Container

Abstract

To provide a container which is reduced in weight, improved in handling operability or the like, and excellent in balance between mechanical strength and weight.SOLUTION: The vessel 1 is provided with a vessel main body 2 capable of putting and storing a stored object from an opening 1A on the upper side. The container body 2 includes a bottom wall portion 21 extending from the inside toward the outside, and further includes a peripheral wall portion 22 erected upward from the bottom wall portion 21. A vertical rib 25 is formed on the outer side of the peripheral wall portion 22. The longitudinal rib 25 includes a large-protruding-amount rib side 25A and a small-protruding-amount rib side 25B, and is disposed such that the large-protruding-amount rib side 25A and the small-protruding-amount rib side 25B are adjacent to each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a container having a bottom wall, a side wall, and the like. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a container as a type of vessel has a bottom wall, side walls, etc., and can accommodate contents (e.g., food, luggage, etc.) by placing them through an opening at the top. The container of Patent Document 1 can accommodate, transport, and store contents in a storage space surrounded by the bottom wall, side walls, etc.

[0003] When a container is transported and stored with a large amount of contents, a large load is placed on the bottom wall and side walls, so it is necessary to arrange a large number of ribs on the bottom wall and side walls to prevent damage caused by such load. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-24349 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The container in Patent Document 1 is provided with many vertical ribs extending in the vertical direction. When many vertical ribs are provided, the weight of the container increases, making handling more difficult and causing problems. Furthermore, if a large load is applied to the bottom wall and side wall of the container, the container itself may be damaged. To prevent this, a design that allows for a certain degree of strength leeway (by providing many tall ribs) is required. However, the load acting on the bottom and side walls of a container is not necessarily uniform depending on the contents stored in the container. Also, since there are many different shapes of containers and the shapes vary greatly, uniformly installing many tall ribs on the bottom and side walls would increase the amount of material used, which would be a factor in increasing costs, and there was room for further consideration.

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its object is to provide a container that is light in weight, improves the operability of the container, and has an excellent balance between the mechanical strength and weight of the container. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The means for achieving the above object will be described below. That is, according to the container described in Means 1, the container comprises a bottom wall portion having a shape with long sides and short sides, extending from the inside to the outside, and having a plurality of through holes penetrating in the vertical direction, a peripheral wall portion erected upward from the outer edge of the bottom wall portion, and having a plurality of through holes penetrating from the inside to the outside, the peripheral wall portion having a long side side peripheral wall portion connected to the long side of the bottom wall portion and a short side side peripheral wall portion connected to the short side of the bottom wall portion, a horizontal portion at the upper end of the peripheral wall portion extending horizontally outward from the peripheral wall portion and having a plurality of through holes penetrating in the vertical direction, and an arm portion extending downward from the outer end of the horizontal portion, and having an outer space surrounded by the arm portion, the horizontal portion, and the peripheral wall portion, and a folded flange portion formed on the peripheral wall portion. In this container, the vertical ribs located outside the peripheral wall and extending in the vertical direction include large-protrusion ribs that protrude outward from the peripheral wall by a greater amount than the large-protrusion ribs, and small-protrusion ribs that protrude outward from the peripheral wall by a smaller amount than the large-protrusion ribs, and the outer horizontal space length extending horizontally from the peripheral wall to the arm within the outer space is set to be longer than the protrusion amounts of the large-protrusion ribs and the small-protrusion ribs, and the large-protrusion ribs and the small-protrusion ribs are located within the outer space, and an upper outer horizontal space length which is located at the upper side of the outer space and forms the outer horizontal space length is set to be shorter than a lower outer horizontal space length which is located at the lower side of the outer space and forms the outer horizontal space length.

[0008] According to the container described in Means 2, in the container described in Means 1, when multiple containers are stacked one on top of the other, the horizontal part of the lower container has a storage step that can store part of the bottom wall of the upper container so that the long side peripheral wall of the lower container can be positioned by intersecting with the short side of the bottom wall of the upper container, and the large protrusion rib is preferably arranged at least below and around the load position on the long side peripheral wall of the lower container that receives the load of the bottom wall of the upper container, and the small protrusion rib is preferably arranged in a position adjacent to the large protrusion rib arranged on the long side peripheral wall.

[0009] According to the container described in the third aspect, in the container described in the first or second aspect, it is preferable that the protrusion amount of the large protrusion amount rib is set to half or less of the length of the lower outer space.

[0010] As a means for achieving the above object, the container described in Means 4 comprises a bottom wall portion having long and short sides and a shape extending from the inside to the outside, a peripheral wall portion erected upward from the outer edge of the bottom wall portion and having a long-side peripheral wall portion connected to the long side of the bottom wall portion and a short-side peripheral wall portion connected to the short side of the bottom wall portion, a horizontal portion at the upper end of the peripheral wall portion having a shape extending horizontally outward from the peripheral wall portion, arm portions having a shape extending downward from the outer end of the horizontal portion, and a folded flange portion having an outer space surrounded by the peripheral wall portion, horizontal portion and arm portions and extending over at least the long-side peripheral wall portion at the upper end of the peripheral wall portion. In this container, the folded flange has a partition rib connected to the peripheral wall, horizontal portion, and arm portion so as to separate the outer space, and has vertical ribs extending in the up-down direction on the outside of the long-side peripheral wall, the vertical ribs having large-protrusion ribs that protrude outward from the peripheral wall by a large amount and small-protrusion ribs that protrude outward by a smaller amount than the large-protrusion ribs, and the small-protrusion ribs at least in the outer space are arranged adjacent to the large-protrusion ribs, and the difference in protrusion amount between the large-protrusion ribs and the small-protrusion ribs from the peripheral wall to the arm in the outer space is at least twice that of the small-protrusion ribs.

[0011] Furthermore, according to a container having other means, in the container described in any of means 1 to 4, it is preferable that the bottom wall portion forms legs that protrude downward, and the large-protrusion ribs and small-protrusion ribs that extend from near the upper end of the peripheral wall portion toward near the lower end are arranged so as to be close to or in contact with the legs.

[0012] In addition, in a container having any of the means 1 to 4 or the above means, it is preferable that the large-protrusion ribs and the small-protrusion ribs extend between the vicinity of the upper end and the vicinity of the lower end of the peripheral wall. In addition, in a container having any of the means 1 to 4 or the above means, it is preferable that the bottom wall form legs that protrude downward, and the large-protrusion ribs and the small-protrusion ribs that extend from the vicinity of the upper end to the vicinity of the lower end of the peripheral wall are arranged so as to be close to or abut on the legs. In addition, in a container having any of the means 1 to 4 or the above means, it is preferable that the large-protrusion ribs and the small-protrusion ribs are arranged so as to be close to or abut on the horizontal portion.

[0013] Furthermore, in a container having any of means 1 to 4 or the above means, the container has a bottom wall portion that is rectangular in plan view, a long-side peripheral wall portion that connects to the long side of the bottom wall portion, and a short-side peripheral wall portion that connects to the short side of the bottom wall portion, and when multiple containers are stacked one on top of the other, the horizontal portion of the lower container has metal fittings for supporting the bottom of the bottom wall of the upper container so that the short side and long side of the bottom wall of the lower container can be positioned parallel to the short side and long side of the bottom wall of the upper container, respectively, and when multiple containers are not stacked one on top of the other, the metal fittings are preferably positioned at a position away from the short side and long side of the bottom wall of the upper container, and the small protrusion rib is preferably arranged so as to be close to or in contact with the horizontal portion.

[0014] Furthermore, in a container having any of means 1 to 4 or the above means, when multiple containers are stacked one on top of the other, it is preferable that a large protrusion rib be arranged in the storage step portion of the lower container below and around the lower load position that receives the load of the bottom wall portion of the upper container, extending between near the upper end and near the lower end of the peripheral wall portion.

[0015] In a container having any one of the means 1 to 4 or the above means, it is preferable that the bottom wall portion forms legs that protrude downward, and that the small protrusion rib extending between the vicinity of the upper end and the vicinity of the lower end of the peripheral wall portion is disposed so as to abut against the horizontal portion and the legs. In a container having any one of the means 1 to 4 or the above means, it is preferable that the protrusion amount of the small protrusion rib is 0.5 to 2 times the thickness of the peripheral wall portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to the present invention, the weight of the container is reduced, the operability of the container is improved, and the balance between the mechanical strength and the weight of the container is improved. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of the overall shape of a container according to this embodiment, as viewed from the opening side. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the overall shape of a container according to this embodiment, as viewed from the bottom side. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a side view of the container of FIG. [Figure 4] 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a main part of the container of FIG. 1 when a short-side side wall portion is cut in the vertical direction. [Figure 5] 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a main part of the container of FIG. 1 when a long side wall portion thereof is cut in the vertical direction. [Figure 6] 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a main part of the container of FIG. 1 when the long side wall portion is cut horizontally. FIG. [Figure 7] 3 is an explanatory diagram of a bottom rib formed on the bottom wall of the container of FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 8] 7 is an explanatory diagram of a large protrusion rib formed on the long side wall portion of FIG. 6. FIG. [Figure 9] 7 is an explanatory diagram of a small protrusion rib formed on the long side wall portion of FIG. 6. FIG. [Figure 10] 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which the container of FIG. 1 located above is stacked on top of the container of FIG. 1 located below. FIG. [Figure 11] 2 is a perspective view of the container of FIG. 1 nested on top of the container of FIG. 1 located below. [Figure 12] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams for explaining modified examples of the folded flange portion. [Figure 13] 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state in which a part of the folded flange portion is modified. FIG. [Figure 14] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams for explaining modified examples of the folded flange portion. [Figure 15] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams for explaining modified examples of the folded flange portion. [Figure 16] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams for explaining modified examples of small protrusion ribs. [Figure 17] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams for explaining modified examples of small protrusion ribs. [Figure 18] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams for explaining modified examples of small protrusion ribs. [Figure 19] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams for explaining modified examples of small-protrusion ribs and large-protrusion ribs. [Figure 20] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams for explaining modified examples of the folded flange portion. [Explanation of symbols]

[0018] 1··Container, 1L··Lower container, 1U··Upper container, 1A: Opening; 1B: Storage space; 2: Container body; 21... bottom wall portion, 21A... long side, 21B... short side, 21E··Bottom ribs (legs), 21F··Rough surface for anti-slip, 22... Peripheral wall portion, 22A... Long side wall portion, 22B... Short side wall portion, 24··Flange part, 24A··Horizontal part, 24B...Arm part, 24C...Space part (outside space), 24D··Reinforcing rib, 25··Vertical rib, 25A··Large protruding rib, 25B··Small protruding rib, R1: Distance corresponding to the upper outer horizontal space length R2: Distance corresponding to the length of the horizontal space below DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] An embodiment of the present invention will now be described. First, FIGS. 1 and 2 show the entire container of this embodiment, viewed from the opening side and the bottom side, respectively. FIG. 3 shows a side view of the container of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 shows an enlarged view of a main portion of the short-side side wall of the container of FIG. 1 cut vertically. FIG. 5 shows an enlarged view of a main portion of the long-side side wall of the container of FIG. 1 cut vertically. FIG. 6 shows an enlarged view of a main portion of the long-side side wall of the container of FIG. 1 cut horizontally. FIG. 7 illustrates a bottom rib formed on the bottom wall of the container of FIG. 2. FIG. 8 illustrates a large-protrusion rib formed on the long-side side wall of FIG. 6. FIG. 9 illustrates a small-protrusion rib formed on the long-side side wall of FIG. 6. FIG. 10 shows the container of FIG. 1 stacked on top of the container of FIG. 1. Figure 11 shows the state in which the upper container of Figure 1 is nested on top of the lower container of Figure 1. Figures 10 and 11 show the state in which the upper container is stacked on top of the lower container with the long and short sides of the bottom wall of the upper container parallel to the long and short sides of the bottom wall of the lower container, respectively.

[0020] As shown in Fig. 1, the container 1 has a container body 2 into which contents can be inserted through an opening 1A to accommodate the contents. When transporting the container 1 with contents placed in the storage space 1B, a metal fitting Q1 or the like can be attached to the container body 2 to improve handling convenience (operability). In this case, the metal fittings Q1 are attached to the insertion opening Q1 of the container body 2 so that multiple containers 1 are stacked so that their longitudinal directions (the Y-axis direction described below) are aligned.

[0021] The container body 2 has a rectangular bottom wall 21 extending from the inside (storage space 1B) outward, and further has a peripheral wall 22 erected upward from the bottom wall 21. When the container 1 is placed on a horizontal surface G, the container 1 (in this case, the container body 2) stores contents (e.g., food and drink, luggage, etc.) through the opening 1A in the storage space 1B surrounded by the bottom wall 21 and peripheral wall 22 (22A, 22B described below), etc., and transports and stores them.

[0022] In this case, reducing the weight of the container 1 not only improves the operability when a worker handles the container 1, but also reduces the cost of transporting it by transport means (transport truck, etc.). Furthermore, it is desirable that the balance between the mechanical strength and weight of the container 1 is excellent (in this case, "mechanical strength" means a property that indicates the degree to which a container can withstand external forces, and specifically includes compressive strength, etc.; the same applies below).

[0023] In the following description, the up-down direction and the left-right direction are based on the state in which the container 1 shown in Figures 1 to 3 is placed on a horizontal plane G. Furthermore, the term "parallel" (described below) used in the present text is not limited to parallel in the strict sense, but includes what can be considered parallel in the relevant field. Similarly, the term "horizontal" (described below) used in the present text is not limited to horizontal in the strict sense, but includes what can be considered horizontal in the relevant field. Similarly, the term "up-down direction" used in the present text is not limited to up-down (vertical) direction in the strict sense, but includes what can be considered up-down (vertical) direction in the relevant field.

[0024] Next, the three axial directions (X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis) used in this embodiment will be described. That is, the direction along the long side 21A of the bottom wall portion 21 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 will be referred to as the "Y-axis direction." Similarly, the direction along the short side 21B of the bottom wall portion 21 will be referred to as the "X-axis direction." The Y-axis direction and the X-axis direction are perpendicular to each other, and the direction intersecting the Y-axis direction and the X-axis direction will be referred to as the "Z-axis direction." Note that the Z-axis direction coincides with the up-down (vertical) direction shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, but also includes a direction that coincides to the extent of the up-down (vertical) direction of the container body 2 in the art.

[0025] In this case, since the bottom wall portion 21 has a rectangular shape in a plan view (specifically, a rectangular shape in a plan view), the outer edge of the bottom wall portion 21 has a pair of long sides 21A that are parallel to each other, and also has a pair of short sides 21B that are parallel to each other. The short sides 21B extending in the X-axis direction and the long sides 21A extending in the Y-axis direction are intersecting and connected to each other at four corners. Note that the rectangular shape in a plan view may be a quadrangle shape other than a rectangular shape in a plan view.

[0026] Corners 21C connecting long sides 21A and short sides 21B are joined to form an arc. In this case, bottom wall 21 including long sides 21A, short sides 21B, corners 21C, and bottom ribs 21E (described later) is integrally formed by injection molding synthetic resin such as polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene (PE) in a mold and then releasing it from the mold.

[0027] The bottom wall portion has gate marks (not shown) for injection molding. The gate marks on the bottom wall portion are marks left when a gate is used for injection molding synthetic resin, and it is desirable to form one or two gate marks on the center side of the bottom wall portion.

[0028] Furthermore, a large number of bottom ribs 21E (see FIG. 2) extending vertically and horizontally (in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction) are arranged on solid flat surface portion 21D located in the center of bottom wall portion 21, protruding downward from the bottom surface of bottom wall portion 21. In this embodiment, the term "solid flat surface portion" refers to a flat, planar portion that does not have any through-holes or the like, and is used in the same sense for side wall portion 22.

[0029] In this case, bottom rib 21E projects downward from the bottom surface of bottom wall portion 21. That is, the second moment of area of ​​bottom rib 21E can be explained as a rectangular cross-sectional shape, and the second moment of area I can be expressed by the following equation (1) (see FIG. 7). I=1 / 12×B×K 3 (where I: moment of inertia, B: width, K: height) (1)

[0030] From this formula (1), it can be seen that increasing the height (K) of the bottom ribs 21E, rather than increasing the width (B) or number of the bottom ribs 21E, increases the rigidity in proportion to the cube of the height. In this case, by arranging the bottom ribs 21E extending in the vertical and horizontal directions (X-axis and Y-axis directions) in a lattice pattern, the mechanical strength of the bottom wall portion 21 can be uniformly ensured.

[0031] In particular, the bottom ribs 21E arranged in a grid pattern in the X-axis and Y-axis directions protrude downward from the bottom surface of the bottom wall portion 21 by a uniform amount and function as legs, so for convenience, the bottom ribs 21E functioning as such legs will be referred to as legs 21E.

[0032] As described above, as the height of the bottom rib 21E increases, the rigidity increases in proportion to the cube of the height, so in addition to the height (K) of the bottom rib 21E, the length and width of the bottom rib 21E can be appropriately set. As a result, the mechanical strength and weight of the bottom wall 21 of the container 1 can be balanced.

[0033] From the viewpoint of balancing mechanical strength and weight, the thickness of the inner bottom rib 21E can be made thinner than the thickness of the outer periphery. Depending on the contents to be stored in the container 1, the thickness of the outer periphery and the inner bottom rib may be set to be approximately the same.

[0034] The container body 2 has a peripheral wall portion 22 that rises upward from the outer edge of the bottom wall portion 21. The peripheral wall portion 22 is made up of long-side peripheral wall portions 22A that connect to the long sides of the bottom wall portion 21 and short-side peripheral wall portions 22B that connect to the short sides of the bottom wall portion 21. More specifically, the peripheral wall portion 22 is made up of a pair of long-side side wall portions 22A that are parallel to and facing each other, and a pair of short-side side wall portions 22B that are parallel to and facing each other. It is desirable that the thickness of the bottom wall portion 21, the thickness of the pair of long-side side wall portions 22A, and the thickness of the pair of short-side side wall portions 22B are approximately the same.

[0035] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the long-side side wall portions 22A and the short-side side wall portions 22B extend in the Y-axis direction and the X-axis direction, respectively, and intersect with each other. In this case, the four intersecting corners are connected to form an arc-shaped connecting portion 22C. The peripheral wall portion 22, including the pair of long-side side wall portions 22A, the pair of short-side side wall portions 22B, the connecting portion 22C, and the vertical rib 22E (described below), is formed integrally with the bottom wall portion 21 by injection molding a synthetic resin such as polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene (PE). Polyolefins such as polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene (PE) have a relatively low specific gravity among common resin materials used in injection molding, contributing to the weight reduction of the entire container 1.

[0036] It is desirable to improve the compressive strength and impact strength by making the long side wall portions 22A solid flat portions. In order to increase the mechanical strength of the pair of long side wall portions 22A, it is desirable to form vertical ribs 25 on the long side side wall portions 22A depending on the application. It is also possible to provide through-holes or the like on the long side side wall portions 22A depending on the application.

[0037] Similarly, it is desirable to improve the compressive strength and impact strength by making the short-side side wall portions 22B solid flat portions. Note that, in order to increase the mechanical strength of the pair of short-side side wall portions 22B, it is desirable to form vertical ribs 25 on the short-side side wall portions 22B. Note that, depending on the application, a through portion or the like may be provided on the short-side side wall portions 22B.

[0038] In particular, it is desirable to improve the compressive strength and impact strength by connecting the long-side side wall portion 22A and the short-side side wall portion 22B with a curved solid flat portion. Note that the shape of the connecting portion 22C connecting the long-side side wall portion 22A and the short-side side wall portion 22B may be changed to a shape other than a curved solid flat portion from the viewpoint of balancing mechanical strength and weight.

[0039] As a modified example, for example, it is desirable to improve the compressive strength and impact strength of connecting portion 22C connecting long-side side wall portion 22A and short-side side wall portion 22B by connecting them with a partially curved solid flat portion. Note that, depending on the application, through holes or ribs may be provided in connecting portion 22C.

[0040] The pair of long-side side walls 22A stand upright in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) from the pair of long sides 21A of the bottom wall 21, but in more detail, the pair of long-side side walls 22A do not stand straight up. That is, the long-side side walls 22A are inclined outward so that the upper portions of the long-side side walls 22A are positioned outward. In other words, the pair of long-side side walls 22A are inclined so that the distance between them increases as they approach the upper side. A configuration in which the long-side side walls 22A are inclined outward is superior to a configuration in which the walls stand straight up in terms of, for example, release from a mold.

[0041] The pair of short-side side walls 22B are erected upward in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) from the pair of short sides 21B of the bottom wall 21, but in more detail, the pair of short-side side walls 22B are not erected directly upward. That is, the short-side side walls 22B are inclined outward so that the upper portions of the short-side side walls 22B are positioned outward. In other words, the pair of short-side side walls 22B are inclined so that the distance between them increases as they approach the upper side. The form in which the short-side side walls 22B are inclined outward is superior to the form in which the walls are erected directly upward in terms of, for example, release from a mold.

[0042] The opening area near opening 1A is equal to the opening area in a horizontal cross section at the upper end of peripheral wall 22. The pair of long-side side walls 22A and the pair of short-side side walls 22B (peripheral wall 22) are inclined outward as a whole so that the distance between them increases (the opening area gradually increases) toward the upper side. Therefore, when storing items (e.g., food and drink, luggage, etc.) in storage space 1B, storage can be more efficient than in a configuration in which the walls are erected directly above.

[0043] The long side wall portion 22A is provided with a plurality of positioning portions 23 used during stacking. Specifically, the pair of positioning portions 23 protrude significantly outward from the long side wall portion 22A and extend from a position above the center of the long side wall portion 22A in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) to a horizontal portion 24A of the flange portion 24 (the folded flange portion will also be simply referred to as the "flange portion 24"), which will be described below.

[0044] That is, the flange portion 24 is provided on the upper end sides of the pair of long side wall portions 22A and the upper end sides of the pair of short side wall portions 22B, and is formed in a ring shape around the entire circumference of the upper end sides of the pair of long side wall portions 22A and the upper end sides of the pair of short side side wall portions 22B.

[0045] Specifically, the flange portion 24 has a horizontal portion 24A extending outward from the inside (accommodation space 1B), and further has arm portions 24B extending downward from the horizontal portion 24A. A space portion 24C extending in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) is provided between the horizontal portion 24A and the arm portions 24B.

[0046] That is, the horizontal portion 24A extends horizontally outward from the peripheral wall portion 22, and the arm portion 24B extends downward from the outer end of the horizontal portion 24A. The arm portion 24B and a space portion 24C surrounded by the peripheral wall portion 22, the horizontal portion 24A, and the arm portion 24B form an outer space. In this space portion 24C (in the outer space), an upper outer horizontal space length (distance R1, described later) that is located on the upper side and forms the outer horizontal space length, and a lower outer horizontal space length (distance R2, described later) that is located on the lower side of the space portion 24C (in the outer space) and forms the outer horizontal space length are set, and the upper outer horizontal space length (distance R1) is set shorter than the lower outer horizontal space length (distance R2). 4 and 5, the distance (distance R2) corresponding to the length of the lower outer horizontal space is longer than the distance R1 corresponding to the length of the upper outer horizontal space, and the space 24C is located outside the peripheral wall 22, making it easy to insert a finger (or a towing hook, if necessary) when towing the container 1 to move it in the Y-axis direction. Specifically, the inclinations of the peripheral wall 22 and the arm 24B are set so that the distance between the peripheral wall 22 and the arm 24B increases from the top to the bottom.

[0047] In this case, reinforcing ribs (not shown in FIG. 4) are formed between the peripheral wall 22, horizontal portion 24A, and arm portion 24B to connect them to one another, and serve as partition ribs that separate the space 24C (outer space). The partition rib has a rectangular shape that connects the peripheral wall 22, horizontal portion 24A, and arm portion 24B. The bottom edge of the rectangular shape may be flush with (including being equal to) the bottom end of the arm portion 24B, or may be located above the bottom end of the arm portion 24B on the horizontal portion 24A side, or may be located below the bottom end of the arm portion 24B. The bottom edge of the partition rib may be parallel to (including being approximately horizontal with) the horizontal portion 24A, inclined downward, or vertically downward and then parallel to (including being approximately horizontal with) the horizontal portion 24A from the bottom end of the arm portion 24B toward the peripheral wall 22. A guide slope 24D is provided on the side leading from the horizontal portion 24A to the storage step 24E.

[0048] A storage step 24E for loading the upper container 1U is provided at a position close to the short side wall 22B of the flange 24 of the pair of long side wall 22A. A metal fitting Q1 for supporting the bottom wall 21 of the upper container 1U is attached to the upper end of the long side wall 22A of the lower container 1L at a position close to the storage step 24E, and the metal fitting Q1 can rotate between an outer position (see FIG. 11) and an inner position (see FIG. 10) of the pair of short side wall 22B.

[0049] Specifically, when the metal fitting Q1 is placed in the storage step 24E, the metal fitting Q1 is positioned so that the middle portion thereof spans the pair of long-side side walls 22A (in the X-axis direction) and is positioned inside the pair of short-side side walls 22B (see FIG. 10). On the other hand, when the metal fitting Q1 is positioned outside the pair of short-side side walls 22B in the Y-axis direction, the metal fitting Q1 is positioned outside the pair of short-side side walls 22B (see FIG. 11).

[0050] In this case, when an operator places the metal fitting Q1 on the outside of the pair of short side wall portions 22B (see FIG. 11), the legs (ribs) of the upper container 1U come into contact with and are supported by the storage step 24E of the lower container 1L. Therefore, when an operator rotates the metal fitting Q1 from a position outside the pair of short side wall portions 22B (see FIG. 11) to a position inside (see FIG. 10), the metal fitting Q1 is placed on the storage step 24E, and the metal fitting Q1 located on the storage step 24E of the lower container 1L comes into contact with and is supported by the legs (ribs) of the upper container 1U.

[0051] In this way, by changing the position of the metal fitting Q1 as shown in Figures 10 and 11, the worker can load the upper container 1U on the lower container 1L in a state where they are aligned in the Y-axis direction. That is, the upper container 1U can be stacked on top of the lower container 1L in a stacking state (see Figure 10), or the upper container 1U can be stacked on top of the lower container 1L in a nesting state (see Figure 11).

[0052] The reason why the flange 24 is formed in an annular shape around the entire upper end of the peripheral wall 22 is that, since the arm 24B and the space 24C are also formed in an annular shape around the entire circumference, the flange 24 can be placed anywhere, and for example, an operator can easily insert their fingertips into the space 24C to grip the arm 24B. Note that the large-protrusion ribs 25A and small-protrusion ribs 25B, which will be described later, can fit into the space 24C, and further, the large-protrusion ribs 25A and small-protrusion ribs 25B can be connected to the horizontal portion 24A of the container 1. In this case, the large-protrusion ribs 25A and small-protrusion ribs 25B can bear the load applied to the horizontal portion 24A of the container 1.

[0053] Note that the flange portion 24 may be used, for example, to insert the tip of a towing hook (not shown) into the space portion 24C and hook it onto the arm portion 24B, or to move the container 1. In this case, when the tip of the towing hook (not shown) is inserted into the space portion 24C, the tip of the hook positioned within the space portion 24C may enter the space portion 24C in a manner that avoids the large-protrusion rib 25A (i.e., if it hits the large-protrusion rib 25A, it does not enter the space portion 24C, and therefore enters without hitting the large-protrusion rib 25A), or in a manner that allows contact with the small-protrusion rib 25B (i.e., even if it hits the small-protrusion rib 25B, it can enter the space portion 24C).

[0054] In this case, in the large-protrusion ribs 25A and small-protrusion ribs 25B extending from the peripheral wall 22 in the space 24C (outer space) toward the arm 22B, the difference in the protrusion amount between the large-protrusion ribs 25A and the small-protrusion ribs 25B in the space 24C is preferably at least twice that of the small-protrusion ribs, but may be some other multiple depending on the situation. In these cases, when the arm 24B engages with the tip of the hook (not shown), as the hook pulls (pulls) in the vertical or horizontal direction, the arm 24B also moves in the same direction (vertical or horizontal), and the container 1 itself also moves in the same direction (vertical or horizontal).

[0055] In addition, when the flange portion 24 is formed in a ring shape around the entire upper end of the peripheral wall portion 22, it is easier to operate (grip) than if the folded flange portion were formed only partially. In this way, when the strength of the flange portion 24 against external forces is ensured, for example, when the strength between the horizontal portion 24A and the arm portion 24B is ensured, the reinforcing rib (not shown) serving as a partition rib may be omitted. Furthermore, in order to reduce weight, the flange portion 24 may be formed only partially around the upper end of the peripheral wall portion 22 rather than being formed in a ring shape around the entire upper end.

[0056] Vertical ribs 25 are formed on the outside of the peripheral wall 22 to ensure the mechanical strength of the peripheral wall 22. In this case, the vertical ribs 25 protrude outward from the peripheral wall 22 and extend in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). Fig. 8 shows the total thickness (H1) as the sum of the long-side side wall 22A (plate thickness H3) and the height of the large-protrusion rib 25A (protrusion amount H2). Fig. 9 shows the long-side side wall 22A (plate thickness H3) and the height of the small-protrusion rib 25B (protrusion amount H4).

[0057] The height (protrusion amount H4) of the small protrusion rib 25B is preferably about 0.5 times the thickness of the long side wall portion 22A (plate thickness H3) or less. However, it may be changed to between 0.5 and 2 times the thickness of the long side wall portion 22A (plate thickness H3). Furthermore, one small protrusion rib 25B may be disposed adjacent to a large protrusion rib 25A, or multiple small protrusion ribs 25B may be disposed adjacent to a large protrusion rib 25A.

[0058] When the height (protrusion amount) of the rib 25 is increased (i.e., when the amount of outward protrusion is increased), similar to the bottom surface rib 21E, the rigidity increases in proportion to the cube of the height (protrusion amount) of the vertical rib 25. As a result, by arranging the vertically extending vertical ribs 25 in the vertical direction, it is possible to ensure mechanical strength against loads applied in the vertical direction.

[0059] 8 and 9 of the moment of inertia I increases in rigidity in proportion to the cube of the height (H2, H4) when the width (B) is constant. In this case, the height (protrusion amount H2) of the large-protrusion rib 25A is more than twice the height (protrusion amount H4) of the small-protrusion rib 25B, and the rigidity of the large-protrusion rib 25A is more than eight times the rigidity of the small-protrusion rib 25B.

[0060] When the height of the vertical ribs 25 (increasing the amount of outward protrusion) is the height (H2) of the large-protrusion ribs 25A shown in Fig. 8 and the height (H4) of the small-protrusion ribs 25B shown in Fig. 9, the second moment of area I increases in rigidity in proportion to the cube of the heights (H2, H4).Furthermore, the length and width of the vertical ribs 25 can be set appropriately, and the peripheral wall 22 of the container 1 can achieve a balance between mechanical strength and weight.The height of the vertical ribs 25 (large-protrusion ribs 25A or small-protrusion ribs 25B) may be changed as appropriate depending on the situation.

[0061] The vertical ribs 25 of the long-side side wall portions 22A may be formed so as to taper outward from the long-side side wall portions 22A. Also, the vertical ribs 25 of the short-side side wall portions 22B may be formed so as to taper outward from the short-side side wall portions 22B.

[0062] Since formula (1) is applied to the long side wall portion 22A, as the height of the vertical rib 25 increases, the rigidity increases in proportion to the cube of the height of the vertical rib 25. As a result, the length and width of the vertical rib 25 can be set appropriately, and the long side wall portion 22A of the container 1 can achieve a balance between mechanical strength and weight.

[0063] In this case, the vertical ribs 25 arranged on the long side wall portions 22A include large-protrusion ribs 25A that protrude outward by a large amount, and small-protrusion ribs 25B that protrude less than the large-protrusion ribs 25A. That is, the large-protrusion ribs 25A and the small-protrusion ribs 25B are arranged at different positions on the pair of long side wall portions 22A (so that a fixed interval is provided between adjacent large-protrusion ribs 25A and small-protrusion ribs 25B). The vertical ribs 25 on the long side wall portions 22A may also be formed to taper outward from the long side wall portion 22A. The vertical ribs 25 (large-protrusion ribs 25A and small-protrusion ribs 25B) arranged on the long side wall portions 22A are also located within the space portion 24C (outer space).

[0064] The vertical ribs 25 arranged on the short-side sidewall portions 22B protrude outward and extend in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). That is, the short-side vertical ribs 26 include large-protrusion ribs 25A that protrude outward by a large amount, and small-protrusion ribs 25B that protrude less than the large-protrusion ribs 25A. That is, like the vertical ribs 25 (large-protrusion ribs 25A and small-protrusion ribs 25B) arranged on the long-side sidewall portions 22A, the vertical ribs 25 on the short-side sidewall portions 22B are arranged at different positions (at adjacent positions spaced apart by a fixed distance) on the pair of short-side sidewall portions 22B. The vertical ribs 25 (large-protrusion ribs 25A and small-protrusion ribs 25B) arranged on the short-side sidewall portions 22B may be tapered outward from the short-side sidewall portions 22B. The vertical ribs 25 (large-protrusion ribs 25A and small-protrusion ribs 25B) arranged on the short-side sidewall portions 22B are also located within the space 24C (outer space).

[0065] In this case, the vertical ribs 25 (large-protrusion ribs 25A and small-protrusion ribs 25B) arranged on the short-side side wall portion 22B are formed to be approximately the same as the large-protrusion ribs 25A and small-protrusion ribs 25B arranged on the long-side side wall portion 22A, so that even if a large load is applied to the short-side side wall portion 22B, damage to the short-side side wall portion 22B is prevented. In addition, the vertical ribs 25 (large-protrusion ribs 25A and small-protrusion ribs 25B) are protected from external impacts.

[0066] In this case, on the outside of the pair of short side wall portions 22B, a pair of short side vertical ribs 25B are spaced apart in the short side direction (X-axis direction) by a predetermined distance Q1 (see FIG. 1) and extend between the vicinity of the upper end (in this case, near the horizontal portion 24A) and the vicinity of the lower end (in this case, near the bottom wall portion 21). Also, near the connecting portion 22C of the short side wall portions 22B, a large protrusion rib 25A extends between the vicinity of the upper end (in this case, near the horizontal portion 24A) and the vicinity of the lower end (in this case, near the bottom wall portion 21). Therefore, on the outside of the short side side wall portions 22B, two each of the large protrusion ribs 25A and the small protrusion ribs 25B are extended in the Z-axis direction.

[0067] The vertical ribs 25 on the short-side side wall portion 22B may be formed so as to taper outward from the short-side side wall portion 22B. Similarly, on the long-side side wall portion 22A, the large-protrusion ribs 25A and the small-protrusion ribs 25B extend between the vicinity of the upper end (in this case, the vicinity of the horizontal portion 24A) and the vicinity of the lower end (in this case, the vicinity of the bottom wall portion 21).

[0068] 3 and 6, by providing region M1 (consisting of solid flat surface portion 22D) in long-side side wall portion 22A adjacent to connecting portion 22C, large-protrusion ribs 25A and small-protrusion ribs 25B are alternately arranged in the Y-axis direction at a distance of region M1. Similarly, by providing region M2 (consisting of solid flat surface portion 22D) in a position adjacent to region M1 of long-side side wall portion 22A, small-protrusion ribs 25B and large-protrusion ribs 25A are alternately arranged in the Y-axis direction at a distance of region M2.

[0069] Furthermore, by providing region M3 (consisting of solid flat surface portion 22D) at a position close to region M2, small-protrusion ribs 25B and large-protrusion ribs 25A are alternately arranged in the Y-axis direction at a position spaced apart by region M3. Furthermore, by providing region M4 (consisting of solid flat surface portion 22D) at a position close to region M3, large-protrusion ribs 25A and small-protrusion ribs 25B are alternately arranged in the Y-axis direction at a position spaced apart by region M4 (and similarly below). In this case, on the outside of long-side side wall portion 22A, four large-protrusion ribs 25A extend in the Z-axis direction, and three small-protrusion ribs 25B extend in the Z-axis direction.

[0070] As a result, the number of large-protrusion ribs 25A and small-protrusion ribs 25B arranged on the long-side side wall 22A and the short-side side wall 22B is greater on the long-side side wall 22A than on the short-side side wall 22B, and since the small-protrusion ribs 25B are arranged adjacent to the large-protrusion ribs 25A, the number and arrangement of the large-protrusion ribs 25A and the small-protrusion ribs 25B balances the mechanical strength and weight. The lengths of the regions M1, M2, M3, and M4 may be approximately the same, or may be set to be different as necessary.

[0071] The mechanical strength and weight of the entire long-side side wall portion 22A are balanced between the large-protrusion ribs 25A and the small-protrusion ribs 25B in relation to the lengths of the regions M1 to M4, etc. Furthermore, the large-protrusion ribs 25A and the small-protrusion ribs 25B near the storage step 24E of the lower container 1L prevent the container 1 (1L) from bulging when it receives the weight of the upper container 1U. The width, length, and height of the large-protrusion ribs 25A and the width, length, and height of the small-protrusion ribs 25B on the long-side side wall portion 22A are set from these perspectives.

[0072] The difference in weight between the large-protrusion ribs 25A and the small-protrusion ribs 25B is the product of the difference in volume and the specific gravity of the corresponding material, so when the small-protrusion ribs 25B are installed instead of the large-protrusion ribs 25A, the weight of the long-side side wall 22A can be reduced by the amount of the replacement ribs 25B. That is, when the small-protrusion ribs 25B are installed instead of the large-protrusion ribs 25A, the weight of the long-side side wall 22A is reduced, which not only improves the operability when the worker handles the container 1 but also reduces the cost of transporting it by transport means (such as a transport truck), etc.

[0073] On the other hand, in addition to reducing weight by installing the small protrusion rib 25B instead of the large protrusion rib 25A, installing the small protrusion rib 25B creates rigidity corresponding to the height of the small protrusion rib 25B (i.e., rigidity that is increased by the height of the small protrusion rib 25B compared to when no rib is installed), so it is possible to balance the mechanical strength and weight of the long side wall portion 22A (peripheral wall portion 22).

[0074] If ribs of the same shape as the large-protrusion ribs 25A were provided on the long-side side wall portions 22A instead of the small-protrusion ribs 25B, the weight of the long-side side wall portions 22A would increase, so the provision of the small-protrusion ribs 25B can reduce the weight of the long-side side wall portions 22A. The large-protrusion ribs 25A and the small-protrusion ribs 25B extend upward and downward on the long-side side wall portions 22A and are further connected to the horizontal portion 24A and the bottom wall portion 21, respectively, so that the mechanical strength of the portions where the large-protrusion ribs 25A and the small-protrusion ribs 25B connect to the horizontal portion 24A and the bottom wall portion 21 is increased.

[0075] In the above-described situation, in addition to the heights (H2) and (H4) of the large-protrusion ribs 25A and the small-protrusion ribs 25B, the length and width of the large-protrusion ribs 25A and the length and width of the small-protrusion ribs 25B can be appropriately set. This allows the long-side side wall 22A of the container 1 to achieve a balance between mechanical strength and weight. Specifically, for the large-protrusion ribs 25A shown in FIG. 8 and the small-protrusion ribs 25B shown in FIG. 9, if the rib width and rib length are uniform, there will be a difference in weight depending on the heights (H2) and (H4), but there will also be a difference in rigidity depending on the cube of the difference between the heights (H2) and (H4). Therefore, by appropriately setting the heights (H2) and (H4), it is possible to achieve a balance between mechanical strength and weight. For example, with regard to the large-protrusion rib 25A and the small-protrusion rib 25B extending from the peripheral wall portion 22 to the arm portion 24B within the space portion 24C (outer space), it is desirable that the difference in the protrusion amount between the large-protrusion rib 25A and the small-protrusion rib 25B within the space portion 24C be at least twice that of the small-protrusion rib.

[0076] 2 and 3, in the case where the bottom wall 21 has the leg portions 21E (bottom ribs 21E) that protrude downward, the following effect is achieved: When the large-protrusion ribs 25A and the small-protrusion ribs 25B are formed to extend from near the upper end of the long-side side wall 22A toward near the lower end thereof and are formed to abut (connect) to the leg portions 21E (bottom ribs 21E), the mechanical strength of the connection portions between the leg portions 21E (bottom ribs 21E) and the large-protrusion ribs 25A and the small-protrusion ribs 25B is increased.

[0077] It is also possible to provide spaces between the leg portions 21E (bottom surface ribs 21E) and the large-protrusion ribs 25A and the small-protrusion ribs 25B. In addition to a structure in which the leg portions 21E (bottom surface ribs 21E) and the large-protrusion ribs 25A are not connected (a space is provided between the leg portions 21E (bottom surface ribs 21E) and the large-protrusion ribs 25A), a structure in which the leg portions 21E (bottom surface ribs 21E) and the small-protrusion ribs 25B are connected, or a structure in which the leg portions 21E (bottom surface ribs 21E) and the large-protrusion ribs 25A are connected may also be used.

[0078] 4 and the long-side side wall 22A shown in FIG. 5, if the flanges 24 provided on the upper ends thereof include horizontal portions 24A extending outward and arm portions 24B extending downward from the horizontal portions 24A, and spaces 24C are provided between the horizontal portions 24A, the arm portions 24B, and the long-side side wall 22A or the short-side side wall 22B, the following effect is achieved: If the large-protrusion ribs 25A and the small-protrusion ribs 25B extend between the upper and lower ends of the long-side side wall 22A and the long-side side wall 22A, respectively, and are formed so that the large-protrusion ribs 25A and the small-protrusion ribs 25B abut (connect) to the horizontal portion 24A, the mechanical strength of the abutting (connecting) portions of the horizontal portion 24A and the large-protrusion ribs 25A and the small-protrusion ribs 25B is increased.

[0079] If necessary, a space may be provided between the horizontal portion 24A and the large-protrusion rib 25A and the small-protrusion rib 25B. In addition to the structure in which the horizontal portion 24A and the large-protrusion rib 25A are not connected (i.e., a space is provided between the horizontal portion 24A and the large-protrusion rib 25A), a structure in which the horizontal portion 24A and the small-protrusion rib 25B are connected, or a structure in which the horizontal portion 24A and the large-protrusion rib 25A are connected, may also be used.

[0080] 2, when the corners 21G (near the contact points with the horizontal plane G) connecting the long sides 21A and long side wall portions 22A of the bottom wall portion 21 are joined to form an arc, the following effect is achieved: When the flange portions 24 (arm portions 24B) of the long side wall portions 22A of the container 1 are pulled in the horizontal direction (Y-axis direction) while the container 1 is placed on the horizontal plane G, the container 1 shown in FIG.

[0081] 2, when the corners 21G (near the contact points with the horizontal plane G) connecting the short side wall portions 22B and the short sides 21B of the bottom wall portion 21 are joined to form an arc, the following effect is achieved: When the flange portions 24 (arm portions 24B) of the short side wall portions 22B of the container 1 are pulled in the horizontal direction (X-axis direction) while the container 1 is placed on the horizontal plane G, the container 1 shown in FIG.

[0082] In this embodiment, the container 1 has a container body 2 into which contents can be placed through an opening 1A. The container body 2 has a bottom wall 21 extending from the inside to the outside, and a peripheral wall 22 erected upward from the bottom wall 21. Vertical ribs 25 are formed on the outside of the peripheral wall 22, and the vertical ribs 25 have large-protrusion ribs 25A and small-protrusion ribs 25B, with the small-protrusion ribs 25B disposed adjacent to the large-protrusion ribs 25A. As a modified example, the short-side side wall portions 22B may have a configuration similar to that of the long-side side peripheral wall portions 22A.

[0083] Moreover, the peripheral wall 22 has a long-side peripheral wall 22A connected to the long side 21A of the bottom wall 21 and a short-side peripheral wall 22 connected to the short side 21B of the bottom wall 21, so that when multiple containers 1U and 1L are stacked one on top of the other so that the upper container 1U is placed on the lower container 1L, the long-side peripheral wall 22 of the lower container 1L can intersect with the short side 21B of the bottom wall 21 of the upper container 1U to position them. That is, the lower container 1L can place the short side 21B of the bottom wall 21 of the upper container 1U on the storage step 24E of the horizontal section 24A, and as described above, the anti-slip uneven portion 21F and the anti-slip uneven portion 24F fit together, so that the two containers 1L and 1U can maintain their relative positioning.

[0084] As a result, it is possible to reduce the weight of the container 1 and improve the operability of the container 1, while providing a container that has an excellent balance between the mechanical strength and weight of the container 1. In particular, by combining large-protrusion ribs 25A with large protrusion amounts and small-protrusion ribs 25B and arranging them at different positions on the peripheral wall portion 22, it is possible to provide an excellent container 1 that is lightweight, while achieving a good balance between the mechanical strength and weight of the container 1.

[0085] That is, if, instead of using the large-protrusion ribs 25A and the small-protrusion ribs 25B as the vertical ribs 25, for example, only ribs of a similar shape to the large-protrusion ribs 25 are used, the mechanical strength of the entire long-side peripheral wall portion 22A will be improved, but the overall weight of the container 1 will be increased. On the other hand, if neither the large-protrusion ribs 25A nor the small-protrusion ribs 25B are used, the overall weight of the long-side peripheral wall portion 22A will not be increased, but the strength of the long-side peripheral wall portion 22A of the container 1 will be insufficient, causing the container 1 to bulge, and the quality of the container 1 may not be ensured.

[0086] In the above situation, the use of small-protrusion ribs 25B in addition to large-protrusion ribs 25A provides an option for preventing insufficient strength and weight of long-side peripheral wall 22A. In particular, when large-protrusion ribs 25A and small-protrusion ribs 25B are appropriately combined and disposed at different positions on long-side peripheral wall 22A, long-side peripheral wall 22A is lightened and has sufficient strength, ensuring the quality of container 1.

[0087] In particular, flange portion 24 provided on the upper end side of peripheral wall portion 22 has horizontal portion 24A extending outward from peripheral wall portion 22, arm portion 24B extending from horizontal portion 24A, and space portion 24C formed by peripheral wall portion 22, horizontal portion 24A, and arm portion 24B, and space portion 24C is configured to allow an operator's fingertips or the like to be inserted; when the operator's fingertips or the like hit large-protrusion rib 25A, they cannot enter space portion 24C, but when they hit small-protrusion rib 25B, they can enter space portion 24C. This ensures the mechanical strength of peripheral wall portion 22 and flange portion 24 (horizontal portion 24A and arm portion 24B) and improves operability when the operator moves container 1. As mentioned above, the space 24C may be used as an insertion port for the towing tool (tip of the hook), and the towing tool (tip of the hook) may fit into the space 24C, allowing the towing tool (tip of the hook) to move up and down and left and right, thereby being used to transport the container 1.

[0088] Furthermore, by arranging the upper portions of the large-protrusion ribs 25A and the small-protrusion ribs 25B within the space portion 24C, when a load is applied to the flange portion 24 (horizontal portion 24A), the large-protrusion ribs 25A and the small-protrusion ribs 25B can support the load received from above, ensuring that the strength of the long side peripheral wall portion 22A is sufficient and ensuring the quality of the container 1.

[0089] When multiple containers 1L, 1U are stacked one above the other, large protrusion ribs 25A and small protrusion ribs 25B extending between the upper end and lower end of the peripheral wall portion 22 are arranged below (area M2) and around (areas M1, M3) the load position that receives the load of the bottom wall portion 21 of the upper container 1U in the storage step portion 24E of the lower container 1L, thereby ensuring the mechanical strength of the long side wall portion 22A (side wall portion 22) of the lower container 1L.

[0090] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and for example, the embodiments described below are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. Furthermore, various modifications other than those described below can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0091] 12, 14, 15, and 20 are intended to explain modified examples of the flange portion 24, and Fig. 13 is intended to explain a state in which part of the flange portion 24 has been modified. The flange portion 24 is annular and extends along both the X-axis and the Y-axis, and is therefore represented as X(Y) in the drawings.

[0092] 16 to 18 are for explaining modified examples of the small-protrusion rib 25B, and Fig. 19 is for explaining modified examples of the small-protrusion rib 25B and the large-protrusion rib 25A. To facilitate understanding, the members used in the container 1 shown in Figs. 1 to 11 are given the same reference numerals as those used in Figs. 12 to 20, and detailed explanations thereof will be omitted.

[0093] For example, as a modification example of the small protrusion amount rib 25B, the width or height may be changed as shown in Figures 16 to 18. The width of the small protrusion amount rib 25B may be wider than the width of the large protrusion amount rib 25A. The width of the small protrusion amount rib 25B may be narrower than the width of the large protrusion amount rib 25A. The width of the small protrusion amount rib 25B may be approximately the same as the width of the large protrusion amount rib 25A.

[0094] Furthermore, the large-protrusion rib 25A may be modified to have a predetermined width or height so that it has width W1 of the small-protrusion rib 25B (see FIG. 16). Similarly, the small-protrusion rib 25B may be modified to have width W2 (see FIG. 17), or may be modified to have width W3 of the small-protrusion rib 25B (see FIG. 18). The cross-sectional area of ​​the small-protrusion rib 25B may be the same as the cross-sectional area of ​​the large-protrusion rib 25A, or may be modified to be smaller.

[0095] As a configuration other than those shown in Figures 3 and 6 that employs both the small protrusion ribs 25B and the large protrusion ribs 25A, the large protrusion ribs 25A and the small protrusion ribs 25B can be appropriately combined as shown in Figure 19, and these large protrusion ribs 25A and small protrusion ribs 25B can be arranged at different positions on the peripheral wall portion 22 (long side peripheral wall portion 22A), thereby providing an excellent container 1 that has a good balance between mechanical strength and weight.

[0096] The peripheral wall 22 may have a large number of through-holes (not shown) arranged lengthwise and widthwise through the peripheral wall 22. In this case, when an item containing liquid (moisture) or the like is stored in the through-holes, the liquid (moisture) or the like can be drained downward through the through-holes (not shown), and the amount of liquid (moisture) that has flowed out can be reduced by the amount that has flowed out, thereby reducing the weight of the container 1, i.e., draining the water. Furthermore, by providing a plurality of through-holes (not shown) that penetrate the peripheral wall 22, the weight of the entire peripheral wall 22 can be reduced.

[0097] The bottom wall portion 21 may have a large number of through-holes (not shown) that penetrate in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) and are arranged vertically and horizontally (X-axis direction and Y-axis direction). Providing a large number of through-holes in the bottom wall portion 21 in this manner reduces the weight of the bottom wall portion 21, contributing to a reduction in the overall weight of the container 1 including the bottom wall portion 21. In this case, the weight of the bottom wall portion 21 can be appropriately reduced by appropriately setting the number of through-holes (not shown) in the bottom wall portion 21. That is, it can be seen that the weight of each through-hole in the bottom wall portion 21 is reduced by the product of the volume of the through-hole and the specific gravity of the resin material corresponding to that volume, and the weight of the bottom wall portion 21 can be reduced by the number of through-holes (not shown).

[0098] Because the through-holes (not shown) penetrate in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) in this manner, when an item containing liquid (moisture) or the like is placed on bottom wall 21, the liquid (moisture) or the like flows downward through the through-holes (not shown), thereby reducing the weight of container 1 and allowing the liquid (moisture) to drain. Furthermore, by having bottom wall 21 with through-holes (not shown) and arranging ribs in an orderly manner vertically and horizontally (X-axis direction and Y-axis direction), the weight of the entire bottom wall 21 can be evenly reduced. Note that the through-holes in bottom wall 21 may not be necessary depending on the purpose and mode of use of container 1, and in such cases, a configuration may be adopted in which no through-holes (not shown) are provided in bottom wall 21 or peripheral wall 22.

[0099] 12, the flange portion 24 is formed as shown in the figure (height L1 is longer than length L2) in relation to the arm portion 24B (height L1 in the Z-axis direction), the width of the horizontal portion 24A (i.e., length L2 in the X-axis (Y-axis) direction), and the size of the space within the space portion 24C, thereby reducing the overall amount of resin used to manufacture the flange portion 24 and improving the bending strength of the flange portion 24. In FIG. 12, the arm portion 24B (height L1 in the Z-axis direction) of the flange portion 24 may be formed to be the same length as or approximately the same as the width (length L2) of the horizontal portion 24A, with the same effect being achieved in this case.

[0100] 13, the extension rib 24F (colored portion) installed within the arm portion 24B and horizontal portion 24A of the flange portion 24 may be configured to occupy a large area so as to be close to the arm portion 24B and horizontal portion 24A. In this case, the extension rib 24F strengthens the arm portion 24B and horizontal portion 24A of the flange portion 24, thereby preventing breakage and deformation.

[0101] If the extension rib 24F (colored portion) is made larger, the weight of the flange portion 24 increases, but the strength of the arm portions 24B and horizontal portion 24A of the flange portion 24 against external forces increases.

[0102] 14, large-protrusion ribs 25A and small-protrusion ribs 25B are formed in the space between the outside of peripheral wall 22 and the inside of arm 24B, and an extension rib (not shown) may be formed extending from the outside of large-protrusion ribs 25A and small-protrusion ribs 25B toward the inside of arm 24B. The extension rib (not shown) may extend toward the inside of arm 24B (i.e., toward large-protrusion rib 25A or small-protrusion rib 25B), so that arm 24B and large-protrusion rib 25A or small-protrusion rib 25B are formed integrally. When formed in this manner, the compression strength and impact strength of flange 24 can be improved.

[0103] As shown in FIG. 14, the extension rib 24F is formed in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) of the arm portion 24B, with the upper portion of the extension rib 24F abutting against the lower surface of the horizontal portion 24A and being formed integrally therewith. Furthermore, the lower portion of the extension rib 24F may be at the same position as or approximately the same position as the lower end of the arm portion 24B. The lower portion of the extension rib 24F may be shorter than the lower end of the arm portion 24B. Forming the extension rib 24F in this manner can prevent damage and deformation of the arm portion 24B. The vertical length of the extension rib 24F may be the same length as the arm portion 24B, or may be the same length as the arm portion 24B, or may be shorter. It is desirable for the extension rib 24F to abut against the horizontal portion 24A.

[0104] By forming the large protrusion ribs 25 and the small protrusion ribs 25B on the inside of the flange portion 24, the large protrusion ribs 25 and the small protrusion ribs 25B are covered by the arm portion 24B, and therefore, an external load is applied to the large protrusion ribs 25 and the small protrusion ribs 25B, which prevents the large protrusion ribs 25 and the small protrusion ribs 25B from being damaged or scraped off. Because the large protrusion ribs 25 and the small protrusion ribs 25B are formed on the inside of the flange portion 24, it is possible to prevent external objects from hitting the large protrusion ribs 25 and the small protrusion ribs 25B, and further to prevent the large protrusion ribs 25 and the small protrusion ribs 25B from rubbing against each other and being scraped off.

[0105] 14, the lower distance (distance R2 corresponding to the lower outer horizontal space length) of space 24C between peripheral wall 22 and arm 24B may be greater than the upper distance (distance R1 corresponding to the upper outer horizontal space length) between peripheral wall 22 and flange 24. In this case, the distance corresponding to the lower outer horizontal space length (i.e., distance R2) is longer than the distance corresponding to the upper outer horizontal space length (i.e., distance R1), and space 24C is located outside peripheral wall 22, making it easier to insert fingers, a towing hook, or the like when towing.

[0106] 14, the protrusion amount of the large-protrusion rib 25 may be set to less than half or one-third of the distance within the space 24C formed by the peripheral wall 22, the horizontal portion 24A, and the arm portions 24B. When the protrusion amount of the large-protrusion rib 25 is set to be small relative to the distance within the space 24C, the worker will find it difficult to insert his or her fingers into the space 24C, but it will also be understood that the compressive strength of the horizontal portion 24A, the arm portions 24B, etc. is improved.

[0107] 13, the protrusion amount of the small protrusion rib 25B may be set to one-third or one-fourth of the distance R2 within the space 24C formed by the peripheral wall 22, the horizontal portion 24A, and the arm portions 24B. When the protrusion amount of the small protrusion rib 25B is set to be small relative to the distance within the peripheral space 24C, the worker will find it easier to insert their fingers into the space 24C, but it will also be understood that the compressive strength of the horizontal portion 24A, the arm portions 24B, etc. is improved.

[0108] In Fig. 15, the protrusion amount of the large-protrusion rib 25 may be set to be larger than the protrusion amount of the large-protrusion rib 25 shown in Fig. 12, etc. Also, as shown in Fig. 19, a mode may be adopted in which a plurality of large-protrusion ribs 25A are formed and a plurality of small-protrusion ribs 25B are formed between these large-protrusion ribs 25A. This reduces the decrease in compressive strength compared to when all the ribs are large-protrusion ribs 25A, making it easier to insert a hook or finger into the space.

[0109] As shown in Figure 20, a support rib 28 may be formed below the flange portion 24, extending from the underside of the horizontal portion 24A of the flange portion 24 to be longer than the lower ends of the arm portions 24B. In this case, the support rib 28 will be elongated in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) when the containers 1 are stacked. The width of the peripheral wall portion 22 may be wider than the upper width of the arm portions 24B, or narrower than the lower width of the arm portions 24B. The upper width of the arm portions 24B may be narrower than the lower width of the arm portions 24B, or wider than the lower width of the arm portions 24B.

[0110] By adjusting the distance from the peripheral wall 22 to the outer arm 24B, it is possible to adopt an embodiment in which the distance to the arm 24B is wider at the bottom than at the top. In this case, it becomes easier to insert a finger, a towing hook, or the like into the space 24C. The distance from the peripheral wall 22 to the outer arm 24B may be set as appropriate according to the product specifications. Furthermore, to allow water to drain from the container 1 and reduce its weight, it is desirable to provide multiple through-holes (through-holes penetrating in the vertical direction) in the bottom wall 21 and horizontal portion 24A of the container 1, or to provide through-holes in the peripheral wall 22. However, since the presence of through-holes in the peripheral wall 22 weakens the mechanical strength of the container 1, vertical ribs 25 may be provided on the side wall 22. When the large-protrusion ribs 25A and the small-protrusion ribs 25B are covered by the arm portions 24B, the large-protrusion ribs 25A and the small-protrusion ribs 25B are less likely to be damaged or broken even if an external force such as an impact force is applied from the outside to the inside of the arm portions 24B. In this case, it is desirable to appropriately set the length of the arm portions 24B according to the product specifications.

[0111] When multiple containers 1 are stacked one above the other, the horizontal section 22B of the lower container 1 is preferably provided with a storage step that can store part of the bottom wall section 21 of the upper container 1 so that the bottom wall section 21 of the lower container 1 can be positioned by intersecting the short side of the bottom wall section 21 of the upper container 1. The form is preferably set appropriately according to the product specifications.

[0112] When multiple containers 1 are stacked so that they intersect each other, the weight of the upper container 1 is applied to the lower container 1, so in order to prevent damage to the lower container 1, it is desirable to provide large-protrusion ribs 25A as vertical ribs 25 on the side wall 22 of the lower container 1. However, if a large number of large-protrusion ribs 25A are provided on the side wall 22, the weight of the container 1 will become unexpectedly large, so in order to reduce the weight of the container 1, it is desirable to provide large-protrusion ribs 25A in positions where the weight of the upper container 1 is applied to the lower container 1, and to provide multiple small-protrusion ribs 25B in nearby positions, thereby balancing the weight reduction and mechanical strength of the container 1.

[0113] Furthermore, it is desirable that the protrusion amount of the large-protrusion rib 25A be set to less than half the length of the downward outer space (distance R2). If the protrusion amount of the large-protrusion rib 25A is set to less than half the downward distance from the peripheral wall 22 to the arm 24B, a structure is created in which a finger or hook can be inserted into the space 24C within the flange 24, while improving the compressive strength of the flange 24. Furthermore, the protrusion amount of the large-protrusion rib 25A may be less than or more than half, or less than or more than one-third, or less than or more than two-thirds, but at least a space is provided between the outer end of the large-protrusion rib 25A and the inner surface of the arm 24B.

[0114] Furthermore, it is desirable to increase the protrusion amount of the large-protrusion ribs 25A within the flange portion 24 in order to improve the strength of the flange portion 24 against external loads. Furthermore, as the space 24C within the flange portion 24 increases, it becomes easier to insert a finger or hook into the space 24C. On the other hand, if the protrusion amount of the large-protrusion ribs 25A within the flange portion 24 is reduced to make it easier to insert a finger or hook into the space 24C, the strength of the flange portion 24 against external forces decreases. From the above perspective, it is important to ensure the space 24C is easy for a finger or hook to insert into while not reducing the strength of the flange portion 24. Therefore, it is desirable to adopt a configuration in which multiple small-protrusion ribs 25B, each of which protrudes less than the large-protrusion ribs 25A, are formed to prevent a decrease in the strength of the flange portion 24 and to ensure a sufficient size of the space 24C so that a finger or hook can easily be inserted into the space 24C.

[0115] Furthermore, the flange portion 24, which includes the horizontal portion 24A and the arm portions 24B, is required to have strength against external forces applied thereto; that is, it is desirable for the flange portion 24 to have high bending strength even when a load is applied thereto. In this case, it is desirable for the horizontal portion 24A and the arm portions 24B to be connected with reinforcing ribs, so that the structure is resistant to deformation even when an external load is applied and has high bending strength. By arranging a large number of large-protrusion ribs 25A on the peripheral wall portion 22, deformation of the peripheral wall portion 22 is suppressed, and the peripheral wall portion 22 is integrated with the flange portion 24, thereby increasing bending strength. Furthermore, by forming a space 24C in the flange portion 24, the container will not easily fall off even if a hook is hung on the space 24C. Furthermore, a reinforcing rib may be provided connecting the horizontal portion 24A and the arm portion 24B. In this configuration, the flange portion 24 is less likely to deform even when a hook is hung on the flange portion 24, and the container 1 is less likely to fall off the hook. If the large protrusion rib 25A is provided on the peripheral wall portion 22, it will suppress deformation of the peripheral wall portion 22 and, by being integrated with the flange portion 24, will prevent deformation of the container 1.

[0116] It is also desirable to provide small-protrusion ribs 25B adjacent to the large-protrusion ribs 25A on the peripheral wall 22. In this case, prioritizing the enhancement of the compressive strength of the peripheral wall 22, it is possible to replace all ribs provided on the peripheral wall 22 with large-protrusion ribs 25A. However, with this configuration, there is a concern that a traction tool may hit the large-protrusion ribs 25A and prevent the traction tool from being inserted. Therefore, small-protrusion ribs 25B are provided adjacent to the large-protrusion ribs 25A, so that a traction tool (hook) or fingers can be inserted into the space 24C around the small-protrusion ribs 25B. As a result, the large-protrusion ribs 25A and the small-protrusion ribs 25B prevent a decrease in the mechanical strength of the peripheral wall 22 and ensure that a space for a hook or fingers can be inserted into the space 24C. In this case, the improved mechanical strength of the peripheral wall 22 also improves the bending strength and impact strength of the flange 24.

Claims

1. a bottom wall portion having a shape with long sides and short sides, extending from the inside to the outside, and having a plurality of through holes penetrating in the up-down direction; a peripheral wall portion that is erected upward from the outer edge of the bottom wall portion, has a plurality of through holes that penetrate from the inside to the outside, and has long-side peripheral wall portions that are connected to the long sides of the bottom wall portion and short-side peripheral wall portions that are connected to the short sides of the bottom wall portion; a horizontal portion extending horizontally outward from the peripheral wall portion at an upper end side of the peripheral wall portion and having a plurality of through holes penetrating in the up-down direction; an arm portion extending downward from an outer end of the horizontal portion, A container having an outer space surrounded by the arm portion, the horizontal portion, and the peripheral wall portion, and a folded flange portion formed on the peripheral wall portion, The vertical rib is located outside the peripheral wall portion and extends in the up-down direction. a large-projection rib that projects outward from the peripheral wall portion; a small-protrusion rib that protrudes less than the large-protrusion rib and protrudes outward from the peripheral wall portion, an outer horizontal space length extending horizontally from the peripheral wall portion to the arm portion within the outer space is set to be longer than the protrusion amounts of the large-protrusion ribs and the small-protrusion ribs, and the large-protrusion ribs and the small-protrusion ribs are located within the outer space; An upper outer horizontal space length that is located on the upper side of the outer space and forms an outer horizontal space length, A container located at a lower side within the outer space and set to be shorter than a lower outer horizontal space length that forms an outer horizontal space length.

2. 10. The container of claim 1, When stacking multiple containers one above the other, the horizontal portion of the lower container has a storage step portion that can store a part of the bottom wall portion of the upper container so that the long side peripheral wall portion of the lower container can be positioned by intersecting with the short side of the bottom wall portion of the upper container, the large-protrusion rib is disposed at least below and around a load position on the long-side peripheral wall of the lower container that receives a load from the bottom wall of the upper container, The container is characterized in that the small protrusion rib is disposed adjacent to the large protrusion rib disposed on the peripheral wall portion on the long side.

3. 3. The container according to claim 1 or 2, A container characterized in that the protrusion amount of the large protrusion rib is set to be equal to or less than half the length of the lower outer space.

4. a bottom wall portion having a long side and a short side and extending from the inside to the outside; a peripheral wall portion extending upward from an outer edge of the bottom wall portion, the peripheral wall portion having a long-side peripheral wall portion connected to the long sides of the bottom wall portion and a short-side peripheral wall portion connected to the short sides of the bottom wall portion; a horizontal portion extending horizontally outward from the peripheral wall portion at an upper end side of the peripheral wall portion; an arm portion extending downward from an outer end of the horizontal portion; A container having an outer space surrounded by the peripheral wall portion, the horizontal portion, and the arm portion, and a folded flange portion extending over at least the long side peripheral wall portion on the upper end side of the peripheral wall portion, the folded flange portion has a partition rib connected to the peripheral wall portion, the horizontal portion, and the arm portion so as to partition the outer space, A vertical rib extending in the up-down direction is provided on the outer side of the long side peripheral wall portion, The vertical rib includes a large protrusion rib that protrudes outward from the peripheral wall portion by a large amount; a small-protrusion rib that protrudes less than the large-protrusion rib and protrudes outward from the peripheral wall portion by a small amount, At least a plurality of the small-protrusion ribs in the outer space are arranged adjacent to the large-protrusion rib, A container characterized in that the difference in the amount of protrusion of the large-protrusion rib and the small-protrusion rib from the peripheral wall portion to the arm portion in the outer space is at least twice that of the small-protrusion rib.

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