Hinge device and folding container

Abstract

The invention provides a hinge device. The hinge device comprises a fixed hinge, a movable hinge, a limiting assembly and a locking mechanism. The movable hinge is pivotally connected to the fixed hinge between a horizontal position and a vertical position. The limiting assembly is arranged on at least one side, in the first direction, of the movable hinge and comprises a stop lever, and the stop lever can pivot relative to the movable hinge. The locking mechanism is pivotally connected to the fixed hinge between a locking position for locking the movable hinge and a releasing position for releasing the movable hinge, and a limiting part is arranged on the side, close to the stop lever, of the locking mechanism. When the movable hinge is located at the vertical position, at least part of the stop lever is located on the pivoting path of the limiting part so as to stop the locking mechanism from pivoting to the release position. According to the hinge device, the locking function failure caused by the fact that the locking mechanism pivots to the release position when bearing acting force or component force which causes the locking mechanism to leave the locking position due to vibration or impact and the like can be prevented, potential safety hazards are greatly reduced, and the hinge device is simple in structure, safe and reliable.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of containers, and particularly to a hinge device and a folding container. Background Art

[0002] In the current folding container, the foldable end frame is hinged to the chassis through a hinge device. After the end frame is erected, it is necessary to manually operate the bolt of the hinge device to lock the end frame. The hinge device generally includes a movable hinge fixedly connected to the lower end of the end frame, and fixed hinges fixedly connected to both sides of the end of the chassis. The movable hinge is hinged to the fixed hinge through a pin shaft, so that the end frame of the container can be flipped between the folded position folded on the chassis and the open position in the vertical direction. When the end frame of the container is in the open position, the operator inserts the bolt outward from the inner side of the fixed hinge into the corresponding holes or notches of the movable hinge and the fixed hinge, so that the movable hinge is fixed on the fixed hinge, and thus the end frame cannot be flipped from the open position to the folded position under the action of an external force. When the end frame of the container needs to be flipped from the open position to the folded position, the operator needs to pull out the bolt in advance.

[0003] In addition, in the current folding container, the pivoting mechanism of the hinge device is far away from the end frame of the container, so that the end frame of the container can stand in the open position to facilitate the operator to operate the bolt without the need for other operators to hold the end frame. However, in some cases, the operator may forget to lock the bolt to the correct position, and at the same time, since the bolt is in the outer contour plane of the box body in both the open and locked states, it is also very difficult for the operator to find. If the bolt of the hinge device is not locked to the correct position, there will be great potential safety hazards to the on-site personnel, the box body, the goods, and the equipment for operating the box body when the operator operates the folding container.

[0004] In order to solve the above problems, the prior art often adopts a locking mechanism capable of automatic reset, which can automatically lock the movable hinge in the vertical position when the movable hinge pivots to the vertical position. However, during the transportation of the container, if it is subjected to vibrations or impacts, etc., which cause an outward acting force or component force on the locking mechanism, it may cause the locking mechanism to move outward (such as flipping and popping out, etc.) and leave the locking position, thereby causing the locking function of the movable hinge to fail and posing a safety hazard.

[0005] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a hinge device and a folding container to at least partially solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0006] A series of simplified concepts are introduced in the Summary of the Invention section, which will be further elaborated in the Detailed Description section. The Summary of the Invention section of this application does not mean to attempt to define the key features and essential technical features of the claimed technical solution, let alone attempt to determine the protection scope of the claimed technical solution.

[0007] To at least partially solve the above problems, according to a first aspect of the present application, a hinge device for a folding container is disclosed, which includes:

[0008] A fixed hinge;

[0009] A movable hinge pivotally connected to the fixed hinge between a horizontal position and a vertical position;

[0010] A limiting component disposed on at least one side of the movable hinge along a first direction, the limiting component includes a stop bar pivotable relative to the movable hinge;

[0011] A locking mechanism pivotally connected to the fixed hinge between a locked position for locking the movable hinge and a released position for releasing the movable hinge, and a limiting portion is provided on a side of the locking mechanism close to the stop bar.

[0012] Wherein, when the movable hinge is in the vertical position, at least a part of the stop bar is located in the pivoting path of the limiting portion to block the locking mechanism from pivoting to the released position.

[0013] According to the hinge device of the present application, it can prevent the locking mechanism from pivoting to the released position (for example, flipping outwards and popping out, etc.) when subjected to forces or component forces such as vibration or impact that cause the locking mechanism to leave the locked position, so that the locking function fails. That is to say, it prevents the locking function from failing, greatly reduces potential safety hazards, and has a simple structure, is safe and reliable.

[0014] Optionally, the limiting component further includes:

[0015] A flipping pin disposed on at least one side of the movable hinge along the first direction; and

[0016] A limiting rod pivotally connected to the movable hinge via the flipping pin.

[0017] Wherein, the stop bar is disposed on the limiting rod and is configured to pivot to a limiting position under the action of an automatic restoring force to be able to cooperate with the limiting portion to block the locking mechanism from pivoting to the released position.

[0018] Optionally, the shift lever located at the limiting position and the limiting portion can form an abutting fit at the contact position, wherein the shift lever is located above the limiting portion.

[0019] Optionally, the normal line at the contact position passes through the axis of the turning pin.

[0020] Optionally, the locking mechanism includes a lock block. When the movable hinge is in the vertical position, the lock block is clamped between the movable hinge and the fixed hinge. During the process of the movable hinge pivoting from the horizontal position to the vertical position, the movable hinge can push the lock block located at the locking position, so that at least part of the movable hinge in the vertical position is below the lock block located at the locking position; during the process of the movable hinge pivoting from the vertical position to the horizontal position, the lock block can block the movement of the movable hinge.

[0021] Optionally, the locking mechanism further includes a bracket. The bracket is pivotally arranged on the fixed hinge via a bracket pin shaft, and the lock block is movably clamped on the bracket.

[0022] Optionally, the locking mechanism further forms a blocking portion. When the movable hinge is in the vertical position, the blocking portion protrudes upward from the limiting portion along the third direction. The blocking portion is located on the pivoting path of the shift lever pivoting around the turning pin. The blocking portion is closer to the lock block than the limiting portion along the second direction. The second direction is perpendicular to the first direction, and the third direction is perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction.

[0023] Optionally,

[0024] On the side of the locking mechanism close to the shift lever, an avoidance portion is further formed. When the locking mechanism is in the locking position, the avoidance portion is farther from the lock block than the limiting portion along the second direction. The distance from the avoidance portion to the axis of the turning pin is greater than the distance from the limiting portion to the axis of the turning pin, so that the shift lever can pivot from the limit release position to the limiting position under the action of the automatic return force, and can pivot from the limiting position in the reverse direction to the limit release position under the action of the unlocking force.

[0025] Optionally, the fixed hinge includes a wall panel, and the bracket includes a side plate. The side plate is arranged between the movable hinge and the wall panel along the first direction. A notch is formed at the bottom end of the side plate, and the notch is used to accommodate the shift lever, so that the shift lever supports the locking mechanism at the release position.

[0026] Optionally, the shift lever contacts the notch at the support to support the locking mechanism in the release position, and the normal line of the support passes through the axis of the pivot pin.

[0027] Optionally, the limit lever includes a first extension portion and a second extension portion connected to and angled with respect to the first extension portion. The pivot pin is disposed at the connection of the first extension portion and the second extension portion, and the shift lever is disposed on the second extension portion.

[0028] Optionally, the limit assembly further includes at least one stop pin fixedly connected to at least one side of the movable hinge along the first direction. The stop pin is located on the pivot path of the first extension portion of the limit lever pivoting around the pivot pin, so as to be able to limit the pivoting range of the limit lever.

[0029] Optionally, when the movable hinge is in the vertical position, the first extension portion extends beyond the movable hinge or the fixed hinge in the second direction.

[0030] Optionally, the hinge device further includes a pulling member connected to the locking mechanism. The pulling member is configured to be operable to enable the locking mechanism to rotate from the locked position to the release position to allow the movable hinge to pivot towards the horizontal position.

[0031] Optionally, the hinge device further includes an unlocking assembly passing through the side plate. The unlocking assembly is configured to be movable between a non-unlocked position and an unlocked position. The unlocking assembly includes a cam disposed between the movable hinge and the side plate along the first direction. The cam has a driving surface such that the cam can drive the shift lever of the limit assembly to move from the limiting position to the de-limiting position during the process of moving from the non-unlocked position to the unlocked position.

[0032] Optionally, the driving surface of the cam in the unlocked position extends downward from the outside to the inside in the second direction, and the driving surface is configured as an arc surface or an inclined surface.

[0033] Optionally, the unlocking assembly in the unlocked position is configured to cooperate with the locking mechanism to drive the locking mechanism to pivot around the axis of the bracket pin to move between the locked position and the release position.

[0034] Optionally, the unlocking assembly is configured to be pivotable around an unlocking axis so that the unlocking assembly can move between a non-unlocked position and an unlocked position.

[0035] Optionally, the unlocking assembly further includes a first stopper and a second stopper for restricting the rotation range of the cam. The first stopper is located obliquely below the cam, and the second stopper is located obliquely above the cam. Along the second direction, the first stopper is closer to the lock block than the second stopper.

[0036] Optionally, when the unlocking assembly is in the unlocking position, the projection of the cam on the vertical plane perpendicular to the unlocking axis protrudes upward from the projection of the limiting portion of the side plate on the vertical plane perpendicular to the unlocking axis;

[0037] When the unlocking assembly is in the non-unlocking position, the projection of the cam on the vertical plane perpendicular to the unlocking axis falls within the projection of the side plate on the vertical plane perpendicular to the unlocking axis.

[0038] Optionally, the unlocking assembly further includes a handle fixedly connected to the cam. The side plate is provided with a first avoidance hole that defines the unlocking axis, and the handle passes through the first avoidance hole.

[0039] Optionally, the unlocking assembly is configured to be movable along a third direction so that the unlocking assembly can move between a non-unlocking position and an unlocking position.

[0040] Optionally, the unlocking assembly further includes a first stopper and a second stopper for guiding the movement of the cam. Along the second direction, the first stopper and the second stopper are respectively located on both sides of the cam and the first stopper is closer to the lock block than the second stopper.

[0041] Optionally,

[0042] When the unlocking assembly is in the unlocking position, the driving surface of the cam protrudes upward along the third direction from the limiting portion of the side plate;

[0043] When the unlocking assembly is in the non-unlocking position, the driving surface of the cam is flush with or recessed downward along the third direction from the limiting portion of the side plate.

[0044] Optionally, the unlocking assembly further includes a handle fixedly connected to the cam. The side plate is provided with a first avoidance hole, and the handle passes through the first avoidance hole. The dimension of the first avoidance hole along the third direction is greater than the dimension along the second direction.

[0045] Optionally, the wall plate is provided with a second avoidance hole, and the handle passes through the second avoidance hole and the first avoidance hole in sequence from outside to inside.

[0046] Optionally, the center of gravity of the unlocking assembly is located on the side close to the bracket pin shaft of the vertical plane where the unlocking axis is located.

[0047] According to the second aspect of the present application, a folding container is disclosed, including a chassis and an end frame. A hinge device according to the first aspect described above is provided between the chassis and the end frame. The movable hinge is fixedly connected to the end frame, and the fixed hinge is fixedly connected to the chassis, so that the end frame can move between a folded position folded on the chassis and an open position perpendicular to the chassis.

[0048] According to the present application, since the folding container includes the hinge device according to the present application, the folding container has technical effects similar to those of the hinge device according to the present application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0049] The following drawings of the embodiments of the present application are hereby incorporated as part of the present application for understanding the present application. The embodiments and descriptions of the present application are shown in the drawings to explain the principles of the present application. In the drawings,

[0050] Figure 1 FIG. 15 is a schematic perspective view of a hinge device for a folding container according to a first preferred embodiment of the present application, wherein the movable hinge is in a vertical position, the locking mechanism is in a locked position, and the limiting assembly is in a limiting position;

[0051] Figure 2 is Figure 1 FIG. 21 is a schematic perspective view of the hinge device in FIG. 15 after removing the wall panel, wherein the movable hinge is in a vertical position, the locking mechanism is in a locked position, and the limiting assembly is in a limiting position;

[0052] Figure 3 is Figure 1 FIG. 27 is a front view of the hinge device in FIG. 21 after removing the wall panel, wherein the movable hinge is in a vertical position, the locking mechanism is in a locked position, and the limiting assembly is in a limiting position;

[0053] Figure 4 is Figure 1 FIG. 33 is a front view of the hinge device in FIG. 32 after removing the wall panel, wherein the movable hinge is in a vertical position, the locking mechanism is in a locked position, and the limiting assembly is in a position where the limit is released;

[0054] Figure 5 is Figure 1 FIG. 39 is a schematic perspective view of the hinge device in FIG. 38, wherein the movable hinge is in a horizontal position and the locking mechanism is in a locked position;

[0055] Figure 6 is Figure 1Front view of the hinge device in [reference] after removing the wall panel, where the movable hinge is in the horizontal position and the locking mechanism is in the locked position;

[0056] Figure 7 is Figure 1 Schematic perspective view of the hinge device in [reference] after removing the wall panel, where the movable hinge is at a position between the vertical position and the horizontal position and the locking mechanism is in the released position;

[0057] Figure 8 is Figure 1 Front view of the hinge device in [reference] after removing the wall panel, where the movable hinge is at a position between the vertical position and the horizontal position and the locking mechanism is in the released position;

[0058] Figure 9 is Figure 1 Front view of the hinge device in [reference] after removing the wall panel, where the movable hinge is in the vertical position and the limiting component supports the locking mechanism in the released position;

[0059] Figure 10 is Figure 1 Schematic perspective view of the fixed hinge of the hinge device in [reference], showing the axis of the pivot shaft and the axis of the bracket pin;

[0060] Figure 11 is Figure 1 Schematic perspective view of the movable hinge of the hinge device in [reference];

[0061] Figure 12 is Figure 1 Schematic perspective view of the locking mechanism in [reference];

[0062] Figure 13 Schematic perspective view of the hinge device of the folding container according to the second preferred embodiment of the present application, where the movable hinge is in the vertical position, the locking mechanism is in the locked position, the limiting component is in the limiting position, and the unlocking component is in the non-unlocked position;

[0063] Figure 14 is Figure 13 Schematic perspective view of the hinge device in [reference] after removing the second wall panel, where the movable hinge is in the vertical position, the locking mechanism is in the locked position, the limiting component is in the limiting position, and the unlocking component is in the non-unlocked position;

[0064] Figure 15 is Figure 13 Schematic perspective view of the locking mechanism in [reference];

[0065] Figure 16 is Figure 13Front view of the hinge device in [reference] after removing the wall panel, where the movable hinge is in the vertical position, the locking mechanism is in the locked position, the limiting component is in the limiting position, and the unlocking component is in the non-unlocked position;

[0066] Figure 17 is Figure 13 Front view of the hinge device in [reference] after removing the wall panel, where the movable hinge is in the vertical position, the locking mechanism is in the locked position, the limiting component is in the released limiting position, and the unlocking component is in the unlocked position;

[0067] Figure 18 is Figure 13 Front view of the hinge device in [reference] after removing the wall panel, where the movable hinge is in the vertical position, the locking mechanism is in the released position, the limiting component supports the locking mechanism in the released position, and the unlocking component is in the non-unlocked position;

[0068] Figure 19 Schematic perspective view of the hinge device of the folding container according to the third preferred embodiment of the present application, where the movable hinge is in the vertical position, the locking mechanism is in the locked position, the limiting component is in the limiting position, and the unlocking component is in the non-unlocked position;

[0069] Figure 20 is Figure 19 Schematic perspective view of the hinge device in [reference] after removing the second wall panel, where the movable hinge is in the vertical position, the locking mechanism is in the locked position, the limiting component is in the limiting position, and the unlocking component is in the non-unlocked position;

[0070] Figure 21 is Figure 19 Schematic perspective view of the locking mechanism and the unlocking component in [reference];

[0071] Figure 22 is Figure 19 Front view of the hinge device in [reference] after removing the wall panel, where the movable hinge is in the vertical position, the locking mechanism is in the locked position, the limiting component is in the limiting position, and the unlocking component is in the non-unlocked position;

[0072] Figure 23 is Figure 19 Front view of the hinge device in [reference] after removing the wall panel, where the movable hinge is in the vertical position, the locking mechanism is in the locked position, the limiting component is in the released limiting position, and the unlocking component is in the unlocked position; and

[0073] Figure 24 is Figure 19 Front view of the hinge device in [reference] after removing the wall panel, where the movable hinge is in the vertical position, the limiting component supports the locking mechanism in the released position, and the unlocking component is in the non-unlocked position.

[0074] Explanation of Reference Numerals :

[0075] 100: Hinge device 110 / 210 / 310: Fixed hinge

[0076] 111: First wall panel 112 / 212 / 312: Second wall panel

[0077] 113: Coupling angle member 114: Bottom angle member

[0078] 115: Outer pivot shaft hole 116: Wall panel pin shaft hole

[0079] 117: Block 118: Locking surface

[0080] 120 / 220 / 320: Movable hinge 121: Protrusion

[0081] 122: Support surface 123: Inner pivot shaft hole

[0082] 124: Abutting surface 130: Pivot shaft

[0083] 140 / 240 / 340: Locking mechanism 141 / 241 / 341: Bracket

[0084] 142 / 242 / 342: First side plate 1421: End face

[0085] 143 / 243 / 343: Second side plate 144: Connecting member

[0086] 145: Lock block 146: Bracket pin shaft hole

[0087] 147: Pull ring 148 / 248 / 348: Limiting part

[0088] 1481: Blocking part 1482: Avoiding part

[0089] 149 / 249 / 349: Notch 150 / 250 / 350: Limiting component

[0090] 151 / 351: Limiting rod 152 / 252 / 352: Stop rod

[0091] 153 / 253 / 353: Tipping pin 154 / 254 / 354: Stop pin

[0092] 155 / 355: First extension part 156: Second extension part

[0093] 157: Tipping pin shaft hole 160: Bracket pin shaft

[0094] 219 / 319: Second avoidance hole 270 / 370: Unlocking component

[0095] 271 / 371: Handle 272 / 372: Cam

[0096] 2721 / 3721: Driving surface 273 / 373: First relief hole

[0097] 274 / 374: First stop 275 / 375: Second stop Detailed implementation manners

[0098] In the following description, numerous specific details are given to provide a more thorough understanding of the present application. However, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that the embodiments of the present application can be implemented without one or more of these details. In other instances, in order to avoid confusion with the embodiments of the present application, some well-known technical features are not described.

[0099] In order to thoroughly understand the embodiments of the present application, detailed structures will be presented in the following description. Obviously, the implementation of the embodiments of the present application is not limited to the specific details familiar to those skilled in the art.

[0100] According to a first aspect of the present application, a hinge device for a folding container is disclosed. The hinge device includes a fixed hinge, a movable hinge, a limiting component, and a locking mechanism. The movable hinge is pivotally connected to the fixed hinge between a horizontal position and a vertical position. The limiting component is disposed on at least one side of the movable hinge along a first direction, and the limiting component includes a stop bar that is pivotable relative to the movable hinge. The locking mechanism is pivotally connected to the fixed hinge between a locking position for locking the movable hinge and a release position for releasing the movable hinge, and a limiting portion is disposed on a side of the locking mechanism close to the stop bar. Wherein, when the movable hinge is in the vertical position, at least a part of the stop bar is located in the pivoting path of the limiting portion to block the locking mechanism from pivoting to the release position.

[0101] According to the hinge device of the present application, it is possible to prevent the locking mechanism from pivoting to the release position (for example, flipping outwards and popping out, etc.) when subjected to forces or component forces such as vibration or impact that cause the locking mechanism to leave the locking position, thereby causing the locking function to fail. That is to say, it prevents the locking function from failing, greatly reducing potential safety hazards, and has a simple structure, being safe and reliable.

[0102] First embodiment

[0103] The following will be combined with Figures 1 to 12 A detailed description will be given of the hinge device 100 of the folding container according to the first preferred embodiment of the present application.

[0104] As Figures 1 to 12As shown, the hinge device 100 may include a fixed hinge 110, a movable hinge 120, a pivot shaft 130, a locking mechanism 140, a limiting component 150, and a bracket pin shaft 160. When the hinge device 100 is applied to a collapsible container, the fixed hinge 110 may be fixedly connected to the chassis (not shown) of the collapsible container, and the movable hinge 120 may be fixedly connected to the end frame (not shown) of the collapsible container. The pivot shaft 130 may pivotally connect the fixed hinge 110 and the movable hinge 120, enabling the movable hinge 120 to move between a horizontal position and a vertical position. In other words, the movable hinge 120 pivots relative to the fixed hinge 110 about the pivot shaft 130, or rather, the movable hinge 120 pivots relative to the fixed hinge 110 about the axis A1 of the pivot shaft. The bracket pin shaft 160 may pivotally connect the fixed hinge 110 and the locking mechanism 140, enabling the locking mechanism 140 to move between a locking position for locking the movable hinge 120 (see Figure 1 ) and a release position for releasing the movable hinge 120.

[0105] It should be noted that in this article, the "horizontal position" of the movable hinge 120 corresponds to the "folding position" of the end frame, and the "vertical position" of the movable hinge 120 corresponds to the "open position" of the end frame. That is to say, when the movable hinge 120 is in the horizontal position, the movable hinge 120 is disposed substantially in the horizontal direction, and when the movable hinge 120 is in the vertical position, the movable hinge 120 is disposed substantially in the vertical direction. The "first direction" is parallel to the width direction of the collapsible container where the hinge device is located. The "second direction" is parallel to the length direction of the collapsible container where the hinge device is located, and parallel to the relative setting direction of the two end frames of the collapsible container. The "third direction" is parallel to the height direction of the hinge device, and parallel to the height direction of the collapsible container where the hinge device is located. The "second direction" is perpendicular to the "first direction". The "third direction" is perpendicular to the "second direction" and the "first direction". Unless otherwise specified, "inside" and "outside" are referenced with respect to the hinge device when the movable hinge is in the vertical position. The "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "left", and "right" in this article are referenced with respect to the described drawings and drawings with a similar viewing angle to the drawing. The relationship between the "first wall panel" and the "second wall panel", or the "first side panel" and the "second side panel" with respect to the interior of the collapsible container is related to the position of the hinge device where they are located in the collapsible container.

[0106] As Figures 1 to 12As shown, the fixed hinge 110 may include two wall plates arranged oppositely along a first direction, for example, including a first wall plate 111 and a second wall plate 112 arranged oppositely to the first wall plate 111. The first wall plate 111 and the second wall plate 112 may be arranged vertically and be parallel to each other. The movable hinge 120 may be arranged between the first wall plate 111 and the second wall plate 112 along the first direction. In this embodiment, one end of the movable hinge 120 located in the vertical position along a third direction is arranged between the first wall plate 111 and the second wall plate 112, and an inner pivot shaft hole 123 may be provided at this end, and a protrusion 121 is provided at a position away from the inner pivot shaft hole 123 at this end; the other end of the movable hinge 120 located in the vertical position along the third direction extends upward beyond the first wall plate 111 and the second wall plate 112 and is fixedly connected to an end frame (not shown) of the folding container.

[0107] As Figure 1 and Figures 10 to 12 shown, the first wall plate 111 and the second wall plate 112 may be provided with outer pivot shaft holes 115 at the lower parts of the inner ends along a second direction. The pivot shaft 130 extends along the first direction through the inner pivot shaft hole 123 and the outer pivot shaft hole 115 to pivotally connect the movable hinge 120 to the fixed hinge 110. The first wall plate 111 and the second wall plate 112 may be provided with wall plate pin shaft holes 116 at the lower parts of the outer ends along the second direction. The lower part of the outer end of the locking mechanism 140 along the second direction may be provided with a bracket pin shaft hole 146. The bracket pin shaft 160 may extend along the first direction through the bracket pin shaft hole 146 and the wall plate pin shaft hole 116 to pivotally connect the locking mechanism 140 to the fixed hinge 110. The pivot shaft 130 and the bracket pin shaft 160 may be generally configured as circular columnar structures. The pivot shaft 130 defines an axis A1 of the pivot shaft. The bracket pin shaft 160 defines an axis A2 of the bracket pin shaft (see Figure 10 and Figure 12 ).

[0108] When the movable hinge 120 is in the vertical position and the locking mechanism 140 is in the locked position (see Figures 1 to 4 ), the position of the movable hinge 120 is locked by the locking mechanism 140, so that the end frame is locked in the open position. When the locking mechanism 140 is in the released position, the locking of the position of the movable hinge 120 can be released, so that the end frame can be pivoted from the open position to the folded position.

[0109] Referring to Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 5 , Figure 7 and Figure 12 , the locking mechanism 140 may include a bracket 141, a lock block 145 and a pulling member such as a pull ring 147.

[0110] The lock block 145 is movably clamped to the bracket 141. The bracket 141 can be pivotally arranged on the fixed hinge 110 via the bracket pin shaft 160. Specifically, the bracket 141 can be pivotally arranged on the first wall plate 111 and the second wall plate 112 of the fixed hinge 110 via the bracket pin shaft 160. The bracket 141 can include side plates and a connecting member 144. Specifically, the side plates can include a first side plate 142 and a second side plate 143. The first side plate 142 and the second side plate 143 are arranged oppositely, and are respectively located between the first wall plate 111 and the movable hinge 120 and between the second wall plate 112 and the movable hinge 120 along the first direction. The outer ends of the first side plate 142 and the second side plate 143, which are away from the pivot shaft 130, are fixedly connected with a connecting member 144 arranged transversely, enclosing a substantially "C-shaped" space for accommodating the movable hinge 120 and the lock block 145. The lower parts of the outer ends of the first side plate 142 and the second side plate 143, which are away from the pivot shaft 130, are provided with bracket pin shaft holes 146. The bracket pin shaft 160 can extend along the first direction through the bracket pin shaft holes 146 and the wall plate pin shaft holes 116 to pivotally connect the bracket 141 to the fixed hinge 110. The lock block 145 is generally constructed in a cuboid structure and is movably clamped in the "C-shaped" space enclosed by the bracket 141 along the first direction, and is located at the upper part of the bracket 141 near the outer end. When the movable hinge 120 is in the vertical position, the lock block 145 is clamped between the movable hinge 120 and the fixed hinge 110. The pull ring 147 can be connected to the connecting member 144 of the bracket 141. When the pull ring 147 is pulled outwards, the locking mechanism 140 can rotate integrally relative to the fixed hinge 110 and can move from the locking position to the release position. Specifically, the locking mechanism 140 can pivot outwards around the bracket pin shaft 160.

[0111] The center of gravity position of the locking mechanism 140 is always on the side close to the pivot shaft 130 of the vertical plane where the axis A2 of the bracket pin shaft is located, that is Figure 6 the left side in. When there is no external force such as moving the end frame from the folded position to the opened position, the locking mechanism 140 can be maintained in the locking position as shown in Figure 6 or automatically return to the locking position under the action of gravity; and when the locking mechanism 140 is in the release position, if the external force such as moving the end frame from the folded position to the opened position is removed, the locking mechanism 140 can automatically return to the locking position under the action of gravity.

[0112] Such as Figure 5 and Figure 11As shown, the protruding portion 121 provided at the outer end of the movable hinge 120 may include an upward support surface 122 and a downward abutting surface 124, and the abutting surface 124 is inclined with respect to the support surface 122. It should be noted that the directional terms "outer" and "upward" here are referenced when the movable hinge 120 is in the vertical position. In this embodiment, when the movable hinge 120 is in the vertical position, the abutting surface 124 is inclined upward toward the outer end of the hinge device 100.

[0113] As Figures 1 to 8 shown, when the movable hinge 120 pivots from the horizontal position to the vertical position, the abutting surface 124 on the protruding portion 121 can abut against the lock block 145 and apply a thrust to the lock block 145, causing the lock block 145 to rotate outward and leave the locking position. When the movable hinge 120 pivots to the vertical position, the lock block 145 is disengaged from the protruding portion 121, and the locking mechanism 140 automatically returns to the locking position under the action of gravity. At this time, the support surface 122 is located below the lock block 145 and can abut against the lock block 145, enabling the lock block 145 to be clamped vertically between the support surface 122 of the protruding portion 121 and the fixed hinge 110.

[0114] As Figure 6 and Figure 10 shown, the fixed hinge 110 may further include a clamping block 117. The clamping block 117 is fixed transversely at the outer ends of the first wall panel 111 and / or the second wall panel 112 along the first direction. The clamping block 117 is provided with a locking surface 118, and the locking surface 118 is the lower surface of the clamping block 117. When the movable hinge 120 is in the vertical position, the lock block 145 can be clamped vertically between the locking surface 118 and the support surface 122. The fixed hinge 110 may further include a bottom corner member 114 provided at the lower part of the first wall panel 111 and / or the second wall panel 112 and a connecting corner member 113 provided at the upper part of the first wall panel 111 and / or the second wall panel 112. Both the bottom corner member 114 and the connecting corner member 113 are provided at the outer ends of the first wall panel 111 and the second wall panel 112.

[0115] Specifically, during the process of the end rack pivoting from the folded position to the open position, the movable hinge 120 pivots from the horizontal position to the vertical position as the end rack pivots, and is capable of pushing the lock block 145 on the locking mechanism 140 in the locked position to push the lock block 145 away from the locked position, such that the movable hinge 120 in the vertical position is at least partially below the lock block 145 in the locked position; when the end rack is in the open position, the lock block 145 automatically returns to the locked position under the action of gravity and is clamped between the movable hinge 120 and the fixed hinge 110. If an external force for inwards folding is applied to the end rack at this time, the support surface 122 of the movable hinge 120 will abut against the lock block 145 and drive the lock block 145 to abut against the locking surface 118 of the fixed hinge 110, and the lock block 145 prevents the rotation of the movable hinge 120, thereby locking the end rack in the open position. Thus, the locking mechanism 140 can automatically lock the end rack in the open position when the end rack pivots to the open position, without manual locking by an operator, effectively avoiding potential safety hazards, reducing damage to the hinge device 100 caused by misoperation, and reducing the maintenance cost of the product.

[0116] When the end rack is to be folded, a pulling member such as a pull ring 147 can be pulled outwards first to move the locking mechanism 140 from the locked position to the released position, and then the end rack is folded towards the inside of the folding container.

[0117] In an embodiment not shown, the pulling member (e.g., a handle) can be configured to be directly connected to the bracket 141, such as to the side portion along the first direction of the first side plate 142 or the second side plate 143 of the bracket 141, to operate the pulling member such that the locking mechanism rotates from the locked position to the released position to allow the movable hinge 120 to pivot to the horizontal position.

[0118] In this application, a limiting assembly 150 is provided to block the locking mechanism 140 from pivoting to the released position when the movable hinge 120 is in the vertical position. The limiting assembly 150 and the locking mechanism 140 can cooperate to block the locking mechanism 140 from pivoting to the released position. When the locking mechanism 140 is in the locked position, a limiting portion 148 can be provided on one side of the locking mechanism 140 close to the stop lever 152 (see below) to cooperate with the limiting assembly 150. Specifically, when the locking mechanism 140 is in the locked position, a limiting portion 148 can be provided on one side of the locking mechanism 140 along the second direction close to the stop lever 152 to cooperate with the limiting assembly 150. Specifically, the limiting portion 148 can be provided at the top, middle or bottom of one side of the bracket 141 (see below) of the locking mechanism 140 close to the stop lever 152. In some embodiments, the limiting portion 148 can be provided at the top of one side of the bracket 141 (see below) of the locking mechanism 140 close to the stop lever 152. At this time, the limiting portion 148 can be generally configured as a plane.

[0119] In some other embodiments, the limiting portion 148 may be disposed at the middle or lower part of the bracket 141 of the locking mechanism 140 on the side close to the shift lever 152. At this time, the limiting portion 148 may be generally configured in a notch shape. It can be understood that when the locking mechanism 140 is in the locked position, the opening of the notch shape faces the shift lever 152 and extends along the second direction to accommodate at least part of the shift lever 152 so as to form a cooperation.

[0120] As Figure 5 and Figure 11 shown, the limiting assembly 150 is disposed on at least one side of the movable hinge 120 along the first direction. At least part of the limiting assembly 150 is pivotally connected to the movable hinge 120 and at least part of it can move along with the movable hinge 120. In this embodiment, the limiting assembly 150 may be disposed on one side of the movable hinge 120 and is at least partially pivotable relative to the movable hinge 120 to move between a limiting position (refer to Figures 1 to 3 ) and a non-limiting position (refer to Figure 4 ). The limiting assembly 150 includes a shift lever 152 which is pivotally movable relative to the movable hinge 120.

[0121] When the movable hinge 120 is in the vertical position, the shift lever 152 is located in the pivoting path of the limiting portion 148 to block the locking mechanism 140 from pivoting to the release position.

[0122] According to the hinge device 100 of the present application, it can prevent the locking mechanism 140 from pivoting to the release position (for example, flipping outwards and popping out, etc.) when being subjected to forces or component forces such as vibration or impact that cause the locking mechanism 140 to leave the locked position, so that the locking function fails, greatly reducing potential safety hazards, with a simple structure and being safe and reliable.

[0123] The limiting assembly 150 may include a pivot pin 153 and at least one stop pin 154 disposed on the movable hinge 120, a limiting rod 151 disposed on the pivot pin 153, and the aforementioned shift lever 152 disposed on the limiting rod 151. The limiting rod 151 may be pivotally disposed on the movable hinge 120 via the pivot pin 153 passing through the pivot pin hole 157.

[0124] The shift lever 152 may be configured to pivot to the limiting position under the action of an automatic restoring force to abut against the limiting portion 148.

[0125] The stop pin 154 can be used to limit the rotation range of the limit rod 151. Specifically, the stop pin 154 and the flip pin 153 can be generally configured as circular columnar structures, and the stop pin 154 and the flip pin 153 can be arranged parallel to the pivot shaft 130. The limit rod 151 can include a first extension portion 155 and a second extension portion 156 that is connected to the first extension portion 155 and is arranged at an angle. The angle between the first extension portion 155 and the second extension portion 156 can be approximately 90°. The flip pin shaft hole 157 can be generally arranged at the connection of the first extension portion 155 and the second extension portion 156, and the stop rod 152 is arranged on the second extension portion 156. Optionally, the second extension portion 156 is located between the movable hinge 120 and the first side plate 142 in the first direction and does not interfere with the first side plate 142.

[0126] It can be understood that when the movable hinge 120 is in the vertical position, the stop rod 152 is located on the pivot path of the limiting portion pivoting around the flip pin 153 to block the locking mechanism from pivoting to the release position. The limit rod 151 pivots around the flip pin 153. In other words, the flip pin 153 defines the axis around which the limit rod 151 pivots. When the locking mechanism 140 is in the locked position, the limiting portion 148 can be located on the side of the first side plate 142 and / or the second side plate 143 close to the stop rod. Specifically, the limiting portion 148 can be located at the top, middle or bottom of the side of the first side plate 142 and / or the second side plate 143 close to the stop rod. In the illustrated embodiment, the limiting portion 148 can be arranged at the top of the side of the side plate (the first side plate 142 and / or the second side plate 143) of the locking mechanism 140 close to the stop rod 152. At this time, the limiting portion 148 can be generally configured as a plane.

[0127] In some embodiments not shown, the limiting portion 148 can be arranged in the middle or at the bottom of the side of the side plate (the first side plate 142 and / or the second side plate 143) of the locking mechanism 140 close to the stop rod 152. At this time, the limiting portion 148 can be generally configured as a notch shape. It can be understood that when the locking mechanism 140 is in the locked position, the opening of the notch shape faces the stop rod 152 and extends in the second direction to accommodate at least part of the stop rod 152 to form a fit. In some embodiments, the notch shape can penetrate the side plate (the first side plate 142 and / or the second side plate 143) in the first direction. It can be understood that similar avoidance portions 1482 and / or blocking portions 1481 as in the illustrated embodiment can also be provided in these embodiments not shown.

[0128] In an embodiment not shown in the present application, the limiting assembly 150 may be disposed on both sides of the movable hinge 120. The flipping pins 153 may be disposed on both sides of the movable hinge 120. Optionally, the first extension portion 155 extends beyond the inner end surface of the movable hinge 120 and / or beyond the first wall panel 111, so as to facilitate an operator to control the position of the limiting assembly 150 by operating the first extension portion 155, enabling the limiting assembly 150 to move between a limiting position and a limit-release position.

[0129] Optionally, when the movable hinge 120 is in a vertical position, the center-of-gravity position of the limiting assembly 150 is always on the side close to the pivot shaft 130 of the vertical plane where the axis of the flipping pin is located, that is, Figure 3 the left side in Figure 3 ; and when the limiting assembly 150 is in the limiting position as shown in Figure 3 , the center-of-gravity position of the limiting assembly 150 is always on or below the horizontal plane where the axis of the flipping pin is located. Such that when there is no external force, the limiting assembly 150 can always be maintained in the Figure 3 -shown limiting position under the action of gravity; and when the limiting assembly 150 is in the limit-release position, if the external force is removed, the limiting assembly 150 can automatically return to the limiting position under the action of gravity.

[0130] In an embodiment not shown in the present application, a magnetic member or an elastic member such as a spring may also be disposed between the movable hinge 120 and the limiting assembly 150 to provide an automatic restoring force, enabling the limiting assembly 150 to be maintained in the Figure 3 -shown limiting position.

[0131] As shown in Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 12As shown, a limiting portion 148 is provided at the upper left of the first side plate 142 of the locking mechanism 140 near the pivot shaft 130 for accommodating the retaining rod 152. When the movable hinge 120 is in the vertical position, the limiting assembly 150 is located above the limiting portion 148. Specifically, the retaining rod 152 is located within the limiting portion 148 and can abut against the limiting portion 148. Optionally, the distance from each point on the limiting portion 148 to the axis of the flipping pin is greater than or equal to the maximum pivot radius of each point on the circumference of the retaining rod 152, so that the retaining rod 152 can pivot to the limiting position under the action of automatic restoring forces such as gravity to cooperate with the limiting portion 148 to block the locking mechanism 140 from rotating to the release position. The retaining rod 152 can pivot to the limiting portion 148 under the action of automatic restoring forces such as gravity and remain within the limiting portion 148. At this time, the limiting assembly 150 is in the limiting position. When the movable hinge 120 is in the vertical position, at least a part of the retaining rod 152 is located in the pivoting path of the limiting portion 148 around the bracket pin shaft 160 to block the locking mechanism 140 from pivoting to the release position. In other words, when the locking mechanism 140 moves from the locked position to the release position, at least a part of the retaining rod 152 is on the moving path of the limiting portion 148. Thus, a self-locking can be formed between the locking mechanism 140 and the limiting assembly 150, so that the retaining rod 152 can block the locking mechanism 140 and prevent the locking mechanism 140 from pivoting to the release position.

[0132] The limiting portion 148 can be configured as a plane. The limiting portion 148 can have a certain length in the second direction, and this length can be greater than or equal to the minimum preset length, so that when the locking mechanism 140 is pivoted outwards around the bracket pin shaft 160 under the action of an external force, the limiting portion 148 will not cross over the retaining rod 152, thereby ensuring that the retaining rod 152 can block the locking mechanism 140 and prevent the locking mechanism 140 from pivoting to the release position. The aforementioned minimum preset length can be related to the weight, center of gravity of the limiting assembly 150, the material of the retaining rod 152, etc., and can also be related to the weight of the locking mechanism 140, the material of the limiting portion 148, etc.

[0133] The retaining rod 152 in the limiting position and the limiting portion 148 can form an abutting fit at the contact. Among them, the retaining rod 152 is located above the limiting portion 148. The normal line n1 at the contact can pass through the axis of the flipping pin (see Figure 3) Specifically, the normal line n1 perpendicular to the tangent or the tangent plane at the contact can pass through the axis of the flipping pin. Thus, the moment generated by the acting force or the component force that causes the locking mechanism to leave the locked position, such as vibration or impact, on the axis of the flipping pin is 0. Therefore, the limiting component 150 will not rotate under the action of the locking mechanism 140, that is, the locking mechanism 140 cannot push the limiting component 150 to rotate, and may further press the blocking lever 152 against the limiting portion 148, effectively preventing the locking mechanism 140 from being accidentally unlocked due to impact or vibration. It can be understood that the limiting portion 148 can be configured as a plane, and the tangent plane at the contact can be coplanar with this plane. Theoretically speaking, the contact can be roughly a line extending along the first direction.

[0134] In an embodiment not shown in the present application, the limiting portion 148 can also be provided corresponding to the limiting component 150 on the second side plate 143 or simultaneously on the second side plate 143 and the first side plate 142.

[0135] Optionally, in some embodiments, a blocking portion 1481 can also be formed at the top of the locking mechanism 140. When the movable hinge 120 is in the vertical position, the blocking portion 1481 protrudes upward along the third direction from the limiting portion 148. The blocking portion 1481 is located on the pivoting path of the blocking lever 152 around the flipping pin 153. The blocking portion 1481 is closer to the lock block 145 than the limiting portion 148 along the second direction. The second direction is perpendicular to the first direction, and the third direction is perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction. The blocking portion 1481 is located on the pivoting path of the blocking lever 152 around the flipping pin 153 to limit the rotation range of the limiting rod 151 of the limiting component 150. Of course, if necessary and / or desired, the blocking portion 1481 can also not be provided.

[0136] An avoidance portion 1482 can also be formed at the top of the locking mechanism 140. When the locking mechanism 140 is in the locked position, the avoidance portion 1482 is farther from the lock block 145 than the limiting portion 148 along the second direction. The distance from the avoidance portion 1482 to the axis of the flipping pin is greater than the distance from the limiting portion 148 to the axis of the flipping pin, so that the pivoting path of the blocking lever is not interfered, and the blocking lever 152 can pivot from the de-limited position to the limited position under the action of the automatic restoring force and can pivot from the limited position in the opposite direction to the de-limited position under the action of the unlocking force.

[0137] In some embodiments, the unlocking force can be a force directly or indirectly applied to the limiting rod 151. For example, the limiting rod 151 can be operated to apply an unlocking force to the limiting rod 151. In some embodiments, specifically, the first extension portion 155 of the limiting rod 151 can be rotated to drive the blocking lever 152 to pivot from the limited position to the de-limited position. Figure 3In the illustrated embodiment, a clockwise force can be applied to the first extension portion 155 of the limiting rod 151 to pivot the blocking rod 152 from the limiting position to the unlocking position. Of course, if necessary and / or desired, an unlocking force can also be applied to the second extension portion 156 of the limiting rod 151, thereby driving the blocking rod 152 to pivot from the limiting position to the unlocking position.

[0138] In some other embodiments, the unlocking force can also be a force applied or transmitted to the limiting component 150 via an unlocking component (such as the unlocking component 270, unlocking component 370, etc. described below). As described below, the unlocking force can be a force applied or transmitted by the unlocking component (such as the unlocking component 270, unlocking component 370, etc. described below) to the blocking rod 152, so as to pivot the blocking rod 152 from the limiting position to the unlocking position.

[0139] As Figures 1 to 8 shown, for a collapsible container provided with a limiting component 150 and a limiting portion 148, when the end frame pivots from the folded position to the open position, the movable hinge 120 pivots from the horizontal position to the vertical position as the end frame pivots, pushing the locking mechanism 140 from the locked position to the released position; when the movable hinge 120 pivots from the horizontal position to a certain position, the blocking rod 152 will contact the avoidance portion 1482 on the first side plate 142 (as Figure 7 and Figure 8 shown); when the end frame is about to reach or has reached the open position, the movable hinge 120 and the locking mechanism 140 are disengaged, the locking mechanism 140 returns to the locked position under the action of gravity, and the blocking rod 152 also moves along the end face 1421 of the first side plate 142 to cooperate with the limiting portion 148 under the action of gravity. Finally, the limiting component 150 remains in the limiting position under the action of gravity (as Figures 1 to 3 shown). It can be understood that in the illustrated embodiment, along the third direction, the end face 1421 of the first side plate 142 is lower and more inward along the second direction than the position of the limiting portion 148 (taking Figure 6 and Figure 8 as a reference, it can also be said to be more to the left). Similarly, in some embodiments not shown, for example, in an embodiment where the limiting portion is provided in the middle or lower part of the side of the bracket of the locking mechanism close to the blocking rod, the end face of the first side plate is lower and more inward along the second direction than the position of the limiting portion.

[0140] When the movable hinge 120 and the locking mechanism 140 are disengaged, the pivoting angle of the locking mechanism 140 is less than its maximum preset angle, and this angle is not sufficient to cause the blocking rod 152 to automatically enter, for example, the notch 149 below the first side plate 142. Therefore, the locking mechanism 140 can automatically return to the locked position under its own gravity.

[0141] By providing the limiting component 150 and the limiting portion 148, the locking mechanism 140 can be effectively prevented from being accidentally unlocked due to impact and vibration. The analysis is as follows: As Figure 3 shown, when the movable hinge 120 is in the vertical position, for the locking mechanism 140 to flip outwards and unlock when subjected to a force or a component force that causes the locking mechanism to move away from the locked position, such as vibration or impact, the force should be outwards along the second direction or have a component force outwards along the second direction. Since the center of gravity of the limiting component 150 is located on or below the horizontal plane where the axis of the flipping pin 153 lies, the blocking rod 152 will not rotate or tend to rotate counterclockwise about the flipping pin 153 under the action of the above-mentioned force (taking Figure 3 as a reference). However, due to the blocking of the blocking pin 154 and / or the blocking portion 1481, the blocking rod 152 cannot rotate counterclockwise. Therefore, the limiting component can remain in the limiting position. In addition, due to the self-locking between the limiting component 150 and the limiting portion 148, the locking mechanism 140 cannot push the limiting component 150 to rotate, and will further press the blocking rod 152 against the limiting portion 148. In addition, in an embodiment not shown in the present application, a magnetic member or an elastic member such as a spring can be provided between the movable hinge 120 and the limiting component 150 to provide an automatic restoring force, further preventing the blocking rod 152 from rotating under the action of the above-mentioned force. Therefore, when encountering a force or a component force that causes the locking mechanism to move away from the locked position, such as vibration or impact, the limiting component 150 can effectively limit the locking mechanism 140 in the locked position and prevent the hinge device from being accidentally unlocked.

[0142] Thus, according to the hinge device 100 of the present application, by providing the locking mechanism 140, the movable hinge 120 can be automatically locked in the vertical position when the movable hinge 120 pivots to the vertical position, which is convenient to operate and reduces damage to the hinge device 100. At the same time, by providing the limiting component 150 and the limiting portion 148, the locking mechanism 140 can be automatically limited in the locked position when the movable hinge 120 pivots to the vertical position, preventing the locking mechanism 140 from accidentally popping out and unlocking when subjected to impact and vibration. The structure is simple, safe and reliable.

[0143] In addition, the limiting component 150 can also be used to support the locking mechanism 140 in the released position, facilitating the folding of the inner end frame towards the folding container.

[0144] As Figure 9 and Figure 12As shown, optionally, a notch 149 may be provided at the bottom side near the lower end of the first side plate 142 close to the pivot axis 130. The notch 149 may be a downwardly open concave structure, and its size is capable of accommodating at least a part of the retaining rod 152. The notch 149 is used to accommodate the retaining rod 152 so that the retaining rod 152 can support the locking mechanism 140 in the release position.

[0145] Specifically, first, rotate the first extension portion 155 in the clockwise direction (taking Figure 9 as a reference) to move the retaining rod 152 away from the limiting portion 148 and hold it, and then pull the pull ring 147 outwards to pivot the locking mechanism 140 from the locked position to the release position. When the locking mechanism 140 has pivoted by a certain angle, the first extension portion 155 can be released. The limiting rod 151 will rotate in the counterclockwise direction under its own gravity, so that the retaining rod 152 and the first side plate 142 are in contact with the end face 1421 on the left side of the limiting portion 148 (taking Figure 8 and Figure 9 as a reference). As the pivoting angle of the locking mechanism 140 increases, the retaining rod 152 will move along the end face 1421 to the lower left corner position of the first side plate 142. Then continue to pivot the locking mechanism 140 to the maximum preset angle, and the retaining rod 152 will disengage from the first side plate 142 and pivot under gravity to, for example, the notch 149 below the first side plate 142. At this time, the pull ring 147 can be slowly released, so that the locking mechanism 140 rotates in the counterclockwise direction under gravity. The retaining rod 152 will automatically enter the notch 149 along the bottom surface of the first side plate 142 and prevent the locking mechanism 140 from automatically returning to the original position.

[0146] Since the acting force of the notch 149 on the retaining rod 152 passes through the axis of the flipping pin, self-locking is formed. The retaining rod 152 contacts the notch 149 at the supporting position to support the locking mechanism 140 in the release position. The normal line n2 at the supporting position passes through the axis of the flipping pin, forming self-locking. Therefore, the limiting assembly 150 can be stably in the supporting position, thereby supporting the locking mechanism 140 in the release position (refer to Figure 9 ). Theoretically speaking, this supporting position can be a line extending along the first direction.

[0147] The curved surface of the pivoting path of the notch 149 around the axis A2 of the bracket pin has the normal line n2 at the supporting position passing through the axis of the flipping pin (see Figure 9 ). Thus, the limiting assembly 150 can stably support the locking mechanism 140 in the release position (refer to Figure 9 ). During the pivoting process of the movable hinge 120 towards the horizontal position, the whole limiting assembly 150 moves with it. When the movable hinge 120 pivots towards the horizontal position by a certain angle, the retaining rod 152 will disengage from the notch 149, and the locking mechanism 140 will automatically return to the locked position under its own gravity.

[0148] According to a second aspect of the present application, a folding container is disclosed, which includes a chassis and an end frame. A hinge device 100 according to the above first aspect is provided between the chassis and the end frame. The movable hinge 120 is fixedly connected to the end frame, and the fixed hinge 110 is fixedly connected to the chassis, so that the end frame can move between a folded position folded on the chassis and an open position perpendicular to the chassis. It can be understood that the end frame can extend in a first direction, and the two end frames can be oppositely arranged in a second direction.

[0149] According to the present application, since the folding container includes the hinge device 100 according to the present application, the folding container has technical effects similar to those of the hinge device 100 according to the present application.

[0150] Second Embodiment

[0151] Next, the hinge device 200 of the folding container according to the second preferred embodiment of the present application will be described in detail in conjunction with Figures 13 to 18 the following.

[0152] The structure and principle of the second embodiment are substantially the same as those of the first embodiment. The main difference is that an unlocking component 270 is added, which combines the two actions of originally separately rotating the limiting component 150 and the locking mechanism 140 outward, enabling the operator to complete unlocking with one hand, simplifying the operation steps, and improving the operation experience.

[0153] It can be understood that for the hinge device 200 according to the second embodiment of the present application, due to the provision of the unlocking component 270, the unlocking component 270 is configured to be pivotable about the axis of the bracket pin 260 (see the explanation in the first embodiment) so that the unlocking component 270 can drive the locking mechanism 240 to move between a locked position and a released position. Thus, there is no need to provide a pulling member as in the first embodiment.

[0154] For the sake of brevity in the description, the following mainly introduces the differences between the two.

[0155] As Figures 13 to 15 shown, in this embodiment, the movable hinge 220 is pivotally connected to the fixed hinge 210 between a horizontal position and a vertical position. The limiting component 250 is pivotally provided on the side of the movable hinge 220 along the first direction and is located between the movable hinge 220 and the second wall panel 212. Correspondingly, the bracket 241 of the locking mechanism 240 can include two oppositely arranged side plates. The two side plates can be a first side plate 242 and a second side plate 243. The end of the second side plate 243 is provided with a limiting portion 248 and a notch 249 for cooperating with the limiting component 250 to limit the locking mechanism 240 in the locked position or support it in the released position.

[0156] The hinge device 200 includes an unlocking assembly 270, and the unlocking assembly 270 is at least partially pivotally arranged on the second side plate 243.

[0157] The unlocking assembly 270 can pass through the side plate (such as the second side plate 243) via the first avoidance hole 273. The unlocking assembly 270 is configured to be movable between a non-unlocking position and an unlocking position. The unlocking assembly 270 includes a cam 272. The cam 272 is arranged between the movable hinge 120 and the side plate along a first direction. The cam has a driving surface 2721. The driving surface 2721 of the cam in the unlocking position extends from outside to inside and downward along a second direction, so that the driving lever 252 of the limiting assembly 250 can be driven to move from the limiting position to the unlocking position when the cam 272 moves from the non-unlocking position to the unlocking position.

[0158] In the illustrated embodiment, an unlocking force that causes the driving lever 252 to move from the limiting position to the unlocking position can be applied or transmitted to the limiting assembly 250, specifically to the driving lever 252 of the limiting assembly 250, via the cam 272 of the unlocking assembly 270.

[0159] Specifically, the unlocking assembly 270 can include a handle 271, a cam 272, and at least one first stopper 274 and a second stopper 275 for limiting the rotation range of the cam 272. The handle 271 passes through the second wall plate 212 and the first avoidance hole 273 provided on the second side plate 243 in sequence from the inner side of the hinge device, and is fixedly connected to the cam 272 located between the movable hinge 220 and the second side plate 243.

[0160] Optionally, for ease of operation and to facilitate rotation of the handle 271 about the unlocking axis (see below), the handle 271 can be generally configured as a circular column. Of course, the handle 271 can also be configured in other suitable shapes according to actual operation and manufacturing conditions. The handle 271 can include a first handle portion and a second handle portion, and the first handle portion and the second handle portion can be fixedly connected. In some embodiments, the first handle portion and the second handle portion can be coaxially connected. The radial dimension of the first avoidance hole 273 can be greater than the radial dimension of the first handle portion. The first handle portion passes through the first avoidance hole 273. Thus, the first handle portion can rotate within the first avoidance hole 273. Optionally, the radial dimension of the first avoidance hole 273 can be slightly greater than the radial dimension of the first handle portion. The radial dimension of the first avoidance hole 273 can be less than the radial dimension of the second handle portion to facilitate restricting the axial movement of the cam. Specifically, the radial dimension of the portion of the second handle portion close to the side plate can be greater than that of the first avoidance hole 273. The portion of the second handle portion close to the side plate can be cylindrical, or can be configured in other shapes, or can be provided with a blocking member protruding radially from the first avoidance hole 273 along the first avoidance hole 273. The shape of the portion of the second handle portion away from the side plate is not specifically limited as long as its function can be achieved. At least a part of the second handle portion is located outside the first avoidance hole 273 to facilitate operating the handle 271 by applying a force to the second handle portion.

[0161] In some embodiments, the handle 271 can be generally configured as a circular columnar structure with one end larger and the other end smaller, and the size of the first avoidance hole 273 is between the smaller end and the larger end of the handle 271. Thus, axial limitation of the handle 271 is achieved. Optionally, at least one gasket can also be fixedly connected to the handle 271 to strengthen the axial limitation of the handle 271.

[0162] In some embodiments, a second avoidance hole 219 is provided on the second wall panel 212 to prevent interference between the handle 271 and the second wall panel 212 when the handle 271 moves. The dimension of the second avoidance hole 219 in the third direction can be greater than the dimension in the second direction, and the second avoidance hole 219 can be configured as an arc-shaped through hole extending around the axis of the bracket pin shaft 260, and the handle 271 can move along the second avoidance hole 219. Thus, it is convenient to operate the handle 271 and the external force applied to the handle 271 is saved.

[0163] Optionally, the handle 271 can be directly and fixedly connected to the cam 272 by means of threaded connection, welding, bonding, etc., or the handle 271 and the cam 272 can be fixedly connected by arranging a connecting shaft. The axial dimension of the handle 271 is greater than the dimension of the first avoidance hole 273, and only axial limitation is required, and the specific shape is not limited. When the handle 271 is rotated, the cam 272 also rotates accordingly; when the handle 271 is lifted upward, the locking mechanism 240 can be driven to turn outward, so that the locking mechanism 240 moves from the locking position to the release position.

[0164] Thus, operating the same handle 271 can move the unlocking assembly 270 from the non-unlocking position to the unlocking position, and drive the locking mechanism 240 to move from the locking position to the release position, simplifying the operation process.

[0165] In some embodiments not shown, the unlocking assembly 270 can be at least partially pivotally arranged on the first side plate 242. Specifically, it can be set according to actual needs.

[0166] The driving surface 2721 of the cam 272 can be configured as an arc surface or an inclined surface. For example, the cam 272 can be generally configured as an irregular sector. Optionally, when the unlocking assembly 270 is in the non-unlocking position, the distance from the point on the sector arc surface of the cam 272 that is farther away from the limiting portion 248 to the unlocking axis is greater. The distance from each point on the driving surface 2721 to the unlocking axis can be greater than the distance from the limiting portion 248 to the unlocking axis. When the cam 272 rotates towards the shift lever 252, the arc surface or the inclined surface contacts the shift lever 252, and the shift lever 252 can be pushed to rotate in a direction away from the limiting portion 248. The first stop block 274 and the second stop block 275 can be fixedly connected to the side of the second side plate 243 close to the movable hinge 220, and are respectively located diagonally below and diagonally above the cam 272. Along the second direction, the first stop block 274 can be closer to the lock block than the second stop block 275, for limiting the rotation range of the cam 272.

[0167] The unlocking assembly 270 is configured to be pivotable about the unlocking axis so that the unlocking assembly 270 can move between the non-unlocking position and the unlocking position. The first avoidance hole 273 defines the unlocking axis. It can be understood that when the handle 271 is configured as a cylinder, the unlocking axis can be generally the axis of the handle 271.

[0168] The unlocking assembly 270 in the unlocking position is configured to be able to cooperate with the locking mechanism 240 to drive the locking mechanism 240 to pivot about the axis of the bracket pin 260 so as to move between the locking position and the release position.

[0169] As Figures 14 to 18As shown, when the unlocking assembly 270 is in the unlocking position, the driving surface 2721 of the cam 272 protrudes upward from the limiting portion 248 of the side plate (e.g., the second side plate 243) along the third direction. As a result, the driving surface 2721 can apply or transmit force to the blocking rod 252 abutting against the limiting portion 248 to push the blocking rod 252 away from the limiting portion 248. When the unlocking assembly 270 is in the non-unlocking position, the driving surface 2721 of the cam 272 is flush with or recessed in the limiting portion 248 of the side plate (e.g., the second side plate 243) along the third direction. As a result, the driving surface 2721 cannot apply or transmit force to the blocking rod 252 abutting against the limiting portion 248 to cause the blocking rod 252 to leave the limiting position.

[0170] In the illustrated embodiment, the cam 272 (specifically, the driving surface 2721) can be forced by the handle 271. And, when the unlocking assembly 270 is in the unlocking position, the handle 271 is applied with an upward force in the third direction, or with an upward and outward force (refer to Figure 18 , which can also be described as a force to the left) to drive the locking mechanism 240 to pivot around the axis of the bracket pin 260 to move between the locking position and the release position. Specifically, the handle 271 (specifically, the first handle portion) abuts against the inner wall (specifically, the upper wall) of the first avoidance hole 273 upward, thereby driving the side plate, and finally driving the locking mechanism 240 to move outward (counterclockwise in the illustrated embodiment), that is, the peripheral wall of the handle 271 cooperates with the inner wall of the first avoidance hole 273 located in the side plate, and the handle 271 is subjected to force and transmits the force to the locking mechanism 240, thereby driving the locking mechanism 240 to pivot around the axis of the bracket pin 260 to move between the locking position and the release position.

[0171] It can be understood that when the unlocking assembly 270 is in the unlocking position, the projection of the cam 272 on the vertical plane perpendicular to the unlocking axis protrudes upward from the projection of the limiting portion 248 of the side plate (for example, the second side plate 243) on the vertical plane perpendicular to the unlocking axis; when the unlocking assembly 270 is in the non-unlocking position, the projection of the cam 272 on the vertical plane perpendicular to the unlocking axis falls within the projection of the side plate on the vertical plane perpendicular to the unlocking axis. Specifically, when the cam 272 contacts the first stopper 274, the outline of the cam 272 is hidden within the outline of the second side plate 243, that is, it will not protrude from the second side plate 243 along the third direction. At this time, the unlocking assembly 270 is in the non-unlocking position; Figure 17 As shown, when the cam 272 contacts the second stopper 275, the cam 272 at least partially protrudes from the second side plate 243, and the limiting portion 248 is covered by the cam 272, so that the blocking rod 252 of the limiting assembly 250 can be pushed away from the limiting portion 248 by the fan-shaped arc surface or the inclined surface, and the unlocking assembly 270 is in the unlocking position.

[0172] Optionally, the center of gravity of the unlocking component 270 is located on the side of the vertical plane where the unlocking axis is located, closer to the bracket pin shaft 160 or the first stopper 274. When no external force is applied, the unlocking component 270 can remain in the non-unlocking position.

[0173] In an embodiment not shown in the present application, a magnetic member or an elastic member such as a spring may also be provided between the locking mechanism 240 and the unlocking component 270 to provide an automatic restoring force, so that the unlocking component 270 can be maintained in Figure 16 and Figure 18 the non-unlocking position shown.

[0174] Specifically, for example, a torsion spring can be installed between the handle 271 of the unlocking component 270 shown in the figure and the side plate 243 of the locking mechanism 240, or a tension spring can be added between the cam 272 and the side plate 243, both of which can keep the cam 272 in the non-unlocking position when no other external force is applied.

[0175] The setting of the unlocking component 270 can more conveniently unlock the hinge device. Specifically, as Figures 16 to 18 shown, when unlocking the hinge device, the operator first rotates the handle 271 clockwise to move the unlocking component 270 from the non-unlocking position to the unlocking position. During this process, the stop lever 252 is pushed away from the limiting portion 248 by the cam 272, and then the handle 271 is lifted upward, so that the locking mechanism 240 pivots from the locking position to the release position around the axis of the bracket pin shaft 260. During this process, the stop lever 252 always moves downward along the inner end surface of the second side plate 243 in the second direction to the innermost end of the second side plate 243. When the locking mechanism 240 pivots to the maximum preset angle, the stop lever 252 will disengage from the second side plate 243 and pivot below the second side plate 243 under the action of gravity. At this time, the handle 271 can be slowly lowered, so that the locking mechanism 240 rotates in the opposite direction under the action of gravity, and the stop lever 252 will automatically enter the notch 249 along the bottom surface of the second side plate 243 and prevent the locking mechanism 240 from automatically returning to its original position, thereby supporting the locking mechanism 240 in the release position. At this time, the center of gravity of the unlocking component 270 is located on the side of the vertical plane where the axis of the first avoidance hole 273 is located, closer to the first stopper 274. Therefore, after the handle 271 is released, the unlocking component 270 can return to the non-unlocking position under the action of gravity. Finally, the movable hinge 220 is pivoted towards the horizontal position, driving the entire limiting component 250 to move with it. When the movable hinge 220 pivots to a certain angle, the stop lever 252 will disengage from the notch 249, and the locking mechanism 240 will automatically return to the locking position under the action of its own gravity.

[0176] Third Embodiment

[0177] Next, it will be combined with Figures 19 to 24A detailed description is given of the hinge device 300 of the foldable container according to the third preferred embodiment of the present application.

[0178] The structure and principle of the third embodiment are basically the same as those of the second embodiment. The unlocking assembly 370 in the unlocked position is configured to be able to drive the locking mechanism 340 to pivot about the axis of the bracket pin 360 to move between the locked position and the released position. The main difference lies in changing part of the structure of the unlocking assembly 370. The unlocking can be completed simply by lifting the operating handle upward, without the need to rotate the handle 371 about the unlocking axis as in the second embodiment, which is more in line with the operating habits of people, more convenient to operate, and has stronger practicability.

[0179] It can be understood that for the hinge device 300 according to the third embodiment of the present application, since the unlocking assembly 370 in the unlocked position is configured to be able to pivot about the axis of the bracket pin 360 so that the unlocking assembly 370 can drive the locking mechanism 340 to move between the locked position and the released position. Thus, there is no need to provide a pulling member as in the first embodiment.

[0180] For the sake of brevity in the text, the differences between the third embodiment and the second embodiment and the first embodiment are mainly introduced below. Regarding the similar or identical structures and settings in the third embodiment and the second embodiment and the first embodiment, reference can be made to the descriptions in the second embodiment and the first embodiment.

[0181] As Figure 19 and Figure 20 shown, in the present embodiment, the movable hinge 320 is pivotally connected to the fixed hinge 310 between a horizontal position and a vertical position. The limiting assembly 350 is pivotally provided on the side of the movable hinge 320 and is located between the movable hinge 320 and the second wall panel 312 along a first direction. Correspondingly, the end of the side plate (for example, the second side plate 343) of the locking mechanism 340 is provided with a limiting portion 348 and a notch 349 for cooperating with the limiting assembly 350 to limit the locking mechanism 340 in the locked position or support it in the released position.

[0182] The hinge device 300 includes an unlocking assembly 370, and the unlocking assembly 370 is configured to be movable up and down along a third direction so that the unlocking assembly 370 can move between a non-unlocked position and an unlocked position. The unlocking assembly 370 can be configured such that at least part of the unlocking assembly 370 is movably provided on the side plate (for example, the second side plate 343) relative to the side plate (for example, the second side plate 343) up and down.

[0183] In some embodiments not shown, the unlocking assembly 370 can be at least partially pivotally provided on the first side plate 342. It can be specifically set according to actual needs.

[0184] like Figures 20 to 24 As shown, when the unlocking assembly 370 is in the unlocking position, the driving surface 3721 of the cam 372 protrudes from the limiting portion 348 of the side plate (e.g., the second side plate 343) along the third direction. As a result, the driving surface 3721 can apply or transmit force to the blocking rod 352 abutting against the limiting portion 348 to push the blocking rod 352 away from the limiting portion 348. When the unlocking assembly 370 is in the non-unlocking position, the driving surface 3721 of the cam 372 is flush with or recessed in the limiting portion 348 of the side plate (e.g., the second side plate 343) along the third direction. As a result, the driving surface 3721 cannot apply or transmit force to the blocking rod 352 abutting against the limiting portion 348 to cause the blocking rod 352 to leave the limiting position.

[0185] The unlocking assembly 370 located at the unlocking position is configured to cooperate with the locking mechanism 340 to drive the locking mechanism 340 to pivot around the axis of the bracket pin 360 so as to move between the locking position and the releasing position.

[0186] In the illustrated embodiment, the unlocking assembly 370 may include a handle 371, a cam 372, and at least a first stopper 374 and a second stopper 375 for guiding the movement of the cam 372. Specifically, the cam 372 (specifically, the driving surface 3721) may be subjected to force by the handle 371. Furthermore, when the unlocking assembly 370 is in the unlocking position, a force is applied to the handle 371 in an upward direction along a third direction, or in an upward and outward direction (reference Figure 23 and Figure 24 , which can also be described as a force to the left) to drive the locking mechanism 340 to pivot around the axis of the bracket pin 360 (for a specific explanation, see the first embodiment) to move between the locking position and the release position. Specifically, the handle 371 abuts against the inner wall (specifically, the upper wall) of the first avoidance hole 373 upward, thereby driving the side plate and finally driving the locking mechanism 340 to move outward (counterclockwise in the illustrated embodiment), that is, driving the locking mechanism 340 to pivot around the axis of the bracket pin 360 to move between the locking position and the release position.

[0187] In the illustrated embodiment, along the second direction, the first stopper 374 and the second stopper 375 are respectively located on both sides of the cam 372, and the first stopper 374 is closer to the locking block than the second stopper 375. The handle 371 passes through the second wall panel 312 and the first avoidance hole 373 provided on the second side plate 343 in sequence from the inner side of the hinge device, and is fixedly connected to the cam 372 located between the movable hinge 320 and the second side plate 343. The dimension of the first avoidance hole 373 in the third direction may be greater than the dimension in the second direction. The first avoidance hole 373 is configured as an elongated hole arranged substantially in the vertical direction, so as to facilitate the up-and-down movement of the handle 371 in the third direction, thereby driving the cam 372 to move between the unlocking position and the non-unlocking position. In this embodiment, the unlocking position and the non-unlocking position can be understood as being substantially on a straight line along the third direction. Thus, simply lifting the operating handle 371 upward can push the shift lever 352 away from the limiting portion 348, and finally drive the locking mechanism 340 to move outward (counterclockwise in the illustrated embodiment) to the release position, thereby completing the unlocking, without the need to rotate the handle 371 around the unlocking axis as in the second embodiment, which is more in line with the operating habits of people, more convenient to operate, and has stronger practicability.

[0188] In some embodiments, the width dimension (i.e., the dimension in the second direction) of the first avoidance hole 373 may be between the small end and the large end of the handle 371. Thereby, axial limitation of the handle 371 is performed. Optionally, at least one gasket may also be fixedly connected to the handle 371 to strengthen the axial limitation of the handle 371. In some embodiments, the handle 371 may be generally configured as a circular columnar structure with one end large and one end small. For details, reference may be made to the description in the second embodiment.

[0189] Optionally, a second avoidance hole 319 is provided on the second wall panel 312 to prevent interference between the handle 371 and the second wall panel 312 when the handle 371 moves. In some embodiments, the second avoidance hole 319 may be configured as an arc-shaped through hole extending around the axis of the bracket pin shaft 360, and the handle 371 can move along the second avoidance hole. Thereby, the operation is convenient and labor-saving.

[0190] Optionally, the handle 371 can be directly fixedly connected to the cam 372 by means of threaded connection, welding, bonding, etc., or the handle 371 and the cam 372 can be fixedly connected by providing a connecting shaft. The axial dimension of the handle 371 is greater than the dimension of the first avoidance hole 373, and only axial limitation is required, and the specific shape may not be limited.

[0191] When the handle 371 is lifted upward, the locking mechanism 340 can be driven to turn outward, so that the locking mechanism 340 moves from the locking position to the release position.

[0192] Reference Figure 22 and Figure 23When the handle 371 is lifted upward, the handle 371 first moves upward from the bottom to the top of the first avoidance hole 373 to achieve unlocking, that is, the unlocking assembly 370 is moved from the non-unlocked position to the unlocked position, so as to drive the blocking lever 352 of the limiting assembly 350 to move from the limiting position to the position where the limit is released. Then, continue to operate the handle 371 and move the handle 371 upward, thereby driving the side plate, and finally driving the locking mechanism 340 to move outward (counterclockwise in the illustrated embodiment). That is to say, the peripheral wall (specifically, the upper wall) of the handle 371 cooperates with the inner wall (specifically, the upper wall) of the first avoidance hole 373 located on the side plate (for example, in an abutting fit). The handle 371 is stressed and transmits the force to the locking mechanism 340, so that the unlocking assembly 370 located at the unlocked position can pivot around the axis of the bracket pin 360, so that the unlocking assembly 370 can drive the locking mechanism 340 to move from the locked position to the released position around the axis of the bracket pin 360. Thus, operating the same handle 371 can achieve moving the unlocking assembly 370 from the non-unlocked position to the unlocked position and driving the locking mechanism 340 to move from the locked position to the released position, simplifying the operation process.

[0193] In the illustrated embodiment, an unlocking force that causes the blocking lever 352 to move from the limiting position to the position where the limit is released can be applied or transmitted to the limiting assembly 350, specifically to the blocking lever 352 of the limiting assembly 350, via the cam 372 of the unlocking assembly 370.

[0194] The handle 371 may include a first handle portion and a second handle portion similar to those in the second embodiment. Different from the second embodiment, the first handle portion of the handle 371 may be configured as a cylindrical shape, or may be configured as a shape such as a square or an ellipse. When the first handle portion is configured as a square or an ellipse, the first stopper 374 and / or the second stopper 375 may also be cancelled. In this case, the shape of the first handle portion and the first avoidance hole 373 can be used. The shape of the first handle portion and the first avoidance hole 373 are adapted to each other. Specifically, the cooperation between the peripheral wall of the first handle portion and the inner wall of the first avoidance hole 373 located on the side plate can be used to limit and guide the cam 372, restrict the rotation of the cam 372 and guide the cam 372 to move up and down in the third direction, specifically, to move between the non-unlocked position and the unlocked position. It can be understood that the dimension of the first avoidance hole 373 in the second direction may be slightly larger than the dimension of the first handle portion in the second direction to facilitate the cooperation to limit and guide the cam 372.

[0195] Optionally, referring to Figures 20 to 24 , the cam 372 may be generally configured as a rectangle, with a driving surface 3721 provided at the upper end. The driving surface 3721 extends downward from the outside to the inside in the second direction. Specifically, the driving surface 3721 may be configured as an inclined surface slanting downward or an arc surface protruding outward (seeFigure 22 ) When the cam 372 moves towards the shift lever 352, the inclined surface or arc surface contacts the shift lever 352, and can push the shift lever 252 to rotate away from the limiting portion 348. The first stop block 374 and the second stop block 375 are fixedly connected to one side of the second side plate 343 close to the movable hinge 320, and are respectively located on both sides of the cam 372, playing a role of limiting and guiding, so that the cam 372 can move up and down relative to the second side plate 343 within the first avoidance hole 373.

[0196] As Figure 21 shown, when the handle 371 is at the bottom of the first avoidance hole 373, the projection of the cam 372 on the vertical plane perpendicular to the axis of the bracket pin shaft 360 falls within the projection of the second side plate 243 on this vertical plane. In other words, the contour of the cam 372 is hidden within the contour of the second side plate 343, that is, it will not protrude from the second side plate 343 along the third direction. At this time, the unlocking assembly 370 is in the non-unlocking position; as Figure 22 shown, when the handle 371 is at the top of the first avoidance hole 373, the cam 372 at least partially protrudes from the second side plate 343, and the limiting portion 348 is covered by the cam 372. At this time, the shift lever 352 of the limiting assembly 350 is pushed away from the limiting portion 348 by the cam 372, and the unlocking assembly 370 is in the unlocking position. Optionally, when not subject to external force, the unlocking assembly 370 can always stay in the non-unlocking position by its own gravity. Optionally, in an embodiment not shown in the present application, a magnetic member or an elastic member such as a spring can also be installed between the unlocking assembly 370 and the second side plate 343 to provide an automatic restoring force for keeping the unlocking assembly 370 in the non-unlocking position. Specifically, for example, a tension spring can be installed on the handle of the unlocking assembly shown in the figure and the side plate below the handle, so that the cam 372 can stay in the non-unlocking position when not subject to other external forces.

[0197] The setting of the unlocking assembly 370 can more conveniently unlock the hinge device and at the same time better conform to the operating habits of people. Specifically, as Figures 21 to 23As shown, when the hinge device is to be unlocked, the operator first lifts the handle 371 upward, causing the unlocking assembly 370 to move from the non-unlocking position to the unlocking position. During this process, the stop lever 352 is pushed away from the limiting portion 348 by the cam 372. Then, the operator continues to lift the handle 371 upward, causing the locking mechanism 340 to pivot from the locked position to the released position. During this process, the stop lever 352 always moves downward along the inner end face of the second side plate 343 in the second direction to the innermost end of the second side plate 343. When the locking mechanism 340 pivots to the maximum preset angle, the stop lever 352 will disengage from the second side plate 343 and pivot below the second side plate 343 under the action of gravity. At this time, the handle 371 can be slowly lowered, causing the locking mechanism 340 to rotate in the opposite direction under the action of gravity. The stop lever 352 will automatically enter the notch 349 along the bottom surface of the second side plate 343 and prevent the locking mechanism 340 from automatically returning to its original position, thereby supporting the locking mechanism 340 in the released position. After releasing the handle 371, the unlocking assembly 370 will return to the non-unlocking position under the action of gravity. Finally, the movable hinge 320 is pivoted toward the horizontal position, driving the entire limiting assembly 350 to move with it. When the movable hinge 320 pivots to a certain angle, the stop lever 352 will disengage from the notch 349, and the locking mechanism 340 will automatically return to the locked position under the action of its own gravity.

[0198] In addition, when there is no need for the movable hinge 320 to pivot toward the inside of the folding container, if the handle 371 is accidentally lifted upward, causing the locking mechanism 340 to be supported in the released position by the limiting assembly 350, the stop lever 351 can be flipped by operating the first extension portion 355, causing the stop lever 352 to disengage from the notch 349. The locking mechanism 340 will then automatically return to its locked position under the action of its own gravity.

[0199] Optionally, when necessary, the limiting assembly 350 and the unlocking assembly 370 can also be arranged on the outside of the hinge device.

[0200] Unless otherwise defined, the technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as those commonly understood by those skilled in the technical field of this application. The terms used herein are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit this application. Terms such as "arranged" used herein can either mean that one component is directly attached to another component or that one component is attached to another component through an intermediate member. The features described in one embodiment herein can be applied alone or in combination with other features to another embodiment, unless the feature is not applicable or otherwise stated in that other embodiment.

[0201] The present application has been described through the above embodiments. However, it should be understood that the above embodiments are only for illustrative and explanatory purposes, and are not intended to limit the present application within the scope of the described embodiments. Those skilled in the art can understand that according to the teachings of the present application, more variations and modifications can be made, and these variations and modifications all fall within the scope claimed by the present application.

Claims

1. A hinge device for a foldable container, characterized in that: include: Fixed hinge; a living hinge pivotably connected to the fixed hinge between a horizontal position and a vertical position; A limiting assembly, the limiting assembly being arranged on at least one side of the movable hinge along the first direction, the limiting assembly comprising a blocking rod, and the blocking rod being pivotable relative to the movable hinge; A locking mechanism, the locking mechanism being pivotally connected to the fixed hinge between a locking position for locking the movable hinge and a releasing position for releasing the movable hinge, and a limiting portion being provided on one side of the locking mechanism close to the blocking rod, Wherein, when the movable hinge is located at the vertical position, at least a portion of the blocking rod is located in the pivoting path of the limiting portion to prevent the locking mechanism from pivoting to the releasing position.

2. The hinge device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The limiting component also includes: a flip pin, the flip pin being arranged on at least one side of the movable hinge along the first direction; and a limit lever, the limit lever being pivotally connected to the living hinge via the flip pin, Wherein, the blocking rod is arranged on the limiting rod and is configured to be able to pivot to the limiting position under the action of the automatic restoring force so as to cooperate with the limiting portion to prevent the locking mechanism from pivoting to the releasing position.

3. The hinge device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The blocking rod located at the limiting position can form an abutment fit with the limiting portion at a contact point, wherein the blocking rod is located above the limiting portion.

4. The hinge device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The normal line of the contact passes through the axis of the flip pin.

5. The hinge device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The locking mechanism includes a locking block, and when the movable hinge is in the vertical position, the locking block is clamped between the movable hinge and the fixed hinge. During the process of the movable hinge pivoting from the horizontal position to the vertical position, the movable hinge can push the locking block located at the locking position so that the movable hinge located at the vertical position is at least partially below the locking block located at the locking position; during the process of the movable hinge pivoting from the vertical position to the horizontal position, the locking block can block the movement of the movable hinge.

6. The hinge device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The locking mechanism further comprises a bracket, wherein the bracket is pivotally arranged on the fixed hinge via a bracket pin, and the locking block is movably clamped on the bracket.

7. The hinge device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The locking mechanism is also formed with a blocking portion, which protrudes upward from the limiting portion along a third direction when the movable hinge is in the vertical position, and the blocking portion is located on a pivot path of the blocking rod pivoting around the flip pin, and the blocking portion is closer to the locking block than the limiting portion along a second direction, the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction, and the third direction is perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction.

8. The hinge device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The locking mechanism is also provided with an avoidance portion on one side close to the baffle rod. When the locking mechanism is in the locking position, the avoidance portion is farther away from the locking block than the limiting portion along the second direction. The distance from the avoidance portion to the axis of the flip pin is greater than the distance from the limiting portion to the axis of the flip pin, so that the baffle rod can pivot from the limit release position to the limit position under the action of an automatic restoring force, and can pivot from the limit position in the opposite direction to the limit release position under the action of an unlocking force.

9. The hinge device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The fixed hinge includes a wall panel, and the bracket includes a side panel, which is arranged between the movable hinge and the wall panel along the first direction. A notch is formed at the bottom end of the side panel, and the notch is used to accommodate the blocking rod, so that the blocking rod supports the locking mechanism in the release position.

10. The hinge device according to claim 9, characterized in that: The blocking rod contacts the notch at a support to support the locking mechanism at the release position, and a normal line of the support passes through the axis of the flip pin.

11. The hinge device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The limiting rod includes a first extension portion and a second extension portion connected to the first extension portion and arranged at an angle, the flip pin is arranged at the connection between the first extension portion and the second extension portion, and the blocking rod is arranged at the second extension portion.

12. The hinge device according to claim 11, characterized in that: The limit assembly also includes at least one stop pin, which is fixedly connected to at least one side of the movable hinge along the first direction. The stop pin is located on the pivot path of the first extension portion of the limit rod pivoting around the flip pin, thereby limiting the pivot range of the limit rod.

13. The hinge device according to claim 11, characterized in that: When the living hinge is in the vertical position, the first extension portion extends beyond the living hinge or the fixed hinge along a second direction.

14. The hinge device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The hinge device further includes a pulling member connected to the locking mechanism, the pulling member being configured to be operable to enable the locking mechanism to be transferred from the locking position to the releasing position to allow the living hinge to pivot toward the horizontal position.

15. The hinge device according to claim 9, characterized in that: The hinge device also includes an unlocking component, which is inserted through the side plate and is constructed to be able to move between a non-unlocking position and an unlocking position. The unlocking component includes a cam, which is arranged between the movable hinge and the side plate along the first direction. The cam has a driving surface so that the cam can drive the barrier rod of the limit assembly to move from the limit position to the limit release position during the process of moving from the non-unlocking position to the unlocking position.

16. The hinge device according to claim 15, characterized in that: The driving surface of the cam located at the unlocking position extends downward from outside to inside along the second direction, and the driving surface is configured as an arc surface or an inclined surface.

17. The hinge device according to claim 15, characterized in that: The unlocking assembly located at the unlocking position is configured to cooperate with the locking mechanism to drive the locking mechanism to pivot around the axis of the bracket pin to move between the locking position and the releasing position.

18. The hinge device according to claim 15, characterized in that: The unlocking assembly is configured to be pivotable about an unlocking axis so that the unlocking assembly can move between a non-unlocking position and an unlocking position.

19. The hinge device according to claim 18, characterized in that The unlocking assembly also includes a first stopper and a second stopper for limiting the rotation range of the cam, the first stopper is located obliquely below the cam, and the second stopper is located obliquely above the cam. Along the second direction, the first stopper is closer to the locking block than the second stopper.

20. The hinge device according to claim 18, characterized in that When the unlocking assembly is located at the unlocking position, the projection of the cam on a vertical plane perpendicular to the unlocking axis protrudes upwards beyond the projection of the limiting portion of the side plate on the vertical plane perpendicular to the unlocking axis; When the unlocking assembly is located at the non-unlocking position, the projection of the cam on the vertical plane perpendicular to the unlocking axis falls within the projection of the side plate on the vertical plane perpendicular to the unlocking axis.

21. The hinge device according to claim 18, characterized in that The unlocking assembly also includes a handle, which is fixedly connected to the cam. The side plate is provided with a first avoidance hole, which defines the unlocking axis, and the handle is inserted into the first avoidance hole.

22. The hinge device according to claim 15, characterized in that: The unlocking assembly is configured to be movable along a third direction so that the unlocking assembly can move between a non-unlocking position and an unlocking position.

23. The hinge device according to claim 22, characterized in that The unlocking assembly further includes a first stopper and a second stopper for guiding the movement of the cam. Along the second direction, the first stopper and the second stopper are respectively located on both sides of the cam and the first stopper is closer to the locking block than the second stopper.

24. The hinge device according to claim 15, characterized in that When the unlocking assembly is located at the unlocking position, the driving surface of the cam protrudes upward from the limiting portion of the side plate along the third direction; When the unlocking assembly is located at the non-unlocking position, the driving surface of the cam is flush with or recessed in the limiting portion of the side plate downward along the third direction.

25. The hinge device according to claim 15, characterized in that The unlocking assembly also includes a handle, which is fixedly connected to the cam. The side plate is provided with a first avoidance hole, and the handle is passed through the first avoidance hole. The size of the first avoidance hole along the third direction is greater than the size along the second direction.

26. The hinge device according to claim 21 or 25, characterized in that: The wall panel is provided with a second avoidance hole, and the handle is sequentially passed through the second avoidance hole and the first avoidance hole from the outside to the inside.

27. The hinge device according to any one of claims 18 to 21, characterized in that: The center of gravity of the unlocking assembly is located on a side of the vertical plane where the unlocking axis is located, close to the bracket pin.

28. A foldable container, comprising a base frame and an end frame, characterized in that: A hinge device as described in any one of claims 1 to 27 is arranged between the base frame and the end frame, the movable hinge is fixedly connected to the end frame, and the fixed hinge is fixedly connected to the base frame, so that the end frame can move between a folded position folded on the base frame and an open position perpendicular to the base frame.

Images