Folding mechanism

Abstract

The present disclosure discloses a folding mechanism suitable for a baby carrier. [Solution] The baby carrier includes opposing first and second parts. The folding mechanism includes a first connecting member, a second connecting member, a drive member, an operating member, and a locking member. The first connecting member is pivotally connected to one of the first and second parts. The second connecting member is pivotally connected to the other of the first and second parts. The drive member is disposed on the first connecting member and includes a position limiting portion. The operating member is fixed relative to the drive member and includes an operating portion, the operating portion protruding or recessed with respect to a surface of the first connecting member. The locking member is disposed on the second connecting member and forms a locking portion, and the position limiting portion is selectively clamped to the locking portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the technical field of baby products, and particularly to a folding mechanism that can easily fold a baby carrier.

Background Art

[0002] Baby carriers are common baby-related products available on the market, such as sleeping boxes, baby beds, rocking cradles, etc. Generally, a baby carrier includes a frame body for holding a baby, a bracket body for supporting the frame body, a cloth cover laid on the frame body, and components such as a handle that is easy for a user to hold. When a baby uses it, the components are fixed to each other so that the baby's movements of turning over or rolling over, or the entire carrier does not collapse due to external disturbances.

[0003] However, when a baby carrier is not in use, the volume of the baby carrier stored in the used state is large, which is not only disadvantageous for carrying but may also occupy a large space in the room. Therefore, in order to make it easier to carry and store a baby carrier, it is necessary to provide a folding mechanism that can fold various parts of the baby carrier to reduce the volume.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The object of the present disclosure is to provide a folding mechanism that can easily fold a baby carrier.

Means for Solving the Problems

[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 the longitudinal direction. The folding mechanism includes a connecting member, where 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 portion and the second portion includes a bottom plate, and the connecting member is pivotally connected to the bottom plate of the first portion and the bottom plate of the second portion, respectively.

[0007] Preferably, the longitudinal length of the second portion is less than or equal to the longitudinal length of the first portion. A receiving groove is formed in the bottom plate of the first portion and is recessed with respect 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 surface and the upper surface of the bottom plate of the second portion. The connecting member passes through the receiving groove and the through groove.

[0008] Preferably, the folding mechanism further includes a first position limiting member and a second position limiting member, where the first position limiting member and the second position limiting member are respectively fixed, pivoted or clamped to the bottom plate of the first portion and the bottom plate of the second portion, 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 portion is less than or equal to the longitudinal length of the first portion. Each of the first portion and the second portion further includes side walls, and each side wall surrounds the corresponding bottom plate. The folding mechanism is for switching the baby carrier between a deployed state and a folded state. The bottom plate of the second portion abuts against the bottom plate of the first portion and is flush in the deployed state, and the bottom plate and the side walls of the second portion are respectively overlapped with the bottom plate and the side walls of the first portion in the folded state.

[0010] Preferably, the folding mechanism further includes a connection hole. Each of the first portion and the second portion includes an end face. The connecting member is fixedly disposed on one of the first portion and the second portion and protrudes from the corresponding end face. The connection hole is formed in the end face of the other of the first portion and the second portion, and the number and position of the connection holes correspond to the connecting member.

[0011] Preferably, the longitudinal length of the second portion is less than or equal to the longitudinal length of the first portion. 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 longitudinal lengths between the first portion and the second portion.

[0012] Preferably, each of the first portion and the second portion includes a bottom plate and side walls, 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 walls of the second portion and includes a sliding portion, and a slide rail or a slide groove is formed on at least one of the bottom plate and the side walls of the first portion. The sliding portion is slidably disposed in the slide rail or the slide groove.

[0013] Preferably, the folding mechanism includes an operating member and at least one locking member. The operating member is disposed on one of the first portion and the second portion and forms at least one position limiting groove. 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 portion and the second portion. The locking portion is clamped in 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 vertical direction, and the extending direction of the position limiting groove is inclined with respect to the vertical direction and the extending direction of the locking member.

[0016] Preferably, the operating member is disposed outside the bottom plate of the second portion, the accommodating groove is formed in the bottom plate of the first portion, the plurality of locking holes are disposed on the side of the accommodating groove, and the driving member and the locking member are slidably disposed 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 disposed outside at least one of the bottom plate and the side wall of the second portion through 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 sequentially arranged in the vertical direction. The folding mechanism includes a connecting member, wherein the second portion is slidably connected to the base portion through 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 plurality of folding portions and includes an extending portion and a bent portion, wherein the extending portion has a position limiting function, and the bent portion is bent with respect to the extending portion. The second portion includes a locking portion, and the bent portion is selectively clamped by the locking portion. The driving member is disposed on the folding portion and forms a position limiting groove, and the position limiting function is slidably disposed in the position limiting groove. The operating member is connected to the driving member and protrudes or recesses with respect to the surface of the folding portion.

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

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

[0022] Preferably, a first accommodation space, a second accommodation space, and a slide groove are formed in the folding portion. The second accommodation space is disposed on one side portion of the folding portion. The slide groove communicates with the first accommodation space and the second accommodation space. A part of the handle penetrates through the first accommodation space. The driving member is slidably disposed in the slide groove. At least a part of the locking portion is accommodated in the second accommodation space.

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

[0024] Preferably, the driving member and the locking member are embedded in the folding portion.

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

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

[0027] In combination with the drawings for explaining the embodiments of the present disclosure, the present disclosure will become clearer by the following description.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0028]

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MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

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

[0030] Referring to FIG. 1, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a baby carrier in a deployed 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 the baby carrier 2. The baby carrier 2 is a portable sleep box or a rocking cradle, and includes a first portion 10 and a second portion 20. The first portion 10 is, for example, a handle of the sleep box or an upper frame, and the second portion 20 is disposed so as to face the first portion 10, and is, for example, a box body of the sleep box or a lower frame. Preferably, the baby carrier 2 further includes a handle 30, where the handle 30 is connected to the first portion 10 and can be gripped by a user to easily carry the baby carrier 2.

[0031] Referring simultaneously to FIGS. 2 and 3, FIG. 2 is an exploded view of some members of the baby carrier of FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is an enlarged schematic view of region A of FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 1, in this embodiment, four folding mechanisms 1 are provided on the baby carrier 2, which are respectively provided in the front, rear, left, and right directions of the baby carrier 2 and are located between the first portion 10 and the second portion 20. These folding mechanisms 1 are used to lock the baby carrier 2 in a deployed state where the first portion 10 and the second portion 20 face each other, or to fold the baby carrier into a folded state where the first portion 10 and the second portion are adjacent to each other. Note that the baby carrier 2 may be provided with folding mechanisms 1 at the front and rear portions respectively as shown in FIG. 2 according to actual needs, or may be provided with a folding mechanism 1 only on one of the front, rear, left, and right sides, but is not limited thereto. 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 member 500. Here, 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 to the locking member 300, and the positioning member 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. Here, the first auxiliary connector 800 is, for example, a metal sleeve externally fitted to the first part 10 and fixedly arranged on the first connecting member 100. The second auxiliary connector is, for example, a pivot seat fixedly provided on the second member 20 and pivotally connected to the second connecting member 200. In other words, the first connecting member 100 is pivotally connected to the first part 10 via the first auxiliary connector 800, and the second connecting member 200 is pivotally connected to the second member via the second auxiliary connector 900. Specifically, the folding mechanism 1 can switch the baby carrier 2 between the deployed state and the folded state by operating the locking member 300 via the operating member 400 to selectively clamp the positioning member 500. As shown in FIG. 3, the locking member 300 and the operating member 400 may be integrally formed members or independent members. In this embodiment, the locking member 300 and the operating member 400 are independent of each other. Here, the locking member 300 includes a position limiting portion 310 and forms a through hole 320. The operating member 400 includes an operating portion 410 and a through portion 420. The operating portion 410 protrudes from the surface of the first connecting member 100 and can be easily grasped by the user. The through portion 420 is, for example, a protruding post. In this embodiment, the two through portions penetrate the through hole 320 to fix the locking member 300 and the operating member 400 to each other. On the other hand, the positioning member 500 forms a positioning portion 510, which is, for example, a recess, and has 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] Referring to FIGS. 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 folded state of the baby carrier of FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 5, the first connecting member 100 is formed with a receiving groove 110 extending in the longitudinal direction of the first connecting member, the locking member 300 is slidably provided in the receiving groove 110, and the positioning member 500 is fixedly provided on the second connecting member 200. Preferably, each folding mechanism 1 further includes two position limiting members 700, where the position limiting members 700 are, for example, rivets or bolts. One of the position limiting members 700 passes through the end of the first connecting member 100 and the end 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 of the stopper members 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 through the operating member 400 to slide the receiving groove 110 in the longitudinal direction, the position limiting portion 310 is separated from the positioning portion 510, and the locking member 300 is no longer clamped to the positioning member 500. Then, 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, the elastic member 600 is a spring and is used to return the locking member 300 to the position clamped with the positioning member 500. Specifically, the elastic member 600 is provided in the receiving groove 110 and is connected to the first connecting member 100 and the locking member 300. When the user operates the locking member 300 through the operating member 400 and slides it upward, the elastic member 600 is pressed to accumulate 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 corresponds to the positioning portion 510 again, the position limiting portion 310 is pressed against the positioning portion 510 by the elastic member 600 to automatically lock the baby carrier 2 in the deployed state.

[0034] Furthermore, in order to reduce wear during sliding between members of the lock member 300, at least one of the position limiting portion 310 and the positioning portion 510 has a cambered surface. In this embodiment, it is preferable that the position limiting portion 310 has a cambered surface 312. Therefore, regardless of whether the lock member 300 slides toward the upper end of the accommodation 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 buffering action of the cambered surface 312 can reduce wear and collision with the positioning portion 510, which is advantageous for extending the lifespan of the folding mechanism 1.

[0035] Also, the folding mechanism 1 of this embodiment also has the effect of restricting the displacement stroke of the operating member 400. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the first connection member 100 forms a position limiting hole 120. The position limiting hole 120 is, for example, a long hole penetrating the wall surface of the first connection member, and has a longitudinal length longer than the longitudinal length of the penetrating portion 420. The penetrating portion 420 is slidably provided in the position limiting hole 120. With such a configuration, when the user presses the operating member 400, the displacement stroke of the operating member 400 is restricted by the longitudinal length of the position limiting hole 120, and it is possible to prevent the lock member 300 and the operating member 400 from sliding excessively.

[0036] Also, in order to prevent the first connecting member 100 and the second connecting member 200 from pivoting outside 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 portion 10 and the second portion 20 are formed to surround the accommodation space S for accommodating the baby, and the stopper 910 is disposed outside the second connecting member 200 with respect to the accommodation space S. When the baby carrier 2 is in the deployed 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 of the accommodation space S. This not only reduces the volume when the baby carrier 2 is 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 member 20, and the locking member 300 and the positioning member 500 are respectively provided on the first connecting member 100 and the second connecting member 200. However, 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 member 500 may be disposed on the second connecting member pivotally connected to the first portion 10, thereby also obtaining the effect of selective clamping.

[0038] Also, in this embodiment, the operation unit 410 protrudes from the surface of the first connection member 100. However, in other possible embodiments, the operation unit 410 may have a concave structure with respect to the surface of the first connection member 100 in order to facilitate the insertion and removal of the user's finger and gripping. On the other hand, in this embodiment, the stopper 910 is disposed on the second auxiliary connector 900. However, in other possible embodiments, the stopper may be disposed on the first auxiliary connector 800, or may be disposed on each of the first auxiliary connector 800 and the second auxiliary connector 900, and the effect of preventing the first connection member 100 and the second connection member 200 from rotating outwardly in the accommodation space S can be similarly achieved.

[0039] Referring to FIGS. 7 to 9, FIG. 7 is a perspective schematic view of a baby carrier in a deployed 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 the baby carrier 2a, and the baby carrier 2a may be a sleep box or a cradle, and includes a first portion 10a and a second portion 20a. Here, the first portion 10a is the front half of the sleep box, and the second portion 20a is the rear half of the sleep box. The first portion 10a and the second portion 20a are arranged along the longitudinal direction L. On the other hand, the folding mechanism 1a includes a connection member 100a, and the second portion 20a is movably connected to the first portion 10a via a connection member 100b. The extending direction of the connection 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 gripped by the user to easily carry the baby carrier 2a.

[0040] Specifically, the connecting member 100a of this embodiment is, for example, a link lever, and may be provided in plurality. The first part 10a and the second part 20a are pivotally connected to each other via the connecting member 100a. As shown in FIG. 8, the first part 10a includes a bottom plate 12a and a side wall 14a that surrounds the bottom plate 12a and forms an opening at a position facing the second part 20a of the bottom plate 12a. The second part 20a further includes a bottom plate 22a and a side wall 24a that surrounds the bottom plate 22a and forms an opening at a position facing the first part 10a of the bottom plate 22a. The connecting member 100a is pivotally connected to the bottom plate 12a of the first part 10a and the bottom plate 22a of the second part 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 the baby carrier 2a is in the unfolded state, the opening of the first part 10a and the opening of the second part 20a face each other, and the bottom plate 22a of the second part 20a abuts against the bottom plate 12a of the first part 10a to be flush. When the user finishes using the baby carrier 2a, the second part 20a can rotate and enter the space surrounded by the side wall 14a of the first part 10a via the connecting member 100a. At this time, the bottom plate 22a and the side wall 24a of the second member 20a are respectively overlapped with the bottom plate 12a and the side wall 14a of the first part 10b, thereby resulting in the state shown in FIG. 9.

[0041] Furthermore, the bottom plate 12a of this embodiment is provided with a receiving groove G for smoothly rotationally driving the second portion 20a with respect to the first portion 10a by the connecting member 100a. The number of the receiving grooves G corresponds to the number of the connecting members 100a, and the receiving grooves G are recessed with respect to the upper surface of the bottom plate 12a. The bottom plate 22a is provided with through grooves T, and the number of the through grooves T also corresponds to the number of the connecting members 100a. The through grooves T communicate the upper surface and the lower surface of the bottom plate 22a. The connecting member 100a passes through the receiving groove G and the through groove T. In other words, the connecting member 100a penetrates the bottom plate 22a through the through groove T, so that the connecting member 100a can rotate in the longitudinal direction L with respect to the bottom plate 22a and in the thickness direction of the bottom plate 22a while the second portion 20a pivots with respect to the first portion 10a. When the baby carrier 2a is in the deployed state, the connecting member 100a can also be received in the receiving groove G, so that it does not protrude with respect to the bottom plates 12a and 22a, thereby not causing discomfort to the baby lying on its side.

[0042] Preferably, the folding mechanism 1a further includes a first position limiting member 200a and a second position limiting member 300a. Here, the first position limiting member 200 and the second position limiting member 300a are, for example, bolts, which are fixedly arranged on the bottom plates 12a and 22a respectively. The connecting member 100a has a sleeve-like structure at its head and tail. The connecting member 100a is externally fitted to the first stopper 200a and the second stopper 300a by the above sleeve structure. With this configuration, the rotation of the connecting member 100a with respect to the first position limiting member 200a and the second position limiting member 300a can realize the pivoting of the second portion 20a with respect to the first portion 10a, and the wear between the members and the bottom plates 12a and 22a can be reduced. Of course, in other embodiments, the first position limiting member 200a and the second position limiting member 300a can pivot or clamp the bottom plates 12a and 22a respectively. The connecting member 100a is fixed to the first position limiting member 200 and the second position limiting member 300a, or the connecting member 100a may directly pivotally connect the bottom plates 12a and 22a, and is not limited to these modes.

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

[0044] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11, the first portion 10b includes an end face 16b in addition to a bottom plate 12b and side walls 14b, and the end face 16b is formed on the side portions of the bottom plate 12b and the side walls 14d. Similarly, the second portion 20b includes an end face 26b in addition to a bottom plate 22b and side walls 24b, and the end face 26b is formed on the side portions of the bottom plate 22b and the side walls 24. In this embodiment, the connecting member 100b is fixedly provided on the end face 26b of the second portion 20b and protrudes with respect to the end face 26b, the connecting hole H is formed in the end face 16b of the first portion 10b, and the number and position of the connecting holes H correspond to the connecting member 100b. With this configuration, when the user finishes using the baby carrier 2b, the second portion 20b can be pulled out from the connecting hole H of the first portion 10b together with the connecting member 100b, and the second portion 20b is stacked on the first portion 10b. As a result, the user can carry the baby carrier 2b with a reduced longitudinal length at once only by the handle 30b connected to the first portion 10b, and the convenience of using the baby carrier 2b is improved.

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

[0046] In this embodiment, the connecting member 100b is fixedly installed on the end face 26b, and the connection hole H is formed in the end face 16b. However, the connecting member 100b may be fixedly installed on the end face 16b, and the connection hole H may be formed in the end face 26b. Thereby, the effect of detachably connecting the first portion 10b and the second portion 20b to each other can also be obtained.

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

[0048] Referring to FIGS. 13 to 17, FIG. 13 is a perspective schematic view of the first part of FIG. 12, FIG. 14 is a perspective schematic view of the first part of FIG. 13 from another angle, FIG. 15 is a perspective schematic view of the slide rail of FIG. 14, and FIG. 17 is a perspective schematic view of the connecting member of FIG. 16. Specifically, the connecting member 100c is disposed outside at least one of the bottom plate 22c and the side wall 24c of the second part 20c. In this embodiment, the connecting member 100c is disposed outside each of the bottom plate 22c and the side wall 24c. The connecting member 100c includes a sliding part 110c and a fixing part 120c. The sliding part 110c is, for example, one or more rollers, and is pivotally connected to the fixing part 120c. Also, the connecting member 100c is fixedly provided outside the bottom plate 22c and the side wall 24c via the fixing part 120c, but is not limited to these embodiments. In other possible embodiments, the sliding part 110c can be formed directly and integrally with the bottom plate 22c and the side wall 24c. On the other hand, the slide rail R is provided on the bottom plate 12c and the side wall 14c of the first part 10c. Its number and position correspond to the connecting member 100c, and the sliding part 110c is slidably provided on the slide rail R. Therefore, when the user completes the use of the baby carrier 2c, the second part 20c is accommodated inside the first part 10c via the connecting member 100c and the slide rail R, and the volume of the baby carrier 2c in the folded state can be reduced. In particular, in other possible embodiments, the connecting member 100c may be disposed inside the first part 10c, the slide rail R may be disposed outside the second part 20c, and the cooperation between the connecting member 100c and the slide rail 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 part 10c also includes a guide post 18c that helps the connecting member 100c to be more stably slidably disposed on the slide rail R.

[0049] In addition to the first part 10c and the second part 20c of the folding mechanism 1c of this embodiment being freely slidable, it includes a function of locking and unlocking the second part 10c at a specific position with respect to the first part 10c. Referring to FIGS. 18 to 20, FIG. 18 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the baby carrier of FIG. 12, FIG. 19 is a schematic bottom view of the baby carrier of FIG. 12, and FIG. 20 is a schematic bottom view when the cover of the baby carrier of FIG. 19 is removed. Specifically, a plurality of locking holes P are formed in the first part 10c, and the folding mechanism 1c further includes an operating member 300c, a cover 400c, and at least one locking member 500c. Here, the operating member 300c is connected to the cover 400c and forms at least one position limiting part 310c. In this embodiment, two position limiting parts 310 are provided. The cover 400c is provided on the second part 20c for the user to position the operating member 300c. In this embodiment, two locking members 500c are provided, and each locking member 500c includes a locking part 510c and a position limiting part 520c. The position limiting part 520c is slidably provided on the position limiting part 310c. When the locking member 500 slides with respect to the first part 10c and aligns with the locking hole P, the locking part 510c is clamped in the locking hole P, the second part 20c is fixed to the first part 10 by the operating member 300c, and the effect of locking the second part 20 at a specific position is obtained.

[0050] Also, as shown in FIGS. 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 disposed between the operation member 300c and the lock member 500c. In this embodiment, it is also disposed between the operation member 300c and the cover 400c. Preferably, the extending direction of the lock member 500c is inclined with respect to the vertical direction L. In this embodiment, the extending direction of the lock member 500 is perpendicular to the vertical direction L, and the extending direction of the position limiting portion 310c is inclined with respect to the vertical direction L and the extending direction of the lock member 500c. When the user wants to release the locked state of the first portion 10c and the second portion 20c, the operation member 300c can be pulled to oppose the elastic force of the elastic member 600c and slide the operation member 300c with respect to the first portion 10c. At this time, the position limiting portion 520c of the lock member 500c slides along the position limiting portion 310c, moves from the outer end to the inner end of the position limiting portion 310c, and the lock portion 510c is separated from the lock hole P, releasing the locked state of the first portion 10c and the second portion 20c. When the user releases the hand, the operation member 300c or the lock member 500c receives the restoring force of the elastic member 600c, and the lock member 500c is clamped again into the nearest lock hole P, and the first portion 10c and the second portion 20c are locked to each other again.

[0051] Preferably, as shown in FIGS. 18 to 20, the operation member 300c is disposed outside the bottom plate 22c of the second portion 20c, a receiving groove G is formed in the bottom plate 12c of the first portion 10c, the lock hole P is disposed on the side of the receiving groove G, and the operation member 300c and the lock member 500c are slidably provided in the receiving groove G. With such an arrangement, when operating, members such as the operation member 300c, the cover 400c, and the lock member 500c do not affect the baby lying on the baby carrier 2c and do not increase the thickness of the bottom of the baby carrier 2c. In addition, in other possible embodiments, the positions of the receiving groove G and the operation member 300c may be switched, and the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.

[0052] Referring to FIGS. 21 to 23, FIG. 21 is a perspective schematic view of a baby carrier in a deployed 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 a part of the folding portion 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 a cradle, and 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 pivotally connected to the base portion 12d. The base portion 12d, at least one folding portion 14d, and the second portion 20d are sequentially arranged in the longitudinal direction L. Preferably, the baby carrier 2d further includes a handle 30d, where the handle 30d is connected to two folding portions 14d that are flush with the second portion 20d and can be gripped by a user to easily carry the baby carrier 2d. Hereinafter, for more clarity, the folding portion 14d connected to the handle 30d is referred to as a side folding portion, and the folding portion 14d sequentially arranged in the longitudinal direction L with the base portion 12d and the second portion 20d is referred to as a bottom folding portion.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 23, the folding mechanism 1d includes a connecting member 100d. Here, 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 vertical direction L. Specifically, the connecting member 100d of this embodiment is a pipe member, and includes a first pipe portion 110d disposed on the base portion 12d with 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, which is a tube member. Further, since 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 increase the further thickness of the base portion 12d. By arranging in this way, after the bottom folding portion and the side folding portion are pivoted and folded with respect to the base portion 12d, the second portion 20d slides into the cavity 112d by the second pipe portion 120d and slides toward the base portion 12d, so that the effect of folding the baby carrier 2d can be obtained. Preferably, the folding mechanism 1d further includes a pivot 16d such as a hinge or a butterfly nut that assists the rotation and folding of the side folding portion with respect to the base portion 12d.

[0054] In addition to such effects, the folding mechanism 1d of this embodiment has a locking function for locking the first part 10d and the second part 20d in the unfolded state, and an unlocking function for releasing the above lock. Referring to FIGS. 24 to 26, FIG. 24 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the baby carrier of FIG. 21, FIG. 25 is a schematic view of the internal components of the baby carrier of FIG. 21, and FIG. 26 is a schematic view of the external components of the baby carrier of FIG. 25 after the connecting member is folded. Specifically, the folding mechanism 1d of this embodiment includes a driving member 300d, an operating member 400d, and a locking member 500d. Here, the driving member 300d is provided at the folding portion to drive the locking member 500d to lock or unlock the baby carrier 2d. The operating member 400d is connected to the driving member 300d and protrudes or recesses with respect to the surface of the side folding portion in order for the user to hold or grip and thereby easily operate the driving member 300d. The locking member 500d is pivotally connected to the side folding portion and is selectively clamped to the second part 20d.

[0055] Specifically, in the side folding portion, a first accommodation space S1, a second accommodation space S2, and a slide groove J are formed. Here, the first accommodation space S1 is disposed at the central portion of the side folding portion, and two second accommodation spaces S2 are respectively disposed on the left side and the right side of the side folding portion. The slide groove J communicates with the first accommodation space S1 and the second accommodation space S2. Preferably, the extending direction of the slide groove J is parallel to the longitudinal direction L, and the driving member 300d and the locking member 500d are respectively fitted into the slide groove J and the second accommodation space S2 inside the side folding portion. As shown in FIGS. 25 and 26, the driving member 300d forms a position limiting groove 310d, and the locking member 500d includes an extending portion 510d and a bent portion 520d. Here, a position limiting function 512d is formed on the extending portion 510d, for example, a convex point or a convex column, etc. The bent portion 520d is curved with respect to the extending portion 510, and the position limiting feature 512d is slidably provided in the position limiting portion 310d. On the other hand, the second portion 20d includes a locking portion 22d, for example, a convex point or a convex column fixedly provided inside the wall surface of the second portion 20d. When the baby carrier 2d is in the deployed state, the bent portion 520d is clamped by the locking portion 22d, and the second portion 20d is pressed in the longitudinal direction L by the locking member 500d and the side folding portion and fixed to the first portion 10d.

[0056] Preferably, the handle 30d of this embodiment forms 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 deployed state, a part including the positioning portion 32d of the handle 30d passes through the first accommodation space S1, and the drive member 300d has one end on each of the left and right sides clamped to one side of the positioning portion 32d, thus 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 operation member 400d to the distances on the left and right sides of the side folding portion, thereby separating the drive member 300d from the positioning portion 32d. Then, the handle 30d is pulled out from the side folding portion, and the drive members 300d on both sides are slid along the slide groove J towards the first accommodation space S1 and brought into contact with each other. At this time, the locking member 500d is driven by the position limiting portion 310d via the position limiting feature 512d, and the bending portion 520d is rotated and inserted into the second accommodation space S2. Therefore, the bending portion 520d of the locking member 500d is no longer clamped to the locking portion 22d of the second portion 20d, and the side folding portion becomes pivotable with respect 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. Thereby, when the user pulls the operation member 400d to pull out the handle 30d, due to the return of the elastic member 600d, the drive member automatically separates the locking member 500d from the second portion 20d to release the clamp, eliminating the need for the user to pull the drive member 300d by himself. When the user inserts the handle 30d into the first accommodation space S1 again, the drive members 300d in contact with each other temporarily slide towards 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] Figs. 27 to 32 are schematic diagrams showing the step - by - step flow from the unfolded state to the folded state of the baby carrier in Fig. 21. First, as shown in Fig. 28, the user can pull the operation part inside the folding part 14d (side folding part), move the driving member 300d to both sides of the side folding part, and pull the handle 30d away from the side folding part. When the user's hand is released, the driving member 300d is pushed by the elastic member 600d and driven to rotate the locking member 500d into the side folding part. At this time, as shown in Figs. 29 and 30, the user can fold the side folding parts on both sides with respect to the base part 12d. Then, as shown in Fig. 31, the bottom folding part is folded with respect to the base part 12d, leaving a space for the second part 20d to slide. After that, the second part 20 slides together with the second pipe part 120d towards the central part of the base part 12d, resulting in the folded state as 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 by the position - limiting part 310 to the locking part 510, so that the first part 10 can be folded with respect to the second part 10. Also, the extending directions of the connecting members 100a, 100b, 100c, and 100d of the folding mechanisms 1a, 1b, 1c, and 1d of the present disclosure are parallel to the longitudinal direction L of the first parts 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d and the second parts 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d. Therefore, the second parts 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d can be pivoted, removed, or slid and folded with respect to the first parts 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d respectively, and can significantly reduce the volume occupied by any of the baby carriers 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d, improving the usability.

[0060] The present disclosure has been described in relation to the above - mentioned preferred embodiments, but the present disclosure is not limited to the above - mentioned embodiments and must include various modifications and equivalent combinations based on the essence of the present disclosure.

Explanation of Symbols

[0061] Folding mechanisms 1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d First connecting member 100 Connecting members 100a, 100b, 100c, 100d Receiving groove 110 Slide portion 110c First pipe portion 110d Cavity 112d Position limiting hole 120 Fixing portion 120c Second pipe portion 120d Second connecting member 200 First position limiting member 200a Locking member 300 Second position limiting member 300a Drive member 300d Position limiting portion 310 Position limiting grooves 310c, 310d Camber surface 312 Through hole 320 Operating members 300c, 400, 400d Cover 400c Operating portion 410 Through portion 420 Positioning member 500 Locking members 500c, 500d Positioning portion 510 Locking portion 510c Extending portion 510d Position limiting function 512d Position limiting portion 520c Bending portion 520d Elastic members 600, 600c, 600d Position limiting member 700 First auxiliary connector 800 Second auxiliary connector 900 Stopper 910 Baby carriers 2, 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d First parts 10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d Bottom plates 12a, 12b, 12c Base portion 12d Side walls 14a, 14b, 14c Folding portion 14d End face 16b Pivot 16d Guide post 18c Second parts 20, 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d Bottom plates 22a, 22b, 22c Lock portion 22d Side walls 24a, 24b, 24c End face 26b Handles 30, 30a, 30b, 30d Clamp portion 32d Area A Receiving groove G Connection hole H Slide groove J Longitudinal direction L Lock hole P Slide rail R Receiving space S First receiving space S1 Second receiving space S2 Through groove T

Claims

1. A folding mechanism suitable for a baby carrier, wherein the baby carrier includes a first part and a second part, the first part and the second part are arranged in the vertical direction, the folding mechanism includes a connecting member, the second part is movably connected to the first part via the connecting member, the extending direction of the connecting member is parallel to the vertical direction, each of the first part and the second part includes a bottom plate, and the connecting member is pivotally connected to the bottom plate of the first part and the bottom plate of the second part respectively, the vertical length of the second part is less than or equal to the vertical length of the first part, a receiving groove is formed in the bottom plate of the first part, and is recessed with respect to the upper surface of the bottom plate of the first part, a through groove is provided in the bottom plate of the second part, communicating with the upper surface and the lower surface of the bottom plate of the second part, and the connecting member passes through the receiving groove and the through groove, A folding mechanism characterized by the above.

2. The folding mechanism further includes a first position limiting member and a second position limiting member, the first position limiting member and the second position limiting member are respectively fixed, pivoted or clamped to the bottom plate of the first part and the bottom plate of the second part, and the connecting member is externally fitted to the first position limiting member and the second position limiting member. The folding mechanism according to claim 1, characterized by the above.

3. A folding mechanism suitable for a baby carrier, wherein the baby carrier includes a first part and a second part, the first part and the second part are arranged in the vertical direction, the folding mechanism includes a connecting member, the second part is movably connected to the first part via the connecting member, the extending direction of the connecting member is parallel to the vertical direction, each of the first part and the second part includes a bottom plate, and the connecting member is pivotally connected to the bottom plate of the first part and the bottom plate of the second part respectively, The longitudinal length of the second part is less than or equal to the longitudinal length of the first part. Each of the first part and the second part further includes side walls surrounding the corresponding bottom plate. The folding mechanism is for switching the baby carrier between a deployed state and a folded state. The bottom plate of the second part abuts against the bottom plate of the first part and is flush with it in the deployed state. The bottom plate and the side walls of the second part are respectively overlapped with the bottom plate and the side walls of the first part in the folded state. A folding mechanism characterized by the above.

4. A folding mechanism suitable for a baby carrier, wherein the baby carrier includes a first part and a second part, the first part and the second part are arranged in the longitudinal direction, the folding mechanism includes a connecting member, the second part is movably connected to the first part via the connecting member, the extending direction of the connecting member is parallel to the longitudinal direction, the folding mechanism further includes a connecting hole. Each of the first part and the second part includes an end face. The connecting member is fixedly arranged on one of the first part and the second part and protrudes from the corresponding end face. The connecting hole is formed on the end face of the other of the first part and the second part. The number and position of the connecting holes correspond to the connecting member. The connecting member and the connecting hole extend in the same direction. The connecting member is inserted into the connecting hole so that the first part and the second part are connected along the extending direction of the connecting member and the connecting hole. The connecting member is pulled out of the connecting hole so that the first part and the second part are separated along the extending direction of the connecting member and the connecting hole. A folding mechanism characterized by the above.

5. The longitudinal length of the second part is less than or equal to the longitudinal length of the first part. The connecting member is fixedly arranged on the second part. The length by which the connecting member protrudes from the end face of the second part is smaller than the difference in the longitudinal lengths of the first part and the second part. The folding mechanism according to claim 4, characterized by the above.

6. A folding mechanism suitable for a baby carrier, wherein the baby carrier includes a first part and a second part, the first part and the second part are arranged in the longitudinal direction, the folding mechanism includes a connecting member, The second part is movably connected to the first part via the connecting member, The extending direction of the connecting member is parallel to the longitudinal direction, Each of the first part and the second part includes a bottom plate and side walls. Each side wall surrounds the corresponding bottom plate. The connecting member is disposed outside at least one of the bottom plate and the side walls of the second part and includes a sliding portion. A slide rail or a slide groove is formed on at least one of the bottom plate and the side walls of the first part. The sliding portion is slidably disposed in the slide rail or the slide groove. The folding mechanism further includes an operating member and at least one locking member. The operating member is disposed on one of the first part and the second part and has at least one position limiting groove formed therein. The at least one locking member includes a locking portion and a position limiting portion. The position limiting portion is slidably disposed in the at least one position limiting groove. A plurality of locking holes are formed in the other of the first part and the second part. The locking portion is selectively clamped in the plurality of locking holes. The operating member is disposed outside the bottom plate of the second part. A receiving groove is formed in the bottom plate of the first part. The plurality of locking holes are disposed on the side surface of the receiving groove. The operating member and the at least one locking member are slidably disposed in the receiving groove. A folding mechanism characterized by the above.

7. The folding mechanism further includes an elastic member. A plurality of the locking members and the position limiting grooves are provided. The elastic member is disposed between the operating member and the plurality of locking members. The folding mechanism according to claim 6, characterized by the above.

8. The extending direction of the at least one locking member is inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction. The extending direction of the at least one position limiting groove is inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction and the extending direction of the at least one locking member. The folding mechanism according to claim 6, characterized by the above.

9. The connecting member further includes a fixing portion. The sliding portion is pivotally connected to the fixing portion. The connecting member is fixedly disposed outside at least one of the bottom plate and the side walls of the second part via the fixing portion. The folding mechanism according to claim 6, characterized by the above.

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