EP0914784A2 - Container in particular luggage case and manufactering process - Google Patents

Abstract

A container, esp a suitcase, comprises a hinge (1a-c) which allows the base and lid (3,5) to open. Closure units (6a,6b,101) are located at the outer edges (7a,7b) on the narrow side (9) opposite the hinge.

Description

Technical field

The invention relates to a container, in particular a suitcase with a floor and lid part held together and closed by means of a hinge and a method for producing the bottom and lid part of the container according to the preamble of claim 19.

Under the above container are not only suitcases, but also Briefcases, handbags, boxes, packaging units, ... especially with rigid ones Bottom and lid part understood. Such containers with a closure unit, which has a flap that can be opened include from DE-A 196 13 638, the CH-A 474 230, DE-A 31 30 243, DE-A 41 18 038 and DE-C 35 00 862 are known.

Presentation of the invention Object of the invention

The object of the invention is to provide a container that can withstand extreme loads has grown, does not release its content under these stresses and in turn Resists damage as much as possible.

Solution of the task

The above object is achieved in that the two of the floor and Closure units holding the cover part no longer distanced from the corners be arranged on a narrow side opposite the hinge, but right in the corner; they are part of the corner. This will make a significantly better one Clamping of the two container parts reached.

In a preferred embodiment variant, the corners have depressions, which accommodate the locking units. If the depressions are formed in such a way that a tangent plane to the recess edges above the closure unit comes to rest or, if need be, touches the outer contour of the closure unit, that is when the container falls down and hits the closure unit edge has a high security against damage.

In a preferred embodiment variant, the container is closed with a closure, in particular provided a cylindrical closure that is easy, even with heavily filled container, i.e. when the contents are pressed against the lid. This is achieved in that the closure consists of two halves of the closure, with one half a hanging part and the other half one in the hanging part engaging engaging part. One of the closure halves has one with its fastening device cooperating swivel and slide device with which the two Parts can be moved into one another or apart with a swivel-slide movement are.

In a further embodiment variant, preference is given to in addition to the two lateral locking units provided a central locking unit, which also closing a "well" filled container, especially a travel case, allowed. This is a structurally simple and robust design with a preferably large closing force selected. This closure unit has a flap arrangement, wherein a second flap unit is arranged at the end of the first flap unit is to lie both flap units at an acute angle at this connection point come and the surface length of the second flap unit is shorter in the longitudinal direction than the first and is below it. For easy opening and pulling together of the container parts, the second flap unit has also been swung out designed to be bent. By including in particular the ones described below Design variants is a large closing path with a large closing force given.

Further attention is given to the container in preferred embodiments Weight savings have been put. A substantial part of the weight savings results the asymmetrical multi-layer sequence of layers of the shell structure of the bottom and / or lid part. To even with a very low shell thickness gap-shaped openings between the base and lid part when the container is closed To avoid, another closure unit between the base and cover part is preferred arranged in the immediate vicinity of the handle. Because gap-like openings are preferred when carrying the container or travel case would result, the Locking when opening the handle when lifting the container.

Further advantages of the invention and its design variants result from the following explanations.

Brief description of the drawings

Fig. 1

eine perspektivische Darstellung des als Reisekoffer ausgebildeten erfindungsgemässen Behälters,

Fig. 2

eine Draufsicht auf den in Figur 1 dargestellten Koffer in Blickrichtung II,

Fig. 3

eine perspektivische Darstellung des Kofferhandgriffs in einer Blickrichtung aus dem Kofferinneren heraus bei abgenommener Kofferseitenwand bei aufgeklapptem Handgriff sowie

Fig. 4

bei zurückgeklapptem Handgriff in vergrösserter Darstellung gegenüber derjenigen in Figur 1,

Fig. 5

eine Draufsicht auf eine Verschlusseinheit zwischen Boden- und Deckelteil des Reisekoffers,

Fig. 6

einen Längsschnitt durch die in Figur 5 dargestellte Verschlusseinheit mit noch zusammengeschobenen Verschlusshälften und

Fig. 7

mit auseinander geschobenen Verschlusshälften, sowie

Fig. 8

zusammengeschobene Verschlusshälften mit einer Anzeige des getätigten Verschlusses,

Fig. 9

einen Längsschnitt durch ein in Figur 2 gezeigtes Scharnier in geschlossenem Zustand des Reisekoffers,

Fig. 10

einen Längsschnitt durch das in Figur 9 dargestellte Scharnier in teilweise geöffnetem Zustand des Reisekoffers,

Fig. 11

einen Längsschnitt durch das in Figur 9 dargestellte Scharnier in vollständig geöffnetem Zustand des Reisekoffers,

Fig. 12

eine perspektivische Explosionsdarstellung der Scharnierelemente des in den Figuren 9 bis 11 gezeigten Scharniers,

Fig. 13

einen Querschnitt durch eine Variante eines in den Figuren 6 bis 8 dargestellten Verschlusses bei teilweise gegenüber einem Kofferboden aufgeschwenktem Kofferdeckel, wobei der Schnitt senkrecht zur Scharnierachse zwischen Deckel und Boden liegt,

Fig. 14

einen Querschnitt durch den in Figur 13 dargestellten Verschluss jedoch mit aneinanderliegenden Verschlusshälften (erster Schritt beim Verschliessen),

Fig. 15

eine weitere Darstellung des Verschlusses gemäss Figur 13 im zweiten Verschlussschritt,

Fig. 16

eine weitere Darstellung des in Figur 13 dargestellten Verschlusses in dem auf den zweiten Verschlussschritt folgenden geschlossenen Zustand,

Fig. 17

einen Querschnitt des in Figur 14 dargestellten Verschlusses entlang der dortigen Linie XVII - XV,II

Fig. 18

eine perspektivische Darstellung der mechanischen Elemente der beiden Verschlusshälften im geschlossenen Zustand des Verschlusses,

Fig. 19

einen Längsschnitt durch eine Verschlusseinheit im geschlossenen Zustand, angeordnet an dem dem Behälterscharnier entgegengesetzt liegenden Trennrandbereich der beiden Behälterteile (Boden- und Deckelteil) und

Fig. 20

eine Explosionsdarstellung der Einzelteile der in Figur 19 dargestellten Verschlusseinheit.

In the following, examples of the container according to the invention, here embodied for example as a travel case, are explained in more detail with reference to drawings. Show it:

Fig. 1

2 shows a perspective illustration of the container according to the invention, which is designed as a travel case,

Fig. 2

2 shows a plan view of the case shown in FIG. 1 in viewing direction II,

Fig. 3

a perspective view of the case handle in a viewing direction from the inside of the case with the case side wall removed when the handle is open and

Fig. 4

with the handle folded back in an enlarged view compared to that in FIG. 1 ,

Fig. 5

a plan view of a closure unit between the bottom and lid parts of the travel case,

Fig. 6

a longitudinal section through the closure unit shown in Figure 5 with the closure halves still pushed together and

Fig. 7

with the closure halves pushed apart, and

Fig. 8

collapsed closure halves with an indication of the closure made,

Fig. 9

2 shows a longitudinal section through a hinge shown in FIG. 2 in the closed state of the travel case,

Fig. 10

9 shows a longitudinal section through the hinge shown in FIG. 9 in the partially opened state of the travel case,

Fig. 11

9 shows a longitudinal section through the hinge shown in FIG. 9 in the fully opened state of the travel case,

Fig. 12

3 shows an exploded perspective view of the hinge elements of the hinge shown in FIGS. 9 to 11 ,

Fig. 13

6 shows a cross section through a variant of a closure shown in FIGS. 6 to 8 with the case lid partially swung open relative to a case bottom, the section being perpendicular to the hinge axis between the lid and the bottom,

Fig. 14

13 shows a cross section through the closure shown in FIG. 13 , but with adjoining closure halves (first step when closing),

Fig. 15

13 shows a further illustration of the closure according to FIG. 13 in the second closure step,

Fig. 16

13 shows a further illustration of the closure shown in FIG. 13 in the closed state following the second closure step,

Fig. 17

a cross section of the closure shown in Figure 14 along the line XVII - XV, II

Fig. 18

a perspective view of the mechanical elements of the two halves of the closure in the closed state of the closure,

Fig. 19

a longitudinal section through a closure unit in the closed state, arranged on the separating edge region of the two container parts (bottom part and lid part) lying opposite the container hinge and

Fig. 20

an exploded view of the individual parts of the closure unit shown in Figure 19 .

Ways of Carrying Out the Invention

The case shown as a container in the closed state in FIGS. 1 and 2 has a base and cover part 3 and 5 held together and closable by means of three hinge parts 1a to 1c . An exemplary construction of the hinge parts 1a to 1c is described further below. Base and cover parts 3 and 5 are held open and closed with two locking units. Each closure unit 6a and 6b is arranged in one of the outer corners 7a and 7b of a narrow side 9 which lies opposite the hinge consisting of the three hinge parts 1a to 1c .

The case has an almost rectangular outer contour. In the outer corners 7a and 7b and in the remaining case corners 7c and 7d along the case height edges, approximately semicircular recesses 11a to 11d of the same dimensions are arranged with a rounded inlet 12 to the respective side surface. The recesses 11a to 11d are arranged both in the base part and in the cover part 3 and 5 , the contours of which are aligned with one another. The depth of the recesses 11a to 11d is selected such that a curved continuation of the side surfaces, as indicated by the dashed line 13 , would lie above the respective closure unit 6a or 6b and above the containers 14a and 14b described below. This line course gives an aesthetically good appearance. If, however, the depth of the recesses 11a to 11d is chosen such that a tangential plane comes to lie just above the outer contour of the closure units 6a and 6b or the containers 14a and 14b , good protection against impact is provided if the case is on one of the (heights -) edges would fall. The impact force is then distributed to the two rounded inlet edges 12 and to the outermost surface line of the relevant closure unit 6a or 6b or the relevant container 14a or 14b.

The containers 14a and 14b are hollow and consist of a sleeve part with a removable flap. Small items such as coins for telephone calls can be placed in the sleeve parts.

Furthermore, the case has in a bevelled edge 16 of the base part 3 rollers 18a and 18b spaced from the corner regions , on which the case can be moved or pulled on the floor using an extendable pulling handle 20 . In the retracted state, the pull handle 20 lies flush in the bottom wall 22 of the bottom part 3.

The case can be carried with a handle 15 arranged on the narrow side 9 of the base part 3 . The handle 15 has a double function: on the one hand, it is used to carry the case. On the other hand, it serves to hold the bottom and cover parts 3 and 5 together when carrying the case.

FIGS. 3 and 4 show the entire handle mechanism 24 , taken out of a recess 17 in the narrow side 25 of the narrow case side 9 in a viewing direction from the inside of the case. The profile edges 27 lie in the inserted state on the bottom of the recess 17 . The handle mechanism is fastened by four screws (not shown) which engage through the wall of the narrow side 25 in the pipe socket 29 .

The handle 15 can be folded out of a recess 17 . The depth of the recess 17 is chosen so large that when the handle 15 is folded in, it does not protrude beyond the top of the narrow side 9 or 25 . The mode of operation of the handle 15 , which can be opened and automatically folds in by means of the force of a spring 19 , is explained with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4 . Figure 3 shows the handle 15 in the position shown in Figure 1 .

If the handle 15 is folded into the recess 17 , a hook-shaped closure element 21 of another closure unit is not in engagement with a slide 23 . The closure element 21 is arranged with its foot part 30 inside a narrow side 31 of the cover part 5 . The narrow side 31 is part of the narrow case side 9 . The handle 15 is rigidly connected at its leg ends to an axis 33 . On this axis 33 , in addition to the spring 19, there is a compression spring 34 , the slide 23 and a displacement element 35 connected to it , which has a slope 37 which is inclined to a plane perpendicular to the axis 33 . Furthermore, a radially projecting cantilever element 38 which can be pivoted along with the axis 33 is arranged on the axis 33 . When the axis 33 is rotated, this cantilever element 38 slides along the bevel 37 by means of a grip movement. The compression spring 34 presses against the slide 23 and this on the displacement element 35, the slope 37 of which rests on the cantilever element 38 . The cantilever element 38 can be seen in FIG. 3 in its position rotated against the bottom of the recess 17 and in FIG. 4 somewhat indistinctly in its position turned away.

FIG. 4 shows the handle 15 folded into the recess 17. The cantilever element 38 is turned away and the bevel 37 bears against a projection 39 which is arranged on a side wall 40 of the handle mechanism 24 . If the handle 15 is now folded up against the force of the spring 19 , which occurs when the case is picked up from the floor, the axis 33 is rotated. As a result, the cantilever element 38 is rotated against the bottom of the recess 17 into the position shown in FIG. 3 . It slides along the bevel 37 , as a result of which the displacement element 35 with the slide 23 is displaced in the direction of the spring 19 on the axis 33 until the slide 23 engages with its holding recess 41 over the hook 43 of the closure element 21 fastened to the cover part 5 . Bottom and cover parts 3 and 5 are now additionally locked by this closure element and the slider 23 . The locked position is shown in FIG. 3.

The closure units 6a and 6b are designed differently; however, both have a key lock and a combination lock, the key lock being arranged in one half of the lock and the combination lock being arranged in the other half of the lock.

Figure 5 shows the closure unit 6a in a plan view. One lock half 45a, which is arranged on the bottom part 3 in the recess 11a , has the combination lock 47a . The other closure half 45b, which is arranged on the cover part 5 , has a push button 49a. The push button 49a is arranged on the end face of the locking half 49a and has a key slot 51 shown in the center in FIG. 6 , as can be seen in the cross section in FIG . The push button 49a acts on the intermediate pieces 53a and 53b on an axially movable plunger 55 with a mushroom-shaped plunger head. 56 . The two intermediate pieces 53a and 53b are loaded with compression springs 54a and 54b in such a way that the push button 49a is pressed outwards. The locking halves 45a and 45b are held in the locking half 45a by means of two opposite, pivotable pawls 57a and 57b which engage in a matching hook ring 59 in the locking half 45b . Figure 6 shows the pawls 57a and 57b with the push button 49a pressed in the unlocked state.

The pawls 57a and 57b are each pivotably mounted on an axis 61 . Each pawl 57a and 57b has a rear extension 63, on each of which a compression spring 64 acts. In FIG. 6 , the surface of the plunger head 56, which engages on inclined lugs 65 of the extensions 63 , has pivoted the pawls 57a and 57b inwards by lever action, as a result of which they are no longer in engagement with the hook ring 59 . The exploded state of the two closure halves 45a and 45b is shown in FIG. 7 , with one half of the figure always showing a top view and the other a cross section.

When the plunger 55 is pressed in by the push button 49a , a locking plunger 67 is moved to the right in FIG. 6 . This locking plunger 67 can only be moved to the right if the correct combination is set on the combination lock 47a . The push button 49a can only be pushed in if the key lock allows this. The exact functioning of the combination lock and the key lock are not dealt with here.

It has now been shown that when the case is particularly full and / or the surface of the two closure units 6a and 6b is actuated, a first closure unit can be closed, but the second cannot. The closing of a first closure unit is relatively easy to determine, since the base and cover parts 3 and 5 can be opened or not opened. Failure to close a second closure unit could, however, damage the first closed closure unit and / or the closure unit acting automatically with the handle 15 . To prevent such damage, a display unit is present on at least one of the closure units 6a and / or 6b arranged in the recesses 11a and 11b , which indicates correct closure.

As is shown on the closure unit 6b in FIG. 8 , the display unit has a clamping button 69 which protrudes when the closure is not properly closed. The clamping button 69 is designed as a hook-shaped spring-loaded slide, which has an opening 71 . The clamping button 69 has a hook-shaped end 72 pointing to the geometric axis of the closure unit with a beveled inside 73. The cross section of the end 72 is designed such that it fits into an opening 75 in the other closure part of the closure unit. If the locking button 69 is now pressed in when the locking parts 6b of the locking unit 6b are pushed together, the beveled inside 73 further pulls the two locking parts together. If the clamping button 69 is fully pressed in, a plunger 77 engages in the opening 71 . The two locking parts are connected to each other with the indication of their locking (button no longer protruding). To release the two closure parts, a button 49b on the end face (analogous to button 49a ) is pressed, which pushes the plunger 77 out of the opening 71 via a further plunger 79 , as a result of which the clamping button 69 springs out and the two closure parts are released from one another.

In the remaining corners of the case, which are also provided with recesses 11c and 11d , bodies 14a and 14b which have been contoured in the closure units 6a and 6b are arranged, in particular for aesthetic reasons, because of the symmetry. These bodies 14a and 14b serve to increase the impact stability of the case. They can additionally be hollow on the inside with a base and a capsule part as containers. If the capsule part is removable, small parts can be stowed inside.

The shell of the bottom and lid parts 3 and 5 are constructed analogously. Both shells have an asymmetrical structure. The individual components consist of a layer of carbon fibers (carbon), a layer of polyester or glass fibers and a PVC foam core. To reduce distortion in the end faces of the base and cover parts 3 and 5 , the layer structure is reinforced with an additional strip of carbon fiber with a width of the corresponding end face. The carbon fiber is aligned at 45 °. The outermost visible layer is always a carbon fiber fabric called 2/2 and 3k, 6k or 12k. The layer used internally is made of a polyester or a glass fabric. One layer or two layers can be used. This fabric is aligned at 0 °. The matrix is an epoxy resin in all layer types. A PVC rigid foam with a preferred thickness of 2 mm to 4 mm is used as the core material in the surfaces and end faces with the exception of the corners. The corners are partially reinforced with a polycarbonate foam with a preferred thickness of 2 mm to 4 mm.

A layer structure without a foam core can be used for briefcases and beauty cases. Here the carbon fiber and polyester or glass fabric is one fabric connected, the fabric then being impregnated with the matrix.

Instead of a three-layer shell construction, a four-layer can also be used then, either three resin-impregnated polyester fabrics on the carbon fabric follow or a foam core is inserted between the two polyester fabrics becomes. Of course, four can be impregnated with resin on the carbon fabric Follow polyester fabric. At least one of the polyester fabrics can too can be replaced by a highly drapable glass fabric.

When making shells, it is important to ensure that the fabric does not come into one Form are inserted and then coated with resin. It has it has been shown that with this type of production unsightly small, but visible Bubbles remain in the hardened carbon fabric. These bubbles can be avoided if in the form each previously soaked with the resin in question is inserted.

The closure units 6a and 6b described above preferably have a circular cylindrical inner contour and a barrel-shaped outer contour. They can now contain a combination lock and a key lock or only one of the two lock types. The closure units 6a and 6b have a cylindrical contour which fit well into the recesses 11a and 11b . However, other external contours can also be selected.

Of the hinges 1a to 1c visible in FIG. 2 , FIGS. 9 to 12 show an exemplary embodiment variant, which is preferably used here in a travel case. The same hinge can also be used on a box and other containers. As can be seen from the following description, this embodiment variant will be gladly used wherever the upper and lower parts, here the bottom and cover parts 3 and 5 are aligned with one another in the closed state, but come to lie next to one another in the open state.

Each hinge has a double-axis swivel joint with two swivel joint parts 301a and 301b , an intermediate piece 303 and a bracket 305. The two swivel joint parts 301a and 301b are designed as mirror images of one another. The swivel joint part 301a is attached to the cover part 5 and the swivel joint part 301b to the base part 3 (glued, screwed, riveted, ...). In the following, the reference symbols for the corresponding elements of the swivel joint part 301a are identified with "a" and those of the swivel joint part 301b with "b".

The swivel joint part 301a has two joint flanges 307a and 309a. Both flanges 307a and 309a are provided with a through bore for receiving a pivot axis 311a and are separated from one another by an intermediate space 315a . In FIG. 12 there is a blind bore 317 to the left of the bore 313a in the flange 309a, starting from the intermediate space 315a . An analog blind bore is present opposite in the flange 307a , but is not visible in FIG. 12 . There is also a blind bore 319 on the flange 309b of the swivel joint 301b , but this is above the bore 313b here. The flange 307b has an analog, but not visible blind bore. The blind bores 317 and 319 are each offset by 90 ° with respect to the through bore 313a and 313b .

The intermediate piece 303 has a projection 321 on both sides with a depth a. The outside of the projection 321 is flush with the outside of the base 322 of the intermediate piece 303. Matching the bores 313a and 313b of the swivel joint parts 301a and 301b , the intermediate piece 303 has two through bores 323 and 324. Parallel to these through bores 323 and 324 runs on the end faces of the Intermediate piece 303 each have a recess 325 and 326 .

To assemble the swivel joint, the stirrup legs 327a and 327b of the stirrup 305 are first inserted into the blind bore 317 and 319 as far as possible. The easy nor by its bending protruding arch and the depth a of the projection 321 are coordinated such that when inserted intermediate piece 303 and in the bores 313a - 323 - 313 a pushed-axis 311a and into the bores 313b - 324 - 311b 313b pushed-axis of the Bow in a space between the side wall of the base 322 of the flange side wall in question does not cause jamming.

The two swivel joint parts 301a and 301b are now pivotally connected to one another via the intermediate piece 303 and via the bracket 305 . Since the pivot axes 311a and 311b of the intermediate piece 303 are offset relative to those of the bracket 305 in the manner shown, there is a guided pivoting movement. This means that the swivel position of the two swivel joint parts 301a and 301b is defined in contrast to a swivel without a bracket 305, in which the intermediate piece 303 could be swiveled freely up to a stop. The above-described design of the hinge allows a defined transfer of the pivot axes 311a and 331b from a position next to one another (open state of the base and cover part) into a position one above the other (closed state of the base and cover part).

In the embodiment variant shown here, the bracket 305 is arranged inside the swivel joint, but it can also be arranged on the outside. By arranging the bracket inside, the hinge is given a nicer design. If the bracket is arranged on the outside, precautions must be taken to prevent it falling out. Regardless of how the bracket works, it does not matter where it is placed. Within the hinge, it can be arranged on the left or right side due to the symmetrical design of the intermediate piece 303 .

Instead of the closure shown in FIGS. 6 to 8 , a closure as shown in FIGS. 13 to 18 can also be used. Its advantages are evident from the text below. The case lock 101 shown in FIG. 13 is shown in cross section in the open state. The closure 101 has a depending on the case lid 103 and arranged on the bottom box 104 upper and lower enclosure half 105a and 105b. The housings 107a and 107b of both closure halves 105a and 105b are circular cylindrical. When closed, their contours are aligned, which gives an aesthetically pleasing appearance. Instead of a circular cylindrical contour, other contours, such as an ellipsoid, a cylinder with the cross section of a segment of a circle, or a triangle, can of course also be used. The housing longitudinal axes 106a and 106b run perpendicular to the hinge axis 102 shown in FIG. 7 between the case lid 103 and the bottom 104. Both closure halves 105a and 105b are screwed to the respective side wall of the lid 103 and the bottom 104 with a fastening device 109a and 109b . The fastening screws used for this purpose are not shown in order not to overload Figures 13 to 17 . The closure half 105a arranged on the lid 103 has a push button 112 on its free end face 111 and a corrugation 113 on a jacket area which is opposite the fastening location. Pushbutton 112 and corrugation 113 serve to actuate this closure half 105a described below when opening or closing the closure 101.

The housing 107b of the lower closure half 105b is constructed in three parts for assembly purposes , namely an end part 115 with the rear end face 116 , a middle part 117 and a head part 119, which abuts the head part 121 of the upper closure half 105a when the closure 101 is closed. The middle part 117 carries a combination lock 123 . The end part 115 is inserted with a connecting flange 124 in the middle part 117 and the head part 119 also with a connecting flange 125 in the middle part 117 . The head part 119 and end part 115 are held in the middle part 117 in a rotationally fixed manner by a continuous axis 127a and 127b . These axes 127a and 127b are at the same time guides for a suspension part 129 , which, as explained below, cooperates with a corresponding engagement part 130 in the other closure half 105a during the closing process. The hanging part 129 has a U-shaped base body 131, one end of which carries a likewise U-shaped hanging element 133 , the two U-shaped designs being rotated by 90 ° relative to one another. In the base body 131 , two pairs of elongated holes 135a and 135b, through which the axes 127a and 127b engage, are arranged in both U-legs as a guide for a longitudinal movement of the suspension part 129 in the housing 107b . By a tension spring 137, the housing 107b is drawn in figure 1 to the left so that the sheet 139 of the U-shaped hooking element 133 of the head portion is approximately in the end face 140 105b. A blocking plate 141 is arranged between the two legs of the hanging element 133 , the change in position thereof in the longitudinal direction of the closure half 105b can be blocked with the combination lock 123 , as a result of which it is then no longer possible to open the two closure halves 105a and 105b .

The housing 107a of the upper closure half 105a is constructed in two parts with the head part 121 and a closing control part 143 . In the open state of the closure 101 shown here, the housing axis 106a is offset to the outside with respect to the housing axis 106b of the closure half 105b . The head part 121 is inserted with a connecting flange in the closing control part 143. These two parts 121 and 143 are connected to one another in a rotationally fixed manner by an axis 144 . The engaging part 130 also sits on this axis 144 , the free end of which carries a hook-shaped engaging element 145 . The engagement part 130 is connected to the legs of the U-shaped fastening device 109a via a pair of tabs 147 . One end of the pair of tabs 147 is mounted in the engaging part 130 with a torsion spring 149 loaded axis 150 . The other end of the pair of lugs is supported by a further axis 151 on the fastening device 107a .

The fastening device 107a has in its two legs a congruent inner recess with the inner contour 153 which is clearly visible in FIGS. 15 and 16. The configuration of the inner contour and that of the outer contour 155 are described in connection with the closing and opening functions. A latching element 156 also interacts with this inner contour 153 . This latching element 156 is rigidly connected to the push button 112 and to a pair of spacer rods 157 , which is clearly visible in FIG. 17 .

The description of the functioning of the closure 101 is based on the state shown in FIG. 1 , in which the closure is open. To close the case lid 103 is folded onto the floor 104 and pressed against each other, as shown in Figure 14 . Upon compression of the head portion 121 105a comes to rest 105b of the enclosure half on the head part 119 of the shutter half. The longitudinal housing axes 106a and 106b of the two closure halves 105a and 105b are approximately parallel to one another, but are offset from one another, the closure half 105a being offset to the outside. By pressing the cover 103 against one another or pushing it down onto the bottom 104 , the housing 107b of the closure half 105b is pressed away against the force of the spring 137 , as a result of which the U-shaped hooking element 133 penetrates the head part 121 through an opening 159 in the head part.

In a next step, the fluting 113 of the closure half 105a is pressed with the thumb, as a result of which the head part 121 tilts toward the fastening wall, as shown in FIG. 3 . As a result of this tilting movement, the hook of the engaging element 145 engages through the U-hook of the hanging element 133.

In a further step, the corrugation 113 , ie the closure half 105a , is pressed completely into the position shown in FIG . When fully depressed, the tab 147 is pivoted against the force of the torsion spring 149 into a position above its top dead center. The dead center lies on a connecting line between the center of the axis 150 and the center of the arc 139 of the suspension element 133. The axis 151 lies about five degrees above this connecting line with a view of the axis 150 . The pair of tabs is thus in a stable closed state. Due to the length of the tab, the suspension part 129 moves to the left between the position in FIG. 15 and FIG. 16 . Ie cover 103 and bottom 104 are pulled together. At the same time, the snap-in element 156 snaps into a snap-in recess 161 in the inner contour 153 of the fastening device 109a . Lid 103 and bottom 104 are now locked via the closure 101 . The concave part 163 of the outer contour 155 is merely a clearance, which enables assembly and, during the closing movement and opening, creates a free space for unhindered movement of the parts.

The connection between the two closure halves 105a and 105b, that is to say the closing of the case lid 103 and the case bottom 104, takes place via a pivoting movement from the position of the closure half 105a shown in FIG. 14 to the position shown in FIG. 15 , the hook as an engagement element 145 of the closure half 105a is inserted into the U-bracket as a hanging element 133 . Subsequently, the enclosure half 105a performs as a transition from the contracting in Figure 15 to the position shown in Figure 16, a shift position in a direction away from the closure half 105b through to the trunk lid 103 against the bottom of the case 104th

The closing of the case bottom 104 with the case lid 103 takes place with a pivoting and shifting movement, caused by a pivoting and shifting device consisting essentially of the tab 147, one end of which is pivotable with the axis 151 on the fastening device 109a and the other end of which with the Torsion spring 149 is loaded on the suspension part 129 with the axis 150 .

To open the closure 101 , the push button 112 is pressed. By pressing the push button the latching member 156 is pushed against the force of a compression spring 154 from the locking recess 161st Furthermore, the pair of spacer rods 157 connected to the push button 112 pushes the housing 107b of the closure half 105a away from the head part 121 of the closure half 105b , so that a gap is created between the two head parts 119 and 121 . Due to the force of the torsion spring 149 , while the push button 112 is still pressed in, the end of the engaging part 130 facing away from the engaging element (hook) 145 jumps away from the fastening wall, whereby the engaging part is also pivoted away up to a stop angle. The stop angle is now so large that it is always larger than the angle of inclination of the free end of the hook (engaging element). If the push button is released, a pivoting back takes place into the position shown in FIG. 13 , in which the pair of tabs changes from the approximately horizontal position shown in FIG. 16 to the approximately vertical position of FIG . In this case, the latching element 156 slides in the inner contour 153 from the approximately quarter-circular area into the upper flat area.

These two closure halves 105a and 105b are also designed such that, when closed, both outer contours are aligned. Due to the cylindrical outer contour, the closure 101 can be fitted in the rounded corners of a case provided with a circular groove, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 .

The arrangement of the push button 112 in the front end of the lock protects it on the one hand against unintentional triggering as a result of the case falling over; on the other hand, it is very easy to use for opening. It is also in a position to close at the corners of the case, which is very easy to use.

In the embodiment variant described above, intervention and suspension element can be interchanged.

The closure shown in FIGS. 13 to 18 can be used well in containers provided with a lid, in which the above-described "contraction effect" is to be used in particular, such as in the case of an overfilled case. The use of the closure according to the invention is not limited to containers with hinged lids. An insert is indicated wherever an exciting connection is desired in a locking process.

The corrugation 113 is a pressure surface, which can also be designed as a pressure trough, knob profiling, ...

In addition to or as a replacement for the handle mechanism shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , in addition to the first lateral locking units already described above, as shown in detail in FIGS. 6 to 8 and 13 to 17 , a central locking unit 210, such as they show Figures 19 and 20, are arranged on the container.

The individual parts of this closure unit 201 can be seen in an exploded view shown in FIG . The closure unit 201 is generally used in a container (suitcase), preferably as a recessed central closure unit in the region of the handle, but can also be used at other locations. This closure unit 201 can also be used on boxes, handbags, beauty cases, briefcases, boxes, cabinet doors, ... They will preferably be used wherever a high degree of filling is to be expected, which makes it necessary to pull the two container parts 203 and 205 - lid 203 and bottom part 205 - together.

The closure unit 201 is designed as a flap arrangement, here as a two-flap arrangement, wherein a first flap unit has a flap 207 and is held with its flap base 209 on the first container part, preferably on the bottom part 205 , and a second flap unit has a second flap 210 , which is open End 211 of the first flap 207 is arranged. The separation between the base part 205 and the cover part 203 is indicated in FIG. 19 by the dash-dotted line 212 . Both flaps 207 and 210 are movably connected to one another at their connection location 213 . The movement takes place in such a way that both flaps 207 and 210 always form an acute angle at the connection location 213 . The second flap 210 is designed such that it can be swung out and folded over. The first flap 207 is always on the outside and the second flap 210 on the inside in front of the edge side 214 of the cover part 203. On the edge side 214 there is a counter-holder 215 with a recess 217 into which the free end 219 of the flap 210 can be inserted. The flap base 209 is held on a fastening plate 218 arranged on the side edge 246 of the base part 205 with a swivel joint 216 . The flap length of the second flap 210 , measured from the attachment to the first flap 207 to the free end 219, is greater than the distance d between the connection location 213 and the base of the recess 217 when the closure unit 201 is closed.

The flap 210 has two flap parts 221 and 222 which are connected to one another via an intermediate joint 223 . In the closed shutter unit 201, as shown in Figure 19, the place, this intermediate joint 223 on the underside 225 of a push button 226 as the trigger unit. One 221 of the two flap parts 221 and 222 is held with a swivel joint 228 on the free end region 211 of the flap 207 . In the closed state shown here, the two ends of the flap parts 221 and 222 which rest on the underside 225 represent an arching of the flap 210. The underside 225 of the push button 226 is a stop for this arching. The intermediate joint 223, over which the curvature apex 230 of the curvature is located, lies here above a stability plane 227 , or stability line, in which, apart from a tolerance, the intermediate joint 223, the flap base 209 or the axis 224 of the swivel joint 216 and the base of the Recess 217 lie. In the closed state of the closure unit 201 shown in FIG. 19 , the geometric axis of the swivel joint 228 lies below the geometric axis of the swivel joint 216 by a value X.

The push button 226 is arranged in an opening 229 in the flap 207 . It has a stop 231, which prevents it from being pressed out of the opening 229 , and is held in its protruding position by a compression spring 232 . The push-in path e of the push button 226 is chosen so large that its underside 225 can press the intermediate joint onto the other side of the stability level 227 to open the closure unit 201 .

The free end 211 of the flap part 221 has a surface area 233 which extends in a radius to the axis of the swivel joint 228 and which , in the closed state of the closure unit 210 shown in FIG. 19 , rests on the surface 235 of a base plate 236 connected to the counter-holder 215 . A cam 239 projecting above this surface area 233 is no longer arranged on the surface 235 at the end 219 . If the push button 226 is now pressed onto the crown of the bulge 230 , the two flap parts 221 and 222 are stretched. This results in a rotary movement of the end of the flap part 221 held by the swivel joint 228 . As a result, the cam 239 is pressed against the surface 235 , whereby the swivel joint 228 is raised. The stability level 227 is moved in the direction of the arrow 239 . If, as a result of the pushbutton 226 being pressed in, the intermediate joint 223 is brought only slightly below the stability level 227 and the value X has just exceeded a value of zero in the negative direction, the swivel joint 228 snaps away from the edge side 214 and with it the free end 211 of the Flap 207 , whereby the closure unit 201 is opened assisted by a force of the springs 247 and 251 described below.

Up to a tolerance exactly is the apex 242 a arranged on the surface 235 curved stop 243 in the center line 245 of the push button 226. This center line 245 also runs approximately through the geometric axis of the intermediate joint 223. The swivel joint 216 is provided with a in figure 20 shown torsion spring 247 so loaded that it supports the opening process when opening the closure unit 201 and holds the flap 209 in the open state in an acute-angled position to the lateral edge 246 of the base part 205 . The intermediate joint 223 is also loaded with a torsion spring 249, which is likewise only visible in FIG. 20 . This torsion spring 249 acts in such a way that the two flap parts 221 and 222 form an approximately opposite angle to that shown in FIG. 19 when the closure unit 201 is open. This angle formation also supports a further torsion spring 251 which interacts with the swivel joint 228 .

When the container parts 203 and 205 are open, the flap 207 is folded outwards at an acute angle. In its unfolded position, the intermediate joint 223 is distanced further from the inside of the flap 207 than the swivel joint 228 . To close the two container parts 203 and 205 , these are closed, a gap usually remaining between them in a well-filled case. The upper part of the flap 207 is pressed against the case lid 203 . Here, the free end 210 of the flap part 222 slides along a slope 252 of the counter-holder 215 until it lies in the recess 217 .

The depth of the recess 217 is determined in such a way that there is a good engagement of the free end 219 . The possible “contraction path” results from the difference between a distance between the swivel joint 228 and the outer contour of the free end 219 with the intermediate joint 223 unfolded in the open position of the closure unit 210 and the distance d in FIG . 19 .

If the upper part of the flap 207 is now pressed further against the edge side 214 of the cover part 203 , the intermediate joint 223 comes to rest on the stop 243 , so that when the flap parts 221 and 222 are pressed in further, the edges of the cover part 203 and the base part 205 are stretched together and jump into the closed position shown in FIG. 19 shortly after exceeding their fully extended position. Cover part 203 and bottom part 205 are now closed.

In the exploded view shown in FIG. 20 , the axes 224, 253 and 254 of the swivel joint 216, the swivel joint 228 and the intermediate joint 223 are shown pulled out. The axis 253 is secured against slipping out in a bore 256 in each side wall 258a and 258b of the flap 207 . So that the free end 219 of the flap part 222 does not get caught when closing and cannot be broken off, it is guided in the longitudinal direction of the flap. The guiding and holding takes place by means of a guide pin 257 arranged on each flap side in the end region thereof , which runs in each case in a longitudinal slot 259 in the flap 207 . Guiding the free end 219 is not absolutely necessary, but results in proper functioning. In the assembled state, the end faces 261 and 262 of the base plate 236 and the fastening plate 218 lie flush against one another. The end face 261 of the base plate 236 and also the end face 262 have a groove 263, into which a circumferential sealing tape 264 is inserted, so that the closed container is water-tight.

To prevent inadvertent opening of the closure unit 201 , a locking unit (not shown) can be provided in the flap 207 , which prevents the push button 226 from being pressed in. This locking unit, e.g. B. designed as a slide, can be operated from the flap outside. Instead of locking the push button 226 , the flap 207 can also be locked with the counter holder 215 .

The swivel joints 228 and 223 can be dispensed with if the flap 222 is made from an elastically deflectable material. In this case, too, the snap action, as described above using the two flap parts 221 and 222 , can be implemented. The swivel joint 216 can also be dispensed with if the flap 207 is designed to be bendable.

Instead of the push button 226 , a slider with a bevel can also be used. The slots 259 also do not necessarily have to be straight, they can be designed as a curve in order to obtain a desired closing movement.

A number lock or key lock can be integrated into the locking unit 201 in order to secure it against unauthorized opening.

The container according to the invention has a closing unit that is robust, is easy to use, allows a large closing path and a long one Has closing force.

Instead of the recess 217, it is also possible to provide only one stop which limits the movement of the free end 219 of the second flap unit 210 or of the flap part 222 in the direction of the swivel joint 216 . In order to be able to use the contraction effect, there must also be a movement limitation in FIG. 19 upwards and downwards. The recess 217 described above fulfills all of these functions, but in one embodiment variant a movement of the free end perpendicular to the stability plane 227 can be permitted in order to produce the "bending".

The two container parts bottom and lid parts 203 and 205 do not necessarily have to be arranged so that they can be swung open with a swivel joint. This swivel joint can be dispensed with. In this case, the lid is simply placed on the floor in a box-like design, for example. So that the base and cover part can be closed properly with the above-described closure unit, a closure unit is then arranged up to a tolerance in the middle of one side of the cover and the bottom side edge underneath and a second analog closure unit on the opposite side edge part.

Claims (19)

Containers, in particular travel cases, with a base and lid part (3, 5) held together and closable by means of a hinge (1a - c) and with at least two first closure units ( 6a, 6b; 101 ) holding the two parts (3, 5) together, which are arranged in the outer corners (7a, 7b) of a narrow side (9) opposite the hinge (1a - c) . Container according to claim 1, characterized by a preferably cuboidal outer contour, each a recess ( 11a - b ) in the outer corners (7a, 7b) of the narrow side (9) of the base and lid part (3, ) opposite the hinge (1a - c ) 5), the contours of which are aligned with one another and each have a closure unit ( 6a, 6b; 101) , the recess depth preferably being selected such that a tangential plane lying on both lateral recess edges comes to lie above the respective closure unit ( 6a, 6b ; 101) and in particular characterized by a further two recesses (11c-d) with mutually aligned outer contours in the remaining two corners (7c, 7d), in which bodies (78a, 78b) which are simulated analogously to the outer contours of the closure units ( 6a, 6b; 101) are arranged and in particular serve to increase the impact stability of the container and are preferably designed as openable containers into which small pieces objects can be stored. Container according to Claim 1 or 2 with a closure unit (101) , each with a closure half (105a, 105b ) arranged on the base (3, 104) and its pivotable cover part (5, 103) and having a fastening device (109a, 109b) in that the one closure half (105a), a hooking part (129) and the other one to this fitting engagement portion (130) and one (105a) of the closure halves (105a, 105b) cooperating with its fastening device (109a) pivoting and displacement device ( 144, 147, 149, 150, 151, 163) , with which the parts (129, 130) can be moved against one another or unhooked from one another with a swivel-sliding movement. Container (101) according to claim 3, characterized in that the pivoting and displacement device (144, 147, 149, 150, 151, 163) in the open position of the closure (101) the longitudinal axes of the housing (106a, 106b) of the two closure halves (105a 105b) approximately parallel , but holds offset from one another and the housing longitudinal axes (106a, 106b) are preferably approximately perpendicular to the pivot axis of the cover part (103) and bottom part (104) . Container (101) according to claim 3, characterized in that the hanging part (129) is held on its fastening device (109a) with a tab (147) belonging to the pivoting and displacement device (144 , 147, 149, 150, 151, 163) , the tab ends of which are pivotally mounted , the force of a torsion spring (149) acts between the hanging part (129) and the fastening device (109a) , and preferably there is a latching element (156) which can be moved with the hanging part (129) , but opposite it, against the force of a second spring (154) is displaceably arranged, and the fastening means (109a) has a recess (161) into which the latch member (156) pressed in hooked-in hooking part (129) engaging (130) and in the approximately flush housing longitudinal position to the closure half (105b) clasp half (105a) engages. Container according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the engaging part (130) has a hook-shaped engaging element (145) and the hanging part (129) has a U-shaped hanging element (133) , the arc part (139) of the width of which additionally has a tolerance of the engaging element (145) is adapted, in the closed state the arch part (139) comes to lie in the hook recess of the engaging element and to open the engaging part (130) with the pivoting and displacement device (144, 147, 149, 150, 151, 163) as far It can be pivoted away that an area between the hook recess and the free hook end of the engaging element (145) is inclined, which allows the hooking element (133) to slide off, and that there is a push button (112) acting in the longitudinal axis direction of the housing, which is located on the end face (111) the locking half ( 105a) having the engagement part (130) , with which the locking element ( 156) from the locking recess (161) for opening the lock (10 1) is slidable, is arranged. Container according to one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that the closure halves each have a housing, the outer contours of which are aligned with one another in the closed state in order to give the closure an aesthetically pleasing appearance. Container according to claim 6, characterized in that the first housing (107b) of the closure half (105b ) not having the push button (112) on the relevant fastening device (109b) in the longitudinal axis of the housing (107b) against the force of a spring (137) is held displaceably and a spacing element (157) is present which can be pushed out with the push button (112) in order to distance the two housings (107a, 107b) from one another so that an opening pivoting away of the first housing (107b) is facilitated. Container in particular according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that each hinge (1a - 1c) has a double-axis swivel joint part, an intermediate piece (303) and a bracket (305) , the swivel joint having two swivel joint parts (301a, 301b) , of which one swivel joint part (301b) is arranged on the bottom part (3) and the other (301a) on the cover part (5) , both swivel joint parts (301a, 301b) are connected to the intermediate piece (303) in such a way that the swivel axis (311a, 311b ) of the one swivel joint part (301a, 301b) runs through an edge region of the intermediate piece (303) and the bracket (305) is arranged on the hinge side in such a way that its bracket legs (327a, 327b) can be pivoted next to the swivel axes (311a, 311b) in engage the hinge side so that there is a guided swivel movement of the swivel joint parts (301a, 301b) . Container according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that each closure unit ( 6a, 6b) has a matching closure half (45a, 45b) arranged on the lid part (5) and on the bottom part (3) and at least one of the two closure halves on one of the mutually fitting closure halves, a display unit (69) with which a perfect coupling of the two closure halves of the closure unit can be indicated, and preferably a contracting unit with which the two mutually fitting closure halves can be contracted on their last closing path. Container in particular according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized by a further, preferably arranged between the first closure units, second closure unit (201) with a flap-like flap arrangement (207, 210), a first flap unit (207) with its flap base (209) held on the bottom part (3, 205) and a second flap unit (210) is arranged at the free end (211) of the first flap (207) , both flap units (207, 210) are held at their connecting location (213) so they can be moved relative to one another at an acute angle , the second flap unit (210) can be swung out and folded under the first (207) . Container according to claim 11, characterized by a counter-holder (215 ) arranged on the cover part (5, 203) , which comes to lie adjacent to the flap base (209) of the first flap unit (207) when the second closure unit (201) is closed, the counter-holder ( 215) for the other, free end (219) of the second flap unit (210) has a first stop, in particular a recess (217) that is open towards the connection location (213) of the two flap units (207, 210) , the surface length of the second flap unit ( 210) is greater in the longitudinal direction than in the closed state, a distance (d) between the first stop or the bottom of the recess (217) and the connection location (211), which in the closed state causes a bulge (230) in the second flap unit ( 210) results, wherein the crown apex (230) lies above a geometric stability plane (227) , in which, apart from a tolerance, the connection location (213), the flap base (209) and the base de r recess (217) , and the crown (230) is held against further buckling by a second stop (231) , and the second closure unit (201) preferably has a release unit, in particular a push button (226) with a spring load, which in the first flap unit (207) is arranged approximately above the highest curvature apex (230) of the second flap unit (210) in the closed state of the second closure unit (201) and at the same time acts as a stop (231) for the curvature apex (230) and is movable in this way that with it (226) the curvature vertex (230 ) lying above the stability plane (227) can be pressed onto the other plane side to open the closure unit (201) , and the second closure unit (201) preferably one from the free end (211) of the flap end region to the flap base (209) of the first flap unit (207) offset by a predetermined distance on the second flap unit (210) arranged cams (237) , the distance and the height of which are selected such that the full cam height is only effective when the bulge point is pressed in by the release unit (226) , causing the closure unit (201) to spring open. A container according to claim 12, characterized by at least a third stop (243) which is arranged on the second flap unit (210) and / or in front of the counter-holder (215) on the other, second container part (203) and whose stop height is designed such that the second flap unit (210) can be bent at least slightly over its extended position against the release unit (226) during the closing process. Container according to one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that the second flap unit (210) is arched in the open state of the closure unit (201) and in the closed state there is an opposite curvature, the curvature height of which is less than in the open state, so that the two container halves (203, 205) are pulled against each other during the closing process and preferably the first flap unit (207) with a first swivel joint (216) on the bottom part (205) and the second flap unit (210) with a second swivel joint (228) on the first flap unit (207) is held, both axes (224, 253) of the swivel joints (216, 228) being arranged approximately parallel to one another and to the swivel joint between the base and cover parts (3, 5; 203, 205) . Container according to one of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that the second flap unit (210) has two tab parts (221, 222) pivotably connected to an intermediate joint ( 223) , the axis (254) of the intermediate joint (223) being approximately parallel to the Axis of the swivel joint of the base and cover part (3, 5; 203, 205) is arranged and both tab parts (221, 222) preferably have approximately the same tab length and preferably the free end (219) of the second flap unit (210, 222) in Flap longitudinal direction is guided. Container according to claims 14 and 15, characterized in that the first swivel joint (216) is loaded with a first torsion spring 247) which gives the first flap unit (207) an opening force, the second swivel joint (228) with a second torsion spring (251 ) is loaded, which impresses the second flap unit (210) with a rotational force turning away from the first flap unit (207) and the intermediate joint (223) is loaded with a third torsion spring (249) , which has an outward curvature with the two flap parts (221 , 222) of the second flap unit (210) is generated at a predetermined minimum opening angle. Container, preferably travel case with a bottom and lid part (3, 5) held together by a hinge (1a - c) and closable , in particular according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the bottom and / or the lid part (3, 5) is constructed in several layers with an asymmetrical layer sequence, the individual layers being inseparably connected to one another and at least one layer containing a carbon fabric and at least one further layer containing a polyester fabric, both of which are preferably impregnated with hardened resin and preferably only in the layer sequence a single layer, in particular an outer layer, has a carbon fabric and at least two layers of polyester fabric, in particular made of diols, and in particular a foam core is arranged in the position sequence. Container according to one of Claims 1 to 17, characterized by a further closure unit which only engages during the carrying process and which holds the base and lid part (3, 5) together at least at a location distant from the corners, preferably in the middle of the narrow side, and in particular a handle which can be folded out for carrying (15) , which closes the further closure unit, which is preferably arranged inside the device, and in particular the handle (15) in a recess (17) of the narrow side (9) opposite the hinge (1a - c ) which can be folded out and automatically into it spring loading can be folded back. Method for producing a container, in particular a travel case, with a base and lid part (3, 5) held open and closable by means of a hinge (1a - c ) according to one of Claims 1 to 18, characterized in that a carbon fabric impregnated with resin in one of the negative forms of the floor or Cover part (3, 5) inserted in the appropriate shape, at least two resin-impregnated polyester fabrics are placed on this carbon fabric and the base or cover part (3, 5) is removed after curing.

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