A stackable storage box combination

Abstract

This invention relates to a stackable storage box assembly, in which the upper storage box is designated as the first storage box and the lower storage box as the second storage box. The first and second storage boxes are connected by a locking mechanism, which includes: a locking engagement portion disposed on the side wall of the second storage box; and a locking member slidably disposed on the first storage box in a horizontal direction generally parallel to the side wall of the first storage box. The locking member can move at least between an unlocked position disengaged from the locking engagement portion on the second storage box and a locked position engaged with the locking engagement portion on the second storage box. The advantages are: no large space needs to be reserved on the side wall of the storage box for the locking member to move; the internal space of the storage box is not easily encroached upon by setting or shaping the aforementioned moving area, ensuring the flatness of the inner wall of the storage box and allowing the user to store more items.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of storage box technology, and more particularly to a stackable storage box assembly in which multiple storage boxes are connected together. Background Technology

[0002] To facilitate handling and transportation, multiple stacked storage boxes (such as toolboxes for storing tools or boxes or cabinets for storing other items) are usually locked together using a locking mechanism.

[0003] For example, Chinese utility model patent application CN201922118361.7 (authorization announcement number: CN211483271U) discloses a box interlocking structure, which includes a first box and a second box. The first box is stacked on the second box. A slot is provided at the connection between the top and side of the second box. A slider that can slide horizontally is provided in the slot. The bottom of the outer side of the first box has a recessed locking groove. The slider has an insertion part aligned with the locking groove. An elastic wall is provided on the lower surface of the slider. The end of the elastic wall has a fastening protrusion. A support arm is also provided in the slot of the second box. The support arm has a first fastening groove and a second fastening groove that are separated from each other. When the first and second boxes need to be connected, the first box is stacked on top of the second box. The user slides the slider inward, the locking protrusion disengages from the first locking groove and engages with the second locking groove, and the insertion part is inserted into the locking groove of the first box, thus locking the first and second boxes together. When unlocking is required, the slider is pushed outward, the insertion part exits the locking groove, the locking protrusion disengages from the second locking groove and engages with the first locking groove, and the slider can release the lock on the first box.

[0004] However, the interlocking structure of the boxes in the above patent application still has some shortcomings. The slider moves in a direction perpendicular to the side wall of the box (that is, along the inside and outside direction of the box) to cooperate with the locking groove to lock and unlock the two boxes. This requires setting a recessed area on the side wall of the box to allow the slider to move in and out (such as the slot set on the box in the above patent application). The setting of the recessed area on the box will not only encroach on the internal space of the box, but also cause the inner wall surface of the box to be uneven, affecting the convenience of storage. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a stackable storage box combination with a more reasonable locking and unlocking process that does not take up internal space of the storage box, in light of the current state of the technology.

[0006] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve the above-mentioned technical problem is as follows: a stackable storage box assembly, comprising at least two storage boxes stacked vertically, wherein the upper storage box of the two adjacent storage boxes is designated as the first storage box, and the lower storage box is designated as the second storage box, the first storage box and the second storage box are connected together by a locking mechanism, wherein the locking mechanism includes:

[0007] At least one latching engagement is provided on the left side wall and / or right side wall of the second storage box;

[0008] The locking element is slidably mounted on the first storage box in a manner that allows it to move back and forth, and has the following two states depending on its position:

[0009] The locked state that engages with the latch engagement portion, and

[0010] The unlocked state, which is disengaged from the latch engagement portion.

[0011] To simplify the locking mechanism, reduce processing costs, and improve the reliability of locking between the upper and lower storage boxes, the top of the body of the second storage box has an opening. The opening is formed by a protruding edge that protrudes outward relative to the side wall of the second storage box. The protruding edge has a partially recessed notch for the locking member in the unlocked state to pass through in the vertical direction. The protruding edge portion corresponding to the front edge and / or rear edge of the notch serves as the locking engagement portion.

[0012] The structural design of creating a notch on the convex edge of the second storage box utilizes the convex edge structure of the second storage box itself to form a locking joint. The advantages of this design are: on the one hand, it ensures the strength of the locking joint and makes it less prone to deformation; on the other hand, it avoids the need to set or form corresponding parts on the second storage box as the locking joint.

[0013] Normally, the latch can be directly slidably mounted on the side wall of the first storage box. However, in order to better align with the latch engagement portion formed on the protruding edge of the second storage box in the vertical direction to achieve locking or unlocking, the bottom of the body of the first storage box has a connecting plate extending outward relative to the side wall of the first storage box. The connecting plate has a first side for connecting with the first storage box and a second side away from the first storage box. The latch is movable back and forth on the second side of the connecting plate, and the latch has at least a partial J-shaped cross section. When the first storage box and the second storage box are stacked, the J-shaped cross section is fastened to the bottom of the latch engagement portion.

[0014] To make the locking mechanism slide more smoothly during locking and unlocking, the second side of the connecting plate extends horizontally along a direction that is substantially parallel to the side wall of the first storage box. The second side of the connecting plate has a first rib that protrudes upward and extends along the second side, and a second rib that protrudes downward and extends along the second side, so that a portion of the second side of the connecting plate has a side-mounted T-shaped cross-section. The locking mechanism is a C-shaped sliding sleeve that is fitted over the first and second ribs.

[0015] In order to form a limiting fit with the sliding sleeve in the vertical direction, the second protruding rib of the connecting plate is missing a notch at the part corresponding to the locking position of the sliding sleeve. When the sliding sleeve is in the locked state, the locking engagement part on the second storage box can extend into the sliding sleeve at the position corresponding to the notch of the connecting plate.

[0016] Normally, the vertical dimension of the latch engagement portion on the second storage box can be the same as the vertical dimension of the main body of the protruding edge of the second storage box. However, in this case, the latch is prone to excessive displacement during locking, causing the latch to not accurately stop at the corresponding locking position. To solve this technical problem, the vertical dimension of the latch engagement portion on the second storage box is smaller than the vertical dimension of the main body of the protruding edge of the second storage box, so that a first limiting step is formed at the joint position of the latch engagement portion and the main body of the protruding edge of the second storage box to restrict the sliding of the sleeve.

[0017] To prevent the first rib from being excessively exposed on the wall of the connecting plate and thus damaged by contact, a limiting groove extending in the front-back direction is provided on the top wall of the connecting plate near the second side. The connecting plate portion between the limiting groove and the second side of the connecting plate constitutes the first rib.

[0018] As an improvement, the two opposite sides of the C-shaped opening of the sliding sleeve are respectively designated as the first support side and the second support side. The first support side or the second support side of the sliding sleeve is slidably constrained in the limiting groove. The above structural design allows the corresponding part of the sliding sleeve to be hidden in the limiting groove, thereby preventing excessive exposure of the sliding sleeve and potential damage from contact with foreign objects.

[0019] As an improvement, the first or second support edge of the sliding sleeve is positioned in the locked and / or unlocked position by a limiting engagement between at least one limiting protrusion and at least one limiting recess on the inner wall of the limiting groove. This design prevents the sliding sleeve from easily sliding after being locked in the unlocked position, allowing the user to more easily align the locking fastener on the first storage box with the notch on the second storage box and move it downwards. Similarly, after locking, the sliding sleeve is also secured in the locked position and will not be easily opened by contact with external objects, ensuring a secure lock.

[0020] To securely limit the sliding sleeve to the locked and unlocked positions, the first or second support edge of the sliding sleeve is provided with a first limiting protrusion and a second limiting protrusion spaced apart along its length. The limiting groove is provided with a first limiting rib and a second limiting rib spaced apart along its length. Both the first and second limiting ribs extend along the width of the limiting groove, and both ends of the limiting groove are closed along its length. The first and second limiting ribs are respectively located adjacent to the two ends of the limiting groove. The first limiting rib and the corresponding portion of the inner wall of the limiting groove adjacent to the first limiting rib together define a first limiting recess. The second limiting rib and the corresponding portion of the inner wall of the limiting groove adjacent to the second limiting rib together define a second limiting recess. When the sliding sleeve is in the unlocked state, the first limiting protrusion of the sliding sleeve is limited in the first limiting recess, and the second limiting protrusion of the sliding sleeve is limited in the second limiting recess.

[0021] To limit the sliding sleeve in the front-to-back direction, ensuring it is securely positioned in both the locked and unlocked positions, the first or second support edge of the sliding sleeve is provided with a first limiting protrusion and a second limiting protrusion spaced apart along its length. The limiting groove is provided with a first limiting rib, a second limiting rib, and a third limiting rib spaced apart along its length. All three ribs extend along the width of the limiting groove, with the third limiting rib located between the first and second limiting ribs. In the unlocked state, the first and second limiting protrusions on the sliding sleeve abut against the sides of the first and third limiting ribs that are far apart in the front-to-back direction. In the locked state, the first and second limiting protrusions on the sliding sleeve abut against the sides of the second and third limiting ribs that are far apart in the front-to-back direction.

[0022] To further ensure the reliability of the locking mechanism, the connecting plate is provided with at least two locking components, each of which is arranged sequentially at intervals along the length of the second side of the connecting plate. The second storage box also has at least two notches on its convex edge, each for a corresponding locking component to pass through.

[0023] To facilitate the stacking and locking of any two storage boxes together in the vertical direction, the two storage boxes stacked vertically have the same structure. That is, each of the two storage boxes stacked vertically is provided with the aforementioned locking element, connecting plate, notch and locking engagement part.

[0024] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of the present invention are as follows: the locking mechanism moves along the front-back direction of the first storage box and cooperates with the locking engagement part provided on the left or right side wall of the second storage box, thereby realizing the locking and unlocking between the two storage boxes stacked on top of each other. This locking structure design does not require a large space to be reserved on the side wall of the storage box for the locking component to move. In this way, the internal space of the storage box is not easily encroached by the aforementioned moving area set or formed on the side wall, ensuring the flatness of the inner wall of the storage box and allowing the user to store more items. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the storage box assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the storage box assembly from another angle according to an embodiment of the present invention (the locking mechanism is in the unlocked state).

[0027] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the storage box assembly from another angle according to an embodiment of the present invention (the locking fastener is in the locked state).

[0028] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A close-up view of point A (the latch is in the unlocked position);

[0029] Figure 5 for Figure 3 A magnified view of a section at point A (the locking mechanism is in the locked position).

[0030] Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a single storage box according to an embodiment of the present invention (one of the sliding sleeves is in a state of being detached from the connecting plate).

[0031] Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the locking component according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 8This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the connecting plate according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 9 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the connecting plate from another angle according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 10 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the connecting plate from another angle according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 11 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a single storage box according to an embodiment of the present invention after its bottom is flipped over (the connecting plate is in the unfolded state).

[0036] Figure 12 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a single storage box according to an embodiment of the present invention (the connecting plate is in a folded state).

[0037] Figure 13 for Figure 5 Cross-sectional view at point AA (sliding sleeve is in the unlocked state);

[0038] Figure 14 for Figure 5 A cross-sectional view at point AA (the sliding sleeve is in the locked state). Detailed Implementation

[0039] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0040] The specification and claims of this invention use terms indicating direction, such as "front," "rear," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "side," "top," and "bottom," to describe various exemplary structural parts and elements of the invention. However, these terms are used herein merely for ease of explanation and are determined based on the exemplary orientations shown in the accompanying drawings. Since the embodiments disclosed in this invention can be arranged in different orientations, these terms indicating direction are for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered as limitations. For example, "upper" and "lower" are not necessarily limited to directions opposite to or consistent with the direction of gravity.

[0041] like Figures 1-14 The diagram illustrates a preferred embodiment of a stackable storage box assembly according to the present invention. The storage box assembly includes at least two storage boxes stacked vertically. The upper storage box is designated as the first storage box 10a, and the lower storage box is designated as the second storage box 10b. When the first storage box 10a and the second storage box 10b are stacked, they are connected by a locking mechanism, facilitating user handling and transportation.

[0042] The first storage box 10a and the second storage box 10b in this embodiment have the same structure, so that any two storage boxes can be connected by a locking mechanism when stacked vertically. The following description takes the first storage box 10a as an example. The top of the body of the first storage box 10a has an opening 1a (the second storage box 10b has an opening 1b). Specifically, the first storage box 10a includes a bottom wall 104 and side walls extending upward from the periphery of the bottom wall 104. The side walls of the first storage box 10a include a left side wall 101 and a right side wall 102 arranged opposite each other in the left-right direction, and a rear side wall 103. The front side wall of the first storage box 10a is lower than the left and right side walls 101 and 102, and a retrieval opening is formed on the front side of the first storage box 10a (the retrieval opening is connected to the opening 1a). After the two storage boxes are stacked, the user can also freely take out and put in the items in the lower storage box through the retrieval opening. Of course, the retrieval opening can also be set on the rear side of the storage box. The first storage box 10a has a protruding edge 11 at the top opening 1a (that is, at the top edge of the side wall) that protrudes outward relative to the side wall of the first storage box 10a. Since the protruding edge 11 has a certain thickness in both the vertical direction and the internal and external directions of the first storage box 10a, it ensures that the first storage box 10a has high strength at its top opening 1a, making it less prone to deformation due to external pressure.

[0043] The locking mechanism in this embodiment includes a connecting plate 20, a locking element 30, and a locking engagement portion 33. The locking engagement portion 33 is located at the top of the side wall of the lower storage box, while the connecting plate 20 is located at the bottom of the upper storage box. The locking element 30 is slidably mounted on the connecting plate 20. When the two storage boxes are stacked, the locking element 30 on the connecting plate 20 of the upper storage box can lock with the locking engagement portion 33 on the lower storage box.

[0044] Taking the second storage box 10b as an example, the locking engagement portion 33 provided on the second storage box 10b will be described. A partially inwardly recessed notch 110 is present on the protruding edge 11 at the top opening 1b of the second storage box 10b, and this notch 110 penetrates the protruding edge 11 in the vertical direction. Correspondingly, the protruding edge portion corresponding to the front edge and / or rear edge of the notch 110 on the protruding edge 11 constitutes the aforementioned locking engagement portion 33. In a preferred embodiment, only the protruding edge portion corresponding to the front edge or rear edge of the notch 110 on the protruding edge 11 serves as the locking engagement portion 33.

[0045] The vertical dimension of the locking engagement portion 33 is smaller than that of the main body of the protruding edge 11. Specifically, the top of the locking engagement portion 33 is flush with the top of the main body of the protruding edge 11, while the bottom of the locking engagement portion 33 is higher than the bottom of the main body of the protruding edge 11. Thus, a first limiting step 330 is formed at the lower part of the engagement position between the locking engagement portion 33 and the main body of the protruding edge 11. This first limiting step 330 can limit the locking member 30 (i.e., the sliding sleeve) in the front-back direction, avoiding excessive displacement of the locking member 30 during locking and unlocking.

[0046] See Figure 6 In this embodiment, the storage boxes 10a and 10b are square boxes. The two side walls of the storage boxes 10a and 10b, which are opposite each other in the left-right direction and extend in the front-back direction, are respectively referred to as the first side wall 101 (i.e., the left side wall) and the second side wall 102 (i.e., the right side wall). In this embodiment, the aforementioned notch 110 is provided on the protruding edge 11 at the top of both the first side wall 101 and the second side wall 102 of the storage boxes 10a and 10b.

[0047] See Figure 11 and Figure 12 The bottom of the first storage box 10a is provided with two connecting plates 20, referred to as the first connecting plate 20a and the second connecting plate 20b, respectively. The first connecting plate 20a and the second connecting plate 20b are arranged sequentially in the left-right direction at the bottom of the first storage box 10a. Each connecting plate 20 has a first side 21 and a second side 22, both extending forward. The first side 21 is used to connect to the bottom of the first storage box 10a. The first side 21 of each connecting plate 20 is rotatably connected to the bottom of the first storage box 10a via a pivot 24 extending forward and backward. More specifically, the connecting plate 20 has a folded state where it is entirely folded into the bottom of the first storage box 10a, and an unfolded state where it is unfolded relative to the first storage box 10a. In the folded state, the second side 22 of the first connecting plate 20a and the second side 22 of the second connecting plate 20b are close together, while the first side 21 of the first connecting plate 20a and the first side 21 of the second connecting plate 20b are far apart. In the unfolded state, the connecting plate 20 extends substantially horizontally, with its second side 22 protruding beyond the vertical projection of the bottom of the first storage box 10a. Specifically, the second side 22 of the left-side first connecting plate 20a protrudes beyond the left side wall 101 of the first storage box 10a, and the second side 22 of the right-side second connecting plate 20b protrudes beyond the right side wall of the first storage box 10a.

[0048] See also Figure 11 and Figure 12The storage boxes 10a and 10b have a support base 12 extending downwards on their bottom wall 104, and the bottom of the support base 12 has an upwardly recessed receiving area 13. When the two connecting plates 20 are in the folded state, the connecting plates 20 and the locking fasteners 30 provided thereon can be received in the aforementioned receiving area 13. Specifically, the position of the connecting plates 20 in the folded state is generally higher than the bottom surface of the support base 12, so that when the storage boxes 10a and 10b are placed on the ground (especially when heavy objects are placed on them), the connecting plates 20 will not be damaged by external pressure.

[0049] To ensure the connecting plate 20 remains in its retracted and extended states and prevents it from easily deflecting downwards under its own weight, both ends of the connecting plate 20 have positioning protrusions 240. Correspondingly, the inner wall of the receiving recess 13 of the first storage box 10a is provided with a first positioning recess 131 and a second positioning recess 132, wherein the first positioning recess 131 and the second positioning recess 132 are located on the left and right sides of the straight line of the rotating shaft 24, respectively. When the connecting plate 20 deflects to the extended state, the positioning protrusions 240 on the connecting plate 20 engage with the second positioning recess 132, thus keeping the connecting plate 20 in this extended state. See details... Figure 11 When the connecting plate 20 is deflected to the retracted state, the positioning protrusion 240 on the connecting plate 20 engages with the first positioning recess 131, thus keeping the connecting plate 20 in this retracted state. See details... Figure 12 .

[0050] The second side 22 of the two connecting plates 20 of storage boxes 10a and 10b both extend in the front-rear direction. Observing the connecting plate 20 in the unfolded state, the second side 22 of the connecting plate 20 has a first rib 221 that protrudes upward and extends along the second side 22, and a second rib 222 that protrudes downward and extends along the second side 22. A limiting groove 23 is provided on the top wall of the connecting plate 20 near its second side 22. The limiting groove 23 also extends in the front-rear direction. The connecting plate portion between the limiting groove 23 and its second side 22 constitutes the aforementioned first rib 221. The design of the first rib 221 and the second rib 222 results in a partial T-shaped cross-section at the second side 22 of the connecting plate 20.

[0051] The locking element 30 is a C-shaped sliding sleeve, which is fitted over the first and second protruding ribs 221 and 222 of the connecting plate. The C-shaped opening of the sliding sleeve 30 faces the second side 22 of the connecting plate 20. Specifically, the sliding sleeve 30 is fitted over the first and second protruding ribs 221 and 222 of the connecting plate 20. The two opposite sides of the C-shaped opening of the sliding sleeve 30 are respectively designated as the first support side 31 and the second support side 32, with the first support side 31 located above the second support side 32. The first support side 31 of the sliding sleeve 30 is slidably constrained in the limiting groove 23 of the connecting plate 20. The end position of the second protruding rib 222 of the connecting plate 20 (i.e., the part of the second protruding rib 222 corresponding to the locking position of the sliding sleeve 30) is missing, forming a notch 2220. The presence of this notch 2220 creates a second limiting step 2221 between the end of the second protruding rib 222 and the main body of the connecting plate 20. See also Figure 3 When the sliding sleeve 30 is locked, the main body of the connecting plate 20 of the upper storage box presses against the top of the protruding edge 11 of the lower storage box. The lower part of the sliding sleeve 30 is located in the notch 110 of the protruding edge 11 of the lower storage box. Furthermore, the latch engagement part 33 on the lower storage box (i.e., the second storage box 10b) can extend into the sliding sleeve 30 at a position corresponding to the notch 2220 of the connecting plate 20 and abut against the second limiting step 2221 of the connecting plate 20. At the same time, since the front or rear edge of the notch 110 of the lower storage box can limit the sliding sleeve 30 in the front-rear direction, it can be ensured that the sliding sleeve can accurately slide to the corresponding unlocked or locked position during locking or unlocking operations.

[0052] See Figures 7-10 The first support edge 31 of the sliding sleeve 30 is limited to the locked and unlocked positions by a limiting protrusion and a limiting recess in the inner wall of the limiting groove 23 of the connecting plate 20. Specifically, the first support edge 31 of the sliding sleeve 30 is provided with a first limiting protrusion 311 and a second limiting protrusion 312 at intervals along its length direction. The first limiting protrusion 311 and the second limiting protrusion 312 are respectively located at the two ends of the first support edge 31 of the sliding sleeve 30.

[0053] See Figure 9 , Figure 13 and Figure 14Within the limiting groove 23 of the connecting plate 20, there are three limiting ribs: a first limiting rib 233, a second limiting rib 234, and a third limiting rib 235, all extending along the width direction of the limiting groove 23. The third limiting rib 235 is located at the midpoint between the first limiting rib 233 and the second limiting rib 234. To ensure the strength of the limiting ribs and prevent deformation, all three limiting ribs are positioned close to the bottom of the limiting groove 23 and are in contact with the bottom of the limiting groove 23 and its two opposite sidewalls. The distances between the first limiting rib 233 and the third limiting rib 235, and between the second limiting rib 234 and the third limiting rib 235, are equal, and both are slightly smaller than the distance between the first limiting protrusion 311 and the second limiting protrusion 312 on the sliding sleeve 30. Therefore, when the sliding sleeve 30 is in the unlocked state, the first limiting protrusion 311 and the second limiting protrusion 312 on the sliding sleeve 30 can respectively abut against the side of the first limiting rib 233 and the third limiting rib 235 that are furthest apart. (See details...) Figure 13 Similarly, when the sliding sleeve 30 is in the locked state, the first limiting protrusion 311 and the second limiting protrusion 312 on the sliding sleeve 30 respectively abut against the side of the second limiting rib 234 and the third limiting rib 235 that are far apart, as detailed in [link to details]. Figure 14 .

[0054] In this embodiment, both ends of the limiting groove 23 on the connecting plate 20 are closed in the length direction, and the first limiting rib 233 and the second limiting rib 234 in the limiting groove 23 are respectively provided adjacent to the two ends of the limiting groove 23. Specifically, the first limiting rib 233 and the inner wall of the end position of the limiting groove 23 have a certain distance in the front-back direction. The size of this distance is adapted to the size of the first limiting protrusion 311 in the front-back direction. Thus, the first limiting rib 233 and the corresponding part of the inner wall of the limiting groove 23 adjacent to the first limiting rib 233 together define a first limiting recess 231. When the sliding sleeve 30 is in the unlocked state, the first limiting protrusion 311 of the sliding sleeve 30 can be limited in the first limiting recess 231. Similarly, the inner wall of the second limiting rib 234 and the other end of the limiting groove 23 also have a certain distance in the front-back direction. The size of this distance is adapted to the size of the second limiting protrusion 312 in the front-back direction. Thus, the second limiting rib 234 and the corresponding part of the inner wall of the limiting groove 23 adjacent to the second limiting rib 234 together define a second limiting recess 232. When the sliding sleeve 30 is in the locked state, the second limiting protrusion 312 of the sliding sleeve 30 can be limited in the second limiting recess 232.

[0055] After the sliding sleeve 30 is restricted to the unlocked position by the aforementioned limiting ribs 233;234;235, the sliding sleeve 30 will not slide easily. The user can more easily align the locking fastener 30 on the first storage box 10a with the notch 110 on the second storage box 10b and move it downward. Similarly, after locking, the sliding sleeve 30 can be restricted to the locked position, preventing the sliding sleeve 30 from being easily opened due to contact with foreign objects, thus ensuring the reliability of the lock.

[0056] Similar to the structure of the first support edge 31 of the sliding sleeve 30, the second support edge 32 of the sliding sleeve 30 is also provided with two limiting protrusions 321 and 322. The two limiting protrusions 321 and 322 are located at the two ends of the second support edge 32 of the sliding sleeve 30 in the length direction. The purpose of this design is to allow the user to install the sliding sleeve 30 without strictly distinguishing between the first support edge 31 and the second support edge 32 of the sliding sleeve 30. That is, either of the two opposite sides of the C-shaped opening of the sliding sleeve 30 can be locked in the limiting groove 23 of the connecting plate 20 as the aforementioned "first support edge 31".

[0057] like Figure 7 As shown, in this embodiment, the first support edge 31 (and the second support edge 32) of the sliding sleeve 30, together with the part connected to the main body of the sliding sleeve 30, forms a part 30a with a "J-shaped cross section". Thus, when the first storage box 10a and the second storage box 10b are stacked, the J-shaped cross section 30a of the sliding sleeve 30 of the first storage box 10a is fastened to the bottom of the locking engagement part 33 of the second storage box 10b.

[0058] Storage boxes 10a and 10b may have two or more locking fasteners 30 on each connecting plate 20, such as... Figure 1 As shown, in this embodiment, two locking fasteners 30 are provided at the second side 22 of each connecting plate 20 of the first storage box 10a. The two locking fasteners 30 are arranged at intervals along the length direction of the second side 22 of the connecting plate 20. Correspondingly, at least two notches 110 are also provided on the protruding edge 11 of the lower storage box, that is, the number of notches 110 is the same as the number of locking fasteners 30 on the upper connecting plate 20.

[0059] The installation process of the storage box assembly in this embodiment:

[0060] The two connecting plates 20 at the bottom of the first storage box 10a are flipped outward by 180° and unfolded. In the unfolded state, the connecting plates 20 are horizontally extended, and the sliding sleeves 30 on the second side 22 of the connecting plates 20 are moved out of the vertical projection of the bottom wall of the first storage box 10a. During the unfolding process, the positioning protrusions 25 on the connecting plates 20 can engage with the first positioning recesses 131 on the support base 12 of the first storage box 10a, thus keeping the connecting plates 20 in the unfolded state. Then, the sliding sleeves 30 on the connecting plates 20 are moved to the unlocked position. After being moved into place, the first limiting protrusion 311 on the first support side 31 of the sliding sleeve 30 abuts against the rear side of the first limiting rib 233 in the limiting groove 23 of the connecting plate 20, while the second limiting protrusion 312 abuts against the front side of the third limiting rib 235 in the limiting groove 23. Thus, the sliding sleeve 30 is limited in the front-back direction and held in the unlocked position. Then, align the sliding sleeve 30 on the first storage box 10a with the notch 110 on the protruding edge 11 of the second storage box 10b below and move it down. After it is moved into place, move the sliding sleeve 30 from the unlocked position to the locked position. In this way, the latch engagement part 33 on the lower storage box (i.e., the second storage box 10b) can correspondingly extend into the sliding sleeve 30. At the same time, due to the supporting and tightening effect of the latch engagement part 33 extending into the sliding sleeve 30 in the vertical direction, the first limiting protrusion 311 on the first support edge 31 of the sliding sleeve 30 abuts against the rear side of the third limiting rib 235 in the limiting groove 23 of the connecting plate 20, while the second limiting protrusion 312 abuts against the front side of the second limiting rib 234 in the limiting groove 23. In this way, the sliding sleeve 30 is also limited in the front-back direction and will not be easily touched and slide to unlock. At this point, the two stacked storage boxes can be connected together. When it is necessary to unlock and separate the two locked storage boxes, slide the slide 30 from the locked position to the locked position, and then pull the upper storage box upward so that the slide 30 moves out of the notch 110 of the lower storage box.

[0061] In this embodiment, the storage box can be as shown in the attached figure: the storage box is a box structure with an open top 1a; however, it is conceivable that the storage box can also include a lid, which covers the open top 1a of the storage box body, as long as the lid does not cover the notch 110 on the protruding edge 11 of the storage box body.

Claims

1. A stackable storage box assembly, comprising at least two storage boxes stacked vertically, wherein the upper storage box is designated as the first storage box (10a) and the lower storage box is designated as the second storage box (10b), and the first storage box (10a) and the second storage box (10b) are connected together by a locking mechanism, characterized in that... The locking mechanism includes: At least one latching engagement (33) is provided on the left side wall (101) and / or the right side wall (102) of the second storage box (10b); The locking fastener (30) is slidably disposed on the first storage box (10a) in a manner that allows it to move back and forth, and has the following two states depending on the change of its moving position: The locked state that engages with the latch engagement portion (33), and The unlocked state is when it is disengaged from the latch engagement part (33); The second storage box (10b) has an opening (1b) at the top of its body. The edge of the opening (1b) forms a protruding edge (11) that protrudes outward relative to the side wall of the second storage box (10b). The protruding edge (11) has a partially recessed notch (110) for the latch (30) in the unlocked state to pass through in the vertical direction. The protruding edge portion corresponding to the front edge and / or rear edge of the notch (110) serves as the latch engagement portion (33). The bottom of the body of the first storage box (10a) has a connecting plate (20) extending outward relative to the side wall of the first storage box (10a). The connecting plate (20) has a first side (21) extending in the front-back direction for connecting with the first storage box (10a) and a second side (22) away from the first storage box (10a). The locking member (30) is movably disposed on the second side (22) of the connecting plate (20). The locking member (30) has at least a partial J-shaped cross section. When the first storage box (10a) and the second storage box (10b) are stacked, the J-shaped cross section (30a) is fastened to the bottom of the locking engagement (33). The second side (22) of the connecting plate (20) extends horizontally along a direction substantially parallel to the side wall of the first storage box (10a). The second side (22) of the connecting plate (20) has an upwardly protruding first rib (221) extending along the second side (22) and a downwardly protruding second rib (222) extending along the second side (22), so that the connecting plate (20) has a partially T-shaped cross-section at the second side (22). The locking member (30) is a C-shaped sliding sleeve and is fitted over the first rib (221) and the second rib (222).

2. The stackable storage box assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second rib (222) on the connecting plate (20) is missing a notch (2220) at the part corresponding to the locked position of the sliding sleeve. When the sliding sleeve is locked, the latch engagement part (33) on the second storage box (10b) can extend into the sliding sleeve at the position corresponding to the notch (2220) of the connecting plate (20).

3. The stackable storage box assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The locking engagement portion (33) on the second storage box (10b) has a vertical dimension smaller than the vertical dimension of the main body of the protruding edge (11) of the second storage box (10b), thereby forming a first limiting step (330) at the engagement position of the locking engagement portion (33) and the main body of the protruding edge (11) of the second storage box (10b) to restrict the sliding sleeve from sliding forward or backward.

4. The stackable storage box assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: A limiting groove (23) extending in the front-rear direction is provided on the top wall of the connecting plate (20) near the second side (22). The connecting plate portion between the limiting groove (23) and the second side (22) of the connecting plate constitutes the first rib (221).

5. The stackable storage box assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that: The two opposite sides of the C-shaped opening of the sliding sleeve are respectively referred to as the first support side (31) and the second support side (32). The first support side (31) or the second support side (32) of the sliding sleeve is slidably constrained in the limiting groove (23).

6. The stackable storage box assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that: The first support edge (31) or the second support edge (32) of the sliding sleeve is limited to the locked or unlocked state by a limiting engagement between at least one limiting protrusion and at least one limiting recess of the inner wall of the limiting groove (23).

7. The stackable storage box assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that: The first support edge (31) or the second support edge (32) of the sliding sleeve is provided with a first limiting protrusion (311) and a second limiting protrusion (312) spaced apart along its length direction. The limiting groove (23) is provided with a first limiting rib (233) and a second limiting rib (234) spaced apart along its length direction. Both the first limiting rib (233) and the second limiting rib (234) extend along the width direction of the limiting groove (23). Both ends of the limiting groove (23) are closed along its length direction. The first limiting rib (233) and the second limiting rib (234) are respectively adjacent to the limiting groove (23). The slide sleeve is provided at both ends. The first limiting rib (233) and the corresponding part of the inner wall of the limiting groove (23) adjacent to the first limiting rib (233) jointly define the first limiting recess (231). The second limiting rib (234) and the corresponding part of the inner wall of the limiting groove (23) adjacent to the second limiting rib (234) jointly define the second limiting recess (232). When the slide sleeve is in the unlocked state, the first limiting protrusion (311) of the slide sleeve is limited in the first limiting recess (231), and the second limiting protrusion (312) of the slide sleeve is limited in the second limiting recess (232).

8. The stackable storage box assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that: The first support edge (31) or the second support edge (32) of the sliding sleeve is provided with a first limiting protrusion (311) and a second limiting protrusion (312) spaced apart along its length direction. The limiting groove (23) is provided with a first limiting rib (233), a second limiting rib (234), and a third limiting rib (235) spaced apart along its length direction. The first limiting rib (233), the second limiting rib (234), and the third limiting rib (235) all extend along the width direction of the limiting groove (23). The third limiting rib (235) is located at the first... Between the limiting rib (233) and the second limiting rib (234), when the sliding sleeve is in the unlocked state, the first limiting protrusion (311) and the second limiting protrusion (312) on the sliding sleeve respectively abut against the side of the first limiting rib (233) and the third limiting rib (235) that are far apart in the front-back direction. When the sliding sleeve is in the locked state, the first limiting protrusion (311) and the second limiting protrusion (312) on the sliding sleeve respectively abut against the side of the second limiting rib (234) and the third limiting rib (235) that are far apart in the front-back direction.

9. The stackable storage box assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The connecting plate (20) is provided with at least two locking members (30), and each locking member (30) is arranged sequentially at intervals along the length direction of the second side (22) of the connecting plate (20). The second storage box (10b) also has at least two notches (110) on the protruding edge (11) for each locking member (30) to pass through.

10. The stackable storage box assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The two storage boxes stacked one on top of the other have the same structure, that is, each of the two storage boxes stacked one on top of the other is provided with the aforementioned locking element (30), connecting plate (20), notch (110) and locking joint (33).

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