Container system

Abstract

The utility model provides a kind of container system, including main container and at least one collapsible sub-container.Sub-container is housed in the containing space of main container;Sub-container has erecting state and folding state: in erecting state, sub-container forms independent use container structure, and occupies the first volume of containing space;In folding state, the volume of sub-container is less than erecting state, and occupies the second volume of containing space;Second volume is less than first volume.According to the scheme, through the combination of main container and collapsible sub-container, the deficiency of traditional container in space utilization and transportation flexibility is solved, and efficient use of container space and flexible transportation are realized.During the transportation or storage of goods, the state of sub-container is adjusted flexibly according to the amount of goods.When fully loaded or with more goods, sub-container is erected for use;When empty or with less goods, sub-container is folded, reducing the occupied space, improving transportation efficiency and the utilization rate of storage space.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of container technology, and more specifically to a container system. Background Technology

[0002] In today's context of globalization and rapid development of e-commerce, an efficient and low-cost logistics and transportation system is crucial. As the core carrier of modern multimodal transport, the standardization and versatility of containers greatly improve cargo transshipment efficiency. After completing a single leg of transport, empty containers often need to be returned to the point of origin or destination. Traditional rigid containers occupy the same amount of space on vehicles and ships when empty as when fully loaded, resulting in low space utilization and high costs.

[0003] Therefore, there is a need to provide a container system that can at least partially solve the above problems. Utility Model Content

[0004] The utility model description section introduces a series of simplified concepts, which will be further explained in detail in the detailed description section. This utility model description section is not intended to limit the key features and essential technical features of the claimed technical solution, nor is it intended to determine the scope of protection of the claimed technical solution.

[0005] To at least partially solve the above problems, this utility model provides a container system, comprising:

[0006] The main container has storage space;

[0007] At least one foldable sub-container is stored within the accommodating space of the main container; the sub-container has an assembled state and a folded state.

[0008] In the assembled state, the sub-container forms an independently usable container structure and occupies a first volume of the accommodating space;

[0009] In the folded state, the volume of the sub-container is smaller than that in the assembled state, and it occupies a second volume of the accommodating space;

[0010] The second volume is smaller than the first volume.

[0011] The container system in this solution addresses the shortcomings of traditional containers in terms of space utilization and transportation flexibility by combining a main container with foldable sub-containers, achieving efficient use of container space and flexible transportation. During the transportation or storage of goods, the sub-container status is flexibly adjusted according to the cargo volume. When fully loaded or with a large amount of cargo, the sub-containers are assembled and used; when empty or with a small amount of cargo, the sub-containers are folded up, reducing space occupation and improving transportation efficiency and storage space utilization.

[0012] Optionally, the main container includes:

[0013] The box body has a side opening along its length that communicates with the accommodating space.

[0014] Side wings, rotatably connected to the housing about a rotation axis parallel to the length direction of the housing, to cover or expose the side opening.

[0015] Optionally, the main container further includes a drive unit for driving the side wings to rotate.

[0016] Optionally, the rotation angle of the side wing is greater than or equal to 90°.

[0017] Optionally, the sub-container includes:

[0018] Chassis;

[0019] The sidewall is connected to the chassis via a connector that allows the sidewall to change angle during assembly and folding.

[0020] In the folded state, the sidewalls are stacked on the chassis.

[0021] Optionally, the connector is a hinge or a folding device.

[0022] Optionally, the sub-container includes a top that is detachably connected to the sidewalls.

[0023] Optionally, the sub-containers are stacked in multiple layers in the folded state, with the chassis stacked in parallel and the sidewalls folded between adjacent chassis.

[0024] Optionally, the sub-container is provided with an information carrier for storing cargo information within the sub-container.

[0025] Optionally, the information carrier is an RFID tag, which is attached to the outer wall of the sub-container by pasting, riveting, welding, screwing, or snapping.

[0026] Optionally, the information carrier is an information identifier, which is printed, pasted, riveted, welded, screwed, or snapped onto the outer wall of the sub-container. Attached Figure Description

[0027] The following drawings, which illustrate embodiments of the present invention, are incorporated herein as part of the present invention for understanding the invention. The drawings show embodiments of the present invention and their descriptions, serving to explain the principles of the present invention. In the drawings,

[0028] Figure 1 This is a front view schematic diagram of a container system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The side wings of the main container are in the unfolded state, and the sub-containers are in the assembled state.

[0029] Figure 2 For along Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the cross-section intercepted by the centerline AA;

[0030] Figure 3 This is a front view schematic diagram of a container system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The side wings of the main container are in the unfolded state, and the sub-containers are in the folded state.

[0031] Figure 4 For along Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the cross-section intercepted by the centerline BB;

[0032] Figure 5 This is a front view schematic diagram of the main container of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in which the side wings of the main container are in an unfolded state;

[0033] Figure 6 This is a side view of the main container according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in which the side wings of the main container are in an unfolded state.

[0034] Figure 7 This is a top view of the main container of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in which the side wings of the main container are in an unfolded state.

[0035] Figure 8 This is a front view schematic diagram of a sub-container according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 9 This is a top view schematic diagram of a sub-container according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the folded state of a sub-container according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 11 This is a stacking diagram of sub-containers according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in which the sub-containers are in an assembled state;

[0039] Figure 12 This is a stacking diagram of sub-containers according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in which the sub-containers are in a folded state.

[0040] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0041] 10: Main Container

[0042] 11: Capacity

[0043] 12: Opening

[0044] 13: Box

[0045] 14: Flanking

[0046] 15: Hydraulic device

[0047] 20: Sub-container

[0048] 21: Chassis

[0049] 22: Sidewall

[0050] 23: Top of the box

[0051] DH: Altitude

[0052] DL: Length direction Detailed Implementation

[0053] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without one or more of these details. In other instances, certain technical features well-known in the art have not been described in order to avoid confusion with embodiments of the present invention.

[0054] 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 the present invention. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. 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.

[0055] In this document, ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" used in this invention are merely identifiers and do not have any other meaning, such as a specific order. Moreover, for example, the term "first component" does not imply the existence of "second component," and the term "second component" does not imply the existence of "first component."

[0056] In this article, terms such as "up," "down," "front," "back," "left," and "right" are used only to indicate the relative positional relationship between related parts, rather than to define the absolute position of these related parts.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention 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 the present invention is thorough and complete, and that the concept of these exemplary embodiments is fully conveyed to those skilled in the art.

[0060] Reference Figures 1 to 4 This utility model provides a container system, including a main container 10 and at least one foldable sub-container 20. By combining the main container 10 with the foldable sub-container 20, the shortcomings of traditional containers in terms of space utilization and transportation flexibility are addressed, achieving efficient use of container space and flexible transportation. The main container 10 has a storage space 11, within which at least one foldable sub-container 20 is stored. The sub-container 20 has two states: assembled and folded. When assembled, it forms an independent container structure, occupying a first volume of the storage space 11; when folded, its volume is smaller than in the assembled state, occupying a second volume, which is smaller than the first volume. During the transportation or storage of goods, the state of the sub-container 20 can be flexibly adjusted according to the cargo volume. When fully loaded or with a large amount of cargo, the sub-container 20 is assembled; when empty or with a small amount of cargo, the sub-container 20 is folded, reducing space occupation and improving transportation efficiency and storage space utilization. Compared to traditional rigid containers that occupy the same space when empty and heavily loaded, this significantly improves space utilization, reduces transportation costs, and also provides a foundation for the flexible use of the sub-container 20.

[0061] In the existing technology, ordinary containers (such as standard 20-foot and 40-foot containers) usually require large equipment such as gantry cranes and reach stackers for top lifting or loading and unloading from the end doors, which is cumbersome and time-consuming.

[0062] Reference Figures 5 to 7In this solution, the main container 10 is a wing-type container. The main container 10 includes a body 13 and side wings 14. The body 13 has a side opening 12 along its length DL, communicating with the accommodating space 11. The side wings 14 are rotatably connected to the body 13 about a rotation axis parallel to its length DL, to cover or expose the side opening 12. The wing-type container improves side loading and unloading speed and reduces labor costs. This solution integrates the rapid loading and unloading of the wing-type container with the space-saving characteristics of the collapsible container, achieving an innovative mode that allows for flexible splitting and combination of the two container types during transportation, applicable to road, rail, and waterway transportation sectors.

[0063] Optionally, the main container 10 also includes a drive unit for driving the side wing 14 to rotate. The drive unit is a hydraulic device 15. The hydraulic device 15 provides powerful force, easily achieving the rotation of the side wing 14 without requiring much manual intervention, greatly reducing operational difficulty and labor intensity. The hydraulic device 15 can be controlled with a single button to quickly open and close the side wing 14, making operation convenient. Furthermore, the hydraulic device 15 has a certain buffering capacity, acting as a buffer when the side wing 14 starts and stops, reducing the impact force on the side wing 14.

[0064] Optionally, the rotation angle of the side wing 14 is greater than or equal to 90°, allowing the side wing 14 to be fully opened, thus fully exposing the side opening 12 and providing sufficient space for loading and unloading of the sub-container 20. Goods can then quickly and smoothly enter and exit the main container 10. The rotation angle of the side wing 14 being greater than or equal to 90° also accommodates multimodal transport by road, rail, and waterway, enabling the container system to adapt to different modes of transport.

[0065] Reference Figure 11 and Figure 12 Optionally, the assembled sub-containers 20 are stacked within the accommodating space 11. Two sub-containers 20 are stacked together along the height direction DH. Stacking along the height direction makes full use of the vertical space of the accommodating space 11 of the main container 10. Multiple groups of sub-containers 20 are arrayed along the length direction DL and / or the width direction DW. Through this stacking and arraying method, more sub-containers 20 can be placed in the main container 10, which means that more cargo can be loaded in a single shipment. This helps to reduce the number of shipments, lower transportation costs, and improve the economic efficiency of logistics transportation.

[0066] Reference Figures 8 to 10Optionally, the sub-container 20 includes a chassis 21 and side walls 22. The side walls 22 are connected to the chassis 21 via connectors, which allow the side walls 22 to change angle during assembly and folding. In the folded state, the side walls 22 are stacked on the chassis 21. The flexible connection between the side walls 22 and the chassis 21 via connectors allows the sub-container 20 to switch between assembly and folding states. When folded, the side walls 22 are stacked on the chassis 21, greatly reducing the volume and improving space utilization.

[0067] Based on the above embodiments, the connector is a hinge or a folding device. Hinges have a simple structure, low cost, and high reliability; folding devices offer better flexibility and can achieve more complex folding and closing actions. Selecting the appropriate connector based on different application scenarios and needs can balance cost, performance, and reliability.

[0068] Optionally, the sub-container 20 also includes a container roof 23, which is detachably connected to the side wall 22. When folding up the sub-container 20, the container roof 23 can be removed first, then the side wall 22 can be folded and stacked on the chassis 21, and finally the container roof 23 can be installed (if necessary), which reduces the difficulty of folding up, reduces the risk of damage, and improves the convenience of operation.

[0069] Optionally, the sub-containers 20 are stacked in multiple layers in the folded state, with the chassis 21 stacked in parallel and the side walls 22 folded back between adjacent chassis 21. This multi-layer parallel stacking allows for a greater number of sub-containers 20 to be stacked within a limited space, and the folding back of the side walls 22 prevents them from occupying additional space, further improving space utilization and reducing transportation and storage costs. For example, the folded sub-containers 20 are stacked along the height direction DH of the main container 10.

[0070] Optionally, the sub-container 20 is equipped with an information carrier for storing cargo information within the sub-container 20. The information carrier helps distinguish the ownership, contents, or destination of different sub-containers 20.

[0071] In some embodiments, the information carrier is an RFID tag, which is attached to the outer wall of the sub-container 20 by pasting, riveting, welding, screwing, or snapping. Multiple connection methods facilitate installation according to actual needs, improving the versatility and practicality of the information carrier. Optionally, the RFID tag is attached to the outer surface of the sub-container 20 by adhesive or tape. This adhesive connection requires no complex tools or equipment; simply apply adhesive or tape evenly to the back of the RFID tag or a designated location on the sub-container 20, then press the tag onto the sub-container 20, and wait for the adhesive to cure or the tape to adhere firmly. Optionally, the outer surface of the sub-container 20 is provided with grooves, into which the RFID tag can be installed.

[0072] In other embodiments, the information carrier is an information identifier, such as a graphic or textual information identifier. Optionally, the information identifier includes a QR code and / or a barcode. Using information identifiers provides users and manufacturers with a simple and intuitive way to store and retrieve information. QR codes and barcodes have advantages such as large information storage capacity, accurate recognition, and low cost, facilitating information management and identification for users and manufacturers.

[0073] Information labels are printed, affixed, riveted, welded, screwed, or snap-fitted to the outer wall of the sub-container 20. Printing refers to printing, engraving, or integrally molding the information label onto the outer wall of the container. Affixing, riveting, welding, screwing, or snap-fitting refers to placing the information label on a sheet-like structure, which is then connected to the outer wall of the container using these methods. These multiple connection methods facilitate the installation of the information carrier and reduce design and production costs.

[0074] Alternatively, the information carrier can be presented in multiple ways, such as using both RFID tags and information markings to meet different usage scenarios.

[0075] According to this scheme, the container system has multiple combination modes, including loaded container combination and empty container combination. In loaded container combination, sub-containers are stacked in 20 layers to form a group, and each group of sub-containers 20 is loaded into the main container 10's storage space 11 by forklift, with a maximum of 32 stacked containers. In empty container combination, sub-containers 20 are folded up and stacked in 12 layers to form a group, and each group of folded sub-containers 20 is loaded into the main container 10's storage space 11 by forklift, with a maximum of 192 sub-containers 20.

[0076] 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 the invention. Terms such as “set” appearing herein can refer to either a component being directly attached to another component or a component being attached to another component via an intermediary. A feature described in one embodiment may be applied, alone or in combination with other features, to another embodiment, unless that feature is not applicable in that other embodiment or is otherwise stated.

[0077] This utility model 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 utility model to the described embodiments. Those skilled in the art will understand that many more variations and modifications can be made based on the teachings of this utility model, and all such variations and modifications fall within the scope of protection claimed by this utility model.

Claims

1. A container system, characterized in that, include: The main container has storage space; At least one foldable sub-container is stored within the accommodating space of the main container; The sub-container has an assembled state and a folded state: In the assembled state, the sub-container forms an independently usable container structure and occupies a first volume of the accommodating space; In the folded state, the volume of the sub-container is smaller than that in the assembled state, and it occupies a second volume of the accommodating space; The second volume is smaller than the first volume.

2. The container system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main container includes: The box body has a side opening along its length that communicates with the accommodating space. Side wings, rotatably connected to the housing about a rotation axis parallel to the length direction of the housing, to cover or expose the side opening.

3. The container system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The main container also includes a drive unit for driving the side wings to rotate.

4. The container system according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The rotation angle of the side wing is greater than or equal to 90°.

5. The container system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sub-container includes: Chassis; The sidewall is connected to the chassis via a connector that allows the sidewall to change angle during assembly and folding. In the folded state, the sidewalls are stacked on the chassis.

6. The container system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The connector is a hinge or a folding device.

7. The container system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The sub-container includes a container roof, which is detachably connected to the side walls.

8. The container system according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that, The sub-containers are stacked in multiple layers in the folded state, with the chassis stacked in parallel and the side walls folded together between adjacent chassis.

9. The container system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sub-container is equipped with an information carrier, which is used to store cargo information inside the sub-container.

10. The container system according to claim 9, characterized in that, The information carrier is an RFID tag, which is attached to the outer wall of the sub-container by pasting, riveting, welding, screwing, or snapping; or The information carrier is an information identifier, which is printed, pasted, riveted, welded, screwed, or snapped onto the outer wall of the sub-container.

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