Soft-closing storage box

Abstract

Storage box, comprising a box body (1) and a lid (2) hinged to the top of the box body (1), wherein: an auxiliary strut (3) is mounted between the box body (1) and the lid (2), which can expand to provide an auxiliary support for the opened lid (2), a buffer mechanism (4) is mounted on a frame bar (11) on the top of the box body (1), which buffer mechanism is provided with a bushing (42) vertically mounted on the frame bar (11) and an elastic buffer (41) axially expandable within the bushing (42), the upper end of which protrudes from the upper surface of the frame bar (11), and a closure of the lid (2) is achieved by an automatic elastic buffering, in that the upper end of the elastic buffer (41) touches the inner edge surface of the lid (2) during the closure of the lid (2) to a certain closing angle.

Description

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of metal boxes, in particular to a soft-closing storage box.

[0002] In some low-density areas, many families often have their own garbage bins, each with its own trash can. To dispose of garbage, one simply opens the lid of the bin and then throws the garbage into the bin. The bin can be pulled out from one side of the bin for disposal.

[0003] These trash cans are usually designed for outdoor use and are usually made of metal. The lid of this type of trash can can make a loud noise when dropped, making it uncomfortable to use.

[0004] In the prior art, a noise-damping pit-type garbage bin is known according to Patent Disclosure No. CN215556186U, in which a unique damping element is connected to the lid to realize buffering for noise reduction.

[0005] Furthermore, a hand-pinching protection device for smart trash can lids is known according to Patent Laid-Open No. CN 114084551A. A buffer mechanism interacts with an electronic control signal to automatically regulate the lid stroke and prevent accidental hand pinching. This not only controls the lid stroke but also effectively reduces noise. Each of the above designs incorporates a specific buffer mechanism for noise reduction. These designs are typically used in municipal projects, whose process requirements differ from those of personal use. Household trash cans should be designed as simply and compactly as possible, and should be easy to package and transport. A more complex arrangement can not only complicate assembly work but also increase costs.

[0006] Based on the shortcomings of conventional technology, the task of the utility model is to provide a soft-closing storage box and a corresponding buffer mechanism. In the present utility model, the buffer mechanism is convenient and easy to install and can also buffer the force of the lid before closing. This eliminates noise generation.

[0007] A storage box according to claim 1 contributes to the solution of this object(s). Further embodiments are specified in the dependent claims. The description, particularly in conjunction with the figures, explains the invention and provides further embodiments.

[0008] To solve the problem, an embodiment is provided as follows: Soft-closing storage box, comprising a box body and a lid hinged or connected with hinge(s) to the top of the box body, wherein an auxiliary strut is mounted between the box body and the lid, which can expand to provide an auxiliary support for the opened lid, wherein a buffer mechanism is mounted on a frame bar on the top of the box body, which buffer mechanism is provided with a bushing vertically mounted on the frame bar and an elastic buffer axially expandable within the bushing, the upper end of which protrudes from the upper surface of the frame bar, and wherein a gentle closing of the lid is achieved by an automatic elastic buffer, in that the upper end of the elastic buffer touches the inner edge surface of the lid during the closure of the lid to a certain closing angle.

[0009] It can be provided that the auxiliary strut is designed as a gas spring strut, both ends of which are hinged.

[0010] It can be provided that the joint connection point of the auxiliary strut with the box body is located inside the frame bar, so that the auxiliary strut remains slanted when the lid is closed, the distance of the buffer mechanism from the hinge of the lid is not one third less than the total length of the frame bar.

[0011] It may be provided that the bushing is provided with a plurality of stop ribs arranged in the circumferential direction, while the elastic buffer is formed with a plurality of bulges matching the stop ribs so that the elastic buffer does not detach upwards from the bushing.

[0012] It can be provided that the top side of the socket is formed with an outwardly facing impact or contact area, wherein the bottom of the socket is inserted through a plug hole in the frame bar and then a flexible locking ring is placed on it.

[0013] It can be provided that the locking ring comprises an annular seat and a shrink cap, wherein the shrink cap is designed as an inverted cone, the underside of which is positively connected to the annular seat.

[0014] It may be provided that the shrink cap is constructed with a thin wall, the upper edge thickness of which is not greater than 3 mm.

[0015] It may be provided that the elastic buffer comprises a cylinder and a piston rod, wherein the piston rod lies within the bushing, while the bottom of the cylinder sits on a bulge and the top of the cylinder protrudes from the bushing.

[0016] It may be provided that a buffer head made of rubber is attached to the upper end of the elastic buffer.

[0017] It can be provided that the box body consists of a composition of the frame bar with the box sheets, wherein the frame bar, consisting of a profile material, is screwed to the box sheets.

[0018] The present embodiment has the following advantages over the prior art: The soft-closing storage box according to the invention can provide an assistive force when opening the lid thanks to the combination of the auxiliary strut and the buffer mechanism. Thus, a soft, quiet closing of the lid is achieved through automatic elastic buffering, with the upper end of the elastic buffer touching the inner edge of the lid during closure of the lid at a specific closing angle.

[0019] The invention and the technical background are explained and partly specified with reference to the accompanying figures. It should be noted that the figures are schematic, Fig. 1 shows a view of a storage box, Fig. 2 an enlarged view of the buffer mechanism with reference to Fig. 1 shows, Fig. 3 shows a view of the disassembled buffer mechanism, Fig. 4 shows an internal view of the buffer mechanism, and Fig. 5 shows a representation of a storage box as a garbage can.

[0020] In the following, the present embodiment is described in detail using exemplary embodiments and figures.

[0021] The attached figures, as well as the illustrated designs, proportions, and sizes, in conjunction with the corresponding descriptions, serve only to enable expert technicians to understand the design of the utility model, but do not represent a limitation on the feasibility of the utility model. The utility model is therefore not limited to the exemplary embodiments, but is widely variable within the framework of the disclosure. In this context, all new individual and combined features disclosed in the description and / or drawings are considered essential to the invention. It should be noted that the directions mentioned in the exemplary embodiments, such as "top, bottom, left, right, center," refer only to the directions depicted in the given figures. In this context, these terms serve only to provide a comprehensible description and do not represent a limitation of the utility model.All new individual and combined features disclosed in the description and / or drawings are considered essential to the invention. The features described in connection with the figures may also be combined independently, i.e., extracted and individually, with other features of the claims and description, unless such a combination is explicitly excluded.

[0022] With the soft-closing storage box with reference to Fig. 1 with the opened lid 2, an auxiliary strut 3 is mounted between the box body 1 and the lid 2, while a buffer mechanism 4 is located adjacent to the articulated connection point of the auxiliary strut 3 with the box body 1.

[0023] In Fig. 2 shows a partial connection of the buffer mechanism 4 to the frame bar 11.

[0024] With reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the storage box according to the invention comprises a box body 1 and a lid 2 hinged to the top of the box body 1. An auxiliary strut 3 is attached between the box body 1 and the lid 2, which can expand to provide auxiliary support for the opened lid. The lid 2 and the box body 1 can all be made of metal. The box body 1 is hinged to the left edge of the lid 2, so that the lid 2 can be folded open to open the box body 1.

[0025] The auxiliary strut 3 can be designed with a gas spring, hydraulic spring, or mechanical spring. The auxiliary strut 3 provides an auxiliary support for the opened lid 2 to prevent the lid 2 from falling backward when opened.

[0026] A frame bar 11 is attached to the top of the box body 1 to form a support. The hinge for folding the lid 2 can be connected to the frame bar 11. A box plate 12, the structure of which can be designed in various ways, can be attached to another side of the box body 1.

[0027] In a particular embodiment, the box body 1 consists of the frame bar 11 and vertical bars 13, wherein both the frame bar 11 and the vertical bars 13 are made of profile material and are then screwed to connect to the box sheet 12.

[0028] Specifically, a buffer mechanism 4 is mounted on the frame bar 11 at the top of the box body 1. The buffer mechanism 4 includes a bushing 42 vertically mounted on the frame bar 11 and an elastic buffer 41 axially expandable within the bushing, the upper end of which protrudes from the upper surface of the frame bar 11. The elastic buffer 41 is configured as an independent elastic buffer mechanism, such as a gas spring, a hydraulic buffer cylinder, or a buffer part with springs. The bottom of the elastic buffer 41 can abut against the lower end of the bushing 42, thus providing a buffering effect when the top is tensioned.

[0029] When opening the lid 2, the auxiliary strut 3 provides an auxiliary force so that the lid 2 is opened much more easily and / or the opening state is maintained.

[0030] While the lid 2 is closed to a specific closing angle, a gentle closing of the lid 2 is achieved by an automatic elastic buffering, in which the upper end of the elastic buffer 41 touches the inner edge surface of the lid 2. This eliminates any noise resulting from a rapid impact of the lid 2 against the box body 1.

[0031] The angle of contact of the cover 2 to the elastic buffer 41 can be adjusted depending on the elevation height of the elastic buffer 41. As can be seen from Fig. 1, the elastic buffer 41 can be located at a central point of the frame bar 11 or adjacent to the right side of the frame bar 11. Contact with the upper end of the elastic buffer 41 can occur at an angle of 10° to 25° of the cover 2 relative to the frame bar 11.

[0032] In conventional noise reduction devices, a damper, such as a gas spring, is usually installed between the box body and the lid. This damper not only slows down the closing action but also acts as a support. Although the gas spring provides auxiliary support in practical use, the supporting force of the gas spring may be much smaller than the weight of the lid 2 descending at a certain angle, so that the lid 2 quickly impacts the box body 1, since the pneumatic resistance can only be utilized at the initial angle of the descent to overcome the external force acting on the lid. The combination of the auxiliary strut 3 with the buffer mechanism 4 according to the invention can not only provide a supporting force but also effectively prevent potential impact or noise.

[0033] The proposed gas spring is a telescopic mechanism consisting of a cylinder and piston rod that uses inert gas.

[0034] In a specific embodiment, one end of the auxiliary strut 3 may be hinged to the lid 2, and the other end may be slidably connected to the box body 1. In addition, the two ends of the auxiliary strut 3 may be hinged; for example, the auxiliary strut 3 may be configured as a gas spring strut, one end of which is docked to the frame bar 11 and the other end of which is hinged to an edge of the lid.

[0035] It can be provided that the hinge connection point of the auxiliary strut 3 with the box body 1 is located within the frame bar 11, so that the auxiliary strut 3 remains tilted when the lid 2 is closed. The hinge connection point of the auxiliary strut 3 with the box body 1 is located within the frame bar 11, above which the lid 2 also lies, so that the lid 2 lies below the upper surface of the frame bar 11 or below the hinge connection point at the other end. This can prevent any locking when the lid is lowered.

[0036] Based on this, the distance of the buffer mechanism 4 from the hinges of the lid 2 is not one third smaller than the total length of the frame bar 11, for example between one third and two thirds, preferably in a middle point of the frame bar 11.

[0037] In a particular embodiment with reference to Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, the elastic buffer 41 comprises a cylinder 411 and a piston rod 412. The relative buffering movement between the cylinder 411 and the piston rod 412 can be achieved by pneumatics, hydraulics, or suspension. In a certain embodiment, a narrow piston rod 412 can be inserted into the bushing 42, while the upper end of the cylinder 411 protrudes from the bushing 42 and can conveniently contact the cover 2 for buffering. It is preferred that a buffer head 414, for example, made of rubber or silicone mat, is attached to the top of the cylinder 411.

[0038] To facilitate assembly, the bushing 42 can be plugged directly into an opening in the frame bar 11, or a rubber sleeve can be inserted into the opening in the frame bar 11 to prevent the bushing 42 from detaching from the frame bar 11.

[0039] In one embodiment, the sleeve 421 of the bushing 42 is formed with a plurality of circumferentially extending stop ribs 423, while the elastic buffer 41 is formed with a plurality of bulges 413 mating with the stop ribs 423 to prevent the elastic buffer 41 from detaching upward from the bushing 42. For example, two arcuate or inwardly recessed stop ribs 423 may be arranged in the axial direction. Accordingly, the elastic buffer 41 may be formed with a plurality of bulges 413 in the circumferential direction to allow the stop ribs to press against the single stop rib 423, thus preventing the elastic buffer 41 from detaching from the bushing 42.

[0040] In a household storage box, such as a garbage can, the frame rod 11 is usually made of a hollow profile material to facilitate transportation and assembly. To facilitate assembly, the top of the bushing 42 is formed with an outwardly facing flare. The bottom of the bushing 42 is inserted through a plug hole in the frame rod 11, and then a flexible locking ring 43 is placed thereon. The flare is an outwardly directed flare from an upper edge or a bulge at the upper end, provided to prevent the bushing 42 from detaching from the opening of the frame rod 11.

[0041] In a generally upright storage box, the bushing 42 only needs to be inserted into the frame rod 11, preventing upward detachment. In practical applications in certain areas, it may be noticeable that the rubber of the buffer head 414 partially melts due to high temperatures, causing the upper end of the elastic buffer 41 to adhere to the lid 2, and the bushing 42 therefore detaches upward from the frame rod 11 when the lid 2 is opened.

[0042] To avoid this situation, a screw nut can be attached to the bottom of the bushing 42 for fastening.

[0043] In the present embodiment, no screw connection is used for fastening. While the screw connection method can achieve quick assembly and robust fastening, in practice it often requires post-processing of the bushing 42, which can compromise the overall process. In the present embodiment, the base of the bushing 42 is inserted through a plug hole in the frame bar 11, onto which a flexible locking ring 43 is then placed. When using the locking ring 43, post-processing of the bushing 42 is eliminated. This allows the locking ring to be installed easily and without the need for any tools.

[0044] The locking ring 43 comprises an annular seat 431 made of rubber or silicone and can be placed on the sleeve 421 of the socket 42.

[0045] It can be further configured such that the locking ring 43 comprises an annular seat 431 and a shrink cap 432, wherein the shrink cap 432 is formed as an inverted cone whose underside is positively connected to the annular seat 431. In order for the annular seat 431 to hold the sleeve 421, the inner diameter of the annular seat 431 is not larger than the sleeve 421, so that the shrink cap 432 acts as a guide for rapid assembly during assembly.

[0046] It may be provided that the shrink cap 432 is constructed with a thin wall, with its inverted cone shaped like an upwardly directed bell. When the bushing 42 is pulled upward, the shrink cap 432 presses downward, creating a greater frictional force to prevent the bushing 42 from detaching. It may further be provided that the upper edge thickness of the shrink cap 432 is no greater than 3 mm, for example, between 1.5 and 2.6 mm.

[0047] In Fig. Figure 5 shows a specific storage bin as a double-bucket garbage can. In practical use, the storage bin can be designed as a single-bucket garbage can, for example, as a household parcel box.

[0048] The above chapter describes the preferred embodiments of the invention. It should be noted, however, that the utility model is not limited to the embodiments, but can be varied in many ways within the scope of the disclosure. In this context, all new individual and combined features disclosed in the description and / or drawings are considered essential to the invention.

[0049] In summary: The utility model relates to the technical field of metal boxes, in particular to a soft-closing storage box comprising a box body and a lid hinged to the top of the box body, wherein an auxiliary strut is attached between the box body and the lid, which can expand to provide an auxiliary support for the opened lid, while a buffer mechanism is attached to a frame bar on the top of the box body, which buffer mechanism is provided with a bushing vertically attached to the frame bar and an elastic buffer axially expandable within the bushing, the upper end of which protrudes from the upper surface of the frame bar.In such designs, a gentle closing of the lid can be achieved by an automatic elastic buffer and thus the noise from the impact of the lid can be excluded by the upper end of the elastic buffer touching the inner edge surface of the lid during the closure of the lid to a certain closing angle. List of reference symbols 1. Box body; 11. Frame bar; 12. Box plate; 2. Lid; 3. Auxiliary strut; 4. Buffer mechanism; 41. elastic buffer; 411. cylinder; 412. piston rod; 413. bulge; 414. Buffer head; 42. Bushing; 421. Sleeve; 422. Impactor; 423. Stop rib; 43. Locking ring; 431. Ring seat; 432. Shrink cap. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] CN 215556186U

[0004] CN 114084551A

[0005]

Claims

[1] Storage box, comprising a box body (1) and a lid (2) hinged to the top of the box body (1), wherein: an auxiliary strut (3) is mounted between the box body (1) and the lid (2), which can expand to provide an auxiliary support for the opened lid (2), a buffer mechanism (4) is mounted on a frame bar (11) on the top of the box body (1), which buffer mechanism is provided with a bushing (42) vertically mounted on the frame bar (11) and an elastic buffer (41) axially expandable within the bushing (42), the upper end of which protrudes from the upper surface of the frame bar (11), and a closure of the lid (2) is achieved by an automatic elastic buffering, in that the upper end of the elastic buffer (41) touches the inner edge surface of the lid (2) during the closure of the lid (2) to a certain closing angle. [2] Storage box according to claim 1, characterized by that the auxiliary strut (3) is designed as a gas spring strut, both ends of which are hinged. [3] Storage box according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the joint connection point of the auxiliary strut (3) with the box body (1) is located within the frame bar (11), so that the auxiliary strut (3) remains slanted when the lid (2) is closed, wherein the distance of the buffer mechanism (4) from the hinge of the lid (2) is not one third smaller than the total length of the frame bar (11). [4] Storage box according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the bushing (42) is provided with a plurality of stop ribs (423) arranged in the circumferential direction, while the elastic buffer (41) is formed with a plurality of bulges (413) matching the stop ribs (423) so that the elastic buffer (41) does not detach upwards from the bushing (42). [5] Storage box according to claim 4, characterized by that the upper side of the bushing (42) is formed with an outwardly facing flap, wherein the bottom of the bushing (42) is inserted through a plug-in hole in the frame bar (11) and then a flexible locking ring (43) is placed thereon. [6] Storage box according to claim 5, characterized by that the locking ring (43) comprises an annular seat (431) and a shrink cap (432), wherein the shrink cap (432) is designed as an inverted cone, the underside of which is positively connected to the annular seat (431). [7] Storage box according to claim 6, characterized by that the shrink cap (432) has a maximum upper edge thickness of 3 mm. [8] Storage box according to one of claims 4 to 7, characterized bythat the elastic buffer (41) comprises a cylinder (411) and a piston rod (412), wherein the piston rod (412) lies within the bushing (42), while the bottom of the cylinder (411) sits on a bulge (413) and the top of the cylinder (411) protrudes from the bushing (42). [9] Storage box according to one of claims 4 to 8, characterized by that a buffer head (414) made of rubber is attached to the upper end of the elastic buffer (41). [10] Storage box according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the box body (1) consists of a composition of the frame bar (11) with the box sheets (12), wherein the frame bar (11), consisting of a profile material, is screwed to the box sheets (12).

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