Container and container assembly method

Abstract

To provide a container and a container assembly method, which can be easily assembled by one person and can be transported stably.SOLUTION: A container 1 comprises a pallet 2 and a side wall component 3 extending upward from the pallet 2, and the side wall component 3 is configured to be detachable from the pallet 2. The side wall component 3 comprises a first side wall body 21 and a second side wall body 22 which are approximately C-shaped in plan view and have approximately the same shape, and each of the side wall bodies 21, 22 comprises a long-side side plate 23 and a pair of short-side side plates 24. A lower end of the first side wall body 21 is provided with L-shaped protrusion 45 having a downwardly extending hanging portion 43 and an engaging portion 44 extending from a bottom of the hanging portion 43 in an extension direction of the short-side side plate 23. The L-shaped protrusion 45 is inserted into openings 14A, 14D provided on a top surface of the pallet 2 and slid in a direction opposite to the extension direction of the short side plate 23 of the first side wall body 21, so that the engaging portion 44 engages with the pallet 2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a container used for transporting goods and a method for assembling the container. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there has been known a container that includes a pallet that is rectangular in plan view, a square cylindrical sidewall component that extends upward along the outer periphery of the upper surface of the pallet, and a lid that can close an opening at the top of the sidewall component, the lid being configured to be detachable from the sidewall component, and the sidewall component being detachable from the pallet. Furthermore, there is a technology in which the sidewall component is configured with a sidewall component that is bendable along the outer periphery of the upper surface of the pallet, and a connecting member that connects the ends of the sidewall component (see, for example, Patent Document 1, etc.).

[0003] The container described in Patent Document 1 above has a bottom side plate having an approximately square frame shape that protrudes upward from the outer peripheral edge of the upper surface of the pallet, and the side wall component is placed on the pallet so that the lower part of its outer surface abuts against the inner surface of the bottom side plate. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 9-58680 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, when assembling the container outdoors or elsewhere by one person, there is a concern that the side wall bodies that make up the side wall components may be blown over by the wind immediately after being placed on the pallet, which could lead to reduced workability or require the work to be done by multiple people.

[0006] In addition, the side wall component of the assembled container is not fixed to the pallet. Therefore, when transporting the assembled container by a forklift, a truck, or the like, the side wall component may jump or fall off the pallet due to vibration.

[0007] The present invention has been made to solve the above-exemplified problems and the like, and an object thereof is to provide a container and a container assembly method that enable easy assembly work by a single person and can perform stable transportation.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] Hereinafter, each means suitable for solving the above object and the like will be described separately by item. In addition, the effects and the like peculiar to the corresponding means will be appended as necessary.

[0009] Means 1. A pallet having a substantially rectangular shape in plan view and a side wall component extending upward along the outer peripheral edge of the upper surface of the pallet, the side wall component is configured to be detachable from the pallet, in a container that is assembled by attaching the side wall component to the pallet, the side wall component includes a first side wall body and a second side wall body that are substantially U-shaped in plan view and have substantially the same shape as each other, the first side wall body and the second side wall body each include a long side plate and a pair of short side plates extending from both ends of the long side plate and facing each other, a lower end portion of the short side plate of the first side wall body is provided with an L-shaped protrusion having a hanging portion extending downward and an engaging portion extending from a lower portion of the hanging portion in a direction opposite to the extending direction of the short side plate, an opening into which the L-shaped protrusion can be inserted is provided on the upper surface of the pallet, a container, characterized in that the L-shaped protrusion is inserted into the opening and the engaging portion is engaged with the pallet by sliding the L-shaped protrusion in a direction opposite to the extending direction of the short side plate of the first side wall body.

[0010] According to Means 1, during the assembly of the container, the L-shaped protrusion of the first side wall is inserted into the opening of the pallet and slid, thereby engaging the first side wall with the pallet. Therefore, once the first side wall is attached to the pallet, vertical movement of the first side wall relative to the pallet is restricted, preventing the first side wall from being blown over by the wind and tipping over. Therefore, by attaching the first side wall to the pallet in advance, the second side wall can be attached to the pallet without worrying about the first side wall tipping over. As a result, the container can be easily assembled by one person.

[0011] Furthermore, because the vertical movement of the first side wall body is restricted, the attachment state of both side wall bodies can be stabilized by connecting the second side wall body to the first side wall body, etc. Therefore, even if stress such as vibration is applied during transportation by forklift, truck, etc., it is possible to reduce the concern that the first side wall body, etc. will jump or fall off the pallet. As a result, stable transportation is possible.

[0012] It is also possible for the side edge of the short-side side plate of the first side wall body to be connected to the side edge of the short-side side plate of the second side wall body. In this case, more stable transportation can be achieved.

[0013] Also, "the length of the L-shaped protrusion along the extension direction may be approximately equal to the length of the opening." In this case, when installing, the L-shaped protrusion is inserted into the opening and is only slid slightly to engage, making it difficult for it to fall off. This makes subsequent assembly easier, resulting in improved assembly workability.

[0014] Means 2: A first positioning protrusion is provided on the lower end of the long side plate of the first side wall body, The container described in means 1 is characterized in that a first positioning opening into which the first positioning protrusion can be inserted is provided on the upper surface of the pallet.

[0015] According to means 2, during the assembly operation of the container, first, the first positioning protrusion of the first side wall body can be inserted into the first positioning opening of the pallet to align the first side wall body. Then, in order to insert the L-shaped protrusion into the opening, the first side wall body can be tilted to relatively easily attach the first side wall body to the pallet. As a result, the assembly workability can be further improved.

[0016] Also, when attaching the first side wall body to the pallet, the assembler usually stands outside the long side plate of the first side wall body. At this time, according to this means, since the first positioning protrusion is provided at the lower end of the long side plate, the first positioning protrusion is located on the front side (near side) of the operator, and it can be smoothly attached while visually recognizing the first positioning protrusion or the first positioning opening. In this regard as well, the assembly workability can be further improved.

[0017] Means 3. A second positioning protrusion is provided at the lower end of the long side plate of the second side wall body, A second positioning opening into which the second positioning protrusion can be inserted is provided on the upper surface of the pallet, In either the first side wall body or the second side wall body, the side edge of the short side plate is fitted into one groove of a connecting member having a substantially H-shaped cross section, and the side edge of the short side plate and the connecting member are fixed by fixing means, The container according to means 2, wherein in either the other of the first side wall body or the second side wall body, the side edge of the short side plate is fitted into the other groove of the connecting member.

[0018] According to means 3, the second side wall body can be aligned by inserting the second positioning protrusion of the second side wall body into the second positioning opening of the pallet.

[0019] In addition, when attaching the second side wall to the pallet, the assembler can perform the work while visually recognizing the second positioning protrusion or the second positioning opening located on the front side, and can further improve the assembly workability.

[0020] Furthermore, the connecting member will connect the first side wall in an engaged state with the pallet and the second side wall, and the mounting state of the second side wall will be stabilized. Therefore, it becomes possible to perform more reliable and stable transportation.

[0021] In addition, the provision of the connecting member can dramatically increase the compressive strength of the entire container, particularly the compressive strength of the connecting portion between the first side wall and the second side wall. Therefore, even when the containers are stacked one on top of the other and a load is applied to the side wall components, deformation such as barrel bulging of the side wall components can be suppressed.

[0022] In addition, when the first side wall is attached to the pallet first, insert the second positioning protrusion of the second side wall into the second positioning opening, and then tilt the lower end of the side edge of the short side plate of the second side wall so as to approach the pallet. In either the first side wall or the other of the second side walls, the side edge of the other short side plate can be fitted into the groove with respect to the connecting member having a substantially H-shaped cross section to complete the connection. Therefore, the attachment work can be performed more easily.

[0023] Means 4. An insertion protrusion is provided at the lower end of the short side plate of the second side wall, The container according to means 3, wherein an insertion protrusion opening into which the insertion protrusion can be inserted is provided on the upper surface of the pallet.

[0024] According to means 4, an insertion protrusion is provided on the second side wall separately from the second positioning protrusion, and by inserting the insertion protrusion into the insertion protrusion opening of the pallet, the positioning state and the mounting state of the second side wall can be further stabilized.

[0025] It is also possible that "the first positioning opening and the second positioning opening are provided at positions symmetrical to each other about the center of the pallet and have the same shape, and the opening and the insertion protrusion opening are provided at positions symmetrical to each other about the center of the pallet and have the same shape." In this case, the first side wall body and the second side wall body can be attached to either side.

[0026] Means 5. A method for assembling a container according to Means 4, comprising: a connecting member fixing step of previously fitting a side edge portion of the short side plate of either the first side wall body or the second side wall body into one groove of the connecting member and fixing the one side edge portion and the connecting member by a fixing means; a first side wall mounting step of inserting the first positioning protrusion of the first side wall into the first positioning opening of the pallet, tilting the first side wall in a direction approaching the pallet to insert the L-shaped protrusion of the first side wall into the opening of the pallet, and then sliding the first side wall together with the L-shaped protrusion inserted into the opening in a direction opposite to the extension direction of the short-side side plate, thereby engaging the engaging portion of the L-shaped protrusion with the pallet; a second side wall mounting process for inserting the second positioning protrusion of the second side wall into the second positioning opening of the pallet, and then tilting the second side wall in a direction approaching the pallet to insert the insertion protrusion of the second side wall into the insertion protrusion opening of the pallet, and fitting the side edge of the other short side panel of either the first side wall or the second side wall into the other groove of the connecting member.

[0027] According to means 5, the same effects as those of means 4 and the like are achieved, and by fixing the connecting member to either the first side wall body or the second side wall body in advance using a fixing means in the connecting member fixing process, the assembly work in the first side wall body mounting process and the second side wall body mounting process can be carried out smoothly. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the container in an assembled state. [Figure 2] FIG. [Figure 3] 1(a) is an exploded perspective view showing the process of assembling the short-side side plates of the first side wall body, and FIG. 1(b) is an exploded perspective view showing the process of assembling the long-side side plates of the first side wall body. [Figure 4] 1(a) is a perspective view of the short-side side plates of the first side wall body in an assembled state, and FIG. 1(b) is a perspective view of the long-side side plates of the first side wall body in an assembled state. [Figure 5] (a) is a partially enlarged oblique view of the L-shaped protrusion when the short side side plate of the first side wall body is assembled, and (b) is a partially enlarged oblique view of the first positioning protrusion when the long side side plate of the first side wall body is assembled. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a process of attaching the first side wall body to the pallet. [Figure 7] 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a process of attaching the first side wall body to the pallet. FIG. [Figure 8] 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a process of attaching the first side wall body to the pallet. FIG. [Figure 9] 10 is an exploded perspective view showing the process of assembling the short-side side plates of the second side wall body. FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the second side wall body in an assembled state. [Figure 11] 10 is a partially enlarged perspective view showing the insertion protrusions and the like when the short-side side plates of the second side wall body are assembled. FIG. [Figure 12] 10 is a perspective view showing a process of attaching the second side wall body to the pallet and the connecting member. FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the container with the door in an open position. [Figure 14] 10 is a perspective view of a second side wall body with the door portion in an open state. FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. [Figure 16](a) is a perspective view showing a corner member attached to the lid body, and (b) is a perspective view showing a lid frame attached to the lid body. [Figure 17] It is a perspective view showing a state in which the pallet and the lid body are compactly combined. [Figure 18] It is a cross-sectional perspective view showing a state in which the pallet and the lid body are compactly combined.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0029] Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, etc., the container 1 (box pallet) includes a pallet 2 having a square shape in plan view, a rectangular tube-shaped side wall component 3 extending upward along the outer peripheral edge of the upper surface of the pallet 2, and a lid body 4 capable of closing the opening at the upper part of the side wall component 3. The lid body 4 is configured to be detachable from the side wall component 3, and the side wall component 3 is configured to be detachable from the pallet 2. Further, by placing and attaching the side wall component 3 on the pallet 2 and covering the lid body 4 on the side wall component 3, the container 1 is set in an assembled state.

[0030] The pallet 2 includes a plurality of column portions 11. Between the plurality of column portions 11, a fork insertion portion 12 is formed that allows a fork of a forklift, a hand lift, or the like to be inserted. In the present embodiment, it has a four-way insertion type pallet shape in which a fork can be inserted from each of the four side surfaces of the pallet 2. Incidentally, as shown in FIGS. 6, 12, 18, etc., on the lower surface of the pallet 2, a lower opening 13 is provided for grounding the casters of the hand lift corresponding to the position where the fork insertion portions 12 intersect.

[0031] Also, as shown in Fig. 2 and the like, eight openings 14A, 14B, 14C, 14D, 15A, 15B, 15C, and 15D for attaching the side wall component 3 are provided on the upper surface of the pallet 2 (column portion 11). In the present embodiment, each of the openings 14A to 14D and 15A to 15D has the same size and the same shape. Also, the opening 14A and the opening 15D, the opening 14B and the opening 15C, the opening 14C and the opening 15B, and the opening 14D and the opening 15A are provided at point-symmetrical positions around the center of the pallet 2. In the present embodiment, the openings 14A and 14D correspond to the "openings", the openings 14B and 14C correspond to the "first positioning openings", the openings 15A and 15D correspond to the "openings for insertion protrusions", and the openings 15B and 15C correspond to the "second positioning openings". Note that the pallet 2 is made of polypropylene.

[0032] As shown in Figs. 1, 2 and the like, the side wall component 3 includes a first side wall body 21 and a second side wall body 22 that are substantially the same shape as each other in a plan view and are U-shaped. Each of the side wall bodies 21 and 22 includes a long side plate 23 and a pair of short side plates 24 that extend from both ends of the long side plate 23 and face each other. Also, the long side plate 23 has a width slightly shorter than the length of one side of the upper surface of the pallet 2, and the short side plate 24 has a width slightly shorter than half the length of one side of the upper surface of the pallet 2 and is bendably connected to both ends of the long side plate 23. Further, a handle hole 25 is provided in the upper portions of the long side plate 23 and the short side plate 24. Note that each of the side wall bodies 21 and 22 is made of corrugated cardboard made of polypropylene.

[0033] As shown in Fig. 3 and the like, in addition to the long side plate 23 and the short side plate 24, the first side wall body 21 includes a first positioning projection member 31, a first projection member 41, and frames 51 and 52 having a substantially U-shaped cross section.

[0034] More specifically, a notch 23A is formed at the center of the lower end of the long side plate 23, and a notch 24A is formed near the lower end side edge of the short side plate 24.

[0035] Further, the first positioning projection member 31 includes a rectangular plate-shaped housing portion 32 and a pair of first positioning projections 33 protruding from the housing portion 32. Further, the first projection member 41 includes a rectangular plate-shaped housing portion 42, a hanging portion 43 and an engaging portion 44 that protrude from the housing portion 42, and an L-shaped projection 45 having an L-shaped plate shape. Both the first positioning projection member 31 and the first projection member 41 are made of solid polypropylene and have higher rigidity than the long-side side plate 23 and the short-side side plate 24. Also, the wall thicknesses of the long-side side plate 23, the short-side side plate 24, the first positioning projection member 31, and the first projection member 41 are equal to each other.

[0036] The frames 51 and 52 having a substantially U-shaped cross section are both made of polypropylene and formed by an extrusion molding method. Slits 53 and 54 that allow the insertion of the first positioning projection 33 and the L-shaped projection 45 are formed in the bottom walls of the frames 51 and 52.

[0037] 3, 4, 5, etc., with accommodated portion 32 of first positioning protrusion member 31 accommodated in cutout portion 23A of long-side side plate 23 and accommodated portion 42 of first protrusion member 41 accommodated in cutout portion 24A of short-side side plate 24, frames 51, 52 having a generally U-shaped cross section are fitted into the lower ends of long-side side plate 23 and short-side side plate 24. Furthermore, with first positioning protrusion 33 and L-shaped protrusion 45 protruding from slits 53, 54, frames 51, 52 are in an attached state. In this embodiment, engaging portion 44 of L-shaped protrusion 45 extends from hanging portion 43 toward long-side side plate 23. Furthermore, by driving rivets 26 as fixing means, the first positioning protrusion member 31, the first protrusion member 41, and the frames 51, 52 are fixed at the lower ends of the long-side side plate 23 and the short-side side plate 24. The length of the slits 53, 54 in the direction along each side is shorter than the length of the lower surface of each accommodated portion 32, 42 in the direction along each side. Therefore, the lower surface of each accommodated portion 32, 42 is supported by the inner lower surface (bottom wall) of each frame 51, 52. The length of the L-shaped protrusion 45 in the extension direction is approximately equal to the length of the openings 14A, 14D.

[0038] As shown in Figures 9, 10, 14, etc., the second side wall body 22 includes, in addition to the long side side plate 23 and the short side side plate 24, a second positioning protrusion member 61, a second protrusion member 71, and frames 56 and 57 having an approximately U-shaped cross section.

[0039] More specifically, a notch (not shown) similar to the notch 23A is formed in the center of the lower end of the long side side plate 23, and a notch 24B is formed in the lower edge of the short side side plate 24.

[0040] Similarly to the first positioning protrusion member 31, the second positioning protrusion member 61 includes a rectangular plate-shaped accommodated portion (not shown) and a pair of second positioning protrusions 63 protruding from the accommodated portion. The second protrusion member 71 includes a rectangular plate-shaped accommodated portion 72 and one insertion protrusion 73. The second positioning protrusion member 61 and the second protrusion member 71 are both made of solid polypropylene and are more rigid than the long side side plate 23 and the short side side plate 24. The long side side plate 23, the short side side plate 24, the second positioning protrusion member 61, and the second protrusion member 71 have the same thickness.

[0041] The frames 56 and 57, each having a generally U-shaped cross section, have the same shape as the frames 51 and 52, and are made of polypropylene and formed by extrusion molding. As shown in Figure 14, etc., the bottom wall of each frame 56 and 57 is formed with slits 58 and 59 that allow the second positioning protrusion 63 and the insertion protrusion 73 to pass through.

[0042] 9, 10, 11, 14, etc., with the receiving portion (not shown) of the second positioning protrusion member 61 received in the notch portion (not shown) of the long-side side plate 23 and the receiving portion 72 of the second protrusion member 71 received in the notch portion 24B of the short-side side plate 24, the frames 56, 57 having a generally U-shaped cross section are fitted into the lower ends of the long-side side plate 23 and the short-side side plate 24. Furthermore, with the second positioning protrusion 63 and the insertion protrusion 73 protruding from the slits 58, 59, the frames 56, 57 are attached. Furthermore, the second positioning protrusion member 61, the second protrusion member 71, and the frames 56, 57 are fixed to the lower ends of the long-side side plate 23 and the short-side side plate 24 by driving the rivets 26. The length of the slits 58, 59 in the direction along each side is smaller than the length of the accommodated portion (not shown) and the lower surface of the accommodated portion 72 in the direction along each side. Therefore, the lower surfaces of the accommodated portion (not shown) and the accommodated portion 72 are supported by the inner lower surfaces (bottom walls) of the frames 56, 57. In addition, when the second protruding member 71 is fixed, the side edge of the second protruding member 71 and the side edge of the short side plate 24 are arranged on the same straight line.

[0043] Also, as shown in FIGS. 9, 10, 11, etc., the second side wall body 22 includes a connecting member 76 having an H-shaped cross section. The connecting member 76 is made of polypropylene and is formed by an extrusion molding method. In the present embodiment, the side edge portion of the short side plate 24 of the second side wall body 22 is fitted into one groove of the connecting member 76, and the connecting member 76 is fixed by driving a rivet 26. Incidentally, the side edge portion of the short side plate 24 of the second side wall body 22 is fitted into the other groove of the connecting member 76 (see FIG. 1, etc.).

[0044] As shown in FIGS. 2, 13, 14, etc., an opening 80 is formed in the long side plate 23 of the second side wall body 22, and a door portion 81 is provided corresponding to the opening 80. The door portion 81 includes a door plate 82, a door frame 83 provided at the side edge portion and the lower end portion of the door plate 82, and slide lock portions 84 provided at both ends of the upper end portion of the door plate 82. In the present embodiment, by sliding the slide lock portions 84 in a direction approaching each other, as shown in FIG. 2, etc., the door portion 81 is in a closed state, and by sliding in a direction separating from each other, as shown in FIGS. 13, 14, etc., the door portion 81 is in an open state.

[0045] As shown in FIGS. 1, 15, 16, etc., the lid body 4 includes a square plate-shaped top plate 91 and top side plates 92 protruding downward from each side edge portion of the top plate 91. The lid body 4 of the present embodiment is configured by cutting a single polypropylene cardboard into a shape of an unfolded state, bending the top side plates 92 downward by 90 degrees with respect to the top plate 91, and connecting the top side plates 92 to each other by corner members 93. Further, a lid frame 94 having a substantially h-shaped cross section is attached to the lower end portion of each top side plate 92. The corner member 93 and the lid frame 94 are fixed by driving a rivet 26.

[0046] Further, as shown in FIGS. 17, 18, etc., the lid body 4 is provided with a lid upper protrusion 95 that protrudes upward from the upper surface of the top plate 91 and has an L-shaped cross section in plan view. The lid upper protrusions 95 are provided at four positions corresponding to positions above the portions where the fork insertion portions 12 intersect each other. When the containers 1 are stacked vertically (stacked in tiers), each lid upper protrusion 95 of the lid body 4 of the lower container 1 is inserted into each lower opening 13 of the pallet 2 of the upper container 1. Thereby, relative displacement in the horizontal direction between the upper and lower containers 1 is prevented. Further, in the case where only the container 1 is transported and stored without accommodating an article, etc., it is possible to make the pallet 2 and the lid body 4 in a compact state.

[0047] Next, the method of assembling the container 1 will be described. Regarding the first side wall body 21, in advance, the first positioning projection member 31, the first projection member 41, and the frames 51, 52 are attached to the lower end portions of the long side plate 23 and the short side plate 24, and the rivets 26 are driven in to make them in a fixed state. Similarly, regarding the second side wall body 22, the second positioning projection member 61, the second projection member 71, and the frames 56, 57 are attached to the lower end portions of the long side plate 23 and the short side plate 24, and the rivets 26 are driven in to make them in a fixed state. At the same time, regarding the side edge portion of the short side plate 24 of the second side wall body 22, one groove of the connecting member 76 is fitted and the rivet 26 is driven in to make it in a fixed state (connecting member fixing step).

[0048] Next, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, etc., after inserting the first positioning protrusion 33 of the first side wall body 21 into the first positioning openings 14B and 14C of the pallet 2, the first side wall body 21 is tilted in a direction approaching the pallet 2, so that the L-shaped protrusion 45 of the first side wall body 21 is inserted into the openings 14A and 14D of the pallet 2. Then, as shown in FIG. 8, etc., together with the L-shaped protrusion 45 inserted into the openings 14A and 14D, the first side wall body 21 is slid in a direction opposite to the extending direction of the short side plate 24 (the right direction in FIG. 8 (see the arrow)) (the first side wall body mounting step). By this sliding, the top wall of the pallet 2 will be positioned above the engaging portion 44 of the L-shaped protrusion 45, and the engaging portion 44 of the L-shaped protrusion 45 will be in an engaged state with respect to the pallet 2.

[0049] After that, as shown in FIGS. 12, etc., after inserting the second positioning protrusion 63 of the second side wall body 22 into the second positioning openings 15B and 15C of the pallet 2, the second side wall body 22 is tilted in a direction approaching the pallet 2, so that the insertion protrusion 73 of the second side wall body 22 is inserted into the openings 15A and 15D of the pallet 2, and the side edge portion of the short side plate 24 of the first side wall body 21 is fitted into the other groove of the connecting member 76 (the second side wall body mounting step). By going through these series of steps, the first side wall body 21 and the second side wall body 22 will be attached to the pallet 2. And finally, as shown in FIG. 1, etc., by appropriately covering the lid body 4 on the upper part of the side wall component 3, the container 1 will be in an assembled state. At this time, the handle hole 25 is blocked by the lid frame 94, etc.

[0050] As described above in detail, according to this embodiment, when assembling the container 1, the L-shaped protrusion 45 of the first side wall body 21 is inserted into the openings 14A, 14D of the pallet 2 and slid, thereby engaging the first side wall body 21 with the pallet 2. Therefore, once the first side wall body 21 is attached to the pallet 2, vertical movement of the first side wall body 21 relative to the pallet 2 is restricted, preventing the first side wall body 21 from being blown over by the wind and tipping over. Therefore, by attaching the first side wall body 21 to the pallet 2 in advance, the second side wall body 22 can be attached to the pallet 2 without worrying about the first side wall body 21 tipping over. As a result, the container 1 can be easily assembled by one person.

[0051] In this embodiment, the second side wall body 22 is connected to the first side wall body 21 via the connecting member 76. Here, since the vertical movement of the first side wall body 21 is restricted as described above, the attachment state of both side wall bodies 21, 22 is stabilized. Therefore, even if stress such as vibration is applied during transportation by a forklift, truck, etc., it is possible to reduce concerns that the side wall constituent part 3 will jump or fall off the pallet 2. As a result, stable transportation is possible.

[0052] Furthermore, the first side wall body 21, which is engaged with the pallet 2, is connected to the second side wall body 22 by the connecting member 76, thereby stabilizing the mounting state of the second side wall body 22. This allows for more reliable and stable transportation.

[0053] Furthermore, the assembly worker can align the first side wall 21 by inserting the first positioning protrusion 33 of the first side wall 21 into the openings 14B and 14C of the pallet 2. Therefore, when attaching the first side wall 21 to the pallet 2, the assembly worker can perform the work while visually checking the first positioning protrusion 33 or the openings 14B and 14C located on the front side. This can improve the ease of assembly work.

[0054] Thereafter, the first side wall body 21 can be attached to the pallet 2 relatively easily by tilting the first side wall body 21 so that the L-shaped protrusions 45 are inserted into the openings 14A and 14D.

[0055] Furthermore, the length of L-shaped protrusion 45 along its extension direction is approximately equal to the length of openings 14A and 14D. Therefore, when installing, L-shaped protrusion 45 is inserted into openings 14A and 14D and is engaged by simply sliding it slightly, making it difficult for it to come off. This makes subsequent assembly easier, resulting in improved assembly workability.

[0056] Furthermore, the assembly worker can align the second side wall body 22 by inserting the second positioning protrusion 63 of the second side wall body 22 into the openings 15B and 15C of the pallet 2. Therefore, even when attaching the second side wall body 22 to the pallet 2, the assembly worker can perform the work while visually checking the second positioning protrusion 63 or the openings 15B and 15C located on the front side. This further improves the ease of assembly work.

[0057] In addition, the second side wall body 22 is provided with an insertion protrusion 73 in addition to the second positioning protrusion 63, and by inserting the insertion protrusion 73 into the openings 15A, 15D of the pallet 2, the positioning and installation state of the second side wall body 22 can be stabilized.

[0058] In addition, by fixing the connecting member 76 to the second side wall body 22 with the rivet 26 in advance, the assembly work of the container 1 can be carried out smoothly.

[0059] As described above, in the present embodiment, the first side wall body 21 is attached to the pallet 2 first. Therefore, the second positioning protrusion 63 of the second side wall body 22 is inserted into the openings 15B and 15C, and then the lower end of the side edge of the short side plate 24 of the second side wall body 22 is tilted so as to approach the pallet 2. In the first side wall body 21, the side edge of the short side plate 24 can be fitted into the groove of the connecting member 76 having a substantially H-shaped cross section to complete the connection. Therefore, the attachment work can be easily performed.

[0060] In addition, the provision of the connecting member 76 can significantly increase the compressive strength of the entire container 1, particularly the compressive strength of the connecting portion between the first side wall body 21 and the second side wall body 22. Therefore, even when the containers 1 are stacked one on top of the other and a load is applied to the side wall component 3, deformation such as barrel bulging of the side wall component 3 can be suppressed.

[0061] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, a fork insertion portion 12 is provided in a direction corresponding to the sliding direction of the L-shaped protrusion 45, and the fork insertion portion 12 opens facing the tip of the engaging portion 44. Therefore, for example, a fork can be inserted from the right side (long side plate 23 side) of the pallet 2 shown in FIG. 8. In that case, the pallet 2 lifted by a forklift and in a tilted state slopes downward from the left side to the right side of FIG. 8 (toward the forklift side), and the engaging portion 44 of the L-shaped protrusion 45 inserted into the openings 14A and 14D receives stress in a direction (right side direction of the pallet 2) that further enhances the engaged state according to gravity. Therefore, when transporting the container 1 with a forklift, the engaging portion 44 can be made to be in a stronger engaged state. Also, in this case, since the door portion 81 is provided on the long side plate 23 of the second side wall body 22, in the tilted state, the door portion 81 receives stress in the closing direction. Therefore, a situation where the door portion 81 accidentally opens during the transport process can be avoided. From these facts, more stable transport can be realized.

[0062] Further, by appropriately covering the upper part of the side wall component 3 with the lid body 4, the handle hole 25 is blocked, so that it is possible to prevent a situation where dust or the like enters the container 1.

[0063] Note that the present invention is not limited to the description of the above embodiment, and for example, it may be implemented as follows. Of course, other application examples and modification examples not exemplified below are also naturally possible.

[0064] (a) In the above embodiment, the first side wall body 21 and the second side wall body 22 of the side wall component 3 are made of corrugated cardboard made of polypropylene, but the material is not particularly limited. For example, it is also possible to configure them with corrugated cardboard made of expanded polystyrene, corrugated cardboard made of paper, thin plastic plates, etc. Further, the pallet 2, each protruding member 31, 41, 61, 71, each frame 51, 52, 56, 57, and the connecting member 76 are made of polypropylene, but they may be made of other resin materials such as polyethylene, PET, polyamide, or metal materials. However, regarding the material of each protruding member 31, 41, 61, 71, it is desirable that the rigidity is higher than that of the first side wall body 21 and the second side wall body 22.

[0065] (b) The shape and the like of the pallet 2, the side wall component 3, and the lid body 4 are not particularly limited, and include configurations that approximate within a range capable of achieving the functions and effects to be achieved. For example, the pallet 2 may be configured as a rectangle having a long side portion and a short side portion in a plan view. Further, in the present embodiment, in each of the side wall bodies 21, 22, the long side side plate 23 and the short side side plate 24 are integrated, but they may be separate. In that case, for example, a frame having a substantially L-shaped cross section or the like may be used to connect the long side side plate 23 and the short side side plate 24. In addition, the lid body 4, the handle hole 25, the door portion 81, etc. may be omitted. In addition, in the above embodiment, regarding the pallet 2, it may have a two-way insertion type shape in which the fork can be inserted only from two side surfaces constituting the outer peripheral surface of the pallet 2.

[0066] (c) In the above embodiment, identification information such as a mark suggesting or indicating that a fork should be inserted through the opening of the fork insertion portion 12 opposite the tip of the engaging portion 44 of the L-shaped protrusion 45 may be provided on the pallet 2, etc. This can further enhance the effect of "enables the engaging portion 44 to be in an even more secure engagement state when transporting the container 1 with a forklift."

[0067] (d) In the above embodiment, rivets 26 are used as fixing means, but this is not particularly limited, and for example, bolts and nuts with washers, split pins, adhesives, screws, etc. may also be used.

[0068] (e) In the above embodiment, instead of providing the separate protruding members 31, 41, 61, and 71, the protrusions 33, 45, 63, and 73 may be integrally formed with the long-side side plate 23 and the short-side side plate 24. In this case, the frames 51, 52, 56, and 57 may be omitted.

[0069] (f) The number, positions, and shapes of the protruding members 31, 41, 61, 71 and the openings 14A to 14D, 15A to 15D are not limited to those in the above embodiment. For example, a plurality of first protruding members 41 may be provided on one short-side side plate 24. [Explanation of symbols]

[0070] 1...container, 2...pallet, 3...side wall component, 14A-14D...opening, 15A-15D...opening, 21...first side wall body, 22...second side wall body, 23...long side side plate, 24...short side side plate, 26...rivet, 33...first positioning protrusion, 43...hanging portion, 44...engagement portion, 45...L-shaped protrusion, 63...second positioning protrusion, 73...insertion protrusion, 76...connecting member.

Claims

1. A container comprising a pallet having a substantially rectangular shape in plan view and a side wall component extending upward along the outer peripheral edge of the upper surface of the pallet, wherein the side wall component is detachably configured with respect to the pallet, and the container is in an assembled state when the side wall component is attached to the pallet. In this container, the side wall component includes a first side wall body and a second side wall body that are substantially U-shaped in plan view and have substantially the same shape as each other, the first side wall body and the second side wall body each include a long side plate and a pair of short side plates extending from both ends of the long side plate and facing each other, a lower end portion of the short side plate of the first side wall body is provided with an L-shaped protrusion having a hanging portion extending downward and an engaging portion extending from a lower portion of the hanging portion in a direction opposite to the extending direction of the short side plate, an opening into which the L-shaped protrusion can be inserted is provided on the upper surface of the pallet, and the container is characterized in that the L-shaped protrusion is inserted into the opening and is slid in a direction opposite to the extending direction of the short side plate of the first side wall body, so that the engaging portion is in an engaged state with respect to the pallet.

2. A first positioning protrusion is provided at a lower end portion of the long side plate of the first side wall body, and the container according to claim 1, wherein a first positioning opening into which the first positioning protrusion can be inserted is provided on the upper surface of the pallet.

3. A second positioning protrusion is provided at a lower end portion of the long side plate of the second side wall body, a second positioning opening into which the second positioning protrusion can be inserted is provided on the upper surface of the pallet, in either the first side wall body or the second side wall body, a side edge portion of the short side plate is fitted into one groove of a connecting member having a substantially H-shaped cross section, and the side edge portion of the short side plate and the connecting member are fixed by fixing means, and the container according to claim 2, wherein in the other of the first side wall body or the second side wall body, the side edge portion of the short side plate is fitted into the other groove of the connecting member.

4. An insertion protrusion is provided at a lower end portion of the short side plate of the second side wall body, and the container according to claim 3, wherein an opening for the insertion protrusion into which the insertion protrusion can be inserted is provided on the upper surface of the pallet.

5. A method for assembling the container according to claim 4, A connecting member fixing step of previously fitting a side edge portion of one of the short side plates of the first side wall body or the second side wall body into one groove of the connecting member and fixing the one side edge portion and the connecting member by fixing means; A first side wall body attaching step of inserting the first positioning protrusion of the first side wall body into the first positioning opening of the pallet, then tilting the first side wall body in a direction approaching the pallet, thereby inserting the L-shaped protrusion of the first side wall body into the opening of the pallet, and then sliding the first side wall body in a direction opposite to the extending direction of the short side plate together with the L-shaped protrusion inserted into the opening, so that the engaging portion of the L-shaped protrusion is in an engaged state with respect to the pallet; A second side wall body attaching step of inserting the second positioning protrusion of the second side wall body into the second positioning opening of the pallet, then tilting the second side wall body in a direction approaching the pallet, thereby inserting the insertion protrusion of the second side wall body into the opening for the insertion protrusion of the pallet, and fitting a side edge portion of the other short side plate of either the first side wall body or the second side wall body into the other groove of the connecting member, characterized in that the method for assembling a container comprises the above steps.

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