Compressible and storable spring module, elastic module and elastic mattress

Abstract

A compressible and storable spring module. The spring module comprises a base (1), an upper cover (2), and a spring connected between the base (1) and the upper cover (2); a first engaging structure (21) is provided on the lower end surface of the upper cover (2); a second engaging structure (11) is provided on the upper end surface of the base (1); under the action of an external force, the first engaging structure (21) and the second engaging structure (11) reach a limiting locked position and are engaged with each other in the direction opposite to the direction in which the first engaging structure (21) and the second engaging structure (11) move towards each other; in a locked state, the first engaging structure (21) and the second engaging structure (11) are disengaged from each other under the action of an external force. The dismounted spring module can be kept in a compressed state, saving spaces for transfer and transportation and labor costs.

Description

A compressible and storable spring module, elastic module, and elastic pad

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application requires:

[0003] This invention is based on the Chinese patent application filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of China on December 14, 2023, with application number: 2023117205563, and the name of the invention is: "A kind of elastic pad", and its priority is claimed. Part of the content of the Chinese patent application is hereby introduced into the text of this application.

[0004] This invention is based on a Chinese patent application filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of China on April 8, 2024, with application number: 2024104125692, and the name of the invention is: "A compressible and retractable spring module, elastic module, and elastic pad", and its priority is claimed. Part of the content of the Chinese patent application is hereby introduced into the text of this application. Technical Field

[0005] The present invention relates to the field of furniture, and in particular to a compressible and storable spring module, elastic module, and elastic pad. Background Art

[0006] In modern life, mattresses are an essential piece of bedding. As people's stress levels increase, mattresses with elastic components in the middle are becoming increasingly popular, seeking relaxation during sleep. Existing mattresses often use pocket springs as the elastic components. Each spring is individually packaged in a pocket, then the pockets are arranged in a pattern. The pockets are then covered with a single piece of foam rubber to form the entire mattress. These mattresses are difficult to disassemble and transport.

[0007] Therefore, mattresses with detachable springs have been developed. However, during handling and transportation, the detached springs remain in a released state, which takes up a lot of space and manpower for handling. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a compressible and storable spring module, elastic module and elastic pad, which can save the space occupied by the spring module and speed up the handling and transportation efficiency when the disassembled spring module is carried and transported.

[0009] In order to solve the above technical problems, the present invention provides a compressible and storable spring module, which includes a spring, an upper cover arranged at the upper end of the spring and a base located at the lower end of the spring, the upper cover extending downward to provide a first locking structure, and the base extending upward to provide a second locking structure; the spring is axially compressed to a locked position under the action of an external force, and the first locking structure and the second locking structure are engaged in the locked position; in the locked state, under the action of an external force, the first locking structure and the second locking structure move relative to each other in the circumferential direction to release the engagement.

[0010] In some embodiments, the upper end surface of the base forms a convex cavity structure along the compression direction of the spring module, and the outer edge of the convex cavity structure is provided with discontinuous convex edges as the second locking structure, and gaps are formed between adjacent convex edges.

[0011] In some embodiments, hooks corresponding to the convex edges are arranged at intervals on the lower end surface of the upper cover as a first locking structure, and the convex edge forms a limiting surface facing the base. The hooks and the convex edge move toward each other along the axial direction so that the hooks clamp the limiting surface of the convex edge and engage against the direction of the movement to achieve locking.

[0012] In some embodiments, the hook and the protrusion move relative to each other in the circumferential direction until the hook reaches the notch to release the engagement.

[0013] In some embodiments, the convex edge gradually widens in the vertical downward direction so that the convex edge forms a slope toward the upper cover; the hook includes a connecting portion and a hook portion, one end of the connecting portion is connected to the lower end surface of the upper cover, and the hook portion is arranged on the inner side of the connecting portion toward the center of the convex cavity structure, and the spring module is compressed so that the hook portion slides down along the slope of the convex edge until the hook clamps the limiting surface so that the hook is engaged with the limiting surface.

[0014] In some embodiments, the convex cavity structure is provided with multiple layers of discontinuous convex edges along the vertical direction, and each layer of convex edges is provided at the same position on the circumference of the convex cavity structure.

[0015] The present invention also provides a compressible and retractable spring module, which includes a spring, an upper cover arranged at the upper end of the spring, a base and a release member located at the lower end of the spring, the upper cover extending downward to provide a first locking structure, and the base extending upward to provide a second locking structure; the spring is axially compressed to a locked position under the action of external force, and the first locking structure is engaged with the second locking structure in the locked position; the release member is used to drive the first locking structure and the second locking structure to move radially relative to each other in the locked state to release the engagement.

[0016] In some embodiments, the upper end surface of the base forms a convex cavity structure along the compression direction of the spring module, and the outer edge of the convex cavity structure forms a continuous convex edge as a second locking structure. The inside of the convex cavity structure is detachably provided with a closing plug that pushes the convex edge to move radially relative to the first locking structure as the release member.

[0017] The lower end surface of the upper cover is provided with hooks at intervals as the first locking structure, and the convex edge forms a limiting surface facing the base. The hooks move axially relative to the convex edge until the hooks clamp the limiting surface and engage against the direction of the movement to achieve locking.

[0018] In some embodiments, pulling out the closing plug causes the protrusion to radially contract relative to the hook, and the hook disengages from the protrusion to release the engagement.

[0019] The present invention further provides a compressible and retractable spring module, which includes a spring, an upper cover arranged at the upper end of the spring, and a base and a release member located at the lower end of the spring. The upper cover extends downward to provide a first locking structure, and the base extends upward to provide a second locking structure. The spring is axially compressed to a locked position under the action of an external force, and the first locking structure is engaged with the second locking structure in the locked position. In the locked state, the first locking structure is released from the second locking structure by relative movement along the axial direction and then the circumferential direction under the action of an external force.

[0020] In some embodiments, a convex cavity structure is provided on the lower end surface of the upper cover along the compression direction of the spring module, and the inner wall of the convex cavity structure extends along the center of the convex cavity structure to form a convex edge as the first locking structure. The convex edges are arranged at intervals, and gaps are formed between the convex edges.

[0021] In some embodiments, hooks corresponding to the convex edges are arranged at intervals on the upper end surface of the base as a second locking structure, and the hooks form a limiting surface facing the base. The convex edge and the hooks move axially toward each other until the convex edge is engaged with the limiting surface and engage against the direction of the movement.

[0022] In some embodiments, the inner wall of the convex cavity structure is provided with a first limiting wall and a second limiting wall on both sides of the convex edge along the circumferential direction, respectively. The upper end surface of the first limiting wall is lower than the upper end surface of the second limiting wall. The hook moves relative to the convex edge axially and circumferentially until it passes the first limiting wall and reaches the notch to release the engagement.

[0023] In some embodiments, the lower end surface of the first limiting wall is higher than the lower end surface of the second limiting wall, the lower end surface of the second limiting wall extends to the lower end surface of the convex cavity structure, and a guide slope is connected between the lower end surfaces of the first limiting wall and the second limiting wall.

[0024] In some embodiments, a detachable closing plug is further provided in the middle of the hook of the base, and the closing plug is used to push the hook to move radially. Pulling out the closing plug causes the hook to radially contract relative to the convex edge, and the hook disengages from the convex edge to release the engagement.

[0025] The present invention further provides a compressible and retractable spring module, which includes a spring, an upper cover arranged at the upper end of the spring, and a base located at the lower end of the spring, wherein the upper cover extends downward to provide a first locking structure, and the base extends upward to provide a second locking structure; the spring is axially compressed to a locked position under the action of an external force, and when in the locked position, the first locking structure and the second locking structure move relative to each other in the circumferential direction under the action of an external force, thereby switching between a fastened state and a released state.

[0026] In some embodiments, the lower end surface of the upper cover is provided with a first convex cavity structure along the compression direction of the spring module, and the end surface of the first convex cavity structure extends back toward the center of the first convex cavity structure to form a first convex edge as a first locking structure, and the first convex edges are arranged at intervals.

[0027] In some embodiments, the upper end surface of the base is provided with a second convex cavity structure along the compression direction of the spring module, the upper end surface of the second convex cavity structure is an open surface, and the inner periphery of the open surface extends toward the center of the second convex cavity structure to form a second convex edge as a second locking structure, the second convex edges are arranged at intervals, and gaps are formed between adjacent second convex edges for the first convex edge to pass through.

[0028] In some embodiments, after the first convex edge is embedded in the second convex cavity structure, it moves circumferentially relative to the second convex edge until the first convex edge and the second convex edge overlap, and the first convex edge and the second convex edge are engaged in the direction opposite to the axial movement.

[0029] In some embodiments, the first protrusion and the second protrusion move circumferentially relative to each other until the first protrusion and the second protrusion reach the notch and release the engagement.

[0030] In some embodiments, the first convex edge and the second convex edge are provided with positioning grooves and positioning protrusions for positioning and matching.

[0031] The present invention further provides a compressible and retractable spring module, which includes a spring, an upper cover arranged at the upper end of the spring, and a base located at the lower end of the spring, the upper cover extending downward to provide a first locking structure, and the base extending upward to provide a second locking structure; the spring is axially compressed to a locked position under the action of an external force, and the first locking structure and the second locking structure are engaged in the locked position; in the locked state, under the action of an external force, the first locking structure and the second locking structure move axially to release the engagement.

[0032] In some embodiments, the lower end surface of the upper cover forms a convex cavity structure along the compression direction of the spring module, the top surface of the convex cavity structure is open, and the inner wall of the convex cavity structure extends along the center direction of the convex cavity structure to form a continuous convex edge as a first locking structure.

[0033] In some embodiments, a hook is provided on the upper end surface of the base as a second locking structure, and the side of the hook facing the base serves as a limiting surface. The protruding edge moves axially relative to the hook until the protruding edge is engaged with the limiting surface and is engaged in the direction opposite to the axial movement.

[0034] In some embodiments, the hook has the elasticity to shrink in the horizontal direction; the convex cavity structure forms a pushing top part above the convex edge, and the pushing top part moves axially to push the hook to shrink inward in the horizontal direction so that the hook and the convex edge disengage from each other and release the engagement.

[0035] In some embodiments, the hooks include two, and a tensioning rod and a guide groove are respectively provided on the opposite sides of the two hooks. The tensioning rod and one of the hooks form a fixed end, and the other end is placed in the guide groove to form a movable end. The movable end moves along the guide groove under the action of the compression force of the compression spring module.

[0036] In some embodiments, the guide groove has an initial position, a first guide surface, a half-way position, a second guide surface and a third guide surface arranged in sequence, and the end of the third guide surface is connected to the initial position; a one-way limiting surface is also provided between the initial position and the third guide surface for allowing the tensioning bar to enter the initial position from the third guide surface in one direction; the movable end can stay at the initial position and the half-way position.

[0037] In some embodiments, a connecting piece is provided in the middle of the spring module, and adjacent spring modules are connected via the connecting piece.

[0038] The present invention further provides an elastic module, comprising the above-mentioned compressible and retractable spring modules, wherein the spring modules are connected to each other via the connecting member to form an elastic module.

[0039] In order to solve the above technical problems, the present invention further provides an elastic pad, comprising the above elastic module.

[0040] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effect of the present invention is that a first locking structure is provided at the lower end of the upper cover of the spring module, and a second locking structure is provided on the upper end surface of the base. The spring module is compressed so that the first locking structure and the second locking structure are engaged to lock the spring module in a compressed state, so that the disassembled spring module can be kept in a compressed state, saving space occupied for handling and transportation and saving labor costs. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] FIG1 is a perspective view of a spring module in a preferred embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0042] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of a spring module after a portion of the cloth cover is removed in preferred embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0043] FIG3 is a three-dimensional cross-sectional view of the spring module in the preferred embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0044] FIG4 is a front cross-sectional view of the spring module in the preferred embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0045] FIG5 is a schematic diagram of a spring module after compression in preferred embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0046] FIG6 is a cross-sectional view of the spring module after compression in the preferred embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0047] FIG7 is a schematic diagram of the unlocking method of the spring module in the preferred embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0048] FIG8 is a schematic diagram of an elastic module formed by connecting spring modules in preferred embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0049] 9 and 10 are schematic diagrams showing the spring module in the elastic module being compressed and packaged in the preferred embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0050] FIG11 is a schematic diagram of a single elastic module being compressed and stacked in preferred embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0051] 12-14 are schematic diagrams showing stacked elastic modules arranged in different arrays in preferred embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0052] FIG15 is a schematic diagram of a spring module after a portion of the cloth cover is removed in a preferred embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0053] FIG16 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a spring module in a preferred embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0054] FIG17 is a front cross-sectional view of a spring module in a preferred embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0055] Figures 18 and 19 are enlarged views of points A and B of Figure 17 respectively;

[0056] FIG20 is a schematic diagram of a spring module after being compressed in a preferred embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0057] 21 to 23 are schematic diagrams showing the process of compression of the spring module in the preferred embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0058] FIG24 is a schematic diagram of a spring module after a portion of the cloth cover is removed in preferred embodiment 3 of the present invention;

[0059] FIG25 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a spring module in a preferred embodiment 3 of the present invention;

[0060] FIG26 is a front cross-sectional view of a spring module in a preferred embodiment 3 of the present invention;

[0061] Figures 27 and 28 are enlarged views of points C and D of Figure 26, respectively;

[0062] FIG29 is a schematic diagram of a spring module after being compressed in preferred embodiment 3 of the present invention;

[0063] 30-32 are schematic diagrams of the spring module release process in preferred embodiment 3 of the present invention;

[0064] FIG33 is a schematic diagram of a spring module after a portion of the cloth cover is removed in preferred embodiment 4 of the present invention;

[0065] FIG34 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a spring module in a preferred embodiment 4 of the present invention;

[0066] FIG35 is a front cross-sectional view of a spring module in a preferred embodiment 4 of the present invention;

[0067] Figures 36 and 37 are enlarged views of points E and F of Figure 35 respectively;

[0068] FIG38 is a schematic diagram of a spring module after being compressed in preferred embodiment 4 of the present invention;

[0069] 39 to 41 are schematic diagrams showing the process of compression of the spring module in the preferred embodiment 4 of the present invention;

[0070] FIG42 is a schematic diagram of a spring module after a portion of the cloth cover is removed in preferred embodiment 5 of the present invention;

[0071] FIG43 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a spring module in a preferred embodiment 5 of the present invention;

[0072] FIG44 is a front cross-sectional view of a spring module in a preferred embodiment 5 of the present invention;

[0073] Figures 45 and 46 are enlarged views of points G and H of Figure 44, respectively;

[0074] FIG47 is a schematic diagram of a spring module after being compressed in preferred embodiment 5 of the present invention;

[0075] 48-50 are schematic diagrams showing the process of compression of the spring module in the preferred embodiment 5 of the present invention;

[0076] Figure 51 is a schematic diagram of the guide groove in the preferred embodiment 5 of the present invention DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0077] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention; it is obvious that the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, rather than all the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0078] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that the terms "upper," "lower," "inner," "outer," "top / bottom," and the like, indicating orientations or positional relationships, are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and are intended solely to facilitate and simplify the description of the present invention. They are not intended to indicate or imply that the devices or components referred to must have, be constructed, or operate in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as limitations on the present invention. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0079] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise clearly stipulated and limited, the terms "installed", "provided with", "set / connected", "connected", etc. should be understood in a broad sense. For example, "connection" can be a wall-mounted connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection. It can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection. It can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. It can be the internal connection of two components. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0080] Example 1

[0081] 1 to 14 , this embodiment provides a compressible and retractable spring module, which includes a base 1 and an upper cover 2. A spring 3 is arranged between the base 1 and the upper cover 2. The outer surface of the spring module is wrapped with a flexible cloth cover 4, which is fixed between the base 1 and the upper cover. A connector 5 is also provided at the waist of the spring module, and adjacent spring modules are connected by the connector 5 to form an elastic module of the size required by the user. After the elastic module is wrapped with decorative cloth, it can be used as an elastic pad.

[0082] A first latching structure 21 is provided on the lower end surface of the upper cover 2, and a second latching structure 11 is provided on the upper end surface of the base 1. The first latching structure 21 and the second latching structure 11 are located in the cavity of the spring module and are arranged opposite to each other. Compressing the spring module causes the first latching structure 21 and the second latching structure 11 to engage in the vertical direction to lock the spring module in a compressed state; rotating the elastic module causes the first latching structure 21 and the second latching structure 11 to disengage to release the spring module.

[0083] Specifically, a cylindrical convex cavity structure 111 is formed on the upper end surface of the base 1 along the compression direction of the spring module. A discontinuous convex edge 112 is provided on the outer edge of the top of the convex cavity structure 111 as the second latching structure 11, and gaps 113 are formed between adjacent convex edges 112. Hooks corresponding to the convex edges 112 are provided at intervals on the lower end surface of the upper cover 2 as the first latching structure 21.

[0084] The convex edge 112 forms a limiting surface 1121 on the side facing the base 1. The convex edge 112 gradually widens in the vertical downward direction so that the convex edge 112 forms an inclined surface 1122 on the side facing the upper cover 2. The hook includes a connecting portion 211 and a hook portion 212. One end of the connecting portion 211 is connected to the lower end surface of the upper cover 2. The hook portion 212 is arranged on the inner side of the connecting portion 211 toward the center of the convex cavity structure 111.

[0085] To lock the spring module in its compressed state, grasp the upper cover 2 and base 1 with both hands and compress the spring module. The hook on the upper cover 2 slides down along the inclined surface 1122 of the convex edge 112. The inclined surface 1122 exerts a force on the hook toward the center of the convex cavity structure 111, causing it to expand. When the hook slides down to the inclined surface 1122 and separates, it contracts under its own elastic restoring force, causing the hook portion to engage the stop surface 1121. The stop surface 1121 of the convex edge 112 and the hook engage in the direction of the spring module's release, locking the spring module in its compressed state. The compressed spring modules are then stacked and placed in a packaging box 6 for easy transport. The compressed spring modules can be stacked vertically and placed in the elongated packaging box 6. Stacking can be arranged in a 1×10, 2×5, or 4×5 arrangement for transport. The packaging box 6 may contain spring modules connected together by the connector 5 , or the spring modules may be compressed one by one to a locked state and then placed in the packaging box 6 for transportation.

[0086] The spring modules kept in a compressed state take up less space, and more spring modules can be transported at one time. It is also convenient for users to carry and save labor costs.

[0087] When the spring module needs to be released for splicing, the spring module is rotated to drive the hook away from the limiting surface 1121 of the ridge 112 and into the notch 113. At this time, the compressed spring module is pushed to the released state by the restoring force, and then the elastic module is assembled into a user-friendly elastic module through the connector 5. The above-mentioned rotation of the spring module refers to rotating the upper cover 2 and the base 1 in opposite directions to cause them to move relative to each other.

[0088] To adjust the compressed height of the spring module, the convex cavity structure 111 is provided with multiple layers of discontinuous ridges 112 along the vertical direction. Each layer of ridges 112 is located at the same position on the circumference of the convex cavity structure 111. By compressing the hooks and engaging the ridges 112 of different layers, the compressed height of the spring module can be adjusted.

[0089] Example 2

[0090] In the solution of Example 1, once the base 1 and the upper cover 2 rotate relative to each other, the flange 112 and the hook portion 212 will rotate relative to each other along the circumferential direction, causing the flange 112 and the hook portion 212 to separate and unlock. Therefore, the locking structure of Example 1 is not stable enough and can easily cause the spring module to unlock due to misoperation.

[0091] To achieve a more stable locking state, referring to Figures 15-23, this embodiment differs from Example 1 in that the lip 112 of the second latching structure 11 in Example 1 is discontinuous, while the lip 113 of the second latching structure in Example 2 is continuously provided. The structure of the first latching structure 21 is identical to that of Example 1 and will not be further described. Because the lip 113 is continuously provided, it is not possible to rotate the spring module as in Example 1 to cause the lip 112 and hook portion 212 to move relative to each other along the circumference, thereby separating the lip 112 and hook portion 212 to unlock the door. Therefore, even after relative rotation between the base 1 and the upper cover 2, the spring module will not release.

[0092] To achieve unlocking, a closing plug 12 is provided in the middle of the hook of the base 1 in this embodiment. When installed in the base 1, the closing plug 12 pushes the hook radially outward. After the closing plug 12 is removed, the hook retracts toward the center of the circle, separating the flange 112 and the hook portion 212. Thus, this embodiment replaces the circumferential relative movement of the flange 112 and the hook portion 212 in Example 1 with radial relative movement. Ultimately, the flange 112 and the hook portion 212 can be separated, thereby releasing the spring module.

[0093] Example 3

[0094] In the solution of Example 1, once the base 1 and the upper cover 2 rotate relative to each other, the flange 112 and the hook portion 212 will rotate relative to each other along the circumferential direction, causing the flange 112 and the hook portion 212 to separate and unlock. Therefore, the locking structure of Example 1 is not stable enough, and it is easy for the spring module to be unlocked due to misoperation. In the solution of Example 2, once the closing plug 12 is removed, the spring module will instantly release its elastic force, which is also prone to accidents.

[0095] To achieve a more stable locking state, referring to Figures 24 to 32 , in this embodiment, a cylindrical convex cavity structure 213 is provided on the lower end surface of the upper cover 2 along the compression direction of the spring module. The inner wall of the convex cavity structure 213 extends toward the center of the convex cavity structure 213 to form a convex edge 214 as the first locking structure 21. The convex edges 214 are arranged at intervals.

[0096] The upper end surface of the base 1 is provided with hooks corresponding to the convex edge 214 at intervals as a second locking structure, and the hooks include a connecting portion 114 and a hook portion 115, and the hook portion 115 is provided on the outside of the connecting portion 114; the width of the hook portion 115 gradually widens along the vertical downward direction so that the side of the hook portion 115 facing the upper cover 2 forms a first inclined surface 1151, and the side of the hook portion 115 facing the base 1 forms a limiting surface 1152, and in order to cooperate with the inclined surface 1122 of the hook portion 115, a second inclined surface 2141 is also formed on the lower surface of the convex edge 214.

[0097] In addition, the inner wall of the convex cavity structure 213 is provided with a first limiting wall 2131 and a second limiting wall 2132 on both sides of the convex edge 214 along the circumferential direction, wherein the upper end surface of the first limiting wall 2131 is lower than the upper end surface of the second limiting wall 2132, and the lower end surface of the first limiting wall 2131 is higher than the upper end surface of the second limiting wall 2132. The lower end surface of the second limiting wall 2132 extends to the lower end surface of the convex cavity structure 213, and a spiral guide inclined surface 2133 is connected between the lower end surfaces of the first limiting wall 2131 and the second limiting wall 2132.

[0098] To lock the spring module in its compressed state, grasp the upper cover 2 and base 1 with both hands and compress the spring module. The lip 214 on the upper cover 2 slides down along the first inclined surface 1151 of the hook and then engages the limiting surface 1152 of the hook portion 115. The lip 214 and the limiting surface 1152 of the hook portion 115 engage in the direction of release of the spring module, locking the spring module in its compressed state. The compressed spring modules are then stacked and placed in the packaging box 6 for easy transport. Because the first limiting walls 2131 and the second limiting walls 2132 are located on either side of the lip 214, the lip 112 and the hook portion 212 cannot rotate relative to each other in the circumferential direction, thus ensuring the stability of the locked state.

[0099] To release the spring module for reassembly, the user first needs to further compress the spring module. This forces the hook portion 115 to move upward relative to the first limiting wall 2131, thereby releasing the circumferential engagement of the first limiting wall 2131 with the hook portion 115. Due to the relatively high height of the second limiting wall 2132, the second limiting wall 2132 still maintains a circumferential engagement with the hook portion 115. This ensures that the hook portion 115 can only rotate in the direction of the first limiting wall 2131. When the hook portion 115 rotates past the first limiting wall 2131, the user can release the compression force on the spring module. The spring module releases its elastic restoring force, pressing the hook portion 115 against the spiral guide surface 2133, causing the hook portion 115 to move along the spiral guide surface, thereby releasing the spring module. This method not only ensures a secure locking state, but also prolongs the elastic release process, preventing accidents caused by the elastic force of the elastic module being released all at once.

[0100] Similar to Example 2, the hook of the base 1 in this embodiment is further provided with a closing plug 12 in the middle. When installed in the base 1, the closing plug 12 can push the hook to expand radially outward. After removing the closing plug 12, the hook will retract toward the center of the circle, thereby separating the flange 214 and the hook portion 115. In this way, this embodiment replaces the circumferential relative movement of the flange 214 and the hook portion 115 in Example 1 with radial relative movement. Ultimately, the flange 214 and the hook portion 115 can be separated, thereby releasing the spring module. In other words, in addition to unlocking by compressing and rotating the spring module, this embodiment can also unlock by removing the closing plug 12.

[0101] Example 4

[0102] In the solution of Example 1, once the base 1 and the upper cover 2 rotate relative to each other, the flange 112 and the hook portion 212 will rotate relative to each other along the circumferential direction, causing the flange 112 and the hook portion 212 to separate and unlock. Therefore, the locking structure of Example 1 is not stable enough and can easily cause the spring module to unlock due to misoperation.

[0103] To achieve a more stable locking state, referring to Figures 33-41 , in this embodiment, a cylindrical first convex cavity structure 215 is provided on the lower end surface of the upper cover 2 along the compression direction of the spring module. The end surface of the convex cavity structure 215 extends away from the center of the first convex cavity structure 215 to form a first convex edge 216 as a first locking structure. The first convex edges 216 are arranged at intervals.

[0104] A cylindrical second convex cavity structure 13 is provided on the upper end surface of the base 1 along the compression direction of the spring module. The upper end surface of the second convex cavity structure 13 is open, and a second ridge 131 is formed along the inner circumference of the open surface toward the center of the second convex cavity structure 13, serving as a second locking structure. The second ridges 131 are spaced apart to form gaps 132 between the second ridges 131, through which the first ridges 216 pass.

[0105] Furthermore, the first convex edge 216 and the second convex edge 131 are provided with a positioning groove 2161 and a positioning protrusion 1311 for positioning and matching.

[0106] To lock the spring module in its compressed state, grasp the upper cover 2 and base 1 with both hands and compress the spring module with force. The first protrusion 216 then enters the second convex cavity 13 through the notch 132. The base 1 and upper cover 2 are then rotated relative to each other, allowing the first protrusion 216 and the second protrusion 131 to rotate from their offset state to an aligned state. This allows the first protrusion 216 and the second protrusion 131 to engage in the direction of the spring module's release, locking the spring module in its compressed state. The compressed spring module is then stacked and packed into the packaging box 6 for easy transport. Furthermore, when the first protrusion 216 and the second protrusion 131 rotate to an aligned state, the positioning protrusion 1311 enters the positioning groove 2161, securing the spring module in its locked position. This secures the spring module in its locked position, and if the rotational force applied to the spring module is insufficient, the positioning protrusion 1311 cannot disengage from the positioning groove 2161. This results in a more stable locked state.

[0107] When the spring module needs to be released for splicing, a relatively large force is applied to drive the base 1 and the upper cover 2 to rotate relative to each other. The squeezing force generated between the positioning protrusion 1311 and the positioning groove 2161 will cause the first protrusion 216 and the second protrusion 131 to deform away from each other, thereby separating the positioning protrusion 1311 from the positioning groove 2161. The base 1 and the upper cover 2 can then be freely rotated, so that the first protrusion 216 and the second protrusion 131 are offset again. The first protrusion is removed from the notch 132 under the action of the elastic restoring force, thus unlocking the spring module.

[0108] Example 5

[0109] The unlocking of the spring module in both Example 3 and Example 4 requires two steps, namely axial translation + circumferential rotation. Although this method solves the problem of unstable locking state in Example 1, it also makes the unlocking operation more complicated.

[0110] In order to simplify the operation of the unlocking state, this embodiment adopts the method of only axial translation to unlock, and at the same time the locked state can be maintained very stably. Referring to Figures 42-51, the lower end surface of the upper cover 2 forms a convex cavity structure 217 along the compression direction of the spring module, the top surface of the convex cavity structure 217 is open, and the inner wall of the convex cavity structure 217 extends along the center direction of the convex cavity structure 217 to form a continuous convex edge 218 as a first locking structure; the upper end surface of the base 1 is provided with a hook as the second locking structure 11, and the side of the hook facing the base 1 is a limiting surface 1153, and the hook includes a connecting portion 114 and a hook portion 115, and the hook portion 115 is provided on the outside of the connecting portion 114, and the hook portion 115 gradually widens in the vertical downward direction so that the side of the hook portion 115 facing the upper cover 2 forms an inclined surface 1154.

[0111] Furthermore, in this embodiment, there are two hooks, with their facing sides disposed on the tie rod 116 and the guide slot 117, respectively. One end of the tie rod 116 is fixed to one of the hooks to form a fixed end, while the other end is positioned within the guide slot 117 to form a movable end. The guide slot 117 comprises an initial position 1171, a first guide surface 1172, a mid-position position 1173, a second guide surface 1174, and a third guide surface 1175, arranged in sequence. The distal end of the third guide surface 1175 communicates with the initial position 1171. A one-way limiting surface 1176 is also disposed within the guide slot 117 between the initial position 1171 and the third guide surface 1175. The one-way limiting surface 1176 is used to limit the movement of the tie rod 116, preventing it from entering the third guide surface 1175 from the initial position 1171, but allowing it to enter the initial position 1171 from the third guide surface 1175.

[0112] When the two hooks are not subjected to external forces, the tie rod 116 is located in the initial position 1171 .

[0113] To lock the spring module in its compressed state, grasp the upper cover 2 and base 1 with both hands and compress the spring module. The ridge 218 on the upper cover 2 slides down along the inclined surface 1154 of the hook. During this process, the hook deforms inward due to the compressive force, causing the tie rod 116 to move within the guide groove 117. Furthermore, due to the presence of the one-way stop surface 1176, the tie rod 116 can only enter the first guide surface 1172 from its initial position, moving along the first guide surface 1172 until it reaches the mid-range position 1173. Continuing to press the spring module, the tie rod 116 will then move along the second guide surface 1174. Upon entering the third guide surface 1175, the compressive force between the inclined surface 1154 and the ridge 218 disappears, and the tie rod 116, under the action of the return force, returns to its initial position along the third guide surface 1175. At this time, the hooks have also returned to their initial positions, so that the protrusion 218 and the limiting surface 1153 of the hooks are engaged in the direction of the spring module release, thereby locking the spring module in a compressed state. The compressed spring modules are then stacked and placed in the packaging box 6 for easy transportation.

[0114] In this embodiment, the convex cavity structure 217 forms a pushing portion 219 above the convex edge 218, the pushing portion 219 having a diameter smaller than that of the convex edge 218. When the spring module needs to be released, the spring 3 is pressed again, and the pushing portion 219 pushes the hook along the inclined surface 2141 to shrink inward in the horizontal direction, so that the tensioning bar 116 repeats the above-mentioned movement process again, and finally the hook is separated from the limiting surface 1152 to release the spring module.

[0115] It can be seen that in the above process, whether compressing the spring module or releasing the spring module, it is only necessary to press the spring module, and in this way, if the pressing force is cancelled midway, the tie rod 116 will not continue to move, but will be fixed in the current position in the guide groove 117, so that the entire spring module will not be released incorrectly due to misoperation.

[0116] In this embodiment, the first guide surface 1172 and the second guide surface 1174 are both inclined surfaces, while the third guide surface 1175 is a straight surface. A circular arc forms the transition between the first guide surface 1172 and the mid-range position 1173. The one-way limiting surface 1176 is a protrusion disposed at the bottom of the initial position, while the bottom surface of the third guide surface 1175 is an inclined surface. Therefore, when the tie rod 116 moves from the initial position toward the third guide surface 1175, it is blocked and restricted by the protrusion. However, when moving from the third guide surface 1175 toward the initial position, due to the inclined bottom surface of the third guide surface 1175, the tie rod 116 rises during movement until it crosses the protrusion and enters the initial position.

[0117] The above is only a preferred specific embodiment of the present invention, but the design concept of the present invention is not limited to this. Any technician familiar with this technical field who uses this concept to make non-substantial changes to the present invention within the technical scope disclosed by the present invention shall be deemed to infringe the scope of protection of the present invention. Industrial Applicability

[0118] The present invention provides a compressible and storable spring module, comprising a base, an upper cover, and a spring connected between the base and the upper cover. A first latching structure is provided on the lower end surface of the upper cover, and a second latching structure is provided on the upper end surface of the base. Under the action of an external force, the first and second latching structures reach a limited locking position and engage against the direction of their movement. In the locked state, the first and second latching structures release under the action of an external force. This allows the spring module to remain compressed after removal, saving space and labor costs during handling and transportation, and thus possessing industrial applicability.

Claims

1. A compressible and storable spring module, characterized in that: The spring module includes a spring, an upper cover arranged at the upper end of the spring and a base located at the lower end of the spring, the upper cover extends downward to be provided with a first locking structure, and the base extends upward to be provided with a second locking structure; the spring is axially compressed to a locking position under the action of an external force, and the first locking structure is engaged with the second locking structure in the locking position; in the locked state, the first locking structure and the second locking structure move relative to each other in the circumferential direction under the action of an external force to release the engagement.

2. The compressible and retractable spring module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The upper end surface of the base forms a convex cavity structure along the compression direction of the spring module, and the outer edge of the convex cavity structure is provided with discontinuous convex edges as a second locking structure, and gaps are formed between adjacent convex edges.

3. The compressible and retractable spring module according to claim 2, characterized in that: The lower end surface of the upper cover is provided with hooks corresponding to the convex edges at intervals as the first locking structure, and the convex edge forms a limiting surface facing the base. The hooks and the convex edge move toward each other along the axial direction so that the hooks clamp the limiting surface of the convex edge and engage against the direction of the movement to achieve locking.

4. The compressible and retractable spring module according to claim 3, characterized in that: The hook and the protrusion move relative to each other in the circumferential direction until the hook reaches the notch to release the engagement.

5. The compressible and retractable spring module according to claim 4, characterized in that: The convex edge gradually widens in the vertical downward direction so that the convex edge forms an inclined surface toward the upper cover; the hook includes a connecting portion and a hook portion, one end of the connecting portion is connected to the lower end surface of the upper cover, and the hook portion is arranged on the inner side of the connecting portion toward the center of the convex cavity structure, and the spring module is compressed so that the hook portion slides down along the inclined surface of the convex edge until the hook clamps the limiting surface so that the hook is engaged with the limiting surface.

6. The compressible and accommodating spring module according to claim 2, characterized in that: The convex cavity structure is provided with multiple layers of discontinuous convex edges along the vertical direction, and each layer of convex edges is provided at the same position on the circumference of the convex cavity structure.

7. A compressible and storable spring module, characterized in that: The spring module includes a spring, an upper cover arranged at the upper end of the spring, a base and a release member located at the lower end of the spring, the upper cover extends downward to set a first locking structure, and the base extends upward to set a second locking structure; the spring is axially compressed to a locking position under the action of external force, and the first locking structure is engaged with the second locking structure in the locking position; the release member is used to drive the first locking structure and the second locking structure to move relative to each other in the radial direction to release the engagement in the locked state.

8. The compressible and accumulable spring module according to claim 7, characterized in that: The upper end surface of the base forms a convex cavity structure along the compression direction of the spring module, and the outer edge of the convex cavity structure forms a continuous convex edge as a second locking structure. The convex cavity structure is detachably provided with a closing plug as the release member that pushes the convex edge and moves radially relative to the first locking structure.

9. The compressible and accumulable spring module according to claim 8, characterized in that: The lower end surface of the upper cover is provided with hooks as the first locking structure at intervals, and the convex edge forms a limiting surface towards the base. The hooks move axially relative to the convex edge until the hooks clamp the limiting surface and engage against the direction of the movement to achieve locking.

10. The compressible and accumulable spring module according to claim 8, characterized in that: Pulling out the closing plug causes the convex edge to contract radially relative to the hook, and the hook is disengaged from the convex edge to release the engagement.

11. A compressible and storable spring module, characterized in that: The spring module includes a spring, an upper cover arranged at the upper end of the spring, a base and a release member located at the lower end of the spring, the upper cover extends downward to set a first locking structure, and the base extends upward to set a second locking structure; the spring is axially compressed to a locking position under the action of an external force, and the first locking structure is engaged with the second locking structure in the locking position; in the locked state, the first locking structure is released by relative movement with the second locking structure along the axial direction and then the circumferential direction under the action of an external force.

12. The compressible and accumulable spring module according to claim 11, characterized in that: A convex cavity structure is arranged on the lower end surface of the upper cover along the compression direction of the spring module. The inner wall of the convex cavity structure extends along the center of the convex cavity structure to form a convex edge as the first locking structure. The convex edges are arranged at intervals and gaps are formed between the convex edges.

13. The compressible and accumulable spring module according to claim 12, characterized in that: The upper end surface of the base is provided with hooks corresponding to the convex edges at intervals as a second locking structure, and the hooks form a limiting surface facing the base. The convex edge and the hooks move toward each other axially until the convex edge is engaged with the limiting surface and engage against the direction of the movement.

14. The compressible and accumulable spring module according to claim 13, characterized in that: The inner wall of the convex cavity structure is respectively provided with a first limiting wall and a second limiting wall on both sides of the convex edge along the circumferential direction, the upper end surface of the first limiting wall is lower than the upper end surface of the second limiting wall, and the hook moves relative to the convex edge axially and circumferentially until it passes over the first limiting wall and reaches the notch to release the engagement.

15. The compressible and accumulable spring module according to claim 14, characterized in that: The lower end surface of the first limiting wall is higher than the lower end surface of the second limiting wall, the lower end surface of the second limiting wall extends to the lower end surface of the convex cavity structure, and a guiding inclined surface is connected between the lower end surfaces of the first limiting wall and the second limiting wall.

16. The compressible and accumulable spring module according to claim 13, characterized in that: A detachable closing plug is also provided in the middle of the hook of the base, and the closing plug is used to push the hook to move radially. Pulling out the closing plug causes the hook to contract radially relative to the convex edge, and the hook is disengaged from the convex edge to release the engagement.

17. A compressible and storable spring module, characterized in that: The spring module includes a spring, an upper cover arranged at the upper end of the spring and a base located at the lower end of the spring, the upper cover extends downward to be provided with a first locking structure, and the base extends upward to be provided with a second locking structure; the spring is axially compressed to a locking position under the action of an external force, and in the locking position, the first locking structure and the second locking structure move relative to each other along the circumferential direction under the action of an external force to switch between a buckled state and a released buckled state.

18. The compressible spring module according to claim 17, characterized in that: A first convex cavity structure is provided on the lower end surface of the upper cover along the compression direction of the spring module, and an end surface of the first convex cavity structure extends away from the center of the first convex cavity structure to form a first convex edge as a first locking structure, and the first convex edges are arranged at intervals.

19. The compressible spring module according to claim 18, characterized in that: A second convex cavity structure is provided on the upper end surface of the base along the compression direction of the spring module. The upper end surface of the second convex cavity structure is an open surface. The inner circumference of the open surface extends toward the center of the second convex cavity structure to form a second convex edge as a second locking structure. The second convex edges are arranged at intervals, and gaps are formed between adjacent second convex edges for the first convex edge to pass through.

20. The compressible spring module according to claim 19, characterized in that: After the first convex edge is embedded in the second convex cavity structure, it moves relative to the second convex edge in the circumferential direction until the first convex edge and the second convex edge overlap, and the first convex edge and the second convex edge are buckled in the direction opposite to the axial movement to achieve buckling.

21. The compressible spring module according to claim 20, characterized in that: The first protrusion and the second protrusion move relative to each other in the circumferential direction until the first protrusion and the second protrusion reach the notch and release the engagement.

22. The compressible spring module according to claim 19, characterized in that: The first convex edge and the second convex edge are provided with positioning grooves and positioning protrusions for positioning and matching.

23. A compressible and storable spring module, characterized in that: The spring module includes a spring, an upper cover arranged at the upper end of the spring and a base located at the lower end of the spring, the upper cover extends downward to be provided with a first locking structure, and the base extends upward to be provided with a second locking structure; the spring is axially compressed to a locking position under the action of an external force, and the first locking structure is engaged with the second locking structure in the locking position; in the locked state, the first locking structure and the second locking structure move axially to release the engagement under the action of an external force.

24. The compressible spring module according to claim 23, characterized in that: The lower end surface of the upper cover forms a convex cavity structure along the compression direction of the spring module, the top surface of the convex cavity structure is open, and the inner wall of the convex cavity structure extends along the center direction of the convex cavity structure to form a continuous convex edge as a first locking structure.

25. The compressible spring module according to claim 24, characterized in that: A hook is provided on the upper end surface of the base as a second locking structure, and a side of the hook facing the base serves as a limiting surface. The convex edge moves axially relative to the hook until the convex edge is engaged with the limiting surface and engages against the direction of the axial movement.

26. The compressible spring module according to claim 25, characterized in that: The hook has elasticity to shrink in the horizontal direction; the convex cavity structure forms a pushing top portion above the convex edge, and the pushing top portion moves along the axial direction to push the hook to shrink inward in the horizontal direction so that the hook and the convex edge are disengaged from each other and released.

27. The compressible spring module according to claim 26, characterized in that: The hooks include two, and a tension rod and a guide groove are respectively arranged on the opposite sides of the two hooks. The tension rod and one of the hooks form a fixed end, and the other end is placed in the guide groove to form a movable end. The movable end moves along the guide groove under the action of the compression force of the compression spring module.

28. The compressible spring module according to claim 27, characterized in that: The guide groove has an initial position, a first guide surface, a half-way position, a second guide surface and a third guide surface which are arranged in sequence, and the end of the third guide surface is connected to the initial position; a one-way limiting surface is also arranged between the initial position and the third guide surface to allow the tensioning rod to enter the initial position from the third guide surface in one direction; the movable end can stay at the initial position and the half-way position.

29. The compressible and retractable spring module according to any one of claims 1 to 28, characterized in that: A connecting piece is arranged in the middle of the spring module, and adjacent spring modules are connected by the connecting piece.

30. An elastic module, characterized in that: It comprises a plurality of compressible and retractable spring modules as described in claim 29, wherein the spring modules are connected by the connecting member to form an elastic module.

31. An elastic pad, characterized in that: Comprising the elastic module as claimed in claim 30.

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