Foldable containers and methods for loading cargo into foldable containers

Abstract

This application discloses a collapsible container and a method for loading cargo into the collapsible container, including a base frame and end frames. The end frames are located at both ends of the base frame and include corner posts and movable lintels. The corner posts are located on both sides of the base frame along its width and are pivotally connected to the base frame, allowing the end frames to pivotally connect to the base frame between an open position and a folded position folded onto the base frame. The movable lintels include a top crossbeam, top corner pieces, connecting seats, and a rotary locking assembly. The top corner pieces are located at both ends of the top crossbeam and connected to it. The connecting seats are located at both ends of the top crossbeam and connected to the top corner pieces. The rotary locking assembly is movably located on the connecting seats and is detachably connected to the corner posts between a locked position and an unlocked position, allowing the movable lintels to be detachably connected to the corner posts. Because the top corner pieces can be detached along with the movable lintels, extra-long and extra-wide cargo can be loaded.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of container technology, and more specifically to a collapsible container and a method for loading goods into the collapsible container. Background Technology

[0002] The goods loaded in existing folding crates and flat racks vary widely in size and loading requirements. For goods of specific dimensions, the fixed lintel needs to be replaced with a movable lintel. When loading extra-long goods, the movable lintel must first be removed, the goods loaded from the top, and then the movable lintel reinstalled. Alternatively, one corner post can be lowered while the other remains upright, allowing for side loading. After loading, the lowered corner post can be reinstalled, and the movable lintel reinstalled.

[0003] For cargo that is excessively long and wide, the existing movable lintel structure at the ends of containers is no longer sufficient to meet loading requirements. After removing the movable lintel, the attachments on the corner posts of existing containers (such as top corner brackets and lugs) exceed the width of the corner posts. Therefore, for wide cargo, it may be impossible to load from the top. If cargo is loaded from the side, and then after loading is completed (requiring one corner post to be lowered), there is a high risk of interference with the cargo during the process of re-erecting the corner post.

[0004] Therefore, a collapsible container and a method for loading goods into collapsible containers are needed to at least partially solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The summary section introduces a series of simplified concepts, which will be further explained in detail in the detailed description section. This summary section is not intended to limit the key and essential technical features of the claimed technical solution, nor is it intended to determine the scope of protection of the claimed technical solution.

[0006] To at least partially solve the above problems, according to a first aspect of this application, a foldable container is provided, comprising: Base frame; and End frames, disposed at both ends of the base frame, each end frame including corner posts and movable lintels, the corner posts being disposed on both sides of the base frame along its width direction and pivotally connected to the base frame, such that the end frames can be pivotally connected to the base frame between an open position and a folded position folded onto the base frame, the movable lintels including: Top beam; Corner pieces, the corner pieces being disposed at both ends of the top crossbeam and connected to the top crossbeam; A connecting seat, wherein the connecting seat is disposed at both ends of the top crossbeam and connected to the top corner piece; and A rotary lock assembly is movably disposed on the connecting seat and is detachably connected to the corner post between a locked position and an unlocked position, thereby allowing the movable lintel to be detachably connected to the corner post.

[0007] According to the folding container of this application, the top corner fittings can be disassembled together with the movable lintel, which avoids the top corner fittings occupying the space inside the end frame during the loading process and interfering with the wider cargo. Therefore, it is possible to load extra-long and extra-wide cargo.

[0008] Optionally, the rotary locking assembly includes a screw, a locking nut, and a locking boss. The locking nut is screwed onto the outside of the screw, and the locking boss is disposed at one end of the screw. The locking boss can be inserted into the inside of the corner post and is detachably connected to the corner post.

[0009] Optionally, the corner post includes a corner post top plate located at the top, the corner post top plate being provided with a corner post through hole, the locking boss being able to pass through the corner post through hole into the inner side of the corner post, and the width dimension of the corner post through hole being smaller than the length dimension of the locking boss, such that when the rotary locking assembly is in the locked position, the locking boss cannot retract from the corner post through hole.

[0010] Optionally, the connecting seat includes a connecting seat base plate located at the bottom, the connecting seat base plate is provided with a base plate through hole, the screw passes through the base plate through hole, and when the rotary locking assembly is in the locked position, the locking nut abuts against the connecting seat base plate, so that the connecting seat base plate and the locking boss abut against the two sides of the corner post top plate respectively.

[0011] Optionally, the length of the through hole in the base plate is smaller than the diameter of the locking nut and smaller than the length of the locking boss.

[0012] Optionally, the bottom of the connecting base plate is provided with a positioning boss, and the bottom plate through hole passes through the positioning boss. When the rotary locking assembly is in the locked position, the positioning boss can be inserted into the corner post through hole, and the positioning boss does not protrude from the lower surface of the corner post top plate.

[0013] Optionally, the rotary locking assembly further includes a limiting pin detachably connected to the screw, wherein when the rotary locking assembly is in the locked position, the locking nut is limited between the limiting pin and the base plate of the connecting seat.

[0014] Optionally, the connecting seat further includes a first side plate, two second side plates, and a limiting plate. The two second side plates are respectively disposed on both sides of the first side plate. The bottom of the first side plate and the two second side plates are connected to the bottom plate of the connecting seat, and the top of the first side plate and the two second side plates are connected to the corner piece. The limiting plate is horizontally disposed in the space enclosed by the first side plate and the second side plates and is connected to the first side plate and the second side plates. The limiting plate is provided with a limiting plate through hole, and the screw passes through the limiting plate through hole.

[0015] Optionally, the rotary locking assembly further includes a rotary handle disposed at the other end of the screw and connected to the screw, and a limiting plate disposed between the rotary handle and the locking nut along the length direction of the screw.

[0016] Optionally, the base frame includes a receiving member and bottom side beams located on both sides. The receiving member has a receiving groove, and the bottom side beams are provided with bottom side beam through holes. The receiving member passes through the bottom side beam through holes located on both sides of the base frame along the width direction of the base frame, and the movable lintel removed from the corner post can be stored in the receiving groove.

[0017] Optionally, the base frame further includes a rotary lock fixing plate, which is disposed near the opening of the receiving groove. The rotary lock fixing plate is provided with a fixing plate through hole. When the movable lintel is housed in the receiving groove, the locking boss can be inserted into the fixing plate through hole and detachably connected to the rotary lock fixing plate.

[0018] Optionally, the collapsible container further includes: A fixed hinge seat is connected to the base frame, and the fixed hinge seat is provided with a guide channel; A movable hinge, connected to the end frame, pivotally connected to the fixed hinge seat, wherein in the open position of the end frame, a limiting channel is formed between the fixed hinge seat and the movable hinge, the movable hinge having a movable hinge notch having a limiting surface, wherein in the open position of the end frame, the movable hinge notch is aligned with the limiting channel; and A locking member, movably connected to the fixed hinge seat between a retracted position and a locked position that limits the end frame to the open position, the locking member comprising: A locking part that extends through the limiting channel; Guide portion, the guide portion extending into the guide channel; and The connecting part connects the locking part to the guide part. During the switching process between the storage position and the locking position, the locking part can move relative to the limiting channel, and the guide part can move along the length direction of the guide channel; When the locking member is in the locked position, the locking part can abut against the inner surface of the movable hinge notch to prevent the end frame from moving toward the folded position.

[0019] Optionally, the guide channel and the limiting channel are spaced apart along a direction perpendicular to the width direction of the base frame.

[0020] Optionally, the hinge notch is provided on the outer end face of the hinge, and the hinge notch is constructed as a U-shaped notch.

[0021] Optionally, the inner surface of the movable hinge notch includes a first inner surface, a second inner surface, and a third inner surface. The first inner surface and the third inner surface are disposed opposite to each other. The two ends of the second inner surface are respectively connected to the first inner surface and the third inner surface. When the locking member is in the locked position, the first inner surface is located below the second inner surface and the third inner surface, and the locking part can abut against the first inner surface. The first inner surface is the limiting surface.

[0022] Optionally, the locking member further includes a connecting portion, wherein the locking portion and the guide portion are respectively connected to the connecting portion, and the locking portion and the guide portion are disposed on the same side of the connecting portion.

[0023] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a method for loading cargo into a collapsible container according to any one of the first aspects is disclosed, comprising: S10, rotate the rotary lock assembly to the unlocked position to remove the movable lintel from the corner post; S20, pivot the end frame to the folded position; S30, loading the cargo onto the underframe from the side and / or end face of the collapsible container; S40, pivot the end frame to the open position; S50, the movable lintel is placed on the corner post, and the rotary lock assembly is rotated to the locked position, so that the movable lintel is connected to the corner post. Attached Figure Description

[0024] The following drawings, which are incorporated herein by reference and used to understand this application, illustrate embodiments of the application and their descriptions, thereby explaining the principles of the application.

[0025] In the attached image: Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of a folding container according to a preferred embodiment of this application; Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the end view of a collapsible container; Figure 3 for Figure 2 A structural diagram of the movable lintel of a folding container; Figure 4 for Figure 2 Enlarged schematic diagram of the local structure at point A; Figure 5 for Figure 3 A magnified schematic diagram of the local structure at point B in the middle; Figure 6 for Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the structure of a collapsible container projected in the C direction; Figure 7 For along Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of line EE in the diagram; Figure 8 For along Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of line FF in the diagram; Figure 9 for Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the structure of the collapsible container projected in the D direction; Figure 10 for Figure 1 A top view of the corner post top plate of a collapsible container. Figure 11 for Figure 10 A cross-sectional view of the top plate of the corner column; Figure 12 For along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of line GG in the diagram; Figure 13 for Figure 12 A schematic diagram of the structure of the rotary lock fixing plate; Figure 14 For along Figure 12 A cross-sectional view of line NN in the diagram; Figure 15 for Figure 1 The diagram shows the end view of a collapsible container, with corner posts, top corner fittings, and movable lintels removed. Figure 16 for Figure 1A top view of a collapsible container, showing only the structure at the ends; Figure 17 for Figure 1 A partial structural diagram of a collapsible container, showing only the corner posts and movable hinges; Figure 18 for Figure 1 Another partial structural diagram of the collapsible container, showing the locking mechanism located in the storage position; Figure 19 for Figure 1 Another partial structural diagram of the collapsible container, in which the locking component is located in the locking position; Figure 20 For along Figure 15 A cross-sectional view of line HH in the diagram; Figure 21 for Figure 15 A schematic diagram of the structure of the collapsible container projected towards direction K; and Figure 22 for Figure 15 A magnified schematic diagram of the structure at point M.

[0026] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 100: Foldable container 110: Base frame 111: Bottom Side Beam 112: Upper Wing 113: Lower wing plate 114: Web 115: Bottom side beam through hole 116: Second fixing plate 117: Third fixing plate 118: Second fixing hole 119: Third fixing hole 120: End frame 121: Corner Post 122: Activity lintel 124: Reinforcing plate 125: Corner column top plate 126: Corner post through hole 130: Fixed hinge seat 131: Outer hinge plate 132: Guide 133: Outer sealing plate 134: Inner hinge plate 135: Limiting Channel 136: Guiding Channel 137: First inner hinge notch 138: Vertical extension 139: Lateral extension 140: Movable hinge 141: Notch in movable hinge 143: First inner surface 144: Second inner surface 145: Third inner surface 150: Locking component 151: Locking part 152: Guiding section 153: Connecting part 154: First fixing plate 155: First fixing hole 156: Pull-out handle 160: Top crossbeam 161: Forklift slot 165: Twist lock fixing plate 166: Through hole in the fixing plate 170: Corner piece 174: Retainer 175: Insurance Sales 176: Second baffle 177: Bottom corner piece 178: Hinge pin 179: Receiving tank 180: Connector 181: Connecting base plate 182: First side panel 183: Second side panel 184: Limiting plate 185: Through hole in the base plate 186: Positioning boss 187: Limiting plate through hole 190: Rotary lock assembly 191: Screw 192: Locking nut 193: Locking Boss 194: Limit pin 195: Rotate handle Detailed Implementation

[0027] The following description provides numerous specific details to offer a more thorough understanding of this application. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that this application can be practiced without one or more of these details. In other instances, certain technical features well-known in the art have not been described to avoid confusion with this application.

[0028] To fully understand this application, a detailed description will be provided below. It is obvious that the implementation of embodiments of this application is not limited to the specific details familiar to those skilled in the art. Preferred embodiments of this application are described in detail below; however, other embodiments may also be available in addition to these detailed descriptions.

[0029] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments according to this application. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of the stated features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0030] In understanding the scope of this application, the term "comprising" and its derivatives, as used herein, are intended to be open-ended terms that specify the presence of a described feature, element, component, group, whole, and / or step, but do not exclude the presence of other undescribed features, elements, components, groups, wholes, and / or steps. This concept also applies to words with similar meanings, such as the terms "comprising," "having," and their derivatives.

[0031] The term "attached" or "joined" as used herein includes: a construction in which one element is directly fixed to another element by fixing it directly to another element; a construction in which one element is indirectly fixed to another element by fixing it to an intermediate member, which in turn is fixed to another element; and a construction in which one element is integral with another element, that is, one element is substantially part of another element. This definition also applies to words with similar meanings, such as "connect," "joint," "couple," "install," "adhere," "fix," and their derivatives. Finally, degree terms such as "substantially," "approximately," and "approximately" as used herein indicate the amount of deviation from which modifications to the terminology do not significantly alter the final result.

[0032] Ordinal numbers such as “first” and “second” used in this application are merely identifiers and have no other meaning, such as a specific order. Moreover, for example, the term “first component” does not imply the existence of a “second component”, and the term “second component” does not imply the existence of a “first component”.

[0033] It should be noted that the terms “up,” “down,” “front,” “back,” “left,” “right,” “inner,” “outer,” and similar expressions used in this article are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be restrictive.

[0034] In this document, terms such as “equal” and “same” are not strict mathematical and / or geometric limitations, but also include errors that are understandable to those skilled in the art and permissible in manufacturing or use.

[0035] Unless otherwise stated, the numerical ranges in this document include not only the entire range within its two endpoints, but also the subranges contained therein.

[0036] Exemplary embodiments according to this application will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, these exemplary embodiments may be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. It should be understood that these embodiments are provided so that the disclosure of this application is thorough and complete, and that the concept of these exemplary embodiments is fully conveyed to those skilled in the art.

[0037] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, this application provides a collapsible container 100, which includes a base frame 110, an end frame 120, a fixed hinge seat 130, and a movable hinge 140 (see [link]). Figure 17 ).

[0038] End frames 120 are located at both ends of the base frame 110 and are pivotally connected to the base frame 110 between a vertically open position and a folded position folded onto the base frame 110. Fixed hinge seats 130 are located at the four corners of the base frame 110 and are connected to the base frame 110. Specifically, the base frame 110 has corner pieces 177 located at the four corners, and the fixed hinge seats 130 are connected to the corresponding corner pieces 177. Movable hinges 140 are connected to the end frames 120, and the movable hinges 140 are connected via hinge axes 178 (see...). Figure 16 It can be pivotally connected to the fixed hinge seat 130, so that the end frame 120 can be pivotally connected to the base frame 110.

[0039] The end frame 120 includes corner posts 121 and movable lintels 122. The corner posts 121 are arranged on both sides of the base frame 110 along its width direction and are located on both sides of the end frame 120. Movable hinges 140 are connected to the bottom ends of the corner posts 121 (see...). Figure 17 This allows the corner post 121 to be pivotally connected to the base frame 110.

[0040] like Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the movable lintel 122 includes a top beam 160, corner brackets 170, connecting seats 180, and a turnlock assembly 190. The corner brackets 170 are located at both ends of the top beam 160 and connected to it. The corner brackets 170 are installed in a standard position for stacking. In one embodiment of this application, the width of the corner posts 121 is smaller than the width of the corner brackets 170, thus increasing the internal width of the container to accommodate wider goods. The top beam 160 is provided with fork slots 161 and lifting lugs (not shown) to facilitate lifting or slinging the movable lintel 122. The connecting seats 180 are located at both ends of the top beam 160 and connected to the corner brackets 170. The rotary lock assembly 190 is movably disposed on the connecting seat 180, and the rotary lock assembly 190 is detachably connected to the corner post 121 between a locked position and an unlocked position, so that the movable lintel 122 can be detachably connected to the corner post 121. When the rotary lock assembly 190 is in the unlocked position, the rotary lock assembly 190 can be disconnected from the corner post 121.

[0041] According to the folding container 100 of this application, the top corner piece 170 can be disassembled together with the movable lintel 122, which avoids the top corner piece 170 occupying the space inside the end frame 120 during the loading process and interfering with the wider cargo. Therefore, it can load the wider cargo with a width similar to the inside width of the end frame 120.

[0042] The collapsible container 100 of this application can be used for loading and transporting oversized and overweight cargo. Since the width of the cargo is similar to the inner width of the end frame 120, and the length of the cargo exceeds the length of the container, the cargo extends beyond the end frame 120 after loading. Therefore, the corner posts 121 can be folded inward before loading the cargo, and the process of erecting the corner posts 121 after loading avoids interference between the attachments on the corner posts 121 and the cargo.

[0043] This application also discloses a method for loading cargo into a collapsible container 100: S10, rotating the turnlock assembly 190 to the unlocked position to remove the movable lintel 122 from the corner post 121; S20, pivoting the end frame 120 to the folded position; S30, loading cargo onto the bottom frame 110 from the side and / or end face of the collapsible container 100; S40, pivoting the end frame 120 to the open position; S50, placing the movable lintel 122 on the corner post 121, and rotating the turnlock assembly 190 to the locked position so that the movable lintel 122 is connected to the corner post 121.

[0044] In this application, as Figure 3As shown, the connecting seat 180 is also connected to the top crossbeam 160. Specifically, the top of the connecting seat 180 is connected to the corner piece 170, and the side of the connecting seat 180 is connected to the top crossbeam 160. The movable lintel 122 also includes a reinforcing plate 124. The reinforcing plate 124 is connected to the top crossbeam 160, the corner piece 170, and the connecting seat 180, thereby enhancing the structural strength of the movable lintel 122, and further enhancing the structural strength of the end frame 120, preventing the end frame 120 from shaking violently in bumpy environments (such as sea transport), and improving the stability of transportation.

[0045] like Figures 4 to 6 As shown, the rotary locking assembly 190 includes a screw 191, a locking nut 192, and a locking boss 193. The locking nut 192 is screwed onto the outside of the screw 191. The locking boss 193 is located at one end (e.g., the lower end) of the screw 191. The locking boss 193 can be inserted into the inside of the corner post 121 and is detachably connected to the corner post 121. Preferably, the locking boss 193 is configured as an oblong boss.

[0046] like Figures 4 to 6 and Figures 10 to 11 As shown, the corner post 121 includes a corner post top plate 125 located at the top. The corner post top plate 125 is a corner piece plate, and its shape does not exceed or slightly exceeds the outer dimensions of the corner post 121 in the inner width direction of the end frame 120. The corner post 121 has an irregular design along the length direction of the collapsible container 100, that is, a design that is narrower at the top and wider at the bottom (see...). Figure 1 This enhances the structural strength of the corner post 121. The top plate 125 of the corner post is provided with a corner post through hole 126 (see...). Figure 11 The shape of the corner post through hole 126 corresponds to the shape of the locking boss 193, and is constructed as an oblong through hole. The locking boss 193 can pass through the corner post through hole 126 to enter the inside of the corner post 121. The width of the corner post through hole 126 is smaller than the length of the locking boss 193, so that when the rotary locking assembly 190 is in the locked position, the locking boss 193 cannot be disengaged from the corner post through hole 126.

[0047] In this application, after the locking boss 193 is inserted into the inner side of the corner post 121 through the corner post through hole 126, the locking assembly 190 is locked in the locked position and locked onto the corner post 121 by rotating the locking assembly 190 by 90°. It can be understood that when the locking assembly 190 is rotated by 90°, the locking boss 193 is also rotated by 90° along with the screw 191. At this time, the length direction of the locking boss 193 corresponds to the width direction of the corner post through hole 126, so that the locking boss 193 is stuck on the lower surface of the corner post top plate 125 and cannot be removed from the corner post through hole 126.

[0048] like Figures 4 to 6 and Figure 9As shown, the connector 180 includes a connector base plate 181 located at the bottom. The connector base plate 181 is provided with a base plate through hole 185, which is a circular through hole (see [reference]). Figure 9 The screw 191 passes through the bottom plate through hole 185. With the locking assembly 190 in the locked position, the locking nut 192 is screwed downwards and abuts against the connecting seat bottom plate 181, causing the connecting seat bottom plate 181 and the locking boss 193 to abut against both sides of the corner post top plate 125, thus clamping the corner post top plate 125 and preventing the locking boss 193 from loosening. The length of the bottom plate through hole 185 is smaller than the diameter of the locking nut 192, so the locking nut 192 will not exit from the screw 191 through the bottom plate through hole 185. The length (e.g., diameter) of the bottom plate through hole 185 is smaller than the length of the locking boss 193, so the locking boss 193 will not exit from the bottom plate through hole 185.

[0049] The bottom of the connecting seat base plate 181 is provided with a downwardly protruding positioning boss 186. The shape of the positioning boss 186 corresponds to the shape of the corner post through hole 126, and is generally constructed as an oblong boss. The base plate through hole 185 passes through the positioning boss 186. When the rotary locking assembly 190 is in the locked position, the positioning boss 186 can be inserted into the corner post through hole 126, thereby positioning the connecting seat 180 relative to the corner post 121 and preventing the connecting seat 180 from moving laterally or rotating relative to the corner post 121. Preferably, the positioning boss 186 does not protrude from the lower surface of the corner post top plate 125.

[0050] like Figure 6 and Figure 8 The rotary locking assembly 190 also includes a limiting pin 194. The limiting pin 194 is detachably connected to the screw 191. When the rotary locking assembly 190 is in the locked position, the locking nut 192 is limited between the limiting pin 194 and the connecting seat base plate 181, thereby preventing the locking nut 192 from loosening and thus preventing the locking boss 193 from exiting the corner post through hole 126.

[0051] like Figures 4 to 8As shown, the connecting seat 180 also includes a first side plate 182, two second side plates 183, and a limiting plate 184. The first side plate 182 extends along the length direction of the collapsible container 100. The second side plates 183 extend along the width direction of the collapsible container 100. The two second side plates 183 are arranged parallel to each other and are respectively located on both sides of the first side plate 182. The bottom of the first side plate 182 and the two second side plates 183 are connected to the bottom plate 181 of the connecting seat, the top of the first side plate 182 and the two second side plates 183 are connected to the corner bracket 170, and the upper half of the first side plate 182 is connected to the top crossbeam 160. Therefore, the connecting seat 180 has an operating opening facing outwards from the collapsible container 100 for easy operation and maintenance. In addition, the top of the corner post 121 also has an operating opening facing outwards from the collapsible container 100 for easy operation and maintenance. The limiting plate 184 is horizontally disposed in the space enclosed by the first side plate 182 and the second side plate 183, and is connected to the first side plate 182 and the second side plate 183. The limiting plate 184 is provided with a limiting plate through hole 187, through which the screw 191 passes, thereby limiting the screw 191 in the vertical direction and preventing the screw 191 from shaking.

[0052] like Figures 5 to 7 As shown, the rotary locking assembly 190 also includes a rotary handle 195. The rotary handle 195 is located at the other end (specifically the upper end) of the screw 191 and is connected to the screw 191. Therefore, the locking boss 193 can be rotated by rotating the rotary handle 195, allowing the rotary locking assembly 190 to switch between a locked position and an unlocked position. A limiting plate 184 is disposed between the rotary handle 195 and the locking nut 192 along the length direction of the screw 191. Thus, the locking nut 192 is vertically limited between the limiting plate 184 and the base plate 181 of the connecting seat, preventing the locking nut 192 from exiting the screw 191. It also allows the rotary locking assembly 190 to be movably limited on the connecting seat 180, preventing the rotary locking assembly 190 from detaching from the connecting seat 180.

[0053] The installation steps for the movable lintel 122 are as follows: a) Use a forklift to lift the movable lintel 122 above the corner post 121, so that the locking boss 193 is aligned with the corner post through hole 126 on the corner post 121; b) After the movable lintel 122 is in place, turn the rotating handle 195 to rotate the lock assembly 190 by 90°; c) Tighten the locking nut 192 with the help of a lever, thereby locking the locking boss 193 onto the corner post top plate 125.

[0054] like Figures 12 to 14As shown, the base frame 110 includes a receiving member 174 and bottom side beams 111 located on both sides. The receiving member 174 is arranged along the width direction of the base frame 110. The receiving member 174 has a receiving groove 179 that extends along the width direction of the base frame 110 and through the entire length direction of the receiving member 174. The movable lintel 122, which can be removed from the corner post 121, can be stored in the receiving groove 179. When the collapsible container 100 is transported empty, the removed movable lintel 122 can be stored in the receiving groove 179, and the corner post 121 can be folded onto the base frame 110 to achieve stacking of the collapsible container 100 and save space.

[0055] like Figure 12 As shown, the bottom side beam 111 is provided with a bottom side beam through hole 115, and the receiving member 174 passes through the bottom side beam through hole 115 located on both sides of the bottom side beam 111 along the width direction of the base frame 110. Specifically, the bottom side beam 111 includes an upper flange 112, a lower flange 113, and a web 114. The upper flange 112 is arranged laterally at the top of the bottom side beam 111, and the lower flange 113 is arranged laterally at the bottom of the bottom side beam 111. The web 114 is arranged vertically, and the top of the web 114 is connected to the upper flange 112, and the bottom of the web 114 is connected to the lower flange 113. The bottom side beam through hole 115 is provided on the web 114 and is located at the lower end of the web 114, so that the receiving member 174 can be placed and fixed on the lower flange 113.

[0056] like Figure 12 and Figure 13 As shown, the base frame 110 also includes a rotary lock fixing plate 165. The rotary lock fixing plate 165 is located near the opening of the receiving groove 179, and the rotary lock fixing plate 165 is provided with a fixing plate through hole 166. The fixing plate through hole 166 is constructed as an oblong through hole. When the movable lintel 122 is housed in the receiving groove 179, the locking boss 193 can be inserted into the fixing plate through hole 166 and is detachably connected to the rotary lock fixing plate 165. The width of the fixing plate through hole 166 is smaller than the length of the locking boss 193, thereby preventing the locking boss 193 in the locked position from exiting the fixing plate through hole 166.

[0057] The collapsible container 100 of this application conforms to ISO standard container dimensions, with a length of 20 feet or 40 feet. The maximum outer width of the end frame 120 is 2438 mm, and the maximum outer width of the movable lintel 122 is 2438 mm (the center hole distance between the two corner pieces 170 on the movable lintel 122 is 2260 mm), conforming to national maritime standards. The inner width between the two corner posts 121 of the end frame 120 can accommodate cargo and also restrict cargo movement, acting as a limiting frame. The inner width between the two corner posts of the end frame 120 ranges from 2175 mm to 2185 mm.

[0058] like Figure 15 , Figure 18 and Figure 21 As shown, when the end frame 120 is in the open position, a limiting channel 135 is formed between the fixed hinge seat 130 and the movable hinge 140. The fixed hinge seat 130 is provided with a guide channel 136. The guide channel 136 is a through hole. The guide channel 136 and the limiting channel 135 are spaced apart along a direction perpendicular to the width direction of the base frame 110. In this embodiment, the guide channel 136 and the limiting channel 135 are spaced apart along a height direction perpendicular to the width direction of the base frame 110, and the guide channel 136 is located below the limiting channel 135. Figure 17 As shown, the movable hinge 140 is provided with a movable hinge notch 141. When the end frame 120 is in the open position (i.e., when the end frame 120 is in the vertical position), the movable hinge notch 141 is aligned with the limiting channel 135. The locking member 150 is movably connected to the fixed hinge seat 130 between the retracted position and the locking position that limits the end frame 120 to the open position.

[0059] In this application, the collapsible container 100 also includes a locking member 150. For example... Figures 18 to 21 As shown, the locking member 150 mainly includes a locking part 151, a guide part 152, and a connecting part 153. The locking part 151 extends through the limiting channel 135. The guide part 152 extends into the guide channel 136. The locking part 151 and the guide part 152 are respectively connected to the connecting part 153. The locking part 151 and the guide part 152 are disposed on the same side of the connecting part 153, that is, on the side of the connecting part 153 facing the fixed hinge seat 130. During the switching between the locking position and the folded position of the locking member 150, the locking part 151 can move relative to the limiting channel 135, and the guide part 152 can move along the length direction of the guide channel 136. When the locking member 150 is in the locked position, the locking part 151 can abut against the limiting surface of the movable hinge notch 141 to prevent the movable hinge 140 from moving relative to the fixed hinge seat 130, thereby preventing the end frame 120 from moving toward the folding position.

[0060] In the prior art, the guide channel and the limiting channel are arranged collinearly or side-by-side along the width direction, which requires the overall structure of the locking member to extend along the width direction of the base frame to achieve the dual-channel function. This arrangement makes it impossible to reduce the length dimension of the locking member (i.e., the dimension along the width direction of the base frame), and its movement trajectory depends entirely on the spatial allocation in the width direction. In this application, the guide channel 136 and the limiting channel 135 are arranged in a layout that is spaced apart along a direction perpendicular to the width direction of the base frame 110, forming two independent channels distributed vertically. This arrangement allows the locking part 151 and the guide part 152 of the locking member 150 to be arranged in a height direction perpendicular to the width direction of the base frame 110, thereby eliminating the dependence of the locking member 150 on the width direction space of the base frame 110, and making its dimension along the width direction of the base frame 110 smaller than that of the prior art.

[0061] Therefore, according to the folding container 100 of this application, the length of the locking member 150 is relatively small. When the locking member 150 is in the locked position, it does not extend beyond the outside of the fixed hinge seat 130 or only extends very little. This is suitable for folding containers with compact end space used to load large-sized goods. The guide portion 152 is also provided to make the movement of the locking member 150 smoother and to precisely control the insertion and removal of the locking portion 151 of the locking member 150.

[0062] Although the preferred embodiment of this application shows the locking member 150 closer to the centerline of the base frame 110 in the length direction relative to the fixed hinge seat 130, in an embodiment not shown, the locking member may be further away from the centerline of the base frame in the length direction relative to the fixed hinge seat, and in the locked position, the locking member does not exceed the width of the collapsible container 100, while in the unlocked position, the locking member exceeds the width of the collapsible container 100.

[0063] like Figure 17 As shown, a hinge notch 141 is provided on the outer end face of the hinge 140, and the hinge notch 141 is constructed as a U-shaped notch. The inner surface of the hinge notch 141 includes a first inner surface 143, a second inner surface 144, and a third inner surface 145. The first inner surface 143 and the third inner surface 145 are arranged opposite to each other and parallel to each other. The two ends of the second inner surface 144 are respectively connected to the first inner surface 143 and the third inner surface 145, and the second inner surface 144 is perpendicular to the first inner surface 143 and the third inner surface 145. When the locking member 150 is in the locked position, the first inner surface 143 is located below the second inner surface 144 and the third inner surface 145, and the bottom of the locking part 151 can abut against the first inner surface 143, thereby restricting the end frame 120 from moving toward the folded position. In an embodiment not shown, the hinge notch is a through hole.

[0064] like Figure 15 and Figure 16 As shown, the fixed hinge base 130 includes an outer hinge plate 131 and an inner hinge plate 134 disposed inside the outer hinge plate 131. The outer hinge plate 131 and the inner hinge plate 134 are arranged parallel to each other. The outer hinge plate 131 and the inner hinge plate 134 are spaced apart along the width direction of the base frame 110. The inner hinge plate 134 is provided with a first inner hinge notch 137 (see...). Figure 21 The first inner hinge notch 137 (not shown) aligns with the movable hinge notch 141 when the end frame 120 is in the open position, and the first inner hinge notch 137 communicates with the limiting channel 135. The second inner hinge notch communicates with the guide channel. In this application, the first inner hinge notch 137 is a U-shaped notch provided on the outer end face of the inner hinge plate 134. In an embodiment not shown, the first inner hinge notch is a through hole provided on the inner hinge plate.

[0065] The fixed hinge seat 130 also includes a guide 132. One end of the guide 132 is connected to the outer hinge plate 131, and the other end of the guide 132 is connected to a second inner hinge notch in the inner hinge plate 134. A guide channel 136 is provided in the guide 132. The guide channel 136 is configured as a circular through-hole extending through the entire length of the guide 132. In this application, the second inner hinge notch is a circular through-hole provided in the inner hinge plate 134, and the other end of the guide 132 is inserted into the second inner hinge notch to connect to the inner hinge plate 134. In an embodiment not shown, the second inner hinge notch is a notch provided in the inner hinge plate.

[0066] like Figures 18 to 21 As shown, the fixed hinge base 130 also includes an outer sealing plate 133. The outer sealing plate 133 is connected to the outer hinge plate 131 and the inner hinge plate 134. When the end frame 120 is in the open position, a limiting channel 135 is formed between the outer hinge plate 131, the inner hinge plate 134, the outer sealing plate 133, and the movable hinge 140. When the locking member 150 is in the locked position, the outer sealing plate 133 can abut against the connecting portion 153 to prevent the locking member 150 from moving further.

[0067] Specifically, the outer sealing plate 133 includes a vertical extension 138 and a horizontal extension 139. The vertical extension 138 extends vertically and is disposed on the outer end faces of the outer hinge plate 131 and the inner hinge plate 134 corresponding to the first inner hinge notch 137. By providing the vertical extension 138, the movable hinge 140 can be prevented from flipping outward, and the locking part 151 can be prevented from disengaging from the fixed hinge seat 130. The horizontal extension 139 extends horizontally and is configured to extend inward from the top of the vertical extension 138. The horizontal extension 139 is partially disposed in the first inner hinge notch 137 and is located above the first inner hinge notch 137. By providing the horizontal extension 139, which is located above the locking part 151, it can limit the locking part 151, prevent the locking part 151 from tilting, and limit the locking part 151 in the limiting channel 135.

[0068] like Figure 16 , Figure 19 and Figure 22 As shown, the collapsible container 100 also includes a safety pin 175. The locking member 150 also includes a first fixing plate 154. The first fixing plate 154 is connected to the connecting portion 153, and the first fixing plate 154 and the guide portion 152 are respectively provided on both sides of the connecting portion 153. The first fixing plate 154 is provided with a first fixing hole 155. A second fixing plate 116 is provided on the base frame 110, and the second fixing plate 116 is provided with a second fixing hole 118. Both the first fixing hole 155 and the second fixing hole 118 are constructed as circular through holes. The safety pin 175 can pass through the first fixing hole 155 and the second fixing hole 118 to hold the locking member 150 in the locked position.

[0069] like Figure 16 , Figure 18 and Figure 22 As shown, a third fixing plate 117 is also provided on the base frame 110. The third fixing plate 117 and the second fixing plate 116 are spaced apart along the moving direction of the locking member 150 (i.e., the width direction of the base frame 110). The third fixing plate 117 is provided with a third fixing hole 119, through which the safety pin 175 can pass to the first fixing hole 155 and the third fixing hole 119 to keep the locking member 150 in the storage position and prevent the locking member 150 from falling off and being lost.

[0070] like Figure 18As shown, a second baffle 176 is also provided on the base frame 110. The second baffle 176 is located on the side of the connecting portion 153 facing away from the fixed hinge seat 130. When the locking member 150 is in the retracted position, the second baffle 176 can abut against the connecting portion 153 to prevent the locking member 150 from moving further and disengaging from the base frame 110. The locking member 150 also includes a pull handle 156 for easy operation. The pull handle 156 is U-shaped, and both ends of the pull handle 156 are connected to the connecting portion 153. The pull handle 156 and the locking portion 151 are respectively located on both sides of the connecting portion 153.

[0071] Unless otherwise defined, the technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. The terminology used herein is for descriptive purposes only and is not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0072] The features described in one embodiment herein may be applied, alone or in combination with other features, to another embodiment, unless the feature is not applicable in that other embodiment or otherwise stated.

[0073] This application has been described through the above embodiments. However, it should be understood that the above embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit this application to the described embodiments. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that this application is not limited to the above embodiments, and many more variations and modifications can be made based on the teachings of this application, all of which fall within the scope of protection claimed in this application.

Claims

1. A foldable container, characterized in that, include: Base frame; as well as End frames, disposed at both ends of the base frame, each end frame including corner posts and movable lintels, the corner posts being disposed on both sides of the base frame along its width direction and pivotally connected to the base frame, such that the end frames can be pivotally connected to the base frame between an open position and a folded position folded onto the base frame, the movable lintels including: Top beam; Corner pieces, the corner pieces being disposed at both ends of the top crossbeam and connected to the top crossbeam; A connecting seat, wherein the connecting seat is disposed at both ends of the top crossbeam and connected to the top corner piece; and A rotary lock assembly is movably disposed on the connecting seat and is detachably connected to the corner post between a locked position and an unlocked position, thereby allowing the movable lintel to be detachably connected to the corner post.

2. The folding container according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rotary locking assembly includes a screw, a locking nut, and a locking boss. The locking nut is screwed onto the outside of the screw, and the locking boss is located at one end of the screw. The locking boss can be inserted into the inside of the corner post and is detachably connected to the corner post.

3. The folding container according to claim 2, characterized in that, The corner post includes a corner post top plate located at the top, the corner post top plate is provided with a corner post through hole, the locking boss can pass through the corner post through hole and enter the inner side of the corner post, and the width of the corner post through hole is smaller than the length of the locking boss, so that when the rotary locking assembly is in the locked position, the locking boss cannot retract from the corner post through hole.

4. The folding container according to claim 3, characterized in that, The connecting seat includes a connecting seat base plate located at the bottom, the connecting seat base plate is provided with a base plate through hole, the screw passes through the base plate through hole, and when the rotary locking assembly is in the locked position, the locking nut abuts against the connecting seat base plate, so that the connecting seat base plate and the locking boss abut against the two sides of the corner post top plate respectively.

5. The folding container according to claim 4, characterized in that, The length of the through hole in the base plate is smaller than the diameter of the locking nut and also smaller than the length of the locking boss.

6. The folding container according to claim 4, characterized in that, The bottom of the connecting base plate is provided with a positioning boss, and the bottom plate through hole passes through the positioning boss. When the rotary locking assembly is in the locked position, the positioning boss can be inserted into the corner post through hole, and the positioning boss does not protrude from the lower surface of the corner post top plate.

7. The folding container according to claim 4, characterized in that, The rotary locking assembly also includes a limiting pin, which is detachably connected to the screw. When the rotary locking assembly is in the locked position, the locking nut is limited between the limiting pin and the base plate of the connecting seat.

8. The folding container according to claim 4, characterized in that, The connecting seat further includes a first side plate, two second side plates, and a limiting plate. The two second side plates are respectively disposed on both sides of the first side plate. The bottom of the first side plate and the two second side plates are connected to the bottom plate of the connecting seat, and the top of the first side plate and the two second side plates are connected to the corner piece. The limiting plate is horizontally disposed in the space enclosed by the first side plate and the second side plates and is connected to the first side plate and the second side plates. The limiting plate is provided with a limiting plate through hole, and the screw passes through the limiting plate through hole.

9. The folding container according to claim 8, characterized in that, The rotary locking assembly also includes a rotary handle, which is disposed at the other end of the screw and connected to the screw. The limiting plate is disposed between the rotary handle and the locking nut along the length direction of the screw.

10. The folding container according to claim 2, characterized in that, The base frame includes a receiving member and bottom side beams located on both sides. The receiving member has a receiving groove, and the bottom side beams are provided with bottom side beam through holes. The receiving member passes through the bottom side beam through holes located on both sides of the base frame along the width direction of the base frame. The movable lintel removed from the corner post can be stored in the receiving groove.

11. The folding container according to claim 10, characterized in that, The base frame also includes a rotary lock fixing plate, which is located near the opening of the receiving groove. The rotary lock fixing plate has a fixing plate through hole. When the movable lintel is housed in the receiving groove, the locking boss can be inserted into the fixing plate through hole and detachably connected to the rotary lock fixing plate.

12. The folding container according to claim 1, characterized in that, The collapsible container also includes: A fixed hinge seat is connected to the base frame, and the fixed hinge seat is provided with a guide channel; A movable hinge, connected to the end frame, pivotally connected to the fixed hinge seat, wherein in the open position of the end frame, a limiting channel is formed between the fixed hinge seat and the movable hinge, the movable hinge having a movable hinge notch having a limiting surface, wherein in the open position of the end frame, the movable hinge notch is aligned with the limiting channel; and A locking member, movably connected to the fixed hinge seat between a retracted position and a locked position that limits the end frame to the open position, the locking member comprising: Locking portion, the locking portion extending through the limiting channel; and A guide portion that extends into the guide channel. During the switching between the storage position and the locking position, the locking part can move relative to the limiting channel, and the guide part can move along the length direction of the guide channel. When the locking member is in the locked position, the locking part can abut against the inner surface of the movable hinge notch to prevent the end frame from moving toward the folded position.

13. The folding container according to claim 12, characterized in that, The guide channel and the limiting channel are spaced apart in a direction perpendicular to the width direction of the base frame.

14. The folding container according to claim 12, characterized in that, The movable hinge notch is located on the outer end face of the movable hinge, and the movable hinge notch is constructed as a U-shaped notch.

15. The folding container according to claim 14, characterized in that, The inner surface of the movable hinge notch includes a first inner surface, a second inner surface, and a third inner surface. The first inner surface and the third inner surface are disposed opposite to each other. The two ends of the second inner surface are respectively connected to the first inner surface and the third inner surface. When the locking member is in the locked position, the first inner surface is located below the second inner surface and the third inner surface, and the locking part can abut against the first inner surface. The first inner surface is the limiting surface.

16. The folding container according to claim 12, characterized in that, The locking member further includes a connecting portion, the locking portion and the guide portion are respectively connected to the connecting portion, and the locking portion and the guide portion are disposed on the same side of the connecting portion.

17. A method for loading goods into a folding container according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that, include: S10, rotate the rotary lock assembly to the unlocked position to remove the movable lintel from the corner post; S20, pivot the end frame to the folded position; S30, loading the cargo onto the underframe from the side and / or end face of the collapsible container; S40, pivot the end frame to the open position; S50, the movable lintel is placed on the corner post, and the rotary lock assembly is rotated to the locked position, so that the movable lintel is connected to the corner post.

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