Container

Abstract

The top surface of the container is covered with a top structure (10). The first side wall (30) is arranged on one side face of the container, the upper end of the first side wall (30) is pivoted to the top structure body (10), and the first side wall (30) comprises three plate components (31, 32 and 33) which can be folded along the horizontal line. The second side wall (40) is provided parallel to the first side wall (30) on the other side surface of the container, the upper end of the second side wall (40) is pivoted to the top structure (10), and the second side wall (40) comprises three plate members (41, 42, 43) which can be folded along a horizontal line. The floor structure (20) is provided on the floor of the container. The front wall (50) is provided on the front surface of the container, and the upper end of the front wall (50) is rotatably connected to the top structure (10) at a position closer to the inner side of the container than the front surface. The rear wall (60) is provided on the rear surface of the container, and the upper end of the rear wall (60) is rotatably connected to the top structure (10) at a position closer to the inner side of the container than the rear surface.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a container for cargo transportation, etc., and more particularly to a container capable of reducing its height when empty. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as such a container, there is known a container disclosed in Patent Document 1. The container is divided into two parts, upper and lower, at a height position of about half, the upper part of the container is fitted with the lower part of the container, and the lowermost end of the upper part of the container is relatively lowered to near the lowermost end of the lower part of the container. In addition, in order to take out and put goods in the container, a part of the wall of the container is rotatably supported by the top member and can be opened. Prior Art Literature Patent Literature

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-172441 Summary of the invention Problems to be solved by the invention

[0004] As one of the mechanisms for driving the upper part of the container to be raised and lowered, a scheme using a forklift is proposed in Patent Document 1. That is, for example, a hole for inserting a forklift is formed in the top frame of the upper part of the container, and the upper part of the container is raised and lowered by the forklift. However, due to the structure using a forklift, in addition to the operator who operates the forklift, an operator who waits around the container and performs operations such as tilting or folding a part of the wall of the container is required, and these operations are not simple.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a container which can be switched between a normal height when loaded and a reduced height when empty by only one operator. Technical solutions to solve problems

[0006] The present invention is a container whose height can be changed between a normal height and a reduced height lower than the normal height, characterized in that the container comprises: a top structure covering the top surface of the container; a first side wall arranged on one side of the container, an upper end of the first side wall being pivotally connected to the top structure and comprising a plurality of plate members that can be folded along a horizontal line; a second side wall arranged on the other side of the container in parallel with the first side wall, an upper end of the second side wall being pivotally connected to the top structure and comprising a plurality of plate members that can be folded with each other along a horizontal line; a floor structure arranged on the floor of the container; a front wall arranged in front of the container, an upper end of the front wall being rotatably connected to the top structure at a position closer to the inside of the container than the front; and a rear wall arranged on the back of the container, an upper end of the rear wall being rotatably connected to the top structure at a position closer to the inside of the container than the back.

[0007] Preferably, the top structure is formed with a side wall housing recess into which the folded first side wall and the folded second side wall are inserted.

[0008] In addition, the container is preferably constructed to include: an upper reserve column, which extends vertically downward from the top structure along the front or back side; and a lower reserve column, which extends vertically upward from the ground structure along the front or back side, and when the first side wall and the second side wall are folded and the front wall and the rear wall are inclined, the front end of the upper reserve column and the front end of the lower reserve column abut against each other.

[0009] Preferably, in the first side wall and the second side wall, the first plate member disposed at the lowest position can be bent toward the outside of the container relative to the second plate member disposed at the center, and a hook capable of being engaged by a forklift is disposed on the inner surface of the first plate member. In this case, the hook can rotate relative to the first plate member, and a hook receiving recess for the rotating hook to be embedded is formed on the first plate member.

[0010] It is also possible to configure that the front wall has an upper front wall and a lower front wall divided into two parts in a manner of bending toward the inside of the container at a horizontal line, and the rear wall has an upper rear wall and a lower rear wall divided into two parts in a manner of bending toward the inside of the container at a horizontal line. In this case, the upper front wall and the upper rear wall are rotatably connected to the top structure, and the lower front wall and the lower rear wall are rotatably connected to the ground structure. In this structure, it is preferred that a first locking mechanism is provided on the front and the back, respectively, and the first locking mechanism has: a first locking member for fixing the upper front wall to the lower front wall, or the upper rear wall to the lower rear wall; a second locking member for fixing the upper front wall or the upper rear wall to the top structure; and a third locking member for fixing the lower front wall or the lower rear wall to the ground structure.

[0011] Alternatively, rollers may be provided at the lower ends of the front wall and the rear wall, respectively, and guide rails capable of engaging the rollers may be provided on the floor structure. In this case, second locking mechanisms may be provided at the front and rear sides, respectively, and the second locking mechanisms may include: a fourth locking member for fixing the front wall or the rear wall to the top structure; and a fifth locking member for fixing the front wall or the rear wall to the floor structure.

[0012] In addition, it is preferred that wire rope fasteners for connecting wire ropes used when hoisting the top structure are provided at the upper ends of the front wall and the rear wall.

[0013] In addition, in the first side wall and the second side wall, the first plate member arranged at the lowermost position can be bent toward the outside of the container relative to the second plate member arranged at the central position, and a side wall driving mechanism capable of rotating the third plate member toward the outside is provided on the third plate member, and the third plate member is arranged at the uppermost position and is pivotally connected to the side frame of the top structure.

[0014] In addition, the container may also be provided with a driving mechanism for tilting the front wall and the rear wall toward the inside of the container. Furthermore, the front wall and the rear wall may also be composed of a door and a frame surrounding the door. In this case, the frame may be separated into an upper frame surrounding the upper half of the door and a lower frame surrounding the lower half of the door, the upper frame being pivotally connected to the top structure, and the lower frame being pivotally connected to the ground structure, the lower end of the upper frame being pivotally connected to the upper end of the lower frame, the door being pivotally supported on one of the upper frame and the lower frame, and the driving mechanism tilting at least one of the upper frame and the lower frame toward the inside of the container, whereby the frame can be bent into a V-shape toward the inside of the container.

[0015] In addition, a movable support that can be detached and assembled can also be provided between the side frame of the top structure and the side frame of the ground structure. In addition, preferably, the hinges of the upper front wall and the upper rear wall that are rotatably connected to the top structure are respectively located at a position that is closer to the inside of the container length direction than the center of gravity of the upper front wall and the upper rear wall in the upright state. Effects of the Invention

[0016] According to the present invention, it is possible to obtain a container that can be switched between a normal height when loaded and a reduced height when empty by only one operator. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1 It is a perspective view showing the appearance of a container according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the container according to the first embodiment. Figure 3This is a perspective view showing a state where the side wall of the container according to the first embodiment is opened. Figure 4 This is a perspective view showing an operation of opening the side wall of the container according to the first embodiment. Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the front wall and the rear wall of the container according to the first embodiment are bent. Figure 6 It is a perspective view showing a state where the first locking member is disengaged. Figure 7 It is a perspective view showing a state where the first locking member is locked. Figure 8 This is a perspective view showing a state in which the first side wall and the second side wall of the container are opened. Fig. 9 It is a perspective view showing a container in a state of being folded and reduced in height. Fig.10 This is a perspective view showing a state where a fork is inserted between a wire rope and a top structure in a container in a reduced height state. Fig.11 This is a side view showing the operation of lifting the container from the reduced height state to the normal height state. Fig.12 It is a perspective view showing the appearance of a container according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Fig.13 It is an exploded view of a container according to the second embodiment. Fig.14 It is a perspective view showing a state where the side wall of the container according to the second embodiment is opened. Fig.15 It is a front view showing the structure of the lower part of the front wall. Fig.16 It is a cross-sectional view showing a roller. Fig.17 It is a side view showing the operation of folding the container. Fig.18 It is a perspective view showing a folded container. Fig.19 It is a perspective view showing the appearance of a container according to a third embodiment. Fig. 20 It is an exploded view of a container according to the third embodiment. Fig.21 The diagram shows a state in which the first plate member is fixed to the side frame by the engagement between the locking member and the hook. Fig. 22 It is a partially enlarged perspective view showing the structure of the key mechanism. Fig.23It is an enlarged perspective view showing the internal structure of the side wall driving mechanism. Fig.24 It is a perspective view showing the mounting structure of the side wall driving mechanism to the third plate member. Fig.25 It is a three-dimensional diagram of the frame drive mechanism. Fig.26 This is a three-dimensional diagram showing the status of container folding operation in time series. Fig. 27 This is a three-dimensional diagram showing the status of container folding operation in time series. Fig.28 This is a three-dimensional diagram showing the status of container folding operation in time series. Fig.29 This is a three-dimensional diagram showing the status of container folding operation in time series. Fig.30 It is a side view showing comparatively a state where the upper frame and the lower frame are standing upright and a state where the frame driving mechanism is driven and bent into a "V" shape. Fig.31 This is a three-dimensional diagram showing the status of container folding operation in time series. Fig.32 It is an enlarged perspective view showing a structure for fixing the folded first plate member to the second plate member. Fig.33 This is a perspective view when the structure of the third embodiment is applied to a 40-ft container. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 The external appearance of a container according to the first embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 2 Exploded representation of container. Figure 3 Indicates the state after the side wall of the container is opened. The states shown in these figures are the normal height of the container when loaded, and can be reduced to a given height when empty. It should be noted that the containers used in the scope of this specification and patent claims include marine containers, intermodal containers, cargo boxes (containers) used in a state of being freely disassembled or fixed on a platform of transportation equipment such as a truck or a freight train, and also include container-type warehouses, residences, shops, etc.

[0019] A top structure 10 is provided on the top surface of the container, and a floor structure 20 is provided on the floor of the container. A first side wall 30 is provided on one side of the container, and a second side wall 40 is provided on the other side. A front wall 50 is provided in front of the container, and a rear wall 60 is provided on the rear.

[0020] The first side wall 30 has a first plate member 31 disposed at the lowest position, a second plate member 32 disposed at the middle position, and a third plate member 33 disposed at the highest position. The three plate members 31, 32, 33 can be folded along a horizontal line. More specifically, the upper end of the third plate member 33 is pivotally connected to the top structure 10 and can be moved from Figure 1 In the state shown, the third plate member 33 can be rotated freely outward and closely attached to the upper surface of the top structure 10. The upper end of the second plate member 32 is pivoted to the lower end of the third plate member 33, and the plate member 32 is rotated in the inner direction of the container to closely attach to the inner surface of the third plate member 33. The upper end of the first plate member 31 is pivoted to the lower end of the second plate member 32, and the first plate member 31 is rotated in the outer direction of the container to closely attach to the outer surface of the second plate member 32. The first side wall 30 is embedded in the side wall storage recess 11 formed on the upper surface of the top structure 10 in a folded state.

[0021] The second side wall 40 is arranged in parallel with the first side wall 30 and has the same structure as the first side wall 30. That is, it includes a first plate member 41, a second plate member 42 and a third plate member 43, and these plate members 41, 42, 43 can be folded along a horizontal line. As for the third plate member 43, its upper end is pivoted to the top structure 10 and can be closely attached to the upper surface of the top structure 10. The upper end of the second plate member 42 is pivoted to the lower end of the third plate member 43, and the second plate member 42 can be closely attached to the inner surface of the third plate member 43. The upper end of the first plate member 41 is pivoted to the lower end of the second plate member 42, and the first plate member 41 can be closely attached to the outer surface of the second plate member 42. In the folded state, the second side wall 40 is embedded in the side wall storage recess 12 formed in the upper surface of the top structure 10 at a position symmetrical to the side wall storage recess 11.

[0022] In the first side wall 30, a pair of hooks 34 are provided on the inner surface of the first plate member 31. The hooks 34 are used when the first side wall 30 is opened in the container at a normal height. Figure 4 As shown, when the first plate member 31 is folded on the second plate member 32, the fork 101 of the forklift 100 can be engaged, and by operating the fork 101, the first side wall 30 is stored in the side wall storage recess 11. The hook 34 can rotate around the horizontal axis relative to the first plate member 31, and a hook storage recess 35 for the rotating hook 34 to be inserted is formed on the first plate member 31, and the hook 34 can be stored inside the first plate member 31.

[0023] The second side wall 40 is also provided with a pair of hooks 44 on the inner surface of the first plate member 41. When the first plate member 41 is bent toward the outside of the container relative to the second plate member 42, the fork 101 of the forklift 100 can engage with the hook 44, and the second side wall 40 is stored in the side wall storage recess 12 by operating the fork 101. The hook 44 can rotate around a horizontal axis relative to the first plate member 41, and a hook storage recess 45 is formed in the first plate member 41 for the rotating hook 44 to be inserted, and the hook 44 is stored inside the first plate member 41.

[0024] The front wall 50 includes an upper front wall 51 and a lower front wall 52 which are divided into two parts so as to bend toward the inside of the container at a horizontal line. A protrusion 53 protruding toward the inside (rear) of the container is provided at the upper end of the back surface of the upper front wall 51. The protrusion 53 is rotatably connected to the front frame 13, which is located at the front end of the top structure 10. That is, as shown in FIG. Figure 5 As shown, the front frame 13 is provided with an upper support plate 14 protruding to the rear, and a protrusion 53 is pivotally connected to the upper support plate 14. The lower front wall 52 is also provided with a protrusion 54 protruding to the inner side of the container at the lower end of its back side, and the protrusion 54 is rotatably connected to the lower support plate 22, and the lower support plate 22 is provided on the front frame 21, and the front frame is located at the front end of the ground structure 20. The lower support plate 22 is provided at the rear edge of the front frame 21 and protrudes upward, and the connection position with the lower front wall 52 is located closer to the front side of the container than the connection position of the upper support plate 14 and the upper front wall 51 (at the bottom of the container). Figure 5 The position is on the right side.

[0025] A first locking mechanism is provided at the front of the container. The first locking mechanism comprises: a first locking member 55 for fixing the upper front wall 51 and the lower front wall 52; a second locking member 56 for fixing the upper front wall 51 and the top structure 10; and a third locking member 57 for fixing the lower front wall 52 and the ground structure 20. The first locking member 55 is provided on the side of the front wall 50, and the second locking member 56 and the third locking member 57 are provided in front of the front wall 50.

[0026] The locking member 55, the locking member 56, and the locking member 57 all have the same structure and have a conventionally known structure. The structure is described by taking the first locking member 55 as an example. Figure 6 , Figure 7As shown, the first locking member 55 includes: an engaging member 91 that can engage with a pin 90 provided on the upper front wall 51; and a handle 92 that is connected to the engaging member 91 and is pivotally supported on the lower front wall 52. The engaging member 91 engages with the pin 90 by operating the handle 92. If the handle 92 is rotated toward the lower front wall 52 in this state, the pin 90 is pulled toward the lower front wall 52, and the end surfaces of the upper front wall 51 and the lower front wall 52 are closely attached to each other to form a flat plate shape and are fixed integrally.

[0027] It should be noted that a spring 93 formed by processing an elongated metal plate into a semi-cylindrical shape (semi-column shape) is provided at the connection portion between the upper front wall 51 and the lower front wall 52. Figure 7 As shown, when the spring 93 is in a straight line, it exerts an elastic force to maintain the state, thereby maintaining the locked state of the upper front wall 51 and the lower front wall 52. Figure 6 As shown, when the locking state based on the locking member 55 is released, the upper front wall 51 and the lower front wall 52 are in a bent state, the semi-cylindrical shape of the spring 93 is deformed, and the elastic force to restore to a straight shape is reduced, making it easy to bend.

[0028] The second locking member 56 is a member for fixing the upper front wall 51 to the upper reserve column 15 extending vertically downward from the top structure 10 along the front, and is respectively provided at the left and right edges when the container is viewed from the front. On the other hand, the third locking member 57 is a member for fixing the lower front wall 52 to the lower reserve column 23 extending vertically upward from the ground structure 20 along the front, and is respectively provided at the left and right edges of the lower front wall 52.

[0029] The rear wall 60 also has the same structure as the front wall 50. That is, the rear wall 60 has an upper rear wall 61 and a lower rear wall 62, and a protrusion 63 protruding toward the inside (front) of the container is provided at the upper end of the front of the upper rear wall 61. The protrusion 63 is rotatably connected to the rear frame 16 located at the rear end of the top structure 10. Figure 5 As shown, the rear frame 16 is provided with an upper support plate 17 protruding forward, and a protrusion 63 is pivotally connected to the upper support plate 17. The lower rear wall 62 is also provided with a protrusion 64 protruding toward the inner side of the container at its lower end, and the protrusion 64 is rotatably connected to the lower support plate 25, which is provided on the rear frame 24, and the rear frame 24 is located at the rear end of the floor structure 20. The lower support plate 25 is provided at the front edge of the rear frame 24 and protrudes upward, and the connection position with the lower rear wall 62 is located closer to the back side of the container than the connection position between the upper support plate 17 and the upper rear wall 61 (at the rear end of the floor structure 20). Figure 5 The position is the left side.

[0030] The first locking mechanism is also provided on the back side of the container in the same manner as on the front side. The first locking mechanism comprises: a first locking member 65 for fixing the upper rear wall 61 and the lower rear wall 62; a second locking member 66 for fixing the upper rear wall 61 and the top structure 10; and a third locking member 67 for fixing the lower rear wall 62 and the ground structure 20. The first locking member 65 is provided on the side of the rear wall 60, and the second locking member 66 and the third locking member 67 are provided on the back side of the rear wall 60. The locking members 65, 66 and 67 have the same structures as the locking members 55, 56 and 57, respectively.

[0031] The second locking member 66 is a member for fixing the upper rear wall 61 to the upper reserve column 18 extending vertically downward from the top structure 10 along the back, and is respectively provided at the left and right edges when the container is viewed from the back. Similarly, the third locking member 67 is a member for fixing the lower rear wall 62 to the lower reserve column 26 extending vertically upward from the ground structure 20 along the back, and is respectively provided at the left and right edges of the lower rear wall 62.

[0032] Wire rope fasteners 70 are provided at the upper ends of the central portions of the upper front wall 51 and the upper rear wall 61. As described later, these fasteners 70 are used to connect wire ropes when the folded container roof structure 10 is hoisted.

[0033] In the floor structure 20, holes 28 for inserting the forks 101 of the forklift 100 are formed in the side frames 27 connecting the front frame 21 and the rear frame 24. These holes 28 are used when the forklift 100 transports the container.

[0034] Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. As the initial state, Figure 1 As shown, the container is at a normal height, and the first side wall 30 and the second side wall 40 are closed. First, the operator rotates the first plate member 31 of the first side wall 30 outward relative to the second plate member 32 to open the lower part of the side surface. Then, the operator pulls up the hook 34 from the hook storage recess 35 (see Figure 3 ), the front end of the fork 101 of the forklift 100 is engaged, and the fork 101 is raised (refer to Figure 4 When the fork 101 is moved toward the container and the first side wall 30 is transported to the upper side of the top structure 10 while the hook 34 is slightly higher than the top structure 10, the first side wall 30 is rotated toward the top structure 10 in a folded state and is stored in the side wall storage recess 11.

[0035] The second side wall 40 is also received in the side wall receiving recess 12 of the top structure 10 by the same operation as the first side wall 30. Figure 8 The two sides are shown in a state where both sides are fully opened.

[0036] Next, the operator releases all locking mechanisms of the front wall 50 and the rear wall 60, and sets the front wall 50 and the rear wall 60 to a bendable state. Then, the fork 101 is inserted into the interior of the container and engages with the lower surface of the top structure 10. In this state, if the top structure 10 is slightly lifted (for example, about 80 mm) by the fork 101, the front wall 50 is released from the upper reserve column 15 and the lower reserve column 23, so that the hinge A, the hinge B, and the hinge C are bent inwardly in a straight line as described later (refer to Figure 5 ). The rear wall 60 is also bent inwardly in the same manner.

[0037] The reason why the front wall 50 and the rear wall 60 are bent toward the inside of the container by slightly lifting the top structure 10 is that the hinge A (the connection between the protrusion 53, the protrusion 63 and the upper support plate 14, the upper support plate 17) is located further back (inward in the length direction of the container) than the center of gravity of the upper front wall 51 and the upper rear wall 61 in the upright state, so a moment acts to rotate and displace the lower ends of the upper front wall 51 and the upper rear wall 61 toward the inside of the container. At this time, the hinge B (the connection between the upper front wall 51 and the lower front wall 52 and the connection between the upper rear wall 61 and the lower rear wall 62) is bent, so the spring 93 is also bent (refer to Figure 6 ), and is more easily bent. Therefore, by lowering the fork 101 in this state, Fig. 9 As shown, the front wall 50 and the rear wall 60 are folded, and the roof structure 10 and the floor structure 20 stop in a state where the front ends of the upper and lower reserve columns 15 and 18 and the lower and lower reserve columns 23 and 26 abut against each other.

[0038] The operation for returning the container, which is folded and in a reduced height state, to a state of normal height will be described. like Fig.10 As shown, both ends of the wire rope 102 are connected to a pair of wire rope fasteners 70 of the folded container, and the fork 101 of the forklift 100 is inserted between the upper surface of the top structure 10 and the wire rope 102. Here, if the fork 101 rises, Fig.11 As shown, the top structure 10 is pulled up, and the front wall 50 and the rear wall 60 stand upright to become a flat plate. In this state, the first locking member 55 of the front wall 50 and the first locking member 65 of the rear wall 60 are fixed. In addition, in the front wall 50, the second locking member 56 and the third locking member 57 are fixed to the upper side preparatory column 15 and the lower side preparatory column 23, and in the rear wall 60, the second locking member 66 and the third locking member 67 are fixed to the upper side preparatory column 18 and the lower side preparatory column 26.

[0039] Next, the fork 101 moves backward, and the wire rope 102 is released from the fork 101 and removed from the wire rope fastener 70. After that, the fork 101 engages with the hook 34 of the first side wall 30 stored in the side wall storage recess 11, and the first side wall 30 is taken out from the side wall storage recess 11. Then, when the fork 101 is lowered and the third plate member 33 and the second plate member 32 become vertical, the fork 101 is released from the hook 34, and the operator rotates the first plate member 31 downward, thereby closing one side of the container. Similarly, for the other side, the second side wall 40 stored in the side wall storage recess 12 is taken out, and the other side is closed.

[0040] As described above, in the first embodiment, when the container is switched between the normal height when loaded and the reduced height when empty, the switching can be performed easily by only one operator.

[0041] Next, the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The basic difference from the first embodiment is the structure of the front wall 110 and the rear wall 120. That is, Figure 12 to Figure 14 As shown, the front wall 110 and the rear wall 120 are not divided into two parts as in the first embodiment, but are each a plate-like structure. With respect to the front wall 110, a protrusion 115 protruding toward the inner side of the container is provided at the upper end of the back side thereof, and the protrusion 115 is pivotally connected to an upper support plate (not shown), and the upper support plate is provided on the front side frame 13 of the top structure 10. With respect to the rear wall 120, a protrusion 125 protruding toward the inner side of the container is also provided at the upper end of the back side thereof, and the protrusion 125 is pivotally connected to an upper support plate (not shown), and the upper support plate is provided on the rear side frame (not shown) of the top structure 10. In addition, in the front wall 110 and the rear wall 120, rollers 130 rolling on the upper surface of the ground structure 20 are provided at the lower ends.

[0042] The upper reserve columns 15 and 18 are arranged at the corners of the top structure 10, and the lower reserve columns 23 and 26 are arranged at the corners of the ground structure 20. Support columns 111 sandwiched between the upper reserve columns 15 and the lower reserve columns 23 are arranged at both ends of the front wall 110. The cross-sections of the support columns 111, the upper reserve columns 15, and the lower reserve columns 23 are rectangular columns of the same size, and in a state of normal height, they each constitute a corner column (refer to Fig.12 , Fig.14 The rear wall 120 also has the same structure as the front wall 110, and support columns 121 sandwiched between the upper reserve columns 18 and the lower reserve columns 26 are provided at both ends thereof.

[0043] The second locking mechanism is provided on the front and back of the container, and is used to connect the front wall 110 or the rear wall 120 to the ground structure 20 or the top structure 10. The second locking mechanism on the front side has a fourth locking member 112 for fixing the front wall 110 and the top structure 10, and a fifth locking member 113 for fixing the front wall 110 and the ground structure 20. Similarly, the second locking mechanism on the back side has a fourth locking member 122 for fixing the rear wall 120 and the top structure 10, and a fifth locking member 123 for fixing the rear wall 120 and the ground structure 20.

[0044] like Fig.15 As shown, the roller 130 protrudes downward from the front wall 110 or the rear wall 120 and engages with a guide rail 131 provided on the floor structure 20. A pair of guide rails 131 are provided in the floor structure 20 along the longitudinal direction of the container, extending from the front side frame 21 to the rear side frame 24. The front wall 110 and the rear wall 120 can be tilted relative to the floor structure 20, and as described later, the roller 130 is configured so that the protrusion amount from the front wall 110 or the rear wall 120 changes according to the tilt angle thereof.

[0045] Fig.16 1 shows the structure of the support roller 130. The roller 130 is slidably supported on the inner surface of the cylindrical member 132 and is mounted on the front end of the rod 133. The cylindrical member 132 is provided with a Fig.16 The cylindrical member 132 is embedded in the front wall 110 or the rear wall 120, and the lower end surface of the cylindrical member 132 is consistent with the lower end surface of the front wall 110 or the rear wall 120. When the front wall 110 is perpendicular to the ground structure 20, as shown by symbol (b), the protrusion amount of the roller 130 from the cylindrical member 132 is the smallest. In addition, if the front wall 110 is inclined relative to the ground structure 20, as shown by symbol (a), the protrusion amount of the roller 130 from the cylindrical member 132 increases according to the inclination angle.

[0046] The function of this embodiment is basically the same as that of the first embodiment, but the functions of the two embodiments are different based on the following structure: the front wall 110 and the rear wall 120 are rotatably supported by the top structure 10, and the roller 130 moves along the guide rail 131 of the ground structure 20. Fig.17 To explain its function, in a container at a normal height, if the top structure 10 is slightly lifted by the forks 101 of the forklift 100, the front wall 110 and the rear wall 120 rotate around the hinge A and tilt, and the roller 130 moves toward the inside of the container along the guide rail 131.

[0047] Afterwards, the top structure 10 is lowered, whereby the roller 130 moves further toward the inside of the container, as shown in FIG. Fig.18As shown, the front wall 110 and the rear wall 120 are tilted to a position where the rollers 130 are close to each other. In this state, the front ends of the upper preparatory columns 15 and 18 and the lower preparatory columns 23 and 26 are in contact with each other. It should be noted that in this state, the engaging member 91 (refer to Figure 6 , Figure 7 ) and the pin 90 (see Figure 6 ) are engaged, and the container is fixed in a reduced height state.

[0048] The operation for returning the container that has been folded and reduced in height to its normal height is the same as that of the first embodiment.

[0049] As described above, in the second embodiment, the operation of switching the container between the normal height when loaded and the reduced height when empty can also be performed by only one operator.

[0050] Next, refer to Figure 19 to Figure 33 A third embodiment of the present invention will be described. Fig.19 is a perspective view of a container according to a third embodiment. Fig. 20 It is an exploded stereogram.

[0051] In the first and second embodiments, the container folding operation is performed using the forklift 100, but in the third embodiment, the folding operation is performed using a power source (a power unit 201 having a battery and a control unit) mounted on the container. In the following description, the same reference numerals are used for the same structures as those in the first and second embodiments, and a part of the description thereof is omitted.

[0052] The structures of the top structure 10 and the ground structure 20 of the container of the third embodiment are substantially the same as those of the second embodiment. However, as described later, the structures of the upper reserve columns 15, 18 and the lower reserve columns 23, 26 are slightly different. In addition, in the container of the third embodiment, as described later, a detachable movable support column 200 is installed at the approximate center of the longitudinal direction of the container, and a truss member 202 is provided in the top structure 10 at the position where the movable column 200 is installed, which serves as a structural support body and is erected in the width direction. It should be noted that since the forklift 100 of the container of the third embodiment is not used for the folding operation, it is not necessary to have various structures for this operation.

[0053] The front wall 204 and the rear wall 206 of the third embodiment are provided with a door 208 surrounded by a frame on all sides. The door 208 is, for example, a door that opens left and right, and the frame is divided into an upper frame 210 and a lower frame 212 in substantially equal parts. The upper frame 210 is provided with a horizontal member 210A arranged along the upper side of the door 208, and vertical members 210B arranged along the side of the door 208 from both ends of the horizontal member 210A. The lower frame 212 is provided with a horizontal member 212A arranged along the lower side of the door 208, and vertical members 212B arranged along the side of the door 208 from both ends of the horizontal member 212A.

[0054] The lower end of the longitudinal member 210B is connected to the upper end of the longitudinal member 212B of the lower frame 212 via a hinge mechanism. The transverse members 210A on the upper side of the front wall 204 and the rear wall 206 are provided with protrusions 53 and 63, respectively, and are pivotally connected to the upper support plate (not shown) provided on the front frame 13 in the same manner as the first embodiment. In addition, the transverse members 212A on the lower side of the front wall 204 and the rear wall 206 are provided with protrusions 54 and 64, respectively, and are rotatably connected to the lower support plate 22 provided on the front frame 21 located at the front end of the floor structure 20 in the same manner as the first embodiment. The doors 208 of the front wall 204 and the rear wall 206 are pivotally connected only to the left and right longitudinal members 210B of the upper frame 210 via hinges, and are not mounted on the left and right longitudinal members 212B of the lower frame 212.

[0055] In addition, the upper end of the longitudinal member 210B of the upper frame 210 is formed in a butt-joined shape with the upper reserve column 15 and the upper reserve column 18, and when the upper frame 210 and the lower frame 212 are erected, the upper end of the longitudinal member 210B is located inside the upper reserve column 15 and the upper reserve column 18. Similarly, the lower end of the longitudinal member 212B of the lower frame 212 is formed in a butt-joined shape with the lower reserve column 23 and the lower reserve column 26, and when the upper frame 210 and the lower frame 212 are erected, the lower end of the longitudinal member 212B is located inside the lower reserve column 23 and the lower reserve column 26.

[0056] According to the above structure, the upper frame 210 and the lower frame 212 can be bent into a V shape toward the inside of the container through the hinge mechanism, and the door 208 and the upper frame 210 are tilted toward the inside of the container as a whole (refer to Figure 28 to Figure 30 ).

[0057] The sixth locking member 255 and the sixth locking member 265 for fixing the upper frame 210 and the lower frame 212 are respectively provided on the side walls of the connection portion between the upper frame 210 and the lower frame 212. In addition, the seventh locking member 256 and the seventh locking member 266 for fixing the upper frame 210 to the top structure 10 are provided on the front of the longitudinal member 210B and the upper reserve columns 15 and 18, and the eighth locking member 257 and the eighth locking member 267 for fixing the lower frame 212 to the ground structure 20 are provided on the front of the longitudinal member 212B and the lower reserve columns 23 and 26.

[0058] The upper and lower ends of the movable support 200 are respectively engaged with the engaging portions 202A (see FIG. Fig.26 ) and the engaging portion 27A provided on each side frame 27 (refer to Fig.26 ) are interlocked. On the other hand, the upper end and the lower end of the movable support 200 are formed as a snap-fit ​​portion 200A and a snap-fit ​​portion 200B. The snap-fit ​​portion 200A and the snap-fit ​​portion 200B are in a T-shape and are composed of a narrow base portion connected to the main body of the movable support 200, and a front end portion connected to the front end thereof and having a width substantially the same as that of the main body of the movable support 200. The snap-fit ​​portion 202A and the snap-fit ​​portion 27A are formed in a shape suitable for the snap-fit ​​portion 200A and the snap-fit ​​portion 200B. If the snap-fit ​​portion 200A and the movable support 200B of the movable support 200 are embedded, the movable support 200 restricts the top structure 10 and the ground structure 20 in the up and down directions. In addition, a ninth locking member 200C for fixing the movable support 200 to the side frame 27 is provided at the lower end of the movable support 200.

[0059] In the container of the third embodiment, since the movable pillar 200 is arranged at the center of the longitudinal direction of the container, the first side wall 30 and the second side wall 40 (i.e., the first plate member 31, the first plate member 41, the second plate member 32, the second plate member 42, the third plate member 33, the third plate member 43) are divided into two parts on the left and right sides with the movable pillar 200 sandwiched therebetween. A plurality of hooks 217 capable of engaging with a plurality of tenth locking members 27B provided on the side frame 27 of the floor structure 20 are provided on the lower ends of the first plate members 31 and 41. The plurality of tenth locking members 27B are provided on the side frame 27 of the floor structure 20. When the first side wall 30 and the second side wall 40 are unfolded and the side of the container is closed, the first plate members 31 and the first plate members 41 can be fixed to the side frame 27 by the locking members 27B. When the tenth locking members 27B are locked, the lower ends of the first plate members 31 and the first plate members 41 are pressed against the sealing members provided on the side frame 27. It should be noted that the sealing member may also be provided on the lower end surface of the first plate member 31 or the first plate member 41. Fig.212 shows a state where the first plate member 31 ( 41 ) is fixed to the side frame 27 by the engagement between the locking member 27B and the hook 217 .

[0060] In addition, if Fig. 22 As shown, when the sides of the container are closed by the first side wall 30 and the second side wall 40, the first plate member 31, the first plate member 41, the second plate member 32, the second plate member 42, the third plate member 33, and the third plate member 43 can be fixed to the longitudinal member 210B of the upper frame 210 and the longitudinal member 212B of the lower frame 212 using the key mechanism 205. The key mechanism 205 comprises: a key member 205A, which can move forward and backward from the center of the side edge of each of the first plate member 31, the first plate member 41, the second plate member 32, the second plate member 42, the third plate member 33, and the third plate member 43 toward the longitudinal member 210B and the longitudinal member 212B; a key hole 205B, which is provided in the longitudinal member 210B and the longitudinal member 212B for the front end of each key member 205A to be fitted; and a key operating portion 205C, which is used to move the key member 205A forward and backward. It should be noted that Fig. 22 FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged perspective view showing the structure of the key mechanism 205. Fig. 22 In the embodiment, the sealing member 207 is located between the sides of the closed first plate member 31, the first plate member 41, the second plate member 32, the second plate member 42, the third plate member 33, the third plate member 43 and the longitudinal member 210B, the longitudinal member 212B, and seals the space between them. The key mechanism 205 and the sealing member 207 are also arranged between the first plate member 31, the first plate member 41, the second plate member 32, the second plate member 42, the third plate member 33, the third plate member 43 and the movable support 200.

[0061] The container of this embodiment is provided with a side wall driving mechanism 214, which is used to store the first side wall 30 and the second side wall 40 in the side wall storage recess 11 and the side wall storage recess 12 provided on the top surface of the top structure 10 during the folding operation. The side wall driving mechanism 214 is provided on the side frame 203 (refer to Fig. 20 ). For example, a plurality of side wall drive mechanisms 214 are provided for the first side wall 30 and the second side wall 40, respectively. In the example shown in the figure, two side wall drive mechanisms 214 are provided for each of the first side wall 30 and the second side wall 40. The side wall drive mechanism 214 can rotate the first side wall 30 and the second side wall 40 folded by the operator relative to the side frame 203 until they are accommodated in the side wall storage recess 11 and the side wall storage recess 12. In addition, when restoring the folded container, the first side wall 30 and the second side wall 40 accommodated in the side wall storage recess 11 and the side wall storage recess 12 can be reversely rotated and returned to their original positions.

[0062] Fig.23 is an enlarged perspective view showing the internal structure of the side wall driving mechanism 214, Fig.24 It is a perspective view showing the mounting structure of the side wall driving mechanism 214 to the third plate members 33 and 43 .

[0063] like Fig.23 As shown, the side wall driving mechanism 214 includes a motor 214B and a reduction gear 214C in a housing 214A. A handle member 214E is integrally mounted on the output shaft 214D of the reduction gear 214C on the outer side of the housing 214A. The reduction gear 214C uses a combination of conventionally known gears including planetary gears. The housing 214A is configured so that the output shaft 214D is coaxial with the rotation axis, and is mounted on the side frame 203 of the top surface structure 10, and the rotation axis is arranged on the upper side of the third plate member 33 and the third plate member 43. In addition, the handle member 214E is mounted on the inner side of the third plate member 33 and the third plate member 43. Thus, the third plate member 33 and the third plate member 43 after the first plate member 31, the first plate member 41, the second plate member 32 and the second plate member 42 are folded and overlapped can be rotated along the upper side of the side frame 203 by the rotation of the motor 214B, so that they can be accommodated in the side wall storage recess 11 and the side wall storage recess 12.

[0064] In addition, the container of the present embodiment is provided with a frame driving mechanism 216 for bending the upper frame 210 and the lower frame 212 inwardly into a "V" shape during the folding operation. The frame driving mechanism 216 is mounted on the front frame 13 and the rear frame 16 of the top structure 10, and the front frame 21 and the rear frame 24 of the ground structure 20. That is, by driving the frame driving mechanism 216, the upper frame 210 and the lower frame 212 pivotally connected to the front frame 13, the front frame 21, the rear frame 16, and the rear frame 24 can be rotated toward the inside of the container. In the present embodiment, for example, a pair of frame driving mechanisms 216 are respectively provided on the front frame 13, the front frame 21, the rear frame 16, and the rear frame 24. During the folding operation of the container, the frame driving mechanism 216 tilts the upper frame 210 and the lower frame 212 toward the inside of the container. As a result, the upper frame 210 and the lower frame 212 are bent inwardly into a V shape. On the other hand, when the container is returned to its original height, the upper frame 210 and the lower frame 212 are reversely rotated by the frame driving mechanism 216 until they stand upright.

[0065] Fig.25 216 is a three-dimensional diagram of the frame drive mechanism 216. Fig.25As shown, the frame drive mechanism 216 includes a motor 216A and a reduction gear 216B. The output shaft of the reduction gear 216B is connected to the rotation axis, and the lower frame 212 can be rotated around the rotation axis. The rotation axis supports the lower frame 212 on the front frame 21 and the rear frame 24. It should be noted that the side wall drive mechanism 214 and the frame drive mechanism 216 are driven by the power and control signal from the power unit 201.

[0066] Next, refer to Figure 26 to Figure 32 The folding operation of the container according to the third embodiment will be described. Figure 26 to Figure 31 This is a three-dimensional diagram showing the container folding operation in time series. Fig.32 It is an enlarged perspective view showing a structure for fixing the folded first plate members 31 and 41 to the second plate members 32 and 42 .

[0067] First, the operator releases the key mechanism 205 of the tenth locking member 27B and the first plate members 31 and 41. Fig.26 As shown, the first plate members 31 and 41 are rotated outward and folded to overlap the outer side surfaces of the second plate members 32 and 42. A recess 218 is provided on the outer side surfaces of the second plate members 32 and 42, and the recess 218 can receive the hook 217 of the folded and overlapped first plate members 31 and 41, and an eleventh locking member 220 for fixing the received hook 217 is provided in the recess 218. Fig.32 An example of a locking member 220 provided in the recess 218 is shown. The locking member 220 shown in the figure includes, for example, a semicircular arc-shaped spring member engaged with the rod portion of the hook 217 extending laterally, and when the hook 217 is pressed into the recess 218, the arc portion engages with the rod portion, and the first plate member 31 and the first plate member 41 are held by the second plate member 32 and the second plate member 42. It should be noted that when the first plate member 31 and the first plate member 41 are stretched with a certain force, the spring member of the locking member 220 bends, the rod portion is separated from the arc portion, and the lock is released.

[0068] Next, the ninth locking member 200C is released, the movable support 200 is removed from the top structure 10 and the floor structure 20, and the side wall driving mechanism 214 is driven. When the third plate members 33 and 43 are rotated outward by the side wall driving mechanism 214, the first plate members 31, 41, 32 and 42 maintained in the folded state by the locked member 220 are lifted together with the third plate members 33 and 43. When the third plate members 33 and 43 are vertically erected upward, the inner side surfaces of the first plate members 31, 41, 32 and 42 folded and overlapped are folded and overlapped on the inner side surfaces of the third plate members 33 and 43. If the third plate members 33 and 43 are further rotated toward the side wall storage recesses 11 and 12, the first plate members 31 and 41, the second plate members 32 and 42, the third plate members 33 and 43 are accommodated in the side wall storage recesses 11 and 12 in a folded and overlapping state.

[0069] Next, the operator releases the locking members 255, 256, 257, 265, 266, and 267 to drive the frame drive mechanism 216. The frame drive mechanisms 216 are synchronously driven, such as Fig.28 , Fig.29 , Fig.30 As shown in FIG. 1 , the upper frame 210 and the lower frame 212 on the front and rear sides are synchronously bent into a "V" shape toward the inside of the container. When the top surface structure 10 starts to bend, the upper frame 210 and the lower frame 212 rotate to temporarily slightly raise the depth of each frame, and then descend while maintaining a horizontal state. At this time, the door 208 and the upper frame 210 are integrally tilted toward the inside of the container. It should be noted that the movable support 200 is as shown before the frame drive mechanism 216 works. Fig.29 Shown is fixed to a given position on the ground of a container. Fig.30 It is a side view showing a comparison between a state where the upper frame 210 and the lower frame 212 are standing upright before the frame driving mechanism 216 is driven and a state where the frame driving mechanism 216 is driven and the frame 210 and the lower frame 212 are bent into a "V" shape.

[0070] If the upper frame 210 and the lower frame 212 are completely bent by the frame driving mechanism 216, the driving of the frame driving mechanism 216 stops. Fig.31As shown, each upper side preparatory column 15, upper side preparatory column 18 is engaged with the corresponding lower side preparatory column 23, lower side preparatory column 26. After that, the operator uses the lock 257, lock 267 to fix the upper side preparatory column 15, upper side preparatory column 18 and the lower side preparatory column 23, lower side preparatory column 26, and the folding operation of the container of this embodiment is completed. It should be noted that when returning the container to the original state of loading, the above-mentioned operation steps are performed in reverse.

[0071] As described above, in the container of the third embodiment, the operation of switching between the normal height when loaded and the reduced height when empty can be performed by only one operator without using a forklift.

[0072] It should be explained that Fig.33 The structure of the third embodiment is applied to a 40-ft container, and a plurality of movable supports are arranged at substantially equal intervals in the longitudinal direction of the container.

[0073] In the description of this embodiment, the first side wall 30 and the second side wall 40 are respectively composed of three plate members, but the number of plate members is not limited thereto. In addition, the locking mechanism for fixing the front wall 50 and the rear wall 60 is also the same, and various structures known in the past can be adopted, for example, the spring 93 can also be a structure other than a metal plate.

[0074] It should be noted that the side wall drive mechanism and the movable support structure of the third embodiment can also be applied to the containers of the first embodiment and the second embodiment, and the frame drive mechanism can also be directly applied to the front wall and the rear wall of the container of the first embodiment. In addition, in the third embodiment, the door can be pivotally connected to the lower frame instead of the upper frame. Moreover, in the third embodiment, when the output of the frame drive mechanism is large enough, the frame drive mechanism can also be configured to be provided only on one of the upper frame or the lower frame. Explanation of symbols

[0075] 10 Top structure 20 Ground Structure 30 First side wall 31 first plate member 32 Second plate member 33 Third plate member 40 Second side wall 50, 110 anterior wall 60, 120 back wall.

Claims

1. A container, characterized in that: The container is a container whose height can be changed between a normal height and a reduced height lower than the normal height. The container has: A top structure covering the top surface of the container; A first side wall is disposed on a side of the container, an upper end of the first side wall is pivotally connected to the top structure, and the first side wall includes a plurality of plate members that can be folded along a horizontal line; A second side wall is arranged on another side of the container in parallel with the first side wall, the upper end of the second side wall is pivotally connected to the top structure, and the second side wall includes a plurality of plate members that can be folded together along a horizontal line; A ground structure, which is arranged on the ground of the container; A front wall disposed at the front of the container, wherein the upper end of the front wall is rotatably connected to the top structure at a position closer to the inside of the container than the front; as well as The rear wall is provided on the rear side of the container, and the upper end of the rear wall is rotatably connected to the top structure at a position closer to the inside of the container than the rear side.

2. The container according to claim 1, characterized in that: The top structure has a side wall storage recessed portion formed therein, into which the folded first side wall and second side wall are inserted.

3. The container according to claim 1, characterized in that: The container has: an upper preparation column extending vertically downward from the top structure along the front face or the back face; and a lower reserve column extending vertically upward from the ground structure along the front or back surface, In a state where the first and second side walls are folded and the front and rear walls are inclined, front ends of the upper and lower preparation pillars abut against each other.

4. The container according to claim 1, characterized in that: In the first and second side walls, a first plate member disposed at the lowest position can be bent toward the outside of the container relative to a second plate member disposed at a central position, and a hook capable of being engaged by a forklift is disposed on an inner surface of the first plate member.

5. The container according to claim 4, characterized in that: The hook is rotatable relative to the first plate member, and the first plate member is formed with a hook receiving recess into which the rotatable hook is fitted.

6. The container according to claim 1, characterized in that: The front wall includes an upper front wall and a lower front wall divided into two parts in a manner bent toward the inner side of the container at a horizontal line, and the rear wall includes an upper rear wall and a lower rear wall divided into two parts in a manner bent toward the inner side of the container at a horizontal line, the upper front wall and the upper rear wall are connected to the top structure in a rotatable manner, and the lower front wall and the lower rear wall are connected to the ground structure in a rotatable manner.

7. The container according to claim 6, characterized in that: A first locking mechanism is respectively provided on the front and the back, and the first locking mechanism comprises: a first locking member for fixing the upper front wall to the lower front wall, or the upper rear wall to the lower rear wall; a second locking member for fixing the upper front wall or the upper rear wall to the top structure; and a third locking member for fixing the lower front wall or the lower rear wall to the ground structure.

8. The container according to claim 1, characterized in that: Rollers are respectively provided at lower ends of the front wall and the rear wall, and guide rails capable of being engaged with the rollers are provided on the floor structure.

9. The container according to claim 8, characterized in that: A second locking mechanism is provided on the front and the back, respectively, and the second locking mechanism has: a fourth locking member for fixing the front wall or the rear wall to the top structure; and a fifth locking member for fixing the front wall or the rear wall to the ground structure.

10. The container according to claim 1, characterized in that: Wire rope fasteners for connecting wire ropes are provided at the upper ends of the front wall and the rear wall. The wire ropes are used when hoisting the top structure.

11. The container according to claim 1, characterized in that: In the first side wall and the second side wall, the first plate member arranged at the lowermost position can be bent toward the outside of the container relative to the second plate member arranged at the central position, and the third plate member is provided with a side wall driving mechanism capable of rotating the third plate member toward the outside. The third plate member is arranged at the uppermost position and is pivotally connected to the side frame of the top structure.

12. The container according to claim 1, characterized in that: The container includes a driving mechanism for tilting the front wall and the rear wall toward the inside of the container.

13. The container according to claim 12, characterized in that: The front wall and the rear wall are composed of a door and a frame surrounding the door, the frame is separated into an upper frame surrounding the upper half of the door and a lower frame surrounding the lower half, the upper frame is pivotally connected to the top structure, and the lower frame is pivotally connected to the ground structure, the lower end of the upper frame and the upper end of the lower frame are pivotally connected, the door is axially supported on one of the upper frame or the lower frame, and the driving mechanism causes at least one of the upper frame or the lower frame to tilt toward the inside of the container, so that the frame can bend into a V-shape toward the inside of the container.

14. The container according to claim 1, characterized in that: A detachable movable support is provided between the side frame of the top structure and the side frame of the ground structure.

15. The container according to claim 6, characterized in that: The hinges of the upper front wall and the upper rear wall rotatably connected to the roof structure are respectively located on the inner side in the longitudinal direction of the container than the center of gravity of the upper front wall and the upper rear wall in an upright state.

Images