Collapsible container

Abstract

The present invention discloses a foldable container, which includes a locking mechanism for locking the end wall and the chassis; and an unlocking mechanism. The unlocking mechanism includes a remote control member and an unlocking actuator. The first end of the remote control member is connected to the locking mechanism at the lower end of the end wall column. The second end of the remote control member passes through the inner cavity of the end wall column, passes through a horizontal hole in the end wall column and then extends into the interior of the container. The unlocking actuator is connected to the second end of the remote control member. When folding the end wall, the second end of the remote control member is actuated by the unlocking actuator, so that the first end of the remote control member releases the locking of the locking mechanism, thereby unlocking the end wall and the chassis. The automatic unlocking mechanism for folding the end wall of the present invention can achieve automatic unlocking when folding the end wall, thus realizing the fully automatic folding operation of the container, and is particularly suitable for foldable containers for mechanized folding and erection operations.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the field of containers, and in particular to a foldable container. Background Art

[0002] Dry cargo containers are the most widely used and consumed large containers among containers, among which 20-foot, 40-foot and 40-foot high containers are the most commonly used, and the corresponding transport vehicles, ships and loading and unloading equipment have been standardized. The traditional dry cargo container structure is fixed. It has a simple structure, low cost, light weight, high strength, good rigidity, easy maintenance, and convenient loading and unloading of goods. It has many advantages, but also obvious disadvantages. After unloading the dry cargo container, empty containers are often needed to be stacked and temporarily stored. Due to the huge volume of traditional fixed-structure dry cargo containers, a large amount of stacking space will be occupied, and the storage cost is high. When transporting goods from one location to another, empty containers are often transmitted. Due to the huge volume of traditional fixed-structure dry cargo containers, although the weight of empty containers is not large, the loading capacity of trucks or container ships transporting empty containers is the same as that of heavy containers, and the loading capacity cannot be increased due to the small weight. This makes it impossible to reduce transportation costs, resulting in huge waste.

[0003] Due to the above-mentioned shortcomings of traditional dry cargo containers, the market now has a very high demand for solutions that can solve the problem of empty container handling. The significant reduction in freight and storage costs is the main driving force, and environmental issues and the development trend of a low-carbon economy are the second driving force. Folding containers have received widespread attention worldwide and continued research and development by many professional companies because they can significantly reduce the cost of empty container transportation and empty container storage. After decades of hard work, many forms of folding containers have been developed and a large number of patents have been applied, but so far no design has been widely used. The main reason is that some problems caused by the folding function of the folding container have not been well solved, mainly: structural stability, sealing, operability, etc. Therefore, it is necessary to continue research and development to come up with an acceptable solution.

[0004] Mechanized folding and assembly of containers can save a lot of manpower and greatly improve the efficiency of folding and assembly, meet the actual needs of the container during use, make the folding container practical, and make customers more likely to accept the new model of folding containers. However, there are still problems in the mechanized folding and assembly of folding containers in the prior art, and new solutions need to be proposed. Therefore, a foldable container is needed to at least partially solve the above problems. Summary of the invention

[0005] A series of simplified concepts are introduced in the summary of the invention, which will be further described in detail in the specific embodiments. The summary of the invention does not mean to attempt to define the key features and essential technical features of the technical solution claimed for protection, nor does it mean to attempt to determine the scope of protection of the technical solution claimed for protection.

[0006] In order to at least partially solve the above problems, the present invention discloses a foldable container, the foldable container comprising:

[0007] A chassis, wherein a bottom side beam is provided at a lower portion of the chassis;

[0008] Top cover, which is located directly above the chassis;

[0009] An end wall, the end wall comprising an end wall column, the end wall column being hinged to the top cover, wherein the end wall is rotatable relative to the top cover between a folded position and an assembled position, and when the end wall is in the folded position, the end wall is in contact with the inner surface of the top cover;

[0010] A locking mechanism for locking the end wall to the chassis; and

[0011] The unlocking mechanism comprises:

[0012] A remote control member, wherein a first end of the remote control member is connected to a locking mechanism at a lower end of the end wall column, and a second end of the remote control member passes through an inner cavity of the end wall column and a transverse hole on the end wall column and then extends into the interior of the box body, and

[0013] The unlocking actuator is connected to the second end of the remote controller. When the end wall is folded, the second end of the remote controller is actuated by the unlocking actuator to release the locking mechanism from the first end of the remote controller, thereby releasing the lock between the end wall and the chassis.

[0014] The end wall folding automatic unlocking mechanism of the foldable container according to the present invention can realize automatic unlocking of the assembled end wall, thereby realizing the full-automatic folding operation of the foldable container, reducing the number of operators and improving the operation efficiency.

[0015] Preferably, the remote control member is flexible within a range of movement adjacent the cross hole.

[0016] Preferably, a pulley is arranged inside the transverse hole, and the flexible portion of the remote controller abuts against or surrounds the pulley.

[0017] Preferably, the unlocking actuator comprises a rotatable turntable disposed on the lower surface of the top cover, the second end of the remote control member is connected to the turntable, and the remote control member can be tightened or loosened as the turntable rotates.

[0018] Preferably, a reinforcement beam protruding downward is provided on the lower surface of the top cover near the turntable.

[0019] The turntable is provided with a limit arm protruding outwardly away from the center of the turntable in the radial direction.

[0020] The limiting arm can rotate along with the rotation of the turntable and can limit the initial position and / or the maximum rotation angle of the turntable by abutting against the reinforcing beam.

[0021] Preferably, the limiting arm is provided with a plurality of adjustment holes, and the second end of the remote control member can be connected to a suitable adjustment hole to adjust the tightness of the remote control member.

[0022] Preferably, the unlocking actuator comprises an unlocking rotating shaft, one end of which is an operating handle arranged on the upper surface of the top cover, and the other end of which extends into the container and is fixedly connected to the turntable.

[0023] The unlocking operation of the operating handle drives the unlocking rotating shaft to rotate, which in turn drives the turntable to rotate, thereby tightening or loosening the remote control member.

[0024] Preferably, the locking mechanism comprises a stopper movable between an unlocking position and a locking position, wherein in the locking position, the stopper can abut against the lower end of the end wall column to achieve locking of the end wall.

[0025] Preferably, the locking mechanism comprises an unlocking rotating component hinged to the end wall column and capable of rotating around a hinge axis, and the first end of the remote control member is fixed to the unlocking rotating component and can drive the unlocking rotating component to rotate.

[0026] The unlocking rotating part is provided with an unlocking arm protruding outwardly away from the center of the unlocking rotating part in the radial direction. During the rotation of the unlocking rotating part, the unlocking arm can contact the block and press the block downward to the unlocking position to unlock the end wall. Thus, the locking mechanism can realize automatic locking of the end wall, and can realize automatic unlocking of the end wall by cooperating with the unlocking mechanism, thereby realizing the fully automatic folding and assembly operation of the foldable container.

[0027] Preferably, the locking mechanism comprises:

[0028] A lock tongue is movably disposed at the lower end of the cavity of the end wall column, and the upper end of the lock tongue is connected to the first end of the remote control member, and

[0029] Chassis stopper, the chassis stopper cooperates with the lock tongue to complete the locking of the end wall and the chassis.

[0030] When the end wall is folded, the unlocking actuator is actuated, and the remote control member connected to the unlocking actuator is tightened and drives the lock tongue to move upward until the lock tongue disengages from the chassis stopper, at which time the end wall is unlocked.

[0031] Preferably, the upper end of the chassis stop block and / or the lower end of the lock tongue is provided with an end wall column mating surface, the chassis stop block is provided with an end wall column stopping surface, the end wall column mating surface is inclined upward toward the outside of the container end wall adjacent to the chassis stop block, the end wall column stopping surface is the same as the extension direction of the end wall column, and after the end wall is assembled, the highest position of the end wall column stopping surface is higher than the lowest position of the lock tongue.

[0032] Thus, the locking mechanism can realize automatic locking of the end wall, and can realize automatic unlocking of the end wall by cooperating with the unlocking mechanism, thereby realizing the fully automatic folding and assembling operation of the foldable container. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] The following drawings of the embodiments of the present invention are used as part of the present invention for understanding the present invention. The drawings show the embodiments of the present invention and their descriptions, and are used to explain the principles of the present invention. In the drawings,

[0034] Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a foldable container according to the present invention;

[0035] Figure 2 is a rear perspective view of a foldable container according to the present invention;

[0036] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A partial enlarged view of part A;

[0037] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a foldable container according to the present invention, wherein the end wall rotates toward the inside of the container;

[0038] Figure 5 is a schematic structural diagram of a foldable container according to the present invention, wherein the foldable container maintains a folded position;

[0039] Figure 6 It is a schematic diagram of a partial structure of the interior of a foldable container body according to the present invention, wherein the container has an end wall assembly locking mechanism of a first preferred embodiment;

[0040] Figure 7 is a schematic structural diagram of an end wall of a foldable container according to the present invention, wherein the container has an end wall assembly locking mechanism of a first preferred embodiment;

[0041] Figure 8 for Figure 7 A partial enlarged view of part B in FIG.

[0042] Fig. 9 for Figure 7 A partial enlarged view of part C in FIG.

[0043] Fig. 10A For Fig. 9 The structural diagram of the lower end of the end wall column shown in FIG. 1 ; wherein the lock tongue protrudes from the lower end of the end wall column;

[0044] Fig. 10B For Fig. 9 The schematic diagram of the structure of the lower end of the end wall column shown, wherein a dust cover is provided at the mounting opening;

[0045] Fig.11 It is a partial structural diagram of the chassis of the foldable container according to the present invention, wherein the container has the end wall assembly locking mechanism of the first preferred embodiment;

[0046] Fig.12 for Fig.11 A partial enlarged view of the D part in FIG.

[0047] Fig.13 is a cross-sectional view of a foldable container according to the present invention, wherein the container has an end wall assembly locking mechanism of a first preferred embodiment;

[0048] Fig.14 for Fig.13 A partial enlarged view of part E in FIG.

[0049] Figures 15A-15D It is a structural schematic diagram of a first preferred operation process of the end wall assembly locking mechanism of the first preferred embodiment of the foldable container according to the present invention;

[0050] Fig.16 It is a partial structural schematic diagram of the end wall assembly locking mechanism of the first preferred embodiment of the foldable container according to the present invention, wherein the unlocking mechanism on the top cover is connected to the end wall assembly locking mechanism;

[0051] Fig.17 is a top view of the unlocking mechanism on the top cover of the foldable container according to the present invention, wherein the first limiting arm abuts against the reinforcing beam;

[0052] Fig.18 is a top view of the unlocking mechanism on the top cover of the foldable container according to the present invention, wherein the second limiting arm abuts against the reinforcing beam;

[0053] Fig.19 A front sectional view of an unlocking mechanism on a top cover of a foldable container according to the present invention;

[0054] Fig. 20 for Fig.19 A partial enlarged view of part I in FIG.

[0055] Fig.21 It is a structural schematic diagram of an unlocking mechanism on a top cover of a foldable container according to the present invention;

[0056] Fig. 22 is an exploded schematic diagram of an unlocking mechanism on a top cover of a foldable container according to the present invention;

[0057] Figure 23A-23D It is a structural schematic diagram of a second preferred operation process of the end wall assembly locking mechanism of the first preferred embodiment of the foldable container according to the present invention;

[0058] Figure 24A-Figure 24D It is a structural schematic diagram of a third preferred operation process of the end wall assembly locking mechanism of the first preferred embodiment of the foldable container according to the present invention;

[0059] Fig.25 A partial structural diagram of a foldable container according to the present invention, wherein the container has an end wall assembly locking mechanism of the first preferred embodiment, and a sealing device seals a chassis unlocking mechanism;

[0060] Fig.26 for Fig.25 A partial enlarged view of part F in FIG.

[0061] Fig. 27 For Fig.26 An exploded schematic diagram of the sealing cover shown;

[0062] Fig.28A A cross-sectional view of an end wall assembly locking mechanism of a first preferred embodiment of a foldable container according to the present invention, wherein the sealing cover is closed;

[0063] Fig.28B A cross-sectional view of an end wall assembly locking mechanism of a first preferred embodiment of a foldable container according to the present invention, wherein the sealing cover is opened;

[0064] Fig.29 A position diagram of the end wall folding and locking mechanism of the foldable container according to the present invention;

[0065] Fig.30 for Fig.29 A partial enlarged view of the G section in FIG.

[0066] Fig.31 For Fig.29 An exploded schematic diagram of the end wall folding locking mechanism shown;

[0067] Fig.32 is a cross-sectional view of the end wall folding locking mechanism of the foldable container according to the present invention, wherein the end wall folding locking mechanism is locked with the end wall assembly locking mechanism;

[0068] Fig.33 is a top view of the end wall folding locking mechanism of the foldable container according to the present invention, wherein the end wall folding locking mechanism is locked with the end wall assembly locking mechanism;

[0069] Fig.34 A top view of the end wall folding locking mechanism of the foldable container according to the present invention, wherein the end wall folding locking mechanism unlocks the end wall assembly locking mechanism;

[0070] Fig.35 It is a schematic diagram of a partial structure of the interior of a body of a foldable container according to the present invention, wherein the container has an end wall assembly locking mechanism of a second preferred embodiment;

[0071] Fig.36 is a partial cross-sectional view of an end wall of a foldable container according to the present invention, wherein the container has an end wall assembly locking mechanism of a second preferred embodiment, and the end wall assembly locking mechanism is in a locked state;

[0072] Fig.37 It is a structural schematic diagram of an end wall assembly locking mechanism according to a second preferred embodiment of a foldable container of the present invention;

[0073] Fig.38 is a schematic structural diagram of an end wall of a foldable container according to the present invention, wherein the container has an end wall assembly locking mechanism of a second preferred embodiment;

[0074] Fig.39 for Fig.38 A partial enlarged view of the H part;

[0075] Fig.40 For Fig.39 An exploded schematic diagram of the unlocking rotating component at the lower part of the end wall column shown;

[0076] Fig.41 For Fig.39 The structural diagram of the unlocking rotating component at the lower part of the end wall column shown, wherein the rope is wound around the unlocking rotating component;

[0077] Figure 42A-42E It is a structural schematic diagram of the operation process of the end wall assembly locking mechanism of the second preferred embodiment of the foldable container according to the present invention. Specific embodiments

[0078] In the following description, a large number of specific details are provided to provide a more thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it is apparent to those skilled in the art that the embodiments of the present invention may be implemented without one or more of these details. In other examples, some technical features well known in the art are not described in order to avoid confusion with the embodiments of the present invention.

[0079] In order to fully understand the embodiments of the present invention, detailed structures will be presented in the following description. Obviously, the implementation of the embodiments of the present invention is not limited to the specific details familiar to those skilled in the art. The preferred embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below, but in addition to these detailed descriptions, the present invention may also have other embodiments.

[0080] The specific structure of the foldable container according to the present invention is described below with the height direction, length direction and width direction of the container as reference coordinate systems.

[0081] The present invention relates to a foldable container having an end wall folding automatic unlocking mechanism. Figure 1-5 As shown, the foldable container includes a chassis 1, a top cover 2, end walls and side walls. The end wall includes a front end wall 5 and a rear end wall 6, and the side wall includes an upper side wall 31 and a lower side wall 32. The upper ends of the two end walls are hinged to the top cover 2 through a hinge shaft 22, the top edge of the upper side wall 31 is hinged to the side edge of the top cover 2, the bottom edge of the lower side wall 32 is hinged to the side edge of the chassis 1, and the bottom edge of the upper side wall 31 is hinged to the top edge of the lower side wall 32.

[0082] Container folding operation process:

[0083] like Figure 4 As shown, the front end wall 5 and the rear end wall 6 are flipped inwardly and attached to the inner surface of the top cover 2. When the end walls are folded, the upper side wall 31 and the lower side wall 32 are folded inwardly around their hinges, and the top cover 2 falls down to complete the folding of the container.

[0084] Container assembly operation process:

[0085] The crane lifts the top cover 2, and the top cover 2 drives the upper side wall 31 and the lower side wall 32 to flip from the folded position to the vertical assembly position. After the upper side wall 31 and the lower side wall 32 are in the vertical assembly position, the front end wall 5 and the rear end wall 6 that are in contact with the inner surface of the top cover 2 flip downward, so that the front end wall 5 and the rear end wall 6 are in the vertical assembly position. At this time, the foldable container is in the assembly position.

[0086] like Figure 1 As shown, the difference between the front end wall 5 and the rear end wall 6 is that the front end wall 5 is a complete plate, while the rear end wall 6 has a door for loading and unloading goods, so the chassis at the front end wall 5 and the chassis at the rear end wall 6 have different structures. However, the arrangement of the end wall assembly locking mechanism on both sides of the chassis at the front end wall 5 is roughly the same as the arrangement of the end wall assembly locking mechanism on both sides of the chassis at the rear end wall 6.

[0087] Further references Figure 1-Figure 5, the front wall 5 and the rear wall 6 both include an outer frame, wherein the outer frame of the front wall 5 and the outer frame of the rear wall 6 have substantially the same structure, and both include end wall columns arranged vertically. Since the end wall columns of the front wall 5 and the rear wall 6 have the same connection relationship with the top cover 2 and the bottom plate 1, the following mainly discusses the connection relationship between the end wall columns of the front wall 5 and the top cover 2 and the bottom plate 1. Those skilled in the art can understand that the end wall columns of the rear wall 6 and the top cover 2 and the bottom plate 1 can also have the same connection relationship.

[0088] like Figure 7 As shown, the front end wall 5 has an outer frame 51, and the outer frame 51 includes a vertical end wall column 511, and the end wall column 511 includes a column middle part 512, a column upper end 513 and a column lower end 514. The column middle part 512 of the end wall column 511 is a hollow structure, and this hollow structure can be a square tube. The column upper end 513 is hinged with the top cover 2, and the column lower end 514 extends out a lug laterally. The column upper end 513 and the column lower end 514 are both castings. Of course, the material of the column upper end and the column lower end is a casting, and can also be a forging, a machined part or a welded part.

[0089] like Figure 8-Figure 9 As shown, a hole 5131 is provided on the upper end 513 of the column, and the hinge shaft 22 passes through the hole 5131, so that the upper end 513 of the column is hinged to the top cover 2, and the lower end 514 of the column is a hollow part, and one or both sides of the bottom end extend out of the lug 5141 perpendicular to the direction in which the end wall column extends. In the illustrated embodiment, the lugs 5141 extend out of both sides of the bottom end of the lower end 514 of the column toward the width direction of the container.

[0090] like Figure 11-Figure 14 As shown, a lug seat 11 is provided at a position of the chassis 1 corresponding to the lug 5141 , and the lug seat 11 may be a casting, or a forging, a machined part, or a welded part.

[0091] The cooperation between the lug and the lug seat during the end wall assembly operation:

[0092] When the end wall is assembled, the lug 5141 rotates into the lug seat 11 with the hinge shaft 22 between the upper end of the end wall column and the top cover 2 as the rotation axis, and is hooked with the lug seat 11.

[0093] The coordination between the lug and the lug seat when the container is lifted:

[0094] When the assembled folding container is lifted, the special container lifting equipment lifts the top corner fittings 21 at the four corners of the container, and the lifting force is transmitted to the hinge shaft 22 where the end wall and the top cover are hinged through the top corner fittings 21, and then transmitted to the end wall column 511 by the hinge shaft 22. The lug seat 11 connected to the chassis is lifted by the lug 5141 at the lower end of the end wall column, thereby lifting the entire container.

[0095] The first preferred embodiment of the present invention is introduced below.

[0096] like Figure 8-16 As shown, the technical feature of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention is that: the upper end 513 of the column is provided with a transverse hole 518 leading to the inside of the container below the hinged connection between the end wall column 511 and the top cover 2, and the transverse hole 518 is connected to the inner cavity of the end wall column 511. The remote control member 52 here is a rope that is at least partially flexible. The remote control member 52 passes through the transverse hole 518 and the inner cavity of the end wall column 511 from the container to the end wall assembly locking mechanism 7 at the lower end of the end wall column 511 (as shown in FIG. Figure 6 As shown), the flexible part of the remote control member 52 is located at a position where the transverse hole 518 is connected to the inner cavity of the end wall column 511, and one end of the remote control member 52 in the box is connected to the unlocking actuator 9, and the unlocking actuator 9 extends out of the container.

[0097] More specifically, a pulley 53 (such as Figure 8 As shown in FIG. 5 ), the remote control member 52 is guided to reduce friction. The pulley 53 can be arranged on the upper end 513 of the column through the pulley shaft 54. The remote control member 52 preferably adopts a steel wire rope. The lower end joint of the remote control member 52 is connected to the upper end of the lock tongue 71 of the end wall assembly locking mechanism 7 (as shown in FIG. Fig.15A As shown), a mounting opening is provided on one side of the box at the lower end 514 of the column to facilitate installation of a connecting member 55 (as shown) connecting the remote control member 52 and the locking tongue 71. Fig.15A As shown), the remote control member 52 and the locking tongue 71 are preferably connected by screws.

[0098] The folding operation process of the container of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention is as follows:

[0099] When the end wall is folded, the special container spreader holds the four top corner pieces 21 of the container top cover 2, and the unlocking head of the special container spreader rotates the unlocking actuator 9 to extend the operating handle 911 outside the container, driving the remote control member 52 to pull the lock tongue 71 of the end wall assembly locking mechanism 7 upward, so that the front end wall 5 or the rear end wall 6 is disconnected from the chassis 1. The specific operation process is shown in FIG. Figures 15A-15D The swing arm of the special container spreader turns the front end wall 5 and the rear end wall 6 into the box and fixes them on the inner surface of the top cover 2.

[0100] The end wall assembly locking mechanism 7 of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention is a mechanism for locking the lug 5141 in the lug seat 11 when the end wall is assembled. Fig.14 As shown, the locking mechanism includes: a locking tongue 71 , an elastic member 72 , and a chassis stopper 73 .

[0101] The locking tongue 71 extends out from the lower end surface 515 of the end wall column 511 and can slide up and down in the end wall column 511. The locking tongue preferably adopts a rectangular cross-section, and the lower end of the end wall column has a hole that matches the cross-section of the locking tongue to enable it to slide up and down in the hole.

[0102] The elastic member 72 is located in the end wall column 511 and pushes downward against the locking tongue 71 to make it extend out of the lower end surface 515 of the end wall column. The elastic member is preferably a cylindrical helical compression spring.

[0103] The chassis block 73 is fixed at a position on the chassis corresponding to the locking tongue, and at least one of the upper end of the chassis block 73 and the lower end of the locking tongue 71 has an inclined surface that is inclined upward toward the direction close to the bottom end beam (the short side beam of the chassis 1), and the inclined surface is the end wall column matching surface 731. In other words, the end wall column matching surface 731 of the upper end of the chassis block 73 and / or the lower end of the locking tongue 71 is inclined upward toward the outside of the container end wall adjacent to the chassis block 73. Fig.12 , 14 It shows a situation where the end wall column matching surface 731 is provided on the chassis stopper 73 , but the end wall column matching surface 731 is not provided on the locking tongue 71 .

[0104] Installation process of the lock tongue 71:

[0105] like Fig. 10A and 10B As shown, when installing the lock tongue 71, the elastic member 72 is sleeved on the lock tongue 71, and the lock tongue 71 with the elastic member 72 is inserted into the hollow cavity at the lower end of the column from the bottom of the end wall column 511. The position of the lower end of the column corresponding to the hollow cavity is provided with a mounting opening 5142, and the operator can install the parts in the cavity through the mounting opening 5142. The operator installs the limiting member 711 in the middle of the lock tongue 71 through the mounting opening 5142. The limiting member 711 preferably adopts a mountable part such as a screw or a pin to facilitate the installation of the lock tongue 71. When the limiting member 711 contacts the inner surface of the lower end of the column, the lock tongue 71 no longer slides along the length direction of the end wall column 511. At this time, the lock tongue 71 reaches the lower dead point, that is, the initial position of the lock tongue 71.

[0106] When the diameter of the elastic member 72 is larger than the width of the hole of the lower end surface 515 of the lower end of the end wall column 511 that matches the lock tongue 71, the elastic member 72 can be directly installed from the installation opening 5142. The installation process is as follows: the operator first puts the elastic member 72 into the cavity of the lower end of the end wall column 511 through the installation opening 5142, and then inserts the lock tongue 71 into the cavity of the end wall column 511 through the hole of the lower end surface 515, so that the elastic member 72 is sleeved on the lock tongue 71, and then the operator installs the limit member 711 through the installation opening 5142, thereby completing the installation of the lock tongue.

[0107] Further, such as Fig. 10B As shown, a dust cover 516 can be provided at the mounting opening 5142, and the dust cover 516 can be fixed to the end wall column 511 by screws 5161, so that the dust cover covers the mounting opening 5142 to prevent foreign matter from entering the end wall column 511 and affecting the up and down sliding of the lock tongue.

[0108] End wall assembly process:

[0109] like Fig.15A , 15B As shown, when the front end wall 5 is assembled, the front end wall 5 is disconnected from the top cover 2. Under the gravity of the front end wall 5 and the pulling action of the swing arm of the special container lifting device, the front end wall 5 rotates from the top cover 2 to the outside of the container, and the lock tongue 71 contacts the chassis stopper 73. The end wall column matching surface 731 makes the lock tongue slide upward in the end wall column to reach the connection between the highest position of the end wall column stop surface 732 in the same extension direction as the end wall column 511 and the highest position of the end wall column matching surface 731. At this time, the elastic member 72 is compressed. Fig. 15C As shown, after the lock tongue 71 passes over the chassis block 73, under the action of the rebound force, the elastic member 72 pushes the lock tongue 71 downward out of the end wall column 511, and after the stop member 711 on the lock tongue 71 contacts the lower end of the end wall column, the lock tongue 71 stops sliding and reaches the lower stop point, i.e., the initial position of the lock tongue 71. The highest position of the end wall column stop surface 732 is set to be higher than the lowest position of the lock tongue 71. Therefore, the lock tongue 71 is blocked by the end wall column stop surface 732 of the chassis block 73, and the front end wall 5 can no longer rotate into the box, and the front end wall 5 is automatically locked. As a result, the end wall assembly locking mechanism 7 can realize the automatic locking of the end wall, reducing the number of operators and improving the operating efficiency.

[0110] like Figure 16-Figure 19 As shown, an unlocking actuator 9 is provided on the top cover 2, and the unlocking actuator 9 deviates from the top side beam 24 by a certain distance in the box interior direction to avoid the folded end wall column 511. Figure 6 It can be seen that, since the thickness of the door plate of the rear end wall 6 or the end plate of the front end wall 5 is less than the thickness of the end wall column 511, the space formed between the door plate of the rear end wall 6 or the end plate of the front end wall 5 and the inner surface of the top cover 2 after folding is used to accommodate the unlocking actuator 9. A reinforcing beam 26 can be provided on the inner surface of the top cover 2 on the side of the unlocking actuator 9 close to the center of the container to enhance the rigidity and strength of the top cover 2 at the unlocking actuator 9 to prevent the top cover 2 from being damaged when the unlocking head of the special container spreader operates the unlocking actuator 9. Notches 27 are provided at both ends of the reinforcing beam 26 connected to the top side beam 24 to accommodate the folded end wall column 511.

[0111] like Figure 20-Figure 22As shown, the unlocking actuator 9 includes: an unlocking rotating shaft 91 , an unlocking rotating shaft seat 92 , a rotating disk 93 , a first torsion spring 94 , and an operating handle 911 .

[0112] The unlocking rotating shaft seat 92 passes through and is fixed on the top cover plate 25 , and the portion of the unlocking rotating shaft seat 92 extending out of the top cover plate 25 is cylindrical.

[0113] The core shaft of the unlocking rotating shaft 91 passes through the unlocking rotating shaft seat 92 and extends into the container. The operating handle 911 of the unlocking rotating shaft 91 has a downward flange, which covers the outer side of the cylinder of the unlocking rotating shaft seat 92 extending out of the top cover plate 25 to prevent dust and water. A sealing gasket 95 can be arranged between the unlocking rotating shaft 91 and the unlocking rotating shaft seat 92 to further prevent dust and water. This sealing gasket can be arranged in two layers, upper and lower, to reduce friction when the unlocking rotating shaft 91 rotates.

[0114] The turntable 93 is fixedly connected to one end of the unlocking rotating shaft 91 extending into the container, and can be connected by a key 96 and a screw 97 or other means. An annular groove 931 for accommodating the remote control member 52 is provided on the turntable 93.

[0115] like Figure 17-19 As shown, a limiting arm is provided in the radial direction of the turntable, and the limiting arm includes a first limiting arm 932. A plurality of adjustment holes 933 may be provided on the first limiting arm 932. One end of the remote control member 52 in the box is wound in the annular groove 931, and its end is connected to the adjustment hole 933 by screws or other fasteners. The function of the adjustment hole 933 is to select a suitable adjustment hole 933 to connect the remote control member 52 when installing the remote control member 52, so that the tightness of the remote control member 52 is appropriate, and the automatic unlocking operation of the end wall assembly locking mechanism 7 is ensured. After the container is used for a period of time, the remote control member 52 will be stretched, and the tightness of the remote control member 52 can also be adjusted by reselecting the adjustment hole 933 to fix the end of the remote control member 52.

[0116] like Fig.17 , 20 As shown, another function of the first limiting arm 932 is that when the end wall assembly locking mechanism 7 is in a locked state, under the action of the first torsion spring 94, the first limiting arm 932 maintains contact with the reinforcing beam 26, thereby determining the initial position of the operating handle 911 of the unlocking rotation shaft 91, so as to facilitate the docking of the unlocking head of the special container spreader with the operating handle 911. If the rotation angle of the turntable is not controlled by the unlocking head of the special container spreader, a second limiting arm 934 can also be set on the turntable 93 to limit the rotation angle of the turntable. Fig.18 As shown, when the second limiting arm 934 rotates to contact the reinforcing beam 26, the rotating disk 93 rotates to the right position, that is, the locking tongue 71 is lifted to the right position to avoid excessive lifting of the locking tongue 71. Fig.19As shown, when the front end wall 5 or the rear end wall 6 is folded, the remote control component 52 will droop naturally. In order to prevent the remote control component 52 from escaping from the annular groove 931, a stop pin 935 can be set on the turntable 93 to prevent the remote control component 52 from escaping from the annular groove 931. The stop pin 935 should be set at the entrance of the remote control component 52 extending from the end wall column 511 into the box and entering the annular groove 931. The stop pin 935 is preferably a detachable fastener such as a screw or a pin to facilitate the replacement of the rope.

[0117] The first torsion spring 94 is sleeved on the rotating disk 93 (such as Fig. 20 As shown in FIG. 1 , one end of the first torsion spring 94 abuts against the turntable 93, and the other end abuts against the unlocking rotating shaft seat 92. The operating handle 911 of the unlocking actuator 9 can also be horizontally extended from the side of the container, and the unlocking head of the special container spreader can also be unlocked by pushing the operating handle of the unlocking actuator 9. Of course, the working principle of the top unlocking mechanism will be different, but the final result is to pull the remote control member 52 to release the connection between the end wall assembly locking mechanism 7 and the chassis 1.

[0118] The unlocking actuator 9 is connected to one end of the remote control member 52, so that the remote control member 52 can be actuated by the unlocking actuator 9 to release the end wall assembly locking mechanism 7 connected to its other end, thereby unlocking the end wall and the chassis.

[0119] The end wall folding automatic unlocking mechanism of the foldable container according to the present invention can realize automatic unlocking of the assembled end wall, and can realize automatic locking of the end wall by cooperating with the end wall assembly locking mechanism, thereby realizing the fully automatic folding operation of the foldable container, reducing the number of operators and improving the operating efficiency.

[0120] In order to still realize the folding of the container when the end wall folding automatic unlocking mechanism fails, a manual unlocking mechanism can be added on top of the end wall folding automatic unlocking mechanism. Figures 24A-24D As shown, the manual unlocking mechanism includes an unlocking member 74 and an unlocking member shaft 75 .

[0121] The unlocking member 74 is fixedly connected to the unlocking member shaft 75, and the unlocking member 74 is located directly below the lock tongue 71 after the end wall is assembled. The unlocking member shaft 75 is hinged to the chassis 1, such as Fig.28A As shown, one end of the unlocking member shaft 75 extends out of the bottom side beam of the chassis 1 (the long side beam of the chassis), and the protruding end 751 of the unlocking member shaft can be made into an outer square, an outer hexagon, an inner square, an inner hexagon or other various shapes that can be manually operated to rotate the unlocking member shaft 75. For safety reasons, the protruding end of the unlocking member shaft can be made into a special shape to prevent it from being easily unlocked by humans. The protruding end 751 of the unlocking member shaft 75 can be manually operated with a tool outside the container to rotate the unlocking member shaft 75.

[0122] like Fig. 24B As shown, when the container is folded, the unlocking member shaft 75 is manually rotated to drive the unlocking member 74 to rotate from bottom to top, and the unlocking member 74 lifts the locking tongue 71 to release the locking connection between the locking tongue 71 and the chassis block 73, and the swing arm provided on the special container lifting device flips the front end wall 5 into the box and fixes it to the inner surface of the top cover 2.

[0123] like Fig.24D As shown, when assembling the container, the locking tongue 71 rotates with the end wall, and the locking tongue 71 pushes the unlocking member 74 to the initial position during the locking process with the chassis stopper 73.

[0124] like Figures 23A-23D As shown, a second torsion spring 76 can also be added to the unlocking member shaft. The second torsion spring 76 allows the unlocking member 74 to always turn to the initial position (horizontal position). When the unlocking member 74 is manually rotated to lift the lock tongue 71, after the lock tongue 71 is separated from the unlocking member 74, the unlocking member 74 rotates back to the initial position under the action of the second torsion spring 76.

[0125] In summary, the second torsion spring 76 may or may not be added to the unlocking member shaft. The structure without a torsion spring is simpler, while the structure with a torsion spring makes the return of the unlocking member more reliable.

[0126] like Fig.25 , 28A As shown in FIG. 28B , the unlocking member shaft 75 passes through the unlocking member 74 and is hinged in the lug seat 11. The unlocking member 74 and the unlocking member shaft 75 are fixedly connected by a pin or other means. Of course, the unlocking member 74 and the unlocking member shaft 75 can also be integrated. A sealing cover 77 is provided on the lug seat 11 outside the extended end 751 of the unlocking member shaft 75 to prevent dust and water from entering the container through the lug seat hole matched with the unlocking member shaft 75.

[0127] like Fig.26 , 27 As shown, the sealing cover 77 structure includes a cover body 771 , screws 772 , washers 773 and a sealing plug 774 , wherein the sealing plug 774 is fixed to the inner side of the cover body 771 by means of the screws 772 and washers 773 .

[0128] like Fig.28B As shown, the lug seat 11 is provided with a sealing hole 111 and a hinge seat 112, the sealing hole 111 cooperates with the sealing plug 774, and the hinge seat 112 is hinged to the cover body 771. The sealing cover 77 and the lug seat 11 are hinged by the hinge shaft 78.

[0129] like Fig.28AAs shown, the sealing cover 77 is in a sealed state, and the cover body of the sealing cover 77 is connected to the box body of the folding container in a flip-cover manner, so that the sealing cover 77 is not easy to be lost, and the opening and closing of the sealing cover 77 is very convenient, which is a preferred embodiment.

[0130] Fig.28B The sealing cover 77 is shown in the open state. The sealing plug 774 is preferably made of sealing materials such as rubber and polyurethane, and the sealing plug 774 can also be fixed in other ways. Fig.28B As shown, the sealing hole 111 is provided with a groove 1111, and the sealing plug 774 is provided with a convex ring 7741 that matches the groove. The convex ring 7741 and the groove 1111 are closely matched to play a sealing role on the one hand, and also play a role in fixing the sealing cover 77 on the other hand, so that the sealing cover 77 in a sealed state cannot be easily opened. The sealing method of the sealing hole 111 can also adopt other common methods such as rubber plugs and threaded plugs.

[0131] When folding the end wall, a tool can be manually inserted into the sealing hole 111 so that the tool is connected to the protruding end 751 of the unlocking member shaft 75. The tool is rotated to drive the unlocking member shaft 75 to rotate, thereby releasing the connection between the front end wall 5 and the chassis 1.

[0132] The provision of the manual unlocking mechanism can ensure that the container can still be folded when the end wall folding automatic unlocking mechanism fails.

[0133] Figure 29-34 The front end wall 5 or the rear end wall 6 is shown to be folded to the inner surface of the top cover 2 and fixed to the inner surface of the top cover 2 by the end wall folding locking mechanism 8. In order to increase the strength of the top cover at the end wall folding locking mechanism 8 to bear the weight of the end wall, a C-shaped support member 23 can be added to the inner surface of the top cover, such as Fig.30 , 33 As shown, the C-shaped support member 23 is fixed on the inner surface of the top cover 2 and the top side beams 24 on both sides of the top cover. The C-shaped support member 23 can also be a full-length beam with both ends fixed on the top side beams 24 on both sides of the top cover 2.

[0134] The end wall folding locking mechanism 8 includes: an unlocking shaft 81, an unlocking shaft seat 82, a lock head 83, a third torsion spring 84 (such as Fig.31 shown).

[0135] The unlocking shaft seat 82 passes through and is fixed on the C-shaped support member 23 and the top cover plate 25 , and the portion of the unlocking shaft seat 82 extending out of the top cover plate 25 is cylindrical.

[0136] The core shaft of the unlocking shaft 81 passes through the unlocking shaft seat 82 and extends into the container. The operating handle 811 of the unlocking shaft 81 has a downward flange, which covers the outer side of the cylinder of the unlocking shaft seat extending out of the top cover plate to prevent dust and water. A sealing gasket 85 can be arranged between the unlocking shaft and the unlocking shaft seat to further prevent dust and water.

[0137] The lock head 83 is connected to one end of the unlocking shaft 81 extending into the container, and can be connected by a pin 86 or other means. A hook 831 for fixing the end wall is provided on the lock head 83.

[0138] The third torsion spring 84 is sleeved on a torsion spring shaft 87 installed on the lock head. One end 841 of the third torsion spring 84 abuts against the lock head 83 , and the other end 842 abuts against the C-shaped support member 23 .

[0139] like Fig.32 As shown, a slope 832 may be provided at the lower end of the lock head 83. When the front end wall 5 or the rear end wall 6 is folded, the lock tongue 71 contacts the lock head slope 832. The slope 832 compresses the lock tongue 71, causing the lock tongue 71 to move into the end wall column. When the lock tongue 71 passes over the hook 831 of the lock head, the elastic member 72 in the end wall column pushes the lock tongue 71 out and fixes it on the hook 831 of the lock head, thereby completing the locking.

[0140] like Fig.34 The lock 83 is shown in the open state, at which time one side 833 of the lock 83 contacts the C-shaped support member 23, defining the open position of the lock 83. After the lock 83 is opened, the front wall 5 or the rear wall 6 is folded onto the inner surface of the top cover 2, and the other unlocking head of the special container spreader rotates the operating handle 811 (not shown) of the unlocking shaft 81 in the opposite direction to rotate the unlocking shaft 81, so that the lock 83 is in the locked position (see FIG. Fig.33 ). Of course, the operating handle 811 of the unlocking shaft can be in a rectangular, oblong or other shape suitable for connecting and rotating with another unlocking head of a special container spreader.

[0141] like Fig.33 As shown in FIG. 1 , the third torsion spring 84 keeps the lock 83 in the locked position safely. At this time, the other side 834 of the lock 83 contacts the C-shaped support member 23, limiting the locked position of the lock 83. This operation method is more reliable and can avoid the impact of the front end wall 5 or the rear end wall 6 on the lock 83 during the folding process. When the folded end wall is released, the other unlocking head of the special container spreader rotates the operating handle 811 of the unlocking shaft 81 to open the lock 83 (as shown in FIG. 1 ). Fig.34 As shown in FIG. 1 , the swing arm of the special container spreader holds the front end wall 5 and the rear end wall 6 and rotates outward from the container to assemble the end walls.

[0142] The operating handle of the end wall folding locking mechanism can also be horizontally extended from the side of the container, and another unlocking head of the special container spreader can also push the operating handle of the end wall folding locking mechanism to complete locking and unlocking. Of course, the working principle of the end wall folding locking mechanism will be different, but the final result is that the locking head 83 supports the locking tongue 71 to lock the folded end wall.

[0143] Container end wall automatic folding operation process:

[0144] like Fig. 15C , 15D As shown, the special container spreader holds the top corner piece 21 of the container, and the unlocking head of the special container spreader operates the operating handle 911 of the unlocking rotating shaft 91 to rotate the unlocking rotating shaft 91, and the unlocking rotating shaft 91 drives the turntable 93 to rotate, so that the remote control member 52 is tightened and then coiled on the turntable 93, thereby lifting the locking tongue 71 at the other end of the rope, so that the locking tongue 71 is disconnected from the chassis block 73, and the swing arm of the special container spreader holds the front end wall 5 or the rear end wall 6 and rotates toward the inside of the container top cover 2 to fold the end wall. When the front end wall 5 or the rear end wall 6 is folded to the inside of the top cover 2, the front end wall 5 or the rear end wall 6 is locked with the container top cover 2 through the end wall folding locking mechanism 8.

[0145] Manual folding operation process of container end wall:

[0146] The extended end 751 of the unlocking member shaft 75 can be manually operated with a tool outside the container to rotate the unlocking member shaft 75. Figures 24A-24D As shown, when folding the container, the special container lifting device lifts the top corner piece 21 of the container, and the manual rotation of the unlocking member shaft 75 drives the unlocking member 74 to rotate from bottom to top, and the unlocking member 74 lifts the locking tongue 71, so that the locking tongue 71 and the chassis block 73 are released from the locking connection, and the swing arm provided on the special container lifting device turns the front end wall 5 and the rear end wall 6 into the box and abuts and fixes them on the inner surface of the top cover 2, so that the end wall is folded. After the front end wall 5 and the rear end wall 6 are folded to the inner side of the top cover 2, the front end wall 5 and the rear end wall 6 are locked together with the container top cover 2 through the end wall folding locking mechanism 8.

[0147] Container end wall automatic assembly operation process:

[0148] like Fig.15A , 15B The special container spreader shown in the figure holds the top corner piece 21 of the container, and the swing arm arranged on the special container spreader is rotated into the box to support the end wall, and the operating handle 811 of the unlocking shaft 81 operated by another unlocking head of the special container spreader rotates the unlocking shaft 81, so that the locking tongue 71 at the lower end of the front end wall 5 and the rear end wall 6 is disconnected from the locking head 83 on the top cover, and the swing arm arranged on the special container spreader holds the front end wall 5 and the rear end wall 6 and rotates outside the box. When the front end wall 5 or the rear end wall 6 rotates to a vertical position, the front end wall 5 or the rear end wall 6 is locked with the chassis 1 through the end wall assembly locking mechanism 7.

[0149] Thus, the end wall folding locking mechanism 8 can realize automatic locking and unlocking of the end wall folded to the inner surface of the top cover 2, thereby reducing the number of operators and improving the operating efficiency.

[0150] Next, an end wall assembly locking mechanism 10 according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0151] like Figure 35-42E As shown, like the end wall assembly locking mechanism 7 described above, another end wall assembly locking mechanism 10 is also a mechanism for locking the lug 5141A in the lug seat 11 when the end wall is assembled, thereby locking the end wall and the chassis together. Fig.36 As shown, the locking mechanism includes: a movable stopper and an unlocking assembly.

[0152] The movable stopper includes a stopper 41 , a stopper hinge shaft 42 , and a fourth torsion spring 43 .

[0153] A stopper end 411 is disposed at one end of the stopper 41, a positioning surface 412 is disposed at the other end, and a hinge hole 413 is disposed in the middle.

[0154] The stopper hinge shaft 42 passes through the hinge hole 413 , and the stopper 41 is hinged to the corresponding position on the chassis 1 , so that the stopper end 411 abuts against the lower casting 514A of the end wall column, locking it in the lug seat 11 .

[0155] The fourth torsion spring 43 is sleeved on the stopper hinge shaft 42 (see Fig.37 ), one end of which is against the bottom of the chassis, and the other end is hooked on the stopper 41. Under the action of the fourth torsion spring 43, the positioning surface 412 of the chassis stopper is always against the chassis, and the stopper end 411 is always against the lower end of the lower casting 514A of the end wall column, so that the end wall is in a locked state.

[0156] The lug 5141A of the lower casting 514A of the end wall column of the locking mechanism is laterally extended in the same manner as the lug 5141 of the lower end 514 of the column, that is, the lug is extended on one side or both sides, but the shape and structure of the lug can be different. Fig.38 , 39 .like Fig.40 As shown, a groove 5143 is provided on the lower casting 514A of the end wall column, and a hinge hole 5144 is provided on the side. The groove 5143 and the hinge hole 5144 are both for use with the unlocking assembly described below.

[0157] like Figures 38-42E Shown is an unlocking assembly, which is used in conjunction with the above-mentioned stopper as an end wall assembly locking mechanism 10 of the second preferred embodiment.

[0158] like Figure 40-41 As shown, the unlocking assembly includes an unlocking rotating component 61 , an unlocking member hinge shaft 62 , a fifth torsion spring 63 , and a remote control member 64 .

[0159] The unlocking rotating part 61 is provided with an annular groove 611, a hinge hole 612 is provided at the center of the annular groove, an unlocking arm 613 extends radially from the annular groove, and an inclined surface 614 is provided at the front end of the unlocking arm 613. Of course, the inclined surface 614 is only provided as a preferred method, and the remote control member 64 surrounds the annular groove 611 of the unlocking rotating part 61, and one end thereof is fixedly connected to the unlocking rotating part 61.

[0160] The unlocking member hinge shaft 62 passes through the hinge hole 612 on the unlocking rotating part 61 and the hinge hole 5144 on the lower casting 514A, so as to hinge the unlocking rotating part 61 and the lower casting 514A together. After the unlocking rotating part 61 is embedded in the groove 5143 of the lower casting 514A, the unlocking rotating part 61 can rotate in the groove 5143.

[0161] One end of the fifth torsion spring 63 is connected to the unlocking rotating part 61, and the other end is connected to the lower casting 514A. Under the action of the fifth torsion spring 63, the unlocking arm 613 of the unlocking rotating part 61 is always close to the inside of the groove 5143 of the lower casting 514A and will not protrude from the inside of the groove 5143.

[0162] The connection between the end of the remote control member 64 and the unlocking rotating member 61 can be in many ways, such as Fig.41 As shown, a structural form shown in this patent is that an O-shaped rope joint 641 is provided at the end of the remote control member 64, and a hole 642 is provided on the joint. A pin 615 extends vertically from the unlocking arm 613, and is connected to the pin 615 through the hole 642 on the joint 641, so as to realize the connection between the remote control member 64 and the unlocking rotating part 61. In order to prevent the remote control member 64 from interfering with other structures when the unlocking rotating part 61 rotates, a second pin 616 can also be provided at an appropriate position of the annular groove 611 to block the remote control member 64, thereby avoiding interference between the remote control member 64 and other structures during the rotation of the unlocking rotating part 61 to a certain extent.

[0163] The structure of the upper part of the remote control member 64 in the unlocking assembly is the same as the structure of the upper part of the remote control member 52 mentioned above, and the unlocking actuator connected thereto is also the same as the unlocking actuator 9, which is also an unlocking head for operating a special container spreader, twisting the operating handle 911 to achieve the function of tightening and loosening the remote control member 52 or 64.

[0164] The end wall folding operation process of this embodiment is as follows: Figures 42A to 42DAs shown, the special container spreader holds the top corner piece 21 of the container, operates the unlocking head of the special container spreader, twists the operating handle 911, tightens the remote control part 64 upwards, and at the same time drives the unlocking rotating part 61 in the end wall assembly locking mechanism 10 to rotate, so that the unlocking arm 613 extends out of the groove 5143 of the lower casting 514A, and continues to rotate downward until the inclined surface 614 contacts the upper surface of the stopper 411 of the stopper 41 in the end wall assembly locking mechanism 10, and the unlocking arm 613 continues to rotate and presses the stopper 41 downward to separate it from the lower casting 514A. At this time, operate the swing arm of the special container spreader to support the front end wall 5 or the rear end wall 6 and rotate it toward the inside of the container top cover 2 to achieve the folding of the front end wall 5 or the rear end wall 6.

[0165] The end wall assembly operation process of this embodiment is as follows: Fig.42E As shown, when the front end wall 5 or the rear end wall 6 is assembled, the lower casting 514A presses down the stopper 41 during the process of rotating toward the outside of the box. After the lower casting 514A passes over the stopper 41, under the action of the fourth torsion spring 43, the blocking end 411 of the stopper 41 is lifted to block the lower casting 514A, thereby realizing automatic locking of the assembly of the front end wall 5 or the rear end wall 6.

[0166] In the above description, castings are just examples, and may also be forgings, machined parts or welded parts.

[0167] Thus, the end wall assembly locking mechanism 10 can realize automatic locking of the end wall, and can realize automatic unlocking of the end wall by cooperating with the unlocking mechanism, thereby realizing the fully automatic folding and assembly operation of the foldable container.

[0168] Unless otherwise defined, the technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as those generally understood by those skilled in the art in the technical field of the present invention. The terms used herein are only for describing specific implementation purposes and are not intended to limit the present invention. Terms such as "setting" and the like appearing in this article can indicate that one component is directly attached to another component, or that one component is attached to another component through an intermediate. Features described in this article in one embodiment may be applied to another embodiment alone or in combination with other features, unless the feature is not applicable in the other embodiment or otherwise specified.

[0169] The present invention has been described by the above embodiments, but it should be understood that the above embodiments are only for the purpose of example and description, and are not intended to limit the present invention to the described embodiments. It can be understood by those skilled in the art that more variations and modifications can be made according to the teachings of the present invention, and these variations and modifications all fall within the scope of the protection claimed by the present invention.

Claims

1. A foldable container, the foldable container comprises: a chassis, a bottom side beam being provided at a lower portion of the chassis; a top cover, the top cover being located directly above the chassis; end walls, the end walls including end wall columns, the end wall columns being hinged to the top cover, wherein the end walls are rotatable relative to the top cover between a folded position and an assembled position, and when the end walls are in the folded position, the end walls are attached to an inner surface of the top cover; a locking mechanism for locking the end walls to the chassis; and an unlocking mechanism, which comprises: a remote actuator, a first end of the remote actuator being connected to the locking mechanism at a lower end of the end wall column, a second end of the remote actuator passing through a lumen of the end wall column and extending into the interior of the container after passing through a transverse hole provided in the end wall column, and an unlocking actuator, the unlocking actuator being connected to the second end of the remote actuator, and when folding the end walls, the second end of the remote actuator is actuated by the unlocking actuator to cause the first end of the remote actuator to release the locking of the locking mechanism, thereby unlocking the end walls from the chassis, wherein, the locking mechanism includes a stop block and an unlocking rotating member, the stop block being movable between an unlocking position and a locking position, and in the locking position, the stop block can abut against a lower end of the end wall column to lock the end wall, the unlocking rotating member being hinged to the end wall column and capable of rotating about a hinge axis, the first end of the remote actuator being fixed to the unlocking rotating member and capable of driving the unlocking rotating member to rotate, and the unlocking rotating member can contact the stop block during rotation and press the stop block to the unlocking position to unlock the end wall, or, the locking mechanism includes a locking tongue and a chassis stop block, the locking tongue being movably provided at a lower end of a cavity of the end wall column, and an upper end of the locking tongue being connected to the first end of the remote actuator, the chassis stop block cooperating with the locking tongue to complete the locking of the end wall to the chassis, and when folding the end wall, the unlocking actuator is actuated, the remote actuator connected to the unlocking actuator is tightened and drives the locking tongue to move until the locking tongue disengages from the chassis stop block to unlock the end wall.

2. The foldable container according to claim 1, wherein, the remote actuator has flexibility within a movement range near the transverse hole.

3. The foldable container according to claim 1, wherein, a pulley is provided inside the transverse hole, and a flexible portion of the remote actuator abuts against or surrounds the pulley.

4. The foldable container according to claim 1, wherein, the unlocking actuator includes a rotatable turntable provided on a lower surface of the top cover, the second end of the remote actuator being connected to the turntable, and as the turntable rotates, the remote actuator can be tightened or relaxed.

5. The foldable container according to claim 4, wherein, a reinforcing beam protruding downward is provided on the lower surface of the top cover near the turntable, the turntable is provided with a limiting arm protruding outward away from the center of the turntable in a radial direction, wherein, the limiting arm can rotate together with the rotation of the turntable and can limit an initial position and / or a maximum rotation angle of the turntable by abutting against the reinforcing beam.

6. The foldable container according to claim 5, wherein, the limiting arm is provided with a plurality of adjustment holes, and the second end of the remote actuator can be connected to a suitable adjustment hole to adjust the tightness of the remote actuator.

7. The foldable container according to claim 1, wherein, the unlocking actuator includes an unlocking rotating shaft, one end of the unlocking rotating shaft is an operating handle disposed on the upper surface of the top cover, and the other end extends into the container and is fixedly connected to a turntable, wherein, the unlocking operation of the operating handle drives the unlocking rotating shaft to rotate, which in turn drives the turntable to rotate, so that the remote control member is tightened or relaxed.

8. The foldable container according to claim 1, wherein, the locking mechanism includes a stopper and an unlocking rotating member, wherein, the unlocking rotating member is provided with an unlocking arm protruding outward away from the center of the unlocking rotating member in the radial direction. During the rotation of the unlocking rotating member, the unlocking arm can contact the stopper and press the stopper downward to the unlocking position to unlock the end wall.

9. The foldable container according to claim 1, wherein, the locking mechanism includes a locking tongue and a chassis stopper. The upper end portion of the chassis stopper and / or the lower end portion of the locking tongue is provided with an end wall column mating surface. The chassis stopper is provided with an end wall column stop surface. The end wall column mating surface is inclined upward in the direction outside the container of the end wall adjacent to the chassis stopper. The end wall column stop surface is in the same direction as the extending direction of the end wall column. After the end wall is assembled, the highest position of the end wall column stop surface is higher than the lowest position of the locking tongue.

Images