OUTDOOR CENTER POLE STRUCTURE

Abstract

An outdoor center pole structure includes a segmented center pole, an electrical connector, a rotary mounting plate, and a base. A second locking member is provided at the distal end of the first segment connected to the base. A first locking member is provided at the distal end of the second segment away from the base. A screw rod locked to the first locking member is provided in the center pole. The electrical connector is a plug-in connector, including a first connecting end that is fixed and a second connecting end that is rotatably mounted through a rotary mounting plate. The first connecting end is located at the distal end or a recessed portion of the center pole, and the second connecting end is located at the other end accordingly. The screw rod cooperates with the first locking member to achieve a stable connection of the segmented center pole.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an outdoor device, and more particularly to an outdoor center pole structure.

2. Description of the Prior Art

The improvement of the quality of life makes people pay more attention to outdoor activities, which brings the development of outdoor devices. Outdoor devices are used more and more frequently. The most used are those with center poles. Users are increasingly demanding multi-functions integrated into outdoor devices. These multi-function requirements are mostly for power-using devices such as Bluetooth, speakers, and charging ports. These devices all need to be connected to the power supply and the power-using device through wires. In existing outdoor devices, the power cord of the power-using device comes out from the base and directly passes through the center pole to the power-using device. In order to ensure the stability and ease of the connection between the center pole and the base, the center pole can be rotated and secured to the base, and can be detached from the base for movement or repair independently. In existing outdoor devices, an electrical connector is fixedly mounted between the center pole and the base to solve the problem that the power cord cannot be separated. In general, the electrical connector is first connected, and then the center pole is rotated and secured to the base. In this way, the power cord needs to be long enough in length so that it can be rotated along with the center pole. However, the excessive length will lead to the power cord getting tangled with each other easily. The connection between the power cord and the electrical connector is subject to stress from pulling, interfering with the fixation of the center pole, and the surface of the power cord is damaged by friction, which in turn leads to unstable electrical connections and potential safety hazards.

In addition, due to the mobility of outdoor activity sites, outdoor devices need to be moved frequently. In general, the center pole of a conventional outdoor device is an integral pole. It is required for the entire pole to be detached from the base for transportation when being moved. Because the center pole has a certain length, it is inconvenient for transportation. Some outdoor devices have segmented center poles. The segments of the center pole are connected by means of threads and flanges or the like. However, due to the uncontrollable nature of the outdoor environment, the circumferential and radial movement of the segments are uncontrollable. The connection stability is low, resulting in that the overall strength of the outdoor device is low and that the safety of use is reduced. It is the subject of this application to research how an outdoor device with a segmented center pole can maintain both circumferential and radial connection stability and allow for the integration of functional components on the segmented center pole and provide reliable electrical connections.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the deficiencies of the prior art, the primary object of the present invention is to provide an outdoor center pole structure,

The present invention is realized through the following technical solutions:

In one embodiment, the outdoor center pole structure provided by the present invention comprises a center pole, an electrical connector, a rotary mounting plate, and a base. The base has a recessed portion for insertion the center pole. The electrical connector includes a first connecting end and a second connecting end. The first connecting end and the second connecting end are insertedly connected to each other. The first connecting end is fixed to a distal end of the center pole. The rotary mounting plate is rotatably mounted in the recessed portion. The second connecting end is fixed to the rotary mounting plate.

Based on the above technical features, the center pole and the base are electrically connected through a quick-pluggable electrical connector, so that the center pole can be easily separated from the base as needed. Through the rotary mounting plate, the electrical connector after being plugged is not affected by the rotation of the center pole, achieving a stable electrical connection.

Preferably, a rotating shaft is disposed on a bottom of the recessed portion. The rotating shaft passes through a central through hole of the rotary mounting plate. An anti-detachment assembly is disposed on a distal end of the rotating shaft, so as to prevent the rotary mounting plate from detaching from the rotating shaft due to the upward pulling force generated by the separation of the electrical connector when the center pole is separated from the base.

Preferably, the rotating shaft is a truncated conical shaft that is gradually reduced upward. The through hole of the rotary mounting plate is gradually reduced upward and corresponds in shape to the rotating shaft. The through hole has a minimum diameter greater than a minimum outer diameter of the rotating shaft but less than a maximum outer diameter of the rotating shaft. The rotating shaft directly forms the support and travel limit of the rotary mounting plate. There is no need to provide an additional support member, thus simplifying the internal configuration of the recessed portion.

Preferably, the rotating shaft has a support member radially extending outward for supporting the rotary mounting plate and for restricting a downward travel of the rotary mounting plate, such that the level of the rotary mounting plate can be maintained better and the space occupied at the bottom of the recessed portion can be reduced. Besides, the support member prevents the rotary mounting plate from being collided when the center pole is inserted in the base, thereby reducing damage to the electrical connector.

Preferably, the recessed portion has a support member. The support member may be a block extending inward from the side wall of the recessed portion or extending upward from the bottom of the recessed portion for supporting the rotary mounting plate and for restricting a downward travel of the rotary mounting plate.

Preferably, the support member is support posts or curved support blocks or an annular support block surrounding the rotating shaft. This design facilitates a more stable horizontal position of the rotary mounting plate.

Preferably, a coil spring is disposed below the rotary mounting plate. The coil spring is fitted on the rotating shaft. The recessed portion has a first positioning block. The rotary mounting plate has a second positioning block. One end of the coil spring leans against the first positioning block, and another end of the coil spring leans against the second positioning block. When the center pole is separated from the base, the coil spring keeps the rotary mounting plate in the initial position through elastic return force, ensuring that the center pole can be accurately positioned and inserted in the base when it needs to be connected to the base again, improving the stability of the electrical connection. Besides, the coil spring forms a travel buffer for the rotary mounting plate in the process of assembling the center pole and the base, further protecting the electrical connector.

Preferably, the recessed portion has a restricting block. The rotary mounting plate has a second positioning block. A rotational range of the rotary mounting plate is restricted by interaction between the restricting block and the second positioning block, so as to avoid excessive force at the connection between the power cord and the electrical connector to affect the stability of the electrical connection.

Preferably, in order to improve the convenience of assembly and replacement of the components, a first retaining plate is secured in the recessed portion. The rotating shaft, the support member, the first positioning block and the restricting block are disposed on the first retaining plate, not on the recessed portion set forth in the foregoing solution. The remaining technical features and functions are the same as the foregoing solution.

In another embodiment, the outdoor center pole structure provided by the present invention comprises a center pole, an electrical connector, a rotary mounting plate, and a base. The base has a recessed portion for insertion of the center pole. The electrical connector includes a first connecting end and a second connecting end. The first connecting end and the second connecting end are insertedly connected to each other. The first connecting end is fixed in the recessed portion. The rotary mounting plate is rotatably mounted to a distal end of the center pole. The second connecting end is fixed to the rotary mounting plate.

Based on the above technical solution, the advantage is that the rotary mounting plate is mounted to the distal end of the center pole so that the operation space is large and the assembly is easier. Besides, the center pole is a hollow tubular structure. The connecting wire connected to the second connecting end can increase the reserved length without interfering with the surrounding components, which is beneficial to avoid the stress at the join of the second connecting end and the connecting wire, thus ensuring the stability of the electrical connection and facilitating the simplification of the structural design.

Preferably, a first retaining plate is disposed in the recessed portion. The first connecting end is fixed to the first retaining plate. A second retaining plate is disposed at the distal end of the center pole. A rotating shaft is disposed on the second retaining plate. The rotating shaft passes through a central through hole of the rotary mounting plate. An anti-detachment assembly is disposed on a distal end of the rotating shaft, so as to prevent the rotary mounting plate from sliding downward away from the rotating shaft due to its own weight or the pulling force when the center pole is separated from the base.

Preferably, the second retaining plate has a support member extending downward for restricting an upward travel of the rotary mounting plate.

Preferably, a coil spring is disposed above the rotary mounting plate. The coil spring is fitted on the rotating shaft. The second retaining plate has a first positioning block. The rotary mounting plate has a second positioning block. One end of the coil spring leans against the first positioning block, and another end of the coil spring leans against the second positioning block.

Preferably, the second retaining plate has a restricting block. The rotary mounting plate has a second positioning block. A rotational range of the rotary mounting plate is restricted by interaction between the restricting block and the second positioning block.

Preferably, in the foregoing solutions, the center pole is a segmented center pole and includes a first segment and a second segment. A second locking member is disposed at a distal end of the first segment. A first locking member is disposed on the second segment. A distal end of the first locking member has a perforation with an internal thread. A screw rod is disposed in the center pole. The screw rod passes through the second locking member and the first segment and is locked to the first locking member. Based on this, the axial tightening and fixation of the upper and lower segments of the center pole is achieved through the cooperation of the first locking member and the screw rod. The connection of the center pole is stable and simple. The center pole can be assembled and disassembled with ease. Beside, the safety and ease of movement of the segmented center pole are taken into consideration.

Preferably, the second locking member is an annular member protruding inward from a bottom or an inner wall of the distal end of the first segment, so as to reduce the number of the assembled parts.

Preferably, the second locking member is a hollow post, and the second locking member is fixed to the distal end of the first segment, so as to improve the verticality of the screw rod when it is inserted and facilitate insertion of the center pole.

Preferably, the center pole further includes a middle segment located between the first segment and the second segment. The screw rod passes through the second locking member, the first segment and the middle segment and is locked to the first locking member, so as to enhance the structural strength of the center pole and integrate functional components on the center pole. The appearance is better.

Preferably, the middle segment has a restricting member. The first locking member is disposed at a distal end of the second segment. An outer side wall of the first locking member has a groove. The restricting member is engaged in the groove, thereby achieving the circumferential fixation of the segments of the center pole to further improve the connection stability of the segments of the center pole.

Preferably, a guide member is disposed in the first segment for assisting the screw rod to pass through the first segment.

One of the preferred technical solutions of the present invention has the following advantages:

• • 1. The electrical connector that can be quickly connected is disposed between the center pole and the base. One end of the electrical connector is fixed, and the other end is rotatably mounted in the recessed portion of the base through the rotary mounting plate. There is no restriction on the separation between the center pole and the base. The electrical connection is directly realized in the process of connecting the center pole and the base, which has the characteristics of stable and reliable electrical connection, high safety and convenience of assembly.
  • 2. The coil spring is disposed on the rotating shaft, and both ends of the coil spring lean against the rotary mounting plate and the first or second retaining plate, respectively. When the center pole is separated from the base, through the elastic return force, the coil spring drives the rotary mounting plate and the second connecting end to be in a position that can be inserted accurately, ensuring that the first connecting end and the second connecting end of the electrical connector can be quickly, accurately connected when the center pole is connected to the base again, thus avoiding damage to the electrical connector and improving the reliability of the electrical connection and reducing the frequency of maintenance of the electrical connector.
  • 3. Through the cooperation of the first locking member, the restricting member and the screw rod, the segments of the center pole can be secured in the axial and circumferential directions, such that the outdoor device having the segmented center pole has the same structural strength as an integral center pole. The segmented center pole can be moved and repaired with ease.
  • 4. The electrical connection structure and the connecting structure of the center pole are arranged inside the center pole, so that the outdoor device with the segmented center pole has a high degree of aesthetics and safety.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and/or other aspects will become apparent and more readily appreciated from the following description of the embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is an exploded view according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a partial enlarged view of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the rotary mounting plate of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing the interior of the recessed portion according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a first schematic view showing the support member according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a second schematic view showing the support member according to the third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a first schematic view showing the rotating shaft according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a second schematic view showing the rotating shaft according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a schematic view showing the structure of a fifth embodiment of the present invention, wherein the center pole retaining member is not shown in the figure;

FIG. 10 is a schematic view showing the partial structure of the fifth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11(a) is a schematic view showing the entire structure of a sixth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11(b) is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 11(a);

FIG. 12 is a partial enlarged view of FIG. 11(b);

FIG. 13 is a schematic view showing the assembled center pole according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14(a) is an exploded view of the center pole according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14(b) is a schematic view showing the first locking member;

FIG. 15(a) is a top view of the middle segment according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 15(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of FIG. 15(a); and

FIG. 16 is another schematic view showing the assembled center pole according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

First Embodiment

As shown in FIG. 1, an outdoor center pole structure according to a first embodiment of the present invention comprises a center pole 1, an electrical connector 2, a rotary mounting plate 3, and a base 4. The base 4 has a recessed portion 41 for insertion of the center pole 1. A center pole retaining member 42 is provided outside the recessed portion 41. When the center pole needs to be secured, it passes through the center pole retaining structure 42 and is inserted in the recessed portion 41 and rotated by a certain angle and secured to the base 4. As shown in FIG. 1, the center pole 1 is rotated by an angle of 45 degrees. The center pole 1 and the base 4 are provided with connecting wires (not shown in the figures) for connecting the electrical connector 2 to a power-using device and to a power supply (not shown in the figures). The power-using device is located on the center pole 1. The power supply is located in the base 4. The connecting wires between the electrical connector 2 and the power supply are inserted in a base wire hole 43 of the base 4 from a notch 304 (as shown in FIG. 2) on the edge of the rotary mounting plate 3 and a wire-passing notch 411 on the edge of the recessed portion 41 (as shown in FIG. 2) and connected to a built-in power supply in the base 4.

The connecting wires are long enough in length, so that the connecting wires can be rotated along with the rotation when the center pole 1 is rotated and secured to the base 4.

The electrical connector 2 is a quick plug-in connector such as a chip connector, a pin connector, etc. The electrical connector 2 includes a first connecting end 21 and a second connecting end 22. The first connecting end 21 is fixed to the distal end of the center pole 1. The second connecting end 22 is fixed to a mounting post 302 of the rotary mounting plate 3. The rotary mounting plate 3 is rotatably mounted in the recessed portion 41.

As shown in FIG. 2, a first retaining plate 40 is secured in the recessed portion 41 of the base 4. The first retaining plate 40 includes a rotating shaft 5 extending upward. The rotating shaft 5 passes through a central through hole 301 of the rotary mounting plate 3. The rotary mounting plate 3 rotates about the rotating shaft 5. An anti-detachment assembly 51 is disposed on the distal end of the rotating shaft 5. The anti-detachment assembly 51 includes a bolt 511 and a washer 512. The outer diameter of the washer 512 is greater than the diameter of the through hole 301 of the rotary mounting plate 3. The anti-detachment assembly 51 is configured to prevent the rotary mounting plate 3 from disengaging from the rotating shaft 5 when it is rotated. Besides, when the center pole 1 and the base 4 are separated, the anti-detachment assembly 51 prevents the rotary mounting plate 3 from disengaging from the rotating shaft 5 due to the pulling force generated by the disengagement of the first connecting end 21 and the second connecting end 22. The first retaining plate 40 further includes a support member 6 extending upward. The support member 6 is configured to support the rotary mounting plate 3 and to form a downward travel limit for the rotary mounting plate 3, thereby preventing the rotary mounting plate 3 from striking the first retaining plate 40 when the center pole 1 is inserted in the base 4 and damage to the electrical connector 2 caused by excessive force. The support member 6 is three curved support blocks surrounding the rotating shaft 5, so as to maintain the horizontal stability of the rotary mounting plate 3. The rotary mounting plate 3 is placed on the upper end faces of the curved support blocks and is rotated relative to the upper end faces of the curved support blocks. Preferably, the support member 6 may be support posts or an annular support block, instead of the curved support blocks.

Further, the first retaining plate 40 further includes a first positioning block 401 and a restricting block 402. The first positioning block 401 and the restricting block 402 are located on two sides of the rotating shaft 5, respectively. The rotary mounting plate 3 includes a second positioning block 303, as shown in FIG. 3. A coil spring 52 is fitted on the rotating shaft 5 and located below the rotary mounting plate 3. One end of the coil spring 52 leans against the first positioning block 401, and the other end of the coil spring 52 leans against the second positioning block 303. After the center pole is detached from the base, the elastic return force of the coil spring 52 makes the rotary mounting plate 3 always be in the initial position, ensuring that the first connecting end 21 and the second connecting end 22 of the electrical connector 2 can be quickly, accurately connected to each other every time the center pole 1 is connected to the base 4, avoiding damage to the electrical connector and thus improving the reliability of the electrical connection. The restricting block 402 is located below the rotary mounting plate 3. When the rotary mounting plate 3 is rotated along with the center pole 1 to the position of the restricting block 402, the second positioning block 32 is blocked by the restricting block 402, and the rotary mounting plate 3 stops rotating, so as to avoid unstable electrical connection caused by excessive rotation of the rotary mounting plate 3.

Second Embodiment

The second embodiment is substantially similar to the first embodiment with the exceptions described below.

The rotating shaft 5, the first positioning block 401, the restricting block 402 and the support member 6 are all directly disposed on the recessed portion 41. The rotating shaft 5 and the first positioning block 40 extend upward from the bottom surface of the recessed portion 41. The restricting block 402 and the support member 6 may extend upward from the bottom of the recessed portion 41, or extend inward from the side wall of the recessed portion 41.

As shown in FIG. 4, the rotating shaft 5, the first positioning block 401, the restricting block 402 and the support member 6 all extend upward from the bottom of the recessed portion 41.

The structural components not described in this embodiment, the relative position and relationship between the components, and the functions implemented by the components are the same as those of the first embodiment.

The advantage of the second embodiment is that the rotating shaft 5, the first positioning block 401, the restricting block 402 and the support member 6 are integrally formed with the base 4, which has better positioning stability and avoids that the use of the first retaining plate 40 may cause the components thereon to shift due to loosening of the fixing structure such as bolts, affecting the stability of the connection of the first connecting end 21 and the second connecting end 22.

Third Embodiment

The third embodiment is substantially similar to the first embodiment or the second embodiment with the exceptions described below.

As shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, the support member 6 radially extends outward from the rotating shaft 5. The support member 6 may be an annular member locked to the rotating shaft 5 or an annular block that is integrally formed with the rotating shaft 5. The support member 6 forms a support and rotational guide for the rotary mounting plate 3.

The advantage of the third embodiment is that the level of the rotary mounting plate 3 can be maintained better and the space occupied at the bottom of the recessed portion 41 can be reduced.

Fourth Embodiment

The fourth embodiment is substantially similar to the first embodiment or the second embodiment with the exceptions described below.

As shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, the rotating shaft 5 is a truncated conical shaft that is gradually reduced upward. The through hole 301 of the rotary mounting plate 3 is gradually reduced upward and corresponds in shape to the rotating shaft 5. The minimum diameter of the through hole 301 is greater than the minimum outer diameter of the rotating shaft 5 but less than the maximum outer diameter of the rotating shaft 5, so that the rotary mounting plate 3 is suspended relative to the first retaining plate 40. The rotating shaft 5 directly forms the support and travel limit for the rotary mounting plate. When the rotary mounting plate 3 and the rotating shaft 5 are assembled, the conical surface of the through hole 301 increases the contact area between the rotary mounting plate 3 and the rotating shaft 5 and reduce wear on the rotating shaft 5 when the rotary mounting plate 3 is rotated.

The advantage of the fourth embodiment is that there is no need to provide an additional support member for the rotary mounting plate 3 and the internal configuration of the recessed portion can be simplified.

Fifth Embodiment

The fifth embodiment is substantially similar to the first embodiment with the exceptions described below.

As shown in FIG. 9, the first retaining plate 40 is disposed in the recessed portion 41. The first connecting end 21 is fixed to the first retaining plate 40. A second retaining plate 17 is fixedly connected to the distal end of the center pole 1. The rotary mounting plate 3 is disposed on the second retaining plate 17. The second connecting end 22 is fixed to the mounting post 302 of the rotary mounting plate 3.

As shown in FIG. 10, the second retaining plate 17 has the same function as the first retaining plate 40 in the first embodiment. The second retaining plate 17 also has the rotating shaft 5, the first positioning block 401, the restricting block 402 and the support member 6. The relative positions, relationships and functions of the components are the same as those of the corresponding components in the first embodiment.

Compared with the first embodiment, in the fifth embodiment, the rotating end of the electrical connection structure is disposed at the distal end of the center pole 1, and the fixed end is disposed in the recessed portion 41 of the base 4, which belongs to the reverse mounting structure of the first embodiment. The advantage of the fifth embodiment is that the connecting wire at one end of the base 4 directly passes through the recessed portion 41 for connecting the first connecting end 21 to the power supply. The connecting wire at one end of the center pole 1 passes through the notch 304 on the edge of the rotary mounting plate 3 to enter the center pole 1. The center pole 1 is a hollow structure, which avoids minimal interference of the connecting wires with other components (In the first embodiment, the recessed portion 41 may interfere with the connecting wires.) and increases the reserved length of the connecting wires (not shown in the figures). When the rotary mounting plate 3 is rotated, the connecting wire has enough length for twists, which avoids stress on the join of the second connecting end and the connecting wire and ensures the stability of the electrical connection. In addition, there are no other components around the distal end of center pole 1, so the operation space is large. The first retaining plate 40 and the rotary mounting plate 3 can be assembled more easily.

Sixth Embodiment

The sixth embodiment is substantially similar to the first to fifth embodiments with the exceptions described below.

The center pole 1 is a segmented center pole. A screw rod 7 is disposed inside the center pole 1 for tightening and fixing the segments of the center pole 1. As shown in FIG. 11(a) through FIG. 14(a), the center pole 1 is a three-segment center pole, including a first segment 11, a middle segment 12 and a second segment 13. The first segment 11 is connected to the base 4 and has a guide member 14 therein. A second locking member 15 is fixed to the distal end of the first segment 11. The second locking member 15 is a hollow post that is disposed separately, as shown in FIG. 13 and FIG. 14. The aperture of the upper end of the second locking member 15 is larger than the diameter of the screw rod 7, but smaller than the diameter of the nut of the screw rod 7, so that the screw rod 7 and the first segment 11 are assembled to be one-piece. As shown in FIG. 12, the mounting plate 16 of the first connecting end 21 is detachably connected in the second locking member 15. The mounting plate 16 is suspended below the screw rod 7.

The middle segment 12 may be a normal segment or a functional segment of the center pole. Preferably, when the middle segment 12 is a functional segment, the outside of the middle segment 12 is provided with a transparent protective cover. Functional components such as a Bluetooth speaker and a control panel (not shown in the figures) are provided in the protective cover. The protective cover has the same outer diameter as the center pole 1 to improve the overall aesthetics of the center pole.

A first locking member 8 is fixedly connected to the distal end of the second segment 13 by welding or radial fixation of a countersunk bolt. The first locking member 8 is tapered downward, having a larger upper end welded to the distal end of the second segment 13 and a small lower end inserted in the middle segment 12. The distal end of the first locking member 8 has a perforation 82. The perforation 82 is formed with an internal thread matching the screw rod 7. The screw rod 7 passes through the second locking member 15, the first segment 11 and the middle segment 12 and is threadedly connected to the first locking member 8, so as to achieve the axial fixation of the three segments of the center pole 1. As shown in FIG. 14(b), the outer side wall of the lower end of the first locking member 8 has a groove 81. As shown in FIG. 15(a)/(b), the middle segment 12 has a restricting member 9 extending inward. The restricting member 9 is engaged in the groove 81 to achieve the circumferential fixation between the second segment 13 and the middle segment 12.

In the aforementioned structure, the connecting wires for connecting the first connecting end 21 and the power-using device are arranged in the segments of the center pole. The number of the segments of the connecting wires are the same as the number of the segments of the center pole. The first locking member 8, the guide member 14 and the second locking member 15 all have wire holes (not shown in the figures) for the connecting wires to pass therethrough. The connecting wires of adjacent segments are detachably connected via plug-in terminals.

In actual assembly according to the technical solution of this embodiment, after connecting the plug-in terminals of the adjacent segments of the connecting wires, the lower end of the first locking member 8 is inserted into the middle segment 12. The groove 81 of the outer wall of the first locking member is engaged with the restricting member 9 in the middle segment 12 to achieve the relative fixation of the middle segment 12 and the second segment 13. The middle segment and the first segment may be fixed by means of threads or countersunk bolts. The screw rod 7 is first inserted through the second locking member 15. With the assistance of the second locking member 15 and the guide member 14 in the first segment 11, the screw rod 7 passes through the first segment 11 and the middle segment 12, and is threadedly connected to the first locking member 8 at the distal end of the second segment 13, so as to complete the assembly of the segmented center pole. The mounting plate 16 is secure in the second locking member. The first connecting end 21 is connected to the connecting wire (not shown in the figures) in the center pole 1 and then secured on the mounting plate 16, alternatively, after the second connecting end 22 is connected to the connecting wire in the center pole 1, the first retaining plate 40 is secured on the mounting plate 16. The assembled center pole 1 is inserted in the center pole retaining member 42 and the recessed portion 41 of the base 4. The first connecting end 21 and the second connecting end of the electrical connector 2 are connected to each other to complete the electrical connection. After that, the center pole 1 is rotated by 45 degrees and secured in the recessed portion 41 of the base. In the process of rotation and fixation, the rotary mounting plate 3 is rotated along with the center pole 1 to drive and twist the coil spring, thereby generating an elastic return force in the direction opposite to the direction of rotation of the center pole 1. When maintenance, disassembly or transportation is required, the center pole 1 is rotated reversely to leave the fixed position, and the rotary mounting plate 3 is rotated along with the center pole 1 to leave the fixed position. The first connecting end 21 and the second connecting end 22 of the electrical connector 2 are separated from each other, and then the center pole 1 is disassembled. After the center pole 1 is completely separated from the base 4, the coil spring drives the rotary mounting plate 3 and the second connecting end 22 to return to the original position. When the center pole 1 needs to be connected to the base 4 again, the first connecting end 21 and the second connecting end 22 can be quickly and accurately connected, so as to protect the connecting ends of the electrical connector 2 from being inaccurately aligned and not being inserted in place or even damaged, thus ensuring the stability of the electrical connection effectively.

Seventh Embodiment

The seventh embodiment is substantially similar to the sixth embodiment with the exceptions described below.

The second locking member 15 is directly disposed on the bottom surface of the distal end of the first segment 11 or on the inner wall close to the end of the first segment 11. As shown in FIG. 16, the second locking member 15 is an annular member protruding from the inner wall of the distal end of the first segment 11 toward the axis of the first segment 11.

The advantage of the seventh embodiment is that it reduces the number of structural parts of the segmented center pole, improves the convenience of assembly, and facilitates the installation of the electrical connector 2.

Although particular embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail for purposes of illustration, various modifications and enhancements may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the present invention is not to be limited except as by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An outdoor center pole structure, comprising a center pole, an electrical connector, a rotary mounting plate, and a base; the base having a recessed portion for receiving and securing the center pole; the electrical connector including a first connecting end and a second connecting end, the first connecting end and the second connecting end being insertedly connected to each other, the first connecting end being fixed to a distal end of the center pole; the rotary mounting plate being rotatably mounted in the recessed portion, the second connecting end being fixed to the rotary mounting plate.

2. The outdoor center pole structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein a rotating shaft is disposed on a bottom of the recessed portion, the rotating shaft passes through a central through hole of the rotary mounting plate, and an anti-detachment assembly is disposed on a distal end of the rotating shaft.

3. The outdoor center pole structure as claimed in claim 2, wherein the rotating shaft is a truncated conical shaft that is gradually reduced upward; the through hole of the rotary mounting plate is gradually reduced upward and corresponds in shape to the rotating shaft, and the through hole has a minimum diameter greater than a minimum outer diameter of the rotating shaft but less than a maximum outer diameter of the rotating shaft.

4. The outdoor center pole structure as claimed in claim 2, wherein the rotating shaft has a support member radially extending outward for supporting the rotary mounting plate and for restricting a downward travel of the rotary mounting plate.

5. The outdoor center pole structure as claimed in claim 2, wherein the recessed portion has a support member for supporting the rotary mounting plate and for restricting a downward travel of the rotary mounting plate.

6. The outdoor center pole structure as claimed in claim 5, wherein the support member is support posts or curved support blocks or an annular support block surrounding the rotating shaft.

7. The outdoor center pole structure as claimed in claim 2, wherein a coil spring is disposed below the rotary mounting plate, the coil spring is fitted on the rotating shaft, the recessed portion has a first positioning block, the rotary mounting plate has a second positioning block, one end of the coil spring leans against the first positioning block, and another end of the coil spring leans against the second positioning block.

8. The outdoor center pole structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein the recessed portion has a restricting block; the rotary mounting plate has a second positioning block, and a rotational range of the rotary mounting plate is restricted by interaction between the restricting block and the second positioning block.

9. The outdoor center pole structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein a first retaining plate is secured in the recessed portion, a rotating shaft is disposed on the first retaining plate, the rotating shaft passes through a central through hole of the rotary mounting plate, and an anti-detachment assembly is disposed on a distal end of the rotating shaft.

10. The outdoor center pole structure as claimed in claim 9, wherein the rotating shaft is a truncated conical shaft that is gradually reduced upward; the through hole of the rotary mounting plate is gradually reduced upward and corresponds in shape to the rotating shaft, and the through hole has a minimum diameter greater than a minimum outer diameter of the rotating shaft but less than a maximum outer diameter of the rotating shaft.

11. The outdoor center pole structure as claimed in claim 9, wherein the rotating shaft has a support member radially extending outward for supporting the rotary mounting plate and for restricting a downward travel of the rotary mounting plate.

12. The outdoor center pole structure as claimed in claim 9, wherein the first retaining plate has a support member extending upward for supporting the rotary mounting plate and for restricting a downward travel of the rotary mounting plate.

13. The outdoor center pole structure as claimed in claim 9, wherein a coil spring is disposed below the rotary mounting plate, the coil spring is fitted on the rotating shaft, the first retaining plate has a first positioning block, the rotary mounting plate has a second positioning block, one end of the coil spring leans against the first positioning block, and another end of the coil spring leans against the second positioning block.

14. The outdoor center pole structure as claimed in claim 9, wherein the first retaining plate has a restricting block; the rotary mounting plate has a second positioning block, and a rotational range of the rotary mounting plate is restricted by interaction between the restricting block and the second positioning block.

15. An outdoor center pole structure, comprising a center pole, an electrical connector, a rotary mounting plate, and a base; the base having a recessed portion for receiving and securing the center pole; the electrical connector including a first connecting end and a second connecting end, the first connecting end and the second connecting end being insertedly connected to each other, the first connecting end being fixed in the recessed portion; the rotary mounting plate being rotatably mounted to a distal end of the center pole, the second connecting end being fixed to the rotary mounting plate.

16. The outdoor center pole structure as claimed in claim 15, wherein a first retaining plate is disposed in the recessed portion, the first connecting end is fixed to the first retaining plate; a second retaining plate is disposed at the distal end of the center pole, a rotating shaft is disposed on the second retaining plate, the rotating shaft passes through a central through hole of the rotary mounting plate, and an anti-detachment assembly is disposed on a distal end of the rotating shaft.

17. The outdoor center pole structure as claimed in claim 15, wherein the second retaining plate has a support member extending downward for restricting an upward travel of the rotary mounting plate.

18. The outdoor center pole structure as claimed in claim 15, wherein a coil spring is disposed above the rotary mounting plate, the coil spring is fitted on the rotating shaft, the second retaining plate has a first positioning block, the rotary mounting plate has a second positioning block, one end of the coil spring leans against the first positioning block, and another end of the coil spring leans against the second positioning block.

19. The outdoor center pole structure as claimed in claim 15, wherein the second retaining plate has a restricting block; the rotary mounting plate has a second positioning block, and a rotational range of the rotary mounting plate is restricted by interaction between the restricting block and the second positioning block.

20. The outdoor center pole structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein the center pole is a segmented center pole and includes a first segment and a second segment, a second locking member is disposed at a distal end of the first segment, a first locking member is disposed on the second segment, a distal end of the first locking member has a perforation with an internal thread, a screw rod is disposed in the center pole, and the screw rod passes through the second locking member and the first segment and is locked to the first locking member.

21. The outdoor center pole structure as claimed in claim 20, wherein the second locking member is an annular member protruding inward from a bottom or an inner wall of the distal end of the first segment.

22. The outdoor center pole structure as claimed in claim 20, wherein the second locking member is a hollow post, and the second locking member is fixed to the distal end of the first segment.

23. The outdoor center pole structure as claimed in claim 20, wherein the center pole further includes a middle segment located between the first segment and the second segment, and the screw rod passes through the second locking member, the first segment and the middle segment and is locked to the first locking member.

24. The outdoor center pole structure as claimed in claim 23, wherein the middle segment has a restricting member, the first locking member is disposed at a distal end of the second segment, an outer side wall of the first locking member has a groove, and the restricting member is engaged in the groove.

25. The outdoor center pole structure as claimed in claim 20, wherein a guide member is disposed in the first segment for assisting the screw rod to pass through the first segment.