Slim push-pull type lower hub

Abstract

In the field of everyday umbrella technology, we provide a slim push-pull type lower hub. [Solution] The lower hub comprises a lower hub body 1 and an outer sleeve 2. A through hole 11 for inserting a central shaft is provided in the center of the lower hub body, and a ring hub portion 12 for connecting umbrella ribs is provided on the outside of the lower hub body. The outer sleeve is fitted onto the lower hub body and is located below the ring hub portion. A locking mechanism 3 is provided on the lower hub body, and when the lower hub body is pushed and pulled axially along the outer sleeve, the locking mechanism can lock or unlock the lower hub body within the outer sleeve. A stroke feedback structure 4 is provided between the lower hub body and the outer sleeve to limit the stroke of the lower hub body. This solution, through integrated design, compactly fits the lower hub body and outer sleeve, reducing overall volume and weight, making it applicable to portable umbrellas. Furthermore, users can complete locking and unlocking with just two simple "push" and "pull" actions, eliminating the need for complex procedures and providing a superior user experience.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the technical field of daily umbrellas, and particularly to a slender push-pull type lower hub.

Background Art

[0002] The lower hub of a conventional rain-and-sun umbrella is an integral part. After the umbrella is folded, the lower hub and the umbrella ribs connected thereto stop at the middle and lower positions of the umbrella rod. Therefore, the folded umbrella is still long and inconvenient to carry, especially not suitable for being placed in a narrow backpack, handbag or the storage box of a car. Such a "not slenderized" structure has become the main bottleneck in improving the portability of umbrellas.

[0003] To solve this problem, separable or foldable lower hub designs have emerged in the market. However, these designs have the following defects: 1. Complex structure: The number of parts increases, making assembly difficult and costly. 2. Complicated operation: Users can only achieve the "slenderization" lock through multiple procedures or special techniques, resulting in a poor experience. 3. No clear feedback: Users cannot clearly perceive whether the lock is successful and always need to repeatedly confirm.

[0004] Therefore, there is a strong demand in the market for a lower hub structure with a simple structure, intuitive operation, reliable locking, and the ability to achieve a true "slenderization" effect.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to propose a slender push-pull type lower hub to solve the drawbacks existing in the prior art.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above problems, this invention adopts the following technical means: The slender push-pull type lower hub comprises a lower hub body and an outer sleeve. The lower hub body has a through hole in its center for inserting a central rod, and a ring hub section for connecting umbrella ribs is provided on the outside of the lower hub body. The outer sleeve is fitted onto the lower hub body and is located below the ring hub section.

[0007] The lower hub body is provided with a locking mechanism, which allows the lower hub body to be locked or unlocked within the outer sleeve when the lower hub body is pushed and pulled axially along the outer sleeve.

[0008] A stroke feedback structure is provided between the lower hub body and the outer sleeve to limit the stroke of the lower hub body.

[0009] Further description of the above technical means: The locking mechanism comprises two engaging strips symmetrically provided on the outer wall of the lower hub body, the lower ends of the engaging strips being integrally molded and connected to the lower hub body, the upper ends of the engaging strips extending toward the ring hub portion, and the outer side of the upper end of the engaging strips being provided with an outward-convex engaging portion integrally molded with the engaging strips.

[0010] When the lower hub body is not locked, the engaging portion is located above the upper end surface of the outer sleeve; when the lower hub body moves downward and is locked, the engaging strip deforms and the engaging portion moves downward and is pushed into the outer sleeve.

[0011] Further description of the above technical means: A housing groove is provided in the inner wall of the outer sleeve to accommodate an engagement strip, the housing groove extends along the axial direction of the outer sleeve, and the engagement strip is located within the housing groove when the lower hub body is assembled inside the outer sleeve.

[0012] Further description of the above technical means: A relief hole is provided in the outer wall of the lower hub body, corresponding to the upper middle end position of the engagement strip.

[0013] Further description of the above technical means: The stroke feedback structure includes a guide rib provided on the outer wall of the lower hub body and extending in the axial direction, a guide groove provided on the inner wall of the outer sleeve corresponding to the guide rib, a recessed groove provided on the surface of the guide rib, the recessed groove gradually deepens from top to bottom and transitions smoothly, and the recessed groove forms a stopper protrusion at the lower end of the guide rib.

[0014] Within the guide groove, an internal protrusion is provided corresponding to the recessed groove, and this internal protrusion is aligned with the deepest part of the bottom of the recessed groove.

[0015] When the aforementioned protrusion moves to the bottom of the groove and contacts the stopper protrusion, the lower hub body is in an unlocked state.

[0016] A small protrusion is provided near the middle of the groove, and the lower hub body is locked when the inner protrusion is engaged with the small protrusion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] Compared to conventional technology, the advantages of this invention are as follows: 1. This solution utilizes an integrated design to compactly fit the lower hub body and outer sleeve, reducing overall volume and weight, making it suitable for portable umbrellas. Furthermore, users can lock and unlock the umbrella with just two simple actions: "push" and "pull," eliminating the need for complex procedures and providing a superior user experience.

[0018] 2. The locking mechanism's engagement strip is integrally molded with the lower hub body, resulting in high structural strength, a rational deformation design, and long-term durability. The stroke feedback structure, through the cooperation of guide ribs, grooves, and protrusions, limits the range of movement of the lower hub body, preventing damage to the umbrella ribs due to excessive movement.

[0019] 3. In the stroke feedback structure of this solution, when the inner convex part and the micro convex part engage, a clear feedback of the locking position is provided. After locking, the ring hub part descends and contacts the top of the outer sleeve, forming a compact integrated structure in appearance, and the user can grasp the state change by visually confirming or tactilely perceiving it.

[0020] 4. In this solution, through the cooperation of the guide rib and the guide groove (or the engaging strip and the accommodating groove), it is ensured that the lower hub body always performs linear motion, without occurrence of deflection or jamming, and the operation is stable and reliable.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021] [Figure 1] Structural schematic diagram of the present invention; [Figure 2] Stereo diagram of the lower hub body of the present invention; [Figure 3] Structural schematic diagram of the stroke feedback structure of the present invention; [Figure 4] Structural schematic diagram of the locking mechanism of the present invention; [Figure 5] Structural schematic diagram of applying the push-pull type lower hub of the present invention to an umbrella; [Figure 6] Position schematic diagram of the stopper convex part when the lower hub body of the present invention is in the unlocked state; [Figure 7] Position schematic diagram of the stopper convex part when the lower hub body of the present invention is in the locked state; [Figure 8] Position schematic diagram of the engaging part when the lower hub body of the present invention is in the unlocked state.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0022] 1. Lower hub body; 11. Through hole; 12. Ring hub part; 13. Relief hole; 2. Outer sleeve; 21. Accommodating groove; 3. Locking mechanism; 31. Engaging strip; 32. Engaging part; 4. Stroke feedback structure; 41. Guide rib; 42. Guide groove; 43. Concave groove; 44. Inner convex part; 45. Stopper convex part; 46. Micro convex part.

Embodiments for Carrying out the Invention

[0023] The following describes the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention clearly and completely, with accompanying drawings. Clearly, the embodiments described are only a subset of the present invention, not all embodiments. All other embodiments that a person skilled in the art could obtain based on the embodiments of the present invention, without any creative work, are all within the scope of the protection of the present invention.

[0024] Referring to Figures 1-8, the slim push-pull type lower hub mainly consists of a lower hub body 1 and an outer sleeve 2 fitted to its outside. The lower hub body 1 has a cylindrical structure with a through hole 11 in its center, which is used to insert the central shaft of the umbrella. A ring hub portion 12 is provided on the outside of the lower hub body 1, and this ring hub portion 12 has multiple connecting points, which are used to hinge-connect the umbrella ribs. The outer sleeve 2 has a cylindrical structure, is fitted to the outside of the lower hub body 1, and is located below the ring hub portion 12. The inner diameter of the outer sleeve 2 matches the outer diameter of the lower hub body 1, ensuring that the two can slide relative to each other.

[0025] As shown in Figures 2-4, the lower hub body 1 is provided with a locking mechanism 3, which is located on the outer wall of the lower hub body 1. The locking mechanism 3 comprises two engagement strips 31 symmetrically provided on the outer wall of the lower hub body 1. The lower ends of the engagement strips 31 are integrally molded and connected to the lower hub body 1, and the material of the engagement strips 31 is the same as that of the lower hub body 1 (e.g., engineering plastic). The upper ends of the engagement strips 31 extend in the direction of the ring hub portion 12 and are provided with an engagement portion 32 that protrudes outward.

[0026] In its natural state (unlocked state), the engaging portion 32 is positioned above the upper end surface of the outer sleeve 2 (Figure 8). When the user pushes the lower hub body 1 downward, the engaging strip 31 is pressed inward by the inner wall of the outer sleeve 2 and deforms, pushing the engaging portion 32 into the interior of the outer sleeve 2. At this time, the lower hub body 1 is locked and immobile. When the user pulls the lower hub body 1 upward, the engaging strip 31 returns to its original shape, the engaging portion 32 detaches from the outer sleeve 2, and the lock is released.

[0027] To facilitate the deformation of the engagement strip 31, a relief hole 13 is provided in the outer wall of the lower hub body 1 corresponding to the middle upper end position of the engagement strip 31 (Figures 2 and 3), providing the engagement strip 31 with deformation space. A housing groove 21 is provided in the inner wall of the outer sleeve 2 (Figure 1), and this housing groove 21 extends along the axial direction and corresponds to the engagement strip 31. After assembly, the engagement strip 31 is fitted into the housing groove 21, guiding the sliding of the lower hub body 1 while simultaneously preventing its rotation.

[0028] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, a stroke feedback structure 4 is provided between the lower hub body 1 and the outer sleeve 2 to limit the stroke of the lower hub body 1.

[0029] The stroke feedback structure 4 includes a guide rib 41 provided on the outer wall of the lower hub body 1 and extending in the axial direction, and a guide groove 42 is provided on the inner wall of the outer sleeve 2 corresponding to the guide rib 41. A recessed groove 43 is provided on the surface of the guide rib 41, and the recessed groove 43 gradually deepens from top to bottom, forming a smooth curved transition, and a stopper protrusion 45 is formed at the lower end of the guide rib 41 by the recessed groove 43. An internal protrusion 44 is provided in the guide groove 42 corresponding to the recessed groove 43, and the internal protrusion 44 matches the deepest part of the bottom of the recessed groove 43, and a micro-protrusion 46 is provided near the middle of the recessed groove 43.

[0030] Unlocked state (Figure 6): The internal protrusion 44 moves to the deepest part of the bottom of the groove 43 and contacts the stopper protrusion 45. At this time, the outer sleeve 2 cannot move downward, and the engaging portion 32 is positioned above the outer sleeve 2, ready to be pushed downward, i.e., the unlocked state.

[0031] Locking process and state (Figure 7): The user pushes the lower hub body 1 downwards from the unlocked state, and the inner protrusion 44 slides relatively upward along the slope of the groove 43, overcoming slight resistance. When the inner protrusion 44 passes over the micro-protrusion 46 in the middle of the groove 43, a distinct "click" is felt, and it immediately engages with the engagement position formed by the micro-protrusion 46. At this time, the lower hub body 1 is held in its lowest position, and the engagement portion 32 of the locking mechanism 3 is also fully engaged with the outer sleeve 2, completing the locking process.

[0032] In actual use, the user pushes and pulls the lower hub body 1, and the collaborative action of the locking mechanism 3 and stroke feedback structure 4 enables the opening and closing of the umbrella ribs. The overall operation process is smooth, the lock position is clear, and the user experience of the rain umbrella is effectively improved.

[0033] The above description represents only a few preferred embodiments of the present invention, and the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Those familiar with the art will find that any equivalent substitutions or modifications based on the technical solutions and improved concepts of the present invention, within the technical scope disclosed herein, are all covered by the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A slim push-pull type lower hub comprising a lower hub body (1) and an outer sleeve (2), wherein a through hole (11) for inserting a central rod is provided in the center of the lower hub body (1), a ring hub portion (12) for connecting umbrella ribs is provided on the outside of the lower hub body (1), and the outer sleeve (2) is fitted onto the lower hub body (1) and is located below the ring hub portion (12). A locking mechanism (3) is provided on the lower hub body (1), and when the lower hub body (1) is pushed and pulled axially along the outer sleeve (2), the locking mechanism (3) locks or unlocks the lower hub body (1) within the outer sleeve (2). A stroke feedback structure (4) is provided between the lower hub body (1) and the outer sleeve (2) to limit the stroke of the lower hub body (1). A slim, push-pull type lower hub characterized by its design.

2. The locking mechanism (3) comprises two engagement strips (31) symmetrically provided on the outer wall of the lower hub body (1), the lower ends of the engagement strips (31) are integrally molded and connected to the lower hub body (1), the upper ends of the engagement strips (31) extend in the direction of the ring hub portion (12), and an outwardly convex engagement portion (32) integrally molded with the engagement strip is provided on the outer side of the upper end of the engagement strip (31). When the lower hub body (1) is not locked, the engaging portion (32) is located above the upper end surface of the outer sleeve (2), and when the lower hub body (1) moves downward and is locked, the engaging strip (31) deforms and the engaging portion (32) moves downward and is pushed into the outer sleeve (2). A slim push-pull type lower hub as described in claim 1, characterized in that

3. A accommodating groove (21) is provided in the inner wall of the outer sleeve (2) to fit the engaging strip (31), the accommodating groove (21) extends along the axial direction of the outer sleeve (2), and when the lower hub body (1) is assembled inside the outer sleeve (2), the engaging strip (31) is located within the accommodating groove (21). A slim push-pull type lower hub as described in claim 2, characterized in that

4. A relief hole (13) is provided in the outer wall of the lower hub body (1) corresponding to the upper middle end position of the engagement strip (31). A slim push-pull type lower hub as described in claim 2, characterized in that

5. The stroke feedback structure (4) includes a guide rib (41) provided on the outer wall of the lower hub body (1) and extending in the axial direction, a guide groove (42) is provided on the inner wall of the outer sleeve (2) corresponding to the guide rib (41), a recessed groove (43) is provided on the surface of the guide rib (41), the recessed groove (43) gradually deepens from top to bottom and transitions smoothly, and a stopper projection (45) is formed at the lower end of the guide rib (41) by the recessed groove (43). An internal protrusion (44) is provided within the guide groove (42) corresponding to the recessed groove (43), and the internal protrusion (44) is aligned with the deepest part of the bottom of the recessed groove (43). When the inner protrusion (44) moves to the bottom of the groove (43) and contacts the stopper protrusion (45), the lower hub body (1) is in an unlocked state. A small protrusion (46) is provided near the middle of the groove (43), and when the inner protrusion (44) is engaged with the small protrusion (46), the lower hub body (1) is in a locked state. A slim push-pull type lower hub as described in claim 1, characterized in that

Images