Folding box

Abstract

The present invention provides a folding case. The folding case (100) has a lower frame (1), an upper frame (2), side panels (3, 4), and a pair of cover plates (7). The upper frame (2) has the same shape as the outer edge of the lower frame (1) and is a frame-like structure having a pair of opposing first side panels (2b) and a pair of second side panels (2c) connecting the ends of the first side panels (2b) to each other. The pair of cover plates (7) have one or more connecting arms (70) formed at the connection portion with the pair of second side panels (2c), and the connecting arms (70) are rotatably supported on a connecting shaft (9), which is supported on one or more cover plate support portions (20) formed on the second side panels (2c). The connecting arm portion (70) has a hollow cylindrical bearing portion (70a-70c) into which the connecting shaft (9) can be slidably inserted. On the outer peripheral surface of at least one bearing portion (70a, 70c), a pair of engaging protrusions (77) are formed, consisting of a first engaging protrusion (77a) and a second engaging protrusion (77b) positioned differently in the circumferential direction from the first engaging protrusion (77a). An angle limiting portion (20a) is provided on the cover plate support portion (20) to engage with the first engaging protrusion (77a) and the second engaging protrusion (77b).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a foldable case for the storage and transportation of various items. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, a type of folding box was known, which was used for storing and transporting items. Its structure was such that it could be folded and stored by overlapping the side panels and the bottom panel, and that the side panels could be assembled upright relative to the bottom panel when in use.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a folding case having an upper frame, a bottom, pop-up sidewalls, split sidewalls, and a pair of covers. The upper end of the pop-up sidewall is hinged to the upper frame. The split sidewall is composed of an upper split sidewall located above the hinge and a lower split sidewall located below the hinge. The upper and lower split sidewalls are divided to allow rotation toward the inside of the folding case; the upper end of the upper split sidewall is hinged to the upper frame, and the lower end of the lower split sidewall is hinged to the bottom. The pair of covers are respectively hinged to the opposite long sides of the upper frame.

[0004] Furthermore, Patent Document 2 discloses a folding box that has a first reinforcing rib extending substantially parallel to the long sidewalls and a second reinforcing rib extending in a direction substantially orthogonal to the first reinforcing rib on the back of a pair of lids. Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2004-161303 Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2008-213881

[0006] The aforementioned type of collapsible case presents the following problems: when opening the lid to pack or unpack items, the opening space increases if the lid is opened to a generally horizontal position. Furthermore, if the lid is opened to hang down along the outer side panel, space is also required when closing the lid. Especially when introducing equipment capable of automating the opening of collapsible cases using robotic arms, it is necessary to reduce the space required for opening and packing operations. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In view of the above problems, the object of the present invention is to provide a folding box that can reduce the space required for unpacking and packing operations with a simple structure.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, the first structure of the present invention is a folding box having a lower frame, an upper frame, side panels, and a pair of cover plates. The lower frame includes a rectangular base plate. The upper frame has the same shape as the outer edge of the lower frame and is a frame-like structure having a pair of opposing first side panels and a pair of second side panels connecting the ends of the first side panels to each other. The side panels are foldably supported between the lower and upper frames. The pair of cover plates are rotatably supported on the pair of second side panels of the upper frame, allowing the opening of the upper frame to be opened and closed. The folding box can be folded flat by folding the side panels inward. The pair of cover plates have at least one connecting arm rotatably supported on a connecting shaft, which is supported on at least one cover plate support formed on the pair of second side panels. The connecting arm has a hollow cylindrical bearing portion into which a connecting shaft can be slidably inserted. It has a pair of engaging protrusions, consisting of a first engaging protrusion and a second engaging protrusion. The first engaging protrusion is formed on the outer peripheral surface of at least one bearing portion, and the second engaging protrusion is formed on the outer peripheral surface of at least one bearing portion that is the same as or different from the bearing portion with the first engaging protrusion, and is positioned differently from the first engaging protrusion in the circumferential direction. An angle limiting portion is provided in the cover plate support portion, positioned between the pair of engaging protrusions when viewed from the axial direction of the connecting shaft. By clamping the angle limiting portion between the first and second engaging protrusions, the cover plate is held at a predetermined opening angle.

[0009] According to the first structure of the present invention, the rotation of the cover in the opening and closing directions is restricted by the first and second engaging protrusions. As a result, since the cover is stably held in the open state at a predetermined opening angle, the packing and unpacking operations of the folding box can be performed smoothly. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the state of a folding box 100 assembled according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing the state of the folding box 100 of this embodiment after it has been folded. Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the lid 7 of the folding case 100 held at a specified opening angle, viewed from above. Figure 4 This is a side view of the lid 7 of the folding case 100 held at a specified opening angle, viewed from the side of the pop-up side panel 3. Figure 5 It includes Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the bearing portion 70a of the cover plate 7 on the left side of the image. Figure 6This is an enlarged view of the connection between the cover plate support portion 20 and the bearing portion 70a, showing the engagement state between the first engaging protrusion 77a formed in the bearing portion 70a and the outer side of the angle limiting portion 20a formed in the cover plate support portion 20. Figure 7 This is an enlarged view of the connection between the cover plate support portion 20 and the bearing portion 70b, and it shows the state in which the second engaging protrusion 77b formed in the bearing portion 70b engages with the inner side of the angle limiting portion 20a formed in the cover plate support portion 20. Figure 8 It is a three-dimensional view of the upper part of the pop-up side plate 3. Figure 9 It is a three-dimensional cross-sectional view of the area around the connection between the upper frame 2 and the pop-up side plate 3, and it is a diagram showing the pop-up side plate 3 in its upright state. Figure 10 It is a three-dimensional cross-sectional view of the area around the connection between the upper frame 2 and the pop-up side plate 3, and it is a diagram showing the collapsed state of the pop-up side plate 3. Figure 11 This is a partial 3D view of the corners and perimeter of the folded box 100 in its folded state. Figure 12 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the corner perimeter of the folded box 100 in its folded state, cut along the short side. Figure 13 This is a three-dimensional view of the lower frame 1 as seen from above. Figure 14 This is an enlarged 3D view of the corner perimeter of the lower frame 1. Figure 15 This is a three-dimensional view of the lower frame 1 as seen from below. Figure 16 This is a side view of the lower frame 1 as seen from the first vertical wall section 1b. Figure 17 It is a three-dimensional diagram showing the state of overlapping and stacked folding boxes 100. Figure 18 It is a three-dimensional diagram showing the state of folding boxes 100 stacked in a crisscross pattern. Figure 19 This is a side view of the lower end of the folding box 100 supported by the support rail 90, viewed from the side of the pop-up side plate 3. Detailed Implementation

[0011] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the state of a folding box 100 assembled according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2This is a perspective view showing the folding case 100 of this embodiment in its folded state. The folding case 100 is made of synthetic resin and has a lower frame 1, an upper frame 2, a pop-up side panel 3, a dividing side panel 4, and a cover 7. The lower frame 1, pop-up side panel 3, dividing side panel 4, and cover 7 are black, while the upper frame 2 is white.

[0012] The lower frame 1 has: a rectangular base plate 1a (see reference) Figure 3 The upper frame 2 consists of a first vertical wall portion 1b erected vertically along the short side of the base plate 1a, and a second vertical wall portion 1c erected vertically along the long side of the base plate 1a. The upper frame 2 is a rectangular frame with a shape substantially the same as the outer edge of the lower frame 1, and has a pair of opposing first side surfaces 2b and a pair of second side surfaces 2c connecting the ends of the pair of first side surfaces 2b to each other. The first side surfaces 2b form the short side of the upper frame 2, and the second side surfaces 2c form the long side of the upper frame 2.

[0013] A pair of spring-loaded side plates 3 are disposed opposite each other between the first upright wall portion 1b of the lower frame 1 and the first side surface 2b of the upper frame 2. The upper end of the spring-loaded side plate 3 is rotatably connected to the inner side of the first side surface 2b of the upper frame 2. The spring-loaded side plate 3 can rotate between an upright state in which it is vertically erected relative to the lower frame 1 and a folded state in which it is folded inward in a manner overlapping with the lower frame 1.

[0014] A pair of partition side plates 4 are disposed opposite each other between the second vertical wall portion 1c of the lower frame 1 and the second side surface 2c of the upper frame 2. Each partition side plate 4 has an upper side plate 5, a lower side plate 6, and a hinge portion 8. The upper end of the upper side plate 5 is rotatably connected to the inner side of the second side surface 2c of the upper frame 2. The lower end of the lower side plate 6 is rotatably connected to a bearing portion 10 formed in the base plate 1a of the lower frame 1 (see reference). Figure 13 The hinge portion 8 connects the lower end of the upper side plate 5 and the upper end of the lower side plate 6 at multiple locations, enabling them to rotate. This structure allows the split side plate 4 to move between an extended state where the upper side plate 5 and the lower side plate 6 extend on substantially the same plane, and a bent state where it bends inwards in a manner overlapping with the lower frame 1.

[0015] Multiple (in this case, three rows) first reinforcing ribs 43a and 43b extending in the vertical direction are formed on the outer surface of the split side plate 4. The first reinforcing rib 43a is formed between the upper end of the upper side plate 5 and the hinge portion 8. The first reinforcing rib 43b is formed between the lower end of the lower side plate 6 and the hinge portion 8. The first reinforcing ribs 43a and 43b are formed in a straight line, continuously spanning the hinge portion 8 from the upper end to the lower end of the split side plate 4.

[0016] A pair of cover plates 7 are rotatably mounted on the second side 2c of the upper frame 2. More specifically, connecting arms 70 are formed at three locations on the base end of each cover plate 7 (the connection portion with the upper frame 2). Each connecting arm 70 has bearing portions 70a to 70c. On the upper part of the second side 2c of the upper frame 2, cover plate support portions 20 are formed at six locations, in three locations on each of the two second side 2c locations, supporting the bearing portions 70a to 70c so that they can rotate. On each cover plate 7, cuboid positioning protrusions 71 are formed at four locations, in two locations on each of the two locations overlapping with the first side 2b of the upper frame 2. A first gripping portion 21, cut into a rectangle, is formed on the first side 2b of the upper frame 2.

[0017] At the front end (rotating end) of each cover plate 7, a baffle 72 extending toward the opposite cover plate 7 and a bearing portion 73 overlapping with the baffle 72 are formed (see reference). Figure 3 By rotating a pair of cover plates 7 upward relative to the upper frame 2, the opening 2a of the upper frame 2 disposed on the upper surface of the folding box 100 can be opened. Furthermore, by combining the front ends (rotating ends) of the cover plates 7 in an alternating manner such that the baffle 72 of one cover plate 7 overlaps with the bearing portion 73 of the other cover plate 7, the opening 2a can be closed.

[0018] In the folding case 100 constructed as described above, the upper side panel 5 and lower side panel 6 of the pair of split side panels 4 are extended, and the pop-up side panel 3 is erected substantially vertically. Thus, as... Figure 1 As shown, the folding case 100 can be assembled into a box shape. At this time, the lower end of the pop-up side panel 3 is engaged with the engaging protrusion 12 formed in the bottom plate 1a of the lower frame 1 (see reference). Figure 13 Furthermore, the upper engaging piece 51 of the upper side plate 5 and the lower engaging piece 61 of the lower side plate 6 engage with the engaging hole 31 of the pop-up side plate 3. Thus, the pop-up side plate 3 is maintained in an upright state and the split side plate 4 is maintained in an extended state.

[0019] Furthermore, release the engagement between the lower end of the pop-up side plate 3 and the engaging protrusion 12, and release the engagement between the upper engaging piece 51 and the lower engaging piece 61 and the engaging hole 31. Then, bend the segmented side plate 4 (upper side plate 5 and lower side plate 6) inwards (in a bent state). Next, rotate the pop-up side plate 3 upwards until it becomes horizontal (in a folded state). Thus, as... Figure 2 As shown, the split side panel 4 and the pop-up side panel 3 can be overlapped and stored between the upper frame 2 and the lower frame 1, thereby allowing the folding case 100 to be folded flat. Furthermore, by... Figure 2 By holding the first gripping part 21 of the upper frame 2 and lifting it, the folding box 100 can be reassembled into a box shape.

[0020] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the lid 7 of the folding case 100 held at a specified opening angle, viewed from above. Figure 4 This is a side view of the lid 7 of the folding case 100 held at a specified opening angle, viewed from the side where the pop-up side panel 3 is raised. (See attached image.) Figure 3 As shown, on the back side of the cover plate 7, a plurality of first ribs 74 parallel to the first side 2b of the upper frame 2 and a plurality of second ribs 75 parallel to the second side 2c are formed in a lattice pattern. The first ribs 74 and the second ribs 75 increase the bending strength of the cover plate 7 and suppress warping during molding.

[0021] An inclined surface 76 is formed on the edge of the cover plate 7 opposite to the second side surface 2c (near the connecting arm 70). The inclined surface 76 slopes downward toward the opening 2a when the cover plate 7 is held at an open angle. The inclined surface 76 extends along the long side of the cover plate 7 along the second side surface 2c. Figure 3 The area is roughly formed in the left and right directions.

[0022] Figure 5 It includes Figure 4 The image shows a cross-sectional view of the bearing portion 70a of the left-hand cover plate 7. The bearing portions 70a to 70c are hollow cylindrical, and resin connecting pins (connecting shafts) 9 are slidably inserted inside them. The two ends of the connecting pins 9 are supported by the cover plate support portion 20. According to this structure, the cover plate 7 is rotatably supported on the upper part of the second side surface 2c of the upper frame 2.

[0023] Figure 6 and Figure 7 These are enlarged views of the connection between the cover plate support portion 20 and the bearing portions 70a and 70b. Additionally, the structure of the bearing portion 70c is similar to... Figure 6 The bearing section 70a shown is the same, therefore its description is omitted. Furthermore, Figure 4 The cover plate 7 on the right side of the middle is symmetrical with the one on the left and right. Figure 6 and Figure 7 Same structure.

[0024] like Figure 6 As shown, a first engaging protrusion 77a is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the bearing portions 70a and 70c. Figure 7 As shown, a second engaging protrusion 77b is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the bearing portion 70b. The first engaging protrusion 77a of the bearing portions 70a and 70c and the second engaging protrusion 77b of the bearing portion 70b are at different positions (phases) in the circumferential direction. More specifically, the first engaging protrusion 77a is positioned relative to the rotation direction of the bearing portions 70a to 70c when the cover plate 7 is opened. Figure 6 , Figure 7(In the counterclockwise direction) it is formed on the upstream side of the second engaging protrusion 77b. The first engaging protrusion 77a and the second engaging protrusion 77b constitute a pair of engaging protrusions 77.

[0025] Furthermore, an angle limiting portion 20a is formed on the cover plate support portion 20 at a position opposite to the bearing portions 70a-70c. The distance between the outer peripheral surface of the bearing portions 70a-70c and the angle limiting portion 20a is less than the protrusion amount of the first engaging protrusion 77a and the second engaging protrusion 77b. Therefore, by rotating the bearing portions 70a-70c, the first engaging protrusion 77a and the second engaging protrusion 77b come into contact with the angle limiting portion 20a.

[0026] If the cover plate 7 is made to close the opening 2a of the upper frame 2 by a pair of cover plates 7... Figure 1 When the bearing portion 70b rotates upwards, the second engaging protrusion 77b of the bearing portion 70b first engages with the outer surface of the angle limiting portion 20a. Figure 7 (The left side) contacts. If the cover plate 7 is rotated further, then as Figure 7 As shown, the second engaging protrusion 77b passes over the angle limiting part 20a and moves towards the inside of the angle limiting part 20a. Figure 7 (Move to the right)

[0027] At this time, as Figure 6 As shown, the first engaging protrusion 77a of the bearing portions 70a and 70c and the outer surface of the angle limiting portion 20a ( Figure 6 The left side of the connecting pin 9 is in contact with the cover plate 7. That is, when viewed from the axial direction of the connecting pin 9, the cover plate 7 is configured to clamp the angle limiting part 20a by the first engaging protrusion 77a and the second engaging protrusion 77b. As a result, the first engaging protrusion 77a restricts the cover plate 7 from rotating in the opening direction. In addition, the second engaging protrusion 77b restricts the cover plate 7 from rotating in the closing direction.

[0028] The result, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the cover 7 is held in a horizontal position at an opening angle θ from the opening 2a of the closed upper frame 2. If the opening angle θ of the cover 7 is less than 90°, packing and unpacking operations become difficult. On the other hand, if the opening angle θ of the cover 7 is more than 135°, the first engaging protrusion 77a easily disengages from the angle limiting part 20a due to the weight of the cover 7, making it difficult to keep the cover 7 in the open position. Furthermore, the space required for packing and unpacking operations also increases.

[0029] In order to make it easy to store and retrieve items and to keep the cover 7 stably in the open position, and to minimize the space required for packing and unpacking operations, the opening angle θ is preferably 90° to 135° from the horizontal position, and more preferably 100° to 110°.

[0030] Furthermore, if a certain amount of external force is applied to the cover plate 7, which is held at an open angle θ, the angle limiting part 20a will disengage from the first engaging protrusion 77a or the second engaging protrusion 77b, allowing the cover plate 7 to rotate freely. Therefore, deformation and damage to the bearing parts 70a to 70c of the cover plate 7 and the cover plate support part 20 of the upper frame 2 can be suppressed.

[0031] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first engaging protrusion 77a and the second engaging protrusion 77b are each provided at a position in the circumferential direction of the bearing portions 70a to 70c, and the angle limiting part 20a is provided at a position in the rotation direction of the bearing portions 70a to 70c. Instead of this structure, by providing multiple first engaging protrusions 77a and second engaging protrusions 77b at different positions in the circumferential direction of the bearing portions 70a to 70c, or by providing the angle limiting part 20a at multiple positions along the rotation direction of the bearing portions 70a to 70c, the cover plate 7 can be held open at multiple opening angles θ.

[0032] Furthermore, in this embodiment, one first engaging protrusion 77a and one second engaging protrusion 77b are each provided in different bearing portions 70a to 70c. However, the first engaging protrusion 77a and the second engaging protrusion 77b can also be provided in the same bearing portion 70a to 70c. That is, as long as the first engaging protrusion 77a is formed in at least one bearing portion 70a to 70c, the second engaging protrusion 77b can be formed in at least one bearing portion 70a to 70c that is the same as or different from the bearing portion 70a to 70c where the first engaging protrusion 77a is formed.

[0033] Furthermore, since the cover 7 is kept in the upward-open position, items (in this case, blister packs) can be guided into the folding case 100 along the back of the cover 7. At this time, by making the height (protrusion from the cover 7) of the first rib 74 formed on the back of the cover 7 greater than the second rib 75, items are less likely to get caught on the second rib 75, which is perpendicular to the storage and retrieval direction. Furthermore, since an inclined surface 76, sloping downwards towards the opening 2a, is formed near the bearing portions 70a to 70c of the cover 7, items are less likely to get caught on the lower end of the cover 7. Therefore, the storage and retrieval of items relative to the folding case 100 can be performed smoothly.

[0034] Furthermore, by making the upper frame 2 white, the visibility near the opening 2a of the upper frame 2 can be improved. This makes it easier to store and retrieve items even in dimly lit factories. Additionally, markings and QR codes can be printed clearly on the upper frame 2.

[0035] On the other hand, by making the lower frame 1, pop-up side panel 3, split side panel 4, and cover plate 7 black, the contrast with the white upper frame 2 is increased, thus improving the appearance of the lower frame 1. Figure 2 The vertical direction (longitudinal direction) of the folded box 100 in the folded state shown is easily visually identifiable. Furthermore, even when multiple folded boxes 100 are stacked, the number can be easily determined.

[0036] In addition, in this embodiment, the upper frame 2 is white, and the lower frame 1, pop-up side panel 3, dividing side panel 4, and cover plate 7 are black. However, as long as the upper frame 2 is a color with a higher brightness than the lower frame 1, pop-up side panel 3, dividing side panel 4, and cover plate 7, it is not limited to white or black, and other colors can also be used.

[0037] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of the area near the upper end of the pop-up side plate 3. At both ends of the upper end of the pop-up side plate 3 in the width direction, a rotation fulcrum portion 33 with a through hole 33a is formed, separated by a gap 34. Furthermore, a side plate support portion (not shown) is formed on the inner side of the first side surface 2b of the upper frame 2. A resin pin (not shown) is inserted into the through hole 33a and the bearing hole of the side plate support portion, thereby allowing the pop-up side plate 3 to be rotatably supported on the upper frame 2.

[0038] A second gripping part 32 is formed at the center of the upper end of the pop-up side plate 3 in the width direction. The second gripping part 32 is formed into a slender rectangular tube with an opening at the lower end. (Refer to the folding case 100 in the transport assembly state) Figure 1 When the finger is inserted from the lower end into a pair of second gripping portions 32 formed in the pop-up side plate 3, it is held. A limiting rib 35 is formed adjacent to the upper part of the second gripping portion 32. The limiting rib 35 is formed coaxially with the rotation fulcrum portion 33 in the gap portion 34 at the upper end of the pop-up side plate 3, covering the entire area in the width direction of the second gripping portion 32.

[0039] Figure 9 and Figure 10 This is a three-dimensional cross-sectional view of the area surrounding the connection between the upper frame 2 and the pop-up side panel 3, showing the upright and folded states of the pop-up side panel 3. When the folding box 100 is assembled into a box shape, the pop-up side panel 3 stands vertically upright. (As shown...) Figure 9 As shown, the second gripping portion 32 of the pop-up side plate 3 is disposed adjacent to the lower part of the cut-out first gripping portion 21. In addition, a limiting rib 35 is disposed on the back side of the first gripping portion 21.

[0040] With the folding box 100 folded flat, the pop-up side panel 3... Figure 9 The state rotates 90° and then falls horizontally. For example... Figure 10 As shown, the second gripping part 32 of the pop-up side plate 3 is housed between the lower frame 1 and the upper frame 2. Furthermore, the limiting rib 35 is configured to fill the gap between the first gripping part 21 and the second gripping part 32.

[0041] According to the above structure, when holding the first grip portion 21 of the folded case 100 in the folded state, the fingers will not enter the gap between the first grip portion 21 and the second grip portion 32 due to the limiting rib 35. Therefore, when assembling the folded case 100 by raising the pop-up side panel 3, there is no concern that the fingers may be pinched by the first grip portion 21 and the second grip portion 32, thus preventing injury to the operator.

[0042] Figure 11 This is a partial 3D view of the corners and perimeter of the folded box 100 in its folded state. Figure 12 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the corner perimeter of the folded box 100 in its folded state, cut along the short side. For example... Figure 11 As shown, a positioning protrusion 71 formed on the cover plate 7 is disposed at the upper end of the first side 2b of the upper frame 2. Furthermore, a cover plate support portion 20 is disposed at the upper end of the second side 2c of the upper frame 2. When the folding box 100 is stacked in an assembled or folded state, the cover plate support portion 20 and the positioning protrusion 71 engage with a first groove 13 formed at the outer periphery of the setting surface 1d of the lower frame 1.

[0043] Furthermore, an IC tag 80 is affixed to the inner side of the first side 2b of the upper frame 2. The IC tag 80 can be rewritten to store information related to the items (components, etc.) stored in the folding case 100 or information about the folding case 100 itself. In this embodiment, radio frequency identification (RFI) that reads and rewrites the information stored in the IC tag 80 via a read / write module (not shown) is used to distinguish between the folding case 100 and the items stored in the folding case 100.

[0044] By attaching the IC tag 80 to the inside of the first side 2b of the upper frame 2, rainwater and dust are less likely to adhere to the IC tag 80 during transport and storage of the folding box 100. Furthermore, it protects the IC tag 80 from impacts during transport.

[0045] Furthermore, when the items stored inside the folding case 100 are metal parts, the information magnetically stored in the IC tag 80 can be affected by the metal parts, sometimes resulting in reading errors. By mounting the IC tag 80 to the upper frame 2, a certain distance can be maintained between it and the metal parts stored inside the folding case 100. Therefore, the IC tag 80 is less susceptible to interference from the metal parts, and reading errors of the IC tag 80 can be suppressed.

[0046] like Figure 12 As shown, when the folding box 100 is folded, the lower side panel 6 and the upper side panel 5 that constitute the dividing side panel 4 are folded, and the horizontally folded pop-up side panel 3 overlaps on the upper side panel 5 and is stored between the lower frame 1, the upper frame 2 and the cover plate 7.

[0047] Furthermore, with the lower side panel 6 and the upper side panel 5 folded, the first reinforcing ribs 43a and 43b formed respectively face each other. Here, a protruding portion 44 is formed on the first reinforcing rib 43a formed on the upper side panel 5, which contacts the first reinforcing rib 43b formed on the lower side panel 6. The protruding portion 44 protrudes from the upper surface of the first reinforcing rib 43a (the outer side of the folding box 100 in the assembled state). The protruding portion 44 is formed at the end of the first reinforcing rib 43a on the side away from the hinge portion 8 (the upper side of the upper side panel 5) and contacts the end of the first reinforcing rib 43b on the side away from the hinge portion 8 (the lower side of the lower side panel 6).

[0048] By having the protrusion 44 formed on the first reinforcing rib 43a contact the first reinforcing rib 43b, a balance can be achieved in the pressing pressure acting on the lower side plate 6 and the upper side plate 5 in the folded state. Therefore, the load applied to the hinge portion 8 can be reduced, and deformation and damage to the upper side plate 5, the lower side plate 6, and the hinge portion 8 can be effectively suppressed. Furthermore, by forming the protrusion 44 at the end of the first reinforcing rib 43a on the side away from the hinge portion 8, the distance between the protrusion 44 subjected to pressing pressure and the hinge portion 8 is increased. Therefore, the load applied to the hinge portion 8 can be reduced more effectively.

[0049] In addition, in this embodiment, a protruding portion 44 is formed at the end of the first reinforcing rib 43a on the side away from the hinge portion 8 (the upper side of the upper side plate 5), but a protruding portion 44 may also be formed at the end of the first reinforcing rib 43b on the side away from the hinge portion 8 (the lower side of the lower side plate 6).

[0050] Figure 13 This is a perspective view of the lower frame 1 as seen from above (inner side). Figure 14 It is the corner of the lower frame 1 ( Figure 13 An enlarged perspective view of the area around the upper left corner. Multiple second reinforcing ribs 11 extending vertically are formed on the inner surfaces of the first vertical wall portion 1b and the second vertical wall portion 1c of the lower frame 1. Furthermore, third reinforcing ribs 23 extending vertically are also formed on the inner surfaces of the first side surface 2b and the second side surface 2c of the upper frame 2 (see reference). Figure 12 ).

[0051] When the folding box 100 is folded, as follows: Figure 11 As shown, the upper end portion 1b1 of the first vertical wall portion 1b of the lower frame 1 is opposite to the lower end portion 2b1 of the first side surface 2b. Furthermore, as... Figure 12 As shown, the upper end 1c1 of the second vertical wall portion 1c of the lower frame 1 is opposite to the lower end 2c1 of the second side 2c.

[0052] Therefore, if a vertical load (pressure) is applied to the folding box 100 when multiple units are stacked in the folded state, the first vertical wall 1b and the first side 2b, and the second vertical wall 1c and the second side 2c, come into pressure contact, potentially causing deformation or damage. By forming a second reinforcing rib 11 in the first vertical wall 1b and the second vertical wall 1c, and a third reinforcing rib 23 in the first side 2b and the second side 2c, deformation and damage to the lower frame 1 and the upper frame 2 when a vertical load is applied can be effectively suppressed.

[0053] Figure 15 This is a perspective view of the lower frame 1 as seen from below (side 1d). Figure 16 This is a side view of the lower frame 1 as seen from the first vertical wall portion 1b. A first groove 13, second grooves 14a and 14b, and a third groove 15a and 15b are formed on the mounting surface 1d of the lower frame 1. The mounting surface 1d has a lattice-like rib shape inside.

[0054] The first groove 13 is formed in a ring shape along the outer periphery of the lower frame 1. For example... Figure 17 As shown, when the folding boxes 100 are stacked, the cover support portion 20 and the positioning protrusion 71 of the lower folding box 100 engage with the first groove portion 13 of the upper folding box 100. The cover support portion 20 protrudes to the same height as the positioning protrusion 71, and also has the same positioning function as the positioning protrusion 71. Therefore, when the folding boxes 100 are stacked, it is possible to prevent the lateral sliding of the upper folding box 100 from causing layer misalignment and cargo collapse.

[0055] The second grooves 14a and 14b are formed parallel to the first vertical wall portion 1b. The interval between the second groove 14a and the first vertical wall portion 1b opposite to it, and the interval between the second groove 14b and the first vertical wall portion 1b opposite to it, are equal to the interval of the second side surface 2c of the upper frame 2. The height difference (depth from the mounting surface 1d) between the first groove 13 and the second grooves 14a and 14b is the same as that between them and the mounting surface 1d.

[0056] Therefore, as Figure 18 As shown, when four folding boxes 100 are arranged in a square as a single layer and stacked in a staggered manner (in a crisscross pattern), the cover support portion 20 of the lower folding box 100 engages with either the portion of the first groove 13 along the first vertical wall portion 1b or the second groove portions 14a and 14b. Furthermore, the positioning protrusion 71 engages with the portion of the first groove 13 along the second vertical wall portion 1c. Therefore, when the folding boxes 100 are stacked in a crisscross pattern, it is possible to prevent lateral sliding of the folding boxes 100 stacked on top, which could cause layer misalignment and cargo collapse.

[0057] The third grooves 15a and 15b are formed parallel to the second vertical wall 1c. For example... Figure 19 As shown, the support rail 90 for moving the folding box 100 is fitted into the third grooves 15a and 15b. The support rail 90 is provided on the upper surface of the AGV (Automatic Guided Vehicle) carrying the folding box 100, i.e., the support surface 91. When the folding box 100 is automatically moved from the AGV to the work line, the folding box 100 is guided along the support rail 90.

[0058] With the third grooves 15a and 15b engaged with the support rail 90, the folding box 100 is moved along the support rail 90, thereby preventing the folding box 100 from tilting or falling relative to the support surface 91 when it is transferred from the AGV to the work line. Therefore, the packing and unpacking operations of the folding box 100 in the factory can be carried out smoothly and efficiently.

[0059] The height difference (depth from the mounting surface 1d) between the third grooves 15a and 15b and the mounting surface 1d is smaller than that between the first groove 13 and the second grooves 14a and 14b. If the height difference between the third grooves 15a and 15b were the same as that between the first grooves 13 and the second grooves 14a and 14b, the area of ​​the mounting surface 1d would be reduced by the amount of the third grooves 15a and 15b, thus reducing the rib shape constituting the mounting surface 1d. As a result, the strength of the base plate 1a would decrease, potentially leading to warping and deformation. Therefore, by making the height difference between the third grooves 15a and 15b smaller than that between the first grooves 13 and the second grooves 14a and 14b, a portion of the rib shape is retained on the bottom surface of the third grooves 15a and 15b. This effectively suppresses warping and deformation while maintaining the fit between the base plate 1a and the support rail 90 and ensuring the strength of the base plate 1.

[0060] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, the shape, position, and size of the lower frame 1, upper frame 2, pop-up side plate 3, split side plate 4, cover plate 7, hinge part 8, etc., can be arbitrarily changed. Industrial applicability

[0061] This invention can be used in foldable cases. By utilizing this invention, it is possible to provide a foldable case that can reduce packing and unpacking space with a simple structure.

Claims

1. A folding case, characterized in that... have: The lower frame includes a rectangular base plate; The frame-shaped upper frame has the same shape as the outer edge of the lower frame, and has a pair of opposing first sides and a pair of second sides connecting the ends of the first sides to each other. Side panels, foldably supported between the lower frame and the upper frame; and A pair of cover plates, rotatably supported on a pair of second sides of the upper frame, are capable of opening and closing the opening of the upper frame. The folding box can be folded into a flat shape by folding the side panels inward. Each pair of cover plates has at least one connecting arm, which is rotatably supported on a connecting shaft, the connecting shaft being connected to at least one cover plate support formed on a pair of second side surfaces. The connecting arm has a hollow cylindrical bearing portion into which the connecting shaft can be slidably inserted, and a pair of engaging protrusions consisting of a first engaging protrusion and a second engaging protrusion. The first engaging protrusion is formed on the outer peripheral surface of at least one of the bearing portions, and the second engaging protrusion is formed on the outer peripheral surface of at least one bearing portion that is the same as or different from the bearing portion with the first engaging protrusion, and is positioned differently from the first engaging protrusion in the circumferential direction. The cover plate support portion is provided with an angle limiting portion positioned between the pair of engaging protrusions when viewed from the axial direction of the connecting shaft. By clamping the angle limiting part between the first and second engaging protrusions, the cover plate is restricted from rotating in both the open and closed directions, and is held at a predetermined opening angle. The opening angle is 100° to 110° from the horizontal position where the cover plate closes the opening of the upper frame. The side plate has a pair of spring-loaded side plates, which are pivotally supported on the first side and swing between an upright state that is perpendicular to the base plate and a folded state that overlaps with the base plate. The folding case has a pair of first grips, which are formed by cutting a pair of first side panels and are used to grip the folding case when the pop-up side panels are in the folded-down state. A limiting rib is formed at the upper end of the pair of pop-up side plates. The limiting rib is disposed inside the first grip and fills the gap between the first grip and the upper end in the collapsed state. A rotatable fulcrum portion, which is rotatably supported on the upper frame, is formed at a distance from the upper end of the pop-up side plate. The limiting ribs are formed coaxially with the rotation fulcrum portions between them, and a plurality of the limiting ribs extending in a direction orthogonal to the rotation fulcrum portions are arranged axially on the rotation fulcrum portions. The plurality of the limiting ribs tilt downward from above as they move inward in the collapsed state.

2. The folding case according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pair of engagement protrusions are provided at multiple positions in the circumferential direction, or the angle limiting part is provided at multiple positions along the rotation direction of the bearing part, so that the cover plate can be held at multiple opening angles.

3. The folding case according to claim 1, characterized in that, If an external force of a certain amount or more in the rotational direction of the bearing portion is applied to the cover plate which is maintained at the open angle, the angle limiting portion disengages from the first or second engaging protrusion, and the cover plate can rotate freely.

4. The folding case according to claim 1, characterized in that, On the back side of the cover plate, a plurality of first ribs parallel to a pair of first side surfaces and a plurality of second ribs parallel to a pair of second side surfaces are formed in a lattice pattern. The first rib protrudes more than the second rib relative to the cover plate.

5. The folding case according to claim 1, characterized in that, On the back side of the cover plate, at the edge opposite to the upper edge of the pair of second side surfaces, an inclined surface is formed along the entire area of ​​the pair of second side surfaces, the inclined surface being inclined downward toward the opening when the cover plate is held at the opening angle.

6. The folding case according to claim 1, characterized in that, The upper frame is a color with a higher brightness than the base plate, the side plates, and the cover plate.

7. The folding case according to claim 6, characterized in that, The upper frame is white, while the side panels and the cover are black.

8. The folding case according to claim 1, characterized in that, IC labels are affixed to the inside of a pair of first sides or a pair of second sides of the upper frame.

9. The folding case according to claim 1, characterized in that, The side plate is composed of a pair of pop-up side plates and a pair of split side plates. The pair of segmented side plates have an upper side plate that is pivotally supported on a pair of second side surfaces, a lower side plate that is pivotally supported on the base plate, and a hinge portion that connects the lower end of the upper side plate and the upper end of the lower side plate to form a rotatable hinge portion. The pair of segmented side plates can be moved to an extended state in which the upper side plate and the lower side plate extend on the same plane, and to a bent state in which the upper side plate and the lower side plate bend inward. The folding box can be folded into a flat shape by making the pop-up side panel into the folded state and the split side panel into the bent state.

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