EP0566983B1 - Luggage case - Google Patents

Abstract

In a luggage case for accommodating and transporting articles, in particular tools and work materials, consisting of at least one bottom part (3) with a bottom (28a) and a lid (1), said parts being connected to one another in an articulated manner via a hinge (4) and having a locking device, the luggage case (K) is of modular construction. The bottom part (3) forms a module (M) which can be connected to further modules via hinges (4). <IMAGE>

Description

The invention relates to a case for receiving and Transport of objects, especially tools and working materials, from at least two elements that have at least a hinge are hinged together and of which a lower element as a recording room for recording and to transport the items and an upper element as Lid is formed for the lower element, the case at least one locking device for locking the Has elements in the folded state, in a modular manner assembled suitcase each designed as a recording room Element is a module of a module system which is based on one of other modules of the module system is stackable, everyone Module at least one base shell with a bottom and one has circumferential side shell, and the side shell two side walls, one front wall and one with hinge sleeves provided back wall and also the elements with guided Connecting rods are connected to each other the relative positions of the elements in the open position determine each other.

A case of this type is, for example, from FR-A-335595 known.

In general, tool cases of this type are diverse Form and design known. As a rule, it is about such tool cases around a simple case shell, which is covered by a lid, the content of the Case shell is accessible after lifting the lid. This Cases can be molded from metal or plastic however very limited in their function. The used Means (e.g. connecting rods) that determine the relative positions determine the elements in the open state to each other, are functionally mostly unsatisfactory. It also says a single fixed position of a handle relative available for the recording room and hinge parts are not easy to use.

The present invention is based on the object to develop a case of the type mentioned, which does not have these disadvantages, variable in its function, in his recording room, preferably under approximate Maintaining balance on the handle is expandable, and where the content is easily accessible to the user.

To solve this problem is a suitcase at the beginning mentioned type characterized by that specified in claim 1 Combination of features. Preferred further training of the case according to the invention are in the dependent claims Are defined.

Thus, the case consists of modules, which as required stackable and connectable or easily detachable are connected, so as a modular system as desired at any time an expansion or reduction of the entire available recording space can take place.

The side walls, the back wall and the front wall are double-walled, with an outer skin and an inner skin enclose a surrounding inner chamber. This inner chamber serves to accommodate other modular elements Extension of the case. In the inner chamber of the A sliding track is used for each side wall, which with a slider on a connecting rod to the next one Module interacts. This slide track is special trained and overall serves the easy use of the Case while being easy to assemble and modular Extension of the case allowed. It is essential that the lid or module relative to the following underlying module without attacking the connecting rod opened, held in the open position and closed again can be. This happens because at least two positions of two modules working together can be determined by the glider and connecting rod. At the bottom Module in the module system, which is the lower part of the Case forms, needs on the rear lower edge of the module no hinge to be provided. For modules, which Form the middle parts of the case, however, a hinge be provided as a connection to the hinge of the lower part or module arranged thereon.

It is particularly easy to open the hinge sleeves to sit on a hanger. The spring tongue can come from the wall, for example formed by punching or the like be. When inserting the hinge part into the inner chamber the spring tongue snaps into the end position of the Hinge part behind the latch.

The glider runs on the guideway into the recess, in which position then the relevant overhead Element, i.e. the lid or another module, in the open position is held. To return the element to its rest position now only needs to raise the element a little further to get the glider out of the recess, after which he falls behind the recess and along a base strip described in more detail below can slide back until it reaches the elastic strip and there through the elastic strip and the guideway formed slot wedges so that it can then again comes to rest above the guideway. This is extremely simple sequence of movements that can be accomplished with just one hand can be, with only that overhead Element that is actually being moved is attacked should, i.e. the lid or another module. The as a rising surface trained guideway inclines into the recess and it forms an abutment for the glider, during the substrip along with the above Baseline a path to return the glider to its Limited rest position. The glide strip is located approximately in the level of the guideway and then bends to the curb down. The slot mentioned above is close to this kink formed with the end of the guideway. Usually points the slot has a width that is smaller in any case than the diameter of the glider. So the glider runs, if it is above the guideway or on the sliding strip is across this slot. However, he does come from below, guided on the curb, to the slot, so this slot limits its movement until the slot has opened to a width that the slider can drive through the slot. It will be a good guide of the glider below the guideway. The base strip runs below the guideway and also below the recess, so that if it falls out or sliding the glider out of the locking recess of the glider can fall this base strip and then along this Base strip is performed. On the one hand, the glider can be comfortable can be introduced into the guideway, on the other hand if desired, he can be removed from the guideway, to separate one element from the other. The second catch runs away from the cover strip to together with the other Hook to form the passage for returning the glider, and it ensures that the slider after it is moved beyond the locking recess into the culvert, now slide back slightly in the opposite direction can, and that in the extension of the guideway beyond the The recessed recess on the one hand in front of the passage area for the Sliders a locking mechanism that can be easily felt by an operator the glider, on the other hand in the area of the passage for the glider an operator can easily feel Guidance of the glider can be accomplished. The glider has to push the security strip away to pass through the bottleneck to come out of the recess or, if necessary also get into the recessed recess. There are also other training courses of the securing member conceivable, for example as Safety pads made of foam, etc. This ensures that the glider does not accidentally move out of the recess, but only then fall behind the recess and along the Base strip can slide back when the elements of the a position defined by the detent into the should return to another position.

The columns consist of a tower-like wall. Of the Handle can be attached to any module of the case the undercuts Groove inserted and the remaining groove openings be closed by compensating pieces. Another difference between the height of the projections on the handle and the undercut groove can be compensated by compensating pieces will. The advantage of these measures is that the carrying handle on any module and on it using compensating pieces can be used at any altitude, so that the carrying handle is optimally above the expected Center of gravity of the loaded case can be arranged and the case spontaneously maintains an acceptable position when carried. By mounting on a selected module the carrying handle can be roughly positioned, and by means of the compensating pieces the carrying handle can also be finely positioned will.

As mentioned above, need in the lower part of the case there are no rear hinge parts. Furthermore, too the pillars there are not locked by slabs with bolts. Instead, a frame is provided both the inner chamber of the rear wall, which is open at the bottom, and also the inner chamber of the side walls, the front wall and the Closes the columns and still has feet and caps, the one with appropriate troughs and feet on a lid of a subsequent suitcase work together, so that corresponding Cases are also stackable on top of each other.

The latch is attached to a bat-shaped plate, which are inserted from below into a column and is fixed for example by screws. Main part of the Riegel is a bolt body that is shaped like a segment of a circle is. This bolt body sits at one end by means of a pivot pin in a pivot hole, being around this Pivot pin can rotate in the pivot hole. Here he supports on a spring leg on a rib, which of the Plate protrudes into the inside of the column. This spring leg causes that an opposite stop edge of the bolt body strikes another rib, so that the bolt body is held between these two ribs but can move against the force of the spring leg. This Movement is brought about by a sliding bar, which is located on the outside of the column, but after reaching around one Bottom of the column and reaching through an arch segment in the plate with the bolt body in connection. This arc segment is also the rest of the locking hook penetrated.

By simply moving the drawer along the surface of the column becomes the snap hook from it Closing position moved to an opening position in which he the following Column ceiling or a transom edge provided there no longer engages, so that the locking of the columns is resolved on one another.

The frame is connected to the base shell via clip connections, with corresponding locking hooks overlap the catches on the base shell on the frame.

The lid is also similar to a basic shell or formed a module, although it is not a floor but has a cover plate. Its corresponding pillars are of course designed lower and upwards covered by a cover plate, in which the just mentioned trough is molded with a cap of a suitcase placed on it cooperates.

There is also in the rear area of the cover plate a cover which has the feet just mentioned.

In a special embodiment, the modules of the case according to the invention not only for the case itself, but can also be used as a drawer. Here can be clipped onto a handle frame module, which in particular has a handle. Such a module is then placed on an extract from a rack and can can now be moved out of the rack as a drawer. If the module is then to be transported again, it can be done without further detached the grip frame and the module back in a suitcase can be installed. This creates a more variable and versatile, easy to assemble and easily changeable case.

Fig. 1

eine Seitenansicht eines geöffneten Koffers mit erfindungsgemässen Gleiterbahnen;

Fig. 2

einen vergrössert dargestellten Ausschnitt aus dem Koffer gemäss Fig. 1 im Bereich der Gleiterbahnen;

Fig. 3

einen vergrössert dargestellten Ausschnitt aus einem weiteren Ausführungsbeispiel eines Koffers gemäss Fig. 1 im Bereich der Gleiterbahnen;

Fig. 4

eine teilweise dargestellte Unteransicht einer Grundschale;

Fig. 5

eine Seitenansicht der Grundschale gemäss Fig. 4;

Fig. 6

eine teilweise dargestellte Draufsicht auf die Grundschale gemäss Fig. 4;

Fig. 7

eine Draufsicht auf einen Griff zur Verwendung bei einem Koffer gemäss Fig. 1 in Gebrauchslage;

Fig. 8

eine Seitenansicht eines erfindungsgemässen Scharnierteils zum Einsetzen in eine Grundschale gemäss Fig. 4;

Fig. 9

eine Draufsicht auf das Scharnierteil gemäss Fig. 8;

Fig. 10

eine Draufsicht auf einen erfindungsgemässen Blendrahmen zum Aufsetzen auf eine Unterfläche einer Grundschale gemäss Fig. 4;

Fig. 11

eine Frontansicht des Blendrahmens gemäss Fig. 10;

Fig. 12

eine Seitenansicht des Blendrahmens gemäss Fig. 10 mit einer eingesetzten Kappe;

Fig. 13

eine teilweise dargestellte Innenansicht eines erfindungsgemässen Deckels;

Fig. 14

eine Seitenansicht des Deckels gemäss Fig. 13;

Fig. 15

eine teilweise dargestellte Draufsicht auf den Deckel gemäss Fig. 13;

Fig. 16

einen Querschnitt durch eine Deckelscheibe zum Verschliessen einer Säule eines Deckels;

Fig. 17

einen teilweise dargestellten Querschnitt durch den Deckel gemäss Fig. 13 und 15 mit eingesetzter Deckelscheibe und Teilen einer Riegeleinrichtung;

Fig. 18

ein Querschnitt ähnlich Fig. 17 durch ein Teil des Deckels;

Fig. 19

eine Draufsicht auf eine Abdeckung für den Deckel;

Fig. 20

eine Draufsicht auf eine Platte als Teil der Riegeleinrichtung;

Fig. 21

einen Querschnitt durch die Platte gemäss Fig. 20;

Fig. 22

eine Draufsicht auf einen Riegel als Teil der Riegeleinrichtung;

Fig. 23

einen Längsschnitt durch Säulen von aufeinander gestapelten Moduln im Bereich der Riegeleinrichtung;

Fig. 24

eine teilweise dargestellte Draufsicht auf einen Griffrahmen; und

Fig. 25

eine Seitenansicht des Griffrahmens gemäss Fig. 24.

Further advantages, features and details of the invention result from the following description of preferred exemplary embodiments and from the drawing. Show it:

Fig. 1

a side view of an opened case with slide tracks according to the invention;

Fig. 2

an enlarged section of the case according to Figure 1 in the area of the slideways.

Fig. 3

an enlarged section of a further embodiment of a case according to Figure 1 in the area of the slideways.

Fig. 4

a partially shown bottom view of a base shell;

Fig. 5

a side view of the base shell according to FIG. 4;

Fig. 6

a partially shown plan view of the base shell according to FIG. 4;

Fig. 7

a plan view of a handle for use in a case according to Figure 1 in the use position.

Fig. 8

a side view of a hinge part according to the invention for insertion into a base shell according to FIG. 4;

Fig. 9

a plan view of the hinge part of FIG. 8;

Fig. 10

a plan view of a frame according to the invention for placement on a lower surface of a base shell according to FIG. 4;

Fig. 11

a front view of the frame according to FIG. 10;

Fig. 12

a side view of the frame according to Figure 10 with an inserted cap.

Fig. 13

a partially shown interior view of an inventive lid;

Fig. 14

a side view of the lid of FIG. 13;

Fig. 15

a partially shown plan view of the lid according to FIG. 13;

Fig. 16

a cross section through a cover plate for closing a column of a cover;

Fig. 17

a partially shown cross section through the lid according to Figures 13 and 15 with inserted cover plate and parts of a locking device.

Fig. 18

a cross section similar to Figure 17 through part of the lid.

Fig. 19

a plan view of a cover for the lid;

Fig. 20

a plan view of a plate as part of the locking device;

Fig. 21

a cross section through the plate of FIG. 20;

Fig. 22

a plan view of a bolt as part of the locking device;

Fig. 23

a longitudinal section through columns of stacked modules in the area of the locking device;

Fig. 24

a partially shown plan view of a handle frame; and

Fig. 25

24 shows a side view of the handle frame according to FIG. 24.

A case R is made of individual modules M according to FIG. 1 constructed and has a lid 1 and a lower part 3. A number of middle parts 2 can be arranged between them. In the training shown in Fig. 1 as an example two middle parts 2 are provided, but the lid 1 could also be the lower part 3 immediately adjacent.

Two neighboring elements are over one Hinge 4 connected to each other by which they are relative can be rotated towards each other. In the shown in Fig. 1 Training is the cover 1 with a middle part 2, this with another middle part 2 and the latter with the Lower part 3 connected via a respective hinge 4. Hereby can the cover 1 from the adjacent central part 2, one middle part 2 from the adjacent other middle part 2, or the other middle part 2 from the adjacent lower part 3 be lifted off to the content of the midsection concerned 2 or 3 to make access accessible.

In the side wall 5 of the middle parts 2 and the lower part 3, at least one slide track 6 is integrated, which each with one articulated to the element above it Connecting rod 7 interacts. In the lid 1 is also a connecting rod is articulated, but no slide track integrated.

The connecting rod 7 is shown in a position of use, in which the two of this connecting rod 7 connected communicating parts 2 in an open position located and securely supported. This happens because that a slider 8, which, for example, as on a End of the connecting rod 7 formed bolt is, in a recess 9 of the slide 6 of the lower of the two connected middle parts 2 is located. At the the other end is the connecting rod 7 via a swivel joint 10 connected to the side wall 5 of the top of the two Middle parts 2 articulated and, if necessary, releasably connected.

The connecting rod 7a is shown in a position of use, in which the two of this connecting rod 7 connected elements, namely the lower part 3 and the aforementioned lower of the two communicating parts 2, in in a closed position. Here is the connecting rod 7a via a swivel joint 10 on the side wall 5 of the plane middle part 2 articulated and, if necessary, detachable, connected, while the corresponding slider 8a on a elastic strips 11 described in more detail below supports the slide 6, which is arranged on the lower part 3 is.

The slide track 6 will now be explained in more detail with reference to FIG. 2 will. In particular, are dashed and dash-dotted different levels of interaction of the slide track 6 with the connecting rod 7 and the slider 8 shown.

The rest position of the slide track 6 is marked with I. In this rest position, the slider 8 lies on the elastic strip 11 on.

For example, if the top of the two is from the Connecting rod 7 connected elements (element 1 or 2) lifted from the bottom of the two elements (element 2 or 3), so the slider 8 first runs on one part of the elastic Strip 11 off a bit, and then it slides along a guideway 12 designed as a rising surface, which together with a lower strip 13 a clasp-shaped middle part 14 forms the slide 6. Towards the end the guideway 12 inclines towards the recess 9 and it is coupled or connected to the lower strip 13 there or connected. Together with the bottom strip 13 after the recess 9, i.e. in extension of the guideway 12 beyond the recess 9, an upward first Hook 15 formed, which together with one down directed second hook 16 forms a passage 17. The upward first hook 15 is approximately straight and the downward-facing second hook 16 is curved.

This second hook 16 is on a cover strip 18 Slide track 6 integrally formed, which in turn also a Chamber 19 of element 2 or 3 limited upwards, in which the slide track 6 and also the guided slide 8 are located. The second hook 16 protrudes from the cover strip 18 in approximately downwards with respect to the recessed recess 9 and is at least partially designed as an elastic securing strip to to act as a securing member for the slider 8. Along with the guideway or climbing surface 12 results in the second hook 16 or the part of it acting as a security strip Bottleneck for the passage of the slider 8 just before the passage 17. In order to reach the passage 17, the slider 8 must first go through the mentioned bottleneck, what against the elastic resistance of the security strip occurs. Consequently the glider 8 the hook or securing strip 16 must be elastic Push away to get out of the Rastmulde 9 come out or, if necessary, in the Rest recess 9 to arrive.

The chamber 19 has only one outlet 20, which in for example in the extension of the guideway beyond the recess and the second hook 16 is arranged. Through this outlet 20 the slider 8 can be inserted into the chamber 19 and be brought out again so that the two looked at Elements can be connected to one another by the connecting rod 7 and are detachable from each other.

To close the top of the two elements on the lower, the upper element is raised so that the slider 8 slides along the first hook 15 and through the second, curved hook 16 against the elastic resistance of the security strip is guided out of the passage 17 in such a way that the connecting rod 7 then in the marked with II and intermediate position shown in dashed lines. Now the connecting rod 7 no longer prevents the closing of the upper element on the lower, because the Glider 8 can now run along a base strip 21 until he at the end of the base strip 21 a tread 25 of the elastic strip 11 runs up. This position is marked with III, the casserole 25 a Stop for the slider 8 forms and thereby the movement the connecting rod 7 limited.

The shape of the two hooks 15 and 16 together with the safety link for the operator holding the connecting rod 7 operated, on the one hand in front of the area of Passages 17 a noticeable locking of the slider 8, on the other hand, a good one in the area of the passage 17 tactile guidance of the slider 8 so that it is not accidentally but only if desired through the outlet 20 from the considered Element can slide out.

The elastic strip 11 forms together with that of Locking trough 9 distal end of the clasp-shaped central part 14 a slot 22 which can be changed in width b, wherein the slider 8 itself when running onto the elastic strip 11 squeezes into this slot 22 and the elastic Strip 11 yields by increasing the width b. This allows the slider 8 to slide through the slot 22 and return to its rest position I in this way. After this Passage of the slider 8 through the slot 22 closes this again up to the width b, so that the slider 8 when opening or lifting the top of the two elements from lower can slide over this slot 22 and not undesirably down through the slot 22 got back.

Accordingly, the entire elastic strip is made up 11 from a sliding strip 24, which is approximately in the plane of the Rising surface 12 runs and its end in the vicinity of the curb 25, and from one of these sliding strips 24 forming the slot 22 with the central part 14 adjoining overrun strip 23, itself with the base strip 21 is connected and merges into these.

While in the embodiment of a case R according to 1 and 2 all modules have the same height and always one subsequent module M each via a connecting rod 7 is connected to the next module, one in FIG Connection options for modules of different heights specified. In the module system, the different modules are of their height according to a modular height difference, the equal to the vertical distance of those shown in Fig. 3 possible positions of the connecting rod 7, 7a, 7b, while the modules in their remaining training essentially are identical to each other. At the slide 6 or its housing 26 can now tongue-shaped tabs 27a and 27b be arranged, each having a hinge 10a and 10b for the connecting rod 7 when they are in position or altitude 7a or 7b. With the help of different lengths of tongue-shaped tabs 27a and 27b can thus, according to the positions of the connecting rod 7, 7a or 7b, the hinge of the connecting rod on the Positions 10, 10a or 10b are brought to the slider 8, 8a or 8b at the end of the connecting rod to adjust the height, on which the slide track of the one following down Module.

Each module M consists of one according to FIGS. 4 to 6 Base shell 28 and a circumferential side shell with two Side walls 5, a rear wall 29 and a front wall 30. The side walls 5 run together with the rear wall 29 and the front wall 30 has a bottom 28a. Furthermore, side walls 5, Rear wall 29 and front wall 30 are double-walled, wherein an outer skin 31 encloses an inner skin 32, and both together form a circumferential inner chamber 33. In the inner chamber 33 of the side wall 5 is then, for example The slide track 6 described above is used, which however 4 to 6 is neglected. Furthermore, in the circumferential Inner chamber 33 of the rear wall 29 uses a hinge part as will be described later.

The two corner areas between the side walls 5 and the front wall 30 are also formed on columns 34, which different Perform functions. Basically they are used for Inclusion of bolt parts described later. 4 it can be seen that the columns 34 also have an undercut Have groove 35, in which a handle shown in Fig. 7 36 can be used. For this purpose, this handle has 36 a corresponding projection 37 on both sides, which has an outer contour that the inner contour of the undercut Groove 35 corresponds. This projection 37 is in the undercut groove 35 inserted and then this undercut Groove 35 from both sides through compensating pieces locked. As already mentioned, the carrying handle can be finely positioned using the compensating pieces to lie optimally at a desired altitude.

Another essential point of the present invention is the formation of the hinges 4. In Figs. 5 and 6 recognizable that in the rear wall 6 spaced apart Hinge sleeves 38 are formed. The hinge sleeves 38 are penetrated by an axial bore 39, with the Axial bores 39 of all hinge sleeves 38 of a module M a hinge rod, not shown, pushed through can be. This hinge rod is against falling out secured at both ends by corresponding notches. When you remove two modules, this hinge rod pulled out of the hinge sleeves 38 again.

The design of the rear wall 29 relative to the hinge 4 depends on the purpose for which the corresponding Module should be used. In the embodiment according to 5 is no connection hinge with respect to hinge 4, so that here module M as lower part 3 can be used. However, module M is, for example provided for a middle part 2, it must be compared to the Hinge 4 are another hinge, which then for example with the hinge sleeves 38 of a lower part 3 can be coupled. In this case, be in the inner chamber 33 of the rear wall 29 hinge parts 40 used, which 8 and 9 are shown. These hinge parts 40 have each have two hinge sleeves 41a and 41b, which between leave a space 42 free, in the one in the use position Hinge sleeve 38 of the hinge 4 engages. Even the hinge sleeves 41 are penetrated by axial bores 39, through which is pushed the hinge rod, not shown. This creates a connection between all hinge sleeves 38 and 41.

The hinge sleeves 41 are also molded onto a bracket 43, which runs around a wall 44. Are in the wall 44 there are two recesses 45 through which spring tongues 46 are formed are. When inserting the hinge part 40 into the Inner chamber 33 of the rear wall 29, these spring tongues 46 deflected and they snap behind latches 47, which engage in the clear width of the inner chamber 33. Hereby the hinge part 40 is fixed in the rear wall 29 and it is now used for articulated connection with another Module M.

If, on the other hand, a module M is used as the lower part 3, then a frame 48 according to FIGS. 10 to 12 is provided. This Frame 48 has two side strips 49, a front strip 50 and a rear cover strip 51. All strips are molded up over hook 52 which of the frame 48 on the rear wall 29, front wall 30 and the two side walls 5 can be set. For this the hooks 52 engage in the respective inner chambers 33 and they go there a clip connection with not shown Latches.

Shaped feet are also formed on the cover strip 51 53 recognizable, over which the case R on the one hand opposes can support a subsurface, but also a centering of this case R or module M compared to one below arranged second case or module can serve.

In the corner areas between front strips 50 and side strips 49 a ring 54 can be seen, which each closes a column 34 down. In the ring 54 a central hole 55 is formed, in which a in Fig. 12 shown cap 56 is used. This cap 56 serves on the one hand to close the column 34, and on the other hand but also centering and non-slip fixing of one Suitcase on another suitcase. The counterpart for the cap 56 is then on the lid 1 of the underlying one Suitcase.

The lid 1 is shown in FIGS. 13 to 15. He points in essentially a frame 58 running around a cover plate 57 on which consists of double-walled side walls 5a, a front wall 30a and a rear wall 29a. On the back wall 29a there are integrally formed hinge sleeves 41, which with corresponding hinge sleeves 38 of the module below M work together.

In the corner area between the side walls 5a and Front wall 30a is a column 34a, which in its Scope corresponds to the columns 34 of the modules M. However it, like the entire frame 58, in relation to the Modules M designed significantly lower in height. This can be seen in FIG. 14.

The column 34a is open at the top and is when assembling of the case R from a cover plate 59 (see Fig. 16) covered. A recess is in this cover plate 59 60 molded into which the above-mentioned cap 56 as a foot a suitcase arranged above can be used. The cover plate 59 is in the cover plate 57 and in the Column 34 clipped in, for which purpose the cover plate 59 latching hook 61 and has 62. In Fig. 17 it can be seen that the locking hook 61 moves into a recess 63 of the cover plate 57 while the locking hooks 62 corresponding locking lugs 64 in the column 34a reach under. This results in a releasable setting of these Cover plate 59.

In Fig. 1 it can also be seen that the rear area of the cover 1 and there in particular the hinge 4 of one Cover 65 is covered, which is shown in more detail in FIG. 19 is. This cover 65 has hooks, not shown similar to the hook 52 of the frame 48. With these hooks cover 65 is also fixed on cover 1. Further the cover 65 has feet 66 which are approximately correspond to the feet 53 on the frame 48. 1 is however, it can be seen that these feet are in the back wall are set a little lower so that the feet 53, which grasp the lower edge of the case R on the feet 66 may be, provided there is another one above the case R. Suitcase is parked. This follows in cooperation with the cap 56, which sits in the trough 60, a fixing of the sitting suitcase.

With regard to the locking of the case becomes one inserted a plate from below into the column 34 or 34a, which, as shown in Fig. 20, is a bat-like Contour. So it corresponds to the column cross-section, which is roughly circular, but one Circular section through the edge engaging in the column between the side walls and the front wall. This Plate 67 is screwed over 68, for example according to FIG. 17 fixed to the cover plate 59, the screws 68 reach through corresponding screw holes 69.

A sheet segment 70 is also cut out of the plate 67, which is at one end by a rib 71 is limited. Another rib 72 is on the Plate 67 between a pivot hole 73 and a screw hole 69. The entire arrangement from the arc segment just described 70, the ribs 71 and 72 and the pivot hole 73 is used Recording and holding a bolt 74, as shown in Fig. 22 is shown. After fixing the plate 67 Bolt 74 pushed through the arch segment 70, which then together with the corresponding column 34 or 34a an insertion opening trains. The bolt 74 has a molded Pivot pin 75 which, as shown in Fig. 18, in the Rotating hole 73 is used. This creates one pivot connection between the bolt 74 and the plate 67. The pivot pin 75 is preferably in one piece with one segment-like locking body 76 and at one end integrally formed therefrom while facing the locking body 76 the pivot pin 74 has a slide bar 77 with corrugation 78 is located.

Furthermore, it projects approximately radially from the locking body 76 to the pivot pin 75 from a spring leg 79. In use position, i.e. when the pivot pin 75 is seated in the pivot hole 73, strikes the spring leg 79 on the rib 72 and he presses the Latch body 76 with a stop edge 80 against the rib 71. In this position of use, a locking hook 81 (see Fig. 23) in a corresponding opening 82 of the underlying Column 34 and there it engages under a transom edge 83. 22 is the latch 74 for the right columns 34 of the case R shown, while in Fig. 23 the left Columns are shown. Bars and pillars correspond each other and they are arranged in mirror image.

To open the latch, i.e. for pulling away the locking hook 81 under the locking edge 83, the sliding bar 77 is attacked and the locking body 76 against the spring leg 79 rotated about the pivot pin 75. Since the spring leg 79 on the rib 72 strikes, this takes place against a spring-back force of the spring leg 79. When releasing the drawer 77 moves the locking body 76 back to its starting position back, the stop edge 80 abutting the rib 71. In this starting position, the locking hook then engages again 81 the locking edge 83.

23 also shows that the modules M, as stated above, different levels can be, while they are otherwise equal to each other are. It can also be seen that the columns 34 of the base shells 28 formed essentially closed towards the top are, as is also indicated in Fig. 6. Only that Opening 82 breaks through a pillar ceiling 84, this pillar ceiling 84 a tube 85 is formed. In this tube 85, the screw 68 can be screwed in to fix the plate 67 will. Two such tubes 85 are preferred and accordingly two screws 68 are provided.

Furthermore, a grip frame can be placed on a base shell 28 86 are placed, which is shown in more detail in FIGS. 24 and 25 is. This grip frame 86 has a front Handle bar 87, side bars 88 and a rear bar 89. Also in the corner areas, its contour is modeled on the columns 34. This grip frame 86 can be hook 52 be clipped onto a base shell 28, so that this entire arrangement as a drawer for example on one corresponding extract from a rack can be put on. The The base shell is not used to form a case, but to form a drawer.

The connection of individual elements of the case takes place as mentioned several times above, via appropriate clip connections. As an example, reference is made to FIG. 17 again. Under a clip connection, the interaction between understood a locking hook 62 and a locking lug 64. Corresponding this latching hook 62, the hooks 52 are also formed, which then also corresponding locking lugs in the base shell or reach under the lid.

The assembly and changing of the case happens according to the modular principle.

It starts with a base shell as the lower part 3, the frame 48 clipped onto this base shell becomes. This basic shell is therefore not with hinge parts 40 provided. In the frame 48 or in there the existing latch 54 are the caps 56.

In the simplest case, the case can only consist of one module consist. Then bars 74 are placed on plates 67, wherein the pivot pin 75 is in the pivot hole 73 and the spring leg 79 abuts against a rib 72 and thus the stop edge 80 of the bolt 74 against the other rib 71 presses. Now this plate is 67 in the respective column of the cover 1 inserted and through Screws set. The latch 74 engages around a column edge, so that the push bar 77 from the outside to the column 34a strikes. The lid 1 is placed on the lower part 3, so that the hinge sleeves 41 between the hinge sleeves 38 of the lower part 3 grip. The connection is made then over a hinge rod which goes through the hinge sleeves is pushed. Now all you need is the cover 65 placed on the lid 1 and the carrying handle 36 with his Formations 37 in the undercut grooves 35 of the columns 34 to be inserted, making a suitcase is.

Should the case consist of several modules or on several modules are expanded, so the cover 1 by Pull the hinge rod out of the hinge sleeves Lower part 3 solved and one or more modules or middle parts 2 successively placed on the lower part 3. In the rear wall of these middle parts 2 are then corresponding Hinge parts 40 have been inserted, which there by Interaction of spring tongue 46 and locking lug 47 are fixed. In addition, the corresponding bars are located in the columns, as described above for the lid. The handle 36 can then depending on the desired balance in one of the middle parts 2 are used. It goes without saying that a corresponding one when or after putting on the middle parts 2 Connection via the connecting rod 7 and Glider 8 is made with the slide track 6.

If a module M is used as a drawer, so it is sufficient if the cover 1 and the other modules are removed and instead a clip frame 86 is clipped onto the module M. becomes. Now this module can be switched to a corresponding one Excerpt of a rack can be placed and it thus serves as Drawer. The module becomes a suitcase again needed, it is sufficient to remove the handle frame 86 and again a connection with the other modules of the case R.

Claims (14)

1. Case for receiving and for transporting objects, in particular tools and working materials, the case comprising at least two elements (1, 2, 3) which are connected to one another in an articulated and collapsible manner via at least one hinge (4) and of which a lower element (2 or 3) is designed as a receiving space for receiving and for transporting the objects and an upper element (1 or 2) is designed as a lid for the lower element,

   the case having at least one device for locking the elements in the collapsed state,

   each element which is designed as a receiving space being a module (M) which belongs to a modular system and can be stacked on a further module (M) of the modular system,

   each element which is designed as a receiving space having at least one bottom shell (28), with a base (28a), and a peripheral side shell, and the side shell having two side walls (5), a front wall (30) and a rear wall (29), which is provided with hinge sleeves (38), the side walls, the rear wall and the front wall (5, 29, 30) being of double-walled design with an outer skin (31), an inner skin (32) and a peripheral inner chamber (33) enclosed therebetween, and

   the elements being connected to one another by guided connecting rods (7) which determine the relative positions of the elements with respect to one another when the case has been swung open,
   characterized

   in that slide tracks (6) are inserted into the inner chamber (33) enclosed between the side walls (5) of the elements, slides (8) which are fitted on the connecting rods (7) being guided in said slide tracks,

   in that the device for locking the elements is arranged in the corner regions of the elements, on columns (34), it also being possible for a carrying handle (56) to be fastened at the desired height on the columns, and

   in that hinge parts (40) are inserted from beneath into the inner chamber (33) of the rear wall (29) of the elements which are designed as a receiving space.
2. Case according to Claim 1, characterized in that the hinge part (40) has two hinge sleeves (41a, 41b) which form between themselves a space (42) for receiving a hinge sleeve (38) of the following bottom shell (28), and the hinge sleeves (41a, 41b) are seated on a bracket (43) in which there is provided a wall (44) from which there is formed at least one resilient tongue (46) which interacts with a latching nose (47) in the inner chamber (33) of the rear wall (29).
3. Case according to Claim 1, characterized in that the relative positions of the elements when the case has been swung open is defined by the slides (8) latching in a latching hollow (9) in the slide track (6), the slide track (6) has an elongate guide path (12) and an elastic strip (11), the latching hollow (9) is located at one end of the guide path (12), while the other end of the guide path (12), which end is remote from the latching hollow (9), forms, together with the elastic strip (11), a slit (22) which can be changed in terms of width (b) by elastic deformation of the strip (11), said deformation being caused by the slide (8), the guide path is designed as an ascending surface (12) and, together with a lower strip (13), forms a clasp-like central part (14), the elastic strip (11) comprises a run-on strip (23) and an adjoining sliding strip (24) which runs approximately in a plane of the guide path (12), while the run-on strip (23) extends beneath the central part (14), the run-on strip (23) is adjoined by an elongate bottom strip (21) which runs beneath the guide path (12) and also extends beneath the latching hollow (9), and, at its end which is remote from the run-on strip (23) and the elastic strip (11), the bottom strip (21) leads to an outlet (20) out of the element (1, 2, 3).
4. Case according to Claim 3, characterized in that the latching hollow (9) is bounded by a first hook (15) which, together with a second hook (16) and in extension of the guide path (12) on the far side of the latching hollow (9), forms a through-passage (17) for the slide (8), through which the slide (8) can pass onto the bottom strip (21), the first hook (15) being approximately rectilinear and the second hook (16) being curved, and the outlet (20) is located in a top strip (18) of the slide track (6), the top strip extending above the guide path (12) and also having the second hook (16) bent from it.
5. Case according to Claim 3, characterized in that the slide (8) can be removed from, and also possibly introduced into, the latching hollow (9) counter to an elastic resistance of a securing member, and the securing member is designed as an elastic securing strip (16) which is arranged, approximately opposite the latching hollow (9), on a top strip (18) of the slide track (6) and, together with the ascending surface (12), forms a bottleneck for the passage of the slide (8).
6. Case according to Claims 4 and 5, characterized in that the second hook and elastic securing strip are integrally formed together, as an integral part (16), on the top strip (18).
7. Case according to Claim 1, characterized in that the columns (34) are integrally formed on the corner regions between the side walls (5) and the front wall (30), and the locking device has a plate (67) and a catch (74).
8. Case according to Claim 7, characterized in that the column (34) is closed off at the top by a column cover (84) which has an opening (82) formed in it for the purpose of receiving a latching hook (81) which engages beneath a catch edge (83) of the column cover (84), the latching hook (81) is integrally formed on the catch (74) secured in the next-following module (M) and engages through the plate (67), or an arc segment (70) cut out of the plate (67), the plate (67) closes off the bottom of the column (34) of the next-following module (M), two ribs (71, 72) projecting from the plate (67) in the column interior and the catch (74) being clamped in between these ribs, the catch (74) strikes against the column (34) from the outside by means of a push bar (77) then engages through the arc segment (70) by way of a catch body (76), the latching hook (31) also projecting from the latter, and engages, opposite the latching hook (81), in a pivot hole (73) in the plate (67) by way of a pivot pin (75), and a resilient lug (79) projects from the catch body (76), approximately radially with respect to the pivot pin (75), is supported against a rib (72), and forces a stop edge (80) of the catch body against the rib (71).
9. Case according to Claim 7, characterized in that the column (34) is provided with an undercut groove (35) for receiving an integral element (37) of the handle (36).
10. Case according to Claim 1, characterized in that, towards the base, the module (M) of the lower part (3) is at least partially covered by an outer frame.
11. Case according to Claim 10, characterized in that the outer frame (48) has hooks (52) for clipping into corresponding latching means in the bottom shell (28).
12. Case according to Claim 10, characterized in that the outer frame (48) comprises side strips (49), a rear, covering strip (51) with feet (53) integrally formed thereon, and a front strip (50) and rings (54) for covering the columns, caps (55) being inserted in the rings (54) and projecting out of the plane of the rings (54).
13. Case according to Claim 10, characterized in that the lid (1) is constructed as a module (M) with side walls (5a), a rear wall (29a) with hinge sleeves (41), a front wall (30a) and columns (34a) with a plate (67) and catch (74), but have a top panel (57) rather than a base (28a), the columns (34a) are covered by clipped-in cover discs (59) in which there are formed hollows (60) for receiving caps (56) of a case (K) positioned thereon, a covering (65) is clipped onto the top panel (57) in the rear region, and this covering (65) has feet (66) which interact with the feet (53) of the outer frame (48) of a case arranged therebeneath.
14. Case according to Claim 1, characterized in that a grip frame (86) can be clipped onto a module (M) for the purpose of converting the module (M) into a drawer.

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