Collapsible containers

Abstract

This invention discloses a foldable container. The foldable container has a base and two pairs of opposing side panels, each side panel being hinged to the base. Any two adjacent side panels can be locked or unlocked by a locking mechanism. The foldable container also includes a pair of driving members, each corresponding to one of the pairs of side panels. The driving members are configured such that when the locking mechanism unlocks the corresponding side panel, they drive the corresponding side panel to flip into the container. Because the foldable container includes a pair of driving members corresponding to any pair of side panels, and the driving members are configured such that when the locking mechanism unlocks the corresponding side panel, they drive the corresponding side panel to flip into the container, the worker only needs to lay the other pair of side panels flat, saving the worker time in folding the foldable container, improving folding efficiency, and thus enhancing the practicality of the foldable container.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of boxes, and particularly to a foldable container. Background Technology

[0002] Foldable containers, as a type of portable container, are widely used in various industries because they can be folded, making them easy to store and recycle.

[0003] The inventors have discovered at least the following problems in the existing technology: Existing foldable containers generally include two pairs of side panels, which are locked or unlocked by a locking mechanism. When the staff unlocks the two pairs of side panels, they need to press down one pair of side panels with both hands. After the pair of side panels is flattened, the other pair of side panels is pressed down. In this process, since the staff generally needs to fold a large number of foldable boxes, the folding efficiency is greatly affected, which reduces the practicality of the foldable container. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a foldable container that improves the practicality of foldable containers.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the embodiments of the present invention provide a foldable container. The foldable container has a base and two pairs of oppositely arranged side plates. Each side plate is hinged to the base, and any two adjacent side plates are locked or unlocked by a locking mechanism.

[0006] The foldable container also includes a pair of driving members, each of which corresponds to any pair of side panels. The driving members are configured such that when the side panel corresponding to them is unlocked by the locking mechanism, the corresponding side panel is driven to flip into the container.

[0007] Compared to existing technologies, the embodiments of this invention include a pair of driving members in the foldable container. These driving members correspond to any pair of side panels. The driving members are configured such that when the corresponding side panel is unlocked by the locking mechanism, it drives the corresponding side panel to flip into the container. Therefore, when the unlocking mechanism is released, the driving members drive a pair of side panels to flip into the container, and the operator only needs to lay the other pair of side panels flat. This saves the operator time in folding the foldable container, improves folding efficiency, and thus enhances the practicality of the foldable container.

[0008] In one embodiment, each of the pair of driving members includes an elastic element for deforming when its corresponding side plate is vertically positioned relative to the base, and for rebounding and resetting to drive its corresponding side plate to flip into the container after its corresponding side plate is unlocked.

[0009] In one embodiment, the pair of driving members are respectively disposed on any pair of side plates, and the elastic end of the elastic member abuts against the adjacent side plate of the side plate in a direction perpendicular to the side plate in which it is located. When the side plate in which it is located is vertically disposed relative to the base, the elastic member is compressed and deformed by the adjacent side plate.

[0010] In one embodiment, any pair of side plates is located between another pair of side plates, the elastic member is located on the side edge of the side plate, the side edge is disposed opposite to the adjacent side plate of the side plate, and a baffle is disposed on the adjacent side plate, the baffle is located on the side of the side plate facing outward of the container, and abuts against the elastic end of the elastic member.

[0011] In one embodiment, the elastic element is a first torsion spring, which is disposed on the side in a direction perpendicular to the side, and one first torsion arm of the first torsion spring abuts against the side plate at that location, and the other first torsion arm abuts against the baffle.

[0012] In one embodiment, a mounting rod and abutment plate are provided on the side, the abutment plate is located on the side of the mounting rod facing into the container, and both the mounting rod and the abutment plate extend from the side along the length direction of the side plate, the first torsion spring is sleeved on the mounting rod, and the first torsion arm abuts against the abutment plate.

[0013] In one embodiment, the elastic element is an arc-shaped elastic sheet, which is recessed toward the baffle and has a fixed end opposite to the elastic end. The fixed end and the elastic end are opposite to each other along the height direction of the side plate, and the fixed end is fixed to the side plate.

[0014] In one embodiment, the drive member is disposed on the base and abuts against the lower end face of the corresponding side plate away from the inside of the container.

[0015] In one embodiment, the elastic element is a second torsion spring, the axis of the second torsion spring is arranged parallel to the respective side plate, and a second torsion arm of the second torsion spring abuts against the lower end face away from the container.

[0016] In one embodiment, the lower end face has a protrusion at the end away from the container, and the protrusion abuts against the second torsion arm.

[0017] In one embodiment, the driving component further includes a driving block, the upper end face of which is an inclined surface that slopes downwards into the container, the lower end face abuts against the inclined surface, and the elastic element is disposed below the driving block to operably drive the driving block to move up and down.

[0018] In one embodiment, a first guide rod is further provided below the driving block. The first guide rod is vertically arranged, and the elastic element is sleeved on the first guide rod.

[0019] Alternatively, the base is further provided with a second guide rod, the second guide rod being vertically positioned relative to the drive block, and the elastic element being sleeved on the second guide rod;

[0020] Alternatively, the driving component may further include a sleeve disposed below the driving block, the sleeve being vertically disposed, and the elastic element being located inside the sleeve.

[0021] In one embodiment, a receiving cavity is formed on the upper surface of the base, and the driving member is disposed within the receiving cavity.

[0022] In one embodiment, the base is further provided with a plurality of hinge slots, each hinge slot being located below each side plate, and the hinge slots opening toward the upper surface of the base and into the container;

[0023] The bottom of the side plate is provided with multiple hinge members, which are arranged along the length direction of the side plate. The hinge members are rotatably disposed in their respective hinge slots around the length direction of the side plate.

[0024] In one embodiment, any pair of side plates is located between another pair of side plates, and the locking mechanism includes:

[0025] A stop block is disposed on the side of one of the side plates in any pair of side plates, the side plate being disposed opposite to the adjacent side plate of the one side plate;

[0026] A movable block is slidably disposed on the adjacent side plate in a vertical direction, and the movable block can move up or down to a preset position to abut against the stop block.

[0027] In one embodiment, the first portion of the base hinged to any pair of side plates is at a predetermined distance lower than the second portion of the base hinged to the other pair of side plates.

[0028] In one embodiment, the length of any pair of side plates is shorter than the length of the other pair of side plates. Attached Figure Description

[0029] One or more embodiments are illustrated by way of example with reference numerals in the accompanying drawings. These illustrations do not constitute a limitation on the embodiments. Elements with the same reference numerals in the drawings are denoted as similar elements. Unless otherwise stated, the figures in the drawings are not to be limited by scale.

[0030] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the foldable container of the present invention when each side plate is vertical;

[0031] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Enlarged view of point A in the middle;

[0032] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Enlarged view of the movable block and the stop block at point B;

[0033] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 Enlarged view of point B when the movable block moves upward and separates from the stop block;

[0034] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the foldable container according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing the driving component driving the long side plate to flip into the container;

[0035] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 Enlarged view of point C in the middle;

[0036] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the elastic element in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the foldable container in this embodiment of the invention when the long side plate flips into the container due to its own gravity;

[0038] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the foldable container of the present invention when the long side plate is laid flat.

[0039] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the foldable container of the present invention with all side panels laid flat.

[0040] Figure 11 This is an exploded view of the foldable container according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 12 yes Figure 11 Enlarged view at point E in the middle;

[0042] Figure 13 yes Figure 11 Enlarged view at point F;

[0043] Figure 14 yes Figure 11Enlarged view of point G in the middle;

[0044] Figure 15 yes Figure 11 Enlarged view of section H in the middle;

[0045] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of another embodiment of the foldable container of the present invention when each side plate is vertical;

[0046] Figure 17 yes Figure 16 Enlarged view of the elastic sheet separating from the baffle at point I;

[0047] Figure 18 yes Figure 16 Enlarged view of the elastic sheet at point I abutting against the baffle;

[0048] Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of another embodiment of the foldable container of the present invention when each side plate is vertical;

[0049] Figure 20 yes Figure 19 Enlarged view of point J in the middle;

[0050] Figure 21 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of another embodiment of the foldable container of the present invention when each side plate is vertical;

[0051] Figure 22 yes Figure 21 Enlarged view at point K;

[0052] Figure 23 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of another embodiment of the foldable container of the present invention when each side plate is vertical;

[0053] Figure 24 yes Figure 23 Enlarged view of point L in the middle;

[0054] Figure 25 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of another embodiment of the foldable container of the present invention when each side plate is vertical;

[0055] Figure 26 yes Figure 25 Enlarged view at point M;

[0056] Figure 27 This is a schematic diagram of the short side plate in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0058] 1. Base; 11. Receiving cavity; 12. Fixing rod; 13. Guide component; 131. First guide rod; 132. Second guide rod; 133. Sleeve; 14. Hinge groove; 15. Limiting plate; 16. First part; 17. Second part; 2. Locking mechanism; 21. Stop block; 22. Movable block; 23. Connecting plate; 231. Fixing groove; 24. Elastic hook; 25. Stepped surface; 26. Positioning plate; 3. Drive Components; 31. First torsion spring; 32. First torsion arm; 33. Elastic sheet; 331. Elastic end; 332. Fixed end; 34. Second torsion spring; 341. Second torsion arm; 35. Drive block; 36. Helical spring; 4. Long side plate; 41. Side edge; 42. Mounting rod; 43. Abutment plate; 44. Lower end face; 45. Protrusion; 46. First hook; 5. Short side plate; 51. Baffle; 52. Second hook. Detailed Implementation

[0059] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, those skilled in the art will understand that many technical details have been presented in the various embodiments of the present invention to enable the reader to better understand this application. However, the technical solutions claimed in this application can be implemented even without these technical details and various changes and modifications based on the following embodiments.

[0060] In the following description, certain specific details are set forth for the purpose of illustrating various disclosed embodiments in order to provide a thorough understanding of the various disclosed embodiments. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that embodiments may be practiced without one or more of these specific details. In other instances, well-known apparatuses, structures, and techniques associated with this application may not have been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of the embodiments.

[0061] Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the specification and claims, the word “comprising” and its variations, such as “including” and “having”, shall be understood to have an open, inclusive meaning, that is, to be interpreted as “including, but not limited to”.

[0062] The embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings to provide a clearer understanding of the purpose, features, and advantages of the present invention. It should be understood that the embodiments shown in the drawings are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, but are merely illustrative of the essential spirit of the technical solution of the present invention.

[0063] Throughout this specification, references to "an embodiment" or "an embodiment" indicate that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Therefore, the appearance of "in an embodiment" or "an embodiment" in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, a particular feature, structure, or characteristic may be combined in any manner in one or more embodiments.

[0064] The singular forms “a” and “the” used in this specification and the appended claims include plural references unless otherwise expressly stated herein. It should be noted that the term “or” is generally used to mean “and / or” unless otherwise expressly stated herein.

[0065] In the following description, in order to clearly demonstrate the structure and working method of the present invention, a number of directional terms will be used. However, terms such as "front", "back", "left", "right", "outside", "inside", "outward", "inward", "up", and "down" should be understood as convenient terms and not as limiting terms.

[0066] The following describes embodiments of the foldable container of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, such as... Figures 1 to 7 As shown, the foldable container has a base 1 and two pairs of oppositely arranged side panels, each side panel is hinged to the base 1, and any two adjacent side panels can be locked or unlocked by a locking mechanism 2.

[0067] In addition, the foldable container also includes a pair of driving members 3, each corresponding to any pair of side panels. The driving members 3 are configured such that after the corresponding side panel is unlocked by the locking mechanism 2, they drive the corresponding side panel to fold into the container. In this embodiment, the length of any pair of side panels is shorter than the length of the other pair. That is, one pair of side panels is a long side panel 4, and the other pair is a short side panel 5. In this embodiment, the pair of driving members 3 corresponds to the pair of long side panels 4. Of course, in some embodiments, the pair of driving members 3 may also correspond to the pair of short side panels 5.

[0068] Compared to the prior art, the embodiments of the present invention include a pair of driving members 3 in the foldable container. These driving members 3 correspond to any pair of side panels. The driving members 3 are configured such that after the corresponding side panel is unlocked by the locking mechanism 2, it drives the corresponding side panel to flip into the container. Therefore, when the unlocking mechanism is unlocked, as... Figure 8 The drive unit 3 shown will drive a pair of side plates to rotate into the container at a preset angle, such as... Figure 9 As shown, the pair of side panels will continue to flip into the container due to their own weight until they are flat, as... Figure 10As shown, the staff only needs to lay the other pair of side panels flat, thus saving the staff time in folding the container, improving folding efficiency, and thus improving the practicality of the foldable container.

[0069] Each of the pair of drive members 3 includes an elastic element that deforms when its corresponding side plate is vertically positioned relative to the base 1, and also springs back to reset and drive its corresponding side plate to flip into the container after its corresponding side plate is unlocked.

[0070] Specifically, such as Figure 2 , Figure 17 As shown, in order to drive the corresponding side plates to flip into the container, a pair of driving members 3 are respectively disposed on any of the above-mentioned pair of side plates. The elastic end 331 of the elastic member abuts against the adjacent side plate of the side plate in a direction perpendicular to the side plate in which the elastic member is located. When the side plate in which the elastic member is located is vertically disposed relative to the base 1, the elastic member is compressed and deformed by the adjacent side plate.

[0071] like Figure 2 , Figure 11 , Figure 13 and Figure 17 As shown, any pair of side plates is located between another pair of side plates, and the elastic member is located on the side edge 41 of the side plate. The side plate is arranged opposite to the adjacent side plate of the side plate, and a baffle 51 is also provided on the adjacent side plate. The baffle 51 is located on the side of the side plate where the driving member 3 is located facing outward from the container, and abuts against the elastic end 331 of the elastic member.

[0072] In this embodiment, as Figure 1 As shown, the length of a pair of side plates is longer than the length of a pair of adjacent side plates. That is, a pair of driving members 3 are on a pair of long side plates 4, while a pair of adjacent side plates are a pair of short side plates 5. Of course, in some embodiments, a pair of driving members 3 may also be set on a pair of short side plates 5, while the adjacent side plates are long side plates 4.

[0073] Specifically, such as Figure 2 , Figure 5 , Figure 7 and Figure 12 As shown, the elastic element is a first torsion spring 31. The first torsion spring 31 is disposed on the side 41 of the long side plate 4 in a direction perpendicular to the side 41 of the long side plate 4. The side 41 is disposed opposite to the short side plate 5. One first torsion arm 32 of the first torsion spring 31 abuts against the long side plate 4, while the other first torsion arm 32 abuts against the baffle 51 disposed on the short side plate 5. When the long side plate 4 is vertically disposed, the first torsion spring 31 is compressed. When the locking mechanism 2 is unlocked, the first torsion spring 31 rebounds and resets, pushing the long side plate 4 to flip into the box. After the first torsion spring 31 separates from the baffle 51, the long side plate 4 will further flip and flatten due to its own weight.

[0074] To fix the first torsion spring 31, such as Figure 2 and Figures 5 to 7 As shown, a mounting rod 42 and abutment plate 43 are provided on the side 41 of the long side plate 4. The abutment plate 43 is located on the side of the mounting rod 42 facing into the container, and both the mounting rod 42 and the abutment plate 43 extend from the side 41 toward the short side plate 5, that is, along the length of the long side plate 4. A first torsion spring 31 is sleeved on the mounting rod 42, thereby fixing the first torsion spring 31. One first torsion arm 32 of the first torsion spring 31 abuts against the abutment plate 43, and the other first torsion arm 32 abuts against the baffle 51. When the long side plate 4 is set vertically, the first torsion arm 32 abutting against the baffle 51 is compressed. When the locking mechanism 2 is unlocked, the first torsion arm 32 is reset, thereby pushing the long side plate 4 to flip into the container.

[0075] In another embodiment, such as Figures 16 to 18 As shown, the elastic element can also be an arc-shaped elastic sheet 33, which is recessed towards the baffle 51. The elastic sheet 33 has a fixed end 332 that is opposite to the elastic end 331. The fixed end 332 and the elastic end 331 are opposite to each other along the height direction of the side plate, and the fixed end 332 is fixed to the side plate, that is, the fixed end 332 is fixed to the long side plate 4. When the long side plate 4 is vertically set, the elastic sheet 33 is compressed and deformed by the baffle 51. When the locking mechanism 2 is unlocked, the elastic sheet 33 resets and pushes the long side plate 4 to flip into the container.

[0076] In another embodiment, the driving member 3 may also be disposed on the base 1 and abut against the lower end face 44 of its corresponding side plate away from the inside of the container. In this embodiment, a pair of driving members 3 are respectively disposed below a pair of long side plates 4. Of course, in other embodiments, a pair of driving members 3 may also be respectively disposed below a pair of short side plates 5.

[0077] Specifically, such as Figures 19 to 22 As shown, the elastic element can be a second torsion spring 34, the axis of which is arranged parallel to the corresponding side plate, and one second torsion arm 341 of the second torsion spring 34 abuts against the lower end face 44 of the long side plate 4 away from the container. The other second torsion arm 341 of the second torsion spring 34 abuts against the base 1.

[0078] In addition, to facilitate the rotation of the side plate by the second torsion spring 34, preferably, as shown in Figure 20 and Figure 22As shown, the lower end face 44 has a protrusion 45 at the end away from the container. This protrusion 45 abuts against the second torsion arm 341 of the second torsion spring 34. As shown in the figure, in order to accommodate the driving member 3 and avoid the driving member 3 occupying too much space, a receiving cavity 11 is also provided on the base 1, and the driving member 3 is disposed in the receiving cavity 11. Of course, in some embodiments, the receiving cavity 11 may not be provided on the base 1, but a receiving groove may be provided at the bottom of the side plate, and the driving member 3 may be disposed in the receiving groove.

[0079] like Figure 20 and Figure 22 As shown, the base 1 also has a fixing rod 12, which is located in the receiving cavity 11. The fixing rod 12 is arranged parallel to the long side plate 4. The second torsion spring 34 is sleeved on the fixing rod 12. One second torsion arm 341 of the second torsion spring 34 abuts against the protrusion 45, and the other second torsion arm 341 abuts against the base 1.

[0080] In another embodiment, such as Figures 23 to 26 The driving component 3 also includes a driving block 35. The upper surface of the driving block 35 is an inclined plane that slopes downwards into the container. This inclined plane abuts against the lower surface 44 of the long side plate 4, and a portion of the upper end of the inclined plane protrudes from the lower surface 44. An elastic element is located below the driving block 35 and can drive the driving block 35 to move up and down. When the long side plate 4 is in a vertical position, the elastic element is compressed. When the locking mechanism 2 is unlocked, the elastic element rebounds, driving the driving block 35 to move upwards. Since the upper surface of the driving block 35 is an inclined plane, the driving block 35 can drive the long side plate 4 to flip into the container. This elastic element can be a high-density sponge, such as a sponge cylinder or a sponge sleeve 133. Of course, this elastic element can also be a coil spring 36.

[0081] Specifically, such as Figure 24 and Figure 26 As shown, the base 1 also includes a guide member 13, which operably guides the elastic member. Specifically, the guide member 13 may include a first guide rod 131 disposed below the drive block 35, the first guide rod 131 being vertically arranged, and the elastic member being sleeved on the first guide rod 131. Of course, to fix the elastic member, the guide member 13 may also include a second guide rod 132 disposed on the base 1, the second guide rod 132 being vertically arranged relative to the drive block 35, and the elastic member being sleeved on the second guide rod 132, the second guide rod 132 being coaxially and fixedly connected to the first guide rod 131. Of course, to guide the elastic member, the drive member 3 may also include a sleeve 133 disposed below the drive block 35, the sleeve 133 being vertically arranged, and the elastic member being located within the sleeve 133.

[0082] Additionally, it should be noted that in some embodiments, the guide member 13 may include only one or more of the first guide rod 131, the second guide rod 132, and the sleeve 133.

[0083] like Figure 20 and Figure 24 As shown, the aforementioned elastic element, drive block 35, and guide element 13 are all disposed within the receiving cavity 11.

[0084] Back to Figure 11 , Figure 14 and Figure 15 In order to hinge the side plate to the base 1, multiple hinge slots 14 are provided on the base 1. Each hinge slot 14 is open to the upper surface of the base 1 and the inside of the container, but not to the outside of the container. Multiple hinge members are provided at the bottom of the side plate. Each hinge member is arranged along the length direction of the side plate and is rotatably set in its corresponding hinge slot 14 around the length direction of the side plate.

[0085] Among them, such as Figure 11 , Figure 14 and Figure 15 As shown, the hinge is a hinge pin, and each hinge pin is arranged along the length of the lower surface of the side plate. Each hinge pin corresponds to a hinge groove 14, and the hinge pin is rotatably disposed within the hinge groove 14. A limiting plate 15 is also provided within each hinge groove 14. The limiting plate 15 is fixedly connected to the groove wall of the hinge groove 14 and is located on the side of the hinge pin facing inwards from the container, preventing the hinge pin from falling out of the corresponding hinge groove 14. It should be noted that the side plate and the base 1 can also be hinged in other ways, as long as they do not depart from the scope of this invention, such as using a hinge disposed within the aforementioned hinge groove 14.

[0086] In addition, if Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, any pair of side plates is located between another pair of side plates, that is, a pair of long side plates 4 is located between a pair of short side plates 5. By the first long side plate 4 and the pair of short side plates 5 abutting against each other, the pair of short side plates 5 can be prevented from flipping into the container.

[0087] To lock two adjacent side panels, such as Figure 11 , Figure 12 and Figure 27As shown, the locking mechanism 2 includes a stop block 21 and a movable block 22. The stop block 21 is located on the side edge 41 of one of the pair of side plates, that is, on the side edge 41 of a pair of long side plates 4. The side edge 41 is positioned relative to the adjacent side plate of the one side plate, that is, the side edge 41 is positioned relative to the adjacent short side plate 5. The movable block 22 is slidably disposed on the adjacent side plate in the vertical direction, and the movable block 22 moves upward or downward to a preset position to abut against the stop block 21. Specifically, in this embodiment, the movable block 22 is located on the short side plate 5 and can slide along the height direction of the short side plate 5. When the movable block 22 moves downward to the preset position and abuts against the inside of the box, the long side plate 4 is prevented from flipping into the box. When the movable block 22 moves upward, the movable block 22 and the stop block 21 are separated from each other. At this time, the movable block 22 does not abut against the stop block 21, and the long side plate 4 can flip into the box.

[0088] In order to move the movable block 22 up and down, such as Figure 27 As shown, a connecting plate 23 is also provided on the short side plate 5. This connecting plate 23 is fixedly connected to two movable blocks 22 located at both ends of the short side plate 5. Pulling the connecting plate 23 up and down will cause the two movable blocks 22 to move up and down. To prevent the connecting plate 23 from shifting, the short side plate 5 has a stepped surface 25 located below the connecting plate 23, supporting the connecting plate 23. Simultaneously, a positioning plate 26 is also provided on the inner side of the short side plate 5. This positioning plate 26 is located on the side of the connecting plate 23 facing the inside of the housing. The short side plate 5, the positioning plate 26, and the stepped surface 25 can essentially limit the position of the connecting plate 23, ensuring that the connecting plate 23 can only move up and down. Additionally, as... Figure 27 As shown, a fixing groove 231 is also provided on the connecting plate 23. The fixing groove 231 is arranged along the height direction of the short side plate 5 and passes through the connecting plate 23. An elastic hook 24 is also provided on the short side plate 5. The elastic hook 24 passes through the connecting plate 23, hooks and holds the connecting plate 23 tightly, and prevents the connecting plate 23 from moving downward due to its own weight. In this embodiment, there are two elastic hooks 24 and two fixing grooves 231.

[0089] Of course, it should be noted that the locking mechanism 2 can adopt other structures besides the above-described structure, as long as it does not depart from the scope of the present invention. For example, a through hole can be made in the short side plate 5, and a blind hole can be made in the side plate of the long side plate 4. When both the long side plate 4 and the short side plate 5 are vertically arranged, the through hole and the blind hole are coaxially arranged. At the same time, the locking mechanism 2 is a pin, which is inserted into the through hole and the blind hole. When unlocking is required, the pin can be withdrawn from the blind hole.

[0090] In addition, if Figures 11 to 13 , Figure 17 , Figure 18 , Figure 27As shown, any two adjacent side plates are also interlocked. For example, a first hook 46 is provided on the long side plate 4, and a second hook 52 is provided on the short side plate 5. The first hook 46 is hung on the second hook 52, so that the long side plate 4 and the short side plate 5 are interlocked.

[0091] In addition, if Figure 9 and Figure 11 As shown, the first portion 16 where the base 1 is hinged to any pair of side plates is lower by a predetermined distance than the second portion 17 where the base 1 is hinged to the other pair of side plates. A pair of driving members 3 correspond to any pair of side plates. In this embodiment, any pair of side plates is a pair of long side plates 4, while the other pair is a pair of short side plates 5. That is, the pair of driving members 3 corresponds to the pair of long side plates 4, enabling them to drive the pair of long side plates 4 to flip into the container. The first portion 16 where the base 1 is hinged to the pair of long side plates 4 is lower by a predetermined distance than the second portion 17 where the base 1 is hinged to the pair of short side plates 5. This predetermined distance is the thickness of the long side plate 4.

[0092] Since the hinged part of the base 1 to the pair of long side plates 4 is lower by a preset distance than the hinged part of the base 1 to the pair of short side plates 5, the long side plates 4 will not interfere with the short side plates 5 when the long side plates 4 are laid flat, thus avoiding the phenomenon that the short side plates 5 cannot be laid flat.

[0093] The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, but it should be understood that, if necessary, aspects of the embodiments can be modified to utilize aspects, features, and concepts from various patents, applications, and publications to provide other embodiments.

[0094] In light of the detailed description above, these and other changes can be made to the embodiments. Generally, the terminology used in the claims should not be considered limited to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification and claims, but should be understood to include all possible embodiments together with the full scope of equivalents enjoyed by these claims.

[0095] Those skilled in the art will understand that the above embodiments are specific examples of implementing the present invention, and in practical applications, various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A foldable container, characterized in that, The foldable container has a base and two pairs of oppositely arranged side plates, each of the side plates being hinged to the base, and any two adjacent side plates being locked or unlocked by a locking mechanism. The foldable container also includes a pair of driving members, each corresponding to any pair of side panels. The driving members are configured such that when the corresponding side panel is unlocked by the locking mechanism, the driving member drives the corresponding side panel to flip into the container. Each of the driving members includes an elastic element, which is used to deform when the corresponding side panel is vertically positioned relative to the base, and also to spring back and reset to drive the corresponding side panel to flip into the container after the corresponding side panel is unlocked.

2. The foldable container according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pair of driving members are respectively disposed on any pair of side plates. The elastic end of the elastic member abuts against the adjacent side plate of the side plate in a direction perpendicular to the side plate in which it is located. When the side plate in which it is located is vertically disposed relative to the base, the elastic member is compressed and deformed by the adjacent side plate.

3. The foldable container according to claim 2, characterized in that, The pair of side plates is located between the other pair of side plates. The elastic element is located on the side of the side plate it is located on. The side is positioned opposite the adjacent side plate of the side plate it is located on. A baffle is provided on the adjacent side plate. The baffle is located on the side of the side plate it is located facing outward from the container and abuts against the elastic end of the elastic element.

4. The foldable container according to claim 3, characterized in that, The elastic element is a first torsion spring, which is disposed on the side in a direction perpendicular to the side, and one first torsion arm of the first torsion spring abuts against the side plate where it is located, and the other first torsion arm abuts against the baffle.

5. The foldable container according to claim 4, characterized in that, An installation rod and abutment plate are provided on the side. The abutment plate is located on the side of the installation rod facing the inside of the container. Both the installation rod and the abutment plate extend from the side along the length of the side plate. The first torsion spring is sleeved on the installation rod, and the first torsion arm abuts against the abutment plate.

6. The foldable container according to claim 3, characterized in that, The elastic element is an arc-shaped elastic sheet, which is recessed towards the baffle. The elastic sheet has a fixed end that is opposite to the elastic end. The fixed end and the elastic end are opposite to each other along the height direction of the side plate, and the fixed end is fixed to the side plate.

7. The foldable container according to claim 1, characterized in that, The driving component is mounted on the base and abuts against the lower end face of its corresponding side plate away from the inside of the container.

8. The foldable container according to claim 7, characterized in that, The elastic element is a second torsion spring, the axis of which is arranged parallel to the corresponding side plate, and a second torsion arm of the second torsion spring abuts against the lower end face away from the container.

9. The foldable container according to claim 8, characterized in that, The lower end face has a protrusion at the end away from the container, and the protrusion abuts against the second torsion arm.

10. The foldable container according to claim 7, characterized in that, The driving component further includes a driving block, the upper end face of which is an inclined surface that slopes downwards into the container, the lower end face abuts against the inclined surface, and the elastic element is disposed below the driving block to operably drive the driving block to move up and down.

11. The foldable container according to claim 10, characterized in that, A first guide rod is also provided below the drive block. The first guide rod is vertically arranged, and the elastic element is sleeved on the first guide rod. Alternatively, the base is further provided with a second guide rod, the second guide rod being vertically positioned relative to the drive block, and the elastic element being sleeved on the second guide rod; Alternatively, the driving component may further include a sleeve disposed below the driving block, the sleeve being vertically disposed, and the elastic element being located inside the sleeve.

12. The foldable container according to claim 7, characterized in that, A receiving cavity is formed on the upper surface of the base, and the driving component is disposed in the receiving cavity.

13. The foldable container according to claim 1, characterized in that, The base is also provided with a plurality of hinge slots, each hinge slot being located below each side plate, and the hinge slots opening toward the upper surface of the base and into the container; The bottom of the side plate is provided with multiple hinge members, which are arranged along the length direction of the side plate. The hinge members are rotatably disposed in their respective hinge slots around the length direction of the side plate.

14. The foldable container according to claim 13, characterized in that, The locking mechanism includes: (The first pair of side plates is located between the second pair of side plates.) A stop block is disposed on the side of one of the side plates in any pair of side plates, the side plate being disposed opposite to the adjacent side plate of the one side plate; A movable block is slidably disposed on the adjacent side plate in a vertical direction, and the movable block can move up or down to a preset position to abut against the stop block.

15. The foldable container according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first part of the base that is hinged to any pair of side plates is at a predetermined distance lower than the second part of the base that is hinged to the other pair of side plates.

16. The foldable container according to claim 15, characterized in that, The length of any pair of side plates is shorter than the length of the other pair of side plates.

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