EP4706892A1

EP4706892A1 - Trolley, tool box, tool, and connecting device capable of mounting to tool or tool box

Info

Publication number: EP4706892A1
Application number: EP24830654.0A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Cheng Chen
Original assignee: Nanjing Chervon Industry Co Ltd
Current assignee: Nanjing Chervon Industry Co Ltd
Priority date: 2023-06-30
Filing date: 2024-06-21
Publication date: 2026-03-11
Also published as: WO2025002009A1; CN119585084A

Abstract

Provided is a cart. A cart includes a connecting device formed on or connected to the cart. The connecting device is configured to mount a to-be-mounted part onto the cart. The connecting device includes a base formed on or connected to the cart, where the base is formed with an accommodation cavity; and a connecting assembly connected to the base, where the connecting assembly is configured to be connected to the to-be-mounted part. The connecting assembly includes a connector mating with the to-be-mounted part to connect to the to-be-mounted part. The connecting assembly has at least a connection state and a hidden state relative to the base. When the connecting assembly is in the connection state, the connector is at a mating position so that the connector is capable of mating with the to-be-mounted part. When the connecting assembly is in the hidden state, the connector is at a hidden position so that the connector is separated from the mating position.

Description

This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202310802365.5 filed with the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) on Jun. 30, 2023 , the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present application relates to a connecting device, for example, a connecting device capable of being mounted onto a tool or a toolbox.

BACKGROUND

In the related art, a connecting device capable of being mounted onto a tool or a toolbox exists.
When the user uses tools or toolboxes in a toolbox system, the user often needs to carry multiple tools or toolboxes to the workplace. Therefore, the user often stacks the tools or toolboxes and transports them to the workplace together. Therefore, the tool and the tool, or the tool and the toolbox, or the toolbox and the toolbox are connected together through connecting devices. However, in some common working conditions, the user needs to place large items or even irregular items on the tool or the toolbox. When these items are placed on the storage surface of the tool or the toolbox, the connecting devices may interfere with the preceding items. Therefore, we aim to develop a structure that can solve this problem.
This part provides background information related to the present application, and the background information is not necessarily the existing art.

SUMMARY

An object of the present application is to solve or at least alleviate part or all of the preceding problems. Therefore, an object of the present application is to provide a connecting device with a simple structure and convenient operation, and the connecting device can be mounted onto a tool or a toolbox.
The present application adopts the technical solutions below. A cart includes a connecting device formed on or connected to the cart. The connecting device is configured to mount a to-be-mounted part onto the cart. The connecting device includes a base formed on or connected to the cart, where the base is formed with an accommodation cavity; and a connecting assembly connected to the base, where the connecting assembly is configured to be connected to the to-be-mounted part. The connecting assembly includes a connector mating with the to-be-mounted part to connect to the to-be-mounted part. The connecting assembly has at least a connection state and a hidden state relative to the base. When the connecting assembly is in the connection state, the connector is at a mating position so that the connector is capable of mating with the to-be-mounted part. When the connecting assembly is in the hidden state, the connector is at a hidden position so that the connector is separated from the mating position.
In some examples, the connecting assembly is switched from the connection state to the hidden state relative to the base through one of a combination of rotation, movement, and disassembly.
In some examples, when the connecting assembly is in the hidden state, the connecting assembly is lower than the upper surface of the base or lower than the storage surface of the cart.
In some examples, when the connecting assembly is in the connection state, the connecting assembly is capable of being driven to move to the hidden state.
In some examples, the connecting assembly further includes a driving member, where the driving member is capable of being inserted into the base so that the connecting assembly is switched from the hidden state to the connection state.
In some examples, the connecting assembly further includes a connecting base for mounting the connector, the connecting base is pivotally connected to the base, and the connecting base has an end surface, where when the connecting assembly is in the connection state, the end surface is at least partially in contact with the base; and when the connecting assembly is in the hidden state, the end surface is lower than the upper surface of the base or lower than the storage surface of the cart.
In some examples, a connecting base of the connector is connected to the base, and the connecting assembly is switched from the connection state to the hidden state by folding the connecting assembly upward and then sliding the connecting assembly downward into the accommodation cavity so that the connecting assembly is lower than the upper surface of the base or lower than the storage surface of the cart.
In some examples, the driving member further includes a driving surface, and when the driving member is inserted into the base, the driving surface is in contact with the connecting assembly and drives the connecting assembly to slide upward until the connecting assembly is switched from the hidden state to the connection state.
In some examples, the driving member further includes a driving surface, and when the driving member is inserted into the base, the driving surface is in contact with the connecting assembly and drives the connecting assembly to fold upward until the connecting assembly is switched from the hidden state to the connection state.
In some examples, the connecting device further includes a first clamping portion and a second clamping portion that mate with the connector, and the first clamping portion and the second clamping portion are disposed on two sides of the connecting base, respectively, where when the connecting assembly is in the connection state, the connecting base is engaged with the first clamping portion and the second clamping portion, and the connector and the base remain relatively fixed.
In some examples, the connector includes buckles configured to mate with the to-be-mounted part, and the buckles are higher than the upper surface of the base along the up and down direction.
In some examples, the connecting assembly further includes a connecting base for mounting the connector, the connecting base is pivotally connected to the base, and the connecting base has an end surface, where when the connecting assembly is in the connection state, the end surface is at least partially in contact with the base; and when the connecting assembly is in the hidden state, the end surface is basically flush with the upper surface of the base or basically flush with the storage surface of the cart.
In some examples, when the connecting assembly is in the hidden state, the connecting assembly is basically flush with the upper surface of the base or basically flush with the storage surface of the cart.
In some examples, when the connecting assembly is in the hidden state, the to-be-mounted part is capable of being directly stacked on the connector.
In some examples, when the connecting assembly is in the hidden state, at least two steps are required to connect the connector to the to-be-mounted part.
A toolbox includes a connecting device formed on or connected to the toolbox. The connecting device is configured to mount a to-be-mounted part onto the toolbox. The connecting device includes a base formed on or connected to the toolbox, where the base is formed with an accommodation cavity; and a connecting assembly connected to the base, where the connecting assembly is configured to be connected to the to-be-mounted part. The connecting assembly includes a connector mating with the to-be-mounted part to connect to the to-be-mounted part. The connecting assembly has at least a connection state and a hidden state relative to the base. When the connecting assembly is in the connection state, the connector is at a mating position so that the connector is capable of mating with the to-be-mounted part. When the connecting assembly is in the hidden state, the connector is at a hidden position so that the connector is separated from the mating position.
A tool includes a connecting device formed on or connected to the tool. The connecting device is configured to mount a to-be-mounted part onto the toolbox. The connecting device includes a base formed on or connected to the tool, where the base is formed with an accommodation cavity; and a connecting assembly connected to the base, where the connecting assembly is configured to be connected to the to-be-mounted part. The connecting assembly includes a connector mating with the to-be-mounted part to connect to the to-be-mounted part. The connecting assembly has at least a connection state and a hidden state relative to the base. When the connecting assembly is in the connection state, the connector is at a mating position so that the connector is capable of mating with the to-be-mounted part. When the connecting assembly is in the hidden state, the connector is at a hidden position so that the connector is separated from the mating position.
A connecting device capable of being mounted onto a tool or a toolbox is configured to mount a to-be-mounted part onto the tool or the toolbox. The connecting device includes a base formed on or connected to the tool or the toolbox, where the base is formed with an accommodation cavity; and a connecting assembly connected to the base, where the connecting assembly is configured to be connected to the to-be-mounted part. The connecting assembly includes a connector mating with the to-be-mounted part to connect the to-be-mounted part. The connecting assembly has at least a connection state and a hidden state relative to the base; when the connecting assembly is in the connection state, the connector is at a mating position so that the connector is capable of mating with the to-be-mounted part; and when the connecting assembly is in the hidden state, the connector is at a hidden position so that the connector is separated from the mating position.
In some examples, the connecting assembly is switched from the connection state to the hidden state relative to the base through one of a combination of rotation, movement, and disassembly.
In some examples, when the connecting assembly is in the hidden state, the connecting assembly is lower than the upper surface of the base or lower than the storage surface of the tool or the toolbox.
In some examples, when the connecting assembly is in the connection state, the connecting assembly is capable of being driven to move to the hidden state.
In some examples, the connecting assembly further includes a driving member, where the driving member is capable of being inserted into the base so that the connecting assembly is switched from the hidden state to the connection state.
A connecting device capable of being mounted onto a tool or a toolbox is configured to mount a to-be-mounted part onto the tool or the toolbox. The connecting device includes a base formed on or connected to the tool or the toolbox; and a connecting assembly connected to the base, where the connecting assembly is configured to be connected to the to-be-mounted part. The connecting assembly includes a connector mating with the to-be-mounted part to connect the to-be-mounted part. The connecting assembly has at least a hidden state relative to the base, where when the connecting assembly is in the hidden state, the connector is lower than the upper surface of the base or lower than the storage surface of the tool or the toolbox.
The present application has the benefits below. The connecting device that can be applied to the cart, the tool, or the toolbox is provided. The connecting assembly can be switched between the connection state and the hidden state. When the connecting assembly is in the connection state, the user can connect the to-be-mounted part onto the cart, the tool, or the toolbox through the connector. When the connecting assembly is in the hidden state, the user can place any item on the storage surface of the tool or the toolbox without damaging the connecting assembly. Similarly, the connecting assembly does not interfere with the item. That is, the diversity of the functions of the cart, the tool, or the toolbox can be ensured, and the connecting device is convenient for the user to use.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of connecting devices applied to a cart according to the present application.
FIG. 2 is a schematic view of connecting devices applied to a utility terrain vehicle (UTV) according to the present application.
FIG. 3 is a schematic view of connecting devices applied to a toolbox according to the present application.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a connecting device according to a first example of the present application, where a connecting assembly is in a connection state.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a position of the connecting assembly in FIG. 4 switching from the connection state to a hidden state.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the connecting assembly in FIG. 4 in a hidden state.
FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the connecting device in FIG. 4.
FIG. 8 is a sectional view of a connecting device in FIG. 6.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating that the connecting assembly in FIG. 4 and a base are separated.
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a connecting device according to a second example of the present application, where a connecting assembly is in a connection state.
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the connecting assembly in FIG. 10 in a hidden state.
FIG. 12 is a sectional view of the connecting device in FIG. 10.
FIG. 13 is a sectional view of a connecting device in FIG. 11.
FIG. 14 is a perspective view illustrating that the connecting assembly in FIG. 10 and a base are separated.
FIG. 15 is a perspective view illustrating that the connecting assembly in FIG. 14 and the base are separated from another perspective.
FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a connecting device according to a third example of the present application, where a connecting assembly is in a connection state.
FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the connecting assembly in FIG. 16 in a hidden state.
FIG. 18 is a sectional view of a connecting device in FIG. 17.
FIG. 19 is a sectional view of the connecting device in FIG. 16.
FIG. 20 is a perspective view illustrating that the connecting assembly in FIG. 16, a driving member, and a base are separated.
FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a connecting device according to a fourth example of the present application, where a connecting assembly is in a connection state.
FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the connecting assembly in FIG. 21 in a hidden state.
FIG. 23 is a sectional view of the connecting device in FIG. 21.
FIG. 24 is a sectional view of a connecting device in FIG. 22.
FIG. 25 is a perspective view illustrating that the connecting assembly in FIG. 21, a driving member, and a base are separated.
FIG. 26 is a perspective view illustrating that the connecting assembly in FIG. 25, the driving member, and the base are separated from another perspective.
FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a connecting device according to a fifth example of the present application, where a connecting assembly is in a connection state.
FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the connecting assembly in FIG. 27 in a hidden state.
FIG. 29 is a perspective view illustrating that the connecting assembly in FIG. 27 is separated upward.
FIG. 30 is a perspective view illustrating that the connecting assembly in FIG. 27 is mounted downward.
FIG. 31 is a partial enlarged view of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before any examples of this application are explained in detail, it is to be understood that this application is not limited to its application to the structural details and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the above drawings.
In this application, the terms "comprising", "including", "having" or any other variation thereof are intended to cover an inclusive inclusion such that a process, method, article or device comprising a series of elements includes not only those series of elements, but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent in the process, method, article, or device. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising a ..." does not preclude the presence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or device comprising that element.
In this application, the term "and/or" is a kind of association relationship describing the relationship between associated objects, which means that there can be three kinds of relationships. For example, A and/or B can indicate that A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. In addition, the character "/" in this application generally indicates that the contextual associated objects belong to an "and/or" relationship.
In this application, the terms "connection", "combination", "coupling" and "installation" may be direct connection, combination, coupling or installation, and may also be indirect connection, combination, coupling or installation. Among them, for example, direct connection means that two members or assemblies are connected together without intermediaries, and indirect connection means that two members or assemblies are respectively connected with at least one intermediate members and the two members or assemblies are connected by the at least one intermediate members. In addition, "connection" and "coupling" are not limited to physical or mechanical connections or couplings, and may include electrical connections or couplings.
In this application, it is to be understood by those skilled in the art that a relative term (such as "about", "approximately", and "substantially") used in conjunction with quantity or condition includes a stated value and has a meaning dictated by the context. For example, the relative term includes at least a degree of error associated with the measurement of a particular value, a tolerance caused by manufacturing, assembly, and use associated with the particular value, and the like. Such relative term should also be considered as disclosing the range defined by the absolute values of the two endpoints. The relative term may refer to plus or minus of a certain percentage (such as 1%, 5%, 10%, or more) of an indicated value. A value that did not use the relative term should also be disclosed as a particular value with a tolerance. In addition, "substantially" when expressing a relative angular position relationship (for example, substantially parallel, substantially perpendicular), may refer to adding or subtracting a certain degree (such as 1 degree, 5 degrees, 10 degrees or more) to the indicated angle.
In this application, those skilled in the art will understand that a function performed by an assembly may be performed by one assembly, multiple assemblies, one member, or multiple members. Likewise, a function performed by a member may be performed by one member, an assembly, or a combination of members.
In this application, the terms "up", "down", "left", "right", "front", and "rear" and other directional words are described based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, and should not be understood as limitations to the examples of this application. In addition, in this context, it also needs to be understood that when it is mentioned that an element is connected "above" or "under" another element, it can not only be directly connected "above" or "under" the other element, but can also be indirectly connected "above" or "under" the other element through an intermediate element. It should also be understood that orientation words such as upper side, lower side, left side, right side, front side, and rear side do not only represent perfect orientations, but can also be understood as lateral orientations. For example, lower side may include directly below, bottom left, bottom right, front bottom, and rear bottom.
The present application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific examples.
As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 and FIG. 31, connecting devices 100 are shown. The connecting device 100 can mount a to-be-mounted part 110 to a tool 120 or a toolbox 130. The connecting device 100 includes a base 10 and a connecting assembly 20. An accommodation cavity 17 is formed in the base 10. The connecting assembly 20 can be at least partially located in the accommodation cavity 17. The connecting assembly 20 is configured to be connected to the to-be-mounted part 110. The connecting assembly 20 can move relative to the base 10, and the movement here includes one or a combination of rotation, movement, and disassembly. The base 10 is formed on or connected to the tool 120 or the toolbox 130. It is to be noted that the rotation here includes flipping, folding, rotation, and the like. Similarly, the movement here includes curved movement, linear movement, reciprocating movement, and the like.
The connecting assembly 20 moves relative to the base 10. During the movement of the connecting assembly 20, the connecting assembly 20 has at least a connection state and a hidden state relative to the base 10. When the connecting assembly 20 is in the connection state, a connector 21 of the connecting assembly 20 is at a mating position so that the connector 21 can mate with the to-be-mounted part 110. It may also be understood as that when the connecting assembly 20 is at the mating position, the to-be-mounted part 110 can be connected to the tool 120 or the toolbox 130. When the connecting assembly 20 is in the hidden state, the connector 21 is at a hidden position so that the connector 21 is separated from the mating position. It may also be understood as that when the connecting assembly 20 is at the hidden position, the to-be-mounted part 110 cannot be connected to the tool 120 or the toolbox 130. However, the to-be-mounted part can be directly stacked on the connecting assembly 20.
The to-be-mounted part 110 here includes, but is not limited to, a table tool 120, a charging device, a power supply device, an illumination device, a refrigeration device, a heating device, a blowing device, the toolbox 130, a screen display assembly, and other items. The tool 120 here may be a direct current (DC) tool 20 or an alternating current (AC) tool 20, including, but not limited to, a UTV, a riding mower, an electric vehicle, or an electric motorcycle. The tool 120 may also be a tool driven by a mixture of hydrocarbon substances such as diesel, gasoline, or kerosene, including, but not limited to, a tractor or the like. The tool 120 may also be a non-energy-driven tool 120, including, but not limited to, a bicycle, a cart 140, a trailer, a fixed workbench, a storage rack, or the like. The toolbox 130 includes, but is not limited to, a hand-pushed toolbox 130, a self-propelled toolbox 130, a foldable tool 120, a common toolbox 130 for storing the power tool, a crate, a drawer box, or the like. In other words, it is sufficient as long as the connecting device can be mounted on the tool or the to-be-mounted part.
The connecting device 100 is configured in this manner so that when the user needs to use the connecting function, the connecting assembly 20 is in the connection state; and when the user does not need to use the connecting function, the connecting assembly 20 is in the hidden state. Therefore, the connecting assembly 20 can be protected and the user's selection is facilitated. As a feasible example, when the connecting assembly 20 is in the hidden state, the connector 21 is lower than an upper surface 11 of the base 10 or lower than a storage surface 121 of the tool 120 or the toolbox 130. It is to be understood that the connecting assembly 20 has at least two states relative to the base 10, namely the connection state and the hidden state. When the connecting assembly 20 is in the connection state, the connector 21 at least partially protrudes from the upper surface 11 of the base 10 or the storage surface 121 of the tool 120 or the toolbox 120, and the connector 21 may be connected to the to-be-mounted part 110. When the connecting assembly 20 is in the hidden state, the connector is lower than the upper surface 11 of the base 10 or lower than the storage surface 121 of the tool 120 or the toolbox 130. Further, when the connecting assembly 20 is in the hidden state, the connecting assembly 20 is lower than the upper surface 11 of the base 10 or lower than the storage surface 121 of the tool 120 or the toolbox 130. Of course, when the connecting assembly 20 is in the hidden state, the connecting assembly 20 may be flush with the upper surface 11 of the base 10, or the connecting assembly 20 may be flush with the storage surface 121 of the tool 120 or the toolbox 130. It is to be noted that, in some feasible examples, when the connecting assembly 20 is in the hidden state, that is, the connector 21 is lower than the upper surface 11 of the base 10 or lower than the storage surface 121 of the tool 120 or the toolbox 130, the to-be-mounted part 110 may be connected to the connector 21. When the base 10 is formed on the tool 120 or the toolbox 130 or is detachably connected to the tool 120 or the toolbox 130, the upper surface 11 of the base 10 is lower than the storage surface 121 of the tool 120 or the toolbox 130. Items can be directly placed on the storage surface 121 of the tool 120 or the toolbox 130, or the storage surface 121 of the tool 120 or the toolbox 130 is used as a workbench. When the connecting assembly 20 is in the hidden state, the connecting assembly 20 is configured to be lower than the upper surface 11 of the base 10 or lower than the storage surface 121 of the tool 120 or the toolbox 130. In this manner, when the user places items or performs other operations on the storage surface 121 of the tool 120 or the toolbox 130, the connecting assembly 20 does not cause any obstruction. Moreover, the connecting assembly 20 can be prevented from being damaged when the user stacks items or performs other operations, thereby further extending the service life of the connecting assembly 20.
To clearly describe the technical solution of the present application and the effect brought about by the connecting device 100, a cart 140 is used as an example here. But the tool is not limited to the cart 140 and may also be another tool 120. Similarly, the case where the to-be-mounted part 110 is the toolbox 130 is used as an example, and the to-be-mounted part 110 is not limited to the toolbox 130 and may also be another item mentioned above.
FIG. 1 shows the cart 140 applicable to the transportation and placement of the toolbox 130. From the viewpoint of working conditions, the user generally needs to carry the to-be-used tool 120 and the like when going to a workplace. To make it convenient for the user to carry and transport the tool 120, the user generally stores the tool 120 in the toolbox 130. The user may place, hang, or fix the toolbox 130 or the tool 120 on the cart 140 so that the user can use the cart 140 to transport the toolbox 130 to the workplace or place the tool 120 in the workplace.
The cart 140 includes a first support plate 141, a second support plate 142, a traveling assembly 143, and a support assembly 145. The first support plate 141 and the second support plate 142 are spaced apart, the second support plate 142 is disposed on the upper side of the first support plate 141, the traveling assembly 143 is connected to the lower side of the first support plate 141, and the support assembly 145 connects the first support plate 141 to the second support plate 142.
The connecting device 100 is mounted on the first support plate 141 and/or the second support plate 142. As an example, the base 10 is formed on the first support plate 141 and/or the second support plate 142. As another example, the base 10 is detachably connected to the first support plate 141 and/or the second support plate 142, that is, the base 10 may be connected to the first support plate 141 and/or the second support plate 142 through one or a combination of screws, rivets, interference fit, clamping, and mortise and tenon joints. The connection manner between the base 10 and the first support plate 141 and/or the second support plate 142 is not limited here, as long as the base 10 can be fixedly connected to the first support plate 141 and/or the second support plate 142.
As an example, the base 10 is directly formed on the first support plate 141. Of course, for the connection stability, multiple connecting devices 100 may be disposed on the first support plate 141. When the user needs to connect the toolbox 130 to the first support plate 141, the connecting assembly 20 is switched to the connection state to fix the toolbox 130 to the first support plate 141. When the user does not need to connect the toolbox 130 to the first support plate 141, the connecting assembly 20 is switched to the hidden state. In this manner, the user can stack other tools 120 on the first support plate 141 without worrying that other tools 120 damage the connecting assembly 20 during transportation or handling. That is to say, in this case, no other protruding structures exist on the first support plate 141, and the user may switch the first support member 141 into a flat plate and directly stack some to-be-mounted parts on the flat plate.
To more stably mount the toolbox 130 onto the first support plate 141, the connecting devices 100 are disposed on two opposite sides of the first support plate 141. Of course, if the length of the first support plate 141 is sufficient, multiple pairs of oppositely arranged connecting devices 100 may be disposed on the first support plate 141, thereby mounting the toolbox 130 or other items.
As an example, the connecting assembly 20 includes the connector 21, positioning members 22, and a connecting base 23. The positioning members 22 are fixedly connected to or integrally formed with the toolbox 130, the connecting base 23 is mounted on the base 10, and the connecting base 23 is fixedly connected to the base 10. Of course, since the base 10 is directly formed on the first support plate 141, it may also be understood as that the connecting base 23 is fixedly connected to the first support plate 141. The connector 21 is disposed in the connecting base 23. The connector 21 is movable relative to the connecting base 23. The connector 21 has at least a separation position and an interlocked position relative to the connecting base 23. When the connector 21 is at the separation position, the positioning members 22 and the connector 21 are separated. When the connector 21 is at the interlocked position, the connector 21 and the positioning members 22 are interlocked. The connector 21 can be driven to switch between the separation position and the interlocked position. For example, the connector 21 has buckles 24, and the positioning members 22 have grooves 25. When the user needs to connect the toolbox 130 to the first support plate 141, the user only needs to snap the buckles 24 into the grooves 25. When the user needs to remove the toolbox 130 from the first support plate 141, the user only needs to detach the buckles 24 from the grooves 25. When the connecting assembly 20 is in the connection state, the buckles 24 are higher than the upper surface 11 of the base along the up and down direction. Of course, other structures may also be adopted. The connection manner between the connector 21 and the toolbox 130 is not limited here, as long as the connection and separation between the toolbox 130 and the connecting assembly 20 can be achieved.
FIGS. 4 to 9 show an example in which the connecting assembly 20 is switched from the connection state to the hidden state relative to the base 10.
To clearly illustrate the technical solutions in this example, up, down, front, rear, left, and right are defined as shown in FIG. 4. It is to be noted that, unless otherwise specified, up and down, front and rear, and left and right are described below with respect to a stationary state of the connecting device shown in FIG. 4.
When the user needs to switch the connecting assembly 20 from the connection state to the hidden state, the user may fold the connecting assembly 20 upward and then slide the connecting assembly 20 downward until the connecting assembly 20 is in the accommodation cavity 17.
For example, the base 10 includes a first connecting plate 12, a second connecting plate 13, a third connecting plate 14, a fourth connecting plate 15, and a fifth connecting plate 16. The first connecting plate 12 and the second connecting plate 13 are spaced apart. The third connecting plate 14 and the fourth connecting plate 15 are spaced apart. The fifth connecting plate 16 is connected to the first connecting plate 12, the second connecting plate 13, the third connecting plate 14, and the fourth connecting plate 15. The fifth connecting plate 16 is opposite to the upper surface 11 of the base 10. The third connecting plate 14 is connected to an end of the first connecting plate 12 and an end of the second connecting plate 13, and the fourth connecting plate 15 is connected to the other end of the first connecting plate 12 and the other end of the second connecting plate 13. Along the up and down direction, the length of the first connecting plate 12 is less than the length of the second connecting plate 13, and the length of the third connecting plate 14 and the length of the fourth connecting plate 15 are each basically the same as the length of the second connecting plate 13. That is to say, the first connecting plate 12, the third connecting plate 14, and the fourth connecting plate 15 basically form a concave shape at the ends. The inner walls of the first connecting plate 12, the second connecting plate 13, the third connecting plate 14, the fourth connecting plate 15, and the fifth connecting plate 16 basically form a semi-enclosed accommodation cavity 17 with an upward opening, and the connecting assembly 20 can be basically accommodated in the accommodation cavity 17. The upper end of the first connecting plate 12 has an abutment surface 122. When the connecting assembly 20 is in the connection state, the abutment surface 122 abuts against the connecting base 23. In this manner, when the toolbox 130 is mounted to the connecting assembly 20, the abutment surface 122 can form a stable support for the connecting assembly 20. Of course, the first connecting plate 12 may also have other structures. For example, the upper surface 11 of the first connecting plate 12 may be partially recessed downward to form the abutment surface 122. The abutment surface 122 is configured to abut against the connecting base 23 when the connecting assembly 20 is in the connection state. Of course, a portion of the fifth connecting plate 16 may protrude to form the abutment surface 122, and the abutment surface 122 is configured to abut against the connecting base 23 when the connecting assembly 20 is in the connection state.
The first connecting plate 12 corresponds to a first connecting inner wall 123, the second connecting plate 13 corresponds to a second connecting inner wall 131, the third connecting plate 14 corresponds to a third connecting inner wall 146, the fourth connecting plate 15 corresponds to a fourth connecting inner wall 151, and the fifth connecting plate 16 corresponds to a fifth connecting inner wall 161. The base 10 is directly formed on the first support plate 141 of the cart 140, that is to say, the first connecting plate 12, the second connecting plate 13, the third connecting plate 14, the fourth connecting plate 15, and the fifth connecting plate 16 are directly formed by the first support plate 141.
The third connecting inner wall 146 and the fourth connecting inner wall 151 are connected to or formed with corresponding supporting ends with basically the same structures, specifically, a first supporting end and a second supporting end 152. The first supporting end and the second supporting end 152 both protrude outward. Two sides of the connecting base 23 are connected to the first supporting end and the second supporting end 152, respectively. For example, long grooves 25 with basically the same structures are each formed on one of the two sides of the connecting base 23. Specifically, the long grooves are a first groove 26 and a second groove 25. Two ends of the first groove 26 are arc-shaped, and the arcs on two sides are a first end 28 and a second end 29. Along the extension direction of the first groove 26, the first end 28 is on a side closer to the connector 21. Similarly, two ends of the second groove 25 are also arc-shaped, and the arcs on two sides are a third end and a fourth end. Along the extension direction of the first groove 26, the third end is on a side closer to the connector 21. Here, the first groove 26 abuts against the first supporting end, and the second groove 25 abuts against the second supporting end 152. The connecting assembly 20 is restricted and guided by the first supporting end and the second supporting end 152 so that the connecting assembly 20 can achieve state switching.
The third connecting inner wall 146 and the fourth connecting inner wall 151 are connected to or formed with stop portions with basically the same structures, which are a first stop portion 148 and a second stop portion 153. Clamping portions are each disposed on one of the two sides of the connecting base 23, which are a first clamping portion 33 and a second clamping portion. The first stop portion 148 can be adapted to the second clamping portion. Similarly, the second stop portion 153 can be adapted to the second clamping portion. When the first stop portion 148 abuts against the second clamping portion and the second stop portion 153 abuts against the second clamping portion, the connecting assembly 20 is in the connection state. Moreover, the first stop portion 148 and the second stop portion 153 are used for preventing the connecting assembly 20 from moving when no external driving force exists.
The original state of the connecting assembly 20 is defined as the hidden state, in which the connector 21 is in the accommodation cavity 17, the first end 28 of the first groove 26 abuts against the first supporting end, and the third end of the second groove 25 abuts against the second supporting end 152. When the user wants to switch the connecting assembly 20 to the connection state, the user needs to lift the connecting assembly 20 upward so that the first end 28 and the first supporting end are separated, and the third end and the second supporting end 152 are separated. The user continues lifting the connecting assembly 20 upward until the first supporting end abuts against the second end 29 and the second supporting end 152 abuts against the fourth end. In this case, the user stops moving the connecting assembly 20 upward. The user flips the connecting assembly 20 outward with the contact part between the first supporting end and the second end 29 as the axis until the first stop portion 148 abuts against the second clamping portion and the second stop portion 153 abuts against the second clamping portion, thereby switching the connecting assembly 20 from the hidden state to the connection state. When the user needs to switch the connecting assembly 20 from the connection state to the hidden state, the user only needs to flip the connecting assembly 20 upward with the preceding contact part as the axis until the extension direction of the groove 25 is roughly parallel to the up and down direction, and then the external force is removed. In this case, under the action of gravity, the connecting assembly 20 is guided by the first supporting end and the second supporting end 152 to move downward to the hidden state. In this case, the switching is completed.
When the connecting assembly 20 is in the hidden state, the connecting base 23 has at least one upward surface, which is defined as an end surface 35. Along the up and down direction, the distance between the end surface 35 and the fifth connecting plate 16 is the farthest. The end surface 35 is lower than the surface of the first support plate 141, that is, lower than the storage surface 121 of the first support plate 141. In this manner, when the user places items on the first support plate 141, the connecting assembly 20 does not prevent the user from placing items on the first connecting plate 12, and the items placed on the first connecting plate 12 do not damage the connecting assembly 20 during transportation or handling. When the user needs to use the connector 21, the user only needs to switch the connecting assembly 20 to the connection state.
FIGS. 10 to 15 show a second example in which a connecting assembly 210 is switched from the connection state to the hidden state relative to a base 220. It is to be noted that the differences between example two and example one are the switching manner and the specific connection structure between the connecting assembly 210 and the base 220. Only the parts of example two which are different from those of example one are introduced here. For other structures, reference may be made to the above.
To clearly illustrate the technical solutions in this example, up, down, front, rear, left, and right are defined as shown in FIG. 10. It is to be noted that, unless otherwise specified, up and down, front and rear, and left and right are described below with respect to a stationary state of the connecting device shown in FIG. 10.
When the user needs to switch the connecting assembly 210 from the connection state to the hidden state, the user may fold the connecting assembly 210 downward until the connecting assembly 210 is in an accommodation cavity 226.
For example, the base 220 includes a first connecting plate 221, a second connecting plate 222, a third connecting plate 223, a fourth connecting plate 224, and a fifth connecting plate 225. The first connecting plate 221 and the second connecting plate 222 are spaced apart. The third connecting plate 223 and the fourth connecting plate 224 are spaced apart. The fifth connecting plate 225 is connected to the first connecting plate 221, the second connecting plate 222, the third connecting plate 223, and the fourth connecting plate 224. The fifth connecting plate 225 is opposite to the upper surface of the base 220. The third connecting plate 223 is connected to an end of the first connecting plate 221 and an end of the second connecting plate 222, and the fourth connecting plate 224 is connected to the other end of the first connecting plate 221 and the other end of the second connecting plate 222. Along the up and down direction, the length of the first connecting plate 221 is less than the length of the second connecting plate 222, and the length of the third connecting plate 223 and the length of the fourth connecting plate 224 are each basically the same as the length of the second connecting plate 222. That is to say, the first connecting plate 221, the third connecting plate 223, and the fourth connecting plate 224 basically form a concave shape at the ends. The inner walls of the first connecting plate 221, the second connecting plate 222, the third connecting plate 223, the fourth connecting plate 224, and the fifth connecting plate 225 basically form a semi-enclosed accommodation cavity 226 with an upward opening, and the connecting assembly 210 can be basically accommodated in the accommodation cavity 226. The upper surface of the first connecting plate 221 may be partially recessed downward to form an abutment surface, and the abutment surface is configured to abut against the connecting base when the connecting assembly 210 is in the connection state. Of course, the first connecting plate 221 may have other structures. For example, the upper end of the first connecting plate 221 has an abutment surface. When the connecting assembly 210 is in the connection state, the abutment surface abuts against the connecting base. In this manner, when the toolbox is mounted to the connecting assembly 210, the abutment surface can form a stable support for the connecting assembly 210. Of course, a portion of the fifth connecting plate 225 may protrude to form the abutment surface, and the abutment surface is configured to abut against the connecting base when the connecting assembly 210 is in the connection state.
The first connecting plate 221 corresponds to a first connecting inner wall 230, the second connecting plate 222 corresponds to a second connecting inner wall 231, the third connecting plate 223 corresponds to a third connecting inner wall 232, the fourth connecting plate 224 corresponds to a fourth connecting inner wall 233, and the fifth connecting plate 225 corresponds to a fifth connecting inner wall 234. The base 220 is directly formed on the first support plate of the cart, that is to say, the first connecting plate 221, the second connecting plate 222, the third connecting plate 223, the fourth connecting plate 224, and the fifth connecting plate 225 are directly formed by the first support plate.
The third connecting inner wall 232 and the fourth connecting inner wall 233 are connected to or formed with corresponding supporting ends with basically the same structures, specifically, a first supporting end 235 and a second supporting end 236. The first supporting end 235 and the second supporting end 236 both protrude outward. The two sides of the connecting base are connected to the first supporting end 235 and the second supporting end 236, respectively. For example, a first groove 237 and a second groove 238 that are adapted to the first supporting end 235 and the second supporting end 236 are formed on the two sides of the connecting base. The first supporting end 235 and the second supporting end 236 are cylindrical protrusions, and the first groove 237 and the second groove 238 are cylindrical grooves. The first supporting end 235 abuts against the first groove 237, and the second supporting end 236 abuts against the second groove 238. The connecting assembly 210 flips about the axis of the first supporting end 235 or the axis of the second supporting end 236, thereby achieving state switching. Of course, the first supporting end 235 and the second supporting end 236 may be provided on the connecting base, and the first groove 237 and the second groove 238 may be provided on the third connecting inner wall 232 and the fourth connecting inner wall 233.
The third connecting inner wall 232 and the fourth connecting inner wall 233 are both connected to or formed with stop portions with basically the same structures, which are a first stop portion 241 and a second stop portion 242 that correspond to each other and a third stop portion 243 and a fourth stop portion 244 that correspond to each other. Further, clamping portions are disposed on the two sides of the connecting base, which are a first clamping portion 245 and a second clamping portion 246. The first stop portion 241 and the first clamping portion 245 can be adapted to each other, or the third stop portion 243 and the first clamping portion 245 can be adapted to each other. Similarly, the second stop portion 242 and the second clamping portion 246 can be adapted to each other, or the fourth stop portion 244 and the second clamping portion 246 can be adapted to each other. When the first stop portion 241 abuts against the first clamping portion 245 and the second stop portion 242 abuts against the second clamping portion 246, the connecting assembly 210 is in the connection state. Moreover, the first stop portion 241 and the second stop portion 242 are used for preventing the connecting assembly 210 from moving when no external driving force exists. When the third stop portion 243 abuts against the first clamping portion 245 and the fourth stop portion 244 abuts against the second clamping portion 246, the connecting assembly 210 is in the hidden state. Moreover, the third stop portion 243 and the fourth stop portion 244 are used for preventing the connecting assembly 210 from moving when no external driving force exists.
When the connecting assembly 210 is in the hidden state, the connecting base has at least one upward surface, which is defined as an end surface 247. Along the up and down direction, the distance between the end surface 247 and the fifth connecting plate 225 is the farthest. The end surface 247 is lower than the surface of the first support plate, that is, lower than the storage surface of the first support plate. In this manner, when the user places items on the first support plate, the connecting assembly 210 does not prevent the user from placing items on the first connecting plate 221, and the items placed on the first connecting plate 221 do not damage the connecting assembly 210 during transportation or handling. When the user needs to use the connector, the user only needs to switch the connecting assembly 210 to the connection state.
The original state of the connecting assembly 210 is defined here as the hidden state. In this case, the connector is in the accommodation cavity 226. When the user wants to switch the connecting assembly 210 to the connection state, the user needs to fold the connecting assembly 210 upward with the contact part between the first supporting end 235 and the first groove 237 as the axis until the end surface 247 of the connecting assembly 210 abuts against the abutment surface of the first connecting plate 221, and the connecting assembly 210 stops rotating, thereby switching the connecting assembly 210 from the hidden state to the connection state. When the user needs to switch the connecting assembly 210 from the connection state to the hidden state, the user only needs to rotate the connecting assembly 210 downward with the preceding contact part as the axis until the connecting assembly 210 cannot rotate anymore. In this case, the switching is completed.
FIGS. 16 to 20 show a third example in which the connecting assembly is switched from the connection state to the hidden state relative to a base 320. It is to be noted that the differences between example three and example one are the switching manner and the specific connection structure between the connecting assembly and the base 320. Only the parts of example three which are different from those of example one are introduced here. For other structures, reference may be made to the above.
To clearly illustrate the technical solutions in this example, up, down, front, rear, left, and right are defined as shown in FIG. 16. It is to be noted that, unless otherwise specified, up and down, front and rear, and left and right are described below with respect to a stationary state of the connecting device shown in FIG. 16.
The connecting assembly further includes a driving member 310. When the user needs to switch the connecting assembly from the connection state to the hidden state, the user may pull out the driving member 310. In this case, the connecting assembly moves downward under the action of gravity until the connecting assembly is in an accommodation cavity 326.
For example, the base 320 includes a first connecting plate 321, a second connecting plate 322, a third connecting plate 323, a fourth connecting plate 324, and a fifth connecting plate 325. The first connecting plate 321 and the second connecting plate 322 are spaced apart. The third connecting plate 323 and the fourth connecting plate 324 are spaced apart. The fifth connecting plate 325 is connected to the first connecting plate 321, the second connecting plate 322, the third connecting plate 323, and the fourth connecting plate 324. The fifth connecting plate 325 is opposite to the upper surface of the base 320. The third connecting plate 323 is connected to an end of the first connecting plate 321 and an end of the second connecting plate 322, and the fourth connecting plate 324 is connected to the other end of the first connecting plate 321 and the other end of the second connecting plate 322. Along the up and down direction, the length of the first connecting plate 321 is less than the length of the second connecting plate 322, and the length of the third connecting plate 323 and the length of the fourth connecting plate 324 are each basically the same as the length of the second connecting plate 322. That is to say, the first connecting plate 321, the third connecting plate 323, and the fourth connecting plate 324 roughly form a concave shape at the ends. The inner walls of the first connecting plate 321, the second connecting plate 322, the third connecting plate 323, the fourth connecting plate 324, and the fifth connecting plate 325 basically form a semi-enclosed accommodation cavity 326 with an upward opening, and the connecting assembly can be basically accommodated in the accommodation cavity 326. A recessed accommodation groove 327 is formed on the first connecting plate 321, and the accommodation groove 327 allows the driving member 310 to slide back and forth. The first connecting plate 321 corresponds to a first connecting inner wall, the second connecting plate 322 corresponds to a second connecting inner wall 331, the third connecting plate 323 corresponds to a third connecting inner wall 332, the fourth connecting plate 324 corresponds to a fourth connecting inner wall 333, and the fifth connecting plate 325 corresponds to a fifth connecting inner wall 334. The base 320 is directly formed on the first support plate of the cart, that is to say, the first connecting plate 321, the second connecting plate 322, the third connecting plate 323, the fourth connecting plate 324, and the fifth connecting plate 325 are directly formed by the first support plate.
Corresponding long grooves are connected to or formed on the third connecting inner wall 332 and the fourth connecting inner wall 333, specifically a first groove 335 and a second groove 336. Both the first groove 335 and the second groove 336 are recessed inward. The two sides of the connecting base mate with the first groove 335 and the second groove 336, respectively. For example, protrusions are formed on two sides of the connecting base, specifically a first supporting end and a second supporting end 338. The two ends of the first groove 335 are a first end 341 and a second end 342. The first groove 335 basically extends along the up and down direction, and the first end 341 is located on the lower side relative to the second end 342. Similarly, the two ends of the second groove 336 are a third end and a fourth end, the second groove 336 extends along the up and down direction, and the third end is located on the lower side relative to the fourth end. Due to the restriction and guidance of the first groove 335 and the second groove 336, the bottom of the connecting base of the connecting assembly has a driving surface 345 and an abutment surface 346 that mate with the driving member 310. The driving member 310 applies a force to the driving surface 345 to make the connecting assembly move upward until a front end surface 349 of the driving member 310 abuts against the second connecting inner wall 331, and the connecting assembly stops moving. In this case, the abutment surface 346 of the connecting base abuts against an upper top surface 348 of the driving member 310. Of course, when the driving member 310 is pulled out, the connecting assembly loses the external force and moves downward under the action of gravity until the abutment surface 346 abuts against the fifth connecting inner wall 334.
When the connecting assembly is in the hidden state, the connector has at least one upward surface, which is defined as an end surface 347. Along the up and down direction, the distance between the end surface 347 and the fifth connecting plate 325 is the farthest. The end surface 347 is lower than the surface of the first support plate, that is, lower than the storage surface of the first support plate. In this manner, when the user places items on the first support plate, the connecting assembly does not prevent the user from placing items on the first connecting plate 321, and the items placed on the first connecting plate 321 do not damage the connecting assembly during transportation or handling. When the user needs to use the connector, the user only needs to switch the connecting assembly to the connection state.
The original state of the connecting assembly is defined as the hidden state, in which the connector is in the accommodation cavity 326, the first end 341 of the first groove 335 abuts against the first supporting end, and the third end of the second groove 336 abuts against the second supporting end 338. When the user wants to switch the connecting assembly to the connection state, the user needs to insert the driving member 310 into the accommodation groove 327 until the driving member 310 abuts against the driving surface 345 of the connecting base, and the user continues applying a force to drive the driving member 310. The driving surface 345 is subjected to the force to move the connecting assembly upward until the first supporting end abuts against the second end 342 of the first groove 335, and the second supporting end 338 abuts against the fourth end of the second groove 336. Moreover, the abutment surface 346 of the connecting base abuts against the upper top surface 348 of the driving member 310, and the front end surface 349 of the driving member 310 abuts against the second connecting inner wall 331, thereby switching the connecting assembly from the hidden state to the connection state. When the user needs to switch the connecting assembly from the connection state to the hidden state, the user only needs to pull out the driving member 310, the abutment surface 346 loses the external force, and the connecting assembly moves downward under the action of gravity until the first supporting end abuts against the first end 341 of the first groove 335, and the second supporting end 338 abuts against the third end of the second groove 336. Moreover, the abutment surface 346 of the connecting base abuts against the fifth connecting inner wall 334. In this case, the connecting assembly is in the hidden state. In this case, the switching is completed.
FIGS. 21 to 26 show a fourth example in which the connecting assembly is switched from the connection state to the hidden state relative to a base 420. It is to be noted that the differences between example four and example one are the switching manner and the specific connection structure between the connecting assembly and the base 420. Only the parts of example four which are different from those of example one are introduced here. For other structures, reference may be made to the above.
To clearly illustrate the technical solutions in this example, up, down, front, rear, left, and right are defined as shown in FIG. 21. It is to be noted that, unless otherwise specified, up and down, front and rear, and left and right are described below with respect to a stationary state of the connecting device shown in FIG. 21.
The connecting assembly further includes a driving member 410. When the user needs to switch the connecting assembly from the connection state to the hidden state, the user may pull out the driving member 410. In this case, the connecting assembly flips downward under the action of gravity until the connecting assembly is in an accommodation cavity 426.
For example, the base 420 includes a first connecting plate 421, a second connecting plate 422, a third connecting plate 423, a fourth connecting plate 424, and a fifth connecting plate 425. The first connecting plate 421 and the second connecting plate 422 are spaced apart. The third connecting plate 423 and the fourth connecting plate 424 are spaced apart. The fifth connecting plate 425 is connected to the first connecting plate 421, the second connecting plate 422, the third connecting plate 423, and the fourth connecting plate 424. The fifth connecting plate 425 is opposite to the upper surface of the base 420. The third connecting plate 423 is connected to an end of the first connecting plate 421 and an end of the second connecting plate 422, and the fourth connecting plate 424 is connected to the other end of the first connecting plate 421 and the other end of the second connecting plate 422. Along the up and down direction, the length of the first connecting plate 421 is less than the length of the second connecting plate 422, and the length of the third connecting plate 423 and the length of the fourth connecting plate 424 are each basically the same as the length of the second connecting plate 422. That is to say, the first connecting plate 421, the third connecting plate 423, and the fourth connecting plate 424 roughly form a concave shape at the ends. The inner walls of the first connecting plate 421, the second connecting plate 422, the third connecting plate 423, the fourth connecting plate 424, and the fifth connecting plate 425 basically form a semi-enclosed accommodation cavity 426 with an upward opening, and the connecting assembly can be basically accommodated in the accommodation cavity 426. A recessed accommodation groove 427 is formed on the first connecting plate 421, and the accommodation groove 427 allows the driving member 410 to slide back and forth. The first connecting plate 421 corresponds to a first connecting inner wall 430, the second connecting plate 422 corresponds to a second connecting inner wall 431, the third connecting plate 423 corresponds to a third connecting inner wall 432, the fourth connecting plate 424 corresponds to a fourth connecting inner wall 433, and the fifth connecting plate 425 corresponds to a fifth connecting inner wall 434. The base 420 is directly formed on the first support plate of the cart, that is to say, the first connecting plate 421, the second connecting plate 422, the third connecting plate 423, the fourth connecting plate 424, and the fifth connecting plate 425 are directly formed by the first support plate.
The third connecting inner wall 432 and the fourth connecting inner wall 433 are connected to or formed with corresponding supporting ends, specifically, a first supporting end 437 and a second supporting end 438. The first supporting end 437 and the second supporting end 438 both protrude outward. The two sides of the connecting base are connected to the first supporting end 437 and the second supporting end 438, respectively. For example, a first groove and a second groove 436 that are adapted to the first supporting end 437 and the second supporting end 438 are formed on the two sides of the connecting base. The first supporting end 437 and the second supporting end 438 are cylindrical protrusions, and the first groove and the second groove 436 are cylindrical grooves. The first supporting end 437 abuts against the first groove, and the second supporting end 438 abuts against the second groove 436. The connecting assembly rotates about the axis of the first supporting end 437 or the axis of the second supporting end 438, thereby achieving state switching. Of course, the first supporting end 437 and the second supporting end 438 may be provided on the connecting base, and the first groove and the second groove 436 may be provided on the third connecting inner wall 432 and the fourth connecting inner wall 433. The driving member 410 includes an upper top surface 441, a front end surface 446442, and an intermediate surface 443 connecting the upper top surface 441 to the front end surface 446442. The connecting base has a driving surface 444 mating with the intermediate surface 443 and an abutment surface 445 mating with the upper top surface 441.
When the connecting assembly is in the hidden state, the connector has at least one upward surface, which is defined as an end surface 446. Along the up and down direction, the distance between the end surface 446 and the fifth connecting plate 425 is the farthest. The end surface 446 is lower than the surface of the first support plate, that is, lower than the storage surface of the first support plate. In this manner, when the user places items on the first support plate, the connecting assembly does not prevent the user from placing items on the first connecting plate 421, and the items placed on the first connecting plate 421 do not damage the connecting assembly during transportation or handling. When the user needs to use the connector, the user only needs to switch the connecting assembly to the connection state.
The original state of the connecting assembly is defined as the hidden state, in which the connector is in the accommodation cavity 426, the first end of the first groove abuts against the first supporting end 437, and the third end of the second groove 436 abuts against the second supporting end 438. When the user wants to switch the connecting assembly to the connection state, the user needs to insert the driving member 410 into the accommodation groove 427 until the intermediate surface 443 abuts against the driving surface 444 of the connecting base, and the user continues applying a force to drive the driving member 410. The driving surface 444 is subjected to the force to flip the connecting assembly upward about the axis of the first supporting end 437 or the axis of the second supporting end 438 until the abutment surface 445 of the connecting base abuts against the upper top surface 441 of the driving member 410, and the front end surface 446442 of the driving member 410 abuts against the second connecting inner wall 431, thereby switching the connecting assembly from the hidden state to the connection state. When the user needs to switch the connecting assembly from the connection state to the hidden state, the user only needs to pull out the driving member 410, the abutment surface 445 loses the external force, and the connecting assembly flips downward about the axis of the first supporting end 437 or the axis of the second supporting end 438 under the action of gravity until the abutment surface 445 of the connecting base abuts against the fifth connecting inner wall 434. In this case, the connecting assembly is in the hidden state. In this case, the switching is completed.
FIGS. 27 to 30 show a fifth example in which the connecting assembly is switched from the connection state to the hidden state relative to a base 510. It is to be noted that the differences between example five and example one are the switching manner and the specific connection structure between the connecting assembly and the base 510. Only the parts of example five which are different from those of example one are introduced here. For other structures, reference may be made to the above.
To clearly illustrate the technical solutions in this example, up, down, front, rear, left, and right are defined as shown in FIG. 27. It is to be noted that, unless otherwise specified, up and down, front and rear, and left and right are described below with respect to a stationary state of the connecting device shown in FIG. 27.
When the user needs to switch the connecting assembly from the connection state to the hidden state, the user may remove the connecting assembly from an accommodation cavity 516.
For example, the base 510 includes a first connecting plate 511, a second connecting plate 512, a third connecting plate 513, a fourth connecting plate 514, and a fifth connecting plate 515. The first connecting plate 511 and the second connecting plate 512 are spaced apart. The third connecting plate 513 and the fourth connecting plate 514 are spaced apart. The fifth connecting plate 515 is connected to the first connecting plate 511, the second connecting plate 512, the third connecting plate 513, and the fourth connecting plate 514. The fifth connecting plate 515 is opposite to the upper surface of the base 510. The third connecting plate 513 is connected to an end of the first connecting plate 511 and an end of the second connecting plate 512, and the fourth connecting plate 514 is connected to the other end of the first connecting plate 511 and the other end of the second connecting plate 512. Along the up and down direction, the length of the first connecting plate 511 is less than the length of the second connecting plate 512, and the length of the third connecting plate 513 and the length of the fourth connecting plate 514 are each basically the same as the length of the second connecting plate 512. It may also be understood as that the first connecting plate 511, the third connecting plate 513, and the fourth connecting plate 514 basically form a concave shape at the ends. The inner walls of the first connecting plate 511, the second connecting plate 512, the third connecting plate 513, the fourth connecting plate 514, and the fifth connecting plate 515 basically form a semi-enclosed accommodation cavity 516 with an upward opening, and the connecting assembly can be basically accommodated in the accommodation cavity 516. The upper end of the first connecting plate 511 has an abutment surface 517. When the connecting assembly is in the connection state, the abutment surface 517 abuts against the connecting base. In this manner, when the toolbox is mounted to the connecting assembly, the abutment surface 517 can form a stable support for the connecting assembly. Of course, the first connecting plate 511 may also have other structures. For example, the upper surface of the first connecting plate 511 may be partially recessed downward to form the abutment surface 517. The abutment surface 517 is configured to abut against the connecting base when the connecting assembly is in the connection state. Of course, a portion of the fifth connecting plate 515 may protrude to form the abutment surface 517, and the abutment surface 517 is configured to abut against the connecting base when the connecting assembly is in the connection state.
The first connecting plate 511 corresponds to a first connecting inner wall 521, the second connecting plate 512 corresponds to a second connecting inner wall 522, the third connecting plate 513 corresponds to a third connecting inner wall 523, the fourth connecting plate 514 corresponds to a fourth connecting inner wall 524, and the fifth connecting plate 515 corresponds to a fifth connecting inner wall 525. The base 510 is directly formed on the first support plate of the cart, that is to say, the first connecting plate 511, the second connecting plate 512, the third connecting plate 513, the fourth connecting plate 514, and the fifth connecting plate 515 are directly formed by the first support plate.
Corresponding supporting ends are connected to or formed on the third connecting inner wall 523 and the fourth connecting inner wall 524, specifically a first supporting end, a second supporting end 527, a third supporting end, and a fourth supporting end 529. The first supporting end and the third supporting end are disposed on a side of the connecting base, the second supporting end 527 and the fourth supporting end 529 are disposed on a side of the connecting base, and all the preceding supporting ends protrude outward. The two sides of the connecting base are connected to the first supporting end, the second supporting end 527, the third supporting end, and the fourth supporting end 529. For example, two groups of long grooves are formed on two sides of the connecting base, specifically a first groove 531, a second groove, a third groove 533, and a fourth groove. The depth of each of the preceding four grooves increases from an end to the other end. The first groove 531 and the second groove basically correspond to each other and are arranged on two sides of the connecting base. Similarly, the third groove 533 and the fourth groove basically correspond to each other and are arranged on two sides of the connecting base. That is to say, the first groove 531 and the third groove 533 are disposed on the same side of the connecting base, and the second groove and the fourth groove are disposed on the same side of the connecting base. The extension directions of the first groove 531 and the third groove 533 from shallow to deep are basically opposite, and the bottoms of the first groove 531, the second groove, the third groove 533, and the fourth groove are the deepest parts of the grooves. The connecting base may be inserted into the base 510 through the first groove 531 and the second groove with the guidance of the first supporting end and the second supporting end 527. In this case, the connector is at a connection position where the connector is connectable to the toolbox, and the connecting base abuts against the abutment surface 517. The connecting base may also be inserted into the accommodation cavity 516 through the third groove 533 and the fourth groove with the guidance of the third supporting end and the fourth supporting end 529. In this case, the connecting assembly is in the hidden state.
The original state of the connecting assembly is defined as the hidden state, in which the connector is in the accommodation cavity 516. In this case, the bottom of the third groove 533 abuts against the third supporting end, and the bottom of the fourth groove abuts against the fourth supporting end 529. When the user wants to switch the connecting assembly to the connection state, the user needs to lift the connecting assembly upward so that the bottom of the third groove 533 is separated from the third supporting end, and the bottom of the fourth groove is separated from the fourth supporting end 529 until the third supporting end slides out of the third groove 533, and the fourth supporting end 529 slides out of the fourth groove. The user flips the connecting assembly over so that the connector is upward. The user inserts the connecting assembly into the base 510 through the first groove 531 and the second groove with the guidance of the first supporting end and the second supporting end 527 until the first supporting end abuts against the bottom wall of the first groove 531, and the second supporting end 527 abuts against the bottom wall of the second groove. In this case, the connecting base abuts against the abutment surface 517, and the connecting assembly switches from the hidden state to the connection state.
When the connecting member is in the hidden state, the connecting base has at least one upward surface, which is defined as an end surface 535. Along the up and down direction, the distance between the end surface 535 and the fifth connecting plate 515 is the farthest. The end surface 535 is lower than the surface of the first support plate, that is, lower than the storage surface of the first support plate. In this manner, when the user places items on the first support plate, the connecting assembly does not prevent the user from placing items on the first connecting plate 511, and the items placed on the first connecting plate 511 do not damage the connecting assembly during transportation or handling. When the user needs to use the connector, the user only needs to switch the connecting assembly to the connection state.
In the present application, when the connecting assembly is in the hidden state, at least two steps are required to connect the connecting assembly to the to-be-mounted part.
In the present application, some of the reference numerals in the second example to the fifth example are the same as those in the first example.
The basic principles, main features, and advantages of the present application are shown and described above. It is to be understood by those skilled in the art that the preceding examples do not limit the present application in any form, and any technical solutions obtained through equivalent substitutions or equivalent transformations are within the scope of the present application.

Claims

A cart comprising a connecting device formed on or connected to the cart, wherein the connecting device is configured to mount a to-be-mounted part onto the cart;
wherein the connecting device comprises:
a base formed on or connected to the cart, wherein the base is formed with an accommodation cavity; and

a connecting assembly connected to the base, wherein the connecting assembly is configured to be connected to the to-be-mounted part;

wherein the connecting assembly comprises:
a connector mating with the to-be-mounted part to connect the to-be-mounted part;

wherein the connecting assembly has at least a connection state and a hidden state relative to the base; when the connecting assembly is in the connection state, the connector is at a mating position so that the connector is capable of mating with the to-be-mounted part; and when the connecting assembly is in the hidden state, the connector is at a hidden position so that the connector is separated from the mating position.
The cart of claim 1, wherein the connecting assembly is switched from the connection state to the hidden state relative to the base through one of a combination of rotation, movement, and disassembly.
The cart of claim 1, wherein when the connecting assembly is in the hidden state, the connecting assembly is lower than an upper surface of the base or lower than a storage surface of the cart.
The cart of claim 1, wherein when the connecting assembly is in the connection state, the connecting assembly is capable of being driven to move to the hidden state.
The cart of claim 4, wherein the connecting assembly further comprises a driving member, wherein the driving member is capable of being inserted into the base so that the connecting assembly is switched from the hidden state to the connection state.
The cart of claim 4, wherein the connecting assembly further comprises a connecting base for mounting the connector, the connecting base is pivotally connected to the base, and the connecting base has an end surface, wherein when the connecting assembly is in the connection state, the end surface is at least partially in contact with the base; and when the connecting assembly is in the hidden state, the end surface is lower than an upper surface of the base or lower than a storage surface of the cart.
The cart of claim 4, wherein a connecting base of the connector, the connecting base is connected to the base, and the connecting assembly is switched from the connection state to the hidden state by folding the connecting assembly upward and then sliding the connecting assembly downward into the accommodation cavity so that the connecting assembly is lower than an upper surface of the base or lower than a storage surface of the cart.
The cart of claim 5, wherein the driving member further comprises a driving surface, and when the driving member is inserted into the base, the driving surface is in contact with the connecting assembly and drives the connecting assembly to slide upward until the connecting assembly is switched from the hidden state to the connection state.
The cart of claim 5, wherein the driving member further comprises a driving surface, and when the driving member is inserted into the base, the driving surface is in contact with the connecting assembly and drives the connecting assembly to fold upward until the connecting assembly is switched from the hidden state to the connection state.
The cart of claim 6, wherein the connecting device further comprises a first clamping portion and a second clamping portion that mate with the connector, and the first clamping portion and the second clamping portion are disposed on two sides of the connecting base, respectively, wherein when the connecting assembly is in the connection state, the connecting base is engaged with the first clamping portion and the second clamping portion, and the connector and the base remain relatively fixed.
The cart of claim 6, wherein the connector comprises buckles configured to mate with the to-be-mounted part, and the buckles are higher than the upper surface of the base along an up and down direction.
The cart of claim 6, wherein the connecting assembly further comprises the connecting base for mounting the connector, the connecting base is pivotally connected to the base, and the connecting base has the end surface, wherein when the connecting assembly is in the connection state, the end surface is at least partially in contact with the base; and when the connecting assembly is in the hidden state, the end surface is basically flush with the upper surface of the base or basically flush with the storage surface of the cart.
The cart of claim 1, wherein when the connecting assembly is in the hidden state, the connecting assembly is basically flush with an upper surface of the base or basically flush with a storage surface of the cart.
The cart of claim 1, wherein when the connecting assembly is in the hidden state, the to-be-mounted part is capable of being directly stacked on the connector.
The cart of claim 1, wherein when the connecting assembly is in the hidden state, at least two steps are required to connect the connector to the to-be-mounted part.
A toolbox comprising a connecting device formed on or connected to the toolbox, wherein the connecting device is configured to mount a to-be-mounted part onto the toolbox;
wherein the connecting device comprises:
a base formed on or connected to the toolbox, wherein the base is formed with an accommodation cavity; and

a connecting assembly connected to the base, wherein the connecting assembly is configured to be connected to the to-be-mounted part;

wherein the connecting assembly comprises:
a connector mating with the to-be-mounted part to connect the to-be-mounted part;

wherein the connecting assembly has at least a connection state and a hidden state relative to the base; when the connecting assembly is in the connection state, the connector is at a mating position so that the connector is capable of mating with the to-be-mounted part; and when the connecting assembly is in the hidden state, the connector is at a hidden position so that the connector is separated from the mating position.
A tool comprising a connecting device formed on or connected to the tool, wherein the connecting device is configured to mount a to-be-mounted part onto the toolbox;
wherein the connecting device comprises:
a base formed on or connected to the tool, wherein the base is formed with an accommodation cavity; and

a connecting assembly connected to the base, wherein the connecting assembly is configured to be connected to the to-be-mounted part;

wherein the connecting assembly comprises:
a connector mating with the to-be-mounted part to connect the to-be-mounted part;

wherein the connecting assembly has at least a connection state and a hidden state relative to the base; when the connecting assembly is in the connection state, the connector is at a mating position so that the connector is capable of mating with the to-be-mounted part; and when the connecting assembly is in the hidden state, the connector is at a hidden position so that the connector is separated from the mating position.
A connecting device capable of being mounted onto a tool or a toolbox, wherein the connecting device is configured to mount a to-be-mounted part onto the tool or the toolbox;
wherein the connecting device comprises:
a base formed on or connected to the tool or the toolbox, wherein the base is formed with an accommodation cavity; and

a connecting assembly connected to the base, wherein the connecting assembly is configured to be connected to the to-be-mounted part;

wherein the connecting assembly comprises:
a connector mating with the to-be-mounted part to connect the to-be-mounted part;

wherein the connecting assembly has at least a connection state and a hidden state relative to the base; when the connecting assembly is in the connection state, the connector is at a mating position so that the connector is capable of mating with the to-be-mounted part; and when the connecting assembly is in the hidden state, the connector is at a hidden position so that the connector is separated from the mating position.
The connecting device of claim 18, wherein the connecting assembly is switched from the connection state to the hidden state relative to the base through one of a combination of rotation, movement, and disassembly.
The connecting device of claim 18, wherein when the connecting assembly is in the hidden state, the connecting assembly is lower than an upper surface of the base or lower than a storage surface of the tool or the toolbox.
The connecting device of claim 18, wherein when the connecting assembly is in the connection state, the connecting assembly is capable of being driven to move to the hidden state.
The connecting device of claim 21, wherein the connecting assembly further comprises a driving member, wherein the driving member is capable of being inserted into the base so that the connecting assembly is switched from the hidden state to the connection state.
A connecting device capable of being mounted onto a tool or a toolbox, wherein the connecting device is configured to mount a to-be-mounted part onto the tool or the toolbox;
wherein the connecting device comprises:
a base formed on or connected to the tool or the toolbox; and

a connecting assembly connected to the base, wherein the connecting assembly is configured to be connected to the to-be-mounted part;

wherein the connecting assembly comprises:
a connector mating with the to-be-mounted part to connect the to-be-mounted part;

wherein the connecting assembly has at least a hidden state relative to the base, wherein when the connecting assembly is in the hidden state, the connector is lower than an upper surface of the base or lower than a storage surface of the tool or the toolbox.