Collapsible container

Abstract

This invention discloses a foldable container, comprising a base, two first side plates, and at least one second side plate. Each first side plate includes a first lower plate and a first upper plate. The first lower plate is foldably connected to the base, and its top side has a first placement opening facing the interior and top opening of the foldable container. The first upper plate is movably connected to the first upper plate, and its top opening of the first placement opening can be operably opened. The second side plate is made of plastic and is located between the two first side plates. The bottom of the second side plate is foldably connected to the base and includes a second lower plate and a second upper plate. The second lower plate is foldably connected to the base. The top side of the second upper plate is hinged to the second lower plate, and the second upper plate can be operably flipped around the hinge point of the second lower plate to the outside of the foldable container. The inner surface of the second upper plate is smooth, and its outer surface is a ribbed injection-molded surface.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of logistics and transportation, and in particular to a foldable container. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, the demand for new energy batteries has become increasingly widespread. These batteries require large quantities of materials such as aluminum foil, making bulk storage and transportation essential. Ensuring the safety of these materials during storage and transportation is crucial, preventing damage from wear and tear. Current methods involve transporting these materials in finished rolls wound on spools, placed in transport boxes. Due to the material's weight, the rolls require two robust support plates inside the transport box. These plates are fixed to a base, and the spool rests on them, providing sufficient strength to support the rolls without causing deformation or wear from the materials resting on the base. To prevent movement during transport, clamping plates are connected to the support plates, securing both ends of the spool. Because of the roll's weight, the clamping plates are large and work in conjunction with the support plates to stabilize and reduce pressure on them. This structure supports and positions the finished rolls, but the excessive number of plates and the large size of the structure make the overall structure of the transport box complex. Placing or removing the finished rolls requires moving the pallets, which consumes a lot of manpower and is inconvenient to use. In addition, the presence of the pallets and support plates in the transport box makes the transport box bulky, occupying a lot of space when empty, making transportation and storage inconvenient.

[0003] Furthermore, transport boxes are generally made of injection-molded material. The side panels of the transport boxes are usually perforated injection-molded plates formed by intersecting reinforcing ribs, and the ribbed injection-molded surface of the side is the inner surface of the transport box. Before loading the materials to be transported, the transport box needs to be opened to expose the ribbed injection-molded surface to the outside. If it rains, liquid may accumulate on the ribbed injection-molded surface, which is not conducive to subsequent processing and use. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a foldable container to solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0005] To address the aforementioned technical problems, embodiments of the present invention provide a foldable container, comprising:

[0006] Base;

[0007] Two first side plates, the bottom of the two first side plates being foldably connected to the opposite sides of the base, each first side plate comprising:

[0008] A first lower plate, foldably connected to the base, each first lower plate having a first placement opening on its top side for receiving the end of a stored item, the first placement opening facing the interior of the foldable container and the top opening; and

[0009] A first upper plate body, the top side of the first upper plate body is movably connected to the first upper plate body, and the top opening of the first placement port can be operably opened by the first upper plate body;

[0010] At least one second side plate, the second side plate being a plastic sheet, a second side plate being disposed between two first side plates, the bottom of the second side plate being foldably connected to the base and comprising:

[0011] The second lower plate is foldably connected to the base; and

[0012] The second upper plate is hinged to the top side of the second lower plate. The second upper plate can be operably flipped around the hinge of the second lower plate to the outside of the foldable container. The inner surface of the second upper plate is a smooth surface, and the outer surface is a ribbed injection molded surface.

[0013] In one embodiment, the inner surface of the second lower plate is a ribbed injection molded surface.

[0014] In one embodiment, the second upper plate and the second lower plate have the same height dimension in the vertical direction.

[0015] In one embodiment, the top two ends of the first lower plate extend upwards and are spaced apart to form a recessed groove, and the first placement opening is opened at the bottom of the recessed groove; the side wall of the first lower plate is connected to the side wall of the second lower plate.

[0016] In one embodiment, the second lower plate is connected to the first lower plate by an elastic locking member;

[0017] The elastic locking member is connected to one of the side of the second lower plate and the first lower plate, and the other is provided with a slot to accommodate the elastic locking member.

[0018] In one embodiment, a pad embedded in the first lower plate is provided in the first placement opening, the pad being detachably connected to the first lower plate; and the pad is used to support the end of the storage item.

[0019] In one embodiment, the padding member includes an outer cover, the outer cover comprising:

[0020] A receiving portion, exposed in the first placement opening, for receiving the end of the stored item, and

[0021] A partition, connected to the receiving portion and extending towards the top, is located on the side of the first placement opening facing outwards from the foldable container and is used to limit the storage item.

[0022] In one embodiment, the outer shell further includes an insertion portion connected to the bottom of the receiving portion, the insertion portion being located in the first lower plate body;

[0023] The padding element further includes a reinforcing member, which is located within the outer casing and has the following characteristics:

[0024] An extension extending along the length of the first lower plate, the extension being located within the receiving portion, and

[0025] A limiting portion connected to the extension and extending in a direction away from the base, the limiting portion being located within the barrier portion;

[0026] The first lower plate has supporting ribs, which are located inside the insertion part.

[0027] In one embodiment, the reinforcing body is a metal part, and the outer shell is a plastic part.

[0028] In one embodiment, the bottom of the first upper plate of each first side plate is provided with a second placement opening for cooperating with the first placement opening to accommodate the end of the storage item, the second placement opening facing the interior and bottom opening of the foldable container.

[0029] In one embodiment, the second placement opening is provided with a pressing member embedded in the first upper plate and used to press and cover the end of the storage item, the pressing member being detachably connected to the first upper plate.

[0030] In one embodiment, the holding member is an elastic member.

[0031] In one embodiment, the first placement port extends through the first lower plate along the thickness direction of the first lower plate; the second placement port extends through the first upper plate along the thickness direction of the first upper plate.

[0032] The foldable container also includes an end cap; the end cap is disposed on the outer surface of the first side plate and is movably connected to the first side plate, and operably covers the first placement opening and the second placement opening.

[0033] In one embodiment, the outer surface of the first side plate is provided with a placement groove extending along the height direction of the foldable container; a portion of the placement groove is located in the first upper plate and another portion is located in the first lower plate; and the first placement opening and the second placement opening pass through the placement groove.

[0034] The end cap is slidably disposed in the placement groove; when the end cap slides to the bottom end of the placement groove, the end cap covers the first placement opening and the second placement opening; when the end cap slides to the top end of the placement groove, the end cap leaves the first lower plate.

[0035] In one embodiment, the end cap has a limiting plate extending toward the interior of the collapsible container; when the end cap covers the first and second placement openings, the limiting plate is operably abutted against the top of the barrier.

[0036] In one embodiment, the first lower plate is hinged to the base via a reinforcing shaft;

[0037] The first upper plate and the first lower plate of each of the first side plates are hinged together, and the first upper plate is operably flipped around the hinge point with the first lower plate to the outside of the foldable container.

[0038] In one embodiment, the bottom corner of the second side plate engages with the base.

[0039] In one embodiment, the bottom corner of the second side plate has a protruding foot, and the top of the base has an embedding groove for the protruding foot to be inserted; and the side of the protruding foot facing the inside of the foldable container is an inclined surface that matches the groove wall of the embedding groove.

[0040] In one embodiment, the foldable container further includes a cover that is operably fitted over the top of the first side panel and the second side panel;

[0041] The top of the cover plate has a protrusion; when multiple foldable containers are stacked, the base is located in the area enclosed by the protrusion.

[0042] In this invention, the ribbed injection-molded surface of the second upper plate is set as the outer surface, and the smooth surface is set as the inner surface. When the foldable container is in a semi-open state, the inner surface of the second upper plate is exposed to the outside of the foldable container, that is, the smooth surface is located on the outside of the foldable container, and the ribbed injection-molded surface is attached to the outer surface of the second lower plate. Even in rainy weather, rainwater will fall off from the smooth surface of the second upper plate and will not cause liquid accumulation. Attached Figure Description

[0043] 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.

[0044] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a foldable container according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the storage item located in a collapsible container according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A magnified view of part B in the image; Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of a foldable container according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A magnified view of part A in the image;

[0048] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the first side plate according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0049] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first upper plate and the second upper plate after they have been flipped over when the storage item is located in the foldable container according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0050] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of the storage item being located in a collapsible container according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0051] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 A magnified view of part C;

[0052] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the storage item located in the foldable container, where the second side plate and the base cooperate;

[0053] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 A magnified view of part D;

[0054] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second side plate folded onto the base according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0055] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first side plate and the second side plate folded onto the base according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0056] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the foldable container after folding, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0057] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the stacked structure of a foldable container after folding, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0058] Reference numerals: 100, foldable container; 1, base; 11, support foot; 12, embedding groove; 2, first side plate; 21, first lower plate; 210, first placement opening; 211, support rib; 212, recessed groove; 213, flange; 214, slot; 215, guide surface; 20, elastic locking element; 201, elastic rod; 202, protrusion; 203, first inclined surface; 21, groove; 22. First upper plate; 220. Second placement opening; 3. Second side plate; 31. Second lower plate; 311. Protruding foot; 312. Edge guard; 32. Second upper plate; 321. Smooth surface; 322. Ribbed injection molded surface; 4. Cover plate; 42. Protrusion; 5. Reinforcing shaft; 6. Storage item; 61. Reel; 62. Product; 7. Pad; 71. Receiving part; 72. Partition; 75. Insertion part; 73. Reinforcing body; 731. Extension part; 732. Limiting part; 74. Outer shell; 8. Holding part; 20. Placement groove; 201. First limiting protrusion; 202. Protruding rib; 203. Second limiting protrusion; 204. First insertion opening; 205. Second insertion opening; 9. End cap; 91. Limiting plate; 92. Recess; 93. Slide; 94. Locking fastener. Detailed Implementation

[0059] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the various embodiments of this 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 provided in the various embodiments of this invention to facilitate a better understanding of this application. However, the technical solutions claimed in the claims of this application can be implemented even without these technical details and with various variations and modifications based on the following embodiments.

[0060] 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”.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] Embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0066] This invention relates to a foldable container 100. For example... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the foldable container 100 is used to hold transport storage items 6. The storage items 6 have a spool 61 and a product 62 wound on the spool 61. Both ends of the spool 61 extend beyond the product 62 and are operably inserted into the first side plate 2 of the foldable container 100. The product 62 may be made of aluminum or the like. The foldable container 100 includes: a base 1, a pair of opposing first side plates 2 and a pair of opposing second side plates 3 foldably connected to the base 1, with adjacent first side plates 2 and second side plates 3 operably connected and surrounding the base 1. Each second side plate 3 is connected between the pair of first side plates 2. Both the pair of first side plates 2 and the pair of second side plates 3 are detachably connected to the base 1 and are arranged around the periphery of the base. Figure 6 In this embodiment, the first side panel 2 has a longitudinal folded section. The first side panel 2 and the second side panel 3 can be hinged together. The first side panel 2 folds along the folded section into the receiving space area, so that the first side panel 2 has two parts that are attached together. The connection between the first side panel 2 and the second side panel 3 is also bent, and the first side panel 2 is sandwiched between the two second side panels 3. Understandably, in other embodiments, the first side panel 2 and the second side panel 3 can also be detachably connected, so that the first side panel 2 and the second side panel 3 can be transported and stored after being disassembled. The first side panel 2 and the second side panel 3 can also have other folding forms, not limited to the folding forms described above.

[0067] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 7As shown, the first side plate 2 has a first lower plate 21 that is foldably connected to the base 1, and a first upper plate 22 that is movably connected to the top side of the first lower plate 21. In the embodiment shown, the first upper plate 22 is hinged to the first lower plate 21, and the first upper plate 22 can be folded outwards to the outer surface of the first lower plate 21. In other embodiments, the first upper plate 22 and the first lower plate 21 can also be detachably connected, and the first upper plate 22 can be removed from the first lower plate 21 and can also be locked by a simple locking structure.

[0068] The top sides of the two lower plates 21 are mounting sides, and first placement openings 210 for receiving the ends of the storage item 6 are provided on the mounting sides. The first placement openings 210 of the two lower plates 21 are arranged opposite each other to accommodate the two ends of the storage item 6. Specifically, the first placement openings 210 face the interior and top opening of the foldable container 100. After the upper plate 22 is folded outward, the first placement openings 210 can be opened. The storage item 6 has two ends, and the two ends protrude from both ends of the storage item 6 and can be placed into the first placement openings 210 of the two lower plates 21 respectively. After the upper plate 22 is folded, the height of the first side plate 2 becomes lower, which is equivalent to exposing part of the interior space of the foldable container 100, making it easier to place the storage item 6 into the foldable container 100. After the storage item 6 is placed, the upper plate 22 is flipped to a vertical position to cover the top opening of the first placement opening 210. This allows the storage item 6 to be completely placed in the foldable container 100, and the first upper plate 22 limits the storage item 6 to prevent it from shaking or bouncing.

[0069] The implementation details of this embodiment are described below. The following content is only for the convenience of understanding and is not necessary for implementing this solution.

[0070] The collapsible container 100 also includes a cover 4, which is operably fitted over the top of the first side panel 2 and the second side panel 3. The top of the cover 4 has a protrusion 42, and when multiple collapsible containers 100 are stacked, the base 1 is located in the area enclosed by the protrusion 42.

[0071] In this embodiment, the foldable container 100 is a pallet box, and the materials of the first side plate 2, the second side plate 3 and the base 1 are PP (polypropylene). Understandably, other plastic materials may also be used.

[0072] As can be seen from the above, the first side panel 2 has a first lower plate 21 and a first upper plate 22, which are movably connected to the first lower plate 21. This allows the first placement opening 210 on the first lower plate 21 to be opened, enabling the storage item 6 to be placed into the foldable container 100. Both ends of the storage item 6 are placed in the first placement openings 210 of the two lower plates 21. The first upper plate 22 will not interfere with the placement or removal of the storage item 6. After the storage item 6 is placed, the first lower plate 21 can close the first placement opening 210 to position the storage item 6. The simple structure of the first side panel 2 allows for convenient positioning and use of the storage item 6. Furthermore, the foldable design of the first side panel 2 and the second side panel 3, along with the base 1, minimizes space occupation when empty, facilitating transportation and storage.

[0073] In addition, such as Figure 2 As shown, the first lower plate 21 is hinged to the base 1 via a reinforcing shaft 5. The reinforcing shaft 5 is a metal shaft, which makes the foldable container 100 stronger and able to support the stored items 6.

[0074] Furthermore, such as Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the first upper plate 22 has a second placement opening 220 on the side facing the base 1 for accommodating the end of the storage item 6 with the first placement opening 210. The second placement opening 220 faces the inside and bottom opening of the foldable container 100. When the first upper plate 22 is flipped to a vertical position, the bottom opening of the second placement opening 220 and the top opening of the first placement opening 210 are substantially aligned in the vertical direction, and the first upper plate 22 cooperates with the first lower plate 21 to hold the storage item 6. As shown, the shapes of the first placement opening 210 and the second placement opening 220 can match the scroll 61. In some embodiments, the second placement opening 220 may not be provided on the first upper plate 22.

[0075] Optionally, the diameter of the first placement opening 210 and the diameter of the second placement opening 220 are equal and equal to the diameter of the scroll 61, that is, half of the scroll 61 is in the first placement opening 210 and the other half is in the second placement opening 220. In other embodiments, the diameter of the first placement opening 210 may be smaller and the diameter of the second placement opening 220 may be larger, that is, a small portion of the scroll 61 is placed in the first placement opening 210, thereby facilitating the tooling to insert or pull the scroll 61 into or out of the first placement opening 210.

[0076] Furthermore, the first placement opening 210 penetrates the first lower plate 21 along the thickness direction of the first lower plate 21. The second placement opening 220 penetrates the first upper plate 22 along the thickness direction of the first upper plate 22.

[0077] In addition, such as Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, a pad 7 is embedded in the first lower plate 21 within the first placement opening 210. The pad 7 is detachably connected to the first lower plate 21 and serves to support the end of the storage item 6. The pad 7 can be replaced with one that matches the diameter of the reel 61. In some embodiments, the pad 7 may be omitted, and the end of the storage item 6 may be placed directly within the first placement opening 210.

[0078] Furthermore, such as Figure 2 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the pad 7 includes an outer casing 74 and a reinforcing body 73. The outer casing 74 includes a receiving portion 71 exposed in the first placement opening 210 for receiving one end of the stored item 6, and a blocking portion 72 connected to the receiving portion 71 and extending in a direction away from the base 1. As shown, the blocking portion 72 protrudes outside the receiving portion 71 and extends upward. The blocking portion 72 is located on the side of the first placement opening 210 facing outward from the foldable container 100 and is used to limit the storage item 6, preventing the storage item 6 from sliding between the two first side plates 2. More notably, the top of the receiving portion 71 is a concave arc-shaped surface, which can better match the scroll 61 placed on it.

[0079] In addition, the inner diameter of the receiving part 71 is the same as the outer diameter of the scroll 61. This sameness can be understood as almost the same. Even slight dimensional differences are within the scope of this method, so that the scroll 61 is not easy to rotate on the receiving part 71 and can be placed stably.

[0080] In addition, the outer cover 74 also has an insertion part 75 connected to the bottom of the receiving part 71, and the insertion part 75 is detachably inserted into the first lower plate 21.

[0081] The reinforcing member 73 is located within the outer casing 74 and includes an extension 731 and a limiting member 732. The extension 731 extends along the length of the first lower plate 21 and is located within the receiving portion 71. The limiting member 732 is connected to the extension 731 and extends upward, and is located within the barrier portion 72. The outer casing 74 is generally made of plastic or other rubber materials, such as TPU, TPE, TPEE, or TPV. The outer casing 74 is in direct contact with the end of the storage component, which can prevent damage to the end of the storage component. The reinforcing member 73 is generally made of metal and can enhance the support of the pad 7.

[0082] Furthermore, such as Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the first lower plate 21 has a supporting rib 211, and the insertion part 75 is inserted into the first lower plate 21, with the supporting rib 211 inserted into the insertion part 75.

[0083] Furthermore, such as Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the insertion part 75 includes two spaced-apart plates. Multiple insertion parts 75 are present, and a support rib 211 is inserted between the two plates. Multiple support ribs 211 are also present and arranged along the length of the first lower plate 21. This allows the pressure of the storage item 6 to be transmitted to each plate via the extension part 731, dispersing the force and thus improving the support effect of the first lower plate 21, enabling it to withstand heavier storage items 6. In other embodiments, the insertion part can be other structures, such as multiple protrusions 202 inserted into the first lower plate 21, which can disperse the force transmitted from the storage item 6, preventing the force of the storage item 6 pressing on the pad 7 from concentrating at a single point and achieving uniform force distribution.

[0084] Furthermore, such as Figure 6 As shown, the bottom of the base 1 has multiple support feet 11, and at least two support feet 11 are located directly below the two first placement openings 210. The support feet 11 located below the first placement openings 210 can withstand the pressure transmitted from the insert, and the interior of the support feet 11 located below the first placement openings 210 can be made into a solid force-bearing block.

[0085] Furthermore, a clamping member 8 is provided within the second placement opening 220, embedded in the first upper plate 22, for pressing and covering one end of the stored item 6. The clamping member 8 is detachably connected to the first upper plate 22. The clamping member 8 can be replaced with one that matches the diameter of the reel 61.

[0086] More importantly, such as Figure 2 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 As shown, the bottom of the pressure member 8 (i.e. the downward-facing surface in the figure) is a concave arc-shaped surface, which can better match the scroll 61 placed on it.

[0087] In addition, such as Figure 2 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 As shown, the inner diameter of the holding member 8 is the same as the outer diameter of the roll 61. This sameness can be understood as almost the same. Even slight dimensional differences are within the scope of this method, so that the roll 61 is not easy to rotate on the holding member 8 and is placed stably.

[0088] Furthermore, such as Figure 2 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 As shown, the clamping member 8 is an elastic member. Optionally, the clamping member 8 can be made of EVA or rubber, etc. It further protects the roll 61, and when multiple foldable containers 100 are stacked, the clamping member 8 can prevent damage to the roll 61 due to excessive pressure from the upper layer.

[0089] in addition, Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 4 , Figure 12 As shown, a placement groove 20 extending along the height direction of the foldable container 100 is provided on the outer surface of the first side plate 2. A part of the placement groove 20 is located on the first upper bottom plate, and another part is located on the lower bottom plate. The first placement opening 210 and the second placement opening 220 pass through the placement groove 20. The end cap 9 is slidably disposed in the placement groove 20 and has a first position and a second position. When the end cap 9 is in the first position, that is, when it slides to the bottom of the placement groove 20, the end cap 9 covers the first placement opening 210 and the second placement opening 220. When the end cap 9 is in the second position, that is, when it slides to the top of the placement groove 20, the end cap 9 leaves the first lower plate 21. By covering the first placement opening 210 and the second placement opening 220 with the end cap 9, the stored item 6 can be protected. At the same time, the first upper plate 22 and the first lower plate 21 are connected, and the two first upper plates 22 and the first lower plate 21 are reinforced and locked together.

[0090] In some embodiments, the end cap 9 may not be slidably disposed in the placement groove 20. The end cap 9 is detachably connected to the first side plate 2. In this case, the placement groove 20 is optional. When the end cap 9 needs to cover the first placement opening 210 and the second placement opening 220, the end cap 9 is installed on the first side plate 2. When the first placement opening 210 and the second placement opening 220 are opened, the end cap 9 is removed from the first side plate 2. The end cap 9 can be snapped onto the first side plate 2.

[0091] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the end cap 9 may only cover the first placement opening 210. That is, the end cap 9 may only be located on the first lower plate 21 without connecting the first upper plate 22 and the first lower plate 21. This is applicable to structures with or without a second placement opening 220. When the end cap 9 can only cover the first placement opening 210, the end cap 9 can be slidably connected to the first lower plate 21. In this case, the placement groove 20 is only formed on the first lower plate 21.

[0092] In some embodiments without a second placement port 220, when the end cap 9 is in the first position, the end cap 9 only covers the first placement port 210, and the end cap 9 can also be connected to the first upper plate 22 and the second lower plate 31. Alternatively, when the end cap 9 is in the first position, it may only be on the first lower plate 21 and not on the first upper plate 22.

[0093] Furthermore, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 4 , Figure 12As shown, a first insertion port 204 and a second insertion port 205 are respectively provided on a pair of oppositely arranged first sidewalls of the placement groove 20, and the first sidewalls extend along the height direction of the first side plate 2. The first insertion port 204 is located in the area where the first lower plate 21 is located, and the second insertion port 205 is located in the area where the first upper plate 22 is located. The end cover 9 has a locking member, and the locking tongue of the locking member can be operably inserted into the first insertion port 204 or the second insertion port 205. When the end cover 9 is in the first position, the locking tongue of the locking member can be operably inserted into the first insertion port 204; when the end cover 9 is in the second position, the locking tongue of the locking member can be operably inserted into the second insertion port 205.

[0094] In addition, the first insertion port 204 is partially opened on the first upper plate 22, and the other part is opened on the first lower plate 21.

[0095] Furthermore, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 4 , Figure 12 As shown, each of the pair of first sidewalls has a first limiting protrusion 201 facing the placement groove 20, and the end cap 9 is clamped between the first limiting protrusions 201 of the pair of first sidewalls. This allows the end cap 9 to slide stably up and down without shifting left and right.

[0096] In addition, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 4 , Figure 12 As shown, the placement groove 20 has a protruding rib 202 extending along the height direction of the first side plate 2, and the end cap 9 has a slide 93 for embedding the protruding rib 202 on the side facing the foldable container 100. The protruding rib 202 and the slide 93 cooperate to provide sliding guidance for the end cap 9.

[0097] in addition, Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 4 , Figure 12 As shown, the placement groove 20 has a rib 202 extending along the height direction of the first side plate 2, and the end cap 9 has a slide 93 for embedding the rib 202 on the side facing the foldable container 100. The rib 202 and the slide 93 cooperate to provide sliding guidance for the end cap 9.

[0098] Furthermore, Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 4 , Figure 12As shown, the top and bottom walls of the placement groove 20 each have a second limiting protrusion 203 protruding towards the placement groove 20, and the top and bottom of the end cap 9 each have a recess 92. When the end cap 9 is in the first position, the second limiting protrusion 203 of the bottom wall of the placement groove 20 is inserted into the recess 92 at the bottom of the end cap 9; when the end cap 9 is in the second position, the second limiting protrusion 203 of the top wall of the placement groove 20 is inserted into the recess 92 at the top of the end cap 9. Further, the end cap 9 has a limiting plate 91 extending within the foldable container 100. When the end cap 9 covers the first placement opening 210 and the second placement opening 220, the limiting plate 91 is operably abutted against the top of the barrier portion 72.

[0099] Furthermore, the second side panel 3 has a second lower plate 31 foldably connected to the base 1, and a second upper plate 32 hinged to the top side of the second lower plate 31. The second upper plate 32 can be flipped out of the foldable container 100 around its hinge point with the second lower plate 31. When placing or removing the storage item 6 into or from the foldable container 100, the second upper plate 32 can be flipped outward to the outside of the first lower plate 21, thereby facilitating the entry and exit of the storage item 6 into and out of the foldable container 100. The hinge structure of the second upper plate 32 and the second lower plate 31 can be similar to the hinge structure of the first upper plate 22 and the first lower plate 21. In some embodiments, only one of the two second side panels 3 may have a second upper plate 32 and a second lower plate 31, or the second side panels 3 may not be foldable.

[0100] In addition, such as Figure 2 and Figure 7 As shown, the outer surface of the second upper plate 32 is a ribbed injection-molded surface 322, and the inner surface is a smooth surface 321. The second upper plate 32 is an injection-molded plate. For storing items 6 with a certain weight, both the first side plate 2 and the second side plate 3 need to have high strength. To enhance the strength of the second upper plate 32, in practice, the second upper plate 32 is generally injection-molded with one side having a ribbed injection-molded surface 322 formed by intersecting reinforcing ribs, and the other side is cut into a smooth surface 321. The ribbed injection-molded surface 322 not only enhances the strength of the second upper plate 32 but also reduces its weight.

[0101] In practice, for aesthetic and practical purposes, the ribbed injection-molded surface is generally designated as the inner surface, and the smooth surface as the outer surface. However, when storing components, the first lower plate 21 and the second lower plate 31 of the foldable container 100 need to be opened, meaning the second lower plate 31 and the first lower plate 21 are in a vertical position, while the second upper plate 32 is folded to the outside of the container, exposing its outer surface to the outside of the foldable container 100. At this time, because the outer surface of the second upper plate 32 has a ribbed injection-molded surface, rainwater will directly accumulate in the holes on the outer surface during rainy weather. When the second upper plate 32 is folded to a vertical position, the water stored in the holes on the outer surface will directly spill into the foldable container 100, which is detrimental to the transportation of product 62.

[0102] In this invention, the ribbed injection-molded surface 322 of the second upper plate 32 is set as the outer surface, and the smooth surface 321 is set as the inner surface. When the foldable container 100 is in a semi-open state, the inner surface of the second upper plate 32 is exposed to the outside of the foldable container, that is, the smooth surface 321 is located on the outside of the foldable container 100, and the ribbed injection-molded surface 322 is attached to the outer surface of the second lower plate 31. Even in rainy weather, rainwater will fall off from the smooth surface 321 of the second upper plate 32 and will not accumulate.

[0103] It should be understood that the smooth surface 321 mentioned in this invention refers to the inner surface of the second upper plate 32 being configured to not have holes that would allow liquid to accumulate. The smoothness of the smooth surface 321 is not strictly limited. The smooth surface 321 can also have a certain degree of roughness, as long as it does not cause liquid to accumulate.

[0104] As a preferred embodiment, the inner surface of the second lower plate 31 is a ribbed injection-molded surface, and the outer surface is a smooth surface. After the foldable container 100 is opened, the outer surface of the second lower plate 31 of the first side plate 2 is a smooth surface, and the outer surface of the second upper plate 32 is a ribbed injection-molded surface.

[0105] in addition, Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 7 , Figure 10 As shown, the second upper plate 32 and the second lower plate 31 have the same height. Therefore, the second upper plate 32 will not cause interference after being flipped, and the base 1 can be placed stably on the ground.

[0106] Furthermore, Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 8 , Figure 9As shown, the second lower plate 31 is connected to the first lower plate 21 by an elastic locking member. The first lower plate 21 is at least partially bent to the side where the second side plate 3 is located, forming a flange 213. The elastic locking member 20 is operably hooked onto the second lower plate 31 and abuts against the inner surface of the flange 213. After the second upper plate 32 is flipped, the elastic locking member 20 keeps the second lower plate 31 stably connected to the first lower plate 21, preventing the second lower plate 31 from tipping into the foldable container 100. When the second lower plate 31 needs to be bent onto the base 1, an external force can be applied to push the second lower plate 31 into the foldable container 100, thereby separating the elastic locking member 20 from the first lower plate 21 and unlocking the first lower plate 21 from the second lower plate 31.

[0107] Specifically, the second lower plate 31 has a groove 21 on its side facing the flange 213. This groove 21 is located near the top of the second lower plate 31 and faces the flange 213 and the external opening of the foldable container 100. Figure 3 and Figure 9 As shown, the elastic locking element 20 includes an elastic rod 201 and a protrusion 202. The elastic rod 201 extends along the thickness direction of the second lower plate 31, with one end connected to the side wall of the groove 21 near the interior of the foldable container 100, and the other end being a free end, thus giving the elastic rod 201 a certain degree of elasticity. The protrusion 202 is located at the free end of the elastic rod 201 and on the side of the elastic rod 201 facing the flange 213. At least a portion of the protrusion 202 protrudes from the side of the second lower plate 31 facing the flange 213. A slot 214 is provided on the side of the flange 213 of the first lower plate 21 facing the second lower plate 31, such as... Figure 2 As shown, the slot 214 is open to the outside of the second lower plate 31 and the foldable container 100. The protrusion 202 can be locked in the slot 214, and the protrusion 202 cooperates with the slot 214 to restrict the top of the second lower plate 31 from moving towards the inside of the foldable container 100.

[0108] When the second upper plate 32 is flipped in the vertical direction, it will apply an outward force to the second lower plate 31 towards the inside of the foldable container 100. The elastic locking member 20 can prevent the top of the second lower plate 31 from moving towards the inside of the foldable container 100, and prevent the top of the second lower plate 31 from moving inward and causing damage to the internal storage components.

[0109] Optionally, the elastic rod 201 can also be connected to the top or bottom wall of the groove 21, without limiting the specific implementation of the elastic rod 201. Alternatively, the elastic locking member 20 can be directly connected to the flange 213 of the first lower plate 21, with the protrusion 202 of the elastic locking member 20 close to the interior of the foldable container 100, and the slot 214 connected to the side of the second lower plate 31 (i.e., the side facing the first lower plate 21). The slot 214 is formed by a recess in the side of the second lower plate 31 and opens towards the flange 213 and the interior of the foldable container 100, with the elastic locking member 20 located within the slot 214. It should be understood that the flange 213 can also be omitted, and the elastic locking member 20 can be directly configured as an elastic protrusion 202 protruding from the inner surface of the first lower plate 21, with the slot 214 on the side of the second lower plate 31 facing the first lower plate 21, which can also prevent the second lower plate 31 from moving towards the interior of the foldable container 100.

[0110] As a preferred option, such as Figure 3 As shown, the dimension of the protrusion 202 along the thickness direction of the second lower plate 31 gradually decreases from the elastic rod 201 to the flange 213, and both sides of the protrusion 202 along the thickness direction of the second lower plate 31 have inclined surfaces, which are defined as the first inclined surfaces 203. The side wall of the groove 21 near the interior of the foldable container 100 is also a guide surface 215 that is complementary to the first inclined surface 203 of the protrusion 202 near the interior of the foldable container 100. When the second lower plate 31 is folded from a vertical state to the bottom surface of the base 1, the protrusion 202 along the thickness direction of the second lower plate 31 and near the interior of the foldable container 100 can slide along the guide surface 215, thereby allowing the protrusion 202 to gradually disengage from the slot 214, making it easier for the second lower plate 31 to fold to the top surface of the base 1. When the second lower plate 31 is folded from the top surface of the base 1 to a vertical position, the protrusion 202 along the thickness direction of the second lower plate 31 and close to the outside of the foldable container 100 on the first inclined surface 203 is first squeezed by the flange 213 and causes the protrusion 202 to move toward the groove 21, which facilitates the second lower plate 31 to be folded in the vertical direction.

[0111] Additionally, the bottom corner of the second side plate 3 engages with the base 1. For example... Figure 10 , Figure 11 , Figure 12 As shown, the bottom corner of the second lower plate 31 of the second side plate 3 has a protruding foot 311. The protruding foot 311 is formed by extending from the bottom surface of the second lower plate 31 away from the second lower plate 31 and is located on the outside of the second lower plate 31 along the thickness direction.

[0112] The top of the base 1 has an insert groove 12 for inserting the protrusion 311. The insert groove 12 is formed by a recess in the top surface of the base 1 and opens toward the outside of the foldable container 100. The insert groove 12 is aligned vertically with the protrusion 311. In addition, the insert groove 12 is inclined near the inside of the foldable container 100. This inclined surface is defined as the second inclined surface. The second inclined surface matches the side of the protrusion 311 near the foldable container 100, thereby preventing the bottom corner of the second side plate 3 from shifting into the foldable container 100 due to the pressure of the storage item 6 when it is placed in the foldable container 100.

[0113] Alternatively, the embedding groove 12 can be disposed on the second lower plate 31 near the bottom surface of the foldable container 100 and near the inner side of the foldable container 100. The side of the embedding groove 12 away from the foldable container 100 is configured as a second inclined surface. The protruding foot 311 is disposed on the top surface of the base 1. The side of the protruding foot 311 away from the inside of the foldable container 100 cooperates with the second inclined surface of the embedding groove 12, which can also prevent the second lower plate 31 from shifting toward the inside of the foldable container 100.

[0114] Furthermore, such as Figure 2 and Figure 7 As shown, the top two ends of the first lower plate 21 extend outwards in a direction away from the base 1 and are spaced apart to form recessed grooves 212. The first placement opening 210 is formed at the bottom of the recessed grooves 212. The top two ends of the first lower plate 21 protrude. The sidewall of the first lower plate 21 is connected to the sidewall of the second lower plate 31.

[0115] Furthermore, the bottom of the recessed groove 212 is lower than or equal to the center surface of the scroll 61 when it is placed in the first placement opening 210. After the first upper plate 22 is flipped and folded, at least half of the scroll 61 is exposed, facilitating the tooling to operate on the scroll 61. At the same time, it ensures that the first lower plate 21 has sufficient area to connect with the second lower plate 31, ensuring a more secure connection between the first lower plate 21 and the second lower plate 31, which can withstand heavier stored items 6. Specifically, the flange 213 of the first lower plate 21 includes protrusions on both sides of the recessed groove 212 (i.e., the top two ends of the first lower plate 21 protruding) that abut against the retaining edge 312 extending from the side wall of the second lower plate 31, increasing the connection area between the first lower plate 21 and the second lower plate 31. When folding the foldable container 100, first fold the second upper plate 32 of the second side panel 3 outward to the outside of the second lower plate 31, then fold the two second side panels 3 onto the base 1, and then fold the two first side panels 2 onto the two second side panels 3 to achieve the folding of the foldable container 100. Then, cover the folded foldable container 100 with the cover plate 4. Finally, multiple foldable containers 100 can be stacked as shown in the figure. When the storage item 6 is placed inside the foldable container 100, they can also be stacked vertically.

[0116] 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.

[0117] 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.

[0118] 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 collapsible container characterized by, include: Base; Two first side plates, the bottom of the two first side plates being foldably connected to the opposite sides of the base, each first side plate comprising: A first lower plate, foldably connected to the base, each first lower plate having a first placement opening on its top side for receiving the end of a stored item, the first placement opening facing the interior of the foldable container and the top opening; and A first upper plate body is movably connected to the top side of the first lower plate body, and the first upper plate body can operably open the top opening of the first placement port; At least one second side plate, the second side plate being a plastic sheet, a second side plate being disposed between two first side plates, the bottom of the second side plate being foldably connected to the base and comprising: The second lower plate is foldably connected to the base; and The second upper plate is hinged to the top side of the second lower plate. The second upper plate can be operably flipped around the hinge of the second lower plate to the outside of the foldable container. The inner surface of the second upper plate is a smooth surface, and the outer surface is a ribbed injection molded surface. A pad embedded in the first lower plate is provided in the first placement opening. The pad includes an outer sleeve, which includes: A receiving portion, exposed in the first placement opening, for receiving the end of the stored item, and A partition, connected to the receiving portion and extending toward the top, is located on the side of the first placement opening facing outwards from the foldable container and is used to limit the storage item. An insertion part connected to the bottom of the receiving part, the insertion part being located in the first lower plate body; The padding also includes a reinforcing body located within the outer casing; The first lower plate has supporting ribs, which are located inside the insertion part.

2. The collapsible container of claim 1, wherein, The inner surface of the second lower plate is a ribbed injection molded surface.

3. The foldable container according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second upper plate and the second lower plate have the same height dimension in the vertical direction.

4. The foldable container according to claim 3, characterized in that, The top two ends of the first lower plate extend towards the top and are spaced apart to form a recessed groove, and the first placement opening is opened at the bottom of the recessed groove; the side wall of the first lower plate is connected to the side wall of the second lower plate.

5. The foldable container according to claim 3, characterized in that, The second lower plate is connected to the first lower plate by an elastic locking member; the elastic locking member is connected to one of the side of the second lower plate and the first lower plate, and the other is provided with a slot to accommodate the elastic locking member.

6. The foldable container according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pad is detachably connected to the first lower plate; and the pad is used to support the end of the stored item.

7. The foldable container according to claim 1, characterized in that, The reinforcing body has: An extension extending along the length of the first lower plate, the extension being located within the receiving portion, and A limiting portion connected to the extension and extending in a direction away from the base, the limiting portion being located within the barrier portion.

8. The foldable container according to claim 7, characterized in that, The reinforcing body is a metal part, and the outer shell is a plastic part.

9. The foldable container according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom of the first upper plate of each first side plate is provided with a second placement opening for cooperating with the first placement opening to accommodate the end of the storage item, and the second placement opening faces the interior and bottom opening of the foldable container.

10. The foldable container according to claim 9, characterized in that, The second placement opening is provided with a pressing member embedded in the first upper plate and used to press and cover the end of the storage item. The pressing member is detachably connected to the first upper plate.

11. The foldable container according to claim 10, characterized in that, The holding member is an elastic member.

12. The foldable container according to claim 11, characterized in that, The first placement opening penetrates the first lower plate along the thickness direction of the first lower plate; the second placement opening penetrates the first upper plate along the thickness direction of the first upper plate. The foldable container also includes an end cap; the end cap is disposed on the outer surface of the first side plate and is movably connected to the first side plate, and operably covers the first placement opening and the second placement opening.

13. The foldable container according to claim 12, characterized in that, The outer surface of the first side plate is provided with a placement groove extending along the height direction of the foldable container; a part of the placement groove is located in the first upper plate and another part is located in the first lower plate; and the first placement opening and the second placement opening pass through the placement groove. The end cap is slidably disposed in the placement groove; When the end cap slides to the bottom of the placement groove, the end cap covers the first placement opening and the second placement opening; when the end cap slides to the top of the placement groove, the end cap leaves the first lower plate.

14. The foldable container according to claim 13, characterized in that, The end cap has a limiting plate extending toward the interior of the collapsible container; when the end cap covers the first placement opening and the second placement opening, the limiting plate is operably abutted against the top of the barrier portion.

15. The foldable container according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first lower plate is hinged to the base via a reinforcing shaft; The first upper plate and the first lower plate of each of the first side plates are hinged together, and the first upper plate is operably flipped around the hinge point with the first lower plate to the outside of the foldable container.

16. The foldable container according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom corner of the second side plate engages with the base.

17. The foldable container according to claim 16, characterized in that, The bottom corner of the second side plate has a protruding foot, and the top of the base has an embedding groove for the protruding foot to be inserted; and the side of the protruding foot facing the inside of the foldable container is an inclined surface that matches the groove wall of the embedding groove.

18. The foldable container according to claim 1, characterized in that, The foldable container also includes a cover plate that is operably fitted over the top of the first side plate and the second side plate; The top of the cover plate has a protrusion; When multiple foldable containers are stacked one on top of the other, the base is located in the area enclosed by the protrusions.

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