Container

Abstract

To provide a container comprising a first container and a second container storable into the first container and capable of storing the second container in the first container in the state where the second container is positioned and held.SOLUTION: A container (container set 1) comprises a first container 2 and a second container 3. The first container 2 has a first bottom wall 21 and a first side wall 22 extending upward from a peripheral edge of the first bottom wall 21. The second container 3 has a second bottom wall 31, a second side wall 32 extending upward from the peripheral edge of the second bottom wall 31 and a leg 33 extending downward from the peripheral edge of the second bottom wall 31, and it can be stored into the first container 2. A top face rib 23 in a grid shape in a plane view projecting upward is formed on the top face of the first bottom wall 21 of the first container 2. A groove 34 into which a part of the top face rib 23 can be inserted from downward is formed at the leg 33 of the second container 3.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a container.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a food container set in which a large number of inner containers are housed inside an outer box has been known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). A flange edge is provided protruding from the outer periphery of the upper edge of each inner container, and the inner containers are securely held by mutual support as the flange edges overlap each other, so that the inner containers are held inside the outer box by mutual retention.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the food container set disclosed in Patent Document 1, although a large number of inner containers are held mutually, there is no particular description about the holding of the inner containers with respect to the outer box. In FIGS. 1 to 3 of Patent Document 1, it is described that the inner containers are housed inside the outer box so that a space for the inner containers to move horizontally is not formed inside the outer box. In this food container set, it is necessary to spread a large number of inner containers inside the outer box, and when a space for the inner containers to move horizontally is formed inside the outer box, the inner containers are not held inside the outer box.

[0005] The present invention has been invented in view of the above-described conventional problems, and an object thereof is to provide a container including a first container and a second container that can be housed inside the first container, and capable of housing the second container in a state where the second container is positioned and held inside the first container.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The container according to claim 1 includes a first container and a second container. The first container has a first bottom wall portion and a first side wall portion extending upward from a peripheral edge portion of the first bottom wall portion. The second container has a second bottom wall portion, a second side wall portion extending upward from a peripheral edge portion of the second bottom wall portion, and a leg portion extending downward from a peripheral edge portion of the second bottom wall portion, and can be accommodated in the first container. An upper surface rib having a lattice shape in plan view and protruding upward is formed on an upper surface of the first bottom wall portion of the first container. A groove portion into which a part of the upper surface rib can be inserted from below is formed in the leg portion of the second container.

Effect of the Invention

[0007] In the container according to the present invention, the second container can be accommodated in the first container while being positioned and held.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] The present invention relates to a container, and more particularly to a container (hereinafter described as a container set) including a first container and a second container that can be accommodated in the first container.

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the container set 1 according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6.

[0011] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the container set 1 includes a first container 2 and a second container 3. In the present embodiment, the container set 1 is composed of a first container 2 and one or a plurality of second containers 3. The container set 1 is formed of resin. The first container 2 has a first bottom wall portion 21 and a first side wall portion 22 that extends upward from the entire periphery of the peripheral edge portion of the first bottom wall portion 21. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3A, the first bottom wall portion 21 has a rectangular shape in plan view. Here, the rectangular shape in plan view may be a strict rectangle in plan view, but of course, it may not be a strict rectangle, and for example, a shape in which an R is formed at the corner of the rectangle may be used. That is, the rectangular shape only needs to be recognized as a rectangle by the user in a general usage form.

[0012] The main object to be accommodated in the first container 2 is the second container 3. The main object to be accommodated in the second container 3 is not particularly limited, and the user can arbitrarily accommodate articles. In addition, articles other than the second container 3 may be accommodated in the first container 2, and the object to be accommodated in the first container 2 is not limited. The container set 1 is transported with the second container 3 containing parts or the like accommodated in the first container 2.

[0013] The direction of the first container 2 (container set 1) in the present embodiment is defined. The direction along the long side of the peripheral edge portion having a rectangular shape in plan view of the first bottom wall portion 21 is defined as the first direction 11, and the direction along the short side is defined as the second direction 12.

[0014] The first bottom wall portion 21 is plate-shaped, and no holes or the like penetrating vertically are formed in the first bottom wall portion 21. On the upper surface of the first bottom wall portion 21 of the first container 2, an upper surface rib 23 having a lattice shape in plan view and protruding upward is formed. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3B, the upper surface rib 23 has a first rib portion 231 having a first rib width W1 and a second rib portion 232 having a second rib width W2 smaller than the first rib width W1. In each of the first rib portion 231 and the second rib portion 232, an R is formed between the upper surface and the side surface. The radius of curvature of the R formed between the upper surface and the side surface of the first rib portion 231 is formed larger than the radius of curvature of the R formed between the upper surface and the side surface of the second rib portion 232. In this way, by increasing the radius of curvature of the R formed between the upper surface and the side surface of the first rib portion 231, when an operator tries to manually insert the second container 3 into the first container 2 visually, even if the second container 3 is slightly displaced from the position where it should be located, it is likely to be guided by the R formed between the upper surface and the side surface of the first rib portion 231, and it becomes easier to insert the second container 3 into the first container 2.

[0015] Note that the radius of curvature of the R formed between the upper surface and the side surface of the first rib portion 231 may be the same as or smaller than the radius of curvature of the R formed between the upper surface and the side surface of the second rib portion 232. Also, in each of the first rib portion 231 and the second rib portion 232, R may not be formed between the upper surface and the side surface.

[0016] Also, an R is formed between the upper surface and the outer surface of the first side wall portion 22 of the first container 2.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 3A, a plurality of upper surface ribs 23 are arranged at intervals in the first direction 11 and include ribs extending in the second direction 12 and a plurality of ribs arranged at intervals in the second direction 12 and extending in the first direction 11, and are formed in a grid pattern in plan view. More specifically, as the upper surface ribs 23 extending in the second direction 12, a first rib portion 231 and a second rib portion 232 are alternately arranged at an equal pitch P1 (the length from the center of the first rib width W1 of the first rib portion 231 to the center of the second rib width W2 of the second rib portion 232) in the first direction 11. The distance between the side surfaces of the first rib portion 231 and the side surfaces of the second rib portion 232 adjacent in the first direction 11 is equal.

[0018] Also, as shown in FIG. 3B, the height h1 from the upper surface of the first bottom wall portion 21 of the first rib portion 231 extending in the second direction 12 and the height h2 from the upper surface of the first bottom wall portion 21 of the second rib portion 232 are equal, and the upper surfaces of these first rib portions 231 and the upper surfaces of the second rib portions 232 are located on the same plane, and this plane is defined as the reference plane 210 of the first bottom wall portion 21. Both ends of the upper surface of the first bottom wall portion 21 in the first direction 11 are the reference plane 210, and the first upper surface rib 23 on the inner side from both ends in the first direction 11 is the second rib portion 232. The distance between the side surface of the portion constituting the reference plane 210 at the end in the first direction 11 and the side surface of the first upper surface rib 23 on the inner side from the end is equal to the distance between the side surfaces of the first rib portion 231 and the side surfaces of the second rib portion 232 adjacent in the first direction 11 described above.

[0019] Also, as shown in FIG. 3A, as the upper surface ribs 23 extending in the first direction 11, a first rib portion 231 and a second rib portion 232 are alternately arranged at an equal pitch P2 (the length from the center of the first rib width W1 of the first rib portion 231 to the center of the second rib width W2 of the second rib portion 232) in the second direction 12. Also, the pitch P1 and the pitch P2 are equal. The distance between the side surfaces of the first rib portion 231 and the side surfaces of the second rib portion 232 adjacent in the second direction 12 is equal.

[0020] Also, the upper surfaces of the first rib portion 231 extending in the first direction 11 and the upper surface of the second rib portion 232 are also located on the reference plane 210. Both ends of the upper surface of the first bottom wall portion 21 in the second direction 12 are the reference plane 210, and the first upper surface rib 23 on the inner side in the second direction 12 from both ends is the second rib portion 232. The distance between the side surface of the portion constituting the reference plane 210 at the end in the second direction 12 and the side surface of the first upper surface rib 23 on the inner side from the end is equal to the distance between the side surfaces of the first rib portion 231 and the second rib portion 232 adjacent in the second direction 12 described above.

[0021] When taking the upper surface of the first bottom wall portion 21 as a reference, it can be said that the portions between the end and the upper surface rib 23 and between the adjacent upper surface ribs 23 are recessed downward. Therefore, the portion between the adjacent first rib portions 231 and the portion between the portion constituting the reference plane 210 at the end of the first bottom wall portion 21 and the innermost first rib portion 231 are defined as the accommodation recess 20. The accommodation recess 20 is a portion having a rectangular shape in plan view surrounded by the portion constituting the reference plane 210 at the end of the first bottom wall portion 21 and the innermost first rib portion 231 on the inner side of this end, and a portion having a rectangular shape (square shape in this embodiment) in plan view surrounded by the first rib portion 231. In this embodiment, a second rib portion 232 having a cross shape that divides the accommodation recess 20 into left, right, up, and down in plan view is formed in each accommodation recess 20.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 3B, the first rib portion 231 is formed by bending the plate body 211 constituting the first bottom wall portion 21. The second rib portion 232 is formed as a protruding portion that protrudes above the horizontal portion of the plate body 211. On the back surface (lower surface) of the first bottom wall portion 21, a lower surface rib 212 that protrudes downward is formed. The lower surface rib 212 is formed in a lattice shape in a lower surface view (plan view) so as to protrude below the lower surface of the plate body 211, and its lower ends are located on the same plane. The lower surface rib 212 is also formed in the portion of the plate body 211 that constitutes the first rib portion 231, and the space on the lower surface side of the portion of the plate body 211 that constitutes the first rib portion 231 is partitioned by the lower surface rib 212.

[0023] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the second container 3 can be accommodated in the first container 2. In the present embodiment, as the second container 3, there are provided a total of two types of second containers 3, namely, a second container 3A accommodated in one accommodation recess 20 and a second container 3B accommodated in a total of four accommodation recesses 20 in which two continuous rows are arranged side by side in two rows.

[0024] As shown in FIGS. 4A to 5B, the second container 3 (3A, 3B) has a second bottom wall portion 31 (31A, 31B), a second side wall portion 32 (32A, 32B) extending upward from the entire circumference of the peripheral edge of the second bottom wall portion 31, and legs 33 (33A, 33B). In the present embodiment, the second bottom wall portion 31 has a rectangular shape (a square shape in the present embodiment) in plan view. The second bottom wall portion 31 is plate-shaped, and no holes or the like penetrating vertically are formed in the second bottom wall portion 31.

[0025] The legs 33 are formed at at least a part of the peripheral edge of the second bottom wall portion 31 and extend downward. In the second container 3A shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, legs 33A are formed on the entire circumference of the peripheral edge of the second bottom wall portion 31A. In the second container 3B shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, legs 33B are respectively formed on a part of the peripheral edge of the second bottom wall portion 31B.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 1, the leg portion 33 can be accommodated in the accommodation recess 20. The leg portion 33A of the second container 3A shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B is accommodated in any one of the accommodation recesses 20. Further, the leg portion 33B of the second container 3B shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B is accommodated in two consecutive accommodation recesses 20. As described above, a cross-shaped second rib portion 232 is formed in each accommodation recess 20. Further, when being accommodated in two consecutive accommodation recesses 20, a first rib portion 231 is formed between these two accommodation recesses 20. For this reason, in order to avoid interference with the first rib portion 231 or the second rib portion 232 and to position the second container 3 with respect to the first container 2, a groove portion 34 into which a part of the upper surface rib 23 can be inserted from below is formed in the leg portion 33. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5B, the second container 3 has, as the groove portion 34, a first groove portion 341B (341) having a first groove width W3 into which the first rib portion 231 can be inserted, and as shown in FIG. 4B, a second groove width W4 smaller than the first groove width W3, and having at least one of a second groove portion 342A (342) into which the first rib portion 231 cannot be inserted and the second rib portion 232 can be inserted. The depth h4 of the second groove portion 342A (the length from the lower end edge of the leg portion 33A to the inner surface of the groove) is larger than the height h2 of the second rib portion 232 (see FIG. 3B). Further, as shown in FIG. 5B, the depth h3 of the first groove portion 341B (the length from the lower end edge of the leg portion 33B to the inner surface of the groove) is larger than the height h1 of the first rib portion 231 (see FIG. 3B).

[0027] In the present embodiment, the depth h3 of the first groove portion 341B is equal to the depth h4 of the second groove portion 342A. Further, the height h1 of the first rib portion 231 is equal to the height h2 of the second rib portion 232. The first rib portion 231 enters near the inner surface (ceiling surface) of the first groove portion 341B, the second rib portion 232 enters near the inner surface (ceiling surface) of the second groove portion 342A, the upper surface rib 23 is deeply inserted into the groove portion 34, and the second container 3 is stably positioned with respect to the first container 2.

[0028] As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, in the second container 3A housed in any one of the housing recesses 20, second groove portions 342A are respectively formed at the central portions in the side direction of the leg portions 33A along each side of the second bottom wall portion 31A. In a state where the leg portions 33A are housed in the housing recesses 20, the second rib portions 232 are inserted into the second groove portions 342A (see FIGS. 1 and 6). Thereby, the cross-shaped second rib portions 232 formed in the respective housing recesses 20 are respectively inserted into the second groove portions 342A, so that interference between the leg portions 33A and the second rib portions 232 can be avoided, and the second container 3 can be positioned with respect to the first container 2. Further, by forming the second groove portions 342A at the central portions in the side direction of the leg portions 33A along each side of the second bottom wall portion 31A, the second container 3A can be made line-symmetric and point-symmetric, and the usability of the second container 3A is improved. That is, when the second container 3A is housed in the housing recess 20, it can be taken out of the housing recess 20 and housed in the housing recess 20 even in a state of being rotated 90° in a plan view.

[0029] Further, as shown in FIG. 4A, an R is formed between the outer surface and the lower surface of the leg portion 33A of the second container 3A, and as shown in FIG. 5A, an R is formed between the outer surface and the lower surface of the leg portion 33B of the second container 3B. In this way, by forming an R between the outer surface and the lower surface of the leg portion 33, when an operator tries to manually visually insert the second container 3 into the housing recess 20 of the first container 2, even if the second container 3 is slightly displaced from the position where it should be located, it is likely to be guided by the R formed between the outer surface and the lower surface of the leg portion 33, and it becomes easier to insert the second container 3 into the housing recess 20. Note that the R does not necessarily have to be formed between the outer surface and the lower surface of the leg portion 33.

[0030] Further, since the first rib width W1 of the first rib portion 231 forming the housing recess 20 is wider than the second rib width W2 of the second rib portion 232 formed in the housing recess 20, it is easy to recognize the housing recess 20 surrounded by the first rib portion 231 having a wide width, and it becomes easy to place the second container 3A in the housing recess 20.

[0031] In addition, a second rib portion 232 having a cross shape is formed in the accommodation recess 20, and since the groove portion 34 is formed in all of the leg portions 33 extending downward from two pairs of opposite sides of the peripheral edge portion of the second bottom wall portion 31, movement restriction (positioning) of the second container 3 with respect to the first container 2 in both the first direction 11 and the second direction 12 can be performed.

[0032] As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, in the second container 3B accommodated in a total of four accommodation recesses 20 in which two consecutive rows are arranged side by side in two rows, first groove portions 341B are respectively formed at the central portions in the side direction of the leg portions 33B along each side of the second bottom wall portion 31B. Thereby, the second container 3B can be made line-symmetric and point-symmetric, and the usability of the second container 3B is improved. That is, when the second container 3B is accommodated in the accommodation recess 20, it can be taken out from the accommodation recess 20 and also be accommodated in the accommodation recess 20 even in a state of being rotated 90° in a plan view.

[0033] Note that notches 331B are respectively formed in the intermediate portions of one end side portion and the other end side portion of the leg portions 33B along each side of the second bottom wall portion 31B, but these notches 331B may not be particularly formed. By forming the notches 331, less material is required compared to the case where the notches 331B are not formed, and the weight of the second container 3 can be reduced.

[0034] Of the leg portions 33B along the long side of the second bottom wall portion 31B, the portion on one end side in the direction along the long side is accommodated in one accommodation recess 20, and the portion on the other end side is accommodated in the other accommodation recess 20. Also, of the leg portions 33B along the short side of the second bottom wall portion 31B, the portion on one end side in the direction along the short side is accommodated in one accommodation recess 20, and the portion on the other end side is accommodated in the other accommodation recess 20. In this state, the first rib portion 231 between the accommodation recesses 20 is inserted into the first groove portion 341B, and the second rib portion 232 located in the accommodation recess 20 is inserted into the notch 331B. Thereby, interference between the leg portion 33B and the first rib portion 231 and the second rib portion 232 can be avoided, and positioning of the second container 3 with respect to the first container 2 can be performed.

[0035] In the container set 1 of the present embodiment, the upper surface rib 23 of the first container 2 is inserted into the groove portion 34 of the second container 3, and the second container 3 is held in a state of being positioned with respect to the first container 2. Thereby, even when the second container 3 is alone, it can be held by the first container 2 without connecting or mutually holding the second containers 3 together.

[0036] As shown in FIGS. 4A and 5A, on the outer surface of the second side wall portion 32 (32A, 32B), the upper portion 321 (321A, 321B) protrudes outward with respect to the lower portion 322 (322A, 322B), and at the lower end portion of the central portion in the left - right direction of the upper portion 321, a notch 323 (323A, 323B) that is recessed inward and open outward and downward is formed. Thereby, the chuck of the automatic robot is inserted into the notch 323, and the second container 3 is lifted from the first container 2.

[0037] In addition, an R is formed between the upper surface and the outer surface of the second side wall portion 32 of the second container 3. The radius of curvature of the R formed between the upper surface and the outer surface of the second side wall portion 32 of the second container 3 is formed to be the same as the radius of curvature of the R formed between the upper surface and the outer surface of the second rib portion 232 of the first container 2. Specifically, the radius of curvature of the R formed between the upper surface and the outer surface of the second side wall portion 32 of the second container 3 is formed to fall within the range of 0.1 to 0.8 mm, preferably within the range of 0.4 to 0.6 mm.

[0038] Note that the radius of curvature of the R formed between the upper surface and the outer surface of the second side wall portion 32 of the second container 3 does not necessarily have to fall within the range of 0.1 to 0.8 mm. Also, an R does not necessarily have to be formed between the upper surface and the outer surface of the second side wall portion 32 of the second container 3 or between the upper surface and the outer surface of the second rib portion 232 of the first container 2.

[0039] In addition, reinforcing ribs 35 (35A, 35B) are formed on the legs 33 (33A, 33B) so as to project in a direction orthogonal to the direction along the side of the second bottom wall portion 31 (31A, 31B). As shown in FIG. 4A, the reinforcing rib 35A formed on the second container 3A projects outward beyond the outer surface of the leg 33A. Further, as shown in FIG. 5A, the reinforcing rib 35B formed on the second container 3B projects outward and inward respectively beyond the outer and inner surfaces of the leg 33A.

[0040] By providing the reinforcing rib 35, the rigidity of the leg 33 is improved.

[0041] In addition, the reinforcing rib 35 is formed in a portion that constitutes the side surface of the groove portion 34. Thereby, even when the upper surface rib 23 collides with the side surface of the groove portion 34 when the upper surface rib 23 is inserted into the groove portion 34, the leg 33 is less likely to be damaged.

[0042] Also, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 5A, the legs 33 (33A, 33B) are located more inward than the upper portions 321 (321A, 321B). Thereby, it becomes difficult for the legs 33 to collide with other members, and the legs 33 are less likely to be damaged.

[0043] Also, the wall thickness of the legs 33 (33A, 33B) is formed to be thicker than the wall thickness of the second side wall portions 32 (32A, 32B). Thereby, the legs 33 are less likely to be damaged than the second side wall portions 32.

[0044] Also, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 5A, by forming groove portions 34 at the central portions in the side directions of the legs 33B (33A, 33B) along the respective sides of the second bottom wall portion 31 (31A, 31B), the influence of shrinkage of the second container 3 due to changes during molding or over time is suppressed to a small level, the dimensional changes and dimensional errors of the second container 3 are small, and the positioning of the second container 3 with respect to the first container 2 becomes easy.

[0045] Further, as shown in FIG. 6, in the second side wall portion 32, the upper portion 321 is located outward with respect to the lower portion 322, and a step is formed between the upper portion 321 and the lower portion 322. This step is the same as or slightly larger than the wall thickness of the second side wall portion 32. Therefore, it is possible to insert the lower portion 322 of the upper second container 3 into the upper portion 321 of the lower second container 3 from above and nest them.

[0046] When the second containers 3 are respectively accommodated in the adjacent accommodation recesses 20, a clearance into which a finger can be inserted is formed between the second containers 3 accommodated in the adjacent accommodation recesses 20. Thereby, it becomes easier for an operator to take out the second container 3 accommodated in the accommodation recess 20 of the first container 2 from the first container 2.

[0047] In particular, it is preferable that a clearance into which a finger can be inserted is formed between the second containers 3 accommodated in the adjacent accommodation recesses 20 in each of the first direction 11 and the second direction 12. Thereby, the operator can insert a finger into any of the clearances along the first direction 11 and the clearance along the second direction 12, and it becomes easier to take out the second container 3 accommodated in the accommodation recess 20 of the first container 2 from the first container 2.

[0048] Note that a clearance into which a finger can be inserted does not have to be formed between the second containers 3 accommodated in the adjacent accommodation recesses 20.

[0049] Further, the upper end portions of the second side wall portions 32 (32A, 32B) are formed with edges on the outer side and the inner side. More specifically, the outer surface and the upper end surface of the second side wall portion 32 form a 90° angle, and no R is formed between the outer surface and the upper end surface. Also, the inner surface and the upper end surface of the second side wall portion 32 form a 90° angle, and no R is formed between the inner surface and the upper end surface. Note that the angles formed by the outer surface and the upper end surface and the angles formed by the inner surface and the upper end surface may deviate slightly from 90° (for example, within ±5° or ±10°).

[0050] By doing so, when imaging the second container 3 with the imaging device and performing so-called image processing, the upper end portion of the second side wall portion 32 can be easily recognized by the edge formed at the upper end portion of the second side wall portion 32, facilitating image processing and subsequent processing.

[0051] Also, in a state where the leg portion 33 of the second container 3 is accommodated in the accommodation recess 20 of the first container 2, the clearance C1 between the upper surface rib 23 and the groove portion 34 (that is, the distance between the side surface of the upper surface rib 23 and the inner side surface of the groove portion 34 into which the upper surface rib 23 is inserted) is 0 mm or greater than 0 mm and up to 2 mm. On the other hand, the clearance C2 between the inner side surface of the accommodation recess 20 and the leg portion 33 accommodated in the accommodation recess 20 is 2 mm or more and 4 mm or less, and is larger than the clearance C1.

[0052] Further, recesses 36 (36A, 36B) are formed in the intermediate portion in the left - right direction of the leg portion 33 (33A, 33B), which are located inward from both ends in the left - right direction. As a result, the intermediate portion of the leg portion 33 is even less likely to collide with other members, and the leg portion 33 is less likely to be damaged.

[0053] Also, as shown in FIGS. 4B and 5B, the lower end portion of the groove portion 34 (34A, 34B) becomes wider in the left - right width as it goes downward. That is, the side surface of the leg portion 33 (33A, 33B) facing the groove portion 34 (34A, 34B) that constitutes the groove portion 34 has an inclination 343 (343A, 343B) at the lower end portion. As a result, the upper surface rib 23 can be easily inserted into the groove portion 34.

[0054] Next, a modified example will be described.

[0055] The container set 1, that is, the first container 2 and the second container 3, is formed of synthetic resin, but may be formed of other materials. Also, as the synthetic resin, PP (Poly Propylene) or PE (Poly Ethylene) is preferable, but it is not particularly limited. Further, when the first container 2 and the second container 3 are formed of synthetic resin, various molding methods such as vacuum molding and injection molding can be appropriately adopted, and the molding method is not limited.

[0056] The first container 2 and the second containers 3 may be colored so as to have different colors from each other. The plurality of second containers 3 may all be colored the same, or may be colored with colors different from that of the first container 2 and different from each other. That is, it is sufficient that the color of each second container 3 is different from at least the color of the first container 2.

[0057] Thereby, when imaging the container set 1 with an imaging device and performing so-called image processing, the first container 2 and the second containers 3 can be recognized separately from each other, and the positional relationship between the first container 2 and the second containers 3 can be easily recognized, facilitating the performance of image processing and subsequent processing.

[0058] The container set 1 may further include not only the first container 2 and the second containers 3 but also additional configurations.

[0059] The first side wall portion 22 does not have to extend upward from the entire periphery of the peripheral edge of the first bottom wall portion 21. For example, a discontinuous portion may be formed in a part of the circumferential direction of the first side wall portion 22.

[0060] The first bottom wall portion 21 does not have to be plate-shaped, and holes or the like penetrating vertically may be formed.

[0061] The upper surface ribs 23 do not have to have a plurality of types of widths. Each pitch P1 of the upper surface ribs 23 in the first direction 11 does not have to be equal, and the distance between the side surfaces of the first rib portion 231 and the second rib portion 232 adjacent to each other in the first direction 11 does not have to be equal. Further, the distance between the side surface of the portion constituting the reference surface 210 at the end in the first direction 11 and the side surface of the first upper surface rib 23 closest to the inside from the end does not have to be equal to the distance between the side surfaces of the first rib portion 231 and the second rib portion 232 adjacent to each other in the first direction 11 described above.

[0062] Each pitch P2 in the second direction 12 of the upper rib 23 may not be equal, and the distance between the side surface of the first rib portion 231 and the side surface of the second rib portion 232 adjacent in the second direction 12 may not be equal. Also, the distance between the side surface of the portion constituting the reference plane 210 at the end in the second direction 12 and the side surface of the first upper rib 23 from the end to the inside may not be equal to the distance between the side surface of the first rib portion 231 and the side surface of the second rib portion 232 adjacent in the second direction 12 described above.

[0063] Also, the pitch P1 and the pitch P2 may not be equal.

[0064] Note that the height h1 of the first rib portion 231 and the height h2 of the second rib portion 232 may not be equal. For example, the height h2 of the second rib portion 232 may be lower than the height h1 of the first rib portion 231.

[0065] In the above-described embodiment, both ends in the first direction 11 of the upper surface of the first bottom wall portion 21 are the reference plane 210 that is flush with the upper surfaces of the first rib portion 231 and the second rib portion 232, and the bottom surface of the accommodation recess 20 surrounded by the upper rib 23 and in which the second container 3 is accommodated is at a position lower than the reference plane 210. That is, when the reference plane 210 is taken as the standard of the upper surface of the first bottom wall portion 21 (taking the bottom surface of the first bottom wall portion 21 (excluding the bottom surface of the accommodation recess 20)), the accommodation recess 20 was recessed downward from the reference plane 210. In contrast, both ends in the first direction 11 of the upper surface of the first bottom wall portion 21 may be lower than the reference plane 210 that is flush with the upper surfaces of the first rib portion 231 and the second rib portion 232 and be in the same plane as the bottom surface of the accommodation recess 20. In this case, the accommodation recess 20 is not recessed downward from the bottom surface of the first bottom wall portion 21.

[0066] The upper surface of the first bottom wall portion 21, when taking the reference plane 210 as the reference, can be said that the portions between the ends and the upper rib 23 and between the adjacent upper ribs 23 are recessed downward. In this case, the portion between the adjacent first rib portions 231 and the portion between the portion constituting the reference plane 210 at the end of the first bottom wall portion 21 and the innermost first rib portion 231 become the accommodation recess 20.

[0067] The first rib portion 231 does not necessarily need to be formed by bending the plate body 211, and may be formed as a protruding portion that protrudes upward from the horizontal portion of the plate body 211. The second rib portion 232 may be formed by bending the plate body 211. The bottom rib 212 does not necessarily need to be formed specifically.

[0068] The second side wall portion 32 does not necessarily need to extend upward from the entire circumference of the peripheral edge of the second bottom wall portion 31. For example, a discontinuous portion may be formed in a part of the circumferential direction of the second side wall portion 32.

[0069] An edge does not necessarily need to be formed at the upper end portion of the second side wall portion 32. For example, an R may be formed between the outer surface and the upper end surface and between the inner surface and the upper end surface of the second side wall portion 32, and the cross-sectional shape of the upper end portion of the second side wall portion 32 is not limited.

[0070] The second bottom wall portion 31 is not plate-shaped, and holes or the like that penetrate vertically may be formed.

[0071] The leg portion 33 may extend downward from a pair of opposing sides of the peripheral edge of the second bottom wall portion 31.

[0072] The leg portions 33 (33A, 33B) do not necessarily need to be located inside the upper portions 321 (321A, 321B). In the inner and outer direction, the leg portions 33 (33A, 33B) may be in the same position as the second side wall portion 32.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 5A, the reinforcing rib 35 may protrude outward and inward from the outer surface and the inner surface of the leg portion 33, respectively. As shown in FIG. 4A, the reinforcing rib 35 may protrude outward only from the outer surface of the leg portion 33. Although not shown, the reinforcing rib 35 may protrude inward only from the inner surface of the leg portion 33. Further, the reinforcing rib 35 has an arbitrary configuration and does not necessarily need to be provided on the leg portion 33.

[0074] The groove portion 34 may be formed only in the leg portions 33 that extend downward from a pair of opposite sides among the peripheral portions of the second bottom wall portion 31. In this case, movement restriction (positioning) of the second container 3 to the first container 2 can be performed only in one of the first direction 11 and the second direction 12.

[0075] When the second container 3 is positioned in the first container 2, the lower ends of the leg portions 33 of the second container 3 may float without touching the bottom surface of the accommodation recess 20.

[0076] As still another modification example, the second container 3 may be accommodated in two continuous accommodation recesses 20. In this second container 3, a first groove portion 341 is formed at the central portion in the side direction of the leg portion 33 along the long side of the second bottom wall portion 31, and a second groove portion 342 is formed at the central portion in the side direction of the leg portion 33 along the short side of the second bottom wall portion 31. Note that notches are formed in the intermediate portions of the leg portions 33 on one end side and the other end side of the leg portions 33 along the long side direction of the second bottom wall portion 31.

[0077] Of the leg portions 33 along the long side direction of the second bottom wall portion 31, the leg portion 33 on one end side is accommodated in one accommodation recess 20, and the leg portion 33 on the other end side is accommodated in the other accommodation recess 20. Further, when viewed in the direction along the long side of the second bottom wall portion 31, the second container 3 appears to be accommodated in one accommodation recess 20.

[0078] In this state, the first rib portion 231 between the accommodation recesses 20 is inserted into the first groove portion 341, and the second rib portion 232 that is located within the accommodation recess 20 and along the long side of the second bottom wall portion 31 is inserted into the second groove portion 342. Thereby, interference between the leg portion 33 and the first rib portion 231 and the second rib portion 232 can be avoided, and the second container 3 can be positioned with respect to the first container 2.

[0079] Further, the clearance C2 may be set to increase as it moves away from the center of the first bottom wall portion 21 in a plan view. The shrinkage of the second container 3 due to changes during molding or over time appears more significantly as it moves away from the center of the first bottom wall portion 21 in a plan view. Therefore, in order to provide a margin in dimensions, the distance between the inner surfaces of the accommodation recess 20 may be increased as it moves away from the center of the first bottom wall portion 21 in a plan view so that the clearance C2 increases.

[0080] Also, the clearance C1 is preferably constant in each accommodation recess 20, but the clearance C1 may vary depending on the accommodation recess 20. The clearance C1 in the first direction 11 may be smaller than the clearance C2, and the clearance C1 in the second direction 12 may be equal to or greater than the clearance C2. Also, the clearance C1 in the second direction 12 may be smaller than the clearance C2, and the clearance C1 in the first direction 11 may be equal to or greater than the clearance C2. Also, all the clearances C1 may be equal to or greater than the clearance C2.

[0081] Further, the upper surface rib 23 may be tapered so that its width decreases upward, and the groove portion 34 may be tapered so that its width decreases upward. In a state where the second container 3 is accommodated in the first container 2, the side surface of the upper surface rib 23 and the inner surface of the groove portion 34 are parallel. Thereby, the groove portion 34 is in surface contact or line contact along the upper surface rib 23, and the movement restriction of the second container 3 with respect to the first container 2 can be performed more firmly.

[0082] Furthermore, the second container 3 as another modification example may be accommodated in three accommodation recesses 20 that are continuously arranged in a row. In this second container 3, notches are formed between one end portion and the central portion of the leg portion 33 along the long side of the second bottom wall portion 31, and notches are formed between the central portion and the other end portion. A second groove portion is formed in the central portion of the central portion. Also, a second groove portion is formed in the central portion of the leg portion 33 along the short side of the second bottom wall portion 31.

[0083] In the leg part 33, one end part is accommodated in the first accommodation recess 20, the central part is accommodated in the second accommodation recess 20 adjacent to the first accommodation recess 20, and the other end part is accommodated in the third accommodation recess 20 adjacent to the second accommodation recess 20. In this state, the second rib part 232 of the first accommodation recess 20 and the first rib part 231 between the first accommodation recess 20 and the second accommodation recess 20 are inserted into the notch, the second rib part 232 of the third accommodation recess 20 and the first rib part 231 between the second accommodation recess 20 and the third accommodation recess 20 are inserted into the notch, and the second rib part 232 of the second accommodation recess 20 is inserted into the second groove part at the central part. Further, in the second groove part formed in the leg part 33 along the short side of the second bottom wall part 31, the second rib part 232 along the long side of the second bottom wall part 31 of the first to third accommodation recesses 20 is inserted. Thereby, interference between the leg part 33, the first rib part 231, and the second rib part 232 can be avoided, and the positioning of the second container 3 with respect to the first container 2 can be performed.

[0084] Furthermore, as still another modification example, the second container 3 may be accommodated in four accommodation recesses 20 continuous in a row. In this second container 3, the leg part 33 in the direction along the long side of the second bottom wall part 31 has a first part, a second part, a third part, and a fourth part formed from one end side in this direction, a notch is formed between the first part and the second part, and a notch is formed between the third part and the fourth part. A first groove part is formed between the second part and the third part. Also, a second groove part is formed at the central part of the leg part 33 along the short side of the second bottom wall part 31.

[0085] In the leg portion 33, the first part is received in the first receiving recess 20, the second part is received in the second receiving recess 20 adjacent to the first receiving recess 20, the third part is received in the third receiving recess 20 adjacent to the second receiving recess 20, and the fourth part is received in the fourth receiving recess 20 adjacent to the third receiving recess 20. In this state, the second rib portion 232 of the first receiving recess 20, the first rib portion 231 between the first receiving recess 20 and the second receiving recess 20, and the second rib portion 232 of the second receiving recess 20 are inserted into the notch, and the second rib portion 232 of the third receiving recess 20, the first rib portion 231 between the third receiving recess 20 and the fourth receiving recess 20, and the second rib portion 232 of the fourth receiving recess 20 are inserted into the notch. The first rib portion 231 between the second receiving recess 20 and the third receiving recess 20 is inserted into the first groove portion formed between the second part and the third part. Further, the second rib portion 232 along the long side of the second bottom wall portion 31 of the first to fourth receiving recesses 20 is inserted into the second groove portion formed in the leg portion 33 along the short side of the second bottom wall portion 31. Thereby, interference between the leg portion 33, the first rib portion 231, and the second rib portion 232 can be avoided, and the second container 3 can be positioned with respect to the first container 2.

[0086] As is clear from the above-described embodiments and modifications, the container (container set 1) of the first aspect includes a first container 2 and a second container 3. The first container 2 has a first bottom wall portion 21 and a first side wall portion 22 extending upward from the peripheral edge of the first bottom wall portion 21. The second container 3 has a second bottom wall portion 31, a second side wall portion 32 extending upward from the peripheral edge of the second bottom wall portion 31, and a leg portion 33 extending downward from the peripheral edge of the second bottom wall portion 31, and can be accommodated in the first container 2. An upper surface rib 23 having a grid shape protruding upward in plan view is formed on the upper surface of the first bottom wall portion 21 of the first container 2. A groove portion 34 into which a part of the upper surface rib 23 can be inserted from below is formed in the leg portion 33 of the second container 3.

[0087] According to the first aspect, by inserting the upper surface rib 23 of the first container 2 into the groove portion 34 of the second container 3 and holding the second container 3 by the first container 2, the second container 3 can be held in a state of being positioned with respect to the first container 2.

[0088] In the second aspect, it can be realized in combination with the first aspect. In the second aspect, the second bottom wall portion 31 has a rectangular shape in plan view. The groove portion 34 is formed at the central portion in the side direction of the leg portion 33 along one side of the second bottom wall portion 31.

[0089] According to the second aspect, it is easy to improve the usability of the second container 3.

[0090] In the third aspect, it can be realized in combination with the first or second aspect. In the third aspect, the upper surface rib 23 has a first rib portion 231 having a first rib width W1 and a second rib portion 232 having a second rib width W2 smaller than the first rib width W1.

[0091] According to the third aspect, by using two types of upper surface ribs 23, the second container 3 can be held in a more diverse pattern in a state where it is positioned on the first container 2.

[0092] In the fourth aspect, it can be realized in combination with the third aspect. In the fourth aspect, the groove portion 34 has at least one of a first groove portion 341 having a first groove width W3 into which the first rib portion 231 can be inserted and a second groove portion 342 having a second groove width W4 smaller than the first groove width W3 into which the first rib portion 231 cannot be inserted and the second rib portion 232 can be inserted.

[0093] According to the fourth aspect, by using two types of upper surface ribs 23 and the groove portion 34, the second container 3 can be held in a more diverse pattern in a state where it is positioned on the first container 2.

[0094] In the fifth aspect, it can be realized in combination with the third or fourth aspect. In the fifth aspect, the leg portion 33 can be accommodated in a rectangular accommodation recess 20 in plan view surrounded by the first rib portion 231. The second rib portion 232 is formed in the accommodation recess 20. The groove portion 34 is inserted with the second rib portion 232 in a state where the leg portion 33 is accommodated in the accommodation recess 20.

[0095] According to the fifth aspect, by housing the leg portion 33 in the housing recess 20, it becomes easier to hold the second container 3 in a positioned state in the first container 2.

Explanation of Signs

[0096] 1 Container set 11 First direction 12 Second direction 2 First container 20 Housing recess 21 First bottom wall portion 210 Reference plane 211 Plate body 212 Bottom rib 22 First side wall portion 23 Top rib 231 First rib portion 232 Second rib portion 3, 3A, 3B Second container 31, 31A, 31B Second bottom wall portion 32, 32A, 32B Second side wall portion 321, 321A, 321B Upper portion 322, 322A, 322B Lower portion 323, 323A, 323B Notch 33, 33A, 33B Leg portion 331B Notch 34 Groove portion 341, 341B First groove portion 342, 342A Second groove portion 343, 343A, 343B Inclination 35, 35A, 35B Reinforcing rib 36, 36A, 36B Recess P1 Pitch P2 Pitch W1 First rib width W2 Second rib width W3 First groove width W4 Second groove width

Claims

1. A first container having a first bottom wall portion and a first side wall portion extending upward from a peripheral edge of the first bottom wall portion, A container comprising a second container having a second bottom wall portion, a second side wall portion extending upward from a peripheral edge of the second bottom wall portion, and a leg portion extending downward from a peripheral edge of the second bottom wall portion and being capable of being accommodated in the first container, An upper surface rib having a grid shape in plan view and protruding upward is formed on an upper surface of the first bottom wall portion of the first container, A groove portion into which a part of the upper surface rib can be inserted from below is formed in the leg portion of the second container, The upper surface rib has a first rib portion having a first rib width and a second rib portion having a second rib width smaller than the first rib width, Container.

2. The second bottom wall portion has a rectangular shape in plan view, The groove portion is formed at a central portion in a direction of the side of the leg portion along one side of the second bottom wall portion, The container according to Claim 1.

3. The groove portion has at least one of a first groove portion having a first groove width into which the first rib portion can be inserted and a second groove portion having a second groove width smaller than the first groove width into which the first rib portion cannot be inserted and the second rib portion can be inserted, The container according to Claim 2.

4. The leg portion can be accommodated in a rectangular accommodation recess portion surrounded by the first rib portion in plan view, The second rib portion is formed in the accommodation recess portion, The groove portion is such that the second rib portion is inserted in a state where the leg portion is accommodated in the accommodation recess portion, and The container according to Claim 2 or 3.

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