Hinge device and folding container

Abstract

The application discloses a hinge device and a folding container. The hinge device comprises a fixed hinge, a movable hinge and a locking assembly; the movable hinge is pivotally connected to the fixed hinge; the locking assembly is pivotally connected to the fixed hinge around a locking pivot axis; the locking assembly comprises a bracket and a locking block; the bracket comprises a pair of side plates; the locking block is provided with a locking shaft which is movably arranged between the pair of side plates; during rotation of the movable hinge from a horizontal position to a vertical position, the locking assembly in a locking position can be pushed to rotate, so that the part of the movable hinge in the vertical position is below the locking block, and the locking block can block the rotation of the movable hinge from the vertical position to the horizontal position. Thus, the locking assembly is away from the locking position, the locking of the movable hinge in the vertical position is released, and the movable hinge can rotate to the horizontal position, so that the operation is simple; in addition, the locking block is connected to the side plates through the locking shaft, and the structure of the side plates is simple.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of folding containers, and more specifically to hinge devices and folding containers. Background Technology

[0002] Foldable containers consist of end frames and a base frame. The foldable end frames are hinged to the base frame via a hinge mechanism. After the end frames are erected, the latches on the hinge mechanism need to be manually operated to lock them in place. The hinge mechanism generally includes a movable hinge fixed to the lower end of the end frame and fixed hinges fixed to both sides of the end of the base frame. The movable hinge is hinged to the fixed hinge via a pin, allowing the container's end frames to rotate between a folded position (folded to the base frame) and an open position (vertically oriented). When the container's end frames are in the open position, the operator inserts the latch from the inside of the fixed hinge into the corresponding holes or notches on the movable and fixed hinges, securing the movable hinge to the fixed hinge and preventing the end frames from rotating from the open to the folded position under external force. When the container's end frames need to rotate from the open to the folded position, the operator must remove the latch beforehand.

[0003] However, in some situations, operators may not insert the latch into the correct position. Furthermore, because the latch is located within the fixed hinge, it is difficult for operators to detect if it is not inserted correctly. This poses a significant safety hazard when operators handle collapsible containers.

[0004] To address the aforementioned issues, existing folding container hinge mechanisms incorporate locking components. When the end frame is flipped to the open position, the locking component automatically locks the movable hinge, securing the end frame in the open position. To flip the end frame back to the folded position, the locking component must be manually moved to release the lock on the movable hinge. The locking component of the existing hinge mechanism includes a bracket and a locking block. The bracket has a mounting groove. Part of the locking block is located within the mounting groove. The locking block prevents rotation of the movable hinge, thus fixing the end frame in the open position. During the rotation of the end frame from the folded position to the open position, the movable hinge acts on the locking block, causing the locking component to rotate, thereby allowing the movable hinge to rotate to the open position. During this process, the locking block flips within the mounting groove. Therefore, the shape of the mounting groove needs to match the flipping trajectory of the locking block, resulting in a complex structure for the mounting groove.

[0005] Therefore, this application provides a hinge device and a folding container to at least partially solve the above-mentioned problems. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The summary section introduces a series of simplified concepts, which will be further explained in detail in the detailed embodiments section. This summary section is not intended to limit the key features and essential technical features of the claimed technical solutions, nor is it intended to determine the scope of protection of the claimed technical solutions.

[0007] To at least partially solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this application provides a hinge device for folding containers, the hinge device comprising:

[0008] Fixed hinge;

[0009] A movable hinge is pivotally connected to a fixed hinge about an axial pivot axis parallel to a first horizontal direction between a horizontal and a vertical position.

[0010] A locking assembly is pivotally connected to a fixed hinge about a locking pivot axis that is axially parallel to a first horizontal direction, so that it can be rotated to a locked position.

[0011] The locking assembly includes a bracket and a locking block. The bracket includes a pair of side plates spaced apart along a first horizontal direction. The pair of side plates are disposed within a fixed hinge, and a movable hinge is located between the pair of side plates. The locking block is provided with a locking shaft. The axial direction of the locking shaft is parallel to the first horizontal direction and can be movably inserted between the pair of side plates.

[0012] As the movable hinge rotates from the horizontal position to the vertical position, it can push the locking component located in the locked position to rotate, so that the part of the movable hinge that has rotated to the vertical position is below the locking block, thereby enabling the locking block to prevent the movable hinge from rotating from the vertical position to the horizontal position.

[0013] According to the hinge device of this application, by moving the locking component away from the locked position, the lock on the movable hinge located in the vertical position can be released, so that the movable hinge can rotate to the horizontal position, which is simple to operate; in addition, the setting of the locking block connected to the side plate through the locking shaft makes the structure of the side plate simple.

[0014] Optionally, the side plate is provided with a retaining hole, and the locking shaft passes through the retaining hole. The size of the retaining hole is larger than the outer diameter of the locking shaft, so that the locking shaft can move in any direction along the moving surface located perpendicular to the first horizontal direction.

[0015] Optionally, the retaining hole is an elongated hole, and when the locking component is in the locked position, the long axis of the elongated hole is parallel to the height direction of the fixed hinge.

[0016] Optionally, the locking block has a receiving hole with its axial direction parallel to the first horizontal direction and a positioning hole with its axial direction perpendicular to the first horizontal direction. The positioning hole communicates with the receiving hole. The locking assembly also includes a fastener, with the locking shaft passing through the receiving hole and the fastener passing through the positioning hole and abutting against the locking shaft.

[0017] Optionally, the fixed hinge is provided with a clearance hole, and the locking component is provided with a blocking part extending along the first horizontal direction. The blocking part and the locking pivot are spaced apart, and the blocking part extends and protrudes to the first side of the fixed hinge along the first horizontal direction after passing through the clearance hole.

[0018] The hinge device also includes an operating member, which includes a mating part located on the first side of the fixed hinge along a first horizontal direction. The operating member is pivotally connected to the fixed hinge or locking assembly about a pivot axis parallel to the first horizontal direction in an axial direction. Along a second horizontal direction perpendicular to the first horizontal direction, the mating part can rotate to the side of the blocking part, thereby enabling the mating part to drive the locking assembly to rotate away from the locked position through the blocking part.

[0019] Optionally, the operating component further includes an operating part, and the mating part includes a first wall and a second wall. The first wall is connected to the second wall, and one end of the second wall is connected to the operating part. The length direction of the first wall and the length direction of the second wall are both perpendicular to the first horizontal direction. The length direction of the operating part extends along the first horizontal direction. The first wall is used to push the blocking part to drive the locking component to rotate away from the locking position.

[0020] Optionally, during the rotation of the operating component around the flipping pivot axis in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, the operating component sequentially passes through the storage position, the first flipping position, and the second flipping position.

[0021] With the operating member in the retracted position, along the second horizontal direction, the operating member is located inside the outer end of the fixed hinge, and the first wall is away from the blocking part.

[0022] With the operating member in the first flip position, along the second horizontal direction, the operating part is located outside the fixed hinge, the blocking part is located between the operating part and the first wall, the first wall abuts against the blocking part, and the locking assembly is in the locked position.

[0023] When the operating component is in the second flip position, the first wall abuts against the blocking part, and the locking component is in the release position.

[0024] Optionally, when the operating member is in the first flip position, the second wall is located below the first wall along the second horizontal direction, and the flip pivot is located between the operating part and the first wall, and / or

[0025] When the operating component is in the storage position, the blocking part is located on the side of the second wall and fits against the second wall, thereby preventing the operating component from rotating away from the first flip position.

[0026] Optionally, the operating component can stop at the storage position or the first flip position under the action of its own gravity.

[0027] Optionally, the flip pivot and the locking pivot can be set coaxially or spaced apart.

[0028] Optionally, the fixed hinge includes a wall panel, a bottom corner bracket, and a support plate. The bottom corner bracket is connected to the lower end of the wall panel. Along a first horizontal direction, there is a gap between the fixed outer side of the wall panel and the corner bracket outer side. The support plate is fitted to the fixed outer side. Along the first horizontal direction, the supporting outer side of the support plate is flush with the corner bracket outer side. The mating part is fitted to the support plate, and / or

[0029] The side plate includes an outer side plate and an inner side plate. The bracket also includes a connector. The outer side plate and the inner side plate are spaced apart along a first horizontal direction. The connector is connected to the top of the outer end of the outer side plate and to the top of the outer end of the inner side plate.

[0030] This application also provides a folding container, which includes the aforementioned hinge device.

[0031] According to the folding container of this application, the folding container includes the aforementioned hinge device, which releases the lock on the movable hinge in the vertical position by moving the locking component away from the locked position, so that the movable hinge can rotate to the horizontal position, making operation simple; in addition, the locking block is connected to the side plate through the locking shaft, and the structure of the side plate is simple. Attached Figure Description

[0032] To make the advantages of this application more readily apparent, the application briefly described above will be described in more detail with reference to the specific embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of this application and should not be considered as limiting its scope of protection. The application is described and explained with additional features and details through the drawings.

[0033] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a hinge device according to a first preferred embodiment of the present application, wherein the movable hinge is in a vertical position, the operating member is in a first flipped position, and the locking component is in a locked position.

[0034] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of a hinge device, wherein the movable hinge is in a horizontal position, the operating component is in a retracted position, and the locking component is in a locked position;

[0035] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of a hinge device, wherein the movable hinge is located between a vertical position and a horizontal position, the operating component is located in a second flip position, and the locking component is located in a released position;

[0036] Figure 4 for Figure 1 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the fixed hinge of the hinge device;

[0037] Figure 5 for Figure 1 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the movable hinge of the hinge device;

[0038] Figure 6 for Figure 1 A perspective view of the locking assembly of the hinge device, without showing the blocking part;

[0039] Figure 7 for Figure 1 An exploded view of the locking assembly of the hinge device;

[0040] Figure 8 for Figure 1 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the flipping component of the hinge device;

[0041] Figure 9 for Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the hinge device, wherein the movable hinge is not shown, the operating component is in the retracted position, and the locking component is in the locked position;

[0042] Figure 10 for Figure 1 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of a hinge device, wherein the movable hinge is not shown, the operating component is in the first flip position, and the locking component is in the locked position;

[0043] Figure 11 for Figure 1 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of a hinge device, wherein the movable hinge is not shown, the operating member is in the second flip position, and the locking component is in the released position;

[0044] Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a hinge device according to a second preferred embodiment of the present application, wherein the movable hinge is not shown, the operating member is in the first flip position, and the locking component is in the locked position.

[0045] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0046] 110: Fixed hinge; 111: Exterior wall panel

[0047] 112: Card Block 113: Locked Surface

[0048] 114: Interior wall panel 114a: Clearance hole

[0049] 115: External hinge shaft hole; 116: Bottom corner piece

[0050] 117: Connecting corner piece; 118: Locking shaft hole

[0051] 119: Support plate 120: Movable hinge

[0052] 121: Protrusion 122: Support surface

[0053] 123: Inner hinge shaft hole; 124: Abutment surface

[0054] 130: Hinge pivot 140: Locking assembly

[0055] 141: Bracket; 142: Through hole

[0056] 143: Locking block; 144: Locking pivot.

[0057] 145: Outer panel; 146: Connector

[0058] 147: Positioning hole; 148: Receiving hole

[0059] 149: Locking shaft; 151: Clamping hole

[0060] 152: Receiving hole for the blocking part; 153: Pin hole for the side plate.

[0061] 154: Inner side plate; 155: Blocking part

[0062] 160: Operating component 161: Operating section

[0063] 162: Mating part 162a: First mating surface

[0064] 162b: Second mating surface; 162c: First wall

[0065] 162d: Second wall; 163: Connecting hole

[0066] 170: Flip pivot axis; F: Outer end face of bottom corner piece;

[0067] 260: Operating component 261: Operating section

[0068] 262: Coordination Department Detailed Implementation

[0069] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a more thorough understanding of this application. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that embodiments of this application may be practiced without one or more of these details. In other instances, certain technical features well-known in the art have not been described to avoid confusion with embodiments of this application.

[0070] The preferred embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the terms "upper," "lower," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be limiting.

[0071] In this document, ordinal numbers such as “first” and “second” used in this application are merely identifiers and do not have any other meaning, such as a specific order.

[0072] To fully understand the embodiments of this application, a detailed structure will be presented in the following description. Obviously, the implementation of the embodiments of this application is not limited to the specific details familiar to those skilled in the art. Preferred embodiments of this application are described in detail below; however, other embodiments may be available in addition to these detailed descriptions.

[0073] First Implementation Method

[0074] This application provides a hinge device and a collapsible container (e.g., a rack-type container) having the hinge device. The collapsible container mainly includes a base frame (not shown) and end frames (not shown) arranged horizontally. The base frame is generally constructed as a rectangular frame structure. Uprights are provided at both ends of the end frames along the width direction of the base frame.

[0075] The end frames are located at both ends of the base frame along its length. The end frames can rotate between a folded position and an open position. When in the folded position, the end frames are stacked on top of the base frame, with the height direction of the end frames (i.e., the length direction of the end frame's uprights) parallel to the length direction of the base frame. When in the open position, the height direction of the end frames is parallel to the height direction of the base frame.

[0076] The end frame is pivotally connected to the base frame via a hinge mechanism. The hinge mechanism is located at the corner of the base frame and at the lower end of the end frame's uprights.

[0077] Please refer to Figures 1 to 11 The hinge device includes a fixed hinge 110, a movable hinge 120, a locking component 140, and an operating component 160.

[0078] Fixed hinge 110 is used for fixed connection to the base frame (not shown). At this time, fixed hinge 110 is located at the corner of the base frame. Movable hinge 120 is used for connection to the bottom end of the column of the end frame. At this time, the width direction of the base frame is parallel to the first horizontal direction D1, the length direction of the base frame is parallel to the second horizontal direction D2, and the height direction of the base frame is parallel to the height direction D3 of fixed hinge 110.

[0079] like Figures 1 to 4As shown, the fixed hinge 110 includes an outer wall panel 111 and an inner wall panel 114. The plane containing the outer wall panel 111 is parallel to the plane containing the inner wall panel 114. The outer wall panel 111 and the inner wall panel 114 are spaced apart along a first horizontal direction D1. The outer wall panel 111 and the inner wall panel 114 are connected by a bottom corner piece 116 and a hanging corner piece 117, which will be described later. When the fixed hinge 110 is connected to the base frame, along the width direction of the base frame, the inner wall panel 114 is located inside the outer wall panel 111 near the center of the base frame.

[0080] In this text, along the explanatory direction (first horizontal direction D1, second horizontal direction D2, or height direction D3 of the fixed hinge 110), the terms "inner side," "outer side," "inner end," and "outer end" of a component refer to the component's "inner side," "outer side," "inner end," and "outer end" when the hinge device is connected to the base frame. For example, along the first horizontal direction D1, the inner end of the component is the end of the component closest to the center of the base frame along the first horizontal direction D1 when the hinge device is connected to the base frame.

[0081] Along the first horizontal direction D1, the outer end of the component is, when the hinge device is connected to the base frame, the end of the component that is away from the center of the base frame along the first horizontal direction D1.

[0082] Along the first horizontal direction D1, the inner side of the component is, when the hinge device is connected to the base frame, the side of the component near the center of the base frame along the first horizontal direction D1.

[0083] Along the first horizontal direction D1, the outer side of the component is, when the hinge device is connected to the base frame, the side of the component away from the center of the base frame along the first horizontal direction D1.

[0084] Please refer to Figures 1 to 5 The hinge device also includes a hinge pivot 130. The hinge pivot 130 can be generally constructed as a circular cylindrical structure. The movable hinge 120 can be provided with an inner hinge shaft hole 123. Along the second horizontal direction D2, the bottom of the inner end of the outer wall panel 111 and the bottom of the inner end of the inner wall panel 114 are both provided with outer hinge shaft holes 115.

[0085] A movable hinge 120 is disposed between the outer wall panel 111 and the inner wall panel 114. A hinge pivot 130 passes through the inner hinge pivot hole 123 and the outer hinge pivot hole 115. At this time, the axial direction of the hinge pivot 130 is parallel to the first horizontal direction D1. Thus, the movable hinge 120 is pivotally connected to the fixed hinge 110 via the hinge pivot 130, allowing the movable hinge 120 to rotate relative to the fixed hinge 110 about the hinge pivot 130 between horizontal and vertical positions.

[0086] When the movable hinge 120 is in the horizontal position, it is positioned approximately horizontally. At this time, the end bracket is in the folded position. When the movable hinge 120 is in the vertical position, it is positioned approximately along the height direction D3 of the fixed hinge 110. At this time, the end bracket is in the open position.

[0087] In this embodiment, one end of the movable hinge 120 is located within the gap between the outer wall panel 111 and the inner wall panel 114. The other end of the movable hinge 120 extends beyond the outer wall panel 111 and the inner wall panel 114 for connection to the column of the end frame.

[0088] Please refer to Figures 1 to 3 ,as well as Figures 6 to 7 The locking assembly 140 includes a bracket 141, a locking block 143, and a locking pivot 144. The bracket 141 includes a pair of side plates, comprising an outer side plate 145 and an inner side plate 154. The plane containing the outer side plate 145 is parallel to the plane containing the inner side plate 154. The outer side plate 145 and the inner side plate 154 are spaced apart along a first horizontal direction D1. The outer side plate 145 and the inner side plate 154 are connected by a connector 146, described later.

[0089] The plane containing the outer edge panel 145 is approximately parallel to the plane containing the outer wall panel 111. Along the first horizontal direction D1, the outer edge panel 145 is located between the movable hinges 120 of the outer wall panel 111, and the inner edge panel 154 is located between the inner wall panel 114 and the movable hinges 120.

[0090] The locking pivot 144 can be generally constructed as a circular cylindrical structure. Along the second horizontal direction D2, the bottom of the outer end of the outer side plate 145 and the bottom of the outer end of the inner side plate 154 are both provided with side plate pin holes 153. Locking shaft holes 118 are correspondingly provided on the outer wall plate 111 and the inner wall plate 114 (see...). Figure 4 The locking pivot 144 passes through the side plate pin hole 153 and the locking shaft hole 118. Thus, a gap exists between the locking pivot 144 and the locking pivot 144 along the second horizontal direction D2. The bracket 141 is pivotally connected to the fixed hinge 110 via the locking pivot 144, allowing the locking assembly 140 to rotate relative to the fixed hinge 110 about the locking pivot 144 between a locked position and a released position.

[0091] It should be noted that the terms "top", "bottom", "outer end" and "inner end" for the components in the locking assembly 140 refer to the "top", "bottom", "outer end" and "inner end" when the locking assembly 140 is in the locked position.

[0092] Locking block 143 is movably connected to bracket 141 (described later). Along the first horizontal direction D1, locking block 143 is located between outer side plate 145 and inner side plate 154.

[0093] When the locking component 140 is in the locked position (see...) Figure 1 The locking assembly 140 can lock the movable hinge 120 in the vertical position, thereby locking the end frame connected to the movable hinge 120 in the open position. When the locking assembly 140 is in the released position, it can release the lock on the movable hinge 120 in the vertical position, thereby allowing the end frame to be rotated from the open position to the folded position (see...). Figure 3 ).

[0094] Specifically, such as Figures 9 to 11 As shown, along the second horizontal direction D2, the center of gravity of the locking assembly 140 is located on the side of the axis of the locking pivot 144 closer to the hinge pivot 130. Thus, when the locking assembly 140 is in the released position, along the second horizontal direction D2, the upper part of the outer end of the locking assembly 140 is located outside the fixed hinge 110. The rotation angle of the locking assembly 140 in the locked and released positions is small, so that the locking assembly 140 in the released position can automatically return to the locked position under its own weight without the action of external force. In other words, the locking assembly 140 can remain in the locked position without being subjected to external force.

[0095] With the movable hinge 120 in the horizontal position, the movable hinge 120 disengages from the locking assembly 140. At this time, the locking assembly 140 is in the locked position. During the rotation of the movable hinge 120 from the horizontal position to the vertical position (e.g. Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the movable hinge 120 rotates counterclockwise around the hinge pivot 130. The movable hinge 120 can contact and push the locking block 143 of the locking assembly 140, thereby causing the locking assembly 140 to move away from the locked position and towards the released position (the locking assembly 140 rotates counterclockwise around the locking pivot 144). During this process, the locking assembly 140 and the movable hinge 120 rotate simultaneously. The locking assembly 140 can gradually avoid the movable hinge 120, thereby allowing the movable hinge 120 to rotate to the vertical position. When the movable hinge 120 rotates to the vertical position, the movable hinge 120 moves away from the locking block 143, thereby releasing its effect on the locking block 143. At this time, the locking assembly 140 can automatically rotate (the locking assembly 140 rotates clockwise around the locking pivot 144) to the locked position under its own gravity.

[0096] With the movable hinge 120 in the vertical position and the locking assembly 140 in the locked position, at least a portion of the movable hinge 120 is located below the locking block 143. At this time, the locking block 143 can prevent the movable hinge 120 from rotating toward the horizontal position, thereby locking the movable hinge 120 in the vertical position.

[0097] Preferably, such as Figure 5 As shown, the movable hinge 120 is provided with a protrusion 121. Along the second horizontal direction D2, the protrusion 121 is provided at the outer end of the movable hinge 120. The protrusion 121 may include an upward-facing support surface 122.

[0098] It should be noted that the "top", "bottom", "outer end" and "inner end" of the components of the movable hinge 120 are the "top", "bottom", "outer end" and "inner end" when the movable hinge 120 is in the vertical position.

[0099] As the movable hinge 120 rotates from a horizontal position to a vertical position, the protrusion 121 abuts against the locking block 143 and applies a pushing force to the locking block 143, causing the locking assembly 140 to rotate away from the locked position. When the movable hinge 120 is in the vertical position, there is a gap between the portion of the movable hinge 120 above the support surface 122 and the locking block 143 along the second horizontal direction D2. In this way, the movable hinge 120 can avoid the locking block 143, thereby releasing its action on the locking block 143. Thus, the locking assembly 140 automatically flips back to the locked position under its own weight. In this way, the support surface 122 is located below the locking block 143 and abuts against the locking block 143, so that the locking block 143 can be engaged between the support surface 122 of the protrusion 121 and the fixed hinge 110 along the height direction D3 of the fixed hinge 110, thereby locking the movable hinge 120 in the vertical position.

[0100] The protrusion 121 may also be provided with abutment surface 124. Support surface 122 is inclined relative to abutment surface 124 (see...). Figure 5 In this embodiment, when the movable hinge 120 is in the vertical position, along the second horizontal direction D2, the upper end of the abutment surface 124 is further away from the inner hinge shaft hole 123 relative to its lower end. As the movable hinge 120 rotates from the horizontal position to the vertical position, the abutment surface 124 can abut against the locking block 143 and push the locking assembly 140 away from the locked position.

[0101] When it is necessary to rotate the movable hinge 120 from the vertical position to the horizontal position, the operating member 160 can be operated to rotate the locking assembly 140 to the release position, thereby releasing the locking block 143 from locking the movable hinge 120 in the vertical position. In this way, the movable hinge 120 in the vertical position can rotate towards the horizontal position.

[0102] Specifically, such as Figures 1 to 3As shown, the bracket 141 is provided with a blocking portion 155. The blocking portion 155 may be a rod-shaped structure. The length direction of the blocking portion 155 extends along the first horizontal direction D1. The blocking portion 155 and the locking pivot 144 are spaced apart. Along the height direction D3 of the fixed hinge 110, the blocking portion 155 is located above the locking pivot 144. The inner wall panel 114 is provided with a clearance hole 114a. The blocking portion 155 passes through the clearance hole 114a. Along the first horizontal direction D1, the blocking portion 155 extends and protrudes to the inner side of the inner wall panel 114 away from the outer wall panel 111 (example of the first side). The size of the clearance hole 114a is larger than the outer diameter of the blocking portion 155.

[0103] It is understood that, in embodiments not shown, clearance holes are provided in the outer wall panel. Along the second horizontal direction D2, the blocking portion may also extend and protrude to the outer side of the outer wall panel away from the inner wall panel, with the operating member located on the outer side of the outer wall panel.

[0104] The flip pivot 170 can be generally constructed as a circular cylindrical structure. The operating member 160 is provided with a connecting hole 163. The flip pivot 170 is connected to the inner wall panel 114. Along the first horizontal direction D1, the operating member 160 is located inside the inner wall panel 114. The flip pivot 170 passes through the connecting hole 163. Thus, the operating member 160 is pivotally connected to the fixed hinge 110 via the flip pivot 170, allowing the operating member 160 to rotate about the flip pivot 170 relative to the fixed hinge 110. This allows the operating member 160 to rotate relative to the fixed hinge 110 between a stowed position, a first flipped position, and a second flipped position. Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the operating member 160 rotates counterclockwise around the flipping pivot 170 from the storage position to the first flipping position, and then continues to rotate counterclockwise from the first flipping position to the second flipping position. Thus, the hinge device has a simple structure and is easy to operate.

[0105] The operating component 160 includes an operating part 161 and a mating part 162. For example... Figure 1 As shown, when the operating member 160 is in the first flip position, along the second horizontal direction D2, a portion of the mating part 162 is located on the side of the blocking part 155 near the hinge pivot 130. That is, in the illustrated embodiment, about the flip pivot 170 in a counterclockwise direction, a portion of the mating part 162 is located upstream of the blocking part 155. The mating part 162 abuts against the blocking part 155. At this time, rotating the operating member 160 toward the second flip position pushes the blocking part 155 to move within the clearance hole 114a, thereby pushing the locking assembly 140 away from the locked position and rotating toward the released position.

[0106] Along the second horizontal direction D2, the mating part 162 of the operating member 160 is located on the side of the fixed hinge 110, so that the fixed hinge 110 cannot block the mating part 162 of the operating member 160, and the mating part 162 of the operating member 160 can be easily operated.

[0107] Thus, when it is necessary to rotate the movable hinge 120, which is in the vertical position, toward the horizontal position, the operating member 160 can be operated to drive the locking assembly 140 from the locked position to the released position, so as to allow the movable hinge 120 to rotate toward the horizontal position.

[0108] Preferably, refer to Figures 1 to 3 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 The bracket 141 also includes a connector 146. Along the second horizontal direction D2, the connector 146 is connected to the top of the outer end of the outer side plate 145 and the top of the outer end of the inner side plate 154. The connector 146 has a through hole 142. Thus, the bracket 141 is lightweight and strong.

[0109] The inner side plate 154 is provided with a blocking part receiving hole 152. One end of the blocking part 155 passes through the blocking part receiving hole 152 and is connected to the inner side plate 154. At this time, the other end of the blocking part 155 is located on the side of the inner side plate 154 away from the outer side plate 145. Thus, the hinge device has a simple structure and is easy to install.

[0110] It is understood that, in an embodiment not shown, the blocking portion may also be located between the inner side plate and the inner wall plate. In this case, there is no need to provide a clearance hole. The mating portion of the operating member is located between the inner side plate and the inner wall plate. The operating member may also be pivotally connected to the bracket.

[0111] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, both the inner side plate 154 and the outer side plate 145 have retaining holes 151. The locking block 143 has a positioning hole 147 and a receiving hole 148. The locking assembly 140 also includes a locking shaft 149. The locking shaft 149 passes through the receiving hole 148. The locking shaft 149 can be fixed to the locking block 143 through the positioning hole 147 (e.g., by welding or by connecting with a positioning pin), thereby fixing the position of the locking shaft 149 and the locking block 143 in the axial direction along the receiving hole 148.

[0112] A locking shaft 149 passes through a retaining hole 151. This allows the locking block 143 to be held within the retaining hole 151 by the locking shaft 149. The retaining hole 151 can be an elongated hole. When the locking assembly 140 is in the locked position, the long axis of the elongated hole is parallel to the height direction D3 of the fixed hinge 110, and the short axis of the elongated hole is parallel to the second horizontal direction D2. The dimensions of the retaining hole 151 along both the long and short axes are larger than the diameter of the locking shaft 149. This allows the locking shaft 149 to move within the retaining hole 151 in any direction within the moving surface, thereby movably connecting the locking shaft 149 to the bracket 141, and consequently, movably connecting the locking block 143 to the bracket 141. The moving surface is perpendicular to the first horizontal direction D1. This facilitates the movement of the locking block 143, allowing the movable hinge 120 to rotate smoothly to the vertical position. Furthermore, the hinge device has a simple structure and is easy to install.

[0113] Lock block 143 is located at connector 146. Thus, connector 146 can protect lock block 143 and limit the pivoting of lock block 143 about lock shaft 149.

[0114] In this embodiment, by moving the locking component 140 away from the locked position, the lock on the movable hinge 120 located in the vertical position can be released, allowing the movable hinge 120 to rotate towards the horizontal position, which is simple to operate; in addition, the locking block 143 is connected to the side plate through the locking shaft 149, and the structure of the side plate is simple.

[0115] Please return Figures 1 to 4 The fixed hinge 110 also includes a bottom corner piece 116 and a connecting corner piece 117. The bottom corner piece 116 can be a prior art bottom corner piece for folding containers. The connecting corner piece 117 can be a prior art connecting corner piece for folding containers. Further details are omitted here.

[0116] The bottom corner piece 116 is provided at the bottom of the outer wall panel 111 and the inner wall panel 114 (see...). Figure 4 The connecting corner piece 117 is connected to the upper part of the outer wall panel 111 and the inner wall panel 114. Along the second horizontal direction D2, the bottom corner piece 116 and the connecting corner piece 117 are both provided at the outer end of the outer wall panel 111 and the outer end of the inner wall panel 114.

[0117] Along the first horizontal direction D1, there is a gap between the fixed inner side of the inner wall panel 114 away from the outer wall panel 111 and the corner piece outer side of the bottom corner piece 116 away from the outer wall panel 111. The fixed hinge 110 also includes a support plate 119. The support plate 119 is attached to the fixed inner side of the inner wall panel 114. The supporting outer side of the support plate 119 away from the outer wall panel 111 is flush with the outer side of the corner piece. The mating part 162 is attached to the support plate 119. As a result, the rotation of the operating member 160 is smooth.

[0118] Preferably, the fixed hinge 110 further includes a locking block 112. The locking block 112 is connected to the lower end of the connecting corner piece 117. Along the second horizontal direction D2, the locking block 112 is disposed at the outer end of the outer wall panel 111 and the outer end of the inner wall panel 114, and is connected to the outer wall panel 111 and the inner wall panel 114. The lower surface of the locking block 112 is a locking surface 113. When the movable hinge 120 is in the vertical position and the locking assembly 140 is in the locked position, along the height direction D3 of the fixed hinge 110, the locking block 143 can be held between the locking surface 113 and the supporting surface 122.

[0119] Preferably, see Figure 8 The mating part 162 includes a first wall 162c and a second wall 162d. The second wall 162d is provided with a connecting hole 163. The first wall 162c is used to push the blocking part 155. One end of the second wall 162d is connected to one end of the first wall 162c. The other end of the second wall 162d is connected to one end of the operating part 161. Both the first wall 162c and the second wall 162d are elongated structures. The length direction of the first wall 162c is perpendicular to the length direction of the second wall 162d. The plane formed by the length directions of the first wall 162c and the second wall 162d is perpendicular to the first horizontal direction D1. The first wall 162c has a first mating surface 162a. The first wall 162c abuts against the blocking part 155 through the first mating surface 162a. The second wall 162d has a second mating surface 162b. Thus, the structure of the operating member 160 is simple.

[0120] More preferably, the first wall 162c and the second wall 162d form a generally L-shaped structure. Therefore, the structure of the operating member 160 is simple.

[0121] Please return Figure 2 With the operating member 160 in the stowed position, along the second horizontal direction D2, the first wall 162c of the operating member 160 is away from the blocking portion 155 on the inner side of the outer end face F of the bottom corner piece located at the outer end of the fixed hinge 110. At this time, the locking assembly 140 is in the locked position. Thus, the operating member 160 can be protected, facilitating the transportation of folding containers equipped with hinge devices.

[0122] With the operating member 160 in the first flip position and the second flip position, the operating part 161 is located outside the fixed hinge 110 along the second horizontal direction D2. This facilitates operation of the operating part 161.

[0123] With the operating member 160 in the first flip position, along the second horizontal direction D2, the blocking part 155 is located between the operating part 161 and the first wall 162c. The second wall 162d is located below the first wall 162c. Thus, the operating part 161, the mating part 162, and the flip pivot 170 constitute a lever structure. By operating the operating part 161, the mating part 162 is rotated, causing the first wall 162c to contact the blocking part 155, thereby transmitting force to the blocking part 155. In this way, applying a downward force to the operating part 161 (e.g., stepping down on the operating part 161) moves the locking component 140, which is in the locked position, toward the released position.

[0124] When the operating component 160 is in the second flip position (the locking component 140 is in the released position), such as Figure 3 and Figure 11 As shown, if the user removes the downward force applied to the operating part 161 of the operating member 160, the locking component 140 returns to the locked position under its own gravity, and drives the operating member 160 to rotate through the blocking part 155. Figure 10 The first flip position is shown in the diagram.

[0125] Please refer to Figure 10 Along the second horizontal direction D2, the center of gravity of the operating member 160 is located on the side of the flip pivot 170 near the outer hinge shaft hole 115. Figure 10 (G1 is the position of the center of gravity of the operating component 160). Thus, when the operating component 160 is in the first or second flip position, it will automatically return to its stored position due to gravity. Figure 9 (as shown in the image), thereby enabling the operating member 160 to be stably held in the storage position when not in use.

[0126] It is understood that, in embodiments not shown, a return spring (e.g., a torsion spring) may also be provided. The return spring applies a restoring force to the operating member. This restoring force enables the operating member to automatically return to its retracted position.

[0127] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the flip pivot 170 and the locking pivot 144 are coaxially arranged. More preferably, the flip pivot 170 and the locking pivot 144 can be the same part. Thus, the structure of the hinge device is simple.

[0128] When the operating component 160 is in the storage position, such as Figure 9 As shown, the second mating surface 162b contacts the blocking part 155, thereby blocking the movement of the operating member 160 in the direction of rotation away from the storage position from the first flip position.

[0129] In this embodiment, the operator can move the locking component 140 from the locked position to the released position by stepping on the operating part 161 of the operating component 160. At the same time, the end frame can be rotated by hand from the open position to the folded position, and vice versa. In this way, the folding (end frame rotated to the folded position) and assembly (end frame rotated to the open position) of the folding container can be completed by one operator, which is convenient and saves labor.

[0130] Preferably, the operating part 161 includes a cylindrical portion. When the operating member 160 is in the first flip position, the distance between the axis of the cylindrical portion and the axis of the flip pivot 170 is greater than the distance between the axis of the blocking portion 155 and the axis of the flip pivot 170. Therefore, the operating part 161 can be operated with a smaller force.

[0131] In this embodiment, the operating component 160 is not connected to the locking block 143, and operating the operating component 160 will not restrict the movement of the locking block 143.

[0132] This application also provides a folding container. The folding container includes the aforementioned hinge device.

[0133] In this embodiment, the folding container includes the aforementioned hinge device. By moving the locking component 140 away from the locked position, the lock on the movable hinge 120 located in the vertical position can be released, allowing the movable hinge 120 to rotate towards the horizontal position, which is simple to operate. In addition, the locking block 143 is connected to the side plate through the locking shaft 149, and the structure of the side plate is simple.

[0134] Second Implementation Method

[0135] See Figure 12 In the second embodiment, when the operating member 260 is in the first flip position and the second flip position, along the second horizontal direction D2, the center of gravity of the operating member 260 is located on the side away from the outer hinge shaft hole of the axis of the flip pivot. Figure 10(G2 is the position of the center of gravity of the operating member 260). Thus, when the operating member 260 is in the first flip position, and no external force is applied to the operating part 261, the operating member 260 will remain in the first flip position under its own weight and the action of the blocking part (when the locking component is in the locked position). When the operating member 260 is in the second flip position, without any external force applied to the operating member 260, the locking component returns to the locked position under its own weight, and the operating member 260 flips back to the first flip position under the action of the locking component and remains in the first flip position. This allows the user to easily operate the operating member 260 directly to push the blocking part with the mating part 262. At this time, if the operating member 260 is not needed, those skilled in the art can flexibly choose a fixing method to fix the operating member 260 in the storage position.

[0136] This application has been described through the above embodiments. However, it should be understood that the above embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit this application to the scope of the described embodiments. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that this application is not limited to the above embodiments, and many more variations and modifications can be made based on the teachings of this application, all of which fall within the scope of protection claimed in this application. The scope of protection of this application is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0137] Unless otherwise defined, the technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. The terminology used herein is for descriptive purposes only and is not intended to limit the scope of this application. Terms such as “component” as used herein may refer to a single part or a combination of multiple parts. Terms such as “installation” or “installation” as used herein may refer to a component being directly attached to another component or a component being attached to another component via an intermediary. A feature described in one embodiment herein may be applied, alone or in combination with other features, to another embodiment, unless that feature is not applicable in that other embodiment or is otherwise stated.

Claims

1. A hinge device for folding containers, characterized in that, The hinge device includes: Fixed hinge; A movable hinge, which is pivotally connected to the fixed hinge about a hinge pivot axis parallel to a first horizontal direction in an axial direction between a horizontal and a vertical position. A locking assembly, which is pivotally connected to the fixed hinge about a locking pivot axis in an axial direction parallel to the first horizontal direction, so as to be able to rotate to a locked position; The locking assembly includes a bracket, a locking block, and a connector. The bracket includes a pair of side plates spaced apart along the first horizontal direction. The pair of side plates are disposed within the fixed hinge, and the movable hinge is located between the pair of side plates. The locking block is provided with a locking shaft. The axial direction of the locking shaft is parallel to the first horizontal direction and is movably inserted between the pair of side plates. The connector is connected to the side plates, and the locking block is located at the connector. The connector limits the pivoting of the locking block around the locking shaft. The fixed hinge includes a locking surface, and when the movable hinge is in the vertical position and the locking component is in the locked position, the locking block is held below the locking surface; During the rotation of the movable hinge from the horizontal position to the vertical position, it can push the locking component located in the locked position to rotate, so that the part of the movable hinge that has rotated to the vertical position is below the locking block, thereby enabling the locking block to prevent the movable hinge from rotating from the vertical position to the horizontal position.

2. The hinge device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The side plate is provided with a retaining hole, and the locking shaft passes through the retaining hole. The size of the retaining hole is larger than the outer diameter of the locking shaft, so that the locking shaft can move in any direction along the moving surface located perpendicular to the first horizontal direction.

3. The hinge device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The retaining hole is an elongated hole, and when the locking component is in the locked position, the long axis of the elongated hole is parallel to the height direction of the fixed hinge.

4. The hinge device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The locking block has a receiving hole with its axial direction parallel to the first horizontal direction and a positioning hole with its axial direction perpendicular to the first horizontal direction. The positioning hole communicates with the receiving hole. The locking assembly also includes a fastener. The locking shaft passes through the receiving hole, and the fastener passes through the positioning hole and abuts against the locking shaft.

5. The hinge device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The fixed hinge is provided with a clearance hole, and the locking component is provided with a blocking part extending along the first horizontal direction. The blocking part and the locking pivot are spaced apart. After passing through the clearance hole, the blocking part extends and protrudes to the first side of the fixed hinge along the first horizontal direction. The hinge device further includes an operating member, which includes a mating portion located on the first side of the fixed hinge along the first horizontal direction. The operating member is pivotally connected to the fixed hinge or the locking assembly about a pivot axis parallel to the first horizontal direction in an axial direction. Along a second horizontal direction perpendicular to the first horizontal direction, the mating portion can rotate to the side of the blocking portion, thereby enabling the mating portion to drive the locking assembly to rotate away from the locked position through the blocking portion.

6. The hinge device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The operating component further includes an operating part, and the mating part includes a first wall and a second wall. The first wall is connected to the second wall, and one end of the second wall is connected to the operating part. The length direction of the first wall and the length direction of the second wall are both perpendicular to the first horizontal direction. The length direction of the operating part extends along the first horizontal direction. The first wall is used to push the blocking part to drive the locking component to rotate away from the locking position.

7. The hinge device according to claim 6, characterized in that, As the operating component rotates around the flipping pivot axis in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, it sequentially passes through a storage position, a first flipping position, and a second flipping position. With the operating member in the retracted position, along the second horizontal direction, the operating member is located inside the outer end of the fixed hinge, and the first wall is away from the blocking portion. With the operating member in the first flip position, along the second horizontal direction, the operating part is located outside the fixed hinge, the blocking part is located between the operating part and the first wall, the first wall abuts against the blocking part, and the locking assembly is in the locked position. When the operating member is in the second flip position, the first wall abuts against the blocking part, and the locking component is in the release position.

8. The hinge device according to claim 7, characterized in that, When the operating member is in the first flip position, the second wall is located below the first wall along the second horizontal direction, and the flip pivot is located between the operating part and the first wall, and / or When the operating member is in the storage position, the blocking part is located on the side of the second wall and fits against the second wall, thereby preventing the operating member from rotating away from the first flip position.

9. The hinge device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The operating component can stop at the storage position or the first flipping position under the action of gravity.

10. The hinge device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The flip pivot and the locking pivot are either coaxial or spaced apart.

11. The hinge device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The fixed hinge includes a wall panel, a bottom corner piece, and a support plate. The bottom corner piece is connected to the lower end of the wall panel. Along the first horizontal direction, there is a gap between the fixed outer side of the wall panel and the corner piece outer side of the bottom corner piece. The support plate is fitted to the fixed outer side. Along the first horizontal direction, the supporting outer side of the support plate is flush with the corner piece outer side. The mating part is fitted to the support plate, and / or The side plate includes an outer side plate and an inner side plate, which are spaced apart along the first horizontal direction. The connector is connected to the top of the outer end of the outer side plate and to the top of the outer end of the inner side plate.

12. A folding container, characterized in that, The folding container includes a hinge device according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

Images