Center lock and tent

Abstract

A tent and a center lock. The tent comprises a top frame, a center lock, and a plurality of support legs; an area between the top frame and the plurality of support legs is an inner space; the top frame comprises a plurality of top pole units; each top pole unit comprises an inner top pole and an outer top pole that are pivotable relative to each other; the inner top poles of the top pole units are rotatably connected to each other by means of the center lock; and each outer top pole is rotatably connected to one of the support legs. The tent further comprises an opening actuator, and the opening actuator is connected to at least one of the inner top poles or the center lock, so as to allow the outer top poles or the opening actuator to be operated outside the internal space during the process of the tent transitioning from a folded state to an unfolded state, such that the inner top poles pivot upward relative to the outer top poles for unfolding. The tent can be operated from outside to unfold, so that the user does not need to enter the tent before the tent is fully and stably opened, thereby improving convenience of use.

Description

center lock and tent

[0001] Related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese patent applications CN 2024109942238 and CN 2024109946883, filed on July 24, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to a central lock and a tent, specifically a tent that is easy to open and fold. Background Technology

[0004] Tents are generally used for outdoor activities, providing stable support on the ground when unfolded. One type of tent is the foldable tent, which can be folded up when not in use, facilitating packaging, transportation, and storage. For example, CN107476647A discloses a foldable tent comprising multiple upright assemblies and multiple top pole assemblies. Each top pole assembly includes a first top pole and a second top pole. The inner ends of each first top pole are rotatably connected, and the outer ends of the first top pole and the inner ends of the second top pole are rotatably connected. The outer end of the second top pole is rotatably connected to the upper end of the upright assembly. In the unfolded state, the first and second top poles are unfolded relative to each other, and the multiple uprights are relatively far apart. In the folded state, the first and second top poles are brought together, and the multiple uprights are brought together. When unfolding this type of tent, the user needs to crawl inside the tent and push the locking connection structure (center lock) located at the center of the tent's top to unfold the first top pole relative to the second top pole, and then lock the top pole assembly to ensure the tent remains stably unfolded. These types of tents have the following drawbacks: Users need to enter and exit the tent to perform operations during setup, and in some cases, they even need to bend over and lower their height to get in and out smoothly, making them inconvenient to use. When folding, the user must first unlock the locking mechanism (center lock) at the top center of the tent from inside before crawling out. Once unlocked, the top pole components flip over, and during this flipping process, at least part of the top pole moves downwards, occupying the space below, requiring the user to bend over to crawl out. These types of tents have the following drawbacks: users need to enter and exit the tent to perform operations during folding (unlocking the center lock from inside the tent), and in some cases, they even need to bend over and lower their height to get in and out smoothly, making them inconvenient to use.

[0005] The information disclosed in the background section is only intended to enhance the understanding of the background of this application, and therefore may include information that does not constitute prior art known to those skilled in the art.

[0006] Public content

[0007] One object of this disclosure relates to a tent that allows for deployment from the outside, eliminating the need for the user to enter the tent before it is fully and stably opened, thus improving ease of use. Another object of this disclosure relates to a center lock having a holding state, maintaining a relatively fixed connection between the center rod and the connector while requiring a small locking force, allowing for easy unlocking with minimal external force. A further object of this disclosure relates to a tent with this center lock, where, when the tent needs to be folded, the user inside the tent switches the center lock from the locked state to the holding state. The tent remains deployed, and the user can easily move outside. From outside, a small external force is applied to the center lock via the top rod unit, fully unlocking the center lock, allowing the tent to be folded from the outside, further enhancing convenience.

[0008] The first aspect of this disclosure provides a tent having an unfolded state and a folded state. The tent includes a top frame, a center lock, and a plurality of vertically extending support legs. The top frame is supported by the plurality of support legs. The area between the top frame and the plurality of support legs is an interior space. The top frame includes a plurality of top rod units. Each top rod unit includes an inner top rod and an outer top rod that can be flipped relative to each other. The inner top rods of each top rod unit are rotatably connected to each other via the center lock. Each outer top rod is rotatably connected to one of the support legs. The tent also includes an opening drive connected to at least one of the inner top rods or the center lock, thereby allowing the outer top rods or the opening drive to be operated outside the interior space during the transition from the folded state to the unfolded state, causing the inner top rods to flip upward relative to the outer top rods and unfold.

[0009] In some embodiments, during the process of the tent changing from a folded state to an unfolded state, the outer top rod or the opening drive is operated from outside the interior space to lock each of the top rod units by the center lock.

[0010] In some embodiments, the opening drive includes a first elastic element disposed on the center lock, wherein the first elastic element is in a deformed state when the tent is in a folded state to push the inner top rod upward when the outer top rod is operated.

[0011] In some embodiments, the center lock includes a top cap and a slider that moves up and down relative to the top cap. The top cap is located above the slider. The inner rod of each of the top rod units is rotatably connected to the top cap. Each top rod unit also includes a diagonal rod. The outer end of the diagonal rod is rotatably connected to the inner rod. The inner end of each diagonal rod is rotatably connected to the slider. The first elastic element is in contact with the slider.

[0012] In some embodiments, the first elastic member is disposed between the top cap and the slider. When the tent is in the unfolded state, the top cap and the slider have a first gap, and when the tent is in the folded state, the top cap and the slider have a second gap. The first elastic member is in a compressed state, and the first gap is greater than the second gap.

[0013] In some embodiments, the first elastic element is sleeved on a central rod, the central rod and the top cap are fixedly connected or integrally formed, and the slider is slidably disposed on the central rod.

[0014] In some embodiments, the center lock further includes a locking member movably disposed on the center rod; when the center lock is in a locked state, the locking member and the slider engage with each other to provide a first locking force that stably holds the tent in an deployed state; when the center lock is in an unlocked state, the locking member and the slider disengage. In some embodiments, the center lock also has a holding state between the locked and unlocked states, in which the locking member and the slider contact or engage with each other to provide a second locking force less than the first locking force, so as to maintain the tent in the deployed state and allow the locking member to disengage from the slider when the outer top rod is operated from outside the interior space, thereby changing the center lock from the holding state to the unlocked state.

[0015] In some embodiments, the locking element includes a handle movably fitted onto the central rod, the handle being rotatable and movable up and down relative to the slider. In some embodiments, the handle is provided with a locking protrusion, and the slider is provided with a locking groove; when the locking protrusion is located in the locking groove, the central lock is in a locked state. The slider is also provided with a limiting groove, the limiting groove being located below the locking groove and communicating with it through a sliding groove; the limiting groove has an upper groove wall and an open bottom; when the locking protrusion enters the limiting groove, the central lock is in a holding state, at which time the locking protrusion abuts against the upper groove wall and moves from the bottom of the limiting groove to below the slider after the outer push rod is operated.

[0016] In some embodiments, the center lock further includes a second elastic element disposed between the handle and the limiting joint on the center rod. In the holding state, the second elastic element is in a deformed state to prevent the locking protrusion from disengaging downward from the bottom of the limiting groove.

[0017] In some embodiments, the slide groove extends generally in a vertical direction, and the locking groove and the limiting groove extend laterally to the same side from the upper and lower ends of the slide groove, respectively. The locking groove has an open end and a closed end opposite to the open end. The slider also has a downward-facing guide slope extending downward from the open end of the locking groove. During the unfolding of the tent, the guide slope contacts the locking protrusion and enters the open end of the locking groove. In some embodiments, the center lock further includes a third elastic member disposed between the handle and the center rod to provide an elastic force that rotates the handle, thereby moving the locking protrusion into the closed end of the locking groove.

[0018] In some embodiments, the center lock further includes a lock seat disposed on the center rod and located below the slider. The locking element includes a rotary latch pivotally connected to the lock seat or the center rod. The rotary latch has a first locking hook and a second locking hook, which are respectively located on opposite sides of the pivot. When the center lock is in the locked state, the first locking hook and the slider are interlocked and have a first locking surface that is in contact with each other. At this time, the first locking surface has a first angle with the horizontal plane. When the center lock is in the holding state, the first locking hook is disengaged from the slider, and the second locking hook and the unlocking latch disposed on the slider are interlocked and have a second locking surface that is in contact with each other. The second locking surface is an inclined surface. At this time, the second locking surface has a second angle with the horizontal plane. The second angle is greater than the first angle and less than 90 degrees.

[0019] In some embodiments, the unlocking latch is retractably disposed within the slider; the first included angle is 0–10°, and the second included angle is 45–85°. In some embodiments, the rotary latch is a one-piece component.

[0020] In some embodiments, the center lock further includes a fourth elastic element disposed between the unlocking latch and the lock seat or the center rod, so as to keep the rotary latch in an initial position when the center lock is in the unlocked state and to drive the first locking surface and the slider to engage; in the initial position, the top slope of the first locking hook is located directly below a bottom slope of the slider, so as to push the first locking hook outward and deform the fourth elastic element when the top slope and the bottom slope slide relative to each other.

[0021] In some embodiments, during the transition from an unfolded to a folded state, the center lock is unlocked and held in a holding state. Subsequently, the outer top rod or the opening drive is operated from outside the interior space to unlock the center lock, and the top frames move closer together. In some embodiments, during tent folding, the user unlocks the center lock while keeping the tent in the unfolded state so that the user can move outside the tent. Then, by operating the tent from outside, the center lock automatically unlocks, allowing the tent to fold completely.

[0022] In some embodiments, the inner and outer top rods of each of the top frame units are pivotally connected, each of the outer top rods is pivotally connected to one of the support legs, and the tent tarpaulin covers the top frame.

[0023] In some tent embodiments disclosed herein, the user can operate from outside the tent during the opening process, avoiding the need to enter the tent before it is fully opened. Moreover, the tent automatically locks after opening, preventing the user from bending over to enter or exit the tent during the unfolding process. This makes it convenient to use and provides a better user experience.

[0024] A second aspect of this disclosure provides a center lock for locking a shielding product in an unfolded state, the center lock comprising:

[0025] A connector for connecting the rods of the shielding product, the connector including a top cap and a bottom cap located below the top cap, the top cap and the bottom cap being movable relative to each other vertically;

[0026] A center rod is disposed between the top cap and the bottom cap;

[0027] A locking assembly is disposed between the center rod and the connector;

[0028] The central lock has a locked state, an unlocked state, and a holding state between the locked state and the unlocked state;

[0029] When the center lock is in the locked state, the locking assembly engages to fix the bottom cap, the center rod, and the top cap together, and the locking assembly provides a first locking force to stably keep the shielding product in the unfolded state.

[0030] When the center lock is in the holding state, the locking assembly securely connects the bottom cap, the center rod, and the top cap with a second locking force, the second locking force being less than the first locking force, to allow the center lock to be switched to the unlocked state on the outside of the shielding product;

[0031] When the center lock is in the unlocked state, the locking component is unlocked to allow the top cap and the bottom cap to move relative to each other.

[0032] In some embodiments, the locking component is movably disposed on the center rod, and in the locked state, the locking component and the bottom cap are locked together; in the holding state, the locking component and the bottom cap are locked together or in contact; and in the unlocked state, the locking component and the bottom cap are separated from each other.

[0033] In some embodiments, when the center lock is in the locked state, the top cap and the bottom cap have a first gap, and when the center lock is in the unlocked state, the top cap and the bottom cap have a second gap, wherein the first gap is greater than the second gap. In some embodiments, a first elastic member is provided between the top cap and the bottom cap to provide assistance in moving the top cap and the bottom cap away from each other. In some embodiments, the first elastic member is a compression spring.

[0034] In some specific and preferred embodiments, the locking assembly includes a handle movably fitted onto the central rod, the handle being rotatable and movable up and down relative to the bottom cap. In some embodiments, the handle is provided with a locking protrusion, and the bottom cap is provided with a locking groove; when the locking protrusion is located in the locking groove, the central lock is in a locked state. The bottom cap is also provided with a limiting groove, the limiting groove being located below the locking groove and communicating with it through a sliding groove. The limiting groove has an upper groove wall and an open bottom; when the locking protrusion enters the limiting groove, the central lock is in a holding state, at which time the locking protrusion abuts against the upper groove wall and can move from the bottom of the limiting groove to below the bottom cap under the action of external force.

[0035] In some embodiments, the center lock further includes a second elastic element disposed between the handle and the limiting joint on the center rod. In the holding state, the second elastic element is in a deformed state to prevent the locking protrusion from disengaging downwards from the bottom of the limiting groove. In some embodiments, the second elastic element is a compression spring.

[0036] In some embodiments, the slide groove generally extends vertically, and the locking groove and the limiting groove extend laterally to the same side from the upper and lower ends of the slide groove, respectively. The locking groove has an open end and a closed end opposite to the open end. The bottom cap also has a downward-facing guide slope extending downward from the open end of the locking groove. During the process of the center lock converting to the locked state, the guide slope contacts the locking protrusion and enters the open end of the locking groove. In some embodiments, the center lock further includes a third elastic element disposed between the handle and the center rod to provide an elastic force that rotates the handle, thereby moving the locking protrusion into the closed end of the locking groove. In some embodiments, the third elastic element is a tension spring.

[0037] In some specific and preferred embodiments, the center lock further includes a lock seat disposed on the center rod and located below the bottom cap. The locking assembly includes a rotary latch pivotally connected to the lock seat or the center rod. The rotary latch has a first locking hook and a second locking hook, which are respectively located on opposite sides of the pivot. When the center lock is in the locked state, the first locking hook and the bottom cap interlock and have a first locking surface that contacts and engages with each other. At this time, the first locking surface has a first angle with the horizontal plane. When the center lock is in the holding state, the first locking hook disengages from the bottom cap, and the second locking hook and the unlocking latch disposed on the bottom cap interlock and have a second locking surface that contacts and engages with each other. The second locking surface is an inclined surface. At this time, the second locking surface has a second angle with the horizontal plane. The second angle is greater than the first angle and less than 90 degrees.

[0038] In some embodiments, the center lock further includes a fourth elastic element disposed between the unlocking latch and the lock seat or the center rod, so as to keep the rotary latch in an initial position when the center lock is in the unlocked state and to drive the first locking surface and the bottom cap to contact and engage; in the initial position, the top slope of the first lock hook is located directly below a bottom slope of the bottom cap, so as to push the first lock hook outward and deform the fourth elastic element when the top slope and the bottom slope slide relative to each other.

[0039] In some embodiments, the unlocking latch is retractable in the bottom cap.

[0040] In some embodiments, the first included angle is 0 to 10°, and the second included angle is 45 to 85°.

[0041] In some embodiments, a first recessed locking hole is provided on the outer surface of the bottom cap. In the locked state, the first locking hook is inserted into the first locking hole, and the first locking surface and the bottom groove wall of the first locking hole are in close contact.

[0042] In some embodiments, the unlocking latch is retractable in the bottom cap.

[0043] In some embodiments, the lower part of the unlocking latch is provided with an outwardly recessed second locking hole, the second locking hole and the outer surface of the center rod are opposite each other, and in the holding state, the second locking hook is inserted into the second locking hole, and the inclined bottom of the second locking hook and the second locking hole are in contact with each other to provide the second locking force.

[0044] In some embodiments, the fourth elastic element is a torsion spring.

[0045] A third aspect of this disclosure provides a tent having an unfolded state and a folded state. The tent includes a top frame and a plurality of vertically extending support legs. The top frame is supported by the plurality of support legs, and the area between the top frame and the plurality of support legs is an internal space. The top frame includes a plurality of top rod units, each top rod unit including an inner top rod, an outer top rod, and a diagonal rod that can be rotated relative to each other. The outer end of the diagonal rod is rotatably connected to the inner top rod.

[0046] The tent also includes the central lock, and each of the top rod units is rotatably connected to the central lock, wherein the inner end of each of the inner top rods is rotatably connected to the top cap, and the inner end of each of the diagonal rods is rotatably connected to the bottom cap; during the process of the tent changing from an unfolded state to a folded state, the central lock is unlocked and placed in a holding state, and then the top rod units are operated from outside the internal space to change the central lock to an unlocked state, and each of the top rod units folds and closes together.

[0047] The fourth aspect of this disclosure provides a method for folding a tent, comprising the following steps: changing the center lock from a locked state to a holding state, keeping the tent in an unfolded state; rotating the outer top rod, causing the outer top rod to flip downwards, the bottom cap to move relative to the top cap and completely disengage from the locking assembly, the center lock changing to an unlocked state, the top rod units moving closer to each other, the support legs moving closer to each other, and the tent changing to a folded state.

[0048] The fifth aspect of this disclosure provides a method for deploying a tent, comprising the following steps: rotating the outer top rod to flip it upward, releasing the first elastic element to push the top cap and bottom cap away from each other, opening each top rod unit, moving each support leg away from each other, and automatically converting the center lock to a locked state to lock the tent in the deployed state.

[0049] The central lock embodiment disclosed herein has a holding state, which maintains the fixed connection between the central rod and the connecting member while the locking force of the locking assembly is relatively small, thus allowing for easy unlocking with a small amount of external force. When a tent using this central lock needs to be folded up, the user inside the tent switches the central lock from the locked state to the holding state. At this time, the tent remains unfolded, and the user can easily move outside. From outside the tent, a small amount of external force is applied to the central lock through the top cover unit, and the central lock is fully unlocked, allowing the tent to be folded up from the outside. This avoids the user having to bend over to enter or exit the tent during folding, making it more convenient to use. Attached Figure Description

[0050] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of this disclosure, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this disclosure. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0051] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a tent in its unfolded state according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure.

[0052] Figure 2 is a magnified view of part A in Figure 1.

[0053] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a tent in a folded state according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure.

[0054] Figure 4 shows the disassembled area of ​​a central lock according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure, wherein the top cap is not shown.

[0055] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a handle according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure.

[0056] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a central lock in the locked state according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure.

[0057] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a center lock in a holding state according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure.

[0058] Figure 8 is a magnified view of part B in Figure 7.

[0059] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of a central lock in the unlocked state according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure.

[0060] Figure 10 is another schematic diagram of a central lock in a holding state according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure.

[0061] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view along the CC direction in Figure 10.

[0062] Figure 12 is another schematic diagram of a central lock in a holding state according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure.

[0063] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view along the DD direction in Figure 12.

[0064] Figure 14 is a magnified view of a portion of point E in Figure 13.

[0065] Figure 15 is a perspective view of a tent in its unfolded state according to Embodiment 2 of this disclosure.

[0066] Figure 16 is a magnified view of part F in Figure 15.

[0067] Figure 17 is an exploded view of a central lock according to Embodiment 2 of this disclosure.

[0068] Figure 18 is a schematic diagram of a central lock in the locked state according to Embodiment 2 of this disclosure.

[0069] Figure 19 is a schematic diagram of a center lock in a holding state according to Embodiment 2 of this disclosure.

[0070] Figure 20 is a schematic diagram of a center lock in the unlocked state according to Embodiment 2 of this disclosure.

[0071] Figure 21 is another schematic diagram of a center lock in a holding state according to Embodiment 2 of this disclosure.

[0072] Figure 22 is a cross-sectional view of the center lock in Figure 21.

[0073] Figure 23 is a magnified view of part H in Figure 22.

[0074] In the attached diagrams above, 100 is the tent; 200 is the top frame; 201 is the top rod unit; 202 is the external telescopic unit; 300 is the support leg; 301 is the connecting rod; 302 is the sliding sleeve; 400 is the internal space; 1 is the inner top rod; 2 is the outer top rod; 3 is the diagonal rod; 4 is the first elastic element; 5 is the center lock; 51 is the top cap; 52 is the slider; 53 is the center rod; 521 is the locking groove; 521a is the open end; 521b is the closed end; 522 is the sliding groove; 523 is the limiting groove; 523a is the upper groove wall; 523b is the bottom; 524 is the guide slope; 531 is the limiting section; 54 is the handle; 541 is the locking protrusion; 542 is the lower cover; 543 is the second elastic element; 544 is the third elastic element. 525. First keyhole; 526. Bottom slope; 532. Lock base; 55. Rotary lock; 550. Pivot; 551. First lock hook; 551a. First locking surface; 551b. Top slope; 552. Second lock hook; 552a. Second locking surface; 56. Unlocking lock; 561. Second keyhole; 562. Lock cover; 563. Unlocking spring; 57. Fourth elastic element. Detailed Implementation

[0075] The preferred embodiments of this disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that the advantages and features of this disclosure can be more easily understood by those skilled in the art. It should be noted that the description of these embodiments is for the purpose of aiding understanding of this disclosure, but does not constitute a limitation thereof. Furthermore, the technical features involved in the various embodiments of this disclosure described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0076] In this document, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “left,” “right,” etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.

[0077] The diagrams in Figures 1 to 23 are drawn to scale. To maintain the brevity of the instruction manual, the proportions of each component are not listed in detail. However, the proportions and positions of each component should be considered part of the content of this instruction manual.

[0078] Example 1 - Tent

[0079] Figures 1 to 3 illustrate an embodiment of a tent with an unfolded and folded state, used for outdoor activities to provide shelter, such as sunshade or rain protection. Referring to Figures 1 to 3, the tent 100 includes a top frame 200 and a plurality of support legs 300 supporting the top frame 200. The top frame 200 is used to open or secure the top fabric of the tent 100. The tent 100 may also include side panels located on the sides of the tent 100, unfolded between adjacent support legs 300. The number of support legs 300 is not less than three, for example, four as shown in the figures. The support legs 300 extend generally vertically, with the lower end of the support leg 300 resting on the ground and the upper part connected to the top frame 200. In some examples, the support legs 300 are telescopic support legs 300, including upper and lower poles that can be slidably connected (e.g., sleeved) to adjust the length of the support leg 300. In the unfolded state shown in Figure 1, the support legs 300 extend to position the top frame 200 at a higher level. The lower rods of each support leg 300 are not shown in Figure 1. In the folded state shown in Figure 3, the support legs 300 retract to reduce the overall folded height of the tent 100, facilitating storage, transportation, and folding.

[0080] The interior space 400 of tent 100 is defined by the top frame 200 and the support legs 300. The space directly below the top frame 200 is the interior space 400 of tent 100. The top frame 200 includes multiple foldable top rod units 201, which are connected to a central lock 5 located at the top center of tent 100. The number of top rod units 201 corresponds to the number of support legs 300, and the outer end of each top rod unit 201 is connected to the upper part of a corresponding support leg 300. The top frame 200 also includes multiple external telescopic units 202, with one external telescopic unit 202 connected to the upper part of every two adjacent support legs 300. The external telescopic units 202 can be folded and unfolded laterally, thereby moving the support legs 300 away from each other during unfolding and bringing them together during folding. For example, the external telescopic unit 202 consists of multiple sequentially hinged cross-shaped link assemblies, each cross-shaped link assembly including two links 301 hinged together at the center. In the cross-shaped linkage assembly connected to the support leg 300, one end of the upper linkage 301 is hinged to the upper end of the support leg 300, and one end of the lower linkage 301 is hinged to the sliding sleeve 302 on the support leg 300; when folded or unfolded, the sliding sleeve 302 can slide up and down on the support leg 300, and the outer telescopic unit 202 can be unfolded or folded relative to it.

[0081] Each push rod unit 201 includes an inner push rod 1 and an outer push rod 2 that can be rotated relative to each other. The inner push rods 1 of each push rod unit 201 are rotatably connected by a central lock 5, and the outer end of the outer push rod 2 is hinged to the upper end of the support leg 300. In the embodiment shown in the figure, the outer end of the inner push rod 1 and the inner end of the outer push rod 2 of each push rod unit 201 are directly pivotally connected to each other. The inner end of the inner push rod 1 is pivotally connected to the central lock 5, and the outer end of the outer push rod 2 is pivotally connected to the upper end of the support leg 300.

[0082] The tent 100 also includes an opening actuator disposed on at least one inner top rod 1 or a center lock 5, thereby allowing the tent 100 to be operated from outside the internal space 400 during the transition from a folded state to an unfolded state, causing the inner top rod 1 to flip upward relative to the outer top rod 2 and unfold. Specifically, in the example shown in the attached drawings, the opening actuator is a first elastic element 4 disposed on the center lock 5; when the user stands outside the tent 100 and the center lock 5 is not locked, the tent 100 can be unfolded or folded by rotating the outer top rod 2.

[0083] During the transition of the tent 100 from a folded state to an unfolded state, the central lock 5 locks each top rod unit 201 by operating the outer top rod 2 or opening the drive unit from outside the internal space 400. Specifically, in the example shown in the attached figure, the user stands outside the tent 100 and can lock the central lock 5 by rotating the outer top rod 2, thereby locking each top rod unit 201 and ensuring that the tent 100 is stably in the unfolded state.

[0084] The first elastic element 4 can be a compression spring, providing assistance for the inner top rod 1 to flip upward and open. When the tent 100 is in the folded state, the first elastic element 4 is in a deformed state to push the inner top rod 1 upward when the outer top rod 2 is operated.

[0085] Figures 4 to 14 illustrate in detail a center lock that can be used in Embodiment 1. The center lock 5 includes a top cap 51 and a slider 52 that moves vertically relative to the top cap 51. The top cap 51 is located above the slider 52. The inner top rod 1 of each top rod unit 201 is rotatably connected to the top cap 51. Each top rod unit 201 also includes a diagonal rod 3. The outer end of the diagonal rod 3 is rotatably connected to the inner top rod 1, and the inner end of each diagonal rod 3 is rotatably connected to the slider 52. A first elastic member 4 is in contact with the slider 52. In the example shown in the figures, the first elastic member 4 is disposed between the top cap 51 and the slider 52. When the tent 100 is in the unfolded state, the top cap 51 and the slider 52 have a first gap, and the first elastic member 4 is in its original state, i.e., without deformation. When the tent 100 is in the folded state, the top cap 51 and the slider 52 have a second gap, and the first elastic member 4 is in a compressed state; the first gap is greater than the second gap.

[0086] Furthermore, the first elastic element 4 is sleeved on a central rod 53, which is fixedly connected to or integral with the top cap 51. The central rod 53 extends vertically downward from the top cap 51. The slider 52 is slidably mounted on the central rod 53, preferably sleeved on the central rod 53. The compression spring, which is the first elastic element 4, is sleeved on the central rod 53, with its upper end on the top cap 51 and its lower end abutting against the slider 52. When the tent 100 is folded, the slider 52 moves upward, that is, moves closer to the top cap 51, the distance between the two becomes shorter, and the compression spring is compressed. When the tent 100 is unfolded, the user rotates the outer top rod 2 until the elastic restoring force of the compression spring is sufficient to overcome the constraint of the rod's own weight. The compression spring pushes the slider 52 away from the top cap 51, the distance between the two becomes larger, and the inner end of the inner top rod 1 moves upward relative to the slider 52, causing the inner top rod 1 to flip upward and open.

[0087] During the transition from an unfolded to a folded state, the central lock 5 is unlocked and placed in a holding state (as shown in Figures 7-8 and 10-14). Subsequently, operating the outer top rod 2 or opening the drive unit from outside the internal space 400 unlocks the central lock 5, causing the top rod units 201 to move closer together. Specifically, when the tent 100 is in the unfolded state, the central lock 5 is in the locked state, as shown in Figure 6. When the tent 100 is in the folded state, the central lock 5 is in the unlocked state, as shown in Figure 9. During the folding process, the central lock 5 also has a holding state between the locked and unlocked states, as shown in Figures 7-8 and 10-14. In this holding state, the tent 100 can still remain in the unfolded state, but applying a small force to the poles of the tent 100 allows the tent 100 to fold under its own weight (e.g., by shaking or rotating one of the outer top rods 2), and the central lock 5 is then unlocked.

[0088] The center lock 5 also includes a locking element movably mounted on the center rod 53. When the center lock 5 is in the locked state, the locking element and the slider 52 are engaged to provide a first locking force that keeps the tent 100 stably in the deployed state. When the center lock 5 is in the unlocked state, the locking element and the slider 52 are disengaged. When the center lock 5 is in the held state, the locking element and the slider 52 contact or engage to provide a second locking force less than the first locking force, so as to keep the tent 100 in the deployed state and allow the user to disengage the locking element from the slider 52 when operating the outer top rod 2 outside the internal space 400, thereby changing the center lock 5 from the held state to the unlocked state.

[0089] The locking element includes a handle 54 movably fitted onto the central rod 53, which can rotate and move up and down relative to the slider 52. The handle 54 has a locking protrusion 541, and the slider 52 has a locking groove 521 (as shown in Figure 5). When the locking protrusion 541 is in the locking groove 521, the central lock 5 is in a locked state. The slider 52 also has a limiting groove 523, located below the locking groove 521 and connected to it via a sliding groove 522. As shown in Figures 8 and 14, the limiting groove 523 has an upper groove wall 523a and an open bottom 523b. After the locking protrusion 541 enters the limiting groove 523, the central lock 5 is in a holding state. At this time, the locking protrusion 541 abuts against the upper groove wall 523a and moves from the bottom 523b of the limiting groove 523 to below the slider 52 after the operation of the outer push rod 2. The slide groove 522 extends generally in the vertical direction, and the locking groove 521 and the limiting groove 523 extend laterally to the same side from the upper and lower ends of the slide groove 522, respectively. In the embodiment shown in the attached drawings, the locking groove 521 extends horizontally from the upper end of the slide groove 522, and the limiting groove 523 extends horizontally from the lower end of the slide groove 522, with the locking groove 521 and the limiting groove 523 located on the same side of the slide groove 522. The upper part of the handle 54 can be inserted into the slider 52, and the locking protrusion 541 is provided on the upper part of the handle 54; when the central lock 5 is in the locked state and the holding state, the upper part of the handle 54 is inserted into the slider 52 and is clamped between the slider 52 and the central rod 53, as shown in Figures 11 and 13.

[0090] The center lock 5 also includes a second elastic element 543, which is disposed between the handle 54 and the limiting joint 531 on the center rod 53. In the held state, the second elastic element 543 is in a deformed state to prevent the locking protrusion 541 from disengaging downwards from the bottom 523b of the limiting groove 523. The limiting joint 531 is fixed to the lower part of the center rod 53, and the handle 54 is sleeved on the center rod 53, with the limiting joint 531 located inside the handle 54. The second elastic element 543 is a compression spring, which is sleeved on the center rod 53, with its upper end abutting against the top of the handle 54 and its lower end abutting against the limiting joint 531. When the handle 54 is pulled down, causing the locking protrusion 541 to slide down the slide groove 522 to the limiting groove 523, the second elastic element 543 is in a deformed state. After the handle 54 is rotated to enter the limiting groove 523, the elastic force of the second elastic element 543 tends to push the handle 54 upwards to reset, thus allowing the locking protrusion 541 to abut against the upper groove wall 523a of the limiting groove 523, preventing it from unexpectedly moving downwards and disengaging from the bottom 523b of the limiting groove 523. In other words, the second elastic element 543 keeps the center lock 5 in a holding state, allowing the user to move to the outside of the tent 100 after operating the handle 54, and then operate the outer top rod 2 to fully fold the tent 100. Only then does the center lock 5 switch to the unlocked state.

[0091] As shown in Figure 8, the locking groove 521 has an open end 521a and a closed end 521b opposite to the open end 521a. The slider 52 also has a downward-facing guide ramp 524, which extends downwards from the open end 521a of the locking groove 521. During the unfolding of the tent 100, the guide ramp 524 contacts the locking protrusion 541 and enters the open end 521a of the locking groove 521. The bottom of the slider 52 has a notch or channel facing the guide ramp 524. During the unfolding of the tent 100, the locking protrusion 541 enters through this notch or channel and contacts the guide ramp 524. Under the action of the guide ramp 524, the handle 54 moves upward and rotates, and the locking protrusion 541 enters the open end 521a of the locking groove 521 along the guide ramp 524. The guide ramp 524 can be a portion of the groove wall of the slide 522 or the upper groove wall 523a of an inclined groove communicating with the slide 522.

[0092] Furthermore, the center lock 5 also includes a third elastic element 544, which is disposed between the handle 54 and the center rod 53 to provide an elastic force that rotates the handle 54, thereby moving the locking protrusion 541 into the closed end 521b of the lock groove 521. During the upward movement of the handle 54 relative to the slider 52, the handle 54 rotates, causing the third elastic element 544 to twist and deform. When the locking protrusion enters the open end 521a of the lock groove 521, the third elastic element 544 is released, and its elastic restoring force drives the handle 54 to rotate in the opposite direction, thereby causing the locking protrusion to enter the closed end 521b from the open end 521a of the lock groove 521. In the example shown in the attached figure, the third elastic element 544 is a tension spring, with its upper end connected to the limiting joint 531 of the center rod 53 and its lower end connected to the lower cover 542 of the handle 54. After the handle 54 rotates, the tension spring stretches and twists. The number of third elastic elements 544 can be one or more. In some other embodiments, the third elastic element 544 may also be a torsion spring or a spring sheet, etc., which is not limited herein.

[0093] The unfolding or folding method of the tent 100 in this embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 1 to 14.

[0094] When the tent 100 changes from the unfolded state shown in Figure 1 to the folded state shown in Figure 3, the center lock 5 is initially locked. At this time, the user enters the tent 100 and turns the handle 54, causing the locking protrusion 541 to move to the open end 521a of the locking groove 521 (the upper end of the slide groove 522); then, the user pulls the handle 54 down, causing the locking protrusion 541 to move down along the slide groove 522 (specifically, the vertically extending groove wall of the slide groove 522) until it reaches the limiting groove 523; by rotating in the opposite direction or with the help of the elastic force of the third elastic element 544, the handle 54 is rotated in the opposite direction by a small angle, and the locking protrusion 541... 1. Enter the limiting groove 523 and be located below its upper groove wall 523a. At this time, the center lock 5 is switched to the holding state. The second elastic element 543 provides a small second locking force to keep the tent 100 in the unfolded state. The user can move to the outside of the tent 100 at this time. Then, the user rotates the outer top rod 2 downward. The inner top rod 1 and the outer top rod 2 flip downward. The slider 52 moves upward and completely disengages from the handle 54. The center lock 5 is switched to the unlocked state. The top rod units 201 move closer to each other, and the support legs 300 move closer to each other. The tent 100 is switched to the folded state shown in Figure 3.

[0095] When the tent 100 changes from the folded state shown in Figure 3 to the unfolded state shown in Figure 1, the center lock 5 is initially in the unlocked state. At this time, under the reset of the third elastic element 544, the locking protrusion 541 is directly opposite the guide slope 524 on the slider 52, that is, directly below the notch or channel at the bottom of the slider 52. The user pulls the outer top rod 2 upward outside the tent 100, and the outer end of the inner top rod 1 moves upward accordingly. The first elastic element 4 is released, and its elastic force is sufficient to overcome the weight of the rod. Then, the slider 52 is pushed away from the top cap 51, and the slope rod 3 flips, so that each top rod unit 201 opens. During the movement of the slider 52, the slider 52 and the handle 54 gradually approach each other. The locking protrusion 541 and the guide slope 524 contact each other and enter the open end 521a of the lock groove 521 under the guidance. Then, under the action of the elastic reset force of the third elastic element 544, it automatically moves to the closed end 521b of the lock groove 521 to achieve complete locking. The center lock 5 automatically changes to the locked state, locking the tent 100 in the unfolded state.

[0096] The aforementioned tent 100 has the following advantages: When opening the tent 100, the user can operate it from outside, avoiding the need to enter the tent 100 before it is fully open. Furthermore, the tent 100 automatically locks after opening. When folding the tent 100, after the user unlocks the center lock 5, the center lock 5 remains in a holding state, keeping the tent 100 in the unfolded state so that the user can move to the outside and then operate the tent 100 to fully fold it. The center lock 5 automatically changes from the holding state to the unlocked state. During the unfolding or folding of the tent 100, the user avoids the need to bend over to enter or exit the tent 100 before it is fully and stably opened, making it convenient, safe, and providing a better user experience.

[0097] Example 2 – Central Lock

[0098] Figures 4 to 11 illustrate an embodiment of a center lock that can be used in a shelter product having an unfolded state and a folded state, wherein the center lock can lock the shelter product in the unfolded state. The shelter product may be a tent as shown in Figures 1 to 3, which includes a top frame 200 and a plurality of support legs 300 supporting the top frame 200.

[0099] The center lock 5 includes an opening drive mechanism, allowing the tent 100 to be operated from outside the internal space 400 during the transition from a folded to an unfolded state, either by operating the outer top rod 2 or by using the opening drive mechanism to cause the inner top rod 1 to flip upwards relative to the outer top rod 2. Specifically, in the example shown in the attached drawings, the opening drive mechanism is a first elastic element 4. When the user stands outside the tent 100 and the center lock 5 is not locked, the tent 100 can be unfolded or folded by rotating the outer top rod 2.

[0100] During the transition of the tent 100 from a folded state to an unfolded state, the central lock 5 locks each top rod unit 201 by operating the outer top rod 2 or opening the drive unit from outside the internal space 400. Specifically, in the example shown in the attached figure, the user stands outside the tent 100 and can lock the central lock 5 by rotating the outer top rod 2, thereby locking each top rod unit 201 and ensuring that the tent 100 is stably in the unfolded state.

[0101] The first elastic element 4 can be a compression spring, providing assistance for the inner top rod 1 to flip upward and open. When the tent 100 is in the folded state, the first elastic element 4 is in a deformed state to push the inner top rod 1 upward when the outer top rod 2 is operated. Referring to Figures 4 to 14, the center lock 5 includes a connector for connecting to the top rod unit of the tent. The connector specifically includes a top cap 51 and a bottom cap 52 that moves up and down relative to the top cap 51. The top cap 51 is located above the bottom cap 52, and the inner top rod 1 of each top rod unit 201 is rotatably connected to the top cap 51. Each top rod unit 201 also includes a diagonal rod 3. The outer end of the diagonal rod 3 is rotatably connected to the inner top rod 1, and the inner end of each diagonal rod 3 is rotatably connected to the bottom cap 52. The first elastic element 4 and the bottom cap 52 are connected. In the example shown in the attached figure, the first elastic element 4 is disposed between the top cap 51 and the bottom cap 52. When the tent 100 is in the unfolded state, the top cap 51 and the bottom cap 52 have a first gap, and the first elastic element 4 is in the original state, that is, no deformation occurs. When the tent 100 is in the folded state, the top cap 51 and the bottom cap 52 have a second gap, and the first elastic element 4 is in the compressed state. The first gap is greater than the second gap.

[0102] The first elastic element 4 is fitted onto a central rod 53, which is fixedly connected to or integral with the top cap 51. The central rod 53 extends vertically downward from the top cap 51. The bottom cap 52 is slidably mounted on the central rod 53, preferably fitted onto the central rod 53. A compression spring, serving as the first elastic element 4, is fitted onto the central rod 53, with its upper end resting on the top cap 51 and its lower end abutting against the bottom cap 52. When the tent 100 is folded, the bottom cap 52 moves upward, i.e., moves closer to the top cap 51, shortening the distance between them and compressing the spring. When the tent 100 is unfolded, the user rotates the outer top rod 2 until the elastic restoring force of the spring is sufficient to overcome the constraint of the rod's own weight. The spring then pushes the bottom cap 52 away from the top cap 51, increasing the distance between them. This causes the inner end of the inner top rod 1 to move upward relative to the bottom cap 52, and the inner top rod 1 flips upward to open.

[0103] The center lock 5 also includes a locking component movably mounted on the center rod 53. When the center lock 5 is in the locked state, the locking component and the bottom cap 52 are engaged to provide a first locking force that keeps the tent 100 stably in the deployed state. When the center lock 5 is in the unlocked state, the locking component and the bottom cap 52 are disengaged. When the center lock 5 is in the held state, the locking component and the bottom cap 52 contact or engage to provide a second locking force less than the first locking force, so as to keep the tent 100 in the deployed state and allow the user to disengage the locking component from the bottom cap 52 when operating the outer top rod 2 outside the internal space 400, thereby changing the center lock 5 from the held state to the unlocked state.

[0104] The locking assembly includes a handle 54 movably fitted onto the center rod 53, which can rotate and move up and down relative to the bottom cap 52. The handle 54 has a locking protrusion 541, and the bottom cap 52 has a locking groove 521 (as shown in Figure 5). When the locking protrusion 541 is in the locking groove 521, the center lock 5 is in a locked state. The bottom cap 52 also has a limiting groove 523, located below the locking groove 521 and connected to it via a sliding groove 522. As shown in Figures 8 and 14, the limiting groove 523 has an upper groove wall 523a and an open bottom 523b. After the locking protrusion 541 enters the limiting groove 523, the center lock 5 is in a held state. At this time, the locking protrusion 541 abuts against the upper groove wall 523a and moves from the bottom 523b of the limiting groove 523 to below the bottom cap 52 after the operation of the outer push rod 2. The slide groove 522 extends generally in the vertical direction, and the locking groove 521 and the limiting groove 523 extend laterally to the same side from the upper and lower ends of the slide groove 522, respectively. In the embodiment shown in the attached drawings, the locking groove 521 extends horizontally from the upper end of the slide groove 522, and the limiting groove 523 extends horizontally from the lower end of the slide groove 522, with the locking groove 521 and the limiting groove 523 located on the same side of the slide groove 522. The upper part of the handle 54 can be inserted into the bottom cap 52, and the locking protrusion 541 is provided on the upper part of the handle 54; when the center lock 5 is in the locked state and the holding state, the upper part of the handle 54 is inserted into the bottom cap 52 and is clamped between the bottom cap 52 and the center rod 53, as shown in Figures 11 and 13.

[0105] Example 3 – Tent

[0106] Figures 14 and 15 illustrate another embodiment of a tent with both unfolded and folded states. Similar to Figures 1 to 3, this tent 100 also includes a top frame 200 and multiple support legs 300 supporting the top frame 200. The structure of the top frame 200 and the support legs 300 is the same as that of the tent 100 in Embodiment 1. The internal space 400 of the tent 100 is defined by the top frame 200 and the support legs 300; the space directly below the top frame 200 is the internal space 400 of the tent 100. The top frame 200 includes multiple foldable top rod units 201, which are connected to a central lock 5 located at the top center of the tent 100. The number of top rod units 201 corresponds to the number of support legs 300, and the outer end of each top rod unit 201 is connected to the upper part of a corresponding support leg 300. The top frame 200 also includes multiple external telescopic units 202, with one external telescopic unit 202 connected to the upper part of every two adjacent support legs 300. The outer telescopic unit 202 can be folded and unfolded laterally, thereby moving the support legs 300 apart during unfolding and bringing them closer together during folding. For example, the outer telescopic unit 202 consists of multiple sequentially hinged cross-shaped linkage assemblies, each including two connecting rods 301 hinged together at their center. In the cross-shaped linkage assembly connected to the support legs 300, one end of the upper connecting rod 301 is hinged to the upper end of the support leg 300, and one end of the lower connecting rod 301 is hinged to a sliding sleeve 302 on the support leg 300; when folding or unfolding, the sliding sleeve 302 can slide up and down on the support leg 300, allowing the outer telescopic unit 202 to unfold or fold relative to each other.

[0107] Each push rod unit 201 includes an inner push rod 1 and an outer push rod 2 that can be rotated relative to each other. The inner push rods 1 of each push rod unit 201 are rotatably connected by a central lock 5, and the outer end of the outer push rod 2 is hinged to the upper end of the support leg 300. In the embodiment shown in the figure, the outer end of the inner push rod 1 and the inner end of the outer push rod 2 of each push rod unit 201 are directly pivotally connected to each other. The inner end of the inner push rod 1 is pivotally connected to the central lock 5, and the outer end of the outer push rod 2 is pivotally connected to the upper end of the support leg 300.

[0108] Figures 16 to 23 illustrate a central lock that can be used in this tent embodiment. The central lock 5 includes a top cap 51 and a slider 52 that moves up and down relative to the top cap 51. The top cap 51 is located above the slider 52, and the inner top rod 1 of each top rod unit 201 is rotatably connected to the top cap 51. Each top rod unit 201 also includes a diagonal rod 3, the outer end of which is rotatably connected to the inner top rod 1, and the inner end of each diagonal rod 3 is rotatably connected to the slider 52. A first elastic member 4 is in contact with the slider 52. In the example shown in the figures, the first elastic member 4 is disposed between the top cap 51 and the slider 52. When the tent 100 is in the unfolded state, the top cap 51 and the slider 52 have a first gap, and the first elastic member 4 is in its original state, i.e., without deformation. When the tent 100 is in the folded state, the top cap 51 and the slider 52 have a second gap, and the first elastic member 4 is in a compressed state, and the first gap is greater than the second gap.

[0109] The opening actuator of the tent 100 is located on the central lock 5, specifically on the central rod 53 of the central lock 5. The central rod 53 and the top cap 51 are fixedly connected or integrated, with the central rod 53 extending vertically downward from the top cap 51. The slider 52 is slidably mounted on the central rod 53. The first elastic element 4 is a compression spring fitted on the central rod 53, with its upper end on the top cap 51 and its lower end abutting against the slider 52. When the tent 100 is folded, the slider 52 moves upward, i.e., moves closer to the top cap 51, and the distance between them shortens, compressing the compression spring. When the tent 100 is unfolded, the user rotates the outer top rod 2 until the elastic restoring force of the compression spring is sufficient to overcome the constraint of the rod's own weight. The compression spring then pushes the slider 52 away from the top cap 51, increasing the distance between them. This causes the inner end of the inner top rod 1 to move upward relative to the slider 52, and the inner top rod 1 flips upward to open.

[0110] During the transition from an unfolded to a folded state, the central lock 5 is unlocked and placed in a holding state. Subsequently, operating the outer top rod 2 or opening the drive unit from outside the internal space 400 causes the central lock 5 to return to the unlocked state, and the top rod units 201 move closer together. Specifically, when the tent 100 is in the unfolded state, the central lock 5 is in the locked state. When the tent 100 is in the folded state, the central lock 5 is in the unlocked state. During the folding process, the central lock 5 also has a holding state between the locked and unlocked states. In this holding state, the tent 100 can still remain in the unfolded state, but applying a small force to the poles of the tent 100 can cause the tent 100 to fold under its own weight (e.g., by shaking or rotating one of the outer top rods 2), and the central lock 5 returns to the unlocked state.

[0111] The center lock 5 also includes a locking element movably mounted on the center rod 53. When the center lock 5 is in the locked state, the locking element and the slider 52 are engaged to provide a first locking force that keeps the tent 100 stably in the deployed state. When the center lock 5 is in the unlocked state, the locking element and the slider 52 are disengaged. When the center lock 5 is in the held state, the locking element and the slider 52 contact or engage to provide a second locking force less than the first locking force, so as to keep the tent 100 in the deployed state and allow the user to disengage the locking element from the slider 52 when operating the outer top rod 2 outside the internal space 400, thereby changing the center lock 5 from the held state to the unlocked state.

[0112] The center lock 5 also includes a lock seat 532 disposed on the center rod 53 and located below the slider 52. The locking element includes a rotary latch 55 connected to the lock seat 532 or the center rod 53 via a pivot 550. The rotary latch 55 has a first latch 551 and a second latch 552, which are located on opposite sides of the pivot 550, forming a lever-like or seesaw-like structure. The axis of the pivot 550 extends horizontally, and the first latch 551 and the second latch 552 are located on opposite sides of the center rod 53. When the center lock 5 is locked, the first latch 551 and the slider 52 interlock and have a first locking surface 551a that contacts and engages with each other. At this time, the first locking surface 551a has a first angle with the horizontal plane. When the center lock 5 is in the held state, the first locking hook 551 disengages from the slider 52, and the second locking hook 552 and the unlocking latch 56 provided on the slider 52 interlock and engage with the second locking surface 552a, which has a contact engagement. At this time, the second locking surface 552a has a second angle with the horizontal. As shown in Figure 23, the second angle is greater than the first angle but less than 90 degrees. Further, the first angle is 0 to 10°, and the second angle is 45 to 85°. The smaller the angle, the greater the locking force between the second hook and the slider 52 or the unlocking latch 56. The closer the second angle is to 90°, the easier it is for the second locking hook 552 to disengage from the unlocking latch 56.

[0113] The rotary latch 55 is a single, integral part pivotally connected to the lock base 532. The outer surface of the slider 52 has an inwardly recessed first locking hole 525. In the locked state, the first locking hook 551 is inserted into the first locking hole 525. The first locking surface 551a of the first locking hook 551 abuts against the bottom groove wall of the first locking hole 525. The first locking surface 551a faces downward and is approximately horizontal to obtain a larger initial locking force.

[0114] The top of the first locking hook 551 also has an inwardly facing top slope 551b, and the bottom of the slider 52 has a cooperating bottom slope 526. When the center lock 5 is in the unlocked state, the top slope 551b of the first locking hook 551 is located directly below a bottom slope 526 of the slider 52. Furthermore, the center lock 5 also includes a fourth elastic member 57, which is disposed between the unlocking latch 56 and the lock seat 532 or the center rod 53, so as to hold the rotary latch 55 in the initial position when the center lock 5 is in the unlocked state. In this initial position, the top slope 551b of the first locking hook 551 is directly below a bottom slope 526 of the slider 52, so that the first locking hook 551 is pushed outward when the top slope 551b and the bottom slope 526 slide relative to each other, at which time the fourth elastic element 57 deforms; until the first locking surface 551a of the first locking hook 551 is at a position substantially equal to the height of the first locking hole 525, the fourth elastic element 57 is released, and its elastic force drives the first locking hook 551 to move inward and thus insert into the first locking hole 525 to achieve locking. In the example shown in the figure, the fourth elastic element 57 is a torsion spring; in some other embodiments, the fourth elastic element 57 can also be a compression spring, tension spring, or other forms of spring, which are not limited herein.

[0115] The unlocking latch 56 is telescopically mounted within the slider 52. Specifically, the slider 52 has a latch cover 562, forming a cavity between the latch cover 562 and the slider 52. The unlocking latch 56 is inserted into this cavity, and an unlocking spring 57 is provided between the unlocking latch 56 and the inner wall of the cavity to allow the lower end of the unlocking latch 56 to extend out of the cavity. The lower part of the unlocking latch 56 has an outwardly recessed second locking hole 561, which faces the outer surface of the center rod 53. In the holding state, the second locking hook 552 is inserted into the second locking hole 561. The second locking surface 552a of the second locking hook 552 faces outward and downward, and it contacts the inclined bottom wall of the second locking hole 561 to provide a small second locking force. Under a small external force, the second locking surface 552a will disengage from the second locking hole 561, and the second locking hook 552 and the unlocking latch 56 will disengage, thus unlocking.

[0116] The unfolding or folding method of the tent 100 in this embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 15 to 23.

[0117] When the tent 100 changes from the unfolded state shown in Figure 15 to the folded state, the center lock 5 is initially in the locked state. At this time, the user enters the tent 100 and rotates the rotating buckle 55, causing the first locking hook 551 to rotate outward and disengage from the slider 52 (first locking hole 525). At the same time, the second locking hook 552 is inserted into the second locking hole 561 of the unlocking buckle 56, and the center lock 5 changes to the holding state. The second locking surface (which is an inclined surface) of the second buckle provides a small second locking force, keeping the tent 100 in the unfolded state. The user can move out of the tent 100 at this time. Then, the user rotates the outer top rod 2 downward, the inner top rod 1 and the outer top rod 2 flip downward, the slider 52 moves upward, and the second buckle disengages from the second locking hole 561 under the action of the inclined second locking surface. The center lock 5 changes to the unlocked state, the top rod units 201 move closer to each other, the support legs 300 move closer to each other, and the tent 100 changes to the folded state.

[0118] When tent 100 changes from a folded state to an unfolded state as shown in Figure 15, the center lock 5 is initially in an unlocked state. At this time, with the fourth elastic element 57 reset, the first locking hook 551 is located directly below the slider 52, and the top slope 551b of the first locking hook 551 faces the bottom slope 526 of the slider 52. When the user pulls the outer top rod 2 upward outside the tent 100, the outer end of the inner top rod 1 moves upward accordingly, the first elastic element 4 is released, and its elastic force is sufficient to overcome the weight of the rod. Then, the slider 52 is pushed away from the top cap 51, the inclined rod 3 flips, and each top rod unit 201 opens. During the movement of the slider 52... As the slider 52 and the lock seat 532 / rotary lock 55 gradually approach each other, the bottom inclined surface 526 of the slider 52 contacts the top inclined surface 551b of the first lock hook 551, pushing the first lock hook 551 outward, and the fourth elastic element 57 deforms; when the first locking surface 551a and the first lock hole 525 are flush, the fourth elastic element 57 is released, and its elastic force pushes the first lock hook 551 inward into the first lock hole 525, and the first locking surface 551a and the bottom wall of the first lock hole 525 contact each other to achieve complete locking. After complete locking, the center lock 5 automatically switches to the locked state, locking the tent 100 in the unfolded state.

[0119] The aforementioned tent 100 has the following advantages: When opening the tent 100, the user can operate it from outside, avoiding the need to enter the tent 100 before it is fully open. Furthermore, the tent 100 automatically locks after opening. When folding the tent 100, after the user unlocks the center lock 5, the center lock 5 remains in a holding state, keeping the tent 100 in the unfolded state so that the user can move to the outside and then operate the tent 100 to fully fold it. The center lock 5 automatically changes from the holding state to the unlocked state. During the unfolding or folding of the tent 100, the user avoids the need to bend over to enter or exit the tent 100 before it is fully and stably opened, making it convenient, safe, and providing a better user experience.

[0120] Example 4 – Central Lock

[0121] Figures 16 to 23 illustrate another embodiment of the center lock. Referring to Figures 16 to 23, it can be used in a shelter product having an unfolded state and a folded state, the center lock being able to lock the shelter product in the unfolded state. The shelter product can be a tent as shown in Figures 14 and 15, which includes a top frame 200 and a plurality of support legs 300 supporting the top frame 200.

[0122] The center lock 5 includes a connector for connecting to the top pole units of the tent. Specifically, the connector includes a top cap 51 and a bottom cap 52 that moves vertically relative to the top cap 51. The top cap 51 is located above the bottom cap 52. The inner top pole 1 of each top pole unit 201 is rotatably connected to the top cap 51. Each top pole unit 201 also includes a diagonal rod 3. The outer end of the diagonal rod 3 is rotatably connected to the inner top pole 1, and the inner end of each diagonal rod 3 is rotatably connected to the bottom cap 52. A first elastic member 4 is connected to the bottom cap 52. In the example shown in the attached figures, the first elastic member 4 is disposed between the top cap 51 and the bottom cap 52. The first elastic member 4 is in its original state, i.e., without deformation. When the tent 100 is in the unfolded state, the top cap 51 and the bottom cap 52 have a first gap; when the tent 100 is in the folded state, the top cap 51 and the bottom cap 52 have a second gap. The first elastic member 4 is in a compressed state, and the first gap is greater than the second gap.

[0123] The center rod 53 and the top cap 51 are fixedly connected or integrated, with the center rod 53 extending vertically downward from the top cap 51. The bottom cap 52 is slidably mounted on the center rod 53. The first elastic element 4 is a compression spring fitted onto the center rod 53, with its upper end resting on the top cap 51 and its lower end abutting against the bottom cap 52. When the tent 100 is folded, the bottom cap 52 moves upward, i.e., moves closer to the top cap 51, and the distance between them shortens, compressing the compression spring. When the tent 100 is unfolded, the user rotates the outer top rod 2 until the elastic restoring force of the compression spring is sufficient to overcome the constraint of the rod's own weight. The compression spring then pushes the bottom cap 52 away from the top cap 51, increasing the distance between them. This causes the inner end of the inner top rod 1 to move upward relative to the bottom cap 52, and the inner top rod 1 flips upward to open.

[0124] During the transition from an unfolded to a folded state, the central lock 5 is unlocked and placed in a holding state. Subsequently, operating the outer top rod 2 or opening the drive unit from outside the internal space 400 causes the central lock 5 to return to the unlocked state, and the top rod units 201 move closer together. Specifically, when the tent 100 is in the unfolded state, the central lock 5 is in the locked state. When the tent 100 is in the folded state, the central lock 5 is in the unlocked state. During the folding process, the central lock 5 also has a holding state between the locked and unlocked states. In this holding state, the tent 100 can still remain in the unfolded state, but applying a small force to the poles of the tent 100 can cause the tent 100 to fold under its own weight (e.g., by shaking or rotating one of the outer top rods 2), and the central lock 5 returns to the unlocked state.

[0125] The center lock 5 also includes a locking component movably mounted on the center rod 53. When the center lock 5 is in the locked state, the locking component and the bottom cap 52 are engaged to provide a first locking force that keeps the tent 100 stably in the deployed state. When the center lock 5 is in the unlocked state, the locking component and the bottom cap 52 are disengaged. When the center lock 5 is in the held state, the locking component and the bottom cap 52 contact or engage to provide a second locking force less than the first locking force, so as to keep the tent 100 in the deployed state and allow the user to disengage the locking component from the bottom cap 52 when operating the outer top rod 2 outside the internal space 400, thereby changing the center lock 5 from the held state to the unlocked state.

[0126] The center lock 5 also includes a lock seat 532 disposed on the center rod 53 and located below the bottom cap 52. The locking assembly includes a rotary latch 55 connected to the lock seat 532 or the center rod 53 via a pivot 550. The rotary latch 55 has a first latch 551 and a second latch 552, which are located on opposite sides of the pivot 550, forming a lever-like or seesaw-like structure. The axis of the pivot 550 extends horizontally, and the first latch 551 and the second latch 552 are located on opposite sides of the center rod 53. When the center lock 5 is locked, the first latch 551 and the bottom cap 52 interlock and have a first locking surface 551a that contacts and engages with each other. At this time, the first locking surface 551a has a first angle with the horizontal plane. When the center lock 5 is in the held state, the first locking hook 551 disengages from the bottom cap 52, and the second locking hook 552 and the unlocking latch 56 provided on the bottom cap 52 interlock and engage with the second locking surface 552a, which has a contact engagement. At this time, the second locking surface 552a has a second angle with the horizontal. As shown in Figure 23, the second angle is greater than the first angle but less than 90 degrees. Further, the first angle is 0 to 10°, and the second angle is 45 to 85°. The smaller the angle, the greater the locking force between the hook and the bottom cap 52 or the unlocking latch 56. The closer the second angle is to 90°, the easier it is for the second locking hook 552 to disengage from the unlocking latch 56.

[0127] Unless otherwise specified, the rotatable connections and hinges in the above embodiments can be pivotal connections.

[0128] Features of the embodiments of this disclosure are set forth in the following terms:

[0129] Clause 1. A tent having an unfolded state and a folded state, the tent including a top frame, a center lock, and a plurality of vertically extending support legs, the top frame being supported by the plurality of support legs, the area between the top frame and the plurality of support legs being an interior space, the top frame including a plurality of top rod units, each top rod unit including an inner top rod and an outer top rod capable of relative rotation, the inner top rods of each top rod unit being rotatably connected to the center lock, and each outer top rod being rotatably connected to one of the support legs; the tent further including an opening drive, the opening drive being connected to at least one of the inner top rods or the center lock, thereby allowing the tent to be operated from outside the interior space during the transition from a folded state to an unfolded state, causing the inner top rods to rotate upwards relative to the outer top rods and unfold.

[0130] Clause 2. The tent according to Clause 1, wherein, during the process of the tent changing from a folded state to an unfolded state, the outer top rod or the opening drive is operated from outside the interior space to lock each of the top rod units by the center lock.

[0131] Clause 3. The tent according to Clause 1 or 2, wherein the opening drive includes a first elastic element disposed on the center lock, the first elastic element being in a deformable state when the tent is in a folded state to push the inner top rod upward when the outer top rod is operated.

[0132] Clause 4. The tent according to Clause 3, wherein the center lock includes a top cap and a slider that moves up and down relative to the top cap, the top cap being located above the slider, the inner top rod of each top rod unit being rotatably connected to the top cap, each top rod unit further including a diagonal rod, the outer end of the diagonal rod being rotatably connected to the inner top rod, the inner end of each diagonal rod being rotatably connected to the slider, and the first elastic member being in contact with the slider.

[0133] Clause 5. The tent according to Clause 4, wherein the first elastic member is disposed between the top cap and the slider, the top cap and the slider have a first gap when the tent is in the unfolded state, the top cap and the slider have a second gap when the tent is in the folded state, the first elastic member is in a compressed state, and the first gap is greater than the second gap.

[0134] Clause 6. The tent according to Clause 5, wherein the first elastic element is fitted onto a central pole, the central pole and the top cap are fixedly connected or integrally formed, and the slider is slidably disposed on the central pole.

[0135] Clause 7. The tent according to Clause 6, wherein the center lock further includes a locking member movably disposed on the center pole; when the center lock is in the locked state, the locking member and the slider are engaged to provide a first locking force that stably holds the tent in the deployed state; when the center lock is in the unlocked state, the locking member and the slider are disengaged; the center lock also has a holding state between the locked and unlocked states, in which the locking member and the slider contact or engage to provide a second locking force less than the first locking force, so as to hold the tent in the deployed state and allow the locking member to disengage from the slider when the outer top pole is operated from outside the interior space, thereby changing the center lock from the holding state to the unlocked state.

[0136] Clause 8. The tent according to Clause 7, wherein the locking element includes a handle movably fitted onto the center rod, the handle being rotatable and movable up and down relative to the slider; the handle is provided with a locking protrusion, the slider is provided with a locking groove, and the center lock is in a locked state when the locking protrusion is located in the locking groove; the slider is also provided with a limiting groove, the limiting groove being located below the locking groove and communicating with it through a sliding groove, the limiting groove having an upper groove wall and an open bottom, and the center lock is in a holding state after the locking protrusion enters the limiting groove, at which time the locking protrusion abuts against the upper groove wall and moves from the bottom of the limiting groove to below the slider after the outer push rod is operated.

[0137] Clause 9. The tent according to Clause 8, wherein the center lock further includes a second elastic element disposed between the handle and the limiting joint on the center rod, wherein in the holding state the second elastic element is in a deformable state to prevent the locking protrusion from disengaging downward from the bottom of the limiting groove.

[0138] Clause 10. The tent according to Clause 8, wherein the slide extends generally in a vertical direction, and the locking groove and the limiting groove extend laterally to the same side from the upper and lower ends of the slide, respectively; the locking groove has an open end and a closed end opposite to the open end, and the slider also has a downward-facing guide ramp extending downward from the open end of the locking groove; during the unfolding of the tent, the guide ramp contacts the locking protrusion and enters the open end of the locking groove; the center lock further includes a third elastic element disposed between the handle and the center rod to provide an elastic force that rotates the handle, thereby moving the locking protrusion into the closed end of the locking groove.

[0139] Clause 11. The tent according to Clause 7, wherein the center lock further includes a lock seat disposed on the center pole and located below the slider, the locking element including a swivel latch pivotally connected to the lock seat or the center pole, the swivel latch having a first locking hook and a second locking hook, the first locking hook and the second locking hook being located on opposite sides of the pivot; when the center lock is in the locked state, the first locking hook and the slider are interlocked and have a first locking surface that contacts and engages with each other, at which time the first locking surface has a first angle with the horizontal plane; when the center lock is in the held state, the first locking hook is disengaged from the slider, the second locking hook and the unlocking latch disposed on the slider are interlocked and have a second locking surface that contacts and engages with each other, the second locking surface being an inclined plane, at which time the second locking surface has a second angle with the horizontal plane, the second angle being greater than the first angle and less than 90 degrees.

[0140] Clause 12. The tent according to Clause 11, wherein the unlocking latch is retractably disposed in the slider; the first included angle is 0 to 10°, and the second included angle is 45 to 85°; the rotating latch is an integral part.

[0141] Clause 13. The tent according to Clause 11, wherein the center lock further includes a fourth elastic element disposed between the unlocking latch and the lock seat or the center rod, so as to hold the rotary latch in an initial position and drive the first locking surface and the slider to engage when the center lock is in the unlocked state; in the initial position, the top slope of the first locking hook is located directly below a bottom slope of the slider, so as to push the first locking hook outward and deform the fourth elastic element when the top slope and the bottom slope slide relative to each other.

[0142] Clause 14. The tent according to Clause 1, wherein, during the process of the tent changing from an unfolded state to a folded state, the center lock is unlocked and placed in a holding state, and then the center lock is returned to the unlocked state by operating the outer top rod or the opening drive from outside the interior space, and the top frames are brought together.

[0143] Clause 15. The tent according to Clause 1, wherein the inner and outer top rods of each of the top frame units are pivotally connected, each of the outer top rods is pivotally connected to one of the support legs, and the tent fabric covers the top frame.

[0144] Clause 16. A center lock for locking a shielding product in an unfolded state, wherein the center lock comprises:

[0145] A connector for connecting the rods of the shielding product, the connector including a top cap and a bottom cap located below the top cap, the top cap and the bottom cap being movable relative to each other vertically;

[0146] A center rod is disposed between the top cap and the bottom cap;

[0147] A locking assembly is disposed between the center rod and the connector;

[0148] The central lock has a locked state, an unlocked state, and a holding state between the locked state and the unlocked state;

[0149] When the center lock is in the locked state, the locking assembly engages to fix the bottom cap, the center rod, and the top cap together, and the locking assembly provides a first locking force to stably keep the shielding product in the unfolded state.

[0150] When the center lock is in the holding state, the locking assembly securely connects the bottom cap, the center rod, and the top cap with a second locking force, the second locking force being less than the first locking force, to allow the center lock to be switched to the unlocked state on the outside of the shielding product;

[0151] When the center lock is in the unlocked state, the locking component is unlocked to allow the top cap and the bottom cap to move relative to each other.

[0152] Clause 17. The center lock according to Clause 16, wherein the locking component is movably disposed on the center rod, the locking component and the bottom cap are locked together in the locked state, the locking component and the bottom cap are locked or in contact in the holding state, and the locking component and the bottom cap are separated in the unlocked state.

[0153] Clause 18. The center lock according to Clause 16, wherein, when the center lock is in the locked state, the top cap and the bottom cap have a first gap, and when the center lock is in the unlocked state, the top cap and the bottom cap have a second gap, the first gap being greater than the second gap; a first elastic element is provided between the top cap and the bottom cap to provide assistance in moving the top cap and the bottom cap away from each other.

[0154] Clause 19. A center lock according to any one of Clauses 16 to 18, wherein the locking assembly includes a handle movably fitted on the center rod, the handle being rotatable and movable up and down relative to the bottom cap; the handle is provided with a locking protrusion, the bottom cap is provided with a locking groove, the center lock being in a locked state when the locking protrusion is located in the locking groove; the bottom cap is also provided with a limiting groove, the limiting groove being located below the locking groove and communicating with each other through a sliding groove, the limiting groove having an upper groove wall and an open bottom, the center lock being in a holding state after the locking protrusion enters the limiting groove, at which time the locking protrusion abuts against the upper groove wall and can move from the bottom of the limiting groove to below the bottom cap under the action of an external force.

[0155] Clause 20. The center lock according to Clause 19, wherein the center lock further includes a second elastic element disposed between the handle and the limiting joint on the center rod, wherein in the holding state the second elastic element is in a deformable state to prevent the locking protrusion from disengaging downward from the bottom of the limiting groove.

[0156] Clause 21. The center lock according to Clause 19, wherein the slide extends generally in a vertical direction, and the locking groove and the limiting groove extend laterally to the same side from the upper and lower ends of the slide, respectively; the locking groove has an open end and a closed end opposite to the open end, and the bottom cap also has a downwardly oriented guide slope extending downwardly from the open end of the locking groove; during the process of the center lock being converted to the locked state, the guide slope contacts the locking protrusion and enters the open end of the locking groove; the center lock further includes a third elastic member disposed between the handle and the center rod to provide an elastic force that rotates the handle, thereby moving the locking protrusion into the closed end of the locking groove.

[0157] Clause 22. A center lock according to any one of Clauses 16 to 18, wherein the center lock further includes a lock seat disposed on the center rod and located below the bottom cap, the locking assembly including a swivel latch pivotally connected to the lock seat or the center rod, the swivel latch having a first locking hook and a second locking hook, the first locking hook and the second locking hook being located on opposite sides of the pivot; when the center lock is in the locked state, the first locking hook and the bottom cap are interlocked and have a first locking surface that contacts and engages with each other, at which time the first locking surface has a first angle with the horizontal plane; when the center lock is in the held state, the first locking hook is disengaged from the bottom cap, the second locking hook and the unlocking latch disposed on the bottom cap are interlocked and have a second locking surface that contacts and engages with each other, the second locking surface being an inclined surface, at which time the second locking surface has a second angle with the horizontal plane, the second angle being greater than the first angle and less than 90 degrees.

[0158] Clause 23. The center lock according to Clause 22, wherein the center lock further includes a fourth elastic element disposed between the unlocking latch and the lock seat or the center rod, so as to hold the rotary latch in an initial position and drive the first locking surface and the bottom cap to engage when the center lock is in the unlocked state; in the initial position, the top slope of the first latch is located directly below a bottom slope of the bottom cap, so as to push the first latch outward and deform the fourth elastic element when the top slope and the bottom slope slide relative to each other.

[0159] Clause 24. The center lock according to Clause 22, wherein the outer surface of the bottom cap is provided with an inwardly recessed first lock hole, and in the locked state, the first lock hook is inserted into the first lock hole, and the first locking surface and the bottom groove wall of the first lock hole are in abutting contact; the unlocking latch is provided in the bottom cap in a vertically retractable manner; the lower part of the unlocking latch is provided with an outwardly recessed second lock hole, the second lock hole and the outer surface of the center rod are opposite each other, and in the held state, the second lock hook is inserted into the second lock hole, and the inclined bottom of the second lock hook and the second lock hole are in contact with each other to provide the second locking force; the first included angle is 0 to 10°, and the second included angle is 45 to 85°.

[0160] Clause 25. A tent having an unfolded state and a folded state, the tent including a top frame and a plurality of vertically extending support legs, the top frame being supported by the plurality of support legs, the area between the top frame and the plurality of support legs being an interior space; the top frame including a plurality of top rod units, each top rod unit including an inner top rod, an outer top rod, and a diagonal rod capable of relative rotation, the outer end of the diagonal rod being rotatably connected to the inner top rod; wherein the tent further includes a center lock as described in any one of Clauses 16 to 24, each of the top rod units being rotatably connected to each other via the center lock, wherein the inner end of each of the inner top rods is rotatably connected to the top cap, and the inner end of each of the diagonal rods is rotatably connected to the bottom cap; during the process of the tent changing from an unfolded state to a folded state, the center lock is unlocked and placed in a holding state, and then the top rod units are operated outside the interior space to change the center lock to an unlocked state, and the top rod units fold together.

[0161] As indicated in this specification and claims, the terms "comprising" and "including" only indicate the inclusion of explicitly identified steps and elements, and these steps and elements do not constitute an exclusive list, and the method or apparatus may also include other steps or elements.

[0162] It can be further understood that in this disclosure, "multiple" refers to two or more, and other quantifiers are similar.

[0163] It is further understood that the terms "first," "second," etc., are used to describe various types of information, but this information should not be limited to these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish information of the same type from one another, and do not indicate a specific order or degree of importance. In fact, the expressions "first," "second," etc., are completely interchangeable. For example, without departing from the scope of this disclosure, first information can also be referred to as second information, and similarly, second information can also be referred to as first information.

[0164] The above embodiments are only for illustrating the technical concept and features of this disclosure, and are preferred embodiments. Their purpose is to enable those skilled in the art to understand the content of this disclosure and implement it accordingly, and they cannot be used to limit the scope of protection of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A tent having an unfolded state and a folded state, the tent comprising a roof frame, a center lock and a plurality of up and down extending support legs, the roof frame being supported by the plurality of support legs, a region between the roof frame and the plurality of support legs being an interior space, the roof frame comprising a plurality of roof pole units, each of the roof pole units comprising an inner roof pole and an outer roof pole capable of relative flipping, the inner roof poles of the respective roof pole units being rotationally connected by the center lock, each of the outer roof poles being rotationally connected to one of the support legs; characterized in that, The tent further comprises an opening driving member connected to at least one of the inner top rod or the center lock, so that the tent can be operated outside the inner space to make the inner top rod turn up and unfold relative to the outer top rod during the transition from the folded state to the unfolded state.

2. The tent of claim 1, wherein, The tent is operated outside the inner space to make the center lock lock each of the top rod units during the transition from the folded state to the unfolded state.

3. A tent according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that The opening driving member comprises a first elastic member arranged on the center lock, which is in a deformed state to push the inner top rod to turn up when the outer top rod is operated when the tent is in the folded state.

4. The tent of claim 3, wherein, The center lock comprises a top cap and a slider moving up and down relative to the top cap, the top cap is above the slider, the inner top rod of each of the top rod units is rotationally connected to the top cap, each of the top rod units further comprises a diagonal rod, the outer end of the diagonal rod is rotationally connected to the inner top rod, the inner end of each of the diagonal rods is respectively rotationally connected to the slider, and the first elastic member is in contact with the slider.

5. The tent of claim 4, wherein, The first elastic member is arranged between the top cap and the slider, the top cap and the slider have a first distance when the tent is in the unfolded state, the top cap and the slider have a second distance when the tent is in the folded state, the first elastic member is in a compressed state, and the first distance is greater than the second distance.

6. The tent of claim 5, wherein, The first elastic member is sleeved on a center rod, the center rod is fixedly connected with the top cap or is integrated with the top cap, and the slider is arranged on the center rod in a slidable manner.

7. The tent of claim 6, wherein, The center lock further comprises a locking member movably arranged on the center rod; the locking member and the slider are locked with each other to provide a first locking force when the center lock is in a locked state, so that the tent is stably kept in the unfolded state; the locking member and the slider are separated from each other when the center lock is in an unlocked state; and the center lock further has a holding state between the locked state and the unlocked state, the locking member and the slider are in contact with or locked with each other to provide a second locking force smaller than the first locking force when the center lock is in the holding state, so that the tent is maintained in the unfolded state, and the locking member is allowed to be separated from the slider when the outer top rod is operated outside the inner space, so that the center lock is transitioned from the holding state to the unlocked state.

8. The tent of claim 7, wherein, The locking member comprises a handle movably sleeved on the center rod, the handle can rotate relative to the slider and move up and down; a locking protrusion is arranged on the handle, a locking groove is arranged on the slider, the center lock is in the locked state when the locking protrusion is located in the locking groove; a limiting groove is further arranged on the slider, the limiting groove is below the locking groove and is in communication with the locking groove through a sliding groove, the limiting groove has an upper groove wall and an open bottom, and the center lock is in the holding state when the locking protrusion enters the limiting groove, at this time, the locking protrusion abuts against the upper groove wall and moves from the bottom of the limiting groove to below the slider after the outer top rod is operated.

9. The tent of claim 8, wherein, The center lock further comprises a second elastic member arranged between the handle and the limiting segment on the center rod, which is in a deformed state to prevent the locking protrusion from being separated from the bottom of the limiting slot in the holding state.

10. A tent according to claim 8 or 9, characterised in that The slide slot extends in the up-down direction, and the locking slot and the limiting slot extend laterally from the upper end and the lower end of the slide slot, respectively. The locking slot has an open end and a closed end opposite to the open end. The slide block further has a downward guiding slope extending from the open end of the locking slot. During the unfolding of the tent, the guiding slope contacts the locking protrusion and enters the open end of the locking slot. The center lock further comprises a third elastic member arranged between the handle and the center rod to provide an elastic force for rotating the handle so as to move the locking protrusion into the closed end of the locking slot.

11. The tent of claim 7, wherein, The center lock further comprises a lock seat arranged on the center rod and below the slide block. The locking member comprises a rotating lock catch connected to the lock seat or the center rod through a pivot. The rotating lock catch has a first lock hook and a second lock hook arranged on opposite sides of the pivot, respectively. In the locking state, the first lock hook and the slide block are locked and have a first locking surface in contact with each other. At this time, the first locking surface and the horizontal plane have a first included angle. In the holding state, the first lock hook is separated from the slide block, and the second lock hook and an unlocking lock catch arranged on the slide block are locked and have a second locking surface in contact with each other. The second locking surface is an inclined surface. At this time, the second locking surface and the horizontal plane have a second included angle, which is greater than the first included angle and less than 90 degrees.

12. The tent of claim 11, wherein, The unlocking lock catch is arranged in the slide block in an up-down telescopic manner. The first included angle is 0-10°, and the second included angle is 45-85°. The rotating lock catch is an integral part.

13. A tent according to claim 11 or 12, characterised in that, The center lock further comprises a fourth elastic member arranged between the unlocking lock catch and the lock seat or the center rod. In the unlocking state, the rotating lock catch is kept in an initial position and can drive the first locking surface and the slide block to be in contact with each other. In the initial position, the top inclined surface of the first lock hook is located directly below the bottom inclined surface of the slide block, so that the first lock hook is pushed outward when the top inclined surface and the bottom inclined surface slide relative to each other, and the fourth elastic member is deformed.

14. A tent according to any preceding claim, characterised in that, During the conversion of the tent from the unfolded state to the folded state, the center lock is unlocked and kept in a holding state, and then the outer top rod or the opening driving member is operated outside the inner space to convert the center lock into an unlocking state, and the top frames are moved towards each other.

15. A tent according to any preceding claim, wherein, The inner top rod and the outer top rod of each top frame unit are pivotally connected, and each outer top rod is pivotally connected to a support leg. The tent cloth of the tent is arranged on the top frames.

16. A center lock for locking a shelter product in an unfolded state, the center lock comprising: A connecting piece for connecting a rod of the shelter product, the connecting piece comprising a top cap and a bottom cap movably arranged relative to each other; A center rod arranged between the top cap and the bottom cap; A locking assembly arranged between the center rod and the connecting piece; The center lock has a locking state, an unlocking state and a holding state between the locking state and the unlocking state; When the center lock is in the locking state, the locking assembly is locked to fix the bottom cap, the center rod and the top cap, and the locking assembly provides a first locking force to stabilize the shelter product in the unfolded state; When the center lock is in the holding state, the locking assembly is locked with a second locking force to fix the bottom cap, the center rod and the top cap, and the second locking force is smaller than the first locking force to allow the center lock to be converted to the unlocking state outside the shelter product; When the center lock is in the unlocking state, the locking assembly is unlocked to allow the top cap and the bottom cap to move relative to each other.

17. The central lock of claim 16, wherein, The locking assembly is movably arranged on the center rod, and the locking assembly and the bottom cap are locked to each other in the locking state, the locking assembly and the bottom cap are locked or contacted in the holding state, and the locking assembly and the bottom cap are separated from each other in the unlocking state.

18. The central lock according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that The top cap and the bottom cap have a first distance in the locking state of the center lock, and the top cap and the bottom cap have a second distance in the unlocking state of the center lock, and the first distance is greater than the second distance; a first elastic member is arranged between the top cap and the bottom cap to provide assistance for moving the top cap and the bottom cap away from each other.

19. The central lock of any of claims 16 to 18, wherein, The locking assembly comprises a handle movably sleeved on the center rod, the handle can rotate relative to the bottom cap and move up and down; the handle is provided with a locking protrusion, the bottom cap is provided with a locking groove, and the center lock is in the locking state when the locking protrusion is located in the locking groove; the bottom cap is further provided with a limiting groove, the limiting groove is located below the locking groove and is communicated with the locking groove through a sliding groove, the limiting groove has an upper groove wall and an open bottom, and the center lock is in the holding state when the locking protrusion enters the limiting groove, at this time, the locking protrusion abuts against the upper groove wall and can move from the bottom of the limiting groove to below the bottom cap under the action of an external force.

20. The central lock of claim 19, wherein, The center lock further comprises a second elastic member, the second elastic member is arranged between the handle and a limiting piece on the center rod, and the second elastic member is in a deformed state to prevent the locking protrusion from moving downward out of the bottom of the limiting groove in the holding state.

21. The central lock of claim 19 or 20, wherein, The slide groove extends in the vertical direction, the lock groove and the limiting groove extend laterally from the upper end and the lower end of the slide groove respectively, the lock groove has an open end and a closed end opposite to the open end, the bottom cap further has a downward guiding slope, the guiding slope extends downwardly and obliquely from the open end of the lock groove, the guiding slope and the locking protrusion contact and enter the open end of the lock groove during the process of the central lock being converted to the locking state, the central lock further comprises a third elastic member arranged between the handle and the central rod to provide elastic force for rotating the handle so as to move the locking protrusion into the closed end of the lock groove.

22. The central lock of any of claims 16 to 18, wherein, The central lock further comprises a lock seat arranged on the central rod and below the bottom cap, the locking assembly comprises a rotating lock catch connected to the lock seat or the central rod through a pivot, the rotating lock catch has a first lock hook and a second lock hook, the first lock hook and the second lock hook are located on opposite sides of the pivot respectively, the first lock hook and the bottom cap are locked and have a first locking surface in contact with each other when the central lock is in the locking state, the first locking surface and the horizontal plane have a first included angle, the first lock hook is separated from the bottom cap when the central lock is in the holding state, the second lock hook and an unlocking lock catch arranged on the bottom cap are locked and have a second locking surface in contact with each other, the second locking surface is an inclined surface, the second locking surface and the horizontal plane have a second included angle, the second included angle is greater than the first included angle and less than 90 degrees.

23. The central lock of claim 22, wherein, The central lock further comprises a fourth elastic member arranged between the unlocking lock catch and the lock seat or the central rod to keep the rotating lock catch in an initial position and enable the first locking surface and the bottom cap to be in contact with each other when the central lock is in the unlocking state. In the initial position, the top inclined surface of the first lock hook is located directly below a bottom inclined surface of the bottom cap to push the first lock hook outwardly when the top inclined surface and the bottom inclined surface slide relative to each other, so that the fourth elastic member is deformed.

24. The central lock of claim 22 or 23, wherein, The outer surface of the bottom cap is provided with a first lock hole recessed inwardly, the first lock hook is inserted into the first lock hole in the locking state, and the first locking surface and the bottom groove wall of the first lock hole are in close contact, the unlocking lock catch is arranged in the bottom cap in an up-down telescopic manner, the lower part of the unlocking lock catch is provided with a second lock hole recessed outwardly, the second lock hole and the outer side surface of the central rod are opposite to each other, the second lock hook is inserted into the second lock hole in the holding state, and the second lock hook and the inclined bottom part of the second lock hole are in contact with each other to provide the second locking force, the first included angle is 0-10°, and the second included angle is 45-85°.

25. A tent having an unfolded state and a folded state, the tent comprising a roof frame and a plurality of legs extending upwardly and downwardly, the roof frame being supported by the plurality of legs, a region between the roof frame and the plurality of legs being an interior space; the roof frame comprising a plurality of roof pole units, each of the roof pole units comprising an inner roof pole, an outer roof pole and a diagonal pole, the inner roof pole being capable of being flipped relative to the outer roof pole, an outer end of the diagonal pole being pivotally connected to the inner roof pole; characterized in that, The tent further comprises a central lock as claimed in any one of claims 16 to 24, each of the roof rod units being pivotally connected by the central lock, wherein the inner end of each of the inner roof rods is pivotally connected to the top hat, and the inner end of each of the diagonal rods is pivotally connected to the bottom hat; the tent, in the process of converting from the unfolded state to the folded state, unlocks the central lock and places it in a holding state, and then operates the roof rod units outside the inner space to convert the central lock to an unlocked state, and each of the roof rod units is folded towards each other.

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