JP3541208B2

JP3541208B2 - Folding container

Info

Publication number: JP3541208B2
Application number: JP09591297A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 文男原田; 紘十郎田川
Original assignee: Daifuku Co Ltd; Sekisui Chemical Co Ltd
Current assignee: Daifuku Co Ltd; Sekisui Chemical Co Ltd
Priority date: 1997-04-14
Filing date: 1997-04-14
Publication date: 2004-07-07
Anticipated expiration: 2017-04-14
Also published as: JPH10287330A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、合成樹脂製の折り畳み容器に係り、より詳細には、容器を組み上げて物品を収納し、積み重ねた状態で保管や輸送を行う場合に、その積み重ねた状態でも内容物の確認及び取り出しを容易に行うことのできる折り畳み容器に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
従来より、小物品を輸送する場合には、その小物品を容器に収納し、これを積み重ねてトラック等に積載して、目的地まで輸送している。そして、輸送し終えると、空になった容器を再び積み重ねてトラック等に積載して、返送していた。
【０００３】
この場合、空になった容器をそのまま積載して返送するのでは、輸送効率が極めて悪いことから、返送時には折り畳むことのできる容器が従来より提案されている。
【０００４】
この折り畳み容器は、図２７に示すように、矩形状の上枠体８１及び底板８２と、これら上枠体８１及び底板８２の間の対向する各縁部間に設けられた長側板８３，８３及び短側板８４，８４とで構成され、各長側板８３，８３は、上部長側板８５と下部長側板８６とで構成されている。
【０００５】
そして、上枠体８１の短辺側の下縁部８１１，８１１のそれぞれに短側板８４，８４の上縁部８４１，８４１を軸９１により枢支して、短側板８４，８４を内方側に折り込み可能に連結し、上枠体８１の長辺側の下縁部８１２，８１２のそれぞれに上部長側板８５，８５の上縁部８５１，８５１を軸９２により枢支して、上部長側板８５，８５を内方側に折り込み可能に連結し、底板８２の長辺側の上縁部８２２，８２２のそれぞれに下部長側板８６，８６の下縁部８６１，８６１を軸９３により枢支して、下部長側板８６，８６を内方側に折り込み可能に連結し、上部長側板８５，８５の下縁部８５２，８５２と下部長側板８６，８６の上縁部８６２，８６２とを軸９４により枢支して、内方側に折り込み可能に連結した構造となっている。
【０００６】
このような構造の折り畳み容器を折り畳む手順は、まず短辺側に設けられた短側板８４，８４を軸９１回りに内方側に跳ね上げ、次に長辺側の上部長側板８５，８５と下部長側板８６，８６とを連結している軸９４部分を内方に押し込むようにしながら、上部長側板８５，８５を軸９２回りに、下部長側板８６，８６を軸９３回りにそれぞれ内方に折り込んで、底板８２上に下部長側板８６，８６と上部長側板８５，８５とを順次折り重ねる。これにより、折り重ねられた上部長側板８５，８５の上に、跳ね上げられた短側板８４，８４が重なり、これら下部長側板８６，８６、上部長側板８５，８５及び短側板８４，８４を内包するように上枠体８１が重なって、折り畳みを完了する。
【０００７】
一方、このように折り畳まれた容器を組み立てる手順は、上記の折り畳み手順と全く逆の手順で行えばよい。すなわち、矩形状の上枠体８１を底板８２から離すように持ち上げて、折り重ねられていた上部長側板８５，８５と下部長側板８６，８６とを起立させ、次に跳ね上げていた両短側板８４，８４をそれぞれ軸９１回りに下方かつ外方に折り開き、その下縁部８４２，８４２を底板８２の短辺側の上縁部８２１，８２１に係合して、組み立てを完了する。
【０００８】
図２８は、短側板８４の下縁部８４２と、底板８２の短辺側の上縁部８２１との係合構造を示している。
すなわち、短側板８４の下縁部８４２の中央部に嵌入口８４３を形成し、底板８２の短辺側の上縁部８２１の対向する位置に嵌入爪８２３を形成している。そして、短側板８４を軸９１回りに下方かつ外方に垂直になるまで折り開いたとき、嵌入口８４３に嵌入爪８２３が嵌入係止されるようになっている。
【０００９】
また、この状態まで開いたとき、短側板８４の全体が、上枠体８１の短辺側の下縁部８１１と、両長側板８３，８３の側縁部８３１，８３１と、底板８２の短辺側の上縁部８２１とで形成される開口部に嵌合される形となる。
【００１０】
そのため、この係止構造と、短側板８４の開口部への嵌合力とによって、短側板８４が簡単には内方側へ跳ね上がらないようになっている。
このような構造の折り畳み容器では、容器を組み立てて小物品を収納し、積み重ねた状態で保管している場合、その収納物の検査や確認あるいは取り出し及び収納を行うためには、積み重ねた容器をいちいち下ろしてそれらを行わなければならないといった問題があった。
【００１１】
そこで、このような問題を解決すべく、容器の一側面に開口部を設け、この開口部に蓋体を取り付けた構造の折り畳み容器が提案されている（特公平５−２５７４３号公報参照）。
【００１２】
この改良型の折り畳み容器は、矩形上枠の長辺側の端縁部に二つ折れ用の上側片を内方に折り畳み自在に枢支連結し、矩形上枠に対向する矩形下板の長辺側の端縁部に二つ折れ用の下側片を内方に折り畳み自在に枢支連結し、上下側板を内方に折り畳み自在に枢支連結し、矩形上枠もしくは矩形下板の短辺側の端縁部にあおり側板を連結した合成樹脂製折り畳み容器であって、上下側片にて構成された左右の長尺側板のうち少なくとも一方の長尺側板においてその長さ方向の中間部に長い長尺開口を上下側板にわたって切除して形成し、長尺開口の両側に残る上側片部分の上端が矩形上枠に係脱自在もしくは折り畳み自在に取着され、又、長尺開口の両側に残る下側片部分の下端が矩形下板に折り畳み自在に枢着され、上側片部分と下側片部分とが内側に折り畳み自在に枢支連結され、長尺開口を閉塞する蓋体を内外方向に回動自在に枢着し、長尺開口の開口上端部に係止爪が設けられ、蓋体の上縁部においてスプリングにてロック片が弾性付勢されて突出され、ロック片に一体化されるとともに蓋体に対して昇降自在になされた把手状の外し体が蓋体の外側方に突出され、外し体の押下げ操作にてロック片を係止爪から外し自在になし、蓋体を上下に二分割するとともにこれら分割半体を折り畳み自在に枢支連結して成るものである。
【００１３】
すなわち、図２７に示す折り畳み容器において、一方の長側板８３の中間部に、長い長尺開口を上下長側板８５，８６にわたって切除して形成し、この長尺開口を閉塞する蓋体を内外方向に回動可能に枢着し、蓋体の閉塞状態を維持するロック手段を解除可能に設けた構成となっている。
【００１４】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
しかしながら、このような改良型の折り畳み容器では、蓋体を開いたとき上枠が残ることから、この上枠が邪魔になって中の物品が取り出しにくいといった問題があった。
【００１５】
また、蓋体は、上下長側板８５，８６のほぼ全体にわたって切除された長尺開口を閉塞可能な大きな形状に形成されているため、これを開いたとき折り畳み容器の底面部よりも下方に垂れ下がることになる。そのため、この折り畳み容器を積み重ねて使用しているときに、上段の折り畳み容器の蓋体を開くと、下段の折り畳み容器の開口部を塞ぐ形となって、このままでは下部の折り畳み容器の蓋体を開くことができないといった問題があった。
【００１６】
つまり、上下に積み重ねられた折り畳み容器の両方から例えば物品を取り出す場合には、まず上段（又は下段）の折り畳み容器の蓋体を開いて中の物品を取り出し、この蓋体を閉じてから、次に下段（又は上段）の折り畳み容器の蓋体を開いて中の物品を取り出すといった作業となるため、取り出し作業に時間がかかるといった問題があった。このことは、物品を折り畳み容器に収納する場合も同様である。
【００１７】
本発明は係る問題点を解決すべく創案されたもので、その目的は、容器としての強度を維持しつつ、上枠の一部をも含めて上部長側板を開放できるようにするとともに、開いた上部長側板が折り畳み容器の底面部より下方に垂れ下がらないようにすることによって、折り畳み容器を積み重ねて使用する場合、上段の折り畳み容器の上部長側板を開いた状態でも、下段の折り畳み容器の上部長側板を開くことのできる構造とした折り畳み容器を提供することにある。
【００１８】
【課題を解決するための手段】
上記課題を解決するため、本発明の請求項１記載の折り畳み容器は、矩形状の上枠体及び底板と、これら上枠体及び底板の間の対向する各縁部間に設けられた長側板及び短側板とからなり、前記上枠体の短辺側の縁部のそれぞれに前記短側板の上縁部を枢支して前記短側板を内方側に折り込み可能に連結し、前記上枠体の長辺側の縁部のそれぞれに上部長側板の上縁部を枢支して前記上部長側板を内方側に折り込み可能に連結し、前記底板の長辺側の縁部のそれぞれに下部長側板の下縁部を枢支して前記下部長側板を内方側に折り込み可能に連結し、前記上部長側板の下縁部と前記下部長側板の上縁部とを枢支して内方側に折り込み可能に連結した構造の折り畳み容器において、前記上枠体の一方の長辺側上枠及びこれに枢支された一方の上部長側板がそれぞれ枢支された状態で両端支持部と中間本体部とに分割され、分割された長辺側上枠両端支持部と長辺側上枠中間本体部の両端部とがそれぞれ第１の係合手段によって係脱可能に形成され、この第１の係合手段の係合を解除することにより、前記長辺側上枠中間本体部と前記上部長側板中間本体部とが起立状態の前記下部長側板の外方側に折り返し可能に設けられ、また前記長辺側上枠中間本体部は前記上部長側板中間本体部に対して一定角度回動可能に設けられ、かつ前記長辺側上枠中間本体部をその一定角度回動させた状態で保持する保持手段が設けられたものである。
【００１９】
また、本発明の請求項２記載の折り畳み容器は、請求項１記載のものにおいて、前記第１の係合手段は、前記長辺側上枠両端支持部のそれぞれに設けられた係合部と、前記長辺側上枠中間本体部の両端部に設けられた被係合部とで形成され、前記長辺側上枠中間本体部を外方側から内方側に向かって側方から押し込むことにより、前記被係合部が前記係合部に係合した状態で保持されるものである。
【００２０】
また、本発明の請求項３記載の折り畳み容器は、請求項１又は２記載のものにおいて、前記一定角度は、折り畳み容器を折り畳んだときの前記長辺側上枠中間本体部と前記上部長側板中間本体部との回動角度よりも若干大きい角度に設定されているものである。
【００２１】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下、本発明の実施の形態について図面を参照して説明する。
図１は、本発明の折り畳み容器の全体構成を示している。
【００２２】
本発明の折り畳み容器は、基本的な部材構成については、図２７に示した従来の折り畳み容器の構成と同様である。
すなわち、矩形状の上枠体１及び底板２と、これら上枠体１及び底板２の間の対向する各縁部間に設けられた長側板３，３及び短側板４，４とで構成され、各長側板３，３は、上部長側板５と下部長側板６とで構成されている。
【００２３】
そして、上枠体１の短辺側の下縁部１１，１１のそれぞれに短側板４，４の上縁部１２，１２を軸７４により枢支して、短側板４，４を内方側に折り込み可能に連結し、上枠体１の長辺側の下縁部１３，１３のそれぞれに上部長側板５，５の上縁部１４，１４を軸（第２の軸）７２により枢支して、上部長側板５，５を内方側に折り込み可能に連結し、底板２の長辺側の上縁部１５，１５のそれぞれに下部長側板６，６の下縁部１６，１６を軸７３により枢支して、下部長側板６，６を内方側に折り込み可能に連結し、上部長側板５，５の下縁部１７，１７と下部長側板６，６の上縁部１８，１８とを軸（第１の軸）７１により枢支して、内方側に折り込み可能に連結した構造となっている。
【００２４】
また、図示は省略しているが、短側板４の下縁部１９と、底板２の短辺側の上縁部２０との係合構造も、図２８に示したものと同様の構造となっている。
このような基本構造において、本発明の折り畳み容器は、上枠体１の一方の長辺側上枠１Ａ及びこれに枢支された一方の上部長側板５Ａが、それぞれ軸７２により枢支された状態で、両端支持部１Ａ１，１Ａ２，５Ａ１，５Ａ２と中間本体部１Ａ３，５Ａ３とに分割され、分割された長辺側上枠両端支持部１Ａ１，１Ａ２と長辺側上枠中間本体部１Ａ３の両端部２１，２２とがそれぞれ第１の係合手段Ｗによって係脱可能に形成されている。そして、この第１の係合手段Ｗの係合を解除することにより、長辺側上枠中間本体部１Ａ３と上部長側板中間本体部５Ａ３とが、起立状態の下部長側板６の外方側に折り返し可能に設けられたものである。
【００２５】
すなわち、上枠体１は、他方の長辺側上枠１Ｃと両短辺側上枠１Ｂ，１Ｄと長辺側上枠両端支持部１Ａ１，１Ａ２とが一体的に形成され、長辺側上枠中間本体部１Ａ３のみが、このＣ字形に形成された枠体１Ｃ，１Ｂ，１Ｄ，１Ａ１，１Ａ２に対して係脱可能に設けられたものである。
【００２６】
図２ないし図５は、この第１の係合手段Ｗの具体的構造を示している。ただし、この図には長辺側上枠右端支持部１Ａ２と長辺側上枠中間本体部１Ａ３の右端部２２とに設けられた第１の係合手段Ｗを示しているが、長辺側上枠左端支持部１Ａ１と長辺側上枠中間本体部１Ａ３の左端部２１とに設けられた第１の係合手段Ｗについても、全く同様の構造である。
【００２７】
すなわち、長辺側上枠右端支持部１Ａ２は外面側が開口（符号２３により示す）したコ字型形状に形成されており、この長辺側上枠右端支持部１Ａ２の側端面（他方の長辺側上枠右端支持部１Ａ１と対向する面）に第１のリブ片２４が形成されている。また、この第１のリブ片２４と一定の間隔を存した外側方寄りに、第２のリブ片２５が形成されており、この第２のリブ片２５と第１のリブ片２４との間が第１の嵌合凹溝部２６となっている。また、第２のリブ片２５の外側面には、係止用凹溝部（又は係止用貫通穴）２７が形成されている。
【００２８】
一方、長辺側上枠中間本体部１Ａ３の右端部２２から外側方に延設して嵌合用基板３１が形成されており、この嵌合用基板３１の内面（長辺側上枠右端支持部１Ａ２の外面側と対向する面）側に、前記係止用凹溝部２７に係止する係止爪３３を先端部に有する係止用突起部３２が形成されている。係止爪３３は、長辺側上枠右端支持部１Ａ２の第２のリブ片２５と摺接する傾斜面３３ａ及び係止用凹溝部２７の手前側の内側面（被係止面）２７ａと当接する係止面３３ｂを有している。
【００２９】
また、嵌合用基板３１の内面側には、長辺側上枠右端支持部１Ａ２の第１の嵌合凹溝部２６に嵌入する嵌合用突起部２８が形成されている。すなわち、この嵌合用突起部２８と長辺側上枠中間本体部１Ａ３の右端部２２との間は第２の嵌合溝部２９となっており、この第２の嵌合溝部２９に長辺側上枠右端支持部１Ａ２の第１のリブ片２４が嵌入するようになっている。
【００３０】
ここで、上記した第１の係合手段Ｗの係合動作について、図６ないし図９を参照して説明する。
まず、図２及び図６に示す状態から、長辺側上枠中間本体部１Ａ３を内方側（矢符Ｐ方向）へ押し込むと、係止爪３３の傾斜面３３ａが第２のリブ片２５に当接する（図７参照）。この状態から長辺側上枠中間本体部１Ａ３をさらに内方側に押し込むと、係止爪３３の傾斜面３３ａが第２のリブ片２５上を摺動する。このとき、係止爪３３は第２のリブ片２５によって外方側に押し広げられるように移動するが、この移動は、嵌合用基板３１及び係止用突起部３２が外方側に弾性変形することによって吸収される（図８参照）。このようにして、係止爪３３の傾斜面３３ａが第２のリブ片２５上を摺動し、最後は嵌合用基板３１及び係止用突起部３２の弾性復元力によって、係止爪３３が係止用凹溝部２７内に嵌入される（図９参照）。係止用凹溝部２７内に嵌入された係止爪３３は、その係止面３３ｂが係止用凹溝部２７の手前側の内側面２７ａに当接することによって係止される。係止後は、係止用凹溝部２７内に係止爪３３が入り込んだ状態となっているため、係止状態を保持することができるようになっている。
【００３１】
つまり、係止用凹溝部２７から係止爪３３を抜くためには、係止爪３３（すなわち係止用突起部３２）を外側方（横方向）にずらす必要があるが、係止用突起部３２を外側方にずらすには、嵌合用基板３１及び係止用突起部３２を係止時と同様に弾性変形させるだけの外力を加える必要がある。従って、一旦係止した後は、人手等によって長辺側上枠中間本体部１Ａ３の嵌合用基板３１を手前に引っ張り、図８に示す状態まで弾性変形させない限り、係止用凹溝部２７と係止爪３３との係止状態は保たれることになる。
【００３２】
また、収納した内容物によって容器が押圧され、短側板４の内面に外方向への力が加わった場合、この力の一部は短辺側上枠１Ｂに伝達され、この短辺側上枠１Ｂと一体に形成されている長辺側上枠右端支持部１Ａ２にも伝わることになる。このとき、短辺側上枠１Ｂ及び長辺側上枠右端支持部１Ａ２は、短辺側上枠１Ｂの外方側に若干移動するが、その結果、係止用凹溝部２７の内側面２７ａと係止爪３３の係止面３３ｂとがさらに深く係止することになり、その係合はより強固なものとなる。
【００３３】
また、図５及び図９に示すように、係止爪３３が係止用凹溝部２７に係止している状態では、長辺側上枠右端支持部１Ａ２に形成された第１の嵌合凹溝部２６に、長辺側上枠中間本体部１Ａ３に形成された嵌合用突起部２８が嵌入した状態となっている。そこで、第１のリブ片２４と嵌合用突起部２８との隙間ｔ２を、第２のリブ片２５と係止用突起部３２との隙間ｔ３より小さくしておけば、短側板４の内面に加わった外方向への力に対し、第２のリブ辺２５が係止用突起部３２に当接する前に、第１のリブ片２４が嵌合用突起部２８に当接するため、係止用突起部３２にはこの力が直接加わらないので、係止用突起部３２の破損を防止することができる。
【００３４】
また、上部長側板中間本体部５Ａ３の内面に外方向への力が加わった場合、この力の一部は長辺側上枠中間本体部１Ａ３にも伝わる。このとき、長辺側上枠中間本体部１Ａ３は若干外方に膨らみ、全体として外方に湾曲するが、その結果、係止用凹溝部２７の内側面２７ａと係止爪３３の係止面３３ｂとがさらに深く係止することになり、その係合はより強固なものとなる。
【００３５】
また、本発明の折り畳み容器は、長辺側上枠中間本体部１Ａ３を、第２の軸７２を中心として上部長側板中間本体部５Ａ３に対し一定角度回動させた状態で保持する保持手段Ｘが設けられている。
【００３６】
図１０及び図１１は、この保持手段Ｘの具体的構造を示している。ただし、この図には長辺側上枠中間本体部１Ａ３及び上部長側板中間本体部５Ａ３の右端側に設けられた保持手段Ｘを示しているが、長辺側上枠中間本体部１Ａ３及び上部長側板中間本体部５Ａ３の左端側に設けられた保持手段Ｘについても、全く同様の構造である。
【００３７】
すなわち、上部長側板中間本体部５Ａ３の上縁部１４には、第２の軸７２を支持する軸受部７５が設けられており、この軸受部７５の一側面７６に、第２の軸７２が一体的に形成されている。また、軸受部７５の外周は湾曲面７７に形成されており、第２の軸７２を中心として長辺側上枠中間本体部１Ａ３を回動させたとき、長辺側上枠中間本体部１Ａ３の前面板５５の裏面５５ｂがこの湾曲面７７に沿って回動するようになっている。また、この湾曲面７７の上端部には、後述する長辺側上枠中間本体部１Ａ３に形成された嵌合凹部５７に嵌入する嵌合突起部７８が形成されている。
【００３８】
一方、長辺側上枠中間本体部１Ａ３には、上部長側板中間本体部５Ａ３の軸受部７５に隣接して内壁５６が形成されており、この内壁５６に軸挿通穴５８が形成されている。上部長側板中間本体部５Ａ３は、この内壁５６の軸挿通穴５８に第２の軸７２が挿通されることによって、第２の軸７２を回動軸として回動可能に設けられている。ここで、長辺側上枠中間本体部１Ａ３の前面板５５は、上部長側板中間本体部５Ａ３の上端縁１４より若干下方まで延設されている。そのため、長辺側上枠中間本体部１Ａ３は、この前面板５５の下端部５５ａが上部長側板中間本体部５Ａ３の上端縁１４に当たることによって、図１１に示す起立状態から矢符Ｑ方向への回動が規制され、矢符Ｒ方向へのみ回動するようになっている。
【００３９】
また、長辺側上枠中間本体部１Ａ３の前面板５５の裏面５５ｂには、その下端部５５ａの近傍に、軸受部７５の嵌合突起部７８に嵌入する嵌合凹部５７が形成されている。
【００４０】
この嵌合凹部５７と嵌合突起部７８との位置関係については、折り畳み容器を折り畳んだとき、嵌合凹部５７と嵌合突起部７８とが嵌合しないように考慮する必要がある。つまり、図１７に示すように、折り畳み容器を折り畳んだとき、第１の軸７１と第２の軸７２とを結ぶ直線（すなわち、上部長側板中間本体部５Ａ３）に対する長辺側上枠中間本体部１Ａ３の回動角度をθ１とすると、嵌合凹部５７と嵌合突起部７８とは、長辺側上枠中間本体部１Ａ３が上部長側板中間本体部５Ａ３に対して角度θ２（ただし、θ２＞θ１）回動したとき、嵌合するような位置関係とする。
【００４１】
次に、この位置関係について、図１２ないし図１６を参照して説明する。
図１２及び図１６は、第１の係合手段Ｗの係合を解除して、長辺側上枠中間本体部１Ａ３と上部長側板中間本体部５Ａ３とを、起立状態の下部長側板６の外方側に折り返した状態を示している。ただし、図１２では、下部長側板６の図示は省略している。また、図１６に二点鎖線で示す長辺側上枠中間本体部１Ａ３の状態が、図１２に示す状態である。
【００４２】
この状態では、長辺側上枠中間本体部１Ａ３と上部長側板中間本体部５Ａ３とは一直線状になっている。この状態から、第２の軸７２を中心として長辺側上枠中間本体部１Ａ３を外方側（図１３において矢符Ｒ方向）に角度θ１まで回動させると、長辺側上枠中間本体部１Ａ３に形成された嵌合凹部５７が上部長側板中間本体部５Ａ３の軸受部７５に形成された嵌合突起部７８の近傍に位置するとともに、長辺側上枠中間本体部１Ａ３の前面板５５の裏面５５ｂが、嵌合突起部７８に当接する。
【００４３】
そして、この状態から長辺側上枠中間本体部１Ａ３をさらに矢符Ｒ方向に回動させると、図１４に二点鎖線で示すように、長辺側上枠中間本体部１Ａ３の前面板５５が、嵌合突起部７８に押される形で外方に弾性変形するとともに、嵌合凹部５７が、嵌合突起部７８との嵌合位置に次第に近づいて行く。
【００４４】
そして、長辺側上枠中間本体部１Ａ３が角度θ２まで回動すると、図１５に示すように、嵌合凹部５７と嵌合突起部７８との位置が合致する。このとき、外方側に弾性変形していた前面板５５の弾性復元力によって嵌合凹部５７に嵌合突起部７８が嵌まり込み、長辺側上枠中間本体部１Ａ３は、嵌合凹部５７と嵌合突起部７８との嵌合力によりこの状態で保持されることになる。この図１５に示す長辺側上枠中間本体部１Ａ３の状態は、図１６に実線で示す長辺側上枠中間本体部１Ａ３の状態と同じである。
【００４５】
つまり、嵌合凹部５７が嵌合突起部７８と一旦嵌合した後は、その嵌合力によって長辺側上枠中間本体部１Ａ３は図１５に示す状態に保持され、自重によって不測に外れるといった心配はない。なお、この嵌合状態を解除するには、嵌合凹部５７と嵌合突起部７８との嵌合力を解除するだけの力で（すなわち、長辺側上枠中間本体部１Ａ３の前面板５５を図１４に示す状態に弾性変形させるだけの力で）、長辺側上枠中間本体部１Ａ３を下方に押し下げればよい。
【００４６】
このように、嵌合凹部５７と嵌合突起部７８とは、折り畳み容器を折り畳んだときと同じ回動角度θ１では嵌合位置に達せず（図１３に示す状態）、この回動角度θ１を超えて角度θ２まで回動したとき、嵌合凹部５７と嵌合突起部７８とが嵌合するようになっている。従って、折り畳み容器を折り畳むとき、保持手段Ｘは作用しないので、折り畳み作業や組み立て作業は従来通りスムーズに行えるものである。
【００４７】
ところで、本発明の折り畳み容器では、折り畳んだときの状態を考えれば、軸７１と軸７２との軸間距離Ｌ１（図１６参照）と、軸７１と軸７３との軸間距離Ｌ２（図１６参照）との関係は、Ｌ１＝Ｌ２であることが必要である。また、強度の点から、通常は底板２の高さより上枠体１の高さの方が高く形成されている。
【００４８】
従って、第１の係合手段Ｗの係合を解除した状態で、長辺側上枠中間本体部１Ａ３と上部長側板中間本体部５Ａ３とを下部長側板６の外方側に折り返すと、図１６に二点鎖線で示すように、長辺側上枠中間本体部１Ａ３が底板２の底面から下方に垂れ下がることになる。
【００４９】
そこで、長辺側上枠中間本体部１Ａ３を矢符Ｒ方向に角度θ２まで回動させて、保持手段Ｘの嵌合凹部５７と嵌合突起部７８とを嵌合させると、図１６に実線で示すように、長辺側上枠中間本体部１Ａ３が底板２の底面から下方に垂れ下がることがない。従って、本発明の折り畳み容器を積み重ねて使用したとき、上段側の折り畳み容器の上部長側板中間本体部５Ａ３を開放した状態で、上段側の長辺側上枠中間本体部１Ａ３に邪魔されることなく、下段側の折り畳み容器の長辺側上枠中間本体部１Ａ３及び上部長側板中間本体部５Ａ３を開放することができるものである。
【００５０】
なお、長辺側上枠中間本体部１Ａ３と上部長側板中間本体部５Ａ３とを下部長側板６の外方側に折り返したとき、底板２の底部から長辺側上枠中間本体部１Ａ３が垂れ下がる問題は、図１８に斜線を付して示すように、底板２の高さを高くして上枠体１の高さに合わせれば解決できる。しかし、それでは図１７に示す本発明の折り畳み容器と比べて、折り畳んだときの高さが高くなり（ｈ２＞ｈ１）、折り畳んだ状態での容器の容積が増加するため現実的ではない。
【００５１】
また、図１９は、上部長側板中間本体部５Ａ３の右端部５９と上部長側板右端支持部５Ａ２との当接部分を示す断面図であり、上部長側板中間本体部５Ａ３の右端部５９の背面が上部長側板右端支持部５Ａ２の受け片６０に当接する構造となっている。これにより、上部長側板中間本体部５Ａ３の中央部に前面より外力が内方向に加わった場合でも、この外力は上部長側板中間本体部５Ａ３の右端部５９の背面と上部長側板右端支持部５Ａ２の受け片６０との当接部分に分散され、連接棒４１に加わる内方向への力が軽減されるものである。
【００５２】
図２０ないし図２２は、第１の係合手段Ｗの他の実施形態を示している。ただし、この図には長辺側上枠左端支持部１Ａ１と長辺側上枠中間本体部１Ａ３の左端部２１とに設けられた第１の係合手段Ｗを示しているが、長辺側上枠右端支持部１Ａ２と長辺側上枠中間本体部１Ａ３の右端部２２とに設けられた第１の係合手段Ｗについても、全く同様の構造である。
【００５３】
すなわち、長辺側上枠中間本体部１Ａ３の左端部２１に嵌合用突起部２８と第２の嵌合溝部２９とが形成され、嵌合突起部２８の側端面２８ａに係止用凹溝部３０が形成されている。
【００５４】
また、長辺側上枠左端支持部１Ａ１は、その外面側に操作レバー６２を装着する開口凹部６１が形成されており、この開口凹部６１の左内側面に嵌入溝部６１ａが形成され、右内側面に貫通溝部６１ｂが形成されている。
【００５５】
一方、操作レバー６２は、短円筒形状に形成された弾性部本体６３と、この弾性部本体６３の一方の側部に形成された前記貫通溝部６１ｂに挿通される係止片６４と、弾性部本体６３の他方の側部に形成された前記嵌入溝部６１ａに嵌入係止される固定片６５とで形成されている。また、係止片６４と弾性部本体６３との接続部分には、指を掛けるための段差である掛止部６６が形成されており、係止片６４の裏面側には、開口凹部６１の右内側面に当接する当たり止め用の段差部６７が形成されている。
【００５６】
すなわち、操作レバー６２は、弾性部本体６３が長辺側上枠左端支持部１Ａ１の開口凹部６１内に添設され、固定片６４が開口凹部６１の嵌入溝部６１ａに嵌入係止され、係止片６４が開口凹部６１の貫通溝部６１ｂに挿通された状態で、開口凹部６１内に装着されている。
【００５７】
ここで、上記した第１の係合手段Ｗの係合動作について、図２３ないし図２６を参照して説明する。
まず、図２に示す状態から、長辺側上枠中間本体部１Ａ３を内方側（矢符Ｐ方向）へ押し込むと、嵌合用突起部２８が係止片６４の傾斜面６４ａに当接する（図２３参照）。この状態から長辺側上枠中間本体部１Ａ３をさらに内方側に押し込むと、係止片６４の傾斜面６４ａが嵌合用突起部２８に押し込まれて左端側に（すなわち、開口凹部６１の貫通溝部６１ｂ内に押し込まれるように）摺動する（図２４参照）。このときの係止片６４の左端側への摺動は、弾性部本体６３が円形状から図２６に示す縦長の楕円形状に弾性変形することによって吸収される。このようにして、係止片６４が開口凹部６１の貫通溝部６１ｂ内に押し込まれ、長辺側上枠中間本体部１Ａ３の嵌合用突起部２８が長辺側上枠左端支持部１Ａ１の第１の嵌合凹溝部２６に嵌合されると、開口凹部６１の貫通溝部６１ｂの位置と長辺側上枠中間本体部１Ａ３の側端面２８ａに形成された係止用凹溝部３０の位置とが合致し、係止片６４は弾性部本体６３の弾性復元力によって係止用凹溝部３０内に挿入係止される（図２５）。係止後は、係止用凹溝部３０内に係止片６４が入り込んだ状態で保持されるため、係止状態が保たれることになる。
【００５８】
つまり、係止用凹溝部３０から係止片６４を抜くためには、掛止部６６に指を掛けて、弾性部本体６３を係止時と同様の縦長の楕円形状に弾性変形させるだけの力を加える必要がある。従って、一旦係止した後は、人手等によって操作レバー６２を外側方に押し広げ、弾性部本体６３を図２４及び図２６に示す状態まで弾性変形させない限り、係止用凹溝部３０と係止片６４との係止状態は保たれることになる。
【００５９】
次に上記構成の折り畳み容器の折り畳み手順、組み立て手順、及び長辺側上枠１Ａと上部長側板５とを外方に開く手順について簡単に説明する。
折り畳み手順は、まず短辺側に設けられた短側板４，４を軸７４回りに内方側に跳ね上げ、次に長辺側の上部長側板５，５と下部長側板６，６とを連結している軸７１部分を内方に押し込むようにしながら、上部長側板５，５を軸７２回りに、下部長側板６，６を軸７３回りにそれぞれ内方に折り込んで、底板２上に下部長側板６，６と上部長側板５，５とを対称形状に順次折り重ねる。これにより、折り重ねられた上部長側板５，５の上に、跳ね上げられた短側板４，４が重なり、これら下部長側板６，６、上部長側板５，５及び短側板４，４を内包するように上枠体１が重なって、折り畳みを完了する。このとき、上述した如く、保持手段Ｘの嵌合凹部５７と嵌合突起部７８とは、折り畳み容器を折り畳んだときと同じ回動角度θ１では嵌合位置に達せず（図１３に示す状態）、この回動角度θ１を超えて角度θ２まで回動したとき、嵌合凹部５７と嵌合突起部７８とが嵌合するようになっている。従って、折り畳み容器を折り畳むとき、保持手段Ｘは作用しないので、折り畳み作業や組み立て作業は従来通りスムーズに行えるものである。
【００６０】
一方、このように折り畳まれた容器を組み立てる手順は、上記の折り畳み手順と全く逆の手順で行えばよい。すなわち、矩形状の上枠体１を底板２から離すように持ち上げて、折り重ねられていた上部長側板５，５と下部長側板６，６とを起立させ、次に跳ね上げていた短側板４，４を軸７４回りに下方かつ外方に折り開いて、組み立てを完了する。
【００６１】
次に、このようにして組み立てられた容器において、長辺側上枠中間本体部１Ａ３と上部長側板中間本体部５Ａ３とを外方に開く手順を説明する。ただし、ここでは、第１の係合手段Ｗが図１ないし図９に示すタイプのものについて説明する。
【００６２】
すなわち、長辺側上枠中間本体部１Ａ３の両端部に形成された嵌合用基板３１，３１に指を引っかけるようにして前方側（手前側）に引っ張ると、嵌合用基板３１及び係止用突起部３２が外側方側に弾性変形して（図８参照）、係止爪３３が係止用凹溝部２７から退出し（図７参照）、第１の係合手段Ｗが解除される。
【００６３】
これにより、長辺側上枠中間本体部１Ａ３及び上部長側板中間本体部５Ａ３がフリーの状態となって、下部長側板６の外面側に折り返され、長辺側上枠中間本体部１Ａ３及び上部長側板中間本体部５Ａ３の部分が容器の開口部となる。
【００６４】
このとき、上述した如く、長辺側上枠中間本体部１Ａ３を上部長側板中間本体部５Ａ３に対して角度θ２まで回動しておけば、折り畳み容器を多段に積み重ねて使用したときでも、開放した長辺側上枠中間本体部１Ａ３が、下段の折り畳み容器の長辺側上枠中間本体部１Ａ３及び上部長側板中間本体部５Ａ３の開閉の邪魔になることはない。
【００６５】
次に、開いた長辺側上枠中間本体部１Ａ３及び上部長側板中間本体部５Ａ３を閉める手順について説明する。ここでも、第１の係合手段Ｗが図１ないし図９に示すタイプのものについて説明する。
【００６６】
閉める手順は、上記の開く手順と全く逆であって、まず長辺側上枠中間本体部１Ａ３を下方に押し下げて保持手段Ｘの嵌合凹部５７と嵌合突起部７８との係合を解除し、次に軸７１を中心に長辺側上枠中間本体部１Ａ３及び上部長側板中間本体部５Ａ３を上方まで回動させ、長辺側上枠中間本体部１Ａ３の左右両側の嵌合用基板３１，３１を、長辺側上枠両端支持部１Ａ１，１Ａ２に向けて押し込めばよい。
【００６７】
これにより、係止爪３３の傾斜面３３ａが第２のリブ片２５上を摺動し（図７、図８参照）、最後は嵌合用基板３１及び係止用突起部３２の弾性復元力によって、係止爪３３が係止用凹溝部２７内に嵌入されて（図９参照）、第１の係合手段Ｗが係合状態となる。
【００６８】
なお、本発明の折り畳み容器は、上枠体１の一方の長辺側上枠１Ａ及びこれに枢支された一方の上部長側板５Ａを、それぞれ軸７２により枢支した状態で、両端支持部１Ａ１，１Ａ２，５Ａ１，５Ａ２と中間本体部１Ａ３，５Ａ３とに分割した構造としているので、例えば長辺側上枠中間本体部１Ａ３及び上部長側板中間本体部５Ａ３を取り外した場合でも、長辺側上枠両端支持部１Ａ１，１Ａ２と上部長側板両端支持部５Ａ１，５Ａ２とが残ることから、通常の方法で容器の折り畳みと組み立てとが行えるとともに、組み立てた状態での積み重ね使用にも十分に耐えられる強度を有するものである。
【００６９】
【発明の効果】
本発明の請求項１記載の折り畳み容器は、矩形状の上枠体及び底板と、これら上枠体及び底板の間の対向する各縁部間に設けられた長側板及び短側板とからなり、上枠体の短辺側の縁部のそれぞれに短側板の上縁部を枢支して短側板を内方側に折り込み可能に連結し、上枠体の長辺側の縁部のそれぞれに上部長側板の上縁部を枢支して上部長側板を内方側に折り込み可能に連結し、底板の長辺側の縁部のそれぞれに下部長側板の下縁部を枢支して下部長側板を内方側に折り込み可能に連結し、上部長側板の下縁部と下部長側板の上縁部とを枢支して内方側に折り込み可能に連結した構造の折り畳み容器において、上枠体の一方の長辺側上枠及びこれに枢支された一方の上部長側板がそれぞれ枢支された状態で両端支持部と中間本体部とに分割され、分割された長辺側上枠両端支持部と長辺側上枠中間本体部の両端部とがそれぞれ第１の係合手段によって係脱可能に形成され、この第１の係合手段の係合を解除することにより、長辺側上枠中間本体部と上部長側板中間本体部とが起立状態の下部長側板の外方側に折り返し可能に設けられ、また長辺側上枠中間本体部は上部長側板中間本体部に対して一定角度回動可能に設けられ、かつ長辺側上枠中間本体部をその一定角度回動させた状態で保持する保持手段が設けられたものである。すなわち、蓋体である上部長側板中間本体部を開いたとき、長辺側上枠中間本体部も一緒に開くので、中の物品を取り出すときに（又は、物品を収納するときに）、長辺側上枠中間本体部が邪魔になるといったことがない。また、長辺側上枠中間本体部及び上部長側板中間本体部を外方側に折り返して開く構造であるので、内容物が一杯入っている場合でも、長辺側上枠中間本体部及び上部長側板中間本体部を開閉することができる。また、上枠体の一方の長辺側上枠及びこれに枢支された一方の上部長側板を、それぞれ軸により枢支した状態で、両端支持部と中間本体部とに分割した構造としているので、例えば長辺側上枠中間本体部及び上部長側板中間本体部を取り外した場合でも、長辺側上枠両端支持部と上部長側板両端支持部とが残ることから、通常の方法で容器の折り畳みと組み立てとが行えるとともに、組み立てた状態での積み重ね使用にも十分に耐えられる強度を有する。また、長辺側上枠中間本体部を上部長側板中間本体部に対して一定角度回動させた状態で保持する保持手段を設けているので、開いた上部長側板中間本体部及び長辺側上枠中間本体部が折り畳み容器の底面部より下方に垂れ下がらない構造となるため、折り畳み容器を多段に積み重ねて使用した場合、上段の折り畳み容器の長辺側上枠中間本体部及び長辺側上枠中間本体部を開放しても、下段の折り畳み容器の長辺側上枠中間本体部及び上部長側板中間本体部の開閉の邪魔になることはない。
【００７０】
また、本発明の請求項２記載の折り畳み容器は、第１の係合手段を、長辺側上枠両端支持部のそれぞれに設けられた係合部と、長辺側上枠中間本体部の両端部に設けられた被係合部とで形成し、長辺側上枠中間本体部を外方側から内方側に向かって側方から押し込むことにより、被係合部を係合部に係合した状態で保持する構成としている。これにより、第１の係合手段が一旦係合した後は、長辺側上枠中間本体部の両端の被係合部を引っ張らない限り、係合部と被係合部との係合状態は保たれるので、長辺側上枠中間本体部と長辺側上枠両端支持部とが不測に外れるといった事態の発生を防止することができる。また、第１の係合手段は側方から押し込んで係脱する構造であるため、折り畳み容器を多段に積み重ねて使用した場合でも、上段の折り畳み容器の底板に邪魔されることなく、下段の折り畳み容器の長辺側上枠中間本体部の第１の係合手段を解除することができる。
【００７１】
また、本発明の請求項３記載の折り畳み容器は、保持手段の保持角度である一定角度を、折り畳み容器を折り畳んだときの長辺側上枠中間本体部と上部長側板中間本体部との回動角度よりも若干大きい角度に設定したので、折り畳み容器を折り畳むとき、保持手段は作用しないので、折り畳み作業や組み立て作業が従来通りスムーズに行えるものである。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の折り畳み容器の全体構成を示した斜視図である。
【図２】第１の係合手段の具体的構造を示す一部拡大した斜視図である。
【図３】図２に示すア−ア線に沿う断面図である。
【図４】図２に示すイ−イ線に沿う断面図である。
【図５】第１の係合手段を係合した状態を示す断面図である。
【図６】第１の係合手段を係合する過程を説明するための断面図である。
【図７】第１の係合手段を係合する過程を説明するための断面図である。
【図８】第１の係合手段を係合する過程を説明するための断面図である。
【図９】第１の係合手段を係合する過程を説明するための断面図である。
【図１０】保持手段の具体的構造を示す一部拡大した斜視図である。
【図１１】図１０に示すウ−ウ線に沿う断面図である。
【図１２】長辺側上枠中間本体部及び上部長側板中間本体部を起立状態の下部長側板の外方側に折り返した状態を示す断面図である。
【図１３】長辺側上枠中間本体部を上部長側板中間本体部に対して回動させた状態を示す断面図である。
【図１４】長辺側上枠中間本体部を上部長側板中間本体部に対して回動させた状態を示す断面図である。
【図１５】長辺側上枠中間本体部を上部長側板中間本体部に対して回動させた状態を示す断面図である。
【図１６】長辺側上枠中間本体部及び上部長側板中間本体部を起立状態の下部長側板の外方側に折り返した状態を示す側面図である。
【図１７】本発明の折り畳み容器を折り畳んだ状態を示す一部拡大した側面図である。
【図１８】上枠体の高さを底板の高さとを同じ高さにして折り畳んだ状態を示す一部拡大した側面図である。
【図１９】上部長側板中間本体部の右端部と上部長側板右端支持部との当接部分を示す断面図である。
【図２０】長辺側上枠左端支持部と長辺側上枠中間本体部の左端部とに設けられた第１の係合手段の他の実施形態を示す断面図である。
【図２１】第１の係合手段の他の実施形態を示す正面図である。
【図２２】（ａ）は第１の係合手段の他の実施形態である操作レバーの断面図、（ｂ）は正面図、（ｃ）は側面図である。
【図２３】第１の係合手段を係合する過程を説明するための断面図である。
【図２４】第１の係合手段を係合する過程を説明するための断面図である。
【図２５】第１の係合手段を係合する過程を説明するための断面図である。
【図２６】第１の係合手段を係合する過程を説明するための正面図である。
【図２７】従来の折り畳み容器の全体構成を示す斜視図である。
【図２８】短側板の下縁部と底板の短辺側の上縁部との係合構造を示す一部拡大した斜視図である。
【符号の説明】
１上枠体
１Ａ長辺側上枠
１Ａ１長辺側上枠左端支持部
１Ａ２長辺側上枠右端支持部
１Ａ３長辺側上枠中間本体部
３長側板
４短側板
５上部長側板
５Ａ一方の上部長側板
５Ａ１上部長側板左端支持部
５Ａ２上部長側板右端支持部
５Ａ３上部長側板中間本体部
６下部長側板
Ｗ第１の係合手段
２５第２のリブ片
２７，３０係止用凹溝部
３１嵌合用基板
３２係止用突起部
３３係止爪
Ｘ保持手段
５５前面板
５５ｂ裏面
５７嵌合凹部
６１開口凹部
６２操作レバー
６３弾性部本体
６４係止片
６５固定片
７１軸（第１の軸）
７２軸（第２の軸）
７３，７４軸
７５軸受部
７８嵌合突起部[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a folding container made of synthetic resin, and more particularly, to assemble a container to store articles, and when storing or transporting the articles in a stacked state, confirming and removing the contents even in the stacked state. The present invention relates to a folding container capable of easily performing the above.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, when transporting small articles, the small articles are stored in a container, stacked, loaded on a truck or the like, and transported to a destination. Then, when the transportation was completed, the empty containers were stacked again, loaded on a truck or the like, and returned.
[0003]
In this case, if the empty containers are directly loaded and returned, the transportation efficiency is extremely low. Therefore, containers that can be folded at the time of return have been conventionally proposed.
[0004]
As shown in FIG. 27, the folding container includes a rectangular upper frame body 81 and a bottom plate 82, and long side plates 83 provided between the opposing edges between the upper frame body 81 and the bottom plate 82. Each of the long side plates 83, 83 is composed of an upper long side plate 85 and a lower long side plate 86.
[0005]
The upper edges 841 and 841 of the short plates 84 and 84 are pivotally supported by the shaft 91 on the lower edges 811 and 811 on the short sides of the upper frame body 81, respectively, and the short plates 84 and 84 are moved inward. And upper edges 851 and 851 of the upper long side plates 85 and 85 are pivotally supported by shafts 92 on lower edges 812 and 812 of the long sides of the upper frame body 81, respectively. The lower edges 851, 851 of the lower plate 82 are pivotally connected to the upper edges 822, 822 of the long side of the bottom plate 82 by the shaft 93, respectively. Then, the lower long side plates 86, 86 are foldably connected to the inward side, and the lower edges 852, 852 of the upper long plates 85, 85 and the upper edges 862, 862 of the lower long plates 86, 86 are connected to the shaft 94. It is a structure that is pivotally supported by and is connected so that it can be folded inward
[0006]
The procedure for folding the folding container having such a structure is as follows. First, the short side plates 84, 84 provided on the short side are flipped inward around the axis 91, and then the upper long side plates 85, 85 on the long side are connected to the short side plates 84, 84. The upper long side plates 85 and 85 are inwardly rotated around the shaft 92 and the lower long side plates 86 and 86 are respectively rotated inwardly around the shaft 93 while pushing the shaft 94 connecting the lower long side plates 86 and 86 inward. The lower long side plates 86, 86 and the upper long side plates 85, 85 are sequentially folded on the bottom plate 82. As a result, the flipped-up short side plates 84, 84 overlap the folded upper long side plates 85, 85, and these lower long side plates 86, 86, upper long side plates 85, 85, and short side plates 84, 84 are connected. The upper frame 81 overlaps so as to include it, and the folding is completed.
[0007]
On the other hand, the procedure for assembling the container thus folded may be performed in exactly the reverse of the above-described folding procedure. That is, the rectangular upper frame body 81 is lifted away from the bottom plate 82, and the folded upper long side plates 85, 85 and lower long side plates 86, 86 are erected, and then the both short sides that have been flipped up are raised. The side plates 84, 84 are respectively opened downward and outward around the axis 91, and their lower edges 842, 842 are engaged with the upper edges 821, 821 on the short side of the bottom plate 82, thus completing the assembly.
[0008]
FIG. 28 shows an engagement structure between the lower edge 842 of the short side plate 84 and the upper edge 821 of the short side of the bottom plate 82.
That is, a fitting entrance 843 is formed at the center of the lower edge 842 of the short side plate 84, and the fitting claw 823 is formed at a position facing the upper edge 821 on the short side of the bottom plate 82. When the short side plate 84 is folded open about the shaft 91 downward and vertically outward, the fitting claw 823 is fitted and locked in the fitting opening 843.
[0009]
Also, when opened to this state, the entire short side plate 84 is made up of the lower edge 811 of the short side of the upper frame body 81, the side edges 831 and 831 of the two long side plates 83 and 83, and the short side of the bottom plate 82. It is shaped to fit into the opening formed by the upper edge 821 on the side.
[0010]
Therefore, the short side plate 84 is prevented from easily jumping inward by the locking structure and the fitting force of the short side plate 84 into the opening.
In the folding container having such a structure, when the container is assembled and small articles are stored and stored in a stacked state, the stacked containers are required to be inspected, confirmed, taken out and stored. There was a problem that they had to take them down one by one.
[0011]
Therefore, in order to solve such a problem, a folding container having a structure in which an opening is provided on one side surface of the container and a lid is attached to the opening has been proposed (see Japanese Patent Publication No. 5-25743).
[0012]
The improved folding container has a rectangular upper frame having an upper edge for folding in two pivotally connected to an edge portion on a long side of the rectangular upper frame so as to be inwardly foldable, and a rectangular lower plate facing the rectangular upper frame. The lower side piece for two folding is pivotally connected to the side edge so that it can be folded inward, and the upper and lower plates are pivotally connected to be able to be folded inward. A synthetic resin folding container in which a side plate is connected to an edge on a side, and an intermediate portion in a length direction of at least one of the left and right long side plates formed by upper and lower pieces. The upper part of the upper piece remaining on both sides of the long opening is attached to the rectangular upper frame so as to be freely detachable or foldable, and both sides of the long opening are formed. The lower end of the lower piece that remains in the lower piece is pivotally attached to the rectangular lower plate so that it can be folded freely. Are pivotally connected to the inside in a freely foldable manner, and a lid closing the long opening is pivotally connected to the inside and outside in a freely rotatable manner, and a locking claw is provided at the upper end of the opening of the long opening. A lock piece is elastically urged by a spring at the upper edge portion and protrudes, and a handle-like detachable body integrated with the lock piece and capable of ascending and descending with respect to the lid is projected outward of the lid. The locking piece is detachable from the locking claw by the operation of pushing down the detaching body, and the lid is vertically divided into two parts, and these divided halves are pivotally connected so as to be freely foldable.
[0013]
That is, in the folding container shown in FIG. 27, a long elongate opening is formed by cutting off the upper and lower long side plates 85 and 86 at an intermediate portion of one of the long side plates 83, and the lid closing the long opening is directed inward and outward. , And a locking means for maintaining the closed state of the lid is provided releasably.
[0014]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in such an improved folding container, the upper frame remains when the lid is opened, so that there is a problem that the upper frame is in the way and it is difficult to take out the articles inside.
[0015]
Further, since the lid is formed in a large shape capable of closing the elongated opening cut out substantially over the entire upper and lower long side plates 85 and 86, when the lid is opened, it hangs below the bottom of the folding container. Will be. Therefore, when the folded containers are stacked and used, when the lid of the upper folded container is opened, the opening of the lower folded container is closed, and the lid of the lower folded container is left as it is. There was a problem that it could not be opened.
[0016]
In other words, when removing articles, for example, from both of the vertically stacked folding containers, first open the lid of the upper (or lower) folding container, take out the inside article, close this lid, and then proceed to the next step. In addition, since the operation of opening the lid of the lower (or upper) folding container and taking out the inside of the container is performed, there is a problem that it takes time to take out the article. This is the same when storing articles in a folding container.
[0017]
The present invention has been conceived in order to solve such a problem. The purpose of the present invention is to allow the upper long side plate including a part of the upper frame to be opened while maintaining the strength as a container. When the folded containers are stacked and used by preventing the upper long side plate from hanging down below the bottom of the folded container, the upper folded side container of the upper folded container can be used even if the upper long side plate of the upper folded container is open. An object of the present invention is to provide a folding container having a structure in which an upper long side plate can be opened.
[0018]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, a folding container according to claim 1 of the present invention comprises a rectangular upper frame and a bottom plate, and a long side plate provided between the opposed edges between the upper frame and the bottom plate. And a short side plate, and the upper edge of the short side plate is pivotally supported on each of the short side edges of the upper frame body so that the short side plate can be folded inward and connected to the upper frame. An upper edge of the upper long side plate is pivotally supported on each of the edges of the long side of the body to connect the upper long side plate in an inwardly foldable manner, and to each of the long side edges of the bottom plate. By pivotally supporting the lower edge of the lower long side plate and foldably connecting the lower long side plate inward, the lower edge of the upper long side plate and the upper edge of the lower long side plate are pivotally supported. In a folding container having a structure in which it is foldably connected to an inner side, an upper frame on one long side of the upper frame and an upper frame pivotally supported by the upper frame are provided. The long side plate is divided into an end support portion and an intermediate main body portion in a state of being pivotally supported, respectively. The divided long side upper frame both end support portions and both end portions of the long side upper frame intermediate main body portion are respectively a first end. By disengaging the first engaging means, the long-side upper frame intermediate main body and the upper long-side plate intermediate main body can be disengaged by the first engaging means. The lower long side plate is provided so as to be able to be folded outward, and the long side upper frame intermediate main body is provided so as to be rotatable at a fixed angle with respect to the upper long side plate intermediate main body. A holding means is provided for holding the upper frame intermediate main body in a state where the upper main body is rotated by a predetermined angle.
[0019]
Further, in the folding container according to claim 2 of the present invention, in the container according to claim 1, the first engaging means includes an engaging portion provided at each of the long-side upper frame end support portions. , Formed by engaging portions provided at both ends of the long side upper frame intermediate main body, and pushing the long side upper frame intermediate main body from the outside toward the inside from the side. Thereby, the engaged portion is held in a state of being engaged with the engaging portion.
[0020]
Also, in the folding container according to claim 3 of the present invention, in the container according to claim 1 or 2, the fixed angle is such that the long side upper frame intermediate main body portion and the upper long side plate when the folding container is folded. The angle is set slightly larger than the rotation angle with the intermediate main body.
[0021]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 shows the entire configuration of the folding container of the present invention.
[0022]
The basic structure of the folding container of the present invention is the same as that of the conventional folding container shown in FIG.
That is, the upper frame 1 and the bottom plate 2 are formed in a rectangular shape, and the long side plates 3 and 3 and the short side plates 4 and 4 provided between the facing edges between the upper frame 1 and the bottom plate 2 are formed. Each of the long side plates 3 includes an upper long side plate 5 and a lower long side plate 6.
[0023]
Then, the upper edges 12, 12 of the short plates 4, 4 are pivotally supported by the shaft 74 on the lower edges 11, 11 on the short sides of the upper frame 1, and the short plates 4, 4 are moved inward. The upper edges 14, 14 of the upper long side plates 5, 5 are pivotally connected to the lower edges 13, 13 of the long sides of the upper frame 1 by a shaft (second shaft) 72. Then, the upper long side plates 5 and 5 are connected in an inwardly foldable manner, and the lower edges 16 and 16 of the lower long side plates 6 and 6 are respectively attached to the upper edges 15 and 15 of the long sides of the bottom plate 2. The lower long side plates 6 and 6 are pivotally supported by the shaft 73 so as to be inwardly foldable and connected to the lower edges 17 and 17 of the upper long side plates 5 and 5 and the upper edges 18 of the lower long side plates 6 and 6. , And 18 are pivotally supported by a shaft (first shaft) 71, and are connected to be inwardly foldable.
[0024]
Although not shown, the engagement structure between the lower edge 19 of the short side plate 4 and the upper edge 20 on the short side of the bottom plate 2 is also the same as that shown in FIG. ing.
In such a basic structure, in the folding container according to the present invention, one long side upper frame 1A of the upper frame 1 and one upper long side plate 5A pivotally supported by the upper frame 1A are pivotally supported by the shaft 72, respectively. In the state, both end support portions 1A1, 1A2, 5A1, 5A2 and intermediate main body portions 1A3, 5A3 are divided, and the divided long side upper frame both end support portions 1A1, 1A2 and the long side upper frame intermediate main body portion 1A3 are divided. Both end portions 21 and 22 are formed so as to be disengageable by first engagement means W, respectively. By releasing the engagement of the first engaging means W, the long side upper frame intermediate main body 1A3 and the upper long side plate intermediate main body 5A3 are moved outward from the lower long side plate 6 in the upright state. It is provided so that it can be folded back.
[0025]
That is, the upper frame body 1 is formed integrally with the other longer side upper frame 1C, both shorter side upper frames 1B and 1D, and the longer side upper frame both ends support portions 1A1 and 1A2. Only the frame intermediate main body 1A3 is provided so as to be detachable from the C-shaped frames 1C, 1B, 1D, 1A1, and 1A2.
[0026]
2 to 5 show a specific structure of the first engaging means W. However, in this figure, the first engagement means W provided on the right end support portion 1A2 of the upper edge of the long side upper frame and the right end portion 22 of the intermediate main body portion 1A3 of the long side upper frame are shown. The first engagement means W provided on the upper frame left end support portion 1A1 and the left end portion 21 of the long side upper frame intermediate main body portion 1A3 have exactly the same structure.
[0027]
In other words, the long side upper frame right end support portion 1A2 is formed in a U-shape having an open outer surface (indicated by reference numeral 23), and the side end surface of the long side upper frame right end support portion 1A2 (the other long side). A first rib piece 24 is formed on the side of the upper frame right end supporting portion 1A1). Further, a second rib piece 25 is formed on the outer side of the first rib piece 24 with a certain distance from the first rib piece 24, and a gap between the second rib piece 25 and the first rib piece 24 is formed. Are the first fitting concave grooves 26. A locking groove (or locking through hole) 27 is formed on the outer surface of the second rib piece 25.
[0028]
On the other hand, a fitting board 31 is formed extending outward from the right end 22 of the long side upper frame intermediate main body 1A3, and the inner surface of the fitting board 31 (the long side upper frame right end support 1A2). A locking projection 32 having a locking claw 33 at the tip end for locking in the locking groove 27 is formed on the surface (a surface facing the outer surface side). The locking claw 33 is in contact with an inclined surface 33a slidably in contact with the second rib piece 25 of the long side upper frame right end support portion 1A2 and an inner side surface (locked surface) 27a on the near side of the locking groove 27. It has a locking surface 33b that comes into contact with it.
[0029]
Further, on the inner surface side of the fitting substrate 31, a fitting projection 28 that fits into the first fitting concave groove portion 26 of the long side upper frame right end support portion 1A2 is formed. That is, a second fitting groove 29 is provided between the fitting projection 28 and the right end 22 of the long side upper frame intermediate main body 1A3, and the second fitting groove 29 is provided on the long side. The first rib piece 24 of the upper frame right end support portion 1A2 is fitted.
[0030]
Here, the engagement operation of the first engagement means W will be described with reference to FIGS.
First, from the state shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, when the long side upper frame intermediate main body portion 1A3 is pushed inward (in the direction of the arrow P), the inclined surface 33a of the locking claw 33 becomes the second rib piece 25. (See FIG. 7). When the long side upper frame intermediate main body 1A3 is further pushed inward from this state, the inclined surface 33a of the locking claw 33 slides on the second rib piece 25. At this time, the locking claw 33 moves so as to be pushed outward by the second rib piece 25, but this movement is caused by the elastic deformation of the fitting substrate 31 and the locking projection 32 outward. (See FIG. 8). Thus, the inclined surface 33a of the locking claw 33 slides on the second rib piece 25, and finally the locking claw 33 is moved by the elastic restoring force of the fitting substrate 31 and the locking projection 32. It is fitted into the locking groove 27 (see FIG. 9). The locking claw 33 fitted in the locking groove 27 is locked when its locking surface 33b contacts the inner side surface 27a on the near side of the locking groove 27. After locking, the locking claw 33 is in the locking groove 27 so that the locked state can be maintained.
[0031]
In other words, in order to pull out the locking claw 33 from the locking groove 27, it is necessary to shift the locking claw 33 (that is, the locking projection 32) outward (laterally). In order to shift the portion 32 outward, it is necessary to apply an external force enough to elastically deform the fitting substrate 31 and the locking projection 32 in the same manner as when locking. Therefore, once locked, the fitting substrate 31 of the long side upper frame intermediate main body 1A3 is pulled forward by hand and engaged with the locking groove 27 unless elastically deformed to the state shown in FIG. The locked state with the pawl 33 is maintained.
[0032]
When the container is pressed by the stored contents and an outward force is applied to the inner surface of the short side plate 4, a part of this force is transmitted to the short side upper frame 1B, and the short side upper frame This is also transmitted to the long-side upper frame right end support portion 1A2 formed integrally with 1B. At this time, the short side upper frame 1B and the right side support 1A2 of the long side upper frame slightly move to the outer side of the short side upper frame 1B. And the locking surface 33b of the locking claw 33 are locked further deeply, and the engagement is further strengthened.
[0033]
In addition, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 9, in a state where the locking claw 33 is locked in the locking groove 27, the first fitting formed on the long side upper frame right end support portion 1A2 is formed. The fitting protrusion 28 formed on the long side upper frame intermediate main body 1A3 is fitted into the concave groove 26. Therefore, if the gap t2 between the first rib piece 24 and the fitting projection 28 is smaller than the gap t3 between the second rib piece 25 and the locking projection 32, the inner surface of the short side plate 4 can be formed. The first rib piece 24 abuts the fitting projection 28 before the second rib side 25 abuts the engagement projection 32 against the applied outward force. Since this force is not directly applied to the portion 32, it is possible to prevent the locking projection 32 from being damaged.
[0034]
Further, when an outward force is applied to the inner surface of the upper long side plate intermediate main body 5A3, a part of this force is transmitted to the long side upper frame intermediate main body 1A3. At this time, the long side upper frame intermediate main body portion 1A3 slightly bulges outward and curves outward as a whole. As a result, the inner surface 27a of the locking groove 27 and the locking surface of the locking claw 33 are formed. 33b is further locked deeply, and the engagement becomes stronger.
[0035]
Further, the folding container of the present invention is a holding means X for holding the long side upper frame intermediate main body 1A3 in a state of being rotated by a fixed angle with respect to the upper long side plate intermediate main body 5A3 about the second shaft 72. Is provided.
[0036]
10 and 11 show a specific structure of the holding means X. In this figure, the holding means X provided on the right end side of the long side upper frame intermediate main body 1A3 and the upper long side plate intermediate main body 5A3 is shown. The holding means X provided on the left end side of the section side plate intermediate main body 5A3 has exactly the same structure.
[0037]
That is, a bearing portion 75 that supports the second shaft 72 is provided on the upper edge portion 14 of the upper long side plate intermediate main body portion 5A3, and the second shaft 72 is provided on one side surface 76 of the bearing portion 75. It is formed integrally. The outer periphery of the bearing portion 75 is formed on a curved surface 77. When the long side upper frame intermediate main body 1A3 is rotated about the second shaft 72, the long side upper frame intermediate main body 1A3 is rotated. The rear surface 55b of the front plate 55 rotates along the curved surface 77. At the upper end of the curved surface 77, there is formed a fitting projection 78 that fits into a fitting recess 57 formed in the long side upper frame intermediate main body 1A3 described later.
[0038]
On the other hand, in the long side upper frame intermediate main body 1A3, an inner wall 56 is formed adjacent to the bearing 75 of the upper long side plate intermediate main body 5A3, and a shaft insertion hole 58 is formed in the inner wall 56. . The upper long side plate intermediate main body portion 5A3 is rotatably provided around the second shaft 72 as a rotation axis by inserting the second shaft 72 into the shaft insertion hole 58 of the inner wall 56. Here, the front plate 55 of the long side upper frame intermediate main body 1A3 extends slightly below the upper end edge 14 of the upper long side plate intermediate main body 5A3. Therefore, when the lower end portion 55a of the front plate 55 hits the upper end edge 14 of the upper long side plate intermediate main body 5A3, the long side upper frame intermediate main body 1A3 moves from the standing state shown in FIG. The rotation is restricted, and the rotation is performed only in the direction of arrow R.
[0039]
On the back surface 55b of the front plate 55 of the long-side upper frame intermediate main body 1A3, a fitting recess 57 that fits into the fitting projection 78 of the bearing 75 is formed near the lower end 55a. .
[0040]
The positional relationship between the fitting recess 57 and the fitting projection 78 needs to be considered so that the fitting recess 57 and the fitting projection 78 do not fit when the folding container is folded. That is, as shown in FIG. 17, when the folding container is folded, the long side upper frame intermediate main body with respect to the straight line connecting the first shaft 71 and the second shaft 72 (that is, the upper long side plate intermediate main body portion 5A3). Assuming that the rotation angle of the portion 1A3 is θ1, the fitting concave portion 57 and the fitting protrusion 78 are formed such that the long side upper frame intermediate main body portion 1A3 is at an angle θ2 (where θ2 > Θ1) When rotated, the positional relationship is set so as to fit.
[0041]
Next, this positional relationship will be described with reference to FIGS.
12 and 16 show that the first engagement means W is disengaged, and the long side upper frame intermediate main body 1A3 and the upper long side plate intermediate main body 5A3 are connected to the lower long side plate 6 in the upright state. It shows a state of being turned outward. However, the illustration of the lower long side plate 6 is omitted in FIG. The state of the long side upper frame intermediate main body 1A3 indicated by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 16 is the state shown in FIG.
[0042]
In this state, the long side upper frame intermediate main body 1A3 and the upper long side plate intermediate main body 5A3 are in a straight line. From this state, when the long side upper frame intermediate main body 1A3 is rotated outward (in the direction of arrow R in FIG. 13) to an angle θ1 about the second shaft 72, the long side upper frame intermediate main body 1A3 is rotated. The fitting concave portion 57 formed in the portion 1A3 is located near the fitting protrusion 78 formed in the bearing portion 75 of the upper long side plate middle main body portion 5A3, and the front plate of the long side upper frame middle main body portion 1A3. The back surface 55b of the 55 comes into contact with the fitting projection 78.
[0043]
When the long-side upper frame intermediate main body 1A3 is further rotated in the direction of arrow R from this state, the front plate 55 of the long-side upper frame intermediate main body 1A3 as shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. Are elastically deformed outwardly by being pushed by the fitting projection 78, and the fitting recess 57 gradually approaches the fitting position with the fitting projection 78.
[0044]
Then, when the long side upper frame intermediate main body 1A3 rotates to the angle θ2, the positions of the fitting recess 57 and the fitting projection 78 match as shown in FIG. At this time, the fitting protrusion 78 is fitted into the fitting recess 57 by the elastic restoring force of the front plate 55 that has been elastically deformed outward, and the long side upper frame intermediate main body 1A3 is fitted into the fitting recess 57. It is held in this state by the fitting force between the and the fitting projection 78. The state of the long side upper frame intermediate main body 1A3 shown in FIG. 15 is the same as the state of the long side upper frame intermediate main body 1A3 shown by the solid line in FIG.
[0045]
That is, once the fitting recess 57 is fitted to the fitting projection 78, the long side upper frame intermediate main body 1A3 is held in the state shown in FIG. There is no. In order to release this fitting state, the front plate 55 of the long-side upper frame intermediate main body 1A3 needs only enough force to release the fitting force between the fitting recess 57 and the fitting projection 78. What is necessary is just to push down the long side upper frame intermediate main body 1A3 downward with a force enough to elastically deform it to the state shown in FIG.
[0046]
As described above, the fitting recess 57 and the fitting projection 78 do not reach the fitting position at the same rotation angle θ1 as when the folding container is folded (the state shown in FIG. 13), and this rotation angle θ1 is reduced. When rotated beyond the angle θ2, the fitting recess 57 and the fitting projection 78 are fitted. Therefore, when the folding container is folded, the holding means X does not act, so that the folding work and the assembling work can be performed smoothly as before.
[0047]
By the way, in the folding container of the present invention, considering the state when folded, the center distance L1 between the shaft 71 and the shaft 72 (see FIG. 16) and the center distance L2 between the shaft 71 and the shaft 73 (see FIG. 16). L) needs to be L1 = L2. In addition, from the point of strength, the height of the upper frame 1 is usually higher than the height of the bottom plate 2.
[0048]
Therefore, when the long side upper frame intermediate main body portion 1A3 and the upper long side plate intermediate main body portion 5A3 are turned outwardly of the lower long side plate 6 in a state in which the engagement of the first engagement means W is released, FIG. As shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 16, the long side upper frame intermediate main body 1 </ b> A <b> 3 hangs downward from the bottom surface of the bottom plate 2.
[0049]
When the long side upper frame intermediate main body 1A3 is rotated in the direction of arrow R to the angle θ2 to fit the fitting concave portion 57 of the holding means X and the fitting projection 78, a solid line in FIG. As shown by, the long side upper frame intermediate main body 1A3 does not hang downward from the bottom surface of the bottom plate 2. Therefore, when the folding containers of the present invention are stacked and used, the upper long side plate middle main body portion 1A3 of the upper folding side container is obstructed by the upper long side upper frame middle main body portion 1A3 in an open state. Instead, the upper frame intermediate main body portion 1A3 and the upper long side plate intermediate main body portion 5A3 of the lower folding container can be opened.
[0050]
When the long-side upper frame intermediate main body 1A3 and the upper long-side plate intermediate main body 5A3 are folded outside the lower long-side plate 6, the long-side upper frame intermediate main body 1A3 hangs down from the bottom of the bottom plate 2. The problem can be solved by increasing the height of the bottom plate 2 to match the height of the upper frame 1 as shown by hatching in FIG. However, in this case, the height when folded is higher (h2> h1) than the folding container of the present invention shown in FIG. 17, and the volume of the container in the folded state is not realistic.
[0051]
FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view showing an abutting portion between the right end 59 of the upper long side plate intermediate main body 5A3 and the right end support 5A2 of the upper long side plate, and shows the rear surface of the right end 59 of the upper long side plate intermediate main body 5A3. Is in contact with the receiving piece 60 of the upper long side plate right end support portion 5A2. Accordingly, even when an external force is applied inward from the front surface to the center of the upper long side plate intermediate main body 5A3, the external force is applied to the back of the right end 59 of the upper long side plate intermediate main body 5A3 and the upper long side right end support 5A2. Are distributed to the contact portion with the receiving piece 60, and the inward force applied to the connecting rod 41 is reduced.
[0052]
20 to 22 show other embodiments of the first engagement means W. However, in this figure, the first engagement means W provided on the left side support portion 1A1 of the upper frame on the long side and the left end portion 21 of the intermediate body 1A3 on the long side is shown. The first engagement means W provided on the right end support portion 1A2 of the upper frame and the right end portion 22 of the middle main body portion 1A3 on the long side has exactly the same structure.
[0053]
That is, the fitting projection 28 and the second fitting groove 29 are formed on the left end 21 of the long side upper frame intermediate main body 1A3, and the locking groove 30 is formed on the side end surface 28a of the fitting projection 28. Is formed.
[0054]
The long side upper frame left end support portion 1A1 has an opening recess 61 for mounting an operation lever 62 on an outer surface thereof, and a fitting groove 61a is formed on a left inner side surface of the opening recess 61, and a right inner side. A through groove 61b is formed on the side surface.
[0055]
On the other hand, the operation lever 62 includes an elastic portion main body 63 formed in a short cylindrical shape, a locking piece 64 inserted into the through groove 61b formed on one side of the elastic portion main body 63, and an elastic portion. A fixing piece 65 is fitted and locked in the fitting groove 61a formed on the other side of the main body 63. At a connection portion between the locking piece 64 and the elastic portion main body 63, a locking portion 66 which is a step for hanging a finger is formed. A step 67 for stopping the contact with the right inner surface is formed.
[0056]
That is, the operation lever 62 is such that the elastic portion main body 63 is attached to the opening concave portion 61 of the long side upper frame left end support portion 1A1 and the fixing piece 64 is fitted and locked in the fitting groove portion 61a of the opening concave portion 61. The piece 64 is mounted in the opening recess 61 with the piece 64 inserted into the through groove 61 b of the opening recess 61.
[0057]
Here, the engagement operation of the first engagement means W will be described with reference to FIGS.
First, when the long side upper frame intermediate main body 1A3 is pushed inward (in the direction of the arrow P) from the state shown in FIG. 2, the fitting projection 28 comes into contact with the inclined surface 64a of the locking piece 64 ( See FIG. 23). When the long side upper frame intermediate main body portion 1A3 is further pushed inward from this state, the inclined surface 64a of the locking piece 64 is pushed into the fitting projection 28 to the left end side (that is, through the opening recess 61). It slides so that it is pushed into the groove 61b (see FIG. 24). The sliding of the locking piece 64 toward the left end at this time is absorbed by the elastic portion main body 63 being elastically deformed from a circular shape to a vertically long elliptical shape shown in FIG. In this way, the locking piece 64 is pushed into the through groove 61b of the opening recess 61, and the fitting projection 28 of the long side upper frame intermediate main body 1A3 is moved to the first side of the long side upper frame left end support 1A1. When the fitting groove 26 is fitted into the fitting recess 26, the position of the through groove 61b of the opening recess 61 and the position of the locking groove 30 formed on the side end surface 28a of the long side upper frame intermediate main body 1A3 are aligned. The locking piece 64 is inserted and locked in the locking groove 30 by the elastic restoring force of the elastic portion main body 63 (FIG. 25). After the locking, the locking piece 64 is held in a state of being inserted into the locking groove 30, so that the locked state is maintained.
[0058]
In other words, in order to pull out the locking piece 64 from the locking groove 30, it is only necessary to put a finger on the locking portion 66 and elastically deform the elastic portion main body 63 into a vertically long elliptical shape similar to that at the time of locking. You need to add force. Therefore, once locked, the operating lever 62 is pushed outward by hand or the like, and locked with the locking groove 30 unless the elastic portion main body 63 is elastically deformed to the state shown in FIGS. 24 and 26. The locked state with the piece 64 will be maintained.
[0059]
Next, a brief description will be given of a folding procedure, an assembling procedure, and a procedure for opening the long side upper frame 1A and the upper long side plate 5 to the outside of the folding container having the above configuration.
In the folding procedure, first, the short side plates 4 and 4 provided on the short side are flipped inward around the axis 74, and then the upper long side plates 5 and 5 and the lower long side plates 6 and 6 on the long side are separated. The upper long side plates 5 and 5 are folded inwardly around the shaft 72 and the lower long side plates 6 and 6 are folded inwardly around the shaft 73 while pushing the connected shaft 71 portion inward. The lower long side plates 6 and 6 and the upper long side plates 5 and 5 are sequentially folded symmetrically. As a result, the flipped-up short side plates 4, 4 overlap the folded upper long side plates 5, 5, and these lower long side plates 6, 6, upper long side plates 5, 5, and short side plates 4, 4 are connected. The upper frame 1 overlaps so as to include it, and the folding is completed. At this time, as described above, the fitting recess 57 and the fitting projection 78 of the holding means X do not reach the fitting position at the same rotation angle θ1 as when the folding container is folded (the state shown in FIG. 13). When the rotation exceeds the rotation angle θ1 to the angle θ2, the fitting recess 57 and the fitting projection 78 are fitted. Therefore, when the folding container is folded, the holding means X does not act, so that the folding work and the assembling work can be performed smoothly as before.
[0060]
On the other hand, the procedure for assembling the container thus folded may be performed in exactly the reverse of the above-described folding procedure. That is, the rectangular upper frame body 1 is lifted away from the bottom plate 2, the folded upper long side plates 5, 5 and lower long side plates 6, 6 are erected, and then the short side plate that has been flipped up is raised. 4 and 4 are opened downward and outward around the shaft 74 to complete the assembly.
[0061]
Next, the procedure for opening the long side upper frame intermediate main body 1A3 and the upper long side plate intermediate main body 5A3 outward in the container assembled in this manner will be described. However, here, a description will be given of the first engagement means W of the type shown in FIGS.
[0062]
That is, when the fingers are hooked on the fitting substrates 31, 31 formed at both ends of the long side upper frame intermediate main body 1A3, and the fingers are pulled forward (toward the front side), the fitting substrate 31 and the locking projections are pulled. The portion 32 is elastically deformed outward (see FIG. 8), the locking claw 33 retreats from the locking groove 27 (see FIG. 7), and the first engagement means W is released.
[0063]
As a result, the long-side upper frame intermediate main body portion 1A3 and the upper long-side plate intermediate main body portion 5A3 are in a free state, are folded back to the outer surface side of the lower long-side plate 6, and the long-side upper frame intermediate main body portion 1A3 and the upper side. The portion of the director side plate intermediate main body 5A3 becomes the opening of the container.
[0064]
At this time, as described above, if the long side upper frame intermediate main body 1A3 is rotated to the angle θ2 with respect to the upper long side plate intermediate main body 5A3, the folding containers can be opened even when they are used in a multi-tiered stack. The long side upper frame intermediate main body 1A3 does not hinder opening and closing of the long side upper frame intermediate main body 1A3 and the upper long side plate intermediate main body 5A3 of the lower folding container.
[0065]
Next, a procedure for closing the opened long side upper frame intermediate main body 1A3 and the upper long side plate intermediate main body 5A3 will be described. Here, a description will be given of the first engagement means W of the type shown in FIGS. 1 to 9.
[0066]
The closing procedure is completely opposite to the opening procedure described above. First, the long side upper frame intermediate main body 1A3 is pushed down to release the engagement between the fitting recess 57 of the holding means X and the fitting projection 78. Then, the long side upper frame intermediate main body portion 1A3 and the upper long side plate intermediate main body portion 5A3 are rotated upward around the shaft 71, and the fitting substrates 31 on the left and right sides of the long side upper frame intermediate main body portion 1A3 are rotated. , 31 may be pushed toward the long-side upper frame end support portions 1A1, 1A2.
[0067]
Thereby, the inclined surface 33a of the locking claw 33 slides on the second rib piece 25 (see FIGS. 7 and 8), and finally the elastic restoring force of the fitting substrate 31 and the locking projection 32. Then, the locking claw 33 is fitted into the locking groove 27 (see FIG. 9), and the first engaging means W is brought into the engaged state.
[0068]
In addition, the folding container of the present invention is configured such that one long side upper frame 1A of the upper frame body 1 and one upper long side plate 5A pivotally supported by the upper frame 1A are pivotally supported by a shaft 72, respectively, and both ends are supported. 1A1, 1A2, 5A1, 5A2 and the intermediate main body parts 1A3, 5A3, so that, for example, even if the long side upper frame intermediate main body part 1A3 and the upper long side plate intermediate main body part 5A3 are removed, Since the upper frame both ends support portions 1A1 and 1A2 and the upper long side plate both ends support portions 5A1 and 5A2 remain, the container can be folded and assembled in a usual manner, and can withstand the stacked use in the assembled state. It has the required strength.
[0069]
【The invention's effect】
The folding container according to claim 1 of the present invention includes a rectangular upper frame and a bottom plate, and a long side plate and a short side plate provided between the opposed edges between the upper frame and the bottom plate, The upper edge of the short side plate is pivotally supported on each of the short side edges of the upper frame body so that the short side plate can be folded inward and connected to each of the long side edges of the upper frame body. The upper edge of the upper long side plate is pivoted to connect the upper long side plate inward so that it can be folded inward, and the lower edge of the lower long side plate is pivoted to each of the long side edges of the bottom plate. In a folding container having a structure in which the side plates are connected to be able to be folded inward and the lower edge of the upper long side plate and the upper edge of the lower long side plate are pivotally connected to be able to be folded inward, One long side upper frame of the frame body and one upper long side plate pivotally supported by the upper frame are respectively divided into a support at both ends and an intermediate main body while being pivotally supported. The divided long-side upper frame both end support portions and both end portions of the long-side upper frame intermediate main body are respectively formed so as to be disengageable by first engagement means. By releasing the engagement, the long-side upper frame intermediate main body and the upper long-side plate intermediate main body are provided so as to be turnable outside the lower long side plate in the upright state, and the long-side upper frame intermediate main body. The part is provided so as to be rotatable by a fixed angle with respect to the upper long side plate middle main body part, and is provided with holding means for holding the long side upper frame middle main body part in a state rotated by the certain angle. . That is, when the upper long side plate intermediate main body portion which is the lid is opened, the long side upper frame intermediate main body portion is also opened, so that when the articles inside are taken out (or when the articles are stored), the length is long. There is no possibility that the side-side upper frame intermediate main body part gets in the way. In addition, since the structure is such that the long-side upper frame intermediate main body and the upper long-side plate intermediate main body are folded outward and opened, even if the contents are fully filled, the long-side upper frame intermediate main body and The section side plate intermediate main body can be opened and closed. In addition, the upper frame has a structure in which the upper frame on one long side and one upper long side plate pivotally supported by the upper frame are each divided into a support at both ends and an intermediate main body while pivotally supported by the shaft. Therefore, for example, even when the long side upper frame middle main body and the upper long side plate middle main body are removed, the long side upper frame both ends support and the upper long side plate both ends support remain, so that the container Can be folded and assembled, and has strength enough to withstand stacking use in the assembled state. Further, since the holding means for holding the long side upper frame middle main body in a state of being rotated by a fixed angle with respect to the upper long side plate middle main body is provided, the opened upper long side plate middle main body and the long side are opened. Since the upper frame intermediate main body has a structure that does not hang down below the bottom portion of the folding container, when the folding containers are stacked and used in multiple stages, the upper frame intermediate main body and the longer side of the upper container of the folding container are used. Even if the upper frame intermediate main body is opened, it does not hinder opening and closing of the upper frame intermediate main body and the upper long side plate intermediate main body on the long side of the lower folding container.
[0070]
Further, in the folding container according to the second aspect of the present invention, the first engaging means includes an engaging portion provided on each of the long-side upper frame end support portions and a long-side upper frame intermediate main body. It is formed with engaged portions provided at both ends, and the long side upper frame intermediate main body portion is pushed in from the outside toward the inside from the side, so that the engaged portion is engaged with the engaging portion. It is configured to be held in the engaged state. Thereby, after the first engagement means is once engaged, the engagement state between the engagement portion and the engaged portion is maintained unless the engaged portions at both ends of the long side upper frame intermediate main body portion are pulled. Is maintained, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the long-side upper frame intermediate main body portion and the long-side upper frame both end support portions come off unexpectedly. Further, since the first engagement means is configured to be pushed in from the side and engaged and disengaged, even when the folding containers are stacked and used in multiple stages, the lower folding can be performed without being disturbed by the bottom plate of the upper folding container. The first engagement means of the intermediate main body portion on the long side of the container can be released.
[0071]
Further, in the folding container according to the third aspect of the present invention, the fixed angle which is the holding angle of the holding means is adjusted by turning the long side upper frame intermediate main body and the upper long side plate intermediate main body when the folding container is folded. Since the angle is set slightly larger than the moving angle, the holding means does not work when folding the folding container, so that the folding operation and the assembling operation can be performed smoothly as before.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of a folding container according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged perspective view showing a specific structure of a first engaging means.
FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along the line shown in FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line II shown in FIG.
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the first engaging means is engaged.
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view for explaining a process of engaging the first engagement means.
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view for explaining a process of engaging the first engagement means.
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view for explaining a process of engaging the first engagement means.
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view for explaining a process of engaging the first engagement means.
FIG. 10 is a partially enlarged perspective view showing a specific structure of the holding means.
FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line woo shown in FIG. 10;
FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the long-side upper frame intermediate main body and the upper long-side plate intermediate main body are folded outward on the lower long side plate in an upright state.
FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the long side upper frame intermediate main body is rotated with respect to the upper long side plate intermediate main body.
FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the long side upper frame intermediate main body is rotated with respect to the upper long side plate intermediate main body.
FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the long side upper frame intermediate main body is rotated with respect to the upper long side plate intermediate main body.
FIG. 16 is a side view showing a state in which the long-side upper frame intermediate main body and the upper long-side plate intermediate main body are folded outward on the lower long side plate in the upright state.
FIG. 17 is a partially enlarged side view showing a state where the folding container of the present invention is folded.
FIG. 18 is a partially enlarged side view showing a state in which the upper frame is folded up with the same height as the bottom plate.
FIG. 19 is a sectional view showing a contact portion between a right end portion of the upper long side plate intermediate main body and a right end support portion of the upper long side plate.
FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view showing another embodiment of the first engaging means provided on the left side support of the long side upper frame and the left end of the long side upper frame intermediate main body.
FIG. 21 is a front view showing another embodiment of the first engaging means.
22A is a sectional view of an operation lever as another embodiment of the first engagement means, FIG. 22B is a front view, and FIG. 22C is a side view.
FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view for explaining a process of engaging the first engagement means.
FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view for explaining a process of engaging the first engagement means.
FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view for explaining a process of engaging the first engagement means.
FIG. 26 is a front view for explaining a process of engaging the first engagement means.
FIG. 27 is a perspective view showing the entire structure of a conventional folding container.
FIG. 28 is a partially enlarged perspective view showing an engagement structure between a lower edge portion of the short side plate and an upper edge portion on the short side of the bottom plate.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Upper frame
1A Long side upper frame
1A1 Long side upper frame left end support
1A2 Long side upper frame right end support
1A3 Long side upper frame middle main body
3 Long side plate
4 Short side plate
5 Upper long side plate
5A One upper long side plate
5A1 Upper long side plate left end support
5A2 Upper long side plate right end support
5A3 Upper long side plate middle body
6 Lower long side plate
W first engagement means
25 Second rib piece
27, 30 Groove for locking
31 Board for mating
32 Locking projection
33 Locking Claw
X holding means
55 Front panel
55b back side
57 mating recess
61 Opening recess
62 Operation lever
63 Elastic body
64 locking piece
65 fixing piece
71 axis (first axis)
72 axes (second axis)
73, 74 axes
75 Bearing
78 Fitting projection

Claims

It is composed of a rectangular upper frame and a bottom plate, and a long side plate and a short side plate provided between opposing edges between the upper frame and the bottom plate. Each of the upper edges of the short side plate is pivotally supported to connect the short side plate to the inward side so that it can be folded inward. Pivotally connect the upper long side plate to be inwardly foldable, and pivotally support the lower edge of the lower long side plate to each of the long side edges of the bottom plate so that the lower long side plate is inward. A folding container having a structure in which the lower edge portion of the upper long side plate and the upper edge portion of the lower long side plate are pivotally supported and inwardly foldably connected to each other.
One long side upper frame of the upper frame body and one upper long side plate pivotally supported by the upper frame are each divided into a support at both ends and an intermediate main body in a state of being pivotally supported, and the divided long side is The upper frame both ends supporting portion and both ends of the long side upper frame intermediate main body portion are respectively formed so as to be disengageable by first engaging means, and by disengaging the first engaging means, The long-side upper frame intermediate main body and the upper long-side plate intermediate main body are provided so as to be turnable outside the lower long side plate in an upright state, and the long-side upper frame intermediate main body is provided on the upper side. A holding means is provided so as to be rotatable at a fixed angle with respect to the intermediate body portion of the section-side plate, and holding means for holding the long-side upper frame intermediate body portion at a fixed angle of rotation. Folding container.

The first engaging means includes an engaging portion provided on each of the long-side upper frame end support portions, and an engaged portion provided on both ends of the long-side upper frame intermediate main body portion. By pressing the long-side upper frame intermediate main body portion from the outside toward the inside from the side, the engaged portion is held in a state of being engaged with the engagement portion. The folding container according to claim 1, wherein the container is a container.

3. The folding container according to claim 1, wherein the fixed angle is slightly larger than a rotation angle between the long side upper frame intermediate main body and the upper long side plate intermediate main body when the folding container is folded. 4. .