame segments of the opposing side frames in this embodiment should be the same length.

[0022] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 11, the corner connector 3 comprises a corner connector end I and a corner connector end II, wherein the corner connector end I and the corner connector end II are pivotably connected to allow rotation between 0° and 90°; In this embodiment, a 90° corner connector 3 is used between the horizontal and vertical side frames to ensure convenient and quick installation and folding while maintaining frame stability.

[0023] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 10, the external corner connector 2 comprises an external corner connector end I 22, an external corner connector end II, and a connecting seat 21, wherein the external corner connector end I and the external corner connector end II are pivotably connected to allow rotation between 0° and 180°. As shown in the Fig. 10 and Fig. As shown in Figure 12, a slot is positioned centrally on the inner surface of the connecting seat 21. This slot can have a rectangular structure or a structure compatible with the locking tongue at the engagement end. For example, if the locking tongue is elliptical, the slot can be rectangular or elliptical; conversely, if the locking tongue is rectangular, the slot has a rectangular structure, ensuring proper insertion of the support rod. Fig. 9 In this embodiment, the slot at the connecting seat forms a circumferential bore in the depth direction on the side wall, which forms a rotary slot for locking the locking tongue; a positioning slot that fits together with the positioning projection at the latching end is provided on the base surface of the slot.

[0024] As in the Fig. 8 and Fig. As shown in Figure 9, in this embodiment the intermediate connector is preferably a straight connecting piece 4. This ensures that a side frame remains straight during installation, allowing for faster and more convenient assembly. At the same time, the connection between the straight connecting piece 4 and the corner connecting piece 3 improves the stability of the display stand when assembled.

[0025] The straight connecting piece used in this case consists of a straight connecting end I 42, a straight connecting end II, and a central seat 41. The straight connecting end I and the straight connecting end II are connected to each other in a straight and rotationally fixed manner. The central seat 41 also has a slot 44, the structural design and internal structure of which correspond to the design principles of the slot on the connecting seat. The slot of the central seat also forms a circumferential bore on the side wall, which forms a rotary slot 46 for locking the locking tongue. A positioning slot 45, which aligns with the positioning projection on the snap-in end, is provided on the base surface of the slot. The interaction between the positioning slot 45 and the positioning projection 522 ensures more stable rotation of the support rod.

[0026] As in the Fig. 6 and Fig. As shown in Figure 7, the vertical support rod 5 comprises two vertical support segments 51, a straight support rod 8, and locking ends 52. The two vertical support segments are connected to each other via the straight support rod 8. The two locking ends 52 are each connected to the outer end of the vertical support segment. The structure of the vertical support segment 5 can be circular, elliptical, or similar. In this embodiment, the vertical support segments 5 have an elliptical structure. This facilitates rotation of the support rod and simultaneously allows for verification that the support rod and the side frame are locked due to the elliptical design. Crucially, the structural properties of the elliptical shape with long and short sides enable rapid coupling and decoupling of the horizontal and vertical support rods when connecting to the bridge assembly, allowing for the conversion between wide and narrow faces.This facilitates exceptionally quick and convenient assembly and disassembly.

[0027] To prevent the loss of the two vertical support segments 51 after separation, an elastic cord can be used to connect them together after separation.

[0028] In order to improve the stability of the connection between the horizontal and vertical support rod, to increase the load-bearing capacity of the frame and to prevent tilting, a raised positioning clamp 81 is provided on the straight support rod in this embodiment.

[0029] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 7, the snap-in end 52 is attached to the connecting end of the vertical support segment; in order to engage in the slot for the support connection with the side frame, the snap-in end has a rectangular or elliptical locking tongue 521, with a positioning projection 522 being provided on the end piece of the snap-in end.

[0030] As in the Fig. 4 and Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the horizontal support rod 6 in this embodiment has an elliptical structure. The horizontal support rod comprises two horizontal support segments 61, a bridge assembly 7, and a snap-in end 62. The bridge assembly 7 comprises two hinged bridge segments 71, with each of the two ends of the bridge assembly 7 connected to the horizontal support segment. The other end of the horizontal support segment is rigidly connected to the snap-in end 62. The snap-in end used in this embodiment has the same structure as the one shown in Figure 5. Fig. Structure 7 is shown. Naturally, the snap-in end 62 can be reconfigured according to the slot. This design offers improved cost-efficiency and a simplified connection while maintaining structural consistency.

[0031] To facilitate locking into the positioning clamp 81, a curved groove 72 is provided on the inner wall of the bridge segment.

[0032] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 14, the horizontal support rod 6 achieves lateral support by bypassing the vertical support rod 5 via the bridge assembly 7 when the horizontal and vertical support rods are unfolded for support; when unfolded, the horizontal support rod 6 forms a C-shaped slotted clamp that fits the cross-section of the vertical support rod; the vertical support rod 5 engages in this C-shaped slotted clamp, thereby embedding the positioning clamp 81 of the straight support rod in the curved groove 72.

[0033] As in the Fig. 12 and Fig. As shown in Figure 13, the connecting seat 21 and the intermediate seat 41 in this embodiment have rectangular slots to facilitate the connection of horizontal and vertical support rods, and the longitudinal direction of these slots corresponds to the width direction of the outer corner connector and the intermediate connector; the longitudinal direction of the outer corner connector and the intermediate connector is designed for connection with the frame segments. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 12, after inserting the horizontal support rod 6 into the slot, rotate it over the locking end 62 to erect the horizontal support rod, thereby locking the horizontal support rod 6 to the outer corner connector 2 and simultaneously increasing the contact area with the vertical support rod 5; as shown in the Fig. 13 and Fig. As shown in Figure 14, after inserting the vertical support rod 5 into the slot, rotate the vertical support rod 5 over the snap-in end 52 to increase its lateral contact area, and finally insert it into the C-shaped slot clamp of the bridge assembly 7, while the horizontal and vertical support rods maintain maximum contact areas, resulting in a more stable connection and improved support strength.

[0034] Naturally, the above-described construction structure of the horizontal and vertical support rod with connecting pieces represents a preferred embodiment in the present utility model. Alternatively, the utility model may use the connection structure of the support rod and the connecting piece shown in patent application No. CN202211564212.3, or a construction with transition elements of the central seat and four support rods, as well as other configurations which are not discussed in detail here.

[0035] In the interpretation of this utility model, the four side frames can be configured as follows: one side frame is configured as an easily disassembled side frame, while the remaining side frames are foldable frame edges; the two frame segments of the easily disassembled side frame are connected via a straight connecting piece 4, wherein the Fig. 8 and Fig. The snap-lock connection scheme shown in Figure 9 is used; that is, by pressing button 43, the straight connector 4 can be separated from the frame segment 1, allowing for easier disassembly and reassembly. Since the two frame segments do not need to be separated after joining in the foldable side frame, the connection between frame segment 1 and the outer corner connector 2 can use either a snap-lock connection scheme or a direct locking method such as screws. In this design, a fixed connection method such as screws is used for the connection between the frame segment and the outer corner connector, ensuring better stability while highlighting the convenience and speed of the folding mechanism.

[0036] This design comprehensively defines the functions and combined effects of each side frame, frame segment, and connector, so that the entire light box frame can be quickly folded into a bundle and immediately used after unfolding.

[0037] There are numerous connection structures between the frame segment and the straight connector, or between the frame segment and the outer corner connector, all of which are common knowledge; further examples are not given here. Folding procedure in this embodiment: First, turn the vertical support bar to release the snap lock between the horizontal and vertical support bars. Then, turn the horizontal support bar to remove it, and then use the space within the frame to pull out the vertical support bar. Open the easily disassembled side frame and fold it together for storage. The above operations are performed after the light box has been placed on the floor.

[0038] Example 2: Redesign of the corner connector based on example 1. As in the Fig. 15 and Fig. As shown in Figure 16, the corner connector 3 comprises a corner connector end I 31 and a corner connector end II. Interlocking positioning teeth 32 are provided on the outer rear faces of both corner connector end I and corner connector end II, enabling rotation to be limited from 0° to 90°. An insertion hole 33 is provided in the coupling direction of both corner connector end I and corner connector end II. Exemplary embodiment 3: Based on exemplary embodiment 2, this embodiment uses the aforementioned corner connector to form a composite light box, as shown in the Fig. 17 and Fig. Figure 18 shows a U-shaped connecting strip 9, which connects adjacent light boxes by inserting the connecting strip 9 into corresponding insertion holes 33 on both corner connecting pieces.

[0039] In this embodiment, the connecting strip construction can take various forms, such as straight connecting strips, left-right connecting strips, and quadruple connecting strips, as shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 19, there is a four-way connecting strip that enables the connection of four light boxes. Based on the above ideal embodiments of the utility model as a disclosure, the person skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications by means of the above description without deviating from the scope of the technical ideas of the utility model. The technical scope of the utility model is not limited to the content of the description but must be determined in accordance with the scope of the claims. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] CN 202211564212.3

[0034]

Claims

[1] Foldable light box, consisting of four side frames, characterized by , that each side frame comprises two frame segments, wherein a corner connector is provided, the corner connector comprising a corner connector end I and a corner connector end II, wherein the corner connector end I and the corner connector end II are pivotably connected to allow rotation between 0° and 90°; wherein the horizontal side frame and the vertical side frame are connected to the side frame via corner connectors; including an external corner connector and an intermediate connector, wherein the external corner connector comprises an external corner connector end I and an external corner connector end II, the external corner connector end I and the external corner connector end II being pivotably connected to allow rotation between 0° and 180°; wherein one of the four side frames is designed as an easily disassembled side frame, while the remaining side frames are foldable side frames, wherein the two frame segments of the easily disassembled side frame are connected to each other via the intermediate connector, wherein the two corresponding frame segments of the foldable side frames are connected to each other via an external corner connector; wherein a support rod is provided for supporting the relative side frames after the foldable light box has been unfolded, wherein both ends of the support rod act on the external corner connector and on the external corner connector or on the intermediate connector; wherein, when folding, the two frame segments of the easily disassembled side frame separate, the horizontal frame segment and the vertical frame segment are folded inwards via corner connector to create a connection, wherein the frame segments provided within the foldable side frame are connected to each other by unfolding via external corner connector. [2] Foldable light box according to claim 1, characterized by , that a connecting seat is provided between the external corner connection end I and the external corner connection end II, wherein the intermediate connector is provided with a central seat, the connecting seat and the central seat are each provided with a slot for connecting to both ends of the support rod. [3] Foldable light box according to claims 1 and 2, characterized by, that the support rod comprises a horizontal and a vertical support rod, wherein the horizontal support rod comprises two horizontal support segments and a bridge assembly, the bridge assembly comprises two bridge segments hinged together, both ends of the bridge assembly are connected to the horizontal support segments, wherein the horizontal support rod achieves lateral support by bypassing the vertical support rod via the bridge assembly. [4] Foldable light box according to claim 3, characterized by , that the bridge segments of the bridge assembly form a C-shaped slotted clamp which is compatible with the vertical support rod when the bridge segments are unfolded and supported, wherein the horizontal support rod is locked to the vertical support rod via the C-shaped slotted clamp after the connection and support between the horizontal and vertical support rods. [5] Foldable light box according to claim 4, characterized bythat the cross-section of the horizontal and vertical support rod has an elliptical structure, wherein the two ends of the horizontal and vertical support rod are each provided with a snap-in end, the snap-in end having a rectangular or elliptical locking tongue and a positioning projection corresponding to the locking tongue of the snap-in end, wherein the slot of the connecting seat and the center seat has a rectangular or elliptical structure, a rotation slot for locking the tongue rotation is provided within the slot, a positioning slot that matches the positioning projection is provided on the base surface of the slot, wherein when connecting the horizontal and vertical support rods, the snap-in end is inserted into the slot, and the horizontal and vertical support rods are rotated to make a connection with the external corner connector or intermediate connector. [6] Foldable light box according to claim 1, characterized by that the intermediate connector is a straight connecting piece. [7] Foldable light box according to claim 1, characterized by , that the corner joint end I and the corner joint end II of the corner joint piece each have a socket. [8] Foldable light box according to claim 4, characterized by , that the vertical support rod comprises two vertical support segments and a straight support rod, wherein the straight support rod is provided with a positioning clamp and the inner wall of the bridge segment is provided with a curved groove, wherein the positioning clamp is embedded in the curved groove when the horizontal support rod is locked to the vertical support rod via the bridge assembly. [9] Composite light box, characterized by, that it comprises at least two foldable light boxes according to claim 7, wherein a connecting strip is provided, whereby adjacent foldable light boxes are connected to each other by inserting the connecting strip into the corresponding socket at the corner connection end.

Images