Folding mechanism

Abstract

To disclose a folding mechanism suitable for a baby carrier.SOLUTION: There is provided a folding mechanism for baby carriers, where the baby carrier includes a first part (10d) and a second part (20d). The first part (10d) includes a base part (12d) and a plurality of folding parts (14d), and the plurality of folding parts (14d) is pivotally connected to the base part (12d). The base part (12d), at least one folding part (14d), and the second part (20d) are sequentially disposed in a longitudinal direction. The folding mechanism includes a connecting member (100d). The second part (20d) is slidably connected to the base part (12d) via the connecting member (100d), where an extension direction of the connecting member (100d) is parallel to the longitudinal direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 23

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the technical field of baby products, and more particularly to a folding mechanism that allows a baby carrier to be easily folded. [Background technology]

[0002] Baby carriers are common baby-related products available on the market, such as sleeping boxes, cribs, and cradles. Generally, baby carriers include a frame body for holding a baby, a bracket body for supporting the frame body, a fabric cover placed on the frame body, and a handle for easy gripping by the user. When a baby is using the carrier, the components are fixed together to prevent the entire carrier from collapsing due to the baby's rolling over or other external disturbances.

[0003] However, when the baby carrier is not in use, it takes up a large volume when stored in an in-use state, which not only makes it difficult to carry but also takes up a large amount of space in a room. Therefore, it is necessary to provide a folding mechanism that allows various parts of the baby carrier to be folded up to reduce its volume so that it can be easily carried and stored. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a folding mechanism that makes it easy to fold a baby carrier. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] To achieve the above object, the present invention provides a folding mechanism suitable for a baby carrier. The baby carrier includes a first portion and a second portion arranged along a longitudinal direction. The folding mechanism includes a connecting member, wherein the second portion is movably connected to the first portion via the connecting member, and the extending direction of the connecting member is parallel to the longitudinal direction.

[0006] Preferably, each of the first and second parts includes a base plate, and the connecting member is pivotally connected to the base plate of the first and second parts, respectively.

[0007] Preferably, the vertical length of the second portion is equal to or shorter than the vertical length of the first portion. An accommodation groove is formed in the bottom plate of the first portion and is recessed relative to the upper surface of the bottom plate of the first portion. A through groove is provided in the bottom plate of the second portion and communicates with the lower and upper surfaces of the bottom plate of the second portion. The connecting member passes through the accommodation groove and the through groove.

[0008] Preferably, the folding mechanism further includes a first position limiting member and a second position limiting member, wherein the first position limiting member and the second position limiting member are fixed, pivoted or clamped to the bottom plate of the first part and the bottom plate of the second part, respectively, and the connecting member is externally fitted to the first position limiting member and the second position limiting member.

[0009] Preferably, the longitudinal length of the second section is equal to or less than the longitudinal length of the first section. Each of the first and second sections further includes a side wall, each side wall surrounding the corresponding base plate. The folding mechanism is for switching the baby carrier between an unfolded state and a folded state, wherein the base plate of the second section abuts flush with the base plate of the first section in the unfolded state, and the base plate and side walls of the second section overlap the base plate and side walls of the first section, respectively, in the folded state.

[0010] Preferably, the folding mechanism further includes connection holes, each of the first and second parts including an end surface, the connection member fixedly disposed on one of the first and second parts and protruding from the corresponding end surface, the connection holes formed on the other end surface of the first and second parts, and the number and positions of the connection holes corresponding to the connection members.

[0011] Preferably, the length of the second portion in the vertical direction is equal to or less than the length of the first portion in the vertical direction. The connecting member is fixedly disposed on the second portion, and the length by which the connecting member protrudes from the end face of the second portion is smaller than the difference in the length of the first portion and the second portion in the vertical direction.

[0012] Preferably, each of the first and second parts includes a bottom plate and a side wall, and each side wall surrounds the corresponding bottom plate. The connecting member is disposed on at least one of the bottom plate and the side wall of the second part and includes a sliding part, and a sliding rail or a sliding groove is formed on at least one of the bottom plate and the side wall of the first part, and the sliding part is disposed slidably on the sliding rail or the sliding groove.

[0013] Preferably, the folding mechanism includes an operating member and at least one locking member. The operating member is disposed in one of the first and second parts and forms at least one position limiting groove, and the at least one locking member includes a locking portion and a position limiting portion. The position limiting portion is slidably provided in the position limiting groove, and a plurality of locking holes are formed in the other of the first and second parts, and the locking portion is clamped to the plurality of locking holes.

[0014] Preferably, the folding mechanism further includes an elastic member, a plurality of the locking members and the position limiting grooves are provided, and the elastic member is disposed between the operating member and the plurality of locking members.

[0015] Preferably, the extending direction of the locking member is inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction, and the extending direction of the position limiting groove is inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction and the extending direction of the locking member.

[0016] Preferably, the operating member is arranged on the outside of the bottom plate of the second part, an accommodating groove is formed in the bottom plate of the first part, a plurality of locking holes are arranged on the sides of the accommodating groove, and the driving member and the locking member are arranged slidably in the accommodating groove.

[0017] Preferably, the connecting member further includes a fixing portion, wherein the sliding portion is rotatably connected to the fixing portion, and the connecting member is fixedly positioned on the outside of at least one of the bottom plate and the side wall of the second part via the fixing portion.

[0018] The present disclosure also provides a folding mechanism suitable for a baby carrier. The baby carrier includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion includes a base portion and a plurality of folding portions. The plurality of folding portions are pivotally connected to the base portion, and the base portion, at least one of the folding portions, and the second portion are arranged sequentially in a vertical direction. The folding mechanism includes a connecting member, wherein the second portion is slidably connected to the base portion via the connecting member, and the extending direction of the connecting member is parallel to the vertical direction.

[0019] Preferably, the folding mechanism further includes a locking member, a driving member, and an operating member. The locking member is pivotally connected to one of the folding portions and includes an extension portion and a bending portion, wherein the extension portion has a position limiting feature and the bending portion bends relative to the extension portion. The second portion includes a locking portion, and the bending portion is selectively clamped to the locking portion. The driving member is disposed in the folding portion and forms a position limiting groove, and the position limiting feature is slidably disposed in the position limiting groove. The operating member is connected to the driving member and protrudes or recesses relative to the surface of the folding portion.

[0020] Preferably, the folding mechanism further includes an elastic member, the elastic member being disposed between the folding portion and the drive member.

[0021] Preferably, the baby carrier further includes a handle, a position determining portion formed on the handle, and one end of the drive member selectively clamped to the position determining portion.

[0022] Preferably, the folding section is formed with a first storage space, a second storage space, and a slide groove, the second storage space is arranged on one side of the folding section, the slide groove is connected to the first storage space and the second storage space, a portion of the handle passes through the first storage space, the drive member is arranged slidably in the slide groove, and at least a portion of the locking section is accommodated in the second storage space.

[0023] Preferably, the extending direction of the slide groove is parallel to the longitudinal direction.

[0024] Preferably, the drive member and the lock member are embedded in the folding portion.

[0025] Preferably, the connecting member is a pipe member and includes a first pipe and a second pipe, wherein the first pipe is disposed in the base portion and forms a cavity, and the second pipe is connected to the second portion and slidably disposed in the cavity.

[0026] Preferably, the first pipe is embedded in the base portion.

[0027] The present disclosure will become more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the drawings illustrating embodiments of the present disclosure. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a baby carrier in an unfolded state to which a folding mechanism according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure is applied. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of some of the components of the baby carrier of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an enlarged schematic view of an area A in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the baby carrier of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a partially enlarged schematic diagram of FIG. 4. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a perspective schematic view of the baby carrier of FIG. 1 in a folded state. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a baby carrier in an unfolded state to which a folding mechanism according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure is applied. [Figure 8] 8 is a perspective view of the baby carrier of FIG. 7 during folding. [Figure 9] FIG. 8 is a perspective schematic view of the baby carrier of FIG. 7 in a folded state. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a baby carrier in an unfolded state to which a folding mechanism according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure is applied. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective schematic view of the baby carrier of FIG. 10 in a folded state. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a baby carrier in an unfolded state to which a folding mechanism according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure is applied. [Figure 13] 13 is a schematic perspective view of a first portion of FIG. 12. FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the first portion of FIG. 13 from another angle. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a schematic perspective view of the slide rail of FIG. 14. [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the second portion of FIG. 12. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a schematic perspective view of the connection member of FIG. 16. [Figure 18] 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the baby carrier of FIG. 12. FIG. [Figure 19] 13 is a schematic bottom view of the baby carrier of FIG. 12. FIG. [Figure 20] 20 is a schematic bottom view of the baby carrier of FIG. 19 with the cover removed. [Figure 21] FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view of a baby carrier in an unfolded state to which a folding mechanism according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure is applied. [Figure 22] 22 is a schematic bottom view of the baby carrier of FIG. 21. FIG. [Figure 23] 23 is a schematic bottom view of the baby carrier of FIG. 22 with the base portion removed and the folding portion partially folded. [Figure 24] 22 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the baby carrier of FIG. 21. FIG. [Figure 25] 22 is a schematic diagram of an internal component of the baby carrier of FIG. 21. FIG. [Figure 26] 26 is a schematic view of the internal members of the baby carrier of FIG. 25 after the connecting members have been folded. [Figure 27] FIG. 22 is a schematic perspective view of the baby carrier of FIG. 21 from a different angle. [Figure 28] 22 is a schematic diagram of a first step in the process of moving the baby carrier of FIG. 21 from the unfolded state to the folded state. [Figure 29] 22 is a schematic diagram of a second step in the process of moving from the unfolded state to the folded state of the baby carrier of FIG. 21. FIG. [Figure 30] 22 is a schematic diagram of a third step in the process of moving from the unfolded state to the folded state of the baby carrier of FIG. 21. [Figure 31] 22 is a schematic diagram of a fourth step in the process of moving from the unfolded state to the folded state of the baby carrier of FIG. 21. [Figure 32] FIG. 22 is a perspective schematic view of the baby carrier of FIG. 21 in a folded state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] Next, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like components.

[0030] Referring to Fig. 1, Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a baby carrier in an unfolded state to which a folding mechanism according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure is applied. The folding mechanism 1 of this embodiment is suitable for a baby carrier 2. The baby carrier 2 is a portable sleep box or cradle, and includes a first part 10 and a second part 20, where the first part 10 is, for example, a handrail or upper frame of the sleep box, and the second part 20 is disposed opposite the first part 10 and is, for example, a box body or lower frame of the sleep box. Preferably, the baby carrier 2 further includes a handle 30, which is connected to the first part 10 and can be held by a user to easily carry the baby carrier 2.

[0031] 2 and 3, FIG. 2 is an exploded view of some components of the baby carrier of FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is an enlarged schematic view of area A of FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 1, in this embodiment, the baby carrier 2 is provided with four folding mechanisms 1, which are provided on the front, rear, left, and right sides of the baby carrier 2, respectively, and are located between the first section 10 and the second section 20. These folding mechanisms 1 are used to lock the baby carrier 2 in an unfolded state in which the first section 10 and the second section 20 face each other, or to fold the baby carrier into a folded state in which the first section 10 and the second section 20 are adjacent to each other, depending on actual needs. Note that the baby carrier 2 may be provided with a folding mechanism 1 on each of the front and rear sections as shown in FIG. 2, or may be provided with a folding mechanism 1 on only one of the front, rear, left, or right sections, but is not limited to these. As shown in FIG. 3, each folding mechanism 1 includes a first connecting member 100, a second connecting member 200, a locking member 300, an operating member 400, and a positioning portion 500, wherein the first connecting member 100 is pivotally connected to the first portion 10, the second connecting member 200 is pivotally connected to the second portion 20, the locking member 300 is disposed on the connecting member 100, the operating member 400 is fixed relative to the locking member 300, and the positioning portion 500 is disposed on the second connecting member.

[0032] Specifically, the folding mechanism 1 further includes a first auxiliary connector 800 and a second auxiliary connector 900, where the first auxiliary connector 800 is, for example, a metal sleeve fitted over the first section 10 and fixedly disposed on the first connecting member 100, and the second auxiliary connector is, for example, a pivot seat fixedly provided on the second section 20 and pivotally connected to the second connecting member 200. In other words, the first connecting member 100 is pivotally connected to the first section 10 via the first auxiliary connector 800, and the second connecting member 200 is pivotally connected to the second section 10 via the second auxiliary connector 900. Specifically, the folding mechanism 1 can switch the baby carrier 2 between an unfolded state and a folded state by operating the locking member 300 via the operating member 400 to selectively clamp the positioning part 500. As shown in FIG. 3 , the locking member 300 and the operating member 400 may be integrally formed or may be independent members. In this embodiment, the locking member 300 and the operating member 400 are independent from each other. Here, the locking member 300 includes a position limiting portion 310 and forms a through-hole 320, and the operating member 400 includes an operating portion 410 and a penetrating portion 420. The operating portion 410 protrudes from the surface of the first connecting member 100 and can be easily grasped by a user. The penetrating portion 420 is, for example, a protruding post. In this embodiment, two penetrating portions pass through the through-hole 320 to fix the locking member 300 and the operating member 400 to each other. Meanwhile, the position determining portion 500 forms a position determining portion 510, for example, a recess, having a shape corresponding to the shape of the position limiting portion 310, and the position limiting portion 310 is selectively clamped to the position limiting portion 510.

[0033] 4 to 6, Fig. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the baby carrier of Fig. 1, Fig. 5 is a partially enlarged schematic view of Fig. 4, and Fig. 6 is a perspective schematic view of the baby carrier of Fig. 1 in a folded state. As shown in Fig. 5, the first connecting member 100 is formed with an accommodating groove 110 extending in the longitudinal direction of the first connecting member, a locking member 300 is slidably provided in the accommodating groove 110, and a position determining portion 500 is fixedly provided on the second connecting member 200. Preferably, each folding mechanism 1 further includes two position limiting members 700, each of which is, for example, a rivet or a bolt, one of which passes through an end of the first connecting member 100 and the other of the second connecting member 200, and the first connecting member 100 and the second connecting member 200 are pivotally connected to each other via the position limiting member 700. The other end of the stopper member 700 passes through the other end of the second connecting member 200 and the second auxiliary connector 900, and the second connecting member 200 is pivotable relative to the second auxiliary connecting member 900. Therefore, when the user operates the locking member 300 via the operating member 400 to slide the receiving groove 110 vertically, the position limiting portion 310 moves away from the position determining portion 510, the locking member 300 is no longer clamped to the position determining portion 500, and the first connecting member 100 and the second connecting member 200 pivot relative to each other via the position limiting member 700, and thereafter the baby carrier 2 can be switched to the folded state as shown in Fig. 6. Preferably, the folding mechanism 1 further includes an elastic member 600, for example a spring, which is used to return the locking member 300 to the position clamped with the position determining portion 500. Specifically, the elastic member 600 is disposed in the receiving groove 110 and is connected to the first connecting member 100 and the locking member 300. When a user operates the locking member 300 via the operating member 400 to slide it upward, the elastic member 600 is pressed and accumulates elastic force. When the user releases the operating member 400 and the first connecting member 100 and the second connecting member 200 pivot to a position where the position limiting portion 310 again corresponds to the position determining portion 510, the position limiting portion 310 is pressed against the position determining portion 510 by the elastic member 600 to automatically lock the baby carrier 2 in the unfolded state.

[0034] Furthermore, in order to reduce wear during sliding between the components of the locking member 300, at least one of the position limiting portion 310 and the position determining portion 510 preferably has a cambered surface, and in this embodiment, the position limiting portion 310 preferably has a cambered surface 312. Therefore, whether the locking member 300 slides toward the upper end of the accommodating groove 110 via the operating member 400 or is automatically reset when the baby carrier 2 changes from the folded state to the unfolded state, the cushioning effect of the cambered surface 312 can reduce wear and collision with the position determining portion 510, which is advantageous in extending the life of the folding mechanism 1.

[0035] The folding mechanism 1 of this embodiment also has the effect of limiting the displacement stroke of the operating member 400. In detail, as shown in Fig. 3, the first connecting member 100 forms a position limiting hole 120, and the position limiting hole 120 is, for example, an elongated hole that penetrates the wall surface of the first connecting member and has a vertical length that is longer than the vertical length of the through-hole 420, and the through-hole 420 is provided so as to be slidable in the position limiting hole 120. With this configuration, when the user presses the operating member 400, the displacement stroke of the operating member 400 is limited to the vertical length of the position limiting hole 120, and it is possible to prevent the locking member 300 and the operating member 400 from sliding excessively.

[0036] Furthermore, to prevent the first connecting member 100 and the second connecting member 200 from pivoting outward from the baby carrier 2 and increasing the volume of the baby carrier 2, the second auxiliary connector 900 of this embodiment includes a stopper 910 for restricting the pivoting direction of the first connecting member 100 and the second connecting member 200. Specifically, the first part 10 and the second part 20 surround and form a storage space S for accommodating a baby, and the stopper 910 is disposed outside the second connecting member 200 with respect to the storage space S. When the baby carrier 2 is in the unfolded state, the stopper 910 abuts against the outside of the lower end of the second connecting member 200, preventing the first connecting member 100 and the second connecting member 200 from pivoting outward from the storage space S. This not only reduces the volume of the baby carrier 2 when folded, but also prevents the folding mechanism 1 from protruding outward and colliding with or being damaged by other objects.

[0037] In this embodiment, the first connecting member 100 is pivotally connected to the first portion 10, the second connecting member 200 is pivotally connected to the second portion 20, and the locking member 300 and the positioning portion 500 are provided on the first connecting member 100 and the second connecting member 200, respectively, but the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiment. In other embodiments, the first connecting member 100 may be pivotally connected to the second portion 20, and the positioning portion 500 may be disposed on the second connecting member pivotally connected to the first portion 10, thereby achieving a selective clamping effect.

[0038] Also, in this embodiment, the operating portion 410 protrudes from the surface of the first connecting member 100, but in other possible embodiments, the operating portion 410 may have a recessed structure with respect to the surface of the first connecting member 100 to facilitate insertion and removal of the user's fingers or gripping. Meanwhile, in this embodiment, the stopper 910 is arranged on the second auxiliary connector 900, but in other possible embodiments, the stopper may be arranged on the first auxiliary connector 800 or on each of the first auxiliary connector 800 and the second auxiliary connector 900, and the effect of preventing the first connecting member 100 and the second connecting member 200 from rotating outward from the accommodating space S can be similarly achieved.

[0039] 7 to 9, Fig. 7 is a perspective schematic view of the baby carrier in an unfolded state, Fig. 8 is a perspective schematic view of the baby carrier in Fig. 7 during folding, and Fig. 9 is a perspective schematic view of the baby carrier in Fig. 7 in a folded state. The folding mechanism 1a of this embodiment can be applied to a baby carrier 2a, which may be a sleep box or a cradle, and includes a first part 10a and a second part 20a, where the first part 10a is the front half of the sleep box and the second part 20a is the rear half of the sleep box, and the first part 10a and the second part 20a are arranged along the longitudinal direction L. Meanwhile, the folding mechanism 1a includes a connecting member 100a, and the second part 20a is movably connected to the first part 10a via a connecting member 100b, and the extension direction of the connecting member 100c is parallel to the longitudinal direction L. Preferably, the baby carrier 2a further includes a handle 30a, where the handle 30a is connected to the first portion 10a and can be grasped by a user to easily carry the baby carrier 2a.

[0040] Specifically, the connecting member 100a in this embodiment is, for example, a link lever, and may be provided in multiple numbers. The first portion 10a and the second portion 20a are pivotally connected to each other via the connecting member 100a. As shown in FIG. 8 , the first portion 10a includes a bottom plate 12a and a side wall 14a that surrounds the bottom plate 12a and forms an opening in the bottom plate 12a at a position facing the second portion 20a. The second portion 20a further includes a bottom plate 22a and a side wall 24a that surrounds the bottom plate 22a and forms an opening in the bottom plate 22a at a position facing the first portion 10a. The connecting member 100a is pivotally connected to the bottom plate 12a of the first portion 10a and the bottom plate 22a of the second portion 20a, respectively. Therefore, the folding mechanism 1a is adapted to switch the baby carrier 2a between the unfolded state shown in FIG. 7 and the folded state shown in FIG. 9. When baby carrier 2a is in the unfolded state, the openings of first section 10a and second section 20a face each other, and bottom plate 22a of second section 20a abuts and is flush with bottom plate 12a of first section 10a. When the user has finished using baby carrier 2a, second section 20a can rotate and enter the space surrounded by side wall 14a of first section 10a via connecting member 100a, and at this time, bottom plate 22a and side wall 24a of second section 20a are superimposed on bottom plate 12a and side wall 14a of first section 10b, respectively, resulting in the state shown in Figure 9.

[0041] Furthermore, the bottom plate 12a of this embodiment is provided with accommodation grooves G to smoothly rotate the second portion 20a relative to the first portion 10a using the connecting members 100a. The number of accommodation grooves G corresponds to the number of connecting members 100a, and the accommodation grooves G are recessed relative to the upper surface of the bottom plate 12a. The bottom plate 22a is provided with through grooves T, the number of which also corresponds to the number of connecting members 100a, and the through grooves T connect the upper and lower surfaces of the bottom plate 22a. The connecting members 100a pass through the accommodation grooves G and the through grooves T. In other words, the connecting members 100a penetrate the bottom plate 22a via the through grooves T, allowing the connecting members 100a to rotate relative to the bottom plate 22a in the longitudinal direction L and in the thickness direction of the bottom plate 22a while the second portion 20a pivots relative to the first portion 10a. When the baby carrier 2a is in the unfolded state, the connecting member 100a can also be accommodated in the accommodation groove G, so that it does not protrude from the bottom plate 12a and the bottom plate 22a, causing discomfort to the baby when lying down.

[0042] Preferably, the folding mechanism 1a further includes a first position limiting member 200a and a second position limiting member 300a, each of which is, for example, a bolt, fixed to the bottom plate 12a and the bottom plate 22a, and the connecting member 100a has a sleeve-shaped tubular structure at its head and tail, and the connecting member 100a is fitted onto the first stopper 200a and the second stopper 300a by the sleeve structure. With this configuration, the second part 20a can pivot relative to the first part 10a by rotating the connecting member 100a relative to the first position limiting member 200a and the second position limiting member 300a, thereby reducing wear between the members and the bottom plates 12a and 22a. Of course, in other embodiments, the first position limiting member 200a and the second position limiting member 300a can pivot or clamp the bottom plate 12a and the bottom plate 22a, respectively, the connecting member 100a can be fixed relative to the first position limiting member 200a and the second position limiting member 300a, or the connecting member 100a can directly pivotally connect the bottom plate 12a and the bottom plate 22a, and are not limited to these aspects.

[0043] 10 and 11, Fig. 10 is a schematic perspective view of a baby carrier in an unfolded state to which a folding mechanism according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure is applied, and Fig. 11 is a schematic perspective view of the baby carrier of Fig. 10 in a folded state. Folding mechanism 1b of this embodiment is suitable for baby carrier 2b and is similar to folding mechanism 1a. The main difference between folding mechanism 1b and folding mechanism 1a is that folding mechanism 1b includes a connecting member 100b and a connecting hole H, and first portion 10b and second portion 20b are detachably connected to each other via connecting member 100b and the connecting hole H.

[0044] 11, the first portion 10b includes an end face 16b in addition to a bottom plate 12b and a side wall 14b, and the end face 16b is formed on a side portion of the bottom plate 12b and the side wall 14b. Similarly, the second portion 20b includes an end face 26b in addition to a bottom plate 22b and a side wall 24b, and the end face 26b is formed on a side portion of the bottom plate 22b and the side wall 24b. In this embodiment, the connection member 100b is fixedly provided on the end face 26b of the second portion 20b and protrudes from the end face 26b, and connection holes H are formed in the end face 16b of the first portion 10b, and the number and positions of the connection holes H correspond to those of the connection member 100b. With this configuration, when the user has finished using the baby carrier 2b, the second part 20b can be pulled out from the connection hole H of the first part 10b together with the connecting member 100b, and the second part 20b is stacked on the first part 10b.This allows the user to carry the baby carrier 2b, whose vertical length has been reduced, all at once using only the handle 30b connected to the first part 10b, thereby improving the convenience of using the baby carrier 2b.

[0045] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the length in the vertical direction L of second portion 20b is equal to or less than the length in the vertical direction L of first portion 10b, and the length by which connecting member 100b protrudes from end surface 26b is smaller than the difference in length between first portion 10b and second portion 10b in the vertical direction L. With this configuration, when baby carrier 2b is in the folded state, the portion of connecting member 100b protruding from end surface 26b does not exceed end surface 16b, preventing connecting member 100b from being damaged by a collision with an external member.

[0046] In this embodiment, the connecting member 100b is fixed to the end face 26b and the connecting hole H is formed in the end face 16b, but the connecting member 100b may also be fixed to the end face 16b and the connecting hole H may be formed in the end face 26b, which also has the effect of detachably connecting the first part 10b and the second part 20b to each other.

[0047] 12, which is a perspective schematic diagram of a baby carrier in an unfolded state to which a folding mechanism according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure is applied. Folding mechanism 1c of this embodiment is suitable for baby carrier 2c and is similar to folding mechanism 1b. The main difference between folding mechanism 1c and folding mechanism 1b is that folding mechanism 1c includes a connecting member 100c and a slide rail R, and first portion 10c and second portion 20c are slidably connected to each other via connecting member 100c and slide rail R.

[0048] 13 to 17, Fig. 13 is a schematic perspective view of the first portion of Fig. 12, Fig. 14 is a schematic perspective view of the first portion of Fig. 13 from a different angle, Fig. 15 is a schematic perspective view of the slide rail of Fig. 14, and Fig. 17 is a schematic perspective view of the connecting member of Fig. 16. In detail, the connecting member 100c is disposed on the outer side of at least one of the bottom plate 22c and the side wall 24c of the second portion 20c. In this embodiment, the connecting member 100c is disposed on the outer side of each of the bottom plate 22c and the side wall 24c, and includes a sliding portion 110c and a fixed portion 120c. The sliding portion 110c is, for example, one or more rollers and is pivotally connected to the fixed portion 120c. The connecting member 100c is fixedly provided on the outer side of the bottom plate 22c and the side wall 24c via the fixed portion 120c, but is not limited to these embodiments. In another possible embodiment, the slide portion 110c can be formed directly and integrally with the bottom plate 22c and the side wall 24c. Meanwhile, slide rails R are provided on the bottom plate 12c and the side wall 14c of the first part 10c, and their number and position correspond to those of the connecting member 100c, and the slide portion 110c is slidably provided on the slide rails R. Therefore, when the user has finished using the baby carrier 2c, the second part 20c is accommodated inside the first part 10c via the connecting member 100c and the slide rails R, thereby reducing the volume of the baby carrier 2c in the folded state. In particular, in another possible embodiment, the connecting member 100c may be disposed inside the first part 10c, and the slide rails R may be disposed outside the second part 20c. The cooperation between the connecting member 100c and the slide rails R may be replaced by an equivalent combination, such as a slider and a slide groove, which is not limited by the present disclosure. Preferably, the first portion 10c also includes a guide post 18c that helps the connecting member 100c to be slidably positioned on the slide rail R more stably.

[0049] The folding mechanism 1c of this embodiment not only allows the first portion 10c and the second portion 20c to slide freely, but also includes a function for locking and unlocking the second portion 10c at a specific position relative to the first portion 10c. Referring to Figures 18 to 20, Figure 18 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the baby carrier of Figure 12, Figure 19 is a schematic bottom view of the baby carrier of Figure 12, and Figure 20 is a schematic bottom view of the baby carrier of Figure 19 with the cover removed. Specifically, a plurality of lock holes P are formed in the first portion 10c, and the folding mechanism 1c further includes an operating member 300c, a cover 400c, and at least one locking member 500c, where the operating member 300c is connected to the cover 400c and forms at least one position limiting portion 310c, and two position limiting portions 310c are provided in this embodiment. A cover 400c is provided on the second part 20c to allow a user to position the operating member 300c. In this embodiment, two locking members 500c are provided, each including a locking portion 510c and a position limiting portion 520c, and the position limiting portion 520c is slidably provided on the position limiting portion 310c. When the locking member 500c slides relative to the first part 10c and aligns with the locking hole P, the locking portion 510c is clamped in the locking hole P, and the second part 20c is fixed relative to the first part 10c by the operating member 300c, thereby locking the second part 20c in a specific position.

[0050] 19 and 20, the folding mechanism 1c further includes an elastic member 600c. Here, the elastic member 600c is, for example, a spring, and is arranged between the operating member 300c and the locking member 500c. In this embodiment, the elastic member 600c is also arranged between the operating member 300c and the cover 400c. Preferably, the extension direction of the locking member 500c is inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction L. In this embodiment, the extension direction of the locking member 500c is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L, and the extension direction of the position limiting portion 310c is inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction L and the extension direction of the locking member 500c. When a user wants to release the locked state between the first part 10c and the second part 20c, the user pulls the operating member 300c against the elastic force of the elastic member 600c, and can slide the operating member 300c relative to the first part 10c. At this time, the position limiting portion 520c of the locking member 500c slides along the position limiting portion 310c, moving from the outer end to the inner end of the position limiting portion 310c, and the locking portion 510c is separated from the locking hole P, releasing the locked state of the first part 10c and the second part 20c. When the user releases his / her hand, the operating member 300c or the locking member 500c is subjected to the restoring force of the elastic member 600c, and the locking member 500c is again clamped into the nearest locking hole P, and the first part 10c and the second part 20c are again locked to each other.

[0051] Preferably, as shown in Figures 18 to 20, the operating member 300c is disposed on the outside of the bottom plate 22c of the second section 20c, an accommodation groove G is formed in the bottom plate 12c of the first section 10c, the locking hole P is disposed on the side of the accommodation groove G, and the operating member 300c and the locking member 500c are slidably mounted in the accommodation groove G. With this arrangement, when operated, the operating member 300c, cover 400c, locking member 500c, and other members do not affect the baby lying on the baby carrier 2c and do not add to the thickness of the bottom of the baby carrier 2c. Note that in other possible embodiments, the positions of the accommodation groove G and the operating member 300c may be switched, and the present invention is not limited to these aspects.

[0052] 21 to 23, Fig. 21 is a perspective schematic view of a baby carrier in an unfolded state to which a folding mechanism according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure is applied, Fig. 22 is a schematic bottom view of the baby carrier of Fig. 21, and Fig. 23 is a schematic bottom view of the baby carrier of Fig. 22, with the base portion removed and some of the folding portions folded. The folding mechanism 1d of this embodiment can be applied to a baby carrier 2d, which is, for example, a portable sleep box or cradle, and includes a first portion 10d and a second portion 20d, and the first portion 10d includes a base portion 12d and a plurality of folding portions 14d pivotally connected to the base portion 12d, and the base portion 12d, at least one folding portion 14d, and the second portion 20d are arranged sequentially in the longitudinal direction L. Preferably, the baby carrier 2d further includes a handle 30d, where the handle 30d is connected to the two folding portions 14d that are flush with the second portion 20d and can be grasped by a user to easily carry the baby carrier 2d. For clearer explanation, hereinafter, the folding portions 14d connected to the handle 30d will be referred to as side folding portions, and the folding portions 14d that are sequentially arranged in the longitudinal direction L with the base portion 12d and the second portion 20d will be referred to as bottom folding portions.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 23, the folding mechanism 1d includes a connecting member 100d, in which the second portion 20d is slidably connected to the base portion 12d via the connecting member 100d, and the extending direction of the connecting member 100d is parallel to the longitudinal direction L. In detail, the connecting member 100d in this embodiment is a pipe member, that is, a tube member including a first pipe portion 110d disposed on the base portion 12d and having a cavity 112d (see FIG. 24) formed therein, and a second pipe portion 120d connected to the second portion 20d and slidably disposed within the cavity 112d. Furthermore, because the first pipe portion 110d is fitted into the base portion 12d, the bottom of the baby carrier 2d can be kept flat, and the configuration of the connecting member 100d does not further increase the thickness of the base portion 12d. This arrangement has the effect of folding the baby carrier 2d after the bottom and side folds have pivoted and folded relative to the base 12d, and then the second section 20d slides into the cavity 112d by the second pipe section 120d and towards the base 12d. Preferably, the folding mechanism 1d further includes a pivot 16d, such as a hinge or prong, that assists in the rotation and folding of the side folds relative to the base 12d.

[0054] In addition to these effects, the folding mechanism 1d of this embodiment has a locking function that locks the first portion 10d and the second portion 20d in the unfolded state, and an unlocking function that releases the lock. Referring to Figures 24 to 26, Figure 24 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the baby carrier of Figure 21, Figure 25 is a schematic view of the internal components of the baby carrier of Figure 21, and Figure 26 is a schematic view of the external components of the baby carrier of Figure 25 after the connecting members have been folded. In detail, the folding mechanism 1d of this embodiment includes a drive member 300d, an operating member 400d, and a locking member 500d, wherein the drive member 300d is provided on the folding portion and drives the locking member 500d to lock or unlock the baby carrier 2d, and the operating member 400d is connected to the drive member 300d and protrudes or recesses relative to the surface of the side folding portion to facilitate a user's holding or gripping and thereby operating the drive member 300d. And, a locking member 500d is pivotally connected to the side fold and selectively clamped to the second portion 20d.

[0055] Specifically, the side folding portion is formed with a first accommodating space S1, a second accommodating space S2, and a sliding groove J, where the first accommodating space S1 is located at the center of the side folding portion, and two second accommodating spaces S2 are located on the left and right sides of the side folding portion, respectively, and the sliding groove J communicates with the first accommodating space S1 and the second accommodating space S2. Preferably, the extending direction of the sliding groove J is parallel to the longitudinal direction L, and the driving member 300d and the locking member 500d are respectively fitted into the sliding groove J and the second accommodating space S2 inside the side folding portion. 25 and 26 , the drive member 300d forms a position limiting groove 310d, and the locking member 500d includes an extension 510d and a bending portion 520d, where a position limiting feature 512d, such as a protruding point or a protruding post, is formed on the extension 510d, and the bending portion 520d is curved relative to the extension 510d, and the position limiting feature 512d is slidably provided on the position limiting portion 310d. Meanwhile, the second part 20d includes a locking portion 22d, such as a protruding point or a protruding post fixedly provided on the interior wall of the second part 20d. When the baby carrier 2d is in the unfolded state, the bending portion 520d is clamped to the locking portion 22d, and the second part 20d is pressed in the longitudinal direction L by the locking member 500d and the side folding portions to be fixed relative to the first part 10d.

[0056] Preferably, the handle 30d in this embodiment has a positioning portion 32d, which is, for example, a groove corresponding to the shape of one end of the drive member 300d. When the baby carrier 2d is in the unfolded state, a portion of the handle 30d, including the positioning portion 32d, passes through the first storage space S1, and one end of each of the left and right sides of the drive member 300d is clamped to one of the positioning portions 32d, completely locking the baby carrier 2d. When the user wants to release the locked state and fold the baby carrier 2d, the drive member 300d can slide along the slide groove J via the operating member 400d to the left and right sides of the side folding section, thereby separating the drive member 300d from the positioning portion 32d. Then, the handle 30d is pulled out of the side folding section, and both drive members 300d slide along the slide groove J toward the first storage space S1 until they abut against each other. At this time, the locking member 500d is driven by the position limiting portion 310d via the position limiting feature 512d, causing the bending portion 520d to rotate and enter the second accommodating space S2. Therefore, the bending portion 520d of the locking member 500d is no longer clamped by the locking portion 22d of the second part 20d, and the side folding portion becomes pivotable relative to the base portion 12d.

[0057] Preferably, the folding mechanism 1d further includes an elastic member 600d disposed between the side folding portion and the drive member 300d. When a user pulls the operating member 400d to extend the handle 30d, the elastic member 600d returns to its original position, automatically moving the locking member 500d away from the second portion 20d and releasing the clamp. This eliminates the need for the user to manually pull the drive member 300d. When the user reinserts the handle 30d into the first storage space S1, the abutting drive members 300d temporarily slide toward both sides of the side folding portion due to the elastic force of the elastic member 300d, and are automatically clamped to the positioning portion 32d.

[0058] 27 to 32 are schematic diagrams showing the step-by-step process of changing the baby carrier of FIG. 21 from the unfolded state to the folded state. First, as shown in FIG. 28, a user pulls the operating part inside the folding section 14d (side folding section), moving the drive member 300d to both sides of the side folding section and pulling the handle 30d away from the side folding section. When the user's hand is released, the drive member 300d is pushed by the elastic member 600d, driving the lock member 500d to rotate and enter the side folding section. At this time, the user can fold both side folding sections relative to the base section 12d, as shown in FIGS. 29 and 30. Then, as shown in FIG. 31, the bottom folding portion is folded against the base portion 12d to create space for the second portion 20d to slide, and then the second portion 20d is slid together with the second pipe portion 120d toward the center of the base portion 12d, resulting in the folded state shown in FIG. 32.

[0059] Compared with the prior art, the folding mechanism 1 of the present disclosure includes a first connecting member 100 and a second connecting member 200, which are pivotally connected to the first part 10 and the second part 20, respectively, and are selectively clamped to the locking part 510 by the position limiting part 310, thereby allowing the first part 10 to be folded relative to the second part 10. Furthermore, the extension direction of the connecting members 100a, 100b, 100c and 100d of the folding mechanisms 1a, 1b, 1c and 1d of the present disclosure is parallel to the longitudinal direction L of the first parts 10a, 10b, 10c and 10d and the second parts 20a, 20b, 20c and 20d, and therefore the second parts 20a, 20b, 20c and 20d can be pivoted, detached or slid and folded relative to the first parts 10a, 10b, 10c and 10d, respectively, and the volume occupied by any of the baby carriers 2a, 2b, 2c and 2d can be significantly reduced, improving usability.

[0060] This specification also discloses the following invention.

[0061] [1] A folding mechanism for a baby carrier, wherein the baby carrier includes a first portion (10d) and a second portion (20d), the first portion (10d) includes a base portion (12d) and a plurality of folding portions (14d), the plurality of folding portions (14d) are pivotally connected to the base portion (12d), the base portion (12d), at least one of the folding portions (14d), and the second portion (20d) are arranged sequentially in a vertical direction, the folding mechanism includes a connecting member (100d), the second portion (20d) is slidably connected to the base portion (12d) via the connecting member (100d), and the extension direction of the connecting member (100d) is parallel to the vertical direction.

[0062] [2] The folding mechanism described in [1], wherein the baby carrier further includes a handle (30d), the handle (30d) being connected to the two folding portions (14d) that are flush with the second portion (20d).

[0063] [3] The folding mechanism described in [1], wherein the connecting member (100d) is a pipe member and includes a first pipe portion (110d) arranged on the base portion (12d) and a second pipe portion (120d) connected to the second portion (20d).

[0064] [4] The folding mechanism according to [3], wherein the first pipe portion (110d) is fitted into the base portion (12d).

[0065] [5] The folding mechanism according to [1], further comprising a pivot (16d) that assists folding relative to the base portion (12d).

[0066] [6] The folding mechanism according to [1], wherein the folding mechanism includes a drive member (300d), an operating member (400d), and a locking member (500d), the drive member (300d) being provided on the folding portion (14d) and driving the locking member (500d) to lock or unlock the baby carrier, the operating member (400d) being connected to the drive member (300d), and the locking member (500d) being pivotally connected to the folding portion (14d) and selectively clamped to the second portion (20d).

[0067] [7] The folding mechanism described in [6], wherein the baby carrier further includes a handle (30d), and one of the plurality of folding sections (14d) is formed with a first storage space (S1), a second storage space (S2), and a slide groove (J), the second storage space (S2) is arranged on a side of one of the plurality of folding sections (14d), the slide groove (J) is in communication with the first storage space (S1) and the second storage space (S2), a portion of the handle (30d) passes through the first storage space (S1), the drive member (300d) is slidably arranged in the slide groove (J), and at least a portion of the lock member (500d) is housed in the second storage space (S2).

[0068] [8] The folding mechanism described in [7], wherein the extension direction of the slide groove (J) is parallel to the vertical direction.

[0069] [9] The folding mechanism described in [6], wherein the driving member (300d) and the locking member (500d) are embedded in one of the plurality of folding portions (14d).

[0070]

[10] A folding mechanism described in any one of [3] to [9], wherein a cavity (112d) is formed in the first pipe portion (110d), and the second pipe portion (120d) is slidably arranged in the cavity (112d).

[0071] Although the present disclosure has been described in relation to the above-mentioned preferred embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, but must encompass various modifications and equivalent combinations based on the essence of the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0072] Folding mechanism 1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d First connecting member 100 Connection members 100a, 100b, 100c, 100d Storage groove 110 Slide 110c First pipe section 110d Cavity 112d Position limiting hole 120 Fixed part 120c Second pipe section 120d Second connecting member 200 First position limiting member 200a Locking member 300 Second position limiting member 300a Drive member 300d Position restriction unit 310 Position limiting grooves 310c, 310d Camber surface 312 Through hole 320 Operating member 300c, 400, 400d Cover 400c Operation unit 410 Penetrating part 420 Positioning member 500 Locking member 500c, 500d Positioning section 510 Locking part 510c Extension part 510d Position restriction function 512d Position limiter 520c Bent part 520d Elastic member 600, 600c, 600d Position limiting member 700 1st Auxiliary Connector 800 Second Auxiliary Connector 900 Stopper 910 Baby Carrier 2, 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d First part 10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d Bottom plate 12a, 12b, 12c Base 12d Side walls 14a, 14b, 14c Folding section 14d End face 16b Pivot 16d Guidepost 18c Second part 20, 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d Bottom plate 22a, 22b, 22c Lock part 22d Side walls 24a, 24b, 24c End face 26b Handles 30, 30a, 30b, 30d Clamp part 32d Area A Receiving groove G Connection hole H Slide groove J Vertical direction L Lock hole P Slide rail R Storage space S First storage space S1 Second storage space S2 Through groove T

Claims

1. 1. A folding mechanism for a baby carrier, comprising: The baby carrier includes a first portion (10d) and a second portion (20d), The first portion (10d) includes a base portion (12d) and a plurality of folded portions (14d); a plurality of said folding portions (14d) pivotally connected to said base portion (12d); the base portion (12d), the at least one folding portion (14d), and the second portion (20d) are arranged sequentially in a longitudinal direction; the folding mechanism includes a connecting member (100d); the second portion (20d) is slidably connected to the base portion (12d) via the connecting member (100d); The extension direction of the connecting member (100d) is parallel to the longitudinal direction. A folding mechanism characterized by:

2. The baby carrier further includes a handle (30d), the handle (30d) being connected to the two folded portions (14d) that are flush with the second portion (20d). The folding mechanism of claim 1 .

3. The connecting member (100d) is a pipe member and includes a first pipe portion (110d) disposed on the base portion (12d) and a second pipe portion (120d) connected to the second portion (20d). The folding mechanism of claim 1 .

4. The first pipe portion (110d) is fitted into the base portion (12d). The folding mechanism of claim 3 .

5. The folding mechanism further includes a pivot (16d) that assists folding relative to the base portion (12d). The folding mechanism of claim 1 .

6. The folding mechanism includes a drive member (300d), an operating member (400d), and a locking member (500d), the driving member (300d) is provided in the folding portion (14d) and drives the locking member (500d) to lock or unlock the baby carrier; The operating member (400d) is connected to the driving member (300d), the locking member (500d) is pivotally connected to the folding portion (14d) and selectively clamped to the second portion (20d); The folding mechanism of claim 1 .

7. The baby carrier further includes a handle (30d); a first storage space (S1), a second storage space (S2), and a slide groove (J) are formed in one of the plurality of folding sections (14d), the second storage space (S2) is arranged on a side of one of the plurality of folding sections (14d), the slide groove (J) is in communication with the first storage space (S1) and the second storage space (S2), a portion of the handle (30d) passes through the first storage space (S1), the drive member (300d) is arranged slidably in the slide groove (J), and at least a portion of the lock member (500d) is accommodated in the second storage space (S2); 7. The folding mechanism of claim 6.

8. The extension direction of the slide groove (J) is parallel to the vertical direction.

8. The folding mechanism of claim 7.

9. The driving member (300d) and the locking member (500d) are embedded in one of the plurality of folding portions (14d).

7. The folding mechanism of claim 6.

10. A cavity (112d) is formed in the first pipe portion (110d), and the second pipe portion (120d) is slidably disposed in the cavity (112d). A folding mechanism according to any one of claims 3 to 9.

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