Center lock for use in a foldable tent and a foldable tent

Abstract

To provide a center lock and a foldable tent which simplify the structure of a locking mechanism, make a locking or unlocking operation easy, remove limitations on the length of a central rod, and allow for the raising of a canopy through upward extension.SOLUTION: A center lock 3 includes: a central pole 32; a bottom cap 31 provided at a lower part of the central pole 32 and hinged with a second top pole 22; a top cap 33 sleeved on the central pole 32 and hinged with a first top pole 21; and a locking mechanism provided between the top cap 33 and the central pole 32. The locking mechanism has a locked state in which a relative position between the top cap 33 and the central pole 32 is fixed and an unlocked state in which the relative position between the top cap 33 and the central pole 32 can be released. An operation part for locking and / or unlocking the locking mechanism is located at the bottom of the center lock 3.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a center lock for use in a collapsible tent and to a collapsible tent. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventional tents have locks on their leg poles, which requires the cooperation of multiple people to fold and unfold, making the operation very complicated. Patent application number 201680023809.3 discloses a center lock tent in which the center pole and top cap are fixedly connected, and the locking mechanism is located between the center pole and bottom cap, resulting in a complex structure with many components. Furthermore, the center pole must be designed to a fixed length to accommodate the unfolding and folding of the tent. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention Center locks used in foldable tents and To provide a foldable tent. To achieve the above objectives, the technical solutions used in the present invention are as follows: A center lock for use in a foldable tent, The center lock is Bottom cap and a central pole whose lower portion is connected to the bottom cap; a top cap provided above the bottom cap and slidable along the longitudinal direction of the central pole; a locking mechanism disposed between the top cap and the central pole, the locking mechanism having a locked state and an unlocked state; an operating portion located at the bottom of the center lock, which is used by a user to operate to lock and / or unlock the locking mechanism; the bottom cap and the top cap are hingedly connected to different poles of the foldable tent, When the locking mechanism is in a locked state, the relative position between the top cap and the central pole is fixed, and when the locking mechanism is in an unlocked state, the fixed relative position between the top cap and the central pole can be released. .

[0004] One possible technical solution is the top cap is slidably connected to the central pole along the central pole; When the locking mechanism is in a locked state, the top cap is locked to the central pole; When the tent is folded, the top cap slides toward the top of the center pole; When the tent is in the folded state, the top cap is located on top of the center pole. .

[0005] Another possible technical solution is The central pole includes a lower pole and an upper pole, the lower pole and the upper pole are slidably connected, and the bottom cap is connected to a lower part of the lower pole. .

[0006] selectable Another one As a technical solution to When the locking mechanism is in a locked state, the top cap is connected to the lower pole; When the tent is in the folded position, the top cap detaches from the bottom pole. .

[0007] Furthermore, When the locking mechanism is in a locked or unlocked state, the lower pole and the upper pole are both slidable relative to each other. .

[0008] As another alternative technical solution, a top cover is provided on the top of the central pole and positioned above the top cap, and when the tent is in a folded state, the top cap abuts against the top cover. .

[0009] As another alternative technical solution, when the locking mechanism is in a locked state, the top cap is connected to the top of the central pole; When the tent is in the folded position, the top cap detaches from the center pole. .

[0010] Furthermore, a top cover is provided on the top of the top cap, and a receiving cavity is provided inside the top cap. When the locking mechanism is in a locked state, the top of the central pole enters the receiving cavity and is positioned below the top cover. .

[0011] Furthermore, The operating portion is located on the bottom cap or on the bottom of the central pole. .

[0012] Furthermore, the locking mechanism a first engaging portion provided on an outer wall surface of the central pole; a second engaging portion provided on an inner wall surface of the top cap, When the locking mechanism is in a locked state, the first locking portion is locked with the second locking portion, and when the locking mechanism is in an unlocked state, the first locking portion is separated from the second locking portion. .

[0013] Specifically, a protruding block is provided on the central pole, and the protruding block has an insertion portion that protrudes upward, the first locking portion is provided to protrude outward from the outer wall of the insertion portion, the top cap has an extension portion that protrudes downward, and the extension portion has a gap that forms a slot between it and the central pole, and the second locking portion is a locking groove provided on the inner wall of the slot, and when the locking mechanism is in a locked state, the insertion portion is inserted into the slot, and the first locking portion and the second locking portion are locked and connected to each other by the elasticity of the material itself. .

[0014] Based on any of the above technical solutions, the present invention provides a foldable tent with the above center lock. .

[0015] Further, the system includes a peripheral assembly and a plurality of internal telescopic units connected between the center lock and the peripheral assembly, the internal telescopic units including a first top pole and a second top pole hinged to each other; the first top pole is hingedly connected to the top cap; The second top pole is hingedly connected to the bottom cap. .

[0016] Further, the peripheral assembly includes a plurality of support legs and a plurality of external telescopic units connected between two adjacent support legs, each of which has a sliding bush slidably mounted thereon, and each of the external telescopic units includes at least two cross pole sets connected in sequence, each of which includes two eaves poles arranged crosswise and hingedly connected to each other, and each of the external telescopic units has two connection points at both ends, one of which is rotatably connected to the top of the corresponding support leg, and the other is rotatably connected to the sliding bush; Each of the internal telescopic units includes at least two internal pole sets connected in sequence, and each of the pole sets includes the first top pole and the second top pole. The internal telescopic unit has two connection points at its outer end, one of which is rotatably connected to the top of the corresponding support leg, and the other of which is rotatably connected to the sliding bush. .

[0017] By adopting the above technical solution, the foldable tent of the present invention has a locking mechanism between the top cap and the center pole, which simplifies the structure of the locking mechanism and saves costs. Furthermore, the length of the center pole is no longer limited by the folding structure of the tent, and the center pole can be extended upward to lift the tent fabric canopy. Furthermore, when unlocking, the operating part is located at the bottom of the entire center lock, so the operator does not need to reach through the internal telescopic unit to operate it, which is more convenient and less time-consuming. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] This is a structural schematic diagram of a foldable tent in one embodiment of the present invention when it is in an unfolded state, with the top of the central pole extending above the top cap and the first and second top poles forming an X shape. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a structural schematic diagram of the foldable tent in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 when it is in a folded state. [Figure 3] This is a schematic structural diagram of a foldable tent in an unfolded state in which the central pole does not protrude from the top cap and the first and second top poles form an X shape in another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a structural schematic diagram of a foldable tent in an unfolded state, in which the first and second top poles form a "Y" shape, in yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a structural schematic diagram of a foldable tent in an unfolded state, in which the first and second top poles form a "Y" shape, in yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a structural schematic diagram of a center lock mechanism in a locked state, in which the top of the central pole protrudes above the top cap, in yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the center lock shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 8]FIG. 7 is a structural schematic diagram of the center locking mechanism shown in FIG. 6 when the locking mechanism is in an unlocked state and the foldable tent is in a folded state. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the center lock shown in FIG. 8. [Figure 10] FIG. 7 is a structural schematic diagram of the center lock mechanism in the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 in which the center pole does not protrude from the top cap and the lock mechanism is in a locked state. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the center lock shown in FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a structural schematic diagram of the center locking mechanism shown in FIG. 10 when it is in an unlocked state and the foldable tent is in a folded state. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the center lock shown in FIG. 12. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a structural schematic diagram of a center lock mechanism in a locked state, in which the top of the central pole protrudes above the top cap, in yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the center lock shown in FIG. 14. [Figure 16] FIG. 15 is a structural schematic diagram of the center locking mechanism shown in FIG. 14 when it is in an unlocked state and the foldable tent is in a folded state. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the center lock shown in FIG. 16. [Figure 18] FIG. 15 is a structural schematic diagram of the center lock mechanism in the embodiment shown in FIG. 14 in which the center pole does not protrude from the top cap and the lock mechanism is in a locked state. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the center lock shown in FIG. 18. [Figure 20] FIG. 19 is a structural schematic diagram of the center locking mechanism shown in FIG. 18 when it is in an unlocked state and the foldable tent is in a folded state. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the center lock shown in FIG. 20. [Figure 22]FIG. 10 is a structural schematic diagram of a center lock mechanism in a locked state in which the top of the central pole does not protrude from the top cap in yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a schematic front view of the center lock shown in FIG. 22. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of FIG. 23. [Figure 25] FIG. 24 is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of FIG. 23. [Figure 26] FIG. 23 is a structural schematic diagram of the center-lock top cap shown in FIG. 22. [Figure 27] FIG. 23 is a structural schematic diagram of the foldable tent in the middle of folding, with the center locking mechanism shown in FIG. 22 in an unlocked state. [Figure 28] FIG. 28 is a schematic front view of the center lock shown in FIG. 27. [Figure 29] FIG. 29 is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of FIG. 28 taken along the line AA. [Figure 30] FIG. 23 is a structural schematic diagram of the center lock mechanism in the embodiment shown in FIG. 22 when the top of the central pole protrudes above the top cap and the lock mechanism is in a locked state. [Figure 31] FIG. 31 is a schematic front view of the center lock shown in FIG. 30. [Figure 32] 32 is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure AA in FIG. 31. [Figure 33] FIG. 23 is a structural schematic diagram of the center locking mechanism shown in FIG. 22 when the locking mechanism is in an unlocked state and the foldable tent is in a folded state. [Figure 34] FIG. 34 is a schematic front view of the center lock shown in FIG. 33. [Figure 35] 35 is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure AA in FIG. 34. [Figure 36] 10 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the top cap is locked to the bottom of the central pole in yet another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 37]FIG. 37 is a schematic diagram of the top cap in FIG. 36 being unlocked and the tent being in a folded state, showing the top cap detached from the central pole; the first top pole connected to the top cap is not shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] Although the technical solutions of the present invention have been described below clearly and completely with reference to the drawings, it is clear that the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of them. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, other embodiments that can be obtained by those skilled in the art without creative ingenuity all fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0020] It should be noted that in describing this invention, the terms "upper," "lower," "inner," and "outer" are defined according to the normal usage habits of tents. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0021] It should be noted that the technical features according to different embodiments of the present invention described below can be combined with each other as long as no contradiction occurs between them.

[0022] Example 1 The tent in this embodiment has an unfolded state shown in Fig. 1 and a folded state shown in Fig. 2. Specifically, referring to Fig. 1, the foldable tent includes a center lock 3, a peripheral assembly, and a plurality of internal telescopic units 2 connected between the center lock 3 and the peripheral assembly. The peripheral assembly includes a plurality of support legs 1 and an external telescopic unit 4 connected between two adjacent support legs 1. The support legs 1 in this embodiment have an extendable structure to further reduce the vertical dimension of the tent after it is folded.

[0023] In this embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the internal telescopic units 2 correspond one-to-one to the support legs 1, with the inner end of each internal telescopic unit 2 connected to the center lock 3 and the outer end connected to the corresponding support leg 1. Specifically, each internal telescopic unit 2 includes at least two internal pole sets connected in sequence, with each internal pole set including a first top pole 21 and a second top pole 22 hinged to each other. In this embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the middle portion of the first top pole 21 and the middle portion of the second top pole 22 are hinged to each other so that the first top pole 21 and the second top pole 22 form an X-shape. The specific connection configuration between two adjacent internal pole sets is as follows: the first top pole 21 in one internal pole set is hinged to the second top pole 22 in another internal pole set, and the second top pole 22 in the illustrated internal pole set is hinged to the first top pole 21 in the other internal pole set. The specific connection form between the internal telescopic unit 2 and the corresponding support leg 1 is as follows: A sliding bush 11 is slidably mounted on the support leg 1, and the outer end of the internal telescopic unit 2 has two connection points (i.e., the outer end of the first top pole 21 and the outer end of the second top pole 22 of the internal pole set located outermost of the internal telescopic unit 2), one of which is rotatably connected to the top of the corresponding support leg 1, and the other is rotatably connected to the sliding bush 11. The specific connection structure between the external telescopic unit 4 and the support leg 1 is as follows: Each external telescopic unit 4 includes at least two cross pole sets connected in sequence, and each cross pole set includes two eaves poles 41 (crossing in an X shape) that are arranged crosswise and hinged to each other, and the two eaves poles 41 of a cross pole set in an external telescopic unit 4 are hingedly connected to the two eaves poles 41 of an adjacent cross pole set in a one-to-one correspondence, and both ends of the external telescopic unit 4 correspond to different support legs 1, and each support leg 1 is further connected to the ends of two different external telescopic units 4, and the specific connection form is as follows:The external telescopic unit 4 has two connection points at each end, one of which is rotatably connected to the top of the corresponding support leg 1, and the other is rotatably connected to the sliding bush 11.

[0024] In another embodiment, the number of internal telescopic units 2 is greater than the number of support legs 1, and among the multiple internal telescopic units 2, except for those connected to the support legs 1 in one-to-one correspondence, the outer ends of the remaining internal telescopic units 2 are connected to the external telescopic units 4.

[0025] The center lock 3 includes a bottom cap 31, a central pole 32, a top cap 33, and a locking mechanism. The inner end of the second top pole 22 (the second top pole 22 in the innermost internal pole set in the internal telescopic unit 2) is hingedly connected to the bottom cap 31, and the first top pole 21 (the first top pole 21 in the innermost internal pole set in the internal telescopic unit 2) is hingedly connected to the top cap 33. The bottom cap 31 is connected to the lower part of the central pole 32, and the top cap 33 is located directly above the bottom cap 31 and is movable relative to the central pole 32.

[0026] The locking mechanism is provided between the top cap 33 and the central pole 32 and has a locked state and an unlocked state. When the locking mechanism is in the locked state, the relative position between the top cap 33 and the central pole 32 is fixed, in which case the tent is locked in an unfolded state. When the locking mechanism is in the unlocked state, the fixed relative position between the top cap 33 and the central pole 32 is released, in which case the tent can be folded or unfolded.

[0027] In one embodiment, an operating unit for performing the unlocking or locking operation is further provided, and the operating unit is installed at the bottom of the central pole 32 or the bottom cap 31. By operating the bottom of the central pole 32 or the bottom cap 31, the locking mechanism is unlocked or locked.

[0028] 1, the top cap 33 may be slidably connected to the central pole 32 along the central pole 32, and when the locking mechanism is in a locked state, the top cap 33 is located at the middle of the central pole 32, and the top of the central pole 32 overhangs above the top cap 33, in this case, when the tent fabric is covered by the tent frame, the overhanging central pole 32 serves to lift the tent fabric canopy. After the locking mechanism is unlocked and the foldable tent is in a folded state, the top cap 33 slides upward along the central pole 32 to the top of the central pole 32 as the tent is folded.

[0029] In a more preferred embodiment, a top cover 34 is provided on the top of the central pole 32, and after the tent is folded, the top cap 33 is located below the top cover 34 (optionally abutting the underside of the top cover 34). The top cover 34 serves to support the tent fabric and prevent the central pole 32 from piercing the fabric. Furthermore, when performing operations such as unlocking, folding, or unfolding the tent, the top cover 34 also serves as an operating member that allows the user to easily grasp it during operation.

[0030] Example 2 Referring to Figure 3, the differences between the foldable tent in this embodiment and that in the first embodiment are as follows: In the center lock 3, the top cap 33 is detachably connected to the central pole 32, i.e., when the locking mechanism is in the locked state, the top cap 33 is connected to the top of the central pole 32, i.e., the central pole 32 does not protrude from the top cap 33; after the locking mechanism is unlocked, when the foldable tent is in the folded state, the top cap 33 moves upward and detaches from the central pole 32 as the tent folds.

[0031] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the top cover 34 is provided on the top of the top cap 33, and the top cap 33 has a first receiving groove 334. When the foldable tent is in the unfolded state and the locking mechanism is locked, the top of the central pole 32 enters the first receiving groove 334 of the top cap 33 and is located below the top cover 34 (optionally abutting the underside of the top cover 34), see Figures 9 to 13 and 18 to 29. The top cover 34 and the top cap 33 may be two parts that are fixedly connected, or may be molded as one piece.

[0032] Example 3 The differences between the foldable tent of this embodiment and the above embodiments are as follows: In the center lock 3, the top cap 33 and the central pole 32 may slide relative to each other or may be detachably connected. That is, unlike the second embodiment in which the top cap 33 is connected to the top of the central pole 32, in this embodiment the top cap 33 is connected to the top of the central pole 32 at a position close to the top or center of the central pole 32. When the locking mechanism is in a locked state, the top cap 33 is located in the middle of the central pole 32, and the top of the central pole 32 protrudes above the top cap 33. After the locking mechanism is unlocked, the top cap 33 slides upward along the central pole 32 as the tent folds, and is eventually detached from the central pole 32.

[0033] Example 4 Referring to FIG. 4, the foldable tent of this embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that each internal telescopic unit 2 of this embodiment includes two first top poles 21 and two second top poles 22, and the ends of the two first top poles 21 are hingedly connected, but the two second top poles 22 are hingedly connected to both ends of the internal telescopic unit 2 at positions close to (or at) the middle of the corresponding first top poles 21 to form a "Y" shape. In this embodiment, each internal telescopic unit 2 has two internal pole sets, and in the internal pole set closer to the inside, one end hingedly connected to the bottom cap 31 of the second top pole 22 and the opposite end thereof are hingedly connected to the middle part of the first top pole 21, and in the internal pole set closer to the outside, one end hingedly connected to the sliding bush 11 of the second top pole 22 and the opposite end thereof are hingedly connected to the middle part of the first top pole 21, and the outer end of the first top pole 21 in the internal pole set closer to the inside is hingedly connected to the inner end of the first top pole 21 in the internal pole set closer to the outside.

[0034] The internal telescopic unit 2 with a "Y" shaped configuration requires less material for the pole members compared to an X shaped configuration, making the overall tent lighter.

[0035] Example 5 5, the foldable tent of this embodiment differs from that of the above-mentioned embodiment 2 in that the first top pole 21 and the second top pole 22 of each inner pole set in the inner telescopic unit 2 form a "Y" shape. The specific structure of the inner telescopic unit 2 of this embodiment and the connection structure between the support leg 1 and the center lock 3 are basically the same as those of the above-mentioned embodiment 4, and detailed description thereof will be omitted here.

[0036] Example 6 6 to 13, this embodiment provides a specific structure of a locking mechanism applied to the foldable tent of any one of the above-mentioned embodiments 1 to 5. Among them, Fig. 6 to Fig. 9 show the case where the central pole 32 protrudes from the top cap 33 when the tent is in the unfolded state, and Fig. 10 to Fig. 13 show the case where the central pole 32 does not protrude from the top cap 33 when the tent is in the unfolded state.

[0037] In this embodiment, the center pole 32 and the bottom cap 31 are fixedly connected.

[0038] The locking mechanism includes a first magnetic member 321 provided on the central pole 32 and a second magnetic member 331 provided on the top cap 33. When the locking mechanism is in a locked state, the first magnetic member 321 is magnetically connected to the second magnetic member 331, and when the locking mechanism is in an unlocked state, the first magnetic member 321 and the second magnetic member 331 are separated from each other.

[0039] 6 to 9, when the tent is deployed and the central pole 32 protrudes from the top cap 33, the first magnetic member 321 is fixed to the middle of the central pole 32. In a more preferred embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 6 to 9, the central pole 32 includes a lower pole 32a and an upper pole 32b, the lower part of the lower pole 32a is connected to the bottom cap 31, and the bottom part of the upper pole 32b is connected to the top of the lower pole 32a, where the lower pole 32a is relatively coarse and the upper pole 32b is relatively fine, and the first magnetic member 321 is provided on the top of the lower pole 32a. The top cap 33 is slidably connected to the upper pole 32b, and has a second receiving groove 335. When the tent is deployed and the locking mechanism is locked, the top cap 33 slides to the bottom of the upper pole 32b, and the top of the lower pole 32a is inserted into the second receiving groove 335. By providing this structure, the lower pole 32a supports the top cap 33 and makes the structure more solid after the center lock is locked. In one alternative embodiment, as in Example 7 described below, after the central pole 32 is set so that the roughness of the top and bottom surfaces is consistent, a protruding block 324 can be connected to the central pole 32 to replace the supporting function of the lower pole 32a for the top cap 33, and the first magnetic member 321 is provided on the protruding block 324 (specific drawings are not shown, but this structure can be understood by referring to Figures 18 to 21). When locked, the top cap 33 slides along the central pole 32 to the position of the protruding block 324, and the protruding block 324 supports the top cap 33.

[0040] The lower pole 32a and the upper pole 32b may be fixedly connected or slidably connected relative to each other. Specifically, the lower pole 32a has a cavity and the upper pole 32b is telescopically inserted therein. The slidably connected structure of the lower pole 32a and the upper pole 32b allows the overall length of the central pole 32 to be adjusted. When the tent is unfolded, the upper pole 32b slides to an appropriate position relative to the lower pole 32a. For example, the lower part of the upper pole 32b abuts against the lower pole 32a to raise the tent fabric to an appropriate height. After the tent is folded, the top cap 33 slides until it abuts against the underside of the top cover 34 and further pushes the upper pole 32b away from the lower pole 32a, thereby satisfying the distance requirement for the connection points of the first top pole 21 and the second top pole 22 with the center lock during folding. In particular, making the overall length of the central pole 32 essentially the same as the length of the shortened support leg 1 makes the folded tent structure more compact.

[0041] 10 to 13 is deployed and the central pole 32 does not protrude from the top cap 33, the first magnetic member 321 is fixed to the top of the central pole 32. When the locking mechanism is locked, the top of the central pole 32 is inserted into the first receiving groove 334 of the top cap 33, and the first magnetic member 321 and the second magnetic member 331 are attracted to each other.

[0042] Preferably, the first magnetic member 321 and the second magnetic member 331 are both annular so as to have a relatively large contact area therebetween and a magnetically coupled attractive force therebetween.

[0043] In one more preferred embodiment, in the above two cases, the second magnetic member 331 is provided on the top of the top cap 33, and when the first magnetic member 321 and the second magnetic member 331 are attracted to each other, the second magnetic member 331 is located above the first magnetic member 321, and the installation of the upper and lower structure makes the connection between the two more stable and prevents them from separating.

[0044] In the locking mechanism of this embodiment, when the tent is deployed, the first magnetic member 321 and the second magnetic member 331 can automatically attract and connect to each other after the top cap 33 slides to the corresponding position. When unlocking is required, the first magnetic member 321 and the second magnetic member 331 can be separated by simply resisting the magnetic attraction force that magnetically connects them, thereby realizing unlocking.

[0045] Example 7 14 to 21, this embodiment provides a specific structure of a locking mechanism applied to the foldable tent of any one of the above-mentioned embodiments 1 to 5. Among them, Fig. 14 to Fig. 17 show the case where the central pole 32 extends beyond the top cap 33 when the tent is in the unfolded state, and Fig. 18 to Fig. 21 show the case where the central pole 32 does not extend beyond the top cap 33 when the tent is in the unfolded state.

[0046] In this embodiment, the center pole 32 and the bottom cap 31 are fixedly connected.

[0047] The locking mechanism in this embodiment includes a first locking portion 322 provided on the central pole 32 and a second locking portion 332 provided on the top cap 33, and when the locking mechanism is in a locked state, the first locking portion 322 locks with the second locking portion 332, and when the locking mechanism is in a locked state, the first locking portion 322 is separated from the second locking portion 332.

[0048] Specifically, in the two cases described above (when the central pole 32 protrudes from the top cap 33 when the tent is deployed, and when the central pole 32 does not protrude from the top cap 33), the central pole 32 is provided with a protruding block 324, which is preferably annular, and has an insertion portion 325 protruding upward, the first locking portion 322 is provided protruding outward from the outer wall of the insertion portion 325, and the top cap 33 has an extension portion 337 protruding downward. The extension 337 and the central pole 32 define a gap that forms a slot 336. The second locking portion 332 is a locking groove formed on the inner wall of the slot 336. When the tent is deployed, the top cap 33 and the central pole 32 slide relative to each other, and the insertion portion 325 is inserted into the slot 336 of the top cap 33. The first locking portion 322 and the second locking portion 332 are locked and connected to each other due to the elasticity of the material itself. The protruding block 324 supports the top cap 33.

[0049] In the locking mechanism of this embodiment, when the tent is deployed, the top cap 33 slides to the corresponding position, and the first and second locking portions 322, 332 can lock together due to the elasticity of the material itself. When unlocking is required, the first and second locking portions 322, 332 can be separated by applying force to achieve unlocking.

[0050] Example 8 22 to 35, this embodiment provides a specific structure of a locking mechanism applied to the foldable tent of any one of the above-mentioned embodiments 1 to 5. Among them, Fig. 22 to Fig. 29 show the case where the central pole 32 does not protrude from the top cap 33 when the tent is in the unfolded state, and Fig. 30 to Fig. 35 show the case where the central pole 32 protrudes from the top cap 33 when the tent is in the unfolded state. In this embodiment, the central pole 32 and the bottom cap 31 are connected to each other so as to be able to rotate (for example, pivot). The central pole 32 and the top cap 33 can rotate (for example, pivot) relative to each other in addition to sliding relative to each other.

[0051] The locking mechanism includes a protrusion 323 fixed to the central pole 32 and a spiral groove 333 provided in the top cap 33. Preferably, there are two protrusions 323, which are symmetrically provided on both sides of the central pole 32, and there are also two corresponding spiral grooves 333 provided symmetrically. Specifically, the protrusion 323 may be a pin connected to the central pole 32. More specifically, the pin is fixedly inserted into the central pole 32, and both ends of the pin protrude from the central pole 32 to form two symmetrical protrusions 323. The spiral groove 333 has a starting end and an end, and the end is provided with a position-regulating groove that fits the protrusion 323. The locking mechanism further includes an elastic member 35 provided between the bottom cap 31 and the central pole 32, and the elastic member 35 is preferably a torsion spring. In the above two cases (when the central pole 32 protrudes from the top cap 33 and when the central pole 32 does not protrude from the top cap 33 when the tent is deployed), the central pole 32 is manually rotated to change the locking mechanism into a locked state. During the process of changing into the locked state, the protrusion 323 rotates from the start end of the torsion groove 333 to the end end of the torsion groove 333. In this case, since the torsion spring is in a deformed state, after the external force is removed, the protrusion 323 does not move back to the position control position. When the torsion spring rotates into the groove and abuts against the groove wall of the position control groove, and the protrusion 323 is fitted into the position control groove, it is preferable that the torsion spring returns to its natural state (it is next preferable that the torsion spring returns to an almost natural state), and when it is necessary to convert the locking mechanism from a locked state to an unlocked state, the rotation operating part on the bottom cap 31 can be manually operated to rotate the torsion spring by the rotation operating part, and the torsion spring further applies force to the central pole 32 to remove the protrusion 323 from the position control groove and move it from the end to the start of the torsion groove 333, and finally retract it from the torsion groove 333.

[0052] In a more preferred embodiment, the central pole 32 is further provided with a stopper 326, which is preferably annular. The stopper 326 is located below the protrusion 323, and when the locking mechanism is locked, the stopper 326 supports the top cap 33 so as to reduce the force applied to the protrusion 323.

[0053] 32 to 35, the central pole 32 includes a lower pole 32a and an upper pole 32b, the upper part of the lower pole 32a and the lower part of the upper pole 32b are slidably connected, the protrusion 323 and stopper 326 are provided on the lower pole 32a, and the top cap 33 is slidably connected to the upper pole 32b.

[0054] In the locking mechanism of this embodiment, when the tent is deployed, the top cap 33 slides to a corresponding position, and the protrusion 323 on the central pole 32 aligns with the corresponding twisted groove 333 and enters the twisted groove 333 from a relatively shallow end. As the protrusion 323 slides along the twisted groove 333 and enters deeper, the interaction between the twisted groove 333 and the protrusion 323 causes the central pole 32 to rotate relative to the top cap 33 and bottom cap 31. The elastic member 35 keeps the protrusion 323 firmly in contact with the position-regulating groove located at the end of the twisted groove 333 without disengaging. When unlocking is required, the rotating operating member on the bottom cap 31 is rotated to rotate the elastic member 35, thereby rotating the central pole 32. The central pole 32 rotates in the opposite direction during the unlocking operation to the locking operation, retracting the protrusion 323 from the twisted groove 333, thereby achieving unlocking.

[0055] Example 9 36-37, in this embodiment, the top cap 33 of the foldable tent is slidably connected to the central pole 32 along the central pole 32, and when the locking mechanism is in a locked state, the top cap 33 is locked to the bottom of the central pole 32, and when the tent is folded, the top cap 33 slides toward the top of the central pole 32, and when the tent is in a folded state, the top cap 33 detaches from the central pole 32.

[0056] In this embodiment, the locking position is mainly limited to the lower part of the central pole 32, and the top of the central pole 32 does not have the top cover 34 described in some of the above embodiments. Furthermore, when the tent is in the folded state, the top cap 33 moves upward and eventually detaches from the central pole 32. Therefore, this embodiment can be selectively combined with specific realizations of the locking mechanisms in the above embodiments 1 to 8, such as the locking mechanism including the first magnetic member 321 and the second magnetic member 331 in embodiment 6, the locking mechanism including the first locking portion 322 and the second locking portion 332 in embodiment 7, and the locking mechanism including the protrusion 323 and the helical groove 333 in embodiment 8.

[0057] It should be noted that the protrusion 323 and stopper 326 located on the central pole 32 shown in Figures 36 and 37 are merely illustrative examples of combinations with the locking mechanism of Example 8, and are not specific limitations on the locking mechanism in this example.

[0058] In the foldable tent of the above embodiment, the locking mechanism is located between the top cap and the center pole, which simplifies the locking mechanism structure and saves costs. Furthermore, the length of the center pole is no longer limited by the folding structure of the tent, and it can be extended upward to lift the tent fabric canopy. Furthermore, when unlocking, the operating part is located at the bottom of the entire center lock, eliminating the need for the operator to reach into the internal telescopic unit, making the process simpler and less time-consuming.

[0059] The above examples are merely for the purpose of illustrating the technical ideas and characteristics of the present invention, and are intended to enable those skilled in the art to understand and practice the contents of the present invention, and do not limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Any equivalent changes or modifications made based on the spirit of the present invention should be included in the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0060] This application claims priority from a Chinese patent application filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of the People's Republic of China on June 12, 2020, bearing application number 202021090731.7, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. [Explanation of symbols]

[0061] 1 support leg, 11 sliding bush, 2 internal telescopic unit, 21 first top pole, 22 second top pole, 3 center lock, 31 bottom cap, 32 central pole, 32a lower pole, 32b upper pole, 321 first magnetic member, 322 first locking portion, 323 protrusion, 324 protrusion block, 325 insertion portion, 326 stopper, 33 top cap, 331 second magnetic member, 332 second locking portion, 333 twist groove, 334 first receiving groove, 335 second receiving groove, 336 slot, 337 extension portion, 34 top cover, 35 elastic member, 4 external telescopic unit, 41 eaves pole

Claims

1. A center lock (3) for use in a foldable tent, comprising a peripheral assembly and a plurality of internal telescopic units (2) connected between the center lock (3) and the peripheral assembly, the internal telescopic units including a first top pole (21) and a second top pole (22) hinged to each other; The center lock (3) is A bottom cap (31); a central pole (32) whose lower part is connected to the bottom cap (31); a top cap (33) provided above the bottom cap (31) and slidable along the longitudinal direction of the central pole (32); a locking mechanism disposed between the top cap (33) and the central pole (32), the locking mechanism having a locked state and an unlocked state; an operating part located at the bottom of the center lock (3), which is used by a user to operate to lock and / or unlock the locking mechanism; The central pole (32) includes a lower pole (32a) and an upper pole (32b), the lower pole (32a) and the upper pole (32b) are slidably connected, and the bottom cap (31) is connected to the lower part of the lower pole (32a); The first top pole (21) is hingedly connected to the top cap (33), and the second top pole (22) is hingedly connected to the bottom cap (31); When the locking mechanism is in a locked state, the relative position between the top cap (33) and the central pole (32) is fixed, and the top cap (33) is connected to the lower pole (32a); When the locking mechanism is in an unlocked state, the fixed relative position between the top cap (33) and the central pole (32) can be released; The center lock (3) is characterized in that when the tent is in a folded state, the top cap (33) is detached from the lower pole (32a).

2. The top cap (33) is slidably connected to the central pole (32) along the central pole (32); When the locking mechanism is in a locked state, the top cap (33) is locked to the central pole (32); When the tent is folded, the top cap (33) slides towards the top of the central pole (32); The center lock (3) according to claim 1, characterized in that when the tent is in a folded state, the top cap (33) is located on top of the central pole (32).

3. The center lock (3) according to claim 1, characterized in that when the locking mechanism is in a locked state or an unlocked state, the lower pole (32a) and the upper pole (32b) are both slidable relative to each other.

4. The center lock (3) according to claim 2, characterized in that a top cover (34) positioned above the top cap (33) is provided on the top of the central pole (32), and when the tent is in a folded state, the top cap (33) abuts against the top cover (34).

5. When the locking mechanism is in a locked state, the top cap (33) is connected to the top of the central pole (32); The center lock (3) according to claim 1, characterized in that the top cap (33) is detached from the central pole (32) when the tent is in a folded state.

6. The center lock (3) according to claim 1, characterized in that a top cover (34) is provided on the top of the top cap (33), an accommodating cavity is provided inside the top cap (33), and when the locking mechanism is in a locked state, the top of the central pole (32) enters the accommodating cavity and is located below the top cover (34).

7. The center lock (3) according to claim 1, characterized in that the operating part is located on the bottom cap (32) or on the bottom of the center pole (32).

8. The locking mechanism is a first engaging portion (322) provided on the outer wall surface of the central pole (32); a second locking portion (332) provided on the inner wall surface of the top cap (33); The center lock (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that when the locking mechanism is in a locked state, the first locking portion (322) locks with the second locking portion (332), and when the locking mechanism is in an unlocked state, the first locking portion (322) is separated from the second locking portion (332).

9. 9. The center lock (3) according to claim 8, wherein the central pole (32) is provided with a protruding block (324), the protruding block (324) having an insertion portion (325) protruding upward, the first locking portion (322) protruding outward from the outer wall of the insertion portion (325), the top cap (33) has an extension portion (337) protruding downward, the extension portion (337) having a gap between it and the central pole (32) forming a slot (336), the second locking portion (332) being a locking groove provided on the inner wall of the slot (336), and when the locking mechanism is in a locked state, the insertion portion (325) is inserted into the slot (336), and the first locking portion (322) and the second locking portion (332) are locked and connected to each other by the elasticity of their materials.

10. A center lock (3) for use in a foldable tent, comprising a peripheral assembly and a plurality of internal telescopic units (2) connected between the center lock (3) and the peripheral assembly and including a first top pole (21) and a second top pole (22) hinged to each other; The center lock (3) is A bottom cap (31); a central pole (32) whose lower part is connected to the bottom cap (31); a top cap (33) provided above the bottom cap (31) and slidable along the longitudinal direction of the central pole (32); a locking mechanism provided between the top cap (33) and the central pole (32) and having a locked state and an unlocked state, the locking mechanism including a first engaging portion (322) provided on an outer wall surface of the central pole (32) and a second engaging portion (332) provided on an inner wall surface of the top cap (33); The central pole (32) is provided with a protruding block (324), the protruding block (324) has an insertion portion (325) protruding upward, the first locking portion (322) is provided to protrude outward from the outer wall of the insertion portion (325), the top cap (33) has an extension portion (337) protruding downward, the extension portion (337) has a gap between it and the central pole (32) that forms a slot (336), and the second locking portion (332) is a locking groove provided on the inner wall of the slot (336); an operating part located at the bottom of the center lock (3), which is used by a user to operate to lock and / or unlock the locking mechanism; The first top pole (21) is hingedly connected to the top cap (33), and the second top pole (22) is hingedly connected to the bottom cap (31); When the locking mechanism is in a locked state, the relative position between the top cap (33) and the central pole (32) is fixed, the insertion portion (325) is inserted into the slot (336), and the first and second locking portions (322) and (332) are locked and connected to each other by the elasticity of the material itself; When the locking mechanism is in an unlocked state, the first locking portion (322) is separated from the second locking portion (332), and the fixed relative position between the top cap (33) and the central pole (32) can be released.

11. The top cap (33) is slidably connected to the central pole (32) along the central pole (32), When the locking mechanism is in a locked state, the top cap (33) is locked to the central pole (32); When the tent is folded, the top cap (33) slides towards the top of the central pole (32); The center lock (3) according to claim 10, characterized in that when the tent is in a folded state, the top cap (33) is located on top of the central pole (32).

12. A center lock (3) as described in claim 10, characterized in that the central pole (32) includes a lower pole (32a) and an upper pole (32b), the lower pole (32a) and the upper pole (32b) are slidably connected, and the bottom cap (31) is connected to the lower part of the lower pole (32a).

13. When the locking mechanism is in a locked state, the top cap (33) is connected to the lower pole (32a), The center lock (3) according to claim 12, characterized in that the top cap (33) is detached from the lower pole (32a) when the tent is in a folded state.

14. A center lock (3) as described in Claim 12, characterized in that when the locking mechanism is in a locked or unlocked state, the lower pole (32a) and the upper pole (32b) are both slidable relative to each other.

15. A center lock (3) as described in Claim 11, characterized in that a top cover (34) positioned above the top cap (33) is provided at the top of the central pole (32), and when the tent is in a folded state, the top cap (33) abuts against the top cover (34).

16. When the locking mechanism is in a locked state, the top cap (33) is connected to the top of the central pole (32), The center lock (3) according to claim 10, characterized in that the top cap (33) is detached from the central pole (32) when the tent is in a folded state.

17. A center lock (3) as described in claim 10, characterized in that a top cover (34) is provided on the top of the top cap (33), a storage cavity is provided inside the top cap (33), and when the locking mechanism is in a locked state, the top of the central pole (32) enters the storage cavity and is positioned below the top cover (34).

18. A center lock (3) as described in claim 10, characterized in that the operating part is located on the bottom cap (32) or on the bottom of the central pole (32).

19. A foldable tent equipped with a center lock (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 18, a peripheral assembly; and a plurality of internal telescopic units (2) connected between the center lock (3) and the peripheral assembly, the internal telescopic units (2) including a first top pole (21) and a second top pole (22) hinged to each other; The first top pole (21) is hingedly connected to the top cap (33), and the second top pole (22) is hingedly connected to the bottom cap (31). Foldable tent.

20. The peripheral assembly includes a plurality of support legs (1) and a plurality of external telescopic units (4) connected between two adjacent support legs (1), each of which is slidably provided with a sliding bush (11), and each of the external telescopic units (4) includes at least two cross pole sets connected in sequence, each of which includes two eaves poles (41) arranged crosswise and hingedly connected to each other, and each of the external telescopic units (4) has two connection points at both ends, one of which is rotatably connected to the top of the corresponding support leg (1), and the other of which is rotatably connected to the sliding bush (11); 20. The foldable tent according to claim 19, wherein each of the internal telescopic units (2) includes at least two internal pole sets connected in series, each internal pole set including the first top pole (21) and the second top pole (22), and has two connection points at the outer end of the internal telescopic unit (2), one of which is rotatably connected to the top of the corresponding support leg (1) and the other of which is rotatably connected to the sliding bush (11).

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