Panel member of display shelf

Abstract

To provide a panel member that can be reasonably attached to an existing merchandise display shelf.SOLUTION: A panel member has: two attachment bases 4, 4 arranged in an upper and lower direction in right and left positions on a back surface side of a rectangular panel body 1; and a bending connection plate 6 connected to the attachment bases 4, 4 via a torque hinge 5. In the bending connection plate 6, a fitting hole for fixing a hinge second member 52 and a fixation hole for fixing a magnet box 8 are formed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a panel member to be placed on a display shelf for displaying merchandise, and in particular to a panel member that has a pop-up structure, allows the display shelf to be closed to use the interior as a storage space, and can also be used as a sign panel. [Background technology]

[0002] In the present invention, the sign panel means a signboard placed at an appropriate position on a display shelf, and this sign panel displays an explanation of the displayed merchandise, etc. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-130151 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-000632 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-063738 [Patent Document 4] Publication No. 3198548 [Patent Document 5] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-163596 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Various inventions are known regarding sign panels that serve as landmark signs (Patent Documents 1 to 4), but there is still room for improvement in each of these configurations. In other words, the configurations described in Patent Documents 1 to 3 only have product description boards and doors that simply swing, and there is no room for internal light emission, so they lack the flashiness to appeal to customers. On the other hand, the advertising display unit described in Patent Document 4 is complicated in that it requires external lighting.

[0005] Furthermore, there is a demand for a sign panel that can be easily attached to existing product display shelves. Generally, a product display shelf is composed of a pair of support columns (left and right), a pair of protruding brackets (left and right) supported by each support column at one end, and a shelf board or square pipe held by the protruding brackets (see Patent Document 5), but there is a demand for a configuration that can be easily attached to the protruding brackets or square pipes.

[0006] Furthermore, as long as the door is used as a sign panel, it needs to stably maintain a static position, but none of Patent Documents 1 to 4 has a structure that stably maintains the closed position of the door. In other words, torque hinges may have a backlash characteristic that causes them to return slightly in the direction opposite to the operating direction, and a structure that absorbs this backlash is desired.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a panel member that has an improved internal structure and can be easily attached to existing product display shelves. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The panel member of the display shelf of the present invention is a panel member comprising an attachment base arranged widthwise at left and right positions in the longitudinal direction on the back side of a rectangular plate-shaped panel body that can incorporate an illuminant, and a connecting portion that is connected to the attachment base via a torque hinge, wherein the torque hinge is divided into a first hinge member fixed to one end of the attachment base and a second hinge member fixed to the connecting portion, and is configured to rotate freely in the forward direction while being prevented from rotating freely in the reverse direction, and the connecting portion is formed by bending a plate material that has an attachment hole for fixing the second hinge member. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention described above, the panel body can be made to emit light, and the improved internal structure allows it to be easily attached to existing product display shelves. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 10 is a diagram for explaining the mounting position and usage method of the panel member PNL according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] 10 is a diagram illustrating the schematic configuration of two types of panel members PNL1 and PNL2 and how to attach them to a product display shelf DSP. [Figure 3] 10 is a diagram illustrating a schematic cross-sectional structure of panel members PNL1 and PNL2 in a completed state. [Figure 4] 10 is a diagram illustrating a detailed cross-sectional configuration of panel members PNL1 and PNL2 and components of the panel member PNL. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The present invention will be described in detail below based on examples. Figures 1(a) and 1(b) are drawings explaining the installation position and usage method of a panel member PNL according to the example. This panel member PNL is placed at the top of the product display shelf DSP, and functions as an opening and closing door to secure storage space SP, as well as an internally illuminated signboard (sign panel).

[0012] Figures 1(a) and 1(b) show the right side of the product display shelf DSP, and show a pair of left and right support columns PL, brackets BR supported at one end by each support column PL, and a display shelf SH (see Figure 2(a)) held by the pair of left and right brackets BR. A large number of products GD are displayed on the display shelf SH, and appropriate storage items BOXes are stored in the storage space SP.

[0013] This panel member PNL has a flip-up structure and is held by the top bracket BR to maintain a stable hanging state, and can be lifted with a light force when necessary, so that it can maintain the flip-up position at any position. However, it can be returned to its original hanging state by pushing it down a little harder.

[0014] 2 and 3, in this embodiment, two types of panel members PNL are prepared, which are a panel member PNL1 (FIG. 2(b)) integrated with a hollow square pipe 2, and a panel member PNL2 (FIG. 2(d)) that is used by hanging it on an existing square pipe 2. However, both panel members PNL1 and PNL2 are held on the product display shelf DSP via brackets BR (FIGS. 2(a) and 2(c)).

[0015] The bracket BR that holds the panel member PNL is L-shaped in plan view, consisting of a flat arm R0 with a locking piece EG and a U-shaped cross-section tip portion R1 that is fixed at a right angle to the tip of the flat arm R0. The locking piece EG of the flat arm R0 is locked into an opening in the support column PL, thereby holding the panel member PNL. Note that the configuration of tip portion R1 can be omitted for the bracket BR that appears at the bottom of Figures 2(a) and 2(c) and that holds the display shelf SH. Furthermore, the shape of the square pipe 2 that makes up the panel member PNL1 may be changed to correspond to the configuration of tip portion R1 of the bracket BR, or it may be a round pipe or other shape.

[0016] However, in this embodiment, the first panel member PNL1 is attached by inserting the tips R1, R1 of a pair of brackets BR into the left and right ends of the fixed square pipe 2, and then engaging the locking pieces EG, EG of the pair of brackets BR with the locking holes in the support columns PL, PL, completing the attachment process. On the other hand, in the case of the second panel member PNL2, the tips R1, R1 of the pair of brackets BR are inserted into the left and right ends of the square pipe 2, and then engaging the locking pieces EG, EG of the pair of brackets BR with the locking holes in the support columns PL, PL. The panel member PNL2 is then hooked onto the square pipe 2 held by the support columns PL, PL, completing the attachment process (see FIGS. 1(c) to 1(e)). The attachment procedure described here is not limited in any way and can be modified as appropriate.

[0017] In any case, as shown in Figures 2(b) and 3(b), the first panel member PNL1 is composed of an upper edge member 3a having a U-shaped cross section that closes the upper end surface of the panel main body 1 and is fixed to the panel main body 1, a pair of mounting bases 4,4 that are formed with a square Ω-shaped cross section with a flat top surface, upright sides and a flat bottom surface (see Figure 4(g)), and the top of the flat bottom surface is fixed to the upper edge member 3a, a lower edge member 3b also having a U-shaped cross section that is fixed to the mounting bases 4,4 and closes the lower end surface of the panel main body 1, a torque hinge 5 (see Figure 2(e)) to which a first hinge member is fixed to the top of the flat top surface of the mounting bases 4,4, a bent connecting plate 6 (see Figure 4(e)) to which a second hinge member of the torque hinge 5 is fixed, and a square pipe 2 that is fixed to the second hinge member together with the bent connecting plate 6.

[0018] On the other hand, the second panel member PNL2 does not have the square pipe 2 integrated therewith, and as shown in Figures 2(d) and 3(d), is configured with an upper edge member 3a with a U-shaped cross section, mounting bases 4,4 with a square Ω-shaped cross section (Figures 2(f) and 4(g)), a lower edge member 3b with a U-shaped cross section, a torque hinge 5 to which a first hinge member is fixed on the flat top surfaces of the mounting bases 4,4, and a bent connecting plate 6 to which a second hinge member is fixed (Figures 2(f) and 4(b)). In the case of the panel member PNL2, the square pipe 2 is not integrated with the panel member PNL2, but is fixed to the panel member PNL2 by tightening with a tightening screw SW4 (see Figures 1(c) to 1(f)).

[0019] In either configuration, the panel members PNL1 and PNL2 have a basic framework formed by fixing an upper edge member 3a and a lower edge member 3b to the upper and lower ends of two mounting bases 4, 4, respectively, and the upper and lower edges 3a and 3b, which have a U-shaped cross section, face each other at the top and bottom, thereby gripping the panel main body 1. Here, the mounting base 4 is made of a ferromagnetic metal plate that reacts to magnets, such as iron or stainless steel. In addition, for both panel members PNL1 and PNL2, a magnet box 8 is fixed to the inner surface of the bent connecting plate 6 (see Figure 2(f)), and in the steady state where each panel member PNL1 and PNL2 is pressed down, the permanent magnet MG of the magnet box 8 is magnetically attracted to the ferromagnetic mounting base 4.

[0020] 2(e) illustrates the configuration of the torque hinge 5, which is composed of a first hinge member 51 from which a connecting pin PN protrudes, and a second hinge member 52 that receives the connecting pin PN. More specifically, the first hinge member 51 is divided into a left side member 51L from which the connecting pin PN protrudes leftward, and a right side member 51R from which the connecting pin PN protrudes rightward, and correspondingly, the second hinge member 52 is also prepared with a left side member 52L and a right side member 52R.

[0021] This torque hinge 5 is ready for use when the first hinge member 51 and the second hinge member 52 are connected by a connecting pin PN, but in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 2(b) and Figure 2(d), the torque hinges 5, 5 shown in Figure 2(e) are used in two locations on the left and right sides of the panel main body 1. That is, from the viewpoint of strength, the left side members 51L, 52L and the right side members 51R, 52R are arranged in one location.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 2(e), two mounting holes are formed in each of the first hinge member 51 and the second hinge member 52. As shown in FIG. 3, fixing screws SW1 are threaded into the mounting holes of the left and right hinge first members 51L and 51R, respectively, so that the first hinge members 51L and 51R are fixed to the flat top surface on the upper side of the mounting base 4. Meanwhile, fixing screws SW2 are threaded into the mounting holes of the left and right hinge second members 52L and 52R, respectively, so that the second hinge members 52L and 52R are fixed to the connecting top surface 61 of the bent connecting plate 6 (FIGS. 4(b) and 4(f)). The square pipe 2 of the panel member PNL1 is fixed to the second hinge members 52L and 52R together with the connecting top surface 61 of the bent connecting plate 6, so that it is integrated with the panel member PNL1 (FIG. 4(d)).

[0023] In both panel members PNL1 and PNL2, the mounting bases 4, 4 fixed to the panel main body 1 and the bent connecting plates 6 that hold the square pipes 2 in a fixed state are hingedly connected by torque hinges 5, 5. Here, the torque hinges 5 are structured so that they rotate freely in the forward direction to lift the panel main body 1, but do not rotate easily in the reverse direction due to the generation of a moderate torque. This allows the panel main body 1 to be lifted easily without any strain, and at any position, the stopped state can be maintained regardless of the lifting operation being stopped. Note that the panel can be returned to its original hanging state by pressing down somewhat firmly.

[0024] Figures 3 and 4 show the panel members PNL1 and PNL2 in some detail. Figures 4(a) to 4(c) show the internal structure of the panel member PNL2, and Figures 4(d) and 4(e) show the internal structure of the panel member PNL1, but the basic structures are exactly the same except for whether the square pipe 2 is integrated or not. Figure 4(g) shows the upper side of the mounting base 4.

[0025] 4(a) and 4(d), the panel body 1 is specifically configured to have a back panel 11, a light guide panel 12, a light-transmitting plate 13, an LED substrate 14, a fitting plate 15, and a bottom plate 16. Here, the back panel 11, the light guide panel 12, and the plate 13 are all formed in a rectangular plate shape. The bottom plate 16 and the fitting plate 15 are elongated plates extending in the left-right direction of the light guide panel 12 below the light guide panel 12.

[0026] The back panel 11 and the light guide plate 12 are held above the LED board 14 by being integrated with the mounting base 4 and the upper edge member 3a by a plurality of fixing screws SW0 that are screwed into the upper edge member 3a (see FIGS. 3(b) and 3(d)). A fitting plate 15 is fitted into the lower front surface of the light guide plate 12, thereby stably holding the light guide plate 12. A large number of light-emitting diodes are uniformly arranged on the LED board 14 in the left-right direction of the light guide plate 12. A power cord 17 is connected to the LED board 14 through a gap formed in the lower edge member 3b (FIG. 4(a)).

[0027] As shown in Figure 4(a), the upper and lower edge members 3a and 3b, each of which has a U-shaped cross section, are fixed with a gap on the front side, forming an insertion space from the front. This allows the plate 13 and other additional members to be inserted and replaced using the Kendon method. The inserted members are received by the fitting plate 15.

[0028] 4(g) is a perspective view showing the mounting base 4 fixed to the upper edge member 3a and the lower edge member 3b. As shown in the figure, the mounting base 4 has a flat top surface 40 extending straight from the upper edge member 3a to the lower edge member 3b, upright side surfaces 41 extending perpendicular to the flat top surface 40, and a flat bottom surface 42 extending perpendicular to the upright side surfaces 41, so that the cross section is configured in a rectangular Ω shape.

[0029] At the upper and lower end portions of the mounting base 4, one impression groove GV is formed on each of the left and right flat bottom surfaces 42, 42 for positioning during welding. The impression groove GV at the upper position is used for welding the mounting base 4 to the upper edge member 3a, and the impression groove GV (not shown) at the lower position is used for welding the mounting base 4 to the lower edge member 3b. In this way, in this embodiment, the upper ends of the two mounting bases 4 are welded to the upper edge member 3a, and the lower ends are welded to the lower edge member 3b, thereby realizing a strong skeletal structure made up of the two mounting bases 4, 4 and the two edge members 3a, 3b.

[0030] Furthermore, a rectangular hole HO is formed in the flat top surface 40 of the mounting base 4 near its upper end, and four mounting holes S1 for fixing the torque hinge 5 are formed above the rectangular hole HO. These mounting holes S1 are used to attach the first members 51L, 51R of the torque hinge 5 to the mounting base 4, and fixing screws SW1 are screwed into them (see FIGS. 4(a) and 4(d)).

[0031] Meanwhile, the rectangular hole HO in the mounting base 4 is opened to ensure rotation space for the rotating torque hinge 5 and the bent connecting plate 6, which rotates in conjunction with the torque hinge 5. In other words, the rectangular hole HO is opened so as not to hinder the rotation of the second members 52L, 52R of the torque hinge 5. Meanwhile, the rectangular hole HO is opened sufficiently shorter than the vertical dimension of the bent connecting plate 6, and is configured so that the lower end of the bent connecting plate 6 in an upright position with the panel member PNL pressed down to its limit position is positioned sufficiently below the rectangular hole HO (see FIGS. 4(a) and 4(d)).

[0032] In addition, the upright position in which the panel member PNL is pushed down to its limit position means that the storage space SP of the product display shelf DSP is in a steady state in which it is closed, and the panel member PNL in the limit position functions as an internally illuminated signboard (sign panel).

[0033] 4(b) is a perspective view showing the bent connecting plate 6 constituting the second panel member PNL2. As shown in the figure, the bent connecting plate 6 is formed by bending a single plate material, and is composed of a main body portion 60 having a hanging piece HG, a connecting top surface 61 and a connecting bottom surface 62 which are perpendicular to the main body portion 60, and a folded portion 63 which is perpendicular to the connecting top surface 61. The connecting bottom surfaces 62 are formed on the left and right sides of the hanging piece HG, and correspondingly, the folded portions 63 are also formed on the left and right sides of the connecting top surface 61.

[0034] In this bent connecting plate 6, the width of the face between the main body 60 and the folded-back portion 63 is set to be slightly wider than the width of the square pipe 2, and the width of the face between the connecting top surface 61 and the connecting bottom surface 62 is set to be sufficiently longer than the height of the square pipe 2. Based on this configuration, the bent connecting plate 6 forms a storage space that can comfortably accommodate the square pipe 2 by the main body 60, the connecting top surface 61, the connecting bottom surface 62, and the folded-back portion 63 (see FIGS. 1(c) to 1(e)).

[0035] Furthermore, a screw hole is formed in each connecting bottom surface 62 of the bent connecting plate 6, and is used to tighten a clamping screw SW4. That is, when the square pipe 2 is received in the accommodation space of the bent connecting plate 6, the clamping screw SW4 can be screwed into each screw hole in the connecting bottom surface 62, thereby pressing the square pipe 2 upward from below and fixing the square pipe 2 (see Fig. 4(c) and Figs. 1(c) to (e)).

[0036] As shown in Figures 1(c) to 1(e), first, with the clamping screw SW4 loosened, the square pipe 2 held by the bracket BR is received in the accommodation space formed by the bent connecting plate 6 (Figures 1(c) to 1(d)), and then the clamping screw SW4 is tightened to stabilize the mounting posture of the panel member PNL2 (Figure 1(e)). Note that in this mounted state, the permanent magnet MG protruding from the magnet box 8 is magnetically attached to the mounting base 4 (Figure 1(f)).

[0037] Returning to FIG. 4(b), two screw holes are formed on each of the left and right positions of the connecting top surface 61 of the bent connecting plate 6. Fixing screws SW2 are threaded into the screw holes on the connecting top surface 61 through mounting holes in the second members 52L, 52R of the torque hinge 5, thereby fixing the second members 52L, 52R of the torque hinge 5 to the bent connecting plate 6. Furthermore, two screw holes H1, H1 are formed on the hanging piece HG of the main body 60, one on either side of a central opening. These screw holes H1, H1 are used to fix the magnet box 8 in which the permanent magnet MG is embedded. Note that in this embodiment, the central opening is not used.

[0038] As shown in Figures 4(b) and 4(e), the magnet box 8 is composed of a top surface portion 81 having two mounting holes, a side surface portion 82 having mounting holes on the left and right sides, and a main body portion 83 in which a permanent magnet MG is embedded, and is configured so that the mounting posture can be appropriately selected by using the mounting holes on the top surface portion 81 or the mounting holes on the side surface portion 82.

[0039] Therefore, in this embodiment, the magnet box 8 is fixed to the hanging piece HG of the bent connecting plate 6 by screwing the fixing screw SW3 (FIG. 4(a)) into the screw holes H1, H1 of the main body 60 using the mounting hole formed in the side surface portion 82. Note that, although not particularly limited, it is also preferable to tighten the fixing screw SW3 with a nut in consideration of the fixing strength (see FIGS. 4(c) and 4(d)).

[0040] In this magnet box 8, the north and south poles of the permanent magnet MG protrude in an exposed state from the main body portion 60. In the steady state where the panel member PNL2 is pushed down to the limit position, the bent connecting plate 6 that holds the magnet box 8 is in an upright position ( FIG. 4( a) ). In this upright position, the protruding tip surface of the permanent magnet MG is configured to substantially coincide with the position of the outer surface of the folded portion 63.

[0041] Therefore, when the panel member PNL2 is pushed down to the limit position, the protruding tip surface of the permanent magnet MG is magnetically attracted to the flat top surface 40 of the mounting base 4, and this steady posture is stabilized (FIG. 1(f)). Furthermore, even if backlash occurs in the torque hinge when rotated in the opposite direction to the torque generation direction, the magnetic attraction force of the permanent magnet MG absorbs this backlash.

[0042] Having explained the panel member PNL2 above with reference to Figures 4(a) to 4(c), we will now explain the panel member PNL1 with reference to Figures 4(d) to 4(f). As explained above, the only difference between the panel members PNL1 and PNL2 is whether the square pipe 2 is integrated or not.

[0043] In response to this difference, the bent connecting plate 6 constituting the panel member PNL1 is configured with a main body portion 60 and a connecting top surface 61 that is perpendicular to the main body portion 60, and has an L-shaped cross section and a T-shaped front view. That is, the length dimension of the connecting top surface 61 is longer than the plate width of the main body portion 60, and two screw holes are formed at each end of the connecting top surface 61.

[0044] Each screw hole is used to fix the second members 52L, 52R of the torque hinge 5. That is, the second members 52L, 52R of the torque hinge 5 are fixed to the bent connecting plate 6 by threading a fixing screw SW2 through the mounting hole of the hinge second members 52L, 52R into the screw hole of the connecting top surface 61.

[0045] Furthermore, screw holes are formed on the left and right sides of the lower portion of the main body 60. These screw holes are used to secure the magnet box 8. Therefore, when the panel member PNL1 is pushed down to its limit position, the protruding tip surface of the permanent magnet MG is magnetically attached to the flat top surface 40 of the mounting base 4, absorbing the backlash of the torque hinge and stabilizing the normal posture (FIG. 4(d)).

[0046] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the specific configuration does not limit the present invention and can be modified as appropriate. For example, if the panel member PNL of the embodiment is placed in a location where a power cord cannot reach, the LED substrate 14 and the light guide plate 12 may be omitted. On the other hand, if the LED substrate 14 is used, the LED may not only simply emit light internally but also flash appropriately to enhance the notification function. In this case, it is also preferable to place a full-color LED capable of emitting light at any light level in any of the three RGB colors and change the emitted color as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0047] PNL Panel Material 1 Panel body 4 Mounting base 5 Torque Hinge 6 Connecting part (bending connecting plate) 51 Hinge first member 52 Hinge second member

Claims

1. A panel member comprising: mounting bases arranged in the width direction at left and right positions in the length direction on the rear side of a rectangular plate-shaped panel body capable of incorporating a light emitter; and a connecting portion connected to the mounting base via a torque hinge, the torque hinge is divided into a first hinge member fixed to one end of the mounting base and a second hinge member fixed to the connecting portion, and is configured to rotate freely in a forward direction but to be prevented from rotating freely in a reverse direction; The connecting portion is a panel member of a display shelf that is formed by bending a plate material having an attachment hole for fixing the second hinge member.

2. the connecting portion has a first surface in which the mounting hole is provided, and a second surface and a third surface that face each other and are perpendicular to the first surface; 2. The panel member according to claim 1, wherein the first, second and third surfaces of the connecting portion are configured to grip a general-purpose pipe material supported by a display shelf component.

3. The connecting portion has a first surface provided with the mounting hole and a second surface perpendicular to the first surface, and the connecting portion has an L-shaped cross section, A panel member further including a dedicated pipe material that is integrated with the torque hinge and the connecting portion using the mounting hole, 2. The panel member according to claim 1, wherein both ends of the dedicated pipe member are supported by components of a display shelf.

4. a permanent magnet is fixed to the second surface of the connecting portion; 4. The panel member according to claim 2, wherein the permanent magnet is arranged so as to be magnetically attached to the mounting base when the panel body is rotated down to its limit position.

5. 2. The panel member according to claim 1, wherein the light emitter comprises a circuit board on which LEDs are arranged in a row, and a light guide plate that guides light emitted by the LEDs to the entire surface of the panel body.

6. The mounting base has a base body having a U-shaped cross section and a flange piece extending from an end of the base body, and is configured to have a square Ω-shaped cross section; The panel member according to claim 1, wherein the hinge first member is fixed to the base body so that the torque hinge and the connecting portion are spaced a predetermined distance from the rear surface of the panel body.

7. Edge members having a U-shaped cross section are disposed at the upper and lower ends of the panel body, The mounting base and the light emitter are fixed to the rear surface side of the frame member, 2. The panel member according to claim 1, wherein an appropriate gap is formed on the surface side of the edge member, thereby forming a Kendon-type insertion space capable of holding a plate material.

Images