JP7681302B2 - container - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a container.

Conventionally, food container sets are known that house multiple inner pieces inside an outer box (see, for example, Patent Document 1). A flange is provided on the outer periphery of the upper edge of each inner piece, and the flanges overlap and support each other, so that the inner pieces are securely held by mutual retention inside the outer box.

Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 2-48574

However, in the food container set disclosed in Patent Document 1, although the multiple inner pieces are held together, there is no specific mention of how the inner pieces are held in relation to the outer box. Figures 1 to 3 of Patent Document 1 describe how the inner pieces are contained within the outer box so that no space is formed within the outer box for the inner pieces to move sideways. In this food container set, it is necessary to pack the multiple inner pieces inside the outer box, and if space is formed within the outer box for the inner pieces to move sideways, the inner pieces will not be held within the outer box.

The present invention was invented in consideration of the above-mentioned problems with the conventional technology, and its purpose is to provide a container that includes a first container and a second container that can be housed within the first container, and that can house the second container while positioning and holding it within the first container.

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

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

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a container set (containers) according to one embodiment of the present invention, in which a first container contains a plurality of second containers, as viewed obliquely from above. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the container set of the above embodiment, showing a state in which a plurality of second containers have been detached from the first container, as viewed obliquely from above. Fig. 3A is a plan view of the first container in the embodiment, and Fig. 3B is a perspective view of a portion including a cross section of the first container in the embodiment, as viewed obliquely from below. Fig. 4A is a perspective view of a second container accommodated in one of the accommodating recesses of the second containers, as viewed obliquely from below. Fig. 4B is a side view of the second container. Fig. 5A is a perspective view of the second containers as viewed from diagonally below, the second containers being accommodated in two consecutive rows of four accommodating recesses. Fig. 5B is a side view of the second containers as viewed from diagonally below. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of a state in which two types of second containers are housed in a first container.

The present invention relates to a container, and more specifically to a container that includes a first container and a second container that can be accommodated within the first container (hereinafter, described as a container set).

Below, one embodiment of the container set 1 according to the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 6.

1 and 2, the container set 1 includes a first container 2 and a second container 3. In this embodiment, the container set 1 includes a first container 2 and one or more second containers 3. The container set 1 is made of resin. The first container 2 includes a first bottom wall portion 21 and a first side wall portion 22 extending upward from the entire periphery of the periphery of the first bottom wall portion 21. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3A, the first bottom wall portion 21 has a rectangular shape in a plan view. Here, the rectangular shape in a plan view may be a strict rectangle in a plan view, but it does not have to be a strict rectangle, and may be, for example, a shape in which R is formed at the corners of a rectangle. In other words, the rectangular shape is only required to be recognized as a rectangle by a user in a general usage mode.

The main object to be stored in the first container 2 is the second container 3. There is no particular limitation on the main object to be stored in the second container 3, and the user stores items as desired. Note that the first container 2 may store items other than the second container 3, and there is no limitation on the objects to be stored in the first container 2. The container set 1 is transported with the second container 3 containing parts, etc., stored in the first container 2.

In this embodiment, the directions of the first container 2 (container set 1) are specified. The direction along the long side of the rectangular peripheral edge of the first bottom wall portion 21 in plan view is the first direction 11, and the direction along the short side is the second direction 12.

The first bottom wall portion 21 is plate-shaped, and no holes or the like are formed in the first bottom wall portion 21 that penetrate vertically. An upper surface rib 23 that protrudes upward and has a lattice shape in a plan view is formed on the upper surface of the first bottom wall portion 21 of the first container 2. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3B, the upper surface rib 23 has a first rib portion 231 having a first rib width W1 and a second rib portion 232 having a second rib width W2 smaller than the first rib width W1. In each of the first rib portion 231 and the second rib portion 232, an R is formed between the upper surface and the side surface. The radius of curvature of the R formed between the upper surface and the side surface of the first rib portion 231 is larger than the radius of curvature of the R formed between the upper surface and the side surface of the second rib portion 232. In this way, by making the radius of curvature of the R formed between the upper surface and side surface of the first rib portion 231 large, even if the second container 3 is slightly misaligned from the desired position when an operator manually and visually attempts to place the second container 3 into the first container 2, the second container 3 is easily guided by the R formed between the upper surface and side surface of the first rib portion 231, making it easier to place the second container 3 into the first container 2.

The radius of curvature of the R formed between the upper surface and side surface of the first rib portion 231 may be equal to or smaller than the radius of curvature of the R formed between the upper surface and side surface of the second rib portion 232. Also, in each of the first rib portion 231 and the second rib portion 232, no R may be formed between the upper surface and side surface.

In addition, an R is formed between the upper surface and the outer surface of the first side wall portion 22 of the first container 2.

As shown in FIG. 3A, the upper surface ribs 23 are formed in a lattice shape in a plan view, with a plurality of ribs arranged at intervals in the first direction 11 and extending in the second direction 12, and a plurality of ribs arranged at intervals in the second direction 12 and extending in the first direction 11. In more detail, as the upper surface ribs 23 extending in the second direction 12, the first rib portion 231 and the second rib portion 232 are alternately arranged at an equal pitch P1 in the first direction 11 (the length from the center of the first rib width W1 of the first rib portion 231 to the center of the second rib width W2 of the second rib portion 232). The intervals between the side surfaces of the first rib portion 231 and the side surfaces of the second rib portion 232 adjacent in the first direction 11 are equal.

As shown in FIG. 3B, the height h1 of the first rib portion 231 extending in the second direction 12 from the top surface of the first bottom wall portion 21 is equal to the height h2 of the second rib portion 232 from the top surface of the first bottom wall portion 21, and the top surfaces of the first rib portion 231 and the second rib portion 232 are located on the same plane, and this surface is the reference surface 210 of the first bottom wall portion 21. Both ends of the top surface of the first bottom wall portion 21 in the first direction 11 are the reference surface 210, and the first top surface rib 23 on the inside in the first direction 11 from both ends is the second rib portion 232. The distance between the side of the portion constituting the reference surface 210 of the end in the first direction 11 and the side of the first top surface rib 23 on the inside from the end is equal to the distance between the side of the first rib portion 231 and the side of the second rib portion 232 adjacent in the first direction 11 described above.

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

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

When the reference plane 210 is used as a reference, the upper surface of the first bottom wall portion 21 can be said to be recessed downward between the end and the upper surface rib 23 and between adjacent upper surface ribs 23. Therefore, the portion between adjacent first rib portions 231 and the portion between the portion constituting the reference plane 210 at the end of the first bottom wall portion 21 and the first first rib portion 231 on the inside are defined as the storage recess 20. The storage recess 20 is a rectangular portion in plan view surrounded by the portion constituting the reference plane 210 at the end of the first bottom wall portion 21 and the first first rib portion 231 on the inside of this end, and a rectangular portion in plan view (square in this embodiment) surrounded by the first rib portion 231. In this embodiment, a cross-shaped second rib portion 232 is formed in each storage recess 20 to divide the storage recess 20 into left, right, top, and bottom in plan view.

As shown in FIG. 3B, the first rib portion 231 is formed by bending the plate body 211 constituting the first bottom wall portion 21. The second rib portion 232 is formed as a protrusion that protrudes upward from the horizontal portion of the plate body 211. A bottom surface rib 212 that protrudes downward is formed on the back surface (lower surface) of the first bottom wall portion 21. The bottom surface rib 212 is formed in a lattice shape when viewed from below (in a plan view) so as to protrude downward from the lower surface of the plate body 211, and its lower end is located on the same plane. The bottom surface rib 212 is also formed in the portion that constitutes the first rib portion 231 of the plate body 211, and the space on the lower surface side of the portion that constitutes the first rib portion 231 of the plate body 211 is partitioned by the bottom surface rib 212.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the second container 3 can be accommodated in the first container 2. In this embodiment, two types of second containers 3 are provided: a second container 3A accommodated in one accommodation recess 20, and a second container 3B accommodated in a total of four accommodation recesses 20 arranged in two consecutive rows.

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

The legs 33 are formed on at least a portion of the periphery of the second bottom wall portion 31 and extend downward. In the second container 3A shown in Figures 4A and 4B, the legs 33A are formed around the entire periphery of the second bottom wall portion 31A. In the second container 3B shown in Figures 5A and 5B, the legs 33B are formed on parts of the periphery of the second bottom wall portion 31B.

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

In this embodiment, the depth h3 of the first groove portion 341B is equal to the depth h4 of the second groove portion 342A. The height h1 of the first rib portion 231 is equal to the height h2 of the second rib portion 232. The first rib portion 231 penetrates close to the innermost groove surface (ceiling surface) of the first groove portion 341B, and the second rib portion 232 penetrates close to the innermost groove surface (ceiling surface) of the second groove portion 342A, so that the upper surface rib 23 is inserted deeply into the groove portion 34, and the second container 3 is stably positioned relative to the first container 2.

4A and 4B, in the second container 3A accommodated in any one of the accommodation recesses 20, a second groove 342A is formed in the center of the leg 33A along each side of the second bottom wall 31A. The second rib 232 is inserted into the second groove 342A when the leg 33A is accommodated in the accommodation recess 20 (see Figs. 1 and 6). As a result, the cross-shaped second rib 232 formed in each accommodation recess 20 is inserted into each second groove 342A, and interference between the leg 33A and the second rib 232 can be avoided, and the second container 3 can be positioned relative to the first container 2. In addition, by forming the second groove 342A in the center of the leg 33A along each side of the second bottom wall 31A, the second container 3A can be made line-symmetrical and point-symmetrical, and the usability of the second container 3A is improved. That is, when the second container 3A is stored in the storage recess 20, it can be removed from the storage recess 20 and can still be stored in the storage recess 20 even when rotated 90° in a plan view.

As shown in FIG. 4A, an R is formed between the outer surface and the bottom surface of the leg 33A of the second container 3A, and as shown in FIG. 5A, an R is formed between the outer surface and the bottom surface of the leg 33B of the second container 3B. In this way, by forming an R between the outer surface and the bottom surface of the leg 33, when an operator visually tries to manually place the second container 3 into the storage recess 20 of the first container 2, even if the second container 3 is slightly misaligned from the position where it should be, it is likely to be guided by the R formed between the outer surface and the bottom surface of the leg 33, making it easier to place the second container 3 in the storage recess 20. Note that an R does not have to be formed between the outer surface and the bottom surface of the leg 33.

In addition, the first rib width W1 of the first rib portion 231 that forms the storage recess 20 is wider than the second rib width W2 of the second rib portion 232 that is formed within the storage recess 20, making it easier to recognize the storage recess 20 surrounded by the wider first rib portion 231 and easier to place the second container 3A within the storage recess 20.

In addition, a cross-shaped second rib portion 232 is formed in the storage recess 20, and the groove portion 34 is formed in all of the legs 33 extending downward from two pairs of opposing sides of the periphery of the second bottom wall portion 31, so that the movement (positioning) of the second container 3 relative to the first container 2 can be restricted in both the first direction 11 and the second direction 12.

As shown in Figures 5A and 5B, in the second container 3B accommodated in a total of four accommodation recesses 20 arranged in two consecutive rows, a first groove portion 341B is formed in the center of each side of the leg portion 33B along each side of the second bottom wall portion 31B. This allows the second container 3B to be line-symmetrical and point-symmetrical, improving the usability of the second container 3B. In other words, when the second container 3B is accommodated in the accommodation recess 20, it can be removed from the accommodation recess 20 and accommodated in the accommodation recess 20 even when rotated 90° in a plan view.

Note that notches 331B are formed in the middle of the portions on one end side and the other end side of the leg portion 33B along each side of the second bottom wall portion 31B, but these notches 331B do not have to be formed. By forming the notches 331B, less material is required compared to a case in which the notches 331B are not formed, and the second container 3 can be made lighter.

Of the legs 33B in the direction along the long side of the second bottom wall portion 31B, one end portion in the direction along the long side is accommodated in one accommodation recess 20, and the other end portion is accommodated in the other accommodation recess 20. Also, of the legs 33B in the direction along the short side of the second bottom wall portion 31B, one end portion in the direction along the short side is accommodated in one accommodation recess 20, and the other end portion is accommodated in the other accommodation recess 20. In this state, the first rib portion 231 between the accommodation recesses 20 is inserted into the first groove portion 341B, and the second rib portion 232 located in the accommodation recess 20 is inserted into the notch 331B. This makes it possible to avoid interference between the legs 33B and the first rib portion 231 and the second rib portion 232, and to position the second container 3 relative to the first container 2.

In the container set 1 of this embodiment, the top rib 23 of the first container 2 is inserted into the groove 34 of the second container 3 to hold the second container 3 in a positioned state relative to the first container 2. This makes it possible to hold the second container 3 by itself in the first container 2 without connecting or holding the second containers 3 together.

As shown in Figures 4A and 5A, the outer surface of the second side wall portion 32 (32A, 32B) has an upper portion 321 (321A, 321B) that protrudes outward relative to the lower portion 322 (322A, 322B), and a notch 323 (323A, 323B) that is recessed inward and opens outward and downward is formed at the lower end of the central portion in the left-right direction of the upper portion 321. This allows the chuck of the automatic robot to be inserted into the notch 323 to lift the second container 3 from the first container 2.

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

The radius of curvature of the radius R formed between the upper surface and outer surface of the second side wall portion 32 of the second container 3 does not have to be within the range of 0.1 to 0.8 mm. In addition, no radius R needs to be formed between the upper surface and outer surface of the second side wall portion 32 of the second container 3, or between the upper surface and outer surface of the second rib portion 232 of the first container 2.

The legs 33 (33A, 33B) are formed with reinforcing ribs 35 (35A, 35B) that protrude in a direction perpendicular to the direction along the side of the second bottom wall 31 (31A, 31B). As shown in FIG. 4A, the reinforcing rib 35A formed on the second container 3A protrudes outward from the outer surface of the leg 33A. As shown in FIG. 5A, the reinforcing rib 35B formed on the second container 3B protrudes outward and inward from the outer and inner surfaces of the leg 33A, respectively.

The provision of reinforcing ribs 35 improves the rigidity of the legs 33.

The reinforcing ribs 35 are formed on the portions that form the side surfaces of the grooves 34. This makes it difficult for the legs 33 to be damaged even if the top ribs 23 collide with the side surfaces of the grooves 34 when the top ribs 23 are inserted into the grooves 34.

In addition, as shown in Figures 4A and 5A, the legs 33 (33A, 33B) are located inside the upper portion 321 (321A, 321B). This makes the legs 33 less likely to collide with other components and less likely to be damaged.

The thickness of the legs 33 (33A, 33B) is formed to be thicker than the thickness of the second side wall 32 (32A, 32B). This makes the legs 33 less susceptible to breakage than the second side wall 32.

In addition, as shown in Figures 4A and 5A, a groove portion 34 is formed in the center of each side of the leg portion 33B (33A, 33B) along each side of the second bottom wall portion 31 (31A, 31B), which reduces the effect of shrinkage of the second container 3 due to changes during molding or changes over time, reduces dimensional changes and dimensional errors of the second container 3, and makes it easier to position the second container 3 relative to the first container 2.

As shown in FIG. 6, the upper portion 321 of the second side wall portion 32 is positioned outward relative to the lower portion 322, and a step is formed between the upper portion 321 and the lower portion 322. This step is equal to or slightly larger than the thickness of the second side wall portion 32. This makes it possible to nest the lower portion 322 of the upper second container 3 into the upper portion 321 of the lower second container 3 from above.

When the second containers 3 are housed in adjacent storage recesses 20, a clearance is formed between the second containers 3 housed in the adjacent storage recesses 20, allowing a finger to be inserted. This makes it easier for an operator to remove the second container 3 housed in the storage recess 20 of the first container 2 from the first container 2.

In particular, it is preferable that a clearance into which a finger can be inserted is formed between the second containers 3 housed in adjacent storage recesses 20 in each of the first direction 11 and the second direction 12. This allows an operator to insert a finger into both the clearance along the first direction 11 and the clearance along the second direction 12, making it easier to remove the second container 3 housed in the storage recess 20 of the first container 2 from the first container 2.

It is not necessary for there to be a clearance between the second containers 3 housed in adjacent housing recesses 20 that allows a finger to be inserted.

The upper end of the second side wall portion 32 (32A, 32B) has edges formed on the outside and inside. To explain further, the outer surface and the upper end surface of the second side wall portion 32 form an angle of 90°, and no R is formed between this outer surface and the upper end surface. The inner surface and the upper end surface of the second side wall portion 32 form an angle of 90°, and no R is formed between this inner surface and the upper end surface. The angle between the outer surface and the upper end surface and the angle between the inner surface and the upper end surface may deviate slightly from 90° (for example, within ±5° or ±10°).

By doing this, when the second container 3 is imaged by the imaging device and so-called image processing is performed, the upper end of the second side wall portion 32 can be easily recognized due to the edge formed at the upper end of the second side wall portion 32, making it easier to perform image processing and subsequent processing.

In addition, when the leg 33 of the second container 3 is accommodated in the accommodation recess 20 of the first container 2, the clearance C1 between the top rib 23 and the groove 34 (i.e., the distance between the side of the top rib 23 and the inner side of the groove 34 into which the top rib 23 is inserted) is 0 mm or greater than 0 mm and up to 2 mm. In contrast, the clearance C2 between the inner side of the accommodation recess 20 and the leg 33 accommodated in the accommodation recess 20 is greater than the clearance C1, being greater than 2 mm and less than 4 mm.

In addition, a recess 36 (36A, 36B) is formed in the middle of the leg 33 (33A, 33B) in the left-right direction, which is located further inward than both left-right ends. This makes it even more difficult for the middle of the leg 33 to collide with other components, making the leg 33 less likely to be damaged.

As shown in Figures 4B and 5B, the lower end of the groove 34 (34A, 34B) becomes wider in width from left to right as it goes downward. That is, the side of the leg 33 (33A, 33B) that constitutes the groove 34 (34A, 34B) facing the groove 34 (34A, 34B) has a slope 343 (343A, 343B) at the lower end. This makes it easier for the upper surface rib 23 to be inserted into the groove 34.

Next, we will explain the modified example.

The container set 1, i.e., the first container 2 and the second container 3, are formed from synthetic resin, but may be formed from other materials. In addition, the synthetic resin is preferably PP (Poly Propylene) or PE (Poly Ethylene), but is not particularly limited. In addition, when forming the first container 2 and the second container 3 from synthetic resin, various molding methods such as vacuum molding and injection molding can be appropriately adopted, and the molding method is not limited.

The first container 2 and the second container 3 may be colored to be different from each other. The multiple second containers 3 may all be colored to be the same color, or may be colored to be a color different from the first container 2 and different from each other. In other words, it is sufficient that the color of each second container 3 is at least different from the color of the first container 2.

As a result, when the container set 1 is imaged by the imaging device and so-called image processing is performed, the first container 2 and the second container 3 are recognized separately, making it easier to recognize the positional relationship between the first container 2 and the second container 3, and facilitating image processing and subsequent processing.

The container set 1 may include not only the first container 2 and the second container 3, but also additional components.

The first side wall portion 22 does not have to extend upward from the entire circumference of the peripheral edge of the first bottom wall portion 21, and for example, a discontinuous portion may be formed in part of the circumference of the first side wall portion 22.

The first bottom wall portion 21 may not be plate-shaped, but may have holes or the like that penetrate vertically.

The top surface ribs 23 do not have to have multiple widths. The pitches P1 of the top surface ribs 23 in the first direction 11 do not have to be equal, and the distance between the side of the first rib portion 231 and the side of the second rib portion 232 adjacent in the first direction 11 does not have to be equal. In addition, the distance between the side of the portion constituting the reference surface 210 of the end in the first direction 11 and the side of the first top surface rib 23 inward from the end does not have to be equal to the distance between the side of the first rib portion 231 and the side of the second rib portion 232 adjacent in the first direction 11 described above.

The pitches P2 of the upper surface ribs 23 in the second direction 12 do not have to be equal, and the distance between the side of the first rib portion 231 and the side of the second rib portion 232 adjacent in the second direction 12 does not have to be equal. In addition, the distance between the side of the portion constituting the reference surface 210 of the end in the second direction 12 and the side of the first upper surface rib 23 inward from the end does not have to be equal to the distance between the side of the first rib portion 231 and the side of the second rib portion 232 adjacent in the second direction 12 described above.

In addition, pitch P1 and pitch P2 do not have to be equal.

The height h1 of the first rib portion 231 and the height h2 of the second rib portion 232 do not have to be equal. For example, the height h2 of the second rib portion 232 may be lower than the height h1 of the first rib portion 231.

In the above-described embodiment, both ends of the upper surface of the first bottom wall portion 21 in the first direction 11 are the reference surface 210 that is flush with the upper surfaces of the first rib portion 231 and the second rib portion 232, and the bottom surface of the storage recess 20 in which the second container 3 is stored surrounded by the upper surface ribs 23 is located lower than the reference surface 210. In other words, if the standard of the upper surface of the first bottom wall portion 21 (the bottom surface of the first bottom wall portion 21 (excluding the bottom surface of the storage recess 20)) is the reference surface 210, the storage recess 20 is recessed below the reference surface 210. In contrast, both ends of the upper surface of the first bottom wall portion 21 in the first direction 11 may be lower than the reference surface 210 that is flush with the upper surfaces of the first rib portion 231 and the second rib portion 232, and may be flush with the bottom surface of the storage recess 20. In this case, the storage recess 20 is not recessed below the bottom surface of the first bottom wall portion 21.

When the reference plane 210 is used as a reference, the upper surface of the first bottom wall portion 21 can be said to be recessed downward between the end portion and the upper surface rib 23, and between adjacent upper surface ribs 23. In this case, the portions between adjacent first rib portions 231, and the portion between the portion constituting the reference plane 210 at the end portion of the first bottom wall portion 21 and the first first rib portion 231 on the inside become the storage recess 20.

The first rib portion 231 does not have to be formed by bending the plate body 211, and may be formed as a protrusion that protrudes upward from the horizontal part of the plate body 211. The second rib portion 232 may be formed by bending the plate body 211. The lower surface rib 212 does not have to be formed.

The second side wall portion 32 does not have to extend upward from the entire circumference of the peripheral edge of the second bottom wall portion 31, and may have, for example, a discontinuous portion formed in part of the circumference of the second side wall portion 32.

The upper end of the second side wall portion 32 may not have an edge. For example, an R may be formed between the outer surface and the upper end surface of the second side wall portion 32 and between the inner surface and the upper end surface, and the cross-sectional shape of the upper end of the second side wall portion 32 is not limited.

The second bottom wall portion 31 may not be plate-shaped, but may have holes or the like that penetrate vertically.

The legs 33 may extend downward from a pair of opposing sides of the periphery of the second bottom wall portion 31.

The legs 33 (33A, 33B) do not have to be located further inward than the upper portion 321 (321A, 321B). In the inward/outward direction, the legs 33 (33A, 33B) may be located at the same position as the second side wall portion 32.

The reinforcing ribs 35 may protrude outward and inward from the outer and inner surfaces of the legs 33, respectively, as shown in FIG. 5A, or may protrude outward only from the outer surface of the legs 33, as shown in FIG. 4A, or may protrude inward only from the inner surface of the legs 33, although not shown. In addition, the reinforcing ribs 35 may have any configuration and may not be provided on the legs 33.

The grooves 34 may be formed only on the legs 33 that extend downward from a pair of opposing sides of the periphery of the second bottom wall 31. In this case, the movement (positioning) of the second container 3 relative to the first container 2 can be restricted in only one of the first direction 11 and the second direction 12.

When the second container 3 is positioned in the first container 2, the lower ends of the legs 33 of the second container 3 may be in a floating state without touching the bottom surface of the storage recess 20.

As yet another modified example, the second container 3 may be accommodated in two consecutive accommodation recesses 20. In this second container 3, a first groove 341 is formed in the center of the side of the leg 33 along the long side of the second bottom wall 31, and a second groove 342 is formed in the center of the side of the leg 33 along the short side of the second bottom wall 31. A notch is formed in the middle of the leg 33 on one end side and the leg 33 on the other end side in the direction along the long side of the second bottom wall 31.

Of the legs 33 in the direction along the long side of the second bottom wall portion 31, the legs 33 on one end side are accommodated in one accommodation recess 20, and the legs 33 on the other end side are accommodated in the other accommodation recess 20. Furthermore, when viewed in the direction along the long side of the second bottom wall portion 31, the second container 3 appears to be accommodated in one accommodation recess 20.

In this state, the first rib portion 231 between the storage recesses 20 is inserted into the first groove portion 341, and the second rib portion 232 located within the storage recess 20 and along the long side of the second bottom wall portion 31 is inserted into the second groove portion 342. This makes it possible to avoid interference between the leg portion 33 and the first rib portion 231 and the second rib portion 232, and also makes it possible to position the second container 3 relative to the first container 2.

The clearance C2 may be set to be larger the further away from the center of the first bottom wall portion 21 in plan view. The shrinkage of the second container 3 due to changes during molding or changes over time appears to be larger the further away from the center of the first bottom wall portion 21 in plan view. For this reason, in order to allow for some dimensional leeway, the distance between the inner surfaces of the storage recesses 20 may be increased the further away from the center of the first bottom wall portion 21 in plan view, thereby increasing the clearance C2.

Although it is preferable that the clearance C1 is constant in each storage recess 20, the clearance C1 may differ depending on the storage recess 20. The clearance C1 in the first direction 11 may be smaller than the clearance C2, and the clearance C1 in the second direction 12 may be equal to or greater than the clearance C2. The clearance C1 in the second direction 12 may be smaller than the clearance C2, and the clearance C1 in the first direction 11 may be equal to or greater than the clearance C2. All clearances C1 may be equal to or greater than the clearance C2.

The upper surface rib 23 may be tapered so that its width decreases as it goes upward, and the groove 34 may be tapered so that its width decreases as it goes upward. When the second container 3 is housed in the first container 2, the side surface of the upper surface rib 23 and the inner surface of the groove 34 are parallel. This allows the groove 34 to come into surface or line contact along the upper surface rib 23, making it possible to more firmly restrict the movement of the second container 3 relative to the first container 2.

As yet another modified example, the second container 3 may be accommodated in three consecutive accommodation recesses 20 in a row. In this second container 3, a notch is formed between one end and the center of the leg 33 in the direction along the long side of the second bottom wall 31, and a notch is formed between the center and the other end. A second groove is formed in the center of the center. Also, a second groove is formed in the center of the leg 33 along the short side of the second bottom wall 31.

In the leg 33, one end is accommodated in the first accommodation recess 20, the center is accommodated in the second accommodation recess 20 adjacent to the first accommodation recess 20, and the other end is accommodated in the third accommodation recess 20 adjacent to the second accommodation recess 20. In this state, the second rib portion 232 of the first accommodation recess 20 and the first rib portion 231 between the first accommodation recess 20 and the second accommodation recess 20 are inserted into the notch, the second rib portion 232 of the third accommodation recess 20 and the first rib portion 231 between the second accommodation recess 20 and the third accommodation recess 20 are inserted into the notch, and the second rib portion 232 of the second accommodation recess 20 is inserted into the second groove portion in the center. In addition, the second rib portion 232 along the long side of the second bottom wall portion 31 of the first to third storage recesses 20 is inserted into the second groove portion formed in the leg portion 33 along the short side of the second bottom wall portion 31. This makes it possible to avoid interference between the leg portion 33 and the first rib portion 231 and the second rib portion 232, and to position the second container 3 relative to the first container 2.

As yet another modified example, the second container 3 may be accommodated in four consecutive accommodation recesses 20 in a row. In this second container 3, the leg 33 in the direction along the long side of the second bottom wall 31 is formed with a first part, a second part, a third part, and a fourth part from one end side in this direction, with a notch formed between the first part and the second part, and a notch formed between the third part and the fourth part. A first groove part is formed between the second part and the third part. Also, a second groove part is formed in the center of the leg 33 along the short side of the second bottom wall 31.

In the leg 33, the first portion is accommodated in the first accommodating recess 20, the second portion is accommodated in the second accommodating recess 20 adjacent to the first accommodating recess 20, the third portion is accommodated in the third accommodating recess 20 adjacent to the second accommodating recess 20, and the fourth portion is accommodated in the fourth accommodating recess 20 adjacent to the third accommodating recess 20. In this state, the second rib portion 232 of the first accommodating recess 20, the first rib portion 231 between the first accommodating recess 20 and the second accommodating recess 20, and the second rib portion 232 of the second accommodating recess 20 are inserted into the notches, and the second rib portion 232 of the third accommodating recess 20, the first rib portion 231 between the third accommodating recess 20 and the fourth accommodating recess 20, and the second rib portion 232 of the fourth accommodating recess 20 are inserted into the notches. The first rib portion 231 between the second and third storage recesses 20 is inserted into the first groove portion formed between the second and third portions. Also, the second rib portion 232 along the long side of the second bottom wall portion 31 of the first to fourth storage recesses 20 is inserted into the second groove portion formed in the leg portion 33 along the short side of the second bottom wall portion 31. This makes it possible to avoid interference between the leg portion 33 and the first and second rib portions 231 and 232, and to position the second container 3 relative to the first container 2.

As is clear from the above-described embodiment and modified example, the container (container set 1) of the first aspect includes a first container 2 and a second container 3. The first container 2 has a first bottom wall portion 21 and a first side wall portion 22 extending upward from the peripheral portion of the first bottom wall portion 21. The second container 3 has a second bottom wall portion 31, a second side wall portion 32 extending upward from the peripheral portion of the second bottom wall portion 31, and a leg portion 33 extending downward from the peripheral portion of the second bottom wall portion 31, and can be accommodated in the first container 2. On the upper surface of the first bottom wall portion 21 of the first container 2, a top surface rib 23 that protrudes upward and has a lattice shape in a plan view is formed. A groove portion 34 into which a part of the top surface rib 23 can be inserted from below is formed on the leg portion 33 of the second container 3.

According to the first aspect, by inserting the top surface rib 23 of the first container 2 into the groove portion 34 of the second container 3 to hold the second container 3 to the first container 2, it is possible to hold the second container 3 in a position relative to the first container 2.

The second aspect can be realized by combining with the first aspect. In the second aspect, the second bottom wall portion 31 has a rectangular shape in a plan view. The groove portion 34 is formed in the center of the leg portion 33 along one side of the second bottom wall portion 31.

According to the second aspect, it is easy to make the second container 3 easier to use.

The third aspect can be realized by combining with the first or second aspect. In the third aspect, the upper surface rib 23 has a first rib portion 231 having a first rib width W1 and a second rib portion 232 having a second rib width W2 smaller than the first rib width W1.

According to the third aspect, two types of top surface ribs 23 can be used to hold the second container 3 in position relative to the first container 2 in a more diverse pattern.

The fourth aspect can be realized by combining with the third aspect. In the fourth aspect, the groove portion 34 has at least one of a first groove portion 341 having a first groove width W3 into which the first rib portion 231 can be inserted, and a second groove portion 342 having a second groove width W4 smaller than the first groove width W3 into which the first rib portion 231 cannot be inserted but into which the second rib portion 232 can be inserted.

According to the fourth aspect, by using two types of upper surface ribs 23 and grooves 34, the second container 3 can be held in position relative to the first container 2 in a more diverse pattern.

The fifth aspect can be realized by combining with the third or fourth aspect. In the fifth aspect, the leg 33 can be accommodated in the accommodation recess 20, which is rectangular in plan view and surrounded by the first rib portion 231. A second rib portion 232 is formed in the accommodation recess 20. The second rib portion 232 is inserted into the groove portion 34 when the leg 33 is accommodated in the accommodation recess 20.

According to the fifth aspect, by storing the legs 33 in the storage recess 20, it becomes easier to hold the second container 3 in a position relative to the first container 2.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 container set 11 first direction 12 second direction 2 first container 20 storage recess 21 first bottom wall portion 210 reference surface 211 plate body 212 lower surface rib 22 first side wall portion 23 upper surface rib 231 first rib portion 232 second rib portion 3, 3A, 3B second container 31, 31A, 31B second bottom wall portion 32, 32A, 32B second side wall portion 321, 321A, 321B upper portion 322, 322A, 322B lower portion 323, 323A, 323B notch 33, 33A, 33B leg portion 331B notch 34 groove portion 341, 341B first groove portion 342, 342A second groove portion 343, 343A, 343B Slope 35, 35A, 35B Reinforcing rib 36, 36A, 36B Recess P1 Pitch P2 Pitch W1 First rib width W2 Second rib width W3 First groove width W4 Second groove width

Claims (4)

a first container having a first bottom wall portion and a first side wall portion extending upward from a peripheral portion of the first bottom wall portion;
a second container having a second bottom wall portion, a second side wall portion extending upward from a peripheral portion of the second bottom wall portion, and a leg portion extending downward from a peripheral portion of the second bottom wall portion, the second container being accommodated within the first container,
An upper surface rib having a lattice shape in a plan view protruding upward is formed on an upper surface of the first bottom wall portion of the first container,
a groove into which a part of the upper surface rib can be inserted from below is formed in the leg portion of the second container ;
The upper surface rib has a first rib portion having a first rib width and a second rib portion having a second rib width smaller than the first rib width.
container. The second bottom wall portion has a rectangular shape in a plan view,
The container according to claim 1 , wherein the groove is formed in a center portion of the leg along one side of the second bottom wall portion in the side direction. 3. The container according to claim 2, wherein the groove portion has at least one of a first groove portion having a first groove width into which the first rib portion can be inserted, and a second groove portion having a second groove width smaller than the first groove width into which the first rib portion cannot be inserted but into which the second rib portion can be inserted . The leg portion can be accommodated in an accommodating recess having a rectangular shape in a plan view and surrounded by the first rib portion,
The second rib portion is formed in the accommodating recess,
4. The container according to claim 2 , wherein the second rib portion is inserted into the groove portion when the leg portion is accommodated in the accommodation recess .

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