Square tube connecting structure, lattice cargo box and trailer

CN224898958UActive Publication Date: 2026-10-27ZHIZI AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202522702367.4
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-12-19
Publication Date
2026-10-27
Estimated Expiration
2035-12-19

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Abstract

The application discloses a square tube connecting structure, a pallet box and a trailer, and relates to the technical field of trailer compartments. The square tube connecting structure comprises a plurality of square tubes which are connected with each other, the square tube is enclosed by two oppositely arranged long plates and two oppositely arranged short plates, the inner wall distance of the two short plates is equal to the outer wall distance of the two long plates, a connecting port is formed in the long plate, the two square tubes are inserted through the connecting port, and the inner wall of the short plate and the outer wall of the long plate are attached at the insertion position. The square tube connecting structure can improve the maintenance convenience of the pallet box.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of trailer box technology, and more specifically, to a square tube connection structure, a stake-type cargo box, and a trailer. Background Technology

[0002] The stake-type cargo box structure uses profile splicing, offering advantages such as lightweight construction, high strength, and compatibility with a wide variety of goods. It is commonly used in semi-trailer tractors and trucks. A typical stake-type cargo box structure involves welding profiles together to create door panels with a stake-like structure. These panels are then installed onto the cargo box frame using locks, hinges, and other hardware, forming a fully enclosed stake-type cargo box. The industry has also seen the emergence of stake-type cargo box products using lightweight alloy materials as the main structural element, aiming to improve vehicle load-bearing efficiency and fuel economy through material properties.

[0003] However, existing stake-frame cargo box structures still suffer from several technical shortcomings in practical applications. Firstly, the welding process presents significant maintenance barriers and costs. For stake-frame cargo boxes using lightweight alloys and other new materials, the welding process demands extremely high standards for material compatibility, welding equipment precision, and operator skills, creating high material and process barriers. This directly leads to conventional maintenance stations lacking the necessary technical expertise, specialized equipment, and skilled technicians to effectively repair damaged welded areas. Furthermore, the high standards of welding repair significantly increase the cost of each repair, and the accumulated daily maintenance costs over long-term use often exceed the weight-loss benefits of lightweight alloy materials. This not only diminishes the application value of new materials but also becomes a core bottleneck restricting the widespread application of advanced materials like lightweight alloys in the stake-frame cargo box field. Secondly, the integral welded structure results in poor maintenance flexibility and low uptime. Existing stake-frame cargo boxes employ a modular, welded integrated design. When a section of the box is damaged due to collisions or wear, it's impossible to replace a single damaged section. Typically, the entire door panel assembly or a specific welded unit needs to be disassembled and replaced, extending the repair cycle and increasing costs. Furthermore, for cargo boxes made of lightweight alloys or other special materials, the number of production and storage points for specialized spare parts is limited. When a vehicle experiences a structural failure in a remote area far from repair centers, it's difficult to quickly obtain matching spare parts, leading to prolonged vehicle downtime and severely impacting freight uptime. Thirdly, the need for convenient maintenance of vulnerable structures remains unmet. Some structures in stake-frame cargo boxes are prone to wear or damage during frequent loading and unloading. Current designs do not consider convenient on-site repair needs; drivers cannot carry specialized spare parts for self-repair. In case of a malfunction, they must wait for professional repair personnel, further exacerbating the inconvenience and time costs of maintenance. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this application is to provide a square tube connection structure, a stake-type cargo box, and a trailer, which can improve the ease of maintenance of the stake-type cargo box.

[0005] The embodiments of this application are implemented as follows: In one aspect of this application, a square tube connection structure is provided, comprising a plurality of interconnected square tubes. Each square tube is formed by two oppositely arranged long plates and two oppositely arranged short plates. The distance between the inner walls of the two short plates is equal to the distance between the outer walls of the two long plates. A connection port is provided on the long plate, and the two square tubes are inserted through the connection port. At the insertion point, the inner wall of the short plate is in contact with the outer wall of the long plate.

[0006] Alternatively, as an implementable method, the wall thickness of the long plate and the short plate is equal.

[0007] Alternatively, as an implementable method, one of the square tubes includes two of the connection ports located at both ends of the long plate.

[0008] Optionally, as an implementable method, one of the square tubes includes two connection ports, the two connection ports are respectively located on the two long plates and the positions of the two connection ports correspond to each other, and the other square tube passes through the two connection ports.

[0009] Alternatively, as an implementable method, the connection port is located in the middle of the long plate of one of the square tubes, and the other square tube is plugged into the connection port.

[0010] Alternatively, as an implementable method, a plurality of the connection ports are spaced apart on the long plate of one of the square tubes.

[0011] Alternatively, as an implementable method, the long plate and the short plate, which are fitted together at the joint, are bonded together.

[0012] Alternatively, as an implementable method, the long plate and the short plate, which fit together at the joint, are connected by fasteners.

[0013] Another aspect of the embodiments of this application provides a storage box, including the square tube connection structure as described in any of the above.

[0014] This application also provides a trailer, including a chassis, a driving system, and a stake-type cargo box as described above.

[0015] The beneficial effects of the embodiments of this application include: The square tube connection structure, cargo box, and trailer provided in this application include multiple interconnected square tubes. Each square tube is formed by two oppositely arranged long plates and two oppositely arranged short plates. The distance between the inner walls of the two short plates is equal to the distance between the outer walls of the two long plates. Connecting ports are provided on the long plates, and the two square tubes are inserted through these ports, with the inner wall of the short plate fitting against the outer wall of the long plate at the insertion point. By using square tubes of the same cross-sectional specification for cargo box assembly, only the length needs to be adjusted according to the assembly position requirements, eliminating the need to adapt to multiple specifications of profiles. This significantly simplifies the production and material preparation process and reduces the specification management costs during production. For maintenance and reserve, drivers only need to carry spare square tubes of the same specification to meet the replacement needs of different damaged parts of the cargo box, eliminating the need to store multiple specifications of spare parts and reducing the space occupied and capital investment in spare parts storage. At the same time, standardized specifications facilitate mass production for manufacturers, improving production efficiency and reducing manufacturing costs. The square tube is made of long and short plates. The distance between the inner walls of the two short plates is equal to the distance between the outer walls of the two long plates, which makes the inner wall of the short plate fit tightly with the outer wall of the long plate at the joint, ensuring the structural stability after connection. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this application and should not be regarded as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0017] Figure 1 This is one of the structural schematic diagrams of the stake-type cargo box provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 2 This is the second structural schematic diagram of the stake-type cargo box provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 3 This is one of the structural schematic diagrams of the square tube connection structure of the stake-type cargo box provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 4 This is the second schematic diagram of the square tube connection structure of the storage box provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 5 The third schematic diagram of the square tube connection structure of the warehouse-type cargo box provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0018] Icons: 100 - Fence-type cargo box; 110 - Square tube connection structure; 111 - Square tube; 1111 - Long plate; 1112 - Short plate; 1113 - Connection port. Detailed Implementation

[0019] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of this application described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0020] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of this application provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed application, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0021] It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters in the following figures indicate similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," "third," etc., are used only to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0022] In the description of this application, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "set up," "install," "connect," and "link" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0023] Please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 This embodiment provides a square tube connection structure 110, which includes a plurality of interconnected square tubes 111. Each square tube 111 is formed by two oppositely arranged long plates 1111 and two oppositely arranged short plates 1112. The distance between the inner walls of the two short plates 1112 is equal to the distance between the outer walls of the two long plates 1111. A connection port 1113 is provided on the long plate 1111. The two square tubes 111 are inserted through the connection port 1113. At the insertion point, the inner wall of the short plate 1112 is in contact with the outer wall of the long plate 1111.

[0024] Specifically, the interconnected square tubes 111 adopt the same cross-sectional design, meaning that the width of the long plate 1111, the width of the short plate 1112, and the plate thickness of all square tubes 111 are consistent. The lengths of the long plate 1111 and the short plate 1112 are adjusted only according to the assembly requirements of different parts of the cargo box 100, achieving diversified assembly adaptation of a single specification of square tube 111. The shape of the connecting port 1113 is adapted to the cross-sectional shape of the square tube 111, ensuring smooth insertion and a good fit after connection, and improving the stability of the connection structure. The square tubes 111 are made of lightweight alloy materials, which, while ensuring the strength of the connection structure, further improves the lightweight of the cargo box 100, enhancing the vehicle's load-bearing efficiency and fuel economy.

[0025] Multiple square tubes 111 are connected by a plug-in method to form the warehouse frame. When a local square tube 111 is damaged due to collision, wear, or other reasons, the damaged square tube 111 can be directly pulled out of the connection structure for replacement, without disassembling the entire door panel assembly or a partial welding unit. This allows for targeted repair of a single damaged component, shortening the repair cycle and reducing repair costs. In addition, the square tube 111 structure has a high degree of standardization, facilitating mass production and storage. Drivers can carry spare square tubes 111 with them, enabling rapid replacement and repair even in remote areas far from repair stations, effectively reducing vehicle downtime and significantly improving freight uptime.

[0026] The square tube connection structure 110 provided in this application includes multiple interconnected square tubes 111. Each square tube 111 is formed by two oppositely arranged long plates 1111 and two oppositely arranged short plates 1112. The distance between the inner walls of the two short plates 1112 is equal to the distance between the outer walls of the two long plates 1111. A connection port 1113 is provided on the long plate 1111. The two square tubes 111 are inserted through the connection port 1113, and the inner wall of the short plate 1112 fits against the outer wall of the long plate 1111 at the insertion point. By using square tubes 111 with the same cross-sectional specifications for cargo box assembly, only the length needs to be adjusted according to the assembly position requirements, eliminating the need to adapt to various specifications of profiles, greatly simplifying the production material preparation process and reducing the specification management cost in the production process. For maintenance and reserve, drivers only need to carry spare square tubes 111 of the same specification with them to meet the replacement needs of different damaged parts of the cargo box, eliminating the need to store multiple specifications of spare parts, thus reducing the space occupied and capital investment in spare parts storage. At the same time, the standardized specification also facilitates mass production by manufacturers, improving production efficiency and reducing manufacturing costs. The square tube 111 is composed of long plates 1111 and short plates 1112. The distance between the inner walls of the two short plates 1112 is equal to the distance between the outer walls of the two long plates 1111, ensuring a tight fit between the inner wall of the short plate 1112 and the outer wall of the long plate 1111 at the joint, guaranteeing the structural stability after connection.

[0027] In one possible embodiment of this application, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the wall thickness of the long plate 1111 and the short plate 1112 is equal.

[0028] Specifically, the long plate 1111 and the short plate 1112 have the same wall thickness, making the cross-section of the square tube 111 more evenly stressed. Whether subjected to longitudinal pressure or lateral impact, it can effectively disperse stress and prevent deformation or damage from occurring first due to the thinner wall thickness on one side. Especially when loading heavy objects into the warehouse cargo box, the load-bearing stability of the connection structure is significantly improved, reducing the risk of structural failure.

[0029] In one possible embodiment of this application, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, one of the square tubes 111 includes two connection ports 1113, which are located at both ends of the long plate 1111.

[0030] Specifically, the design of the connection ports 1113 at both ends of the long plate 1111 is specifically designed for common scenarios of "end docking" in the warehouse frame, such as the corner connection of the door panel frame. Through this structure, the horizontal square tube 111 can be directly inserted into the end of the vertical square tube 111 without the need for additional corner connectors, which simplifies the assembly process and improves the assembly efficiency of the cargo box frame.

[0031] In one possible embodiment of this application, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, one of the square tubes 111 includes two connecting ports 1113, which are located on two long plates 1111 respectively, and the positions of the two connecting ports 1113 correspond to each other. The other square tube 111 passes through the two connecting ports 1113.

[0032] Specifically, on two opposing long plates 1111 of one square tube 111 (defined as the "mother tube", such as the transverse beam of a silo), a connection port 1113 is opened, and the positions of the two connection ports 1113 correspond to each other (i.e., the center lines coincide and the dimensions are the same); the end of the other square tube 111 (defined as the "through pipe", such as the longitudinal beam of a silo) is inserted from the connection port 1113 of the long plate 1111 on one side of the mother tube, passes through the inside of the mother tube, and then exits from the corresponding connection port 1113 of the long plate 1111 on the other side, forming a cross connection structure of "mother tube with through pipe".

[0033] In one possible embodiment of this application, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the connection port 1113 is located in the middle of the long plate 1111 of one of the square tubes 111, and the other square tube 111 is inserted into the connection port 1113.

[0034] Specifically, the connection port 1113 is located in the middle region of the long plate 1111 of one of the square tubes 111 (main tube). The end of the other square tube 111 (branch tube) is inserted into the middle connection port 1113 to form a "T-shaped" or "L-shaped" branch connection structure. Specifically, the main tube acts as the main support beam. Based on the internal support requirements of the storage enclosure, the connection port 1113 is located in the middle of its long plate 1111 (e.g., at 1 / 2 or 1 / 3 of the length from the end). The size of the connection port 1113 matches the cross-section of the branch tube. The end of the branch tube is inserted into the connection port 1113, forming a branch connection perpendicular to or at a predetermined angle with the main tube. The design of the middle connection port 1113 overcomes the limitation of only being able to connect at the ends, allowing branches to be formed at any middle position of the square tube 111, meeting the design requirements of complex frames in the storage enclosure, such as intermediate support beams and multi-segment grid divisions. It can achieve various branch connections such as T-type and cross-type without the need for welding or special branch connectors, thus improving the flexibility of structural design.

[0035] In one possible embodiment of this application, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, a plurality of connection ports 1113 are provided at intervals on the long plate 1111 of one of the square tubes 111.

[0036] Specifically, the spacing of each connection port 1113 is uniform. The main square tube 111 serves as the longitudinal or transverse main frame of the fence. According to the grid density requirements, multiple connection ports 1113 are opened on its long plate 1111 at preset intervals (such as 100mm, 150mm or 200mm). Each connection port 1113 is adapted to be inserted into the secondary square tube 111 (grid strip) to be connected. The ends of the secondary square tube 111 are inserted into each connection port 1113 in a corresponding manner to form a uniform grid structure.

[0037] In one possible embodiment of this application, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the long plate 1111 and the short plate 1112 are bonded together at the insertion joint. The bonded connection, based on the insertion joint, further enhances the connection strength through the adhesive force of the structural adhesive, avoiding the loosening problems that may occur with a simple insertion joint.

[0038] In one possible embodiment of this application, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the long plate 1111 and the short plate 1112, which are fitted together at the insertion point, are connected by fasteners.

[0039] Specifically, during the processing of square tube 111, threaded holes (or smooth holes) are pre-drilled around the connection port 1113 of the long plate 1111 and at corresponding positions on the end of the short plate 1112. The specifications of the threaded holes are determined according to the load-bearing requirements. After the insertion operation is completed, the holes on the long plate 1111 and the short plate 1112 are aligned, and then fasteners (such as bolts, screws, and rivets) are passed through the holes for fixation. If bolt connection is used, a washer needs to be added between the bolt head and the outer wall of the short plate 1112 to enhance the fastening effect; if rivet connection is used, the rivets need to be pressed firmly with a riveting tool to ensure a tight fit. The material of the fasteners must match the material of square tube 111; for example, aluminum alloy or stainless steel fasteners should be used for aluminum alloy square tube 111 to avoid electrochemical corrosion.

[0040] In another aspect of the embodiments of this application, a storage box 100 is provided, including a square tube connection structure 110 as described above.

[0041] This application also discloses a trailer, including a chassis, a driving system, and the staked cargo box 100 described in the foregoing embodiments. This trailer incorporates the same structure and beneficial effects as the staked cargo box 100 described in the foregoing embodiments. The structure and beneficial effects of the staked cargo box 100 have been described in detail in the foregoing embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0042] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A square tube connection structure, characterized in that, The device includes multiple interconnected square tubes, each formed by two oppositely arranged long plates and two oppositely arranged short plates. The distance between the inner walls of the two short plates is equal to the distance between the outer walls of the two long plates. The long plates have connection ports, through which the two square tubes are inserted. At the insertion point, the inner wall of the short plate is in contact with the outer wall of the long plate.

2. The square tube connection structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The wall thickness of the long plate and the short plate are equal.

3. The square tube connection structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, One of the square tubes includes two connection ports located at both ends of the long plate.

4. The square tube connection structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, One of the square tubes includes two connection ports, which are located on the two long plates respectively and are in corresponding positions. The other square tube passes through the two connection ports.

5. The square tube connection structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connection port is located in the middle of the long plate of one of the square tubes, and the other square tube is inserted into the connection port.

6. The square tube connection structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, One of the square tubes has multiple connection ports spaced apart on its long plate.

7. The square tube connection structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The long plate and the short plate are bonded together at the insertion point.

8. The square tube connection structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The long plate and the short plate, which fit together at the joint, are connected by fasteners.

9. A stake-type cargo box, characterized in that, It includes the square tube connection structure as described in any one of claims 1-8.

10. A trailer, characterized in that, It includes a chassis, a driving system, and a stake-type cargo box as described in claim 9.