Single-power source lifting and folding mechanism and furniture

Abstract

This invention discloses a single-power source lifting and folding mechanism and furniture. The lifting and folding mechanism comprises a first lifting mechanism, a second lifting mechanism, a first flexible cable, and a drive unit. The first lifting mechanism comprises a first movable part and a first fixed part, with a first movable pulley and a second movable pulley rotatably mounted on the upper and lower parts of the first movable part, respectively. The second lifting mechanism comprises a second movable part and a second fixed part, with a third movable pulley rotatably mounted on the upper part of the second movable part. The other end of the first flexible cable is fixedly connected to the second fixed part, passing sequentially through the second movable pulley, the first movable pulley, and the third movable pulley. The drive unit is attached to the second fixed part and connected to the second movable part, the first crossbeam, or the top plate. In this invention, the cooperation between the flexible cable and the movable pulleys transmits tensile force and limits tension during the lifting process, so that synchronized lifting and lowering of all lifting mechanisms can be achieved with only one drive unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a single power source lifting and folding mechanism and furniture.

Background Art

[0002] A table commonly used in daily life consists of a tabletop and fixed legs. Since the height of the legs is fixed, the height of the entire tabletop is fixed and cannot be adjusted. However, as the usage environment and user needs change, the demand for the diversification, automation, and comfort of the table height is increasing.

[0003] In order to adjust the height of the table as needed, Chinese Utility Model Patent Publication No. CN204071049U discloses a lifting table, which is composed of a tabletop, a baffle, an upper hydraulic column, a lower hydraulic column, and a driving mechanism. The baffle is installed on one side of the upper surface of the tabletop. The upper hydraulic column and the lower hydraulic column form a support column together with the driving mechanism. Four support columns are installed at the four corners of the tabletop. During use, the driving mechanism is activated to raise the tabletop to a predetermined position. Since the aforementioned lifting table has four support columns, it is necessary to synchronize the lifting and lowering of these support columns. If the synchronization of the four support columns is misaligned, the tabletop may tilt or be unable to maintain a specific tilt angle. For example, when raising the tabletop, if one support column extends slowly, the tabletop attached to that support column will also rise slowly. Therefore, during adjustment, the tabletop of that support column may tilt downward, and the objects placed on it may slide off. If it is necessary to control the four support columns individually, it is difficult to synchronize them. In the existing technology, in order to lift and lower various parts of the tabletop simultaneously, a plurality of liftable support columns are required.

[0004] The lifting table disclosed in Chinese utility model patent publication number CN213992819U is equipped with at least two table legs, which are electrically operated, pneumatic, or hydraulic lifting columns. The optimal lifting column is that of model OKIN-DD06.301, however, if the table legs cannot be raised and lowered synchronously, the tabletop may also tilt or fail to maintain a specific tilt angle. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] The objective of the present invention is to provide a single-power-source lifting and folding mechanism to solve the technical defect in conventional furniture synchronous lifting mechanisms, which employ two drive structures, resulting in poor synchronization of the lifting and folding of parts on both sides of the lifting and folding mechanism and causing the furniture's top surface to tilt. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To solve the above problems, the present invention provides a single-power source lifting and folding mechanism comprising a first lifting mechanism, a second lifting mechanism, a first flexible cable, and a drive unit. The first lifting mechanism comprises a first movable part and a first fixed part, the first movable part being mounted on the first fixed part and forming a movable pair with the first fixed part, and a first movable pulley and a second movable pulley being mounted on the upper and lower parts of the first movable part, respectively. The second lifting mechanism comprises a second movable part and a second fixed part, the second movable part being slidably mounted on the second fixed part, and a third movable pulley being mounted on the upper part of the second movable part. One end of the first flexible cable is fixedly connected to the first fixed part, and the other end of the first flexible cable passes through the second movable pulley, the first movable pulley, and the third movable pulley before being fixedly connected to the second fixed part. The drive unit is mounted on the second fixed part and directly or indirectly supports the rotation axis of the third movable pulley, applying tension to the first flexible cable. The present invention has only one drive unit. When the drive unit drives the second movable part, or the first crossbeam connecting the first and second movable parts, or the side of the table connected to the first movable part supported by the present invention upward, the third movable pulley rises together with the second movable part, pulling the first movable part upward in sync, thereby causing the other side of the tabletop or the crossbeam to rise in sync as well. Thus, the present invention utilizes the arrangement of the movable pulley and the first flexible cable to transmit the pulling force via the first flexible cable, requiring only one drive unit to achieve synchronous lifting and lowering of the first and second lifting mechanisms. When lowering is required, as shown in Figure 21, if a sufficiently large external force F acts on one side near the second movable part 9, the second movable part 9 will descend, and at the same time the same side of the tabletop 13 will also descend. At this time, the first flexible cable does not transmit thrust, and the first movable part 5 overcomes the frictional resistance f between the first movable part 5 and the first fixed part body 6 through the resultant force G of its own weight and the partial weight of the top plate 13 and crossbeam 12 located to its side, thereby enabling the first movable part 5 to descend. Furthermore, the drive device 4 directly or indirectly supports the rotation axis of the third movable pulley 11 and constantly applies tension to the first flexible cable 3, thus acting as a traction force and limiting force, allowing the second movable part 9 and the first movable part 5 to descend in sync.By using this invention to adjust the height of furniture, it is possible to prevent the furniture's top surface from tilting, and even if the furniture's top surface itself has a specific inclination angle, that specific inclination angle can be maintained during height adjustment. Because this invention has only one drive mechanism, it has a simple structure, reliable operation, and low cost.

[0007] As a further improvement of the present invention, a third lifting mechanism and a second flexible cable are provided, the third lifting mechanism comprising a third movable part and a third fixed part, the third movable part being positioned on the third fixed part and slidable on the third movable part, a fourth movable pulley and a fifth movable pulley being positioned above and below the third movable part, respectively, a sixth movable pulley being installed above the first or second movable part, one end of the second flexible cable being fixedly connected to the third fixed part, the other end of the second flexible cable passing through the fifth, fourth, and sixth movable pulleys and then being fixedly connected to the first or second fixed part, and the second flexible cable being under tension. The present invention comprises a third lifting mechanism and a second flexible cable, and the first lifting mechanism, the second lifting mechanism and the third lifting mechanism move up and down synchronously in order to transmit traction force and position limiting action via the second flexible cable. When the present invention supports a larger tabletop, the number of support points for the tabletop increases, thereby improving the stability of the tabletop during use while maintaining the synchronized raising and lowering of each part of the tabletop.

[0008] As a further improvement to the present invention, a pulley mounting seat is provided on the upper part of the first movable part. This pulley mounting seat moves in sync with the movement of the first movable part, and both the first movable pulley and the fourth movable pulley are mounted on this pulley mounting seat. By providing this pulley mounting seat, the installation of the first movable pulley and the fourth movable pulley becomes easier, and mutual interference between the first movable pulley and the fourth movable pulley can be effectively prevented.

[0009] As a further improvement of the present invention, the present invention comprises one or more fourth lifting mechanisms and the same number of third flexible cables as the fourth lifting mechanisms, wherein the fourth lifting mechanism comprises a fourth movable part and a fourth fixed part, the fourth movable part is slidably positioned on the fourth fixed part, a seventh movable pulley and an eighth movable pulley are positioned on the upper part of the fourth movable part, a ninth movable pulley is provided on the upper part of the first movable part, the second movable part, or the third movable part, one end of the third flexible cable is fixedly connected to the fourth fixed part, the other end of the third flexible cable passes through the eighth movable pulley, the seventh movable pulley, and the ninth movable pulley and is then fixedly connected to the first fixed part, the second fixed part, or the third movable part, and since the third flexible cable is under tension, the fourth movable part moves up and down in synchronization with the first movable part, the second movable part, and the third movable part. The present invention provides one or more fourth lifting mechanisms, and transmits traction force and position limiting action via each third flexible cable, thereby raising and lowering the fourth movable part of each fourth lifting mechanism in synchronization with the first, second, and third movable parts without increasing the number of drive devices. The present invention supports the tabletop during use, strengthens the support to the tabletop, and further improves the stability of the tabletop.

[0010] As a further improvement to the present invention, both the first movable part and the first fixed part are tubular. The first fixed part is attached to the first movable part in a sleeve-like manner, and the first movable part is provided with a slide guide assembly that guides the sliding movement of the first movable part within the first fixed part. The present invention simplifies the sliding installation of the movable and fixed parts by using tubular movable and fixed parts. Furthermore, by providing a slide guide assembly, smoother sliding of the movable part relative to the fixed part is also possible.

[0011] As a further improvement of the present invention, the first fixed component comprises a first fixed component body and a first fixed rod. The first movable component is slidably mounted on the first fixed component body. The first fixed rod extends into the first movable component, and the upper end of the first fixed rod is higher than the second movable pulley. The end of the first flexible cable is fixedly connected to the upper part of the first fixed rod. In the present invention, by providing the first fixed rod that extends into the first movable component, the first flexible cable can be fixedly connected to the first fixed component within the first movable component, eliminating the need to provide a slot in the first movable component. This simplifies the assembly of the present invention.

[0012] As a further improvement of the present invention, the first fixing rod is made of a metal profile, rod, or tube. The present invention ensures the strength of the first fixing rod by using a metal profile such as channel steel, angle steel, or square steel, or a metal rod, thereby preventing deformation such as bending from occurring during use and reducing the synchronization of each component of the present invention.

[0013] As a further improvement of the present invention, the first and second lifting mechanisms are parallel and form a constant angle with the vertical. The present invention can be appropriately positioned according to the space in which it is installed when in use, and the tabletop supported by the structure of the present invention satisfies the spatial requirements.

[0014] As a further improvement to the present invention, the drive mechanism uses a gas spring. The pressure cylinder of the gas spring is attached to the second fixed component, and the piston rod of the gas spring is connected to the second movable component, the first crossbeam, or the top plate. Alternatively, the piston rod of the gas spring is connected to the second fixed component, and the pressure cylinder of the gas spring is connected to the second movable component, the first crossbeam, or the top plate. The extension and retraction of the gas spring piston rod drives the second movable component, the first crossbeam, or the top plate up and down. Because the present invention uses a gas spring to drive the entire lifting and lowering, not only is lifting and lowering control easier, but the installation of the drive mechanism is also easier, and the space occupied by the drive mechanism is reduced.

[0015] Another objective of the present invention is to provide furniture that overcomes the technical shortcomings of conventional furniture tabletops, namely, the drawback of poor synchronization of each support member during raising and lowering, which causes tilting.

[0016] To address this problem, the present invention provides furniture equipped with a single-power-source lifting and folding mechanism. The tabletop is fixedly connected to the top of the mechanism, and the height of the furniture's tabletop is adjusted by raising and lowering the mechanism. Due to the high synchronization of the lifting and folding mechanism, each component of the tabletop rises and falls in sync during use. The tabletop maintains a synchronized state at any position, preventing tilting. Even in the initial tilted state, the tabletop maintains the same tilt angle while rising and lowering.

[0017] As a further improvement to the present invention, one or more fixed pulleys are provided at the bottom of the tabletop, and the first flexible cable, second flexible cable, and third flexible cable pass around the fixed pulleys so that the first flexible cable, second flexible cable, and third flexible cable are completely positioned below the tabletop. This allows the raising and lowering of the furniture tabletop to be synchronized and prevents tilting. Furthermore, the present invention restricts the position of the first flexible cable, second flexible cable, and third flexible cable by appropriately positioning the fixed pulleys based on the shape of the furniture tabletop, so that no part of the first flexible cable, second flexible cable, or third flexible cable is positioned outside the tabletop. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] In summary, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: The present invention utilizes the cooperation of a flexible cable and a movable pulley to transmit traction force and limit position during the lifting process. Therefore, the present invention requires only one drive unit to achieve synchronous lifting of all lifting mechanisms and avoids the problem of tilting of the tabletop supported by the lifting device, which is caused by the difficulty of controlling the synchronous operation of multiple drive units. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0019] [Figure 1]Schematic diagram showing the displacement of the second movable pulley and the first flexible cable according to the present invention. [Figure 2] Schematic diagram showing the displacement of the first movable pulley and the first flexible cable according to the present invention. [Figure 3] Schematic diagram showing the displacement of the movable pulley group composed of the first and second movable pulleys and the first flexible cable according to the present invention. [Figure 4] Schematic diagram showing the displacement of the third movable pulley and the first flexible cable according to the present invention. [Figure 5] Schematic diagram (1) showing the connection between the movable pulley and the first flexible cable according to the present invention. [Figure 6] Schematic diagram showing the displacement of the first, second, and third movable pulleys according to the present invention. [Figure 7] Schematic diagram (2) showing the connection between the movable pulley and the first flexible cable according to the present invention. [Figure 8] Schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of Example 1. [Figure 9] Vertical sectional view of Example 1. [Figure 10] Schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the movable pulley and the first flexible cable according to Example 1. [Figure 11] Schematic diagram showing how the first flexible cable according to Example 1 is wound around the first and second movable pulleys. [Figure 12] Schematic diagram of the movable parts covered around the fixed parts in Example 1. [Figure 13] Perspective sectional view of the movable parts covered around the fixed parts in Example 1. [Figure 14] Perspective structure diagram of Example 2. [Figure 15] Schematic diagram showing how the movable pulley and the flexible cable are wound in Example 2. [Figure 16] Schematic diagram showing the structure of the pulley mounting seat, the first movable pulley, and the sixth movable pulley in Example 2. [Figure 17] Perspective structure diagram of Example 4. [Figure 18] This is a perspective view of the structure after raising the structure in Example 4. [Figure 19] This is a schematic diagram of the drive unit installed near the first lifting mechanism. [Figure 20] This is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the drive unit installed near the first lifting mechanism is tilted by force. [Figure 21] This is a schematic diagram of a drive mechanism connected to the second movable part to support the rotation axis of the third movable pulley. [Figure 22] This is a schematic diagram of a drive mechanism connected to the top plate to support the rotation axis of the third movable pulley. [Figure 23] This is a perspective view of the structure of Example 3. [Figure 24] This is a schematic diagram of the movable pulley and flexible cable winding in Example 3. [Figure 25] This is a schematic diagram of the fixed pulley and flexible cable winding in Example 6. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0020] Specific embodiments of the present invention will be further described below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0021] (Example 1) In the field of furniture, the raising and lowering of a furniture top is also called folding. As shown in Figures 8 to 11, this single-power lifting and folding mechanism comprises a first lifting mechanism 1, a second lifting mechanism 2, a first flexible cable 3, and a drive device 4. The first lifting mechanism 1 comprises a first movable part 5 and a first fixed part. In this embodiment, the first fixed part comprises a first fixed part body 6 and a first support plate 27. The lower end of the first fixed part body is fixedly connected to the first support plate 27. The first support plate 27 and the first fixed part body together form an inverted T shape. The first support plate 27 increases the contact area between the first lifting mechanism 1 and the ground, improving stability. The first movable part 5 is installed on the first fixed part body 6 and forms a movable pair with the first fixed part body 6. In this embodiment, both the first movable part 5 and the first fixed part body 6 are tubular. The cross-sectional shapes of the first movable part 5 and the first fixed part body 6 are identical, and may be regular shapes such as triangles, squares, or pentagons, or other irregular shapes. The first fixed part body 6 is mounted on the first movable part 5 in a sleeve-like manner, and the first movable part 5 is provided with a slide guide assembly 23 that guides the sliding of the first movable part 5 within the first fixed part body 6. The slide guide assembly 23 in this embodiment includes a fixed sleeve fixed to the first movable part 5 and a slide member rotatably mounted on the fixed sleeve. The slide member can be a ball, roller, wheel, etc. Through this slide member, the first movable part 5 can slide up and down relative to the first fixed part body 6. In this embodiment, the first movable pulley 7 and the second movable pulley 8 are rotatably mounted on the upper and lower parts of the first movable part 5 via a pivot axis. In this embodiment, it is optimal for the first movable pulley 7 and the second movable pulley 8 to be installed on the top and bottom of the first movable part 5, respectively.

[0022] The second lifting mechanism 2 in this embodiment comprises a second movable part 9 and a second fixed part. The second fixed part in this embodiment comprises a second fixed part body 10 and a second support plate 28. The lower end of the second fixed part body 10 is fixedly connected to the second support plate 28. The second support plate 28 and the second fixed part have an inverted T-shape. The second support plate 28 increases the contact area between the second lifting mechanism 2 and the ground when in use. The second movable part 9 is slidably mounted on the second fixed part body 10. In this embodiment, the shape and height of the second movable part 9 are the same as those of the first movable part 5. The shape and height of the second fixed part body 10 are the same as those of the first fixed part body 6. In this embodiment, a third movable pulley 11 is rotatably mounted on the upper part of the second movable part 9 via a pivot shaft. In this embodiment, the height of the third movable pulley 11 is equal to the height of the first movable pulley 7. In this embodiment, the third movable pulley 11 is optimally installed on the top of the second movable part 9. In this embodiment, the second movable part 9 is slidably installed on the second fixed part body 10 using a slide guide assembly 23.

[0023] In this embodiment, the first movable part 5 and the second movable part 9 are used to connect the first crossbeam 12 or the top plate 13 when in use. One end of the first flexible cable 3 is fixedly connected to the first fixed part located above the second movable pulley 8, for example by welding. The other end of the first flexible cable 3 wraps around below the second movable pulley 8, then around above the first movable pulley 7, and then horizontally around the third movable pulley 11 downwards, and is fixed to the second fixed part, for example by welding.

[0024] In this embodiment, the drive unit 4 is installed on the second support plate 28 of the second fixed component and connected to the second movable component 9 or the first crossbeam 12 or top plate 13. The drive unit 4 directly or indirectly supports the rotation axis of the third movable pulley 11 via the second movable component 9 or the first crossbeam 12 or top plate 13, and applies tension to the first flexible cable 3. The drive unit 4 drives the second movable component 9 or the side of the first crossbeam 12 or top plate 13 connected to the second movable component 9, or the second movable component 9 itself, up and down, drives the first flexible cable 3, transmits traction force and position limiting action to the first lifting mechanism 1, and drives the other side of the first crossbeam 12 or top plate 13 and the second movable component 9 to move up and down in synchronous motion. In this embodiment, the drive unit 4 preferably employs a gas spring, and the pressure cylinder 25 of the gas spring is installed on the second support plate 28 of the second fixed component. The piston rod 26 of the gas spring extends and retracts vertically. The end of the gas spring piston rod 26 is connected to the second movable part 9, the first crossbeam 12, or the top plate 13. The extension and retraction of the gas spring piston rod 26 is used to drive the second movable part 9, the first crossbeam 12, or the top plate 13 up and down. In this embodiment, the gas spring piston rod 26 is connected to the second support plate 28 of the second fixed part, and the gas spring pressure cylinder 25 is connected to the second movable part 9, the first crossbeam 12, or the top plate 13. The gas spring in this embodiment may also be a hydraulic cylinder, a pneumatic cylinder, an electric push rod, or a manually operated push rod.

[0025] The reason why the drive unit 4 in this embodiment needs to directly or indirectly support the rotation axis of the third movable pulley 11 and apply tension to the first flexible cable 3 can be analyzed as follows. As shown in Figure 19, if the drive unit 4 does not directly or indirectly support the rotation axis of the third movable pulley 11 and does not apply tension to the first flexible cable 3 within the support range of the second lifting mechanism 2, for example, if the drive unit 4 is located on the side of the second lifting mechanism 2 and close to the first lifting mechanism 1, an external force F will act on the side farther from the first lifting mechanism 1 beyond the support range of the second lifting mechanism 2 from the outside, and as shown in Figure 20, the side of the top plate 13 farther from the first lifting mechanism 1 will descend first, the entire top plate will become unstable, the balance will be disrupted, and the top plate will not be able to be raised and lowered synchronously. In this embodiment, the solution for the drive unit 4 to directly or indirectly support the rotation axis of the third movable pulley 11 and apply tension to the first flexible cable 3 is that the drive unit 4 is located within the support range of the second lifting mechanism 2. As shown in Figure 21, if the drive unit 4 is located inside the second lifting mechanism 2 and directly connected to the second movable part 9, this solution is the optimal solution for this embodiment. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 22, the drive unit 4 is located away from the first lifting mechanism 1 and the second lifting mechanism 2 and supports the top plate 13. In this case, after the drive unit 4 supports the rotation axis of the third movable pulley 11, the first flexible cable 3 is under tension. When the top plate 13 is pushed down, the drive unit 4 supports the rotation axis of the third movable pulley 11, and the first flexible cable 3 remains under tension.

[0026] The principle by which the gas spring enables synchronous lifting and lowering of the first lifting mechanism 1 and the second lifting mechanism 2 in this embodiment is as follows: When the gas spring drives the second movable part 9 or the first crossbeam 12 or the top plate 13 upward, the first flexible cable 3 transmits power, pulling up the first movable part 5 in equidistant and synchronous manner, thereby achieving synchronous upward lifting and lowering of the first lifting mechanism 1 and the second lifting mechanism 2. Also, when the second movable part 9 or the first crossbeam 12 or the top plate 13 descends (for example, pushing the first crossbeam 12 or the top plate 13 downwards), the first flexible cable 3 transmits a position-limiting effect to the first movable pulley 7 and the second movable pulley 8, driving the first crossbeam 12 or the top plate 13 and the first movable part 5 to descend in synchronous manner, thereby achieving synchronous downward movement of the first lifting mechanism 1 and the second lifting mechanism 2.

[0027] In this embodiment, the first flexible cable 3 can be a rubber belt, rope, steel wire, steel belt, fiber belt, fiber filament, chain, etc. The corresponding first movable pulley 7, second movable pulley 8, and third movable pulley 11 can be pulleys, sprockets, etc. that fit the first flexible cable 3.

[0028] The principle of the coordinated operation of the first flexible cable 3, the first movable pulley 7, the second movable pulley 8, and the third movable pulley 11 in this embodiment is as follows. As is well known, a pulley whose shaft moves in conjunction with the pulled object is called a movable pulley. In this embodiment, both the first movable pulley 7 and the second movable pulley 8 are attached to the first movable component 5. Therefore, as the first movable component 5 moves up and down, their shafts also move up and down. Thus, in this embodiment, both the first movable pulley 7 and the second movable pulley 8 are movable pulleys. The third movable pulley 11 is attached to the second movable component 9. The second movable component 9 also moves up and down when in use. Thus, in this embodiment, the third movable pulley 11 is also a movable pulley.

[0029] Under normal circumstances, multiple movable pulleys cannot effectively form a fully functional, independent group of pulleys without the involvement of a fixed pulley. However, in this invention, the first movable part 5 and the second movable part 9 slide against the first fixed part body 6 and the second fixed part body 10, respectively, thus forming an independent group of movable pulleys in this invention that functions fully. In a typical single-acting pulley parallel double rope system, the elongation distance LE1 of the free end LF of the flexible cable is twice the travel distance LD1 of the movable pulley. In this invention, by utilizing the relative sliding of the connection between the first movable part 5 and the first fixed part body 6, the elongation distance LE3 of the free end LF of the flexible cable connected to a rigidly connected movable pulley combination (i.e., the first movable pulley 7, the second movable pulley 8, and the first movable part 5) is the same as the travel distance LD3 of the movable pulleys in the rigidly connected movable pulley combination (i.e., the first movable pulley 7, the second movable pulley 8). Simultaneously, in the movable pulley system connecting the second movable part 9 and the second fixed part body 10, the retraction distance RE1 of the free end RF of the first flexible cable 3 is the same length as the travel distance RD1 of the movable pulley group. The free ends LF and RF of the first flexible cable 3 connecting the first lifting mechanism 1 and the second lifting mechanism 2 are in a state where one is extended and the other is retracted, and the extension and retraction amounts of the first lifting mechanism 1 and the second lifting mechanism 2 are exactly equal. Therefore, when the free ends LF and RF of the flexible cable are superimposed and connected, a single movable pulley group consisting of the first movable pulley 7, the second movable pulley 8, and the third movable pulley 11 is formed. This single movable pulley group, the first flexible cable, and the combination of the two parallel first lifting mechanisms 1 and 2, the first crossbeam 12 or table 13, and the drive unit 4 solves the problem of synchronous lifting and folding of the lifting and folding mechanism.

[0030] As shown in Figure 1, the first movable part 5 is moving upward, and only the second movable pulley 8 is attached to its lower end. The first flexible cables 3 on both sides of the single second movable pulley 8 are parallel to each other and parallel to the sliding direction of the first movable part 5. The free end LF of the first flexible cable 3 extends and moves, and its displacement LE1 is twice the displacement LD1 of the second movable pulley 8, and the direction is the same. That is, LE1 = 2 * LD1.

[0031] As shown in Figure 2, the first movable part 5 has a first movable pulley 7 attached only to its upper end. The first flexible cables 3 on both sides of this single first movable pulley 7 are not parallel to each other, and only one side of the first flexible cable 3 is parallel to the direction of movement of the first movable part 5. The other free end LF of the first flexible cable 3 slides at an angle BL with respect to the horizontal plane. The free end LF of the first flexible cable 3 contracts and moves in the direction of the first movable pulley 7, and its contraction displacement LE2 is equal to the upward displacement LD2 of the first movable pulley 7. As the first movable pulley 7 moves upward and the free end LF of the first flexible cable 3 contracts, LE2 = -LD2.

[0032] As shown in Figure 3, the first movable pulley 7 and the second movable pulley 8 are combined with the first movable component 5 and the first flexible cable 3. The first movable component 5, the first movable pulley 7, and the second movable pulley 8 are provided at the upper and lower ends of the first movable part 5, respectively, forming a group of movable pulleys fixedly connected parallel to the sliding direction of the first movable part 5. At this time, the displacement of the first flexible cable 3 is LE3, and the upward displacement of the group of movable pulleys consisting of the first movable pulley 7, the second movable pulley 8, and the first movable component 5 is LD3. At this point, LE3 = LE1 + LE2. Since LE1 = 2 * LD1 and LE2 = -LD2, LE3 = 2 * LD1 + (-LD2).

[0033] Furthermore, if the motion trajectories of the first movable part 5 in Figures 1, 2, and 3 are the same, then the displacement of the second movable pulley 8 will also be the same. That is, LD1 = LD2 = LD3. LE3 = 2 * LD3 + (-LD3), and therefore LE3 = LD3.

[0034] Therefore, the displacement LE3 of the free end LF of the first flexible cable 3 in this fixed-connected movable pulley group is the same as the displacement LD3 of the movable pulley in the fixed-connected movable pulley group.

[0035] As shown in Figure 4, the second movable part 9 moves upward with only one third movable pulley 11 attached to its upper part. The first flexible cables 3 on both sides of the single third movable pulley 11 are non-parallel, and only one first flexible cable 3 is parallel to the sliding direction of the second movable part 9. The free end of the other first flexible cable 3 slides at an angle BR with respect to the horizontal plane. At this time, the free end RF of the first flexible cable 3 contracts, and the displacement RE1 due to this contraction is equal to the displacement RD1 of the third movable pulley 11. As the third movable pulley 11 moves upward and the first flexible cable 3 contracts, the following equation holds: RE1 = -RD1

[0036] When the free ends LF and RF of the first flexible cable 3 are superimposed and connected, and tension is applied to the first flexible cable 3, the following equation holds: When LE3 + RE1 = 0, then LD3 + (-RD1) = 0, and therefore LD3 = RD1. Consequently, the displacements of the first movable part 5 and the second movable part 9 are equal in magnitude and direction.

[0037] As shown in Figures 5, 6, and 7, the free ends LF and RF of the first flexible cable 3 are superimposed and connected, and tension is applied to the first flexible cable 3. At this time, the first movable pulley 7 and the second movable pulley 8 on the first movable component 5 constitute an integrated movable pulley group, and the third movable pulley 11 on the second movable component 9 is integrated into the integrated movable pulley group. That is, the first movable pulley 7, the second movable pulley 8, and the third movable pulley 11 become a large integrated movable pulley group. At this time, the first movable member 5 is connected to the second movable member 9 using only the first crossbeam 12 or panel 13, forming a synchronous lifting frame. The first movable member 5 slides against the first fixed member body 6, and the second movable member 9 slides against the second fixed member body 10. One end of the first flexible cable 3 is fixed to the first fixed member and connected to the first movable pulley 7 and the second movable pulley 8 on the first movable member 5. After being connected to the third movable pulley 11 on the second movable member 9, it is fixed to the second fixed member body 10. A single drive unit 4 is supported and rigidly fixed to the synchronous lifting frame and the second fixed member. The drive unit 4 drives the first movable member 5 with a displacement value E1 equal to the displacement value E2 of the second movable member 9, and the displacement direction is also the same, thus forming a synchronous lifting and folding mechanism that can be raised and lowered synchronously.

[0038] As shown in Figures 12 and 13, in this embodiment, the first movable part 5 is fitted in a sleeve-like manner to the first fixed part body 6, and the two are slidable relative to each other, and the second movable part 9 is fitted in a sleeve-like manner to the second fixed part body 10, and the two are slidable relative to each other. In this structural configuration, the structures of the first movable part 5 and the second movable part 9 are identical. In this embodiment, the first movable part 5 will be described as an example. The first movable part 5 comprises an inner movable part body 5-1 and an outer movable part body 5-2. The inner movable part body 5-1 extends from the upper part of the first fixed part body 6 into the first fixed part body 6, and the outer movable part body 5-2 is attached to the outside of the first fixed part body 6 in a sleeve-like manner. The first movable pulley 7 and the second movable pulley 8 are each installed on the inner movable component body 5-1. The rotation axis of the first movable pulley 7 passes through the inner movable component body 5-1 and is connected to the outer movable component body 5-2, while the rotation axis of the second movable pulley 8 is connected only to the inner movable component body 5-1 and does not come into contact with the first fixed component body 6. In this embodiment, the inner movable component body 5-1 is preferably made of channel steel.

[0039] (Example 2) This embodiment is a further improvement based on Embodiment 1. Compared to Embodiment 1, this embodiment further includes a third lifting mechanism 14 and a second flexible cable 15, as shown in Figures 14-16. The third lifting mechanism 14 includes a third movable part 16 and a third fixed part. The third fixed part in this embodiment includes a third fixed part body 17 and a third support plate. The lower end of the third fixed part body 17 is fixedly connected to the third support plate and has an inverted T-shape. The third movable part 16 is mounted on the third fixed part body 17 and is slidable on the third movable part 16. In this embodiment, the shape and height of the third movable part 16 are the same as those of the second movable part 9, and the shape and height of the third fixed part body 17 are the same as those of the second fixed part body 10. The third movable part 16 is also slidably attached to the third fixed part body 17 using a slide guide assembly 23. In this embodiment, a fourth movable pulley 18 and a fifth movable pulley 19 are rotatably provided on the upper and lower parts of the third movable part 16, respectively. In this embodiment, the fourth movable pulley 18 and the fifth movable pulley 19 are optimally positioned at the upper and lower ends of the third movable part 16, respectively, and the sixth movable pulley 20 is rotatably mounted on the upper part of either the first movable part 5 or the second movable part 9. When in use, the upper end of the third movable part 16 is connected to the top plate 13, or the first movable part 5 or the second movable part 9 is connected to the second cross beam 21. One end of the second flexible cable 15 is fixedly connected to the third fixed component above the fifth movable pulley 19, and the other end of the second flexible cable 15 passes through the fifth movable pulley 19, the fourth movable pulley 18, and the sixth movable pulley 20 in order before being fixedly connected to the first fixed component or the second fixed component. The second flexible cable 15 is under tension, and the third movable member 16 rises and falls in synchronization with the first movable member 5 and the second movable member 9. In this embodiment, the first movable component 5, the first fixed component body 6, the second movable component 9, the second fixed component body 10, the third movable component 16, and the third fixed component body 17 all have a cylindrical structure with a triangular cross-section.

[0040] The best configuration of this embodiment is to rotatably mount the sixth movable pulley 20 to the upper part of the first movable component 5. In this embodiment, a pulley mounting seat 22 is provided on the upper part of the first movable component 5 to facilitate the mounting of the sixth movable pulley 20 and the first movable pulley 7 to the first movable component 5. The pulley mounting seat 22 moves in synchronization with the movement of the first movable component 5. Both the first movable pulley 7 and the sixth movable pulley 20 are rotatably mounted to the pulley mounting seat 22 using a pivot axis. Similarly, the second movable pulley 8, the third movable pulley 11, the fourth movable pulley 18, and the fifth movable pulley 19 of this embodiment are each mounted using their corresponding pulley mounting seats.

[0041] In this embodiment, when the first movable part 5 rises, the second flexible cable 15 pulls up the third movable part 16 on the third fixed part body 17 by the same distance as the rise of the first movable part 5, causing the first movable part 5, the second movable part 9, and the third movable part 16 to descend synchronously. When the first movable part 5 descends, the second flexible cable 15 transmits traction force and position limiting action to the fourth movable pulley 18 and the fifth movable pulley 19, causing the second crossbeam 21 or top plate 13 and the third movable part 16 to descend synchronously, thereby achieving synchronous descent of the first lifting mechanism 1, the second lifting mechanism 2, and the third lifting mechanism 14.

[0042] In this embodiment, the first lifting mechanism 1, the second lifting mechanism 2, and the third lifting mechanism 14 can be arranged in a linear or triangular configuration. The configuration of the other parts of this embodiment is the same as in Embodiment 1. See Embodiment 1 for details. In this embodiment, redundant explanations are omitted.

[0043] (Example 3) This embodiment is a further improvement based on Embodiment 2. Compared to Embodiment 2, this embodiment further includes one or more fourth lifting mechanisms 30 and the same number of third flexible cables 31 as the fourth lifting mechanisms. The fourth lifting mechanism includes a fourth movable part 32 and a fourth fixed part body 33. As shown in Figure 23, the fourth fixed part in this embodiment includes a fourth fixed part body 33 and a fourth support plate. The lower end of the fourth fixed part body is fixedly connected to the fourth support plate in an inverted T-shape. The fourth movable part 32 is slidably positioned on the fourth fixed part body 33. A seventh movable pulley 34 is rotatably positioned on the upper part of the fourth movable part, and an eighth movable pulley 35 is rotatably positioned on the lower part. As shown in Figure 24, a ninth movable pulley 36 is rotatably mounted on the upper part of the first movable part 5, the second movable part 9, or the third movable part 16. When in use, the upper part of the fourth movable component is connected to the top plate 13, or the first movable component 5, the second movable component 9, or the third movable component 16 is connected using the third crossbeam 37. One end of the third flexible cable is fixedly connected to the fourth fixed component located above the eighth movable pulley, and the other end of the third flexible cable passes through the eighth movable pulley, the seventh movable pulley, and the ninth movable pulley in order before being fixedly connected to the first fixed component, the second fixed component, or the third fixed component. The third flexible cable is under tension, which causes the fourth movable component to move up and down in sync with the first movable component 5, the second movable component 9, and the third movable component 16. The structure of the fourth lifting mechanism in this embodiment is the same as the structure of the first lifting mechanism 1.

[0044] In this embodiment, the number of fourth lifting mechanisms can be one or more. When there is one fourth lifting mechanism, the end of the third flexible cable furthest from the fourth lifting mechanism can be fixedly connected to either the first, second, or third fixing component. When there are two or more fourth lifting mechanisms, one end of one third flexible cable is fixedly connected to the fourth fixing component, and the other end is fixedly connected to the first, second, or third fixing component. The remaining end of the third flexible cable is fixedly connected to the fourth fixing component, and the other end can be fixedly connected to the first, second, or third fixing component, as well as to the aforementioned fourth fixing component. The fourth flexible cable transmits traction force and position limiting action, thereby causing all fourth lifting mechanisms to move up and down in sync with the first lifting mechanism 1, the second lifting mechanism 2, and the third lifting mechanism 14. In this embodiment, the first lifting mechanism 1, the second lifting mechanism 2, the third lifting mechanism 14, and the fourth lifting mechanism can be arranged in a straight line, triangle, polygon, or other irregular shape. In this embodiment, an appropriate number of fourth lifting mechanisms can be provided depending on the size of the supporting top plate 13, and the arrangement of the first lifting mechanism 1, the second lifting mechanism 2, the third lifting mechanism 14, and the fourth lifting mechanism can be determined depending on the shape of the supporting top plate 13. Other configurations of this embodiment are the same as in Embodiment 2, and details can be found in Embodiment 2; therefore, a detailed description is omitted in this embodiment.

[0045] (Example 4) This embodiment is a further improvement based on Example 3. Compared to Example 3, in this embodiment, the first lifting mechanism 1, the second lifting mechanism 2, the third lifting mechanism 14, and the fourth lifting mechanism are all parallel and have an angle with respect to the vertical, as shown in Figures 17 and 18. The remaining configuration of this embodiment is the same as that of Embodiment 3. For details, please refer to Embodiment 3. They will not be described in detail in this embodiment.

[0046] (Example 5) The solution of this embodiment is a piece of furniture equipped with a single-power source lifting and folding mechanism of any of Examples 1 to 4. The top plate 13 of the furniture is fixedly connected to the top of the single-power source lifting and folding mechanism. The height of the top plate 13 of the furniture is adjusted by the lifting and lowering operation of the single-power source lifting and folding mechanism. The furniture of this embodiment is a table, and the top plate 13 is the tabletop. The horizontal shape of the top plate 13 of this embodiment can be an outwardly protruding shape such as a triangle, square, other polygons, circle, ellipse, L-shape, or a slightly inwardly recessed shape such as a plum blossom shape. The legs of the lifting mechanism furniture are arranged to match the shape of the top plate 13, and the first flexible cable 3, the second flexible cable 15, and the third flexible cable are all located below the top plate 13.

[0047] (Example 6) This embodiment provides furniture equipped with a single-power source lifting and folding mechanism of Embodiment 5. This furniture comprises a third lifting mechanism 14 and at least one fourth lifting mechanism. In this embodiment, a table will be used as an example. The tabletop 13 has an irregular shape with significantly recessed edges, such as a U-shaped tabletop. The tabletop 13 is fixedly connected to the top of the single-power source lifting and folding mechanism. The lifting and lowering operation of the single-power source lifting and folding mechanism is used to adjust the height of the tabletop 13. As shown in Figure 25, one or more fixed pulleys 38 are provided at the bottom of the tabletop 13. The first flexible cable 3 and / or the second flexible cable 15 and / or the third flexible cable are routed around these fixed pulleys. This ensures that the first flexible cable 3 and / or the second flexible cable 15 and / or the third flexible cable are all located below the tabletop 13.

[0048] Any aspects not specifically described in the above description are based on or can be implemented using the prior art. Furthermore, the specific embodiments described herein are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. In other words, all equivalent changes and modifications made in accordance with the claims of the present invention should be understood to fall within the technical scope of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0049] 1. First lifting mechanism; 2. Second lifting mechanism; 3. First flexible cable; 4. Drive unit; 5. First movable part; 5-1. Inner movable part body; 5-2. Outer movable part body; 6. First fixed part body; 7. First movable pulley; 8. Second movable pulley; 9. Second movable part; 10. Second fixed part body; 11. Third movable pulley; 12. First crossbeam; 13. Top plate; 14. Third lifting mechanism; 15. Second flexible cable; 16. Third movable part; 17. Third fixed Component body; 18. 4th movable pulley; 19. 5th movable pulley; 20. 6th movable pulley; 21. 2nd crossbeam; 22. Pulley mounting base; 23. Slide guide assembly; 27. 1st support plate; 28. 2nd support plate; 29. ​​3rd fixed rod; 30. 4th lifting mechanism; 31. 3rd flexible cable; 32. 4th movable part; 33. 4th fixed part body; 34. 7th movable pulley; 35. 8th movable pulley; 36. 9th movable pulley; 37. 3rd crossbeam; 38. Fixed pulley.

Claims

1. A single-power source lifting and folding mechanism comprising a first lifting mechanism (1), a second lifting mechanism (2), a first flexible cable (3), and a drive unit (4), The first lifting mechanism (1) comprises a first movable part (5) and a first fixed part, the first movable part (5) being installed on the first fixed part and forming a movable pair with the first fixed part, and a first movable pulley (7) and a second movable pulley (8) being installed on the upper and lower parts of the first movable part (5), respectively. The second lifting mechanism (2) comprises a second movable part (9) and a second fixed part, the second movable part (9) being slidably mounted on the second fixed part, a third movable pulley (11) being mounted on the upper part of the second movable part (9), one end of the first flexible cable (3) being fixedly connected to the first fixed part, and the other end of the first flexible cable (3) passing around the second movable pulley (8), the first movable pulley (7), and the third movable pulley (11) and being fixedly connected to the second fixed part. The drive unit (4) is installed on the second fixed component, and the drive unit (4) directly or indirectly supports the rotation axis of the third movable pulley (11) and applies tension to the first flexible cable (3). A single-power source lifting and folding mechanism characterized by the following:

2. Furthermore, it includes a third lifting mechanism (14) and a second flexible cable (15), The third lifting mechanism (14) comprises a third movable part (16) and a third fixed part, the third movable part (16) being mounted on the third fixed part and slidable on the third movable part (16), and a fourth movable pulley (18) and a fifth movable pulley (19) being installed on the upper and lower parts of the third movable part (16), respectively. A sixth movable pulley (20) is rotatably mounted on the upper part of the first movable part (5) or the second movable part (9), one end of the second flexible cable (15) is fixedly connected to the third fixed part, and the other end of the second flexible cable (15) passes around the fifth movable pulley (19), the fourth movable pulley (18), and the sixth movable pulley (20), and is fixedly connected to the first fixed part or the second fixed part, and the second flexible cable (15) is under tension. The single-power source lifting and folding mechanism according to feature 1.

3. The single-power source lifting and folding mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that a pulley mounting base (22) is installed on the upper part of the first movable part (5), the pulley mounting base (22) moves in synchronization with the movement of the first movable part (5), and both the first movable pulley (7) and the sixth movable pulley (20) are installed on the pulley mounting base (22).

4. Furthermore, it includes one or more fourth lifting mechanisms and the same number of third flexible cables as the fourth lifting mechanisms, The fourth lifting mechanism comprises a fourth movable part and a fourth fixed part, the fourth movable part being slidably mounted on the fourth fixed part, a seventh movable pulley and an eighth movable pulley being rotatably mounted on the upper and lower parts of the fourth movable part, and a ninth movable pulley being rotatably mounted on the upper part of the first movable part (5), the second movable part (9), or the third movable part (16). The single-power source lifting and folding mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that one end of the third flexible cable is fixedly connected to the fourth fixed component, the other end of the third flexible cable passes around the eighth movable pulley, the seventh movable pulley and the ninth movable pulley and is fixedly connected to the first fixed component, the second fixed component or the third fixed component, the third flexible cable is under tension, and the fourth movable component moves up and down in synchronization with the first movable component (5), the second movable component (9) and the third movable component (16).

5. The single-power source lifting and folding mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that both the first movable part (5) and the first fixed part are tubular, the first fixed part is attached to the first movable part (5) in a sleeve-like manner, and the first movable part (5) is provided with a slide guide assembly (23) for guiding the sliding of the first movable part (5) within the first fixed part.

6. The single-power source lifting and folding mechanism according to claim 5, characterized in that the first fixed component includes a first fixed component body and a first fixed rod (24), the first movable component (5) is slidably mounted on the first fixed component body, the first fixed rod (24) extends into the first movable component (5), the upper end of the first fixed rod (24) is higher than the second movable pulley (8), and the end of the first flexible cable (3) is fixedly connected to the upper part of the first fixed rod (24).

7. The single-power source lifting and folding mechanism according to claim 6, characterized in that the first fixed rod (24) is formed of a metal profile, rod, or pipe.

8. The single-power source lifting and folding mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that the first lifting mechanism (1) and the second lifting mechanism (2) are parallel and have an angle with respect to the vertical direction.

9. A piece of furniture comprising a single-power source lifting and folding mechanism as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the top plate (13) of the furniture is fixedly connected to the upper part of the single-power source lifting and folding mechanism, and the height of the top plate (13) of the furniture is adjusted by raising and lowering the single-power source lifting and folding mechanism.

10. The furniture according to claim 9, characterized in that one or more fixed pulleys are provided at the bottom of the top plate (13), the first flexible cable (3) and / or the second flexible cable (15) and / or the third flexible cable pass around the fixed pulleys, and the first flexible cable (3) and / or the second flexible cable (15) and / or the third flexible cable are all located below the top plate (13).

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