Hinge structure and vending machine

Abstract

The utility model provides a hinge structure and automatic vending machine, hinge structure includes fixed connection's hinge shaft and hinge plate, the inside of hinge shaft has the first through -hole of setting along its axial direction and passes, makes the hollow setting of hinge shaft, and the first through -hole is crossed for cable, the outer peripheral wall of hinge shaft is equipped with the notch structure of intercommunication with the first through -hole, hinge plate is equipped with the second through -hole that power plug component crosses, the one end of notch structure communicates with the second through -hole, the other end of notch structure extends to the direction of away from hinge plate and reaches the through -hole of hinge shaft. The utility model provides a hinge structure and automatic vending machine, through setting up the second through -hole and notch structure, make the cable on the electric plug component after the second through -hole crosses, the cable on electric plug component is translated to the first through -hole through notch structure, electric plug component need not cross the first through -hole, the diameter of the first through -hole of hinge shaft can be greatly reduced, can be applicable to the thinner door board.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of hinge technology, and more specifically, it relates to a hinge structure and an automatic vending machine. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, most vending machines on the market are equipped with facial recognition screens. To conceal the screen's cables, the door hinges can be designed as hollow shaft hinges, with the screen's wiring harnesses and connectors passing through the door frame and hinges. This requires a large diameter hollow shaft to accommodate all the wiring harnesses and connectors. Furthermore, vending machine doors are typically glass doors, which are heavy. This necessitates a strong hollow shaft, thick walls, and a large outer diameter, resulting in a thicker door. Existing hinge structures are unsuitable for thinner door structures. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of this utility model embodiment is to provide a hinge structure and vending machine to solve the technical problem that the hollow shaft in the prior art has a thick wall and a large outer diameter, making it unsuitable for thinner door bodies.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is: to provide a hinge structure, comprising:

[0005] A hinge shaft has a first through hole extending axially through it, making the hinge shaft hollow, and the first through hole allows a cable to pass through. A notch structure communicating with the first through hole is formed on the outer peripheral wall of the hinge shaft; and

[0006] The hinge plate has a second through hole through which the power supply plug passes. One end of the notch structure is connected to the second through hole, and the other end of the notch structure extends away from the hinge plate to pass through the hinge axis.

[0007] The hinge shaft and the hinge plate are fixedly connected, and the hinge plate is formed by extending outward from the outer peripheral wall of the hinge shaft.

[0008] Optionally, the notch structure extends axially along the hinge axis, and both ends of the notch structure pass through both axial ends of the hinge axis.

[0009] Optionally, the hinge shaft is provided with a stepped structure near the hinge plate.

[0010] Optionally, the hinge plate includes a first plate, a second plate, and a transition connection portion. The first plate is fixedly connected to the hinge shaft, and the second through hole is disposed in the first plate. The two sides of the transition connection portion are bent and connected to the first plate and the second plate, respectively.

[0011] Optionally, the connection between the first plate and the transition connection portion has a first reinforcing rib with a raised section.

[0012] Optionally, the hinge plate has a first side and a second side disposed opposite to each other in the thickness direction, the first reinforcing rib is located on the second side of the hinge plate, the first side of the hinge plate is recessed, and the corresponding position of the second side of the hinge plate protrudes to form the first reinforcing rib.

[0013] Optionally, the first plate has a raised second reinforcing rib.

[0014] Optionally, there may be multiple second reinforcing ribs, which are arranged around the second through hole.

[0015] Optionally, the first plate and the transition connection portion are vertically connected, and the second plate and the transition connection portion are vertically connected.

[0016] This utility model also provides an automatic vending machine, including a cabinet, a cabinet door, and the aforementioned hinge structure, wherein the hinge structure is disposed at the rotatable connection between the cabinet and the cabinet door.

[0017] The advantages of the hinge structure and vending machine provided by this utility model are as follows: Compared with the prior art, the hinge structure of this utility model includes a hinge shaft and a hinge plate connected to each other. The hinge shaft is hollow and allows cables to pass through. The hinge plate has a second through hole through which a power plug component passes. The second through hole is connected to the first through hole inside the hinge shaft through a notch structure on the hinge shaft. By setting the second through hole and the notch structure, after the power plug component passes through the second through hole, the cable on the power plug component is moved through the notch structure into the first through hole. In this way, the power plug component does not need to pass through the first through hole, and the diameter of the first through hole of the hinge shaft can be greatly reduced. Even with a large wall thickness, the outer diameter of the hinge shaft will not be too large, and it can still be used for thinner door panels. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0019] Figure 1 The three-dimensional structure of the hinge structure provided in the embodiment of this utility model Figure 1 ;

[0020] Figure 2 The three-dimensional structure of the hinge structure provided in the embodiment of this utility model Figure 2 ;

[0021] Figure 3 A three-dimensional structural diagram of an automatic vending machine provided for an embodiment of this utility model;

[0022] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A magnified view of a section at point A in the middle;

[0023] Figure 5 for Figure 4 Structural diagram when the middle hinge cover is not shown.

[0024] The following are the labeling elements in the figure:

[0025] 10-Hinge structure; 11-Hinge plate; 110-Second through hole; 111-First plate; 112-Second plate; 1121-Connecting hole; 113-Transition connection; 114-First reinforcing rib; 115-Second reinforcing rib; 12-Hinge shaft; 121-First through hole; 122-Notch structure; 123-Step structure;

[0026] 20 - Cabinet body; 30 - Cabinet door; 40 - Face recognition screen; 50 - Hinged cover. Detailed Implementation

[0027] To make the technical problems, technical solutions, and beneficial effects of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present utility model and are not intended to limit the present utility model.

[0028] It should be noted that when a component is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another component, it can be directly on or indirectly on that other component. When a component is referred to as being "connected to" another component, it can be directly connected to or indirectly connected to that other component.

[0029] It should be understood that the terms "length", "width", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", and "outer" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0030] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this utility model, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0031] Currently, most vending machines on the market are equipped with facial recognition screens. To conceal the screen's cables, the door hinges can be designed as hollow shaft hinges, with the screen's wiring harnesses and connectors passing through the door frame and hinges. This requires a large diameter hollow shaft to accommodate all the wiring harnesses and connectors. Furthermore, vending machine doors are typically glass doors, which are heavy. This necessitates a strong hollow shaft, thick walls, and a large outer diameter, resulting in a thicker door. Existing hinge structures are unsuitable for thinner door structures.

[0032] To alleviate or solve the above technical problems, this utility model proposes a hinge structure 10 and an automatic vending machine. A hinge plate 11 is formed by extending the outer peripheral wall of the hinge shaft 12, and a second through hole 110 is opened on the hinge plate 11 so that the electrical plug (e.g., the plug of the face recognition screen 40) passes through the second through hole 110. Then the cable on the electrical plug is translated to the first through hole 121 through the notch structure 122. The electrical plug does not need to pass through the first through hole 121 of the hinge shaft 12. The inner diameter of the hinge shaft 12 can be set to be smaller. Correspondingly, the outer diameter of the hinge shaft 12 can also be set to be relatively smaller, which can be used for thinner door panels.

[0033] The hinge structure 10 provided in this embodiment of the present invention will now be described. The hinge structure 10 is used to be installed at the rotational connection of two structural members. The hinge structure 10 can be fixed to one of the structural members and inserted into the other structure.

[0034] Please refer to the following: Figure 1 and Figure 2 The hinge structure 10 includes:

[0035] The hinge shaft 12 has a first through hole 121 extending through it along its axial direction, making the hinge shaft 12 hollow, and the first through hole 121 allows a cable to pass through. A notch structure 122 communicating with the first through hole 121 is formed on the outer peripheral wall of the hinge shaft 12; and

[0036] The hinge plate 11 has a second through hole 110 through which the power supply plug component passes. One end of the notch structure 122 is connected to the second through hole 110, and the other end of the notch structure 122 extends away from the hinge plate 11 to pass through the hinge shaft 12.

[0037] The hinge shaft 12 and the hinge plate 11 are fixedly connected, and the hinge plate 11 is formed by extending outward from the outer peripheral wall of the hinge shaft 12.

[0038] The hinge shaft 12 is a hollow structure, allowing cables to enter from one axial end and exit from the other. The hole inside the hinge shaft 12 is a first through hole 121, with its axial direction aligned with that of the hinge shaft 12. When this hinge structure 10 is applied to a vending machine, the hinge shaft 12 extends along the height of the door 30 into the interior of the door 30. Cables for display devices such as the facial recognition screen 40 on the vending machine can pass through the first through hole 121 and connect to connectors inside the vending machine. A notch structure 122 is provided on the outer peripheral wall of the hinge shaft 12, allowing the first through hole 121 inside the hinge shaft 12 to communicate with the outside.

[0039] The hinge plate 11 extends outward from the outer peripheral wall of the hinge shaft 12. The plane containing the hinge plate 11 can be perpendicular to the axis of the hinge shaft 12, or it can be set at an acute or obtuse angle to the axis of the hinge shaft 12; the specific angle is not limited here. The hinge plate 11 is a plate-like structure. It should be noted that the hinge plate 11 can be a single flat plate, or it can be composed of multiple flat plate structures connected smoothly or irregularly. As long as the shape is roughly plate-like, it can be considered a hinge plate 11. The hinge plate 11 has a second through hole 110, which penetrates the hinge plate 11 along its thickness direction. The second through hole 110 allows a power plug component to pass through. This power plug component can be a connector, a device such as a face recognition screen plug, or other components whose size is much larger than the cable diameter. One end of the notch structure 122 is connected to the second through hole 110, thus connecting the first through hole 121 and the second through hole 110. After the electrical plug component passes through the second through hole 110, the cable connected to the electrical plug component can be moved from the notch structure 122 into the first through hole 121.

[0040] When installing a facial recognition screen 40 and other display devices on a vending machine, the electrical connector first passes through the second through hole 110. Then, the cable connected to the electrical connector is moved through the notch structure 122 to the first through hole 121. The electrical connector continues to move away from the hinge structure 10 until it is plugged into the display device. In this way, when the electrical connector is connected to the display device, it does not need to pass through the first through hole 121. The diameter of the first through hole 121 can be set to be smaller, and correspondingly, the outer diameter of the hinge shaft 12 can be set to be smaller. Even if the wall thickness of the hinge shaft 12 is slightly increased, it can still be used for the thinner cabinet door 30 structure.

[0041] The hinge structure 10 in the above embodiment includes a hinge shaft 12 and a hinge plate 11 connected to each other. The hinge shaft 12 is hollow and allows cables to pass through. The hinge plate 11 has a second through hole 110 through which a power plug component passes. The second through hole 110 is connected to the first through hole 121 inside the hinge shaft 12 through a notch structure 122 on the hinge shaft 12. By setting the second through hole 110 and the notch structure 122, after the power plug component passes through the second through hole 110, the cable on the power plug component is translated into the first through hole 121 through the notch structure 122. In this way, the power plug component does not need to pass through the first through hole 121, and the diameter of the first through hole 121 of the hinge shaft 12 can be greatly reduced. Even with a large wall thickness, the outer diameter of the hinge shaft 12 will not be too large, and it can still be used for thinner door panels.

[0042] In some embodiments of this utility model, the hinge shaft 12 and the hinge plate 11 are integrally formed, so that the hinge shaft 12 and the hinge plate 11 do not need to be installed later, and the assembly process is simple.

[0043] In some embodiments of this utility model, the hinge shaft 12 and the hinge plate 11 are formed separately and then fixedly connected by welding or other means.

[0044] Please refer to some embodiments of this utility model. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The second through hole 110 can be triangular, square, or irregular in shape.

[0045] Please refer to some embodiments of this utility model. Figure 2 The notch structure 122 extends axially along the hinge shaft 12, and both ends of the notch structure 122 penetrate both axial ends of the hinge shaft 12. The notch structure 122 is elongated, and its length direction is parallel to the axial direction of the hinge shaft 12. The fact that both ends of the notch structure 122 penetrate both axial ends of the hinge shaft 12 can be understood as the hinge shaft 12 being an open ring structure with the notch structure 122 circumferentially.

[0046] By setting the notch structure 122 to an elongated shape, the notch structure 122 can be simplified, and the hinge shaft 12 is easier to design and manufacture.

[0047] In some embodiments, the hinge plate 11 is connected to one axial end of the hinge shaft 12.

[0048] In some embodiments of this utility model, the notch structure 122 may be spirally extended along the surface of the hinge axis 12, or may be extended in other curves.

[0049] In some embodiments of this invention, the hinge plate 11 may be formed by extending a portion of the outer peripheral wall of the hinge shaft 12 circumferentially. In this embodiment, the hinge shaft 12 is located at the edge of the hinge plate 11, and the hinge shaft 12 near the side of the notch structure 122 is connected to the hinge plate 11.

[0050] In some embodiments of this utility model, the hinge plate 11 may be formed by extending the outer peripheral wall of the hinge shaft 12 at various circumferential locations, and the hinge shaft 12 may be considered to be located in the middle of the hinge plate 11 (any circumferential part of the hinge shaft 12 is not at the edge of the hinge plate 11). In this embodiment, the connection area between the hinge shaft 12 and the hinge plate 11 is larger, and the strength of the hinge structure 10 is greater.

[0051] In some embodiments of this utility model, a stepped structure 123 is provided on the hinge shaft 12 near the hinge plate 11. The step structure 123 forms a shoulder on the hinge shaft 12 near the hinge plate 11, and the diameter of the hinge shaft 12 changes along its axial direction. This can enhance the structural strength of the hinge shaft 12 at the step structure 123, so as to prevent the hinge shaft 12 from deforming or even breaking.

[0052] In some embodiments, the diameter of the hinge shaft 12 near the hinge plate 11 is larger than the diameter of other parts of the hinge shaft 12, thereby increasing the connection area between the hinge shaft 12 and the hinge plate 11 and making the connection structure between the hinge shaft 12 and the hinge plate 11 more stable.

[0053] Please refer to some embodiments of this utility model. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The hinge plate 11 includes a first plate 111, a second plate 112, and a transition connecting portion 113. The first plate 111 is fixedly connected to the hinge shaft 12, and a second through hole 110 is provided in the first plate 111. The two sides of the transition connecting portion 113 are bent and connected to the first plate 111 and the second plate 112, respectively. It can be understood that the first plate 111, the transition connecting portion 113, and the second plate 112 are connected sequentially. Specifically, the two sides of the transition connecting portion 113 are bent and connected to the first plate 111 and the second plate 112, respectively. This can be understood as the connection points of the first plate 111 and the transition connecting portion 113 forming an angle, and the connection points of the second plate 112 and the transition connecting portion 113 forming an angle.

[0054] By setting the hinge plate 11 as a first plate 111, a second plate 112, and a transition connection 113, and bending the transition plate to both the first plate 111 and the second plate 112, a reinforcing structure can be formed at the transition connection 113 of the hinge plate 11, thereby increasing the structural strength of the hinge plate 11 and preventing the hinge plate 11 from deforming under stress.

[0055] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The second plate 112 has a connecting hole 1121 for fixing the first plate 111 to one of the structural components. Specifically, a fastener can pass through the connecting hole 1121 and extend into the structural component to achieve the connection between the second plate 112 and the structural component.

[0056] In some embodiments, the hinge plate 11 is fixed to the cabinet body 20 by screws, which pass through the connecting holes 1121 of the second plate 112 and are threaded to the cabinet body 20. Correspondingly, the hinge shaft 12 extends into the interior of the cabinet door.

[0057] Please refer to some embodiments of this utility model. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The connection between the first plate 111 and the transition connection 113 has a raised first reinforcing rib 114. The first reinforcing rib 114 protrudes from the surface of the connection between the first plate 111 and the transition connection 113. The setting of the first reinforcing rib 114 can strengthen the connection strength of the connection between the first plate 111 and the transition connection 113, that is, it can enhance the structural strength of the hinge plate 11.

[0058] In some embodiments, the protrusion of the first reinforcing rib 114 may be polyhedral or sheet-like. The specific shape of the first reinforcing rib 114 is not limited here.

[0059] In some embodiments, there are multiple first reinforcing ribs 114, which are sequentially spaced along the connection between the first plate 111 and the transition connection portion 113. The more first reinforcing ribs 114 there are, the greater the structural strength of the hinge plate 11.

[0060] In some embodiments, the included angle between the first plate 111 and the transition connection 113 is less than 180 degrees, and the first reinforcing rib 114 is located between the two sides of the first plate 111 and the transition connection 113 facing each other.

[0061] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2The hinge plate 11 has a first side and a second side disposed opposite to each other in the thickness direction. A first reinforcing rib 114 is located on the second side of the hinge plate 11. The first side of the hinge plate 11 is recessed, and the corresponding position on the second side of the hinge plate 11 is raised to form the first reinforcing rib 114. It can be understood that the position of the recess on the first side of the hinge plate 11 is directly opposite to the position of the protrusion on the second side of the hinge plate 11, and the protruding part is the first reinforcing rib 114.

[0062] By recessing the first side of the hinge plate 11 and providing a protrusion at the corresponding position on the second side, the thickness of each part of the hinge plate 11 can be made uniform. Moreover, the hinge plate 11 in this embodiment can be formed by compression molding, which simplifies the manufacturing process.

[0063] In some embodiments of this utility model, a third reinforcing rib is provided at the connection between the second plate 112 and the transition connection 113, which can increase the structural strength of the hinge plate 11.

[0064] Please refer to some embodiments of this utility model. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The first plate 111 has a raised second reinforcing rib 115. The second reinforcing rib 115 can enhance the structural strength of the first plate 111, and thus enhance the strength of the hinge plate 11.

[0065] In some embodiments, the second reinforcing rib 115 is formed by protruding from the first side of the hinge plate 11 toward the second side, or it may be formed by protruding from the second side of the hinge plate 11 toward the first side.

[0066] In some embodiments, the second reinforcing rib 115 may be square, strip, polygonal, or other shapes.

[0067] In some embodiments, there are multiple second reinforcing ribs 115, which are arranged around the second through hole 110. This can enhance the structural strength of the periphery of the second through hole 110 and make full use of the space on the first plate 111 to enhance the structural strength of the first plate 111.

[0068] Optionally, there are two second reinforcing ribs 115, which are respectively disposed on opposite sides of the second through hole 110.

[0069] Please refer to some embodiments of this utility model. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The first plate 111 and the transition connection 113 are perpendicularly connected, and the second plate 112 and the transition connection 113 are also perpendicularly connected. The plane where the first plate 111 is located and the plane where the second plate 112 is located are parallel to each other, which makes it easier to install the hinge structure 10 onto the cabinet 20.

[0070] In other embodiments, the first plate 111 and the transition connection 113 are connected at an acute angle or an obtuse angle. The second plate 112 and the transition connection 113 are connected at an acute angle or an obtuse angle.

[0071] Please see Figures 3 to 5 This utility model also provides an automatic vending machine, which includes a cabinet body 20, a cabinet door 30, and a hinge structure 10 as described in any of the above embodiments. The hinge plate 11 of the hinge structure 10 is fixed to the cabinet body 20, and the hinge shaft 12 extends into the side of the cabinet door 30 near the cabinet body 20. When the cabinet door 30 rotates relative to the cabinet body 20, the rotation center axis of the cabinet door 30 is parallel to the axial direction of the hinge shaft 12.

[0072] The automatic vending machine provided by this utility model adopts the above-mentioned hinge structure. The hinge structure 10 includes a hinge shaft 12 and a hinge plate 11 connected to each other. The hinge shaft 12 is hollow and allows the cable to pass through. The hinge plate 11 has a second through hole 110 through which the power plug component passes. The second through hole 110 is connected to the first through hole 121 inside the hinge shaft 12 through a notch structure 122 on the hinge shaft 12. By setting the second through hole 110 and the notch structure 122, after the power plug component passes through the second through hole 110, the cable on the power plug component is translated into the first through hole 121 through the notch structure 122. In this way, the power plug component does not need to pass through the first through hole 121, and the diameter of the first through hole 121 of the hinge shaft 12 can be greatly reduced. Even with a large wall thickness, the outer diameter of the hinge shaft 12 will not be too large, and it can still be used for thinner door panels.

[0073] In some embodiments of this utility model, the hinge structure 10 is located at the top of the vending machine, the hinge plate 11 is fixed to the top of the cabinet 20, the hinge shaft 12 extends from the top of the cabinet door 30 into the interior of the cabinet door 30, the electrical plug component passes through the second through hole 110 of the hinge shaft 12, the cable of the electrical plug component enters the first through hole 121 through the notch structure 122, and then the electrical plug component is plugged into electronic devices such as the face recognition screen 40.

[0074] Please refer to some embodiments of this utility model. Figure 4 The hinge structure 10 is also provided with a hinge cover 50, which covers the hinge plate 11 of the hinge structure 10 and is used to block the first through hole 121 and the second through hole 110 to reduce dust and other particles from entering the interior of the hinge shaft 12.

[0075] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A hinge structure for mounting at the rotatable connection of two structural members, characterized in that, include: A hinge shaft has a first through hole extending axially through it, making the hinge shaft hollow, and the first through hole allows a cable to pass through. A notch structure communicating with the first through hole is formed on the outer peripheral wall of the hinge shaft; and The hinge plate has a second through hole through which the power supply plug passes. One end of the notch structure is connected to the second through hole, and the other end of the notch structure extends away from the hinge plate to pass through the hinge axis. The hinge shaft and the hinge plate are fixedly connected, and the hinge plate is formed by extending outward from the outer peripheral wall of the hinge shaft.

2. The hinge structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The notch structure extends along the axial direction of the hinge axis, and both ends of the notch structure pass through both axial ends of the hinge axis.

3. The hinge structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The hinge shaft has a stepped structure near the hinge plate.

4. The hinge structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The hinge plate includes a first plate, a second plate, and a transition connection portion. The first plate is fixedly connected to the hinge shaft, and the second through hole is provided in the first plate. The two sides of the transition connection portion are bent and connected to the first plate and the second plate, respectively.

5. The hinge structure as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The connection between the first plate and the transition connection has a raised first reinforcing rib.

6. The hinge structure as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The hinge plate has a first side and a second side that are arranged opposite to each other in the thickness direction. The first reinforcing rib is located on the second side of the hinge plate. The first side of the hinge plate is recessed, so that the corresponding position on the second side of the hinge plate protrudes to form the first reinforcing rib.

7. The hinge structure as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The first plate has a raised second reinforcing rib.

8. The hinge structure as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The number of the second reinforcing ribs is multiple, and they are arranged around the second through hole.

9. The hinge structure as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The first plate and the transition connection are perpendicularly connected, and the second plate and the transition connection are perpendicularly connected.

10. An automatic vending machine, characterized in that: It includes a cabinet body, a cabinet door, and a hinge structure as described in any one of claims 1-9, wherein the hinge structure is disposed at the rotatable connection between the cabinet body and the cabinet door.

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